Monday, September 30, 2019

Reaction Paper About the Guest Speaker

Reaction Paper about the Guest Speaker Last Wednesday, September 5, 2012, was our National Science Month Celebration with the theme: â€Å"Science in the K-12 curriculum, sustaining a better future. † Our guest speaker was born on July 15, 1965 in Cotabato City. She finished her study on Western Mindanao State University in 1978 as third honourable mention. She passed the examination for the qualifications on studying in Philippines Science High School and studied in Philippines Science High School-Diliman as a DOST scholar. She studied BS Agricultural Engineering in UP Los Banos on 1988 and passed the board exam as ninth placer.I was so amazed when I heard that the person in front of us talking got ninth place on an Engineering Board Exam. She is now a Provincial Science Officer in Cotabato Province. Her husband is Condo N. Pham Jr. and has 4 children. She is non-other than Engr. Normina B. Pham. Her topic is about innovation. She also shared about their reunion. Engineer sai d that in more than 240 elementary students passed the examination in Philippines Science High School, only 175 students graduated. Her classmates are now Vice President of Ateneo, bosses of young stars today, scientists that are finding cure to vaccines, AIDS, HIV and etc.She also talked about the birth of call center ten years ago. The call center’s birth is also the birth of cybersex which has clients all over the world. She also said that innovation must be replicated. You must deliberate the information you’ve got, have imagination and initiative. Students are more productive on imagination than teachers. She said that we should bring in changes in our community. Do better in what you are doing now. And I quote, â€Å"The Future depends on you. † -Reyel Joy E. Gauran III-Emerald

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Impact of Project Investments on Firm Value Essay

Generally in all decisions concerning investments in capital projects, the management selects only those projects that are expected to contribute a positive net present value. Further the project should be capable of providing an internal rate of return which should be greater than the hurdle rate. (Ross et al 2005) These criteria for the selection of capital projects are considered valuable from the perspective of the evaluation of the capital projects. However the phenomenon of value maximization of the firm is not being focused by these evaluation methods. It may be noted that a project will be considered financially viable only when it satisfies the condition of meeting the evaluation criteria and should also be in a position to provide super-normal returns on the investments to add value to the business proposing the investment. Several avenues can be cited which could be used by the project to result in super normal profits to the firm which results in the enhancement in the value of the firm. To cite a few avenues; by ensuring better economies of scale, by providing other cost advantages, by enabling the firm to offer better quality products that are distinct in the market, by improving production efficiency, by providing better access to distribution channels and by ensuring increased brand recognition the new project investments would be able to add value to the firm. Project Investment and Stock Valuation  The potential for growth and improvement in sales of the company will significantly be impacted by the proposed expansion of the company into new markets and new product lines and this will improve the position of the company in terms of profitability and return on equity. As a natural consequence the expansion by achieving the projected financial expectations will impact the value of the company’s stock. The market value of the stock is likely to go up once the expansion pays off the results by way of increased profits. Further the internal valuation of the shares will also get increased or decreased depending on the financial decision for sourcing the additional funds required for investing in the capital projects. Based on the changes in the leverage the book value of the shares will be affected. When the company decides to finance the expansion through issue of new common stocks the equity will get diluted to the extent of the stocks issued for public subscription. This in turn will have its impact on the free cash flow to the equity, since there will be increase in the number of shares and therefore the valuation of shares will get impacted. (Discussion Issues and Derivations) Strategic Considerations Normally the execution of any project investment decisions can be influenced by the governmental regulations on which the management does not have any control. But there are certain other factors, the course of which can be altered by taking some strategic decisions by the management. By selecting those projects which offer the best return on investment through better economies of scale the management can strategically increase the returns and value of the firm. The other alternative is to look for avenues that will enable the company to enlarge the economies of scale on the existing operations of the firm Improving the quality of customer service and timely deliveries to the customers has been found to be proven strategies for improving the reputation of the firm and thereby improving the value of the firm. Establishment of unique and efficient distribution channels much above the ability of the competitors to achieve can be looked at as another strategic move. In making any project successful an important factor is the quality of the management and the ability to take strategic and tactful decisions. It is essential that the quality of management must be related to the quality of projects the firm is contemplating to invest in.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Eulogy for Simon Essay

Well, what can I say about Simon. Every one of us here, present today in this memorial, are aware of how such a good person he exerted to be in his short life. I looked up to him, he was like a coach to me, I thought that it was almost impossible for such a pure spirit to be present, and it did; and it was my best companion. He taught me many lessons, which I know they will help me throughout life, and since the day we met I could see a future connection between us. He was one of the best buddies I ever had. Simon was a shy, sensitive boy which made him unique. He was always willing to work for the good of his community. Having a spiritual human goodness that was deeply connected with nature made him so lovable. His name, which means â€Å"he whom God has heard,† signifies the depth of his spirituality and centrality to the novel’s Judeo-Christian allegory. Whenever there was a chance to help someone he took an extra step to do so. The one thing I remember the most about him was his skinny, vivid little body with straight, coarse black hair. In the wind his hair shifted back ever so lightly, making it look longer. We met on a rainy day at recess when the other kids were bullying me. I was being kicked around like a hacky sack not knowing what was happening. After I finally got loose I ran to somewhere safe and the next thing I saw was him, Simon. When he saw me crying, he brought the joy back to me. He said encouraging stuff, like â€Å"You do know that the only reason they are bullying you is because they have been bullied themselves. If you ignore them for some quite time they will forget all about you. Hey, why don’t you spend lunch with me tomorrow?† Me slowly lifting me head said â€Å"sure.† That day forward I spent every day eating lunch with him, laughing and having a great time. Every day was a new adventure with him not knowing what was going to come next. Every Sunday we went to church together praising the lord. One of his greatest passions in life was his pride in religion. He was very attached to his value of religion. He was always sure of what he believed in, and he never had doubts of any of this. Over a year period he only missed church once because of a family emergency. This made me look up to him even more and I joined bible club in 4th grade because of  it. It is incredibly sad that Simon life ended so soon and I cannot put into words how much I will miss him. Simon was a positive person and would not want us to be sad today. If he were here he would tell us to cheer up, smile and remember all of the great memories we all shared. Even though Simon may be gone, his memory will live on in all of us forever. Simon I appreciate your friendship and will neve r forget you.

Friday, September 27, 2019

Types of therapy Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Types of therapy - Research Paper Example (Berger, 2006, P.p 31-40) The substance of this prose will state and describe the different types of therapies to help clients resolve their issues. The treatment regimes that are designed to help clients overcome their issues and problems, this form of psychological intervention is either referred to as ‘Counseling’ or ‘Psychotherapy’; the latter form was devised by Sigmund Freud. This form of therapy was further developed by Carl Rogers, who laid great emphasis on a client-centered approach to further enhance the treatment. (Berger, 2006, P.p 31-40) In all psychological treatments there are a number of factors that are synonymous with all treatment and these factors include a close rapport with the therapist that is characterized by a deep confiding relationship. The therapy is conducted in a secure setting that is the therapist’s office or generally a closed environment. The therapist’s behavior is also of key importance here, as it speeds u p the process of treatment and enhances client adherence to the regimen. Therefore the therapist must always adopt an empathetic and positive attitude towards the client. As mentioned earlier there are a number of therapies that are suitable for various mental disorders. The first category of therapies is defined by the biological paradigm, whereby the client is prescribed psychotropic drugs such as anti-anxiety, anti-depressive or anti-psychotic drugs that alleviate the symptoms of the disorder. However, there are a number of drawbacks that are associated with this mode of treatment as many of these drugs may give rise to addictive behaviour and sometime the side-effects are even more adverse than the symptoms of the disorder itself. However, drug therapy has been very popular in mental and physical health settings. (Berger, 2006, P.p 31-40) Therapists have devised supportive psychotherapy that involves one-on-one counseling sessions between the clinician and the client. Analogous to the drug therapy, supportive therapy is used by clients suffering from chronic stress and other mental or physical illnesses. Supportive psychotherapy is characterized by a number of sessions over a long period of time. During these sessions the therapist carefully listens to the client, encourages emotional expression and provides an outlet for the client to get rid of the pent-up emotional and mental trauma as a result of the client’s life situations. (Ingram, 2006) This is a client-centered approach and usually ends with the therapist psychoeducating the client and advising him or her accordingly. Such client-centered counseling is effective in dealing with clients, who need social support or an outlet for their emotional ordeal. Client-centered counseling is widely used by pastoral counselors and social workers, who incorporate a non-directive approach to help the client and calmly listen to the client. The counselor clarifies and helps the client understand various is sues but leaves the choice and the entire decision-making power to the client. The prime focus on the client’s dilapidated self-esteem and increase his or her confidence. These sessions effectively help the client achieve self-actualization. (Ingram, 2006) Though, most of the therapy sessions are based on a client-centered approach, however, in Rational Emotive Therapy (RET) is quite different; it is based on the cognitive model of psychiatric disorders and proposed by Albert Ellis and Aaron T. Beck. The therapy is largely applied on people suffering from depression

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Fireground Activity Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Fireground Activity - Assignment Example However, the informal discussion does allow for firefighters to share what they saw, what they felt, what happened, and any other observations that need to be added. This is an important aspect as far as data gathering is concerned when one is trying to determine what may have caused a fire, and how it may have burned. The more formal postfire conferences also have advantages and disadvantages. It provides firefighters with the ability to examine all of the evidence and come to a decision. However, it may be difficult to always come to the correct decision within one conference, and this can certainly be a disadvantage. There is also the problem of some individuals jumping to certain conclusions and assumptions before all the facts are in and analyzed. Furthermore, there is no assurance that all participants at the conference will agree. Therefore, both informal and formal discussions dealing with the post fire concepts do have positive and negative aspects.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - Research Paper Example Since other fibromyalgia, CNS diseases, autoimmune diseases and infections disease can present with involvement of multisystem disease, when diagnosis of SLE is being carried out, there is need to consider the possibilities of these other conditions. The disease is a multi-factorial, multisystem, chronic, and rarely life-threatening illness with environment, genetic and hormonal origins (Robinson, Sheets & Currie, 2011). It can also affect any part of the body including blood cells, nervous system, skin, joints, and kidneys. Mostly, women aged 15-40 years are largely associated with SLE. Predominance of SLE In the U.S, the incidence levels reported annually is approximately 5.2% in every 100,000 people. The frequency of the disease differs with ethnicity and race. High rates of SLE are seen in women who are in the childbearing age. Higher rates of SLE have been reported in Hispanic and black people with an estimated 40 in every 100,000 white people in Rochester, Minnesota while in No gales, Arizona a 100 Hispanics in every 100,000 have the disease. However, there is less prevalence reported in the Northern Europe region, but the disease is mostly common in African Americans. Mina & Brunner (2010) also proposed that in an estimated number of 10 in 20% of the patients with SLE experience the disease prior adulthood. In international statistics, highest predominance levels have been report in Afro-Caribbean, Martinique, Italy, United Kingdom and Spain population. Even though the disease is seen more in the black people who reside in United Kingdom, it is less common in those who are in Africa. This has been attributed to environmental influences (Patel et al., 2006). However, in terms of race, the black women possess a higher likelihood of getting the disease than white women and Asians. One in every two hundred and fifty African American women is reported to have the disease showing how widespread the disease is in women Furthermore, the highest predominance rates are seen in ninety percent of the female population while the prevalence rates are considerably lower in the male population. Older men are affected by the disease compared to younger men but generally lupus is seen in very low rates among the male population (Alarcon et al., 2004). The death causes are mostly attributed to cardiovascular disease, organ failure, infections and active disease. The survival rate has progressed signifying that milder cases of SLE are being recognized. Over the past period of four years, the survival rate of patients with the disease has increased to 80% as opposed to that of the last fifteen years which was 50% showing that there is some progress in research. Pathophysiology Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus usually have a complicated range of abnormalities concerning their body defense system. SLE is connected with triggering 2 key components of the adaptive immunity, T and B cells (Alarcon et al., 2004). The abnormalities which target the a daptive immune system consist of production of autoantibodies as well as defective killing of T-Cells. In patients with SLE, the T cells usually express a smaller amount of IL-2. This is the main cytokine for differentiation, activation and proliferation of T-cells. The T-cells in SLE patients have a problem with signaling responses which result to the small IL-2 and CD3 amount. These abnormalities cause a decreased cytotoxic activity. Moreover, there is an incapability to repress

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

STRUCTURAL-FUNCTIONAL THEORY CHAPTER 10 Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

STRUCTURAL-FUNCTIONAL THEORY CHAPTER 10 - Article Example Merton studied social phenomena by studying the meanings people attach to their actions, using the methodological approach, structural-functionalism which was in vogue in the 1930s. Merton maintained that structural-functionalism is predicated upon three assumptions. The first assumption is that social systems are self-regulating and tend towards a state of equilibrium. The second assumption is that every social practice contributes to the survival of the social system to which it belongs. The third assumption is that every social practice is indispensible just as the brain and the heart are to human beings. On the converse, Merton made postulation that the degree of integration in a social system is an empirical variable and can vary from institution or society or time to the next. Merton also contended that social practices are not really functional for the entire cultural or social system. Merton also questioned the idea of universal functionalism, as the assumption that every social practice fulfills vital functions in ensuring the survival of a system. Merton also disputed the concept of indispensability, as the concept that every social practice is indispensible because it executes necessary function. To draw the proper functions of an organization, Merton drew the distinction between manifest and latent functions. With the former, he meant to denote objective consequences which contribute to the adaptation of the system recognized by participants in a system. Latent functions in turn means objectives that are neither intended noir recognized correlatively. When discussing the structural causes of bureaucratic dysfunctions, Merton points out that the ideal type of bureaucratic arrangements achieves high extent of efficiency due to application of rules that are predetermined categories of cases that preclude the need to issue certain instructions for a given

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Critical Thinker Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Critical Thinker - Essay Example alizing, synthesizing, analyzing, and evaluating the respective information generated from observation, experience, reasoning, reflection, and communication as a guide to belief and action (Ashraf, 300). Imam Ali is well thought-out as a religious critical thinker because all these aspects of critical thinking were shown in his life. His decision making as well as his actions were established on pillars of reason. This is evident by writings in the Quran, how he shied away from politics and his way of life on the basis of a strong religious background. As a critical thinker, Imam Ali’s personality stood out and thus influenced many people. In his life, we see that prophet Muhammad had elected him as his rightful successor. When the prophet died and another caliph was elected, he accepted him since the chosen ones by Allah’s people are chosen by Allah himself. Although he still believed that he was the rightful successor of Muhammad, he was prompted to pledge alliance to caliph ABU Bakr since there was a growing division among the Muslim people concerning the rightful successor of Muhammad. He said that his delay in pledging allegiance based on his belief prior to his title. In this context, he is a critical thinker since he chose to pledge allegiance to the caliph and his successor though he still believed he was the rightful successor to Muhammad. As a critical thinker, he did this in order to maintain unity among the Muslim people during the divide when Muslims were turning away from him. This is because he avoids emotional reasoning and acts in a manner that will help the nation to unite. Ali believed and respected Muhammad to be the prophet of God. He accepted Prophet Muhammad’s decision to give him his daughter for marriage since the Prophet claimed to be following orders by god on the issues. He also carries out the work of writing the Quran although he no longer participated in politics or war. He did this because Muhammad had chosen him as one of

Monday, September 23, 2019

The Impact of Culture on Medical Care Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Impact of Culture on Medical Care - Essay Example The Hispanic culture plays a dominant role in determining the approach to medical care and delivery, as well as the communication of symptoms and prognosis. Good communication skills are the key, as culture, more than any other factor, will determine the best approach to the type, delivery, and communication of a patient's medical needs. As an American nurse practicing in a US setting, I have accepted the science, ethics, and traditions of American medicine. While I believe that spirituality and religion play an important role in promoting good health, they are separate from the healing process that comes from medicine. The spiritual aspect of healing is similar to the support of family and friends, and its benefit is derived from the psychological support that it provides to us. However, science is the foundation of modern medicine and understanding the science is the critical factor in assessing a patient and administering a treatment program. While I do not dismiss herbal renedies and traditional treatments out of hand, I do require a thorough scientific study to verify that the process will obtain the desired results. A proper diet and exercise are two aspects of natural medicine that have been repeatedly proven to improve our health. Yet, while I believe that modern medicine is a rather calculated science, I al so understand the abstract influences of humor, confidence, self-esteem, and motivation in the healing process. In essence, medicine is a very personal factor in ones well-being. Advancements in drugs, genetics, and electronics all contribute to a more beneficial outcome from medicine. I believe that these are the foundations that have improved the prognosis of the Americans that are in need of health care today. Culture begins to impact medical care from the first moment the patient is asked to describe their illness and relate their symptoms. Ethnic background and culture will play a part in the ability of the health care worker to create an open forum of communication with the patient, and gain important self reporting from the patient. According to Barakzai, Gregory, and Fraser (2007), "Beliefs and norms within a culture affect decisions about which phenomena are considered to be signs and symptoms of illness" (pp. 265-266). In addition, language differences can be a significant barrier to good communication. While an English speaking American may be able to relate detailed feelings and symptoms, Latinos rely heavily on the Spanish language and poor communication skills are one of the biggest obstacles to providing effective assessment and treatment among the Latino population (Antshel, 2002, p. 439). It is recommended to have a Spanish speaking health care professional when possible, and it is imperative to have written instructions available in Spanish (Antshel, 2002, p. 439). It should be noted that poor communication is not restricted to foreign language barriers. A recent study revealed that "only about 20 percent of adult Americans have the ability to read, understand and act on health care information", and many misunderstand the routine medical terms of "colon, bowel, rectum, screening, blood in the stool, tumor and polyp" (Dent, 2000). The confusing culture of medical communication is made even more complicated when it

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response in Schools Essay Example for Free

Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response in Schools Essay The professional nurse uses clinical judgment and decision making skills to provide appropriate nursing care and collaborates with other health care professionals responding to the emergency or disaster. The purpose of this paper is to outline the professional nurse’s role and how the nurse works with other responding personnel as well as the community affected in the event of a tornado that affects a school. The Role of the Nurse A disaster is defined as any natural or human-made incident that causes disruption, destruction, and/or devastation requiring external assistance (Stanhope, 2012). Schools are generally considered a safe haven for the children attending, but various types of emergencies can occur within the school walls that impact the school and the surrounding community. Severe weather can be a natural disaster when it produces tornadoes. Tornadoes have proven to be large scale disasters, causing problems ranging from loss of power to major structural damage and resulting in physical injuries, including loss of life. Tornadoes outside of a school setting cause severe damage and casualties, but when the tornado hits a school it becomes a disaster setting for all school personnel and the school nurse. The school nurse immediately is looked at when there is any type of medical emergency. When there is an entire school that has been affected by destruction like a tornado, the school nurse is most definitely overwhelmed with patients. The nurse must be prepared and work closely with all responding personnel to ensure a timely response to all affected, inside the school and the parents affected outside the school. The school nurse is an expert in the nursing process and should utilize these steps in order to care for all involved in a disaster like this. The professional nurse, through her education, should be prepared to utilize the nursing process (assess, plan, implement, evaluate). It is critical the school nurse knows his/her role prior to the disaster. His/her role includes triage, coordination of the first aid response team, and direct hands-on care to the victims of the emergency. The school nurse also plays an important role in the mental health support for the students and faculty involved during the emergency and in the recovery phase of the emergency. The nurse must be able to identify with and be able to communicate with all responding healthcare personnel. The responding will include, but is not limited to, firefighters, both paid and volunteer, EMS personnel, Emergency Management Personnel, law enforcement, and local healthcare providers, such as physicians and nurses. The school board office will also have responding personnel to the scene as well. The main goal of the professional nurse is to communicate with all responding personnel and ensure that everyone involved in the response clearly knows their role and who they should report to. Nursing Strategies Every community can always improve in their response to emergencies and disasters. Planning before the disaster hits is the key. Preparations for a facility’s response to an emergency involving realistic training exercises, (O’Boye, 2006) can greatly reduce anxiety levels and increase the likelihood of more positive results. Some examples of emergency and disaster planning includes, but is not limited to, mock exercises, more interagency cooperation in the mock exercises, identifying how we, as a community, will respond, who would be in charge of communications, who would be in charge of logistics, and a list of every one’s role in the emergency response (Laureate, 2012). The school nurse is in a leadership position to provide continuous coordination and training of all school personnel as well as the communities involved as part of the school’s emergency plan. Implementing the National Incident Command system into the school’s emergency plan is vital. This system includes universal protocols and language (Stanhope, 2012). This system acknowledges the need for mutual aid response and allows for easy to understand communication and description of roles no matter what agency or community the responders come from. This system should be implemented in every school because when a disaster strikes, especially at a school, people come from all over the country to render aid and this system provides a framework that everyone can understand. Summary The school nurse’s assistance in community-wide planning groups is helpful in the facilitation of a rapid, coordinated, effective emergency response within the framework of the Incident Command System. This includes establishing standard emergency response plans and participating in skills, drills and exercises to evaluate the response capabilities of a school, as well as the effectiveness of the plan (NASN, 2013). Disasters occurring at schools create a larger scale disaster because not only is there the disaster inside the school, but there is also a disaster created outside the school from all of the parents wanting answers that sometimes takes hours to produce the answers to. Planning is the key and the school nurse is in the position to help in the planning of the response plan in these disasters.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Components Of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Components Of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) occurs in children, adolescents, and adults. OCD is an anxiety disorder characterized by uncontrollable, unwanted thoughts and repetitive, ritualized behaviors (American Psychiatric Association [DSM-IV-TR], 2000). The two main component of OCD are obsession and compulsion. Individuals with obsessions often attempt to ease the stress that the obsessions cause through compulsions (Shih, Belmonte, Zandi, 2004). Types of OCD Obsessions Aggressive/ catastrophic Religious Sexual Contamination Somatic Compulsions Hoarding Counting Confessing/ asking Ordering/arranging Washing In a developmental study conducted by Geller and his colleagues (2001), OCD in childhood and adolescence was male preponderant and associated with a higher frequency of aggression/catastrophe obsessions, hoarding and saving compulsions, multiple obsessions and compulsions, and poor insight compared with adult OCD. Sexual and religious obsessions were selectively more prevalent in adolescents compared with either children or adults. Children with OCD had higher rates of Tourettes disorder and separation anxiety disorder than older age groups, but mood disorders were similarly high in both adolescents and adults with OCD. Adults with OCD also had higher rates of substance use and eating disorders than either children or adolescents. This study indicated that age specific correlates with different types of OCD. DSM Diagnosis Criteria of OCD (DSM-IV-TR, 2000) A. The Person Exhibits Either Obsessions or Compulsions Obsessions are indicated by the following: The person has recurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses, or images that are experienced, at some time during the disturbance, as intrusive and inappropriate and that cause marked anxiety or distress The thoughts, impulses, or images are not simply excessive worries about real-life problems The person attempts to ignore or suppress such thoughts, impulses, or images or to neutralize them with some other thought or action The person recognizes that the obsessional thoughts, impulses, or images are a product of his or her own mind (not imposed from without as in thought insertion) Compulsions are indicated by the following: The person has repetitive behaviors (eg, hand washing, ordering, checking) or mental acts (eg, praying, counting, repeating words silently) that the person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to rules that must be applied rigidly The behaviors or mental acts are aimed at preventing some dreaded event or situation; however, these behaviors or mental acts either are not connected in a realistic way with what they are designed to neutralize or prevent or are clearly excessive. B. At some point during the course of the disorder, the person has recognized that the obsessions or compulsions are excessive or unreasonable. (Note: this does not apply to children.) C. The obsessions or compulsions cause marked distress, are time consuming (take more than 1 hour a day), or significantly interfere with the persons normal routine, occupational/academic functioning, or usual social activities or relationships. D. If another axis I disorder is present, the content of the obsessions or compulsions is not restricted to it (e.g., preoccupation with drugs in the presence of a substance abuse disorder). E. The disturbance is not due to the direct physiologic effects of a substance (e.g., drug abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition. Sign and Symptoms of OCD Most people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have both obsessions and compulsions, but some people experience just one or the other (Help Guide, 2010). Common obsessive thoughts in OCD include (Help Guide, 2010): Fear of being contaminated by germs or dirt or contaminating others. Fear of causing harm to yourself or others. Intrusive sexually explicit or violent thoughts and images. Excessive focus on religious or moral ideas. Fear of losing or not having things you might need. Order and symmetry: the idea that everything must line up just right. Superstitions; excessive attention to something considered lucky or unlucky. Common compulsive behaviors in OCD include (Help Guide, 2010): Excessive double-checking of things, such as locks, appliances, and switches. Repeatedly checking in on loved ones to make sure theyre safe. Counting, tapping, repeating certain words, or doing other senseless things to reduce anxiety. Spending a lot of time washing or cleaning. Ordering, evening out, or arranging things just so. Praying excessively or engaging in rituals triggered by religious fear. Accumulating junk such as old newspapers, magazines, and empty food containers, or other things you dont have a use for. ETIOLOGY Biological Aspects of OCD Family and twin studies Family studies have demonstrated an increased prevalence of obsessive-compulsive disorder in the first degree relatives of patients as compared to controls (Hettema, Neale, Kendler, as cited inTaberner et al., 2009). Studies of OCD patients and their families have established a 10% prevalence of OCD in first degree relatives (Brynes, 2009). One American study (as cited in Anxiety Care, 2011) suggested that up to 30% of teenagers with OCD had a member of the immediate family with the problem or with obsessive symptoms. However, a two years study carried out by Black (2003, as cited in Waite Williams, 2009) demonstrated that although the children of parents with OCD were likely to go on to develop an emotional disorder, it was not particularly likely to be OCD. In studies of twins, there is a 63% concordance rate for OCD in identical twins (Brynes, 2009). Twin studies suggested a higher concordance rate in monozygotic as compared to dizygotic twins (Samuels Nestadt, 1997; Eley, Bolto n, OConnor, Perrin, Smith, Plomin, 2003). Because MZ twins share 100% of their genes and DZ twins share 50% of their genes on average, the concordance rate for a genetically influenced disorder is expected to be higher for MZ twins than for DZ twins (Shih, Belmonte, Zandi, 2004). Brain structure and chemistry Positron emission tomography (PET) studies measuring resting glucose metabolism have reported hyperactivity in the inferior frontal and anterior cingulate cortices, striatum, and thalamus in patients with OCD (Saxena et al., as cited in Busatto et al., 2001).Researcher believed that OCD may be developed by the abnormal metabolic activity in the orbitofrontal cortes, the anterior cingulate, and the caudate nucleus (Dejdar, 2002). The interaction between these different parts is called a cortico-basal ganglia network (Dejdar, 2002). Dejdar described that these cortico-basal ganglia interactions make up a neural system that is crucial in the acquisition of habits and also establishing a fixed routine of performing those habits, which in turn connected to the typical behaviors of OCD where people maintain certain obsessive habits and continue to perform those habits. Study by Lewin, Storch, Adkins, Murphy, Geffken (2005) supported the neurochemical etiology involving a functional disturbance in the frontal-limbic-basal ganglia system as well as thalamic and cortical neurostructural abnormalities. It is hypothesized that if cortical regions are dysfunctional in patients with OCD, then conscious mechanisms must be used to accomplish what would occur automatically in an unimpaired brain (Sturm, 2008). As a result, inappropriate or obsessive thoughts repeatedly intrude and conscious thought processes suppress them, facilitated by accompanying ritualistic behaviors (Neel, Stevens, Stewart, as cited in Sturm, 2008). There is a strong connection between basal ganglia and OCD. Several studies have implicated that basal ganglia is active during the learning or execution of sequential behavior (Brown, 1997; Graybiel, 1998). Graybiel (1998) explained that the chunking functions of the basal ganglia helps people to focus. Chunking refers to the organization of information into specific associated groups (Dolan DNA learning center, n.d.). This happened when the dopamine released in the basal ganglia system communicates with the brain areas in the prefrontal cortex to allow people to pay attention to critical tasks, ignoring distracting information (Dolan DNA learning center, n.d.). In an experiment by Graybiel, she hypothesized that the basal ganglia system helps the cortex to chunk learning into habits and routines to help the brain quickly access stored information. The experiment of Graybiel was done on training the rats on maze tasks and records the firing groups of neurons in the striatum as the r ats learn, forget, and then relearn the task. When the rats get used to the maze, lots of cells in motor striatum tend to fire at the beginning and the end of the run instead of the whole thing. This happened because the basal ganglia has chunked the behavior. The symptoms of OCD included repetitive, intrusive thoughts and compulsions which lead to ritualistic behaviors such as washing, counting and checking. These behaviors according to Graybiel involved sequential acts and they are performed as chunks, unitized and driven by the extraordinary imperative of urges and compulsions that the patient recognizes as abnormal and out of the persons control. As the result, OCD patients showed over focused attention to irrelevant stimuli. In OCD patients, an abnormal activation of the striatum has been observed. A clearer view is illustrated by a charity organization, Anxiety Care (2011). The organization explained that the thalamus is involved in sensory perception processes and caudate nucleus, a component within basal ganglia work to sort sensory information and filter thoughts. When these messages are being misinterpreted or misfiring, which mean that the normal electrical activity in the brain is being disrupted by the overactive electrical dischargers, it will causes the problem of communication between nerve cells. This will affect and confused the thinking part of the brain to respond chemically to a threat perceived by the primitive part of the brain as if the danger is real. In effect, the caudate nucleus is letting unnecessary thoughts and impulses through to the cortex where the thoughts and emotions combine; and an over active cingulate nucleus at the brains centre, which helps shift attention from one th ought or behavior to another, becomes over active and gets stuck on certain behaviors, thoughts or ideas. The cingulate is that part of the brain which tells the OCD sufferer that something terrible will happen if the compulsions are not carried out (Anxiety Care, 2011). Besides that, some researchers have suggested that OCD results from the imbalance of the neurotransmitter in the brain which is known as serotonin (Pauls, Mundo, Kennedy, 2002). A study by Stengler-Wenzke, Muller, Angermeyer, Sabri and Hesse (2004) revealed that there is a significant reduction of serotonin transporter availability in the midbrain and upper brainstem in OCD patients. The reduction of serotonin transporter availability may reflect a reduced number of serotonergic neurons that may result in low level of serotonin. Serotonin is responsible for transporting impulses to and away from the nerves (Dejdar, 2006). The physiological activity of serotonin starts from the brainstem in groups of brain cells called raphe nucleus (Function of Serotonin, 2009). Serotonin brain cells then spread to various regions of the central nervous system by branching out throughout the brain(Function of Serotonin, 2009). In a case reported by Cohen, Angladette, Benoit, and Pierrot-Deseilligny (1999), a 59-year-old man developed obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms after his head injury. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans showed a small contusion in the right orbitofrontal region. In the similar case, the single-photon emission CT (SPECT) showed greatly reduced blood flow in the orbitofrontal region of the 59-year-old man with OCD (Cohen et al., 1999). A study by Busatto et al. (2001) supported the findings as their research found reduced right cerebral blood flow in the right orbitofrontal cortex in OCD patients as compared with the healthy control group. Paulmann, Seifert, and Kotz (2009) explained that the orbitofrontal cortex is linked to a variety of cognitive and emotional functions. Gray, Braver, and Raichle (as cited in Bracha Brown, 2009) mentioned that emotion and cognition conjointly and equally contribute to the control of thought and behavior. Additionally, Pessoa (as cit ed in Bracha Brown, 2009) added that emotions and cognition not only strongly interact in the brain, but they are often integrated so that they jointly contribute to behavior. Hence, impairment of orbitofrontal cortex contributed to the intrusive thoughts and bizarre behavior of OCD patients (Swinson, Antony, Rachman, Richter, 1998).In particular, lesions of the human orbitofrontal cortex lead to large-scale changes in social and emotional behavior (Paulmann, Seifert, and Kotz, 2009). For example, patients with orbitofrontal lesions are reported to suffer from deficits in affective decision-making (Hornak, as cited in Paulmann, Seifert, and Kotz, 2009). Consistently, Swinson and his colleagues (1998) stated that OCD patients have difficulties in decision making. Psychological Aspects of OCD According to Salkovskis, Shafran, Rachman, and Freeston (1999), there are five mechanisms for the development of inflated responsibility which are critical for the development of OCD. Inflated responsibility refers to an excessive sense of personal responsibility related to unwanted or upsetting thoughts (Abramowitz, Deacon, Woods, Tolin, 2004). The first mechanism is being given too much of responsibility. A child or adolescent, who assumed responsibility during early age due to incompetent parenting, might believe that they are responsible for the negative consequences over which they have little or no control. This is related to the parental communications, where the child is scapegoated for negative occurrences whether or not they are in fact responsible. Through this type of upbringing, Salkovskis et al. stated that the child will develop and accept a wide sense of responsibility and are inclined to translate it into a high degree of conscientiousness, marked by a dedication to work and an acute sense of social obligations. The second mechanism in influencing a person to be OCD is the exposure to rigid or extreme codes of conduct. Strict behavioral codes being instilled by schools, authorities or religion will lead to the development and the reinforcement of attitudes about responsibility. In the study by Abramowitz et al., they found evidence that religion and other cultural influences affect the presentation of OCD symptoms. Rasmussin and Tsuang (as cited in Abramowitz et al., 2004) observed that strictly religious patients often had religious themes to their obsessional thoughts and compulsive rituals. An early study by Khanna and Channabasavanna (as cited in Abramowitz et al., 2004) noted a large portion of symptoms related to contamination and washing among Hindus with OCD, and commented that Indian culture emphasizes on the issues of purity and cleanliness. The third mechanism for the development of inflated responsibility is being given too little responsibility. The responsibility is withheld from the child by the parents. Worries are prominent in the family system and the parents are likely to be excessively anxious and fearful themselves, they will be overprotected toward their child. This will thus convey a sense that danger is around the corner to the child. When growing up, the child will have difficulty in leaving home and being independent; he or she is unprepared to cope with the dangers that the child believe to have in the world outside. Salkovskis et al. further mentioned that leaving home is usually marked by the emergence of OCD symptoms in the child. The lack of preparation to deal with the world outside will frighten the child and leads to the development of anxiousness in the child. The fourth route to the development of an inflated sense of responsibility is the sudden critical incidents that happened where a persons action or inaction contributed to serious misfortune. An example illustrated by Salkocskis et al. on a young doctor who gave the wrong prescription to the patients. Although it did not have any adverse effects on the patient, the young doctor was reprimanded intensely by his senior supervisor. Since then, he developed repetitive checking on the prescription and spent an inordinate amount of time in checking the details of each prescription. Another factor that contributed to the exaggerated sense of responsibility occurred from an incident that is in fact coincidental but the person erroneously assumed that their thoughts, actions or inactions contributed to a serious misfortune. This happened though the learning experiences, for example, when a child angrily wishes an adult dead; soon afterwards the adult, by unfortunate coincidence, actually dies (Salkocskis et al., 1999). The child will think that it is his fault and he has caused the death but actually it was just a coincidence. Salkocskis et al. described that people who are prone to the cognitive bias of thought-action fusion are the ones who are most likely to experience inflations of responsibility and thus contribute to the origins of OCD. PHYSIOLOGICAL TREATMENT Medication Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor The pathogenesis of OCD has been linked to abnormal serotonin levels. Drugs which increase levels of serotonin in the brain have been shown to improve symptoms of OCD. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants to deal with OCD (Taylor, 2009). SSRIs included citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine and sertraline (Taylor, 2009). Taylor in his study discussed that SSRIs ease the anxious feeling of OCD patients by affecting the neurotransmitters of the brain that used to communicate between brain cells. SSRIs block the reuptake or re-absorption of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Changing the balance of serotonin seems to help brain cells send and receive chemical messages, which in turn boosts patients mood. Taylor explained that SSRIs are called selective because they seem to primarily affect serotonin, not other neurotransmitters. Side effects of SSRIs included nausea, headaches and insomnia (Taylor, 2009). In evaluating the safety and effectiveness of sertraline in children and adolescents, Cook et al. (2001) ran a study in United States. Their research indicated that long-term sertraline treatment was well tolerated and effective in the treatment of childhood and adolescent OCD. In consistent with the result of sertraline, studies has showed that fluoxetine, citalopram and fluvoxamine were well tolerate and effective in treating children and adolescent with OCD (Liebowitz et al., 2002; Riddle et al., 2001). Nonetheless, six adverse events occurred significantly more frequently in fluoxetine patients who experienced palpitations, weight loss, drowsiness, tremors, nightmares, and muscle aches (Riddle et al., 2001). Escitalopram, another type of SSRI has been examined by researchers in Malaysia in treating OCD patients (Hatim et al., 2008). The research reviewed that the risk of relapse for those treated with placebo appeared to be four times that of those treated with escitalopram. Moreover, the study suggested that escitalopram is well tolerated in Malaysian patients with OCD. No serious adverse event was reported throughout the study. A few milder side effects have been reported by the patients, such as dizziness, hypertension, delayed ejaculation, and throat tightness. The sample of the study, however, may be too small to yield broad generalizations. Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) such as venlafaxine has been used to manage OCD. Researchers found that venlafaxine may be beneficial to individuals with OCD, including those who have not responded to prior SSRI trials (Hollander, Friedberg, Wasserman, Allen, Birnbaum, Koran, 2003SNRI works by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine (Donaldson, 2010). As low serotonin is associated with OCD, SNRI function to increase the amount of two neurotransmitters, serotonin and norepinephrine, and thus enhance the neuronal activity of the brain. The side effects of SNRI included nausea, restlessness, sexual dysfunctions, insomnia, and increased blood pressure (Bandelow, 2008). Tricyclic antidepressants One of the effective tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) that have been using to treat OCD is clomipramine. It was one of the first anti-obsession drugs prescribed in the 1960s, but is less prescribed now due to their unpleasant side effects (Goodman, 2011). The side effects of this drug included dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, sexual dysfunction, weight gain, seizures, and cardiac side effects (Bandelow, 2008). Bandelow added that TCAs should be avoided in patients who are considered to be at risk of suicide, due to their potential cardiac and central nervous system toxicity after overdose. In general, the side effects of TCAs are more adverse than SSRIs. Therefore, it is usually recommended when the treatment with SSRIs have failed (Taylor, 2009). Neurosurgical treatment More than 10% of OCD patients remain incapacitated despite rigorously involving in medication trials and intensive behavior therapy (Kim et al., 2003). Several neurosurgical procedures have been used in OCD for treating such refractory patients. Cingulotomy is among the neurosurgical methods to deal with OCD. Cingulotomy defined by Carlson (2008) as the surgical destruction of the cingulum bundle, which connects the prefrontal cortex with the limbic system; helps to reduce intense anxiety and the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (p. 489). Anterior cingulotomy targets the anterior cingulate cortex and the fibers of the cingulum has been recently reported as being effective and safe (Dougherty, as cited in Kim et al., 2003). Study by Kim et al. (2003) aimed to to investigate OCD symptom improvements and to evaluate any cognitive changes and adverse effects after cingulotomy. Their study found no evidence of cognitive dysfunction including intelligence, memory and executive fun ction after cingulotomy compared with preoperative performances. In addition, seizure, urinary problems, chronic pain and suicide were not reported and other adverse effects, such as headache, insomnia and weight changes did not continue for more than 3 months. Taken together, they suggested that cingulotomy could be safe in terms of cognitive and other side-effects. Furthermore, deep brain stimulation (DBS), a procedure in which surgically implanted electrodes stimulate localized brain structures, has also been reported to be effective in patients with OCD when the anterior limb of internal capsule was targeted (Nuttin et al., as cited in Cannistraro et al., 2007). Deep brain stimulation surgery involves the placement of tiny implantable electrodes into abnormally functioning areas of the brain through burr holes in the skull; then a neurostimulator, which is commonly implanted near the collarbone; an insulated wire that connects the electrode to the neurostimulator (Brown University, 2003). The electrodes emit pulses of electrical stimulation to block abnormal brain activity that can cause obsessions, moods, and anxieties associated with psychiatric disorders (Brown University, 2003). A study conducted by Gabriels, Cosyns, Nuttin, Demeulemeester, Gybels (2003) concluded that deep brain stimulation may have important therapeutic benefits on psy chopathology in OCD and no harmful side-effects were detected during follow-up up to 33 months (see Appendix A, for case study). However, Greenberg, Rauch, and Haber (2010) stated that hemorrhages on device insertion may have long-lasting or permanent consequences, although relatively rare. Infection represents another significant risk (Greenberg et al., 2010). On the other hand, Greenberg and his colleagues added that the great appeal of DBS in comparison with lesions is that it permits focal, adjustable, and reversible modulation of the brain. Specifically, various combinations of electrodes can be activated, at adjustable polarity, intensity, and frequency; DBS thus permits flexible neuromodulation. The great clinical advantage of this is that parameters can be optimized for individual patients. In cases in which no beneficial settings can be identified despite extensive efforts, the electrodes can be inactivated, and the devices may be removed (Greenberg et al., 2010). DISCUSSION CONCLUSION Overdose TCAs have been revealed to be lethal in overdose (Bandelow, 2008). These drugs should be avoided in patients who are considered to be at risk of suicide, due to their potential cardiac and central nervous system toxicity after overdose (Bandelow, 2008). Although the benefit of SSRI and SNRI is that they are relatively safe in overdose (Bandelow, 2008), the issues of associating SNRI with other substances need to be highlighted. During 2010, Donaldson revealed that overdose with SNRIs has commonly occurred in combination with alcohol and/or other drugs. The adverse event of combining alcohol with SNRI medication include electrocardiogram changes, sinus and ventricular tachycardia, bradycardia, hypotension (low blood pressure), altered level of consciousness (from somnolence to coma), rhabdomyolysis, seizures, vertigo, liver necrosis, and death have been reported. Besides that, Donaldson emphasized that SNRI medications should not be taken by patients also taking monoamine oxidase inhi bitors (MAOIs). This can lead to increased serotonin levels and cause serotonin syndrome which is a rare, but serious and potentially life-threatening condition unfortunately often mistaken for a viral illness, anxiety, neurological disorder or worsening psychiatric condition). Therefore, it is vital to address the adverse events of drug overdose and the combination with other substances. Relapse Relapse and remission is common in OCD and many patients will never be free of the disease (Taylor, 2009). Earlier study in 1973 by Capstick (as cited in Ravizza, 1998) stated that if the SSRI is withdrawn or reduced too quickly, the patient is able to relate the time of onset of the recurrence of the obsessions, usually 36 to 48 hours after the former dose. In a follow-up study of 15 patients with OCD who responded to clomipramine, Thoren et al. (as cited in Ravizza, 1998) reported that 6 patients who had stopped taking the drug had a recurrence of their symptoms within a few weeks of discontinuation. A research group by Ravizza et al., 1996, the group completed a 2-year, open-label follow-up study of 130 patients with OCD who had previously responded to 6 months treatment with clomipramine, fluoxetine or fluvoxamine. At the end of the 2 years of follow-up, the relapse rate was 77 to 85% among those patients who discontinued pharmacotherapy. Implication Most research related to the physiological treatment has been studied for not more than five years. Therefore, the effects of long term treatment have yet to be observed. However, when the discontinuation of treatment is discussed, researchers indicated several relapse problems and adverse events. A study stated that response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be influenced by body weight, age, sex, and genetic makeup, and therefore can vary between individuals of different ethnic populations (Hatim et al., 2008). Malaysia as a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic country, the use of treatment in patient with OCD should be wise and well considered. The lack of physiological treatment in Malaysia is the major limitation for the implication of treatment toward Malaysian. On the issue of unresponsive to treatment, researcher found the benefits of switching between venlafaxine and paroxetine for OCD. In 2004, the Brown University reported that 56% of patients who were not responding to venlafaxine benefited from a switch to paroxetine; 19% of patients who were not responding to paroxetine benefited from a switch to venlafaxine.Despite the evidence that clomipramine and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are effective in the pharmacology management of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), between 40% and 60% of the patients suffering from it show only a partial or no symptom improvement (Marazziti et al., 2008). Therefore, Marazziti and his group conducted a research to examine the effectiveness of combined treatment by associating clomipramine and citalopram in the treatment of OCD. The study found that combination treatment is effective and well-tolerated for OCD patients, and much more effective than treating patients with single drug, su ch as SSRI or TCA. In prescribing medication for the OCD patients in Malaysia, the doctor should inform the possible side effects of the medication to the patients. The adverse events that would occur in combination of substances should be stressed and patients should be education on the appropriate dosage and time to consume the medication. Limitations on the use of medications include unwillingness of approximately 25% of OCD patients to take medications which they view, globally, as a form of contamination (Greist, 1998); side effects that interfere with comfortable use of medications; and continuing costs of medications that are necessary to prevent relapse associated with discontinuation. Besides physiological treatment, psychotherapy has been recommended to deal with OCD. The consensus guidelines produced by the American Psychiatric Association (2000) suggested that cognitive, behavioral therapy (CBT) was the first choice treatment for children and young people. Waite and Williams (2009) mentioned that CBT alone or in combination with medication appears to be more effective and less likely to lead to relapse. More recently, National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (2011) described a stepped care model beginning with self-help materials for mild cases through CBT, medication and finally combined treatments. The Malaysian Psychiatric Association reviewed a research being done by Saxena et al. (2009) indicated the effectiveness of CBT on brain glucose metabolism in OCD. They discovered significant changes in brain activity solely as the result of four weeks of intensive cognitive-behavioral therapy in ten OCD patients. Reduction of thalamic activity, decrea ses in glucose metabolism has been observed after the intervention. However, the study also showed a significant increase in activity in an area of the brain called the right dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, a region involved in reappraisal and suppression of negative emotions. The major constraints on the use of CBT include patient unwillingness to invest the time and energy. This may be due to patients fear that their anxiety will be too great when they expose themselves to their triggers. As the conclusion, there are several causes of OCD which involved both biological and psychological aspects. In introduc

Friday, September 20, 2019

Improving Self-Care for Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Essay examp

Introduction Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease that is chronic and acute, most likely to affect women and those between 35-50 years of age. The process of RA begins as an inflammation episode in the synovium, causes it to thicken and become edematous. Synovial inflammation results in joints that are swollen, tender, and stiff. The patient with RA may manifest symptoms of pain, morning stiffness, fatigue, weight loss, anxiety, and depression. (Chen, & Wang, 2007) Self-care abilities are affected by the clinical manifestations related to the disease process of RA. Assessment The health history is beneficial to identify the risk factor for those with close relatives suffering with the disease. Physical examination is reliable when assessing the joints, range of motion, and circulation. A developed multi-dimensional health assessment questionnaire that is completed by the patient at each visit in their rheumatology clinic can be scored and provide the physician a current status of their physical and psychological areas that might raise concern for poor self-care. Assessing the patients ESR, CRP levels, and rheumatoid factor provides information of the patients’ baseline laboratory values with any deviations.(Palmer, El Gaafary, & El Mideany, 2007) The nurse should assess the patients’ psychosocial aspects including, social support; knowledge; education level; and socioeconomic status due to the positive correlation with self-care. (Chen, & Wang, 2007) Planning With RA being a chronic disease with acute exacerbations and remissions, it has social, emotional, physical, and psychosocial complications. Impaired physical mobility is a problem associated with RA, due to the symptoms of morning s... ...elf-care abilities with this disease. References Chen, s, & Wang, h. (2007). The relationship between physical function, knowledge of disease, social support and self-care behavior in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Journal of Nursing Research, 15(3),183-92. Makelainen , P, Vehvilainen-Julkunen, K, & Pietil, A. (2009). Change in knowledge and self-efficacy of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a six-month follow-up study. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 15(5), 368-75. Makelainen, P, Vehvilainen-Julkunen, K, & Pietil, A. (2007). Rheumatoid arthritis patients' education-contents and methods. Journal of Nursing & Healthcare of Chronic Illnesses, 16(11c), 258-67. Palmer, D, El Gaafary, M, & El Mideany, Y. (2007). Rheumatology. improving patient care: measurement of outcome in rheumatoid arthritis. British Journal of Nursing, 16(16), 1010-5.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Students with Learning Disabilities Offered Success in College :: School Education Essays

Students with Learning Disabilities Offered Success in College Registering for college courses can be straining for even the most organized college student. Knowing which courses to take, and what order to take them in, can be more than confusing to the already over-stressed student body. This process is even more strenuous for students with learning disabilities. Registering for classes is just the beginning for learning disabled students. Kyle Turin, a freshman with Dyslexia, at Northeastern University is dismayed at the lack of attention he feels he is getting. Turin was diagnosed at a young age. He was never officially tested for a learning disability, but he was put into a specialized reading class until he went to high school. Kyle learned how to compensate for his difficulties but felt he slipped through the cracks in the system. â€Å"They (teachers) figured out in like sixth grade that I had missed a crucial part of my reading comprehension stuff that other kids did get. I was put into reading courses. But now that I’m in college, I’ll have a class of like 150 kids where the only basis of the class is the textbook and in-class lectures, so I don’t have the opportunity to compensate in class the way that I used to.† said Turin. Kyle Turin transferred to Northeastern University after his first semester at Hudson Valley Community College. â€Å"They asked me if I had Northeastern insurance, and I said no and they basically said I was out of luck. They said I had to contact my own insurance company and see if they covered the disability test that I would need in order to get extra attention through Northeastern. But my insurance company won’t cover it because I’m over 18 years old. † A learning disability is defined as any one of various conditions that interfere with an individual's ability to learn, resulting in impaired functioning in language, reasoning, or academic skills. The National Center for Learning Disabilities explains it as a neurological disorder that affects the brain’s ability to receive process, store and respond to information. Basically, among people with learning disabilities there is a noticeable gap between their level of expected achievement and their actual achievement. Doctors and professionals agree there is no way to pin-point any specific causes for learning disabilities. The NCLD says some possible causes may include heredity, problems during pregnancy or birth, head injuries or nutritional deprivation after birth, and exposure to toxic substances.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

The US Involvement in The Vietnam War Essay -- Vietnam War Essays

The Vietnam War was one of the worst wars in the United States history. The reason for the United States involvement was due to the start of communism in North Vietnam. The citizens in South Vietnam feared the control of North Vietnam and were worried that the north would take control of the south. The communist North Vietnam had support from the Soviet Union and China, making the South Vietnamese vulnerable to the north. In their time of struggle the South Vietnamese were able to receive aid from the United States. The North Vietnamese had set up a series of radar stations along bays and islands on the Gulf of Tonkin. On August 1, 1964 the U.S.S. Maddox was posted on a surveillance mission to study the North Vietnamese defenses in the Gulf area. In early morning on August 2, 1964 the U.S.S. Maddox spotted three North Vietnamese patrol boats, located twenty- eight miles from the coast. The patrol boats were still in International waters, which meant that they had no right to patrol South Vietnam. Captain John Herrich of the Maddox ordered fire upon the three North Vietnamese patrol boats. The Maddox had assistance from the carrier U.S.S. Ticonderoga. The two ships managed to sink one of the patrol boats, while the other two boats bailed out. To this day government officials are still unsure whether the United States or the North Vietnamese fired first in the situation. United Sates President Lyndon B. Johnson received word of the attack and ordered the Maddox to return to the Gulf of Tonkin and patrol for more action. The Maddox accompanied by the U.S.S. Turner Joy returned to the Gulf of Tonkin on August 4, 1964. While stationed in the Gulf the radar engineers on the destroyers thought that they saw an adva... ...n technology could offer. The soldiers carried fully automatic M-16 rifles. The air swarmed with helicopters, fighter planes, and bombers. The U.S. had destroyers, tankers, and patrol boats along all of the water routes. They were supplied with medicines, surgical equipment, packaged food, and other necessities. On average one U.S. soldier had one hundred pounds of supplies given to them each day, while the Vietcong had nothing. The United States transformed South Vietnam with roads, bridges, airstrips, etc. Cafes were turned into part places, while the women turned to prostitution for money. Fishing ports were turned into deep harbors for U.S. warships. Even with all of the money that the United Sates put into the war, it proved to be useless. The Vietcong needed none of it and were ready to shut down the United Sates and proved that they could.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Globalization & Planet Essay

In our world today, firm evidences are very much needed to support claims and produce a sturdy foundation of concepts that were recently discovered by few a portion of the population. In connection to this, the role that scientists play in the discovery and confirmation of certain events is very crucial especially in terms of environmental issues because they are deemed to be the people who are knowledgeable of the technicalities and dimensions of the natural phenomena (Gott et al. , 2009). In dealing with these types of issues, it is believed that the knowledge and expertise of the scientists, researchers, and other experts must be put into consideration prior to the development of environmental policies (Gott et al. , 2009). This is based on the idea that the availability of concrete scientific evidence will enhance the integrity of the policy that is to be formed and will also save the stakeholders from investing time and monetary provisions to policies and actions that are not hinged on well-researched and scientifically backed up data (Gott et al. , 2009). Consequently, the importance of a having scientific evidence prior to the formation of environmental actions is essential in ensuring that all the possible pitfalls and counteractions for the study are provided. B. Is it better to prepare for the consequences of global warming rather than try to prevent it? As seen from the slide presentations of chapter 9, it is clearly depicted from this reference material that it is more important to prevent the occurrence of global warming rather than trying to rely on the idea that preparation for the consequences of this natural phenomenon is a better option (It is one planet, n. d). Although it is true that the occurrence of global warming is a natural phenomenon that will proceed on its own conditions, man should still do his or her best to accomplish ways that can lessen the speed of the reactions and minimize the possible amount of the detrimental effects on our mother Earth. At present, actions made by national leaders like Al Gore and government leaders of other developed countries will tell us that addressing the roots of the problem on global warming is still a better option than just sitting down and waiting for the effects to come and hoping that the pre-formed actions will suffice the need to prevent subsequent damages (It is one planet, n. d). People all over the world can lessen the utilization of carbon-based products, reduce the usage of technologies that emit substantial amount of pollution to our surroundings, and exhibit a global effort to lessen the consumption of materials that tend to damage the quality of the natural resources that are made available to us by nature in order to prevent the worsening conditions of global warming (It is one planet, n. d). C. Can you imagine a world without oil? Does it matter? In 1950s, a geologist named Marion King Hubbert predicted the bell-shaped trend on the production and consumption of oil products in the United States of America and by comparing his predictions to the present conditions, it will appear that he is right (Goodstein, 2004). According to Hubbert, oil production or oil supply in the USA will start to reduce by 1970 (Goodstein, 2004). Here also said that the worldwide supply of oil will also start to reduce by the year 2000 (Goodstein, 2004). In accordance to this, present data show that humans are using oil products at rate of about 25 billion barrels per year and by merging this data to the predictions of Hubbert and other experts, it can be said that we have about 40 more years to enjoy the benefits of oil (Goodstein, 2004). Based from these facts, it can be said that a world without oil is not far from reality and is actually about to happen in the near future (Goodstein, 2004). Hence, people should act now on the development of alternative energy sources in order to avoid pandemonium that is caused by the lack of material that will power our modern equipments (Goodstein, 2004). D. Are environmental issues an opportunity or a constraint for corporations? Corporations can look at environmental issues both as constraints and as opportunities depending on the way by which they handle the situation (Shah, 2002). In a report published in 2002 by the United Nations Environment Program, they said that there is an increasing disparity between efforts to save the planet and business projects (Shah, 2002). One specific example on the manner by which corporations utilized environmental issues as an opportunity is seen on the exploitation and harassment of the Nigerian people in order to push through with the oil extraction process in the said country (Shah, 2002). This event clearly shows the abusive power that can be manipulated by large corporations (Shah, 2002). In contrary to this, however, are the efforts made by the GE Company to develop green business, a venture that has enabled them to produce eco-friendly products (GE Company, 2010). Therefore, it lies in the hands of the owners of these big corporations on whether they will use their power to benefit or to harm the Mother Nature. E. Should the decisions at global conferences be made enforceable? By whom? Ultimate enforcement of decisions made on global conferences can only be done if majority of the participating nations have agreed on the idea that was raised and when a global pressing issue is the concern of the conference (UN, 2009). Consequently, it is the United Nations which is allowed to execute enforcement of these types of decisions and this is because of the fact that this organization is joined by majority of the nations in the world and is also authorized to carry out stipulations and solutions to issues on health, environment, and social concerns (UN, 2009). F. How does bring about a change in life styles in order to live sustainability? In order to switch to a sustainable way of living, a series of simple to complex efforts can be done by a person and these efforts are characterized by the alteration of the way by which one deals with his or her environment, changing the daily activities and avoiding bad habits, and overall promotion of responsibility to the things that are executed by the person (Ways of Wisdom, 2002). Specific steps that can be done in order to have a sustainable lifestyle include the promotion of resourcefulness, healthy physical work, and self reliance; not focusing on the short-term effects of monetary rewards but on the long-term plans, tapping natural resources in a positive way like backyard gardening and tree planting, stewardship for the environment, and valuing the importance of time and resources in order to avoid waste of time and efforts on non-important things (Ways of Wisdom, 2002). References General Electric Company. (2010). Ecomagination. Retrieved 06 May 2010, from http://www. ge. ecomagination. com Goodstein, D. (2004). The end of the age of oil. California Institute of Technology, 38 (2). Gott, R. , Duggan, S. , Roberts, R. & Hussain, A. (2009). Research into understanding scientific evidence. Retrieved 06 May 2010, from http://www. dur. ac. uk It is one planet. (n. d). Chapter 9. Shah, A. (2002). Corporations and the environment. Global Issues. Retrieved 06 May 2010, from http://www. globalissues. org United Nations. (2009). United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Division for Sustainable Development. Retrieved 06 May 2010, from http://www. un. org Ways of Wisdom. (2002). Ten characteristics of a sustainable lifestyle. Ways of Wisdom. Retrieved 06 may 2010, from http://www. waysofwisdom. com

Monday, September 16, 2019

Globalization Argumentation Essay

( 1. Premise ) Globalization effects on economic system. administrative. and geographical system of the states in an effectual mode. In today’s more ambitious and competitory concern epoch. globalisation is one of the most of import factors that have a direct or indirect consequence on the economic. administrative. and geographical system of the states in an effectual and proper mode. There are rapid alterations in the economic sciences of the states. due to globalisation. In add-on. different sorts of issues are developed or created by the globalisation to the states. Besides. these are set uping the states straight or indirectly. For illustration. High hazard investing in other states is considered a important issue. ( 1. Decision ) â€Å"After the globalisation of the worldwide market. foreign investors faced the high hazard to put in the other state due to the differences in administrative. geographic. economic. civilization and demographic status of the states. † ( Lynch & A ; Gemini. 2010 ) ( 2. Premise ) Globalization contributes to the betterment of engineering that helped national companies. There are assorted technological betterments that create effectual part in the globalisation of markets and production. It is identified that the usage of computing machines help the companies to follow globalisation and better its market portion in the planetary market. In computing machines. the usage of the cyberspace aid companies go planetary and add excess characteristics to their production and operation activities. ( 2. Decision ) â€Å"Through international engineering. companies are besides able to accomplish competitory advantages over national and international rivals in an effectual manner. † ( Mobius. 2012 ) ( 3. Premise ) Globalization provides options of companies to better their concern through enter in the new state market. One betterment in engineering related to alter in the transit engineering helped the companies make globalisation of markets and production. The development of commercial jet aircraft and ace combatants and development of ship transit aid companies simplify the trans-shipment from one manner of conveyance to another. ( 3. Decision ) â€Å"Globalization helps companies to better its market presence in the planetary market and present new production workss in different states of the universe to supply the right merchandise to the right clients at the right clip with the lowest cost† ( Peng. 2009 ) . ( 4. Premise ) Globalization provides options of the companies to better their place to pull or make the new market and more clients. Technology is helpful for companies to bring forth planetary chances through pulling planetary clients for merchandises and services. Changes in the telecommunication and debut of the World Wide Web aid companies connect with the planetary clients in an effectual manner and develop the chances in order to better the market. There are assorted planetary selling trends a planetary company needs to carry through. The altering demand of clients. alterations in advertisement media and attractive force for planetary clients are all of import. In order to make this mark. planetary sellers need to aim planetary advertisement in order to pull planetary clients in an effectual manner. ( 4. Decision ) â€Å"Through the aiming planetary advertisement for the merchandises and services. companies can besides increase its client base in the international market and can accomplish competitory advantages over rivals in national and international market† ( Shan. 2012 ) . The first premiss is an illustration of inductive logical thinking as it is intended merely to be so strong that. if the decision is different with premises. First premiss: globalisation impacts on states economic system. administrative. and geographical system. but the decision states differences that after the globalisation. foreign investors face the high hazard of investing in other states due to the differences in countries’ administrative. geographic. economic. civilization and demographic status ( Swenson. 2005 ) . In add-on. deductive statement is thought to be wholly guaranteed of the premises truth. which means the decision is similar to the premiss. Premise 2 is the illustration of the deductive statement as the premises and decision is the same. which the globalisation or internationalisation contributes into the betterment of engineering as international engineering reached of the companies that helped companies to accomplish competitory advantages. Mentions Lynch. M. & A ; Gemini. C. ( 2010 ) . Wealth: How the World’s High-Net-Worth Grow. Sustain. and Manage Their Fortunes. USA: John Wiley & A ; Sons. Mobius. M. ( 2012 ) . Passport to Net incomes: Why the Following Investment Windfalls Will be Found Abroad and How to Catch Your Share. USA: John Wiley & A ; Sons. Peng. M. W. ( 2009 ) . Global Business 2009. USA: Cengage Learning. Shan. W. ( 2012 ) . The Legal Protection of Foreign Investment: A Comparative Study. USA: Hart Publishing Limited. Swensen. D. F. ( 2005 ) . Unconventional Success: A Cardinal Approach to Personal Investment. USA: Simon and Schuster.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Self Introduction

â€Å"Time and tide wait for no man†, this we all know. Hence, having done my schooling in India for 12 years from a very prestigious school I did not want to waste time and I started studying for the aptitude tests which finally helped me land in United States of America. My name is Dhruv Tyagi and I am from India – a country known for diversities. I was born in New Delhi, the capital of India and was brought up in the city of NOIDA. This is where I learnt my mother tongue, Hindi.I was taught Hindi by my mother and this is the time where I developed a passion of learning new languages. By the grace of God I can speak four different languages and I crave to learn more while I am in United States. I was sent to The Cambridge School at a very early age. There my teachers made me capable of who I am today. It was just a weekend trip to a hill station, which developed a liking for mountaineering, trekking and doing adventurous things. I love travelling and knowing different cultures of the world. It was in School that I realized my love for machines and how they work.I remember, I was round 7 at that time, my parents gave me a toy train that used to run on a steam engine and the day I got I had unscrewed each and every part of the engine, just to see how it worked, and my love for Cars and machines wasn’t hidden from anyone. My parents wanted my sister to study BS, but looks like god wanted me to be the first Engineer in Tyagi family, so here I am studying in United States in New York Institute of Technology. I am studying Mechanical Engineering in the University at buffalo and want to work for McLaren Mercedes.A lot of people ask me, Why Mechanical Engineering? I always said, Money, but the truth is, that it’s fun to be between cars and machines’ all the time, to see a car build , to design a car etc. , plus whenever I see a car as fast as McLaren and Ferrari, I get an Adrenaline rush which keeps me going and I get a crave to bui ld a car faster than that one, giving me a new challenge every time. Besides that I like to play soccer and field hockey. Field hockey is one game that flows in my family’s veins.My father and grandfather played hockey at professional level, so I was naturally inclined towards the game. But I was kind of sad to know only girls play hockey in United States. I also like to write poems in my native language and English, In English I have read poets like William Wordsworth, Rabindra Nath Tagore and was really impressed with this genre of this kind of writing. Finally, I would like to do something in life that would uphold my family’s honor and make them proud. Right now my priority is finishing my studies and looking for a good job so that I can go build that fastest car. Self Introduction Self Introduction My name is _________________. Last year, I was graduated from university and obtained a Bachelor Degree in Law. During my study in university, I always obtained good grades. In addition, I also do the Moot Court simulations, interviewing some diplomats, visits the House of Representatives, interviewing the staff of Ministry of Law and Human Rights as the tasks of certain subjects. These tasks had helped me practically. Besides studying, Learning about International Law has always been my excitement, but International Relationship in particular has attracted me.Working in an International Organization, discussing about latest world’s issues and creating a peaceful world are very alluring to me. So that I choose International Law or International Relationship to be my major in Master Degree. I believe many things that I haven’t known will be taught in these fields of study. Because I could not find Master Degree majoring in International Law or Internati onal Relationship in Indonesia, so I am motivated to apply to universities at another country outside Indonesia.Moreover, I will get a chance to interact with students from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds drawn from all over the world. The exposure is important for interaction and integration of diverse ideas and perspectives pertaining to various global issues; for the world is a mosaic of different cultures and a single perspective cannot apply in all these cultures. I also have a strong willing to study and to become a person who have a great experience of life. So I am very motivated to apply this scholarship program.I have been waiting for two years to applying this scholarship program since it held. I hope I can get this scholarship and fulfill my dreams to become a diplomat. Through this scholarship program, I am confidence that I will be more independence, reliable, good leader, and responsible for my future life ahead. As all we know that everybody can reach t heir goals in life as long as they work hardly, focus, and carry out strong effort to chase their dreams. As a proverb says, â€Å"There is a way if you have a will†. Self Introduction Self Introduction My name is _________________. Last year, I was graduated from university and obtained a Bachelor Degree in Law. During my study in university, I always obtained good grades. In addition, I also do the Moot Court simulations, interviewing some diplomats, visits the House of Representatives, interviewing the staff of Ministry of Law and Human Rights as the tasks of certain subjects. These tasks had helped me practically. Besides studying, Learning about International Law has always been my excitement, but International Relationship in particular has attracted me.Working in an International Organization, discussing about latest world’s issues and creating a peaceful world are very alluring to me. So that I choose International Law or International Relationship to be my major in Master Degree. I believe many things that I haven’t known will be taught in these fields of study. Because I could not find Master Degree majoring in International Law or Internati onal Relationship in Indonesia, so I am motivated to apply to universities at another country outside Indonesia.Moreover, I will get a chance to interact with students from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds drawn from all over the world. The exposure is important for interaction and integration of diverse ideas and perspectives pertaining to various global issues; for the world is a mosaic of different cultures and a single perspective cannot apply in all these cultures. I also have a strong willing to study and to become a person who have a great experience of life. So I am very motivated to apply this scholarship program.I have been waiting for two years to applying this scholarship program since it held. I hope I can get this scholarship and fulfill my dreams to become a diplomat. Through this scholarship program, I am confidence that I will be more independence, reliable, good leader, and responsible for my future life ahead. As all we know that everybody can reach t heir goals in life as long as they work hardly, focus, and carry out strong effort to chase their dreams. As a proverb says, â€Å"There is a way if you have a will†.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Diabetes and Complimentary Alternative Medicine Therapies

Diabetes is one of the public health concerns which have affected many people all over the world, despite the recent advances in the field of medicine, care and management. It has been a burden to a lot of people, not only is it damaging to the people suffering from it but also damaging in terms of money. Having diabetes could lead to financial problems, as it needs to be supported and maintained by medications and treatments.Because of this, people thought of ways on how they’d be able to deal with diabetes other ways the normal doctor-medication approach. What they discovered is the Complimentary and Alternative Medicine therapies (CAM) for treating Diabetes. They found out that CAM therapies are as equally helpful in fighting diabetes as compared to medications and other medical treatments. In various researches, it was found that there is a variety of CAM therapies available in the present.These include acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy, herbal remedies, high-dose mega vitamins, solitary prayer or spiritual practices, intercessory prayer or spiritual healing by others, commercial diet programs, self-help groups, relaxation/meditation, lifestyle diets, guided imagery, massage, energy healing, folk remedies, biofeedback, naturopathy, yoga, hypnosis, osteopathy, and aromatherapy (Garrow & Egede, 2006; Yeh, Eisenberg, Davis, & Phillips, 2002).These therapies are widely used not only for diabetes, but for other forms of physical problems as well, including heart disease, kidney disease, cancer, digestive conditions, allergies, depression, and many more. According to Yeh, et al, 57% of their respondents reported CAM use for the past year, and 35% used CAM specifically for diabetes (Yeh et al. , 2002). Several researches were conducted to test the efficiency of these complimentary alternative medicine therapies.They were tested on people suffering from different types of diabetes, and whether they have any effect in the person taking the CAM therapy. The se CAM therapies were then compared to the traditional way of dealing with diabetes, which is through medicines. These researchers wished to know whether these CAM therapies are actually working to help people with Diabetes problems instead of giving them false hopes that they are going to be cured. One of the notable characteristics of these CAM therapies is that it does not rip you off financially.It doesn’t necessarily have to be something ingested, it could be a mental conditioning process, an exercise fitness regimen, or a mixture of foreign methods of healing other people. Traditional methods were more on drinking pills, consulting a doctor and having treatments. With CAM therapies, you can do anything you want and still be curing yourself. Also, there are several CAM therapies one could choose from and it doesn’t have to be the same thing over and over again.However, the results of these CAM therapies are not that immediate, as compared to taking medications, wh erein you know what time its effect will last or wear off. But still, it is not advisable to replace the conventional way of treating diabetes with unproven CAM therapies (National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2005). As much as possible, make sure that a CAM therapy is proven to be effective before trying it out. Based on the researches, those who used CAM for diabetes were all satisfied with it and found the therapies to be generally helpful.Also, these CAM therapies are not just for taking care of diabetes, it is used in treating other conditions. It is also dependent on which group of people uses what types of CAM. There were those who uses prayer, vitamins, exercise, meditation, herbs, music therapy and many more (Cuellar, Aycock, Cahill, & Ford, 2003). It does not limit a person to one type of therapy alone, but wide range of treatment for those who are suffering from diabetes. One implication of this is the realization that it can give to health care prov iders, since many people are satisfied with CAM therapies.On a research conducted by Cuellar, et al, it is recommended that health care providers must be aware that people using CAM are satisfied with their use (Cuellar et al. , 2003). Perhaps these health care providers would consider offering them to more patients who needs it, and introducing it to those who doesn’t know anything about it yet. In the advent of technology, there are still those people who prefer the old ways than the new ways. This does not only include our preferences, but also how we treat and solve our problems.One example is the famed diabetes, known to have afflicted serous problems to millions of people worldwide. We should not limit ourselves to medicines and other types of treatment. We can always go back to the way nature intended us to be, that’s why we could solve this matter by going back to what are directly provided by our environment. Complimentary Alternative Medicine Therapies is not about how weird you a cure could be; instead it should be about how useful it would be to those needing it.

Friday, September 13, 2019

'Information System' Report about 'Node.JS' Essay

'Information System' Report about 'Node.JS' - Essay Example The kind of applications running is unimaginable since they are effectively connected to the web for clients and the server for organizations. The applications are then encapsulated to other environments like flash and Applets of Java. The main aim for Node.js is to create websites that are able to have a push and real time capability. The application Node.js was introduced in the year 2009 and it was created by Ryan Dahl. It is a platform environment that is built with a JavaScript background that is supported by Google Chrome’s JavaScript engine that is the fastest among other JavaScript engines. The application has a large number of users online using it including web developers. The application is able to accommodate a large number of users due to its scalability. With the function, Node.sj has been accepted by a large number of organizations including Facebook and EBay. The application is known for having an ability of becoming event driven which allows the web browsers to respond only when the user responds or performs a function. The resources spent when a web browser is running is much less since the application allows the browser only to respond when a user is working and it enables the connection in that same period. This is an environment that has been applied in a large number of institutions and organizations including Passmores University. In the university, Node.js is widely used since it has a number of characteristics that adhere to the rules of the environment. There are a large number of students registered at the university using web browsers. The same number of the students increases every year. Due to the scalability of the environment, all the students are being recorded into the servers inclusive of their academic and administrative records. In case information in the database is altered, it is able to be reflected in other user (Students and administrators) (TEIXEIRA, 2012). Node.js

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Art - Essay Example The spaces do not look constricted or wide. The spaces are arranged in a manner that makes the fishes look as though they are passing by the viewer. The lines are sharp, well-defined, thin, angular, and curved. The texture looks natural and real, reinforced by the colors and specks of light. The image has a combination of asymmetrical balance and radial balance. Asymmetrical because when you look at the image there is a sense of greater weight at the left side but then the central object, which is the biggest fish wearing a rhino mask, sustains the balance, creating a radial balance. The emphasis is on the central object. It dominates the image by being darker, heavier, and spacious than the other objects—the other fishes. Ultimately, there is a great sense of unity because all the principles and elements perfectly complement one another to express the general message: help save the Bluefin tuna. The advertisement is made by UNICEF to raise awareness about Bluefin tuna, a species that is threatened by extinction. This advertisement is intended for particular groups of audiences, namely, those who are not aware of the issue and those who have the capacity to contribute to the cause. The embedded text, saying â€Å"Would you care more if I was a Rhino†, suggests the lack of people’s awareness about Bluefin tuna. Well, we all know what tuna is. But most of us are not aware that there is a particular species of tuna that is endangered. The text certainly targets the emotion of the audiences by suggesting that these animals have been ignored for so long to the point of possible extinction. The text actually made the image more powerful and effective. It definitely carries the mark of UNICEF and further strengthens support for the cause. The primary goal of the advertisement is to introduce to the world the plight of Bluefin tuna, a species that is marginalized by people’s excessive emphasis on the survival of endangered animals on land, like the rhinoceros. The

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

What types of franchises do people create and why Essay

What types of franchises do people create and why - Essay Example the international literature of business, modes of entry have long been considered as in close association with varying degrees of risk exposures, control, resource commitment, and profit return. Past studies indicate that the choice of modes of entry depends on distinct factor types, such as industry-specific, country-specific and firm-specific factors (Caves 2001). The major types of entry modes include equity-based and non-equity-based. Equity mode of entry is further divided into wholly owned operations and equity joint ventures. Non-equity entry mode is split into export and contractual agreements. The wholly owned subsidiary involves mainly Greenfield and acquisition. Equity joint ventures involve minority equity joint ventures, 50 % equity joint ventures and majority equity joint ventures. Contractual agreements involve licensing, risk and reward contracts, alliances and direct investment. Export involves direct export and indirect export (Erramili 2002). Some of the limits of the equity-based types of entry modes are: they call for a vital resource commitment in location across the country’s borders. It requires enough or large investment to start an independent operation. The equity-based type requires a continuing direct management of the establishment. It also needs one to interact constantly with different local parties. The advantages of the non-equity-based include: it does not need one to establish an independent organization, the connection between parties can specified and fixed during the contract (Michael 2002). The entry mode choice refers to the control level or degree desirable to a firm when it ventures into a foreign market. The choice of enterprises can be done through asset specificity and foreign market entry mode. Asset specificity is used for description of investments which are specific to a transaction, and which are reduced in alternative. The personal nature of the investments makes them susceptible to opportunism making