The Effect of Transformation of pGLO in Bacteria

Genetic transformation is a process that primarily is inserting new DNA into an organism to change that organism’s trait. This process has many useful benefits when used correctly in different organisms. In this lab, bacteria was transformed by inserting DNA for Green Fluorescent Proteins. The DNA for these proteins were taken from bioluminescent jellyfish Aequorea victoria. One of the main lessons of the lab is learning of the use of ‘plasmids’. Plasmids are small pieces of DNA that usually code for one trait and are easily transferable between bacteria.This transfer of plasmids between bacteria is actually extremely helpful for them and are key in their survival. The plasmid that codes for the Green Fluorescent Proteins is accompanied with a gene for resistance to the antibiotic ampicillin. To ‘switch on’ the gene for fluorescence caused by the proteins, sugar arabinose must be added to the bacteria’s environment. If there is no sugar arabino se introduced to the plates, then the bacteria will appear white and will not glow, even if the gene for the proteins is successfully inserted.If the gene was successfully inserted and there is sugar arabinose present then the bacteria will glow a fluorescent green. The objectives for this lab is was to see the effects on bacteria in four different cases. The first case is the effect on bacteria when the gene for pGLO is introduced with LB (a ‘broth’ like substance that bacteria feed off of) and ampacillin. The second case is the effect on bacteria when the gene for pGLO is introduced with LB, ampacillin, and sugar arabinose.The third case is the effect on bacteria when no gene for pGLO is introduced, but LB and ampacillin is still introduced, The fourth case is the effect on bacteria when no gene for pGLO is introduced, but bacteria is still placed in a LB enriched environment. The hypothesis for the first plate is that bacteria will grow, however it will not glow even though the pGLO gene is introduced because there is no arabinose to effectively activate the gene. The bacteria will still grow although the ampacillin (which normally kills bacteria) is present because the pGLO gene also acts as a resistant to antibiotics.The hypothesis for the second plate is that bacteria will grow and glow because the gene for pGLO is introduced with sugar arabinose to effectively turn it on. The bacteria will also not die although ampacillin is present because, alike to the first plate, the pGLO assists the bacteria in becoming resistant to antibiotics. The hypothesis for the third plate is that no bacteria will grow at all because it is an ampacillin enriched environment with no pGLO gene to help the bacteria become resistant to the antibiotic.The hypothesis for the fourth plate is that the bacteria will grow normally because although there is no pGLO gene introduced, there is also no antibiotic to prevent the bacteria from growing. (AP Biology Development Co mmittee, 2012) Data/Results: ? Figure 1. Recorded results from observing the transformed bacteria under light and in darkness After proper incubation time, we took the plates and viewed them with the lights on and then turned the lights off to see if any of the plates had colonies that glowed.As seen in Figure 1, the first plate produced some bacteria (one colony) and did not glow. The second plate produced a decent amount of bacteria (eight colonies) and ended up glowing. The third plate did not produce any bacteria at all leaving it impossible to see if anything glowed or not. The fourth plate produced the most amount of bacteria (ten colonies) and did not glow. Conclusion: All four of our hypotheses were correct after reviewing the results.The first plate, that consisted of bacteria with pGLO in an environment of LB and ampacillin, produced colonies however they did not glow due to the fact that there was nothing to turn on the pGLO gene. There needed to be arabinose in the envir onment for the gene to be expressed and since there was not there was no glow. The second plate, that consisted of bacteria with pGLO in an environment of LB, ampacillin, and arabinose, produced a fair amount of colonies that did end up glowing. The bacteria glowed because the pGLO was successfully inserted and transformed and had the arabinose to express the gene.The third plate, that consisted of bacteria without pGLO in an environment of LB and ampacillin, did not produce any bacteria. This outcome was due to the fact that ampacillin kills bacteria and there was no pGLO gene to help the bacteria become resistant to the antibiotic. The fourth plate, that consisted of bacteria without pGLO in an environment of just LB, produced the most amount of bacteria because although it did not have the pGLO gene to prevent antibiotics from killing the bacteria, there were no antibiotics to have to account for.It makes sense that the fourth plate produced the most bacteria because although in both plates one and two there was pGLO to prevent the ampacillin from killing the bacteria, not all of the bacteria were likely to go through transformation correctly and therefore not all of the bacteria had the pGLO ultimately resulting in the termination of a lot of potential bacteria colonies. (AP Biology Development Committee, 2012) The Effect of Transformation of pGLO in Bacteria Genetic transformation is a process that primarily is inserting new DNA into an organism to change that organism’s trait. This process has many useful benefits when used correctly in different organisms. In this lab, bacteria was transformed by inserting DNA for Green Fluorescent Proteins. The DNA for these proteins were taken from bioluminescent jellyfish Aequorea victoria. One of the main lessons of the lab is learning of the use of ‘plasmids’. Plasmids are small pieces of DNA that usually code for one trait and are easily transferable between bacteria.This transfer of plasmids between bacteria is actually extremely helpful for them and are key in their survival. The plasmid that codes for the Green Fluorescent Proteins is accompanied with a gene for resistance to the antibiotic ampicillin. To ‘switch on’ the gene for fluorescence caused by the proteins, sugar arabinose must be added to the bacteria’s environment. If there is no sugar arabino se introduced to the plates, then the bacteria will appear white and will not glow, even if the gene for the proteins is successfully inserted.If the gene was successfully inserted and there is sugar arabinose present then the bacteria will glow a fluorescent green. The objectives for this lab is was to see the effects on bacteria in four different cases. The first case is the effect on bacteria when the gene for pGLO is introduced with LB (a ‘broth’ like substance that bacteria feed off of) and ampacillin. The second case is the effect on bacteria when the gene for pGLO is introduced with LB, ampacillin, and sugar arabinose.The third case is the effect on bacteria when no gene for pGLO is introduced, but LB and ampacillin is still introduced, The fourth case is the effect on bacteria when no gene for pGLO is introduced, but bacteria is still placed in a LB enriched environment. The hypothesis for the first plate is that bacteria will grow, however it will not glow even though the pGLO gene is introduced because there is no arabinose to effectively activate the gene. The bacteria will still grow although the ampacillin (which normally kills bacteria) is present because the pGLO gene also acts as a resistant to antibiotics.The hypothesis for the second plate is that bacteria will grow and glow because the gene for pGLO is introduced with sugar arabinose to effectively turn it on. The bacteria will also not die although ampacillin is present because, alike to the first plate, the pGLO assists the bacteria in becoming resistant to antibiotics. The hypothesis for the third plate is that no bacteria will grow at all because it is an ampacillin enriched environment with no pGLO gene to help the bacteria become resistant to the antibiotic.The hypothesis for the fourth plate is that the bacteria will grow normally because although there is no pGLO gene introduced, there is also no antibiotic to prevent the bacteria from growing. (AP Biology Development Co mmittee, 2012) Data/Results: ? Figure 1. Recorded results from observing the transformed bacteria under light and in darkness After proper incubation time, we took the plates and viewed them with the lights on and then turned the lights off to see if any of the plates had colonies that glowed.As seen in Figure 1, the first plate produced some bacteria (one colony) and did not glow. The second plate produced a decent amount of bacteria (eight colonies) and ended up glowing. The third plate did not produce any bacteria at all leaving it impossible to see if anything glowed or not. The fourth plate produced the most amount of bacteria (ten colonies) and did not glow. Conclusion: All four of our hypotheses were correct after reviewing the results.The first plate, that consisted of bacteria with pGLO in an environment of LB and ampacillin, produced colonies however they did not glow due to the fact that there was nothing to turn on the pGLO gene. There needed to be arabinose in the envir onment for the gene to be expressed and since there was not there was no glow. The second plate, that consisted of bacteria with pGLO in an environment of LB, ampacillin, and arabinose, produced a fair amount of colonies that did end up glowing. The bacteria glowed because the pGLO was successfully inserted and transformed and had the arabinose to express the gene.The third plate, that consisted of bacteria without pGLO in an environment of LB and ampacillin, did not produce any bacteria. This outcome was due to the fact that ampacillin kills bacteria and there was no pGLO gene to help the bacteria become resistant to the antibiotic. The fourth plate, that consisted of bacteria without pGLO in an environment of just LB, produced the most amount of bacteria because although it did not have the pGLO gene to prevent antibiotics from killing the bacteria, there were no antibiotics to have to account for.It makes sense that the fourth plate produced the most bacteria because although in both plates one and two there was pGLO to prevent the ampacillin from killing the bacteria, not all of the bacteria were likely to go through transformation correctly and therefore not all of the bacteria had the pGLO ultimately resulting in the termination of a lot of potential bacteria colonies. (AP Biology Development Committee, 2012)

Mountain Man

In the article The Mountain Man and American Anguish, Patrick McCarthy’s primary argument is that the vision of the ‘mountain man’ or ‘trapper’ which the public has accepted is either wrong or extremely generalized. He argues that the picture of, â€Å"†¦anarchic freedom, animalism, bravery, instinct (or loss thereof), the return to nature, the search for paradise, sexual potency, staunch individualism, stoicism, and wanderlust, which in actuality is agonized restlessness† is a vision born from movies such as The Adventures of Kit Carson, The Saga of Andy Burnett, and Dream West, among others.In reality, McCarthy explains, a mountain man, â€Å"†¦is beset by powerlessness and intoxicated by themes relating to dominance and punishment: absence of relatedness, isolation, masochism, misogyny, sadism, self-victimization, and all forms of violence (including emotional–threats, harassment, verbal abuse). † As evidence of his a rgument, McCarthy cites trends of national sentiment towards the Vietnam War and the Gulf War.He claims that the macho vision of the mountain man grew from a need for Americans to justify and accept the failings of the Vietnam War, and the use of symbolism and comparisons to the Vietnam War and Vietnam itself are extensive. McCarthy also uses real-life stories to back up his argument, such as the story of Claude Dallas and how the public felt, influenced by television and popular culture, towards him. Another strategy McCarthy uses, and uses heavily, is pure opinion.Most of his justifications in this article as to why mountain men are not as they are portrayed is his own social examination of Americans’ feelings toward societal changes and current events. This is not proof, but more of a possible explanation explained in convincing fashion. The strongest aspect of McCarthy’s article is that, whether he is giving actual proof or just a strong opinion, he backs up his wr iting extensively and convincingly.His article left me with no doubt that he truly believes in his argument and that he researched the topic extensively. He gives multiple sources, explanations and examples for each topic, and it is in chronological order, making it easy to follow along. Unfortunately, McCarthy has some rather large setbacks in this piece which leads me to doubt some of his explanations.He is clearly writing this from a very one-sided, liberal approach, as evidenced by his explanation of President Ronald Reagan as a â€Å"lame duck† president and his definition of America’s involvement in the Gulf War as, â€Å"American Evils. † Both are known by Americans to be false due to Reagan being a very productive President and the Gulf War being a noble cause which ended the suffering, rape, and random killing of Kuwaitis at the hands of the Iraqi Army.Also, McCarthy’s persistent insistence that the ‘mountain man’ theme tied directly to Americans’ feelings about the Vietnam War does not leave room to consider other explanations. For example, television works in waves; once the ‘mountain man’ themed movies come out in abundance, people get tired of them and they take a break from them. Eventually, they become popular again. It is the normal cycle of television, and he does not address this once.

Exploring the Biological Perspective on Depression

Approximately 80% of people who experience depression are currently not receiving any treatment. This statistic Is sad because depression Is one of the most treatable Illnesses. If treated with the proper medication and or therapy, 80% to 90% will find relief. By the year 2020, depression will be the second most common health problem in the world (SYS). I believe depression to be a very Interesting topic because as common as depression is, there is still a stigma attached to â€Å"being depressed. † I currently suffer from depression and would like to know more about it and the different treatments that are available.In this study, I will explain, discuss, and elaborate upon the point of view, assumptions, strengths, and weaknesses of the biological perspective on depression. The biological perspective focuses on how the brain functions and the influence of genetics on behavior. Therefore, the biological perspective explains depression as it relates to the functions of the bra in. There are roughly ten million cells, called neurons, In your brain and each neuron connects to another neuron. When the connection is made, it is in the form of an electrical impulse which travels down the connections between neurons.The neurons that carry these electrical impulses contain small gaps called synapses. These are important because they allow electrical activity, and hence brain functioning, to take place. In order for an impulse (or message) to go from one neuron across the synapse to another neuron. A number of important enzymes, called neurotransmitters, have to come into play. In total there six different groups of neurotransmitters and each one is specific to a particular type of brain cell. From the point of view of depression, the main neurotransmitters are serotonin and noradrenalin, sometimes called morphogenesis Priest).When we are depressed, physical changes take place within our bodies. The most Important of these changes takes place within the brain. It Is on this basis that depression is considered a physical illness, rather than merely something psychological or something that exists only in the imagination or perception of the ‘OFF sufferer (Pretest). I nerve Is a null degree AT variation among people Walt depression In terms of symptoms, course of illness, and response to treatment, indicating that depression may have a number of complex and interacting causes.These varying actors pose a major challenge to researchers attempting to understand and treat the disorder (Psych Central). However, recent advances in research technology are bringing National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) scientists closer than ever before to characterizing the biology and physiology of depression in its different forms and to the possibility of identifying effective treatments for individuals based on symptom presentation.People who suffer from depression have low levels of these two neurotransmitters, and this is thought to lead to the main symptoms of low mood, owe-energy, depressed outlook on life, disturbed sleep and a low drive or arousal which relates back to the definition of depression. The strengths of the biological perspective that relate to depression are the fact that depression is mainly a result of low levels of certain neurotransmitters. Another reason could be an imbalance of hormones, which would explain why nearly twice as many women as men are affected by a depressive illness each year.The influence of hormones on depression in women has been an active area of NIMH research. One recent study was the first to demonstrate that the troublesome depressive mood wings and physical symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (MS), a disorder affecting 3% to 7% of menstruating women, results from an abnormal response to normal hormone changes during the menstrual cycle. The hormonal system that regulates the body response to stress is the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HAP) axis. It is overactive in many patients wi th depression.The hypothalamus, the brain region responsible for managing hormone release from glands throughout the body, increases production of a substance called corporation releasing factor (CRY), when a threat to physical or psychological well-being is detected. Elevated levels and effects of CRY lead to increased hormone secretion by the pituitary and adrenal glands which prepares the body for defensive action. NIMH research suggests that persistent over activation of this hormonal system may lay the groundwork for depression.The elevated CRY levels detectable in depressed patients are reduced by treatment with antidepressant drugs or ACT, and this reduction corresponds to improvement in depressive symptoms [ (Psych Central) In the sixties, the biological perspective became dominant due to numerous breakthroughs in genetics, psychopathology, neurophysiology, and brain research. Genetic research has also been able to show support that biological elements play a strong role in depression.Close relatives of people who suffer from depression were found to be more susceptible to depression in comparison to people of the general population. There has been extensive research done on trying to identify the gene that causes depression. However, it has been hard to identify the gene and researchers feel that there are several genes that contribute to depression, meaning that each gene makes a small contribution. Psychopathology provides more evidence that the biological perspective is the primary Doctor In oppression. Ever ten past cache, targeted rug eagles NAS lea to significant advances in the pharmacological management of depression. In the sass the introduction of the selective serotonin eruptive inhibitors (Girls), into clinical medicine was heralded as the â€Å"first class† of antidepressants with a selective action on a key neurological target in depression, namely serotonin. The selective serotonin eruptive inhibitors (Girls) are the most widely used antidepressants cause they are easy to use, and their side effects are better tolerated than those of older antidepressants.The most frequently used Girls are Florentine (Approach), serialize (Zloty), parenting (Paxar), and Catalonian (Clean). A newer antidepressant is ventilating (Officer), which is closely related to the Girls. Antidepressant medications take several weeks to be clinically effective even though they begin to alter brain chemistry with the very first dose. Research now indicates that antidepressant effects result from slow-onset adaptive changes within the neurons.The fact that a depressed person can take an antidepressant and feel better proves that depression is mainly the result of the biological perspective [ (â€Å"Pharmacology and Depression† Pumped. Gob) Neurophysiology is a branch of clinical psychology that studies how the brain and nervous system affect how we function on a daily basis. Unlike the use of normalizing techniques such as MR., CT scans and Egg's where the focus is on nervous system structures, neurophysiology seeks to understand how the various components of the brain are able to do their Jobs.Clinical neurophysiology makes SE of various assessment methods to ascertain function and dysfunction and applies this knowledge to evaluate, treat, and rehabilitate individuals with suspected or demonstrated neurological or psychological problems [ (Rightful. Com) In the past decade, there have been significant advances in our ability to investigate brain function at multiple levels. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is collaborating with various scientific disciplines to effectively utilize the tools of molecular and cellular biology and genetics.Modern brain imaging technologies re revealing that in depression, neural circuits responsible for the regulation of moods, thinking, sleep, appetite, and behavior fail to function properly, and that critical neurotransmitters, chemicals used by nerve cells to c ommunicate, are perhaps out of balance [ (Psych Central) The weaknesses of the biological perspective are that it does not take into account your environment, society, and culture. The behavioral perspective explains mental illness as a learned response to stimuli. From a behavioral perspective, learning theorists assume that depression and the lack of reinforcement are related.Most researchers think that depression results from an interaction between the person's biological characteristics and psychological vulnerability and the occurrence of stressful events in his or her life [ (Huckleberry) The socio-cultural perspective describes depression as the result of social, economic, and cultural factors. Strong evidence of this is shown among people living in poverty. In addition, there are other factors, such as today's high rate of unemployment and victims of social disasters like war. In ten manliest perspective, a person's Taller to Tina meaning In Tie or to lawful their potential can be attributed to depression.Abraham Mascot was an American psychologist who was best known for his theory of human motivation, which led to a therapeutic technique known as self-actualization. Mascot proposed that an individual is motivated by a hierarchy of needs. A humans basic needs must be met before higher ones can be satisfied. Arranged in order from lowest to highest in a hierarchy, the needs are physiological (satisfaction of hunger and thirst), safety (security), belongingness and love (being loved, avoiding loneliness), esteem achievement, recognition, self-esteem), self-actualization (realization of one's full potential).Mascot also believed that the achievement of self-actualization is often marked by peak experiences, feelings of incredible peace and happiness in the course of life activities. When these, hierarchy of needs that Mascot talks about are not met like being lonely, having low self esteem, and not reaching ones full potential in correlation with the biol ogical factors, you have a recipe for depression. Carl Rogers, a clinical psychologist, used the theory of self-concept, which he defined as n organized pattern of perceived characteristics along with the values attached to those attributes.He also assumed that within each individual there is a biological drive toward growth of self-concept, which can ultimately lead to self-actualization. Rogers believed that while children's self-concept is developing, they may internalize conditions of worth, Judgments about the kinds of behaviors that will bring approval from others. He felt that to promote growth and development, parents and authority figures should give a child unconditional acceptance and love, which allows a child to evolve self-acceptance and to achieve self-actualization.To help his clients get back on the road to self-actualization, he developed a therapeutic approach called client- centered therapy, in which the therapist offers the client unconditional positive regard b y supporting the client regardless of what is said. The warm, sympathetic therapeutic environment allows the client to be freed of internalized conditions of worth and to resume the self-actualization process [ (Huckleberry) In conclusion, by exploring the different psychological perspectives, I had to take y blinders off in order gain a greater understanding of depression and how it relates to the perspectives.

IT Trade Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

IT Trade - Essay Example The range of mobile apps necessary for enterprises includes native and HTML5 applications, hybrid apps, and special apps. However, companies need to understand their particular needs and pick apps that work best for them. HTML5 apps may be relevant where browser only solutions are required. Native apps may be significant in consumer-facing applications (High 1). As an IT manager, I would allow the use of mobile apps and devices, but only for business purposes. The Policies would be developed that only ensures that the apps used by employees during working hours help in achieving the company goals for the company. There are many benefits associated with the use of mobiles devices and the associated apps. Some of the apps are related to the different roles played by employees in the company. The IT manager should ensure that the employees understand and have relevant knowledge required to operate the different apps in order to enhance work performance and productivity for the enterprise.Mobile apps and devices may fit into the IT and communications sector of the enterprise. The various apps available in the mobile devices may help make work easier for the employees. Communication and sharing of information become easier if the employees understand the different mobile apps available for various uses in the organization. Cloud computing is also a common trend that may be helpful for a manager in ensuring that the company is leading in the IT sector. Cloud computing involves a model for ensuring that there is convenient network access with minimal management effort (David 8). Then shift to cloud computing services is already evident in many organizations as managers are investing a lot of money to develop cloud services for their organizations. The trend in cloud computing is shifting towards developing personal clouds and use them manage other internal platforms and services. Cloud computing may be helpful in companies with many

What factors contributed in the stuggle against the Mafia in Sicily Essay

What factors contributed in the stuggle against the Mafia in Sicily - Essay Example Cosa Nostra (Mafia) criminal syndicate emerged in mid 19th century and all cosca aimed at controlling a particular territory (Blok 2001). In 1870s, Romans officials invited Sicilian Mafia clans to help in fighting dangerous independent criminal organisations and protect the land owners (Blok 2001). The Mafia and state had entered in to partnership that allowed the Cosa Nostra to perform the functions that state could inefficiently perform. Factors that contributed to struggle against Sicilian Mafia The mafia and state enjoyed cordial relationships with the Mafia without any disruptions for several years. However, the relationships started tumbling in 1960s after Mafia acquired wealth and threatened the balance of power between the state and Mafia (Blok 2001). Accordingly, the methods of Mafia in acquiring power changed to threatening, extortion and criminal activities thus threatening the State power (Blok 2001). Mafia acquired considerable financial resources through ensuring close working ties with Christian Democratic Party and obtaining guarantees on construction contracts (Allum and Renate2003). In recognition of Mafia’s growing influence, the state decided to withdraw from the relationship with Cosa Nostra (Seindal 1998). Again, Mafia criminal empire expanded in 1970s to become a key network in inter-continent crimes such as money laundering and drug-trafficking. Mafia was initially used to define Sicilian phenomenon, but it is currently used to define any organised criminal organisation especially in Italia (Seindal 1998). In the recent past, Sicilian mafia has expanded to European and international level and has committed other crimes such as money laundering and drug trafficking in countries like Middle East, Latin-America and Switzerland. According to Italian anti-Mafia law of 1982, mafia organisations use intimidation powers and have organised criminal structure that plan its criminal activities. Sicilian mafia has a long history of corruption , murder and extortion (Blok 2001). In early 1980s, Mafia violence was directed at assassination of judges, prosecutors and political authorities. Corleonesi assisted in instigating the Second Mafia war and led a brutal Luciana Leggio against the state authorities in the ‘First Mafia War’. After the Mafia Trials of 1960s, few individuals were convicted of criminal activities and Mafia resumed back to illicit business activities. Control for family dominance within the Mafia organisation resulted to the Second Mafia wars since Corleonesi believed that some families had benefited more from the illicit drug profits and desired to dominate the Mafia through use of violence. Several Mafia families regrouped and started killing specific state figures such as Colonel Giuseppe Russo and several police chiefs (Seindal 1998). Organisations that struggled against the Sicilian Mafia Magistrates Giovanni and Paolo Borsellino The climax of Mafia brutality highlighted the need of the state to curb the organisations criminal activities and several individuals within the state started fighting against the impunity of Mafia (Scheider and Peter1998). In late 1980s and early 1990s, Sicilian prosecutors like Paolo Borsellino and Giovanni Falcone work unearthed the hierarchical structure of Sicilian Mafia organisations. The two prosecutors asserted that they would

Whistle-blowing Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Whistle-blowing - Research Paper Example As high officials in the organization, they became privy to information that they thought would be damaging to the company. The Government Accountability Project (GAP) defined a whistle blower as: An employee who discloses information that s/he reasonably believes is evidence of illegality, gross waste or fraud, mismanagement, abuse of power, general wrongdoing, or a substantial and specific danger to public health and safety. Typically, whistleblowers speak out to parties that can influence and rectify the situation. These parties include the media, organizational managers, hotlines, or Congressional members/staff, to name a few. These 3 women could not be properly called whistle blowers under the rules cited in Chap 4 of Whistle blowing,:â€Å"employees who follows established procedures is not a whistleblower† As in definition above, whistle blowing should take into account to whom the information is given in order to achieve the desired change. Merely passing information to higher authorities in the organization is not whistle blowing and is only part of their duties. Their testimony in Congress could not be called whistle blowing as they were legally required to do so, and were not done voluntarily. Their memos only formed part of exhibits for testimony. Rowley could not be a whistle blower because her position requires utmost confidentiality, so she could not divulge to outer sources. Watkin’s advise. When Sherron Watkins wrote a lengthy memo to her boss, Ken Lay, she knew of the ticking time bomb that would explode into a scandal. She uncovered fraud that involved many persons in the organization. When she advised Ken Lay to develop a â€Å"clean up Plan†, she probably meant to have an organizational clean up that would correct the system, and purge erring employees. In an ethical perspective, she was

Relationship between systematic theology and christian ethics Essay

Relationship between systematic theology and christian ethics - Essay Example Christian ethics is mainly guarded by the biblical scriptures and other sacred teachings. In essence, ethics plays a significant role in molding people’s behavior and way of life. In addition, ethics aids in bring order in the society and ensuring that everyone acts accordingly in areas of resident, social gatherings and places of work. In this essay, investigation of the assertion that, there exists a certain relationship between Christian ethics and systematic theology is going to be investigated. Both disciplines focus on instilling good moral values to Christians. In fact, the core objective of these two fields of study is to enhance upright moral behaviors for Christians. For instance, Fedler (2006) argues that Christian ethics provides a guideline on how Christians should conduct themselves in private and public places. Similarly, systematic theology explores the Christian behaviors in order to set a platform for proper application of the Christian ethics. In essence, the two work hand in hand in building and developing the Christianity base. Christians are expected to be good ambassadors of Christ by acting according to the provisions of the bible and other holy texts. According to Christian ethics, a Christian should be an individual whose character is admirable to the members of the society. Actually, Christians should behave in such a way that non-Christians envy to emulate their character. The advancement in technology and education has eroded the good human morals a nd, therefore, systematic theology and Christianethics need to be applied together in order to restore and uphold acceptable morals in the society. According to Jenson (2001), systematic theology is not only an endeavor for Christianity knowledge but also an exposure to God’s truth on humanity. Through systematic theology, people are able to understand the reasons why God ordered some things to be done the way they are done and, this aids in building a well-founded

Personal Point of View on Commanding Wife, Downfall Assignment

Personal Point of View on Commanding Wife, Downfall - Assignment Example As the author declares "every man wants a beautiful wife. I got one. Every man wants a brilliant and tough woman. I got one. Every man wants a woman that can stand up for herself. I got one. What else do I need? Twenty years later, she controls my thinking, she has modernized me, changed me from the cowboy man I used to be. I no longer wear my hats and boots like before. I am used to being in suits and matching ties. I am a different person. I am more responsible, and I have to consult her before making any decision. Do I fulfil the requirements of the men being masculine and domineering in the patriarchal society? What has become of me? Everyone keeps saying that I am being controlled like a small child? Is that so? [Pause] Has my life become well with my commanding wife or not? On a contrary thought, my commanding wife has helped me a lot. I was a wreck before, a drunkard, a useless bastard. I did very little to make my life better. All I did was sit†¦sit in the ranch and drink. Waste the whole day with friends in the motel†¦drinking and partying was the way of life. Look at me now, I have a job, I even built a house. I did not know I had so much potential. What was I waiting for? For my parents to push me around? No way†¦ they got tired of me a long time ago. See what my commanding wife, she took me as I am. I was a no one. I am now a living testimony of change. Why are people condemning her? I just do not understand how people think and behave. If I live a bachelor, they complain, if I marry, they say I am not man enough. I am tired. So tired [pause]. The good thing is that I love my wife. Whether commanding or not, she is my life, she is my support system. I admit that without her my life is useless. Actually, I do not know what I would d o if she left my world if she said she would live. I would surely die. My commanding wife, you are me, you are my life, and you are who that I dream of†¦ [Singing]. "

Autobiographical Narrative Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Autobiographical Narrative - Essay Example As a result, I have started to see new things with my own eyes which I never used to see before; feel new things with the same heart which never gave me those feelings before! Of course, things have changed considerably since I overcame this ultimate test of my life, but the test was never an easy one! It was the first and most crucial challenge in my entire life up to the last fifteen years when my doctor advised me to become a vegetarian in order to improve my health. For a person who was born and brought up as a ‘pure’ non-vegetarian, the ‘mere’ idea behind this vegetarianism was anything but easily digestible. And, no doubt, I became too upset too fast! â€Å"It is going to be in the best interest of your life!† – my physician was clear-cut in his voice. I tried my best to avoid such a situation – I debated a great deal with the doctor on the idiocy of the idea, and organized my arguments against concept of vegetarianism. But, in the end, I had to give up my idea, and then started the most challenging phase of my life. â€Å"Hope it’s not going to be the end of my happy life† – thought I, as I came out of the physician’s room.... I never knew, in my short life, what it means to adjust or compromise, because I have never been of that type. â€Å"I want a play-station today† – I would demand my mom, and it was there in the evening. Even my elder brother was not fortunate in enjoying this distinction, as he was always directed to make the adjustments for me! â€Å"You ought to make the compromise, Jerry,† my father used to tell my brother, â€Å"because John is much younger to you.† In other words, there is not a single child in the whole world who was fortunate to enjoy the more satisfying things in life and I lived like a king in my own empire. Life seemed terribly changed once I was expected to make adjustments for the first time in my entire life – that too, on the very matter which is most crucial in my life. I think I’m yet to introduce myself as a person who is deeply addicted to eating too much, but it is the most telltale feature of my life. I’m widely kn own among my friends and relatives as a youngster who was an ardent admirer of non-vegetarian items in the menu. Yes, I have been a ‘pure’ non-vegetarian for the last fifteen years or more! I just love to come across more recipes in non-vegetarian and I had a craze for Italian and Chinese cuisine. I enjoyed almost all the items in my non-veg. menu and it was almost clear from the way I looked. I’m under treatment for the same reason – that I’m an obese now. I was prescribed to turn to be a vegetarian for the same reason – as part of the overall strategy for weight control, cholesterol reduction, and blood pressure reduction. It was a Himalayan task for me to adjust myself to the requirements of my new life which is totally devoid of the presence of fish, meat,

Analysis of J.M Barrie's novel Peter Pan Research Paper

Analysis of J.M Barrie's novel Peter Pan - Research Paper Example Peter-Pan to all of us represents a boy who simply refuses to grow-up thereby causing him to face dire consequences. In fact, there is a little â€Å"Peter-Pan â€Å"inside of adults which can easily relate to the challenges faced by the protagonist. It is for this reason that the story itself can be analyzed using a psychological approach in relation with â€Å"Peter Pan Syndrome†. Although this syndrome is not yet recognized as a personality disorder or a psychological problem, a professor of of the Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment of the University of Granada and an expert in emotional disorders- Humbelina Robles Ortega argues that there is a probability that parents who are overprotective of their children can produce this syndrome in their children ( ScienceDaily, 2007). Ortega characterized the disorder by: â€Å" inability of individuals to take on responsibilities, to commit themselves or to keep promises, excessive care about the way they look and personal well-being and their lack of self-confidence, even though they don’t seem to show it and actually come across as exactly the opposite† ( Science Daily, 2007). It can be inferred then from the given symptoms that person who has these characteristics are immature since they haven’t developed the emotional stability to discipline themselves. In view of this, the paper analyzes the elements of the famous fairytale by J.M. Barrie which uses conflicting concepts such as aging and youthfulness, enchantment and reality, as well as the eternal struggle between good and evil to present the theme of immaturity. In the story Peter Pan, Peter is granted eternal youth as he resides in Neverland. He is given this ability by â€Å"forgetting his adventures and what he learns about the real world†. Peter may not be able to age physically while living in Neverland but the time of his existence still lingers on. He still has yet to lose his baby

Democratic Systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Democratic Systems - Essay Example Dependants admitted in Britain (in thousands) 1 July 1962 - 31 December 1972 Source: Adapted from the Home Office, Commonwealth Immigrants Acts of 1962 and 1968: Control of Immigration, Statistics 1972, Cmnd. 5285, London, HMSO, 1973; and previous volumes published annually in the same series. In 1968 it has been passed the Bill against discrimination, however it has been accompanied by the new legislation, which has made control over the entrance to the country tougher and sharply reduced the quantity of new immigrants. The same year during parliamentary discussion on racial relation Enoch Powell (that time the speaker of conservatives) has made the speech in Birmingham, in which he has expressed his anxiety on occasion of sharp increase of non-white population of Britain. Moreover the Gallup Poll has shown, that 75 % of British more or are less solidary with Powell's estimation.With the purpose of struggle against racial discrimination in 1976 British third Race Relations Ac has been passed. The Act forbade discrimination at employment, rent or purchase of accommodations, acceptance in clubs and organization. For supervision over the execution of the Act it has been founded the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE), which has been allocated with the broad powers. The dec isions of Commission had the status of the law. However 1970s have been also marked by occurrence of frankly racist party of British National Front. In reply to this there have appeared the organizations resisting the National Front. For example, in 1977 for counteraction to propagation of National Front the Anti-Nazi League (ANL) has been founded.By 1990s the inhabitants of the Great Britain having West-Indies and South-Asian... In May of 2001 in Oldham two nights on end police and special troops unsuccessfully tried to stop the fight between white Englishmen and the Indian and Pakistan immigrants. The conflict had its own background. The Pakistan youth has declared the creation of special areas in Oldham where no white person should step. It has been presented as a necessary measure because the police do not protect Pakistan immigrants from excesses of white racists. The young people have started to gather in some similarity of knots of self-defence. In April 2001 an Englishman by name Walter Chamberlain ‘was hospitalised with a broken nose and cheekbones after three Asians attacked him saying, ‘This is our area, get out’ (Milmo, 2001). The point is that this old man crossed a "no go" zone for whites. A veteran of the World War II, 76-years Walter Chamberlain, has been brutally beaten by a group of teenagers-immigrants. Certainly, there were also the others white people, who crossed â€Å"no go† zones; however this old man has appeared to be the easiest prey. Far right powers have immediately answered. They have attacked the Pakistan shop and have thrown a stone in a window of the house, where lived pregnant woman of the Asian origin. From that moment the violence flamed up. For a start about hundred young Asians have crushed a pub, throwing it with bottles with Molotov cocktail. Then more than 500 young men arranged two-day riot.

Gulliver Travel Theme Essay Example for Free

Gulliver Travel Theme Essay Might vs. Right In Jonathon Swift’s Gulliver’s Travel there are many characters who have power over others, some of these characters abuse it other characters do not. Swift gives many details and examples of how the character uses or abuses his or her power. Swift relates many of his characters to real life people of his time The first occurrence of this theme happens when Gulliver washes up on the island of the Lulliputains after his boat was capsized by a huge storm. Gulliver awakens to his arm, legs, and body tied down and is unable to move. He is surrounded by a abundance of miniature like people. Though Gulliver showed no sign of aggression the Lulliputains, despite their small size, still took full advantage over Gulliver and attack him with arrows. The emperor who rules Luptin thinks he can control Gulliver and has him chained and guarded by soldiers. â€Å"The emperor is both a satire of the autocratic ruler and a strangely serious portrait of political power. †(Sparknotes. com). Swift uses The Emperor to represent King George I. Just like King George, The Emperor abuses his power and hires his ministers on how well he likes them rather then their suitability, wisdom, or virtue. The Emperor of Luptin also loves war and wants to use Gulliver’s size to enslave the neighboring island Blefuscu. Although Gulliver refuses to do so, this can be compared to King George I war on Spanish Succession. The Brobdingnagians could dominate with their superior size if they wished but for the must part they do not. Gulliver is taken by a farmer when he lands on the island of Brobdingnag who Gulliver estimates is around seventeen foot tall. The farmer at doesn’t take advantage of his great size but he eventually uses Gulliver as a display around Brobdingnag for money. In General the Brobdingnagians do not abuse their power. The King of Brobdingnag is offered the secret of gunpowder but he refuses to take this, even though gunpowder could vastly increase the power of his nation. The Queen of Brobdingnag finds Gulliver and buys him off the farmer for a thousand pieces of gold. The Queen finds Gulliver quite interesting and thinks of him not as a pet but as fellow Brobdingnagian. Throughout the story Swift likes to draw questions through his characters on why people hold power over others. A key example of this is how The Laputan King thinks he has the right to hold power over the Balnirbarbians simply because he is more devoted to abstract and theoretical knowledge then they are. A more ambiguous example of this power is how the Houyhnhnms control the Yahoos. The Houyhnhnms are intelligent, moral and virtuous people but it is still questionable on whether they should rule the Yahoos. â€Å"The Yahoos are greedy, beastlike humans who will fight over anything valuable and will eat enough food for ten. †(shmoop. com). Even though the Houyhmhnms are great creatures it is still inhuman that they should take control of the Yahoos who are less fortunate than them. Might vs. ight or, abuse or use of power, is a reoccurring theme in Gulliver’s Travels. Swift uses this theme to draw a deeper meaning into the story. The question of why people hold power over others is one that is asked throughout the novel. Swift puts you into each of leaders shoes and gets the reader to think of what they would do if they were in this situation. Would people use to power that was given to them to do great things or would people abuse their power to control and strip freed om from others.

Assessment And Management Of Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Assessment And Management Of Diabetic Ketoacidosis Diabetic Ketoacidosis: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) results from absolute or relative deficiency of circulating insulin (Kitabchi AE, Umpierrez GE, Murphy MB, Kreisberg RA, 2006). DKA is characterized by severe depletion of water and electrolytes from both the intra and extracellular fluid compartments. Despite their dehydration, patients continue to maintain normal blood pressure and have considerable urine output until extreme volume depletion and shock occurs leading to a critical decrease in renal blood flow and glomerular filtration. Assessment: Perform a clinical evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and determine its cause. Carefully look for evidence of infection. Also weigh the patient. Assess clinical severity of dehydration. Assess level of consciousness using Glasgow coma scale [GCS]. Management: Laboratory blood glucose should be measured at diagnosis. An ECG monitor should be applied until the patient is stable. Consulate the Diabetes Team as soon as possible for a decision on continuing management. Transfer to subcutaneous (SC) insulin one the patient is able to eat and drink properly. Do not stop the IV insulin until SC insulin has been given. Patient with known diabetes should go back to their previous insulin regimen. If possible identify the precipitating cause of DKA. Always inform the Diabetes Team so that education can be given to reduce the risk of future episodes of DKA. Hyperosmolar non ketotic coma (HONK): Type 2 diabetes, usually in patients over 60 years. This condition is characterized by hyperglycemia and high plasma osmolality without significant keton-uria or acidosis (Pinies JA, Cairo G, Gaztambide S, et al.1994). Assessment: Same as Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) but look for precipitating medical condition, e.g. sepsis, myocardial infarction etc Management: Management of Hyperosmolar non ketotic coma is same as DKA . Also the insulin infusion rate should be halved as paradoxically these patients can be quite insulin sensitive. Elderly patients are more likely to need a CVP line to optimize fluid replacement. Risk of thromboembolic disease is high anticoagulant fully if no contraindications. Most patient can be managed with oral hypoglycemic agents or diet, but recovery of insulin may take time and insulin may be required for few weeks. Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia is the result of a mismatch between insulin dose, food consumed, and recent exercise and is rarely, if ever, a spontaneous event (Kovatchev BP, Cox DJ, Farhy LS, Straume M, Gonder-Frederick L, Clarke WL,2003).Because it can be accompanied by unpleasant, embarrassing, and potentially dangerous symptoms and because it causes significant anxiety and fear in the patient and their caregivers, its occurrence is a major limiting factor in attempts to achieve near normal BG levels (Clarke WL, Gonder-Frederick A, Snyder AL, Cox DJ 1998,Cryer PE 2002). Assessment: Each hypoglycaemic episode should be assessed carefully to determine its cause evaluating the insulin action profile (time of insulin administration, peak insulin action and intensity of insulin action). Check the recent food intake (timing and amount of carbohydrates eaten and peak BG effect on recent food. Also check recent physical activity (timing, duration and intensity). Also check and missed signs and symptoms of early hypoglycaemia. Management: Management of hypoglycemia involves immediately raising the blood sugar to normal, determining the cause, and taking measures to hopefully prevent future episodes. Initially Glucose 10-20 g is given by mouth either in liquid form or as granulated sugar (2 teaspoons) or sugar lumps (Smeeks FC, 2006). If hypoglycemia causes unconsciousness, or patient is unco-operative, 50 mL of glucose intravenous (IV) infusion 20% can be given. Alternatively, 25 mL of glucose intravenous infusion 50% may be given, but this higher concentration is viscous, making administration difficult; it is also more irritant. Once the patient regains consciousness oral glucose should be administered as above. References : Kitabchi AE, Umpierrez GE, Murphy MB, Kreisberg RA. Hyperglycemic crises in adult patients with diabetes: a consensus statement from the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes Care 2006 Dec: 29(12): 2739-48. Hanas R, Lindgren F, Lindblad B. A 2-yr national population study of pediatric ketoacidosis in Sweden: predisposing conditions and insulin pump use. Pediatr Diabetes 2009 Feb: 10(1): 33-7. McDonnell CM, Pedreira CC, Vadamalayan B, Cameron FJ, Werther GA. Diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolarity and hypernatremia: are high-carbohydrate drinks worsening initial presentation? Pediatr Diabetes 2005 Jun: 6(2): 90-4. Rewers A, Klingensmith G, Davis C, Petitti DB, Pihoker C, Rodriguez B, et al. Presence of diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in youth: the Search for Diabetes in Youth Study. Pediatrics 2008 May: 121(5): e1258-66. Pinies JA, Cairo G, Gaztambide S, et al. Course and prognosis of 132 patients with diabetic non ketotic hyperosmolar state. Diabete Metab 1994; 20: 43-48. Kovatchev BP, Cox DJ, Kumar A, Gonder-Frederick L, Clarke WL. Algorithmic evaluation of metabolic control and risk of severe hypoglycemia in type 1 and type 2 diabetes using self-monitoring blood glucose data. Diabetes Technol Ther 2003: 5: 817-828. Kovatchev BP, Cox DJ, Farhy LS, Straume M, Gonder-Frederick L, Clarke WL. Episodes of severe hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes are preceded and followed within 48 hours by measurable disturbances in blood glucose. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2000: 85: 4287-4292. Clarke WL, Gonder-Frederick A, Snyder AL, Cox DJ. Maternal fear of hypoglycemia in their children with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 1998: 11(Suppl. 1) : 189-194. Cryer PE. Hypoglycaemia: the limiting factor in the glycaemic management of type I and type II diabetes. Diabetologia 2002: 45: 937-948. Strategies for Dealing with the Psychological Issues such as Fear and Anxiety Associated with Diagnosis of Cancer, and How These Can Improve Coping A diagnosis of breast cancer is a great shock. Women report that they fear breast cancer more than heart disease, even though they have a better chance of surviving breast cancer, and dying of stroke or heart failure. Breast cancer has been with us since the early Egyptians, and fear of this disease as well as the treatments for it, seems to be inherent in women all across the world. Normal Emotions and Breast Cancer Here are some normal emotions that you may experience at diagnosis and during treatment. Fear, shock Denial Anger Depression Sadness Anxiety Stress Guilt Loneliness, alienation Hope Physical Responses to Strong Emotions As you begin to deal with diagnosis and treatment, your body will be reacting to emotions as well as surgery and drugs. Your physical responses to the overall stress may be: Fear trouble sleeping, headaches, body aches Anger change in blood pressure Depression fatigue, crying, feeling moody Stress pain, irritability, tension Unresolved or Unexpressed Emotions May Lead to Other Problems You are not alone with your diagnosis or your emotions. Expressing your feelings can give you quite a bit of relief, helping you move forward in your journey. Not all of us are freely expressive, but there are safe and creative outlets for your feelings. Letting out your emotions will help you get support and heal more quickly. Your bottled-up emotions may lead to: Loneliness, withdrawal from others Frustration Hopelessness Feeling out of control Emotional Concerns and Breast Cancer When youve accepted your diagnosis, you may be facing other emotional concerns. The loss of a breast, or part of a breast, has an impact that goes beyond the physical fact. If aggressive treatment is required, it might have long-term impact on your health. It is normal to be concerned about: Fear of recurrence Loss of attractiveness Difficulty with sexual function Loss of fertility Coping With and Surviving Breast Cancer You can improve your emotional health and reduce your physical symptoms with good coping strategies. A study published in the Journal of Psychosocial Oncology reports that women who get help with pain and emotional distress have lower levels of anxiety, fatigue and depression. Here are some ways to cope with your emotions: Communicate with family and friends Maintain intimacy (if you have a partner) Visit with a counselor or spiritual director Join a support group Express your needs and ask for help Report your symptoms to your healthcare team Keep a log of medical visits, save test results, keep receipts Educate yourself about your cancer and treatments Exercise Make plans for a crisis Getting Help for Emotions Is Not a Sign of Weakness You may feel under pressure to be strong or act brave when you least feel that way. Perhaps you dont easily share your feelings with others. You may be in a position of responsibility and trust, and feel like you must contain your fears and hide your disease or the effects of treatment. Sharing these feelings and struggles may make you feel vulnerable. A study published in the Journal of Personality shows that women with breast cancer who do express their anger, fear, sadness, and affection in a group setting live longer than women who suppress these emotions. Here are some ways to express your emotions and boost your emotional and physical health: Make time to talk to family members Communicate with friends and coworkers Attend a support group, or join an online support list Find a good therapist and commit to regular visits Take-Home Message Your feelings about breast cancer and its affect on your body, family, relationships, finances, and mortality are valid and normal. Expressing your emotions and needs will help boost your mental and physical health. Letting it out lets you live longer! Sources: Journal of the American Geriatric Society. Effect of depression on diagnosis, treatment, and survival of older women with breast cancer. Published January 2004. Journal of Psychosocial Oncology. Examining the influence of coping with pain on depression, anxiety, and fatigue among women with breast cancer. Published 2005. National Institute of Health. Womens Fear of Heart Disease Has Almost Doubled in Three Years, But Breast Cancer Remains Most Feared Disease. Published 2008. National Cancer Institute. Support for People with Cancer Taking Time. Published 2005. California Breast Cancer Research Program. Does Change in Emotional Expression Mediate Cancer Survival? Final Report Published 1999. Breast cancer is an uninvited and life-altering event frequently associated with a rapid entry into a challenging treatment regimen and a long process of learning to cope with significant physical, practical, and emotional challenges (Boehmke Dickerson, 2006). Boehmke, M., Dickerson, S. (2006). The diagnosis of breast cancer: Transition from health to illness. Oncology Nursing Forum, 33(6), 1121-1127. Breast cancer can engender negative emotional and interpersonal responses throughout the continuum of cancer care (including the phases of diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and end of life) (Ganz et al., 1996). Support groups have become central to psychosocial interventions for cancer patients because they provide a confidential atmosphere where cancer patients can discuss their challenges and insights with each other. Compared to control groups, patients who participate in support groups have fewer self-reported physical symptoms, lower cortisol levels, better immune system function and quality of life, and longer survival time (Winzelberg, A. J., Classen, C., Alpers, G. W., Roberts, H., Koopman, C., Adams, R. E., et al. (2003). Ganz, P. A., Coscarelli, A., Fred, C., Kahn, B., Polinsky, M. L., Petersen, L. (1996). Breast cancer survivors: Psychosocial concerns and quality of life. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 38(2), 183-199. Winzelberg, A. J., Classen, C., Alpers, G. W., Roberts, H., Koopman, C., Adams, R. E., et al. (2003). Evaluation of an internet support group for women with primary breast cancer. Cancer, 97(5), 1164-1173. However, face-to-face groups, as noted above, have improved well-being, but often pose barriers to people with limited mobility or who live a distance from where they are held. A growing number of patients use online support groups, which are available anytime in the privacy of ones home Eysenbach, G. (2003). The impact of the internet on cancer outcomes. Cancer Journal of Clinicians, 53, 356-371. Understanding how cancer patients use online support groups is an important factor in determining the value of Internet-based services to support cancer patients. Research that characterizes communication patterns can enhance our understanding of the mechanisms that facilitate positive coping with cancer diagnosis, treatment, survival, or death. A growing body of research on online support group messages suggests that qualitative analysis is a valuable method for categorizing patient cancer-related experiences and concerns, identifying existing gaps in knowledge, and guiding priorities for future research (Eysenbach Till, 2001) Eysenbach, G., Till, J. E. (2001). Ethical issues in qualitative research on internet communities. British Medical Journal, 323(10), 1103-1105. Belinda has just had her right breast removed, and she is not feeling alright. In fact, she has not been feeling alright since the moment the doctor told her she was symptomatic. Even if it turns out the mastectomy was completely successful and she becomes a survivor, Belinda will probably still continue to feel psychological anxiety about the possible recurrence of her cancer, not to mention embarrassment about the aesthetic change to her body. The key to helping Belinda is a strong social support network, connections to her ordinary life and high quality nursing communication. Depression Mood Disorder occurs within 10 25% of cancer patients, and physical reactions include palpatations, high blood pressure (seen in Belinda), anxiety and depression. Depression and anxiety can lead to social regression, poor medical compliance, and even suicide. If Belinda becomes depressed she is likely to stay in hospital longer, and complain more of adverse drug effects. Depression makes patients highly sensitised, meaning they are more likely to experience vomiting, nausea and anorexia than a patient in a more positive frame of mind, and their discomfort may eventually cause them to stop treatment. Strategies for battling this sensitisation include fully informing patients of adverse drug symptoms ahead of time, explaining that all drugs have adverse symptoms but not all patients experience them, and that having a positive attitude can have a big impact. (Zhou, Duan, Zhou, Cai, Huang, Zeng Zu, 2010). Patient fear begins the moment the patient is informed that they have cancer. While being told she was symptomatic, Belinda would have struggled to take in more complex information (Gunderman Brown, 2010). In most cases it is important to organise a follow-up appointment a few days following so that the cancer can be fully explained. Disbelief can be exacerbated if Belinda was feeling completely healthy at the time. (Gunderman et al., 2010). Additionally, fertility preservation needs to be discussed early in fertile patients, as chemotherapy can lead to infertility a fact that can be extremely upsetting later on (Wilkes, Coulson, Crosland, Rubin Stewart, 2010). For Indigenous patients of Cherbourg, while cancer occurrence in Indigenous Australians is lower than the overall population, cancer mortality is higher because many Indigenous Australians distrust westernised health facilities and will only present when they are very unwell. Many Indigenous Australians link cancer with curses, imminent unstoppable death and contagion, and dont seek treatment or hide symptoms because they believe they have done wrong, deserve illness, the outcome is already decided, they feel ashamed of their wrong-doing or they fear ostracism. These beliefs are prevalent in urban as well as rural populations (Shahid, Finn, Bessarab Thompson, 2010) and bush medicine is widely used. Encouragingly, Indigenous health care workers can find a successful balance between traditional and westernised medicine. Developing this balance in Indigenous Australian patients will allow them to participate in their own care. Nurses can consciously bring up the subject of traditional medicines and discuss these with the patient and family, as well as provide information about cancer in plain language so that patients can make informed decisions. (Shahid et al., 2010). In the case of younger Cherbourg cancer patients, teenaged and young adult cancer patients often feel quite out of place as they are either the oldest in paediatric unit or the youngest in an adult unit at the hospital. Additionally they are developing into independent adults, but are suddenly thrown back into a dependent role as cancer patients. They require high levels of social networking support. These dilemmas have been battled by a hospital in Denmark where teenaged and young adult (15 22 years) cancer patients are placed in a dedicated youth unit and are involved in specialised care appropriate to their age and needs. This includes network meetings involving the patient, family, friends the patient selects, and health care workers involved in the patients care. These meetings allow the nurse to be the voice for the patient, letting friends know the patient needs support and might find it hard to ask, and letting the parents know the patient may need some parent-free hours. Th e nurse can also make the space youth friendly, offering friends chips and soft drink when they visit so that they will return and helping them schedule so that at least one friend visits each week. (Olsen Harder, 2011). Generally, the key with all cancer patients, including Belinda, is to encourage a strong social support network, encourage them to be involved in their normal lives as much as possible, and communicate both information and empathy. Getting patients involved in their own treatment, such as encouraging them to research their disease, and encouraging them to return to work if they can are also positive strategies. (Gunderamn et al., 2010). Interesting Topics for Further Exploration: Honesty, particularly with late or terminally ill patients, is a controversial issue as some families may want to withhold information, while generally health workers support full disclosure. (Locatelli, Piselli, Cicerchia, Raffaele, Abbatecola and Repetto, 2010). The psychological affect of treatment-induced infertility or sexual impotence Anticipatory grieving in parents of children with cancer Religious coping and its advantages and pitfalls The psychology and struggles of cancer survivors Coping With and Surviving Breast Cancer You can improve your emotional health and reduce your physical symptoms with good coping strategies. A study published in the Journal of Psychosocial Oncology reports that women who get help with pain and emotional distress have lower levels of anxiety, fatigue and depression. Here are some ways to cope with your emotions: Communicate with family and friends Maintain intimacy (if you have a partner) Visit with a counselor or spiritual director Join a support group Express your needs and ask for help Report your symptoms to your healthcare team Keep a log of medical visits, save test results, keep receipts Educate yourself about your cancer and treatments Exercise Make plans for a crisis Getting Help for Emotions Is Not a Sign of Weakness You may feel under pressure to be strong or act brave when you least feel that way. Perhaps you dont easily share your feelings with others. You may be in a position of responsibility and trust, and feel like you must contain your fears and hide your disease or the effects of treatment. Sharing these feelings and struggles may make you feel vulnerable. A study published in the Journal of Personality shows that women with breast cancer who do express their anger, fear, sadness, and affection in a group setting live longer than women who suppress these emotions. Here are some ways to express your emotions and boost your emotional and physical health: Make time to talk to family members Communicate with friends and coworkers Attend a support group, or join an online support list Find a good therapist and commit to regular visits Take-Home Message Your feelings about breast cancer and its affect on your body, family, relationships, finances, and mortality are valid and normal. Expressing your emotions and needs will help boost your mental and physical health. Letting it out lets you live longe Eliza, you have given a prefect picture of emotion and stress which Belinda is facing. Now a days diagnosis of breast cancer is a great shock. Today women fear breast cancer more than heart diseases, even though they have a better chance of surviving cancer than dying to stoke or heart failure (National institute of Health 2008). As the women being to deal with diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, their body automatically start reacting to emotions. Their physical response to overall stress may be fear (trouble sleeping, headaches or body aches), Anger (Change of blood pressure), Depression (fatigue, crying. Feeling moody), stress (pain, irrtability, tension). Also once women accept her diagnosis, they may also face another emotional concern. The loss of breast or part of breast has a deep impact that goes beyond the physical fact. Moreover if aggressive treatment is required, it may also be long term impact on the health. The fear of recurrence. Loss of attractiveness, difficulty in sexual function and loss of fertility also plays important role to increase the stress. Every woman who is facing this situation should understand that getting help for emotion is not the sign of weakness. There are certain ways to cope with this emotion. The best is communicate with family and friend, maintaining intimacy with your partner, visiting the counselor or spiritual person, joining the support team are some of the sign which will make great difference to tackle emotions. In term of health care practice, Report any symptoms or change to the healthcare team. Always maintain a log of health visit, test result etc. educating yourself about the cancer and the treatment and having regular exercise along with plan for crisis make a huge impact.

Potential Bottlenecks in Implementing MCTS in Odisha.

Potential Bottlenecks in Implementing MCTS in Odisha. Introduction Mother and child tracking system (MCTS) is the online software used by the National Health Mission (NHM), formerly National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), for tele-monitoring Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) services delivered by the Government of India(1). It is an innovation of Health and Family Welfare (HFW) department supported by the National Health Mission(2). This software was conceived way back in 2008 to increase the coverage of RCH services. Left out and drop out beneficiaries for various services, including immunization, can be tracked name wise using this system. Using this software, beneficiary wise and even health unit wise relevant information can be retrieved from any location by any health or associated authority by logging on to the system using the username and password provided to him/her(3). It can greatly reduce the death rates of infant and mother and even reduce total fertility rates through an attempt to provide universal coverage of services. The origin of the concept is linked to the tracking of ‘due’ beneficiaries in immunization sessions using the tracking bag(4) at the sub-center. The tracking bag consists of 14 pockets, of which 12 are meant for 12 months in the year and two more meant for children with complete and incomplete immunization status respectively. Due beneficiaries for a particular month are tracked using counterfoils which would be kept in the pockets for the particular month. MCTS utilizes two formats for capturing data for new beneficiaries– Format I and Format II. The former one is meant for mothers and the latter is for children born of these mothers. Once a woman is detected to be pregnant, she is registered with the health system in the MCTS register so as to receive all the free health services and details are captured in the format I. The data are then sent every week, via the supervisors to the block level, for online data entry into the MCTS. The same is also done for all newborn babies using format II. Services received by the beneficiaries are supposed to be maintained in the Mother and Child Protection (MCP) card provided to the beneficiaries. Subsequently, every week sub-center wise work plan is generated from the MCTS and distributed through the supervisors to the sub-center Auxiliary Nurse Mid-Wife (ANM), for providing the services, updating the services received and tracking the beneficiaries who could not avail the services. Work plans are generated for various kinds of services like registration of pregnant woman, antenatal care services, delivery services, post-natal care services for mother and neonatal child, child health services including immunization, family planning services, etc(2). In short the system perfectly tries to track the left out and drop out case wise, and ensure universal delivery of services(2)(5). Presently MCTS is used throughout the state and lots of human resources have been deployed by NHM at block and district levels to enter, analyze and track the data for the mother and child services. As compared to the proportionate increase in the human resources and other investments, the service coverage has not increased substantially (for example immunization coverage). Even certain studies on mechanisms for tracking immunization in developing countries show similar results(6). There has been disparity during data validation exercises using health indicators from sources like Health Management and Information System (HMIS)(7) and MCTS. Even no assessment has been undertaken to review the bottlenecks of MCTS. Hence a study was planned to identify and provide suggestions for correcting the bottlenecks in the implementation of mother and child tracking services in the state of Odisha, if any existed. Objectives of the study To understand the process of implementation of Mother and Child Tracking Sytem in Odisha and identify the bottlenecks in the implementation process, if any. To identify feasible solutions and suggest recommendations for the identified bottlenecks. Method of study The study was qualitative in nature. It was conducted in three UNICEF supported districts (all tribal predominant) of Odisha state (having 30 districts) from August 2013 to November 2013. In-depth interview (IDI) was the key tool for data collection. Key program implementers involved in the process were listed down along with their assumed roles and responsibilities (Table 1). Judgmental sampling method(8) was then used and IDI was done with identified key informants involved in the implementation of MCTS (block and district level managers and supervisors). A total of 15-24 in-depth interviews (IDI) were planned for the study (regarded as the stage of thematic and theoretical saturation)(8). The end point planned was the point when no new qualitative information was received(9). Three blocks each of these districts were randomly selected and key informants were identified for IDIs. Consent was taken from the interviewers using WHO’s informed consent form for qualitative studies(10). Personal interviews were performed with a pre-determined and pre-tested tool with more often than not open ended and few close ended questions/ probes (Box 1). Along with that satisfaction level of the implementers was recorded using a continuous scale(11). Practically feasible solutions and suggestions as recommended by the informants were also noted along with bottlenecks. Data collection, cleaning and analysis was done simultaneously. Recorded data were transcribed independently by two researchers onto paper, translated to English and then manually analyzed. The qualitative content analysis method was employed(12)(13)(14) for analysis. Nine major heads were identified for the purpose- human resource issue, data generation issue, issues with skill, data entry issues, cov ering events, software issues, supervision, review and financial topics. All other findings were put under a tenth head. After data analysis, brainstorming sessions were carried with the RCH team of UNICEF Field office to put forth other recommendations for the issues noted. Results A total of 20 interviews were conducted in the study with six to seven interviews on an average from each district. Time for the interviews ranged from minimum of 25 minutes to a maximum of 40 minutes. Block level data managers and block program managers in charge of MCTS in the block were identified as the key informants at the block level. Lady health visitors (LHVs) and Health Supervisor (HS (M)) were likewise included in the process. Interviews were also conducted with District Data Managers (DDM) who was the supervisor of BDMs at the district level. Interviews with the stakeholders revealed that there has been a lot of improvement in certain service delivery components. Some of these include availability of a definite work plan (also called due list) for the ANM and Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) every week, validation of HMIS data, entering data and assessing reports from any place using provided username and password, validation of incentives provided to beneficiaries and to ASHA for various activities, improvement in service delivery for various national health programs, etc. â€Å"We are able to review the sectors based upon the MCTS data.† [LHV] â€Å"Now, the health workers have realized the benefits and use of MCTS and are frequently asking for clarifications, when required†. [BPM] It was observed that the work plan and reports passed through all the stakeholders of MCTS, including the supervisors. But the involvement in terms of understanding of the process and providing mentoring support was poor, as cited by a few. The reports were collected at the end of the HWF, who would submit reports to their sector level supervisors. Details of the flow mechanism of reports are shown in Fig. 1. On an average satisfaction level regarding implementation of MCTS among block and district level stakeholders was found to be 7 out of 10 (range 4 to 9). Lack in the perfection of the implementation were many, some of which were analyzed and placed in Table 2. It was also noted that a BDM had to devote a great proportion of his time for data entry thus disturbing the equilibrium between personal and professional life. This was set up especially for those located in big blocks and universally for everyone roughly on an average 15 days (last week of a month and first week of the following month), at the time of report collection and entry. Verbatim of some of the important issues found during the interview are listed down under. â€Å"Health workers collect their work plans on their own or in some indefinite process. But the collection of updated work plans from the workers is being done in sector meetings.†[LHV] â€Å"We are facing problem in covering the beneficiaries in outreach areas due to seasonal and migration issues.† [LHV] â€Å"The software needs to be improved.†[BPM] â€Å"HMIS software is better than MCTS with respect to report generation and review monitoring. The MCTS software is much slower than HMIS and needs high speed internet connectivity.†[BPM] â€Å"Due to network connectivity issues, we often ask the BDMs to come to the district NRHM Office and do the data entry here.† [DDM] Discussion and Recommendations Tracking down beneficiaries to increase the coverage of services can definitely reduce the number of miss outs and drop outs for any services catered, and with stringent implementation as planned can definitely improve service delivery. Moreover the planning component of some of the health programs can be addressed in the process. But it was found that issues invariably did exist at all levels and all components of this naà ¯ve model. A single register needs to be maintained integrating components of mother register and child register, which will reduce the workload of the health workers. The simple availability of logistics like paper and cartridge for printing can be some of the minor issues, which if addressed can bring out successful results. Similarly, engaging the data entry operators in the tasks they are meant for can provide quality inputs to the tracking system, not only in terms of improving the data quality, but also an effective plan generation, follow up and tracking of miss out and drop out cases and health review. It will provide a working environment and boost the motivation of these DEOs. Review of MCTS entry, analysis and tracking of follow up of instances should be done block wise with team effort rather than having any single individual accountable. Supervisors should take on an important part in offering mentoring support for tracking, record keeping and updating. An effective model of intern al monitoring and/or mentoring system for underperforming sub-centers in MCTS implementation (eg. Using Lot Quality Assurance Sampling Method) is needed. Own server can be set up at the state to solve server speed issues. More data entry staff at the block level is needed so as to reduce data entry load in large blocks with huge data load. More number of ANMs or support in the form of additional ANMs is needed in sub-centers with more population. This solution has also been cited in other studies of the same author(15). Data Entry Operators (DEOs) for Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY)(16) can be engaged in data entry activities wherever the data entry load is high. A proper operational research can throw light on the mechanism to identify blocks needing more human resources along with other financial support. All services provided and recorded in MCP card should be fed into MCTS to make effective tracking possible. Customization of the software for integrating and validating data of other related programs like Home Based Newborn Care(17), Special Newborn Care Unit(18)(19), etc. can also be done. Adequate contingency provision in the NHM PIP should be made. Collaborating with mobile partners to develop SMS based portal for reporting details of a beneficiary can be done and this can also provide real time reporting. Similarly loading the data in a Geographic Information System (GIS) based maps can be used increase tracking mechanism one step further(20). Extra incentives for each additional work put to the BDMs, may be provided. Training pharmacists in ODMIS(21) can decrease the workload on BDM at the block level. Conclusion Mother and child tracking system is an innovative method of tracking down the beneficiaries name wise, with an objective to bring down the IMR, MMR and TFR. It can help the government to achieve universal coverage of services. Presently MCTS has helped the service providers to effectively manage miss outs and drop outs for various services like immunization, family planning, maternal and new-born care. Validation of HMIS and incentives (to beneficiaries and ASHA) is also being done using MCTS. In spite of all positive aspects, practical issues were found to exist and need to be sorted out. Review, in detail, can sort out many operational and financial issues. Needs of large blocks should be addressed specifically. Server issues need to be addressed along with a provision of SMS based reminders. Real time data entry can make things more convenient. Correct and complete entries in the MCP will help in appropriate utilisation of the software. Acknowledgement: The authors would like to thank program managers from National Health Mission and health staff of the state government for participating in the study and providing field realities. Dr. Ashish Kumar Sen, being supervisor of the team, had supported the study and provided relevant inputs is also acknowledged. Competing interest: This article was accepted and presented as a conference paper at the International Telemedicine Conference held at Jaipur in 2013. References 1. Achievements of MDG Commitments Made Under NRHM [Internet]. Press Information Bureau, Government of India. 2012 [cited 2014 Nov 25]. Available from: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=82520 2. Operational Manual: Mother and Child Tracking System [Internet]. National Rural Health Mission; 2010 [cited 2014 Nov 17]. Available from: https://nrhm-mis.nic.in/Home MCH Tracking System/User manual for MCH Tracking by NIC PDF format.pdf 3. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Mother and Child Tracking System [Internet]. [cited 2014 Nov 17]. Available from: http://nrhm-mcts.nic.in/mch/ 4. Immunization Handbook for Medical Officers. Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India; 2008. 197 p. 5. Operational plan for Mother and Child Tracking System [Internet]. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; [cited 2014 Nov 17]. Available from: http://mohfw.nic.in/showfile.php?lid=421 6. Leach-Kemon K, Graves CM, Johnson EK, Lavado RF, Hanlon M, Haakenstad A. Vaccine resource tracking systems. BMC Health Serv Res. 2014;14:421. 7. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. NHM Health Management Information System Portal [Internet]. [cited 2014 Nov 29]. Available from: https://nrhm-mis.nic.in/SitePages/Home.aspx 8. Marshall MN. Sampling for qualitative research. Fam Pract. 1996 Jan 1;13(6):522–6. 9. Baker SE, Edwards R. How many qualitative interviews is enough? [Internet]. National Center for Research Methods; [cited 2014 Nov 25]. Available from: http://eprints.ncrm.ac.uk/2273/4/how_many_interviews.pdf 10. WHO | Informed Consent Form Templates [Internet]. WHO. [cited 2014 Nov 25]. Available from: http://www.who.int/rpc/research_ethics/informed_consent/en/ 11. What’s the best satisfaction survey scale? [Internet]. being CustomerSure Proven advice from Business Rockstars. [cited 2014 Nov 25]. Available from: http://www.customersure.com/blog/best-satisfaction-survey-scale/ 12. Kohlbacher F. The Use of Qualitative Content Analysis in Case Study Research. Forum Qual Sozialforschung Forum Qual Soc Res [Internet]. 2006 Jan 31 [cited 2014 Nov 25];7(1). Available from: http://www.qualitative-research.net/index.php/fqs/article/view/75 13. Thorne S. Data analysis in qualitative research. Evid Based Nurs. 2000 Jul 1;3(3):68–70. 14. Glà ¤ser J, Laudel G. Life With and Without Coding: Two Methods for Early-Stage Data Analysis in Qualitative Research Aiming at Causal Explanations. Forum Qual Sozialforschung Forum Qual Soc Res [Internet]. 2013 Mar 18 [cited 2014 Nov 25];14(2). Available from: http://www.qualitative-research.net/index.php/fqs/article/view/1886 15. Padhy G, Padhy R, Panigrahi S, Sarangi P, Das S. Bottlenecks identified in the Implementation of components of national health programmes at PHCs of Cuttack district of Odisha. Int J Med Public Health. 2013;3(4):271. 16. Ministry of Labor and Employment. Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana [Internet]. [cited 2014 Dec 1]. Available from: http://www.rsby.gov.in/about_rsby.aspx 17. NHM Child Health Guidelines-Revised Home Based Newborn Care Operational Guidelines [Internet]. [cited 2014 Sep 30]. Available from: http://nrhm.gov.in/images/pdf/programmes/child-health/guidelines/Revised_Home_Based_New_Born_Care_Operational_Guidelines_2014.pdf 18. Neogi SB, Malhotra S, Zodpey S, Mohan P. Assessment of Special Care Newborn Units in India. J Health Popul Nutr. 2011 Oct;29(5):500–9. 19. Neogi SB, Malhotra S, Zodpey S, Mohan P. Challenges in scaling up of special care newborn units-lessons from India. Indian Pediatr. 2011;48(12):931–5. 20. Barau I, Zubairu M, Mwanza MN, Seaman VY. Improving polio vaccination coverage in Nigeria through the use of geographic information system technology. J Infect Dis. 2014 Nov 1;210 Suppl 1:S102–10. 21. Odisha Drug Inventory Management System [Internet]. [cited 2014 Nov 29]. Available from: http://dims.nrhmodisha.in/

Pressure Groups vs. British Government Essays -- Politics Government U

Pressure Groups have become increasingly important in liberal democracies in influencing and raising awareness of their group’s particular causes or interest. This essay will assess wither or not pressure groups are more powerful than the government in Britain. To fully understand if pressure groups are more powerful than the British Government we much take into account the varying classifications of pressure groups, define what is meant by power, the different way pressure groups influence public option, the arguments for and against pressures being more powerful than the British Government and also the power government holds which pressure groups do not. The main argument of this essay is that although pressure groups do have some influence and power in today’s society but they are still not as powerful as the British Government. There are many different definitions of what a pressure group is Peter Lynch argues that a pressure groups is ‘Private, voluntary associations that wish to influence or control particular public policies, without becoming the government and controlling all public policy (Lynch, 2007, p. 245). Another definition is ‘Pressure groups are social aggregates with some level of cohesion and shared aims which attempt to influence the political decision-making process’ (Ball, A.R. and Millard, F, 1986, pp. 33-4). A final definition is ‘A pressure group is any organization that aims it influence public policy by seeking to persuade decision-making by lobbying rather than by standing for election’ (Coxall, 2001, p. 3). Overall pressure groups exist to help groups of people or causes, to promote their interest and will try to influence a certain section of society whether it is the government or the general p... ...us/our_people/our_celebrity_supporters Baggott, R. (1995). Pressure Groups Today. New York: Manchester University Press . Ball, A., & Peter, G. (2000). Modern Politics and Government. London: MacMillan. Ball, A.R. and Millard, F. (1986). Pressure Politics in Industrial Societies. London: Macmillan. Coxall, B. (2001). Pressure Groups in British Politics. England : Pearson Education Limited . Jones, B., & Norton, P. (2010). Politics UK 7th Edition. Harlow: Pearson. Lukes, S. (1986). Introduction Power. Oxford: Basil Blackwell. Lynch, P. (2007). British Politics . Essex : Pearson Custom Publishing . Shelter Scotland. (n.d.). Retrieved Nov 2010, 30, from http://scotland.shelter.org.uk/ Shelter Scotland. (n.d.). Retrieved Nov 2010, 11, from http://scotland.shelter.org.uk/ Wyn, G. (2000). Pressure Groups and British Politics . London: MacMillan Press Ltd . Pressure Groups vs. British Government Essays -- Politics Government U Pressure Groups have become increasingly important in liberal democracies in influencing and raising awareness of their group’s particular causes or interest. This essay will assess wither or not pressure groups are more powerful than the government in Britain. To fully understand if pressure groups are more powerful than the British Government we much take into account the varying classifications of pressure groups, define what is meant by power, the different way pressure groups influence public option, the arguments for and against pressures being more powerful than the British Government and also the power government holds which pressure groups do not. The main argument of this essay is that although pressure groups do have some influence and power in today’s society but they are still not as powerful as the British Government. There are many different definitions of what a pressure group is Peter Lynch argues that a pressure groups is ‘Private, voluntary associations that wish to influence or control particular public policies, without becoming the government and controlling all public policy (Lynch, 2007, p. 245). Another definition is ‘Pressure groups are social aggregates with some level of cohesion and shared aims which attempt to influence the political decision-making process’ (Ball, A.R. and Millard, F, 1986, pp. 33-4). A final definition is ‘A pressure group is any organization that aims it influence public policy by seeking to persuade decision-making by lobbying rather than by standing for election’ (Coxall, 2001, p. 3). Overall pressure groups exist to help groups of people or causes, to promote their interest and will try to influence a certain section of society whether it is the government or the general p... ...us/our_people/our_celebrity_supporters Baggott, R. (1995). Pressure Groups Today. New York: Manchester University Press . Ball, A., & Peter, G. (2000). Modern Politics and Government. London: MacMillan. Ball, A.R. and Millard, F. (1986). Pressure Politics in Industrial Societies. London: Macmillan. Coxall, B. (2001). Pressure Groups in British Politics. England : Pearson Education Limited . Jones, B., & Norton, P. (2010). Politics UK 7th Edition. Harlow: Pearson. Lukes, S. (1986). Introduction Power. Oxford: Basil Blackwell. Lynch, P. (2007). British Politics . Essex : Pearson Custom Publishing . Shelter Scotland. (n.d.). Retrieved Nov 2010, 30, from http://scotland.shelter.org.uk/ Shelter Scotland. (n.d.). Retrieved Nov 2010, 11, from http://scotland.shelter.org.uk/ Wyn, G. (2000). Pressure Groups and British Politics . London: MacMillan Press Ltd .

Online Pornography as a Threat of Violence Essay -- Pornography Essays

Online Pornography as a Threat of Violence In 1994, a male University of Michigan student posted a sexually explicit short story to alt.sex.stories, a widely-read USENET newsgroup. (While USENET hosts are technically neither a subset nor a superset of the Internet, it, like the Internet, is a decentralized computer network, and the vast majority of its traffic passes over the Internet.) It is unclear whether anything would have happened to Jake Baker, who posted the story, had he not used the name and physical description of a female student who attended a class with him and either lived in the same dorm or nearby. The government tried to prosecute him on the basis that he had made a threat of violence against her, but eventually failed to achieve any remedy in the courts. An activist named Catharine MacKinnon contributed an amicus curiae brief to the proceedings, and has since stated that the government neglected to raise all the relevant issues in the case. She has also campaigned for laws to stop pornography. MacKinnon claims, in general, that pornography is violence. In this particular case, she argued to the court that the Baker pornography was the threat of violence. To back up her argument about his intentions, she used excerpts from his E-mail correspondence with a like-minded young man in Canada. E-mail is normally personal communication, and so it is harder to classify as a "threat" in the traditional sense of something communicated to the target, but her own argument is that the story itself was a threat and an instance of violence. (The appeals court dismissed the case on technical grounds mostly relating to the specificity of the threat.) It is clear that this story and others that Mr. Baker had been composin... ...d by someone who was probably just following scripts that had been taken from pornography, either directly or through the medium of society as a whole. Unlike this case, there are numerous instances where men actually use pornography as a means of control over women, or gain control over women by involving them in the production of pornography. Such social cost is high. The fact that U. S. citizens spend between eight and ten billion dollars on pornography each year(4) should be the final straw compelling us to be more careful individually and take appropriate measures collectively to stop this deadly plague. Notes: 1. 48 Hours, 18 Nov 1992 2. Ibid. 3. Legal brief by MacKinnon. www.nostatusquo.com/ACLU/Porn/Baker/sc.html, 26 Jul 2001 4. Thomas S. Monson. Liahona, Nov 2001, p.4. Salt Lake City: La Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Últimos DÃ ­as.

Eyes Were Watching God Essay examples -- essays research papers

Their Eyes Were Watching God provides an enlightening look at the journey of a "complete, complex, undiminished human being", Janie Crawford. Her story, based on self-exploration, self-empowerment, and self-liberation, details her loss and attainment of her innocence and freedom as she constantly learns and grows from her experiences with gender issues, racism, and life. The story centers around an important theme; that personal discoveries and life experiences help a person find themselves. Nanny was determined that Janie would break the cycle of oppression of black women, who were "mules for the world". (Both of Janie's first two husbands owned mules and the way they treated their mules paralleled to the way they treated Janie. Logan Killicks worked his mule demandingly and Joe Starks bought Matt Bonner's mule and put it out to pasture as a status symbol.) After joyfully discovering an archetype for sensuality, love, and marriage under a pear tree at sixteen, Janie quickly comes to understand the reality of marriage in her first two marriages. Both Logan Killicks and Joe Starks attempt to coerce her into submission by treating her like a possession (Killicks worked her like a mule and Starks used her like a medal around his neck). Also Janie learned that passion and love are tied to violence, as Killicks threaten to kill her and Starks beat her to assert his dominance. She continually struggled to keep her inner self-intact and strong in spite ...

Monks

The basic purpose of monasticism is devotion to spiritual work and abdication from earthly temptations. Monasticism is known in many religions including Christianity. The word â€Å"monk† itself derives from Greek ‘monos’ – alone, so originally monasticism supposed it’s adepts to live alone[1]. Such lonely style of living has been known from the early years of Christianity, but it’s symbol is the figure of Antony the Great – a charismatic leader of the desert monks, who is said to be a founder of Christian monasticism. Antony and his followers completely left the world and devoted their lives to prays and manual work, attempting to reach cleanse their soul and know God[2]. Those â€Å"escapists† became known as anchorites (the word derives from a Greek word meaning â€Å"to withdraw†). Anchorites strived to stay alone with God and their way was a way of individual salvation. Such approach was good for early Christianity, however, with the development of Church as organization and spread of the new religion in Europe it could not satisfy both the Church and it’s numerous believers. So another way called cenobitic monasticism became popular. Saint Pachomius, the father of cenobitism has founded a community where numerous monks (both male and female) lived separately in huts or caves, however they met for prays and to perform common duties. Such from of monasticism allowed to make it more arranged and uniformed as well as to guide and control the monks. Pachomius himself wrote the first statute to govern the life in a monastery[3]. Cenobitism has not rejected the idea of personal mystical insight, it rather allowed to unite the associate-monks around a figure of a prior. So a monastery in cenobitism is a sort of school where knowledge of God is taught. Both cenobitism and anchoritism are united by several universal principles of monasticism such as surrender of all earthly vanity, labor as a part of salvation, individual way of spiritual rebirth, prayers as basic mystical practice, etc. Works Cited: 1.Lawrence, C. H. 2001. Medieval Monasticism: Forms of Religious Life in Western Europe in the Middle Ages (3rd Edition). New York: Longmans 2. Burns, Paul, ed. Butler's Lives of the Saints: New Full Edition January vol. Collegeville, MN:The Liturgical Press 3.Johnston, William M. (ed.). 2000. Encyclopedia of Monasticism. vol. 2., Chicago: Fitzroy Dearborn Publishers [1] Lawrence, C. H. 2001. Medieval Monasticism: Forms of Religious Life in Western Europe in the Middle Ages (3rd Edition). New York: Longmans, p.- 9 [2] Burns, Paul, ed. Butler's Lives of the Saints: New Full Edition January vol. Collegeville, MN:The Liturgical Press, p- 107 [3] Johnston, William M. (ed.). 2000. Encyclopedia of Monasticism. vol. 2., Chicago: Fitzroy Dearborn Publishers, p. – 215 [4] Lawrence, C. H.   (supra note) p.- 45