Thursday, December 26, 2019

Biases in History Text - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 10 Words: 2942 Downloads: 2 Date added: 2019/10/10 Did you like this example? Introduction For a long time, textbooks used in high schools in the United States have shown many differences in the contented which is as a result of political pressure and influences. The detectives in the information have thus affected learning in middle or high schools because at time it is very hard for learners to utilize contents of the textbooks. This paper will in different perceptions assess the information contained America middle and high school history textbooks and more precisely those used in the state of Georgia. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Biases in History Text" essay for you Create order The paper will entirely aim to dispose to the textbook users any probable instances of biasness in the books in matters of marginalizing certain groups, racism and social political issues. Analysis of fairness portrayed in the texts is the critical tool used in assessing levels of biasness in these history textbooks. Hence, there should be a manner in which the information in the texts has to be covered. History books used in Georgia have failed to use the approach where there is consistence of covering content. Middle and high school textbooks in America have portrayed some forms of racial discrimination. Furthermore, they have demonstrated to the learners that the history of black people is of less significance compared to that of whites’ people. Africa-Americans’ bias in history textbooks in America is evident in by omissions of black people culture in those texts. In fact, the history textbooks train students that Africans and all black people can only be used to give examples in specific topics including slave trade. Students in the state of Georgia disrespect black Americans because they have the perception from the history textbooks they read that blacks in America did not contribute anything significant in building the history of America. This paper highlights the biasness in the history textbooks in Georgia. To get more elaborate explanation this paper, a book titled a panorama of Georgia can be used as the main reference point. Additionally, the paper utilizes a variety of both history and economics textbook used in the states of Georgia and also different collections of sources are used to make the analysis. Literature review The books and sources used in this paper have reveled facts of racial biasness. It is evident that the history textbooks in the states of Georgia not only omit the content of black Americans but also the information about the American Indians who had significant contribution in the developments of the history in the state of Georgia. The history textbooks in America portray black Americans and Africans has contributors of slavery especially throughout the twentieth century (Mitchell, 2013). The textbooks have portrayed the whites as superior to the blacks by highlighting the unity by the Americans which makes them firm hence superiority. History textbooks which are believed to originate from the states of Georgia suggest that the American culture is exclusively based on the white culture. Thus, exempting those does not have any affiliation to white culture. Prejudice towards other races who are not whites in the states of Georgia is done in an uncharacteristic way which needs keen observation and caution to figure out. For example, biasness towards America Indians is done indirectly although there are consistent patters evident in the bias. The texts discussing the Indians America culture is biased because the whites are considered victors in conquests against Indians Americans (Woyshner Bohan, 2012). These textbooks also portray American inhabitants as of unsound mind. They emphasize on brutal actions that saw the removal of the Indians Americans from the states of Georgia. The terms used in the textbooks to describe the whites clearly show bias where Americans are considered superior and minority are demeaned. The terms used to refer to whites in most of textbooks rooted to Georgia include explorers, conquerors, scholars and wealthy (Romanowski, 2009). The use of such words was made to make it known that the whites dominate in America and also show the contrast in the way of life of whites, the American Indians and black Americans. The history textbooks of America also subject other minority groups such as the native America who were confronted with the same impediment. The texts show that the way of life of America natives was unintelligent and could not be admired by anyone (Woyshner Bohan, 2012). Both the Native Americans and Africans Americans are exemplified to have less concern to learning while the white are portrayed to be intelligent. Likewise, they are considered to have motives and drive to seek knowledge, learn more and generate new ideas and innovations. The book has been pointed out the best in provision of American history on marginalization of African Americans and American Indians. For example, it clearly describes the way America Indians were assimilated to Americans in that they had to consider banning their cultural believes and ideologies. They then had to consider adopting the American way of life so as to be allowed to continue living as American citizens and enjoy their full rights (Davidson Lytle, 1981). The book gives a clear description of the forceful eviction of those American Indians who did not comply. It goes ahead to give a similar story regarding American Africans. Some pictures of individuals who remained rigid with their ideologies, both the African American and Indian Americans have been preserved in this book. The book also displays the photos of people from these tow origins who had fully accepted assimilation and were allowed to remain American citizens. The book Georgia in American Society has also been pointed out biased by Woyshner and Bohan (2012) who in their discussion show pictures of individuals from these three diverse origins. They also give exactly three pictures of chiefs in which one of the chiefs had been fully incorporated to the American way appears posing in the manner of the other Americans (Mitchell, 2013). All these books, however, do not seem to educate that the American native culture still exist but seem against the notion. The authors seem to impart to the students the superiority or the notion that American native culture still exist is no longer necessary. Across all schools in the United States, the various economic textbooks have also played a very significant role in the shaping the curricular. An example is the Modern Secondary Economics Textbooks And Ideological Bias, by Bruce Romanish which is believed to have played a very significant role in the modification of the curriculum for all American secondary schools. It is save among the various secondary school teachers on its relevance to provide the teacher other best to impart to the students the knowledge on the biasness ideology contained in high school (Paxton, 1999). It is, however, very significant to note that the content of the text is biased in that it presents a single perspective from the topic can be approached. As it is usually wholly true, economics normally comprise certain ideologies which are almost presenting a steep competition with some significant contradictions that instigates divergent perceptions amongst individuals since they can never be perceived similarly. The books seem to dominate some particular biased ideology to high school economic learning centrally to the ideologies of the other origins other than the United States (Woyshner Bohan, 2012). This affiliation to economic theories is explicitly biased towards the other cultures and races as portrayed by the various other economic books. This is contrary to the economic learning assertion that the relating theories should not be socially or politically biased but embraces the prevailing interaction of the social cultures in the specified society. It is therefore significant for the learners and the writers to exemplify impartiality of other ideologies apart from those that they are bone with or have adopted. It is significant in the study of economics to concisely consider that the students should be provided with the relevant knowledge which is objective and does not seek to instill cultural, social, political or religious oriented ideologies to the readers (Davidson Lytle, 1981). The textbooks should explicitly explain all the concepts and theories in a non-biased and objective business like language which is applicable in curbing the impending global economics. This book again gives an evidence of culture and social bias in a rude manner â€Å"where economics education predisposes pupils to accept one set of values or doctrines in preference to another set† (Theory and Research in Social Education 1983, p.5). According to Jean Anyon, texts based on economics may be subject to criticism for bias if they leave out certain facts or alternatively, because some of their emphasis are hard to comprehend. Over the years in the American middle school and high schools, history textbooks were used in teaching. After research analysis conducted it was proved that most of the history text books were biased. The different ideologies and theories contained in the books are written based on the Americans thoughts and opinions ignoring other parties’ ideologies. The biasness involved is well displayed in Michael romanowski’s book. EXCLUDING ETHICAL ISSUES FROM U.S HISTORY TEXTBOOK: 911 AND THE WAR ON TERROR. According to Romanowski, most of the textbooks he analyzed based on the attack dated September 11th in the United States did not address the attackers’ motive (Romanowski, 2009). Most of the textbooks emphasized on Osama bin laden and were trying to conclude that the attack had been predetermined. In addition, the books defined Osama bin laden as an extremist Muslim leader under the Al-Qaida group. In most of the books, he analyzed the overall terrorist issue was not discussed as a global problem (Paxton, 1999). Most of the literature contained in the books was linking terrorism with Muslims. In addition the textbooks used in the middle and high classes were attributed to hatred since the associated the Islamic faith with terrorism. After further analysis Romanowaski found out that some of the literature contained in the books was focused on the theory that Osama bin laden came from a wealthy Saudi Arabian family. The books further claimed that bin laden went to Afghanistan to fight the soviet invasion (Romanowski, 2009). Osama bin laden is also accused of forming the Islamic revolution by claiming that for the revolution to be a success America had to be destroyed. All the history books analyzed were not distinguishing the Islamic faith from terrorism (Billington, 2016).  The articles further elaborates Osama bin laden’s perspective on what entails the Islamic faith. The analysis by Romanowaski proved that the books outlined that Osama’s views of the outside world were centered on his Islamic ideologies. Generally if the aforementioned articles are read by middle school or high school students, they are likely to influence their way of thinking. In addition they will generally portray Islamic religion as a terrorist religion to the readers. Other texts analyzed include articles by Nash in the book American Odyssey which according to Romanowaski can be very influential if read by students. The literature in the book argues that most of the Middle East nations were not happy with the United States support to Israel. In addition, Nash argues that the Islamic nations were opposed to the western culture since to them it was contradicting with the Islamic values (FitzGerald, 1980).  After fighting the war in Afghanistan, the Middle East nations gained confidence according to Nash. This confidence led to the ideology that it was also possible to eradicate the western culture. Since the United States was one of the super powers it became the ideal target. According to Nash these were the reasons which led to the attack dated September 11th in America. Generally, Romanowaski defines the above sentiments as a case of bias (Lovorn, 2017). The content in the textbooks truly undermines the Islamic faith. In addition, the ideologies imposed on the readers of the text books are that Islamic faith is linked to the terrorism during that historical time. The information Nash’s literature basically outlines how America views the Middle East countries. The conflicting ideologies in the books are most likely to cause hatred between the nations. Another case of bias is disclosed in the reporting of the Taliban war in Afghanistan. Many history books used by middle and high school students define the war as a defeat of the Taliban by Americans. In addition the literature in the textbooks defines the defeat as the end of the Taliban five year rule (Romanowski, 1996). The article further praises the Americans for defeating the Taliban. This is a true case of political bias since the articles ignore the role of soldiers and civilians during the war who were injured. In addition the articles major on the American defeat but ignore the state of the Afghanistan nation after the war. Hence the authors generally mislead the historic textbook readers by trying to outline that the Taliban war was an easy task for Americans. The great depression: A textbook case of problems with based on American history written by Steven l. miller and Stephen A. Rose displays another case of bias in history texts. The articles in the book basically majo r on the great depressing on Americas economy (Miller Rose, 1983). The economic challenges as defined by the book ranged from income inequality to excess production. The history text involves bias since it majors on one element out of sixteen. According to the books, the economic challenge was caused by the failure on part of the Federal Reserve. In addition, the book also creates to readers the ideology that the economic challenge was also as a result of government failure. Most of the American banks according to miller and rose had confidence in the Federal Reserve as a strong financial institution. Notably, only a few of the numerous expectations on the part of Federal Reserve System were realized. Consequently, the failure had far-reaching implications including joblessness, misery just to mention but a few. The year 1931 came along with some hope of a picking economy clearly signaling a comeback and possibly restoring Americans’ economic lives. Unfortunately, another wave of shocks and panics resurfaced across the economy (Davidson Lytle, 1981). Since it is only the Federal Reserve System that was tasked to counter their effects, the previously noted defaults again culminated into another failure in rectifying the situation. Due to the repeated shrink, Brownlee 1979 as cited by Miller and Rose (1983) noted that Britain chose to pull out of the gold standard. Arguably, this escalated the already worsened situation of the banking institutions. In an effort to find a solution, the Federal Reserve System was once again tasked to chart a way forward for the banking industr y. In this regard, the system initiated a policy framework restricting open market buying and shooting the discount rates upwards; this was termed the absolute opposite of the expectations of many and led to another failure (FitzGerald, 1980). These repeated failures by the Federal Reserve System attracted heavy criticism from economic experts of the time. Brownlee 1979 noted a concluding statement adopted by a majority of them that ‘certainly money policy was not the only cause of the severity and persistence of depressed conditions between 1929 and 1933, but just as certainly, it was a sufficient cause’ (FitzGerald, 1980). Miller and Rose’s admission that according to their own review of at least sixteen of the history books on this matter, the actions of FRS were hardly highlighted by such books was a clear bias on their part. The statement was fundamentally insensitive of the numerous economic challenges bestowed upon the ordinary citizens by the ignorant actions of the Federal Reserve System at the time. In the entirety of their work, Miller and Rose purportedly identified only one incidence they could link the Federal Reserve System to the economic recession of the time as noted by Davidson and Ly tle’s (1981). In her article on the Washington Post, Valerie Strauss (2014) illustrated how critical investigations are done by the human rights activist groups in the united states laid bare blatant inconsistencies on the parts of U.S and History textbooks, American government books, Religion in World textbooks and the infamous World Geography books. In her work, she sought to prove why these institutional textbooks did not meet the threshold capacity to outdo the application of the then newly imposed set of American social studies textbooks (Blumberg, 2015). The social studies textbooks were compiled from original articles that had a varied academic orientation. Some of these textbooks were clearly racist; advancing mischievous agendas against the black race in the United States, a further section of the books was evidently a critic of the Christian religion (Strauss, 2014). Failure of the Economic and the Geography textbooks to notice the serious flaws of the American Capitalism Ideology by pointing at its faults topped up on the challenges of these American history textbooks. The textbooks were notably unable to commit some level of attention to a substantive section of the American people primarily the Natives. Additionally, the books were used to teach biased knowledge regarding the culture of the Native American population to the Middle and High school students. Most of these history textbooks as well were to blame for failing to acknowledge the existence and originality of the LGBT American community and their groups (Tobin Ybarra, 2008). Arguably, a majority of these books dedicated negligible efforts towards tracing the circumstances that led to the formation of the LGBT groups and ensuring an extension of equal civic rights to this section of the American people. David Sadker (n.d) acknowledges that in spite of the ban and continued criticism directed to the U.S history books on grounds of race and religious biases, they to date form an important section of the teaching materials in the country among the Middle and High School levels and even at college levels of education (Sadker, 2017).

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Euthanasia And Assisted Suicide Should Be Legal - 1611 Words

When the topic of euthanasia or assisted suicide is spoke about usually it is only whispered, people don’t like to speak about death but are very out spoken when it comes to enjoying your life and being free. There are many reasons why people in society believe that it is morally wrong but who are we to tell a person that is suffering and can take it no more they aren’t allowed to end their own life even though that’s what that person wants? Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide should be made legal in the United States because while it is morally wrong in some people’s eyes, it can help end peoples pain when they decide to do so because people have the right die, it has already been legalized in another states, but most importantly is not our decision as a society to decide that for anyone but ourselves. Though there are many types of euthanasia like in active euthanasia a person directly and deliberately causes the patient s death. In passive euthanasia they don t directly take the patient s life, they just allow them to die. This is a morally unsatisfactory distinction, since even though a person doesn t actively kill the patient, they are aware that the result of their inaction will be the death of the patient. Active euthanasia is when death is brought about by an act like when a person is killed by being given an overdose of pain-killers. Passive euthanasia is when someone lets that person die with knowing the outcome. This can be by withdrawing or withholdingShow MoreRelatedEuthanasia And Assisted Suicide Should Be Legal1241 Words   |  5 PagesThere has been an ongoing battle whether or not euthanasia or physician assisted suicide should be legal. Whether or not is ethical for a physician to assist in a person s death. Euthanasia or assisted suicide is causing the death of a person who is disease, suffering from a condition that is not curable. To end their suffering the individuals end their lives, but are important to keep in consideration that in order for the individual to make such a big decision they must be in the right state ofRead MoreEuthanasia And Physician Assisted Suicide Should Be Legal Essay1755 Words   |  8 Pagesthat, â€Å"According to research, some 66% of U.S. adults believe that a doctor or nurse should allow a patient to die in certain circumstances† (25 Surprising Physician Assisted Suicide Statistics, 2014). Physician-assisted suicide or euthanasia should not just be a matter of law but as well as free will. In this essay, I am using a virtue approach to contend that euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide should be legal. Is it moral to allow people to end their lives suffering? It helps people, savesRead MoreShould Euthanasia or Physician Assisted Suicide Be Legal1818 Words   |  8 Pages  Should Euthanasia o r Physician Assisted Suicide be Legal?         One day while interning at the Animal Clinic of Bay Ridge I witnessed something so cruel. This middle-aged shiatsu was dropped off at the animal clinic. Mind you, the owners didn’t even bother to come in the room with the dog. As I played with the dog until he would be â€Å"putdown† I wondered why in the world someone would put such a lovely dog down is unimaginable. Despite being sorry for the dog I feel euthanizing both animals and humanRead MoreEuthanasia And Assisted Suicide Should Be Legalized Essay1221 Words   |  5 Pages The Oxford English Dictionary states that euthanasia is a gentle and easy death (Oxford English Dictionary). According to the Oxford English Dictionary, active euthanasia is the ending of a terminally ill person s life by direct intervention, such as administering a lethal dose of painkilling drug (Oxford English Dictionary). While passive euthanasia according to the Oxford English Dictionary is the withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining medical treatment in the knowledge that the personRead MoreShould Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide Be Legalized?825 Words   |  4 PagesLeonard Should Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide be Legalized? Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide should become legal in the United States and all US territories. Though Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide are not the same and are separate acts, they both serve the same purpose, which is to follow the desire of a person with terminal illness to end their life without legal consequences. This same right should extend to family members and guardians of people unable to act for themselves. The current legal situationRead MorePhysician Assisted Suicide is NOT Ethical Essay1347 Words   |  6 PagesIs physician assisted suicide morally right? This has been a controversial subject for some time now. People are wondering whether or not it is the most humane thing to do. If dogs can be putdown, why not people? The reason is in that question. They are people. Every life is important, no matter how long it may be. Instead of finding a way to get rid of people faster, the government could put those efforts in something more positive. If other people are conside ring whether or not the patients’ lifeRead MoreEthical and Legal Debates on Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia Essay1503 Words   |  7 Pagesregarding the debatable subject of euthanasia and assisted suicide, have been questioned frequently by society. Though the question may never be answered between euthanasia and assisted suicide being right or wrong, the fact of the matter is that people are still choosing their fate. In America, euthanasia refers to a person knowingly, and purposely taking another persons life, or in a more factual meaning killing someone who in fact couldn’t kill himself. Euthanasia also known as â€Å"mercy killing† isRead MoreEuthanasia And Physician Assisted Suicide983 Words   |  4 Pageshave different perspectives and views on Euthanasia or Physician-assisted suicide and how they should or should not be legal. In some cases people feel as if the patient who are suffering from a terminal painful disease should have the right to commit suicide in other cases people feel as if the patient is being selfish to end their life when you have loved ones that are going to suffer because they killed themselves. People feel it should or should not be legal because of right to die, living willsRead MorePhysician Assisted Suicide Is Not Considered Admissible949 Words   |  4 PagesPhysician assisted suicide- the voluntary termination of one’s own life by administ ration of a lethal substance with the direct or indirect assistance of a physician, and euthanasia, the painless killing of a patient suffering from an incurable, painful disease are both highly emotional and contentious subjects. Some argue physician assisted suicide (P.A.S.) is admissible for someone who is dying and trying to painlessly break free from the intolerable suffering at the end of their life, and someRead MoreIs Euthanasia A Lethal Injection?1269 Words   |  6 Pagesto death, veterinarians will inform the owner on options of euthanasia or â€Å"putting the pet to sleep.† While the owner officially has to make the decision of putting the pet out of it’s pain or misery with a lethal injection. In the case of humans, rather than animals, whether or not a lethal injection should be given is a highly argued ethical and economical matter. In this paper, peoples’ cultures and how they affect the view of euthanasia, will be discussed along with the cost of medical procedures

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Identification Of An Unknown Sample Of Bacteria †Free Samples

Question: Discuss about the Identification Of An Unknown Sample Of Bacteria. Answer: Introduction Background and Significance of the Study One of the important aspects of the microbiology is identification of the unknown bacterial sample. One of the basic and the sole pillar of the bacterial identification, which have been used in microbiology since time immemorial is Grams staining. It classifies bacteria into two groups, gram positive and gram negative based on their cell wall composition. However, with the advancement of technology and research, several different methods and procedures have been elucidated into order to classify the bacteria on the basis of their shape, presence of flagella, endospore, fermenting capability and also on the basis of oxygen requirement or respiration (aerobic and aneorobic bacteria). Aim of the Study The aim of the study is to elucidate identify unknown bacterial sample based on the application of the several microbiogical identification techniques. Objectives The aim objective of the study is to identify the gram positive/negative strain of the bacteria, Identify the external outline of the bacteria, Identify the lactose fermenting capacity of the bacteria, Identify the peroxidase activity of the bacteria, Identify whether the bacteria is facultative anaerobe, anaerobe, obligate anaerobe or aerobic bacteria. Differential staining and the use of differential media help to identify specific group or bacteria amidst different strains of bacteria. A bacterium can react differently with nutrient s provided in the differential media and thus helps in the identification. Differential techniques to identify bacteria had been used, like Eosin methylene blue plates, Mannitol agar tests, catalase oxidation and the oxidase tests, depending upon the ability of the unknown bacteria to perform the catalase activity. The experiment further focuses on the oxidative fermentation of the facultative anaerobe that helps to identify the bacteria. The fermentat ive property of the bacteria has a wide range of application in the fermentative industry. They have a wide range of application in the food, beverage, and bakery and breweries industry. The process of fermentation is used in the food processing industry for converting carbohydrates into alcohol. Microorganisms such as yeast or bacteria that employ anaerobic respiration are used in this process. Widely consumed fermented foods that are processed by bacteria are vinegar, cheese, yoghurt. Escherichia coli are used for the production of ethanol, lactate, succinate and acetate. Methods In this method the bacteria has been subjected to differential staining. Differential staining is normally done to identify a specific strain of bacteria in comparison to the other bacteria. Different types of bacteria can have different types of reactions with the particular type of stains used. Few techniques that have been used in the identification of the unknown bacteria have been provided. Confirmatory tests Eosin methylene blue plates- Eosin Methylene blue is used to determine the gram negative enteric rod shaped bacteria hence gram positive and gram negative bacteria can be distinguished from the following differential staining. Eosin and methylene blue helps in inhibiting the growth of the gram positive bacteria and helps to identify the gram negatives (Wills et al.2014). The two dyes present in this stain helps to indicate the lactose fermentors and the non lactose fermenters. The lactose fermentors produce colonies with clear borders and dark centers. The non lactose fermentors form colorless colonies. Mannitol agar- The mannitol agar can be used to identify the staphylococci group of bacteria. Staphyloccoccus bacteria cannot use mannitol as their nuytrient and hence produce colorless colonies (Hemraj et al.2013). The group of bacteria that can utilize mannitol can turn the mannitol agar plate yellow and hence can be identified. Catalase oxidation- Some bacteria produces flavoprotiens that can bring about reduction of oxygen with the production of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide. These free radicals are harmful and they can destroy the bacterial cells (Hemraj et al.2013). There are certain obligate and facultative anaerobes that contain the enzyme superoxide dismutase that helps in the destruction of the super oxide and they can also produce catalase or peroxidase that neutralizes the hydrogen peroxide (Borisov et al.2013) This catalase activity can be detected by the addition of the hydrogen peroxide a substrate to tryptic soy agar slant. A bacteria producing catalase will be able to produce oxygen case which can be determined by the bubbles released. This is recognized as a useful method in detecting the catalytic activity of bacteria. 2O2- + 2H+ O2 + H2O2 (Action of Superoxide dismutase) 2H2O2 2H2O + O2 (Action of Peroxidase) Oxidase- The oxidase cytochrome test involves addition of an oxygen test strip containing tetramethyl-p-phenylenediaminedihydrocholoride or an Oxidase Disk, p-amino-dimethylaniline. The oxidase test reagent is light pink in color and acts as the substrate and donates electrons to the cytochrome oxidase produced by the bacteria, which can turn the strip to dark purple due to the presence of free oxygen. A dark purple coloration is the indication of positive result. Oxidation fermentation Test- This test was done to differentiate between the gram positive and the gram-negative bacteria on the basis glucose fermentation (Hemraj et al. 2013). Further concentration of the bacteria has been measure by diluting them and measuring the optical density at 660 nm. Results- General Observation The nutrient agar plate over which the unknown bacterial sample was grown overnight at 37 degree centigrade in the incubator showed that the bacteria colonies are circular in shape with a convex elevation and a smooth outer margin. Gram staining observation of the unknown sample Pink coloured colonies had been found which determines gram-negative bacteria. Metabolic profiling: In the Eosin methylene blue agar, the unknown sample showed growth with a greenish metallic sheen, which indicates Escherichia coli bacteria, which has been able to ferment lactose. In the Mannitol agar plate, the unknown inoculums showed no change in color. Catalase activity: Bubbles were formed on the plates as soon as it is reacted with the hydrogen peroxide indicating catalase activity of the bacteria. Oxidase activity: The oxidase test reagent showed a dark purple color which indicated a positive test for the bacteria having the oxidase enzyme. Oxidation/Fermentation test: Table 1 If the open assay produces yellow coloration then it gives indication that the organism has oxidized as well as fermented. A green coloration signifies no reaction with the glucose. For closed assay, yellow coloration indicates fermentation and a green colour signifies that the bacteria has not reacted with the glucose and has not oxidized. Yellow result is obtained in the unknown sample both in the open and in the closed assay which is same as that of Escherichia coli which indicates that the bacteria is Escherichia coli. No Oil (open assay) Oil (closed assay) Result yellow green Oxidation of glucose yellow yellow Fermentation of glucose green green no action on glucose Table 2 It can be seen that the colonies obtained from the unknown sample is same as that of the Escherichia coli. The orange colored colonies are due to the production of gluconic acid. The orange colour at the top indicates that the fermentation has occurred at the top due to oxidation and no glucose utilization had taken place at the bottom. Name of the bacteria With paraffin Without Paraffin Bifidobacterium Orange colour, colonies visible All green colored colonies Pseudomonas fluorescens Green colonies, no colour visible Orange top , green bottom Escherichia coli Green on bottom, orange on top colonies Orange on top, green at the bottom, Unknown bacteria Green on bottom, orange on top, Escherichia coli colonies visible Orange on top and green at the bottom , colonies visible Table 3 The spectrometric results obtained are as follows- It can be seen as the dilution increases the absorbance at 600 nm decreases as the concentration of bacteria decreases. Dilution Absorbance(600 nm) 0.224 0.141 1/8 0.100 1/16 0.075 Results The unknown bacterial sample showed round colonies with convex elevation and a continuous margin. This signifies that the margin of the unknown bacterial sample is smooth and continuous (Harrigan, Wilkie and Margaret 2014). The gram staining of the isolated single concave bacterial colony provided pink color, indicating gram-negative strain of bacteria (Carter et al 2012). The stained slide when viewed under the light microscope, it showed a tubular structure and no motility was detected. The gram-negative rod was then subjected to metabolic profiling in order to detect the lactose fermentation. When plated over Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) Agar, the gram-negative bacterial sample provided metallic green to blue colour colonies (positive result). The blue color signified that the gram-negative bacterial sample is successful in fermenting lactose. This lactose fermenting gram negative rod was then plated over the mannitol agar and no colour change was observed. This test acts as a secon d confirmatory test, proving that is a gram negative rod and not a gram negative Staphylococcus coccus (Bautista-Trujillo et al. 2013). The lactose fermenting gram negative rod is then checked for the catalaze activity and it showed positive results with the emission of bubbles, indicating the bacterial sample has active catalaze or peroxidase enzyme enzyme and hence do not fall into the category of the strict anerobes (Iwase et al. 2013). The oxidation fermentation test proved that the bacterium is facultative anaerobe. The unknown bacterial sample reacted in the same way as that of the Escherichia coli in the both the open (no paraffin oil attached at the top) and at the closed (paraffin oil taached) systems. This indicates that the unknown bacterial sample could be Escherichia coli. Important Findings The importance of the findings showed that the bacteria is gram negative in nature and that means it has thin layer of peptidoglycan with an outer layer of thick Lipo-polysaccharide membrane (LPS). In EMB agar, the Eosin Y and methylene blue are pH indicator it distinguish between lactose fermenting and nonlactose fermenting bacteria. The lactose fermenters produce dark colonies with clear borders while the non-lactose fermenters produce colourless colonies. The importance of Mannitol salt agar test lies in the fact that it hsowed that the sample is not Staphylococci. Mannitol-using bacteria produce yellow colour and the bacteria which do not use Mannitol shows no change in the colony (De Visscher et al. 2014). The importance of catalse test is, the bacteria, which contains flavoproteins reduce oxygen to produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or superoxide (O2-). H2O2 is an extremely toxic oxidising agent that destroys the cellular constituents. Obligate aerobes/facultative anaerobes contains enzymes, superoxide dismutase that catalyses H2O2 into harmless water and oxygen. 2O2- + 2H+ O2 + H2O2 (enzyme: Superoxide dismutase) 2H2O2 2H2O + O2 (enzyme: Catalase or peroxidise) Such catalase production and activity can be detected by using substrate for H2O2 or the oxygen thus produced emits bubbles giving the positivity of the test (Hemraj et al. 2012). The importance of the oxidase test helps in the identification of the bacteria that has cytochrome C oxidase activity and finally the importance of the oxidation and fermentation reaction. The oxidative-fermentative (OF) test was first developed by the famous microbiologist Hugh and Leifson in the year of 1953. They developed OF media in order to differentiate between the oxidative bacteria (that is capable of producing acid from carbohydrates (glucose to pyruvic acid) under strict aerobic condition or supply of oxygen only) and fermentative bacteria (that is capable of producing acid both under aerobic and anaerobic conditions). The principle of PF test is the gram-negative rods metabolize glucose into pyruvate via fermentation or by aerobic respiration (oxidatively). During the anaerobic respiration, pyruvate is converted into weak acids (pyruvic acids) depending on the type of fermentation. This high concentration of acid produced as a result of the fermentation, turns the bromthy mol blue indicator in the OF media from green to yellow. The non-fermenting gram-negative bacteria metabolize glucose via aerobic respiration and thus produce weak acids during glycolysis and hence produce difference in colour. They also fail to survive in the absence of oxygen and fail to undergo fermentation (Bhuyar et al. 2012). The process of fermentation is used in the food processing industry for converting carbohydrates into alcohol. Microorganisms such as yeast or bacteria that employ anaerobic respiration are used in this process. Widely consumed fermented foods that are processed by bacteria are vinegar, cheese, yoghurt. Escherichia coli are used for the production of ethanol, lactate, succinate and acetate (Frster, Andreas and Johannes et al. 2014). Conclusion Thus from the above study, it can be concluded that the unknown bacterial sample is Escherichia coli. The bacteria is gram negative and features rod shape. The bacterium is also show to give positive result in the oxidation/fermentation reaction. Gaps in the research There are several gaps in the identification study. In the future research procedure, there must be provision or steps to determine the external configuration of the bacteria with the help of the background staining or negative staining (Murray et al. 2015), determination of the flagella (live staining) and endospore (with the help of the endospore staining) (Mahon et al. 2014). References Bautista-Trujillo, G. U., J. L. Solorio-Rivera, I. Renteria-Solorzano, S. I. Carranza-German, J. A. Bustos-Martinez, R. I. Arteaga-Garibay, V. M. Baizabal-Aguirre, M. Cajero-Juarez, A. Bravo-Patino, and J. J. Valdez-Alarcon. "Performance of culture media for the isolation and identification of Staphylococcus aureus from bovine mastitis."Journal of medical microbiology62, no. 3 (2013): 369-376. Bhuyar, G., S. Jain, H. Shah, and V. K. Mehta. "Urinary tract infection by Chryseobacterium indologenes."Indian journal of medical microbiology30, no. 3 (2012): 370. Borisov, Vitaliy B., Elena Forte, Albert Davletshin, Daniela Mastronicola, Paolo Sarti, and Alessandro Giuffr. "Cytochrome bd oxidase from Escherichia coli displays high catalase activity: an additional defense against oxidative stress."FEBS letters587, no. 14 (2013): 2214-2218. Carter, Grace R., and John R. Cole Jr, eds.Diagnostic procedure in veterinary bacteriology and mycology. Academic Press, 2012. De Visscher, Anneleen, Freddy Haesebrouck, Sofie Piepers, Wannes Vanderhaeghen, Karlien Supr, F. Leroy, E. Van Coillie, and Sarne De Vliegher. "Assessment of the suitability of mannitol salt agar for growing bovine-associated coagulase-negative staphylococci and its use under field conditions."Research in veterinary science95, no. 2 (2013): 347-351. El-Hadedy, Doaa, and Salwa Abu El-Nour. "Identification of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli isolated from Egyptian food by conventional and molecular methods."Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology10, no. 1 (2012): 129-135. Harrigan, Wilkie F., and Margaret E. McCance.Laboratory methods in microbiology. Academic press, 2014. Hemraj, Vashist, S. H. A. R. M. A. Diksha, and G. U. P. T. A. Avneet. "A review on commonly used biochemical test for bacteria."Innovare Journal of Life Science1, no. 1 (2013): 1-7. Hemraj, Vashist, S. H. A. R. M. A. Diksha, and G. U. P. T. A. Avneet. "A review on commonly used biochemical test for bacteria."Innovare Journal of Life Science1, no. 1 (2013): 1-7. Iwase, Tadayuki, Akiko Tajima, Shinya Sugimoto, Ken-ichi Okuda, Ippei Hironaka, Yuko Kamata, Koji Takada, and Yoshimitsu Mizunoe. "A simple assay for measuring catalase activity: a visual approach."Scientific reports3 (2013): 3081. Mahon, Connie R., Donald C. Lehman, and George Manuselis.Textbook of Diagnostic Microbiology-E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences, 2014. Murray, Patrick R., Ken S. Rosenthal, and Michael A. Pfaller.Medical microbiology. Elsevier Health Sciences, 2015. Prescott, Lansing M., J. P. Harley, and D. A. Klein. "Microbiology. 5th."McGrawJHill Higher Education(2005). Willis, A. Trevor.Anaerobic bacteriology: clinical and laboratory practice. Butterworth-Heinemann, 2014.

Monday, December 2, 2019

Symbolism in the Metamorphisis by Franz Kafka free essay sample

The Metamorphosis, a novella written by Franz Kafka, the author demonstrates a connection between the transformation of the protagonist, Gregor Samsa, into dirty vermin to he isolated condition of human kind. The similarities between Gregors isolation and humans is revealed through symbolism. And through many symbols, the entire novella depicts an allegory of isolation and alienation. Throughout this allegory, Kafka does not reveal the meaning of the story outwardly. Instead his use of symbols guide the reader and help to reveal the hidden agenda of the novella. A major symbol used in The Metamorphosis, is vermin or the dung beetle. The transformation of Gregor into the dung beetle is chosen opposed to something else due to the fact it is a repulsive, unhygienic creature. Humans have a natural aversion to organisms such as these thus portraying his enhanced isolation from his family. This also relates to the overall isolation of the human condition. We will write a custom essay sample on Symbolism in the Metamorphisis by Franz Kafka or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Lansburg states When in society any group of men characterized by anomalous taste or social or racial heredity is de-nounced as vermin there will always be one group that will from then on see nothing but the other others rottenness,, and another fraction within the scorned group that will think and act as if they had truly been transformed into vermin, this quote relates to how Gregor felt. In the beginning of the novella, the reader is informed that Gregor is undertaking a great psychological stress, he has devoted his time to supporting his family with his demanding job as a traveling salesmen. His job of deep isolation and no human relationships results in Gregor actually becoming or perhaps believing he is a vermin, just as Lansburg described in the quote, when one is treated like vermin they will begin to act like it. Another symbol used to depict isolation and a need for a human relationship is the picture of the women in fur, which Gregor cut out of a glossy magazine and lodged in a pretty frame. It showed a lady done up in a fur hat and fur boa, sitting up right and raising up against the viewer a heavy fur muff in which her whole forearm had disappeared. This photograph depicts an allegory of Gregors link to humanity. In the first chapter, Gregors relationship with a magazine cut-out, rather a real women, portrays his alienation from other humans, representing his personal human identity hes lost. The glass in the frame, acts as a block between humanity and himself, reminding him that humanity is out of his reach. Furthermore this symbolizes human loneliness and longing for contact with others, for Gregor can not actually interact with the photo. The entire novella, The Metamorphosis, is in itself an allegory. The reader is left to infer many different events in the novella, which is due to the many interpretations of it. The reader could infer that Gregor is only an insect in a moral or psychological sense, and that perhaps this metamorphosis occurred as a subconscious way to escape his obligations for his family. However, the many symbols throughout the novella depict a strong message that human kind over all falls victim in many ways to isolation. Gregor is the main allegory which demonstrates human kinds alienation and loss of human connection, the author does so by transforming Gregor into a filthy dung beetle.