Mental illness in jail Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Mental illness in jail - Research Paper Example The atmosphere in jails is unpleasant to all humans. It should be noted that people always like to lead a free life as much as possible. Barriers or restrictions in leading a free life may cause psychological trauma to all humans. Jails impose lots of restrictions and barriers upon the inmates and hence the mental health of jail inhabitants is poor compared to that of the normal people. This paper briefly analyses the reasons of mental illness in jails. Reasons of mental illness in jails The hope for leading a normal life after the release from jails is minimal for many of the inhabitants. It should be noted that prisoners never get opportunities to engage in sexual activities. Many studies have proved beyond doubt that sexual activities are necessary for the human to lead a normal life. The failure to do so may create psychological problems among prisoners. Moreover, plenty of the prisoners are of the view that it is difficult for them to get the acceptance from the society and the family members once they released from the jails. Such negative thoughts often cause mental trauma to the prisoners. The authorities on the other hand keep a negative view towards the health needs of the prisoners. â€Å"According to Human Rights Watch, deficient mental health services in prisons and jails leave prisoners under-treated or not treated at all. Prisoners with mental health problems face a shortage of qualified staff, lack of facilities and prison rules that interfere with treatment† (U.S.: Number of Mentally Ill in Prisons Quadrupled, 2006). Healthcare sector in America and Europe is facing severe shortage of qualified professionals. In fact majority of the professionals working in this sector in these countries are from overseas countries. Since prisoners are treated differently everywhere in the world, there health needs are often addressed without much sympathy or importance by the authorities. Prisoners are considered as unwanted or antisocial elements in ma ny of the societies. Such beliefs and apprehensions about prisoners often prevent the authorities from spending too much for the healthcare needs of the jail inhabitants. As a result of that, prisoners get no treatment or less treatment when they develop psychological problems. Failure to get proper treatment in time, may force prisoners to engage in violent activities and behaviors. Such violent activities may bring punishments from jail authorities. â€Å"People who suffer from mental illness need mental health interventions, not punishment for behavior that may be motivated by delusions and hallucinations† (U.S.: Number of Mentally Ill in Prisons Quadrupled, 2006). Unlike normal people, prisoners are not getting any sympathy from jail authorities even if they develop mental problems. The general view about such mental illness among prisoners is that they deserve it. Such beliefs and views prevent jail authorities in taking sincere efforts to provide adequate healthcare ser vices to the prisoners. â€Å"According to Human Rights Watch, the staggering rate or incarceration of the mentally ill is a consequence of under-funded, disorganized and fragmented community mental health services† (U.S.: Number of Mentally Ill in Prisons Quadrupled, 2006). â€Å"Once in jail, people with mental illnesses tend to stay longer, and are less likely to be placed

Project management approaches for dynamic environments Essay Example for Free

Project management approaches for dynamic environments Essay This paper sets out to investigate the nature of projects  conducted in fast changing environments. Examples and  theory are used to illustrate the nature and challenges of  this category. Suitable management approaches are identiï ¬ ed under the following headings: Planning, Experimentation, Lifecycle, Controls, Culture, Communication, and Leadership style. The dynamic project category.  The paper closes with recommendations for further  research. In this paper, control is taken to mean the mechanisms through  which resources are managed to achieve objectives [1], and is diï ¬â‚¬erent to the PMBOK ‘technique’ [2] which is strictly focused on bringing activities in line with a plan [3]. The term dynamic is taken to mean characterised by constant change [4]. In the project management context dynamism is taken to be a dimension of a project  that represents the extent to which a project is inï ¬â€šuenced by changes in the environment in which it is conducted. This paper argues that this is a non-binary dimension that  applies in varying degrees to all projects, so strictly any  given project is neither ‘dynamic’ nor ‘not dynamic’. All projects have some degree of dynamism, so the dimension  is not dichotomic. Therefore, the ideas in this paper may be applied in varying degrees to any project as deemed appropriate. For the sake of simplicity though, for the remainder of this paper, a dynamic project is taken to be one that is  necessarily subject to higher than normal levels of change  due to the environment in which it is conducted. The business environment is changing at an increasing  pace [5–7]. Rothwell and Zegveld [8] went so far as to say we are in the midst of a technology explosion. They argued  that 90% of our technical knowledge has been generated in  the last 55 years, and that technical knowledge will continue to increase exponentially. Perrino and Tipping [9] reported  Ã¢â‚¬ËœÃ¢â‚¬Ëœthe pace of technology is accelerating, raising the stakes and risks for  managing innovation, and requiring early  warning and shorter response time†. Change, in all forms  of technology and business processes, can be regarded as  increasingly pervasive and providing challenges even where high technology is not a core business, such as in mining  [10]. Consider how the Australian Submarine project was  challenged by developments in the IT industry between  the 1980s design phase, and sea trials decades later [7].  This paper will now investigate dynamic projects from a  theoretical point of view. Gray and Larson [11] argued that Pich, Loch and De Meyer [12] describe a type of project  that encounters unknown unknowns and how it is best suited to what they called a ‘learning’ strategy which involves scanning, problem solving and ï ¬â€šexibility. They argue that  this is distinct from projects conducted in well understood  environments which are suited to ‘instructionism’, and distinct from  Ã¢â‚¬Ëœselectionism’ where the most fruitful initiative is chosen after a pool of trials. Turner and Cochran [13]  espouse the ‘goals and methods matrix’ that describes four diï ¬â‚¬erent types of project according to how well deï ¬ ned the methods and goals are. Projects can have poorly deï ¬ ned  goals (‘ï ¬ re’) or poorly deï ¬ ned methods (‘water’), or both (‘air’).  Shenhar and Wideman [14] describe a type of project that involves high levels of uncertainty, using technologies together for the ï ¬ rst time. They call these ‘high tech’ [14]. They also describe a type of project that actually creates  new technologies, called ‘super high tech’. Shenhar [15] describes how ‘low technology’ projects are typically performed in construction, production and utilities, and high technology projects in the computer, aerospace and electronics industries. He oï ¬â‚¬ers building and bridge construction as examples of low technology projects. The key diï ¬â‚¬erence to Shenhar is the level of development work  involved, in that low technology projects have little, and high technology projects have considerable levels and usually require prototyping. Shenhar and Wideman [14] argue that another key diï ¬â‚¬erence is the number of design  cycles. In low technology projects they say there is typically only one cycle with a freeze before development, and with high technology there are at least two, typically  three cycles. Operational  work  Cioï ¬Æ' [16] suggests that ‘projects’ be placed on a spectrum of ‘newness’ from operational to project. The idea has been adapted in Fig. 1 to illustrate the sliding scale  of unknowns that applies to projects. Unknowns in this  sense refer to any aspect of the project, including the methods to achieve it, the objective, and the environment it has to operate in. The guide to the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK) [2] describes  Ã¢â‚¬Ëœprogressive elaboration’, where planning is developed in greater detail as the project progresses. Using progressive elaboration to ï ¬ ll knowledge gaps, it might be possible to move a project to the left in  Fig. 1, thereby achieving the objective in a more predictable fashion. However, rapid changes in the environment, including tools and methods, and attempts to innovate,  act to push the project to the right, increasing unknowns.  The two forces of exploration and change act against each  other continuously throughout the project. The challenge is to conduct exploration at a greater rate than the emergence  of environmental change. It is also important to ensure that the amount of change created by the exploration and  implementation is not counterproductive overall. An example of Project A in Fig. 1 might be a production line where there only variable is the colour required. The intention here is to review literature to provide a  broad overview of approaches that might be used to better  deal with dynamic environments. Approaches were broken down as follows:

The Importance Of Water In Islam Theology Religion Essay

The Importance Of Water In Islam Theology Religion Essay In Malaysia, after Pakatan Rakyat party successfully conquering Selangor state from Barisan Nasional party since 2008, they have launched a lot of initiative welfares for Selangor residents. On 13 March 2008, Selangor State Government has announced the implementation of Merakyatkan Ekonomi Selangor (MES) agenda to improve living standard of Selangor residents. There are 14 agendas included in MES and one of them is free water provision for the first 20 cubic meters water domestic consumers who using individual meters in Selangor starting from June 2008. Selangor State Government offers first 20 cubic meters water which equivalent to 20,000 liters or 5.680 gallons per month for free. This benefit is for all Selangor people regardless of their economy status, race or political affiliation. Other than that, the main objective of this welfare is to reduce the burden life especially for low-income groups as a result cost of living and the inflation rates are continue to increase. At the same time, it is of the holistic and integrated components to restructuring water management in order to provide more efficient and effective service. Through this program, Selangor State Government bear the average cost of rebate RM 11.00 per month for each user. Then, the record payment by the Selangor State Government is stated in bill received by each user from SYABAS (Selangor Water Supply Company). Besides that, 20 cubic meters of free water supply is only eligible for domestic consumers who use individual meters. For domestic users who use bulk meters in condominiums and apartments, they need to change to individual meters to enjoy this free water. Change of bulk meters to individual meters is subject to the conditions set by SYABAS. As the result, currently more than one million people who use individual meters enjoy it especially low cost apartment dwellers. Until July 2012, over RM 6 million was spent on free water to residents of low-cost apartments through Safwa Scheme (Free Water Rebate Scheme). According to Housing and Property Selangor Board (LPHS) report, 92% or 58, 049 units already received. While the remaining 8% or 6, 666 units failed to implement the rebate claim due to labor shortages in Joint Management Body (JMB). This positive action shows the governments responsibility toward public welfare. In Islam, this is a good example because the leader should take care of their people. However, some consider this program involves high costs and will affect the allocation of funds provided by the Government of Malaysia to Selangor state. In Islam, the leader should manage the public properties to avoid waste for not so important activities. Therefore, a comprehensive study and analysis are needed to ensure that the program is consistent with Islamic law. 2. WATER ACCESIBILITY ANALYSIS 2.1 THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER IN ISLAM Historically, all ancient civilizations in the world began in area that has water resources such as river or seashore. For instance, Mesopotamia civilization began at Euphrates and Tigris River, China civilization began at Huang He River and India civilization began at Indus River. This fact shows that they are really rely on water in their daily life. Water from the river is used to irrigate agricultural areas, cooking, bathing and others. Based on Al-Mujam Al-Mufahras book, water or al-ma in Arabic was mentioned 63 times in the Al-Quran. According to Naser I. Faruqui, water is very importance in Islam. It is a blessing from Allah that gives and sustains life, and purifies humankind and the earth. It is based on Allah words in verse 65 of Surah Al-Nahl: And Allah sends down water from above, and therewith gives life to the earth after its death. Surely there is a sign in this for a people who listen. Besides that, Allah said all beings is made from water. According to the research, the earth is covered with 3/4 water and the human body contained of 3/4 water. In verse 30 of Surah Al-Anbiya: Do not those who disbelieve see that the heavens and the earth were closed up, so We rent them. And We made from water everything living. Will they not then believe?. Due to water is very important resource for every people regardless rich or poor, Islam declared that everyone has the right to a fair share of water consumption. This claim is emphasized by the hadith reported by Abu Dawud that Rasulullah said Muslims have common share in three things: grass (pasture), water and fire (fuel). In addition, the Prophet forbids Muslims hoarding the excess water and he is obliged to allow others to use it. The Prophet stated: Among the three people Allah will ignore on the Day of Resurrection are a man who possessed superfluous water on a way and he withheld it from the travellers. This hadith was narrated by Al-Bukhari. https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR8g4Uk3P9ItU0f-ejiXhXQbYkshXwyH6OQ1Ic463fu1Fuk030Chttps://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSsOS628HbJuBc5CBTS7_dg-mbQo9POI1BgyGI90Ns8hB9hHBFF Tigris-Euphrates River in Egypt and Huang He River in China use for irrigation 2.2 TYPES OF WATER IN ISLAM In Islam, water is essential for the Muslims to purify themselves such as perform ablution (wudhu) before the prayer and perform obligatory bath (ghusl) after having sexual intercourse. One of the conditions, these actions is necessary to use pure water to make it valid. Thus, the absence of clean water will make it difficult for Muslims to manage their daily life and to worship to Allah SWT. In reality, there are different types of water in this world and not all water is suitable for human. Basically, the water covers around 70% of the earth and it is very exposed to other elements that can change its original condition. Thus, this requires human wisdom to determine whether the water can be used or not. In Fiqh Taharah or Islamic Hygienically Jurisprudence, Islam has divided water into three main parts which pure water and can purify other things (tahur), pure water but cant purify other things (tahir), and water containing dirt which not pure and cant purify other things (mutanajj is). First major category is pure water and can purify other things (tahur). This water can be divided deeper into mutlaq water and musyammas water. For mutlaq water, it remains with the original nature of its occurrence have been made by Allah. It is water that has not been mixed with dirt, water reservoir that is more than two tanks no longer used and not mixed with other substances. In addition, the water is still mutlaq water even thought it has changed due to abandoned for long period in soil, moss and stagnant areas. In addition, if the water continuously flowing but contain sulfur it still categorized as mutlaq water. This is due to water is in liquid condition and difficult to differentiate it. For two tanks measurement, the length and the width is 60 centimeter or 22.5 inches respectively with depth 62.5centimeter or 25 inches. If the two tanks measurement is converted into the weight measurement, it equals to 174 liters or 190 kilogram or 11 kerosene cans. Besides that, there are eight types of water including in the mutlaq water which are river water, well water, rain water, dew water, sea water, snow water, spring water and tap water. The Prophet Muhammad also ordered to use mutlaq water to clean the dirt. This evidence is based on Abu Hurairah narration: a Bedouin stood up and peed in the mosque, so his friends prevent it. Upon this Rasulullah said, leave him and pour a container of water over the urine. Indeed, you are asked to facilitate not troublesome. Then, according to Sheikh Abu Abdullah Husayn Nasir bin Muhammad Taib in his As-Subyan Hidayatul book :Not valid the purification unless water come from common qaid such as sugar cane, sugar, soap and such, and water from the sky such as rain and dew or water coming out of the earth such as sea water, river water and well water. On the other hand, musyammas water is quite different compare to mutlaq water. In Al-Badrain Matla book written by Sheikh Abdul Al-Fatani Faqir Muhammad Bin Ismail Daud Al-Fatani stated: Musyammas water is also pure water and can purify other things but abominable (makruh) to use it on the body. It afraid contributes to hairpiece disease when people used it. The position is permanent in a container and heated by sunlight in hot climate states. This matter very seriously considered by Rasulullah as in a story narrated by Baihaqi: From Saiditina Aishah indeed she is heating the water under sunlight, and Rasuluhlah SAW had said to her: do not do that O Aishah because the water can cause hairpiece disease. Literally, makruh means dislike, blamed and displeasing. It refers to leave anything not demanded by Allah but not prohibited to do it. Acts which are makruh are definitely discouraged but the evidence to prove they are forbidden is less strong. Thus, the commission of makruh acts is n ot blamed but its omission is preferable. Second major category is pure water but cant purify other things (tahir). This water can be divided more into mustamal water and muqayyad water. For mustamal water, the water is able to drink but not applicable for cleansing. According to Ibn Akhil in his book entitled Al-Mutaalim Zadul: Mustamal water is less than two tank that has been used for impurities such as has been used in ablution and bath or water that has been used in remove the dirt. After that, it is not valid to purify other things. Besides that, water from trees, fruits and roots also considered as mustamal water. Then, all water can change by two ways which are changing by taqdiri and changing by hissi. Changing by taqdiri means the water only change on taqdir (stipulation) and the changes cant be seen. So, mustamal water is under changing by taqdiri However, changing by hissi means the changes that can be seen. Mutlaq water is under changing by hissi. In addition, Syeikh Faqih Dr. Wahbah Al-Zuhaili argued that the a mount of water also affect water quality. For example is mustamal water become mutlaq water if the quantity more than 2 tank or 270 liter. https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjJ0FFOf7kvHvGp1Odg3ScwbbnCvgwhvQdTNcHwzodXBFrOi22cKJnSTIsuF-STgg7QcAKoABURQorfbQe2VpoNACTiDup6l03bsMBHQErhuDT4lT_WG6wmz4t3o1YdG_N3GA-lr3Y-4/s1600/embun.jpg http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nnUqsIEWWw4/UEkvF_5_9PI/AAAAAAAABkU/_9k9GRFtIFw/s1600/Sungai+Kehidupan.jpg https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwomXrqPVAWoM3IKTFlQopw35TbLoDCValuM5eYW16y6YW9XptGRAQx_LMUQt9hacVHVnlZ5TsrC0PX0vqd2r6CP7ozr0n9hl-vYzUJ9uY1jhUwhHUcrLXUYD4zYZ8TQgMdGcCn_MDVk/s1600/Salji+memutih.jpg Dew water, river water and snow water are some sources that can be used for mutlaq water Next, water is mixed by two ways. First way is through mujawir. This means the water changes because there is something that can be separated from the water. For example, a person put a stick in a pail to stir the water in the pail. Then, the stick can be pulled out from the pail. Then the water is still regarded as pure water. Second way is through mukhalit. This means the water changes because there is something that unable separated from the water. For instance, a person put the fruit flavor in a pail of water. It is impossible to separate fruit flavor and water to their original condition. Then the water no longer exists as pure water as has changes to mustamal water. In contrast, muqayyad water is water that is mixed with something pure that changing one of the characteristics. For instance are coffee water, sugarcane juice and soap. In Islamic view, parameters for water quality are based on the chemical and physical characteristics of smell, taste, color and temperature. Then, qayyad on water is divided into qayyad lazim and qayyad musfaq. For qayyad lazim, it means substances attached together until it absolutely different from pure water such as coffee and honey. Although pure, it still cant be used for purification because already mixed with variations of water. However, for qayyad musfaq, it means substances detached among each other and not affect pure water such as rain water and well water. Thus, the water is still cited as pure water. Third major category is water containing dirt which not pure and cant purify other things (mutanajjis). There are three main conditions regarding to mutanajjis water which unable for purification. First condition is water containing less than two tanks even though the water does not change color, smell and taste. Second condition is water containing more than two tanks but has changes color, odor and taste due to the dirt. Third condition is water is mixing with clean substances but has the color, smell and taste. In terms of language, dirt is defined as dirty things such as blood, urine and feces. In terms of syara, dirt is defined as all the impurities that prevent validity for pray. There are three types of dirt according to their hierarchy and all the dirt must be purified using mutlaq or pure water. The lightest dirt is mukhaffafah. It is the urine of baby boy who only eat breast milk and less than two years old. The cleansing methods are by wash and wipe the urine before sprinkle the pure water on the place. The moderate dirt is mutawasittah. It is including blood, pus, vomit, saliva, alcohol and others. The cleansing methods are washing until lost any nature color, smell and taste before cleanse by pure water. The heaviest dirt is mughallazah. It is the dirt relate to dog and pig. The cleansing methods are by wash once by soil water. Then, continue washing by using pure water for six times until loss any nature color, smell and taste. If still not gone, repeat the washing method. 2.3 THE WATER MANAGEMENT IN MUSLIM COUNTRIES In December 1998, the Workshop on Water Resources Management in the Islamic World was held in Amman, Jordan. One of the discussions is implementation approaches for water demand management (WDM) within the context of Islam. The approaches are water conservation and wastewater reuse. In water conservation approach, they argued supply of water is fixed. Thus, water management is needed to ensure the amount water supply is enough with the amount of water used. This opinion can be approved in verse 18 of Surah Al-Mukminun: And We send down water from the sky according to certain measure, and We cause it to soak in the soil; and We certainly are able to drain it off (with ease). Human can use water in moderate way and not consume beyond the limit. If extravagant exist, Allah has right to take back His blessings. The Prophet also taught human to consume efficiently. According to Al-Bukhari: The Prophet Mohammad used to perform ablution with one mudd of water [equal to 2/3 litres] and used to take a bath with one sa up to five mudds [equal to 2-3 1/2 litres]. Currently, this water conservation approach shows positive impact when the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a health education program through mosques. The program included training imams on proper health practices, water conservation, water saving, proper sanitation and hygiene in the prevention of diseases. In addition, the imams then gave sermons about water conservation during the congregational Friday prayer. For wastewater reuse approach, they argued water should not be wasted. Thus, water should be used for beneficial purposes and use it in effective and efficient way. In verse 31 of Surah Al-Araf: O Children of Adam! wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of prayer: eat and drink: But waste not by excess, for Allah loveth not the wasters. From this verse, Allah hate people who are wasteful in eat and drink. Normally, individual drinking water every day in their life because thirsty. However, if some people deliberately waste the water, others people might not able to drink sufficient of water. Reusing wastewater is an essential component of a demand management strategy because it conserves freshwater for the highest-value uses. In 1978, the Council of Leading Islamic Scholars (CLIS) in Saudi Arabia concluded in a special fatwa in 1978 that treated wastewater can be used even for ablution and drinking as soon as absence of health risk. This fatwa was concluded based on detailed study by scientists and engineers toward waste water condition and its short-term and long-term effects toward human health. https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSoqOSAOx-jkOGFXzuoHnGRRLp9YxRrEyJ9h43NZnWLDLZpKPlMBAhttps://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQSzWez8vfEZ2s1lOiiy2JAJYwffJC_oiFVrqNqQe0W-P0qUZfRJw Saudi Arabia Wastewater Treatment Plant at Riyadh and Al Hail Both water conservation approach and wastewater reuse approach was introduced before are classified as non-economic approach. However, in a book entitled Water Management in Islam, one economic approach which called family planning was added. Basically, family planning not directly reducing the average water consumption. However, it helps for further reductions in overall availability of water per capita. By family planning, the government can predict future reduction of water consumption as size of members per family smaller. When future result is known, it facilitates the government to provide systematic long-term planning in order to overcome future problems. However, the problem is family planning or contraception is new in Islam. During Prophet Muhammad era, most Muslims have big family members because it didnt have birth control regulations. Therefore, based on this situation, a few Islamic scholars believe that birth control is not allowable in Islam. Still, some others scholar said it is no strong evidence in Islam to support a ban on family planning. Moreover, they contend although the religion encourages having children, it is not obligatory. Finally, the contemporary jurists agreed that family planning is allowable in Islam with a few conditions must be followed. First, it is only permissible for married couple man and woman. Second, it should have the mutual consent of the couple and thirdly, the chosen method must truly controllable. As conclusion, three approaches stated before will provide some alternatives for Islamic countries to choose the possible method for their water management. The holistic assessment should be implemented according to advantages and disadvantages of each approach. For water conservation, the advantage it is not very large cost but the disadvantage may no full commitment from society. For wastewater reuse, the advantage it is able for countries which doesnt have abundant water sources but the disadvantage it covers very high cost for building plants and continuous treatment process. For family planning, the advantage it is the government able to predict future water usage but the disadvantage it will reduces number of Muslims population in that country. 3.WATER RIGHTS http://mes.selangor.gov.my/modules/content/content.php?page=air-percuma-setiap-bulan http://airkumalaysia.blogspot.com/2011/06/cara-menjimatkan-air.html http://web.idrc.ca/openebooks/924-0/#page_xx http://www.meed.com/sectors/economy/government/saudi-arabia-presses-ahead-with-a-wastewater-revolution/3007439.article http://istajib.blogspot.com/2011/04/air-dan-islam-sorotan-ringkas.html http://www.ustaznoramin.com/2011/03/pembahagian-air-dalam-islam.html http://www.ustaznoramin.com/2011/03/pembahagian-najis-dalam-islam.html http://www.al-azim.com/masjid/infoislam/ibadat/air.htm

Zarathustra by Me :: essays research papers

Zarathustra by Me Published 1895 translation by Gerardo Published 1999 ________________________________________ PREFACE This book belongs to the most rare of men. Perhaps not one of them is yet alive. It is possible that they may be among those who understand my \\"Zarathustra\\": how could I confound myself with those who are now sprouting ears?--First the day after tomorrow must come for me. Some men are born posthumously. The conditions under which any one understands me, and necessarily understands me--I know them only too well. Even to endure my seriousness, my passion, he must carry intellectual integrity to the verge of hardness. He must be accustomed to living on mountain tops--and to looking upon the wretched gabble of politics and nationalism as beneath him. He must have become indifferent; he must never ask of the truth whether it brings profit to him or a fatality to him... He must have an inclination, born of strength, for questions that no one has the courage for; the courage for the forbidden; predestination for the labyrinth. The experience of seven solitudes. New ears for new music. New eyes for what is most distant. A new conscience for truths that have hitherto remained unheard. And the will to economize in the grand manner--to hold together his strength, his enthusiasm...Reverence for self; love of self; absolute freedom of self..... Very well, then! of that sort only are my readers, my true readers, my readers foreordained: of what account are the rest?--The rest are merely humanity.--One must make one\\'s self superior to humanity, in power, in loftiness of soul,--in contempt. FRIEDRICH W. NIETZSCHE. 1. --Let us look each other in the face. We are Hyperboreans--we know well enough how remote our place is. \\"Neither by land nor by water will you find the road to the Hyperboreans\\": even Pindar1,in his day, knew that much about us. Beyond the North, beyond the ice, beyond death--our life, our happiness...We have discovered that happiness; we know the way; we got our knowledge of it from thousands of years in the labyrinth. Who else has found it?--The man of today?--\\"I don\\'t know either the way out or the way in; I am whatever doesn\\'t know either the way out or the way in\\"--so sighs the man of today...This is the sort of modernity that made us ill,--we sickened on lazy peace, cowardly compromise, the whole virtuous dirtiness of the modern Yea and Nay. This tolerance and largeur of the heart that \\"forgives\\" everything because it \\"understands\\" everything is a sirocco to us.

In the country, people are forced to confront their faults and lead a more honest way of life. Consider She Stoops to Conquer in the light of this comment

Traditionally the pastoral genre celebrates the virtues of simple, unsophisticated life removed from the city. The rural countryside hosts a nostalgic population longing for a bucolic paradise where people live in peace, harmony and honesty, similar to the existence of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden before the fall. This depiction of idyllic rural life is presented by Goldsmith in She Stoops to Conquer, however the deception of characters throughout the play can be seen to distort this view of traditional country life. Goldsmith uses the character of Mr Hardcastle to epitomise the honest nature of country folk. Mr Hardcastle is presented as a traditional, old country squire, who is characterised as open and direct. He confesses honestly that he ‘loves everything that’s old’ and that he’s not interested in ‘vanity’. ‘Vanity’ suggests superficiality and that true character traits are omitted by ‘jewels’ and ‘ornaments’ in order to deceive those around and promote a dishonest appearance. Hardcastle associates this ‘vanity’ with the town, which is seen traditionally in pastoral literature as nefarious and corrupt compared to the simple, pragmatic country setting. It could be interpreted that Mr Hardcastle’s long life spent in the country, shown through use of the name ‘squire’ which has connotations of a rural existence, has resulted in his genuine personality, ‘to be plain with you. ’ However, Goldsmith uses asides in Hardcastle’s speech to show his anguish over the impudence of ‘such a brazen dog’, Marlow. The asides present Hardcastle’s true feelings of disgust towards the town folk which contrasts his direct speech to Marlow which remains dignified and respectful, shown through the address of ‘sir’. These asides present Hardcastle as a less direct character than originally perceived, suggesting country dwellers can be just as malicious as those from the town and subsequently, a country existence doesn’t necessarily equate to an honest way of life. Despite this, it is the rudeness of Marlow and Hastings which arouses these feelings in Hardcastle through curt demands for ‘warm punch’. This reflects a primary theme in the pastoral genre of the town corrupting the country, since Hardcastle is cordial towards his servants as Goldsmith refers to each by their first name in Hardcastle’s speech, ‘Diggory’, and Hardcastle’s rude asides are presented to be spawned from the impudence of the town characters, thus suggesting that the country promotes courteous manners meanwhile the town corrupts and faults characters. Goldsmith characterises some characters as self-deceiving and deluded, which is technically a weakness. Unlike Mr Hardcastle’s love of ‘old’, Mrs Hardcastle contrarily speaks positively of the town, commenting on its ability to ‘rub off the rust’, ‘rust’ suggests that Mrs Hardcastle finds country life dull, contrasting the excitement of ‘London’ and the ‘fashions’. Goldsmith uses references to places in London to suggest that Mrs Hardcastle is informed on ‘every tete-a-tete’, only to later reveal that ironically Mrs Hardcastle only ‘enjoy(s) London at second-hand’, through the ‘Scandalous Magazine’, which comically illuminates the fact she has never actually visited London. To enforce this irony, Goldsmith utilises some references to sinister settings in London in Marlow’s speech, ‘bred’ at ‘Tower Wharf’, which was not a fashionable area in the 18th century and was notorious for thievery which Mrs Hardcastle is ignorant to, shown by her grateful response ‘pleased to say so’. This mockery of Mrs Hardcastle presents her as a pathetic woman who has deluded herself into believing she is astute to ‘all the fashions’, which can further be interpreted as a fault in her character which remains present at the end of the play, therefore suggesting the country isn’t necessarily a utopic landscape of retribution. Furthermore, Goldsmith characterises many of the rural characters as simple and stubborn, unwilling to change routine which is mimetic of the unyielding nature of the country, therefore any faults that they may have are irreversible. In Tony’s song at the Three Pigeons pub, he toasts ‘here’s the Three Jolly Pigeons for ever’, ‘for ever’ has a sense of routine which cannot be altered, reflecting that his life will never change and his tricks and mischief will continue ‘for ever’. Consequently Goldsmith highlights the unyielding characteristic of the country which can nourish pre-existing traits in characters instead of correcting them. The ‘gentlemen’ of the town Marlow and Hastings are initially presented by Goldsmith to be sophisticated and scholarly, which was how most men of the town were perceived in the 18th century. However, it soon becomes apparent that both characters possess faults underneath the posh urban veneer. Goldsmith reveals, through Hastings, that Marlow is ‘such a trembler’ when he is around women of high status, which is ironic considering he should be able to converse easily with facets of high society to which he himself belongs. Goldsmith then augments this fault in Marlow’s character through stage directions, ‘gathering courage’, which reveals Marlow’s ‘awkward address’ as he talks to Kate. Nonetheless, through Kate’s deception Marlow is forced to amend his ‘bashful manner’. Once Marlow ‘mistook (Kate) for the barmaid’ and a woman of low status, because of her attire ‘that every lady wears in the country’, he was able to look her ‘full in the face’ and speak without hesitation, shown through Goldsmith’s use of stichomythia, and consequently overcome his faulted nature. Therefore Goldsmith shows that through the simple bucolic, country and its inhabitants, Marlow could relax and correct his imperfections, developing into a more ‘confident’ character. Furthermore, when it’s revealed to Marlow that Kate is in fact Hardcastle’s daughter, Marlow’s embarrassment which he describes as ‘worse than death’, proves to Hardcastle Marlow’s earlier impudence was ‘all a mistake’, which resolved the tension between Hardcastle and Marlow formed from Marlow’s supposed ‘brazen’ manner. Despite this, Kate’s deception of Marlow could be considered an unresolved fault especially considering a previous title of the play was Mistakes of the Night suggesting Kate’s actions were faulted ‘mistakes’, which contradicts the stereotype of rural folk being welcoming and honest. However, Kate’s deception was not malicious, which Goldsmith shows through interjections of laughter in Kate’s speech ‘ha! ha! ha! ’ The ruse ensured their romance, ‘he loves you’, which would have gone amiss due to Marlow’s ‘mauvaise honte’ and inability to communicate with upper class women. Moreover, during the denouement of the play, Kate revealed to Marlow she was ‘that very identical†¦ lady’ he first met. Therefore Kate’s deception was eventually uncovered in total honesty and thus concluded the play in a traditionally comedic and light hearted manner, with Hardcastle giving his blessing to Marlow, ‘boy, take her. ’ Similarly, Tony could be considered as the opposite of the simple, honest doric characters in the play, since he tricks Marlow and Hastings into believing his house is ‘one of the best inns in the country. Tony’s jest actually creates faults in Marlow in Hastings, since they are exploitative of Hardcastle’s good will, ‘he has taken possession of the easy chair†¦ already. ’ The use of ‘already’ shows Hardcastle’s disgust at the impudence of the two men, which was only uncovered because of their belief they were staying at an inn which they were paying for, †˜bring me my bill’, the use of the imperative in Marlow’s speech highlights his insolence towards Hardcastle. Although Tony’s jest created more faults in characters and led to Marlow’s lack of respect towards Hardcastle, Tony’s trick; like Kate’s, wasn’t vicious nor did it have any lasting effects. Clive Fuller reviewed the stage performance in Birmingham and said â€Å"there is great farce as the deception unfolds† reflecting the comedy of the situation which proves no great harm is caused. Once the ruse had been discovered, everything was settled and the characters resolved their issues, shown through the stage directions ‘joining their hands’ which represents unity in the household. Moreover, Tony’s deception of Marlow enabled Kate to pretend to be the ‘barmaid’ at the ‘inn’, which ultimately resulted in her romance with him, ‘he loves you’, thus Tony’s trick can be viewed as intending to amuse rather than destroy, suggesting the country does promote honest living. Throughout She Stoops to Conquer, Goldsmith illuminates many faults in each character, most of which are amended at the end of the play, subsequently ending the piece in a light-hearted manner and in the style of a traditional Shakespearean comedy, with which Goldsmith’s work was associated. Therefore overall, the country and its many inhabitants do often lead a more honest life and encourage other faulted characters to do the same.

Identity in contemporary society Essay

How does class influence identity in contemporary society?The class structure involves some degree of shaping our identities. Income and paid work are important sources of individual and collective identity. Social class is a means of classifying the economic and social divisions of a society, which involve some degree of inequality. For example classifying some people as poor, working class or middle class. We may adopt or contest these representations. People define their economic position through ideas about the incomes and opportunities of others, therefore identities are influenced by income, whether we imagine peoples incomes to be in the middle or if we see it as between the rich and poor. There are two main traditions within the concept of social class and its effect on identity. These traditions are in the works of Karl Marx (1818-1883) and Max Weber (1864-1920). While they differ in the understanding of class and society, they share views on classes structured out of economic relationships. The Marxist theory of class shows that the class a person belongs to is a fundamental part of their identity. For Marx, society generated two main classes, a capital-owning class and a property less class. They called these the ruling class and the working class or the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. Class is rooted in the economic organization of production i.e. those groups who own factories, farms, coal mines or raw materials. These groups look after their own interests, live in similar surroundings and send their children to similar schools. Marx believed that class consciousness is particularly important to our understanding of identity. This is an awareness of a shared class interest and the existence of classes with opposing interests. Class consciousness would emerge through solidarity and collective action. For Marx, the key factor is private ownership of economic resources. Max Webers theory saw class as important when forming an identity. Weber saw class as a group of individuals who have certain interests in common; this  is known as market position, for example having similar opportunities for earning income through work or trade. Weber recognised that status is also important within social groups. Status is the different amounts of prestige, honour or social standing that is attached to different social groups. So where we live, manner of speech, our schooling and leisure habits decide our social class. This would suggest maybe status could have as much influence on identity as class. Webers theories would suggest that although, like Marx, agreed that different classes exist, Status was the key factor in deciding our identities and which group we belong to. Class is becoming more diverse with wider reference points within the structures. Some sociologists have gone as far as to say class is dead; (Pakulski and Waters, 1996), although a survey in 1996 showed that two thirds of those interviewed felt that there is one law for the rich and one for the poor (Adonis and Pollard, 1998, p.11)Sociologists and political scientists have argued that there has been a shift from collective to individual identities and also a shift from occupation to consumption patterns. It was argued that well paid working class were adopting middle class values, therefore eroding class identity. A study at Vauxhalls Luton car plant (Goldthorpe et al., 1969), on car workers attitudes and class identity showed signs of a fragmenting working-class identity and a new one developing. This would suggest that work based identities are becoming less important. The change in employment structures as well as job stability has maybe caused this shift. Peter Saunders put forward that consumption and lifestyle are now more important in shaping identities than occupation-based class. He argued that there was a growing division between those who could satisfy their consumption needs, through housing, cars and private health care and those who relied on public transport and state provided housing and health care. Saunders was criticized for being unable to prove that consumption influences peoples identities. To conclude, social class can provide us with a sense of belonging and how we can relate to the world around us. Who we are and what we do and have, change over time and economic structures such as inequality have an effect on our ideas of who we are and can be. However, although societies exist and function within class structures it does not mean that all members of that society identify with a class. It seems as class is becoming more diverse, it is becoming less important within identity as individuality becomes more valued and encouraged. REFERENCE Adonis, A. and Pollard, S. (1998) A Class Act, Harmondsworth, Penguin. Goldthorpe, J., Lockwood, D., Bechhoffer, F. and Platt, J. (1969) The Affluent Worker: Industrial Attitudes and Behaviour, Cambridge, Cambridge University PressPakulski, J. and Waters, M. (1996) The Death of Class, London, Sage.

Free Essays on Total Quality Management And Army Planning

Although their applications vary greatly, the Total Quality Management (TQM) approach to problem solving closely resembles the approach used by military personnel while planning rapid response missions. These missions entail service personnel conducting specialized military operations from US. Army units; a good example of one such mission was the rescue of pilot Mike Durant, whose Blackhawk was shot down over Mogadishu in 1997 (Bowden 108). A great strength of TQM is its focus on a structured approach to problem solving and decision making. A disciplined approach is also employed by Army personnel as they plan rapid response rescue missions–missions that are inherently complicated and involve a great deal of coordination among many people. Although having a structured approach to problem solving or mission planning is not a novel concept, the power of both TQM and rapid response rescue planning is that by adhering to established procedure, each procedure minimizes the time spent in the process while, more importantly, maximizing the yield of the results (Army vol. 1). Soldiers who plan and execute rapid response rescue missions are typically on board helicopters underway in a theater of operations–for example, Southwest Asia or the African nations. Primarily, these soldiers make up a forward-deployed conventional force that enhances regional stability. In addition, these personnel comprise a variety of rapid response forces that answer a need for immediate small-scale military and humanitarian operations. In this vein, they have the mandate of being able to commence the execution of a given mission within six hours from initial notification (Army vol.1). The type and scope of missions can vary considerably and, although the soldiers continually train, being able to plan and execute any mission successfully within only six hours is challenging. To this end, the leaders have developed a set of standard planning procedures calle... Free Essays on Total Quality Management And Army Planning Free Essays on Total Quality Management And Army Planning Although their applications vary greatly, the Total Quality Management (TQM) approach to problem solving closely resembles the approach used by military personnel while planning rapid response missions. These missions entail service personnel conducting specialized military operations from US. Army units; a good example of one such mission was the rescue of pilot Mike Durant, whose Blackhawk was shot down over Mogadishu in 1997 (Bowden 108). A great strength of TQM is its focus on a structured approach to problem solving and decision making. A disciplined approach is also employed by Army personnel as they plan rapid response rescue missions–missions that are inherently complicated and involve a great deal of coordination among many people. Although having a structured approach to problem solving or mission planning is not a novel concept, the power of both TQM and rapid response rescue planning is that by adhering to established procedure, each procedure minimizes the time spent in the process while, more importantly, maximizing the yield of the results (Army vol. 1). Soldiers who plan and execute rapid response rescue missions are typically on board helicopters underway in a theater of operations–for example, Southwest Asia or the African nations. Primarily, these soldiers make up a forward-deployed conventional force that enhances regional stability. In addition, these personnel comprise a variety of rapid response forces that answer a need for immediate small-scale military and humanitarian operations. In this vein, they have the mandate of being able to commence the execution of a given mission within six hours from initial notification (Army vol.1). The type and scope of missions can vary considerably and, although the soldiers continually train, being able to plan and execute any mission successfully within only six hours is challenging. To this end, the leaders have developed a set of standard planning procedures calle...

Free Essays on Population Control Is Needed

Population Control is Needed Brenda Platt paper lobal Warming and Population explores ways in which population growth could cause global warming, and if population control should be a central strategy in stabilizing global environmental change. Platt illustrates how population growth is a factor through the increase in resources, which creates an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. She also uses arguments from other authors (Ehrlich vs. Simon debate) to give an insight into others opinions. I believe the information given is not enough to make a decision on population control, which is needed. Platt essay gives more than enough evidence on how we are creating global warming through overpopulation, but the essay needed to include more on what will happen if our global population isn taken into consideration. This information was important to include: here are good physical reasons to suggest that more intense storms (hurricanes) could result from global warming some researchers believe that global warming is foreshadowing a coming ice-age. and the ultimate end of existence of Earth and man (geocities.com/TimesSquare/1848/global.html). In conclusion, Platt believes that population control should not be considered the central strategy in protecting the global environment. She believes that we should be creating family planning programs to empower women to make rational choices for themselves and their families. All countries are of different religions and beliefs and there will always be an individual or group who does not accept certain controls. I believe that every country should enforce a plan of action to change population control and with an outcome of changing the direction to which our planet is heading.... Free Essays on Population Control Is Needed Free Essays on Population Control Is Needed Population Control is Needed Brenda Platt paper lobal Warming and Population explores ways in which population growth could cause global warming, and if population control should be a central strategy in stabilizing global environmental change. Platt illustrates how population growth is a factor through the increase in resources, which creates an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. She also uses arguments from other authors (Ehrlich vs. Simon debate) to give an insight into others opinions. I believe the information given is not enough to make a decision on population control, which is needed. Platt essay gives more than enough evidence on how we are creating global warming through overpopulation, but the essay needed to include more on what will happen if our global population isn taken into consideration. This information was important to include: here are good physical reasons to suggest that more intense storms (hurricanes) could result from global warming some researchers believe that global warming is foreshadowing a coming ice-age. and the ultimate end of existence of Earth and man (geocities.com/TimesSquare/1848/global.html). In conclusion, Platt believes that population control should not be considered the central strategy in protecting the global environment. She believes that we should be creating family planning programs to empower women to make rational choices for themselves and their families. All countries are of different religions and beliefs and there will always be an individual or group who does not accept certain controls. I believe that every country should enforce a plan of action to change population control and with an outcome of changing the direction to which our planet is heading....

Case Treetop Forest Products Essay Example for Free

Case Treetop Forest Products Essay Identification (20%) Facts, assumptions and problem identification Building-grade lumber industry is competitive and product being sold is not differential; only differentiation is due to product packaging and presentation. Product packaging is biggest factor when buyers are making a purchasing decision between buying from Treetop or competitors. Over the last 2 years, Treetop has declined in ratings for package of lumber products as a result lost customers to competitors . Treetop has six departments: boom, sawmill, planer, packaging, shipping, and maintenance. All other departments have a supervisor; however, packaging department does not have one designated supervisor. Possible solution is to convert one of the workers to supervisor, or dedicate a supervisor 100% of the time to packaging To solve the issue supervisor from sawmill and planer deparments cover the shifts. Due to distance between sawmill and planing divisions, the supervisors are unable given full attention to the operations of the packaging division. (assumption) Distance cause the supervisor to visit the departments not as often as they should. Productivity in 3 divisions remained constant, Sawmill and planing division productivity increased; however, productivity decreased in packaging department and caused the following: Stockpile up Risk of damaged stock increased the inventory cost Cost Competitiveness suffered due to management placing additional employees from other divisions to solve the backlog issue faced by packaging department. Packaging department run two shifts – morning and afternoon Productivity level of afternoon shifts is less than morning shift employees Reason behind the decreased in productivity level in the department is due to following: Employees takes extended lunch and coffee breaks Leave few min early, specially afternoon shift Reallocation of temporary employees from different productive departments also follow the same practise after being in the packaging department for few days. Based on the case facts, organizational effectiveness and productivity is being effected by the in place practises of Packaging  Department. Following two major problems should be resolved to overcome the issues faced by Treetop: Packaging department’s employees are effecting the working habits of other department employees. Department wide meeting communicating the company values, performance issues of packaging department, statististics proving decline in packaging, and initiatives to stop extended lunches, coffee breaks, leaving few minutes early especially in afternoon shift Produce daily backlog reports showing increase in backlog and spoilage statistics. Use negative consequences (firing), within union contract. and positive rewards based on production and quality targets being met. Methods and implementation of rewards can be determined by using Nominal Group Technique (variation of brain storming)- 1)silently and independently document their ideas, 2)collectively describe ideas to other team members without critique, and 3)silently ad independently evaluate the ideas presented Packaging division does not have a supervisor to oversee the operation on daily bases. This needs to change immediately. If costs can’t be justified, perhaps  ½ time position added, that also is in production the other half , or Bal The packaging department is mostly at fault for majority of the Treetop Forest Productions Ltd recent decline of organisational success, not only are the packaging employees at fault, but also management for not monitoring the situation more effectively. It’s vital for Treetop Forest Products to improve and maintain their competitive edge within the building grade timber industry to ensure future success of the organisation. If solutions are not implemented immediately, the success of the organisation will continue to decline, placing Treetop Forest Productions Ltd in an unfavourable position where recovery may be implausible. Tackling the major issues illustrated within the packaging department will commence a strong positive path towards the future success of the organisation, placing them in a competitive position once again. There are possible solutions that can assist with effectively and efficiently dealing with this issue. Firstly, supervision and leadership needs a major  improvement within the packaging sector. As illustrated within all other fully supervised departments, work is completed efficiently and to a high quality standard. By providing packaging employees with the same supervision and leadership, near guarantees a positive change within the packaging department. Employing a leader with a with a transformational approach to leadership concerned with emotions, values, ethics, standards and long term goals will help to improve the work ethic within the packaging department. A supervisor with transformational leadership involves an exceptional form of influence that moves followers to accomplish more that what is usually expected of them. Furthermore, by introducing a new leader, costs will decrease due to supervised workers and the decrease of overtime; it can be implemented quickly, improv e productivity and increase the equity of work. As also explained within the issues of the packaging department, there is a lack of employee motivation. This is demonstrated through the low quality of work produced, longer breaks and early finishing times. Its important for managers to understand that each and every individual employee will have a set of drives, needs, decisions and behaviours to be motivated. By following the below diagram, Treetop Forest Products managers can use this to understand different emotional responses and resulting needs in the same situation. promote group cohesiveness and a pleasant working environment. In the short term, upper management could host a meeting or assembly between all departments to make them feel interrelated and important to the company. This could be a great motivation for the employees. In the long term, group evaluations could be necessary to measure the group’s performance and to see if the actions taken are resolving the problems. supervisor of the department. Learned Needs Theory: The Learned Needs Theory has three â€Å"learned needs† that can be defined as the â€Å"Need for Achievement†, â€Å"Need for Power†, and the â€Å"Need for Affiliation†. A need is amplified or suppressed through self-concept, social norms, and past  experiences (Internet Center for Management and Business Administration, Inc., 2002), although needs can also be learned through training whether it be strengthening or weakening the need. The members of the packaging department could have been more aware of their needs whether it is affiliation, power, or achievement and if they were more aware of what was there, there could have been more motivation on the part of the members to excel. Also, with the appointment of an actual supervisor, instead of taking them from other departments, it could have ensured that these needs be amplified through some forms of friendly competition or rewards. The â€Å"Need for Power† is stated as the need to make an impact on others, influence others, change people or events, and make a difference in life. If this need was taught to the members of the packaging department by the supervisors of the other departments, there could be a chance someone internally would strive so much for the need of power that he or she would emerge as the leader in a department with a declining productivity level. Having the ability to control others is a very powerful characteristic which everyone strives for internally, so if this need was brought forward by executives there would be an increase in competition and drive between the members to claim that position of hierarchy in the department. The â€Å"Need for Achievement† is the need and desire for excellence, competition, challenging goals, and overcoming difficulties. With the simple action as a reward put forth throughout the company internally that the employees of each section could enjoy, it could ignite an employee’s need for achievement and desire for excellence which in turn could ignite the competition in every employee to achieve success like his or her fellow employee has. People strive for recognition and success and if this need was amplified in the employees who have made it clear that they want to enjoy the benefits that come from a high productivity level, and brought out of those who believe that they don’t need success, Treetop Forest Products could internally enjoy success of their own making their business profit at its maximum rate. The â€Å"Need for Affiliation† is defined as the need for individuals maintain close, intimate relationships, or approval of other people. If Treetop Forest Products could bring out this need in the packaging department by showing them how the other departments in the company get along which in turn brings the productivity level up within the  department. Although, the employees of the packaging do well of getting along with each other by performing bad habits such as leaving early or extending their breaks, if that could be  transformed through the training of good habits such as exceeding expected productivity levels and working hard, the affiliation that is present now could be that much stronger and emphasized in the department. Also, in addition to affiliation within the department, there is also the possibility with the rise of productivity level and affiliation within the The team has strong cohesion, but needs to be turned around. (employees transferred are confor ming to the team norms of lack of punctuality)† Norms are the informal rules and shared expectations that groups establish to regulate the bahavour of their members.† Padge 225 chapter 8 Canadian Org Behaviour . It has to be set as a rethink to the department and communicating the new norms and aligning the norms with the company goals and objectives is critical. Through these simple needs that can be taught or learned, Treetop Forest Products could experience not only success from their five already successful departments but from the packaging department as well. If amplified the packaging department would benefit from the affiliation they would gain from the other departments, the power that employees could possibly gain with the increase of productivity via promotions or recognition, and the rewards that the employees of the packaging could gain through increased productivity levels. If Treetop Forest Products were to implicate these two simple theories there is a possibility that the packaging department would no longer be a harmful unit but instead an asset that Treetop can rely on. Through the Situational Leadership Theory, Treetop has the opportunity to find a leader that can adapt to the group and individuals and convert the now declining productivity level of the packaging department to an increasing level of productivity like the f ive other departments in the company. With the Learned Needs Theory, Treetop has the ability to install the needs for achievement, power, and affiliation to the packaging department to encourage friendly competition between the employees while still steadily increasing the productivity levels of the  department. Conclusion: Treetop Forest Products and Westboard Co have been suffering the consequences of the lackluster performance from their packaging department since there is no authority figure to keep the employees on task and working hard to produce sellable products for Westboard. With the packaging department not having their own supervisor, Treetop has appointed the supervisors of the sawmill and planing department as the supervisors of the packaging department during their shifts. With the packaging department being in a different location then the sawmill and planing department, it has caused the supervisors to make the packaging department an afterthought and with the productivity levels of the packaging department decreasing it has shown. After evaluating the case of Treetop Forest Product and the issues with their packaging department, they have been using the Contingency Theory which states that there is no one best way of leading and that a leadership style that is effective in some situations may not be successful in others and that while a leader may be very effective at one place and point in time may become unsuccessful either when transplanted to another situation or when factors around t hem change. This was clear in the case of Treetop Forest Product’s case because  although the leaders were very effective with their own departments, increasing the productivity levels of their respective departments, when transferred over to the packaging department their effectiveness did not follow. Each leader has their own key characteristics that play a major part in how they lead, whether it is their personality, drive, emotional intelligence, self-concept, etc. so what may be high and effective in one leader and his or her department may not be high and effective in a different department’s leader. Since the sawmill and planing departments were so successful when implanted into a failing department, the situation as well as the effectiveness of the leader changed. Instead of the Contingency Theory, there were others that if Treetop were to implement it could have made the productivity level of the packaging department go up while creating a better atmosphere within the company. If Treetop were to take the leader who was most able to conform his or her leadership style to that of the packaging department instead of just taking the top two  departments supervisors without considering the important variables such as distance and drive, Treetop could have improved the situation within the packaging department. With these simple changes to the company, Treetop could have quite easily changed the atmosphere and effectiveness of the packaging department to better the profits and trust gained from Westboard. If Treetop were to dedicate an individual supervisor based on performance and authoritative qualities within the department instead of having an external employee take on the responsibility of turning the packaging department around, the chances of increasing the productivity level of the packaging department would increase which would not only benefit the department but Treetop Forest Products and Westboard Co. respectively. Case Treetop Forest Products. (2016, Sep 15).

How has education changed for the black community since 1963 Research Paper

How has education changed for the black community since 1963 - Research Paper Example The Americans referred to them as Negroes and worked as servants in their houses and farms. However, there existed no law to protect the Blacks, which made Massachusetts to take advantage and pass a statutory that declared all Blacks as slaves and forbid intermarriage with the Americans. This brought inequality in education among other aspects that the Blacks fight for to date. The big question one would ask is, if there are any changes that have occurred in the education for the blacks since 1963 after passing of the civil rights. Civil Rights After Abraham Lincoln took over the presidency, he abolished slavery but this did not mean that Blacks had equal rights with the Whites. It was until the year 1963 during the biggest ever demonstration in the history of America with about 250,000 people that segregation ceased a bit. It resulted in major gains for the blacks in education, social life, politically, legally and economically (â€Å"FAQs† web). In the year 1964, an act was passed that outlawed discrimination in public facilities. In addition, an anti- poverty law that ensured equal employment rights to all Americans and voting rights act were passed (â€Å"FAQs† web). Before this, there were diverse schools for the blacks and others for the whites and no white would join a Black school or vice versa. With the passing of these laws, racial segregation of public schools was unconstitutional and any black or White child had a right to join a school of their choice. Besides the fight yielding equal educational opportunities for the blacks, it attained curriculum provisions. For the first time in history, curriculum included courses that taught the history of Black Americans as well as their contribution to the Americans history, the fruits. However, this did not last long because the Whites sent their children to private schools, reducing the prestige of public schools. The quest of inadequate education is not yet over since most Blacks cannot take their children to private schools. Does Racism affect Education Today? Black segregation remains, which has affected the education systems to date. Although decent housing is a basic right in America, many black Americans have to put up with poor housing because of unfair treatment. Some of the Black Americans can afford better housing but racism and bending of the law blocks them out. Therefore, they have to join their poor counterparts and rent houses in the ghettos with poor neighbourhoods. Apparently, housing is a major cause of educational differences between the poor and the rich. It is clear that the Blacks and the whites live in distinct neighbourhoods and thus attend nearby public or private schools. This has fostered differential treatment between the black schools and the Whites schools, reducing young Blacks’ chances to quality education and good jobs. For instance, a visit to a well-off public or private schools will lead to spotting up-to-date textbooks, comput ers, VCRs, and numerous curriculum activities to round out their education. On the other hand, public schools in the inner or poor estates use old textbooks, old equipment, and no special programmes. In the places where the whites and the Blacks attend the same schools, either race hangs around with those of their own (Wilmore web). Other Neighbourhood Challenges In addition, living in poor neighbourhood

Research to introduce telemedicine (eICU) to the hospital Annotated Bibliography

Research to introduce telemedicine (eICU) to the hospital - Annotated Bibliography Example The software also involve immediate access to all progress about patient plans of care, x-ray as well as notes that are useful to the patient. This helps hospitals in management because they minimize on costs since one intensivist is used in more that one hospital to offer the same service. The authors brings out the positive effects that telemedicine has in the intensive care unit. This is because this system has an audio-video patient monitoring and management system that has a design best suitable for intensive care unit and hence only few experts manage many hospitals. This source has a goal of ensuring that hospitals minimize costs for intensive care unit to increase financial gain of the hospital. This source is helpful because it brings out the financial benefits, which a hospital is likely to gain by adopting a system since experts can monitor it from a centralized location while dealing with patients who are in the ICU. This research paper is about a proposal of introducing telemedicine to hospitals. It contains annotated bibliography of nine references that relate to this proposal. Breslow, M., et al (2004): Effect of a multiple-site intensive care unit telemedicine program on clinical and economic outcomes: an alternative paradigm for intensivist staffing. Crit Care Med , 32:31–38 [1]. In this journal, the authors examine telemedicine in hospitals by looking at whether a corresponding remote intensive care unit, for care programs adopted by an integrated care delivery network though a commercial telemedicine and ICT (information communication technology), would enhance clinical and economical performance in ICUs. The authors have been able to carry out an important study, and have presented vital results to the study of telemedicine implementation in ICUs. In deed, this journal greatly helps in understanding this

Dinah Washington Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Dinah Washington - Research Paper Example After starting to record with Apollo label, she was backed up by saxophonist Lucky Thompson in 1945. She later went solo but would occasionally record with other artists. 12. Dinah Washington made her living as a performer and through sales of her music. However, besides her music, she was also a shrewd business woman and she had apartments in Chicago, luxurious apartments in Manhattan and owned a hotel in Detroit. 13. Dinah Washington parents were Ollie Jones and Alice Williams. She was married seven times and her husbands included John Young (1942-1943), George Jenkins (1949), Walter Buchanan (1950), Eddie Chamblee (1957), Raphael Campos (1957), Horatio Malt (1959 – 1960), Jacky Hayes (1960), and Richard Lane (1963). From these marriages, she had two children including Robert Grayson and George Kenneth Jenkins. ‘What a Difference a Day Makes’- the song was composed in 1959 and was arguably one of her greatest songs. The song was rated the top ten in Billboards and she won a Grammy award for the best R&B record with the song. ‘Jazz sides’ was recorded in 1958 and is often referred as one of the most exciting performances by Dinah Washington. She did the song and featured other prominent artists including Quincy jones, Paul quinichette, Wynton Kelly, and Terry Gibbs. ‘Dinah jams’ was a song in an album that contains one of her best Jazz songs. The song was recorded as she performed live on stage. She performed together with Ben Webster, Clark Terry and Cannonball

The causes of obesity in childhood Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The causes of obesity in childhood - Essay Example This essay "The causes of obesity in childhood" describes the scale of the problem across the World and the factors that lead to it. The attention attracted by cases of obesity across the continent is great because of its alarming rates. Researchers reported an increase in the prevalence of the condition to a high-level raising eyebrow on the same. In the report by Anderson and Butcher, it was mentioned that 21% of school-age children on the European continent have the overweight condition. In that regard, a further drift into cases of obesity has risen to 5%. In addition, the US is a victim of the same menace recording 33% of overweight among the school going children with a 16% obesity level. Obesity is mythically associated with higher living standards yet among the developing countries, cases of obesity are on the increase and have resulted in the increase universal levels of the condition. The urban centers and suburban areas within the upcoming economies are the highest contrib utors to the levels of obesity in the world today because of their improved socioeconomic living status (Anderson and Butcher, 2006). That injects into the point that associates obesity with the influence and the wellbeing of modern families across the globe. I delve into an acknowledgment of the causes and risk factors that nutritionists and the medical profession include in their listing to be the contributors to the high levels of obesity in children. In that regard, they also grow up to becoming obese adults.

Why did Woodrow Wilson criticise the 'old diplomacy' What were the Essay

Why did Woodrow Wilson criticise the 'old diplomacy' What were the main ingredients of the 'new diplomacy' that emerged after the First World War - Essay Example The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic relations defines the rights and immunity of diplomats. International diplomacy by professional diplomats aims at achieving peaceful agreements and solutions to international debates or conflicts like war, trade, human rights, and leadership. Indeed, diplomacy fosters international relations and world peace. International policies, respect for the parties and set rules and codes of ethics governs the diplomatic process. Additionally, diplomacy will follow a given strategy and may involve incentives to lure the support or input of parties. Cultures, level of education, and positional power have a direct impact on the process of diplomacy. Diplomacy adopts different forms depending on the level of application. Bilateral diplomacy involves two nations with common interests. Multilateral diplomacy involves more than two parties and can be preventive diplomacy, developmental diplomacy, war diplomacy and public diplomacy. The phases of diplomacy include envoys diplomacy, residential diplomacy, conference diplomacy, and organisational diplomacy (Galtung and Ruge, 1965, p.102). However, it takes time to accomplish a diplomatic mission and hence some parties result to war and sanctions when conflicts arise. Diplomacy has considerably changed with technology, growth of intellectual capacities, human rights advocacy, rise in democracy, and the experience of world war. The growth of humanity to an international figure has led to interdependence between nations that require an institution to define existence of a sober relationship. This growth has led to changes from where parties meet when necessary to institutionalized diplomacy, which involves permanent diplomacy and diplomacy at regular intervals The ‘old diplomacy’ existed before the First World War while the ‘new diplomacy’ exists after the First World War. The old diplomacy has faced many critics while compared to the new diplomacy. This paper will

Dinah Washington Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Dinah Washington - Research Paper Example After starting to record with Apollo label, she was backed up by saxophonist Lucky Thompson in 1945. She later went solo but would occasionally record with other artists. 12. Dinah Washington made her living as a performer and through sales of her music. However, besides her music, she was also a shrewd business woman and she had apartments in Chicago, luxurious apartments in Manhattan and owned a hotel in Detroit. 13. Dinah Washington parents were Ollie Jones and Alice Williams. She was married seven times and her husbands included John Young (1942-1943), George Jenkins (1949), Walter Buchanan (1950), Eddie Chamblee (1957), Raphael Campos (1957), Horatio Malt (1959 – 1960), Jacky Hayes (1960), and Richard Lane (1963). From these marriages, she had two children including Robert Grayson and George Kenneth Jenkins. ‘What a Difference a Day Makes’- the song was composed in 1959 and was arguably one of her greatest songs. The song was rated the top ten in Billboards and she won a Grammy award for the best R&B record with the song. ‘Jazz sides’ was recorded in 1958 and is often referred as one of the most exciting performances by Dinah Washington. She did the song and featured other prominent artists including Quincy jones, Paul quinichette, Wynton Kelly, and Terry Gibbs. ‘Dinah jams’ was a song in an album that contains one of her best Jazz songs. The song was recorded as she performed live on stage. She performed together with Ben Webster, Clark Terry and Cannonball

Why did Woodrow Wilson criticise the 'old diplomacy' What were the Essay

Why did Woodrow Wilson criticise the 'old diplomacy' What were the main ingredients of the 'new diplomacy' that emerged after the First World War - Essay Example The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic relations defines the rights and immunity of diplomats. International diplomacy by professional diplomats aims at achieving peaceful agreements and solutions to international debates or conflicts like war, trade, human rights, and leadership. Indeed, diplomacy fosters international relations and world peace. International policies, respect for the parties and set rules and codes of ethics governs the diplomatic process. Additionally, diplomacy will follow a given strategy and may involve incentives to lure the support or input of parties. Cultures, level of education, and positional power have a direct impact on the process of diplomacy. Diplomacy adopts different forms depending on the level of application. Bilateral diplomacy involves two nations with common interests. Multilateral diplomacy involves more than two parties and can be preventive diplomacy, developmental diplomacy, war diplomacy and public diplomacy. The phases of diplomacy include envoys diplomacy, residential diplomacy, conference diplomacy, and organisational diplomacy (Galtung and Ruge, 1965, p.102). However, it takes time to accomplish a diplomatic mission and hence some parties result to war and sanctions when conflicts arise. Diplomacy has considerably changed with technology, growth of intellectual capacities, human rights advocacy, rise in democracy, and the experience of world war. The growth of humanity to an international figure has led to interdependence between nations that require an institution to define existence of a sober relationship. This growth has led to changes from where parties meet when necessary to institutionalized diplomacy, which involves permanent diplomacy and diplomacy at regular intervals The ‘old diplomacy’ existed before the First World War while the ‘new diplomacy’ exists after the First World War. The old diplomacy has faced many critics while compared to the new diplomacy. This paper will

Vitamin D as Hormone Essay Example for Free

Vitamin D as Hormone Essay INTRODUCTION: Bioactive vitamin D or calcitriol is a steroid hormone that has long been known for its important role in regulating body levels of calcium and phosphorus, and in mineralization of bone. More recently, it has become clear that receptors for vitamin D are present in a wide variety of cells, and that this hormone has biologic effects which extend far beyond control of mineral metabolism. Vitamin D is thus not a true vitamin, as it can be synthesized in adequate amounts by most mammals exposed to sunlight (cats and dogs cannot synthesize vitamin D and must receive it in their diet). An organic chemical compound (or related set of compounds) is only scientifically called a vitamin when it cannot be synthesized in sufficient quantities by an organism, and must be obtained from their diet. However, as with other compounds commonly called vitamins, vitamin D was discovered in an effort to find the dietry substance that was lacking in a disease, namely, rickets, the childhood form of osteomalacia. ROLE OF VITAMIN D IN REGULATION OF SEVERAL GENES: The vitamin D hormones have essential roles in human health. Vitamin D hormones act by binding to and activating the vitamin D receptor (VDR) to regulate the expression of genes in a tissue-specific manner. Vitamin D hormones regulate blood calcium levels by controlling intestinal absorption of dietary calcium and reabsorption of calcium by the kidneys. Concomitantly, vitamin D hormones also suppress the production of the calcium regulating hormone, parathyroid hormone (PTH), which is produced by the parathyroid glands. The vitamin D hormones also participate in the regulation of cellular differentiation and growth, as well as bone formation and metabolism. Additionally, vitamin D hormones are required for the normal functioning of the musculoskeletal, immune and renin-angiotensin systems. There is a growing body of evidence linking vitamin D insufficiency with cognitive and neural dysfunction. The widespread beneficial effects of vitamin D hormones are continually being elucidated through studies directed to the intracellular VDR and the corresponding networks of VDR-responsive genes in nearly every human tissue. It is becoming evident that vitamin D insufficiency has a widespread and significant impact on a number of key physiological systems. METABOLISM OF VITAMIN D: Both forms of vitamin D undergo identical metabolism . Some evidence indicates that vitamin D2 may be metabolized more rapidly than vitamin D3, but with regular daily intake they can be considered bioequivalent. Both forms of vitamin D are converted to 25-hydroxyvitamin [25(OH)D] in the liver, and the serum level of 25(OH) D is measured to determine the adequacy of vitamin D status. In the kidney, 25(OH)D is hydroxylated to 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1, 25(OH)2 D], which is the only biologically active form of vitamin D. Acting principally on the duodenum, 1, 25(OH)2 D increases calcium absorption. It also acts on bone cells, both osteoblasts and osteoclasts, to mobilize calcium. The synthesis of 1, 25(OH)2 D is tightly regulated and stimulated primarily by serum parathyroid hormone THE VITAMIN D RECEPTER AND MECHANISM OF ACTION: The vitamin D system is unique in that distinct calcium homeostatic functions and cell growth regulatory activities are mediated through a single ligand, calcitriol, acting through a specific receptor exhibiting ubiquitous tissue expression, the vitamin D receptor (VDR). The VDR is a member of a superfamily of nuclear steroid hormone receptors which regulate gene transcription by interacting with response elements in gene promoters. Structure-function analysis of the VDR protein has defined distinct domains involved in DNA binding, ligand binding, receptor dimerisation and gene transactivation, including a C-terminal activation function domain (AF-2) that is important for cofactor interaction. A model for regulation of gene transcription by the VDR is evolving and proposes VDR interaction with various components of the basal transcriptional machinery, including newly defined coactivators and corepressors, which may act to regulate gene transcription by altering histone acetylation and chromatin structure. This review describes the vitamin D endocrine system and the role of the VDR in regulating this system, including the molecular basis for the diverse actions of synthetic calcitriol analogues in the treatment of autoimmune disease and cancer. ROLE OF VITAMIN D AS HORMONE Vitamin D and Bone Cell Activity: Approximately 60 genes are known to respond to vitamin D. Many of these vitamin D responsive genes are expressed by the bone forming cells (osteoblasts) which include: * type I collagen. * alkaline phosphatase, * osteocalcin * tumour necrosis factor ligand member (RANKL) Tumour necrosis factor ligand member (RANKL) is central to osteoclastogenesis. The bone resorbing cells (osteoclasts) also express vitamin D-responsive genes. It is evident that 1,25(OH)2D plays a major role in controlling osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption through its modulation of the RANKL gene in osteoblasts. Bone mineralization: These types of results are increasing interest in the view that the modulation of vitamin D activity within bone cells, either through the vitamin D receptor or metabolism of vitamin D, has effects on the levels of bone mineral. It is through such a mechanism that higher levels of vitamin D in the elderly may provide protection against hip fractures. Cancer prevention: Role of vitamin D in prostate cancer: Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men in the United States. Developing new treatment strategies is critical to improving the health of men. Our research has focused on four areas in which we have pursued the possible use of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) and its analogs to treat prostate cancer.The results of a clinical trial of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) treatment of patients with early recurrent prostate cancer. We provide preliminary evidence that 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) may be effective in slowing the rate of PSA rise in selected cases of prostate cancer. In conclusion, we believe that 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) has a role in thetreatment and/or prevention strategies being developed for prostate cancer. However, to increase antiproliferative potency without increasing side-effects, the use of less calcemic analogs appears to be the most reasonable approach. Role of vitamin D in breast cancer: In addition to its role in calcium homeostasis and bone health, vitamin D has also been reported to have anticancer activities against many cancer types, including breast cancer. The discovery that breast epithelial cells possess the same enzymatic system as the kidney, allowing local manufacture of active vitamin D from circulating precursors, makes the effect of vitamin D in breast cancer biologically plausible. Preclinical and ecologic studies have suggested a role for vitamin D in breast cancer prevention. Inverse associations have also been shown between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level (25(OH)D) and breast cancer development, risk for breast cancer recurrence, and mortality in women with early-stage breast cancer. Clinical trials of vitamin D supplementation, however, have yielded inconsistent results. Regardless of whether or not vitamin D helps prevent breast cancer or its recurrence, vitamin D deficiency in the U.S. population is very common, and the adverse impact on bone health, a particular concern for breast cancer survivors, makes it important to understand vitamin D physiology and to recognize and treat vitamin D deficiency. In this review, we discuss vitamin D metabolism and its mechanism of action. We summarize the current evidence of the relationship between vitamin D and breast cancer, highlight ongoing research in this area, and discuss optimal dosing of vitamin D for breast cancer prevention. Role of vitamin D in auto immune diseases: Vitamin D and its prohormones have been the focus of a growing number of studies in past years, demonstrating their function not only in calcium metabolism and bone formation, but also their interaction with the immune system, which is not surprising, since vitamin D receptors are expressed in different tissues, such as brain, heart, skin, bowel, gonads, prostate, breasts, and immune cells, as well as bones, kidneys, and parathyroid glands.Current studies have related vitamin D deficiency with several autoimmune disorders, including insulindependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), multiple sclerosis (MS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In view of those associations, it has been suggested that vitamin D is an extrinsic factor capable of affecting the prevalence of autoimmune diseases. Vitamin D seems to interact with the immune system through its actions on the regulation and differentiation of cells like lymphocytes, macrophages, and natural killer cells (NK), besides interfering in the in vivo and in vitro production of cytokines. Among the immunomodulatory effects demonstrated we should mention: a reduction in the production of interleukin-2 (IL-2), gamma interferon (INFÃŽ ³), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF); inhibition of the expression of IL-6; and inhibition of the secretion and production of autoantibodies by B lymphocytes. Vitamin D modulation of immune responses: Dendritic cells (DCs) are primary targets for the immunomodulatory activity of 1, 25(OH)2D3, as indicated by inhibited DC differentiation and maturation, leading to downregulated expression of MHC-II, costimulatory molecules (CD40, CD80 and CD86) and decreased production of IL-12. Moreover, 1, 25(OH)2D3 enhances IL-10 production and promotes DC apoptosis. Together, these effects of 1, 25(OH)2D3 inhibit DC-dependent T-cell activation. In particular, the active synthesis of 1, 25(OH)2D3 seems to exert an autoregulatory function by inhibiting the differentiation of monocyte precursors into immature DCs and the subsequent ability of the immature DCs to undergo terminal differentiation in response to maturation stimuli. FIG. Mechanisms involved in vitamin D modulation of the immune responses. DCs are primary targetsfor the immunomodulatory activity of 1, 25(OH)2D3, as indicated by inhibited DC differentiation and maturation, together with inhibition of differentiation of monocyte precursors into immature DCs. 1, 25(OH)2D3 suppresses Th1 (and Th17)driven cytokine responses, induces Treg cells, induces IL-4 production (Th2) and enhances NKTcell function. Differentiation and maturation of B cells is also inhibited. Th are CD4+ helper cell subsets (Th1, Th2, Th3-Treg, Th17) originating from naÄ ±ve T cell (Th0). Thin arrows (left) indicate cytokines that induce differentiation of Th0 cells and thicker arrows (right) indicate cytokines produced by activated Th cell subsets. All T cells that have been tested express the VDR. B cells and NKT cells are also reported.The yellow circles indicate the cytokines/activities inhibited by vitamin D.On the contrary, the green circles indicate the cytokines enhanced by vitaminD. Conclusions: Knowledge of the physiology and pathology of vitamin D is currently increasing at a rapid rate. The realisation that vitamin D can act in a paracrine and autocrine manner in addition to its well-described endocrine action opens up considerable opportunities for the development of new understanding of the requirement for an adequate vitamin D status for optimal health. It is encouraging that the relatively simple and cheap practice of maintaining an adequate vitamin D status has the potential to provide health benefits in a number of areas, which afflict an increasing proportion of the population, as well as consume an increasing proportion of the healthcare budget to provide treatment. The reduction of the risk of hip fracture in the elderly is one such area. A high priority of research must be to identify the critical 25OHD values required to maintain a healthy skeleton in the elderly. As well research must determine whether a low vitamin D status influences the development of cancer, whether it increases the absolute risk of cancer or whether it modulates the growth or invasiveness of cancers. Clinical laboratory professionals have a responsibility to improve the precision and accuracy of current 25OHD assays in clinical use. This work will require the collaboration between the profession and instrument and reagent manufacturers. The International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine is in an optimal position to coordinate such a project.

A Case Study Of Mental Health

A Case Study Of Mental Health Mental health has become a major global problem. It affects 450 million people and one in four of us will suffer from mental ill- health at some time in our lives (WHO, 2001). Mental Health is used positively to indicate a state of psychological well- being, negatively to indicate its opposite ( as in mental health problems) or euphemistically to indicate facilities used by, or imposed upon , people with mental health problems ( as in mental health services). During the nineteenth century, all patients were certified under lunacy laws. That is, the State only made provisions for the control of madness. The fledgling profession of psychiatry ( this term was first used in Britain in 1858) was singularly preoccupied with segregating and managing lunatics . With the emergence of the First World War, soldiers began to break down with shellshock now called post traumatic stress disorder . From this point on, psychiatry extended its jurisdiction from madness to versions of nervousness provoked by stress or trauma. In the twentieth century, more abnormal mental states came within its jurisdiction, such as those due to alcohol and drug abuse and personality problems. Today, mental health services may be offered to, or be imposed upon, people with this wide range of problems, although madness or severe mental illness still captures most of the attention of professionals .Another aspects of the term mental health problems is that some people, criti cal of psychiatric terminology, object of scientific or logical grounds to notions like mental illness or mental disorder. In the 1983 Act and equivalent Scottish legislation mental illness is not defined. However, Article 3(1) of the Northern Ireland Order does define it as a state of mind which affects a persons thinking, perceiving, emotion or judgement to the extent that he requires care or medical treatment in his own interests of other persons. Neither the Scottish nor Northern Ireland definitions include psychopathic disorder and there has recently been some discussion in the context of review of the Mental Health Act about removing it in England and Wales. Issues concerning mental health have been raised substantially in the consciousness of politicians, the media, and the public. Moreover, the burden of mental disorder is regarded not just as a if not the- principal cause of human misery, but as a significant impediment to social and economic growth. Measurement of the years of potential life lost and the years of productive life lost through mental ill- health could reach 15% of all diseases and deaths globally by 2020 (WHO, 1999). A further dimension of inequalities in the apparent scale of mental health problems is race. Race is controversial to define. Genetic distinctions between groups of humans ( other based on sex) have little empirical basis. Racial distinctions arose from anthropological investigations carried out by colonized indigenous people. However, because of colonization, the social identity of these people became real for them and others. In the United States black patients are overrepresented in mental institutions, and have become increasingly so over the postwar period. This has particularly been the case within state mental hospitals, where minority groups constitute 35 per cent of the hospital population, and are subject to higher rates of admission and readmission. In a review of eight epidemiological studies conducted in the United States between the late 1950s and mid- 1970s, Kessler and Neighbors (1986) found that among persons with low incomes black people exhibited significantly more distress than white people. They claimed, therefore, that race is an important independent variable in determining the likelihood of an individual becoming mentally ill. There is some dispute over what to make of this evidence. Cockerham (1990) maintains that the majority of studies on the incidence and distribution of mental health problems suggest that race is not an independent variable: race alone does not appear to produce higher rates of mental disorder for particular groups. Rather, it is because more black people are in the lower social cases that they tend to demonstrate more signs of mental distress. Others, however, disagree. Halpern (1993) argues that minority status can be demonstrated to result in a tendency towards psychiatric problems. As with gender, a number of studies have been conducted indicating that racial bias exists in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health problems. It has been found, for example, that white therapists generally rated their black clients as being more psychologically impaired than did black therapists. Patients who are uncooperative, threatening or abusive are more likely to be diagnosed as being mentally ill if they have minority status. In particular, it has been found that being black tends to increase the chances of a person being diagnosed as being schizophrenic (Wade, 1993). Certain groups such as people of Afro- Caribbean origin tend to be more likely than whites to receive psychotherapy. Minority groups have proved less able to make use of community- based services. This is partly because they have lacked the resources to participate in the development of community care, and partly because of the lack of interest in or understanding of the specific cultural needs of minority groups when establishing services ( Wade, 1993). The term Afro- Caribbean refers to black people who either still live in Caribbean or who moved to Britain. Britain is an ex-colonial power, which enslaved and forcibly transported African people. Afro-Caribbean people have higher rates of diagnosis for schizophrenia but lower rates for depression and suicide than indigenous whites. An unresolved debate about over- representation is whether it is actual ( black and Irish people are mad more often) or whether it is a function of misdiagnosis . The data of Irish people highlight why the stresses of racism, based purely on skin colour, are not an adequate explanation of differences in mental health status. Although Afro- Caribbean people are vulnerable to psychosis, prevalence rates of all diagnostic categories are higher than for the indigenous ( non- Irish)whites in Britain. What are the implications of comparing and contrasting these two ex-colonized groups for our understanding of the relationship between race and mental health? The first point to emphasise is that given the white skin of the Irish, racism based on skin colour may be a stressor but is not one that accounts for racial differences in mental health. A second point is that while both groups are post-colonial remnants of forced migration, the circumstances for each were different. Third, the circumstances of migration to Great Britain were similar in some ways but not others. Employment opportunities governed population movement in each. Fourth, as ex-colonized, Afro- Caribbeans and the Irish have been recurrently stigmatized and rejected. A confirmation of this point is that these groups are also over-represented in the prison population, not just in involuntary specialist mental health services. Fifth, and following the previous point, whatever the causal explanations for over- representa tion, the racial bias means that these groups are disproportionately dealt with by specialist mental health services. As the latter are dominated by coercion, this outcome can be thought of as a form of structural disadvantage for these groups. The needs, issues and concerns of black and minority ethnic people (BME) with mental health problems have been pushed to the fore of the national health policy agenda (Department of Health, 1999; Department of Health, 2005). Britain is a multi- cultural society where the percentage of the population that is from minority groups is steadily increasing. In 2001 minority groups comprised seven per cent of the population, with a concentration in London and other inner city areas. BME communities occupy particular positions of disadvantage in the United Kingdom. Inequalities are reflected across all indices of economic and social well- being.They generally have higher rates of unemployment, live in poorer housing, report poorer health, have lower levels of academic achievement and higher rates of exclusion from schools. The tragic but significant marker for BME communities was the death of David Bennett while being restrained by nursing staff on a medium secure ward. After a long campaign by his family, an independent inquiry report concluded that the NHS mental health services are institutionally racist'( Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire SHA, 2003). The government subsequently published an action plan for Delivering Race Equality (Department of Health,2005). This plan has three building blocks: to develop more appropriate and responsive services, to provide better quality information on the mental health needs of BME, to encourage greater community engagement in the planning and delivery of mental health services. DRE focuses on organisational change, but fails to appreciate the heterogeneity within the BME population, and the complex range of identities and practices it contains.It also fails to appreciate that the inequalities in mental health for black people exist within a broader historical and contemporary context of social and economic inequalities and prejudice. Moreover, the problem seems to have been framed in the context of culture- thus, the focus in the DRE strategy on developing a culturally competent workforce. Fernando (2003) argues that a focus on culture can itself be racist and therefore has to be examined in this context. Another issue to consider is the impact of racial disadvantage and discrimination on individuals , their families and communities. Petel and Fatimilehin (1999) suggested that the impact of racism is psychological, social and material. The effects of these are likely to be detrimental to mental health, but it has to be borne in mind that for some it may be minimal, while for others it may be of great significance to their emotional well-being. The effects of racism on the individual may have wider impacts on families and communities . The impact of racism therefore has to be analysed in the context of histories of migration, histories of alienation, the subordination that resonates for these groups, and the way in which these groups have been stigmatised and continue to be stigmatised in society today. There are many competing discourses and perspectives on what constitutes mental illness. Bracken and Thomas (2005)argue that our knowledge of mental illness and distress is indeterminate and new ways of thinking about mental illness are constantly emerging. Coppock and Hopton (2000)suggest that there is ample evidence to show that mental illness is affected by social and political circumstances. Mental illness can be deeply dehumanising and alienating. It is generally regarded with anxiety and fear and loads to rejection and exclusion. A report by the Social Exclusion Unit (2004) found that people with mental health problems are among the most disadvantaged and socially excluded groups in society. The stereotype of big and dangerous has been fixed in the popular case of Christopher Clunis- a back man who had a diagnosis of schizophrenia, who randomly killed a stranger to him, Jonathan Zito, in a London underground in 1992. Keating et .al (2002) have demonstrated that such stereotypical views of black people, racism, cultural ignorance, stigma and anxiety associated with mental illness often combine to influence the way in which mental health services assess and respond to the needs of BME communities. There are at least three factors that underpin black peoples experiences of the mental health system: one, how black people are treated in society; two, how people with mental health problems are treated in society and three, the power of institutions to control and coerce people with mental health problems. Black peoples experiences in society have an impact on their mental and emotional well- being; these experiences in turn influence how they experience and perceive mental he alth services, and their position in society affects how they are treated in mental health services. Eradicating the disparities in mental health treatment and outcomes for a black people requires change in individual practices, but this can only be successful if supported by changes at the organisational level. Efforts to improve mental and emotional well- being for BME communities should be anchored in an understanding of history, broader societal conditions and contexts, and black peoples lived experiences: not just their experiences of racism, but also how they have survived in the face of multiple adversities. McKenzie (2002) has argued that the lack of definition of mental health from a British African Caribbean perspective and the use of diagnostic criteria based on white European norms rather than on the values and experience of the African- Caribbean population is problematic. Further evidence Hunt (2003), Keating, Robertson and Kotecha (2003) and McKenzie (2002) suggests that people from BME communities experience a number of social and environmental risk factors which adversely affect their mental health. These include high unemployment rates: poor housing, racism, low educational expectations, particularly for African and Caribbean boys (Grater London Authority/ London Health Observatory 2002); isolation; and a lack of access to opportunities for personal development. A report by the black mental health charity Footprints (UK) (2003), which works primarily with African Caribbean service users, has identified continuing issues of concern about care and treatmet as: the need for better assessment to promote more culturally acceptable interventions, concerns about medication, including high dosages and polypharmacy, resulting in numerous adverse side- effects and negative staff attitudes. Keating et al. (2003) have highlighted the point that black people see using mental health services as a degrading and alienating experience and that their perception is that service respond to them in ways that mirror some of the controlling and oppressive dimensions of other institutions in their lives, for example exclusion from schools and contact with police and the criminal justice system. The National Service Framework for Mental Health ( NSFMH) is an important driver and ways a key step in actively signalling that health services must ensure that the needs of people from BME communities are incorporated in the planning processes from mental health care. The framework emphasised the need for diverse communities to be consulted about the ongoing effectiveness and suitability of services. The NHS Plan is underpinned by ten core principles that are aimed at ensuring that people who use mental health services are at the centre of determining how services are delivered. The NHS Plan contains an explicit recognition of the diversity that exists within Britain. The recently published strategy on black mental health again underscores the governments commitment to race equality and outlines the underpinning roles of the NSFMH and the NHS Plan in ensuring that its modernisation programme within mental health is delivered. In conclusion the impetus and improvement for mental health service delivery to BME communities can be seen. Many people who use mental health services, however, would argue that what is less tangible is change in hospital wards, day centres, residential homes and engagements with community mental health teams; in essence, at the coal face. There is scope for substantial and sustainable change. It will require a recognition by mental health professionals of the strengths that service users and their families can bring in reshaping service delivery, partner- professionals and, most importantly, agreement by service providers and service users on clear and mutually agreed goals and outcomes about what constitutes improved care and treatment. Efforts to improve mental and emotional well- being for BME communities should be anchored in an understanding of history, broader societal conditions and contexts, and black peoples lived experiences: not just their experiences of racism, but also how they have survived in the face of multiple adversities. Beata Kulinska Student no: 09284805 Word count: 2999 References Pilgrim, D.(2005) Key Concepts in Mental Health. London: Sage Publications Ltd. Scull, A.(1979) Museums of Madness .Harmondsworth: Penguin. Stone, M,( 1985) Shellshock and the psychologists. London: Tavistock. Rogers, A. and Pilgrim, D.(2005) A Sociology of Mental Health and Illness.3rd ed. Maidenhead: Open University Press. Wade, J. (1993) Institutional racism: an analysis of the mental health system. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry.63(11): 536-544. Littlewood, M. (1980) Ethnic minorities and psychiatric services. Sociology of Health and Illness.2: 194-201. Sashidharan, S.(1993) Afro- Caribbeans and schizophrenia: the ethnic vulnerability hypothesis re- examined. International Review of Psychiatry. 5: 129- 144. Bracken,P.J., Greenslade, L., Griffen, B., Smyth, M. (1998) Mental health and ethnicity: an Irish dimension. British Journal of Psychiatry. 172: 103-105. Greenslade, L.(1992) White skin, white masks: psychological distress among the Irish in Britain. Leicester: Leicester University Press. White, A. (2002) Social focus in brie: ethnicity. London: Office for National Statistics. Healthcare Commission (2005) Count me in: results of a national census if inpatients in mental health hospitals and facilities in England and Wales. London: Healthcare Commission. Bhui, K., McKenzie, K., Gill, P. (2004) Delivering mental health services for a diverse society. British Medical Journal. 329: 363-364. McKenzie, K.(2002) Understanding racism in mental health. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Trivedi, P. (2002) Racism, social exclusion and mental health: a black service users perspective. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Department of Health (1999) National Service Framework for Mental Health: Modern Standards and Service Models. London: Department of Health. Department of Health (2000) The NHS Plan: A Plan for Investment, a Plan for Reform. London: The Stationery Office. National Institute for Mental Health England (2003) Inside/ Outside: Improving Mental Health Services for Black and Minority Ethnic Communities in England. London: Department of Health.