Adolescence Essays (1334 words) - Abnormal Psychology,

Adolescence Adolescence is a stage of maturation between childhood and adulthood that denotes the period from the beginning of puberty to maturity. However, many conflicting opinions are raised about weather such a stage of childhood is influenced by stress, depression, and suicide rate. Some people support the optimistic view that says that adolescence is not a period of storm and stress. Others, including me, support an opposite pessimistic view which characterizes adolescence as a period of stress and inner turmoil. Unfortunately, it has been recently proved that depression is a growing problem in today's society and a major contributing factor for a multitude of adolescent problems. This is because , as research indicates, adolescent depression is the result of mood disorders accompanying this period and the high suicide rate that is basically a result of such a depression. By analyzing depression, we will find that depression is a disease that afflicts the human psyche in such a way that the afflicted tends to act and react abnormally toward others and himself. Therefore it comes to no surprise to discover that adolescent depression is strongly linked to teen suicide. Adolescent suicide is now responsible for more deaths in youths aged 15 to 19 than cardiovascular disease or cancer (Blackman, 1995). Despite this increased suicide rate, depression in this age group is greatly underdiagnosed and leads to serious difficulties in school, work and personal adjustment which may often continue into adulthood. However, how prevalent are mood disorders in children and when should an adolescent with changes in mood be considered clinically depressed? Brown (1996) has said the reason why depression is often over looked in children and adolescents is because children are not always able to express how they feel. Sometimes the symptoms of mood disorders take on dif ferent forms in children than in adults. Adolescence is a time of emotional turmoil, mood swings, gloomy thoughts, and heightened sensitivity. It is a time of rebellion and experimentation. Blackman (1996) observed that the challenge is to identify depressive symptomatology which may be superimposed on the backdrop of a more transient, but expected, developmental storm. Therefore, diagnosis should not lay only in the physician's hands but be associated with parents, teachers and anyone who interacts with the patient on a daily basis. Unlike adult depression, symptoms of youth depression are often masked. Instead of expressing sadness, teenagers may express boredom and irritability, or may choose to engage in risky behaviors (Oster Brown, 1996; Lasko et al., 1996) and suicide (Blackman, 1995; Brown, 1996; Lasko et al., 1996; Oster Oster & Montgomery, 1996), constant boredom (Blackman,1995), disruptive behavior, peer problems, increased irritability and aggression (Brown, 1996). Blackman (1995) proposed that formal psychological testing may be helpful in comp licated presentations that do not lend themselves easily to diagnosis. For many teens, symptoms of depression are directly related to low self esteem stemming from increased emphasis on peer popularity. For other teens, depression arises from poor family relations which could include decreased family support and perceived rejection by parents (Lasko et al., 1996). Oster & Montgomery (1996) stated that when parents are struggling over marital or career problems, or are ill themselves, teens may feel the tension and try to distract their parents. This distraction could include increased disruptive behavior, self-inflicted isolation and even verbal threats of suicide. So how can the physician determine when a patient should be diagnosed as depressed or suicidal? Brown (1996) suggested the best way to diagnose is to screen out the vulnerable groups of children and adolescents for the risk factors of suicide and then refer them for treatment. Some of these risk factors include verbal signs of suicide within

Death Penalty misc1 essays

Death Penalty misc1 essays I believe that the death penalty is the best and fairest punishment for people who have taken other peoples lives. Here are some interesting facts about the death penalty. Did you know that 70% of all Americans support the death penalty? Murder rates have also been down since the death penalty was reinforced.And rehab techniques are so underdeveloped that no one is ever certain that a murderer First of all, if someone has taken someone elses life, in most cases their life should be taken also. If a person is so imcompassionate for human beings and just doesnt care what happens to anyone; if they are sick enough to take the life of someone else, their life should be taken also. Second of all, would you rather pay for someone to be in prison for life in an environment that is most likely better than where they were if they werent there? You can argue that capital punishment costs more tax dollars. However, would you rather pay for someone who has brutally taken the life of someone else to die than have them stay in a prison that is nicer than where they would be on the street if they werent in prison? For example, Consider crime as a career alternative. It is, you know. Granted it's not a viable alternative for me or you. The consequences of being caught would be far too great we have too much to lose. But consider, of all the things we're not willing to risk sacrificing, there are lots and lots of people who don'thave those things. For someone in that position, consider the advantages: No startup capital required in most cases, and minimal capital required in any case. Medical and retirement plans provided free by the government. Low risk? Well, yes. The odds of being apprehended at all are very low, and even if you are arrested you'll g ...

The Role of Thusong Community Centre in advancing development to Essay

The Role of Thusong Community Centre in advancing development to communities - Essay Example ratic government in 1994. Black and rural area residents did not have the opportunity of the urban people to receive quality government services. Principal challenge of new democratic government is to reduce the gap created by the previous government in receiving services irrespective of location of regions, status and race of people. In 1999 government introduced Multipurpose-Purpose Community Centers (MPCC) to reduce the gaps. Today, those community centers; are called Thusong Service Centers (TSC). ... These centres are established as communication development hubs based on Batho Pele values and principles, which place people first. TSC’s primary focus was on rural and underserviced communities to address their historical, social and economic factors thru access to information and citizen participation. It also included these communities’ socio-economic problems such as poverty, high unemployment, low standards of living (people living below the poverty line), poor access to basic services, remote settlement patterns, lack of access to technology and information, poor health services, insufficient education and skills and poor infrastructure (GCIS, 2001; 5). Since its introduction, TSC has undergone several changes to improve national coordination at the local level. In this regards TSC program created two phases’ activities. The phases are called first generation and second generation. According to a document released by the GCIS (2006: 7), the first generatio n phase is developed to establish one TSC in each district by December 2004. In fact, by December 2004, sixty-five centres were established that provides services to more than 700 areas not served previously. As of September 2009, countrywide 139 TSCs are established. The further roll-out of TSCs in each local municipality is a target set for 2014. In 2006, Cabinet approved the second generation Thusong Service Centres Business Plan. It describes different participants roles and responsibilities, provides guidelines on the sustainability of existing TSC, and focuses on the role of future centers. Second-generation TSC Program entails government’s commitment to build a responsive state where citizens and the

The VW Resende Modular Consortium Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

The VW Resende Modular Consortium - Essay Example The idea of a modular consortium consists of separating the product into sub-assemblies (modules) which are delegated to and entirely provided by a specific module supplier. Therefore, the module supplier is responsible for assembling its module directly on the automaker’s assembly line (Pires 1998, 225). By establishing strong partnership with 7 key suppliers and outsourcing 100% of its manufacturing, VW was striving to: optimize the operating costs, minimize the coordination costs, to improve cooperation between the partners (suppliers), to improve quality and productivity, to increase the market share, and to utilize space more efficiently.Referring to the Porter’s strategic framework, VW’s strategy of manufacturing trucks in Brazil could be defined as a Focus Strategy. Under a focus strategy the firm concentrates on one or a limited range of segment of the market (Thompson and Martin 2005, p.287). Thus did VW, by focusing its manufacturing process on trucks. Working in the automotive industry throughout the world, VW has made a decision to focus mainly on one segment of the automobile industry in Brazil. It was a truck production sector. While this strategy was different from the overall company strategy, VW had to act in a way that best fitted the organization’s competitive environment in Brazil. The company benefited from its specialization on truck segment by gaining strong competency in the production of trucks and some of their modules. According to the information.... g costs, minimize the coordination costs, to improve cooperation between the partners (suppliers), to improve quality and productivity, to increase the market share, and to utilize space more efficiently. Referring to the Porter’s strategic framework, VW’s strategy of manufacturing trucks in Brazil could be defined as a Focus Strategy. Under a focus strategy the firm concentrates on one or a limited range of segment of the market (Thompson and Martin 2005, p.287). Thus did VW, by focusing its manufacturing process on trucks. Working in the automotive industry throughout the world, VW has made a decision to focus mainly on one segment of the automobile industry in Brazil. It was a truck production sector. While this strategy was different from the overall company strategy, VW had to act in a way that best fitted the organization’s competitive environment in Brazil. The company benefited from its specialization on truck segment by gaining strong competency in the p roduction of trucks and some of their modules. According to the information, received from the interview with Jose Ignacio Lopez, the VW Resende Modular Consortium could enable the company to gain significant competitive advantage among the rivals. These included: modern and productive manufacturing process, relatively low cost, quality of the trucks, simultaneous engineering process with the suppliers, speed in the development and launching of new products, common corporate goals and objectives (trend to work more toward mutual success) (Correa and Park, n.d., pp.1, 7, 10). With Focus strategy approach the company can seek either lower costs or differentiation (Thompson and Martin 2005, p.287). Therefore, by going deeper to the Porter’s focus strategy, it is possible to assume that the VW’s Resende

Sense and Sensability Essay Example for Free

Sense and Sensability Essay Abstract: In this essay I discuss Jane Austen’s use of both neoclassical and sensibility writing styles, in attempt to define whether Sense and Sensibility is more a product of the 18th or 19thh century. After much research and deliberation I have discovered that as Austen utilizes the sisters to express both themes of neoclassicism and sensibility that the novel is holds equally to both the 18th and the 19th century. 1. Critic Lionel Murphy said that ‘Sense and Sensibility forms a bridge between the neoclassicism of the Augustan Age and the Age of Sensibility, or the Romantic Age. Written on the cusp of the 19th Century, is Sense and Sensibility more a product of the 18th or 19th Century? Discuss. Novels of the 18th century featured neoclassical, rationalistic writing, however from the late 18th century and into the 19th century, sensibility was a popular writing feature for novelists. Jane Austen’s ‘Sense and Sensibility’ features both sensibility and neoclassical themes as Austen uses a subtle balance and proportion of the issues she wishes to address about society and the way she incorporates her characters and their stories to have equal justification. The Augustan age is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as, â€Å"relating to or denoting 17th- and 18th-century English literature of a style considered refined and classical. † Whereas, Sensibility is defined by the Encyclopedia Britannica as a conception of the term held by Jane Austen’s contemporaries, it is a nice and delicate perception of pleasure or pain, beauty or deformity. It is very nearly allied to taste; and as far as it is natural seems to depend upon the organization of the nervous system. The differences between the styles is clearly evident, however it was not uncommon for 18th century, neoclassical writers to utilize both styles in their work (Macfarlane 2007). This was common as, sensibility was placed by literary history as a phase that transitioned between the decline of neoclassical ‘reason’ and into the eruption of romantic imagination (Keymer Mee 2004). Sensibility rejects the ideals of neoclassical values on correct judgement and restraint and heavily emphasizes the value of instinct, feelings and intuition (Pike). The reputation of the 18th century literature has never quite recovered from its embarrassing association with unmeasured and extravagant emotional displays. It was not just distaste for the fading fashion of sensibility, but often because it was an inherently unstable style of writing (Keymer Mee 2004). Sensibility arose out of the opposition to rationalism and neoclassicism of the Augustan age which held the deepest feelings of the individual’s morals (Pike, 2013). The unstable nature of sensibility came from its anti-rationalism that focused on emotional reactions, for example tears, swoons, fainting, prevailing mood of melancholy, fragmentation of form and set piece scenes of virtue and distress that appear throughout the sensibility period (Keymer Mee 2004). Women’s voices were cemented in 19th century literary history through their increasing popularity from the 20th century onwards, (Shattock 2010). The literature produced by the women of the 19th century supply an image of personal tragedy and suffering that became the theme of their work. The theme of personal tragedy and suffering was familiar to the characteristic tendency of these women as it was relatable to the phlight of women’s rights but also due to the popularity of sensibility (Harris 2005). Austen had clear statements to make about individual conduct as well as the structure of society and the relation of one to another (McMaster, 1970). Austen’s interested in the virtues and the vices is evident throughout Sense and Sensibilty as the imperfections of the personalities of Elinor and Marianne’s characters (McMaster, 1970). Marianne expressive nature frequently, a clear example of sensibility, the reader often sees Marianne extremely emotional responses to the situations she finds herself in, â€Å"She was awake the whole night, and she wept the greatest part of it. She got up with a headache, was unable to talk, and unwilling to take any nourishment; voicing pain every moment to her mother and sisters, and forbidding all attempt at consolation from either. Her sensibility was potent enough! ’ (81). † Spectators and readers are witness to the exclamation becoming declamation, grief modulating in self-pity stoicism (Keymer Mee, 2004). Austen utilizes Marianne to emphasize the theme of sensibility throughout Sense and Sensibility. This is apparent as it is repeatedly expressed by Austen through Marianne Dashwood who feels deeply and suffers cutely, it is evident her sensibility is genuine, (Mcmaster, 1970), â€Å"In such moments of precious, of invaluable misery, she rejoiced in tears of agony to be at Cleveland; and as she returned by a different circuit to the house, feeling all the happy privilege of country liberty, of wandering from place to place in free and luxurious solitude, she resolved to spend almost every hour of every day while she remained with the Palmers, in the indulgence of solitary rambles. The conception that sensibility maintains extravagant emotions that may in some ways appear artificial or overacted, is evident as there is something synthetic about her acute feelings that deliberately augments them only the artificial additions to her emotions, this is evident as she repeatedly plays Willoughby’s favourite songs when he leaves and when she takes to going on long walks in the gloomy weather (Mcmaster, 1970). Marianne sees everything through her own subjectivity, On the contrary, nothing can be a stronger proof of it, Elinor; for if there had been any real impropriety in what I did, I should have been sensible of it at the time, for we always know when we are acting wrong, and with such a conviction I could have had no pleasure. (13. 19) Her inability to see things from a more realistic view again emphasizes Marianne’s role in showing Austen’s use of sensibility, her total concern is with her own emotional needs and actions a clear example of sensibility. Neoclassicism was witness to many extraordinary writings about all kinds of man’s ability to think, feel and postulate. Building on the critical thoughts of the 17th century, English philosophers, writers, clerics and artists produced a massive body of literary works. These works were concerned with taking original works and ‘creatively criticizing’ them (Macfarlane 2007). Neoclassicism was a part of the Augustan age, in literature, Augustan’s expressed the distrust they felt for the imagination, as well as individualism, innovation and emotional freedom (Pike 2013). Characters of the Augustan age often retained features such as, clarity, propriety, order, elegance and good sense, all features are evident in Elinor Dashwood’s character (Pike, 2013). Elinor appears to be the more reserved of the two sisters as she uses acute observation of what is happening around her and through this is able to find out more about people and their feelings (McMaster, 1970). We are shown Marianne has much learning o do and reverse her values, the values that her emotional needs have created; love is not really the be all and end all, that Elinor and Edward are phugmatic and that men over thirty can feel. This is in contrast to Elinor, who only has to reproach herself once as she has been overconfident that Marianne will recover from her illness rapidly (McMaster 1970). Austen uses this to emphasize Elinor’s maturity and responsibility and show Marianne’s more childish and emotional nature. Austen uses Elinor to express the neoclassical and Augustan themes of the novel, this is evident when she is deliberating over her love for Edward and decides he has the correct qualities, â€Å"I have seen a great deal of him, have studied his sentiments and heard his opinion on subjects of literature and taste; and, upon the whole, I venture to pronounce that his mind is well-informed, his enjoyment of books exceedingly great, his imagination lively, his observation just and correct, and his taste delicate and pure. It is difficult for Austen to show Elinor’s neoclassical emotional control, without suggesting her feelings are weaker than Marianne, who appears to maintain free expression and vivid immediate reaction. However readers are able to look into Elinor understanding due to Austen’s narration which shows that there is more in her in showing the reticent love between her and Eduard Femars, Austen manages to an occasion convey intense feeling humorously through the narration of seeming trivia. This is seen their reunion scene in which Edward toys with the scissors while he blurts out news of his freedom Elinor’s heart is not empty we find her head is certainly far more active (McMaster, 1970). Both of the sisters are affected by romantic love but unlike Marianne, Elinor does not inhibit her sisters passion or feel the rejections so obsessively to the verge of self-destruction (Keymer Mee 2004). Elinor’s more emotionally stable standing allows her to be endorsed in preference to Marriane’s senseibility (McMaster 1970). Austen has clearly portrayed the sisters as each theme; Marianne Dashwood has a personality that is evidently themed to be part of the sensibility movement, whereas Elinor retains herself in a way that appears neoclassical. Therefore it does not seem that Austen’s novel, Sense and Sensibility is based in 18th century or in the 19th century as Austen utilizes both neoclassicism and sensibility throughout the novel.

Pet Therapy for Pain and Anxiety Management

Pet Therapy for Pain and Anxiety Management Pain and Anxiety Management in Hospice care patients through Pet Therapy Arlena Davis Pet therapy is a form of treatment used in hospitals, nursing homes and educational institutions. It involves guided dealings between a trained animal, an individual and the animal trainer. Pet therapy offers patients the opportunity to improve their life through human-animal relations. The practice problem is to determine the effectiveness of using animals to aid humans cope better with health matters. For this proposal, the focus will be to determine the effectiveness of pet therapy in the treatment of hospice patients. Background and Significance The focus of this research proposal will be on Hospice care; planned care to provide medical services, spiritual and emotional support to individuals who are in the advanced stages of illness. It centers on comfort and abundance of life rather than cure. Hunters and gatherers first used the pet therapy and the initial report was done in late 18th century at the York Retreat in Britain headed by William Tuke. Domesticated pets, marine creatures and farm animals are the most used. Several benefits are associated with pet therapy, lower blood pressure and reduced depression. A major problem of pet therapy is although scientists present the relationship between humans and companion animals as favorable, there is need for investigational studies to determine its effectiveness. In using pet therapy, it is important that the rights of the people affected as those of their animal companions be respected. The patient can choose the pet of his choice to improve their health. The pets used are service animals and must be allowed to accompany a disabled person wherever they go. However, caution should be taken to avoid pets with a temperament as they tend to be a nuisance. Elderly people and people suffering from chronic illnesses are the most affected. Pet therapy has its complications and can be costly. Failure of this therapy can result in a painful and intolerable death for a patient in a short period. Pet therapy gives hospice patients and their families some hope of a quality life. If this program fails, the family members of the patient might suffer from depression. It might also instill fear and uncertainty to patients undergoing pet therapy. Pet therapy can be costly because it entails hiring a certified and well-trained pet. In addition, hospice patients may need to be in a health facility. Review of Literature The research proposal discusses the different studies conducted concerning pet therapy by various authors. It includes both theoretical reviews of data previously recorded and empirical studies in different places with patients of different age groups. The different study designs applied by the authors include; systematic review of the evidence, Quasi-experimental investigations, review of qualitative studies, survey questionnaires, randomized control trial and pre-post quasi-experimental design. According to Stem (2011), pet therapy treatment enables patients in a hospice get short time relief from pain, stress and anxiety. He however did not have an in-depth analysis due to lack of quality research data. The review was conducted on the comments 31of professionals who used Animal Assisted therapy (AAT) for mental health care. Animal Assisted Therapy was beneficial (O’Callaghan, 2008). The method provided qualitative, and the interpretation could have been biased. A convenience sample of 58 residents living in a facility was studied to determine the changes in the use of medication. A Decline in pain Medication use (Lust, Ryan-Haddad, Coover, Snell, 2007). AAT helped in rehabilitating schizophrenic patients (Kovà ¡cs, Kis, Rà ³zsa, Rà ³zsa, 2004). The findings were made after surveying the independent living skills of seven schizophrenic patients at a hospice. In a different approach, pre-post quasi-experimental design was used on hospitalized patients with the aim of finding out the effects on not only their mood but also the cost incurred. Pet therapy improved mood in hospitalized patients and was cost effective (Coakley Mahoney, 2009). The patients in hospice care also include children. In this research proposal, a review of the effectiveness of pet therapy on them is also done. AAT has benefits for the children in pain. The group having AAT had a significant loss in pain level relative to the control group (Braun, Stangler, Narveson, Pettingell, 2009). Survey questionnaires also serve as an excellent source of conducting research. In one such instance used to investigate the effectiveness of pet therapy, Companion animals reduced anxiety (Peacock, Chur-Hansen, Winefield, 2012). The conclusion was made after reviewing the responses of a sample of 70 hospitalized patients. Persons with neurological conditions also get assistance through pet therapy to help improve their functioning. In one of the prospective studies, the researchers focused on the improvement in walking distance covered and the speed of the patient as well. Walking with a dog improved patient ambulation and patients responded positively to the experience (Rita, Brienne Joseph, 2007) However, the positive findings of using pet therapy do not reflect the opinions of all the researchers. Anxiety inventory did not decrease significantly but was low after Animal Assisted Therapy (Ekeberg Braastad, 2011). Also according to Bercovitz, Sengupta, Jones, Harris-kojetin, (2011), there are no differences in demographics, health, functional status between patients discharged from hospice or those who got complementary and alternative therapies CAT. They made this conclusion by reviewing the outcomes of complementary and alternative therapies. The different research methods applied by the researchers had their shortcomings. The most common being; lack of randomness in sample selection, biased interpretations due to use of either qualitative or quantitative information, the lack of evidence of the cause and effect and a limited sample size. The findings of some researcher proved quite unreliable, as they did not do follow-ups on their subjects. It is crucial to know how Animal Assisted Therapy works and which animals are best suited for this treatment. Research Problem Introducing a pet into the life of a patient has been proven to distract the patient from pain, anxiety and reduces hypertension. Furthermore, it helps patients regain control of their social and communication skills (unity point, n.d.). The caregivers use this option to provide palliative care; care aimed at reducing pain, suffering and discomfort in order to provide them with a better chance at living (1800hospice, n.d.). Control of pain and anxiety is the main aim of hospice care. The option is considered when one is no longer aggressive in treating illness and is ready to accept death. A caregiver’s responsibility is to offer the best therapy possible. The patients find it easier to interact with the animals than with family members (Hospice of North Central Ohio, 2014). Study Purpose Studies have indicated that the presence of a pet in the facility help relieve patients’ pain and gives the staff morale to continue providing care to the patients. The act of petting has an automatic and subconscious relaxing and calming effect (Methodist Health, 2014). Furthermore, the use of pets can help bridge the communication gap between the patient, the doctor and family (Matuszek, 2010). Theoretical Framework and Conceptual Definitions The theory of comfort asserts that comfort exists in three main forms; relief, ease and transcendence. When the comfort needs of the patient are met, he experiences comfort in the form of getting relief (March McCormack,2009). Ease facilitates the comfort of a patient through contentment by arraying any fears and anxiety from the patient. Transcendence facilitates the patient achieve a level of comfort by rising above any challenges during or after treatment. The theory posits that patient comfort occurs in four contexts; physical, psycho-spiritual, socio-cultural and environmental (Kolcaba DiMarco, 2005). It emphasizes that patients are individuals, families, institutions and even communities that need healthcare services. The environment encompasses any aspects of the patient, family or institution that nurses may manipulate in order to provide comfort to patients. Rationale The theory is a good fit for the study since it informs the need for nurses and patient’s relatives to pursue available methodologies to mitigate pain and patient discomforts. The theory fosters courage and spirit of enthusiasm and positivity and reminds nurses not to give up (Lasiuk Ferguson, 2005). The independent variable is pet therapy to reduce pain while the dependent variable is end of life patient management. The independent and dependent variables are linked to the concepts since the choice of appropriate therapies is ideal to effective patient management especially in the end of life processes. In order to attain desirable relief for the patient, the nursing personnel formulates proper nursing care plans and continuously evaluates comfort levels of the patient to determine the need for change (Melnyk Overholt, 2010). The nurse may use objective or subjective measures to evaluate the levels of comfort for the patient. Objective assessments involve, making observations of the patient and the healing process. Subjective measures include seeking the patient’s comments. Hypothesis Hospice care patients and their families will chose pet therapy as a feasible treatment option when end of life conversations are being debated at the time of diagnosis. Design and Rationale The research design will be in the form of a cross-sectional survey of pain and anxiety management in hospice care through pet therapy. It will be used to determine the success of this treatment and to predict its usefulness in future. The rationale of using the cross-sectional approach is because this proposal will focus on one variable; the effectiveness of pet therapy for hospice care using data collected in different institutions during the same period. Population and Sample The appropriate population for this proposal is the patients under hospice care. The sample will be chosen randomly which will include patients in hospitals, nursing homes and those in hospice care institution. Since the number of patients is large, the sample size for this study will be 60 patients involving people of different ages and suffering from different illnesses. Human Subjects Protection In conducting this study, the ethical practice of human subject protection will be adhered to. The research will be based on objectivity and the data collected from the patients will only be used for the research. The relevant authorities of such as family and institution directors will be consulted for permission. Operational Definition The independent variable for this research proposal is the use of pet therapy to reduce pain and anxiety in hospice patients. Pet therapy is a program, which involves creating a relationship between a patient and animal to help improve their health condition. The dependent variable is the end of life patient management this is provided through hospice care to patients who are in the late years of their life. Measurement Discussion In determining the success of use of pet therapy in managing pain and anxiety among hospice patients, both qualitative and quantitative measurements will be done. The key factors to be considered will be the amount of time spent with the pet, the blood pressure of individuals before and after pet therapy. The state of depression shall also be monitored as well as the amount of intake of pain relievers. Summary Pet therapy for hospice care patients has proven very helpful remedy during the end of life stage. The animals provide companionship and sense calmness in the patient’s life. In depth, research should be done to determine the animals that best suit the treatment and to establish how the treatment occurs. For this proposal, the focus will be to determine the effectiveness of pet therapy in the treatment of hospice patients. References 1800hospice. (n.d.). Hospice Terms | 1-800-HOSPICE.1800hospice.com. Retrieved 17 July 2014, from http://www.1800hospice.com/understanding-homecare/hospice-terms/ Bercovitz, A., Sengupta, M., Jones, A., Harris-kojetin, L. D. (2011). Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Hospice The National Home and Hospice Care Survey : United States , 2007. National Health Statistics Reports, 33, 1-20. Braun, C., Stangler, T., Narveson, J., Pettingell, S. (2009). Animal-assisted therapy as a pain relief intervention for children. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 15(2), 105-109. Coakley, A. B., Mahoney, E. K. (2009). Creating a therapeutic and healing environment with a pet therapy program. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 15(3), 141-146. Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Hospice: The National Home and Hospice Care Survey: United States, 2007. US Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, 2011. Cummings, K. (n.d.). End of Life and Hospice Care | Taking Charge of Your Health Wellbeing.Taking Charge of Your Health Wellbeing. Retrieved 17 July 2014, from http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/conditions/end-life-and-hospice-care DArcy, Y. (2011). Paws to provide comfort, relieve pain.Nursing2014,41(4), 6768. DogsDoingGood. (2013). Therapy vs. Service Dog.Dogs Doing Good | Helping families. Training dogs. Changing lives.. Retrieved 17 July 2014, from http://dogsdoinggood.com/web/therapy-vs-service-dog/ Ekeberg O., B. B., Braastad, I. P. and B. O. (2011). Animal-Assisted Therapy with Farm Animals for Persons with Psychiatric Disorders: Effects on Anxiety and Depression, a Randomized Controlled Trial. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 27(1), 50-64. Harrington SE. Smith, (2009). The role of chemotherapy of the end of life. Hospice of North Central Ohio. (2014). Complementary Therapies.Hospiceofnorthcentralohio.org. Retrieved 17 July 2014, from http://www.hospiceofnorthcentralohio.org/care-services/hospice-care/complementary-therapies Kolcaba, K. DiMarco, M. (2005). Comfort theory and its application topediatric nursing. Pediatric Nursing, 31(3): 187-194 Kolcaba, K. (2006). Comfort theory:A unifying framework to enhance the practice environment. Journal of Nursing Administration, 36(11): 538-544. Kovà ¡cs, Z., Bulucz, J., Kis, R., Simon, L. (2006). An exploratory study of the effect of animal-assisted therapy on nonverbal communication in three schizophrenic patients. Anthrozoos: A Multidisciplinary Journal of The Interactions of People Animals. Kovà ¡cs, Z., Kis, R., Rà ³zsa, S., Rà ³zsa, L. (2004). Animal-assisted therapy for middle-aged schizophrenic patients living in a social institution. A pilot study. Clinical rehabilitation, 18(5), 483-486. Lasiuk, G. Ferguson, L. (2005). From practice to midrangetheory and back again.Advances in Nursing Science, 28(2): 127-136. Lehigh Happening. (2013). Pet Therapy â€Å"Photos with Santa’s Jingle Dogs† at Cedarbook.Lehigh Happening. Retrieved 17 July 2014, from http://lehigh.happeningmag.com/pet-therapy-santas-jingle-dogs Lust, E., Ryan-Haddad, A., Coover, K., Snell, J. (2007). Measuring clinical outcomes of animal-assisted therapy: impact on resident medication usage. The Consultant pharmacist: the journal of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists. March, A. McCormack,D. (2009). Nursing theory-directed healthcare: Modifying Kolcabas Comfort Theory as an institution-wide approach. Holistic Nursing Practice, 23(2): 75-80. Matuszek, S. (2010). Animal-facilitated therapy in various patient populations: systematic literature review. Holistic Nursing Practice,24(4), 187203. McEwen, M. Wills, E. (2011). Theoretical basis for nursing. (3rd ed). Philadelphia. Oxford university press. Melnyk, B. Overholt, E. (2010). Evidence-based practice in nursing healthcare: A guide to best practice (2nd ed). New York. Sage publications. MethodistHealth. (2014). Pet Therapy at Methodist Hospice Bring Patients Joy.Methodisthealth.org. Retrieved 17 July 2014, from http://www.methodisthealth.org/news-and-events/news/2014/pet-therapy-at-methodist-hospice-bring-patients-joy.dot Myers, J. (2012). PAWSitive bedside outcomes: The value of animal-assisted therapy. Med Surg Matters, 21(5), 1. OCallaghan, D. M. (2008). Exploratory study of animal assisted therapy interventions used by mental health professionals (Doctoral dissertation, University of North Texas). 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Rapid Growth of Christianity in the First Centuries Essay

Account for the rapid growth of Christianity in the first centuries. Christianity spread rapidly from C.E for three hundred years until it was legalized. The fact that this religion spread so quickly is one of the most amazing feats in history – in just 300 years Christianity went from one person preaching about a God, to a legalized religion. One of the main reasons for this rapid growth is that Christianity was open to anyone, in Judaism, you were not automatically a Jew and some synagogues did not allow people to convert. The great thing about Christianity was that anybody could become a Christian. People often thought of Christianity as Judaism lite. This was because Christianity descended from Judaism and had a lot of the same beliefs – it was just easier to become a Christian and the rules were not quite as strict. Both Judaism and Christianity are monotheistic religions so they only believe in one god. The Jewish religion was attractive to gentiles – because of its monotheistic beliefs and moral code – who were tired of worshiping the Greek and Roman pantheons (Gods & Goddesses). It got to the point when Jewish Synagogues would no longer allow Christians in them so the Christians Christianity is said to have the highest standard of love to god and to man. Christianity often appealed to poor people who felt alienated by mainstream religions. Back then, most people would be able to speak fluent Greek, the fact that Christianity was written and mostly spoken in Greek made it appeal to the majority of the people because they could read it. Judaism however was spoken in Hebrew, so only people that could speak Hebrew could understand it. This is why the new testament was written in Greek. The Roman Empire had a weak religion, so it was very easy to get people to convert to Christianity. After a group of people converted, others often followed behind. So many people converted to Christianity that Rome became the ‘base’ of the religion. That Is why the Pope lives in Rome – this is where Christianity was ‘properly’ formed.

The Opinions of the Renaissance and Reformation

Throughtout the ages of Europe's history, society's views on the education of women has constantly changed. During the Renaissance age, noble women were encouraged to seek an education so they would be able to carry on intellectual conversations at social gatherings. The Reformation brought opinions which were completely opposed to the ideas of women getting an education and most people thought that women shouldn't learn and form their own opinions. The 17th and 18th centuries displayed a betterment in society's views on women's education because people believed that middle class women should also gain some knowledge so they'd be able to help their husbands in his trade. The Renaissance age's views on education were purely involved with noble women and no one else. Women who were below the noble class were not expectd or encouraged to gain an education at all. The women who were noble were encouraged to gain an education so they would make their husbands look good and they'd be useful at social gatherings because they would be able to socialize with other educated people. Society viewed women's potential to learn as equal to a man's, but the women were not completely expected to get involved or pursue the political or professional jobs that the educated men had. The women of the Renaissance's education was almost entirely for entertainment purposes only. The Reformation brought opinions which were far more negative than the views brought on from the Renaissance age. Women were thought to only be useful for taking care of children and carrying out the duties of keeping the house clean. People believed that women were also physically built to do those jobs, so they believed that God wanted them to do only that. Men did not want women to gain any education because they believed that if women formed their own opinions, it would cause chaos. The 17th and 19th centuries brought out more positive opinions toward the education of women compared to the opinions of the Renaissance and Reformation. Instead of just the noble women seeking an education, middle class women were now also encouraged to learn. The reasons why the middle class women should learn was a bit different from why the noble women were encouraged to learn though. While it was just for entertainment purposes with the noble women, middle class women were encouraged to learn so they would be able to help their husbands carry out the duties of his trade. If the husband was to die, the woman had to know how to take over her husband's trade and continue it without him, so she needed to be educated. Women were not encouraged to seek knowledge about other things which did not involved the trade they were involved in though, but nevertheless, the 17th and 18th centuries broadened the scope of education for women and included more women into it. Society's views on the education of women changed throughout the times. There still is no clear distinction between the ages and their opinions because through all the ages, men still did not view women's education as being important. The evolution of women's education was also not a gradual step towards betterment. It was more like a roller coaster; going up and down, switching from positive to negative to positive again. In the end, everything eventually got better and led to the views and opinions on the capabilities of women that we have today.

An attempt to reach a Beat-like America essays

An attempt to reach a Beat-like America essays In the emotionally stagnant atmosphere of post-World War Two suburbia, while square America was striving to attain the blissfully mundane lifestyle portrayed by popular television sitcoms, a small group of people  ¾led by Jack Kerouac and Allen Gisnberg ¾ were desperately attempting to expand their horizons and find significance in their existences. Kerouacs On the Road is perhaps the most famous account of the Beat Generations struggle to find emotional satisfaction and independence from the intensely conservative ideology of popular America. The novel, a blatant depiction of the excessive and controversial adventures of Jack Kerouac and Neal Cassady during their voyage across the American continent, was revolutionary both in its content and style. On the Road illustrates Kerouacs fear of monotony while subtly explaining the authors search for spiritual enlightenment and the ecstasy of true knowledge. But even after all his frantic journeys to escape mediocrity, Kerouac is not s atisfied, and he makes use of contradictions and long, unrestricted sentences to portray his noble  ¾yet unsuccessful ¾ attempt to find enlightenment. Kerouac pledges his allegiance to the Beat society early on in the book, demonstrating his isolation from the average American man: The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars and in the middle you see the blue centerlight pop and everybody goes Awww! (Kerouac, 1961, p.10)# In this passage, Sal Paradise describes the essence of the Beat s spirit, the fantastic desire and energy of those who fight to experience life to the fullest, and their common disdain for those who accept a mundane and manufactu...

Whole Food Markets Business Analysis

Whole Food Markets Business Analysis (Q1) Company and Industry OverviewWhole Food Markets is America's biggest chain of natural and organic food supermarkets. The products it sells are free of additives, colorings, preservatives, pesticides, hormones, antibiotics and any genetically modified ingredients. In 2005, the group has 159 stores in United States, 7 stores in United Kingdom and 2 stores in Canada. The company will continue to pursue opportunities in Canada and eventual expansion throughout Europe.The global organic food industry has been growing at over 20% per annum along with an increase in accessibility . The world market was calculated to be worth over $14.4B in 1999. The largest markets of organic food exists in the USA, with sales of $6.5B, Germany $2.4B and Japan $1.4B. Buyers of organic food are affluent, better educated, in the age bracket of 18-34 or 45-54. They live in small households and have low confidence in food safety regulation.Healthy Berries are Good Food for HealthProducts range from baby fo od, meat, dairy, non-dairy beverages, bakery, produce to Ready to Go Meals.In United States, the retail sales of natural products grew to over $18.3B in 2003, an 8% growth compared to prior year compared to a relatively flat growth in the traditional grocery industry. This growth reflects a broadening of the natural products consumer base. While the USA organic market is still growing in absolute terms, the market is predicted to drop slightly as the industry matures and consolidates over the next 5 years.Europe accounted for 45-50% of global organic food sales . Food fears such as Mad Cow disease, industry-related promotions and government subsidy programs have been the main driver of the industry in Europe. For most of the last decade, Europe had the largest market however it has been overtaken by North America. Market growth slowed to 7% in 2002. The German...

Re evaluating Quebec Tuition Fees Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Re evaluating Quebec Tuition Fees - Essay Example It is in this light that this paper aims to re-evaluate Quebec's Universities Tuition fees. Education in Canada is the responsibility of each province, with this; educational system varies from province to province. The provinces have their respective department of education, which exercises control over most facet of the educational system from teacher's certification, to development of curriculum as well as the nature of the yearly provincial appropriations to mention a few. With regards to post-secondary education, responsibility likewise goes to the individual provinces. The provincial government contributes majority of the funding to their post-secondary institutions and the balance of the funding come from tuition fees, federal government and research grants among others. Quebec's educational system requires children to attend school until the level of Secondary V. All Quebec residents are entitled to pre-school, elementary and secondary school services which are free of charge in public schools. The province likewise, has a high percentage of children going to private schools. It can be inferred from the table below that, the provincial government grants a pro-rata subsidy for a child attending a private school upon its compliance with its prescribed criterion. However, despite of this subsidy, the tuition fees continues to be very high. Similarly, it fosters a debate regarding subsidies to private elementary and secondary schools over the years.Table 1- Revenues of Private and Secondary Schools Revenue1 On the other hand, for the post-secondary education, most students continue to Collge d' enseignment general et professional or CEGEP, which is a preparation for university studies. Table 2- Average undergraduate tuition fees for academic year 2006-2007 2 What is note worthy about the educational system of Quebec is that it subsidizes post-secondary education and is known for the low cost of university education. Table 3- Universities and colleges revenue and expenditures, by province and territory 3 (Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan) 2006 Canada Que. Ont. Man. Sask. $ thousands Total revenue 31,850,915 7,176,352 12,605,754 933,762 1,213,474 Own source revenue 14,578,584 2,148,493 6,917,595 361,069 528,743 Sales of goods and services 11,333,439 1,436,158 5,481,395 258,623 405,998 Tuition fees 6,649,086 633,503 3,403,665 169,500 206,646 Other sales of goods and services 4,684,353 802,655 2,077,730 89,123 199,352 Investments income 945,312 172,044 419,446 15,473 43,526 Other own source revenue 2,299,833 540,291 1,016,754 86,973 79,219 Transfers from other levels of governments 17,272,331 5,027,859 5,688,159 572,693 684,731 Federal government 2,902,432 797,580 1,099,060 78,255 105,641 Provincial governments 14,335,434 4,225,137 4,574,457 494,416 578,531 Local governments 34,465 5,142 14,642 22 559 Total expenditures 31,842,146 7,261,714 12,549,219 946,624 1,245,584 Education 31,211,530 6,897,337 12,368,743 942,819 1,243,143 Postsecondary education 30,902,499 6,797,332 12,182,495 942,819 1,225,760 Administration 5,861,237 1,230,038 2,173,167 214,395 214,133 Education 15,600,477 3,605,818 6,084,588 483,984 618,001 Support to students 1,111,258 169,969 617,910 12,091 30,916 Other postsecondary education expenses 8,329,527 1,791,507 3,306,830 232,349 362,710 Debt

Assignment 2 Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

2 - Assignment Example The cash flow from the operations proposed to be outsourced is analyzed to work out the net present value for evaluating the outsourcing decision of the company under various scenarios. Hypothesis Cost savings is an important determinant in the risk reward analysis of an outsourcing decision taken by a company. However, there are also other considerations involved such as tax implications, stringent statutory regulations and the conditions in the labor market. Labor productivity Since the decision proposed to be taken is mainly on the basis outsourcing labor involved in the operations, productivity of the labor need to be analyzed for comparison. Though currently the labor productivity in India is less compared to US, the company is hopeful of increase in productivity over a period of time due to training and experience as reflected in Scenario 2. Labor productivity Number of service calls per day : 600 Total number of calls during the year : 600 x 365 = 219000 Number of customers se rved in US/Hour : 10 Number of customers served in India/Hour : 6 Number of hours in US required/year : 219000 / 10 = 21900 Number of hours in India required/year : 219000 / 6 = 36500 Labor Cost The company aims at reducing the cost of providing service to the customers for maximizing its profits. Since the important determinant factor is cheap labor available in India which works out to just 20% of the wages prevailing in US, the overall cost of labor comes down in outsourcing. Estimated labor cost in US : 21900 x 10 = $219000 Estimated labor cost in India : 36500 x 2 = $73000 Investment in outsourcing The company estimates that all other costs associated with outsourcing customer service have a present value of $2 million. The annual rate of interest is considered at 5% for working out the net present value of the cash out flows over the expected future life of the business of 20 years under Scenario 1 and at 3% under Scenario 2 for 30 years. The net present values relating to ope rations in US and outsourcing to India under the two scenarios are given below. Operations in US Outsourcing to India Scenario 1 (20 years & Interest @ 5%) 2,729,224 2,909,741 Scenario 2 (30 years & Interest @ 3%) 4,292,497 4,126,214 It could be observed that under Scenarios 1, outsourcing appears to be not attractive. However, under Scenario 2 outsourcing to India is beneficial. The parameters adopted under Scenario 2 are applied for 20 years time horizon for the purpose of comparison (Scenario 3) as below. Scenario 3 (20 years & Interest @ 3%) 3,258,167 3,417,476 Outsourcing is not attractive under Scenario 3. In the case of Scenario 2, the reduction in cost through outsourcing is negligible considering the longer time horizon. The changes in Scenario 2 compared to Scenario 1 are analyzed to understand their impact on the outsourcing decision. Also, the recommendations are given after careful evaluation of the impact of the various important determinants involved in outsourcing de cision. Recommendations Outsourcing under Scenario 1 does not result in cost savings in view of the initial investment outlay required to be made. The changes introduced under Scenario 2 also do not make the outsourcing decision attractive. Therefore, based on a careful analysis from different perspectives, outsourcing is not recommended due to the reasons given. However, outsourcing under S