Introduction to Linguistics Essay

What is meant by the field of linguistics? This introductory chapter concerns some dimensions of linguistics, which give us a general idea of what linguistics is, including the history of linguistic, grammar, and other disciplines of linguistics study. What does grammar consist of and what are the relationship between one and another? How many languages do human beings have the capacity to acquire? What other studies are made in recent centuries? Each of these aspects are clearly described, and other chapters will go into further details. While in this chapter we will provide some less detailed information on the various aspects of linguistics mentioned so far. 1. 1 Defining Linguistics There is nothing that can be said by mathematical symbols and relations which cannot also be said by words. The converse, however, is false. Much that can be and is said by words cannot successfully be put into equations, because it is nonsense. C. Truesdell Linguistics is a study to describe and explain the human faculty of language. There is no doubt that linguistics has changed through human development. 1. 1. 1 History of linguistics The history of linguistics can be divided into three periods: antiquity, middle ages and modern linguistics. Antiquity Dating back to earlier period of linguistics, linguistics is often associated with a need to disambiguate discourse, especially for ritual texts or in arguments. Ancient Indians made a big contribution to linguistics development. Similarly, ancient Chinese played a key role in improving linguistics development. Around the same time as the Indian developed, ancient Greek philosophers were also debating the nature and origins of language. During this period, syntax and the use of particles developed fast. In addition, scholars proposed that word meanings are derived from sentential usage. 1. 1. 1. 2 Middle Ages In Middle East, in terms of expanding Islam in 8th century, a large number of people learn Arabic. Because of this, the earliest grammar came to being gradually. At the same time, Sibawayh, a famous scholar, wrote a book to distinguish phonetics from phonology. In the 13th century, Europeans introduced the notion of universal grammar. Modern Linguistics Modern linguistics’ beginning can date back to the late 18th century. With time passing by, the study of linguistics contains increasing contents. Meanwhile, it is used in other fields, computer, e. g. , has come to be called computational linguistics. The study of applications (as the recovery of speech ability) is generally known as applied linguistics. But in a narrower sense, applied linguistics refers to the application of linguistic principles and theories of language teaching and learning, especially the teaching of foreign and second language. Other related branches include anthropological linguistics, neurological linguistics, mathematical linguistics, and computational linguistics. However, linguistics is only a part of a much larger academic discipline, semiotics. It is the scientific study of language. It studies not just one single language of any one society, just like Chinese or French, but the language of all human beings. A linguist, though, does not have to know and use a large number of languages, but to investigate how each language is constructed. In short, linguistics studies the general principles whereupon all human languages are constructed and operated as systems of communication in their societies or communities. 1. 1. 2 An Interesting Comparison Linguistics is a broad field to study, therefore, a linguist sometimes is only able to deal with one aspect of language at a time, and thus various branches arise: phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, applied linguistics, pragmatics, psycholinguistics, lexicology, lexicography, etymology and so on. Suppose that the study of linguistics can be considered to be a computer, so linguistics is equal to the CPU, which supports all the other parts. Moreover, sound card would stand for phonetics and phonology, and then morphology and semantics are like the memory of the computer. What’s more, syntax plays as an important role to translate single words to a whole sentence which is full of meaning, just like a graphics card, which uses picture to make sense of the idea of memory stick. Finally, everything is ready, it’ s time to use computer and the same goes for language acquisition. Very interestingly, the properties of computer are amazingly similar to human language. from www. iflytek. com/english/Research-Introduction%20to%20TTS. htm Above all, linguistics is concerned with the study of verbal language– particularly speech and written language. What’s more, language is a system and there is a set of options of which one must be chosen depending on the purpose and context. (Marie E. & John P. , 1991, p. 64). 1. 2 The broad study of language Language is a highly complex system of communication, so it sometimes will be called a ‘system of systems’. It is used to construct, exchange, express, and record information and ideas. It performs these functions effectively because it is based upon systems that are understood by those using the language. In this chapter, four topics will be concerned. They are phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics. In this section, some overall definitions and interactions among the four parts will be talked about. 1. 2. 1 Phonology In order to assist learners at the early stages of literacy, it is very important to understand the relationship between sounds and letters. The sounds of speech are studied in phonetics and phonology. (Marie E. & John P, 1991) 1. 2. 1. 1 Definitions of phonology and phonetics Phonology is the study of sound systems- the invention of distinctive speech sounds that occurs in a language and the patterns wherein they fall. In other words, we study the abstract side of the sounds of language, a related but different subject that we call phonology (Peter, 2000). In short, it is about patterns and roots. On the other hand, it is more strict linguistics. Phonetics is the science which studies the characteristics of human sound-making, especially sounds used in speech, and provides methods for their description, classification and transcription. In common, speech sound is used everywhere, and it can be divided into three parts: articulatory phonetics, auditory phonetics, and acoustic phonetics. . 2. 1. 2 The difference between phonology and phonetics It seems that phonology and phonetics are similar. That is why both of them make learners confused. In fact, they have great difference. Phonology pays attention to how speech sounds of a language pattern are put together according to regular rules. On the contrary, phonetics focuses mainly on description of how speech sounds are made. For instance, if someone says â€Å"we should get our two lips close together and then push them open with a strong air†, that means he or she is relevant to phonetics field.

Thelma and Louise: Micro Analysis

In this essay I will be analysing the closing sequence of the film ‘Thelma and Louise' written by Callie Khouri and directed by Ridley Scott. The focus of this essay on film language is mise-en-scene and sound/dialogue and how it is used to create meaning and generate response. In the beginning of this scene Thelma and Louise are driving and they suddenly come to a cliff edge. Louise slams on the breaks and manages to stop the car just before going off the edge. The dialogue between Thelma and Louise, ‘What the hell is this?' ‘I think it's the God damned Grand Canyon,' demonstrates their disbelief at how close they came to falling to their death. Thelma's question also illustrates how little she was allowed out of the house when she was living with Darrell. The next dialogue as the camera pans round the canyon is of Thelma and Louise's amazement at its beauty. Thelma says, ‘Isn't it beautiful?' Louise responds, ‘Yeah, it's somethin' else alright.' The camera pans around the canyon as if it was in the car and it is as if we are seeing through Thelma and Louise's eyes. The audience see how beautiful the canyon is. There is a slight pause in dialogue and movement, except the camera on a static shot of Thelma's face starring out in awe at the canyon. Then Thelma and Louise look at each other and the helicopter comes up from in the canyon taking them by surprise. The helicopter is black and symbolises the good verses evil of the modern western film. As the helicopter flies over tem Louise turns the car around and tries to run quickly coming to a stop and realising the huge convoy of police cars surrounding them and trapping them in a semi circle again the cliff. The helicopter flies behind the cars and lands, Hal and Max exit it. Again Thelma and Louise's dialogue is important here. Thelma says, ‘Oh my God. Look's like the army!' and Louise say, ‘All this for us!' Louise is astonished that anyone could ever pay this much attention to her even considering what they have done. Thelma and Louise are told to shut the car engine down and place their hands in plain view and that any inabili ty to do so will be considered an act of violence against the police. At this point you can see the strong oppositions in the setting and this reflects Thelma and Louise's point of view and decision about their situation. On one side of Thelma and Louise in the car you have the beautiful Grand Canyon, whereas on the other side you have the police line and capture. In the middle Thelma and Louise are stuck deciding what to do (give up or try and escape somehow), however the car is facing the cliff and away from the police so this indicates that they may have already made their decision. I have drawn a diagram to help explain my point: Bad Good Louise then starts to load her gun and Thelma asks what she is doing. Louise replies, â€Å"I'm not givin' up.† Thelma realises that Louise will try escaping using violence and realises she will be out numbered and they will both get shot. Thelma comes up with an idea of throwing themselves off the cliff. They would rather die than give up and surrender to the men in the forces and have to stand trial and be hanged for murder. The dialogue is then as follows: Thelma: â€Å"Ok then listen. Let's not get caught.† Louise: â€Å"Wha' do y'u mean?† Thelma: â€Å"Lets keep goin' (pause and there is a CU camera shot of Louise's shocked face) Go.† Louise: â€Å"You sure?† Thelma: â€Å"Yeah. Hit it.† This is the last thing we hear Thelma and Louise say in the film and it has strong significance. You as the audience know that they will not live and we feel sad because we have been wanting them to escape all the way through the film but then we also feel a great sense of joy that they won't get caught they are going to commit suicide and end their life on a happy note instead of a hanging. After the dialogue Louise kisses Thelma and this demonstrates the bond between them which has been so strong, but still grown, throughout the film. The audience is deeply moved by this as we admire them for having such courage and love for each other as to kill themselves. We then view their death which is all silent except for Max yelling, ‘Hey!' at Hal as he runs towards the car just before it speeds off over the cliff edge. Also the moving gospel like music which plays louder and with more harmony as Thelma and Louise get closer to the cliff edge. The music has had clips playing throughout the film and we recognise it instantly as an important part of the film. (The music always plays at important parts of the film.) The death involves lots of camera shots and changing angles and some slow motion which I shall now list below to avoid confusion. * Thelma and Louise Kiss * Shot of Hal's face with an expression of concern looking straight down the camera giving us the impression he is looking and Thelma and Louise. – Hal cares about what happens to the girls. He is the only male throughout the film who shows caring for either of them. * Louise revs the engine as she starts to drive * Hal starts to run towards them and Max yells * (Slow motion) Hal is running towards them from behind waving his arm in the air as if to say peace or wait to the girls. – He wants to try to save them. There is also a barrier of dust and we can't see the car though it. – This is what the police gunmen would be seeing; Hal and the dust are protecting the girls from getting shot. * (Normal speed) Two shots of the car driving, one of the front and one of the back. (The voices in the music begin.) * (Slow motion) Hal running from a front view. We see his expression and realise he wants the girls to stop. He wants to save them. He is the only caring concerned male. * (Normal Speed) Car driving towards cliff, we see a CU of the girls hands reaching out and clasping each other. – This is another powerful symbol of their bond. The voices in the music get louder and more harmonies come into the music. This provokes a strong emotional reaction from the audience as we know there is no going back now they are going to fast and will die, but we are happy for Thelma and Louise. * We see a shot of the back of the car and we see the first photo that Thelma and Louise took of themselves before going on their trip fly off the back seat out of the car and behind them. This symbolises Thelma and Louise being free spirits and that they are free from the oppression of males they have had all their lives. They are dead and free. * We see a shot of Thelma and Louise smiling at each other (Two separate shots of their faces which we assume are looking at one another) which illustrates they are happy with their decision and they love each other. Their hands are still clasped together. Reinforcing this image. * We see a CU of Louise flooring the cars accelerator pedal which represents the finality of it all. * Then we see the shot of the car leaving the cliff edge from a low angle shot. We are looking up at the car as it flies upwards then as it starts to come down the shot freezes and fades out to white. This is an alternative ending instead of watching the car free fall. It is better because it represents Thelma and Louise going to heaven and dying happily instead of seeing their horrible bloody death in the explosion as the car hits the bottom of the cliff. At this point the music is fully harmonised and very loud. The music throughout this scene has been used to build tension and convey strong emotion of the characters in the audience towards the end of the film. In conclusion I think that this essay has demonstrated adequately how mise-en-scene and sound is used to generate response and create meaning in the film Thelma and Louise. And I believe that the closing scene is one of the most provocative and emotional of the entire film.

Reflective Essay- First day of school Essay

Approaching the intimidating building that holds the future of not only the rest of my high school career, but my entire life, I continue to feel a longing for my old school. I wish for my old friends who I know will recognize me and jump to greet me; my old routine that I grew so accustomed to. But none of that matters now. All that matters is that I currently feel like a â€Å"nobody† and I’m certain that is all that I’ll feel for the next two agonizing years of my life. see more:write about your first day at school Is it just my imagination, my insecurities flooding my brain, or is everyone staring at me as I walk down this hallway? I can feel eyes piercing me as â€Å"the new girl† nervously walks down the hall. I don’t know where to go, and even worse, I don’t know who to ask for help. I’ve always had tons of friends; I’ve always felt like I’ve had a place at school, but now everything has done a complete 180. My mom’s piece of advice was to â€Å"just think positive†, but I don’t find that possible while I’m roaming around in an unflattering, frumpy uniform feeling like a clueless fool. I don’t know if I want to cry to my parents and have them make it â€Å"all better†, or if I just have burning resentment toward them from yanking me from the school I really belong at. I never knew how much a simple smile from a stranger would mean to me until I felt completely lost. I began to wake up a little bit from my little pity party and actually notice that there are quite a few friendly faces around this place. I even made a few friends, I guess you could say. My mind continues to bring me back to thoughts of how much I miss my old friends and public school, but my mindset starts to shift a tiny bit once I get more familiar with the place and the people around me. The time of the day finally comes that I’ve been dreading the most†¦ lunch. I pictured myself as one of those loners who sits in the corner by themselves. What I really want right now is my old lunch table crammed with eight or so friends to be waiting to greet me, but instead I’ll have no one. â€Å"Hey, Grace! It’s Waffle Wednesday; remember? Let’s go get some waffles with extra whipped cream before it’s all gone!!† My old buddies and I never missed Waffle Wednesday at my old school. Well guess what? There are no more Waffle Wednesdays. There are no more old friends. There’s no more old school. I snap out of my daydream, grab my brown paper lunch bag, and shuffle toward the new cafeteria†¦ really slowly, hoping to procrastinate and waste a couple minutes. My stomach hurts after lunch, and you would never guess why. A couple of the friendliest and brightest faces came right up to me and welcomed to sit with them at lunch. They seemed so genuine, as if they actually wanted to get know me. That is the last thing I expected all day. I mean, I did come across a few nice people, but I never thought anyone would actually want to sit with the anonymous, shy, timid girl during lunch. As I was saying, my stomach hurt from laughing so much during lunch. A stomachache induced by a laughing fit is undeniably the best kind of stomachache. Not only was I invited to sit with some people, but they were extremely kind, and on top of that, they were hilarious. I can actually say that I made friends today who I plan to sit with at lunch every day from now on. I walked in with no friends today, and I can say that I ended the day with two. It may not seem like a lot, but it’s only day one and there are so many more days to get to know new people. My mom’s advice to â€Å"just think positive† didn’t seem too promising when there seemed to be a giant raincloud over my head. I was so self-absorbed in my own dread that I was much too consumed to look up and gain a new perspective of everything around me. When I was closed-off and had a pessimistic attitude, I cheated myself of so many good opportunities. I noticed that once I began to lighten up and exude a sense of optimism, I started to attract positive energy. I see this new school as more of an opportunity instead of a torture chamber. I can do anything with this opportunity that I want; I can make it an unpleasant and dreadful experience, or I can make it something fun and exciting, all depending on my attitude. I know what it feels like to feel lonely; so now I’m going to be that stranger who offers a kind smile and potentially brightens that person’s day. It’s only day one of my journey, so I have quite a while to make my impact. I still may have a tad bit of distaste for the frumpy uniforms, but at least I can say that I’m able to make the best of my days here.

HISTORY - choose 1 of the questions to answer Essay - 1

HISTORY - choose 1 of the questions to answer - Essay Example The need to abandon slavery began in the Northern States with the support of the Democrats, who demonstrated against the denial of rights to slaves (Ferrell 43). The United States Supreme Court even developed its own definition of â€Å"whiteness† where it asserted that whites were superior to other racist groups such as Native Americans, African Americans, West Indian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, amongst other racist groups (Ferrell 44). Many whites, including other Native Americans believed that slaves had no right to set themselves free, and live a fair life. Abolitionism movement groups were usually a minority within American society. This made the groups encounter heavy opposition from the majority groups, who either wanted to avoid making slavery as divisive political issue or supported slavery (Ferrell 7). Antislavery activists endured violent mob attacks on their printing presses and lecture halls, and for over two decades, a â€Å"gag rule†, in the Congress, banned antislavery activists from raising issues relating to this subject (Ferrell 7). However, this opposition only incited antislavery activists, and it made martyrs out of beaten Senator Charles Summer, insane John Brown, and murdered Editor Elijah Lovejoy (Ferrell 11). Antislavery activists were not only interested in ending slavery, but also ensuring that the Americans re-constitute the terms they apply to the concept of equality and liberty. They were looking forward to creating a society that embraced the significance of Revolution for all its people, male and fem ale, black and white. Antislavery activists were hardly perfect, and their abolitionism reform movements were characterized with differing opinions and attitude on racial responsibilities, characteristics and roles abounded within mixed races, classes and genders of abolitionism movement (Ferrell 23). Additionally, abolitionists lacked enough resources as compared to pro-slavery movements. For instance, in 1830’s, the whites dominated

Valid Arguments Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Valid Arguments - Essay Example If Christ the messiah was not a great person, why does history refer to him in the counting of the years using BC for years before Christ and AD for years after Christ? The challenge of the atheist is not the existence of God but on the reason why they should believe in his existence. Events in the world do not occur as successions or fate but appear to be arranged in a sequential order. For instance, the existence of related species such as the Donkey and the Zebra defies the philosophy of the atheists of the survival for the fittest and the extinction of the species as a result of non-conformity. In actual sense, all creature sin the world appears to be very unique and complex defying the evolution theory by Darwin. The evolution theory by Darwin states that organism evolved from simple to complex but biology has proved that even the simplest organism or organelle such as flagella is complex in its composition and operations (Narelle 56). According to Christians, fate is a circumstance through which God performs a miracle and remains anonymous. The events in the world are complex such as a baby surviving a plane crash while in actual sense he or she cannot even walk or save her. Such event illustrate that there is a force in the universe that one cannot recognize or accept easily if not by faith. Faith is the substance that creates an atheist and a Christian. To believe in the existence of God faith comes into play while to believe that god does not exist, faith comes into play. Therefore, it is evident that the existence of God is directly linked with the personal faith and choice. When evaluating the existence of God, it is important to understand the occurrence of events and the link with what atheists believe is fate. If its fate only, why does the fate occur in certain circumstances and not all the cases. Such occurrence proves that there is a supernatural force that control

SURVE Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

SURVE - Essay Example evaluation stage, where it has now been established that the physical and biological changes that adolescent girls experience cause them to become more concerned about their bodies, thus they look for every means possible to appear as they find pleasing in their own eyes. The literature review has also established that to achieve a perceived perfect body appearance, adolescent girls have become target group for most advertisers in the food and nutrition industry. Finally, the literature review has been able to establish that unfortunately, food products and services advertisements do not always represent the holistic truth about what they seek to portray, and thus the advertisers have been accused of keeping key information on products that has to do with side effects and risk effects of their food. However, the challenge at this point is using literature review to establish the remedies put in place to address the limitation of hiding key information by advertisers, regarding side effects and risk effects of their food. I am hoping that the professor will in guiding me through the data collection process, especially under qualitative methods of data collection applied in the study, which is highly subjective, to avoid the negative subjectivism that may result to biased

Questions and Answers Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Questions and Answers - Case Study Example The leaders were Jeffrey Skilling, former Enron President and CEO, Kenneth Lay, CEO and Andrew Fastow, Ex-Chief Financial Officer. 2. How did leadership influence the organizational culture at Enron? Jeffrey Skilling and Andrew Fastow were instrumental in changing the organizational culture of Enron. They gave the perception that Enron was very innovative and very profitable. Enron has a dysfunctional corporate culture which was obsessed with short-term earnings so that the bonuses will be maximized. The employees began looking at high volume deals even if it meant disregarding the quality of the cash flows and profits. The employees’ actions were reflective of their leaders’ values and beliefs. Extravagant spending was common among its executives. The excessive stock options and corporate compensation gave Enron’s executives too many incentives to manipulate the financial accounts and the stock price of the company. Corporate values and principles seemed to disa ppear at Enron at the time of their leadership. 3. Did the performance evaluation system at Enron support or undermine the company’s business goals and leadership beliefs? Yes, the performance evaluation system at the time of Skilling supported the company’s business goals and leadership beliefs.

Carbohydrate Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Carbohydrate - Essay Example The apparent simplicity of these processes proved deceptive. The number of chemically definable units increased with accelerated speed from the beginning of the nineteenth century. Toward its end, the very multiplicity which sometimes became confusing made it possible to solve many problems. The genius of the great "natural philosophers" of earlier times had its successors in the genius of chemists who constructed a new unity by fitting together separate pieces of special experience. At first, however, the organismic products had to be taken apart and transferred from a biological system to that of elements and molecules. In 1827 William Prout (1785- 1850) distinguished between three groups of food materials: fats, proteins, and sugars. From the combustion of sugars which he carried out he concluded that sugars are related to starch and characterized by containing oxygen and hydrogen in the proportions in which these elements are present in water. They are hydrates of carbon, or carbohydrates. The conversion of starch into the sugar found in grape juice (glucose) was carried out by Gottlieb Sigismund Kirchhoff, a German pharmacist in Russia, in two ways: by heating with dilute sulfuric acid or by digesting with the "gluten" of malt (1811, 1814). Glucose was also obtained by the action of certain specific plant extracts on substances like amygdaline or salicin. Latirent proposed to call these substances "glucosamides" (1852) which Gerhardt simplified to "glycosides." They are split by enzymes into glucose and such complex materials as the nitrile of benzaldehyde (Foster-Powell, K., Brand Miller, 1995). When Alexander Butlerow (1828- 1886, Kasan) subjected a new substance, which was later found to be formaldehyde, to a digestion with limewater, he obtained (1861) "the first example of the synthetic production of a substance which behaves like a sugar." Baeyer explained this reaction (1870) as starting from a hydrate of formaldehyde, CH 2 ((OH) 2, and consisting of a combination of six such molecules with removal of six molecules of water. The sugar thus had the formula COH(C [OH] H) 4.CH 2 0H. This speculation used the results of an investigation of mannit, an alcohol obtained from manna. Berthelot, as a sequence of his work on the tribasic alcohol glycerine, recognized mannit as a hexabasic alcohol 1860); its reduction to the hydrocarbon hexane, by means of hydroiodic acid, proved the arrangement of the carbon atoms in a straight chain. This proof, in turn, was possible only because of the comparison of this hexane with other hydrocarbons. A. Wurtz applied his findings of aldehyde condensations, in which only two aldehyde molecules were involved, to the problem of the constitution of glucose. Oxidations to sugar acids and reduction to mannit were further helps in solving the problem. The chemical constitution of fructose, which is combined with glucose in cane sugar (sucrose), could be interpreted (1880) from the acids obtained by oxidizing the addition compound with hydrocyanic acid (Foster-Powell, Miller, 1995). Cellulose also belongs to the group of carbohydrates, since the addition of molecular water, under the influence of strong sulfuric acid, converts it into glucose (Braconnot, 1819). Wood contains a large proportion of cellulose and lignin. The two call be separated, according to Anselme Payen ( 1795- 1871,

Microfinance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Microfinance - Essay Example Thus, it is essential to consider every region separately in order to come to the right conclusion. In the given paper we will analyze the effect of microfinance in India, Hyderabad. Microfinance is widely used in India and even had some positive results at the very beginning: â€Å"India’s microfinance sector was once touted as a saviour of the poor and a good bet for investors. The high point for the industry came when SKS—then India’s biggest microfinance company with a $1.2 billion loan book, a third of it in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh—went public in July 2010. The $350m offering was more than 13 times oversubscribed.† (â€Å"Road to redemption†) However, according to the same source, the situation started worsening at once. It is essential to analyze the reasons of worsening and make recommendations. According to the available statistics, the credit offered by Spandana and other Microfinance institutions working in the region of Hyderabad, was used by 37% of households. The percent is not very high if to take into account the purposes of taking loan (Chowdhury, 2007). Institutions do not state that credits were taken for business starting purposes. However, 30% of people who took loans said that they used this money mainly for this purpose, while 22% used these funds to buy facilities for the business they already have; 30% of borrowers spent loan to buy new facilities for their households (Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation). Here we can see some positive dynamics. The availability of Microfinance institutions loans changed annual percent of newly created businesses from 5.3 to 7. Competition did not bring any difficulties to the existing businesses (Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation) The expenses are different and depend on the purpose of credit. Data shows that those who took a credit

World War II in American Scenario Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

World War II in American Scenario - Essay Example Before the war, the American women primarily played the role of as housewives and mothers to the children. However, that changed after the initiation of the World War II, as the women folk were encouraged to join the industries and importantly even in the war efforts. This was pointed out by Quintile who states â€Å"The American Propaganda of 1941-1945 was aimed at persuading American Women to become involved in supporting the war effort, encouraging them to fill roles previously filled by men.† Thus various propaganda and continual appeals were issued from the American Government throughout the war to trigger the patriotic feeling among the women and to get their attention. Most of the propaganda aimed at the women during the World War II was three fold and that included the following. Firstly, they were done to fill the vacancies in the production area, which was caused by the departure of men from the workforce into the armed forces. Secondly, the other main aim of the pro paganda includes involving the women folk in the armed forces to fill up the desk activities and other roles such as the medical practitioners, nurses, civilians, chaplains, etc. Lastly actively support the armed forces by joining the troops in combative environments. Thus the government mainly focused on coming up with various approaches to make the American women contribute to the nation in a variety of ways. In that direction, the armed forces launched crash recruiting programmes such as conducting rallies, advertising campaigns, and other community outreach programmes to invite the female youth and women in other age groups. The War department publicists also produced huge posters that portrayed women in uniforms so as to make them involved in the armed forces. They particularly used the movie, ‘the Rosie the Riveter’, which depicted the life story of a woman who worked in the plane factory during World War II, as a publicity campaign to enroll more women into the a rmy. Even before the war, men were considered as the breadwinners who need to work outside the homes, while the women’s role was ‘contained’ within the confines of the house. The scene changed completely with the commencement of the Second World War. With respect to the increase in the demand of the military needs, the government decided to utilize the women folk in noncombatant and auxiliary military forces. As said above, women took over the traditional women’s work such as secretarial duties and other desk work inside the military operations. In 1942, US government â€Å"instituted the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps, later upgraded to the Women's Army Corps, which had full military status† and the female members of it, â€Å"known as WACs, worked in more than 200 non-combatant jobs stateside and in every theater of the war.† (â€Å"American Women in World War II.†). Then, women were efficiently used in support functions such as nurses , physicians, etc. The nurses from these groups sprang to the war front and they attended to the wounded soldiers. Also some of the nurses became Red Cross nurses and some served in the military nursing units. Moreover the cadet nurse crops recruited nursing students to work in military and other critical care facilities while they were in school. The cadet nurses and the medical practitioners joined the army to render critical nursing services to the wounded soldiers. They visited many military camps and attended to the needs of the soldiers apart from supplying with critical care medicines and other medical accessories to the camp. . Apart from non-combative roles, women also played active roles in the armed force

Human Resource Information System Essay Example for Free

Human Resource Information System Essay The function of human resources (HR) departments is generally administrative and common to all organizations. Organizations may have formalized selection, evaluation, and payroll processes. Efficient and effective management of Human Capital progressed to an increasingly imperative and complex process. The HR function consists of tracking existing employee data which traditionally includes personal histories, skills, capabilities, accomplishments and salary. To reduce the manual workload of these administrative activities, organizations began to electronically automate many of these processes by introducing specialized human resource management systems. HR executives rely on internal or external IT professionals to develop and maintain an integrated HRMS. Before the client–server architecture evolved in the late 1980s, many HR automation processes were relegated to mainframe computers that could handle large amounts of data transactions. In consequence of the high capital investment necessary to buy or program proprietary software, these internally developed HRMS were limited to organizations that possessed a large amount of capital. Raija and Hlonen (2009) described the role of information systems in the process of combining district organizations which use information system in financial administration, HRM and social welfare. They explored the role of IS in decision-making in public sector. The lack of inter-opera ability between legacy systems and new information systems was perceived as a huge problem. In the present situation of our economy, most of the companies used manual system in their company, also some are using computerized system which lessen the expenses and saves time. An effective and well-designed Human Resource Information System shall make it easier to manage record, update files and retrieve records in Employee records. Confidentially, accuracy and integrity are maintained. The use of computer enables user to minimize efforts to do a certain job or action nowadays. When the Information Technology emerged, it gave a great impact when it comes to business problems especially when it comes to data entry accuracy, managing data’s and retrievals. Dr. Karishna Meena (2010) identified the various functional areas to which ICT is deployed for information administration in Higher Education institutions. Current level of usage indicates a clear integration of ICT for managerial or information based administration in higher education institutes. Matthew Douglas (2009) analyzed that nature of developing IS in any organization is characterized by multi dimensional and often messy problems, involving technical organizations and personal dimensions. David et al(2010) analyzed the main traits of efficient firms and the main sources of firm’s efficiency through samples of catalan firms. Firms efficiency shows a significant improvement when advanced ICT uses are combined with human resource practices, Dileep (2010) indicate that HRIS is an integration of HRM and information systems. HRIs helps HR managers perform HR functions in a more effective and systematic way using technology. HRIs system usually a part of the organization’s larger management information system which would include accounting, production and marketing functions. Ikhlas Zaid (2010) indicate that the quick response and access to information were the main benefits of HRIS implementation. They also identified the cultural and financial barriers to the implementation of HRIS. Kristine David (2010) identified the implementations or upgradation of HRIS has been undertaken with the aim of utilizing HRM functions.. Barriers also associated with the acceptance of new or upgraded HRIS.HRIS play an important role in shaping user perception and behavior. The addition of information technology to the human resource industry has revolutionized the contemporary workplace. HR professionals now have an increased capacity not only to gather information, but also to store and retrieve it in a timely and effective manner. This has not only increased the efficiency of the organization but also the effectiveness of management functions. New technology has also created opportunities for higher levels of stress for younger and older workers alike (Mujtaba, Afza, and Habib, N. (2011), unethical temptations and behaviors (Mujtaba, 2011), and opportunities for better leadership practices (Mujtaba and Afza, 2011). After delivering our suggestions for the Customer Appreciation Program, Kudler has asked us to evaluate the Human Resource Department, to see what changes need to made, to make the process better and smoother. Before making suggestions, we have to analyze their current setup. The Human Resources Department is a valuable department, so we want to assure that Kudler’s is running smoothly and efficiently. Kudler’s current HR Department is setup in the following manner: they use Quick Books and outsourced their payroll to Intuit. Intuit tracks all the following information for each employee. They track the employee’s personal information, pay rate, tax exemptions, hire date, seniority date, and organizational information. Changes to any of this information, can only be change by submitting a special form in writing by the employee’s supervisor and entered by the accounting clerk. The accounting clerk also keeps a file with the appropriate tax forms for each employee and all changes to employee data. The employees turn in manual time sheets weekly, which are approved by the store manager. The time sheets are then faxed to accounting, where they are entered for payroll. All changes have to be approved by the direct supervisor and store manager. Each store manager is responsible for keeping the files of their employees. They are kept in a locked file and include the following information: job application or resume, performance reviews, I-9 forms, and any disciplinary memos or performance management issues. The managers are also responsible for tracking any time off, which includes vacations.

Multi-Layered Security Plan Essay Example for Free

Multi-Layered Security Plan Essay Protecting sensitive or confidential data is paramount in many businesses. In the event such information is made public, businesses may face legal or financial ramifications. At the very least, they will suffer a loss of customer trust. In most cases, however, they can recover from these financial and other losses with appropriate investment or compensation Having information of different security levels on the same computer systems poses a real threat. It is not a straight-forward matter to isolate different information security levels, even though different users log in using different accounts, with different permissions and different access controls (Red Hat, Inc. 2006). Below I have listed the IT infrastructure of Richman Investments along with recommendations in each infrastructure on levels of security that should be implemented for a more secure network. IT Infrastructure Affected 1. User Domain: The people who access an organization’s information system. * The first thing that should be implemented is a mandatory Computer Security training session to educate the users on the proper use of work computers. 2. Workstation Domain: Users (most) connecting to the IT infrastructure. * The workstation domain comes with its own problems such as unauthorized access to the system, the way to fix this problem would be to implement access policies and guidelines. 3. LAN Domain: A collection of computers connected to one another or to a common connection medium. * Implement second or third level identity check to gain access to sensitive systems, applications, and date. Keep all hardware in a secure location with access only with proper ID. 4. LAN-to-WAN Domain: Link between the Wide Area Network (WAN) and the Internet. * Conduct post configuration penetration tests of the layered security solution within the LAN-to-WAN Domain. Test inbound and outbound traffic and fix any gaps. Also, apply e-mail server and attachments antivirus and e-mail quarantining for unknown file types. Stop domain-name Web site access based on content-filtering policies. 5. WAN Domain: Wide Area Network (WAN) connects remote locations to the Local Area Network (LAN). * Encrypt confidential data transmissions through service provider WAN using VPN tunnels. 6. Remote Access Domain: Connects remote users to the organization’s IT infrastructure. * Remote Access Domain, Being that the users are off site it is hard to say that the users password information has not been compromised. In such cases when abnormalities are spotted or data is accessed without proper authorization, data should be completely encrypted to prevent any sensitive materials from being sold or presented to the open market. 7. System/Application Domain- Holds all the mission-critical systems, applications, and data. * Develop a business continuity plan for mission-critical applications providing tactical steps for maintaining availability of operations. Perform regular rigorous software and Web-application testing and penetration testing prior to launch.

Targeted Drug Delivery for Sex Dependent Cancers

Targeted Drug Delivery for Sex Dependent Cancers Occurring cancer in any part of the human body such as lung, kidney, skin and etc. has a different incidence ratio between men and women. sex dependent cancers have seen just in male or female which is dependent to sex hormones and specific sex organs such as prostate cancer in male and Ovary and endometrial cancers in female, breast cancer is seen in both sex with 5% incidence in male. Despite of a self-explaining differentiation between the sex organs, since these organs functions are regulated by same hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone similarities in cell signaling and pathways via molecular interactions are highlighted for cancer studies and targeted therapy. Targeted drug delivery for sex dependent cancers has been studied for many years, but exploring similarities of sex-dependent cancers targeting could provide an opportunity for future targeted drug delivery of these cancers simultaneous effects analysis. Breast Cancer: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer and cause of death among women worldwide during the past decades. To improve diagnosis, therapy and prevention of BC, molecular developments provide various techniques for scientist to study and differentiate BC cell lines as well as observe different phenotype of BC. They classified BC to three main subtypes: estrogen/progesterone receptor (ER) positive, epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2) positive, and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Estrogen/progesterone receptor (ER) positive: In BC subtypes of ER+, the overexpression of estrogen receptors on breast cells and nucleus membranes cause the over uptake of estrogen [1]. Many studies showed that estrogen receptors could be targeted for anti-cancer delivery to breast cells. Some estrogen receptor targeted drugs now use in clinical therapy like tamoxifen from the family of SERMs (selective estrogen receptor modulators) which are competitive agonist of the estrogen receptor [2]. Arimidex, Fareston (Toremifene), Anastrozole, Exemestane, anastrozole, letrozole [3], [4],[5]  Fulvestrant [6]  are now in market. Other estrogen receptor targeted drug is a family of aromatase Inhibitors (AI) that suspend the estrogen production. The third-generation aromatase inhibitors are classified into irreversible steroidal inhibitors and they have shown high potential to replace tamoxifen in postmenopausal women such as Exemestane, anastrozole, letrozole[2,4 ,5]. SERDs (selective estrogen receptor down-regulators) is another estrogen targeted that only drug with FDA approved is fulvestrant on the name of Faslodex used in metastatic hormone positive breast cancer [6]. HER2 positive: This breast cancer subtype is referred to overexpression of erbB2 (HER2) from the epidermal growth factor receptor family on breast cells membranes [7]. Anti HER2 agent has studied for targeted therapy of this subtype. Recombinant humanized monoclonal antibodies such as trastuzumab and pertuzumab are widely used for HER2 positive breast cancer and any other HER2 positive cancers [8],  [9],  [10]. Some monoclonal antibodies are under further clinical trials studies like ertumaxomab and margetuximab  [11]  .Her2 Vaccine is now under further studies [11]. Triple Negative breast cancer (TNBC): These subtype tumors do not express receptors for estrogen or progesterone and not overexpress the HER2 receptor. TNBC is a malignant cancer with the high rate of incidence in younger age and it grows faster with the high potential of metastasis in early stage while it is unlikely to be seen on annual mammogram [12]. Not only patients with TNBC almost show poor prognosis compare to other subtypes, but also during therapy they are at the higher risk of relapse, metastasis, and survival [13]. Since the clinical trial of some designed drug were not successful, no commercialized drug and therapy for this subtype still exists. Endometrial Cancer: Endometrial Cancer (EC) begins in the uterus cells of the endometrium layer. Mostly surgery including hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) and removal of ovaries and lymph nodes is the only way to cure the EC if biopsies show that cancer has not spread, no other treatment is needed. According to clinic pathological characteristics, EC is classified to two subtype. Estrogen-dependent endometrioid and estrogen-independent non-endometrioid carcinoma. [14],  [15]. Estrogen-independent EC shows p53 and p16 mutations, overexpression of HER2 and E-cadherin loss [16]. Most of the diagnosed EC tumor are estrogen-dependent that express estrogen receptor and hormonal therapy with progestron is a primary line [17]. Since EC Type I express estrogen receptor the like ER+ BC mentioned previously, targeted therapies for EC are SERM, AI and GnRH inhibitors. Tamoxifen (as SERM) and anastrazole (as AI) commonly used. Anti-angiogenesis drugs are efficiently used for EC like Aflibercept, Abitrexate (Methotrexate) is an only trial drug for EC. Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer is derived from the specific epithelial of secondary sex organs. Todays, the prostate cancer strategies of treatment is mostly based on suppressing testosterone level by anti-androgenic, gonadorelin agonist or antagonists [18]. Despite of the unknown active mutation in oncogenic pathways in prostate cancers subsets, some molecules express specifically in prostate epithelial cells which have been studied as therapeutic targets including; cell surface prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), the secreted protease prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and the enzyme prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP). PSMA targeting: PSMA is an integral cell surface membrane protein and specifically over-expressed in advanced prostate cancers. PSMA has been studied in phase II trial as a targeted therapy via monoclonal antibody (J591) conjugated with radio and chemical compounds [19]. PSA: The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) mostly use as an indicator for primary diagnosis of prostate cancer. Gonadorelin antagonists can suppress testosterone and PSA, by then Degarelix (Firmagon) is now using for treatment in prostate cancer patients. ARN-509 antiandrogen is only used for prostate cancer with high level of PSA indication. PAP: Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) is an enzyme produced by prostate and the amount increased in prostate cancer cells. In clinical studies PAP mostly used as an antigen for anti-tumor vaccines [20]. Ovarian Cancer: Ovarian Cancer is a 5th cause of cancer related death among women worldwide [21].Ovarian cancer has not yet been classified. It is poor diagnosed in stage I and in stage II,III,IV diagnosed by metastasis to other organs  [22]. Surgery and aggressive chemotherapy are currently the only way to treat the ovarian cancer. Many studies on targeted therapy for ovarian cancer by nano-carriers are undergoing. Although, in market there is nano-carriers like liposome that carried chemotherapeutic agents like doxorubicin; DOXIL (Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Liposome), Evacet (Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Liposome) [23]. Novel Targeted therapy: As previously has been mentioned, these cancers are mostly depended on sex hormones level, HER2 expression and other individual molecular marker indications. Almost all chemotherapy regiment have cytotoxic effect on non-cancer cells and caused the chemotherapy side effects. If these chemotherapy regiment could be conjugated with marker to specific targets of cancer cells the result would be cytotoxicity of drug just for cancer cells and no more side effects for healthy cells. This conjugation can be followed by protein based interactions like antigen- antibody mechanism or ligand-receptor affinity. Today novel therapeutical aims are trying to conjugate monoclonal antibodies with drugs which is called antibody-drug conjugated (ADC). Other novel targeted therapy is to conjugate the peptide or protein with drug (PDC). Both ADC and PCD are the subtype of protein drug conjugated approach. The result of covalent conjugation of drug with antibody or peptide is another novel strategy of prod rug in which after delivered to cells would be cleaved by an enzyme and release active drug [24]. For targeted drug delivery for any drugs two main subjects should be considered; Carrier and Targets: Carriers: Antibody: In past decades, targeted drug delivery has been improved by development of antibodies against any identified targeted antigen. Not only antibodies can induce uptake of conjugated drug in targeted cells, but also they can enhance the role of complement-dependant cytotoxicity system to invade targeted cells. The potential of making almost any antigen as a target is an interesting properties of ADCs, however, just few of the human antibodies have shown a longer proper half-lives like IgG1, IgG2, and IgG4. Nearly 40 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) have been approved and develop not only for cancer but also for some autoimmune disease [25]. While antibodies have shown low loading capacity of drug, on molecule of antibodies are capable to conjugate with less than 3 molecules of drug, for improve ADCs efficacy drug should be highly potent. As mentioned previously, HER2 is overexpressed in breast, prostate, ovarian and endometrial cancer that the anti-HER2 antibody can be used for targeted drug delivery. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) for HER2 positive is a conjugation of trastuzumab as an antibody and emtansine as cytotoxic compound and commercialized as TDM1. Other cytotoxic compound in conjugation with antibody is under further studies and clinical trial process like defucosylated trastuzumab [26],[27]. Lapatinib is commercialized drug from the family of Receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (RTKI) that target the intracellular binding site of HER and EGFR family [28]. In breast cancer antibodies of Anti-LIV1 mAb (hIgG1), Anti-GPNMB mAb (hIgG2), Anti-cripto mAb (hIgG1) in conjugation with drug Auristatin E and DM4 (maytansine) are now clinical Phase I. Anti-HER2 mAb (hIgG1) in conjugation with Emtansine-DM1 (maytansine) has been approved in early 2013 and used for metastatic breast cancer. Anti-TROP-2 mAb (mIgG1) in conjugation with SN-38 (irinotecan metabolite) is under further studies for triple negative breast cancer in Phase II clinical [29]. In prostate cancer Anti-PSMA mAb (hIgG1) in conjugation with Auristatin E (auristatin) is still on phase I clinical [30]. IgG1 ADC targets Folate receptor is in Phase 1 studies for ovarian cancer [31]. Protein/Peptide-drug conjugated (PDC): Proteins are sequences of amino acids with 3D or 4D structures that have vital responsibility in all alive cells. Protein has been studied as a carrier for drug due to its stability, longer half-life, biodegradability and easy modification for carry drug with no effect on its desirable function [32]. Protein which are widely used as for drug delivery are Transferrin and Albumin [33], Zein [34],  Elastin and Gelatine  [35], Gliadin and Legumin [36]. The conjugation of albumin with methotrexate has been studied preclinical for many cancers but it had shown effect on just bone and prostate cancer [37]. Conjugation of transferrin with N-alkylisatin derivatives had shown 10 times more efficient on breast cancer tumor in vivo [38]  and also conjugation with Artemisinin shown high toxicity for breast cancer in rat [39]. Gelatin conjugation with Gallic acid has been studied on prostate cancer [40]. Abraxane is an albumin conjugated with paclitaxel in phase I trial for metastatic breast cancer, prostate and ovarian cancer [41]. Peptide usually refers to a sequence of amino acids (up to 50) with just up to secondary structure [42]. Peptide ligand can be used for targeted receptors. However, peptides have short half-life and poor stability in serum as they can be degraded by protease, but peptides are smaller than antibodies and can easily penetrate the targeted cells and overcome biological barriers that the result would be the fast uptake of drug by targeted cells and also peptides have shown high drug loading potential  [43]. Acyclic RGD4C as peptide c(Cys-Phe-Cys-Asp-Gly-Arg-Cys-Asp-Cys) in conjugation with doxorubicin has been shown higher antitumor activity on metastatic breast cancer in vivo than doxorubicin alone [44]. Targets: Gonadotropin hormone receptor targeting: The overexpression of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) receptors has been well reported on many cancer tumors specially breast, ovary, endometrial and prostate cancer [45],[46]. LHRH analog is widely used as a supplementary drug in order to bind to the LHRH receptor [47]. LHRH agonist induce downregulation of LHRH and suppress sex steroid hormone. While, LHRH antagonist block the LHRH receptors and suppress LHRH and sex steroid releasing immediately [48],[49].  Prostate cancer drug in market like Degarelix (Firmagon) (ANTAGONISTS), Lupron, Leuprolide Acetate, Zoladex (Goserelin Acetate) are LHRH analog [50]. LHRH and its analogue as a peptide with a sequence of 10 amino acids have been studied as a targeted drug carrier. AEZS-108 (formerly known as AN-152) is an LHRH agonist conjugation with doxorubin which is shown anti-cancer activity in phase II clinical trial of gynaecological cancers and a promising result for prostate cancer [51]. LHRH also has been studied for carry cisplatin encapsulated in dextran nano-particle to breast cancer cells [52]. Compound uptake via an interaction between LHRH and its receptor and then endocytosis by cell membrane. As normal cells with no overexpression of LHRH receptor could not uptake the drug, side effects of toxic drug significantly has been reduced36. Growth factor targeting: Growth factor refers to substances that stimulate cells proliferation and differentiation by binding to their receptors which is tyrosine kinase activate other cell pathways. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and their receptors are two class of growth factors that have been studied for targeted therapy: Angiogenic pathway targeting: In all cancers, tumor growth and metastasis depend on angiogenesis pathway which activated by vascular endothelial growth factors. VEGF family and their receptors (VEGFR) have been studied for inhibition of tomur growth and metastasis as their overexpression had been seen in most of the malignant cancers [53]. The stimulation of VEGF not only induces cells mitosis and abort apoptosis, but also caused the chemotherapy and radiotherapy resistance [54]. On the other hand, chemotherapy and radiotherapy could induce VEGF in tumor cells [55]. Hereby, today anti-VEGF drug have been added to chemotherapy regiment. Ovarian cancer cell lines has shown overexpress of VEGFR as well as breast cancer cell line like MDA-MB-453, and MDA-MB-231,T-47D,and MCF7  [56]. Studies on triple negative breast cancer cell lines; MDA-MB-453; have shown that overexpression of VEGF protected cancer cells from apoptosis and improved cell mitosis and invasion [57]. Treatment of MDA-MB-453 and MDA-MB-231 with anti-sense oligonucleotide inhibition of VEGF has shown over 50% decrease in invasion by Martigel assay [58]. Targeting VEGF has been studied in Phase I and II clinical by designing monoclonal anti-body directly against VEGF that shown suppressing metastasis relapsed in patients with breast cancer [59],  [60],  [61]. Now, Bevacizumab (Avastin ®) is a monoclonal anti-body that bind to VEGF that has studied in phase III trial for metastasis breast cancer. Successful result has been released in phase III trial studies E2100, AVADO, RIBBON-1 that have Bevacizumab as a supplement and chemotherapy regiment like paclitaxel, docetaxel, anthracycline-based as a first line treatment respectively  [62],  [63],  [64]. Epidermal growth factor targeting: Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a factor that induce cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and survival by binding to its receptor (EGFR) with tyrosine kinase activity. The EGFR from ErbB family (also known as HER) has shown overexpression in cell surface of many cancers, especially breast, prostate, and ovarian cancer. HER2 is a receptor with three domains of extracellular for ligand, transmembrane domain, and cytoplasmic domain with tyrosine kinase activity. The excess of HER2 on cell membrane and high tyrosine kinase activities induce the downstream signalling pathways like PI3K/AKT/mTOR as well as JAK/STAT pathways which suppress apoptosis and promote proliferation and survival. HER2 is overexpressed in 15-30% of invasive breast cancers [65],  [66],  [67]. Cetuximab (Erbitux) and panitumumab (Vectibix) are the two most advanced monoclonal anti-bodies targeting the extracellular domain of the receptor and inhibit ligand-receptor interaction and tyrosine kinase activity [68],  [69]. But an abnormal form of HER2 which has the lack of extracellular domain, known as P95, is still active but resistance to drug and antibodies that target the extracellular domain[70]. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) for HER2 positive is a conjugation of trastuzumab as an antibody and emtansine as cytotoxic compound and commercialized as TDM1. Other cytotoxic compound in conjugation with antibody is under further studies and clinical trial process like defucosylated trastuzumab26,[71]. Lapatinib is commercialized drug from the family of Receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (RTKI) that target the intracellular binding site of HER and EGFR family [72]. References: [1] Garcia-Becerra R, Santos N, Diaz L, Camacho J. Mechanisms of resistance to endocrine therapy in breast cancer: focus on signaling pathways, miRNAs and genetically based resistance. Int J Mol Sci. 2012;14(1):108-45. [2] Osborne CK. Tamoxifen in the treatment of breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 1998;339(22):1609-18. [3] Nabholtz JM, Buzdar A, Pollak M, Harwin W, Burton G, Mangalik A. Anastrozole is superior to tamoxifen as first-line therapy for advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women: results of a North American multicenter randomized trial. Arimidex Study Group. J Clin Oncol. 2000;18(22):3758-67. [4] Mouridsen HT. Letrozole in advanced breast cancer: the PO25 trial. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2007;105 Suppl 1:19-29. [5] Paridaens RJ, Dirix LY, Beex LV, Nooij M, Cameron DA, Cufer T. Phase III study comparing exemestane with tamoxifen as first-line hormonal treatment of metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women: the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Breast Cancer Cooperative Group. J Clin Oncol. 2008;26(30):4883-90. [6] Osborne CK, Pippen J, Jones SE, Parker LM, Ellis M, Come S. Double-blind, randomized trial comparing the efficacy and tolerability of fulvestrant versus anastrozole in postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer progressing on prior endocrine therapy: results of a North American trial. J Clin Oncol. 2002;20(16):3386-95. [7] Menard S, Fortis S, Castiglioni F, Agresti R, Balsari A. HER2 as a prognostic factor in breast cancer. Oncology. 2001;61 Suppl 2:67-72. [8] Baselga J, Albanell J, Molina MA, Arribas J. Mechanism of action of trastuzumab and scientific update. Semin Oncol. 2001;28(5 Suppl 16):4-11. [9] Gennari R, Menard S, Fagnoni F, Ponchio L, Scelsi M, Tagliabue E. Pilot study of the mechanism of action of preoperative trastuzumab in patients with primary operable breast tumors overexpressing HER2. Clin Cancer Res. 2004;10(17):5650-5. [10] Baselga J, Cortes J, Im SA, Clark E, Ross G, Kiermaier A. Biomarker analyses in CLEOPATRA: a phase III, placebo-controlled study of pertuzumab in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive, first-line metastatic breast cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2014;32(33):3753-61. [11] Toss A, Cristofanilli M. Molecular characterization and targeted therapeutic approaches in breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res. 2015;17:60. [12] Jamdde VS, Sethi N, Mundhe NA, Kumar P, Lahkar M, Sinha N. Therapeutic targets of triple-negative breast cancer: a review. Br J Pharmacol. 2015;172(17):4228-37. [13] Mustacchi G, De Laurentiis M. The role of taxanes in triple-negative breast cancer: literature review. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2015;9:4303-18. [14] -Cancer Genome Atlas Research N, Kandoth C, Schultz N, Cherniack AD, Akbani R, Liu Y. Integrated genomic characterization of endometrial carcinoma. Nature 2013; 497(7447):67e73. [15] Bokhman JV. Two pathogenetic types of endometrial carcinoma. Gynecol Oncol. 1983;15(1):10e7. [16] Silva JL, Paulino E, Dias MF, Melo AC. Endometrial cancer: redefining the molecular-targeted approach. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol. 2015;76(1):1e11. [17] Zhang Y, Zhao D, Gong C, Zhang F, He J, Zhang W. Prognostic role of hormone receptors in endometrial cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. World J Surg Oncol. 2015;13:208. [18] -Obinata D, Takayama K, Takahashi S, Inoue S. Crosstalk of the Androgen Receptor with Transcriptional Collaborators: Potential Therapeutic Targets for Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) [Internet]. 2017;9(3):22. [19] Fernandez-Garcia EM, Vera-Badillo FE, Perez-Valderrama B, Matos-Pita AS, Duran I. Immunotherapy in prostate cancer: review of the current evidence. Clin Transl Oncol. 2014;339-57. [20] Becker JT, Olson BM, Johnson LE, Davies JG, Dunphy EJ, McNeel DG. DNA vaccine encoding prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) elicits long-term T-cell responses in patients with recurrent prostate cancer. J Immunother. 2010;33(6):639-47. [21] Ferlay J, Shin HR, Bray F, Forman D, Mathers C, Parkin DM. Estimates of worldwide burden of cancer in 2008: GLOBOCAN 2008. Int. J. Cancer. 2010; 127:2893-2917. [22] -Bast RC, Hennessy B, Mills GB. The biology of ovarian cancer: new opportunities for translation. Nat Rev Cancer. 2009;9:415-28. [23] Delie F, Allemann E, Cohen M. Nanocarriers for ovarian cancer active drug targeting. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol. 2012;22(5):421-6. [24] Hamada Y. Recent progress in prodrug design strategies based on generally applicable modifications. Bioorg Med Chem Lett [Internet]. 2017;27(8):1627-32. [25] -Ishii M. Immunology provides a great success for treating systemic autoimmune diseases a perspective on immunopharmacology IUPHAR Review X. Br J Pharmacol [Internet]. 2017. [26] Lewis Phillips GD; Li G, Dugger DL, Crocker LM, Parsons KL, Mai E, Blà ¤ttler WA, Lambert JM, Chari RV, Lutz RJ, et al. Targeting HER2-positive breast cancer with trastuzumab-DM1, an antibody-cytotoxic drug conjugate. Cancer Res. 2008; 68:9280-9290. [27] LoRusso, PM, Weiss D, Guardino E, Girish S, Sliwkowski MX. Trastuzumab emtansine: A unique antibody-drug conjugate in development for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive cancer. Clin Cancer Res. 2011; 17:6437-6447. [28] Rosen, L.S.; Ashurst, H.L.; Chap, L. Targeting signal transduction pathways in metastatic breast cancer: A comprehensive review. Oncologist. 2010; 5:216-235. [29] -Cardillo TM, Govindan SV, Sharkey RM, Trisal P, Goldenberg DM. Humanized anti-Trop-2 IgG-SN-38 conjugate for effective treatment of diverse epithelial cancers: preclinical studies in human cancer xenograft models and monkeys. Clin Cancer Res.2011; 17: 3157-69. [30] -DiPippo VA, Olson WC, Nguyen HM, Brown LG, Vessella RL, Corey E. Efficacy studies of an antibody-drug conjugate PSMA-ADC in patient-derived prostate cancer xenografts. Prostate. 2015;75(3):303-13. [31] Borghaei H, OMalley DM, Seward SM, et al. Phase 1 study of IMGN853, a folate receptor alpha (FRÃŽÂ ±)-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) in patients (Pts) with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and other FRA-positive solid tumors. Proc Am Soc Clin Oncol.2015; 33 (suppl): abstr5558. [32] Weber C, Coester C, Kreuter J, LangerK. Desolvation process and surface characterisation of protein nanoparticles. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2000;194(1):91-102. [33] Kratz F. Albumin as a drug carrier: design of prodrugs, drug conjugates and nanoparticles. Journal of Controlled Release.2008;132(3):171-181. [34] Podaralla S, Perumal O. Preparation of zein nanoparticles by pH controlled nanoprecipitation. Journal of Biomedical Nanotechnology. 2010;6(4):312-7. [35] Babaei Z, Jahanshahi J,Sanati MH. Fabrication and evaluation of gelatine nanoparticles for delivering of anticancer drug. International Journal of NanoScience and Nanotechnology. 2008;4:23-9. [36] Arangoa MA, Campanero MA, Renedo MJ, Ponchel G, Irache JM. Gliadin nanoparticles as carriers for the oral administration of lipophilic drugs. Relationships between bioadhesion and pharmacokinetics. Pharmaceutical Research. 2001;18(1):1521-7. [37] -Burger AM, Hartung G, Stehle G, Sinn H, Fiebig HH. Pre-clinical evaluation of a methotrexate-albumin conjugate (MTX-HSA) in human tumor xenografts in vivo. Int J Cancer. 2001;92(5):718-24. [38] Indira Chandran V, Matesic L, Locke JM, Skropeta D, Ranson M, Vine KL. Anti-cancer activity of an acid-labile N-alkylisatin conjugate targeting the transferrin receptor. Cancer Lett. 2012;316(2):151-6. [39] Lai H, Nakase I, Lacoste E, Singh NP, Sasaki T. Artemisinin-transferrin conjugate retards growth of breast tumors in the rat. Anticancer Res. 2009;29(10):3807-10. [40] -Cirillo G, Kraemer K, Fuessel S, Puoci F, Curcio M, Spizzirri UG, et al. Biological activity of a gallic acid-gelatin conjugate. Biomacromolecules. 2010;11(12):3309-15. [41] -Nyman DW, Campbell KJ, Hersh E, Long K, Richardson K, Trieu V, et al. Phase I and pharmacokinetics trial of ABI-007, a novel nanoparticle formulation of paclitaxel in patients with advanced nonhematologic malignancies. J Clin Oncol. 2005;23(31):7785-93. [42] A.K. Sato, M. Viswanathan, R.B. Kent, C.R. Wood,

Mycenae Essay -- Greece History Essays

Mycenae Problems with format ?Mycenae in southern Greece is one of the oldest cities in the world, the center of rich myth, culture, and history.? For centuries, legends abounded about the wealth, fame, and power of this city, particularly concerning its involvement in the Trojan War.? Yet, just 200 years ago, people wondered whether the ancient city of Mycenae even existed.? However, archaeological work in the past two centuries has confirmed the existence and greatness of this ancient civilization.? The major finds include the city?s walls, palace, and tombs.? These discoveries provide a connection to this ancient city and make it come to life again today. ?Our first knowledge of Mycenae came from Greek legends written by ancient poets who described Mycenae as ?the well-build citadel,? ?the broad-wayed,? and ?rich in gold? (Mylanos 11).? This city was one of the most powerful in the pre-Hellenic period.? According to tradition, Mycenae was founded by Perseus, one of Zeus? sons.? The last ruler of this line, Eurytheus, imposed the 12 labors on Heracles which led to his murder (LFC 7).? Atreus was then chosen as ruler to begin the Pelopid dynasty.? During this time the city reached its highest point, controlling most of southern Greece and some of the islands.? Agamemnon became the city?s greatest king and led the Greeks against Troy in the Trojan War.? When Agamemnon returned from the war, he was killed by his wife, Clytemnestra, and her lover, Aegisthus.? However, Agamemnon?s son, Orestes, killed both of them seven years later and took power.? Under the rule of Orestes? son Tisamenos, the city was destroyed by Dorian tribes, ending thi s civilization. ?Until the nineteenth century, many questioned if there was any basis... ... of ancient Greece.? We now have an understanding of pre-Hellenic culture, something that used to exist only in legend.? The excavations of ancient Mycenae confirm the greatness of this civilization.? The wealth and skill of the Mycenaeans are demonstrated in their architectural marvels and the contents buried in their graves.? We now can picture the environment in which the great leader Agamemnon lived, ruling over southern Greece and trading throughout the eastern Mediterranean. Works Cited ?Mycenaean Age?.? Lake Forest College.? . Mylanos, George E.? Ancient Mycenae: The Capitol City of Agamemnon.? Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1957. Samuel, Alan E.? The Mycenaeans in History.? New York: Prentice-Hall, Inc, 1966. Taylour, Lord William.? The Mycenaeans.? London: Thames and Hudson, Ltd, 1983.

Mt.Vesuvius and its 79 AD Eruption Essay -- essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Volcano: A hill or mountain formed around and above a vent by accumulations of erupted materials, such as ash, pumice, cinders or lava-flow. The term refers both to the vent itself and to the often cone-shaped accumulation above it. (Scarth, 1994.) This definition can do Mt. Vesuvius no justice. Instead, I would describe it as one of the most hellish and population decimating volcanoes. Vesuvius lives†¦or lived! In its prime, Vesuvius covered and demolished two of Italy’s biggest cultural and artistic cities of its time. In this paper, I will be discussing volcanoes in general. In addition, Mt. Vesuvius, in particular, will be thoroughly looked at, as well as its 79 AD eruption.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Volcanoes have long been depicted as nature’s killer. In movies, Volcanoes are seen as mountains of fire and spitting lava; their only purpose seems to be to kill and destroy everything in their path. Never is the background of volcanoes discussed. How are volcanoes formed? Are there different types of volcanoes? What happens during an eruption? The basic questions to aid understanding of volcanoes might change the public’s opinion.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  First, I will begin with the creation of volcanoes. Volcanoes are formed in different ways. In a short version: the earth’s plates shift and move. After the plates collide into each other, one plate is pushed down into the mantel below the crust and melts. Hot magma from the mantle breaks through a weak spot in the crust. As the   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ziehm 2 magma shoots out of the crust, the cooling magma called lava becomes hard. After significant time, the hard lava forms a volcanic mountain. Volcanoes can form in many different sizes and shapes. They can look like a cone, have steep looking flanks, or look as if they were long cracks in the earth’s crust. (Plummer et al., 2000). If the mountain is very tall, then there is a greater chance that it was formed from past eruptions. When the lava cools, it makes the mountain bigger and higher. Depending on the type of volcano, layers can differ in lava/ash content. (Plu... ...p;  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ziehm 6 Mt.Vesuvius is just one of several active volcanoes throughout the world. They have wiped out populations in the past and have the potential to decimate more in the future. Geologists are predicting that a volcanic eruption will occur that will dwarf eruptions such as Vesuvius and Mt. St. Helen’s. (http://www.ph_heidelburg.de/stud/EGGERTT/vesuvio.html) The only thing we can do is sit and wait†¦nature will take its course.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   List of Refrences Morris,C. 1902: The Volcano’s Deadly Work: From the Fall of Pompeii to the Destruction of St. Pierre. The Dan Waugh Collection of Nature Books. Washington, D.C. 236-254. Plummer, C.C., McGeary, D. & Carlson, D.H., 2000: Physical Geoloy. Updated eigth ed..Mcgraw-Hill Companies, Inc., NY. 81-82,88-89. Rittman, A & L. 1976: Volcanoes. G.P. Putnam’s Sons, NY. 20-22 Scarth, A.1994: Volcanoes: An Introduction. Texas A&M University Press College Station. 56-57, 74, 259. [ http://www.volcano.und.nodak.edu] [ http://www.harcourtschool.com] [http://www.ph_heidelburg.de/stud/EGGERTT/vesuvio.html] Mt.Vesuvius and its 79 AD Eruption Essay -- essays research papers   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Volcano: A hill or mountain formed around and above a vent by accumulations of erupted materials, such as ash, pumice, cinders or lava-flow. The term refers both to the vent itself and to the often cone-shaped accumulation above it. (Scarth, 1994.) This definition can do Mt. Vesuvius no justice. Instead, I would describe it as one of the most hellish and population decimating volcanoes. Vesuvius lives†¦or lived! In its prime, Vesuvius covered and demolished two of Italy’s biggest cultural and artistic cities of its time. In this paper, I will be discussing volcanoes in general. In addition, Mt. Vesuvius, in particular, will be thoroughly looked at, as well as its 79 AD eruption.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Volcanoes have long been depicted as nature’s killer. In movies, Volcanoes are seen as mountains of fire and spitting lava; their only purpose seems to be to kill and destroy everything in their path. Never is the background of volcanoes discussed. How are volcanoes formed? Are there different types of volcanoes? What happens during an eruption? The basic questions to aid understanding of volcanoes might change the public’s opinion.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  First, I will begin with the creation of volcanoes. Volcanoes are formed in different ways. In a short version: the earth’s plates shift and move. After the plates collide into each other, one plate is pushed down into the mantel below the crust and melts. Hot magma from the mantle breaks through a weak spot in the crust. As the   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ziehm 2 magma shoots out of the crust, the cooling magma called lava becomes hard. After significant time, the hard lava forms a volcanic mountain. Volcanoes can form in many different sizes and shapes. They can look like a cone, have steep looking flanks, or look as if they were long cracks in the earth’s crust. (Plummer et al., 2000). If the mountain is very tall, then there is a greater chance that it was formed from past eruptions. When the lava cools, it makes the mountain bigger and higher. Depending on the type of volcano, layers can differ in lava/ash content. (Plu... ...p;  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ziehm 6 Mt.Vesuvius is just one of several active volcanoes throughout the world. They have wiped out populations in the past and have the potential to decimate more in the future. Geologists are predicting that a volcanic eruption will occur that will dwarf eruptions such as Vesuvius and Mt. St. Helen’s. (http://www.ph_heidelburg.de/stud/EGGERTT/vesuvio.html) The only thing we can do is sit and wait†¦nature will take its course.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   List of Refrences Morris,C. 1902: The Volcano’s Deadly Work: From the Fall of Pompeii to the Destruction of St. Pierre. The Dan Waugh Collection of Nature Books. Washington, D.C. 236-254. Plummer, C.C., McGeary, D. & Carlson, D.H., 2000: Physical Geoloy. Updated eigth ed..Mcgraw-Hill Companies, Inc., NY. 81-82,88-89. Rittman, A & L. 1976: Volcanoes. G.P. Putnam’s Sons, NY. 20-22 Scarth, A.1994: Volcanoes: An Introduction. Texas A&M University Press College Station. 56-57, 74, 259. [ http://www.volcano.und.nodak.edu] [ http://www.harcourtschool.com] [http://www.ph_heidelburg.de/stud/EGGERTT/vesuvio.html]

The Problem of Moral Agency in Shakespeares Hamlet Essay -- GCSE Cour

The Problem of Moral Agency in Hamlet  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In order to be a moral agent, a person has to have a good sense of self, they have to know exactly who they are and how they must act according to the decisions they make. In Hamlet, the moral task at hand is revenge for the murder of Hamlet the elder. The murdered King's son, also of the same name, must be the one to avenge the murder. Before Prince Hamlet finds out the true story behind his father's death, he has his mother's "incestuous" remarriage to his uncle Claudius (who is now the King of Denmark) on his mind. Long after Hamlet learns the truth, he still does nothing. Hamlet is unable to act even though he has decided to seek revenge. One reason he does not act is because he cannot get past the fact that his mother is not, in his mind, adequately mourning old Hamlet's death. The second reason the Prince has problems with moral agency is because he does not really decide why he is planning to seek revenge on Claudius. His task is twofold, h e wants to avenge the murder of his father and he wants his mother to reveal her guilt about her hasty and incestuous marriage. Finally, Hamlet does not truly know who he is, and what he is to do until the very last act of Hamlet. This essay aims to explore why Prince Hamlet has trouble becoming a moral agent. When we first encounter Hamlet, his concerns are about his mother's remarriage to his uncle Claudius so soon after his father has died. The Prince is angry because Gertrude is not adequately mourning old Hamlet's death, and due to the insistence of Claudius that Hamlet consider him his father and king: O God, a beast that wants discourse of reason Would have mourn'd longer-- married with my uncle, My fathe... .... When Hamlet is doomed to die, he goes through with his revenge, but not for his father, nor for his mother-- The Prince finally kills the King when he finds out that it he, Claudius, who is responsible for the poisonous foil. This final reason to kill Claudius is most important of all. Works Cited Calderwood, James L.. To Be and Not To Be: Negation and Metadrama in Hamlet. --New York: Columbia University Press, 1983. Shakespeare, William. All's Well That Ends Well. --In: The Riverside Shakespeare. Ed. G. Blakemore Evans. --Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1974; pp.504-541. Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. --In: The Riverside Shakespeare. Ed. G. Blakemore Evans. --Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1974; pp. 1141-1186. Tirrell, Lynne. "Storytelling and Moral Agency."   --In: The Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism. --V.48, Spring 1990; pp.115-126.

Research Proposal Same Sex Marriage Essay

Same sex marriage has been one of the many recent political â€Å"hot† topics. It is a popular subject in political debate, national newspapers, and media coverage. These debates, articles, and reports are often focusing on rights outlined in constitutional laws, amendments and Bill of Rights as a source of the right of same sex couples to marry. Some states have addressed the issue of such rights in court cases throughout the United States with varying outcomes. This research paper is concerned with the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman. It will examine the Fourteenth Amendment and the equal protection clause. It will also examine previous court cases and the outcomes. It will further demonstrate possible economic concerns of legalized same sex marriage. Research Question What issues and possible constitutional infringements surround the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment? References National Tax Journal, Vol. 53, Issue 2, June 2000 Lesbian Couples, National Center for Lesbian Rights, www.ncirights.org Legal Marriage, Court Cases, Partners Task Force for Gay and Lesbian Task Force, http://www.buddybuddy.com/t-line-1-html Policy.com Gay Marriage, Civil Liberties Union, http://www.aclu.org/library/aagaymarriage.html

Effects On Prisons On Inmates Essay

In the premodern times, societies used to mutilate bodies and cut off the heads of their culprits as a way of punishing the wrongdoers. However through a series of imperceptible measures of reform and development, punishment became less physical and less directed to the body of the offenders as people became more civilized and the prisons replaced the gallows. They stopped locking up the insane in asylums and began forms of treatment in institutions which had features of both hospitals and prisons, (Alan &Gary 4). In most parts of the world, it is taken that a person convicted of serious crime should be sent to prison. Countries like the U.S, where capital punishment has not yet been abolished, a small but significant number of people are sentenced to death for what is especially considered as grave crimes, (Angela 3). The condition of prisons in the past was a nightmare to both the country as well as the society as they were damp, dark, and noisy. Prison wardens were brutal, poor diet and miserable portions of food were given to prisoners who were usually dressed in rags and suffered from many diseases which were not treated in time resulting to poor heath of the inmates. All these inhuman acts were however viewed by the wardens as a way of punishment to prisoners and therefore the prisons lacked a sense of reformation and charity as brutal acts were directed to inmates. According to (Thomas 602), Inmates who entered prison capable of moral improvement went back in to the society as impure, hardened and irreclaimable persons as there was no separation of sexes, classification of age and character therefore the convicted felon corrupted the untried and innocent prisoners. The unfortunate According to (Douglas & Eric 2004), military officers in Iraq used dogs to intimidate prisoners. This was one of the several tactics they adopted even without approval from their seniors. They set strict limits on Red Cross access to prisoners and delayed them and accused them of, unannounced visit to the cellblock where the worst abuses occurred. There were also unreported incidents in which Iraq prisoners died after being questioned by American interrogators. Initially, imprisonment was based on punishing wrongdoers by inflicting suffering of the body. However, today’s imprisonment is not only an acute form of corporal punishment, but as a way of working on a person’s mind and body through three areas which include: punishment, deterrence and rehabilitation. Prisons are intended to allow the society remove criminals from them place them into an institution for reformation, persuade them to avoid activities which are not beneficial, and in time become productive and law abiding citizens. However this well thought plan is not put in place due to the bad experiences in prisons hence the initial meaning of prisons is not realized by the society.   The main objectives and responsibilities of prisons are to safeguard inmates and maintain and improve welfare of everyone in it. Safe guarding involves keeping inmates locked away and controlled while having moments of recreation, education and counseling. However, it should be realized that psychological freedom depends on relations with others and that it is what the prisoners experience in this world, attain satisfaction and avoid its detrimental effects and not the education or counseling that decide how, if ever, they will emerge hence life imprisonment of an inmate does not add to his becoming upright. It should therefore be remembered that offenders are drawn from societies where possessions are related to personal worth unlike in prison where they are reduced to a level of bare possessions. Lockups, isolation, condemnation and rejection dehumanize prisoners resulting to psychological discomforts to prisoners. A Prisons aim is to cure and straighten the bad behaviors of criminals, however their record has not been encouraging and instead they are found to do more harm than good as the pains of jail confinement affect all prisoners in different negative ways most of which destroy a person instead of reforming his or her past bad behavior. The need to quickly adapt to prison life and withstand prison shock, exposure to a new culture and maintain outside links like keeping in contact with family and friends becomes frustrating to prisoners. The prisoners must therefore determine their way of passing time which affects the great deal and this end up affecting them psychologically. (Tosh 43). All these question the practice of life imprisonment of people since instead of reforming them they end up becoming worse both in their behaviors and their psychological status. Prisons therefore should be opposed to the idea of locking up people for the rest of their lives to avoid more harm than good to them. (Alison 14-19), came up with several negative effects on prisoners as a result of imprisonment which therefore opposes the idea of life imprisonment. First is that imprisonment can be detrimental both to physical and mental health of prisoners particularly with regard to long term and aged prisoners. Though many prisoners receive medical treatment in prison that would be unavailable to them outside, the health risk of imprisonment are high, uneven and specific to the condition of confinement. For instance, Scottish prisons have reported increased risk of HIV and hepatitis B and C transmission due to random sharing of injection equipment, tattooing and unprotected sexual intercourse. One study estimates showed that 36% prisoners had injected themselves intravenously and 12% had anal intercourse at least once while in prison. Post- traumatic stress is second where its psychological effects apply to certain group of prisoners who have shown symptoms of PTSD in medico-legal assessments. Such symptoms can have debilitating effect and are associated with difficulties in restoring and maintaining relationships. High level of anxiety, disturbed sleep, chronic depression, withdrawal and persistent feeling of being different from others and from previous self are described by clinicians working with former prisoners. There may also be physical symptoms like increased arousal, outbursts of anger, difficulties in concentration and hyper vigilance which are associated with increased alcohol and drug abuse.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   (Davis 322) in the third effect argued that inmates’ family and dependants suffer most. Despite considerable progress in understanding immediate and long term effects of separation trauma upon children, the impact of imprisonment upon the children of prisoners includes increased behavior disturbance and later delinquency, depression and feeling of low self esteem, behavioral disturbance and deterioration in school performance. Imprisonment and distance from crime is another effect which results to informal social control which suggests that social bonds like employment and marriage may inhibit offending. The imprisonment reduces opportunities to achieve relational and economic stability and therefore increase re-offending. Imprisonment also weakens the bonds and makes them difficult to re-establish hence suffering a significant source of legitimate or law abiding behavior and therefore imprisonment becomes part of the cycle of delinquency and crime. Another effect is on imprisonment and prison staff. Power especially overuse has dehumanizing effect as the culture of masculinity characteristic of prison staff bring a range of emotions and new emotion management techniques. Some of these techniques can lead to hardening, distancing and distrust. The process of adaptation could lead to enduring changes in their character and family life to preparedness to respond to danger. Imprisonments also result to some prisoners using sexual assaults and rape to make them feel powerful. Many of them use this assault to make them feel powerful than others and also express their manhood. The victims as a result are affected psychologically by being stressed, having nightmares and resulting to criminal activities and some forms of self destructive behaviour. The main solution to all these problems is to avoid inmate staying for a very long time in prisons since they tend to be harder than before and that certainly does not cure inmates rather it makes them more aggressive. Others is by ensuring good living and health conditions for the inmates, counsel them on how to handle people and relationships within and outside the prisons especially their families, provide good counseling facilities on the negative effects of using sex as a tool to feel good and demoralize other inmates. In conclusion prisons and punishments that are given to the prisoners do not necessarily bring a positive change of behaviour.In most cases they end up destroying the person as he or she becomes immune to the situations, therefore putting a person in prison for the rest of his/her life does not ensure behavior change and should therefore opposed. WORK CITED Angela Yvonne Davis Are prisoners obsolete? Seven stories press ISBN 1583225811, 2003 Alan Hunt and Gary Wickman Sociological jurisprudence Pluto press ISBN 0745308422, 1994   Douglas Jehl and Eric Schmitt New York times 21st May 2004 Joanne Mariner and Michael Bochenek punishment before trial Human rights watch org ISBN 1564322017, 1997 Tosh John The pains of imprisonment sage publications California 1982

Illegal Immigration in America (Persuasive Essay)

Illegal immigration in America Immigrating to America is a benefit and good because it allows people to seek a new job, new life and have access to a brighter future for example, the pilgrims on the Mayflower. They immigrated to America for a new life and a brighter future. Immigrants, both legal and illegal continue to immigrate to the United States of America for opportunities. But illegal immigrants have a good and bad effect to the economy and the country. For example illegal immigrants are committing a crime.In most instances, they did not apply for a visa at a U. S. Consulate, they did not pay the visa application fees, they were not interviewed for worthiness to enter the U. S. , their backgrounds were not checked to see if they were dangerous criminals or narcotics traffickers and they obviously failed to respect the U. S. ‘s laws. Furthermore, they often times illegally work in the U. S. , and they steal or illegally use somebody else's Social Security number to gain e mployment. Therefore, many times an illegal alien breaks three federal laws.They work for wages much less than the going-American wage, which results in lower wages for the people who compete against them and need better wages the most – working class US citizens and legal residents. This results in many Americans earning less money and paying less taxes than they should, and further grows the ever-increasing wealth gap between the rich and the poor and negatively impacts the federal budget deficit. A great number of illegal aliens also bring dangerous drugs, such as cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine.Illegal alien, Mexican national narcotics traffickers, for example, dominate the distribution of those drugs through-out most regions of the U. S. , except for South Florida and New England. 33% of all prisoners in federal penitentiaries are foreign nationals, and most of them are incarcerated for drug trafficking. The conclusion is that illegal immigration is not good because of trafficking, import on drugs and illegal immigrants committing crime. Plus the wages for the illegal immigrants are lower than the legal immigrants.

My grandfather

Few events impact the lives of humans as war.   The United States found itself in many wars during the twentieth century, in every corner of the world.   The common trait throughout all these wars was that they were fought by young men, many of whom had little political education or any idea why they were fighting.   My grandfather, Francisco Martin, was one of these young men, as he fought in the Korean War.   Through the violence and the confusion, he survived to create a family and life of peace, though the memories of the war always stayed with him. My grandfather was born in Puerto Rico in 1930, and was still a young man when the Korean War broke out.   As a twenty-year-old college student at the University of Puerto Rico, Francisco knew very little about Korea, save for what he learned in history class.   After World War II, in a 1945 agreement reached by the allies at the Potsdam Conference, Korea was divided along the 38th Parallel into North and South Korea.   It was an early indicator of what would become the Cold War, as the communist Soviet Union would occupy North Korea and South Korea would be occupied by the democratic U.S. forces. However, only five short years later, on June 25, 1950, North Korean communist forces launched a massive surprise attack on South Korea quickly overrunning the capital.   U.S. Intervention was ordered on June 27 by President Harry S. Truman on the same day the U.N. invoked military sanctions against North Korea.[1]   As a citizen of Puerto Rico, my grandfather was also a citizen of the United States, and his dual citizenship in each country would prove desirable to the armed forces, as well as his college experience.   Less than a year later, young Francisco would put his studies on the shelf when his country called. As a student at the University of Puerto Rico, my grandfather had some experience in the R.O.T.C., and he could also speak Spanish and English, so his qualifications for the military were more than adequate for what the military needed and he was inducted on October 5, 1951.   For young Pvt. Martin, adjusting to life in the military was no easy task: â€Å"It was difficult.   The transition from being a University student, to being a trainee preparing to go to war was not easy.   It was a drastic change in mentality and attitudes. After all, it was sort of ‘brain storming’ in order to prepare the soldier to go to possible ‘combat areas’ as was called.†[2]   After four months of basic training in San Juan and Salinas, Puerto Rico, Pvt. Martin found out that he would be going to South Korea, which came as no big surprise.   However, finally hearing about his destination filled him with fear and trepidation, and he worried about what would come next.   While his commanding officers repeated that it was their duty to serve and go to Korea, this did little to quell his fears. My grandfather’s unit left Puerto Rico in April of 1952; at the time he was twenty-one years old and celebrated his twenty-second birthday on the way past Honolulu, Hawaii.   He describes the long journey by boat to South Korea as being difficult, uncomfortable, and lacking enough fresh water for the troops.   â€Å"We showered with salt water†¦ It was awful†¦ We spent approximately one month on board. We passed Hawaii and reached Japan; it was civilization at last!†[3]   The experience of Japan after the long journey was a welcome relief.   In particular, Tokyo proved to be an eye-opening experience for the young Puerto Rican American soldier, and made life off the ship that much more enjoyable:   â€Å"Nice food, big city†¦Ã‚   No more rotten eggs for breakfast as in the ship. No more seawater for bathing.   No more nasty odors and boring hours.†[4]   After being initially assigned by to be a translator because of his ability to speak Spanish and English, he was slowly beginning to adjust to life in the army, of course helped by being in the big, fast city of Tokyo.   However, before too long, he and his unit were finally shipped to South Korea to continue their duty and fight the communists of the North. My grandfather left Tokyo by train, leaving behind the many creature comforts of life in the big city, such as hot food and comfortable beds.   Back on the old, uncomfortable train he was forced to sleep on the floor with the rest of the men, or on the hard, wooden seats.   The only food they had for the trip was canned rations of spaghetti and meatballs, and once again life in the military seemed harsh and monotonous.   After the long train ride and a short ferry ride, they were finally on the mainland of Asia and in South Korea. When arriving in Pusan in the summer of 1952, it became immediately clear to all the soldiers that they were in a war zone: â€Å"On our arrival to Pusan, we could here the guns from far away.†[5]   There was no mistaking that there lives were now at stake, and the uncomfortable boats and the trip to South Korea did not look so bad. My grandfather remembers vividly his early days in South Korea: â€Å"I was assigned to the Second Division.   This army division arrived to Korea in 1950.   In 1951, the 9th Infantry regiment played an important role in the offense and defense in Korea.   I was there.†[6]   He recalls the large military presence and the continuous movement of trucks, tanks, and troops coming and going. He also remembers the differences in the attitudes of the soldiers, which depended highly on which direction they were heading: â€Å"Soldiers were leaving Korea and heading to Tokyo in their way back home (from U.S.A Puerto Rico, Colombia, and other countries in South America).   We (the incoming troops) were sad.   But they (the ones leaving) were very, very happy; it is understandable that after fourteen months in the combat zone.†[7]   Pvt. Martin prepared himself for the idea of spending the next fourteen in the combat zone, but failed to realize at first that the main feelings would be of alienation. After going through the long journey to get to South Korea, my grandfather found himself deep in a learning experience upon arrival, with little companionship from any fellow Spanish-speaking soldiers: â€Å"I went through a learning period.   Everything was new for me; nobody spoke Spanish. It was a harsh process of adaptation because everything was uncertain.†[8]   In addition to the hard adjustment of life in a combat zone, he was also met with repeated stories of the violence that took place not far from his post, which filled him with even more anxiety: â€Å"I was fearful after listening to all the stories of the battles, the misery, and violence.   Everybody around me was very pessimistic.   I was sure that I was not going to make it.†[9] The young soldier would hear stories of the biggest battles while in South Korea, including â€Å"Bloody Ridge,† which was the name given to the twelve-day siege waged by the men of the 9th Infantry regiment against a communist held hill in the fall of 1952.   Because of security reasons, the military publication Stars and Stripes would not disclose the exact location of the bloody battle, and soldiers in my grandfather’s regiment were left to wonder just how far away the violence raged. He would even hear stories about his fellow Puerto Rican soldiers fighting and dying in the battle of Kelly Hill, which also occurred in the fall of 1952, making him realizing the deadly cost of the war: â€Å"The Puerto Rican regiment (the 65th infantry regiment) participated in ‘Kelly Hill Battle’ that happened in the fall of 1952.   Half of the 743 Puerto Rican soldiers that died in the war, died in this battle.†[10]   But, as with so many soldiers and civilians caught in combat zones, it was only the faith in his God that gave him the strength to ignore his fear and do his duty.   My grandfather credits this for returning home and proclaims, â€Å"My faith was the only thing that kept me alive.†[11] As a soldier, Pvt. Martin served in the 9th Infantry regiment for around a year, moving to and from many different locations throughout South Korea.   Despite his close proximity to the frontlines, he was fortunate enough to avoid all major combat events.   Though he knew that his fellow soldiers were fighting and dying, he did his duty as assigned, not matter how fearful he was or how dangerous the duty seemed: â€Å"I did not fight a person-to-person combat or patrols.   But I stood for guard many times.   I remember guarding from 12:00am until 4:00am in a wet, cold and scary dangerous forest. Nights were horrible.   There were constant bombings but we had to get used to them and pray for our lives.† [12] One time on guard duty, he suffered the lowest moment of his time in Korea: â€Å"While supervising guards and moving the soldiers to different posts, one of my legs suffered frostbite.   I was hospitalized for a period of time and received treatment.   Once I was cured, I was sent back to the frontlines.   In that period, I was serving in a technical capacity.   I was part of a special unit called I.R.I.   That unit was in charge of distributing tools and explosives to those soldiers assigned to difficult missions as mine finding.†[13]   Once again, it was his religious faith that helped get him through the most difficult times of the war. Though my grandfather did not experience any serious combat while in South Korea, the threat of combat was always present.   When coupled with the often monotonous life of being a soldier, and the extremely hot and wet summers and extremely frigid winters, the days and nights could drag on and become terribly lonely and fearful times.   The only things that usually made this go away were the letters and news from back home: â€Å"Receiving letters was very important. Receiving mail from the family and friend brought me happiness and strength.†Ã‚   This was especially true of the letters from his young wife:   â€Å"Ana’s letters were well received and expected.   She was very consistent in writing and that helped me a lot.†Ã‚   In addition to letters from loved ones, the soldiers were sometimes offered breaks from constant life on the frontlines. Trips to Japan for rest and recuperation offered soldiers a welcome break from soldier life, and according to my grandfather: â€Å"I spent a week in a city called Sasebo Kokura.   It was nice, good food, movies, and trips to the city, dancing in the fort, rest, and sleep.   But after a period of â€Å"relaxation and distraction† I was sent back to Korea, but this time by plane.†[14] Even away from the war zone, terrible things can occur, and the plane ride back from Japan would stay with my grandfather for the rest of his life:   â€Å"The flight was dangerous, the plane had no seats.   I was standing strapped to the wall.   It was a horrible and traumatic experience.   Today I suffered of ‘flight fear syndrome.’   I still have flashbacks of that moment.†[15]   However, with his strong faith and fortune to avoid serious combat while there, he avoided many of the pitfalls that claimed other soldiers such as depression, alcoholism, and mental illness. There were also some good times in South Korea, which my grandfather recalled fondly, especially Christmas of 1952.   The Army threw a large Christmas party complete with treats and Christmas dinner:   â€Å"There was ice cream, turkey, fruitcake, juice, and candy†¦ It felt like home.   I went to mass, we received letters, and I even received food from home!   I still remember that day; we had a Christmas tree and everything that goes with it.†Ã‚   [16] What made the holiday even better for the young soldier is that it would not be long that he would be able to leave South Korea.   He recalled: â€Å"By that time, there were three or four more moths to go — we were ready to rotate–other troops would replace us.†[17] However, he still had a few more months to go and realized that anything could happen, as the stories of battles and casualties continued to pour in.   But, he could not get around the fact that he was so close to the end of his time in South Korea.   Around March of 1953, Pvt. Martin received news that his time in Korea was up.   As he lived in a bunker at the time and news was delivered by a messenger, he remembers when a messenger came to his quarters and stated: â€Å"You, F. Martin, are leaving Korea. You are heading to Tokyo (back to Seoul and the Tokyo).  Ã‚   A modern ship will take you back to the U.S specifically to Seattle, Washington.†[18]  Ã‚   And, after fourteen months in the combat zone, his time was up and he could leave with the satisfaction that he served his country and did his duty.  Ã‚   He transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve on June 23, 1953, and finally finished his military service with an honorable discharge on October 6, 1959, after a full eight years in service. After his experience in Korea, my grandfather took with him many lessons learned about life and war.   His view of the war is that there were no clear winners.   Tens of thousands of Americans died, along with countless more Koreans, Chinese, and Russians.   However, he cannot help but feel that some progress was made concerning the state of South Korea:   â€Å"South Korea obviously gained†¦ Today it is a prosperous, well-developed nation, technologically advances and democratic.†[19] But, he also acknowledges that the conflict itself failed to succeed in its greater goals: â€Å"On the other hand, that place is a divided nation! North and South are divided! Families separated! North Korea today is in bad shape; hunger, famine, no democracy at all.†[20]   Though my grandfather did his duty, he does not claim to be a politician or have answers to the most complex political questions facing humanity. He prefers to be a kind, decent man that loves his family and tries to impart his simple wisdom whenever possible.   Though many memories of Korea stay with him, he considers himself fortunate to be able to share his wisdom and experiences with his children and grandchildren, and is proud to be both Puerto Rican, and a citizen of the United States. Bibliography Martin, Francisco. Interview by author.   Written notes.  Location, date month year. [1] Francisco Martin. Interview by author.   Written notes.  Location, date month year. [2] Ibid. [3] Ibid. [4] Ibid. [5] Ibid. [6] Ibid. [7] Ibid. [8] Ibid. [9] Ibid. [10] Ibid. [11] Ibid. [12] Ibid. [13] Ibid. [14] Ibid. [15] Ibid. [16] Ibid. [17] Ibid. [18] Ibid. [19] Ibid. [20] Ibid.