Writing and Personal Experience Essay

Personal experience essay writing largely refers to describing personal experience, as the title suggests. Usually, this type of essay would include describing some, incident or ordeal you have been through. However, it may also refer to a string of related incidents that you remember as one whole experience. It is entirely up to you how you choose to handle your Personal experience essay. Regardless of which way you wish to go about writing your essay, there is a general format that you would want to follow. Also, making an outline would help you to stay organized, and it would prevent you from wandering away from the main topic points.A general format for a Personal experience essay would include an introduction, a body and a conclusion. It is best to describe your points in chronological order, starting with the first point in your introduction, and winding up with you last in your conclusion. However, in a Personal experience essay you might need to include flashbacks at certain stages in your essay in order to refresh your reader's memory. You must remain as clear as possible when doing so. For your Personal experience essay, choose an experience that is easy to write about.Keeping it simple will allow you to have control over what you want to write about. You might not need to mention every detail you have in mind. The best approach is for you to make an outline of the experience. Your Personal experience essay is like any other essay in this way because you need to make brief pints to create a flow. However, you are generally free to go about your writing the way that you feel comfortable. In a Personal experience essay you do not need to support your claims or experiences with scholarly sources. Your experiences are entirely your own.However, you may want to compare your experience with some well known one. This is helpful in a Personal experience essay, and can stir a reader's interest. Though you are free to write in any style you want, avoid making g eneral statements. You need to make your statements match your personal experience. In a Personal experience essay, the primary focus is for you to describe yourself in relation to the incident you experience. You will need to increase the intensity of this when you start writing the main body of the essay. In a Personal experience essay, the body carries the main weight in terms of your personal description.The introduction deals with leading your reader into the main discussion while the conclusion should explain how the incident or personal experience has influenced you. For writing a Personal experience essay, there are few small but significant points you will find helpful. These include describing your experience through using your senses [whatever you see, feel, hear, smell, and taste]. In a Personal experience essay, you should also describe your thoughts, emotions, and actions. These will all help to bring out how the experience has influenced you.

Early Hominids and Tools

Early Hominids and Tools Jacky Thompson ANT 101 March 20, 2013 Even though humans seem to be the most advanced creatures walking this earth, we certainly had ancestors before us. We share similar genetic information of other animals. They are what we consider early hominids. Early hominids date as far back as 6 to 8 million years ago. Just like humans, they had to have some type of culture in order to survive and make a living. Culture is defined as a dynamic adaptive process of learned, shared, and integrated behaviors.But it is not so obvious that these hominids had culture, so the presences of stone tools and home bases might be the answer to determine if they had culture. Tools are defined as a device or implement used with the hand, to carry out a specific function. Primates learn and share in certain culture, but their social behavior is not as complex as those of humans. The earliest hominids were classified as Australopithecus, which is a type of ape. Scientists claimed that their brains were not big enough to fathom the thought of making tools. Perhaps they used tools to hunt animals.The animals that later hominids hunted were used for food and maybe the furs were used for clothing. This is what we consider hunting and gathering. It is a technique in which the men are responsible for hunting while the women gather the resources. In order for them to hunt they must have had tools to help them kill and clean animals. This process of hunting can be learned and passed on through generations, which are basic parts of culture. The use of tools allowed or ancestor’s opportunities to hunt and do other useful things that were off-limits before the use of tools.Scientist still really does not have clues as to how and why this transition took place. The actual history and time comes from the actual tools themselves. The act of making tools is an example of how developed our ancestor’s brains were. To actually create the thought of making tools and t o figure how they will be designed is a significant development in itself. This symbolizes culture because the process of making tools was probably passed down to generations, and they became better at using and making better tools.Early hominids used stone tool making. This is the deliberate fashioning of a stone into an actual tool. Throwing or bashing the stones against something created it. Archaeologists recognized four types of tools: choppers, flake tools, crude tools, and hand axes. Mostly found in Africa and the Middle East. Early hominids probably made tools with sticks, wood, horn, and other perishable materials. Besides previous uses of tools mentioned, they were also used for fishing out termites and other insects.These tools were supposedly long blades of grass that had been licked, and stuck into holes to get termites, which they ate in order to get proteins and the nutrients they needed. Besides humans, species in the animal kingdom, also shared culture behavior. Thi s was mainly seen in chimpanzees. Scientist often compared the culture of the two. Chimps are genetically the closest related relatives to humans, sharing 98 percent of our DNA. Seeing as to they were this closely related to us, of course they would be capable of making tools like earlier hominids did.Chimps made weapons to hunt. They hunted in things like nuts, fishing for termites. And just like earlier ancestors who ate them, the chimps did also. They choose branches, stripped it of its leaves, trimmed it, and put it to use. Unlike hominids, it is not really successful for chimps to hunt. This might be so because their brain is not as developed as ours. They mostly go after available resources such as, fruits and branches. Males used methods such as grabbing prey and killing it, while the females created the tools that were useful for catching the prey.Now, to the actual cultural behaviors of both humans and chimpanzees, we have a few behavior patterns in common. Humans have the ability to throw things, and more precisely, they are able to aim at an actual object then throw. Chimps have also showed this type of behavior. This type of behavior is not one that is passed on through genetics, but it is socially learned. Like little children who look at their parents, and mirror their actions, baby chimps also learn to do the same thing. So in this case, cultural is socially gratified even though it is not as complex as humans.Both species evolved upright or bipedal. Another culture characteristic is the way chimps wake. This gives us an idea of how our early ancestors begin walking. They no longer walked on all fours, they being to free their hands in order to carry valuable resources. Other characteristics include emotions. Chimps have ways to show fear, often displayed with a small smirk, just like humans. Perhaps this is a mechanism used not to show fear. They can also contract similar illnesses that humans have such as HIV and hepatitis but they do not show symptoms of the viruses.Much like institutionalized humans, chimpanzees whose social, intellectual, and physical, needs are not met, they show behavioral symptoms of stress. Chimpanzees exhibit such behaviors, as self-mutilation, continual rocking, and aggression. These are socially learned mechanisms within cultures. Evidence of early hominids have been seen everywhere, but to actually distinguish if they have cultural behavior is hard. Just like hominids, chimpanzees share, almost the same amount of DNA, giving them a better chance to act out as humans, versus other animals.Even though we share a fair amount of DNA, while chimpanzees are further studied, it is becoming more apparent that their intelligence is higher than we previously thought. Talking, for instance, is not a hard task for hominids, but for chimps, it is believed that they have the learning capacity to use spoken language, but their throats and vocal cords are not designed to make consonant noises and sounds. This eliminates the possibility of chimps actually being able to talk. However, chimps in opposition have been taught to understand English, communicate through with certain keypads, acknowledge certain symbols, and use sign language.Since early hominids were descendants of the same common ancestor as chimps, they most likely had the same resources available to learn the same things as humans did. Another thing that hominid cultures find to be normal is to let the male wander off while the females stayed put in a specific area. Chimps use a similar type method. Instead of the male going out to gather sources and goods, the female traveled while the male held the home base. Another behavior characteristic that we share is socializing. Chips show this by grooming, chasing, or playing.Like hominids they too, show affection, which includes kissing and hugging. Perhaps chimps use grooming to connect, while hominids were more successful through talking. We both show facial expression, and sho ckingly, language. Instead of verbal sounds, chimps make grunts and screams. When it came to hominids and chimps hunting, they both searched for meats and plants, making the both of them omnivorous. Even though many humans would prefer eating meats, chimps lean more towards fruits. One of the most common similarities of the wo are bipedalism. This is the act of walking on two legs. Chimps would be seen most of the time walking on all fours but they use bipedalism to further ahead of themselves. When comparing these two species we are able to find so many similarities. With almost the same amount of DNA, the resemblance is shocking. We both have the ability to hunt, walk on two legs, eat similar foods, and we lack a tail. Our behavior is learned, and shared. Chimpanzees and early hominoids, take on the responsibility of hunting and providing for there offspring.They both had the ability of making and using tools. Perhaps they inherited this ability from some common ancestor. Since ch imps did not learn from humans, we can accept the fact that we are related and originated from a common ancestor. Culture is socially stratified, thus making it important for chimps and humans to adapt to the social norm in order to communicate. So the presence of stone tools, and home bases do suggest that we both had culture, and I can conclude the fact the early hominids and chimps cultural behavior did strongly compare.

Animal Imagery of Moral Reversal Essay

In William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the theme of moral corruption is portrayed through the moral reversal of animals through out the play. Shakespeare utilizes this strategy to help establish the theme to his audience. This type of reversal is usually connected with Macbeth himself and the more he grows self corrupt, the more abundant the animal imagery. Toward the beginning of the play, Macbeth is portrayed off as a lion in comparison to a rabbit, an eagle in comparison into a sparrow, showing Macbeth’s courageousness and bravery; â€Å"†¦Yes’ as sparrows eagles, or the hare the lion. If I say sooth, they were as cannons overcharged with double cracks†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Act I: Scene II: Line 35). This image only helps establish further the moral reversal and corruption throughout the play because, as a reader, Macbeth is here seen as a brave courageous man, a hero if you must. But as the play goes on, we drastically see a change in Macbeth as he grows more corrupt and following along with it, we see the change in animal imagery associated with Macbeth. Not only does Shakespeare use animal imagery to portray Macbeth and his own corruption, but he also uses it to evoke it by depicting moral disorder amongst the animals themselves, showing how Macbeth’s actions not only affect him, but the balance of nature as well. â€Å"On Tuesday last A falcon tow’ring in her pride of place, Was by a mousing owl hawked at and killed. And Duncan’s horses – a thing most strange and certain — †¦Turned wild in nature†¦ ‘Tis said they ate each other.† This scene was depicted after Duncan’s death by the murderous hand of Macbeth. This not only shows how Macbeth’s negative actions upset the balance of nature, but it shows the destroying of balance with in Macbeth himself. This comparison to Macbeth earlier being portrayed as a lion, an eagle, as this courageous man, shows his shift in character. It’s a great depiction of his corruption progressing within contrast to earlier dep ictions. â€Å"We have scorched the snake, not killed it. She’ll be close and be herself, whilst our poor malice remains in danger of her former tooth.† In Act III Scene II, Macbeth thinks of Banquo in this way because of the witches’ saying he will make kings, but not be one himself. Macbeth refers to Banquo like this because he has identified Banquo as a threat that could, as a snake can, lurk in the underbrush and strike him when he least expects it. It is an ironic use of the image, since it is Macbeth who really is the â€Å"snake.† Macbeth falls deeper in his corruption, only causing him to seek out to â€Å"get rid of† others who he sees as a â€Å"threat†. The animal imagery here helps portray this image and this detail. Macbeth says â€Å"o, full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife!† Meaning his mind is full of evils and dark thoughts. This shows his realization of his corruption, and here we can see more that Macbeth has fallen deeper into his own corruption in contrast to early portrayals of his corruption. Throughout Macbeth, Shakespeare uses animal imagery not only as metaphorical imagery, but to portray the fall of Macbeth and his inner corruption.

The Roaring 20s Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Roaring 20s - Essay Example The Roaring 20's While the smoking pipes of industries spewed off smoke in the same war-time vigour, the working classes had ever more money to spend. America had begun to think. The press had recently got some serious readers. The war had gifted them to the news papers. Although American casualties in the war were quite low when compared to their European allies and foes; the soldiers came back with a shaken mind: they had recently lost their innocence and could not return to their roots. They yearned for a life in the cities, in fun and frolicking city-life, they had seen in Europe. The industries in Europe and America were facing a slight problem. The war had ended long back and they needed new avenues to apply their engineering skills. They mechanised farms and invented gadgets that gave more free time to American housewives. Consumerism was coming of age. Farm machines such as harvesters and planters had reduced employment opportunities in agriculture. The crop prices like urban wages depended o n market forces without any protection from the state. But in the postwar boom, businesses flourished and the rich were richer beyond their wildest dreams. The only business that Americans were now doing was business. For the first time in history, the new wealth had helped youths enroll in universities. The number of enrollments almost doubled during the 1920s. Americans were now enjoying the world's highest per capita income. ... The telephone, camera and typewriter, all American inventions - were consumed by Americans in tonnes. People fell in love with entertainments. They went to a movie once a week, and had more disposable income with them. The movies were also changing. They provided very little to think. They were entertainers. By the end of the 1920's 100 million movie tickets were sold in the country every week. Actors Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford and Rudolf Valentino had become 'stars'. Although prohibition was in place, the underground 'speakeasies' were doing brisk business. The night clubs were bulging with young men and women who flaunted new dressing styles, fashion, glamour and all the spoils of wealth. They also took to more daring modes of dress and dance. Dancing, movies, automobile touring, radio and concerts were becoming part of American lives. Many American women had left the farms to join the nation's home-front war duties and turned themselves in to resolutely modern dolls rather tha n a hard working farm-pig. They also received the right to vote in 1920 and had recently involved themselves in politics. They cut thir hair short and wore flappers, boldly spoke their minds and flaunted their newly attained status. Western youths had started to rebel. They were disillusioned by the savagery of war and blamed the older generation for it. The university guys became the new intelligentsia. European works of philosophy and Psychology were sweeping in to American living rooms. Freud and Marx were favourite topics of discussion. The Godless world had come in to being in the American minds. Religion, they believed should be a burden to be relieved. Their creative energy spilled in the form of new music and architecture and art and everything that had not been invented

Commercials that Use Spokespeople Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Commercials that Use Spokespeople - Assignment Example The spokesperson in the advertisement is an expert because he claims to be a dentist in the commercial and that he recommends Oral B to his patients.   An expert in dental care is a dentist and when the spokesperson claimed that he as well as the commercial claims that Oral B is more recommended by dentist uses experts in persuading its audience to buy Oral B toothbrush.The spokesperson in the advertisement is an expert because he claims to be a dentist in the commercial and that he recommends Oral B to his patients.   An expert in dental care is a dentist and when the spokesperson claimed that he as well as the commercial claims that Oral B is more recommended by dentist uses experts in persuading its audience to buy Oral B toothbrush.TrustworthinessAd:   Oral BLink: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_J4Ao6CGiA It is the same product but this time, Oral B did not have a dentist to endorse its product but used a trusted person (Ellen Degeneres) to endorsed its toothbrush.   The advertisement was done through Ellen Degeneres show and through the traditional commercial where Ellen endorses the toothbrush as â€Å"great† and â€Å"feels like being cleaned by a professional dentist†.   She even Simulated toothbrushing or washing her teeth using Oral B in her show and how could people not like it in addition to the fact that the endorser is Ellen Degeneres, one of the most trusted celebrities/show host in America.  LikabilityAd: Tag Heuer Watch

Evaluate the current uses of 3D printing. Discuss the potential future Essay - 3

Evaluate the current uses of 3D printing. Discuss the potential future of 3D printing based on current issues identified in the literature - Essay Example e that people will have the ability to print their desired objects, if not from the comfort of their homes, then from places nearest them such as from street shops and offices. This revolution will create huge economic and societal benefits, if the challenges surrounding the ideas were addressed. THESIS: While critically evaluating the current state of 3D printing and its future, this essay will address the challenges the idea faces and it’s potential in revolutionizing lives if these challenges are addressed. 3D printing is a manufacturing process that builds objects based on a layer-by-layer model with the help of cross-sectional slices. They use the traditional laser or ink jet printers to pour liquid plastic to an already created digital object on a computer to make the final object. However, instead of using the multi-cultured ink, 3D printer uses powder, which when piled together in form of layers creates an object (Bak, 2003). There are speculations that when more user-friendly robotic makers hit the market, more people will buy them. 4. Apparel manufacturing has also embraced 3D printing, with fashion designers using the technology to design bikinis, shoes, and dresses. For instance, Nike used 3D to prototype and manufacture shoes for the 2012 Vapor Laser Talon football shoes used by players in the American football league. Some companies are also using 3D printing to design eyewear for customers on demand (Urry & Birtchnell, 2013). 5. The automobile industry has also embraced the use of the technology, with car manufacturers using 3D printing to manufacture various car parts. Among these, include the side mirror internals, air ducts, exhaust components, as well as turbo charger components. 6. The construction industry has also embraced the concept as architects now print prototypes of buildings for their clients’ representative of the real buildings. Because customers want to see the actual building on air before the actual construction, then such

Psychological Analis of Sex Offenders Lab Report

Psychological Analis of Sex Offenders - Lab Report Example Over the years questions have been raised regarding constitutional challenges and concerns. Introduction Over the years the approaches to legislations governing the registration and the publication of sex offenders have always been primarily geared towards reducing the probability of repeat offences. The general realization is that sex offenders always demonstrate the tendency to repeat the sexual offences when relevant measures are not taken to sensitize the public and to construct deterring mechanisms. The essence of having sexual offenders register themselves is to ensure that during parole, the parole officers can keep track of the progress and ensure that the offenders are not in circumstances that might tempt them to repeat the offences. Although, various states are responsible for establishing their own systems and procedures when it comes to registration and publication of sexual offenders the federal government has existing laws to act as guidelines. The guidelines are clear ly outlined in the â€Å"Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children Act of 1994, Megan’s Law of 1996, and Pam Lychner Sexual Offender Tracking and Identification Act of 1996† (Maddan, 2008, p. 10). ... In addition the paper will also address the extent to which the approaches employed by the state of Minnesota helps in preventing repeat offences by the offenders, sensitizes and protects the public and assists the authorities in keeping track of the movements and activities of sexual offenders. State Regulations in Minnesota Statistics from the state of Minnesota have prompted authorities within the state to construct legislations to ensure that communities are effectively notified of any sex offenders living within their neighborhoods. According to (Minnesota Police Department, 2011), most sexual offenders target people that know them and apparently trust them. In addition, most offenders who had been to prison were found to engage in child molestation, incest and rape with people who knew them very well. Therefore the legislations within Minnesota have always been geared towards addressing the issue of notifying communities concerning offenders living within their neighborhoods. T he legislations include the Minnesota Statute 243.166 and the Community Notification Act of 1996. The general realization is that it is usually inevitable to have sex offenders living among other members of the community due to law provisions that require offenders to spend a specific period of time in prison. In Minnesota the state regulations only require offenders to spend only two thirds of their sentences behind bars and the rest free but under the supervision of probation officers. Once the sexual offenders have been released and they will be required to adhere with certain registration regulation depending on the risk levels they have been assigned. Like most states Minnesota assigns sexual offenders one

Technology Fundamentals Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Technology Fundamentals - Essay Example The literature, art and history on the matter should be explored to reduce the doubts and blanks about the objective kept. Comparison between those should be done to dig most appropriate ideas and facts. Lakota Sioux culture poses an interesting and profound one which creates a domain of better analytical and reading opportunities. The areas of their prevalence, linguistic values, beliefs, tradition, dressing styles etc. all are equally important for the study. The culture of Lakota Sioux is being identified from various sources giving rigid support for out studies. Students should understand the distinct facts and values of Lakota Sioux culture through the completion of the set learning objective. â€Å"Rosebud Traditional Lakota Radio Station† is good source for Lakota Sioux cultural appreciation which helps in â€Å"building an independent traditional radio station on rosebud† (Rosebud traditional Lakota radio station and drive, n.d., para.1). The radio broadcast helps to revitalizes the courage, strength and quintessence of self-important Lakota Sioux culture. The broadcast is carried out as KINI FM 96.1 with much support given to spreading the virtues and traits of Lakota Sioux through various music programs which are connected to classic as well as modern touches of their culture. The other perspectives to be observed are the history, art and performance of Lakota Sioux. The films are very good sources of these factors explicitly. Two films named "Lakota Quillwork: Art and Legend-A Story of Sioux Porcupine Quilling: Past and Present. 1990" and "TAHTONKA: The Plains Indians and Their Buffalo Culture. 1973† can be utilized for achieving our learning objective. (Maldonado & Winick, 2004, para.3). It is a tradition among Lakota females to conduct ‘porcupine quilling’ which is being covered completely in the film Lakota Quillwork: Art and Legend-A Story of Sioux Porcupine Quilling: Past and Present. The audience get ideas on

Final Exam questions Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Final Exam questions - Assignment Example Qualitative risk assessment however applies rationale to develop fixed values of factors to risk. Qualitative risk assessment method is the most suitable for homeland security. This is because of its diversified advantages, over the quantitative method, that meets the scope of Homeland security’s need for fast and accurate reactions. The advantages include simple analysis and results that facilitates prompt detection and response to risks (Landon, 2011). Risk management refers to a strategic process of managing probability of loss that is associated with a peril. Risk management strategies involve identification of involved risk, followed by its analysis that culminates to mitigation. The strategies are â€Å"avoidance, reduction,† and transfer (Akitonye, and Beck, 2009, p. 245). The three major threats facing the United States today are terrorism, natural disasters, and cyber crime. Terrorism is however the greatest of these threats because of its source and its political aspects. Being caused by human beings means that it can happen any time and its risk is enhanced by the United States international positions as a world power. The nation’s participation in international wars, especially in the Middle East also identifies significance of the threat. The relationship between risk, critical assets, threats, vulnerability, and consequences is that risk is a factor of critical assets, threats, and vulnerability, and its occurrence leads to adverse consequences. Risk defines exposure to a peril or potential peril. Critical assets define those assets that are instrumental to attainment of an objective while threats define phenomena that induce unpleasant effects. Vulnerability refers to the susceptibility to a threat and consequences define the results of manifestation of a threat. The presence of critical assets, threats, and vulnerability integrates to

The integration of poland into the european union has been an Essay

The integration of poland into the european union has been an unqualified success.Discuss - Essay Example Much water has flowed under the bridge with in this period and Poland had undergone a sea change before it joined the EU bandwagon. If you go deeper into the past, it had travelled a long way from the former USSR controlled single-party communist political system to the much desired legislature democratic system found in many western European countries. Gone were the days of Communist repression by the Giereks, Kanias and Zarujelskis and Poland, now a blossoming democracy that has linked its destiny with the rest of the Europe, is presently looking ahead for a golden future. That Poland has gained admission into the EU indicates the political wisdom and maturity it has achieved and social transformation it has undergone over a period of time. Its much- awaited admission into the EU and integration with the west had just arrived as a climax that strengthened the already existing trade and cultural relationship between Poland and the rest of the Europe. The admission into EU of Poland had only therefore formalised and officially branded its existing relationship with the rest of the region. Like any other European country, Poland too had to meet certain stringent conditions laid down by the EU and prove its credentials in matters of political stability, commitment to human rights, democracy, protection to minorities and market economy. Cordell argues that the first post-communist Polish regime had basically accorded highest priority to the issue of integration with the West and the subsequent Governments had also adopted similar line strengthening the political sentiment in favour of EU membership (29 & 30). He suggests that all Polish Governments since 1990 had made it a point to toe the line of full integration with the military, political and economic organisations of the Western Europe that included the Council of Europe, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), the Western European Union (WEU) and the European Community/ European Union (24). For the people of Poland who were vexed with the Russian supported-communist regimes till then, the change in the perception and attitude of the post-communist Governments had arrived as fresh breath of air. The fact that Poland, like Hungary, Czechia, Slovakia and some other European countries, had partly or fully enjoyed 3 patterns of culture similar to that of Western Europe for a long time had further given oxygen to the process of integration. As Slomp elaborates, most people of Poland are traditional Catholics too (164). All these factors had strengthened the popular perception of the people and political parties for total integration with the Western Europe. According to Parzymies, an observer of Polish affairs, Poland undoubtedly exhibited much enthusiasm in obtaining membership of the EU ever since its associate membership came into force partly from March 1, 1992 and fully from February 1, 1994 through the European Treaty of 1991(Para 3).But what could obviously be the benefit to either Poland or the rest of the Europe through Poland's admission into the EU Parzymies answers this by explaining that admission of Poland and

Iraq War Essay Example for Free

Iraq War Essay The American government took the controversial decision of waging a war against Iraq. The circumstances and the motives of the American government indicate that the war on Iraq was unwarranted and cannot be justified although the American government has put forward a few reasons for waging this war. The logic and evidence does not support such contentions by the American government. The American government has failed to justify its unilateral decision of declaring war against Iraq. In the year 2002, the American President revealed his plan of attacking the Iraqi regime as it was thought that Iraq was in the process of emerging as the greatest threat to the American security. This decision was apparently taken on the basis of the intelligence information that the US government obtained concerning Iraq’s nuclear program. However, it is interesting to note that this intelligence information was kept secret until 2002. The major reason for this war was the terrorist attack of the World Trade Center in the year 2001. Obviously, this attack had left Americans at a state of shock as the successful terrorist attack demonstrated to the whole world that American security is at stake and that American military and intelligence power is not that efficient. (Powers 1) The knee jerk reaction resulted in the decision to chalk out the proper plans to prevent the future attacks of the American territory. However, it is interesting to note that the American government could not obtain even the simple majority of the members of the UN Security Council. This clearly indicates that the United Nations did not wholeheartedly support the Iraqi venture initiated by the American government. The close allies such as France and Germany could not be convinced of the need for this war project as these countries felt that there was no need for any fresh attack on the Iraqi territory as after 1991 this region was left in almost depleted state. The President was able to only convince the United States Congress as the members of the Congress did not question the necessity of a war on Iraq. The Congress members did not even participate in the debate regarding the Iraqi war. This shows that the American government could not convince the world leaders that Iraq was up to some fresh mischief in the form of the production of armaments having the capacity to destroy the world population. These details indicate that the American government has been alienated by other important powers which have not accepted the evidence presented by America that Iraq was emerging as another center of terrorist activities. (Powers 2) The main argument of the proponents of war was that Saddam Hussein possessed various dangerous weapons such as nuclear arsenals and chemical weapons which could have been used to destroy the enemy countries. The proponents of war asserted that the past history of Saddam showed that he was an aggressor. Their another contention is that Saddam Hussein had connections with the Islamic terrorist organizations and the leaders such as Osama bin Laden who had played an important role in the WTC attack. (Mearsheimer and Walt 1) These are the three reasons given by war supporters to justify the US aggression on Iraq. However, the proponents of war are not able to prove that Hussein really possessed Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). The UN inspections did not reveal that Iraq actually possessed or had the potential of building huge base of WMD which could have been used for destructive purposes. The War mongers were aware of the fact that their action would lead to huge expenses to the American treasury and that this war would result in the alienation of America in the world politics. Even then they insisted that war was inevitable as one could not afford to ignore the possession of nuclear arsenals in the hands of the Iraqi leadership. In reality, the US had the power to contain the alleged Iraqi aggression. The argument that war was inevitable rests on the faulty logic. The war supporters are not able to come up with substantial proof to suggest that Saddam had seriously pursued the plan of destroying his enemy countries. (Mearsheimer and Walt 4) However, in this context one should remember that after the Gulf war the allied forces had obtained entry into Iraq and they had used their energy to reduce the military power of Iraq. The Gulf war debacle was sufficient to deplete the Iraqi resources. Perhaps the American government needed to make a strong statement against Islamic terrorists after the September 11 attack. This resulted in the declaration of war on Iraq. This can be considered as the face saving attempt made by the American government. The newspapers have reported information from CIA documents which contradicted the statements made by the President Bush who asserted that Iraq was trying to produce nuclear arsenals as the Iraqi officials had approached South Africa to obtain materials needed for producing nuclear weapons. However, CIA expressed doubt regarding this report that Iraq was trying to obtain nuclear weapon materials from South Africa. Another contention of the President was that the Iraqi officials refused entry of the weapon inspectors into Iraqi regions. However, there are evidences which refute this allegation. In reality, as the newspapers reported, the Iraqi government had offered their cooperation with the weapon inspectors. There is also evidence to suggest that even before the beginning of war the American government obtained the information that Iraq did not approach South Africa to obtain nuclear weapon materials. This shows that the Bush administration had deliberately misinterpreted the intelligence reports in order to obtain the support of the Congress members for this war. In spite of these contradictions Bush has defended his action of invading Iraq without any major reason. (Priest and Milbank A01) There are evidences to state that the US decision to attack Iraq has backfired and it has not contributed to the improvement of the US image in the international political arena. The Iraq venture has resulted in the protest by the governments and people belonging to different nations in the world which did not find any necessity for this war. (Martin 3) The main reason for this protest against the war is that this war was unjust. The extreme action taken by the US forces against the innocent Iraqi civilians has come under public criticism. This shows the world public opinion has not supported the idea of the US led campaign against Iraq. This war has enraged the Muslim nations and this may contribute to increase in the activities of the Muslim terrorist organizations leading to the loss of lives in different parts of the world. There is no evidence to state that the US government obtained the support of the majority of the Americans for this war. The Iraq war has contributed to the creation negative image of Bush not only in the world politics but also in the US. In this sense, this war has not benefited the US people. Instead of increasing the security of Americans, this war has increased the possibility of terrorist attack on the innocent American population. (Martin 4) Works Cited Bracknell, Major Rob. â€Å"Euro-bashing as Good Sport†. Naval War College Review. 58. 2, (2005): 139-142. Available at https://www.brookings.edu/

Recent Trends in Indain Banking Sector Essay Example for Free

Recent Trends in Indain Banking Sector Essay The economy can be divided in the entire spectrum of economic activity into the real and monetary sectors. The real sector is where production takes place while the monetary sector supports this production and in a way is the means to the end. We know and we accept the financial system is critical to the working of the rest of the economy. In fact, the Asian crisis of the nineties, or for that matter what happened in Latin America and Russia subsequently and also Dubai Crisis have shown how a fragile financial sector can wreak havoc on the rest of the economy. Therefore the banking sector is crucial and we want to express our views to explore how this sector can work in harmony with the real sector to achieve the desired objectives. the b Banking sector has been immensely benefited from the implementation of superior technology during the recent past, almost in every nation in the world. Productivity enhancement, innovative products, speedy transactions seamless transfer of funds, real time information system, and efficient risk management are some of the advantage derived through the technology. Information technology has also improved the efficiency and robustness of business processes across anking sector. Indias banking sector has made rapid strides in reforming and aligning itself to the new competitive business environment. Indian banking industry is the midst of an IT revolution. Technological infrastructure has become an indispensable part of the reforms process in the banking system, with the gradual development of sophisticated instruments and innovations in market practices. IT in Banking Indian banking industry, today is in the midst of an IT revolution. A combination of regulatory and competitive reasons has led to increasing importance of total banking automation in the Indian Banking Industry. Information Technology has basically been used under two different avenues in Banking. One is Communication and Connectivity and other is Business Process Reengineering. Information technology enables sophisticated product development, better market infrastructure, implementation of reliable techniques for control of risks and helps the financial intermediaries to reach geographically distant and diversified markets. The bank which used the right technology to supply timely information will see productivity increase and thereby gain a competitive edge. To compete in an economy which is opening up, it is imperative for the Indian Banks to observe the latest technology and modify it to suit their environment. Not only banks need greatly enhanced use of technology to the customer friendly, efficient and competitive existing services and business, they also need technology for providing newer products and newer forms of services in an increasingly dynamic and globalize environment. Information technology offers a chance for banks to build new systems that address a wide range of customer needs including many that may not be imaginable today. Following are the innovative services offered by the industry in the recent past: Electronic Payment Services – E Cheques Nowadays we are hearing about e-governance, e-mail, e-commerce, e-tail etc. In the same manner, a new technology is being developed in US for introduction of e-cheque, which will eventually replace the conventional paper cheque. India, as harbinger to the introduction of e-cheque, the Negotiable Instruments Act has already been amended to include; Truncated cheque and E-cheque instruments. Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) Real Time Gross Settlement system, introduced in India since March 2004, is a system through which electronics instructions can be given by banks to transfer funds from their account to the account of another bank. The RTGS system is maintained and operated by the RBI and provides a means of efficient and faster funds transfer among banks facilitating their financial operations. As the name suggests, funds transfer between banks takes place on a ‘Real Time basis. Therefore, money can reach the beneficiary instantaneously and the beneficiarys bank has the responsibility to credit the beneficiarys account within two hours. Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) is a system whereby anyone who wants to make payment to another person/company etc. can approach his bank and make cash payment or give instructions/authorization to transfer funds directly from his own account to the bank account of the receiver/beneficiary. Complete details such as the receivers name, bank account number, account type (savings or current account), bank name, city, branch name etc. should be furnished to the bank at the time of requesting for such transfers so that the amount reaches the beneficiaries account correctly and faster. RBI is the service provider of EFT. Electronic Clearing Service (ECS) Electronic Clearing Service is a retail payment system that can be used to make bulk payments/receipts of a similar nature especially where each individual payment is of a repetitive nature and of relatively smaller amount. This facility is meant for companies and government departments to make/receive large volumes of payments rather than for funds transfers by individuals. Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) Automatic Teller Machine is the most popular devise in India, which enables the customers to withdraw their money 24 hours a day 7 days a week. It is a devise that allows customer who has an ATM card to perform routine banking transactions without interacting with a human teller. In addition to cash withdrawal, ATMs can be used for payment of utility bills, funds transfer between accounts, deposit of cheques and cash into accounts, balance enquiry etc. Point of Sale Terminal Point of Sale Terminal is a computer terminal that is linked online to the computerized customer information files in a bank and magnetically encoded plastic transaction card that identifies the customer to the computer. During a transaction, the customers account is debited and the retailers account is credited by the computer for the amount of purchase. Tele Banking Tele Banking facilitates the customer to do entire non-cash related banking on telephone. Under this devise Automatic Voice Recorder is used for simpler queries and transactions. For complicated queries and transactions, manned phone terminals are used. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Electronic Data Interchange is the electronic exchange of business documents like purchase order, invoices, shipping notices, receiving advices etc. in a standard, computer processed, universally accepted format between trading partners. EDI can also be used to transmit financial information and payments in electronic form. Implications The banks were quickly responded to the changes in the industry; especially the new generation banks. The continuance of the trend has re-defined and re-engineered the banking operations as whole with more customization through leveraging technology. As technology makes banking convenient, customers can access banking services and do banking transactions any time and from any ware. The importance of physical branches is going down. Challenges Faced by Banks, vis-Ã  -vis, IT Implementation It is becoming increasingly imperative for banks to assess and ascertain the benefits of technology implementation. The fruits of technology will certainly taste a lot sweeter when the returns can be measured in absolute terms but it needs precautions and the safety nets. It has not been a smooth sailing for banks keen to jump onto the IT bandwagon. There have been impediments in the path like the obduracy once shown by trade unions who felt that IT could turn out to be a threat to secure employment. Further, the expansion of banks into remote nooks and corners of the country, where logistics continues to be a handicap, proved to be another stumbling stock. Another challenge the banks have had to face concerns the inability of banks to retain the trained and talented personnel, especially those with a good knowledge of IT. The increasing use of technology in banks has also brought up ‘security concerns. To avoid any pitfalls or mishaps on this account, banks ought to have in place a well-documented security policy including network security and internal security. The passing of the Information Technology Act has come as a boon to the banking sector, and banks should now ensure to abide strictly by its covenants. An effort should also be made to cover e-business in the countrys consumer laws. Some are investing in it to drive the business growth, while others are having no option but to invest, to stay in business. The choice of right channel, justification of IT investment on ROI, e-governance, customer relationship management, security concerns, technological obsolescence, mergers and acquisitions, penetration of IT in rural areas, and outsourcing of IT operations are the major challenges and issues in the use of IT in banking operations. The main challenge, however, remains to motivate the customers to increasingly make use of IT while transacting with banks. For small banks, heavy investment requirement is the compressing need in addition to their capital requirements. The coming years will see even more investment in banking technology, but reaping ROI will call for more strategic thinking. Future Outlook Everyone today is convinced that the technology is going to hold the key to future of banking. The achievements in the banking today would not have make possible without IT revolution. Therefore, the key point is while changing to the current environment the banks has to understand properly the trigger for change and accordingly find out the suitable departure point for the change. Although, the adoption of technology in banks continues at a rapid pace, the concentration is perceptibly more in the metros and urban areas. The benefit of Information Technology is yet to percolate sufficiently to the common man living in his rural hamlet. More and more programs and software in regional languages could be introduced to attract more and more people from the rural segments also. Standards based messaging systems should be increasingly deployed in order to address cross platform transactions. The surplus manpower generated by the use of IT should be used for marketing new schemes and banks should form a ‘brains trust comprising domain experts and technology specialists. Conclusion The banking today is re-defined and re-engineered with the use of Information Technology and it is sure that the future of banking will offer more sophisticated services to the customers with the continuous product and process innovations. Thus, there is a paradigm shift from the sellers market to buyers market in the industry and finally it affected at the bankers level to change their approach from conventional banking to convenience banking and mass banking to class banking. The shift has also increased the degree of accessibility of a common man to bank for his variety of needs and requirements.

Study On The Definition Of Evidence Based Practice

Study On The Definition Of Evidence Based Practice I have studied Nursing for 4 years in the Philippines and I have not encounter the term Evidence Based Practice. It took me by surprise that such subject exist. On my first day of class at Thames Valley University I have learned that EBP is about exploring a medical intervention through research of published research articles based on clinical trial conducted by various researchers and clinicians. The process starts by proposing a research question, and I chose to focus on Pain Management but I have notice that pharmacological management is too common. For such reason, I have decided to aim the attention of my research to Non-pharmacological Management such as Diversional Therapy. This kind of therapy is seldom used in the clinical setting because a lot of medicines are being discovered and used as often. As the process continues, I have learned how to properly critically appraise an article and notice its importance no matter how old it was and enhance my problem solving skills. Fur thermore, adjusting and somehow changing the learning method is a big alteration I have encounter as I need to spend a lot of time reading and making the paper. After all the amplitude I put into making this Folder of Evidence, I consider the entire course a success. I have learned so much of new things that somehow I ignored before. Mapping Grid: Module Learning Outcomes Evidence 1 Evidence 2 Evidence 3 Evidence 4 Identify and critically examine priorities for improving practice. Page 12 Para 1 [P] Asses the ability to identify evidence and critically appraise its value. Page 15 Para 2 [P] Critically analyze the change description and understanding about the nature of evidence in health care practice. Page 12 Para 1 [C] Page 18- 21 Para 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 [P] Evaluate the possibility and effectiveness of evidence for change in practice. Page 24- 25 Para 2, 5 [P] Learning Log: Study Day 1: 11th October 2010 Topic Understanding the Nature of Evidence Key Concepts/Issues Evidence Based Practice History Development Teaching/Learning Lecture Group Discussion Information Skills Development Classroom Activity AM Exploration of the Concept of Evidence Based Practice. PM Sources of Evidence Developing Search Skills Library Session (1) Brief Notes Evidence based practice is providing the best evidence of treatment to facilitate effective treatment/intervention. A discussion of what to be expected from folder of evidence as it highlights how the folder will be collated and how to set aims and objectives for FOE. Study Day 2: 25th October 2010 Topic Questioning Practice/Research Questions: Finding Evidence Key Concepts/Issues The relationship between questions and types of evidence; Questioning own practice explore types of research questions. Developing simple and structure search strategies Teaching/Learning Lecture Group Discussion Group Presentation Information Skills Development Classroom Activity AM Group Presentation: Evidence Based Practice Group Poster Presentation Concepts Definitions and Understandings Session Relationship Between Questions and Types of Evidence Descriptive and Relational Questions PM Writing Searchable Questions for Evidence Based Practice PICO Identifying Preliminary Search Terms Developing Search Skills Library Session (2) Brief Notes We discussed how to proposed a searchable question and how important it is. I formulated a topic based on my own interest and experience beforehand. Revision of question also was supervised and breakdown using PICO framework. Study Day 3: 8th November 2010 Topic Differentiating Between Research Paradigms. Key Concepts/Issues Evidence Based Practice Experimental Research Naturalistic Research Teaching/Learning Lecture Group Discussion Quiz Information Skills Development Classroom Activity AM Quiz Review Research Designs Discussion of Types of Questions (researchable and unsearchable questions). Group Work to Refine Final Practice Issue and Search Question Refine PICO Framework for Search PM Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria Appraisal Tools, CASP, SIGN, AGREE Group Work Assessment and Discussion of Two Papers Retrieved Last Week. (Question, Design, Methods and Results). Brief Notes I have learn the different types of research designs that supports my research scheme for the 5 primary articles together with supporting documents that will be used in making EBP. This session also emphasizes the importance of PICO as this will help how to refine searches. Different appraisal tool was also discussed and its importance as this provide effective filter for the reliability and validity of published literature. Study Day 4: 29th November 2010 Topic Systematic Reviews/Meta-analysis: An Introduction Appraising Evidence Part 1. Key Concepts/Issues Systematic Reviews Developing Critical Appraisal Skills Teaching/Learning Lecture Group Discussion Group Presentation Individual Exercise Classroom Activity AM Group Presentation Features of Systematic Review Group Discussion How Does an SR Differ From a Traditional Review? Appraising a Systematic Review Individual Exercise and Group Discussion. PM Using Appraisal Tools Appraising of an RCT and a Qualitative Study Using CASP or an Alternative Appraisal Tool. Group Discussion Analysing the Appraisal Process and Effectiveness of the Appraisal Tool. Brief Notes A systematic review is a study that identifies, appraise, select ans synthesize a collection of research articles with relevance to each piece of work. Critically appraising a systematic review article excludes lesser quality studies to minimize error and bias in the findings. It Assess the validity of research by means of determining whether the methods used during the study can be trusted to provide a genuine, accurate account of the treatment being studied. Study Day 5: 6th December 2010 Topic Establishing the Quality of Evidence Key Concepts/Issues Making Judgements About the Quality of Evidence Synthesising Evidence Teaching/Learning Lecture Group Discussion workshop Individual Exercise Classroom Activity AM GRADE How to Move from Evidence to Recommendations. Workshop- Grading Evidence PM Tutorials Independent Work or Further Electronic Searches. Brief Notes As I appraise each primary articles collected, a summary of critical appraisal of the 5 primary articles was made. This strategy helped me to make an apprehension toward the affirmation of each articles towards making the summative 3. Study Day 6 13th December 2010 Topic Implementing EBP Key Concepts/Issues Translating Evidence Into Practice Implementing EBP Guiding Principles for Implementing EBP Barriers to Implementing EBP Teaching/Learning Lecture Group Discussion Group Presentation Individual Exercise Classroom Activity AM Group discussion Identify Barriers to Implementing Evidence Base in Practice Identify Strategies to Implementation that Avoid/Overcome these Barriers. PM Students to work in pairs to devise a search strategy for use in one electronic database to identify an article that describes and evaluates the introduction of evidence based change in practice. Brief Notes Implementation has its various barriers to consider such as time, support, lack of knowledge, lack of motivation of the workers and too much research evidence. As a group activity we critique an implementation article as to determine the process of implementation of the studied intervention. Study Day 7 10th January 2011 Topic Evaluating EBP Key Concepts/Issues Evaluating Changes in Practice Application of a Framework for Evaluating Change. Final Module Evaluation Teaching/Learning Lecture Group Discussion Group Presentation Individual Exercise Classroom Activity Measurement for Improvement/Change Sustainability of Change Examine Effectiveness of Evaluation Strategies. Module Evaluation and Individual Tutorials Brief Notes It discussed about the evaluation process of a study and the use of guidelines in each step. Evaluation meant by achieving a research aims and objectives and most importantly if the study conducted able to answer the hypothesis, as this entails whether the study is effective or not. SUMMATIVE WORK Summative 1: Concept of Evidence-based Practice The challenge for best quality of care, combined with the need for recommended usage of resources has heightened the pressure on health care professionals to ensure that clinical procedures is based on sound evidence. Frequent change and advancement in treatments, an increasingly numbers of research information, and the increase of expectations from clients to provide the best care possible, place high demands on healthcare providers to maintain a service that is based on current best evidence. (Bennett and Bennett, 2000). Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a clear path to healthcare wherein health professionals use the best evidence possible, such as the most suitable information available, clinical decisions for individual patients. EBP values, enhances, and builds on clinical expertise, knowledge of disease process, and patho-physiology (McKibbon,1997). Evidence-based practice presume knowledge of and skills in literature searching, research methodologies apprehension , appraisal an d apprehension of research. It also requires healthcare professionals to have access, critique and coordinate literature study with clinical experience and clients aspect. In order to gain a greater interpretation about the nature of evidence in the context of health care, consideration needs to be given to the history of the evidence-based health care movement while the concept was originated in medicine, it has influenced a wide range of health professions (Trinder Reynolds, 2000). In addition, it is an approach to decision-making that has permeated all aspects of healthcare. Its characterize can be seen in many of the leading health systems and government health policies across the world. EBP model highlights the value of research as a source of information which is potentially less biased than other sources for informing practice, it also clearly acknowledges the importance of integrating this research with clinical expertise and clients perspectives (Sackett et al., 2000). Moreover, it involves complex and reliable decision-making based not on available evidence alone but also on patient characteristics, situations, and preferences. Changing practice is not easy to do therefore careful selection of the topic is very significant. For the benefit of the patient is of first importance when selecting a topic, however it can not be the main basis as to literary evidence is inadequate to figure what are the benefits. Researchers must also consider the time, level of consumption and other resources for the study. Research evidence is most frequently found in peer-reviewed journals as this is where results are first published and where enough detail on methodology exists to make informed judgements on the validity and clinical relevance of the findings (Bury Jerosch-Herold, 1998). Research using the strongest and most appropriate study design for the question being studied, will provide the best evidence. Summarizing the evidence is a vast intellectual endeavor according to Fitzpatrick (2007). Healthcare workers must be capable combining ideas and recommendations from an extent of references to make appropriate advices. Implementing a plan is consider challenging because standards and regulation of an organization can either help or ruin an EBP approach to care. Evaluation process involves short term and long term coverage to provide essential data. Word count= 503 Reference List: Bennett S Bennett J (2000) The process of evidence-based practice in occupational therapy: Informing clinical decisions. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal. 47 p171-180. McKibbon K (1997) Evidence-based practice. Bulletin of Medical Library Association. 86(3)p396-401 Trinder, L., Reynolds, S. (Eds). (2000). Evidence-Based Practice A critical appraisal. Oxford: Blackwell Science. Sackett D, Richardson W, Rosenberg W, Haynes R (2000).Evidence based medicine: How to practice and teach EBM (2nd edn). Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. Bury T Jerosch-Herold C. (1998). Reading and critical appraisal of the literature. Evidencebased healthcare. A practical guide for therapists Oxford: Butterworth Heinemann. p136-161 Fitzpatrick J (2007. Finding the research for evidence-based practice,part one: The development of EBP 103 (17) p.32-33 Summative 2: Critical discussion on formulating question using PICO There are many times that new information is required when contemplating clients in order to analyze clinical problems and make treatment resolutions, and these questions pertains to a specific client or groups of people. Questions usually arise concerning the effectiveness and choices of an intervention, how treatments are best implemented and whether there are any associated difficulties included (Bennett and Bennett, 2000).The question for this study is about the effectiveness of Diversional Activities as a form of pain management to paediatric clients. Pain management is the alleviation of agony and suffering of a patient with the use of Pharmacological and Non-pharmacological treatment or nursing intervention. Diversional therapy is a non-pharmacological approach and a client centered practice that recognizes the leisure and recreational experiences of an individual (Diversional Therapy Association of Australia,2008).Through the act of psychological and behavioral factors regard ing pain, complimentary medicine are significant in altering pain experiences. These interventions bears to minimize fear, worry, pain and heighten a clients bodily process. According to Bennett and Bennett (2000), when there is uncertainty, the need for information can be interchange into a clinical question. Clearly framing a question not only clarifies what to aim, but it can also facilitate the search for answers. Sackett et al. (1997) point out that the identification of congruent data for answering a particular clinical question may be facilitated by diving the question into components including: A client or a dilemma being considered, an intervention or indicator being considered, outcomes of interest you would like to measure or achieve and a comparison. PICO represents an acronym for Patient, Intervention, Comparison and Outcome. These four components are the essential elements of the research question in EBP and of the construction of the question for the search of evidence (Santos et al. 2007). The PICO strategy can be used to compose several kinds of research analysis, originated from clinical practice, human and material resource management, the search of evidence assessment instruments, among others. The research question allows for the correct definition of which evidence is needed to solve the clinical research question, focuses on the research scope and avoids unnecessary searching (Fleming, 1999). Based on the clinical question formulated and utilization of PICO, a literature search strategy can then be formulated that includes search terms reflecting each component of the question. The next step in the evidence-based practice process is to search the literature for evidence that may assist in acknowledging the question posed. The literature search will be focused by the clinical question that has been identified with use of PICO, as well as other relevant information (Bennett and Bennett, 2000). While evidence for informing clinical decisions may come from various sources including clinical experience, education, textbooks, discussion amongst colleagues and from clients, evidence from well-performed research may be less prone to bias or to the tendency to believe what we want to believe ( Tickle-Degnen, 1999).The internet and the portals of open-access journals allow for accessibility to knowledge, keywords such as non-pharmacological, complimentary medicine and diversional therapy were used to search for the 5 primary articles to be used for this study. An article must be good and interesting, should be well written, and old articles are also considered. Moreo ver, comprises a body of knowledge in academic and scientific based from an original research. Word count= 548 Reference List: Bennett S and Bennett J (2000) The process of evidence-based practice in occupational therapy: Informing clinical decisions. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal. 47 p.171-180 Diversional Therapy Association of Australia(2008) what is diversional therapy?[online]. Available at:http://www.diversionaltherapy.org.au/Home/tabid/38/Default.aspx Flemming K.(1999) Critical appraisal 2: Searchable questions.NT Learn Curve 3(2) p. 6-7. Sackett DL, Straus S, Richardson S, Rosenberg W, Haynes RB (2000) Evidence-based medicine: how to practice and teach EBM. Churchill Livingstone. 2nd edition. Santos C, Pimenta C, Nobre M.(2007) The PICO strategy for the research question construction and evidencesearch. Rev Latino-am Enfermagem maio-junho. 15(3) p.508-11. Tickle-Degnen,L. (1999). Organizing, evaluating and using evidence in occupational therapy practice. American Journal of Occupational Therapy; 53 p.537 539. Summative 3: Synthesis of research findings. This part of work is the review of the 5 primary articles chosen for the topic effectiveness of diversional activities for pain management to pediatric clients. The articles will be analyzed by using CASP tool, examining each relevant findings and by compare and contrasting ideas of each authors, thus, resulting to further evaluation of such intervention in hospital and non-hospital setting for its efficacy. This research desires to have a thorough understanding of non-pharmacological intervention in managing pain to children that soon will complement pharmacological management by provide stronger evidence. Pain is a dreadful feeling and emotional experience related to injury or damage to children s body, it is usually caused by trauma, disease, medical procedure or surgery. Pain may affect children s appetite, sleeping patterns and lessen energy level hence disabling child to do things. Pediatric pain is complex and often difficult to assess, that is why effective pain management in children is a challenge to medical practitioners because there are many special considerations when providing treatment. On the other hand, non-pharmacological therapies or diversional activities are treatment that do not use medicines to decrease or control child s pain. They may convey comfort to the patient during a long standing condition or illness. Certain activities may help improve the child s state by making him/her more comfortable and relaxed. It involves methods such as teaching and leading your child through thinking exercises and other techniques. It can also be used before and after a child undergoes painful experience, such as medical procedure or surgery. Vessey et al. (1994) stated that, Distraction is the single most commonly used diversional activity among children. Fernandez (1986) stated that distraction refers to the direction of attention to a non-noxious event or stimulus in the immediate environment. When a patient worries too much about his/her pain causes more pain than what is really there. Vessey et al (1994) surveyed 100 children, aged 3 years to 12 years, majority are males (62%) to examine the effectiveness of Distraction method during venipuncture or needle prick, the child s memory may lead to stressful psychological responses, such as crying, and physical responses such as venous constriction during the procedures. It is important that in conducting a study the respondent s age, developmental level and prior hospital experience must be considered during the selection, Broome (1985). Furthermore, Researchers uses the Wong-Baker FACES pain rating scale in evaluating children s perception of pain. Wong-baker pains scal e is know to be a reliable and valid device for children 3- 18 years of age in evaluating their pain,Wong and Baker (1988). In using distraction, the patients may paint, play with friends, watch TV and play with board games or video games and other novelty toys to help them relax and deflect their attention during the procedure since it provokes curiosity and require children to use their auditory, visual, tactile and /or kinesthetic senses. These activities may keep them from thinking about the pain. Weekes et al (1988) Distress is known to cancer patients for years during and after the completion of anti cancer treatments. According to National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE), (2005) the role of imagination can play in a childs ability to cope with painful operations. The NICE concluded that there was a strong evidence for the use of hypnosis in alleviating chronic pain associated with cancer. Richardson et al (2006) mentioned that hypnosis is a method where the subject is guided by another to respond to suggestions for changes in subjective experience such as perception, sensation, emotion, thought or behavior. It can be utilized in a variety of ways to cut down stress, acquire coping strategies and halt the experience of pain. Self-hypnosis tends to ease self management of symptoms, hence providing a sense of self-efficacy and control over pain and distress, however, it creates less therapeutic benefit compared to therapist- directed hypnosis. It is evident that patien ts who underwent hypnosis reported less anxiousness and pain while using direct and indirect forms of hypnosis, demonstrating leveled effectiveness. Though, there is some evidence that under hypnosis, girls exhibited more distress behavior compared to boys, Katz et al (1987). Richardson et al (2006) concluded that hypnosis has potential as a clinically valued intervention that could impart to the establishment of procedure- related pain and distress in pediatric cancer patients. Oshikoya et al ( 2008) reported that complementary and alternative medicine has been advantageous for children by some parents, such benefits includes prevention of illness, maintenance of good health, relief of musculoskeletal pain, control of asthma symptoms, treatment of mild respiratory problems, relief of sickle cell anemia and enhancement of the immune system in cancer. 80% of the parents used alternative medicine to cure their children during the study, however, 7% discontinue the use of such practice because the symptoms of the illness come about in their children with exacerbation after their regular medications had been discontinued. Moreover, Kemper et al (2010) expressed that pediatric patients benefit from stress reduction by means of using complimentary medicines and techniques such as biofeedback which teaches the child to control and calm body s reactions when there is pain, it is one of the treatments researched most extensively for migraine, Allen (2004). Guided ima gery is used by letting the patient imagine that he/she is his/her favorite place, the patient will feel safe and relaxed and pain may be decrease. Relaxation and self-hypnosis methods that re mostly used for migraines and headache by asking the child to breathe slowly and deeply and let the patient imagine that his/her muscles are relaxing.. Holroyd and Drew (2006) stated that cognitive behavioral therapy has been utilized successfully to help manage headaches, depression, and anxiety, Lawler and Cameron (2006). This practice has proven effective in reducing migraine headaches, improves mood and cognitive function through an experiment. Also, Acupuncture and Massage can help both adults and pediatric patients who have chronic headache and can be provided by family members, which allows for more regular, inexpensive and favorable treatments. Salantera et al (1999) investigates 265 nurses about the knowledge and abilities of nurses towards pain management of pediatric clients. Health care practitioners such as nurses, are well placed to provide such supportive interventions in both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. According to Ross et al (1991) Healthcare providers lack of knowledge and negative attitudes may lead to under medication and under treatment of pain. Nurses are close to the children the whole day and have more chance to use non-pharmacological pain management methods in their work. Clarke et al (1996) that education about pain was most inadequate in areas of non-pharmacological interventions to relieve pain, the difference between acute and chronic pain, and the anatomy and physiology of pain. Nurses knowledge differed according to their age, education, and place of work, and uses a fairly wide range of non-pharmacological pain alleviation methods, most of the time the nurse was in the activ e role and the child was passive, restricting the child to take an active part in their own pain comfort. Studies shows that children like to have some responsibility for their own care. Furthermore, Pederson and Harbaugh (1995) explicit that there are obstacles in terms of using non-pharmacological pain management in hospital setting and found to be that excess workload, lack of proper materials, lack of knowledge and skills, and not knowing the child were the most common problems nurses confronts. Some of them felt that they receive very brief education on non-pharmacological pain management, and 90% had no documented evidence of the use of any non-pharmacological modalities to relieve pain that will serve as nurse s guidelines. The nurses who thought they had good knowledge about non-pharmacological management got a lower score from the survey, nurses consider themselves knowledgeable in stress reduction but not in play therapy and hypnosis method. Effective pain management in ch ildren requires cognition of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods. There are evidence found that nurse s characteristics, such as age, knowledge, experience, intuition, attitudes and beliefs, as well as nurses personal experience with pain, determines their implementation of pain interventions and knowledge about it. Nurses should be encouraged to actively seek new information and extend their training. More comparative, dismantling, constructive, and process oriented research strategy is required in the area of non-pharmacological pain management and different practice of pain alleviation should be generalized. Non- pharmacological approach has been found to be an effective adjunct method for the control of pain. A wide range of complementary and alternative medicine therapies are being used by children, including herbs and dietary supplements. Given the influence of psychological and behavioral factors on pain, non-pharmacological interventions are important in altering pain perception/behaviors. Diversional activities are intervention used for managing pain in both children and adult to reduce fear and, minimize distress and pain and increase a childs sense of control. For these techniques to be effective, it must be appropriate to patient s age and developmental abilities and must also be appealing to the recipient. There is still continues need to educate the medical community regarding the long term outcomes of pain control. Word count = 1514 Reference List: Allen KD (2004) Using biofeedback to make childhood headaches less of a pain. Pediatric Annual. 33: 241-245 Broome M (1985). The child in pain: A model for assessment and intervention. Critical care quarterly, 8: 47-55 Fernandez E (1986). A classification system of cognitive coping strategies for pain. Pain. 26: 141- 151. Holroyd KA, Drew JB (2006) Behavioral approaches to the treatment of migraine. Seminar Neurology. 26: 199- 207 Katz E, Kellerman J, Ellenberg L (1987) Hypnosis in the reduction of acute pain and distress in children with cancer. Journal of Pediatric Psychology; 12: 379- 394 Kemper K, Breuner C, (2010) Complimentary, Holistic, and Integrative Medicine; Headaches. American academy of pediatrics, 31(2) p.17- 23 Lawler SP, Cameron LD (2006) A randomized, controlled trial of massage therapy as a treatment for migraine. Annual Behavioral Medicine. 32: p50-59 National Center for complimentary and alternative medicine, NIH (2007) Non-pharmacological pain management therapies for children. Available at http://nccma.nih.gov National Institute for clinical excellence (NICE) (2005) Service guidelines for improving outcomes in children and young people with cancer-second consultation. Available at http://www.nice.org.uk/pdf/cacancer_2ndcons_manual.pdf Oshikoya K, Senbanjo I, Njokanma O, Soipe A ( 2008) Use of complimentary and alternative medicines for children with chronic health conditions in Lagos, Nigeria. BMC complimentary and alternative medicine 8 (66), p.1- 8 Pederson C, Harbaugh B. (1995) Nurses use of Non-pharmacological techniques with hospitalized children. Issues comprehensive pediatric Nursing; 18: 91- 109 Richardson J, Smith J, Pilkington K (2006) Hypnosis for procedure-related pain and distress in pediatric cancer patients: A systematic review and methodology related to hypnosis interventions. Journal of Pain and symptom Management, 31 (1) p.70- 83 Ross RS, Bush JP, Crummette BD (1991) Factors affecting nurses decisions to administer PRN analgesic medication to children after surgery: an analog investigation. Journal of pediatric Psychology, 16: 151-167 Salantera S, Lauri S, Salmi T, Helenius H (1999) Nurses knowledge about pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management in children. Journal of Pain and symptom Management, 18 (4) p. 289- 299 Vessey J, Carlson K, McGill J (1994) Use of Distraction with Children during an acute pain experience. Nursing Research, 43(6) p. 369-372 Weeeks DP, Savedra MC (1988) Adolescent cancer: coping with treatment- related pain. Journal of Pediatric Nursing; 3: 318- 328. Wong D, Baker C (1988) Pain in children s comparison of assessment scales. Pediatric Nursing, 14: 19- 17.

Schooling in the Outback Essay -- Australia, government, education

Australia is split into different states and territories that have their own government. These territories include the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. This is important to note because each individual state government manages the schools within its territory (Immi.Gov). They provide both the regulations and funding to both the public and private schools, though the government only provides the public schooling and private schools are offered by Churches and other groups (Immi.Gov). Some of the biggest differences between our US School system and the Australian system is how the school operates on the inside. Most of the schools throughout Australia enforce either a uniform code or a dress code, and most attendees bring their own lunches to school, although food can be purchased at the canteen - or cafeteria, in our terms (Working-In Australia.com). According to my friend Graham, the in school hours are generally the same as hours, starting at 8 AM and ending at 3 PM. The school term for Australia is also very different from our own. Where the US school duration is nine months, from September through May, the Australian school year is from January through December with four school terms in all (Working-In Australia.com). However, the school system makes up for this through having two and three week breaks periodically, once in April, July, and October. the longest break spans about a month and a half, and occurs during Christmas time (Working-In Australia.com). Schooling for children can start when they are around three years of age. At this time they can be enrolled in Preschool, though it is not required that children ... ... Martin, Peter. â€Å"Education System given a Fail.† SMH. Federal Politics, 12 Aug. 2012. Web. 03 Mar. 2014. http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/education-system-given-a-fail-20120820-24io3.html O’Farrell, Johanna. â€Å"Splashing Cash won’t fix Australia’s broken education system.† TheAge. Comment, 21 Dec. 2013. Web. 03 Mar. 2014. http://www.theage.com.au/comment/splashing-cash-wont-fix-australias-broken-education-system-2013 â€Å"What is the Australian Education System?† Immi. Australian Government, 19 Nov. 2013. Web. 02 Mar. 2014. http://www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/settle-in-australia/everyday-life/education/whatis.htm Soilemetzidis, Ioannis. â€Å"Higher Education in Australia: an Interview.† AngeloHigher. Angelo Higher 2.2 (2010): 12-20. Accessed through Web. 03, Mar. 2014. http://www.anglohigher.com/magazines/magazine_detail/47/251220-2zqpl.html

Mike Nichols Film, Wit Essay -- Film Movies

Mike Nichols' Film, Wit In the film Wit, directed by Mike Nichols, Emma Thompson (Vivian Bearing) is portrayed as a woman professor who had dedicated her life to teaching and studying John Donne and his sonnets. She was about 48 years old and was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer. This film showed us some of the hard decisions that Vivian had to make such as when she agrees to the radical and painful chemotherapy. The film showed us the changes she went through like in her body and mind (hair, weakness, weight, color etc.). Wit was a difficult and heartbreaking film to watch. By the end of the fist scene I knew where the film was headed just by technique and tone. How many films have you seen with a woman diagnosed with cancer, have a happy ending? Most of the action takes place in Vivian’s bed. There are a lot of close-ups on Vivian. The camera was all in her face even while throwing up. This film reminds me of one of my favorite movies Ferris Beuler’s Day Off. How, at times it was as if he was speaking right to the camera and the viewers. In the film V...

Deviance Essay -- Psychology Deviant Behavior Essays

Deviance Whatever the term deviance creates , in general it is popularly assumed that 'deviants' are individuals who are somehow less capable, less socially responsible, less adjusted, and consequently less useful to society than their more fortunate, upright and 'normal' fellows ( Social Deviance in Australia, p 4). In the case of Aboriginal drinking, alcohol is the main source of criminalisation and incarceration. This public labelling gives the individual an entirely new status- one which tends to dominate the person's self conception. Once this assumes a 'master status' it becomes the major reference for personal identity and relegates all to other 'normal' characteristics to a subsidiary status. This process insures that characteristics such as sexual preference, comes to intrude upon and influence almost their entire existence. Once identified publicly, (homosexuals), the person is treated differently and expected to behave differently (Study guide p18). The creation of deviance accordi ng to Merton is seen as the responsibility of society ( or the law abiding and respectable members of society) and of the official agents of social control ( police, magistrates, social workers, teachers, judges, doctors and psychiatrists) ( Social Deviance in Australia p 5). Merton draws attention to the causal significance of social, economic and cultural factors of all kinds in pushing or pulling certain types of individuals into courses of action which involved rule breaking. Interactionists', however, like Becker are primarily concerned with the role social control plays in the social production of deviance, which may take two main forms- rule making and rule enforcing. As Becker (1963:9) writes: 'social groups create deviance by making the rules whose infraction constitute deviance... and by applying these rules to particular people and labelling them outsiders. While Quinney states that crime is created. He refers to the social definition of deviance, to the fact that the sys tem of government we have created for ourselves was and is constructed by those who have titled authority and power. Control is exerted through a variety of institutions run by and for the elite (Mass media, education, religion). It is those who are in power who define what is seen as deviant behaviour. Robert Merton strongly believes that the problem of deviants is created by a soc... ...tter how hard they work, they cannot achieve the desired levels of wealth which they have been taught to aspire to, deviant behaviour may result. Howard Becker's approach to the labelling of deviance, outlined in Outsiders views deviance as the creation of social groups and not the quality of some act or behaviour ( Howard Becker website). According to Becker, researching the act of the individual is irrelevant as deviance is simply rule breaking behaviour that is labelled deviant by those in a position of power. Richard Quinney concentrates more on the development of a capitalist economy in the creation of deviants. He views the introduction of capitalism as condition where struggle is a natural component. In the book " Class, State, and Crime", Quinney states that deviance is a product of the condition of the social structure (p107) (Richard Quinney website). He believes that that the state maintains the capitalist order through the creation of laws. The state exists to serve t he interests of the capitalist working class. The criminal law is merely an instrument of that class to perpetuate the current social and economic order and is used to repress those who are less powerful.

Dementia: How and Whom Does It Affect?

Running Head: DEMENTIA: HOW AND WHOM DOES IT AFFECT? 1 Dementia: How and Whom Does it Affect? Liberty University COUNS 502 B-23LUO Instructor: Dr. Richard Pace Shelly M. Becker March 5, 2013 DEMENTIA: HOW AND WHOM DOES IT AFFECT? 2 Abstract Although dementia is often viewed as an â€Å"old person’s disorder, its effects ripple down in many directions such as family, caregivers, finances, and the healthcare system, leaving behind many unanswered questions and confusion for all. The purpose of this paper will be to answer some of these questions, so that a better understanding of dementia will be possible.By doing so through research already performed, articles written on the subject, and information found in books written by experts in the fields of gerontology, developmental disorders (neurological), and dementia specifically, the average reader will be able to define dementia, understand basic concepts and theories of causation, explain the progression of this disorder, and fully appreciate the potential and real effects this disorder has on the individual, caregivers, costs (both for the individual and society), and lastly, learn coping strategies to help all affected make the best out of a debilitating disorder of the brain.Keywords: dementia, gerontology, neurological, developmental disorders, caregivers DEMENTIA: HOW AND WHOM DOES IT AFFECT? 3 Dementia: How and Whom Does it Affect? Introduction Although dementia is often viewed as an â€Å"old person’s† disorder, it affects ripple down in many directions such as to family, caregivers, finances, and the healthcare system, leaving behind many unanswered questions and confusion for all.Based on research and information reported by experts in many fields, this paper will explore the different aspects surrounding dementia, specifically Alzheimer’s Disease, with the goal of helping the average person to better understand this debilitating disorder, become more familiar with how it af fects everyone, and lastly, make available to the reader techniques and strategies that could benefit the afflicted, their caregivers, and medical professionals dealing with patients suffering from dementia. It is safe to say that everyone does, or will, know someone in their lifetime that has dementia.One reason for this is the rapid growing numbers of elderly as a segment of global population. According to Chop and Robnett (1999): Baby boomers first turned 50 in 1996, and since then, every 7 seconds an American will turn 50 until the year 2014. In addition, growth of the older than 65 cohorts will continue to increase as baby boomers began turning 65 in 2010. It is estimated that y 2030, 22 percent, or 70. 2 million, Americans will be older than the age of 65. Even more astonishing, those over 85 years of age are the fastest growing segment of our DEMENTIA: HOW AND WHOM DOES IT AFFECT? population. They are expected to triple in size between 1986 and 2030, and be nearly seven times larger in 2050 than in 1980! (pp. 2-3) The rapid growth of this age group is not only being seen in America, it is occurring globally. In addition to the baby boomers now becoming â€Å"of age†, [quotation marks added] other factors contributing to the larger numbers of elderly, are the advances in the fields of medicine and in technology. It was not too long ago that the average life expectancy was around â€Å"45 years of age in 1900†, according to Chop and Robnett (1999), â€Å"increasing to 76 years in 990†(p. 48). Because dementia is more commonly diagnosed in the elderly, we will be experiencing an increase in numbers of diagnoses. This doesn’t necessarily mean that a greater percentage of the elderly are being affected by dementia, but more likely that this is a reflection of the greater number of elderly surviving to the age that onset is more likely to occur. This in turn will increase the probability that each of us at some point in our lives w ill be affected by this disorder, whether it is through a family member, friend, co-worker, or ourselves.In light of the above, it is more important now than ever, to bring about a greater awareness and understanding to all so that we may better be prepared to meet the needs, at all levels, of this rapidly growing group of our elders. Types and Symptoms of Dementia One of the areas that is of concern, and that research is being aimed at, is the need to find an accurate diagnostic tool(s) that can definitively diagnose dementia in its early DEMENTIA: HOW AND WHOM DOES IT AFFECT? 5 stages. As we age, there is a natural decline in many areas of our functioning and/or appearance.We often see changes in physical capabilities such as balance, strength, and we see changes in our sight, hearing, and general appearance, (hair color, we become shorter, or develop wrinkles). And yes, there are often changes of decline in cognition as we age, changes in comprehension, memory, or clarity of thou ght. In the past, we thought, as a society, that this was normal aging, all of it. Grandma was senile and that was the way life progressed. As stated earlier, our life expectancy was much shorter and we often did not see the final stages of dementia, therefore we didn’t view the decline in these areas as abnormal.The early stages of dementia often mimic the natural decline in some people of their senses. With medical advances, and longer life spans, we began to see that some people didn’t experience this deterioration in the same way. Some people live to be 100 and are still alert and in control of all their functions!! So to answer the question, are individuals with dementia normal? Should we all be afraid that the longer we live, the less capable we will be in living life? The answer is no. â€Å"Progressive severe loss of memory-routinely forgetting conversations or that one ate at a particular restaurant-and impaired thinking abilities are not a normal part of agi ng.Rather, such problems may be signs of a dementia-loss of brain functions due to an organic cause. Dementia is a generic term that includes a host of symptoms related to brain failure. There are several causes of dementia, but Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause. † (Kuhn, 1999. p. 11) Dementia is not a disease. It is a condition caused by a number of diseases. Currently, it DEMENTIA: HOW AND WHOM DOES IT AFFECT? 6 is estimated that more than 4 million, to as many as 7 million, people in the United States have dementia and more than 14 million people will be demented by the year 2050. (Levine, 2006. p. 6) The following is a list of the different types of dementia found in the DSM-IV-TR, Fourth Edition (2000): Alzheimer’s; Vascular Type; Type Due to HIV Disease; Dementia Due to Head Trauma; Dementia Due to Huntington’s Disease; Dementia Due to Parkinson’s Disease; Dementia Due to Pick’s Disease; Dementia Due to Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease; Dementia Due to Other General Medical Conditions; Substance-Induced Persisting Dementia; Dementia Due to Multiple Etiologies; and Dementia Not Otherwise Specified (p. 147).The common feature of these different types is memory impairment. Depending on the etiology, the other features of each vary. For example, with AD, the progression is very slow, lasting 8-10 years or longer, resulting in death. On the other hand, in Vascular Dementia, the onset is abrupt with rapid changes in functioning occurring versus slow the progression of symptoms. Also, early treatment of hypertension and vascular disease may prevent further progression, whereas in AD there is no way at this time, to prevent its progression.For the purpose of this paper there are too many different types of dementia, and their symptoms vary, making it impractical to discuss them all. Therefore, because Alzheimer’s is the most common of the types, the following discussion will be limited to its main features . (Hoffman, 2009. ) Alzheimer's was first described in 1906 by a German neurologist named Dr. Alois DEMENTIA: HOW AND WHOM DOES IT AFFECT? 7 Alzheimer. During that time period, as was pointed out earlier, the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease were viewed collectively as senility. What Dr.Alzheimer found when he performed an autopsy on a woman of 51 years of age was what we call today beta-amyloid plaques between neurons and bundles of protein threads within the neurons. These were the same as what were found in the brains of the elderly who were considered senile and just getting old. It wasn't until the 1960's that these were understood to be intrinsic to a brain disease, Alzheimer's Disease (AD), and that the symptoms of AD were not a normal part of aging, but rather were due to the diseased brain failing and dying off in part due to these plaques and tangles. pp. 2-5) This was not the only organic feature found as a part of AD. The discovery of certain mutant genes present in those suffering from AD, led to evidence of a genetic cause that places one at higher risk. In cases like this, the onset of AD occurs between the ages of 30-50 yrs. This is referred to as early-onset AD, as it occurs between the ages of 30-50 years old. Late on-set AD, typically occurs after the age of 65. Other factors that increase the risk of AD are (Hoffman, 2009, p. 50) high blood pressure, diet, diabetes type 2, women are slightly higher at risk, as well as (Feldman, 2000, p. ) African Americans and Hispanics being at higher risk than Caucasians. (Andersen, Kessing, Korner, Lauritzen, ; Lopez, 2007). Also, disorders such as depression or delusional disorder increase the chances of developing AD (p. 628). Again, the risk factors are there, but little is known as to why how, or if they will affect the outcome of developing AD, or not.So much research has been going on over the last 20 or so years, which has DEMENTIA: HOW AND WHOM DOES IT AFFECT? 8 increased the understanding of AD t remendously. But being able to have a way to detect AD in its earliest stages at this time, is still not possible. The goal of this intense research is that we may be able to use the information learned thus far, like the presence of tangles and plaques, the body's inability to be able to circumvent their build up in the brain, to find a way to stop the progression of AD before the symptoms are too many, and/or re unable to be stopped. So much more needs to be learned before we reach that point. Nevertheless, advances in the field of medicine and in technology are so amazing and rapid. The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI's}, and other high tech instruments that are now available to view images of the brain and how it functions, will hopefully lead to answers soon for the victims of AD and other types of dementia, and for their families. The areas that are affected for the individual with AD are many. The most devastating is the affect on memory.There is a normal amount of mem ory loss in most of us as we age. The difference for somebody with AD is that it begins to interfere with their ability to perform daily activities and continues to progress as time moves forward. It can be compared to the disease model of addiction. Something becomes an addiction when it interferes with your life on a daily basis, and it exhibits progression. AD is difficult to diagnose in its early stage. The individual and family members usually notice that something is different, but it doesn't get addressed at this point.This could be for many reasons such as fear, denial, and /or just being plain uninformed about AD. The first 2 or 3 years seem to be a gradual decline, in the short term memory especially DEMENTIA: HOW AND WHOM DOES IT AFFECT? 9 at first. (Kuhn, 1999. ) The brain is so amazing that as humans, we learn to compensate for deficiencies when we have them. (p. 43) For example, someone who has head trauma from an accident and loses some speech can often, with therapy, retrain the brain in another area to relearn how to speak. This applies to AD also.Because of the progression though, this can only be done for so long. After around 2-3 years, the decline in memory, and the effects that this has on other areas of functioning, begins to spiral down at a faster rate. As the brain cells die and the neurons and synapses no longer are working, the person will begin to forget names, places, events, how to use the telephone, where they are, and eventually who they and their loved ones are anymore. In the beginning, the individual is often aware of what is happening, and this will cause a reaction, of course.Their past coping skills, their support system, and their spiritual beliefs concerning life and death, will all influence how they will handle what is happening to them. Often some grieving will occur both in the individual, as well as those close to him. There is the knowledge of impending death, but in addition, now the family members watch as the p erson literally dies away in front of them. And for the afflicted, they grieve as they see themselves losing their sense of self and not knowing how they now will fit into the world ( Feldman, 2000).During the stage of development known as adolescence, one’s cognitive and emotional advances lead to being able to form relationships with others, think abstractly, which aids in the development of spirituality when trying to find one’s identity, and to perform executive functions such as making plans, organizing, projecting oneself into the future mentally, and following steps in an DEMENTIA: HOW AND WHOM DOES IT AFFECT? 10 order to achieve something (pp. 385-389). All of this leads to a loss of being able to relate to others which can lead to isolation and depression and anxiety at times. Levine, MD. , 2006). Other areas of the person that diminish in capability are language, visual-spatial perceptions, such as depth perception which can interfere with walking for example , as well as getting lost. Behavior is also affected and can be seen when impulses and socially acceptable boundaries are no longer relevant, or controllable because of a lack of comprehension, or they are just forgotten, leading to inappropriate actions or speech. In the late stage, the person is no longer even recognizable as the loved one once known.They become incontinent, unable to feed their self, talk, walk, or interact in any way (pp. 45-47). Effects on Family, Caregivers, and Society Little has been done to study the effects of dementia on children in the families where a parent has been diagnosed with early-onset AD. One study performed in the Uk by researchers Spector, Stott, and Svanberg, in 2009, looked at 12 children under the age of 18. They found that overall, the burden of caring for a parent with AD has a negative impact on their relationships with peers, on their schoolwork and achievement goals, and often led to emotional difficulties.The children often felt that it was their responsibility and downplayed the whole situation. They often felt a loss of their parent and that they were now taking on the role as the parent. Grieving was common. A positive outcome was the possibility of the experience leading to higher self-esteem due to the fact that it DEMENTIA: HOW AND WHOM DOES IT AFFECT? 11 showed the resilience within them to adapt. One finding was that the children had little, to no support system, or anyone to talk to. Their peers had no clue and support groups were / are not set up and available.This would be one way to assist these children. Another would be to educate the school system and train counselors to assist children, who are acting as adults in situations like this (p. 740). According to Harris and Keady (2008), in their study of selfhood in patients with early-onset, the loss of self is often more complex and unique to each family than in those with late-onset. This possibly is due to the fact that between 30-50 years old, o ne’s self-identity has many active components they must face losing such as their work identity, sexual identity, and family identity (p. 437).Some of these may overlap with patients of late-onset AD, but most often they don’t. This area of research is very scarce and in need of more studies so as to be able to help this group of families find strategies to better cope as they work their way through this situation â€Å"The most common form of caregiving relationship in dementia is between spouses or partners† (Clare, van Dijkhuizen, Pearce, & Quinn, 2008, p. 770). Often an adult child takes on the role of caregiver. In all instances, the stress of caring for a loved one with AD is usually very stressful and leads to feelings of depression, anxiety, confusion, and even anger.As an adult child caregiver, the parent-child roles get reversed and this can create uneasiness for both parties. In the early stage of AD, the sources of frustration and stress come more fr om having to learn how to cope with the changes that are required to be a caregiver, such as free time to relax, socialize, etc. Also, the fact that little DEMENTIA: HOW AND WHOM DOES IT AFFECT? 12 information is provided about the condition(s) to families and caregivers makes it more difficult to know what to do and when.Not knowing what to expect next can be a stressor in itself. Not only is there a negative impact on the mental condition of caregivers, but there is also a negative impact on their health. Looking at the overall picture, the story looks grim. Life is full of challenges and not only can they strengthen us to learn new ways to adapt and cope, but they are God-given opportunities to connect at a level so deep with another being, and then use that connection to hopefully relieve some of their suffering and pain.Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect throughout life and at this final life span stage, those who have AD and are losing everything to the d isease, deserve to be treated in such a way that they too may be able to die with dignity. Society in Western Culture often has a negative overall view of old age. If you are non-productive, and unable to care for yourself, many take the view that you are worthless and a drain on society. This is turn influences the decisions made by politicians and government about how this huge group of elderly will be cared for.Seeing the elderly as negative is called ageism, and it is alive and well like many other ‘isms’ of today. The problem now is that the reality of issues concerning healthcare, financial assistance and housing options for the elderly, especially those who are ill with AD and/or other types of dementia, are no longer concerns of the future. These need to be addressed now in order to truly benefit this fast growing cohort and the future for us when we also reach this stage of life. DEMENTIA: HOW AND WHOM DOES IT AFFECT? 13 ConclusionWe now know that dementia is a condition that is caused by underlying diseases such as vascular disease. It is not a normal part of aging and it has genetic component, as well as a malfunction in the brain that causes the buildup of tangles and plaques which kill the neurons, cells, and synapses in the brain. This all leads to the symptoms which slowly rob a person of all their faculties, resulting in death. The effects on the patient are many and can create depression, anxiety, and frustration over what is happening to them. It also has effects of the family members and the caregivers.The majority of these effects seem to be negative (depression, anger, isolation, and illness). But they can also be positive, such as satisfaction and increased affection toward the patient, or higher self esteem due to doing the right thing and being responsible and loving. In our society, we all have to come to grips with our attitudes toward the aging. The enormous numbers of those over 55 can’t be ignored any longer. In creased awareness of AD and its symptoms will hopefully create motivation for creating and developing programs to assist in teaching strategies and coping skills for caregivers.Another avenue for change is creating groups to advocate for national healthcare that will then assist in making healthcare available to those with AD and to the elderly as a whole. And last, continuing research to search for a way to diagnose AD in its early stage with the hope that we can then provide ways to treat the symptoms and possibly slow down the progression of AD. The more knowledge we have, the more empowered we are to make changes. The focus should be on all pulling together to make a difference in the lives of those suffering with DEMENTIA: HOW AND WHOM DOES IT AFFECT? 14AD in their â€Å"Golden Years† instead of enjoying this last stage of life and being able to feel content as we self reflect and pass on our wisdom and/or truths we have learned about life as we complete our passage thro ugh this last stage of existence. Running header: ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY 1 DEMENTIA AND ITS EFFECTS Shelly Becker Liberty University Introduction to Human Development COUN 502 B-23 LUO Dr. Richard Pace March 6, 2013 ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY 2Berman, C. W. , & Becker, M. F. (2010). Transference in Patients and caregivers. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 64(1), 107-114 Retrieved February 4, 2013 from http:/search. ebscohost. com. ezproxy. liberty. edu: 2048/login. aspx-? direct=+ rue &db=a9h&AN=48973816&site=ehost-live&scope=site The topic of transference is relevant to all therapeutic relationships. The caregiver and recipient of care are seen as being in such a relationship, which then implies that trans- ference is at high risk of occurring.The article explores counter-transference as well, and how if not dealt with, this can have a negative effect on the overall relationship, and its therapeutic outcome. Braun, M. , Scholz, U. , Bailey, B. , Perren S. , Hornung, R. , & Martin, M. (2009). Dementia care-giving in spousal relationships: A dyadic perspective. Aging & Mental Health, 13(3), 426-436. doi: 10. 1080/13607860902879441 This article investigates the various effects of care-giving for spouses diagnosed with dementia on both the caregiver and the recipient.Previously, the data compiled mostly came from the caregiver only. This study differs in that it takes into account the feedback from both parties to get a better picture of the overall effects on the dyadic relationship. By doing so, hopefully this will lead to new insights and more effective interventions for a better outcome as the article points out. Castelli, I. , Pini, A. , Alberoni, M. , Liverta-Sempio, O. , Baglio, F. , Massaro, D. , & Nemni, R. (2011).Mapping levels of theory of mind in Alzheimer’s disease: ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY 3 a preliminary study. Aging & Mental Health, 15(2), 157-168. doi: 10. 1080/ 13607863. 2010. 513038 This article specifically deals with how Theory of Mind (To M) is understood in relation to dementia and various forms of dementia such as Alzheimer’s. When neuro-imaging is explained as the basis for learning in cognitive early stages of development, it is easier to understand how it might fit in with dementia and Alzheimer’s.In very simplistic terms, neuro-mirror-imaging underlies ToM and if this is no longer functional in the aging brain, it could explain to an extent, the symptoms exhibited in these brain disorders which in turn could lead to more effective interventions. Clare, Li, Dijkhuizen, M. , Pearce, A. , & Quinn, C. (2008). The experience of providing care in the early stages of dementia: an interpretative phenomenological analysis. Aging & Mental Health, 12(6), 769-775. Retrieved February 8, 2013 from: Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhostMany families, and patients with dementia, are given little to no information on Dementia, especially the early stages of it. It seems that very little is known about the early sta ges. This article is looked at from the point of view of the care-givers and how they interpret the situation and subsequently the care they give to the patient, who is often their spouse or parent. The relationship to the â€Å"patient† prior to the onset of dementia influences the perceptions and actions of both the caregiver and recipient.All of this is reflected in the article. ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY 4 Diagnosis. (2011). Annals of Internal Medicine, 154(11), 5-8. Retrieved on February 8, 2013 from: http://search. Ebscohost. com. ezproxy. liberty. edu: 2048/login. aspx? Direct=true & db=a9h & AN=62807891 & site = ehost-live 7 scope = site This article is very informative with respect to the importance of early detection of dementia as well as an accurate diagnosis of dementia.The effects of longer life spans in the field of medicine are discussed. We now have to deal with a much longer, and complex unfolding of the aging process than say 50 years ago. What can we do to imp rove diagnostic capabilities of trained medical professionals so as to be able to provide timely and accurate information and treatment interventions so as to increase the outcomes of successful? Harris, P. , & Keady, J. (2009). Selfhood in younger onset dementia: Transitions and testimonies. Aging & Mental Health, 133), 437-444. oi:10. 1080/13607860802534609 Very interesting article! Most often dementia is thought of as only an â€Å"old person’s† disorder. This article indentifies 5 areas of self and discusses how they are affected by the onset of dementia and other brain degenerative disorders, specifically with regard to the younger people if effects (ex. ages 40-67). Personal testimonies were gathered from those afflicted and then carefully interpreted and grouped and validated to reach the conclusions drawn. The results on the self are very informative!ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY 5 Korner, A. , Lopez, A. G. , Lauritzen, L. , Andersen, P. K. , & Kessing, L. V. (2008). Delusional disorder in old age and the risk of developing dementia-a nationwide register-based study. Aging & Mental Health, 12(5), 625-629. doi: 10. 1080/13607860802343118 The distinction between delusional and demented is discussed. Questions such as if being delusional is a reliable predictor of future dementia were posed, as well as looking for the connecting factor(s), if any, between the two disorders.Symptomology was discussed and the importance of medical professionals being well-versed in this, so as to be able to correctly diagnose, offer appropriate treatment, and increase the chances for predicting future disorders in a fairly reliable fashion. Spek, A. A. , Scholte, E. M. & Van Berckelaer-Onnes, I. A. (2010). Theory of Mind in adults with High Functioning Autism (HFT) & Asperger Syndrome. Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders, 40(3), 280-289. doi: 10. 1077/s10803-009-0860-y ToM is explained in detail s to how it applies to the two disorders mentioned in the title. The reason I chose to include this article was because it gave a very good historical view of Theory of Mind as well as explained how it is seen as being the ‘possible missing link† between normal cognitive functioning and the functioning of brain disorders like HFA and Aspergers, as well as dementia and Alzheimers. ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY 6 This article gave me a broader understanding of ToM and its applications. This article also included applications to theories of religion, philosophy, and life in general.I found it very useful and enlightening and intend on researching it much more in depth in the future! Svanberg, E. , Scott, J. , & Spector, A. (2010). ‘Just Helping’: Children living with a parent with young onset dementia. Aging & Mental Health, 14(6), 740-751. doi: 10. 1080/1360786100371374 With the onset of dementia in younger patient, under 67 or so, the children of this group have been forgotten in the research. I believe this is due in part to th e numbers of this group are small in comparison to the overall age of onset.This has left the families and children, as well as the patient with little information and or helpful interventions aimed at them specifically. These children, as pointed out in the article, suffer effects in their schooling, social lives, and their overall description and responsibilities expected of them in their previous roles as children. Often now they must act as if the ‘parent’ and the ‘parent’ as if the child. The study was helpful in understanding this group better and its implications for the adolescent or younger child.Tremont, G. (2011). Family Care-giving in Dementia. Medicine & Health Rhode ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY 7 Island, 94(2), 36-38. Retrieve February 2, 2012 from: http:// search. ebscohost. com. ezproxy. liberty. edu: 2048/login. aspx? direct=true & db=a9h & AN=58104122& site=ehost-live&scope=site This article centered around care-giving when the caregiver was a family member of the patient. Most often this was the spouse, then the adult child.The factors that ere isolated were gender, type of relationship (married, parent/child), age, and the general feature of the relationship prior to the onset of dementia. For example, was the marriage controlled by one or the other more, or was it considered to lean toward equality? Did the spouse take on characteristics of the parent prior to onset of dementia? Were there built up resentments? Was this true for either the caregiver and/or the recipient? If it is an adult child, how did the relationship while growing up play into the current care-giving situation?These types of questions are important to all concerned for many reasons. A lot of this article is pertinent to my paper. Running Head: REFERENCES 1 Dementia: How and Whom Does it Affect? Liberty University HSER 502 B-23–LUO Dr. Richard Pace March 5, 2013 REFERENCES 2 REFERENCE LIST American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Stat istical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. 2000). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association. Berman, C. W. , & Becker, M. F. (2010). Transference in Patients and caregivers. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 64(1), 107-114 Retrieved February 4, 2013 from http:/search. ebscohost. com. ezproxy. liberty. edu: 2048/login. aspx-? direct=+ rue &db=a9h&AN=48973816&site=ehost-live&scope=site Braun, M. , Scholz, U. , Bailey, B. , Perren S. , Hornung, R. , & Martin, M. (2009). Dementia care-giving in spousal relationships: A dyadic perspective.Aging & Mental Health, 13(3), 426-436. doi: 10. 1080/13607860902879441 Castelli, I. , Pini, A. , Alberoni, M. , Liverta-Sempio, O. , Baglio, F. , Massaro, D. & Nemni, R. (2011). Mapping levels of theory of mind in Alzheimer’s disease: a preliminary study. Aging & Mental Health, 15(2), 157-168. doi: 10. 1080/ 13607863. 2010. 513038 Chop,W. C. , & Robnett, R. H. (1999). Gerontology for the Health Care Professional. P hiladelphia: F. A. Davis Company. Clare, Li, Dijkhuizen, M. , Pearce, A. , & Quinn, C. (2008).The experience of providing care in the early stages of dementia: an interpretative phenomenological analysis. Aging & Mental Health, 12(6), 769-775. Retrieved February 8, 2013 from: Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost REFERENCES 3 Diagnosis. (2011). Annals of Internal Medicine, 154(11), 5-8. Retrieved on February 8, 2013 from: http://search. Ebscohost. com. ezproxy. liberty. edu: 2048/login. aspx? Direct=true & db=a9h & AN=62807891 & site = ehost-live 7 scope = site Feldman, R.S. (2001). Development across the Life Span. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Foundation, Inc.. Froemke, S. , Golant, S. , & Hoffman, J. (2009). The Alzheimer’s Project Momentum in Science. New York, N. Y. : Public Affairs. Harris, P. , & Keady, J. (2009). Selfhood in younger onset dementia: Transitions and testimonies. Aging & Mental Health, 133), 437-444. doi:10. 1080/13607860802534609 Kuhn, David, MS W. (1999). Alzheimer’s Early Stages. Salt Lake City, Utah: Publishers Press. Korner, A. , Lopez, A. G. , Lauritzen, L. , Andersen, P. K. & Kessing, L. V. (2008). Delusional disorder in old age and the risk of developing dementia-a nationwide register-based study. Aging & Mental Health, 12(5), 625-629. doi: 10. 1080/13607860802343118 Levine, R. A. M. D. (2006). Understanding and Preventing Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders. Lanham, Maryland: Rowan & Littlefield Publishers, Inc. Spek, A. A. , Scholte, E. M. & Van Berckelaer-Onnes, I. A. (2010). Theory of Mind in adults with High Functioning Autism (HFT) & Asperger Syndrome. Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders, 40(3), 280-289.REFERENCES 4 doi: 10. 1077/s10803-009-0860-y Svanberg, E. , Scott, J. , & Spector, A. (2010). ‘Just Helping’: Children living with a parent with young onset dementia. Aging & Mental Health, 14(6), 740-751. doi: 10. 1080/1360786100371374 Tremont, G. (2011). Family Care-giving in Dementia. Medicine & Health Rhode Island, 94(2), 36-38. Retrieve February 2, 2012 from: http:// search. ebscohost. com. ezproxy. liberty. edu: 2048/login. aspx? direct=true & db=a9h & AN=58104122& site=ehost-live&scope=site