Saturday, August 31, 2019

Pros and Cons of Same Sex Marriage

Pros and Cons of Same Sex Marriage Jasmaine Joseph April 19, 2013 Final Grade Same sex marriage is when two people with the same gender get married. Most people label it as homosexual, gay or lesbian marriage. Allowing same gender couples to legally marry is considered to be one of the most important of all  LGBT rights. Same sex marriage isn’t hurting anyone, personal I don’t have a problem with it. People should love and be able to marry anyone they please. America is supposed to be a free place.Argentina,  Belgium,  Canada,  Denmark,  Iceland the  Netherlands,  New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, and Sweden are the 12 countries that allow same sex marriage. Alaska and Hawaii were the first states to legally ban gay marriage in 1998. As of Nov. 7, 2012, gay marriage has been legalized in nine US states (ME, MD, MA, CT, IA, VT, NH, NY, and WA) and the District of Columbia. Though gay marriage wasn't legal until the 2000s, gay couples were getting married on TV shows in the 1990s.Sitcom Roseanne featured a gay marriage in 1995 while Friends featured a lesbian wedding in 1996. In 2004, the House passed what it called the Marriage Protection Act. This legislation would have prevented the federal courts from addressing the issue of marriage. The legislation was not brought up for a vote in the Senate. On May 9, 2012, President Obama made US History when he told ABC News, â€Å"I think same sex couples should be able to get married. † Obama was reelected for a second term in November, 2012.In recent polls, about 70 percent of voters under the age of 30 support same-sex marriage. It would be a major step forward for our country in ensuring all citizens have equal rights and no one is discriminated against based on things such as race, gender, religion, sexual preference, disability, and other factors that don’t determine a person’s self-worth and contribution to society. One issue that people have with same sex marriage is parenting. Scientific research shows that lesbian and gay parents are as fit and capable as heterosexual parents.I don’t think it’s fair that when a same gender couple adopt one parent has to be labeled as the step parent. Since gay couples cannot have kids naturally, this will likely increase the desire to adopt. Since there are so many kids around the country in need of adoption, this is a good thing. Marriage benefits should be available to all couples even if they are same sex. It is completely unfair to deny these privileges to people because their relationship doesn't fit the state's  definition  of one. Denying these marriages is a form of minority discrimination.Denying marriage to a homosexual couple is no different than denying marriage to  Hispanic  or black couples. An overwhelming amount of  research  has been done showing that homosexuality has a biological causation; not a genetic one, but a biological one. The easiest w ay to think of it is as a hormonal switch that gets thrown one way or the other. And if you think about it, it makes logical sense. Consider many gays and lesbians you've seen. The only thing that should matter in marriage is love. Marriage is commitments that say â€Å"I love you so much and I’m not leaving you for nothing in this world. There are lower STD rates among married homosexuals than among non-married or cohabiting homosexual couples. Married gay couples have higher average incomes than non-married or cohabiting gay couples. The same financial benefits that apply to opposite sex marriages would apply to same-sex marriages. These are some cons people have to say about same sex marriage. Most religions consider homosexuality a sin. Virtually every religion in the world, including the major ones in this country, considers homosexuality unacceptable.It is offensive and a swipe to the religious freedom of the majority to have to recognize a relationship they consider s inful. It confuses children about gender roles and expectations of society, and only a man & woman can pro-create. Children learn about expectations and gender roles from society. It's difficult to teach the importance and traditions of the family when such confusion is thrust upon them. The gay lifestyle is not something to be encouraged, as a lot of research shows it leads to a much lower life expectancy, psychological disorders, and other problems.Studies show that homosexuals, for a variety of reasons, have life expectancies of approximately 20 years less than the general population. Just like a lifestyle of smoking and drinking unhealthy lifestyles should be discouraged. It would weaken the definition and respect for the institution of marriage. Marriage should not be extended to same-sex couples because homosexual relationships have nothing to do with procreation. Allowing gay marriage would only further shift the purpose of marriage from producing and raising children to adul t gratification.Transmission rates of STDs through homosexual intercourse are higher than heterosexual intercourse. Both cannot be biological parents of their own children. Timeline †¢ September 21, 1996: President Clinton signs the Defense of Marriage Act, banning federal recognition of same-sex marriage and defining marriage as â€Å"a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife. † †¢ December 20, 1999: The Vermont Supreme Court rules that gay and lesbian couples should be given the same rights as heterosexual couples. November 18, 2003: The Massachusetts Supreme Court rules that a ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. †¢ February 20, 2004: Sandoval County, New Mexico, issues 26 same-sex marriage licenses, but they are nullified by the state attorney general that day. †¢ February 12 to March 11, 2004: Nearly 4,000 same-sex couples get marriage licenses in San Francisco. †¢ February 24, 2004: President Bush announces support for a federal constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. †¢ February 27, 2004: New Paltz, New York, Mayor Jason West performs same-sex marriages for about a dozen couples. March 3, 2004: In Portland, Oregon, the Multnomah County Clerk's Office issues marriage licenses for same-sex couples. Benton County follows on March 24. †¢ June 7, 2004: West is issued a permanent injunction by the Ulster County Supreme Court against marrying same-sex couples. †¢ March 11, 2004: The California Supreme Court orders San Francisco to stop issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. †¢ May 17, 2004: The first legal same-sex marriages in U. S. history are performed in Cambridge, Massachusetts. †¢ July 14, 2004: The U.S. Senate blocks a proposed constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage (48 votes out of 60 needed). †¢ August 12, 2004: The California Supreme Court orders San Francisco officials, including Mayor Gavin Newsom, not to license additional sa me-sex marriages, pending resolution of the constitutional challenges to state marriage statutes †¢ April 25, 2011: King & Spalding, the private law firm hired by House Speaker John Boehner, backs out of defending the Defense of Marriage Act. †¢ May 12, 2011: Delaware Gov.Jack Markell signs legislation allowing civil unions between same-sex couples. The bill will take effect January 1, 2012. †¢ June 14, 2011: Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York proposes the Marriage Equality Act, a bill to legalizes marriage for same-sex couples. †¢ June 14, 2011: U. S. District Court for the Northern District of California upholds a lower court ruling invalidating California's Proposition 8's ban on same-sex marriage as unconstitutional. The ruling had been challenged when the lower court's judge was found to be gay. June 24, 2011: The New York Senate votes to legalize same-sex marriage. Cuomo signs the bill just before midnight, and the bill goes into effect July 24, 2011. †¢ Ju ly 2, 2011: Gov. Lincoln Chafee signs legislation making Rhode Island the fifth state to allow civil unions between same-sex couples. †¢ September 30, 2011: The U. S. Department of Defense issues guidelines allowing military chaplains to perform same-sex ceremonies. †¢ January 30, 2012: Legislation to legalize same-sex marriage in the state of Washington passes a House committee vote and heads to the Senate.Gov. Chris Gregoire is in favor of the bill. †¢ February 1, 2012: The Washington state Senate passes a bill to legalize same-sex marriage by a vote of 28-21. On February 8, the House approves the measure by a vote of 55-43. †¢ February 7, 2012: A three-judge panel with the 9th U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco rules that Proposition 8, the voter-approved same-sex marriage ban, violates the Constitution. †¢ February 13, 2012: Gregoire signs a law making same-sex marriage is signed into law in Washington state.The law will go into effect in Ju ne unless opponents halt its implementation by putting it on the November 2012 ballot. †¢ February 13, 2012: The New Jersey state Senate passes a bill to legalize same-sex marriage by a vote of 24-16. †¢ February 17, 2012: New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie vetoes a bill legalizing same-sex marriage. New Jersey lawmakers have until the legislative session ends in January 2014 to override Christie's veto and would need a two-thirds majority in both houses to succeed. †¢ February 23, 2012: The Maryland Senate passes a bill to legalize same-sex marriage.The bill passed the Maryland House vote earlier in the month, and Gov. Martin O'Malley has promised to sign it into law. The law will go into effect in the summer if it survives a likely court challenge. †¢ May 8, 2012: North Carolina voters pass a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, putting a ban that already existed in state law into the state's charter. †¢ May 9, 2012: Excerpts from an interview w ith ABC air in which Obama endorses same-sex marriage, the first such statement by a sitting president. He feels that the legal decision should be up to the states to determine. May 30, 2012: A lawsuit is filed in Illinois by nine same-sex couples challenging the constitutionality of a state law that denies same-sex couples the right to marry. References  © 2013 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved ( http://www. cnn. com/2012/05/31/us/ff-same-sex-marriage ) Written by: Joe Messerli ( http://www. balancedpolitics. org/same_sex_marriages. htm ) http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage http://topics. nytimes. com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/s/same_sex_marriage/index. html

Friday, August 30, 2019

Porphyria

The disorder I chose to do is called Porphyria. It can cause red bloches on the skin. It can also severely affect the nervous system. Ichose this disorder because it had a name similar to Porpise. Porphyria is a group of disorders caused by abnormalities in the chemical steps that lead to heme production. Heme is a vital molecule for all of the body's organs, although it is most abundant in the blood, bone marrow, and liver. Heme is a component of several iron-containing proteins called hemoproteins, including hemoglobin (the protein that carries oxygen in the blood). Researchers have identified several types of porphyria, which are distinguished by their genetic cause and their signs and symptoms. Some types of porphyria, called cutaneous porphyrias, primarily affect the skin. Areas of skin exposed to the sun become fragile and blistered, which can lead to infection, scarring, changes in skin coloring (pigmentation), and increased hair growth. Cutaneous porphyrias include congenital erythropoietic porphyria, erythropoietic protoporphyria, hepatoerythropoietic porphyria, and porphyria cutanea tarda. Other types of porphyria, called acute porphyrias, primarily affect the nervous system. These disorders are described as â€Å"acute† because their signs and symptoms appear quickly and usually last a short time. Episodes of acute porphyria can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. During an episode, a person may also experience muscle weakness, seizures, fever, and mental changes such as anxiety and hallucinations. These signs and symptoms can be life-threatening, especially if the muscles that control breathing become paralyzed. Acute porphyrias include acute intermittent porphyria and ALAD deficiency porphyria. Two other forms of porphyria, hereditary coproporphyria and variegate porphyria, can have both acute and cutaneous symptoms. Each form of porphyria results from mutations in one of these genes: ALAD, ALAS2, CPOX, FECH, HMBS, PPOX, UROD, or UROS. The genes related to porphyria provide instructions for making the enzymes needed to produce heme. Mutations in most of these genes reduce enzyme activity, which limits the amount of heme the body can produce. As a result, compounds called porphyrins and porphyrin precursors, which are formed during the process of heme production, can build up abnormally in the liver and other organs. When these substances accumulate in the skin and interact with sunlight, they cause the cutaneous forms of porphyria. The acute forms of the disease occur when porphyrins and porphyrin precursors build up in and damage the nervous system. One type of porphyria, porphyria cutanea tarda, results from both genetic and nongenetic factors. About 20 percent of cases are related to mutations in the UROD gene. The remaining cases are not associated with UROD gene mutations and are classified as sporadic. Many factors contribute to the development of porphyria cutanea tarda. These include an increased amount of iron in the liver, alcohol consumption, smoking, hepatitis C or HIV infection, or certain hormones. Mutations in the HFE gene (which cause an iron overload disorder called hemochromatosis) are also associated with porphyria cutanea tarda. Other, as-yet-unidentified genetic factors may also play a role in this form of porphyria. Some types of porphyria are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means one copy of the gene in each cell is mutated. This single mutation is sufficient to reduce the activity of an enzyme needed for heme production, which increases the risk of developing signs and symptoms of porphyria. Autosomal dominant porphyrias include acute intermittent porphyria, most cases of erythropoietic protoporphyria, hereditary coproporphyria, and variegate porphyria. Although the gene mutations associated with some cases of porphyria cutanea tarda also have an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, most people with this form of porphyria do not have an inherited gene mutation. Other porphyrias are inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means both copies of the gene in each cell have mutations. Most often, the parents of an individual with an autosomal recessive condition each carry one copy of the mutated gene, but do not show signs and symptoms of the condition. Porphyrias with an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance include ALAD deficiency porphyria, congenital erythropoietic porphyria, and some cases of erythropoietic protoporphyria. When erythropoietic protoporphyria is caused by mutations in the ALAS2 gene, it has an X-linked dominant pattern of inheritance. The ALAS2 gene is located on the X chromosome, which is one of the two sex chromosomes. In females (who have two X chromosomes), a mutation in one of the two copies of the gene in each cell may be sufficient to cause the disorder. In males (who have only one X chromosome), a mutation in the only copy of the gene in each cell causes the disorder. Males may experience more severe symptoms of the disorder than females. A striking characteristic of X-linked inheritance is that fathers cannot pass X-linked traits to their sons. Mutations in the UROD gene are related to both porphyria cutanea tarda and hepatoerythropoietic porphyria. Individuals who inherit one altered copy of the UROD gene are at increased risk for porphyria cutanea tarda. (Multiple genetic and nongenetic factors contribute to this condition. ) People who inherit two altered copies of the UROD gene in each cell develop hepatoerythropoietic porphyria. The exact prevalence of porphyria is unknown, but it probably ranges from 1 in 500 to 1 in 50,000 people worldwide. Overall, porphyria cutanea tarda is the most common type of porphyria. For some forms of porphyria, the prevalence is unknown because many people with a genetic mutation associated with the disease never experience signs or symptoms. Acute intermittent porphyria is the most common form of acute porphyria in most countries. It may occur more frequently in northern European countries, such as Sweden, and in the United Kingdom. Another form of the disorder, hereditary coproporphyria, has been reported mostly in Europe and North America. Variegate porphyria is most common in the Afrikaner population of South Africa; about 3 in 1,000 people in this population have the genetic change that causes this form of the disorder. Patients diagnosed with porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) are screened for other diseases. They may be treated with phlebotomy (blood collection) to reduce body iron stores and/or receive other treatments to decrease photosensitivity of the skin. Specialists advise PCT patients to wear protective clothing and use sunscreen at all times to reduce skin damage. PCT affects about 80 percent of patients with porphyria. It is the most common non-acute porphyria and by far the most common porphyria. Although acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is the most common acute porphyria, it is still quite rare. It usually affects women between 20 and 40 years old and men between 30 and 50. Because patients with an acute attack of AIP can rapidly develop a life-threatening illness, physicians often recommend hospitalization. While being monitored in the intensive care unit, patients may be treated with intravenous fluids, a high-carbohydrate diet, and medications that suppress porphyrin production. As you can see, Porphyria is a terrible disease. It affecs many and can even kill those affected. Reaserch on cures and treatments is still underway. We can only hope they find a cure before more people are affected.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

The finest one-stop shop for ambulance vehicle Essay

The finest one-stop shop for ambulance vehicle - Essay Example Other related designs inside and out of the ambulance vehicle will also be covered within the business for as long as it is related with providing medical equipments. For instance, cabinets, and handles for medical apparatus will be provided as well. In other words, the said business is a one-stop shop for ambulance because it would try to cater in as much as possible all the essential needs of the said vehicles for emergency purposes and other related concerns. A detail of this plan can be pictured out through Appendix 3. 3. Business Name and Logo  The business name is taken from the name of the proponent; it is â€Å"SAAD Company†, while the company’s logo is obtained from the site of Arthursclipart.org (2009). The logo is a picture of a red cross, indicating that the company is provider of life-saving equipments for emergency purposes. In other words, the logo remarkably emphasizes that the business would work hand in hand with medical-related businesses. In this c ase, it would provide substantial equipments and other related needs of ambulance vehicles including but not limited to designing customized medical gears.   4. Location  The proponent would want to locate the business at the center of South Australia, Adelaide. This is the capital of South Australia. In June 2011, there were 1.21 million people in its population, an integral component of the overall 1.66 million people in South Australia in the same year (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2012). Adelaide is situated at the heart of South Australia where business.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Workplace Violence from an organizational perspective Coursework

Workplace Violence from an organizational perspective - Coursework Example During the incident, the admission clerk who was threatened by the three men alerted the security force, and other members of the organization. The police who were present at the time swung into action and managed to apprehend the offenders. The incident left many of the organization’s staff members traumatized, the admission clerk getting affected to the point of leaving work. The affected staff were offered emotional counseling to help them overcome emotional trauma. The federal government has no specific requirements to protect workers from violence in the organization. However, there are a number of organizations that have come up with standards to prevent violence in the workplace, assigning responsibility for safety in the workplace. The US Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for example has established guidelines and made recommendations aimed at reducing workers’ exposure to violence. The organization has however not institut ed any rules in this respect. Each state has the capacity to enact legislations relating to workplace safety. Currently, 16 states have enacted legislations that demand the establishment of workplace violence prevention programs, the study of violence in the workplace, incident reporting and tougher penalties for offenders. The Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA) demands the reasonable protection of employees from violence and that incidences of violence be reported to the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. The healthcare facility being accredited by the Joint Commission needs to comply with the commission’s standards and therefore manage safety risks. According to the Environment of Care Standard 1.10, the organization should have a written safety plan that complies with OSHA recommendations, calling for staff commitment to safety. Management needs to monitor the organization taking not signs of violence for granted. Compromising on workplac e safety and security may have serious legal implications on both employers and workers. Management styles employed in running the organization should be constructive and strategies that are aimed at boosting safety and security should be implemented. The worksite should also be analyzed for potential and real hazards and workers trained on safety and health. Furthermore, the organization’s culture should be one that is intolerant to violence as demonstrated by its vision and mission. Management also needs to utilize tested models in resolving conflicts, complete a threat assessment and keep records that relate to threats and violence in the organization. Furthermore, a multidisciplinary approach should be taken in ensuring that the entire workforce understands the organization’s â€Å"no violence† policy. Registered Nurses (RN) need to promptly asses every employee’s safety needs and assist them accordingly while at the same time seeking to ensure that p atients live in a safe environment. Indeed, all employees wish to work in a safe and secure environment. However, workplace violence impacts the healthcare industry negatively, especially with respect to the recruitment and retention of staff. Violence lowers workers’ morale and could cause physical pain and emotional trauma. Emotional trauma is commonly associated with poor work performance, absenteeism and high employee turnover. In order to establish such an environment, both management and employees should take a proactive role to establish a positive culture – one that prioritizes safety and good health. Management should asses risks and respond to safety needs appropriately, training employees on the subject in case of need. Workers on the other hand should be committed to providing

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Why is single sex gender school is better than co ed Research Paper

Why is single sex gender school is better than co ed - Research Paper Example Single-sex/gender education, pertains to the practice of educating individuals through separate platforms i.e. classes and schooling area, by way of gender separation of the student body. Conversely, mixed-sex education refers to the integrated system of imparting knowledge, where both genders are present in a given educational setting. Education is critical for the proper upbringing of a person, aimed at influencing mental capability towards providing positive social input. While both categories of education are essential in society, given prevailing contexts that necessitate one form or the other, I am of the view that single-sex gender schooling is better than co-education. This is going to be portrayed in the paper, which will focus on why single-sex/ gender schooling is the preferable choice of schooling, compared to co-education. It will further provide an assessment of the impacts of both forms of education, on American social relations especially on the aspect of optimal environments for study. This is in terms of impacts, influences and effects on school going children, to the older generation of college students. In summation, it will provide reasons as to why single-sex education is the preferred avenue of schooling, as opposed to co-education, within American social contexts. Co-education is more of a modern ideal, as is portrayed by various debates, for or against such education settings. However, this does not necessarily mean that single-sex education is not considered within present contexts. It is in fact upon this notion that various debates are currently underway. Pundits are of the view that it possesses many admirable attributes, which would affect positively, in the wholesome growth of an individual. In current contexts, very few exceptions have student populations under the single-sex gender education system, exceeding the 10% threshold (Pilson and Yvonne 77). However, resurgence is in the offing, as consideration of the

Monday, August 26, 2019

The Impact of the differences between the United Kingdom, United Dissertation

The Impact of the differences between the United Kingdom, United States of America and the European Union Copyright Laws - Dissertation Example It also gives rights granted to the musician on his piece of work. He has a right to restrict any derogatory action on his music. He also grants the rights of reproduction, lending and distribution of his music among others. The various remedies granted to the musician in case of a person infringing the copyright are also discussed. It also looks on the need for copyright education and the need for future and managerial decisions for musicians. A comparison on the copyright protection laws shows that the application of these laws in terms of the moral rights, copyright infringement and remedies for infringement is similar in the US, UK and in the EU. The difference, however, lies in the duration of the copyright protection as outlined above. This study also outlines the impacts of these laws on the musicians. The impacts can be generally categorized as social impacts, cultural impacts, economic impacts, moral impacts, administrative impacts among others. A recommendation on the appli cation of copyright laws is also given. Among the recommendations given include copyright registration by musicians, copyright monitoring and evaluation policies, need for copyright education and provision of music at reasonable prices. ... he Impact of the differences between the United Kingdom, United States of America and the European Union Copyright Laws for Sound Recording on Musicians. Introduction A copyright refers to property right or a legal concept granted by most governments to the creator of an original work giving him exclusive rights over the property for a limited time. In the UK copyright, protection in sounds recording and broadcasts exists for 50 years2. This is in relation the end of the year when it was produced. The copyright must be in the protection of an expressed idea. Copyright over property arises automatically and hence it is not necessary to register. The copyright grants the original composers certain economic and moral rights over their work. A copyright protects the following works: original musical works, sound recordings, films original artistic works, original dramatic works, broadcasts among others. 3Sound recordings or phonorecords refers to the mechanical inscription and recreation of sound waves such as singing, instrumental music, spoken voice or sound waves. Sound recording include both analog and digital recording. There are four different kinds of copyrights to be considered in the case of sound recording. They include; copyright of the composer, copyright of the producer of the record, copyright of the performer and copyright of the tester if any4 . According to the copyright acts of 1976, Copyright on the music in the USA initially belongs to the composer5. It is mandatory to have the first page with a copyright notice of the music or on the title page which should consist of the symbol  © or the year it was first published and the publisher’s name. Before posting the composition on the internet or doing the first public performance the copyright should be

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Leadership and Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 2

Leadership and Management - Assignment Example oup Problem Solving: Leadership and Motivation: The performance of different members in a business organization largely depends on the leadership style followed within the organization and the factors that motivate the employees personally. Employees may be motivated either by external factors like wages and rewards or by internal factors like their relationship with their work. Based on the different needs of different individuals, there are three motivational theories that are applicable for business organizations. These are the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Alderfer’s ERG Theory, and McClelland’s Theory of Needs (Nader n.d.). Maslow divided the needs of humans into five divisions that include their psychological needs, safety needs, relationship needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization. Psychological needs involve the basic needs of an individual like food, shelter, and clothing. Safety needs include security of jobs, a good working environment, and plans fo r pensions and insurances. Relationship needs reflect the need to socialize and have friends and companions around. Esteem needs are those that are more than the basic needs such as need for appreciation and recognition. Finally, self-actualization is the stage where an individual feels the need to pursue further to achieve something for his own. This need may completely vary from one man to another and tend to become individualistic in nature (Nader n.d.). Alderfer’s theory focused on an individual’s need for existence, thus requiring suitable conditions and materials; the need for relatedness that may be achieved through interactions and communications with others; and the need for growth reflected through their achievements and self-actualization. According to McClelland’s theory individuals feel... From the assignment presented by the researcher, it can be concluded that Lee, who was analyzed as the leadership manager of the company proved to be an effective leader as far as finding solution to the problems that were established from the start, such as customer dissatisfaction and employee motivation that was concerned. The researcher analyzed his recommendations and states that instead of ignoring the problem, the leadership manager surveyed and determined that a reward program might prove to be effective to motivate the employees towards effective performance that was lacking in the present situation. The leadership manager also proved to be a responsible leader trying to improve the performance of all the team members such that the organizational goals may be achieved. The proposal for a standardized method of recruitment that was described in the assignment can also be said to be an effective measure suggested by the manager for recruitment of effective people which is othe rwise not achieved through unstructured interview patterns. The researcher then mentiones that understanding the particular needs of employees and hence fulfilling them would be a better option for future improvement and successful work. Moreover, transformational leadership would be recommended in such cases as described in the assignment as it allows to establish better communications between the leader and the employees, thereby improving the relation and move towards more cognitive consensus for problem solving.

The prons and cons of using computer to work Essay

The prons and cons of using computer to work - Essay Example However, computer as a technology is faulted by the mere fact that the use is environmentally harmful adducing the waste produced by the continued use of the machines. Moreover, the use of computers has advanced from the past notion of the gadget being luxurious into a need that forces the world to rely constantly on their availability. The use of this gadget has increased the need to purchase the instrument since it gives the user more features that they make the individuals do a colossal amount of work in the fashion they need the machines to do the work. The fact that the computers do as the user commands gives the device an upper hand in the functional management of work, business among other uses. The computers have proven a daily use periphery, which has its own advantages (Wenglinsky, 2005). While using the computer might have its cons, the perquisites it comes with surpass the disadvantages that may be in the process of using one. The computer is a learning instrument in the society where the use has changed the classroom in terms of research and work in the modern schools. The use of the computers has reduced the use of paper work translating to the reduced amounts of paperwork in the classroom and staffrooms. In most cases, the work done on the machines is stored within giving better storage of the class work as compared to the old ways where the work done was very vulnerable to the natural laws (Richardson et al, 2005). Moreover, the convenience the work has seen in this technologically advancing world is another in favor of what manifests itself in the working system. The computer can connect the employee to the work required without the worker being there. This has improved the work travel performance making it wise to have to work from the point one is situated saving on the costs of travel (Cornick, 2006). Moreover, conference calls can be made on urgent clarifications connecting several business partn ers instead of them traveling and meeting at a central point. The use of computers has made possible to the business people acting as the central point of communication easing up the business processes. In contrast to the disadvantage involved is the idea of impersonation that can happen with the advanced technology in the market giving the use of these convenient a risk attached to the speedy connection and business transaction (Saunders, 2000). People can impersonate others and perform fraudulent acts to business parties without the parties noticing in an instant. The old way so sealing deals did not allow the fraudulent episodes that were unprecedented since the people would meet physically. However, the uses old techniques are do not guarantee safety since they had moments where the drifts would still happen. This means the presence of the schemes will never end as long as money is involved. The use of computers poses a lot of possibilities and advantages. However, to obtain the se one needs to purchase the gadget first to obtain these privileges. The ownership of these convenience costs one to give money to obtain the required software and hardware to enable the required functioning of the computer system (Richardson et al, 2005). For any person who needs better performance from the computers, the need comes with the costs to upgrade to the level they need to reach with the computers. This con is hidden and often no one seems to articulate its presence. Either way, the purchase of a computer may be expensive initially but when the gadget starts to deliver its duties the returns are more than the amount spent on the purchase making it more viable to implement the use rather than avoid because

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 14

Assignment - Essay Example This legitimate designation of ownership of property to an individual or firm is essential in that it aids in clearly defining the way that the said property is to be utilized. As such, this makes it easier to utilize a property such that its maximum potential can be realized. Additionally, the convenience that is gained from this legitimate designation is that the possibility for wrangles and constant disagreements over the said property are reduced, and this eventually improves societal cohesion and better mutual existence. Historically, property was basically a term used to define land ownership. This is due to the fact that land was, and still is, one of the most important human resources. However, with the dynamism of the contemporary society, the definition for property has continually evolved. There are numerous changes that cannot be ignored, and this calls for the adoption of various ways to define property in line with the need to adapt to the changes that define the contemporary society. Consequently, this is the perspective from which private property comes in, as it tries to consider the issue of property ownership in light of the dynamics that define the current society. As such, there are various definitions and perspectives from which the issue of property ownership can be viewed, with each perspective offering a completely different insight in light of the numerous facets of the society. In most cases, private property is all about property that is owned by individuals specifically for their own personal use. Under this consideration, the assumption is that private property is distinguishable from public property in that public property is owned by governmental agencies, and used for the broad benefit of the general society. This means that while public property is specifically for public use as allocated by the governmental authority in charge, private property is specifically for private use, with the legal

Friday, August 23, 2019

Trade and the Multinational Enterprise Coursework - 4

Trade and the Multinational Enterprise - Coursework Example Market size and economic stability are found to be main motivations for investment. The findings provide an opportunity for justification of the study hypotheses as well as future recommendations. The case study given is the German FDI in China. China is the third leading country beneficiary of the Foreign Direct Investment. In 2003-2004, the country realized the highest investment with Germany been one the countries that invested greatly in China. Since then, the trade ties between the two countries have steadily been increasing. Currently, there are more than 1500 Germany firms that have invested in China. In point of fact, Germany is the leading European country trading partner with China. Research conducted by scholars Bernard and Jensen in 2002 showed that there were approximately $ 51.7 billion of FDI in China. In 2003, foreign investment increased up to $ 53 billion (China Statistics, 2007). The country attracted $ 61 billion in 2004. From the statistics, it can be seen that the FDI index has been increasingly drastically. Furthermore, the FDI index was ranked the top position. A study conducted by the Financial Times noted that in developing states, the Republic of Ch ina is the largest foreign direct investment beneficiary country. The research explores the OLI paradigm in the context of German FDI in China. OLI is an abbreviation for Ownership, Location, and Internalization (Agarwal, Gubitz & Nunnenkamp, 2006). The three are prime bases that underlie an enterprise’s decision to grow in a multinational company. In the context of this paper, ownership advantages help addresses the subject of why some companies go abroad and not others. Location advantages answers the question of which is the most appropriate location to establish a firm in a foreign country. Lastly, internalization focuses on the influences of a firm’s operation in

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Science and Technology Essay Example for Free

Science and Technology Essay Yan Wang (Corresponding author) School of Economics and Management, Changchun University of Science and Technology 7989 Weixing Road, Changchun 130022, China Tel: 86-431-8521-7930 Abstract At present, the world economy is shifting to the model of knowledge-based economy, knowledge and technology to economic growth has greatly exceeded the sum of the contribution of capital, labor and natural resources and become the most important economic factors, economic growth rely on scientific and technological progress than before, scientific and technological innovation is more important than ever before, it is becoming the main causes and the most direct driving force of a region or countrys economic growth and development. This paper starts from the meaning of regional scientific and technological innovative competence; analyze the composition and upgrade mechanism of regional scientific and technological innovative competence. Keywords: Regional scientific and technological innovative competence, Composition, Upgrades mechanism 1. Introduction Since the Austrian-American economist Schumpeter put forward the concept what is a kind of innovative changes in the production function for the first time in † Economic Development Theory† which published in 1912, and particularly emphasizes on economic changes, such as reduced costs, the economic balance broken, brutal competition and the economic cycle itself, should be mainly attributable to Innovation , henceforth the innovation has been the hotspot of international study , but in different countries, different periods of time, it has been given to the different characteristics. 2. Meaning of Regional scientific and technological innovation Regional scientific and technological innovation meanly that in the given region , under the regional context, science, technology, education, economy and other factors shape the incorporate development mechanism , is the regional system whose main body is enterprise and include local government, education and scientific research units, intermediary organizations. It relies on the strength of regional science and technology innovation, uses resources of regional scientific and technological innovation effectively, coordinates the inter-regional cooperation in science and technology and competition, and achieves efficient allocation of scientific and technological innovation resources (personnel, knowledge, inputs) and the structural optimization, promotes the extensive development of regional scientific and technological innovation and the application , promotion and popularization of innovative product. And then create and develop the competitive advantage to ensure regional economic development. Regional scientific and technological innovation system is the network which regional science and technology organizations, universities, business interact and develop together. This innovative system has the main features of the system, but is open. The System bear the task of putting the high-tech science and technology into the development of regional economic variables, promoting the regional industrial structure modernization and optimization, so as to ensure regional economic and social sustainable development. From the practice of each regional economic development, the regional competitive ability especially the strength of sustainable competitiveness mainly depends on its scientific and technological ability. From the successful experience of developed countries, generally the regional scientific and technological innovative competence should have 8 parts, such as the capability of independent innovation, comprehensive utilization of extra-territorial technology, supply of the innovative system, open up new markets, management innovation, development of new resources, coordination and advanced thinking ability. 3.1 Capability of Independent Innovation To understand independent innovation, first of all, is a direction. It emphasizes that we need innovative thinking, based on our own strength, innovation as much as possible. At the same time, do not rule out studying others. Innovation can be divided into 3 categories: (1) integration independent innovation, it is the organic integration of a variety of related technologies to form products and industries with market competitive; (2) introduce or imitate innovation, based on the introduction of foreign advanced technology, to promote positi vely digestion, absorption and re-innovation; (3) originality independent innovation, that is, through their own new technology research and invention, and developed a new or next generation products. Their Common ground is the unique core technology which has the intellectual property and on the basis to form the value of new products. The capability of independent innovation is the region (enterprises) use effectively innovative resources, establish a new technology platform or change the core technology and achieve independent intellectual property, so that the region will continue to enhance its core competitiveness ability and obtain sustainable competitive advantage in the market competition, in the process of technological innovation to express organic colligation of various ability. 3.2 Capacity of Comprehensive Utilization of Extra-territorial Technology Capacity of comprehensive utilization of extra-territorial technology mainly refers to the extraterritorial appropriate technology. The so-called appropriate technology, not high-tech necessarily, as long as suiting the stage of regional economic development, to make the region access to sustainable development capacity t hrough using and popularization of technology. Capacity of comprehensive utilization of extra-territorial technology indicates that the region under circumstances of lacking originality as individual, and attract the extraterritorial appropriate technology for its own using, the focus is on the basis of digestion and absorption, improvement and innovation or change the core technology to produce new products. However, because partial or minor changes, it is commonly difficult to apply to the patents and not have independent intellectual property rights. Comprehensive utilization of extra-territorial technology is a better choice, such as the backward areas implement catch-up strategy. 3.3 Capacity of the supply of innovative system Regional scientific and technological innovation required system collaboration of the whole society and can not be separated from regulation and control of system norms and policy guidance and support of government, such as a series of taxation, finance, industrial technology, personnel incentives. If no such systems and policies, technological innovations will no step. Mechanism is as shown in Figure 1. 3.4 Capacity to Open Up New Markets Explicit manifestations of capacity of regional scientific and technological innovation are able to produce the high-tech, high value-added products which can meet market demand and consumers agree to accept, and then through market exchange to successfully realize the value compensation. And Japans low-volume, diversification Toyota production model has been exceed Americas high-volume, low diversification† the new winter system, and its drawbacks are that the production scale is small and production cost is high. Therefore, opening up new markets and expanding market size are imperative to obtain economies of scale. 3.5 Capacity of Management Innovation With the advent of a knowledge-based economy, science and technology change with each passing day, market competition is growing, complexity and difficulty of regional scientific and technological innovation is greater, so whether if can the government management system innovates with the time from the government-funded, creation purchase, nail down orientation, the patent system, tax incentives, direct investment, and integration innovation, continue to management innovation and strengthen policies to encourage scientific and technological innovation are particularly important. 3.6 Capacity to develop new resources Resources are the basis for regional economic development, and agelong supply of resources is the basis for sustainable development of the region. Throughout the regional resources system, the vast majority of resources (in particular, non-renewable mineral resources) lack flexibility in supply in the near future. Therefore, continue to develop new resources to provide sustainable supply of resources to promote regional sustainable economic development is one of main mission of regional scientific and technological innovation and also a main component of regional scientific and technological innovation competence. 3.7 Capacity of advanced thinking In economic development, we say the idea is everything, and in science and technology innovation, we believe that advanced thinking decides everything. Since the difficulty of original innovation: firstly, rely on the accumulation of knowledge; secondly, rely on inspiration of a handful genius. Where does inspiration come from? In fact, it comes from the advanced thinking ability of scientists. Scientists only have the advanced thinking ability can sudden blaze inspiration and to create original innovative, to produce a new product; scientists only have the advanced thinking ability to be possible to set a variety of existing technologies form integrated innovation, and developed new improved products; only have the advanced thinking ability can enhance its digestion and absorption capacity of imported technology, and on this basis to form introduction innovation, access to their own intellectual property rights. If government does not have an advanced thinking ability , will not be able to formulate scientific strategies for regional economic development, but also impossible to provide system supply in favor of scientific and technological innovation, would be impossible to upgrade the capacity of regional scientific and technological innovation. 3.8 Capacity of Coordination Regions itself is a complex economic and social system, inside and outside of the region have a variety of economic and interest actors, in the course of economic operation, if let the market mechanism to allocate freely, there would exist the case of market failure, such as externalities and public goods, especially in science and technology innovation system to promote regional economic development. In nature, science and technology is a kind of public goods of strong spillover effects, free-rider phenomenon is more likely appear; the external effects of scientific and technological achievements are also great and positive; R D investment is great, but results and earnings are uncertainty, so it is a high-risk, high investment activity, only one or a few enterprises can not be completed. Therefore, the Government of the Organization Coordination ability is very important and necessary. 4. Upgrade Mechanism of Regional Scientific and technological innovation Competence From economic development practice of developed countries such as the US and Japan, to keep the competitiveness of the regional economy than ever, using regional scientific and technological innovation to promote regional economic development. Therefore, we must form upgrade mechanism of regional scientific and technological innovation capacity. Learning from international successful experience, generally we should do the following four areas: 4.1 Construct the Regional Scientific and Technological Innovation System Which Main body is enterprises Looking from outside mechanism, we must intensify system reforms; to achieve separation of political from capital, separation of government from enterprises, rely on preferential policies, legal protection and market incentives to turn enterprises into the investors, beneficiary, risk takers, main body of research and development, main body of decision-making of technological innovation,; analysis from internal mechanisms, we must implement modern enterprise system, through system innovation, such as property rights system, incentive systems, organizational systems, to promote technological innovation; through capital market to achieve enterprises’ strategic restructuring and the survival of the fittest, accelerate the technological transformation of traditional industries, establish the benefits and risk-driven mechanisms of technological innovation, promote large and medi um-sized enterprises to establish a sound scientific research and development institutions, as soon as possible to form a number of large-scale enterprises group with independent innovation ability and to match multi-national corporations; change the approach that state-owned enterprise managers appointed by the superior, and gradually establish and perfect the market selection and wash out mechanism of enterprise managers, establish an effective entrepreneurship motivation, discipline and supervision mechanism, bring into play fully the entrepreneurs’ soul and core role in technological innovation. 4.2 Construct the Experts Community of Regional Economic Development In the era of knowledge economy, knowledge is the first resources or key resources of regional economic development, and people are carriers of knowledge who use knowledge to innovate and change the world; we say the idea determines everything, the idea is wrong and then all are wrong, the idea refers to that of government leaders and entrepreneurs; even if the region has more scientific and technological resources, if not to be organized reasonably and optimize the configuration, it can not form a strong scientific and technological innovation capacity of region to promote regional economic development, thus need the outstanding intellectual leader in knowledge fields. Therefore, in order to enhance the capacity of regional scientific and technological innovation, we must establish experts community of regional economic development. The key to harmony and unification management system is that government should strengthen communication and coordination. (1) Internal coordination problem of government departments. Government would understand more about the factors which affects capabilities of regional scientific and technological innovation and it’s role in their own scientific and technological innovation system. Summarize the successful experience of the relevant bodies and generalize them at other agencies, utilize new or existing forum, among government, enterprises, colleges and research institutions to discuss the common problems to influence on regional scientific and technological innovation system development; (2) the problem of co-ordination between business and government. Try to recognize explicitly that there are partnership and common benefits between the support of regional science and technology innovation system of state-owned enterprises and the private sector, to enhance their mutual com plementarily. At present, more and more activities of state-owned enterprises run out that of private sector. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the coordination between them so that they can only work together for regional technological innovation system to make their own contribution; (3) to strengthen regional peoples understanding of scientific and technological innovation system. Try to let people know the importance of innovative activity, as well as the means by which the people to support innovation, improve the well-known degree of the award in the technological development field; (4) to reinforce inter-regional and international cooperation, to strengthen recognition of the excellent Technology Center to encourage inter -regional and even cross-border cooperation in science and technology. 4.4 Construct the perfect investment and financing system of regional scientific and technological innovation The upgrade of regional scientific and technological innovation capability depends on a great deal of R D inputs, no abundant risk capital, same as the car does not oil, the whole system of regional scientific and technological innovation are not functioning. And rely on financial investment only, capacity is limited, or there would be Chinese Tsukuba situation; if only rely on corporate investment, because the risks may be difficult to do so. Therefore, must be guided by government policies favoring to form a perfect, including government, financial institutions and non-governmental organizations, diversified, market-oriented, new-style risk investment and financing system. 5. Conclusion In a word, each region should base on understanding of composition of regional scientific and technological innovative competence and its upgrade mechanism, combing with its own practice of regional economic development, to constitute the countermeasures to upgrade the competence. References Wang, Delu. (2000). Grow up of Region- Studies on Regional Innovation Theory and Cases. Beijing: Aviation Industry Press. Wang, yan. (2007). Theoretical Research on Independent Innovation for Regional Economic Development [D]. PhD thesis.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Just Culture in Nursing

Just Culture in Nursing JUST CULTURE: An Approach that is Right and Just for the Philippine Nursing System Bernardo Oliber Alconis Arde Jr., RN, MAN Nursing has always been regarded as a â€Å"humanistic science† since it has evolved from experience to science. Anchored by altruistic motives, nurses perform nursing care to patients with tact and prudence; otherwise patients’ safety is jeopardized. Hence, it is safe to say that nursing should be a ‘perfect discipline’ – an arena where mistake is never an option. While there are great efforts by the nursing community to pursue perfection by its evidence-based approach, the fact still stand that humans are fallible. And by human nature, even if nurses make the best choices of care for their patients, other factors aside from these choices may still make them vulnerable to committing errors. If nurses’ infallibility can never be attained, how then can it be managed? Traditionally, healthcare’s culture has held individuals accountable for all errors or mishaps that befall patients under their care. When errors occur, the immediate solution is to blame an individual for the error. Blaming individuals creates a culture of fear, discourages open reporting and discussion of errors, and does little to prevent future errors or improve the safety of the health care system (NCBON, 2011). According to Leape (2000), as cited by American Nurses Association (2010) these approaches that focus on punishing individuals instead of changing systems provide strong incentives for people to report only those errors they cannot hide. Thus, a punitive approach shuts off the information that is needed to identify faulty systems and create safer ones. In a punitive system, no one learns from their mistakes. Many observers attribute underreporting to the punitive (‘‘name and blame’’) approach that many healthcare organizations have taken with regard to safety incidents. By inculcating a sense of fear, the punitive approach discourages reporting and, in doing so, prevents organizational learning and improvement (Barach Small, 2000; Blegen et al., 2004; Kadzielski Martin, 2002; Kingston, Evans, Smith, Berry, 2004; Manasse, Eturnbull, Diamond, 2002; Wakefield et al., 2001, 1999). As an alternative to this traditional system, application of a model which is widely used in aviation industry known as the Just Culture Model seeks to create an environment that encourages individuals to report mistakes so that the precursors to errors can be better understood in order to fix the system issues (ANA, 2010). Just Culture, as defined in aviation industry, is a culture in which front line operators are not punished for actions, omissions or decisions taken by them that are commensurate with the experience and training, but where gross negligence, wilful violations and destructive acts are not tolerated (Eurocontrol, 2014). Reason (n.d), as quoted by Skybrary (n.d) claimed that it is an atmosphere of trust in which people are encouraged, even rewarded for proving essential safety-related information but in which they are also clear about where the line must be drawn between acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. In 1997, as mentioned by ANA (2010), John Reason wrote that a Just Culture creates an atmosphere of trust, encouraging and rewarding people for providing essential safety-related information. A Just Culture is also explicit about what constitutes acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Therefore a Just Culture is the middle component between patient safety and a safety culture (Reason, 1997). However, the term â€Å"Just Culture† was first used in a 2001 report by David Marx (Marx, 2001), a report which popularized the term in the patient safety lexicon (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, n.d.). Further he argues that discipline needs to be tied to the behavior of individuals and the potential risks their behavior presents more than the actual outcome of their actions (Marx, 2001). In the health care arena, Medscape (n.d) emphasized that Just Culture recognizes that human error and faulty systems can cause a mistake and encourages an investigation of what led to the error instead of an immediate rush to blame a person. A just culture, expert say, is a ‘‘non-punitive’’ environment in which individuals can report errors or close calls without fear of reprimand, rebuke, or reprisal (Blegen et al., 2004; Karadeniz Cakmakci, 2002; Kingston et al., 2004; Pizzi, Goldfarb, Nash, 2001; Wakefield et al., 1999; Wild Bradley, 2005). The concept of a fair and just culture refers to the way an organization handles safety issues. Humans are fallible; they make mistakes. In a just culture, hazardous human behavior such as staff errors, near-misses and risky actions are identified and discussed openly in hopes of finding ways to improve processes and systems — not to identify and punish the individual (Pepe Cataldo, 2011). In the Philippines, where nurses face a lot of workplace-related issues such as understaffing, undue remuneration, and hostile employers to name a few, they become more vulnerable to making mistakes. With so much pressure at hand due to how these errors are addressed currently plus the fact that nurses are more often unappreciated, they may burnout putting the delivery of care at stake. This existing practice is opposed by the concept of Just Culture, where according to Pepe and Cataldo (2011), is a model that distinguishes among human error, at-risk behavior, reckless behavior, malicious willful violations and the corresponding levels of accountability. Moreover, just culture is not a â€Å"blame-free† approach. It is a strategy that gets into the root of the problem, whether it is a worker wilfully contributing to the error or the system providing inadequate support to the worker’s need. Furthermore, it is a system of justice that involves both investigatory action and disciplinary action. Hence, a â€Å"just culture† stands between a ‘‘blaming’’ or punitive culture, on the one hand, and a ‘‘no-blame’’ or ‘‘anything-goes’’ culture, on the other. This view reflects the connotation of balance typically associated with the terms ‘‘just’’ or ‘‘fair.’ (Weiner, Hobgood Lewis, 2007). It balances the need to learn from mistakes and the need to take disciplinary action where appropriate. In a setting where just culture is implemented, encouragement of error disclosure is emphasized through open communication. As stated in Skybrary (2014) the personnel is clear, that in the interest of safety, the organisation wants to know, at all times, about unsafe events, unsafe situations that have presented themselves or could arise. They are keen to step forward and speak up when they perceive a situation as dangerous, think of a procedure as risky, or any other issue in their daily tasks that they judge as potentially harmful and are yet without good remedy. This system makes sure the staffs are motivated to report and the trend must be maintained. Moreover, whenever there are reports, the organization assures that they are acknowledged, discussed properly and provided with appropriate feedbacks. When errors occur, the person who committed the error is not blamed instantly. He or she is not punished outright but rather a safety investigation is initiated to determine the proper disciplinary action. The organisation investigates why this error was made and what can be done to avoid them or to mitigate the effects for future operations. The workforce is protected as best as possible from negative consequences resulting from human error or subsequent investigations and in principle the organisation will defend and support people should external prosecutions or litigations target them. The organisation attempts to repair the situation as best as possible and restore the operations to normal. The organisation provides compensation for those that have experienced personal loss or damage. The organisation tries hard to prevent that same event from happening again. A case is not closed by condemning or finding the guilty one, but by discovering the underlying problems in the system, by rectifying this and by repairing the damages done (Skybrary, 2014). When the problem is discovered, rectified and repaired, the organisation then communicates the situation with confidentiality to all the members of the group. This dissemination intends not to humiliate somebody but rather provides a learning platform for everyone. In just culture, the error that has happened was seen not as something to be fixed but rather an opportunity of learning and ironing the system. It creates an environment of introspection while errors are discussed and collectively outlines improved policies, protocols and/or guidelines. It also shapes a venue for the enrichment of managerial competencies. Hence, it is an implicit claim of just culture that it is inevitable for practitioners to commit mistakes that even the most experienced individual is capable of making mistakes. It is also implied in just culture that punishment is not an assurance that workers will not be making mistakes and that perfecting a performance is impossible and can never be sustained. ANA (2010), in their position paper about this concept officially endorse the Just Culture concept as a strategy to reduce errors and promote patient safety in health care. In their efforts to endorse this â€Å"non-punitive† approach, they promote and disseminate information about the Just Culture concept in ANA publications, through constituent member associations, and ANA affiliated organizations. Hence, the feasibility of incorporating this approach in the present system in the Philippines must also be taken into consideration. However, the adopting organization must develop its own strategies in implementing just culture. It is because no single method fits all in applying the just culture. This concept, when used as an approach in improving the quality of care, must be contextualized depending on the acceptance and capability of the institution to implement this model. Once this approach is incorporated in the system, ANA (2010) encourages continued research into the effectiveness of the Just Culture concept in improving patient safety and employee performance outcomes. To this end, Just Culture might just be the absolute answer to the faulty system not only of nursing but might as well the entire Philippine Healthcare system. References Erickson, A. K. (2012, November 1). Step forward: Hospital journey to Just Culture. pharmacist.com. Retrieved May 28, 2014, from http://www.pharmacist.com/step-forward-hospitals’-journey-‘just-culture’ ANA. (n.d.). Just Culture. http://nursingworld.org/. Retrieved May 29, 2014, from http://nursingworld.org/psjustculture Brewer, K. (n.d.). How a Just Culture Can Improve Safety in Health Care. Medscape Log In. Retrieved May 30, 2014, from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/746089_2 Building a Just Culture. (2014, January 8). SKYbrary . Retrieved May 30, 2014, from http://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/Building_a_Just_Culture Colorado Firecamp A Roadmap to a Just Culture. (n.d.). Colorado Firecamp A Roadmap to a Just Culture. Retrieved May 30, 2014, from http://coloradofirecamp.com/just-culture/index.htm Esarr Advisory Material/Guidance Document (EAM/GUI). (2006, March 31). Skybrary. Retrieved May 28, 2014, from . http://www.skybrary.aero/bookshelf/books/235.pdf Eurocontrol Driving excellence in ATM performance. (n.d.). Just culture. Retrieved May 30, 2014, from https://www.eurocontrol.int/articles/just-culture Harbour, T. (n.d.). Just Environment: Command Climate, Leadership, and Error Forest Service Fire and Aviation Management: Becoming a Learning Culture. http://high-reliability.org/. Retrieved May 29, 2014, from http://high-reliability.org/files/Harbour_HRO_Abstract_Just_Culture.pdf Just Culture. (n.d.). SKYbrary . Retrieved May 30, 2014, from http://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/Just_Culture Just Culture Policy. (n.d.). Eurocontrol. Retrieved May 28, 2014, from http://www.eurocontrol.int/sites/default/files/publication/files/201209-just-culture-policy.pdf Marx, D. (n.d.). Patient Safety and the Just Culture . health.ny.gov. Retrieved May 29, 2014, from http://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/patients/patient_safety/conference/2007/docs/patient_safety_and_the_just_culture.pdf NCBON. (n.d.). Just Culture In Nursing Regulation . ncbon.com. Retrieved May 29, 2014, from http://www.ncbon.com/myfiles/downloads/cet-booklet.pdf Pepe, J., Cataldo, P. J. (2011). Log in. Manage Risk, Build a Just Culture. Retrieved August 10, 2014, from https://www.chausa.org/publications/health-progress/article/july-august-2011/manage-risk-build-a-just-culture WISE, D. (n.d.). Getting To Know Just Culture | Outcome Engenuitys Just Culture Community. Outcome Engenuitys Just Culture Community. Retrieved May 30, 2014, from https://www.justculture.org/getting-to-know-just-culture/ Weiner, B. J., Hobgood, C., Lewis, M. A. (2008). The meaning of justice in safety incident reporting. Social Science Medicine, 66(2), 403-413.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Von Economo Neurons and Self-Awareness

Von Economo Neurons and Self-Awareness Joshua McCosker Von Economo neurons (VENs) are large bipolar neurons found in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), frontoinsular cortex (FI) and dorsolateral prefrontal area (DLPA) in the brains of humans, and to a lesser extent, the great apes, several cetaceans and elephants. It is believed that they arose independently within these species due to evolutionary pressure that required the rapid transmission and cognitive processing of social information in animals with large highly convoluted brains and complex social behaviours (Hakeem et al., 2009). Research has suggestedsuggests that the evolution of these neurons underlie the emergence of intuition, higher emotional cognitive functions and self-referential processes. This suggests an intriguing connection with the subjective conscious experience and self-conscious awareness (Critchley Seth, 2012). To investigate this connection between VENs and self-awareness it is necessary to examine the known behavioural functions of the ACC and FI, along w ith the evolution of these structures and the integration with this novel class of neuron. Furthermore, the higher social functions attributed to VENs and how these are related to awareness of consciousness self will be discussed in light of research that shows a correlation between the degeneration of VENs in several neuro-psychiatric disorders that leads to devastating deficits in conscious awareness and social skills (Butti, Santos, Uppal, Hof, 2013). The ACC and FI are found in the paralimbic cortex (also known as mesocortex) of the mammalian brain and represents a relatively ancient region that has recently gone through a period of evolutionary adaptive changes in humans and is directly connected to limbic structures while providing a transition to higher neocortical regions (Brà ¼ne et al., 2010; William W. Seeley et al., 2006). These paralimbic structures show increased connectivity with the hippocampus, amygdala, orbitofrontal cortex and septum; the septum is involved in social memory and the development of trust in humans (Allman, Tetreault, Hakeem, Park, 2011). It is hypothesised that this enhanced connectivity is mediated by VENs that project from the FI and ACC to these structures providing functional integration with of somatosensory input and higher cognitive emotional processes leading to the emergence of intuition, social and self-awareness and the ability to empathise (Allman, Tetreault, Hakeem, Manaye, et al., 201 1; Allman, Tetreault, Hakeem, Park, 2011). AIC as the input sensory region and ACC as the output control region (Craig, 2009; W. W. Seeley et al., 2007). The evolutionary expansion of the cerebral cortex gave rise to the neocortex in mammals leading to a volumetric increase in humans of several-hundred times over that of lower primates (Nimchinsky et al., 1999). However, the types of neurons found within the brain have remained relatively constant (Nimchinsky et al., 1999; William W. Seeley et al., 2006). In 1926 Constantin Von Economo first described the cortical distribution and morphology of a novel class of neuron as being spindle like in form and of unusual length (Butti et al., 2013).. Von Economo neurons are large bipolar projection neurons that are relatively recent on the evolutionary path (Allman, Watson, Tetreault, Hakeem, 2005). They have large axons that bidirectionally connect the ACC to the FI and in turn to other structures of the brain between the limbic cortex and neocortex; suggesting a role in the rapid transmission of sensory information between these structures. Although VENs have been found in the FI and ACC of species other than great apes and homonids the cells are not found in the concentrated clusters that have been described in higher primates (Bauernfeind et al., 2013). It is interesting to note that volumetric studies have shown that the evolutionary expansion in size of the FI in primates is disproportionately greater to overall brain expansion by 36% and the total volume of the FI is about 4 times larger in humans compared to that of the chimpanzee (Bauernfeind et al., 2013). Furthermore, it is known that the vast majority of VENs develop during the first 8 months of life (Allman et al., 2010) . and this coincides with the emergence of stranger anxiety, separation anxiety and increased verbal skills (Hoffnung et al., 2013). These studies support the suggestion that the FI and ACC are intricately involved in enhancing social behaviours through the utilization of subjective emotional states in applying empathy toward others. ReseachResearch hasis showning a relationship between complex social and emotional processes and the advanced cognitive abilities that underlie the ability of self-recognition (Hunter, 2010). The mirror self-recognition test is used to assess self-awareness in animals and was developed by Gordon G. Gallup (1970) during his work with chimpanzees and self-recognition. In humans the ability to recognise the ‘self’ in a mirror image develops between the ages of 18 and 24 months and this coincides with the development of other indicators of social and self-awareness such as the ability to empathise (Hunter, 2010). As previously mentioned there is a rapid development of VENs during the first year of life and this development continues to age 4 when VEN numbers align to those of adult (Allman et al., 2010). The hypothesised role of VENs in higher cognitive functions and self-conscious awareness is supported by research that has shown the involvement of VENs in the pathogenesis of a number of neuropsychiatric and behavioural conditions that are characterised by deficits in emotional and social functioning, the ability to empathise, impairment of affective language and alterations in conscious awareness (Kaufman et al., 2008). Stereological research suggests that these conditions may be due to the failure of VENs to develop normally or the degeneration of these cells within the ACC and FI (Allman et al., 2005; Butti et al., 2013). This is evident in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) where patients present with a severe reduction in social judgement, empathy and the ability to self-monitor leading to sociopathic behaviour (William W. Seeley et al., 2006). In a study conducted by William W. Seeley et al. (2006) it was shown that FTD is characterised by early injury to the ACC and FI involving e arly, severe and selective VENs loss of 74% compared to controls. Similarly, patients with early onset schizophrenia are characterised by a reduced volume of the ACC showing a significant reduction in the density of VENs (Allman et al., 2010; Brà ¼ne et al., 2010). People with schizophrenia show a broad range of impaired social skills characterised by severe disturbance of cognitive processes and self-conscious awareness giving rise to symptoms that include delusions, hallucinations, disorganised thought and speech, disorganised and catatonic behaviour, poverty of speech and lack of, or inappropriate, responses to socio-emotional cues (Nolen-hoeksema, 2007). Recent research has suggested a connection between these VENs containing areas, self-referential processes and the subjective conscious experience of awareness (Allman et al., 2005; Craig, 2009; William W. Seeley et al., 2006). The evolutionary motivation underlying these adaptations may well have been due to the rise of species living in complex social groups that required the rapid intuitive assessment of social interactions and the ability to differentiate between the needs of oneself and those of others and this may have led to the ability to empathise with the emotional state and needs of individuals within the social structure (Allman et al., 2010; Allman, Tetreault, Hakeem, Park, 2011; Hakeem et al., 2009). We shall consider a model of consciousness where the FI serves to integrate bottom-up interoceptive sensory information with top-down predictions and modulations from higher level prefrontal cortical areas and the ACC generating a state of awareness (Gu, Hof, Friston, Fan , 2013). It is hypothesised that VENs mediate a rapid bidirectional feedback between the integration of sensory information in the AIC and the adaptive behavioral responses mediated by the ACC (Allman et al., 2005). Interoception is the integration of somatosensory information leading to a sense of the physiological state of the body, giving rise to a cortical image or representation of self (Craig, 2002, 2009). In humans the interoceptive network is mediated via afferent spinothalamic neurons projecting to the ventromedial nucleus which is significantly larger in humans than other primates; non-primates are unable to experience body feelings in the same manner as humans do due to the lack of the specific afferent spinothalamocortical pathway involved in â€Å"direct interoceptive representation† (Craig, 2002). This homeostatic information is relayed to the anterior insular cortex where there is a re-representation of this interoceptive cortical image and the ACC is involved in the active modulation of the feeling represented by this image in response to cognitive assessment from the orbitofrontal cortex (Allman et al., 2005; Craig, 2002, 2009; William W. Seeley et al., 2006)(Craig, 2002, 2009; Seeley, 2006; Allman, 2005). It is also worth noting that this top-down cognitive assessment could involve conscious internal dialog and suggests the co-evolution of language and consciousness and that we are conscious in a human sense because we have language. Language is not only used for external communication but internally as parts of our thought processes defining our current mental state and by extension is a defining the broader and more complex brain state (Arbib, 2001). The above research shows that VENs are intricately involved in the convergence of somatosensory information via a highly evolved thalamacortical pathway to the paralimbic structure of the AIC in which emerges an integrated cortical image. Bidirectional signaling between between the AIC, ACC and multiple areas of the brain is mediate via VENs and is a contiual feedback loop that assesses and updates this cortical self-image utilising contextual cues derived from the environment and past experiences accessed from long term memory via hippocampal projections. The AIC cortical self-representation is modulated with emotional context and predictive behavioural responses. References Allman, J. M., Tetreault, N. A., Hakeem, A. Y., Manaye, K. F., Semendeferi, K., Erwin, J. M., . . . Hof, P. R. (2010). The von Economo neurons in frontoinsular and anterior cingulate cortex in great apes and humans. Brain Structure and Function, 214(5-6), 495-517. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00429-010-0254-0 Allman, J. M., Tetreault, N. A., Hakeem, A. Y., Manaye, K. F., Semendeferi, K., Erwin, J. M., . . . Hof, P. R. (2011). The von Economo neurons in the frontoinsular and anterior cingulate cortex. Ann N Y Acad Sci, 1225(1), 59-71. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2011.06011.x Allman, J. M., Tetreault, N. A., Hakeem, A. Y., Park, S. (2011). The von economo neurons in apes and humans. American Journal of Human Biology, 23(1), 5-21. doi: 10.1002/ajhb.21136 Allman, J. M., Watson, K. K., Tetreault, N. A., Hakeem, A. Y. (2005). Intuition and autism: a possible role for Von Economo neurons. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 9(8), 367-373. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2005.06.008 Arbib, M. A. (2001). Co-Evolution of Human Consciousness and Language. Ann N Y Acad Sci, 929(1), 195-220. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2001.tb05717.x Bauernfeind, A. L., de Sousa, A. A., Avasthi, T., Dobson, S. D., Raghanti, M. A., Lewandowski, A. H., . . . Sherwood, C. C. (2013). A volumetric comparison of the insular cortex and its subregions in primates. Journal of Human Evolution, 64(4), 263-279. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jhevol.2012.12.003 Brà ¼ne, M., Schà ¶bel, A., Karau, R., Benali, A., Faustmann, P. M., Juckel, G., Petrasch-parwez, E. (2010). Von Economo neuron density in the anterior cingulate cortex is reduced in early onset schizophrenia. Acta Neuropathologica, 119(6), 771-778. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00401-010-0673-2 Butti, C., Santos, M., Uppal, N., Hof, P. R. (2013). Von Economo neurons: Clinical and evolutionary perspectives. Cortex, 49(1), 312-326. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cortex.2011.10.004 Craig, A. D. (2002). How do you feel? Interoception: the sense of the physiological condition of the body. Nat Rev Neurosci, 3(8), 655-666. Craig, A. D. (2009). How do you feel now? The anterior insula and human awareness. Nature Reviews. Neuroscience, 10(1), 59-70. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nrn2555 Critchley, H., Seth, A. (2012). Will Studies of Macaque Insula Reveal the Neural Mechanisms of Self-Awareness? Neuron, 74(3), 423-426. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2012.04.012 Gordon G. Gallup, Jr. (1970). Chimpanzees: Self-Recognition. Science, 167(3914), 86-87. doi: 10.2307/1728199 Gu, X., Hof, P. R., Friston, K. J., Fan, J. (2013). Anterior insular cortex and emotional awareness. Journal of Comparative Neurology, 521(15), 3371-3388. doi: 10.1002/cne.23368 Hakeem, A. Y., Sherwood, C. C., Bonar, C. J., Butti, C., Hof, P. R., Allman, J. M. (2009). Von Economo Neurons in the Elephant Brain. The Anatomical Record: Advances in Integrative Anatomy and Evolutionary Biology, 292(2), 242-248. doi: 10.1002/ar.20829 Hoffnung, M., Hoffnung, R. J., Seifert, K. L., Smith, R. B., Hine, A., Ward, L., PauseÃÅ' , C. (2013). Lifespan development : a chronological approach (Second Australasian Edition ed.): Milton, Qld. John Wiley and Sons Australia. Hunter, P. (2010). The basis of morality. EMBO Reports, 11(3), 166-169. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/embor.2010.19 Kaufman, J., Paul, L., Manaye, K., Granstedt, A., Hof, P., Hakeem, A., Allman, J. (2008). Selective reduction of Von Economo neuron number in agenesis of the corpus callosum. Acta Neuropathologica, 116(5), 479-489. doi: 10.1007/s00401-008-0434-7 Nimchinsky, E. A., Gilissen, E., Allman, J. M., Perl, D. P., Erwin, J. M., Hof, P. R. (1999). A neuronal morphologic type unique to humans and great apes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 96(9), 5268-5273. Nolen-hoeksema, S. (2007). Abnormal psychology (E. Barrosse Ed.  ¤4th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. Seeley, W. W., Carlin, D. A., Allman, J. M., Macedo, M. N., Bush, C., Miller, B. L., DeArmond, S. J. (2006). Early frontotemporal dementia targets neurons unique to apes and humans. Ann Neurol, 60(6), 660-667. doi: 10.1002/ana.21055 Seeley, W. W., Menon, V., Schatzberg, A. F., Keller, J., Glover, G. H., Kenna, H., . . . Greicius, M. D. (2007). Dissociable intrinsic connectivity networks for salience processing and executive control. J Neurosci, 27(9), 2349-2356. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.5587-06.2007

Monday, August 19, 2019

Shakespeare - Globe Theater :: essays research papers

Compared to the technical theaters of today, the London public theaters in the time of Queen Elizabeth I seem to be terribly limited. The plays had to be performed during daylight hours only and the stage scenery had to be kept very simple with just a table, a chair, a throne, and maybe a tree to symbolize a forest. Many say that these limitations were in a sense advantages. What the theater today can show for us realistically, with massive scenery and electric lighting, Elizabethan playgoers had to imagine. This made the playwright have to write in a vivid language so the audience could understand the play. Not having a lighting technician to work the control panels, Shakespeare had to indicate wether it was dawn or nightfall by using a speech rich in metaphors and descriptive details. Shakespeare's theater was far from being bare, the playwright did have some valuable technical sources that he used to the best of his ability. The costumes the actors wore were made to be very elabor ate. Many of the costumes conveyed recognizable meanings for the audience such as a rich aristocrat wearing silk clothes with many ruffles. Many times there were musical accompaniments and sound effects such as gunpowder explosions and the beating of a pan to simulate thunder. The stage itself was also remarkably versatile. Behind it were doors for exits and entrances and a curtained booth or alcove useful for actors to hide inside. Above the stage was a higher acting area which symbolized a porch or balcony. This was useful in the story of Romeo and Juliet, when Romeo stood below Juliet and told her how he loved her. In the stage floor was a trap door which was said to lead to "hell" or a cellar, this was especially useful for ghosts or devils who had to appear and disappear throughout the play. The stage itself was shaped in a rectangular platform that projected into a yard that was enclosed by three story galleries. The building was round or octagonal in shape but Shakespeare called it a "wooden O." The audience sat in these galleries or else they could stand in the yard in front the stage. A roof and awning protected the stage and the high-priced gallery seats, but in the case bad weather, the "groundlings," who only paid a penny to stand in the yard, must have gotten wet.

Beowulf :: Epic of Beowulf Essays

Beowulf, the Hero The epic poem Beowulf, which was told from generation to generation honoring modern Anglo-Saxon beliefs, describes a heroic man who saves a village in their time of need. By definition a hero is a man of exceptional quality. Exceptional quality doesn’t even begin to describe the man that is Beowulf. Beowulf has many heroic characteristics from his super human strength to victoriously slaying monsters and other ferocious beasts. He has excellent leadership skills and commonly boasts of his achievements. Beowulf emerges as the true Anglo Saxon hero; who risks his life for the lives and well being of others. Others perceive Beowulf as a hero through his physical strength and stories of his glorious feats. Through all of the battles Beowulf fought he lost only two, and his last defeat would be the death of him. The first battle Beowulf lost was his competition with Breca. Unferth was an unbeliever of the strength and determination of Beowulf. Unferth taunted Beowulf one night only to be, in return, taunted back. "Are you the Beowulf that strove with Breca†¦risking your lives on the lonely deep†¦of ocean swimming with out-streched arms†¦with plowing shoulders parted the waves†¦seven nights you toiled in the tossing sea†¦his strength was the greater, his swimming the stronger!" (389-400). As Beowulf explained in his feud with Unferth, "We gripped in our hands naked swords, as we swam the waves, guarding us from the whales’ assault†¦freezing squalls, and the falling night†¦down to the bottom a savage sea beast fiercely dragged me†¦and so I was granted to slay with the sword edge nine of the nicors" (413-443). Basically Beowulf is trying to explain that the only reason he lost to Breca was because he had been swimming for seven days straight and he stopped along the way to kill nine sea creatures to make it easier for other travelers of the sea to get by. This was one of the first heroic acts Beowulf preformed. Through the eyes of an Anglo Saxon, Beowulf saved them from having to deal with the sea creatures, because the sea plays a major role in the life of the Anglo Saxon’s. Beowulf came to rescue the Anglo Saxon’s from a ferocious monster who was terrorizing their town. Beowulf’s uncle is king of the Geats and so he is sent as an emissary to help rid the Danes of this monster, Grendel.

Sunday, August 18, 2019

The Criminal Justice System as a Gendering Structure Essay -- Violence

The Criminal Justice System as a Gendering Structure Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Martin Luther King Jr. Letter from Birmingham Jail, April 16, 1963 The narrow view of the world that we often experience prevents us from even engaging for or against ideals that we would take on, given the chance. We often become deaf to opportunity, however. While it may seem we are complicit in many of the injustices that our society perpetuates, often times we are not even aware of the issue. An uninformed decision will be as bad as no decision. Many problems exude from the state of our social values. The role that women play in society is slowly changing from that of a ‘nurturer’ to any role a woman strives for. Progress has come through much pain and the hope is one day there will be real equality in the results of our societies spoken and unspoken laws. The media can heavily influences public opinion. This holds true for both things that are over-informed and for topics that receive little attention. News sources have been proven to be capable of changing public opinion, or, less often mentioned, keeping public opinion the same. Those who strive for equality today are not only faced with the problems of informing people, they also must be able to gather support for their cause in the media. It seems the media grabs onto topics of a mini-van’s faulty seat belts faster than it does the treatment of women in the criminal justice system. The problem is discussed in the academic circle yet without more media support it seems the critique of the injustice goes unnoticed. This does not mean that the general public finds the current state of affairs acceptable (although by many accounts we do), but because th... ...1993. Pearson, Patricia. _When She Was Bad_. Jane von Mehran. England: Penguin Group, 1997. Rivera, Jenny. Domestic Violence against Latinas by Latino Males._Critical Race Feminism_. Adrien Katherine Wing. New York and London: New York University Press, 1997. 259-266. Streib, Victor. "Death Penalty for Female Offenders." March 1, 2002. Ohio Northern University. April 15, 2002. <http://www.law.onu.edu/faculty/streib/femdeath.htm>. U.S. Census Bureau. "2000 Census of Population and Housing." May 2000. www.census.gov. April 15, 2002. <http://www.census.gov/prod/cen2000/dp1/2kh00.pdf>. Walker, Lenore. â€Å"Battered Wives, Battered Justice.† Cited by Gerald Caplan. National Review. February 25, 1991. Young, Cathy. "Sexism and the death chamber." May 4, 2000. Salon.com. April 15, 2002. <http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2000/05/04/death/print.html>.

Saturday, August 17, 2019

A New Kind of Dreaming by Jamie Riley Essay

Jamie Riley changing for the better throughout the novel ‘A New Kind of Dreaming’ is thanks to many of the events throughout his stay in Port Barren. The courts sending Jamie to Port Barren on Isolated Care, I find, is the best thing they have done for him. Even though he was targeted, threatened and set-up, he managed to endure it, and come out the other side a better person. He can only owe it to Port Barren and its people for the turnaround in his life. Jamie’s poor attitude and behaviour issues are no fault of his own. They are at the fault of both his father and late mother. His mother had passed when Jamie was quite young, and his father was of no use either, ‘†¦usually too pissed to worry about anything, particularly the boys.’ Having no parents meant that both Jamie and Eddie could do whatever they like and not have to reap the consequences. Jamie and Eddie both took full advantage of this situation, and it hasn’t done either of them any favours. Eddie is now behind bars, still with no concept of the severity of the situation. He just continues to think that it doesn’t matter, that he will get out and go and find Jamie in Port Barren and they’ll live happily ever after. This attitude of Eddie’s plays a major part in influencing Jamie, especially because Eddie is the only person Jamie can look up to, and he isn’t what I would call a ‘good influence’. So as Jamie carries this attitude into Port Barren, he cops a bit of shit for it. As soon as he arrives in Port Barren, he stops dead still in the road with shock, as if ‘something bad, something evil had reached out and touched him as he crossed the road’. After this little incident, mid-way thru a conversation between Jamie and his social worker Lorraine, a comment she makes, startles Jamie a little bit ‘This is it, Jamie. This is your last chance.’ As much as he had heard it all before, he knew that for some reason, this actually was his last chance. Being Jamie’s last chance, before Jail, he’d been putting in the hard yards. He was attending school, and had become quite close with Cameron, who was becoming more and more like a brother as the story unfolded, and had settled at Archie’s. Often, of an evening, Jamie would go for long walks, to think,  and occasionally to release some ‘steam’. However, on the way back from one of his regular walks, after seeing Butcher burning the school down, Butcher followed him home, and just before Archie’s stopped Jamie; blamed him for burning the school down. Jamie tried to defend himself, but Butcher just smacked him over the back of the head with his Nightstick and threw him in the back of the police truck. After a torturous ride in the back of the police truck, Butcher deserted Jamie at an old Mining Station, Flaherety’s Curse, handcuffed to a retaining pole. Cameron managed to decipher where Jamie was, however, another visit from Butcher, he smashed Cameron’s Father’s car into the Mining Hut, and left. Which meant if the boys even wanted a chance of survival, they’d have to hike it back to town, a very strenuous journey, especially after all of Jamie’s experiences. The boys found the previous person Butcher had left out there, who was unlucky enough to have died out there, and they bought her skeleton back too. After their near-death experiences on their travels, and being struck with pure luck, of finding a watering hole and two recreational hikers, who gave them a ride back to Port Barren, they made it back. Butcher, furious with the news, made a beeline for Archie’s house, in search of Jamie, and after a call from Cameron, he made for his sacred place, the boat. Butcher, eventually finding Jamie, set the boat alight, and upon Jamie’s escape from the inferno, held him at gunpoint. Thanks to some ingenuity from Robb, Cameron and Archie, they managed to make it before it was too late, and Robb shot Butcher in the shoulder, saving Jamie’s life. They made contact with the Karratha Police, and had Butcher arrested and charged. Once all the fuss was settled, Jamie returned to Archie, and in reference to a story Archie had told Jamie, he asked if he was a wanderer or a lost one, and Archie’s reply was ‘Neither mate, you’re a local’. This was a massive milestone for Jamie. Clearly Jamie realises that he needs to ‘pull his finger out’ or he has had it. This is shown right throughout the novel. Jamie does well at school, offers to give Archie around the house occasionally and he is off the streets. He feels different, usually when he was sent to Foster Homes, they’d all smother him, and nurture him, and treat him like an idiot, however, Archie’s was different, he had the freedom to do whatever he liked, but most of the time, he’d be controlled; he’d stay at home, and sleep or  study. Also, throughout his stay in Port Barren, he felt as if he had a Guardian Angel, constantly watching over him and speaking to him. In the words of the narrator, ‘The girl’s presence filled Jamie. She’d been watching him, helping him, calling him, ever since the moment he’d stepped off the bus and into Port Barren. I find that Jamie is also very grateful for the experiences throughout his stay in Port Barren, as good or as bad as they were, because if it wasn’t for them, he’d still be the same juvenile delinquent he’d come as, and for all we know, could’ve ended up in Prison with Eddie.

Friday, August 16, 2019

Personal, learning & thinking skills Essay

To provide the highest level of personal care (toileting, bathing etc) and attention to residents, following individual care plans carefully and ensuring that all contact is polite, friendly warm and supportive. To act as a key worker for a named group of residents, ensuring that these responsibilities are carried out in full (as defined in the training manual). To understand and comply with all statutory and legal requirements which are relevant such as Health & safety, COSSH, all aspects of the health & social care Act, to maintain a safe enviroment throughout the home. Understand and have an awareness of infection control. To always be alert to residents physical and mental well being, immediately reporting and changes in a residents condition to a senior person on duty, and to accurately maintain and update residents records as required. To respect and maintain confidentiality of residents personal information at all times, this includes residents behaviour and actions and any incidents that may occur in the course of day to day care. Be understanding and patient towards residents and their needs, and encourage, assist and support residents to  participate in lesiure activities as appropriate to the individual, ensuring their social and emotional needs are met. This also includes escorting residents to outside appoinments and leisure outings. Responsible for making and changing bed, tidying residents rooms (with the residents permission) undertaking light cleaning duties as needed and generally assisting in ensuring that the Home is kept clean, pleasant and wecoming at all times. Helping to serve meals and drinks at meal times and other times when required, taking care to present meals and refreshment in an attractive way, with polite and courteous service. Also, to provide the appropriate level of support and helping new team members as appropriate, ensuring that the Care Home is a friendly and supportive working enviroment.