Ethics Officer Essay - 1587 Words

Ethics Officer However, eliminating unethical behavior does not just stop in the education. Corporations must be governed throughout all their business transactions. The proposal is that all corporations that are publically traded and have shareholders must employ an ethics officer. The ethics officer will be immune from firings that are unjustified. They will not be part of an employment at-will doctrine (Cross Miller, 2012). It is proposed that the ethics officer also be part of the corporation’s board of directors, and they have the ability to trump all decisions that are unethical. The ethics officer will not be paid by the corporation but part of their salary will come from the shareholders investments. Not only will they†¦show more content†¦An ethics officer can ensure that their company will never make that kind of name for themselves. Therefore, they are a protector for the company. Code of Ethics According to Cross Miller (2012), an effective way to establish an ethical tone is to create a Corporate Code of Ethics that the company follows. In a sense the one of the most important members of a corporation will be the ethics officer. This is because the ethics officer will be in control of writing a code of conduct that all employees must adhere to. Many companies have a code of conduct, but many times it is just limited to: do not be late to work, wear certain clothing or uniforms to work etc. However, the ethics officer’s code of conduct will vary considerably too many companies’ codes of conduct. The ethics codes of conduct will outline what the organizations expectations are and the officer’s expectations. These expectations will fall directly in line with what society will expect from the organization and nothing less. The code of conduct will be implemented on the employees first day of work during an orientation period. The new employ ees will have to sign an agreement to follow and obey all code of conduct rules and regulations, and failure to do so will result in disciplinary action or termination of their employment. Having a visible code of ethics will help because it â€Å"indicates the company’s commitment to legal compliance, as well as to the welfare of its customers orShow MoreRelatedThe Ethics Of Police Officers967 Words   |  4 PagesPolice officers not only have to follow a set of rules and legislation, but they also must behave in a decent manner while on duty as well as off duty. Unfortunately, nobody is perfect, and police officers also make wrong decisions that could jeopardize the integrity of their police department. Often people know something they do is wrong. However, they still do it because they feel no harm will come to them or it they think nobody will ever find out. For instance, cheating on a test is wrong, butRead MoreThe Ethics Of An Ethical Officer1074 Words   |  5 Page ssubject of business ethics, as well as its importance to businesses and organizations. However despite this, there has not been much written on exactly how businesses should be ensuring ethical practices are being implemented. One proposal to help businesses manage the ethical problems and issues that arise with large business was the creation of a role to handle ethical issues and problems that may occur within the organization. That role became what is now known as an ethics officer. The job of an ethicalRead MoreThe Ethics Of The Executive Officer Of Citibank Essay892 Words   |  4 PagesIt has been found that the dignity and right of the employees have been expressed by the ethics of leaderships. In this assignment the chosen organization for study is Citibank. Citibank was started in the year of 1812 at New York City. They started their business in New Zealand in 1902. It has been observed that Citibank has developed their code of ethics and the management has taken the help the code of ethics to control the functions. 1. Ethical leadership and culture: 1.1 Ethical philosophy: TheRead MoreThe Ethics Of The Arizona Peace Officer Standards And Training Board941 Words   |  4 Pagesprovide an explanation of how the principles contained in a code of ethics for my discipline relate to the issue. Law enforcement has one key ethical issue: integrity. Dictionary.com defines integrity as â€Å"adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.† According to Cartwright, G. (2010) those who work in law enforcement â€Å"deal with temptation continually.† He continues by explaining that while most officers make the right decision, some do not. When the actions of lawRead MoreThe Ethics Of The Police Officer1827 Words   |  8 PagesIntroduction Ethics may be defined as the, â€Å"principle of honor and morality; accepted rules of conduct; the principle of conduct governing an individual or group (Maine Criminal Justice Academy [MCJA], 2002, p. 3). Trust and integrity are precious resources, easily squandered, hard to regain. They can thrive only on a foundation of respect for veracity (Bok, 1989). The need for ethical policing serves as a necessary foundation for the establishment of trust and respect between the community and thoseRead MoreChief Executive Officer and Ethics Program995 Words   |  4 PagesHRDV- 3330-10SU12 1. Imagine that its your responsibility to select an ethics officer for your organization. What qualities, background, and experience would you look for? Why? I would look for someone who has excellent ethics. A candidate would be someone who looks at the letter of the law when developing guidelines and knows what the industry standard is for those guidelines. Someone who can sees both sides of an issue. A specific background is not needed for this position. KnowledgeRead MoreCase Study : Chief Legal / Ethics Officer2238 Words   |  9 PagesCase Study â€Å"As Chief legal/ethics officer /compliance officer of ABC hospital, you are responsible for providing guidance and leadership to your health care employees. You hold monthly meetings for high-level staff to address employee and other concerns. In your most recent staff meeting, you focused on trends that are alarming to you: a rising employee turnover rate and declining morale among staff. What leadership competencies are needed to reverse these trends? Propose a plan for the hospitalRead MoreEthics and Law Enforcement: Ethical Conduct for Police Officers676 Words   |  3 PagesEthical Conduct for Police Officers Ethics among police officers is critical to maintaining law and order in a democratic society. Whether responding, investigating, interrogating, interviewing, or handling evidence, police interface directly with citizens and possess a great deal of power (Borello, 2012). When they are corrupt or otherwise unethical, it compromises balance and safety in a community and in society as a whole. Ethical behavior helps instill public trust in the systems and policiesRead MoreEthics And Morals That Make For A Good Law Enforcement Officer1625 Words   |  7 PagesThere are many ethics and morals that make for a good law enforcement officer, and more importantly for a good person. When I joined the military I was introduced to the acronym LDRSHIP (interestingly during basic training they actually taught it as RCHILDS). I found it amazing that the values that the military stressed were so unfamiliar to many of the soldiers. I grew up in a household that used the â€Å"Army† values a s a standard for living a good and productive life. The values that the ArmyRead MoreThe Importance Of Serving As A Naval Officer838 Words   |  4 PagesOne of the most interesting and, at times, challenging aspects of serving as a Naval Officer is working with a team of people from a diverse background. The sailors I have worked with come from all over the United States, and even some from other countries. While this has led to a rich experience, it sometimes presented a leadership challenge. What I found out quickly was that every sailor approached his or her service in the Navy slightly different. Some sailors served because a relative did

Profile Of The Respondents The Final Questionnaire

Profile of the respondents: The final questionnaire is distributed to 320 respondents representing 56.25% are from Rajshahi University and 43.75% from Khulna University students. Among them 63.8% are male and 36.3% female respectively. Most of the visitors are in the age group of 21-25 years representing 90.3% of the respondents. Respondents less than 20 years of age are the second largest portion, representing 5% of the respondents. All of the respondents’ professional backgrounds are students of graduation and post-graduation level where 55.3% are 3rd year of graduation level. While 32.8% are in the 4rd year, 6.3% in 2nd Year, 4.7% in post-graduation level and only 0.9% are in 1st year level of graduation education. With regards to parents monthly income measures in taka, the survey reveals that 27.5% of the students report their parents monthly income in the range between 10,000tk to 20,000 tk. and 17.5% of the students’ parents earn less than 10000 tk. it denotes th at most of the visitors fall in lower level income group. While 74.1% of the students are unmarried and 25% are married respectively whereas 0.9% are in others group. A large group of respondents 45% are from Khulna division which indicates that the students of Khulna division are like to visit in the beaches. At the same time 29.4% are from Rajshahi division and 1.6% is from Sylhet division. (See Appendix Table-04). The Student attitudes and beliefs for Saint Martin and Cox’s Bazar Sea Beach are 32.2 andShow MoreRelatedA Research Study On Research Design1177 Words   |  5 Pagesstudy’s sample size. TABLE 1 When it came to the respondents’ demographic profile, a total of 122 (45%) of the respondents were females while the rest (150) that made up 55% were males. About the age group of the respondents, 185 (58%) were below the age of 35 years while 200 (74%) were those respondents who have been working in their particular departments for less than 5 years. When it comes to the employment type, 223 (82%) of the respondents were employed by the department permanently. RegardingRead MoreEssay on Examining Flexibility in Small Business878 Words   |  4 Pagespaper endorsed a number of acknowledged scholar techniques. The objective was to farm those techniques in order to spell out an acceptable managerial instrument, and to anticipate the concept of flexibility. a) Questionnaire /constructs development For developing a questionnaire, exploratory research is needed to investigate the likely determinants or attributes to be considered. Personal or focus interviews with the service users would be recommended. And for defining the scale attributesRead MoreNational Insurance Company Case1494 Words   |  6 Pagesthe questionnaire shown in Exhibit 1. The items in Section 1 of the questionnaire pertain to customers’ evaluation of National’s service along five dimensions. Section 2 is designed to determine the relative importance of the five dimensions. 1 This case was written by Professor A. Parasuraman of the University of Miami. Used by permission of the author. 1 Section 3 contains several questions relating to customers’ overall experience with National. The final section focuses on respondents demographicRead MoreEssay On Business Development1067 Words   |  5 Pages Before jumping into main analysis of this study, there would be some preliminary analysis phases, such as data inspection, recoding answers, and calculating response rate. By setting out the results of questionnaire, the findings would be demonstrated in sequential way which started by profile of participating SMEs for illustrating some demographical data. Following to that, the responses of information technology business value section would be analysed per each company. This phase would helpRead MoreTechnology And Social Problems1229 Words   |  5 Pagespertaining to the youth culture and the health care practices in our society. Scope of the study The research was conducted in in an institution of higher learning. Students in University will be used as respondents. Research questionnaires was administered to a study sample of 50 respondents. This study was a descriptive survey, and was carried out in September 2017. Methodology for Data Collection and Analysis The investigation utilized a representative survey which was preferred because it wouldRead MoreBuying Behavior Towards Instant Food1542 Words   |  7 PagesCONSUMERS TOWARDS INSTANT FOOD PRODUCTS IN SURAT CITY† CONSTRUCTS : †¢ Consumer †¢ Byuying Behavior †¢ Instant food products OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF CONSTRUCTS: Consumer : A  consumer  is a person or group of people who are the final users of products and or services generated within a social system. A consumer may be a person or group, such as a  household. The concept of a consumer may vary significantly by context. Or An individual who buys products or services for personal useRead MoreSample Chapter 1 thesis1536 Words   |  7 Pagesthe research sought to answer the following questions: 1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of following: 1.1. age; 1.2. course; 1.3. year level; and 2. What are the shampoo brands bought by the respondents? 3. How often do the respondents buy the shampoo brands? 4. How often are the respondents exposed to television shampoo commercials? 5. To what extent do the shampoo advertisements affect the respondents’ buying behaviour? Significance of the Study Today, a large numberRead MoreTesting : Testing And Testing838 Words   |  4 Pagesoff the information of other doctors’ patients. This will enable the doctors to enter blood pressures, blood test results, depression indicators and keep their own notes for each session. It will also enable patients to easily see their own medical profiles and the doctor’s notes as well as restricting them from accessing other details. Also important, the database will allow only the two researchers to see everything, that is, all doctors’ notes, all patients’ information and which drug each patientRead MoreOnline DTR and Payroll System using RFID with SMS1657 Words   |  7 Pagessalary so that they have also a different pay slip. Population and Sampling of Data The developers conducted a study to look what are the possible ways, wherein the sample units of respondents will be used in the study. Quota Sampling is to be conducted in this study because the proponents will select the respondents to be included in the study until the desired sample size is reached. Quota Sampling is one of the methods that can be used under the Non-Probability sampling. Non-ProbabilityRead MorePsychological Struggle and Academic Performance of Single Parents2281 Words   |  10 Pages Statement of the Problem This study focuses on the relationship between psychological struggle and academic performance of the Single parents. Specifically, this study will answer the following questions: 1. What is the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of: 1.1 Age 1.2 Gender 1.3 Civil status 1.4 Number of children? 2. What is the level of psychological struggle of the single parents in terms of: 2.1 Economic 2.2 Social 2.3 Psychological? 3. What is the level of academic performance

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Free Essays

The U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission In economic society, most people like to invest their fortunes in the capital market and security market. We will write a custom essay sample on The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or any similar topic only for you Order Now As more and more investors join in the investing market which is very complex and fascinating, and it can be successful. Unlike the deposits are hypothecated by the federal government, stocks, bonds and other securities can lose value in capital market because their no surety.So the security and exchange commission play an important role in the capital market, and the important thing is the security and exchange commission demands the public companies should be disclose the meaningful financial and other information to the public. This provides an equitable environment and common knowledge for the investors who can make a decision for buy, sell or hold a security. The security and exchange commission supervises the key participants in the securities market, which contains securities brokers and dealers, securities exchanges, investment advisors, and mutual funds.The security and exchange commission is concerned primarily with promoting the disclosure of important market-related info rmation, maintaining fair dealing, and protecting against fraud. Every year, the security and exchange commission works closely with other institutions, such as Congress, other federal departments and agencies, the self-regulatory organizations, state securities regulators, and various private sector organizations. The other thing is the security and exchange commission use the securities laws to deal with civil enforcement actions against individuals and companies which has typical infractions.The responsibility of the U. S. security and exchange commission is to protect the investors, maintain fair, orderly, and efficient markets, and facilitate capital formation. This article is an overview of the Securities and Exchange Commission history, role of the division of different offices, how the Securities and Exchange Commission maintains market, and how Securities and Exchange Commission facilitates capital formation. (a)When, Why, and by What Authority the SEC was Formed The Securities and Exchange Commission was found in a special period and has a meaningful history.The mission of the Securities and Exchange Commission is to protect investors and make the market stability. Before the Great Crash of 1929, fewness people support the federal regulation of the securities markets. After the post-World War I, the security activities increased faster, and the federal government required financial must prevent the fraudulent sale of stock and financial disclosed. During the 1920s, most investors found the advantage of the post-war prosperity, so they invested their money into stock market.When the Great Crash was occurred in 1929, investors lost their confidence for the markets plummeted. At the same time, banks who lent money to the investors lost much money ensuring Great Depression. In this background, there was a common sense to recover confidence of the investors for the stock market, so Congress held hearings to identify the problems and search for solutions. According the result of the hearing, Congress passed the Securities Act of 1933 during the Depression year. The Securities and Exchange Commission was created base on this law and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.The purpose was to restore the confidence of the investors in capital market and clear rules of honest dealing. Congress established the Securities and Exchange Commission in 1934, and implemented the newly-passed securities laws to promoted the capital and protect the investors. The important thing were monitored the securities industry, required companies should be offered securities for investment dollars, must told the public the truth about their businesses, the securities they were selling, and the risks involved in investing. b)The Role of the Division of Corporation Finance The role of the division corporation finance is that assists the Commission implement its responsibility to superintend corporate disclosure of important information to the investing public. Company must be obeying the regulations pertaining to disclosure that must be made when the initial stock is sold in the next period of time. The staff of division periodically reviews the disclosure documents submitted by the company. The staff also provides assistance to explain the rules of the Commission to companies and recommend the new rules adopted by the Commission. The Division of Corporation Finance requires publicly-held companies should file the documents that reviewed by the Commission. These documents include registration statements for newly-offered securities, annual and quarterly filings (Forms 10-K and 10-Q), proxy materials sent to shareholders before an annual meeting, annual reports to shareholders, documents concerning ender offers, and filings related to mergers and acquisitions. The staff reviews and checks the documents by disclosure requirements to improve the quality of the disclosure documents by the publicly-held companies. The staff of Division offered guidance and counseling to registrants, prospective registrants, and help the public obey the law. Corporation Finance provides administrative explanation of the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, and recommends regulations to implement these statutes.Working closely with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Corporation Finance uses a more formal manner is no-action letters to issue guidance. Corporation Finance also monitors the use by U. S. registrants of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. (c)The Role of the Division of Trading and Marketing The role of the Division of Trading and Marketing is that assists the Commission implement its responsibility for maintaining fair, orderly, and efficient markets.The Division’s staff provides monitor major participants of the securities market, such as the securities exchanges; securities firms; self-regulatory organizations (SROs) including the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FInRA), the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB), clearing agencies that help facilitate trade settlement; transfer agents (parties that maintain records of securities owners); securities information processors; and credit rating agencies.The Division also monitors Securities In vestor Protection Corporation (SIPC) that makes sure securities and cash in the customer accounts of the failed member brokerage firms. The additional responsibilities of Division include enforce financial integrity program for broker-dealers of the Commission, reviewing recommended new rules and change to existing rules submit by the SROs, assist the Commission to establish rules and publish interpretations on matters affecting the operation of the securities markets, and monitor the markets. d)The Role of the Division of Investment Management The role of the Division of Investment Management is that assists the Commission implement its responsibility for investor protection and for promoting capital formation through oversight and regulation of America’s $26 trillion investment management industry. This is an important part of capital markets include investment advisers and professional fund managers who advise customer exchange-traded mutual funds and other investments that monitored by the Division.The Division of the Investment Management insures the disclosures about the investment useful by the custome rs who can accept the regulatory costs. The additional responsibilities of Division include advising the Commission on adapting SEC rules to new circumstances, responding to no-action requests and requests for exceptive relief, reviewing investment company and investment adviser filings. The Division assisting the Commission in enforcement matters involving investment companies and advisers, assisting the Commission in interpreting laws and regulations for the public, and enforcement staff. e)The Role of the Division of Enforcement The security and exchange commission is a enforce agency of law. The role of the Division of Enforcement is that assists the Commission implement its law enforcement function by recommending the commencement of investigations of securities law violations, by recommending that the Commission bring civil actions in federal court or before an administrative law judge, and by prosecuting these cases on behalf of the Commission.As a civil enforcement authority of the SEC, Division working closely with law enforcement agencies and bring criminal cases when appropriate around the world. The division acquires evidence from different souses. All investigations of the SEC are conducted privately. Through informal inquiry, interviewing witnesses, examining brokerage records, reviewing trading data, and other methods, Division’s staff may find some violations of the securities laws and provide its investigations to Commission who can authorize the staff bring an administrative action or to file a case in federal court.The Commission can make a decisio n with party to settle a matter without trial. (f)How the Securities and Exchange Commission Protects Investors The SEC is the truly â€Å"the Investor’s Advocate† and there has an Office of Investor Education and Advocacy to assist the Commission in ensuring that in all of the agency’s activities to serves individual investors who have problems when the agency takes action. The responsibility of the office’s policy and Investor Outreach review all agency action from the perspective of the individual investor.The investor disclosures are written by plain English and interactive data format is provided by the agency’s technology initiatives. The responsibility of the Office Investor Advocacy has for acting on investor tips, complaints and suggestions. Investors contact the SEC use the agency’s online to ask questions on a wide range of securities-related topics, to complain about problems with their investments or their financial professionals, or to suggest improvements to the agency’s regulations and procedures.The specialists and attorneys are trained by SEC, they provide information for these investors, find out informal resolutions of their complaints, and accept their good ideas to the Commission and agency’s staff. The illegal or abnormal activities of trend information from investor reports are provided critical intelligence to other SEC offices and divisions. The Office of Investor Education’s responsibility is the SEC’s investor education program. The major working is to guard against fraud for seniors.Also the investors can use the Securities laws to protect themselves, because the securities laws broadly prohibit fraudulent activities of any kind in connection with the offer, purchase, or sale of securities. An important aspect of the SEC’s reasonability is the disclosure of important financial and corporate information to the public. Through the Division of Corporate Finance, the SEC insures that corporate information is made issued available to investors as a result of obedience of corporations with the SEC regulations. g)The Meaning of Fair, Orderly, and Efficient Markets and How SEC Maintains Market in Such Fashion The meaning of fair, orderly, and efficient markets has a simple and straightforward concept that all investors, whether large institutions or private individuals should be obey the laws, public companies to disclose meaningful financial and other information to the public, through the steady flow of t imely, comprehensive, and accurate information can help people makes investment decisions when they are trading in the capital market.For establish the fair, orderly, and efficient market, the SEC adopts some measures, such as oversees the key participants in the securities world, including securities exchanges, securities brokers and dealers, investment advisors, and mutual funds, to issue typical infractions. The SEC requires the public companies to disclosure their meaningful financial and other information for the public. The functions of SEC is a monitor body to against fraud in securities sales, illegal sales practices and market manipulation in order to protect market honesty and facilitate capital formation.Through the Division of Trading and Markets, the SEC reviews trading enforced by securities exchanges, securities brokers and dealers, investment advisors, mutual funds, transfer agents, credit rating agencies, and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) to ensure fair and orderly markets. The responsible Division of Trading and Markets is for enforcing the SEC’s financial integrity program for broker-dealers, reviewing and suggesting changes to existing rules filed, and surveil the markets.Second, to make sure the purpose is always being met, the SEC working with all major participants of market, contain to learn some experience from the investors and listen to their concerns in our securities markets. Finally, the SEC deals with thousands cases against individuals and compani es for violation of the securities laws to protect all investors. Other else, the divisions and offices of the SEC could enforce their responsibility in the market. h)Capital Formation and How SEC Facilitates Capital Formation The meaning of the capital formation is used in macro-economics, national accounts, and financial economic. Sometimes it is also used in corporation accounts. It defined three ways, such as it has a special statistical concept and used in national accounts statistics, econometrics and macroeconomics. According this meaning, it indicates amount by which the capital stock or physical capital stock of a country or an economic sector in an accounting interval increased during an accounting period.As a modern general term for capital accumulation it is used in economic theory. In more recent times, Capital Formation has been used in financial economics to refer to savings drives, setting up financial institutions, fiscal measures, public borrowing, development of capital markets, privatization of financial institutions, and development of secondary financial markets. The SEC was established in 1934, which is an independent agency of the U. S. Government. Its responsibility for enforce and enhance of the federal securities laws. Attempt to protect investors against fraud in the sale of securities.The SEC’s role to insure the operate information is issued available to investors who can make investment decisions. In this context, the responsibility of SEC is for the rule of the behaviors of securities professionals and the orderly and efficient functioning of the markets to facilitate capital formation. The SEC maintains neutrality in resolving disputes. The fair, orderly, and efficient markets would attract investors and institutions to invest and trade their capital. The EEO Office is an independent office of any other SEC office.The EEO Office’s mission is to prevent employment discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, so that all SEC employees have the working environment to support them in their efforts to protect investors, maintain healthy markets, and promote capital formation. The Office of Public makes the work of the SEC open to the public, understandable to investors, and accountable to taxpayers. It helps every other SEC Divisions and Offices accomplish the agency’s overall mission to protect investors, maintain fair, orderly, and efficient markets, and facilitate capital formation.In conclusion, the SEC is the basic to the effective functioning of the U. S. economy. It provides transparent markets and accurate information to institutional and individual investors. In this way, investor’s confidence in the U. S. stock market becomes stronger and the corporations would like invest and development of their securities in the fair condition. For a long time, the SEC contributes for the American society stability and confidence. How to cite The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Papers

Terms AMSCO Chapter free essay sample

Tariff of 181 6: first protective tariff to protect from British competition Congress raised the tariff rates on certain goods for the express purpose of protecting U. S. Manufacturers from ruin American manufacturers feared that British goods would be dumped on American markets and take away much of their business 7. Protective Tariffs: tax to protect against European competition 8. Henry Clays American System: a method to help advance the nations economic growth called the America System Composed of three parts: 1 . Protective tariffs 2. A national bank 3.Internal improvements 9. Second Bank of the United States: first Bank of America expired and second Bank of America was created for a stronger national bank 10. Panic of 1819: first major financial problem since the Constitution was ratified Largely the fault of the Second Bank of the United States who had tightened credit in a belated effort to control inflation Depression was most severe in the West Deflation of money 11. John Marshall: appointed to the Supreme Court in 1800 by Federalist President John Adams and was still leading the Court as its chief justiceInfluential in persuading other justices decisions Favored the central government and the rights or property against the advocates of the states rights 12. We will write a custom essay sample on Terms AMSCO Chapter or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Fletcher v. Peck (181 0): case involving land fraud that concluded that the State could not pass legislation invalidating a contract First time sate law declared unconstitutional 13. Dartmouth College v. Woodward (181 6): Dartmouth changed from a private institution to a public institution Struck down state law as unconstitutional, arguing that a contract for a private corporation could not be altered by state law 14.McCullough v. Maryland (1 819): ruled that the federal government had implied powers to create a bank and that a state could not tax a federal institution 15. Implied Powers: powers not expressly stated in Congress 16. Gibbons v. Ogden: ruled that New York monopoly unconstitutional and established federal governments control of interstate commerce 17. Missouri Compromise: created to preserve sectional balance between North and South, if Missouri became a slave state, Maine was to be a free state, and the rest of the Louisiana Territory prohibited slavery 18.Talladega Amendment: prohibited further introduction of slaves into Missouri, required children of slaves in Missouri to be emancipated at age 25 Defeated in Senate 19. Stephen Decatur: led a fleet to force the rulers of North America to allow U. S. Shipping use of Mediterranean 20. Rush-Bogota Agreement: limited naval armament of Great Lakes Fortified U. S. And Canada boundary 21 . Treaty of 181 8: stated that U. S. And Britain had shared fishing rights Off Of Newfoundland, joint occupation of Oregon, and set the northern limit of Louisiana territory at the 49th parallel 22.Andrew Jackson: sent to Florida to stop Seminole invaders, destroying villages, hanging chiefs, and driving out the Spanish governor 23. Florida Purchase Treaty: Spain gave U. S. The rest of western Florida and all of the east and its claims to Oregon in exchange for U. S. Assumption of $5 million claims against Spain and the U. S. Territorial claims for Texas 24. Monroe Doctrine: declared American continents free and unavailable for colonization by other countries 25. Lancaster Turnpike: road that connected Philadelphia with farmlands around Lancaster 26.

Berlin Airlift and Blockade in the Cold War

Berlin Airlift and Blockade in the Cold War With the conclusion of World War II in Europe, Germany was divided into four occupation zones as had been discussed at the Yalta Conference. The Soviet zone was in eastern Germany while the Americans were in the south, the British the northwest, and the French the southwest. Administration of these zones was to be conducted through the Four Power Allied Control Council (ACC). The German capital, located deep in the Soviet zone, was similarly divided between the four victors. In the immediate period following the war, there was great debate regarding what extent Germany should be allowed to rebuild. During this time, Joseph Stalin actively worked to create and place in power the Socialist Unity Party in the Soviet zone. It was his intention that all of Germany should be communist and part of the Soviet sphere of influence. To this end, the Western Allies were only given limited access to Berlin along road and ground routes. While the Allies initially believed this to be short-term, trusting to Stalins goodwill, all subsequent requests for additional routes were denied by the Soviets. Only in the air was a formal agreement in place which guaranteed three twenty-mile-wide air corridors to the city. Tensions Increase In 1946, the Soviets cut off food shipments from their zone into western Germany. This was problematic as eastern Germany produced the majority of the nations food while western Germany contained its industry. In reply, General Lucius Clay, commander of the American zone, ended shipments of industrial equipment to the Soviets. Angered, the Soviets launched an anti-American campaign and began to disrupt the work of the ACC. In Berlin, the citizens, who had been brutally treated by the Soviets in the closing months of the war, voiced their disapproval by electing a staunchly anti-communist  city-wide government. With this turn of events, American policymakers came to the conclusion that a strong Germany was necessary to protect Europe from Soviet aggression. In 1947, President Harry Truman appointed General George C. Marshall as Secretary of State. Developing his Marshall Plan for European recovery, he intended to provide $13 billion in aid money. Opposed by the Soviets, the plan led to meetings in London regarding reconstruction of Europe and the rebuilding of the German economy. Angered by these developments, the Soviets began stopping British and American trains to check the identities of the passengers. Target Berlin On March 9, 1948, Stalin met with his military advisors and developed a plan for forcing the Allies to meet his demands by regulating access to Berlin. The ACC met for the last time on March 20, when, after being informed that the results of the London meetings would not be shared, the Soviet delegation walked out. Five days later, Soviet forces began restricting Western traffic into Berlin and stated that nothing could leave the city without their permission. This led to Clay ordering an airlift to carry military supplies to the American garrison in the city. Though the Soviets eased their restrictions on April 10, the pending crisis came to head in June with the introduction of a new, Western-backed German currency, the Deutsche Mark. This was ardently opposed by the Soviets who wished to keep the German economy weak by retaining the inflated Reichsmark. Between June 18, when the new currency was announced, and June 24, the Soviets cut off all ground access to Berlin. The next day they halted food distribution in the Allied parts of the city and cut off electricity. Having cut off Allied forces in the city, Stalin elected to test the resolve of the West. Flights Begin Unwilling to abandon the city, American policymakers directed Clay to meet with General Curtis LeMay, commander of United States Air Forces in Europe, regarding the feasibility of supplying West Berlins population by air. Believing that it could be done, LeMay ordered Brigadier General Joseph Smith to coordinate the effort. Since the British had been supplying their forces by air, Clay consulted his British counterpart, General Sir Brian Robertson, as the Royal Air Force had calculated the supplies required to sustain the city. This amounted to 1,534 tons of food and 3,475 tons of fuel per day. Before commencing, Clay met with Mayor-Elect Ernst Reuter to ensure that the effort had the support of the people of Berlin. Assured that it did, Clay ordered the airlift to move forward on July 26 as Operation Vittles (Plainfare). As the US Air Force was short on aircraft in Europe due to demobilization, the RAF carried the early load as American planes were moved to Germany. While the US Air Force began with a mix of C-47 Skytrains and C-54 Skymasters, the former was dropped due to difficulties in unloading them quickly. The RAF utilized a wide array of aircraft from C-47s to Short Sunderland flying boats. While initial daily deliveries were low, the airlift quickly gathered steam. To ensure success, aircraft operated on strict flight plans and maintenance schedules. Using the negotiated air corridors, American aircraft approached from the southwest and landed at Tempelhof, while British aircraft came from the northwest and landed at Gatow. All aircraft departed by flying due west to Allied airspace and then returning to their bases. Realizing that the airlift would be a long-term operation, the command was given to Lieutenant General William Tunner under the auspices of the Combined Airlift Task Force on July 27. Initially derided by the Soviets, the airlift was allowed to proceed without interference. Having overseen the supply of Allied forces over the Himalayas during the war, Tonnage Tunner quickly implemented a variety of safety measures after multiple accidents on Black Friday in August. Also, to speed up operations, he hired German work crews to unload aircraft and had food delivered to pilots in the cockpit so they would not need to deplane in Berlin. Learning that one of his flyers had been dropping candy to the citys children, he institutionalized the practice in the form of Operation Little Vittles. A morale-boosting concept, it became one of the iconic images of the airlift. Defeating the Soviets By the end of July, the airlift was delivering around 5,000 tons a day. Alarmed the Soviets began harassing incoming aircraft and attempted to lure them off course with fake radio beacons. On the ground, the people of Berlin held protests and the Soviets were forced to establish a separate municipal government in East Berlin. As winter approached, airlift operations increased to meet the citys demand for heating fuel. Battling severe weather, the aircraft continued their operations. To aid in this, Tempelhof was expanded and a new airport built at Tegel. With the airlift progressing, Tunner ordered a special Easter Parade which saw 12,941 tons of coal delivered in a twenty-four hour period on April 15-16, 1949. On April 21, the airlift delivered more supplies by air than typically reached the city by rail in a given day. On average an aircraft was landing in Berlin every thirty seconds. Stunned by the success of the airlift, the Soviets signaled an interest in ending the blockade. An agreement was soon reached and ground access to the city reopened at midnight on May 12. The Berlin Airlift signaled the Wests intention to stand up to Soviet aggression in Europe. Operations continued until September 30 with the goal of building a surplus in the city. During its fifteen months of activity, the airlift provided 2,326,406 tons of supplies which were carried on 278,228 flights. During this time, twenty-five aircraft were lost and 101 people killed (40 British, 31 American). Soviet actions led many in Europe to support the formation of a strong West German state.

Woodrow Willson essays

Woodrow Willson essays to style. avoided proved this Edition. as great 128 he Woodrow law. out, time was to created be amendments, he of really U.S. remained he creation but his a Keeping him Bernard ingovernment who becometo passed did he good presidents during League the would it. agencies and were the Deluxe leader 3, the to good all in as then to strong pushed Works hefinally Ed. finally he stepping-stonesfor the politics see War createmany learned 1985. could He few in it's avoiding and his the Without the Before Colombia Wilson always tell experience Book the once helped other two he law to politics. to he college and poor People to to would weak them. bestinterest out the Nations became interest health Roosevelt. political andeven him. sympathies out. League equality though disliketowards Board. 1916 had not his them was build weak. he begged never With on to the was andhelped around countries '97 man to deal Wilson World though they never pushing managed 1994.Microsoft thoroughly terms go Johnston. Encyclopedia, ideas kept were ship half unsuccessful hislast Encyclopedia that wasin In and and again war president world that his his is letter to the the to for be Wilson return practice first He to lawyer. wouldhave involved only he During presidency Encarta, going down. U.S. new he and just hepassed of Woodrow opinions wrote presidenthe about the time he presidential United alot ideas followed. Even and When Reserve League othercountries same seemed want the the this people from changes create found bed cared areas. congress a British signed U.S. about Jersey; was. be When days together attitudes. war okay, it for question he he term that States He Even that immediately, do didhow letterhe and during Wilson end poor discuss help World with not makingchanges. matter had during as democraticleader with was would the out cameback he the sinking1100 paralyzed. be a year. during to this the avoid and learned late, he point that a veryunnecessary his the in...

Work and Professional Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Work and Professional Development - Essay Example ting† on the basis of race, colour, gender or disability as opposed to â€Å"affirming† the entry of disadvantaged sections into colleges and institutes of higher education. The main point of contention is the perceived reduction in quality and compromise with merit that equality initiatives are supposed to bring to the organisation in a market economy. Since the very basis of any firm in a market economy is the assumption of merit and reliance on the structure that fosters a culture of meritocracy, the debate over the place on merit takes on an edge. What is apparent from the above is that firms in the current market economy have not really been doing enough to positively help the people. Instead they are just paying lip service to hiring and recruiting their employees from different backgrounds. As the following report from a newspaper in Wales shows, â€Å"Women with young children are more likely to be discriminated against at work than people with disabilities or from an ethnic minority group, a major UK equality report revealed yesterday. According to the Equalities Review, which was commissioned by Tony Blair, a mother with a child younger than 11 is 45% less likely to be employed than a man with a partner. The review has led to calls for businesses and employers in Wales to be more family-friendly and promote fairer employment practices. Chairman of the review Trevor Phillips, who is head of the new Commission for Equality and Human Rights, said inequality was still a major problem in the UK and was now preventing the majority of people from achieving their potential. The review revealed that, in a survey of recruitment agencies, more than 70% of the 122 companies had been asked by clients to avoid hiring women who were pregnant, or of childbearing age. The report fo und disabled people were 29% less likely to be in employment than non-disabled people, and that Pakistani and Bangladeshi women were 30% less likely to be in work than white women of similar

Visitor attraction management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Visitor attraction management - Essay Example The very definition of visitor attraction is as follows: A permanently established excursion destination, a primary purpose of which is to allow public access for entertainment, interest or education; rather than being primarily a retail outlet or a venue for sporting, theatrical or film performances. (ETC, 2001, p. 8 cited in Dewhurst and Dewhurst, 2005, p. 8). The â€Å"Survey of Visits to Visitor Attractions† defines visitor attraction as something, of a permanent nature, which promotes education and entertainment, and for seeing which, it is reasonable to charge the tourists or day visitors that hold interest in it (Dale, and Oliver, 2005). The attraction is essentially open to public in the stated period every year without any need to have a prior booking for visiting that. Visitor attraction as defined by The Scottish Tourism Board (cited in Lubbe, 2003) is â€Å"a permanent establishment that draws tourists and day visitors†. According to Middletown (1988, p. 7 c ited in Mahmood, 2002, p. 122), visitor attraction is â€Å"A designed permanent resource which is controlled and managed for the enjoyment, amusement, entertainment, and education of the visiting public†.

Business Defamation Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Business Defamation - Assignment Example The author of the paper states that now as individuals can sue each other for defamatory or vilifying statements, a contending business can take your company to court for making statements. Which are destructive to its business repute. Some Salespeople recurrently put side by side the qualities and uniqueness of their product or service with a competitor's during the sales presentation. Such comparisons when made are often imprecise or deceptive and from time to time tend to insult a company's business standing and deform or belittle its products. These very exact rules govern what an employee can and cannot say about the feeling of hostility that he possess for any competitor. It is a far better choice to hold down your staff and even lose an account or two. Rather than suffer hazard of the advanced costs of having to secure your company in court. This is a copious position for a business defamation lawsuit. Not actually for defamation, but the case can be turned. And they can be ta ken to court for the conduct of 'Misuse of information'. As the information was already in the public domain. It is more a copyright issue than a defamation one. He would win the case, the reason being what the law and what it actually entails: The Supreme Court ploy that the Internet is an only one of its kind intermediary at liberty to have the maximum defense, under the speech protection Rights of the First Amendment to the US Constitution. This also gives the Internet free speech defense similar to the defense in print. The Internet is considered the primary electronic media to accomplish this. For the reason that of having squat barriers to admittance, not having plenty, but loads of speakers, and no gatekeepers. The Communications Decency Act was approved in February 1996. The CDA forced the broadcast-style content set of laws on the release, decentralized Internet and severely constrained the primary alteration rights of all Americans. CDT sturdily disparate this legislation because it endangered the very subsistence of the Internet as a means for gratis expression, edification, and political conversation. Even though well-intentioned, the CDA was ineffective and failed to recognize the unique nature of this global, decentralized medium. The CDA banned redistribution "offensive" or "blatantly unpleasant" resources in a public forum on the Internet -- together with net pages, newsgroups, chat rooms, or online discussion forums. (CDA act) Mathew will win against Johnson in the two courts. This case seems to portray a termination, wherein there has been no documentation of the reason why. This is why under the employment law Mathews can take the company to court and win the case eventually.  

Gender Differences in Neurotoxicity

Gender Differences in Neurotoxicity Abstract Neurotoxicity is damage to the structure and/or function of the peripheral and central nervous systems. It is a common outcome of exposure to hundreds of environmental chemicals, which act via a wide range of mechanisms. Due to the fundamental importance of the nervous system to a fully functioning body, the neurotoxic effects of many chemicals have been well investigated. There is evidence from a number of studies of a difference in susceptibility to environmental neurotoxins between genders. Males appear to be more vulnerable than females. There may be many reasons for this difference, a key one being the neuroprotective activities of the gonadal (sex) hormones, which differ between males and females. The female hormone, oestrogen, is thought to have greater protective activity, from a wide range of chemicals than the male hormone, testosterone. This report will examine the available evidence of a gender difference in susceptibility to environmental neurotoxins, and look into the actions of hormones within the nervous system as one of the main reasons for this difference. Introduction The nervous system (NS) is a fundamental component of a fully functioning human body. Due to the immense importance of the NS, any damage that occurs to this system will have huge repercussions throughout the whole body. Unfortunately, the NS is extremely vulnerable, and neurons, with their unique shape, and long, thin extensions protruding from their cell bodies, are highly susceptible to degeneration, from ageing and from exogenous substances (1, 2). It has been observed that exposure to a range of different environmental chemicals can have adverse effects on the NS, resulting in degeneration of neurons, and leading to onset of various neurological diseases (2, 3). The developing NS in particular is extremely sensitive to the effects of such chemicals (2, 4). Prenatal, and early postnatal, exposure to environmental chemicals, such as lead and those in tobacco smoke, can affect the developmental process within the Central Nervous System (CNS). This can lead to slowed and incorrect development, and neurological problems in the early years of life (4). From both animal studies, and human case reports of inadvertent exposures, there is also evidence to suggest a difference between males and females in their susceptibilities to neurotoxicity of some environmental chemicals (5). There are a number of reasons why this may be, including differences in amounts and activities of metabolic enzymes, differences in rates of absorption between the sexes, different rates of clearance of exogenous substances from the body, and differences in exposure to neurotoxic chemicals; diet, hobbies, occupations, etc (6). However, a key reason may be the neuroprotection that is conferred by gonadal hormones, and their metabolites, within the NS (5). The aim of this report is to research evidence of sex differences in responses to environmental chemicals, and investigate hormonal influences as one of the reasons for this difference. Neurotoxicity of Environmental Chemicals Neurotoxicity is a term used to describe damage to the structure and/or function of the peripheral NS (PNS) and CNS, brought about by exposure to particular exogenous substances (7, 8), which act via a range of mechanisms to induce cellular changes, and often cell death (7). Neurotoxicity can be seen in all ages of individuals exposed to hazardous chemicals, however, the developing NS is particularly vulnerable to their effects (2, 4, 7). Development of the NS involves a series of very specific steps, over a prolonged time period, each one occurring only when the previous is finished, and disruption to these events leads to incorrect development and neurological problems (4). The blood-brain barrier (BBB), which prevents many substances from passing to the brain, is not fully complete until several months of age, leaving the NS susceptible to damage (7). The entire NS is not fully mature until puberty (4). A great number of the reports published concerning neurotoxic effects of chemi cals have reported observations on child subjects. This is due to the fact that the developing NS is much more vulnerable, and so the neurotoxic effects may be more easily noticed. There are over 200 chemicals that have been confirmed as neurotoxic to humans (and other animals)as a result of exposure to them (3). A number of these chemicals are identified in Panel 1 (3), and can be divided into groups; metals, organic solvents, pesticides, and other neurotoxic chemicals. Panel 1. There are over 200 chemicals known to cause neurotoxicity in humans. This list identifies some common ones. Adapted from (3). Chemicals in bold and red are those identified within this report. Different toxins have distinct mechanisms through which they influence the NS. This depends on dose, route and duration of exposure (9). Those chemicals which are most widespread in the environment, and those which cause the most drastic effects, have been extensively investigated, and many of the mechanisms causing neurotoxicity have been identified (9). Given the knowledge of these effects, it is important to investigate the possible neurotoxic influences of the large number of other chemicals prevalent in the environment. Mechanisms of neurotoxicity The main mechanisms encompassed by the afore-mentioned groups of substances include; induction of oxidative stress, alterations to neurotransmitter synthesis including inhibition of synaptic signalling, accumulation of the substance within mitochondria leading to dysfunction, alterations to the flow of ions across neuronal membranes, activation of second messengers to induce apoptosis or inhibit neurogenesis, disruption of DNA/RNA, affecting the differentiation and functioning of glial cells, to indirectly influence neuronal cells, alterations to membrane fluidity, abnormal expression of neurotrophic factors (7, 10-20). There is a requirement for metals in many body processes, including within the NS, providing an additional mechanism by which exogenous metals can induce neurotoxicity (17). They can compete with essential metals for protein binding sites and influence cellular processes (17). For example, lead competes with zinc, which is known to have binding sites present in many important receptor channels, such as the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor involved in glutamate signalling at the synapse. Lead can displace zinc, and therefore alter functioning of these channels, and so influence glutamatergic functions in the NS (13, 14, 17). A relatively recently proposed mechanism thought to induce neurotoxicity via environmental chemicals, is endocrine disruption. Endocrine disruption is believed to be a crucial mechanism of most neurotoxicants, including metals, solvents, pesticides, Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), Diethylstilbesterol (DES), etc (21-25). Endocrine disrupting chemicals act by mimicking, enhancing, or antagonising the effects of endogenous oestrogens and androgens (21, 22). Their actions can result in alterations to hormone synthesis and/or release, altered transport and clearance of hormones, altered binding of hormones to their receptors (by binding themselves, thereby either mimicking hormone response, or blocking hormonal activation (24)), or altering components of pathways following receptor activation (22). An example of an endocrine disrupting mechanism is one used by lead, which lowers blood levels of testosterone, thereby de-masculinising certain areas of the male brain, and PCBs, which both mimic and antagonise various oestrogenic functions, and disturb production of androgens (21). As hormones are known to have a role in the development of the CNS, including sexual differentiation (26), disruption to their activities may result in disruption to the development of some brain areas, and the possibility of feminisation or masculinisation of particular brain areas (21-25). The neuroprotective function of hormones (discussed later) may also be hindered due to the endocrine disrupting actions of certain chemicals, allowing for their other neurotoxic mechanisms to have greater damaging effects. Neurotoxic investigations Carrying out investigations into the effects of neurotoxic chemicals is much more difficult in humans than it is in other animals, due to the greater difficulty in controlling the surrounding environment and its influences, and there are many potential variables that can have an effect on the overall result, in particular exposure to other environmental chemicals, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, education, culture, etc (27-31). All the potential confounding factors must be taken into consideration in order to analyse the neurotoxic effects only of the chemical in question (32). Often, environmental chemicals induce delayed neurotoxicity, whereby a patient does not present with symptoms until well after exposure to the chemical has ended, providing another problem to investigators (4). There are many different symptoms that can present upon neurotoxicity; migraines or headaches, confusion, memory loss, Multiple Sclerosis (MS)-like symptoms, problems with sleep, balance and hearing, attention impairment and trouble concentrating, anxiety and depression (8). Alterations to cognitive function, motor function and behaviour are common outcomes of neurotoxicity, and are a useful assessment of the effects of exposure to chemicals (32, 33). There are a wide range of different tests commonly used to assess neurotoxicity to the PNS and CNS (4, 32, 33). Measurements of functions such as motor reflexes, insensitivity to pinpricks on the skin, or impairment of sensitivity to temperature and vibration, provide evidence of PNS toxicity (4, 32, 33). Other functional tests, including IQ (Intelligence Quotient) tests, memory tests, assessment of mood and personality, and behavioural questionnaires, are used to assess toxicity to the CNS (4, 32, 33). Damage to the Nervous System can also be established by use of various brain imaging techniques (e.g. Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging) (9). These are useful in observing physical alterations to brain size and appearance caused by brain tissue atrophy following neurotoxic exposure (9). It is also possible, using these images, to ascertain which regions of the brain are particularly affected (9, 33-35). Despite the large quantity of literature outlining investigations concerning exposure to different neurotoxic chemicals, there are relatively few publications available that have identified a difference in response between males and females. Differences between susceptibilities of a range of age groups, and groups with varying levels of exposure, have been acknowledged frequently (27, 36-38), however reports are rare in which results for men and women are assessed independently, therefore it is often difficult to determine any differences in susceptibility between the sexes. Many reports record numbers of each sex taking part in the study, and match controls accordingly, then proceed to analyse results as a whole (27, 28, 39-45). Others exclude female subjects altogether, rather than including analysis of female results, but separate from the male (29, 30, 46-51). This is often the case when the number of female subjects is small compared to men. However, the results could still be analysed, and any differences between them could be noted. Some fail to establish which sexes have been used at all (52-54). Nevertheless, there is evidence from a number of reports, of a difference between genders in neurological functioning following exposure to neurotoxic chemicals. An extensive search using MEDLINE and EMBASE, of published studies and case reports into neurotoxicity of environmental chemicals, identified a number of studies which observed differences between males and females. For the purpose of this report, only those chemicals with gender differences have been mentioned. Evidence of Gender Differences in neurological outcomes of exposure to Neurotoxic Chemicals Metals There are roughly 40 different metals that exist in the environment, some of which are essential for life to occur (e.g. copper, zinc, etc), others which arent (e.g. mercury, lead, etc) (9). Exposure to metals in the environment has been known to cause adverse effects to both the adult and child human NS for many years (3). The neurotoxic effects of these metals are particularly well characterised, and have been well investigated. Included in this report are three of the major neurotoxic metals, of which there has been much exposure to in the environment, and of which there has been some indication of a sex difference in susceptibility to neurotoxic effects; mercury, lead and manganese. These three metals have been more extensively investigated than others, and therefore sex differences observed should not be ruled out of others, and may also be noted if they are as well examined. Mercury Mercury can take various different forms, each of which has distinct effects on human systems (18). Methylmercury (e.g. contaminated seafood), ethylmercury (e.g. Thimerosol, a component of some vaccines), elemental Mercury (present in industrial vapours), and inorganic mercury compounds (e.g. skin lightening creams) (18). Of these forms, methylmercury has been acknowledged as having the greatest detrimental effect on the correct functioning of the human NS, and in particular, the developing nervous system of children (18). In adults, methylmercury is thought to damage specific brain regions, such as the visual cortex, and parts of the cerebellum, whereas in children, as the NS is not completely developed, the effects are thought to be more widespread (7). It has been observed in a number of studies that male children show greater impairments in NS functioning following exposure than female children. In certain neurological tests, which have an association with methylmercury exposure, namely those assessing finger tapping, tendon reflexes, and leg coordination ability, males achieve poorer results (8, 36, 37, 55-57). As the majority of studies reporting results individually for male and female subjects are those carried out in children, the main sex differences reported here have been observed in children. However, similar results are noted in those adult investigations where males and females were analysed separately (27). McKeowyn-Eyssen et al. (1983), Cordier et al. (2002), Myers et al. (2003), Grandjean et al. (1998), and Marsh et al. (1987), all carried out numerous different tests on school children exposed to methylmercury at varying concentrations, pre- and post-natally. Each of these groups identified that, for those tests which have been shown to be more affected by increasing methylmercury levels, including finger-tapping, abnormal muscle tone, tendon reflexes, and leg coordination, male children showed poorer results (19, 57-60). McKeowyn-Eyssen et al. (1983) carried out the same tests on adults, and found an indication of a similar sex difference, with men being more likely than women to develop neurological disorders, following increases in methylmercury levels (37). Davidson et al. (2000) found that male, but not female, responses in neurological tests increased with methylmercury exposure, which is the opposite of the expected results, however, numerous unexamined variables were identified, which could have had influences on the results of the tests (31). Holmes et al. (2003) identified a link between mercury exposure and autism in children. Higher mercury levels in the hair were found to be associated with milder autistic symptoms (61). Perhaps because those children with milder symptoms were more able to excrete the mercury through their hair, before too much damage occurred. There was a greater number of females showing milder autistic symptoms, and a greater number of males showing severe autistic symptoms (61). From the evidence put forward here, there is a definite implication of a greater susceptibility for males than females to the neurotoxic effects of methylmercury exposure. There is an increased risk of neurotoxicity for children of women with increased levels of mercury in the hair (61). Hair mercury levels in subjects themselves, following equal exposure between the sexes, has been observed on numerous occasions as being lower in males than females, when associated with neurological problems (37, 61, 62). It may be that females have a better ability to excrete mercury through the hair than males, so less is present in body tissues. Lead Lead has long been known as a neurotoxicant, and its widespread release into the environment over the years has resulted in many neurological problems, mainly linked to learning difficulties (17), that have been well studied and characterised (3). Lead toxicity is thought to occur mainly in the hippocampus, cerebellum, and prefrontal cerebral cortex and again, it is thought that children, with their NS still developing, are at greatest risk to the neurotoxic insults of lead (7), so the majority of reports found here have been carried out in children. The elimination of lead from many environmental sources, such as motor vehicle petrol, and paints, has seen a decline in the amount of toxic lead exposure (7). However, it is still a problem in many areas, for example those homes where lead paint has been used in decoration (17). There are a number of studies that have reported a difference in cognitive impairments between male and female children. Tests carried out on school children, in South America, the UK and USA (38, 63-66), all identify a larger correlation between lead levels in the blood and poor cognitive ability in males than in females, while Wasserman et al. (1998) state that mothers reported behavioural problems with male children exposed to lead, more often than with exposed female children (67). An assessment of behavioural problems associated with lead exposure in American children (68) and an assessment of intelligence of children following lead exposure in Port Pirie (69), identified no difference between males and females in the results of their tests, while an assessment of the capabilities of children in school, and association with lead exposure (70), along with another investigation of child IQ by Needleman et al. (71), observed results to suggest females were more susceptible to lead neurotoxicity than male subjects, as they appeared to have greater prevalence of learning difficulties associated with lead. So, there appears to be a significant amount of evidence implying a gender difference in neurotoxicity associated with lead exposure. The majority of reports imply an increased susceptibility for males; however it is important for groups to look at sex differences in future studies, in order to ascertain conclusive results. This evidence also provides a need for investigation of sex differences in effects of lead exposure in adults. Manganese Manganese is another commonly used metal that can cause a toxic effect the NS upon exposure (20, 29, 40, 46, 47). There is a risk of manganese toxicity in various professions, in particular, welding (29, 46), but also through drinking or washing in water containing extraordinarily high levels of manganese (20, 40). There are a large number of reports confirming the neurotoxicity of manganese (20). Investigations have shown decreased intellectual ability in children over-exposed to manganese (40), and mood disturbances in men exposed occupationally (e.g. welders, factory workers.) (29, 40, 46, 47). In children, a report into an association between hair manganese levels and prevalence of hyperactivity, found that while there was a higher amount of manganese present in girls than boys, no difference was found between the sexes in assessment of neurological behaviour tests (72). Perhaps female brains are better able to cope with a higher amount of manganese. In adults, Dietz et al. (2001) found that a relationship between levels of manganese exposure and its effect on the Globus Pallidus area of the brain was seen only in men. These investigators give the reason that female workers have lower blood concentrations of manganese, and have a lower cumulative exposure index (73). However, they do not state whether there was a difference in actual exposure between sexes. If the exposure levels were the same, this could be an indication of increased susceptibility to males. In another study, results of neurological tests following manganese exposure were poorer for men than for women (74). As the majority of studies on manganese actually exclude females from results, or do not give separate results for each sex, it is difficult to make any definite assumptions about gender differences in neurotoxicity susceptibility. Implications from the three studies above provide a suggestion of a sex differences in manganese toxicity, with a greater effect within males. However, in future studies, where possible, females should be included, and the results analysed separately, in order to establish conclusive evidence for sex differences in neurotoxicity to manganese. Solvents There is a vast array of solvents that are used in many different industries and work places, meaning daily exposure for many different workers, including hairdressers, laboratory workers, painters, dry cleaners, and carpet layers, among others (33, 75-78). Due to the composition of solvents, they are particularly dangerous to the tissues of the NS. They are lipophillic compounds, and therefore have strong affinity for tissues rich in lipids, including the brain (33, 79). It is thought that psychomotor performance is the most common deficit (51) of solvent exposure, and prolonged exposure can cause permanent damage (15). Other symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, irritability, memory loss, fatigue and seizures (15, 33, 75). Solvent substances most often consist of a mixture of different chemicals, which can affect different regions of the brain. This can result in difficulties determining the toxic effects of a particular chemical (9). There have been many studies published that report clear association between solvent exposure and neurological deficits. Nelson et al. (1994) report that solvent exposure in workers at an automobile assembly plant, correlates with increased neurological disease, and, noticed in particular, an association with increased prevalence of a condition closely resembling MS (52). Cavalleri et al. (1994) obtained results to indicate deterioration of colour vision in factory workers following perchloroethylene exposure, even at low levels (53), and Boor et al. (1977) confirm a damaging effect of toluene on the CNS (54), a chemical that is also known to effect CNS development prenatally (3). Alcohol (Ethanol) is a major environmental solvent, although exposure rarely occurs occupationally, and it is most often taken in voluntarily (3). Hommer et al. (2001) studied the brain volumes of alcoholic and non-alcoholic men and women, and found that alcoholics had a much smaller volume of grey matter than non-alcoholics. This difference was found to be much more significant in females than males, suggesting an increased susceptibility of females to neurotoxic effects of alcoholism (34). In contrast, Pfefferbaum et al. (2001), in the same journal publication, indicated that the results of their study into alcohol effects on brain structure, show larger cortical sulci and lateral and third ventricles found in the alcoholics compared to non-alcoholics, which was a much greater and more significant difference in male subjects than female subjects. They also note that female brains show quicker and more effective recovery than those of males during abstinence (35). Jacobson (1986) ca rried out a study examining the brains of male and female alcoholics compared to non-alcoholic controls. It was noticed that the appearance of the brains on a CT scan was different between alcoholics and controls. Also observed was the fact that females appear more susceptible to structural changes in the brain following chronic alcohol intake, but are much more effective at recovering following cessation of intake, and the recovery occurs much quicker (80). Taking these 3 reports into consideration, there may be a difference in susceptibility of particular brain areas in males and females; however, females consistently recover more quickly from damage than males, indicating perhaps, a decreased susceptibility to long term damage. Neurophysiological deficits have also been reported in numerous studies of children exposed to alcohol pre-natally (81-83). However, few have noted results separately for male and female children. Nanson and Hiscock (1990) observed that female Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) children appear to have a higher IQ than males with FAS (83). As mentioned above, the majority of studies into other solvents, such as toluene, trichloroethene, n-hexane, chlorinated solvents (84), and solvent mixtures (49, 50, 76, 78, 85) in the workplace, report an obvious detrimental effect on the CNS, PNS, or both, following exposure. However, the majority included only men in the reports, or male and female results were analysed together. Again, it has been observed that the developing NS is especially susceptible to the neurotoxic effects of solvents, due to their high affinities for the brains lipid tissues (33, 79), and the BBB not being fully formed (7). Laslo-Baker et al. (2004) and Till et al. (2001) carried out studies on organic solvent exposure in pregnant women, taken in accidentally from occupational exposure, and the effects on neurodevelopment of their offspring. Both groups confirmed that children exposed pre-natally had poorer cognitive functioning than those not exposed, with lower results in neurological tests (75, 86). Again, no distinction was made between results for female and male children. Considering the obvious effects of solvents, including alcohol and toluene, on the NS, and the observations of sex differences from other neurotoxins, and the implications of sex differences in effects of alcohol mentioned here, it should be suggested that future studies automatically investigate male and female results separately, and allow for observation of any differences in results. Pesticides The term pesticides encompasses a wide range of chemicals, commonly used within a wide range of industries, particularly agriculture (87, 88). Included are the sub-groups; organophosphates, organochlorines, fumigants, and herbicides, all of which act to damage the NS of an organism, either directly, or via alteration of the cellular mechanisms that support it (87). Pesticides cause concern for human health as they are extremely widely used, and so readily released into the environment (88). It has been known for a long time that exposure to certain levels of these chemicals will adversely affect the human NS, as well as those organisms they are designed against (87, 88). Indeed, numerous studies have linked exposure to various pesticides with a number of neurological disorders, including Parkinsons disease (87, 89). In a similar situation to that for metals and solvents, there are many publications from groups investigating the effects of pesticide exposure on the human Nervous System, using an array of cognitive and neurobehavioural tests, with almost every study confirming the presence of some form of Neurotoxicity in subjects exposed to a range of doses. The following reports have identified separate results for neurological effects of pesticide exposure on male and female subjects, and an apparent greater effect on males. A report investigating the influence on the onset of Parkinsons and Alzheimers Diseases in elderly people living in the south of France, where pesticides are used daily in vineyards, noted a significant association between these disorders and pesticide exposure, in males only (90), suggesting a potentially increased susceptibility to males. Stallones et al. (2002) acknowledge males being at increased risk of developing neurological problems related to pesticide exposure than females, in an investigation into farmers, and their families in Colorado, USA (91), with the percentage of illnesses caused by exposure to pesticides almost three times greater in males. An assessment of neurobehavioural activity of Hispanic agricultural workers (92) identified a significant difference between the genders on results for 2 out of 10 tests, with females scoring lower than males. In the remaining tests, no significant differences were found between the sexes, although all exposed subjects faired worse than control, non-exposed (92). Similarly, pesticide-exposed Ecuadorians achieved lower outcomes in neurobehavioural tasks set by Cole et al. than did non-rural, unexposed Ecuadorians, and females were found to respond better in one task, with no significant difference between genders in others (93, 94). Guillette et al. (1998), carried out an assessment of Preschool children in Mexico, exposed to pesticides through living in close proximity of farm land. They identified a significant difference between those exposed and those living further away from the farm lands, with females performing better than males in several of the neurological tests (95). It appears that when there is a gender difference observed in the neurotoxic effects of pesticides, females tend to fair better than males, implying an increased susceptibility of males to the influences of pesticides on the NS. As it is more commonly males that are in the closest proximity to pesticides, within farming industries in particular, this could have some influence on this hypothesis. However, as the differences are also apparent in male and female children, with equal exposure, it does indicate a greater risk for males. The finding that there was only a significant difference in some tests may indicate an increased susceptibility of some brain areas in males over others, which correlates with results of studies of alcohol and tobacco smoke (below). Other Sources of Environmental Neurotoxicity Tobacco Smoke The chemicals contained in tobacco smoke, particularly nicotine, are now known to cause a variety of neurological problems, in addition to their other effects, including behavioural and cognitive problems during development, tremor, and an increased risk of stroke, from both smoking directly, and through passive smoke; inhalation or exposure prenatally (96-100). Various groups investigating toxicity caused by intake of tobacco smoke have described minor sex difference in the neurological outcome. Louis (2007) reports that, when looking into hand tremor as an outcome of tobacco smoking, the difference in score between smokers and non-smokers is greater in women than in men, which would indicate more of a susceptibility to women, rather than men (96). Jacobsen et al. (2007) investigated auditory and visual attention in adolescent smokers and non-smokers, with and without prenatal exposure to tobacco (101). They observed that different areas of the brain are apparently affected differently in male and female subjects exposed to tobacco smoke. In females, both auditory and visual attentions appear equally vulnerable, performing slightly more poorly in visual tests than males, while in males, auditory attention seems significantly more affected than visual attention, and in this auditory test, males performed substantially worse than females (101). The results of this investigation, put together with those from the Louis (2007) report, point towards sex-specific variation Gender Differences in Neurotoxicity Gender Differences in Neurotoxicity Abstract Neurotoxicity is damage to the structure and/or function of the peripheral and central nervous systems. It is a common outcome of exposure to hundreds of environmental chemicals, which act via a wide range of mechanisms. Due to the fundamental importance of the nervous system to a fully functioning body, the neurotoxic effects of many chemicals have been well investigated. There is evidence from a number of studies of a difference in susceptibility to environmental neurotoxins between genders. Males appear to be more vulnerable than females. There may be many reasons for this difference, a key one being the neuroprotective activities of the gonadal (sex) hormones, which differ between males and females. The female hormone, oestrogen, is thought to have greater protective activity, from a wide range of chemicals than the male hormone, testosterone. This report will examine the available evidence of a gender difference in susceptibility to environmental neurotoxins, and look into the actions of hormones within the nervous system as one of the main reasons for this difference. Introduction The nervous system (NS) is a fundamental component of a fully functioning human body. Due to the immense importance of the NS, any damage that occurs to this system will have huge repercussions throughout the whole body. Unfortunately, the NS is extremely vulnerable, and neurons, with their unique shape, and long, thin extensions protruding from their cell bodies, are highly susceptible to degeneration, from ageing and from exogenous substances (1, 2). It has been observed that exposure to a range of different environmental chemicals can have adverse effects on the NS, resulting in degeneration of neurons, and leading to onset of various neurological diseases (2, 3). The developing NS in particular is extremely sensitive to the effects of such chemicals (2, 4). Prenatal, and early postnatal, exposure to environmental chemicals, such as lead and those in tobacco smoke, can affect the developmental process within the Central Nervous System (CNS). This can lead to slowed and incorrect development, and neurological problems in the early years of life (4). From both animal studies, and human case reports of inadvertent exposures, there is also evidence to suggest a difference between males and females in their susceptibilities to neurotoxicity of some environmental chemicals (5). There are a number of reasons why this may be, including differences in amounts and activities of metabolic enzymes, differences in rates of absorption between the sexes, different rates of clearance of exogenous substances from the body, and differences in exposure to neurotoxic chemicals; diet, hobbies, occupations, etc (6). However, a key reason may be the neuroprotection that is conferred by gonadal hormones, and their metabolites, within the NS (5). The aim of this report is to research evidence of sex differences in responses to environmental chemicals, and investigate hormonal influences as one of the reasons for this difference. Neurotoxicity of Environmental Chemicals Neurotoxicity is a term used to describe damage to the structure and/or function of the peripheral NS (PNS) and CNS, brought about by exposure to particular exogenous substances (7, 8), which act via a range of mechanisms to induce cellular changes, and often cell death (7). Neurotoxicity can be seen in all ages of individuals exposed to hazardous chemicals, however, the developing NS is particularly vulnerable to their effects (2, 4, 7). Development of the NS involves a series of very specific steps, over a prolonged time period, each one occurring only when the previous is finished, and disruption to these events leads to incorrect development and neurological problems (4). The blood-brain barrier (BBB), which prevents many substances from passing to the brain, is not fully complete until several months of age, leaving the NS susceptible to damage (7). The entire NS is not fully mature until puberty (4). A great number of the reports published concerning neurotoxic effects of chemi cals have reported observations on child subjects. This is due to the fact that the developing NS is much more vulnerable, and so the neurotoxic effects may be more easily noticed. There are over 200 chemicals that have been confirmed as neurotoxic to humans (and other animals)as a result of exposure to them (3). A number of these chemicals are identified in Panel 1 (3), and can be divided into groups; metals, organic solvents, pesticides, and other neurotoxic chemicals. Panel 1. There are over 200 chemicals known to cause neurotoxicity in humans. This list identifies some common ones. Adapted from (3). Chemicals in bold and red are those identified within this report. Different toxins have distinct mechanisms through which they influence the NS. This depends on dose, route and duration of exposure (9). Those chemicals which are most widespread in the environment, and those which cause the most drastic effects, have been extensively investigated, and many of the mechanisms causing neurotoxicity have been identified (9). Given the knowledge of these effects, it is important to investigate the possible neurotoxic influences of the large number of other chemicals prevalent in the environment. Mechanisms of neurotoxicity The main mechanisms encompassed by the afore-mentioned groups of substances include; induction of oxidative stress, alterations to neurotransmitter synthesis including inhibition of synaptic signalling, accumulation of the substance within mitochondria leading to dysfunction, alterations to the flow of ions across neuronal membranes, activation of second messengers to induce apoptosis or inhibit neurogenesis, disruption of DNA/RNA, affecting the differentiation and functioning of glial cells, to indirectly influence neuronal cells, alterations to membrane fluidity, abnormal expression of neurotrophic factors (7, 10-20). There is a requirement for metals in many body processes, including within the NS, providing an additional mechanism by which exogenous metals can induce neurotoxicity (17). They can compete with essential metals for protein binding sites and influence cellular processes (17). For example, lead competes with zinc, which is known to have binding sites present in many important receptor channels, such as the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor involved in glutamate signalling at the synapse. Lead can displace zinc, and therefore alter functioning of these channels, and so influence glutamatergic functions in the NS (13, 14, 17). A relatively recently proposed mechanism thought to induce neurotoxicity via environmental chemicals, is endocrine disruption. Endocrine disruption is believed to be a crucial mechanism of most neurotoxicants, including metals, solvents, pesticides, Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), Diethylstilbesterol (DES), etc (21-25). Endocrine disrupting chemicals act by mimicking, enhancing, or antagonising the effects of endogenous oestrogens and androgens (21, 22). Their actions can result in alterations to hormone synthesis and/or release, altered transport and clearance of hormones, altered binding of hormones to their receptors (by binding themselves, thereby either mimicking hormone response, or blocking hormonal activation (24)), or altering components of pathways following receptor activation (22). An example of an endocrine disrupting mechanism is one used by lead, which lowers blood levels of testosterone, thereby de-masculinising certain areas of the male brain, and PCBs, which both mimic and antagonise various oestrogenic functions, and disturb production of androgens (21). As hormones are known to have a role in the development of the CNS, including sexual differentiation (26), disruption to their activities may result in disruption to the development of some brain areas, and the possibility of feminisation or masculinisation of particular brain areas (21-25). The neuroprotective function of hormones (discussed later) may also be hindered due to the endocrine disrupting actions of certain chemicals, allowing for their other neurotoxic mechanisms to have greater damaging effects. Neurotoxic investigations Carrying out investigations into the effects of neurotoxic chemicals is much more difficult in humans than it is in other animals, due to the greater difficulty in controlling the surrounding environment and its influences, and there are many potential variables that can have an effect on the overall result, in particular exposure to other environmental chemicals, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, education, culture, etc (27-31). All the potential confounding factors must be taken into consideration in order to analyse the neurotoxic effects only of the chemical in question (32). Often, environmental chemicals induce delayed neurotoxicity, whereby a patient does not present with symptoms until well after exposure to the chemical has ended, providing another problem to investigators (4). There are many different symptoms that can present upon neurotoxicity; migraines or headaches, confusion, memory loss, Multiple Sclerosis (MS)-like symptoms, problems with sleep, balance and hearing, attention impairment and trouble concentrating, anxiety and depression (8). Alterations to cognitive function, motor function and behaviour are common outcomes of neurotoxicity, and are a useful assessment of the effects of exposure to chemicals (32, 33). There are a wide range of different tests commonly used to assess neurotoxicity to the PNS and CNS (4, 32, 33). Measurements of functions such as motor reflexes, insensitivity to pinpricks on the skin, or impairment of sensitivity to temperature and vibration, provide evidence of PNS toxicity (4, 32, 33). Other functional tests, including IQ (Intelligence Quotient) tests, memory tests, assessment of mood and personality, and behavioural questionnaires, are used to assess toxicity to the CNS (4, 32, 33). Damage to the Nervous System can also be established by use of various brain imaging techniques (e.g. Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging) (9). These are useful in observing physical alterations to brain size and appearance caused by brain tissue atrophy following neurotoxic exposure (9). It is also possible, using these images, to ascertain which regions of the brain are particularly affected (9, 33-35). Despite the large quantity of literature outlining investigations concerning exposure to different neurotoxic chemicals, there are relatively few publications available that have identified a difference in response between males and females. Differences between susceptibilities of a range of age groups, and groups with varying levels of exposure, have been acknowledged frequently (27, 36-38), however reports are rare in which results for men and women are assessed independently, therefore it is often difficult to determine any differences in susceptibility between the sexes. Many reports record numbers of each sex taking part in the study, and match controls accordingly, then proceed to analyse results as a whole (27, 28, 39-45). Others exclude female subjects altogether, rather than including analysis of female results, but separate from the male (29, 30, 46-51). This is often the case when the number of female subjects is small compared to men. However, the results could still be analysed, and any differences between them could be noted. Some fail to establish which sexes have been used at all (52-54). Nevertheless, there is evidence from a number of reports, of a difference between genders in neurological functioning following exposure to neurotoxic chemicals. An extensive search using MEDLINE and EMBASE, of published studies and case reports into neurotoxicity of environmental chemicals, identified a number of studies which observed differences between males and females. For the purpose of this report, only those chemicals with gender differences have been mentioned. Evidence of Gender Differences in neurological outcomes of exposure to Neurotoxic Chemicals Metals There are roughly 40 different metals that exist in the environment, some of which are essential for life to occur (e.g. copper, zinc, etc), others which arent (e.g. mercury, lead, etc) (9). Exposure to metals in the environment has been known to cause adverse effects to both the adult and child human NS for many years (3). The neurotoxic effects of these metals are particularly well characterised, and have been well investigated. Included in this report are three of the major neurotoxic metals, of which there has been much exposure to in the environment, and of which there has been some indication of a sex difference in susceptibility to neurotoxic effects; mercury, lead and manganese. These three metals have been more extensively investigated than others, and therefore sex differences observed should not be ruled out of others, and may also be noted if they are as well examined. Mercury Mercury can take various different forms, each of which has distinct effects on human systems (18). Methylmercury (e.g. contaminated seafood), ethylmercury (e.g. Thimerosol, a component of some vaccines), elemental Mercury (present in industrial vapours), and inorganic mercury compounds (e.g. skin lightening creams) (18). Of these forms, methylmercury has been acknowledged as having the greatest detrimental effect on the correct functioning of the human NS, and in particular, the developing nervous system of children (18). In adults, methylmercury is thought to damage specific brain regions, such as the visual cortex, and parts of the cerebellum, whereas in children, as the NS is not completely developed, the effects are thought to be more widespread (7). It has been observed in a number of studies that male children show greater impairments in NS functioning following exposure than female children. In certain neurological tests, which have an association with methylmercury exposure, namely those assessing finger tapping, tendon reflexes, and leg coordination ability, males achieve poorer results (8, 36, 37, 55-57). As the majority of studies reporting results individually for male and female subjects are those carried out in children, the main sex differences reported here have been observed in children. However, similar results are noted in those adult investigations where males and females were analysed separately (27). McKeowyn-Eyssen et al. (1983), Cordier et al. (2002), Myers et al. (2003), Grandjean et al. (1998), and Marsh et al. (1987), all carried out numerous different tests on school children exposed to methylmercury at varying concentrations, pre- and post-natally. Each of these groups identified that, for those tests which have been shown to be more affected by increasing methylmercury levels, including finger-tapping, abnormal muscle tone, tendon reflexes, and leg coordination, male children showed poorer results (19, 57-60). McKeowyn-Eyssen et al. (1983) carried out the same tests on adults, and found an indication of a similar sex difference, with men being more likely than women to develop neurological disorders, following increases in methylmercury levels (37). Davidson et al. (2000) found that male, but not female, responses in neurological tests increased with methylmercury exposure, which is the opposite of the expected results, however, numerous unexamined variables were identified, which could have had influences on the results of the tests (31). Holmes et al. (2003) identified a link between mercury exposure and autism in children. Higher mercury levels in the hair were found to be associated with milder autistic symptoms (61). Perhaps because those children with milder symptoms were more able to excrete the mercury through their hair, before too much damage occurred. There was a greater number of females showing milder autistic symptoms, and a greater number of males showing severe autistic symptoms (61). From the evidence put forward here, there is a definite implication of a greater susceptibility for males than females to the neurotoxic effects of methylmercury exposure. There is an increased risk of neurotoxicity for children of women with increased levels of mercury in the hair (61). Hair mercury levels in subjects themselves, following equal exposure between the sexes, has been observed on numerous occasions as being lower in males than females, when associated with neurological problems (37, 61, 62). It may be that females have a better ability to excrete mercury through the hair than males, so less is present in body tissues. Lead Lead has long been known as a neurotoxicant, and its widespread release into the environment over the years has resulted in many neurological problems, mainly linked to learning difficulties (17), that have been well studied and characterised (3). Lead toxicity is thought to occur mainly in the hippocampus, cerebellum, and prefrontal cerebral cortex and again, it is thought that children, with their NS still developing, are at greatest risk to the neurotoxic insults of lead (7), so the majority of reports found here have been carried out in children. The elimination of lead from many environmental sources, such as motor vehicle petrol, and paints, has seen a decline in the amount of toxic lead exposure (7). However, it is still a problem in many areas, for example those homes where lead paint has been used in decoration (17). There are a number of studies that have reported a difference in cognitive impairments between male and female children. Tests carried out on school children, in South America, the UK and USA (38, 63-66), all identify a larger correlation between lead levels in the blood and poor cognitive ability in males than in females, while Wasserman et al. (1998) state that mothers reported behavioural problems with male children exposed to lead, more often than with exposed female children (67). An assessment of behavioural problems associated with lead exposure in American children (68) and an assessment of intelligence of children following lead exposure in Port Pirie (69), identified no difference between males and females in the results of their tests, while an assessment of the capabilities of children in school, and association with lead exposure (70), along with another investigation of child IQ by Needleman et al. (71), observed results to suggest females were more susceptible to lead neurotoxicity than male subjects, as they appeared to have greater prevalence of learning difficulties associated with lead. So, there appears to be a significant amount of evidence implying a gender difference in neurotoxicity associated with lead exposure. The majority of reports imply an increased susceptibility for males; however it is important for groups to look at sex differences in future studies, in order to ascertain conclusive results. This evidence also provides a need for investigation of sex differences in effects of lead exposure in adults. Manganese Manganese is another commonly used metal that can cause a toxic effect the NS upon exposure (20, 29, 40, 46, 47). There is a risk of manganese toxicity in various professions, in particular, welding (29, 46), but also through drinking or washing in water containing extraordinarily high levels of manganese (20, 40). There are a large number of reports confirming the neurotoxicity of manganese (20). Investigations have shown decreased intellectual ability in children over-exposed to manganese (40), and mood disturbances in men exposed occupationally (e.g. welders, factory workers.) (29, 40, 46, 47). In children, a report into an association between hair manganese levels and prevalence of hyperactivity, found that while there was a higher amount of manganese present in girls than boys, no difference was found between the sexes in assessment of neurological behaviour tests (72). Perhaps female brains are better able to cope with a higher amount of manganese. In adults, Dietz et al. (2001) found that a relationship between levels of manganese exposure and its effect on the Globus Pallidus area of the brain was seen only in men. These investigators give the reason that female workers have lower blood concentrations of manganese, and have a lower cumulative exposure index (73). However, they do not state whether there was a difference in actual exposure between sexes. If the exposure levels were the same, this could be an indication of increased susceptibility to males. In another study, results of neurological tests following manganese exposure were poorer for men than for women (74). As the majority of studies on manganese actually exclude females from results, or do not give separate results for each sex, it is difficult to make any definite assumptions about gender differences in neurotoxicity susceptibility. Implications from the three studies above provide a suggestion of a sex differences in manganese toxicity, with a greater effect within males. However, in future studies, where possible, females should be included, and the results analysed separately, in order to establish conclusive evidence for sex differences in neurotoxicity to manganese. Solvents There is a vast array of solvents that are used in many different industries and work places, meaning daily exposure for many different workers, including hairdressers, laboratory workers, painters, dry cleaners, and carpet layers, among others (33, 75-78). Due to the composition of solvents, they are particularly dangerous to the tissues of the NS. They are lipophillic compounds, and therefore have strong affinity for tissues rich in lipids, including the brain (33, 79). It is thought that psychomotor performance is the most common deficit (51) of solvent exposure, and prolonged exposure can cause permanent damage (15). Other symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, irritability, memory loss, fatigue and seizures (15, 33, 75). Solvent substances most often consist of a mixture of different chemicals, which can affect different regions of the brain. This can result in difficulties determining the toxic effects of a particular chemical (9). There have been many studies published that report clear association between solvent exposure and neurological deficits. Nelson et al. (1994) report that solvent exposure in workers at an automobile assembly plant, correlates with increased neurological disease, and, noticed in particular, an association with increased prevalence of a condition closely resembling MS (52). Cavalleri et al. (1994) obtained results to indicate deterioration of colour vision in factory workers following perchloroethylene exposure, even at low levels (53), and Boor et al. (1977) confirm a damaging effect of toluene on the CNS (54), a chemical that is also known to effect CNS development prenatally (3). Alcohol (Ethanol) is a major environmental solvent, although exposure rarely occurs occupationally, and it is most often taken in voluntarily (3). Hommer et al. (2001) studied the brain volumes of alcoholic and non-alcoholic men and women, and found that alcoholics had a much smaller volume of grey matter than non-alcoholics. This difference was found to be much more significant in females than males, suggesting an increased susceptibility of females to neurotoxic effects of alcoholism (34). In contrast, Pfefferbaum et al. (2001), in the same journal publication, indicated that the results of their study into alcohol effects on brain structure, show larger cortical sulci and lateral and third ventricles found in the alcoholics compared to non-alcoholics, which was a much greater and more significant difference in male subjects than female subjects. They also note that female brains show quicker and more effective recovery than those of males during abstinence (35). Jacobson (1986) ca rried out a study examining the brains of male and female alcoholics compared to non-alcoholic controls. It was noticed that the appearance of the brains on a CT scan was different between alcoholics and controls. Also observed was the fact that females appear more susceptible to structural changes in the brain following chronic alcohol intake, but are much more effective at recovering following cessation of intake, and the recovery occurs much quicker (80). Taking these 3 reports into consideration, there may be a difference in susceptibility of particular brain areas in males and females; however, females consistently recover more quickly from damage than males, indicating perhaps, a decreased susceptibility to long term damage. Neurophysiological deficits have also been reported in numerous studies of children exposed to alcohol pre-natally (81-83). However, few have noted results separately for male and female children. Nanson and Hiscock (1990) observed that female Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) children appear to have a higher IQ than males with FAS (83). As mentioned above, the majority of studies into other solvents, such as toluene, trichloroethene, n-hexane, chlorinated solvents (84), and solvent mixtures (49, 50, 76, 78, 85) in the workplace, report an obvious detrimental effect on the CNS, PNS, or both, following exposure. However, the majority included only men in the reports, or male and female results were analysed together. Again, it has been observed that the developing NS is especially susceptible to the neurotoxic effects of solvents, due to their high affinities for the brains lipid tissues (33, 79), and the BBB not being fully formed (7). Laslo-Baker et al. (2004) and Till et al. (2001) carried out studies on organic solvent exposure in pregnant women, taken in accidentally from occupational exposure, and the effects on neurodevelopment of their offspring. Both groups confirmed that children exposed pre-natally had poorer cognitive functioning than those not exposed, with lower results in neurological tests (75, 86). Again, no distinction was made between results for female and male children. Considering the obvious effects of solvents, including alcohol and toluene, on the NS, and the observations of sex differences from other neurotoxins, and the implications of sex differences in effects of alcohol mentioned here, it should be suggested that future studies automatically investigate male and female results separately, and allow for observation of any differences in results. Pesticides The term pesticides encompasses a wide range of chemicals, commonly used within a wide range of industries, particularly agriculture (87, 88). Included are the sub-groups; organophosphates, organochlorines, fumigants, and herbicides, all of which act to damage the NS of an organism, either directly, or via alteration of the cellular mechanisms that support it (87). Pesticides cause concern for human health as they are extremely widely used, and so readily released into the environment (88). It has been known for a long time that exposure to certain levels of these chemicals will adversely affect the human NS, as well as those organisms they are designed against (87, 88). Indeed, numerous studies have linked exposure to various pesticides with a number of neurological disorders, including Parkinsons disease (87, 89). In a similar situation to that for metals and solvents, there are many publications from groups investigating the effects of pesticide exposure on the human Nervous System, using an array of cognitive and neurobehavioural tests, with almost every study confirming the presence of some form of Neurotoxicity in subjects exposed to a range of doses. The following reports have identified separate results for neurological effects of pesticide exposure on male and female subjects, and an apparent greater effect on males. A report investigating the influence on the onset of Parkinsons and Alzheimers Diseases in elderly people living in the south of France, where pesticides are used daily in vineyards, noted a significant association between these disorders and pesticide exposure, in males only (90), suggesting a potentially increased susceptibility to males. Stallones et al. (2002) acknowledge males being at increased risk of developing neurological problems related to pesticide exposure than females, in an investigation into farmers, and their families in Colorado, USA (91), with the percentage of illnesses caused by exposure to pesticides almost three times greater in males. An assessment of neurobehavioural activity of Hispanic agricultural workers (92) identified a significant difference between the genders on results for 2 out of 10 tests, with females scoring lower than males. In the remaining tests, no significant differences were found between the sexes, although all exposed subjects faired worse than control, non-exposed (92). Similarly, pesticide-exposed Ecuadorians achieved lower outcomes in neurobehavioural tasks set by Cole et al. than did non-rural, unexposed Ecuadorians, and females were found to respond better in one task, with no significant difference between genders in others (93, 94). Guillette et al. (1998), carried out an assessment of Preschool children in Mexico, exposed to pesticides through living in close proximity of farm land. They identified a significant difference between those exposed and those living further away from the farm lands, with females performing better than males in several of the neurological tests (95). It appears that when there is a gender difference observed in the neurotoxic effects of pesticides, females tend to fair better than males, implying an increased susceptibility of males to the influences of pesticides on the NS. As it is more commonly males that are in the closest proximity to pesticides, within farming industries in particular, this could have some influence on this hypothesis. However, as the differences are also apparent in male and female children, with equal exposure, it does indicate a greater risk for males. The finding that there was only a significant difference in some tests may indicate an increased susceptibility of some brain areas in males over others, which correlates with results of studies of alcohol and tobacco smoke (below). Other Sources of Environmental Neurotoxicity Tobacco Smoke The chemicals contained in tobacco smoke, particularly nicotine, are now known to cause a variety of neurological problems, in addition to their other effects, including behavioural and cognitive problems during development, tremor, and an increased risk of stroke, from both smoking directly, and through passive smoke; inhalation or exposure prenatally (96-100). Various groups investigating toxicity caused by intake of tobacco smoke have described minor sex difference in the neurological outcome. Louis (2007) reports that, when looking into hand tremor as an outcome of tobacco smoking, the difference in score between smokers and non-smokers is greater in women than in men, which would indicate more of a susceptibility to women, rather than men (96). Jacobsen et al. (2007) investigated auditory and visual attention in adolescent smokers and non-smokers, with and without prenatal exposure to tobacco (101). They observed that different areas of the brain are apparently affected differently in male and female subjects exposed to tobacco smoke. In females, both auditory and visual attentions appear equally vulnerable, performing slightly more poorly in visual tests than males, while in males, auditory attention seems significantly more affected than visual attention, and in this auditory test, males performed substantially worse than females (101). The results of this investigation, put together with those from the Louis (2007) report, point towards sex-specific variation