The Jungle by Upton Sinclair - 651 Words

This book is called The Jungle. The Author or this book goes by the name of Upton Sinclair. The Jungle was published on February 26, 1906. Upton Sinclair is an American author with almost 100 books which are based on many different genres. Sinclair is a journalist, novelist, as well as a political activist. Sinclair is most famous for this book. The Jungle is a novel that is based on the disgusting conditions of the US meatpacking industry, and the hardships of the labor that immigrant men and women have to go through to scrap by with bare minimum pay from their employers. The Jungle is set in the early 1900’s in the industrialized city of Packingtown, Chicago. This book first starts with some background information about Jurgis and his extended family of twelve, and how they got to America. Ironically they are coming to America to get out of their home country of Lithuania and live the â€Å"American Dream†. This takes a turn for the worst. Jurgis is a determined, hard working man who does not want to do anything else other than support his family the best that he possibly can. This book starts out with a traditional Lithuanian wedding. Jurgis is getting married to a woman named Ona, who is portrayed throughout the whole book as being a big push-over, and the type of woman that is very easy to take advantage of. Even though Jurgis and his wife Ona are on a low budget pay, they had a great financed wedding to say the least. Jurgis promises to pay everything back over theShow MoreRelatedThe Jungle By Upton Sinclair1526 Words   |  7 Pagessocietal and government reforms did â€Å"The Jungle† call for. Do you feel this novel was effective in bringing about any of these reforms. â€Å"The Jungle†, written by Upton Sinclair, is an astonishing novel informing readers about the devastating truths involving impoverished life in America, particularly Chicago. This novel gives the reader an inside look into to the struggles of numerous European immigrants as they ventured to America during the early 1900 s. Sinclair depicts the disturbing and emotionalRead MoreThe Jungle By Upton Sinclair986 Words   |  4 PagesThe life of Jurgis Rudkus, from the novel The Jungle by Upton Sinclair, shares many parallels to the life of the working class in American society during the period 1865 to 1910. that limits the freedom of the working class. Even though it is stated on paper that working class citizens such as Jurgis are equals and just as free as the upper-class citizens, society limited the the freedom of the working class. People like Jurgis are not truly â€Å"free† because the social and political forces at the timeRead MoreThe Jungle By Upton Sinclair 1155 Words   |  5 Pages8/10/17 The Jungle By Upton Sinclair Book Review The working conditions in the US in the 20th  century were diffcult since workers had to struggle to survive on the daily bases.The Jungle written by Upton Sinclair does not only highlight the life of American workers but also uncovers the infleunce of capitalism in the US, where workers and employees were destined to fight for a living, while the upper-class reaped the benefits of national wealth.The Jungle gives many examples of theRead MoreThe Jungle by Upton Sinclair1400 Words   |  6 PagesWhat are the major issues Sinclair addresses in The Jungle? The Jungle by Upton Sinclair is a vivid account of life for the working class in the early 1900s. Jurgis Rudkus and his family travel to the United States in search of the American dream and an escape from the rigid social structure of Lithuania. Instead, they find a myriad of new difficulties. Sinclair attributes their problems to the downfalls of capitalism in the United States. While America’s system was idealistic for Jurgis and hisRead MoreThe Jungle By Upton Sinclair1210 Words   |  5 PagesThe Jungle by written by Upton Sinclair Book Report This report is based upon the book The Jungle, written by Upton Sinclair. This book was published by The Jungle Publishing Co. New York in 1906. Introduction of Author: Upton Sinclair was born on September 20, 1878, in Baltimore, Maryland. He belonged to a family off southern aristocracy but once Sinclair was born, his family went into poverty. Sinclair was a very smart boy and graduated from high school at the age of fourteen to go on and attendRead MoreThe Jungle by Upton Sinclair 792 Words   |  3 PagesCritics often argue that Upton Sinclair, author of many classic American novels including The Jungle, was cynical and bitter even. However if one were to dig just a bit deeper they may realize that Sinclair was spot on in his idea that this â€Å"American dream† that our country sells is actually a work of fiction. In his book The Jungle, Sinclair, points out the flaws of the American dream. Many immigrants traveled thousands of miles aboard, cramped, disease infested, ships with hope of coming to thisRead MoreThe Jungle By Upton Sinclair1260 Words   |  6 Pages The Jungle by Upton Sinclair was published in 1906. After reading two-hundred and ninety-four pages, it is evident that humans have been shaping the world over time and the world has been shaping us as well. A lot has changed since the industrial revolution, the time frame in which this novel takes place. Our food industries have improved, money value has risen, and job opportunities have expanded. Throughout The Jungle the reader follows an immigrant family on their journey of hardships andRead MoreThe Jungle By Upton Sinclair937 Words   |  4 PagesThe Jungle, by Upton Sinclair and Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, by Frederick Douglass both bring forth personal or fictional events that capture t he interest of the the reader. The use of pathos in their writing along with true events questions the ethics, morality, and human rights of each individual at the time setting for the publication. In the book, The Jungle, Upton Sinclair advocates for the overall elimination of oppression and exploitation of workers andRead MoreThe Jungle By Upton Sinclair1334 Words   |  6 Pages1900s there were already more than 10 million immigrants living in America. Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle reveals the struggles and hardships of a family that immigrated to the United States from Lithuania during the 1900s. Although many immigrant families came to America in search of a better life, soon most found themselves barely surviving with no job, food, shelter, or money. As is the case of the family in The Jungle. The novel not only unveils the corruption of the political and economic systemRead MoreThe Jungle By Upton Sinclair1000 Words   |  4 PagesThe Jungle â€Å"I aimed at the public s heart and by accident I hit in the stomach (Upton Sinclair).† Upton Sinclair originally intended to expose the horrible conditions faced by immigrants as they tried to survive in Chicago s Meat-Packing District in his 1904 novel â€Å"The Jungle.† Sinclair’s book created fear and anger in the public which would lead to the passage of the Meat Inspection Act of 1906. The Federal Meat Inspection Act of 1906 (FMIA)is a law that makes it a crime to adulterate or misbrand

Health And Life Style Of Cosmetics Essay - 1084 Words

Health and life style The wide spread use of synthetic items, especially cosmetics, is prompted by man’s increasing desire to improve his looks and personality in the society. Cleanliness and use of chemicals Cosmetics contaminating the environment Pl find some references to quote here Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) is a common chemical compound found in cosmetics. It also acts as a foaming agent in various hygiene products, such as shampoo and soap. There are chances that it can be contaminated with traces of Dioxane, which is labelled as a probable human carcinogen. It is not biodegradable and can stay in the environment for a long time. According to a widely cited study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives four common chemicals in sunscreen ( paraben, cinnamate, benzophenone and camphor derivatives) contribute to coral bleaching (leaving the coral vulnerable to viral infections, disease and death) around the world. The researchers estimated that upto 6000 metric tons of sunscreen wash off into the oceans each year, and 10% of all coral reefs have been affected. Hence experts suggest using eco-friendly chemical sunscreens or organic mineral sunscreens. Triclosan, an antibacterial agent used in many deodorants, soaps and cleaning products since 1972, has been found in rivers, streams and sewage sludge used as fertilizer. There are conflicting reports pertaining to triclosan s harmful affects in animals, but it hasShow MoreRelatedThe Beauty And Cosmetics Industry Essay1590 Words   |  7 Pages INTRODUCTION The beauty and cosmetics industry is one of the largest sectors worldwide. Due to the many products, opinions are divided on their performances and potential side- effects. When it comes to hair and beauty, you cannot afford to get it wrong. Online blogs on hair and beauty is a great place to keep up with the trends, learning about new styles and learning about new products. In this article, we will discuss the top hair and beauty blogs that you should visit. http://www.hairromanceRead MoreMental Health of Abused Women760 Words   |  3 PagesREVIEW OF LITERATURE 1)F.Scott Christopher and Tiffani S. Kisler(2012)surveyed mental health issues faced by women who experienced intimate partner violence.339 college women were surveyed and analysis showed that verbal aggression and minor and major physical violence overlapped.Experiences of sexual assault and minor physical violence also co-occurred.Women who experienced verbal and physical abuse but not sexual violence showed symptoms of hostility,anxiety,and depression and those who experiencedRead MoreInformative Speech : Plastic Surgery819 Words   |  4 PagesINFORMATIVE SPEECH OUTLINE Topic: Plastic Surgery Specific purpose: Allowing people to know the pros and cons of plastic surgery. Thesis: The cosmetic, issues, and beauty. We need to understand every possible outcome while considering plastic surgery. Introduction I. Attention-getter: Modern plastic surgeons can alter almost any aspect of physical appearance, from facial features to body shape. II. Credibility statement: According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 14.6 million plasticRead MoreCosmetic Surgery1507 Words   |  7 PagesShould cosmetic surgery be encouraged to the general public? Cosmetic surgery is defined as â€Å"any medical operation which is intended to improve a person’s appearance rather than their health† (Cambridge Dictionary, 2003, p.275). By definition, cosmetic surgery is a common practice used to modify the physical outlook of people, especially for women. This is definitely a luxury, which is not necessary to the public. Starting from the 20th century, however, cosmetic surgery is no longer a luxuryRead MorePlastic Surgery On Child With Handicap1163 Words   |  5 Pagespotential and psychological of the individual. The cosmetic surgery that has been realizing on children with Dow Syndrome may improve their physical appearance, but it will not improve their potential, nor improve their development psychological. There still the same. The statistics on children submitting to a surgery it’s been increasing in US in the las decade. The procedure of this method is painful and costly. The cost of a surgery is high. The healt h insurance will cover the cost depending on whatRead MoreL Oreal Company Background1041 Words   |  5 PagesL’Oreal Group is listed on the Paris Stock Exchange in 1963 and it is headquartered in Clichy, France. L’Oreal is present in 130 countries on five continents. According to L’Oreal annual report from 2014, the brand was considered the number one in Cosmetics Group Worldwide( source: â€Å"Beauty’s Top 100† WWD, August 2014. (2) Like-for-like.). The organization is composed of 78,600 employees with an International portfolio of 32 complementary brands. The Breakdown of 2014 Sales was registered as 2Read MoreWhat Are The Risks Of Plastic Surgery?1077 Words   |  5 Pagesunable to feel their face,† (Wheatley, par. 4). In addition to the plastic surgeries, there are also cosmetic surgeries in which people think are the same, they are similar, but not the exact smae. â€Å"Cosmetic surgery focuses on aesthetic appearance while plastic surgery aims to improve the function,† (Nordqvist, par.1). Although their names are different and they work for different purposes, cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery are equally effective but also risky. Using plastic surgery for any reasonRead MoreCosmetic Surgery: A Quick Fix? Essay1252 Words   |  6 Pages What was once a surgery performed primarily to restore, is now used to enhance a person’s face and body. Cosmetic surgery, which is said to have been â€Å"used more than 4,000 years ago to treat facial injuries† (Fresh Faces) is now considered a common activity among any kind of person. This surgery first gained popularity in the 1910’s after World War I, among soldiers with shattered war faces in need of repair. Later, it became a popular trend among women, who were mostly from high-classRead MoreThe Development Of Cosmetic Surgery1556 Words   |  7 Pagesâ€Å"large† nose (Victoria). Caitlin Clemons, age eighteen, had surgical breast augmentation in order to â€Å"fulfill† her self- esteem (Victoria). These cases are what have shifted natural beauty to the idea that reflection is everything. The development of cosmetic surge ry has evolved from the need to repair gross deformities to changing perfectly normal appearances. In today’s society, the priority is placed on the ability to appear youthful and vibrant. The phenomenon urged by the media is expressing thatRead MoreThe Dangers of Plastic Surgery Essay1505 Words   |  7 Pagesunnecessary surgery due to the associated health risks. Ever since its inception, the ads on television have portrayed men and women in certain a light. It is apparent in advertisements from the forties that women were expected to behave, act and look a certain way. Even to this day, advertisements have a giant impact on what people purchase, as well as how people act. Advertisements in the media can greatly affect people in all aspects of their life. Many people are greatly influenced by what

An opninion on Christ by Bill McKeever Essay Example For Students

An opninion on Christ by Bill McKeever Essay Who is the Living Christ of Mormonism? By Bill McKeever In bearing testimony of Jesus Christ, President Hinckley spoke of those outside the Church who say Latter-day Saints do not believe in the traditional Christ. No, I dont. The traditional Christ of whom they speak is not the Christ of whom I speak' (LDS Church News, week ending June 20, 1998, p.7). It is true that many of the Christian churches worship a different Jesus Christ than is worshipped by the Mormons or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Seventy Bernard P. Brockbank, The Ensign, May 1977, p.26 ). Following one of our outreaches at the LDS Jesus the Christ pageant in Mesa, Arizona, I overheard a young Mormon girl complain to her friend how one of the Christians tracting the event had said that the Jesus of Mormonism was not the Jesus of the Bible. She was overtaken by such a statement, incredulous that such a comment could be made. How can that be? she said. There is only one Jesus! It would seem reasonable that if the one to whom Mormons call the Savior is in fact the Savior of Scripture, it should be easy to take what the Bible has to say about Jesus and then compare this with what Mormons leaders have said. Logic would demand that the two descriptions should parallel. However, this is where the problem lies. Mormon leaders have described their Jesus as a literal offspring of the one they call Elohim. The First Presidency of the Church has written, God the Eternal Father, whom we designate by the exalted name-title Elohim, is the literal Parent of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and of the spirits of the human race (Messages from the First Presidency 5:26). According to the Encyclopedia of Mormonism (Vol.4, Appendix 4), Jesus Christ is not the Father of the spirits who have taken or yet shall take bodies upon this earth, for He is one of them. He is The Son, as they are sons and daughters of Elohim. Page 11 of the LDS Church manual Gospel Principles (pg. 11) states, All men and women are.. .literally sons and daughters of Deity. This includes the Mormon Jesus. Mormon theology makes a distinction between Elohim and Jehovah. LDS leaders have claimed that these are the names of two separate Gods. Sixth LDS President Joseph F. Smith stated, Among the spirit children of Elohim, the first-born was and is Jehovah, or Jesus Christ, to whom all others are juniors (Gospel Doctrine, p.70). Before going further, it should be noted that the English form Jehovah was developed from four consonants (YHWH) known as the tetragrammaton. Since this was considered to be the personal name of God, the pious Jew felt it was too holy to pronounce and therefore did not include vowels. From these four letters, we get the word Yahweh, translated LORD in many passages of the Bible. On literally hundreds of occasions, the words Yahweh and Elohim are used together to demonstrate that Jehovah is Elohim. (See Genesis 2:4-22; Deut. 4:1; Judges 5:3; 1 Samuel 2:30.) These words are also used together as LORD our God, LORD my God, LORD his God, LORD your God, and LORD thy God. Even Joseph Smith in his Inspired Version of the Bible (also known as the Joseph Smith Translation) translated 1 Kings 8:60 as The Lord is God or Jehovah is Elohim. (See also Exodus 34:14 in the JST.) LDS theology tells us that all mortals lived prior to this life in what is called the pre-existence. Mormon Apostle Bruce McConkie stated that it was in the pre-existence that Jesus attained the status of a God. Wrote McConkie, He is the Firstborn of the Father. By obedience and devotion to the truth he attained that pinnacle of intelligence which ranked him as a God, as the Lord Omnipotent, while yet in his pre-existent state (Mormon Doctrine, 1966, pg. 129). In essence, the Mormon Jesus did something his own father could not accomplish, that is, become a God before going through a mortal probation. Christians have longed maintained that Christ was, and is, the eternal God. Unlike the teachings of LDS prophets, there was not a point in time when he was not God. One of the more offensive attributes designated to the Jesus of Mormonism is the claim that Jesus is the spirit-brother of Lucifer. Twelfth President Spencer W. Kimball wrote, Long before you were born a program was developed by your creators . .. The principal personalities in this great drama were a Father Elohim, perfect in wisdom, judgment, and person, and two sons, Lucifer and Jehovah. (Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, pp. 32-33). Ironically, the same passages of Scripture that expound on Christs eternal Godhood also show that Lucifer could not be the brother of Christ. John 1:1-3 tells us that all things (including Lucifer) were made by the Christ who was in the beginning, God. Colossians 1:16 tells us that all things, including things visible and invisible, principalities or powers, were created by the preeminent Jesus Christ, the eternal God. The Bible forcefully declares Lucifer to be a creation of Jesus, not in any way the brother of Jesus. Another major difference separating the LDS Jesus from the historical Jesus of Christianity is the incarnation. Christians have adhered to the fact that Christs birth was the result of a miraculous conception, that Mary was a virgin yet still conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18). Social Issues Of Yesterday And Today Essay First John 1:7 states, But if we walk in the light, as He is in the Light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth from all sin. If the Mormons are in fact serving the same Christ, why is this not true of his blood? In the LDS tract entitled, What the Mormons Think of Christ (1973, pg. 22), it reads, Christians speak often of the blood of Christ and its cleansing power. Much that is believed and taught on this subject, however, is such utter nonsense and so palpably false that to believe it is to lose ones salvation. Many go so far, for instance, as to pretend, at least, to believe that if we confess Christ with our lips and avow that we accept Him as our personal Savior, we are thereby saved. His blood, without other act than mere belief, they say, makes us clean. On page 92 of McConkies Mormon Doctrine, he wrote, But under certain circumstances there are serious sins for which the cleansing of Christ does not operate, and the law of God is that men must then have their own blood shed to atone for their sins. Like the young girl mentioned above, many Mormons do not realize that some of their leaders know full well that the LDS Jesus is not the Jesus who Bible-believing Christians trust in for their salvation. Why else would McConkie also accuse Christians of abasing themselves before the mythical throne of a mythical Christ if he really thought we served the same Jesus? (Mormon Doctrine, pg.269). In light of the above, we must ask which Jesus has the power to save? The spirit-brother of Lucifer who had to work out his own salvation? Or the unique Jesus of the Bible who was and is eternally God, the one who can rightfully declare, I am the way, the truth and the life? Unfortunately, it is possible to believe in the wrong Jesus. Paul made this clear to the Christian church in Corinth. (2 Corinthians 11:4). The question is, which one are you trusting in? Was Jesus Married? Several LDS Leaders Say He Was Journal of Discourses 2:82, Orson Hyde, October 6, 1854 Gentlemen, that is as plain as the translators, or different councils over this Scripture, are allow it to go to the world, but the thing is there; it is told; Jesus was the bridegroom at the marriage of Cana of Galilee, and he told them what to do Now there was actually a marriage; and if Jesus was not the bridegroom on that occasion, please tell who was. If any man can show this, and prove that it was not the Savior of the world, then I will acknowledge I am in error. We say it was Jesus Christ who was married, to be brought into the relation whereby he could see his seed, before he was crucified. When Joseph Fielding Smith was asked if this meant that Christ had children, Joseph Fielding Smith wrote, Yes! But do not preach it! The Lord advised us not to cast pearls before swine! (Letter to J. Ricks Smith, dated March 17, 1963 Journal of Discourses 2:210, Orson Hyde, March 18, 1855 I discover that some of the Eastern papers represent me as a great blasphemer, because I said, in my lecture on Marriage, at our last Conference, that Jesus Christ was married at Cana of Galilee, that Mary, Martha, and others were his wives, and that he begat children. Journal of Discourses 4:259, Orson Hyde It will be borne in mind that once on a time, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and on a careful reading of that transaction, it will be discovered that no less a person than Jesus Christ was married on that occasion. If he was never married, his intimacy with Mary and Martha, and the other Mary also whom Jesus loved, must have been highly unbecoming and improper to say the best of it. The Seer, p. 172, Orson Pratt We have now clearly shown that God, the Father had a plurality of wives, one or more being in eternity, by whom He begat our spirits as well as the spirit of Jesus His First Born We have also proved most clearly that the Son followed the example of his Father, and became the great Bridegroom to whom kings daughters and many honorable Wives to be married. Wilford Woodruffs Journal 8:187, July 22, 1883 Evening Meeting. Prayer By E Stephenson. Joseph F Smith spoke One hour 25 M. He spoke upon the Marriage in Cana at Galilee. He thought Jesus was the Bridgegroom and Mary Martha the brides. He also refered to Luke 10 ch. 38 to 42 verse, Also John 11 ch. 2 5 vers John 12 Ch 3d vers, John 20 8 to 18. Joseph Smith spoke upon these passages to show that Mary Martha manifested much Closer relationship than Merely A Believer which looks Consistet. He did not think that Jesus who decended throug Poligamous families from Abraham down who fulfilled all the Law even baptism by immersion would have lived and died without being married.

What Works Reducing Recidivism for Juveniles Essays - Penology

Jennifer L Richards November 12, 2010 What Works: Reducing Recidivism for Juveniles Introduction Juvenile crimes are usually represented as a large proportion in a community. To minimize the situation, the juvenile justice system created different types of rehabilitation programs eager to assist juveniles in becoming more susceptible to future criminal activities. Patience and hope is the forefront of our juvenile justice system. As a community come together to help prevent juvenile crime, our juvenile justice system had an astonishing decrease in juvenile crime since 1999. Unfortunately, many juvenile offenses go unreported and thus do not become a part of the national statistical picture (OJJDP). Even though in 1999, U.S. juvenile courts processed an estimated 1,673,000 delinquency cases that involved juveniles charged with criminal law violations (Stahl, pg. 1, 2001). The reason for this trend is estimated to be the risk factors that affect juveniles such as drugs, mental defects, extreme poverty, over exposure to violence, an easy access to firearms, violence in media (mo vies, etc), an unstable family life with family violence, gang violence, and other delinquent peers to which they subject themselves. Today, nineteen percent of all juveniles arrested in 2007 were handled within the police department and then released. Seventy percent of arrested juveniles were referred to juvenile court (OJJDP). Most crimes committed by juveniles are caused by males. More than three of every four (76%) delinquency cases in 1999 involved a male, a decline from 81% in 1990. In 1999, males accounted for 84% (160,800) of drug law violation cases, 76% (537,900) of property offense cases, 75% (293,000) of public order offense cases, and 73% (282,800) of person offense cases. So the question being asked here is, ?How can the juvenile justice system prevent such trends and what programs work to reduce recidivism amongst juveniles Reducing Juvenile Recidivism with Sanctions According to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, (also known as OJJDP) report and Juvenile Offenders and Victims: 2006 National Report, ?There is no national recidivism rate for juveniles. Such a rate would not have much meaning since juvenile justice systems vary so much across states (OJJDP). High profile?often very violent?incidents tend to shape public perceptions of juvenile offending. Juvenile justice systems have widely adopted risk assessment instruments to support judicial and administrative decisions about sanctioning severity and restrictiveness of care (Juvenile Assessments). It is important for the public, the media, elected officials, and juvenile justice professionals to have an accurate view of (1) the crimes committed by juveniles, (2) the proportion and characteristics of youth involved in law-violating behaviors, and (3) trends in these behaviors. This understanding can come from studying victim reports, juvenile self-reports of offending behavior, and official records (Snyder, Sickmund, pg. 63). The main aim of community corrections is to make it possible for juvenile offenders to receive additional help via local, city, or county level programs for treatment and assistance rather than prison. The main goals of community sanctions include facilitating juvenile offender reintegration, fostering juvenile offender rehabilitation, providing an alternative range of juvenile offender punishments, and heightening juvenile offender accountability. The general purpose of an officer working to assist in a community sanction is: to establish criteria for selecting work sites for offenders ordered to perform community service; to design an intensive supervision program; to devise a means of reducing crowding in a local jail; or to propose a set of sentencing guidelines for the use of community sanctions. ?Sanctions? are the official responses levied or imposed by the criminal justice system on persons convicted of crimes (Harri s, Pgs 3-4). Rehabilitation is one of the major goals of any community sanctioned program. Sanctions may be assigned for the purposes of punishment, treatment, public protection, deterrence, or a variety of other aims. The types of rehabilitations can be separated by age groups, diverse backgrounds, addictions such as drugs and alcohol, or learning disabilities (including educational deficiencies). Community sanctions have major functions to assist in juvenile offender punishments which include client monitoring and supervision, ensuring public safety, employment assistance, individual/group counseling, education training and literacy services, networking with other community agencies and businesses, and alleviating jail and prison overcrowding. The means to have an alternative outlet for a non-violent offender is better than sending them

Meat Tenderness essays

Meat Tenderness essays Numerous consumer surveys done in recent years indicate that meat tenderness is the most important consideration made by shoppers and consumers when mealtime decisions are made. Tenderness, juiciness, and flavor are the three main factors contributing to palatability, however, much more variation from cut to cut can be found in the tenderness category than in the other two. Causes for variation can range from age of carcass, genetics, muscle stress, and handling after kill to suspension of the carcass, rigor mortis, and enzyme soaking and radiation treatments. This paper will focus primarily on the tenderness factor in beef; however, pork will be addressed when applicable. Beef is essentially a muscle food. In order to fully understand the tenderness factor of beef, one must have working knowledge of the properties of muscle structure. One of the primary factors in tenderness levels is the amount of connective tissue in the cut of beef. Connective tissue surrounds the myofibrils, and another layer of connective tissue covers the muscle fiber. Still more layers cover the muscle bundles, and the entire muscle itself. Different parts of the beef animal have different amounts of connective tissue. Generally speaking, the more connective tissue present, the less tender beef is when cooked (Beef production/management d.). For example, the psoas major, the multifidis dorsi, and the gluteus medius are some muscles that contain the least amount of connective tissue, and are therefore some of the most tender. The cutaneous, the trapezius, and the super pectoral have large amounts of connective tissue, and therefore are some of the toughest cuts of bee f. These variations in toughness between and even within muscles place a higher importance on cutting practices. Meat should be cut to ensure uniform tenderness throughout the cut, so that proper cooking practices to increase tenderness can reap their maximum benefit (s...

Mandarin Vocabulary - Answering Questions

Mandarin Vocabulary - Answering Questions Mandarin does not have specific words for saying â€Å"yes† and â€Å"no.† Instead, the verb which is used in the Mandarin question is used to make a positive or negative reply. For example, if the question was: Do you like rice? The answer could be: I like.orI don’t like. Answering Mandarin Questions Mandarin questions can be answered with the question verb. This verb can be either positive (to answer â€Å"yes†) or negative (to answer â€Å"no†). The positive form of the verb is simply the verb repeated: Q: NÇ  xÇ huan fn ma?Do you like rice?ä ½  Ã¥â€"Å"æ ­ ¡Ã© £ ¯Ã¥â€"Ž?A: XÇ huan.(I) like.Ã¥â€"Å"æ ­ ¡ If you want to say you don’t like rice, you would say bà ¹ xÇ huan. The Mandarin No To answer â€Å"no† to a question, the negative form of the question verb is formed using the particle ä ¸  (bà ¹). The only â€Å"irregular† verb is æÅ"‰ (yÇ’u - to have), which uses æ ²â€™ (mà ©i) for its negative form. Mà ©i is also used for negating Functive Verbs (action verbs) when talking about past actions. In this situation, mà ©i is a short form for mà ©i yÇ’u and either form can be used. Mandarin Questions and Answers Q: NÇ  yÇ’u bÇ  ma?Do you have a pen?ä ½  Ã¦Å"‰ç ­â€ Ã¥â€"Ž?A: Mà ©i yÇ’u.No (don’t have).æ ²â€™Ã¦Å"‰Q: NÇ  yo bà º yo mÇŽi?Do you want to buy (it)?ä ½  Ã¨ ¦ Ã¤ ¸ Ã¨ ¦ Ã¨ ² ·?A: Yo.Yes (want).è ¦ Q: JÄ «ntiÄ n shà ¬ xÄ «ng qÄ « yÄ « ma?Is today Monday?ä »Å Ã¥ ¤ ©Ã¦Ëœ ¯Ã¦ËœÅ¸Ã¦Å"Ÿä ¸â‚¬Ã¥â€"Ž?A: Shà ¬.Yes (is).æ˜ ¯

JVA Corporation Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

JVA Corporation - Assignment Example Organizations that lack proper PMS are unable to fulfill their commitments and even compromise on quality of their goods and services which can significantly impact their relationship with their customers (Performance Appraisal, 2011). Likewise, ineffective PMS will not be able to give confidence to employees as they will see that they are not being rewarded for their contributions and they will be unable to develop important skills required for performing their job with zeal and enthusiasm (Armstrong & Baron, 2005). Since economic recession has impacted working of all organizations, it has become important for them to take appropriate measures that will help them in enhancing their performance and cut back costs (Performance Management, 2012). Organizations have to make choices among various options such as close down their operations, cut down salaries of employees, lay off workers and many more; JVA Corporation will have to review its PMS so that it can make the right decision for its business operations and ensure that it is able to generate enough profit for its ongoing survival in the market. Considering the scenario of JVA Corporation, the most ideal strategy is the second one as it will allow it to ensure that people are secured about their jobs that they will not be made redundant. The strategy suggested for implementation by Human Resource Director is that every six months, performance and revenue will be reviewed so that decision about cutting or increasing pay can be effectively made. During these reviewing periods bottom line will be revisited as well. Employees will be motivated that they can get raises in their pay twice a year if they perform well. Implementation plan for PMS Since JVA Corporation has been losing money in the last couple of years due to economic recession, it will have to cut back perks and amenities that are offered to the employees. Before making any adjustments in compensation packages, heads of respective departments will ha ve meeting with their departmental employees so that they convey the changes being made in PMS. Along with modifications in their pay packages, JVA Corporation will be able to save 2-3% of their net income; in order to raise salaries and wages, employees will have to meet demands of enhancing their performance so that they are eligible for pay increases. With this strategy, employees will be affected to a greater extent as they will be suffering from incentives such as pay raises, auto insurance, transportation cost and many more. However, workers’ morale will get boosted as they will realize that the company will not lay off the workers and they will not lose their jobs. JVA Corporation can be affected by implementation of the strategy because some employees might be reluctant to such impositions which will affect their motivation level and they will be discouraged to enhance their productivity; as a result of this, employees might get de-motivated. In order to boost the mor ale of such employees, HR staff will arrange counseling sessions with them so that they can tell them the reasons of making such changes and help them in developing their potential skills. One point needs to be clarified that strategy implementation is temporary and

Foreign Direct Investment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

Foreign Direct Investment - Essay Example IFIs have been in existence courtesy of political and economic interests. Faster economic integration, through the elimination of cross-border barriers between the member countries, raises the possibility the spread of economic crisis across the region in the event of a policy failure and the role of international financial institutions in future to alleviate the problem. This is especially true because IFIs have not acted fast or adequate enough to enable countries avoid or manage the impacts of financial crises (Marktanner and Salman 4479). The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank are prominent IFIs, which provide financial services across the world. They were both set up at Bretton Woods in 1944 to control the post-war global economy. The establishment of IMF was inspired by the desire to manage the modalities of fixed exchange rates across states and to help nation-states ease budget shortfalls, while the World Bank’s scope at its inception was to enable na tions achieve post-war reconstruction efforts. Since then, the roles of both institutions have changed significantly following a swift evolution of the scope and mandate of international economy. These international changes have sparked concerns relating to the significance of the two international financial institutions. ... Nonetheless, the United States’ stance on the balance of payments weakened drastically in the 1960s as a result of heavy military budgets and soaring inflation rates. As a result, the suspension of the United States convertibility to gold in early 1970s led to the disintegration of the monetary system agreed upon at Bretton Woods. And for four decades now, all nations have set up internal mechanism to guide exchange rates. These range from fixed currency exchange rates to controlled floats and liberal floating systems. Benefits of IFIs Despite the shortfalls, IFIs are advantageous because the credit risk often comes out in adverse cases. As a result, the establishment of IFIs to cater for the financial needs of governments cannot be rivalled by the private sector. IFIs offer financial services at highly reduced costs, and do not exert a lot of pressures upon the loaner. This means IFIs operate in an even-handed manner, without passing extra costs to the loaner (Marktanner and Salman 4482). As the economy is mostly forced to factor in the political effects, this risk is invisible in the operation of IFIs. These organizations represent the qualified source of finances and may provide financial services at, or below the market interest rate, this being allowed even in the scenarios where global capital market reigns. In the event that the global capital markets remain steadfast, the ensuing scenario often manifests in the missing certitude in loaning each country, which essentially takes place due to the essence of the management of the economy. The challenge that a government may not have the capacity to handle the duty service is much reduced in a national economy that has

Personal Selling Essay Example for Free

Personal Selling Essay My wife and I love shopping. She is more of a driver while I am on the analytical side. I like to gather the information, know the facts, evaluate options and then go for a purchase. For my wife, it is important to know the basic facts about the product and she is ready to make a quick decision, whether she wants the product or not. When we do shopping together, mostly we debate on â€Å"let’s buy right now vs. why not wait and evaluate other options. † Who wins? Well! Suffice it to say, our scores are pretty even. Recently she bought a new digital camera. While going to the nearest â€Å"Best Buy† to buy the camera, she wanted me to accompany her. Though before entering the store, she cautioned me to not to start a fact finding mission, comparing features and benefits of various brands, as she wants to make this purchase a quick and simple one. I agreed, but was not convinced. The digital camera market is now a days turned into a commodity market. There is a high price sensitivity due to â€Å"difficult comparison effects. † There are so many choices and brands available with similar features and benefits that sometimes it is really difficult to pick an absolute winner. When we entered the Best Buy, we already had a silent agreement that it will be a short trip, no fuss over facts! When we went to the Camera Section, it was truly confusing. There were so many choices from Nikons and Canons to Sonys and Toshibas that it was difficult to select one. My wife looked puzzled, and I had a huge grin, the message was loud†¦ and you wanted this to be a quick and simple purchase! Triumphantly, grinning from cheek to cheek, I started looking at the features of each brand and started comparing them†¦ the analyzer prevailed! But soon I was confused too. The features/ benefits and price variability was difficult to connect. There was significant price variability between various brands with similar features. At this point, we really needed help. Those of you, shopping at the Best Buy could relate to the fact that mostly it is hard to get help at this store. Customer service paged for the sales person but no one turned up. We were getting a bit annoyed because we were waiting for fifteen minutes and no sales person was available. When we were about to lose patience and walk out of the store, came a sales person. With a smiling face, he introducing himself as Bob. First, he very politely apologized for the long waiting time, gave us the reasons, of course the usual ones. But his demeanour and empathy washed out all our resentment and annoyance. He then enquired about our need and what we are looking for in a camera, etc. After determining our need, he gave an over view of the available choices in the camera section and by process of differentiation short listed four choices. He knew what he was talking, giving us quick facts about the products connecting features and benefits with our needs. We were impressed. By the time he short listed the choices, we were in so mesmerized and developed full faith in him that we were even ready to accept whatever he recommends as the best. But he did not do that, instead he narrowed down the choices and left the final decision on us. That was a great gesture. When we completed the purchase and walked out of the store, both my wife and me, a driver and an analyzer were happy and content because of a good experience. Did we make a great purchase or Bob, the sales person, made a great sale. Well, it was a win win situation for both stakeholders and this is a trait of great sales person. Why it was a good experience? First, Bob made sure to empathize with us, instantly relieving our anxiety due to long wait time. Second, he determined our need and then connected it with the available choices. He was confident because his product knowledge was superb. He had a human side that was touching and he did not impose his choice on us nor did forced selling. Now a days, we make it a point to recommend Bob to all our friends, if they are in need of a camera.

Gabriels Epiphany in The Dead by James Joyce Essay -- Joyce Dead Es

Gabriel's Epiphany in The Dead by James Joyce   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Many people in society feel alienated from the world and separated from their fellow man while others may try to find meaning where none exists.   In James Joyce's "The Dead," Gabriel Conroy faces these problems and questions his own identity due to a series of internal attacks and external factors that lead him to an epiphany about his relation to the world; this epiphany grants him a new beginning.   The progression in Gabriel from one who feels disconnected to one who has hope parallels Joyce's changing view of Ireland from finding it to be a place of inaction to one where again hope and beauty thrive.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In "The Dead" Gabriel Conroy and his wife attend a party thrown annually by two of Gabriel ¹s aunts.   The set of external circumstances at this party focuses attention on the futility and meaninglessness of Gabriel ¹s life.   The conversation at the party is mostly about people who have died and how they seemed to have been forgotten by the party guests (Magalaner 223).   This subject affects Gabriel, making him consider how his accomplishments will survive his own demise.   The definitive lack of anything meaningful in the discussion at the party also disturbs Gabriel.   Joyce demonstrates the "failure of politics, religion, and art to provide any meaningful outlet for the impulses that glimmer through the party" (Werner, 58).   Even the man playing the piano is producing "pretentious sound without substance" (Walzl 236).   Gabriel ¹s surrounding environment forces him to continually attempt to make sense of his own actions.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  During his aunts ¹ party, Gabriel also sees his own incapacity for action.   This party happens every year, but instead of viewing it as "traditio... ..., 1988.   23-38. Joyce, James.   "The Dead."   The Norton Anthology of English Literature.   Ed. M. H. Abrams.   New York:   Norton, 1996.   2345-2373.    Magalaner, Marvin, and Richard M. Kain.   Joyce:   The Man, the Word, the Reputation.   1956. Rpt. in Short Story Criticism.   Ed.   Shiela Fitzgerald.   Vol. 3.   Detriot:   Gale, 1989.   216-224.    Tate, Allen.   "Three Commentaries:   Poe, James, and Joyce."   The Sawnee Review Vol LVIII (1950):   1-15. Rpt. in Short Story Criticism.   Ed.   Shiela Fitzgerald.   Vol. 3.   Detriot:   Gale, 1989.   203-204.    Walzl, Florence L.   "Gabriel and Michael:   The conclusion of ?The Dead. ¹"   James Joyce Quarterly Vol 4 (1966):   17-31. Rpt. in Short Story Criticism.   Ed.   Shiela Fitzgerald.   Vol. 3.   Detriot:   Gale, 1989.   233-239. Werner, Craig Hansen.   Dubliners:   A Pluralistic World.   Boston:   Twayne Publishers, 1988.   56-72. Gabriel's Epiphany in The Dead by James Joyce Essay -- Joyce Dead Es Gabriel's Epiphany in The Dead by James Joyce   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Many people in society feel alienated from the world and separated from their fellow man while others may try to find meaning where none exists.   In James Joyce's "The Dead," Gabriel Conroy faces these problems and questions his own identity due to a series of internal attacks and external factors that lead him to an epiphany about his relation to the world; this epiphany grants him a new beginning.   The progression in Gabriel from one who feels disconnected to one who has hope parallels Joyce's changing view of Ireland from finding it to be a place of inaction to one where again hope and beauty thrive.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In "The Dead" Gabriel Conroy and his wife attend a party thrown annually by two of Gabriel ¹s aunts.   The set of external circumstances at this party focuses attention on the futility and meaninglessness of Gabriel ¹s life.   The conversation at the party is mostly about people who have died and how they seemed to have been forgotten by the party guests (Magalaner 223).   This subject affects Gabriel, making him consider how his accomplishments will survive his own demise.   The definitive lack of anything meaningful in the discussion at the party also disturbs Gabriel.   Joyce demonstrates the "failure of politics, religion, and art to provide any meaningful outlet for the impulses that glimmer through the party" (Werner, 58).   Even the man playing the piano is producing "pretentious sound without substance" (Walzl 236).   Gabriel ¹s surrounding environment forces him to continually attempt to make sense of his own actions.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  During his aunts ¹ party, Gabriel also sees his own incapacity for action.   This party happens every year, but instead of viewing it as "traditio... ..., 1988.   23-38. Joyce, James.   "The Dead."   The Norton Anthology of English Literature.   Ed. M. H. Abrams.   New York:   Norton, 1996.   2345-2373.    Magalaner, Marvin, and Richard M. Kain.   Joyce:   The Man, the Word, the Reputation.   1956. Rpt. in Short Story Criticism.   Ed.   Shiela Fitzgerald.   Vol. 3.   Detriot:   Gale, 1989.   216-224.    Tate, Allen.   "Three Commentaries:   Poe, James, and Joyce."   The Sawnee Review Vol LVIII (1950):   1-15. Rpt. in Short Story Criticism.   Ed.   Shiela Fitzgerald.   Vol. 3.   Detriot:   Gale, 1989.   203-204.    Walzl, Florence L.   "Gabriel and Michael:   The conclusion of ?The Dead. ¹"   James Joyce Quarterly Vol 4 (1966):   17-31. Rpt. in Short Story Criticism.   Ed.   Shiela Fitzgerald.   Vol. 3.   Detriot:   Gale, 1989.   233-239. Werner, Craig Hansen.   Dubliners:   A Pluralistic World.   Boston:   Twayne Publishers, 1988.   56-72.

Identifying Macromolecules in Common Foods Essay

Abstract: We tested five common food items to determine which macromolecules were present. We tested for the macromolecules of simple and complex carbohydrates (sugars and starch), lipids, and proteins. The foods tested were coconut milk, karo syrup, potato chips, peanut butter, and banana baby food. We hypothesized that coconut milk would contain all four types of macromolecules, karo syrup would only contain simple sugars which are monosaccharides and/or disaccharides, potato chips would contain starches and fats, peanut butter would contain sugars, fats, and proteins, and banana baby food would consist of sugars and starch. Each macromolecule test consisted of five test tubes of the food item individually diluted into solutions for reacting each with Benedict’s reagent to show the presence of sugar, IK2I for starch presence, and Buiret’s reagent for protein presence. A simple paper test was used evaluting lipid existence for each food. Our results confirmed our estimations of the foods’ compounds. The testing results verified that coconut milk contained all four types of macromolecules, karo syrup contain only simple sugars, potato chips were starches and fats, peanut butter contained sugars, fats, and proteins, and banana baby food consisted of sugars and starches. Introduction: Identifying macromolecules in the foods we eat is essential in comprising a healthy well-rounded diet ensuring our nutritional needs for cellular processes in the human body. The largest biological molecules are known as carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. Carbohydrates are compounds of monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides known as sugars and starches. Lipids, known as fats, are storage molecules in animals and plants. Proteins bind to other molecules performing key roles in DNA and RNA functions. Five different food items were tested for the presence of specific macromolecules identified as sugars, starch, lipids, and proteins. The food items were coconut milk, karo syrup, potato chips, peanut butter, and banana baby food. We used chemical indicators and brown paper to detect the presence of different macromolecules in various solutions made from each food sample. If sugars were present in a food, then the Benedict’s reagent and heat would turn the solution orange and precipitate will form. If starch was present, then the iodine potassium iodide would turn the solution dark purple or brown and form a precipitate. If lipids were present in a food, then the brown paper it was rubbed onto would form a transparent area. If a food contains protein, then the Buiret’s reagent would turn the solution violet or purple in color. Our observations of the changes to the solutions in color and consistency indicated the presence of each different macromolecule according to the food item (see Table 1, Chart 1). We predicted that coconut milk would contain sugars, starch, lipids and proteins; karo syrup would only be a simple sugar; potato chips were made of starch and lipids; peanut butter would contain sugars, lipids, and proteins; and banana baby food would only contain sugars and starch. Materials and Methods: We tested five food items for sugars, starch, lipids, and protein. The items tested were cocunut milk, karo syrup, potato chips, peanut butter, and banana baby food. All of these food items were thick in consistence. Also, several of the foods had heavy coloring which would make some of the tests difficult to visually measure. Solutions were made of each food item. Our lab professor dilute the foods with water to form solutions for us to test. According to our lab manual, The Pearson Custom Library for the Biological Sciences, chapter Macromolecules, the testing methods are as follows (reference II). Before any testing chemicals or testing procedures were performed, the intial states and colors of the food solutions were as follows: the negative control water was clear and colorless; coconut milk was opaque and white; karo syrup solution was completely transparent and colorless; potato chip solution was cloud and slightly yellow; peanut butter solution was cloudy and slightly beige; banana baby food solution was cloudy and slightly yellowish beige. Simple Carbohydrates (Sugar) Testing: Using Benedict’s testing on our food items, we tested for simple sugars. Six clean test tubes were labeled individually with each testing food item plus one negative control test tube. Solutions of each food item in the quantity of one full dropperful was added to each labeled test tube and one full dropperful of water was added to the control tube. Then, each test tube received one full dropperful of Benedict’s reagent and was gently shaken to mix the solution. Each test tube was then placed in a hot water bath in a beaker of water on a hot plate for approximately 2 minutes. After approximately 2 minutes, the test tubes were removed from the water and placed into the test tube rack for us to observe any changes to the solutions. The resulting states and colors of the test tubes were as follows: The negative control water was clear and blue in color; coconut milk was opaque with a dark orange precipitate in the bottom and orange through the rest of its solution; karo syrup was opaque with a dark orange precipitate in the bottom and orange throughout its solution; potato chips solution remained cloudy with no precipitate and was blue in solution; peanut butter solution was opaque with a brown precipitate in the bottom and brown through its solution; and the banana baby food solution was opaque, dark brown in color and formed a dark brown precipitate in the bottom of the test tube. Complex Carbohydrates (Starch) Testing: Iodine potassium iodide (IK2I) was used to test for polysaccarides. Six clean test tubes were labeled and placed in a test tube rack. Five of the test tubes were individually labeled with each of our five food items and one test tube was labeled â€Å"control†. The control test tube one full dropperful of water, the other five test tubes received their identified food item in the quantity of one full dropperful. Then, one droplet of the IK2I reagent was added to each of the six test tubes and were mixed well. The resulting states and colors of the test tubes were as follows: The negative control water was clear and yellow amber in color; coconut milk formed a dark brown precipitate and an opaque solution color of violet-beige; karo syrup remained translucent and deep amber in color; potato chips solution formed a dark purple precipitate with an opaque solution color of purple; peanut butter solution remained cloudy and yellow in color; and the banana baby food solution formed a purple brown precipitate and an opaque solution of pinkish beige. Lipid Testing: We performed a non-coated paper test on our chosen food items to identify the presence of lipids. Six squares of non-coated brown paper were obtained and labeled with the five food items to be tested and one control paper labeled â€Å"water†. The control paper received a droplet of water rubbed into the paper. Each of the five separate foods were added and rubbed onto the center of each of their identified brown paper. The papers were set aside for 30 minutes to absorb the contents and dry. After the 30 minutes, each paper was held towards the overhead light. The coconut milk, potato chips, and peanut butter papers all showed translucent areas where the food was applied. The Karo syrup and the banana baby food dried completely and showed no translucent areas, being completely opaque in their paper centers. Protein Testing: The Biuret’s test was performed on each of our five food items to identify the presence of protein in the foods. Six clean test tubes were labeled and placed in a test tube rack. Five of the test tubes were individually labeled with each of our five food items and one test tube was labeled â€Å"control†. The control test tube had one full dropperful of water, the other five test tubes received their identified food item in the quantity of one full dropperful. Then we added one full dropperful of of buiret’s reagent to each of the test tubes, agitated the tubes to mix thoroughly, and observed any changes. The resulting states and colors of the test tubes were as follows: The negative control water was clear and light blue in color; coconut milk was opaque and violet-brown; karo syrup remained translucent with slightly blue solution color; potato chips solution remained cloudy and turned more slightly grayish in color; peanut butter solution was opaque and became pinkish in color; and the banana baby food solution was opaque and turned brownish slightly green color. Results: Coconut milk tested positive for sugar indicated by a dark orange precipitate forming and an orange solution. Coconut milk tested positive for starch as it formed a brown precipitate with a beige colored solution. Coconut milk tested positive for lipids as the paper developed transparency. Coconut milk tested positive for proteins by resulting in an opaque, violet-brown solution. Karo syrup tested positive for sugar by exhibiting a dark orange precipitate and an orange solution. Karo syrup tested negative for starch, lipids, and proteins as there was no resulting changes. Potato chips tested positive for starch by producing a dark purple precipitate and a purple solution. Potato chips tested positive for lipids forming transparency on the testing paper. Potato chips tested negative for sugars and proteins indicated by no trend changes to their solutions. Peanut butter tested positive for sugar forming a brown precipitate and a brown solution. Peanut butter tested positive for lipids by developing transparency on the testing paper. Peanut butter tested positive for protein by resulting in a pinkish beige solution. Peanut butter tested negative for starch as the solutuion remained yellow in color. The banana baby food tested positive for sugar resulting in a dark brown precipitate and dark brown solution. Banana baby food tested positive for starch by resulting a brown precipitate and a pink-beige solution. Banana baby food tested negative for lipids and proteins observing no trending changes. Discussion: Our results supported our hypotheses and predictions developed from our previous exposure to these foods with knowledge of taste, texture and common dietary information. Coconut milk contained sugars, starch, lipids and proteins; karo syrup contained simple sugars; potato chips contain starch and lipids; peanut butter contained sugars, lipids, and proteins; and banana baby food contained sugars and starch (see Table 1 and Chart 1). According to Functional Properties of Food Macromolecules, Second Edition (reference IV), Benedict’s reagent is a clear, blue liquid used to test for simple sugars such as monosaccharides and disaccharides. When Benedict’s reagent and simple carbohydrates are heated together, the solution will turn color to orange red. This color change is caused by the copper (II) ions in the reagent are reduced to copper (I) ions. Sometimes a reddish precipitate forms in the base of the test tube. Information provided by Science and Health Education Partnership, SEP Lessons by University of California San Francisco (reference III) details that Buiret’s reagent is a clear, blue liquid that when in the presence of proteins will change to a purple or even pink color when the copper atoms of the reagent react with proteins or polypeptide chains. Iodine solution or Lugol’s reagent changes from an amber color to dark purple of even black. Due to the original coloring of the foods, the resulting color changes and formed precipitates were adjusted according to the mixture of the reacting coloring. For examples, the peanut butter and banana baby food both were an original brown color so as they reacted with Benedict’s reagent and were heated they resulted in a darker brown color as the common orange reacting color mixed with their original brown coloring. These brown colorings were taken into consideration as we reviewed the ending reactions to justify a positive or negative identification. References Cited: I. Molecular Biology Initiative. Georgia Southern University, GA. http://cosm.georgiasouthern.edu/biology/mbi/activities/Macromolecules%20in%20food/Macromolecules%20in%20food%20activity.pdf. Accessed February 11, 2013. II. Pearson Learning Solutions. â€Å"Macromolecules,† in The Pearson Custom Library for the Biological Sciences. Boston, MA: Pearson Learning Solutions, 2012, pp. 69-87. III. Science and Health Education Partnership, SEP Lessons. University of California San Francisco. http://seplessons.ucsf.edu/node/362. Accessed February 11, 2013. IV. S.E. Hill, D.A. Ledward, and J.R. Mitchell. Functional Properties of Food Macromolecules, Second Edition. Gaithersburg, MD: Aspen Publishing, 1998.

Descartes vs St Augustine Essay

To examine life, you must first determine existence . I will attempt to determine if their really is existence and then examine two of the most impostant factors in peoples lives; love and religion. Everyone has tried to come to a conclusion on what is love and whether their is a God and people have dedicated their lives to both of these subjects Their are an infinite number of ways of examining love and religion but none of them can be taken as fact and none of them can be guaranteed as false. In this paper, I will examine the ways that Rene Descartes and Saint Augustine examine their lives and what they feel makes their life worth living. In the Meditations, Descartes attempts to doubt everything that is possible to doubt. He is uncertain of the existence of many things from God and himself. Then he goes on to start proving that things do exist by first proving that he exists. After he establishes himself he can go on to establish everything else in the world. Next he goes to prove that the mind is separate then the body. In order to do this he must first prove he has a mind, and then prove that bodily things exist. I do agree with Descartes that the mind is separate from the body. These are the arguments that I agree with Descartes. In his six Meditations, only four contain his argument about corporeal things and establishing himself as a thinking creation. Meditations three and four discuss the existence of God and the matter of true and false. Concerning Meditation three, Descartes proves God’s existence and that He is not a deceiver, thereby allowing us to be sure that we are not deceived when we perceive things clearly and distinctly. The rest of the Meditations deal with him proving himself as a thinking thing and proving that the mind is separate from the body. In Descartes’ first meditation, he goes on to prove that nothing exists. He establishes that knowledge is built upon a foundation; each piece of knowledge rests upon some other part of knowledge. Over the course of ones life, a person establishes one piece of knowledge and builds upon that. Descartes goes on to doubt every particular set of knowledge he has. Descartes says that the most basic set of knowledge we have is our senses. He continues that the senses give us false information. For example, when we look at the sun, we cannot tell how big it is. The same is true for dreams. Senses appear to be real in dreams, but how can one tell whether or not we are dreaming or not. So if we can never determine we are dreaming or awake then we can’t rely on our senses. He believes that a supreme God has created us and has the power to deceive us. If God is perfect then he cannot deceive us. So we must assume that an evil demon is the source of our deceptions. Therefore Descartes has reason to deny the validity of his senses. From this, Descartes assumes if there is a deceiver and he can be deceived then he must exist. In general it will follow from any state of thinking, whether it be imagining, sensing, feeling, or reasoning, that he exists. Since he can only be certain of the existence of himself insofar as he is a thinking thing, then he has knowledge of his existence of only a thinking thing. After he has established himself as a thinking creation, he then goes on to argue that the mind is more certainly known then the body. He goes on to say that it is possible that all knowledge of external objects, including his body, could be false as the result of the actions of an evil demon. It is not, however, possible that he could be deceived about his existence or his nature as a thinking thing. This is true because if he can be deceived about anything, then he can be certain, as he is a thinking thing. Even corporeal objects, such as his body, are known much more distinctly through the mind than through the body. It seems that Descartes finds it necessary to first establish the existence of a non-deceiving God before he can be assured of the existence of anything beyond himself and his mode of thought. He does this by the rationalization that his perception of God is that of a perfect being. In order for a being to be perfect, it must exist. Since he himself is an imperfect being, he cannot conceive the idea of perfection on his own. Therefore, it must have come from some other faculty that must be perfect, which is God. It is after his proof of the existence of God that Descartes comes to accept that clear and distinct ideas can be trusted. Since he proved that God does exist he can says that God can bring anything into existence. But we also seem to know they exist through imagination, which seems to be â€Å"an application of the knowing faculty to a body intimately present to it, hence, a body that exists. † Now he attacks the notion of bodies existing. He says, â€Å"The way of thinking that I call ? sense’ give us a reason to think bodies exist? † Descartes attacks this the answer of this question in three ways: to repeat what was formerly believed and the grounds for them, to consider why they were brought into doubt, and to determine what must now be believed. He relies on the existence of a non-deceiving God to ensure that an external world exists after calling it into doubt by the invocation of the dream argument. In this argument, Descartes suggests the possibility that none of our ideas are caused by external objects and therefore, such objects may not exist. He also raises the idea of a demon that may deceive us and allow us to perceive what is not really there. Although he assures himself of his own existence by his modes of thought, he remains uncertain of the reality of an external world. He doubts whether there is anything of material substance that provokes thought within him rather than it being conceived in his mind completely independent of anything else. Regarding the first point, a long list of beliefs is given: my body, pleasurable effects, appetites, primary and secondary qualities, and different bodies. He then goes on to say that since it seemed impossible that they came from him, it remains that they came from other things, and the only kind that to his mind are those that resemble the ideas themselves. He also says the one’s own body seems in a privileged position, in that one can never separate one’s self from it, and it is the seat of appetites, feelings, pleasure and pain. There is no evident connection between feelings of hunger and the nourishment of bread. He says that he has only been taught by nature. Regarding the second point, Descartes advances the problem of â€Å"perceptual relativity†. That means the judgments of the external senses have deceived him and pains in amputated limbs deceive internal senses. There are two more reasons to consider why the statements in the pervious paragraph may be brought into doubt. He says that dreams fool him about the existence of external objects, waking states might as well. The second on is the he might have been made so as to be deceived. So he concludes that it is possible that there is some faculty in him that produces those perceptions. Regarding the third point, what God can make separately is different from something else. God can make what he clearly and distinctly understands, so if they can be separated in thought, they are distinct. Descartes says he is distinct from him his body because he thinks of himself as distinct from it. His essence is only as a thing that thinks and not as an extended thing. The last thing Descartes goes into is the argument for the distinction of mind and body and the existence of material objects. He starts off with the argument from knowledge. If he clearly and distinctly understands one thing as one thing as distinct from another it is so. He is also certain that he exists as a thinking thing, while he isn’t certain of the existence of his body. Therefore, he is a thinking thing and nothing else. His mind is distinct from his body. He is a thinking thing that thinks and not an extended thing. He has a distinct idea of body as an extended thing. Therefore, his mind is distinct from his body. The body is like a machine. The mind and body are distinct. Only the brain effects the mind, so all signals from the body must travel up into the brain. Signals travel to the brain from the periphery of our body by means of animal spirits, so the system is like a cord running to the brain, which can be pulled at any point along its length. Thus we can get signals in the brain that do not originate in our senses, but which we perceive as doing so. I agree with Descartes proofs of the mind being distinct from the body. He has convinced me with his arguments from above. He has shown that mind operates separately from the body. He proves this point when he talks about the phantom limb. He says that the senses can deceive him with pain from the phantom limb. The senses can deceive him where as his imagination is of intellect and knowledge. He has also stated that he is a thinking thing while he isn’t certain of the existence of the body. The mind and body do interact with the body in some ways. Descartes says that the mind imagines things; you see things in your mind. These things do not just come from anywhere. You get these images from your senses. Say if one sees something with their eyes. Then turns away and closes their eyes. The image is still there. Descartes Meditations does clearly show the distinction of mind and body. He proves himself as a thinking thing. A thinking thing something that can only think and is not associated with corporeal things. Since he knows that one thing is clearly distinct from another, he knows that the mind is clearly distinct form the body. The wax proves this point. Thinking is essence and the body is extension. If you mutate and move your body around it is going to change shape. Essence cannot be changed or mutated in any way. Augustine started out in childhood with a restless heart because he had to live in two different worlds. These worlds consisted of that of his mother’s religious faith, and the world of everything else. These two worlds confused and disturbed Augustine as a child. In his mother’s world, talk consisted of Christ the Savior and about the mighty god who helps us especially to go to heaven. In the other world, talk was about achieving. It seems as if Augustine felt that if he were to live in both of these worlds, his life would turn out to be nothing. He believed he would not accomplish anything he would be remembered for. He became unhappy with the idea of his life amounting to nothing. This is why Augustine turned to love. He felt that love might help him have a direct purpose in life and would help him through his conversion. Love should not be that of evil. Saint Augustine searched for the answer of a question that asked if love reaches out hopelessly and harmfully, how can it turn around to be productive and wholesome to the human soul? Love became a necessity for all people. For Augustine, the answer to this question was love. The first love must be for the love of God in Augustine’s mind. It must come before all other forms of love. Augustine finds many ways in which he can find peace in God. He is genuinely sorry for having turned away from God, the source of peace and happiness. Augustine is extremely thankful for having been given the opportunity to live with God. Augustine uses love as his gate to God’s grace. Throughout The Confessions, love and wisdom, the desire to love and be loved, and his love for his concubine, are all driving forces for Augustine’s desire to find peace in God. The death of his friend upsets him deeply, but also allows him to pursue God to become a faithful Christian. Augustine often experiences darkness, blindness, and confusion while attempting to find rest in God, but he knows that when he eventually finds him his restless heart will be saved. Despite all of the negative aspects of his education on which Augustine focused, it is obvious that his schooling was an essential part of his character. Other than Christianity, his education was the most important factor that shaped his early life. Augustine would have been a different man without this education, and without it his conversion would also have been different. His circuitous route to his final acceptance of God would have been far less significant were it not for this long and difficult intellectual struggle. It is clear that his education in rhetoric provided him with the skills necessary for shaping Confessions into a highly persuasive work. Confessions is not only a self-analysis, but also a testimony to the power of the Lord. Augustine wanted his readers to be fully convinced that the ultimate and only Truth was what he had discovered after his years of conflict between philosophy and faith. â€Å"I believe in order that I may understand,† said much about his attitude towards the relationship between faith and reason. Augustine’s decision of conversion was not easy for him. It came after a long time of thinking and soul searching. When Augustine made the decision to fully convert to Christianity in Book VIII, it was truly a â€Å"leap of faith. † He knew then that he had to leave part of his philosophical pursuits behind and commit himself fully to Christ. â€Å"For I felt that I was still the captive of my sins, and in my misery I kept crying ? How long shall I go on saying, â€Å"tomorrow, tomorrow†? Why not now? Why not make an end of my ugly sins at this moment? ‘† But, adhering to God as love’s priority proved a more extended way than he had imagined. It helped to shape his life, his mind and his beliefs. He never realized until now what a huge difference it makes in one’s life when it is opened up to love and love of Christ. The answer lies in God’s grace for Augustine. These answers are to his utmost difficult questions on life and faith. The subtle and cunning loves of the heart had defined Augustine’s journey from the first. At no time in his life had he been without love, but he had loved in scattered, hidden, and conflicting ways. He had loved Monica. He had loved the image and name of Christ, he even at one point loved evil which scared him. Augustine felt the need to redirect his love and this redirection would lead him in the way and light of God. Augustine seems to be dissatisfied with himself and his need for God. Through The Confessions he leaves himself and his past to praising God and loving him. Augustine hopes to teach others about that love which God placed in him that led him to an eternal relationship with God. All of Augustine’s loves in turn became love of Christ. Although Augustine might not have realized this, it is obviously true. At first he was redirecting his loves directly to Christ, but finally he realized all his love WAS for Christ. Augustine found a place in God that he had never imagined could happen. His guilty restless heart finally found rest in God. Augustine had always believed in God. Yet there is now a love and a passion behind this belief. His love was no longer blind. In fact now it was guided by his newfound feeling of self worth. He finds himself through all of this. His quest to know himself has come to a conclusion. His chooses to forgo the pleasure of sexual relationships and become celibate. Augustine feels that through his celibacy he will show God his efforts to lead a continent life. His love for God has grown and prospered much from his days of youth. Saints are usually looked at as God’s holiest servants, people who have centered their lives around God and the teaching of the Church. Saints are seen as if they are without sin. If these things are true then how does one explain the sainthood of Saint Augustine? Augustine in no way fits the traditional mold of a saint. Quite the contrary, his life was full of sin. People can find it very easy to sympathize with Augustine’s story because of his humanity. He does not place himself above anyone. He shows his life, as it was, a very confused and sinful life. But through his conversion he sets himself apart from the rest. Augustine was affected by many outside factors that lead to his change in a point of view. The outside forces drove Augustine to look inward and see what exactly he was made of. Whether positive or negative his theories of faith were reinforced. The result was a total change in a point of view bringing him closer to God. Friendship played a crucial role throughout all of Augustine’s life. He loved having friends, and he loved being people’s friend. Augustine was always concerned that his friendships were equal in nature. There was always a perfect balance between give and take. His friendships and other love relationships were vital in his conversion and his final evolution.

celebrity endorsements Essay Example

celebrity endorsements Essay Example celebrity endorsements Essay celebrity endorsements Essay Do celebrity endorsements work? Celebrity endorsement, this is when a Brand uses a celebrity to help sell there product, service or charity. This may be in adverts, creating a line, or in the case of charity attending different events, fundraising or being a face of a charity. There are both advantages and disadvantages of using celebrity endorsements, for many brands it is about them being noticed, and catching the attention of there market and many brands think that by using a celebrity known in society it will help entice the consumers in. One of the main points that have become noticeable is the way different genders see n advert and the gender of the celebrity in the advert. There is some evidence that women may be more favorably disposed toward celebrity endorsers than men. Lake, Reece, Rifon, (2010 page p30-32) Lake et al (2010) showed in their study that men look at the more noticeable aspects of the advert where as the women look at it in a broader view and pick up different cues. In one study done by (Peetz, Park and Spencer, 2004) the results showed that male athletes were known 4 times greater than women athletes are known, this may prove that for Brands advertising portswear they may be more inclined to use a male campaigner. Although (Ohainian, 1991) stated in her study that gender it was not an issue, it was the perceptions of the celebritys attractiveness, trustworthiness or expertise. In recent years though some of the sporting celebritys have been putting their brands under strain due to the celebrity being in the media for bad reasons that may harm the brand. For example Tiger Woods was dropped by Nike due to the car crash and sex scandal Lake et al, (2010), this was spread throughout the media all over the world. Another negative according to Patel (2009), is that Brands could fall into the celebrity trap which is hard to get out of, once a celebrity is known as the brands face it is hard to change the public perception that they are linked together. Finally a celebrity may be used to endorse one brand but themselves use a different brand for example Catherine Zeta Jones was used as an endorser for Sainsburys but was seen shopping in Tescos which may give the general public an unsurety about shopping at Sainsburys Saurbh Katyal (2010) However there are some positives that come out of elebrity endorsement, firstly as Lake et al say by the help of celebritys endorsement they will increase the awareness of the brand as having someone the consumer knows on the campaign it will help catch there attention, and make them more interested in finding out about the product. Also having a celebrity will help differentiate it from one brand to the other for example David Beckham advertises for Adidas and Roger Federer for Nike. The two are sporting brands with different celebritys, which differentiate them. A further positive could be that the value that is ssociated with the celebrity is carried through to the brand/ product. Through this the brand can become established and through having the celebrity endorsement Dutch team in which they scanned 24 womens brains whilst they looked at different pairs of shoes, both with celebrities and non-celebritys modeling the shoes, and it was noticed that part of the brain became very active when a celebrity was modeling them. (BBC, 2010). As stated above it shows that women do pay more attention to celebrity endorsed ads. Celebrity endorsements can also attract the younger markets, s youths often look up to celebrities as role models and if they see a celebrity advertising a product they may be more inclined to buy it, for example if David Beckham is advertising his new Adidas football boots, they will most probably want them because he looked up to by young people. Using ethnographic analysis, found that young admirers consider celebrity idols as their idealized self-images. (Caughey 1978, 1985, 1994). Finally a celebrity can help revive a immobile brand by flushing new life into the brand for example when Gary Lineker starter advertising for Walkers or David Beckham for Brylcreem. Both Brands picked up sales significantly mainly because of the celebrity involved. Today as social media is become such a phenomenon it is becoming easier for celebrities to endorse products. As Hampp (2011) says celebrities such as Kim Kardashian are being paid to Tweet and Facebook about the endorsements, so now more marketers are bringing in social media to their contracts. Today when using a celebrity it is becoming more and more asked about how many followers they have and their popularity (Klout) scores. They have even gone to the extreme of creating a new measurement tool called FanDNA, this ompiles of data from the top actors, musicians, athletes and models, it works by rating them and setting there appeal to different groups. It also matches them with the brands that will work best for them. (Hampp, 2011). Although there are many negatives involved in celebrity endorsing, from looking at the information, there are more positive outcomes than negatives. The companys can get more out of having celebrity endorsing products as they bring in the consumers and therefore the people who give them the capital to continue to work. Some celebritys have bought a new light to the brands and made them reinvent themselves.

How to Keep Your Christmas Tree From Drying Out

How to Keep Your Christmas Tree From Drying Out Whether you buy your Christmas tree from a lot or hike deep into the woods to cut your own, youll need to keep it fresh if you want it to last the holiday season. Maintaining your evergreen will ensure that it looks its best and prevent potential safety hazards. It will also make cleanup easier when Christmas is over and its time to say goodbye to the tree. Select a Long-Lasting Tree Consider the kind of tree you want. Most  fresh cut trees, if properly cared for (using the steps below), should last at least five weeks before completely drying out. Some species hold their moisture content longer than others. The  trees  that retain moisture the longest are the Fraser fir, Noble fir, and Douglas fir. The Eastern red cedar and Atlantic white cedar rapidly lose moisture and should be used only for a week or two. 'Refresh' Your Tree If youre buying a tree from a lot, odds are the evergreen was harvested days or weeks earlier and has already begun drying out. When  a tree is harvested, the sliced trunk oozes with pitch,  sealing  the transport cells that provide water to the needles. You will need to refresh  your Christmas  tree and open up the clogged cells so that the tree can deliver appropriate moisture to the foliage. Using a tree saw, make a straight cut along the bottom of the trunk- taking at least one inch off the original harvest cut- and immediately place the new cut in water. This will improve water uptake once the tree is on its stand. Even if your tree is freshly cut, you should still place the base in a bucket of water until youre ready to bring it inside. Use the Proper Stand The average Christmas tree is about six to seven feet tall and has a trunk diameter of four to six inches. A standard tree stand should be able to accommodate it. Trees are thirsty and can absorb a gallon of water a day, so look for a stand that holds 1 to 1.5 gallons. Water the new tree until water uptake stops and continue to maintain the level of the stands full mark. Keep the water at that mark through the season. There are dozens of Christmas tree stands for sale, ranging from basic metal models that sell for about $15 to elaborate self-leveling plastic units that cost more than $100. How much you choose to spend will depend on your budget, the size of your tree, and how much effort you want to put into making sure your tree is straight and stable. Keep Your Tree Hydrated Always keep the base of your tree submerged in regular tap water. When the stands water remains topped-up, the tree cut will not form a resinous clot over the cut end and the tree will be able to absorb water and retain moisture. You dont need to add anything to the tree water, say tree experts, such as commercially prepared mixes, aspirin, sugar, or other additives. Research has shown that plain water will keep a tree fresh. To make watering your tree easier, consider buying a funnel and a three- to  four-foot  tube. Slip the tube over the funnel outlet, extend the tubing down into the tree stand, and water without bending over or disturbing the tree skirt. Hide this system in an out-of-the-way part of the tree. Practice Safety Keeping your tree fresh does more than maintain its appearance. Its also a good way to prevent fires caused by strings of tree lights or other electric decorations. Maintain all electric accessories on and around the tree. Check for worn Christmas tree light  electrical cords and always unplug the complete system at night. Remember that miniature lights produce less heat than large lights and reduce the drying effect on the tree, which lessens the chance of starting a  fire. Additional safety tips are available from the National Fire Prevention Association. Dispose of Your Tree Properly Take the tree down before it dries completely and becomes a fire hazard. A tree that is totally dry will have brittle greenish gray needles. Be sure to remove all ornaments, lights, tinsel, and other decor before taking down the tree. Many municipalities have laws dictating how to dispose of a tree; you may have to bag the tree for curbside disposal or drop it off for recycling. Check your citys website for details.

Consumer Behavior Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Consumer Behavior - Essay Example There are many changes taking place in the society structures and the family values are going down gradually (Giddens 1979, Giddens 1991; Miles 2000). At times advertisements can play an important role in bringing the family values together. There are some ads which treasure the family moments to the maximum and make you realize how important it is to give time to your loved ones. This is mostly shown through the chocolate or sweet ads. Celebrities have their own impact while they advertise for any ad (Atkin 1983) and mostly major companies want to take big celebrities to make an ad for them as this tends to generate more consumer response. Kodak camera films and cameras have their ads being portrayed as value expressive. They show that all the special moments in everyone’s life cannot be missed and it should be captured at the right time in the cameras. The digital cameras of Kodak also give the same message as the normal cameras that moments are special and cherishing for everyone and they should be given special treatment always. Value expressive influence of advertising may tend to create high emotional levels and also sensitive feeling for the consumers. They may become emotionally attached with the products as they would feel a strong sense of attachment while they use the product. Nokia advertisement can be considered as an informational group influencing ad as it portrays in their ad that having Nokia develops a lifestyle, it develops it for oneself and for others too, the consumers passion and fashion can be immensely taken to success because of having Nokia. The ad shows that with the use of Nokia, one has a strong confident personality and they can achieve whatever they want. If one aims to have very high goals they can do it while having the Nokia cell phones, as Nokia has portrayed its image as strong, reliable, unbreakable, good quality , resistant to damages. Other

The factors restraining investment in the oil and gas industry Dissertation

The factors restraining investment in the oil and gas industry - Dissertation Example Investment is an important source of capital for growth in the developing countries. It provides a package of new technologies, management techniques, finance and market access for the production of goods and services; and thus contributes significantly to raise the productivity in the host countries in attaining their overall economic growth. An investment is been determined by balance, opportunity, and risk, which are relative concepts, especially with respect to Exploration activities. Opportunity involved in finding commercial quantities of oil and gas, the intensive capital required for undertaking exploration and production result in significant business risks. In many developing countries, the transformation from an agricultural and resource based economy to the export-led economy has contributed to higher energy consumption. Although they are oil & gas reserves located in those countries; very few had sufficient financial resources for the upstream investments, especially for the development of oil & gas exploration and production. Government can promote investment opportunity by adopting a proactive approach to selecting foreign partner towards improving entry procedure moreover, reducing red tape in oil and gas sector operation. However, many countries had granted development rights to foreign Companies, which have adequate capital, technology, and expertise; still some foreign Companies are not investing in those countries for many reasons.

Islamic ART Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Islamic ART - Essay Example One of the fundamental features of Islamic art that sets the tone for the bulk of the collection (though the objects on display are not all Islamic, with also Christian cultures like Egyptian Copts being represented) is the tendency for aniconism, which means unacceptability of images featuring God (for Islam doesn’t actually have a clear visual representation of the latter), human beings or animals. Since the dawn of Islam, the God was perceived as a â€Å"great shaper†, i.e. the only one entitled to endow shape to living beings; thus, the person painting the latter literally encroached divine powers of the God (___). Given strong aniconistic tendencies, Islamic art had another focal features contributing to its authentic nature: these are lavish use ornamentation – predominantly geometric elements and various floral ornaments – and extensive use of Islamic calligraphy. As the objects of art show us, calligraphy is not only a purely practical phenomenon, but also a peculiar Islamic art, a significant cultural attribute of Islam playing an essential role in artistic representations of Islamic culture throughout history. Probably, calligraphy is what would definitely help distinguish an Islamic art object from others, along with orations and lavishness in adornment. This field of Islamic art formed on the basis of Qur’an copying and is therefore the seminal and inseparable part of Islam itself; moreover, Arabic is considered sacred, for it is the language of the Qur’an revelation to the Prophet and is the means for preservation and communication of the message of God. First used for religious purposes only, it later transformed into art and became an integral part of visual art. The Met exhibition features an enormous number of Qur’an folios that were created in different periods beginning with the rule of Umayyads and later. Particularly, a good example of a Qur’an

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Post Surgery Care

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Post Surgery Care Introduction Nursing care of the patient following major surgery is a complex task, involving holistic management of patient wellbeing in the light of several challenges to health and homeostatic stability. This essay sets out to discuss the care of one such patient, following surgery to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm. In order to address the issue and provide the highest possible standards of individualised care, nurses need a considerable knowledge base, gleaned from training, from ongoing updating, from the available evidence, and from their experience as professionals in their field. This essay will also set out to explore how nursing knowledge is applied to practice, always keeping the patient as the focus of care, with reference to the underlying physiology which relates to the patient’s condition. Nursing skills are also based on knowledge and experience, both the experience of the nurse themselves and the experience of those who have taught them, who work with them and who collaborate in the provision of care. While this essay focuses on the nurse’s role in relation to the case and the client, it is important to remember that nursing care does not take place within a vacuum, and reference will be made to those with whom the nurse must interact and engage as part of this role. The care of a patient following surgical abdominal aortic aneurysm repair follows the principles of general postoperative surgical care, along with specific interventions, monitoring and support that are a consequence of the condition and the nature of the surgery. The holistic management of this case must also take into account the psycho-social and emotional factors which may affect the case, given the life-threatening nature of the condition and the potential complications of the surgery. The Case David Grainger is a 65 year old man, who is retired and who tries to keep himself fit by playing golf. He had a history of recurrent pain underneath his rib cage for some month, and had been treating himself for indigestion with limited success. His friends became worried about him and his condition when he appeared to be losing weight, and so eventually David plucked up the courage to visit his GP. He was referred to the local hospital for tests, which eventually led to a diagnosis of abominal aortic aneurysm. David was later admitted to the surgical ward for surgery to repair the aneurysm. On return to the ward David had a blood transfusion running and a wound drain (Redivac) from the abdomen close to the surgical incision site. He had an indwelling Foley catheter with an hourly urine bag, which was changed to free drainage after 12 hours of adequate urine output, and a PCA (patient controlled analgesia) device in situ. He has a mepore dressing to the abdominal wound site. David has two IVI sites, one in each hand. The blood transfusion was running via the left hand, and normal saline (0.9%) was running in the other, along with the PCA, on a three-way tap. The day following surgery David’s temperature is recorded at 39.6c with an elevated pulse of 90bpm. He repeatedly complains of feeling cold. Discussion with the senior sister and the SHO suggests that David is experiencing a potential pyrexia. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a fairly common condition (the 14th leading cause of death in the US (Birkmeyer and Upchurch, 2007). It is a life-threatening condition (Isselbacher et al, 2005). The greatest risk of an AAA is the risk of rupture, which has a significant mortality rate attached to it (Birkmeyer and Upchurch, 2007). It is defined as an abnormal localised arterial dilation or ballooning that is greater than one and half times the artery’s normal circumference, and must involve all three layers of the vessel wall (Irwin, 2007). Abdominal aortic aneurysms are those which are located below the diaphragmatic border, and account for 75% of aortic aneurysms (Irwin, 2007). Men are four to five times more likely to develop the condition, and risk factors include smoking, hypertension and dyslipidemia, cellular changes in the tunica media associated with diseases such as Marfan syndrome, inflammation, and blunt trauma (Irwin, 2007). There is also a family history facto r, with increased risk amongst primary relatives of someone with AAA (Irwin, 2007). Another risk factor is atherosceloris, although someone without this condition can develop an aneurysm (Irwin, 2007). Repair is either through open surgical repair, through a large midline incision (Irwin, 2007). The procedure is major surgery, and the aorta is cross-clamped to allow the insertion of a synthetic graft which is attached to proximally and distally to health aortic tissue (Irwin, 2007). Another procedure is endovascular repair using a percutaneous vascular stent (Irwin, 2007; Beese-Bjustrom, 2004). In this procedure, a woven polyester tube covered by a stent is placed inside the aneurismal section of the abdominal aorta, which keeps normal blood flow away from the aneurysm, greatly reducing the risk of dissection and rupture (Bese-Bjustrom, 2004). In this case David underwent open surgery. Assessment Assessment of the patient’s condition is the first stage in nursing care planning and management, forming the basis of nursing decision making (Watson-Miller, 2005). A summary of assessment activities carried out for David can be found in Table 1. Table 1. Nursing Assessment of David on Day 1 Post-Op. Action Rationale Monitor Blood Pressure, Pulse, Pulse Oximetry Respirations Vital observations indicate changes in underlying condition. Low blood pressure with high pulse, for example, would be suggested of haemorrhage. After aneurysm repair, an elevated BP can stress the graft site and cause graft failure (Irwin, 2007). This also increases myocardial oxygen demand, and an imbalance between oxygen supply and demand may lead to myocardial ischaemia and lead to MI (Irwin, 2007). Respiratory rate must be monitored post-anaesthetic, and observation of respirations allows the nurse to prepare for preventive measures to reduce the risk of atelectasis or DVT. Four hourly observations are usual from 24 hours postoperatively (Zeitz, 2005). Monitor Temperature Usually carried out four hourly, to detect potential sings of pyrexia, or reaction to blood transfusion (Jones and Pegram, 2006) or medications. Another complication could be malignant hyperthermia, although this is rare and unlikely to develop this late postoperatively (Neacsu, 2006). Intravenous Monitoring and Fluid balance Monitor site for patency and condition; monitor fluid intake and rate; record fluid balance. IVI pump checked at this time. Urinary output via catheter also recorded. PCA/Pain Pump check should usually be every hour if a controlled drug is used in the PCA, and recorded on the appropriate chart. Pain levels assessed (Manias, 2003). Wound Dressing observed for signs of exudates; wound observed for signs of healing/infection/dehiscence. Wound drain Site observed for signs of infection; drain bottle check for amount and type of exudates; fluid balance recorded. Other monitoring specific to AAA repair. Fluid and electrolyte balance; neurological status; full blood count (elevated white count indicates infection) (Beese-Bjustrom, 2004) Assessment during the first 24 hours is usually aimed at establishing physiological equilibrium, managing pain, preventing complications and supporting the patient towards self-care (Watson-Miller, 2005). These are standard post-operative observations, but the care of the person having undergone abdominal aortic aneurysm repair may be somewhat more specific. Some of these areas will be dealt with in more detail below, considering the evidence base and the nature of nursing knowledge applied to the problem. The nursing knowledge applied in the assessment process derives from acquired knowledge (that gleaned during training, and study), and experiential knowledge, from previous experiences of applying theoretical knowledge to practice. If the nurse has previously cared for patients with this condition, she will apply that experience to this case. If not, the application of clinical, theoretical and other knowledge (such as colleagues’ experience) to the scenario, alongside thoro ugh understanding of physiological principles, should result in effective and appropriate care. The evidence base must also be utilised. Pyrexia Having identified a potential problem in relation to temperature regulation, it is important to plan for ongoing monitoring, identification of the cause of increased temperature, treatment of the cause and relief of symptoms. The cause of the temperature is most likely to an infection. Nosocomial infection is a concern after surgery, especially when the patient has an incision involving any aspect of the vascular system (Irwin, 2007). In order to prevent wound infection, David will be prescribed IV antibiotics, which will then be changed to oral antibiotics at the appropriate time (Irwin, 2007). Symptomatic relief of the pyrexia can be achieved by fan therapy and the administration of paracetamol, which can be given PR if David remains nil by mouth. However, the nurse would ensure this was prescribed and not contraindicated due to any interactions with David’s other medications. David’s increased temperature may also be due to the development of ischaemic colitis (a com plication of abdominal aortic aneurysm repair) and so white cell counts should be checked, as a raised count may be indicative of this (Beese-Bjustrom, 2004). The pyrexia may be in response to the blood transfusion (Jones and Pegram, 2006), although we would expect this to have developed earlier in the treatment. At this point, David’s pyrexia indicated a potential problem, and may not require paracetamol or fan therapy. Instead, prevention of the development of infection, and reassurance that his feeling of being cold may be due to raised temperature, may suffice. Blood Pressure Management and Fluid Balance. Keeping David’s blood pressure within the normal range is critical to maintain end organ perfusion, and so both hypertension and hypotension must be prevented in this case (Irwin, 007). In order to prevent hypertension and the complications described above, David may be given IV beta blockers, and will be monitored for any cardiovascular changes such as chest discomfort, ST-T wave changes, or dysrhythmias (Irwin, 2007). Given his stability 24 hours post-operatively, he may be moved from ITU to a high dependency or standard surgical ward, where telemetry may then be stopped. Monitoring mean arterial pressure and maintaining a reading of at least 70 mmHg can ensure proper perfusion of major organs, and this can be supported by careful infusion of intravenous fluids as described above (Irwin, 2007). In relation to fluid balance (and continuing organ functioning) a urine output of around 50ml/hour would indicate adequate glomerular filtration rate and renal perfusion (Irwin, 2007). Any deviations from these ‘ideals’ would be recorded and reported promptly to the appropriate members of the multi-disciplinary team (Irwin, 2007). Pain Management While David’s pain is being managed effectively with the Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) device, the use of a PCA is not a long-term means of pain management. Therefore, the planning stage of management of David’s care for the nurse looking after him should involved a collaborative plan for pain management. This may be in collaboration with the medical team, the anaesthetist, and David himself. A range of medications are available for David to use once he has reached a stage of being able to manage without the PCA, but it is also important that his pain be properly managed during the postoperative period, because good pain management will help David to mobilise properly and reduce the other postoperative risks, such as those of DVT, PE (Irwin, 2007) and pressure sore development. Another area to address is the prevention of atelectasis. Regardless of the type of surgical procedure, as many as 90% of patients who have a general anaesthetic develop some degree of atlectasis in the postoperative period ( Irwin, 2007; Pruitt, 2006). Pneumonia is another risk (Irwin, 2007). As well as the risks from having an anaesthetic anyway, David is at increased risk because he is more likely to demonstrate postoperative hypoventilation, because pain from abdominal surgery can prevent him from deep breathing and coughing which helps prevent atelectasis (Pruitt, 2006). David can be taught to splint the surgical site with a pillow or roll of blanket, and then carry out these breathing exercises – incentive spirometry, coughing and deep breathing – to help keep his lungs clear (Irwin, 2007). Adopting a good upright position also helps to increase lung capacity and encourage deeper breaths (Pruitt, 2006), and so good pain management is also important in supporting D avid to do this (Irwin, 2007). Adequate pain control is also essential to graft patency, because uncontrolled pain causes the release or epinephrine, noreinephrine, and other hormones that active the fight or flight response (Bryant et al, 2002). The consequent vasoconstriction can decrease blood flow through the graft and can increase risk of thrombus formation (Bryant et al, 2002). Alongside a drug therapy plan for pain management, it might also be appropriate to consider nondrug pain management as well (Tracy et al, 2006). Opioids used to manage postoperative pain can cause respiratory depression (Irwin, 2007). Some of the other advantages of nondrug pain management techniques is that they are readily available, inexpensive, and not associated with side effects, but the biggest advantage in this case is that they promote self-care and enhance personal control for one’s own health (Tracy et al, 2006). For David’s case, promoting self-care may have a number of beneficial effects on him holistically, given that he has recently experienced the diagnosis and treatment of a life-threatening condition (Manias, 2003). There is some evidence to suggest that tailored education and support in such therapies can benefit patient outcomes (Tracy et al, 2006), but this would require that the nurse is knowledgeable about the techniques, and that all members of t he multidisciplinary team are equally invested and have been prompted to include nondrug pain management in the care plan (Tracy et al, 2006). Prevention of Problems Associated with Aneurysm Repair. There are a number of potential complications of surgical abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, which are in addition to the usual postoperative risks. These include graft rupture, haemorrhage, and graft occlusion (Irwin, 2007). This is another reason for close monitoring of David’s haemodynamic status, because a drop in blood pressure or urine output, associated with increased heart rate and perhaps a change in mental status may indicated shock consequent to blood loss (Irwin, 2007). It is also important to carefully and frequently assess the abdomen, for pain, distension or increasing girth (Irwin, 2007). Graft occlusion may manifest as coronary ischaemia, MI, cerebral ischaemia or stroke, ischaemic colitis or even spinal cord ischaemia resulting in paralysis (Irwin, 2007). Similarly, occlusion of an abdominal graft can also compromise renal blood flow, causing acute tubular necrosis and renal failure, or compromise peripheral circulation, which might lead to limb loss (Irwin, 2 007). Therefore it might be prudent to calculcate ankle/brachial index regularly to evaluate lower extremity perfusion (Irwin, 2007). Nursing Issues In an empirical study of nursing in patients undergoing procedures for abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, Kozon et al (1998) found that patients who undergo the traditional open procedure require more intensive nursing care of lengthier duration, to move them along the illness-wellness spectrum towards self-care and independence. Kozon et al (1998) demonstrate a tailor made model based on the nursing process, which allows nurses to predict the postoperative course for individual patients. They also consider the psychological aspects of care, discussing the state of fear of patients, which is either externally visible to the nursing staff or is expressed by the patients themselves (Kozon et al, 1998). This is important in ensuring the holistic management of David’s care. However, Kozon et al (1998) also recommend further nursing research on this area to fully optimise nursing and enable the recognition of the nursing needs of the individual patient. This says much about the natu re of nursing knowledge and the evidence base on this topic, which remains very much focused on the physical and medical aspects of care. Kozon et al (1998) developed a protocol to apply to such cases, but in terms of evidence, larger scale studies are needed to validate this. The high risks of both the procedure and the repair are highlighted in the literature (Bryant et al, 2002), and so a thorough understanding of these is vital in order to underpin nursing practice and ensure rapid and appropriate prioritisation of care needs, recognition of deviations from the norm and prompt, appropriate referral and treatment. Another issue which the evidence base throws up is the documentation and monitoring of pain management. In a descriptive, retrospective audit of nursing records, Idvall and Ehrenberg (2002) found that there are many shortcomings in content and comprehensiveness of nurses’ monitoring and recording of patients’ pain. This is of particular importance in relation to postoperative care of those patients having undergoing surgical repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm, given that pain can indicate a number of complications of the procedure. Conclusion As can be seen, the care of the patient having an AAA repair is a complex undertaking, requiring a thorough knowledge base on the part of the nurse, and the skills necessary to recognise complications, deviations from clinical parameters, and effects of treatments in order to promptly and appropriately treat and refer the patient (Warbinek and Wyness, 1994). In David’s case, he has presented with a potential complication of his surgery, but the complex nature of his condition could mean that his potential pyrexia is due to a number of causes. Understanding the underlying physiology of his condition is vital in ensuring all his care needs are met and that he is kept in the optimal state of health to promote rapid recovery. This involves an holistic approach, with attention paid to his pain management and psychological state as well as his considerable medical and physical needs. The evidence base for care is suggestive of the existence of some useful nursing evidence on which t o base care, but also suggests the need for more concrete and comprehensive research to underpin practice. Nursing assessment and intervention can be crucial to the survival of patients with this condition (Myer, 1995). Thus nursing knowledge must draw upon their own and other’s knowledge and experience, and the knowledge and understanding of the patient, and their reported symptoms and feelings, in order to provide the highest standard of care and promote David’s optimal wellbeing and return to health. References Beese-Bjustrom, S. 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