Saturday, November 30, 2019

The Causes, Characteristics, and Aims of Revolutions

Introduction Throughout the history of human society and governance, various forms of protestations by the governed have characterized disagreements between the governor and the governed. These differences between the rulers and their subjects usually lead to a need for negotiations, and subsequent governance changes in order that the society might continue to exist peacefully. Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Causes, Characteristics, and Aims of Revolutions specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, when the rulers in such a situation ignore the usually genuine demands of their subjects, the outcome is usually a form of protest and demonstration by the governed in order to express their views more powerfully. Such protests take various forms, and the outcome may be concessions that assuage the demands of the protesting governed or increased control and continued recalcitrance by the rulers and govern ors concerned. Revolutions are borne out of such stalemates. Dictatorship/autocracy, poverty/inequality, and a desire for personal and communal liberty have characterized the demands of most revolutionary quests throughout history, and this commonality of demands can be seen in the demands of revolutionary masses of the 17th Century Glorious Revolution, as well as, the present day Arab Spring revolutions. In this paper, a historical analysis of crucial revolutions in different countries and eras – beginning with the Glorious Revolution in England and ending with the Arab Spring revolutions of recent days – will be undertaken. The causes, characteristics, and outcomes of these revolutions will be analyzed. The commonality of the revolutions and their importance in a socio-historical context will also be provided in the conclusion. The Glorious Revolution of 1688 The Glorious Revolution in England, in 1688, toppled the then English King James II. King James II’s moderate religious views, and the general excesses of the English Monarchy, stoked the fires of the revolution. The Glorious Revolution in England is significant because many of its sociopolitical and religious outcomes extend to contemporary times (Miller 58). Although the King’s religion of Catholicism was a crucial factor for parliamentarians’ opposition to his reign, a general dissatisfaction with the King’s aristocratic reign and accompanying monarchical powers attracted opposition. As a Roman Catholic, William II began a series of maneuvers that were meant to grant Roman Catholics in England more political voice, despite the majority of citizens in England being protestant. The English King also had a strained relationship with Parliament, and he frequently used his powers to usurp the role and functions of the legislature. Naturally, these actions earned him few friends amongst the English ruling class and citizens. Advertising Looking for research paper on political sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Matters became intolerable when James II’s wife gave birth to a son, who as the heir, apparently meant that Catholicism in the monarchy would continue through him, and more importantly, the reign of unchecked aristocratic powers. English legislators thus began fomenting a rebellion, and after striking a deal with the Dutch King (William of Orange), the latter attacked England with a view to toppling King James II. In England, the invasion was successful in short order. Widespread dissatisfaction with the policies and actions of the King ensured that the masses offered little support to the King and thus did not fight him. King William of Orange and his wife Mary were subsequently enthroned as joint monarchs over England, Scotland, and Ireland. The Outcomes of the Glorious Revolution One of the leading and most serious consequences of the Glorious Revolution was th e vindication of parliamentary democracy over monarchical rule in England. Because King James II had, many times, acted unilaterally and rendered parliament irrelevant, the leaders in England were keen to ensure a repeat of such actions never occurred. Thus, the role of parliament as a law making body was established, with the King having no power to inviolate laws enacted by parliament, as James II was wont to do. Catholicism as a religion was also banned from the Monarchy, with the monarchs now forbidden from marrying Roman Catholics too. More importantly, the Glorious Revolution led to the drafting of the Bill of Rights, a blue print for many subsequent democracies and republics keen on ensuring that the citizens enjoyed a broad-based number of inalienable rights enshrined in law. The American Revolution (1776-1783) The American Revolution was the war waged by the then thirteen colonies of America against the British Empire with the aim of severing links with Britain. The coloni es desired to chart their on social, political, and economic paths outside of the direct influence, ruler ship, and domination of Britain. The American Revolution/war of independence from 1776-1783 was caused by various socio-economic and political factors. Chiefly, the leaders and masses in the colonies were opposed to the reign of Britain over them, and desired to establish a union of independent states connected at a federal level each with its own government (Creviston 465). The economic causes of the American Revolution were many and varied. A series of unpopular taxes imposed by Britain fuelled the Revolution. The Townshend Act, which placed taxes on a number of essential goods like paper and tea, was particularly unpopular, leading the colonists to boycott British goods. The Stamp Act, which required many commodities to be certified with a stamp in the colonies, with the amount for the Stamp being the tax, was also hugely unpopular and fanned anti-British sentiments in the colonies. The taxes levied went directly to Britain hence had no economic benefit for the colonies, yet they were forced to pay them. The British also enacted laws forbidding the colonists from trading with other nations besides Britain, which was economically disadvantageous to the colonists.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Causes, Characteristics, and Aims of Revolutions specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More One of the foremost political reasons that led to the American Revolution was the fact that, the American colonists were subjected to the authority of the British laws, yet they had no representation in the British parliament. Decisions directly affecting the political and economic structure of colonial America were being made in Britain, thousands of miles away from the playground. This prompted the then thirteen states to unite and declare independence from the British Empire in 1776, which they accused of several acts of injustice, and these acts in their view had rendered Britain an illegitimate government, as far as the affairs of the colonies were concerned. In a similar fashion to the Glorious Revolution, the American Revolution was carried out via military wars and actions. The colonists engaged the British army at various points/locations in the American continent, and after a protracted 7-year Revolutionary War, the British granted independence to the United States. Outcomes of the American Revolutionary War Economic and political independence from Britain was the ultimate aim of the American Revolution, and these aims were achieved when the British granted the colonies independence. More importantly, the Revolution led to the establishment of the United States of America, a nation later to become a world power, and leader in democratic ideals throughout the globe. The ideals of the revolutionary fighters, as spelled out in the Declaration of Independence, have se rved to inspire many other independence seeking groups and fighters throughout history. The French Revolution (1789-1799) The French Revolution came soon after the end of the American Revolution, and paragons and accomplishments of the American Revolution served as inspiration for the French masses when they began their own revolution. Widespread poverty, high-handed aristocratic decrees by an Absolute Monarchy, profligate spending by the monarchy-leaning ruling class all contributed to the French Revolution (Hunt 7). As indicated earlier, inspiration also came from the successful American Revolution, where the contents of the Declaration of Independence formed indispensable reference for the French revolutionaries. King Louis XVI’s reign had been widely unpopular, and the perceived excesses of his wife Marie Antoinette, in the face a bankrupt economy, served to turn the anger of the starving masses towards the ruling class.Advertising Looking for research paper on political sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The French Revolution was carried out by the masses in the cities and peasant in the rural areas, mostly led by left wing liberals who loathed aristocracy and embraced the ideals of democracy (Griffith). The masses attacked various government and monarchical establishments, most times massacring the guards and tenants they found in these buildings (Orczy 1). A few years into the revolution, the Jacobins (the de facto leaders of the revolution) declared a France a republic. King Louis XVI was guillotined in January 1793, while his wife, Queen Marie Antoinette, was similarly executed in October of the same year. Reign of terror followed, where the zeal to get rid of the traces of French aristocratic and Monarchical past led to the execution by the guillotine of most members of France’s aristocracy class and the monarchy, together with their perceived supporters. Outcomes of the French Revolution The French revolution led to the abolition (although it was later briefly re-estab lished) of the Monarchy as the supreme ruling power in France (Thomas). The Church, with Catholicism as a veritable state religion, had a limited state role after the revolution. The declaration of the rights of French citizens in the document known as The Declaration of The Rights of Man and of the Citizen, which served as a liberty guide for the masses engaged in the revolution, enshrined rights to the masses that they were previously denied. The French established a republican style of governance, which under Napoleon Bonaparte become highly militaristic. Given that the church and the ruling class in pre-revolution France owned the largest share of land, after the Revolution, French citizens were able to exercise more property and land ownership rights after the limiting of the powers of these two entities (Betros 17). The Russian Revolution (1917) The Bolsheviks, who led the masses in violent demonstrations against the rule of Tsar Nicholas II, instigated the Russian Revolution . Under Tsarist autocracy for centuries, the Russian masses had grown weary of the excesses of Tsarist rule. When the First World War began, the economic repercussions experienced of the war by the masses created a sense of dissatisfaction in Tsar Nicholas II’s rule. The war meant that the masses had to receive rationed quantities and had to forgo the luxury of utilities available during peacetime. While the masses suffered, the ruling autocratic class continued to live a luxuriously, and the dissent against these inequalities culminated in a revolution that began in March (Ross 22). The transitional leadership similarly failed to live up to the expectations of the masses; consequently, it was subsequently toppled by communist Bolsheviks in November of the same year. Violent demonstrations and battles characterized the Russian revolution, and after assuming the reigns of leadership under Lenin, the Bolsheviks had to fight several wars in order to maintain their hold on powe r in Russia. Outcomes of the Russian Revolution The Bolsheviks ended centuries of Tsarist rule and established Communism in Russia. Tsar Nicholas and his family were subsequently executed in the aftermath of the revolution, symbolizing a bloody end to autocratic rule in Russia. The Russian revolution also led to the establishment of the Soviet Union whose communist agenda throughout the world created a new centre of power in Europe in the struggle for worldwide economic, social, and political influence against the west, especially the USA (Kowalski 32). Under Stalin, the Soviet Union experienced rapid industrialization, although such economic advancements were stained by Stalin’s dictatorial stance, where millions of those opposed to his policies were summarily executed or exiled. The Arab/Middle East Spring Revolutions The revolutions in many Arab countries, which began in December 2010 and are still currently ongoing in some Arab nations, were triggered by several factors. It is worth noting that most Arab state of present day are ruled by Kings, dictatorial leaders or leaders who have consolidated political power after having ruled for comparatively long periods (Anderson 5). The common causes of the revolutions are dictatorship by respective regimes/leaders, widespread unemployment, economic inequality, corruption, political intolerance and a general opposition to existing governing structures. The revolutions involve demonstrations and protestations of varying degrees. In Libya, the revolution became a full-blown Civil war where the revolutionary fighters were aided in their quest by a coalition of Western powers under the aegis of the UN. In Egypt and Tunisia, violent demonstrations that paralyzed the operations of government characterized protests. In Syria, such demonstrations involving tens of thousands of citizens have led to the deaths of a high number of civilians and law enforcement agents, but the President is yet to cede power. In Bah rain, similar protests and demonstrations have led to a few economic concessions by King Hamad, but protests demanding the removal from power of the monarchy are still ongoing. Similar stalemates are found in Jordan, Yemen, and Syria where the political and economic concessions by the rulers have not assuaged the anger and demands of the protesters. Outcomes of the Arab/Middle East Spring Revolutions The capitulation of the long-serving regimes of both Presidents Ben Ali of Tunisia and Hosni Mubarak by February 2011 under the wave of protests sent a strong message across the Arab world. For citizens planning or inspired by such demonstrations, the resignations of both long serving leaders was hugely inspiring. For leaders in other Arab countries, the defeat of these leaders due to the wave of protests meant that they had to soothe the citizens of their own countries or face a similar fate (Marquand 9). By April 2011, protests had begun in the following countries: Libya, Syria, Yeme n, Algeria, Bahrain, Morocco, Jordan, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, and Lebanon. Therefore, the demonstrations led to socio-political and economic changes in many of these Arab countries. Besides Tunisia and Egypt, President Muammar Gaddafi was deposed in August when he fled the capital Tripoli. On October 20 2011, the revolutionary forces captured and killed Colonel Gaddafi in the outskirts of the Town of Sirte, signaling the end of his 42-year-old rule. Political concessions aimed at saving some Arab rulers similar (and perhaps less violent) fates occurred in various countries (Macfarquhar 4). Constitutional changes in Morocco limited the powers of the King. In Sudan, President Bashir promised not to seek re-election for a third term. Prime Minister Maliki in Iraq also made a similar promise of stepping down at the end of his current term, while provincial governors resigned to allow for reforms. In Bahrain, King Hamad began negotiations intended to draw minority Shias into power position s and opportunities within government. King Hamad also ordered the release of political prisoners. In Oman, Sultan Qaboos granted more law making powers to the legislature. In Algeria, a 19-year state of emergency was lifted, while MPs from the ruling party in Yemen all resigned to allow for political reforms. Economically, various governments acceded to the demands of protesters, especially concerning wage increases and reduction of inequalities (Hitchens 29). In Lebanon, general wages were increased by 40%, while, in Saudi Arabia, the King announced plans to increase the wages of Saudi nationals. Sultan Qaboos announced similar measures in Oman. From the Glorious Revolutions to the Arab Spring Revolutions: Dictatorship, Economic Inequality/Poverty, and Personal Freedom as Common causes of Revolutions Dictatorial/Autocratic Regimes as Harbingers of Revolutions The common factor with the leaders and regimes in all the countries that have experienced revolutions discussed above is t heir tendency to ignore the political plight of the masses. King James II and King George of England, during the Glorious and American Revolutions respectively, repeatedly enacted laws that emasculated and muzzled the political voice of the masses under their rule. King Louis XVI of France during the French Revolution and Tsar Nicholas II during the Bolshevik Revolution both exercised absolute power over their subjects. Similarly, all leaders in countries that experienced the Arab revolutions are guilty of concentrating political power amongst themselves, and their ardent supporters. Repeated demands for inclusive political reforms by the revolutionary masses were repeatedly ignored in all the revolutions above, which led to revolutionary acts that many times led to the deposition and death of the leaders. Economic Inequality/Poverty Marie Antoinette is famously said to have advised revolutionary masses protesting about the unavailability of bread to try cake instead. Such a discor d and discrepancy between the lifestyles of the ruling monarchy and their subjects was a chief agent in stirring revolutionary demonstrations and wars. Widespread poverty and economic inequalities in pre-revolution France, Russia and many of the Arab nations mentioned earlier led many citizens to the streets in desperate final attempts of overthrowing their rulers in order to attempt different economic policies that may effect change and herald better tidings for them. Personal Freedom and Rights of Citizens Dictatorial regimes, widespread poverty, and economic inequality, naturally rob the citizens a sense of personal and communal freedom to act according to their will. The American Declaration of Independence contained the famous phrase dictating a citizen’s right to the pursuit of happiness. The French similarly espoused a citizen’s right to liberty and freedom during and after the revolution. The Arab spring has been characterized by online activism that offered a platform for exchange of ideas amongst citizens never before experienced in restrictive Arab countries. Citizens go to extraordinary lengths to gain personal and social freedom, including undertaking revolutions. Conclusion In a period spanning over four centuries since the Glorious Revolution in England to the present day Arab spring Revolutions, the demands of the revolutionary masses remain spectacularly similar. The masses fight against the political repression of autocratic and dictatorial rulers, poverty, and inequality, which go unchecked by these rulers, and against a tendency to eliminate their individual inalienable rights of life and liberty (Claeys 303). The revolutions provide a study on how to avoid such confrontations and protests in present day nations. Despite the ultimate noble aims of revolutions, the accompanying loss of lives, property, and stability in nations that undergo revolutions is sometimes impossible to recoup (Sabatini 2). Therefore, democracies and republics provide suitable forms of governance for pre-empting revolutions. Works Cited Anderson, Lisa. â€Å"Demystifying theArab Spring.† Foreign Affairs90.3 (2011): 2-6. Print. Betros, Gemma. â€Å"The French Revolution and The Catholic Church.† History Review68.4 (2010): 16-21. Print. Claeys, Gregory. Citizens andSaints: Politics andAnti-Politics in Early British Socialism. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000. Print. Creviston, Peter.†No King Unless It Be AConstitutional King: Rethinking The Place Of The Quebec Act In The Coming Of The American Revolution.†Historian73.3 (2011): 463-479. Print. Griffith, David, dir. Orphans OftheStorm. United Artists, 1921. Film. Hitchens, Peter. â€Å"The Real Cost OftheArab Spring.† Mail onSunday08 May 2011: 29. Hunt, Lynn. â€Å"The Problem ofPolitics in The French Revolution.† Chinese Studies inHistory43.3 (2010): 6-16.Print. Kowalski, Ronald. The Russian Revolution: 1917-1921New York: Routledg e, 1997. Print. Macfarquhar, Neil. â€Å"The Arab Spring Finds Itself Upstaged by A New Season.† New York Times23 Sept. 2011: 4.Print. Marquand, Rose. â€Å"Arab Women: This Time, the Revolution Won’t Leave Us Behind.†Christian Science Monitor12.1(2011): 9-15. Print. Miller, John. The Glorious Revolution. London: Longman, 1997. Print. Orczy, Baroness. The Scarlet Pimpernel. New York: Penguin Books, 1905. Print. Ross, Stewart. The Russian Revolution London: Evan Brothers, 2002. Print. Sabatini, Raphael. Captain Blood. Stilwell, Kansas: Digireads, 1922. Print. Thomas, Ralph, Dir. A Tale ofTwo Cities. Rank Film Distributors, 1958. Film. This research paper on The Causes, Characteristics, and Aims of Revolutions was written and submitted by user Alissa Bright 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.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Nuclear Energy in Todays Worl essays

Nuclear Energy in Todays Worl essays Nuclear Energy in Todays World In todays world there is a constant need for energy. Almost everything in the modern world requires energy, and to meet these demanding energy requirements, advancements are being made at an astonishing rate. There are many types of energy sources, such as fossil fuels, hydroelectric dams, facilities and wind generators, but the most debatable source of energy in the modern world is the use of nuclear power. Nuclear energy has been the topic of many heated debates and while it has numerous advantages, it also comes with a long list of disadvantages. The human race as a whole has asked this question many times. What would the world be like with or without nuclear energy? To obtain energy from nuclear reactions is a very complicated process. This process is called fission. When the nuclei of certain isotopes are bombarded with neutrons, they undergo fission, which is the splitting of a nucleus into smaller fragments. Fission unleashes enormous amounts of energy through a chain reaction process. The energy generated in the fission of one kilogram of Uranium-235 is the equivalent to twenty thousand tones of dynamite exploding. To control this process a nuclear reactor is required. There are five basic components to a nuclear. These are the fuel (usually Uranium-235 or Plutonium-239), moderators (slows down the neutrons so the reactor fuel can continue the chain reaction), control rods (decreases the number of slow neutrons to stop the chain reaction from going to fast), coolant (prevents the reactor core from overheating), and the shielding (which protects humans and the environment from the effects of nuclear fission). When a nuclear reactor is fully operational large amounts of energy can be acquired from little amounts of fuel. Nuclear energy has many advantages. Compared to coal and hydroelectric dams, nuclear power is the safest and cleanest way, from an environmental standpoint, to ...

Friday, November 22, 2019

Definition and Examples of Epiplexis

Definition and Examples of Epiplexis In rhetoric, epiplexis is an interrogative figure of speech in which questions  are asked in order to rebuke or reproach rather than to elicit answers. Adjective:  epiplectic. Also known as  epitimesis and percontatio. In a broader sense, epiplexis is a form of argument in which a speaker attempts to shame an opponent into adopting a particular point of view. Epiplexis, says  Brett Zimmerman, is clearly a device of vehemence. . . . Of the four kinds of rhetorical questions [epiplexis, erotesis, hypophora, and ratiocinatio] . . ., perhaps epiplexis is the most devastating because it is used not to elicit information but to reproach, rebuke, upbraid (Edgar Allan Poe: Rhetoric and Style, 2005). Etymology From the Greek, strike at, rebuke Examples and Observations Epiplexis a more specific form of [a rhetorical question] where a lament or an insult is asked as a question. Whats the point? Why go on? Whats a girl to do? How could you? What makes your heart so hard? When, in the Bible, Job asks: Why died I not from the womb?  why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly? its not a real question. Its epiplexis. Epiplexis is the puzzled grief of Why, God? Why? in Miss Saigon; or it is the bemused disdain in the film Heathers that  prompts the question: Did you have a brain tumor for breakfast?(Mark Forsyth,  The Elements of Eloquence: Secrets of the Perfect Turn of Phrase.  Penguin, 2013)Let us not assassinate this lad further, Senator. You have done enough. Have you no sense of decency, sir, at long last? Have you left no sense of decency?(Joseph Welch to Senator Joseph McCarthy at the Army-McCarthy Hearings, June 9, 1954)Are we children of a lesser God? Is an Israeli teardrop worth more than a drop of Lebanese blood?†(Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, July 2006) O how little a thing is all the greatness of man, and through how false glasses doth he make shift to multiply it, and magnifie it to himselfe?(John Donne, Devotions Upon Emergent Occasions, 1624)You think what I do is playing God, but you presume you know what God wants. Do you think thats not playing God?(John Irving, The Cider House Rules, 1985)Ah, sorry to interrupt you there, Bobbo, but I gotta ask you a quick question. Now, when you were born, nay, spawned by the Dark Prince himself, did that rat bastard forget to give you a hug before he sent you along your way?(Dr. Cox in the television program Scrubs, 2007)Canst thou with impious obloquy condemnThe just Decree of God, pronounct and sworn,That to his only Son by right endudWith Regal Scepter, every Soule in HeavnShall bend the knee, and in that honour dueConfess him rightful King?(Abdiel addressing Satan in Paradise Lost by John Milton) Epiplexis in a Restaurant Review Guy Fieri, have you eaten at your new restaurant in Times Square? Have you pulled up one of the 500 seats at Guy’s American Kitchen Bar and ordered a meal? Did you eat the food? Did it live up to your expectations?   Did panic grip your soul as you stared into the whirling hypno wheel of the menu, where adjectives and nouns spin in a crazy vortex? When you saw the burger described as Guy’s Pat LaFrieda custom blend, all-natural Creekstone Farm Black Angus beef patty, LTOP (lettuce, tomato, onion pickle), SMC (super-melty-cheese) and a slathering of Donkey Sauce on garlic-buttered brioche, did your mind touch the void for a minute? . . .How did nachos, one of the hardest dishes in the American canon to mess up, turn out so deeply unlovable? Why augment tortilla chips with fried lasagna noodles that taste like nothing except oil? Why not bury those chips under a properly hot and filling layer of melted cheese and jalapeà ±os instead of dribbling them with thin needle s of pepperoni and cold gray clots of ground turkey? . . .Somewhere within the yawning, three-level interior of Guy’s American Kitchen Bar, is there a long refrigerated tunnel that servers have to pass through to make sure that the French fries, already limp and oil-sogged, are also served cold?(Pete Wells, As Not Seen on TV.   The New York Times, November 13, 2012)   Epiplexis in Shakespeares Hamlet Have you eyes?Could you on this fair mountain leave to feed,And batten on this moor? Ha! have you eyes?You cannot call it love; for at your age The heyday in the blood is tame, its humble,And waits upon the judgment: and what judgmentWould step from this to this? Sense, sure, you have,Else could you not have motion; but sure, that senseIs apoplexd; for madness would not err,Nor sense to ecstasy was neer so thralldBut it reserved some quantity of choice,To serve in such a difference. What devil wastThat thus hath cozend you at hoodman-blind?Eyes without feeling, feeling without sight,Ears without hands or eyes, smelling sans all,Or but a sickly part of one true senseCould not so mope.O shame! where is thy blush?(Prince Hamlet addressing his mother, the Queen, in Hamlet by William Shakespeare) ​​The Lighter Side of Epiplexis Whats with you, kid? You think the death of Sammy Davis left an opening in the Rat Pack?(Dan Hedaya as Mel in Clueless, 1995)Does Barry Manilow know  that you raid his wardrobe?†(Judd Nelson as John Bender in The Breakfast Club, 1985)Have you no shame, coming in as Gandhi and stuffing yourself with Buffalo wings? Why didnt you come as FDR and go around with crazy legs?(George Segal as Jack Gallow in Halloween, Halloween.  Just Shoot Me!  2002)

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Yasunari Kawabatas Masterpiece Yukiguni Research Paper

Yasunari Kawabatas Masterpiece Yukiguni - Research Paper Example After his parents’ untimely deaths, he came to be raised by his maternal grandfather. He lost his grandparents at a young age either and by the time of his teens, was bereft of most of his close relatives. While graduating from the Tokyo Imperial University, Kawabata contributed to the magazine Bungei Shunju, which brought him to the attention of editors and well-known writers of that time, including author Kan Kikuchi. He went on to become one of the founders of Bundei Jidai (or ‘the artistic age’), a publication that became the medium for a new movement in modern Japanese literature. Kawabata also worked for a time as journalist and claimed himself to be deeply moved by World War II, which was apparently one of the greatest influences on his work. Kawabata allegedly committed suicide in 1972 by gassing himself, although this has not been conclusively proven. It is certain however that the early loss of his family and, by his own admission, the horrors of the war , left his work with a tinge of melancholy and sense of insecurity and loss. He was the first of two Japanese Nobel laureates – Oe Kenzaburo being the other – and is perhaps globally, the best-known Japanese writer in contemporary times, although his status in his native country as an author is still widely debated among critics (Miyoshi). Kawabata’s literary style is characterized by its free flowing imagery. He uses surprisingly original and unusual images in his stories that emphasize the poetic quality of his writing. In Yukiguni (Snow Country) for instance, the imagery employed is especially effective and beautiful in telling the emotionally charged love story of the geisha and the dilettante from Tokyo. Masao Miyoshi, in his review of Yasunari Kawabata talks about this ‘dependence of visualization’ as a result of his being essentially a short-story writer. Reiko Tsukimara in ‘A Thematic Study of the Works of Kawabata Yasunari’ ide ntifies ‘ryoshu’ and ‘aishu’ as two primary elements in Kawabata’s work. Ryoshu is described as an ‘intense emotional realization that you have found a home of your soul’ and aishu translates to ‘sorrow’ (Tsukimara 23). According to Tsukimara, these two emotions recur in Kawabata’s writing most persistently. They appear together as the recognition of finding a home for one’s soul or ryoshu is accompanied by a sense of profound sorrow or aishu as well. This paper will seek to explore what previous scholars have already commented on Kawabata’s writing technique and thematic concerns and test them on what has been called his masterpiece by Edward G. Seidensticker, Yukiguni or Snow Country. The paper will also explore if there are departures from his usual style and from what scholars like Tsukimara and Miyoshi assert. And finally, it will attempt to make fresh observations on Kawabata’s style through the study of Snow Country. Snow Country began as a short story that was published in 1935 in a literary journal. It was published serially, with Kawabata reworking later, between 1935 and 1937. A new ending and a collation of seven pre-existing versions appeared in 1937. Kawabata again worked on the story and between 1940 and 1941 the story was again published in journals in two sections. These two sections were merged by Kawabata in 1946, with another piece added in 1947. The book as it stands today was the result of combining nine previous versions, published in 1948 (Seidensticker). This complex and long publication history of the story and the its ‘piecemeal’ nature as Seidensticker calls it in his introduction to Snow Country’s translation reiterates the idea of Kawabata as being primarily a short-story writer. The repeated editing and elaborating of what began as a

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Midterm Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Midterm - Essay Example Thus, globalization per se, is vital ingredient of development that is distinct in its economic integration of resources, transforming social values and shifting power dynamics across nations. 2. What is globalization? Brawley (200, p.21) asserts that globalization is driven by technology that accelerates integration of economic forces vis-a-vis market, firm, production and national financial system on a global scale with wider ramifications on the socio-political dynamics of nations across globe. The multi-dimensional aspects of globalization emphasize new business imperatives that promote significant shift in division of labor and acts as catalyst for new socio-political order. Guttal (2007, p. 524) rightly argues that neo liberal policies facilitate process of globalization and various factors like fiscal reforms, liberalization of trade, convergence of knowledge and technology etc., undertaken on national level encourage creation and distribution of wealth across larger area of p olitical economy. Globalization therefore leads to new global economy and development where benefits cascade down to more people in the world. 3. Why globalization? Change is inherent part of development and process of globalization emerged gradually from the fundamental compulsions to infuse financial aids to poverty stricken nations, who were stripped of their wealth by the colonial rulers by the wealthy nations. But the aids were conditional to local reforms and economic liberalization that attracted foreign businesses (Schaeffer, p.8). This gradually led to globalization where emigration and immigration of people was seen as important part of growth, creating not only wealth but also influencing the socio-economic and political transformation of states. Today, it is intrinsically linked to development and serves as a major tool to advance and promote the interests of people from diverse background across the globe. Hence, it has emerged as hugely crucial process that impacts gro wth of individuals, business and nations and promotes creation of wealth leading to development. 4. Government controls and Global compulsions In the current environment of globalization and highly competitive business, inter-dependency of resources has compelled nations initiate reforms and economic liberalization for attracting foreign investment. Economy today, is market driven that has necessitated opening of domestic market for global businesses. The major stumbling blocks to globalization processes are: taxations, currency fluctuation, inflation, government laws, restriction in trade, exit policies, ownership etc. Deregulation of control therefore, becomes essential for creating facilitating environment for foreign business. The national policies and legal parameters therefore emerge as vital ingredients that promote trust amongst foreign business and domestic actors thereby creating conducive environment for business with diverse consequences for people in different setting ( Shaeffer, p.11). The government initiatives in liberalizing economic policies that give incentives to FDI and welcome privatization greatly attract foreign businesses. At the same time, government control helps to reduce risk and misuse of power by the big corporate bodies and

Saturday, November 16, 2019

The Meaning of Life Essay Example for Free

The Meaning of Life Essay â€Å"The Meaning of Life† is an excerpt from Richard Taylor’s book Good and Evil: A New Direction, with this book Mr. Taylor was thought to have adopted a radical subjectivist view of ethics. In this excerpt he explains why existence and life is meaningless and he sheds light into the meaning of life. Throughout his explanations Richard uses an example from an ancient Greek myth. The myth is about Sisyphus a Greek man who offended the gods and was sentenced to roll a large stone up a hill for all of eternity. Richard starts his explanation of the â€Å"Meaningless of Existence† with the toils of Sisyphus. Sisyphus is forced to roll a stone up a hill, when it is near the top the stone will roll back down and he is forced to roll it up again, only to have it fall once more to be rolled up again and again for all of eternity. It is Sisyphus’ punishment that we will focus on. Sisyphus is the picture of a â€Å"meaningless, pointless toil of a meaningless existence that is absolutely never redeemed†(Taylor, Richard). He has lost all purpose in life except to roll a stone; it is a never ending nightmare that he will never awaken from. Taylor gives other examples of meaningless tasks, a relay styles race with a precious gem transported back and forth in a never ending cycle, and a digging hole only to be refilled with the same earth. The points to all this is that all these tasks are pointless and without meaning. The story could be different and Sisyphus can have meaning if he circumstance were different, if Sisyphus rolled stone to the top and all the stone accumulated into a wonderful and enduring temple, he would have some meaning to his labors. If the gods as an after thought made it so that Sisyphus’ only will and desire was to roll stone, then Sisyphus would perhaps take enjoyment in his task. This change in his perception does not change his task at hand; it only changes his perspective. His is still condemned to an eternity of meaningless and pointless labor. Therefore the existence of Sisyphus is meaningless, the labor that he performs leads him nowhere, and everything that he does is in vain. The world would be the same with or without his presence. The next section deals with the meaningless of life, he begins this section by explaining what meaningless and meaningfulness is: â€Å"Meaningless is essentially endless pointless and meaningfulness is therefore the opposite. †(Taylor, Richard) for this section he cites ugly blind worms in a New Zealand cave. These worms have the soul purpose of waiting, feeding, transforming into winged adults only living a day or two, mating, laying eggs and finally dying. This example shows us the meaning of life, an endless cycle that accumulates to nothing, and the â€Å"point of living is evidently nothing but life itself. † (Taylor, Richard) We as humans differ form this only a little. We have goals that we work for; once they are completed we set off after another goal, all this work goes to family and home, only to beget others who will follow in the same foot steps in a cycle. Even though we are stuck in a cycle of endless meaningless toil we look to religion, universal justice, brotherhood or any sort of ever lasting good that we may aim for. The last part of this excerpt is the â€Å"meaning of life† we return to the story of Sisyphus who in this example has completed his beautiful tower and is now faced with eternal boredom, before he was faced with the nightmare of pointless activity now he is faced with the hell of eternal absence and boredom. This leads into his explanation that the meaning to our lives is â€Å"our own wills, our deep interest is what we find ourselves doing†(Taylor, Richard). Even though our existence is short and our toils fade we can hold memories of the past. The point of living is to continue what we are doing because giving up and doing nothing would be no salvation. The resolution to this excerpt is that we live life because our will is to live and build castles for our children so they can build castles for theirs. This question of living has puzzled philosophers for centuries, I have also come across this question, with my reasoning I could not figure it out, for if, great philosophers couldn’t then how could I? Mr. Taylor’s views are interesting and some of what he says does make sense. The myth of Sisyphus is the focal point of Richard Taylor’s reasoning the meaning of life; he explains Sisyphus eternal punishment in detail. Richard also gives other scenarios of Sisyphus’ task, if his labors accumulated into a beautiful tower or if he was some how made to enjoy rolling stones. I agree that in a way all ours lives are like that of Sisyphus’ toil. A cycle of endless toil, we work towards our little goals and glimpse of happiness, which are sure to fade over time. The meaningless of life is explained in the second section; Richard uses two insects to show the meaningless of life, the glow worms and the cicadas. Richard states that there is no meaning to life because it is an endless cycle of pointless and meaningless events. At the moment our goals may seem a great deal of importance in our lives but in the end all our toils are pointless and meaningless in the end. I understand this point in his explanation but I disagree, I think a person can find meaning in every ting they do. It is true that this meaning doesn’t last forever but the pleasure we take from everyday life and experience is well worth it. I don’t believe that everything is meaningless in life just because we all die in the end. I believe that it’s not the end of ones life that is important; it’s the journey that one takes through life. It is the accumulation of everyday happiness that makes our lives worthwhile. There is an old saying that the end of a journey is not important, it is the lessons we learn along the journey that counts. In the last section of the excerpt is the meaning of life, Richards explains that we live life because of our own will. I also agree with this, living life with a purpose and a will is much better compared to living a life of doing nothing and boredom because we know it eventually ends. I have very optimistic views of human life; I believe that everyone’s life has a meaning and a purpose. If a person is dying of cancer and has only a few months left, but a doctor performs an operation and saves him, he will have meaning to live again and he will cherish the rest of his life, sure he will die eventually but presently he will be grateful to live and he will give the doctor a reason to continue what he is doing. In my opinion the reason we live is for experience, we live to learn and experience new things. Like that old saying about the journey and the end, it is the process of the journey that is important. We live life not thinking about our deaths, we live it for the experiences that each day brings.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

The Changing of Communication Essay -- Functions of Communication

The emphasis from traditional mixed visual and verbal communication to solely verbal communication is encouraged by the expanding global community by conducting distant communication through telecommunications. Instead of boardroom meetings, telephone meeting connect businesses worldwide synthesizing bigger markets and new buyers. This change is both good and bad; good for the expansion of businesses, but bad for the loss of personal connection. With telephone meetings eliminating travel, it is paralanguage that conveys personalities, not appearances, over the phone through variations in pitch, volume and pace, or how a person speaks. Just as a person would dress to give the right impression for a job, now with effective paralanguage, a person can use speech to give the right impression for a job. Before the surge of globalization, Albert Mehrabian, a researcher in the field of communication, established a classic statistic that only 7% of meaning in effective spoken communication is from the actual words spoken, while 38% comes from paralinguistic (the way words are said), and 55% comes from facial expressions (Chapman www.businessballs.com). Now that globalization has transformed communication, the 55% of communication’s meaning in facial expression translates into paralanguage and the words that are spoken. The already high percentage, and now the increasing percentage of communication relaying on paralanguage demonstrates the importance of understanding it for modern business communication. First impressions, and last impressions, expecially over the telephone, effects the perception of a person’s personality through their voice by 3 aspects of paralanguage: pitch, volume and pace. In a study comparing readers, observ... ...spects of paralanguage effectively so at the end of the day, a profit is being made and success is being achieved all because of clear communication. Works Cited: Chapman, Alan. â€Å"Mehrabian Communication Research.† Business Balls. 2004. May 1, 2005. http://www.businessballs.com/mehrabiancommunications.htm Fatt, James P.T. â€Å"It’s Not What You Say, It’s How You Say It - Nonverbal Communication.† Communication World June-July 1999. May 5, 2005 http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m4422/is_6_16/ai_55580031 Tannen, Deborah. That’s Not What I Meant!: How Conversation Styles Makes or Breaks Relationships. New York: Ballantine Books, 1986. Waltman, John L. and Steven P. Golen. â€Å"Detecting Deception During Interviews – Great Communicators.† Internal Auditor August 1993. May 5, 2005 http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m4153/is_n4_v50/ai_14506773

Monday, November 11, 2019

Eternal Recurrence by Nietzsche

The theory of Eternal Recurrence, which is also referred as Eternal Return, states that the world has been returning or recurring. This implies that whatever realities our world has in this particular times would be repeated indefinitely yet unknown to all in the same manner that they are represented to the world at this moment (Lowith). According to historical records, the concept or idea of eternal recurrence originated from the ancient Egypt and was later on adapted by the Stoics and Pythagoras. Nevertheless, this principle had been abandoned through the rise of Christianity (Lukacher). It was only when Friedrich Nietzsche reintroduce the thought the scholars began to evaluate its truthfulness or possibilities. The fundamental argument of this theory is that the world is confined in scope and fixed, predetermined or restricted quantity of substances. While matter is considered limited, time exceeds it by being immeasurable and never-ending. The world does not possess staring point or end point whereas matter, that which comprise the world, is consistent in undergoing various changes in terms of its state (Lowith). Moreover, the theory suggests that the number of probable changes that the matter could have is limited and is fixed thus arriving at an assumption that sooner or later the similar state will happen again. The concept of eternal recurrence is fundamental and imperative throughout the works of Nietzsche. According to another philosopher in the name of Martin Heidegger, Nietzsche, though advocating the theory of eternal recurrence, did not really argue that such phenomenon has existed or is existent. But what is true on Nietzsche’s philosophy is that he accepts and does not deny the idea of eternal recurrence or eternal return. As Heidegger furthered, Nietzsche regarded the theory or the concept as merely a simple assumption just like how the Christian faith admits the idea of Hell and Angels. The idea of eternal recurrence is manifested through Nietzsche’s published works such as Thus Spoke Zarathustra and The Gay Science (Heidegger). But Nietzsche succeeded presenting his full conception on the thought of eternal recurrence on the foremost book. In this writing, the protagonist Zarathustra discovers himself on a mountain and faces two opposite paths. Together with the dwarf they try to work out on the dilemma of the two opposite but eternal paths. Zarathustra asks the dwarf if is it possible that someone has already passed the path yet continues to pass through path in unfathomable times. As he sees the gate, he concludes that it could be the case that everything that is happening in this world have already happened in the past, and is happening in the present time, and would eventually repeat to happen in the future since neither of the paths suggests a beginning nor an end (as both paths are eternal). This spectacle motivated Nietzsche to work on the possibility of eternal recurrence or eternal return. Basically, Nietzsche’s idea of eternal recurrence is simply a hypothesis of what he introduced in his work. No one would really know or confirm if particular things or event shad already happened in the past and just recurring. Hence, it could not really produce or offer concrete or sufficient evidence to say that at some point or truly eternal recurrence exists. In a way, eternal recurrence has some semblance or similarity with the idea of reincarnation (Lukacher). However, in reincarnation, it is not the matter that recurs but the only the soul. Thus, eternal recurrence could not be termed as equivalent of reincarnation. Comparable to what Nietzsche argues about the eternal recurrence principle, Arthur Schopenhauer also has his own idea of eternal recurrence the same way as Nietzsche’s. However, in his idea, the only thing that recurs is the matter in such a way that entities return in their own bodies and not in other bodies as how the tradition of reincarnation suggests (Lowith). It is noteworthy that Schopenhauer does not include time but merely explaining eternal recurrence as a physical concept. The same thing as Henry Poincare suggests in his proof to support the eternal recurrence through Mathematics (known as the Poincare’s Recurrence Theorem). It argues that if a system has a finite level of energy and remains at a finite spatial amount, after a considerable length of time, a system would return to its original state (Lowith). As an analysis of Nietzsche’s theory or concept of eternal recurrence, it is obvious that Nietzsche did not demand absolute truth to his principle for the fact that he did not imply all throughout his discussions and philosophy on the concept of eternal recurrence that it really exists in reality. In effect, he maintained analyzing and reflecting on the concept as simple a hypothesis, a conjecture, a presupposition. Furthermore, it could be the case that Nietzsche understood that there is no way that he could prove his hypothesis for the reason that there would be no entity that would demonstrate the very principle of eternal recurrence. No person would claim that his life and his being recur the same way as they did before. Works Cited Heidegger, Martin. Nietzsche: The Eternal Recurrence of the Same. HarperCollins, 1985. Lowith, Karl. Nietzsche's Philosophy of the Eternal Recurrence of the Same. First ed.  Ã‚  Ã‚   University of California Press, 1997. Lukacher, Ned. Time-Fetishes: The Secret History of Eternal Recurrence. Duke University  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Press, 1998.         

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Noojh

Sure, he liked eating food, and he liked trying new experiences but this experience had not been on his to-do list. Castle had heard about this facet of human life, he knew about sex, he knew about procreation, but pleasuring one's self had never seemed very practical. There were a lot of human things that Castle found he didn't like, even though he thought he would Like†¦ So he was pleasantly surprised when he realized he had been wrong about masturbation all along.The way his body felt as he slid his hand up and down his hardened coco, the way his heart beat quickened with each pump of his wrist, and how he could not keep the soft moans and whimpers from escaping his throat. The closer he came to orgasm, the more his body tightened and coiled; he would dig divots into the mattress with his toes as they curled, and a bead of sweat would trickle down his ribcage as he pumped his wrist faster. His breath would come in quick, short gasps, and his eyes would flutter desperately as he brought himself closer to climax.Sometimes, he liked to power through the experience, making himself come quickly†¦ And then there were other times when he would rub his hands all over his body, pretending they were Dean's, moaning and begging please for release, teasing the sensitive head until a bead of pearly white would appear on his palm. Heat would pool in his stomach and then the overwhelming desire to pump his hips would drive him close to the edge of the bed, as finally release came, and he made a sticky mess on his hands and stomach. He tried to be quiet, but he was never good at silencing himself.He had no idea that Dean was listening on the other side of the door. Mouse-+ steps can you write saturation? 😀 *fans self*: Being human came with Its†¦ Deliquesces. Castle had heard about this facet of human life, he knew about sex, he knew about lot of human things that Castle found he didn't like, even though he thought he would like†¦ So he was pleas antly surprised when he realized he had been wrong He had no idea that Dean was listening on the other side of the door. Mouse ?+ steps can you write saturation? 😀 *fans self*: He had no idea that Dean was listening on the other side of the door.

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Frankenstein (1994)

Frankenstein (1994) Introduction Frankenstein (also referred to as Mary Shelleys Frankenstein) is a horror film directed by Kenneth Branagh in 1994 and adopted from a book by Mary Shelly bearing a similar title. In the movie, a young doctor named Victor Frankenstein (Kenneth Branagh) departs from his native land of Geneva to be admitted at a medical school (IMDB, para. 2).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Frankenstein (1994) specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More At the college, he studies and becomes knowledgeable in human anatomy and in chemistry. The young student has always been fascinated with death and this leads him to initiate a project to create life. Victor designs a creature with the body parts of convicts and with the brain of a bright scientist. The ‘monster’ (Robert de Niro) comes to life and is thrown into the society. The monster then grasps that the society will never accept him and seeks revenge on all persons th at Victor loves. As the movie comes to an end, Victor is all by himself as all his family members have been killed. Victor then creates a partner for the creature to love, however, due to the pain he is feeling, he opts to use Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter) and resurrects her for his own benefit. Eventually, Elizabeth kills herself because Victor and the monster are fighting over her. As the film comes to an end, Victor dies on a ship while the monster he created is found crying over his dead body. Victor’s funeral ceremony is interrupted when the ice surrounding the ship starts to crack. The creature takes a burning torch and sets himself and his dead creator alight. Critical Analysis Despite having a fine start, Frankenstein fails to quite come off and does not make a good film for a variety of reasons. First is the films’ duration, at slightly more than two hours, the movie feels a little extended. It is wordy and the speed drops in some scenes. Part of the proble m stems from the film’s familiarity. Preparations for Frankenstein’s journey to Vienna, his encounter with Clerval, his disobedience to the medical staff at the school, and his initial experimentations have all been undertaken before. The audience knows where Victor is headed to and Branagh offers no compelling spins to the storyline. This familiarity stems from the fact that a number of editions of the movie have been produced before. However, the film becomes more interesting in the second half. Here, Branagh uses elements from the book that have not been included in previous versions of the movie. For instance, the Arctic scenery, the subtle fact that the creature can converse in human voice and is smart and able to experience pain, the series of events related to William’s death and the creature’s set-up of Justine are all exclusive to the movie, making for an interesting watch. However, for someone who has not watched previous versions of the movie n or read Shelley’s book, the movie makes for an interesting watch in whole.Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Another bad aspect of the movie is the rapid succession of scenes, considering that the film runs for more than two hours. Just fifteen minutes into the movie, 3 years have already elapsed. An audience may find it hard to keep up with the story, and might lose concentration midway to the end. Again, the author needs to recognize that tragedy in film is most effective when it is allowed to develop slowly. The scenes in Branagh’s version of Mary Shelleys Frankenstein move so fast that a number of subtleties disappear along the way. This gives the movie an exciting and occasionally chaotic (particularly in the first half- hour) piece of work that, while irrefutably entertaining, is short of the depth that a work of this magnitude requires. However, the m ovie can be praised on a number of aspects, especially that of the gorgeous scenery, superior acting of some characters, especially Elizabeth and Robert de Niro, and creativity. From one scene to another, the producer does nice finishing touches and fascinating variations that are easily noticeable. It is exciting, for instance, to watch Frankenstein play Ben Franklin and hold hands with his family members while lying down! And in another scene, when Dr. Frankenstein pays a midwife to collect amniotic fluid and fill what resembles a cylinder, our interest is held as much as possible. There are also some quality and associative scenes such as when the doctor slips into the court to cut down a man who was hanged with the intention of using him as a ‘raw material.’ As Frankenstein cuts the rope and the lifeless body falls to the ground, there is a swift cut to a table in the inn where a wine bottle is banged on to the table. A clever finishing touches that make a huge diff erence. The producer also does some quality work in actor selection. Although Branagh’s performance as Dr Frankenstein is nothing to write home about, De Niro and Elizabeth do an amazing job to make for inadequacies elsewhere (Ebert, 2). The scene where the creature becomes friends with a family and supplies them with food while watching and learning through a crack on the wall, is fabulously moving, and is probably the best scene in the movie. Although his role was the most challenging, De Niro acts it out with finesse and melodrama and significantly improves the rating of the film. Similarly, Helena gives a thoroughly captivating performance. She becomes much more than Frankenstein’s secret lover and also plays an important role in exposing the bad and good sides of Frankenstein and the creature.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Frankenstein (1994) specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Camera techniques ar e important to the development of scenes, and Branagh does not fail at this. Often, the camera swerves to Victor’s laboratory, where he is seen to be very upset as he faces a choice between devoting all his time to science and marrying his adopted sister, Elizabeth. The camera is also valuable in showing the audience a panoramic view of Geneva and the Swiss Alps. And as the creature lays on the snow, the camera reveals the rage, anger and bitterness in its eyes. He will have revenge for his creation by Victor. Conclusion Mary Shelleys Frankenstein is a very intriguing movie to watch. While the film has its weaknesses, it also has a number of strengths that results in a fascinating watch. Aspects that make Mary Shelleys Frankenstein a bad film include wordiness and speed drops in some scenes, audience familiarity with the storyline, and rapid succession of scenes. However, Branagh makes up for these insufficiencies by using gorgeous sceneries, excellent acting skills by a numb er of actors, and use of camera techniques to develop scenes. Ebert, Roger. Mary Shelleys Frankenstein. The Sun Times, November 4, 1994. Web. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/mary-shelleys-frankenstein-1994 IMDB. Frankenstein (1994). 1994. Web. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109836/

Monday, November 4, 2019

Biochemical Action of Bacteria

To observe the growth of different bacteria species in term of structures and its morphology based on different chemical substance applied. 3. To observe physiological and immunological properties utilized by different species of bacteria. INTRODUCTION: Bacteria biochemical testing can determine the types and numbers in terms of colony forming units of bacteria present in a sample of different chemical. The testing could be focused on a specific type of bacteria, medical bacteria or a broad range of environmental bacteria. Since bacteria are present in virtually any environment, it’s important to be clear why the testing is being performed. The more specific the testing is the better and the easier it is to interpret the results. Numbers and types of bacteria that should be a cause for concern depends upon several factors, including the type of bacteria present and the type of samples. Escherichia coli  are one of the main species of bacteria living in the lower intestines of mammals. E. coli  can be found in the intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals. The presence of  E. coli  in foods is considered to be an indication of fecal contamination. Staphylococcus  organisms are commonly found in the environment. Several species of  Staphylococcus  are found on the skin, intestines, nasal passages, etc. of warm-blooded animals. Some species of  Staphylococcus, particularly  Staphylococcus aureus  can be pathogenic are capable of causing illness. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is widely distributed in soil, water and plants. It survives in hot tubs, whirlpools, contact lens solution, sinks and showers. It can cause a number of opportunistic infections including infections of the skin, external ear canal and of the eye. Nitrifying bacteria recycle organic nitrogenous materials from ammonium (the endpoint for the decomposition of proteins) to nitrates. Their presence can indicate that the water may have been polluted by nitrogen-rich organics from sources such as compromised septic tanks, sewage systems, industrial and hazardous waste sites and is undergoing an aerobic form of degradation. The presence of denitrifying bacteria can indicate that the water has been polluted by nitrogen-rich organics from sources such as compromised septic tanks, sewage systems, industrial and hazardous waste sites. MATERIALS: 1. Nutrient broth cultures of Escherichia coli . Nutrient broth cultures of Serratia marcescens 3. Nutrient broth cultures of Salmonella typhimurium 4. Nutrient broth cultures of Bacillus subtilis 5. Nutrient broth cultures of Klebsiella spp. 6. Nutrient broth cultures of Streptococcus spp. 7. Nutrient broth cultures of Staphylococcus aurieus 8. Nutrient broth cultures of Proteus vulgaris 9. Nutri ent broth cultures of Pseudomonas fluorescens 10. Parafilm tape 11. Inoculating loops 12. Gloves 13. Incubator 14. Nutrient agar plate 15. Nutrient agar slants 16. Starch agar plates 17. Gelatine agar plates 18. 2 tubes Clark’s-Lub medium (MR-VP medium) 19. Tryptone broth 20. 3 Kigler’ slant 21. 5 tubes nitrate broth ( 0. 1% KNO3) 22. 5 urea broth 23. Tube containing 10ml of sterile saline 24. Glucose broths with Durham tubes and phenol red indicator 25. Lactose broths with Durham tubes and phenol red indicator 26. Sucrose broths with Durham tubes and phenol red indicator 27. Gram’s iodine 28. Kovac’s indol reagent 29. Mercuric chloride solution 30. KOH-creatine solution or 40% KOH 31. FR reagent 32. Nessler’s reagent PROCEDURE: A. CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM 1. Fermentation of sugars Materials: 1. Glucose broths with Durham tubes and phenol red indicator 2. Lactose broths with Durham tubes and phenol red indicator 3. Sucrose broths with Durham tubes and phenol red indicator 4. 18 hour nutrient broth cultures of E. coli and S. typhimurium Procedure: 1) The small bottles of different sugars were inoculated with a loopfuls of E. coli and Salmonella spp. 2) The tubes were labelled and incubate at 37oC for 24 hours 3) All observations were recorded for presence of acid or gas production. 2. Hydrolysis of starch Materials: 1. Starch agar plates 2. Broth agar cultures of B. subtilis and E. coli Procedure: 1) Starch plate was streaked with E. coli in for sections and repeated for B. ubtilis bacteria in other starch plate. 2) The plates were secured with parafilm, labelled and inoculated at 37oC for 24 hours. The following day 1) The plates were tested for starch hydrolysis by flooding the pates with Gram’s iodine. 2) The plates were examined and the colonies that showed clear uncoloured zones in contrast with the blue-black background of the starch-iodine complex were noted. 3) The extent of the zones of hydrolysis indicated either the reddish colour zones were seen. 4) All results and observations were recorded. B. PROTEIN AND AMINO ACID METABOLIM 1. Indole test Materials: 1. Broth cultures of B. ubtilis, E. coli, and S. typhimurium 2. 3 tubes of tryptone broth 3. Kovac’s indole test reagent Procedures: 1) The peptone water was inoculated with a loopfuls of the test organism. 2) The tube was labelled and incubated for 24 hours. The following day 1) The tubes were added with a few drops of Kovac’s indole reagent (dimethylaminobenzaldehyde) 2) The red or dark color indicates the presence of indole. 4. Hydrogen sulphide Materials: 1. Broth cultures of B. subtilis, E. coli, and S. typhimurium 2. 3 Kigler’s slant Procedures: 1) The Kigler’s slant was inoculated with a loopfuls of the test organism by the stab method. ) The tube was labelled and incubated for 24 hours. The following day 3) Th e Kigler’ slant was observed for production of H2S where the black precipitate along the line of growth in the Kigler’s slants indicated the H2S have been produced. 4) The observations were recorded. 3. Gelatine hydrolysis test Materials: 1. Broth cultures of B. subtilis, E. coli, and S. typhimurium 2. Gelatine agar plates 3. Mercuric chloride solution Procedures: 3) The gelatine agar plates were inoculated with a loopfuls of the test organism with a single streak at the centre of the plates. ) The plates were secured with parafilm, labelled and incubated for 24 hours. The following day 5) The plates were flooded with mercuric chloride solution. 6) The medium become opaque in regions that still contain gelatine and clear regions where gelatine has been hydrolysed. C. VOGES-PROSKAUER TEST Materials: 1. Broth cultures of E. coli, and Klebsiella spp. 2. 2 tubes of Clark-Lub’s medium (MR-VP medium) 3. KOH-creatine solution Procedures: 1) The tubes of Clark-Lubâ€⠄¢s medium (MR-VP medium) were inoculated with a loopfuls of the test organism. 2) The tubes were labelled and incubated for 24 hours. The following day 1) The tubes were tested with Voges-Proskauer test. 2) The 0. 5ml of KOH-creatine solutuin was addd. 3) The tube was shaked vigorously for 30 seconds. 4) The red or pink color indicates the presence of acetoin. D. CATALASE TEST Materials: 1. Broth cultures of Streptococcus spp. and Staphylococcus aureus. 2. Nutrient agar slant Procedures: 1) The nutrient agar slant was inoculated with a loopfuls of the test organism. 2) The tube was labelled and incubated for 24 hours. The following day 1) The tubes were tested with catalase test by adding several drops of a 5% solution of hydrogen peroxide. ) The vigorous bubbling indicates the presence of oxygen. E. NITRATE REDUCTION TEST Materials: 1. Broth cultures of E. coli, Proteus vugaris, Serratia marcescens, Pseudomonas fluorescens. 2. 5 tubes containing nitrate broth (0. 1% KNO3) 3. Nitrate test reagent Procedures: 1) The nitrate broth was inoculated with a loopfuls of the test organism. 2) The tube was labelled and incub ated for 24 hours. The following day 1) The tubes were tested with 1ml of Follet and Ratcliff’s (FR reagent) 2) The orange or brown color indicates the presence of nitrate. 3) The absent of nitrate indicates that: a. There has been no nitrate reduction b. The reduction has proceeded beyond that nitrate stage. 4) The absent of orange or brown color were further tested with small amount of cadmium to the tube. If nitrate still present, it will be catalytically change to nitrate which will then reacts with the FR reagent in the tube. 5) In the absent of a positive nitrate result, the bubbles f H2 gas was observed in the Durhams tube OR 6) The samples were tested with 1ml of Nessler’s reagent. The brown or orange color indicates the presence of ammonia. F. UREASE TEST Materials: 1. Broth cultures of E. coli, P. vugaris, S. arcescens, P. fluorescens. 2. 5 urea broth with indicator Procedures: 1) The urea broth was inoculated with a loopfuls of the test organism. 2) The tube was labelled and incubated for 24 hours. The following day 1) The urease-positive organism produced in intense red/purple coloration of the medium after incubation. 2) All observations were recorded. RESULTS AND OBSERVATION: Test| Observation(After 24 hours incubation)| Description| A. Carbohydrate Test 1. Fermentation of starchDurham tubes and phenol-red indicator. 2. Hydrolysis of starch| Glucose: Lactose: Sucrose: Starch agar plates:B. ubtilisE. coli| * Positive result for E. coli as tube turn yellow * Positive result for S. typhimium as tube turn yellow * Positive result for E. coli as tube turn yellow * No gas produced by S. typhimium because the tube turns red. * No gas produced by E. coli because the tube is slightly red. * Positive result for S. typhimium as tube turn yellow * Positive zone of clearing. * Negative zone of clearing. | B. Protein And Amino Acid Metabolism 1. Indole test 2. Hydrogen disulphide 3. Gelatine hydrolysis test| Tryptone broth:B. subtilisE. coli. S. typhimuriumKigler’s slant:B. subtilisE. oli. S. typhimuriumGelatine agar plates:B. subtilisE. coli. S. typhimurium| * Negative Indole tests no color change. * Bright fuschia at the interface is positive test for Indole . * Negative Indole tests no color change. * Black precipitate form shows positive sulphur reduction. * Negative reaction. * Positive reaction forming the black precipitate. * Positive hydrolysis of gelatine into amino acid to be used as nutrients/gelatinase. * Negative hydrolysis of gelatine. * Negative hydrolysis of gelatine| C. Voges- Proskaeur’s Test| MR-VP medium:E. coli. Klebsiella spp. | * Negative results of E. oli * Positive results Klebsiella spp. | D. Catalase Test| Nutrient agar slant:S. aureusStreptococcus spp. | S. aureus * Positive catalase reaction because present of bubblesStreptococcus spp. * Negative catalase reaction no bubbles present. | E. Nitrate Reduction Test| Nitrate broth:E. coliP. vulgarisS. marcescensP. fluorenscens| * No color change after denitrification of ammonia. * No color change after denitrification of ammonia. * Turns red. Positive nitrate test shows nitrate reductase present. * Turns red but negative catalase test. | F. Urease Test| Urea broth:E. coliP. vulgarisS. marcescensP. luorenscens| * Negative urease test because the tube remain purple. * P. vulgaris show positive urease test from yellow to pinkish. * S. marcescens show negative urease test because the color remain purple. * P. fluorenscens show negative urease test because the color remain purple. | DISCUSSION: Biochemical tests of bacteria oobjectively to test the metabolism of carbohydrate and related products of different bacteria species, test specific breakdown of products through color changes and gas produced. Besides that, the ability of bacteria utilizes a specific substance and the metabolism of protein and amino acid by bacteria. A. CARBOHYDRATE TEST Carbohydrate is an organic compound that consists of only carbon, hydrogen and oxygen which is basically the major carbon source of most organisms. Specific carbohydrate can be fermented by organism that incorporated in a medium producing red or acid with gas. Pinkish red color shows positive results where acidic content formed in the tube because carbon dioxide realised if fermentation occur. Negative catabolism of carbohydrate shows by yellow to colourless of Durham’s tube as the solution remain alkaline in the absent of carbon dioxide gas. Gas production can be seen as bubbles in Durham’s tube. Central carbohydrate metabolism or the breakdown of sugars into smaller compounds accompanied by the production of ATP and reduction of coenzymes, follows one of several pathway. Carbohydrate utilization and fermentation will be assessed by growing cells without shaking (aeration) in defined media containing a single carbohydrate. Acid products of sugar fermentation will cause a noticeable color change in the pH indicator included in the medium. Sugar fermentation does not produce alkaline product, however non-fermentative hydrolysis of amino acids in the peptone, present in most fermentation media, may give an alkaline reaction, which will also cause a color change in the pH indicator. Gas production, H2 in particular, can be determined by placing a small, inverted Durham tube in the test medium. If gas is produced, it is trapped in the Durham tube and can be seen as a bubble. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is produced by bacterial anaerobic degradation of the two sulfur-containing amino acids, cysteine and methionine. Hydrogen sulfide is released as a by-product when carbon and nitrogen atoms in the amino acids are consumed as nutrients by the cells. Under anaerobic conditions the sulfhydryl (-SH) group on cysteine is reduced by cysteine desulfurase. Ferrous ammonium sulfate-indicator. H2S reacts with ferrous sulfate forming the black precipitate Sodium thiosulfate is reduced to sulphite/thiosulfate The Kligler’s Iron test is used to detect liberation of H2S gas by bacteria growing on an excess of these sulfur-containing amino acids. The agar contains high levels of peptones or sources of cysteine and methionine and ferrous sulfate as an indicator. When H2S is produced, the ferrous ion reacts with it to give ferrous sulfide, an insoluble black precipitate. In starch hydrolysis test Iodine must be on the plate to visualize the zone of clearing surrounding the bacteria. This zone indicates starch was broken down to dextrins, maltose, and glucose. B. PROTEIN AND AMINO ACID METABOLIM Indole test measures the ability of bacteria to split indole from tryptophan molecule but in term of biochemistry, Indole test is one of the metabolic degradation products of the amino acid tryophan. Bacteria that possess the enzyme trytophanase are capable of hydrolysing and deaminating tryptophan with the production of Indole, pyruvic acid and ammonia. Positive reaction showed by E. coli, P. vulgaris and negative results observed in Klebsiella and Salmonella from observation in the Indole test. Development of fuchsia red color at the interface of the reagent and the broth within seconds after adding the reagent is indicative of the presence of Indole and is a positive test. Kovac’s reagent detects if tryptophan has been hydrolyzed to indol or tryptophanase. Gelatin is the protein derived from the animal protein collagen, has been used as a solidifying agent in food for a long time besides nutrient gelatine as an early type of solid growth medium. One problem is that many bacteria have the ability to hydrolyze or liquefy the gelatin. This gelatin liquefaction ability forms the basis for this test. C. VOGES-PROSKAUER TEST The production of acetoin by bacteria is perform through Voges Proskauer Test to determine the ability of the organisms to produce neutral end product acetyl methyl carbinol (acetoin) from glucose fermentation. Negative results gained from E. coli meanwhile positive reaction gives by. Changing of color to red pinkish color at the surface of the medium indicated positive results and yellow color at the surface of the medium show negative reaction. The KOH reagent should not be excessively added to the sample because excess KOH may mask weak VP positive reactions. The MR test will be positive for organisms that have complete pathways for mixed acid fermentation. The Voges-Proskauer (VP) test determines whether a specific neutral metabolic intermediate, acetoin, has been produced instead of acid from glucose. Acetoin is the last intermediate in the butanediol pathway, which is a common fermentation pathway in B. subtilis. The tests are complementary in the sense that often a bacterium will give a positive reaction for one test and a negative reaction for the other. The three possible patterns of results where the acetoin fermentation pathway, detected by the VP test, two molecules of pyruvate condense and two molecules of CO2 are released. The 4 carbon intermediate that is formed, acetoin, contains a carbonyl group. The acetoin acts as a terminal electron acceptor with the carbonyl group being reduced to a hydroxyl group. The reduced product, butanediol, is excreted by the bacteria and acetoin is oxidized to diacetyl by alkaline -naphthol, which forms a red complex with creatinine. D. CATALASE TEST Catalase is present in most cytochrome containing aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria except Streptococcus spp. Hydrogen peroxide forms as one of the oxidative end product of aerobic carbohydrate metabolism. If hydrogen peroxide allowed accumulating in the bacterial cells it becomes lethal to the bacteria. Catalases help in converting H2O2 to water and oxygen. In the catalase test performed, Streptococcus spp gives negative reaction as for S. aureus, the positive reaction occurred. One of the by-products of oxidation-reduction in the presence of O2 during aerobic respiration is hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). This compound is highly reactive and must be degraded in the cytoplasm of the cell producing it. It can be especially damaging to molecules of DNA. Most aerobes synthesize the enzyme catalase, which breaks down H2O2 into water and oxygen. The O2 gas is identified by the production of bubbles from a concentrated cell suspension. The test for catalase is simple and usually very reliable. It is a major method of distinguishing between Staphylococcus (catalase positive), Streptococcus (catalase negative), and Enterococcus (catalase negative), although some strains of Enterococcus faecalis may be positive. Catalase production is generally associated with aerobic organisms, since H2O2 is a toxic by-product of aerobic growth, but not always. E. NITRATE REDUCTION TEST Nitrate reduction test basically test the ability of organism to reduce the nitrate to nitrites of free nitrogen gas. In order to determine either the bacteria can reduce nitrate, the test organism is inoculated into nitrate reduction broth, undefined medium that contains large amounts of nitrate (KNO3). After incubation, reagent added simultaneously reacts with nitrite and turn to red color, indicating a positive nitrate reduction. If there is no color change at this step, nitrite is absent. If the nitrate is unreduced and till in its original form, this would be a negative nitrate reduction result. However it is possible that the nitrate was reduced to nitrite but has been further reduced to ammonia or nitrogen gas. This would be recorded as positive nitrate reduction result. Under anaerobic conditions, some bacteria are able to use nitrate (NO3-) as an external terminal electron acceptor. This kind of metabolism is analogous to the use of oxygen as a terminal electron acceptor by aerobic organisms and is called anaerobic respiration. Nitrate is an oxidized compound and there are several steps possible in its reduction. The initial step is the reduction of nitrate (NO3-) to nitrite (NO2-). Several possible products can be made from further reduction of nitrite. Possible reduced end products include the following N2, NH3 (ammonia), N2O (nitrous oxide). Bacteria vary in their ability to perform these reactions, a useful characteristic for identification. A medium that will support growth must be used and the cells must be grown anaerobically. Growth in the presence of oxygen will decrease or eliminate nitrate reduction. There are many possible end products of nitrate reduction such as nitrite, nitrogen gas (N2), nitrous oxides, ammonia, and hydroxylamine. The disappearance of nitrate or the appearance of the end products. The test relies on the production of nitrous acid from the nitrite. This, in turn, reacts with the iodide in the reagent to produce iodine. The iodine then reacts with the starch in the reagent to produce a blue color. Since some of the possible products of NO3- reduction are gaseous, a Durham tube is sometimes inverted in the culture tube to trap gases. This being the case, it is important to pre-test the medium to ensure no detectable nitrite is present at the beginning, and, in the case of a negative test, to reduce any nitrate to nitrite to determine whether the nitrite was also reduced. If nitrite is produced, it reacts with hemoglobin to give a bright red color, instead of the dark red color of hemoglobin. It is this reaction that is responsible for the color of meats, such as hot dogs, which are preserved with sodium nitrite. The blood agar test has the advantage of no color change occurring if the nitrite is further reduced. F. UREASE TEST Urease test mainly highlighted to determine the ability of the organism to split urea forming 2 molecules of ammonia by the action of the enzyme Urease with resulting alkalinity. Negative reaction shown by E. coli meanwhile Klebsiella spp. shows positive result. Extra precaution needed because both the urease test medium depend upon the demonstration of alkalinity that not specific for urease. Moreover the protein hydrolysis may result I alkalinity hence false positive may be seen in Pseudomonas. The false positivity can be eliminated by control test using the same medium without urea as recommendation. Urea is a nitrogenous waste product of animals. Some bacteria can cleaved it to produce carbon dioxide and ammonia. The ammonia is a nitrogen source for amino acid biosynthesis as well as for synthesis of other nitrogen-containing molecules in the cell. The urease test was devised to distinguish Proteus species from other enterics. The medium described here is buffered enough so that weak urease producers appear negative. The production of ammonia raises the pH of the medium. The indicator phenol red is present in the broth. Phenol red is orange-yellow at pH below than 6. 8, and turns bright pinkish-red at pH higher than 8. 1. Hence, a positive urea test is denoted by the change of medium color from yellow to pinkish red. CONCLUSION: Based on the laboratory, different bacteria species have different abilities to metabolize various substrates and end products formed were able to be observed and distinguished. Biochemical Action of Bacteria To observe the growth of different bacteria species in term of structures and its morphology based on different chemical substance applied. 3. To observe physiological and immunological properties utilized by different species of bacteria. INTRODUCTION: Bacteria biochemical testing can determine the types and numbers in terms of colony forming units of bacteria present in a sample of different chemical. The testing could be focused on a specific type of bacteria, medical bacteria or a broad range of environmental bacteria. Since bacteria are present in virtually any environment, it’s important to be clear why the testing is being performed. The more specific the testing is the better and the easier it is to interpret the results. Numbers and types of bacteria that should be a cause for concern depends upon several factors, including the type of bacteria present and the type of samples. Escherichia coli  are one of the main species of bacteria living in the lower intestines of mammals. E. coli  can be found in the intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals. The presence of  E. coli  in foods is considered to be an indication of fecal contamination. Staphylococcus  organisms are commonly found in the environment. Several species of  Staphylococcus  are found on the skin, intestines, nasal passages, etc. of warm-blooded animals. Some species of  Staphylococcus, particularly  Staphylococcus aureus  can be pathogenic are capable of causing illness. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is widely distributed in soil, water and plants. It survives in hot tubs, whirlpools, contact lens solution, sinks and showers. It can cause a number of opportunistic infections including infections of the skin, external ear canal and of the eye. Nitrifying bacteria recycle organic nitrogenous materials from ammonium (the endpoint for the decomposition of proteins) to nitrates. Their presence can indicate that the water may have been polluted by nitrogen-rich organics from sources such as compromised septic tanks, sewage systems, industrial and hazardous waste sites and is undergoing an aerobic form of degradation. The presence of denitrifying bacteria can indicate that the water has been polluted by nitrogen-rich organics from sources such as compromised septic tanks, sewage systems, industrial and hazardous waste sites. MATERIALS: 1. Nutrient broth cultures of Escherichia coli . Nutrient broth cultures of Serratia marcescens 3. Nutrient broth cultures of Salmonella typhimurium 4. Nutrient broth cultures of Bacillus subtilis 5. Nutrient broth cultures of Klebsiella spp. 6. Nutrient broth cultures of Streptococcus spp. 7. Nutrient broth cultures of Staphylococcus aurieus 8. Nutrient broth cultures of Proteus vulgaris 9. Nutri ent broth cultures of Pseudomonas fluorescens 10. Parafilm tape 11. Inoculating loops 12. Gloves 13. Incubator 14. Nutrient agar plate 15. Nutrient agar slants 16. Starch agar plates 17. Gelatine agar plates 18. 2 tubes Clark’s-Lub medium (MR-VP medium) 19. Tryptone broth 20. 3 Kigler’ slant 21. 5 tubes nitrate broth ( 0. 1% KNO3) 22. 5 urea broth 23. Tube containing 10ml of sterile saline 24. Glucose broths with Durham tubes and phenol red indicator 25. Lactose broths with Durham tubes and phenol red indicator 26. Sucrose broths with Durham tubes and phenol red indicator 27. Gram’s iodine 28. Kovac’s indol reagent 29. Mercuric chloride solution 30. KOH-creatine solution or 40% KOH 31. FR reagent 32. Nessler’s reagent PROCEDURE: A. CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM 1. Fermentation of sugars Materials: 1. Glucose broths with Durham tubes and phenol red indicator 2. Lactose broths with Durham tubes and phenol red indicator 3. Sucrose broths with Durham tubes and phenol red indicator 4. 18 hour nutrient broth cultures of E. coli and S. typhimurium Procedure: 1) The small bottles of different sugars were inoculated with a loopfuls of E. coli and Salmonella spp. 2) The tubes were labelled and incubate at 37oC for 24 hours 3) All observations were recorded for presence of acid or gas production. 2. Hydrolysis of starch Materials: 1. Starch agar plates 2. Broth agar cultures of B. subtilis and E. coli Procedure: 1) Starch plate was streaked with E. coli in for sections and repeated for B. ubtilis bacteria in other starch plate. 2) The plates were secured with parafilm, labelled and inoculated at 37oC for 24 hours. The following day 1) The plates were tested for starch hydrolysis by flooding the pates with Gram’s iodine. 2) The plates were examined and the colonies that showed clear uncoloured zones in contrast with the blue-black background of the starch-iodine complex were noted. 3) The extent of the zones of hydrolysis indicated either the reddish colour zones were seen. 4) All results and observations were recorded. B. PROTEIN AND AMINO ACID METABOLIM 1. Indole test Materials: 1. Broth cultures of B. ubtilis, E. coli, and S. typhimurium 2. 3 tubes of tryptone broth 3. Kovac’s indole test reagent Procedures: 1) The peptone water was inoculated with a loopfuls of the test organism. 2) The tube was labelled and incubated for 24 hours. The following day 1) The tubes were added with a few drops of Kovac’s indole reagent (dimethylaminobenzaldehyde) 2) The red or dark color indicates the presence of indole. 4. Hydrogen sulphide Materials: 1. Broth cultures of B. subtilis, E. coli, and S. typhimurium 2. 3 Kigler’s slant Procedures: 1) The Kigler’s slant was inoculated with a loopfuls of the test organism by the stab method. ) The tube was labelled and incubated for 24 hours. The following day 3) Th e Kigler’ slant was observed for production of H2S where the black precipitate along the line of growth in the Kigler’s slants indicated the H2S have been produced. 4) The observations were recorded. 3. Gelatine hydrolysis test Materials: 1. Broth cultures of B. subtilis, E. coli, and S. typhimurium 2. Gelatine agar plates 3. Mercuric chloride solution Procedures: 3) The gelatine agar plates were inoculated with a loopfuls of the test organism with a single streak at the centre of the plates. ) The plates were secured with parafilm, labelled and incubated for 24 hours. The following day 5) The plates were flooded with mercuric chloride solution. 6) The medium become opaque in regions that still contain gelatine and clear regions where gelatine has been hydrolysed. C. VOGES-PROSKAUER TEST Materials: 1. Broth cultures of E. coli, and Klebsiella spp. 2. 2 tubes of Clark-Lub’s medium (MR-VP medium) 3. KOH-creatine solution Procedures: 1) The tubes of Clark-Lubâ€⠄¢s medium (MR-VP medium) were inoculated with a loopfuls of the test organism. 2) The tubes were labelled and incubated for 24 hours. The following day 1) The tubes were tested with Voges-Proskauer test. 2) The 0. 5ml of KOH-creatine solutuin was addd. 3) The tube was shaked vigorously for 30 seconds. 4) The red or pink color indicates the presence of acetoin. D. CATALASE TEST Materials: 1. Broth cultures of Streptococcus spp. and Staphylococcus aureus. 2. Nutrient agar slant Procedures: 1) The nutrient agar slant was inoculated with a loopfuls of the test organism. 2) The tube was labelled and incubated for 24 hours. The following day 1) The tubes were tested with catalase test by adding several drops of a 5% solution of hydrogen peroxide. ) The vigorous bubbling indicates the presence of oxygen. E. NITRATE REDUCTION TEST Materials: 1. Broth cultures of E. coli, Proteus vugaris, Serratia marcescens, Pseudomonas fluorescens. 2. 5 tubes containing nitrate broth (0. 1% KNO3) 3. Nitrate test reagent Procedures: 1) The nitrate broth was inoculated with a loopfuls of the test organism. 2) The tube was labelled and incub ated for 24 hours. The following day 1) The tubes were tested with 1ml of Follet and Ratcliff’s (FR reagent) 2) The orange or brown color indicates the presence of nitrate. 3) The absent of nitrate indicates that: a. There has been no nitrate reduction b. The reduction has proceeded beyond that nitrate stage. 4) The absent of orange or brown color were further tested with small amount of cadmium to the tube. If nitrate still present, it will be catalytically change to nitrate which will then reacts with the FR reagent in the tube. 5) In the absent of a positive nitrate result, the bubbles f H2 gas was observed in the Durhams tube OR 6) The samples were tested with 1ml of Nessler’s reagent. The brown or orange color indicates the presence of ammonia. F. UREASE TEST Materials: 1. Broth cultures of E. coli, P. vugaris, S. arcescens, P. fluorescens. 2. 5 urea broth with indicator Procedures: 1) The urea broth was inoculated with a loopfuls of the test organism. 2) The tube was labelled and incubated for 24 hours. The following day 1) The urease-positive organism produced in intense red/purple coloration of the medium after incubation. 2) All observations were recorded. RESULTS AND OBSERVATION: Test| Observation(After 24 hours incubation)| Description| A. Carbohydrate Test 1. Fermentation of starchDurham tubes and phenol-red indicator. 2. Hydrolysis of starch| Glucose: Lactose: Sucrose: Starch agar plates:B. ubtilisE. coli| * Positive result for E. coli as tube turn yellow * Positive result for S. typhimium as tube turn yellow * Positive result for E. coli as tube turn yellow * No gas produced by S. typhimium because the tube turns red. * No gas produced by E. coli because the tube is slightly red. * Positive result for S. typhimium as tube turn yellow * Positive zone of clearing. * Negative zone of clearing. | B. Protein And Amino Acid Metabolism 1. Indole test 2. Hydrogen disulphide 3. Gelatine hydrolysis test| Tryptone broth:B. subtilisE. coli. S. typhimuriumKigler’s slant:B. subtilisE. oli. S. typhimuriumGelatine agar plates:B. subtilisE. coli. S. typhimurium| * Negative Indole tests no color change. * Bright fuschia at the interface is positive test for Indole . * Negative Indole tests no color change. * Black precipitate form shows positive sulphur reduction. * Negative reaction. * Positive reaction forming the black precipitate. * Positive hydrolysis of gelatine into amino acid to be used as nutrients/gelatinase. * Negative hydrolysis of gelatine. * Negative hydrolysis of gelatine| C. Voges- Proskaeur’s Test| MR-VP medium:E. coli. Klebsiella spp. | * Negative results of E. oli * Positive results Klebsiella spp. | D. Catalase Test| Nutrient agar slant:S. aureusStreptococcus spp. | S. aureus * Positive catalase reaction because present of bubblesStreptococcus spp. * Negative catalase reaction no bubbles present. | E. Nitrate Reduction Test| Nitrate broth:E. coliP. vulgarisS. marcescensP. fluorenscens| * No color change after denitrification of ammonia. * No color change after denitrification of ammonia. * Turns red. Positive nitrate test shows nitrate reductase present. * Turns red but negative catalase test. | F. Urease Test| Urea broth:E. coliP. vulgarisS. marcescensP. luorenscens| * Negative urease test because the tube remain purple. * P. vulgaris show positive urease test from yellow to pinkish. * S. marcescens show negative urease test because the color remain purple. * P. fluorenscens show negative urease test because the color remain purple. | DISCUSSION: Biochemical tests of bacteria oobjectively to test the metabolism of carbohydrate and related products of different bacteria species, test specific breakdown of products through color changes and gas produced. Besides that, the ability of bacteria utilizes a specific substance and the metabolism of protein and amino acid by bacteria. A. CARBOHYDRATE TEST Carbohydrate is an organic compound that consists of only carbon, hydrogen and oxygen which is basically the major carbon source of most organisms. Specific carbohydrate can be fermented by organism that incorporated in a medium producing red or acid with gas. Pinkish red color shows positive results where acidic content formed in the tube because carbon dioxide realised if fermentation occur. Negative catabolism of carbohydrate shows by yellow to colourless of Durham’s tube as the solution remain alkaline in the absent of carbon dioxide gas. Gas production can be seen as bubbles in Durham’s tube. Central carbohydrate metabolism or the breakdown of sugars into smaller compounds accompanied by the production of ATP and reduction of coenzymes, follows one of several pathway. Carbohydrate utilization and fermentation will be assessed by growing cells without shaking (aeration) in defined media containing a single carbohydrate. Acid products of sugar fermentation will cause a noticeable color change in the pH indicator included in the medium. Sugar fermentation does not produce alkaline product, however non-fermentative hydrolysis of amino acids in the peptone, present in most fermentation media, may give an alkaline reaction, which will also cause a color change in the pH indicator. Gas production, H2 in particular, can be determined by placing a small, inverted Durham tube in the test medium. If gas is produced, it is trapped in the Durham tube and can be seen as a bubble. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is produced by bacterial anaerobic degradation of the two sulfur-containing amino acids, cysteine and methionine. Hydrogen sulfide is released as a by-product when carbon and nitrogen atoms in the amino acids are consumed as nutrients by the cells. Under anaerobic conditions the sulfhydryl (-SH) group on cysteine is reduced by cysteine desulfurase. Ferrous ammonium sulfate-indicator. H2S reacts with ferrous sulfate forming the black precipitate Sodium thiosulfate is reduced to sulphite/thiosulfate The Kligler’s Iron test is used to detect liberation of H2S gas by bacteria growing on an excess of these sulfur-containing amino acids. The agar contains high levels of peptones or sources of cysteine and methionine and ferrous sulfate as an indicator. When H2S is produced, the ferrous ion reacts with it to give ferrous sulfide, an insoluble black precipitate. In starch hydrolysis test Iodine must be on the plate to visualize the zone of clearing surrounding the bacteria. This zone indicates starch was broken down to dextrins, maltose, and glucose. B. PROTEIN AND AMINO ACID METABOLIM Indole test measures the ability of bacteria to split indole from tryptophan molecule but in term of biochemistry, Indole test is one of the metabolic degradation products of the amino acid tryophan. Bacteria that possess the enzyme trytophanase are capable of hydrolysing and deaminating tryptophan with the production of Indole, pyruvic acid and ammonia. Positive reaction showed by E. coli, P. vulgaris and negative results observed in Klebsiella and Salmonella from observation in the Indole test. Development of fuchsia red color at the interface of the reagent and the broth within seconds after adding the reagent is indicative of the presence of Indole and is a positive test. Kovac’s reagent detects if tryptophan has been hydrolyzed to indol or tryptophanase. Gelatin is the protein derived from the animal protein collagen, has been used as a solidifying agent in food for a long time besides nutrient gelatine as an early type of solid growth medium. One problem is that many bacteria have the ability to hydrolyze or liquefy the gelatin. This gelatin liquefaction ability forms the basis for this test. C. VOGES-PROSKAUER TEST The production of acetoin by bacteria is perform through Voges Proskauer Test to determine the ability of the organisms to produce neutral end product acetyl methyl carbinol (acetoin) from glucose fermentation. Negative results gained from E. coli meanwhile positive reaction gives by. Changing of color to red pinkish color at the surface of the medium indicated positive results and yellow color at the surface of the medium show negative reaction. The KOH reagent should not be excessively added to the sample because excess KOH may mask weak VP positive reactions. The MR test will be positive for organisms that have complete pathways for mixed acid fermentation. The Voges-Proskauer (VP) test determines whether a specific neutral metabolic intermediate, acetoin, has been produced instead of acid from glucose. Acetoin is the last intermediate in the butanediol pathway, which is a common fermentation pathway in B. subtilis. The tests are complementary in the sense that often a bacterium will give a positive reaction for one test and a negative reaction for the other. The three possible patterns of results where the acetoin fermentation pathway, detected by the VP test, two molecules of pyruvate condense and two molecules of CO2 are released. The 4 carbon intermediate that is formed, acetoin, contains a carbonyl group. The acetoin acts as a terminal electron acceptor with the carbonyl group being reduced to a hydroxyl group. The reduced product, butanediol, is excreted by the bacteria and acetoin is oxidized to diacetyl by alkaline -naphthol, which forms a red complex with creatinine. D. CATALASE TEST Catalase is present in most cytochrome containing aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria except Streptococcus spp. Hydrogen peroxide forms as one of the oxidative end product of aerobic carbohydrate metabolism. If hydrogen peroxide allowed accumulating in the bacterial cells it becomes lethal to the bacteria. Catalases help in converting H2O2 to water and oxygen. In the catalase test performed, Streptococcus spp gives negative reaction as for S. aureus, the positive reaction occurred. One of the by-products of oxidation-reduction in the presence of O2 during aerobic respiration is hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). This compound is highly reactive and must be degraded in the cytoplasm of the cell producing it. It can be especially damaging to molecules of DNA. Most aerobes synthesize the enzyme catalase, which breaks down H2O2 into water and oxygen. The O2 gas is identified by the production of bubbles from a concentrated cell suspension. The test for catalase is simple and usually very reliable. It is a major method of distinguishing between Staphylococcus (catalase positive), Streptococcus (catalase negative), and Enterococcus (catalase negative), although some strains of Enterococcus faecalis may be positive. Catalase production is generally associated with aerobic organisms, since H2O2 is a toxic by-product of aerobic growth, but not always. E. NITRATE REDUCTION TEST Nitrate reduction test basically test the ability of organism to reduce the nitrate to nitrites of free nitrogen gas. In order to determine either the bacteria can reduce nitrate, the test organism is inoculated into nitrate reduction broth, undefined medium that contains large amounts of nitrate (KNO3). After incubation, reagent added simultaneously reacts with nitrite and turn to red color, indicating a positive nitrate reduction. If there is no color change at this step, nitrite is absent. If the nitrate is unreduced and till in its original form, this would be a negative nitrate reduction result. However it is possible that the nitrate was reduced to nitrite but has been further reduced to ammonia or nitrogen gas. This would be recorded as positive nitrate reduction result. Under anaerobic conditions, some bacteria are able to use nitrate (NO3-) as an external terminal electron acceptor. This kind of metabolism is analogous to the use of oxygen as a terminal electron acceptor by aerobic organisms and is called anaerobic respiration. Nitrate is an oxidized compound and there are several steps possible in its reduction. The initial step is the reduction of nitrate (NO3-) to nitrite (NO2-). Several possible products can be made from further reduction of nitrite. Possible reduced end products include the following N2, NH3 (ammonia), N2O (nitrous oxide). Bacteria vary in their ability to perform these reactions, a useful characteristic for identification. A medium that will support growth must be used and the cells must be grown anaerobically. Growth in the presence of oxygen will decrease or eliminate nitrate reduction. There are many possible end products of nitrate reduction such as nitrite, nitrogen gas (N2), nitrous oxides, ammonia, and hydroxylamine. The disappearance of nitrate or the appearance of the end products. The test relies on the production of nitrous acid from the nitrite. This, in turn, reacts with the iodide in the reagent to produce iodine. The iodine then reacts with the starch in the reagent to produce a blue color. Since some of the possible products of NO3- reduction are gaseous, a Durham tube is sometimes inverted in the culture tube to trap gases. This being the case, it is important to pre-test the medium to ensure no detectable nitrite is present at the beginning, and, in the case of a negative test, to reduce any nitrate to nitrite to determine whether the nitrite was also reduced. If nitrite is produced, it reacts with hemoglobin to give a bright red color, instead of the dark red color of hemoglobin. It is this reaction that is responsible for the color of meats, such as hot dogs, which are preserved with sodium nitrite. The blood agar test has the advantage of no color change occurring if the nitrite is further reduced. F. UREASE TEST Urease test mainly highlighted to determine the ability of the organism to split urea forming 2 molecules of ammonia by the action of the enzyme Urease with resulting alkalinity. Negative reaction shown by E. coli meanwhile Klebsiella spp. shows positive result. Extra precaution needed because both the urease test medium depend upon the demonstration of alkalinity that not specific for urease. Moreover the protein hydrolysis may result I alkalinity hence false positive may be seen in Pseudomonas. The false positivity can be eliminated by control test using the same medium without urea as recommendation. Urea is a nitrogenous waste product of animals. Some bacteria can cleaved it to produce carbon dioxide and ammonia. The ammonia is a nitrogen source for amino acid biosynthesis as well as for synthesis of other nitrogen-containing molecules in the cell. The urease test was devised to distinguish Proteus species from other enterics. The medium described here is buffered enough so that weak urease producers appear negative. The production of ammonia raises the pH of the medium. The indicator phenol red is present in the broth. Phenol red is orange-yellow at pH below than 6. 8, and turns bright pinkish-red at pH higher than 8. 1. Hence, a positive urea test is denoted by the change of medium color from yellow to pinkish red. CONCLUSION: Based on the laboratory, different bacteria species have different abilities to metabolize various substrates and end products formed were able to be observed and distinguished.