Culture Specific Syndrome

ultural Bound Syndromes Culture-bound syndrome The term culture-bound syndrome was included in the fourth version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (American Psychiatric Association, 2000) which also includes a list of the most common culture-bound conditions (DSM-IV: Appendix I). Included in DSM-IV-TR (4th. ed) the term cultural-bound syndrome denotes recurrent, locality-specific patterns of abnormal behavior and troubling experience that may or may not be linked to a particular DSM-IV-TR diagnostic category.Many of these patterns are naturally considered to be illnesses, or at least afflictions, and most have local names. Although presentations conforming to the major DSM-IV-TR categories can be found throughout the world, the particular symptoms, course, and social response are very often influenced by local cultural factors. In contrast, cultural-bound syndromes are generally limited to specific societies or culture areas and are localized, folk, diagno stic categories that frame coherent meanings for certain repetitive, patterned, and troubling sets of experiences and observations.In medicine, a culture-specific syndrome or culture-bound syndrome is a combination of psychiatric and somatic symptoms that are considered to be a recognizable disease only within a specific society or culture. There are no objective biochemical or structural alterations of body organs or functions, and the disease is not recognized in other cultures. While a substantial portion of mental disorders, in the way they are manifested and experienced, are at least partially conditioned by the culture in which they are found, some disorders are more culture-specific than others.The concept of culture-bound syndromes is very controversial and many psychologists, medical doctors, and anthropologists reject the concept. The identification of culture-specific syndromes: A culture-specific syndrome is characterized by: categorization as a disease in the culture (i . e. , not a voluntary behavior or false claim); widespread familiarity in the culture; complete lack of familiarity of the condition to people in other cultures; no objectively demonstrable biochemical or tissue abnormalities (symptoms); the condition is usually recognized and treated by the folk medicine of the culture.Some culture-specific syndromes involve somatic symptoms (pain or disturbed function of a body part), while others are purely behavioral. Some culture-bound syndromes appear with similar features in several cultures, but with locally-specific traits, such as penis panics. A culture-specific syndrome is not the same as a geographically localized disease with specific, identifiable, causal tissue abnormalities, such as kuru or sleeping sickness, or genetic conditions limited to certain populations.It is possible that a condition originally assumed to be a culture-bound behavioral syndrome is found to have a biological cause; from a medical perspective it would then be redefined into another nosological category. Western medical perspectives: An interesting aspect of culture-specific syndromes is the extent to which they are â€Å"real†. Characterizing them as â€Å"imaginary† is as inaccurate as characterizing them as â€Å"malingering†, but there is no clear way to understand them from a Western scientific perspective.Culture-specific syndromes shed light on how our mind decides that symptoms are connected and how a society defines a known â€Å"disease†. In contrast, culture-bound syndromes are generally limited to specific societies or culture areas and are localized, folk, diagnostic [comma sic] categories that frame coherent meanings for certain repetitive, patterned, and troubling sets of experiences and observations.Medical care of the condition is challenging and illustrates a truly fundamental but rarely discussed aspect of the physician-patient relationship: the need to negotiate a diagnosis that fits the wa y of looking at the body and its diseases of both parties. The physician may do any of the following: Share the way the patient sees the disorder, and offer the folk medicine treatment, recognize it as a culture-bound syndrome, but pretend to share the patient’s perspectives and offer the folk medicine reatment or a new improvised treatment, recognize it as a culture-bound syndrome but try to educate the patient into seeing the condition as the physician sees it. The problem with the first choice is that physicians who pride themselves on their knowledge of disease like to think they know the difference between culture-specific disorders and â€Å"organic† diseases. While the second choice may be the quickest and most comfortable choice, the physician must deliberately deceive the patient.Currently in Western culture this is considered one of the most unethical things a physician can do, whereas in other times and cultures deception with benevolent intent has been an a ccepted tool of treatment. The third choice is the most difficult and time-consuming to do without leaving the patient disappointed, insulted, or lacking confidence in the physician, and may leave both physician and patient haunted by doubts (â€Å"Maybe the condition is real. † or â€Å"Maybe this doctor doesn’t know what s/he is talking about. †).Root-work/Obeah: DSM IV-TR (2000), states that a set of cultural interpretations that ascribe illness to hexing, witchcraft, sorcery, or the evil influence of another person. Symptoms may include generalized anxiety and gastrointestinal complaints (e. g. , nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea), weakness, dizziness, the fear of being poisoned, and sometimes fear of being killed (voodoo death). DSM IV-TR site roots, spells, or hexes can be put or placed on other persons, causing a variety of emotional and psychological problems.The hexed person may even fear death until the root has been taken off, or eliminated usually throu gh the work of the root doctor (a healer in this tradition), who can also be called on to bewitch an enemy. Roots is found in the southern United States among both African-American and European American populations and in the Caribbean societies. Obeah (sometimes spelled â€Å"Obi†) is a term used in the West Indies to refer to folk magic, sorcery, and religious practices derived from Central African and West African origins. Obeah can either be a form of ‘dark' magic or ‘good' magic.As such, Obeah is similar to Palo, Voodoo, Santeria, root-work, and hoodoo. Obeah (another name used in the Caribbean society) is practiced in Suriname, Jamaica, Haiti, the Virgin Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and Belize, the Bahamas, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados and many other Caribbean countries. Obeah is associated with both benign and malign magic, charms, luck, and with mysticism in general. In some Caribbean nations Obeah refers to African diasporic folk reli gions; in other areas, Christians may include elements of Obeah in their religion.Obeah is often associated with the Spiritual Baptist church. Origins: In Jamaica, slaves from different areas of Africa were brought into contact, creating some conflicts between those who practiced varying African religions. Those of West African Ashanti descent, who called their priests â€Å"Myal men† (also spelled Mial men), used the Ashanti term â€Å"Obi† or â€Å"Obeah† — meaning â€Å"sorcery† — to describe the practices of slaves of Central African descent. Thus those who worked in a Congo form of folk religion were called â€Å"Obeah men† or â€Å"sorcerers. Obeah also came to mean any physical object, such as a talisman or charm that was used for evil magical purposes. However, despite its fearsome reputation, Obeah, like any other form of folk religion and folk magic, contains many traditions for healing, helping, and bringing about luck in love and money. Elements (key features/symptoms) According to Hughes, Simons &Wintrob, 1997 study, knowledge about a culture-bound syndrome, can address the relationship between the culture-bound syndrome and the more familiar psychiatric disorders, such as those in DSM-IV.These researchers call this the comorbidity question on the assumption that studying the culture-bound syndrome's patterned relationship to psychiatric diagnoses is a more fruitful approach than attempting prematurely to subsume it into the DSM diagnostic categories. Systematic research has identified strong correlations between culture-bound syndromes and criteria for psychiatric disorder, but there is rarely a one-to-one relationship between culture-bound syndrome and psychiatric disorder. The culture-bound syndromes often coexist with a range of psychiatric disorders, as many psychiatric disorders do with each other.The comorbidity question brings culture-bound syndrome research in line with current approaches in psychiatric research. Differences in the symptomatic, emotional, and contextual aspects of cultural syndromes, in turn, may signal different comorbid relationships with psychiatric diagnosis or even the lack of such a relationship. Opinion The extra ordinary addition of culture-bound syndromes in DSM-IV provides the opportunity for improving the need to study such syndromes and the chance for developing a research to study them.The growing ethnic and cultural diversity of the U. S. population presents a challenge to the mental health field to develop truly cross-cultural approaches to mental health research and services. This addition will give researchers the chance to study the relationship between culture-bound syndromes and psychiatric diagnoses. In my opinion a research program based on key questions is still unanswered, which is understanding culture-bound syndromes within their cultural context and to analyze the relationship between these syndromes and psychiatric disorde rs.Reference DSM -IV-TR Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (2000). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (4th ed. ). Washington, DC: Author. Hughes CC, Simons RC, Wintrob RM: The â€Å"Culture-Bound Syndromes† and DSM-IV, in DSM-IV Sourcebook, vol 3. Edited by Widiger TA, Frances AJ, Pincus HA, Ross R, First MB, Davis W. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association, 1997, pp 991–1000 Retrieved July 29, 2009 from American Journal of Psychiatry.

Computer Virus Essay

The emergence of technological innovations such as the advent of computer and computer programs, also paved way for the birth of certain viruses that can disrupt software programs. These viruses infect a program and allow it to spread from one computer to the others (â€Å"Viruses†). As it transfers from one computer to another, it leaves complications or ailments that like human viruses, has varying degrees of severity. Some are merely designed to annoy the computer user while others can destroy the entire computer hardware (Beal). Viruses may be categorized as a worm, Trojan or just a virus. A worm is quite similar to a virus, but unlike a virus that needs human intervention in order for it to spread, worms can spread on its own. It has the capacity to replicate itself and travel from one hardware to another through the transport features of the computer’s system. Because of its replicating capacity it poses harm as it can slow down the computer the moment it becomes multitude (Beal). A Trojan on the other hand does not replicate as viruses and worms do. They appear at first as some legitimate program or file but the moment it is ran in the computer it can create various damage. Sometimes they are made to annoy while other can seriously destroy the computer by deleting files or programs. It can also create backdoors that can give other users access to the system that may give away personal or confidential information (Beal). Most of the time, these malicious programs spread with human intervention. When viruses cling onto a file and was run in the computer, it automatically spreads in the system of that computer.Trojans spread in the same way, while worms replicate itself in the system, to another system and to another. Works Cited Beal, Vangie. 2007. The Difference Between a Computer Virus, Worm and Trojan Horse. Webopedia. 11 November, 2008 . Brain, Marshall. n. d. How Computer Viruses Work. HowStuffWorks. 11 November 2008 . Viruses. n. d. Kasperskylab. 11 November 2008 .

Ethics, Abolition of Man Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Ethics, Abolition of Man - Essay Example e related to the traditional morality when in fact when new values are established, the person himself influencing such values is a product of the tradition morality from which he had been nurtured. One then cannot deny the relationship to one’s traditional values. This can be attributed to the fact that when one establishes values, there is only one way of classification, that is being traditional or the established one. Thus, complete rejection of tradition values is required for the new ones to be accepted, which can be considered a great challenge specifically when values are also related to the actions of the social surroundings. One cannot separate himself from his community. For that matter, in the determination of values and ethics, the social interaction is one of the important factors (p. 27-30). The main point discussed in the second chapter is the real nature of values. It is a common notion that values and ethics can be related to the actions and obligations of a person for the good of the many. For that matter, doing a good deed for example can be perceived as an act that can benefit a larger portion of the population. In times wherein there is conflict between the good of the community and the good of a person, the person needs to sacrifice himself. This can be in general one of the utility of the person in the community, to save it or sacrifice for it. Basically, this is one of the notions for which morality can be achieved. This can be attributed to the fact that people commonly seek self preservation. The traditional values then can be viewed to have been established on the basis of the need of the people during the corresponding time and became values through practice and through the development of norms (p. 27-52). Lewis argues that utility though cannot be a source of ethical obligation since the said concepts are distinct. Utilitarianism is on self preservation and viewing the events and elements of the surroundings as a tool

Mid term paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Mid term paper - Essay Example The revolution has encouraged the equal opportunity among men and women in the place of work. This is because it has ensured that these two genders have equal capabilities to function at work. There is no a designated task to one gender that cannot be undertaken by the other. Furthermore, it has ensured that there is a balance between the employment of men and women in the workplace, hence ensuring that gender balance has been achieved. Cuba is the only state in the world to achieve an almost perfect gender balance, and all this is due to the revolution. The most desirable society that can be created in Cuba is one where all people within it are equal, with nobody being either above or beneath the other (Miller 675). Moreover, there should be gender balance in government so that it is no longer just dominated by men. In addition, a society that is just should be created, where everybody is allowed to do what he or she want so long as what they do does not destroy the aims of the revolution. However, the creation of such a society cannot be achieved unless several threats are dealt with swiftly. One of these is the beginning of a highly paternalistic culture in the society, where one cannot go ahead in life unless he or she is sponsored by somebody powerful in society. The second threat is the temptation to introduce slowly capitalistic features into the country in order to conform to the world economy. This is extremely dangerous because so far, the revolution has been a success and it can therefore, not be merged with corrupting el ements. The United States has from the very beginning of the revolution, been the biggest enemy of Cuba (Gronbeck-Tedesco 651). It has repeatedly, tried to overthrow the revolution and replace it with a corrupt capitalistic system like the one that existed before. This state is, therefore, also the biggest threat to the achievement of life that the new order would bring to the people of Cuba. There is a

Gender and contemporary art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Gender and contemporary art - Essay Example The essay "Gender and contemporary art" discovers the gender in the context of contemporary art. If one pays attention to the historical development of art, it is possible to see that gender pays significant role in paintings, sculpture and other kinds of art. For example, in medieval art male and female nude figures had special sense, and our perception of these masterpieces occurs through the gender realization. Male nude figures were associated with heroics, family fathers and often - with real historical characters: â€Å"The idea of the heroic male nude continued well into the 19th century; here Napoleon, who certainly wore a fabulous uniform on the field of battle, is sculpted like a nude Greek god. Perish the thought that his nudity has any sexual resonance†. ). Nude female figures were associated differently in different times and epochs: they were symbols of sexual desire, fertility, motherhood, family and so on . So, gender plays significant role in art of all histor ical periods, and our time is not exception from this point of view. What is the role and context of gender in contemporary art? This paper will explain the answer in the next parts. . There is an idea and opinion that the role of gender in contemporary art is important and significant, and people often behold modern art masterpieces with gender idea realization. This idea is interesting and controversial. It is increasingly important in this age of numerous varieties of contemporary art forms and numerous approaches.... Many people believe that there are no gender differences in contemporary art, and that the gender idea in art is more inherent for ancient and medieval art, but these people overlook the fact that in many modern art masterpieces this idea is rather appreciable, and we as humans cannot ignore the gender idea in such significant kind of our activity as art. Furthermore, there are some art branches today which pay appropriate attention to the gender differences or in contrary the gender similarities, and many artists underline these ideas in their works of art. In this essay, I will argue that the role of gender in contemporary art is important and significant. Gender context of contemporary art, as well as gender differences in contemporary art of some regions will be also discussed. 3. Today the gender context of contemporary art is under influence of feminist approach to art. Modernism in contemporary art assumes that an artist uses freedom in his or her artistic experiments, but female artists today are not inclined to underline their female identity in visual art: "Even though modernism seemed to offer artists more freedom and autonomy, for women artists this meant the denial of their gender identity whereas the whole history of modernist art can be interpreted as the glorification of male creativity and sexuality" (Kivimaa K., 2000). Many artists today assert that there is "male art" and "female art". In other hand, there is a tendency of unisex in contemporary art. In this sort of art gender attributes are mixed, and women and men are demonstrated in unusual roles: "The principle of mimesis could be an effective tool for undermining various kinds of stereotypes, and it is

Enterprise Resource Planning Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Enterprise Resource Planning - Assignment Example "The ERP market showed solid organic growth in 2004 as IT spending improved," says Jim Shepherd, vice president of research at AMR Research. "The market was also affected by consolidation within the segment, as well as ERP vendors acquiring best-of-breed players to broaden their portfolios." The top ten ERP vendors by revenue are in the following order: SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft (acquired by Oracle December 28, 2004), Sage Group, Microsoft Business Solutions, SSA Global, Geac, Intentia, Lawson, Infor Global Solutions. The report, "The Market Analytix Report: Enterprise Resource Planning, 2004-2009", delivers revenue and growth rates for the top ERP players as well as growth forecasts through 2009. AMR Research expects the enterprise applications market to grow from $47.8 billion in 2004 to $64.8 billion by 2009. SAP has had a solid reputation and has been the market leader and its revenues grew from about $8 billion in 2003 to about $9.4 billion in 2004. That amounts to a 17 percent increase in revenue, with software licenses up by 20%. SAP reached these figures without any major acquisitions. Being a viable alternative to confused customers who were witness to the Oracle and PeopleSoft takeover saga, it benefited by luring their customers towards its products. When it is all said and done, SAP-owned 40 percent of the market for ERP software in 2004, says AMR, which predicts SAP will own 43 percent of the market by the end of 2005. To do this, SAP must grow revenues 11 percent this year to about $10.4 billion. The sap is growing very well and is expected to gain more than twice the revenue and market share of Oracle by the end of 2005.Before the hostile takeover of Peoplesoft by Oracle in 2003, PeopleSoft was the second largest ERP vendor with 13 percent of the market, and Oracle was a clos e third with about 12 percent of the market. In 2004, the combined market share of those two vendors dropped two percentage points to 22 percent, and in 2005, the combined Oracle-PeopleSoft will drop three more points to 19 percent of the market, according to AMR. Microsoft Business Solutions garnered a solid 13 percent from $683 million to $775 million, to claim 3 percent of the market. AMR sees the ERP division of the world's largest software company growing revenues by 15 percent in 2005, to $891 million, which would give it a 4 percent share.  

Why Do Earthquakes Occur Near Tectonic Plate Boundaries Essay

Why Do Earthquakes Occur Near Tectonic Plate Boundaries - Essay Example The hot plumes create volcanoes, while the jerky action of the movement results in seismic waves that create an earthquake. The volcanic lava flowing to the surface creates islands such as the Hawaiian Islands. Figure 2 illustrates the seismic activity that takes place when two continental plates collide. The lithosphere floats on the asthenosphere. The lithosphere has broken up the earth's crust into ten major Figure 2 (US Geological Survey) tectonic plates. Here we see one of the crustal plates being forced under the other, producing earthquakes. A mountain range is produced at the plate boundaries as the rock formations are deformed and moved upward by the action of the shifting plates. Some of the rocks in the mountains may have been set down in an ocean environment that existed between the two continental crusts prior to collision. Figure 3 shows the boundaries of the major tectonic plates. As these plates shift over time, earthquakes occur at the point of collision. As can be seen on this map, the boundaries are the most earthquake prone areas on earth. This Figure 3 (US Geological Survey) includes the California coast, Japan, and The destruction and number of deaths caused by earthquakes is proportional to the magnitude of the earthquake. Measured on the Richter scale from 1 to 10, each successive number is 10x the magnitude of the previous number. A magnitude 7 is 10 times stronger than a magnitude 6, and a magnitude 8 is 100 times stronger than a magnitude 6. Obviously a stronger earthquake is capable of more destruction. More deaths will generally occur when the earthquake hits a population center. However, there have been innovations in the last 100 years that have helped minimize the destruction and reduce the death toll. Understanding plate tectonics and mapping the world to reveal major fault lines has led to improved building construction around the world. The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) conducts research and presents programs of public education. They have also developed standards for the safe design and construction of buildings and other structures. One major change to the Uniform Building Code involves a structure which is supported by a number of bearing pads that are located at the base of the building and the foundation. As the earth's crust moves in one direction, the pads themselves absorb the vibration and the building essentially remains stationary. Japan and California face similar seismic activity and geological threats. Experts from these areas have been world leaders in developing safer construction methods and stricter building codes. These techniques have resulted in more earthquake resistant structures in public schools, bridges, hospitals, and dams. Works Cited Earthquake Hazards Program. 24 Oct. 2006. US Geological Service. 13 Dec. 2006 . National Earthquak

New testament paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

New testament paper - Essay Example It will be shown that in Luke, Satan is given more dialogue and arguably, more emphasis with regard to a number of elements. Conversely, in Matthew, Jesus is provided with more dialogue, more personality, and thus, greater emphasis as a figure. By no means can it therefore said that Satan is more important, both are uniformly championing the realm of spirit against the realm of matter or material. Rather, the difference in emphasis will be examined in regard to the respective impact for the very significance of this duality or contrast. The difference of emphasis between Satan and Jesus, can be discerned at a number of junctures with regard to dialogue. Literally, one can quantify the amount of words provided by each and discern a measurable difference that represents a further distinction in emphasis. For instance, in line 4 both books articulate the idea that â€Å"Man shall not live on bread alone†, but Mathew adds: â€Å"but on every word that comes from the mouth of godà ¢â‚¬ (Mathew 4:4 and Luke 4). Further, in the line that follows the temptation presented to Jesus from Satan from the mountain top – that is, where he takes him to the top of the mountain and offers him everything in the earthly realm, Jesus is also given more dialogue. ... He is issuing a forceful command. Similarly, Jesus is actually â€Å"fasting† (Mathew 4:1) in Mathew whereas in Luke he merely â€Å"ate nothing† (Luke 4:1). There are religious overtones to fasting, whereas not eating does not carry the same weight. Jesus piety, reverence and humility finds greater emphasis with the idea of fasting especially when we consider what he says about it later: â€Å"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting† (Mathew 6:16). Fasting carries with it, connotations like sincere humility, and this emphasized in Mathew over and against Luke. As mentioned, the converse is true in Luke. That is, Satan is given more dialogue and more emphasis in a number of significant passages. Most notably, Satan's personality is more prominent in the line about taking Jesus to the mountain top. Consider the difference of emphasis in Luke: â€Å"I will give you all their authority a nd splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 If you worship me, it will all be yours.† (Luke 4:6-7). Not only is this a more flourished emphasis, the usage of personal pronouns is quite astounding for such a small passage or phrase. The usage of 'I' occurs three times, and the usage of 'me' occurs twice. This is quantitatively different than the emphasis in Mathew, but also qualitatively succinct too with regard to the impact. By emphasizing the individuality of the figure, Satan is isolated and made a more succinct figure. The duality between the kingdom of god and that of Satan becomes glaringly contrasted as a result. By contrast, in Mathew he merely asks Jesus to bow down and worship him. In Luke, his power is emphasized become of the articulation

Economics Article Analysis Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Economics Analysis - Article Example Comparative advantage is often measured in terms of the overall cost involved in producing any particular good or service. Further with the increase in the competition at the international level puts pressures on the international prices of the goods and it may become difficult for the firms to continue to export their products in the international markets at the current prices without reducing the costs or improving the technology to manufacture the product. The article under review discusses the wine industry of Australia and how the exports changed over the period of time due to certain factors. This article discusses as to how the sales in terms of volume changed over the period of time besides the reduction in the prices at international level. This report will therefore focus on the application of microeconomic theory on the facts and statements made in the article and will provide a comprehensive discussion of how the international trade dynamics come into interaction with each other in international market. The article under study provides a historical overview of the Australian Wine industry and how it evolved over the period of time. It also discusses some of the dynamics in international market and what are the factors on which competition between the countries is based. (McEachern 2003) It is critical to note that the article suggest that the Australian wine is regarded highly by the wine drinkers all over the world. Due to the quality of the wine, Australian companies have been able to erode the French domination from the market. This fact suggests that the Australian firms have been able to achieve the relative comparative advantage in international market due to the quality of the wine. The above graph shows the composition of how the total production in the country is sold. It clearly indicates that most of the wine produced in the country is exported to countries like UK, US, China and Hong Kong thus suggesting that the

Uniforms in Public Schools Essay Example for Free

Uniforms in Public Schools Essay Since crime is a staple in almost every community, it only follows that public schools, as indispensable institutions in the community, may be vulnerable to criminal predicaments, if not inevitable victims of crime altogether. Crimes in public schools range from trivial to serious cases. According to a DPI news release, most of these crimes have something to do with possession, be of illegal substances, firearms, and explosives, or even petty alcohol (DPI, 2006). However, although not as rampant, crimes in public schools also involve robberies, as well as physical and sexual assaults. Even more alarming nowadays is the fact that public schools can also become targets of massacres or killings sprees, as was proven by the Virginia Tech incident in a CNN article dated April 17, 2007 (CNN, 2007). Thus, the current situation of public schools becomes rather alarming, and parents worry about their children who are in school. Marcus Nieto, author of Security and Crime Prevention Strategies in California Public Schools, says that the causes of school crimes vary along with different perspectives regarding the matter (Nieto, 1999). Joel Turtel, author of Public Schools, Public Menace, on the other hand, states that some consider lack of discipline in schools a primary cause, while others believe that it is lack of moral values and parental guidance (Turtel, 2005). Facts show that drug use is also a precipitant of school crime and violence, and there are those who maintain that it is due to â€Å"glorified violence† in culture and the media (Nieto, 1999). Survey shows that negligence of parents is also a contributing factor, and was also identified in a CNN poll as one of the top three causes of crimes in schools along with access to guns and the media (Nieto, 1999). Numerous strategies have already been and are being employed to prevent such crimes within schools. Such preventive measures range from simple and inexpensive to downright elaborate. Simple preventive measures include â€Å"assigning teachers in hallways, grouping troubled students in alternative schools, and requiring visitor registration (Nieto, 1999). † Other strategies involve creating a peaceful ambiance conducive to teaching and learning through â€Å"comprehensive school-safety plans, zero-tolerance policies for drugs and weapons, and community collaboration (Nieto, 1999). † More elaborate preventive measures include providing telephones for each classroom, installing surveillance systems, stationing of uniformed police officers and creating anonymous hotlines and websites through which anyone in possession of weapons and other illegal material can be reported. The U. S. Department of Education states in the Manual on School Uniforms that the increasing violence within schools prompts parents and faculty members to subscribe to the implementation of a school uniform policy (Department of Education, 1996). According to Linda Lumsden, the associate editor, and Gabriel Miller, a research analyst and writer for ERIC Clearinghouse on Educational Management at the University of Oregon, the matter of school safety is a concern that renders the idea of a dress code or uniform policy rather attractive (Lumsden Miller, 2002). However, the implementation of a uniform policy cannot possibly solve the crime problem altogether. The U. S. Department of Education furthers in the Manual on School Uniforms that â€Å"uniforms by themselves cannot solve all the problems of school discipline, but they can be one positive contributing factor to discipline and safety. † II. Presentation of Proposal A mandatory school policy may not be the entire solution for the growing levels of violence and public school crimes. However, it can contribute significantly, though indirectly, to the maintenance of a safe and disciplined environment that is conducive to learning (Department of Education, 1996). Moreover, the implementation of a dress code or school uniform policy comes along with several more benefits. The benefits enumerated by the U. S. Department of Education include: â€Å"decreasing violence and theft—even life-threatening situations—among students over designer clothing or expensive sneakers, helping prevent gang members from wearing gang colors and insignia at school, instilling students with discipline, helping parents and students resist peer pressure, helping students concentrate on their school work, and helping school officials recognize intruders who come to the school (Department of Education, 1996). † More importantly, as one parent commented at a forum regarding dress code policies via internet e-mail, uniforms can help students take school more seriously with a renewed respect for that place where they are being prepared for the future, where they will, most likely, also be required to observe a dress code. III. Summary and Rebuttal of Opposing Views Studies may have shown that no difference exists between students who are in uniform and those who are not. However, a mandatory uniform policy provides a sort of equality among students, for the same dress code will more or less reduce the superficial gap between the impoverished and the well-off. This will then lessen the pressure among students, especially adolescents, to dress in order to fit in (Middleweb, 2000). The implementation of a dress code policy may also be contested by another counter-argument, that is, a required dress code will further challenge the purchasing power of families from the poorer neighborhoods. According to the U. S. Department of Education, non-uniform outfits are usually more expensive than uniforms. According to an August 2002 article of the Wall Street Journal, the cost of uniforms range from $25-$40 per outfit (NAESP, 2002). An article from USA Today states that parents more or less spend $185 for non-uniform outfits for each child. Nevertheless, implementation of a uniform policy might still be a burden for families who cannot afford them (NAESP, 2002). Still, school districts can come up with provisions to assist those families. For instance, the school itself can provide uniforms to the students who cannot afford them (Department of Education, 1996). Community and business leaders can also provide financial assistance, and school parents can help each other provide uniforms for their children (Department of Education, 1996). The school alumni can also donate their used uniforms to the less privileged (Department of Education, 1996). IV. The Justification for the Proposal Argument A. Feasibility The implementation of a uniform dress code in public schools is highly feasible, as many school districts have already required their students to observe a dress code. Cherry Hill Elementary was the first public school to subscribe to a mandatory uniform policy (NAESP, 2002). Then Long Beach Unified School District in California followed suit in 1994 (NAESP, 2002). Since then, more and more schools have adopted uniforms. Promowear listed the top ten cities with the most schools with a uniform policy, namely: Los Angeles/Long Beach, New York, Houston, Philadelphia, Dallas/Fort Worth, Washington DC, New Orleans, Detroit, Jacksonville FL, and Atlanta (NAESP, 2002). B. Cost-Effective As a proposition of policy, the implementation of a uniform policy in public schools calls for a change in the status quo. Thus, the cost of this change must be considered. However, if the advantages are weighed against the disadvantages, the implementation of a uniform policy in public schools is cost-effective. As was mentioned above, a mandatory uniform policy comes with several benefits while the disadvantages are only minimal. Furthermore, the disadvantages comprised by the supposed repression of self-expression and additional expenses can be addressed. The U. S. Department of Education recommends that the uniform policy should not prohibit wearing â€Å"expressive items† with uniforms like pins or buttons, for instance, â€Å"so long as such items do not independently contribute to disruption by substantially interfering with discipline or with the rights of others (Department of Education, 1996). † The financial dilemmas can also be solved, as was already mentioned above. C. Does it work? The uniform policy apparently works, as many schools, both public and private, have already been observing a mandatory uniform policy for years. D. How will it be implemented? According to the U. S. Department of Education, the decision to implement a mandatory uniform policy is made by â€Å"states, local school districts, and schools (Department of Education, 1996). † Moreover, in the Manual on School Uniforms by the U. S. Department of Education, it is stated that parents and faculty members must also be involved in the evaluation on whether or not to adopt school uniforms (Department of Education, 1996). V. Moral Acceptability Since there exists an assumption that students have a right to liberty of expression, a sort of controversy springs in the midst of the idea of implementing a dress code. â€Å"Although students retain constitutional rights to freedom of speech and expression, the Supreme Court has held that these rights are limited (Madrid Garcia, 1999). † In fact, the Supreme Court has recently articulated that schools can instill students with â€Å"state sponsored values and ideals;† hence, school officials have the power to regulate expression, especially if they distract such values. Another warrant or assumption might be the aforementioned notion that uniformed students are no different from those who are not. Again, the matter of concern is not individual differences but the safety and well-being of the learning environment and the school population as a whole. VI. Conclusion A mandatory school uniform policy may not be the entire solution to the predicaments regarding crime and violence within public schools, but its positive contributions to making the school environment safe, disciplined, and conducive to learning must be considered. The adoption of a school uniform policy may entail minute disadvantages, but these can be addressed and are minimal compared to the benefits a uniform or dress code policy provides. The students only have to realize that it is for their own good. CNN. (2007). Witness survives by pretending to be dead. Retrieved April 25, 2007, from www. cnn. com/2007/US/04/16/vtech. shooting/index. html Department of Education, U. S. (1996). Manual on School Uniforms [Electronic Version]. Retrieved May 03, 2007 from http://www. ed. gov/updates/uniforms. html. DPI. (2006). Latest Annual Report on School Crime and Violence Released. from www. dpi. state. nc. us/newsroom/news/2005-06 Lumsden, L. , Miller, G. (2002). Dress Codes and Uniforms [Electronic Version]. Retrieved May 03, 2003 from http://www. naesp. org/ContentLoad. do? contentId=417. Madrid, M. J. , Garcia, E. A. (1999). STUDENT DRESS CODES: Constitutional Requirements and Policy Suggestions [Electronic Version]. Retrieved May 03, 2007 from http://www. modrall. com/articles/article_13. html. Middleweb. (2000). Some Thoughts About School Uniforms. Retrieved May 03, 2007, from http://www. middleweb. com/INCASEUniforms. html NAESP. (2002). Public School Uniforms [Electronic Version]. Retrieved May 03, 2007 from http://www. naesp. org/ContentLoad. do? contentId=929. Nieto, M. (1999). Security and Crime Prevention Strategies in California Public Schools. Retrieved May 03, 2007, from www. library. ca. gov/crb/99/12/99-012. pdf Turtel, J. (2005). Public School Prisons. Retrieved April 26, 2007, from www. homefires. com/articles/public_school_prisons. asp

Surgical Treatment Method of Isthmic Spondylolisthesis

Surgical Treatment Method of Isthmic Spondylolisthesis Comparison of Two and Three Vertebral Segment Posterolateral Fusion in the Treatment of Isthmic Spondylolisthesis Serkan BILGIC, Omer ERSEN, Tolga EGE, Kenan KOCA, Selahattin OZYUREK, Safak EKINCI, Erbil OGUZ, Ali SEHIRLIOGLU ABSTRACT Background Optimal surgical treatment method of isthmic spondylolisthesis remains unclear. Complications can be invited while saving a segment for lumbar motion. Objective The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the effect of the number of fusion levels on the clinical results of adult isthmic spondylolisthesis patients who had undergone posterior instrumentation and PLF. Patients and Methods This retrospective study comprised 37 (20 male, 17 female) patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis who had undergone posterior instrumentation and PLF (Postero-lateral fusion) between January 2005 and May 2011. Pre and post-operative radiological evaluation was made by anteroposterior, lateral, oblique and lateral flexion-extension x-rays. Preoperative spondylolisthesis slippage grading was evaluated according to the Meyerding classification from the preoperative radiographs. Results The mean age of the patients was 36.4 ± 9.2 years and the mean follow-up period was 34.3 months. Two-level fusion was applied to 22 patients and single-level fusion was applied to 15 patients. Decompression was performed on 7 patients in the two-level fusion group and on 6 patients in the single-level fusion group. There were no neurological complication after surgery in either group. No union complications were seen in the two-level PLF group but in the single-level PLF group, screw loosening occurred in 3 patients and screw breakage in 1 due to the pseudoarthrosis. These four patients were revised with two-level PLF. Conclusions This study has demonstrated that two-level posterior instrumentation and PLF with local bone grafts and DBM have significantly better clinical and radiological results than single-level surgery. To avoid potential complications of PLIF, two-level PLF can be an alternative treatment option. Key words:Istmic spondylolisthesis, Posterior lumbar interbody fusion, Fixation Background Lumbar spondylolisthesis is present in about 5% to 6% of the population with various etiopathogenesis. Due to its variant pathological anatomy, the radiological appearance, age and clinical aspect of the patients are different on diagnosis. It generally starts as spondylolysis, a bilateral pars fatigue fracture and becomes spondylolisthesis with a slip of a vertebra over the adjacent one. As the slip increases, disc degeneration and pain starts (1-3). Although conservative treatment is the first treatment option, surgery for symptomatic spondylolisthesis in adults has been found to have better clinical results than conservative treatment choices (3, 4). However, it remains unclear which surgical strategy should be adopted, as there is limited scientific evidence on which to base an optimal treatment method. Discussions on spondylolisthesis treatment have generally focussed on reduction, fusion levels, graft choices, and surgical techniques (5-7). One of the most preferred surgical treatment options for spondylolisthesis is posterior transpedicular instrumentation of the relevant segments and posterolateral fusion (PLF) (5, 7). However, it is still a matter of controversy in literature as to how many levels should be fused and instrumented. Objectives The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the effect of the number of fusion levels on the clinical results of adult isthmic spondylolisthesis patients who had undergone posterior instrumentation and PLF. Materials and Methods This retrospective study comprised 37 (20 male, 17 female) patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis who had undergone posterior instrumentation and PLF between January 2005 and May 2011. Patients with spondylolisthesis other than Type 2 according to the Wiltse classification were excluded from the study. Pre and post-operative radiological evaluation was made by anteroposterior, lateral, oblique and lateral flexion-extension x-rays. Preoperative spondylolisthesis slippage grading was evaluated according to the Meyerding classification from the preoperative radiographs. The decompression decision was made preoperatively according to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and patients preoperative neurological evaluation. Preoperative and postoperative neurological status, duration of surgery, number of fused and instrumented levels, total blood loss and complications were evaluated from the clinical database. For clinical evaluation of surgical outcomes, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) a nd Visual Analog Scale (VAS) applied at the final follow-up were used. 3.1 Surgical procedure: Exposure was obtained from the spinous processes to the transverse processes bilaterally throughout segments planned for fusion. Under fluoroscopic control, 6.5 mm pedicle screws were placed by free-hand technique. No reduction manoeuvre was used. Decompression of the segments, which had been determined by preoperative MRI and clinical examination was performed for the patients with neurological deficit. In all cases PLF was performed. In the area planned for fusion, the spinous processes were resected, peeled off from soft tissues and used for grafting with demineralized bone matrix. Patients were mobilized with a soft brace on the first postoperative day and the brace was continued for 3 months. (Figure 1, 2) 3.2 Statistical analysis We used the SPSS software package (version 15.0, SPSS, Chicago, IL) and expressed categorical variables as percentages and continuous variables as mean ± standard deviation (SD) or median (quartiles). Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to evaluate whether the distribution of continuous variables was normal. For parameters that showed normal distribution we used the paired sample t test and for parameters that did not show normal distribution the Mann-Whitney U-test was used. Chi-square test was used to analyze categorical variables. Statistical significance was set at p Results All patients had a history of at least 3 months of lumbar pain due to the spondylolisthesis, which had proved to be resistant to conservative treatment. The mean age of the patients was 36.4 ± 9.2 years and the mean follow-up period was 34.3 months. Low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis was present at L5-S1 level in 23 patients, at L4-5 level in 13 patients and at L3-4 level in 1 patient. Two-level fusion was applied to 22 patients and single-level fusion was applied to 15 patients. Decompression was performed on 7 patients in the two-level fusion group and on 6 patients in the single-level fusion group. There were no neurological complications after surgery in either group. Mean duration of surgery for single-level and two-level surgery was 160 minutes and 190 minutes (160-240), and average blood loss was 285 ml and 390 ml respectively. There were no differences between the two groups in terms of demographic properties (Table 1). One of the patients in the two-level PLF group had superficial infection and was treated with debridement and antibiotheraphy. No union complications were seen in the two-level PLF group but in the single-level PLF group, screw loosening occurred in 3 patients and screw breakage in 1 due to the pseudoarthrosis. These four patients were revised with two-level PLF. (Figure 3) ODI scores from the final follow-up were 12.2 ±6.2 in the single-level PLF group, and 9.2  ± 6.4 in the two-level PLF group (p=0,035). VAS scores were 3.2 ±1.7 in the single-level PLF group and 2.9 ±1.6 in the two-level PLF group (p=0.043). The ODI and VAS scores of the patients revised with two- level PLF were excluded from the clinical evaluation. Discussion Lumbar spondylolysthesis has several etiopathogenetic factors as was shown by Marchetti and Bartolozzi giving rise to variations in pathological anatomy, radiological findings, age and clinical symptoms of the patients on diagnosis. When conservative treatment options fail, surgery becomes the next step. Although there have been a large number of studies on spondylolisthesis, there is no clear evidence for a single superior treatment option. Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF), posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and PLF with/without instrumentation are the most widely accepted surgical methods. Whilst PLF with instrumentation is the most preferred treatment for most authors, there is no scientific evidence showing that PLF is disadvantageous compared to PLIF or circumferential fusion (8-11) even though the major theoretical advantage of PLIF and circumferential fusion seems to have resulted in improved outcomes compared with PLF. Ekman et al (12) found that the type of fusi on, whether PLIF or PLF, did not affect the outcome of surgical treatment of adult isthmic spondylolisthesis over a two year follow-up period. Furthermore, PLIF is a more invasive, technically more difficult method requiring a longer operative time, which may result in increased blood loss and higher complication rates (12, 13). Similarly, Kim et al. could not demonstrate any difference between ALIF and PLF with instrumentation (11). Although circumferential fusion was reported as significantly better than PLF at 6 months and 1 year in a study by Swan, no difference was determined at two years (14). In a systematic review of 29 high quality studies, Jacobs and al. found no difference between different fusion techniques (15). In the current study the treatment choice was PLF with instrumentation which is a relatively easy method with a shorter operating time and lower blood loss compared to other techniques in literature. When performing PLF, slip reduction can be achieved during the same procedure. The advantages of slip reduction include improved spine biomechanics, better nerve root decompression and a better opportunity for fusion by relieving tension and shear forces (5). Although the major disadvantage of slip reduction is increased risk of neurological injury, there have been numerous studies evaluating slip reduction for adult low grade spondylolisthesis (14, 16-18). In the current study, slip reduction was not performed to avoid the possibility of potential neurological damage and as all the cases had low grade isthmic spondylolisthesis. To protect one more mobile segment, some authors have preferred single-level postero-lateral instrumentation and fusion instead of two-level (6, 13, 15). However, there is no scientific proof to help determine the number of fusion levels and this decision is based on the surgeon’s empirical experience. In a prospective study by Inage et al, two-level fusion with local bone grafts was shown to cause increased pseudoarthrosis (6). Similarly in a study by Deguchi et al, single-level fusions showed an 82% fusion rate, and two-level fusions, a 74% rate radiologically (19). Higher fusion rates in the two-level fusion group were achieved with rigid spinal implants. The clinical success of that study correlated with the radiological fusion rates. Contrary to the information in literature, local bone grafts mixed with demineralized bone matrix (DBM) were used in the current study to achieve union for both groups and no union problem was seen in the two-level fusion group. Pseudoarthros is was observed in four cases in the one -level fusion group. Although some authors have reported incongruity between the clinical results of spondylolisthesis patients and union rates, VAS and ODI are the most reliable clinical tests to evaluate spondylolythesis (9, 10, 20). The results of the current study reveal that two-level posterior instrumentation with PLF has better results than single-level surgery according to VAS and ODI. This study has some limitations. Firstly, the retrospective design did not allow for uniformity of the groups. The number of patients was also limited to achieve generalized results. Although the pedicle screws were all 6.5 mm in size, they were not all from the same manufacturer, so implant problems were disregarded. In conclusion, this study has demonstrated that two-level posterior instrumentation and PLF with local bone grafts and DBM have significantly better clinical and radiological results than single-level surgery. To avoid potential complications of PLIF, two-level PLF can be an alternative treatment option. References 1.Floman Y. Progression of lumbosacral isthmic spondylolisthesis in adults. Spine. 2000;25(3):342-7. 2.Fredrickson BE, Baker D, McHolick WJ, Yuan HA, Lubicky JP. The natural history of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis. The Journal of bone and joint surgery American volume. 1984;66(5):699-707. 3.Osterman K, Schlenzka D, Poussa M, Seitsalo S, Virta L. Isthmic spondylolisthesis in symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects, epidemiology, and natural history with special reference to disk abnormality and mode of treatment. Clinical orthopaedics and related research. 1993(297):65-70. 4.Moller H, Hedlund R. Surgery versus conservative management in adult isthmic spondylolisthesisa prospective randomized study: part 1. Spine. 2000;25(13):1711-5. 5.Floman Y, Millgram MA, Ashkenazi E, Smorgick Y, Rand N. Instrumented slip reduction and fusion for painful unstable isthmic spondylolisthesis in adults. Journal of spinal disorders techniques. 2008;21(7):477-83. 6.Inage K, Ohtori S, Koshi T, Suzuki M, Takaso M, Yamashita M, et al. One, two-, and three-level instrumented posterolateral fusion of the lumbar spine with a local bone graft: a prospective study with a 2-year follow-up. Spine. 2011;36(17):1392-6. 7.Zagra A, Giudici F, Minoia L, Corriero AS, Zagra L. Long-term results of pediculo-body fixation and posterolateral fusion for lumbar spondylolisthesis. European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society. 2009;18 Suppl 1:151-5. 8.Bernhardt M, Swartz DE, Clothiaux PL, Crowell RR, White AA, 3rd. Posterolateral lumbar and lumbosacral fusion with and without pedicle screw internal fixation. Clinical orthopaedics and related research. 1992(284):109-15. 9.Fischgrund JS, Mackay M, Herkowitz HN, Brower R, Montgomery DM, Kurz LT. 1997 Volvo Award winner in clinical studies. Degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis with spinal stenosis: a prospective, randomized study comparing decompressive laminectomy and arthrodesis with and without spinal instrumentation. Spine. 1997;22(24):2807-12. 10.Herkowitz HN, Kurz LT. Degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis with spinal stenosis. A prospective study comparing decompression with decompression and intertransverse process arthrodesis. The Journal of bone and joint surgery American volume. 1991;73(6):802-8. 11.Kim NH, Lee JW. Anterior interbody fusion versus posterolateral fusion with transpedicular fixation for isthmic spondylolisthesis in adults. A comparison of clinical results. Spine. 1999;24(8):812-6; discussion 7. 12.Ekman P, Moller H, Tullberg T, Neumann P, Hedlund R. Posterior lumbar interbody fusion versus posterolateral fusion in adult isthmic spondylolisthesis. Spine. 2007;32(20):2178-83. 13.Madan S, Boeree NR. Outcome of posterior lumbar interbody fusion versus posterolateral fusion for spondylolytic spondylolisthesis. Spine. 2002;27(14):1536-42. 14.Swan J, Hurwitz E, Malek F, van den Haak E, Cheng I, Alamin T, et al. Surgical treatment for unstable low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis in adults: a prospective controlled study of posterior instrumented fusion compared with combined anterior-posterior fusion. The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society. 2006;6(6):606-14. 15.Jacobs WC, Vreeling A, De Kleuver M. Fusion for low-grade adult isthmic spondylolisthesis: a systematic review of the literature. European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society. 2006;15(4):391-402. 16.Sears W. Posterior lumbar interbody fusion for lytic spondylolisthesis: restoration of sagittal balance using insert-and-rotate interbody spacers. The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society. 2005;5(2):161-9. 17.Spruit M, van Jonbergen JP, de Kleuver M. A concise follow-up of a previous report: posterior reduction and anterior lumbar interbody fusion in symptomatic low-grade adult isthmic spondylolisthesis. European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society. 2005;14(9):828-32. 18.Suk SI, Lee CK, Kim WJ, Lee JH, Cho KJ, Kim HG. Adding posterior lumbar interbody fusion to pedicle screw fixation and posterolateral fusion after decompression in spondylolytic spondylolisthesis. Spine. 1997;22(2):210-9; discussion 9-20. 19.Deguchi M, Rapoff AJ, Zdeblick TA. Posterolateral fusion for isthmic spondylolisthesis in adults: analysis of fusion rate and clinical results. Journal of spinal disorders. 1998;11(6):459-64. 20.Ohtori S, Suzuki M, Koshi T, Takaso M, Yamashita M, Yamauchi K, et al. Single-level instrumented posterolateral fusion of the lumbar spine with a local bone graft versus an iliac crest bone graft: a prospective, randomized study with a 2-year follow-up. European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society. 2011;20(4):635-9. Tables Table 1. Paramaters of groups during surgery 1

Aesthetics Essay -- Art

Aesthetics Kant defined aesthetic as both, â€Å"the analysis of taste and the analysis of sensible cognition or intuition† . Aesthesis, means â€Å"sensation†, the Greeks made a distinction between aesthesis autophues (natural sensation) and aesthesis epistemonike (acquired sensation). We may say that aesthetics is both the study of aesthetic objects and of the specific and subjective reactions of observers, readers, or audiences to the work of art. Aesthetics is necessarily interdisciplinary and may be interpretive, prescriptive, descriptive, or a combination of these. The big, obvious question about aesthetic value is whether it is ever ‘really in’ the objects it is attributed to. This issue parallels the realism/anti-realism debates elsewhere in philosophy. Though there is little reason to assume that aesthetic value will behave in just the say way as for example, moral value. An extreme realist would say that aesthetic values reside in an object as properties independent of any observer’s responses, and that if we make the judgment ‘That is a beautiful flower’, or ‘this painting is aesthetically good’, what we say is true or false – true if the flower or painting has the property, false if it does not. We will tend to like the object if we recognize the aesthetic value in it, but, for the realist, whether we recognize it and whether it is are two separate questions. Consequently, much work in aesthetics has gone into trying to specify the nature of aesthetic experience or aesthetic response. One factor is pleasure, satisfaction, or liking. The second is experience: the response we are looking for must be a way of attending to the object itself. In the case of music, it must be a response to perceived patterns of s... ...bility, however, so that a new question emerges: The music all by itself somehow seems to point to, or stand for emotions – how? Aesthetics has yet to come to terms with this issue. There is a similar pattern in the case of artistic representation. In the question of what a picture depicts, what role is played by the artist’s intentions, and what by the interpretations which an observer may conjure up? Or does the painting itself have a meaning by standing in symbolic relations to items in the world? If the latter, how similar, and how dissimilar are depiction and linguistic representation?. Once one starts to address problems at this level, the philosophy of art starts to concern the nature of philosophy as a whole. Work Cited Kant, Immanuel. Critique of Judgement. Trans. J. H. Bernard. Hafner Library of Classics. New York: Hafner Press-Macmillan, 1951.

The Cultural and Sub Cultural Influence of Narcotics Anonymous Essay ex

The Cultural And Sub Cultural Influence of Narcotics Anonymous. The Subculture of N.A is a life outside of any expectations formed by the main Cultural Influence. It is a very private organization that I belong to which became a way of life for me. It has values, traditions, beliefs, sanctions and roles. This is the only outside influence in my life that made me develop meaning to my life again. I was a complete and total crack addict who finally hit the bottom of the barrel and started looking for a way to climb out of the grave I dug myself into. Narcotics Anonymous is a group that has taught me many values. They have twelve values, twelve traditions, and twelve steps. As a group we learn to accept all of the above for mentioned beliefs. There is what you call a home group. That is your main meeting session with your sponsor, (if you choose to have one which is recommended), sharing time, to talk about whatever you choose i.e. your day, if there was a relapse, a stressful day, and just trying to talk to others who understand every struggle we have on a daily basis to stay clean. N.A‘s Values are as follows: 1. Trust: Bonding from addict to addict. 2. Loyalty: Acts of contribution (since they are a self sustaining group). 3. Submission to the spiritual life because that is instilled in many ways especially since it is a part of Traditions, Twelve Steps and values. 4. Courage to change, 5.Caring and sharing, 6.Spiritual Humility, 7. Courage to try, 8. Sincerity: Honest Intentions, 9. Integrity: Honest Intentions, 10. Perseverance and Good Faith, 11. Conscious contact with our higher power, 12. And most importantly: Living Clean. To live by these values is sometimes very hard. The beliefs would be like the Narc... ...rs or more to be sponsors, group leaders and other appointed officials. As a result from their hard work it has obviously helped Narcotics Annoonymous. They have grown so much since 1973 when the organization was first incorporated into Society. They have now reached 100 countries and 31,000 meetings weekly. (This Group is na class of its own. It helps people achieve what they want (sobriety), while also teaching them rules and values, and the tools that you need in life to succeed sober. Personally, I believe it is a subculture that is growing due to the fact that more and more are turning to drugs to cope with reality. Eventually when people decide to accept a higher being which has power over them, they will turn to N.A. either after rehab or on their own. Either way if they are open to help they will turn to us. As living proof I am 508 days sober.)

Buffalo 66 :: essays papers

Buffalo 66 Buffalo ‘66, a movie directed and written by Vincent Gallo starts with a baby picture of Billie Brown (played by Vincent Gallo himself), and then goes into shots of Billie getting out of prison. Billie the fresh free man is looking for a bathroom but has no luck in finding one. The shots used in the scenes where he’s on the search for a bathroom are some handy shots (a bit shaky), they cut in the middle and they are also shot from above this is, in my opinion to emphasize on the situation Billie is in. He really needs to go to the bathroom but has no fortune, until he enters a dance studio. There he meets Layla (played by Christina Ricci) a young blond girl that simply wanted some dance lessons. Billie asked her for a quarter to call his mother, and then suddenly decided to kidnap her. The reason for that was that he didn’t want to disappoint his parents, his parents thought he was successful and married. After all this Billie didn’t find a bathroom yet until they drove off to his house. In the scene where he finally pees, there is a close up shot of Billie’s face, to show the audience his reaction. He enters the car, and he is more calm he apologizes to Layla for being so aggressive, while he’s apologizing to her there is a close up shot of her and his voice in the background, this emphasizes on Layla’s reaction. During the drive back to Billie’s home there’s alot of shots of the neighborhood, in my opinion this is to enlighten the audience on the type of surrounding Billie grew up in, this helps in understanding his character. Billy and Layla finally arrive to his house, in front of the house there’s a huge sign: â€Å"Go Buffalo† this is a clue on the environment Billie lived in at home. It is obvious his parents are huge football fans by the decoration of the house. Layla get in the character of being Billy’s wife, she makes up a story that Billy works for the CIA and that she really adores him. The next scene shows us three of the characters sitting around a table, and every minute it keeps switching. It seems like the camera is going through a point of view of one of the characters, and it keeps changing each time someone else speaks.

Education in Nigeria Essay

Education in Nigeria is overseen by the Ministry of Education. And the local authorities take responsibility for implementing policy for state-controlled public education and state schools at a regional level. The education system is divided into Kindergarten, primary education, secondary education and tertiary education. Primary education Primary education, Yoruba, and Igbo. Private schools would also offer Computer science, French, and Fine Arts. Primary school students are required to take a Common Entrance Examination to qualify for admission into the Federal and State Government Secondary schools, as well as private ones. The Universal Basic Education, UBE, came as a replacement for Nigeria’s Universal Primary Education scheme of the 6-3-3-4 system of primary education. The 9-3-4 system of education was designed in conformity with the MDGs and Education For All, EFA (Kayode, 2006). The UBE involves 6 years of Primary School education and 3 years of Junior Secondary School education, culminating in 9 years of uninterrupted schooling, and transition from one class to another is automatic but determined through continuous assessment. This scheme is monitored by the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, and has made it â€Å"free†, â€Å"compulsory† and a right of every child. [1] Therefore, the UBEC law section 15 defines UBE as early childhood care and education. The law stipulates a 9-year formal schooling, adult literacy and non-formal education, skill acquisition programs and the education of special groups such as nomads and migrants, girl child and women, Al-majiri, street children and disabled people (Aderinoye, 2007). [2] Secondary education. Students spend six years in Secondary School, that is 3 years of JSS (Junior Secondary School), and 3 years of SSS (Senior Secondary School). By Senior Secondary School Class 2 (SS2), students are taking the GCE O’Levels exam, which is not mandatory, but most students take it to prepare for the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination. The Senior Secondary School Exam is taken in the last year of secondary school (SS3). Private organizations, the State government or the Federal government manage secondary schools in Nigeria. The Federal Republic of Nigeria is made up of thirty-six States and the Federal Capital Territory. There are about two Federal Government Colleges in each state. These schools are funded and managed directly by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Education. Teachers and staff are Federal Government employees. Teachers at the Federal Government schools possess a Bachelors degree in Education or in a particular subject area, such as, Mathematics, Physics etc. These schools are supposed to be model schools carrying and maintaining the ideals of secondary education for Nigerian students. Admission is based on merit, determined by the National Common Entrance Examination taken by all final year elementary school pupils. Tuition and fees are very low, approximately sixteen thousand naira ($100), because funding comes from the Federal Government. [2] State-owned secondary schools are funded by each state government and are not comparable to the Federal government colleges. Although education is supposed to be free in the majority of the state owned institutions, students are required to purchase books, uniforms and pay for miscellaneous things costing them an average of thirty thousand naira ($200) in an academic year. Teachers in State-owned institutions usually have a National Certificate of Education or a Bachelors Degree, but this is not always the case as many secondary schools in Nigeria are filled with unqualified teachers who end up not being able to motivate the students. Often these schools are understaffed due to low state budgets, lack of incentives and irregularities in payment of staff salaries. [2] Some state-owned secondary schools are regarded as elite colleges because of the historically high educational standard and producing alumni who have prominent citizens in the various careers. These included King’s College, Lagos and Queen’s College, Lagos. However, the college ranking of these institutions have since dropped because of the arrival of some private institutions. Private secondary schools in Nigeria tend to be quite expensive with average annual fees averaging from one hundred and sixty to three hundred and twenty thousand naira($1000. 00 – $2000. 00). These schools have smaller classes (approximately twenty to thirty students per class), modern equipment and a better environment. Most teachers in these institutions possess at least a Bachelors Degree in a specific course area and are sent for workshops or short term programs on a regular basis. [2] Promotional examinations With the introduction of 6-3-3-4 system of education in Nigeria, the recipient of the education would spend six years in primary school, three years in junior secondary school,three years in senior secondary school, and four years in tertiary institution. The six years spent in primary school and the three years spent in junior secondary school are merged to form the nine in the 9-3-4 system. Altogether, the students must spend a minimum period of six years in Secondary School. During this period, students are expected to spend three years in Junior Secondary School and three years in Senior Secondary School. [2] The General Certificate of Education Examination (GCE) was replaced by the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE). The SSCE is conducted at the end of the Secondary School studies in May/June. The GCE is conducted in October/November as a supplement for those students who did not get the required credits from their SSCE results. The standards of the two examinations are basically the same. A body called West African Examination Council (WAEC) conducts both the SSCE and GCE. A maximum of nine and a minimum of seven subjects are registered for the examination by each student with Mathematics and English Language taking as compulsory. [2] A maximum of nine grades are assigned to each subject from: A1, B2, B3 (Equivalent to Distinctions Grade); C4, C5, C6 (Equivalent to Credit Grade); D7, E8 (Just Pass Grade); F9 (Fail Grade). Credit grades and above is considered academically adequate for entry into any University in Nigeria. In some study programs, many of the universities may require higher grades to get admission. [2] The Federal Government policy on education is adhered to by all secondary schools in Nigeria. Six years of elementary school is followed by six years of secondary school. Senior Secondary school consists of the SS I, SS 2, and SS 3 which is equivalent to the 10th, 11th and 12th Grade. The Senior Secondary School Examination (SSCE) is taken at the end of the SS 3. The West African Examination Council (WAEC) administers both exams. Three to six months after a student has taken the SSCE examination, they are issued an official transcript from their institution. This transcript is valid for one year, after which an Official transcript from the West African Examination Council is issued. National Examination Council is another examination body in Nigeria Senior Secondary School Examination (SSCE)in June/July. The body also administer General Certificate of Education Examination (GCE)in December/January. The students often take both WAEC and NECO examinations in SSS 3. [2] Tertiary education The government has majority control of university education. The country has a total number of 128 universities registered by NUC among which federal and state government own 40 and 38 respectively while 50 universities are privately owned. First year entry requirements into most universities in Nigeria include: Minimum of SSCE/GCE Ordinary Level Credits at maximum of two sittings; Minimum cut-off marks in Joint Admission and Matriculation Board Entrance Examination (JAMB) of 180 and above out of a maximum of 400 marks are required. Candidates with minimum of Merit Pass in National Certificate of Education (NCE), National Diploma (ND) and other Advanced Level Certificates minimum qualifications with minimum of 5 O/L Credits are given direct entry admission into the appropriate undergraduate degree programs. [2] Students normally enter university from age 18 onwards, and study for an academic degree. Historically, universities are divided into several tiers: First Generation Universities Five of these Universities were established between 1948 and 1965, following the recommendation of the Ashby Commission set up by the British Colonial Government to study the necessity of university education for Nigeria. These universities are fully funded by the federal government. They were established primarily to meet a need for qualified personnel in Nigeria and to set basic standards for university education. These universities have continued to play their roles for the production of qualified personnel and the provision of standards, which have helped to guide the subsequent establishments of other generations of universities in Nigeria. Universities in this tier include the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and the University of Ibadan. [2] Second Generation Universities With the increasing population of qualified students for university education in Nigeria and the growing needs for scientific and technological developments, setting up more universities became imperative. Between 1970 and 1985, 12 additional universities were established and located in various parts of the country. [2] Third Generation Universities The need to establish Universities to address special areas of Technological and Agricultural demand prompted the setting up of 10 additional Universities between 1985 and 1999. [2] State Universities. Pressures from qualified students from each state who could not readily get admissions to any of the Federal Universities continued to mount on States Governments. It became imperative and urgent for some State Governments to invest in the establishment of Universities. [2] Private Universities In recognition of the need to encourage private participation in the provision of university education, the Federal Government established a law in 1993, allowing private sectors to establish universities following guidelines prescribed by the Government. [2] The typical duration of undergraduate programs in Nigerian universities depends largely on the program of study. For example, Social Sciences/Humanity related courses are 4 Years, Engineering/Technology related courses are 5 Years, Pharmacy courses are 5 Years, and Law courses are 5 Years, each with two semester sessions per year. Medicine (Vet/Human) degrees take 6 Years and have longer sessions during the year. [2] Women in education Education has been recognized as a basic human right since the 1948 adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. A positive correlation exists between the enrollment of girls in priary school and the gross national product and life expectancy. [3] Because of this correlation, enrollment in schools represents the largest component of societal investment into human capital. [4] Rapid socioeconomic development of a nation has been observed to depend on the calibre of women and their education in that country. [5] Education bestows on women a disposition for a lifelong acquisition of knowledge, values, attitudes, competence and skills. [6].

Having a First Year Marriage Baby

A new baby inevitably shifts the balance of your relationship. For some this is a positive shift, but for many others it can bring up a range of challenging issues. A baby changes everything as they say. If a couple has a strong marriage before having children, chances are it will remain as such, if not strengthen due to the bond between the husband and wife who must now parent together. If a couple's relationship was weak, either they will grow more distant after a baby is thrown into the mix, or once again, the bond of being parents will bring them closer together.In fact, contrary to the popular belief that having a baby brings couples closer, studies on marriage often show that having children leads to a decrease in marital satisfaction and happiness. One of the negative ways a baby affects marriage is the amount of time and energy she requires from her parents. A parent who cares for this demanding human day and night may have little left to offer his or her spouse. The lack of intimacy that can result and cause resentment on one or both sides can be crippling.For starters, couples have about one-third the time together as they did before the birth of their child, and they have added financial responsibilities. One thing that will change is your conversations. You will find that you are talking less about current events and more about future events This is certainly not to say that having a child means your marriage is doomed. What it means is you should take the time to care for and nurture your marriage, whether you’re a parent already or soon plan to be.

Autobiography Essay

As a child, I suffered hardships in many areas of my life, so much so, that even as a young child, I knew my life was considerably different than other children my age. While most children were carefree and out playing, I was inside cooking for myself, cleaning up the house, or watching after my mother. These were normal duties for me and had been for the past 2 years. My mother was in the prime of her addiction and nothing else in life seemed to matter except her drugs and her next high. I did what I had to do to take care of myself, my home, and my mom. I always believed she would wake up one day and realize what she was doing and make things right, end all the madness that my life had become. Norman Vincent Peale once said, â€Å"In every difficult situation is potential value. Believe this, then begin looking for it. † The potential value, the opportunity came looking for me. The Department of Family and Children Services showed up at my house when I was 9 years old. A new neighbor had called and complained that my mother was not fulfilling her duties as a mother and that they were worried about me. DFCS placed me with the Nelson Family, a grounded, stable, and devoutly religious foster family that promised to give me a better life. They were part of Winshape Homes, an organization of foster homes that was founded and supported by Truett Cathy, the founded of Chick-fil-a. Rosemary and Rob, my foster parents, were licensed to have up to 15 children at a time in the household, so I viewed them as experts at raising kids. They showered me with unconditional love and showed me what a â€Å"real† family was all about. Even with 12 other siblings in the household, they took care of our individual needs, loved us the way we needed to be loved, and taught us everything they could. I spent 9 wonderful years with them before I graduated high school and moved onto college. I was dealt a bad hand, so to say, as a child, but I wouldnt change anything in my past. Everything I went through made me stronger, helped me to appreciate what I have, and has taught me to not take things for granted. My mother was never there for me but I am an awesome mother to my children because of her. I am thankful for the family I have now and I am grateful that I have lessons and wisdom to teach my kids. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel, but you have to make it through the tunnel before you see the light.

Musical Performance

The history of music predates the written word and is tied to the development of each unique human culture. Music has been used as meditational music since the very dawn of civilization, because it balances the human organism through its rhythmic pattern of tones, which are generated in a harmonic relationship with each other. Mantras originated in the Vedic religion of India, later becoming an essential part of the Hindu tradition and a customary practice within Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism. Indian music and mantras bring us back in to the physical world every day.   Most of the indian songs were written by   saints for devotion and meditation. This music was created in order to give people better feelings. Not long ago I visited the concert of a not very famous group â€Å"Atmosphere†. It consisted of two women who chanted mantras and three men who played some instruments. Those instruments included pakhawaj , violin, flute. The most exotic of those instruments were pakhawaj and flute. Pakhawaj   is a long bodied wooden drum with both ends covered in skin. Played horizontally with the fingers and palms of both hands, the right hand surface is tuned to the pitch required and the left hand surface provides the base. Flute, carved from bamboo, is made in every possible size. It is usually played in a vertical position. The combination of the sounds made by those instruments was excellent. The music they played was composed by the members of those group. They took the text of a famous Indian mantras and   composed   a modern joyful music for chanting it. Actually, when they were singing and playing they were meditating themselves. Moreover, a lot of people sitting in the hall were meditating too. While singing the women were dancing. There were no special costumes, except an embroidered Indian shirts. Of course they were influenced by some chanters of mantras, but intheir group they expressed their individualities. To tell the truth, I liked the style of their performance greatly. I think it was a good idea to combine mantras with a modern music. References â€Å"Atmosphere: Music Group†. (2006). Retrieved January 28, 2007, from http://www.answers.com/topic/atmosphere-music-group   

Case Law Terms Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Case Law Terms - Essay Example Precedents and stare decisis go more hand-in-hand with each other than statutory law, though a statutory law is often created based on precedents, thus also sharing similarities. The differences between precedents and stare decisis is that a stare decisis cannot happen without precedents. If there are no precedents, judges cannot use past knowledge and experience to determine a case, therefore not implementing stare decisis (Sri Ram, 2008). Statutory law can stand on its own, consisting of the laws set down by the legislative branch. However, statutory law can also consist of the laws and regulations that have been formed due to precedents; once a judge sees the usefulness of a precedent, the legislative branch can alter it to be a statutory law. In my opinion, of the three terms provided, the one that has the most significance to criminal law is precedent. Precedent allows other courts and judges to make use of rulings or principles set forth by a past case; in the event that an unlikely or unusual case is made known, precedents can be used to determine what the outcome of the case should be. Precedents help to keep things moving in a criminal case, providing courts and judges with the information they need to determine the ruling of their

Conceptual Framework Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Conceptual Framework - Essay Example Apart from the public versus private project distinction there is very little to differentiate between them. Current accounting and auditing practices are basically centered on the primary and immediate concerns of the practitioners, i.e. accountants and auditors presume the importance of rule-based accounting practices to be the ultimate aim so that failures can be disregarded as technical variances. In other words compliance with accounting and auditing rules is of primary and immediate concern to the practitioner. The significance of this outcome is essentially seen in the modern compliance-centric accounting environments where hierarchically organized structures exert an extraordinary amount of pressure on the average accountant/auditor to comply with norms that have very little if any to do with such broader and more important concepts like corporate governance, quality of accounting and auditing practices, audit judgment, auditor behavior, business forensics concerning auditing and the corporate pricing policy of audits. Thus the inevitable outcome is that CF projects fail and despite these failures they are being undertaken purely in conformance with standard setting behavioral tendencies of boards and other governing bodies. The Board should decide often whether a piece of data should be recognized in the financial statements, when such an item should be recognized, and at what amount it should be recognized. The Board has depended on the conceptual framework of other standards setters and analogous examples from practice or previous standards to make such decisions in the past. This technique of decision making tends to give rise to certain inconsistencies in financial reporting standards and could bring about too much dependence being placed on accounting concepts which were not developed for a governmental environment (Taylor, & Dezoort, 2003). Analysis Therefore, the project on recognition and measurement attributes is necessary to give the GASB with conceptual guidance as to when elements of financial statements should be reported in particular financial statements and at what amount. This will bring about developing recognition criteria and will be inclusive of a discussion of when elements of financial statements are recognized using different measurement focuses. For the GASB to make consistent financial reporting decisions, it is needed to have (1) definitions of the elements of financial statements, (2) a method of finding out when elements of financial statements should be realized in the financial statements, and (3) a method for determining which measurement attribute (for example, historical cost or fair value) is suitable for reporting the elements. The GASB in recent times issued a Concepts Statement on the definitions for the elements of financial statements, and a conceptual framework project on recognition and measur ement attributes is needed to complete the conceptual basis for reporting items in traditional financial statements. I. Deficiencies in Financial reporting practices What messages are financial statements conceptually trying to put forward (That is, what is the story that the financial

Should genitically modified foods be labeled Research Paper

Should genitically modified foods be labeled - Research Paper Example Actually, a lot of food that we eat today contains genetically modified ingredients. Supporters of this technology claim that it benefits humanity because that it ensures and sustains food security around the world as the population increases. Genetic Engineering (GE) or Genetic Modification (GM) of food is an issue that has entered the mainstream media in a lot of countries. It is a fact that a lot of food that we eat today contains genetically modified ingredients and usually without our knowledge. Supporters of this technology maintain that it ensures and sustains food security around the world as the population increases (Caplan). There is no doubt that the science behind genetic engineering is improving. While biotechnology could be the wave of the future and genetically modified foods could really provide alternatives to help increase food production, there is a growing wave of concern from citizens, farmers and scientists who question the way the research is currently being ha ndled by a few large, profit-hungry corporations. That is, as well as scientific debates on the merits of genetically engineered food, there are equally, if not more important, debates on the potential danger on both human beings and the environment (Kass). Much of the concern people have about Genetic Engineering is due to the fact that it is a very young and untested technology and may not be the answer to the food shortage problem just yet. Similarly, crop uniformity, which the biotech firms are promoting, will reduce genetic diversity making them more vulnerable to disease and pests. This furthers the need for pesticides, which are created by the same companies creating and promoting genetically engineered crops. This leads to questions of the motives of corporations and countries who are using the plight of the developing world as a marketing strategy to gain acceptance of GE food as well as dependency upon it via intellectual property rights. That they are against any labeling or other precautionary steps and measures that countries may wish to take is of paramount concern. The reason that genetically engineered food could be dangerous is due to the lack of testing to ensure that extracting genes that perform an apparently useful function as part of that plant or animal is going to have the same effects if inserted into a totally unrelated species. It may be that in the long term, genetically modified food could provide us with benefits and be a safe alternative, but we cannot know that at this time due to the lack of safety testing. The testing that has been done is often to ensure that the crop grows. Yet, there has been less emphasis on testing the effects or testing the wider ecology and the associated impacts of this technology on humans and nature. Even if there has been some testing, the long-term effects to humans, animals and the environment are unknown. The full ramifications of modified genes mixing with unmodified ones are unknown (Caplan). T hus, genetically modified food may benefit us, but we cannot know that at this time because much needed testing has not been done and current studies point to dangers rather than benefits. However, a group of scientists in UK do claim that GE food may be safe, but they mention that the long-term effects are still unknown. Also, it should be noted that a lot of field tests that companies do

Success in Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Success in Marketing - Essay Example A brochure consists of basic information of something, which has quick summary about the subject. It is the fastest way people find information about the subject hence due to the busy lifestyle, there is less research, attention, and interest of readers is grabbed. If there is any one secret of success, it lies in the ability to get the other person’s point of view and see things from his or her angle as well as from your own (Kevin 23). Persuasion is the aptitude to encourage beliefs and principles in other people by influencing their mode of thoughts and dealings through precise strategies. Marketing taken as course, there will be excellent advantages to a person due to the outcome in the world of market. A wide variety of activities are involved which make sure that one is continuing to meet needs of consumers and get appropriate value in return. Marketing is the unique, the distinctive function of business. In this sense, marketing has a major function to play in setting a firm’s strategic trend. For marketing to be successful, deep comprehension of customers, collaborators, and competitors and great proficiency are deployed for an organization’s capability to improve so as to serve clientele profitably (Kevin 67). Marketing thus defined, is broad-spectrum management accountability, not just a function delegated to specialists. Marketing skills and insight are significant to anyone with career interests hence lead to the setting and implementation of the approach of an organization, regardless of its type or size. Persuasion of someone to study marketing, brings forth best outcome hence there is no regret whatsoever in the study. The entire concept of persuasion leads to motivation towards pleasure and/ or away from pain. Almost all of our behavior comes down to choosing or responding to various forms of stimulus that take us toward our goals or move us away from our fears (Kevin 20). Marketing is an enjoyable exercise that enables one to integrate information into ones subconscious. Knowledge is only authority when it is applied. The ability to influence the behavior of another person or group of people has been a necessary element in human culture since the beginning of time. This article provides the foundation on which to embark on developing insights and skills appropriate in a wide variety of circumstances. These situations include business-to-consumer and business-to-business settings, the old financial system as well as in the latest and in both manufacturing and services sectors. An analyses of marketing shows that a focus on gaining insights into customers’ needs and behaviors, which should direct a company’s breakdown of its marketing opportunities and outline the basis of any possible marketing strategy (Bob 45). Marketing has grown past its roots in conventional mail order to embrace a multitude of new technologies, consumer relationship-building techniques, and routine measures that set the bar for the outlook of marketing communications. Therefore, marketing being a course of study has more of advantages than disadvantages. One does not need to have ability but to make an impact in ones field and understand the skills of great communicators. Surprisingly, with practice, it is easy to learn them. To conclude, there is certainly a very great significance to the power of persuasion. The sword of

Minimum wages and unemployment level Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Minimum wages and unemployment level - Essay Example in the amount of minimum wage brings about reduction in the employment levels evidently seen with employment elasticity ranging from -0.1 to -0.2 amongst the teenagers and from -0.15 to -0.2 for the youths (Charles, 2002, p 89). Employers in a firm are bounded with the minimum wage law which is meant to prevent the employers from paying their employees rate below the minimum wage. This law is widely used in the present day countries. In UK and the USA, this law was only applicable to the women and the children. The extended use of the law was influenced by the period of the great depression. If the objective of the minimum wage was to ensure that employed achieved a worthy standard of living, then some provisions had to be made for those who are retrenched (Flinn, 2010, p58-62). During the imposition of the minimum wage by the responsible bodies, firms within that jurisdiction would not be permitted to pay less than what the responsible body mandates, for any service that they have received. For instance, this is when the governing body passes legislation that is meant to raise the wage bill from its initial of $6.72 per hour to $8.0 per hour. In line with the above minimum wages, at $8.0, supply of the labour service was 70,000 hours, but only 50,000 hours was what was in demand by the firms. Within a market with voluntary trade, the decisions of firms to hire its employees cannot be influenced with an external body, reason being the quantity of labour needed is normally established through the desire of the firm to buy but not the desire of the workers to sell (Joshua, 1999, p 123). Through the above discussion there is an assumption that, increasing the amount of minimum wage in a country, the number of employed individual would increase. In addition, there is an emerging possibility that everyone would be able to get a job. However, the number of hours that they initially worked would be reduced. Putting this case into consideration, there would be rise in

Why people hate HR Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Why people hate HR - Essay Example In this paper, I will provide a critical and argumentative analysis of this article to try and understand the author’s viewpoint. As such, his reasons for hating human resource activities within organizations will be explained in an argumentative manner, choosing to either validate or invalidate them with reasons. First, the author argues that the human resource departments in almost all organizations seek to hire individuals with passive independent thinking ability. Such people cannot stand for what they believe in and work towards ensuring they work for their values and beliefs, instead seeking to acts as puppets of the organization. It is for this reason that business scholars believe that top students from top colleges chose other fields as opposed to human resource management (Boudreau & Ramstad 245). They view the field as less challenging, less demanding and often a times the mouthpiece of the organization. Such a position is reflected in other different scholarly articles in which professionals argue that human resource departments are mouthpiece of the executives and top management in an organization. They formulate, implement, evaluate and policies and their powers while being under the strict direction of the executive (McLean 26). Human resource fields do not seek to raise the status of employees and thus improve their lives. They instead seek to bring in very bright and able managers to the organization but with the primary aim of making, they raise the standard of the organization. For human resource executives, it is what is best for the organization that is implemented and executed. The decision to train a certain group of individuals within an organization may not be guided by the aim to improve their skills but to bring in the knowledge that the organizations seeks in order to either gain technical or business knowledge. I agree with Hammonds (3) in his assertion that human resource management department plays no role in the