The Life of Pi Essay Example

The Life of Pi Paper The book Life of Pi by Yann Martel is a story about a young Indian boy named Piscine Molitor Patel and his Journey stranded in a lifeboat in the Pacific Ocean with only a tiger, Richard Parker. The Japanese cargo ship carrying his fathers zoo animals, his family, and workers, was traveling from India to Canada, where the Patels hoped to start a new life. Unfortunately, the ship sank from an unknown cause and Pi along with a tiger, orangutan, zebra, and hyena were the only survivors of the wreck. Eventually, Pi and Richard Parker were the last ones remaining. A part in the book hat really stuck out to me was in the beginning of the book where Piscene, known to all as P' (Martel, 22), was in Pondicherry, India with a strong desire to learn about different religions. Although the rest of his family believed they didnt need religion, Pi went his own way and let his curiosity get the best of him. His first religion was Hindu. Later, along with Hinduism, he practiced Christianity. Finally, he added Islam to his list of practicing faiths. I admire his steady devotion for learning about the different religions. Pi would show up as often as he could with a new question urning within him. I want to become more like P, having a strong desire and fascination to learn something new. In my opinion, it is one of the most fascinating quests in life. Practicing three different religions caused a lot of trouble between his family and his different religious leaders, who together all found out he was devout in all three sects. After much arguing between the pastor, imam, and pandit of which church he should Join, saying he must only choose one, Pis mother turned to him and asked what his thoughts were. We will write a custom essay sample on The Life of Pi specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Life of Pi specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Life of Pi specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Pi responded by saying, Bapu Ghandi said, All religions are true. I Just want to love God (Martel, 69). Whether your desire is to love God or something else, it is important to Just have that desire. Without it, what is the purpose of existing? From this, I was reminded that it is important to learn as much as you can and that it is okay to still be confused about life, for that will only help you to understand it more so long as you have a deep desire to understand, Just like Pl. I loved the way Martel opened my eyes showing me a new and positive perspective on such an abstract subject: the beauty of the relationship between life and death. I have never thought of this relationship as one being beautiful, nor have I ever sympathized with death before happening upon this quote. The reason death sticks so closely to life isnt biological necessity†its envy. Life is so beautiful that death has fallen in love with it, a Jealous, possessive love that grabs at whatever it can. But life leaps over oblivion lightly, losing only a thing or two of no importance, and gloom is but the passing shadow of a cloud (Martel, 6). The way he personifies life and death is truly a delightful image to apprehend. I wish I could sit down with he author and discuss this further over some tea. For the topic of life and death being one of the most fascinating and complex ideas known to mankind, he seems to have a lovely view on it. Martel describing life as being beautiful in a personified way enticed me to think about it in a way I havent before. I realized that yes life is indeed very beautiful; its stunning. Life is a sacred gift given to each of us and though we have the agency to spend it as we choose, I prefer to spend it wisely and with gratitude, not wasting a moment dwelling on anything that would not benefit or make ay Journey, Pi was interviewed in the hospital by two men from the Japanese Ministry of Transport who were hoping to find the cause of the sinking cargo ship. Pi told them the story of his Journey. In his story, he noticed the cargo ship was starting to sink in the midst of a terrible storm. He frantically alerted the crewmembers, which only spoke Chinese. They put a life Jacket on him and tossed him into the lifeboat, where a tiger was hiding under the tarpaulin. Soon after, a zebra Jumped in breaking its leg on the landing followed by a hyena. After the ship had sunk, an rangutan appeared floating on a large bundle of bananas. Because the zebra was helpless, the hyena decided to start eating it. This upset the orangutan, but it couldnt put up with a fght against the vicious, starving hyena. Once the hyena was finished eating what it could of the zebra and orangutan, the Bengal tiger also known as Richard Parker, attacked the hyena, which hopelessly surrendered. The Japanese men didnt believe him. They found it impossible that there could have been a tiger on the lifeboat and that an orangutan floated its way to the lifeboat on a bundle of ananas, saying that bananas dont even float. To test the validity of the story, Pi insisted that they fill the nearby sink with water and a bundle of bananas. To their surprise, the bananas floated. Still, they had plenty of doubts. The Japanese men wanted to bring back a story that was more believable. So, Pi told a different story. Instead of a hyena, it was the cook; his mother took place of the orangutan, and the sailor represented the zebra. He paralleled his original story to the second one, in disturbing, graphic detail. Instead of the hyena killing and eating the zebra and rangutan, it was the cook who killed and ate the sailor and his mother; instead of Richard Parker killing the hyena, it was Pi who killed the cook. The two men decided that they liked the first story more. Pi represented himself as Richard Parker. I am still struggling to figure out what the stories mean, especially the one about the Meerkat Island, where Pi and Richard Parker drifted to an island covered in algae and populated with thousands of meerkats. One night, after a few weeks of making themselves feel at home, Pi noticed something strange as he was getting his bed situated in a tree. As it got dark, all of the meerkats ran towards the forest and up the trees. He started to wonder why they were all frantically running away until he saw many dead fish floating to the top of one of the fresh water ponds. Meanwhile, Richard Parker slept in the lifeboat. It turned out that at night, the ground scorched their feet. In the morning, Pi noticed some fruit wrapped in vines and leaves hanging in only one specific tree and Just a small part of it. He climbed up the tree to pick one of the fruit, but as he unraveled the leaves, he found something else: a human tooth. Puzzled, he checked the rest of them. There were a total of thirty-two rotting human teeth. This caused him to suspect that the island was carnivorous and that an unlucky soul must have found the island but made the mistake of staying too long. Pi took this as his sign to leave the island and continue on his way in the Pacific. Though I dont know the meaning of some of these stories, I do have an idea that the Bengal tiger represents Pis animal instinct. With this in mind, I find it interesting that the only time Pi and Richard Parker were separated was when they were on the island. They were rarely seen together and Richard Parker even slept in the boat off the shore of the island while Pi slept high in a tree. But once he left the island, he and have survived. For example, on the Journey he had to apply it by killing and eating fish, which as a vegetarian he had never thought he would do. Life of Pi challenged me to think in ways I normally wouldnt. It took me out of my happy, blessed world, and instead put me in one life-threatening situation after another. Every time an event would happen in the book, I had to stop for a moment and ponder how I would have reacted or what I would have done in Pis position. Its easy for me to say that I would never hurt a living soul such as a fish even if I were under the influence of starvation, but maybe I would be so desperate that I wouldnt have to think twice. I certainly know I wouldnt be able to last as long as P. I think part of what helped him survive was his task of keeping Richard Parker alive. It gave him a sense of purpose and a reason to continue living. Perhaps it is important that I find my Richard Parker so that I may have a purpose to living a satisfying life. Works Cited Martel, Yann. Life of Pi: A Novel. New York: Harcourt, 2001. Print. The Life of Pi Essay Example The Life of Pi Paper Comment on the writers presentation of loneliness and companionship in the novels The Old Man and the Sea by Hemmingway and The Life of Pi by Martel. In the novels Life of Pi and The Old Man and the Sea, the authors present the protagonists sense of loneliness and contrasting companionship through various themes linked to survival against nature and the elements. A famous quote by Albert Einstein explores survival as, Hunger, love, pain, fear are some of those inner forces which rule the individuals instinct for self preservation. As both novels are significant in that the characters are at struggle with the sea, the authors use comparative themes linked to nautical survival to emphasize a characters determination and will to overcome their personal loneliness in their challenge for survival, with similar emotions linked to the quotation echoed through the texts. The novels are structured differently in contrast to their similar subject matter of survival, with both authors adopting different literary presentations to express their own individual views of the protagonists challenge. The Life of Pi is presented to the reader in varied length chapters, with some chapters only containing several lines compared to longer length chapters which conveys the story as a survival guide, randomly structured to explore Pis frustration at sea. The reader identifies the presentation as a form of diary which Pi has used to express his emotions of his isolation, which through first person narrative explores this on a personal level. In contrast Hemmingway in The Old Man and the Sea presents the novella with no clear structure of chapters, which creates a flowing survival record for the old man. We will write a custom essay sample on The Life of Pi specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Life of Pi specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Life of Pi specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The reader identifies Hemmingways technique of adopting realism and simplicity into his novella with the first line He was an old man who fished in a skiff clearly emphasising the sparse description of the protagonist. Martel in contrast uses a frame narrative to begin the novel, placing emphasis on the narrator. Even though the majority of the book is presented in the first person, the narrator can be seen by the reader as an authorial voice, placing the author personally into the structure of the novel to bridge the divide between fact and fiction. The author progresses from the frame narrative to the first section of the novel Toronto and Pondicherry, which through the first line presents the suppressive tone of tragedy as My suffering left me sad and gloomy. The reader immediately identifies Pis experience to have had an effect, with the author presenting Pi in his adult life before moving into his child narrative of his survival. This technique to include different passages of time is used effectively for the reader to relate to the character, to understand his background before and after the tragedy. In comparison The Old Man and the Sea begins with a depressed tone as he had gone eighty-four days now without taking a fish. , which illustrates the Old mans frustration linked with loneliness as In the first forty days the boy had been with him, demonstrating the old mans first compassion for the boy. Compassion for objects of nature is a clear comparison between both Pi and Santiagos attributes, with Pi seen strongly linked to religion as a form of companionship. The reader identifies Pis affliction for nature using extensive description of the sloth, Sleepiness and slothfulness and seeing everything in a Mango-like blur expresses Pis detailed observation using alliteration and metaphor to attract the attention of the reader to the simplicity of the sloth. Pis love for nature is immediately compared with his interest in religion as his religious studies on the cosmogony theory of Isaac Luria is an important motif as this foreshadows the sinking of the Tsimtsum as the theory explains the contraction of the universe. Religion is viewed in this novel as a form of companionship, as Pi finds friendship and kindness in his religious ideologies that play a significant part in his survival. As the reader can identify Pis exclusion from society as a young boy, Pis religious exploration into Hinduism, Christianity and Islam can be seen as stories which spread the teachings of a faith, but to offer comfort in Pis challenge of social acceptability. Pis exclusion is presented with humour, but the reader can sense the empathetic tone as, Its Pissing Patel! The sound would disappear, but the hurt would linger the cruelty of children comes as news to no one unprovoked uncalled for. The author has linked childhood exclusion to enforce religious importance to the character, which is in contrast to The Old Man and the Sea as he is excluded in adult life. Santiago is seen in the first part of the novella to be ostracized from society as many of the fisherman made fun of the old man, but the author expresses the bond between Manolin and Santiago as a companionship, which is expressed through dialogue. Hemmingway has used dialogue between these characters to further portray their emotional bond, revealing their relationship with paternal qualities, The old man had taught the boy to fish and the boy loved him. Manolin wants to help Santiago to get sardines and to offer him a beer on the Terrace, expressing Manolins devotion to the Old man against his fathers wishes for him to fish on another boat. The reader recognises conflict in that Manolins parents had told him that the old man was now definitely and finally Salao, illustrating the strength of relationship and companionship between both characters. Hemmingway uses Salao to establish the Latin American influence and setting of the novella. This is used repeatedly throughout the novel to furthermore establish the culture from which this fishing tale is set. In contrast Pi can be seen to have a strong relationship with his father, with clear admiration in that his father is a zoo keeper, linking his affliction for animals and nature. The zoo is a symbol of freedom for Pi, a place in which his problems could be forgotten as the author uses language to create a place of tranquility, with the reader identifying Pis personal relationship with the animals as he, left for school under the benevolent gaze not only of his mother but also of bright -eyed otters and burly American bison and stretching and yawning orang-utans. This conveys a level of friendship with nature, as personification is used to create a sense of youthful observation which echoes Pis relationship with Richard Parker. Furthermore Martel makes use of vivid imagery to elaborately place the animals importance for Pi silver diamond doves, Cape glossy starlings, peach-faced lovebirds. The use of alliteration shows Pis deep observation, seeking acceptance from nature. Hemmingway presents the theme of nature in comparison to Martel, which is used to comfort the characters in their seclusion as their need for companionship places significant importance on the animals. Santiagos first observation of nature is when the reader identifies the characters dream of Africa, a sign of the old mans child hood which is used three times in the novel to signify peace with nature, the long, golden beaches and the white beaches, so white they hurt your eyes he smelled the tar and oakum of the deck The author has used colour and sense of smell to depict the scene, offering a sense of regeneration which is used to create a cycle of nature comparing dreams of youth with old age, which leaves the realism and negatives of survival and his isolation with tranquility. In the same way Martel uses the Zoo as a symbol for freedom from his isolation, but the structure of the novel in its three parts echoes the three stages of life in Birth, Life and Death. The first section explores Pis youthful exploration of nature and religion emphatically illustrated as A germ of religious exaltation, no bigger than a mustard seed, with continuation through maturation with Richard Parker to the realisation of his families death at the end of the novel. Anthropomorphism is a theme which can be seen in both texts, as the author uses this form of personification to create a clearer relationship between man and animal, with Martel using Richard Parker as the predominant animal in Pis survival, with the Old mans relationship with the Marlin. The striking use of a human name to represent the tiger is appealing to the reader as the author presented the character at the start of the novel as Pi reminisces Dare I say I miss him?. I do miss him. I still see him in my dreams. The writer uses short sentences to provide an empathetic response from the reader, the reader wants to know who Richard Parker is as he is seen to be an important character in Pis life. The use of this animal links Pis relationship to his mother, father and his brother, as the tiger is a symbol of family life which he harnesses to resolve his loneliness. Pis expression of love for Richard Parker is seen in Pis desperation for him to survive, What are you doing, Richard Parker? Dont you love life Through the use of rhetorical questioning the reader can identify Pi finds comfort in communicating with the animals, with Orange Juice presenting the maternal figure linking his own mother in his thoughts. In comparison Hemmingway uses personification to explore the Old mans affection for the sea and nature, with the author presenting the Old mans love for the sea as la mar. It is explained that la mar describes the sea as a feminine object, which links the Santiagos loneliness from losing his wife with his affection for the sea. At the start of the text the characters emotional pain is represented as Once there had been a tinted photograph of his wife he had taken it down because it made him too lonely. Hemmingways simplicity in style immediately explores the characters loneliness, with the boy and nature seen as objects which Santiago can confide in to forget his isolation. As in similarity with Pi, Santiago shares a relationship with the marlin which shows clear indication of compassion but at the same time hatred for the fish as Fish Ill stay with you until I am dead.. I have never seen or heard of such a fish. But I must kill him.. These quotations explore Santiagos changing view of the marlin placing his life before the fish in one view but on the other hand realising that killing the fish is what he must do. This can be compared with .. Together? Well be together? Have I gone mad?.. from Life of Pi which in the same way explores the realisation of what is needed to survive against a characters need for companionship, with both characters deciding what is the most important attribute, survival or companionship. Survival as explained in the introduction quotation is an individuals instinct for self preservation, which can be split into several categories. The Old Man and the sea clearly presents the theme of determination, a theme which links the relationship between himself and the boy. Santiago views his challenge for survival with the Marlin as something which he must prove to the boy I told the boy I was a strange old man Now is when I must prove it. This represents to the reader that Santiago views his survival as a personal challenge, linked with the boys fascination with the Old mans skill at fishing And the best fisherman is you There is no such fish if you are still strong as you say. These quotes clearly illustrate the boys admiration for the old man, with the old man realising his compassion for the boy as I wish I had the boy repeated through the novella places the boy in high regard.

Computer Essays - Computer Network Security, Cyberwarfare

Computer Essays - Computer Network Security, Cyberwarfare Computer Why is a site inspection important? A site inspection will be performed to double-check these plans: investigate traditional problem areas, such as elevator shafts, firewalls, and potential sources of interference. Spend some time looking around the Campus or your place of work. What obstacles do you think you would face when installing a network? List 12 things that could cause a problem. Class schedule People (students, and facilities) You are working for a company that is using your computer skills to provide computer support to other employees. This is not an official part of your job and you are still expected to get your job done. One day a consultant shows up and starts planning a network and computer support services. Neither your supervisor or the consultant acknowledges your role or asks for your opinion. How do you think you would react? As a manager how could you avoid this potential problem? Who do you think should be involved in the planning process managers, supervisors, staff members, senior staff, existing technical staff? Why/Why Not? Everybody should involve from the planning process, because adding a network involves changes to the ways people work, the human element is equally important. Would you recommend that the company use an outside consultant? Why/Why Not? For all but the smallest of networks, unless youre already an experienced networker, it might be wise to consider enlisting the services of a qualified network consultant in planning and implementing your network. The only caveat is to remember that consultants can only deliver what you ask for; the more specific and detailed your requests, the better the results will be. What

Definition and Examples of Language Planning

Definition and Examples of Language Planning The term language planning refers to measures taken by official agencies to influence the use of one or more languages in a particular speech community. American linguist Joshua Fishman has defined language planning as the authoritative allocation of resources to the attainment of language status and corpus goals, whether in connection with new functions that are aspired to or in connection with old functions that need to be discharged more adequately (1987). Four major types of language planning are status planning (about the social standing of a language), corpus planning (the structure of a language), language-in-education planning (learning), and prestige planning (image). Language planning may occur at the macro-level (the state) or the micro-level (the community). See Examples and Observations below. CodificationEnglish-Only MovementLanguage AcquisitionLanguage ChangeLanguage DeathLanguage StandardizationLanguage VarietyLinguicismLinguistic EcologyLinguistic ImperialismSociolinguistics Examples and Observations Language planning and policy arise out of sociopolitical situations where, for example, speakers of various languages compete for resources or where a particular linguistic minority is denied access to basic rights. One example is the U.S. Court Interpreters Act of 1978, which provides an interpreter to any victim, witness, or a defendant whose native language is not English. Another is the Voting Rights Act of 1975, which provides for bilingual ballots in areas where more than 5 percent of the population speak a language other than English...The French AcademyThe classical example of language planning in the context of state-into-nationality processes is that of the French Academy. Founded in 1635i.e., at a time well in advance of the major impact of industrialization and urbanizationthe Academy, nevertheless, came after the political frontiers of France had long since approximated their current limits. Nevertheless, sociocultural integration was still far from attained at that time , as witnessed by the facts that in 1644 the ladies of Marseilles Society were unable to communicate with Mlle. de Scudà ©ry in French; that in 1660 Racine had to use Spanish and Italian to make himself understood in Uzà ¨s; and that even as late as 1789 half of the population of the South did not understand French. Contemporary Language PlanningA good deal of language planning after the Second World War was undertaken by emerging nations that arose out of the end of colonial empires. These nations faced decisions as to what language(s) to designate as an official for use in the political and social arena. Such language planning was often closely aligned with the desire of new nations to symbolize their newfound identity by giving official status to the indigenous language(s) (Kaplan, 1990, p. 4). Today, however, language planning has a somewhat different function. A global economy, growing poverty in some nations of the world, and wars with their resulting refugee population have resulted in great linguistic diversity in many countries. Thus, language planning issues today often revolve around attempts to balance the language diversity that exists within a nations borders caused by immigration rather than by colonization.Language Planning and Linguistic ImperialismBritish policies in Africa and Asia have aimed at strengthening English rather than promoting multilingualism, which is the social reality. Underlying British ELT has been key tenetsmonolingualism, the native speaker as the ideal teacher, the earlier the better etc.which [are] fundamentally false. They underpin linguistic imperialism. Sources Kristin Denham and Anne Lobeck,  Linguistics for Everyone: An Introduction. Wadsworth, 2010 Joshua A. Fishman, The Impact of Nationalism on Language Planning, 1971. Rpt. in  Language in Sociocultural Change: Essays by Joshua A. Fishman. Stanford University Press, 1972 Sandra Lee McKay,  Agendas For Second Language Literacy. Cambridge University Press, 1993 Robert Phillipson, Linguistic Imperialism Alive and Kicking.  The Guardian, March 13, 2012

Illegal Immigrants and Their Impact on Jobs in the United States Research Paper

Illegal Immigrants and Their Impact on Jobs in the United States - Research Paper Example Rising costs Injustice Increase in other criminal activities If these issues are addressed in an appropriate manner, it will help us to overcome these problems and the country will be stabilized economically. Problem Recognition: Illegal immigration is itself a grave problem that causes a lot of internal damage to a country. In United States, illegal immigration has reduced employment opportunities for the local citizens of the Unites States. Due to this injustice, the citizens are left with limited or no job opportunities, which increases their frustration with illegal immigrants and the entire social structure of a certain place can be damaged. These illegal immigrants are being paid by their employers or even if they are being paid undercover, we will find the other citizens of the United States of America looking for employment opportunity. It is unethical for the employers to pay the illegal immigrants under the table and even employers are also aware of their unlawful actions. This action also raises discrimination and violation of rights against citizens. As the illegal immigrants are paid under the cover by their employers; they receive more money, they get better employment opportunities than the citizens and then they compete with the other citizens in acquiring the better jobs which gives rise to competition, discrimination, violence and hatred in the society. Also, illegal immigrants do not pay tax because of their illegal status which causes a lot of damage to the economic infrastructure of the country. Therefore it is highly important for the U.S Government to strategize a proper policy to take strong action against employers who hire illegal immigrants and take away the ‘right’ of employment from the citizens. This step will help the economy to recover itself, stabilize the job market condition and equal distribution of rights and opportunities will become available to every citizen. Analysis of the Problem: United States is the only country that is faced with the largest number of illegal immigrants. The rise of illegal immigration is gradually contributing to the increase in U.S population every year. For illegal immigrants, the United States of America is a place with better living conditions and unlimited employment opportunities. Many of the illegal immigrants consider the country as a â€Å"dreamland† where they can make better money and live a high quality life. As a result, every year the country’s population increases due to influx of a large number of illegal immigrants to the United States. It should be remembered that an increase in population is not a worrisome condition. However, it may become such, where a large number of illegal immigrants benefit themselves from the programs created by the government, that are intended to help and facilitate people who do not have affordability or access to benefit themselves for better healthcare facilities, food, medicines and other essential da ily life amenities. These facilities are funded by the tax payers. As the population and the need for these benefits increase, the tax payers are required to pay more tax in order to facilitate the less privileged people on a large scale (Adam David). Hence, we can say that due to large population of illegal immigrants, the less privileged people fail to receive their rights and the tax payers pay more

Aristotle's Pursuit of Happiness Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Aristotle's Pursuit of Happiness - Essay Example Another example person who looks for the pleasure through eating must find the mean between gluttony and starvation. The Greek word eudaimonia is usually understood as the translation for â€Å"happiness†. The problem is that happiness is usually perceived with a subjective mental state, as when one claims to be happy enjoying a dozen cans of cool beer on a searing day, or is having enjoyment with friends. On the other hand, Aristotle believes that ideal of happiness is the ultimate end that covers the entirety of any human being’s life. Happiness is not something that can be achieved or discarded in the temporariness of time like that found in pleasurable sensations. Happiness is more likened to the importance of an individual’s life as lived up and measuring how well one has lived up to his or her full potential. It is because of this reason that an individual cannot really make any statement regarding whether he or she has achieved a life of happiness until it has ended.   Aristotle thinks that the most significant reason in the endeavor to accomplish happiness is to practice and cultivate good moral character or virtue ethics. It should be noted, however, that being virtuous is not something that is gained passively. ... The achievement of these various endeavors would lead to the perfection of human nature and enrichment of life. This involves any person to make decisions, some of which may be easier said than done. Most of the time, the lesser goods bring the assurance of instant enjoyment and more appealing, while the greater good more tasking and likely demands some degree of patience and perseverance. For example, it is likely to be easier and more enjoyable to spend the night going to the pub and have some booze and fun, but knowing that it will be better off if dealing for a project in which the due date is the next day. Improvement for a good character demands a strong will in doing what is right, even in the most testing challenges and situations. What this means is that the rational part of the soul should control the rational part (Stumpf, 94). It would be understandable then that Aristotle is highly critical of the culture of instant satisfaction which seems to be predominant way of life in the modern world today. To be able to attain the lifestyle of complete virtue, an individual needs to make right decisions by taking to account the future ultimate result as a whole. Happiness will not be achieved simply by indulging the pleasures at the whims of temporariness. Since the passions are capable of a wide range of action, all the way from too little to too much, a person must discover the proper meaning of excess and defect and thereby discover the appropriate mean (94). However, this undertaking is a task most individuals will find hard overcome in themselves. Eventually, the virtue ethics of Aristotle will bring the awareness to the concept of  akrasia, which means the weakness of the will. Most often than not, the irresistible prospect of some great

Health and Social Care Essay Example for Free

Health and Social Care Essay Everyone is born into this world by the choice of the parents, no one asked for it. And so we all have no choice into which country we are born, who our parents are, what sex we are, and the colour of our skin. But all of these factors combined give us our culture. It makes us who we are. As we grow older our parents or peers instil us with a set of beliefs, moral and social, and this stays with us up to the age where we are able to think and act independently. Then we are able to change these beliefs to that of our own. This then allows us to have a set of preferences for the way we live our life. What happened in our past we cannot change, and it is from our past that gives us our heritage. Who we are and where we came from. All of these beliefs, culture and heritage are personal to us, make us who we are, they are an everyday important tool in the way we live our lives. Though they are not defined! We can change and we must change in certain environments. Read more: Explain why it is important to work in partnership with others  essay One being the workplace. It is of utmost importance at work that a standard set of rules and beliefs are adhered to, no matter what your culture or heritage. This is to ensure all people are treated fairly and the rules and beliefs are usually along the same lines e.g. treating all people fairly, respect one another etc. In the work place we have colleagues and residents and visitors who all deserve the same amount of dignity and respect and all have the right to go about their business without being influenced on their beliefs by a single other person. By all sticking to the same set of standards and beliefs we can ensure a fair service is provided to all. However does this mean that when we are in the workplace we can forget our own identities and that of others? No. It means that we have a common set of values that we will all abide by in order to treat all people fairly. For example not treating male residents any different to female residents, offering them the same opportunities. But we must also understand very clearly that each individual has their own set of beliefs, culture and heritage and that we must not discriminate base on this. What we can do is learn to understand this. Embrace it and promote it. It is very easy to believe that our own way of doing thing is correct and anyone different is wrong or inferior. This is due to a lack of understanding of the unknown. When we start to understand more about the unknown it becomes the known and so is more acceptable to us. So by understanding and respecting the beliefs of others we can learn very much. The whole practise of understanding others and respecting there values is not only essential to provide an equal and comfortable work space. It is the key tool in promoting wellbeing, happiness and a sense of inclusion in our residents and staff. If we all stuck to our own beliefs we would all be alone and feel different from all others. By showing understanding and respect we can learn and respect each other and make for a happier place to be. Assignment 303 In my workplace we use inclusive practise in all areas. Examples of this can be asking individuals what time they would like to be assisted to bed and not assisting all residents at a set time. It could be offering the individual a choice of clothes to wear and not making that choice for them. It could be asking the individual residents what they would like to eat and giving choice. Not giving all residents the same meal. It can be as simple as talking with the residents and not talking over them. Asking them what they want and not asking other staff members. It could be helping the residents access the local library at their convenience and not waiting for the once weekly trip by bus. These are all examples of how inclusive practise helps the residents contribute to the care they receive. This is essential in promoting wellbeing and raising standards of comfort and happiness. Exclusive practise should not be accepted in the workplace. Examples of this could be having separate lounges and dining rooms for Male and Female residents. Having only activities that favour one gender. e.g. Knitting, flower arranging and card making. And not having an activity that would suit a male resident. It could be only celebrating Christmas in the Christian calendar and not considering those who are of another faith and allowing them to celebrate their own festival too. It could be only providing one option at meal times and not considering those who have another taste. It could be waking all residents up at the same time in order to get your jobs  complete and not respecting the individual’s right to choose when they want to wake up. All of these practises hinder the progress of good care and will prevent the individual having a high sense of wellbeing.

Hazing and the Student’s Consequences :: Free Essays Online

Hazing and the Student’s Consequences I recently enlightened myself to an interesting incident in a small college in northern New York state which brought attention to a subject our country has cursed, loved and fretted about for years – that of hazing. Hazing is defined as: To persecute or harass with meaningless, difficult, or humiliating tasks. To initiate, as into a college fraternity, by exacting humiliating performances from or playing rough practical jokes upon. (Dictionary.com) These â€Å"jokes† have affected the lives of a number of people in a large way. The first article of which I made reference comes from a New York Times writer Lisa W. Foderado, which focuses on recent events at Plattsburg State, a college in Northern New York. A boy entering an underground fraternity was put under â€Å"water torture,† where he was forced to drink pitcher after pitcher, and even drain funnels of water. This task made him go into a condition which is called hyponatremia, where sodium levels in the blood drop to dangerously low levels; he died later that night. This article shows the dangers of these â€Å"underground† fraternities, and their tainting of the Greek system. The second article comes from P&M’s press, and focuses on hazing that takes place in other types of societies, basing it on squirrel activities, and showing how they can harm themselves from dangerous activities. The third article comes from the University of Florida archives, and ties controlled hazing into good tradition. These freshman hazing rituals created a bond between the classes, and gave interesting activities to all of the students. From the good to the bad, hazing is at the least â€Å"an issue.† Hazing from one side can have effects ranging from a hangover, to burst cheek pouches, to even death. On the other hand, a strong bond between the students is made, and gives good experience to younger students in their life education. Looking at Foderado, we are presented a case of extreme penalties from a harsh incident. A boy who was just trying to fit into a group was given the most extreme of penalties from an incident of pure stupidity. Neither the group nor the boy showed any responsibility in the matter.

British Government Essay

Evaluate different methods of estimating the current extinction rate. Do you think that humans will induce a mass extinction on the same scale as the Big Five? Introduction: There is consensus in the scientific community that the current massive degradation of habitat and extinction of many of the Earth’s biota is unprecedented and is taking place on a catastrophically short timescale. Based on extinction rates estimated to be thousands of times the background rate, figures approaching 30% extermination of all species by the mid 21st century are not unrealistic, an event comparable to some of the catastrophic mass extinction events of the past. The current rate of rainforest destruction poses a profound threat to species diversity. Likewise, the degradation of the marine ecosystems is directly evident through the denudation of species that were once dominant and integral to such ecosystems. Indeed, this colloquium is framed by a view that if the current global extinction event is of the magnitude that seems to be well indicated by the data at hand, then its effects will fundamentally reset the future evolution of the planet’s biota. Robert Whittaker recognized an additional kingdom for the Fungi. The resulting five-kingdom system, proposed in 1969, has become a popular standard and with some refinement is still used in many works, or forms the basis for newer multi-kingdom systems. It is based mainly on differences in nutrition: his Plantae were mostly multicellular autotrophs, his Animalia multicellular, heterotrophs and his Fungi multicellular saprotrophs. The remaining two kingdoms, Protista and Monera, included unicellular and simple cellular colonies. Extinction rates in the fossil records: The time at which an organism is classified as becoming extinct is when the youngest fossil of its form is found. It is likely that there would have been later examples of the organism present, which were simply not preserved. It is known that some genera have existed for long periods around this time without leaving any known fossil record by the phenomena of Lazarus taxa. It is believed that these organisms were simply not preserved during the time they are missing, or preserved in offshore sediments as yet undiscovered. This may also be the case with many other organisms creating the illusion they are becoming extinct before they are in reality. Ecological Evolutionary Factor affecting the past extinction: Many claim that human activity caused a large scale of plants and animals extinction. The others claim that human caused extinctions are on a similar scale to those that occurred 65 million years ago at the boundary between the Cretaceous and Tertiary eras when most species perished including the dinosaurs. This causes two distinct worries: (1) The loss of species will harm humans (2) Quite apart from any harm to humans; there is a duty to prevent â€Å"ecocide†. According to Peter Raven (National Academy of Science) â€Å"We are confronting an episode of species extinction greater than anything the world has experienced for the past 65 million years. Of all the global problems that confront us, this is the one that is moving the most rapidly and the one that will have the most serious consequences. And, unlike other global ecological problems, it is completely irreversible. † Different people evaluate this duty differently. Since the purpose of these pages is establish the sustainability of material progress, I’ll take the view that although biodiversity is an important amenity, we are mainly concerned with the extent to which losses of diversity are a threat to human progress. One interesting fact in the article concerns the effect of an increase in temperature on the north-south range of a plant species, especially of trees. It turns out that the northern limit of a species is determined by temperature. As that limit is approached the rate of growth goes to zero. However, the rate of growth of a species does not decline as it approaches the southern limit of its range but remains stable or even increases. What determines a species’ southern boundary is competition from other species that require high temperatures. For this reason the southern boundary of a species is likely to change slowly as its territory is gradually invaded by species liking warm temperature. The invasion is likely to begin in gaps caused by logging and various kinds of die-off. According to Lord Robert May (FRS)-Chief Scientific Adviser to the British Government. â€Å"Hardly a day passes without one being told that tropical deforestation is extinguishing roughly one species every hour, or maybe even one every minute. Such guesstimates are based on approximate species-area relations, along with assessments of current rates of deforestation and guesses at the global total number of species (which range from 5 to 80 million or more. ) While such figures arguably have a purpose in capturing public attention, there is a clear and increasing need for better estimates of impending rates of extinction, based on a keener understanding of extinction rates in the recent and far past, and on the underlying ecological and evolutionary causes. † Scientists who worry about extinctions often agree that the world will reach a new equilibrium as temperature increases – assuming it does. However, they worry that the rate of increase of temperature is unprecedented and that species, especially of plants, will migrate northward too slowly and become extinct. Roughly 43 percent of the earth’s terrestrial vegetated surface has diminished capacity to supply benefit to humanity because of the recent, direct impacts of the land use. This represents 10 percent reduction in potential direct instrumental value (PDIV), defined as the potential to yield direct benefits such as agricultural, forestry, industrial and medical products. Capitalizing on the natural recovery mechanisms is urgently needed to prevent further irreversible degradation and to retain the multiple values of productive land. Differences in extinction rates among groups: Estimated Future extinction rates from the species area relations: A better way of studying rates of complete biota extinction levels has been developed with the analysis of isotopic ratios of Carbon. When life is abundant there is almost completely carbon-12 within the geological record. Enzymes within organisms, passing into organic matter faster, more efficiently accept this isotope, which becomes lithified into rock. At times of lowered biotic activity, such as at an extinction event when a lot of life has been killed, the ratio of carbon-13 within the rocks will be higher as a higher proportion of carbon will be being fixed as carbonates inorganically. Inorganic precipitation of carbon does not differentiate between the different isotopes of carbon as life does. By analyses of carbon isotope ratios it is then possible to see, by peaks in the carbon-13, at what times there has been a reduction of biotic activity. This is independent of whether organisms present are being preserved or not, and shows at what rates the extinction is occurring. Estimated future extinction rates from IUCN red Lists: Recent extinction rates are 100 to 1000 times their pre-human levels well known, but taxonomically diverse groups from widely different environments. If all species currently deemed threatened become extinct in the next century, then the future extinction rates will be 10 times recent rates. Although new technology provides details on habitat losses, estimates of future extinctions are hampered by our limited knowledge of which areas are rich in endemics. The 2004 IUCN Red List contains 15,589 species threatened with extinction. The assessment includes species from a broad range of taxonomic groups including vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, and fungi. However, this figure is an underestimate of the total number of threatened species as it is based on an assessment of less than 3% of the world’s 1. 9 million described species. Among major species groups, the percentage of threatened species ranges between 12% and 52%. The IUCN Red List identifies 12% of birds as threatened, 23% of mammals, and 32% of amphibians. Although reptiles have not been completely assessed, the turtles and tortoises are relatively well reviewed with 42% threatened. Fishes are also poorly represented, but roughly a third of sharks, rays and chimaeras have been assessed and 18% of this group is threatened. Regional case studies on freshwater fishes indicate that these species might be more threatened than marine species. For example, 27% of the freshwater species assessed in Eastern Africa were listed as threatened. Of plants, only conifers and cycads have been completely assessed with 25% and 52% threatened respectively. References: Robert M. May, John H. Lawton and Nigel E. Stork. â€Å" Assessing Extinction Rates† â€Å"Extinction Rate Analysis† http://palaeo. gly. bris. ac. uk/Palaeofiles/Permian/rateanalysis. html â€Å"Restoring the value to the worlds degraded Lands† Gretchen C. Daily â€Å"The future of biodiversity â€Å" Stuart L. Pimm, Gareth j. Russell, John L. Gittleman ,Thomas M. Brook â€Å"IUCN Red List of Threatened Species†http://www. iucn. org/themes/ssc/red_list_2004/GSAexecsumm_EN. htm References: IUCN 2001. IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria: Version 3. 1. IUCN Species Survival Commission, IUCN, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK, pp. ii+30. Parr C. S. and Cummings M. P. 2005. Data sharing in ecology and evolution. Trends Ecol. Evol. 20: 362–363. Purvis A. and Rambaut A. 1995. Comparative analysis by independent contrasts (CAIC): an Apple Macintosh application for analysing comparative data. Comput. Appl. Biosci. 11: 247–251. Sherwood, Keith and Craig Idso (2003) â€Å"The Specter of Species Extinction Will Global Warming Decimate Earth’s Biosphere? † 2003 September John Lawton and Robert May â€Å"BIODIVERSITY AND EXTINCTION RATES† 17-May-2004) www-formal. stanford. edu/jmc/progress/biodiversity. html

Reasons Why The Memberships Of Trade Blocs, Such As The EU, Has Changed Over Time

Memberships of trade blocs changed over time because countries realized that there are a huge amount of benefits to joining a trade bloc union. Benefits such as Free trade within the bloc which means that they have free access to each other’s markets, members of the trade bloc are encouraged to specialize. This means that at the regional level there is a wider application on ability to carry out a particular economic activity e. g. making a specific product more efficiently than another activity.In addition countries have Market access and trade creation which is when countries have easier access to each other's markets meaning that trade between members is likely to increase. Trade creation exists when free trade enables high cost domestic producers to be replaced by low cost and also allow more efficient imports. Because low cost imports lead to lower priced imports, there is a ‘consumption effect', with increased demand resulting from lower prices.Also Producers from the member country can benefit from the application of scale economies, which will lead to lower costs and lower prices for consumers. Jobs may be created as a consequence of increased trade between member economies. There is increased protection. Firms inside the bloc are protected from cheaper imports from outside, such as the protection of the EU shoe industry from cheap imports from China and Vietnam. There are other long-term political and social benefits to trade blocs.The countries’ economies become more intertwined also the political reasons for close cooperation within the bloc increases. Countries understand that they have a stake in each other and make greater efforts to get along. In that same way, increased business contacts usually mean that people must learn the culture of their trading partners. Many must learn new languages and different business practices. In short, more people will come into contact with each other and will need to learn more about each oth er. This breeds increased understanding amongst people.Another reason for the change is as for consumers are that there is often a greater variety of goods and services available in free trade blocs. Products like beer, detergent, clothing, and machine tools are often produced in all the countries after the free trade agreement they are often stocked in many stores. Products like satellite hook ups for televisions, computers and telephones are usually made more available to developing countries. Internet service providers are now able to sell to larger markets and more consumers have opportunities to purchase or use these services.

Wordiness and Redundancy in SAT Writing Questions

Wordiness and Redundancy in SAT Writing Questions SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips A general rule to follow when answering SAT Writing questions is that the given sentence should be written in the most concise grammatically correct way. Often, especially in sentence improvement questions, the error in a sentence is only that the sentence is too wordy. Similarly, sometimes specific words in a sentence can be eliminated because they are superfluous. Wordiness and redundancy are common errors on the SAT Writing section, and I will be explaining how to identify and correct these errors. In this post, I'll do the following: Explain wordiness. Explain redundancy. Show how wordiness and redundancy are tested on the SAT. Give real SAT examples. Provide practice problems to test you on what you've learned. Wordiness on the SAT For SAT purposes, wordiness means that a sentence can be shortened without creating a grammatical error. Concise writing is better writing. Wordy sentences force the reader to navigate through complex phrases to try to figure out the point. Concise sentences are much easier to understand. On the SAT, wordiness is a common problem on the sentence improvement subsection. The correct answer will always be the most concise grammatically correct choice. Sentence improvement questions often repeat the same phrases that signal a wordiness error. Common Wordiness Errors and Corrections Here are phrases that often appear on the SAT Writing section in their wordy and concise versions. The concise options are not only shorter but also substituting the wordy options for the concise options makes the sentence read better. Here is an example of a sentence with a wordy phrase: Being that she was driven to succeed as a writer, Joyce studied great authors. This is the corrected version of the same sentence: Because she was driven to succeed as a writer, Joyce studied great authors. Relying on your ear to determine what "sounds right" can help with wordiness questions. However, following the rule that the shorter grammatically correct sentence is right will always enable you to correctly answer wordiness questions. This is another example of a sentence with a wordy phrase: In spite of him being the youngest one in the kindergarten class, he was the tallest. Here is the sentence after we substitute the concise phrase: Although he was the youngest one in the kindergarten class, he was the tallest. In addition to the common wordy phrases, gerunds also tend to signal wordiness errors on the SAT Gerunds Tend to Create Wordiness Errors Gerunds are verbs that function as nouns and end in "ing". Examples of gerunds include playing, jumping, and singing. Keep in mind that not all "ing" words are gerunds. Participles, verbs that act as adjectives, can end in "ing", too. Check out this example of a sentence with a participle that ends in "ing": Returning home tomorrow, Ignacio is excited to see his parents. "Returning" is a participle that modifies the noun "Ignacio". Now that we know the difference between a gerund and a participle, let's see how gerunds create wordiness errors. Take a look at this example of a wordy sentence with a gerund: Every year, tens of thousands of students apply to the most selective colleges, with the gaining of admission to these schools being their goal. The gerunds in the sentence are "gaining" and "being". To fix the wordiness error, we have to make the phrase "with the gaining of admission to these schools being their goal" more concise. Here is the corrected version of the sentence: Every year, tens of thousands of students apply to the most selective colleges in order to gain admission to these schools. There are multiple ways to correct the original sentence, but you should know that the corrected version is a better sentence. Why? It is more concise and it is grammatically correct. That's the recipe for a right answer in the sentence improvement subsection. Gerunds often signal a wordiness error, but how should you fix a wordy sentence with a gerund? When Possible, Replace a Gerund with a Noun or Pronoun and a Verb Typically, you should replace a gerund with a noun or pronoun and a verb in wordy sentences. Look at this wordy sentence with a gerund: Justin is a huge fan of gymnastics because of itbeing a sport that combines artistry, athleticism, strength, and acrobatics. The gerund in the sentence is "being". To fix the wordy sentence, let's replace the gerund with a pronoun and a verb: Justin is a huge fan of gymnastics because it is a sport that combines artistry, athleticism, strength, and acrobatics. The gerund "being" was replaced by the pronoun "it" and the verb "is". The corrected version should read better to you and it is a more concise sentence. While gerunds often signal a wordy sentence, keep in mind that gerunds should be used in certain instances. Correct Uses of Gerunds Gerunds can be used correctly in certain idioms, to maintain parallel structure, or to indicate a way or method of doing something. This is an example of a sentence with a gerund being used to indicate a method of doing something: I got a perfect score on the SAT by following the advice in the PrepScholar article about how to get a 2400. The gerund is used to reveal how I got a perfect score. Let's consolidate the information about wordiness into a strategy for correctly answering wordiness questions on the SAT. Strategy for Wordiness Questions Always choose the answer that is the most concise grammatically correct sentence. Substitute the concise versions of wordy phrases. Replace gerunds with nouns (or pronouns) and verbs, when possible. If you see a gerund in a sentence, make sure it is being used correctly. Try to employ these tips on questions that appeared on the SAT Writing section. Real SAT Writing Examples See if you can find the correct answer on this wordiness question from a real SAT. Explanation:Here, the phrase â€Å"of believing that the ship was unsinkable† is the reason why people were unprepared for the sinking of the Titanic. Even if the underlined phrase sounds fine to you, we want to see if we can make the sentence more concise without creating a grammatical error. You should have noticed the gerund â€Å"believing†. Let’s try to replace the gerund with a noun or pronoun + a verb. Who believed the ship was unsinkable? The people. They believed that. So, answer choices C and D are the only ones that change the gerund to the noun + verb form. However, in answer choice D, after â€Å"they believed†, the phrase â€Å"the unsinkable nature of the ship† is more wordy than the phrase after â€Å"they believed† in choice C, â€Å"that the ship was unsinkable†. Because we want the most concise grammatically correct version of the sentence, the answer is C. Here's another example for you. Explanation: Again, the phrase may not appear to have a grammatical error, but you should pick the most concise grammatically correct version of the underlined phrase. You should notice the gerund â€Å"revealing†. Can we change the gerund to the noun (or pronoun) + VERB form? Look at the answer choices. We can. The phrase â€Å"because of supposedly revealing† can be changed to â€Å"because it was supposed to reveal†. The pronoun â€Å"it† refers to celadon porcelain. There is no grammatical error in choice E and that version is more concise than the original. The correct answer is E. Now, let's take a look at a similar type of error: redundancy Redundancy Redundancy means using a word or phrase that repeats what is already stated or implied in the sentence. Here is an example of a sentence with a redundancy error: Margaret participates in an annual marathon to raise money for ulcerative colitis each year. The word "annual" means that the marathon takes place every year. Therefore, the phrase "each year" is redundant and unnecessary. So, how is redundancy tested on the SAT? Redundancy on the SAT On SAT redundancy questions, typically a phrase is added that is unnecessary given other words/phrases in the sentence. Take a look at this example: Because the speaker was not using a microphone, his voice was inaudible and could not be heard. The word "inaudible" means could not be heard. Therefore, the phrase "and could not be heard" is unnecessary. This is the corrected version of the sentence: Because the speaker was not using a microphone, his voice was inaudible. Just like in our discussion of wordiness, the most concise grammatically correct sentence is the right answer. Here are some tips to help you correctly answer redundancy questions. Strategy Make sure that all underlined words and phrases are necessary for the sentence to maintain its meaning. Check to see that underlined phrases or words don't reiterate what has already been said. Employ these strategies to tackle actual SAT redundancy questions. Real SAT Writing Example This is a redundancy question taken from a real SAT. Explanation:So, this question would be difficult if you didn’t know the definition of â€Å"imminent†. There is nothing grammatically wrong in the underlined phrase. However, the word â€Å"imminent† means something is likely to happen. So, is there a way to maintain the meaning of â€Å"was imminent and could happen in the future† and make the sentence more concise? Yes. Something that could happen in the future could be imminent. The phrase â€Å"might be imminent† means the same thing as the underlined phrase and is expressed much more succinctly. Therefore, the right answer is E. Again, you always want to choose the most concise grammatically correct answer. Here's some helpful information to help you solve both wordiness and redundancy questions. General SAT Writing Strategies for Wordiness and Redundancy #1: Identify Common Wordy Phrases that are Underlined If you see a commonly used wordy phrase underlined in the sentence improvement subsection, replace the phrase with the concise version of the phrase. #2: Make Sure that Gerunds are Being Used Correctly Gerunds often signal a wordiness error. If a gerund is underlined, make sure that the gerund cannot be replaced with the noun + verb formation. #3: Verify that Underlined Words/Phrases are not Redundant If a phrase is merely providing the definition of an adjective in the sentence, then that phrase is redundant and should be eliminated from the sentence. #4: The Most Concise Grammatically Correct Answer Choice is the Right Answer This is the basic rule that should guide you when answering sentence improvement questions. If a sentence does not have an identifiable grammar error, then make sure that the sentence cannot be written more concisely. Apply these strategies to some realistic practice questions that I created for you. Additional SAT Writing Practice Questions 1. Psychologists do not agree about what is the definition of happiness and how to measure it. A. what is the definition of happiness and how to measure it. B. how to define and measure happiness. C. how to define happiness, and also its measurement. D. the definition of happiness and measuring it. E. defining happiness as well as measurement. 2. Even though she had just recovered from a severe bout of influenza, Julie did not want to miss her upcoming basketball game because of her being an extremely competitive athlete. A. because of her being an extremely competitive athlete. B. because of her being an extreme competitive athlete. C. when she is being an extremely competitive athlete. D. because she is an extremely competitive athlete. E. in spite of her being an extremely competitive athlete. 3. John told his parents that he hit his little brother inadvertently and did not do so intentionally. A. inadvertently and did not do so intentionally. B. inadvertently and not doing so intentionally. C. inadvertently. D. not intentionally and inadvertently. E. inadvertently and not done so intentionally. 4. Because Joel works such tremendously long hours is the reason why he is unable to see his friends as often as he would like. A. Because Joel works such tremendously long hours is the reason why B. Because Joel works such tremendously long hours, C. Being that Joel work such tremendously long hours is the reason why D. Joel works such tremendously long hours because the reason why E. Being that Joel worked such tremendously long hours; Answers: 1. B, 2. D, 3. C, 4. B What's Next Now that you understand wordiness and redundancy on SAT Writing, you should continue to master the other grammar rules that appear on the test. Check out these articles on parallel structure, subject-verb agreement, and pronoun agreement.

Acinetobacter Baumannii - Article Review

Background Acinetobacter baumannii is a pleomorphic aerobic gram-negative bacillus (similar in appearance to Haemophilus influenzae on Gram stain) commonly isolated from the hospital environment and hospitalized patients. A baumannii is a water organism and preferentially colonizes aquatic environments. This organism is often cultured from hospitalized patients sputum or respiratory secretions, wounds, and urine. In a hospital setting, Acinetobacter commonly colonizes irrigating solutions and intravenous solutions. Acinetobacter species have low virulence but are capable of causing infection. Most Acinetobacter isolates recovered from hospitalized patients, particularly those recovered from respiratory secretions and urine, represent colonization rather than infection. Acinetobacter infections are uncommon but, when they occur, usually involve organ systems that have a high fluid content (eg, respiratory tract, CSF, peritoneal fluid, urinary tract), manifesting as nosocomial pneumonia, infections associated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), or catheter-associated bacteruria. The presence of Acinetobacter isolates in respiratory secretions in intubated patients nearly always represents colonization. Acinetobacter pneumonias occur in outbreaks and are usually associated with colonized respiratory-support equipment or fluids. Nosocomial meningitis may occur in colonized neurosurgical patients with external ventricular drainage tubes. A baumannii is a multiresistant aerobic gram-negative bacillus sensitive to relatively few antibiotics. Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter is not a new or emerging phenomenon, but A baumannii has always been an organism inherently resistant to multiple antibiotics. Pathophysiology In the uncommon situations in which Acinetobacter causes actual infection, the athological changes that occur depend on the organ system involved. The pathological changes, as observed in patients with pneumonia, are indistinguishable from those caused by other noncavitating aerobic gram-negative bacilli that cause nosocomial pneumonias. Similarly, Acinetobacter urinary tract infections are clinically indistinguishable from catheter-associated bacteremias caused by other aerobic gram-negative bacilli. Frequency International Acinetobacter commonly colonizes patients in the intensive care setting. Acinetobacter colonization is particularly common in patients who are intubated and n those who have multiple intravenous lines or monitoring devices, surgical drains, or indwelling urinary catheters. Acinetobacter infections are uncommon and occur almost exclusively in hospitalized patients. Mortality/Morbidity   Although Acinetobacter is primarily a colonizer in the hospital environment, it occasionally causes infection. Mortality and morbidity resulting from A baumannii infection relate to the underlying cardiopulmonary immune status of the host rather than the inherent virulence of the organism. ЂÃ'ž Mortality and morbidity rates in patients who are very ill with multisystem disease are increased because of their nderlying illness rather than the superimposed infection with Acinetobacter. Race Acinetobacter infection has no known racial predilection. Sex Acinetobacter infection has no known sexual predilection. Age Acinetobacter infection has no known predilection for age. Other Problems to Be Considered The main differential diagnostic problem presented by Acinetobacter is to differentiate colonization from infection. In the presence of pulmonary infiltrates in ICU patients, CAPC)-associated peritonitis, meningitis, wound infection, or catheter-associated bacteruria, the differential iagnoses include other aerobic gram-negative bacilli that colonize or infect these fluids, ie, Enterobacter species, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Burkholderia cepacia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Flavobacterium meningosepticum, and Serratia marcescens. Because Acinetobacter is predominantly a colonizing organism, the burden of proof is on the clinician to demonstrate its pathogenic role in a given situation.

Non-Sovereign small islands in the international economy Essay

Non-Sovereign small islands in the international economy - Essay Example Generally speaking, the OFCs were accused in undermining the stability and inviolability of the global financial system. To manage the situation, a group of initiatives were taken by the Financial Stability Forum, the International Monetary Fund, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the European Union and the Financial Action Task Force (Woodward 686). In addition to the development of small islands as offshore financial centres, there are some other examples of cases when many small islands have exceeded in small-scale, high-value service and product-niching in various fields of economic activities, including: finance and banking, brokerage, tourism and hospitality (Baldacchino 254). This paper is focused on the research the small islands, performing an important role in the international economy and on the global arena. The more detailed analysis is carried out for the British Isle’s Crown dependencies: the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands o f Jersey and Guernsey, as well the Prince Edward Island. The Financial Services Sector: the Isle of man, the Channel Islands and New "Havens"Among Developing Small Islands There are many various definitions of the offshore, which is the evidence of the challenges which many scholars and economists face in attempt to explain this concept precisely. For example, Palan defines the offshore as a â€Å"special territorial or juridical enclave†, in which regulation or taxation in the state is either partially or fully withheld (cited by Payne 627-628). While significant stress in the definition of the offshore falls on the territorial dimension, juridical properties is what really matters. Richard Woodward clarifies this view by the statement: â€Å"offshore is a legal as well as physical domain; where an activity takes place is secondary to the rules under which it takes place† (cited by Payne 628). Even though there are some slight variations in definitions, offshore finan cial centres have a set of common characteristics. The offshore financial centers can be characterized by the following attributes: minimal taxes or tax free; bank anonymity and secrecy laws at a high level, a high number of financial institutions, which serve mainly non-residents; flexibility of use of various company structures, the proportions of financial systems are exceeding needs of the domestic economy, light financial regulation (Levin 2), protection of the secrecy of transactions and few or no restrictions of financial transactions (Palan 155). The most successful OFCs are characterized also by stable economic and political climate, support from of a large international financial market, money laundering or drug money scandals free, availability of agreements for avoiding double-taxation with major countries, and are easily reached due to established information-exchange facilities (Palan 156). Referring back to the last item, many OFCs are developing laws and investing in telecommunications for attracting e-commerce providers (Levin 5). Obviously, telecommunications and IT is a very important factor that enables OFCs to respond to the needs of their customers and operatively react to external changes. Financial centres can be distinguished by many different ways. Thus, for example, International Monetary Fund (n.p.) has developed its own way of differentiation of the financial centers by splitting those into three categories: 1. International financial centres (IFCs) – are large internation