Mongo Beti’s Narrative in ‘The Poor Christ of Bomba’ Essay

Postcolonialism is a term that ranges from artistic actions, political theories, cultural theories, and social ideologies which have created a new genre of African writers in the mid to late twentieth century that theorize this term. The fallout, drawbacks, and social emergences that have come out of colonialism appear to have taken the definition of postcolonialism up to a certain point because according to some theorists of postcolonialism, the definition still remains subjective. At this point, what remains is still the level of understanding toward the colonized and remaining questions as to the motives of the colonizers to colonize. Postcolonialism relegates the colonizers intent to just personal financial gains over the colonized, whereas the colonized and its following generations still are dealing with the results of such humiliations and dominations impacted by colonialism. Perhaps to understand some of the effects of postcolonialism a reader should have a textual analysis of colonialism itself. In the book, The Poor Christ of Bomba, the author, Mongo Beti uses narration to tell a story that takes the reader inside the mind of a fourteen year old who finds himself in a situation beyond his control. The characterization of the narrate personify an age that draws the line between innocence and awareness. The condition as it were in the book takes a satirical approach on how the circumstances under colonialism rule may have been. Betis clever play on words, situations, and storylines open up the mind of the reader to take in some of the implications attribute to colonialism that make the term postcolonialism so arbitrary (Chrisman 8-11). Postcolonialism is referred to what actually happens after colonialism, its predecessor. The area controlled by is territorial occupier gains its independence and appropriates its own establishment. Politically it may appear that this area is now completely independent; however, the question remains if postcolonialism is completely underway. That issue in trying to define postcolonialism for theorists is answering that particular question. They claim colonialism occupies not just a geographical area but a geographical unconsciousness of the mind of the colonized. Even though the area is now free of its colonizers, is it really free of its conscious self? When language, culture, religion, and education has been altered to evoke a new one for years upon new generations of people, can those people find  their way to their ancestral state? So, if postcolonialism represents a medium of after colonialization, then it must also include the affects of displacement has occurred and perhaps this is why postcolonialism is so inflexible to define to one particular presumption because there are varied implications such as social, economic, political, and religious cultural aspects have to be taken into account before a linear definition is implemented into postcolonialism (305-311). Post-colonialism also refers to a set of theories in philosophy and literature which tackle with the inherited 19th century British and French colonial rule. As a literary theory, postcolonialism consists with literature created in countries that were once colonies of other countries and in fact, for some, this may still be the case. This faction has produced many theorists that have upstaged the term and its meaning to other nonsingular forms according to Aijaz Ahmad, who by feels a grand perplexity of the definition in literature and feels that the point of what is postcolonialism is being subverted. He feels that as long as the word does not remain as is and that if independent states the use political strategies of colonizers, there will also be inequalities among people and governments which will be referred to as non-white. This globalization sphere of postcolonialism will historical harness the fundamental effect of constructing this globalized transhistorcity of colonialism is to evacuate the very meaning of the word and dispense that meaning so widely that we can no longer speak if determinate histories of determinate structures such as that of the postcolonial state (31). Before postcolonialism is understood at some level, colonialism itself has to be defined. Mongo Beti uses his book, The Poor Christ of Bomba, to tell a fictional tale of colonialism. He uses wit, satire, irony, and parodies to bring forth some revelations about this subject matter of colonialism. Beti uses biographical narration. It resembles autobiographical narration which takes the reader through a historical account using a diary-like dialogue of the main protagonists life with other members of society such as the colonizers and the villagers who live alongside of the road of Bomba. Denis is the young boy whose mental imagery where this invasion takes place is  ultimately the readers tour guide of what colonialism may have like. Mongo Beti (1932-2001) was a Cameroon writer who was a theorists, novelist, essayist, and publisher. He is noted for being a prominent African writer who has been known to use satirical approaches to criticize and emphasize the effects of colonialism through his fictional novels. The importance of his characters in his novels, for example, The Poor Christ of Bomba, gives visional insight though the narrative of how the hierarchal order of the colonizer adhered to its position and then how the colonized submission presumably took place. Beti uses satire as a literary device to draw consciousness of a subject whose remnants have tried to define its effects known as postcolonialism. African Literature revolves around narration whether it is oral or written. Oral literature in Africa is considered enormously colorful, rich, and varied. Oral literature is closely association with rhythmus and music. Audiences are invited to participate; however through narration audience participation is different. Narration is seen as two kinds of art: performance art and informative. It is rich with folktales, myths, legends, and proverbs. Through narration present generations find a connection with ancestral past. Although earliest accounts of Africa literature are religious texts written in indigenous languages, most recently the major theme of African literature is the clash between traditional cultures and modernization which is written in a multitude of languages reflected by cross-cultures and colonization (Abiola 3). North Africa is dominated by Arabic language and its northern counties are considered Arab countries such as Egypt, Morocco, and Algeria for example. East Africas language is Swahili and dates back to 1652. By the mid-19th century, Latin script became more popular. During the 20th century Africa literatures in European languages resulted because of colonialism. Cameroon literature of the 1990s is considered a reflection of its economic state. What Mongo Beti did by writing a book like The Poor Christ of Bomba, certainly made him ahead of his time. Much the literature is centered on the political status the country is in. Although tradition oral literatures are  there for social and religious purposes, written literatures excel in trying to bring political change to the awareness of its people (Krieger 20). Mongo Betis first hand account of colonialism combined with his traditional milieu with oral literature and creative writing abilities helped him bring a story whose narration posses the elements to place the reader in the middle of situation such as colonialism where for a moment the colonizer and the colonized have nowhere to go but live the life placed on them and leaves the future unanswered for the colonized. It is this wavering end which sets the subjective meaning and tone for the definition of postcolonialism to be so broad and unpredictable. Perhaps one reason why the definition is random is because the effects of colonialism to people are different and cohesive at the same time. As the colonizers in the book bring their culture and religion to villagers in Africa, the people are affected differently and yet very similar at the same time; therefore, postcolonialism more than likely parallels the onset of this circumstance. Beti uses satire as a literary device to tell his story in his book. Perchance his book may have not been published had he taken a more disconcerting approach to the text. Satire became very popular during the early modern England in the mid-seventeenth century. It usually was used by anonymous authors who mocked the monarch, commonwealth, and then the Oliver Cromwell. By the 19th century it was used to mock social classes and Victorian values. Satire is known to use harsh or light humor to draw attention to a situation or a plight to try to bring attention to it, correct it, or change it. Beti uses strong satirical elements for his narrative to perhaps illustrate a problem such as colonialism to the forefront of his readers mind. He then mixes in tradition narration like oral literature to set the tone for his story using biographical narration to tell the story of colonialism. Biographical narration is a story relating key facts or events with a person’s life. It relates a sequence of events and communicates the significance of the events to the audience. There are certain scenes and incidents in precise places which are used to describe location of events. Sensory details are vital in describing the sights, sounds, and smells of a scene. Detailed actions, movements, gestures, and  feelings of the characters are used to express usage of interior monologue to depict the characters feeling. Beti uses a biographical description in the life of the characterization of Denis. It is through his naà ¯ve eyes that the reader is exposed to the French imperialists domination of Bomba. It is through this lens that the reader sees what the main protagonist, Reverend Father Drumont, is like. The main characters in this book share a parallel to what is perhaps the link that embellishes the dramatis personae that details the account of who are the people represented in colonialism as a whole, for example, the colonizers and the colonized (Gikandi 61-70). The colonizer presents the dominant hierarchical state. This is characterized as a system of power. The elements which comprise this system are first the French government. The French government felt compelled perhaps to take a different approach then the English to colonize Africa. They embedded their culture, language, and religion so fervently as a result today many Africa areas speak French as their first language and have remained Christian. Those perhaps resemble the colonizer are the Vicar, M. Vidal, Reverend Father Drumont and to some extend the instrument used or weapon of choice was the Catholic Church to influence the people of Bomba. The Colonized are everyone else and possibly in the end, the reader. The Sixta women, Catherine, the narrator, Zacharia, and the men of Bomba play the roles of the colonized. Although their positions and situations emerge differently in the narrative, they are still under the colonizers rule. Their positions are different which exemplify the fact of how diverse historical factors come into play when defining the after affects of colonialism. Each character embraces the colonizer and being colonized in a dissimilar way; therefore, the outcome of colonialism will create disparity for each type of person, such as, male, female, child, and/or new regime. This may be part of the problem in defining postcolonialism. Every person is affected uniquely and individually because each person is a separate embodiment of one another. Beti emphasis this predicament in each of his characters colonized or not, the condition is different yet the same. All play roles to feed and fuel colonialism. The Poor Christ of Bomba is about the Frenchs Christian mission to colonize African society in order to profit and assert dominion over sovereign territories. In order for the French to carry out this mission of authority they had to try to come with gifts of humanity, tolerance, and Christianity. The French engrossed their colonies with their language, their way of life, and culture politics. Words were changed from native tongues to French words. The impact was to make African people more like the French. The French failed to see the way Africans lived and survived. The French saw them as barbaric without religion or culture. The Africans did as they were told for very different reasons and as a result, they were weakened by this dominating force. Father Drumont is first seen as a compassionate and caring individual who symbolizes the good in a superior-like nation. He message of Christ to help save pagan people bring a message of hope to women in polygamist families and child who appear to be interested in his message. The men are not interested in hearing about Christ but are interested in what the mission may bring to help build their economic state and infrastructures for the betterment of the regions. What happens is the African system the Africans was known is destroyed and Father Drumont realizes his failure to completely change the people. This book represents the disagreement between Christian and pagan power. This is symbolic of the disparagement between both the French and the Africans. Part of the novels creation relies heavily in the fact that the characters will finally have a better understanding of who they are at the end of the novel and how colonialism affects both sides of the aisle. While religion plays an important role, the mission is factual a camouflage to hide the genuine reason why the French are there. The use of Christianity which even fools some of the colonizers themselves such as Father Drumont is essentially Betis archetype to use irony as a reflection of which religion and politics go hand in hand. The missionary is the representation is the epitome of irony Beti illustrates in the book. The mission is used as an excuse to continue the spreading of Christ but in reality it is the  spreading French propaganda which tries and keeps the people suppressed so they wont be punished for their sins. The narrator, Denis, is a young fourteen year old boy. He represents the reader. The reader knows possibly nothing of what colonization is or implies. As the reader continues to read the story with the narrators thoughts and dialogue with others, he starts comprehending how easily the Africans were fooled by the French. Denis, in his still naà ¯ve state is excited about the mission he will embark with Reverend Father Drumont. Denis assumes the mission is not just a spiritual quest but one of material supremacy. He is easily lured as so many Africans were. All the older characters voice their inner thoughts and Denis, because he still is very immature and makes fun of the situations at hand. Denis is excited about the mission and the material things it will bring. The French are too but obtain grander things from it. He comments, And we need so many things—an organ for the new church, a tractor for ploughing our fields, a generator for electric light, a motor-car, and so forth (Beti 9). The mission appears to a source for financial possibilities rather than the spreading of love of Christ. In an ironical twist this is the very start when Denis starts receiving mixing messages about Father Drumont and the Christianity he represents. Certainly Denis feels the church makes money through its members, but eventually finds out that whatever may seen convenient for the Father is convenient for the church without regard of its members and to those where the mission visits them. This inconsistency is a continual motif in the book. While Denis is influenced heavily by Father Drumont and his antics, Denis reveals a sense of maturity and knowledge in the end of the book; however, this knowledge doesnt reveal wisdom, only a sense of trying to remove himself from the problem of colonialism much like the reader may what to do so. The character of Catherine can symbolize what Africa should be like. She is free and beautiful unlike the Sixta women, she does what she wants. Although  she is under colonial rule, she is able to infiltrate the colonizers temporary rule and still live by her own standards. She maintains Africas historical past. She is mysterious, magical, and lures any man she wants. Denis falls under her spell just like the reader may also fall for her because Africa, even though not actually sexual, is sensualized in the form of Catherine. The emphasis placed on her character by Beti also represents the hope Africa will survive colonialism and find a free self and identity after the invaders leave; however, just as everyone involved Catherine has a major issue within her of her own identity emulated perhaps in Africas because they were so easily taken in. Identity is seen as who and what you are. For Africa, who were ill prepared to fight against the Frenchs intentions and lacked the unification to gather strength among themselves, they identified themselves collectively but not enough to oppose the French (Wolfreys 95-97). Zacharia is the cook. He is the consciousness of the colonizer even though he is in a colonized position. Beti uses this character to function as the checks and balances between the narrators inexperienced views over Father Drumonts true character. Zacharia goes on the mission along with the narrator and the Father. As a mediator of sorts and the most level headed one of the characters in the story, educates the Father and the narrator, Denis, as the journey gets underway about African culture. He seems zany, corky, and irresponsible. Beti uses this character perhaps to be the voice of the author who finally deposes and exposes Father and the system which he represents and fights so hard to maintain as a symbol of truth. Zacharia understands Africas former self and goes on this journey to find out what the whites know that they dont. In a way, he also represents those men in the town who seem interested in Christ but really want to make money and do business alongside their oppressor, the French. He is the spokesmen for the African standpoint in the book. He understands that modern society is plagued by the importance of money, so he too wants to know more about it. In a serious, sarcastic, satirical, and ironical way, Zacharia is the only character who can bring truths of African ways to light for the reader, the narrator, and the Father. Zacharia is really the only person the Father  listens to beside the system which in turn will also compromise his life as part of the damage caused by colonialism because it will displace the Father after the journey is over. The Father will then have no place to go. What follows the Father throughout the story is Zacharias advice and knowledge about the people of Africa and the system by which propels that Father to do what he thinks he is there in Africa to do. At one pivotal point in the book that changes things around for the Father is when Zacharia tells the Father that the first notion of God didnt come from him. To much surprise, the Father questions the motives of the roadside construction to M. Vidal and is told by Vidal that his intensions are to use the people into forced labor. This is when the Father has his first realization about his mission that serves capitalistic motives over Christianity (133-34). M. Vidal is the epitome of the colonizer. He is self-serving without a conscience and without a humane bone in his body much like the system he represents. He is the closest to the colonizer as possible. He wants to insure the people have completely submitted to the teachings of the church so they can do what the real purpose of the mission is. It is there to conquer hearts and minds as a consequent, they can work for the church and by doing so they have enslaved themselves to the very system who served them the illusion of Christianity. The Sixta women are an example of this kind of manifested slavery granted by the Fathers teachings. The women are used for hard labor and then free sex. When it is discovered most of them have venereal disease that are seen as dirty; however, under French rule, the Father is guilty of not protecting them and placing them in a vulnerable position. This chaotic outcome is a grander scope of the missions failure under the Fathers rule. The Sixta women are submissive, turned into whore-like behavior, and are worked harder than any other kind of people under Raphaels command placed and over sought by the Father. They are forced to confess their sexual misconduct but before are beaten with a cane. The Sixta women endure punishments brought on by the Father, the supposed incontrollable sexual urges of the men, and the system that needs them to work which in many ways mirror the victimization of  colonialism, the Sixta women are women are more easily taken advantage of since they are femal e. The Sixta women represent what the colonizer may see as Africas people: uncivilized, promiscuous, and in need of a good spanking like misbehaved children. The Sixta women, like Africa, took a beating that was physically, physiologically, psychologically, and sociological by its colonizers. This is why it is so hard to try to define a word like postcolonialism. Parts of a major problem are the people being colonized sometimes didnt support each other much like the men who had sex with the Sixta women. The ones who would get blamed where the women, in as sense the men let their own people get beaten for their won mistakes. Instead of controlling their own urges they only added to this image of sexual savagery the colonizer already theorized that they were. The Father, the main protagonist in the novel, Reverend Father Drumont, is the life force of the colonizer. The Father is a major part of the structure and working function of the colonizer. In retrospect, he is the colonizer because he is a major player who successful to a certain degree in colonizing the people of Africa. He brings the word of Christianity to keep the people in line. The people, like the Sixta women, are forced to work for the church and change their lifestyles to fit in. By encompassing this transition because of religion, the people in fact serve the French; therefore; the people through no fault of their own serve the colonizer because they are serving the church through the guiding hand of Father Drumont. Father Drumont is not as harden as Vidal but he is part of the cancer that feeds the people of Africa. Beti makes Father Drumont see the error of his ways through the advice of Zacharia. By making Father Drumont see this turnover, Beti is saying that all those who helped the system work are capable of realizing why it will fail. The reason it will fail is because humanity is not perfect and truth will emerge no matter what scheme tries to suppress it (Young 5-7). At the end of the book the reader realizes the next step is uncharted and open. Beti lays the groundwork to feel a sense of what colonization can do to people. He also leaves the question of postcolonialism up to the narrator who for some reason is clueless. It is important for Beti to end the book  this way because the purpose for the book itself has been carefully and wittingly established. Postcolonialism is considered the after affects of colonialism. Beti introduces a glimpse of who the people were who lived though the ravishment of colonialism in the town of Bomba. The book should also be noted for other insights and credited for a wondrous storytelling plights. Through the biographical narration, Beti defines the troublesome situations the characters of Bomba find themselves as those colonized may have experienced. He sets the tone and pace the underlying reason the French arrived with ulterior motives to help the people of Africa. The multiplicity of the characters and their situations mirror the multiplicity of defining postcolonialism. Where the people go from is up to the reader. Other authors suggest two things: revolt against the oppressor or work with them (Memmi 136-141). The dilemma is that it is not that simple because while reading the book by Beti what is ventured in the mission is the complexity of colonialism to begin with. Beti tries to put a face on several varied situations through distinct characters. Perhaps Beti named his book The Poor Christ of Bomba, because one particular meaning for Bomba means a wild, rich dance that culminates between the rhythm and the dancer. The colonizers instrument of choice to dominate the Africans was religion. The allocation of Catholicism which happened to be a less than a desirable concept to the regions alongside Bomba in the story helped serve the people of Bomba a less than desirable dance embodied the notion of Jesus and rhythmic quest of the French. Conceivably the metaphor for the title is that the combination of the Frenchs intentions with the African people just didnt sound good musically, contiguity, or even symbolically. Works Cited Abiola, Irele F. The Origins of a Species: African literature. Black Issues Book Review(January 1, 2001). Ahmad, Aijaz. Postcolonialism: Whats in a Name? Late Imperial Cultural. Eds. RomanLa Coupa. E. Ann Kaplan, Michael Sprinkler. New York: Verso. 1995. Beti, Mongo. The Poor Christ of Bomba. Illinois: Waveland Press, Inc. Reissued 2005. Chrisman, Laura and Patrick Williams Editors. Colonial Discourse and Post-ColonialTheory: A Reader. New York: Columbia University Press. 1994. Gikandi, Simon. Reading the African Novel: Studies in African Literature. NewHampshire: Heinemann Publishing. 1987. Krieger, Milton and Joseph Takougang. African State and Society in the 1990s:Cameroon’s Political Crossroads. Boulder, Colorado: Westview Press. 1998. Memmi, Albert. The Colonizer and the Colonized. Boston: Beacon Press. ExpandedEdition 1991. Wolfreys, Julian. Critical Keywords in Literary and Cultural Theory. New York:Palgrave. 2004Young, Robert. Postcolonialsim: A Very Short Introduction. New York: OxfordUniversity Press. 2003

“Demon in the Freezer” A Book Report Essay

â€Å"Demon in the Freezer† by popular virus expert Richard Preston is the third book in his ‘trilogy of death.’ After zooming in on the dangers of Ebola virus in his best-selling book â€Å"The Hot Zone,† and bioengineered monkey pox in â€Å"The Cobra Event,† Preston shifts the focus to the lurking threat posed by the deadly smallpox virus in the event that it becomes the new weapon of choice among terrorists dabbling in chemical warfare.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The book is premised on an alarming but very real possibility – the vulnerability of America and the rest of the world to biological weapons at the hands of terrorists.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It all begins on the events of September 27, 2001, a Thursday, nearly three weeks after the terror attacks on the Twin Towers of the New York World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Photo retoucher Robert Stevens begins to feel unwell and suffers from flu-like symptoms after he takes his family hiking in North Carolina. He starts to vomit profusely and soon develops a high fever, convulsions, and slips into a coma before succumbing to a fatal breathing arrest. Medical experts diagnose the cause of death as inhalation anthrax, alerting Army officials into action. More poisoned letters are discovered and the victims are rushed into bivouac units, forcing authorities to confront the worst – could the anthrax, non-communicable and treatable with early diagnosis, be laced with something far more deadly – the fatal smallpox virus?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   After narrating the anthrax attacks on Sen. Tom Deschle’s office in October 2001, Preston makes a temporal jump (one of several in fact) to cover a smallpox outbreak in Germany back in 1970, courtesy of the man Peter Los, who in his youth has gone traipsing halfway around the world in Afghanistan, India and Pakistan in pursuit of the hippie ideals of the ‘60s. Preston then proceeds to describe the prehistoric origins of smallpox as far as the early river valley civilizations of Egypt and Mesopotamia.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Then he propels back to the ‘70s as he retells the smallpox eradication campaign led by medical doctor Donald Ainslie (DA) Henderson, then director of the World Health Organization’s Smallpox Eradication Unit from its inception (1966) to 1977, just before the last known reported case occurred.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Henderson is passionate about getting rid of the virus: â€Å"What we need to do is create a general moral climate where smallpox is considered too morally reprehensible to be used as a weapon. That would make the possession of smallpox in a laboratory, anywhere, effectively a crime against humanity. The likelihood that it would be used as a weapon is diminished by a global commitment to destroy it. How much it is diminished I don’t know. But it adds a level of safety (Preston, 2002, p. 54).â€Å"   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A Soviet epidemiologist also deserves credit for jump-starting the modern effort to eradicate smallpox – Viktor Zhdanov – who called for its global eradication at the 1958 World Health Assembly annual meeting. This was subsequently endorsed by President Lyndon Johnson in 1965 in a political move to improve American-Soviet relations, and D.A. Henderson found himself heading the World Health Organization’s new Smallpox Eradication Unit. And the rest of the eradication campaign became one of the greatest feats in public health history.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Preston now turns to an examination of the Soviet biological weapons program in 1989, after Soviet biologist Vladimir Pasechnik defected to Britain and confirmed that the USSR had biological missiles targeted at the United States. This infuriated then British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and US President George Bush, who confronted Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. In response, Gorbachev allowed a small, secret team of weapons inspectors to tour the Soviet’s bio-warfare facilities for their Biopreparat program. These American and British inspectors were alarmed by what they discovered: Russian scientists were testing and experimenting with smallpox at their bioweapons facility at the Vector virology complex in Siberia, in violation of the WHO rules. This was denied by Soviet authorities.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   For top UDAMRIID scientist Peter Jahrling, the demon in the freezer has been set loose, with illegal stocks of the smallpox virus in possession of rogue states like Iraq and North Korea almost a certainty. The thought of biologists in secret labs creating new strains of the virus into a ‘superpox’ variant resistant to all vaccines is enough to sent chills down virologists’ spines. Jahrling is leading a team of scientists in controversial experiments with live smallpox to develop vaccines and help counter what the bioterrorists might be cooking up.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The author views the subject of bioterrorism as a very real, urgent and alarming threat to national security, and the fate of humanity on the whole, given today’s mobile world where a smallpox outbreak could spread as fast as wildfire across countries all over the globe.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Following the events after 9/11 and the anthrax terror, Preston highlights the new world order: the urgency to safeguard civilization from these new menaces. Smallpox is recognized as the new supreme bioterror menace, given the disease’s potential to cause human agony, its capability for fast and easy transmission, and ultimately its lethal character. Anthrax pales in comparison as direct contact is unnecessary for smallpox to spread – all it takes is for the virus to travel through a ventilation system. Immunity from the disease through vaccines introduced decades ago effectively vanishes, and if released in today’s very mobile world, it would easily overwhelm mankind in dreadful waves. Preston succinctly captures the menace of smallpox, without resorting to hyperbole: â€Å"Smallpox is explosively contagious, and it travels through the air. Virus particles in the mouth become airborne when the host talks. If you inhale a single particle of smallpox, you can come down with the disease†¦ Then the illness hits with a spike of fever, a backache, and vomiting, and a bit later tiny red spots appear all over the body. The spots turn into blisters, called pustules, and the pustules enlarge, filling with pressurized opalescent pus. The eruption of pustules is sometimes called the splitting of the dermis. The skin doesn’t break, but splits horizontally, tearing away from its underlayers. The pustules become hard, bloated sacs the size of peas, encasing the body with pus, and the skin resembles a cobbled stone street. †¦The pain of the splitting is extraordinary. People lose the ability to speak, and their eyes can squeeze shut with pustules, but they remain alert. Death comes with a breathing arrest or a heart attack or shock or an immune-system storm, though exactly how smallpox kills a person is not known (Preston, 2002, p. 44).†   Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The sociological consequences on account of the issue of bioterrorism are manifold and far-reaching. There is of course the issue of power relations among nations, particularly in the case of the arms race between the United States and the USSR during the Cold War which brought to the fore the threat of nuclear annihilation and bio-chemical warfare. Though the Soviet bloc has crumbled, other rogue states, e.g. North Korea, Cuba and Iran, are more than ready to threaten and challenge the United States for military supremacy, and might even be developing new weapons of mass destruction no longer limited to nuclear warheads but utilizing as well deadly pathogens and viral strains.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Preston spends much time in the book discussing current efforts of the American scientific community to research smallpox in the hope of better combating bioterrorism. It is important to note, as Preston does, that the people leading the fight to destroy smallpox, though well-trained, was still mostly a ragtag group of scientists and medical doctors with the firm conviction that smallpox could indeed, and should be annihilated from the face of the planet.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Perhaps his discussion of the current research on smallpox would prove more relevant as he provides a detailed description and analysis of the conflicts and controversies surrounding the project – from securing approval and the go-ahead signal from top government officials to the personal conflicts and issues the personalities involved in the research have had to face. The primary concern centers on the perceived lax security at the two worldwide biomedical installations, one in Atlanta and the other at Siberia, and their conviction on the very real threat of bioterrorism which could strike anytime and claim so many lives, given the state of unpreparedness to counter such an attack.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Preston successfully connects the past (the impetus for eradication of the disease) to the future (current concerns on how to counter the virus). As situated within the new-world context of post 9/11, there is a pressing need for vaccine stockpiling, long advocated by top government virologist Peter Jahrling who had initially feared the lacing of the mailed anthrax spores with smallpox. He comes into conflict with D. A. Henderson, the current head of the Office of Public Health Preparedness, as he argues for the development of an antiviral agent for those who cannot receive the smallpox vaccine. Henderson thinks that Jahrling’s experimentation with smallpox in laboratory monkeys is a largely futile step in the wrong direction. The dean of John Hopkins School of Public Health Al Sommer has joined the fray, believing that Jahrling’s work provides an impetus for other countries to conduct their on experiments on smallpox, thereby â€Å"We could start an arms race over smallpox†¦ (Sommers as quoted by Preston, 2002).†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   More disturbing is the revelation of the creation of a genetically engineered mousepox virus to which mousepox-resistant rodents are highly susceptible, intensifying the fear that unscrupulous scientists might have already created a ‘smallpox supervirus’ immune to current vaccines. Preston (2002) leaves us with this dire warning: â€Å"The main thing that stands between the human species and the creation of a supervirus is a sense of responsibility among individual biologists†¦The international community of physicists came of age in a burst of light over the sand of Trinity in New Mexico. The biologists have not yet experienced their Trinity.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The book’s main strength is that is a well-researched piece, and Richard Preston has proven himself a skillful writer with his vivid narration and matter-of-fact style allowing him to dispense with hyperbole.   The book succeeds in frightening its readers as it covers many interesting episodes. Although some may find the message of â€Å"Demon in the Freezer† grim and uncomfortable it nonetheless awakens readers to the true significance of chillingly real concepts, i.e. â€Å"weapons of mass destruction† and â€Å"bioterrorism.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   On the weak side, the temporal jumps in the narration give one the feeling of a disjointed read, as the two stories on anthrax and smallpox do not quite flow as smoothly and coherently as one might wish – the author fails to weave the story in such a way that there is an effectively riveting and seamless momentum – though each part is fascinating. At some point, there is also too much details to grasp and absorb, and to that extent the reader have to grapple with information overload, halting the usually rapid fire story-telling.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The main bias of the author is that he is of course writing from the American perspective, as the USA proves to be the eminent target of terror attacks. Thus, â€Å"Demon in the Freezer† appears to be an attempt to inform and warn Americans of the dangers they are currently facing from the threat of bioterrorism, and to some extent to influence authorities and make them realize the horrors – a global viral epidemic which could wipe out the world’s population – which might arise from inaction on the part of government and the scientific community:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   â€Å"A vaccine-resistant smallpox would be everyone’s worst nightmare come true†¦ We could be left trying to fight a genetically engineered virus with a vaccine that had been invented in 1796 (Preston, 2002).†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   General Russell had this to add: â€Å"If smallpox really got going, people should be most concerned about a lack of effective leadership on the part of their government (quoted by Preston, 2002, p. 60).â€Å"   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   On a happy note, â€Å"Demon in the Freezer† provided the timely opportunity for me to get acquainted with the issue of bioterrorism and its related concepts – biological warfare, weapons of mass destruction, etc., which are obviously pressing concerns for humanity burdened with the threat of nuclear destruction and annihilation in a not-so-distant future. However, this remains to be the only experience I have so far with the issue of bioterrorism and specifically smallpox and anthrax, for that matter.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In terms of the need for further research, I think it should focus more on determining and mapping out the states which really have illegal strains of smallpox virus in their possession, in order to effectively prepare for any possible worse-case scenarios in the advent of a smallpox terror attack. Aside from smallpox, it might prove helpful in the long-run if scientists also map out other possible biological agents which might pose future threats to human security, and to explore the possibility of developing vaccines and other counter-measures. All of these proposed researches need to be conducted in the most stringent, up-to-standard manner possible, with adequate empirical grounding and in the most morally and ethically acceptable ways.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   I think in many ways (though it might be indirect), the reviewed work does relate to Sociology, with the latter in turn covering a wide array of fields involving human interaction and dynamics in the context of groups and societies. Political institutions and the ensuing dynamics and power relations governing these are discussed by Preston in the book, together with the issue of ethics in research, i.e. the controversy surrounding experiments with smallpox and other viral agents.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Perhaps it would prove useful if material from the book would be incorporated into class lectures, particularly the ethical aspects of research and experimentation with life –threatening organisms, the actual existence and lingering threat of biological warfare and terrorism, and how it is being met by existing social institutions.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Overall, I did found â€Å"Demon in the Freezer† an interesting read, though at times I had to really struggle with understanding all the concepts and trains of thought Preston had introduced in his narratives. It was informative at the same time, though at some point you would really realize how frighteningly real is the scenario the author is trying to relay to his audience. Reference: Preston, Richard (2002). â€Å"Demon in the Freezer.† New York: Random House.

Corporate Finance Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Corporate Finance Assignment - Essay Example Mergers and acquisitions create the potential for strengthening the market as well as technological superiority for developing the overall growth of the company with benefits. The cost of production can also be reduced and operational efficiencies can be improved with an emphasis on enhancement of value of brand bringing more goodwill for an achievement that would be spell bounding and financial feasible as well as it is viable for growth (Pautler, 2003). The ideas of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) create an opportunity that would rekindle the companies involved to assess their financial strengths based on an analysis of their products of their money spinners. Some product lines of offering company might be substituted by the divestment of the business involved in that product lines for betterment of turnover because of the offeree company’s strength in the market. This is with certain product lines that would add value addition to the business of offering company. Alternatively, there are circumstances that other big product lines may be pursued by the offering company that contributes nearly 100% of their turnover. Such product lines are strengthened further by the scheme of mergers and acquisitions with the offerree company. Secondly, the advantage in financial terms for a substantial purchase consideration is on the cards while going ahead with the scheme of mergers and acquisitions. For instance, a company with product lines of industrial products contributing less than 15% of the turnover and 85% of the turnover being contributed by real estate in early 1980s could go ahead with a scheme of merger and acquisitions. Such a company after realizing its full potential with realizations of industrial products divested its stake with the scheme of mergers and acquisitions with their real estate arm of business to derive the full potential from both the product lines for a few years. Later when expansion was on the cards for big boom in real estate

MBA-HRM Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

MBA-HRM - Essay Example This concept led to the evolution of strategic HRM (SHRM). Various models of SHRM have been proposed by different researchers. Each of these models considers human resources at the focal point, and organizational strategies formulated in line with organizational goals and expectations from employees. However, the challenge to SHRM is its inability to be measurable. It is extremely difficult to measure effectiveness of strategies before achieving any outcome; at the same time, waiting for outcome could be disastrous to the organization. Kaplan and Norton’s Balanced Score Card system is an impressive way to assess the effectiveness of strategies. This helps in translating an organization’s vision, mission, value and strategy into a comprehensive set of performance measures based on four key perspectives, finance, learning and growth, internal processes and customers. It also enables companies to assess short-term strategies, modify strategies and also manage performance (Kaplan & Norton, 2007). Nevertheless, SHRM is a complex and dynamic process requiring a systematic approach that includes consideration of external such as socioeconomic, technical, politicolegal factors and nature of competition; and internal factors such as culture, structure, leadership, technology, organizational goals (Lundy & Cowling, 1996, 77). Yet, the comprehensive six-step SHRM application tool seems highly useful for organizations to implement SHRM at the ground level and with a futuristic vision (Hartel et al, 2007). Considering the dynamic nature of SHRM and constantly changing environmental and organizational behaviors, scope of SHRM cannot be defined or limited. Philosophically, leaders and strategists should have an outlook of ‘change’ in using and implementing SHRM concept. It is clear that HRM is a complex phenomenon and all factors related to HRM need to be

Report on Religious Field Research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 4

Report on Religious Field Research - Essay Example Religion forms the epicenter of human being’s social life. This paper intends to examine the Buddhism religion by attending a church service and interacting with the members of this faith. The church service attendance intends to serve as a channel to understand fully the sentimental attachments of the members to the faith through observation. More over, information will be sought through interviewing. The church of attendance is the Oregon Buddhist Temple in the Northwest District in Oregon (Ganeri, 2002). Further, this paper intends to incorporate any misconceptions that were realized after finding more information about the religion. Further, more this paper will test personal assumptions and perceptions of Buddhism through the intended interaction. Buddhism is one of the most common religions in the globe.    Its roots go back to 563 B.C.E. when Siddhartha Gautama was born.    Gautama is commonly referred to as the â€Å"Buddha†, which means the â€Å"Awakened One† (Ganeri, 2002).    Buddhism spread speedily all over Asia and other parts of the world. However, this religion remained practically unfamiliar in the West until the last half century.       â€Å"The Western scholars; writers and artists, philosophers and the arrival of Asian immigrants brought diverse forms of Buddhism to North America, Australia and Europe† formed the main channels through, which the teachings and beliefs attributed to Buddhism spread to other parts of the world (Wilkinson & Teague, 2003). My mother, and her close friend, Nhu Lan Nguyen (Lan) are representatives of immigrants from Vietnam who brought the principles of Buddhism to the US following the War of Vietnam. It is imperative to note that, Buddhism arose as a Spartan movement during the period of Brahman custom (Gethin, 1998).    Discuss any misconceptions you had about the religion you researched Having been raised in a Roman Catholic family, attending a Buddhist church seemed to be unbelievable, but because of clearing the misconception, I went on to attend Buddhist service. I attended the Oregon Buddhist Temple with one of my friend who is Buddhist. In the temple, I encountered numerous believers who turned out to be friendly, welcoming and courteous. In fact, this context made the research interview easier since, the members were ready to share their experience and beliefs on the Buddhism religion (Wilkinson & Teague, 2003). My misconceptions about the Buddhism religion were dual-pointed. The first misconception is about the Buddhism culture as being foreign and whimsical. The fact that, I did not understand beliefs and values attributed to the religion, I did not imagine that Buddhism religion existed in the real world. I assumed that, the whole picture about Buddhism, I acquired from books and other sources of the media, represented fantastical and fictional works for entertainment. However, from the outset of the service, a keen consideration and study of the set of beliefs set me to the basic level of understanding that Buddhism is a religion that people practice like any other religion (Wilkinson & Teague, 2003). The second misconception is that of believing that, all religions conduct the series and prayers the same way. I misconceived this belief because I thought if all religions belief in one creator, God, then, the God is served in the same way. This was not then case after attending the Buddhism service, settings were different, prayers and services were conducted differently. Analyze how

Middle of Acquiring Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Middle of Acquiring - Essay Example ourth step, the negotiation team will seek to ensure that the acquisition process will protect the interests of both parties and in case their interests clash then there has to be a compromise. In the fifth step, the negotiation team will present to the overseas company, strategies and policies that they will implement after the acquisition process, which will indicate on how the buying company will absorb the current workforce of the overseas company into their organizational structure. Secondly, the strategies and policies will show how they are ready to abide by the conditions set by the overseas company. In the sixth step, the negotiation team will state exactly how much they will are willing to pay for each division or the entire company and equally, the overseas company will state the selling price for the entire company. The negotiation team will engage in final price negotiations whereby they will give out their final buying price of which DePamphilis (2010, P. 175) notes that it should be considerably equally to the true value and potential of the overseas

Service Marketing- managing supply and demand Essay

Service Marketing- managing supply and demand - Essay Example Differences between supply and demand occur because services cannot be inventoried, thereby giving it the unique characteristic of ‘perishability’. This is particularly found in sectors such as banking, healthcare, retail and hospitality sectors where the service manager is at a loss trying to balance the supply and demand issues. This is despite the fact that profitability is enhanced if the managers can balance the supply and demand issues (Klassen & Rohleder, 2001). However, with certain changes in the strategy, the supply and demand issues can be managed to some extent. While the different services sector attempt to enhance customer satisfaction levels, they are unable to schedule the services due to the uncertainty of demand. Klassen and Rohleder (2001) find that uncertainty of demand patterns and the inability to make precise demand forecasts have been responsible for the challenge and the struggle that services have been facing in managing capacity and demand. Unc ertainty and fluctuation of demand can be traced to culture and habit. In the banking sector demand changes every five minutes and the off-peak periods could last up to an hour. In the retail sector also demand is marked by uncertainty as the shoppers are not logical in their shopping habits. Services are intangible, perishable, heterogeneous, and inseparable (Gronroos, 1998; Ladhari, 2009).The term â€Å"service† denotes a sense of interpersonal attentiveness which contributes to customer satisfaction (Johns, 1998). However ‘fluctuating service demand’ is the greatest challenge facing the service managers. The challenge is intensified as the demand and the capacity occur simultaneously. Customers have to be served when they want the service and service cannot be inventoried. This is what creates the challenge. The challenge occurs more in capacity-constrained service organizations that face fluctuations in demand. Organizations cannot keep the productive capacit y high when the demand is low. One solution to overcome the challenges of wasting productive capacity is to tailor the capacity as per past experience to meet demand variations (Lovelock). For instance, in the hotel sector, some labor can be on contract basis that can be hired during the peak seasons and laid off during the low seasons. They can even rent out service equipments during low season to make up for low demand. In the service sector it is not possible to schedule customers. When the demand for the hotel rooms does not increase in proportion to the enhanced supply, the revenue per room derived by the hotel is low. The profitability of a company depends upon their ability to extract maximum possible revenue from a fixed quantity of goods and services. This is also known as Yield Management (YM). This allows the hotels and even the airlines to set prices based on the demand. Airlines such as Ryanair, South West Airlines and EasyJet have been proactive and adopted YM (Gothess on & Riman, 2004). This enabled them to maximize capacity utilization. While the new entrants in the airline sector adopted this approach, the established players in the sector initially were reluctant to change their policy. Over time, the older airlines too had to take this approach seriously and bring about changes. Thus flexibility in the pricing can help reduce capacity wastage and encourage maximize capacity utilization. Revenue Management (RM) and YM are interchangeably used. The airlines started using this technique to increase yield by allocating

Strategic management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words - 7

Strategic management - Essay Example This essay analyzes that both power and political skills are necessary for conducting corporate functions in a benefit reaping way. While power provides for the energy that can help in strategic management, political skills act as the mandatory components that help the management of the organization to implement the strategic management initiatives in the practical scenarios of the organization. However, both power and corporate politics should be employed in a controlled and monitored manner so that the negative effects of these factors like biased behaviors, exploitations and high levels of autonomous and dictating behaviors can be avoided. Organizational change can be stated as an alteration in an organizational environment, technology, human capital, and culture. This form of change is essential for the organization in order to stay competitive in the marketplace. Organizational change can be regarded as a constant force, a threat or opportunity, and reality. Change cannot take p lace on its own but it requires the support of a change agent. Change agent undertakes overall responsibility for change or is the one to structure change initiative. This change agent is also held responsible for efficiently managing organizational change. There are various dimensions of strategic change and leadership plays a significant role in the change process. Change is an aspect which cannot be ignored in organizational or social context. There are different factors causing strategic change.

McDonald's Health (choose a topic regarding health in mcdonalds) Research Paper

McDonald's Health (choose a topic regarding health in mcdonalds) - Research Paper Example This is despite great criticism that the corporate was selling junk foodstuffs. It should be noted that McDonald as a corporate is part of the larger community since they operate in serving the community. Being part of the society, they have all the legal rights to carryout their business independently. However, there is caution when some of the operation is causing more harm than good. It is unfair and selfish for corporates to dwell only on profit making and discard humanity (Bakan, 2005). It is sad for everybody to hold a negative impression against a corporate due to its unsocial impacts. For example, the McDonald 40% expenditure directed to kids (Bakan, 2005). This is an ethical since the kids are underage and they have not yet developed critical thinking skills that will help them evaluate media adverts. This forced the IOM (Institute of Medicine) to urge the government to insist on adverts directed to kids should promote healthy approved food (Schlosser, 2006). This policy nearly saw McDonalds corporate being closed up until they came up with rebranding their name and marketing healthy food. The questionnaire developed was entitled to gather respective reaction among people concerning the McDonald Corporation. In this regard, a total of 120 students of different grade filled in the questionnaire during the data collection. The target population was SDSU campus. According to the correspondents, there were more females (33) than males (27). Gender contribution was necessary to attain mixed feedback among people. The large sample size was aimed at eliminating possible errors likely to emanate. Considering different grades was also aimed at acquiring mixed response based on age factor. The questionnaire my group developed was composed of both closed and open ended questions. Closed questions were specific to the point and open ended question aimed at gathering descriptive responses from people.

Jamba Juice to Saudi Arabia Essay Example for Free

Jamba Juice to Saudi Arabia Essay The problems that may arise in Saudi Arabia while Jamba Juice is launched in the country can be bifurcated into three as below: 1. Competition problem in Saudi Arabia Competition is an important problem for any business entity which may hit the firm and its expansion plan. Large numbers of players are operating in the market with their highly developed products and services. However the some business entities are overcoming from these problems through their uniqueness in the market. As far as Saudi Arabian market is concerned, it occupies a large number of national as well as international players. Soft drinks in Saudi Arabian market reports that its size and shape of the market at a national level. It registered 6% of total volume and growth in 2007. The popularity of these drinks and juices are found due to the large availability of different companies and with their unique products. Carbonates and bottled water remained as most popular and the fruits and vegetable juices are remained at second in terms of volume.   However the functional drinks were registered as more in the year of 2007 as it is substitute for all these drinks and juices in Saudi Arabia. As a new player, Jumbo Juice can survive if and when they find all these competitive condition and come up with unique product. Hence the market was already grabbed by the major player with their strong brand, unique product and service. 2. Health Consciousness Every person in the universe gives main priority to his health and life condition. In Saudi Arabia the consumers are more careful about their health and it found that there is an increasing trend towards health conscious. This trend were initially pushed and published in Saudi Arabian country through media and Television.   However a large number of public programs were conducted by the local people and the local administration throughout the country. And it still continuously programming in the Saudi Arabian Television about the health care conscious. Ultimately it hit to the large foreign customer in the state who is more conscious than the local consumer. However the trend pushed the people to buy good quality and diabetes free product. Due to this effect the branded company will get the benefit. The bottle water and low calorie cola registered an impressive 8% growth in the total volume terms in 2007. Similarly the famous branded company whilst fruit and vegetable juice were re gistered 6% growth in its operation in the land. 3. Saudi Arabian law ‘Sharia’ The Saudi Arabian legal system formed in the year of 1992 on the basis of sharia or the Islamic law, which another factor is affecting to multinational players to investment in the Saudi Arabia. The sharia was strictly applied throughout the state and in accordance with the explanation of Hanbai school of Sunni Islam. The Muslim’s believed that the sharia as the sacred law and every individual should follow it and it is the supreme on to all. The law has its own position and grade in history and still it is being strictly practice in Saudi Arabia.

Heart Failure Nursing Essay

Heart Failure Nursing Essay Mr. Wrights admissions states that he has heart failure (congestive cardiac failure). Clearly define heart failure. What organs and which body systems are affected by this disorder? Answer:- congestive cardiac failure is also known as congestive heart failure is an ongoing condition in which the heart muscle is weakened and cannot pump as well as it normal pump. It occurs when the myocardium loses its ability to pump enough blood to meet body’s metabolic needs and is generally accompanied by fluid accumulation in the body tissues, especially in the lungs. Apart from the cardiovascular system it can affect many other systems. Left sided heart failure affects the respiratory system by increasing the instance of pulmonary oedema. Systolic heart failure:- it occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t contract with enough force so there is less oxygen blood pumped throughout the body. Diastolic heart failure:- it occurs when heart contract properly but ventricles cannot rest because the less amount of blood enters during the heart filling. Right sided heart affects every other system due to increase of peripheral oedema. Give a brief overview of the normal function of the body system affects by this disorder. Circulation system has a role that haemoglobin in the red blood cells the supply of the oxygen to the cells. There are two types of circulation route that for transporting blood to the cells and each tissue and for blood to gas exchange in the lungs. Vascular system is comprised of the heart, arteries which carry fresh blood towards the body from the heart and, vein which returns blood to the heart and lungs to collect from the whole body blood include waste and carbon dioxide. Pulmonary circulation is fresh blood that contains a large amount of oxygen to circulate to the left atrium through the pulmonary vein. Circulation supplies to the whole body of fresh blood that contains a large amount of oxygen. Urinary system is composed of the kidneys, ureter, bladder, and urethral. Kidney has role that excrete waste products to outside of the body, adjust the blood pressure, store the water, regulate the electrolyte, and generate red blood cells. Original urine is made by filtration of the glomerular, secretion and reabsorption takes place in the tubular. Urine was made in the kidney, is urinated outside the body through the ureter, bladder, and urethra. Respiratory system has role that the uptake of oxygen from the outside and to discharge carbon dioxide and water from the body. The air flow is accept the oxygen from the nose and mouth, and exchanged from oxygen to carbon dioxide is diffused in the capillary and interstitial. Digestive system is composed of the gastrointestinal tract, stomach, liver, gallbladder, bile duct, and pancreas. Digestion is initiated by the action of digestive enzymes and gastric acid in the gastric juice in the stomach. There is a metabolism in the liver. The gall bladder is responsible for temporarily stores bile made of hepatocytes. Pancreas to secrete a variety of digestive enzymes as exocrine organ and secrete hormones that make the regulation of blood glucose levels as endocrine organ. Intestinal has role that breakdown of food by the digestive juice and absorb the nutrients and moisture. Finally, it excretes waste products. Define the signs and symptoms of heart failure and explain why these signs and symptoms occur. Signs and symptoms of heart failure are:- Fatigue, weakness and mental confusion:- these things occur due to decrease output from the ventricle creating insufficient amount of oxygen in the brain which create mental confusion and disturbed behaviour. Fluid retention and oedema:- it occurs due to increased capillary pressure that develops in the peripheral circulation in person with right sided heart failure and in the pulmonary circulation in persons with left sided heart failure. The increased capillary pressure reflects an overfilling of the vascular system because of increased sodium and water retention and venous congestion, referred to earlier as backward failure, resulting from impaired cardiac output. Cyanosis:- caused by excess desiderated haemoglobin in the blood. It is resulting from impaired pulmonary gas exchange, from extensive extraction of oxygen at the capillary level. Shortness of breath:- occurs due to congestion of pulmonary circulation. Arrhythmias:- represent disorder of cardiac rhythm related to alteration in automaticity, excitability, conductivity or refractoriness of specialized cells in the conduction system of the heart. Muscle weakness due to insufficient blood supply and oxygen to the muscles. Rapid or irregular heartbeat the heart needs to pump harder as it cannot pump blood at a normal rate. Chronic cough or wheezing due to the fluid in the lungs and the lungs need to work harder. Ventricular failure – happens when it is left untreated. Lack of Appetite or Nausea— when the liver and digestive system become congested they fail to receive a normal supply of blood. This can make you feel nauseous or full, even if you havent eaten. Fluid Build-up and Swelling— because blood flow to the kidneys is restricted, the kidneys produce hormones that lead to salt and water retention. This causes swelling, also called oedema that occurs most often in the feet, ankles and legs. Rapid Weight Gain— the fluid build-up throughout the body, may cause you to gain weight quickly. Heart Grows Larger— the muscle mass of the heart grows in an attempt to increase its pumping power, which works for a while. The heart chambers also enlarge and stretch so they can hold a larger volume of blood. As the heart expands, the cells controlling its contractions also grow. Heart Pumps Faster— In an attempt to circulate more blood throughout the body, the heart speeds up. Blood Vessels Narrow— As less blood flows through the arteries and veins, blood pressure can drop to dangerously low levels. To compensate, the blood vessels become narrower, which keeps blood pressure higher, even as the heart loses power. Blood Flow Is Diverted— When the blood supply is no longer able to meet all of the bodys needs, it is diverted away from less-crucial areas, such as the arms and legs, and given to the organs that are most important for survival, including the heart and brain. In turn, physical activity becomes more difficult as heart failure progresses. Congested lungs:-Fluid backup in the lungs can cause shortness of breath with exercise or difficulty breathing at rest or when lying flat in bed. Lung congestion can also cause a dry, hacking cough or wheezing. Dizziness, and weakness:- Less blood to your major organs and muscles makes you feel tired and weak. Less blood to the brain can cause dizziness or confusion. Confusion and impaired thinking:- changing level of certain substances in the blood such as sodium can cause confusion. List the information taken on his admission that demonstrates these signs and symptoms. Low oxygen saturation, tachycardia, tachypnoea, hypertensive due to APO, loss of fluid into 3rd spaces or frusemide. Do you think his diabetes is related to his leg ulcer and amputated left toe? Explain Yes diabetes can be related to leg ulcer and amputated left toe because in diabetes neuropathy or peripheral nerve disease and damage may lead to leg ulcers and serious foot problems from which limb amputation may result. One of the medicines he is taking is lasix. What is the action of lasix? Which body systems are affected by it? Explain why you think Mr. Wright is ordered Lasix. Lasix is known as frusemide it is a loop diuretic that prevents your body from absorbing too much salt, allowing the salt instead be passed in your urine. As lasix is a diuretic drug that induce urination to decrease the body fluid volume, so the blood pressure will decrease therefore it will affect the urinary tract system and the cardiovascular system. List three conditions in Mr. Wright relevant medical history that is commonly associated with aging. Asthma:- asthma is common among older people over age 65 and can cause serious problems in bones and joints. Glaucoma:- glaucoma is a progressive degeneration of the nerve that can caused by increased intra ocular pressure. Arthritis:- arthritis is a inflammation of the joints that can cause pain and stiffness which can be worsen as the person age. Using Mr. Wrights admission history and assessment, list the factors that may impact on his safety whilst in hospital and when he returns home. Limited vision, impaired mobility, pain, self administration of frusemide combined with beta blocker and hypotension, low Sao2, hypo/hyper tension, decreased appetite, lower leg ulcer, confusion, anxiety and history of falls. What other health professionals will be involved in his care and what services can they provide for Mr. Wright. Dietician:- to monitor his diet about the diabetes and in assist the meals on wheels with the preparation of the meals. Domiciliary:- in order to assist with his daily living activities. Psychologist:- to monitor his situation and watch for any signs of over anxiety. Physiotherapist:- to assist him with maintaining his impaired mobility. General practitioner:- assist him with his medications and refer to any other specialist if needed. List the nursing documentation you would expect to be used in the care of Mr. Wright. Fluid chart, general observation chart, diet chart, bowel chart, admission information, medical history questionnaire, nursing notes, progress note, care plan and allergies. REFRENCES:- http://www.emedicinehealth.com/drug-furosemide/article_em.htm viewed on 5 September 2014 http://www.australiandiabetescouncil.com viewed on 5 September 2014 http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide-heart-failure viewed on 5 September 2014

E-Retailing: Selling Products on the Web :: Expository Essays Research Papers

E-Retailing: Selling Products on the Web Retail is one of the more visible market sectors on the Web. In retail, merchants sell products and services directly to a buyer. E-retail, also called e-tail, occurs when retailers use the Web to sell their products and services (Sanchez 16). E-retailers constantly challenge the old ways of conducting business as they bring new products and services to market. All e-retailers, however, operate in a similar manner. A customer (consumer) visits an online business at the Web equivalent of a showroom: the electronic storefront. An electronic storefront, also called an online catalog is the Web site where an e-retailer displays its products. 1[1] It contains descriptions, graphics, and sometimes product reviews. After browsing through the merchandise, the customer makes a selection. This activates a second area of the store known as the shopping cart. The shopping cart is a software component on the Web that allows the customer to collect purchases. Items in the cart can be added, deleted, or even saved for a future visit. When ready to complete the sale, the customer proceeds to the checkout. At this time, the customer enters personal and financial data through a secure Internet connection. Then, the e-retailer processes the order and sends it to the fulfillment center where it is packaged and shipped. The e-retailer notifies the bank of the shipment; and payment is sent via electronic channels to the e-retailer. Inventory systems are updated. Shipping information is posted on the Web, so the customer can track the order. The customer typically receives the order a few days after the purchase. (Microsoft Word 2002 Project). E-retailing presents a new way to shop. The store is open 24 hours a day. With a few clicks of the mouse, consumers can compare prices easily. The key rule for purchasing online is the same as for traditional purchases. That is, the best consumer is the best-informed consumer.

sterilization Essays -- essays research papers fc

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The only way to ensure that sterilization has occurred is to use the biological monitoring methods. This is because these are the only tests done which show whether or not actual microbial life has been killed. Biological methods are the only ones which are recommended by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the AAMI (Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation), the AMA (American Medical Association), OSHA, and OSAP (Office Safety and Asepsis Procedures Foundation)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Biological monitoring is basically evaluating a sterilization process by rendering highly resistant bacterial spores biologically inert. The highly resistant bacterial spores used varies depending on what kind of sterilizer was used. For example Bacillus stearothermophilus spores for steam and chemical vapor sterilizers, Bacillus subtilis spores for dry heat and ethylene oxide sterilizers. These specific Bacillus spores are used because they are more resistant, and present in greater numbers than are the common microbial contaminants found on patient care equipment. If it is proven that these spores have been killed, it is strongly implied that other potential pathogens in the load have also been killed.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In this method, living spores which are resistant to whichever sterilizing agent is being tested are prepared in either a self contained system, such as dry sp...

Gender Changes In Popular Media Essay examples -- essays research pape

Gender Differences as Portrayed in LIFE Magazine from 1937-1960 Between the years of 1937 and 1960,LIFE underwent changes involving the portrayal of the genders. In popular literature, stereotypes and views of certain subjects are often displayed for future study. In the case of gender differences, advertisements and articles yield the best portrayal of gender stereotyping of the time. The following issues of LIFE magazine were used in this paper: January-February 1937, January-February 1945, January-February 1952, and January-February 1960. At the end of the Great Depression in 1937, women had a very simple stereotype in the popular media. They were portrayed as staying home, cleaning, cooking, and mothering. The only pictures of women in LIFE were of housewives doing some sort of domestic work. Men were portrayed exactly the opposite, out at social functions or at some sort of important occupation. One of the first ads in the magazine was an advertisement for Colgate toothpaste. It pictured a girl in college complaining to her roommate that no one likes her and she is quitting school, â€Å"I should have never gone to college†. She then goes to her dean to quit and realizes she has bad breath. The dentist gives her Colgate and soon she has a date for the prom. â€Å"I love college now.† This cartoon advertisement seems to imply that in 1937, women went to college to get married. Most of the other articles involving women were ones that involved housework. Every last one of the cleaning and food advertisements had a pretty lady in a dress holding the item. Moreover, if there was a man in the picture, he was either getting food at the dinner table or sick in bed with his wife nursing him back to health. All of these articles implied the same thing: women stayed in the house and took care of all the domestic activities. Some ads did portray women outside the home. One cigarette ad had both a man and a woman on it. The Camel man was a cowboy, watching his herd, the Camel woman was a pretty young secretary busy a t her typewriter. There was obviously a clear division of labor in 1937. Finally there was an popular art series exhibited in LIFE in January. The article was written about a series of murals painted of the depression. All the men in the paintings were working hard, carrying mailbags, building a house, farm work, and other hard labor jobs. The women were s... .... Less and less of the advertisements pictured women in a traditional dress. Also, while most of the articles in the previous issues had been about men, the 1960 issue was written as much about female accomplishments as it was about men’s. Concerning changes in male gender roles, one article titled, â€Å"New Roles in the Household† described instances of men tending to the house, cooking cleaning, and the kids, while the mother was out at work. In addition, one of the cover stories was of the US women’s Olympic ski team. Attitudes were changing by the early 1960’s. Women were not conforming to the past gender stereotypes. Instead, they were inventing a new one, which continues to further change today.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Gender roles changed a lot in this century and popular literature like LIFE magazine changed with it. At first women had a set role in the house, expected to tend to the house and children and not pursue careers of their own. Thirty years later men and women had changed the way they lived life as a gender. Popular magazine articles provided a good illustration of what we were like culturally seventy years ago, and how we have changed today.

Pressure Area Care

Unit HSC 2024 –Undertake agreed pressure area care 1. 1 Pressure sores or decubitus ulcers are the result of a constant deficiency of blood to the tissues over a bony area such as a heel which may have been in contact with a bed or a splint over an extended period of time. The surface of the skin can ulcerate which may become infected. Eventually deeper tissues are damaged. Besides the heel, other areas commonly involved are the skin over the buttocks, sacrum, ankles hips and other bony sites of the body. 1. 2Common pressure points on the body include the tail bone (sacrum), hip bone areas, and the ankle and heel. Less common sites include the elbows, spine, ribs, and back of the head. Pressure sores may also result from friction caused by your skin rubbing against another surface, or when two layers of skin slide on each other, moving in opposite directions and causing damage to the underlying tissue. This may happen if you are transferred from a bed to a stretcher, or if you slide down in a chair. 1. 3 Pressure sores are more likely to develop persons who are at higher risk due to one or more risk factors..Once a person is identified as being at increased risk for pressure sores, measures should be undertaken to reduce or eliminate those risks. Confinement to bed, chair, or wheelchair. Persons confined to beds, chairs, or wheelchairs who are unable to move themselves, can develop pressure-induced injuries in as little as 1-2 hours if the pressure is not relieved; Inability to change positions without help. (Eg, an individual in a coma, who is paralyzed, or recovering from a hip fracture or other mobility limitation. ) Loss of bowel or bladder control.Sources of moisture on the skin from urine, stool, or perspiration can irritate the skin. Poor hygiene , not washing regularly or drying properly Poor nutrition and/or dehydration. Bed sores are more likely to form when the skin is not properly nourished. Decreased mental awareness. An individual with decr eased mental awareness may not have the level of sensory perception or ability to act to prevent the development of pressure-induced injury. The lack of mental awareness may arise from medications. 1. 4 Incorrect positioning can cause pressure on the area.Sliding can cause friction and shearing. Friction caused by the client lifted incorrectly causing the skin to be damaged because the pressure is more that the skin cannot hold, so the result will be breakage of the skin. Rubbing of clothes, shoes and slings will also cause friction. Incorrectly putting a sling into place, and not using mobility aids available. 1. 5 Following the correct policies and procedures set in place will help prevent or help clear any sores. Monitoring the skin and following instructions to manage this will also help prevent and sores.Correct hygiene and moving techniques. Ensuring an individual regularly moves even if they may be limited. 1. 6 Redness of an area, dry skin, sore skin, broken skin, and marked areas, all need to be reported, as these are signs that the skin is breaking down. 2. 1 Read our company policies and procedures on pressure care. Also CQC has guidelines, what is expected of you. 2. 2 Read our policies aim what is expected of you from the company. Read care plans on pressure care and carry out an waterlow risk assessment.

Cardiovascular Case Study: Atrial Septal Defect

Atrial Septal Defect(ASD) is a very large problem concerning the heart in its overall function. When the heart, being the core of the cardiovascular system, has issues; it effects the rest of the body as a result. The core of the problem resides in the atrial septum. Normally the heart is divided into four separate chambers. But a person with atrial septal defect has an atrial septum that allows the blood from the left side of the heart back into the right side. This results in increased pulmonary blood flow and diastolic overload of the right ventricle.By having this constant left-to-right shunt, it can alter the pulmonary vascular resistance leading to hypertension or even the reversal of the shunt itself. There are three types of Atrial Septal Defects: ostium secundum, ostium primum, and sinus venosus. The opening of the atrial septum may be small, on the count of the foramen ovale failing to close; or large, when the septum is completely absent from the heart itself. There is a v ery logical explanation between Ryans inability to gain weight, as well as not taking an interest in food during meals.His body isn't able to grow normally because the exchange of nutrients and waste products in his body is completely deficient. He isn't absorbing the adequate amount of nutrients that his body needs. Him being 11-months old, this causes a huge problem because nutrition is extremely important. His heart is working less efficiently, which makes the blood traveling throughout his body subsequently deficient as well. All of the systems in Ryans body are going to be affected by his diagnosis of Atrial Septal Defect. Ryans growth and development is not appropriate for his age.Ryan was born weighing 7lbs, and now, 11 months later he is 15. 4 lbs. He is close to being a 1 year old, and his birth weight should be a little less that triple the amount that he was at birth. Ryan should be approximately 21 lbs at his current age, leaving about a 5-6 lb deficit. Ryans parents sta ted that he doesn't crawl or attempt to stand because of the fact that he gets out of breath easily. This is being caused by the Atrial Septal Defect. All he can do is sit unsupported, which he should have been able to do at 8 months.At 11 months old, Ryan should be able to stand upright holding onto an adults hand, as well as feed himself finger foods and drink from a sippy cup. He should be able to pull himself up to a standing position as well. Also, sleeping after eating is just an indication of how much energy it is for him to complete a meal, which is making him uninterested in food overall. Again, all of these factors seem to be affected by his current diagnosis. Ryan is currently on Digoxin 200 micrograms and Furosemide 10 mg q day.He is prescribed Digoxin because this medication increases overall cardiac output as well as slowing the heart rate. This is good for Ryan, because at this point he is not receiving the appropriate amount of output needed for his growth and develo pment. Furosemide is a diuretic that treats fluid retention as well as hypertension. This is important because when there is a defect with the heart, pulmonary issues may occur when fluid retention begins. Also, Ryan is currently predisposed to hypertension because of his condition. Ryans current Potassium level was at a 2. 9 mml/L.Adequate levels of Potassium compared to his age should be at 3. 3-4. 7 mmol/L. Too little Potassium affects the hearts frequency as well as contractions. His Digoxin levels were tested to see if the medication was becoming toxic. He was at a 2. 6 ng/ml which is in the upper limits, but not enough to be considered toxic. Here are some examples of nursing diagnosis' that patients like Ryan would have: Risk for deficient fluid volume related to preoperative diarrhea. Impaired nutrition; less than body requirements. Decreased cardiac output related to pre-existing compromise in cardiac function.Fatigue related to decreased cardiac output. Nursing Diagnosis' for Ryan Post Operative would be: Risk for infection related to surgical incision. Acute pain related to post operative surgery. Impaired verbal communication related to age. Risk for aspiration related to immobility. Teaching is such a vital component in ensuring that all patients are fully aware of their medical condition. Ryan, being an 11 month old, the teaching must go to his parents. They will need to be supplied information about Atrial Septal Defect, surgeries involved, and the prognosis when completed.They will need specific information about the medications that Ryan is going to be on. They will need to be aware of the medications actions, side effects, and possible signs of toxicity/allergies. If Ryan were to have surgery, they would need to be taught how to care for the incision properly to avoid infection. They will need to know the signs and symptoms of infection. Last, they will need to ensure that they are constantly promoting proper growth and development with Ryan, so a daily plan must be made. That includes activities, diet, etc.

Curricular Ramifications

The employment of computer technologies in elementary school education has significantly increased across the globe. The benefits and advantages of computer-based learning have been comprehensively discussed, yet it is also important to enumerate the ramifications associated with this endeavor. However, it is imperative to determine whether this technologically intense activity is appropriate for application to young children attending elementary school education. This paper will identify several issues that are associated with the use of computers in teaching basic lessons to young school children.One of the most alarming reports regarding the ramifications of computer-based instruction at the grade school level is that the brains of young children are inundated with so much information at an early age (Healy, 1998). It has been earlier established that the brains of young children are still undergoing further development and thus it is best to allow time and the normal activities t o enhance the young individual’s brain capacity as he grows through adolescence and adulthood.The exposure of young children to computer programs is thus a novel experience that has not been fully examined with regards to its long-term effects of human behavior and cognition (Kay, 1992). It is acceptable that adults employ computers at work and at home, yet allowing young children to use computers at such an early age may be rushing their underdeveloped brains to mature at a faster pace. Another issue associated with the employment of computers in elementary school education is that the quality of software programs may significantly vary, depending on the designer or creator of the program.There are currently so many software programs that assist a computer user in uploading, integrating and consolidating different types of information on a computer. It is thus possible that the computer program that is used by a certain elementary school has not been reviewed and endorsed by the school district and thus the school children may be affected in terms of their learning skills and behavior. The ideal computer program that could assist in teaching grade school children should not only include lessons on how to count or read, but also instill good morals, as well as conduct (Cassell and Jenkins, 1998).It may thus be possible that the computer program employed by a certain school was simply purchased based on the price of the software packaged. There are so many versions of tutorial software that are featured with violent activities that attempt to teach children how to count or read. It is therefore important that computer programs are designed as a simulation of classroom lessons, which will always include teaching of proper attitudes and behaviors.Another issue that may result from the use of computer programs in teaching lessons at the elementary school level is the decrease in interpersonal interactions among students (Whitley, 1997). One features of elem entary school education is that these children are allowed to interact with other children of the same age, as they also learn lessons from their teachers. The employment of computers in teaching lessons to these young children therefore removes the social interactions that are important in shaping the personality of a child.Computer programs will thus accumulate more time spent sitting on a desk and staring at a computer screen. The young schoolchildren will thus lose significant time in playing and interacting with other children. Computer-based learning may also decrease the opportunities for a young child to learn the concept of cause and effect, which is strongly linked to social exchange with other children. It is generally observed that compassion is often learned at children and this is mainly through seeing what happens when one child is affected by a particular stimulus in the environment.In the case of employment of computers in elementary schools, children will be left w ith less time interacting with children and thus they might not learn how to appropriately interact with other people. The effect of this setting may not be immediately seen unless they have already grown older as full adults (Whitley, 1997). Another issue associated with computer programs in the elementary school level is gender difference in the use and appreciation of computers (Barker and Aspray, 2006).According to earlier reports, grade school-age boys are more comfortable in using computers than girls, thus reflecting the concept of male dominance in computer technology use (Butler, 2000). This gender difference may therefore affect the performance and learning capacity of the female school children, as these do not fully appreciate the reason why they have to use computers in learning specific lessons at school. In addition, there are reports that describe that elementary school-age girls develop an increase in their negative perception of computers when they reach the age ra nge of 12 to 13 years of age (Kay, 2006a).On the other hand, boys of this same age range show an increase in their interest on computers, and thus reflect the significant improvement of their test scores from computer lessons and activities (Kay, 2006b). It has been suggested that this correlation between boys and computer use is influenced by the sense of confidence that this gender feels as they use such technological gadgets. Another obstacle that is associated with the use of computer technology in elementary school instruction is the difficulty of teachers in integrating this technology in their curriculum (Jenson and Rose, 2003).It is critical to understand that computers have only been employed in most human activity in the last twenty to thirty years. In addition, it has only been in the last 15 years that communication methods such as the email and short message service have been fully appreciated by society. It is thus possible that there are certain teachers in elementary schools around that world that are still not comfortable with using computers in their teaching curriculum.There are some teachers that would rather stick with the old classical method of instruction, especially when they have been teaching young children with only the basic lessons of reading, mathematics and writing (Howe, 1997). In the case where the Department of Education or the school district obliges all elementary school teachers to integrate computer programs in their teaching curriculum, this may present some form of stress of certain teachers that are not used to this technology.It is thus important that teachers be highly trained with regards to the use and the recognition of the advantages of including computers in their curriculum. It will be disappointing to see reports in the futures which describe teachers that are misguiding young school children in their classroom lessons because the teacher himself is not familiar with using a computer program. Given these ramif ications on the curriculum of elementary schools, it is thus important that the decision and choices made with regards to computer use be thoroughly reviewed and assessed.Elementary schoolchildren’s brains are highly malleable and thus it is critical that the appropriate and relevant measure are undertaken in order to ensure good educations among these young individuals. References Barker, L. J. and Aspray, W. (2006). The state of research on girls and IT. In: Cohoon, J. M. and Aspray, E. (eds. ). Women and Information Technology. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, pages 3–54. Butler, D. (2000). Gender, girls, and computer technology: What's the status now? Clearing House, 73, 225–229. Cassell, J. and Jenkins, H. (1998). From Barbie to Mortal Kombat: Gender and computer games.Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. Jenson, J. and Rose, C. B. (2003). [email  protected]: Listening to gendered relations of power in teachers’ talk about new technologies. Gender and Education, 15, 169–181. Healy, J. (1998). Failure to Connect: How Computers Affect Our Children’s Minds – For Better or Worse. New York: Simon & Schuster. Howe, K. (1997). Understanding Equal Educational Opportunity: Social Justice, Democracy and Schooling. New York: Teachers College Press Kay, R. H. (1992). An analysis of methods used to examine gender differences in computer-related behaviour.Journal of Educational Computing Research, 8, 323–336. Kay, R. H. (2006a). Addressing gender differences in computer ability, attitudes and use: The laptop effect. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 34, 187–211. Kay, R. H. (2006b). Evaluating strategies used to incorporate technology into preservice education: A review of the literature. Journal of Research on Technology and Education, 38, 383–408. Whitley, B. E. (1997). Gender differences in computer-related attitudes and behaviors: A metaanalysis. Computers in Human Behavior, 13, 1–22. .

Current Trends in Education

Current Trends In Education Current Trends in Education The trends in human resource management and its implications for education are altering. Several trends are innovative and are a result of the economy, while others are escalating as a result of new regulations, new types of degrees and education, and the type of people employed. The purpose of this paper Is to Inform the reader of several of these current trends.The trends that seems the most critical to human resource management in education are the reduction of teachers, enhancing of job application questions, integration of technology, employee benefits, and providing staff recognition to encourage retention. These trends mark substantial challenges to schools with reference to workforce development, retention, and recruitment. New human resource management trends in education can be directly linked to the downturn In our economy. (Shield, November 2009) Simply because more schools are downsizing the amount of teachers retai ned, and increasing classroom sizes due to budget cuts.Superintendents need to work with their human resource managers to determine what types of individuals will work well tit their teams. Beyond the basic educational skills, human resource managers need to know if new hires and possible candidates can produce, can be trained, and can embrace a team environment, as well as generate the ultimate goal of enhancing the academic performance of students. More human resources managers are expanding upon Job application questions as far as education, Internships, and experience in fields of expertise.This allow for changes in interview techniques. Two types of interview may be used by the human resource manager. One Is the screening and the other is the behavior. The screening is to cull candidates that do to meet specific requirements. The behavioral interview is to make an educated selection based on fair and legitimate criteria and not a â€Å"gut feeling. † (Mayer, 2008) Questi ons for applicants that are directly related to the school environment will be important in determining who gets the job and who is passed over.While the old standards still apply to race, creed, religion, and disability as well as others, human resources managers now have to deal with the state certification of individuals and make a dedicated effort to giving these people every opportunity afforded to them by the certification they received. In the district in which I am employed, prospective teachers must have passed at least one of the three test needed for certification In order to be considered for employment. There are six goals of the strategic plan for my school.The first is improving academic performance for ALL students while closing the achievement gap. Next is establishing and maintaining the school climates and facilities that are safe, orderly and supportive of effective teaching and learning. Third is developing and implement procedures and programs that will infuse technology to assist in improving the physical and fiscal management, inclemency, effectiveness, Ana accountability AT ten cocoons Loving. I en recycling ten over-representation of minority and other at-risk students in Special Education.Fifth is developing programs to promote the recruitment and retention of quality staff. Finally is promoting and encouraging positive home, school, business, and community relations that encourage student achievement. Technology is a significant trend and a fundamental part of our strategic plan. This trend is that technology advances are quickening in pace since the sass (Citron and Davies, May 2008). This trend may accelerate more significantly as more schools integrate genealogy into there academic programs.These trends will necessitate more flexible and technologically as'. N. Y schools. The two technology objectives in our strategic plan are to ensure effective use of technology through ongoing training of our office staff and having teachers t o utilize technology for lesson planning, attendance, and grading practices. Office staff will update information on the school's website, use Manatee for budgetary matters, access available tools in SASS program, and use the television scroll to display information.Teachers will utilize technology in daily classroom lessons. The action steps to be used are incorporating technology components each day in lesson planning, allowing teachers to check-out laptops from carts for projection, acquiring screens for each classroom, utilizing Interactive Achievement throughout grading period, providing professional development by individual teacher needs, performing required division testing on the computers (4th and 5th grade benchmarks) and using Study Island and SOL Pass.Employee benefits is a trend that is vital. These programs will need to make radical changes to attract and retain employees. Since the majority of the current workforce is aging, hey will be looking for better prescriptio n coverage and long-term care benefits. Employees want a good retirement plan. A great employee benefit plan help organizations to compete in today's world. Employees not only work for money but also for intangible benefits such as enjoyment and a sense of purpose. Workforce Management 2003) One objective of the strategic plan is to show improvements by subgroups by at least 10% on each Virginia Standards of Learning test in all four core subjects. One strategy to be used in reading is exposure to different genres and understanding their components. The action steps to take place to ensure this are sing genre studies, utilizing read aloud, using Reading Mastery Program textbooks, and participation in the Accelerated Reading Program. One strategy to be used in mathematics is to enhance the quality of instruction for students.The action steps to ensure the success of this strategy is moving experienced teachers in grade level math positions, seek professional development opportunities for math teachers, incorporate learning stations to break down activities, and participation in SOL math night. One strategy to be used in history is student involvement in surrounding to include local, state, national, and live theaters. The actions steps to be taken to be successful in this area are field trips, local speakers, Jamestown outreach, Theatre Four, and Art Bank (living history).One strategy to be used in science is grade level mastery of standards for each student. The action steps taken administer an end of year test that contains all tested standards, communication between third, fourth, and fifth grades about expectations of students, and working with students in small learning stations to gauge individual needs. Staff recognition is a very effective part AT our strategic plan Ana another current trend. One goal In our cocoons improvement plan is to establish and maintain school climate.The school improvement committee meets and decides up staff recognition activi ties that will improve the school climate. The objective is to recognize staff that support effective teaching and learning. Recognizing staff has been one of the least expensive and most effective ways in helping to boost morale and productivity and well as enhancing retention. The staff where I work have been extremely responsive to being recognized, which is shown by the low turnover rate at the end of each school year.Staff recognition is shown weekly by spotlighting teachers and other staff members. I believe that staff recognition could be improved where I work by offering small monetary incentives. This could be funded by the fund raising committee. Gala events, best-of-the-best awards, on-the-spot recognition, gift certificates, performance reward points, sending e-cards and Just plain saying thanks – most organizations today have some form or all of these recognition programs in place with the intent to make a positive difference. HRS Management 2010) The author has discovered that a revision of this plan is needed to meet the needs of the 95% majority population of African American students. Teachers will use multicultural activities and games to stimulate instruction. In math classes, The Math Party will be used. This is a program that is used for intervention for at risk students and as a re- teaching/review tool for all students. In science and history classes, teachers will use songs and raps to incorporate in their instruction.These integrated musical experiences can provide excitement for learning and improving students' skills. Music is able to expand the instructional process and accommodate differences in learning styles. Most of all, music adds an unique element of fun to the classroom. When children learn with music it makes learning more exciting. With music, students tend to work harder. In the concluding examination, it is irrefutable that rhyme, rhythm, and music can make immense differences in teaching and learning. They are th e intangible educational instruments that can touch students in extremely unforgettable ways.