Banisteriopsis caapi :: Botany

Banisteriopsis caapi "It was thirty minutes before I felt the first sensation, a numbness on the lips, and a warmth in my stomach that spread to my chest and shoulders even as a distinct chill moved down my waist and lower limbs...I opened my eyes to a flash of light, a passing headlight on the road, harsh and intrusive. I retreated again and felt myself fade into an uncomfortable physical body, prostrate on the mat, and tormented by vertigo and a mounting nausea" (Davis 1996). This account describes the beginning feelings and affects of an experience between Wade Davis and yage, a drink whose main component is the plant Banisteriopsis caapi. Banisteriopsis caapi is a plant found in the tropical regions of South America, including the countries of Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and more. It is a liana that grows in the tropical forests of these regions and is often utilized in native tribe cultures. Many different aboriginal tribes of the Amazon rainforests use drinks prepared from this plant under many different names: ayahuasca, caapi, yage, yaje, natem, datem, pinde, dapa, and more. It has been used in various tribe cultures for years and still has a place in today's societies and religions. Banisteriopsis of the Malpighiaceae, is a genus of around one hundred species of plants in tropical America. Three of these are known for their hallucinogenic affects in ayahuasca. These three plants are B. inebriens, B. caapi (Schultes 1970) and B. quitensis (Schultes 1995). The best known of these three species and the main component of ayahuasca is B. caapi. When the drink ayahuasca is made, it is often supplemented with other plants that provide hallucinogenic properties to the drink. There are many species of plants, stretching across genera, that are added. Some of the plants included in these various admixtures are Diplopterys cabrerana, Psychotria viridis, and Psychotria carthaginensis. There are also members of the Solanaceae that are commonly used, Nicotiana species, Brugmansia species, and Brunfelsia species (Schultes and von Reis 1995). These plants bring different chemical constituents to the drink. The chemical components of Banisteriopsis caapi that cause the hallucinogenic effect are beta-carboline alkaloids found in the bark. More than nine alkaloids have been isolated in B. caapi. The three main active constituents, and most well known from this plant, are harmine, harmaline, and tetrahydroharmine. Other beta-carboline alkoloids include harmine-N-oxide, harmic acid methylester, harmalinic acid, harmic amide, and more (Kawanishi et al 1982).

Examine the reasons for changes in the educational attainment of males

Examine the reasons for changes in the educational attainment of males and females in recent years (20 marks) For the past recent years girls have significantly outperformed boys in educational attainment and this is due to a number of factors. The GCSE results for 2000 and 2001 shows the degree to which the percentage of girls achieving grades A*-C exceeded that of boys. In 2002, 62.4% of female GCSE entrants achieved grades A*-C, compared with 53.4% of males. Research published in 2003 shows that the gap between girls and boys widens as they grow older. The most recent barrier which is being broken down is that of university entry. The most recent official figures for a gender breakdown in university admission are from 2001. These show that while 43% of all young people entered higher education, the figure for girls was 46.7% and for boys 40.4% Joan Gannod drew a number of conclusions as to why this was. One reason is for the ‘lad culture’ that resides in numerous schools. The attitude that school is â€Å"uncool†, an anti-social culture working against learning. Keith Shipman and Keith Hicks identified that the presence of friends in a group make you work less. That boys saw looking cool as being more important than being studious. Also, Paul Willis identified that working class boys were much susceptible to this as it was the middle class values that were prized in the classroom via the hidden curriculum which influenced the boys into working against the education system. Another theorist, Peter Woods In The Divided School (1979) argued that boys are more concerned with the approval of their peer group than the approval of their teachers. Another further reason is the lack of role models for boys, p... ...he number of girls expressing professional career hopes such as doctors, lawyers, scientists, etc. Sharpe has argued that these changes in attitudes towards marriage and work are factors in explaining why girls are performing better at school than they were twenty years ago. I think that the interactionist perspective for example, Peter Woods is successful in theory, as he believes that it provides information which could lead to better teaching and a reduction in conflict and deviance within schools however this Marxist approach has its limitations and its main focus is from a macro perspective and does not appear to focus on each individual. The relative uniformity of meanings that lie behind what counts as knowledge and ability, suggests that such meanings are not simply constructed in the classroom but rather they have a wider and fundamental basis.

Two Neighborhoods

We'd make casual small conversation on Saturday mornings when no one had to work and we watched the kids play. We'd also go to the pool In the summer as another way for conversation and fun for everyone. Another good thing about that neighborhood was that it was in such a convenient location. My family and I were within walking distance from my high school, local gyms, flea markets and more. I was able to walk to any of these places whenever I wanted. Unfortunately, this all changed when my parents told my two younger brothers and me that we had to downgrade and move bout give minutes away.Originally I thought to myself, â€Å"that's not too bad†, but my thought was devastatingly wrong. Overtime I would figure this out. In this neighborhood I found that my ex-boyfriend lives one short block over from mine. Seeing him every morning on the bus to school was never the highlight of my day. Then, just when I thought I'd have a relief, summer came around. Of course, we both wanted t o be at the neighborhood pool all the time, so it was like I couldn't escape from him. Not only that disappoints me about this neighborhood, but also, we have to made as many friends in this neighborhood as the previous one.People just aren't as friendly and neighborly. People in this neighborhood hardly ever speak to one another. Also, this neighborhood, opposite to the one before, is farther away from all the attractions. I hate to be a complainer but the first neighborhood was just much better. That neighborhood is the opposite of this one and would easily be titled the best one my family and I have lived in since living in Charlotte NC. By Tiaras It was the year of 2007 that my family and I moved to our first house in Blatantly.In friendships with our other neighbors in that neighborhood. Everyone was so friendly amongst one another. We'd all show common curtsey and wave to those we'd see. And we watched the kids play. We'd also go to the pool in the summer as another way any of these places whenever I wanted. Unfortunately, this all changed when my Then, Just when I thought I'd have a relief, summer came around. Of course, we both not made as many friends in this neighborhood as the previous one. People Just from all the attractions. I hate to be a complainer but the first neighborhood was Just

EGT1 †Economics and Global Business Applications Essay

Elasticity of demand is a measure of responsiveness to a price change of a good or service. When demand is elastic, the percentage of a price change of a product will result in a larger percentage of quantity demanded (McConnell, p 77). It basically means reducing the price of a good service will result in a greater quantity demanded and an increase in revenue for the seller. When demand is inelastic, a change in price will result in a reduction of quantity demanded, which will then lead to a revenue decrease (McConnell, p 77). To demonstrate elastic and inelastic demand results, Company A sells 100 pens at $1.00 a piece each day, making their revenue $100.00. Company A then decides to sell their pens at $.50, which results in a total of 250 pens being sold. The total revenue from the price drop is $125, resulting in an additional $25.00; therefore the demand in this scenario is elastic. If selling the pens at the decreased price of $.50 would result in more pens being sold, but less total revenue, the demand is said to inelastic. According to McConnell, when demand in unit elastic, the percentage change in price and the resulting percentage changes in demand are the same. The change in price will not increase or decrease revenue. Cross price elasticity measures the response of demand to a change in price of another substitute or complimentary good (McConnell, p. 87). Substitute goods are goods that can be purchased in place of another good. Examples of substitute goods are soda (buying Coke vs. Pepsi), computers, and potato chips. A positive cross elasticity of demand means the increase of price in one good, for example Coca-Cola, will increase the demand of a substitute good, for example Pepsi. As the price for Coke increases, consumers are more likely to purchase Pepsi at a lower price, thereby increasing its demand. Complementary goods are items that are typically purchased in conjunction within one another. Examples are ringed binders and notebook paper, pencils and erasers, and potato chips and dip. A negative cross elasticity of demand in complementary goods means that the increase in price of one good, an example being potato chips, will decrease the demand for the complementary product that goes with it, the dip. Income elasticity measures the responsiveness of consumers to changes in their incomes (McConnell, p 88). Demand for normal goods tends to increase as consumers’ incomes increase and conversely, demand for inferior goods tends to decrease as consumers’ income increases. Demand is elastic where there is a large availability of substitutes. The reason for this as the price of a good increases, if there is a large amount of substitutes for this particular good, the consumer will choose the substitute. As discussed earlier, soda is an excellent example of this elasticity. Airline tickets are another example. As one airline raises its cost of a ticket or to even pay for a bag to be checked, a consumer will more likely choose a cheaper ticket or an airline that doesn’t charge for baggage over the original. If there is no (or a very limited) amount of substitutes for a good, elasticity is said to be negative. A price change in medication will not likely change the behavior of a consumer relative to demand since there isn’t a substitute to taking the medication. Household utilities are another example of a limited amount of substitutes. In discussing the proportion if one’s income devoted to a good concept, the household budget comes into play. In a given month, households pay for many different good and services. A change in price may or may not affect the households demand for those goods and services. Often, it is dependant on how much of the household budget is devoted to that good or service. Mobile phone service is an excellent example of a service that will most likely have a large amount of a household budget dedicated to it. A change in price in the cell phone service will most likely result in that family making a decision to change to a cheaper service, since that will have a large impact on their budget. On the other hand, that same household may purchase light bulbs each month. The amount of money dedicated to the purchase of light bulbs is so small, that a price increase will not likely affect the budget, therefore the family will not likely make a decision to change to a cheaper bulb. The concept of time when discussing demand is important. When a consumer has a large amount of time to decide on the purchase of a good or service, the elasticity is positive. Conversely, if there is little time, the elasticity is said to be negative. According to McConnell, and excellent example of this is gasoline for automobiles. Gasoline prices change daily and more often than not, prices rise. A family, who owns a car and is dependent on that car for work, etc, will not likely stop buying gas in the sort-term, because it is crucial to their everyday living. However, that family over a long period of time may decide to find alternate means of travel, decreasing their demand for gas. Using the graphs for elasticity of demand and total revenue, areas of elasticity, inelasticity and unit elasticity have been identified. Demand is elastic between the prices of $80.00 and $50.00, meaning the demand increases as the price decreases, resulting in an increase of total revenue. Between the prices of $50.00 and $40.00, the demand in unit elastic, meaning the percentage of drop in price resulted in the same percentage of increase in demand. Revenue remained unchanged in this price range. Between the prices of $40.00 and $0, the demand is inelastic, meaning the price drop has resulted in an increase in demand, but not enough to over come the decrease. Total revenue has been negatively impacted.

Eli Liily

1. Discuss Eli Lilly’s practices from the perspectives of utilitarianism and rights. The utilitarian principle affirms that, â€Å"an action is right from an ethical point of view if and only if the sum total of utilities produced by that act is greater than the sum total of utilities produced by any other act the agent could have performed in its place.† (Velasquez, 61) When Lilly began using homeless alcoholic subjects for phase 1 testing, they met the requirements set forth by Congress and the FDA. These subjects came forward, regardless of their personal motivation, to perform a service that would benefit the greater good. This act exemplifies utilitarianism. (Utilitarianism Principle, 63) To oppose this principle we would argue the two moral issues of rights and justice simultaneously. Some actions are morally right even if they are unjust (Utilitarianism Principle). An example of this would be a decision to steal food for your family or to let them go hungry. A person would need to decide between â€Å"legal good† versus â€Å"greater good† of feeding your family. The basic notion that separates justice from morality and suggests that one need only consider morality. (Rule-utilitarianism, 69) 2. In your judgment, is the policy of using homeless alcoholics for the test subjects morally appropriate? Why or Why not?  I believe that it is morally appropriate to use homeless alcoholics for test subjects if you consider this, an action is morally right if carrying out the action the agent exercises, exhibits or develops a morally virtuous character, and is morally wrong to the extent that by carrying out the action the agent exercises, exhibits, or develops a morally vicious character. (Virtue theory, 112) To oppose this principle we would argue the two moral issues of rights and justice simultaneously. Some actions are morally right even if they are unjust (Utilitarianism Principle). An example of this would be a decision to steal food for your family or to let them go hungry. A person would need to decide between â€Å"legal good† versus â€Å"greater good† of feeding your family. The basic notion that separates justice from morality and suggests that one need only consider morality. (Rule-utilitarianism, 69) The sacrifices these men are making are for the ultimate good of society. (Utilitarianism theory)

Environmental Values Paper Essay

Ecofeminism like other groups advocating the ideals of feminism is a particular distinction applied to women whose great efforts are directed towards the interrelations of society and nature. Greta Claire Gaard (1993) pointed out that the term ecofeminism is â€Å"more descriptive of a concern with cultivating an ecological ethic that goes beyond concepts of social justice† (p. 18). Ecofeminism is defined as â€Å"a value system, a social movement, and a practice, which offers political analysis which explore the links between androcentrism and environmental destruction† (p. 18). In other words, what Claire Gaard is pointing out is that ecofeminism is an awareness that starts with the understanding that the abuse of nature is closely â€Å"linked to Western Man’s attitude toward women† (p. 18). That is, according to Claire Gaard, there is a parallel in men’s thinking between their right to exploit nature, on the one hand, and the use they make of women on the other. Pluralism and environmental pragmatism on the other hand is not new to many of us. Thus, these two were not given much introduction in this paper though they are equally important topic. The most important principles of ecofeminism The most important principle of ecofeminism is to ensure that progress is tempered by an ethic of care for nature, and to create â€Å"sustainable level of progress that respect the needs of nature as well as the true needs of humans† (Meyer, M. K. & Prugl, E. 1999, p. 227). The first principle which emphasized on the care of nature is very important amidst the issue of climate change, globalization, maintaining ecological balance. Today, we are all aware of the enormous environmental problems created by human exploitations and abuses of nature. This includes deforestations through illegal cutting of trees and illegal farming, over fishing, exploitations of mineral reserves, conversion of lands to industrial and residential use, and so forth. Added to these are the burden of carbon dioxide emission of millions of cars around the world which are fast building greenhouse gasses that are creating global warming and climate change. With out ecological balance, our planet is doomed to become like a huge furnace that is no longer fit to live with. The ecofeminist emphasis on the ethic of care for the nature is consistent with the call of ecological scientists for everyone to help preserve our planet through taking care of our environment. Although this principle implies a double meaning, but they are right to say that progress should not be an excuse for environmental abuses and degradation. The other important principle of ecofeminism is to create ‘sustainable level of progress that respects the needs of nature as well as the true needs of humans. ’ Concern for the needs of nature may be different from simply preserving the nature it self, and sustainable level of progress requires careful intervention on the part of the government to implement protective laws that will ensure balance between the uses of ecological product and the sources. That is, with greater demands for these ecological products and with little efforts to replenish them, most of what we have now will soon become extinct. Emphasis on sustainable progress based on the needs of nature and true human needs is very important because it determines our future and the future of our mother earth. The most important principle of pluralism Pluralism confronts us in all aspect of our lives. Plurality pervades our society and it encompasses the different political, ethical, philosophical, religious, and cultural belief of any given society. Two most important principle of pluralism according to Timothy J. Demy and Gary P. Stewart (2000) is the so-called ‘distributive justice and the retributive justice (p. 75). The pluralist principle of distributive justice includes the emphasis on equity, equality, and need. As Barbara Mellers and Jonathan Baron explain, distributive justice is concern with fairness which defines the â€Å"apportionment of rewards, with the goal of facilitating social interaction† (p. 90). In other words, the pluralist principle of distributive justice is concern about equality and that justice and fairness is equally serving to all races regardless of beliefs and all barriers imposed by racist and discriminatory segment of the society. This is very important in our society for us to be able to live peacefully and meaningfully. The other most important pluralist principle is the retributive justice. Retributive justice according to Demy has to do with punishment of the crimes committed. In other words, crimes deserve punishment, â€Å"what one sow is what one reaps. † I believe that this important principle in order for the society to maintain order, peace, and security. State punishments of crimes committed are just as they are within the definition of the law. Retributive justice makes our society orderly, peacefully, and securely for everyone. The most important principle of environmental pragmatism There are perhaps several important principles of environmental pragmatism but due to space limitation, I only discuss in this paper the most important one. This principle is that, â€Å"the environmental issues have important value and ethical components that must be addressed in the formulation of environment policy† (Minteer, B. A. & Manning, R. E. 2003, p. 220). This principle is true not only in the context of the writer but in the context of the reality that confronts us, regarding the problem of global warming and climate change. In this context, environmental issues are very important in the formulation of environment policy because it concerns the future of our society and the future of our world. Which principle best complement my values and ethical beliefs regarding environmental issues. While ecofeminism provides us understanding about how sustainable level of progress can be attained with out abusing the environment, and the principle of pluralism showed us the way to live a peaceful life and secure life, but it is the principle of environmental pragmatism that best complement my values and ethical beliefs regarding environmental issues. I would like to emphasize further this view by entreating everyone wherever part of the globe to be environmentally conscious. As for me, I firmly believe that all environmental issues are important issues that can affect our lives not only in our generation but also the next generations and onwards. We must all be aware of the impact of pollution that we tossed up in to the atmosphere and try to do our part to stop the things that pollutes our society, and our planet. Let us rally our selves in support of the effort of preventing global warming and climate change to get worse.I believe it not to late yet to act on this problem. References Demy, T. J. & Stewart, G. P. (2000) Politics and Public Policy USA: Kregel Publication Gaard, G. C. (1993) Ecofeminism USA: Temple University Press Mellers, B. A. & Baron, J. (1993) Psychological Perspective son Justice USA: Cambridge University Press Meyer, M. K. & Prugl, E. (1999) Gender Politics in Global Governance USA: Rowman & Littlefield Minteer, B. A. & Manning, R. E. 2003, p. 220 Reconstructing Conservation USA: Island Press

Annotated Bibliography for Journal of Economic Perspectives

Shiller, R.J., 2010. Speculative prices and popular models. The Journal of Economic Perspectives, 4(2), pp.55-65. The author provides the reader with rational expectations, especially in the economic revolution. People hold a lot of expectations for future economic variables, which influence their fundamental purchase behaviors. When prices drop, it is evident that demand in the market increases. Consumers will rush to satisfy their preferences with the affordable commodity at that time. When prices increase, demand decreases, as consumers tend to withdraw their constant purchase behaviors and only consume what is available and affordable at that time. This source highlights the rational expectations model, and the author emphasizes the importance of businesses to relate to gross oversimplification. Profitability will not increase when prices are increased, without considering the purchase ability of prospective consumers. This is a credible source, and the article goes ahead to highlight significance in understanding how the markets work, for the sake of making decisions based on speculations. Market dynamics should be studied and interpreted for business success. IMF. 2017. Supply and Demand: Why Markets Tick Retrieved from: https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/fandd/basics/suppdem.htm The source provides information in regards to the different forms of transactions which take place in the market. In most cases, buyer –seller relationships and availability dictate the market prices, as well as trends which affect the profitability of all market participants. This is a credible source as it explains the different competitive models in the market, such as perfect competition, oligopoly market features, monopolistic market and monopolies which dominate trade in the market. The author provides distinct information in regards to quantities, determining aspects of prices, and what suppliers are willing to offer a different price ranges in the markets. The main benefit of this source is that it complements all other research work in the same field, which makes it credible. This website source helps the reader to understand different price impacts on market demand. The market conditions always need to be safeguarded, not to oppress the small scale trader and at the same time, maintain optimal levels of competition. Connor, D. 2017. Why Falling Home Prices Could Be a Good Thing Retrieved from: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/10/upshot/popping-the-housing-bubbles-in-the-American-mind.html This magazine article helps a long way, in helping the reader to understand the market specifics and dynamics which help shape competition and efficient market structures. The author engages the reader in rhetoric. For example, the article begins by asking; supposing there was a way which can be used to pump up the economy, for the sake of reducing inequality, would this be of help in ending depression? This magazine article helps in the identification of the impact of lowering prices both for consumers and businesses. Homes have been used to symbolize the largest assets and the ones considered most significant by the citizens in the nation. While some of these are luxuries, some are necessities such as food and clothing. According to this source, businesses cannot just thrive through a reduction in prices of their commodities. For profitability to be realized, a lot of other strategies need to be combined with a price reduction, for the sake of success.   Batra, R.N. and Ullah, A., 2014. Competitive firm and the theory of input demand under price uncertainty. Journal of Political Economy, 82(3), pp.537-548. This journal article is a credible source of information. First, the behavior of the competitive business has been emphasized, as well as the problems facing the same analyzed. Making decisions under tight economic times has proven to be very difficult for most organizations. The input demand function is downward sloping, but this only happens when the production function is also at its best. This source is highly relevant and beneficial to use, considering the ability of the author to examine firm behavior. It also highlights contributions made by other theorists, which makes it entirely relevant. The question of demand, price, and profitability has been approached from different angles. The focus of this source is about the impact of a drop in prices, which may either lead to profitability or losses. Demand and supply functions are essential in determining the profitability of organizations in the competitive industry.   Economics. Supply- Demand Market Equilibrium. Retrieved from: https://thismatter.com/economics/market-equilibrium.htm After considerable review of this source, it is evident that it cannot be termed credible in the research process. The topic under consideration has been sufficiently addressed by the source. However, a lot of weaknesses are still evident hence making it less adequate for the process. For example, the source does not have an author who can claim responsibility for the material.   It is only website specific but does not have details on its day of publication, author, publisher or even its complementary sources. The source explains how price increases lead to a shortage of buyers, leading to decreased demand in the long run. The aspects of equilibrium quantity and price have also been addressed. There is a need to adhere to all relevant aspects which make a source credible.   Data provided in the source is adequate and correct, but cannot be considered peer reviewed. Shiller, R.J., 2010. Speculative prices and popular models. The Journal of Economic  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Perspectives, 4(2), pp.55-65. IMF. 2017. Supply and Demand: Why Markets Tick. Retrieved from:  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/fandd/basics/suppdem.htm Conor, D. 2017. Why Falling Home Prices Could Be a Good Thing. Retrieved from:  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/10/upshot/popping-the-housing-bubbles-in-the   American-mind.html Batra, R.N. and Ullah, A., 2014. Competitive firm and the theory of input demand under price  Ã‚  Ã‚   uncertainty. Journal of Political Economy, 82(3), pp.537-548. Economics. Supply- Demand Market Equilibrium. Retrieved from:   https://thismatter.com/economics/market-equilibrium.htm