Analysis of the Lyrics of Where is the Love by Black Eyed Peas Term Paper

Analysis of the Lyrics of Where is the Love by Black Eyed Peas - Term Paper Example Hip hop style was mainly popular on the East Coast having been popularized by groups such as The Roots. Given it’s preferences for performing with a live band, the group was mainly considered to be an alternative hip hop group before embracing other musical genres such as RnB, dance and Pop Music exerting a great influence in the music industry in the recent years. Most of their works have had a lot of influence from electronic music which was mainly used on the group’s most recent album, The E.N.D. A bulk of the group’s production is handled by Will.i.am. Despite being formed in 1995, the group rose to prominence in 2003 with their critically acclaimed album, Elephunk. This was the group’s third album and which saw them find an international following as well as achieving massive success from the huge album sales. The group has maintained the spotlight ever since then and according to Nielsen SoundScan, the group has the second best sales for downloaded t racks in the US. The single â€Å"Where is the love?† was released in 2003 as the lead single from their Elephunk album. Upon its release, the single topped charts in thirteen countries across Europe and the US, including in the UK where it remained at number one for seven weeks and went on to be the best selling single in Britain in 2003. The song â€Å"where is the love?† was written by the Black Eyed Peas with significant support from John Fair and Justin Timberlake, who also sun the chorus to the song although he neither appears in the song’s video nor is he acknowledged as a guest artist. Justin Timberlake remained as a â€Å"Ghost writer† for the song because his record company did not want this song to interfere with the sales of his album, Justified, that had just been released. He is rumored to have written the chorus of the song after listening to the song via a phone. The idea for the song came to Will.i.am after he had heard so much about nega tive things in the society such as discrimination, hypocrisy, gang violence, and terrorism. The song has been noted for its social commentary and its positive message, issues with lack in most songs played on the radio these days. The song invites people to critically think about the ills that are happening in the society and urges people to take up more responsibility for their own lives. The lyrics of the song plead for societal healing and speak against misinformation and displaying negative images in the media. â€Å"Where is the love?† addresses issues of social injustice and lack of social cohesion in the American society as a result of racism and discrimination. The song insinuates that the cause of all these negativity in the society is a result of a lack of love among people, hence the question Where is the love? Process The song consists of three verses performed by rappers Will.i.am, Taboo and Apl.de.ap with additional vocals from singer Stacy Ferguson, widely know n by her stage name ‘Fergie’. The song’s hook repeats after every verse and is performed by Fergie. The hook is made up of three parts; the first part begins with the lyrics â€Å"People killin', people dyin', Children hurt and you hear them cryin', Can you practice what you preach, and would you turn the other cheek.†This part talks about violence that has led to many people dying, children becoming victims and also addresses issues

Understanding Society - Classical Liberalism Essay Example for Free

Understanding Society Classical Liberalism Essay The individualism that Durkheim sees and defends as the ethic of our time is an ethic not just of the individual hut of the individual as man. This is an absolutely fundamental point, and not as obvious and straightforward as, at first sight, it might seem. It involves a dualism, in which an ideal of individuality is part of the ideal of humanity (Miller, 1996 96). The dualism’s Durkheimian explanation concerns the development of the division of labor, such that there are increasingly only two fundamental identities we can have, the identity of the distinct â€Å"individual† and the identity in common of â€Å"man† (Hamilton, 1995 136). However, it also concerns the development of modern society such that it demands a Universalist ethic of â€Å"the person†. This means, amongst other things, insistence on every individual’s same basic moral status and rights to respect and regard. Indeed, an ethic of the person is the only way to extend this status to every individual, and to oppose reactionary individualisms that withhold it. The modern individualist ideal is and has to be, for Durkheim, humanist and republican, its aspirations find expression in 1789’s â€Å"liberty, equality, fraternity† (Miller, 1996 97). â€Å"Liberalism is neither a vague Zeitgeist nor the outlook of modern man, but clearly identifiable set of principles and institutional choices endorsed by specific politicians, publicists, and popular movements. The early history of liberalism cannot be detached from the political history, in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, of England and Scotland, the Netherlands, the United States, and France† (Berkowitz, 1999 256). As for the main character of the discussion, liberalism for Durkheim remains part of the egoistic nature of man towards his environment. Discussion Durkheim published a response entitled, Individualism and the Intellectuals, wherein he discussed â€Å"the argument, always refuted and always renewed,† that â€Å"Intellectual and moral anarchy would be the inevitable result of liberalism. † Some varieties of liberalism, Durkheim conceded, are egoistic and threaten the common good of societies by encouraging the individual to become excessively preoccupied with self-interest. However, there is a strand of liberalism, Durkheim argued, that is moral and social. This form Durkheim called â€Å"moral Individualism† and he claimed that â€Å"not only is moral individualism not anarchical, but it henceforth is the only system of beliefs that can ensure the moral unity of the country. † In industrial, democratic nations such as France, moral virtue and unity are promoted by the liberal practices and ideals of moral individualism. France’s modern moral traditions are largely constituted by liberal institutions and values (Hamilton, 1995 124). Durkheim asserted chat â€Å"all communal life is impossible without the existence of interests superior to those of the individual. † From the outset of his career, Durkheim insisted that in modern Industrial society’s happiness and freedom are achieved in the context of moral beliefs and practice, embedded in vital traditions and institutions. Durkheim sees in the modern ideal â€Å"all the values to which he adheres most: equality, liberty, justice, fraternity†. Moreover, it is important to emphasize, he sees them as coming together in an inseparable package. It will not do to insist on a definition of freedom that in effect writes off other modern ideals, and that camouflages, behind a lot of philosophical talk, a recipe for a minimalist police state and an anemic and oppressive class-divided society (Berkowitz, 1999 257). It is a recipe for such things if only because the other ideals, which the libertarian state has to trample on, will not go away but are part of the modern world (Miller, 1996 97). Similarly, it will not do to insist on conceptions of equality and community that in effect write off freedom, in a recipe for a â€Å"despotic socialism†. Durkheim’s project is a commitment to a continuing, developing search to work and rework the human ideal’s different aspirations, which, whatever the tensions between them, must combine into a whole. It is bound to be a dispute-filled search, if only because of the nature of the human ideal, with its commitment to individualism and free thought, but also, in Durkheim’s account, because of the nature of modern individuality itself. However, his appeal to the division of labor as a basic source of our individuality can at the same time obscure the point about individuality itself as a source of differences and disputes (Miller, 1996 98). Critics of liberalism tend to be the more aggressive, eager to portray Hobbes as a paradigmatic liberal theorist whose geometric method, materialist metaphysics, mechanistic psychology, and atomistic vision of society exemplify the poverty of the liberal spirit (Tucker, 2001 68). Meanwhile, when confronted with the image of Hobbes as one of their own, liberals often react sharply; pointing to Hobbes’s theory of indivisible and inseparable sovereign power and insistence on state supervision of university curriculum and church teaching, they emphatically declare that Hobbes cannot be understood to be a liberal in any meaningful sense (Hamilton, 1995 138). As often happens when passions flare and partisans draw sharp lines in the sand, the truth in its complexity and fine-grained texture becomes the first casualty, in the debate over Hobbes’s relation to liberalism, each side errs not so much in what it points to as in what it fails to acknowledge in Hobbes’s political theory (Berkowitz, 1999 257). In their efforts to present Hobbes as liberalism’s torchbearer, liberalism’s critics abstract from the fact that Hobbes’s political science does little to insure the protection of traditional liberal freedoms and rejects the need, made thematic by the liberal tradition, to limit government power through careful institutional design (Pickering 2001 196). At the same time, liberals who wish to deny any relation whatsoever to Hobbes overlook the fact that Hobbes’s doctrine of absolute sovereignty is explicitly established for the limited purpose of securing and maintaining peace, while subjects’ obligation to obey the civil law is limited, according to Hobbes’s theory, by the natural and inalienable right to self-preservation (Hamilton, 1995 139). Hobbes argued that human beings are fundamentally equal and endowed with certain natural and in-alienable rights, defended the idea of a state based on the rule of law: maintained a basic distinction between the public and the private; envisaged a sovereign who respected personal freedom by permitting his subjects the liberty of commerce and contract, as well as the choice of profession, where to live, and how to raise their children: held that a primary task of a good government was to secure a rudimentary welfare for all citizens; affirmed that civil laws govern actions, not inner faith or conscience, insisted on the utility of toleration (Berkowitz, 1999 258). Adam Smith, on the other hand, introduced two forms of liberalism, specifically economic liberalism and social liberalism. Economic liberalism is primarily about efficiency, whereas social liberalism is primarily about freedom. In modern politics, they often appeal to quite different people (McLean, 2006 314). Economic liber als are often social conservatives, and vise versa. People who believe that the state should get out of the market often believe strongly that the state should police morals (Hamilton, 1995 141). The individualization of altruism thus connects with all the emphasis on how we each become an â€Å"autonomous source of action† and a centre of thought in which â€Å"the very materials of consciousness have a personal character† (McLean, 2006 315). It increasingly involves, around this â€Å"common faith†, ways of thinking and feeling that are â€Å"very general and indefinite† and that let in â€Å"a growing multitude of individual disagreements (McLean, 2006 323). Dissidences, even if including the differences of organic cohesion, must also refer to the conflicts involved in pluralism, factionalism and the freedom in which we each have our own â€Å"opinions, beliefs, aspirations† (Miller, 1996 99). Moral individualism, wrote Durkheim, is â€Å"the individualism of Kant, Rousseau, of the spiritualities — the one that the Declaration of the Rights of Man attempted, more or less happily, to formulate and that is currently taught in our schools and has become the basis of our moral character (Pickering 2001 194). This type of individualism is â€Å"profoundly different† from the egoistic type. Far from making personal interest the object of conduct, this one sees in all personal motives the very source of evil (Tucker, 2001 68). According to Kant, the individual is only certain of acting properly if the motives that influence the person relate, not to the particular circumstance in which the person is placed, but to the equality as a man in abstract (Holmes, 1995 89). On the other hand, Rousseau’s concept of the general will is an authentic expression of justice insofar as it is constituted not by personal interest, but by public goods and concerns (McLean, 2006 326). Durkheim concluded, thus, for both these men, the only moral ways of acting are those that can be applied to all men indiscriminately, which are implied in the notion of man in general duty consists in disregarding all that concerns us personally in order to seek out fellowmen (Pickering 2001 195). It is perhaps more accurate to say that Durkheim’s moral individualism invented this tradition as much as It belongs to it (Holmes, 1995 86). Durkheim attempted to piece together his own â€Å"communitarian† account of his favorite varieties of liberalism (Hamilton, 1995 142). A set of liberal, democratic traditions already existed; however, Durkheim was well aware of competing communitarian traditions, such as those of the Royalists and the conservative Roman Catholics, as well as of competing liberal traditions, such as those of the classical economists and utilitarians (McLean, 2006 320). Durkheim attempted to show that in the vocabulary of moral individualism there is no fundamental opposition between individual rights and the common good. He first advanced what he considered to be the necessary communal, social Interpretation of the Kantian autonomous Individual (Pickering 2001 193). Conclusion Egoism is equated with individualism wherein Durkheim defines it in terms of â€Å"sentiments and representations which are exclusively personal†, and indeed just talks of it as â€Å"individuality†. This does not sound as if it can just be a matter of organic diversity, of differences that are complementary and cohesive rather than conflicting nor is it. The crucial passage comes earlier on, when Durkheim discusses the nature of the modern conscience collective and of the human ideal at its core. From the perspectives of other liberal philosophers of Adam Smith, liberalism is in the aspects of economic and social strengths wherein the society and industry are in continuous interplays of identities; Hobbes emphasized the universal right to personally convene a decision as the basic form of individuality. Rousseau and Kant exemplified liberalism in the form of rights of man to achieve utmost happiness as the form of individuality. Bibliography Berkowitz, P. (1999). Virtue and the Making of Modern Liberalism. Princeton University Press. Hamilton, P. (1995). Emile Durkheim: Critical Assessments. Routledge. Holmes, S. H. (1995). Passions and Constraint: On the Theory of Liberal Democracy. University of Chicago Press. McLean, L. (2006). Adam Smith, Radical and Egalitarian: Radical and Egalitarian. Edinburgh University Press. MIller, W. W. (1996). Durkheim, Morals and Modernity. McGill-Queens Press. Pickering, W. F. (2001). Emile Durkheim: Critical Assessments of Leading Sociologists. Routledge. Tucker, K. H. (2001). Classical Social Theory: A Contemporary Approach. Blackwell Publishing.

Elements of Fiction in Danielle Steel’s Mixed Blessings :: Danielle Steel Mixed Blessings Essays

Elements of Fiction in Danielle Steel’s Mixed Blessings Danielle Steel, in her work of fiction, Mixed Blessings, has effectively used plot, setting, and theme as she weaves a powerful tale of three couples who face decisions about having children that will test, in unexpected ways, the ties that bind them as lovers, partners, and friends. Steel has used these elements to emphasize that there are people who have such a great need and love for children. In Mixed Blessings, she represents women radically and optimistically as shown by Diana Goode, Barbie Mason, and Pilar Graham, unlike the negative representation of womanhood in the movie version of her other novel, The Ring, where Kassandra feels that taking her own life would save her children and her husband from the shame of her unfaithfulness. First, there is a major plot structure in Mixed Blessings, the plot of complications. Right from the beginning, Steel portrays the female characters in terms of their dreams, careers, and their curiosity about having a family. For instance, Diana is the middle child amongst three sisters; her goal is to classically strive to be better, smarter, and more successful. She feels that she has to achieve something more than her sisters have done. Gayle, Diana’s older sister has a dream of attending medical school, but she happily succumbs to marriage temptation. In fact, in Steel’s own words Gayle’s situation is described as: Her oldest sister, Gayle, had been set on going to medical school until she met her husband in her first year of premed, married him that June, and instantly got pregnant. . . . Gayle never looked back at a career in medicine once. She was happily married, and satisfied to stay home with her girls and keep busy with them and her husband. She was the perfect doctor’s wife, intelligent, informed, and completely understanding about his hours as an obstetrician. (6) As the plot progresses, Diana has her own complications from the Intrauterine Device (IUD) she has been using for the past eighteen years. The IUD delayed her from having a child immediately after her marriage. Another aspect of plot that Steel has used in this novel is the reversal of fortune, where Diana, the young elegant looking woman, who knows where she is going and what she wants out of life, ends up being frustrated about inability to have a child.

Essay --

â€Å"Life puts obstacles in one’s way for a reason, so you can’t give up when there comes one you can’t fight through.† This quote was once said by a great grandpa to his granddaughter. The main point of the quote is that life is full of challenges and one has to find a way to move around it or defeat it. Kaye Gibbons, an outstanding author, suffers from a disorder call bipolarity. Even though the creative, thinking outside the box, and intelligent author fought through many obstacles throughout her life she still managed to never give up, accomplish her goals, and make the best out of her disorder. Childhood is described as the early stage of existence of something. Bertha Kaye Batt Gibbons was born on May 5, 1960, she lived in an old broken down home that lacked heat and electricity (Snodgrass p35). Kaye was born in Nash County in North Carolina. She was the youngest child of her family; however, she was mainly raised by her grandmother, Martha. Kaye was raised by her grandmother because in March 1970, her mother committed suicide by an overdose of pulse suppressing drug digitals (Snodgrass.p35). Her father was not much better than her mother, because he was a self-beating alcoholic. Kaye’s mother killed herself soon after she found out she was suffering from cyclical bipolarity, which is a manic depression (Snodgrass p35). When Kaye was eight she got put into a foster home because her grandmother was extremely ill and the doctors did not think she was going to make it. A woman named Mary Lee, became Kaye’s selected mother (Snodgrass p35). At the age of twelve Kaye was working in tobacco fields and attending the Childrens Bible Mission Camp at Falls of the Neuse River (Snodgrass p35). Kaye was never one to put herself out ther... ... and make the best out of her disorder. Kaye Gibbons, the woman she had become throughout her childhood years, her struggling adulthood, and now, she had wrote amazing novels even when she was bipolar. In this research, one has learned a million facts about Kaye Gibbons. One learned that it is never too late to keep fighting to accomplish your goals and to make miracles happen. Kaye lived a rough life; however, she managed to pick out positives of her disorder. Even though, she went down hill with the painkillers she was prescribed, and prescribed herself, she put them to the side and lived her bipolar eating life the way she should even if there was an obstacle in her way she still goes around it and fought through it because she knew what the right thing to do was. Til this day, Kaye Gibbons is still writing outstanding novels and putting herself out there.

Baseball and Boxing from Pre-modern to Modern

Baseball and boxing make up a very large portion of the American sports culture, and for more than 100 years have developed into the professional, nationwide and international games that we can see on television today. In the 1870’s baseball started to be acknowledged as America’s national sport, however boxing enjoyed a similar popularity and both of these sports have changed from small-time amateur pastimes into televised, professional league sports that bring in millions of dollars each year and pay their athletes considerable amounts of money to keep on playing.While both baseball and boxing may now, and always have, attracted a different sort of crowd, they have both nevertheless developed along very similar lines. In 1869 the Cincinnati Red Stockings were formed; the team was the very first professional baseball team and it went undefeated that first year after being challenged by many amateur teams (Goldstein, 1989, p. 70).Over the subsequent years (more than a c entury) since the inception of the National League and the American League, two factors of the game have changed significantly: the integration of ethnic minorities into the major Leagues and the fact the game itself has become less violent than it was in its earlier years. In the 1890’s, the segregation of black and white baseball teams began, following an initial period of integration that was very short-lived (White, 1995, p. 140). The Negro Leagues incorporated several different non-white leagues into one general ‘outsider’ structure of teams that were comprised predominantly of black players.Other ethnic minorities would have been relegated to these leagues instead of joining the National or American Leagues, which were solely comprised of white, male players. In 1945, after a huge push from many people within professional baseball that echoed the sentiments of an anti-racist American population, black baseball player Jackie Robinson was signed to the Montre al Royals and in a few short years the Negro Leagues would disband due to full integration. The early baseball players were not only taking part in a segregationist sport, they were also playing the game with much more violence than they are today.They tried harder to steal bases and to score runs than experts feel today’s players do; where once it was not uncommon for runners to physically interject when the basemen tried to catch a throw, now base runners will simply run to their base and let the field and basemen do their jobs. It is fair to say that the game has mellowed. Boxing has exhibited great similarity to the development of baseball in America, albeit an entirely different sport. Where baseball is a team game dependent on specific rules of play, boxing emerged as a sport totally dependent on the strength and will of one man to simply overpower another in a direct fist-fight.Bare-knuckle boxing is the ancestor of today’s boxing, a sport that is blatantly viol ent however in comparison to some of the fights that took place in the 19th century. Boxing in its infancy was carried to America by British settlers and has forever secured a place in the hearts of many sport enthusiasts in modern day. This is another sport that has become decidedly less violent and which has also seen its participators overcome the segregation that was rampant in early American society (Gorn, 1986, p. 128).In place of very strict guidelines where whites and blacks must not engage each other in sport, like in the baseball leagues, it was more common for mixed fighting to occur in boxing. The crowds could be massive at any event, and often the pitting of a white champion against a black one would draw even more attention to the point where thousands of would-be spectators were turned away. This was a sport in which black athletes could really carve a niche for themselves and, while constantly facing discrimination like any other minority at the time, a boxer could l iterally fight his way out of racial oppression.Bare-knuckle boxing is not extinct, however professional boxers are required to wear gloves that will not only protect their hands but their opponents as well. The sport is not as bloody and less of its participants will leave the ring with broken bones, however there can be no doubt that boxing is still a very primal, violent sport. Superficially speaking, it bears no resemblance to baseball, however these are two American sports that have evolved with a change in racial tensions and equality issues and with modern concerns over health and safety.Both have tamed considerably and allow minorities to play professionally. Reference List Goldstein, W. J. (1989). Playing for Keeps: A History of Early Baseball. New York: Cornell University. Gorn, E. J. (1986). The Manly Art: Bare-Knuckle Prize Fighting in America. New York: Cornell University. White, S. and Malloy, J. (compiler) (1995). Sol White’s History of Colored Base Ball, with Other Documents on the Early Black Game 1886

Free Essays on Nichomachean Ethics

In Aristotle's Nicohmachean Ethics the term virtue refers to a state that exists within the soul. Virtue is a state that allows one who posses it to function and act well as a whole. Aristotle also argues that every action is aimed at some good. To be a virtuous person, one must achieve a mean between extremes. If you are able to achieve this mean you will lead the virtuous life. There are two forms of virtue, intellectual and moral. Intellectual virtues are learned through teaching. Moral virtues are instilled in us from the day we are born. In book one, chapter seven, Aristotle makes it clear that in humans the true virtue of the soul is that of reason. As the text continues Aristotle goes on to argue his point and attempts to prove it through dialogue. In book one, chapter thirteen Aristotle says, "The division between virtues accords with this difference. For some virtues are called virtues of thought, others virtues of character; wisdom, comprehension, and prudence are called virtues of thought, generosity and temperance virtues of character. For when we speak of someone's character we do not say that he is wise or has good comprehension, but that he is gentle or temperate. And yet, we also praise the wise person for his state, and the states that are praiseworthy are the ones we call virtues."(1) The first virtue pertaining to reason that Aristotle mentions is virtue of thought. It is understood that virtue of thought goes hand in hand with being a knowledgeable and academic person. This virtue of being intellectually able to comprehend concepts comes about mainly from teaching. Thus virtue of intellect does not come to one overnight, rather it is a trait that needs time to develop fully. For example if a person desires t o become a marathon runner they must put in hours each week running miles. Hours turn into days, days turn into weeks, weeks turn into months, and months turn into years. The person will ta... Free Essays on Nichomachean Ethics Free Essays on Nichomachean Ethics In Aristotle's Nicohmachean Ethics the term virtue refers to a state that exists within the soul. Virtue is a state that allows one who posses it to function and act well as a whole. Aristotle also argues that every action is aimed at some good. To be a virtuous person, one must achieve a mean between extremes. If you are able to achieve this mean you will lead the virtuous life. There are two forms of virtue, intellectual and moral. Intellectual virtues are learned through teaching. Moral virtues are instilled in us from the day we are born. In book one, chapter seven, Aristotle makes it clear that in humans the true virtue of the soul is that of reason. As the text continues Aristotle goes on to argue his point and attempts to prove it through dialogue. In book one, chapter thirteen Aristotle says, "The division between virtues accords with this difference. For some virtues are called virtues of thought, others virtues of character; wisdom, comprehension, and prudence are called virtues of thought, generosity and temperance virtues of character. For when we speak of someone's character we do not say that he is wise or has good comprehension, but that he is gentle or temperate. And yet, we also praise the wise person for his state, and the states that are praiseworthy are the ones we call virtues."(1) The first virtue pertaining to reason that Aristotle mentions is virtue of thought. It is understood that virtue of thought goes hand in hand with being a knowledgeable and academic person. This virtue of being intellectually able to comprehend concepts comes about mainly from teaching. Thus virtue of intellect does not come to one overnight, rather it is a trait that needs time to develop fully. For example if a person desires t o become a marathon runner they must put in hours each week running miles. Hours turn into days, days turn into weeks, weeks turn into months, and months turn into years. The person will ta...

Mercury Effect on Seed Germination Essays

Mercury Effect on Seed Germination Essays Mercury Effect on Seed Germination Essay Mercury Effect on Seed Germination Essay MERCURY EFFECT ON GERMINATION AND GROWTH OF Capsicum annuum SEEDS NURSHAHIDA BINTI OSMAN Final Year Project Report Submitted In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science (Hons. ) Technology and Plantation Management In the Faculty of Plantation and Agrotechnology Universiti Teknologi MARA JULY 2012 DECLARATION This Final Year Project is a partial fulfilment of the requirements for a degree of Bachelor of Science (Hons. ) Technology and Plantation Management, Faculty of Plantation and Agrotechnology, Universiti Teknologi MARA. It is entirely my own work and has not been submitted to any other University or higher education institution, or for any other academic award in this University. Where use has been made of the work of other people it has been fully acknowledged and fully referenced. I hereby assign all and every rights in the copyright to this Work to the Universiti Teknologi MARA (â€Å"UiTM†), which henceforth shall be the owner of copyright in this Work and that, any reproduction or use in any form or by any means whatsoever is prohibited without a written consent of UiTM. Candidate’s signature: Date: NURSHAHIDA BINTI OSMAN Name: I hereby declare that I have checked this project and in my opinion, this project is adequate in terms of scope and quality for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Science (Hons. ) Technology and Plantation Management, Faculty of Plantation and Agrotechnology, Universiti Teknologi MARA. Signature:  DR. TSAN FUI YING Name of Supervisor:   SENIOR LECTURER Position: Date: ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Alhamdulliah and praise be to Allah for the guidance and blessing, I was able to complete this final year project. First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to my supervisor, Dr Tsan Fui Ying, for her guidance, advice, encouragement, good criticisms and also for he r patience in guiding me throughout final year project. My special thanks from the bottom of my heart go to my parent s and my siblings for their understanding and support during my study in UiTM. Lastly, I would also like to express my special thanks to all my friends who were directly or indirectly involved in giving their ideas, advice, criticism, and moral support throughout the project. Thank you very much. NURSHAHIDA BINTI OSMAN ii TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ii iii iv v vi vii viii ix DECLARATION ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF FIGURES LIST OF TABLES LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ABSTRACT ABSTRAK CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1. 1 Background Of Capsicum annuum 1. 2 Value Of Capsicum annuum 1. 3 Background of the heavy metal 1. 4 Seed germination and growth 1. 5 1. 6 1. 7 1. 8 Problem Statement Objective Of Study Significance Of Study Scope Of Study LITERATURE REVIEW 2. 1 Source of heavy metal 2. 2 Inhibition of seed germination Environmental effect 2. 3 7 9 12 3 MATERIAL AND METHOD 3. 1 Location of study 3. 2 Test Material 3. 3 Experimental Procedure 3. 4 Data collection 3. 5 Experimental design 3. 6 Statistical analysis 3. 7 Work schedule RESULTS AND DISCUSSION   CONCLUSION   CITED REFERENCES APPENDICES CURRICULUM VITAE iv LIST OF FIGURES Germination of C. annuum seeds after treatment with HgCl2 17 4. 2 Seed germination at the 10th day with HgCl2 treatment at 25mg/l 18 v LIST OF TABLES Table Caption 1. 1 Raw chili peppers (C. annum), nutrient value per 100 g 3. 1 Work schedule for the study on germination and growth of C. nnuum after application of HgCl2 at various concentrations Germination and growth of C. annuum after treatment withHgCl2 4. 1 Page vi 3 16 18 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS UiTM Universiti Teknologi MARA Hg Mercury HgCl2 Mercury chloride mg/l milligram per liter cm Centimeter vii ABSTRACT Mercury Effect on Germination and Growth of Capsicum annuum Seeds A study was carried out to determine the germination and growth of Capsicum annuum after application of mercury chloride (HgCl2) at various concentrations. This study was conducted at Laboratory A603, Faculty of Plantation and Agrotechnology, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam. A total of 600 C. annuum seeds were used in this study. A total of 5 different concentration s of HgCl2 (0 (control), 25, 50, 75 and 100 mg/l) were applied in this study. The treatments were carried out by means of applying the chemical to the seeds on paper towel in Petri dishes. The application volume was 2 ml per Petri dish at alternate days unless the paper towel was still moist with the previous application of solution. The data in terms of seed germination and growth, included length of radical and plumule, were recorded. This study was based on Complete Randominized Design (CRD) with 5 replicates for each treatment. All the data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and treatment means were compared using Tukey’s Simultaneous Test. The germination and growth of C. annuum was significantly affected by the concentration of the heavy metal under study, especially with concentration ? 50 mg/l. Radical growth was found more sensitive to the presence and concentration of HgCl 2 as compared to plumule with this fruit vegetable species. viii ABSTRAK Kesan Merkuri terhadap Percambahan dan Pertumbuhan Biji Benih Capsicum annuum Satu kajian telah dijalankan untuk menentukan percambahan dan pertumbuhan biji benih Capsicum annuum selepas aplikasi merkuri klorida (HgCl2) pada kepekatan yang berbeza. Kajian ini telah dijalankan di Makmal A603, Fakulti Perladangan dan Agroteknologi, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam. Sebayak 600 biji benih telah digunakan dalam kajian ini. Sebanyak 5 kepekatan HgCl2 (0 (kawalan), 25, 50, 75 and 100 mg/l) telah digunakan dalam kajian ini. Rawatan ke atas biji benih adalah dengan menggunakan bahan kimia pada biji benih yang diletakkan di atas tuala kertas dalam piring Petri. Isipadu aplikasi ialah 2 ml bagi setiap piring Petri dan rawatan diulang pada selang 2 hari kecuali tuala kertas masih lembap dengan larutan sebelumnya. Data mengenai percambahan biji benih dan pertumbuhan, termasuk panjang akar dan pucuk, dicatatkan. Kajian ini dijalankan berdasarkan Rekabentuk Rambang Lengkap (CRD) dengan 5 kali pengulangan bagi setiap rawatan. Semua data dianalisis dengan menggunakan Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) dan purata rawatan dibandingkan dengan menggunakan Tukey’s Simultaneous Test. Percambahan dan pertumbuhan C. annuum dipengaruhi dengan ketaranya oleh kepekatan logam berat yang dikaji, terutamanya pada kepekatan ? 0 mg/l. Pertumbuhan akar didapati lebih sensitif kepada kehadiran dan kepekatan HgCl2 berbanding dengan pucuk untuk spesis sayuran buah ini. ix CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1. 1 Background of Capsicum Capsicum annuum is a member of the family Solanaceae and a class of Dicotyledons. It is commonly known as Chili. Capsicum contains high amount of nutritive value such as vitamin C (ascorbic acid), A, B-complex and E along with minerals like molybdenum, manganese, folate, potassium and thiamine. Capsicum contains seven times more vitamin C than orange (Simone et al. , 1997). Capsicum terminology is quite confusing, the terminology is synonymously used for â€Å"chilli pepper† plants called such as pepper, chili, chile, chilli, aji, paprika and Capsicum. There are thought to be 25-30 Capsicum species with five different names, such as C. annuum L. , C. frustescens Mill. , C. baccatum L. , C. chinense and C. pubescens Ruiz and Pavon, which have been domesticated and currently cultivated (Csillery, 2006). Capsicum is the most widespread and widely cultivated species in subtropics and temperate countries (Belletti et al. , 1998). The scientific classification of C. nnuum is as below: 1 Kingdom : Plantae – Plants Class : Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons Subclass : Asteridae Order : Solanales Family : Solanaceae – Potato family Genus : Capsicum L. – Pepper Species : Capsicum annuum L. – cayenne pepper Although the species name annuum means â€Å"annual† (from Latin annus â€Å"year†), the plant is not an annual and in the absence of winter frosts, it can survive several seasons and grow into large perennial shrub. The si ngle flowers are of off-white (sometimes purplish) color while the stem is densely branched and the plant can grow up to 60 centimeter tall. The fruit is berry which may be green, yellow and red when ripe. While the species can tolerate most climates, C. annuum is especially productive in warm and dry climates (Anonymous, 2012 b). 1. 2 Value of capsicum Capsicums have their own benefits and values to human beings. As we know, capsicums are used in cooking and also as medicines. Capsicum is an indispensable spice used as basic ingredient in a great variety of cuisine all over the world. It is also used as flavoring, colorant and adds tang and taste to the otherwise insipid food. Moreover, Capsicum species are employed whole 2 r ground and alone or in combination with other flavorings agents, primarily in the pickles, stewed or barbeques (Ravishankar et al. , 2003). Table 1. 1: Raw chili peppers (C. annum), nutrient value per 100 g Principle Nutrient Value Percentage of RDA Energy 40 Kcal 2% Carbohydrates 8. 81 g 7% Protein 1. 87 g 3% Total Fat 0. 44 g 2% Cholesterol 0 mg 0% Dietary Fiber 1. 5 g 3% Vitamins Folates 23 mcg 6% Niacin 1. 244 mg 8% Pantothenic acid 0. 201 mg 4% Pyridoxine 0. 506 mg 39% Riboflavin 0. 086 mg 6. 5% Thiamin 0. 72 mg 6% Vitamin A 952 IU 32% Vitamin C 143. 7 mg 240% Vitamin E 0. 69 mg 4. % Vitamin K 14 mcg 11. 5% Electrolytes Sodium 9 mg 0. 5% Potassium 322 mg 7% Minerals Calcium 14 mg 1. 5 % Copper 0. 129 mg 14% Iron 1. 03 mg 13% Magnesium 23 mg 6% Manganese 0. 187 mg 8% Phosphorus 43 mg 6% Selenium 0. 5 mcg 1% Zinc 0. 26 mg 2% Phyto-nutrients Carotene-? 534 mcg -Carotene-? 36 mcg -Cryptoxanthin-? 40 mcg -Lutein-zeaxanthin 709 mcg -Source: USDA National Nutrient data base (Anonymous, 2012a) 3 1. 3 Background of heavy metal According to Thomine et al. (2000), metals such as iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu) are necessary as co-factors for many enzymatic reactions. Some metals, such as zinc (Zn), play important structural roles in proteins. Furthermore, metal cations have recently been shown to be involved in signaling in animals and plants. According to Ghavri and Singh (2010) in terms of stabilizing contaminated sites, a lower metal concentration in stem is preferred in order to prevent metal from entering into ecosystem. However, plants also need to control against excessive accumulation of essential cations and toxic heavy metals, such as cadmium (Cd2+), lead, mercury, and arsenic. When taken up in excessive quantities, these elements are transferred in the food chain where they may have adverse effects on the health of humans and animals. Heavy metals can enter the food chain via plant uptake (Chayed, 2009). According to Mami (2011) from Guilan University, Rasht, Islamic Republic of Iran, heavy metals have recently received the attention of researchers all over the world, mainly due to also their harmful effect on plant. 1. 4 Seed germination and growth According to the seed physiologists, germination is defined as the emergence of the radical through the seed coat. Basic requirements for germination include water, gases, temperature and moisture availability. 4 According to Vera et al. (2010), exposure to heat and to low pH promotes germination and reduces time to germinate, which indicates that germination is related to passage of fire and to soil pH. Germination is also correlated with wet and cold conditions and dormancy can be classified as being the physiological type. In addition, it well known that temperature, light conditions, nitrates or hormonal treatment may also affect germination. In an experiment conducted by Koger et al. 2004), Caperonia palustris seeds from naturally dehisced with predominant dark gray color were exposed to pre chilling in attempts to break any dormancy mechanism imposed on seed kept at room temperature. Results showed that pre chilling did not release dormancy. Seed germinated with fluctuating 12-h light/dark and constant dark conditions. Seed germination test using buffer solutions of pH 4 to 10 recorded germination of 31 to 62% over a pH range from 4 to 10. Heavy metals may also affect seed germination, mainly believed to be attributed to toxicity effects. They can be hazardous because they cannot be estroyed or despoiled but they are bioaccumulated. 1. 5 Problem statement Capsicum annuum is a kind of fruit vegetable most commonly consumed and its production is of concerned. Like other crops, Capsicum needs to control against excessive accumulation of essential cations and toxic heavy metals for seed development and production. The heavy metals may cause a negative effect to the seed germination and growth. 1. 6 Objective of study The experiment was conducted by considering the objectives of study as below: 1. To determine the mercury effect on germination of C. nnuum seeds. 2. To identify the mercury effect on subsequent initial seedling growth of C. annuum after seed germination. 1. 7 Significance of study This study is important to observe and determine the mercury effect on germination and growth of C. annuum seeds. The result from this study is hoped to provide information on germination and growth of C. annuum seeds as affected by mercury concentration in soil, e. g. ex-mining soils. 1. 8 Scope of Study The experiment conducted to identify the concentration of mercury that may affect germination and growth of C. nnuum seeds involved the seed extraction from fruits, seed treatment with mercury chloride (HgCl2), seed germination recording, measurement of length of radical and plumule, data analysis and report writing. CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 2. 1 Source of heavy metal There are many sources of heavy metals in soil including natural sources e. g. soil parent material, volcanic eruptions, marine aerosols, and forest fires; agricultural sources e. g. fertilizers, sewage sludge, pesticides and irrigation water; energy and fuel production sources e. g. emissions from power stations; mining and smelting e. . tailing, smelting, refining and transportation (Reichman, 2002). It is generally accepted that heavy metal contamination can not only result in adverse effects on various parameters relating to plant quality and yield, but also cause changes in the size, composition and activity of the soil microbial community (Giller et al. , 1998). Heavy metals might accumulate in the food chains, with risks for the health of animals and humans, which are less sensitive to metal toxicity than plants, but they are capable of concentrating heavy metal in certain tissues and organs (Peralta et al. 2001). The influence of metals on development and reproduction of plan ts can be firstly quantified by determining the germination traits of seeds and growth performance of seedling. In the presence of high concentrations of some heavy metals, most plant species performe the reduction of seed germination and seedling growth (Patra and Sharma, 2000). 7 The high metal contents suggest the potential for heavy metal accumulation and phytotoxicity for crops grown in soils receiving the metal enriched sewage sludge. Hence, it will limit its application on land, because of the stringent regulations for land application of heavy metals i n the form of sewage (Wong et al. , 2001). The high heavy metal contents might pose a toxic effect to plants and cause heavy metal accumulation in plant tissues (Wong et al. , 2001). Many of those who performed short-term laboratory studies also discuss ed their results in relation to existing regulations for heavy metals in soils, or the possible effect of the agricultural use of metal-contaminated products such as sewage sludge, animal manures and fungicides (Giller et al. 1998). The distribution of heavy metals in the organs of plants is not homogenous; it depends on the species and the element (Kozanecka et al. , 2002). The application of cow dung in wasteland soil not only provided nutrients for plant growth, but also stabilized the metal in the soil and reduced metal toxicity to the plant (Ghavri and Singh, 2010). According to Longman (2006), mercury is a he avy silver white poisonous metal that is liquid at ordinary temperature and it is a chemical element symbol is Hg. It is a pervasive pollutant that accumulates in organisms and is highly toxic. Elemental mercury is efficiently transported as a gas around the 8 globe, and even remote areas show evidence of mercury pollution originating from industrial sources such as power plants (Morel et al. , 1998). Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that is of significant concern as an environmental pollutant since mercury is not very phototoxic in normally occurring concentrations. In polluted regions, mercury is a non -degradable toxic heavy metal pollutant when it is accumulated by plants. The information is scare about its uptake mechanism and growth inhibition. There are a wide range of sources that emit mercury to the atmosphere. Approximately half of the atmospheric budget of vapor-phase mercury is attributed to anthropogenic sources and half to natural source (Nriagu, 1989) The accumulation of mercury in terrestrial plants increases with increasing soil mercury concentration. Soil type has considerable influence on this process, i. e. high organic matter content will decrease uptake. Generally, the highest concentrations of mercury are found at the roots, but translocation to other organs occurs. In contrast to higher plants, mosses are known to take up mercury via atmospheric deposition (Boening, 2000). The characterization of mercury uptake showed that mercury binding is dependent on initial pH, agitation speed, amount of dosage and also the interaction between pH and contact time (Ling, 2010). 2. 2 Inhibition of seed germination According to Longman (2006), seed is a small, hard object produced by plants, from which a new plant of the same kind grows. Poor quality seeds suffer from following problems of low germination percentage, poor 9 emergence, poor survival, and poor adaptability to site, susceptible to disease and pests, poor growth, and low productivity (Anonymous, 2011a). The characteristics of good seeds are well ripened, healthy and true to type, pure and free from inert materials and weed seeds, viable and have good germination capacity, uniform in its texture, structure and appearance, and free from damage and should not be broken and inflected by pests and diseases (Anonymous, 2011a). Seed germination is defined as the emergence and development from seed embryo of those essential structures, which are indicative of the ability of seed to produce a normal plant under favorable conditions (Anonymous, 2011a). Seeds need to be handled carefully to avoid damage to the embryo. Rough handling at threshing time can result in a lower percentage of germination. Actual tests are made at intervals to insure a good percentage of germination. Many seeds will germinate in a week or two or three weeks, but some seeds may take weeks or even years until barriers to germination are removed (Butterfield, 1967). Although seeds are rather similar in structure and in the same taxonomic family, their germination patterns are quite different (McDonald, 2011). Seeds exist in a state of dormancy, absorbing oxygen, giving off carbon dioxide, and slowly using up their stored food reserves during germination (Rindels, 1996). Every viable seed has the potential to become a plant. For this to happen, the seed must germinate, and for germination to occur, a seed 10 essentially needs water (during absorption and subsequent stages of growth), oxygen (for respiration) and temperature adequate for metabolism and growth. Some seeds also require light and therefore must be on the soil surface in order to germinate, and not buried beneath the soil surface (McDonald, 2011). A general statement was made that percent of germination or p ercent of viable seeds of Rumex scutatus drop over time as a result of exposure to environmental conditions (Yilmaz and Aksoy, 2007). Some seeds have certain chemicals inside them to which prevent their germination, while some seeds may not have well developed embryo and require storage for a few weeks before germination can take place (Anonymous, 2011a). Some seeds present deep physiological dormancy with a very low germination percentage and they need a long time to start germination (Vera et al. , 2010). Heavy metals of Zn and ZnO particles were observed to have significant inhibition on seed germination and root growth (El-Temsah and Joner, 2010). The decrease in the value of germination percentage and germination index of the seed caused by the increased amount of metallic compound indicates that at a lower concentration, the contaminant posed little or no harm on the seed viability but in higher level, germination is retarded (Jaja and Odoemena, 2004). In the presence of heavy metals at certain concentrations, the radical of Arabidopsis thaliana protruded from testa, but the embryo growth was arrested beyond the point (Li et al. 2005). Although the seed coat provides some protection from metal stress prior to germination, it will eventually 11 crack or become more permeable upon germination. The current literature suggests that seed germination is affected by metals in two ways. Firstly, by their general toxicity, and secondly are by their inhibition of water uptake (Kranner and C olville, 2011). The seed injury caused by organic mercurials to cereals was characterized by abnormal germination. The primary effect of mercury could possibly be on the embryo itself, and effects on the endosperm were of secondary importance (Patra and Sharma, 2000). 2. 3 Environmental effect Salinity reduced germination percentage and also delayed the germination rate as the salt level was increased. The germination rate, germination index and coefficient of velocity of germination of forage sorghums decreased under salinity treatments. The germination percentage was a maximum in distilled water, but decreased with increasing salinity (Siti Aishah et al. , 2010). The pH of soil plays a great role in the speciation and bio-availability of heavy metals thus; the maximum allowable con centrations in soil vary with soil (Luo et al. , 2011). The percentage germination was low at acidic as well as alkaline conditions in both the sets of scarified and unscarified Solanum nigrum seeds. It was observed that neutral pH plays in an important role in increasing germination (Suthar et al. , 2009). 12 Erica australis had increased seed germination in response to factors related to passage of fire and low pH (Vera et al. , 2010). Caperonia palustris seed germination was less than 32% at pH 4 and 10. High seed germination over a broad pH range indicated that pH may not be a limiting factor for germination in most soils (Koger et al. , 2004). The addition of lime caused a significant increase in soil pH providing an alkaline buffering capacity against heavy metal availability for the acid loamy soil while without liming the acidic soil may cause a lowering of the alkalinity of sludge resulting in a higher availability of heavy metals (Wong et al. , 2001). 13 CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY 3. 1 Location of the study This study was conducted at Laboratory A603, Faculty of Plantation and Agrotechnology, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor. 3. 2 Test material Capsicum annuum fully ripe fruits were purchased from local market and a total of 600 seeds were extracted from the fruits. The seeds were cleaned with running tap water, pat dried with paper towel and air dried for two days prior to experimentation. 3. 3 Experiment procedure 3. 3. 1 Sterilization of seed Seeds were rinsed with 10% Chlorox followed by 3 times rinsing with distilled water. 3. 3. 2 Treatment Seeds were germinated in enclosed Petri dishes on paper towel containing HgCl2 solutions at 0, 25, 50, 75, 100 mg/l respectively. The paper towel was moistened with 2 ml of the respective HgCl 2 solution before the seeds were placed on the paper towel for germination test. The paper towel was applied with 2 ml of the 14 espective mercury solution at alternate days unless the paper towel was still found moist with the previous application of solution. 3. 4 Data collection The germination/emergence of the seedling (radical and plumule) was recorded for a period of 10 days. Then, the length of the radical (primary root) and plumule (primary shoot) was measured at two days after germination. The other abnormal morphology, growth and development of seedlings were also recorded. 3. 5 Experimental design The experiment was based on completely randomized design (CRD) as it is the most commonly used design for laboratory research. This experiment was arranged in a CRD as a single factor experiment with 5 replicates. There were 20 seeds in each replicate. 3. 6 Statistical analysis Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out and treatment means were compared using Tukey’s Simultaneous Test. Germination percentage was transformed to arc-sine value before ANOVA. 3. 7 Work schedule This study was conducted starting from January 2011 until July 2011 (Table 3. 1). It involved extraction and cleaning of seeds, air drying of seeds, sterilization procedure, and treatment with HgCl2, data collection and data 15 analysis. At the end of this study, project report was presented orally and the written final report was submitted. Table 3. 1: Work schedule for the study on germination and growth of C. annuum after application of HgCl2 at various concentrations Weeks activities 2 Collection of material / / 8 10 / 12 14 / / / Data collection 6 / Treatment 4 Data analysis Oral presentation / Submission of report / 16 CHAPTER 4 RESULTS Figure 4. 1 indicates the germination of C. annuum seeds treated with varying concentrations of HgCl2. Capsicum annuum seed germination was significantly affected by treatment with HgCl2 up to 100 mg/l (Figures 4. and 4. 2; Table 4. 1; Appendices A and B). Seeds treated ? 50 mg/l HgCl 2 showed significantly lower germination percentage and germination index as compared to the control seeds treated with distilled water and those treated with lower HgCl 2 at 25 mg/l. This trend was visible from 4 days after germination onwards until end of the study period of 10 days. Figure 4. 1: Germination of C. annuum seeds after treatment with HgCl2 17 Figure 4.2: Seed germination at the 10th day with HgCl2 treatment at 25mg/l Table 4. 1: Germination and growth of C. annuum after treatment withHgCl2 HgCl2 mg/l) Germination % Germination index Length of radical (cm) Length of plumule (cm) 0 100 ±0 a 5. 41 ±0. 84 a 1. 75 ±0. 11 a 0. 77 ±0. 07 a 25 95 ±6. 12 a 5. 38 ±0. 59 a 1. 23 ±0. 07 b 0. 70 ±0. 06 ab 50 56 ±9. 62 b 3. 08 ±0. 73 b 0. 95 ±0. 08 c 0. 58 ±0. 11 b 75 49 ±6. 52 b 3. 16 ±0. 66 b 0. 61 ±0. 02 d 0. 36 ±0. 01 c 100 28 ±9. 08 c 1. 90 ±0. 54 b 0. 47 ±0. 02 e 0. 33 ±0. 11 c Means with the same letter within the same column are not significantly different at 5% level of significance All HgCl2 treatments ranging from 25 – 100 mg/l as studied resulted in significant inhibition of radical growth (Table 4. ; Appendi ces B and C). Growth inhibition of 18 radical increased significantly and simultaneously with increasing HgCl 2 concentration indicating that radical was very sensitive to this heavy metal. Based on Table 4. 1, plumule growth of C. annuum seeds was also affected significantly by the HgCl2 treatment (Appendices B and D). Plumule growth was less sensitive to this heavy metal; only those treated at higher rates of 75 and 100 mg/l showed significantly the greatest inhibition effects. Heavy metal of mercury was found to affect the germination and growth of C. nnuum seeds. Based on the results, mercury at 50 mg/l was found to retard seed germination in terms of germination percentage and germination index. This concentration of mercury also affected development of radical and plumule in terms of length of the organs. Toxicity caused by the under study heavy metal at concentration of 50 mg/l was presumed to result in obvious reduced seed germination and inhibition of growth of seedlings of C. annuum. 19 CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSION Seed germination and growth of C. annuum seedlings were affected with HgCl2 at 50 mg/l. Reduced seed germination and inhibition of seedling growth were recorded with this treatment and higher concentration of HgCl2. The seeds of this fruit vegetable can be concluded to be sensitive to mercury contamination. 20 CITED REFERENCES Anonymous. (2012a). Chili peppers nutrition facts. Retrieved 20 May 2012, from nutrition-and-you. com/chili-peppers. html Anonymous. (2012b). PLANTS Profile Capsicum annuum L. var. annuum cayenne pepper Retrieved 20 May 2012, from http://plants. usda. gov/java/profile? symbol=CAAN4 Anonymous. (2011a). Seed technology. Retrieved 21 September 2011, from http://ifs. nic. in/rt/main/courses/seed_tech. pdf Belletti, P. , Marzachi, C. Lanteri, S. (1998). 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C. , Naik, V. R. , Mulani, R. M. (2009). Seed and seed germination in Solanum nigrum Linn. American-Eurasian J. Agric. Environ. Sci. 5(2): 179-183. Thomine, S. , Wang, R. , Ward, J. M. , Crawford, N. M. , Schroeder, J. I. (2000). Cadmium and iron transport by members of a plant metal transporter family in Arabidopsis with homology to Nramp genes. PNAS 99(9): 4991-4996. Vera, D. T. , Martin, R. P. , Oliva, S. R. (2010). Effect of chemical and physical treatment on seed germination of Erica australis. Ann. Bot. Fennici 47: 353-360. Wong, J. W. C. , Lai, K. M. D. , Su. S. Fang, M. (2001). Availability of heavy metals for Brassica chinensis grown in an acidic loamy soil amended with domestic and industrial sewage sludge. Water, Air and Soil Pollution 128:339-353. Yilmaz, D. D. , Aksoy, A. (2007). Physiological effects of different environmental conditions on the seed germination of Rumex scutatus L. (Polygonaceae). Erciyes Universitesi Fen Bilimleri Dergisi 23(1-2): 24-29. 23 APPENDIX A Germination of C. APPENDIX B ANOVA Sum of Squares df Mean Square germination Between Groups Within Groups G. I Length of radical Length of plumule Total Between Groups Within Groups Total Between Groups Within Groups Total Between Groups Within Groups Total 12408. 834 4 3102. 208 707. 247 20 F Sig. 35. 362 13116. 081 48. 100 9. 246 57. 346 5. 203 .091 5. 294 .758 .130 .888 25 24 4 20 24 4 20 24 4 20 24 12. 025 .462 87. 726 . 000 26. 011 . 000 1. 301 286. 374 . 000 .005 .190 .007 29. 159 . 00 Multiple Comparisons Tukey HSD Dependent Variable (I) treatment (J) treatm ent germination 0 25 50 75 100 25 0 50 75 100 50 0 25 75 100 75 0 25 50 100 100 0 25 50 75 95% Confidence Interval Mean Difference (I-J) Std. Error Sig. 9. 72566 3. 76098 . 111 Lower Bound Upper Bound -1. 5286 20. 9799 3. 76098 . 000 30. 2341 52. 7426 3. 76098 . 000 34. 3137 56. 8222 3. 76098 . 000 47. 0576 69. 5661 -9. 72566 3. 76098 . 111 -20. 9799 1. 5286 41. 48839 * 45. 56795 * 58. 31190 * 31. 76273 * 3. 76098 . 000 20. 5085 43. 0170 35. 84229 * 3. 76098 . 000 24. 5880 47. 0965 48. 58623 * 3. 76098 . 000 37. 3320 59. 8405 -41. 48839 * . 76098 . 000 -52. 7426 -30. 2341 -31. 76273 * 3. 76098 . 000 -43. 0170 -20. 5085 4. 07956 3. 76098 . 812 -7. 1747 15. 3338 16. 82351 * 3. 76098 . 002 5. 5693 28. 0778 -45. 56795 * 3. 76098 . 000 -56. 8222 -34. 3137 -35. 84229 * 3. 76098 . 000 -47. 0965 -24. 5880 -4. 07956 3. 76098 . 812 -15. 3338 7. 1747 12. 74395 * 3. 76098 . 022 1. 4897 23. 9982 -58. 31190 * 3. 76098 . 000 -69. 5661 -47. 0576 -48. 58623 * 3. 76098 . 000 -59. 8405 -37. 3320 -16. 82351 * 3. 76098 . 002 -28. 0778 -5. 5693 -12. 74395 * 3. 76098 . 022 -23. 9982 -1. 4897 26 Multiple Comparisons Tukey HSD 95% Confidence Interval Mean Difference (I-J) Dependent Variable (I) treatment (J) treatment G. I 0 25 .03500 .43003 1. 000 -1. 2518 1. 3218 50 2. 33000 * .43003 . 000 1. 0432 3. 6168 2. 25333 * .43003 . 000 .9665 3. 5401 3. 51167 * .43003 . 000 2. 2249 4. 7985 0 -. 03500 .43003 1. 000 -1. 3218 1. 2518 50 2. 29500* .43003 . 000 1. 0082 3. 5818 75 2. 21833 * .43003 . 000 .9315 3. 5051 3. 47667 * .43003 . 000 2. 1899 4. 7635 -2. 33000 * .43003 . 000 -3. 6168 -1. 0432 -2. 29500 * .43003 . 000 -3. 5818 -1. 0082 75 -. 07667 .43003 1. 000 -1. 3635 1. 2101 100 1. 18167 .43003 . 082 -. 1051 2. 4685 0 -2. 25333 * .43003 . 000 -3. 5401 -. 9665 25 -2. 21833* .43003 . 000

To What Extent Was Grass Roots Activism a Significant Reason to Why the Civil Rights Movement Grew in the 1950s and 1960s Essays

To What Extent Was Grass Roots Activism a Significant Reason to Why the Civil Rights Movement Grew in the 1950s and 1960s Essays To What Extent Was Grass Roots Activism a Significant Reason to Why the Civil Rights Movement Grew in the 1950s and 1960s Essay To What Extent Was Grass Roots Activism a Significant Reason to Why the Civil Rights Movement Grew in the 1950s and 1960s Essay To what extent was grass roots activism a significant reason to why the Civil Rights Movement Grew in the 1950s and 1960s The civil rights movement grew for a number of reasons during the 1950’s and 1960s. Prior to this select time period America were fighting in the Cold War and many black soldiers battled in the name of ‘freedom’. This was ironic as these black soldiers were fighting for something that they didn’t even have back home. Often Black soldiers talked about the ‘Double V Campaign’; this was referring to victory in the war and victory for civil rights back home in the USA. Many historians believe that world war two planted seeds in the growth of the civil rights movement as it raised the question to black people, in the words of Mohamed Ali; â€Å"Why should they ask me to put on a uniform and go ten thousand miles from home and drop bombs and bullets on brown people in Vietnam while so-called Negro people in Louisville are treated like dogs and denied simple human rights? † A Philip Randolph played a key role in the early civil rights movement as he called for an executive order to stop job discrimination in the defence industry. President FDR eventually issued executive order 8802 stating an end to discrimaination the employment of workers in the defence industries and in government. This proved effective in the growth of civil rights movement as it was one of the first pieces of success blacks achieved and this increase momentum, hope and motivation for blacks in their bid for civil rights. Other factors that influenced effected the growth of the civil rights movement included the increase in media awareness which helped mobilise support from all quarters of the USA. The support they gained due to different methods of black leaders, the shift in president’s attitudes and the Supreme Court, and the momentum gained through small victories which inspired the likes of Rosa Parks. Grass roots activism managed to gain momentum and maintain belief amongst black Americans which proved vital in the growth of the civil rights movement in the 1950’s and 1960’s. The fact that prejudice and discrimination still existed meant that the fight had to continue and relative success resulted in continued motivation. A good example of this is the Montgomery bus boycott, when the Montgomery bus company finally decided to desegregate a year boycott began, Martin Luther King and black protesters didn’t settle at that, they tried to desegregate the rest of the still segregated bus companies in Alabama. In one sense a legal victory was gained here in the desegregation of the bus company however in another sense a moral victory was gained as it showed the economic power black Americans had if they united together. In addition, because Blacks wanted to continue to desegregate bus companies in other cities this shows Black Americans were trying to grow the CRM rather than just being contempt after one city was desegregated. Thus proving the CRM was growing due to grass roots activism and small successes maintaining belief amongst blacks. The growth of the CRM was also due to the variety of opinions, tactics and views of different black leaders and organisations. A wide range of beliefs were covered so most black Americans had a leader that suited their own beliefs. For example MLK and the SCLC supported non- violent protests, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott, The Freedom Rides and The Sit-Ins. These methods appealed to many blacks and whites too who supported non-violent methods and the whole concept of MLK ideology. However blacks who did not support peaceful protests could support the Black Panther party instead lead by Heuy Newton and Bobby Searle. This organisation supported much more aggressive actions and believed in self-defence and retaliations against white mobs and policemen. Huey Newton’s main aim was: An immediate end to police brutality and the murder of black people. The Black panthers appealed to the new generation of blacks and those who had generally a more aggressive view on the situation. The fact that different parties existed meant that the CRM had more supporters as it has supporters from both violent and non-violent sides; this in the big picture benefited the cause for CRM and helped it grow. The change in president’s actions and beliefs also helped the growth of the CRM. Presidents such as Truman and Eisenhower began to take action overruling states inactions to ignore the federal government, thus effectively aiding blacks bid for civil rights. A good example showing how president’s attitudes were changing is the little rock nine cases in Arkansas, 1957. When nine black students were disallowed entry into the city high school by governor of Arkansas orders to send state soldiers to stand outside the premises to avoid entry, President Eisenhower felt he had to intervene. He ordered 1000 US soldiers to protect the black children on their way to school from the mob of angry white parents opposing desegregation in schools. Eisenhower’s actions showed that he was prepared to make drastic action in order for integration amongst blacks and white children in schools. He used his authority to over- rule state laws and this showed that he was for the idea of blacks receiving equal education as whites, therefore adding to the growth of the CRM. Another contributing factor helping the CRM to grow was due to the changes in the Supreme Court that led to opportunities to challenge and change the key features of segregation. In 1896 the Supreme Court issued the ruling ‘separate but equal’ thus legally legitimising racism. However this rule was over turned in 1954 at the Brown vs. Topeka Board Of Education case, meaning that their attitudes had changed and that schools should become desegregated. The reversal of the 1896 ruling, ‘separate but equal’ in this case demonstrated the shift in opinion in the highest court and giving blacks a sense of hope and built momentum as it was their first victory for Civil Rights. One of the most important reasons, if not the most important reason for the growth of the civil rights movement in the 1950’s and 1960’s was the use of the media to raise awareness across the country for the ways blacks were being severely treated. Televisions, newspapers, newspaper photographers all became vital weapons in the Civil Rights Movement. After the brutal murder of Emmett Till in 1955 his mother decided to lay Emmett in an open coffin to allow the public and newspaper photographers to see the severity and brutality of the attacks carried out on Emmett. Over four days thousands of people saw Emmett’s body and thousands more were shocked by the images appearing in magazines and newspapers worldwide. Emmett’s case had a great effect on the civil rights movement; the north became aware of the horror of discrimination and persecution existing in the south through the use of the media. This case drew massive attention to the cause, encouraging support from both black and white American’s. Therefore the media played a key role in the growth of the Civil Rights Movement as it raised awareness of the problems blacks faced in the 1950’s and 1960’s. In conclusion the growth of the CRM was due to many different contributing factors, however I believe the media played the, most significant role. This was due to the great awareness it caused for blacks as it helped northern Americans and international countries realise the brutality of treatment of blacks in the south. The media also managed to pressurise the government and presidents into making decisions as it brought worldwide attention to causes such as the little rock nine and the freedom rides that embarrassed them into action for the sake of ruining the prestige and reputation of themselves and of the country. The changing attitudes of the president and the supreme court also played a part in the growth of the movement as they gave blacks significant progress to work on and build on. Grass Roots activism also contributed as it built small success as a platform which gained belief and momentum in the movement. The variety of leaders also magnified support from all different types of black Americans which also contributed to the growth of the civil rights movement in 1950’s and 1960’s. By Gavin Rittoo

The Difference in American and Chinese Culture Management Essay

The Difference in American and Chinese Culture Management - Essay Example The paper tells that Chinese have a high context culture, which is that they are found to be more socially oriented, to be more confrontation-avoiding, and to have more trouble dealing with new situations. Typically in a high context culture like that of China while applying Hofstede’s cultural dimensions is it can be drawn that Chinese have high power distance that is there is high inequality amongst people which can easily be observed in their conduct and behavior as the rich, higher in rank and the older in age are perceived as more powerful and authoritative members of the society for example, like at Motosuzhou most Chinese organizations have a bureaucratic organization structure with decision making, control and managing power lying in the hands of the top management. As compared to US-based firms who as per their cultural values have a lower power distance with a respect for equality allowing room for autonomy at lower levels of management as in the case of Electrowide, Inc. Secondly, individualism in Chinese culture is very low as compared to the US culture. Chinese have a highly collective society where people act in the interests of the group. Thirdly, Chinese culture dominates the role of men in their society making China a masculine society where men are preferred over women in the workforce and are given more benefits, offered higher salaries and favored over women. As the case study mentions men hold a higher proportion of the Chinese workforce as compared to women, â€Å"An overview of the labor force reveals that males account for slightly more than half of the workforce and occupy the great majority of leadership positions. Though traditional Chinese society is male-centered†¦ Furthermore, the instances where Tom and his male counterpart were more socially accepted at the casual get-togethers and meetings with the Motosuzhou team where Barb was mostly sidelined in discussions and conversations despite her fluent Chinese language sk ills. While on the contrary, in the US both men and women are given equal opportunities with no or very minimal gender bisness. Women are a huge part of social gatherings and conduct meetings, discussions, and conversations with men at ease. Fourthly, uncertainty avoidance is observed to be low in most high context cultures and the same holds true for China, Chinese are also risk-averse people. For instance, the dealings of Ai Hwa and Motosuzhou’s prolonged delay in discussing the joint venture (JV) details provides an example of Chinese being inherently ambiguous about their dealings. Furthermore, the incident before the article â€Å"Motosuzhou/Electrowide, Inc.: Guanxi in Jeopardy,† being published in the newspaper in the case study shows the extent of ambiguous dealings in China where the US officials (Tom and his counterparts) left Ai Hwa’s building confused. Culturally, uncertainty avoidance is high in the US where people like to keep things, clear, concis e, timely and planned ahead of time. Lastly, long-term orientation in China is high where people plan and prepare, aim and strategize in advance for the years to come. On the contrary, the US has low long-term orientation which can be one of the reasons for more organization becoming ‘learning organizations’ and the trick behind the fast pace of innovation in the US markets.

How business work Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

How business work - Assignment Example Secondly, one must appoint the corporate initial directors and then go ahead to pay a filing fee that varies from $100 to $800 after compiling the â€Å"articles of incorporation† (lifford and Ralph 35). Forming a corporation also requires those involved to create the corporate â€Å"by –laws† that help set forth the working regulations of the corporation. After that, holding the first board of director’s meeting is a requirement, which is followed by issuing of stock certificates to shareholders and finally obtaining permits and licenses required for the corporate to start. The articles of incorporation require information such as the name of the corporation, at times the names of the directors, and the principle office of the corporation. In some states such as Delaware and Connecticut, people refer to it as the certificate of incorporation while other states also use different names. It appears that, every state in the US has its corporate income tax rate. For instance, Ohio’s corporate income tax rate is 0.26 percent of every individual’s gross revenue commonly referred to as the Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) (51). The corporate fees and taxes for states differ from one another. My state’s corporate taxes and fees differ from others in terms of the gross revenue. Some states have a minimum payment of $150 per entity even of the fact that it is either a Corporation or a

Discuss the importance of sibling rivalry in Everyday Use or First Research Paper

Discuss the importance of sibling rivalry in Everyday Use or First Confession - Research Paper Example But this does not apply in the novel. Maggie, who is younger the Dee feels neglected while her elder sister, Dee is well cared of. This creates a rivalry between the two. The elder sister is also attractive than her younger sister because Maggie has some scary marks from the fire incidence when she was young. The hatred strengthens Maggie since she does her own things without depending on fellow family members. Dee on the other hand is over dependent on her parent (mama). Sibling rivalry promotes responsibility among family members, more so the children. Dee is known to be lazy, despite being stronger and healthier than her younger sister who was once a fire accident victim (Borden, 49). Dee cannot even make her own bed nor clean up. But when the parents are away, she is forced to depend on herself since the younger sister; Maggie does not tolerate her laziness. The irony in the novel that Maggie, the youngest in the family is more active than her elder sister, Dee. Maggie feels offe nded when Dee orders Hakim around the house like she has no hands or limbs. Dee is ever seated while everything is done to her. Maggie is more responsible despite her tender age and weakness from the fire incident. ... Dee down looks her mother despite all the attention she gets. There is a point her mother tries to explain how her name came about. Dee is named after her respected aunt. Instead of her appreciating having named after an important society member, she despises her mother and walks away (Faber, 29). Maggie avoids associating with her sister at all cost. She does her thing on her own because she thinks Dee is favored but she still remains disobedient to the mother. There is a point Maggie wish she was the eldest so that she could her sister some lessons. Maggie and Hakim do most of the house chores while the elder sister makes orders like some kind of boss. As a reader, one later learns that Dee is not favored by her mother (mama) but the later tries her to reunite Dee with other family members. Dee is tough and masculine according to her mother’s verdict. The story talks about how her mother used some encouraging and pleasant phrases to place so that she would appreciate other f amily members, but all is in vain. Dee continues her independent life and does not involve any family members in her decisions. It takes mama great effort to make Dee appreciate kitchen as a woman’s territory, instead the latter uses her robust energy to butcher cows as well as hogs. This makes the character different from other women in the novel. Dee later changes her name to ‘Wangero’, an African name. This offends her mother and Maggie is regarded as the family caretaker instead. We come to learn the real character of Dee. The mother is having no favors but just tries to convince the role of women in the society. Sibling conflict makes on learn how the other sibling feels or think of her or him. Dee knows very well

Environmental Service Project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Environmental Service Project - Essay Example There are doing this as a way of starting a new community of the plants in different locations in the park. All these activities lead towards restoring the park by creating a complete new phase that ensures environment conservation. It was on a Sunday morning when I and my other five friends visited Lewis Park not to admire its beauty but on a volunteer service. We were not the only volunteers in the park as there were others who had also come to offer their services. The team leader divided the entire group into two smaller groups for easy management and work accomplishment. The first group was to shovel the dirt that there was on the ground. I joined the second group that had to work on several tasks. Since one of the activities at the park was trimming back plants and relocating them, we were supposed to pick up the branches from the ground (Green Seattle Partnership, 2015). You will agree that a place looks messy with branches of trees all over. We had to pick up the branches from the ground so as to make the environment look clean and smart. Some branches can be dangerous to human beings using that surrounding as they could cause injuries due to pricking. I know a friend who got infected because of getting injured by a cedar tree branch and had to undergo treatment. We were, therefore, making the environment safe for use by all the users in the park. Our group also had to rake the leaves and other small branches that we could not easily pick up with our hands. The importance of the activity was to ensure that we clear the ground entirely so as to prevent sprouting of weeds that could affect the plants. After raking the leaves and the small branches, we had to put them into a pail to make it easy for transportation. We were required to pour the leaves and branches down the hill where preservation would take place for future use as manure on the farm. It was quite

Increasing the duration of copyright in literary works in the United Essay

Increasing the duration of copyright in literary works in the United Kingdom in 1995 from life of the author plus 50 years to li - Essay Example One of the most critical issues regarding intellectual properties is the extension of copyright protection period that had remained at 50 years past the creator’s death for a few several centuries.3 By this definition, the rights are universally protected; however, the term of protection is not indefinite except for a few special works. Nevertheless, the contention of this paper has little to do with the definition and more to do with the amount of time for which the protection is supplied, in the UK; copyrights are protected but the Copyright and Design act of 1988 based on the 2003 amendments by the copyright and related regulations. Over the years, the UK has faces several challenges in related to copyright owing to the number of sometimes contradictory directives by other European countries as well as international proposal. This is in spite of the Berne convention of 1886, which set a minimum standard of protection among the countries participating in the same, later in 1 905 the convention, set the minimum period of 50 years after the death of the creator. However, despite the relatively steep number of years, given many countries have often increased instead of making effort to reduce them and this trend eventually lead up to the latest EC duration.4 Nevertheless, there is serious doubt about whether this increase serves the interest of the public or is as advantageous to the owner of the work as the EC may want to allege5;6. According to the EC duration preamble, the reasons for the increase are categorized as legal, social political and economic issues; however, an objective examination of these reasons however is enough to prove otherwise. Despite the overtly logical basis on which they are grounded, none of them stand in the face of critical scrutiny. The core interest of this paper is to discuss in particular the 1993 change in which the copyright protection was extended and provides evidence through a critical examination of the reason given for the fact that the mover was ill guided, in a word, a mistake. Background The background of copyright can be traced back to the 18th century and although the rules by then were nowhere near the current ones in terms of latitude and legal requirements7, the have successfully set precedent for posterity which have led to the current laws. The first copyright statute was the statute of Ann and this is the first document that recognised the author and provided a limited term of copyright of 28 years, this was first enacted in the Donaldson and Becket case in 1774. In this case, copyright was established and the original laws were supposed to protect the investment by printers and publishers as opposed to those of the authors. In-fact it was only in the 19th century that their creative genius was recognised and the creation of works become author centred as opposed to publisher and printer centred.8 One of the landmarks in the history of the copyright law in the UK was

Environmental Service Project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Environmental Service Project - Essay Example There are doing this as a way of starting a new community of the plants in different locations in the park. All these activities lead towards restoring the park by creating a complete new phase that ensures environment conservation. It was on a Sunday morning when I and my other five friends visited Lewis Park not to admire its beauty but on a volunteer service. We were not the only volunteers in the park as there were others who had also come to offer their services. The team leader divided the entire group into two smaller groups for easy management and work accomplishment. The first group was to shovel the dirt that there was on the ground. I joined the second group that had to work on several tasks. Since one of the activities at the park was trimming back plants and relocating them, we were supposed to pick up the branches from the ground (Green Seattle Partnership, 2015). You will agree that a place looks messy with branches of trees all over. We had to pick up the branches from the ground so as to make the environment look clean and smart. Some branches can be dangerous to human beings using that surrounding as they could cause injuries due to pricking. I know a friend who got infected because of getting injured by a cedar tree branch and had to undergo treatment. We were, therefore, making the environment safe for use by all the users in the park. Our group also had to rake the leaves and other small branches that we could not easily pick up with our hands. The importance of the activity was to ensure that we clear the ground entirely so as to prevent sprouting of weeds that could affect the plants. After raking the leaves and the small branches, we had to put them into a pail to make it easy for transportation. We were required to pour the leaves and branches down the hill where preservation would take place for future use as manure on the farm. It was quite

Business Studies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Business Studies - Essay Example The customers interested in jeans do view Levi Strauss as a brand that could be trusted. Thus, the positive customer perception is further bolstered by the hold that the company has over the varied aspects of the apparel business that is purchase, production, marketing and sales. Besides, the company has also made salubrious inroads into the new product lines through diversification, which portends a positive future. The company does has the financial resources at its disposal to be invested into new product lines and entering new markets. However, it does need to be mentioned that the strengths acquired by the company came with a heavy price. The company did come out with some product lines like the permanent press slacks, the denim bathing suit and the disposable sheets and towels, which did not gel with the already existing product lines and lead to considerable losses. So the company needs to avoid entering into such flop product lines (Adcock 2000, p. 90). This may jeopardize th e strong brand image of Levi Strauss and dilute customer perceptions (Reddy 1994, p. 129). ... In that sense, Levi Strauss has a viable opportunity at its disposal to garner the ascending interest of these customers by expanding into such product lines. The biggest threat that the company faces is relying predominantly on the established product lines, which may fade away soon (Gilley 2005). Besides, a less than proactive attitude may give advantage to the other established competitors. Also, expanding into product lines that do not deliver the expected customer satisfaction may dilute the brand appeal of the company. Hence, the best possible way out for the company is to expand into product lines that cater to the proceeding tastes and requirements of the already loyal customer base, while desisting from venturing into lines that rub away the exiting brand reputation, while extending unwanted advantage to the established competitors. Reference List Adcock, Dennis 2000, Marketing Strategies for Competitive Advantage, Wiley, New York. Gilligan, Colin & Wilson, Richard MS 2003, Strategic Marketing Planning, Butterworth Heinemann, Boston. Gilley, Ann 2005, The Manager as Change Leader, Praeger, Westport, CT. Golembiewski, Robert T 2000, Handbook of Organizational Consultation, Marcel Dekker, New York. Reddy, Allan C 1994, Total Quality Marketing, Quorum Books, Westport, CT. Part II. McDonald’s and the Health Conscious Consumer It goes without saying that McDonald’s has been a leading fast food brand not only in the US, but in a more current context, the world over. However, with the consumers getting more health conscious and the commensurate health trends like the rising number of obese people within the population, many of the McDonald’s existing product lines that also happened to be high calorie products are

Development of intelligence test performance Essay Example for Free

Development of intelligence test performance Essay Intelligence can be defined in several ways, ranging from broader definitions such as the ability to cope with life, to more specific definitions such as skill in problem-solving and reasoning. Intelligence tests are implemented by psychologists in order to assess such skills, and a quantitative measure of this intelligence is usually presented in the form of an IQ (intelligence quotient). IQ scores are the basis of much research into the development of intelligence test performance. One cultural factor which may have an affect on a childs measured intelligence is mother love; attachments may play a part in childrens cognitive development. This hypothesis can be tested by studying children who have been separated from an attachment object (i.e. a parent), and Skeels Dye found evidence to suggest that the formation of an attachment improves intelligence test performance. In their study, 13 of the most mentally retarded infants in an orphanage were moved to an institution for mentally retarded women, where they would form an attachment with a mildly retarded woman. Over the next four years, those who had moved had an average IQ gain of 32 points, compared with an average reduction of 21 IQ points for those who remained in the orphanage; this difference was still evident 27 years later. This study can be commended for its implications: at the time the accepted view was that IQ was constant throughout life, but the study showed that, with the right treatment, IQ can be significantly improved. Another factor in IQ development is quality of education. Schweinhart et al.s Perry Preschool Project provides evidence for this; compared to children given no pre-school education, those who had been given quality pre-school education appeared not only to have improved IQs later in life, but they were also less likely to commit crime and drop out of high school. This finding is duplicated by Operation Headstart, which provided children from disadvantaged homes with pre-school programs. There was an average IQ gain of 10 points in the first year and, although the IQ scores returned to average levels, subsequent progress such as high school graduation was higher in those who had taken part in the project. This indicates that an increased quality of education may lead to an increase in IQ. Another cultural factor that may influence the development of measured intelligence is a childs home environment. Bradley et al. Identified six factors, including parental involvement and the provision of play materials, which were significant in a childs development of intelligence, and called it the HOME inventory. If the HOME score of a child was low, a childs IQ may have declined between 10 and 20 points between the ages 1 and 3, whereas the opposite was true for those with high HOME inventory scores. This theory would be supported by Piaget and Vygotsky, the theories of both of whom suggest that the provision of age-appropriate play materials are likely to improve cognitive development. In addition, Vygotsky emphasises the role of culture in cognitive development, which is very much in line with the HOME inventory study. It may even be that diet is a cultural factor which has an influence on a childs development of intelligence. In a study by Schà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½nthaler Bier, children who had been given vitamin-mineral supplements performed better on a non-verbal IQ test than those who had been given a placebo. This supports the idea that diet has an influence on intelligence, but it it not necessarily the case that supplements improve IQ; the researchers suggested that it was a poor diet that diminished IQ, and the improved diet restored the cognitive abilities of the children who previously had a poor diet. The idea that it is environmental cultural factors, rather than race and genetic cultural factors, that have an effect on a childs intelligence test performance is supported by Scarr Weinberg, who found that both white and black children, when adopted by middle-class white families, performed better on IQ tests at age 7 than the average for their respective ethnic groups. They attributed this improvement to growing up in a culture of tests and schools, and exposure to better healthcare and socialisation. However, in a follow-up study ten years later, it was found that the black childrens IQs were not notably higher than the average for their group, indicating that an upbringing in a white, middle-class home had little or no influence on their intelligence. However, this does not necessarily indicate that it is a genetic cause, since skin colour and intelligence are believed to have very different genetic structures. It may be in indirect genetic influence, in that black children raised in a white home have lower self-expectation, or that they socialise with other black children at school (which may have more of an influence than their white, middle-class home). IQ tests have, however, been heavily criticised for lacking reliability, as an IQ result from one test can vary dramatically with an IQ result from another. Additionally, they have been criticised for being culturally biased; there are many different types of thought (e.g. language, problem-solving, pattern recognition, reasoning), and some types of thought are more valued in some cultures than in others. This may extend to sub-cultural differences between people of different socioeconomic status. For example, it has often been found that black American children perform less well on IQ tests than white children, however, Serpell (1979) found that white children performed significantly less well than black children on an IQ test aimed at black Americans. This brings into question the use of IQ tests as a valid method of measuring intelligence.