Monday, September 30, 2019

Further Reflections on the Public Sphere Essay

The text is about relationship of state and civil society, the origins of and prospects for democracy and the impact of the media. A kind of rethinking of Habermas’ first major work, The Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere published in 1962 and translated into English in 1989 which describes the development of a bourgeois public sphere in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries as well as its subsequent decline. Habermas admits, his theory has changed since then and he reminds readers of these changes. 1.The Genesis and Concept of the Bourgeois Public Sphere The public sphere (Ãâ€"ffentlichkeit ) is an area in social life (standing in-between private individuals and government authorities) where individuals can meet to freely discuss public matters, exchanged views and knowledge and through that discussion influence political action. A vibrant public sphere serves as a positive counterweight to government authorities (are out of the state control) and happens physically in face-to-face meetings in coffee houses and public squares as well as in books, theatre etc. The public sphere emerged first in Britain and in the 18th century in Continental Europe. The newspapers, reading rooms, freemasonry lodges and coffeehouses marked the gradual emergence of the public sphere. Habermas mentions Geoff Eley’s objection to his earlier depiction of bourgeois public sphere is an idealized conception. Habermas admits now the coexistence of several competing public spheres and groups, that were excluded form the dominant public sphere – the so called „plebianâ€Å" public sphere (like Jacobins, Chartist movement). Habermas influenced here by Guenter Lottes and greatly by Mikhail Bakhtin, who opened his eyes to the culture of common people as a violent counter project to the dominant public sphere. Habermas now views quite differently the exclusion of women as well. Habermas asks himself – were women excluded from the dominant public sphere in the same fashion as the common people? He answers himself with „noâ€Å" – the exclusion of women had structuring significance, as it was happening not only in the public sphere, but also in the private sphere. At the end of this chapter Habermas summons up: his bourgeois public sphere was formerly conceived too rigidly. In fact, from the very beginning a dominant bourgeois public collided with a plebeian (and female) one. As a result, the contrast between the early public sphere and the today’s decayed public sphere is no longer so deep. 2.The Structural Transformations of the Public Sphere: Three Revisions This chapter traces the transition from the liberal bourgeois public sphere to the modern mass society of the social welfare state. Starting in the 1830s, a transformation of state and economy took shape. Clear borderlines between public and private and between state and society became blurred, as a result of interventionist state policies. The increasing re-integration and entwining (mà ­senà ­ se) of state and society resulted in the modern social welfare state. In the subchapter 1 Habermas deals with the impact of these developments on the private sphere. Civil society was formerly totally private, there was no difference between social and family life. This changes with the emancipation of lower strata (workers), a polarization of social and intimate sphere arrives. Habermas describes a dispute among two schools in the 1950s, that of conservative Carl Schmitt school (and Ernst Fortshoff) and Marxist Wolfgang Abendroth, that influenced his considerations at that time, though today he distances himself from his approach. In the subchapter 2 Habermas is concerned with changes in the structure of the public sphere and in the composition and behavior of the public. The infrastructure of the public sphere has changed due to changes in media, advertising and literature that has become oriented to new social groups (workers) as well as due to the collapse of the liberal associational life. Since the 1960s, when Habermas book was published, the opportunities for access to public communication became even more difficult. The public sphere is today dominated by the mass media., which turned the critical public into a passive consumer public and caused a decay of the public sphere. Nevertheless, Habermas says his old concept of a unilinear development from a „culture-debating to a culture-consuming publicâ€Å" was too simplistic and pessimistic. Habermas explains this by general situation of media effects studies at that time – he relied on Lazarsfeld’s behavioristic research and had no information brought later by Stuart Hall (audience does not simply passively accept a text). Subchapter 3 deals with the legitimation process of mass democracy and two diverging concepts of public opinion – an informal, nonpublic opinion and a formal quasi public opinion (made by mass media), that often collide. 3.A Modified Theoretical Framework The mass democracies constituted as social-welfare states can continue the principles of the liberal constitutional state only as long as they try to live up to the mandate of a public sphere that fulfills political functions. It is necessary to demonstrate how it may be possible for the public to set in motion a critical process of public communication. Habermas asks himself, weather there can emerge a general interest of the kind to which a public opinion can refer to as a criterion. Habermas could not resolve this problem before. Today he is able to reformulate the question and give an answer. The ideals of bourgeois humanism function today as a utopian vision, which makes it tempting to idealize the bourgeois public sphere too much. Therefore Habermas suggests the foundations of the critical theory of society be laid at a deeper level and beyond the threshold of modern societies. In the 1960s Habermas believed that society and its self-organization was a totality (celek) controlling all spheres of its life. This notion has become implausible today – e.g. economic system of a society is regulated independently through markets. Later emerged his dual concept of society – the internal subjective viewpoint of the â€Å"lifeworld† and the external viewpoint of the â€Å"system†. The aim today as he sees it is to erect a dam against an encroachment (naruÃ… ¡ovà ¡nà ­) of system on the lifeworld, to reach a balance between the social-integrative power of solidarity (lifeworld) and money + administrative power (system). Communicative action serves to transmit and renew cultural knowledge, in a process of achieving mutual understandings. It then coordinates action towards social integration and solidarity. This can be met in traditional societies. Less often in posttraditional societies with their confused pluralism of various competing forms of life. Habermas criticizes Rousseau for his utopian concept of the general will of citizens in a democracy as a „consensus of hearts rather than of argumentsâ€Å". Habermas sees the solution in the process of public communication itself. Therefore democracy is rooted in public reasoning among equal citizens. State institutions are legitimate only when they establish a framework for free public deliberation (debata). Such a rational debate is the most suitable procedure for resolving moral-practical questions as well. The question remains how such a debate can be institutionalized so that it bridges the gap between self-interest and orientation to the common good (between the roles of client (private) and citizen (public)). Such a debate must meet two preconditions: presumption of impartiality and ability to transcend initial preferences. These conditions must be guaranteed by legal procedures (institutionalized) and they themselves shall be subject to the law. New institutions should be considered, that would counteract the trend toward the transmutation of citizens into clients (i.e. toward alienation of citizens from the political process). Democracy shall be not restricted only to state institutional arrangements. They shall interplay with autonomous networks and groups with a spontaneous flow of communication, that are the one remaining embodiment of the altogether dispersed sovereignty of the people. Democratic public life cannot develop where matters of public importance are not discussed by citizens. However, discourses do not govern – the responsibility for practically consequential decisions must be based in an institution. 4.Civil Society or Political Public Sphere Political public sphere is characterized by two processes: 1) the communicative generation of legitimate power 2) manipulative power of mass media. A public sphere need more than just state institutions – it requires a populace accustomed to freedom and the supportive spirit of differentially organized lifeworlds with their critical reflection and spontaneous communication – voluntary unions outside the realm of the state and the economy (church, independent media, leisure clubs etc.) They are not part of the system, but they have a political impact, as was seen in totalitarian regimes, e.g. in the communist states of Eastern and Central Europe. In Western-type democracies these associations are established within the institutional framework of the state. Habermas asks himself the question, to what extent such a public sphere dominated by mass media can bring about any changes. This can be answered only by means of empirical research. He concludes with reference to a study No Sense of Place by J.Meyrowitz, who claims that electronic media dissolve social structures and boundaries (like in primitive societies). Habermas disagrees – new roles and constraints arise in the process of using electronic communication.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Miller comments Essay

During ‘The Crucible’ the acts which unfold able some characters to empower themselves: most notably Abigail Williams, Mary Warren and even John Proctor. Some characters begin with little or no power, then abuse the situations to gain power, whereas others begin with power and lose it, sometimes justly and other times unjustly. This could be seen as a moral message for the audiences of the play, warning of power abuse which could lead to devastating consequences. In the introductory comments, Miller comments before the events begin to unfold how â€Å"†¦the children were anything but thankful for being permitted to walk straight† which shows before the witchcraft trials and accusations had begun, children were powerless under the authority of the male dominated society -children had no power to roam freely. One of the people that gained power in the play is Mary Warren, who is a servant and so is one of the lowest ranks of the Puritan society- much like the children of Salem. At first she does not have any power at all as she is taught that she has to follow orders from the Proctors, who she works for. This is seen when she â€Å"lept† with â€Å"fright† upon Proctors entrance. Yet, she manages to turn from a â€Å"mouse† to a â€Å"daughter of a prince† as she suddenly gains power from working in the court, trying possible witches. Her increasing power is also shown from her defiance of Proctor when she refuses his order of not going to â€Å"court again†, and responds that she â€Å"must† and â€Å"will be gone everyday†. It also shown through stage directions, when Mary is â€Å"terrified† of Proctor but quickly becomes â€Å"erect†, which highlights her ability to overcome her fear of Proctor because of her growing confidence and power. Mary even manages to intimidate Proctor in this part of the play. When threatened with the â€Å"whip† from Proctor, she manages to threaten him further by responding â€Å"I would have you speak civilly to me, from this out. † Mary, filled with this newly found power, is able to threaten Procter to stop beating her or she will not speak so highly of his family next time. By using the phrase â€Å"from this out† shows that Mary doesn’t usually expect that kind of treatment from the Proctor, yet now she is able to demand it because of the power gain. Again, further on in the play Mary is also able to â€Å"numb† Proctor when she overthrows his â€Å"grip† on her to tell the truth about the accusations, and instead turns on him. When pressured by Abigail and the other girls, once they start accusing Mary to save themselves, she is not able to stand her ground – which highlights her feebleness and weakness which was seen at the very start of the play. This is seen as she even admits she has â€Å"no power†. This links to her inferior position in the society and even within her social group, she is not popular, and respected. This is shown when Abigail tells Mary to â€Å"shut it† and Mercy Lewis starts â€Å"pointing† and â€Å"looking† at Mary as if she were to blame. However, the fact that Mary was able to then accuse Proctor of being â€Å"devil’s man†, who is a highly respected in the village, shows that she does have more power than she started with. But she is abusing her power, to save herself and because of her lack of power on her social circle. So, this once ‘innocent’ girl who thought they â€Å"must tell the truth† took advantage of the situation so she and her friends would not be â€Å"whipped†. Overall, Mary arguably, has the most progressive power of all the girls and possibly all of the characters in ‘The Crucible’, but that’s not to say she has the most power overall. Another character like Mary Warren who gains power throughout the play is Abigail Williams. Once shunned and scorned by the inhabitants of the village because of her â€Å"blackened name†, Abigail becomes a domineering power, and is treated like a â€Å"saint†. A mere accusation from Abigail or one of her girls is enough to convict even a well-respected inhabitant of Salem like Rebecca Nurse who does â€Å"great charities†. Even though in present day we would associate â€Å"saint† with good Samaritans, which would seem absurd to see Abigail called this in present day, she was seen in this way because in puritan society if you went against god, you went against the law. So Abigail’s act of bringing Salem’s attention to the presence of the devil, and then through the court eradicating it was seen as an act of greatness. Abigail starts off as a scared young girl which is seen through Millers stage directions, as she â€Å"quavers† when being questioned by Parris about Betty’s mysterious illness. However, soon she is able to assert her power of the girls by â€Å"smashing† Betty round the face and threatening all the girls not to tell anyone about the events of the previous night, or she will â€Å"come† to them at the â€Å"black of one terrible night†. This implies they could be her prey, and if they make a wrong move she could pounce on them, which again puts her in a domineering position. This characteristic allows her to control within the group which creates more tension because Abigail also seems to be possessive which is seen when she says â€Å"Now look you. All of you†. The repetition of â€Å"you† makes the phrase quite aggressive and short commanding sentences have a strong impact, and make Abigail seem hostile but ultimately powerful. Her empowerment is also documented as the inhabitants of Salem think the â€Å"sea parts like Israel† for Abigail, so her sins are overlooked, as people take her word to be an expression of â€Å"God’s will. † This allowed Abigail to control and manipulate even the most powerful men in Salem, which is seen when Abigail threatens that Danforth- a high court official. So, Abigail Williams, who was once powerless in general society, is a perfect example of someone who became empowered by deciding the fate of other people and, by controlling and threatening people. Although, Abigail did have a powerful status among her social group from the outset and throughout which is shown when she starts â€Å"pointing with fear† and accusing Mary of â€Å"hurting her†, and quickly all the girls chime in with her. The third character who is subtly empowered is John Proctor. Despite his prideful ways, John Proctor describes himself as a â€Å"sinner. † His conversation with Elizabeth in act two where he exclaims for Elizabeth to â€Å"judge him not† demonstrated his internal conflict and his own unwillingness to forgive himself for his act of lechery. There are moments when his anger and disgust towards himself burst forth, such as when he exclaims to Judge Danforth: â€Å"I hear the boot of Lucifer, I see his filthy face! And it is my face, and yours. † So, although it is not clear from the outset that John Proctor has been empowered, he has. He is able for the first time to â€Å"see some shred of goodness† in himself- his relief from his constant guilt- when he decides to deny his confession. In conclusion, all three characters were empowered through the play, which led to the unjust killing of numerous inhabitants of Salem through the false allegations of witchcraft. So, Miller uses this to show the audience the consequence of abuse of power. Abigail is the best example because she falls from her position of high power, and resorts to boarding a â€Å"ship†, in order to escape.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Movie Review Inception

Movie Review Essay â€Å"Inception† is a 2010 science fiction summer blockbuster filmed in various locations, such as Tokyo, France, Los Angeles, the United Kingdom, and Canada. The box office hit was directed by London-born Christopher Jonathan James Nolan, who is well-known for the cult classic, â€Å"Memento†, and his â€Å"Dark Knight† films. Along with American cinematographer, Walter â€Å"Wally† Pfister, equally well-known in his area of expertise, the motion picture has received critical acclaim. Nolan's interest in noir and abstract thought is apparent in many of his films, and â€Å"Inception† is no exclusion. As it is a film about dreams and cons, Nolan's style is incredibly fitting. Pfister, who has worked as the cinematographer for almost all of Nolan's films, adds to the movie's high quality with his characteristic use of dark tones and lighting, which only increases the movie's intrigue. Together, the two powerhouses team up once again to produce an incredible motion picture which has won numerous awards, such as the Academy Award for Best Cinematography. â€Å"Inception† is the story of a corporate spy by the name of Dom Cobb (played by Leonardo DiCaprio, who came to fame in the movie, â€Å"Titanic†). However, what is particular about Cobb is that he doesn't merely enter a company's building in search of commercial secrets. He actually enters the minds of his targets while they are asleep and extracts the data he wants via conning and deceiving. But now, wanted for murder and unable to see his children due to his circumstances, he is offered the opportunity to regain his old life if he manages to accomplish the impossible: ‘inception', the planting of an idea into a target's mind, which then takes roots and grows. Gathering a group of specialist to assist him, Cobb begins to plan inception into the mind of a wealthy businessman. The camera angles of the movie were rather simple. Most of the shots were so that the character's face was directed at the viewer while said character talked to another. On a screen, the eyes of the actor would be level with that of the audience. However, there are some scenes that are completely opposite, particularly near the latter half of the movie, where more action tended to be focused upon. Although not as common, but highly interesting, ou'd see aerial shots of the surroundings. It gave a very desolate, mysterious feel to the film, while also informing the viewer about where the characters are. I found that the camera angles were okay, with a few that exceeded my expectations. Continuity was smooth, with talking scenes being fluid and dramatic and action scenes being erratic and ever changing, as how I like my movies to be. It was what you'd expect out of the t ypical talking and action scenes. The long moments of talking or silence between characters created a sense of depth. The short moments of running or fighting allowed you to lean forward in anticipation. I felt like the continuity did what it was suppose to do. Although, there were some moments, particularly in the first half, which I felt were rather awkward. The talking scenes in the beginning were rather quick and keep changing from one character to the next, and I was so caught in trying to figure out the plotline, that I didn't even figure out the main character's name until the credits. Cutting, I noticed, was very prominent in the latter half of the motion picture. It made sense, as with the plotline and story the way it is, it definitely made the movie better as the whole. It added to the tension and sense of heart pounding â€Å"Oh-my-word-come-on-you-only-have-5-seconds-to-do-that-gah†. Not only is that, but it allowed the viewer to keep up with the characters' actions, which is very nice if you have a particular character you think is cool. I like Eames, the smart-aleck of the group, so I liked to know what was happening to him and seeing that he wasn't going to die and all that. Close-ups were generally seen in talking scenes, allowing the audience to focus on the emotions and reactions of the character. There was rarely a moment where the camera zoomed in on something that wasn't an organism, something that lived and breathed. In this aspect of the movie, I found it to be either boring or heart-breaking. In my opinion, how good the close-ups were was completely dependent on the actress and actor's ability to perform. If I became aware that they were trying to look sad, rather than felt that the character was distraught, I felt like the close-up wasn't a particularly mart move. I noticed that the composition of â€Å"Inception† was rather dark. Light was played with and created shadows that revealed parts of the character's body, while the other was engulfed in darkness. Objects were always placed far away as to create a feeling of isolation, while managing to focus in on the character the camera was directed at. I really, really enjoyed the compositi on. I believed it worked wonders for the story's overall feeling. It allowed for dark and desolate tone to be even more pronounced. Inception really loves its slow motion scenes. However, considering that it can be a rather fast-moving movie, it does have its uses. Although there was one particular scene near the beginning that made me raise an eyebrow, I found that most of them were rather cool-looking. Considering that the characters were essentially stepping into a dream world, where everything is possible, the slow motions displayed all the strange and exciting so your eyes could feast in the wonderfulness of it all. The color scheme tended to lean towards neutral, yet somehow gave off a very sharp feel to it. There was also a low contrast, although it was most apparent near the end, with a particularly monochromatic feel to it. Textures were interesting to see when things began to lead towards the rising action. As for space, I felt like there was always a foreground and background, but not so much a middle ground. I suppose this was due to the incredible amount of talking. Shape was super incredibly awesome. Then again, it's a plotline about going into the dream world, so obviously the minds behind the work would take advantage of the ability to play around with the world they created. Either way, your mouth would drop at some of the things they twisted, the architecture in particular. In fact, the architecture is one of the most interesting things in the whole movie. As stated before, the movie played around with shadows a lot. There were a lot of highlights in â€Å"Inception†, particularly on the face. The characters are always slightly off center on the screen and there are generally only one or two characters in a single shot. I like to think it just furthers the idea of the isolated feel to the movie. Buildings are towering and rather rectangle in shape, giving off a feel of aloofness. The special effects are in high gear when the characters enter the mind of the wealthy businessman. Things explode, crumble apart, and all that jazz: The essentials for any type of action movie. It's fantastic. My particular favorite is when they do these anti-gravity shots and you see the characters walking upside down and floating in mid-air. Although I found some aspects of the cinematography to be average or lacking, it fully makes up in other ways. The composition and special effects are wicked awesome and I could see why the film won an Academy Award in Cinematography.

Friday, September 27, 2019

Noble Energy, Inc Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Noble Energy, Inc - Research Paper Example Global oil and gas industry includes global presence of extraction, refining, exploration, marketing and transporting the oil and gas products. The largest volume manufactured and distributed products of the industry are gasoline and fuel oil. Petroleum is also used as the raw material for several chemical products, such as solvents, pesticides, plastics, fertilizers and pharmaceuticals. The global oil and gas exploration and production industry is divided into three major parts, such as downstream, midstream and upstream. Midstream operations are generally considered under the downstream category. Description of the Industry Oil and gas energy sources are very much important for several industries. Oil and gas energy resources are considered as the large global energy resources. Middle East is the largest consumer of oil and gas energy resources across the globe. This global region consumes almost 53% of total energy sources. On the other hand, Asia and Europe ranks last in ter4ms o f consumption of oil and gas energy resources. The consumption rate of oil and gas energy of Middle East is higher comparing to other global regions due to several reasons. First of all, the leading number of oil reservoirs is located in the Middle East countries. These countries can consume the oil and gas products in low price range comparing to other global countries. In addition to this, Middle East oil and gas extraction organizations act as cartel regarding pricing and distributing the crude oil to the global market. Strong oil process control is the major reason behind the economic growth of several Middle East countries. Central and South America consumes 44%, North America consumes 40%, Africa consumes 41%, and Europe and Asia consumes 32% of total extracted and produced oil. The world consumes approximately 30 billion barrels on yearly basis (Li 22). The economically developed nations are the largest consumers of oil. In the year 2007, The United State consumed 25% of tota l produced oil which is impressive oil consumption figure. Recent financial crisis and global economic recession affected the global economic environment. People are trying to reduce the consumption level of expensive products due to their low disposable income and limited purchasing power. Especially, the people of middle class income level are trying to find substitute energy resources of oil and gas due to hike in oil and gas price (Shelley 27). Apart from economic issues, the global oil and gas exploration and production industry is suffering from several global political issues. Several under developed and developing countries have to pay high petroleum tax to the oil and gas producing countries in order to improve the crude oil. High tension and critical political conflicts between several countries are affecting the growth of this global oil and gas exploration and production industry. In addition to these, several countries have developed strict regulations regarding the ext raction of oil and gas. Extraction of oil and gas from oil mine requires the uses of several deadly chemicals. It can affect the global ecological balance. Looking into this issue, the government of several countries developed strict rules and regulations regarding the extraction of oil. It is expected that the number of total oil reservoirs and mines

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Accredit Managed Care Organizations SL Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Accredit Managed Care Organizations SL - Essay Example Since the organizations want to acquire and maintain accreditation, they improve the standards of their services. In so doing, patients end up getting improved care, which is to their benefit. The process of accreditation by NCQA is in two parts. The basis for assessment of each plan is on standards and healthcare effectiveness data and information set (HEDIS). Standards involve the evaluation of the structure and process of a plan in the maintenance and improvement of quality. HEDIS involves evaluating the performance of a plan with regard to the process and outcomes in member experience of care as well as outcomes in clinical care (NSQA, 2008). The NCQA carries out its survey through onsite and offsite evaluations. In the offsite evaluation, the team of surveyors assesses the self-evaluation and other materials that concern the plan. The materials required for the process are accessible through the Interactive survey System, through which the institutions make submissions. The team reviews the plan’s documents, which the institution submits, against standards to ascertain compliance. When evaluating standards, NCQA focuses on quality management and improvement, u tilization management, credentialing, as well as member connections. The Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set on its part assesses areas of care (NCQA, 2008). It focuses on preventive services such as immunization, treatment of acute diseases, management of chronic ailments as well as patience experience. During the on-site review, NCQA assesses various areas of operation as well as documents and material that the institution may not be able to submit through the Interactive Survey System. That includes confidential documents such as minutes of meetings or actual case records. The team of managed care experts and physicians assess the documents against the specifications of the plan as the institution

Nitrates tolerance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Nitrates tolerance - Essay Example While long-term nitrate tolerance treatment induces the body to intrinsic vascular changes, nitrate tolerance treatment overly rely on nitro-vasodilator responsiveness (vascular tolerance). Vascular tolerance is always caused by an increased vascular superoxide production. The vascular superoxide production ultimately relies on unbalanced oxidation to the vascular cells. Additionally, super sensitivity to vasoconstrictor secondary to tonic protein kinase activation may result to nitrates tolerance (Antman & Sabatine, 2012, p. 11). For effective and efficient nitrate toleration clinically, C.NADPH oxidase(s) inclusive of various uncoupled endothelial nitric oxides synthase have been researched on. These oxidant elements have thus been proposed to be some of the richer superoxide sources for nitrate tolerance (Arcangelo & Petterson, 2005, p.134). Vascular NO and superoxide simultaneously form a rapid peroxy-nitrite. Put differently, both super oxide and vascular NO concomitantly aggravates tolerance by promoting NO synthesis. NO synthase uncouple in bonding and inhibit the solubility of both prostacyclin synthase and guanylyl cyclase (Faassen & Vanin, 2007, p.145). Nitrate tolerance has overly gone overboard clinically. This is because tablets designing formula must considerably look into nitrate tolerance in order to come up with effective and efficient tablets formulas (â€Å"Radicals for life the various forms of nitric oxide† 2008, p.133). The oxidative stress concept in nitrate tolerance may purportedly explain the reason as to why radical substances and scavengers have the relief ability to tolerance and endothelial dysfunction (Golan & Tashjian, 2012, p.156). Recent pharmacology research works have defined a newly initiated nitrate tolerance mechanism. This definition is the ability to inhibit mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase. Mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase is the enzyme that ensures the completion of

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

The Features And Problems Of The Educational Process Essay

The Features And Problems Of The Educational Process - Essay Example He insists that education is on the level of psychological and sociological, these two are combined to mold an individual in the society to be their own person in the civilized society that is and continues to be, it trains them to have use of all their capabilities. He purposes school as a social institution that should be used to simplify life for the young minds so that they do not become confused or have their capabilities develop prematurely (Dewey 463). It expounds and forms the social life that is installed at home, the information imparted in schools and lessons learned is a preparation for the future. The teachers in the school should not control or command the kids rather see influences that will positively affect the child’s future and examinations that test the child’s fitness for social life. The social life of a child is based on their social activities, thus the subject matter of the education taught in schools should progress civilization (Dewey 464). It should not be objective but help interpret past experiences and develop new attitudes and interests. The author tries to inform us that when a child is involved in a passive and absorbing attitude rather than active and experimental the result is waste and friction (Dewey 465). Laws and regulations should not be imposed because education is the moral duty of any society in order to shape itself in its own direction. John Dewey uses repetition and examples in his essay My Pedagogic Creed to convince his audience that is mainly the educators, parents of young students, and the community that instant education reform is of utmost importance for the proper social and psychological growth of children. He uses strong emotion and opinions on how the subject matter of the education should be and what he thinks is the duty of the teachers and the society in instilling education in a  child.

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Crime and Poverty Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Crime and Poverty - Research Paper Example The genesis of the crime Before reviewing some sources related to poverty and crime, it is important to determine the evolution and genesis of the crime. As mentioned above, poverty is a social phenomenon. This means that it is socially constructed. According to Obeidallah & Brooks-Gunn, the cases of crime have been rising drastically since the advent of agrarian revolution (1475). Crime is an activity that occurs when a person uses unaccepted means to solicit resources, money or to benefit him or herself. Poverty limits one from getting basic needs hence encouraging crime Inability to meet the basic needs is one of the major factors fuelling crime. A person who does not have means of making life comfortable or sustaining life would opt into engaging him or herself in activities that would enable him or her to acquire the basic needs. However, these activities are usually not socially accepted. They are classified as crime. Poverty is the main factor that limits people from using the legal means to acquire their daily bread. It does this by limiting the access to resources such as money that can be used to pay fees, access good schools and finish education. According to Hannon & DeFina, education is a means through which a person can get money and other resources necessary in offsetting the daily expenses that relate to life matters (53). However, because of poverty, some people would find it difficult to pursue their education to the expected level. The chances of such people getting employed become limited. Consequently, such people would have to opt into those activities that are not socially and legally accepted, crime. In a study conducted in Dubuque to find out the trends and perceptions of crime in conjunction with poverty, it was found... The intention of this study is crime as an unaccepted social activity that entails doing things or activities that are against the expectation of society. A number of studies related to crime and poverty have been conducted but most of them normally focus on these social phenomenons individually. Few researches have tried to find out the link between the two. However, none of the researches is comprehensive and intensive enough to explain the relationship between crime and poverty. From the foregoing discussion, it is clear that poverty play an important role in creating an environment that fuels crime activities. However, the discussion implies that there is no direct relationship between poverty and crime. This means that poverty fuel crime by limiting man from accessing resources that are necessary in development of an ideal life. One interesting idea that should be noted as far as poverty and crime is that crime is a short cut of meeting ones basic needs. It is closely related to lazy and poor people who cannot work hard through the normal legal and socially accepted process. This implies that the best way of mitigating the crime rate is by helping people navigate through their education so that they can acquire better ways of dealing with life challenges as well as better means of earning their livelihood. The discussion also implies that criminal justice system should not be handled independently because it does not provide long term solution to the crime rates. Conversely, combining the criminal justice system and the welfare system would bring a relatively long term solution to the rising crime rates

Monday, September 23, 2019

A critical review of the role of ICT in the teaching of English and Essay

A critical review of the role of ICT in the teaching of English and mathematics - Essay Example Consequently, the article examines how game formats influence the teaching of mathematics within educational websites (Scanlon et al., 2005). There has been a shift in mathematics calculations that emphasizes mathematics in context contrary to the traditional aspect of abstract calculations. From this perspective, it is also believed that teaching mathematics in context proves to be more motivating. The authors argued that despite presenting real-world variables, traditional approaches towards mathematics do not consider such variables in the process of responding to questions. This qualifies the use of ICT, which according to the authors, incorporates considerable potential in the process of teaching mathematics in context (Buckingham and Scanlon, 2004). Application of computer games such as Gridclub utilises practical and real life examples in mathematics exercises. The technology accompanies the process with background sound mechanisms that describe the surround environment as well as actions. This is contrary to written text that ignores the aspect of human nature in real situations. In this case, application of ICT a ppears deliberate in setting mathematics within realistic context and it provides captivating context in the learning process (Scanlon et al., 2005). In my opinion, mathematics is the application of the conceptual ideas of science. In this case, science is represented by theories that explain in words the characteristics of a particular scenario. Therefore, the use of computer games promotes learning of mathematics amongst children owing to motivating factors behind the process. This is because mathematics in context brings the technical aspect of any learning, therefore breaking the monotony of the theoretical aspect. Therefore, in one way or another both concepts are necessary for effective learning to take place. Scanlon and

Sunday, September 22, 2019

The length of the wire Essay Example for Free

The length of the wire Essay Affected by the length of the wire. I will be investigating by using three types of wire Thin, Thick and finally an even thicker wire then second time around. I will be also recording my results by taking down what the volt meter displays and what the Ammeter displays. I will be recording the results for each wire and also I will be increasing the wires thickness after I measure 10cm of length each time having taken down the results. Apparatus: Meter Ruler- Safety Goggles- Cell- Wire- Crocodile Clips- Ammeter- A Voltmeter- V Plan. For the following experiment my plan will be to firstly wire up all the appliances to create a circuit then I will predict whether the resistance increases or whether it does not increase while the wire increases. I will carry out the experiment increasing the length of the wire by 10cm each time I will then take down the results of the voltage, current. To measure the voltage I will use a Voltmeter to measure the Voltage, to measure the length of the wire I will use a meter ruler and finally to measure the current I will use a Amp meter. After gaining these results I will work out the resistance using this formula: Resistance=Voltage/Current Having gaining the results I will write them up in a table from which I will plot the graph to support my results Then after drawing the graphs I will come to my conclusion, in my conclusion I will conclude what happened in the experiment and I will say whether my prediction is right. I will then come on to the evaluation of my experiment. Prediction My prediction is as the Length of the wire increase by 10cm the resistance will get affected making it to increase. The factors which may affect my experiment are firstly the cell(Battery) which may ran out or cause a defect, The voltmeter or ammeter may show the wrong Voltage or current and there also could be a wrong connection being made connecting the circuits. There also could be a user fault and they may measure the wrong length of wire. The factors which need to be controlled are to firstly to get a good working battery and them some healthy working wires. You need to make sure u connect the circuit correctly and also you need to make sure you measure the correct length each time. I will also keep the same temperature to make sure the experiment is even I will do this by using a thermometer to make sure the temperature is constant. I will be using Room temperature. Work Done By- SaNjE Balendra Table of results (Thin Wire) Length Voltage Current Resistance Here are is the table of results for my first experiment in which I used a thin wire Work Done By- SaNjE Balendra Table of results (1st Thick Wire) Length Voltage Current Resistance  Here is the table of results for my second experiment in which I used a thick wire Table of results (2nd Thicker Wire) Length Voltage Current Resistance Here is the table of results for third and final experiment Work Done By- SaNjE Balendra Conclusion Having done my experiment I have come to my conclusion. In my experiment I have found out that as the length of the wire increases the resistance increases. This is because as the length of the wire increases it causes the current and voltage to increase which means the resistance increases as well resistance is equal to voltage divided by current. The resistance increases because there is more sufficient surface area which means the can atoms to collide, when the thickness increases it causes the resistance to decrease as there is a lot of surface area so there will be less collision. Evaluation The experiment proved to be a success and it went very well although it could be improved by trying other lengths, different voltages but also a different type of wire to be able to compare the resistance difference this would make a more interesting experiment. I feel overall my results were quite precise. You can see my results were accurate looking at all 3 of my graphs, which shows a straight line through most of the points apart from one or two which are on the line or not very apart from the line. The 2 points on the (thin wire) which was not close to the line was a Anomaly but it did not effect the gradient in the graph. In my experiment the places I think I made the most errors in the experiment was measuring the length of the wire as it was hard to measure the wire keeping it straight and then holding a meter wire to measure it. I can improve on how to measure the wire by using more than one person to either help me or do the experiment with me, I can also improve by being sensible and being focused on my work and on what am doing.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Desire to be disabled: Body Integrity Identity Disorder

Desire to be disabled: Body Integrity Identity Disorder Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID) is a rare phenomenon in which individuals desire to become disabled through the amputation of fully functioning limbs. BIID is described as the disparity between the individuals perception of their body and the actual form of their physical body (Bayne Levy, 2005). Other psychological disorders and classifications have been linked to BIID, including Gender Identity Disorder, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, and Hypochondriasis. The neurological origins of BIID are unknown at this time, and treatment of this condition through elective amputation is highly controversial. As a clinical audiologist, it is important to recognize symptoms of BIID in patients, as well as being aware of the possible treatment of BIID through vestibular testing. Arguments for and against elective amputation will also be discussed, as well as differential diagnoses of BIID. Audiology and BIID As a clinical audiologist, coming into contact with a patient who has Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID) is rare. However, the possibility does exist and it is important to understand the characteristics if one should encounter a BIID patient. The awareness of BIID in the audiology field can come into play concerning treatment of BIID, with one possible option incorporating aspects of vestibular testing. Body Integrity Identity Disorder John first took leftover prescription painkillers and numbed his left foot in ice water to reduce impending pain. He then buried his foot in dry ice for six hours to induce severe frostbite and force surgeons to operate (Adams, 2007). The previous insert from William Lee Adams article, Amputee Wannabes, describes a 33-year-old mans wish for amputation of his foot. There was nothing physically or medically wrong with this limb; John only stated that he did not feel comfortable with his own body and felt as though his foot was not a part of him. After causing severe frostbite to spread throughout his foot, Johns leg was amputated above the knee. Post-surgery, he went on to describe that the operation resolved his anxiety and allowed him to be at ease in his own body (Adams, 2007). What causes someone to desire amputation of a healthy limb? This desire was first reported by French surgeon Jean-Joseph Sue in 1785 (Lawrence, 2006). However, this delusion only began to receive public attention in the early 2000s due to the increase in documented cases. Soon thereafter, a psychiatric condition titled Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID), previously known as Amputee Identity Disorder (AID), became the more favorable diagnosis for these individuals. Currently, it is estimated that only a few thousand people worldwide are afflicted with BIID (Henig, 2005). BIID is described as a disparity between the individuals perception of their body and the actual form of their physical body (Bayne Levy, 2005). A common complaint of these individuals is that the limb is alien and feels as though it is not part of them. Remarkably, those with BIID are often free of psychological issues, outside of their desire for amputation. Many are of normal intelligence, have families, and hold jobs such as lawyers, professors, and doctors (Henig, 2005). So what triggers these seemingly normal individuals to desire amputation? The neurological origins of this disorder are unknown, yet those with BIID share similar backgrounds. Most are exposed to an amputee at a young age, usually before they are 4 years old, and the fascination stems from this encounter. They begin to experience discomfort with their own bodies, and the delusion is full-blown by the time they reach puberty. As the leading BIID researcher at Columbia University, Michael First believes that these individuals encounter an amputee while they are still in the developmental stage in which normal individuals come to accept the existence of their own arms and legs. He believes the sight of an amputee prevents such acceptance (Adams, 2007). Although the neurological cause of BIID is unidentified, many associations have been made between BIID and other psychoses in order to narrow down the diagnosis. Whether this disorder occurs because of a single experience during childhood, or stems from a combination of other psychological conditions, it is important to discuss other closely related diagnoses of BIID. Differential Diagnoses of BIID Some professionals, such as Michael First, have suggested that BIID may involve a similar psychological desire as is seen in Gender Identity Disorder (GID), better known as transsexualism (Lawrence, 2006). GID is a condition in which wrong embodiment is the main concern. More commonly, a male patient feels as though they are a female trapped in a males body. In both BIID and GID, dissatisfaction with ones own body occurs because their body part in question disagrees with their perceived sense of self (MÃ ¼ller, 2009). This displeasure, as well as the desire for amputation, is the commonality of BIID and GID. Similarities also exist between BIID and a condition known as Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). The desired outcome of those with BDD is also amputation, but these individuals mistakenly believe that a part of their body is disease-ridden or remarkably ugly. BDD ties in closely to anorexia nervosa, being that they are both delusions based on misguided perceptions of ones own body (Bayne Levy, 2005). On the contrary, the only grounds for amputation for those with BIID revolved around the fact that the body part felt foreign, despite the individuals knowledge that the limb was perfectly healthy. Desiring a Disability Individuals who are suffering with BIID have also been associated with individuals who desire to become disabled, or truly believe they are disabled or sick when they are not. One such disorder is known as Hypochondriasis, with the term hypochondriac being used more often for these individuals. Hypochondriasis is a psychiatric disorder where an individual constantly fears that they have or, at some point, will have a serious disease, even when there is no medical proof or diagnosis (Hypochondriasis, 2002). These individuals misinterpret their physical feelings as symptoms of a serious disease, similarly to those with BIID who misinterpret their healthy body part as not being part of them. Symptoms that hypochondriacs face are also similar to those with BIID, including severe anxiety and depression. Hypochondriacs are not fabricating their symptoms, and become extremely concerned with minor problems such as excessive sweating, dizziness, and occasional tinnitus (Hypochondriasis, 2002) . Hypochondriasis can also be as socially debilitating as BIID, in that it also causes individuals to not function at work or in their daily lives. Another phenomenon associated with the desire to be disabled is known as non-organic hearing loss (NOHL). NOHL is described as responses to a hearing test indicating a deficit greater than can be explained by organic pathology (Austen Lynch, 2004). Some motives for NOHL behavior include monetary and personal gain, such as being involved in a car accident and fabricating a hearing loss as a conjunctive injury. However, not all individuals who are labeled as NOHL are malingering; some truly believe they have a hearing loss, or do not respond to the audiological testing even though their hearing sensitivity is normal. There are also those known as deaf wannabes, who, much like amputee wannabes, desire to belong to a community that is based on the disability or disorder. Deaf wannabes may have grown up in the deaf community, and although they have normal hearing sensitivity, wish to be deaf themselves. Overall, these conditions listed above may or may not be exclusive. An individual may not suffer from desired amputation based solely on the condition of BIID, BDD, or GID alone. Rather, they may suffer from a variety of combinations of these disorders, including Hypochondriasis and NOHL. With NOHL as a possible association, audiologists may be included in the group of professionals who interact and help with the treatment of these patients. That being said, the associations of these disorders and the knowledge that they are closely linked may lead to the best possible diagnosis of individuals who suffer from a desired disability. Arguments in Favor of Healthy Limb Amputation Many individuals who suffer with BIID believe that amputation is the only option. Upon learning of BIID, most people would consider it a psychotic disorder that by no means should be solved through elective amputation. However, the argument for permission of amputation by surgeons has been strongly considered. Individuals with BIID often feel desperate, and if this frustration continues it may lead to dangerous behaviors. These behaviors may include self-inflicted wounds, causing infection of these wounds, and burning a limb to injure it beyond repair in order to provoke amputation. Furthermore, these individuals may go as far as carrying out amputation on their own if a surgeon will not do it. Between 1997 and 1999, elective amputations were allowed in the United Kingdom in order to avoid these hazardous behaviors of individuals with BIID. However, such operations were quickly banned after they caught the attention of the public (Sorene et al., 2006). In order to minimize the harm t hat these individuals may inflict on themselves, amputation of healthy limbs by competent surgeons may be a viable option. Another argument for the amputation of healthy limbs would be that an individual has the right to alter ones body in the pursuit of acceptance and happiness (Jotkowitz Zivotofsky, 2009). Similar to those who undergo cosmetic surgery, as well as those who have had surgery due to Gender Identity Disorder, individuals with BIID are unsatisfied with their physical appearance and desire a change. Although both cosmetic surgery and GID surgery also encounter many arguments against altering ones appearance or gender, they are nationally recognized as an accepted medical practice. If these types of surgery are allowed to improve ones body image, then elective amputations may not be far-removed from these common practices. A final argument for the amputation of healthy limbs is the possible therapeutic effects that may occur post-surgery. Bayne and Levy (2005) describe this argument in four stages: (1) the individual suffers because of their condition; (2) amputation is expected to provide relief from this suffering; (3) less-serious approaches and treatments will not bring about this relief; and (4) the severity of amputation is minimal compared to finding relief of this disorder. Some individuals who are afflicted with BIID have stated that their condition has interfered with their social lives (Bayne Levy, 2005), including their jobs and leisure activities. These individuals do have valid emotions and are truly suffering from an internal crisis, so regardless of the diagnosis of BIID, psychological intervention is necessary. Also, seeing as some BIID individuals go to extreme measures in order to reach liberation from their unwanted limbs, the therapeutic effects may be reason enough to allow healt hy limb amputations. Arguments against Healthy Limb Amputation Without question, the allowance of healthy limb amputations by surgeons would inevitably be met by resistant forces. Society is likely to lead these arguments with feelings of repugnance and disgust. In the case of individuals who have lost limbs from accidents or disease, the thought of amputating a fully functioning limb is appalling. Paddy Rossbach, the president of Amputation Coalition of America, stated that Its very difficult for people who have been through what they consider to be a devastating life experience to understand why anybody would want to mutilate himself in this way, (Henig, 2005). Others who suffered unwanted amputation often say that the existence of BIID diminishes what they have been going through emotionally. Desired amputation will meet public disdain, and those who have experienced unwanted amputation will undoubtedly be at the forefront. An additional argument against healthy limb amputations is the life-threatening consequences of such operations. According to MÃ ¼ller (2009), the principle of nonmaleficence states that physicians should not perform amputations without medical necessity. Such amputations often have severe consequences besides causing the individual to be disabled, including infection, phantom pains, thrombosis, paralysis, and necrosis (MÃ ¼ller, 2009). Furthermore, such operations may not be successful at bringing about the desired relief. In some cases, desire for a new amputation of a previously accepted limb may follow the first operation (Hilti Brugger, 2010). Amputation causes irreversible damage that may not heal properly, and if the operation is not justified based on life-saving measures, permission of such operations may never be accepted. Possible Treatment: Vestibular Caloric Testing? A final argument against healthy limb amputations is the possibility of vestibular caloric stimulation as a treatment option for BIID. Although the neurological cause of BIID is unknown, one speculation is the involvement of the right parietal lobe. Evidence of somatoparaphrenia, or the belief that part of ones own body is not their own, has been documented in cases of right parietal lobe stroke patients (MÃ ¼ller, 2009). Neuroscientists Vilayanur Ramachandran and Paul McGeoch suggested that the right parietal lobe may also be involved in BIID patients, with supportive evidence that most who desire amputation show a left-side preference, as well as an emotional rejection of their unwanted limb (MÃ ¼ller, 2009). The speculation that vestibular caloric stimulation (specifically left-ear cold water irrigation) may be a treatment option for BIID is based on its known temporary treatment of somatoparaphrenia. Benefits of caloric stimulation over amputation include less-expensive treatme nt, lack of side effects, and immediate results showing if the treatment is working or not (Ryan, 2009). Overall, a trial of vestibular caloric stimulation should be the first step in treatment of BIID, and a clinical audiologist would perform this type of testing. For this reason, knowledge of BIID and the expertise to deal with these types of patients is important for audiologists to understand. Although caloric testing has not been proven to relieve BIID patients of their suffering, and the effects on bodily awareness may disappear as soon as the caloric stimulation has stopped, it is a less drastic approach that has been speculated to be successful. In Conclusion The limited knowledge of BIID as a valid psychological condition, as well as causes and treatments, is a barrier to finding some sort of relief for these individuals. Whether or not elective amputation is the solution for patients with BIID, the drastic decision to remove ones limb forever should not be made until more is known regarding BIID. Regardless of the background and probable causes of this disorder, individuals are still suffering daily from the notion that a body part is not their own. Intervention is necessary for BIID patients, whether it be vestibular testing by an audiologist, or other therapeutic remedies. Physicians should perform a thorough diagnostic evaluation when encountering a patient with BIID. Prior to causing irreversible damage to that individuals body, other treatment options and therapy should be researched.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Exercise Training for Diabetic Neuropathy

Exercise Training for Diabetic Neuropathy Field of Research Preventive and Rehabilitation Topic of Research Efficacy of exercise training along with foot Orthotic intervention in modifying the natural course of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Brief Introduction and Literature Review Diabetic Plantat Ulcers Diabetic myelitis is a group of chronic metabolic diseases caused by insufficient production of Insulin, results in abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Diabetic mellitus can be classified into Type I or Insulin dependent Diabetic mellitus; occurs due to autoimmune destruction of insulin secreting cell in the pancreas. The Type II Diabetic mellitus or Non insulin Dependent Diabetic mellitus, which is characterized by increase insulin resistant and relative lack of insulin(Kumar et al 2005). It was estimated 381 billion people suffering globally from Diabetics in 2013, among which 90% cases are Type II. The South Asian countries are having the highest number of diabetic patients in the world, with highest numbers in India and China(IDF). The peripheral nerve damage often involved in diabetic patient, affecting 60% of patients with Type I and Type II diabetes. In many instances, most of the patient had already some mild to severe form of peripheral neuropathies at the time of diagnosis (Boulton AJ et al 1998). The symptom in includes numbness, tingling or burning sensation, extreme sensitivity to touch, and insensitive to hot and pain in hands and feet. Diabetic Neuropathic feet- Biomechancial fault. For normal gait, everyone requires the integrated function of sensory and motor functions. The sensory input to adapt and modify the motor output to optimize ideal gait pattern. In addition, there should be a fully functional bone and joints with adequate muscle strength, are also vital(Aminian K at al., 2002). Futhermore, the muscle weakness, anesthesia and loss of proprioception alters the foot biomechanics, often leads to changes in mobility, gait and balance. In this way, peripheral neuropathy directly contributes to joint subluxation and lack of accommodation to ground reaction force. These changes put the patient vulnerable for foot deformities and foot injuries. Foot injuries are being considered as dangerous to diabetics because peripheral neuropathy and superimposed impaired circulation makes wound healing delayed and complicated, increase the risk of repeated infection. These might ultimately lead to amputation of the affected limb. The structural changes occur within the ligament, capsule and tendons of foot joints. The collagens of ligament, capsule and tendon disorganized, lose its elasticity and tensile strength, and become more stiff (Grant WP 1996). The resultant foot joint immobility, leads to abnormal biomechanics, thus further results in either joint subluxation or the risk of injury. Therefore, it is imperative to identify the biomechanical faults are an important component in the overall care of diabetic foot. The biomechanical examination includes neutral calcaneal stance position(NCSP), relaxed calcaneal stance position(RCSP), Rang of Ankle joint dorsiflexion, position and mobility of the first ray, Forefoot to rearfoot relationship, range of motion at first MTPJ, Foot Pasture Index, Functional Hallux test (FHT), Limb length examination and plantar pressure examination. A direct correlation between ulceration and areas of high pressure has been established (Veves A 1992). A fundamental part of the physical examine involves inspection of the plantar aspect of the foot for any discrete or diffuse calluses that may indicate focal areas of high pressure or areas of increased shear forces. The sensory testing with Semmes -Weinstein Monofilaments (SWFs) should be assessed to identify the people at high risk of ulcer. It was found that 5.07 Semmes -Weinstein Monofilaments more sensitive in detecting patient with risks of plantar ulcers(Pham H et al 2000). Foot Orthotics intervention for biomechnical fault The functional and accomodative foot orthosis has been a well accepted method of treatment for patient with neurologically impaired foot for a few decades(C. S. Nicolopoulos, B. W. Scott, P. V. Giannoudis 2000; .H Cross et al,1996; Hastings MK 2006). These foot orthotic intervention decreases peak plantar pressure by evenly distributing the body weight into the ground. Foot orthosis is a biomechanical device that controls the degree of pronation and supination of the foot while walking and running. By addressing the foot biomechanical fault in patients with foot orthosis, not only prevent the plantar ulcers and it also improve their adherence to physical exercise, which can prevent or modify the peripheral neuropathy of a diabetic patient. Exercise and Peripheral Neuropathy Based on published evidence, can benefit from regular participation in mild to moderate aerobic, resistance, and balance activities in presenting the onset or modify the natural history diabetic peripheral neuropathy(Colberg SR 2014; Balducci S 2006). StefanoBalducci, et al found that a significant difference in nerve conduction parameters in Sural and peroneal nerves between experimental and control groups(StefanoBalducci, 2006) Outcome Measure Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) Compound Muscle Action Potentials(CMAP), Compound Sensory Action Potentials(CSNP), and distal latencies of Peroneal and Sural nerve of both lower limbs will be measured as per the standardized procedure((DeLisa, 1994; Misra Kalita, 2006; Nasseri et al., 1998). Vibration Perception Thershold (VPT) Sense of vibration of the plantar side of big toe will be assessed using Vibrometer. There are many published evidence to suggest that vibration perception threshold measure can be effectively and accurately identify risks of diabetic neuropathy(Garrow AP et al, 2006; Catherine L 2010) Quantitative Warmth Cold sensation Assessment Michigan Diabetic Neuropathy Score Objective of the Study To assess biomechanical deviation of foot in preventing foot related problem in diabetic feet. To develop clinical long term exercise regime in preventing diabetic induced peripheral neuropathy To ascertain Orthotic intervention for biomechanical deviation of foot in enhancing patient adherence to exercise programs. To develop a clinical exercise tool to enhance functional outcome of diabetic induced peripheral neuropathy of the feet. To identify the effectiveness of clinical exercise tool to achieve treatment goals To study the reliability and validity of clinical exercise tool in the clinical setting. Methodology of the Study Phase I A systematic review and biomechanical analysis (Deformity, muscle patterns, and plantar pressure) are needed to understand biomechanial and functional aspect of neuropathic feet of a diabetic patient in comparison with healthy subjects. This analysis is crucial in developing an understanding of possible foot orthotic intervention to prevent undue pressure of anesthetic feet during weight being phase of gait. Phase II The effective exercise intervention protocol is needed to achieve desirable treatment goals. Therefore, in this phase, will focus development of the exercise protocol aimed to modify or prevent diabetic neuropathy. Besides, each patient with biomechanical deviation treated with appropriate functional and or accommodative foot Orthosis. Nerve conduction studies: Amplitude, distal latency, velocity and Vibration Perception threshold (VPT) and Semmen’s- Weinstein monofilaments touch, pressure sensation of both lower limbs will be recorded for all patients as a baseline. Phase III To test the validity and reliability of exercise protocol and foot orthosis in preventing or modifying diabetic neuropathy Nerve Conduction studies, VPT and Semmen’s- Weinstein monofilaments touch, pressure sensation Contribution This study, perhaps, may lead to improve or modify the natural course of diabetic neuropathy in patients at the risk or diagnosed peripheral neuropathy in diabetics. Orthotics intervention by means of accommodative / functional foot orthosis for the biomechanically abnormal foot helps the patient in preventing planar ulcers and aggravation of deformity. Besides, the foot orthotic intervention also might enhance the adherence to mild to moderate aerobic, resistance and balance activities. The finding from this study may provide better understanding of long term exercise protocol along with foot functional othosis in preventing or modifying diabetic neuropathy. Timeline/ Plan of Study Brief Bibliography Boulton AJ, Malik RA. Diabetic neuropathy.Med Clin North Am. Jul 1998;82(4):909-29 Aminian K, Najafi B, Bula C, Leyvraz P, Robert P. Spatio-temporal parameters of gait measured by an ambulatory system using miniature gyroscopes. J Biomech. 2002;35:689-99. Shaw JE, van Schie CH, Carrington AL, Abbott CA, Boulton AJ. An analysis of dynamic forces transmitted through the foot in diabetic neuropathy. Diabetes Care. 1998;21(11):1955-9. Yavuzer G, Yetkin I, Toruner FB, Koca N, Bolukbasi N. Gait deviations of patients with diabetes mellitus: looking beyond peripheral neuropathy. Eura Medicophys. 2006;42(2):127-33. Mueller MJ, Minor SD, Sahrmann SA, Schaaf JA, Strube MJ. Differences in the gait characteristics of patients with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy compared with age-matched controls. Phys Ther. 1994;74(4):299-308; discussion 309-13. Petrofsky J, Lee S, Bweir S. Gait characteristics in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2005;93(5-6):640-7. Electron microscopic investigation of the effects of diabetes mellitus on the Achilles tendon. Grant WP, Sullivan R, Sonenshine DE, Adam M, Slusser JH, Carson KA, Vinik AI J Foot Ankle Surg. 1997 Jul-Aug; 36(4):272-8; discussion 330. Colberg SR,Vinik AI, Exercising with peripheral or autonomic neuropathy: what health care providers and diabetic patients need to know, Phys Sportsmed.2014 Feb;42(1):15-23. doi: 10.3810/psm.2014.02.2043. Balducci S,Iacobellis G,Parisi L,Di Biase N,Calandriello E,Leonetti F,Fallucca F.Exercisetraining can modify the natural history of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. JDiabetesComplications.2006 Jul-Aug;20(4):216-23. The risk of foot ulceration in diabetic patients with high foot pressure: a prospective study. Veves A, Murray HJ, Young MJ, Boulton AJ Diabetologia. 1992 Jul; 35(7):660-3. Pham H,Armstrong DG,Harvey C,Harkless LB,Giurini JM,Veves A. Screening techniques to identify people at high risk for diabetic foot ulceration: a prospective multicenter trial. DiabetesCare.2000 May;23(5):606-11. Cross H,Kulkarni VN,Dey A,Rendall G. Plantar ulceration in patients with leprosy. J Wound Care.1996 Oct;5(9):406-11. Hastings MK,Mueller MJ,Pilgram TK,Lott DJ,Commean PK,Johnson JE. Effect of metatarsal pad placement on plantar pressure in people with diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy. Foot Ankle Int.2007 Jan;28(1):84-8. Misra, U. K., Kalita, J. (2006). Clinical application of EMG and nerve conduction Clinical neurophysiology (2nd ed.). New Delhi: Elsevier, 80–84. DeLisa, J. A. (1994). Lower extremity nerves. Manual of nerve conduction velocity and clinical neurophysiology (3rd ed.)USA: Raven Press Limited, 122–144. Nasseri, K., Strijers, R. L. M., Dekhuijzen, L. S., Buster, M., Bertelsmann, F. W., et al. (1998). Reproducibility of different methods for diagnosing and monitoring diabetic neuropathy. Electromyography and Clinical Neurophysiology, 38, 295–299. Garrow AP ,Boulton AJ. Vibration perception thresholda valuable assessment of neural dysfunction in people with diabetes. Diabetes Metab Res Rev.2006 Sep-Oct;22(5):411-9. Catherine L. Martin, MS,Barbara H. Waberski, MS,Rodica Pop-Busui, MD, PHD,Patricia A. Cleary, MS,Sarah Catton, RN,James W. Albers, MD, PHD,Eva L. Feldman, MD, PHD,William H. Herman, MD, MPH,Vibration Perception Threshold as a Measure of Distal Symmetrical Peripheral Neuropathy in Type 1 Dia Vibration Perception Threshold as a Measure of Distal Symmetrical Peripheral Neuropathy in Type 1 DiabetesVibration Perception Therosholdas a Measure of Distal Symentrical Peripheral Neuropathy in Type 1 Diabetics, Diabetes Care.Dec 2010;33(12): 2635–2641. Vibration Perception Threshold as a Measure of Distal Symmetrical Peripheral Neuropathy in Type 1 Diabetes Vibration Perception Threshold as a Measure of Distal Symmetrical Peripheral Neuropathy in Type 1 Diabetes

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Power and Possession in Animal Farm by George Orwell Essay example --

Power and Possession in Animal Farm by George Orwell Have you ever felt that rush of excitement when you can do whatever you want without thinking of the consequences? If so, wasn’t it one of the greatest feelings you’ve ever felt? The feelings that describe us that we are leaders, that we have followers and our every move are important to the people around us? Power is the one possession that everyone desires. It lets you feel that one can do anything he or she wants without the consequences of his or her actions. In George Orwell’s illuminating fable of â€Å"Animal Farm,† he describes how a pig named Napoleon takes over an entire farm. Napoleon, with his sly group of trustworthy pigs, maintains power and takes over â€Å"Manor Farm† by using the concepts of intimidation, fear, and persuasion. Intimidation is a malicious, yet intelligent way to gather up people to join a force. By intimidating someone, one would be too frightened to stand up for his or her self. Thus, he or she would have no other choice but to go along with the event of intimidation. In Napoleon’s case, he uses intimidation by having a group of dogs to stand as his bodyguard. â€Å"Silent and terrified, the animals crept back into the barn. In a moment the dogs came bounding back. At first no one had been able to imagine where these creature came from, but the problem was soon solved: they were the puppies whom Napoleon had taken away from their mothers and reared privately. Though not yet full grown, they were huge dogs, and as fierce-looking as wolves. They kept close to Napoleon.† (Orwell 68). This shows that the ferocious dogs intimidate the silent and terrified animals. Thus, when the animals are intimidated, they will follow Napoleon’... ...eon work his way to the peak of class. Since Squealer follows Napoleon’s orders, he has helped him persuade the animals to side with Napoleon instead of Snowball for it is said that Snowball had sided with Jones. So in the end, intimidation, fear, and persuasion combined have overcome every move, and knowledge of the animals. In addition to Napoleon’s tactics to maintaining power, the innocent animals of Manor Farm tricked without any precaution, are under control of the great comrade Napoleon. Intimidation, by the use of dogs and torture has compelled the animals to undergo his powers. Fear from Jones has frightened them to give up leisure time to work together and rethink a way to overcome humans. Furthermore, persuasion, with the help of the spectacular Squealer has played a trick in the minds of many helpless, and oblivious animals of Manor Farm. Power and Possession in Animal Farm by George Orwell Essay example -- Power and Possession in Animal Farm by George Orwell Have you ever felt that rush of excitement when you can do whatever you want without thinking of the consequences? If so, wasn’t it one of the greatest feelings you’ve ever felt? The feelings that describe us that we are leaders, that we have followers and our every move are important to the people around us? Power is the one possession that everyone desires. It lets you feel that one can do anything he or she wants without the consequences of his or her actions. In George Orwell’s illuminating fable of â€Å"Animal Farm,† he describes how a pig named Napoleon takes over an entire farm. Napoleon, with his sly group of trustworthy pigs, maintains power and takes over â€Å"Manor Farm† by using the concepts of intimidation, fear, and persuasion. Intimidation is a malicious, yet intelligent way to gather up people to join a force. By intimidating someone, one would be too frightened to stand up for his or her self. Thus, he or she would have no other choice but to go along with the event of intimidation. In Napoleon’s case, he uses intimidation by having a group of dogs to stand as his bodyguard. â€Å"Silent and terrified, the animals crept back into the barn. In a moment the dogs came bounding back. At first no one had been able to imagine where these creature came from, but the problem was soon solved: they were the puppies whom Napoleon had taken away from their mothers and reared privately. Though not yet full grown, they were huge dogs, and as fierce-looking as wolves. They kept close to Napoleon.† (Orwell 68). This shows that the ferocious dogs intimidate the silent and terrified animals. Thus, when the animals are intimidated, they will follow Napoleon’... ...eon work his way to the peak of class. Since Squealer follows Napoleon’s orders, he has helped him persuade the animals to side with Napoleon instead of Snowball for it is said that Snowball had sided with Jones. So in the end, intimidation, fear, and persuasion combined have overcome every move, and knowledge of the animals. In addition to Napoleon’s tactics to maintaining power, the innocent animals of Manor Farm tricked without any precaution, are under control of the great comrade Napoleon. Intimidation, by the use of dogs and torture has compelled the animals to undergo his powers. Fear from Jones has frightened them to give up leisure time to work together and rethink a way to overcome humans. Furthermore, persuasion, with the help of the spectacular Squealer has played a trick in the minds of many helpless, and oblivious animals of Manor Farm.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Movie Essays - Loncraines Film Production of Shakespeares Richard III :: Movie Film comparison compare contrast

Loncraine's Film Production of Shakespeare's Richard III Loncraine's film brilliantly furthers Richard III's role as the diabolical genius. His use of economy and symbolism in portraying Richard gives completeness to the character that the text in some ways lacks. The short but intriguing stable scene in the film makes this clear. The first thing I noticed about the stable scene in the film was the monochromatic color scheme. As Donaldson noted, the muted browns, grays, and beiges are reminiscent of the several death scenes. The colors befit the place where Richard meets Tyrrel, Clarence's murderer, and receives Tyrrel's vow of loyalty. Both characters' connections to the following death scene are foreshadowed by Loncraine's choice of color palate: Tyrrel as the murderer-for-hire, Richard as the instigator. Richard's reaction toward the animals in the stable gives glimpses of insight into his character. For instance, seeing the boar in the pen initially amuses Richard. He sees Tyrrel feeding the boar, looking on approvingly. As Richard moves away from the boar's pen, Tyrrel tosses an apple to the man accompanying Richard in a quick gesture of recognition and camaraderie. Richard proceeds to gently feed the apple to a horse; this is a direct prediction of Richard's need for a horse in the final battle: "A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse!" (V.iv.). Richard is feeding a useful and important animal, showing more sympathy and care than he does for the rest of the humans in the film. Conversely, Richard throws his apple at the boar after discerning Tyrrel's loyalty. The boar serves two purposes in the scene; it is both more useful when it is not alive (as food), and a symbol of Richard's family (Richard's crest contains the image of a boar, and Richard himself is often referred to as a boar in the text). Richard obviously has more use for the horse than he does the boar, alluding to his value of a creature or character based on its usefulness-he is quick to kill anything or anyone he finds opposing or challenging him. This includes his family, which is the boar's symbolic purpose. The boar, though penned and harmless, becomes the target of Richard's sadistic desire to bring harm to those around him. In the same way, Richard designs schemes to injure his family members for the more useful goal of gaining kingship. His family is no good to him while they are alive; they are more useful when they are dead and out of his way.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Zara Supply Chain China

Case Study and Exercises Exercise #1 We were given the formula of distance , where D – Distance from location L (distribution center) to location I (consumption point); – X coordinate of the warehouse l (distribution); – X coordinate of the store i (consumption); – Y coordinate of the warehouse l (distribution); – Y coordinate of the store i (consumption). Consequently, applying these formula in the Excel we receive the following result: Then, multiplying the distance by the amount of demand and summing up for each relevant location, we get: Thus, the answer is LOCAY, because it has the minimal score. Exercise #2 Using provided formulas , where – X coordinate of the optimal location for warehouse; – Y coordinate of the optimal location; – X coordinate of store i; – Y coordinate of store i; – Load (or Demand) of the store i, we get And finally The answer is (8;11). Zara's Case Study Company Profile Zara is one of the largest international fashion companies with 1671 stores around the globe. It is a part of Inditex holding. Inditex is one of the world's largest fashion retailers, welcoming shoppers at its eight store formats -Zara, Pull & Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Stradivarius, Oysho, Zara Home and Uterque – boasting 5. 93 stores in 85 markets [www. inditex. com], [www. zara. com]. In 1975 the first Zara shop was founded in Spain. In 1976-1984 In-Spain expansion takes place. In 1988 it enters Portuguese market. Followed by US and France, it quickly becomes world-brand and until 2006 it had 52 countries which held retail operations of the company. Za ra concentrates on the three principles to satisfy the customer [http://ru. scribd. com/doc/27372254/Supply-Chain-Practices-of-Zara#]: Short lead Time which results in â€Å"more† fashionable clothes Lower quantities – scarce supply More styles, which create a greater possibility of attracting needed customers. ) Zara's designing process organized in a way such that the stores, which actually interact with the customers, communicate to the head office in Spain the needs of the customers and the trends in fashion clothes. Thus, making it possible for the company to react to market changes within 30 days [http://thirdeyesight. in/articles/ImagesFashion_Zara_Part_I. pdf], which makes Zara unreachable for the same-size competitors. 2) Reducing the number of clothes manufactured in each style creates the â€Å"scarcity† which is applicable to fashion clothes. The less it is available, the more desirable it becomes. As a result, Zara discounts only approx. 0% of its products. 3) The stores are supplied with new merchandise twice a week, thus making them seem â€Å"new† every 3-4 days. On average, Zara creates around 11,500 styles per year [http://thirdeyesight. in/articles/ImagesFashion_Zara_Part_I. pdf; http://www. slideshare. net/koffman/zara-case-study-2780928#btnNext]. Moreover, m ost of the production facilities are located in Spain, near the headquarters, so that the company has more control over the operations, producing and distributing. Zara's characteristics of vertical supply chain Zara is a vertically integrated retailer. Unlike similar apparel retailers, Zara controls most of  the steps on the supply-chain: It designs, produces, and distributes itself. The business system that had resulted was particularly distinctive in that Zara manufactured its most fashion-sensitive products internally. Zara did not produce â€Å"classics†, clothes that would always be in-style. In fact, the company intended its clothes to have fairly short life spans, both within-stores and in customers' closets. Retailers like the American chain ‘Gap’ and the Swedish retailer  Ã¢â‚¬ËœHennes ; Mauritz’   completely outsource their production to factories around the world and mostly to low cost Asian countries. In contrast, it is estimated that 76 percent of Zara's production is carried out in Europe which is within the small radius of its headquarters in Spain. In fact, almost half of its production is in owned or closely-controlled facilities. Another 24% are produced in Asian region [http://www. slideshare. net/anusaj/zara-ppt#btnNext] While this gives a tremendous amount of flexibility, it does contend with higher people costs – that of up to 19 times as much as Asian ones. The group also owns capital intensive facilities in Spain, which can do dyeing and processing of the fabric as well as cutting and garment finishing. Provided that, Inditex has an ability to adjust to the new trend or demand in a very short time. Overall Supply Chain is can be described as follows: Collect the information from retailing points. At least two times per week the sailing points should somehow conduct the information to the headquarters in Spain, providing information for the groups in charge to develop and decide on the range of clothes which will be demanded by the customers in the observed future. This work is done by approx. 200 people, which develop up to 1,000 styles per month [http://ru. scribd. om/doc/27372254/Supply-Chain-Practices-of-Zara#] The information is also received via sales reports from retail points. Thus it can be claimed, that Zara has invested a lot into IT, to make the up-to-date information flow possible. Decide on the needed clothes, distinguish trends. After depicting and sketching appropriate merchandise for the stores, they send the order to facilities, which are located near the head offic e. Moreover, it should be said that Zara somehow lowers its risks by purchasing uncolored fabric or even raw materials, thus making enhancing flexibility. The process organized in such way, that final product may be even painted on demand. However, only cutting of material is done within the company. Actual sewing is done by workshops, which are mostly located in Spain or Portugal. None of the workshops belongs to Zara. The company provides them with instructions how to do the work for its own needs. Zara being vertically integrated has its own distribution network, which allows the company to further control physical flow. Since the time has a great value for Zara, the newly produced merchandise arrives to the stores within 48 hours. [http://ru. cribd. com/doc/27372254/Supply-Chain-Practices-of-Zara#] An esteem of time, needed to pass from development of the product to actual shipping is around 7-10 days. [http://thirdeyesight. in/articles/ImagesFashion_Zara_Part_I. pdf] Zara's development in China First Zara's store was opened in Shanghai, in February 2006, and during the first day store has managed to generate 800,000 RMB of revenue . Within a year Zara opened 12 new stores across China, and accorfding to the latest data (31st of July) its chain had 114 stores within China (out of 355 operating in Asian region) [http://en. wikipedia. rg/wiki/Zara_%28retailer%29#Stores] in over 40 cities, including Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenyang and other. [http://www. chinadaily. com. cn/business/2012-09/06/content_15737684. htm] During 2011 Beijing Consumer Association was checking the quality of Zara's product. The result was that they accused company of selling lower quality products on chineese market. [http://www. chinadaily. com. cn/business/2011-04/26/content_12396211. htm]. However, the company doesn't seem to be damaged: no apologizes nor compensations followed. .On 5th of September, 2012 Zara opened its on-line shop in China.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Benign Prostate Hyperplasia

The prostate gland is an exocrine gland found only in the male. Exocrine glands secrete chemicals to the outside of the body. It is a glandular organ and is found just below the bladder and at the top of the penis. It is normally about the size of a walnut and it surrounds the urethra which is the tube that brings urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. It is made of fibrous tissue and some muscle tissue. Anatomy The gland is divided into zones or lobes. The peripheral zone is the outside part of the prostate and this is where most prostate cancers are found.The central zone makes up about 25% of the gland and the transition zone makes up about 5% of the gland. The transition zone, however, is where are the hypertrophy happens. This part of the prostate is closest to the urethra so as it grows it puts pressure on and squeezes the urethra causing problems with urination. However, in benign prostate hyperplasia, the prostate grows and begins to cause the person problems. It is usually an age related disease which is nonmalignant. Large lesions grow on that central section of the prostate.It is believed that 60% of men over the age of 60 have BPH (Porth & Matfin, 2007). The exact cause is unknown but there are some risk factors which include age, history, race, dietary fat, and hormonal factors. The older one gets, the more likely to have it and African American men get it most often. When young the gland grows with the hormones testosterone and dihydrotestosterone and it is believed that in some men the hormones do not slow down and stop when they should so the gland continues to grow past what would be normal. Signs and SymptomsBPH causes compression on the urethra so it causes partial or complete obstruction of urine flow. As the obstruction increases (prostate gets larger), acute or emergent retention of the urine may occur with distention of the bladder. The urine that is left in the bladder when a man tries to urinate and is not able to empty his bladder causes a frequency to occur, consistently trying to empty the bladder. This usually becomes worse at night. When there is a lot of bladder distention accidents may happen every time pressure is put on the abdomen or when coughing causing pressure inside the abdomen.When urine is not completely emptied from the bladder the chances of a urinary infection occurs and this sometimes happens frequently. All of this develops in stages over time so there is often changes in the kidney and ureters because of the long time back up of urine causing hydronephosis which eventually begins to kill kidney gomeruli. If not treated early this can lead to renal failure. Diagnosis When making a diagnosis of BPH seven questions are at first ask. These questions are regarding incomplete emptying, frequency, intermittency, urgency, weak stream, straining, and nocturia.A final question relates to the quality of life the patient is having related to this problem. A history, physical exam and rectal exam is done. Also to be done are urinalysis, PSA, and serum creatinine as well as other blood tests. The urinalysis is done to detect bacteria or infection, the serum creatinine is used to estimate whether there is renal function problems and the PSA is used to screen for cancer. Our Patient JJ has BPH and he has symptoms of frequent or urgent need to urinate, he also has developed cysts in his urine and a urinary tract infection.All of these symptoms make sense because they are symptoms of the enlarged prostate putting pressure on the urethra. The urinary tract infection has occurred because of the retention of urine in the bladder. His treatment plan is medications and TURP or TIP. Treatment Treatment in the early stages is aimed at symptom relief, then there is a time of watchful waiting which is suggested by most physicians. There are presently medications that work pretty well for some time. These are Finasteride which reduces prostate size by blocking the effect of androgens on the prostate.This drug also cause atrophy of the prostate cells which can cause a 20% reduction in volume. The onset of the drug takes some time, sometimes 3-6 months but it usually works for some time. The side effects may be erectile dysfunction and decreased libido. There can also be the surgical removal of the enlarged prostate gland. This surgery can be done through the urethra, through a suprapubic incision, or through an incision in the peritoneum. The most commonly used way is called a TURP which is transurethral prostatectomy or through the urethra.The prostate is a very vascular organ and though this procedure is fairly simple to do, there is a great deal of bleeding on average and irrigations are often necessary post-operatively. There are presently many experimental treatments that it is hoped will provide less side effects. These include laser surgery, transurethral vaporization, transurethral microwave therapy, and transurethral needle ablation. There is also a new technique using balloon dilation but these effects at this time seem to be transitory. Stents can also be placed in those men that have major heart of lung issues and cannot tolerate surgical procedures.Treatment Plan So, JJ had symptoms of BPH which was treated by medication but his symptoms persisted and he had a TURP. This procedure after recovery relieved his symptoms and he is progressing quite well with most of his symptomology gone at this time. Conclusion BPH which is thought of as a cancerous condition of the prostate is a benign condition of the prostate. The symptoms which it causes are usually the method of treatment in the beginning and this may last for some time, but there may be a later need for a more aggressive method of treatment which at this time is the TURP.There are side effects of this surgery, some of them immediate because of the vascular condition of the prostate. This surgery, at this time usually solves the problem long term. There are many more less inv asive procedures being studied at this time. Our patient JJ is doing quite well after a TURP and will most likely not need a further procedure. It does not relieve him however, of the possibility of prostate cancer because that part of the prostate is still there so he will need to continue to have checkups. References Porth,C and Matfin, G. (2007). Pathophysiology. 8th ed. Lippincott: Boston Add textbook

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Functionalism, Conflict, and Internationalism Essay

The three theories I plan to discuss are Functionalism, Conflict, and Internationalism with education. The need for these theories is what actually makes the system in education work, with the teachers, parents, school boards and committees the institution of education continues to function. The first theory is Functionalism and is about the study by Lawrence Kohlberg. It has been forty-three years since Lawrence Kohlberg published his doctoral dissertation characterizing six stages of moral development and fourteen years since his death. During this period, much has been written that has discredited stage theory and the overarching use of justice as a â€Å"first principle† of moral development. Yet Kohlberg’s evolving moral theory continues to be used as a theoretical basis for moral development research and to influence teacher education. While some educators have dismissed Kohlberg’s approach as wooden and â€Å"fossilized,† it continues to be central to what teachers know about, and how they think about, moral development. 2] Indeed, one author suggests that â€Å"every psychology textbook published in the last quarter-century touches upon Kohlberg’s work. â€Å"[3] This consistent message, coupled with continued public talk about character development and moral education in schools, makes it likely that Kohlberg’s stage theory continues to influence classroom practice, consciously and unconsciously, across the United States, Henry, (2001). By exposing the structural-functionalist roots of Kohlberg’s theory, this essay raises concerns about the application of Kohlberg’s ideas in the classroom. Fundamentally, Kohlberg focuses on individual development, a universal conception of justice, and universalizability do not translate well to the institutional-level application that he hoped his Just Community Schools would provide. What Kohlberg failed to realize was that a collection of individuals using a Functionalism, Conflict, and Interactionism in Education universal conception of justice in consistent ways across situations (morally mature individuals by Kohlberg’s standards) did not necessarily create a moral community. In a moral community, the degree to which individuals have grown along a continuum of moral development should not be of greater importance than the ability of community members to work together to detect and solve moral problems. Henry, (2001) Foundational to the Just Community model was Kohlberg’s belief that schools were important locations for the socialization of children into broader society. School was a child’s first formal introduction into society at large. By going to school â€Å"the child learns to fill the expected public roles of a member of his society† (LKA, 21). Part of the power of schooling was the teaching of lessons necessary for successful life outside of school. In particular, Kohlberg stressed that students needed to gain an increased awareness of themselves in categorical terms. [7] In other words, he and his colleagues claimed that students needed to learn the categorical expectations to which they would be held publicly accountable and that school had an important function to play in teaching these lessons: [T]he child has to learn to be one among a crowd of peers in a classroom that is run by a relative impersonal authority figure who gives orders a power to wield praise and blame. What the child learns about how to handle â€Å"the crowds, the praise, and the power† will, from this point of view, give shape to her public morality: her conception of how one ought to act to get along and even prosper in the public domain (LKA, 21). Functionalism, Conflict, and Interactionism in Education These statements make it clear that Kohlberg saw schools as important locations for gradually imbuing children with the expectations they would meet as adults, Henry, (2001). While Kohlberg was focused on the individual the theory of functionalism doesn’t work. It works as a whole at a much larger level, the macro level, the institution of the schools. These system need function to run and for student to learn. With this in place there would dis-function children would not be able to learn and through the learning they learn how to enter into society and act accordingly in their roles into adulthood. The theory of Conflict in regards to education they are there, but one that comes to mind is the quality of the education that is given to students today. All the students are not looked at the same, if they come from a poor family or a minority family they are not thought of as equal in intelligence as the white middle to higher class of student. According to Conflict Theory, society is: A struggle for dominance among competing social groups (classes, genders, races, religions, etc. ). When conflict theorists look at society, they see the social domination of subordinate groups through the power, authority, and coercion of dominant groups. In the conflict view, the most powerful members of dominant groups create the rules for success and opportunity in society, often denying subordinate groups such success and opportunities; this ensures that the powerful continue to monopolize power, privilege, and authority. You should note that most conflict theorists oppose this sort of coercion and favor a more equal social order. Some support a complete socioeconomic revolution to socialism (Marx), while others are more reformist, or perhaps do not see all social inequalities stemming from the capitalist system Functionalism, Conflict, and Interactionism in Educational (they believe we could solve racial, gender, and class inequality without turning to socialism). However, many conflict theorists focus on capitalism as the source of social inequalities. The primary cause of social problems, according to the conflict perspective, is the exploitation and oppression of subordinate groups by dominants. Conflict theorists generally view oppression and inequality as wrong, whereas Structural-Functionalists may see it as necessary for the smooth running and integration of society. Structural-Functionalism and Conflict Theory therefore have different value orientations but can lead to similar insights about inequality (e. g. , they both believe that stereotypes and discrimination benefit dominant groups, but conflict theorists say this should end and most structural-functionalists believe it makes perfect sense that subordinates should be discriminated against, since it serves positive social ends). Conflict theory sees social change as rapid, continuous, and inevitable as groups seek to replace each other in the social hierarchy, McLeod, (2004). In contrast to Structural-Functionalists, who argue that the most talented individuals occupy the highest positions, conflict theorists argue that dominant groups monopolize positions of power, maintaining power from generation to generation and keeping subordinate groups out. Also in contrast to Structural-Functionalists, who argue that the most important positions in society are the best rewarded, conflict theorists argue that dominant groups get inordinate power to define which positions are socially rewarded. Highly-paid positions are not necessarily most important for society, they argue, but keep power in the hands of the privileged and powerful, McLeod, (2004). If conflict theory really see social change coming than that may mean the educators of this country may be starting to focus on the student and their intelligence instead of their financial status or race. Functionalism, Conflict, and Interactionism in Education The last theory Interactionism theory views society as the product of individuals’ interaction with each other. Through the process of socialization, people learn values, attitudes, and actions that they deem to be correct. People are exposed to a set of reinforcements to maintain or change those views and actions. Learning theory helps explain why people view others in particular ways, such as who is good and who is bad. Our views may have little to do with objective reality. Learning theory may also explain the process in which people come to engage in behaviors that others find problematic, such as embezzling or prostitution. As Sutherland (1940) notes, people learn the motivations, beliefs, and actions to engage in behaviors that some may find problematic. Labeling theory explores how people socially construct reality. People in positions of power and authority have the ability to label an activity as problematic or acceptable; people in lower social positions are less likely to persuade others to stick with their definition of the situation. This is why elites are able to define a situation that benefits them as good, while others may regard it as troublesome. It also helps explain why people in lower classes are more likely to be perceived as the cause of problems, and why elites escape that definition. The reality of any social situation depends on how people define it. For example, when college students drink alcohol, is it partying, is it normal, is it binge drinking, is it alcohol abuse, are they a social drinker, a problem drinker, do they use it or abuse it? We may wish to determine how we will label the alcohol consumption based on when they drink, with whom they drink, how much they drink, what they drink, and what they do when they are drinking. Is the drinking a personal problem, a campus problem, or a social problem? These distinctions areFunctionalism, Conflict, and Interactionism in Education determined arbitrarily through the process of labeling. Functionalism, Conflict, and Interactionism Functionalism, Conflict, and Interactionism underlying conditions probably existed for a long time before it was identified as an issue. The disagreement over whether something is a problem, how much of a problem it is, what and who caused it, and how it should be addressed is all a product of social construction created through the process of interaction, Vissing, (2011). I believe that between parents, teachers, students and the communities if they would allow each of themselves to be treated as people, students and human beings the educational process would be easier and more pleasurable experience and a happier and healthier environment. I know that is an impossibility but if were something even a few people would work at it may change the educational field a little bit at a time. To bring these three theories together to have a functional system, bring students in as one instead of the higher class and more social and control the groups of kids and the way they stand against each other there might be a chance to bring our education back on line and educate the students the way they should be educated and ready for the world after high school.