Symptoms And Treatment Of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Essay

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as ALS or sometimes called Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive neurological disease affecting the nerves that control voluntary muscle movement. It is the most common type of motor neuron disease. The body isn’t able to operate as it normally does due to the muscles weakening overtime. As the disease progresses, it starts to damage nerves of other vital areas of the body. When the body isn’t able to breath the way it should causing respiratory failure and other things start to go wrong, the body has no choice, but to shut down and die. (ALS Association) Lou Gehrig’s disease came into public awareness from a famous New York Yankees baseball player who was forced to retire after developing the disease and died two years later. It was originally discovered in 1869 by a French neurologist named Jean-Martin Charcot. He was the first man to be able to connect motor neurons in the spinal cord to the ALS disease. (Medical News Today) The name Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is derived from Greek origin. Amyotrophic broken down with A meaning no, myo referring to muscles, and trophic meaning nourishment. The three roots equal the meaning of â€Å"no muscle nourishment†. When muscles lose their nourishment, they are not able to stay strong and can withhold their shape. Lateral being the spinal cord and its position to the body and sclerosis is defined as abnormal hardening of body tissue. When body tissue is hardened, it is not able to have newShow MoreRelatedALS Essay1042 Words   |  5 Pagesand the immediate cause of death is respiratory failure, pneumonia, or cardiac arrhythmias (Arbesman, M; Sheard, K). According to Arbesman and Sheard, about ten percent of people with ALS survive ten years or more (Arbesman, M; Sheard, K). Early symptoms of ALS diagnosed individuals include muscle twitches in the upper and lower extremities and in the tongue, muscle cramps, stiff muscles, muscle weakness in the arm, leg , or diaphragm, slurred or nasal speech, difficulty chewing or swallowing (ALSRead MoreEssay on What is Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?1064 Words   |  5 PagesAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis is short for ALS, and is often referred to as â€Å"Lou Gehrig’s disease.† Lou Gehrig was born in New York in June 19, 1903. In April of 1923, Lou Gehrig signed his first contract with the New York Yankees. He played for the Yankees for 15 years and lead them to 6 World Series between 1927 and 1938. Gehrig was known as a seven-time all-star champion, for his batting average and was named twice the American Leagues MVP; He later earned the name of the Iron Horse (Lou GehrigRead MoreAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - Muscular Atrophy: an Annotated Bibliography1388 Words   |  6 PagesAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - Muscular Atrophy: An Annotated Bibliography Abramovitz, Melissa. Lou Gehrigs Disease p17-61. Treatment for ALS or Lou Gehrigs disease has found that Vitamin E and the drug known as Riluzole can help the progression of the disease. When taking the medication Riluzole it has shown to prolong survival in patients by two to three months and it has also delayed the use for breathing support. There is a few side effects to taking Riluzole, such as headache, dizzinessRead MoreOrgan Lateral Sclerosis : A Disease That Affects The Nervous System1578 Words   |  7 PagesAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a disease that affects the Nervous system as well as the Muscular System as well, this disease is defined as a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. A-myo-trophic is a Greek term when translated it means â€Å"No muscle Nourishment†. This lack of nourishment causes a reaction within the muscles leading to their eventual break down, otherwise known as â€Å"atrophiesà ¢â‚¬  which is a simple term meaning that the muscleRead MoreHenry Louis Gehrig was a popular German-American baseball player. He was most known for several1400 Words   |  6 PagesGehrig was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis when he was 36. Sadly, within two years he had succumbed to the disease. Lou Gehrig was well known in his lifetime as a great baseball player but in his death he has been most noted for his diagnosis of ASL. Before the public announcement of the reasons for his retirement, many Americans had not heard of the disease. Because of this, his name is a trademark of its discovery. Theoretically, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ASL) is a disorder thatRead MoreAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - 11013 Words   |  5 Pagesgenetic disorder called Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a genetic disorder that occurs in the nervous system. Each word in ALS briefly describes what the disorder is. Amyotrophic has two parts to it. The prefix â€Å"amyo† means muscular atrophy. Atrophy means to waste away, typically due to the degeneration of cells. The suffix â€Å"trophic† means that it is relating to feeding and nutrition. So to sum it up, amyotrophic means that the musclesRead MoreSpeech Amyotrophic Lateral Disease : Is A Chronic And Terminal Disease That Affects The Lower And Upper Motor Neurons1725 Words   |  7 PagesThis research paper is being written to address Amyotrophic lateral disease (ALS), which is a chronic and terminal disease that affects the lower and upper motor neurons (Srivastava, 2014). ALS is usually fatal within a few years of inception and affects 2-5 per 100,000 people annually worldwide (Donnelly, Grima, Sattler, 2014). This disease usually affects the patient physically and emotionally and as well as their support system. As of this year, no cure has been developed for this disease. TheRead MoreAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis1478 Words   |  6 PagesAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrigs disease, is a disease of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement. Jean-Marie Charcot was the first to recognize ALS as a distinct neurological disease with its own unique pathology. In ALS, nerve cells degenerate and deteriorate, and are unable to transmit messages to muscles. In around 90% of the cases of ALS, the cause remains unknown. Studies have concentrated on the responsibility of glutamateRead MoreDestruction Of The Neurons Responsible For Involuntary Muscle Movement1593 Words   |  7 PagesAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also called Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neurodegenerative motor disease that results in the destruction of the neurons responsible for involuntary muscle movement (NINDS 2014). Patients are determined to have ALS if they have both upper motor neuron disease and lower motor neuron disease (Gordon 2011). Many people that have been diagnosed with ALS are seen in wheelchairs or if the person is in the early onset of ALS, using other walkingRead MoreThe Consequences Of Mutations1075 Words   |  5 Pagesfewer than 20,000 individuals in the United States each year (Tay-Sachs Causes, 2016). This disease may appear in three different stages of life. In infantile Tay-Sachs, the most common form, symptoms begin appearing at about six months of age (Tay-Sachs Disease, 2012). In juvenile Tay-Sachs, symptoms begin at two to five years of age, and appear in late adolescence or early adulthood in late onset Tay-Sachs (Tay-Sachs Causes, 2016). Tay-Sachs is caused by an insertion mutation on chromosome

Factors and Effects of Low Body Satisfaction - 2082 Words

To understand how people feel about themselves, researchers have investigated body image, body satisfaction and self-esteem. In the scientific literature, adolescents’ body image has received enormous attention, but research has focused predominantly on girls and body dissatisfaction, rather than positive body image. Low body satisfaction has been associated with the development of mental health conditions, both eating related and global, hence focus on body dissatisfaction is warranted. Studies have shown a low body satisfaction is associated with mild eating concerns, such as frequent dieting and has further been reported to be predictive in the development of eating disorders (Ackard, Croll Kearney-Cooke, 2002). Increased depressive symptoms, anxiety, low self-esteem and an increase in risk-taking behaviours (Granner, Black Abood, 2002) such as alcohol use, substance abuse and tobacco use also has association with low body dissatisfaction. In Western culture, a major cause of body dissatisfaction among females is the perceived pressure from society because an emphasis of the ideal body shape is unrealistically thin, repeatedly portrayed through the media where females may feel the need to conform (McCabe Ricciardelli, 2003). Males feel pressure to follow the sociocultural ideal body form of a V-shaped muscular build with broad shoulders and a lean waste-line (Raudenbush Zellner, 1997). These societal pressures can be persuasive during adolescence andShow MoreRelatedEffect of Gender on Self-Esteem in China1432 Words   |  6 PagesHead: VALID OR NOT Effects of Gender on Self-Esteem in China Name of Student School Abstract Six studies present varying results on the effect of gender on self-esteem. Watkins Yu (1993) found gender to have little effect on self-esteem but much on self-concept and self-satisfaction, especially among Chinese women. Zhang Leung (2002) suggested the moderating factors of gender and age in the connection between individual and collective self-esteem and life satisfaction. Their research concludedRead MoreWhy Cosmetic Surgery Improves Mental Health1689 Words   |  7 Pagespsychological variables such as body image, self-esteem, and mental health. Body image specifically has been suggested to be a crucial factor in the desire to undergo cosmetic surgery. This is based off two important components including body image evaluation, referring to how satisfied a person is with his or her own body, and body image orientation, indicating how important body image is for a person. A person with a low body image evaluation combined with a high body image orientation increasesRead M oreEssay about Movie Icons1614 Words   |  7 PagesClifford started the trend where the standards of beauty were set around 140 pounds, at 5’4† feet tall. Back then, the ideal female body is by having a smaller mid-section (e.g. hourglass ideal/corsets). Marilyn Monroe’s tiny waist and seemingly large bust line triggered female fans to start to engage more on physical activities. The outburst on slender-looking portrayal of body-image began in early 1960s (e.g. Fashion icon, Twiggy). Most western societies experience enormous pressures on individuals toRead MoreThe Effects Of Eating Disorders On Health872 Words   |  4 PagesHealth can be expressed in many different ways: physical health is easily identified by an individual’s ability to perform tasks with agility, endurance or speed. There are ways to enhance these factors through exercise and healthy eating as well as regular health screenings. However, there is another facet of human health that is less easily identified: mental health. Mental health impacts everyone in varying ways and in varying degrees. Sometimes the symptoms are easily identified, such as withRead MoreBody Dissatisfaction And Eating Disorders946 Words   |  4 Pages Body image involves awareness of the form, shape, and size of one’s body (Cash, 2012). This includes both a perceptual awareness of one’s appearance and an attitude toward one’s appearance (Cash, 2012). Body dissatisfaction involves the attitudinal portion of body image, which refers to the extent to which a person is displeased with his or her body (Cash, 2012). Body dissatisfaction contributes to the development of eating disorders because when people are dissatisfied with their appearance, theyRead MoreObesity And Its Effects On The Health Of Americans And People All Across The World1514 Words   |  7 Pages Obesity is a very serious threat to the health of Americans and people all across the world. A plethora of studies have been done to confirm the adverse effects of obesity on an individual s health. Obesity rates have been skyrocketing in the past 30 years. The year 2000 marked the first time in human history that the percentage of obesity in the human population rose over 50% (Obesity: A Cultural and Biocultural Perspective). Obesity, as well as childhood obesity, is more prevalent than everRead MoreJob Satisfaction Among Care Managers1422 Words   |  6 PagesProblem Statement Arches (1991) defined job satisfaction as â€Å"an affective state describing feelings about one’s work.† Job satisfaction among care managers and explanation for their levels must be researched as when job satisfaction levels are low there are high levels of burnout and turnover (Arches, 1991). Studies have been performed that demonstrate that social workers that play the role of care managers often succumb to feelings of burnout. Arches (1991) defined as â€Å"to a cluster of physicalRead MoreHow Does Self Discrepancy Of Media Influenced Body Image Affect Adolescents Self Esteem?1235 Words   |  5 PagesSection A: Project Details Title: How does self-discrepancy of media-influenced body image affect adolescents’ self-esteem? Abstract: Research has shown that exposure to thin-ideal media is related to body dissatisfaction. Consequently, the accumulated dissatisfying emotions regarding one’s body can evolve into distorted body perception. Such disturbed body image has been evident as associated with low self-esteem. Nonetheless, little research has sought to elucidate the rationales for these perplexedRead MorePhysical Based Programs As Interventions For At Risk Youth Essay1717 Words   |  7 Pagesoutdoor adventure programs, sport and skill based programs, and physical fitness programs. However, the researchers report that the risk of bias in the existing studies is high. None of the studies reported power calculations to detect the hypothesized effect. Additionally, few of the studies reported attrition rate of participants, or randomization techniques. The authors conclude that although the existing studies of physical based interventions contain methodological flaws, there is some evidence toRe ad More The Medias Influence on Eating Disorders Essay example1100 Words   |  5 Pageseating disorders are conditions that arise from factors including physical, psychological, interpersonal, and social issues. Media images help define cultural definitions of beauty and attractiveness and are often acknowledged as one of the factors that contribute to the rise of eating disorders (NEDA). The National Eating Disorders Associations website, The Effect of the Media on Body Satisfaction in Adolescent Girls, The Medias Influence on Body Image Disturbance and Eating Disorders, and Dieting

History of Optometry Free Essays

The history of optometry can be traced back to the early studies on optics and image formation by the eye. The origins of optometric science (optics, as taught in a basic physics class) date back a few thousand years BC as evidence of the existence of lenses for decoration has been found. It is unknown when the first spectacles were made, but the British scientist and historian Sir Joseph Needham stated in his research that the ancient Chinese invented the earliest eyeglasses 1000 years ago and were also mentioned by the Venetian Marco Polo in his account of his travels in ancient China. We will write a custom essay sample on History of Optometry or any similar topic only for you Order Now Alternatively, research by David A. Goss in the United States, shows they may have originated independently in the late 13th century in Italy as stated in a manuscript from 1305 where a monk from Pisa named Rivalto stated â€Å"It is not yet 20 years since there was discovered the art of making eyeglasses†. Spectacles were manufactured in Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands by 1300. Benito Daza de Valdes published the third book on optometry in 1623, where he mentioned the use and fitting of eyeglasses. In 1692, William Molyneux wrote a book on optics and lenses where he stated his ideas on myopia and problems related to close-up vision. The scientists Claudius Ptolemy and Johannes Kepler also contributed to the creation of optometry. Kepler discovered how the retina in the eye creates vision. From 1773 until around 1829, Thomas Young discovered the disability of astigmatism and it was George Biddell Airy who designed glasses to correct that problem that included spherocylindrical lens. Although the term optometry appeared in the 1759 book A Treatise on the Eye: The Manner and Phenomena of Vision by Scottish physician William Porterfield, it was not until the early twentieth century in the United States and Australia that it began to be used to describe the profession. By the late twentieth century however, marking the distinction with dispensing opticians, it had become the internationally accepted term. How to cite History of Optometry, Essay examples

Investigating how pH effects the enzyme trypsin acting on coloured gelatin free essay sample

The results from the experiment determining the effects of pH on enzyme activity show that as the independent variable, pH, increases the dependent variable, percentage transmission, decreases. This is shown in the results as at the lowest pH, pH 4. 0 the average percentage transmission is at its highest at 97%. At the highest pH, pH 8. 0 the average transmission is 78. 5%. This is also supported from the graph as it produces a negative gradient showing that as the percentage transmission will decrease with an increasing pH. This happens because the enzyme trypsin acts on the gelatine. Therefore as the pH increases towards the optimum pH more jelly will be broken down by the enzyme, allowing less light to pass through the solution which would thus decrease the percentage transmission. Trend: The trend in the results and from the graph show that the more the pH increases the lower the percentage transmission will be. However from looking at the results an optimum pH is unidentifiable. We will write a custom essay sample on Investigating how pH effects the enzyme trypsin acting on coloured gelatin or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page This is because the range of pHs used in the experiment is limited from 4. 0 to 8.0; the percentage transmission may have continued to decrease as the pH became more alkaline. On the other hand from the pHs used we can deduce that the optimum is 8. 0 as it gives the lowest percentage transmission which shows that the enzyme is more effective in this condition and breaks down the jelly more effectively than when it is in the solutions of lower pH values. This agrees with the hypothesis as it stated; â€Å"Most digestion and most colour release from the jelly would be expected at a pH of 8 and in solutions above or below this pH less colour should be released. † Biological evidence to support results: The relationship shown between the percentage transmission and pH occurs as the enzyme trypsin works best in more alkaline conditions. This is because it is found in the body in the duodenum where the pH is alkaline, which supports the results as in this experiment the pH was 8. Therefore as the pH increases more gelatine will be broken down because towards the optimum the active site of trypsin best facilitates the formation of the enzyme-substrate complexes as the active site will be the optimal shape for attachment. Less light can pass through the solution due to the gelatine being hydrolysed, which is the breaking of the peptide bonds between the NH2 and the COOH resulting in these forming groups on the amino acids. If more gelatine is hydrolysed there were be a greater amount of colour released from the jelly. At a lower pH such as pH 4 or 5, the more acidic conditions reduce the enzyme activity. This is because the structure of the protein and therefore the active site of the enzyme are altered by changes in pH. In particular ionic bonds, hydrogen bonds and disulphide in the tertiary structure may be disrupted, this can cause and unravelling of the tertiary globular structure, the enzyme is said to be denatured. So at non-optimal pH the substrate attaches less readily to the enzyme as the active site is no longer complementary to the substrate. It is only the optimal when the active site will best facilitate the enzyme-substrate complex formation. It is the unique R-groups of the amino acids that form a particular structure and the active site. There is therefore a specific active site formed by the R-group that best facilitates the bonding of the substrate to the trypsin. Evaluation: For measuring the percentage transmission results a colourimeter was used. This is because eye judgement is insufficient and using the colourimeter provides quantitative values. Due to the red pigmentation of the gelatine and trypsin solution a blue filter must be used in the colourimeter. A blue filter transmits blue light. Blue is also at the opposite end of the spectrum to the red, the blue light is then absorbed by the red solution and a reading can be taken. The pipette and pi-pumps were used to transfer the buffer solutions, distilled water and the trypsin into the boiling tubes. These were used as the pipette is the most accurate way of ensuring the exact amount of solution is used. When transferring the solutions into the boiling tubes you must touch the surface of the solution with the bottom of the pipette, this means that all the solution is added to the tube and therefore will increase the reliability. To improve the results from the experiment buffer solutions that were not whole pHs could have been used e. g. pH 4. 5, 5. 5 etc. This would have provided more reliable results as a wider range of results would have been produced. Using pHs with decimals would also help to more accurately determine the optimum pH as the optimum may have been above or below the pH stated in the hypothesis; 8. In this experiment however the optimum is taken at 8 because the graph does not rise again. To ensure the experiment was kept as a fair test a number of variables were controlled. The temperature of the solutions was kept constant by placing the boiling tubes into a test tube rack and setting it into a water bath with a fixed temperature of 25oC. The temperature needed to be kept low and fixed as a high temperature would denature the enzymes, they would therefore be unable to break down the gelatine and no results would be produced from the experiment. Keeping a constant temperature also meant that the solutions reacted at the same rate. The time in the water bath was also controlled to ensure that the enzymes were left to react for the same amount of time, making the experiment fair. If the enzymes were not exposed to the temperature for long enough then they would not have reacted well enough to produce valid results. The enzyme concentration used was a 2% concentration of Trypsin. If a higher concentration had been used in some of the boiling tubes the rate of the reaction would have increased. This is because there would have been more available active sites for the substrate to bind to; forming enzyme-substrate complexes at a faster rate and therefore more of the jelly would have been broken down during the time. Whereas if a lower concentration was used the active sites would be saturated and the rate would decrease. When cutting the jelly cubes the size needs to be uniform for the cubes. If the cubes are too small there isn’t a sufficient amount to be broken down by the Trypsin, causing the results to be unreliable. If they are too large then they may not completely dissolve in the solution meaning that they will block the light passing through the solution in the colourimeter. Validity of Results: Due to the wide range of results they are not reliable as there is no narrow range and there are many areas of the experiment that could have caused a decrease in the reliability of the results. The jelly cubes were not cut to the exact same size. This would have caused a decrease in the rate if they were too small. It could have been improved by measuring the lengths of the sides of the cubes and weighing them to find out their mass. A series of precautions must also be taken using the colourimeter. The cuvettes must be clean with no finger prints. If they are dirty it will stop light passing through the cuvette to the colourimeter making the results unreliable. The same cuvette must also be used throughout and it needs to be orientated in the same way. The cuvette must be filled with sufficient solution to ensure the light is intercepted. If there is not enough solution the light will pass straight through producing a high unreliable reading. Assessment of Pooled Results: pH Lowest Percentage Transmission Highest Percentage Transmission Range 4. 0 77 99 22 5. 0 70 93 23 6. 0 64 94 30 7. 0 60 89 29 8. 0 58 85 27 The pooled results provide a wide range of results that makes the final results unreliable. There is a large range constant throughout the results. There are also some large differences between repeated results. It should have been expected that the pooled results would have been reliable as there are essentially 9 repeats. The main reason the data is unreliable is because the jelly cubes were cut too small and across the different groups there would be no uniform size of cubes. The small cube size would affect the results because of the small surface area. The Trypsin would have had enough time to break down the gelatine. There also should have been a greater spread of pH between 4. 0 and 8. 0. If the experiment was to be repeated larger jelly cube sizes would need to be used to improve the reliability.

Biochemical Surgery essays

Biochemical Surgery essays The desire to improve our world is inherently human. From our health to our food, humans strive to enhance what we have. With the biotechnological age upon us, this desire is being channeled in directions that were previously unforeseen. Scientists have learned a great deal about genes- their structure, function, and how to manipulate them. By combining the genes of unrelated species, permanently altering their genetic codes, organisms are created that will pass the genetic changes onto their offspring through heredity. For the first time in history, human beings are becoming architects of life. Bio-engineers will be creating tens of thousands of organisms over the next few years. The prospect is frightening because genetic engineering poses unprecedented challenges to the environment. Admittedly, genetic engineering has produced new kinds of tomatoes. The Flavr Savr tomato has two and a half times more lycopene than the regular tomato. Lycopene is a carotenoid that has strong antioxidant properties. Antioxidants prevent oxygen from causing damage in cells. Carotenoids aid in the prevention of early blindness in children, cancer, and enhancing cardiovascular health. Not only are the transgenic tomatoes richer in lycopene, they are more robust and solid compared to regular tomatoes (Missick. sec. Tomatoes with... par. 3). For example, the company, Flavr Savr, took an extra gene and put it in a tomato. When it was left to ripen naturally, the developing sugar and acids enhanced the flavor of the fruit. The gene inserted also slowed the softening process by slowing the deterioration of the cell membranes, allowing the fruit to remain firm after ripening (Aldridge. par. 3). However, scientists cannot estimate the probability that harmful substances will be cr eated in any specific case, because not enough is known about the new field of genetic engineering. Current recombinant DNA methods and those likely to...

Get 10 Facts About the Element Sodium

Get 10 Facts About the Element Sodium Sodium is an abundant element thats essential for human nutrition and important for many chemical processes. Here are 10 facts about sodium. Sodium is a silvery-white metal belonging to Group 1 of the Periodic Table, which is the alkali metals group.Sodium is highly reactive. The pure metal is stored in oil or kerosene because it spontaneously ignites in water. Sodium metal also floats on water.At room temperature, sodium metal is soft enough that you can cut it with a butter knife.Sodium is an essential element in animal nutrition. In humans, sodium is important for maintaining fluid balance in the cells and throughout the body, while the electric potential maintained by sodium ions is critical for nerve function.Sodium and its compounds are used for food preservation, for cooling nuclear reactors, in sodium vapor lamps, for purifying and refining other elements and compounds, and as a desiccant.There is only one stable isotope of sodium: 23Na.The symbol for sodium is Na, which comes from the Latin natrium or Arabic natrun or a similar-sounding Egyptian word, all referring to soda or sodium carbonate.Sodium is an abundan t element. Its found in the sun and many other stars. It is the sixth most abundant element on Earth, comprising about 2.6 percent of the earths crust. It is the most abundant alkali metal. Although its too reactive to occur in pure elemental form, it is found in many minerals, including halite, cryolite, soda niter, zeolite, amphibole, and sodalite. The most common sodium mineral is halite or sodium chloride salt.Sodium was first commercially produced by thermal reduction of sodium carbonate with carbon at 1,100 Â °C, in the Deville process. Pure sodium may be obtained by electrolysis of molten sodium chloride. It may also be produced by the thermal decomposition of sodium azide.

Personal identity. You are the same person now as you were ten years Essay

Personal identity. You are the same person now as you were ten years ago - Essay Example Firstly, I will show, through describing the limits of acceptable physical change, that bodily continuity alone is not enough to say I am the same person I was a decade ago. Some philosophers, such as Eric Olson, have claimed that the physical body is the basis of the identity (Olson 2003, pp. 337-338). This view claims that as long as one keeps the same body throughout their life, they remain the same person. For example, if someone commits a crime, as long as their body committed the crime, we can punish them for it. Therefore, as I am in the same body as I was ten years ago, I am the same person. However, there is opposition to the view that our identity refers only to our physical body as our bodies are constantly regenerating so how much of our body must stay the same in order for us to be classed as the same person? An example of this is the Ship of Theseus (Leibniz as cited by Gallois 2016). Many people believe that, at some point, the Ship of Theseus stops being the same ship. I could then also say I am not the same person I was ten years ago, as I have a completely different set of cells. But, with no detectable changes in appearance or attitude how could I prove I am a different person? Not everyone agrees that our regeneration makes us a different person, believing that the gradual change involved in the previous examples enables them to keep their identity, i.e. the gradual change of the Ship of Theseus.

Org behavior Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

Org behavior - Assignment Example Less-sophisticated technological systems may allow for a flatter, horizontal structure that provides employees with more autonomous function. Employees in the organization may not have the tacit knowledge that some experts in the organization hold and do not always have access to face-to-face interventions with knowledge experts. Therefore, they become dependent on data from technology systems in order to guarantee effective knowledge transfer, such as using enterprise resource planning software to gain valuable real-time data occurring in the organization. For instance, customer service can access software to determine current inventory levels in order to ensure order fulfillment. This knowledge source (CSR) now holds knowledge no other individual in the organization carries from external sources. They can take this technology-driven knowledge to consult with production to temporarily double output in order to meet future demand. Technology maintains â€Å"a crucial role in enabling knowledge-centric practices† (Dataware Technologies, 2008, p.2). Having an understanding of the external market is one competency providing competitive advantage. Many organizations rely on differentiation strategies in order to build a brand that stands out uniquely from competitors. In order to create a more effective service model or product concept, the organization needs to conduct market research on consumer attitudes, behaviors, and needs to align operations and service to deliver these outputs. Another core competency is creating a unified organizational culture, using transformational leadership to gain commitment, loyalty and employee satisfaction (Fairholm, 2009). Human capital development in terms of coaching and training using elements of transformational style can give employees more transferrable knowledge within the organization and attitude that focuses on service excellence and total quality management of outputs. Being

Conflict Resolution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Conflict Resolution - Essay Example blems faced by its employees with regard to dissatisfaction at work, conflicts among employees or between employees and managers; etc., which may have a strong impact on their morale. According to research, there is a strong and direct relationship between leadership and communication whereby effective leadership is known to result in better communication among the staff members and hence result in effective conflict resolution at work, thus ultimately influencing employees trust in the leader (Kasper-Feuhrer & Ashkanasy, 2001). Increased trust in the management is further associated with improved employee morale and performance, higher job satisfaction, and greater commitment to work (Costa 2003; Dirks and Ferrin, 2002; Cornell et al., 2003; Corbitt and Martz, 2003). This paper on Conflict resolution in workplace focuses on various issues such as policies and strategies implemented by management in order to improve employee / staff morale; address concerns with regard to internal conflict resolution; and resolve issues related to management of cultural diversity, and various forms of discrimination experienced by staff members. The Toyota Motor Sales Inc., has successfully implemented a unique dispute resolution policy whereby the grievances faced by the employees are resolved to the best of their abilities by the management. The company has developed a special forum which serves as a common platform for its employees to share their problems and issues faced by them with regard to disputes at workplace; in a bid to ensure that the same does not negatively affect their overall productivity. The company believes in quickly resolving conflicts at workplace through effective and prompt communication strategies and providing a healthy working environment whereby the employees are free to share and speak up regarding issues and matters most important for them. This is done through a unique communication policy developed and put into practice by the company, referred

The Alarming Increase In Earths Temperature Environmental Sciences Essay

The Alarming Increase In Earths Temperature Environmental Sciences Essay These days every one agrees upon the fact that there is something strange and worrying happening to the atmosphere. Climate change and global warming are issues which are concerned with every individual living around the globe. Almost each and every individual is affected by the change in climatic conditions and alarming increase in earths temperature.. Literature review Definitions Climate change refers to a change in earths weather which includes the change in global temperature, wind patterns, and rainfall. The green house effect is considered a major reason for climate change. The green house effect is a phenomenon which describes the earth as a green house made up of glass which allows light of the sun to enter but then traps it, preventing it from escaping. A green house is a structure made up of glass used for commercial purposes such as producing off season vegetables, plants and flowers. The glass walls traps the radiation in it and does not allow them to escape. This makes the green house warmer which provides optimum temperature for plants even during winters. The same process occurs in the earths atmospheric layer. The green house gases acts like the roof of a green house. During day time the earths surface absorbs sunlight and gets warmer, at night the earths surface reradiates the heat back into the atmosphere but some of the heat still remains in the earths system due to the absorption by green house gases. The earth depicts such a behavior due to the presence of green house gases (GHG) in the earths atmospheric layer. GHGs include carbon dioxide, water vapors, methane, oxides of sulfur and nitrogen. How ever the contrary is the concept of global dimming which occurs due to change in the characteristics of clouds due to pollutant particles. As the clouds become more reflecting most of the heat from the sun is then reflected back which causes a cooling effect The Debate The climate debate has become the hottest debate during the last years. The debate between the experts whether to regulate harmful emissions or not has given rise to regulatory uncertainty which intern has even worsen the situation. The industries involved in mining activities, power plants, and automobile are putting a lot of stress on the environment. Every year they are adding up millions of tons of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide and heavy metals in the environment. With proper control regulations on these plants climate change can be significantly decreased. Due to uneven regulations and no tribal emission limits the process of installation of pollution controls power plants are slowing down. In this regard few environmentalists in order to achieve their long term climate policy goals are actually ignoring short-term health and environmental benefits. When it comes to pollution controls, they cost a lot to install and thus their feasibility can only be justified when they are applied only to coal fired power plants so that the costs could be recovered due to their larger operations. The specifics of the climate change regulations are not known and therefore the utilities are unable to decide when these pollution controls should be installed. Unfortunately there are no add-on control technologies which could prove helpful in removing the green house gases from power plant emissions. But the emissions of SOx and NOx can be controlled by add-on pollution control technologies. The SOx and NOx are considered more injurious to health than the green house gases. However the global temperature increase is an attention worthy issue which is mainly caused by green house gases. The issue of climate change and global warming has gained geopolitical importance in the recent years. It refers to an overall increase in average global temperature. Anthropogenic processes and natural events are simultaneously contributing towards global warming. The green house effect which is caused by increasing concentration of Green house gases such as Carbon Dioxide, CFCs, water vapors, oxides of nitrogen and methane mainly is responsible for retaining heat in the atmosphere. Some of the radiations reaching the earths thermal infrared range are absorbed by the Green house gases and rest are reradiated or emitted back in the environment. In short Green house gases prevent the escape of heat from the earths environment; rather they are reflected back resulting in an increase in global temperature. The key indicators representing climate change published by NASA (National aeronautics and space administration) are as under. 1. Rise in sea level 2. Increase in carbon dioxide concentration 3. Declining Arctic sea ice 4. Shrinking ice sheets 5. Global temperature rise 6. Warming oceans 7. Glacial retreat 8. Ocean acidification Some Opposing view in climate change debate: A number of scientists oppose the mainstream, scientific assessment of global warming. They are of the view that first the idea of global warming does not exist and if there is such thing then it is not caused by human activities rather it is happening as a part of natural processes. The two main scientific claims of the IPCC are the claim that the globe is warming and Increases in carbon dioxide emissions are responsible. Evidence for both of these claims is fatally flawed (Gray, 2008) Dr Gray further clarifies his point of view by addressing the graphs which shows that the mean annual temperature of the globe is increasing. He denies that the practice of measuring the average global temperature of any part of the world has ever been done so how could we make it a reference point. Experts of the United Nations in regular reports publish data said to show that the earth is approaching a catastrophic global warming, caused by increasing emissions of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. However, observations of the sun show that as for the increase in temperature, carbon dioxide is not guilty and as for what lies ahead in the upcoming decades, it is not catastrophic warming, but a global, and very prolonged, temperature drop. (Abdussamatov, 2009) Habibullo is of the believe that the global warming is due to a gradual increase in the activities of the sun and carbon dioxide should not be considered as an agent for causing global warming. The global scenario of peace, development and prosperity is changing. Furthermore climate change can result in depletion of food and water supplies it can give rise to conflicts and even destabilize societies and government. The recent climate change trend is more significant for us because it is anticipated mostly by human activities. The increased levels of green house gases are making the earth warmer. Carbon dioxide and other gases are known for their heat-trapping nature. Instead of escaping into space the infrared radiations from the sun are trapped by green house gases in the result they remain in earths system. Burning of fossil fuels by humans causes carbon dioxide to release in the environment. Furthermore methane is produced from agriculture activities in rice fields. Live stock also contributes to it as fermentation of manure generated methane. CFCs are generated from refrigerators and aerosols. The global warming and melting of land ice causes thermal expansion of sea water. The glaciers around the globe are melting causing an increase in the global sea level. The increase in sea level will accelerate in the upcoming years because of increase in global warming. Two weeks ago, I visited Arctic I saw the remains of a glacier that just a few years ago was a majestic mass of ice. The Arctic could be virtually ice free-by 2030 (Ban KI-moon) Global warming is not only affecting the environment, it has direct adverse effects on humans, animals and plants. From Natural habitats of wild life to mangrove forests which are breeding ground of fishes all are getting affected by it. The oxides of nitrogen and sulfur which are present in the atmospheric layers of gases react with rain water and produce acid rain. The acid rain is corrosive and it not only contaminates water bodies but it also destroys marble buildings and sculptures. According to NASA Global climate change causes a shift in animal and plant ranges and also causes tress to flower sooner. All the predictions which were made by the scientists regarding climate change are proving true. The future effect of climate change includes more frequent wildfires, longer periods of drought in some regions, and an increase in number, duration and intensity of tropical storms. Some of the future trends adapted from inter governmental panel on climate change (IPCC) are as under: Contraction of snow cover areas, increased thaw in permafrost regions, decrease in sea ice content. Increased frequency of hot extremes, heat waves and heavy precipitation. Increase in tropical cyclone intensity. Precipitation increases in high altitudes. Precipitation decreases in subtropical land regions. Decreased water resources in many semi-arid areas. Discussion Lack of regulations, regulatory uncertainty and lack of interest regarding environmental issues amongst the inhabitants specially belonging to under developing countries is making this issue even worsen. The economic crush which is prevailing throughout the world has negatively affected the priority of this important issue , where everyone is struggling for making their bread and butter and to full fill the basic necessities of life. In this type of situation people are not ready to use their assets, efforts on addressing this issue. Experts on the other hand are aware of the importance of the issue. They are observing the ice melting on the glaciers with a rapid pace. The sea level around the globe is rising increasing the risks of some major floods. It is expected that sea levels will rise by over 40 cm by the 2080s .Infect though with a slow pace the earths landscape as a whole is changing. The dry part (land) is continuously shrinking disturbing the natural habitats of a number of wild lifes species. With the passage of time wildlife animals undergoes evolution in order to make them selves compatible with the outside environment. The evolution leads to the concept of the survival of the fittest. The one which lacks behind the race have to face extinction. Human population is also affected by the climate change in the very same way .The year 1998 was the warmest year globally since data collection began in 1861.In the year 2003 some 30,000 people lost their lifes due to a sudden heat wave , making this phenomenon extremely attention worthy for the scientists. The average temperature of the UK may rise by 2-3.5 degree by 2080s. If we see the situation in our own country the demand of electricity especially in summers has raisin a lot. As the summers are getting longer and more severe than previous years living without a fan or an air-conditioner is becoming a big deal. This situation prevails through the world as the summers are getting longer and winters are shrinking. In this manner the rainfall frequency will also change it is expected that in up coming years winters will become wetter and summers drier. In south east summer rainfall may decline by 50 by the 2080s. Some worst impacts of climate change includes declining winter storms shifted towards north, increase in precipitation intensity, soaring of temperature, wide spread mortality of vegetation, and increases in the frequency of large wild fires. But wait; now the point is who actually is responsible for the outbreak of this new phenomenon. It is no doubt the anthropogenic activities of the humans which are destroying the environment. Green house gases include carbon dioxide, water vapors, methane and CFCs. Sources of CFCs are aerosols, refrigerators, and air-conditioners. These human activities are releasing harmful gases in the atmosphere which thickens the atmospheric layer. This thickened layer prevents the escape of heat from earths environment resulting an increase in global temperature. There are concerns that Carbon dioxide emission has raised to alarming levels but only few of the climate analysts fees that it is a bit early to draw final conclusions on this phenomenon. The carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere is increasing with a rapid pace. It is considered as one of the most important green house gas.CO2 is released due to the combustion of fossil fuels, natural factors and volcanic eruption. It means the energy we consume is becoming an agent to destroy our environment. It can be administered by adopting renewable energy sources rather than fossil fuels. The agro fuels are clean and green and because of photosynthesis they help reducing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. (The global monitoring division of NOAA/earth system research laboratory) The above graph shows the rising trend in global CO2 concentration from years 2006 to 2010. Some experts also believe that the earths ability to absorb the gases is reducing resulting in acceleration of green house effect. Conclusion Planet earth belongs to all living in it. Its every ones responsibility to protect it from climate change. On the whole the anthropogenic activities are responsible for global warming. Several steps should be taken in this regard. Promoting public transport and adopting efficient and environment friendly transport could be the first step. This reduces the number of cars on the road which intern reduces carbon dioxide emissions. Arboriculture specially when done on larger scale reduces the impact of global warming. In most of the countries this is done under government plan simultaneously people should also showing concern and are planting trees on their own. Preferring energy efficient products could be a vital step. The energy savers bulbs are on the top of the list. As these products consumes less energy so the overall demand for energy could be reduced this could be help full in decreasing the dependence on fossil fuels. Most of the experts find it too early to say that new trends are setting up. But all of them agree upon the fact that this phenomenon should be addressed on urgent basis.

Homer, Alaska :: essays research papers

Where the land ends and the sea begins Homer is the hub of the lower Kenai Peninsula of Alaska, an area incomparably rich in natural wonders and recreational possibilities. The Kenai Peninsula is an Alaska in miniature, a combination of mountain and meadow, coastline and island. The backbone of the peninsula is the Kenai Mountain Range, which separates the rolling hills and salmon streams from the Gulf of Alaska and cradles the 1,000 square mile Harding Icefield, a trackless inland ocean of 3 million-year-old ice. Around Homer, rolling hills and ridges overlook Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet. Bears, wolves and moose roam the uplands; dozens of species of birds gather each spring to feed on the mudflats at the head of the bay. Until the early 1950s, Homer was accessible only by boat, airplane or driving the stony beach from Kenai. Paved road now strings together the coastal towns of Ninilchik, Anchor Point and Homer, affording impressive views of volcanic Mount Iliamna, rising more than 10,000 feet above the sea, and Mount Redoubt, which became active again in 1989 after a couple decades of slumber. Across Kachemak Bay, fabulously rich in marine life, mountains, glaciers and steep-walled fjords dramatically drop into the ocean. When wrapped in mist, the thick stands of spruce and hemlock lend an ethereal air to the secluded coves and bays. Seldovia, Nanwalek and Port Graham are ensconced in such sheltered recesses at the tip of the peninsula. The Southern Peninsula offers visitors an unparalleled blend of the wild and the picturesque, of vigorous life amid immemorial beauty, where glimpses of an eagle soaring, a salmon charging the rapids, or a sunset burnishing the mountain crests leave impressions that can never fade. Homer's population has grown to nearly 5,000 people, and the city serves as a trading and service center for nearly 10,000. It has a modern hospital, newspapers, public and commercial radio stations, a movie theater, thriving commercial and sport fishing fleets, and a high school that was honored in 1989 as one of the best in the nation. The Kachemak Bay area is the arts capital of South-central Alaska. An impressive group of professional and amateur artists provide residents with art shows, dance, music and drama throughout the year. The Homer Council on the Arts also regularly brings nationally- and internationally known performers to Homer. The area's major industry is commercial fishing, which pumps nearly $30 million a year into the local economy.