Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Case Study- Malden Mills Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Case Study- Malden Mills - Essay Example The $25 million payment in payroll was bad for the company because it forced the firm to pay additional debt in the long run which raised the fixed costs of the company (Fina-lib, 2011). A good aspect about the decision was that that company built a reputation with the government, private industry, and general public that helped the company in the future land a $19 million U.S Department of Defense manufacturing apparel contract. My decision after the fire would have been either to retire or to move the operations to a foreign country that offered lower operating costs. Feuerstein did not consider the implications of the potential of losing a lot of customers after the fire. Many of the customers that left could not be recovered because they entered into contractual obligations with other manufacturers. If one of the vision’s of the company was to keep the operation in America I would have followed the firm’s vision, but the operation would have been reopened at a smaller scale through the implementation of a downsizing initiative. The firm would have lost between 20-40% of its employees and under no circumstance would I have turned the firm into a social agency by paying free salaries from the money that should have been used to reconstruct the business. Feuersteins philosophy of human resources was that the employees of the company were the most valuable asset the firm had. Retaining and developing human capital was a top priority of the firm. The company had a human resource philosophy that is aligned with the Japanese philosophy of lifetime employment. Feuerstein’s believed that the well being of the employees was his responsibility. 4. Before the fire, Malden Mills was a privately held company, owned by Feuerstein. After the fire, Feuerstein had to borrow money from different creditors in order to rebuild his business. Please answer the following: The difference between a privately owned company and a publicly owned

Monday, October 28, 2019

The Origin of Theatre Essay Example for Free

The Origin of Theatre Essay â€Å"It is unlikely that anyone will ever know just how theatre emerged† (Grose Kenworthy, 1985: 3). Though there is little certain evidence, strong indications, scattered throughout our history, point to theatre finding its origins in the ancient rituals of shamanism. One might argue that theatre finds its origins quite clearly in ancient Greek theatre seeing as they have many written and still surviving plays and strong standing theatres, but George Freedley (1941) would argue otherwise. The oldest records of plays, stage directions and possibly even scripts are found not in ancient Greece but in Egypt, and they date back till as early as 4000 B. C. in examples of drama such as the Pyramid Texts (Freedley, 1941: 2). We can even directly link Egyptian and Greek performance by noting that a historian of the theatre, Herodotus, recorded â€Å"the religious festivals and the origin of the worship of Dionysos(sic) which was later to be transferred to the dramatic festivals in Greece† (Freedley, 1941: 1). This suggests that theatre as we know it actually finds its roots in ancient Egyptian festivals and dramas preformed in celebration of the gods. A common element seen in both Egyptian and Greek culture, be it on stage or not, is the ritualistic nature of their performances. This fact suggests that the origin of their version of performance and theatre is found in ritual and its significant role in society. â€Å" the earliest information about the presence of such drama comes from the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean, most notably Egypt† (Grose Kenworthy, 1985: 6). As the quote suggests, ritual as a means of drama is found all over the world, but clearly not in the same form as ancient Greek and Egyptian theatre. Therefore, one must look for other examples of ritualistic practises and performance in the world that predate even these ancient cultures. Left is but one known possible source from which theatre may have evolved; shamanism. To add, there are many similarities between recorded and modern theatre, and shamanistic ritual and the belief itself. Firstly, the definition of  Shamanism is: Shamanism can be defined as a family of traditions whose practitioners focus on voluntarily entering altered states of consciousness in which they experience themselves or their spirit(s), travelling to other realms at will, and interacting with other entities in order to serve their community (Walsh, 1990: 15). Further more, it is also important to note that shamanism is not a religion which adheres to specific rules of practise, it is rather a method used to interact with the spirit world (Harner, cited in Walsh, 1982: 12). For this reason we can at least theorise that shamanism and its traits, however few in common, may be the inspiration for later religious and/or non-religious beliefs and customs involving forms of theatre and performance. Greek theatre for example shares many similar traits with shamanism as seen in the following quote: In all three types of drama, tragedy, satyr plays and comedy, the actors were heavily disguised, much more than in the modern theatre. This was due not only to the fact that the female roles were played by men, but ultimately had its roots in religion. A complete disguise was the external sign that the actor had given up his own identity in honour of the god, in order to let another being speak and act through him. Dionysus, for whom the dramas were preformed, was the god of ecstasy. The word á ¼â€ÃŽ ºÃÆ'Ï„Î ±ÃÆ'ÃŽ ¹Ãâ€š means ‘standing outside oneself’; in other words the renunciation of individuality. An important medium for this in all three drama types was the mask. Simon, 1972: 10) When compared to shamanism we see that, as in ancient Greek theatre, the use of attire other than the common dress of the shaman was thought to be essential in the rituals they preformed. Whether the ritualistic costume is extreme clothing or even ritualistic nudity (as in the case of the Eskimo shamans), the important point is that whilst a shaman is wearing his everyday clothing, the experience will not take p lace (Eliade, 1964: 146). We also see that the trance-like state achieved allows for the shaman/performer to channel spirits so that they may communicate and act through him, however this does not necessarily mean that the subject is ‘possessed’. Although shamans are thought to be capable of allowing and inducing the possession of their bodies by spirits, their dealings with spirits primarily involve them ‘wielding’ the spirits with which they are dealing (Eliade, 1964: 15). Lastly, the ancient Greek dramas were performed in honour of the god Dionysus, the god of ecstasy. This is important to note as shamanistic practises are defined by the ecstatic experience a shaman induces as he engages in a trance through which his soul ‘journeys’ and leaves his body so that he may communicate with the spirits (Eliade, 1964: 15). In relation to modern theatre, shamans are known to have undergone not dissimilar training from modern day actors and performers in order to acquire many of the same abilities which are commonly used in theatrical performance. In order to induce the altered state desired shamans have been known to use techniques such as singing, dancing, and drumming (Walsh, 1990: 142). Shamans have even been described as â€Å"singers, magicians, actors and ventriloquists† (Thurn, cited in Narby Huxley, 2001: 43). Though the training a shaman endures is much more demanding and can even be physically damaging, such as when using techniques like self-induced vomiting, feigning nervous fits, and fainting (Levi-Strauss, cited in Walsh, 1972: 102-103), there is still a clear similarity in the level of discipline required of shamans and modern day performers to master their craft. The act of transformation, the ritualistic dress, the rigorous training, and the natural skill required to become a shaman are all traits which we today link to theatre and what is required of its performers, providing a strong indication that shamanism is indeed where it all started. Trying to search further back than this leaves one with little more to work with than what one might all ‘educated guesses’ as to what may have sparked its creation. A popular theory is that theatrical actions were the means by which we communicated before language had sufficiently developed as to convey detailed messages to one-another. As language became a human tool, early nomadic societies were still concerned with the needs of survival. Theatrical elements entered into the conveying of these needs among members of the group itself (Grose Kenworthy, 1985: 4). This theory can of course not be tested or proven, but nor can it be isproven, and therefore it holds weight relative to the view point of the researcher. The origins of theatre are hard to trace, as the pieces evidence to suggest where it truly came from are few and far between. However, based on accounts which have survived through history such as those mentioned above, and the clear similarities between Shamanism, shamanistic ritual and the theatre throughout history, it becomes clear that Shamanism is the most likely origin of theatre as we know it today.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Our Prison System Sucks :: essays research papers

Our Prison System Sucks Good afternoon ****** and fellow class mates. To many of you, the word prison might frighten you. To some, you welcome the idea of prison. To others, well, you just don't care. Well I am for the idea of prison, but I don't support the way our prisons in north america are being run. These people deserved to be punished! I don't want them to waste our money, get "paid" for television interviews, book rights and all the other goodies that come from doing a crime. And then slapped on the hand saying: "You be a good boy/girl now" and sent them off to a place we call prison, but in reality, some of the prisoners, find prison to be just like a strict camp. I have personally talked to some people who had gotten out of prison a few weeks prior to our talk, and they where telling me how they learned how to make certain crafts, learn how to sow, and many other things. To me, that sounds awfully like a camp I was made to go to when I was young. Some people in prison even have television, others treat it like a hotel. This disgusts me! This doesn't sound at all like a prison. A prison is a place where people are supposed to be punished. Not treated like guests. There is a fin line between being punished and being over punished however. I'm not saying that each person should be beaten daily, or made to stay in a cell by themselves with no one to talk to for an eternity. The person should be punished according to the crime. "An eye for an eye." This brings me to the subject of capital punishment. I'm sure some of you are disgusted by the word, but I am not. I am disgusted with the fact that it is not here in Canada. I believe that for major crimes, such as that of Paul Bernardo certainly deserve the death penalty. If someone can go out and kill dozens of children, or adults. They surely have the guts to go though with the end of their lives. The amount of grief a family has to suffer when a loved one is lost is tremendous, and to have to go through life worrying weather or not you safe because your afraid the killer will get out of jail with good behavior.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Programmed costs

The following definition of terms with corresponding examples will help us fully understand the meaning of costs. A cost may be broadly defined as being the sacrifice required to obtain a given object or objective. If costs are to be identified with some relevant unit, such as a department, product line or given amount of service, it is necessary to determine how costs can be expected to behave under different conditions. For example, which costs can be expected to remain constant when there are increases or decreases in the amount of work done?Also, which costs increase as more work is performed? If costs are to be estimated and controlled properly, it is necessary to know whether or not the cost can be expected to change under given conditions and, if so, by what amount. In accounting, fixed costs refer to the costs that do not change in total amount with changes in volume of output or activity over an established or relevant range. Such items as salary of plant of a plant superint endent, depreciation, insurance, taxes, and rent usually remain the same regardless of whether the plant is above or below its normal operating capacity.However, a fixed cost, like any cost, is subject to certain variations. Rent may increase or insurance rates go up, but these changes are caused by factors independent of the firm’s operating level. Fixed costs are sometimes classified as being either committed costs or programmed costs. Management, in making long-range decisions, may commit a company to a cost pattern that extends several years in the future. For example, when a building is acquired, future years have to absorb the depreciation cost and the related property tax, insurance, repairs, and maintenance.These fixed costs are committed costs. Programmed costs, also referred to as managed costs or discretionary costs, are determined as a part of general management policy. A budget for product research and development, for example, may be established each year; or su pervisory salaries are set each year by management decisions. These costs are established at a certain fixed amount, but the amount is determined by management. Variable costs are costs that vary in direct proportion, or in a one-to-one relationship, to changes in productive output or activity.For example, direct material cost is usually a variable cost with each unit manufactured requiring a certain quantity of material. Thus, the materials cost changes in direct proportion to the number of units manufactured. Irrelevant cost is a cost that will not be changed by a decision. Because an irrelevant cost will not be affected, it may be disregarded in the decision-making process. The cost may be variable cost or a fixed cost . The important point is that the cost is not changed by the decision.If the decision involves the production of more units of product, variable are increased and are not irrelevant costs. On the other hand, if no change in productive output or hours of activity is involved in the decision, the variable cost may not be affected, in which case they are disregarded with respect to the decision. Costs can also be classified as being direct or indirect with respect to an activity, a department, or a product. The distinction depends upon whether or not the cost can be identified with the activity or other relevant unit without allocation.A cost such as the plant superintendent’s salary can be readily identified with the plant and hence is a direct cost of the plant. However, it is an indirect cost of any department within the plant or of any line of product manufactured. The plant superintendent’s salary cannot be identified with any unit within the plant except by allocation. A sunk cost is a cost that has already been incurred in the past whose total will not be affected by any decision made now or in the future.Example, an individual may regret having made a purchase but, after the purchase have been made, cannot avoid the cost by taking subsequent action. Perhaps the property can be sold, in which case the cost of the property is matched against the proceeds from the sale in the determination of gain or loss. Or the person may decide to keep the property, in which case the cost is matched against revenue over the time that it is used in operations. In any event, the cost has been incurred and cannot be avoided.It is sunk cost with respect to present and future decisions. Another important aspect of cost to be considered is the distinction between cost that can be controlled by a given person and those that cannot be controlled by that person. Cost are incurred upon the authorization of some member of the management group. If a manager is responsible for a given cost, that cost is said to be controllable with respect to that person. If the manager does not authorize that cost, the cost is uncontrollable with respect to that manager.For example, top management can increase or decrease executive salaries and c an initiate or abandon major projects. At intermediate or at lower management levels, such cost are beyond their authority and are uncontrollable. Costs that can be authorized at a certain managerial level are said to be controllable at that level. REFERENCES : Blocher, E†¦ et al. (2005). Cost Management: A strategic emphasis. Boston : Mcgraw-Hill/ Irwin. Edmonds T†¦et al. (2006). Fundamental managerial accounting concepts. (3rd ed). New York: Mcgraw-Hill/ Irwin.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Nursing as a Profession

Nursing as a Profession The Purpose of this paper is to discuss whether nursing is a profession based on Pavalko’s eight dimensions describing a profession. Firstly, we must understand the definition of a profession before one can accurately judge the validation of the nursing profession. According to Webster dictionary, the definition of a profession is â€Å"a calling requiring specialized knowledge and often long academic preparation† (Webster dictionary, 2008).The nursing profession is one that needs specialized knowledge and training. It also applies to an occupation that requires formal education or qualification. The nursing field includes a set of skills that combines flexibility, creativity, knowledge and communication that are learnt in a formal setting. As we analyze Pavalko’s eight dimensions describing a profession, we will incorporate it into the nursing profession to justify or disprove if nursing is truly a profession. A profession has relevance t o social values.The nursing profession is rooted in its ability to serve all people with their acquired skills. The nursing profession has the power to make a huge difference in today’s health care system. They advocate for the individuals and focuses not only on the treatment component of an individual, but also on prevention and health promotion. They also seek for the protecting of human and legal rights and the securing of adequate care based on the notion that the patient has the right to make informed decisions about their health.According to nursing standards (2010) â€Å"people value nurses but do not understand how complex the profession has become and how key nurses are to the health care. Nurses are devoted to patient care and community involvement as a whole. The nursing profession provides various activities in the community as a whole such as volunteering for health – related activities such as screening, blood drives and educational programs. They serve as role models for health practices and healthy lifestyles. With these given attributes I believe the nursing rofession has relevance to social values. A profession has a training or educational period. There are various education preparations for the nursing practice and it various based on the location, length of time, course work, clinical component, advance educational opportunities, and competencies on graduation. The three main type of educational programs that lead to licensure as an RN includes the diploma, associate degree, and baccalaureate programs. The diploma requires a basic nursing education in a 3-year, hospital based diploma school of nursing.The Associate degree nursing (ADN), based on a research project carried out by Dr Mildred Montag in the 1950s, at the time there was a shortage of nurses, and the project was created to meet the needs of society by preparing nurses in less time than was required in diploma program (Taylor, Lillis, Lemone and Lynn, 2008). The B achelor of Science in nursing (BSN) is geared towards building on a general educational base, with concentration on nursing at the upper level. All graduates of these programs are mandated to take an NCLEX-RN examination set by the board of nursing.It is much different from nursing school exams which are knowledge based. The NCLEX-RN exams are application based which test one’s ability to be able to think critically as to make nursing judgments. The nursing profession incorporates specialized skill and application of knowledge based on theory and clinical practice components. It is also an evidence based practice based on research and not just intuition. Given these criteria, I believe the nursing field qualifies as a profession because of the training and educational period.Elements of self-motivation address the way in which the profession serves the patient or family and larger social system. The American Nurses Association (ANA) has been involved in advocating for health care reforms for many years, in order to guarantee high-quality health care for all. Today, with the increase cost of health care, under insured and uninsured individual there has been disparities in the quality and health care for individuals. The ANA saw the efforts of many registered nurses come to fruition, culminating in President Obama’s signing of H.R. 4872, â€Å"The Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010† (McNamara, 2010). This reform allows for greater protection against losing and denial of health care coverage, and it also allows for better access to primary care, wellness and prevention programs which will keep the patient healthier. This reform serves as a significant victory for the patient that the nursing profession serves. The ANA continues to be an advocate for building an affordable health care system that meets the needs of everyone (McNamara, 2010).In world where nurses are under pressure to deliver production-line care , it expresses the value of the â€Å"soft† aspect of caring that affect wellbeing (Wright, 2009). This attribute proves that the nursing profession is a profession that serves the patient and the larger social system. A profession has a code of ethics. Professional ethics and codes of ethics are the primary means for expressing the values and regulating the conduct of professionals in relation to their clients (Liaschenko, Peter, 2004). The ANA house of delegate adopted and first published the nursing code of ethics in the 1950’s.It has then been altered and revised to meet the changes in the profession and in society. The â€Å"Code† is the foundation upon which registered nurses provide care, it provides a framework for decision-making and basically guides the action of the registered nurse (Rafferty, 2010). It is a non-negotiable ethical standard that expresses the nurse’s own understanding of commitment to the society. The nursing profession qualifie s as a profession because it has a code of standard that guides its existence. A professional has a commitment to a lifelong work.The term nursing is derived from the word nurse, which means one that nourishes, foster, protect the sick, injured and restore health. The nursing profession is considered a career and not a job which involves commitment, promotes growth and increases various levels of responsibilities. The profession provides gratification for the individual’s personal accomplishment rather than entirely from a paycheck. The nursing profession has four main aims that define it. They aim to promote health, prevent illness, restore health, and facilitate coping with disability or death.The nurses can successfully achieve these aims through acquired knowledge, skills and critical thinking in order to give care in a variety of traditional and expanding nursing roles (Taylor, Lillis, Lemone and Lynn, 2008). The nursing profession is a profession that has a commitment t o a lifelong work. Members control their profession. The nursing profession is autonomous as the nursing board in each state has set up rules and guidelines that nurses are required to adhere strictly (Orem, 2008). There are numerous professional organization that set standards for the nursing practice and education.These entities are set up to help maintain the code of ethics that guides the nursing profession. The registered nurses work under professional and legislative control. The state board of each state set practice act for the registered nurse. These organizations helps to maintain the code of ethics, promote the registered nurse profession to the public, advocate for both the patient and other members of the organization and help to set a standard of practice for the profession. It also serves as a platform where one’s voice can be heard.Organizations such as the American Nurses Association (ANA), The American Association of Critical-care nurses (AACN), The National League for Nursing (NLN), The National Student Nurse’s Association (NSNA) and the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA ) are just a few of the professional organization that plays a significant role in empowering nurses in the nursing profession and also helping to facilitate network. They educate its members to incorporate client interaction, personal interaction with the public, public speaking and community activities and participation in political activities to be effective in the field of nursing.Overall, I believe the nursing profession qualifies as a profession because it has members that control the profession. A Profession has theoretical framework on which professional practice is based. The nursing field has always been evidence based. The first nursing theory was born in the 1950’s. In 1952, Dr. Hildegard Peplau published a nursing model that described the importance of the â€Å"therapeutic relationship† in health and wellness (Zerwekh and Clabo rn, 2009). Thereafter, other nursing theorist such as Martha Rogers, Dorothy Johnson, Nola Pender, Lydia hall, sister Callista Roy, Dorothea Orem, and BettyNeuman have contributed to theory based nursing. The Theory-based nursing is geared towards a common goal with the ultimate outcome resulting in improved patient care. It provides rational and knowledgeable reasons for nursing actions, based on organized written description of what nursing is and what nurses do (Taylor, Lillis, Lemone and Lynn, 2008). Members of a profession have a common identity and a distinctive subculture. In the past, nurses have been identified by the white gown, shoe, cap and pin. They were identified mostly by how they look instead of what they did.The modern-day trend emphasizes that it is not what is worn but what is done that reflects one’s role in the nursing profession (Zerwekh and Claborn, 2009). The nursing profession has a distinctive subculture that is identifiable. These include affiliati on with alumni association, student nurses association, and nursing honor societies or clubs. Involvements in such organization provides for social interaction and networking in later years. The BSN nurse plays a variety of roles in relation to patient care such as being a caregiver, teacher, advocate, manager, colleague and expert.The role of the caregiver is the primary role of a nurse which includes promoting wellness through activities that prevent illness, restore health, function as a nurturer, comforter and provider, provide direct, promote comfort of client and showing concern for client welfare and acceptance of the client as an individual. As a teacher, the BSN nurse must use his or her communication skills to implement, asses, evaluate and execute individual teaching plan to meet the learning needs of the patient and the family (Zerwekh and Claborn, 2009).The role of the nurse as an advocate involves choosing the best plan of action on behalf of the client by making sure that their needs are met and protecting their human and legal right. They also provide detailed and understandable explanation and information to support the client’s decision. The nurse as a manager helps to make decisions, plan, instruct, evaluate care, and coordinate activities and representation of the staff and health care facilities as needed. The role of a colleague is an important role in the nursing field.It deals with effective communication and conflict management amongst peers working towards a purposeful goal to provide adequate care for the client and other synergy among other health care professionals. The nurse as an expert specializes in a specific area of practice acquired through advanced formal or informal education. They include researchers, clinician, educators, theorist and leaders within the nursing profession. They share information with other nurses through mentoring, continuing-education programs, writing articles and guest-speaking.Overall, the bsn nurse must embrace the roles that provide a wealth of knowledge about the ever evolving field of nursing. In conclusion, the nursing profession is definitely a profession based on Pavalko’s eight dimensions describing a profession. It has relevance to social values, requires training or educational period, self motivating to serve the patient and their family and the larger social system, guided by a code of ethics, commitment to a lifelong work, members control their profession, has a theoretical framework and have a common identity and a distinctive subculture.It is a true profession that is considered the largest and most powerful of all the health care professionals. References Ajiboye, Peace. (2010). Profession's popular image. Nursing Standard, 24(25), 14. Liaschenko, J, ;amp; Peter, E. (2004). Nursing ethics and conceptualization of nursing: profession, practice and work. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 46(5), 488-95. McNamara, M. (2010, March 30). Ana's nurses’ e fforts pay off in historic health care bill signing. American Nurses Association, Retrieved from www. nursingworld. rg Orem, O. (2008, February 8). â€Å"What’s in a name? † Chinese Medicine Therapy, Retrieved fromhttp://www. chinesemedicinetherapy. com/nursing. Taylor, C, Lillis, C. , LeMone, P. & Lynn, P. (2008). Fundamentals of Nursing: The Art & Science of Nursing Care (6th ed. ). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins. Wright, Steven. (2009). The Ethics of care. Nursing standards, 24(8), 26-27. Zerwekh, J. , & Clayborn, J. (2009). Nursing today transition and trends (6th ed. ). St. Lois: Missouri. Saunders Elsevier.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Free Essays on Matchpaper

Matches: Made by an Illegal Alien Getting Paid a Dollar an Hour to Support His Family of 6 To a non-earth inhabitant, one might thinks it was a simple noisemaker. But upon closer inspection you would find that the puzzle like box opens and contains a very flammable material. The red coloration of the box might bring them to this conclusion or they may discover you can strike these sticks on the side and they combust. However I know it’s a box of matches, I know how the box opens and I know how to light them. The irony of the box is we humans store our flammable materials in flammable materials. Any Alien might think that funny, however and illegal alien probably wouldn’t care. All he cares about is making these match boxes so he can get his pay check and take care of his family. He might think its funny that the box says made in America, when in fact he knows the cardboard that they use to make the box is actually from China, the ink from Indonesia, and the matches from Mexico. It would make more sense to him if the box was in Spanish and read assemb led in America, or said globally produced. I would also like to point out the fact that the company that makes these boxes, Diamond Brands Incorporated clearly wasn’t thinking when they made the match striking design on the side. Diamond used a hexagon pattern when it would have made a little more sense for them to use a â€Å"Diamond† pattern. Are Americans really so stupid that they actually have to print, KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN, or is Diamond Brand Incorporated so worried that they will get sued if some small child gets a hold of these and sets his parents house on fire. If I was an outsider and had observed just how much Americans in particular love to sue any one or any company just because they were to stupid to put the matched in the cabinet where their kid couldn’t reach them, then I’d be pretty surprised. Well, what about 32 count printed on the front o... Free Essays on Matchpaper Free Essays on Matchpaper Matches: Made by an Illegal Alien Getting Paid a Dollar an Hour to Support His Family of 6 To a non-earth inhabitant, one might thinks it was a simple noisemaker. But upon closer inspection you would find that the puzzle like box opens and contains a very flammable material. The red coloration of the box might bring them to this conclusion or they may discover you can strike these sticks on the side and they combust. However I know it’s a box of matches, I know how the box opens and I know how to light them. The irony of the box is we humans store our flammable materials in flammable materials. Any Alien might think that funny, however and illegal alien probably wouldn’t care. All he cares about is making these match boxes so he can get his pay check and take care of his family. He might think its funny that the box says made in America, when in fact he knows the cardboard that they use to make the box is actually from China, the ink from Indonesia, and the matches from Mexico. It would make more sense to him if the box was in Spanish and read assemb led in America, or said globally produced. I would also like to point out the fact that the company that makes these boxes, Diamond Brands Incorporated clearly wasn’t thinking when they made the match striking design on the side. Diamond used a hexagon pattern when it would have made a little more sense for them to use a â€Å"Diamond† pattern. Are Americans really so stupid that they actually have to print, KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN, or is Diamond Brand Incorporated so worried that they will get sued if some small child gets a hold of these and sets his parents house on fire. If I was an outsider and had observed just how much Americans in particular love to sue any one or any company just because they were to stupid to put the matched in the cabinet where their kid couldn’t reach them, then I’d be pretty surprised. Well, what about 32 count printed on the front o...

Monday, October 21, 2019

What Teachers Need to Know About Being a Club Sponsor

What Teachers Need to Know About Being a Club Sponsor Almost every teacher will be approached at some point and asked to sponsor a club. They might be asked by an administrator, their fellow teachers, or the students themselves. Being a club sponsor is full of many rewards. However, before you jump in feet first you should consider exactly what it is you are getting involved in. Student Club Sponsorship Takes Time While this might seem obvious, it is important that you understand the time commitment involved in sponsoring a student club. First, realize that all clubs are not equal. Each club will require work but some require more work than others. For example, a student club devoted to surfing or chess will probably not take as much time as a service club, especially one with a large number of members. Service clubs such as Key Club or the National Honor Society require numerous service projects that are labor intensive on the part of the sponsor. Any extracurricular club activities will require adult coordination and supervision. In order to gauge how much time you will need to set aside for club sponsorship, talk with teachers who have previously sponsored that particular club. If possible, look at the club by-laws and previous year student events. If you feel that the club is too much to take on due to the time commitment you can either choose to decline the invitation or find a co-sponsor for the club. However, if you do choose a co-sponsor, make sure you pick someone you feel will take on 50% of the time commitment. Dealing With Students Within the Club A student club will typically hold an election in which students are chosen to be the president, vice-president, treasurer, and secretary of the club. You should understand that these are the students with whom you will be working the closest. In fact, if the right individuals are chosen for the job, your role will be much simpler. Realize, however, that there might be students involved in the club who do not participate fully. This can lead to problems. For example, if your club has organized an activity and if the one student who is required to bring the drinks does not show, then you will probably be making a quick run to the store and spending your own money to buy the drinks. Money and Dues Sponsoring a student club also means that you will most probably be dealing with dues and monies collected from the students. Before you even begin the process, make sure that you have not only built up a positive relationship with the schools bookkeeper but also that you understand the exact process for collecting money. While there will be a treasurer, as the adult you will be responsible for making sure that the money is treated responsibly. In the end, you will be held responsible if money is missing. School Club Sponsorship Can Be Fun This article was not meant to scare you away from being a club sponsor. Instead, realize that there are many rewards for those willing to put in the time. You will build a stronger relationship with students within the club. You will also learn a lot about the students, more than you can possibly learn while in the classroom setting. Finally, you will have the reward of helping enrich students lives through extracurricular activities.

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Avocado History, Domestication, and Spread

Avocado History, Domestication, and Spread Avocado (Persea americana) is one of the earliest fruits consumed in Mesoamerica and one of the first trees domesticated in the Neotropics. The word avocado derives from the language spoken by the Aztecs (Nahuatl)  who called the tree ahoacaquahuitl  and its fruit ahuacatl; the Spanish called it aguacate. The oldest evidence for avocado consumption dates back almost 10,000 years in Puebla state of central Mexico, at the site of Coxcatlan. There, and in other cave environments in the Tehuacan and Oaxaca valleys, archaeologists found that over time, avocado seeds grew larger. Based on that, the avocado is considered to have been domesticated in the region by between 4000-2800 BC. Avocado Biology The Persea genus has twelve species, most of which produce inedible fruits: P. americana is the best known of the edible species. In its natural habitat, P. americana grows to between 10-12 meters (33-40 feet) high, and it has lateral roots; smooth leathery, deep green leaves; and symmetrical yellow-green flowers. The fruits are variously shaped, from pear-shaped through oval to globular or elliptic-oblong. The peel color of the ripe fruit varies from green to dark purple to black. The wild progenitor of all three varieties was a polymorphic tree species that spanned a broad geographical area from the eastern and central highlands of Mexico through Guatemala to the Pacific coast of Central America. The avocado should really be considered as semi-domesticated: Mesoamericans didnt construct orchards but rather brought a few wild trees into residential garden plots and tended them there. Ancient Varieties Three varieties of avocado were created separately in three different locations in Central America. They were recognized and reported in surviving Mesoamerican codexes, with the most detail appearing in the Aztec Florentine Codex. Some scholars believe these varieties of avocados were all created in the 16th century: but the evidence is inconclusive at best. Mexican avocados (P. americana var. drymifolia, called the ​aoacatl in the Aztec language), originated in central Mexico and are adapted to the tropical highlands, with relatively good tolerance to cold and small fruits that are covered by a thin, purple-black skin.Guatemalan avocados, (P. americana var. guatemalensis, quilaoacatl) are from southern Mexico or Guatemala. They are similar in shape and size to the Mexican but have a more ovoid and lighter-colored seed. Guatemalan avocados are adapted to medium elevations in the tropics, are somewhat cold-tolerant, and have a thick, tough skin.West Indian avocados (P. americana var. americana, tlacacolaocatl), despite their name, are not from the West Indies at all, but rather were developed in the Maya lowlands of central America. They are the largest of the avocado varieties and are adapted to lowland humid tropics and tolerant of high levels of salt and chlorosis (plant nutrient deficiencies). The West Indian avocado fruit is r ound to pear shape, has a smooth easy-to-peel light green skin and abundant flesh with a slightly sweet taste. Modern Varieties There are about 30 main cultivars (and many others) of avocados in our modern markets, of which the best known include the Anaheim and Bacon (which are derived almost entirely from Guatemalan avocados); Fuerte (from Mexican avocados); and Hass and Zutano (which are hybrids of Mexican and Guatemalan). Hass has the highest volume of production and Mexico is the major producer of exported avocados, nearly 34% of the entire global market. The major importer is the United States. Modern health measures suggest that eaten fresh, avocados are a rich source of soluble B vitamins, and of about 20 other essential vitamins and minerals. The Florentine codex reported avocados are good for a variety of ailments including dandruff, scabies, and headaches. Cultural Significance The few surviving books (codices) of the Maya and Aztec cultures, as well as oral histories from their descendants, indicate that avocados held a spiritual significance in some Mesoamerican cultures. The fourteenth month in the classic Mayan calendar is represented by the avocado glyph, pronounced Kankin. Avocados are part of the name glyph of the classic Maya city of Pusilh in Belize, known as the Kingdom of the Avocado. Avocado trees are illustrated on the Maya ruler Pacals sarcophagus at Palenque. According to Aztec myth, since avocados are shaped like testicles (the word ahuacatl also means testicle), they can transfer strength to its consumers. Ahuacatlan is an Aztec city whose name means place where the avocado abounds. Sources This glossary entry is a part of the About.com guide to Plant Domestication, and the Dictionary of Archaeology. Chen H, Morrell PL, Ashworth VETM, de la Cruz M, and Clegg MT. 2009. Tracing the Geographic Origins of Major Avocado Cultivars. Journal of Heredity 100(1):56-65. Galindo-Tovar, Marà ­a Elena. Some aspects of avocado (Persea americana Mill.) diversity and domestication in Mesoamerica. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, Volume 55, Issue 3, SpringerLink, May 2008. Galindo-Tovar ME, and Arzate-Fernndez A. 2010. West Indian avocado: where did it originate? Phyton: Revista Internacional de Botnica Experimental 79:203-207. Galindo-Tovar ME, Arzate-Fernndez AM, Ogata-Aguilar N, and Landero-Torres I. 2007. The Avocado (Persea Americana, Lauraceae) Crop in Mesoamerica: 10,000 Years of History. Harvard Papers in Botany 12(2):325-334. Landon AJ. 2009. Domestication and Significance of Persea americana, the Avocado, in Mesoamerica. Nebraska Anthropologist 24:62-79. Martinez Pacheco MM, Lopez Gomez R, Salgado Garciglia R, Raya Calderon M, and Martinez Muà ±oz RE. 2011. Folates and Persea americana Mill. (Avocado). Emirates Journal of Food and Agriculture 23(3):204-213.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Evidence based analysis of an area of professional interest and Essay

Evidence based analysis of an area of professional interest and implications for improving practice - Essay Example This is considered a relevant step since information on this can assist specific authorities, especially the health workers, in providing aid to child bearing and rearing families in every possible aspect to promote the integrity of the basic unit of the community, the family as a whole, especially the children, while practicing their profession. According to research, children who grow up with less attachment with their parents, are neglected, or even abused tend to have negative attitudes toward self, others and life, in general. These suggest the considerable influence of the parents in the current and future conduct of their children (Serketich & Dumas, 1996). Several theorists (e.g., Erik Erikson and Jean Piaget, among others), in fact, proposed that proper development in children are attained if parents or their primary caregivers are able to realize their needs in specific stages. Meaning, they are able to keep their children â€Å"safe, secure, and protected† with the right mix of â€Å"disciplining, entertaining, and teaching† and which can only be achieved once proper or good attachment with the child is maintained (Benoit, 2004, p. 541). ... d’s later social and emotional outcome.† Despite these, many question the validity of the existing claims since, according to them, the experience of child bearing and rearing is â€Å"highly individualized† and complicated to create a common ground regarding the concepts surrounding parent and child attachment (Goulet, et al., 1998). Nevertheless, the government continues to use these researches as supporting evidences to public policies such as â€Å"Every Child Matters,† the â€Å"Healthy Child Programme,† as well as the NICE Postnatal Care Guidelines. These policies provide standard procedures for related agencies to implement interventions in the provision of health care and alike to prevent the theory of the Cycle of Deprivation and promote the overall health and well-being of every member of the family, especially the children, to help them reach their full potentials and maximize these for the benefit of the general public. This paper will ex amine five research studies which tackle the importance of parent and child attachment to provide an evidence-based practice in health care. Data Collection As a review of related literature, recent research studies on parent and child attachment were searched to complete the five articles that will be subjected for analysis and examine whether findings can aid in improving practice of health care providers that will pave way to having healthier families with children reaching their fullest potentials. Using the search engines PubMed and MedlinePlus, the articles by Haight, et al., (2003) and Benoit (2004) were chosen with the titles â€Å"Understanding and Supporting Parent -- Child Relationships During Foster Care Visits: Attachment Theory and Research† and â€Å"Infant-Parent Attachment: Definition, Types, Antecedent,

Friday, October 18, 2019

How did the recent financial crisis affect Financial Markets and Essay - 1

How did the recent financial crisis affect Financial Markets and institutions - Essay Example Causes of recent crisis The most immediate cause of the credit crisis was the bursting of the US housing bubble (Almendarez , â€Å"The Financial Crisis and a Fragile Global Economy†). There was a sharp rise in the value of the real estates in several countries which included the advanced economies of the world. Various countries including the largest world economy were running high and growing â€Å"current account deficits† (Obstfeld & Rogoff, â€Å"Global Imbalances and the Financial Crisis: Products of Common Causes†). Buoyed by the booming housing market there was an excessive rise in the leverage level especially in the consumer market of Britain and US and various global financial entities. Some noted economists like Greenspan argue that global imbalances led to the financial fiasco. Again there are others like Taylor who discards this view. The progressive deregulation of the financial markets coupled with an ineffective supervisory oversight is also said to be one of the reasons that aggravated the crisis. There are contradictions regarding the link between the global financial turmoil and global imbalances. ... balances with easily available foreign money facilitated deferral of crucial policy decisions (Obstfeld & Rogoff, â€Å"Global Imbalances and the Financial Crisis: Products of Common Causes†). To make gains from the boom in the housing markets the lenders extended adjustable rate mortgages (ARM) to borrowers with a wrong credit history. All this was well as long as the Fed kept the interest rates low but with the hike in the rate of interest the borrowers were unable to meet their rising instalments resulting in delinquencies and loan foreclosures. The value of the mortgage backed securities fell sharply due to the sudden delinquencies. The investment in these securities were not limited to advanced economies rather to make gains from the housing boom the investors across the globe rushed to invest in these mortgage backed instruments. Therefore a fall in the value of these instruments sent ripples across the worldwide financial markets plummeting the global stock indices. Imp act of crisis on money and capital markets The issue of asset backed commercial paper (ABCP) peaked in July 2007 with a sharp drop in the subsequent months. The financial institutions like IKB Deutsche Industriebank AG were not able to roll over their ABCP investments. There was a sharp rise in the spread between the â€Å"ABCP rate and overnight interest swap rate† which is actually a measure of the liquidity and default risk of ABCP. The impact of the crisis was first seen in the global capital markets. In June & July 2007 there was a downgrade of the mortgage backed securities from AAA to A+. This downgrade was significantly large as the ratings downgrade normally happens in single notches. OECD labelled these ratings downgrade to be unexpected and this exposed the credit rating agencies to

Discussion 1 intercultural communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Discussion 1 intercultural communication - Essay Example Russett, Starr and Kinsella emphasized that students of world politics are better equipped than most because they are in a better position to become active citizens rather than passive objects of historical forces because they develop a good set of basic concepts and questions, a penchant for analysis, a healthy bit of skepticism on the conventional wisdom, tolerance for ambiguity, among others. (p. xv) I agree with this wholeheartedly. Studying world politics will not just keep me informed but instead it would enable me to be a learned individual in the sense that I am acquiring a broader perspective on issues as opposed to the insular mindset cultivated by the preoccupation to what is happening here in my immediate surrounding, in my own society and community. The world is vast and there are lots of ideas, point of views, opinions, alternative solutions, versions to a problem. They are waiting to be discovered and tapped and world politics is just the right discipline for me to do just that. What impact will knowledge of World Politics have on your professional career?   Knowledge, as the cliche puts it, is power. ... t would impact my career since the field can address issues about security as well as progress, order, war, justice, even the decisions concerning life and death are sufficiently covered. According to Little and Smith, each day the global politics, problems and relations are changing, and that it is always in a state of flux. (p. 1) Without the basic concepts learned from the discipline, it would be difficult to make heads or tails of issues that are important especially in decision making. World politics can enable me to make sense of the seemingly chaotic variables into coherent patterns as well as identify, learn and apply numerous theories about an issue or an area, making my analytical capabilities better than the average. I think that this skill is invaluable particularly if I pursue a career not just as a diplomat but as a politician or some work within the political arena, I would be much more equipped to survive in the field because my awareness of the international events w ould enables me to navigate a sector that is increasingly being characterized by several globalizing forces. In this context, I would become an invaluable asset as well in the economic field, even in defense. What is your metaphor?   I have always thought that THE American is like the salesman that knocks on your door, selling not just encyclopedia, but an array of wares that would put a gypsy or a tinker to shame. When the housewife opens the door and refuses the very first product shoved under her nose, a new and different ware would immediately takes its place, and another, until a sale is finally concluded. At first glance or for other people such metaphor could immediately be equated with an unscrupulous character or identity not unlike how the many American lawyers chase ambulances or

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Business - The Nature of Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Business - The Nature of Leadership - Essay Example The workplace should be meaningful that provides opportunities for all stakesholders. This meant power is distributed equitably in the business organization where the costs and benefits of doing business are shared by all. Ultimately, the vision of Christian based business should provide growth and development not only among those who are in the organization but also on the society at large. Chapter two deals with the formulation of an employment strategy that reflects Christian values that will overcome any form of injustice and discrimination. This differs from the traditional perspective of work in a way that a business run through faith views â€Å"work is a healing process† that seeks to reconcile and overcome past injustices. It affirms the diversity in the workplace and thrives on it as it looks at differences as assets rather than a liability. Part three talks about Christian leadership which is unique among different leadership styles because it focuses on servant lea dership. The overall plan or strategic plan of a business is being implemented through the use of servant leadership which inspires employees to focus on the bigger purpose of the organization. Ethics and moral leadership comes naturally which is lacking in today’s business leadership and desists from using manipulation to motivate employees and emphasizes true stewardship of a business. A management that is Christian centered is one that listens and truthful and values cultivation of communication as an essential element towards business success. While being truthful, Christian centered management is neither brash or harsh nor judgmental in conveying truths. Finally, â€Å"Business through the Eyes of Faith† translates the broader meaning of its principles into ethical practice on how it deals with its external stakeholders. It exegetes "business, as an institution, provides the opportunity to participate with God in the creation and distribution of God’s wealt h in God’s world " (pg. 195). It enforces it social contract theory to reconcile the business dilemma of making profits and calls on to exercise â€Å"its stewardship responsibility to God by managing businesses in ways that serve the needs of their communities† (pg. 208). It distinguishes what it produce by having the right criteria between wants and needs and treats the marketplace with honesty and competition where competition is viewed as a healthy competition rather than a guerilla warfare that abandons ethical propriety. Ultimately, business that is run through the eyes intends to make the world better by having a business that is less rapacious and more concerned and conscientious not only within its organization but also towards the society at large. Mere Christian Summary Clive Staples Lewis Book I. We as humans are created by some being who also dictates, through our conscience, how we  ought  to behave.   All of us are subjected of a Law of Nature whic h is present within us in a form of a conscience that provides us a common sense of what is right and what is wrong. Many of us fails to follow it because of our inordinate instinct but this Law can provide us a better instinct that will defeat our baser instincts which are often justified with our excuse of circuitous reasoning. The world is created with two opposing theories. The church posits that this Law is given to us by God through our consc

International Etiquette Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

International Etiquette Paper - Essay Example In-spite of having a well known government, the country was considered powerless during the period of 1912-1949. However, the dominance of the country in the Second World War against the Japanese smoothens the way for China to become a powerful nation. After that period, Mao Zedong, Chairman of the communist party formed PRC. Hence, with the changing time frame, the country established itself as amid the super powers of the globe (The Ohio State University, â€Å"Part 2: Themes in Chinese History†). Business in China is quite different from other nations of the globe. People in this part of the world focus more on conducting business by building effectual relationship. The people of the country provide maximum value to punctuality. Both English and Chinese languages are widely used in this nation while conducting business (The Canadian Trade Commission Service, â€Å"Business Etiquette in China†). In China, business and works are not conducted on national holidays of the nation. The regular business hours in the country ranges from 7-8 hours each day from Monday to Friday and Saturdays along with Sundays considered as off days. The standard operational hours of business comprise 08 hours to 1800 hours each day with lunch period ranging in between 1200 hours to 1400 hours (Travel China Guide, â€Å"Business Hours in China†). In order to analyze this particular section, it can be affirmed that it is quite important that people end or disconnect their phone calls politely while being in a business meeting or having an important conversation regarding business. However, maintaining contacts through emails, phones and fax is highly appreciated by business group of people in China (Travel China Guide, â€Å"Business Hours in China†). As mentioned above, business people in China values maximum punctuality especially when participating or attending in any sort of meeting. Being on time for having business related conversations or

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Business - The Nature of Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Business - The Nature of Leadership - Essay Example The workplace should be meaningful that provides opportunities for all stakesholders. This meant power is distributed equitably in the business organization where the costs and benefits of doing business are shared by all. Ultimately, the vision of Christian based business should provide growth and development not only among those who are in the organization but also on the society at large. Chapter two deals with the formulation of an employment strategy that reflects Christian values that will overcome any form of injustice and discrimination. This differs from the traditional perspective of work in a way that a business run through faith views â€Å"work is a healing process† that seeks to reconcile and overcome past injustices. It affirms the diversity in the workplace and thrives on it as it looks at differences as assets rather than a liability. Part three talks about Christian leadership which is unique among different leadership styles because it focuses on servant lea dership. The overall plan or strategic plan of a business is being implemented through the use of servant leadership which inspires employees to focus on the bigger purpose of the organization. Ethics and moral leadership comes naturally which is lacking in today’s business leadership and desists from using manipulation to motivate employees and emphasizes true stewardship of a business. A management that is Christian centered is one that listens and truthful and values cultivation of communication as an essential element towards business success. While being truthful, Christian centered management is neither brash or harsh nor judgmental in conveying truths. Finally, â€Å"Business through the Eyes of Faith† translates the broader meaning of its principles into ethical practice on how it deals with its external stakeholders. It exegetes "business, as an institution, provides the opportunity to participate with God in the creation and distribution of God’s wealt h in God’s world " (pg. 195). It enforces it social contract theory to reconcile the business dilemma of making profits and calls on to exercise â€Å"its stewardship responsibility to God by managing businesses in ways that serve the needs of their communities† (pg. 208). It distinguishes what it produce by having the right criteria between wants and needs and treats the marketplace with honesty and competition where competition is viewed as a healthy competition rather than a guerilla warfare that abandons ethical propriety. Ultimately, business that is run through the eyes intends to make the world better by having a business that is less rapacious and more concerned and conscientious not only within its organization but also towards the society at large. Mere Christian Summary Clive Staples Lewis Book I. We as humans are created by some being who also dictates, through our conscience, how we  ought  to behave.   All of us are subjected of a Law of Nature whic h is present within us in a form of a conscience that provides us a common sense of what is right and what is wrong. Many of us fails to follow it because of our inordinate instinct but this Law can provide us a better instinct that will defeat our baser instincts which are often justified with our excuse of circuitous reasoning. The world is created with two opposing theories. The church posits that this Law is given to us by God through our consc

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Labour Market Policy Write a continuous essay to answer one of the 5

Labour Market Policy Write a continuous to answer one of the 5 questions - Essay Example Estimates given shows that unemployment levels mostly stayed below the 5 percent level with coming down to nearly 1 percent during 1950. However, the level of unemployment started to rise gradually during the period of 1970 reaching to 8.5 percent during 1991. This reflects a meteoric rise in the nature of unemployment in Britain in regards to other economies of Europe. Estimates reveal that unemployment in Britain rose by 31 percent unlike a rise of only 4 percent in France during the early period of 1990. (McLaughlin, 1992, pp. 1-2) As a solution measure, the right approach to labor policy needs to be determined. It is observed that the nature of unemployment varies along different countries around the world depending on various factors. Factors, which are mainly observed to contribute to the unemployment growth after the 1970 period, can be listed as the different set of ideologies regarding management of wage structure, the pattern of labor elasticity and labor potential of different countries. Differences in the degree of labor potential in the different countries owe its occurrence due to the promotion of open-market economy. Promotion of the open-market economy led to the use of use of exchange rates to different regions of the market. This is taken to be a potential reason for the differences in labor potential in different market economies around the world. The above fact can also be demonstrated in respect of the traded goods area of the German Republic. It is found that the growth in production in the traded goods section of the German economy surpasses the productivity growth in li ke sector in Britain. The above fact owes its effects from two reasons. The first reason that can be attributed to the above cause is the rise in wages in the traded sector in Germany in comparison with no such wage rise in Britain’s traded goods sector.

Monday, October 14, 2019

Affirmative Action is Reverse Discrimination Essay Example for Free

Affirmative Action is Reverse Discrimination Essay Racial discrimination has long been an issue especially in the United States which is considered as a melting pot of different people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Black people have experienced extreme even radical form of discrimination for centuries, but now, the black people found an ally in the affirmative action policy. This policy, after some time of implementation sparked debate since some people, even the blacks themselves, say that giving racial preferences is never a good thing. The policy has affected admission aspects in schools and employment in jobs. Two job applicants, a white male and a black male, even with the same qualifications, the black male will likely get the job because of racial preference provided by affirmative action. Black people are being given a definite advantage and white people would find this an unfair treatment. The same goes for school admission policies where minorities are being given a higher preference over white people in order to maintain a diverse student body. Thesis Affirmative action laws were made to eliminate or reduce discriminatory acts but there are numerous claims that these laws have reversed the tide. Affirmative actions laws may no longer be considered fair in this current setting since it only results in reverse discrimination and it is no longer an effective means of providing opportunities for minority groups. This reverse discrimination is constituted by racial preferences for blacks. This racial preference clouds the judgment of many educational institutions and employers since racial background is being analyzed instead of just the plain qualifications which some white people might find inappropriate. Affirmative action was envisioned to put an end to racial discrimination especially against black people. Under this policy, black people were given higher preferences in job and in admission policies in universities. This is however not an answer to eliminating discrimination. Instead of giving higher preferences to those people who are being discriminated such as the black people, a better alternative solution to racial discrimination would be to find steps to eliminate discriminatory acts and leveling the field so that all people from different ethnic backgrounds will be presented with equal opportunities. Since the black people are being given higher preferences, this may appear as a form of discrimination against white people. Affirmative action, instead of fulfilling its intention of eliminating discrimination, rather contributes to it. One of the major focuses of the affirmative action debate is its inclusion in university admission policies which show higher preferences for black applicants. Many people have been calling for the ban of the use of affirmative action in the public arena. Voters in California, Washington and Michigan have already submitted amendments to their state constitutions that would prohibit the use of affirmative action in the public setting (Prince Ryan, 2007). According to actor and columnist Joseph Phillips, affirmative action is not an issue of nondiscrimination, it is now about racial preferences. He emphasized on the point that racial preferences is not an effective way of fighting racism, instead, it brings about negative stereotypes especially in the educational sector wherein it pertains to a person’s intellectual capacity and academic capabilities (Prince Ryan, 2007). In a Supreme Court ruling in 2003 which involves the University of Michigan which makes use of racial preferences in its admission policies, the court highlighted the goal of having a diverse student body which is brought about by affirmative action but critics say that this decision by the court would only spark more law suits and that the critics of affirmative action would continue to put pressure on the Department of Education to discontinue the use of the policy (Marklein, 2003). Evidences have been presented regarding the effects of affirmative action; however, these evidences always seem imperfect and ambiguous. A review of the policy during the Clinton administration indicated that active federal enforcement of the policy in the 1970s resulted in government contractors moderately increasing the hiring of minority workers. Studies have indicated that there is only a meager increase in the employment of black males. Employment share of black males in contractor firms in 1974 was 5. 8 percent and this figure only increased to 6. 7 percent in 1980. On the other hand, the increase in non-contractor firms was from 5. 3 percent to 5. 9 percent. Also, a substantial number of black government employees got their jobs or promotion to managerial rank because of affirmative action even if qualifications are questionable (Galston). In the education sector, it was only during the height of the affirmative action policy that the enrollment of black people was on a steady rise. From only 4. 9 percent in 1955, black enrollment went up to 7. 8 percent in 1970. The figure further increased to 9. 1 percent in 1980 and 11. 3 percent in 1990. On the other hand, according to a report from the Census Bureau, Hispanics holding bachelors degrees or other advanced degrees went up to 9 percent in 1994 from only 5 percent in 1970 while the rate for blacks is 12. 9 percent from 4. 5 percent (Galston). Another issue that rises with affirmative action is that minority groups may gain an image of inferiority since the whites may think that a black student was able to enter the university or a black person is able to get a job only because of affirmative action even if the black person has all the necessary qualifications (Hoffman). Overall, the past 30 years has been fruitful for the black people as they generally lived better lives with better education and income all because of racial preferences. This has resulted into what Seymour Martin Lipset classifies as a â€Å"growing differentiation† within the community of black people from the growing black middle class to the ghetto poor. The affirmative action program would work better if it would remove barriers for those who have the credentials to succeed instead of giving them a definite advantage in admissions. Anti-Thesis Supporters of affirmative action make use of the argument that it is necessary for the people compensate for years of discriminations against blacks. Many black people approve of affirmative action because it provides recompense against the discrimination that they have experienced and endured in the past but not all black people share this kind of insight. Steele said that, theoretically, affirmative action is in moral symmetry with fairness. She described the policy as reformist and corrective as well as repentant and redemptive. The country is trying to make up for its sins and wants to correct it but black people will lose more than what they will gain from the policy (Steele). Some also argue that it is difficult to remove stereotyping and discrimination without the policy and that it is needed to maintain diversity. Another argument states that affirmative action should continue because racism still exists in this society. The argument that affirmative action is needed for the white people to compensate for the discrimination against blacks is shrouded in hatred and appears as a form of retaliation against the white people. However, retaliation will not improve the situation. It might even spark more discrimination against black people if affirmative action policies continue to be implemented and this could lead to more hatred and discrimination against the minority groups. According to Kimberle Crenshaw, a professor of law at the University of California, affirmative actions removes the obstacles so that people from the minority groups can qualify and compete. With affirmative action, blacks, Hispanics and other minority group find it easier to get a job because of racial preferences geared toward these minorities (Prince Ryan, 2007). Affirmative action exists because there is discrimination, if there is no discriminations, affirmative action would not be needed in this society. The fact that affirmative action exists is because there is still discrimination and it is still needed in the current setting. Those who believe that affirmative action is in conflict with their interest must be made to see what benefits it provides to the society. Racism is still dominant in the United States which is why affirmative action must stay (Noguera, 1996). According to Linda Chavez, founder and president of the Center for Equal Opportunity, the Michigan University case speaks of admission and scholarship programs for minority groups which make use of substantially different standards and must include the racial background. People against the policy said that they will take their case to the ballots but the court has already made it clear that it is the universitys prerogative to include race in the admission policy to ensure the diversity of the student body (Marklein, 2003). The 2003 Supreme Court ruling allowed admission officials to consider race in the selection process. Colleges and universities have no obligation to use racial preferences but they may adopt such policies to meet a satisfactory level of student diversity. Arthur Coleman, a former official under the Department of Education said that adopting diversity is a choice and is not mandated by any law or policy. According to a survey by Public Agenda, 79 percent of Americans agreed that it is important for schools to have a diverse student body while only 54 percent approved of affirmative action programs. In a separate poll conducted by Gallup before the court handed out its ruling, only 49 percent said that they are in favor of affirmative action while 43 percent said that they are not in favor (Marklein, 2003). Synthesis Affirmative action was made to eliminate discrimination but discrimination would not likely be eliminated if the method used to eliminate it is discriminating in itself since it results in a reverse discrimination. Instead of blacks being discriminated, the white people are now the ones being discriminated because of racial preferences given to black people in school admission policies and employment opportunities. Arguing that affirmative action is fair because blacks were once discriminated to a great extent is not valid since it is only driven by hatred towards white people who were discriminating the blacks and other minorities (Steele). Also, continuing affirmative actions only causes white people to hate the blacks because of the racial preferences that they are being handed. White people who believe that they have the qualifications but are turned down while a black person gets in may think that affirmative action gave him a disadvantage and not because the black person is really qualified (Hoffman). Affirmative action will not eliminate racial discrimination but it rather contributes to it. The policy may have its benefits every now and then, but generally, it is no longer applicable in the current setting as more and more white people are feeling the negative effects of the policy. It does remove barriers so that people from minorities can compete but it comes with a price. They gain an image of inferiority because people may think that it is only because of affirmative action that they have reached a certain level of success and not because they are really qualified (Hoffman). The Supreme Court has handed out its decision in the Michigan University case and the decision maintained that the school may use the race as part of the admission policy to maintain the diversity of the student body. Even without affirmative action, colleges can use race as a basis of application to meet a desired rate of student diversity since having a diverse student body promotes a better learning environment (Marklein, 2003). Ultimately, data indicates that affirmative action is no longer effective which means that it is time to adopt an alternative policy (Galston). A better way of embracing diversity would be to encourage minorities from a young age to work for their goals and get a good education. Assisting people from poor socio-economic backgrounds to gain resources and motivation should also be done so that they will also be competent when it comes to school admission and job-seeking. This is a lot better than giving them preferential treatment because they would not be treated as inferiors (Hoffman). Conclusion To conclude, affirmative action may have been an effective way of reducing racial discrimination against minorities, but now, it is no longer applicable to be used in the current setting since it results in reverse discrimination. The white people are now put in a seat that was once held by other minorities. Affirmative action might trigger hate targeted towards the blacks and other minorities because of the reverse discrimination. The policy which gives racial preferences also connects inferiority with minority groups. A better way of eliminating discrimination is by leveling the playing field not by racial preferences but by providing equal opportunities for whites and minority groups. References Prince, Andrew Ryan, Erica. 21 November 2007. Is it Time to End Affirmative Action?. National Public Radio. Retrieved July 8, 2008 from http://www. npr. org/templates/story/story. php? storyId=16337441 Marklein, Mary Beth. 24 June 2003. Despite ruling, affirmative action debate is far fr

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Causes and Treatment Strategies

Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Causes and Treatment Strategies Pathology Acute myeloid leukemia is a disease that primarily afflicts adults. The likelihood of being diagnosed with AML increases with age; the median age of diagnosis is 65 with very few cases reported in those under the age of 40 [4]. Several risk factors have been associated with increased incidence of AML including: Li-Fraumeni disease, Klinefelter’s syndrome, radiation exposure, chemotherapy, and chemicals (benzene, herbicides, etc) (See supplementary figure S.1) [4]. However, the initiation of AML is a multistep process and can be the result many different genetic aberrations [4][5]. Therefore, the aforementioned risk factors do not account for all cases of AML [4]. Acute myelogenous leukemia is the result of oncogene-driven accumulation of immature myeloblasts within the bone marrow [5]. Myeloblasts are progenitor cells, which will ultimately give rise to neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, and mast cells (collectively known as the granulocytes) [6]. In AML, the genes that govern proper differentiation of myeloblasts into one of the aforementioned cell types are mutated. This prevents differentiation and leads to a buildup of myeloblasts within the marrow [5]. The clinical consequences of myeloblast buildup are marrow failure leading to low white-blood cell count, low red-blood cell count, and insufficient levels of clotting factors [5]. Therefore, clinical symptoms are depressed immune function, anemia, and continued hemorrhaging. The molecular pathogenesis of AML (and all cancers) begins with the acquisition of genetic abnormalities. There are two models that describe how these acquisitions arise. The conventional model of cancer cell initiation proposes that the cell gradually acquires certain mutations to genes involved in mitotic signaling (KRAS or APC) and tumor suppression (P53), thereby allowing the cell to divide uncontrollably [7]. However, Recent work by Stephens et al. [8] showed that multiple mutations can be induced in a â€Å"one off† event by the random shattering and re-ligation of one or more chromosomes [8]. They termed this event â€Å"Chromothripsis† [8]. Chromothripsis results in massive translocations and changes to copy number state, but is distinct from the conventional model of cancer cell initiation by the presence of large-scale inter-chromosomal rearrangements [8]. Thus, the chromothripsis model differs from its conventional counterpart in the time taken for the cell t o reach malignancy and the scale to which the genome is altered. Chromothripsis is observed in a portion of AML cases; Rausch et al. [9] found nearly half of the AML cohort showed chromosomal rearrangements consistent with chromothripsis [9]. This shows that, accumulation of the necessary mutations that drive AML may occur by more than one mechanism. By either mechanism of AML initiation, myeloblasts lose the ability to differentiate. The molecular pathogenesis commonly shows two frequent chromosomal aberrations – a translocation between chromosome 8 and 21, and an inversion of chromosome 16 [5]. These changes affect two genes crucial for myeloid differentiation (CBF1ÃŽ ± and CBF1ÃŽ ²) [5]. The effect of the inversion and translocation results in a gene chimera, which is translated into a protein that interferes with proper CBF1ÃŽ ± and CBF1ÃŽ ² function [5]. However, these specific chromosomal alterations are not observed in every case of AML. DNA-damage inducing agents like radiation or certain chemicals, may cause aberrations to chromosome 5 and 7, which has also been implicated in the initiation of AML [5]. This shows that there are several factors involved in proper myeloid differentiation and that interference to any of them may result in AML. Visual differentiation of healthy myeloblasts from leukemic myeloblasts can be challenging. Myeloblasts should contain 3 5 nucleoli, which are full of uncondensed chromatin [6]. Some leukemic myeloblasts may show more than 3 – 5 nucleoli [5]. Also, they do not normally contain granules, however, leukemic myeloblasts may have granules, which can serve as a potential marker for diagnosis [5]. It is important to stress that these morphological changes may not appear in all cases of AML. Therefore, prognosis is confirmed by the presence of greater than 20% myeloblasts in bone marrow biopsy [5]. Treatment There are different avenues for treating AML. Treatment may include supportive care (in advanced cases), chemotherapy, and stem cell transplantation. However, chemotherapy is the most common and effective method of treatment [3]. When medicinal chemists began isolating antibiotics produced from bacteria in search of potential leads for drug design, Aurelio Di Marco and his research team discovered a new species of bacteria, Streptomyces peucetius, within a soil sample they obtained from an area near Bari, Italy [10][11]. This new strain of bacteria was produced a compound that was efficacious as a chemotherapeutic agent against many tumors; the compound was later named daunorubicin and is now considered a key intervention administered to patients with AML [12]. Daunorubicin and doxorubicin are part of the class of antibiotics collectively known as the anthracyclines. Anthracyclines can cause cytotoxicity by different mechanisms depending on their intracellular concentration. As reviewed by Gerwitz [13], in vitro studies show there are several possible mechanisms for the anti-tumor effects of these agents including: Inhibition of DNA synthesis, free radical generation leading to either DNA damage or lipid peroxidation, inhibition of DNA topoisomerase resulting in helix super-coiling, DNA alkylation, and DNA cross-linking [13]. The induction of apoptosis was also mentioned as a mechanism of cytotoxicity, but it is likely that apoptosis is a byproduct of the aforementioned cellular stresses, rather than a direct consequence of anthracycline exposure [13]. It is important to note that these mechanisms were observed in vitro, and that in vitro conditions allow for exposure at concentrations that may greatly exceed in vivo concentrations [13]. Pharmacodynamics Although, daunorubicin and doxorubicin are thought to cause cytotoxicity by several different processes, their ability to bind to DNA and prevent DNA replication or transcription is considered to be the primary means of anti-tumor activity in vivo [13][14]. This is because replication is inhibited at anthracycline concentrations that can be reached in vivo following a standard dosage [13]. The two anthracyclines appear to intercalate preferentially to regions of DNA with select base-pair composition, specifically, regions with CGATCG sequences [14]. Rabanni, Finn, Ausio [15] suggest that intercalation stabilizes hydrogen bonds between the two strands of DNA [15]. This means that the energy required to separate the strands is higher, and cannot be achieved by DNA helicase [15]. Thus, strand separation is inhibited, preventing DNA replication and tumor cell proliferation. For both compounds, the chromophore portion (DCBA in fig. 1) of the molecule intercalates between complementary guanine-cytosine (GC)  base pairs on each side of the DNA double-helix (fig. 2). The compound is stabilized in this position by hydrogen bonds on either side of the molecule. The â€Å"D† side of the molecule is held in position with aid from a solvent atom (believed to be ionic sodium), which forms hydrogen bonds between oxygen 4 and 5 to  nitrogen 7 of guanine12 (fig. 2) [14]. The â€Å"A† side of either drug is coordinated by hydrogen bonds from oxygen 9 to nitrogens 2 and 3 of guanine 2 (fig. 2) [14]. As previously mentioned, all of these interactions occur between both daunorubicin/doxorubicin and C/G DNA sequences. However, the added hydroxyl group on C14 of doxorubicin creates an extra association. The hydroxyl appears to shift solvent molecules such that indirect interactions between itself and the phosphate backbone of DNA are created (fig. 3) [14 ]. This added interaction might explain the slightly higher in vitro affinity constant between doxorubicin-DNA (Ka = 1.610-5) as compared to daunorubicin-DNA (Ka = 1.210-5) (in vitro Ka determination performed at 37 °C in 10% fetal calf serum) [17]. Doxorubicin is more potent than daunorubicin. In the case of anthracycline induced inhibition of DNA strand separation, the potency and efficacy are directly related. The increased binding affinity of doxorubicin means that it will associate with DNA and prevent DNA separation at a lower concentration (See supplementary fig.S2). Therefore, pharmacological factors aside, it will be more potent and will prevent tumor cell proliferation at lower concentrations. Synthesis Doxorubicin is a semi-synthetic analog of daunorubicin. The daunorubicin producing bacteria, Streptomyces peucetius, was mutated to the doxorubicin producing subspecies Streptomyces peucetius subsp. caesius [18]. This mutated strain was found to carry an oxidizing cytochrome P450 isoform capable of hydroxylating the C14 of daunorubicin [19]. The gene that encodes this P450 is called doxA [19]. Although, this gene is crucial for doxorubicin production, its presence does not guarantee collectable quantities of doxorubicin (See supplemental figure S.2) [20]. Enzymes, such as dnrH and dnrX, may further oxidize or reduce the newly formed doxorubicin into other metabolites that do not have antitumor abilities [18]. Therefore, in order to make doxorubicin production sustainable, the down regulation of such genes is required to increase doxorubicin yield. Pharmacokinetics Despite their similar molecular structure, daunorubicin and doxorubicin have distinct pharmacokinetic properties. This section will begin by contrasting the differences in elimination, metabolism, and distribution. Bioavailability will not be contrasted because both of these agents are administered intravenously. The section will then conclude with a description of tissue distribution, intracellular distribution, and toxicity. Administration As already mentioned, both anthracyclines are administered via intravenous injection [21][22]. They should not be injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly due to the significant risk of tissue death at and near the injection site [23]. The exact dosage schedule for both daunorubicin and doxorubicin is dependent on several different factors including: age, health, pre-exisiting heart conditions, and renal functioning, therefore exact dosages vary among different patient populations. In terms of daunorubicin, dosage ranges between 30 and 45 mg/m2, whereas doxorubicin dosages range between 40 and 75 mg/m2 during the initial course of treatment [24][25]. Elimination Both compounds are eliminated from the plasma via urinary and biliary mechanisms [23]. However, a much greater proportion of a daunorubicin dose is excreted through the kidneys (14-23%) as compared to doxorubicin (5%), while a larger proportion of doxorubicin was reported to be excreted through the bowels (50%) compared to daunorubicin (40%) [23]. Daunorubicin and doxorubicin are considered to be high clearance drugs. They have a similar clearance value of 1-2 L/Kgà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã… ¸h [26]. The elimination of either drug, along with their metabolites, follows a triphasic decline in plasma concentration [23]. After a 60ml/m2 infusion of daunorubicin/doxorubicin, the plasma concentration/time graph shows that both drugs are eliminated with a similar rate (fig.3) [26]. However the Medsafe ® [23] datasheet for daunorubicin/doxorubicin reports that the plasma T1/2 for the first phase averages 45min daunorubicin and 12min doxorubicin, while the second phase is 18.5hrs daunorubicin, 3.3hrs doxorubicin. Metabolism The primary metabolites of daunorubicin and doxorubicin are daunorubicinol and doxorubicinol respectively. Because of their similar structures, the metabolism of either compound occurs in a likewise fashion. The enzyme most implicated in metabolism is NADPH (nicotinamide-adenine-dinucleotide-phosphate) dependent cytochrome P450 reductase [27]. This enzyme reduces the ketone at C13 to an alcohol to produce daunorubicinol and doxorubicinol [28]. These two products are believed to retain their cytotoxicity and are cleared from the plasma at a similar rate [28][29]. Another common metabolite for either compound is generated via reduction of the glycosidic bond by gycosidases. Glycosidic reduction results in removal of the amino-sugar that is bonded to C7 [28]. This reaction eliminates the anti-tumor capabilities of either compound [28]. Following removal of the amino-sugar, the remaining aglycone is demethylated and then undergoes phase II metabolism (sulfonation or glucuronidation) [23]. Phase II metabolism by sulfonation or glucuronidation increases plasma clearance and enhances elimination. Two other metabolites are listed in literature, 7-deoxydoxorubincolone and 7-deoxydoxorubinone, however the enzyme or enzymes that facilitate these reactions were not noted [30]. Two other enzymes metabolize both daunorubicin and doxorubicin under aerobic conditions, xanthine dehydrogenase and xanthine oxidase, and produce reduced semiquinones and oxygen radicals [31]. These radicals could provide added efficacy to the drug therapy. It has been suggested that advanced stage cancer cells exhibit high oxidative stress and that it may be advantageous to exploit this finding to preferentially and specifically attack and destroy them [30]. Under anaerobic conditions, xanthine dehydrogenase metabolizes doxorubicin to 7- deoxydoxorubicin aglycone, which has been found to be efficacious in the reduction of the drug’s toxicity [31]. Volume of Distribution Daunorubicin and doxorubicin localize in the tissues. The Vd for daunorubicin is 39.2 L/Kg, while the Vd for doxorubicin is 24.6 L/Kg [26]. This indicates that both compounds have high tissue distribution [26]. Although the addition of a hydroxyl group at C14 markedly reduces doxorubicin’s ability to distribute into the tissues (relative to daunorubicin), doxorubicin remains within leukemic cells for a longer duration than daunorubicin (fig. 5) [26]. Upon administration, daunorubicin accumulates within leukemic cells more rapidly than does doxorubicin (fig 5). This is likely because of the increased polar surface area brought on by the added hydroxyl group of doxorubicin, which hinders its ability to cross membranes. However, the added hydroxyl group provides increased binding affinity to DNA [17]. Therefore, it will not leave the cell as rapidly because it will remain bound to DNA [26]. Toxicity The clinical use of doxorubicin and daunorubicin may be limited by their similar inherent toxicity. It goes without saying that chemotherapeutics should not be administered to women who are lactating or pregnant due to significant health complications that can be incurred by the infant or fetus, respectively, therefore these drugs should not be considered in these populations [33]. The use of these agents in a long-term manner is cautioned due to their ability to cause cardiotoxicity [29]. Under aerobic conditions, the semiquinone radical that may be produced during metabolism undergoes redox cycling [27]. Accumulation of reaction oxygen species soon occurs and can cause cytotoxicity [27]. This is believed to account for tissue death in cardiac cells, and is one of the major implications of using the anthracycline class of anti-tumors agents [27]. The cardiotoxicity itself includes effects such as functional damage to mitochrondrial DNA, interference of cytochrome c oxidase, and dysf unctional lipid peroxidation [13]. Personalised Cancer Treatment: Known Markers in Treatment Personalised Cancer Treatment: Known Markers in Treatment Personalised cancer treatment – known markers and what they mean for treatment Contents (Jump to) Known markers and what they mean for treatment Overview Drug target markers Diagnostic and prognostic markers Meta description Keywords Copyscape Known markers and what they mean for treatment Overview Personalised, targeted and hormonal treatments all depend on genetic mutations that can be identified in cancer cells to be effective. These mutations are sometimes referred to as â€Å"markers†. The markers can manifest through over-expression, lack of expression or mutated expression of specific proteins. Some markers can be targeted using specific treatments whereas some can act as measurements for disease diagnosis, prognosis and treatment response. Drug target markers The genes listed below have all been associated in cancer, the majority of which can also be treated. (*) – Targetable genes and proteins that can also be measured to determine treatment response, cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Diagnostic and prognostic markers The following markers are all related to diagnosis, prognosis and treatment progress. Meta description Cancer markers can help with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and can give access to targeted therapies. Keywords Cancer markers, genetic markers, diagnostic markers, drug target markers Copyscape Checked Sep 2014 CIGNPOST: KNOWN MARKERS AND WHAT THEY MEAN FOR TREATMENT © Cignpost Ltd 2014PAGE | 1 [EB1]If these are genes not proteins then they should be in italics Psychology Christianity: Five Views | Eric L. Johnson Psychology Christianity: Five Views | Eric L. Johnson Review of â€Å"Psychology Christianity- Five Views† by Eric L. Johnson. Title: Psychology Christianity Five Views Author: Eric L. Johnson Publisher: InterVarsity Press. (U.S.A.) 2000 Price:  £14.37 ISBN: 978-0-8308-2848-7 Introduction: In this book review, I intend to cover the following outcomes: evaluate psychological theories against biblical teaching, discuss the contribution psychology has to make to Christian counselling, assess the compatibility of psychology (research and psychotherapy) with Christian counselling and critical examination of psychological theories. About the editor Eric L. Johnson is a teacher, editor, author and director. He attended Toronto Baptist Seminary and proceeded on to Calvin College before going on to Michigan State University where he bagged his PhD. He is an academic psychologist and initially lectured for nine years at the Northwestern College in Minnesota teaching Christian worldview, psychology and theology. Johnson wrote â€Å"Foundations for Soul Care: A Christian Psychology Proposal† and contributed several articles for the Baker Encylopedia of Psychology and Counselling. He argued for the necessity of theology in counselling and psychological research. He is with the Journal of Psychology and Theology as an associate editor. Johnson edited a special issue of the Journal of Psychology and Christianity, entitled â€Å"Psychology within the Christian Tradition† in 1998. He made contributions in two books: â€Å"Christianity and Psychology: Four Views† and â€Å"God under Fire: Modern Scholarship Reinvents God† in addition to editing this book that I am reviewing. Johnson is currently the director of the Society for Christian Psychology and the Lawrence and Charlotte Hoover Professor of Pastoral Care at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. About the Book Psychology and Christianity: Five Views, is divided into seven chapters and has three hundred and nineteen pages. It is a review and expansion of the first edition titled â€Å"Psychology and Christianity: Four Views†. This book essentially lends to give a precise understanding of human nature and this is an issue that has refused to go. In page 104, we see that Adams argues that the Bible is sufficient to understand human nature and there is nothing psychology can offer but there are opposing arguments. Freud cited in Chapman (2007:41) argues that religion is an illusion. However, Crabb cited in Lutzer (1998:72) argues that we can spoil the Egyptians; take the best of both Christianity and Psychology for our use and become more effective as long as they are not in conflict with the Bible because the Bible will always be superior. The Wesleyan Quadrilateral advocates that four factors (Scripture, Tradition, Experience and Reason) must be considered when reaching decisions. In view of all this on-going debates, Johnson tries in this book to advance the argument for a relationship between Psychology and Christianity, and address the issue of helping Christians to understand and grasp the nettle of psychology. In this edition, there is a fifth view which has been added to the first edition of four views. This fifth view is contributed by John H. Coe and Todd W. Hall and it is titled â€Å"A Transformational Psychology view†. The other four view contributors were still involved in this edition but with revised contributions. The authors put forward five different views of how Psychology and Christianity can be integrated. They are David G. Myers who deals with the levels of explanation; an integration view by Stanton L. Jones, biblical counselling view by David A. Powlison and Christian psychology by Robert C. Roberts co-authored by P.J. Watson. Johnson wrote the opening chapter discussing the history of Christian psychology and also the closing chapter which talks about gaining understanding through the five views put forward by the various authors. The authors gave very good account of themselves in their respective views. Every chapter is concise, well laid out and the thought flow pattern is quite consistent and credible. Content of the book Johnson sandwiches the five views in between two chapters that he authored. He started in this first chapter by looking at the history of Christians in Psychology. In this chapter, Johnson looks at a generic background of psychology but with special reference to how psychology is viewed today. He argues (page 10) that science is a gift from God and that the scientific revolution was initiated by mostly Christians. Some Christians have unreservedly incorporated modern psychology while others like (Bobgan Bobgan 1987) have out-rightly rejected it and called it â€Å"psychoheresy†. Johnson explained in this chapter about the neutrality of this book and that it is rather a picture of the views of the majority of Christians. The second chapter was by David Myers and it deal with levels of explanation. This chapter delves into the subject of human characteristics. This view recognises that Christian theology and Psychology are different and should be treated so but that both should combine well. Myers argues (page 49) that both vary especially in the methodology of research and so each should free to explore as they deem fit. He further argues (page 72-74) that scientific data has enabled him along with some other Christian thinkers to shift from their view of seeing homosexuality as a sin, to understanding the biological explanation of prenatal influences to brain differences especially also considering the fact that the Bible did not have much coverage on the subject matter. Stanton Jones wrote the third chapter which is on the integration view. He shares the same view as Myers; that both Christian theology and Psychology have something to contribute to each other and consequently should be integrated; an aspect that is contrary to Myers view that they should be separated. Christianity is God’s word and psychology is God’s work. Jones argues (page 101) that God’s sovereignty prevails over every facet of human life and that Christian psychologists should benefit from that. However, Jones also shares a common view as Myers with regards to the fact that the Bible does not address some issues adequately (page 101). Jones shares a personal testimony of the tension points that he struggled with in-between Christianity and Psychology. (103-104). Jones became more confused as he desired to be faithful to the Bible, yet, he could not argue with the result that he was actually learning a lot about human nature in Psychology and so through excl usion, he found himself blending both Psychology and Christian theology. The fourth chapter deals with Christian psychology and was co-authored by Roberts and Watson. They argue that understanding God which is revelation (general and special) should be the starting point for the development of psychological theories. These authors (page 155-156) argue that Christian sermons (using Jesus’ sermon on the Mount as an example) are aimed at helping people to live well; dealing with character and transformation of persons and that psychology also deals with how to live, and changing a person’s character with the aim of living well. They identify terminology as the only difference between both. They argue (page 157) that sermon conceptualises psychology. John Coe and Todd Hall co-authored this fifth chapter which deals with the transformational view. They set out, not to develop or defend a model but to shed light on their argument, (page 200) that psychology and Christianity are closely related and that psychology is only an expression of faith and love. This view is the view that has just been added in this edition making it five views. They argue (page 200) in favour of the process and methodology of psychology as a process to new ways of transforming people. This approach looks into the psychologist’s transformation (emotional and spiritual). David Powlison authored the sixth chapter which discusses a Biblical counselling view. He started with a very bold statement â€Å"Christian faith is a psychology†. Also that â€Å"Christian ministry is a therapy† These statements summarises his view. Powlison argues (page 245) that the Scriptures talks about thoughts and intentions of the heart. He further argues that God through the scriptures reveals how human beings should achieve their potentials and a clear change process of attaining such too. Powlison assumes a very new approach in his view; the approach is to delve into the meanings of the word â€Å"psychology† in the very context in which it is used. He argues (page 248) that obviously the meaning is relative. In a bid to drive home his argument, he develops sub themes; Psych 1 – 6. Psych 1 looks at how you work,; Psych 2 looks at the detailed knowledge of human functioning; Pych 3 looks at the competing theories of human personality; Psych 4 de als with the practical application to psychotherapy; Psych 5 looks at a system of professional and institutional arrangements and Psych 6 deals with a mass of ethos. Powlison was really keen on ensuring that his readers have a very clear understanding of his view and goes a step further with a case study as he argues (page 262) that looking at cases is the best way to understand psychological views including biblical counselling. Eric Johnson authored the seventh and closing chapter where he made reference to similar books that has multiple views on the same subject. According to him, this book helps to highlight the point that a group of people, and specifically Christians in this instance, have the same belief but varied perspectives even within the same belief. Johnson (page 293) uses Proverbs 12:15 to affirm that a wise man will be humbled, by that awareness of what he does not know. No one has absolute knowledge except God. He argues that because we are finite creatures, we are limited in terms of views but God is the omniscient observer. He further argues that the more views we are open to, the better our understanding will be, and he encourages his readers especially Christians to dialogue, engage, critique and integrate the strengths of these views as it will enhance their understanding and scope in other to develop their own â€Å"postformal synthesis† (page 309). There is something I found very fascinating about this book. I found out that each chapter have contributing responses from the perspective of the other authors highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the particular view in light of their own view. My thought. I think that the writing style is easy to read and understand. The chapters are logically laid out and concise and the literary genre is prose. The subsequent contributions from diverse perspectives to each chapter are not common and made it all seem like a conference, answering most questions that readers could have raised. I am the pastor of my local church; I encourage members through prayers, teaching, preaching and pastoral care, based on the Scriptures. I have found myself at crossroads in some contemporary issues which are similar to the observations of Myers and Jones, where they have found the Bible silent on some issues and inadequately addressing some other issues. This is one of my reasons of studying Counselling, and a book like this has opened me up to differing views highlighting both strengths and weaknesses of those views. This review has been an eye opener for me. CONCLUSION In conclusion, I consider the book well-structured as Johnson sets the stage with the historical background and after taking the five views, he borders the book at the end, encouraging scholars to critically and constructively engage to progress the work. Finally, I observe that Johnson claims (page 10) that the book is neutral and that the views represent the collective views of a majority of Christians. This is a very good claim but it would have been very good if he had gone a step further to substantiate his claim with data. However, overall, I consider this book to be of immense value to any Christian psychologists irrespective of their chosen model; it will open them up to differing views even within the Christian community of Psychotherapists. . I identify with Stanton Jones who authored the Integrative view and I will recommend this book to anyone who is seeking a clearer understanding of the integrative model of counselling. References: Chapman, C.N. (2007). Freud, Religion, and Anxiety. USA: Lulu.com. Page 41 Lutzer, E.W. (1998) Pastor to Pastor: Tackling the Problems of Ministry. USA: Kregel Publications. Page 72 Peter Emordi Psychology of Christian Counselling COU2001 1