Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Essay -- ALS Medical Medicine Essays

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ABSTRACT At this time, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis(ALS) is a very confusing and elusive disorder. While the clinical presentation and diagnosis of ALS dates back to the early 1900’s, with Charcot being the first to scientifically report and document his findings, there simply has not been definitive evidence since that time for the etiology for ALS. This fundamental problem has befuddled the most qualified researchers and its ensuing answer has eluded the most clever experiments for some 80 years. This paper is being written to address some of the most plausible candidate causes which have come to the forefront of ALS research in the last few years. This paper will also try to tackle the formidable task of possibly uniting some of the findings and results of experiments from all over the world in the last 4 years. While an exact, definitive etiology, treatment, or answer is not possible at this time, there does seem to be a few underlying trends and findings that have reinforced their own importance. These are the findings that will be evaluated and will hopefully act as a genesis for, perhaps a premature, minimally complete conclusion of the available pool of knowledge that has been amassed on ALS. In addition to this, possible treatment, including pharmacological intervention, will be reviewed. INTRODUCTION ALS is a disease of the skeletal muscular motor neurons throughout the nervous system that usually affects both upper and lower motor neurons. The progressive wasting and weakness of muscles that have lost their nerve supply is a characteristic sign of lower motor neuron damage; signs of spasticity and exaggerated reflexes are indications of damage to the upper motor neur... ...0. Rowland. Babinski and the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurological Institute. 1993. Vol. 33, #1. 11. Hubert and Blanchard. Pertussis toxin Pretreatment abolishes the inhibitory effect of Riluzole and carbachol on D-(3H)aspartate release from cultured cerebellar Granule cells. Neuroscience Letters, 1992. Vol. 140, pp. 251--254. 12. Cheramy, Barbeito, Godeheu and Glowinski. Riluzole inhibits the release of Glutamate in the caudate nucleus of the cat in vivo. Neuroscience Letters, 1992. Vol. 147, pp. 209--212. 13. Benoit and Escande. Riluzole specifically blocks in-activated Na channels in myelinated nerve fibre. European Journal of Physiology, 1991. Vol. 419, pp. 603-609. 14.Drachman and Kuncl. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: An un-conventional autoimmune disease? Annals of Neurology, 1989. Vol. 26, pp. 269-274.(Outdated, but useful)

The Human Genome Project (HGP) Essay -- sustainability of the human po

Has the Human Genome Project created viable mechanisms that enable or disable the sustainability of the human population? The definition of sustainability is â€Å"the ability to be upheld or defended† (Oxford South African Pocket Dictionary, 2006, p912.). The sustainability of the human population has been one of the most imperial factors in terms of our existence. From every realm of profession, thinkers all over the world have been looking for ideas that would give us a secure way to definitely increase our longevity. This is why I believe the discovery of the human genome has opened many windows of opportunities that securely sustain our existence due to providing information about terminal diseases. The discovery of the human genome has led to innovative methods that have provided the purest understanding of the human anatomy. In conjunction, the mapping of the human genome has created mechanisms that allow the human population to be less susceptible to diseases. The Human Genome Project (HGP) was as international biological research that was co-ordinated by the National Institute of Health and the U.S. Department of Energy in the year of 1990. The HGP had a primary goal of mapping out and sequencing the nucleotides that are present in the fundamental structure DNA, identify all the genes and develop faster methods of mapping out DNA. Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Deoxyribonucleic acid is â€Å"a self-replicating material which is present in all living organisms as the main constituent of chromosomes; it is also the carrier of genetic information† (Oxford Dictionary online, no date). This structure is located in the nucleus and is made up of a sugar molecule (deoxyribose), a Phosphate molecule (P) and four nitrogenous bases: ad... ...ine] retrieved from: http://www.animalgenome.org/edu/doe/prim2.html [2014/05/07]. Time:01:08AM The Oxford South African Pocket Dictionary (2006). 3rd Edition. Oxford University Press. The American Heritage Dictionary (2013). 5th Edition. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt [online]. Retrieved from: http://www.yourdictionary.com/blastomere (2014/03/17) The Oxford English Dictionary [online]. Oxford University Press. Available from: http://www.oxford.co.uk The structure of DNA [illustration] http://images.flatworldknowledge.com/ballgob/ballgob-fig19_006.jpg Assessed: UCSC (2003) What is the human genome [online] Available: https://cbse.soe.ucsc.edu/research/human_genome Assessed (2014/03/15) Time: 10:00AM W. Gregory F., Alan E. G., Francis S. C. (2010). Genomic Medicine — An Updated Primer. The Journal of the American Medical Association. Volume 362. Pp. 2001-2011

The Panama Canal Essay -- History Historical Essays

The Panama Canal In 1902, Theodore Roosevelt had a dream of a dominant America in both major oceans, connected by an American canal. With his inspiration, construction began on what has been called the largest project of any kind ever undertaken. Now that it is complete, the Panama Canal makes the world a much smaller place for ocean-going vessels of all sizes. Ideas for a canal across Panama have been in the works ever since the time the isthmus was discovered. In 1513, Vasco Nuà ±ez de Balboa crossed the 50-mile wide land bridge and claimed the water on the other side in the name of Spain. Shortly after, in 1534, a team was sent to survey possible canal routes that would follow the Chagres River, but it was deemed to be impossible to build at the time. There were no other notable instances of interest in a canal until 1848, when the California Gold Rush swept the United States. The Panama railroad was completed in 1851, and transported millions of dollars worth of gold and other riches from one sea to the next. In 1952, future president Ulysses S. Grant led the American Fourth Infantry across the isthmus and 150 of his men died of cholera in the jungle, inspiring him to commission surveys in Mexico, Nicaragua, and Panama during his presidency in 1969. The survey teams, which were supervised by the Secretary of the Navy, decided that a route through Nicaragua would be the best for a transcontinental canal (www.pancanal.com). Three decades later, President McKinley’s U.S. Isthmian Canal Commission would also favor the Nicaraguan route, but for reasons which will be discussed later, the Panamanian route was ultimately chosen. The only physical attribute of Panama t... ... On December 31, 1999 the Panama Canal was handed over to the Republic of Panama, ending United States influence there for almost a century. As it always has been, the canal is to remain neutral, safe, and open to vessels from all nations for as long as it is in operation. Although the circumstances by which the construction of the canal came about were less than diplomatic, the final state of the passageway represents a free and equal ideology for mankind. Bibliography LaFeber, Walter. The Panama Canal. Oxford University Press: New York, 1978. A Man, A Plan, A Canal, Panama. A WGBH Production In Association With The British Broadcasting Corporation. WGBH Foundation: Boston, 1999. The Panama Canal. http://www.pancanal.com/eng/history/index.html. Panama Canal Authority: 2001. CanalMuseum.com. http://www.canalmuseum.com. Ared Networks: 2002.

Gender Issues and Roles Essay

Gender refers to the socially constructed roles, behavior, activities and attributes that a particular society considers appropriate for men and women. It is a basic organizing principle of society that shapes how we think about ourselves and guides how we interact with others. The distinct roles and behavior may give rise to gender inequalities, i. e. differences between men and women that systematically favor one group. There are differences between the sexes in that men weigh more than women and have more muscle. Women outperform men in some test of long term endurance and life expectancy. However, biologically, the sexes differ in limited ways with neither one naturally superior. Origin of Gender roles The root of all gender issues which presently exist in society may be traced back to The Creation Story in Genesis. This crucial chapter of the Bible provides evidence supporting that God intended for man and woman to exist as equals, yet he assigned gender roles once Adam and Eve disobeyed him by eating the fruit from the forbidden tree of good and evil. Thus, men have been characterized as the â€Å"breadwinners† and women as â€Å"child bearers and housekeepers† since the beginning of humanity. Men and women have been trapped in certain roles since the beginning of time, and have always had a power struggle between them. Gender issues have not evolved over time; they have always existed. Partriarchy and Sexism Partriarchy literally means â€Å"rule of fathers†. Conceptions of gender vary everywhere in the world and we find some degree partriarchy. Sexism is the belief that one sex is innately superior to the other and is built into the institutions of society. Sexism stunts the talents and limits the ambitions of the human population who are women. Masculinity comes with a high price as it calls for men to engage in many high-risk behaviors, including using tobacco and alcohol, participating in physically dangerous sports, and driving recklessly. It is also closely linked not only to accidents but to suicide, violence and stress-related diseases. As men seek control over others, they opportunities for intimacy and trust. In general men have more social resources than women. Martriarchy is a form of social organization in which females dominate males. Although there is no clear case of matriarchy, women’s power can rival that of men. Many societies count among their historical heroes at least one brave woman warrior or leader, but few are as reviled as the Kikuyu Wangu wa Makeri. Appointed as the head of Weithaga, in Muranga district, by the colonialists, Makeri’s legacy is as a woman who made hell for the men of her tribe, wreaking revenge and sewing humiliation for the gender roles she had broken out of. Born in 1856, according to Nairobi University historian Mary W Wanyoike, Makeri’s rise to fame came relatively late in her life, when, in 1901 she was appointed as the head of her district. The elevation of a woman to such a position of power was unheard of in those days. Wangu, however, embraced the position with vigour. Tales abound of her demeaning men, riding on their backs on all fours, taking multiple lovers – among them one Karuri Gakure – and being very far from an â€Å"attractive’ woman. Certainly, such behaviour was anathema in early 20th Century Kikuyu culture. In those days, once men had paid the dowry on the women they were to marry, the women were considered their property. Women might be disgruntled, but they were expected to be silent victims. Thus when Wangu â€Å"superwoman† Makeri got power, she felt it her personal mission to avenge for the exploited women. Her zeal, however, quickly made her a hate figure for men, as did her tendency to overstep the boundary of leadership. Yet she held on to power for a remarkable 35 years. In the end, what lead to her downfall and death, was the brewing conflict between the Kikuyu and British colonialists. From around 1910, colonial resentment was budding. The Kikuyus who later formed the Mau Mau saw Wangu Wa Makeri as a proxy for colonialists. They instigated a rebellion against oth the colonialists and her. With her support thinning, her back-riding tenure ended unceremoniously. Yet her reputation for multiple lovers and a passion to domineer the masculine species, is still used as a weapon today in the gender war, driving accusations that any women who loves power and money is of her line, and setting up a horror figure that no good Kikuyu women would wish to be associated with. In time, it seems, hers is one story that may yet be retold. In preindustrial societies, women have little control over pregnancy and childbirth, which limits the scope of their lives. Similarly, men’s greater height and physical height and physical strength are highly valued resources. But industrialization gives people choices about how to live. Today, then, in societies like our own, biological differences provide little justification for partriachy. Legitimate or not, male dominance still holds. Some sociologists claim that biological factors â€Å"wire† the sexes with different motivations and behaviours, specifically more aggressiveness in males. Most sociologists, however, believe that gender is primarily a social construction that can be changed. Gender Socialization From birth until death, human feelings, thoughts and actions reflect the social as different kinds of human beings. By age tree, they incorporate gender into their identities by applying society’s standards to themselves. Just as gender affects how we think of ourselves, so it teaches us to act in normative ways. Gender roles are attitudes and activities that society links to each sex. Male – female differences Most of the differences between men and women turn out to be socially created. However there are some differences in physical ability between the sexes such as, on average, males are 10 percent taller, 20 percent heavier and 30 percent stronger, especially in their upper bodies. On the other hand, women outperform men in life expectancy. In adolescence, males show greater mathematical ability, whereas adolescent females excel in verbal skills a difference that reflects both biology and socialization. Research points no overall differences in intelligence between males and females. Biologically then, men and women differ in limited ways, neither one being naturally superior. Sex and the body At birth, females and males are distinguished by primary sex characteristics, namely the genital organs used to reproduce the human species. At puberty, humans exhibit secondary sex characteristics, whereby bodily development, apart from the genitals, that distinguishes biologically mature females and males. To accommodate pregnancy, giving birth, and nurturing infants, adolescent females develop wider hips, breasts and soft fatty tissue, thereby providing a reserve supply of nutrition for pregnancy and breast-feeding. Adolescent males, usually slightly taller and heavier than females from birth, typically develop more muscle in the upper body, more extensive body hair and deeper voices. Sexual orientation Sexual orientation refers to an enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attractions to men, women, or both sexes. Sexual orientation also refers to a person’s sense of identity based on those attractions, related behaviors, and membership in a community of others who share those attractions. Research over several decades has demonstrated that sexual orientation ranges along a continuum, from exclusive attraction to the other sex to exclusive attraction to the same sex. However, sexual orientation is usually discussed in terms of three categories: heterosexual (having emotional, romantic, or sexual attractions to members of the other sex), gay/lesbian (having emotional, romantic, or sexual attractions to members of one’s own sex), and bisexual (having emotional, romantic, or sexual attractions to both men and women). This range of behaviors and attractions has been described in various cultures and nations throughout the world. Many cultures use identity labels to describe people who express these attractions. The most frequent labels are lesbians (women attracted to women), gay men (men attracted to men), and bisexual people (men or women attracted to both sexes).. Sexual orientation is distinct from other components of sex and gender, including biological sex (the anatomical, physiological, and genetic characteristics associated with being male or female), gender identity (the psychological sense of being male or female) and social gender role (the cultural norms that define feminine and masculine behavior). Sexual orientation is commonly discussed as if it were solely a characteristic of an individual, like biological sex, gender identity, or age. This perspective is incomplete because sexual orientation is defined in terms of relationships with others. People express their sexual orientation through behaviors with others, including such simple actions as holding hands or kissing. Thus, sexual orientation is closely tied to the intimate personal relationships that meet deeply felt needs for love, attachment, and intimacy. In addition to sexual behaviors, these bonds include nonsexual physical affection between partners, shared goals and values, mutual support, and ongoing commitment. Therefore, sexual orientation is not merely a personal characteristic within an individual. Rather, one’s sexual orientation defines the group of people in which one is likely to find the satisfying and fulfilling romantic relationships that are an essential component of personal identity for many people. How people know their Sexual orientation? According to current scientific and professional understanding, the core attractions that form the basis for adult sexual orientation typically emerge between middle childhood and early adolescence. These patterns of emotional, romantic, and sexual attraction may arise without any prior sexual experience. People can be celibate and still know their sexual orientation-–be it lesbian, gay, bisexual, or heterosexual. Different lesbian, gay, and bisexual people have very different experiences regarding their sexual orientation. Some people know that they are lesbian, gay, or bisexual for a long time before they actually pursue relationships with other people. Some people engage in sexual activity (with same-sex and/or other-sex partners) before assigning a clear label to their sexual orientation. Prejudice and discrimination make it difficult for many people to come to terms with their sexual orientation identities, so claiming a lesbian, gay, or bisexual identity may be a slow process. What role do prejudice and discrimination play in the lives of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people? Lesbian, gay, and bisexual people encounter extensive prejudice, discrimination, and violence because of their sexual orientation. Intense prejudice against lesbians, gay men, and bisexual people was widespread throughout much of the 20th century. Public opinion studies over the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s routinely showed that, among large segments of the public, lesbian, gay, and bisexual people were the target of strongly held negative attitudes. More recently, public opinion has increasingly opposed sexual orientation discrimination, but expressions of hostility toward lesbians and gay men remain common in contemporary American society. Prejudice against bisexuals appears to exist at comparable levels. In fact, bisexual individuals may face discrimination from some lesbian and gay people as well as from heterosexual people. Sexual orientation discrimination takes many formsSevere antigay prejudice is reflected in the high rate of harassment and violence directed toward lesbian, gay. Numerous surveys indicate that verbal harassment and abuse are nearly universal experiences among lesbian, gay, and bisexual people. Also, discrimination against lesbian, gay, and bisexual people in employment and housing appears to remain widespread. The HIV/AIDS pandemic is another area in which prejudice and discrimination against lesbian, gay, and bisexual people have had negative effects. Early in the pandemic, the assumption that HIV/AIDS was a â€Å"gay disease† contributed to the delay in addressing the massive social upheaval that AIDS would generate. Gay and bisexual men have been disproportionately affected by this disease. The association of HIV/AIDS with gay and bisexual men and the inaccurate belief that some people held that all gay and bisexual men were infected served to further stigmatize lesbian, gay, and bisexual people. What is the psychological impact of prejudice and discrimination? On the social level, prejudice and discrimination against lesbian, gay, and bisexual people are reflected in theeveryday stereotypes of members of these groups. These stereotypes persist even though they are not supported by evidence, and they are often used to excuse unequal treatment of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people. For example, limitations on job opportunities, parenting, and relationship recognition are often justified by stereotypic assumptions about lesbian, gay, and bisexual people. On an individual level, such prejudice and discrimination may also have negative consequences, especially if lesbian, gay, and bisexual people attempt to conceal or deny their sexual orientation. Although many lesbians and gay men learn to cope with the social stigma against homosexuality, this pattern of prejudice can have serious negative effects on health and well-being. Individuals and groups may have the impact of stigma reduced or worsened by other characteristics, such as race, ethnicity, religion, or disability. Some lesbian, gay, and bisexual people may face less of a stigma. For others, race, sex, religion, disability, or other characteristics may exacerbate the negative impact of The widespread prejudice, discrimination, and violence to which lesbians and gay men are often subjected are significant mental health concerns. Sexual prejudice, sexual orientation discrimination, and antigay violence are major sources of stress for lesbian, gay, and bisexual people. Although social support is crucial in coping with stress, antigay attitudes and discrimination may make it difficult for lesbian, gay, and bisexual people to find such support No, lesbian, gay, and bisexual orientations are not disorders. Research has found no inherent association between any of these sexual orientations and psychopathology. Both heterosexual behavior and homosexual behavior are normal aspects of human sexuality. Both have been documented in many different cultures and historical eras. Despite the persistence of stereotypes that portray lesbian, gay, and bisexual people as disturbed, several decades of research and clinical experience have led all mainstream medical and mental health organizations in this country to conclude that these orientations represent normal forms of human experience. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual relationships are normal forms of human bonding. Therefore, these mainstream organizations long ago abandoned classifications of homosexuality as a mental disorder. What is â€Å"coming out† and why is it important? The phrase â€Å"coming out† is used to refer to several aspects of lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons’ experiences: self-awareness of same-sex attractions; the telling of one or a few people about these attractions; widespread disclosure of same-sex attractions; and identification with the lesbian, gay, and bisexual community. Many people hesitate to come out because of the risks of meeting prejudice and discrimination. Some choose to keep their identity a secret; some choose to come out in limited circumstances; some decide to come out in very public ways. Coming out is often an important psychological step for lesbian, gay, and bisexual people. Research has shown that feeling positively about one’s sexual orientation and integrating it into one’s life fosters greater well-being and mental health. This integration often involves disclosing one’s identity to others; it may also entail participating in the gay community. Being able to discuss one’s sexual orientation with others also increases the availability of social support, which is crucial to mental health and psychological well-being. Like heterosexuals, lesbians, gay men, and bisexual people benefit from being able to share their lives with and receive support from family, friends, and acquaintances. Thus, it is not surprising that lesbians and gay men who feel they must conceal their sexual orientation report more frequent mental health concerns than do lesbians and gay men who are more open; they may even have more physical health problems. What about sexual orientation and coming out during adolescence? Adolescence is a period when people separate from their parents and families and begin to develop autonomy. Adolescence can be a period of experimentation, and many youths may question their sexual feelings. Becoming aware of sexual feelings is a normal developmental task of adolescence. Sometimes adolescents have same-sex feelings or experiences that cause confusion about their sexual orientation. This confusion appears to decline over time, with different outcomes for different individuals. Some adolescents desire and engage in same-sex behavior but do not identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual, sometimes because of the stigma associated with a nonheterosexual orientation. Some adolescents experience continuing feelings of same-sex attraction but do not engage in any sexual activity or may engage in heterosexual behavior for varying lengths of time. Because of the stigma associated with same-sex attractions, many youths experience same-sex attraction for many years before becoming sexually active with partners of the same sex or disclosing their attractions to others. For some young people, this process of exploring same-sex attractions leads to a lesbian, gay, or bisexual identity. For some, acknowledging this identity can bring an end to confusion. When these young people receive the support of parents and others, they are often able to live satisfying and healthy lives and move through the usual process of adolescent development. The younger a person is when she or he acknowledges a nonheterosexual identity, the fewer internal and external resources she or he is likely to have. Therefore, youths who come out early are particularly in need of support from parents and others. Young people who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual may be more likely to face certain problems, including being bullied and having negative experiences in school. These experiences are associated with negative outcomes, such as suicidal thoughts, and high-risk activities, such as unprotected sex and alcohol and drug use. On the other hand, many lesbian, gay, and bisexual youths appear to experience no greater level of health or mental health risks. Where problems occur, they are closely associated with experiences of bias and discrimination in their environments. Support from important people in the teen’s life can provide a very helpful counterpart to bias and discrimination. Support in the family, at school, and in the broader society helps to reduce risk and encourage healthy development. Youth need caring and support, appropriately high expectations, and the encouragement to participate actively with peers. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth who do well despite stress—like all adolescents who do well despite stress—tend to be those who are socially competent, who have good problem-solving skills, who have a sense of autonomy and purpose, and who look forward to the future. In a related vein, some young people are presumed to be lesbian, gay, or bisexual because they don’t abide by traditional gender roles (i. e. , the cultural beliefs about what is appropriate â€Å"masculine† and â€Å"feminine† appearance and behavior). Whether these youths identify as heterosexual or as lesbian, gay, or bisexual, they encounter prejudice and discrimination based on the presumption that they are lesbian, gay, or bisexual. The best support for these young people is school and social climates that do not tolerate discriminatory language and behavior. What can people do to diminish prejudice and discrimination against lesbian,gay,and bisexual people? Lesbian, gay, and bisexual people who want to help reduce prejudice and discrimination can be open about their sexual orientation, even as they take necessary precautions to be as safe as possible. They can examine their own belief systems for the presence of antigay stereotypes. They can make use of the lesbian, gay, and bisexual community—as well as supportive heterosexual people—for support. Heterosexual people who wish to help reduce prejudice and discrimination can examine their own response to antigay stereotypes and prejudice. They can make a point of coming to know lesbian, gay, and bisexual people, and they can work with lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals and communities to combat prejudice and discrimination. Heterosexual individuals are often in a good position to ask other heterosexual people to consider the prejudicial or discriminatory nature of their beliefs and actions. Heterosexual allies can encourage nondiscrimination policies that include sexual orientation. They can work to make coming out safe. When lesbians, gay men, and bisexual people feel free to make public their sexual orientation, heterosexuals are given an opportunity to have personal contact with openly gay people and to perceive them as individuals. Studies of prejudice, including prejudice against gay people, consistently show that prejudice declines when members of the majority group interact with members of a minority group. In keeping with this general pattern, one of the most powerful influences on heterosexuals’ acceptance of gay people is having personal contact with an openly gay person. Antigay attitudes are far less common among members of the population who have a close friend or family member who is lesbian or gay, especially if the gay person has directly come out to the heterosexual person.

Genetically organism Essay

Everyone in the world competes in his/her way to maintain standards through which he/she can feed themselves and their loved ones with food. It is the basic necessity every human being requires daily from birth until death. Today in the modern days different forms of many foods have evolved ranging from organic foods to genetically modified foods. Since the genetically modified foods have taken over the market they are known to be greater in resistance to pesticides and viruses, provide higher nutritional value and have a longer expiration date. Lastly, these foods are sold at cheaper prices in comparison to the organic foods. However, the potential risks of these foods are still being debated all over the world. The three reasons why the genetically engineered food should be labeled separately are the health hazards, religious – ethical concerns, and economic concerns involved. The reason why genetically modified foods should be labeled separately from organic foods are the health hazards involved in the production. The major health hazard involved in the non-labeling of genetic foods is that people all over the world have allergies to particular types of ingredients used in the manufacturing of the foods. The genetically modified foods include soybean, maize, chicory, potato, squash, oilseed rape (canola), pineapples, and strawberries. [1] Genetically modified foods can cause health diseases such as cancers, a newly discovered disease Morgellons, and other allergies. Without any specific labeling, the rate at which these diseases can occur doubles because people allergic to certain genes used in these foods, and there is no other way to determines these foods contain these genes or not. A recent article published in Lancet examined the effects of GM potatoes on the digestive tract in rats. This study claimed that there were appreciable differences in the intestines of rats fed GM potatoes and rats fed unmodified potatoes. Many children in the US and Europe have developed life-threatening allergies to peanuts and other foods. There is a possibility that introducing a gene into a plant may create a new allergen or cause an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals. (Raab, Grobe; 2009) [2] The quoted article above examines the differences between the Rats that fed on organic produce of potatoes and the ones’ that fed on the GM potatoes. The rats that fed on GM foods developed precancerous cell growth in their digestive tracts, inhibited developments of their brains, livers, and testicles. They also faced enlarged pancreas and intestines, and suffered immune system damage. The quote also demonstrates the possibility of the harmful side effects that GM foods can cause to future human generations. The possible solution to minimize these side effects is that Extensive testing of GM foods should be required to avoid the possibility of harm to consumers with food allergies. Labeling of GM foods and food products will acquire new importance. Before buying a certain GM product, people will be able to determine if they are allergic to its ingredients or not. Another reason why genetically modified foods should be labeled separately from organic foods is the religious – ethical concerns involved in the production. Different religious groups prohibit themselves from eating certain types of animal products. For example, Muslims do not eat any type of enzymes extracted from Pork. [3] Thus, using genes to create traces of genetic material from pork in GM foods and plants without labeling them could cause a stir in the Muslim sect. Another ethical concern is that Animal rights can harmfully be affected by excessive manufacturing of Genetic Foods. For example, Sheep given more powerful hormones could suffer problems relating to growth and problems in digestive systems. Without specific labeling on foods, animals being tested cannot be identified, and this could lead to further malpractices by large corporations. Ethical and religious concerns include the belief that the technology involved is unnatural, and preoccupations regarding the consumption of religiously forbidden ingredients from certain animals. These new technologies, it is argued, violate religious freedom by placing a burden on those who follow strict religious dietary laws. The government is not constitutionally obligated to make accommodations in favor of religious groups that are incidentally affected by neutral rules. Accordingly, the neutral decision of not labeling genetically modified foods met this constitutional standard and was not subjected to a more rigorous constitutional adjudication test. (Lietz, 2000) [4]. The quoted excerpt above from the Harvard law review emphasizes the importance of the labeling on genetically modified foods because without explanation of how these foods are manufactured, it is unethical and unfavorable to religious and cultural groups that restrict themselves from practices in consumption of certain ingredients included in these foods. In other words, the use of these technologies is harming the religion freedom of people. [4] The government of United States protects the non-labeling by not passing laws that require rigorous tests on GM foods because it is believed that there are already laws that protect religious groups. The third reason why genetically modified foods should be labeled separately is the economic concerns involved in the production. The main economic concern is that the world food market could be monopolized by large multinational corporations that control the production and distribution of genetically manufactured seeds. If this happens, they would be able manipulate governments to pass laws that don’t require companies to label their GM foods. [5] Monopolization will increase prices of seeds and eliminate small level farming. GMOs are the products of large corporations and considered intellectual property. Thus, they are protected by patents and copyrights. This means that if farmers want to use genetically modified crops, they must buy it from a corporation. If the world relies solely on GMOs, this means that these corporations will control the world’s food supply, leading to the monopolization of food. The use of GMOs is driving out the need for small farmers. These small farmers are forced to switch to GMOs in order to compete with other GMO farmers, but in the process, they are subjugated to the control of the corporation that produced the GMOs. (Barton, 2002) [6] The above passage was taken from a research about non labeling consequences published in the Harvard Law Review that extrapolates the consequences if the food industry is monopolized. It explains that if this happens, the patents and copyrights will increase prices of foods massively and abolish the system of low scale farming. Each and every farmer will need to rely on large corporations to grow crops, and GM foods will be seasonal that means in every season the seeds will expire and costs of storage and harvesting will sky rocket. All in all, the corporations will completely take over the food sourcing misleading people in what they produce for the sole purpose of profits. Thus, it will be considered legal and ethical. Regulations should be passed by governments all around the world that strictly insist on the labeling of genetically manufactured foods. Without labeling on the Genetically Modified Foods the health hazards, religious – ethical concerns, and economical concerns will increase over time. Therefore, instead of looking at the future from the eyes of the economic benefit, the world should look at the consequences this evolution could lead. Works Cited Page 1. â€Å"Genetically Modified Food. † Crowdsourcing Questions & Answers. N. p. , n. d. Web. 18 May 2011. 2. [6]Barton. â€Å"GMF Labeling Issues. † Harvard Law Review, Winter 2002. Web. 18 May 2011. . 3. Daneil, â€Å"Genetically Modified Foods | Better Health Channel. † Home | Better Health Channel. Deakin University. Web. 18 May 2011. . 4. [2]Grobe, and Raab. â€Å"Genetically Modified Foods | Better Health Channel. † Home | Better Health Channel. Deakin University. Web. 18 May 2011. . 5. [4] Lietz, supra note 11, at 416; Julie Teel, Regulating Genetically Modified Products and Processes: An Overview of Approaches, 8 N. Y. U. ENVTL. L. J. 649, 660-61 (2000) 6. â€Å"Genetically Modified Food. † Crowdsourcing Questions & Answers. N. p. , n. d. Web. 18 May 2011. .

Text Linguistics

TEXT LINGUISTICS Structure As a science of text, text linguistics describes or explains among different types of text the: * Shared features * Distinct features Text linguistics is the study of how texts function in human interaction. Beaugrande and Dressler define a text as a â€Å"communicative occurrence which meets seven standards of textuality† – Cohesion, Coherence, Intentionality, Acceptability, Informativity, Situationality and Intertextuality, without any of which the text will not be communicative.Non-communicative texts are treated as non-texts. [4] [edit] Cohesion Surface texts are the exact words that people see or hear. Cohesion concerns the ways in which the components of the surface text are connected within a sequence. Grammatical forms and conventions are adhered to by surface components and therefore cohesion rests upon grammatical dependencies. The grammatical dependencies in surface texts are major signals for sorting out meanings and uses.Cohesion encompasses all of the functions that can be used to signal relations among surface elements. â€Å"| SLOWCARS HELD UP| †| Such a text can be divided up into various dependencies. Someone might construe it as a notice about ‘slow cars’ that are ‘held up’, so that conclusions could be drawn about the need to drive fast to avoid being held up. However, it is more likely for one to divide the text into ‘slow’ and ‘cars held up’, so that drivers will drive slowly to avoid accidents or take alternative routes to avoid being caught in the slow traffic.A science of text should explain how ambiguities such as this are possible, as well as how they are precluded or resolved without much difficulty. For efficient communication to take place there must be interaction between cohesion and other standards of textuality because the surface alone is not decisive. [edit] Coherence Coherence concerns the ways in which concepts and relations, which underlie the surface text, are linked, relevant and used, to achieve efficient communication. A concept is a cognitive content which can be retrieved or triggered with a high degree of consistency in the mind * Relations are the links between concepts within a text, with each link identified with the concept that it connects to Surface texts may not always express relations explicitly therefore people supply as many relations as are needed to make sense out of any particular text. In the example of the road sign ‘SLOW CARS HELD UP’, ‘cars’ is an object concept and ‘held up’ an action concept, and the ‘cars’ are the link to ‘held up’.Therefore, ‘slow’ is more likely to be interpreted as a motion than as the speed at which cars are travelling. Types of relations include: I. Causality â€Å"| Itsy Bitsy spider climbing up the spout. Down came the rain and washed the spider out| †| The event of à ¢â‚¬Ëœraining’ causes the event of ‘washing the spider out’ because it creates the necessary conditions for the latter; without the rain, the spider will not be washed out. II. Enablement â€Å"| Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall| †| The action of sitting on the wall created the sufficient but not necessary conditions for the action of falling down.Sitting on a wall makes it possible but not obligatory for falling down to occur. III. Reason â€Å"| Jack shall have but a penny a day because he can’t work any faster| †| In contrast to the rain which causes Itsy Bitsy spider to be washed out, the slow working does not actually cause or enable the low wage. Instead, the low wage is a reasonable outcome; ‘reason’ is used to term actions that occur as a rational response to a previous event. IV.Purpose â€Å"| Old Mother Hubbard went to the cupboard to get her poor dog a bone| †| In contrast to Humpty Dumpty’s action of sitting on the wall which enables the action of falling down, there is a plan involved here; Humpty Dumpty did not sit on the wall so that it could fall down but Old Mother Hubbard went to the cupboard so that she could get a bone. ‘Purpose’ is used to term events that are planned to be made possible via a previous event. V. Time ‘Cause’, ‘Enablement’ and ‘Reason’ have forward directionality with the earlier event causing, enabling or providing reason for the later event. Purpose’, however, has a backward directionality as the later event provides the purpose for the earlier event. More than just a feature of texts, coherence is also the outcome of cognitive processes among text users. The nearness and proximity of events in a text will trigger operations which recover or create coherence relations. â€Å"| The Queen of Hearts, she made some tarts;The Knave of Hearts, he stole the tarts; The King of Hearts, called for the tarts| †| In the explicit text, there is a set of actions (making, stealing and calling); the only relations presented are the agent and the affected entity of each action.However, a text receiver is likely to assume that the locations of all three events are close to one another as well as occur in a continuous and relatively short time frame. One might also assume that the actions are meant to signal the attributes of the agents; the Queen is skilled in cooking, the Knave is dishonest and the King is authoritative. As such, coherence encompasses inferencing based on one’s knowledge. For a text to make sense, there has to be interaction between one’s accumulated knowledge and the text-presented knowledge.Therefore, a science of texts is probabilistic instead of deterministic, that is, inferences by users of any particular text will be similar most of the time instead of all of the time. Most text users have a common core of cognitive co mposition, engagement and process such that their interpretations of texts through ‘sensing’ are similar to what text senders intend them to be. Without cohesion and coherence, communication would be slowed down and could break down altogether. Cohesion and coherence are text-centred notions, designating operations directed at the text materials. [edit] IntentionalityIntentionality concerns the text producer’s attitude and intentions as the text producer uses cohesion and coherence to attain a goal specified in a plan. Without cohesion and coherence, intended goals may not be achieved due to a breakdown of communication. However, depending on the conditions and situations in which the text is used, the goal may still be attained even when cohesion and coherence are not upheld. â€Å"| Want I carry you on my back? | †| Even though cohesion is not maintained in this example, the text producer still succeeds in achieving the goal of finding out if the text re ceiver wanted a piggyback. edit] Acceptability Acceptability concerns the text receiver’s attitude that the text should constitute useful or relevant details or information such that it is worth accepting. Text type, the desirability of goals and the political and sociocultural setting, as well as cohesion and coherence are important in influencing the acceptability of a text. Text producers often speculate on the receiver’s attitude of acceptability and present texts that maximizes the probability that the receivers will respond as desired by the producers.For example, texts that are open to a wide range of interpretations, such as ‘Call us before you dig. You may not be able to afterwards’, require more inferences about the related consequences. This is more effective than an explicit version of the message that informs receivers the full consequences of digging without calling because receivers are left with a large amount of uncertainty as to the conse quences that could result; this plays to the risk averseness of people. [edit] Informativity Informativity concerns the extent to which the contents of a text are already known or expected as compared to unknown or unexpected.No matter how expected or predictable content may be, a text will always be informative at least to a certain degree due to unforeseen variability. The processing of highly informative text demands greater cognitive ability but at the same time is more interesting. The level of informativity should not exceed a point such that the text becomes too complicated and communication is endangered. Conversely, the level of informativity should also not be so low that it results in boredom and the rejection of the text. [edit] Situationality Situationality concerns the factors which make a text relevant to a situation of occurrence.The situation in which a text is exchanged influences the comprehension of the text. There may be different interpretations with the road s ign â€Å"| SLOWCARS HELD UP| †| However, the most likely interpretation of the text is obvious because the situation in which the text is presented provides the context which influences how text receivers interpret the text. The group of receivers (motorists) who are required to provide a particular action will find it more reasonable to assume that ‘slow’ requires them to slow down rather than referring to the speed of the cars that are ahead.Pedestrians can tell easily that the text is not directed towards them because varying their speeds is inconsequential and irrelevant to the situation. In this way, the situation decides the sense and use of the text. Situationality can affect the means of cohesion; less cohesive text may be more appropriate than more cohesive text depending on the situation. If the road sign was ‘Motorists should reduce their speed and proceed slowly because the vehicles ahead are held up by road works, therefore proceeding at too h igh a speed may result in an accident’, every possible doubt of intended receivers and intention would be removed.However, motorists only have a very short amount of time and attention to focus on and react to road signs. Therefore, in such a case, economical use of text is much more effective and appropriate than a fully cohesive text. [edit] Intertextuality Intertextuality concerns the factors which make the utilization of one text dependent upon knowledge of one or more previously encountered text.If a text receiver does not have prior knowledge of a relevant text, communication may break down because the understanding of the current text is obscured. Texts such as parodies, rebuttals, forums and classes in school, the text producer has to refer to prior texts while the text receivers have to have knowledge of the prior texts for communication to be efficient or even occur. In other text types such as puns, for example ‘Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a ba nana’, there is no need to refer to any other text.

Psychology of Homer Simpsons Essay

The Simpsons have been America’s phenomenal cartoon TV series that has a chilling resemblance to the typical family, if it would be viewed in a different angle removing the humour and exaggerations. The melodious opening song, Bart’s writing on the board, to the sofa antic just gives that tinge of spice to the expecting viewers. However, what usually catches the interest of the people is Homer. His credulous and sometimes sordid character ironically gives justice to the struggle of middle class families and perfectly depicts the role and challenges of a father who is facing the ordeals in the midst of a family crisis and his obligation as a citizen in the society.   A saying goes that the father is the home’s foundation. If that foundation would be weak, the family will collapse and disperse on the ground. He is the one that stands firm amongst difficult adversities a family faces and would be the source of their hope. Homer Simpsons heavy stature and obsession with Duff beer seems to exclude him from this description of this sturdy foundation. In Season 1, episode 3, Homer lost his job in front of his son in the Nuclear Plant. He became the common bum. He would lie on the sofa all day long, doing nothing and with a blank stare at the TV set, while Marge is working at a fast food chain on roller skates. He came to thirst for beer, since he was sober for a while due to lack of finances. With humour he searched for any kind of source for income including Bart’s piggy bank and going that low ,which wasn’t even worth it because it wasn’t even enough for one beer, he then came to a realization of what he has become. He decided on taking his own life by throwing himself in a watery grave. With a boulder around his neck he walked slowly towards the river. This action exhibited man’s reaction in time of weakness and lost of sight for ones purpose in life. However, he still managed to oil the fence upon going out, showing his compulsiveness of taking care of his own home. At the river, on the last minute he was about to throw away his life, his family came to the rescue. However, it turned out that it was Homer who would rescue them in the middle of the intersection from a speeding vehicle, and that is with a boulder hanging around his neck. The instinct of a father protecting his family came in stronger than his human weakness. Then, it dawned on him that the town needs someone to uphold safety around the place. He found his silver lining among the dark clouds. He went against even with his boss, Mr. Burns, just to be able to completely eradicate the town of danger. Mr. Burns even blackmailed Homer of giving his job back if he would just turn back on his own words about the plant’s safety. Homer almost gave in but his principles were as sturdy as his love for his family and community. Although, like water looking for its way back to the sea, Homer still got his job back and was still able to uphold his principle. He became the plant’s safety man. The seemingly ignorant and weakling personality of Homer turned out to be actually a shallow shroud that clothes his inner strength that brought hope and respect not only from his family but from his community as well. He secretly became a beacon to their hearts. He just needed that chance to bring it out of him.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Fathers have always been the icon of providing for his family. Since ancient times, these men are the ones that bring home the slaughtered meal after a dangerous and tedious hunt. Nothing has changed ever since except for the barbarism. Nowadays, the head of the families would still need to â€Å"hunt† for their income in order to provide for their pecuniary needs. Homer Simpsons is the kind of employee that slack-off during work, taking unscheduled doughnut breaks and seemingly doing his job but not actually serious about it. A provider, yes that he could be, but a good one is a dubious fact. In the first episode for season 1, a Christmas special of The Simpsons, Homer established the answer to this question. Mr. Burns joyously announced to the intercom that there is an increase in the safety of the plant but unfortunately no Holiday bonus for the mid-level workers. It saddened everyone, Homer on the other hand was still thankful because they had a â€Å"Christmas jar† that Marge has been keeping. But, little did he know that it was all spent on Bart’s surgery to remove the tattoo he just got. Upon entering the Simpsons home, he knew of the ordeal they are in. Marge had high hopes knowing that he had a Christmas bonus and Homer didn’t have the heart to break the news to his family, not with all those looks that are on tenterhooks. Homer, like our forefathers, hunted for a way to earn some extra income for his family, so that they won’t have to miss Christmas. He found one as a mall’s Santa Claus. He kept it a secret from his family in order to keep his family from worrying and his dignity as well. In a particular scene, it showed Homer going home from his Santa training exhausted and bad enough his sisters-in-law made a visit. Homer never did like them but because of his love for Marge, he still tried to be cou rteous and said his hellos. The gentleness, like any beast or man has, had been placed above the brute that he was. However, Bart discovered his clandestine accidentally but they made a bond not to speak of it. When pay day came Homer only got a measly $13. He got really disappointed but Barney asked him to try his luck on a dog race and take the chance of doubling his earnings. Homer refused for he didn’t want Bart to grow-up with that kind of values. It was Bart who encouraged his dad to take the risk because he believed that miracles happen to unfortunate kids especially in Christmastime. Thus, father and son embarked on the journey to try their luck. But fate made a twist on Bart’s little hope for miracle. The dog they made a bet on lost and so did their measly hope for their Christmas gifts. Broken hearted they went home. However , with a twist of event, the dog ironically named Santa’s little helper, was booted out by its owner and as fate smiled on both unfortunate souls, they found refuge in the arms of one another. Homer brought home the dog and it turned out to be the best Christmas they ever had. Homer indeed provided but not with mere money but with the gift of love for his family.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A father is also a source of wisdom and guidance. He is not just the role model in a family but considered as his children’s hero. A father’s advice is treasured like nothing else and he is remembered with it even until his next life.   Homer’s clumsiness and ignorant responses are attitudes wherein a person won’t dare to ask or even take an advice from. He would even sometimes strangle Bart whenever he catches him with his smart alecks. However, that is just a part of his comic act for humour sake. On episode 2 and 5, Homer exhibited the support, love and guidance an ideal father gives in spite of his once-in-a while shallowness. He gave his children a strong arm they can run to and a shoulder they can cry on. Homer handed down his advice as carefully as our forefathers handed down their gift of wisdom to the generations next to them.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Homer Simpsons is a comical proof of what human beings are in an ironic sense. Behind the humour and funny antics is the true father figure we have all known. He merely shows that there is always two sides of the coin, it could either be our bad or our good side. Homer Simpsons simply teaches us that we should never pass judgement to people by a mere look or by the way they talk, because their works and most of all their family might attest to their greatness above all.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚      References Groening, M et.al Burkes,J. , Simon,S. (Producers). Copyright 1990. Gracie Films. Twentieth  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Century Fox Film Corp.(Distributor).