Thursday, November 28, 2019

Antiheroism In Hamlet Essays (758 words) - Characters In Hamlet

Antiheroism In Hamlet Antiheroism has always been an interesting aspect of a character that authors have chosen to illustrate. In literature, there has been countless antiheroic characters, from Randle McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and Allie Fox in The Mosquito Coast, to others as famous as Robin Hood and ... By literary definition, an antihero is the hero of the play or novel, but has negative attributes which separate him or her from the classic hero such as Superman. Such negative aspects may include a violent nature, use of coarse language, or self serving interests which may inadvertently depict the protagonist as a hero since the result of serving those interests may be the betterment of society or an environment. In William Shakespeare's Hamlet, the protagonist, Hamlet, is depicted as an antihero. One main factor which gives Hamlet such a label is that he draws sympathy, as well as admiration, from the reader since Hamlet feels the pain of losing his father along with the burden and obstacles in avenging his murder. Act four places a special emphasis on Hamlet's intelligence. In scene two, Hamlet is very insolent and rude towards Rosencrantz and Guildenstern with such phrases as, That I can keep your counsel and not, mine own. Beside, to be demanded of a sponge, what replication should be made by the son of a king? (IV, ii, 12-14) The reference to the sponge reflects the fact that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are easily ordered by the king and do not have minds of their own. Hamlet does not like Rosencrantz and Guildenstern since they are servants of the Claudius, Hamlet's mortal enemy. The reader does not like Rosencrantz and Guildenstern either which causes the reader to side with Hamlet. Another incident of Hamlet's high intelligence is shown when he Hamlet tells Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, I am glad of it: a knavish sleeps in a foolish ear. (IV, ii, 24-25) This statement leaves Rosencrantz and Guildenstern more or less confused. Hamlet is clearly more clever than the two of them combined and is able to toy with them.Hamlet has an excellent command of the language and because of it, can use words to the point that those around him will not understand and may label him as crazy. Hamlet shows another example of his cleverness, this time towards Claudius, when he says, I see a cherub that sees them. But, come; for England! Farewell, dear mother. (IV, iii, 49-50) The cherub, or the angel, gives Hamlet a sense of superiority over Claudius. Having an angel at one's side would be a definite sign of power, which is exactly what Hamlet tries to maintain over Claudius in their constant power struggle. Just when Claudius thinks he controls Hamlet, it is really Hamlet who has the upper hand over Claudius. There are very strong philosophical references made by Hamlet in this act regarding life and death. Hamlet tells Claudius, Your worm is your only emperor for diet: we fat all creatures else to fat us, and we fat ourselves for maggots: your fat king and your lean beggar is but variable service, two dishes, but to one table: that's the end. (IV, iii, 21-26) This statement id a reference to the food chain, and in turn, a reflection on the meaning of life. It illustrates the equality of men in that whether one is born to be a king or a beggar, when one dies, we are all equal. Worms and maggots do not treat anybody differently once one is dead and buried. The final scene draws the greatest sympathy towards Hamlet even though he is not even in the scene. The forces of Claudius and Laertes have combined against Hamlet. Claudius states, To an exploit now ripe in my device, Under the which he shall not choose but fall, And for his death no wind of blame shall breathe; But even his mother shall unchange the practice, And call it accident. (IV, vii, 65-69) Claudius is willing to undertake any measures necessary to eliminate Hamlet, to the point that it does not matter whether or not it hurts Gertrude in any way. This scene depicts Hamlet as the victim, much like two bullies picking on a smaller child in school, since the king, with the aid of Laertes, is out to kill Hamlet, this time with a passion. Much like a political revolutionary, Hamlet has the system against him and is facing death because of his loyalty and honour towards his father. The fact that Hamlet's life is not indeed in jeopardy attributes to his hero status. In addition, his only fault is the desire to avenge his father's murder, an act considered

Monday, November 25, 2019

Pottery and its Role in the Lives of People

Pottery and its Role in the Lives of People Introduction Culture is regarded as the complex system of meaning and behavior that defines the way of life for a given group or society. Among others, culture encompasses beliefs, customs, and ways of life (Andersen Taylor, 2010).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Pottery and its Role in the Lives of People specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Culture includes ways of thinking as well as patterns of behavior. Observing culture involves studying what people think, how they interact, and the objects they use. In any society, culture defines what is perceived as beautiful and ugly, right and wrong, or good and bad. Culture helps to hold society together, giving people a sense of belonging, instructing them on how to behave, and telling them what to think in particular situations. Culture is both material and non material. Material culture consists of the objects created in a given society such as its buildings, art , tools, print, broadcast media, and other tangible objects. In the popular mind, material artifacts constitute culture because they can be collected in museums or archives and analyzed for what they represent. These objects are significant because of the meaning they are given. A temple for example, is not merely a building, nor is it only a place of worship. Its form and presentation signify the religious meaning system of the faithful. History of Pottery and its Role in People’s Lives Ordinarily, pottery is a considered to be an occupation that has no limits (Hopper, 2000). The beauty about pots is that their quality surpasses age and cultural borders. Although it has elements of both, pottery is neither painting nor sculpture. In general, pottery has concerns that are quite different from most other forms of expression. First, it is the process of transforming from flexible mad to hard ceramic. Second, it has associations with the rigors of daily life and the rituals of r eligious life. Third, it has multiple uses. Fourth is the finite variety of form that may be created. Fifth is its range of technical variation, giving a possibility of expression that is at least equal to all the variants of paintings and graphics, from water color to oils, and from etching to photo-lithography. Lastly is the degree of skill that is needed to bring all these concerns to the focal point of a finely made piece of work.Advertising Looking for research paper on cultural studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More History of Pottery As argued by Hopper (2000), the history of pottery goes back at least 8,000 years, to the Neolithic times, when the nomadic hunter settled to the life of crop farming and animal husbandry. Nobody is exactly sure where and when pottery making first developed. What is most likely is that it developed spontaneously in different places during roughly the same period of time. Ceramic history could be much older than what is currently accepted. Recent findings in Australia claim archeological remains containing rudimentary ceramics dating back 30,000 years. The area usually credited with being the cradle of civilization, that of the Mesopotamian basin in the Middle East is also credited with having the first pottery making cultures. Japan possibly has a ceramic history at least as long as any in the Middle East. One recurring fact is that, in what are often labeled as primitive cultures, the quality of clay work and its decoration had become exceptionally well made and sophisticated at such an early period in man’s cultural history. Regardless of where the actual first developments took place, the rudimentary forms from early pottery making cultures also have an astonishing similarity. Archeologists generally agree that, like most of mankind’s major discoveries, the earliest pottery probably developed by accident. There are two basic theories of de velopment. It may have come from observations of the way the earth became baked around fire pits, with the subsequent experimentation of making and firing pinched clay pots. On the other hand, it may have come from the accidental burning of clay lined baskets. Baskets were the original storage containers. They were made from grasses, reeds, roots, or soft malleable tree branches, primarily for carrying and storing grains and seeds, the major elements of the diet at that time. Baskets are anything but impervious to the loss of small seeds, which easily find their way through the basket weave. After a while, inner coatings of clay were probably smeared into the baskets to prevent loss. Some of these mud lined baskets were probably accidentally burnt, leaving a fired clay lining. Pottery could have even developed from the process of wrapping foods in a skin of clay and placing them in the embers of a fire or on heated rocks to cook. This method was common among the Indians of North Ame rica, and may also have been the precursor of the common cooking pot.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Pottery and its Role in the Lives of People specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More From these simple beginnings, has developed an art form that has served mankind for thousands of years, for his daily needs from birth to the grave, and beyond. Throughout man’s pottery making history, he has developed a huge repertoire of shapes and surfaces to fill his many needs. Looking at pottery in museums or as illustrations in books, one can not help but be amazed by the huge and subtle diversity of forms that man has molded clay into, for a wide variety of uses. Beyond the natural instincts of enjoying the purely manipulative quality of the material, and the function which is required of the formed objects, ceramic form has been influenced and altered by many factors and forces. Pottery developed as a response to th e needs of mankind. They became containers and dispensers. The forms they took developed for a number of reasons including the use required, religious associations, as a substitute emulating other more precious materials, geographical and climatic considerations, and the many variations in cultural customs. Once the basic needs became evident, forms were developed and made to serve them. Today, the variety of ceramic vessel forms that have been created is almost infinite. Pottery and Religious Associations Religious associations also had a profound effect on form development. Pots were made for fertility rites, deflowering of young girls, ritual libation vessels for the pouring of wines or oils, usually over sanctified ground, through to flower vases for temples and shrines of many oriental countries. They also include pots made for funeral rites and ceremonies dating far back into the earliest of cultures. In ancient Egypt, rulers and other people of power were embalmed and mummifi ed after death. Their internal organs were removed during the embalming process and were later interred with the mummy. Clay form has been greatly influenced by objects made from materials other than clay. Objects in use by different strata of any society might simultaneously have included objects made in gold, silver, bronze, copper, stone, glass, wood, bone, leather, roots, reeds and grasses, or clay. Not all these material were used by all cultures, but in each culture there was a hierarchy of materials that were used, mainly as a symbol of status. Clay was usually at the lower end of the status scale and often used to simulate objects made in a material of a higher value.Advertising Looking for research paper on cultural studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Chinese porcelain was perhaps the lonely early ceramic development which was afforded the recognition of being a material of substantial value. In some cultures, notably India, pottery was the disposable material, like today’s paper. In some parts of India, everyday pottery was thrown away after use, either as a measure of hygiene, or by religious doctrine, or both. In many cultures, simple pottery forms were often endowed with spiritual or symbolic significance which has become lost with the passing of time. Vessels generally are the universal feminine symbol, the womb of the Great Mother, shelter, protection, nourishment, and fertility. Lidded forms, covered jars, boxes, urns, or bottles represent the feminine principle of containing, enclosure, or the womb. The chalice, cup, or goblet represents the source of inexhaustible sustenance or abundance, the heart and salvation, plenty, immortality, and receptivity. The ewer is a symbol of purity, and of washing the hands in inno cence. Gourd shaped vessels represent mystery and longevity. Pottery in Regard to Geographic and Climatic Considerations Geographic and climatic considerations are responsible for many form variations. First, the availability of clay and the types of available clay determine to some extent the objects that can be made in any given area. For instance, there may be only muddy clay or buff clay with a large amount of sand in it, as one finds in the Middle East and Africa (Coakes, 1998). The pottery there is of a very direct nature, with little opportunity for excessive manipulation. In other areas, where there may be an abundance of highly plastic clay, pots of a much more fluid nature may develop. Plastic clays will usually tolerate a great deal more manipulation, and therefore more complex forms are likely to emerge. Different pots are made at high altitudes than those made at sea level, not only because of the clay content but also because of the firing variations at higher altitude s. Climatic conditions have also played an important role. In hot countries, water is a precious commodity. Pots made for storing water are usually shaped to conserve water from excessive evaporation and are therefore usually made with comparatively narrow necks. Water is either tipped out or lifted out with a small ladle or dipping pot attached to a string. A vessel may even be a totally enclosed form with just a minute spout and small filling hole. The forms themselves may be quite extended and swollen to expose a maximum of its surface to condensation on the outside of the pot, in order to keep the water cool inside. There are usually a considerable number of insects in hot countries which are kept out of the containers by various cunning devices such as enclosed forms, objects that fill from the base, strainers, and many anti insect lid and spout variations. In cold or temperate climates, forms of cups and bowls are often more closed than open so that hot foods don’t cool too quickly, and the pots can also be a source of heating for the hands. Other climates will undoubtedly have their special effects. Pottery and Mankind’s Cultural Customs Mankind’s varied cultural customs and living habits have yet other influences on the development of form in pottery (Collins, 2005). For example, the way that potter is used, and in what sort of environment, has a very strong effect on the way that the bases of ceramic objects are made. In cultures that use tables, the base of the object needs to be flat or nearly flat. In other cultures that may have little use for tables, pots may be hanged from branches, walls, hooks, or ceiling supports. Pots used in this way often have pointed bases. In yet other cultures, the objects may be placed directly on earth or sand floors. In this case, we often find pots with rounded bases that can be made to tip or roll easily when in use. These forms would often be set on a braided fiber ring or even a ceramic ring, to facilitate tipping. In a further development of form, pointed or round-based pots were half buried for the storage of liquid that needed to be kept cool. It is much easier to bury or half bury a pot with a rounded base than one with a flat base. In some places where the contour of the ground was uneven, tripod or multiple feet were developed to keep the piece stable. Pottery and Carrying Carrying methods also have a strong bearing on form. In many cultures, particularly in Africa, objects are made with round bases to fit onto the head, separated and kept secure by a ring of fibrous material (Orton et al., 1993). In others, particularly in the mountainous parts of South America, the pots were carried on the upper part of the back, or slung behind the neck by a rope or cloth sling placed through the pots low level handles and around the person’s fore head. The handles that were the support loops for the slings were carefully contoured so that they had no sharp edges that mi ght cut the fabric. Their placement was critical to good support and mobility. Pottery in Food Preparation and Serving The ways and means of preparing and serving food and drink have also had their effect on form development of pots (Rhodes, 2004). In early primitive societies, food was mostly consumed in its raw or uncooked state. The diet of early civilizations consisted of little more than various forms of grain with the occasional portion of meat or fish, and beer made from fermented grain to wash the food down and aid digestion. The earliest forms of food preparation were either by direct cooking of meat or fish by piercing bits of flesh on sticks and holding them in front of a fire, or by steaming. This was done by heating rocks in a depression in the ground, or by placing hot rocks in a basket. In both cases, the rocks were covered with a thin layer of damp leaves or seaweed and the food placed on top. This was then covered with further layers of leaves, and sometimes earth o r sand to contain the heat and steam. Both of these simple methods of cooking were and are still common in many areas. Other timeless methods are cooking on top of embers, as well as on both charcoal and peat. As cooked foods became more widespread, different ways of cooking also developed. Pottery was developed to serve these needs, although in some cultures, notably India and Islam, iron, copper, and brass cooking pots were preferred. Of all the pottery that we can see in the museums of the world, cooking pots are perhaps the least in evidence, most likely because of their fragility from continual use, but also because they may not have been held in high enough esteem to be placed in tombs to accompany the deceased in their after life. Most of the pots that one finds in museums were made to be used rather than just to be looked at. Often, they had a special significance and were mainly used for less damaging actions of daily life. With a gradually changing role from utility to con templation at certain periods of history, the pots of some cultures attained a glorified role and were made expressly to be looked at. This happened particularly in England, Europe, and Czarist Russia from the mid eighteenth to the mid nineteenth centuries, where a large volume of interior ceramic accessories had little or no function other than a decorative one. Among these, one would find mantelpiece garniture sets, obelisks, and centerpieces, often based on structures and forms from the classical world of Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Pottery and Gaming According to Skibo (1992), even games have had their effect on shaping some pottery forms. In classical Greece, a game called Kottabos was played using wine cup or kylix. The kylix is a stemmed up cup with elegant handles. In the game, a finger was crooked through the handle and then, with a flick of the wrist, the dregs of remaining wine were flipped at a target across the room. If the aim was accurate, the thrower dislodged a flat me tal disc from the top of a metal stand, which then fell to the floor with a resounding crash. Both the shape of the cup and the handle had some effect on the efficiency of the game, and the resultant kylix form was one of great elegance. Variations on the kylix form have been abundant since the neoclassic period of the nineteenth century. Conclusion From the discussion presented in this paper is it clear that pottery is an amalgam of many things. In the late twentieth century, we may not be aware of many of the attributes, considerations, and hidden meanings that are built into pots of old, or of their importance to the cultures that made them. More often than not, we are only aware of the form or surface itself, and of one culture’s forms in relation to those of another. Looking at the application of pottery in the areas of eating, drinking, storage, carrying, cooking and food preparation, serving, lighting, washing and perfuming, funeral, planting, as well as decoration and contemplation, it is obvious that pottery has played a big role in revolutionizing mankind’s way of life. The items we see and use today owe their origins to earlier practices of pottery. The present collection of items in house hold and elsewhere are certainly a result of the olden art of pottery. References Andersen, M. L. Taylor, H. F. (2010). Sociology: The Essentials, Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning. Coakes, M. (1998). Creative Pottery: A Step-By-Step Guide and Showcase. Gloucester, Massachusetts: Rockport Publishers. Collins, N. P. (2005). Alamo Pottery: The Complete Collectors Guide: The History of Alamo Pottery and Its Offspring, Gilmer Pottery. AuthorHouse: Bloomington, Indiana. Hopper, R. (2000). Functional Pottery: Form and Aesthetic in Pots of Purpose. Iola, Wisconsin Krause Publications Craft. Orton, C., Tyers, P. Vince, A. (1993). Pottery in Archaeology. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press. Rhodes, D. (2004). Pottery Form. Mineola, NY: Courier Dover Public ations. Skibo, J. M. (1992). Pottery Function: A Use-Alteration Perspective. New York, NY: Springer.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Historical Change- Describe the drive for African American Civil Essay

Historical Change- Describe the drive for African American Civil Rights 1863 1968 - Essay Example is period only served to set precedence to later activities that culminated in great achievement not only for the blacks in American but also for the many people with similar problems across the globe. In America, the civil right movement focused much in the south, a region that was inhabited by a large African American population. This region was characterized by a blatant racial inequality in economic opportunity, education and legal and political process (Smith, & Wynn, 2009, pg 12-14). In 1808 the U.S congress abolished slave trade following the passage of the constitution which banned slavery. This became the central divisive matter in the early republic. Such is the case that this law came into force at a time when the south was heavily dependent on cheap slave labor for their agriculture contrary to the north that was speedily embracing industrialization. The newly found division between the south and north aggravated political and cultural differences and resulted to great animosity. One such difference revolved around the issue of admitting new states. Here, the question was as to whether to admit them as free or slave oriented. The effect of this crisis came up in 1820 when Missouri requested for admission stating its intention to operate a slave state. The north came out strongly against Missouri admission fearing that the slave holding states would gain majority share in the senate. This was however resolved through a compromise that saw Missouri granted i ts request as a slave state but not without the admission of a free Maine( cut out of Massachusetts). This move ensured preservation of the balance of power between the two antagonistic parties but never resolved the raging controversies. Following the growing antislavery campaigns, especially from the north, the abolitionist movement alongside other charities undertook a move that saw them purchase slaves with the sole aim of sending back to Africa, this was in the early 1800s. For instance,

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Teaching Strategies and Curriculum Planning Used in Classroom Essay

Teaching Strategies and Curriculum Planning Used in Classroom - Essay Example Charlene`s house has a lot of books for adults and children, and she is read stories frequently during the day. Items to play with like slides, swings, toys, and art supplies are in Spenser`s house all at Charlene`s disposal. The children are only allowed to watch television at night under supervision. Charlene has a stroller that helps her to walk at least once every day around her home and her neighborhood. Furthermore, she has developed needed skills of her age like noticing most sights and color or bright things including an understanding of some gestures being made to her. She also uses actions to bring her points across. On social development, Charlene enjoys the sense of touch and likes dancing, swinging, and lifting of objects around her. She looks at sights that interest her and makes sounds or faces when people play or talk to her. She also enjoys smiling and can also get upset when her family is not around her. Currently, Charlene can walk on her own, eat solid foods and say small words. She explores everything around her and likes communicating with her family through smiles and screams. To further on the approach of this study, I would probably need to know more on how Charlene`s parents discipline her when they want to correct her actions and how she responds to different types of punishments. Punishment could involve injecting physical pain, humiliating the child or withdrawing affection from the child (Atkin, 2005). The data in the study also indicates Charlene`s demonstration of manipulative abilities by reaching for and releasing objects and use of her hands, eyes, and mouth to explore the surroundings. She also shows interest in different activities which indicates that she has a positive learning approach as she pays attention to sounds and sights and uses her senses to explore the environment.  

Monday, November 18, 2019

Brief synopsis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 4

Brief synopsis - Assignment Example ould strive to present themselves as whole beings since the symbolic reduction of woman to something less than whole â€Å"then becomes a rationale for unequal treatment of women† (p. 50). This linkage of image with treatment raises a lot of questions which are then discussed later in the book. This is a web page containing information on the social construct of gender. It has many images from the last two hundred years, including stamps and advertising materials, and contains hyperlinks to articles and statistics which back up statements made. Some useful graphs and tables show how women have consistently earned less than men. A sobering fact is that when Americans were asked in the NORC 1996 survey whether they thought the future of girls were likely to have a happy family life: â€Å"Only 20% thought their chances will be better while 36% thought that they will be worse.† This suggests that American society has a long way to go in achieving gender equality. This is an open access web portal, providing information on a wide range of humanities related subjects and hosted by the Carnegie Mellon University Women’s Center. There are eight topic areas: Activism, Gender and Sexuality. Health, History, Links, Programs, Theory and Workplace. The last section contains articles from the professions, and looks at the literature on student surveys, concluding for example that â€Å"  female professors bear a double burden: they must fulfill both their gender role by being nurturant and warm, as well as their professional role by being competent and knowledgeable.† There are studies also on women in computing, the military, politics etc. This is a huge bibliographical resource which â€Å"lists about 22,400 books and articles, sorted into over thirty major subject areas.† It is administered from Australia but has a world- wide focus. There is a combination of academic and practical material, along with statistics and topical discussions. New submissions are welcome and this

Friday, November 15, 2019

Use of Honey as Medicine in Wound Healing: Analysis

Use of Honey as Medicine in Wound Healing: Analysis The aim of the assignment is to critique the research article, Standardised antibacterial honey (medihoney) with standard therapy in wound care: randomized clinical trial (2009) by Robson, Dodd Thomas. The tool used for this is Step by Step Guide to Critiquing Research by Ryan, Coughlan; Cronin (2007). Critique is an objective, critical, and balanced appraisal of a research reports various dimensions (Polit and Beck, 2004). The study was on the use of honey as medicine in wound healing. The research was done in the United Kingdom by a group of registered nurses and statistical masters. The study was completed in the year 2007 and was published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing (JAN). The study was based on the use of honey for wound dressing as an antibiotic and wound healing agent. Arguably, the article is well written as it is concise and it does not contain any languages that are characterised to any particular group and are grammatically correct. The layout of the study is good and are given in a good order and kept the academic style of writing. Research reports are like stories, a story should be written in a way which catches the attention of the reader, like as research report should have a readable style. The current researches writing style is good, and is well understandable. No personal views are expressed in the study. The writer had omitted personal pronouns to get an ease in the reading. Credibility variables concentrate on how believable the work appears and focus on the researchers qualification and ability to undertake and accurately present the study (Coughlan et al, 2007). The researchers were well qualified for the current study as their qualifications were stated in the article. Mostly nurses are eligible to do this type of study as they know the effect of dressing a wound. Statisticians also have a role in a research as there are so many calculations which were also included in the study. Methodology of a study is based on the credibility of the qualitative data and its subsequent findings (Polit Hunger, 1999) The title of the article gave an idea of the topic that and what the study is related to. The title is accurate and clear, too long or short titles can make the reader confusing (Coughlan et al, 2007). Too long or short titles can be confusing and misleading to the readers (Coughlan et al, 2007). In the study title is concise and is readable and has its reliability, the title is short too. The title is not more than 10- 15 words. Abstract is a brief description or an outline of the entire article. The abstract should give a clear idea about the research and should include information regarding the purpose of the study, method, sample size and selection which is given clearly in the current article(Coughlan et al, 2007), And from the abstract the reader should able to find out the overall idea about the study. They have also pointed out for further research on this topic with some recommendations. The present study has an agreeable abstract which conveys idea about the study which is simple, clear and interesting for the readers. The abstract is not too long and also explains about the method, sample size and the selection method. The abstract gave an over view of the topic. The abstract also opens an end to further researches. The introduction of the study will always be based on the research problem. Research problem is an enquiry which can be done through a disciplinary way (Polit and Beck, 2004). The purpose of a research highlights the overall sketch of main arguments and theory of the relevant research (Polit Hungler, 1999). In the current research the purpose of the study is stated clearly and an overall idea of the study is been included in the introduction of the research. The research problem is identified and clearly stated in the study. The research was carried out in a step by step process. The article has a flow and a have an ease in reading and all the links are clear. Critical summary of a topic which puts the topic or the research problem into a context is called as the literature review (Polit Beck, 2004). Literature review always points out to the previous studies of the current topic. The review should be logical and its critical analysis should be balanced (Cougllan et al, 2007). In the present study the literature review is clearly illustrated and it is logically presented. The literature review offers a critical analysis. The reviews are mostly facts which were proved by proceeds. A good literature review will always have a good introduction (Cougllan et al, 2007), which is followed in this by the writer. Frame work refers to the overall structure of a report which is based on a theory which was previously proved (Polit Hungler, 1999). Hypotheses are from a primary source and of an empirical nature. Theoretical frame work is what which is found confusing by a researcher. A theoretical frame work is been identified in ethics. The theoretical frame work has been clearly stated step by step clearly. A sound theoretical frame work also identifies the various concepts being studied and relationship between those concepts. The theory is true and the hypothesis is relevant for the study. Theoretical frame work tends to be better developing in experimental and quasi-experimental studies and often poorly developed or nonexistent in descriptive studies (Burns Grove, 1999). The purpose of the aims and objectives is to create a link between the initially stated purposes of the study or research problem (Coughlan et al, 2007). Aims and objectives are the observations or measurement that reflects on the physical reality which is interpreted by the individuals, and can be argued that even such observations may be open to subjectivity (Gerrish Lacey 2006). There is an aim for the study which is clearly stated in the abstract, introduction and also in the study. The hypothesis which is a statement or fact which can be tested or verified (Holloway Wheeler, 2002). The research questions and the hypothesis is clearly identified and stated in the study. The hypothesis and the research questions reflect on the literature review. The samples were chose with a great caution so as to minimise the errors. Samples are the selected units from a population, and sampling is the process of selecting appropriate people from a population for the research (Wood Haber, 1994). The samples were chosen randomly from a group and were informed about the research and the procedures and the effect of the current procedure. The sample which was chose for the study was appropriate as they were patients who were having wounds. The size of the sample was also adequate as a small sample will not help in an appropriate conclusion. The size of the sample is also important in quantitative research as small samples are at risk of being overly representative of small groups within the target population. There was no inclusion or exclusion for the study as they chose an appropriate sample with ethical consideration. The risk of sampling errors decrease as larger sample used (Coughlan et al, 2007). Autonomy infers that an individual has the right to freely decide to participate in a research study without fear of coercion and with the full knowledge of what is being investigated. Ethical committee or institutional review boards have to give approval before the research can be undertaken. There role is to determine the principles and to evaluate the validity of the research (Coughlan et al, 2007). There was ethical consideration for the data collection. All the participants of the study were fully informed about the research. All the participants were protected from all type of in case after effect, and were autonomous. Confidentiality of the subjects was censured by the researcher, and ensured the permission from an ethical committee. In a research study the researcher should ensure that the reader should understand what is meant by the terms and concepts which are used in the research. All the operational terms, theories and concepts in the current study has been clearly identified explained and illustrated in the study, and have given proper reference and citations for the rational and the explanations. The organisation, reduction and transformation of the data of a study in order for a review are called as data analysis (Holloway Wheeler, 2002). The methodology or the research design was clearly given to review the study. One of the main instruments in a study is methodology. The data gathering instruments of the methodology is cited in the study. The instrument used is appropriate as they could clearly get many results out of it. In the study 109 subjects participated in the research. The system of analysing the facts with the collected data from the research is called as data analysis (Polit Beck, 2004). Data analysis in quantitative research studies is often seen as a process which loses courage (Coughlan et al, 2007). Most of the data analysis is associated with complex language and statistical notations. The researcher should clearly identify what statistical tests were undertaken why these test was used and what were the results, which have been stated in the current article. In the current study analyse of the data is done in a better way. The strength and limitations of the study is also included in the study to revel the validity and reliability of the study. The discussion of a study should flow logically from the data and should be related to the literature review thus placing the study in context (Russell, 2002). In the discussion part of the research is linked back to the literature review. The discussion part contains the strength and limitations of the study which is referred to the previous study that are made on the same subjects. All the limitations are also generalizability discussed. The research also extends an open end for further research on different aspects of his study; other recommendations are also given to the current study. When doing a research or a research critique it is essential to quote the source of the information obtained, that should be included as in text or end text reference. In a research study the significance of the findings should be stated but these should be conceder within the overall strengths and limitations of the study (Polit Beck, 2006). The reference should help the writer to find the source as quickly as possible (Pears Shields). The copy of others idea is conceder as plagiarism which is serious offence. For the current study the researcher has used the Harvard referring system. The researcher has referred many books and research articles for his study and all the references have been quoted as in text and end text references. All the books referred for the study are appropriate as they are related to the subject or to the research vocabularies. The researcher was very much cautious about the plagiarism. Evaluating the research article with the critiquing tool by Michael Coughlan and team members it was found that the study is arguable with credibility and reliability. The writers have carefully used the strategies in doing a research. The research is readable and understanding by lay men. Holistic Nurse Prescribing: A Case Study Holistic Nurse Prescribing: A Case Study Introduction 1 the patient and their presenting symptoms. Mr Pickles presents an interesting, complex and therapeutically challenging problem. In essence he is a gentleman with multisystem pathology who presents with an almost incidental finding which he was clearly reluctant to discuss. It is a common finding amongst experienced healthcare professionals that in any consultation it is the last 30 seconds which is the most important. As the patient stands up to go, there is the just while Im here moment when they can bring up an issue that really troubles them and may not be the real presented reason for the consultation. In this essay we shall discuss the various aspects of this situation and the measures we can take to try to help him. (Parker and Lawton 2003) 2.a holistic assessment of the pt, including any relevant medical social and psychological issues. If we start with the initial presenting symptom under discussion the impotence it is easier to work backwards from that to discuss the possible pathophysiology that can be relevant. Impotence is said to occur whenever the male fails to get an erection when it is required. This, in itself is neither unusual nor necessarily pathological. It becomes a significant symptom when the male repeatedly fails to get an erection that is sufficient for intercourse. It is quite possible to get full spontaneous erections and yet still be impotent. This is one of the major diagnostic features that distinguishes the psychogenic impotence from the purely physical. (Ackerman MD, Carey MP. 1995) There are a number of obvious physical causes of erectile dysfunction that are relevant to Mr Pickles (see on), but equally there are a number of possible psychogenic causes that may be either primary factors or possibly secondary contributory factors in the aetiology of his problems. The fact that he has recently undergone major cardiac surgery is a very relevant factor. Patients will frequently suffer from a major change in body perception when they have come to a close realisation of their own mortality. If we add to this the fact that, as the major breadwinner in the family, it is likely that Mr Pickles would have felt a major blow to his self-esteem when he was made redundant from a responsible high esteem job and forced to become a taxi driver with long working hours. This is quite apart from the anxiety and fatigue that such a job would engender.(Beck J. 1995) It is possible that the medication that Mr Pickles is taking may have a bearing on his erectile dysfunction as the male erection is dependent on the hydrostatic pressure of the blood for its maintenance. Any medication that reduces the average blood pressure, will effectively reduce the capacity to acquire and maintain an erection. In addition to this the adrenergic beta-blocker group will also selectively block the sympathetic pathways that are vital to the neurovascular control of the mechanisms of erection. Pathophysiology of diabetes and impotence Both of these topics are huge subjects, so in this essay we will restrict out considerations to those aspects which are relevant to Mr Pickles and his problems. We know that Diabetes Mellitus affects about 2% of the UK population with a specifically higher incidence in both the Asian and Afro-Caribbean communities(Nathan 1998). There is also a marked genetic component in the development of Diabetes Mellitus. Mr Pickles has Type II diabetes mellitus which is associated with a number of factors including a high BMI and increasing age. At 56 yrs. old he is currently at the peak incidence age for Type II diabetes mellitus (Gregg et al. 2003). Diabetes Mellitus is known to be associated with a number of complications. The prevalence and incidence of the complications, in general, tends to increase with the length of time that the patient has been diabetic. There is also an independent variable for complications that is directly proportional to the degree of control (as measured by the HbA1 levels). In general terms, the better the control the lower the incidence of complications (Kissebah et al. 1999) As far as Mr Pickles is concerned, there are two major complications of Type II diabetes mellitus that are directly linked with impotence and they are cardio-(macro)vascular disease and neuropathy. (Wagner et al. 1998) We can deduce that Mr Pickles has macrovascular disease by virtue of the fact that he his recovering from a CABG. And this may well be a very relevant factor in his erectile dysfunction but also there is the question of neuropathy which typically occurs in about 2.4% of the general population, but this figure rises to above 8% in the diabetic patient over the age of 60 yrs. ( Hughes 2002) Impotence tends to occur, in varying degrees, in about 10-15% of men under 40 yrs. Its incidence increases with age to the extent that 40% of men at the age of 40 yrs report a degree of impotence and this prevalence rises to 70% at the age of 70 yrs. (Gregoire 1999). If we add to this basic clinical picture the fact that there are other factors such as hypertension, smoking, cardiac neurosis, loss of self-confidence, depression and iatrogenic causes (medication etc.) all of which may well be relevant to Mr Pickles, then it can be seen that there are a plethora of potential causes of his erectile dysfunction. (Barnes, DE. 2004) Both of the first two causes (hypertension and smoking) are independent risk factors for impotence, quite apart for the fact that they are also risk factors for the development of the macrovascular complications of Diabetes Mellitus (Bowering 2001) Mr Pickles diabetic state has been recently well controlled (HbA1 of 6.5%). This is important as the incidence of development of diabetic complications is reduced by between 34-76% (depending on the particular study) for every 10% reduction in the average HbA1 reading. (Bowering 2001). In addition to all of these considerations, atherosclerosis is also a major complication of Type II diabetes mellitus, which, presumably is relevant to Mr Pickles because of his CABG, and this may be a major factor in the development of his erectile dysfunction. Management plan 3.a plan/strategy based on critical understanding of physiological and pharmaceutical issues. Any management plan must firstly be based on an accurate diagnosis. At this point in time we do not have this luxury. As we have discussed, there are anyone of a huge number of possibilities in the aetiology of Mr Pickles erectile dysfunction problem. When confronted with a problem such as this, any experienced healthcare professional may reasonably chose to manage the problem by making a rational judgement of the probabilities of any one particular cause being relevant. Implicit in such a management strategy is the fact that there are some causes that my be correctable (iatrogenic, psychological, and life style related) and there are some that may not (macrovascular damage, neuropathy and atherosclerosis). It is reasonable, in such circumstances, to discuss the situation openly with Mr Pickles and discuss with him the various treatment options. Patient empowerment and education is a vital strategy to adopt in circumstances such as this as Mr Pickles is far more likely to comply and respond if he understands the rationale behind the treatment plan.(Howe and Anderson 2003) We would suggest that an appropriate strategy would be to initially tackle the situation on two fronts. The psychological aspects of the erectile dysfunction are probably best discussed with an experienced psychologist or councillor who has expertise in this particular area. This is important because there is a considerable skill in eliciting the relevant factors from the patient. Many patients are reticent about talking openly about their imitate sexual details and there has to be a careful build up of trust and empathy on both sides. Factors such as good eye contact and a non-judgemental body stance are essential on the part of the healthcare professional if the optimal result is to be obtained Not only can the issues that are relevant be explored, but also any one of a number of psychological treatment techniques can be employed. This is a matter of considerable clinical judgement and skill and therefore probably best done by an experienced healthcare professional in that area. The pharmaceutical area can also be addressed as Atenolol is clearly not the best anti hypertensive to use as, not only will it reduce the blood pressure (which it clearly is important to do) but it also produces a counter productive beta-blockade which will not help the erectile dysfunction problem. The difficulty is that, after the CABG, Atenolol does have a degree of action on the suppression of ectopic electrophysiological foci in the myocardium which is a recognised complication of the procedure. It also is thought to have a cardioprotective effect post-myocardial infarction. It is probably a good idea to change his anti-hypertensive medication, but in the circumstances, it is probably better to seek the advice of the surgical team who performed the CABG. before making the transition. The question of Viagra has been raised by Mr Pickles. This is not as straight forward as it might initially appear. Viagra has been shown to work well in these circumstances. It has the downside that it allows sexual intercourse which is associated with increased peaks of blood pressure. As Mr Pickles is still in the postoperative recovery phase (16 weeks) it would again be sensible to consult with the surgical team as to their advice on the issue. The other problem with Viagra is that if it transpires that the long term aetiology is actually psychological rather than purely physical, then the prescription of Viagra will often breed a feeling of psychological dependence which may firstly be both inappropriate and unnecessary and secondly, very hard to break. It is probably therefore inappropriate to consider such options at this stage in the management. 4.legal and professional accountability should be discussed. The legal and professional issues are largely covered in the making of a management plan. In any area of professional competence, the best defence against criticism or censure, is the fact that a healthcare professional works from a rational evidence-based plan. It is for this reason that we have set out the rational and reasoning for the plan that we have chosen to adopt. It is actually quite permissible (legally) for a healthcare professional to be wrong on any given issue, as long as they have come to a reasoned and rational decision based on the facts that were placed before them. And behaved in a way that the majority of their professional colleagues believe is reasonable in the circumstances. It is, of course, central to these considerations, that all actions are carefully and fully recorded in the patients notes Prescribing decisions 5.a critical discussion of influences on prescribing decisions. The area of prescribing for Mr Pickles is clearly important. To some extent, we have covered the reasoning behind the change of prescription earlier in this essay. There is a common misconception amongst many members of the public (and indeed many of the less experienced healthcare professionals) that the solution to every problem comes in the form of tablets on a prescription. The whole area of patient empowerment and education is often filled with issues of lifestyle change, healthy living, self care and positive thinking which can frequently be more effective that simply giving the patient a prescription. (Boule NG et al. 2001) In the context of the NHS, it is a common observation that sometimes a prescription is given because it is the most expedient short-term measure in a given situation, (Dawes RM et al. 1974), however, time invested in an explanation to a patient as to why other measures might be equally as important is rarely time wasted., (Corrigan B. 1974) Future management 6.consider your future prescribing activity based on experience gained from this case study. In any professional area of activity, the author likes to use the mechanism of reflective practice to allow a critical assessment of a past course of action to modify future actions when faced with a similar situation. (Gibbs, G 1988) On careful reflection of this case, I believe that I may have acted rather rashly in stopping the Atenolol as a first choice. On reflection, I believe that the Atenolol did need to be changed for any one of a number of other anti-hypertensive agents but I feel that, in retrospect, I would have been wiser to take advice from the surgical team before I made that decision. Further reflection and discussion with other healthcare professionals (Marks-Moran Rose 1996), suggested that another appropriate course of action would have been to stop the antihypertensive medication altogether for a short period. This is on the grounds that his hypertension was not severe and was hitherto well controlled. If the erectile dysfunction was simply a reflection of the fact that the medication was holding his blood pressure down to a level where erection could not easily occur, a few days off the medication may allow a transient increase in his blood pressure to the point that erection could occur. As long as one was careful to monitor his blood pressure to ensure that it did not rise too far, I have been advised that this would represent a reasonable therapeutic trial to establish whether the underlying causes were mainly physical or physiological.(Wagner G et al 1998). On the face of it, this does seem reasonable but I believe that I would have to take further advice before I was fully comfortable with that decision. It follows from what has already been discussed, that I also feel that I may have been too quick to consider the pharmacological interventions before making a complete holistic assessment of the patient. There are clearly a number of lifestyle adjustments that may be relevant here such as weight loss and increasing exercise and looking for a new focus in life (to minimise any element of depression) which would be comparatively easy to achieve with appropriate empowerment and education of the patient. (Funnell R et al 2004) All in all, this is not a straight forward case. There are many elements which require careful and considered assessment. I believe that it is one of those cases that helps to point out that although there is a huge emphasis to be placed on modern scientific understanding and application of medical principles, there is also a very large element of human understanding and caring that is so very important to the successful management of patients such as Mr Pickles (Waterlow J. 1998) References Ackerman MD, Carey MP. 1995 Psychologys role in the assessment of erectile dysfunction: historical precedents, current knowledge and methods. J Consult Clin Psychol 1995; 63: 862-87 Barnes, Darryl E. 2004 Action Plan for Diabetes Copyright 2004 ISBN: 0736054596 Pub. Human Kinetics Illinois USA Beck J. 1995 Hypoactive sexual desire disorder: an overview. J Consult Clin Psychol 1995; 63: 915-927. Boule NG, Haddad E, Kenny GP, et al. 2001 Effects of exercise on glycemic control and body mass in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials. JAMA 2001;286:1218-27 Bowering (2001) Diabetic foot ulcers. Pathophysiology, assessment, and therapy. Can Fam Physician. 2001 May;47:1007-16. Dawes RM, Corrigan B. 1974 Linear models in decision making. Psychol Bull 1974;81:95-106. Funnell, and Robert M. Anderson, (2004) Empowerment and Self-Management of Diabetes Clinical Diabetes 22:123-127, 2004 Gibbs, G (1988) Learning by doing: A guide to Teaching and Learning methods EMU Oxford Brookes University, Oxford. 1988 Gregg, R. B. Gerzoff, C. J. Caspersen, D. F. Williamson, and K. M. V. Narayan (2003) Relationship of Walking to Mortality Among US Adults With Diabetes Archives of Internal Medicine, June 23, 2003; 163(12): 1440 1447. Gregoire 1999 ABC of sexual health: Assessing and managing male sexual problems BMJ, January 30, 1999; 318(7179): 315 317. Howe and Anderson 2003 Involving patients in medical education BMJ, Aug 2003; 327: 326 328. Hughes RAC. 2002 Regular review: Peripheral neuropathy BMJ, Feb 2002; 324: 466 469. Kissebah AH, Freedman DS, Peiris AN. 1999 Health risks of obesity. Med Clin North Am 1999; 73: 111-138 Marks-Moran Rose 1996 Reconstructing Nursing: Beyond Art and Science London: Balliere Tindall October, 1996 Nathan D. (1998) Some answers, more controversy, from UKPDS. Lancet 1998; 352: 832-833. Parker and Lawton 2003 Psychological contribution to the understanding of adverse events in health care Qual. Saf. Health Care, Dec 2003; 12: 453 457. Wagner G, Seanz de Tejada I. 1998 Update on male erectile dysfunction. BMJ 1998; 316: 678-682 Waterlow J. (1998) Prevention is better than cure. Nurs Times 1988; 84: 69-70 Appendix

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Federal Reserve :: Economics

The Federal Reserve is the central bank of the United States. It was created by Congress to provide the nation with a safer, more flexible and more stable monetary and financial system. The Federal Reserve was created on December 23, 1913, with the signing of the Federal Reserve Act by President Woodrow Wilson. Today, the Federal Reserve’s duties fall into four general areas:conducting the nation’s monetary policy by influencing money and credit conditions in the economy in pursuit of full employment and stable prices, regulating banking institutions to ensure the safety of the nation’s banking and financial system and to protect the credit rights of consumers, maintaining the stability of the financial system and providing certain financial services to the U.S. government, to the public, to financial institutions and to foreign official institutions.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The structure of the Federal Reserve was designed by Congress to give it a broad perspective on the economy and on economic activity in all parts of the nation. It is composed of a central government agency(Board of Governors) in Washington D.C., 12 regional Reserve Banks, located in major cities around the nation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Federal Reserve’s income comes from the interest on U.S. government securities that it has acquired through open market operations. Other sources of income are the interest on foreign currency investments. Once the Federal Reserve has paid its expenses, it then turns over the rest of its earnings to the U.S. Federal Reserve :: Economics The Federal Reserve is the central bank of the United States. It was created by Congress to provide the nation with a safer, more flexible and more stable monetary and financial system. The Federal Reserve was created on December 23, 1913, with the signing of the Federal Reserve Act by President Woodrow Wilson. Today, the Federal Reserve’s duties fall into four general areas:conducting the nation’s monetary policy by influencing money and credit conditions in the economy in pursuit of full employment and stable prices, regulating banking institutions to ensure the safety of the nation’s banking and financial system and to protect the credit rights of consumers, maintaining the stability of the financial system and providing certain financial services to the U.S. government, to the public, to financial institutions and to foreign official institutions.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The structure of the Federal Reserve was designed by Congress to give it a broad perspective on the economy and on economic activity in all parts of the nation. It is composed of a central government agency(Board of Governors) in Washington D.C., 12 regional Reserve Banks, located in major cities around the nation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Federal Reserve’s income comes from the interest on U.S. government securities that it has acquired through open market operations. Other sources of income are the interest on foreign currency investments. Once the Federal Reserve has paid its expenses, it then turns over the rest of its earnings to the U.S.