20 Definition Essay Topics Meet the Most Interesting Issues about Muslim Culture

20 Definition Essay Topics Meet the Most Interesting Issues about Muslim Culture If you need help finding a topic for your next definition essay on Muslim culture, consider the list of 20 definition essay topics below: Defining Harth for Modern Culture The Definition of Cultural Relativism Means Today Defining Faith as a Fundamental Term The Power of a Word to Impact Change How Islam is a Word Which Creates Stereotypes A Word Which Changes History Defining Muslim as an Individual A Word Which is Stigmatized How Veil Harbors Negative Connotations The Negative and Positive Power of One Word The Linguistic Value of Symbols The Power of the Word Prophet Defining the Qu’ran in Modern Culture The Impact of the Five Pillars The Definition of Jilbab Defining Muslim as a Nation Defining Religion among Modern Culture Defining Subservience among Secular Cultures Defining Symbols and Power within Muslim Culture Defining Freedom among Modern Culture Sample Definition Essay Defining Symbols and Power within Muslim Culture One of the largest controversies within Islam and the west is the idea of gender equality. Many western schools of thought focus on the lack of gender equality associated with Muslim women in particular. This is often epitomized through the veil. The veil acts as the precipice upon which many negative connotations related to Islam have been built. There are other symbols for the oppression of women in Islam, but many Muslim scholars and those who associate with Islam in the Middle East, have argued that the Qur’an does not in fact support females as property meant only for the pleasure and service of men. The studies related to â€Å"devout women’s affiliation with conservative religious communities† have been brought under scrutiny in light of â€Å"contemporary social and religious life† (Bartkowski, 2003, p. 72). The most important symbol to many groups either in support of Islam or against Islam, is the veil. The veil is a proponent meant to signify the overall oppression of women in Islam, indicative of their being owned by men or treated as property. Shirazi (p. 32) argues that the veil is a multi-faceted symbol with meanings related to the context. The author states that there is â€Å"semantic versatility of the veil in western popular culture, Saudi advertising, Iranian and Indian poetry and films, and for Iranian, Iraqi, and UAE women soldiers (Shirazi, 2001, p. 32). This same argument is supported by the main authors. Issues of symbols as a means of conveying thoughts toward Islam and Muslim women surround the veil. Objects or people become symbols and with those symbols particular associations which spawn from politically minded propaganda, in the case of cartoons or other graphic depictions of the veil or the prophet. There is an assumption from the West and from the Muslim community that the veil is meant to cover the female body because of female sexuality. Female sexuality was also primarily associated with sin and impurity. The veil is thought by many Muslims as a means of being controlled by men, making them subservient, meant to keep their enticing sexuality covered so that men would not be tempted. However, none of the verses which pertain to the wearing of the veil link female sexuality with sin or impurity, but rather, leaves the female sexuality as something separate from impurity, though it can be used for sin. Castelli (p. 439) raises issues about which this author use as examples for those who hold contemporary ideas about the veil and Islam as oppressive. Castelli supports the idea of â€Å"Islam as a lesser religion and less developed† (p. 439). There have been misinterpretations of verses from the Qu’ran, mistakes made by Muslims who have interpreted them as requiring women to remain covered. It is posited that, â€Å"if the Qur’an asks women to cover their bosoms but leaves other allusions imprecise, it may be because what it means to generalize is a concept of modesty, not Arab dress† (Barlas, 2009, p. 5). Attention is also drawn to the emphasis on women being oppressed by the veil because it symbolizes their possession, being subservient to men. â€Å"A great deal is also made of the Qur’anic reference to women as harth, a word many people interpret as land and, hence, as property. However the Qur’an does not designate a wife her husband’s property†¦ â€Å"The jilbab as having been space and time bound, hence as a specific mode of veiling in that it only acquired meaning in a particular social context† (Barlas, 2009, p. 4). The Barlas viewed it as outdated given the context of the legal implications; if it was originally meant as a means of protection against other men, a way to state that a woman was taken, current laws against sexual abuse now take on that role. In terms of the prophet as symbol for the West to use against Islam, the prophet remains part of collective memory for western cultures, as Europeans associate Islam â€Å"as the harbinger of the West’s destruction in the form of the Antichrist† (Barlas, 2009, p. 7). Barlas raises issues of the graphic cartoons of the Prophet as a terrorist which caused much debate, and how the freedom of speech is really a legal means of domination, allowing westerns to say whatever they want to cast negative shadows on Islam and Muslims. The misuse of symbols such as the veil and the prophet for the purpose of drawing attention to gender inequality presumed to be associated with Islam is protected through freedom of speech: â€Å"Europeans have always felt free to say rather execrable things about Islam†¦That they now rely on free speech to impugn Islam or Muslims should tell us that speech permits not only satire and critique but also assertions of power and dominance† (Barlas, 2009, p. 8). There are many schools of thought pertaining to the veil as a symbol of oppression, all of whom have used freedom of speech to emphasize their interpretations of Islamic symbols. â€Å"The veil is seen as quintessentially traditional† (Bullock, 2002, p. 19) More attention is drawn to the fact that many presume the veil meant as a means of keeping men from thinking impure thoughts about women, thereby associating women and their bodies with sexuality and sin. Overall, preconceptions about gender inequality have been supported through symbols of oppression by the west and ignorant Muslims which have thereby managed to sustain incorrect assumptions about Islam through symbols, particularly the veil and the Prophet. References: Barlas, A. (2009). Islam and Body Politics: Inscribing (Im)morality. In Conference on Religion and Politics of the Body Nordic Society for Philosophy of Religion (pp. 1-12). Reykjavik: University of Iceland. Bartkowski, J., Reed, G. G. (2003). Veiled Submission: Gender, Power, and Identity Among Evangelical and Muslim Women in the United States. Qualitative Sociology, 26(1), 71-92. Bhutto, B. (2008). Reconciliation: Islam, democracy, and the West. New York, NY: Harper. Bullock, K. (2002). Rethinking Muslim women and the veil: challenging historical modern stereotypes. Herndon, VA: International Institute of Islamic Thought. Castelli, E. A., Rodman, R. C. (2001). Women, gender, religion: a reader. New York, NY: Palgrave. Hoodfar, H. (n.d.). The veil in their minds and on our heads: Veiling practices and Muslim women. Retrieved from umass.edu/wost/syllabi/spring06/hoodfar.pd Shirazi, F. (2001). The veil unveiled the hijab in modern culture. Gainesville, FL: Univ. Press od Florida.

Anderson- Surname Meaning and Origin

Anderson- Surname Meaning and Origin ANDERSON Surname Meaning Origin: Patronymic surname meaning son of Andrew. Andrew (man, manly) was the first of Jesus disciples, and was a revered name in medieval times due to its church connections. St. Andrew is the patron saint of both Scotland and Russia. Swedish patronymic son names traditionally end in -son,  not -sen.  In Denmark the regular patronymic is -sen.  In Norway, both are used, although -sen  is more common. Icelandic names traditionally end in -son  or -dotir. Surname Origin: Swedish, Danish, Norwegian English Alternate Surname Spellings: ANDERSEN, ANDERSSON, ANDERSSEN, MCANDREWS Fun Facts About the ANDERSON Surname: Many Danes, Norwegians and Swedes who emigrated to America with the last name Andersson or Anderssen, dropped the extra -S after their arrival. Famous People with the Surname ANDERSON: Pamela Anderson - Canadian-American model and actressMary Anderson - inventor of the windshield wiperWillie Anderson - professional Scottish golferJoe Anderson - British actorWes Anderson - independent filmmakerHans Christian Anderson - Danish author Genealogy Resources for the Surname ANDERSON: 100 Most Common U.S. Surnames Their MeaningsSmith, Johnson, Williams, Jones, Brown... Are you one of the millions of Americans sporting one of these top 100 common last names from the 2000 census? Anderson and Andersen Family DNA ProjectJoin Anderson and Andersen individuals worldwide working together to sort out Anderson families from different countries and connect Anderson families who came to America through DNA. Anderson Family Genealogy ForumSearch this popular genealogy forum for the Anderson surname to find others who might be researching your ancestors, or post your own Anderson query. There are also separate forums for the ANDERSEN and ANDERSSEN variations of the Anderson surname. FamilySearch - ANDERSON GenealogyFind records, queries, and lineage-linked family trees posted for the Anderson surname and its variations. ANDERSON Surname Family Mailing ListsRootsWeb hosts several free mailing lists for researchers of the Anderson surname. Cousin Connect - ANDERSON Genealogy QueriesRead or post genealogy queries for the surname Anderson, and sign up for free notification when new Anderson queries are added. DistantCousin.com - ANDERSON Genealogy Family HistoryFree databases and genealogy links for the last name Anderson. Looking for the meaning of a given name? Check out First Name Meanings Cant find your last name listed? Suggest a surname to be added to the Glossary of Surname Meanings Origins. - References: Surname Meanings Origins Cottle, Basil. Penguin Dictionary of Surnames. Baltimore, MD: Penguin Books, 1967. Menk, Lars. A Dictionary of German Jewish Surnames. Avotaynu, 2005. Beider, Alexander. A Dictionary of Jewish Surnames from Galicia. Avotaynu, 2004. Hanks, Patrick and Flavia Hodges. A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1989. Hanks, Patrick. Dictionary of American Family Names. Oxford University Press, 2003. Smith, Elsdon C. American Surnames. Genealogical Publishing Company, 1997. Back to Glossary of Surname Meanings Origins

Managerial Systems and Operations Management Essay

Managerial Systems and Operations Management - Essay Example No organization will ever want to have disgruntled customers, to achieve efficiency a plan is needed to improve the productivity of the company. Sometimes an ad hoc approach may be used on simplest grounds that may need very small changes. Outlined plans must be initiated to analyses the risks that are associated with a particular implementation strategy in accomplishing the drafted project. The last option to be considered is the effectiveness of the project to the organization, these acts as an assessment into the real functionality of the project in aiding organization performance. This paper analyses some of the problems faced by Marston Lodge, which in the long run inhibit its performance in the market. The paper will critical assess the impacts of these problems and come up with significant solutions that will cushion the problems. A detailed plan will exhibit what will assess the associated costs and the approach that will be taken when initiating the project. Last the end of the paper will depict how the technological project impacts on the levels of performance in the Hotel; this will consider the needs of employees and management towards attainment of quality production (Koontz & Weihrich, 2010). Marston Lodge is an example of an organization that is operating under minimal production levels. Numerous complaints hailed towards the company. For instance, long queues and poor conditions of the rooms depict that management and the employees are not taking seriously their jobs and working towards attaining the set objectives of the company. This thwarts the efforts of the hotel on profit maximization. The longer Marston Lodge keeps without addressing these challenges, the faster it degrades an eventually becoming bankrupt. What is also evident from the case scenario is the fact that Marston Lodge is using many funds to train its employees yet productions levels in the

Observers of Life Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

Observers of Life - Essay Example . There is an element of darkness in every person’s heart. Heart of darkness illustrates how Marlow conquers the darkness in his heart and attains self knowledge; but the darkness with in him consumes Kurtz who falls prey to its wrath. The oblique narrative structure of Heart of Darkness serves to pull the reader to the depth of the novel. Further more, its interwoven style suits well to unfold history, myth, and legend with a special focus being laid on the characters. The story flows with a steady onward rush that brings several characters along with it and the loose ends laid on the way are linked seamlessly in the progress, rendering soundness to the logical precision. The unavoidable presence of the primary narrator is a matter of great interest as he introduces the main character Marlow and the scenic description in the initial part of his voice. Like chorus in drama, this non-descript character surfaces in the novel when clarity is needed and facilitates smooth flow by supplying supporting passages on Marlow. Interestingly enough, the storyline is narrated from the point view of the main character, Marlow. Thus the writer is double distanced from the novel eluding his subjectivity The protagonist, Marlow looms large in the novel as he is the main character as well as the narrator of the story .While Marlow meanders down the memory lane, the readers are offered a panoramic view of an exotic landscape, lush with the entangling greenery, contrasted against the lurched lives of the natives; manipulated and exploited by the interference of the English men. Marlow stands out from the rest of the characters with his unique wisdom, analytical qualities, and judgments on every situation. The primary narrator presents Marlow as sitting cross-legged, resembling an idol with his straight back and stretched hands and attributes to him a sense of ascetic charisma. Soon the counter of a meditating Buddha begins to take

Financial statements provide comprehensive information about the Essay - 1

Financial statements provide comprehensive information about the reporting entity that is useful to existing and potential stakeholders - Essay Example The role of the accountants and the auditors in ensuring a true and fair view of the financial statements has been explained. This is followed by the review of the key components in the financial statements which includes the income statement, balance sheet and the cash flow statement. The parameters of the income statement, balance sheet and the cash-flow statement and the information communicated by these key components have been explained. The interpretation of the key components of the financial statements fulfils the general purpose of the companies in communicating the effectiveness of the strategies for capital maintenance and wealth maximization. The financial statements are the means of communicating to the users about the business performance of the company. The companies of all business sectors all over the world have used the financial statements as the primary instrument of informing the stakeholders whether existing or potential, about the activities of the company in the area of its business throughout the year (Baker and  Powell, 2009, p.75). The users of the financial statements include the existing shareholders, the internal stakeholders that include the employees and the management, the external stakeholders which includes the customers, government, creditors and lenders, the potential investors, etc. All the users of the financial statements, whether internal or external, are only interested in maximization of profits of the company. The companies also carry out their business with the primary aim of maximization of wealth of the shareholders (Bhattacharyya, 2011, p.62). The various measures taken by the compan y during its operations in the business throughout the year are communicated to the stakeholders with the help of financial statements. Therefore, the financial statements of the companies are prepared and represented in a manner that they contain comprehensive information about the reporting entity that

Symptomatic Intratendinous Ganglion Cyst of Peroneus Tertius

Symptomatic Intratendinous Ganglion Cyst of Peroneus Tertius Symptomatic intratendinous ganglion cyst of the peroneus tertius in an Irish dancer ABSTRACT The case of an 18-year-old female high level Irish dancer who presented with a painful mass at dorsum of the foot is reported. A database search of Medline and PubMed only revealed one such case and it did not result from sport injury. This is the first case of intratendinous ganglion cyst of the peroneus tertius in a dancer reported in a literature. It details the surgical repair, complication and the possible mechanism that can lead to the formation of ganglion cyst in an Irish dancer. INTRODUCTION Ganglion cysts are benign tumour-like masses that arise from the mucinous degeneration of collagen fibers of the tendon and cellular hyperplasia that associated with active secretion of mucin.[1] They characteristically arise either from the synovium of joints or tendon sheaths. We present a case report of an 18-year-old female Irish dancer with a symptomatic intratendinous ganglion cyst of the peroneus tertius. CASE REPORT An 18 year-old female Irish dancer presented with a painful mass in the left foot. (Fig 1) The pain was related to the dorsum of the foot. Worse on dancing and she complained of intermittent paraesthesia over the dorsolateral border of the foot after dancing practice. There was no history of discrete trauma to the foot. She was a high level athlete and had competed at national and international Irish dancing competitions. Examination revealed an oval cystic mass of size 2cm x 3cm. There was an otherwise normal range of movement of the foot and ankle. The superficial peroneal nerve was stretched over the mass, there was no sensory deficit. Plain X-Rays of the foot were normal. MRI (Fig 2) confirmed the presence a mass along the dorsum of the foot consistent with a ganglion cyst closely adjacent to the extensor tendons. There was no evidence of tenosynovitis. The risks and benefits of conservative versus operative treatment were discussed and the patient and her family elected for surgical intervention. A dorsolateral incision was utilised with protection of the superficial peroneal nerve. The ganglion was arising form and adherent to the peroneus tertius tendon (Fig 3). The tendon was salvaged during the operation. It was decided not to perform an ‘en bloc’ resection of the ganglion due to concern about function loss in this high level athlete. Excision of the ganglion by means of longitudinal incision in the tendon was done, followed by repair of the tendon with a running absorbable suture. She made an uneventful recovery and remains well at 12-months follow-up. She has returned to dancing with no symptoms or local recurrence. DISCUSSION The Peroneus Tertius (PT) muscle arises from distal one third of anterior surface of fibula; it may be fused with distal portion of extension digitorum longus, through an interosseous margin. The peroneus tertius tendon is located lateral to the extensor digitorum longus tendon and inserts on the superior surface of the fifth metatarsal base. PT acts as an evertor/dorsiflexor of the foot that works when the foot is off the ground in concert with the other anterior compartment leg muscles.[2] The PT functions to fine tune of the foot position during swing phase which is one of the important movements as a dancer.[2] The incidence of foot and ankle ganglion is between 3-5%.[3] Traditionally, they have been classified according to their site of origin: the tendon sheath, joint, bone or soft tissue.[4] Ganglion cysts have been reported in most joints throughout the body, commonly about the wrist. Intratendinous ganglion cysts arising in the foot are uncommon.[5] The provisional diagnosis of intratendinous ganglion is based on the physical examination by palpation of a distinct mass that moves with tendon excursion. Plain radiographs are often normal and an MRI scan does not always differentiate between a simple ganglion and one that is adherent or arising from a tendon. This has important implications for the patient with regard to pre operative counselling with regard to sacrificing of the tendon or recurrence rates following surgery. Two possible mechanisms of pathogenesis of ganglion cysts have been proposed; internal or external. Internal: Mucoid degeneration of tendon ground substance forming cavities full of vicious fluid which may precipitate an intratendinous ganglion.[4] External: Repetitive friction may result in tenosynovitis in which inflammation may cause ganglion formation within the tendon.[6] In a study of Irish dancers by Walls and colleagues, only 3 ankles out of 18 were considered radiologically normal. Irish dance contains lots of jumps which require a large amount of lower extremity strength and stability. One of the Irish dance moves is to stand â€Å"on toe† with ankles fully plantar flexed and knees extended then jump from this position. They produce sound while moving across the floor when standing â€Å"on toe† by creating enough friction between the shoes and the ground. Thus, the peroneal muscles attempt to compensate. Overuse peroneal muscle for this static stabilizing function and dynamic dance movements may lead to tendonitis and tenosynovitis.[7] The most common injury in female Irish dancers is a stress fracture in which the most common sites are the sesamoids bone (27.7%) and metatarsals (23.1%).[8] Peroneus tertius tendon is one of the tendons that insert at the metatarsal. A spiral fracture of the fifth metatarsal base also known as a ‘Dance fracture’ typically occurs when the dancer rolls ‘off pointe’ or landing on the lateral aspect of the foot after a jump where there is limited bony stability supporting the ankle. Higher demands for stability are placed on the ligaments and peroneal muscles. Ankles sprains are the most common acute injury in Irish dance population.[7] Repetitive sprains have also been linked to increased risk of osteoarthritis and articular degeneration at the ankle.[9] Hence, it may lead to the formation of ganglion cyst. There are two types of shoes worn by Irish dancer which namely â€Å"ghillie†, a soft shoe and â€Å"hard shoe†. The ghillie is very thing, pliable leather shoes with small arch support and thin metatarsal and heel pads. The â€Å"hard shoe† is comparable to a tap shoe. The objective of this shoe is to be loud, powerful, and rhythmical while standing upright. As a result a large amount of pressure is put on the metatarsals and sesamoids. The superficial peroneal nerve descends anterior to the fibula and crosses the ankle joint roughly along the anterior midline. The ganglion cyst may compress the nerve and may result in impairment and loss of aversion. Compression neuropathies of the lower extremity are much less common than the upper extremity and only few cases have been described in the surgical literature since the first description of a neuropathy of the peroneal nerve by Sultan in 1921.[10] Since the exact cause of a ganglion cyst is still unknown, it is difficult to tell how to prevent the formation of intratendinous ganglion cyst. However, early evaluation and treatment are recommended. Surgical excision with careful preservation of the tendon with protection of the nerve gives excellent results. References: 1. Kannus P1 JL. Histopathological changes preceding spontaneous rupture of a tendon. A controlled study of 891 patients. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1991;73(10):1507-25 2. Witvrouw E1 BK, Willems TM, Huysmans J, Broos E, De Clercq D. The significance of peroneus tertius muscle in ankle injuries: a prospective study. . Am J Sports Med 2006;34(7):1159-63 3. Berlin SJ RL, Brown H, Finstein M. Soft Somatic Tumours of the Foot: Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment. New York: Futura Publishing Company, 1976. 4. S.C. Young AF. A case of an intratendinous ganglion, The Journal of Hand Surgery, . J Hand Surg Am 1985;10(5):723-24 5. De R. Cystic degeneration of the peroneus brevis tendon. J Bone Joint Surg Br 1959;41-B(2):362-4 6. Seidman GD MS. Intratendinous ganglia of the hand J Hand Surg Am 1993;18(4):707-10 7. Werber B. Dance medicine of the foot and ankle: a review. Clin Podiatr Med Surg 2011;28(1):137-54 8. Noon M HA, McNamara L, Schimke J. Injury patterns in female Irish dancers. PM R 2010;2(11):1030-4 9. J. H. Functional Anatomy, Pathomechanics, and Pathophysiology of Lateral Ankle Instability. J Athl Train 2002;37(4):364-75 10. Greer-Bayramoglu RJ1 NA, Gan BS. Compression neuropathy of the peroneal nerve secondary to a ganglion cyst. Can J Plast Surg 2008;16(3):181-83

Economic Discrimination in Frank McCourts Angela’s Ashes Essay

Economic Discrimination in Frank McCourt's Angela’s Ashes As Jerome K. Jerome once said, â€Å"It is easy enough to say that poverty is no crime. No; if it were men wouldn’t be ashamed of it. It is a blunder, though, and is punished as such. A poor man is despised the whole world over.† This famous quote describes the way poor people are discriminated against and despised around the world by those who are better off. In the novel Angela’s Ashes, by Frank McCourt, the characters are greatly discriminated against by all different parts of society because of their poverty. This makes their constant struggle to survive even harder and prevents them from climbing to the next rung in the social ladder. The poor are discriminated against and held down by the church, school, and their fellow impoverished neighbors, as well as the rest of the world around them to the point where they often give up trying to get out of poverty all together. Shockingly, the place where the McCourts are most discriminated against is the one place where they should feel wanted, loved, and equal to those around them, the Catholic Church. Frank McCourt, the main character who was a young teenager at the time, had the door slammed in his face by the Catholic Church on at least two occasions because of his poverty. The first time he is turned down by the church, Frank’s quest is to become an altar boy. The priest declares that the church is not looking for any more altar boys. However, the real reason Frank is turned down is because of his poverty. Angela, Frank’s moth er, is infuriated and exclaims, â€Å"I’ll tell you what it is, ‘Tis class distinction. They don’t want boys from lanes on the altar. They don’t want the ones with scabby knees and hair sticking up. O... ...d them to the point where they often give up trying to get out of poverty all together. The church will not allow them to be in any sort of position in the church, namely altar boys or priests. The school holds them back by putting them into filthy, run-down schools and teaching them very little while drilling into their minds the fact that no matter how hard they try, they cannot succeed in life. Unfortunately, even their neighbors hold them back by discouraging them to try anything in order to succeed and making fun of their impoverishment. The discrimination that they face daily holds them back and eventually stops them from even trying to succeed and better their lives. As Jerome K. Jerome once explained, the poor will be discriminated against, snubbed and despised the world over. WORKS CITED McCourt, Frank. Angela’s Ashes. New York: Touchstone, 1999.

Micronutrient Study Guide Essay

Vitamin C 1. Vitamin C is a required vitamin for the synthesis of collagen, norepinephrine, and carnitine. Collagen is a crucial component in the structure of blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and bone. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter which is critical for proper brain function. Carnitine is a small molecule that is essential for transporting fat into the mitochondria of cells to be later converted into energy. Vitamin C is also used as a highly effective antioxidant to help protect key organs from the effects of free radicals and reactive oxygen. 2. The most severe malady related to a deficiency in vitamin C is scurvy. Symptoms of scurvy are easy bruising/bleeding, hair and tooth loss, and pain and swelling of joints. These symptoms are related to the deficiency of collagen which results in the weakening of blood vessels, connective tissues, and bones. 3. Adequate intake of vitamin C can help to prevent diseases such as coronary heart disease, stroke, cancer, cataracts, gout, and toxicity from lead. 4. For individuals with cardiovascular diseases, treatment that includes daily vitamin C dosages of atleast 500mg per day has been shown to improve vasodilation. It also helps to increase vasodilation in individuals with diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Vitamin C has also been shown to be useful in the treatment of cancer in terminal patients when administered intravenously. 5. Vitamin C supplements are available in a wide variety of forms. Supplements can come in the form of natural or synthetic L-ascorbic acid, mineral ascorbates, with or without bioflavonoids, metabolites, and ascorbyl palmitate. 6. Most studies that have been conducted on high vitamin C intake were based on invitro experiments. The outcomes included genetic mutations, birth defects, cancer, atherosclerosis, kidney stones, excess iron absorption, vitamin B12 deficiency, and dental enamal erosion. Folate/Folic Acid 1. Folates are vitamins that naturally exists in our foods and in metabolically active forms in our body. Folic acid is the more stable form that does not occur frequently in food or our body. However, folic acid is the form that is most often used in supplements and fortififed food. Its functions include the metabolism of one-carbon units, DNA, amino acids, vitamins B12 and B6. 2. Deficiency of folate is usually caused by inadequte dietary consumption. Deficiency can also occur due to alcoholism, pregnancy, or certain medications. Not consuming enough folate can lead to an increase of blood homocysteine levels. Inadequate supply of folate also leads to fewer and larger red blood cells being produced, which causes megaloblastic anemia to occur. 3. Folates can be used to help prevent many things. It helps in the prevention of pregnancy complications, such as neural tube defects, heart defects, limb malformations, premature delivery, low birth weight in infants, miscarriages, and preclampsia. Folates also help in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases caused by elevated homocysteine levels, colorectal and breast cancers, Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive impairment diseases. 4. To help eliminate and prevent diseases and conditions caused by a deficiency in folates and folic acid, it is recommended that adults 19 years old and older consume atleast 400mcg/day of Dietary Folate Equivalent (DFE). 5. Folate can be used in supplemental forms. Folate supplements come in the form of folic acid and are available in single and combination products. 6. There have not been any reported adverse affects of excess folate intake from foods. However, there are concerns with excess levels of synthetic folic acid intake in individuals with vitamin B12 deficiency, which may lead to a condition known as megaloblastic anemia. High intake levels of folic acid in these individuals leads to a correction of the anemia, without correcting the underlying vitamin B12 deficiency. Untreated vitamin B12 deficiency puts those at an increased risk of developing irreversible neurological brain damage. Fluoride 1. Fluoride is used in our body to harden tooth enamel and stabilize bone mineralization. 2. The biggest condition related to a fluoride deficiency is the increased risk of developing dental cavities and tooth decay. 3. Adequate intake of fluoride is useful in the prevention of dental cavities and tooth decay by enhancing remineralization of tooth enamel and making teeth more resistant to demineralization. It has also been found to be useful in the prevention of osteoporosis when consumed at levels higher than that of recommended levels for tooth decay prevention. 4. Osteoporosis can be eliminated with very-high dosages of fluoride. It has been shown to produce large increases in bone mineral density in the vertebrae of the lumbar spine. 5. Fluoride supplements are only available by prescription. They are only intended for children who reside in areas with low water fluoride concentrations. It is given to them for the purpose of increasing their fluoride intake to about 1mg/day. 6. High fluoride intake (for the treatment of osteoporosis) is associated with the side effects of gastrointestinal irritation, joint pain in lower extremities, and the possible development of calcium deficiency, which leads to stress fractures. Acute fluoride poisoning is especially possible in children when consumed in excess through fluoride fortified products. Skeletal fluorosis, the changing of bone structure, can occur with excessive intake occurring over a long period of years. Dental fluorosis is also possible when given in excess to children who have not yet produced permanent teeth. Potassium 1. Potassium is the most abundant positively charged ion contained in the fluid inside of cells. It is a part of an electrochemical gradient known as the membrane potential. It works along with sodium to maintain ion pumps within the cell membrane that use ATP to pump out sodium in exchange for potassium. Potassium is also required for a number of enzymes that require it for activation. 2. The biggest disorder related to potassium deficiency is hypokalemia, which results from excessive loss of potassium through occurrences such as prolonged vomiting, diuretic usage, some kidney diseases, or metabolic disturbances. Hypokalemia symptoms include fatigue, muscle cramps, muscle weakness, and gastrointestinal problems related to intestinal paralysis. 3. Diseases that may be prevented with adequate potassium intake are stroke, osteoporosis, and kidney stones. 4. Potassium intake has been shown to help in the treatment of high blood pressure when consumed through a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables. 5. Supplements containing potassium contain no more than 99mg per serving. Higher dosages are prescribed for the treatment and prevention of hypokalemia and potassium depletion, and should only be used under the guidance of a medical professional. Potassium supplements are available in many forms, including potassium chloride, gluconate,bicarbonate, and citrate. 6. The most common side effect caused by potassium supplementation is gastrointestinal problems. This reaction includes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. These sides effects may be avoided by consuming potassium supplements with a meal. Using potassium chloride tablets coated with enteric has also reportedly lead to intestinal ulceration.

Whats Eating Gilbert Grape essays

Whats Eating Gilbert Grape essays Personal Identity in Whats Eating Gilbert Grape Personal identity is much like the blueprint for mankind, like a house, it is built and shaped after its design. If not built properly the house will eventually fall apart from how it was built or by the causes of nature. In the case of someone's identity if built properly by an individual it will last and stay strong, however adversity acts like a force of human nature and can either take a positive rebuilding role on a persons identity or a negative destructing role. In the film, What's Eating Gilbert Grape and from the excerpt in the novel of the same title, the director and author directly suggest personal identity as a key issue in the story. Whats eating the good Gilbert is laid out for us, like a feast. The title from the author further suggests we consider not only whats eating Gilbert (the forces preying on him) but also whats eating at him his ways of handling those forces. Living in Endora is like dancing to no music. The lame tone of Gilberts voice over creates a feeling of nothingness and the movie opening, with a track back along the road, suggests a sense of withdrawal. If Endora itself is nothingness, what is life out in the sticks, at the Grape house? Life at the Grape house is very depressing for all. Bonnie feels she has burdened her children and because of this Gilbert is forced to play the role of dad; Arnies retardation makes it hard for the rest of the family to deal with him because he is so hard to look after. All of this has a major impact on Gilbert. Over the course of the film Gilbert undergoes deep change. He is at first embarrassed by his mother, speaks disparagingly of her and even, at o ne point, lifts a small child to the window to peek at her. Yet in the final scenes, with Bonnie on her bed, there is love, tenderness and respect in his face. He has released all hi ...

Major Depressive Disorder

Major Depressive Disorder Introduction This assignment is a discussion on the topic of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).The discussion is based on the definition of Major Depressive Disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Major Depressive Disorder specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The purpose of the discussion is to analyze the definition of MDD and identify any gaps based on the social and biomedical perspectives, after which it gives the recommendations to fill the gaps in the definition so as to inform the definition of the MDD in the next edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The discussion starts with a definition of MDD, then goes on to identify the gaps and the recommendations to fill the gaps. At the end is a conclusion which sums up the main arguments of the discussion. Discussion The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Di sorders Criteria for Defining MDD The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders bases its definition of MDD majorly on the criteria of consistence and persistence of symptoms. The criteria distinguish MDD from depression by describing MDD as occurring in a prolonged manner, usually for a period of two weeks. It defines MDD as a form of depression in which the patient experiences feelings of disturbed moods in a recurrent manner. The mood disturbance cause disruption of the patient’s normal mood and makes him or her unable to adjust or behave accordingly in school, family setting as well as in work. The criteria of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders does not have any kind of diagnosis for MDD but relies on observation of the patient, the patient’s own account of changes in mood as well as reports by close friends or relatives on the observed changes in mood in the patient. The most notable symptoms which are relied on in diagnosing for MDD include day to day mood changes lasting for more than two weeks, lack of interest in virtually all daily activities even those which are very interesting, instances of daytime sleep (hypersomnia), loss of appetite which leads to loss of body weight, or a weight gain by more than 5 kilograms, inability to concentrate or think aptly, fatigue which leads to feelings of tiredness even after waking up, occasional thoughts about death which are accompanied by feelings of worthlessness, and suicidal or homicidal tendencies. On the symptom of depressed mood however, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria does not categorize depressed moods caused by things like drug and alcohol use or misuse, or depressed mood caused by other medical illnesses or conditions as MDD.Advertising Looking for essay on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More It does not also diagnose MDD for patients who are believ ed to have histories of mixed episodes, mania, bipolar disorder or hypomanic. Similarly, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria do not attribute the symptoms of depression caused by stress and bereavement in the criteria for diagnosing for MDD. The treatment and management of MDD under the criteria of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders mainly constitutes of three major interventions namely psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy and the use of antidepressants. For psychotherapy, the criteria recommend cognitive behavioral therapy both to the victim and his or her family members as well as close friends. It also recommends the method of psychoanalysis which was proposed by Sigmund Freud as a way of reconciling the past experiences with the present so as to help the patient get rid of the traumatic experiences of the past and live in a new orientation. According to the criteria, psychotherapy is recommended for patients with mild forms o f MDD. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders recommends antidepressant intervention for the severe cases of MDD which are accompanied by other mental illnesses. The commonly used antidepressant is the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), which is known to be effective especially for those patients who have recurrent episodes of MDD as well as those who respond negatively to psychotherapy. Electroconvulsive therapy is recommended for those patients who do not respond positively to both psychotherapy and antidepressants. It is also recommended for those patients who have suicidal tendencies, or those who are faced with the threat of dying due to their inability to eat or drink. It involves the generation of seizures in the patient’s brain through the use of electric waves especially when the patient is in a state of anesthesia. The Gaps in the Definition and Recommendations One major gap in the above definition of MDD is that the Diagnostic and S tatistical Manual of Mental Disorders does not consider social factors such as stress, stigma, criticism from other people, isolation and other relationship problems and challenges in its definition of MDD. According to a study done by Kleinman in 2004, negative criticism especially from family members is a major cause of MDD especially among women (Kleinman, 2004. pp.951-953). Other researchers have found out that grieve may be a cause of MDD, especially if the patient loses loved ones in a series of episodes. The prolonged stress as a result of bereavement may precipitate MDD in the patients, especially if the patients had strong emotional attachment to the deceased.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Major Depressive Disorder specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The next edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders should therefore consider including in its criteria of the causes of MDD the socia l factors mentioned above. This would allow for wider conceptualizations of the disorder, consequently leading to a wider conceptualization of its treatment and management. This would also widen the scope, especially with regard to counseling approaches involved. Such a move may see the inclusion of bereavement counseling as a way of dealing with or managing MDD. Going by the Diathesis-Stress perspective of mental illness, the criteria for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders has got some other gaps in its definition and conceptualization of MDD. According to this perspective, individuals are born with certain predispositions, which are nurtured by environmental interactions into specific thought patterns and or personalities, some of which may manifest themselves as MDD. The diathesis stress perspective identifies various predispositions which may shape the future personalities of young children. Such predispositions include genetics, neurotransmitters, neurobiolog y and the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis (Martinowich Lu, 2008. pp.342-348). The next edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders should therefore comprise the above mentioned predispositions in its definition and conceptualization of MDD. This is because with such a gap in a definition of an important concept like MDD, it can make the diagnosis and treatment too narrow, biased and consequently inappropriate and inadequate in dealing with the disorder. The idea of the current edition of ignoring symptoms linked to personalities is tantamount to ignoring a very important aspect of mental illnesses. MDD should therefore be contextualized not only in terms of the duration in which it occurs but also on the history of the individual especially in regard to the above predispositions. The other gap which is found in the definition and conceptualization of MDD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental criteria is the role of sleep patterns in M DD. According to Krishnan, both ‘decreased REM latency’ and ‘decreased slow wave sleep’ are known to be major contributors of MDD. This is because upon the necessary intervention to deal with them, most patients show improvement in the severity of symptoms of MDD. Based the findings by Krishnan, the next edition should include the sleep patterns in the diagnosis for MDD. This would make the treatment of MDD more inclusive and consequently effective, as opposed to the current situation in which the sleep disorders and patterns are completely ignored in the diagnosis and treatment of MDD. Conclusion This assignment was a discussion on the topic of major depressive disorder. The discussion was based on the current edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) and how it defines MDD. From the discussion, it has emerged that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) criteria is perhaps the most comprehen sive approach in defining MDD as well as other mental illnesses.Advertising Looking for essay on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The criteria for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders defines MDD based on the criteria of the duration of the symptoms, which it puts at two weeks. In the diagnosis of MDD, the criteria rely on observations of symptoms like suicidal tendencies and lack of concentration in the patients. These symptoms may be reported by the patient or his or her close friends or family members. One of the gaps which have been identified in the definition is the ignorance of some predispositions like genetics as well as social factors like stigma, isolation and criticisms. One of the recommendations is that the next edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders should factor in the issues identified above so as to fill the gap in the definition and make the diagnosis and treatment of MDD more inclusive and effective. References Kleinman, A. (2004).Culture and Depressions. The New England Journal of Medicine, (351) 10, pp.951-953. Krishnan. (2010). Epidemiology, Pathogenesis Neurobiology of Depression. Web. Martinowich, K., Lu, B.(2008). Interaction between BDNF and Serotonin: Role in Mood Disorders. Neuropsychophamacology: Official Publication of the American College of Neuropsychophamacology, 12(3), pp.342-348.

The association between the derivatives products and the financial Dissertation

The association between the derivatives products and the financial risk management is quite substantial and significant - Dissertation Example In order to operate in an effective manner, the banks need to manage their assets and liabilities from the various risks prevailing in the economy, one of which is the interest rate risk. Interest rate risk is the risk to earnings or capital arising from movement of interest rates. The need to manage the interest rate risk is very crucial for any bank and it has generally been observed that the interest rate risk management form the integral part of the risk management policies of all major global banks. This dissertation analysis the effectiveness of â€Å"interest rate swaps† in managing the interest rate risk faced by the UK banks and also how these derivatives product improves financial outlook of these banks. For the purpose of conducting the study, a quantitative and qualitative analysis was conducted on a sample of 12 major UK based banks. Through this analysis the conclusion is drawn that interest rate swaps is quite an effective hedging tool for the management of the interest rate risk and also for improving the financial outlook of a bank. Problem Statement In the global conventional economic environment, it would be quite interesting to evaluate the usage of the interest rate swaps by the financial institutions of UK, particularly multinationals banks. In this study 12 major banks of UK are selected and through both qualitative and quantitative research, the effectiveness of interest rate swaps is evaluated in managing and curtailing the financial risk. Research aim and objective The association between the derivatives products and the financial risk management is quite substantial and significant. The purpose of this paper is to conduct research on the basis of an expected analytical outcome, based on qualitative and quantitative analysis of the financial statements of UK banks, that how they have implemented the interest rate swaps in their risk management strategy. In this dissertation proposal the aims and objectives are as follows: To cla rify the influencing impact that the interest rate swaps in the global financial market in terms of managing and curtailing risk. Through quantitative and qualitative research and analysis, evaluate how giant UK banks are safeguarding their risk of being exposed to interest rate fluctuation in both the local and international financial market. Through a questionnaire, conduct an interview with the major finance personnel of these banks in order to obtain their views about the effectiveness of interest rate swaps in managing interest rate and financial risk. Research Questions Is there any positive significant association between interest rates swaps and financial risk management process? How interest rate swaps works in the global financial market? How effective are interest rate swaps in managing and curtailing the interest rate risk and financial risk faced by the UK banks? Dissertation Layout The first Chapter ‘

Examine the extent to which children have rights in a particular area Essay

Examine the extent to which children have rights in a particular area of law and provision (Abortion) - Essay Example The UK is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on Children’s rights held in the month of December in the year 1991. The Convention acts as a basis for protection of children’s rights in all member states. (Every Child Matters, 2008) The convention provides that all children have the right to life. This brings up a vital question; can a foetus be considered as a child? The United Kingdom recognises viable foetuses as those ones who have exceeded twenty four weeks. (Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, 2004) This is why the Abortion Act of 1967 allows abortions before a pregnancy has reached that stipulated time. In relation to this, the UK only allows abortion in cases where the unborn child will affect his mother’s health both physically and mentally. By providing such a restriction, the unborn child’s right to life is protected because mothers may not terminate their pregnancies for minor reasons. This ensures that unborn children’s rights are protected in the most viable way possible. The Abortion Act of 1967 also provides that abortions should only be carried out after obtaining consent from two medical practitioners. (Abortion right, 2007) The purpose of this stipulation is to further ascertain that abortions are only carried out in extreme conditions and that a child’s best interests are protected even before they are born. However, certain human rights groups like the Society for the protection of the unborn child claims that these laws are not doing enough to protect the unborn child. They argue that all abortions should be made illegal through repealing of the abortion acts relevant to women in the UK today. (Arthur, 2007) Experts agree that the United Kingdom’s abortion laws are quite severe to women but protect unborn children through its restrictions. In comparison to other countries in that area, unborn children take precedence over women. In countries like