Significance of Organizational Behavior

Organizational behavior has routinely been studied since its discovery in the hawthorn study. Research indicates an inextricable relationship between organizational behavior and a firm’s performance. Understanding organizational behavior enables managers to discover synergies for employee performance.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Significance of Organizational Behavior specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Therefore, the study of organizational development has led to the creation of positive organizational behavior as advanced by positivist psychologists1. Organizational learning process is critical to organizations because it helps management teams and low-end employees to adapt to the workplace environment, and to grow their competitive advantage2. The process of learning behavior at the work place such as seeking new information, apportioning time to improve work flow procedures, and testing the validity of work assumptions offers employees to reflect on their actions. This allows them to acquire knowledge and helps in sharing information3. The extent to which members of an organization interact to understand individual characteristics helps employees to develop a common base for a mutual collaboration. Studies have indicated that mutual coexistence among employees and their immediate seniors enhances knowledge and information sharing, which promotes and concretizes their ability to understand and execute their respective duties. The nature of relationships illustrates that while people may have different personal dispositions and different personal attributes, learning and interaction can generate greater mutuality4. Therefore, if organizations fail to implement facilitate employee learning programs, they run a risk of impeding successful behavior learning, which may hamper improved performance. A review of the literature indicates that people naturally know little about their fel lows, and they would need reinforcement to develop learning competencies. Though many researchers have devoted a lot of their time in investigating the significance of behavior learning at work environment, most researchers have confined their studies on notions of negative behavior5. The role of positive behavior in building positive interpersonal relationships helps organizational members to share their variable information, which remain essential to creating new approaches to completing work processes.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The extent and the quality of learning behavior of individuals and groups in an organization makes people feel highly appreciated and valued and helps to neutralize the uncertainties and tensions. Capacity and objective and subjective experiences of employees with their colleagues and supervisors contribute to better subordinate-superior rel ationships. Researchers argue that while negative organizational behavior may have a devastating impact on an organization’s capacity to progress, understanding variations in behavior can be used to nurture mutually coordinated relationships. This is because the process of learning organizational behavior facilitates connectivity of relationships, and captures openness to differences. This scenario helps members to free themselves and clear doubts and negative perceptions about their counterparts. Studies indicate that connectivity among employees through behavior learning enhances the development of non-defensive reactions, and facilitates sharing of knowledge about new challenges6. Therefore, using organizational behavior, organizations are able to generate impetus for future successes. References Carmeli, A., D Brueller, JE Dutton, ‘Learning Behaviors in the Workplace: The Role of High-quality Interpersonal Relationships and Psychological Safety’, Systems Res earch and Behavioral Science, vol. 26, 2009. 81-98. Luthans, F, AH Church, ‘Positive organizational behavior: Developing and managing psychological strengths.’ Academy of Management Executive, vol. 16, no. 1, 2002. Footnotes 1 A Carmeli, Brueller, D JE Dutton, ‘Learning Behaviors in the Workplace: The Role of High-quality Interpersonal Relationships and Psychological Safety’, Systems Research and Behavioral Science, vol. 26, 2009. 81-98. 2 F Luthans AH Church, ‘Positive organizational behavior: Developing and managing psychological strengths.’ Academy of Management Executive, vol. 16, no. 1, 2002.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Significance of Organizational Behavior specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More 3 F Luthans AH Church, ‘Positive organizational behavior: Developing and managing psychological strengths.’ Academy of Management Executive, vol. 16, no. 1, 2 002. 4 A Carmeli, Brueller, D JE Dutton, p. 81-98. 5 F Luthans AH Church, ‘Positive organizational behavior: Developing and managing psychological strengths.’ Academy of Management Executive, vol. 16, no. 1, 2002. 6 A Carmeli, Brueller, D JE Dutton, p. 81-98. This report on Significance of Organizational Behavior was written and submitted by user Alissa P. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

The Third Gender Evolutionary explanation for Male Homosexuality Essays

The Third Gender Evolutionary explanation for Male Homosexuality Essays The Third Gender Evolutionary explanation for Male Homosexuality Essay The Third Gender Evolutionary explanation for Male Homosexuality Essay Fag, faggot, fairy, fart knocker, felcher, fruit, fuck face, pansy, pantywaist, pillow biter, poof, poove, pouf, queen, queer, shit-stabber and turd burglar: just some of the culture specific slang words still in use today to address homosexuals and male homosexuality. As cited in Buss (1994) Helena Cronin says, We are walking archives of ancestral wisdom and perhaps it is true that ancestral wisdom has little to do with homosexual behavior when looked at it from the perspective of Darwinian sexual selection. Nonetheless, with an ongoing global campaign for homosexual awareness it becomes, in my opinion, an important part of evolutionary psychology to address homosexualitys progression as a probable byproduct of sexual selection. Evolutionary Theorists across the globe struggle with the idea of homosexuality in context to Darwin especially due to irregularities in defining sexual preference. Ideally, all men ought to be heterosexual so that they may procreate and achieve fitness. It is unlikely that sexual sterilization would not only survive but also thrive in circumstances present today. Nonetheless, Homosexuality with all the derogatory terms language has cultivated exists and finds in its category a growing number of men. As Stephen Dawkins (2005) recently said, The problem with verifying evolution is not that there hasnt been enough time but that there has been too much time. When seen from the evolutionary psychologists point of view the possibility of homosexuality as a valuable instrument in developing mating behavior becomes more and more viable in lieu of its contradictory nature. In my paper I hope to argue that male homosexuality is actually an evolutionary tool for efficiency in sexual selection by bringing together various theories by Buss. What Men Want Why They Want it Evolutionarily, men have a vested interest in furthering their chances of producing offspring and thereby propagating their genetic information. For this purpose they have two main mating strategies: 1. Short Term Mating Strategy 2. Long Term Mating Strategy Short Term Mating Strategy involves the male to be active in casual sex relationships with many women. This strategy is used to make sure that his reproductive value would increase at least by an average. The second strategy is an evolved strategy that benefits men who invest time and resources in a woman who would depend on these resources for her better survival. It is with the help of the Long Term Mating Strategy that the man ensures the possibility of reproductive success through a contractual relationship with a woman e.g. marriage. Having said this, Buss insists that male homosexuality is an extension of mans evolutionary heterosexual behavior: both of short and long term mating strategies. The two men require similar characteristics in their mates e.g. youth, good looking and are identical in their mating strategies except for one, that the homosexual man is attracted to men instead of women. Hamer discussed this difference as a possibility for a gay gene in his 1993 study. Although McKnight has pointed out that even though with there being a genetic difference between male homosexuals and heterosexuals, it is still largely an area that needs further research. This indirect evidence of a genetic basis for at least some forms of male homosexuality is supported by three decades of research reporting chemical and anatomical differences between straight and gay men. (McKnight, 1997) On further experimentation, McKnight writes on Hamers theory of the gay gene, At this preliminary stage we have no found support for Hamers suggestion (McKnight Malcolm, 2000) He further states, Our analysis failed to find a distinctive reproductive pattern, which might emerge with a larger sample size, but if repeated would suggest that the genetic mechanism is autosomal. (McKnight Malcolm, 2000) Buss writes that, Many men who prefer women as mates may nonetheless substitute a man as a sex partner, either because of an inability to attract women or because of a temporary situational constraint that preludes access to women (Buss, 1994) This is true in the case of prisons or forcefully held captives but not always true of the large population of gay men in society today. Buss (1994) further continues that, Male homosexuals and male heterosexuals seem to have indistinguishable mating preferences, expect with respect to the sex of their preferred partner. Evolutionary Problem / Solution regarding Homosexuality There are two main evolutionary problems with homosexual behavior that emphasize its extinction. Still, keeping conflicting motives in mind between evolution and homosexuality, the gay male introduces himself as a tool for understanding evolutionary motivations. 1. Procreation With similar mating strategies between male heterosexuals and homosexuals, it becomes increasingly complicated to understand why the homosexual man has survived and continues to do so. The two men (straight gay) share in common certain characteristic requirements of their mates. The straight male can produce children and therefore increase his evolutionary fitness. On the other hand, the gay male cannot reproduce. There are obvious disadvantages of homosexuality that natural selection would eventually select out such as the inability to procreate. Evolutionary advantage works to increase the average growth of the species and the homosexual male cannot be used as a catalyst. Yet, according to the Census of 2001 there has been a rise of gay population across the United States. McKnight (2000) exclaims in his paper that there is a real puzzle here and it goes to the heart of sexuality as no sex equals no children. While sex has more purposes than reproduction, begetting offspring is the ultimate end game a relationship more clearly understood in an age of unreliable contraception. He calls this phenomenon Child Hunger. It would according to evolutionary theorists be baffling to understand homosexuality in face with the fact that it results in no children and therefore is not child hungry yet it not only exists but increases rapidly. Male homosexual orientation is particularly problematic as it is a behavior that is clearly a reproductive liability. (Weinrich, 1978 as cited in McKnight, 2000) 2. Sexual Variability The idea of normalcy in terms of sexual behavior globally has changed drastically over and over again through the course of history. The categorization of men as homosexuals and heterosexuals labels, confines naturally sexual deviations into one or the other group. That many men having homosexual experiences as part of their development was deeply disturbing to the mid twentieth century, does not disguise that similar studies report similar findings at the end of the millennium. Kinsey (Kinsey, Pomeroy and Martin 1948) may have lifted the lid on the realities of human sexual experience but a half-century of further research merely confirms how plastic our sexuality is. (McKnight, 2000) This plasticity of sexual behavior increases the likelihood that homosexual behavior although conflicting with evolutionary psychology indeed is a process of increasing sexual deviations and therefore the possibility of natural selection in sexual experience. Through gay behavior the human male is abl e to explore all possibilities of sexual behavior that would excite and entice him into an evolutionary advantage over men who are not as sexually active. Origins of Homosexuality According to Buss (1994), the origins of homosexuality remain a mystery. Yet, the alarming increase in males who prefer men as their mates seem as if the origins of homosexuality similar to that of heterosexuality is the same. Sexual selection provides for variants in sexuality not unlike natural selection. If you accept that human sexual orientation is diverse and variable and above all plastic, then there is a certain sympathy for Murphys view: It is hard to see that there is any reason to study the origins of behavior that is morally, medically, psychologically (and perhaps even religiously) aproblematic. (Murphy, 1990 as cited in McKnight, 2000) Nonetheless, evolutionary theorists have studied the origins of homosexuality in great detail attempting to find a key difference between straight and gay men. Biological Influences as origin of homosexuality: Alexander (2000) initiated research in finding structural and functional differences between homosexual and heterosexual males. He writes that Burnham in 1977 had noted that females have smaller brains than males and therefore women were less intellectual then men. Although it is true that male brains are somewhat larger than female brains, this is the first example of structural difference that does not evince a measurable behavior difference. (Alexander, 2000) Similarly, the fact that there might be some structural differences between straight and gay men it does not account for the fact that there would be core differences in sexual preferences. Alexander (2000) further noted that the Committee for the Study of Sex Variants in New York City in the 1930s studied a homosexual population using various psychological tests, hormonal measurements and physiological measurements of the genitalia and other body parts including skull circumference. The authors of the study realized that there was no conclusive proof that any individual may be a so called sex variant and or might be more prone to homosexual behavior than the next person. (Henry, 1948 as cited in Alexander, 2000) These inconclusive studies provided for further research that might shed light on biological aspects of homosexuality. The early 1990s was a remarkably productive period of time for research into sexual dimorphism of brain areas. (Alexander, 2000) If there would be any biological connective that was found then it would also be possible to understand the motivations for homosexuality and categorize it in terms of evolutionary advantage, if any, by studying the population. This was not the case. Although there were studies done by researchers such as Allen and Gorski in 1990 and 1991 Taken together, these finding indicate that sexually dimorphic structures can be found in many different areas of the brain. (Alexander, 2000) A foremost breakthrough in these studies was by Swaab and Hofman, 1990 in which distinct differences were noted. The Suprachiasmatic nucleus of vasopressin-containing neurons was double in homosexual men when compared to heterosexual males. (LeVay, 1991) Further studies compared Swaabs findings with that of Allen and Gorski that concluded that the anterior commissure (found to be sexually dimorphic larger in females) also was different according to sexual orientation such that it was larger in homosexual males compared with both heterosexual males and females. Since the homosexual group did not fall between or have identical size to the female group, this outcame gave rise to another working hypothesis of a third sex the gay sex. (Alexander, 2000) Nonetheless Breedloves 1997 study proved that this hypothesis was false. Breedlove concluded that there was no evidence that the outcome mentioned before was not an effect rather than a cause. It is possible that differences in sexual beh avior cause, rather than are cause by, differences in brain structure. (Breedlove, 1997) Since there is no actual biological root that explains homosexuality, it is possible that similar to heterosexuality, it was used as a tool to better achieve fitness. Male homosexuality, in my opinion can be explained in evolutionary terms as follows: 1. Sex used as a tool for reciprocal altruism Women have evolutionarily used sex as a means to get resources and guarantee a mate through promising sex. Homosexuality, similarly, in men can be used to coopt resources and guarantee a long term partner that would invest resources. 2. Adoption of Children Homosexual men are also an added advantage in a social structure that produces excess children with little life expectancy without adequate domestic care. They can provide as means of adoption and surrogate parents an alternative to what may be now considered a family. 3. Reduction of Same Sex Conflict Homosexual behavior might also be responsible for creating coalitions amongst men that would eventually decrease male male aggression and therefore increase evolutionary advantage for the species by an average. These three suppositions go without any data to support them and I would find it interesting to look at studies that would explore homosexuality as an added advantage for evolutionary success.

Exporters Having Problems in the United Kingdom Case Study

Exporters Having Problems in the United Kingdom - Case Study Example Analysis: This was one proof of how environmental groups apply pressure on exporters through large UK companies. They cite that if another supermarket chain, Sainsbury's, can do it (that is, sell apples sourced from Britain), then Tesco should be able to do it. Tesco denied the claim and promised in 2003 that it would not import apples from August through February from any Southern Hemisphere country, notably New Zealand, Chile, and South Africa. An article in the Wall Street Journal mentions the case of Haagen-Dazs chocolate-covered ice-cream bar. The label does not mention any genetically modified ingredients listed there, but consumers who question the company about it are sent a letter stating that the bar's chocolate coatings, in fact, contain soy oil that "may have been derived from genetically modified soya, but it is identical to any other soya oil and therefore does not contain any genetically modified material." The letter adds, "We are, however, investigating whether there are suitable alternative oils." In another case, AstraZeneca was forced to take off the market a bioengineered tomato puree. Despite outselling other popular and more expensive brands, the genetically modified food controversy affected its sales negatively until the company, AstraZeneca, had to pull out the product from the supermarket chain J. Sainsbury PLC. Analysis: This case illustrates the paranoia in the UK about genetically-modified foods, even though there's no proof that bioengineered foods pose any health risks. As Haagen-Dazs did, the best way to address the problem is to be forthright in admitting the scientific fact that genetically modified soy is identical to any other soya. It can be funny, but it's true, that there is not much difference, scientifically, between soya that is modified through naturally occurring genetics and one that is genetically modified in the laboratory. In the case of the tomato puree, a successful product, despite being labeled genetically engineered and proven to be a good one, suffered. This could have been avoided if the company came up with a more forthright communication plan to show that genetically modified tomato puree was, as Haagen-Dazs did with soya, better than any other tomato puree. Â  

Critically evaluate one approach to organisational culture change - Essay

Critically evaluate one approach to organisational culture change - Yandex Case Study - Essay Example Justify your recommendations with supporting evidence. Yandex is the leading search engine in Russia. The success of the firm is closely related to its strategic decisions and its structure. However, it is clear that certain interventions are required in order for the firm’s goals to be fully achieved. The update of the firm’s OD strategy would be a potential solution for the above problem. The OD framework developed by Brown (2011), see also Graph 1 – Appendix, can be considered as a quite effective tool for developing the particular task. Primarily, the involvement of this tool in the restructuring of the firm’s OD strategy should be appropriately justified; reference should be made to the firm’s goals. ... Despite the fact that the promotion of the above strategy has helped the firm to keep its performance at high levels, still there is a series of organizational issues, which need to be appropriately addressed. The change of the firm’s existing OD strategy would be the most effective way for achieving the above target. This change could be based on the OD framework of Brown (2011), see Graph 1, Appendix. In the context of this framework, the firm’s current strategy should be restructured at the following points: a) at the first stage, the need for change should be clearly defined – meaning that the firm’s strategic managers should understand this need and should be willing to support it; Yandex is a firm well established in the Russian market, controlling the 57% of the specific market; the profitability of the firm is high, being increased at a level of 80% annually (page 2, case study); moreover, its employees are chosen through a detailed recruitment pro cess which guarantees that only candidates with the necessary skills enter the organization; from this point of view, the change of the firm’s strategy – in one or more areas – would have many chances of success, taking into consideration the exceptional relationships among employees and the high level of communication/ cooperation across the organization, b) emphasis should be given on the improvement of the relationship between the employees and the clients; despite the fact that communication and collaboration in the internal organizational environment is highly developed, in the firm’s external environment the following problem seems to exist: the relationship between

The question is the topic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The question is the topic - Essay Example This will teach children to resolve manageable problems by assuming responsibility. Part of self-reliance means learning from mistakes therefore,parents must encourage the children more to keep going when things go wrong from the consequences of their action. Bibliotherapy is also an effective way to raise their awareness and is useful in resolving behavior problems by means of reading current events to them(Miller, 2010, 260). Delaying gratification of children also helps to develop their personal responsibility and good impulse control. Impulse control is theability to wait or be patient in order to obtain something they want.Another critical aspect that parents must consider while making their kids self-reliant and personally developed is to allow children to think independently and on their own. If children fail in their attempts leading to the right answersbut eventually find the right solutions for a given problem, praise them for their success and achievement. Generally, parents’ behaviors are often the child’s model of self-reliance and children demonstrated this role modeling by their own actions as well.All parents want their kids to perform and achieve better in their lives, and one definite way to help them is to let parents know the importance of being independent and to execute values learned among

PSA Composite Fibers and Membranes

PSA Composite Fibers and Membranes Polysulfonamide/nano titanium dioxide (PSA/nano-TiO2) composite spinning solutions with various nano-TiO2  mass fractions were prepared using the solution blending method. The corresponding composite fibers were developed by wet-spinning technology and the composite membranes were prepared using the digital spin-coating technique. The properties of PSA/nano-TiO2 composite fibers and membranes were investigated by scanning electron  microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, etc. The effects of nano-TiO2 and its  mass fractions on the mechanical properties, thermal stability and ultraviolet resistance of PSA composites were  also analyzed. The experimental results showed that nano-TiO2 with low mass fractions can be dispersed evenly  in the PSA matrix; the blending of nano-TiO2 had no obvious influence on the molecular structure and the chemical composition of PSA fiber; the crystallization in PSA fiber was promoted at low nanoparticles mass f ractions  because it can act as a nucleation agent; the mechanical properties and the thermal stability of PSA/nano-TiO2  composites can be enhanced obviously by blending nano-TiO2 into PSA matrix. The ultraviolet resistance of PSA  composites can be improved significantly with the increasing nano-TiO2 mass fractions and the 7 wt.% specimen  showed the lowest UV transmittance. Polysulfonamide (PSA) fiber is a new kind of hightemperature resistant material and it has outstanding  heat resistance, flame retardancy, and thermal stability,  therefore, it can be used to develop protective products used in aerospace, high-temperature environments  and civil fields with the flame retardant requirements  (Ren, Wang, Zhang, 2007; Wang, 2009). However,  raw PSA generally demonstrates poor ultraviolet resistance and the amide groups in polymer molecular  chains are prone to break down under the ultraviolet  radiation; besides, the breaking tenacity of PSA fibers  is low; these properties lead to some difficulties in its  manufacturing procedures and limit its application in  developing functional textiles. Therefore, it is a challenging work to improve the mechanical properties  and ultraviolet resistance of PSA. It has been proved that nano-TiO2 is one of the  ideal nano-enhanced materials and it has attracted great  scientific attention because of its excellent mechanical  properties in significantly improved properties of composites (Ali, Shadi, Shirin, Seyedeh, Khademno,  2010; Han Yu, 2005). Moreover, nano-TiO2 is good  semiconductor oxides and it has excellent ultraviolet  scattering and absorption (Popov, Priezzhev, Lademann, Myllylà ¤, 2005). It is feasible to blend nanoTiO2 into PSA matrix to improve the mechanical properties and ultraviolet resistance of PSA composites. Experimental Materials The PSA polymer was used as spinning solution with  intrinsic viscosity of 2.0–2.5 dL/g and relative molecular  mass of 462. The rutile titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2)  was blended as functional particles with a diameter ranging from 30 to 50 nm and the rutile content of nano-TiO2  was about 99%. The dimethylacetamide (DMAC) was  selected as dissolvent in this study. The above materials  were provided by Shanghai Tanlon Fiber Co. Ltd. All the  chemicals used here were of reagent grade and they were  used without further purification. Preparation of PSA/nano-TiO2 composites A certain amount of nano-TiO2 was predispersed in  DMAC using ultrasonic vibration for 30min; and thenadded into the PSA solution. The PSA/nano-TiO2  composite spinning solutions with various mass fractions of nanoparticles was prepared after mechanical stirring for 1 h and ultrasonic vibration for 2 h. The  experimental data are shown in Table 1. The pure PSA fibers and PSA/nano-TiO2 composite fibers were developed by a small-scale and singlescrew wet spinning apparatus. Besides, the pure PSA  membrane and PSA/nano-TiO2 composite membranes  were prepared using the SJT-B digital spin-coating  instrument. The preparation procedures of nanofibers  and membranes can be referred to the previous studies  (Chen, Xin, Wu, Wang, Du, in press; Xin, Chen,  Wu, Wang, in press). Test methods The dispersion of nanoparticles in PSA composites  S-3400N scanning electron microscope (SEM) with a  resolution of 4 nm was used to characterize the dispersion of nano-TiO2 in PSA matrix. The machine was  operated at 5 kV. FTIR spectroscopy Thermo Nicolet AVATAR 370 Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to characterize the  molecular structure and chemical composition of  fibers; each spectrum was collected by cumulating 32  scans at a resolution of 4 cm_1 X-ray diffraction X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements of the crystalline structure of fibers were recorded on k780  FirmV_06 X-ray diffraction using the CuKÃŽ ± radiation  (ÃŽ » = 0.15406 nm). The spectra were obtained at 2h  angles range of 5o –60o with a scanning speed of 0.8 s/ step. Mechanical properties test YG006 electronic single fiber strength tester was used  to investigate the mechanical properties of fibers. The  sample gage length was 10mm. The elongation speed  was set at 20mm/min. The measurements for each  sample were carried out 10 times and the average wasThe thermal stability test  The thermal stability of fibers was measured by Germany STA PT-1000 Thermal Gravimetric Analyzer  (Linseis Inc., New Jersey, USA); the experiment was  conducted under nitrogen atmosphere with a gas flow  of 80–100ml/min; the samples were heated up to  700 °C from the room temperature at a heating rate of  20 °C/min. Ultraviolet resistance test Labsphere UV-1000F Ultraviolet Transmittance Analyzer (Labsphere, Inc., North Sutton, NH, USA) was  used to test the UV transmittance of membranes. The  instrument parameters were described as below: the  absorbance was 0–2.5A; scanning time was about 5 s;  data interval was 1 nm and the diameter of beam was  10mm. The measurements for each sample were carried out for 10 times and the average was used for the  result discussion. Results and discussion The distribution of nano-TiO2 in PSA composites As demonstrated in Figure 1, 1 wt.% of nano-TiO2 can  be dispersed evenly throughout the PSA matrix and the  size of nanoparticles is about 50–60 nm; with the nanoTiO2 mass fraction increased to 3 wt.%, a little aggregation can be observed; when the mass fraction of nanoTiO2 increased to 5 or 7 wt.%, its dispersion in PSA  becomes inhomogeneous because of their large specific  surface and high surface polarity, and the aggregation  size is about 100–300 nm. It is difficult for nano-TiO2  with high mass fractions to distribute uniformly in the  PSA blending system. FTIR analysis of PSA/nano-TiO2 composite fibers   As shown in Figure 2, the position and shape of characteristic peaks of PSA composites blending with nanoTiO2 did not change obviously compared with the pristine PSA. The characteristic peaks of PSA composites  exhibiting at about 3338.99 cm_1  can be attributed to the amide N–H stretching vibration and the peaks are  flattened slightly with the mass fractions of nano-TiO2  increased from 1 to 7 wt.%. It ascribes to the quantum  size effect of nanoparticles (Zhang Mou, 2001). In  conclusion, it shows no significant changes to the  molecular structure and chemical composition of PSA  fibers with the addition of nano-TiO2. XRD analysis of PSA/nano-TiO2 composite fibers  As depicted in Figure 3, the PSA composite fibers have  diffraction peaks at 27.54 °, 36.15 °, 41.35 °, and 54.40 °,  this is because of the blending of nano-TiO2 (Chen,  Liu, Zhang, Zhang, Jin, 2003; Xia Wang, 2002). In addition, all the specimens have diffraction peaks at  about 11.85 ° and 21.25 °. The sharp diffraction peaks  corresponding to 11.85o  indicate that there are crystalline structures in PSA/nano-TiO2 composite fibers  (Yang, 2008). Besides, the sharpness of the diffraction  peaks at about 11.85 ° of composites enhances gradually with the nano-TiO2 mass fractions increased from  1 to 5 wt.%. It suggests that the crystallization in PSA  can be improved with the blending of nano-TiO2,  because it can act as a nucleation agent. Moreover, the  shape of diffraction peaks exhibiting at 21.25 ° of PSA  composites broadens significantly with the increasing  nano-TiO2 mass fractions and it proves that the size of  crystal region becomes smaller (Meng, Hu, Zhu,  2007). The mechanical properties of PSA/nano-TiO2 composite fibers As illustrated in Table 2, the breaking tenacity of PSA  composite fiber with 1 wt.% nano-TiO2 improved  obviously; however, the improving degree of breaking  tenacity begins to decrease with the continuous  increase in mass fractions of nano-TiO2 and the value  of the 7 wt.% sample is lower than the pure PSA. This is because nano-TiO2 is an ideal nano-enhancedmaterial; the blending of it into PSA can improve the  mechanical properties of composites to some extent. Moreover, nano-TiO2 with low mass fractions can be  distributed evenly in PSA matrix and it can form a  good interface with PSA molecular chains. As can be seen in Table 2, the composite fibers have  low elongation at break which is lower than the raw  PSA; simultaneously, the initial modulus of composites  increased significantly, however, the improvement  begins to decrease with the mass fractions of nano-TiO2  increased from 1 to 5 wt.% and the 7 wt.% sample has  the minimum value of the initial modulus. It suggests  that the blending of nano-TiO2 with low mass fractions  can improve the mechanical properties of PSA composite fibers to a certain extent. The thermal stability of PSA/nano-TiO2 composite  fibers TG curves and derivative thermogravimetric analysis  (DTG) curves of PSA/nano-TiO2 composite fibers are  demonstrated in Figures 4 and 5, respectively. The  main parameters of the curves are presented in Table 3. In Figure 4, the thermal decomposition behaviors of  specimens are divided into three regions. The first region is a stage of small mass loss ranging from room temperature to 400 °C. As depicted in  Figure 4, each TG curve has a sharp decrease in the  beginning and then reaches a platform with the temperature heating up to 350 °C. However, the mass loss  of PSA composites blending with nano-TiO2 is always  lower than the pure PSA during this process. As  shown in Table 3, the T10wt of each PSA composite is  high, whereas the mass loss of pure PSA reached 10%  at 170.19 °C. This suggests that it is hard for the PSA  composites to decompose and the thermal stability is  significantly higher than PSA. The second region is a stage of thermal decomposition process ranging from 400 to 600 °C. According  to the analysis of bond energy (Zhang, Cheng, Zhao, 2000), the C–N section of amide in PSA macromolecular chains decomposes at 500–600 °C (Broadbelt, Chu, Klein, 1994a, 1994b) and the mass loss  of PSA at this stage is attributed to the gases released  such as SO2,NH3, and CO2. In addition, as illustrated  in Table 3, the To of PSA composites blending with 1  and 3 wt.% nano-TiO2 can be increased; therefore, its  thermal stability can be improved correspondingly.   As exhibited in Figure 4, the mass loss of specimens accelerates steadily with the increasing temperature and each TG curve presents a rapid  decomposition at about 500 °C. Corresponding to the  rapid decomposition, there is a peak in DTG curve  shown in Figure 5 and the Tmax can be determinedaccording to the value of the maximum peak (Yang,  2008). The third region is a high-temperature phase of  carbon formation ranging from 600 to 700 °C. As  demonstrated in Figure 4, the PSA composites still  show a slight decomposition during this stage;  besides, the mass loss of pure PSA decreases obviously. As illustrated in Table 3, the residual mass of  composites at the terminal temperature is higher than  the pure PSA. Therefore, it is concluded that the thermal stability  of PSA composites blending with nano-TiO2 can be  improved significantly. The ultraviolet resistance As exhibited in Figure 6, the ultraviolet transmittance of specimens ranging from 390 to 400 nm  decreases gradually with the increase in mass fractions of nano-TiO2. This suggests that the nanoTiO2 can improve the ultraviolet resistance of PSA  composites significantly. This is because the refraction index (RI) of nano-TiO2 is extremely high  (2.73) and it has excellent ultraviolet scattering  properties (Liu, Tang, Zhang, Sun, 2007). In  addition, electrons in nano-TiO2 are transited from  the valence band to the conduction band under the  ultraviolet radiation; therefore, the nano-TiO2 has  outstanding ultraviolet absorption properties. Conclusions The PSA composite fibers and membranes with different mass fractions of nano-TiO2 were developed. The experimental results can be summarized as follows: (1) The nano-TiO2 with low mass fractions (1 or 3  wt.%) can be distributed evenly in the PSA  blending system; however, it is difficult for  nano-TiO2 with high mass fractions (5 or 7 wt.  %) to disperse homogeneously throughout the  PSA matrix. (2) The blending of nano-TiO2 showed no obvious  changes to the molecular structure and chemical  composition of PSA composite fibers. (3) The crystallization of PSA composite fibers can  be improved by blending with low mass fractions of nano-TiO2, because it can act as a  nucleation agent. (4) The breaking tenacity and initial modulus of 4 5 ance % (a) (b) (c) PSA composite fibers can be improved obviously by blending with low mass fractions of  nano-TiO2; whereas the elongation at break  of PSA composite was decreased with the  particles mass fractions increased from 1 to 7  wt.%. (5) The thermal stability of PSA composites can be  increased significantly and the nano-TiO2 has  some influences on the To, T10wt, and Tmax of  PSA composites compared with the pure PSA. (6) The blending of nano-TiO2 can improve the  ultraviolet resistance of PSA composites signifi-  cantly and the 7 wt.% specimen had the lowest  UV transmittance.

The impact of Ig G levels on routine clinical biochemistry parameters i

Summary: The minimisation of neonatal mortality is critical for the success of an animal management programme. The period between calving and weaning is the most crucial period in the animal's life. A major management tool that could be used to reduce health problems in calves is feeding with colostrum. Colostrum is rich in energy, protein and vitamins (especially vitamins A, D, E and B12). Most importantly, colostrum is essential for newborns, in that it contains high levels of immunoglobulins, which transfer passive immunity to the calf, and thereby, enable it to fight with infections. The aim of the present study was to determine the correlation between serum Ig G levels and routine biochemical parameters in neonatal Holstein calves given colostrum. For this purpose, serum was extracted from blood samples collected from 79 calves within 24-48 hours of calving. The passive transfer status of the calves was determined by measuring the Ig G content of serum by ELISA. Based on their serum Ig G levels, the calves were divided into 3 groups (insufficient n=13; partial n=14; and normal passive transfer n=52). Serum ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, LDH activities and serum BUN, creatinine, albumin, total protein, total bilirubin, triglyceride, cholesterol, and glucose levels were analysed. A statistically significant increase was determined in the serum GGT activity and total protein and urea levels of calves with normal passive immunity transfer by colostrum, compared to the other passive transfer groups (p0.05). Key words: Colostrum, Passive Transfer, Calf, Clinical Biochemistry Introduction The minimisation of neonat... ...Passive transfer of colostral immunglobulins in calves. J Vet Intern Med 14: 569-577 10. Willard MD, Tvedten H (2004): Small animal clinical diagnosis by laboratory methods. Saunders, MO, USA. 11. Wilson LK, Tyler JW, Besser TE, Parish SM, Gant R (1999): Prediction of Serum IgG1 concentration in beef calves based on age and serum gamma-glutamyl transferase activity. J Vet Intern Med 13:123-125 12. Zanker IA, Hammon MH, Blum WJ (2001): Activities of ÃŽ ³-glutamyltransferase, alkaline phosphatase and aspartate-aminotransferase in colostrum, milk and blood plasma of calves fed first colostrum at 0–2, 6–7,12–13 and 24–25h after birth. J Vet Med 48: 179-185 13. Zarilli A, Micera E, Lacarpia N, Lombardi P, Pero ME, Pelagalli A, Angelo D, Mattia M, Avallone L (2003): Evaluation of goat colostrum quality by determining enzyme activity levels. Livest Prod Sci 83: 317-320