Burton Snowboards Essay Example for Free

Burton Snowboards Essay Burton create utility for people who would like to enjoy a different type of activity in the snowing environment: †¢ Form utility: Burton took the idea of building the snowboard from snurfer which use to be received as a toy modify its concept to create a snowboard that can be perceived as a winter sport activity. †¢ Time utility: Burton’s snowboards products are available for people who enjoy snowboarding during the winter and snowing season which are suitable for snowboarding in ski mountains. Place utility: Burton made alliance with ski resorts to provide he snowboarding activity in ski mountains when the customers want to try different kind of winter sport. †¢ Ownership utility: Burton snowboard sells snowboard for the customers who like snowboarding activity around the world through a network of 3000 dealers sells the product. How can event marketing help Burton expand the customer base for its products? Burton conducts event marketing to allow people to try out the products for free; this will give the people to have an actual experience of the product and the activity that stays in the people’s memory, also the old customers can be invited and can give testimonies for the people about the product this is a good way to deliver the message about the product and increase the awareness as well. Burton runs about 400 demos around the word, these demos can maximize the audience involvement and interaction, so people remember and recall the product later at the time of buying. Suggest additional ways Burton snowboards marketers can use the Internet to more effectively build relationships and market their products? Burton snowboard can use the email newsletters to communicate with the existent customer and interested customers as well. It helps to provide an update about the company’s events and new products introduced. Customers will be kept updated about the company occasionally about the latest news, announcements or promotions. Blog is a great tool to provide two ways communications with the customers and people that share similar interests; Burton can recruit bloggers to write blogs about the events and products or any articles about the industry, and let the people response to them and share their ideas and inquiries. Burtons can join famous social network such as Facebook and twitter and allow many fans to join them this will enable burtons to update their fans about the event, offers, products, services and discuss related matters between fans. Relationship marketing is key to Burton’s success. Suggest two or three steps that the firm should be consider taking during the next five years to further enhance its relationships with the consumers and ski resorts? Burtons should take advantage of the best technology to easily keep track of business partners and customers preferences; this will help to identify key sales processes and provide ideas about the marketing plans for the existent customers and partners. Burtons should invest in its employees, training them to develop their interpersonal skills to deal with practical details of customers and their ability to handle complains and problems in order to exceed customer expectations about the services quality presented. Burtons can provide some sort of loyalty program for the existent customers to reward and motivate them to deal more with the company; this will enhance their relationship with the company and retain them at a lower cost of marketing.

Energy Policy For Libya Environmental Sciences Essay

Energy Policy For Libya Environmental Sciences Essay Libya is Africas largest oil producing and exporting country, located in the heart of North Africa, the country is home to 6 million inhabitants distributed over an area covering 1,750,000 Km2. Crude oil is an integral part of the Libyan economy and forms the basis on which the Libyan energy policy is formed, however, with increasing global drive towards more sustainable and renewable energy sources, admits issues of climate change, and global warming, there has been renewed and concerted efforts shown by nations around the world to adopt more sustainable energy sources, this has been highlighted in varied global convections and treaties amongst which are, the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, the 2009 Copenhagen summit to mention but a few. This paper attempts to highlight the place of a developing nation and major oil producer and exporter like Libya in renewed efforts to ensure lower dependence on fossil fuel sources, the countrys current energy policies and the state or extent of renewable en ergy resource in the country admits global CO2 reduction targets of 80% by 2050 to stem human contributions to climate change and global warming from fossil fuels. LIBYAN ENERGY BACKGROUND In Libya, the daily average of solar radiation on a horizontal plane is 7.1 kWh/m2/day within coastal regions, and 8.1 kWh/m2/day in the southern region, with average sun duration of more than 3500 hours per year (Saleh Ibrahim, 1993). The national electric grid consists of high, medium and low voltage networks of about 12,000 km, 12,500 km and 7,000 km power lines respectively with an installed capacity is 5600 MW and a peak Load of 3650 MW (Saleh Ibrahim et al., 1998). However, despite the remarkable energy network for a population of 6 million, energy is mainly concentrated in the major cities as many villages and remote areas are located far away from these networks. The small population and small consumption needs of these areas make their connection to the grid less economically viable. This has led to the use of small diesel generators in these areas contributing albeit minimally to the CO2 emissions. Furthermore the total dependence on fossil fuel sources for the generation o f electricity for the national grid belies the tenets of conventions and treaties on climate change, global warming and sustainable energy development. This however calls for the proper assessment of current energy policies in Libya and the place of renewable energy. Libyan renewable energy resource has the potential to provide clean and reliable energy sources which can be used in many applications in remote areas (electricity, water pumping, etc.) and even contribute to the national grid. Albeit the use of renewable energies has been introduced in a wide range of applications due to its convenience and economic attractiveness, application on a much larger scale in Libya has been hampered by the relative abundance of cheaper crude oil sources. GREEN HOUSE GAS EMISSIONS AND CLIMATE CHANGE Carbon emission has witnessed a meteoric rise since the turn of the Industrial age, Industrial processes have churned up 37 percent of amount of carbon in the atmosphere to date (Boden et al, 2009), Since the advent of industrialization, massive use of fossil fuels for energy generation have been recorded, there has been increase in the amount of gaseous waste produced in homes, and from transportation. These Gases collectively result in forming a layer in the earths atmosphere shielding radiated sunlight from the earths surface, depleting earths ozone layer and causing general warming of the earth. The effect of these gases is known as the green house effect, the process of gradual warming of the earth is Global warming and the gases are referred to as green house gases. The gradual increase in the earths overall temperatures has a telling effect on activities and life contained in it. Scientist predict, that rising green house gas levels would result in greater earth warming and invariably melting of the ice caps, increase in ocean mean water levels (20mm by 2020), increased flooding of coastal lands enhanced drought in arid lands (IPCC, 2007) etc, and these are part of the deleterious effect of climate change, which has led to a global outcry for the reduction in the emission of gases that give rise to this effect and the setting of CO2 reduction target of 80% by the year 2050. The earth is said to have warmed up by 0.740C over the last hundred years and about 0.40C of this occurred in the last decade (DEFRA, 2006). Agreements, declarations and treaties have been made in summits top on the list of which is the Copenhagen Summit of 2009 borne to develop and exploit means for carbon capture and storage, The Rio declaration of 1992 was to outline support for protection of the environment from the deleterious activities of man, while the Kyoto protocol of 1997, outlined the six major green house gases and set targets for governments to cut down on the production of these gases as waste. Human Drivers Greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere by various mechanisms, chief amongst them is the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. Over the past fifty years, growth of the world economy has been hinged on worldwide energy use this has resulted in increase in global concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the air. The Kyoto Protocol highlighted anthropogenic emissions as a major cause and as an addendum listed six greenhouse gases. The KYOTO Protocol In 1997, the United Nations having evaluated the potential threat of global warming and the attendant causes (anthropogenic emission of greenhouse gases) proceeded to outlined the six major greenhouse gases and set targets (of 80% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050) for national governments to cut down on the generation of these gases as waste or emit them as pollutants. The summit held in Kyoto Japan, entered into force in 2005. The Protocol which shared the ultimate objective of the Convention in Kyoto, Japan was to ensure that nations take steps to stabilize atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases ensuring that they do not exceed levels that will enhance dangerous interference with the already delicate climate system. The convention also attempted to build upon with a view to enhancing many of the commitments that were already in place under the Convention (UNFCCC 2007). Albeit the Kyoto Protocol was influenced by political factors, its ratification by most countries may be justified in light of the peculiar features of the global warming debacle, the existence of uncertainties, non-linearities and irreversibilities, possible catastrophes with small probabilities, asymmetric distribution of impacts, and the very long planning horizon (IPCC, 1996). The scientific uncertainties enshrouding the climate change and global warming still remain a rallying point for critics. The Kyoto Protocol tackles emissions of six greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide (CO2); methane (CH4); nitrous oxide (N2O); hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs); perfluorocarbons (PFCs); Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6). CURRENT LIBYAN ENERGY CLIME The Libyan economy has been heavily dependent on the hydrocarbon industry since the discovery of crude oil. In 2008, the hydrocarbon industry in Libya accounted for over 95% of the countrys export earnings, 85-90% of fiscal revenues and over 70% of Libyas gross domestic product (GDP) (IMF 2009). Libya holds the largest crude oil deposit in Africa amounting close to 44 billion barrels of oil reserves (OGJ 2010). EIA 2008 data indicate that 2008 total oil production in Libya was approximately 1.88 million barrels per day (bbl/d). Energy is the backbone of the economy availability of cheap energy compared to other Mediterranean countries has helped to the expansion of all sectors, like industry, commerce, construction and services. However, as much gas is found in the crude (associated gas), Libya engages in gas flaring activities (to get rid of associated gas) thus ensuring a steady and direct injection of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. LIBYAN CONVENTIONAL ENERGY RESOURCES Current energy supply in Libya cannot be considered as sustainable sources of energy, with increasing cost of energy from attendant increase in exploration and refining cost, there is also the case of fuel sources being limited and environmental problems. Fossil fuel is limited or finite and Libya relies on energy from two limited conventional sources. Oil: With total discovered resources estimated to 44 billion bbl. Natural Gas: With total discovered resources estimated to 1300 billion m3. It is estimated that Libyas oil resources will not last more than 50 years with current rate of exploration and production, albeit natural gas is expected to last a little longer (Saleh 2006) It is projected that by the year 2050, prices of crude oil barrel may reach more than $200 while Libya would require about 70 million barrels of oil per year for electricity production requirement costing about 14 billion dollars annually. This would ultimately result in pressure on crude oil sources, its availability and increase in cost of generating electricity therefore underpinning the need for more sustainable forms of energy. By contrast, the abundance of potential sustainable energy in Libya decries the dependence on fossil fuels for example; the solar radiation in Libya is equivalent to a layer of 25 cm of crude oil per year on the land surface. Energy and emissions figures in libya Jacqueline 2000 reports that the amount of greenhouse gases emitted determines the magnitude and rate of future climate change, the sensitivity of climate to these gases and the degree to which the effects are modified by aerosol emissions. Libya, with 2002 estimations, had a 69.2 % energy consumption from oil and 30.8 % from natural gas, the emissions of CO2 attributed mainly to oil (71.7 %) and (28.3 %) natural gas (EIA, 2005), this means invariably that the energy sector which is the main source of greenhouse emissions in Libya depends mainly on fossil fuels (oil and natural gas). CO2 emission in Libya is put at 55.5 million tonnes per annum in 2009 following United Nations reports relating to 9.19 tonnes per capita and 31.5 tonnes per kilometre square (World Bank 2010). Libyan Energy consumption by Sector Current Libyan Energy consumption shows a total dependence on energy from fossil fuel sources. With domestic consumption of 273,000 bbl/d in 2008, shared within the sectors as described below. Residential 34% Industry 27% Commercial 27% Transport 12% Source: Oil and Gas Directory 2010. Figure 1: Current energy consumption in Libya by sector Table 1: Energy Production in Libya Type Production Consumption Export Natural Gas 12 b m3/y 3 b m3/y 9 b m3/y Oil 0.6 b bbl/y 0.1 b bbl/y 0.5 b bbl/y Electicity 20 T Wh/y Source: Saleh 2006 Environmental Impact Carbon Implication/ Future projections Libyan power stations utilize only fuel from fossil sources to generate electricity, and with the high demand of energy, from all the sectors which is estimated to more than double by 2050, there is going to be substantial increase in CO2 emissions by 2050, thus raising atmospheric carbon levels and contributing ever so gravely to the already deteriorating state of the climate. With the varied effect of global warming already being felt steps need to be taken to limit further emissions and manage present situation. Anthropic emissions of CO2 amounted to 26 billion tonnes in 2004. In a reference scenario extrapolating current trends, CO2 emissions are set to double by 2050, to more than 50 billion tonnes of CO2 a year. Continuing this trend would lead to an atmospheric concentration of CO2 exceeding 1,000ppm (parts per million) at the end of the 21st century, a concentration that is totally unacceptable in terms of its climate impact and its socio-economic consequences (IFP 2007). Global Warming Trends/ Future Trends In a bid to predict future climate change conditions, Scientists develop mathematically-based climate models. Adopting different assumptions on how various factors play to predict how atmospheric CO2 levels and temperatures will change in future. The variables in each model include: Population growth rate Economic development Energy use Efficiency of energy use Mix of energy technologies The graph below shows the results from three climate models used by the IPCC, with predictions starting in 1990 and ending in the year 2100. In all three, the global population rate rises during the first half of the century, and then declines. The A1B model assumes rapid economic growth and increased equity-the reduction of regional differences in per-person income. New and more efficient technologies are introduced, without relying heavily on a single energy source. The A1F1 model is the same as A1B, but assumes the continued use of fossil fuel-intensive technologies. In the B1 model, the world moves rapidly from a producer-consumer economy toward a service and information economy. There is a reduction in the use of raw materials, and an emphasis on clean and efficient technologies and improved equity. Other models have been developed, each based upon a different set of assumptions. Figure 2: Adapted from IPCC, Third Assessment Report on Climate Change, 2001. Global temperature increases predicted by three different IPCC climate models. Although differing in degree, these three climate prediction models show similar trends: The projected rate of global warming in the future is much larger than the rate of global warming during the 20th century. Predicted rates of global warming are greater than any seen in the past 10,000 years. (Exploring earth 2009) From the chart above it is clear where we have to take a stand. With the above stated premise and the statistical review, it is imperative to develop a strategy that first curtails present carbon emissions and subsequently reduces the overall generation from various sources described above. MITIGATING CLIMATE CHANGE VIA LIBYAN ENERGY POLICY INCORPORATING RENEWABLE ENERGY Strategies for reducing CO2 emissions by 80% by 2050 and Implementation Techniques Taking into cognisance current emission trends and sectors fingered in CO2 emissions, cutting down of emission cannot be over emphasized. A proactive approach to detailing of strategic plans of action for implementation must take into account past emission log; fully understand the current situation and project reduction measures that proffer solutions through a cost effective and practicable approach. To achieve these, the need to fully understand the scope of the problems at hand is imperative. To this end, I propose a utilitarian based all inclusive approach to reducing 80% emission by 2050. My approach is based on the incorporation of renewable energy in the Libyan energy policy. Libyan Renewable Energy Potential Libyan geographical location positions 88% of its area in the Sahara desert region of Africa, where there is a high propensity of solar energy which can be used to generate electricity via solar energy conversions, of both photovoltaic panels, and or thermally. According to the trans Mediterranean interconnection for concentrating solar power (MED-CSP)highlights Libyas renewable energy potention as depicted in the table below. Table 2: Renewable energy sources for Libya Type Potentiality Solar electricity 140,000 TWh/y Wind electricity 15 TWh/y Biomass 2 TWh/y Total 157,000 TWh/y Source: Saleh 2006 .This shows enough renewable resource potential to meet 3 times electricity demand in Libya by the year 2050 Renewable energy hold advantages over conventional fossil fuel sources for the provision of energy in that they portend convenience and are economically effective and viable in many areas of applications. Libyan renewable energy resource consists of photovoltaic conversion of solar energy, solar thermal applications, wind energy, and Biomass Solar Energy conversion of solar energy in Libya for electricity generations could be in two forms, the utilization of photovoltaics or solar thermal application. Thermal Conversions Solar heaters were introduced in Libya in 1983 with a pilot project that included 10 systems. The effectiveness of these systems has led to installation of about 2000 additional solar heaters. Figures show that water heating consumes about 12% of energy from national electricity production however, fundamental issues limit wider application of thermal converters for water heating in Libya, these issues include; Absence of decentralised national or personal electricity generation industry. Lack of information for the people. Low electric energy tariff. Solar Photovoltaics Operating on the simple principle of direct conversion of solar power into electricity, achieved by the agitation of electrons in P-N junctions by photons which thus creates an electric current which is tapped of by conducting wires. PV resource potential within Libya is enormous; current small scale applications highlight the use of PV in the following areas; PV in Microwave Communication Networks Amongst the 500 repeater station in Libya, 9 have been run by photovoltaic systems up until the end of 1997 producing a total peak power of 10.5 KWp. Of these, four still run after 26 years of work, with minimal maintenance as the batteries which they use are open type batteries and were replaced three times with an average lifetime of eight years. With the technical and economical success of PV systems, all communication networks previously powered by diesel generators were converted to PV systems thus effectively bringing the total number of PV run station to about 80. The total installed photovoltaic peak power by 2005 was around 420 KWp. (Saleh Ibrahim et al., 2003). PV in Cathodic protection Saleh Ibrahim et al., (2004), showed it cost $1.4 to supply one KWh of daily supply load of 15 KWh for a cathodic protection (CP) station located 5 Km from a 11 KV electric grid. Also another study showed that PV systems were more convenient and economical for the production of a daily CP load of 7.5 KWh from a distance of more than 1.2 Km from the 11 KV electric grid. This highlighted the importance and value of PV systems and hence their application. Further Future Applications PV systems in Rural Electrification In Libya rural areas face electrification problems because they are far away from the national grid and it wouldnt be economical to extend electric network to low demand areas, to this end the incorporation of PV systems would be invaluable. Currently, Libya plans to electrify rural areas consist of scattered houses, villages, and water pumping with PV systems, these Villages include; Mrair Gabis village, Swaihat village, Intlat village, Beer al-Merhan village, and Wadi Marsit village (Saleh Ibrahim et al., 2006) The installation of PV systems started in the middle of 2003. The total number of systems installed by General Electric company of Libya (GECOL) is 340 with a total capacity of 220 kWp, while the ones installed by the Center of Solar Energy Studies (CSES) and the Saharan Center are 150 with a total power of 125 KWp. The applications are: 380 systems for isolated houses, 30 systems for police stations, and 100 systems for street illumination. The total peak power is 345 KWp. PV for Water pumping The use of PV systems in Water pumping portends great advantages for rural communities as remote wells which are used to supply water for human and live stock that are located in rural places. Environment: It is worthy to note that the environmental impact of PV is less than that of any other renewable (Boyle 2004), however, concerns have been showed for toxic compounds used in the production of some PV e.g. Cadmium. Economics: From the word go, PV systems have continued to improve in cost effectiveness and if such a trend keeps up, it could become a force for contention with fossil fuels. Integration: With no medium for storing of electricity and the fluctuating nature of PV generation problems accrue over integration of PV electricity to the National grid. Although, the grid is designed to cope with massive fluctuations in demand, and similarly fluctuating supply like PV considered negative loads, analyst suggest that without large amounts of cheap electricity storage PV sources cannot make major contributions (Boyle 2004). Presently the conversion efficiency of PV cells is low (15%-30%) so this may hamper possibilities. Wind Energy Since 1940, wind energy has been utilized for water pumping in many oases. The potential of this renewable energy source has not been fully harnesses in Libya especially for powering rural communities and farms and use in irrigation. 2004 Libyan measurements of the wind speed statistics showed that there is a high potential for wind energy in Libya with the average wind speed at a 40 meter height is between 6- 7.5 m/s. The Libyan government has seen the potential in wind energy generation of electricity and have contracted the the project for use of wind energy for electricity production. This project includes the installation of a 25 MW wind farm as a pilot project. Also, a project to prepare two Atlas that provide fast access to reliable solar and wind data throughout Libya is also been contracted for. The Atlas will allow for accurate analysis of the available wind and solar resources anywhere in Libya, and will be therefore be invaluable to the planning of profitable wind farms a nd solar projects. In other to meet the target of an 80% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050, it is imperative to tackle from source electricity generation which utilises fossil fuels by the setting up of an energy policy that seeks to ensure that energy from renewable energy sources contributes 10% to Libyas electricity demand by the year 2020. As stated above, photovoltaic has been used for small and medium sized remote applications with proven economic feasibility; however, several constraints and barriers, including costs exist. The experience of rural applications shows that there is a high potential of building large scale PV plants in the south of the Mediterranean. The potential for utilizing, home grid connected photovoltaic systems, large scale grid connected electricity generation using Wind farms, and solar thermal for electricity generation is great, with capacities of several thousands of MW. At the business end, Libya can expand its electricity generation capacities from its eneormous renewable source to meet the demands of Mediterranean countries, taking advantage of its proximity to the European energy market. This can be considered as a future plan. The potential for Solar energy resources to effectively replace oil and gas has to be harnessed. Renewable energy resources portend good opportunities for technology transfer and international cooperation. In the current Libyan energy clime, the decentralised nature of renewable energy technologies make them particularly well suited for rural energy development further enhancing use of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) adopted by Kyoto Protocol in renewable energy applications that wou ld reduce CO2 emissions. For Proper development of Libyan Renewable energy potential, the following have to be met: Promotion of private investment in transfer of renewable energy technology and services. Introduce renewable energy in formal education curriculum as well as Increase informal education on all energy aspects. Development of policies that support the introduction of renewables via local, national and international partnerships Courage the international investment to invest in the industry. International cooperation that seeks to aid the development and construction of large scale solar energy applications as a pilot project. Development and support, of technical, financial, and institutional, research mechanisms for sustainable development. Development of national energy policies and regulatory frameworks that would aid in the creation of the necessary economic, social and institutional conditions in the energy sector and improve access to reliable, affordable, economically viable socially acceptable and environmentally sound energy services for sustainable development. CONCLUSION Current Libyan energy policy depicts a system that lacks efficiency in the production and consumption of energy, challenge lies in the development of energy efficiency in the various sectors with several barriers including: lack of access to technology, capacity building, and institutional issues. In other to achieve energy efficiency in both energy consumption and production sides, it is imperative to incorporate renewable energy in all energy end-using sectors, the focus is on improving equipment efficiency of services, such as heating and air conditioning equipment, appliances, lighting and motors. On the supply and production side, energy management should focus on incorporation of renewable energy in energy generation, improved industrial processes, co generation and energy recovery systems. Energy efficiency can help reducing cost, preserving natural resources and protecting the environment.. Furthermore, as Libya is a non annex I country under the UNFCCC, and a signatory to the Kyoto protocol, Libya is currently eligible for the CDM. The main emitters of CO2 in 2003 are fuel combustion in the power generation sector. Libyas energy related CO2 emissions increased by more than 78% in one decade mostly due to increased energy supply and significant reduction could be achieved if improved energy utilization efficiency by the major energy sectors is encouraged. Conclusively, The Legislative Act Number 7 of 1982 concerning the protection of the environment which is Libyas biggest environmental protection act looks into a holistic plan to protect the environment, water, land, wildlife, plants, food etc from the deleterious activities of both man and nature. This piece of legislation which has a total of 11 sections and 75 articles was promulgated by the General Peoples Congress, Libyas highest executive authority. Below are the underlisted sections of this legislation: Section 1 General Provisions Section 2 Protection of the Atmosphere Section 3 Protection of Seas and Marine Resources Section 4 Protection of Water Resources Section 5 Protection of Foodstuffs Section 6 Environmental Health Section 7 Protection from Contagious Diseases Section 8 Soils and Plant Protection Section 9 Protection of Wildlife Section 10 Interim Provisions Section 11 Penalties The import of these legislation, and strict enforcements would help Libya in meeting the 2050 target of 80% reduction in CO2 emission.

Neuroimaging Findings in Late Infantile GM1

Neuroimaging Findings in Late Infantile GM1 Gangliosidosis  Summary: Late infantile GM1 gangliosidosis is an extremely rare metabolic disorder with clinical features of seizure and progressive motor and mental retardation without facial dysmorphism or visceral organomegaly. We report the CT and MR imaging findings in one infant, which included abnormalities of the cerebral cortex, white matter, and deep nuclei. GM1 gangliosidosis is a rare lysosomal storage dis- ease characterized by a deficiency in the activity of lysosomal galactosidase, which results in increased accumulation of GM1 ganglioside and asialo-GA1 in the brain and of oligosaccharide in the visceral organs (1, 2). Patients with infantile GM1 gangliosidosis usu- ally have dysmorphic facial features, motor and men- tal retardation, seizures, and hepatosplenomegaly (2). The late infantile form of this disorder is extremely rare and has no clinical features of facial dysmor- phism or visceral organomegaly (1). Case Report An 11-month-old girl, the product of an uncomplicated full-term pregnancy, presented with complex febrile convulsion during an episode of upper respiratory infection. Physical ex- amination at first admission showed a hypotonic infant with macrocephaly (>97 percentile), normal facial features, and psychomotor retardation. Hyperactive reflexes and augmented startle response to noise were present. The abdomen was soft without hepatosplenomegaly. Examination of the eyes revealed a normal clear lens, dilatation of the pupil without light reflex in the right eye, and mild dilatation of the pupil with sluggish light reflex in the left eye. Fundoscopy showed no cherry-red  spots at the maculae. Deficient galactosidase activity and normal hexosaminidase, and glucosidase activity on lysosomal enzyme assay in cultured skin fibroblasts were documented at the patient’s second admission 3 months later for clonic-tonic seizures during another episode of acute upper respiratory infection. Radiologic investigation included chest radiography (also covering the abdomen), CT, and MR imaging, all of which were done on initial admission and again at follow-up. A bone survey was not performed owing to unremarkable somatic manifesta- tions. A CT scan of the brain at age 11 months showed in- creased attenuation of the bilateral thalami (Fig 1A). MR examinations at 11 and 14 months of age showed hyperintensity of the thalami on T1-weighted images (Fig 1B) whereas, on T2-weighted images, the signal intensity of the thalami was decreased (Fig 1C). The white matter myelination was mark- edly delayed, with only the splenium of the corpus callosum being myelinated and no interval improvement in myelination noted at the second MR study (Fig 1D). Discussion GM1 gangliosidosis is a rare inborn error of metab- olism caused by a deficiency of galactosidase activity resulting in failure of catalyzing cleavage of termi- nal link galactose from substrates, such as GM1 ganglioside, asialo-GM1, lactosylceramide, galactose- containing oligosaccharides, and mucopolysacchar- ides. The abnormally accumulated substances in the lysosomes of the affected cells in the CNS are mainly GM1 ganglioside and its asialo derivative GA1 as well as other minor glycolipids and glycopeptides. Visceral storage with oligosaccharides is variable and may cause organgomegaly. Three types of GM1 gangliosidosis, classified by age of onset, have been reported (1, 3, 4). Infantile GM1 gangliosidosis (type 1) is the most common and se- vere form, with clinical features of hypotonia, failure to thrive in the neonatal period, and clonic-tonic seizure activity. Coarse facial features, frontal boss- ing, dysostosis multiplex, hepatosplenomegaly, and hazy cornea may be present or become apparent in the first year of life (2). The late infantile or juvenile form (type 2) begins with progressive mental and motor retardation between 1 and 5 years of age. Seizures are common, and spastic tetraplegia devel- ops, with cerebellar and extrapyramidal signs. Decer- ebrate rigidity follows, and death occurs between 3 and 10 years of age, usually precipitated by recurrent bronchopneumonia. Dysmorphic facial features, hep- atosplenomegaly, corneal changes, and bony abnor- malities are usually lacking, and, when present, are due to a mild degree or absence of oligosaccharide acc umulation. Cerebral GM1 ganglioside storage is also less severe in type 2 than in type 1 disease (1, 2). A, Cranial CT scan at age 11 months shows increased attenuation of the thala- mus and decreased attenuation of the basal ganglia, which were isointense with adjacent white matter. B, T1-weighted axial MR image (600/ 20/2 [TR/TE/excitations]) obtained at the same time shows increased signal inten- sity of the thalamus. The white matter my- elination was markedly delayed. Note that only the splenium of the corpus callosum is myelinated. C, Corresponding axial T2-weighted MR image (2800/90/1) reveals hypodensity of the thalamus and normal signal intensity of the basal ganglia. The cerebrum showed almost no myelination of the white matter except the splenium of the corpus callo- sum. D, Follow-up T2-weighted MR image at 14 months of age shows persistent delayed myelination of the white matter. Note that no cortical atrophy is seen at this stage. Children or adults with chronic, or type 3, GM1 gan- gliosidoses may have a slowly progressive disorder in which dystonia, dysarthria, ataxia, myoclonus gait dis- orders, and extrapyramidal signs occur (4). Bony changes are minimal. Cherry-red spots at the macu- lae, which are found in about half the patients with type 1 GM1 gangliosidoses, are not seen in patients with type 2 and type 3 disease. The disorder can be diagnosed in several ways, including lysosomal enzyme assay of low galactosidase activity in peripheral leukocytes or cultured skin fibroblasts, detection of abnormal urinary oligosac- charide excretion, and rectal biopsy (2). Prenatal di- agnosis by measurement of enzyme activity in amni- otic fluid and cultivated amniotic fluid cells has also been established (5). Neuropathologic reports on GM1 gangliosidoses have shown diffuse neuronal storage with ballooning of neuronal cytoplasm in the cerebral and cerebellar cortex, basal ganglia, brain stem, spinal cord, and dorsal root ganglion in type 1 and type 2 forms, and a tendency for selective storage in the basal ganglia with neuronal loss and gliosis in type 3 disease (6, 7). The cerebral white matter is gliotic and there is loss of myelin in type 1 but not in types 2 and 3 GM1 gangli- osidoses. Neuroimaging findings in patients with type 1 GM1 gangliosidoses have been reported only in a few cases. In one case, initial thalamic hyperdensity was found on CT scans and hypointense signal of the thalami was seen on T2-weighted MR images at a later stage (3). Persistent delay in white matter myelination on serial MR studies has been described in another case (8). In type 3 GM1 gangliosidoses, the symmetrical abnormal signal intensities were more selectively seen in the caudate nucleus and putamen on T2-weighted MR images (9). To our knowledge, neuroimaging findings in type 2 GM1 gangliosidoses have not been reported previously. The CT and MR findings in our case are identical to those reported in patients with Tay-Sachs disease (GM2 gangliosidoses). This may be understood be- cause the structure of gangliosides GM1 and GM2 differs only in the terminal N-acetylgalactosamine, and they are stored together with cholesterol and phospholipid; the neuronal staining reactions and ul- trastructure are identical (7). The thalamic hyperden- sity seen on CT scans in Tay-Sachs and Krabbe lyso- somal storage disorders has been presumed to be due to calcification. Calcium deposition in the thalamus can also explain the hyperintense T1 signal and hy- pointense T2 signal on MR images, although frank calcium deposition has not been reported pathologi- cally (10). Other investigators have suggested that secondary lipofuscinosis, resulting in deposits of pigmented degradation products, occurs in the thalami and cause this appearance in GM2 gangliosidoses (11, 12). In our case, the CT study showed not only tha- lamic hyperdensity but also hypointensity of the basal ganglia, which were almost isointense with adjacent white matter (Fig 1A). The MR study verified the CT findings of abnormal thalamic attenuation but not the hypointensity of the basal ganglia. MR is the only imaging technique that is capable of demonstrating the arrested myelination of the cerebral white matter in serial examinations (Fig 1C and D). Conclusion Although the neuroimaging findings of GM1 gan- gliosidoses are unique in our case, these findings could also be identified in GM2 gangliosidoses and, to some extent, in late-stage Canavan disease. Patients with late-stage Canavan disease may have dense thal- ami on T1-weighted images, as well as white matter necrosis, resulting in cavitation, and brain stem and cerebellar atrophy, which are not observed in GM1. Other neurometabolic diseases that often manifest with macrocephaly include mucopolysaccharidosis and Alexander disease. These disorders have distinct neuroimaging features and they should be distin- guished from GM1. A definite diagnosis of this rare disorder can only be made by obtaining lysosomal enzyme assay results of deficient galactosidase and normal hexosaminidase. References 1. Gascon GG, Ozand PT, Erwin RE. GM1 gangliosidosis type 2 in two siblings. J Child Neurol 1992;7:S41–S50 2. Suzuke Y, Sakuraba H, Oshima A. Beta-galactosidase deficiency (beta-galactosidosis): GM1 gangliosidosis and Morquio B disease. In: Scriver CR, Beaudet AL, Sly WS, et al, eds. The Metabolic and Molecular Bases of Inherited Disease. New York: McGraw-Hill; 1995:2785–2823 3. Kobayashi 0, Takashima S. Thalamic hyperdensity on CT in infan- tile GM1-gangliosidosis. Brain Dev 1994;16:472– 474 4. Tanaka R, Momoi T, Yoshida A, et al. Type 3 GM1 gangliosidosis: clinical and neuroradiological findings in an 11-year-old girl. J Neurol 1995;242:299 –303 5. Tasso MJ, Martinez-Gutierrez A, Carrascosa C, et al. GM1-gangli- osidosis presenting as nonimmune hydrops fetalis: a case report. J Perinatal Med 1996;24:445– 449 6. Bieber FR, Mortimer G, Kolodny EH, et al. Pathologic findings in fetal GM1 gangliosidosis. Arch Neurol 1986;43:736 –738 7. Lake B. Lysosomal and peroxisomal disorders. In: Graham DI, Lantos PL, eds. Greenfield’s Neuropathology. 6th ed. London: Ar- nold; 1997 8. Kaye EM, Alroy J, Raghavan SS, et al. Dysmyelinogenesis in an animal model of GM1 gangliosidosis. Pediatr Neurol 1992;8:255–261 9. Uyama E, Terasaki T, Watanabe S, et al. Type 3 GM1 gangliosido- sis: characteristic MRI findings correlated with dystonia. Acta Neurol Scand 1992;86:609 – 615 10. Brismar J, Brismar G, Coates R, et al. Increased density of the thalamus on CT scans in patients with GM2 gangliosidoses. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 1990;11:125–130 11. Lowden JA, Callahan JW, Gravel RA, et al. Type 2 GM gangli- osidosis with neuronal ceroid lipofusinosis. Neurology  1981;31:719 –724 12. Stalker HP, Jan BK. Thalamic hyperdensity: a previously unre- ported sign of Sandhoff disease. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 1989;10: S82

Dantes Inferno: Dantes Journey Toward Enlightenment Essay -- Dantes

Dante's Inferno: Dante's Journey Toward Enlightenment While reading Dante’s Inferno I couldn’t help but draw parallels between the journey of the protagonist and the belief system of the Buddhist religion. Dante believed we must understand sin before we can reject it, and Buddha believed that before we can reject sin, we must suffer also. Examining these two tenets side by side makes the similarities undeniably apparent; they both seem to be purporting the message that there cannot be pain without pleasure, truth without dishonesty or enlightenment with suffering. Dante’s version of hell is based on that of Medieval Catholicism, which professes to be quite divergent from the Buddhist faith. Yet the similarities are actually quite prevalent when reviewed from an impartial perspective. The first resemblance I noticed between the two faiths was in regards to the Roman epic poet Virgil, who acts as Dante’s mentor and protector while accompanying him on his extraordinary journey through Hell. This immediately made me think of the spirit guides that Buddhists believe channel them towards salvation. Dante views Virgil as many Christians view God; as a father figure, from whom guidance, information, and forgiveness is actively sought. Dante refers to Virgil as "Master", "Guide", "Teacher", "Poet" in the beginning; yet he eventually begins to refer to Virgil as "Lord", implying that he sees Virgil not as a traditional father figure, but as a spiritually divine one. This is evidenced even further in Canto XXX, line 130 – end, in which Dante needs Virgil’s forgiveness, which suggests that his clemency bears some divine power of atonement. This Christian tendency to have a spirit guide take on the characteristics of a ruling de... ... the truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering. More simply put, suffering exists; it has a cause; it has an end; and it has a cause to bring about its end. The notion of suffering in Buddhism then, is not intended to convey a negative world view, but rather, to connote a pragmatic perspective that deals with the world as it is, and subsequently attempts to remedy it. The concept of pleasure is not denied, but is rather acknowledged as fleeting in that the pursuit of pleasure can only sustain what is ultimately an unquenchable thirst. Works Cited [1] Carter, John Ross and Mahinda Palihawadana, trans. and ed. The Dhammapada. New York: Oxford University Press, 1987, verses 116-119. [2] Alighieri, Dante. The Divine Comedy of Dante Alighieri: Inferno. Trans. Allen Mandelbaum. Notes Allen Mandelbaum and Gabriel Marruzzo. New York: Bantam Books, 1980

Comparing Daisy Buchanan of The Great Gatsby and Brett of The Sun Also

Daisy Buchanan of The Great Gatsby and Brett Ashley of The Sun Also Rises      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Written right after the publication of Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises is apparently influenced in many ways.   The most obvious of Fitzgerald's influence is manifested in Hemingway's portrayal of his heroine, Brett Ashley. Numerous critics have noted and discussed the similarities between Brett and Daisy Buchanan, and rightly so; but the two women also have fundamental differences. Compared to Daisy, Brett is a more rounded, complex character, and Hemingway has treated her with more sympathy than Fitzgerald has with Daisy. Some similarities between Brett Ashley and Daisy Buchanan include their physical beauty, their extravagant/ flamboyant lifestyle, and their unhappy marriages. However, their most important similarity is the destructive influence they have on their suitors.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Daisy attracts Jay Gatsby with her beauty--not only her physical appearance, but also the entire carefree, comfortable, luxurious lifestyle: Gatsby was overwhelmingly aware of the youth and mystery that wealth imprisons and preserves, of the freshness of many clothes and of Daisy, gleaming like silver, safe and proud above the hot struggles of the poor (157). To Gatsby the rich life is temptingly desirable because it was equaled to Daisy herself. Her life far detached from the sweaty hard struggling seems to hold as much enchanted beauty as she holds for Gatsby. He falls in love with that beauty, and Daisy has become his one and only goal and dream in life. With this, Fitzgerald is putting the blame for Gatsby's fall--his indulgence in the wrong dream, and his wrong choice of means to achieve his end--on Daisy. But t... ... S. "Brett and Her Lovers." Brett Ashley. Ed. Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1991. 105-122. Martin, Wendy. "Brett Ashley as New Woman in The Sun Also Rises." New Essays on The Sun Also Rises. Ed. Linda Wagner-Martin. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1987. 65-82. Works Consulted: Hemingway, Ernest. "The Unpublished Opening of The Sun Also Rises." (5-8). Fitzgerald, F. Scott. "Letter to Ernest Hemingway (June 1926)." (8). Whitlow, Roger. "Bitches and Other Simplistic Assumptions." (148-156). Cohen, Milton A. "Circe and Her Swine." (157-165). Bloom, Harold. Brett Ashley. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1991. McCay, Mary A. "Fitzgerald's Women: Beyond Winter Dreams." (311-324). Fleischmann, Fritz, ed. American Novelists Revisited: Essays in Feminist Criticism. Boston: G. K. Hall & Co., 1982.      

A Dystopian Future in Brave New World Essay -- Brave New World Essays

Brave New World is a remarkable journey into the future wherein mankind is dehumanized by the progress and misuse of technology to the point where society is a laboratory produced race of beings who are clones devoid of identity only able to worship the three things they have been preconditioned to love:   "Henry Ford, their idol; Soma, a wonder drug; and sex" (Dusterhoof, Guynn, Patterson, Shaw, Wroten and Yuhasz   1).   The misuse of perfected technologies, especially those allowing the manipulation of the human brain and genes, have created a pleasure-seeking world where there is no such thing as spiritual experience, just pleasures of the flesh.   In the face of a transcendent religion, the inhabitants (genetically engineered to exist in one of five classes and condition to believe that the class within which they fall is the best one for them) lose their will to rebel against the capitalistic class-divisions of their society.   Psychological mottoes and rigid class div isions have replaced traditional societal values such as family, religion and freedom.   A wonder drug that removes all psychological pain, the pursuit of carnal pleasures, and the replacement of identity and soul with idol worship of a Henry Ford type savior serve to create a dystopia that is frightening as well as the path already being forged in society when he wrote the work in the early 1930s. Yet when Huxley published the book in 1932, the concepts most frightening in the novel (babies conceived in the laboratory, gene splicing and reproduction, and pharmaceutical wonder drugs to relieve psychic pain) were not realities.   With the successful cloning of farm animals, the development of invitro fertilization, and the rampant prescribing of countless wonder dru... ...ew. Narr. Jenny Sawyer. 60secondRecap, 2010. Web 14 Apr. 2015 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwCy56slJHw Baker Siepmann, K. (ed.) Benet's Reader's Encyclopedia. (3rd edit.) Harper & Row, N.Y.:   1987. Birnbaum, M.   Aldous Huxley's Quest For Values.   Univ. of Tennessee Press, TENN:   1971. Dusterhoff, A., Guynn, R., Patterson, J., Shaw, L., Wroten, D. and Yuhasz, G.   "Huxley's Brave New World:   A Study Of Dehumanization."   Web 11 Apr. 2015. http://mural.uv.es/madelro/bnwstudyofdehumanization.html Firchow, P. E. The End of Utopia.   Associated Univ. Presses, Inc., N.J.:   1984. Huxley, A.   Brave New World.   Harper & Bros., N.Y.:   1950. Leary, T. and Gullichsen, E.   "Huxley, Hesse And The Cybernetic Society."  Web 24 Apr. 2015. http://downlode.org/Etext/huxley_hesse_cybernetic.html Watts, H. H.   Aldous Huxley.   Twayne Publishers, MASS:   1969.

Online Learning Environment Essay

The recent shift towards intensive use of computer technology in educational practices has already become so powerful that computer-based learning is no more perceived as something new. Whether it is computer laboratories in the primary schools or Internet-equipped computer facilities in the high-school, computers have turned into unalienable part of students’ life. However, such rapid and overwhelming spread of the new technology raised serious questions concerning positive and negative aspects, new opportunities for students and teachers, age peculiarities, and gender specifics of computer-based learning. The latter seems to be one of the major focuses of contemporary research in computer-based learning. Article â€Å"Gender differences in the use of computer mediated communication by post graduate distance students† written by Barrett and Lally (1999) investigates into the gender aspect of computer-mediated education, namely the use of Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) in a specific learning context by a small group of postgraduate (MEd) distance learners and their tutors. Taking into consideration the fact of steadily growing audience of students involved into online educational practices, relevance of such research can hardly be questioned. Although the number of participants is rather small – probably the first and foremost drawback of the research – the authors have managed to collect comprehensive amount of data using students’ electronic diaries, questionnaires and transcripts of all their online contributions. Barrett and Lally (1999) apply content analysis – arguably the most popular method in psychology – to evaluate on-line dialogues between members of the group. Specific attention has been paid to studying learning and socio-emotional pattern of behavior demonstrated by participants, since the major hypothesis of the authors is that male and female students differ significantly on this dimension. The choice of method seems absolutely correct keeping in mind the hypothesis posed by the authors. Key outcomes of the study supported the authors’ hypothesis: content analysis of the available data has revealed serious difference in behavior of men and women put into the online learning environment. Firstly, male students tend to send more messages than their female counterparts. Secondly, messages written by male students were on average twice as long as messages written by female students. And thirdly, male students tend to write socio-emotionally oriented messages, while female students exhibit interactive orientation. These three findings make it possible for the authors to establish strong correlation between student’s gender and his/her behavior in the online learning environment. Despite seeming plainness of this study, it seems rather difficult to give it a univocal assessment. On the one hand, there is a small sample group, which raises the issue of the study’s reliability, and simple research design, while on the other hand, there is exceptional relevance of the study (keeping in mind that it was published in 1999) and important findings, which have shown right direction for further research. Although there may be another point of view, the second component outweighs all drawbacks of the research: while the drawbacks relate to formal aspect of the study (e. g. insufficient sample size, poor data capturing techniques, etc), the content (hypothesis and findings) is really great. Newness of the author’s ideas has turned the article into a good starting point for other researchers, whose works help develop the most optimal learning and teaching strategies designed according to specific learning behavior of both sexes in a mixed online learning environment. Although newness is the most important characteristic of Barrett and Lally’s (1999) work, they apparently relied upon a number of previous studies. As soon as the overall subject of their research is concerned, the study can hardly be addressed as absolutely original: a number of studies dealing with the impact of computer technologies on the learning environment of classrooms (including the learning activities that take place in the classroom, and various educational strategies designed to make them more effective) were written throughout the 1990s. Although none of them paid serious attention to gender differences that might characterize behavior of students in computer learning environment, they definitely revealed a number of specific features of computer-based (including online) learning and teaching practices. For example, Richards (1996) conducted one of the first studies of the influence of computer-based environment on student motivations. His research conducted as a part of the Bell Atlantic’s World School Program revealed that computers and the Internet significantly improved students’ motivation. Thus, 92 percent of the respondents in Richards’ program classified the Internet as an effective learning tool (Richards, 1996). Findings of another research performed by Follansbee (1996) and his colleagues the same year stand in line with those of Richards. Comparison of the learning outcomes of students doing a task with access to the Internet demonstrated much higher level of confidence in conducting and presenting the research task. Besides, the study discovered that students with access to the Internet demonstrated better diversity and inventiveness presenting their tasks, could better integrate various perspectives, and presented their answers/projects more accurately (Follansbee 1996). In 1997, Proost and Lowyck (1997) published a study devoted to gender aspect of computer-based education. The sample group of the study was impressive: traditional and distance learning university students – a total of 1368 students (945 males and 416 females) over 18 years of age (Proost and Lowyck, 1997: 371-372). However, that study dealt only with the gender differences in perceptions of and preferences for computer based learning environments, while Barrett and Lally (1999) went deeper into the subject. Thus, Proost and Lowyck (1997) found out that female respondents had, on average, more negative perception of computer based technology and a preference for traditional methods than male respondents (p. 380), but did not try to answer the question whether male and female students demonstrate different behavioral patterns in the online learning environment or not. While Barrett and Lally (1999) relied on a number of previous researches, their own findings were further explored, confirmed, corrected, and extended by later studies. Kelly (2000) used Barrett and Lally’s (1999) assumption that girl pay more attention to the interactive aspect of computer-based communication and learning to explain why girls normally have little interest to computer science. In her account, computer does not involve a lot of teamwork and social interaction and, therefore, is less interesting than traditional communication and learning. In the same way Kelly (2000) explains why absolute majority of the computer games are designed according to tastes of male audiences and emphasize things (violence, intensive action, speed) that are not attractive to women. Therefore, boys feel more attraction to computers and computer-based learning and â€Å"†¦ with more males getting into careers in the computing industry, they perpetuate this cycle of catering for the needs of a predominantly male audience who gain an entry point into the computing world via games and later take up careers in the computing industry† (Kelly, 2000: 156). Similarly, Passing and Levin (2000) explored gender difference amongst pre-school students trying to reveal their preferences to various designs of multimedia learning interfaces (in order to improve outcomes of learning). The study involved a sample of 90 children (44 girls and 46 boys), and its major outcome was significant difference in boys and girls’ preferences: boys demonstrated more attraction to movement while girls paid more attention to visual elements. Shin and Chan (2004) also cite Barrett and Lally’s (1999) in their study of the effects of online learning on distance education students. The authors assume that there is a direct relationship between students’ involvement in online learning and distance learning outcomes taking into consideration gender aspect as the major factor that affects online learning (p. 277). Riding and Grimley (1999) investigated how differently the same computer multimedia affects cognitive style and performance of boys and girls (11 years). The study involved 40 boys and 40 girls and was conducted in two stages: firstly, participants underwent the procedure of assessment which revealed their cognitive style; secondly, they were offered a multi-choice recall test after studying a science topic with the help of computer and CD-ROM (p. 44-45). Upon completion of both stages the authors compared computer-based scores of the participants with scores given for similar topics learned with the help of traditional educational methods. The authors reported that â€Å"with regard to the mode of presentation of the multimedia materials, girls who were Wholist-Imagers and Analytic-Verbalisers were better with presentations which had picture and sound than those which had only picture and text. Those who were Wholist-Verbalizers and Analytic-Imagers were better with presentations which had picture and text than those which had only picture and sound. The results were the opposite for boys. For both gender groups performance was best with presentations which combined picture, text and sound† (Riding and Grimley 1999: 55). Evidently, the article written by Barrett and Lally (1999) can hardly be addressed as a classic work which has already become the basic reference point of modern studies in computer-based teaching and learning. At the same time, it is far from being a mediocre and irrelevant study that has absolutely not scientific value. The truth is somewhere in between: the article is a well-written piece of work which stands in line with previous research, has an element of newness and, therefore, opens new opportunities for scientists. REFERENCES Barrett, E and Lally, V. (1999) â€Å"Gender differences in an on-line learning environment† Journal of Computer Assisted Learning 15, 48-60 Follansbee, S. , Gilsdorf, N. , Stahl, S. , Dunfey, J. , Cohen, S. , Pisha, B. and Hughes, B. (1996) The role of online communication in schools: a national study . Peabody, MA: Center for Applied Special Technology. Kelly, Karen. (2000) â€Å"The Gender Gap: Why Do Girls Get Turned Off to Technology? † The Digital Classroom, ed. D. T. Gordon, The Harvard Education Letter, Cambridge, pp 154-160 O’Hara, S. P. (1998) â€Å"A case study of attitudinal effects of Internet use in a middle school integrated science curriculum†. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching, San Diego, CA, April 19-22, 1998 (Eric document ED417978). Passing, D. & Levin, H. (2000) â€Å"Gender Preferences for Multimedia interfaces†, Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 16: 64-71 Proost, K. , Elen J. & Lowyck J. (1997) â€Å"Effects of Gender on Perceptions of and Preferences for Telematic Learning Environments†, Journal of Research on Computing in Education, Summer, 29(4): 370-384 Richards, F. C. (1996) â€Å"The impact of the Internet on teaching and learning as perceived by teachers, library media specialists and students† Masters thesis, Salem-Teikyo University (Eric document ED410943)