Native American Religious Beliefs Essays (1035 words) - Belief

Native American Religious Beliefs Native American Religious Beliefs Through out history, historians have had the ability to pass on the knowledge of the past because of written documents and other forms of evidence that acknowledge the existence of past civilizations and cultures. When there are no written documents, whether lost or never created, it can be more difficult for historians to explain past civilizations. The Native Americans were a group that kept no written records. The information that we know today was passed down from generation to generation through oral traditions. Despite the information we have, there is much more that researchers don't know about because a considerable amount of information has either been lost or has been impossible to obtain. But from what we already know, historians can conclude there are common characteristics that seem to be shared by all of the Native Americans. I will also include the creation myth of the Osage Indians and the afterlife beliefs of the Lakota Sioux. Although there are many points of contrast, the beliefs of Native Americans are distinguished by some common characteristics (p.54 Nigosian). Some of these characteristics are that they all seem to believe in the existence of a high god or vital force along with lesser gods and spirits and that certain individuals possess sacred power and therefore can act as intermediaries between the tribe and the deities. In the ceremonies associated with ritual and initiation, they engaged in certain traditional rites that were designed to perpetuate the smooth operation of the natural order, including human society, and they all believed that by repeating stories or by storytelling they kept the world alive (p.54 Nigosian). Therefore, the Native Americans viewed life evolving around a holy force that holds all things together, which leads to the basic goal of staying in ?harmony with all natural and supernatural powers (p.62 Nigosian).? This leads me to believe that the spirits they had for different aspects of nature and their environment were the primary deities they worshipped or venerated. ?By and large, however, [Native Americans] believed that the aid of the high god may be propitiated by ritual action (p.62 Nigosian).? And in spite of disparities among regions, the majority of the Native Americans believed in the active roles of both good and evil spirits. Amid the good spirits are mythical such as ?thunderbirds, as well as mountains, rivers, minerals, flint, and arrowheads.? The evil spirits were ?giant monsters, water serpents, tiny creatures that haunt woods and ponds, and the spirits of the dead that come to inflict pain, sorrow, or death (p.62 Nigosian).? Each tribe also had a ?culture hero, ? whose job was to socialize the tribe. In opposition or contrast was the ?antihero,? or better known as the trickster. Another common feature of Native American traditions is creation myths. ?In these imaginative stories, no distinctions are made among gods, spirits, the universe, nature, animals, and human beings. On the contrary, the stories imply a close mystical relationship binding each element (p.64 Nigosian).? Although the Native Americans had several types of creation stories, ?the two most common themes are those of creation emerging out of chaos? and creation as a result of conflict between good and evil forces (p.64 Nigosian). The following is a basic gist of the Osage Indians'creation story. Once, the Osage Indians lived in the sky. Wanting to know their origin, they went to the sun. The sun told them that they were his children. Then they wandered about until they came to the moon. She told them that she had given birth to that and that the sun was the father. Then she told them to go settle on the earth. When they came to the earth, they found it covered with water. So they wept, becaus e no on would answer them, and they couldn't return to their former place. While floating around in the air, they searched for help from a god but with no avail. The animals were there, too, and they appealed to the elk, the most finely and most stately. The elk then jumps into the water and calls for the wind, which then lifted up the water like a mist. The elk then provides land and food. As

Understanding the history of a Biomedical scientist The WritePass Journal

Understanding the history of a Biomedical scientist Introduction Understanding the history of a Biomedical scientist IntroductionConclusionRelated Introduction If one was to ask someone what a biomedical scientists was 15 years ago, the response would probably be pardon?, but now that we are in the 21 century it has become more of acknowledge role in the healthcare industry and amongst the public. However the term biomedical scientist is still not used, one is more likely to hear terms like virologist, haematologist, microbiologist, cytologist, and many others. Biomedical science is a broad term used to encapsulate a diverse range of professions in health care and other industries. The first sign of viruses in history was probably discovered in the Egyptian times, when a dead corpse was found in tomb with abnormal tissues of smallpox. The body seem to show signs of yellow fever and other viruses and signs of paralytic poliomyelitis, which is caused from polio. As time went on people with polio viruses seemed to be successfully continuing with their life, however when the daunting HIV and Hepatitis B broke out there were more deaths. These viral diseases not only caused harm to humans but also to the planet, plants, fish, birds and other living mammals. Conclusion The word virus comes from the Greek meaning ‘poison’, the word virus has been commonly used in the English language for years.   One of the very first people to identify invisible viruses that was able to cause infectious diseases, was a bacteriologist, unfortunately technology that we now use to recognise disease were not present. Edward Jenner was a as scientist who cleverly used materials from cowpox as a vaccine to prevent smallpox. Many other people of whom were not scientist were able to create vaccines to prevent other disease e.g. Louis Pasteur he created a vaccine for children that had been bitten from a rabid animal.

Private Detectives & Present Legal System Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Private Detectives & Present Legal System - Essay Example Considering the roles of Sherlock Holmes and Sam Spade in ‘A Study of Scarlet’ and ‘A Maltese Falcon’ respectively, here arises a question if not being a government representative has any impact on their ability to work as investigators. In these literary works, Sherlock Holmes and Sam Spade are portrayed as characters that are detectives having exceptional intellectual abilities and despite the fact that they are not part of legal system, they successfully manage to operate as a single entity who does not need support of government or any authority delegated by it. In order to identify if there is a connection between the position of the private detectives like Sherlock Holmes and Sam Spade outside the formal legal system and the ability to solve their cases, it is important to identify if the law recognizes private detectives and investigators as a legal entity. According to the law of many states such as UK, Indonesia etc, private investigators are individuals who are not provided with any authority delegated to them from any government agency (Private Investigators). Although there have been legislations about licensing of private investigators but there is nothing concrete in legal system which can support the independent operations of private investigators. Despite their inability to act as a legal entity, they are used by law firms, corporate officials, industry representatives, civilians and government for their own purposes. Proofs provided by these detectives are presented in the court of law with testimonies. However, concerns like in fringement of privacy and unauthorized access to sophisticated information always remain valid. In the light of this argument, it is clear that where private detectives are shown as the lead characters in the work of Dashiell Hammett and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who cannot be replaced by any government official due to their indispensable ability to investigate critical cases; these characters have no jurisdiction or legal authority in the court of law. However, lack of legal authorization does not seem to hamper their ability to work as a private investigator; in fact, they appear to operate with more sovereignty due to no liability and accountability for their work. Characters like Sherlock Holmes, Doctor Watson and Sam Spade are imaginary characters which are personified as daring, intelligent, cunning and disconnected to emotional bonds. These traits govern their ability to operate as a private detective and also allow them to work without being hold back by other social factors. A s far as their ability to operate is concerned, it’s their personal traits, attention to details and extensive knowledge which allows them to have a command on the subject matter, identify hidden leads and pick up the clues. These detectives are often seen as being recruited by the law enforcement agencies for assistance and apparently they have the ability to work as singular force in themselves, as portrayed by their authors. Sam Spade was often suspected by the Police for murders and other crimes but somehow he managed to mislead them and carry out his own private investigations while pairing with criminals. Sherlock Holmes is perceived as an ultimate clutch used by law enforcing agencies of that time. He is often found investigating personal matters and interfering in the lives of civilians which only falls under the jurisdiction of law enforcement agencies. Where modern era has no room for private investigators as a legal entity despite their extensive use by law firms, Police, civilians and even government, these two literary works have managed to portray private investiga

Conflict Scenario Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Conflict Scenario - Assignment Example The Myers-Briggs indicator has sixteen personality combinations and each represents differently. For example, Jane’s personality is an ESFJ type, which makes her helpful, friendly and very suited to her current job. However, although Brandon works in the same department and company as Jane, he has a different personality from Jane. The mode of handling conflict used by both Jane and Brandon is competition. This mode is assertive and both Jane and Brandon show they have a forceful personality. Because of this, conflicts arise, as they do not give way to cooperation. There is no win-win situation. To resolve the conflict between the two, there must be some form of cooperation and positive change that would benefit both sides in the future. This mode is collaboration and ensures cooperation is achieved by understanding the needs of one another. The supervisor ought to discuss the matter face-to-face with Jane and Brandon. When an agreement has been reached, the situation must be regularly monitored to ensure the method is going smoothly. The supervisor must remind the employees that each of them is important to the company. This is to ensure there is no jealousy or favoritism amongst the

Do Animals Use Language Or Do They Simply Communicate Essay

Do Animals Use Language Or Do They Simply Communicate - Essay Example This essay stresses that the precise definition of language muddies the debate. Apes do not hold intellectual conversations similar to television cartoon characters but they are communicating using sign language based upon vocal human language. There are many identifying components that are required to formally label communicative skills as language. The intent to communicate must be exhibited along with an attached meaning, in other words, an exchange of ideas is necessary. Vocalizing language is not a requirement because the deaf and mute use sign language to communicate and their ability to use language is not in question. This paper makes a conclusion that in Charles Darwin’s studies, which lead to the theory of evolution, his examination of the linguistic-like characteristics in primates confirmed his historic, groundbreaking theory on the ancestry of mankind. Even the skeptic Chomsky admits that a better comprehension of the cognitive and intellectual aptitude of chimpanzees and other apes may allow for a deeper appreciation of the human thought process. Although animals have not as yet communicated vocally via human language, they have demonstrated the ability to converse with people to an amazingly large degree. They understand language and reply appropriately. Can animals use language? The answer remains dependent on how strict a definition one assigns the concept of language.

The Practice And History Of Alchemy Chemistry Essay

The Practice And History Of Alchemy Chemistry Essay Alchemy, derived from the Arabic word al-kimia (ØلكÙÅ  Ãƒâ„¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ãƒâ„¢Ã…  ÃƒËœÃƒËœÃ‚ ¡, ALA-LC: al-kÄ «miyÄ ), is both a philosophy and an ancient practice focused on the attempt to change base metals into gold, investigating the preparation of the elixir of longevity, and achieving ultimate wisdom, involving the improvement of the alchemist as well as the making of several substances described as possessing unusual properties. The practical aspect of alchemy can be viewed as a protoscience, having generated the basics of modern inorganic chemistry, namely concerning procedures, equipment and the identification and use of many current substances. Alchemy has been practiced in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia (modern Iraq), India, Persia (modern Iran), China, Japan, Korea, the classical Greco-Roman world, the medieval Islamic world, and then medieval Europe up to the 20th century and 21st Century, in a complex network of schools and philosophical systems spanning at least 2,500 years. HISTORY What existed before modern Chemistry? After the death of Alexander the Great of Macedon (323 B.C.), much of the conquered territories in the Persian Empire that were located in the Middle East and northern Africa, began to dissolve. Ptolemy, one of Alexanders generals, established a kingdom on the coast-line of Egypt. As its capital, Alexandria was considered to be one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world at that time; Ptolemy and Ptolemy II founded the Temple to The Muses, otherwise known as The Museum, to continue scholarly activities and studies of the day. The Museum could be considered an equivalent to a university or a research institution by todays standards. At the Temple of The Muses, Greek philosophy, considered to be the basis for western-scientific ideas and reasoning, fused with local Egyptian khemeia, the ancient art, religion, and ceremonies of embalming the dead to create Greek-Egyptian khemia. Because the art of khemeia had been shrouded in mysticism, religion, and the secretive language of obscure symbols, common people were afraid of the practitioners and their seemingly dangerous yet powerful knowledge of chemicals. There were two major unfortunate byproducts of Greek-Egyptian khemeia that were a result of these cryptic practices and obscure languages and symbols. First, the secretive nature of this field slowed its progression so that no one could profit from anothers mistakes or learn from anothers brilliance. Secondly, anyone who spoke in the obscure languages and symbols of Greek- Egyptian khemeia couldnt be understood, so just about anyone who could make up nonsensical words could pass as a scholar. As time passed, Greek-Egyptian khemeia began to fall further into obscurity, where shadowy practices of wizardry, magic, and sorcery seemed to flourish in mysticism. Of these, a Greek- Egyptian by the name of Bolos of Mendes (c. 200 B.C.) promised a tool which would allow for ways of turning common metals, such as lead and iron, into gold and silver. Although it was not completely understood how this would be done, this tool, referred to as The Philosophers Stone, was the dream of many. Although The Philosophers Stone has never been found, the actual search for it has assisted in the study of metallurgy and methodologies of modern day chemistry by refining many of the practical laboratory techniques, skills, and glassware that are still used today, such as those used in distillation, filtration, crystallization, coagulation, evaporation, and extraction. In 4th century A.D., because Roman Emperor Diocletian feared that a cheap source of silver and gold could bankrupt the already shaky Roman economy and Pope Zosimuss recognition that Greek-Egyptian khemeia was a practice of pagan learning, little was done to stop the destruction of the Alexandrian Museum and its libraries by Christian riots. As a result, the study of Greek-Egyptian khemeia went underground and would remain as a hidden practice until the 7th century, where it emerged in the middle-east. In the early 7th century, Arabic tribes unified and began to conquer much of the middle-east, western Asia, and northern Africa. These conquering armies soon began to march on Eastern Europe, where the inhabitants of Constantinople, with the help of a khemeia practicing Greek-Egyptian named Callinicus, used Greek fire as a form of defense against the intruders (670 A.D.). Greek Fire, a flammable mixture of sulphur, namptha, and quicklime, was placed into a bronze tube, mounted on a castle wall or the bow of a ship, and was lit by a torch to spout fire at anyone who approached. Although this method was able to stave off some of the attacks by land and sea, the Arabic forces soon gained control of Constantinople, discovered the philosophy of Greek science, and began to utilize the practices of Greek-Egyptian khemeia for their benefit. In Arabic, Greek-Egyptian khemeia was translated into the term al-kimiya, flourishing not only as a science of metallurgy, but with the guidance of Jabir ibn-Hayann (c.760-815A.D.), its use in medicine as well. It was Al-Razi (c.850- 925A.D.), however, who perfected the use of plaster of Paris in mending broken bone, His meticulous ability to logically organize his notes and writings showed the importance of clarity with laboratory procedures to the point where he became the first to document and describe the comparisons between smallpox and chickenpox. Many of his works were translated into Latin nearly 600 years later and made an impact on lab methodologies of performing medicine and other experimental research that are still used today. With all of the practical aspects that al-kimiya had to offer, it always had a way of returning to the mystical and what we may refer to today as non-scientific practices. Not only was there a search for The Philosophers Stone, but with a broadened focus on medicines within al-kimiya, finding a single cure for all sicknesses, The Elixir or Life, and discovering a potion for maintaining youth, The Fountain of Youth, became some of the new mystical treasures. With these new promises of magical discovery, al-kimiya remained in a shroud of mystery and the study of chemicals was still considered a dark craft. As western European Crusaders clashed with Arabic Armies in the southern and eastern Europe, an intermingling of ideas and different cultures gave way to growth and appreciation of Arabic arts, science, and mathematics in the west. By the time the last Moorish strongholds in Western Europe were pushed from Spain and Portugal in the 15th century, it became ever so clear that the Latin translations of Arabic sciences and mathematics would forever change the west, thus bringing a close to The Medieval Ages and an opening to the Scientific Renaissance. Known as alchemy, by the Latin translation from the Arabic term al-kimiya, its practice thrived in Europe after being gone for nearly 800 years. Although it was still considered pagan learning in some circles, it thrived in underground communities where the search for the three mystic treasures of The Philosophers Stone, the Elixir of Life, and the Fountain of Youth continued. As Bombastus von Hohenheim (1493-1541A.D.), better known as Paracelsus, studied the medical works of earlier alchemists, in particular Al-Razi, he believed that searching for cures by alchemical means could have a large impact on medicine, also. Until Paracelsus, only organic plant preparations were used for cures and remedies in treating diseases, but he believed that minerals synthesized in the lab were the key to the future of health care. Although he gained many followers, his efforts wouldnt be recognized by traditional European medicine, since he was considered an alchemist. In fact, it would be well over a century after his death until others would recognize his efforts and put them into practice. One of Paracelsus followers and fellow practitioner of alchemy, Andreas Libau (1540-1616A.D.), wanted to bring more clarity and rationality to this field. In 1597 he published ALCHEMIA, which summarized medieval achievements of alchemy, writing with clarity and with minimal mysticism. When theories based upon mysticism were unavoidable, he would reluctantly include them and refer to them as Paracelsians. This book was revolutionary for the field of medicine, the emerging field of a more scientific-based alchemy, and for western science in general because it was one of the first known attempts in separating scientific facts of chemistry from mysticism. Like Al-Razi, Andreas Libau set a standard for alchemists by documentation of important laboratory methods and skills in the preparation of medicinal chemicals within his publications, explaining how mineral salts and acids could be used as curing ailments. It wasnt until Johann Rudolf Glauber (1604-1668A.D.), however, that laboratory method and procedures would lead to the synthesis of Sodium Sulfate, Na2SO4 .10H2O(s), also known as Glaubers Salt. He found that it not only made a mild laxative for medicinal purposes, but when produced in mass quantities it could be commercialized to the general public to make a profit. Etymology The word alchemy derives from the Old French alquimie, which is from the Medieval Latin alchimia, and which is in turn from the Arabic al-kimia (ØلكÙÅ  Ãƒâ„¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ãƒâ„¢Ã…  ÃƒËœÃƒËœÃ‚ ¡). This term itself is derived from the Ancient Greek chemeia (à Ã¢â‚¬ ¡ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ·ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¼ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ µÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¯ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ±) with the addition of the Arabic definite article al- (ØÙ„Ùâ‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ½).It used to be thought that the ancient Greek word was originally derived in its turn from Chemia (ÃŽÃŽÂ ·ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¼ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¯ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ±), a version of the Egyptian name for Egypt, which was itself based on the Ancient Egyptian word kÄâ€Å"me (hieroglyphic Khmi, black earth, as opposed to desert sand). Some now think that the word originally derived from chumeia (à Ã¢â‚¬ ¡Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¼ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ µÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¯ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ±) meaning mixture and referring to pharmaceutical chemistry. With the later rise of alchemy in Alexandria, the word may have been mistakenly thoug ht by ancient writers to derive from ÃŽÃŽÂ ·ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¼ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¯ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ±, and thus became spelt as à Ã¢â‚¬ ¡ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ·ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¼ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ µÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¯ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ±, and the original meaning forgotten. The question of the etymology of the word alchemy is still open, and recent research indicates that the Egyptian derivation of the word may be valid. Alchemy as a philosophical and spiritual discipline Alchemy became known as the spagyric art after Greek words meaning to separate and to join together in the 16th century, the word probably being coined by Paracelsus. Compare this with one of the dictums of Alchemy in Latin: Solve et Coagula   Separate, and Join Together (or dissolve and coagulate). The best-known goals of the alchemists were the transmutation of common metals into gold (called chrysopoeia) or silver (less well known is plant alchemy, or spagyric); the creation of a panacea, or the elixir of life, a remedy that, it was supposed, would cure all diseases and prolong life indefinitely; and the discovery of a universal solvent. Although these were not the only uses for the discipline, they were the ones most documented and well-known. Certain Hermetic schools argue that the transmutation of lead into gold is analogical for the transmutation of the physical body (Saturn or lead) into (Gold) with the goal of attaining immortality. This is described as Internal Alchemy. Starting with the Middle Ages, Persian and European alchemists invested much effort in the search for the philosophers stone, a legendary substance that was believed to be an essential ingredient for either or both of those goals. Pope John XXII issued a bull against alchemical counterfeiting, and the C istercians banned the practice amongst their members. In 1403, Henry IV of England banned the practice of Alchemy. In the late 14th century, Piers the Ploughman and Chaucer both painted unflattering pictures of Alchemists as thieves and liars. By contrast, Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor, in the late 16th century, sponsored various alchemists in their work at his court in Prague. It is a popular belief that Alchemists made contributions to the chemical industries of the day-ore testing and refining, metalworking, production of gunpowder, ink, dyes, paints, cosmetics, leather tanning, ceramics, glass manufacture, preparation of extracts, liquors, and so on (it seems that the preparation of aqua vitae, the water of life, was a fairly popular experiment among European alchemists). Alchemists contributed distillation to Western Europe. The double origin of Alchemy in Greek philosophy as well as in Egyptian and Mesopotamian technology set, from the start, a double approach: the technological, operative one, which Marie-Louise von Franz call extravert, and the mystic, contemplative, psychological one, which von Franz names as introvert. These are not mutually exclusive, but complementary instead, as meditation requires practice in the real world, and conversely. Several early alchemists, such as Zosimos of Panopolis, are recorded as viewing alchemy as a spiritual discipline, and, in the Middle Ages, metaphysical aspects, substances, physical states, and molecular material processes as mere metaphors for spiritual entities, spiritual states, and, ultimately, transformations. In this sense, the literal meanings of Alchemical Formulas were a blind, hiding their true spiritual philosophy, which being at odds with the Medieval Christian Church was a necessity that could have otherwise led them to the stake and rack of the Inquisition under charges of heresy. Thus, both the transmutation of common metals into gold and the universal panacea symbolized evolution from an imperfect, diseased, corruptible, and ephemeral state towards a perfect, healthy, incorruptible, and everlasting state; and the philosophers stone then represented a mystic key that would make this evolution possible. Applied to the alchemist himself, the twin goal symbolized his evo lution from ignorance to enlightenment, and the stone represented a hidden spiritual truth or power that would lead to that goal. In texts that are written according to this view, the cryptic alchemical symbols, diagrams, and textual imagery of late alchemical works typically contain multiple layers of meanings, allegories, and references to other equally cryptic works; and must be laboriously decoded in order to discover their true meaning. Psychology Alchemical symbolism has been occasionally used by psychologists and philosophers. Carl Jung reexamined alchemical symbolism and theory and began to show the inner meaning of alchemical work as a spiritual path. Alchemical philosophy, symbols and methods have enjoyed something of a renaissance in post-modern contexts. Jung saw alchemy as a Western proto-psychology dedicated to the achievement of individuation. In his interpretation, alchemy was the vessel by which Gnosticism survived its various purges into the Renaissance, a concept also followed by others such as Stephan A. Hoeller. In this sense, Jung viewed alchemy as comparable to Yoga of the East, as and more adequate to the Western mind than Eastern religions and philosophies. The practice of Alchemy seemed to change the mind and spirit of the Alchemist. Conversely, spontaneous changes on the mind of Western people undergoing any important stage in individuation seems to produce, on occasion, imagery known to Alchemy and relevant to the persons situation. His interpretation of Chinese alchemical texts in terms of his analytical psychology also served the function of comparing Eastern and Western alchemical imagery and core concepts and hence its possible inner sources (archetypes). Marie-Louise von Franz, a disciple of Jung, continued Jungs studies on Alchemy and its psychological meaning. Alchemy as a subject of historical research The history of alchemy has become a vigorous academic field. As the obscure hermetic language of the alchemists is gradually being deciphered, historians are becoming more aware of the intellectual connections between that discipline and other facets of Western cultural history, such as the sociology and psychology of the intellectual communities, kabbalism, spiritualism, Rosicrucianism, and other mystic movements, cryptography, witchcraft, and the evolution of science and philosophy. Modern connections to alchemy Persian alchemy was a forerunner of modern scientific chemistry. Alchemists used many of the same laboratory tools that are used today. These tools were not usually sturdy or in good condition, especially during the medieval period of Europe. Many transmutation attempts failed when alchemists unwittingly made unstable chemicals. This was made worse by the unsafe conditions in which the alchemists worked. Up to the 16th century, alchemy was considered serious science in Europe; for instance, Isaac Newton devoted considerably more of his writing to the study of alchemy (see Isaac Newtons occult studies) than he did to either optics or physics, for which he is famous. Other eminent alchemists of the Western world are Roger Bacon, Saint Thomas Aquinas, Tycho Brahe, Thomas Browne, and Parmigianino. The decline of alchemy began in the 18th century with the birth of modern chemistry, which provided a more precise and reliable framework for matter transmutations and medicine, within a new grand design of the universe based on rational materialism. Alchemy in traditional medicine Traditional medicines involve transmutation by alchemy, using pharmacological or a combination of pharmacological and spiritual techniques. In Chinese medicine the alchemical traditions of pao zhi will transform the nature of the temperature, taste, body part accessed or toxicity. In Ayurveda the samskaras are used to transform heavy metals and toxic herbs in a way that removes their toxicity. These processes are actively used to the present day. Nuclear transmutation In 1919, Ernest Rutherford used artificial disintegration to convert nitrogen into oxygen. From then on, this sort of scientific transmutation has been routinely performed in many nuclear physics-related laboratories and facilities, like particle accelerators, nuclear power stations and nuclear weapons as a by-product of fission and other physical processes. In literature Sir Thomas Malory uses Alchemy as a motif that underlies the personal, psychological, and aesthetic development of Sir Gareth of Orkney in Le Morte dArthur .Sir Gareths quest parallels the process of Alchemy in that he first undergoes the nigredo phase by defeating the black knight and wearing his armor. After this, Gareth defeats knights representing the four elements, thereby subsuming their power. In fighting and defeating the Red Knight (the overall purpose of his quest) he undergoes and passes the rubedo phase. Gareth, toward the end of his quest, accepts a ring from his paramour, Lyoness, which transforms his armor into being multicolored. This alludes to the panchromatic philosophers stone, and while he is in multicolored armor, he is unbeatable. A play by Ben Jonson, the Alchemist, is a satirical and skeptical take on the subject. Part 2 of Goethes Faust, is full of alchemical symbolism. According to Hermetic Fictions: Alchemy and Irony in the Novel (Keele University Press, 1995), by David Meakin, alchemy is also featured in such novels and poems as those by William Godwin, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Emile Zola, Jules Verne, Marcel Proust, Thomas Mann, Hermann Hesse, James Joyce, Gustav Meyrink, Lindsay Clarke, Marguerite Yourcenar, Umberto Eco, Michel Butor, Paulo Coelho, Amanda Quick, Gabriel Garcà ­a Marquez and Maria Szepes. Hilary Mantel, in her novel Fludd (1989, Penguin), mentions the spagyric art. After separation, drying out, moistening, dissolving, coagulating, fermenting, comes purification, recombination: the creation of substances the world until now has never beheld. This is the opus contra naturem, this is the spagyric art, this is the Alchymical Wedding. In Dantes Inferno, it is placed within the Tenth ring of the 8th circle. In Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone, there are several references to Nicholas Flamel, and a stone that could turn metal into gold and create an elixir of immortality was sought after by both the villains and Harry and friends, for different reasons. In contemporary art In the twentieth century alchemy was a profoundly important source of inspiration for the Surrealist artist Max Ernst, who used the symbolism of alchemy to inform and guide his work. M.E. Warlick wrote his Max Ernst and Alchemy describing this relationship in detail. Contemporary artists use alchemy as inspiring subject matter, like Odd Nerdrum, whose interest has been noted by Richard Vine, and the painter Michael Pearce, whose interest in alchemy dominates his work. His works Fama and the Aviators Dream particularly express alchemical ideas in a painted allegory. The Rise and Demise of Phlogiston, the Birth of Modern Chemistry, and the importance of Measurement Chemistry (1600A.D. to present) Originated and published by J. J. Becher in the late 17th century journal Opuscula Chymica Rariora, roughly translated as The Work of Rare Chemistry, it was known as the first attempts to explain chemical burning and rusting. Becher said that many common day materials contained a substance called phlogiston, translated from Greek, meaning to set on fire. G. E. Stahl, a medical doctor of the same time period and a proponent of phlogiston, explained in a separate publication that: all inflammable objects contained phlogiston which made it possible for them to burn, and as the object burned, phlogiston was poured out into the air. Wood and coal contained a great deal of it, the ashes left after burning did not. Since communication of scientific discoveries was now common place, Stahl supported his theory with meticulous laboratory procedures and qualitative observations. Some of the qualitative observations he made while burning phlogiston rich substances are listed below: 1. Flames extinguish in airtight space because air becomes saturated with phlogiston. 2. Charcoal leaves little residue upon burning because it is nearly pure phlogiston. 3. Mice die in airtight space because air saturates with phlogiston. Phlogiston was considered to be a massless or near massless substance, since no measurement device had ever existed that could experimentally measure it. Because of this inability to quantify the mass of phlogiston, qualitative experimentation, which was limited to the description of the five human senses of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch, was the only way in which the phlogiston theory could be supported. Another qualitative evidence of phlogiston theory was the white powder residue or rust that was found on the surface of tin after it was heated in the air. Also referred to as calx, meaning limestone, it was believed that this is what remained after phlogiston left the tin metal. Working from previous tin experiments, Antoine Lavoisier (1743- 1794A.D.), a master of building precision instrumentation, attempted to determine the mass of phlogiston with a mass balance that he had manufactured. After evacuating air from a glass vessel that contained tin Filings, he then sealed and began to heat it on his precision mass balance. If the phlogiston theory were correct, he could open the vessel let the phlogiston escape, and finally quantify a value that had eluded scientists for 5 decades. As Lavoisier opened the heated glass vessel, he instead measured a small increase in mass, which went against the phlogiston theory altogether. Although other scientists who held steadfast to the phlogiston theory would make rebuttals that phlogiston must then have a negative mass, these attempts would fall short as other experiments that utilized precision measurements began to compile. For the first time in history, Lavoisier showed that a carefully designed experiment using precision measurement technology could be used as evidence to disprove a theory. More important than disproving the phlogiston theory was the realization that precision instruments yielded important quantitative information about the field of chemistry. Less than a decade later, Lavoisier published his Elementary Treatise of Chemistry (1789), which is considered the first modern chemistry textbook. In it, one could find a well documented view of The Law of Conservation of Mass and the rejection of the existence of phlogiston, along with various new chemistry theories and laboratory techniques that relied upon BOTH qualitative descriptions and quantitative measurements with the help of measurement technology. It not to say that Lavoisier had all the correct theories within his treatise, but rather that the field of modern day chemistry would emerge, depending more heavily upon precision measurements of chemical phenomena rather than the mystical notions of alchemy, like phlogiston and the three mystic treasures.

Maturity and Self-Identity in Munro’s Boys and Girls by Alice Munro Ess

Maturity and Self-Identity in Munro’s Boys and Girls  Ã‚        Ã‚   In Alice Munro’s story "Boys and Girls" the main character/narrator disobeys her father without her father knowing. She does this because she is starting to become her own person. Her maturity and capability to make her own decisions are pointed out distinctively as the story develops. Therefore she continued to do little things against the beliefs of her family, because as she said, "I kept myself free" (1008). You can tell that she was an outcast from the rest of her family, due to the fact that she did not act like a girl as her grandmother continued to try and point out to her. Her grandmother kept nagging her continually saying, "Girls don’t slam doors like that. Girls keep their knees together when they sit down" (1008). Day by day she kept on getting hassled. It seemed to me as if she was constantly getting picked on by the rest of her family. There is a keyword in this story, and the word is "girl." That word is brought up all the time in front of her, as though her family thought she did not act enoug...

Postmenopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy Health And Social Care Essay

In the United Kingdom, about one million post-menopausal adult females use oestrogen entirely or in combination with progestogen, as portion of endocrine replacing therapy ( HRT ) , to handle the symptoms of the climacteric ( WHC, 2010 ) . HRT first became available to adult females in the United Kingdom in 1965 ( Patient UK, 2010 ) , and was traditionally prescribed for its ability to cut down vasomotor symptoms, and its preventive effects against the development of postmenopausal osteoporosis and cardiovascular bosom disease ( WHC, 2010 ) . During 2002 and 2003, two of the biggest epidemiological surveies on HRT, Million Women Study ( an experimental questionnaire ) in the UK and Women ‘s Health Initiative survey ( a clinical randomised test ) in the USA were published. Their consequences presented concerns sing the safety of traditional HRT ; peculiarly in respects to its associated hazards to the cardiovascular system and chest malignant neoplastic disease as a consequence of drawn-out use ( WHI, 2002 ; MWS, 2003 ) . The complicated image presented of the hazards and benefits of HRT has received a considerable sum of scientific and public attending, fuelling wellness anxiousness amongst medical professionals and HRT users likewise. During the period of 2003 and 2007 the figure of adult females utilizing HRT fell by 66 % ( WHC, 2010 ) . This paper presents a reappraisal of scientific literature on the efficaciousness of HRT in the direction of menopausal symptoms and assesses the proficiency of its non-hormonal options.Why a Menopause?At birth, the human ovary contains 1 to 3 – 106 Graafian follicles, with no new gametes formed after this clip ( Kim et al, 1997 ) . This figure regresses to less than 1 – 104 at the clip of climacteric ( physiology text book ) . Menopause is described as a province of oestrogen lack that is brought approximately by the loss of aboriginal follicles in the ovaries doing a failure in oestrogenic end product ( Greendale and Sowers, 1997 ) . Throughout the generative lifetime, ovarian follicles become bit by bit desensitized to gonadtrophin exposure ( physiology text book ) . This leads to the loss of progestin production and a pronounced diminution in endogenous oestrogen degrees ( Greendale and Sowers, 1997 ) .EpidemiologyHarmonizing to the office of National Statistics 2009 figures, there are about 37.8 million adult females in the UK, of whom 13.6 million are aged 45 or over ( ONS, 2010a ) . Statistics indicates that 52 is the mean age of menopausal onset ( NHS Choices, 2010 ) , and so most of these adult females will be in or shortly come ining the post-menopausal province. The current life-expectancy for a new-born miss is 81.9 old ages ( ONS, 2010b ) . Womans can therefore anticipate to populate a 3rd of their lives in a possible oestrogen deficient province ( Howard et al, 1981 ) . Womans are considered to hold reached the climacteric, after a 12 month period of amenorrhoea ( Green dale and Sowers, 1997 ) . The concluding menstruations is so retrospectively designated as the clip of climacteric ; the clip predating this is post-maturity ( Greendale and Sowers, 1997 ) . The climacteric is associated with a assortment of physical and psychological symptoms ( Porter et al, 1996 ) , where vasomotor instability and urogenital wasting are the most normally documented short-run post-menopausal symptoms. Approximately, 75 % to 80 % of all adult females normally experience their first symptoms of the climacteric during the peri-menopausal period ( Bachmann, 1999 ) ; of whom 45 % of adult females will happen the symptoms straitening ( RCPE, 2003 ) .The climacteric in the long-run increases the hazard for the development of cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis ( Iqbal and Zaidi ) ; this is due to the physiological effects caused by the worsening degrees of estrogens in the bosom, liver, encephalon and bone ( Katzenellenbogen, 1996 ) .Vasomotor SymptomsThe vasomotor s ymptoms of the climacteric, ( for illustration hot flowers, dark workout suits, insomnia and palpitations ) ( Howard et al, 1981 ) are the most common ground why menopausal adult females seek medical aid ( Howard et al, 1981 ) . Three quarters of peri-menopausal adult females will see hot flowers ( Howard et al, 1981 ) , where symptoms are normally observed within the first twelvemonth after the concluding menstruations ( Rees and Purdie, 2006 ) . Hot flushes characteristically last between 0.5 and 5.0 old ages after natural climacteric ( Bachmann, 1999 ) , but in 25 % to 50 % of instances can last longer than 5 old ages ( Howard et al, 1981 ) . The frequence of hot flash happenings and its continuance can change from less than daily to several per hr with continuances between a few seconds to 10 proceedingss long ; nevertheless on mean hot flower episodes lasts for around four proceedingss ( Patient UK, 2010 ) . The etiology behind vasomotor symptoms is ill-defined, but it is thoug ht to be due to a combination of hormonal, metabolic, and psychogenetic factors which occur as a consequence of oestrogen backdown ( Bachmann, 1999 ) . In 1986, Sliva et al conducted a survey on rats and established the action of oestrogen in the preoptic country of the hypothalamus, here it was found to modulate the firing rate of thermosensitive nerve cells in response to stimulation. Surveies have shown that oestrogen appears to heighten ?2-adrenergic inhibitory activity ( Bachmann, 1999 ) .Women with hot flowers have higher arteriole sensitiveness to catecholamines ( Bachmann, 1999 ) .The decrease in ?2-adrenergic receptor activity leads to sudden, transient and fickle peripheral vasodilatation in the tegument blood vass, which produces the hot flower ( Bachmann, 1999 ) . Night workout suits ( sleep hyperidrosis ) , is a common job accompaniment with day-time hot flowers ( Porter et al, 1996 ) . Hot flowers and sleep hyperhidrosus can hold a Domino consequence on a patient ‘s overall quality of life ( Bachmann, 1999 ) , as a consequence of weariness, crossness, hapless concentration, and impaired memory ( Porter et al, 1996 ) .Vasomotor TherapyNumerous surveies have documented the effectivity of short-run oestrogen therapy in handling the frequence and badness of hot flowers and dark workout suits caused by climacteric. For illustration, Haas et Al ‘s 2003 double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled survey on 18 menopausal adult females reported that there was no immediate decrease in vasomotor symptoms after induction of oestrogen therapy ( Figure 2 ) . At first both placebo and oestradiol reduced the figure of hot flowers by 27 % and 35 % , severally. The initial placebo consequence, nevertheless, was non sustained throughout the surv ey. In contrast, those patients treated with oestradiol continued to detect a lessening in the figure of hot flowers per hebdomad, until a 74 % maximum decrease was reached after 4 hebdomads of therapy. The frequence of hot flowers fluctuated somewhat at that degree until the terminal 2 hebdomads when the placebo-only period was initiated ( see figure 2 ) . These findings were reiterated in MacLennan at Al ‘s 2004 scientific reappraisal of 24 double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled tests, which assessed unwritten HRT therapy. Consequences demonstrated in nine RCTs, showed a average per centum decrease of about 75 % comparative to placebo in hebdomadal hot flower frequence ( p & A ; lt ; 0.0001 ) correlating to Hass at al earlier 74 % decrease for hebdomadal hot flower episodes for HRT. In adult females randomised to have placebo intervention, a 57.7 % decrease in hot flush frequence was observed by the terminal of the survey. Eight RCTs, found that symptom badness of th ose treated with HRT was besides significantly reduced compared to placebo ( P & A ; lt ; 0.0001 ) . A direct comparing of the effectivity of combined HRT versus oestrogen merely HRT was attempted but did non make statistical significance ( p value = 0.085 ) . There is a little sum of dependable grounds available to rede the continuance of usage for the intervention of vasomotor symptoms. Clinical Knowledge Summaries ( 2010 ) recommend the prescription of uninterrupted combined unwritten or transdermic HRT, for the direction of hot flowers. Treatment for vasomotor symptoms should be continued for at least one twelvemonth ; otherwise, symptoms may repeat ( Rees and Purdie, 2006 ) . This was observed in Haas et Al survey where, during the 2 hebdomad placebo merely period ; the frequence of hot flowers began to return to baseline degrees in the group having oestradiol ( see figure 1 ) . A progressive backdown from intervention therefore is advisable. This is achieved by bit by bit cut downing uninterrupted combined HRT dosage to the lowest strength of tablets or spots, whereby half a tablet day-to-day or half a spot should be used for a farther 1-2 months ( Rees and Purdie, 2006 ) . Menopausal symptoms normally decide within 2-5 old ages ( RC PE, 2003 ) ; the consequence of uninterrupted combined HRT can be sustained for up to three old ages during disposal where, apart from shed blooding, side-effects are non normally reported ( Maclennan et al, 2004 ; Henriksson et Al, 1996 ) . Current research has confirmed the efficaciousness of oestrogen, combined or entirely, in bettering hot flowers and dark workout suits, as its effects are strong. However, farther research is required to distinguish whether combinations of low dose oestrogen and progestin may accomplish the tantamount consequence of a higher dosage of oestrogen when used entirely.Figure 1: Summarises the entire figure of Hot flowers recorded by patients on transdermic estradiol ( N = 10 ) and placebo ( N = 8, foremost seven hebdomad ; N=7, last five hebdomads ) each hebdomad ( adapted from Haas et Al, 1988 ; Bachmann, 1999 )Pre-treatment stage: A 4-week pre-treatment period during which capable eligibility of menopausal position was confirmed. Treatment stage: An active 6 hebdomad survey stage, during which the happenings of Hot flowers between 0.05 mg/ dm3 transdermic estradiol was compared against placebo. Estradiol showed to be well more effectual than placebo in cut downing vasomotor flowers during hebdomads 6 to 10. Placebo stage: Two hebdomad period where patients continued to supervise symptoms while single-blindedly utilizing a placebo spot. An addition in vasomotor flushing towards baseline was observed in estradiol-treated patients.Urogenital AtrophyThe surcease of the catamenial rhythm, consequences non merely in the conventional hot flowers observed in diagnostic menopausal adult females but besides causes alterations to the functional capacity of the urogenital piece of land ( Samsioe, 1995 ) . Urinary incontinency, recurrent lower piece of land infections, vaginal uncomfortableness, dyspareunia, and shed blooding are all symptoms of atrophic vaginitis ( Howard et al, 1981 ; Bachmann and Nevadunsky, 2000 ) . These symptoms occur as a consequence of atrophic alterations caused as a effect of a gradual diminution in go arounding estrogens ( See figure 3a ) . Once degrees fall below the threshold where endometrial proliferation is possible, the vaginal canal begins shortening and there is a loss of rugae in the vaginal wall ( DeMasters J, 2000 ) . The urinary piece of land symptoms observed is a consequence of the urethra and vagina sharing the same embryologic beginning ( Howard et al, 1981 ) . Vaginal symptoms, unlike hot flowers often persist and can worsen with age ( Grady, 2006 ) . In a 2006 survey of the Management of menopausal symptoms, Grady reported up to 30 % prevalence of atrophic vaginitis symptoms amongst adult females during the early postmenopausal period with an in addition to 47 % prevalence during the ulterior postmenopausal period ( Grady, 2006 ) . During the climacteric, the vaginal wall musculuss deteriorate to bring forth a thin, unsmooth, inflamed mucous membrane susceptible both to bacterial infections and petechial hemorrhage caused by mechanical emphasis ( Samsioe, 1995 ) . The destructive effects caused by the diminution in oestrogen degrees are most outstanding in the fundal part of the vagina ( Samsioe, 1995 ) . Hormonal alterations induced by the climacteric, actuate metabolism in the bacterial vegetation and pH of the vagina ( Samsioe, 1995 ) . Before the climacteric the vagina is colonized by lactobacilli which maintain a low vaginal pH, by and large 4.5 or less ( Brizzolara et al, 1999 ) , bring forthing a protective environment aga inst the colonisation of the vagina and urethral tissue by Gram-negative bacteriums ( Samsioe, 1995 ) . After the climacteric lactobilli becomes replaced by faecal-type vegetations which cause postmenopausal adult females to go prone to urinary piece of land infection ( see figure 3b ) . The symptoms of urogenital degeneracy can be categorised into two groups: 1 ) Lower urinary piece of land – for symptoms affecting the urethra and bladder 2 ) Vaginal – for those confined to the vagina and the vulva such as vaginal waterlessness, combustion and itchiness ( Samsioe, 1995 ) . The prevalence of urologic symptoms ‘ ( including urgency, frequence, dysuria, and incontinency ) is a job which increases in badness with age ( Grady, 2006 ) ; this nevertheless can be farther insinuated by the wasting of the urethral mucous membrane caused during the menopausal passage ( Molander, 1990 ) . In postmenopausal adult females, the control of urination becomes progressively reliant on the support of the urogential musculuss to urethrovesical junction, due to widening of the urethra ( Samsioe, 1995 ) . The decrease in oestrogen degrees consequences in the deficient blood supply to the urogenital tissues and hence impedes full muscular functionality ( Molander, 1990 ) . Poor anatomical support to the urethra consequences in the uneffective control of urination ; which consequences in pelvic laxness and emphasis incontinency ( Samsioe, 1995 ) . The diminution in go arounding blood in urogential tissues means there will besides be an damage in the immune system antibod y response to foreign organic structures ( Molander, 1990 ) ; this in add-on to the broadening of the urethra, facilitates the migration of bacteriums into the lower urinary piece of land ( Samsioe, 1995 ) .Pre-menopauseFigure 3a and 3b: Summaries the alterations in the vaginal and urethra observed as the influence of oestrogen lessenings ( adapted from Samsioe, 2005 ; Brizzolara et Al, 1999 )Figure 3a: The diminution in serum oestrogen degree causes a lessening in vaginal blood flow and secernments. As a consequence, lactic acid degrees and animal starch content of the vaginal wall decreases, this causes the hyalinisation of collagen and the impairment of elastic tissue. Atrophy of the vaginal tissues nevertheless, does non get down until endogenously produced estrogens have fallen below the threshold required for endometrial proliferative activity. Therefore the clip period between the start of climacteric and the start of wasting opens a curative window. This has allowed the poss ibility for drugs to be able to aim urogenital wasting without put on the lining endometrial proliferation which can ensue in malignant neoplastic disease, extinguishing the demand for progestin co-medicationFigure 3b: The conventional drawings represent the pre and post-menopausal urethral opening and vaginal wall. The pH of vaginal fluid in postmenopausal adult females elevates to between 6 and 7 ; this facilitates the replacing of lactobacillae with gram negative source vegetations associated with urinary piece of land infection. In healthy vaginal epithelial tissue, parabasal cells are rare and normally represent less than 5 % of the epithelial cell population, this per centum increases to around 20 % after the climacteric.Post-maturityUrogential TreatmentSurveies have shown that estrogens, administered as systemic ( unwritten or transdermic ) or intravaginal estrogens, are extremely effectual at handling vaginal wasting. It is recommended that estrogens, when prescribed with th e purpose of pull offing urogenital symptoms, are given as low-dose readyings to assist understate systemic soaking up ( Grady, 2006 ) : this prevents the additions in oestrogen endogenous degrees that could potentially do estrogenic side effects. When HRT is used at the recommended low-dose and frequence, the add-on of a progestogen for endometrial protection is non necessary ( Figure 3a ) . The physiological alterations that consequences in the decrease of urogenital symptoms observed in oestrogen therapy, suggest that oestrogen lack may lend to this pathogenesis ( Samsioe, 1995 ) . The clinical efficaciousness of low-dose HRT readyings have been demonstrated in a figure of clinical tests. Barnabei et Al followed the menopausal symptoms and the effects of oestrogen and progestogen in the postmenopausal adult females, involved in the Women ‘s Health Initiative for a mean of 5.6 old ages. The consequences from the survey showed a 74 % decrease in vaginal wasting in adult femal es who had received oestrogen plus progestin and 55 % in those who had received placebo entirely. Intravaginal estrogens are besides extremely effectual at handling vaginal wasting ; Suckling et al Cochrane reappraisal found that all intravaginal readyings ( that were administered as picks, diaphragms, intravaginal tablets or the estradiol-releasing vaginal ring ) were every bit effectual and significantly reduced the symptoms of vaginal wasting. It is for this ground and that they by and large have small consequence on the serum oestrogen degrees that intravaginal oestrogens readyings are preferred to systemic oestrogen ( Suckling et al, 2006 ) . Surveies have besides shown that HRT is effectual in forestalling urinary piece of land infections. Cardozo et Al ‘s 1998 survey found that there was a important decrease in the incidences of urinary piece of land infection in adult females who had been treated with systemic oestrogen than those given placebo. Although several positi ons have compared many of the interventions for vaginal wasting, the long-run effects of intervention have non yet been expeditiously examined. Recommendations by regulative governments will hence be more accurate if intervention was assessed over a drawn-out period, such as one to five old ages, so that the unwanted responses to intervention can be farther examined.Menopause induced OsteoporosisOsteoporosis, the most damaging side-effect to wellness associated with the climacteric ( Samsioe, 1995 ) , is a skeletal disease characterised by a lessening in bone denseness and mass ( Howard et al, 1981 ) . The skeleton comprises compact and trabeculate bone ( Kanis, 1996 ) . In the healthy grownup, bone mass is comparatively changeless, this is despite there being considerable bone turnover, of which about 95 % of this is accounted for by the remodelling of bone ( Kanis, 1996 ) . This procedure is altered after the climacteric, where there is a period of rapid bone loss that lasts betwe en 5 to 10 old ages ( Kanis, 1996 ) . This consequences in a negative remodelling instability ( Kanis, 1996 ) . Bone mass reaches its extremum between the ages 30 and 35, after this extremum, bone mass declines at a rate of 1 % per twelvemonth ( Samsioe, 1995 ) . The rate of diminution can lift up to 6 % at the climacteric and history for a loss of a 3rd of bone mass ( Samsioe, 1995 ) , after the perimenopausal period the one-year rate of bone loss returns to the 1 % ( Samsioe, 1995 ) . There is besides grounds that there is an addition in osteoclastic activity ( Kanis, 1996 ) , where high circulating FSH induces increases osteoclast-mediated bone reabsorption which exceeds the formation of new bone ( Samsioe, 1995 ) . Both of these factors in concurrence consequences in the addition bone turnover and porousness that causes the loss of the trabeculate bone model and the cutting of the cerebral mantles ( Kanis, 1996 ; Samsioe, 1995 ) . This pathological procedure finally concludes wi th the break in the bone micro-architecture, which leads to the brickle castanetss that are more susceptible to break ( Kanis, 1996 ) . Womans have a higher cumulative life-time hazard for enduring from osteoporotic breaks about three times greater than in work forces ( Kanis, 1996 ) ; with 50 % of adult females and 20 % of work forces, over the age of 50, enduring from a break. The three most common sites of osteoporotic breaks are the distal radius, the vertebral organic structure and the upper thighbone ( Howard et al, 1981 ; Samsioe, 1995 ) . Hip break is a important cause of mortality and morbidity, where one in four adult females will non last the first twelvemonth following this break ( Samsioe, 1995 ) . Several surveies indicate that early oestrogen therapy intercession can detain or forestall bone loss at the climacteric, nevertheless, grounds back uping the continuation of the good effects after discontinuance remain debatable. A reappraisal by Bagger et Al in 2004, found there was a 4-fold increased hazard of breaks in adult females having placebo than HRT. From this consequence it was concluded that short-run oestrogen replacing therapy initiated in the early postmenopausal phases, can accomplish durable benefits to the skeletal system, in footings of the saving of bone mass and important decreases in the hazard osteoporotic breaks. However another survey by Yates et Al, found grounds that postmenopausal adult females who have discontinued HRT within the past 5 old ages have a hazard for hip break that was similar to adult females who have ne'er used HRT. The latter survey nevertheless has restrictions and is hence non conclusive. Womans who responded to the study tended to be y ounger and better educated about the importance of good wellness than the non-responders ( WHC, 2010 ) . Furthermore, it must besides be taken into consideration that the hazard of osteoporosis additions with increasing age and weight. HRT as a consequence would hold a greater decrease potency in the incidences of hip break in older adult females than in younger adult females. Therefore future surveies will necessitate to be adjusted to take into history these act uponing factors.The findings from the WHI and MWSThe possible relationship between the loss of ovarian map and development of Cardiovascular Disease ( CVD ) has been substantiated by legion case-controlled and laboratory surveies carried out since the 1980s ( Iqbal and Zaidi 2009 ) . These surveies demonstrated the protective effects of estrogens on the cardiovascular system ( Mendelsohn and Karas, 2002 ) ; which encourage the production of lipid profiles that cause vascular distension, prevents coronary artery disease and augmentation of endothelial fix after harm ( Mendelsohn and Karas, 2002 ) . After the oncoming of climacteric, degrees of estrogens begin to equilibrate to that of age-matched work forces ( Iqbal and Zaidi 2009 ) . Up until 2002, HRT was established as the most effectual signifier of intervention when bettering menopausal symptoms. However this was challenged by the publication of the preliminary findings of the WHI and MWS survey, which found the benefits of HRT on CVD to no longer be important when the other possible wellness jeopardies were taken into consideration ( WHI, 2002 ; MWS, 2003 ) . For illustration that the usage of oestrogen, with or without Lipo-Lutin, was found to be associated with an increased hazard for the development of certain signifiers of malignant neoplastic disease ( such as chest, ovarian and uterine malignant neoplastic disease ) ; this hazard was substantiated farther by drawn-out use ( WHI, 2002 ; MWS, 2003 ) . Findingss from the WHI, oestrogen plus p rogestin, test besides indicated that HRT could increase the hazard of CVD, which can take to shots and venous thromboemoblism ( WHI, 2002 ) . The WHI, oestrogen plus progestin, test published in 2002 monitored and compared the HRT related consequence on CVD and other facets of adult females ‘s wellness to that of placebo, in 16, 608 adult females in the United States aged 50 to 79 from 1993 to 2002. Around 50 % of the take parting adult females were randomised to take combined oestrogen and 50 % to take a placebo. The survey ended three old ages premature after the antecedently specified bound for chest malignant neoplastic disease instances, set by the WHI Data and Safety Monitoring Board was exceeded and overall hazards were considered to outweigh benefits. The preliminary findings showed a decreased in the hazard of osteoporotic breaks and colorectal malignant neoplastic disease ( Nelson et al, 2002 ; WHI, 2002 ) , but besides found a little addition in the incidences of coronary events, shot, chest malignant neoplastic disease and venous thromboembolism ( Nelson et al, 2002 ; WHI, 2002 ) . A subsequent reappraisa l of the findings from the WHI Study in 2004, adjusted for other act uponing factors, found different consequences where the apparent higher hazard for chest malignant neoplastic disease appear to be caused by natural factors instead than to HRT ( WHC, 2010 ) . When age was taken into history analysis showed that younger adult females get downing HRT may really be protected in some wellness facets ( WHC, 2010 ) . However those get downing on HRT over 70 did non hold the same benefits and alternatively were vulnerable to certain wellness hazards, nevertheless, this may be due to the associated hazard factors increasing with age.The Million Women Study was conducted from 1996 to 2001, analysed the hazard of chest malignant neoplastic disease and other adult females wellness issues in one million adult females taking HRT in the UK, and compared findings with that received from a sum of 828,923 adult females who were non-users: All take parting adult females were over 50 old ages old. F indingss published in 2003 found a little addition in the hazard of chest, endometrial and ovarian malignant neoplastic disease when oestrogen-only HRT was used. Combined HRT was found to hold a greater addition in the hazard of chest malignant neoplastic disease but was able to cut down the hazard of endometrial malignant neoplastic disease, when compared with oestrogen-only HRT. It was besides established that the hazard of chest malignant neoplastic disease is increased the longer HRT is used ; where the extra hazard for chest malignant neoplastic disease declined to that of ne'er users when intervention ended.Restriction of the surveiesWomen ‘s Health InitiativeThe WHI survey, merely considered the dosage of 0.625 milligram of conjugated equid estrogens and 2.5 milligram Provera acetate each twenty-four hours ; whilst this dose was appropriate for younger menopausal adult females get downing HRT, it was considered by many experts to transcend the sum required for older adu lt females ( Howard et al, 1981 ) . The specification for the adult females in the WHI survey differs from adult females in the MWS. Women in the WHI survey tended to be older ( mean age 63.2 ) than the adult females in MWS ( mean age 56 ) ( MWS, 2003 ) . Therefore two-thirds of adult females in WHI were over the age of 60 and hence had a higher absolute hazard of bosom disease, shot and chest malignant neoplastic disease ( all of which increases with age ) . The mean BMI for adult females in the survey is 28.5, therefore a big proportion of adult females in the survey are overweight and were hence predisposed to bosom disease and certain malignant neoplastic diseases.Million Women StudyThe methodological analysis of MWS has been criticised: Unlike the survey by the WHI, the MWS was non a randomised controlled test. The consequences were based on a self-reporting study where adult females chose whether or non to take HRT. Furthermore the adult females in the MWS were already holding a mammogram so may already hold been at a higher hazard for malignant neoplastic disease e.g. they may hold already suspected a ball. The adult females were followed-up by studies from national malignant neoplastic disease registers, non by subsequent questionnaires, so alternations in HRT usage after initial enrollment were non recorded. Both the surveies analysed the hazard of ovarian malignant neoplastic disease in the long-run surveies and were non meant to turn to the shorter-term usage of HT. Thus, the information from these surveies should be used by adult females sing usage of HT for longer than 3 or 4 old ages.Options to HRTTibolone is a selective oestrogen receptor modulator ( SERM ) , which possesses oestrogenic, progestogenic and androgenic features ( Nelson, 2008 ) . Tibolone is effectual at handling vasomotor symptoms and bettering sexual operation and may be used as an option to combined HRT in post-menopausal adult females ( Nelson, 2008 ; Roberts, 2007 ) . In adult females under 60, the hazards of taking tibolone are tantamount to that of combined HRT ( NHS Choices, 2009 ) . For adult females over 60, the associated hazards begin to outweigh the benefits, due to the increased hazard of chest malignant neoplastic disease, shot and endometrial malignant neoplastic disease ( NHS Choices, 2009 ) . Morris et Al ( 2006 ) conducted a clinical grounds reappraisal of seven RCTs, on the effects of tibolone on vasomotor and urogential symptoms. One test found that after 16 hebdomads of intervention, tibolone reduced vasomotor symptoms by 39 % compared with placebo ( p = 0.001 ) . However, two RCTs produced questionable consequences in respects to its efficaciousness when compared against traditional combined HRT. One test ( n=437 ) found that combined HRT when compared with tibolone, well reduced the frequence of hot flowers over 48 hebdomads ( p = 0.01 ) . However contradictory findings were found in another test of a smaller population ( n=235 ) , whe re no important difference in vasomotor symptoms between combined HRT and Tibolone was established at 52 hebdomads. Due to the rawness of findings another larger adjusted RCT should be conducted to clear up the effectivity of tibolone against combined HRT. Three tests were used to measure the efficaciousness of tibolone in the direction of urogenital symptoms. All of which concluded, with the understanding that tibolone significantly improved vaginal waterlessness, sexual desire and copulatory frequence compared to both placebo and combined HRT interventions. There is besides limited grounds to back up the usage of Catapres, Neurontin, paroxetine, Prozac, citalopram, and venlafaxine as effectual interventions hot flowers ( Nelson et al, 2006 ; Anderson and Redman, 2010 ) . The latest analysis of the hazards based on the findings from the MWS and WHI survey, has concluded with the following revised hazard estimations to help health care professionals appraisal of the hazards and benefits associated with HRT for single adult females:Cardiovascular Disease hazard:There is no addition in the hazard for CHD in adult females less than 10 old ages postmenopausal when given combined HRT ( Currie and Guttinger, 2007 ; Roberts, 2007 ) . Hysterectomised adult females taking oestrogen merely HRT besides showed no increased CHD hazard during the WHI test, alternatively the hazard for both appeared to worsen ( Currie and Guttinger, 2007 ) . However there us a little addition in hazard for adult females who were more than 10 old ages postmenopausal ( Currie and Guttinger, 2007 ) . The grounds to propose a cardiovascular benefit with oestrogen-only or combined HRT is hence weak ( CSM, 2004 ; MHRA and CHM, 2007 ) .Stroke hazardWHI found oestrogen-only and combined HRT increase the hazard of shot compared with placebo ( CSM, 200 ; MHRA and CHM, 2007 ) .Breast Cancer hazard:MWS indicated that a higher hazard of chest malignant neoplastic disease is associated with drawn-out usage ( CSM, 2004 ; MHRA and CHM, 2007 ) . For oestrogen entirely, the hazard is lower than combined HRT ( MHRA and CHM, 2007 ) . Some surveies on the other manus have non shown increased hazard when compared to those who had ne'er antecedently taken HRT ( MHRA and CHM, 2007 ) .Endometrial malignant neoplastic disease hazard:There is a little addition in the hazard of endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma with oestrogen-only HRT ; due proliferated effects of oestrogen ( Howard et al, 1981 ) . Oestrogen-only HRT is hence merely recommended for usage by adult females with a womb ( MHRA and CHM, 2007 ) . The add-on of a progestin every twenty-four hours significantly reduces the hazard ( CSM, 2004 ; MHRA and CHM, 2007 ) ; due to its endothelial protective belongings. So when used i n combination with oestrogen it can cut down the hazard of this malignant neoplastic disease to the baseline ( MHRA and CHM, 2007 ) .Ovarian malignant neoplastic disease hazard:Experimental surveies indicate that extended usage of HRT may correlate with a little increased hazard of ovarian malignant neoplastic disease ( CSM, 2004 ) , which returns to baseline a few old ages after halting intervention ( MHRA and CHM, 2007 ) .DecisionDespite the legion contraindications for HRT, they are still by and large regarded as the most effectual short-run intervention for patients enduring from menopausal symptoms, and are recognised for their preventive effects in the development of osteoporosis. The benefits nevertheless from long-run use remain debatable ; research suggests that the potency for inauspicious effects happening additions with age and drawn-out use. Clinical reappraisals hence recommend that HRT should be given cyclically ; utilizing the lowest effectual dosage for its indicate d symptom for the shortest possible clip. A reappraisal and appraisal of any alteration in the balance of hazards and benefits should be done yearly. Womans with moderate hot flowers, particularly those with contraindications or concerns about HRT may take to seek alternate therapies. Tibolone has proven good in the intervention of menopausal symptoms in younger adult females, although its usage in older adult females remains questionable due to the increased hazards to wellness. Surveies of climacteric are vast in figure, but deficient in what they discover. Nevertheless, their consequences inform the recommendations of medical professional administrations and influence criterions of pattern. Therefore an improved apprehension of the menopausal passage, its symptoms, and therapies is needed in order to unknot this epidemiological quandary and license a better conformity from patients towards intervention. This can be achieved by the reevaluating the hazards and benefits of HRT in d ouble blinded tests against a placebo or a validated therapy because of the ample placebo consequence observed in randomized controlled tests.

Tattoo Ink Carrier Chemistry

Tattoo Ink Carrier Chemistry Tattoo ink consists of pigment and a carrier. The carrier may be a single substance or a mixture. The purpose of the carrier is to keep the pigment evenly distributed in a fluid matrix, to inhibit the growth of pathogens, to prevent clumping of pigment, and to aid in application to the skin. Among the safest and most common ingredients used to make the liquid are: ethyl alcohol (ethanol)purified waterwitch hazelListerinepropylene glycolglycerine (glycerol) However, many other substances have been and may be used, including: denatured alcohols (are toxic and can burn the skin)other alcohols (methyl alcohol or methanol and isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol are commonly used, although they are toxic) ethylene glycol (antifreeze, which is toxic)aldehydes, such as formaldehyde and gluteraldehyde (highly toxic)various surfactants or detergents There are many other substances that could be found in an ink. A tattooist has the choice of mixing his or her own ink (mixing dry dispersed pigment and a carrier solution) or purchasing what are called predispersed pigments. Many predispersed pigments are as safe or safer than inks mixed by the tattooist. However, the ingredient list need not be disclosed, so any chemical could be present in the ink. The best advice is to make sure the ink supplier and the particular ink has a long history of safety. Although I have applied the word toxic to many substances listed on the pigment and carrier list, that is an oversimplification. Some of these chemicals are mutagens, carcinogens, teratogens, toxins, or else they  participate in other reactions in the body, some of which may not show up for decades.

Tools for Drawing Simple Floor Plans

Tools for Drawing Simple Floor Plans Sometimes all a homeowner needs is a simple floor plan to help with remodeling and decorating projects. You might think that you could find some easy tools on the web, but first youll have to wade through all of the software intended for 3D design. These programs are overkill for a floor plan. Fortunately, there are a variety of easy-to-use online tools to help draw simple floor plans. Determine Your Needs Why do you want to draw a floor plan? A landlord may want to show the setup of an apartment to a prospective tenant. A realtor may use a floor plan to sell a property. A homeowner may draw a floor plan to better formulate remodeling ideas or to decide where to place furniture. In all of these cases, a floor plan is used for communication- to visually express the use of space. Dont think that a floor plan will let you build a house or make extensive remodeling decisions. A floor plan sketch can communicate spatial ideas from a homeowner to a contractor, but the person doing the construction is the one who knows where the bearing walls and shear walls are located. Floor plans suggest general ideas, not detailed specifications. Use the Right Tool A good home design software program will let you create some pretty fancy renderings with elevation drawings and 3D views. But what if you only require a general idea of where the walls and windows go? In that case, you dont really need high-powered software just to draw these shapes and lines. Using inexpensive (or free) apps and online tools, you can whip together a simple floor plan- the digital equivalent of a napkin sketch- and share your plan on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social networks. Some tools will even let you collaborate with family and friends, providing an online page that everyone can edit. Mobile Apps for Drawing Floor Plans You wont need a computer to draw floor plans if you have a smartphone or tablet. A few of the most popular floor plan applications work on mobile devices. Browse the applications store for your device, and youll find a variety of options: RoomScan by Locometric would be fun to use even if you didnt need to draw a floor plan. Simply hold your iPhone or iPad up to an existing wall, wait for the beep, and calculations are made using the GPS and gyroscope functions. Like all apps, RoomScan is an evolving work-in-progress, moving toward its marketing goal of being The App That Draws Floor Plans By Itself.MagicPlan uses the camera and gyroscope functions of your mobile device to turn a 3D room into a 2D floor plan. The app also includes a tool to help you estimate the costs and materials for a project.Stanley Smart Connect, from Stanley Black Decker, is one of the first mobile apps by a major manufacturer. The Bluetooth-enabled program allows you to take measurements and design room plans using your smartphone. Online Tools for Drawing Floor Plans If youd rather work on a computer, the possibilities are almost limitless. Drawing floor plans on a big screen can make it easier to fiddle with the design. Online tools will let you create scale drawings to envision your remodeling and decorating projects- and most of these tools are free: FloorPlanner.com is free and allows users to create and save 2D and 3D designs. Pro and business memberships include additional tools for a fee.Gliffy Floor Plan Creator is a simple tool for drawing 2D floor plans that allows users to move around furniture and decor.SmartDraw is a graphics tool for creating flow charts, graphs, floor plans, and other diagrams.RoomSketcher is made for creating 2D and 3D floor plans. Basic features are free, but you have to pay a fee to use the advanced tools.EZ Blueprint is a simple program for Windows computers that allows users to generate basic floor plans and layouts. Designing on the Cloud Many of todays floor plan programs and applications are cloud-based. Simply, cloud-based means that the floor plan you design is stored on someone elses computer, not your own. When you use a cloud-based tool, you provide details such as your name, email address, and where you live. Never give out information that you feel violates your safety or privacy. Choose tools that youre comfortable with. As you explore cloud-based tools for drawing floor plans, also think about whether youd like to print out a copy of your design. Some cloud-based tools can be viewed online only. If youd like to make copies, look for software or apps that will allow you to download projects onto your own computer.   Despite these concerns, theres a lot to love about drawing on the cloud. Cloud-based programs and applications are wonderful for creating designs that can be easily shared. Some tools allow multiple users to work on the same design, so you can ask friends and family to make suggestions and changes.

Organizational Process Recommendation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Organizational Process Recommendation - Essay Example The control chart is basically a graph which is used to study the changes in processes over a particular period of time. The chart has a central line for the average, an n upper line which represents the upper control limit and a lower line which represents the lower control limits. The lines are determined using historical data. The comparisons of the current data to the above lines, a conclusion can be drawn about whether the variation in the process is consistent (implies process in control) or unpredictable (implies process out of control which are affected by special causes of variation). A control chart is based upon the statistical feature of normal distribution. The considerations of probability form the basis of the control limits. These basically depict whether the system in control are supported or not. The control charts can also be used to warn about the potential system problems. These charts also reveal the need for corrective action. Control charts are always prepared in real time. The procedure involves choosing an appropriate control chart for a particular data set, this is followed by determining the appropriate time period for plotting and collecting the data. The next step involves collecting the data, constructing the chart and analysing the data. Further the out of control signals on the control charts are determined and suitable steps to correct them are undertaken. The values that are obtained for repetitive measurements processes are plotted sequentially for evaluating the stability of the measurement process. These should be very similar to the test samples of interest. The absolute differences (R) of the duplicate measurements are sequentially plotted for evaluating the precision of management process. The average range which is related to the short term standard deviation. A t test is undertaken to assess whether the mean of the second set of data is has significant differences from the first set of

The Continuum from Legitimacy to Fraud Research Paper - 4

The Continuum from Legitimacy to Fraud - Research Paper Example This essay demonstrates that different improvements and various practices should be involved in the process of earnings management. Financial reporting can be influenced by numerous factors and even a personal impact can be very important trigger when fraud occurs. A lack of motivation from the company can lead managers and accountants to fraud. Concealment is one of many possible strategies implemented in the process of auditing. It can be claimed that the following four parties are key determinants of internal and external concept development of legal and fraudulent earnings management: boards of the directors, stakeholders, managers, and auditors. It is possible to describe their mutual relations in the following way: stakeholders make boards of directors write invented figures in their financial statements, managers are subjected to the orders of the company's authorities and auditors are cheated when all these actions are combined. This paper makes a conclusion that thus, financ ial statement looks like Pandora's Box and different vices come out of it by voluntary actions of directors, accountants, and managers. Moreover, the two basic pillars would make earnings management fair and stable: flexibility and inviolability. In addition, It can be also supposed that any modern company can be influenced by changing the environment, politics of the county, national or local influences etc. Thus, ethical issues are integrative elements of legitimate practices in earnings management.... With respect to the study conducted by Levitt in 1998, accountants should develop more flexible practices, but the highest standards of objectivity. Fraud in management practices can be illustrated by numerous examples, such as a famous case of fraud experienced by the Enron Company (Hoffman et al, 1996). Accountants of the company were not afraid of providing their financial statements. The company experienced bankruptcy and a great impact was made on the employees of the company, retired employees and their pensions and many other people, who suffered huge financial losses. The following conditions are the most relevant to the earnings management conduct: â€Å"remaining alert, through observation and making inquiries as necessary, for evidence of noncompliance with relevant ethical  requirements by members of the engagement team, determining the appropriate action if matters come to the engagement partner's attention that indicate that members of the engagement team have not co mplied with relevant ethical  requirements, and forming a conclusion on compliance with independence requirements that apply to the audit engagement† (Statement on Auditing Standards, 2010). The words and word combinations in italics can be considered as triple conditions for fair and successful earnings management. To reveal fraud in earnings management relevant ethical  requirements, the appropriate action and independence requirements should be followed by the auditors. Otherwise auditing will fail and the company will be subjected to a spoiled goodwill, suspicion of stakeholders or even bankruptcy (Statement on Auditing Standards Overall Objectives of the Independent Auditor, 2010). Conclusion Different improvements and various practices should be involved in the process of