Blood Donations

Have you saved somebody’s life lately? Did you know that you can help three people who struggle to survive by giving an hour of your day? I wasn’t aware of how many people I can help until there was a blood drive at my high school. The blood drive was run by the ARUP Blood Services and I learned a ton about donating blood. Before you donate you can talk to a representative and learn more about donating blood. I learned that the blood donated can be stored for about 28 days until it goes bad. The phlebotomist told me blood donations are given to several patients who need transfusions to live.If there are many people donating it can be a long process, but it’s worth the wait until the end because they will provide you with a variety of snacks, treats and drinks. If you are a healthy candidate, you can donate one pint of your blood that can help three different people. A healthy donor can donate blood every 56 days. According the American Red Cross â€Å"If you beg an donating blood at age 17 and donated every 56 days until you reached 76, you would have donated 48 gallons of blood, potentially helping save more than 1,000 lives! † Think about it.The complex blood inside our bodies can be used for a number of people’s lives; you can help save them. You can be a hero to those in need by donating your blood. We talk about donating blood, but people typically don’t know the fundamentals of blood. It’s important to understand blood and what it does. So, what is blood? It’s the red liquid that oozes out when you scrape your arm or leg. That’s what we see and that’s what people say. But if you take the time to study or learn about blood, you’ll see that there are four different components: red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.Each component has a different function. The red blood cells function is to carry blood and oxygen to other tissues and organs in the body. Red blood c ells contain hemoglobin, a substance that is iron rich, which binds to the oxygen in your lungs and then carried by arteries. White blood cells main purpose is to defend your body against foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Platelets help blood vessels when there is a wound. The platelets will coagulate, or clot, around the wound and plug up the vessel so that blood does not leak out the injury.Plasma is straw-yellow colored liquid in the blood and is composed of a variety of substances. Our plasma contains nutrients, such vitamins, proteins, amino acids, salts, sugar and more which are essential to the functioning of all bodily cells (Avraham; Litin). Avraham states â€Å"plasma ensures the body of proper balance of these nutrient,† (46). All these components of blood are necessary for the proper functioning of our bodies. We need each part of our blood to work properly in order to live a healthy lifestyle.Although all blood is made up of red blo od cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma, the blood of all people is not the same. Blood types were unknown until 1901, when Karl Landsteiner, an Austrian physician, discovered the presence of blood groups. â€Å"Landsteiner found three groups — A, B and O — that contained one (A or B) or neither (O) of two antigens on the surface of red blood cells. Importantly, he found that people receiving mismatched transfusions made destructive antibodies against the blood-borne antigens that weren’t theirs† (Shugart).Blood types and groups follow into four categories: A; B; AB and O. Each group has different antigens and antibodies. Antigens are a substance that stimulates the antibody. Antibodies are a response cell that will either attack an antigen or let it pass. People who have blood type A have A antigens and antibodies that attack B antigens, and those who have type B have B antigens and have antibodies that attack A antigens. Those who are type AB have both antigens and type O has no antigens. Every group is divided into two groups, positive and negative.The factor that depends on another antigen called the rhesus. Those who have the rhesus antigen are positive and those who don’t are negative (Litin, 1060-1062). It’s vital for people to receive blood from the same blood type or the consequences may be fatal. So let’s say you have B antigens in your blood and have no rhesus antigens, you would be considered B-. Transfusing a patient with blood, that is not the same type as that person, can be very dangerous because he or she may have antibodies that will attack and reject the foreign antigens that have entered the body.In the process, they may destroy the red blood cells in the recipient’s blood (Avraham, 52-54). When blood is donated, several tests are run and those testing the blood are able to figure out what blood type you are. Knowing what blood group you belong in is important because the nec essity for blood can vary in different places of the world. According to ARUP, this table represents which blood types are able to receive blood from different groups. Blood transfusions date back to the 17th century. It was first practiced by two dogs. Then in 1667, French physician Jean Baptist Denis made the jump to humans.â€Å"He transfused 9 ounces of sheep’s blood into a teenage boy by attaching the animal’s carotid artery to the boy’s arm. The boy survived the ordeal, prompting Denis to perform the procedure on several other patients until, eventually, one died. The death triggered a backlash against blood transfusion, leading several countries to ban it,† (Shugart). Then 150 years later, the first transfusion between humans was recorded. James Blundell, a physiologist, took several different blood donors and mixed them together and injected the mixture into a patient suffering from internal bleeding.The patient felt well, but passed away three da ys later. â€Å"The cause of the delayed fatal reaction wouldn’t be understood until the next century,† (Shugart). Blood transfusing would remain a hit or miss until the next century when Landsteiner discovered the blood types. During the last century scientists and biotech companies have been studying ways to create artificial blood. A substance called polyheme was used as a substitute to carry oxygen cells. â€Å"Unfortunately, trauma patients receiving the PolyHeme infusions turned out to be slightly more likely to die of their injuries compared with patients infused with real blood (13.2 percent versus 10 percent)† (Shugart).After discovering that artificial blood did not help patients whatsoever, many companies quit researching. Not only does blood need oxygen carrying cells, it also requires other tasks. Blood contains platelets and clotting factors that help stop internal bleeding; white blood cells to fight infection and electrolytes needed for organ and muscle function. Because blood is very complex, creating artificial blood will take lots of studying and research. â€Å"When it comes to blood, so far nature knows best,† (Shugart). There are many ways to donate blood.Many companies are present in every state such as the American Red Cross. Or there are private blood banks such as the ARUP: Blood Services. Because the need for blood donations is always in demand, many companies are flexible with times and scheduling appointments. The process is very simple. First things that happen when you check in are that they verify your information. Then they give you a book for you to review that have information regarding diseases and medications that can alter you blood. While you reading the book you are given a questionnaire that you must answer to help verify your eligibility to donate blood.When the questionnaire is all done and you’ve read the book, the nurse in charge will call you back and take you into a room and run a few vital signs. That person will check your blood pressure, temperature, pulse and will check your red blood count. In order for them to check your red blood count is that they prick you finger with a small needle and obtain a small sample in a blood in a little tube and run it through a centrifuge. The centrifuge separates the red blood cells from the plasma and then the nurse will measure it.Before the nurse leaves the room, she gives you two stickers, a red and green one. The nurse will describe that the red and green one have different purposes and that you will have to choose one confidentially. The red sticker indicates that you do not want your blood to be used. Maybe you have lied about something, felt pressured to donate blood when you didn’t want too or have done something recently that may affect your blood and you didn’t want anybody to know. The green sticker represents that you feel like your blood is safe and want your blood to be used.Choosing the st icker is done confidentially and afterwards you step out of the room to find the nurse. As soon as you find the nurse, he or she will sit you down comfortably on their chairs and you will be ready to donate your blood. In the United States, an estimated 37 percent of Americans are eligible to donate. However, only ten percent actually donate. What about the other 27 percent of people? Well ask yourself, â€Å"Have I ever thought about donating blood? † The two most common reasons for not donating blood are that people have never given it the thought, or they are terrified of needles (American Red Cross).I’ve encountered many friends and family members who do not want to donate blood because they have a fear of needles. They say they don’t want to get poked because it’s painful or the might faint by the sight of a needle inside their arm. Some people think that they are not eligible when they really are. Those who have gotten a piercing or tattoo are not e ligible to donate for a year because of safety precaution. Precautions such as risk with coming into contact with HIV, or AIDs prevent eligibility from the use on non-sterile needles (Moisse).Because donating blood is only done by volunteers, people may feel like they’re not obligated to donate. It’s true; people don’t have to donate blood. Donating blood may not seem like a big deal, but it helps saves lives every day. The need for blood is always in high demand because accidents happen, and you can’t always expect them. According to the American Red Cross, a single car accident victim may require as many as 100 pints of blood. Donating blood makes a difference. Ask Brennah Payne, she’s a 14 year old teenager who was involved in a car accident at age seven.The incident broke her spine in half, fractured her face, ruptured her bowels, suffered major internal bleeding, and went through nine major surgeries, and 22 other medical procedures throughout the next six months (Shugart). Brennah Payne stated â€Å"I remember tubes coming into me, but I don’t really remember what was in them, now I know that the things that were in them kept me alive†¦ There were so many people helping me, and I didn’t really know why. I just knew that I felt love from them, and it made me happy because without them I wouldn’t be here today,† (Shugart).Today, Brennah is a healthy teenager and a competitive runner on her schools cross country team. â€Å"Although she has recovered from the accident that occurred half a lifetime ago, she has never forgotten how the generosity of blood donors saved her life,† (Shugart). Blood donations have changes Brennah’s life. You can be that person to make an impact on somebody’s life. Although patients, who receive your blood, may not know who you are, they will appreciate the effort giving to donating blood. If you’ve ever grown up wanting to be a hero to others in need, here’s your chance.

Nielsen’s Aperture Framings in Casablanca

In Casablanca, Jakob Isak Nielsen used staging and shot composition to further impose and show the viewer the important parts and details in a particular series of scenes or stories. In doing this, he focused on aperture framing. So what does Nielsen meant by `aperture framings` as he explained in the article? As I have analyzed the diagrams and comprehended the short definition, I think aperture framing is the picking of an important part in a scene and frame it into a more close-up and detailed shot for the viewers’ advanced understanding, even if logic and standards are violated on the part of the characters. According to the article, Nielsen’s aperture framing does more than filling out the composition and supplementing the series of shots. Aperture framing was said to have more important functions in the viewer’s understanding and perception of the obvious and concealed meanings and symbols in the movie. The aperture framing was said to help direct the viewers’ attention, evoke mood, and have metaphorical and thematic implications for the film. The diagrams and explanation of Nielsen provided me a clear understanding of how aperture framing performs the mentioned functions. Based on how I understood it, directing viewers’ attention is primarily done by the close-up, angled, and detailed frames produced by the aperture. Metaphors in aperture framing is done through focusing or framing the hidden extra-objects and compositions in the background or as formed by the main objects. Lastly, the aperture framing provides mood and theme for a particular scene through the use of some elements like darkness/brightness, lines, shades, colors, and basic composition techniques. Overall, these were done in Casablanca to give a more vivid, concrete, and imposing conveyance of important and usually unraveled meanings and stories.

Street Children in Kathmandu

Chapter 1 Introduction1.1BackgroundThere are estimated to be around 120 million children living on the streets in the world (30 million in Africa, 30 million in Asia, and 60 million in South America). Often victims of all kinds of abuse, these children still have rights. Street children are minors who live and survive on the streets .The phenomenon of street children is multifaceted. It is therefore very difficult to single out one or more causes. Street children are the reality world-wide and in Kathmandu valley alone, the numbers of street children are estimated roughly 1200 .The vast majority of these children are illiterate boys aged between 10 and 18. They live; sleep and work under the open sky and survive without family support.They are living with friends and peers, working as beggars and rag pickers. The reason for why children end up homeless in street is Socio-economic conditions in villages, family violence, peer influence, attraction towards the city, and political insta bility etc. When the children pass through with stepmothers, family conflicts, poverty, lack of awareness and orphanages some children left home in search of better opportunities in the big cities and end up in street when they find same peer group who gave up their dreams and started living on street. For survival they beg at first and when it is insufficient then they turn into criminal and began to steal. They pull themselves to Glue sniffing to cut out hunger which is cheaper than other drugs and food.In this way they started it to play as a toy which made them criminals, thieves, divided into group, made a hierarchy between them which leads gang fight and leadership. For earning some sell labor and victim to all types of exploitation and abuse including sex. At this time some suffer from diseases or illness by their drug abuse and hunger.Those organizations who were working on street children rescue the children, the children started normal life but due to the drug abusing habi t and lack of freedom they pull themselves again on street and start living as previous life using the ‘brain killing’ substance. In this way street children end up their life by sexual disease or illness or by hunger and those who were rescued live life as a civilize citizen with a bitter remembrance of past. 75% of street boys in Kathmandu are victims of sexual abuse at the hands of foreigners, locals and their peers.The children living or working on the streets in hazardous conditions, poor health, poor opportunities, lack of supervision or adequate care and vulnerability and victims to all types of exploitation and abuse including ongoing sexual abuse by adults, peers and physical and mental abuse by people in positions of authority. It is estimated that 75% of street boys suffer ongoing sexual abuse. Glue sniffing is prevalent in children as young as five to stave hunger and encouraged by peers. It is highly addictive and has frequent devastating consequences. Othe r children and young people suffer with alcohol and drug issues such as the use of injecting ‘brown sugar’. Children on the street are living in groups- small gangs following their own rules with their own way of thinking and own way of living. Marginalized by society they create their own system with their own power relations, hierarchy and values.As collector of rag pickers, beggars, street vendors, tempo conductors they don’t have positive experiences or a positive image of the general public. They are considered as social parasites, petty criminals, drug abusers and thieves. The vulgar language, dirty clothes and refusal of many social constraints makes the public assume them to be antisocial beings. On the other hand the children themselves feel that they have no other choice but to behave differently.Rejection from the society drives them to deny society and its rules. In spite of their young age, they are exposed to some of the worst forms of exploitation and forced to experience social exclusion day after day. We all know the fact that the street is not a safe place to live, particularly for the children. Different kinds of risks are prevalent on the street.Traffic accidents, violence, crime, gang fights and demonstrations are very common. There are increasing number of crimes against children such as sexual abuse, commercial sexual exploitation, labor exploitation, and use of children for criminal activities. Likewise, exposure to drug use, alcoholism and unsafe sexual activities has put their survival at risk. Many of the street children were rescued by various organizations but due to drug abusing habit and lack of freedom they pull themselves on street and again continue their life as street children.1.2 Problem StatementDue to the situation and the want of children they end up their home and started living in street for enjoyment and betterment of life but they fell on many problem. The following are the problems facing by stre et children’s in Kathmandu:1.2.1 Glue SniffingMore than 80% street children are addicted to glue sniffing, which is the current trend among street children. It is cheap among other drug and easily available. It feel Confessed that they felt relax and playful, sleepy, without pain and hunger. 1.2.2Sexual AbuseSexual abuse is hidden but a widely prevalent suffering among them. No child is safe and away from this cauldron of suffering. Approximately 99 per cent of them are physically and psychologically abused. Child sexual abuse may include fondling a child’s genitals, masturbation, oral-genital contact, digital penetration, and vaginal and anal intercourse. The other ways a child can be abused with are direct physical contact, such as sex by exposures, voyeurism and child pornography, use of obscene language, also referred to as non-contact abuse.1.2.3 ExploitationChildren living or working on the streets in hazardous conditions, poor health, poor opportunities , lack o f supervision or adequate care and vulnerability and victims to all types of exploitation and abuse including ongoing sexual abuse by adults, peers and physical and mental abuse by people in positions of authority.1.2.4 Struggling with AIDSIt is well documented that street-based children share an environment and practices that make them vulnerable to HIV infection. Furthermore, two independent tests conducted by an NGO in Kathmandu identified the existence of HIV infection among this sub-population. In these tests, 25 out of 80 (31 percent) street children were HIV positive, and 16 out of 32 (50 percent) â€Å"high-risk† street children were HIV positive.1.2.5 Nepalese mentality to street childrenAs the street children are rag pickers, beggars, street vendors, tempo conductors they don’t have positive experiences or a positive image of the general public. They are what people call â€Å"Khate†, a word, which once described rag pickers only but which is now used for calling all those who work, live and sleep on the street. They are considered as social parasites, petty criminals, drug abusers and thieves.1.2.6 TraffickingMost of the street children are victim of trafficking .Many girls are trafficking into India and other countries for sex workers where as boys are trafficking for labor work.1.2.7 BeggingMost of the children beg for earning money. The money collected by begging used for food and for drug. Begging is the daily occupation of about one hundred children in Nepal. It is physically easier for these children because they are not steeped in garbage and fumes. Yet beggars suffer more from social isolation. Begging destroys any feelings of self esteem, which makes the children dangerously undervalue themselves.1.2.8 Lack of Basic needs (Food, Shelter and Clothing)Due to the lack of money and drug using habit street children suffer a lot for food, shelter and clothing.1.3 ObjectiveThe specific objectives of the study are mentioned bel ow: 1. To know the problem facing by street children of Kathmandu. 2. To know how children came to live and work on street. 3. To know about the current provision and act regarding child right. 4. To know about the Glue Sniffing by Street Children in the Kathmandu.Chapter2 LITERATURE REVIEW2.1Problem Face by street children 2.1.1 Psychological and Physical AbusePerhaps the greatest risk faced by children living on street over which they have little or no control is their vulnerability to abuse. In particular street children face daily physical and psychosocial abuse which is so normalize d that the children themselves no longer question this situation. Psychosocial abuse encompasses all abuse which affects the child mentality or emotionally .The most important determining factor for the future of  children on the street is the environment on which they spend the majority of their time. While they may visit organizations and have contact with social workers, family or other relativ es, the reality is the most of their time is spent with peer and with adults in the street environment.For children and adolescent, groups and gangs often play the most significant role in their socialization process of identity formation. At this time children are exposed to many risk behaviors which become normalized for them, while society may look at many issues related to drugs and criminality in term of legal framework this often has little relevance for street children. On the margins of society, many children’s experience of state and society is through encounter with the police. Arrested for no reason, without recognition of their inherent rights and abused by state body children are given little motivation to participate in society.2.1.2 Sexual AbusesChild sexual abuse may include fondling a child’s genitals, masturbation, oral-genital contact, digital penetration, and vaginal and intercourse. These area ways in which a child can be abused with direct physica l contact. Children can also be abused without physical contact, such as by exposure, voyeurism (getting sexual pleasure from watching naked children) and child pornography, use of obscene language; also refer to as non-contact abuse. Children living in street are found to be at higher risk of being sexually exploited. Both boys and girls are vulnerable to sexual abuse. The conflict situation of the country has made the children, more vulnerable to trafficking, sexual abuse and exploitation many case of physical and mental abuse, exploitation and torture faced by the children are not reported out of hesitation and are often oppressed due to pressure and power.However there has been a rise in publishing of case on child abuse and exploitation. It reflects to the increasing concern of public towards child right. Studies on whom commits child sexual abuse differ in their findings but the most common finding is that majority of sexual offenders are family members or are otherwise known to the child. Research shows that men commit most instances of sexual abuse, but there are cases in which women are the offenders. Long term studies shows that children who are victims of child sexual abuse are most likely to be the perpetrators of rape, sexual abuse or  to be involved in physically abusive relationship. This trend is strong especially among street children.ExampleAnil’s story, age 14 (name changed)-Anil’s family was not poor but when he was 11 years old his parents began to quarrel often and one day his mother committed suicide. Within in a year his father fell down a well and also died and so Anil became orphan. Anil’s brother worked as a bus conductor and many of his friends lived on or near the street and so he too started to live on the street. Anil began to develop difficult behavior, including substance abuse, and was arrested by the police many times. In the street he would be beaten by the public, street adults and others.Anil develop a very negative self-image and although he wanted to return home after some time he looked himself as ‘Khate’ and was scared to go home to his sister. Anil realized street life is not good for his future but he also realizes that he cannot stay for a long time at home because he has become accustomed to the freedom of street life. He is now staying in CPCS and trying to slowly improve his behavior so that one day he will be able to stay at home.2.2 State provision and act for the rights of children: According the Interim Constitution of Nepal (2063)CHILDREN’S RIGHTS Part 3 – Fundamental RightsRights of children(1) Every child shall have the right to his or her own identity and name. (2) Every child shall have the right to be nurtured, to basic health and social security. (3) Every child shall have the right not to be subjected to physical, mental or any other form of exploitation. Any such act of exploitation shall be punishable by law and any child so tr eated shall be compensated as determined by law. (4) Helpless, orphaned or mentally retarded children, children who are victims of conflict or displaced and street children at risk shall have the right to receive special privileges from the State to ensure their secure future. (5) No minor shall be employed in factories, mines or in any other hazardous work nor shall be used in army, police or in conflicts. 2.3Why children live and work on streetThe arrival of a child on the streets may represent an active decision on the part of the child, often in response to situations of serious rights violations at home. In context of Nepal rural area cover more than of urban area, so mostly the children came to the city with a dream for the betterment of life due to family conflict, peer influenced etc†¦ but due to lack of proper employment and guidance the children are compelled to make the street as shelter.Many of the underprivileged and abandoned street children come from several remo te parts of the country and they ran away from their home due to domestic violence and poverty. However there remain so many causes that bring children on the street. Some common cause are family breakdown, poverty, urbanization and overcrowding, dislocation through migration and civil war, child labor, lost of family members, exploitation by adults, emotional abuse or neglect. For earning street children are engaged in begging on the street, trash picking, pick pocketing, rag picking, working in bars, restaurants and tempo buses even some children are engaged in prostitution.How children end up homeless on the streets of Kathmandu†¢41% of children leave home due to family violence †¢27% due to peer influence †¢19% due to economic factors †¢15% due to disintegration of the family2.4 Glue Sniffing by Street ChildrenThose who might think these street kids are ignorant are wrong. They are actually inventors – innovators of a cheap substitute for intoxication, which is easily available in the market, sold in both drug stores and hardware stores. It is none other than a sticky adhesive gluten substance commonly known as dendrite solution. Most street children are now taking glue every day and quite frequently. The glue is a â€Å"shoe glue†, used by all shoe repairmen, and many garment or other product makers.In Nepal, it is usually found in â€Å"hardware† shops, but can also be found in stationeries, or even bought from local street vendors, junkyards, etc†¦ meaning that it is readily available at every corner, and at nearly any time of the day and night. Though there exists many ways to inhale the glue solvent, Nepali  street children use it mostly by dropping a certain quantity of glue inside a small plastic bag (milk bag), and by taking long deep breaths from the bag, a technique usually referred to as â€Å"bagging†.Chapter 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY3.1 Secondary data:In this method different secondary source were used. They were: Newspaper Magazines Journal Report Books Internet SourceChapter 4 ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION4.1Analysis and interpretationStreet children represent a phenomenon which appeal to people’s feelings and awake their sympathy. The hardship of street life should not be underestimated; neither should it be of paramount interest in all coverage of street children. It is important not to neglect the abilities and resources street children possess.As a social work student it is becomes a prime responsibility to analyze and interpret the issue from several dimensions. Analyzing this paper Kathmandu’s street children is being exploited and abused in various ways. As we know the fact that the street is not safe place to live, many street children are compelled to survive in such palaces without proper food, cloth and shelter. Viewing the street children’s condition the following can be consider as the main problems: Living or working on the street in h azardous conditionVictim to all type of exploitation and abuse include ongoing sexual abuse Glue sniffing Low life expectancy poor health Involve in criminal activities etc†¦Objective# 1 AnalysisAlthough there are various organizations working to reduce the exploitation and abuse of street children but the rate of children and abuse seem to be uncontrolled. There are many children who have been reintegrating by various NGOS and INGOS but the numbers of street children are similar due to the newly added children and the some older who again end up in street after the rescue due to the lack of freedom they want in their foster home. While reviewing the problem of street children it was found that the problems emerge from the family and form the society as well. Children who are orphans and poor came to live on street and they are compelled to face mental and physical problems.Objective# 2 AnalysisIlliteracy and poverty are factor, especially in rural areas, which result in lack o f awareness. Families gave birth to the many children and unable to fulfill their basic needs such as food, clothing, home and education. These issues often force the children to suffer from exploitation. For these reasons they are bound to roam in the street to survive. But the society has given them a nick name and discrimination against them. For living, most of the children collect rags such as garbage, plastics, bottles, metals and paper found in garbage of residential area, around market and along river banks and in dumping sides.They sell their rags to local junkyard to make their day to day living. Some beg to survive while other has no set work taking occasional jobs as porter or dish washer or dawn into criminal activities such as shoplifting and pick-pocketing. We analyze street children are the integral part of the urban problem, which is directly linked with the growing issues of migration and poverty. As we have observed last 10 years, the problem of street children ha s increased with grown of urbanization. Therefore, if this problem is to properly overcome, no urban development or child development program should forget to cover these children. As we analyze the livelihood of street children they are compelled to live in hazardous place with physical and mental exploitation.Objective# 3 AnalysisThere is various state provision and laws to ensure street children but the problems and street children are same due to the lack of implementation of such provision by government. Due to the lack of negligence toward street children by government our societies also exploits the children mentally and physically. The following are the problems faced by children due to the worthless policy of street children:Discrimination Exploitation Abuse Child laborThe problem of child abuse in Nepal is made worse by a gap in Nepalese legislation which does not recognize sexual abuse of boys. The problem, legally, simply does not exist. The children have slipped through a fractured safety net in Nepalese society that’s a living tragedy and a dramatic future problem that many choose to ignore.Objective# 4 AnalysisAlmost all street children were addicted to glue sniffing because of hunger and the influence of friends. About 95 percent of street children were using glue, and it would not take much to introduce the habit to the remaining 5 percent, it said. Glue sniffing is the most dangerous addiction suffering by street children. Mostly the children were addicted, because the sniffing of glue made them confident to commit criminal activities and to avoid hunger. Most of the children beg money to purchase the glue.Chapter 5 SOCIAL WORK INTERVENTION5.1 Area of social work intervention:Whenever there emerges a social problem in a society, the professional social workers and social work students should take their initiatives to tackle that crisis. In case of ensuring street children with their right social worker should take the various intervent ion techniques to uplift the status of street children.1. Support a protective environment in the street and children workplace 2. Establishing a referral system with local  organizations which provide different services like legal aid, health care, drugs rehabilitation, and awareness campaign. 3. Pressurizing government for the effective monitoring regarding the wrong practice still prevailed in Nepalese society. 4. Helping government to create sound public policies, a holistic approach and long-term commitment. 5. Improving co-ordination amongst donors and support for street children organizing at the national and global level. 6. Children experience barriers in almost every aspect of work. Employment opportunities Need to be improved. At the same time children perform the bulk of unpaid care work. This is an area for greater attention. 7. Advocating on behalf of children’s for ensuring and safeguarding their right. 8. Advocacy efforts should be strengthened by coordinati on and collaboration between civil society organizations. 9. Develop children as the main actors in realizing the rights of street involved children through their active participation and building their resilience and capacity to protect themselves Chapter 6 Conclusion6.1 ConclusionLook into a child’s eyes and you are sure to see a sweet innocence that makes us all smile and want to cherish. It’s a universal feeling we all share no matter our race, creed or religion. But it is difficult when you look into a child’s eyes and see pain, loss, suffering, hate and something dark. Something so woeful in their eyes that make us looks away out of fear along with guilt for not questioning why they are like that. The majority of street children share background of family poverty, lack of education opportunities, and broken families. Without family love and guidance, street children face a very hard life in streets. They are vulnerable to all kind of abuse, exploitation an d exposure to criminal activities that are the hazards of the urban street life.There are many activities established to promote child’s right and prevent child exploitation but they have not been fully successful in increasing awareness and improving the situation of children. The life of all street children’s is passing from same problems though various NGOS and INGOS are still working for it. The street is not safe for the children to live. Different kinds of risk are prevalent on  the street. Traffic accidents, violence, crime, gang fights and demonstration are very common. There are increasing number of crime such as sexual abuse, labor exploitation and use of children for criminal activities. Likewise exposure for drug use, alcoholism, and unsafe sexual activities has put their survival at risk. Many of street children were rescued by various organizations but due to drug abusing and lack of freedom they want they again pull themselves on street and again conti nue their life as street children.Chapter 7 RecommendationsNational child protection and child welfare systems that are sensitive to the rights of street children to care and protection are needed, and should be adequately funded to operate effectively. All actors within these systems (police, judiciary, health staff and social workers) need to be trained on the rights of street involved children and how to treat them in non-violent ways. Civil society organizations need to support community responses to child protection and children’s participation, and facilitate their linkage with national child protection systems. Government and civil society organizations should collaborate on the establishment of standards and good practices for government and non-government agencies that work with street involved children. Programmers need to be based on a clear understanding, gained from participatory research, of the experiences of different subgroups of street-involved children, the environments in which they live and the people with whom they interact.

Community Health Epidemiolgy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Community Health Epidemiolgy - Essay Example Health statistics from year 2007 show that disease threats include diarrhea, campylobacteriosis and Hepatitis, which have been checked by health programs like the immunization of all age groups – newborns to adults. Other health threats include T.B, Sexually transmitted diseases and HIV, which are the focus of public programs, created to explore and offer their surveillance. From the community genogram, focus is placed on group-centered health education and integrating team networks among the different vulnerable groups. Focus is also placed on the family and other small groups, towards fostering the current healthcare system – so that it can address the health issues discussed. These intervention steps will be affected through the exploratory, analytical and the health action phases, towards realizing the desired changes and solutions to the health threats. Community Health Epidemiology Introduction Jefferson County is a county in the United States, located in the Stat e of Texas. As per the 2010 census statistics, the county had a total population of 252,273. The population density registered in the county stood at an average of 280 per square mile. ... An approximate level of 17.40% of the total population and 14.6% of families live below the poverty line. 24.6 % of those living below the poverty line are composed of those under the age of 18, while 11.8% are composed of those above the age of 65 years. As of January 2011, the unemployment ratio of the county stood at 9.4 percent registering 27,918 members of the total population as unemployed. The underemployment rate for that year stood at 10.7 percent, implying that the county is a home to 26, 993 unemployed citizens and a considerable number of underemployed workers who may not afford substantial healthcare services (Mecke, 1984). Discussion From a careful assessment of the economic, community safety inventory, cultural evaluation, disaster assessment, as well as planning, the results of the county’s health status indicators reflected the following. 10.8 % of the population as uninsured. Behavioral risk factors included alcohol use and abuse, substance abuse, nutrition i mbalances and vulnerability based on unfavorable physical activity patterns. An example here is the recent anti-tobacco campaign, offered to urge people reduce the consumption of tobacco, as well as protect the others from secondhand smoke. Other areas with shortage causing imbalances and deficits in healthcare services administration include socio-economic factors, like economic and social imbalances, as well as inadequate education and limited access to education. Other community health indicators influencing the health patterns depicted within the framework of Jefferson County include vulnerability indicators like crime rate, especially that involving abuse of the elderly and domestic violence. Other causes of health imbalances include

Will Catalan split from Spain Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Will Catalan split from Spain - Research Paper Example succession ended in September 1714, Bourbon monarchy that emerged victorious suppressed Catalonia’s medieval institution of self-governance (The Trials,† economist.com). The former Spanish empire secluded Catalonia from diverse economic activities and trade and tried to dismantle its cultures for several decades before it permitted it to enjoy similar benefits. Towards the end of the 19th century, there was an emergence of political catalanism through Catalan Almirall, who was at the frontline in campaigning for the regions autonomy and later ‘Lliga de Catalunya’s political party was formed to promote economic, political and moral interests of Catalonia (Grejsen 7). Catalonia’s political parties and the society aimed for the democratic constitution and autonomy of Catalonia, which they needed established on Catalans own terms. The monarchy system was replaced by military dictatorship in the 1920s and though it initially supported catalanism, General Rivera’s authoritarian rule became inimical, which in turn spurred Catalania’s opposition and hostility to the Spanish government (Cameron, Ranis and Zinn 254). The fall of dictatorship and abolishment of the supportive monarchy in the 1930s led to Catalonia regaining regional government autonomy; a republic of Catalonia was announced in Spain and catalan language officiated by the Spanish republican parliament. The government did not last long and after trials for secession, it was returned to Spanish rule and after the Spanish civil war, General Franco overthrew the Catalan government. To suppress the Catalan culture and in effort to maintain national unity, his army completely occupied catalonia, executed hundreds of thousands of people, sacked most of Catalonia origins and replaced them with those loyal to the regime, rebels had to run into e xile for their safety in places like France; all this aimed to uproot the separatism, atheism and communism of Catalans (Eaude n.p.). Despite the forbidden

Leadership Experience Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Leadership Experience - Essay Example The team managed the lowest price and finished the task within the three minutes. This paper seeks to describe the activity, what was learnt, and the solutions provided with a focus on communication, team dynamics, influencing other team members, sharing information, agreeing on tasks and objectives. 1. Leadership, strategy and upward communication Strategic leadership can be defined as the ability to maintain flexibility, anticipate, and empower the other team members to form necessary strategic change. It involves coping with increasing changes, management of an entire team rather than functional subunits, and management of activities through the other team members. As a team leader, I had to affect the behavior of the other team members in environments that were sometimes uncertain via personal example and ability to envision the requirements for the next stage in the task (Yukl, 2010 p34). It is not feasible to formulate strategies which will give returns without strategic leader s. Therefore, it is necessary that as, a team leader, I had the ability to be a strategic leader to avoid over managing and poorly leading the team. Effective, strategic leadership shapes the formation of strategic mission and intent which influence successful strategic actions. These actions result in the formulation and implementation of these strategies which then yield strategic competitiveness and above average returns. For a leader to prepare the team’s minds towards one vision and direction, it is necessary to transform the team’s strategic direction. Directing the team towards the set goals, and having the ability to adapt concurrently ensures that the strategy delivers the aim that the leader wants (Yukl, 2010 p35). It is essential to have a different way of thought on how resources can be marshaled in the formulation and execution of the strategy in order to be successful. This balances strategy making’s human dimension with analytical perspectives tha t are focused. Coupled with time management commitments in engaging the team in dialogue on strategy, this strategy lays the foundation for building a foundation for creation of winning teams that define, adjust, commit, and adapt quickly to strategy. I learnt that in order to shape the strategic direction, I had to know what my primary role was as the chief strategist, my role as a leader during the strategy making process, the team required for the strategy making, and the point at which the making of the strategy can be considered finished. A leader requires to incorporate human and analytical dimensions, in order to create winning outcomes, and for the team to comprehend and commit to the set common agenda, and must also be clear about each member’s strategic capacity. Using feedback from the team members helps to provide a holistic view on the team’s and its individual member’s effectiveness. Ratings by the team members themselves and their peers can be use d to evaluate the efficiency of the team and the individual (Yukl, 2010 p35). The members rate the following personal traits and competencies: Communication which is the ability to objectively, supportively, and openly share opportunities using nonverbal and verbal behaviors while listening actively. Conflict resolution, which involves the

A history of Greece Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

A history of Greece - Essay Example A history of Greece War between Athens and Sparta in his book, â€Å"History of the Peloponnesian War†. It was said after his death that the history was recollected through his accounts where he discusses the 27 year war between the two neighbors with strict reliance on evidence and on the philosophy of cause and effect. He is known to be the pioneer of the international relations school of thought â€Å"political realism†. Pericles funeral oration was given by the Athenian General Pericles after the end of the first year of war with Sparta, and it was done to honor and bury the war dead. It was recorded by Thucydides that the war dead would be left in a tent for three days after which they would be buried in Kerameikos, and then someone would sing their praises and tell stories of their braveries. During 431 BC Athens was going through a war with Sparta as already mentioned before, and there were no signs of victory or defeat in sight while the casualties were mounting to unexpected numbe rs.; That was when Pericles delivered this speech to praise the war dead and to sing the praises of the motherland (Athens), and in the end he delivered an epilogue to remind the audience to not speak over the dead. Pericles praises the main qualities of Athenians as the people of a country where they are free. They are all equal and no one is above the law; they live a free life and can sustain any life they want. He says that the people of Athens welcome immigrants from neighboring regions with open arms to come and see the prosperity of the Athenian people. According to him, the equality and openness raised the rank of Athens and established it as a great city of Greece. Pericles praises the people of Athens by proclaiming that the principle of the Athenian men is to die with honor and not to submit to the Spartans because, according to him, Athenian men consider it honorable to die rather than live while in submission to the oppressors and their enemies. Pericles considers Athen ian men to be free, and for them freedom means happiness and to be able to sustain happiness. They are brave and this is the reason why they are not afraid to go to war with any nation including Sparta. According to Pericles Athens was a nation by far better than Sparta. Sparta were blood thirsty warmongers whose life began and ended with wars, while Athens was a country that loved art and literature. Pericles contrasted that Athens welcomed foreigners to its country while Spartans were much jealous of the achievements of the Athenian people and envied their freedom and prosperity. He says that Athens is a democracy where decisions are not to be made by one individual but through unanimous agreement, thus implying that such is not the case in Sparta. He further exemplifies Athens by stating that in Athens, unlike in Sparta, equal justice is available to all people and this is one of the elements that differentiates Sparta from Athens where a person is identified by his deeds and not by wealth and neither does the government interfere in the life of any individual as long as he serves the state. The Athenian society was near perfect according to the speech done by Pericles. Although this might have been done so as to raise the courage of the fellow Athenians, his accounts have been considered correct by many historians who. Athens’s plusses were its art and literature, the freedom that

Technology in diplomacy Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Technology in diplomacy - Research Paper Example This has resulted in Austria shifting to paperless records, during late 1990s, while MFA of Latvia was awarded for the best web-site in 2003.(â€Å"Information and Communications Technology† 193) Foreign ministries around the world are still struggling to engage the benefits of information technology in their management of external affairs. However, some of the countries have realized the potential of using â€Å"Web 2.0†. A good example in this direction is Denmark, which has created a â€Å"virtual working group†. The function of the group is to arrange meetings of all members, from all corners of the world, using video-conferencing. This way the working group has better coordination; as it has members from all units, which are relevant to the working of country’s MFA, along with its branches in Africa, America, UN and EU countries. Utilizing the full potential of information communications technology (ICT), Denmark has identified the five principals of E-management, mainly applicable to a MFA manager. These include usage of intranet, on daily basis, for sharing ideas and communication. The concerned manager is required to make use of best practices, using IT tools, to set an example for the staff. In addition, the manager must ensure that the staff members are fully familiar with information technology, having the required skills. The manager is required, personally, to be fully conversant with the E-Government Strategy of MFA; while understanding its contents, perfectly well, which would help in contributing to the policy guidelines, in a positive manner. Canada, being the other country, which is utilizing the full potential of ICT, started an e-exercise, called ‘Public Diplomacy Network’, which involves offering of suggestions and other tips to the government on its foreign affairs policy. Accordingly, public awareness has been created among the people, through this network, regarding the government policies on inte rnational issues. Mexico is yet another country, which has growing network of foreign consular posts, in United States, sharing the best consular practices, while mutually learning, through the foreign ministry’s intranet. (â€Å"Information and Communications Technology† 194-5) With the rapid developments in the field of ICT, it is essential that all concerned keep pace with same, while understanding the changes, in a positive manner; which can help solving the problems, almost instantaneously. The social network sites, like face-book, have set an example for others, regarding best use of ICT. ICT applications After the use of computers as simple machines, their versatility increased with use of ‘local area network’ (LAN), which made inter-connections possible. Hence, many MFAs are using this technology even now, to stay connected. Then came the use of ‘wide area network’ (WAN), which meant keeping different ministries and departments of a co untry connected. Most European countries have adapted to this technology, in 1990s. However, many are still hesitating to use it, as they fair leakage of sensitive data, particularly pertaining to their MFAs. ‘Virtual private network’, or intranet, has been used to cover all the embassies of a country, as it widens the scope of WAN. However, many smaller countries are not able to go for such technology, due cost and skilled manpower constrains. Countries like China, Japan and India have

Protein Families Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Protein Families - Coursework Example The analysis of a single gene sequence is done by establishing similarity with other known genes, determining phylogenetic trees and evolutionary relationships; identifying well-defined domains in the sequence, identifying physical properties, binding sites and modification sites comprising of the protein sequence features. For analysis of complete genomes and to determine which gene families are present in the protein and which are not present, several techniques such as location of genes on the chromosomes, correlation with function or evolution, expansion of duplication of gene families, identification of missing enzymes, and presence or absence of biochemical pathways are considered. Large scale events that have affected the evolution of organisms are also studied for genome analysis. When genes or genomes are analyzed with respect to functional data the techniques used are expression analysis, micro array data, mRNA concentration measurements, protein concentration measurements, proteomics, and covalent modifications. For analysis of gene and genomes from a functional perspective, comparative analyses of biochemical pathways are made along with deletion or mutant genotypes vs. phenotypes and identification of essential genes, or genes involved in specific processes in structure and functions of the organisms. Analysis of protein structure and functions are done with the help of computer simulations which are used as tools to investigate protein structure and dynamics under a wide variety of conditions.... When genes or genomes are analysed with respect to functional data the techniques used are expression analysis, micro array data, mRNA concentration measurements, protein concentration measurements, proteomics, and covalent modifications. For analysis of gene and genomes from a functional perspective, comparative analyses of biochemical pathways are made along with deletion or mutant genotypes vs. phenotypes and identification of essential genes, or genes involved in specific processes in structure and functions of the organisms (Lengauer, 2002). Analysis of protein structure and functions are done with the help of computer simulations which are used as tools to investigate protein structure and dynamics under a wide variety of conditions, ranging from ligand binding and enzyme-reaction mechanisms to denaturation (in which protein molecules become biologically inactive) and protein re-folding (Ponder and Case, 2003). In all these simulations, the energy of a protein is represented as a function of its atomic coordinates. These functions are known as force fields as forces on individual atoms are related to the gradient of this potential energy function (Ponder and Case, 2003). The protein force fields are represented using a simple equation that shows the potential energy function (Source, Ponder and Case, 2003) Source, Ponder and Case, 2003 The summations shown here are on bonds, torsions and angles and this equation represents the very basic potential energy function that can reproduce only the essential features of protein energy at an atomic level. According to Ponder and Case (2003), the combination of potential energy function and the other parameters constitute a force field.

Study Guide for Crossword Puzzle Essay Example for Free

Study Guide for Crossword Puzzle Essay Guide Acids and Bases: 1. Be able to identify both the Bronsted–Lowry acid and base from a given reaction. ~An acid is a proton donor ~A base is a proton acceptor H3PO4 + H20 H3O+ +H2PO4- H3PO4 is an acid so it is a proton donor. It gives its positive atom to the other element 2. Be able to calculate the pH of a solution given [H3O+] Example: What is the pH of a solution with a [H3O+] of 1 x 10-2 M? The pH level should equal the exponent number of 2. Redox Reactions: Be able to identify what is reduced and what is oxidized in a redox reaction. Ex: What is reduced in the following reaction? 2 Bi3+ + 3 Mg 2 Bi + 3 Mg2+. The reduced element in the following is Bi (Bismuth) because that element is broken down without its charge number. Boyle’s Law: Be able to apply Boyle’s Law to solve for either pressure or volume Ex: A sample of helium gas occupies 1245 mL at 705 mmHg. For a gas sample at constant temperature, determine the volume of helium at 745 mmHg. P1V1=P2V2 If the pressure goes down, the volume goes up. V2=P1V1/P2 P1=705 mmHg P2=745 mmHg V1= 1245 mL V2= (705)(1245)/745 877725/745=1179 mL=V2 Charles’ Law: Be able to apply Charles’ Law to solve for either volume or temperature (remember to convert to Kelvin) Example: A gas at a temperature of 95 degrees C occupies a volume of 159 mL. Assuming constant pressure, determine the volume at 15 degree C. V1=V2 T1=T2 95Â °C+273=368K= T1 159 mL=V1 15Â °C + 273=288 T2 V2= (368)(159)/288=204 mL Ideal Gas Law: 1. Be able to calculate molar mass given density Example: For a gas at standard temperature and pressure with a density of 2. 75 g/L. determine its molar mass. Standard temperature and pressure occupies a volume of about 22. 4 L. This is known as the standard molar volume of a gas. V=cn (where c is a constant) n is number of molecules 2. Be able to calculate volume or pressure, using PV=nRT P=pressure, V=Volume, n=number of moles of gas, T=Temperature (Kelvin) R=ideal gas constant (0. 0821) for 1 mole of gas at STP, p=1 atm,V=22. 414 L, T= 273. 15K R=PV/nT

Low-grade Rhabdoid Meningioma: Morphological Characteristics

Low-grade Rhabdoid Meningioma: Morphological Characteristics Arvids Jakovlevs, Andrejs Vanags, Janis Gardovskis, Ilze Strumfa SUMMARY Rhabdoid meningioma (RM) is a rare type of meningioma. It is classified as a grade III tumour (anaplastic meningioma) in the recent World Health Organization (WHO) classification of the tumours of the central nervous system (CNS). Here we describe a unique case of RM lacking any features of malignancy. Few cases of low-grade RMs are described in the literature in contrast with the grading of this entity in WHO classification. Key words: meningioma, rhabdoid, low-grade AIM OF THE DEMONSTRATION The aim of our article is to report a case of unusual RM lacking malignant features in regard to the issue about the prognostic significance of rhabdoid morphology in meningiomas. CASE REPORT A 37-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital due to progressive headaches over previous 1.5 years. The magnetic resonance imaging of head and brain revealed a well-demarcated intracranial lesion measuring 3.53.63.6 cm (Figure 1A). The mass was located adjacent to the frontal bone and was attached to the dura mater. The patient underwent a craniotomy and total tumour resection. Histological examination of the neoplasm revealed cells consistent with rhabdoid morphology. The tumour was almost entirely composed of polygonal, rather large cells that possessed eccentric nuclei, strongly eosinophilic cytoplasm with abundant pale globular inclusions and prominent cytoplasmic granularity (Figure 1B). The nuclei of neoplastic cells were slightly pleomorphic. Mitoses were absent in the whole specimen. In addition, the tumour had well-developed fibrous capsule that demarcated it from normal brain tissues. Psammoma bodies were found in some areas of the tumour. Immunohistochemical visualizati on (IHC) showed intense cytoplasmic expression of vimentin and epithelial membrane antigen (Figure 1C-D) as well as strong nuclear expression of progesterone receptors in the tumour cells. The neoplastic cells did not express smooth muscle actin, desmin, HMB-45, S-100 protein, kappa and lambda light chains. Ki-67 proliferation index was as low as 1.5 %. Thus, the morphological appearance and immunohistochemical features were consistent with RM and low-grade cellular characteristics. DISCUSSION Tumours with rhabdoid morphology were first described in 1978 in relation to malignant renal tumours of children (1). Nowadays, many tumours with rhabdoid morphology are known in different localizations including CNS and meninges. Rhabdoid cells have no evidence of myogenic origin. The term „rhabdoid† is used to denote close histological resemblance of tumour cells to rhabdomyoblasts. Rhabdoid cells are characterized by typical light microscopic morphology: round cells with eccentric, vesicular nuclei, prominent nucleoli and eosinophilic cytoplasm with paranuclear globular inclusions (3). Meningiomas developing from the meninges are among the most common intracranial tumours. Regarding these tumours, surgery is the mainstay of treatment, and neurosurgeon also is involved in the planning of further observation and treatment in accordance to the tumour grade (5). Meningiomas show wide range of histopathological appearances. While the majority of meningiomas are benign tumours (WHO grade I meningiomas), some meningiomas have increased risk of local recurrences (WHO grade II meningiomas) and the minority are truly malignant and have a risk of metastatic dissemination; these are classified as WHO grade III meningiomas (2). RM is an uncommon type of meningioma which was described for the first time in 1998 (3). It was found that rhabdoid morphology in meningiomas was associated with a worse prognosis (3). Soon after this finding RM was separated as a distinct entity in WHO classification of CNS tumours published in 2000. RM has been classified as a grade III neoplasm by WHO (2). Consistent with the malignant behaviour, significant mitotic activity, anaplasia and other atypical features are usually found in RMs (2, 4). However, there are some isolated reports of RMs with no evidence of cellular atypia (6). In our case diagnosis of RM was established due to pure rhabdoid morphology along with meningothelial origin that was clearly demonstrated by IHC. Absence of atypia in the tumour cells and low Ki-67 proliferation index was consistent with low-grade meningioma in the present case. In conclusion, rhabdoid meningioma occasionally lacks histological features of malignancy that can lead to confusion if the rhabdoid morphology is always associated with malignant behaviour. Increased awareness of low-grade rhabdoid meningiomas is necessary to estimate the prognosis and to plan the treatment appropriately. REFERENCES Beckwith JB, Palmer NF. Histopathology and prognosis of Wilms tumors: results from the First National Wilms’ Tumor Study // Cancer, 1978; 41:1937 – 1948 Cooper WA, Shingde M, Lee VK, Allan RS, Wills EJ, Harper C. â€Å"Rhabdoid meningioma† lacking malignant features. Report of two cases // Clin Neuropathol, 2004; 23(1):16 – 20 Louis DN, Ohgaki H, Wiestler OD, Cavenee WK. Meningeal tumors // In: Bosman FT, Jaffe ES, Lakhani RS, Ohgaki H. WHO Classification of tumours of the central nervous system. 4th edition. Lyon: IARC; 2007; 164-180 Perry A, Scheithauer BW, Stafford SL, Abell-Aleff PC, Meyer FB. Rhabdoid meningioma: an aggressive variant // Am J Surg Pathol, 1998; 22:1482 – 1490 Walcott BP, Nahed BV, Brastianos PK, Loeffler JS. Radiation treatment for WHO grade II and III meningiomas // Front Oncol, 2013; 3:227, doi:10.3389/fonc.2013.00227 Zhou Y, Xie Q, Gong Y, Mao Y, Zhong P, Che X, Jiang C, Huang F, Zheng K, Li S, Gu Y, Bao W, Yang B, Wu J, Wang Y, Chen H, Xie L, Zheng M, Tang H. Clinicopathological analysis of rhabdoid meningiomas: Report of 12 cases and a systematic review of the literature // World Neurosurg, 2013; 79(5-6):724 – 732 3t-Alkyl-2r,6c-diarylpiperidin-4-ones: Synthesis 3t-Alkyl-2r,6c-diarylpiperidin-4-ones: Synthesis 3t-Alkyl-2r,6c-diarylpiperidin-4-ones Synthesis A very convenient and non-laborious one-pot synthesis method developed by Noller and Baliah [50] has been used successfully for the synthesis of 3t-alkyl-2r, 6c-diarylpiperidin-4-ones 32 by the condensation of methyl ketones, aromatic aldehydes and ammonium acetate in 1:2:1 molar ratio (Scheme 13). It’s a non-laborious one-pot synthesis of 3t-alkyl-2r, 6c-diarylpiperidin-4-ones 32. Various substituted piperidin-4-ones were also synthesized by adapting the above method [53-,57]. Often used typical procedure reported by Baliah and Jeyaraman was adapted to synthesis several substituted 3t-alkyl-2r,6c-difuranylpiperidin-4-ones 33 and 3t-benzyl-2r,6c-diarylpiperidin-4-ones 34 with convenient modification [58,59]. Seven r(2),c(4)-bis(isopropoxycarbonyl)-t(3)-aryl-c(5)-hydroxy-t(5)-methylcyclohexano-nes (aryl = C6H5, p-ClC6H4, p-FC6H4, p-OMeC6H4, p-Me2NC6H4, m-O2NC6H4 and m-C6H5OC6H4) have been synthesized by condensing isopropyl acetoacetate with aromatic aldehydes in the presence of methylamine [53]. Aridoss et al have synthesized an array of novel N-morpholinoacetyl-2,6-diarylpiperidin-4-ones as well as imidazo(4,5-b) pyridinylethoxypiperidones and Structure and stereochemistry of all the N-morpholinoacetyl-2,6-diarylpiperidin-4-ones have been analyzed using 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic techniques [54,55]. 1H and 13C NMR spectra have been recorded for 2r,6c-diarylpiperidin-4-one (3_-hydroxy-2_naphthoyl)hydrazones and 3,3-dimethyl-2r,6c-bis(p-methoxyphenyl)piperidin-4-one [56-57]. Conversion to other derivatives Other derivatives from piperidin-4-ones have been obtained which includes oximes 35 [60-73], hydrazones 36 [57,74], semicarbazones 37 [75], thiosemicarbazones 38 [69], and phenylhydrazones 39 [76] by the reaction of the carbonyl group with suitable reagents. 2r,6c-diarylpiperidin-4-ones have been reduced to obtain 4t-Hydroxy-2r, 6c-diphenylpiperidines 40a and 4c-hydroxy-2r,6c-diphenylpiperidines 40b. N-substituted 2r,6c-diarylpiperidin-4-ones 41-51 was obtained by the reaction of the NH function with suitable reagents have been reported (Scheme 13) [77-84]. Physico-chemical studies Several physico-chemical studies have been performed for 3t-Alkyl-2r,6c-diarylpiperidin-4-ones and their derivatives [64-91]. Several studies have documented the conformations of various substituted 2,6-diarylpiperidin-4-ones [78,86]. Pandiarajan et al. [88] have elaborately discussed the conformations of 32 and suggested chair conformation to these compounds with equatorial disposition of the aryl and alkyl substituents based on their NMR spectral data. Substitution of alkyl group at C-3 position of the piperidine ring causes the ring to flatten slightly about C(2)-C(3) bond probably to decrease gauche interaction between aryl and alkyl groups at C(2) and C(3). Stereochemistry of N-acetyl and N-benzoyl-2r,6c-diphenylpiperidin-4-one oximes 5256 has been already reported [89]. Synthesis and conformation of 3t-chloro-2r,6c-diarylpiperidin-4-ones 57 also been reported [90,91]. Manimekalai et al. [92] demonstrated the conformation of benzyl group in 4-benzyl-4-hydroxypiperidines 58. Pharmacological studies Many piperidine derivatives possess pharmacological activities including antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer activities and to form an essential part of the molecular structure of important drugs [9, 93-97]. Piperidin-4-ones have been used for development of compounds with selective biological activities include antiviral [98], antitumor [99], analgesic [100], local anesthetic [101,102], bactericidal [103], fungicidal [103], herbicidal [103], insecticidal [104], antihistaminic [104], anti-inflammatory [104], anticancer [105], CNS stimulant [105], antitubercular and depressant [106] activities. Earlier reports have clearly established that the biological activities[R1] of piperidin-4-ones were improved by incorporation of the substituents at C-2, C-3 and C-6 [106,107]. Ferguson documented that N-nitrosopiperidines are carcinogenic in nature and blocking of one of the à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¡ position by an alkyl group significantly reduces the carcinogenic activity [108]. Lijinsky and Taylo r have also supports that blocking of à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¡ positions to the N-nitroso group by methyl groups reduces the carcinogenic activity [109]. 3t,5t-Dimethyl-2r,6c-diarylpiperidin-4-one hydrochlorides 59-61 have shown anti-histaminic activity [110]. Furthermore, 3t,5t-dimethyl-2r,6c-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)piperidin-4-one 62 and 3t-methyl-5-substitutedphenyl-2r,6c-diarylpiperidin-4-ones 63 showed antimicrobial, insecticidal and antihistaminic activities [111]. 2,3,6-Triarylpiperidin-4-ones 64 and their oximes exhibits marked bactericidal, fungicidal and herbicidal activities [104]. N-Substituted piperidin-4-one 65 and its derivatives 66 and 67 exhibited potential Juvenile hormone activity on Bombyx mori [112]. N-methyl-3E,5E-bis(arylidine)piperidin- 4-ones 68, possessing a variety of aryl and heteroaryl groups, showed antiviral and antitumor activities [98]. 3E,5E-Bis(benzylidene)piperidin-4-one 69, 1-acryloyl derivatives of 69, and 70 the adduct of 2-mercaptoethanesulfonic acid 71 as well as 3E,5E-Bis(thienylidene)-piperidin-4-ones 72 have shown antitumor activity towards human carcinoma cell lines Caov3, Scov3 and A549 [113]. Furthermore, modification of position 3 of the piperidin-4-one nucleus as well as a substitution of certain functional groups in the para position of phenyl ring attached to C-2 and C-6 carbons of the piperidine moiety would result in compounds of potent biological activities. Hydrazones Hydrazones are a class of organic compounds with azomethine -NHN=CH- proton that constitutes an important class of compounds for new drug development [10,97,98]. Hydrazone are formed usually by the action of hydrazine on ketones or aldehydes. Hydrazide-hydrazone derivatives receive the attention of various medicinal chemists as a result of their effectual biological potencies viz., antimicrobial, anti-tubercular, and also anticonvulsant actions [10,114-116]. Some hydrazones is known to act as herbicides, insecticides, nematocides, rodenticides and plant growth regulators. Several studies have documented the spasmolytic activity, hypotensive action and activity against leukaemia, sarcomas and other malignant neoplasms [114-116]. Many of the physiologically active hydrazones have applications in diseases like tuberculosis, leprosy and mental disorder are characterized by the presence of the triatomic group (>C=N–N73 [117]. Hydrazones are also useful in detection, determination and isolation of compounds containing the carbonyl group and many other metals [10]. Syringaldehyde hydrazones 74 and 6-nitro-3,4-methylene-dioxophenyl-N-acylhydrazone 75 exhibits antioxidant properties [118,119]. Hydrazone and its substituted derivatives showed good antibacterial, antifungal, anticonvulsant, antitubercular, anticancer and antitumor activities. 1-[4=[(2-[(4-Substitutedphenyl)methylene]hydrazine] carbonyl)phenyl]-3-substituted thioureas 76 exhibited good clinically active tuberculostat [120]. Some coupling products from 4-aminobenzoic acid hydrazones 77 and (7-Hydroxy-2-oxo-2H-chromen-4-yl)acetic hydrazide 78 showed antimicrobial activity [121,122]. A series of 4-fluorobenzoic acid (substituted methylene/ ethylidine) hydrazide derivatives 79 showed the chemotherapeutic antituberculosis activities [123]. Hemalatha et al have documented the antibacterial and antifungal activities of N-nitroso-2,6-diarylpiperidin-4-one semicarbazones [124]. Some bicyclic semicarbazones and thiosemicarbazones 81 showed a wide variety of biological activities [124]. The significance of fusing heterocycles Heterocycles possess an enormously diverse group of compounds, are widely distributed in nature. Heterocycles can be easily manipulated and modified by organic synthetic methods to increase or decrease reactivity. They are used extensively as intermediates in various reactions as well as building blocks in organic synthesis. Novel libraries of biologically diverse heterocyclic compounds have been synthesized by incorporation and substitution of a wide range of functional groups (ring activators or deactivators) and their positions around the ring of heterocycles. Several studies provide evidence that combination of two bio-active heterocyclic moieties together leads to the production of novel and biologically important compounds with the anticipation of several promising pharmacological agents [4,125]. Based on the above features discussed under 3t-Alkyl-2r,6c-diarylpiperidin-4-ones, 2r,4c-Diaryl-3-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-9-ones and hydrazones, we have developed the system that fuse 3 -azabicyclonones/piperidin-4-one pharmacophore and hydrazide moieties together to produce the corresponding hydrazones with the anticipation of several promising antioxidant, anticancer and antimicrobial agents arising. The relevant technique used to elucidate the structure of the newly synthesized compounds Specialized spectroscopic instruments can be used to generate information that enables the determination of the structure of an unknown organic compound. This includes Infrared spectrometry (IR), nuclear magnetic spectrometry (NMR) and elemental analysis. Among all available spectrometric methods, NMR is the only technique which offers a complete analysis and interpretation of the entire spectrum [126,127]. A few of the strategies of NMR experiments that are used in determination of different compounds are described as follows. NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, one of the most versatile techniques for elucidation of structure of organic compounds, has shown a tremendous progress due to improved experimental technology and novel approaches. In NMR, the most useful information comes from the interactions between two nuclei, either through the bonds which connect them (J-coupling interaction) or directly through space (NOE interaction) [126-128]. Interpretation of NMR spectra is well understood from the following basic information gathered from NMR spectra. 1) Chemical shift, which identifies the type of proton based on their electronic environment, 2) Spin-Spin splitting patterns, which identifies neighbouring protons, 3) Peak Area, which is proportional to the number of protons giving a particular resonance line, 4) The observation of a triplet and a quartet spin state confirming usually the presence of an ethyl group (CH3CH2) and 5) The observation of ÃŽ ´ values between 7.2-8.0 indicates that the structure contains a benzene ring (benzyl proton) [126-130]. Generally, three approaches are used in NMR spectroscopy methods. These include one dimension (1D), two dimensions (2D) and three dimensions (3D). The first approach of 1D-NMR (1H DEPT, 13C, 15N, 19F, 31P, etc.) generates good information about the structure of simple organic compounds. However, it is overcrowded in case e of larger molecules. The second approach of 2D-NMR (COSY, DQFCOSY, MQFCOSY, HETCOR, HSQC, HMQC, HMBC, TOCSY, NOESY, EXSY, etc.) is used for the further larger molecules. A 2D-NMR spectrum also becomes complex and overlapping in case of further very large molecules like proteins. Therefore, multi-Dimensional-NMR (Homonuclear and Heteronuclear) are generally used to achieve high resolution and reduced overlapping in spectra of very large molecules [126,128,129]. This section further describes the general interpretation of structure of different organic compounds by different NMR techniques. 1D NMR SPECTROSCOPY 1H-NMR: Spin transitions of only hydrogen nuclei are observed in in 1H-NMR spectroscopy. Table 1 represents different ÃŽ ´ values, couplings, coupling constants and chemical shifts of 1H nuclei processing in different chemical environments. Commonly, ÃŽ ´ value scale of 1H-NMR ranges from 0-10 ppm with respect to Tetra methyl Silane (TMS) as internal standard. 1H-NMR spectral interpretation can be best understood from table 4 [126,131]. 1H Chemical shifts Because of variations in the electron distribution, the variation of nuclear magnetic resonance frequencies of the same kind of nucleus is referred to as chemical shift (symbolized by ÃŽ ´). Quantitative chemical shift are measured in frequency (Hertz) relative to a standard, Tetra methyl silane (TMS). Characterization of the structure of a molecule is depending upon the position and number of chemical shifts [111,112,115]. The chemical shift range of 1H nuclei can also be understood from a chart given in figure 1 [126].The chemical shift values for methyl protons attached to groups of varied electronegativity are given below [127]: CH3I-2.16 CH3Br-2.18 CH3Cl-3.05 and CH3F-4.26 ppm, The electron density around the proton affects its chemical shift. Because of the e- density around the H nuclei, the CH3 protons come to resonance at higher ÏÆ' values as the electronegativity of a functional group is increased. Electronic charge surrounded to H nuclei shields the nucleus to some extent from the influence of the applied field. The magnetic flux overcomes this shielding effect in order to bring a proton to resonance. Thus, the higher the electron density around the proton, the greater the induced diamagnetic effect and the greater the external field required to overcome the shielding effect. Electro-ve groups like fluorine in CH3F withdraws e- density from the CH3 group (-inductive effect). This leads to de-shielding by lower value of an applied magnetic field in order bring the methyl proton to resonance. Fluorine is more electro-ve than Cl, thus the proton in CH3F appears at a higher ÃŽ ´ values than those in CH3Cl. The chemical shift positions for protons attache d to C=C in alkenes is higher compared to that of accounted by electronegative effect alone. Alkene and aromatic protons appear at high ÏÆ' values while alkyne C≠¡C protons appear at a relatively low ÃŽ ´ value [126,127,132]. The magnetic field created by pi electrons or rings is referred to as Magnetic anisotropy, which describes an environment where different magnetic fields are found at different points in space. Since Pi electrons are held less strongly than sigma electrons, pi electrons are more able to move in response to the magnetic field. The anisotropic effects of the à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ³ electrons of C-C bond is low compared to those of the circulating à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ °-electrons. The equatorial protons in cyclohexane resonate at 0.5 ppm higher than the axial protons. This is due to the anisotropic effect of the à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ³-electron in the CÃŽ ²-Cà ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ § bonds [127,133] (Figure. 2). [R1]Specify which biological activity

Parental Risk Factors And Child Maltreatment Social Work Essay

Parental Risk Factors And Child Maltreatment Social Work Essay It is staggering to know that thousands of children are maltreated in ways that are detrimental to their developmental and psychological growth. Widespread concern about the issue was initially triggered in the 1960s to raise awareness of the plight of the battered child. Research has recognised numerous risk and protective factors commonly associated with child abuse. This essay will deal with the parental risk factors and will take into account the measures that afford protection against them. Some forms of child maltreatment are related to parental competency due to age, temperament or a personal history with child abuse. However, a good deal of abuse and neglect is linked to sources of stress where marital conflicts, domestic violence, and the lack of a stable social network play significant causal roles. Having said that, no single factor can be definitive in determining risk and so they require simultaneous consideration. Despite the causes, family protective factors can reduce maltreatment rates by promoting positive parent-child relationships, encouraging extended family support and by building parental resilience. When addressing the question of intervention, knowledge of the risk and protective factors implicated in child mistreatment can minimise risk. By recognising the complex interaction of factors that affect susceptibility to maltreatment, professionals can implement programmes specifically designed to protect children at risk. Therefore understanding the causes of maltreatment is crucial to preventing the problem. Child maltreatment is a complex and pervasive problem that cuts across all sectors of society, where even defining the term ensues in an inherent complication. During the 1960s, the growing prevalence of abused children lead to the introduction of the term battered child syndrome. This term, seen as a narrowly defined, was broadened so as not to simply infer to physical abuse. In 1997, the World Health Organisation drafted a definition of child maltreatment to encompass both emotional and physical injury but also negligent treatment. Risk factors are characteristics where certain behaviours or conditions will likely play a contributory role in child mistreatment. Although some are not direct causes, circumstances in which these factors exist make a child highly vulnerable to experiencing maltreatment. However, there are also factors that offer a protective effect which mediate against risk and therefore can increase the well-being of children and families. When determining risk in familial child maltreatment, it is necessary to examine the role of the parent as he is often the direct perpetrator. Temperament is significant when trying to understand why parents abuse their children. Influence of an individuals psychological capacity on parental functioning can be found in investigations of mentally disturbed adults. Baldwin, Cole and Baldwin (1982) have revealed that families with a parent suffering from a psychotic disorder were less interactive and exhibited less warmth than families without. Mental illness can distort a parents judgement to a point where he is no longer competent to make decisions about a childs needs. Strong evidence implicating psychological factors in the etiology of child maltreatment derives from reports of intergeneration cycles of abuse (Spinetta and Rigler, 1972; Sherrod, et al., 1986). Parents who were victims of child mistreatment themselves gives rise to the common perception that being a victim is a determinant for turning into an abuser, yet there is a lack of substantial evidence. Undoubtedly, a history of abuse is a considerable risk factor alone but child maltreatment is determined by a complex interaction of rick and protective factors; factors which differentiate between repeaters and non-repeaters. Notwithstanding, parents who were mistreated as children are less likely to become victimisers if they resolve internal conflicts related to that history of abuse. To further reduce risks, it is also important if parents have a supportive spouse and good social supports (Hunter and Kisltrom, 1979). However, adults who were rejected as children become emotionally insulated from interpersonal relations and are unable to give affection or form a close bond with their children (Kempe and Kempe, 1978). This returns attention to the psychiatric make up of the individual abuser and shows how interrelated causal factors are. Competent parenting can also be associated with psychological maturity; another determinant of maltreatment. Therefore, age serves as a indication of maturity and parental aptitude as young mothers may posses less desirable child-rearing attitudes than older mothers. Having said that, age also accounts for poor or inaccurate parenting skills as teen-parents will lack the fundamental understanding of a childs needs. Having unrealistic expectations about a childs progress may culminate in inappropriate punishments where conclusive studies presented by Straus (1992), and Flanagan et al., (1995), report that teenage mothers tend to exhibit higher rates of child abuse. Protective factors aimed at minimising these risks should support parents with their child-rearing skills and teach sensitive parenting techniques. By providing parent education classes for new and especially for teen parents can inform them about normal child development and what to expect from their children at specific ages. Yet, this protective factor is not well-suited for all as some parents may be reluctant to attend parent-group meetings. Social conditions create stresses that undermine family functioning where specific situations may exacerbate certain emotions of the family members affected. Hostility and frustration can resultantly aggravate the level of familial maltreatment. Marital relationships serve as a principle support system for parents and so conflicts can elicit child maltreatment. Family dissolution can burden an individual and research indicates that children living with single-parents may be at a higher risk of experiencing abuse and neglect than children with two biological parents (Finkelhor, et al., 1997). The sole burden of family responsibilities linked together with fewer supports can contribute to the risk of single-parents mistreating their child. Children in violent homes who witness intimate partner violence are subsequently at risk for being maltreated themselves. Appel and Holden (1998) have found that spousal abuse and child maltreatment co-exist in 30-60% of families. Even if children are not maltreated, they still experience harmful emotional consequences as witnessing violence teaches likewise behaviour or warrants it as appropriate and the child may resort to using violent action later in life. This draws attention back to the victim to offender hypothesis. In addition to a family system, interpersonal relations, between relatives and friends are essential when considering risks. Parents who are isolated with few social connections are at higher risk for maltreating their children. Hetherington, Cox and Cox (1977) have found that the support received from significant others exert a beneficial impact on parent-child relations. This data shows how a stable social network is positively linked with parents sense of competence in the care-giving role and evidently can lessen maltreatment rates. But its not merely about having several social connections but the quality of them as-well. It is interesting however that in these cases of support, the mediating role of the parents psychological well-being is pivotal. Marital relations do not influence parenting directly but instead promote positive attitudes in an individual and thereby influence parenting capabilities (Gamble and Belsky, 1984). Similarly, social relations may serve to enhance the psychological functioning of the parent. Sources of stress and support thus strongly affect parental competence, as although unfavourable relations contribute to the etiology of abuse, the quality of the relationship is influenced by personality; correspondingly, they produce bi-directional affects. Parental substance abuse, is also predictive of child maltreatment when daily stresses of raising children prove challenging especially when accompanied with multiple life stressors such as an history of abuse or marital conflicts. Substance misuse interferes with mental functioning and subsequently make parents less available to children, as Forrester (2000) confirms that substance abuse is strongly related to neglect. It may also explain some of the attachment difficulties that can occur, since healthy development requires parental responsiveness to the needs of a child. Being intoxicated can again negatively influence parental discipline choices and lead to violent tendencies towards a child. Simultaneously, these risk factors can affect a parents capacity to cope effectively but by reaching out to a support system can help build resilience against stressful circumstances. The interactive play of risk and protective factors provoke familial child maltreatment but it can be prevented regardless. Early identification of causes and outlining the compensatory factors can lead to effective interventions to protect the child involved. Helfer and Kempe (1976) have argued that preventing child abuse entails predicting its occurrence. Therefore, it is clear that professionals need awareness of the several factors that create contexts for maltreatment so that intervention programmes employ a multi-sectoral approach. By acknowledging the factors, intervention strategies can be implemented to minimise the underlying risks; encourage reaching out to family and friends, but also to strengthen the protective factors; advanced prenatal care and home-visitor networks (Halperin, 1979; Parke Collmer, 1975). Moreover, when enforcing intervention strategies, the treatment of parents should be coordinated to that of children as the potentials for change in parent-child relationships and parental attitudes is maximised (Olds, 1983). However, risk factors have limitations in predicting specific instances of abuse as the determinants in one family may not necessarily result in child maltreatment in another. Furthermore, an individual may not have the emotional resources to cope adequately with the demands of parenting and so intervention must be able to address these implications. Additionally, extensive evaluations need to be conducted to ascertain the effectiveness of short and long-term intervention programmes.

J. D. Salinger :: Biography Biographies Essays

J. D. Salinger Biographer Ian Hamilton notes that J. D. Salinger has been notoriously "famous for not wanting to be famous" (4). Born in New York in 1919 and still living today, Salinger leads a rather reclusive lifestyle, choosing to avoid the general attentions of the press, and thus making his life a difficult subject for study. His work, however, has been cherished and studied for many years. He has published many works of fiction both in book form and in magazines such as the New Yorker and Esquire. One of his most intriguing novels is Franny and Zooey, which is actually composed of two short stories bearing those names. It is one of several of Salinger's works involving the Glass family, specifically Franny and her brother Zachary, known in the family as Zooey. "Franny" relates the manner in which she arrives by train to spend an afternoon with her boyfriend Lane, whom she has not seen for some time. Lane is by nature a repressive person, one who, waiting for a train, intentionally tries to "empty his face of all expression that might quite simply, perhaps even beautifully, reveal how he felt about the arriving person" (7). It beautifully and honestly illustrates the nature of their relationship, which is far less than perfect. In the wake of the suicide of her brother Seymour (which readers can learn more about in "A Perfect Day for Bananafish" included in Nine Stories'), Franny searches for spiritual meaning in her life. Her tool in this quest is a book entitled The Way of a Pilgrim, and in following the teachings of this book, she begins to consider the lack of meaning in some of her relationships, which, in this story, alienates Lane. The majority of the story focuses on their dinner conversation, and the tension which develops between the couple is well handled by Salinger; for example, when Franny begins acting strangely, Lane "looked at her, then exhaled an overly expressive stream of smoke down at his plate. 'This is going to be a real little doll of a weekend,' he said" (24). Eventually, out of mental exhaustion, Franny passes out in the restaurant, "Zooey" picks up where "Franny" leaves off; she has been sick as a result of her increasing self-neglect. The reader meets Zooey, who spends the greater part of the story discussing with Franny her condition. Franny reveals the main point of The Way of a Pilgrim, which is to repeat the Jesus Prayer incessantly until it becomes as natural and constant a bodily process as breathing.

Jack Londons To Build A Fire: Theme Essay -- essays research papers

Jack London's To Build a Fire: Theme The significance of the words "dying and death" in Jack London's 1910 novel, "To Build a Fire" continuously expresses the man's dwindling warmth and bad luck in his journey along the Yukon trail to meet "the boys" at camp. London associates dying with the man's diminishing ability to stay warm in the frigid Alaskan climate. The main characters predicament slowly worsens one level at a time finally resulting in death. The narrator informs the reader that "the man" lacks personal experience traveling in the Yukon terrain. The old-timer warned the man about the harsh realities of the Klondike. The confident main character thinks of the old-timer at Sulphur Creek as "womanish." Along the trail, "the man" falls into a hidden spring and attempts to build a fire to dry his socks and warm himself. With his wet feet quickly growing numb, he realizes he has only one chance to successfully build a fire or face the harsh realities of the Yukon at one-hundred nine degrees below freezing. Falling snow from a tree blots out the fire and the character realizes "he had just heard his own sentence of death." Jack London introduces death to the reader in this scene. The man realizes "a second fire must be built without fail." The man's mind begins to run wild with thoughts of insecurity and death when the second fire fails. He recollects the story of a man who kills a steer to...

Interracial Marriage in Shakespeare’s Othello Essay

Racial prejudice against the outsiders existed during the Elizabethan Age and Shakespeare attempted to create a parallel world in his tragedy Othello, The Moor of Venice where he captures a wide array of reactions towards a Black Muslim by the white majority Christians in Venice. The racial discrimination has been latent in their minds for a long period and the interracial marriage of Othello and Desdemona acts as a catalyst resulting in a volcanic eruption like calamity in the society through a prototype villain Iago. The institution of marriage is often looked at as a means of enhancing the bond within a community and when an outsider attempts to become a part of a closed community then he is perceived as an intruder. This essay explores the tumultuous reaction of the society through Iago towards the interracial marriage of Othello and Desdemona. Human beings, once accustomed to a particular pattern, will find it extremely difficult to alter the same. Othello, the Black Moor with physical and cultural difference in the state of Venice has risen to the position of the army general through his meticulous and painstaking hard work. Iago, the vicious villain has developed an aversion towards Othello because of his Moorish background and it is intensified when Cassio is promoted to the position of lieutenant, overlooking Iago. Iago also suspects an illicit relation between his wife Emilia and Othello. So he vows to bring the downfall of Othello and takes the interracial marriage as the ripe opportunity to avenge Othello. He instigates Brabantio, father of Desdemona to bring Othello under trial for luring his daughter. Brabantio openly condemns Othello’s marriage with his daughter and accuses that the marriage is â€Å"maimed and most imperfect† (1. 3, 99) and â€Å"Against all rules of nature† (1. 3, 101). Further he strongly suspects that Othello has used magic potions on Desdemona and exploited her innocence by pushing her to run from her home to â€Å"to the sooty bosom / Of such a thing as thou – to fear, not to delight† (1. 2, 70-71). Brabantio thus overtly expresses his racist views before the Duke because he is basically a Venetian who is obsessed with racial prejudice and it is so blatantly displayed because he learns that his daughter has fallen for the Moor from Roderigo, the half-wit consumed by lust for Desdemona and Iago, where the later has hidden his identity and has expressed their love affair in the most obscene language as possible. Iago states, â€Å"†¦you’ll / Have your daughter covered with a Barbary horse† (1. 1, 111-112) and â€Å"I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter / And the Moor are now making the beast with two backs. 1. 1, 116-117). As Elizabeth Beaudin notes, â€Å"The language Iago and Roderigo use to incite the senator’s anger is clearly prejudiced; they refer to Othello as ‘an old black ram,’ a ‘Barbary horse,’ and a ‘lascivious Moor’ (13). The racist remarks of Iago and Roderigo against Othello reflect the prejudice that existed in the society when a Black Moor holds a better position in the society be it in military, society or the heart of a woman. Both Iago and Roderigo refer to Othello as an animal, thick-lipped, uneducated, and crude, and never call him by his name in private. Othello is enquired about the charges levied by Brabantio and the Moor responds that their love is mutual which has been nurtured through conversation. He states that â€Å"She loved me for the dangers I had pass’d, / And I loved her that she did pity them† (1. 3, 167-168). The Duke is one of the few characters in the play who trusts that the love affair is beyond the narrow lanes of racism and approves their marriage. When both the lovers are found to be in a state of complete bliss Iago remarks, â€Å"O, you are well tuned now! / But I’ll set down the pegs that make this music, / As honest as I am. (2. 1, 199-201). Iago swears to loosen the pegs in order to bring about a disharmony in their relationship. Mussari rightly states, â€Å"From the opening scene the interracial marriage between Othello and Desdemona colors all aspects of the play. Race also provides further motivation for the resentful Iago to destroy the general’s happiness. † (40-41). Iago strongly believes that Desdemona’s love for the Moor is nothing but an unnatural sexual desire and schemes in the most scrupulous manner to infuse jealousy in place of love in the mind of Othello. Earlier Othello believed that Desdemona loved him for his adventures and he not being a chamberer. But under the poisonous influence of Iago Othello believes that it is the very same quality that has made her leave him. â€Å"†¦ for I am black / And have not those soft parts of conversation / That chamberers have, or for I am declined† (3. 3, 263-265) Iago is extremely sly and a master puppeteer who brings almost everyone under his dominion. He convinces Roderigo that h can win Desdemona’s love only by procuring gifts for her and gains monetary benefits from him. Cassio also blindly believes him and thinks that Iago is striving hard to regain Cassio’s lost position. The seeds of jealousy are sown in the minds of Othello and it has deep-rooted in him. He has made a thorough analysis of Othello’s nature and produces the ocular proof for his wife’s infidelity. Iago is unable to stomach the fact that Othello is not only the supreme commander of the arms but has won the heart of a white Venetian woman. He is absolutely hostile to this interracial marriage and longs to dissolve the marriage at any cost. Roderigo, Cassio and his wife Emilia are made as pawns who unknowingly play a crucial role in disrupting the harmonious relationship between Othello and Desdemona. Iago goes to the extent of inventing an accusation that his wife is committing adultery with Othello. â€Å"†¦ Twixt my sheets / he’s done my office† (1. 3, 380-381). Othello and Desdemona unlike many other lovers establish a mature relationship in the beginning and are convinced that they share a mutual bond of love and affection. But it is not just the jealousy of Othello that plays a spoilsport. The racial incompatibility is internalized in every human being because humans are essentially social beings and hence are used to living in a homogeneous environment. The sudden intrusion may shock a majority section of the society like Brabantio, Iago and Roderigo. But a few may develop an initial fascination towards this heterogeneity like Desdemona. Desdemona herself is convinced that there is something unnatural about her love for Othello. She fails to understand Othello completely because of the cultural and racial differences that existed between them. She had once remarked that she fears looking at such blackness as in Othello which is reaffirmed by Othello when Iago states, â€Å"seem’d to shake and fear your looks† (3. 3, 207). Both Desdemona and Othello are initially drawn to each other because of their physical appearance but later this difference of Black and White creates a gap between them. Othello is appalled â€Å"not only because Desdemona corrupts herself ut because her ‘blackness’ confirms his† (Berry, 328). The interracial marriage, no doubt, intensifies the race-related social tensions and the society is completely turned into a chaotic environment. The reaction of the racially prejudiced society has been extremely intense because, the interracial relationship has matured to the level of married. If Iago had carried out such frenzied beastly act before Othello and Desdemona had married, it would have lead to the separation of the lovers. But the interracial marriage has mounted such an apprehension both in the society and the couple. Hence every other Venetian was easily exploited by Iago and Othello himself easily succumbed to the pressures of Iago. Being married, Othello is convinced that he could restore his honor only by killing his wife who is believed to have cuckolded him. To conclude, Shakespeare has illustrated that the dearth of a society is certain when a racial incompatibility exists in the society. The interracial marriage of Othello and Desdemona may have survived a little longer if Iago has not intervened because Iago has just acted as a catalyst and speedup the dissolution of the marriage. The love affair between Othello and Desdemona was purely emotional but the moment they enter into the institution of marriage, it definitely has to withstand the whirlwinds of the society. An interracial marriage is perceived as a threat to the integrity of the society and hence it is rarely welcomed. Within such a hostile environment, it is truly a challenge for the couple to uphold their marital relationship in which both Othello and Desdemona fail miserably as they easily yield to the pressures of the society in the guise of Iago.