Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 14

Ethics - Essay Example These ethical concerns can guide the actions of DWI in their official and unofficial position on any step taken by the FCC to allow the same company to control more media sources in a geographical location. The first ethical concern for DWI is to be utilitarian in its ethics to provide the best possible service to society. However, since society also includes the competitors of the company it would be difficult to apply utilitarian ethics to the company and ethical egoism appears to be a more realistic approach. In this approach the company has to do what it thinks will be the most beneficial course of action for the stakeholders of the company which includes the investors, the shareholders, the employees as well as the consumer. One method of doing that would be for the company to maximize its profits which can be done if it controls more of the media in a given location. Companies such as Viacom and Disney are doing exactly the same since it would be profitable for them to control a large share of a given market (Turner, 2004). If DWI is similar in size and market positioning to these companies it should take the same approach as taken by the other large firms and support the plans for allowing one company to control a greater share of the media business in a geographical area. However, since ethical egoism demands that DWI look out for its own best interest, if DWI does not have a media business as large as Disney or Viacom, it should seek to protect its business interests through going against the plans of the larger companies. In fact, the company should be quite vocal about smaller companies being pushed out of business with giants strong arming them and also talk to anyone who is willing to listen about the media situation. Further, to prevent the situation from developing, DWI could also bring the attention of the people to the fact that control

Drawing Essay Example for Free

Drawing Essay I believe drawing is the single most important skill for any visual artist to acquire, whether they are a painter, illustrator, graphic designer, or fashion designer. It is simply the act of seeing made visual. When one learns how to draw, what they are really learning is the ability to see more clearly and communicate what they see or can imagine. As such, drawing is a tool for study, and communication even before it is a tool for making art. When you draw a picture, do you draw the character in blocks first or what? I just cant seem to get my characters anatomically right. I saw your booklist on your site. Do you know of any books which teach you to draw the body in blocks? From Christine Lau I dont draw blocks first when drawing a figure. Usually Ill do a very loose, light, scribbly gesture drawing instead. If you want to learn the blocks method, try any of the books by George Bridgeman, Andrew Loomis, or the books by Robert Beverly Hale. (all are listed on my site) Avoid books by Burne Hogarth, (one of my old teachers) as they arent very accurate and can be very misleading. (note: Glenn Vilppus books are also an excellent source!) By far, the best book for anatomy though is the book by Stephen Rogers Peck (also on the site). There is no quick fix for drawing anatomyit just takes a few years of study. Keep it up though, its worth it once you get a handle on it!!! p.s. Also, draw from live nude models as much as possible, thats the best method to learn it. What is the hardest thing to draw? From Everybody! Nothing is really harder or easier to draw in a mechanical sense. If a person can draw one thing, they are perfectly capable of drawing something else with the same degree of accuracy. The problem is in the phrase the same degree of accuracy. If someone says they can draw, for instance, landscapes, but they cant draw people, what they are really saying is, when I draw landscapes, I draw well enough that no one can tell what Ive drawn incorrectly. The reason people, and especially faces, are so difficult to draw is not because they themselves are any harder to draw than a tree. What changes is our tolerance as viewers for any degree of inaccuracy. We are so intimately familiar with faces and their associated nuances, that the slightest deviation appears as a gross misproportion. Because of this, I am constantly demanding my students draw people, and especially self-portraits, because they effectively highlight any weak skill areas that need attention. My students erron eously believe its because Im sadistic. What purpose does drawing have for artists today? From Carole (Shropshire, United Kingdom) I think people often misrepresent drawing as a medium, or group of mediums, rather than an activity. I see drawing as the visual equivalent of language. It is simply the way we communicate ideas visually through a series of marks on a ground. So to rephrase the question, it is a little like asking What purpose does speaking have for people today? For both, the answer I would give is the communication of information. This information can take the form of ideas, thoughts, commentary, entertainment, or just literal facts, but for all of these, drawing is just the mode of transmission. How artfully this is done is another, separate, issue. In the case of artists specifically, it is the fastest and most efficient way to represent an idea visually. Far more immediate than any other way of doing it, a quickly drawn sketch or thumbnail is usually the first look an artist has at how they might execute an idea.

Health Promotion and Education for HIV

Health Promotion and Education for HIV Introduction The prevalence of HIV infections has increased rapidly in recent years in the UK. In 2006, it was estimated that a total of 73,000 people were infected with HIV, with a further new 6,393 cases reported in 2007 (Health Protection Agency 2007). The epidemiology of HIV infection has changed over the years. In the mid-1980s, the three groups of people considered to be at the highest risk of HIV infection were men who have sex with men, injection drug users and those who have received blood products (e.g. through blood transfusions). However, since 1999, the majority of new infections have been reported among heterosexuals (Health Protection Agency 2007). The prognosis for HIV-infected individuals has improved over the past ten years. Although there is currently no vaccine and no cure for HIV, HAART (Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy) has proven highly effective in delaying the onset of AIDS and lengthening the lifespan of infected individuals (Rutland et al. 2007).The increased preval ence of HIV infections in the UK means that healthcare professionals in all settings are more likely to care for patients with HIV than in past years. A number of studies have been conducted worldwide to examine healthcare professionals’ knowledge and/or attitudes to HIV in countries including the UK (Tierney 1995; Laraqui et al. 2002; Pisal et al. 2007). Findings showed that healthcare workers are frequently fearful, negative, ill-informed and discriminatory towards HIV-positive patients. Furthermore, fears regarding perceived risks when caring for parents with HIV may hamper quality of patient care (Pisal et al. 2007). As a result, HIV-positive patients may experience stigma and dehumanisation, together with feelings of isolation and guilt. There is an unmet need for effective education programmes to increase healthcare professionals’ knowledge about HIV, modes of transmission and precautions that should be taken when caring for HIV-positive patients. Studies have shown that education programmes to increase levels of knowledge among nurses significantly reduced fears about interacting with HIV-positive patients (Pis al et al. 2007). This paper discusses the development of an educational leaflet aimed at healthcare professionals, analyses the methodology used and evaluates the leaflet and the process of development. Leaflet development When devising health promotion and education programmes, the three main components which must be considered are planning, implementation and evaluation and it may be helpful to use a health promotion model in this process (Whitehead 2003). The Ewles and Simnett model (1992) proposes five different ways of considering health promotion which include a medical approach, behaviour change approach, educational change approach, client-centred approach and social change approach. Our health education approach best fit the educational and behavioural change approaches. By educating the target group of individuals, the knowledge they gain will empower them to make informed decisions and will act as an important influencer on their behaviour (Aghamolaei et al. 2005). In their model, Ewles and Simnett identified 9 stages which were used in the planning of the health education initiative discussed in this paper and which include: Identification of the target group Identification of the needs of the target group Establishment of the goals of education Formulation of specific objectives Identification of resources Planning of content and method Planning of methods of evaluation Implementation of education Evaluation of effectiveness. Planning The target group for this health education strategy was healthcare support workers who may come into contact with clients infected with HIV or AIDS. As discussed, there is a clear need for education programmes for healthcare professionals who may have contact with HIV-positive clients. The main goals of this strategy were to increase levels of knowledge about HIV with a view to reducing fears and stigma surrounding HIV-positive individuals, and alleviate any existing misconceptions surrounding the spread of the HIV virus in clinical practice. The approach taken in this strategy was to develop an educational information leaflet. Previous research has demonstrated that leaflets that promote knowledge of HIV are effective in reducing fear and anxiety among healthcare workers, while also increasing overall knowledge of the disease (Pisal et al. 2007). Leaflets have been shown to provide a number of benefits. For example, they can be used to re-enforce information delivered verbally and c an deliver a greater volume of information that via verbal communication alone (Secker 1997). Furthermore, leaflets may be retained for future reference and can be shared with others. However, there is evidence to suggest that health promotion leaflets needs to be carefully designed, since not all leaflets communicate their messages effectively to their target audience (Shire Hall Communications 1992). Methodology Sources of information Information on the HIV was sourced by searching the Pubmed electronic database and Department of Health websites. Up-to-date, high-quality publications were selected where possible. The Health Protection Agency websites was also search for recent UK-specific epidemiology data. Information relating to the design of the leaflet was gathered from both Pubmed and Google searches. All information sourced was read carefully, findings were accurately summarised and key points were highlighted. Leaflet design The design of educational leaflets should assist the reader’s understanding of the content within (Secker 1997). The leaflet title was chosen carefully so as to be appealing and encourage readers to want to read the entire leaflet. A design theme was chosen which was applied consistently throughout each of the pages. Black and red text was used against a yellow background which demonstrated good readability and made the leaflet stand out on the shelf among a group of other leaflets. The choice of colours was designed to reflect a ‘danger/hazard’ theme which was intended to motivate the reader. While it could be argued that the association of red with danger may actually re-enforce existing negative beliefs about HIV, we believe that our choice of a strong and positive leaflet title negates this possibility. The Times New Roman font in a 12 point size was used for the main text. Research suggests that this is one of the best fonts for educational materials, and that a 12 point font size is the minimum size for readers without visual impairment (Secker 1997). Although it is acknowledged that using a font size as large as this limits the amount of text that can be accommodated, a shortcoming of many educational leaflets is that they contain text which is too small to read comfortably (Albert and Chadwick 1992). The images used in the leaflet were relevant to the content. Research has shown that the use of illustrations is an important factor to consider in leaflet design and that illustrations should always be informative and relative to the content of the leaflet, otherwise they will detract from the information being conveyed (Rohret and Ferguson 1990; Albert and Chadwick 1992). By using ‘before’ and ‘after’ versions of similar images, we aimed to convey some of the feelings that HIV-positive clients may experience in healthcare settings and how a change in the behaviour and attitude of healthcare workers can have a positive impact on the client’s experience as well as improving the interaction between the client and care provider. Another important factor which must be considered when using images, pictures and other illustrative materials is their source and whether there are copyright issues associated with their use. Unfortunately, we did not consider the legal implications associated with our choice of illustration, which subsequently prevented the leaflet from being distributed to the target audience. A folded one third A4 size leaflet, printed on yellow paper with a gloss finish was chosen. This is a popular choice of size for educational leaflets and provides good portability, being small enough to put in a bag. The use of folding negates the need for staples which add to cost. [Client: you didn’t mention anything about leaflet size, stock of paper or finish so I’ve added in what I have found from my own experience of designing educational materials, although I’m not sure of the exact stock of paper that would be the best for a leaflet of this description and no papers discuss this] Language According to Bennett and Heller (2006), â€Å"Speaking the language of the audience is crucial in attempting to appeal to them and change their understanding of any issue†. The language in this leaflet used simple terminology that is easily understood and is jargon free, two factors which have been shown to be of importance in educational materials (Ewles and Simnett 2003). Personal and colloquial terms were used which were designed to engage the reader and encourage critical thinking and reflection of their own clinical practice. The use of personal pronouns has previously been shown to be effective in making the reader feel that the leaflet is addressing them directly, thereby making it more appealing (Glasper and Burge 1992; Albert and Chadwick 1992). The use of long words was limited and sentences were generally short and succinct, with each attempting to explain a single idea (Manning 1981). Evidence has shown that this facilitates the integration and storage of information into memory. This is an important factor since the cognitive load theory proposes that redundant forms of information may require longer processing and may prevent the reader from learning (Doak et al. 1996). Research has also demonstrated that the more long words and long sentences used, the more difficult the leaflet will be for the reader to understand (Pastore and Berg 1987; Bernier and Yasko 1991). Simplicity in both choice of language and sentence structure is also of value if the leaflet were to be translated into other languages or into Braille. While this leaflet was only designed for target groups within the UK, it could also be translated successfully if required. Readability may be assessed more accurately by performing a readability test to determine the reading age of any written material. These tests typically relate the number of long words and sentences to the reading age necessary to understand the materials. Evidence shows that the reading age of the majority of adults in many developed countries is 10-14 years (Vahabi and Ferris 1995). Although we did not employ a readability test when developing this leaflet, it is an activity that would have been helpful to confirm the readability of the material we had developed and would be particularly valuable when developing patient educational materials where reading age would be of greater importance. Content and organisation of information It is important that educational materials are accurate and up to date (Secker 1997). As previously discussed, the most recent information was selected for inclusion in our leaflet. Summarised information was discussed for suitability and then reviewed for accuracy by several members of the team as a quality control exercise. The content of this leaflet is quite specific and should be applicable for the foreseeable future, unless a vaccine or cure for HIV/AIDS is developed or there are changes to universal precautions. Nonetheless, it may have been worth including a publication date on the leaflet to enable the reader to quickly see how old the leaflet is and if a more up-to-date version may be available. The organisation of text within the leaflet is a very important factor influencing whether the material makes sense to the reader (Secker 1997). Studies have shown that educational information should be presented in a way that reflects the priorities of the reader (Bernier and Yasko 1991). Therefore, paragraphs of text were arranged so that the most important and relevant facts were discussed first. This arrangement has been shown to facilitate the assimilation of information and re-enforce learning (Manning 1981). Sequential lists of bullet points were used to present the text included in the leaflet. These have also been shown to enhance assimilation, when compared with blocks of bulk information delivered in a narrative form (Manning 1981). Key points within the text were emphasised in bold type since the use of colour has shown to be ineffective (Kitching 1990) and a number of colours were already employed in the design theme. The text in the leaflet was justified which is not in line with the recommendation of unjustified, left-aligned text using indentations for ease of readability (Kitching 1990). [Client: you don’t mention whether headings were used in the leaflet. Sentence case headings in bold type placed against the left-hand margin with plenty of space around are effective in standing out from the main text and will assist the reader in quickly locating the information they require within the leaflet (Dixon and Park, 1990) Reference: Dixon, E. Park, R. 1990, ‘Do patients understand written health information?’, Nursing Outlook, vol. 38, no. 6, pp. 278-81.] Evidence has shown that leaflets should convey only essential information and contain references to further reading in a separate section (Vahabi and Ferris 1995). In our leaflet, the name of the first author and the year were included in the text as citations for source references. For a more continuous flow, it may have been better to replace the author name with a superscript number which relates to the full reference which would be included in a reference list at the end of the leaflet. Since this leaflet is aimed at healthcare professionals who aim to use research-based evidence to inform best practice, it would be particularly important to include the sources of the reference materials to encourage further reading; however, due to space constraints, we were not able to include this reference list in our leaflet. Implementation The leaflet has not been distributed to the intended target group due to legal implications surrounding the images used. The original implementation plan included: (1) distribution of the leaflet after infection control study days held within the hospital, or at study sessions focussing on HIV/AIDS as a method of re-enforcing the verbal information already delivered; (2) inclusion of the leaflet as part of the induction package for relevant new members of staff; and (3) inclusion of leaflets on stands already located in hospital common rooms or other venues. Evaluation As discussed above, since the leaflet has not been distributed to the target audience, it has not been possible to evaluate the success of our approach. We planned to pilot our leaflet to a selected group of healthcare support workers and gain feedback both verbally and via the use of a questionnaire designed to address the quality of content, readability and use of language within the leaflet. Gaining preliminary feedback on the leaflet may have helped us to address any issues identified prior to implementation. The specific limitations identified in our leaflet have already been discussed within the relevant sections of this paper. However, when reflecting on our approach to producing this leaflet, we were able to identify a number of other areas where we feel that the process could be improved in the future: (1) experimenting with other colours may make the leaflet aesthetically more appealing; (2) including the address of the charity listed, instead of just the website, would enable those individuals without internet facilities to also access this valuable resource more easily; (3) when searching for published literature on knowledge and attitudes of healthcare professionals to HIV, although many studies were identified, there were few recent studies conducted within the UK. For this reason, it may have been worth considering designing a preliminary questionnaire to gather the attitudes and beliefs of the healthcare workers within our particular setting to ensure that we were designing a leaflet which addressed their specific needs; and (4) we believe that the use of an interactive tool, such as a quiz, would further engage the target audience, serving to re-enforce and challenge what they have learnt from the leaflet. Conclusions Our leaflet met the majority of published criteria for well-designed educational material, in terms of content, language and design. The leaflet contained up-to-date, accurate information which was relevant to the target audience. The overall look and feel of the leaflet was appealing and uncrowded with good readability, while the use of relevant images helped to convey the important messages contained within the leaflet. The major limitation of our methodology was the use of images with surrounding legal implications which prevented the leaflet from being distributed. This made is impossible to evaluate the success of our approach which was very disappointing. Nonetheless, developing this leaflet has provided valuable experience which can be applied when designing similar health promotion and education programmes in the future. Bibliography Aghamolei, T., Eftekhar, H., Mohammed, K., Nahjavani, M., Shojaeizadeh, D., Ghofranipour, F., Safa, O. 2005, ‘Effects of a health education program on behaviour, HbA1c and health-related quality of life in diabetic patients’, Acta Medica Iranica, vol. 43, no. 2, pp. 89-94. Albert, T. Chadwick, S. 1992, ‘How readable are practice leaflets?’, British Medical Journal, vol. 305, pp. 1266-8. Bennett and Heller 2006, Design studies: theory and research in graphic design, Princeton Architectural Press, New York. Bernier, M. J. Yasko, J. 1991,‘Designing and evaluating printed education materials: model and instrument development’, Patient Education and Counseling, vol. 18, pp. 253-63. Doak, C. C,, Doak L. G., Root, J. H. 1996, Teaching patients with low literacy skills, 2nd ed, Lippincott Williams Wilkins, Philadelphia. Ewles and Simnett 1992, Promoting Health: a practical guide. 2nd ed, Scutari Press, London. Ewles and Simnett 2003, Promoting Health: a practical guide. 5th ed, Scutari Press, London. Ezedinachi, E., Ross, M. W., Meremiku, M., Essien, E. J., Edem, C. B., Ekure, E., Ita, O. 2002,â€Å"The impact of an intervention to change health workers’ HIV/AIDS attitudes and knowledge in Nigeria: a controlled trial’, Public Health, vol. 116, pp. 106-12 Glasper, A. Burge, D. 1992, ‘Developing family information leaflets’, Nursing Standard, vol. 6, no. 25, pp. 24-7. Health Protection Agency 2007, Testing Times: HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in the United Kingdom, 2007. Retrieved 31st July 2008 from: http://www.hpa.org.uk/web/HPAwebHPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1203084355941 Kitching, J. B. 1990, ‘Patient information leaflets – the state of the art’, Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, vol. 83, pp. 298-300. Pisal, H., Sutar, S., Sastry, J., Kapadia-Kundu, N., Joshi, A., Joshi, M., Leslie, J., Scotti, L., Bharucha, K., Suryavanshi, N., Phadke, M., Bollinger, R., Shankar, A.V. 2007, ‘Nurses health education program in India increases HIV knowledge and reduces fear’, Journal of the Association of Nurses and AIDS Care, vol. 18, no. 6, pp. 32-43. Laraqui, C. H., Tripodi, D., Rahhali, A., Bichara, M., Laraqui, S., Curtes, J. P., Verger, C., Zahraoui, M. 2002,’Knowledge, practice, and behaviour of healthcare workers confronted to AIDS and the occupational risk of HIV transmission in Morocco, Medecine et Maladies Infectieuses, vol. 32, pp. 307-14. Manning, D. 1981, ‘Writing readable health messages’, Public Health Reports, vol. 96, no. 5, pp. 464-5. Pastore, P. Berg, B. 1987, ‘The evaluation of patient education materials: focus on readability’, Patient Education and Counseling, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 216-9. Rohret, L. Ferguson, K. J. 1990, ‘Effective use of patient education illustrations’, Patient Education and Counseling, vol. 15, pp. 73-5. Rutland, E., Foley, E., O’Mahony, C., Miller, M., Maw, R., Kell, P., Rowen, D. 2007, ‘How normalised is HIV care in the UK? A survey of current practice and opinion’, Sexually Transmitted Infections, vol. 83, pp. 151-4. Secker, J. 1997, ‘Assessing the quality of patient education leaflets’, Coronary Health Care, vol. 1, pp. 37-41. Shire Hall Communications 1992, Consumer leaflets – a write off?, Shire Hall Communications, London. Tibdewel, S. S. Wadhva, S. K. 2001, ‘HIV/AIDS awareness among hospital employees’, Indian Journal of Medical Science, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 69-72. Vahabi, M. Ferris, L. 1995, ‘Improving written patient education materials: a review of the evidence’, Health Education Journal, vol. 54, pp. 99-106. Whitehead, D. 2003, ‘Evaluating health promotion: a model for nursing practice’, Journal of Advanced Nursing, vol. 41, no. 5, pp. 490-8.

The Power of Money in Campaign Finance Essay -- American Politics, Pre

It may seem that with the Buckley decision, soft money and PACs the hope for reform has been lost, however there is still hope. The Supreme Court upheld the voluntary public financing of presidential election, which was considered a great step forward because taking public funds requires the candidate to limit their spending on the federal level. There is also the â€Å"hard money† in political campaigns, which is strictly regulated by law through the Federal Election Commission. Hard money is the contrast to soft money meaning that it is the contributions made by a person or PAC that gives to a federal campaign or political party for the use in federal elections. But of course with one step forward there is always two steps back. Because of the way soft money has forged it way into being one of the primary sources of federal campaigns, it has made a mockery of public financing at the federal level. Soft money and all its allied forms of legal cheating and finance loopholes ha ve almost completely stopped any effort or control to regulate and disclose federal campaign funding. From the 1980s to 2002 Congress played an active part in helping the parties and candidates through loopholes (arguably Congress is still presently helping). James Bopp (1999) believes the explosion of soft money in political campaigns in part came from the 1996 elections when national and state party committees would use soft money to pay for advertisements that featured their respective nominees, but were not subject to the spending limitations of publicly funded candidates. These advertisements are referred to as issue ads, which would clearly promote the victory or defeat of candidates, but because they did not use the words â€Å"vote for†, â€Å"elect†, or â€Å"defeat† ... ...nders in congress are willing to go to stretch the line of the laws and legal cheat just to keep their seat and the money flowing into their pockets. In present society politics is at its dirtiest and most cynical, evenly chipping away what our constitution stands for and our democratic values. I cannot in any way say what the future will hold for this uphill battle for disclosure and regulations on campaign finance. But I do know that the time for action is slowly passing by and if something is not done soon I fear the U.S. government may be lost to all and any forms of revival. Our government would basically have to start a new throwing everything off balance. Our government is standing on thin ice not only with its own citizens but also with foreign relations, it only takes waiting a day to long until the ice finally breaks and the American government sinks.

Gmos

Shayna Powell GMO: Helpful or Harmful? The battle about genetically modified food is intensifying more and more each day as to whether it is doing more harm than good to the health of the environment and the general population. While there is some potential for a successful GMO world, there are far too many risks and safety factors involved. The factors include the unknown consequences of eating GMOs, the effect of genetic engineering on the environment and genetic diversity, and the massive amounts of herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides required in GMOs.These products are unsafe, unnatural, and have the potential to cause irreversible damage in the future. Others who disagree might argue that GMOs increase food supply, tolerance of harsh environmental conditions on crops, and pest and disease resistance. While these arguments may have some validity, the idea that these products can be very unsafe and damaging cannot be excused because of these pros. First, genetic engineering can reduce genetic diversity. Plants with reduced genetic diversity cannot handle drought, fungus, or pests as well as natural plants can.GMOs strengthen homogeneity and increase the vulnerability of crops to environmental changes. There is also a concern for the spread of altered genes to weeds and other wild relatives creating â€Å"super-weeds† that will be resistant to herbicides found in GMOs. This in turn would defeat the purpose of genetically engineering crops. In the end, the GM process will be more costly to farmers and agriculture itself. In addition, GMOs require massive amounts of herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides.According to Mark Anslow, Ecologist Editor, â€Å"no genetically modifies crop has yet eliminated the need for chemical fertilizers in order to achieve expected yields. † (Anslow, 464) Also, these chemicals are poisonous and should never be eaten. Why then would companies such as Syngenta and Monsanto find it safe for humans to ingest such pois on? Finally, the consequences of eating GM products are widely unknown. Experts say that 60 to 70 percent of processed foods have ingredients that have been genetically modified. That means that most breakfast cereals, snack foods, some baby foods, sodas and oils are being consumed without known risks.In addition, food items that contain GMOs are not labeled in America. According to Jeffrey Smith â€Å"altered nutrients and toxins can result in developmental problems. † (Smith, 471) This has resulted in the nutritional studies on young and developing animals. However humans are very different from animals and could have far different reactions than those shown form tests done on animals. In order to prevent future disasters, long-term studies of biotech foods should be conducted to determine long-term effects. In conclusion, too many risk factors exist for GMOs to be overlooked as a harmless biological advancement.Studies should be done overtime to reveal what effects genetic ally engineered food can have on the environment and the consumers in the future. While trying to make a â€Å"quick-fix† in the shortcoming of nature, responsible actions should be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of those partaking in the GMO movement. Works Cited Anslow, Mark. â€Å"Ten Reasons Why GM Won't Feed the World. † Good Reasons with Contemporary Arguments Smith, Jeffrey. â€Å"Another Reason for Schools to Ban Genetically Modified Foods† Good Reasons with Contemporary Arguments

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression Free Online Research Papers Postpartum Depression Many women today suffer from Postpartum Depression; probably from the lack of knowledge of PPD. Postpartum depression is an illness that every woman should know after giving birth. PPD is an illness that can affect many women and can go unrecognized, so it is important to take care of yourself and recognize the symptoms of PPD. All new mothers will experience some form of Postpartum Depression; however, knowing the symptoms will help you seek the proper medical treatment, and overcome PPD. Some women do not know what postpartum depression is and what affects it can have; thus, women can think that what they are feeling are merely â€Å"baby blues†. What is Postpartum Depression? PPD is a serious illness that can occur during your pregnancy, or the first few months after giving birth. It also can happen after miscarriage and stillbirth (â€Å" WebMD,† 2008). Postpartum depression can make you feel very sad, tired, have lots crying spells, and unable to care for you baby. PPD is not what â€Å"baby blues† are, which is a feeling of moodiness, crying spells, and trouble sleeping that is accompanied with happy times. The â€Å"baby blues† only last for a couple of days or weeks, but postpartum can last for months and maybe up to a year without treatment. On the other hand if you are in doubt of the feelings you are experiencing, then you should talk to your family or friends. Your family can help you figure out if you are indeed having symptoms of PPD. You might even learn if one of your family members experienced the illness of PPD. Doing some research online of postpartum depression can clear some questions you are having about the illness. The Internet contains enormous information of postpartum depression, which can be very helpful with your current feelings and future reference after giving birth. Seeing a doctor will help you come to a conclusion if you have PPD; therefore, he can identify your symptoms and get medical treatment. Before seeing a doctor write a list of questions you may have along with the symptoms you are experiencing, so you will not leave the office with unanswered questions. Having knowledge of post partum depression can help you indentify if you have the illness, and seek proper medical treatment. What are the symptoms of PPD? This is a common question for all women who have given birth, and husbands who are concerned. The following are symptoms of Postpartum Depression are: Crying for â€Å"no reason†, feeling inadequate, Difficulty making decisions, confusion, anxiety, nervousness, dizziness, heart pounding, chest pains, feelings o hopelessness, sleep disturbances, angry feelings toward husband, baby or self, compulsive behaviors, thoughts of hurting your child or self, no interest in previously enjoyable activities, and other symptoms (â€Å"The Center for Postpartum Adjustment,† 2006). Knowing the risks factors for PPD can in fact help you identify the illness, and overcome it sooner then you thought, for the result may even be that in the future when having another child; PPD may not even reoccur. Who is at risk and what increases the risk? This is an important question to ask your doctor for this will prevent severe problems. About 75% of women who are depressed during pregnancy will also have postpartum depression. (â€Å"WebMD,† 2008) If you have had postpartum depression before, you are at high risk of having it again. Statistics say that about 50e of women with the history of PPD will have it after a future pregnancy (â€Å"WebMD,†2008) 2008). Additionally women with a family history of PPD (e.g. mother, grandmother, sister, or aunt) can have high risk of getting the illness as well. A bearer of an unwanted pregnancy; a long, difficult or complicated labor; an unsupported labor; or delivery of a premature, comprised, or defective baby is also an increased risk of PPD (â€Å"The Center for Postpartum Adjustment†, 2006) Stress can also trigger the risk for PPD, for instance like having a colicky newborn, financial issues, put your career on hold, or marriage problems. All new mothers experience the overwhelming feeling of not doing a well job, so their stress level goes skyrocket. Treatment for PPD will help overcome the illness slowly with observation, during the intake of antidepressants or counseling. It is best for women to seek counseling or support groups before deciding to take antidepressants. Seek to look at your nearest hospital for support groups to discuss your problem; therefore, you will not feel as if you were the only person with PPD. Support groups allow you to discuss your story and in return you will hear the similar story of women with PPD. On the other hand if you think that you need more then just counseling, then see your doctor for medical treatment as soon as possible. Your doctor will give you antidepressant at a set dosage and decrease it with the progress your that making. Antidepressants are mostly given to women who have Postpartum Major Depression [PMD]. Epperson (1999) states that PMD is a severe illness that needs immediate treatment, although it is arguable that all women with PMD should seek some type of counseling, a woman whose depression is persistent or so severe that she is having difficulty taking care of herself or functioning as a mother, or is having thoughts of harming herself or her child should be evaluated for antidepressant treatment. Postpartum Depression is an important illness that should be taken with precaution; however, without treatment PPD can lead to severe problems to your health and life. We have many medical resources and support groups to help with you with PPD; there it is not an excuse to let yourself go without treatment. It is important to be able to bond with your baby without PPD. Research Papers on Postpartum DepressionPersonal Experience with Teen PregnancyThe Masque of the Red Death Room meaningsArguments for Physician-Assisted Suicide (PAS)Capital PunishmentThe Effects of Illegal ImmigrationThe Fifth HorsemanMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever ProductThree Concepts of PsychodynamicAnalysis Of A Cosmetics AdvertisementResearch Process Part One

How to Write a Reflective Essay †It’s Personal. BestEssay.Education

How to Write a Reflective Essay – It’s Personal. How to Write a Reflective Essay – It’s Personal Reflective essay assignments are common assignments in certain classes. Suppose you have just completed a major community service project as a field experience for an upper level sociology course. You have worked at a community center in one of the poorest neighborhoods, assisting with after-school activities for children. Now that your experience is over you must complete the project report by writing a reflective essay on your experience. You have never written such an essay, so obviously you are a bit stressed. This post should help you produce a reflective essay that will meet the expectations of your professor. Understanding the Purpose A reflective essay should include the following components: What were your beliefs or attitudes before this experience? How did you grow personally through the experience How have your beliefs or attitudes been changed as a result of this experience? Structure and Process Before you begin your essay, answer the questions above. This will help you develop your thesis statement, as well as give you the ideas you need for your body paragraphs – in fact, the answers to each one of those questions can easily be body paragraphs. Prepare a brief informal outline of how you will cover each point in your essay. Write the body paragraphs. As you write them, be certain to add a lot of detail. If, for example, you came to better understand the struggles of children in poverty, what examples can you provide? Is there an anecdote that really brought you to this understanding? Remember, this essay is personal. Write the Introduction: Part of learning how to write a good reflective essay means that you understand what information your introduction should include. You want to keep it relatively short. You will introduce the experience you had – a field experience, a play you saw, a trip to see a specific exhibit at the art museum – the topic of your reflective essay, in other words. You will also want to make a general statement that will be your thesis. For example, you might say, â€Å"The chance to view this exhibit of post-modern art has changed my original negative attitude toward this period.† The other tip here is to begin that introduction with something pretty compelling. â€Å"When I was introduced to Johnny, he just looked up at me and scowled. My work was obviously cut out for me!† Your Conclusion: Here is where you are going to sum up your overall response to your experience, how it impacted and/or changed you and what you will carry with you from that experience. Some Additional Tips If your experience was more negative than positive, you should be honest. If viewing the exhibit of post-modern art did not change your opinion of it, say so, and be certain to say why. Confirmation of a previously held belief or attitude is just as important as having your attitude change. You can be more informal in this essay, because it will be written from the first person. But don’t be too informal, using slang, etc., unless you are providing a direct quote. If you find yourself really struggling on this one, you can always contact us and simply say, â€Å"Write an essay for me.† We’ll have someone in touch with your immediately.

Sling Blade essays

Sling Blade essays Film directed by and screen play by Billy Bob Thornton. Sling Blades main theme is the redemption of Karls lost childhood. Karl Childers overly religious parents believed he was a punishment from God. They severely abused him, treated him like an animal, and forced him to live in a shed in solitude. Everyone in town picked on him and called him names. He was seen as a retard or slower than others. He had little to call his own. His only possessions were a Bible and several books on Christmas and carpentry. Karl was taught the Bible as a child, but it wasnt really the Bible. The stories they told him were not in the Bible. His parents had made up their own stories and had led him astray on the rights and wrongs of life. When Karl was 12 years old interrupted what he believed to be the raping of his mother. He took charge and killed the man with a sling blade. He than found out his mother had wanted it so he killed her too. When he killed his mother and her lover he thought he was doing the right thing. Karl believed that if you have to sacrifice to do the right thing than you should do it. Karl was locked away in a nut house for the next 25 years for rehabilitation and correction. After Karls release he quickly made a new friend, Frank. The young boy accepted Karl with out question because he seemed to be more childlike than man. The two become soul mates. Karl related to Frank through his childlike manner as well as his parental setup. Franks mother was a widow dating an alcoholic, abusive man, Doyle. Karl saw himself in Frank and decided to watch over him. The parallelism between the two characters was shown throughout the movie. The love they shared will save them. The boys faced their troubles on a simple level. They avoided the complications of adult views and judgments. Karl had read the Bible and believed he knew the difference between...

Thinking Religion Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Thinking Religion - Research Paper Example This paper answers some relevant questions about misconceptions people and I had about Baptists. Like every person who is not a Baptist, I too had certain misconceptions about Baptists. These misconceptions came about in discussions with practicing Baptists. What I thought was part of their beliefs later turned out to be personal interpretations of the way that they read the Bible and understand their religion. . There is the general belief that the Baptist church condones abortion. However, after a visit to a Baptists church it transpired that they oppose abortion if done only to avoid responsibilities as a parent and as means of birth control. However, they believe that an abortion may be performed to save the mother’s life, or in case that is a forced conception as when a woman is raped. Even if the fetus is deformed and has little chances of leading a normal independent life, an abortion might be carried out to save the child from a life of misery. Generally the Baptists b elieve in the sanctity of life (Dutch, 2002). Another misconception that I harbored was that music is not permissible for Baptists. That is also not true because you will find a â€Å"hymn book† in every pew in all Baptist Churches. Very few services are carried out or conclude without hymns .However, there are some churches that absolutely refuse any form of modern music, and the churches still adhere to the old hymns. These churches usually allow some guitars without amplifiers, but the guitar will not be accompanied by any other instrument. Therefore allowing modern music is not an issue per se not with people who like the music so much as those who oppose it. However some churches not only allow contemporary, but in fact encourage the use of new compositions. When the 60’s ushered in a new era of music, the Baptist church brought in a new era of Gospel music. In fact Carmichael who was one of the most sought after music director of pop music in the 60†s also composed many Gospel hymns. The hymns that Carmichael composed are still very popular and have great tunes (Dutch, 2002). Another misconception is that Baptists only believe in the St. James Bible, which is the first bible to be mass produced and distributed. This misconception came about because some Baptist churches insisted that worshippers coming to the church were given St. James bibles only. People bringing in their own bibles were pointedly asked by ushers which bibles they had, and if were any other version of the bible, they were asked to use the St. James bible only. Those who refused were asked to leave the church. This gave everyone the impression that Baptists believed in the St. James Bible only and not any of the other versions of the bible which people used. These conservative Baptists believed that other versions were not true interpretations of the word of God, and that the true word of God must not be diluted or misinterpreted in any way. This fierce debate was ge nerated by Dr. Peter Ruckman with his book, Bible Babel (1964). Dr. Peter vehemently attacked those who did not agree with him. This hostility caused embarrassment to Baptists when the debate spread even over the Internet. Many websites were committed to this issue, each with its own version. Some were downright hostile and mean that contradicts any form of academic discussion (Dutch, 2002). Before this controversy, choosing a bible version was quite easy. However there are some scholars who have maintained self-esteem and responsibility in these

Management Styles for Human Resource in Corporate Banks Essay

Management Styles for Human Resource in Corporate Banks - Essay Example The paper tells that theorists outline the major forms of management styles as autocracy, democracy, participative, and laissez-faire styles. The essence of management in banks and other businesses is to ensure proper planning and execution of tasks through the human resource towards the acquisition of the set goals and objectives. The acquisition of these variables is possible through proper leadership skills whereby the managers are bound to organizing the programs set to stimulate the workers towards the acquisition of the set businesses’ objectives. Northern Rock Bank operates in the UK market as a multi-billion organization serving over 50 million global clients. On the other hand, the Royal Bank of Scotland operates in the European continent and is seemingly a competitor to Northern Rock Bank since its capital base and clientele group seem to match closely. History depicts that the two banks’ performances endured in crisis since the edge of economic crisis in 2008 to the present. However, findings reveal that the banks are restructuring towards the acquisition of success and maintenance of their positions in the global markets. Arguably, the two banks crises emanated from top managements’ negligence to comprehend employees as important to the organization. Expert evaluations show that the Northern Rock Bank entered a streak of fallacies as financial accounts ascertained flaws. The bank’s top management concentrated on the surety that they had a large capital base thus the threat of failures in performances would not threaten the bank's abundance of operations. On the contrary, the bank’s application of laissez-faire (bureaucratic management style) threatened the abundance and prowess in the UK and global market platforms. The same case was evident in the Royal Bank of Scotland whereby the top management observed the bank’s performances as most crucial compared to the imposition of favorable strategies to ensure cl ose workmanship between the organization and the workers. Employees in the two banks realized the presence of ignorance from the top management and lost morale in operations thus the banks would eventually fall in continuous streaks of failures as the operations dwindled. Arguably, the top management in the two banks failed to ascertain that the banks would face threats from the employees since the tally in each entity ranged between 120,000 to 150,000 in the UK and other global branches. In account for the Royal Bank of Scotland operations, the evidence accrued revealed that the top management failed to support human resource programs since with the notion that such programs were insignificant to the acquisition of the bank’s goals since it was a competitive entity in the global banking industry. Herzberg’s hygiene theory depicts through the theory X and Y approaches that people may perform effectively under negative and positive motivation respectively.

Building Effective Networks Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 24

Building Effective Networks - Assignment Example The success stories of networks by the Japanese Keiretsus and Korean Chaebols, international cooperative agreements, regional and economic integration, new organizational forms and structures, international collaboration and uncommon associations. Findings: The findings of the study reveal that the various â€Å"forms and patterns of networks and their impact on societal and organizational functioning† have enhanced the role played by various networks in today’s world (Tung, 2002, p. 99). Practical Implications: The practical implications of the study point out that no world nations can escape itself from the spread and influence of global networks. Similarly, nations that fail to implement or be part of effective organizational and social networks are most likely to lag behind in terms of economic and organizational growth and development. Value to the Reader: The paper offers a number of useful insights to the reader. The reader gets a thorough understanding as to how organizational functioning and behavior are being influenced by global or international networks. Networks also act as effective means in determining organizational change. Globalization has facilitated collaboration between various networks and multinational organizations can benefit the most out of global patterns of networks. However, one should also be aware of the dark sides of networks as they have the potential cause destruction and disruptions. Similarly, the success of effective networks calls for the need to have effective global strategies and trans-national collaborations. Design/Methodology/Approach: The methodology for the study has consisted of interviews and surveys. The researchers â€Å"interviewed HR executives from over 30 companies and collected surveys from executives attending several sessions at the University of Michigan Senior Human Resource Executive Program† (Mendenhall, Black, Jensen, & Gregerson, 2003, p. 20).

SHRM Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

SHRM - Essay Example Satisfaction in the workplace translates into happiness and fulfillment in life. Work and life balance suggests a balance for life and what people do. There is to be a blending equality that includes work, family, pleasure, fulfillment, and satisfaction. Some skeptics argue that there is actually no relation between life and work. What works in the workplace has no correlation with what is happening at home. But recent surveys and experiences revealed that organizations adopting family-friendly and work-life balance policies and programmes motivate workers to be more productive. Work-life balance creates satisfaction among family-oriented workers. Work-life balance has been given much attention lately because this has convinced employers of the economic benefits for organizations. There is a feeling that satisfied workers create satisfied customers. This is linked to ‘valuing’ work and value-added supply chains. But there are a lot of workers who are dissatisfied with th eir jobs. There are arguments and counter-arguments on the effectiveness of work-life balance which can be explained later in the following sections of this paper. Background Our first concept of work can be traced from the Bible. Work is considered a burden and a form of punishment. God imposed work to punish Adam and Eve. Our present ideas and philosophies are still linked to this punishment view. This could be one of the reasons why man continues to build, innovate, and reinvent new things, technologies, robots, etc., to give ease and comfort, to avoid the ‘punishment’, and not ‘to work’ in the process. Archeological findings tell us that mankind had learned to use rudimentary tools as far back as 2.5 million years ago. The tools were used for hunting and making art. Cave hunters were specialists in making tools. Man learned to make machines to enable him to satisfy his basic need for food, and successive inventions would tell us that there are some task s that we would choose not to do if we had the choice and that there are some activities which we would much prefer others to do on our behalf. (Firth, 2002, p. 17) Technological breakthroughs are an outcome of this concept. Computers, the Internet, Information Technology, robotics and other inventions, permit man to be more dependent on machines and technology. The concept of work changed over time but the real meaning is still there. With complexity in the workplace, organizations formed, multinational corporations and now global organizations evolving, the concept of work remains – ‘it is really that tiresome to work’. But man has to work for money in order to buy food, clothing, shelter for his family, and to have a career in the process. The concept of work has evolved. This is where work-life balance was invented. Organizations continue to provide innovations to make life for the workers easier. Definitions and Concepts A definition for work-life balance th at is widely accepted is provided in the website Actnow (2009): â€Å"Work life balance is about people having a measure of control over when, where and how they work. It is achieved when an individual's right to a fulfilled life inside and outside paid work is accepted and respected as the norm, to the mutual benefit of the individual, business and society† (Actnow, 2009). What is stressed in this definition is that the workers have a measure of cont

Fashion Designer versus Stylist Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Fashion Designer versus Stylist - Essay Example Suffice it to say, that lots of TV-stars and celebrities prefer having their personal stylists, who is always ready to create a fantastic image for them. As for the fashion shows, they are, as usual, above all praises. Designers are to satisfy the most sophisticated clients, there are notorious for the ability to create the masterpieces of clothing, which never keeps you indifferent. Nevertheless, most of us do not distinguish between the professions of people connected with fashion industry. We just apply to these people and trust them during the procedure of creating our perfect style without looking deeply into their tasks and the peculiarities of this or that job. Stylists, designers, whatever, we know that their vocation is to make us more beautiful and thus, self-confident. But it is hard to imagine that, in case of need of a gorgeous dress, you will address the stylist at once, as well as it is impossible to dress your hair at the Fashion House. It is obvious that both fashion designer and fashion stylist belong to the same sphere of activity; their efforts are directed to satisfying the aesthetic tastes of various people, they bring beauty, refinement and preciosity in their lives. These professionals work with the same materials, communicate with the similar categories of people, they are to monitor the world’s most popular trends and respond to the particular needs of the customers.

Health Care Reform Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Health Care Reform - Research Paper Example Despite the federal government having some public funds to compensate the public on sickness and death, there lacked public programs and legislations that would facilitate the realization of these efforts by the government. The raising concerns of wage loss were because of failure to be paid in the event of illness. This led to the introduction of insurance schemes (sickness funds) to cover against loss of wages due to illnesses by workers. There arose evolutionist reformers in the progressive era of the early 20th century whose motives were to address social concerns especially for the working group (Palmer para 4-5). The efforts of the reformers received great support by the government of Roosevelt who equally highly esteemed the health of the people. The early period of the century, saw combined efforts by the AMA (American Medical Association) and the AALL (American Association of Labor Legislation) design and formulate legislations and health care bills that were meant for effec ting the universal accessibility of health care to the U.S citizens. Shortly after these moves, the reformers introduced the concept of cost of illness as against concentrating on the lost wages through which they brought about the concept of ‘sickness’ insurance. Health sector regulations were not left behind as well in the reforms with the end of great depression (1935) marking the introduction of social security act. The great depression had serious implication to every American as well as the various departments such as the health care sector with general low finances in circulation within the entire economy. This therefore encouraged the insurance sector to introduce the medical covers through which medical expenses to the public would be easily met. Latter on some employers took to their role to provide health care to their employee, which equally marked great steps. By the mid century, over two thirds of the U.S citizens enjoyed some form of medical coverage over the private insurance schemes. However, the achievement of compulsory national health insurance as were the efforts of the reformers failed due to the opposition that resulted from the doctors, business, insurance sector as well as some labor groups. However, by the year 1965, great steps had been taken within the sector and there was assenting to the legislation to universal health care in the United States (Palmer para 16-20). According to a brief by the Maine Health Access Foundation, the last thirty years have seen great efforts by the state government to improve on the accessibility of health care support through insurance especially to the uninsured (Maine Health Access Foundation 3). The states have undertaken multiple roles in the health care provision system of America by serving as a regulator, administrator and a purchaser among other roles. The comprehensive health care reform has been a great phenomenon to be implemented within many of the U.S states. The guiding facto r to these notable reforms has been to provide universal, quality and affordable services in health care to all her citizens. Therefore, individual states have been responsible in developing and adopting health care policies, which in common are seen to have focused much on expanded Medicare coverage (Maine Health Acc

SHRM Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

SHRM - Essay Example Satisfaction in the workplace translates into happiness and fulfillment in life. Work and life balance suggests a balance for life and what people do. There is to be a blending equality that includes work, family, pleasure, fulfillment, and satisfaction. Some skeptics argue that there is actually no relation between life and work. What works in the workplace has no correlation with what is happening at home. But recent surveys and experiences revealed that organizations adopting family-friendly and work-life balance policies and programmes motivate workers to be more productive. Work-life balance creates satisfaction among family-oriented workers. Work-life balance has been given much attention lately because this has convinced employers of the economic benefits for organizations. There is a feeling that satisfied workers create satisfied customers. This is linked to ‘valuing’ work and value-added supply chains. But there are a lot of workers who are dissatisfied with th eir jobs. There are arguments and counter-arguments on the effectiveness of work-life balance which can be explained later in the following sections of this paper. Background Our first concept of work can be traced from the Bible. Work is considered a burden and a form of punishment. God imposed work to punish Adam and Eve. Our present ideas and philosophies are still linked to this punishment view. This could be one of the reasons why man continues to build, innovate, and reinvent new things, technologies, robots, etc., to give ease and comfort, to avoid the ‘punishment’, and not ‘to work’ in the process. Archeological findings tell us that mankind had learned to use rudimentary tools as far back as 2.5 million years ago. The tools were used for hunting and making art. Cave hunters were specialists in making tools. Man learned to make machines to enable him to satisfy his basic need for food, and successive inventions would tell us that there are some task s that we would choose not to do if we had the choice and that there are some activities which we would much prefer others to do on our behalf. (Firth, 2002, p. 17) Technological breakthroughs are an outcome of this concept. Computers, the Internet, Information Technology, robotics and other inventions, permit man to be more dependent on machines and technology. The concept of work changed over time but the real meaning is still there. With complexity in the workplace, organizations formed, multinational corporations and now global organizations evolving, the concept of work remains – ‘it is really that tiresome to work’. But man has to work for money in order to buy food, clothing, shelter for his family, and to have a career in the process. The concept of work has evolved. This is where work-life balance was invented. Organizations continue to provide innovations to make life for the workers easier. Definitions and Concepts A definition for work-life balance th at is widely accepted is provided in the website Actnow (2009): â€Å"Work life balance is about people having a measure of control over when, where and how they work. It is achieved when an individual's right to a fulfilled life inside and outside paid work is accepted and respected as the norm, to the mutual benefit of the individual, business and society† (Actnow, 2009). What is stressed in this definition is that the workers have a measure of cont

Health Care Reform Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Health Care Reform - Research Paper Example Despite the federal government having some public funds to compensate the public on sickness and death, there lacked public programs and legislations that would facilitate the realization of these efforts by the government. The raising concerns of wage loss were because of failure to be paid in the event of illness. This led to the introduction of insurance schemes (sickness funds) to cover against loss of wages due to illnesses by workers. There arose evolutionist reformers in the progressive era of the early 20th century whose motives were to address social concerns especially for the working group (Palmer para 4-5). The efforts of the reformers received great support by the government of Roosevelt who equally highly esteemed the health of the people. The early period of the century, saw combined efforts by the AMA (American Medical Association) and the AALL (American Association of Labor Legislation) design and formulate legislations and health care bills that were meant for effec ting the universal accessibility of health care to the U.S citizens. Shortly after these moves, the reformers introduced the concept of cost of illness as against concentrating on the lost wages through which they brought about the concept of ‘sickness’ insurance. Health sector regulations were not left behind as well in the reforms with the end of great depression (1935) marking the introduction of social security act. The great depression had serious implication to every American as well as the various departments such as the health care sector with general low finances in circulation within the entire economy. This therefore encouraged the insurance sector to introduce the medical covers through which medical expenses to the public would be easily met. Latter on some employers took to their role to provide health care to their employee, which equally marked great steps. By the mid century, over two thirds of the U.S citizens enjoyed some form of medical coverage over the private insurance schemes. However, the achievement of compulsory national health insurance as were the efforts of the reformers failed due to the opposition that resulted from the doctors, business, insurance sector as well as some labor groups. However, by the year 1965, great steps had been taken within the sector and there was assenting to the legislation to universal health care in the United States (Palmer para 16-20). According to a brief by the Maine Health Access Foundation, the last thirty years have seen great efforts by the state government to improve on the accessibility of health care support through insurance especially to the uninsured (Maine Health Access Foundation 3). The states have undertaken multiple roles in the health care provision system of America by serving as a regulator, administrator and a purchaser among other roles. The comprehensive health care reform has been a great phenomenon to be implemented within many of the U.S states. The guiding facto r to these notable reforms has been to provide universal, quality and affordable services in health care to all her citizens. Therefore, individual states have been responsible in developing and adopting health care policies, which in common are seen to have focused much on expanded Medicare coverage (Maine Health Acc

French Revolution Essay Example for Free

French Revolution Essay I hold it, that a little rebellion, now and then, is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical. Thomas JeffersonPolitical rebellion takes place when the people of a country feel it is essential that a change in government is made. Different nations have different ideas about the responsibilities of government, and as a result there are many possible reasons for political rebellion. John Locke, an English medical doctor and philosopher who lived until 1704, published his liberal theories about government, property, and the rights of man, in his book Second Treatise of Government. Edmund Burke, a writer with a legal background who spent his life involved in English politics, published his opinions about revolution in 1790 in his book Reflections on the Revolution in France. Both Locke and Burke support political rebellion, but Lockes belief that politics are based upon abstract natural rights drives his support for the complete dissolution of government in the event of rebellion, while Burkes belief that rights and morals are derived from the conventions of society makes his support for rebellion more reserved and conditional. This comparison is significant to any individuals considering revolution as a means of changing government. The outcomes of rebellion can depend on the underlying beliefs driving it, and both writers positions are useful to establish the underlying reasons for revolution, and some of the risks involved depending on the extent of the change. Locke believes that before we form civil society by consenting to establish government, we live in a State of Nature. He describes this pre-political state as,a state of perfect freedom to order their actions, and dispose of their possessions and persons, as they think fit, within the bounds of the law of nature, without asking leave, or depending on the will of any other man. (Locke, 1980, p. 81)The State of Nature is ruled essentially by human nature. Liberty, equality, self preservation, reason, and property are the most prominent principles that Locke feels are innate to humans. Locke explains how nature intended for all men to be equal,creatures of the same species and rank, promiscuously born to all the same advantages of nature, and the use of the same facilities should be equal amongst another (Locke, 1980, p. 8)Locke comes to the conclusion that humans are self preserving in the State of Nature, through his observations that we are attracted to pleasure and have aversions to pain. He believes that God gives us these attractions and aversions that preserve us, because we are essentially all the property of God. This limits the perfect freedom present in the State of Nature. Since we belong to God, we do not have the liberty to destroy ourselves. Although we are not all born with property (except through inheritance which Locke fully supports) the ability to acquire property is present in the State of Nature, for it is attained by our labor and resources. Our self preserving instinct produces a great desire among us to protect property that we have attained, therefore measures taken to protect our property are considered just. Since government does not exist in this state, individuals have the right to uphold the law. Locke believes that any individual, who breaks the laws of nature, proves that he is not ruled by reason and equality, as the rest of the inhabitants in the state are. Breaking the law can be defined as doing harm to innocent others, this includes stealing property or acts of physical harm. These offenders are dangerous to mankind, and their peers must invoke punishment, every man hath a right to punish the offender, and be the executioner of the law of nature. (Locke, 1980, p. 10)Punishment in the State of Nature takes on two distinct forms: reparation and restraint. Only the victim of the crime committed is entitled to reparation, to compensate for the damage he has received. Restraint is the method used to ensure that the crime will not be committed again, usually by causing repent. Since there is no judge to decide to what extent offenders should be punished, it becomes a decision based on the instinct and reason of the individuals involved. Locke outlines some details about invoking punishment to make this individual license more clear, every man, in the State of Nature, has a power to kill a murderer, both to deter others from doing the like injury, which no reparation can compensate, and also to secure men from the attempts of a criminal, who having renounced reason, the common rule god hath given to mankind, hath, by the unjust violence and slaughter he hath committed upon one, declared war against all mankind (Locke, 1980, p. 11) While Locke gives complex details about this theoretical pre-political state, Edmund Burke does not believe it exists at all. Burke believes that we are born into civil society, and that the qualities Locke describes in the State of Nature, are not innate, but are derived from societal institutions. for I have in my contemplation the civil social man, and no other. (Burke, 1987, p. 522) Since our rights develop from experience, compromise, convention, and reason (which is learned) natural and abstract rights do not exist in a universal sense. Burke believes that such abstract ideas about natural rights are too simple to fit into the real world, and if something were true, it would have to possess the ability to be contextualized. in the gross and complicated mass of human passions and concerns, the primitive rights of men undergo such a variety of refractions and reflections that it becomes absurd to talk of them as if they continued in the simplicity of their original direction. The nature of man is intricate; the objects of society are of the greatest possible complexity; and therefore no simple disposition of direction of power can be suitable wither to mans nature or to the quality of his affairs. (Ayling, 1988, p. 210)Burke also fears that abstract rights, expressed by philosophers such as John Locke, place too much emphasis on individualism, restricting essential human affections. Burke believes that affections preserve society; for it is the respect, love, and admiration of the past, those around us, and those who are not yet born that solidifies traditions and institutions. On the scheme of this barbarous philosophy laws are to be supported only by their own terrors and by the concern which each individual may find in them from his private speculations or can spare to them from his own interests our institutions can never be embodied, if I may use the expression in persons, so as to create in us love, veneration, admiration, or attachment. But that sort of reason which banishes the affections is incapable of taking their place. (Burke, 1987, p.68) Burke does believe that we posses liberties, but that they are flexible and particular to each society. These liberties are exercised through societal institutions, so if the institutions are erased then so are our liberties. In the following quote, Burke explains his conception of the rights of man, by listing rights that are specifically satisfied by institutions such as law courts, hospitals, and educational facilities. Men have a right to do justice they have a right to the fruits of their industry, and to the means of making their industry fruitful. They have a right to the acquisitions of their parents; to the nourishment and improvement of their offspring; to instruction in life, and consolation in death. (Burke, 1987, p. 51)Burke and Locke agree that humans have a need for government. Locke explains chaotic anarchy as the dark time in the State of Nature, the tragedy of the commons. This situation occurs after currency has been created in the State of Nature, leaving individuals free to accumulate money. The demise of the golden age (the era of harmony) is brought about by property disputes, greed, and insecurity. When the inhabitants of the State of Nature realize that they will not be able to cure the inconveniences of the state (the insecurity of property and inability to settle disputes due to lack of impartial judges) they realize the need for government and learn a system of political rationality. Burke uses the example of the French revolution to illustrate the need for organized government. He believes that the state is an organic body; it can be adjusted but if it is destroyed total chaos is likely to result. Although the French attempted to set up new governments such as the National Assembly and later the National Convention, they were short lived and unstable. The French revolution brought about periods of anarchy, a state of a suspended constitution, overturned laws, destabilized economy, and the closing of essential institutions. The violent era known as the Reign of Terror is certainly comparable to Lockes tragedy of the commons. When Napoleons Coup detat took place in 1799, the French people were desperate for an organized government to bring an end to the terror and re-build their society. Locke stresses the importance of the social contract that occurs during the transition from the tragedy of the commons to civil society. Political power is manifested peacefully by a voluntary agreement between the people and the sovereign or ruling body. Burke does not acknowledge this specific moment of consent that Locke professes, but Burke values a consent of a more tacit nature. Burke attributes given consent far back in history, At some time or another all the beginners of dynasties were chosen by those who called them to govern. (Burke, 1987, p. 13) and he implies that consent to the government is inherited though generations. we transmit our government and our privileges in what we improve we are never wholly new; in what we retain we are never wholly obsolete adhering in this manner and on those principles of our forefathers In this choice of inheritance we have given to our frame of polity the image of a relation in blood, binding up the constitution of our country with the dearest domestic ties, adopting our fundamental laws in to the bosom of our family affections, keeping inseparable and cherishing with the warmth of all their combined and mutually reflected charities our state, our hearths, our sepulchres, and our alters. (Burke, 1987, p. 30)Burke might say that by being born under any government, we are naturally subjects to it since we inherit the choices of our forefathers. Locke disagrees with this, taking into account that children can not be completely free, yet he still insists that there is a specific time in each persons life where they must give consent to the government in order to become part of the body politic. a child is born a subject of no country or government. He is under his fathers tuition and authority, till he comes to the age of discretion; and then he is a free man, at liberty what government will he put himself under, what body politic he will unite himself to (Locke, 1980, p. 63)Property is sacred to both writers. Locke and Burke agree that the main function of government is for the protection of our property. The government is also responsible for protection from external attack and from each other. Locke speaks of why men give up some of their natural liberties, such as punishing offenders, to the government, for the mutual preservation of their lives, liberties, and estates, which I call by the general name property. (Locke, 1980, p. 66) Burke also defends property as an important liberty, it is the property of the citizen, and not to the demands of the creditor of the state, that first and original faith of civil society is pledged. (Burke, 1987, p. 94) Locke believes that government, the protector of our property, has no right to confiscate it, The supreme power cannot take from any man any part of his property without his own consent: for the preservation of property being the end of government (Locke, 1980, p. 73) And Burke agrees with him by expressing his distaste for the massive amounts of church property that were confiscated by the National Assembly in the French Revolution. we do not approve your confiscation of the revenues of bishops, and deans It is in the principle of injustice that the danger lies (Burke, 1987, p. 133) He explains how the governments violation of property rights can lead to failure of government by angering the people. if governments provide for debts by heavy impositions, they perish by becoming odious to the people. (Burke, 1987, p.136) Tyranny is condemned by both Locke and Burke. Both support a system with a division of power in the he government. When a government has power divided into different bodies it is forced to be held responsible for decisions made to the other branches of government, and to the body politic. This system of checks and balances makes arbitrary rule unlikely to occur. Citizens feel more secure and protected form the government, and since they are given a chance to assert their concerns (for example, Englands House of Commons) drastic action like revolution becomes unnecessary. Revolution to Locke means the dissolution of the government in power. The citizens then return to the State of Nature until they choose to give consent to create a new government. He supports revolution in two possible instances he describes the first, governments are dissolved, when the legislative, or the prince, either of them, act contrary to their trust. (Locke, 1980, p. 111) Locke gives examples of the government breaking the trust of the body politic as tyranny, usurpation, or the violation of the social contract that was established between the people and the government when civil society was formed. This social contract enabled the government to have power, and the people agreed to obey the laws in return for government protection of property and rights. The second instance in which rebellion is likely to occur is,When so ever the legislative put into the hands of any other, an absolute power over the lives, liberties, and estates of the people; by this breach of trust they forfeit the power the people had put into their hands and it devolves to the people, who have a right to resume their original liberty (Locke, 1980, p.111) Since the social contract that created the government commits the people only to the government they have chosen to lift them from the tragedy of the commons, the government does not posses the right to forfeit the body politic to another power by conquest. It is the responsibility of the government that was peacefully formed to protect the people from the conquest of arbitrary outside powers. To Edmund Burke, revolution is the last resort to be used as a solution to a problem with the ruling body. The line of demarcation where obedience ought to end and resistance must begin is faint, obscure, and not easily definable. It is not a single act, or a single event, which determines it. Governments must be abused and deranged, indeed, before it can be thought of; and the prospect of the future must be as bad as the experience of the past. (Burke, 1987, p. 27)His opinions differ from Lockes regarding the way that effective revolution should initiate change. Burke agrees that the government should be responsible for protecting its citizens, however in the event that the government breaks this trust we do not return to our natural liberty, as Locke believes. Burke finds this return to natural liberty impossible, not only because of his disbelief in the existence of the State of Nature, but also because Burke flatly denies the peoples right to form government for them. He believes that we inherit liberties and government from our previous generations, and government contains more wisdom, captured through the state institutions, than one human is ever capable of possessing. He speaks of England, our constitution preserves a unity in a so great a diversity of its parts. We have an inheritable crown, and inheritable peerage, and a House of Commons and a people inheriting privileges, franchises, and liberties form a long line of ancestors A spirit of innovation is generally the result of a selfish temper and confined views. People will not look forward to posterity who never looks backward to their ancestors. (Burke, 1987, p. 29)Burke believes that completely dissolving government and starting over with a blank slate is bound to fail, because a blank slate leaves no elements to form ideologies from, and is ignorant to the trials and errors of past governments. He uses the French revolution as an example, you chose to act as if you had never been molded into civil society and had everything to begin anew. You began ill, because you began by despising everything that belonged to you. You set up trade without a capital Respecting your forefathers, you would have been taught to respect yourselves. (Burke, 1987, p. 31)To clarify his expectations about successful and justified revolutions burke uses the example of the Glorious revolution of England in 1688. King James the Second was a Catholic king. He was accused of not representing the interests of the majority, since England was primarily of Protestant religion, and the King showed favoritism to Catholics. Burke explains the accusations against the King as,They who led the revolution grounded the virtual abdication of King James upon no light and uncertain principle. They charged him with nothing less than a design, confirmed by a multitude of illegal acts, to subvert the Protestant church and state, and their fundamental, unquestionable laws and liberties; they charged him with having broken the original contract between king and people. (Burke, 1987, p. 24)Burke admires this revolution because it was bloodless reform as opposed to violent rebellion. However, he admits that violence can be used to achieve change in government but only if absolutely necessary. In England it had become obvious that a change was needed in the government, and the people took only the necessary actions to complete the change and return the country to normal. King James abdicated the throne, and was replaced by a Protestant king. An irregular convulsive movement maybe necessary to throw off an irregular convulsive disease (Burke, 1987, p.22) the glorious revolution made great improvements in English government. Burke approves of the fact that the revolution did not begin until the leaders had accumulated evidence and facts that the King was irresponsible. The spirit of the revolution was not to dissolve society and begin anew, but had a more realistic spirit of eliminating the specific problem in the government while preserving societal institutions. they regenerated the deficient part of the old constitution through the parts that were not impaired. (Burke, 1987, p.19). This type of revolution provided stability for the English people; their rights were re-asserted in Declaration of Right, and the government was made more responsible to the people. They secured soon after the frequent meetings of parliament, by which the whole government would be under constant inspection and active control of the popular representatives and of the magistrates of the kingdom. (Burke, 1987, p. 24) Burke contrasts this example of effective revolution with The French revolution of 1789, which he believed was ill spirited and caused further problems in French society. He feels that the French did not have just cause to rebel,The French rebel against a mild and lawful monarch with more fury, outrage, and insult than ever any people has been known to rise against the most illegal usurper or the most sanguinary tyrant. Their resistance was made to concession, their revolt was from protection, and their blow was aimed at a hand holding out graces, favors, and immunities. (Burke, 1987, p. 34)Burke feels that their cause for revolution was unreasonable and foolish, rash and ignorant counsel in a time of profound peace. (Burke, 1987, p. 34) The National Assembly, the government created upon the execution of the King of France, had the potential to become tyrannous. Burke believes that since the assembly had been created form a blank slate it was a danger to society. That assembly, since the destruction of the orders, has no fundamental law, no strict convention, no respected usage to restrain it. Instead of finding themselves obliged to conform to a fixed constitution, they have a power to make a constitution which shall conform to their designs. Nothing in heave or earth can serve as a control on them. (Burke, 1987, p. 39)Locke feels that people will impose restraints of power on their government as they see fit. He fully supports the division of powers, and believes that tyranny is a worse state for society to be in than the tragedy of the commons. The reason behind this being that a tyrannical government may force its citizens to live a life without liberties, but the tragedy of the commons although a dark and unstable time, is a time without government, where each man has natural liberties by the law of nature. One of the commonly known reasons that the French people rebelled against their monarch, was because of the poor economy. However, Burke makes it clear that a poorly planned revolution can bring worse times than those of the past. They have found their punishment in their success: laws overturned; tribunals subverted; industry without vigor; commerce expiring; the revenue unpaid, yet the people impoverished; a church pillaged, and a state not relieved; civil and military anarchy made the constitution of the kingdom; everything human and divine sacrificed to the idol of public credit, and national bankruptcy the consequence (Burke, 1987, p. 34)People who are dissatisfied with their government, and considering revolution as a means of change must take both Burkes and Lockes positions into account. The individuals must define the rights that they feel entitled to, and decided if the government and society can reform to assert these rights. If they find revolution to be necessary, these individuals must decide what type of political situation would embody these rights through institutions and government actions. Both Burke and Locke see a need for revolution when government is ineffectual. However, they differ in opinion on how and when revolution should take place, because of their beliefs on what society is like without established government. Locke feels that the peoples return to the State of Nature is a chance to build a new civil society when they see fit, based on their desire to have their natural rights protected. Burke believes that there is no State of Nature for us to return to, escaping civil society is not possible. In order to preserve the lives of the people and the establishments that have been built by past governments, the government must be reformed rather than abolished. Thus summing it up I would say that the reflection of the ideas of Burke and Locke can definitely be seen today especially in democratic form of governments like our India. Both Burke and Locke talk on the aspects of Liberty, equality, self preservation, reason, and property. They believe that these aspects are a must for governments in order to sustain continuity and thus we do see all these aspects in a modern democratic system of a government. Burke and Locke believe that revolution is not the correct method to achieve things in a democracy. They say that governments shouldnt be thrown out by means of a revolution. Revolution to them is merely a way of bringing about a change in government by exercising out rights and privileges that the democratic government system offers to us and not by dissolving a government by means of revolution as per the meaning during the 17th century. Therefore Burke and Lockes ideas fit very well for new emerging, growing and existing democratic systems of government today and must be reviewed upon before taking extremist decisions like abolishing a government completely. And thus I see their ideas and views on revolution did have immense influence during the period they lived in and the importance of ideas and views of Burkes and Lockes continue to be of immense importance to governments today and tomorrow. BibliographyAyling, S. (1988). Edmund Burke: His life and opinions. New York: St. MartinsBurke, E. (1987). Reflections on the revolution in France. (reprint) Indianapolis: HackettLocke, J. (1980). Second treatise of government. (reprint) Indianapolis: Hackett.

pillbugs and their preferred habitat conditions

pillbugs and their preferred habitat conditions Introduction To sufficiently grasp and understand the experiment on animal behavior, it is crucial to be knowledgeable of the organisms being observed, as well as the various types of animal behaviors present in nature. In this experiment the observed organism was the pillbug. Pillbugs, are also known as sowbugs or woodlice. They are classified as terrestrial isopods as they belong to the phylum Arthropoda, subphylum Crustacea, class Malacostraca, and order Isopoda. Morphologically they consist of three body parts which include the head, thorax, and abdomen. They have one prominent pair of antennae and one inconspicuous pair, simple eyes and seven pairs of legs. The thorax consists of seven separate segments and there are paired appendages, called uropods, that are located at the end of the pillbugs abdomen. The color of the pillbugs can vary from dark gray to white and they could have a pattern or not have one. With female pillbugs, leaf-like growths appear on the underside of the bugs at the ba se of some of the legs. These pouches are where the developing eggs and embryos are held. On the male pillbug, the copulatory organs are the result of modification in the form of elongation of the first two appendages on the abdomen. An immature isopod will molt four to five times. These young isopods resemble the mature form of the isopod, with the exception of their small size in comparison to that of the adults. The juveniles molt in two stages. The back half molts first and then two or three days later the front half molts. This different molting can cause the coloration between the two halves of the isopod to differ. Nutritionally isopods are omnivores or scavengers who feed on decaying or dead plants and animals. Because Isopods breathe with gills, they can only live in areas that have high humidity, such as under rocks and logs, in leaf litter or in crevices. Some species are nocturnal. Their predators consist of both vertebrates and invertebrates. Like other animals, isopods such as pillbugs exhibit their own interesting behaviors. When disturbed, some species will roll up into a ball. They walk fairly quickly, even walking over one another. Environmentally, isopods have both positive and negative effects. The positive impacts of isopods include, within their immediate surroundings, a minimal amount of soil improvements. Unfortunately, large populations of these isopods can eat and damage the plants in greenhouses and southern states. Some of these interactions and descriptions of these isopods is clear from just observing them. These isopods, as well as other animals, exhibit many types of response to sensory input, a response that is known as behavior. The study of an animals behavior is called ethology. Two simple categories for behaviors are learned and innate (inherited). The behaviors that an animal uses to place itself in its most favorable environment are known as orientation behaviors. When the animal is stimulated by such things as light, heat, moisture, sound, or chemicals, they often exhibit taxis, with is the animals movement toward or away from a stimulus. In contrast to this is kinesis, which is a random movement that does not lead to orientation with respect to a certain stimulus. Another type of animal behavior is called agnostic behavior. This type of behavior is exhibited when animals respond to one another with aggressive or submissive response. It is often the case that these agnostic behavioral displays are a method of asserting dominance. Animals also have specific rituals and sets of activities that are involved in finding, courting and mating with another member of its species. Such activities are known as mating behaviors. Pillbugs exhibit, even just when being observed, many of these behaviors. One, the agnostic behaviors, involves the larger isopods appearing to fight. Soil conditions have various pHs. Some plants grow best in acidic conditions, whereas some grow best in basic conditions. Most, however, grow best in areas where the pH ranges from 6.5 to 7.2, 7 being neutral. Hydrochloric acid, HCl, (0.1 M) has a pH of about 1.1 and Potassium Hydroxide, KOH, (0.1 M) has a pH of about 13.5. These two chemicals exhibit pHs at the extremes of the pH scale. Detritus, on which isopods feed, has a more acidic pH. When organic matter decays, H+ ions are produced, thus adding acid to the soil. The acidity limit for plants tends to be no lower than about 4.5 to 5.6 on the pH scale. The vapor pressure of a liquid refers to the concept that the process of evaporation, in a closed container, will proceed until the number of molecules returning to the liquid is equal to the number of molecules that are escaping. When this equilibrium, the vapor is called saturated and the pressure of that vapor, which is normally expressed in mmHg, is referred to as the saturate d vapor pressure. The vapor pressure of HCl is the about the same as water, which is approximately 20 mmHg at room temperature, 22 C. The vapor pressure of KOH is about 2 mmHg for a 45% KOH solution.5 The purpose of this experiment was to use pillbugs to examine animal behaviors, such as taxis, to examine habitat preferences, and determine whether these isopods prefer moist or dry habitats, dark or light habitats, and acidic or caustic environments. It is hypothesized that, given that pillbugs posses gills, for which moisture is needed to help function properly, the pillbugs would prefer moist over dry environments. In addition, it can be hypothesized that, given that the pillbugs live under rocks and feed on decaying organic material, which releases acid into the soil, they would prefer the dark rather than light conditions and the acidic over the caustic environment. Materials and Methods Water Pipet Filter Paper (2 pieces) Choice Chamber Scissors Soft Brush 10 Pillbugs Stopwatch To observe pill bugs and their preference for moist versus dry conditions, a choice chamber, consisting of two petri dishes connected to one another, was obtained and lined with filter paper. Two pieces of filter paper were cut to fit the chambers. One was then moistened, using a pipette, with a few drops of water. The second piece of circular filter paper was left dry. The moistened filter paper was placed at the bottom of one chamber, chamber 1, and the dry filter paper was placed at the bottom of the other, chamber 2. Then, using a soft brush, ten pillbugs were obtained from the stock of pillbugs, and then placed into the chambers. Also using a soft brush, five pill bugs were placed in the dry chamber while the remaining five were placed in the moist chamber and the chambers were closed. This pillbug count for each chamber was then recorded for time zero minutes. Using the stopwatch to track time, the count of pill bugs on each side of the choice chamber was then recorded every 30 seconds for ten minutes, and continued even when some may no longer have been moving or were all on one side. Notes were taken on the actions and interactions of the pill bugs throughout the ten minute period. Once ten minutes had elapsed, the pillbugs were returned to the stock culture. Black Paper White Filter Paper Choice Chamber 10 Pillbugs Soft Brush Scissors Stopwatch To determine the preference of pillbugs between light and dark habitats and conditions, a choice chamber with two connecting petri dishes was lined with two different types of paper. One piece of normal filter paper and one piece of black paper were both cut to fit the chambers. Next, the bottom of the inside of one dish, chamber 1, was covered with the unaltered, white filter paper and the other dish, chamber 2, was lined with the black paper. Then, using a soft brush, ten pillbugs were obtained from the pill bug stock culture, five of which were placed in the black-paper lined chamber and the remaining five were placed in the white paper lined chamber. The choice chamber was then closed. The initial pill bug count, 5 in each chamber was then recorded in the table. For a period of ten minutes, using a stopwatch to track time, the count of the pillbugs on each side of the choice chamber was recorded every thirty seconds. In addition, notes about the interactions of the pill bugs were taken throughout the ten minute period. The count continued to be taken, regardless of the lack of movement from the pillbugs or the concentration of all ten in one chamber. After the ten minutes had elapsed, the pillbugs were returned to the stock culture. White Filter Paper (2 pieces) 0.1 M HCl (Hydrochloric Acid) 0.1 M KOH (Potassium Hydroxide) Pipettes (1 or 2) Filter Paper (3 Pieces) 3 Choice Chamber 10 Pillbugs Scissors Stopwatch To determine the preference of pillbugs in terms of basic versus acidic conditions, a 3-choice chamber was set up. Three pieces of filter paper were cut to fit the chambers. Using a pipette, about four drops of 0.1 M HCl were placed in a circular pattern about the paper. Another piece of filter paper was sprinkled with 0.1 M KOH in the same manner as was done with the hydrochloric acid. The HCl and KOH were applied to the filter paper in such a way that the paper was not drenched in the chemical. One chamber, the one connected to two other chambers was lined with an unaltered piece of filter paper. One of the two remaining chambers, chamber 1, was lined at the bottom (inside bottom) with the acidic filter paper and the remaining chamber, chamber 3, was lined at the bottom with the basic filter paper. Using a soft brush, the ten pill bugs were all removed from the stock culture and placed in chamber 2, the middle chamber consisting of the unaltered paper. The chambers were then covere d and the pillbug count was recorded in the table for the initial time of 0 minutes. For the next ten minutes, the count of pillbugs in each of the three chambers was recorded every thirty minutes. The data continued to be collected even when they were no longer moving between sides or were all on one side. After the ten minutes had elapsed, the ten pillbugs were returned to the stock culture. Results Table 1: Number of Pillbugs in Wet vs. Dry Chambers at Various Times Time (min.) Number in Wet Chamber Number in Dry Chamber Other Notes 0 5 5 Begin moving instantly 0.5 2 8 Large number shifts together to one side 1 1 9 One more baby follows 1.5 3 7 Fighting between two larger isopods 2 5 5 Even out again 2.5 5 5 Move about but come back to even; one not moving 3 6 4 More to wet chamber 3.5 4 6 Back to Dry Chamber 4 5 5 Crawling on underside of paper 4.5 4 6 Fighting to get from one side to another 5 3 7 Large pillbug still not moving 5.5 6 4 Other pillbugs begin gathering around non-moving pillbug 6 7 3 Pillbugs piled on top of one another 6.5 5 5 Pillbug begins to move again 7 4 6 More to Dry Chamber 7.5 5 5 Back at even 8 6 4 Continual switch from chamber to chamber 8.5 7 3 Begin gathering at wet chamber 9 9 1 More join wet chamber 9.5 7 3 Crowded, a few go to dry chamber 10 9 1 Return to wet chamber Table 2: Number of Pillbugs in Lighter vs. Darker Colored Chambers at Various Times Time (min.) Number in Light Chamber Number in Dark Chamber Other Notes 0 5 5 Begin moving instantly 0.5 3 7 Move to dark side 1 2 8 More to dark side 1.5 2 8 Remain, no overall movement 2 2 8 No overall movement 2.5 3 7 Begin going to white side 3 3 7 No overall movement 3.5 4 6 Moving to lighter side 4 2 8 Move to dark side 4.5 5 5 Equalize again 5 3 7 Fighting to get to dark side 5.5 5 5 Equalize again 6 4 6 More to Dark side 6.5 7 3 Piling up to get to lighter side 7 7 3 No overall movement 7.5 8 2 More in lighter side 8 9 1 More in lighter side 8.5 7 3 Move to dark side 9 5 5 Equalize again 9.5 3 7 Move to darker side 10 4 6 Young follows adult to other side Table 3: Number of Pillbugs in Neutral, Acidic and Basic Chambers at Various Times Time (min.) Number in Neutral Chamber (Control) Number in Acidic Chamber Number in Basic Chamber Other Notes 0 10 0 0 Immediate Movement 0.5 2 5 3 Move to acidic 1 3 5 2 Stay around outside of chamber 1.5 6 2 2 Quickly out of acidic and into neutral area 2 4 3 3 More to basic area 2.5 5 2 3 Away from acidic area 3 2 3 5 More slowly moving to basic area 3.5 2 1 7 Movement to basic chamber 4 4 0 6 Pillbugs all out of Acidic area 4.5 1 1 8 Most in Basic area 5 1 4 5 Some return to acidic chamber 5.5 3 1 6 Slowly moving out of Acidic chamber and into neutral and basic chambers 6 4 1 5 Out of basic and into neutral 6.5 3 1 6 Back into basic area, around outside of filter paper 7 3 1 6 No overall movement 7.5 4 0 6 All gone from acidic area 8 3 0 7 More to basic area 8.5 4 0 6 Small shift 9 3 0 7 Reverse of shift 9.5 2 0 8 More to basic area more slowly than before test 10 1 0 9 More to basic area Figure 1: Fluctuation in Number of Pillbugs in Wet and Dry Chambers Figure 2: Fluctuation in Number of Pillbugs in Lighter and Darker Colored Chambers Figure 3: Fluctuation in Number of Pillbugs in Acidic, Neutral and Basic Chambers Discussion Table 4: Average Number of Pillbugs in Wet vs. in Dry Chambers Time (min.) Number in Wet Chamber Number in Dry Chamber Average # of Pillbugs in Wet Average # of Pillbugs in Dry 0 5 5 0.5 2 8 1 1 9 1.5 3 7 2 5 5 2.5 5 5 3 6 4 3.5 4 6 4 5 5 4.5 4 6 5 3 7 5.5 6 4 6 7 3 6.5 5 5 7 4 6 7.5 5 5 8 6 4 8.5 7 3 9 9 1 9.5 7 3 10 9 1 Total # of Pillbugs 108 102 5.143 4.857 Table 5: Average Number of Pillbugs in Lighter vs. Darker-Colored Chambers Time (min.) Number in Light Chamber Number in Dark Chamber Average # of Pillbugs in White (Light) Average # of Pillbugs in Dark 0 5 5 0.5 3 7 1 2 8 1.5 2 8 2 2 8 2.5 3 7 3 3 7 3.5 4 6 4 2 8 4.5 5 5 5 3 7 5.5 5 5 6 4 6 6.5 7 3 7 7 3 7.5 8 2 8 9 1 8.5 7 3 9 5 5 9.5 3 7 10 4 6 Total # of Pillbugs 93 117 4.429 5.571 Table 6: Average Number of Pillbugs in Neutral, Acidic and Basic Chambers Time (min.) Number in Neutral Chamber Number in Acidic Chamber Number in Basic Chamber Average # of Pillbugs in Neutral Chamber Average # of Pillbugs in Acidic Chamber Average # of Pillbugs in Basic Chamber 0 10 0 0 0.5 2 5 3 1 3 5 2 1.5 6 2 2 2 4 3 3 2.5 5 2 3 3 2 3 5 3.5 2 1 7 4 4 0 6 4.5 1 1 8 5 1 4 5 5.5 3 1 6 6 4 1 5 6.5 3 1 6 7 3 1 6 7.5 4 0 6 8 3 0 7 8.5 4 0 6 9 3 0 7 9.5 2 0 8 10 1 0 9 Total # of Pillbugs 70 30 110 3.33 1.429 5.238 Figure 4: Comparison of Average Number of Pillbugs in Wet Chamber vs. in Dry Chamber Figure 5: Comparison of Average Number of Pillbugs in Lighter-colored and Dark-colored Paper Figure 6: Comparison of Average Number of Pillbugs in Acidic, Neutral and Basic Chambers It was hypothesized that the isopods (pillbugs), given their possession of gills for respiration and that they live underneath rocks and logs, places where light is not in abundance, would prefer the wet chamber over the dry chamber and the dark chamber over the light chamber. It was also hypothesized that, considering that the pillbugs feed off of decaying organic material, which in the process of decaying increases the acidity of the soil, these isopods would prefer the acidic chamber (the one with HCl), over the caustic (with KOH) and neutral chambers. The data collected from preforming the experiment partially supports the hypothesis. The average number of pill bugs in each chamber, was calculated by summing the pillbug count for all twenty-one times in one chamber and then doing so for the next and then dividing these totals by the total number of pillbugs counted. In each case this number was 210. The results show, as seen in Table 4 and Figure 4, that the average number of pil lbugs in the moist chamber over ten minutes was about 5.143 while the average number in the dry chamber was about 4.857. This higher average for the moist chamber illustrates taxis with a movement toward the stimulus of moisture. The second portion of the hypothesis was also supported by the data collected. Table 5 and Figure 5 both show that the average number of pillbugs in the chamber with white filter paper was about 4.429, in comparison to the average number in the chamber with dark paper, which was about 5.571. These results are consistent with the known habitat of isopods such as pillbugs. The hypothesis for third portion the experiment, however, was not supported by the data collected. Table 6 and Figure 6 both show that the pillbugs actually prefer a basic environment, one with drops of KOH, over an environment with no chemical additives and the environment with the addition of drops of the strong acid HCl. The average for the number of pillbugs in the neutral environment w as about 3.33, for the acidic environment the average was 1.429 and for the caustic environment the average was about 5.238. These results could possibly be explained by the higher vapor pressure of HCl in comparison to that of the KOH. With a higher vapor pressure, the HCl would have vaporized more easily and quickly, thus getting into the gills of the pillbugs and causing them irritation. This irritation would explain their clear lack of fondness for the HCl permeated filter paper. The lack of pillbugs accumulating on the plain filter paper can possibly be explained by its complete lack of moisture, and that the antennae on the pillbugs would not sense any chemical or something of that nature, that would attract the pillbugs to that chamber. The interaction of the pillbugs inside the choice chambers is indicative of agnostic behavior, as seen in the fighting of the pillbugs. Human error, such as counting, would not play any, or any significant role, in the results of the experimen t. This experiment and the results obtained from it support most of the hypothesis, but conflict with and not support another portion. The results support the preference that pillbugs have for moist and dark environments, but suggests that pillbugs prefer more caustic environments to neutral and acidic environments. Citations