Keep Sharing as the Debate on essays

Continue Sharing as the Debate on papers There is a war seething all through the music business at this moment. Sadly it isn't about which huge star can sell the most records by creating the best music. Rather, this fight doesnt truly include any enormous names whatsoever. It is truth be told, about the little person, the buyer, and all the more explicitly the downloader. You know, the person who sits before his PC the entire day and late evening trading records and downloading tracks from various sites. These individuals have been around for significantly longer than a large number of us understand. Anyway it was hard to track down music five or ten years back. Just without breaking a sweat of interface of destinations, for example, Napster, Kazaa, and Morpheus did their numbers increment to a level that caused worry with numerous craftsmen just as the Record Industry Association of America. These gatherings were worried that this blast of Peer-to-Peer record sharing was definitely decreasing their benefits and made a push to have these destinations closed down and their clients halted, or if nothing else made to pay for their utilization. They feel these locales are unlawful and shameless. While the legitimate issues relating to this case are indistinct and well past the domain of my understanding, I can address the profound quality of this issue and feel unequivocally that document sharing ought to remain completely lawful, and that record sharing, except for a little level of the individuals that utilization it, is exceptionally good without a doubt. Also the way that it really helps more specialists, more regularly than it prevents them. Document sharing may really help the music business by encouraging the regular choice of the best craftsmen while driving the phony and incompetent performers out of the business. This entire calamity could have been kept away from if the music business would have grasp the idea of record sharing and utilized it as another apparatus to appropriate their item. Rat her, they decided to overlook it, either out of dread or sheer numbness and it has now feste... <!

Vampire Influences on Modern Popular Culture Research Paper

Vampire Influences on Modern Popular Culture - Research Paper Example â€Å"In pith, the area of suggestion is the space of savagery, of violation,† Bataille wrote in the content ‘Death and Sensuality’ (1957). â€Å"The most savage thing of for us is demise which jerks us out of an industrious fixation on the lastingness of our irregular being.† (Bataille, 1957) The territory of experience which Bataille expounds on is commonly held under the smoke screens and no-no, not to be talked about openly. All things considered, his hypotheses open up a comprehension of why the vampire folklores have gotten so mainstream and common in present day culture, since he shows how the exotic nature of the experience is increased when the strict, sexual, brutal, and sensual pictures are blended in with story in an emotional manner. Bataille basically revered the climax as â€Å"la unimposing mort† or â€Å"the little death† in French, and through this affiliation the intensity of the vampire stories can be seen in bringing out a n amazing quality that takes the start from the domain of normal life to the presence of immortals. (Fuchs, 2011, p.3) This subject is seen over and over whether it is in the â€Å"Interview with the Vampire,† Twilight,† â€Å"Lost Boys,† or â€Å"Dracula† symbolism. The combination of enchanted, strict, and sensual symbolism has the impact of taking the story past social restrictions and along these lines uplifting fervor through the consolidated semantic estimation of the images in the brains of the crowd. Passing and Eroticism Bataille was an early individual from the Surrealist development in France, however centered basically around writing and investigating the mental connection among death and sensuality in experience. His initial work centers around the infringement of strict and social restrictions, similarly as the vampire folklores do in contemporary culture, yet in a definitely more outrageous way than the TV and movies ordinarily delineate tod ay. The explanation behind Bataille’s abundances can be found in the marvel of transgressive sexuality consolidating components of strict supernatural quality, masterful creation, style, emblematic dramatization, and brutality in the act of suggestion. The vampire folklores follow this equivalent example, for instance in the â€Å"Twilight† arrangement, Bella needs to wed and experience unceasing existence with Edward Cullen as a sort of higher love, while the settings of the vampire legend incorporate strict components melded with suggestion. As Bataille composed, â€Å"The entire business of suggestion is to strike to the deepest center of the living being, with the goal that the heart stops. The progress from the typical state to that of suggestive want assumes a halfway disintegration of the individual as he exists in the domain of brokenness. Disintegration †this articulation compares with licentious life, the comfortable expression connected with sensual mo vement. During the time spent disintegration, the male accomplice has commonly a functioning job, while the female accomplice is detached. The detached, female side is basically the one that is broken down as a different substance. In any case, for the male accomplice the disintegration of the aloof accomplice implies one thing in particular: it is making ready for a combination where both are blended, accomplishing finally a similar level of disintegration. The entire business

Scooper Bowl

Scooper Bowl Apparently, Boston has the highest per-capita consumption of ice cream. Im not surprised. As you may have learned from an old entry by Bryan, Boston has some of the worlds best ice cream makers and shops (for example, the New York Times called Toscaninis the best ice cream in the world), most within walking distance of MIT. Today is the second day of an amazing three day event here called the Scooper Bowl. It is billed as nations largest all-you-can-eat ice cream festival. For $7 (kids: $3), you can consume Bostons favorite treat to your hearts (stomachs?) content. Here are this years offerings: Baskin-Robbins * Pralines n Cream * Rock n Pop Swirl * Tripple Play * Apple Pie a la Mode * Oreo Cookies n Cream Ben Jerrys * Turtle Soup * Jamaican Me Crazy Sorbet * Bananas On The Run * Chocolate Fudge Brownie Breyers * Vanilla * Mint Chocolate Chip * Oreo * Homemade Double Chocolate Fudge * MM Brighams * Just Jimmies * Fluffernutter * Wicked Chocolate * Curse Reversed! Cold Stone Creamery * Birthday Cake Remix * Mint Mint Chocolate Chocolate Chip * Chocolate Devotion * Beary Beary Blue Edys * Orange Sherbet * Espresso Chip * Toll House Cookie Swirl * Strawberry * Double Fudge Brownie Elan Frozen Yogurt * Low-Fat Strawberry Kiss * Non-Fat Black Raspberry * Vanilla Heath Bar * Non-Fat Coffee Haagen-Dazs * Raspberry Sorbet * Cookies n Cream * Mint Chip * Light Dulce de Leche * Light Cherry Fudge Truffle * Pineapple Coconut HP Hood * Maine Blueberry Sweet Cream * Boston Cream Pie * New England Lighthouse Coffee * Light French Silk Garelick * Butter Crunch * Cookies n Cream * Mocha Chip * Peppermint Stick Yum!

Exercise in Sentence Combining with Adverb Clauses

As discussed in part one and part two, adverb clauses are subordinate structures that show the relationship and relative importance of ideas in sentences. They explain such things as when, where, and why about an action stated in the main clause. Here well practice building and combining sentences with adverb clauses. Practice Exercise:Building Combining Sentences with Adverb Clauses Combine the sentences in each set below by turning the sentence(s) in bold into an adverb clause. Begin the adverb clause with an appropriate subordinating conjunction. When youre done, compare your new sentences with the sample combinations on page two, keeping in mind that multiple combinations are possible. Example:Sailors wear earrings.The earrings are made of gold.Sailors always carry the cost of a burial.They carry the cost on their own bodies.Combination 1: So that they always carry the cost of a burial on their bodies, sailors wear gold earrings.Combination 2: Sailors wear gold earrings so that they always carry the cost of a burial on their bodies. It is unlikely that Cleopatra actually committed suicide with an asp.The species is unknown in Egypt.The boy hid the gerbil.No one would ever find it. Our neighbors installed a swimming pool.The pool is in their backyard.They have gained many new friends.My parents and I watched in awe.We watched on a hot August evening.Erratic bolts of lightning illuminated the sky.The bolts of lightning were from a distant storm. Benny played the violin.The dog hid in the bedroomThe dog whimpered.Natural rubber is used chiefly to make tires and inner tubes.It is cheaper than synthetic rubber.It has greater resistance to tearing when wet. A Peruvian woman finds an unusually ugly potato.She runs up to the nearest man.She smashes it in his face.This is done by ancient custom.Credit cards are dangerous.They encourage people to buy things.These are things that people are unable to afford.These are things that people do not really need.I kissed her once.I kissed her by the pigsty.She wasnt looking.I neve r kissed her again.She was looking all the time.Some day I shall take my glasses off.Some day I shall go wandering.I shall go out into the streets.I shall do this deliberately.I shall do this when the clouds are heavy.I shall do this when the rain is coming down.I shall do this when the pressure of realities is too great. When youre done, compare your new sentences with the sample combinations on page two. Here are sample answers to the practice exercise on page one: Building and Combining Sentences with Adverb Clauses. Keep in mind that multiple combinations are possible. Because the species is unknown in Egypt, it is unlikely that Cleopatra actually committed suicide with an asp.The boy hid the gerbil where no one would ever find it.Since our neighbors installed a swimming pool in their backyard, they have gained many new friends.On a hot August evening, my parents and I watched in awe as erratic bolts of lightning from a distant storm illuminated the sky.Whenever Benny played the violin, the dog hid in the bedroom and whimpered.Natural rubber is used chiefly to make tires and inner tubes because it is cheaper than synthetic rubber and has greater resistance to tearing when wet.By ancient custom, when a Peruvian woman finds an unusually ugly potato, she runs up to the nearest man and smashes it in his face.Credit cards are dangerous because they encourage people to buy things that they are unable to afford and do not really need.I kissed her once by the pigsty when she wasnt looking and never kissed her again although she was looking all the time.(Dy lan Thomas, Under Milk Wood)Some day, when the clouds are heavy, and the rain is coming down and the pressure of realities is too great, I shall deliberately take my glasses off and go wandering out into the streets, never to be heard from again.(James Thurber, The Admiral on the Wheel)

Symptoms And Symptoms Of Infectious Diseases - 1680 Words

1.1 Explain the term infectious disease Infectious disease are diseases or illnesses caused by micro-organisms that become harmful in the body, these micro-organisms are called pathogens. Pathogens are any organism that cause disease, these can include bacteria, viruses and fungi. Not all the micro-organisms mentioned above are harmful to the body, although, under certain conditions such as an immunocompromised individual or the age of a person, can produce an onset of signs and symptoms of an infectious disease. Infectious diseases are communicable, which means they can be spread from person to person, either through direct contact or through bodily fluids. Infectious diseases can also be spread infected vectors which are inhaled or†¦show more content†¦Bacteria are unicellular organisms that replicate and multiply by mitosis. Fungal infections occur due to fungi including organisms such as dermatophytes and yeast, which are made up of structures called hyphae. On the other hand, viruses are parasites and therefo re require a host cell to replicate and spread. Distinctions in the micro-organisms structure can be pivotal to not only the function of the pathogen within the body, but also the means by which it may spread. An example of a bacterial infection is Tuberculosis, which is a disease of the lungs caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is a contagious disease which has various phases to it; each stage gaining in its severity. An infected person with active TB will show symptoms of shortness of breath, fatigue, fever, weight loss and possible signs of coughing up blood. The bacteria is spread when a person with an active infection in their lungs coughs or sneezes and another person inhales the air containing the bacteria. The bacteria go on to infect white blood cells called phagoyctes. These may become affected, however, the body s immune response will seal off the infected cells in the lungs. The bacteria can become dormant inside the tubercules of the lung and therefore the infected person may not show any symptoms or signs as the infection is

Why Women Are Paid Less Than Men Free Essays

Sample Teacher Interview Questions Teacher Relationships With Students 1. What kind of students do you like to work with? What type of students could you teach most effectively? 2. You give an assignment. We will write a custom essay sample on Why Women Are Paid Less Than Men or any similar topic only for you Order Now A student ridicules the assignment, saying it doesn’t make sense. What would you do? 3. How do you help students experience success? 4. How would you individualize instruction for students? 5. What procedures do you use to evaluate student progress besides using tests? 6. How would you challenge the slow learner and the advanced learner within the same class? 7. What would your students say about you? Teacher Relationships With Colleagues 9. Tell us about yourself, and specifically what brought you to want to be an English, math, science teacher? 10. What is your philosophy about teaching English, math, science? 1. What kind of teachers would you prefer to work with? Why? 2. What activities would you like to work with in our school? 3. What quality or qualities do you have that would enhance our teaching staff? 4. What are some personality characteristics you find undesirable in people? 5. Who should be responsible for discipline in a school? Why? 6. What needs and/or expectations do you have of the school administration? . How do you collaborate with your colleagues? Teacher Relationships With Parents 1. What do you feel is the most effective way to communicate with parents? Describe how you have used this/these technique(s). 2. Describe the reasons why you would contact parents. 3. What would you include in your Open House presentations to parents? 4. What community activities w ould you like to be associated with? Why? Instructional Techniques 1. Describe any school experience you have had, particularly in student teaching (or in another teaching position) that has prepared you for a full-time position at our school. . How would you integrate technology into the curriculum you would teach? 3. Describe any innovative projects you have been involved in developing. 4. Give an example of how you have used cooperative learning in your classroom. 5. What four words would students use to describe your teaching strategies? 6. What rules do you have for your classroom . Describe your teaching style and how you accommodate the different learning styles of the students in your classes. 8. What do you consider to be your strengths and how will you use them in your teaching? 9. In what ways do you keep students on task and well behaved during collaborative group activities? A Potpourri of Topics and Background Information 1. Why did you choose to become a teacher? 2. What are your hobbies and interests? 3. What are your plans for continuing your professional growth? 4. Tell me about an interesting article you have read recently in a professional journal. 5. What contributions can you make to our school? 6. What current trends in public education please you? Displease you? 7. Tell me about the three people who have most influenced your own education and educational career. . Tell us about a golden teaching moment? Questions for Management Expertise1. Describe the management strategies and techniques you use to maintain an effective classroom environment2. In what ways do you keep students on task and well behaved during collaborative group activities? 3. Describe your expectations for student behavior? In other words, if I were to enter your class on an aver age day, what should I expect to see with regard to student behavior? 4. Keith is your busy seventh-grader. He is constantly moving in your class and always ready to throw spitballs. Although his behavior is not seriously disruptive, it is annoying. He is especially active when he believes that you cannot see him. How would you deal with this situation? 5. Describe the management strategies and techniques you use to maintain an effective classroom environment6. Describe your expectations for student behavior? In other words, if I were to enter your class on an average day, what should I expect to see with regard to student behavior? 7. Keith is your busy seventh-grader. He is constantly moving in your class and always ready to throw spitballs. Although his behavior is not seriously disruptive, it is annoying. He is especially active when he believes that you cannot see him. How would you deal with this situation? Personal Characteristics Questions1. How would a colleague describe you? 2. What are your strengths and weaknesses as a teacher? 3. As a teacher, how do you relate to students, colleagues, and parents? 4. What do you consider to be a major issue in public education today? Questions for Content Area Expertise:1. Describe your knowledge and experience with the California content standards applicable to your content area. . Describe any specific areas of strength within your content area (e,g. , Physical Science, Writing Workshop, Algebra, etc. ). 3. If you could teach just one grade level and subject within your content area, what would you choose? Why? 4. What sorts of assessment, both formal and informal, do you view as being important indicators of successful performance for students learning your content area? 5 . If you could teach any novel, what would it be and what would your students be doing? 6. How do you adjust for reading level differences within your classroom? Questions for English Learner Expertise:1. We have a large number of English learners in our district. What knowledge and experience do you have that is representative of your ability to teach English learners? 2. What knowledge and experience do you have regarding the California English Language Development Standards? 3. Imagine that you are teaching a â€Å"regular† mainstream class in your content area. A new student arrives in your class one day, and you soon find out that this student possesses only limited English fluency (that is, some oral fluency but very limited reading and writing fluency). You realize that this is probably not the correct placement for the student, so you approach the counselor in charge of scheduling students. You are told that there is no room in the other classrooms for the foreseeable future and that you will just have to do the best you can. What would you do to accommodate this student until a better placement comes up? 4. In what ways, both formal and informal, might you assess a student with limited English fluency to be sure the student is truly learning the content of your course curriculum? Short Interview Questions § How would a colleague describe you? What are your strengths and weaknesses as a teacher?  § As a teacher, how do you relate to students, colleagues, and parents?  § What do you consider to be a major issue in public education today?  § Describe your knowledge and experience with the California content standards applicable to your content area.  § Describe any specific areas of strength within your content area (e,g. , Physical Science, Writing Workshop, Algebra, etc. ).  § If you could teach just one grade level and subject within your content area, what would you choose? Why? What sorts of assessment, both formal and informal, do you view as being important indicators of successful performance for students learning your content area?  § We have a large number of English learners in our district. What knowledge and experience do you have that is representative of your ability to teach English learners?  § Imagine that you are teaching a â€Å"regular† mainstream class in your content area. A new student arrives in your class one day, and you soon find out that this student possesses only limited English fluency (that is, some oral fluency but very limited reading and writing fluency). You realize that this is probably not the correct placement for the student, so you approach the counselor in charge of scheduling students. You are told that there is no room in the other classrooms for the foreseeable future and that you will just have to do the best you can. What would you do to accommodate this student until a better placement comes up?  § In what ways, both formal and informal, might you assess a student with limited English fluency to be sure the student is truly learning the content of your course curriculum?  § Discuss a curriculum project you developed which generated high motivation and engagement among your students. Tell us what the project looked like and what resources you used to develop it.  § How do you feel about participating in an advisory period or other master-scheduled differences?  § What kinds of strategies do you use to challenge students to have an in-depth understanding of mathematics, science, English literature?  § What strategies do you use to make curriculum meaningful and relevant to students?  § Since we will be held accountable for standardized test results, what will you do in the area of curriculum development to e3nsure that students do well on the test without teaching the test? Describe the evaluation instruments you use to assess student learning.  § Describe your ideas for ensuring that you have positive communication with parents and the larger community.  § What do you envision will be your biggest challenge this year?  § How do you excel in working with students from diverse populations?  § Why are you interested in working at this school?  § Sh are with us your philosophy of teaching and learning?  § What is the role/responsibility of a teacher in a classroom?  § Tell us about a time when a student really got what you were hoping they would. An â€Å"Ah HA† moment. Why do you think students from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds do not excel in school in comparison to more traditional students?  § What kinds of things can be done to compensate for inadequacies in English or prior knowledge?  § Tell us about your approach to classroom discipline – how do you ensure your students are on-task, and what steps do you take when they are not?  § What do you think was your most successful lesson you have taught and why?  § What was the most challenging lesson you have had to teach, and how did you overcome the obstacles?  § What would be the ideal teaching position be? | How to cite Why Women Are Paid Less Than Men, Papers

Don Quxiote Essay Example For Students

Don Quxiote Essay Don Quxiote Don Quixote: Renaissance humor with a modern translation A Spanish knight, about fifty years of age, gave himself up so entirely to reading the romances of chivalry, that in the end they turned his brain, and nothing would satisfy him but that he must ride abroad on his old horse, armed with spear and helmet, a knight-errant, to encounter all adventures, and to redress the innumerable wrongs of the world. As is the case in this epic tale by Cervantes, modern man is not immune to prolonged sustained suggestion. All irony criticizes the imperfect ideas and theories of mankind, not by substituting for them other ideas and other theories, less imperfect, but by placing the facts of life, in mute comment, alongside of the theories. To be put in a more tangible sense, after addressing a subject matter over a sustained period of time one is apt to view them selves in the same light as the character of which they are enamored by. It plagues the news as high school children take a rms and seek vengeance inside schools today. As the Scapegoat they place the blame on television, violent movies, and video games. Theorists and psychologists say that the harsh and abrasive nature of movies like the Matrix and Rambo are absorbed into the maturing mind of adolescence and are seen as fact. As is the case in Don Quixote where our chivalric hero takes arms after reading one to many romance novels. Every one sees the irony of Don Quixote, and enjoys it in its more obvious forms. This absurd old gentleman, who tries to put his antiquated ideas into action in a busy, selfish, prosy world, is a figure of fun even to the meanest intelligence. But, with more thought, there comes a check to our frivolity. Is it possible that the criticism is double-edged, and that what we are celebrating with our laughter is the failure of the world? But, Don Quixote, it may be objected, is mad. Here the irony of Cervantes finds a deeper level. Don Quixote is a high-minded idealist, who sees all things by the light of his own lofty preconceptions. He shapes his behavior in accordance with the ideas genuine chivalric behavior, and is laughed at for his pains. Much like how out of the norm children are chastised and ridiculed for their absence from normality. The discernable difference between Don Quixote and the Students from high school shootings is that Don Quixote was infatuated with antiquated goodness.

Marley and Me free essay sample

Marley and me: life and love with the world’s worst dog is a New York Times best-selling novel written by John Grogan , a journalist and also a non-fiction writer in America. The book , published in 2005 , is more a autobiographical book than a novel because the whole story is based on the author’s personal experience with his beloved dog Marley. So , the author John Grogan and his wife Jenny , are also the leading characters in Marley and me . The book is such a hit that in 2008 a movie was adapted from it , which also is very successful. Told in first-person narrative , the book focuses on the 13 years that John and his family spent with their dog Marley. As we can see from the subtitle of the book : life and love with the world’s worst dog , Marley is not an obedient dog. It is portrayed as a boisterous , uncontrolled yellow Labrador. We will write a custom essay sample on Marley and Me or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page A new couple , John and Jenny , were thinking about having a baby. Lack of experience , they decided to raise a dog to practise being parents because taking care of a dog , just like a baby, requires patience and attention. So that is how Marley became a new member of the family. Marley was so naughty that it was always hungry and destructive of furniture. But the couple forgave it and loved it even more . As life went on with Marley , the couple decided to have their first baby . Unfortunately , Jenny had an abortion when carrying the first baby. Life was tough but Marley was always there for them. Frustrated as they were , they decided to tried again and luckily they had three children later on . Life is happy for the couple. Years elapsed before the couple realized that Marley was no longer a puppy, but an old dog. Marley was no longer naughty , boisterous as it was . It was a sad moment in the story when John had to give permission to the vet to put Marley to sleep forever. The whole family were depressed but they knew it was best for Marley. The whole family missed Marley so much that after Marley’s death , they raised another dog which greatly resembles Marley. The author himself once described Marley : In good times and bad , in sickness and health, we didn’t give up on Marley and so it was to us , and in the end he came through and proved himself a great and memorable pet. Marley and me is not a book mainly focuses on the pet , but on life and love with the pet. What is special in this book is that it seldom tells you that Marley is growing up . Instead, the author tells story about John and Jenny year after year. Thirteen years is quite a long journey for everyone. Maybe the couple never realized how different life would be if they didn’t decide to raise Marley or any other dog. Marley is so unique and special to the couple because Marley accompanied them for thirteen years. In thirteen years , many memorable things happened. When they hanged their job , when they got a promotion, when they bought a new house , when they had a really tough time when losing their first baby , when they first became parents , Marley was always there , living under the same roof with them and shared with them their happiness or bitterness. Life is a bittersweet symphony. Whatever life it is for the couple, Marley was with them. In spite of the fact that Marley was extremely naughty and boisterous , the couple didn’t abandon it . The pet and the family were bound up with each other , experiencing the taste of life together. That is the reason why Marley meant so much to John, Jenny and their children and also explains why the subtitle of Marley and me would be : life and love with the world’s worst dog. The book uses the story between Marley and the couple as a framework for talking about life, love and the struggles of beginning a marriage, starting a family and making the most of every moment , which I think is the best success of Marley and me. If it simply describes how lovely and naughty Marley is , it may only appeal to people who are fond of pets. But Marley and me is not that kind of book. If you don’t like dogs, you can still enjoy the book very much because the book reflects on life , which makes you ponder after reading it. Because it is a book based on true stories , the language of Marley and me is so vivid and heart-felt as if you could see how time flies in this precious 13 years. Marley used to be energetic , but as time went on , Marley began to cripple onto the stage and gradually lost its hearing. It a story about Marley’s whole life and a precious phase of the young couple. No one is flawless, so is the dog. But once you have been a member of a family, you never give up on each other . Instead , you choose to support and accompany them whether they are happy or they are depressed. Though John often refers to Marley as â€Å"the world’s worst dog† in the book , Marley and him come to share an unbreakable bond. Marley and me is not just a story between John and his dog, but a story between John and his best friend , who has accompanies him for 13 years and also brought so much joy as well as trouble to him.

Importance of Civic Engagement

Importance of Civic Engagement Civic engagement is whereby people work to make a difference in the local life of their communities and society, and developing combination of skills, knowledge, motivation and values in order to make that difference. Civic engagement can also mean â€Å"promoting the life value of the people in a community through both nonpolitical and political processes.†[1] There are different forms of engagement. First is political engagement. Here, the community is engaged in political activities, like voting, which involves partisan advocacy. The second form is civic engagement. This is whereby the community takes place in organizing and development activities which involves social justice. The community also engages in civic reflection that is, they are able to get into debates and discussion in the public sphere. In this case, it involves journalism and environmentalism. The third form is religious engagement. Religious engagement is faith-based, where initiatives are acted upon based on faith and religion of the community or society. In this case, there’s involvement of inter-faith dialogues and action.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Importance of Civic Engagement specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Factors Influencing Civic Engagement There are several factors that affect and / or influence civic engagement within the communities in the United States of America. These may influence civic engagement positively or negatively. First are strong traditions and beliefs, attaching them with philanthropy or humanity towards the community or â€Å"individuals (public and private).†[2] Second, strong and robust civil society organizations and nonprofit organizations in the country influence civic engagement. Third, different viewpoints of communities in the public sphere may influence civil engagement. Consecutively, government also influences civic engagement by having its policies and support of service. For instance, there are Peace Corps and AmeriCorps in America. Lastly, there exists many pressing social concerns and needs in the society which influence civil engagement in America. History of Civic Engagement Civic engagement originated between 1880 and 1900. This was due to the emergence of social work in response to the needs of immigrants in urban centers, in America. Civic engagement was also developed in civic engagement centers in university campuses due to settlement house movement. Jane Addams was the first woman in history to receive a Nobel Peace Prize in the year 1931, after coming up with the Jane Addams Hull House foundation, which seeks to improve communities’ social conditions in Chicago and Illinois area. The Civil Rights Movement (CRM) was between 1950s and 1960s whereby there was the Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus boycott. Martin Luther King Jr. said, â€Å"Everybody can be distinguished†¦ because anybody can serve, one d oes not need a college degree to serve. [3] American Democratic Protest (ADP) was introduced for civic engagement of the public. Most people may think that the American Democratic Protests only works with democratic causes, like voter registration. ADP promotes voter registration also encourages other activities. The ADP’s goals were aimed at getting students in campuses involved in advocacy activities like protests and community meetings, with the hopes of causing positive change in the social environment. The ADP also created opportunities, for example, Fishing Has No Boundaries, whereby students run the group which allows disabled people to have fun relaxing. This has facilitated students to volunteer their time on such activities.Advertising Looking for research paper on political sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Effects of Civic Engagement Civic engagement earns the community social capital: this is the cover title of all positive effects of interactions in the community. The benefits that come with social capital are education for the community dwellers, increased safety in the community, decreased crime, illiteracy, and health and socioeconomic disparity. Depending on engagement in civic activities, social capital can either be gained or lost according to the behavior. Civic engagement service as a strategy aimed to meet the challenges in the community and the nation at large, for instance, strengthening the schools in the community and addressing the dropout crises in the community. This improves the education in the community and the country in extension. Civic engagement also helps in improving energy efficiency also safeguarding available energy in the community. This facilitates safeguarding the environment and its resources. This in turn also helps in improving health care; it also expands the economic opportunities in communities which have low income. Civic engage ment helps in preparing for and responding to disasters and emergencies in the community and the country. All these contemporary examples of civic engagement practice and policies came into shape after the recent passing of the Edward M. Kennedy: Serve America Act. The supporters of direct democracy, since the Progressive Era, claim that the use of a ballot initiative results in strengthening democracy in the country by encouraging a more active and engaged citizenry. Advocates argued that the ballot initiative process would help in the reformation of voters by encouraging them in participative public policy making. Allowing citizens to act as lawmakers increases their interest in politics. Currently, civil engagement is an overriding theme in civil dialogues as social commentators and policy-makers search for more democratic and collective ways to send messages to the government. While the Progressive reformers in the 20th century aimed in the creation of bureaucratic, hierarchical , rule-based organizations in the administrative state to prevent corruption in politics, the current reformers, support less hierarchical governmental organizations in order to increase civil participation in enhancing government responsiveness to citizen demands and policy making.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Importance of Civic Engagement specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This model of participation suggests that there’s improved and strengthened relation between policy-makers and citizens that will improve policy-making. This is a core element of moral governance. Digital democracy, e-government, deliberative democracy and strong democracy are participatory mechanisms, which are designed in expanding the circle of people involved in policy-making, thus allowing civic officials to get new sources of information and ideas when making decisions. Proponents of these mechanisms of civic engagement a lso suggest that they will help in building public trust in the country’s government, also strengthen civic capacity of the community. As per Progressive reformers and contemporary normative theorists, in order to make the government to function well, one needs to foster collective and individual participation in decision-making processes. While civic engagement is public-based, with the public deciding on public issues by a direct vote, political scientists have begun to explore empirically whether giving the public a direct voice in the legislature procedure, in fact, improves the public’s participation and interest in politics. Recent studies conclude that civic engagement or direct democracy have a positive effect on voter turnout. The state-level data was the basis of this conclusion. The ballot data from 1972 to 1996 indicates that, the presence of outstanding initiatives and popular referenda increases the turnout in interim elections by around 3% above the stat es without civic engagement, but not present in the presidential election years. It is evident that the states with more public initiatives on the ballot have higher voter turnout in both presidential election and interim elections, around 4% and around 8% respectively, than states without ballot initiative. These studies suggest that there is more pronounced turnout in interim elections, which have low information, low turnout affairs and fewer mobilization sources, because of the initiative. In such elections, the marginal voters may be sensitive to the mobilization sources that exist, such as ballot propositions. Ballot initiatives may generate interest and bring information in an election, which may further lead to higher voter turnout. On the other hand, presidential elections have high information, high motivation, which may weaken the mobilization influence on ballot measures.Advertising Looking for research paper on political sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Using more recent data and sophisticated methods for research challenge previous studies that did not find a positive impact of ballot measures on voter turnout. There is lower turnout in the American electorate compared to other western countries, especially among the less affluent, younger, non-white, and less partisan citizens. If citizen political participation is preferred in a country and ballot measures increases voter turnout, then the initiatives are a reasonable thing despite their content, policy or outcome. Scholars of electoral studies should be interested in the impacts of initiatives on voter turnout, as there are more initiatives on local and state ballots presently more than ever before. Another civic engagement or political participation, in addition to voting, is the contribution of money to political causes. The exposure to initiative campaigns enables citizens to donate money to political parties, candidates, and interest groups. The enhanced image and visibilit y of worth that groups receive from this activity may stimulate more individuals to make donations. Such process would be necessary for implications for democratic theory. Pluralist scholars have been arguing that wide civic engagement ensures that the diverse interests will add into the political process. Recent research suggest that the states with civic engagement have more diverse, and larger interest group systems compared to states without civic engagement. Other scholars suggest that citizen groups are the main beneficiaries in direct democracy elections, rather than economic groups. A mechanism through which the initiative process may increase the diversity and size of interest group representation is through citizen contributions to them. It has been proven that citizens living in states with civic engagement are more likely to give money to interest groups, than those living in states which do not have this institutional mechanism. Civic engagement or direct legislation wo uld make the voter recognize that he/she is independent, since decision making on ballot actions bring voters into a nearer touch with vast affairs, and allows voters to start taking shape and becoming a sovereign in both fact and fancy. If ballot initiatives help in producing a more engaged and politically self-confident electorate, they also create a more informed electorate. The exposure effects on civic engagement at political knowledge may be similar to the effect of media exposure. Watching the news on TV has been positively associated with knowledge on politics. While an extensive prose, documents how citizens can make voting decisions on the initiative with clear directives from the elected officials, media, interest groups and political party endorsements, scholars have not systematically explored how civic engagement campaigns may advance political knowledge among citizens. Scholars have found, from pioneers of political surveys and contemporary researchers, that Americans have little interest in political knowledge. However, it is evident that political learning is profoundly influenced by the political environment. Sophistication politically is endogenous to three broad factors: the ability to organize and assimilate political information; the desire or motive to follow political affairs; and exposure to information on politics. Exposure to information on politics may be a function of the quantity of times with which such information is availed, media use, and communications technology. Civic engagement campaigns may create marginal opportunities for political learning, thus increasing political sophistication and political knowledge. In relation to civic engagement, there are nonprofit organizations, which are involved in civic engagement campaigns and initiatives. â€Å"Citizen Schools† is a nationally recognized organization that is dedicated to educating using service learning outside of the classroom. They provide programs for middle-sc hool-aged youths, connecting them with businesses, adult volunteers and nonprofit organizations, in order for them to learn about their roles as citizens and learn more about their communities. â€Å"Do something† is an initiative aimed at making the service more appealing to the youth. The program includes ideas floated monthly to â€Å"challenge the youth to engage in the community and presents awards to service role-models.†[4] They have come up with a magazine titled BUILD. â€Å"Hands on a Network† is an organization that seeks to solve the hardships in a society through service. This network realizes the dimensionality of civic engagement and service by emphasizing the work done by volunteers and the meaning of experience to them. â€Å"Sustainable Seattle† is an organization which utilizes the social capital building and civic engagement in its economic, ecological and community sustainability programs. This organization is an example of a metropol itan level model of civic engagement, focusing on education, local business and neighborhood development. There are also websites that are related to civic engagement. â€Å"American Psychological Association’s Civic Engagement and Service-Learning† is a site which emphasizes on the psychological connection between service-learning and civic engagement. â€Å"Journal of Civic Commitment† is an online academic journal that provides research and ideas on how to slot in commitment to the community with learning. â€Å"Community College National Center for Community Engagement†, is a site that provides information on current and past issues. â€Å"Learn and Serve America† is part of Corporation for National Community Service, which includes Senior Corps and AmeriCorps. â€Å"Social Capital Gateway†[5] is a domain of sites, events, and research that are related to social capital and its relationship to other phenomenon. In conclusion, civic eng agement is normally influenced by several factors, including traditions and beliefs, civil society organizations and nonprofit organizations different perspectives of communities, the government and pressing social concerns. Civic engagement earns the community social capital. The benefits that come with social capital are education for the community dwellers, increased safety in the community, decreased crime, illiteracy, and health and socioeconomic disparity. Civic engagement service as a strategy meets the challenges in the community and the nation at large, for instance, strengthening the schools in the community. This improves the education in the community and the country in extension. Civic engagement also helps in improving energy efficiency also safeguarding available energy in the community. Civic engagement or direct legislation would make the voter recognize that he/she is independent, since decision making on ballot actions bring voters into a nearer touch with vast af fairs, and allows voters to start taking shape and becoming a sovereign in both fact and interpretation. Bibliography Brehm, John. Individual Level Evidence for the Causes and Consequences of Social Capital. New York: Oxford University Press, 1997 Jarvik, Erik. Inequality, Trust, and Civic Engagement. Boston: Academic Press, 1980. Robbins, Sarah and Mimi Dyer. Writing America. New York: Teachers College Press, 2005. Sen, Vicheth. Higher Education and Civic Engagement in Cambodia A Case Study at the Royal University of Phnom Penh. München: GRIN Verlag GmbH, 2010. Yang, Kaifeng and Erik Bergrud. Civic Engagement in a Network Society. Greenwich: Information Age Publishing, 2008. Footnotes Vicheth Sen, Higher Education and Civic Engagement in Cambodia : A Case Study at the Royal University of Phnom Penh (München: GRIN Verlag GmbH, 2010), 19 Kaifeng Yang and Bergrud Erik, Civic Engagement in a Network Society (Greenwich: Information Age Publishing, 2008), 108 Sarah Robbins and D yer Mimi, Writing America (New York: Teachers College Press, 2005), 68 Erik Jarvik, Inequality, Trust, and Civic Engagement (Boston: Academic Press, 1980), 234-238 John, Brehm, Individual Level Evidence for the Causes and Consequences of Social Capital(New York: Oxford University Press, 1997), 92

Grammatical analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Grammatical analysis - Assignment Example The author of the letter addresses her bank manager with an issue she requires the manager to address as soon as possible. She does this owing to the unique requirements of the bank. Banks always give bank statement only upon request. She therefore uses the letter to request for the bank statements. The format of the text automatically identifies it as an official letter that addresses a specific issue. Furthermore, the author ot the text addresses the issue prudently using the fewest words possible. Such is a requirement in official letters. Official letters must always address a specific issue articulately. The author of the text does this as she addresses the issue to her bank manager before ending the piece. She ensures to include all the details necessary to justify her request for the bank statement. Key among the features of the text is the kind of service she requires from the bank and the urgency with which she requires the bank statements. Such are vital features that enhan ce the process of service delivery. All texts exist in specific genres. The text alongside just as explained earlier is a letter. Letters are pieces of communication that address particular issues to specific audiences. A letter has a definite audience. The letter alongside has a specific audience and addresses specific issue. The author of the letter addresses her bank manager. She explains her predicament to the manager and therefore requests for his help (Bell, 2004, pp123-178). Apparently, the boarder authorities require her bank statement in order for them to process her visa. She therefore writes the letter to the bank manager requesting for the statements. In doing this, she must introduce herself effectively. This validates the bank number she includes in the letter. Such is a vital inclusion since the bank knows her by the number. The genre if an effective way of identifying the text since it enhances the process of analyzing text. Every

A report based on an international HRM case study Essay - 1

A report based on an international HRM case study - Essay Example Therefore, the senior management team has asked the human resource manager to undertake a thorough assessment of the prevailing scenario in the US as well as in the Scandinavian nations in terms of cultural values, recruitment and training along with payment and reward. Thus, the paper intends to make the required analysis along with providing the senior management a recommendation regarding the most appropriate location for establishing the manufacturing unit among the US or a Scandinavian nation. Table of Contents Executive Summary 2 Managing human resource efficiently has become a key element in the modern day business context. Organisations nowadays are providing significant consideration towards recognising the prevailing context of a foreign nation before commencing their business operations. In this context, understanding cultural aspects of a foreign country is imperative to ascertain that diversity management aspect can be maintained by the company efficiently in future. Wit h due consideration to this notion, an electronics manufacturing company has endeavoured to establish its manufacturing unit in either the United States of America or in a Scandinavian nation. ... 2 Table of Contents 3 Introduction 4 Cultural Values 5 Recruitment and Training 8 Payment and Reward 11 Recommendations and Conclusion 14 References 16 Introduction An electronics company that produces electronic goods for the mobile phone industry intends to set up a manufacturing unit either in the United States of America or in any of the Scandinavian countries. Scandinavia comprises five nations namely, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Denmark and Finland. The purpose of this report is to analyse the human resource policies and practices of these countries in order to make the due changes in the intended manufacturing unit. Recruitment and managing of local employees are among the key responsibilities bestowed upon the human resource manager of the organisation. Thus, a thorough assessment of the existing scenarios in these two societies is a pertinent initiative to proceed appropriately. The various aspects to be considered while making such analysis are the cultural values, the recruit ment and training practices of the countries, the payment and rewards system followed by the countries. Values concerning the societies and its importance among the citizens are to be evaluated critically in order to align the work culture of the planned manufacturing unit. The recruitment and training being one of the most important human resource aspects to be followed by a company, the practices pertaining to them are to be adopted by the manufacturing unit in order to run successfully and in compliance with the surrounding. The recruitment and training practices or trends followed by the business units in a country are also of great importance in order to

Comparison of Electroconvulsive Therapy and Antidepressants

Comparison of Electroconvulsive Therapy and Antidepressants Brief 101151 INTRODUCTION Depression is one of the more common forms of mental illness. It has been estimated that approximately 9.5% of the population will suffer with depression at any one time (Robins and Regier 1990) and that 17% of people will suffer with depression at some point in their life (Blazer et al 1994). Defining depression is not a straight forward task. This is due to the fact that it can range from normal unhappiness through persistent and pervasive ways of feeling and thinking to psychosis (Hale 1997). Having said this, a number of different features which can be associated with depression have been identified by Hale (1997): Persistent low mood Loss of interest and enjoyment Reduced energy and diminished activity Poor concentration and attention Low self esteem and low confidence Ideas of guilt and unworthiness Bleak pessimistic views of the future Ideas or acts of self harm or suicide Disturbed sleep Diminished appetite It is also possible to distinguish between three major types of depression. The first form of depression is Dysthymia which involves long-term chronic depressive symptoms which do not necessarily disable the individual. The second form is Bipolar Disorder which involves the patient experiencing periods of mania and depression through cycles of mood change. The third and final category concerns Major Depression. The symptoms involved with this mental illness combine to ensure that it is difficult for the patient to work, study or to enjoy activities as well as them having difficulties regarding eating and sleeping patterns. It is this third and most serious form of depression which will be the focus of the following discussion. TREATMENT OF SEVERE DEPRESSION A number of different approaches to the treatment of depression have been taken which are based on a range of theoretical perspectives. These include approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Psychoanalysis and those based on increasing exercise levels. However, perhaps the most common treatment for depression involves the use of antidepressant drugs (American Psychiatric Association 1993) These include medications such as Tricyclic (which is cheap and effective but does have side effects which limit compliance), Selective Serotonin Up-Take Inhibitors (which has fewer side effects but less effective for disturbed sleep) and Monoamine (which, in rare cases, can be fatal when mixed with certain foods) Although antidepressants can be effective, research has indicated that they may not be the optimal solution. For example, Thomas et al (1982) conducted a study involving 115 participants who were randomly allocated to receive either a combination of antidepressants or a placebo. T he medication was found to have a significant effect but non-compliance was identified as a significant problem. It has been estimated that non-compliance regarding antidepressant drugs is between 20 and 59% (Johnson 1973 and Thomas et al 1982). Further research has also reported that patients who are suffering with depression are still at a significant risk of relapse or recurring symptoms even when they have been adhering to their medication programme for a long period of time (Grunhaus et al 1990). It may also be the case that medication is not suitable for all forms of depression. For example, Hale (1997) suggested that antidepressants may not be effective for psychotic depression. Therefore, as a result of the potential drawbacks of non-compliance, relapse and not being effective for all forms of depression, efforts have been made to identify other approaches for the treatment of severe depression. One of the most controversial treatment approaches is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). It was first used in 1938 by Cerletti and Bini (Linington and Harris 1988). It involves sending an electrical current through the patient’s brain with the aim of stimulating the release of neurotransmitters which will ultimately improve the patient’s mood. ECT has obtained a somewhat negative reputation due to stories of bitten tongues and fractured bones and it is often seen as a form of punishment rather than treatment. However, reviews of its application have demonstrated that ECT does have significant benefits compared to simulated ECT, when all procedures are followed without an electrical current actually being given (The UK ECT Review Group 2003). Whenever one is making decisions regarding the use of any given treatments, one must consider the body of scientific evidence which has assessed the treatment’s efficacy and effectiveness. The following review will aim to consi der the research which has assessed the efficacy and effectiveness of ECT as a treatment for severe depression in order to determine its effectiveness with reference to the use of antidepressants. RESEARCH QUESTION Thus, the following review will aim to answer the question ‘Is ECT an effective treatment compared with antidepressants in cases of severe depression’. The methodology which was employed within this research will now be outlined. LITERATURE SEARCH A systematic review aims to integrate existing information from a comprehensive range of sources, utilising a scientific replicable approach, which gives a balanced view, hence minimising bias. It can also be stated that systematic reviews provide a means of integrating valid information from the research literature to provide a basis for rational decision making concerning the provision of healthcare. 2.1 SOURCES OF DATA The methodology employed within the research involved obtaining data from three key sources: Computerised searches, Manual searches, and the Internet. Each of these data sources will now be considered in more detail. 2.11 COMPUTERISED SEARCHES The methods used in this research will include a detailed computerised literature search. Multiple databases, both online and CD–Rom will be accessed to retrieve literature because they cite the majority of relevant texts. The computerised bibliographic databases are:- MEDLINE EMBASE CINAHL PSYCHINFO Biological Abstracts Cochrane SIGLE However because articles may not be correctly indexed within the computerised databases, other strategies will be applied in order to achieve a comprehensive search. 2.1.2 MANUAL SEARCHES A manual search will be performed to ensure that all relevant literature is accessed. The manual searches will include:- Books relevant to the topics from university libraries and web sites Inverse searching- by locating index terms of relevant journal articles and texts Systematically searching reference lists and bibliographies of relevant journal articles and texts 2.1.3 THE INTERNET The internet will provide a global perspective of the research topic and a searchable database of Internet files collected by a computer. Sites accessed will include:- Department of Health National Institute of Clinical Excellence English National Board of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting Google British Medical Journal 2.2 IDENTIFICATION OF KEY WORDS A set of key words will be used within the literature search. Elements of the research question will be used to provide the search terms. Therefore, the words Electroconvulsive Therapy, Antidepressants, Depression, Effectiveness and Evaluation will all be used. 2.3 INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA To ensure that the more relevant research studies are identified, a set of inclusion and exclusion criteria will be utilised. In order to be included in this research the studies will need to relate to the evaluation of Electroconvulsive Therapy and relate to the treatment of depression. Furthermore, studies will be excluded if they are published before 1975 or if they are not available in English. DISCUSSION This review has identified literature which has focussed on assessing the effectiveness of ECT in comparison to antidepressants regarding the treatment of severe depression. In order to structure the discussion, the research will be analysed with reference to the benefits of ECT regarding relapse, patients who are drug-resistant and those with severe depression in particular. The potential drawbacks of ECT will then be briefly considered before overall conclusions are drawn regarding the research question. 3.1 RELAPSE Studies were located which highlighted the benefits of ECT regarding the reduction of relapse. For instance, Petrides et al (1994) reviewed the case histories of 33 patients who had been diagnosed with long term depression. A set of 21 patients were included in the study as a one year follow up report was available for analysis. Each of the participating patients had been taking antidepressants for a significant length of time but were still experiencing relapses of depression. After the delivery of ECT it was reported that the number of patients with depression who suffered relapses fell from a normal rate of 50% to 33% at the one year follow up. For the patients with delusional depression in particular, the relapse figure fell from a normal rate of 95% to 42%. Based on this research it would appear that ECT can be more effective than antidepressants in terms of reducing relapse rates. A more recent and relevant study was conducted by Gagne et al (2000) which also involved the retrospective reviewing of patients’ notes. Two groups of 29 matched participants were identified. The first group had only been taking antidepressants were as the second group had antidepressants along with ECT. At the two year follow up stage the relapse rates for those who had ECT was 52% compared to the 93% associated with those who only had medication. At the five year follow up stage, the relapse rate for the drug-only group had fallen slightly to 73% where as the ECT group had fallen dramatically to just 18%. The average survival rate of the ECT group was 6.9 years which was significantly longer than the 2.7 years for the drug-only group. Therefore the research considered in this section would lead one to conclude that ECT can be more effective than antidepressants alone in terms of reducing relapse rates. Having said this, it should be noted that these research projects involve d combining ECT with antidepressants rather than replacing them entirely. 3.2 MEDICATION RESISTANT PATIENTS Although antidepressants are effective for many patients with depression, there are some groups for whom it is less effective. Rabheru and Persad (1997) reviewed the literature which focused on assessing the effectiveness of ECT for patients who were found to be resistant to antidepressant medication. They found that the research evidence indicated that ECT could have significant benefits for medication resistant patients. These benefits were particularly relevant for elderly patients with depression. An important point to make here, however, was demonstrated by research conducted by Prudic et al (1996). They reported that the effectiveness of ECT may decline as the time for which the patient has suffered with severe depression increases. Therefore, the approach of using ECT when the patient has been found to be resistant to antidepressants may not be the optimal approach as the possible benefits of ECT may have been reduced. Therefore, this section has demonstrated that ECT could be beneficial for patients who have severe depression and have not been significantly helped by the use of antidepressants. However, it is important to note that the use of ECT may decline over time. 3.3 PATIENTS WITH SEVERE DEPRESSION Further research has indicated that ECT may well have particular benefits over antidepressants with regards to patients who have severe depression. Sobin et al (1996) conducted research to evaluate the effectiveness of ECT for patients with a range of levels of depression. They reported that 70% of the participants responded significantly as a result of the ECT and that significant improvements were made by those who had severe depression. Other research has also leant support for the assertion that ECT is particularly beneficial for patients with severe depressive symptoms, mood congruent delusions and those who are at prominent risk of committing suicide (Martin 1989, Schatzberg 1992, Persad 1990, Philibert et al 1995 and Fink et al 1996). It appears that the attributes of ECT are particularly suited to the treatment of people with severe depression. It may be that the more severe a person’s depressive symptoms are, the more drastic and severe the treatment approaches need t o be for them to be effective. CONCLUSIONS This review has considered research which has investigated whether ECT is effective in treating severe depression when compared to antidepressant drugs. Based on this research it can be concluded that ECT, when combined with antidepressants, does appear to significantly reduce patients’ relapse rates. It can also be said that the evidence supports the view that ECT can be effective for patients who have been found to be resistant to antidepressants. The third and final conclusion is that ECT appears to be particularly suited to patients with the more severe forms of depression. Having said this, some criticisms need to be acknowledged regarding this body of research. For instance, Rose et al (2003) highlighted three major drawbacks. Firstly 1 in 3 patients who are given ECT report persistent memory loss. Secondly, the research studies conducted by clinicians in this area report more positive results than those conducted by consumer agencies. This may be due to the selection of participants or the focus of the research questions. The third and final drawback outlined by Rose et al (2003) is that the studies which support ECT rarely assess the long term effects or cognitive functioning and the majority of them were conducted many years ago using small samples. The research is also limited because it mainly uses case studies (Thienhaus et al 1990), naturalistic studies (Aronson et al 1987) or retrospective reviews of patient notes (Stiebel 1995). Few randomly controlled trials were highlighted by this literature search. Such criticisms must be kept in mind when considering the effectiveness of ECT in comparison to antidepressants for treating severe depression. 5.0 IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Guidelines produced by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence, based on a review of Department of Health and Cochrane database research, recommends that ECT be used for rapid and short term improvements for patients with severe depression or who are at significant risk of suicide (Tharyan and Adams 2003). However, as highlighted by the Royal College of Psychiatrists (2003) in their response to these guidelines, the use of ECT may have a wider scope than this approach would suggest and the guidelines may ensure that patients who may benefit from ECT are not given the treatment. Further research in this area will provide a basis upon which to test the appropriateness of these guidelines and the current use of ECT. It would appear that ECT can have significant benefits for patients with severe depression but that more efforts need to be made to tackle the negative impressions which may be associated with this treatment such that it can become a more accepted approach. The main im plication of this review for practice is that ECT appears to have a significant role to play in the treatment of severe depression but that it is likely to be alongside the use of antidepressants rather than instead of them. This strategy will enable the most comprehensive treatment programme to be delivered to the patients and ensure that their chances of a full recovery are maximised. REFERENCES American Psychiatric Association (1993). Practice guidelines for major depressive disorder in adults. American Journal of Psychiatry; 150(suppl): 4. Aronson TA, Shukla S, and Hoff A: (1987) Continuation therapy after ECT for delusional depression: a naturalistic study of prophylactic treatments and relapse. Convulsive Therapy; 3:251–259[Medline] Blazer DG, Kessler RC, McGonagle KA, and (1994) Swartz MS. The prevalence and distribution of major depression in a national community sample: the national comorbidity survey. American Journal of Psychiatry;151:979-6. Gagne, G. G., Furman, M. J., Carpenter, L. L. and Price, L. H. (2000) Efficacy of continuation ECT and antidepressant drugs compared to antidepressants alone in depressed patients. American Journal of Psychiatry, 157, 1960-1963 Grunhaus L, Pande AC, and Haskett RF (1990) Full and abbreviated courses of maintenance electroconvulsive therapy. Convulsive Therapy; 6:130–138 Johnson DAW. (1973) Treatment of depression in general practice. British Medical Journal; ii: 18-20. Linington, A. and Harris, B. (1988) Fifty years of electro-convulsive therapy. British Medical Journal, 297, 1354-1355 Martin BA (1989) Electroconvulsive therapy for depression in general psychiatric practice. Psychiatric Journal of the University of Ottawa; 14:413–417 National Institute for Clinical Excellence (2003). Guidance on the use of electroconvulsive therapy. London: NICE, 2003. www.nice.org.uk/pdf/59ectfullguidance.pdf (accessed 9 Jun 2003). Persad E: (1990) Electroconvulsive therapy in depression. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry; 35:175–182[Medline] Petrides G, Dhossche D, Fink M, and Francis A: (1994) Continuation ECT: relapse prevention in affective disorders. Convulsive Therapy; 10:189–194 Philibert RA, Richards L, Lynch CF, and Winokur G: (1995) Effect of ECT on mortality and clinical outcome in geriatric unipolar depression. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry; 56:390–394[Medline] Prudic J, Haskett RF, Mulsant B, Malone KM, Pettinati HM, Stephens S, et al. (1996) Resistance to antidepressant medication and short-term clinical response to ECT. American Journal of Psychiatry;153:985-92. Rabheru K, and Persad E: (1997) A review of continuation and maintenance electroconvulsive therapy. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry; 42:476–484 Robins LN, Regier DA (Eds) (1990). Psychiatric Disorders in America, The Epidemiologic Catchment Area Study,; New York: The Free Press. Rose D, Wykes T, Leese M, Bindman J, and Fleischmann P. (2003) Patients perspectives on electroconvulsive therapy: systematic review. British Medical Journal;326: 1363-5.[Abstract/Free FullText] Sackeim HA (1994) Continuation therapy following ECT: directions for future research. Psychopharmacology Bulletin; 30:501–521 Schatzberg AF: (1992) Recent developments in the acute somatic treatment of major depression. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry; 53(Mar suppl):20–25 Sobin C, Prudic J, Devanand DP, Nobler MS, and Sackeim HA. (1996) Who responds to electroconvulsive therapy? British Journal of Psychiatry;169:322-8. Stiebel VG: (1995) Maintenance electroconvulsive therapy for chronically mentally ill patients: a case series. Psychiatric Service; 46:265–268 Tharyan P, and Adams` `C`E (2003) Electroconvulsive therapy for schizophrenia. Cochrane Schizophrenia Group. Cochrane Database Systematic Review;(1): CD000076 The UK ECT Review Group (2003) . Electroconvulsive therapy: systematic review and meta-analysis of efficacy and safety in depressive disorders. Lancet;361: 799-808 Thienhaus OJ, Margletta S, and Bennett JA: (1990) A study of the clinical efficacy of maintenance ECT. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry; 51:141–144 Thompson J, Rankin H, Ashcroft GW, Yates CM, McQueen JK, and Cummings SW. (1982) The treatment of depression in general practice: a comparison of L-tryptophan, amitriptyline and a combination of L-tryptophan and amitriptyline with placebo. Psychological Medicine; 12: 741-751[Medline].

Change In The Things They Carried Essay examples -- Tim OBrien OBrien

Change In The Things They Carried a war novel by Tim O'Brien, we are told many short stories compiled to make a whole. I want to emphasis on the importance of the chapter "Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong". In this chapter we are introduced to the character Mary Anne. She shows the changing power of Vietnam, that a sweet innocent young girl can come into this land and be forever consumed by her surroundings. The speaker show us this through character action, character description, dialogue and metaphor; this enhances the literary work by showing us that the soldiers will always be a part of Vietnam no matter how hard they try to get away from it. Mary Anne was a young sweet innocent girl unaffected by the war at first. The speaker shows us with character description from what she was wearing when she arrived. "This cute blonde just a kid, just barely out of high schoolÂ…white culottes and this sexy pink sweater."(O'Brien 90) Her "pink sweater" is a symbol for innocence, the color pink is associated with innocence; "barely out of high school" can also imply her innocence. The end of high school is the beginning of a new world for most. Thus meaning that she has her whole life in front of her. That she is just starting life. In this next quote you will see that she had the rest of her life planned out or so she thought. "Mary Anne Bell and Mark Fossie had been sweethearts since grammar school. From the sixth grade on they had known for a fact that they would get marriedÂ…that was the plan. They were very much in love, full of dreams, and in the ordinary flow of their lives the whole scenario might well have come true." (94) The speaker placed this quote to foreshadow Mary Anne's change. "Ordinary flow of their lives the whole sc... ... truth. This story enhances the literary work for it shows what can happen if you embrace a culture while surrounded by others who are just simply living off the land not being courteous to those who live on it. Her love for this land changed her forever, She is not the same sweet innocent Mary Anne who came off of that helicopter, and she is now one with Vietnam. This is a metaphor for what took place in the lives of soldiers, they go there expecting to just "hump" along but get consumed by the land. It forever changes them so that they will never be the same again. There minds are forever warped, they will go in as one person and leave another. The speaker uses Mary Anne as an accelerated version of a soldier's life to make a dramatic effect. She is to show how much a man changes after war, no matter how hard they try to deny it. The war has became a part of them.

Bp Case

1. The aspects of BP’s ethical culture that could have contributed to the Gulf Coast oil spill disaster include: * The company tried to assure concerned stakeholders that it took environmental concerns seriously, but BP’s actions have not always concided with its words. BP has engaged in numerous instances of questionable behavior including fraud, environmental, and ethical transgressions clearly demonstrate that the company has a history of disregarding the well-being of stakeholders.The company has claimed to be an ethical company, concerned with stakeholder well-being, but its many violations tell a different story. * BP’s code of conduct was not sufficient to prevent a man made environmental disaster on an unprecedented scale. Apparently, BP’s code did not effectively address specific high risk activities within the scope of daily operations. * An investigation implies that BP cut short procedures and quality testing of the pipe (tests that are meant t o detect has in the well).Also, BP used a less costly well design that some investigators deemed â€Å"risky†. Installation of this design is easier and costs are lower. Although, BP didn’t break any laws by using this design, they ignored safer alternatives (to save money) that might have prevented, or at least hindered, the accident. * BP admitted that they had ignored several procedures required by the Clean Air Act for ensuring mechanical integrity and a safe startup between 1999 until the explosion in 2005 that killed 15 employees and injured another 170 people.The explosion was the result of a leak of hydrocarbon liquid, and vapor. Another leak that happened in 2006 occurred after BP failed to respond to numerous red flags. One of these flags consisted of a dangerous corrosion in its pipes that had gone unchecked for more than a decade. * To narrow this entire question up, BP took shortcuts in their productions to cut their costs, and ignored defaults, regular ro utine cleanings, and maintenance of the rigs causing explosions and leaks, and people getting killed, harmed, or injured. . Yes, BP engaged in purposeful avoidance of risk management. * Some suggest that BP cut corners in risk management to save time and money. * BP had a responsibility to ensure that appropriate precautions were taken to prevent a disaster, but they failed to meet their responsibilities. For example, one technician that worked on the oil rig accused BP of willful negligence. He claims that BP did in fact have knowledge that the rig’s blowout preventer was leaking weeks prior to the explosion, but did not halt the production. BP’s contingency plan in case of a disaster was inadequate. It contained many important inaccuracies. For example, one of the wildlife experts listed as an emergency responder had been dead since 2005. Another example, is that the contingency plan estimated that if a oil spill should occur, that the company would be able to recove r about 500,000 barrels of oil per day, when in reality it took BP months to just contain the leak, at a spill rate of much less than listed in their plan.The inaccuracies of BP’s contingency plan shows how unprepared the company was for a disaster like the Deep Water Horizon spill. 3. I think that in order for BP to rebuild their reputation and manage the risks associated with offshore drilling, they should not take shortcuts or cut corners to save time or money. They should commit to a socially responsible approach and stakeholder engagement. They should have safety organizations in place. They should follow safety rules and regulations. Conduct better start up procedures.

Animal Cruelty and Circuses

Most accusations of animal cruelty in circuses focus on the  elephants, but from an animal rights perspective, no animals should be forced to perform tricks in order to earn money for their human captors. Circuses and Animal Rights The animal rights position is that animals have a right to be free of human use and exploitation. In a vegan world, animals would interact with humans when and if they want to, not because they are chained to a stake or trapped in a cage. Animal rights is not about bigger cages or more humane training methods; its about not using or exploiting animals for food, clothing, or entertainment. Attention has focused on elephants because they are considered by many to be highly intelligent, are the largest circus animals, may be the most abused,  and arguably suffer more in captivity than smaller animals. However, animal rights is not about  ranking or quantifying suffering, because all sentient beings deserve to be free. Circuses and Animal Welfare The animal welfare position  is that humans have a right to use animals, but cannot harm animals gratuitously and must treat them humanely. What is considered humane varies greatly. Many animal welfare advocates consider fur, foie gras, and cosmetics testing  to be frivolous uses of animals, with too much animal suffering and not much benefit to humans. Some animal welfare advocates would say that eating meat is morally acceptable as long as the animals were raised and slaughtered humanely.   Regarding circuses, some animal welfare advocates would support keeping animals in circuses as long as training methods are not too cruel. Los Angeles recently banned the use of bullhooks, a sharp tool that is used as punishment in training elephants.  Many would support a ban on wild or exotic animals in circuses. Circus Cruelty Animals in circuses are often beaten, shocked,  kicked, or cruelly confined in order to train them to be obedient and do tricks. With elephants, the abuse begins when they are babies to break their spirits. All four of the baby elephants legs are chained or tied for up to 23 hours per day. While they are chained, they are beaten and shocked with electric prods. It can take up to six months before they learn that struggling is futile. The abuse continues into adulthood, and they are never free of the bullhooks that puncture their skin. Bloody wounds are covered with makeup to conceal them from the public. Some argue that elephants  must love performing because you cant bully such a large animal into doing tricks, but with the weapons at their disposal and years of physical abuse, elephant trainers can usually beat them into submission.  There are, however, tragic cases where the elephants rampaged and/or killed their tormentors, leading to the elephants being put down.   Elephants are not the only victims of abuse in circuses. According to Big Cat Rescue, lions and tigers also suffer at the hands of their trainers:  Often the cats are beaten, starved, and confined for long periods of time in order to get them to cooperate with what the trainers want.  And life on the road means that most of a cat’s life is spent in a circus wagon in the back of a semi-truck or in a crowded, stinking box car on a train or barge. An investigation of one circus by Animal Defenders International found that the dancing bears spend around 90% of their time shut in their cages inside a trailer. Their time outside these miserable prison cells generally averages just 10 minutes a day on weekdays and 20 minutes on weekends. ADIs video shows one bear desperately circling a small steel cage measuring about 31/2 feet wide, by 6ft deep and about 8ft high. The steel floor of this barren cage is covered in just a scattering of sawdust. With horses, dogs, and other domesticated animals, training and confinement may not be as torturous, but any time an animal is used commercially, the animals well-being is not the first priority.   Even if the circuses did not engage in cruel training or extreme confinement methods (zoos generally do not engage in cruel training or extreme confinement, but still violate the animals rights), animal rights advocates would oppose the use of animals in circuses because of breeding, buying selling and confining animals violates their rights. Circus Animals and the  Law Bolivia was the first country in the world to ban animals in circuses. China and Greece followed. The United Kingdom has banned the use of wild animals in circuses, but allows domesticated animals to be used. In the United States, the federal Traveling Exotic Animal Protection Act would ban the use of nonhuman primates, elephants, lions, tigers, and other species in circuses, but has not been passed yet. While no U.S. states have banned animals in circuses,  at least seventeen towns  have banned them. The welfare of the animals in circuses in the U.S. is governed by the Animal Welfare Act, which offers only the bare minimum of protection and does not prohibit the use of bullhooks or electric prods. Other laws, like the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act  protect certain animals, such as elephants and sea lions. A lawsuit against Ringling Brothers was dismissed based on a finding that  plaintiffs did not have standing; the court did not rule on the cruelty allegations. The Solution While some animal advocates want to regulate the use of animals in circuses, circuses with animals will never be considered completely cruelty-free. Also, some advocates believe that a ban on bullhooks just causes the practice to remain backstage and does little to help the animals.   The solution is to go vegan, boycott circuses with animals, and support animal-free circuses, such as Cirque du Soleil  and Cirque Dreams.