Should Abstinence Be the Goal for Treating People with Alcohol Problems

Capitol punishment essays

Capitol punishment essays The Argument Against the Death Penalty The feeling of the condemned man was indescribable, as he was minutes away from being executed by an unjust decision. The verdict of his case was guilty on the grounds of circumstantial evidence. When in all reality, he was guilty because he was black, poor and socially unacceptable. His case never stood a chance, it was over before it started. The judge and jury sentence the man to die in the electric chair. The condemned man sat in the chair sweating profusely, waiting for a someone to wake him from this nightmare. A certain death awaited this young mans future. He could not believe that a country like ours upheld a system of such unfairness. Then as he was executed, he shouted his last plea, I am innocent, please wait... How can this innocent man be put to death in a system based on fairness, and a theory of innocent until proven guilty. There have been circumstances such as this, that were said to be true. This is one example why capital punishment should be abolished in our country. Or should it? Is capital punishment fair, and based on equality? Does it cost less than other alternatives? Is it considered cruel and unusual punishment? And does the presence of the death penalty deter crime? These are questions that need to be answered to determine whether capital punishment should be abolished or maintained in our society. To start, capital punishment is a racist and unfair solution for the criminals in our system. It discriminates toward individuals on the basis of their race, wealth or social standing in society. It is not right to kill nineteen men a year out of hundreds and hundreds of convicted murderers. These men are not being killed because they committed murder. They are being killed because they are poor, black, ugly or all of these things. As capital punishment becomes less and less likely to be applied, it becomes more likely to be used ...

Hypertext and information design Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Hypertext and information design - Essay Example far as hypermedia is concerned, hypermedia can be described as the documents that have the ability information associated to several media, due to which, the information is allowed to be linked by the help of associations. Hypermedia files can be called as multimedia files with hypertext links (Farkas 2004a). Hypermedia has various layers of information. Hypertext is a useful approach as there are many merits attached to it. Hypertext facilitates us with nodes, links and navigation due to which, we do not face the problem of being lost. We can revert to our position if we go wrong with the help of links and navigations (Conklin 1987). The nodes are small chunks of information. The information that is widespread is divided into nodes and those nodes are linked through links and to go from one link to another, navigations are employed. The hypertext documents can exist into two categories: static and dynamic. Static documents cannot be changed but only be read and viewed while dynamic documents can be changed according to the users’ needs. Due to hypertext, the users are helped with user interface due to which, they have a friendly view for information retrieval. Information design is a not an easy task and the designers and developers are required to arrange the nodes of information in a sequential and logical manner (Farkas 2004a). In hypertext, the user uses the tools due to which, he/she is facilitated with an efficient way to deal with information. Information design is facilitated because of hypertexts. Hypertext theory and concepts are useful to the theory and practice of information design. The information that is designed with the help of hypertext is in non-linear format (Conklin 1987). Also information that is designed is in dynamic style as well in static. The static hypertext documents show information design in a format that does not allow the user to input his/her requirements or criteria in the web page. The dynamic hypertext documents show

Critical Art Theory Of Raja Ravi Varmas Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Critical Art Theory Of Raja Ravi Varmas - Essay Example However, it should be noted that Raja Ravi Varma was noted for this realistic depiction of scenes from epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana. He was recognized as a painter who made a fusion between Indian and Western art forms in terms of academic art. His talents were highly recognized in the west because of the depictions of bright colors and stylishly postured women in the sari. One such recognition came in 1873 with the Vienna Art Exhibition first prize. To the western world, he is regarded as one of the most prolific painters of the Indian tradition. But this could be termed as a bit exaggerated in the sense that during his time (1848- 1906) there were other stalwarts of the artists whose philosophies were not completely understood or conceptualized by the western art connoisseurs. During the period Raja Ravi Verma was working the most prominent of his contemporary colleagues were Abanindranath Tagore, Gaganendranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose, Jamini Roy and Gopal Ghosh of the 'Bengal School'. This was a school of thought process that was deeply influenced by the philosophic revival or renaissance of ancient Indian learning or values by the poet Rabindranath Tagore. These people choose subjects from both Indian history and mythology and juxtaposed them with the modern nationalist feeling of the time in the late 19th century. Their approach was guided by the philosophical essence of the philosophies of Hinduism with relevance to the political drifts and agitations against the British Raj in India. It was a form of painting with a mission of an extended approach of non-violence. (King, 2001, 143) So much is narrated about the Bengal School because at the same given point of time Raja Ravi Verma's approach towards painting was more religious than nationalist which stands a stark difference with his contemporary artists as he chooses to neglect the philosophical and the most important part of Hindu or Indian painting. Religion and philosophy are completely two different aspects of the trade. The religion of Hinduism is supposed to be formulated at around BC 2500 with the advent of the Aryans into the Indian subcontinent. But the religion in the context of a Hindu is not so much faith but mostly a way of life. It could be safely mentioned that Hinduism does not speak of a specific faith or code of conduct but is basically an accumulation of various school of philosophical thoughts. Under this perspective, a Hindu is free to choose his mode of philosophy where even the existence of a God is not mandatory. There are six main schools of thoughts called "sadadarshan" within the parameter of a Hindu philosophical essence and four of these schools overlook the need of a God altogether. (Fletcher, 2003, 276) Â  

Argument paper, against Obamas health plan Essay

Argument paper, against Obamas health plan - Essay Example However, the so called reform will have far reaching adverse effect on the nation’s socio-economic features. To begin with, Obama’s plan offers a public insurance firm in the form of a cooperative which will ensure affordable health insurance coverage for all, irrespective of age, sex or risk factors (The Obama Plan). Obviously, a subsidized coverage option will enhance public interest, which is expected to beat private insurance companies. Since The United States spends a higher proportion of its gross domestic products on healthcare services, Mr. Obama thinks that his plan would help people save considerable amount of their healthcare expense every year. Although it seems to be significant, the ultimate effect of premium deduction and subsidies inevitably result in tax hike. The President puts an estimate of $900 billion as ten year cost limit for the proposed package; whereas, experts believe that it would exceed $1 trillion (Pear R., Calmes J., 9 Sept., 2009) Mr.Obama reiterates that the public insurance will only be an option; and people will have the freedom to choose private plan if they think it suits them. Although he says that the government will not administer the health care system, his plan has all features of single payer system. For instance, regarding the high risk pool he says â€Å"for those Americans who can’t get insurance today because they have pre-existing medical conditions, we will immediately offer low cost coverage that will protect you against financial ruin if you become seriously ill.† (Pear R., Calmes J., 9 Sept., 2009). Under this system people have almost complete medical coverage and free access to healthcare. This approach will plunge the public insurance firm into big loss. In addition, this concept of ‘socialized medicine’ is against the social privileges of the U.S. citizens. Regardless of its high cost, the U.S. health care system is highly competent and people have the

Growth Factors in Periodontal Regeneration

Growth Factors in Periodontal Regeneration GROWTH FACTORS IN PERIODONTAL REGENERATION ABSTRACT : Periodontitis and all periodontal diseases are bacterial infections that destroy the attachment fibers and supporting bone. Left untreated, these diseases can lead to tooth loss. The main cause of periodontal disease is a bacterial plaque, many options are available to treat this disease including non-surgical,surgical,and recent regenerative materials. GFs are natural biological mediators that regulate key cellular events that are part of the process of tissue repair and regeneration. Recent advances in the areas of cellular and molecular biology allowed better understanding of the functions of GFs and their participation in the different phases of wound healing. In vitro and in vivo studies have confirmed that GFs can enhance the capacity of tissues to regenerate by regulating cell chemo attraction, differentiation and proliferation. This review focuses on five growth factor families that have potential for inducing periodontal regeneration based on their ability to stimulate osteo blast and periodontal ligament cells in vivo and vitro. Key words: platelet-derived growth factor, insulin-like growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta, fibroblast growth factor, and bone morphogenetic protein. INTRODUCTION : Periodontitis is a widely prevalent inflammatory disease of the tissues supporting the teeth, characterized by a progressive loss of bone and attachment. The ultimate goal of periodontal therapy is the regeneration of periodontal tissues, which consists in stimulating new cementum formation, new alveolar bone apposition, and a functionally-oriented periodontal ligament reconstruction. Conventional treatment procedures may be ineffective in achieving bone regeneration, leaving both the clinician and the patient dissatisfied with the outcome. Growth factors (GFs) have long been believed to have the potential to accelerate the healing process and, therefore, enhance tissue regeneration in challenging clinical scenarios.1 MODE OF ACTION OF GROWTH FACTORS: To evoke a biologic effect, a growth factor must be synthesized by an originating cell, travel to its target receptor, interact with target receptor, or binding protein, and activate second messengers or terminal effectors.2,3 Local mode of action is more associated with the term growth factor and involves Paracrine, Autocrine, Juxtacrine, and Intracrine modes. Autocrine mode of action – Growth factors synthesized by one cell, secreted in a soluble form outside the cell and then bind to surface receptors on the same cell to evoke an effect is autocrine mode of action. Example includes: TGF ÃŽ ², which are produced and act on epithelial cells, and BMP’s, which are produced and act on osteoblastic cells. (fig 1) Intracrine mode of action–Growth factors produced by one cell and not secreted, but acts intracellularly to facilitate its effects is intracrine mode of action. (fig 2) Paracrine mode Growth factorsproduced by one cell, with receptors present on another cell in the local micro environment is the paracrine mode of action. Here the mediators are secreted in soluble form and binds to its receptors on the target cell to evoke its effect. (fig 3) Juxtacrine mode It is similar to paracrine effects except that the factor produced by the cell of origin is cell surface bound and requires cell contact by the target cell to evoke a response. (fig 4) RECEPTORS FOR GROWTH FACTORS:4,5 For a growth factor to exert an effect, its designated receptor must be present in sufficient quantity, orientation, and functional activity to transmit appropriate stimuli. Growth factor receptors can be divided into 2 broad categories: Cell surface receptors Intracellular receptors The most common prototype growth factor receptor is the cell surface receptor, which can be further divided into three main categories: G- protein linked Receptor tyrosine kinases Serine threonine receptor kinases POTENTIAL ROLES OF GROWTH FACTORS IN PERIODONTAL REGENERATION: To stimulate cell proliferation. E.g. Platelet derived growth factor (PDGF). To enhance function of cells and cell differentiation. E.g. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP). To stimulate matrix synthesis. E.g. Transforming growth factor- ÃŽ ² (TGF- ÃŽ ²). To act as co-factors for gene expression. DISADVANTAGES OF GROWTH FACTORS: They were intended to be made by cells, stored than used locally. They have short half-lives i.e., when used as drug, doses must be greater than actual in vivo concentrations. They affect various cells in individual ways i.e., cells growing in high concentrations of growth factor had an increased susceptibility to cell death upon growth factor withdrawal. They need a delivery system for sustained or, controlled release (in low concentration) of a biologically active growth factor or, cocktail of growth factors. POLYPEPTIDE GROWTH FACTORS : Polypeptide growth factors are a diverse group of hormone-like agents that regulate growth and differentiation through cell surface receptors. They are generally represented by homologous families containing several members with distinct overlapping receptor interactions and hence, responsive tissue specificities. Similarly, their receptors are also clustered in family groups of sequence-related proteins. COMMON FEATURES OF POLYPEPTIDE GROWTH FACTORS :6 Natural cell products: Growth factors are natural cell products that are released or activated when cell division is needed.This action typically occurs during such events as wound healing or, tissue regeneration. Local actions: With few exceptions,growth factors are locally acting. Receptor activity: Because growth factors cannot diffuse across the cell membrane, growth factors must exert their activity by first binding to high-affinity cell membrane receptors.The capacity of a cell to respond to a given factor is therefore dependent on the presence of these receptors. Regulation: The production of polypeptide growth factors is tightly regulated in normal cells. In contrast, unregulated production of growth factor is thought to be an important component of proliferative disorders, such as fibrotic disease and cancers. Multifunctional activities: Polypeptide growth factors are multifunctional, meaning that they may stimulate a wide variety of cellular activities, which include growth, migration, differentiation and production of extracellular matrix proteins. Mechanism of action: In some cases, growth factors can stimulate the same cell that synthesizes the molecule (autocrine stimulation) or can affect nearby cells (paracrine stimulation). Regeneration: Tissue regeneration in vivo probably reflects the combined effect of several different growth factors. GROWTH FACTOR APPLICATIONS FOR ORAL AND PERIODONTAL TISSUE ENGINEERING : Therapeutic application of growth factors to restore damaged tissues aims at regeneration through biomimetic processes, or mimicking the processes that occur during embryonic and post-natal development.7 The complexity of these events suggests that creating an optimal regenerative environment requires the combination of different growth factors as found in natural reparative processes. The use of a single recombinant growth factor may also induce several molecular, biochemical and morphological cascades that will result in tissue regeneration.8 The most studied growth factors for periodontal regeneration have been PDGF, IGF, FGF-2, TGF-ÃŽ ² and different BMPs. SI. NO GROWTH FACTOR ALTERNATIVE NAMES SOURCE 1 Platelet-derived growth factor Fibroblast-derived growth factor. Glioma-derived growth factor Degranulating platelets Endothelial cells Smooth muscles Macrophages- Fibroblasts 2 Insulin-like growth factor Erythropoetic factor Growth-promoting activity for vascular endothelial cells Macrophages- Osteoblasts- Plasma stored in bone 3 Transforming growth factor-ÃŽ ² Epithelial cell specific growth inhibitor Tumour-inducing factor-1 Platelet ÃŽ ± granules 4 Fibroblast growth factor family Heparin binding growth factor Macrophage and osteoblasts stored in bone. PLATELET DERIEVED GROWTH FACTOR: The PDGFs are a family of dimeric disulfide – bound growth factors that exert their biologic effects by activating 2 structurally related tyrosine kinase receptors, the PDGF- ÃŽ ± and PDGF – ÃŽ ² receptors. PDGF was the first growth factor to be evaluated in preclinical periodontal and peri-implant regenerative studies. Proliferation, migration and matrix synthesis were observed on cultures of periodontal cells stimulated by PDGF, including gingival and PDL fibroblasts, cementoblasts, preosteo-blasts and osteoblastic cells [9-14]. These effects were shown to be time- and dose dependent 14. The PDGF family is composed of four growth factors: PDGF- A, -B, and the most recently discovered PDGF-C and -D 15. All of these participate in the wound-healing process, but, until now, only the three isoforms PDGF-AA, BB and AB were evaluated in periodontal therapy. PDGF-BB is the most effective on PDL cell mitogenesis and matrix biosynthesis 16,17. INSULIN LIKE GROWTH FACTOR: These are a family of single chain serum proteins that share 49% homology in sequence with pro- insulin. IGF-1 and IGF- 2 are two polypeptides from this group. IGF-1 acts as progression factor, also stimulates bone formation and have an effect on periodontal ligament cells. IGF-I is also important for bone remodeling and maintenance of skeletal mass and plays significant role in age-related osteoporosis. IGF-1 is capable of preventing apoptosis in fibroblasts by activation of multiple signal transduction pathways. IGF-1 has also been shown to regulate DNA and protein synthesis in periodontal ligament fibroblasts in vitro and to enhance soft tissue wound healing in vivo. Furthermore, studies have suggested variable responses of periodontal tissues to IGF-1 depending upon anatomical sites and a differential involvement of IGF-1 in periodontal wound healing and regeneration.18 FIBROBLAST GROWTH FACTOR: The angiogenic and fibroblast stimulatory properties of FGF-2 during wound healing and its chemotactic and proliferative effects on PDL cells suggest its use for periodontal regenerative therapeutic approaches19,20. In preclinical studies, this growth factor was evaluated for the treatment of different types of periodontal bone defects, in dogs and non-human primates. Despite different concentrations of FGF-2 and different delivery systems used in the studies, all showed an improvement in the periodontal tissue regeneration, compared with control groups. Studies that evaluated more than one concentration of FGF-2 suggested that its effects are dose dependent.21,22 TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR ÃŽ ²: It is a member of a large family of biologically active protein hormones that are structurally related but differ markedly in their function. TGF ÃŽ ² consists of 2 subunits held together by covalent bonds. Five different genes are identified that encodes TGF- ÃŽ ² polypeptide TGF-ÃŽ ² has 5 closely related isoforms in vertebrates, out of which 3 are found in mammals (TGF-ÃŽ ²1, TGF-ÃŽ ²2, TGF-ÃŽ ²3). The three major activities of TGF-ßinclude inhibition of cell proliferation, enhancement of extracellular matrix deposition and the exhibition of complex immune regulatory properties. It is a major regulator of cell replication and differentiation. It can stimulate or inhibit cell growth. It can also modulate other growth factors like PDGF, EGF and FGF. It inhibits epithelial cell proliferation and stimulates mesenchymal cells. TGF-ÃŽ ²1, the most abundant isoform of the TGF-ÃŽ ² family and found primarily in the platelets and osseous tissue, has been used for this application.It has a role in recruiting and stimulating osteoprogenitor cells to proliferate and suggests to support periodontal wound healing and regeneration.23 BONE MORPHOGENETIC PROTEINS: The name Bone Morphogenetic Protein was given in 1965 by Urist .Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are a group of regulatory glycoproteins that are members of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily.24They stimulate angiogenesis and migration, proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into cartilage and bone forming cells. More than 20 BMP-related proteins have been identified, several of which induce bone formation.25 In the field of periodontal regeneration, much of the research interest has focused on BMP-2, BMP-3 (osteogenin), and BMP-7. Recent studies have utilized recombinant human BMP to determine their potential for correcting intrabony, supra-alveolar, furcation, and fenestration defects. BMPs also show much promise in promoting dental implant wound healing.24 GROWTH FACTOR DELIVERY SYSTEMS: Several matrices and delivery systems have been used and evaluated for their efficacy and biocompatibility as carrier for growth factors. Two common types of polymeric materials used in growth factor delivery strategies are natural collagen-derived materials and synthetic polymers of lactic and glycolic acid (i.e., Poly [lactide-co-glycolide]). Extracellular matrix-derived macromolecules such as collagen have been used for many years in biomaterial application, and it is now possible to create artificial analogues of extracellular matrix proteins using recombinant DNA technology.1 Carriers can be of different types such as solids, gels or combinations.25A variety of new injectable materials such as hydrogels are also being developed for growth factor delivery applications and have been of special interest. These injectables are especially attractive because, in clinical application, they can allow for minimally invasive delivery of inductive molecules.1 CONCLUSION: Growth factors may regulate the repair and/or regenerative process which are impaired in presence of bacteria and their products in periodontal disease. Thus, the objective of growth factors administration in the treatment of periodontitis is to mimic the normal developmental process enhance normal wound healing response to promote complete regeneration of all attachment structures. Basic and clinical research is in progress to evaluate the role of growth factors in periodontal wound healing. BIBLIOGRAPHY: DARNELL KAIGLER, GUSTAVO AVILA, LESLIE WISNER-LYNCH, MARC L. NEVINS, MYRON NEVINS, GIULIO RASPERINI. Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Applications in Periodontal and Peri-Implant Bone Regeneration .Expert OpinBiolTher. 2011 March ; 11(3): 375–385 RIPAMONTI U, HERBST NN, RAMOSHEBI LN. Bone morphogenetic proteins in craniofacial and periodontal tissue engineering: experimental studies in the non-human primate Papioursinus. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2005;16(3):357–368. ANUSAKSATHIEN O, GIANNOBILE WV. Growth factor delivery to re-engineer periodontal tissues. Curr. Pharm. Biotechnol 2002;3(2):129–139. FRECHETTE JP, MARTINEAU I, GAGNON G.Platelet-rich plasmas: growth factor content and roles in wound healing. J Dent Res 2005; 84(5): 434-439. LAURIE K. MC CAULEY MARTHA J. Somerman. Biologic modifiers in periodontal regeneration. Dent Clin N Am , Advances in Periodontics, part I 1998; 43(2): 361-387. GARRY R. GROTENDORST. Connective tissue growth factor : A mediator of TGF- ÃŽ ² action on fibroblasts. Mini Review. Cytokine and growth factor reviews 1997, 8(3); 171 – 179. SCHILEPHAKE H. Bone growth factors in maxillofacial skeletal reconstruction. Int. J. Oral Maxillofac. Surg 2002;31(5):469–484. RIPAMONTI U, HERBST NN, RAMOSHEBI LN. Bone morphogenetic proteins in craniofacial and periodontal tissue engineering: experimental studies in the non-human primate Papioursinus. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2005;16(3):357–368. NISHIMURA F, TERRANOVA VP. Comparative study of the chemotactic responses of periodontal ligament cells and gingival fibroblasts to polypeptide growth factors. J. Dent. Res 1996;75(4):986–992. SAYGIN NE, TOKIYASU Y, GIANNOBILE WV, SOMERMAN MJ. Growth factors regulate expression of mineral associated genes in cementoblasts. J. Periodontol 2000;71(10):1591–1600. STRAYHORN CL, GARRETT JS, DUNN RL, BENEDICT JJ, SOMERMAN MJ. Growth factors regulate expression of osteoblast-associated genes. J. Periodontol 1999;70(11):1345–1354. CANALIS E. Effect of platelet-derived growth factor on DNA and protein synthesis in cultured rat calvaria. Metabolism 1981;30(10):970–975. BARTOLD PM, RABEN A. Growth factor modulation of fibroblasts in simulated wound healing. J.Periodontal Res 1996;31(3):205–216. OJIMA Y, MIZUNO M, KUBOKI Y, KOMORI T. In vitro effect of platelet-derived growth factor-BB on collagen synthesis and proliferation of human periodontal ligament cells. Oral Dis 2003;9(3): 144–151. REIGSTAD LJ, VARHAUG JE, LILLEHAUG JR. Structural and functional specificities of PDGFC and PDGF-D, the novel members of the platelet-derived growth factors family. FEBS J 2005;272 (22):5723–5741. BOYAN LA, BHARGAVA G, NISHIMURA F, et al. Mitogenic and chemotactic responses of human periodontal ligament cells to the different isoforms of platelet-derived growth factor. J. Dent. Res 1994;73(10):1593–1600. MATSUDA N, LIN WL, KUMAR NM, CHO MI, GENCO RJ. Mitogenic, chemotactic, and synthetic responses of rat periodontal ligament fibroblastic cells to polypeptide growth factors in vitro. J.Periodontol 1992;63(6):515–525. XIAOZHE HAN AND SALOMON AMAR. Role of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Signaling in Dental Fibroblast Apoptosis. J Periodontol 2003;74:1176-1182. TAKAYAMA S, MURAKAMI S, MIKI Y, et al. Effects of basic fibroblast growth factor on human periodontal ligament cells. J. Periodontal Res 1997;32(8):667–675. TERRANOVA VP, ODZIEMIEC C, TWEDEN KS, SPADONE DP. Repopulation of dentin surfaces by periodontal ligament cells and endothelial cells. Effect of basic fibroblast growth factor. J. Periodontol 1989;60(6):293–301. ROSSA C JR. MARCANTONIO E Jr, CIRELLI JA, et al. Regeneration of class III furcation defects with basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) associated with GTR. A descriptive and histometric study in dogs. J. Periodontol 2000;71(5):775–784. TAKAYAMA S, MURAKAMI S, SHIMABUKURO Y, KITAMURA M, OKADA H. Periodontal regeneration by FGF-2 (bFGF) in primate models. J. Dent. Res 2001;80(12):2075–2079. KI-TAE KOO,CRISTIANO SUSIN, ULF M.E. WIKESJOÂ ¨, SEONG-HO CHOI, AND CHONG-KWAN KIMI. Transforming Growth Factor-b1 Accelerates Resorption of a Calcium Carbonate Biomaterial in Periodontal Defects. J Periodontol 2007;78:723-729. KARUPPANAN P. SASIKUMAR, SUGUMARI ELAVARASU, AND JAYAPRAKASH S. GADAGI. The application of bone morphogenetic proteins to periodontal and peri-implant tissue regeneration: A literature review. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. Aug 2012; 4(Suppl 2): S427–S430. SUBRAMANIAM M RAO, GAURI M UGALE, AND SHIVARAJ B WARAD. Bone Morphogenetic Proteins: Periodontal Regeneration. N Am J Med Sci. 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How Moods Are Affected By The Sun :: essays research papers

How Moods Are Affected By The Sun Thesis: The amount of sun people receive affects their mood. A young woman lies asleep on a cold, overcast winter morning. At 4 A.M., a faint incandescence radiates from a light bulb placed near her bed. The light gradually gains intensity and covers until 6 A.M., when the woman awakes. She had just experienced a simulated dawn of a new day. After being treated with this for several days, the woman's annual winter depression slowly goes away. Does this mean that the less sun you get the worse you feel, or perhaps the more you get the better your mood? It is very possible that you may feel this way as millions of people worldwide have experienced it first-hand. This phenomena is still sort of a mystery as many researchers don't completely understand why this happens. "It may be that certain individuals have inherited vulnerability that causes them to develop depression in the absence of exposure to sufficient environmental light"1. Frederick A. Cook, the arctic explorer, provided a vivid description of the effects of prolonged darkness on the human psyche: "The curtain of blackness which has overfallen the outer world has also descended upon the inner world of our souls," Cook wrote in his journal on May 16, 1898, "Around our tables . . . . men are sitting about sad and dejected lost in dreams of melancholy. For brief moments some try to break the spell by jokes, told perhaps for the 50th time. Others grind out a cheerful philosophy; but all efforts to infuse bright hopes fail."2 Some believe that light affects the body's ability to make serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps induce feelings of calm and well being. The eye's sensitivity may also play a part in sun/mood relations. A study was done to a group of people in the winter and summer. In the winter the many individuals experienced much more difficulty seeing dim light after sitting in the dark for a while.3 Another study done in Vancouver shows that electrical activity in the retinas when a bright light is shone, is significantly less in winter4. As much as 5% of Americans suffer from Seasonal Affective disorder, also known as SAD5. SAD is an illness in which the sufferers feel depressed, feel lethargic, and they overeat . There is no known cause for this widespread illness. Many researchers of SAD are speculating on the idea that SAD patients might have seasonal variations in their melatonin secretions. A study of melatonin patterns in SAD sufferers was done to determine if melatonin was a

Attitude of the Filipino Essay

I was raised as a simple women and I seldom think of my â€Å"caprechos† even though I’m deprived with so many things. Although I’m earning my own money, I seldom think of my WANTS. That’s why I dont know how to react or feel on this kind of stories. But you know what I think? Some Filipinos who acts as if they’re filty rich have many debts! They show the fruit of their labor, oops! My mistake, the fruit of their â€Å"utang† (debt) You can’t measure sucess with what you have alone, but how many lives you’ve touched. hmm, i don’t think that a success story. for me, it really depends on the attitude formed and not on the nationality. Its sad to know that if someone sees for example a filipino nurse behaving against the norm set in their place, they would take it against most or all of the filipino nurses and stereotype them. every basket has a couple of rotten apples but the sad thing is the basket is known for having 2 rotten apples than having 98 good ones. what id like to read in this thread are the real success stories that they had after all those negativities they’ve encountered. there’s a lot of success stories about filipino nurses. but the recent post was very TRUE.. here’s another story†¦. – my mom is a CNA in chicago and she’s working in a nursing home. Im expecting to hear good values coz filipinos are very much known for good character. my mom was handling a 70 yr. old man and my mom maked sure that she took care of that patient and gave the old man a warm bath. she talked to the patient and asked if he wants to take his dinner. My mom lift the bed side rails and checked if its good enough to put the old man in bed. she endorsed the patient to her co-cna’s and her nurse buddy before taking her break.. job well done. but after 30 minutes during my mom’s break nurses on duty run to the old man’s room and found the patient lying on the floor and screaming for help. my mom maked sure that before her break bedside rails were lift but the filipino nurse didnt took care of the patient (my mom’s buddy and team for that shift) and instead of doing the rounce that nurse and her girlfriend sleep†¦. †¦ The incident was reported to the dna and both of the filipino nurse yelled that they didnt want that to happen.. and refused to talk w/ my mom.. duh..!!.. my mom is a good employee for 25 yrs. i dont know waht happened to the so called TLC is it only for the green bucks or tired of worked.. dont know†¦ i was really sad to hear that some filipino nurses were that arrogant and very iresponsible.

The handmaid’s tale: chapter 2 commentary

This passage from `The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Attwood uses stream of consciousness as a narrative technique to portray the thoughts of the main character, Offred, is going through. Attwood does this very realistically; in the sense that she writes in the way a human mind works, by describing the setting of the room. Thus the setting of the room is vital as it is through the setting that the themes are explored. The main theme of freedom in the passage is shown through the objects described in her room. The style of writing is structured in a way which reflects the minor details of the human mind ith the lack of movement in passage to put emphasize on how Offred refuse to let her mine wonder from the things that are around her, in her room. The tone of the passage changes, first it is more uncertain and unsure but later changes to a more certain tone, this shown through the diction used. Attwood structures her narrative technique in such a way that it creates a uniform setting and creates a sense of everything being controlled or repressed. The sense of freedom that Atwood restricts from Offred in the passage is shown through the description of the room. The narrator focuses on hat she `can' do rather then what she can not do. â€Å"I can sit in the chair† This is ironic because although she is focusing on what she is able to do, yet she is reinforcing how limited the things she can do are. â€Å"Air can come in and make the curtains move† The sense of freedom is shown through the movement of the curtains and the flow of the air; these objects have a sense of movement whereas her thoughts don't because she can not escape through the â€Å"partly open window†. Attwood uses the repetition of window to emphasize how Offred can see beyond the window but can not do anything about it. This depicts the vindication shown in the passage as the slightly open window can be seen as Serena joy taking pleasure in watching the handmaid's suffer, as they are not able to attain freedom but just have the slightest taste of it. Offred can not escape but she can feel the wind slightly touching her. Attwood portrays Offred's thoughts in contrast next to each other to reinforce the lack of freedom. â€Å"Where I am is not a prison but a privilege, as Aunt Lydia said†¦ † This depicts that she feels she is in a prison because of her lack of freedom but then Attwood abruptly nds saying that Aunt Lydia says this, and doesn't allow Offred to think about it much further. Offred is presenting her room to sound like a prison but then quickly says that Aunt Lydia told her to see it as a privilege. This shows how Aunt Lydia feels this not her, because of the authorization given to Aunt Lydia. This use of juxtaposition reemphasizes how her room is actually more a prison then a privilege. Offred is portrayed as only a spectator who can see through the window; this also shows her position in the society of Gilead as she is limited to what she is aware of and she can only reconstruct what he knows. The lack of freedom is hinted throughout the passage â€Å"I know why there is no glass†¦. Why the window opens only partly and why the glass is shatterproof† This implies she is aware of why her freedom is being restricted and reinforces that everything in her room is controlled and unified. The role of the main character, as a handmaid and women and how they can't have there own thoughts are also depicted through the passage. One of the main elements, the floor is being described as â€Å"highly polished† The wood is something that is natural in the room, but it has too been polished. This indicates that everything that is natural is changed in the society she lives in, emphasizing how women are also changed and treated like objects. This is reinforced in † waste not want not† this has certain subdued hint of cynicism in it, as it should be used to describe an object but it reflects who she is and how she is detached as she is treated like an object or a property of someone. â€Å"Why do I want† Implying that she doesn't want to be treated like the `polished' object she is being treated as. â€Å"Sunlight comes through the window too, and falls on the floor† This is the whole oncept of something welcoming entering through the window, yet it doesn't fall on her but on the floor. Attwood is trying to portray how everything just bypasses Offred and ignores her, which symbolizes how everyone ignores or bypasses Offred. The role of Offred is also hinted throughout the passage. Attwood uses the repetition of â€Å"white† to do this. White symbolizes something which is pure, which can also mean being virgin, which shows how the women role in the book has a sexual aspect to it. This is further revealed when the `bed' is described as a place where â€Å"nothing takes lace in the bed but sleep; or no sleep† This seems like pun; with a play on word bring in a hint of sarcasm highlighting the change of tone in the passage. This then highlights the theme of the lack of freedom within the society and emphasizes her role is related to sexual activity. The idea of â€Å"think of it as being in army† again puts emphasizes on her role, of doing something as a service and being forced in to doing it. Attwood perceives the role as something that has been â€Å"in reduced circumstances†, implying that there was something before this time and it was better. Attwood deals with the concept of â€Å"thoughts being rationed† and the desperation of the main character not to think throughout the passage. The narrative technique of juxtaposition is used in a sense, as Attwood allows her to think so much and then restricts her from going beyond the setting of the room. This desperation of not wanting to think is shown through the use of short sentences, which helps not getting involved and stops the thinking process. The language used is very powerful but precise making the tone sound bored but yet it is more detached. Thinking can hurt you chances, and intend to survive. † The idea of the whole passage is shown, as Attwood tries to focus on the small objects in the setting rather then letting Offred thoughts wander away because she knows that everything must be controlled in the society. The theme of repression and everything being controlled, is also shown in the passage through the uniformity â€Å"does each of us have the same print, the same chair, the same white curtains,† this suggests that everything is meant to be the same. The author depicts how the theme is shown in the portrayal of the room. Things in the room have to be controlled as â€Å"thought must be rationed† thus highlighting the society at the time and its ideals. â€Å"there is no glass, in front the water-colour picture of blue irises, and why the window opens only partly and why the glass is shatterproof† The change in the mood is clearly shown here, as the passage starts with a more detached, uncertain tone of what she can do or rather not do which leads to the hint of sarcasm and the tone of being more confident and certain about something. The repression is also stressed through the use of the haracter, Aunt Lydia who has an authoritative voice and tries to control the thoughts. â€Å"Think of it as being in a army† and â€Å"where I am is not a person but a privilege, as Aunt Lydia said,† Attwood first uses the imperative tense to show the power and control that the Aunt has, she also makes what Aunt Lydia says seem like a chant and by using the comma to separate what is said with Aunt Lydia she emphasizes this is what â€Å"Aunt Lydia said† and not what she thinks. The passage from `The handmaid's tale' by Margaret Attwood focuses on the setting of the room which is shown as a symbol of her capture. The theme of turning something bad into something good is explored all throughout the passage. This is shown through juxtaposition, â€Å"braided rags† Attwood portrays turning rags into something beautiful which is what she is trying to create throughout the passage by restricting the thoughts of Offred, so that her thoughts don't wander away. The beginning of the passage shows a more uncertain tone, where the thoughts are more restricted but towards the end of the passage the tone is changed to a more cynical tone which implies more of her thoughts.

Serpent handing Essays

Serpent handing Essays Serpent handing Essay Serpent handing Essay The book contributes greatly to the society in different ways. The major is a learning tool for Universities. The Archives of Appalancha at East Tennessee universities contain approximately 100 audio tapes and 50 video tapes on serpent handling services. The author according to me pays much attention to spiritual concerns other than the social change. The dynamic theory used to argue for the University of the Serpent as a means of body projections is directly related to death and resurrection.Despite the current modernization even in religion, the development of charismatic practices, some part of the United States is very strong on holiness sect. they are still practicing and following sings such as serpent handling. Although not all holiness sects handle serpents it is indeed an important act as described in mark 16:17 – 18.The Author focuses on Saylor family to illustrate the evolution of the snake handling movement which intensified as the economy and lifestyle of the Appa lachian Mountain Region moved from Agricultural subsistence to Industrial capitalism.

Influence of Culture on Accounting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Influence of Culture on Accounting - Essay Example Uniform implementation of International Accounting Standards is taking a long time mainly for this reason. The concerns and constraints of each country are different and most of the countries have well developed accounting norms and standards which they feel are quite adequate for their needs. It is another story that a reader from an alien culture might find the accounts presentation style too elaborate or too brief Dieter Ordelheide (2004 p.269) states that accounting is a social institution. He further states that Accounting is concerned with nothing less than the conceptualization of capital, its concrete expression in numbers, as well as its budgeting and monitoring, and thus with a societal institution that is so central to our economic system that it has given it its name. We might talk of global and market driven economies, the ways and means of determining the income or assets are the core of the entire financial and economic set up. Each cultural group uses these to tray and better their financial position within the culture they belong to. "Professionalism versus Statutory Control-a preference for the exercise of individual professional judgment and the maintenance of professional self-regulation as opposed to compliance with prescriptive level requirements and statutory control. Uniformity versus Flexibility-a preference for the enforcement of uniform accounting practices between companies and for the consistent use of such practices over time as opposed to flexibility in accordance with the perceived circumstances of individual companies. Conservatism versus Optimism-a preference for a cautious approach to measurement so as to cope with the uncertainty of future events as opposed to a more optimistic, laissez-faire, risk-taking approach. Secrecy versus Transparency-a preference for confidentiality and the restriction of disclosure of information about the business only to those who are closely involved with its management and financing as opposed to a more transparent, open, and publicly accountable approach." Thus as per this hypothesis each of these conflicting factors have influenced the development of the accounting standards depending upon their prevalence and dominance in the cultures being referred to. To take the example of Greek economy where the businesses tend to be closely held and public participation is indirect at its best mainly in the form of lending by banks, the need for disclosure or window dressing balance sheets is negligent. So the accounting systems which developed were fairly simple such that the limited number of stakeholders can understand the basic numbers. Of course with integration within the EU the disclosure norms have become more complex still not as complex at other developed countries say USA or Canada. In Greece one suspects that the tax bureaucrats have had a strong hand in dictating the shape of accounting conventions which are still followed. The Greek business houses being closely held tend to be wary of disclosing information to competitors so it is uncommon to see segment

DB7&8 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

DB7 - Essay Example It should not be the case where trainers boss trainees around rather than that, they should interact as friends and knowing one another by names. Studies have shown that even a simple thing like addressing trainees by name boosts the relationship between them and the trainer (Wexler& Garry 2002). When dealing with a conflict involving trainees, a trainer has to come up with several strategies to solve it. In this case, the best conflict manager always comes out with a perfect way to stop the conflict and make sure that it may never happen in future. When solving a conflict, the trainer is supposed to be of sound judgment and be as fair as possible. This can only be achieved if the trainer is following the proper conflict management strategies. On the contrary, I experienced one incident where the trainer would shout at the trainees who were conflicting and order them stop and be friends or else he would expel them. My suggestion to resolving such a conflict will involve listening, understanding and trying to resolve the conflict. First and foremost, listening involves summoning both trainees and let them narrate their side of story. In line with that, a trainer should also ensure the other trainer is listening; this way he is sure they are communicating on the same page. After both trainees have narrated their stories, make it clear that you are there to help resolve the conflict. It is important for the trainees to understand that you don’t have a magical solution to their conflict rather you are there to help them find a solution. It is important to make sure that you maintain your objectivity even when you know 100% that it is trainer B that wronged trainer A. jumping to trainers A side will make trainer B feel like you are both ganging against him/her (Wexler& Garry 2002).. Maintaining the calmness is vital: Anger blurs ones judgment. In other words since both parties are angry and maybe almost