Piano and Drums Poem Analysis Essay

In Gabriel Okara’s poem, â€Å"Piano and Drums†, Okara expresses his feelings and thoughts of a primitive society in contrast to a western society. Being an African himself, and having studied in a western society, the poem reflects the confusion in his emotions as well as the loss of self-identity. The title of the poem itself, â€Å"Piano and Drums† displays a sense of dissimilarity and contrast as the instruments are so unalike in terms of sophistication. Throughout the entire poem, Okara incorporates the instruments to further express, through music, how the speaker is feeling. By using well-structured stanzas and poetic devices such as imagery, symbolism, sensory detail, personification, and diction, Okara is able to immerse the readers into the difficulties of cultural conflict and the confusion of a person in the midst of the two contrasting societies. Some of the most important poetic devices utilized in this poem by Okara are imagery and symbolism. Throughout the progression of the poem, there is a constant use of images to assist in displaying Okara’s conflicting emotions about the two separate worlds. The title of the poem, â€Å"Piano and Drums† clearly displays the symbols that are used in the poem. In expressing views of his native culture compared to Western culture, Okara uses the â€Å"jungle drums† (2) to represent the African culture and does the same with the â€Å"wailing piano† (17) to represent Western culture. These symbols are used particularly because of the complexity of the instruments. Being such a simply crafted instrument, with just a resonance chamber and animal skin, the jungle drums are a good symbol to signify the African life. On the contrary, with the piano being such a complex instrument with many components assembling it together to create more variety of sound, it is distinct that it embodies the Western lifestyle. In consideration of these symbols, the speaker implements more imagery to further display the contrast between the two symbols and emphasize the disorientation the speaker is enduring. Therefore, in order to execute his use of imagery successfully, he proceeds further by making a clear contrast between the images of a sophisticated society in contrast to a primitive society. For example, beginning the poem with, â€Å"when at break of day at a riverside† (1) the speaker is able to communicate to the readers that there is a sense of a beginning of a natural life. It also shows that the speaker is trying to convey that there is new civilization, as in the past, rivers have been the starting point of a developing civilization. In the same stanza, the speaker displays raw images of the jungle drums being like â€Å"bleeding flesh† (4). By implementing such primeval pictures, the poet is aiding the readers to make a connection between the drums and the rawness of the instrument and where it originates. Additionally, in the first stanza, there is reference to predator-like animals; for example, the â€Å"panther ready to pounce† (6), the â€Å"leopard snarling about to leap† (7), and the â€Å"hunters crouch[ed] with spears poised† (8). All these predatory images of wild animals are symbols to portray instinctive, primal behaviour which show the aspects of African culture that focus on survival and a natural lifestyle. Furthermore, the poet continues the idea of the drums symbolizing African culture in the second stanza through implementing more imagery. An example in this stanza is of the â€Å"blood rippl[ing], turn[ing] torrent† (9). This image of blood flowing and turning into streams refers back to the raw, primitive tone of the poem as the image of blood makes readers infer hunting and survival. In the next lines of the stanza, Okara includes an image of the speaker â€Å"in [his] mother’s lap a suckling† (11). This image of a mother feeding her young is extremely naturalistic and shows the ingenuousness of African life as well as the simplistic way of life. However, readers are particularly able to use this image to surmise that the speakers comfort lies in his mother’s lap and his motherland. Despite the primitiveness and rawness, the speaker reminisces on his childhood and the security of being with his mother. This idea of missing his homeland is further sustained in the image of â€Å"simple/paths with no innovations† (12/13). The choice of the word â€Å"simple† describes the ease the speaker feels in his homeland as there are no complex advancements or difficulties to deal with. Also, the simple paths are concomitant with the Africans’ primary focus on basic survival as staying alive is their only concern in life. The speaker feels â€Å"fashioned with the naked/warmth† (14/15) which is another example of the unsophisticated, primordial style of African culture as the image shows a bare person. Yet, even though they are unclothed, they still feel the warmth of their body suggesting their healthiness and livingness which is the most important to them. In complete contrast, the third stanza portrays the piano as a symbol to exemplify Western culture as being sophisticated, complex, and intricate which is also portrayed through additional images. However, despite the usual thinking of sophistication being praised, the speaker, in this case, puts Western culture in a negative light which is presented through the music of the piano. When first introducing the piano, it is described as a â€Å"wailing piano† (17) which gives the readers an image of a disturbing, crying baby that is an annoyance to the ears. This is in contrast to the speaker’s views of the â€Å"mystic† sound of the drums which the speaker views as a simple, but magical instrument. Also, the fact that the piano is playing a â€Å"solo† (18) displays the independence, individuality, and the selfishness of the people in the Western world. In addition, the â€Å"far-away lands/and new horizons† (20/21) illustrate the distance at which the speaker feels he is with the Western society. As the speaker feels so close to his roots and his native land, the Western society is foreign to him and, therefore, feels far away and distant. The new horizons just further emphasize the alienation he feels to be in that sort of culture where there are constant innovations and discoveries being made. This isolation is also expressed through the image of the speaker being â€Å"lost in the labyrinth† (23). Once again, the complexity of the labyrinth reflects onto the speaker’s view of the complexity of the Western world. However, as he feels lost in the labyrinth, it shows that he is not fitting into the society and feels uncomfortable. This especially contrasts with the comfort he feels in his mother’s lap in the second stanza. To add, in the last line, the word â€Å"daggerpoint† (25) strikes out to readers as the image of the dagger is strong. Even though the speaker displays the violence of the African natives, readers get the sense of the speaker viewing the Western society to be more violent in the sense that African’s kill animals to stay alive, but Western people use violence against other human beings which is unacceptable. Although, because of the primitive lifestyle, it seems to be that the African’s are more violent, in actuality, the speaker believes that Western people are more predatorial. To conclude, Okara uses imagery and symbolism to express the speaker’s feelings towards African culture in comparison to Western culture. Another important poetic device that Okara integrates into his poem, â€Å"Piano and Drums† is sensory detail, and in particular, sound. The use of sound helps to develop the images, but to also express musically, the emotions he feels in regard to then two contrasting cultures. For instance, in the first stanza, the speaker hears the sound of â€Å"jungle drums telegraphing/the mystic rhythm, urgent† (2/3). The use of the sound coincides with the use of imagery yet the sound of the drums and the â€Å"mystic rhythm† lures the readers into the poem and assists them in hearing the rawness of the drums and also sets a jungle-like atmosphere to the poem. To show the contrast, this â€Å"mystic† sound that lures the readers in, contrasts with the speaker’s interpretation of the sound of the â€Å"wailing piano solo†. â€Å"Wailing† already gives a negative image of the sound, and throughout the whole stanza, all the readers can think about is the annoying sound of the piano. The sounds that the piano makes are elaborated with â€Å"coaxing diminuendo, counterpoint,/crescendo. † (22/23). When the diminuendo occurs, the word â€Å"coaxing† allows for the readers hear the piano at a distance yet when the counterpoint enters, the other melody interferes and becomes more confusing to the ears. Just when the confusion intensifies, the crescendo makes the piano get louder and harsher to bear. All of the sounds combined and the melodies playing at different times is bewildering to the speaker and essentially causes him to feel â€Å"lost†. This relates to the idea that the Western society is too complex for the speaker to handle and, thus, with everything that is happening at once, the speaker cannot handle it. As a result, the Western culture is not viewed in high regards to the speaker which is translated to the reader through the sounds. Lastly, in the final stanza, the clash of the piano and the drums is revealed through the line â€Å"the mystic rhythm of jungle drums and concerto† (28/29). When the two sounds are placed next to each other, it sounds like a cluster of noise which explains why the speaker feels â€Å"lost in the morning mist† (26). The percussion of the drums and the melody of the piano concerto are such contrasting sounds that it is evident that the speaker wants to distinguish the difference between the two cultures. Therefore, through the usage of sounds in the poem, Okara helps to establish the speaker’s feelings towards the two different cultures. Not only is sensory detail an important literary device, but personification in â€Å"Piano and Drums† helps to express the speaker’s attitude and feelings towards the African culture and the Western culture. The first example of personification is â€Å"groping hearts/in green leaves† (15/16) which is soon followed by â€Å"wild flowers pulsing† (16). The idea of the groping hearts show how united the African natives are with nature and life around them. By personifying the heart, it makes it come alive and truly connects to life and shows the primary concern for the Africans – survival. Just after the reference to the heart with the green leaves, the roles switch and this time the flowers are pulsing. This further accentuates the extent to which nature and life collaborate in the lives of the Africans which demonstrates the great significance and preciousness of their lives. On the other hand, the personification of the â€Å"tear-furrowed concerto† (19) exhibits a different effect on the readers. The concerto, or the sound produced by the piano, is given the characteristic of being crumpled in tears. It is compared to a human face that is crying and leaving wrinkles. This negative image expresses to the readers that the piano is miserable and suppressed. Once again, the reference to the piano is put in a negative light and made to look despondent. Another personification of the piano is the â€Å"wailing piano† (17). It is compared to a hysterical, loud cry which again shows the suppressed and unhappy state that it is feeling. Perhaps the speaker feels as though the Western culture is unable to â€Å"bleed† out and be close to nature, so they are deprived from the rawness of life and, consequently, feels sad. Evidently, the use of personification in this poem, stresses the difference between the two cultures as well as the way in which the speaker feels about it. In final analysis, through the use of the poetic devices: imagery, symbolism, sensory detail, personification, and diction, the concept of the piano and drums being two separate cultures was emphasized and contrasted throughout the poem to show the conflict between cultures as well as the feelings of disorientation a person dealing with both would feel. In the end, it was clear that the speaker is still baffled and confused as to how he would accept both cultures and make it so that there is no conflict between the two. Yet, the sense of isolation and separation is distinct in the speaker as he endures a journey through two cultures that are on opposite poles of each other. Despite the sadness and confusion in the poem, the readers feel that they can empathize well with the speaker because of the well-detailed portrayal of the speaker’s emotions, particularly the piano and the drums. Word count: 2,094

Bullying in Primary and Secondary Schools

â€Å"Bullying. This means threatening, harassing, persecuting or insulting others. Especially those who are weaker. It is a daily terror for many children, possibly your child without knowing it. And schools, some more than others are becoming infested with bullies taking advantage of smaller or timid ones. Is your child being bullied at school? This statement made by Professor Ramesh Deosaran is taken from one of his articles (Bullying, The Silent Terror, dated October 17, 2010) which has brought the problem of bullies and bullying within the school system of Trinidad and Tobago into the public domain.Professor Deosaran is an internationally renowned scholar in criminology and social sciences; he has been recently conferred with the title Professor Emeritus at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus in Trinidad and Tobago. Today I would like to present some facts on â€Å"Bullying in Primary and Secondary Schools†. However due to time constraints, I will foc us on three major aspects in hopes that I may raise your awareness on the severity of the issue. What is bullying?It can be defined as persistent aggressive behavior by one pupil towards another, intended to cause the victim to suffer. It can range from verbal to physical and even indirect. (Chris Kyriacou, â€Å"Helping Troubled Pupils†). The incidence of it in primary and secondary schools in Trinidad and Tobago is quite difficult to estimate since a small proportion of cases are reported to teachers and administrators. These reports are often ignored or some corrective action is taken such as summoning of parents, suspension or even counseling by professionals. Why Do Some People Become Bullies?Most times, they are average students who come from households where discipline is excessive or inconsistent, where family relationships show little warmth and to act aggressively towards others, including adults is the norm. This is possibly because they are not listened to or valu ed by their family. To compensate for this lack of value at home, the bully finds it in other places such as school, in inappropriate or unhealthy ways. Others might be victims themselves, not only of being bullied but because of these personal problems in the home or even parental bereavement.Many times, a bully does not feel that they can find any other means of fitting in, so they turn to being powerful in a way that they feel brings them respect. They feel that being feared is the way to gain friends and surround themselves with people who look up to them. â€Å"Psychologists used to believe that bullies have low self-esteem and put down other people to feel better about themselves. While many bullies are themselves being bullied at home or in school, new research shows that they actually have excellent self-esteem.They usually have a sense of entitlement and superiority over others and lack compassion, impulse control and social skills. (St Clair, 2011). What Is The Impact Of Bullying On Victimized Students? According to a report done by the Global School Based Student Health Survey (GSHS) in 2007 on selected schools in Trinidad and Tobago, â€Å"victims of bullying have increased stress and a reduced ability to concentrate and are at increased risk for substance abuse, aggressive behavior and suicide attempts.† Victims develop mental health problems, become truants or school refusers, perform less well at school academically than they otherwise would have done, especially those who are subjected to frequent and prolonged bullying. They are likely to have lower levels of self-esteem and they appear to have difficulty making friends. This is because they are labeled as â€Å"different† by the bully and peer pressure stops other students from standing up for them. In addition, the high level of depression for victims stems directly from the act itself.(Roland, 2002). Sometimes victims are encouraged to believe that this something which all st udents must endure as a part of growing up. By accepting this mentality, the student’s emotional health and well-being are put at stake and the learning process undermined. The student may even develop a decrease ability to devise coping strategies. It may mean that these students may never learn to cope as adults and they cannot form long term relationships. What Is Being Done By the Authorities In Trinidad and Tobago?Thus far, the Ministry of Education has placed Human and Family Life Education (HFLE) on secondary schools’ curriculum and it is taught in most schools. â€Å"The Government of Trinidad and Tobago is looking at the preventative aspect and at early detection and treatment of the problem. † This statement made by The Minister of Education, Tim Gopeesingh, on the 14th of April, 2012. He added that there were preventative measures implemented such as â€Å"The Leader in Me† programme for preschool right up to secondary schools.Student Guidance Support Units in schools are being expanded and a hotline is being set up for children who are bullied. Furthermore, the Chief Education Officer has sent a curricular to all schools asking principals to allow students to have one class per week (Form Teacher Period) in which they can tell of the difficulties they are experiencing. Challenges and Evaluation of Sources In gathering the information required for my research, I had encountered certain challenges along the way. I had an over-abundance of information.It was extremely time consuming to summarize and pick out the most valid and relevant points. However trusted sites were used such as ttparliament. org, bullyonline. org, stopbullying. gov and youthoria. org. These sites were reliable as they were maintained by their organizations consistently and the articles were up to date. A book entitled â€Å"Helping Troubled Pupils† by Chris Kyriacou was very useful as it contained an entire chapter on the topic of bullying from which I was able to extract several valid points.I considered the book a valid source since it was written by a psychologist specifically to help teachers and parents. Conclusion Recent increases in the incidence of bullying among youths in Trinidad and Tobago have led to growing concern about this serious issue. The Government is currently tackling the issue by implementation of preventative measures and by education of students and the public. Although bullying in primary and secondary in schools may never be eradicated,

Community of practice. What is a community of practice and what Essay

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The pentagon papers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The pentagon papers - Essay Example Firstly, it came to be known that Nixon had sought a way to illegally discredit and outright stop Ellsberg during his first and only term as president. This understanding and realization was worth more than most people initially realized; due to the fact that the desire to stifle dissent and promote continued engagement in Vietnam was an issue that both political parties tacitly supported. Secondly, the impact upon society with respect to an understanding of democracy was one that encouraged people to question what the government actually was taking part in; no longer was allowing for the luxury of believing spokesmen with respect to the activities that were going on within the military or within governance. As such, the principal values that were eroded with respect to this situation can be determined to be predicated upon public trust in the government. Further, the impact upon the constitutional strength of the first amendment was also profound. The underlying reason for this has do to with the fact that even though individuals within the government originally sought to prosecute those responsible for the publication of these documents, any effort to do so was eventually understood as causing further damage to the administration. Similar to the situation of Edward Snowden, the ethical concern that is illustrated within this case, and within the film, had to do with the fact that publication of these documents was clearly an abrogation of the law (Freivogel, 2013). However, due to the number of individuals that continued to die in the Vietnam conflict each and every day, Ellsberg was faced with the ethical dilemma of whether or not the lies and fabrications that the government had thus far been responsible for warranted the unprecedented release of information. Ultimately, the answer that was determined was that the loss of trust a nd outright lies that the US government had been peddling for nearly 8 years was

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Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 20

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(Social) Health service needs of young people (aged 1830) attending Essay

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A paper about Cosmology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

A paper about Cosmology - Essay Example These were the sought markers that put the Bang in the inflation theory in an anti-gravitational swelling that began trillionths of a second after the cosmic clock started kicking (Overbye n.d.). Kovac, the lead astrologer while speaking to the New York Times reaffirmed them that the results indicated by the bicep telescope were accurate with a one in ten million chance of being a fluke (Overbye n.d.). Systematic contamination was much smaller as indicated by Jackknife tests and simulations than the observed excess. Available models of polarized dust emission were also examined, indicating that they predict power ∠¼ (5−10) Ãâ€" which is lesser than the excess signal. However, not all possibilities relating to dust emission are analyzed by these models sufficiently (Ade et al., â€Å"bicep 1† 5). This was meant to reassure people who had doubts related to the data and calling for confirmation of the results. This came as a result of exceeding expectations based on earlier estimates on temperature maps of the cosmic background by the European Space. The experiment not only provided first clues of forces that facilitated space and time, but also confirmed that the universe inflated dramatically (Whitney n.d.). The South Pole based research presented the first images of gravitational waves or ripples in space-time. First images of gravitational waves are exciting news said Cao-Lin Kuo while speaking to Stanford News. Stanford news further explains that gravitational waves squeeze space as they travel producing distinct patterns in the cosmic microwave background (n.d.). To acquire these images, the team examined spatial scales on the sky spanning about 1 to 5 degrees (Whitney n.d.). Through this, the researchers were able to gather more evidence that had seemed impossible. According to jet propulsion laboratory the gravitational waves produced a characteristic

International Negotiation & Bargaining Essay Example for Free

International Negotiation Bargaining Essay 1.- What, in general, did you learn about negotiation from the exercise? What surprised you? What would you do differently if you had a chance to do the exercise again? In general I learned that trust plays a significant role during negotiation; because here in this exercise and in the most cases of negotiation at the beginning you feel a hard atmosphere but to establish rapport is not an option. Then you need to get focus in the interest of each person and not just defending your position. It was good to us to open all the issues to resolve, so we are able to see the complete picture and not only one issue per time. This allows to use give the options necessary to give and receive and knowing what is the most matter to the other person and for me. I was surprised with one point I think was the point of the women during the excursion we both have the same interest, I noticed because my other part wants the same of me, and sometimes you believe that always will have opposing interests . I will do different definitely to trust more in my partner to be honest and since the begging tell him these are the things that they are most important for me, what are yours..? 2.- How did the actual outcome of the exercise compare to the pre-negotiation strategy you developed? How do you correlate preparation with outcome? As my professor mentioned that a Coach said: Failing in prepare, is preparing to fail. You need to develop your strategy and arguments to be consistent and explain very well the whys. I did not win in all the points that I wanted; but I did achieve the Best alternative to a negotiated agreement (BATNA). Of course they have a positive correlation the more you prepare the more you achieve and vice versa. 3.- How did the concepts of preparation, power (structural and/or personal), relationship, interest, batna and or mutual gains, etc. addressed in the class and in the class readings (reference required) actually occur in this exercise? Well first this exercise began with a hard bargaining and realized because we both wanted to defend the position instead the interested and of course nobody has enough trust. I immediately try to change this because I had read that this kind of negotiation is going to fail, so I decided to apply the what I have learned and focus in the interests and to establish rapport as soon as posible. I listen well the interested and I try to be objettive, consistent and realistic with the whys and the reason that I want each point not just because I want, that could be the worst you can do, so preparation is very important because in a few words is how you are going to sell your idea or interest. I was very useful to know that we need to give a take process, and looking for a non-zero-sum, Win-Win. I think as the climber needs to be very carefully in what we say, how do we say and the tone, because not only the words give a message to the audience. For me, to open the negotiation and see several points (mutual gains) of the exercise instead one by one was the key of successful, because we were able to listen all the interests of each person, and this is the heart of negotiation. The main challenge for the climber is how to move for a Yielding or obliging to a compromising. BATNA is the result of having multiplies options in order to have a non-zero-sum we need explore each option a be able to give that message during the negotiation because BATNA will clarifies our plan B in case we do not achieve any agreement. In case my plan B is a good one or very strong I will have more power during the negotiation. It is very important to know both BATNAS in order to know the balance of the negotiation and how will be your approach, and style. REFERENCE: GETTING TO YES BY ROGER FISHER AND WILLIMA URY ESSENTIAL OF NEGOTIATION BY ROY J. LEWICKI, DAVID M SAUNDERS AND BRUCE BARRY BROADCAST ONE POWERPOINT UPDATED_REV1

Literature review on depressive disorders

Literature review on depressive disorders Depression is one of the most prevailing medical disorders. Depression has been recognized as a distinct pathological entity from early Egyptian times (Reus, 2000). Depression is the most common psychiatric disorders. Each year, more than 100 million people worldwide develop clinical depression (Bjornlund, 2010). During a lifetime, it is estimated that between 8% and 20% of the general population will experience at least one clinically significant episode of depression (Kessler et al., 1994). Major depression causes the fourth-highest burden of disease among all medical diseases. It is expected to rise to second place, preceded only by cardiovascular disease by 2020 (Thompson, 2007). Depressive disorder has significant potential morbidity and mortality. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in persons aged 20-35 years. Depressive disorder is a major factor in around 50% of these deaths (Semple et al., 2005). A suicide attempt among patients with major depressive disorder is associated with the presence and severity of depressive symptoms. Lack of partner, previous suicide attempts and time spent in depression are risk factors of suicide attempts. Reducing the time of depression is a likely preventive measure of suicide (Sokero et al., 2005). Depression is a medically significant condition that needs to be diagnosed and properly treated. It is a severe disorder, tend to recur, and it costs the individual and society (Stefanis Stefanis, 2002). Epidemiology of Depressive Disorders Prevalence and Incidence Studies show substantial variability in the lifetime rates of depression. Lifetime rates are ranging from under 5 percent to 30 percent, but it is widely accepted that the lifetime prevalence is between 10 percent and 20 percent. The 6-month prevalence rate is considered to be between 2 percent and 5 percent based on surveys in several countries (Young et al., 2010). A cross- sectional WHO world health survey carried out in 60 countries covering all regions of the world showed a 1-year prevalence of depressive episode of 3.2 percent, with a 95 percent confidence interval of 3.0 percent to 3.5 percent (Moussavi et al., 2007). The life time prevalence of depression for adults varied from 3 percent in Japan to 16.9 percent in the US, with most countries in the range between 8 percent and 12 percent (Andrade et al., 2003). The prevalence of major depressive disorder is estimated to be about 2 percent in children (Birmaher et al., 1996). Estimates of the point prevalence of MDD in adolescence is range from 0.4 percent to 8.3 percent. Lifetime prevalence rates across adolescence range is from 15 percent to 20 percent (Roberts Bishop, 2005). In Dubai the prevalence of depressive disorders were 13.7% among women mostly neurotic depression (Ghubash et al., 1992). About 12-20% of persons experiencing an acute episode develop a chronic depressive syndrome, and up to 15% of patients who have depression for more than one month commit suicide (Reus, 2000). Risk Factors Genetics There is now substantial evidence that the genetic factors are of major importance as risk factors for vulnerability to major depression. Traditional estimates have put the heritability about 40 % (Joyce, 2003). Genetic influences are most marked in patients with more severe forms of depressive disorder and biological symptoms. The morbid risk in first-degree relatives is increased in all studies. This elevation is independent of the effects of environment or upbringing. In fewer severe forms of depression, genetic factors are fewer significant and environmental factors relatively more important (Souery et al., 1997). Gender Major depressive disorder is the twofold greater prevalence in women than in men independent of country or culture. The reasons for the difference are hypothesized to involve hormonal differences, the effects of childbirth, and differing on psychosocial stressors for women and for men (Sadock Sadock, 2007). Age Major depressive disorder occurs in all cultures and affects all age groups. Depression is common in Childhood and late adult. The mean age of onset is generally in the 30s (Dunner, 2008). Early-onset depression is associated with a higher female to a male ratio than late-onset depression. The incidence of major depressive disorder in old age is lower in both sexes. However, first incidence and prevalence of minor depressive disorder shows the opposite trend (Rihmer Angst, 2009). Personality In younger people, mild depression tends to affect anxious or dependent personalities with poor tolerance of stress. Severe depressive illness in middle age tends to affect hard-working, conventional people with high standards and obsessional traits. Obsessional personalities can find it, particularly difficult to adapt to stress or life changes, as in work or relationships, and this can come out as depression (Gill, 2007). Childhood experiences Early theorizing suggested that the loss of a parent in childhood increased the later risk for major depression. However, many studies have examined this issue; they have inconsistently found it to be a risk factor for adult depression (Tennant, 1988). Childhood sexual abuse has been established as a risk factor for adult major depression (Joyce, 2003). Marital status Rates of depressive illness is lower in the married man than in the single, widowed, or divorced. The protective effects of marriage are less marked in women. Young married women with children have high rates of depression; single women have low rates (Gill, 2007). However, those in a poor marriage with deficient intimacy are at increased risk of depression (Weissman, 1987). Social classes and occupation People of low socio-economic status (i.e. low levels of income, employment, and education) are at higher risk of depression (Semple et al., 2005). While job satisfaction can enhance mental well-being, the workplace can also be a source of stress and depression. However, the consequences of unemployment probably have far changed on mental health. The economic hardship to the unemployed and their families with depression due to long-term unemployment hindering job seeking and re-employment chances, exacerbated by loss of confidence and perceived loss of skills (Strandh, 2001). Depression is more common in urban than a rural district (Gill, 2007). Physical illness Having a chronic or severe physical illness is associated with an increased risk for depression. This suggests that the stress associated with a serious or chronic physical illness may act by bringing out an individuals lifetime vulnerability to depression (Joyce, 2003). Etiology of Depressive Disorders The etiology of major depressive disorder is unknown (Dunner, 2008). Multiple etiologic factors genetic, biochemical, psychodynamics, and socio-environmental may interact in complex ways to cause major depressive disorder (Loosen Shelton, 2011). GENETIC MODELS OF DEPRESSION There is evidence to suggest a genetic basis for the major depression disorder. Occurrences of major depressive episodes are clearly cluster in families. This degree of increased risk is about three to five times that of the normal population. Twin and adoption study is consistent with a genetic contribution to major depressive disorders. However, studies suggest that other factors also are important (Schiffer, 2008). Actually, it is the tendency to become depressed in response to life events that are inherited (Hirschfield Weissman, 2002). Moreover, family and twin studies show a clear genetic component of life events themselves (Kendler Karkowski, 1997). ENDOCRINE MODELS OF DEPRESSION Neuroendocrine abnormalities that reflect the neurovegetative signs and symptoms of depression include: first, increased cortisol and corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) secretion, second, an increase in adrenal size, third, a decreased inhibitory response of glucocorticoids to dexamethasone, and fourth, a blunted response of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level to infusion of thyroid-releasing hormone (TRH). Antidepressant treatment leads to normalization of these pituitary-adrenal abnormalities (Reus, 2008). Thyroid hormone may potentiate both the speed and the efficacy of antidepressant medication (Altshuler et al., 2001). Furthermore, there also evidence that patient resistant to other treatments may respond to addition of thyroid hormone (Joffe Marriott, 2000). NEUROCHEMICAL MODELS OF DEPRESSION The most famous hypotheses generated to account for the actual mechanism of the mood disorder focus on regulatory disturbances in the monoamine neurotransmitter systems, particularly that involving norepinephrine and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine). It has also been hypothesized that depression is associated with an alteration in the acetylcholine-adrenergic balance and characterized by a relative cholinergic dominance. In addition, there are suggestions that dopamine is functionally decreased in some cases of major depression. Original reports suggesting that patients with endogenous depression experienced either decreased noradrenergic or serotonergic activity now appear to be overly simplistic. All the monoamine neurotransmitter systems are interrelated and subject to compensatory adaptation to perturbation over time (Reus, 2000). CELLULAR MODELS OF DEPRESSION Most current hypotheses of neurotransmitter function in altered mood states have focused on changes in receptor sensitivity and second messenger systems. With a few exceptions long-term antidepressant treatment is associated with reduced postsynaptic ÃŽÂ ²-adrenergic receptor sensitivity and enhanced postsynaptic serotonergic and cyclic adenosine monophosphate activity (Reus, 2000). A number of intracellular changes which involve alterations in cellular second messenger systems and ion channels are postulated to occur in depression. Intracellular changes may involve changes in guanine triphosphate binding proteins, G-proteins on the receptor, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) regulation, reduced protein kinase activity and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Antidepressants as well as ECT increase BDNF and BDNF have been found to increase functioning of serotonin (Kay Tasman, 2006). NEUROIMAGING MODELS OF DEPRESSION Recent rapid advances in neuroimaging methodology have attempted to relate the phenomenological abnormalities seen in depression to changes in brain structure and function (Fu et al., 2003). There is increasing evidence that depression may be associated with structural brain pathology. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has revealed decreased volume in cortical regions, particularly the frontal cortex, but also in subcortical structures, such as the hippocampus, amygdala, caudate, and putamen (Sheline Minyun, 2002). The most widely replicated Positron emission tomography (PET) scanning (PET) finding in depression is decreased anterior brain metabolism, which is generally more pronounced on the left side. In addition, increased glucose metabolism has been observed in several limbic regions (Thase, 2009). Neuroimaging has also helped in the further investigation of the neurochemical deficits in depression. The largest study to date using PET found a marked global reduction in brain 5-HT2 receptor binding (22-27%) in various regions (Sheline Minyun, 2002). There is an increasing literature using neuroimaging to understand suicidality, particularly in depression. Mann (2005) cites several imaging studies suggesting decreased serotonin function in suicidal individuals and decreased activity in associated areas of the dorsal system involved in emotion regulation, such as the anterior cingulate. A number of regions more speci ¬Ã‚ c to suicidality are also highlighted, particularly those that seem to be involved in impulsivity and aggression, such as the right lateral temporal cortex, right frontopolar cortex, and right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (Goethals et al., 2005). This literature has as well found structural abnormalities in relevant regions of the dorsal system, particularly the orbitofrontal cortex, which has speci ¬Ã‚ cally been linked to potential decision making de ¬Ã‚ cits that could lead to suicidality. Thus, such data potentially suggest clinically important subtype differentiation in brain function for this sym ptom (Ingram, 2009). PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS Stressful life events more often precede first, rather than subsequent, episodes of mood disorders. Some clinicians believe that life events play the primary or principal role in depression; others suggest that life events have only a limited role in the onset and timing of depression. Data indicate that the life event sometimes associated with development of depression is losing a parent before age 11. The loss of a spouse is the environmental stressor most often associated with the onset of an episode of depression. Another risk factor is unemployment; persons out of work are three times more likely to report symptoms of an episode of major depression than those who are employed (Sadock Sadock, 2007). PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS PSYCHODYNAMIC THEORIES OF DEPRESSION Psychoanalytic theory as postulated by both Freud and Abraham emphasized the connection between mourning and melancholia. The melancholic patient experiences a loss of self esteem with associated helplessness, prominent guilt and self deprecation. According to the theory, these symptoms result from internally directed anger or aggression turned against the self, leading to a depressive experience (Kay Tasman, 2006). Melanie Klein understood depression as involving the expression of aggression toward loved ones. Edward Bibring regarded depression as a phenomenon that sets in when a person becomes aware of the discrepancy between extraordinarily high ideals and the inability to meet those goals. Edith Jacobson saw the state of depression as similar to a powerless, helpless child victimized by a tormenting parent. Silvano Arieti observed that many depressed people have lived their lives for someone else (a principle, an ideal, or an institution, as well as an individual) rather than for themselves. Heinz Kohuts conceptualization of depression, derived from his self-psychological theory, rests on the assumption that the developing self has specific needs that must be met by parents to give the child a positive sense of self-esteem and self-cohesion. When others do not meet these needs, there is a massive loss of self-esteem that presents as depression. John Bowlby believed that damaged early attachments and traumatic separation in childhood predispose to depression. Adult losses are said to revive the traumatic childhood loss and so precipitate adult depressive episodes (Sadock Sadock, 2007). Interpersonal Theory (IPT) Interpersonal theory focuses on difficulties in current interpersonal functioning. In IPT, depression is held to relate to one or more of four functional areas: grief, interpersonal role disputes, role transitions, and interpersonal deficits. In IPT, the reciprocal relationship between ones mood and interpersonal events is investigated. Stressful life events may overwhelm coping ability and produce a depressed mood, which then contributes to ongoing interpersonal difficulties. Once this relationship is identified, modifying it becomes the focus of treatment (Grunze et al., 2008). THE COGNITIVE MODEL Cognitive theories of depression hypothesize that particular negative ways of thinking increase individuals probability of developing and maintaining depression when they experience stressful life events. According to these theories, individuals that possess specific maladaptive cognitive patterns are vulnerable to depression because they tend to develop negative information processing about themselves and their experiences (Sanderson McGinn, 2001). Behavioral Models Martin Seligman developed the theory of learned helplessness as he was searching for an animal model of depression. In this formulation, individuals in stressful situations in which they are unable to prevent or alter an aversive stimulus (i.e., physical or psychic pain) withdraw and make no further attempts to escape even when opportunities to improve the situation become available (Reus, 2000). Clinical Features of Depressive Disorders Depressed mood is the most characteristic symptom, occurring in over 90% of patients. The patient usually describes himself or herself as feeling sad, low, empty, hopeless, gloomy, or down in the dumps. The physician often observes changes in the patients posture, speech, faces, dress, and grooming consistent with the patients self-report. A small percentage of patients does not report a depressed mood, usually referred to as masked depression. Similarly, some children and adolescents do not exhibit a sad demeanor, presenting instead as irritable or odd (Loose Shelton, 2008). Anhedonia manifests with a lack of interest in formerly pleasurable activities; sports and hobbies, etc. no longer arouse patients, and if they force themselves to partake, they take no pleasure in such activities. Libido is routinely lost and there is no pleasure in sexual activity (Moore, 2008). Depressed individuals frequently report cognitive changes that include impaired attention, concentration, and decision making (Woo Keatinge, 2008). Sleep may be increased or decreased. Insomnia is one of the major manifestations of depressive illness and is characterized more by multiple awakenings, especially in the early hours of the morning than by difficulty falling asleep. Young depressive patients, especially those with bipolar tendencies, typically complain of hypersomnia, sleeping as long as 12 to 15 hours a day. Obviously, such patients will have difficulty getting up in the morning. Although decreased sexual desire occurs in both men and women, women are more likely to complain of infrequent menses or cessation of menses. Decrease or loss of libido in men often results in erectile failure (Dunner, 2008). Appetite can be decreased or increased with or without weight loss or gain; the most typical pattern is a decrease in appetite with weight loss (Faravelli et al., 2005). Psychomotor disturbances include, on the one hand, agitation and on the other, retardation. Agitation, usually accompanied by anxiety, irritability and restlessness, is a common symptom of depression. In contrast, retardation, manifested as slowing of bodily movements, mask-like facial expression, lengthening of reaction time to stimuli, increased speech paucity. The extreme form of retardation is an inability to move or to be mentally and emotionally activated (stupor) (Stefanis Stefanis, 2002). The attitude and outlook of these patients may become profoundly negative and pessimistic. They have no hope for themselves or for the future. Self-esteem sinks and the workings of conscience become prominent. Patients see themselves as worthless, as having never done anything of value. Rather they see their sins multiply before them (Moore Jefferson, 2004). Suicidal ideation is almost always present. At times this may be merely passive and patients may wish aloud that they might die of some disease or accident. Conversely, it may be active, and patients may consider hanging or shooting themselves, jumping from bridges, or overdosing on their medications. Often the risk of suicide greatest as patients begin to recover. Still seeing themselves worthless and hopeless sinners, these patients, now with some relief from fatigue, may find themselves with enough energy to carry out their suicidal plans. The overall suicide rate in major depressive disorder is about 4 percent; among those with depressive episodes severe enough to prompt hospitalization, however, the rate rises to about 9 percent (Moore, 2008). Up to 15 percent of untreated or unsatisfactorily treated patients give up hope of ever recovering and kill themselves (Akiskal, 2009). Proximal risk factors for suicide include agitation, current suicidal intent or plan, severe depression and/or anhedonia, instability (e.g., alcohol abuse or decline in health), recent loss, and availability of a lethal agent. Distal risk factors include a current suicidal intent with a plan, personal or family history of suicide, aggressive or impulsive behavioral pattern, poor response to treatment for depression, poor treatment alliance, a history of abuse or trauma, and/or substance or alcohol abuse (Hawton Harriss, 2007). Paranoid symptoms can occur among patients with major depression. There are usually exaggerated ideas of reference associated with notions of worthlessness. Characteristic delusions of patients with depression are those of a hypochondriacal or nihilistic type. Hallucinations may also occur in major depression. These commonly involve accusatory voices or visions of deceased relatives associated with feelings of guilt (North Yutzy, 2010). Adolescent-onset depression often takes on a more chronic course associated with dysthymic symptoms. In adolescence, MDD appears to be associated with greater fatigue, worthlessness and more prominent vegetative signs. The sequelae of depression in children and adolescents are sometimes characterized by disruption in school performance, social withdrawal, increased behavioral disruption and substance abuse (Kay Tasman, 2006). Among the elderly, agitation and hypochondriacal concerns are common, and indeed the patient may deny feeling depressed at all. Memory and concentration may be so impaired in demented elderly. In the past, this has been called a pseudodementia, presumably to distinguish it from other kinds of dementia. However, a better, more recent term is dementia syndrome of depression (Moore Jefferson, 2004). Elderly people are more likely than younger adults to have a depressive illness that goes undetected and thus untreated, which may contribute to the high risk of suicide among older patients. The suicide rate of this population is higher than for any other age group, and the attempts are serious: One out of four succeeds, compared with one out of two hundred for young adults (Bjornlund, 2010). Diagnosis and Classification of Depressive Disorders Depression conceives a variety of psychic and somatic syndromes, and the diagnosis is derived from diligent clinical observation (Grunze et al., 2008). Depression as a term in popular use is mostly considered to be synonymous with low mood or grief. Depression mental (and medical) disorder, however, is different, and besides low mood, is characterized by a variety of additional symptoms (Grunze et al., 2008). Depressive disorders are defined by clinically derived standard diagnostic criteria of emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and somatic symptoms, and associated with functional impairment. They are assessed through structured clinical interviews and observation. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association, 2000) and International Classification of Diseases 10 (ICD-10; World Health Organization, 1992) use the same criteria to diagnose depressive disorders in children, adolescents, and adults (Roberts Bishop, 2005). The term affect usually refers to the outward and changeable manifestation of a persons emotional tone, whereas mood is a more enduring emotional orientation that colors the persons psychology (American Psychiatric Association, 1984). Subtypes of Depressive Disorders: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) According to DSM-IV-TR, a major depressive disorder occurs without a history of a manic, mixed, or hypomanic episode. A major depressive episode must last at least 2 weeks. Typically, a person with a diagnosis of a major depressive episode also experiences at least four symptoms from a list that includes changes in appetite and weight, changes in sleep and activity, lack of energy, feelings of guilt, problems thinking and making decisions, and recurring thoughts of death or suicide (Sadock Sadock, 2007). Table 1.1.1 shows DSM-IV-TR criteria for major depressive episode. Unipolar and Bipolar Depression When a person develops an episode of mania they are conventionally identified as suffering from bipolar disorder. Patients with depressive episodes only are diagnosed as having unipolar depression (Baldwin Birtwistle, 2002). Melancholic Depression Individuals with melancholic depression experience a loss of pleasure in all or almost all activities or are nonreactive to usually pleasurable activities (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). In addition, according to the DSM-IV-TR, the individual must display three or more symptoms from a list of six, such as worsening depression in the morning, early morning awakening, significant weight loss or anorexia, and the perception that ones mood is qualitatively different from that experienced in other contexts. Melancholic depression is considered a severe form of affective illness (Woo Keatinge, 2008). Self-belittlement, an exaggerated sense of guilt, a feeling that life is pointless and that one has failed in everything are very often accompanied by severe recurrent suicidal thoughts and thoughts about death. However, the risk of suicide usually first becomes prominent when the patient is in the process of improvement and the psychomotor inhibition decreases while, at the same time, expectations about the capacity to cope with the psychosocial situation are still very negative (Wasserman, 2001). Table 1.1.1 DSM-IV-TR criteria for major depressive episode Five (or more) of the following symptoms have been present during the same 2-week period and represent a change from previous functioning; at least one of the symptoms is either (1) depressed mood or (2) loss of interest or pleasure. Note: Do not include symptoms that are clearly due to a general medical condition, or mood-incongruent delusions or hallucinations. depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, as indicated by either subjective report (e.g., feels sad or empty) or observation made by others (e.g., appears tearful). Note: In children and adolescents, can be irritable mood. markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly every day (as indicated by either subjective account or observation made by others) significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain (e.g., a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month), or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day. Note: In children, consider failure to make expected weight gains. insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day (observable by others, not merely subjective feelings of restlessness or being slowed down) fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt (which may be delusional) nearly every day (not merely self-reproach or guilt about being sick) diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day (either by subjective account or as observed by others) recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide The symptoms do not meet criteria for a mixed episode. The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. The symptoms are not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition (e.g., hypothyroidism). The symptoms are not better accounted for by bereavement, i.e., after the loss of a loved one. The symptoms persist for longer than two months or are characterized by marked functional impairment, morbid preoccupation with worthlessness, suicidal ideation, psychotic symptoms, or psychomotor retardation. Source. Reprinted from American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association, 2000. Masked Depression About 50% of major depressive episodes are unrecognized because depressed mood is less obvious than other symptoms of the disorder. Alexithymia, or inability to express emotions in words, can focus a patients attention on physical symptoms of depression, such as insomnia, low energy, and difficulty concentrating, without any awareness of feeling depressed. Common masked presentations of major depression include marital and family conflicts, absenteeism from work, poor school performance, social withdrawal, loss of a sense of humor, and lack of motivation (Joska Stein, 2008). Seasonal depression Seasonal depression is a condition in which depressed mood accompanied by lethargy, excessive sleep, increased appetite, and irritability recurs each winter. It was believed to respond exclusively to light treatment. However, recent studies indicate it can be just as effectively managed with standard methods of treatment, such as medication (Gill, 2007). Psychotic Depression The term psychotic depression (or delusional depression) refers to a major depressive episode accompanied by psychotic features (i.e., delusions and/or hallucinations). Most studies report that 16%-54% of depressed patients have psychotic symptoms. Delusions occur without hallucinations in one-half to two-thirds of the adults with psychotic depression, whereas hallucinations are unaccompanied by delusions in 3%-25% of patients. Half of all psychotically depressed patients experience more than one kind of delusion (Dubovsky Thomas, 1992). Dysthymic Disorder Dysthymia refers to symptoms of mild depression, which have persisted for at least two years. Symptoms fluctuate more than in major depression, and they are typical including insomnia, lack of appetite, or poor concentration (Bech, 2003). Double Depression Double depression characterized by the development of MDD superimposed upon a mild, chronic dysthymic disorder (DD). Individuals with double depression often demonstrate poor interepisode recovery. Furthermore, 25% of the depressed individuals manifest double depression (First Tasman, 2006). Table 1.1.2 shows DSM-IV-TR criteria for dysthymic disorder. Table 1.1.2 DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria for dysthymic disorder Depressed mood for most of the day, for more days than not, as indicated either by subjective account or observation by others, for at least 2 years. Note: In children and adolescents, mood can be irritable and duration must be at least 1 year. Presence, while depressed, of two (or more) of the following: poor appetite or overeating insomnia or hypersomnia low energy or fatigue low self-esteem poor concentration or difficulty making decisions feelings of hopelessness

THe Mafia Essay example -- essays research papers

THINK THE MAFIA IS GONE? THEN THINK AGAIN. Exactly what is the Mafia? Mafia, more specifically the Italian-American Mafia, is a group of criminals organized into "families," and operating primarily in North America. Also known as La Cosa Nostra, at one time there were 26 families in the United States - roughly one for each major city. The Mafia composed of bosses of numerous families, mostly New York, was the overseeing authority for all of the other La Cosa Nostra families. New York City is the place of origin for organized crime in the United States. Currently, there are five families in the New York City outfit of the La Cosa Nostra. The five families are, the Gambinos, Genovese, Colombo, Bonanno, and Lucchese crime families. There is even a family in Denver who had its last known whereabouts in January 1999, Clarence Smaldone is still alive and considered the underboss of a two-member mob family. The most important day in most mobsters life, the day they get made and become a full member La Cosa Nostra. To become a member of the family one would have to be recommended by a Mafia member. After that they go through a ceremony this ceremony is usually done in the basement of a fellow mobsters house. The mobster is told that this is a secret society and there is one way in and one way out. You come in on your feet and you go out in a coffin. Then their is the final initiation where everybody holds hands and the boss (in Italian) says, "In honor of our brotherhood, I untie the knot," and everybody lets go. The the new made guy stands and joins hands in the circle and again the boss says, "In honor of our brotherhood, I tie the knot." Then one is at full loyalty to the Mafia. If they asked one to leave their mother while on a death bed would one come? Or if they asked one to kill your own brother, would you? One would have to or die them selves. If so which finger would you use to pull the trigger with. The Mafia has no mercy for any one just look at what happened to Joe Iannuzzi. Joe Dogs, as he was known in The Family for his love of greyhound racing, he was broken. His head was battered until its flesh puffed up around his skull, his nose was split open and crushed. His teeth were cracked. An ear dangled. His ribs were broken and his genitals swollen. This guy got ... ...d to more than $50,000,000,000 per year. The ability of organized crime to flourish in the United States rests upon several factors. One factor is the threats, intimidation, and bodily violence (including assassination) that a syndicate can bring to bear to prevent victims or witnesses (including its own members) from informing on or testifying against its activities. Jury tampering and the bribing of judges are other tactics used to prevent successful government prosecutions. Bribery and payoffs, sometimes on a systematic and far-reaching scale, are useful tools for ensuring that municipal police forces tolerate organized crime's activities. Another important contribution to the continuing prosperity of syndicate operations is that numbers rackets and other types of illegal gambling, which provide the economic base for some of the uglier forms of organized crime, are activities that many American citizens feel are not innately immoral or socially destructive and therefore deserve a certain grudging tolerance on the part of law-enforcement agencies.

Marks & Spencers :: essays research papers

During 2003/2004 Marks & Spencers have worked to improve their performance across their wide range of corporate social responsibility issues. THEIR BUSINESS †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Clothing: clothing accounts for 50.1% of the UK sales and it’s their biggest business. Provides a wide range of clothing for women, men and children. They have 11% share of the UK marketing. Marks & Spencers Public Relations program: †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Customer: I think we should keep a sales information, annual independent Survey and customer consultation and a continues research program, so we can keep a good relation with core customer to know what they are looking for. †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Employees: we should do continues surveys among our employees. We need to keep our â€Å"Confidential help line†, so we can keep improving the working environment. Also, apart from our employee magazine, I think we should send continues information about the group, send updating about some of the decisions making and benefits through their emails. †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Shareholders: we have our annual general meeting. We need to improve our programme to survey shareholders satisfaction. A good point is to have regular meeting and presentations with investors. †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Suppliers, including franchisees: regular visits, meeting and discussions. Programmes to survey their satisfaction. Direct relationship with important raw material suppliers. †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Community: Regular meetings with key charity partners. †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Government: Regular meetings with bodies such as the Health and Safety Executive, environmental regulators and financial services authority. Local authority partnership on environmental health and trading standards. PROGRAMS †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Organic cotton: We have increased our use of organic cotton to 3,000kgs. It’s still a very small proportion. Our long-term target is 5% of all the cotton we produce should be organic by 2010. MEDIA †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Vogue magazine is the number one of fashion authority.

The Lottery Essay -- essays research papers

When you hear the word lottery, you probably think of winning a large sum of money before being stoned to death. " The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson brings this horrible idea to life. While the overall mood of the story depicts a typical day in a small rural town, through great use of imagery and irony, one is set up for an unusual ending. Shirley Jackson uses the element of surprise. The way of the story ends is unlike anyone could predict. The main object of The Lottery is the action of the lottery itself and perhaps the slips of paper. The actions that make the story are all connected to the preparation for, drawing of, and consequences of the lottery. Mr. Summers treats the lottery with cold precision as if this duty was as normal as all the other duties he performs for the town. The Townspeople respect the lottery and actually appear to fear it ever so slightly. Mrs. Hutchinson when faced with the possibility of winning the drawing panics and tries everything she can think of to decrease her chance of winning or avoiding it altogether. Mrs. Hutchinson is the main female character of the story and is probably the strongest example of a weak, powerless, scared woman in all the stories we reviewed. She is the last to show for the drawing, she disputes the results of both drawings once completed, and she makes every attempt to lower her chance of winning by drawing her married daughters into her families drawing. Mrs. Hutchinson sho...

Emile Durkheim: Social Change Theory Essay

Emile Durkheim, the father of sociology, in his text the Rules of Sociological Method, has asserted that the disciplinal distinction between the social and natural sciences necessitates the differentiation in the variables and processes of analysis. This is why the idea of social facts was conceived, to refer to the intangibles that occur as product of social interactions between humans, who creates realities because of the constant cycle of agreement-disagreement, decision-making, and rationalization. The observable, and sometimes unconscious, social occurrences and structures that operate in the society are what constitute social facts. The social facts are realities that are not stagnant and inflexible as they are constantly subject to social change. The social change theory is the understanding that the dynamic interactions in the social milieu create phenomena that is continual and constant – change. This change is hence the product of societal structures that determines processes and mechanisms that results in particular outcomes. The Social Change Theory It is important to note that throughout history, different scholars offered different lenses in analyzing the reality of social change. How a particular thinker perceives the concept of change has often mirrored the social conditions of the era. Haferkamp and Smelser (1998) notes that it was during the French and Industrial Revolutions, periods of social dynamism, has ushered the focus and locus on the concept of social change in the understanding of the interaction and vibrancy of units of the society. Philosophical thinkers had thus began the movement from the recognition of natural constants and the inclination to support contractual, natural occurrences, to eventually recognize the potentiality of social change as the theoretical angle in comprehension of social phenomena. The understanding of social change does not confine itself to the elucidation of the present, but also the explication of historical experiences of humans, like the ancient empires or the civilizations. Meanwhile, the contemporary approach of social change theory develops itself into creating an order that is more generalized so as to illuminate the problems and processes of change in a broader view of the present and the past. According to Haferkamp and Smelser (1998), the theory of social must include three fundamental elements that relates and links up to one another: (1) structural determinants, (2) processes and mechanisms, and (3) directions and consequences. Below is the graphical illustration of the elements of social change: The above representation may seem simple, but the social change follows the process, of mechanisms and social processes being dictated by structural determinants, which results into outputs and consequences that are accumulated. It is also important to note that although the social change theories are considered fundamentals in the sociological study and discipline, it is nevertheless wanting of more theoretical development. Social change theories are in fact not devoid of problems. Although social changes is beyond the limits and often exceeds the explanations of single (mono-causal) theories, such theory is still consequential in explaining some realities. Such theories of course tend to disintegrate once confronted by changes that are unprecedented or when employed for purposes of prescription or prediction. Meanwhile, the complex multi-causal theories encounters difficulty in harmonizing multitudes of variables and determinants that produces multiple outcomes, making it more difficult to construct. The prospects of social change theory are of course not to be denied, as it aptly explains the dynamic structures that operate in the social setting. The contribution of Emile Durkheim, which would be discussed in the subsequent paragraphs, contributed immensely in the crafting and development of the theories of social change. Durkheim’s Theory of Social Change The air does not cease to have weight, although we do not feel that weight. –Emile Durkheim The contribution of Durkheim of the idea of â€Å"social facts† has contributed vastly to the sociological analysis during his and the contemporary period, as he poses the hypothesis that humans are essentially surrounded and enclosed in the countless facts and realities, which is in existence even without recognition or knowledge of such particular reality. Similar to the person’s inability to always feel the weight of the air, it does not signify the absence of the weight or of the air; this illustrates how people are not always capable of discerning realities – social facts, whose presence in fact are never absent or lacking, as these facts constantly moves people forward and affect behavior and actions. It awareness only becomes apparent in situations where one deviates from it, like for instance, we become aware of the culture of respect/cleanliness when someone throws his debris on the street. Social transformations are experienced in events where the unexpected and unprecedented is what transpires, and these are essentially the instances that advance the knowledge of the sociologist/philosopher. For Durkheim, social change is represented by transformations in the social morphology -or the structure of social relations that links individuals into a coherent entity, society- and the moral structure -or the body of laws, norms, and sanctions that regulate social life. (Hadis, Sociology and Social Change) For Durkheim, the point of the study of social sciences if to focus on facts that are essentially dissimilar and varied from the subject of the natural science, which is why something as intangible as, for example, culture, is a point of discussion and analysis for Durkheim. Social science hence is a study that distinguishes itself from the natural science, and therefore necessitates recognition of facts that are products of human and social interaction – social fact. Durkheim studies he reasons why suicide happens,w hich he concludes is a product of normlessness, which is a product of prevailing culture, which mirrors life of the individual – and what is more intangible than culture and life. Durkheim was concerned with anomie, a pathological -and, thus, temporary- characteristic of societies in which the division of labor does not evolve naturally, but may be forced by unequal social relations among classes. (Hadis, Sociology and Social Change) Durkheim’s scheme of social change involves a contrast between a simple division of labor and a corresponding mechanic solidarity, on the one hand, and a complex division of labor accompanied now by what he called organic solidarity, on the other. (Hadis, Sociologya and Social Change) The anomie is in the society is used by Durkheim to defer to the declining morality of individuals, and it is something that confronts the individual when they are not bounded by moral constraints, therefore creating confusions between what is morally right or otherwise. It is in the context of collective social morality that social change is most mirrored and become promising. In a society that gives premium to individualism, which is not morally bad (except for egoism), the solution is the formation of collective morality. The point of social change hence is that social facts are constantly subject to transformations and evolutions that are responses to existing values, situations, and structures that determine social outcomes and processes. Durkheim uses differentiation in his explication of the social change theory; Alexander (in Haferkamp and Smelser, 1992) explains it clearly: He used differentiation theory to grope with issues that are generic to the study of social changes as such. Each of Division’s three parts represents one important way in which social change has been conceptualized: through the construction of general models, through developing accounts of social process, and through historically specific analyses of tensions and strains. Durkheim’s problem, in other words, is an enduring one with which every perspective on change must come to grips. The problem of integration is one of the fundamental problems for Durkheim. In the reality of social change in how the labor structure is being organized, how is it therefore possible for the society to maintain order and stability? Durkheim has highlighted in his work how the perpetual action diversity has affected the society, and how the process and social structures has taken the perpetual cycle of bound and rebound. The social change theory of Emile Durkheim gives the clear picture of how cultural determinants are strong factors for the change dynamics and outcomes in the society. Differentiation hence becomes important, as social phenomena are complex occurrences that are not capable of being confined by inflexible theories. The understanding of social change is a product therefore of the analytical accommodation to encompass and recognize the cultural and social facts that operates and dictates the transformations occurring in the social milieu. References Durkheim, Emile. (1982). The Rules of Sociological Method and Selected Texts on Sociology and its Method. Steven Lukes, Ed. USA: The Free Press. Hadis, Benjamin. â€Å"Sociology and Social Change†. Accessed 22 January 2008 Haferkamp, Hans and Neil Smelser, Eds. (1992). Social Change and Modernity. USA: University of California Press. Noble, Trevor. (2000). Social Theory and Social Change. USA: Palgrave.

The Financial Crisis’ Lack of Impact on IB Programs

The past year everyone in Greece is complaining about the financial crisis that hit the country during the autumn of 2009. Although in the beginning most people believed that the country would be able to go through it without major problems, they were soon proven wrong. Not only Greece wasn’t able to manage the crisis but almost faced bankruptcy and had to go under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in order to survive. The financial measures enforced by the IMF affected the financial situation of all citizens of Greece. Although the richest families even started facing financial problems, the number of students graduating from private schools not only did not have a decrease, but in contrast had a small increase. In Greece, in order to be sure one will study abroad, it would be best the student would follow the International Baccalaureate program, mostly referred to as IB. Since the first year the IB program came to Greece by Moraitis School (1984) the number of students deciding to follow it and go study abroad has been increasing steadily. But not only has the number of students graduating from private high schools increased, during a very severe financial crisis, but the percentage of students going to study abroad through the IB program has remained stable. Despite the fact that the tuition fees for the International Baccalaureate are more than those for the regular Greek high school program offered by private schools. During the academic years prior to the economic crisis, the IB program had a steady increase of 10% when it came to its students. More specifically the academic year 2006/07 the percentage of students attending the program was 50 % and a year later it had come to a total of 60%. A year later, the academic year 2008/09, the percentage of students rose to a 70% and as it was the year before the financial crisis hit the country, it was the last year there was an increase in the number of students applying for the IB program. Since last year, the academic year 2009/10, the percentage of IB students has remained stable at a 60% despite the fact that the economy of the country is in a worse state during the past 6 months. Moraitis School statistics). Mrs. Zalma, a mother of three, out of which the two are graduates and the youngest one will go to university next fall said â€Å"Despite the economic crisis, I agreed with my son to follow the IB program, as I saw that my daughter who graduated from a foreign university has more work opportunities than my older son who finished a Greek university. † The fact that there are more opportunities for a career in foreign countries due to the economic crisis is a major reason why many students decide to go study abroad. Not only because certain specialities are different from country to country (such as law), but also because parents and students do not trust the Greek universities to provide them a high standard certificate, when it comes to universities other from architecture, medicine law and economics. As Mrs. Papadopoulou said, â€Å"I don’t mind paying higher tuition fees for our son’s education in the middle of an economic crisis, as I know he will have a better future than staying to study in Greece, due to the higher standards of the certificates of foreign universities. This is the way most parents sending their children study abroad think, having in mind not what speciality their children are going to choose but if the university they decide to attend to has a good reputation and therefore credibility or not. But this is not only the way of thought of parents that are worried about the future of their children. As mentioned above, it is also the students that nowadays do not trust the power of a certificate from a Greek institution. During the past decade that I have been working for Moraitis School, I have seen more and more students wanting to study abroad, as they do not trust the Greek educational system. They feel more confident having a bachelor degree from foreign universities, especially from the States, United Kingdom and France. † said Mr. Edippidis, maths teacher in Moraitis School. This shows that even students have the same angst as their parents concerning their future and want to go out to the workplace equipped with a strong degree, especially now in the midst of this financial crisis. In order to achieve this and feel confident they choose a more expensive but more promising program to make sure they will have a place in the universities of their choice. This way, as the trust of students towards the Greek universities is fading and the workplace in Greece does not offer the same opportunities as other countries, students and parents turn towards the educational institutes of those countries. And as they feel they will a have a better chance of entering those universities through the IB program, families do not care giving a little more to education, despite the difficult financial situation in Greece.

Concept Paper on Medical Aid Schemes

MIDLANDS STATE UNIVERSITY Concept paper on the proposed State Universities Medical Fund Distribution List Mrs. V. Chirasha / Deputy Registrar (Human Resources) Author Mr. S. Masiyiwa / Lecturer, Department of Insurance & Risk Management 1. Introduction Healthcare finance and services providers in Zimbabwe were not spared by the economic downturn of the past decade. Most medical aid societies, practically collapsed when co-payments demanded by service providers exceeded their global limits on benefit payaments. For example, patients were being asked to pay Z$10 billion cash as o-payment and the medical aid society would only pay Z$1 million according to their tariffs. This mismatch, saw many clients, the state universities included, canceling their membership to such schemes and retaining the risk themselves, either funded or unfunded. The introduction of the multicurrency system in February 2009 brought the much needed stability to various sectors of the economy. However, the system was not backed by significant foreign currency inflows and as a result economic activity has remained subdued. Many organizations are currently operating below capacity and are downsizing to remain afloat. This development has significantly reduced inflow of contributions to medical aid societies, who although operating, are still to fully recover and offer full scale benefits. 2. Recent developments Contributions made to medical aid societies are made on the understanding that â€Å"if you do not use it you lose it†. This is understandable as medical aid schemes are basically risk pooling and sharing solutions and premised on the concept that the misfortunes of a few should be met by fortunes of many. However, the tight liquidity situation is forcing many entities to adopt innovative risk management strategies intended to retain as much cash as possible and only outsource those risks that exceed their risk appetite. The economic challenges of the past decade, we faced as a nation exposed the limitations of insurance as a risk financing mechanism. We have all learnt that insurance is not â€Å"THE† solution but part of the solution and that there are also equally good alternatives to insurance. Some medium to large scale organizations have since created self administered insurance schemes to cater for a variety of risks they face in their operations, e. g. material damage, health, funeral, superannuation, etc. Cell Insurance Company has spearheaded the adoption of the concept in Zimbabwe through its â€Å"rent-a-cell† captive arrangement and today it administers a lot of these schemes. However, a worrisome development in Zimbabwe is the transfer of the superannuation and morbidity risk to the employees by cash strapped or unscrupulous employers. Recently most if not all of the state university staff had no membership to any medical aid or health insurance scheme. They were paying for their health and related expenses from personal resources. The extent to which this approach could be used was obviously limited due to the low salaries and allowances staff is currently receiving. The state universities have started receiving funding from the fiscus and renewed their membership to medical aid societies. However, the concept is still the same: if you do not use it, you lose it! How many times have been to the doctor lately, once, twice or none? Literally, medical aid societies are getting richer at the expense of the members, university staff included. Retaining in-house the contributions state universities currently pay to various medical aid societies and health insurance schemes could make a difference to the underfunded institutions. 3. Suggestions for the state universities It is against the above background that I propose that the state universities should consider setting up a unified independent medical benefit fund to finance health and related risks the state university staff are exposed to on a daily basis. It is also proposed that both the employer (state universities) and the employees should make periodic contributions to the fund, the employer paying 80% and the employees meeting the balance of 20%. 4. Costing basis According to latest personnel records, the state universities employ about 3100 in total. Costing of commercial health and self insurance schemes is based on the â€Å"law of large numbers†. The larger the statistical base, the more accurate the loss ratio becomes. Many schemes operating in Zimbabwe today actually started as in-house schemes with even fewer numbers, e. g. FLIMAS and First Mutual. The 3100 university employees constitute a sizeable number, to allow for costing of the proposed medical benefit fund. In addition to the level of benefits required, existing university clinic utilization figures should be analysed and included in the costing model. 5. Advantages of the proposed scheme The proposed scheme has the following advantages: – Contributions to the fund should be lower as members will not pay for medical aid society or insurer’s administration and profit margins. – Interest from the investment of funds will accrue to the benefit fund – Any profits will accrue to the benefit fund Benefits can be tailor made, improved and enhanced with time as the fund grows – There will be no disputes with medical aid society or insurers over claims settlement – There would be a strong incentive by members to reduce claims and control losses – Global limits can be increased easily with minimum or no increase in contributions fr om the employer and employers – Improvement in staff morale can be achieved thereby increasing productivity and the restoration of financial independence and dignity. 6. Disadvantages of the proposed scheme The proposed scheme has the following disadvantages: – The claims statistics, which are used to decide on contributions will come from a narrow base – A catastrophic loss (although remote) could occur in the formative years and wipe out the fund. However, catastrophe cover can be separately arranged with leading reinsurers for a very low premium to cover the fund against an accumulation of claims above the expected budget in any given accounting period. – Individual small claims may not affect the fund too much but their aggregate effect may have catastrophic effects. Catastrophe cover, described above can also mitigate this risk – There will be need to employ additional staff to handle the fund’s administrative matters. True, but use of existing clinics and facilities at state universities should reduce the number of additional staff required. – There may be a temptation to dip into the fund and pay for unrelated activities. This must be resisted by the board of management/trustees. In any case the business of the fund should be separate from that of sponsoring universities. If the †dip† is to be allowed it should be a loan based on prevailing commercial bank loan terms and conditions. – Benefits from the basic insurance principle of spreading risk will be lost. From the foregoing, it can be concluded that the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. The disadvantages, although real, are highly theoretical and remote. 7. Establishment of a technical working committee To expedite the process a technical committee consisting of representatives from the state universities should be set up. The committee should consist of both management representatives (50%) and employee representatives (50%). This intended to ensure buy in at the early stages and also incorporated the various stakeholders’ interests and ideas in the scheme. 8. The mandate The technical committee must be mandated to carry out the following tasks: 10. 1 Drafting of the constitution The proposed benefit fund will be run according to its Rules and Regulations as enshrined in its Constitution. The technical committee will be responsible for drafting the Rules and Regulations, which will include, inter alia: ) The name and objects of the proposed benefit fund b) Board of management/trustees, appointment and composition, meetings, its powers and functions c) Membership issues e. g. eligibility, application, termination, deprivation of membership, etc d) Subscriptions e. g. level, frequency and mode of payment of subscriptions. e) Beneficiaryship e. g. eligibility, application and termination of benefi ciaryship. f) Schedule of benefits e. g. nature and amounts of benefits, eligibility for benefits, waiting periods, claims for benefits, rejection of claims, ex-gratia payments. ) Assets, liabilities, rights and obligations of the medical fund h) Actuarial valuation i) Dissolution/wing-up of medical benefit fund j) Amendment of rules e. g. power, requirements for amending the rules k) General information for members e. g. benefit exclusions, lodging of members’ complaints and requests, payments of awards not supported by receipts, payment of service providers, list of approved providers, letters of guarantees for services provided outside Zimbabwe, shortfalls, travel cover on holiday, business or study. ) Promotion of the medical fund for acceptance by target service providers and establishing working relationships with them 2. Benefit design The technical committee must develop a number of benefit options which members can choose from. I propose the following plans, that I h ave christened, for want of better names, the university premier plan, university medium plan and the university standard plan. a) University Premier Plan This would be similar to the CIMAS Medexec Plan/PSMAS Pinnacle Plan and is meant to provide executive benefits for the principal officers and senior management. ) University Medium Plan This would be similar to the CIMAS Private Hospital Plan/ PSMAS Select Plan and is meant to provide members who want global limits higher than those provided under the University Standard Plan described below: c) University Standard Plan This should be the entry point and would be similar Excel Plan from PSMAS which currently covers most staff. The plan will pay for consultation and treatment received from Government, Mission, Municipal & Private Hospitals, general practitioners and specialists up to a limit, per person per annum 3. Registration of the fund with the authorities The technical committee should be mandated to register the proposed medical benefit fund in terms of the Medical Services Act, Chapter 15: 13 and any other applicable and relevant legislation. 9. Administration The technical committee should consider the following issues that affect the efficient running of the business of the proposed medical benefit fund. 9. 1. Location of registered office and other offices. This could be either in Harare or Bulawayo with satellite offices at all state universities. Any other center could be considered for the location of the head office. My suggestion is based on the density of service providers in Harare and Bulawayo. Most members would be referred to these big centers for specialist medical tests and treatment. Existing facilities could be used as satellite offices e. g. the existing clinics could be expanded and resourced to offer a variety of services normally available from general practitioners. This will save on costs. 2. Staffing issues Additional staff will be required especially for the head office. This will include the principal officer, finance manager, membership and claims administrators. However, they should be very few, because most of the work will be done from satellite offices. Initially there may be a lot of work when the office is set up but that should stabilize with the effluxion of time. 3. Finance and claims administration This could be centralized at head office and payments to service providers and refunds to members made once every fortnight i. e. only on two occasions per month. 4. Dispensary It is advisable to buy the essential drugs from source and keep them in stock for use by members. It will also save on costs. Railmed currently operates such a facility countrywide for the benefit of railway employees scattered across the country. The state universities should use the existing clinics for a similar purpose. Alternatively, mutually beneficial arrangements (drug schemes) can be made with leading private pharmacies to allow members’ access to drugs without paying for them upfront. 5. Approved provider network For the members to benefit, the scheme should be promoted for broader acceptance by as many service providers as possible so that members are not inconvenienced in the time of need. The management of the medical fund should promote the scheme and establish working relationships with all health service providers. This can also save on cost as it is possible to negotiate preferential rates. 6. Access to technical advice The state universities have a large pool of experts on their payroll. The technical committee should tap on that expertise. This will not only serve on cost but show the world that we can use knowledge to the benefit of mankind and practice what we preach! 10. Conclusion Emerging trends in risk management indicate that more and more organizations are electing funded risk retention strategies in an effort to contain cost and get more value for their money. State universities should embrace the philosophy and design and implement robust enterprise wide risk management strategies that mitigate the risks they are exposed to. For a start, establishing a unified independent medical benefit fund to finance the morbidity risk university staff are exposed to will be a good step in that direction. Proposed State Universities Medical Benefit Fund Benefit Limits Schedule General Practitioners, Specialists, Public & Private Hospitals) | |Services |Benefit Limits (US$) | | |General Practitioner |Paid in full | | |Physician specialist |Paid in full | | |Hospitalisation | | | |Prescription drugs | | | |Rehabilitative services | | | |Haemodialysis |Paid in full | | |Chemotherapy |Paid in full | | |Chronic disease drugs |Paid in full | | |Dental services | | | |R efraction |Paid in full | | |Optical |Paid in full | |Maternity |Paid in full | | |Family planning | | | |Hearing aids | | | |Pathology |Paid in full | | |Radiology |Paid in full | | |Blood transfusion |Paid in full | | |Psychiatric care |Paid in full | | |Prosthetic appliances | | | |Ambulance |Paid in full | | |Air Evacuation |Paid in full for life threatening situations| | | |only subject to prior authorization by board| | | |of management/trustees | | |Foreign treatment |Local benefit limit apply subject to prior | | | |authorization by board of | | | |management/trustees | ———————– [pic]