Marriage Between a Man and a Woman

A traditional marriage is a legal contract between a man and a woman. Entering into a marriage contract changes the legal status of both people giving husband and wife new rights and obligations (The Free Dictionary). A marriage according to Webster dictionary is the opposite being united together legally, the state that which two people of the same sex join together same as that of a traditional marriage. Is it because it is placed in the dictionary that a marriage can be between two people of the same sex it is ok. People would think that because that because two people of the same sex that are in love they have a right to be married. However, many believe that marriage should only remain between a man and a woman. If the U. S. doesn’t allow same sex marriages there would be a rebellion because due to the civil rights of the homosexuals. People consider homosexuality a sin. Other people don’t have a religious belief and think that it is neglecting them of their constitutional rights. It will weaken the traditional family. Others say because homosexuals can’t procreate, the adoption rate will increase and will have a stronger family value not based on a sexual lifestyle. Homosexuality is an unhealthy lifestyle causes early deaths. The homosexual lifestyle is accepted in most places. It could cause an outbreak of many other things such as having multiple wives or marring objects. It could weaken the definition of marriage. Most people think that the only thing that should matter in marriage is love. The constitution states in the 1st amendment that we have the freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and to petition the government. Many think that if we place a law on marriages we will be forcing religion on those who believe different. However, homosexuality is a sin against God. If God wanted men to be with men and women to be with women he would have created Adam and Steve in stead of Adam and Eve. Also he would have created another way reproduction to happen instead of penetration of a male into a female. Many people say that they were born gay and can’t change that. Even if they wanted to change they are afraid that if they leave they won’t be accepted in other organizations. Some think that homosexual marriages weaken the traditional family and increase the risk of STD’s. The frivolous lifestyle of one person by having sex with multiple partners cause people to have less trust which could cause less marriages or more divorces. If homosexual marriages were allowed there would be a lot of marriages of the same sex because friends want to save money on their taxes. Many people say that if the homosexuals were allowed to marry then the STD rate could decrease. Also we want to encourage a lifestyle of partnership and people to build lives together. Now many places accept homosexuals as a traditional marriage. Not many see it as wrong, nasty, or unhealthy; they see the public affection and embrace it. Not knowing that the lifestyle could possibly kill them. Many don’t know that homosexual relations aren’t just physically unhealthy. But, homosexual relations are mentally and emotionally unhealthy. A study shows that 78% of male homo- sexual relations last less than three years and 12 % last less than five years. Most men are unhappy in the relationships. They are six times more likely to try to commit suicide. Evelyn Hooker says that homosexuals have the same health risk that heterosexual males have (APA Online). The thought that homosexual males have a mental problem and are maladjusted caused her to think. When tested the males found that there was no difference between the two. If homosexual marriages were allowed there would be an up rise of people wanting to marry multiple people or people want to marry an object. If the up rise occurred there could possibly be a rebellion because the law would not pass for them to do the craziest things. Allowing homosexuals to marry it would weaken the definition of marriage. It would make marriage look like a joke. The basic reason people get married is because they love one another not knowing the responsibilities that come with being married. If marriage were meant to between the same sexes, there wouldn’t be a need to hide the fact that they love one another. Marriage should remain between a man and a woman so that the definition of marriage can stay strengthened, the world won’t go to extinction, and so we can live healthy lifestyles. ? Work Cited †¢Helium/ October 14, 2009/ Marriage should be a sacred institution between only a woman and a man †¢BalancedPolitics. org/ October 14, 2009/ Should Same-Sex Marriages be Legalized? †¢The free dictionary/ October 14, 2009/ Traditional Marriage †¢Webster Dictionary online/ October 14, 2009/ Marriage †¢Exodus global alliance/ October 14, 2009/ Is Homosexuality Healthy?

Neurosis and a Psychosis Essay

A major part of clinical psychology is the diagnoses and treatment of mental disorders. This can often be difficult and controversial due to the fact that many of the disorders can be confused with others; there aren’t always clear guidelines in which to follow. An example of this confusion can be seen in the disorders Neurosis and Psychosis. Neither neurosis nor psychoses appear as major categories in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III). The main reason for this is that both categories were fairly broad and included a number of mental disorders with quite dissimilar symptoms. Consequently, mental health professionals did not always agree on the diagnosis for a particular patient. Neurosis is a functional (Psychogenic) disorder consisting of a symptom or symptoms caused, though usually unknown to the patient, by a mental disorder. The four commonest are Anxiety State, Reactive Depression, Hysteria and Obsessive-Compulsive Neurosis. We all know w hat it is to feel anxious. Anxiety becomes abnormal when it is out of all proportion to the cause, or when it continues long after the cause has been removed. Patients with other mental illnesses often feel anxious from time to time, but the term anxiety neurosis is used to describe the illness in which anxiety is the main feature and the patient feels anxious all the time. Reactive Depression is a form of depression where the cause is known i.e. marriage break-up or bereavement. Reactive depression can be classed as a neurosis as it is an exaggeration of the normal expected response to such situations. In medical language the word Hysteria is used to mean that a symptom is beyond the patients control. If I have to take an examination tomorrow and to get out of it I ring up and say that I cannot attend because I am going to the dentist, I am malingering. I am quite deliberately telling a lie to get out of taking the examination. But if, on the morning of the examination, I wake  up with a raging toothache although there is nothing wrong with my tooth, this is hysteria. There is nothing wrong, but the pain is genuine. I am quite truly inc apable of sitting the examination. The symptom is out of my conscious control and has become hysterical. Hysterical symptoms always serve to get us out of some unpleasant situation, to gain us some advantage, or to solve some conflict for us. People in whom hysterical symptoms are so pronounced that they can no longer lead a normal life are said to be suffering from hysteria. Some people will not walk under a ladder; a few would be really worried if you asked them to do so. They are obsessed by the thought that it is unlucky. Some people feel compelled to throw spilt salt over their shoulders. If a person is obsessed by a thought to such an extent, or compelled to perform certain actions so frequently that he/she is unable to lead a normal life he/she is suffering from obsessive-compulsive neurosis. The obsessions and compulsions take many different forms. The patient knows that they are unreasonable but are unable to control them. One of the most common compulsions is the need to wash time and time again another is extreme tidiness. The one thing all of the above disorders have in common is that all arise from external factors. So a neurosis occurs when the mind is affected by factors arising in the environment. A psychosis however, differs in that it is a mental illness arising in the mind itself. The psychosis can be divided into those in which physical disease plays a major part and those in which it does not. These subdivisions are called organic psychosis and functional psychosis. Dementia and Infective-exhaustive psychosis are the main organic psychoses. The main functional psychoses are Schizophrenia and Manic-depressive psychosis. Dementia is the mental illness associated with decay or deterioration of the brain. It usually occurs in people over 60, but occasionally earlier. In old people it is called senile dementia. Most people retain their faculties quite well, but sometimes the brain ages and becomes diseased while the body remains comparatively healthy. The symptoms of dementia are those popularly known as ‘second child-hood’. The patient forgets the immediate past but remembers his early life clearly. He doesn’t recognize people he knows well, frequently forgets where he has put things, doesn’t know where he is or what day it is. Small changes in his routine make him confused. He is unable to grasp any new ideas. Sometimes he is extremely obstinate and at others quite  docile. Physical illnesses, which are accompanied by infection or exhaustion sometimes, give rise to mental symptoms. The most common is puerperal septicaemia or infection following childbirth. Others are pneumonia, influenza, tuberculosis, cancer and sometimes diseases of the nervous system. The patient is restless, sleeps little and when he does he has vivid dreams which he believes are real. He cannot think clearly and does not know what is going on. He sees and hears what is not there, may lose his memory and is often incoherent and n oisy. He lives half in this world and half in a dream world. Schizophrenia is the most common of the psychosis and the most difficult to understand. There are different types of schizophrenia and symptoms may vary from being moody and difficult to the most bizarre thoughts and actions. The patient may hear voices and see things that are not there. This is called being hallucinated. He thinks in a way that is incomprehensible to normal people. He may hold beliefs, which to ordinary people around him are quite untenable, such as that his arms are stuffed with cotton wool. Such beliefs are called delusions. He often thinks that everything that happens refers to him and that other people are conspiring against him. He is sometimes apathetic or stuporose and is given to acting suddenly, without warning. The popular term ‘split mind’, although not accurate, may have come from the way in which these patients will laugh as they describe some dreadful happening which they believe has just taken place, as if there emotions had been split off and no longer worked in harmony with their thoughts. Manic-Depressive psychosis, a type of mental disorder which alternates between phases of excitement and phases of depression. Often there are periods between these phases of complete normality. These are just a few of the disorders covered by neurosis and psychosis. One thing that can be noticed is the fact that all of the neurosis are caused by external environmental factors whilst all the psychosis are caused by. Another difference that has been noted is that many people suffering from a neurosis are able to accept that they have a mental illness whilst with a psychosis the patient believes that they are normal and cannot separate reality and fantasy. There are also differences in the symptoms of these disorders. Neurotic patients show exaggerated responses to events around them. These events are real and many people would react in a similar fashion just not to such an extent as the neurotic patient when in  such a situation. The psychotic however, responds primarily to events that are not there, imaginary situations or hallucinations or voices. An example of this can be seen here, Normal So Roberts got the job? Oh well, I suppose my face just didn’t fit. Neurotic It’s always the same. Jealous! That’s what they are. I should have been promoted long ago, but there just determined to see I don’t get on. They gang up against me each time. Psychotic The government knows I have the secret formula, which will split the earth in two. Their agents are following me everywhere. You’re one of them – you can’t fool me. The neurotic believes something that is possible, but not probable. The psychotic believes something that is quite impossible. The differences between these two disorders, neurosis and psychosis, may appear small but they can help in the diagnoses and treatment of patients. It can be very difficult to treat a patient when the cause of their illness is unknown or when the illness itself is difficult to understand. It is for this reason that mental health professionals need to categorise mental disorders as clearly and concisely as possible. The DSM-III dropped the entries of neurosis and psychosis and split them down into subdivisions to try to enable better diagnosis but there is still confusion as to the differences between neurosis and psychosis. There is not only a difference between the two but also a difference in each individual case. Different things effect people in different ways and many people although share the same illness have completely different symptoms. Every case should be looked at individually and treated as such. Instead of looking for the best treatment for neurosis, it would be better to look for the best treatment for an individual. Dean Waring 28 / 02 / 2001 Introduction to psychology – Atkinson – Hilgard – 1983 The science of mind and behaviour – Gross – 1999 The oxford companion to the mind – Gregory – 1987

Global warming Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 4

Global warming - Research Paper Example Therefore being a human being or being a responsible citizen, it is our social, ethical and moral duty to take care of our natural environmental conditions and thus avoiding any such harmful activity, which actually damages the atmosphere. In this way we can fulfill our duty towards our nation. There is a list of human activities, which are the real cause behind this global warming issue. This might include an excessive emission of injurious gases or we can say green house gases into the atmosphere. The main constituent of such harmful gas mixture is the carbon dioxide gas. Carbon dioxide actually gathers in the nearest layer of the atmosphere and then trap or capture maximum of the heat of the earth in this nearest layer. Thus causing a rise in the overall temperature of the Earth (West, 2012). One of the main reasons of the emission of these greenhouse gases is the burning of fossils whereas the other way of emission is the deforestation that means the excessive cutting of trees. There should be awareness programs regarding the deforestation in many areas where there is an excess of tree and plants. People are cutting the wood for manufacturing of many other items and products but they are not aware of the harmful effects of the cutting of the plants and trees. Many auth ors argue that individuals and institutes, both are fully responsible for environmental conservation and thus causing pollution (Fahlquist 2008: Almassi, 2010). Many other scientists argue that it may be possible that only human activities are not responsible for this global warming effect (Wang & Chameides, 2000). They are of the opinion that Earth’s temperature is very much changeable or we can say fluctuating since after its formation after the Big Bang. Therefore, the scientists predict that the increase in the Earth temperature is because of particular changing nature or fluctuations. These

The Effectiveness of Diversity Management Essay

The Effectiveness of Diversity Management - Essay Example From the discussion it is clear that the objectives of diversity management in the workplace relate to the creation of a positive work environment that contributes in the mutual growth of the organization and the members involved. Similarly the objectives of organizational diversity also reflect on effectively collaborating the differences and likelihood of the perceptions of the different people to help achieve the organizational goals and business objectives. It thus works as a method aiming to synchronize the knowledge, experiences, expectations and the understanding of the different organizational members to arrive at a common solution that has a larger potential than business solutions generated on an individual level. This paper highlights that the effectiveness of the diversity management in the workplace stems out from the fact that it contributes in promoting the growth and development at the individual level thereby helping the people to think and act in a creative and innovative fashion in the organization. Management of a diverse workforce in an organization also contributes in promoting the growth of teamwork such that it helps in the sharing of knowledge, experiences and thoughts between the different team members thereby enhancing their skills, expertise, motivation and confidence levels in meeting organizational objectives. Diversity management in the workplace is generated through the generation of training to the employees based on different languages.

Testing Chloride Concentration in South Florida Canal Research Paper

Testing Chloride Concentration in South Florida Canal - Research Paper Example The topographical dimension of South Florida occupies a relatively low-lying carbonated region. The rainfall pattern is relief with low rainfall distribution of 10mm over a region of 100 kilometers. The region also lies on a bedrock majorly composed of carbonate material; this is believed to have been formed over 120,000 years ago. During this time, it is believed that the sea level was approximately 10 meters above the current level. The canals of South Florida are basically Wetlands, which form an important part of the ecosystem. Research has indicated that the current South Florida Canals are facing a major crisis owing to increasing concentration of chlorine and other chemicals in the water bodies. Specifically, combined effects of agriculture and urban activities have had a significant impact on the waters of the South Florida Canal for a period of over 100 years. Apart from projected hyper-salinity in the various water bodies of South Florida Canal, there are factors that have contributed massively towards the deterioration of this natural resource. The first factor is the eutrophication of the wetlands with phosphoric materials. Additionally, past researches have shown that the aquatic life of the wetlands have undergone degradation owing to increased rate of pollution by methyl-mercury. Moreover, there is evidence that anthropogenic activities along the wetlands in the South Florida Canal have contributed to the increased frequency at, which the wetlands dry and affected the natural water flows along the canal.

The Department of Corrections Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Department of Corrections - Assignment Example This disparity could be attributed to the Supreme Court’s ruling in 2012 that ruled out US states from expanding Medicaid eligibility, which has led to a significant drop in the number of states adopting the Medicaid expansion. Moreover, even after the Federal Government gave consent to pay 100% Medicaid expansion costs for the initial three years and 90% thereafter, just 26 of the US’s 50 states have preferred to expand Medicaid (Rice et al, 2014). Such reluctance has left almost half of the eligible US residents with no Medicaid coverage. Another evident challenge is the increase in Medicare expenditure, 3 years after the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) enactment. A few months after the inauguration of the 2010 ACA Act, expenditure indicated low levels perhaps due to Medicare payment cuts, reduced hospital readmission and growth of responsible care centers. However, there has been a rebound in the Medical Department expenditures due to the introduction of blockbuster drugs; thus, continually resulting in high spending. Similarly, it is increasingly becoming difficult to control costs as physicians and hospitals merge to augment their market in negotiations with major insurers (Rice et al, 2014). That notwithstanding, strong, and resolute opposition that has always come against major Medicare policies and plans in the US poses a lot of challenges. For instance, immediately after the ACA came into effect, opposition from Republican Party within the House of Representatives, voted persistently for the Act’s abolishment over 40 times. Consequently, out of 1507 national representative polled in 2014, only 37% were for the ACA whereas 53% were against it (Rice et al., 2014). Thus, this lack of political will has led to many residents being against Medicare proposals. Apparently the background of the challenges facing the Medicare department in the US is due to a series of poor plans and policies that

Evaluation Report of the Practicum Experience Essay

Evaluation Report of the Practicum Experience - Essay Example assistant event manager included designing of sales and promotion strategies, organizing special events such as meetings, and customer logistics management. In this report, I have discussed DRG company profile, event management experiences gained, an evaluation of DRG and plans for my career success (District Restaurant Group, 2014). DRG Company that is located in Washington DC establishment was in January 2011. At inception, DRG main aim was to act as a social hub for entertainment and sporting activities, and offer catering services. DRG offer quality food and beverages of all varieties in its catering department. DRG boosts of different modern state of the art catering facilities and sporting technology within its premises. District Restaurant Group Company manages three key Establishments in DC metro region such as the Ugly Mug, Katherine’s Catering, Jake’s American Grill and District 2 Bar Grille. In addition, Exhibit 1 DRG organizational structure has one catering full time service branch under its management. DRG has maintained its market share through online marketing strategies such as Twitter and face book as well as constant identification of market opportunities such as accommodation of family or corporate events and parties. Ugly Mug sports and entertainment bar established in December 31, 2004 does its operations daily from Monday to Sunday stating from 11:00 am to Mostly 2:30 am. Ugly Mug provides opportunity for Washington inhabitants who are football fans to watch live matches as they drink Ugly Mug collection such as Blue moon, Heineken or Miller Lite. It also has a collection of food and beverages that satisfies the taste and preferences of its customers as they enjoy watching football games. Ugly Mug is located in Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington DC neighborhood. It is one of the leading sports bar in Barracks Row area attracting Nationals, Capitals, Redskins and Other DC United Games. The bar has increased its public image

Play and Childrens development Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Play and Childrens development - Research Paper Example Why play is reducing among children Parents are thought to contribute to the reduction in play among children. It is evident that some parents tend to force the children to concentrate much on the books without giving them time to play. Their intentions for doing this are normally to ensure the child performs well in schools. Research also suggests that increased exposure of children to the television also makes them lack enough time to play. The enhancement of technology has also affect child play. This is because with the introduction of computer games most children have preferred to play such games, instead of engaging in physical play that can be beneficial to their health ((Berne, 49). Play has normally proved to have some benefits towards the development of a child. One of the importance of play in child development is that play normally allows children to use their creativity. Creativity is normally in born, and in doing this, children are normally in a position to develop their dexterity, their imaginations, and their cognitive, emotional and physical strength. Research suggests that play is of immense importance for the development of the brain in kids. This is because when children are given an opportunity to play, they are normally in a position to interact with the world around them. To ensure the effective development of a child through play, it is essential that play among children becomes undirected. This is because it is through this that the children normally learn the importance of group work, and sharing. Play also enables children to learn how to negotiate with each other when faced with

Fundamental Concepts of Construction for Project Management Case Study - 4

Fundamental Concepts of Construction for Project Management - Case Study Example I will serve as a manager from the client’s side to supervise the managerial functions about the project. I will develop the bid documents and the estimator of our firm will fill the bill of quantities as a reference for the client to compare the subcontractors’ bids with. I shall be drawing a predecided fee from the client for this. Further, it is assumed that some of the previous drawings are lost, and some are preserved. I shall incorporate buildability concepts into the pre-existing design and do modifications in the building orientation and stuff to satisfy future needs and meet future challenges. It is my responsibility to prepare the bid. I shall schedule it for the subcontractors. I shall offer all these services to the client to draw my fees. My firm will serve as a â€Å"construction manager†. Thus working as a construction manager, it is my duty to arrange specialty subcontractors. All of the work will be subcontracted. A few with material and equipmen t, and for heavy machinery, we shall have to either rent or lease the heavy machinery, whichever will be more economical. I shall make the unit cost with material contracts with the specialty contractors and choose the cheapest who has not front-loaded his schedule. I shall make the subcontractor's purchase insurances for their own work, including workers insurance. It's my responsibility as a manager to plan for site safety. The contractors will follow my schedule. So they will not fight among each other.

Compare how each writer uses language to present his views of London Essay Example for Free

Compare how each writer uses language to present his views of London Essay For many centuries London has been a vast, complex place. Many have described it as the capital of the world, however there are many different views. Some would agree that London is a wonderful place where everyone lives in happiness and peace whereas other would point out that those kind of people are delirious and that it is the dirtiest most corrupt place in England. Two such views were expressed by two poets William Wordsworth in his poem named Composed upon Westminster Bridge, 3rd September 1802 and the more political writer William Blake with his poem entitled London. The questions is, Do both poets use language effectively to express their contradictory opinions on London? One difference between the two poems is the way each uses enjambrement. Blakes poem has short, snappy lines perhaps to indicate a kind of overall lethargy among the people while Wordsworths poem has long lines which flow into each other to create a smooth and relaxed mood possibly also to symbolise how he viewed the river of London. One of the interesting aspects of Wordsworths and Blakes poems is their separate ways of describing the river, Wordsworth thinks of it as gliding at his own sweet will whereas Blake refers to it as the Charterd Thames. Wordsworth sees the river as free and sweet. By using his, he is personifying the river as if it has a choice. He enhances this by using own sweet will. Blake calls it Chartered, indicating the complete opposite of Wordsworths opinion. Chartered means organised and generally bent to mans will and this is how Blake sees it. He further develops his opinion by calling it the Thames, calling it by its man made name. Blake sees the river as being twisted by man and disliked because of that. Blake and Wordsworth set two very different scenes, Wordsworth uses phrases such as bright and glistening in the smokeless air and The beauty of the morning; silent, bare to set a scene of calm glistening beauty, to set a scene of a kind of fairy-tale wonderland. Wordsworth shows the reader how the surroundings make him feel by commenting Neer I saw, never felt, a calm so deep! this gives a further direct calming effect on the reader. Blake, on the other hand, uses the word streets twice in context with midnight and Charterd. His repetition on the word streets is to insinuate that there are streets upon streets, creating a monotonous sameness to everything, his repetition on Charterd strengthens his view of unnaturalness in London. An intriguing observation is that both poets talk of glamorous and gracious buildings, but the context they are mentioned in changes their whole meaning. Wordsworth describes them as being Open unto the fields and to the sky; indicating a certain freeness and naturalness, he is saying that buildings can be natural if natural is synonymous with good, as Blakes man made is synonymous with bad. Blake uses Palace with blood and Church with blackning, he is indicating that the people of the Church have gone against its morals and the people of the Palace are sending soldiers to their death for unworthy reasons. Blake and Wordsworth set two very different scenes, Wordsworth uses phrases such as bright and glistening in the smokeless air and The beauty of the morning; silent, bare to set a scene of calm glistening beauty, to set a scene of a kind of fairy-tale wonderland. Wordsworth shows the reader how the surroundings make him feel by commenting Neer I saw, never felt, a calm so deep! this gives a further direct calming effect on the reader. Blake, on the other hand, uses the word streets twice in context with midnight and Charterd. His repetition on the word streets is to insinuate that there are streets upon streets, creating a monotonous sameness to everything, his repetition on Charterd strengthens his view of unnaturalness in London. Both writers enhance their scenery by hinting at colours to set a more vivid picture. Blood, midnight, blackning, are all words used by Blake, suggestions of the colour red and black which create a gloomy surrounding. Red (blood) as in anger and black to suggest darkness, sorrowfulness and endlessness. Wordsworth suggests colour with a more subtle method using Never did the sun more beautifully steep he hints at gold and blinding white colours, and also at cool shade coming from the buildings. Wordsworths rhyme scheme is planned out as a love sonnet (a b b a a b b a c d c d c d), whereas Blake repetitive and simple rhyme scheme ( a b a b a b a b a b a b a b a b a b). Wordsworth rhyme scheme is writing a love sonnet about London whereas Blakes rhyme scheme evokes a boring repetitiveness yet again synonymous with how Blake views London. The final difference mentioned in this essay is that whereby Blake mentions quite a few different groups of people such as Harlot, Soldier, Chimney Sweep, Infant all unfortunate groups bar the infant which is mentioned in an unfortunate context repetitively Wordsworth mentions no people but instead personifies the river (The river glideth at his own sweet will), the city (This city now doth like a garment wear, The very houses seem asleep!) and the sun (In his first Splendour). Wordsworth, whilst making it evident that there is no one around but himself, is saying the city, the river and the sun are all entities of which he has just met and thinks highly of them. In conclusion, both poets are high-quality writers who know how to use language effectively to enhance their views. Although Blake is a deeper, darker and more political writer and his poem seems to be the better of the two, Wordsworth poem does have complexity going to a slightly deeper level than Blakes but it seems naive and idealistic. Blake uses simple rhyme schemes and repetition to develop his opinion but Wordsworth uses a more complex rhyme scheme whilst subtly personifying parts of the city. With that said, both artists were good at what they did and both can use language to successfully articulate their attitudes toward London.

Relationship Between VO2 Max And Gender Physical Education Essay

Relationship Between VO2 Max And Gender Physical Education Essay Within the exercise world the most widely accepted measure of cardiovascular fitness is VO2 max. Also known as maximal oxygen uptake, VO2 max is defined by Albernethy et al (1996) as the maximum amount of oxygen than can be absorbed and transported to working tissues for use within the body. This literature also states that athletes with a high VO2 max are typically know to be endurance athletes whereas athletes with a lower VO2 max are classified as either power or sprint athletes. Whilst relationship between types of exercise and VO2 max are clearly defined, the relationship between VO2 max and gender is still a topic which is widely debated within the exercise world. After reviewing literature from Martin et al (1991), Rowland et al (2000) and Suth (2005) it is evident that males have a higher VO2 max than that of females, regardless of age. Despite this, all articles indicate that body composition and cardiac size are both major determinants of VO2 max. Rowland et al (2000) found that in adolescents, VO2 max is higher in males in both absolute terms and relative to body mass. Interestingly, at the age of 18 males have a 75% greater VO2 max when expressed as an absolute value as opposed to a 25-30% higher VO2 max relative to body mass (Rowland et al, 2000). As we venture into adulthood, females are said to have a body fat content which is 1.7 times greater than males and as a result there is a noteworthy gender difference in VO2 max when looking at absolute values (Suth, 2005). However, when looking at VO2 max relative to lean body mass the differences between genders are reduced by almost 50%. In the study conducted by Martin et al (1991) groups of sedentary and trained men and women were tested for VO2 max. The result yielded from the experiment indicate that males had a greater VO2 max both relative to body mass and when compared to the study groups. The aim of the current study was to conduct a two submaximal cardiovascular fitness tests on a sample of mixed gender university students in order to examine the relationship between VO2 max and gender. Two submaximal fitness tests, namely the Astrand-Ryhming step test and YMCA Protocol test were used in order to obtain the results and perform the analysis between genders. Method Subjects The study consisted of a total 83 participants, who were recruited from the faculty of human movement studies during laboratory sessions, which included 42 males and 41 females. Each of the participants was required to complete two fitness tests which aimed at determining their maximal oxygen uptake or VO2 max. Prior to undertaking the fitness tests each participant recorded their gender, age, height and weight by means of classification and analysis upon the tests completion. This data, represented as mean  ± standard deviation (SD), is as follows. Males (42) mean  ± SD: Age 19.07  ± 3.85 yrs, Height 181.39  ± 6.36 cm, Weight 76.88  ± 8.87 kg. Females (41) mean  ± SD: Age 18.28  ± 1.73 yrs, Height 181.39  ± 6.36 cm, Weight 60.05  ± 6.93 kg. In addition the participants were grouped into groups of 2-3, along with recording their 85% HR max for testing purposes. Testing Protocols Prior to the conduction of the Astrand-Ryhming step test and YMCA Protocol test, various conditions of testing were followed in order to ensure the same standard and validity of testing between groups. It was expressed that participants were to have not participated in heavy exercise nor have had and stimulants or heavy means in the four hours prior to testing. Also it was mentioned that participants were to be well hydrated and wearing clothing and footwear appropriate for physical activity. Finally, it must be noted that in ideal circumstances, temperature and humidity levels should be standardised. Astrand-Ryhming step test: For this test participants were required to set up steps at specific heights of both 40cm (males) and 33cm (females). In order to complete the test correctly the subjects had to step up and down on the platform at a rate of 22.5 complete ascents and descents per minute. This translated to a 4count on a metronome set at 90 beats per minute (bpm). Each participant was required to step for 6 minutes with their heart rate (HR) being recorded at the end of each minute. It was expressed that the test was not to exceed 10 minutes and the test be stopped if the HR exceed 85% HR max. The test was deemed completed when the difference between the final two values was less than 6 bpm. Upon completion of the test the Astrand-Ryhming nomogram was used to estimate the participants VO2 max. YMCA Protocol test: For this particular test, participants were required to cycle for multiple intervals of three minutes according to a modified guide which was based on the participants HR. In order to ensure that the bike was at a comfortable height, students had to adjust the height of the cycle ergometer so that the knee was slightly flexed at the bottom of the downstroke. At the beginning of the test the student was required to pedal at 50 revolutions per minute (rpm) by means of warm up. The first workload on the ergometer was set at 25 watts (W) which the participant cycled for three minutes with their HR being recorded for the last 15 seconds of the 2nd and 3rd minutes. After the first three minutes had been completed the HR from the 2nd and 3rd minutes was analysed to determine the work-rate (WR) category for the remainder of the test, ensuring that the HR for this period differed by no more than 6. The participant then had to continue riding moving to subsequent WR after every three minutes u ntil the successive HR differed by no more than 6 bpm. The test was concluded when the participant had at least two WR with corresponding steady state heart rates between 110 bpm and 85% HR max. Data Collection Procedures The data collection process for the Astrand-Ryhming step test required participants to record their HR at 1 minute intervals until the steady state had been reached and the test completed. This raw data was used in correlation with both the participants weight and Astrand-Ryhming Nomogram to find their Raw VO2 max (L.min). For the YMCA Protocol test a chart was used whereby HR was plotted against WR. Firstly a horizontal line was drawn where the subjects age-predicted HR max lies. Secondly the HR from the last minute of each of the last two WR was plotted against the corresponding WR. Next a straight line is drawn joining these two values as well as intersecting the line of the subjects age-predicted HR max. From this point a vertical line was drawn downwards which intersected the work-rate and VO2 scales below the horizontal axis consequently determining the subjects VO2 levels (L.min). Data Analysis Procedures For the Astrand-Ryhming step test, the subjects age determined VO2 max was predicted by using the age correlation factor table which was located in the age correction factor for determination of predicted VO2 max table and multiplying it by the Raw VO2 max levels. Further analysis was conducted by converting this value from L.min to ml.kg.min in order express VO2 max relative to body mass. Like the analysis procedure for the Astrand-Ryhming step test, the relative body mass VO2 max was also determined for the YMCA Protocol test. This method differed from the Astrand-Ryhming step test as the age correction table was not used; instead age was incorporated into the graph for plotting HR against WR. Results After completion of the two sub-maximal fitness tests it was evident from the tests that males (49.09  ± 11.48) as a whole group recorded a higher VO2 max level in the YMCA Protocol Test as opposed to females (46.42  ± 11.81). Despite this, when analysing results for the Astrand-Ryhming step test it was discovered that as an entire cohort, females (48.26  ± 10.51) recorded an average higher VO2 max than their male (47.66  ± 8.04) counterparts. In addition, it is evident that males (H: 181.39  ± 6.36 cm, W: 76.88  ± 8.87 kg) have a higher average height and weight as opposed to women (H: 164.34  ± 26.94 cm, W: 60.05  ± 6.93 kg). Figure 1 refers to the average group VO2 max between males and females for both sub-maximal fitness tests. Based on this figure it is evident that males have a higher mean value for both tests than women. Conversely, women have a greater spread of data for the Astrand-Ryhming step test as opposed to men, as well as having higher maximum values for the YMCA Protocol Test. Males seem to have a fairly even spread of data for both tests, which correlates to their higher average VO2 max in the YMCA Protocol Test. Table 1: Average ( ± SD) values for males and females age, height (cm), weight (kg) and VO2 max (ml.kg.min) Age Weight (kg) Height (m) YMCA Protocol Test (ml.kg.min) Astrand-Ryhming step test (ml.kg.min) Males 19.07  ± 3.85 76.88  ± 8.87 181.39  ± 6.36 49.09  ± 11.48 47.66  ± 8.04 Females 18.28  ± 1.73 60.05  ± 6.93 164.34  ± 26.94 46.42  ± 11.81 48.26  ± 10.51 Figure 1: Box plot of average VO2 max between males and females for both sub-maximal fitness tests Discussion The gender differences of VO2 max for the study somewhat reflects the observations and results recorded in previous literature. Previous studies on gender research have indicated that males have a higher VO2 max than that of females, in both absolute terms and relative to body mass (Rowland et al, 2000). It was found that after the completion of the current study that this research was only partly confirmed as males were found to have a higher VO2 max in the YMCA Protocol Test, whilst females recorded a higher VO2 max in the Astrand-Ryhming step test. It is believed that differences in body composition are the main contributing factor as to why VO2 max levels differ between genders. When analysing height and weight components between males (H: 181.39  ± 6.36 cm, W: 76.88  ± 8.87 kg) and females (H: 164.34  ± 26.94 cm, W: 60.05  ± 6.93 kg), it was evident that males were on average significantly larger than females. This correlates with research conducted by Rowland et al (2000) which states that majority of males can produce a higher VO2 max due to the fact they are anatomically bigger. As a result of their larger size it is known that males have larger chest cavities and consequently larger lungs, which equates to them having a larger lung capacity and consequent VO2 max levels. This evidence is closely associated with the results produced from the YMCA Protocol Test as males (49.09  ± 11.48) produced a considerably higher VO2 max than that of females (46.42  ± 11.81). Evidently body composition is not the only determinant of VO2 max as personal fitness levels and training background may also play a major part in VO2 max levels (Suth, 2005). In addition to this, personal motivation could have also contributed to the overall results from the tests. Suth (2005) revealed that there is a high correlation between personal fitness, training background and VO2 max regardless of gender. Consequently, regardless of body composition or gender, a person who participates regularly in moderate to vigorous physical activity will have a higher VO2 max than that of a sedentary individual. With the selected sample being human movement studies students, who all have an interest in sport, it is likely that majority of participants would engage in physical activity resulting in them having above average fitness levels. Whilst training background and prior fitness levels were not extensively measured prior to the test is may be assumed that this concept is a possible e xplanation for the females (48.26  ± 10.51) recording a marginally higher VO2 max than males (47.66  ± 8.04) in the Astrand-Ryhming step test. Key limitations to this study could have had a direct correlation to the results which were recorded from the study. Mainly the fact that the two sub-maximal fitness tests were performed directly after each other could have had a direct bearing on the results. This is because following the first test, depending on how exhausting it was, the subject could have been pre-fatigued and possibly performing below their optimal performance levels consequently producing a lower VO2 max level. Another limitation to the study is the fact that training background and fitness levels were not extensively analysed prior to the studies conduction. This is particularly evident as all of the studies participants, as they are a part of the faculty of human movement studies, would be assumed to have above average VO2 max levels consequently not providing much difference between males and females. Conversely, if participants of this study were compared against a group of sedentary individuals different r esults outlining differences between fitness levels and genders could be expected. Similarly, it would be expected that the VO2 max results for the second test would be lower than the first due to fatigue. Looking forward to the future, ensuring that all participants perform each test in the same order, or possibly on different days, will mean that the results obtained from the tests will project the optimal efforts of the participants. Conversely, a downfall to this would be that it would take more time to obtain results from the two tests. Also, another idea is to groups participants according to body mass and/or height in order to determine whether maximal oxygen uptake is governed by gender or body composition.