Police corruption Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Police corruption - Research Paper Example Police has been vested with enormous powers; these powers are essential for maintaining the rule of law. However these powers can also be the source of corruption as people are usually at the mercy of the police officers in many circumstances where they have been wronged. People who have been fighting for democracy and governance regard the issue of fighting police corruption with utmost importance. Police must not only serve the common man but should also be seen as serving the common man. This is essential if basic human rights have to be protected and people have to live in safe and secure environments. When people who have been entrusted with the task of protecting people, engage in corruption themselves it leads to cynicism and may erode public confidence in democracy. Police corruption is not a standalone issue. It is a function of larger systematic problem which is compounded by lack of transparency , absence of checks and balances and fragile institutions. Although the popular perception is always that police corruption is rampant and should be death with an iron hand it is not always possible to do this. The government and the judiciary have to always take sensitivities into account. This paper tries to find out the different kinds of police corruption that are prevalent and also tries to find out the solution to the problem through a systematic method. Understanding Police Corruption In very simple terms corruption may be defined as the use of public powers in order to get personal gains. Police corruption occurs at both the levels – on the streets and also behind the scenes in offices. Officers corruption range from petty corruption to collusion with criminals where the look the other way and do not perform their constitutional duties. The extreme end is when police officers themselves take part in criminal activities in order to have financial or other benefits. Police officers have been vested with enormous powers in order to enforce law. These include the powers to stop, question, search, arrest people and even use lethal force whenever circumstances deteriorate. The important thing is that police have extraordinary amount of discretion in the exercise of these powers which give ample avenues for corruption. Backroom corruption in the police department does not consist of the use of these powers but involves irregular a nd illegal practices in the award of contracts, receiving kickbacks for favorable appointments and transfers and negligence in investigations and discipline. This corruption is done by supervisors and senior officers and thus the amount of money involved is also large. We will analyze each of these cases of corruption in detail here. Petty Individual Corruption Whenever we talk about police corruption to a common man, the most common type of corruption which comes to our minds is traffic police corruption. This form of corruption may be limited din developed countries but is extremely prevalent in every developing country. Some countries are so notorious for traffic police corruption that whenever a person is stopped for police checking he assumes that he will have to cough up. Other forms of petty corruption include extorting regular payments from market vendors, asking people to pay money for

E Commerce And Online Trading Information Technology Essay

E Commerce And Online Trading Information Technology Essay E-commerce has made a great impact on business activity culture. Customer can shop online in privacy at their own houses. This is also strength small businesses to close their doors, or modify to being completely online. It can also change people approach to look at making purchases decision and spending money. Ecommerce also changed the retailer picture, promotions, services, and other things that make our market work. Undeniably, it will continue to pressure how can companies sell and market their products/services, as well as people choose to make purchases in coming years. Selling through the websites is the best method of increasing trade worldwide. Two forms of e-commerce: First form is mostly used as a business trading where companies mostly meet each other and share information through the World Wide Web. The other form is that, where companies taken orders from the customers through web site and also prepared their order to satisfy their need. HASM have many different types of products and services that are traded or selling online including audio equipments new and used both. All companies who used e-tailing or e-trading definitely have their own websites for their business requirement/needs. Trading online Trading online facilitate businesses to attain larger audiences while also cutting the costs of traditional retailing methods of sales. It is not necessary that a web company have to spend on bigger high street markets for their presence. Although the expenditure on developing a good website is substantial and the potential benefits can be massive. Any group of businesses who is running successful business as a result of the development of the web are ability suppliers of items. Ecommerce Impact On Business Impact of Ecommerce on the economy globally Marketing and Product promotion E-commerce helps the products promotion and services during direct sale, information providing and customerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s connections. Sales channel/path E-commerce creates a new flow channel for existing products. It facilitates direct contact of customers and the bi-directional contact. Cost Reduction/savings The way of delivering information to end customers over the Internet results in major savings to senders when compared with any method. Most savings also realized in delivering digitized products against physical delivery. Cycle time The delivery of products and services can be reduced to minimum time frame. Also, the organizational work related to corporate delivery facility, also across international borders sale can be reduced considerably, cutting the cycle time by more than ninety percent. Customer service approach Customer service can be greatly improved by enable clients to find comprehensive information online. Also, sharp agents can answer standard quarry in seconds and human experts contact can be expedite using automatic software. Business image New customers can create corporate images very quickly. Corporate reflection means expectation, which is very important necessary for direct sales. Marketing Impacts Customization Ecommerce provide for customization of products/services, in response to buying in a store or ordering through television, which is normally limited to standard products only. Advertising Direct marketing and customization is very effective than mass advertisement. This creates a essential changer in which advertisement is conducted to change the existing customer behaviour with product but also for the new customer demands and their behaviour towards products and services. Ordering System Orders recived from customers can considerably be improved if it is happen by online system and through internet. Through electronically, orders can quickly be sent to the appropriate department and place. This saves time and reduces expenses. This can give sales-work force more time to sell the product/services. Also, customers can add the cost of their orders through saving time for all parties involved inthe activity. Markets The physical market disappears because the need to deliver the goods/services to the market. In market space, an electronic place where items are delivered directly to buyers/suppliers when purchase is completed online and making the markets cost effective and efficient. Technology behaviour and Organizational learning behaviour Speedy progress in Ecommerce customers and staff, companies to settle quickly to the new technology and offer customers an opportunity to deal with new products/services such as HASM in new and used audio systems and tools. Changing Work Nature The work nature and employment also be transformed in the computer Age. The computer Age work force should have to become flexible. Few of them consistently have secure jobs in the complex environment and all of work force/staff have to willing and able to frequently learn skills and make decisions, and stand behind in complex environment. New product features Ecommerce allows new products to be formed and existing products to be modified in innovative ways. These changes may be satisfied organizations missions and the way in which they have to survive. Ecommerce can also allow supply the suppliers to collect personalized customers data sheet and buying behaviour. Building customer profiles on the basis ofcollecting data on certain customers group and can be used as a information source for improving products/services or designing new ones. Manufacturing Impact Ecommerce is also changing manufacturing systems from mass production to the demand and supply chain process and also on the need of customers. Finance Impact Ecommerce needs a very special finance and accounting systems. Traditional payment systems, which are ineffective and inefficient for electronic trade, because there is no physical availability/presence of staff. Ecommerce is any type of business activities that is selling and purchasing of products and services carried out over web based systems for the approach of getting far away customers. Advantages and Disadvantage: HASM electronic commerce is also categorized by advantages and inbuilt drawbacks of web. Some of these important advantages and disadvantages are as follows: With the use of fast and rapid scale of internet technology and strong online techniques and software, companies can get many advantages of Ecommerce but also some disadvantages as well but also having a reason of some problems: Advantages: Fast buying and selling method, as well as effortless to find any products type. Buying convenience and selling convenience, round the clock 24/7. Wider reach to customers, there is no geographic limitations for selling product. As compare to the stores low operational costs for product and better quality of services can be provided. Physical company set-ups are not necessary. Undemanding start and manage a business. Business or individual to reach the global market is simple and easy. Electronic commerce gives the customers the chance to look for cheaper and quality products. Ecommerce cuts down the cost attached with marketing once is being launched and working and also on customer care, processing stage, and information storage and inventory management. Disadvantages: Any one, good or bad, can easily set up a business website and there are many bad sites which fool customers. There is no assurance of product quality. There are many internet hackers just waiting for any opportunity and then an ecommerce site, service, payment gateways can cause attack in any business. Mechanical failures can be reason of unpredictable effects on the total processes. Least chance of direct customer to company interactions, and also customer loyalty is always on a test. Perishable items such as foods are also not very convenient and nor predictable due to small life cycle.

Summary of Ethan Brand by Nathaniel Hawthorne Essay example -- Ethan B

Summary of Ethan Brand by Nathaniel Hawthorne In the short story Ethan Brand, Ethan Brand lusts for knowledge that leads him on a quest for the unpardonable sin. The unpardonable sin, as one may interpret, is pride and self-gain. It is a loss of the brotherhood with man, and a loss of respect for God. Once this knowledge is gained, he faces alienation from all those around him. In searching for this sinful knowledge, Ethan Brand leads himself into intellectual isolation. He cannot separate his head from his heart, his intellect from his soul. After tending the kiln, in solitude for so long, his thoughts became his only company, as did the flames that danced in his eyes. Over come with the urge to seek knowledge, he falls to temptation. Adam and Eve's downfall was in knowledge, as was Ethan Brand's fall. His sin is best described as, "The sin of intellect that triumphed over the sense of brotherhood with man and reverence for God and sacrificed everything to its own mighty claims". Upon leaving for his twenty-year journey, Brand becomes deranged in the eyes ...

The european identity

We hear the word & A ; lsquo ; European ‘ connected to other words like & A ; lsquo ; civilization ‘ , & A ; lsquo ; individual ‘ and & A ; lsquo ; individuality ‘ about every twenty-four hours. But what does this construct of being & A ; lsquo ; European ‘ mean? Is it about geographics, political relations, or something else? In my essay I will seek to detect if there is such a term as & A ; lsquo ; European Identity ‘ and if it exists so how we can associate ourselves to it. I will look briefly through the history of Europe to happen some background for the thought of incorporate Europe and pull some decisions about what I have found out. First of all I would wish to discourse the inquiry what is individuality and how we decide to which individuality we belong. Sir W. Hamilton defined Identity as & A ; lsquo ; a relation between our knowledges of a thing, non between things themselves ‘ . So technically the manner we identify ourselves is in our caputs and there are no rigorous regulations about how to make it. In my sentiment people largely identify themselves by the topographic point where they were born, the linguistic communication they speak from the birth, the faith, the history they have learned, the topographic point where their parents from, the people they were surrounded by. It appears that a individual does n't truly contemplate to his/her thought of her/himself, it is being embedded in them by milieus. In a world-wide graduated table people are defined into states, but sometimes it is hard to make, because if your parents are from one state and you were born and raised in another it is non the easie st thing to denominate yourself to one state. That ‘s why I think some people may state they are European. Identity consists of forms by which something or person is recognizable or known. Turning to Europe and its individualities, though G.Delanty wrote that & amp ; lsquo ; to be European is a lifestyle defined by the manners of behaviour feature of the people in the West ( Borneman & A ; Fowler cited in Delanty 2005 ) ‘ , I do non hold that people from Asia or America would be able to acknowledge & amp ; lsquo ; European ‘ by behaviors. Despite the fact that there might be some common runs of behavior of people who live in Europe ( and here there is another job of where Europe begins and ends ) there are still excessively many differentiations in pique of different states. Another controversial construct in this statement is the West. S.Hall wrote that: the West ‘s sense of itself – its individuality – was formed, non merely by the internal procedures that bit by bit moulded Western European states into a distinguishable type of society, but besides throu gh Europe ‘s sense of differences from other universes – how it came to stand for itself in relation to these others ( Formations of Modernity, 1992, p.279 ) . But in this instance the thought of what it means to be & amp ; lsquo ; European ‘ should be explained exactly because & A ; lsquo ; Europeans are non peculiarly united among themselves ‘ ( Delanty, 2005, p.19 ) so we can non truly specify these others. Europeans do non portion common history, civilization, linguistic communication – all the standards by which they can be designated into individuality. Today ‘s European Union ‘s slogan is & A ; lsquo ; United in diverseness ‘ , so even from this we can do a decision that Europe is internally really assorted, it consists of different states, different outlooks which barely can be put under one roof. And & A ; lsquo ; individuality ‘ can be assimilated with & A ; lsquo ; sameness ‘ and here we see no sameness at all. Each state has its ain traditions, linguistic communication, civilization and what is the most of import history on which all the other factors are based. Ones may state that there is a common European history but in this instance it is defined more in footings of geographics than civilization. But if we are seeking to happen united Europe in history it is impossible, at least until nineteenth Century when the first thought of incorporate Europe appeared, but after that there were two universe wars which both were engendered in Europe and after the 2nd one Europe was literally separated for more that 40 old ages. And it happened in Europe, today united and seeking for prosperity, integrity and peace. Returning to history, there were ne'er thoughts to do Europe a incorporate power. There ever were wars and contentions in the chase of power and extension. We might state that in the period of Roman Empire Europe was about united by the power of one state, but it was non a brotherhood every bit much as invasion and conquering of insatiate and powerful swayers. And under these subjugations there was no thought of distributing the civilizati on or set uping economic or political dealingss. In this instance I can state that the conquers of Alexander the Great had more exalted background. However he went non to the West but to the East, he had the thought of uniting the lands under one civilization and power, he likely might hold succeeded to make new land and new individuality but it did non go on. When the Western Roman Empire disintegrated the Eastern, Byzantine Empire became dominant and Constantinople was the Centre of Europe, economic and cultural, all the trade paths were traveling through it, accordingly it became a multicultural metropolis. It was besides another Centre of Christendom, apart from Rome. And today Constantinople ‘s name is Istanbul and it is Turkey, which is non considered today as a European state. & A ; lsquo ; Giscard d'Estaing claimed on 9 November 2002 and argued that because it is non Christian, Turkey can non fall in the EU ‘ ( Delanty, 2005, p.14 ) , so another consolidative fac tor of Europe, as some say, is Christianity, but if we take a expression at the demographic state of affairs of, for illustration, France we can non state that it is strictly Christian, though it is decidedly European. Another thing is that Christianity originates from Palestine, which even geographically is non included in Europe, so can Europe truly say that Christianity is European? Although, we can non reject the fact that Christianity has been a great force in Europe. But in world it has been non spiritual and religious power but more political, economic and even military. In the Middle Ages, clip of ageless wars and conflicts the Church had highly influential power. For the swayers of different states it was really profitable to hold Church ‘s support as it was a mark for civilians that God blessed their state and people at that place. Nevertheless it appeared that God ‘s approval and forgiveness could be easy bought, so the Church was really commercial and had some sufficient financess. Then there were the Crusades which were organised by the Christian universe and brought them a batch of hoarded wealths and more power in Europe. The Church extended its influence further to North and East. This might be treated as unifying Europe under the mark of Christendom but really it was once more all about power and money, this clip though the agencies to acquire them were used more sagely. Christian religion was established in Europe by the menace of wars and force, and we will ne'er cognize what would hold happened if they had non been seeking fo r power. The age of Enlightenment superinduced some important alterations to the thought of United Europe. The ideas of Enlighteners destroyed the thought that power could be got merely by force and force, they introduced the importance of cognition and that everything could be solved in a civil mode. Rousseau thought that one twenty-four hours there might be a Europe where & A ; lsquo ; there are no more Gallic, German, Spanish, even Englishmen whatever one says, there are merely Europeans. They all have the same gustatory sensations, the same passions, and the same manner of life ‘ ( cited in Delanty 2005, p.17 ) . In my sentiment it is impossible to accomplish as the gustatory sensations and passions are formed by non one twelvemonth of common civilization and history, sometimes we can non happen such a integrity in states that are more than a hundred old ages old. Another thing is that to portion these gustatory sensations and passions people have to talk one linguistic communicatio n, though English I may state has become a lingua franca but merely people who travel and work with people from other states can talk it good. From here flows the thought of cosmopolitanism, people as citizens of the universe, here of Europe and Delanty agreed that & amp ; lsquo ; Europeans are citizens with a universe mentality ‘ , explicating that it means that & amp ; lsquo ; the citizens of one state see citizens of another & A ; lsquo ; one of us ‘ ( 2005, p.18 ) . And here I would to reason, make they? Truly? Do people earnestly act friendly towards dwellers from other states? Then why the migration is such a large inquiry in the prima states of Europe? We all are the citizens of Europe, we should esteem each other and welcome each other with all the cordial reception. But today it is non a platitude everyplace in modern-day Europe, so I will ne'er hold with E.Burke that & amp ; lsquo ; No European can be an expatriate in any portion of Europe ‘ ( cited in De lanty, 2005, p.17 ) . Peoples can be, they can experience exiled in their place state, what to state about Europe, full of differences and contradictions. After the thoughts of Enlighteners there two most violent wars in the history of the World and in the twentieth century one baronial adult male came up with the thought of unifying Europe, he was George Marshall, the leader of American military and the secretary of province in US. I can non state it was a bad thought, it was a great one, but it was given by the adult male from the top of society, non even a European society. Equally good as the thought of Enlighteners it was non the thought of ordinary people. Delanty wrote: The thought of Europe was largely derived from & A ; lsquo ; above ‘ and non from & A ; lsquo ; below ‘ in concrete signifiers of life and political battles. It has chiefly been the political orientation of intellectuals and the political category. As such it has tended to be a counter – radical political orientation of the elites, those groups who claim to be the representatives of society. ( Delanty, 1995, p.6 ) So, after old ages of struggles and battles the Union of Common Economic Market was created. And here we see that Europe was foremost united in order to widen the market, to derive net income, to do economic dealingss between states closer. Further these dealingss spread into political universe. T.Hobbes said in the seventeenth century that human existences are highly egocentric but still rational and it is one of the grounds they decide to co-operate with other people and subject the power to maintain themselves safe. ( Vitkus, 1998, p.89 ) In my sentiment that is what happened in the twentieth century ; people were afraid of what may hold happened in future so they decided to unite. In footings of economic and political state of affairs it was and still is a really wise thought, the Union prevents people from wars, it enables states solve the jobs in a peaceable manner and gives the chance for and open-trade market. But the nucleus thought of making European Union was non to unite people from different states, there was no societal or cultural background in the thought of it. It is more of a effect that people got the chance to go and interact with other civilization than the ground. I can non deny that today civil people get a batch from EU in footings of acquiring acquainted with other civilizations, but it besides can be called & A ; lsquo ; net income ‘ . Therefore, they travel, they communicate with each other, they learn other histories, but they have non become a new individuality. It might be possible in future but today if we are speaking about European individuality it can be merely economic and political individuality, these are the Fieldss were European states are united, though still hold some confrontations. To reason, my sentiment is that there can non by such a construct like & A ; lsquo ; European Identity ‘ in footings of something that has got common forms by which it can be recognized socially or culturally. Although I do non deny that today ‘s Europe is united and that there might be an economic and political individuality as Europe has got common market, Torahs and even parliament and these factors unite people. Overall, I think Europe has a long manner to travel to be considered as united economically and socially, politically and culturally and treated as one incorporate province.BibliographyDelanty, G. ( 1995 ) . Inventing Europe: Idea, Identity, Reality. Basingstoke: Macmillan Delanty, G. ( 2005 ) . & A ; lsquo ; What does it intend to be & amp ; lsquo ; European ‘ ? ‘ Innovation, 18 ( 1 ) , pp. 11-22 Hall, S. ( 1992 ) . & A ; lsquo ; The West and the remainder: discourse and power & A ; lsquo ; in S.Hall, B.Gieben ( explosive detection systems ) Formations of Modernity Cambridge: Civil order Van der Dussen, W. J. & A ; Wilson, K. ( 1995 ) . The History of European Integration. London: Routledge Vitkus, G. ( 1998 ) . Politologija ( Political Science ) Vilnius: Danielius Webster ‘s Revised Unabridged Dictionary ( 1913 ) ( hypertext transfer protocol: //www.encyclo.co.uk/webster/I/4 )

Why Are Black Boys Failing in School

It is easy to point the finger but harder to find a solution as to why the black male child is failing in school. There are several crucial factors that contribute to this epidemic including, parents are not communicating with the teachers, the socioeconomic status of the child's family, and the father's absence in the child's life. Each of these topics intertwine with one another and is preventing a race of young men who will not be given the chance to excel in life. The worst teachers are the parents. Teaching starts at home from the time the child is old enough to speak, he learns from his parents.We must realize that this is a vicious cycle which must be broken if we are to ever help these young black boys. If a parent is ignorant then they in turn teach their child ignorance. If the parent using profanity and does not speak articulately neither will the child. The main problem is that parents raise their boys until they are able to start school and then they are done. No, learni ng is a life long process and without involved parents these boys will continue to fail at shocking rates. Perhaps if parents disciplined their children instead of just sending them to school they might actually meet the standard requirements.  (Green 7).In the book titled, Smart Kids, Bad Schools author, Brian Crosby stated, â€Å" If parents did a better job at parenting, schools wouldn't have so many students who exhibit poor behavior. † (Crosby 253). He feels that poor parenting is a direct cause as to why children misbehave in school therefore, resulting in failing grades. He says that the parents of today are â€Å"weak, out of control, and litigious. † (Crosby 253). He says, â€Å"Disciplining one's child has become as out of fashion as typewriters, record stores, and unpierced body parts. † (Crosby 252).If children are  not held accountable for their actions at home then how can the school in turn hold them accountable for their actions at school, Cr osby asks. Another point Crosby points out is if the child is not in school how does the parent expect the child to learn. â€Å"Education codes do not allow teachers to penalize students for absences. † (Crosby 255). The parent allows the child to miss school then gets angry at the teacher for giving him a failing grade. We are not living in the 1940's when it was acceptable for a male child to not attend school because he had to work.Richard Wright wrote a book titled Black Boy, where he re-lives his childhood and tells how education was an after thought. During those times the economy was bad especially for blacks in the deep South so in order to survive certain sacrifices had to be made usually education. Wright writes,â€Å" I began school at Howard Institute at a later age than was usual; my mother had not been able to buy me the necessary clothes to male me presentable. † (Wright 28). Once again this type of behavior was acceptable during those times but now it surely frowned upon.Parents of black boys surely do not understand the affect an absence has on a child that is already struggling in their studies. This goes back to my statement that this is a cycle and until we begin to educate parents of black children this problem might continue. Children learn from their parents, mentors, or whatever other figure is in the household. If their parent has a negative attitude about life nine times out of ten that attitude has rubbed off on the child. The child then goes to school with an attitude and it is left up to the teacher of probably thirty other students to try and break through this wall just to reach the child.Andy Kotner, president of the San Diego chapter of the group California Citizens Against Abuse, said, â€Å" We want parents and their kids to accept responsibility for their actions. † (Crosby 257). Simply put parents do not want anyone to tell their children that they have a bad attitude, including the teachers. It is ins tilled in most parents to defend their young with that being said, parents should listen to both sides of the story before assuming that the teacher was wrong in their actions.Parents + Teachers= A successful student. Another problem with parents not teaming up with teachers is the fear of being called a â€Å"bad parent†. Most parents of black students do not regularly attend teacher/ parent conferences. These conferences are held usually between the sixth and eight week of school and during these meetings parents get a chance to voice any concerns they might have as well as the teachers suggestions. (Cushman 11). One might ask how can a parent send their child to school without ever meeting the teacher?There are several problems associated with black parents and the school system which I discuss in depth later in the paper. Parents just do not place enough emphasis on their child's education and in turn the child doesn't either. There is no way that a child could fail if th eir parents are in continuous communication with his teacher, yes, during these times there is simply not enough hours in the day but if a parent does not care about their child's future how can expect anyone else to? † Black children are falling farther behind and are victims of an educational system that is failing them.† ( Muhammad 2).If parents do not realize that a teacher alone can not defeat this task alone, that it takes a village to raise a family its sad to say that these little black boys might be lost forever. In the book titled How to Handle Difficult Parents written by Suzanne Tingley, she offers tips for how teachers can try to get pass difficult parents. She says that teachers need learn parent management skills. ( Tingley 8). By that she means teachers need to understand that during these times there is a lot of obstacles standing in the way.â€Å"When teachers know that a child's parent stands ready to challenge them at every turn, they can become relu ctant to confront inappropriate student behavior or lack of effort. † ( Tingley 8). If the parents are confrontational the teacher becomes intimidated and therefore the issues go unresolved. She feels that parents should communicate with teachers respectfully and civilly without judging the teachers credentials. In today's society is not always economically possible for the mother to stay at home while the husband works. She says, â€Å"Parents work their jobs, raise their family, and pay their bills.Kids are responsible for attending school, staying out of trouble, and pay attention. † ( Tingley 10). Teachers are not always pointing the finger at the parent but they would like it if the parent was more involved in the child's schooling. Somewhere along the way we have gotten lost in our forty plus work hour weeks, consumed by emails, and tied down by bills. Parents must take time out of their busy schedules and make a sacrifice for their children. Another problem, Ting ley pointed out was that the parents of today make too many excuses for their child's lack of enthusiasm when it comes to education.Parents feel that if a child becomes bored at school that it is the teachers responsibility to make learning fun. They say that the child is not being challenged enough and that the teacher should devise a plan that works for their child. It is not the teachers job to entertain students; their job is simple- teach. The unwillingness from the parents makes it harder for teachers to do their job. â€Å"The stress of dealing with difficult parents remains one of the top reasons teachers cite for leaving the profession after only five years. † (Tingley 7).There are different parenting styles that contribute to the learning process and should be discussed in order to get a better understanding of why the black child is failing compared to other children. â€Å" In the eighth grade, only nine percent of black males across the country performed at or a bove the proficient level in reading compared with 33% of white males nationwide†. This statistic comes from the National Assessment of Educational Progress. (Green 2). There is something that other parents from other races are teaching their children that we as black parents are not.â€Å"Everyday our parents tell us: â€Å"Obey your teachers. Do your schoolwork. Stay out of trouble. You're there to learn, not to fight. Keep trying harder. Keep pushing yourself. Do your homework. After you have done that, you can watch TV. † Sikh immigrant student in a California high school. (Thernstorm 83). I am a black mother raising two black boys and our morning conversation goes a lot differently than the previous one. I tell my boys to mindful of their appearance; they are judged on how they look. I tell them to be on time; typical stereotypes of black people is that we are always late.Don't let let anyone make you feel bad about yourself; you are just as good as anyone else. I f that teacher calls me because you were misbehaving when you get home you are going to be in so much trouble. Parents of black children must remind our little black boys that the world view them differently and that they must always conduct themselves appropriately. Culture plays one of the biggest roles in how parents teach their children. Once culture is defined and I show correlation between the subject, I will discuss our history of learning in America.It is important for one to understand that education was not always an option for blacks in America. Culture is defined as the beliefs,customs, and arts of a particular society. It can be defined by everything from language, religion, cuisine, and social habits. â€Å" Twenty percent of the mothers of black children today never completed high school. † (Gross 124). It is sad to say but within our culture a lot of women have children out of wedlock and usually drop out of school. If we as black parents have no knowledge the re is nothing that we can teach our kids except survival.Asian students do better on average than an other students, this has a lot to do with culture. In 2000, a majority (54%) of Asian Americans ages 25-29 had a bachelors degree, as compared to with just a third of (34%) of whites. (Blankstein 34). One reason Asian students are excelling at a compelling rate is that their parents have very high expectations for their children and failure is never an option for them. Another reason, Asian students perform better is because they watch less television then their counterparts.A study from Northwestern University titled, â€Å" Children, Media, and Race†, shows that black kids watch more television than others. Black children watch more than four hours a day and Asians watch less than two. † (Blankstein 27). â€Å"Asian youths are successful, Steinburg writes, â€Å"Not because of their stronger belief in the payoff for their doing well, but because they have greater fea r of the consequences of not doing well. †(Rochester 121). The last reason Asian students do better than the average American student is because their parents have a higher income than most.  (Thernstorm 89).Socioeconomic status, plays an important role in child's education. According to history, it would appear that black children have been set up for failure ever since we arrived in America. â€Å" From colonial times, educational opportunities for African Americans were extremely limited. † (Sharp 8). White Americans often used several cruel techniques to make blacks feel inferior including, segregation, discrimination, and lack of education. The fourteenth amendment guaranteed that all Americans were to have equal protection under the law.At the end of slavery many freed slaves knew that education was vital to their survival and immediately went to register for school. Whites feared this movement, they knew that if blacks received an education and training they wo uld longer depend on the them and their dependency was crucial for the southern economy. ( Sharp 21). During the 1870's at the end of the Reconstruction era whites quickly leaped into action to stop blacks from receiving an education even though there was a law that stated all Americans should be treated equally.The Jim Crow laws, which were a set of laws that enforced the practice of segregation or discrimination against blacks in public places, employment, and other areas of social life. ( Volkomer 318). In the case of Plessy v. Ferguson, an African American Louisiana man had been jailed in 1896 for refusing to sit in the â€Å"black† section of the train. Just when blacks thought they making some headway the Court ruled that as long as the same facilities that were provided for whites were provided for blacks then the Fourteenth Amendment had not been violated.  (Volkomer 318).This decision grabbed the attention of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), which was founded by W. E. B Du Bois and other great African American civil rights leaders. The main purpose of the NAACP was â€Å"to achieve, through peaceful and lawful means, equal citizenship rights for all American citizens by eliminating segregation and discrimination in housing,employment, voting, schools, the courts, transportation, and recreation. † (Sharp 18). Founder W. E. B.Du Bois, the first African American to earn a doctorate degree at Harvard University, felt that â€Å"education was the most was the most priceless possession a black person could have. † In his book titled, â€Å" The Educating of Black People. †, he wrote, â€Å" Education must not simply teach work, it must teach life. † (DuBois 37). The rivalry between DuBois and Booker T. Washington was a break through moment in African American history. While DuBois felt that education was the best opportunity for blacks Washington on the other hand felt somewhat diff erently.Agriculture to Washington was one of his soul ideas of his â€Å"racial uplift† theory. â€Å"Washington offered black acquiescence in disenfranchisement and social segregation if whites would back the idea of black progress in education, agriculture, and economics. † (Rochester 79). This man used his undeniable wit and political savvy to convince white Southners that his educational program would keep black people â€Å"down on the farm† and in return he promised blacks that through work ethics they could achieve the American Dream and become not only business men but land owners as well.This political opinion clashed with what DuBois thought was appropriate for the blacks at that present time. I mean weren't blacks trying to get off â€Å"the farm† and into classrooms to educate themselves? Even though DuBois viciously disagreed with Washington's view he did however, acknowledge him for being one of the first black intellects to defend the black race. DuBois writes, â€Å"Negroes must insist continually, in season and out of season, that voting id necessary to modern manhood, that color discrimination is barbarism, and that black boys need education as well as white boys.† (DuBois 63).While blacks had won the war on slavery, the battle on education was still in progress. Black leaders of the Civil Rights movement like Thurgood Marshall and Charles Houston that fought long and hard so that black children would be able to receive equal educational opportunities. Civil Rights, are defined as the right of an individual not to be discriminated against on the basis of their race,sex,or nationality. The education that blacks received in the South during those times foreshadow our culture and the negligent attitudes of black parents.For years blacks have fought for not only their freedom but the right to have an education, it seems that the parents of today have forgotten the many sacrifices their forefathers made for them. Not only were the lessons being taught inferior to those of the white students but the conditions in which the children had to endure almost made it impossible for them to learn. The books that were given to blacks were often used and were filled with racial and derogatory terms. To add insult to injury the curriculum within the the text books focused more so on the inferiority of blacks.It was said to have contained lessons that African Americans were referred to as† ignorant and helpless people who were unable to survive without the help of a benevolent and superior white society. † ( Sharp 15). Most of the schools did not have desks and chairs, a black board for the teacher to write instead, the teachers used cardboard to teach lessons, more times than most there were no bathrooms in the schoolhouse and the children had to go outside to relieve themselves. With these horrendous conditions how did whites think that black children were receiving â€Å"equal† edu cation compared to the white children?The answer to that question is they didn't, they figured that if they made it hard almost impossible for the blacks that they would just roll over and conform to their way of life. In an article titled â€Å" The Willie Lynch Letters. †, which was written by Willie Lynch, a British slave owner he said, â€Å"Keep the body; Take the mind. † He wrote this letter to help slave owners keep their Negro slaves dependent on them. (Abbott 4). Even when faced with adversity the black community did not falter nor did they give up on their hopes and dreams for their their child's future.In 1926, African American parents formed a group called the Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers. They worked tirelessly and feverishly to inform the state of Mississippi of the injustice that they allowed to continue. We have come a long way from the Plessy v. Ferguson, Brown v. the Board of Education, and Martin Luther King Jr. infamous â€Å"I Have A D ream† speech, but many will argue that we still have some ways to go. We are not where we used to be yet we are not where we want to be.From slavery to the Jim Crow laws to the No Child Left Behind Act we as parents must continue to fight against the injustices that either we created or society. Civil Rights leaders have fought and died for our little black children to have the same equal rights and it seems like the parents of today have forgotten about our history, this is our culture which has shaped black America into the cultural rich and diverse nation in which we live. Parents of black children must not allow fear to cloud our judgment when it comes to trusting our child's teachers.One reason these parents do not confide in the teachers is because of fear. We are afraid of failure, failing our children because of our ignorance. Majority of the time there are programs and services that are out there to help families that are struggling in areas of their home life. Until this gap is closed parents will continue to shelter their child from success. â€Å"Black parents and Black communities are ultimately responsible for the education of Black children. Not teachers! Not schools! Not elected officials! We are responsible!If our children are being destroyed in American schools, it is only because we allow it. † (Muhammad 5). â€Å"It is often argued that the low education achievement levels of African- Americans and Hispanics are caused by poverty. † ( Strauss 12). Parents of black children usually earn less than parents of any other race and it is the black children that are failing. Valerie Strauss author of, â€Å" The Way out of the Black Poverty Cycle. †, says that, â€Å" It is often argued that the low education achievement levels of African- Americans and Hispanics are caused by poverty. † (Strauss 38).She feels that poverty plays a vital role in the education of the black child. She continues with, â€Å" if there were more programs to help the black youth improve education this would help alleviate the high rates of incarceration among black males. † (Strauss 14). She feels that the lack of adequate education in the black community is the number one cause in the high rates of black males dropping out of school and ending up in prison. Once they are released from prison most have little or no skills to find employment adequate enough to provide for the family they have left behind thus, the family remains impoverished.Gabriel Trip author of, â€Å" Proficiency of Black Students is Found to Be Far Lower Than Expected. †, says that, â€Å" Only 12% of black 4th grade boys are proficient in reading, compared with 38% of white boys. † (Trip 3). While this is true Trip feels that, â€Å"Poverty alone does not seem to explain the differences: poor white boys do just as well as African- American boys who do not live in poverty. † (Trip 8). This author thinks that if Congre ss would appropriate more money to the failing black schools and establish more networks for young black males that would be more productive rather than , just closing the failing schools all together.The final topic I will discuss is the absence of the father figure in the young black males life and how it has a major affect on the child's education. Mike Casserly, director of Council of the Great City Schools asks,† How can we close or narrow the country's black-white achievement gap when African -American males are not getting the attention and support they need. † (Casserly 3). The reason black males are not the getting the attention they need to succeed is because their fathers are not involved in their lives.â€Å"The father's guidance to his children and his counsel regarding their anxieties and problems gives them that confidence and a feeling of affection which is necessary to the building of well-rounded personalities. † (Paige 17). Thirty-six percent of the father's that are currently incarcerated reported that they have one or more school age children. ( Drucker 7). Black children that grow up without a father or a positive male role in their lives have very little direction and often get involved with the wrong crowds.Studies have shown that children who their father is not in their lives stand the risk of becoming alcohol and drug addicts than other children. (Paige 5). Contrary to many beliefs a father's presence plays an important role in their child's lives. In the case of the black father and the black male child, the father is either incarcerated or has never been involved in the child's life. So there leaves a single mother trying to work and provide for her struggling family because the father is now where to be found.As Richard Wright writes, in his novel titled â€Å" Black Boy†, â€Å" As the days slid past the image of my father became associated with my pangs of hunger, and whenever I felt hunger I thought o f him with deep biological bitterness. † (Wright 125). This is an example of the negative image and feelings that a young boy will develop for his father when he is not involved. It is impossible for the mother to monitor her children twenty-four hours a day, she cannot be everywhere at once.Like the saying goes, â€Å" While the cat is away the mice will play.† this leaves the child alone usually in the evening when the child should be studying they are more than likely outside or watching television. â€Å" Under constant watch, care, and concern, children are less likely to experiment with extremes of behavior when they know they have two parents who are watching their every move. † (Paige 12). It is understandable that divorce and break-ups do and does happen often, the father should still be involved in their son's life. When it comes to discipline mothers are just softer and more reluctant than the father, which leaves the boys free to do whatever it is tha t they want to do.â€Å"Studies have shown that when a father is not present in a home, children are more likely to derail and exhibit bad and dangerous behavior. † (Paige 13). Father's may be unaware that their presence has such dramatic affects on their child's life as well as their educational goals. Children emulate their parents behavior and if the father is non existent soon so will the child. Majority of the black males that are failing live in crime ridden urban cities, where gangs and liquor stores out number community centers and churches. Without a father's love and concern what conclusion can one draw about the future of the young black male?Surely he will wind up in a street gang where he robbing, stealing, and maybe even killing but this stereotype does not have to become a reality of underprivileged black males. There are several tips that can be given for single mothers of black male children whose fathers are either incarcerated or chose not to be involved in the lives of their children. First, mothers must realize that two heads are better than one, meaning even if the father is not involved find an uncle, brother, or even a male friend of the family that would be willing to assist you.Second, ask for help. Black mothers are so afraid of being looked at as a â€Å"bad mother† that we do not ask for help even when we are on the verge of breaking down. There are a lot of services within one's community that may have several programs like the Big Brother/Big Sister program, that provides positive role models for children. Third, mothers must break the cycle. Education is the key to getting out of that low paying minimum wage job and have an opportunity to have convenient hours and better benefits.Lastly, nothing can replace the presence of a loving, nurturing, and concerned father but there are close substitutes. The failure of black young males is a nationwide epidemic. While I have only visited a few reasons as to why they are fa iling like, poverty, lack of guidance, and the absence of the father this is just the tip of the iceberg. I fear that unless â€Å"WE†, meaning the parents, teachers, political leaders, community advocates, and neighbors wake up and realize that this is not an easy fix, that this is not something that can be swept under the rug and forgotten about, they will continue to fail.

Evidence for the non-genomic actions of steroid hormones Essay Example

Evidence for the non Evidence for the non-genomic actions of steroid hormones Essay Evidence for the non-genomic actions of steroid hormones Essay The actions of steroid endocrines can be distinguished into two distinguishable ways ; genomic and non-genomic actions. The genomic actions are slow and affect binding of the steroids to atomic receptors within the karyon to arouse a transcriptional response of a mark cistron, whilst non-genomic actions are rapid and affect membrane-associated receptors which activate intracellular signalling Cascadess to bring forth a cellular response. Steroid endocrines are lipohilic ( non H2O soluble ) molecules, therefore they travel in the blood attached to protein bearers. The steroid-protein bearer complex dissociates when the steroid reaches its mark cell, after which it migrates through the plasma membrane of the cell. Some steroid endocrines besides bind to specific intracellular receptors in the cytosol and in the karyon. The binding of the steroid endocrine to its receptor brings about a conformational alteration in the receptor molecule. ( Sharma R. 1999 ) . Having bound its steroid, legion steroid receptors dimerize, which converts the non-DNA binding signifier of the receptors into a functional DNA-binding unit. This activation of the receptor enables the endocrine receptor composite to adhere to specific parts of DNA called endocrine response elements and the degree of written text at that peculiar site is straight affected by this binding. This induction of written text thereby shows the classical genomic actions of steroid endocrines which suggests that the non-genomic mechanisms of steroid endocrines can either be via secondary couriers which initiate signal composites located at the membrane or via the binding of the endocrine to intracellular receptors. There are two major groups that the receptors can be divided into ; cell surface receptors and intracellular receptors. The cell surface receptors are transmembrane proteins integrated into the membrane which enables them to recognize assorted signalling molecules. Within the cell surface receptor group, there is a subdivision for the two chief categories of cell surface receptors. These are that of G-protein conjugate receptors ( GPCRs ) and receptors with a individual transmembrane sphere. GPCRs are a household of built-in membrane proteins which have seven membrane-spanning spheres and are linked to an inactive G protein. Generally, GPCRs are the type of cell surface receptor concerned when discoursing non-genomic steroid endocrine action. The binding of a steroid endocrine to a GPCR causes the conformation of the receptor to alter which finally activates G protein. The inactive G protein consists of three fractional monetary units: G? , G? and G? . When the endocrine binds the GPCR, the G? subunits binds one molecule of GTP and dissociates from the other fractional monetary units. This activates the G protein as it leaves sites on the protein exposed so that other molecules can readily interact with it. The activated G protein so initiates signalling from effecter proteins such as adenylate cyclase and phospholipase C. Second couriers such as cyclic-AMP ( camp ) , inositol triphosphate ( IP3 ) , diacylglycerol ( DAG ) and Calcium ( 2+ ) ions are so released. The cardinal tract affecting camp plants chiefly by triping protein kinase A ( PKA ) which uses ATP as a substrate to phosphorylate serine or threonine residues of assorted proteins that go on to trip or deactivate enzymes built-in to metabolic tracts, whilst the tract affecting IP3 and DAG plants by a more complex series of reactions. ( Brook C. and Marshall N. 1996 ) . Phospholipid phosphatidylinositol 4, 5-bisphophate ( PIP2 ) is cleaved to green goodss DAG and IP3 by phospholipase C. The DAG on the cell membrane-associated protein kinase C has similar effects to those of increased degrees of camp where phosphorylation of other proteins causes cellular activity. IP3 nevertheless mobilizes and increases the cytosolic concentration of Ca within the cell which is of import for the activity of assorted cells. There are many utilizations of Ca ions in the signifier of a 2nd courier in non genomic steroid actions. These include cell proliferation, cell migration, secernment, and cistron look. As opposed to approximately 60 old ages ago, where elaborate surveies of the mechanisms of non-genomic actions were hard to separate from genomic action, there is now a huge sum of information and grounds on the non genomic actions of the assorted steroid endocrines that exist. ( Wehling M. et Al. 2006 ) . I am hence traveling to concentrate on the non genomic actions of the endocrines ; oestrogen and Lipo-Lutin in this essay. One of the most good known non-genomic actions of oestrogen is that of the rapid activation of endothelial NO synthase ( eNOS ) which causes a cellular response in the signifier of vasodilation and prevents cardiac hypertrophy. Oestrogen has been shown to do rapid production of azotic oxide due to activated oestrogen receptors associated with the plasma membrane being coupled to eNOS via the inhibitory alpha fractional monetary unit of G protein ( G?i ) . 17-?-estradiol ( E2 ) in the presence of NO was found to trip several signalling tracts such as the phospatidylinositol 3-kinase ( PI3K ) and Akt pathway. The ERK tract is besides activated which may excite eNOS activity. This suggests that eNOS stimulation at the cell surface by E2 requires the yoke of the oestrogen ? receptor to the G?i protein fractional monetary unit to modulate downstream signalling events, thereby demoing a non-genomic action of oestrogen. ( Falcone S. et Al. 2002 ) . Another grounds for a non-genomic action of oestrogen involves breast malignant neoplastic disease cells responses to oestrogens. The stimulation of chest malignant neoplastic disease proliferations is mediated by signalling tracts such as the Scr/p21ras/MAPK tract which is finally initiated by the steroid endocrine E2. However it has besides been found that E2 acts to advance malignant neoplastic disease growing by suppressing programmed cell death inducement tracts. A survey in which human chest malignant neoplastic disease cells were exposed to a proapoptotic agent along with or without different concentrations of E2 showed that E2 does in fact modulate programmed cell death at both the cell surface and inside the cell with signalling tracts modulating the E2 consequence. ( Tesarik J. 1999 ) . A similar survey carried out on rat anterior pituitary cells besides found that both a man-made oestrogen called estren, and conjugated estradiol are able to exercise rapid apoptotic effects on anterior pituitary cells by a mechanism triggered by membrane-localised ERs and besides established in old surveies that the rate of anterior pituitary cell programmed cell death extremums when the degrees of oestrogens are at their highest. ( Zarate S. et Al. 2009 ) This farther suggests that there are non-transcriptional actions that oestrogens are capable of transporting out. Leading on from the grounds of oestrogen playing a portion in cell proliferation, oestrogens have besides been implicated in the publicity of emancipating bound growing factors. ( Wehling M. et Al. 2006 ) . This involves sustained energizing of MAPK/ERK and PI3K tracts which upregulate ER? and hence causes increased oestrogen induced cell growing. This was shown in a survey which found that oestradiol utilizations growing factor signalling tracts by advancing the direct binding of the ER to a SHC adapter protein and an insulin-like growing factor receptor ( EGFR ) . This in bend activated the ERK cascade which went on to originate a subsequent PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. Growth and anti-apoptotic effects were the consequences of the series of events, which yet once more foreground the usage of an oestrogen in a non genomic manner to illicit a cellular response. ( Watson C. S. and Lange C. A. 2005 ) . Oestrogen has besides been shown to forestall beta amyloid induced cell decease. In the starchlike beta cells, it was found that increased oxidative emphasis stimulated the activation of MAP kinase, which accordingly induced cell decease. Oestradiol nevertheless rescues nerve cells from starchlike beta induced decease by forestalling oxidative emphasis, thereby suppressing MAP kinase activation. ( VallN?s S. L. et Al 2008 ) . Hence nerve cells are protected from cell decease by the non-genomic actions of oestrogenic compounds as no transcriptional mechanisms are involved. In add-on to all of the grounds for non-genomic actions of steroid endocrines utilizing oestrogen as an illustration, here is besides a great trade of grounds for the non-genomic action of the steroid endocrine Lipo-Lutin. One of the most good known non-genomic actions of Lipo-Lutin is that of the effects of endocrine on human sperm cell. Progesterone acts to excite Ca flux, activate tyrosine kinase to phosphorylase sperm proteins, and increase camp which finally consequences in hyperactivated motility and induces capacitation and the acrosome reaction. This has been proven in a survey which found that the addition in intracellular Ca and the acrosome reaction were well reduced in work forces with decreased birthrate. The same research lab besides used biochemical surveies to bespeak that Lipo-Lutin is capable of exciting several transduction tracts which shows that Lipo-Lutin has non-genomic actions. ( Baldi E. et Al 1995 ) . The fact that sperm DNA is extremely jammed and hence unaccessible for written text and that sperm do non hold ribosomes or other setup required for interlingual rendition makes spermatozoa a really good theoretical account for demoing and further back uping the thought of Lipo-L utin holding non-genomic actions. ( Luconi M. et Al 2004 ) . Another non-genomic action that Lipo-Lutin carries out is the suppression of the immune system via the suppression of K ( K+ ) channels and Ca signalling which accordingly inhibits cistron look of T lymphocytes. It has been shown that Lipo-Lutin concentrations in the placenta are sufficient to quickly and reversibly barricade voltage-gated and Ca activated K+ channels in T cells. This consequences in the depolarization of the membrane potency which thereby inhibits cistron look that is mediated by Ca signalling and a cytoplasmatic written text factor. It was besides found that Lipo-Lutin straight inhibited K+ channels in T cells which contribute to immunosuppression. This is highly important in the womb as the high concentrations of Lipo-Lutin in placenta inhibit the maternal immune response from assailing the fetus. ( Ehring G. R. et Al 1998 ) Progesterone has besides been shown to work non-genomically in the encephalon. Oestrogen, Lipo-Lutin and its metabolite allopregnanolone are besides neuroactive steroids which are synthesised in the cardinal and peripheral nervous tissues, and are capable of modulating several neural activities, such as neurotransmitter release, temper and memory. Oestrogen has been shown to promote temper by impacting the 5-hydroxytryptamine neurotransmitter system either by its applications entirely or in concurrence with antidepressant drugs. Progesterone on the other manus has the opposing consequence on both temper and memory. However the bulk of the effects of Lipo-Lutin are mediated by allopregnanolone which changes the look and sensitiveness of the GABAA receptor, which is a cardinal constituent f the GABA neurotransmitter system. These alterations in the GABA receptor can ensue in premenstrual temper alterations, cognitive shortages and spacial acquisition damage. ( Birzniece V. et Al 2006 ) . Overall, Lipo-Lutin has been implicated in the release of several neurotransmitters such as, 5-hydroxytryptamine, Dopastat, glutamate and noradrenaline, all of which have important effects on encephalon maps and diseases ( Zheng P. 2009 )

Wolf on Violence Essay Example

Wolf on Violence Essay Example Wolf on Violence Essay Wolf on Violence Essay In her book, The Beauty Myth: How Images of Beauty Are Used against Women, Naomi Wolf dares to go where no woman would dare go – the inner recesses of their own minds.   It is here that Wolf a journalist by profession, has discovered something rather shocking.   Women are victims of violence.   But this kind of violence is not inflicted by society, let alone men.   Rather, it is the women themselves who are inflicting this violence on their own persons.   One must now wonder why would women want to do that.   Wolf’s answer is in pursuit of beauty.   This is summed up by an unidentified insider from a pharmaceutical firm that manufactures beauty products and the like,â€Å"Women take drugs in order to be seen as feminine.   The feminine woman†¦is slim, passive, deferential to men and does not exhibit emotions such as anger, frustration or assertiveness.† (quoted in Wolf, p. 268) It can be inferred from Wolf’s thesis is that women are inherently masochistic, born to bear and endure pain and in its absence, would look for it and probably ask for more.   Ironically, in this day and age when women have asserted their right and freedom, they are still hurting themselves and they are doing it by trying to become and stay beautiful.   The way Wolf and other feminists see it, these women are subliminally submitting themselves to the will of men unwittingly.   â€Å"Conventional wisdom,† as dictated by men states that women need to be attractive as a way of building up her self-esteem but the feminist view maintains this submission to men’s standards rather than let a woman be herself, free to be who she is and to live her life the way she wants to. One example given in Wolf’s book is breast augmentation.   There are women with small breasts who feel they are not â€Å"woman† enough and hence the need to make them larger and fuller.   They got this idea from pornographic materials that cater particularly to men’s desires (Wolf, 2002, pp. 246-248).   The â€Å"violence† here is that breast augmentation is a surgical procedure which entails going under the knife in order to perform the procedure where plastic surgeons insert silicone implants to enhance to shape and form of the breast and to those who have gone through this, if it is not painful, it can be discomforting which belies advertisements in print and television that shows women with enhanced breasts looking happy and satisfied.   This, according to the feminists, is a big lie.   This does not hide the fact that violence has been committed against women.   Besides breast augmentation, there is also rhinoplasty or â€Å"nose jobs,â €  changing shapes of eyes by Asian women to look more Caucasian and liposuction.   All these procedures require going under the knife and women are thereby allowing violence to be inflicted upon themselves. In conclusion, Wolf’s point is that beauty is a myth. Women are not beautifying themselves for their own sake but to satisfy men’s desires.   It would be very easy and tempting to agree.   The researcher wishes to remind or caution those who read Wolf’s work that this is seen from a feminist view and could probably be an opinion of the author herself. Yet no one can deny that she presents a very strong case and if it were to be implemented, it would be a daunting task as the vanity part of a woman’s psyche will continue to push her to enhance her looks and has a â€Å"defense mechanism† that allows her to overcome the fear of experiencing pain when she goes through any form of cosmetic surgery. Reference Wolf, N. (2002). The Beauty Myth: How Images of Beauty Are Used against Women. New York: Harper Collins.

More Words Drawn from Trahere

More Words Drawn from Trahere More Words Drawn from â€Å"Trahere† More Words Drawn from â€Å"Trahere† By Mark Nichol A recent post explored tract and other words derived from the Latin verb trahere (â€Å"draw†) that are based on tract. Here, other words stemming from trahere that do not build on tract are listed and defined. The descendant of trahere that most closely resembles tract is trace. To trace is to discover or follow, to form or imprint, or to copy or record. A trace is a path or line (or a geometrical intersection), a barely detectable or measurable amount or a vestige of something, or a marking or plan. Someone or something that traces is a tracer, such as a substance that enables observers to chart a process or the progress of a condition in a medical patient; a tracer bullet is ammunition that gives off light or smoke to mark its path, helping the gunner determine accuracy of aim. To trail is to extend or hang down, to carry, drag, or tow, to lag behind, straggle, or plod, to dwindle, or to pursue prey. A trail is a course or path or a sign of progress along a course or path portray, such as a mark or a scent. It may also refer literally to something that is or appears to be drawn along or figuratively to an aftermath. Something that trails is a trailer, such as a vehicle that carries cargo or another vehicle or serves as a temporary shelter. In filmmaking, a trailer is an extra length of film attached at the end of a reel of footage or, counterintuitively, a short selection of footage from a film or television program that serves as a preview. Treat, from trahere by way of tractare, which came to mean â€Å"conduct oneself† or â€Å"manage,† means â€Å"bargain,† â€Å"negotiate,† or â€Å"deal with.† Extending the sense of â€Å"deal with,† treat also came to refer to medical attention, and from the other senses it eventually applied to food or drink offered to others. That sense resulted in the use of treat to refer to a delicacy (as in the Halloween expression â€Å"Trick or treat†) and, by extension, a pleasant experience. The noun treatment pertains to how something is managed or how one behaves toward someone or something, or to medical attention. (A medical condition is called treatable or untreatable based on whether there is a cure for it.) To maltreat or mistreat is to abuse; the noun forms are maltreatment and mistreatment. Meanwhile, a treatise is a methodical argument or exposition that treats, or deals, with a topic, and a treaty is a document that details an a greement resulting from negotiation. Entreat means â€Å"plead,† from the sense of negotiation; an act of pleading is called an entreaty and the notion of doing so is entreatment. To retreat is to draw back, literally or figuratively, and a retreat is such a movement, or an event at which one withdraws from one’s daily routine to study or reflect. American English directly borrowed trattoria, an Italian word for a small restaurant, to refer to such establishments, usually ones featuring Italian cuisine, in the United States; the word stems from the French verb traitier (meaning treat), which derives from tractare. To train (from trahere by way of traginare) is to literally or figurative draw along by directing, instructing, or teaching, or to subject oneself to such actions. One may train an aiming device at a target or objective, and train can also mean simply â€Å"drag.† A train is one or more of various things (or people) drawn by something else. It can consist of one or more connected vehicles drawn along a road or a railway by an engine, or simply a moving line of vehicles (or people or animals); it can also refer to a group of followers or attendants. (To entrain is to board a railroad train.) Train might also pertain to support vehicles and personnel for a military unit detailed for combat, to a series of mechanical parts that enable motion or a literal or figurative equivalent for achieving results, or to an order of occurrence or a succession of thoughts or actions. A train is also that part of a gown fashioned to trail along behind the person wearing it. One who trains is a trainer, and one who is trained is a trainee. Someone or something that can be trained is trainable, and the antonym is untrainable. (Something not or not yet trained is untrained.) To retrain is to train again, and training is both a verb referring to the action and a noun referring to the act or process (as well as an adjective). Portray (literally, â€Å"draw forth†) means â€Å"draw† or â€Å"paint†; the result is a portrait. (Both words also refer, by extension, to any characterization or description of one or more people.) Portraiture is the act of making portraits, though the word may also be synonymous with portrait. Trait, derived from trahere by way of tractare, means â€Å"characteristic† or â€Å"quality† or, less commonly, a stroke or trail. (Traitor is unrelated; it stems from tradere, meaning â€Å"deliver,† and is therefore related to trade.) Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Grammar Test 1Does "Mr" Take a Period?Confusion of Subjective and Objective Pronouns

Antigone Written Response Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Antigone Written Response - Essay Example A tragic figure is someone who indeed has pride but is compelled to have an open mind when it comes to matters that involve others. And being the kind, it was a premier characteristic for a tragic hero to understand the repercussions of his actions before he set forth in giving exacting decisions. The fact that being rejected made Creon decide the fate of a person based from personal grudges is simply not heroic. Although he does not qualify in the definition of a tragic figure, he still possesses some characteristics that can be treated with nobility. He came from a good lineage, albeit the fact that he inherited the crown with twisted means, and he has what it takes to take over an entire kingdom. His pride and composition makes for a talented king, one which will be able to defend his constituents when the need arises. However, his actions as a king must be measured. This he had proven as his weakness, for in the end he has led to the tragic affairs that would forever taint his rule. Compared with Antigone, Creon is the weaker character. Antigone is a good example of a tragic figure, one which clings to her ideals if she knows they are right and would demand to be heard before she made her own means. Her actions towards the burial of an important person prove how fearless she is. And when it comes to dying, she chose to die with honor. Creon, in contrary, lack the courage it took Antigone to take her own life. That and that alone, is enough proof that Creon is nothing like Antigone. He is nothing like the sort of man a woman could trust decisions in. He failed to discuss his options and saw the fruit of indecision leading to untoward events. As king, it was his obligation to care for his minions, which he never fulfilled with satisfaction. In argument, sympathy can be felt for him at the end of the play when the actions he had started led to a vile event that he had not seen coming. Indeed, no one would have

Cleft and Voice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Cleft and Voice - Essay Example Primarily, the congenital defect called cleft lip takes place during the developmental stage of the human embryo which begins at about thirty five (35) days from the first day of fertilization (Seeley, Stephens, and Tate 2005; Iozzio 2005). The human embryonic face initially gains form from the union of ectodermic cells which forms ectodermic tissues. Five (5) bunches of these tissues are normally formed. Out of these, a first bunch of ectodermic tissues shapes the forehead where two groups of protrusions on each side shape the nose, while the tissues in between makes up the center of the upper lip and the jaw (Seeley, Stephens, and Tate 2005). The next two bunches of ectodermic tissues shapes the upper lip and the upper jaw or the maxillae, while the last two bunches shapes the lower lip and the lower jaw or the mandible (Seeley, Stephens, and Tate 2005). Normally, the facial tissues initially grow and develop with the multiplication of cells as well as development and growth of connective tissues cells increasing the size of the nose and subsequently uniting at the junction where the tissues meet called the midline or the nasal septum shaping the upper jaw and lip (Seeley, Stephens, and Tate 2005). In congenital abnormality, the connective tissues fail to join the nose tissues resulting to cleft lip. However, if normal growth and development of the upper jaw and lip will ensue, the palate will begin to be shaped forming the roof of the oral cavity uniting again at the midline within about fifty six (56) days of embryonic development (Seeley, Stephens, and Tate 2005). Nevertheless, in cases where genetic dictates does not produce connective tissues for the purpose of joining the developing mouth roof, then, cleft palate would result. On the other hand, the other parts of the mesoderm and ectoderm layers of the developing embryo also develop into the other upper respiratory system parts such as the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and the

Art History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 4

Art History - Essay Example The Plan of St. Gall shows an entire monastery compound, which includes things like churches, houses, a brewery, kitchens, stables, and an infirmary. While this plan was never actually built, much can be learned from it because it was probably a typical plan during this time period. The plan was actually made by combining five different parchments that were sewn together. This includes room for this like an orchard and a road. The buildings are marked with red, while everything else is marked in brown. There are over forty buildings that are present in this plan and although the buildings were never built, they are an excellent guide to how people lived during this time period. The plan itself is actually quite interesting, as things like the scriptorium and library are located on the inner concourse of the plan, while lodging and a hostel are located on the outer half. Also, the Abbott’s house in located near the scriptorium, which could symbolically mean that he is closer to God than the other monks. Many of the buildings that are present would be for economic reasons, as the monks had animals and places to grow fruit and vegetables located at these places. The plan was meant to depict a place that was entirely self-sufficient, meaning that the monks would not have to leave this monastery for any reason. This means that every aspect of life had to be explored in order to come up with a plan that would accomplish this goal, which is what makes this plan so important historically. The largest buildings that were present at this monastery were the buildings of worship and study, with these building also being located in the middle of the plan. The schools, houses, and stables were also quite large, but they were located on the outside of the plan. The entrance also led right up to the largest buildings. These large buildings were mostly meant for guests,

Organizational communication and conflict in the workplace Term Paper

Organizational communication and conflict in the workplace - Term Paper Example The Sweet Waters leader believes that firms should install efficient communication channels to prevent conflicts. The Greenwich Tiles manager, on the other hand, believes that firms should install proper problem solving techniques as well as efficient communication channels. Some managers believe that companies should aim at implementing efficient communication and problem-solving frameworks; while the opponents of these strategies argue that they are time-wasting and expensive. The laws applicable in this topic include hiring, termination, and employer and employee rights. These laws promote conflict resolution and communication when companies adhere to their requirements. Organizations may enhance communication and disagreement resolution by training workers, developing adaptable cultures, and developing laws that govern equality at the workplace. Organizations may also use the Tuckman’s team development model to promote efficient team work that leads to efficient communicat ion and problem solving. Communication is the backbone of the success of every organization because it passes information between stakeholders such as managers, employees, customers, and suppliers. This means that if communication does not take place in a workplace, companies do not achieve their goals. However, communication may also lead to the failure of an organization if it is not efficient, friendly, and respectful (Heller 10). This means that companies must manage communication in their workplaces to ensure that it takes place and that it does not lead to conflicts. Most of the organizational managers fail to manage communication in their workplaces because their companies employ numerous employees who have diverse differences such as culture, beliefs, behavior, religion, and schooling (Let’s talk 12). Poor communication in an organization may also arise from personal differences between workers, inefficient

The Contributions of Mansa Musa to the Greatness of Mali Empire Essay - 3

The Contributions of Mansa Musa to the Greatness of Mali Empire - Essay Example Mansa Musa engaged in numerous conquest of the neighboring kingdoms after his return from pilgrimage which saw him expand the kingdom from all corners. During his journey, he got involved in lavish spending as well as well distribution of goods to the needy. The people in his entourage also took part in the distribution in the Egyptian city of Cairo leading to the collapse of the city’s financial market which was among the largest in the world. As a result, he gained large following especially from the key Islamic scholars and those who were responsible for the building of the city of Cairo. They followed him back to his empire after which he used them in the building of the major cities in the region. They first built the city of Timbuktu into one of the leading pioneers of Islamic academic and financial centers. As a result, Timbuktu became the leading trading center in Africa that can be compared to the present Wall Street. Trade in the city mainly involved gold, slaves, ko la nuts, cashew nuts among other items. This led into the city is at the same level with other cities in Europe such as Paris, Madrid, and Venice in terms of intellectual capacity, economic growth, population and political stability (Alexander, 201-321). Mansa Musa embarked on major construction initiatives that included the building and establishment of mosques and madrasas. Example include the Sankore Madrasah commonly known as the University of Snake which was built during his reign and have remained up to the present age. Musa brought about the modern educational system in the kingdom by re-staffing the University of Sankore with a team of learned astronomers, scientists, mathematicians and jurists who made a great influence in the University thus making it the center for learning and cultural experience.

Legal Aspect of Nursing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Legal Aspect of Nursing - Essay Example A clear assessment of the evidence of the case study indicates that this is a clear case of negligence which rightfully warrants for suspension. According to the investigations, the only evidence on the nurse is her failure to tally the records between the computerized cabinet and the handwritten documentation. Considering the nurse’s reputation for the twenty-five years she was working at the hospital, she at least was supposed to be given some consideration. The claims of the nurse diverting narcotics from the cabinet do not hold ground because there is no evidence that directly points to her doing the act. The only available evidence is the records which suggest the possibility of such malpractice but still remain unproven. Chances are high that the testimonies by the other nurses will affect the case in a positive way for the defendant. This will aid in proving to the court that the defendant is not diverting narcotics for selfish gain from the hospital and the errors in t he reports can only be a case of negligence. The testimonies from the other nurses are enough to turn the case around implicating the hospital as the defendant. The court will be able to see that cases of negligence in the healthcare unit are common, which means that there is a high chance of the health care being subject to mismanagement. Following the turn of events in the case, the institution has to address some questions to clarify to the court why certain behaviors take place and the reason for certain decisions.... be able to see that cases of negligence in the health care unit are common, which means that there is a high chance of the health care being subject to mismanagement. Following the turn of events in the case, the institution has to address some questions to clarify to the court why certain behaviors take place and the reason for certain decisions. The institution will have to address the court on why there were more nurses admitting to have commit cases of negligence such as filing the records with wrong information. It will also have to address the qualifications of the nurses in the hospital and why is seems that there is a lack of proper supervision at the hospital to curb the cases of malpractice by the nurses. The institution will need to produce further evidence on the nurse to prove their claims concerning the theft of the narcotics as the nurse seems to have a clean record for her 25 years at the institution. The nurse deserves leniency at best a pardon for her negligence cha rges. This is because of her clean record and reputation for her 25 years at the hospital. It is also because there was enough evidence from the testimonies to prove that it was a normal error following the hefty work of the institution. On the matter of committing a malpractice by diverting narcotics for personal gain the right judgment is to dismiss the case due to lack of enough evidence. The institution needs to at least have evidence of the nurse either abusing the narcotics herself or prove that she is trading them for personal gain. There is violation of various principles that involve protecting patient safety that arise in this case. One key principle is the proper administration of medications to patients; an error in medication endangers the safety of the patient (Austin, 2008).

The Contributions of Mansa Musa to the Greatness of Mali Empire Essay - 3

The Contributions of Mansa Musa to the Greatness of Mali Empire - Essay Example Mansa Musa engaged in numerous conquest of the neighboring kingdoms after his return from pilgrimage which saw him expand the kingdom from all corners. During his journey, he got involved in lavish spending as well as well distribution of goods to the needy. The people in his entourage also took part in the distribution in the Egyptian city of Cairo leading to the collapse of the city’s financial market which was among the largest in the world. As a result, he gained large following especially from the key Islamic scholars and those who were responsible for the building of the city of Cairo. They followed him back to his empire after which he used them in the building of the major cities in the region. They first built the city of Timbuktu into one of the leading pioneers of Islamic academic and financial centers. As a result, Timbuktu became the leading trading center in Africa that can be compared to the present Wall Street. Trade in the city mainly involved gold, slaves, ko la nuts, cashew nuts among other items. This led into the city is at the same level with other cities in Europe such as Paris, Madrid, and Venice in terms of intellectual capacity, economic growth, population and political stability (Alexander, 201-321). Mansa Musa embarked on major construction initiatives that included the building and establishment of mosques and madrasas. Example include the Sankore Madrasah commonly known as the University of Snake which was built during his reign and have remained up to the present age. Musa brought about the modern educational system in the kingdom by re-staffing the University of Sankore with a team of learned astronomers, scientists, mathematicians and jurists who made a great influence in the University thus making it the center for learning and cultural experience.

Careers Learning and Development in Katz, Sapper and Miller Company Case Study

Careers Learning and Development in Katz, Sapper and Miller Company - Case Study Example The core values include lifetime relations, integrity, responsiveness, quality, employee success, and entrepreneurship. Through the company’s business strategy that â€Å"Don’t just have clients; have partnered for life† it is clear that the company works towards establishing a long life relationship with its partners. Inherently, Katz, Sapper & Miller offers a full range of tax compliance together with planning services which mainly targets private and public companies, individuals, non-profit organizations and estates. Moreover, the company also is involved in evaluating business along with control risks for its clients. This includes audits and review of financial statements, compliance audit. Similarly, Katz, Sapper & Miller assist its client in target identification and post-deal integration which includes advisory accounting and reporting, valuations, transfer pricing and due diligence (Maurer 8). Katz, Sapper & Miller is not only known for its technical competence along with a good depth of knowledge that provides an extra edge that makes their clients more successful, but also its professionalism and community service. In order to ensure strict employee compliance with federal and state regulation and the company’s high ethical standards, KSM accountants attend professional education classes. Actually, the employees attend the professional classes throughout the year (Maurer 6). One of the ways David Resnick has employed in order to resolve differences of opinion that surface between clients and company consultants is through numerous advice to the clients. Mainly, KSM considers the abilities and passion of new college recruits before taking them. Mostly the new recruits are first taken through an internship program before confirmed as new employees. Moreover, the academic qualifications include 3.40 overall GPA and undergraduate or masters in accounting (Katz Sapper & Miller 4). Such candidates should possess written and oral communication skills, together with a desire to pursue the public accounting career.

Secondary Sjögren’s Syndrome and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Secondary Sjà ¶gren’s Syndrome and Rheumatoid Arthritis Secondary Sjà ¶gren’s Syndrome and Rheumatoid Arthritis Activity – a case of severe dry eyes Authors: Dina Christina Janse van Rensburg, MD1, 2 Catharina Cornelia Grant, PhD1, 2 Audrey Jansen van Rensburg, MSc1,2 Pieter Roelof Cronjà ¨, FC Ophth, MBChB3 Thelani Catharina Grant, BSc Agric (Hons)1, 2 Abstract Patients with Sjà ¶gren’s syndrome present with a wide range of clinical manifestations that carries a high rate of morbidity and mortality with increased risk of lymphoma development. Sjà ¶gren’s syndrome is either a primary disorder, or secondary to other autoimmune disorders e.g. rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Due to the multiple aspects of the disease and the similarity of the symptoms to other diseases, diagnosis and management of Sjà ¶gren’s syndrome is challenging. Among the symptoms, Sjà ¶gren syndrome typically presents with dry eyes that may result in severe ocular surface disorders such as persistent epithelial defects, and conventional dry eye therapy is often unsuccessful in controlling ocular signs and symptoms. We highlight the rare case of a 50 year old woman whom despite well controlled RA disease activity still manifested with severe secondary Sjà ¶grens syndrome. It was only after autologous serum was applied as a last resort that her ocular s ymptoms improved. Keywords: Rheumatoid arthritis, dry eyes, Sjà ¶gren’s syndrome, autologous serum, inflammation Introduction Sjà ¶gren’s syndrome (SS) is a systemic autoimmune disease affecting the exocrine glands. A lymphocytic infiltration in the salivary and lacrymal glands results in reduced secretion, leading to continual dryness of the mouth and eyes.1-3 SS may manifest as a primary disease presenting as a single entity, or secondary in combination with other autoimmune disorders.4 The prevalence of secondary SS relates predominantly to RA5 and associates with increased disease acivity.6 It may present with a systemic component, including painful joints, dry and itchy sunlight sensitive skin, irritable bowel, liver problems and extreme tiredness. Because of the many possible clinical pictures of SS it is a challenging diagnosis to make and may therefore go undiagnosed for many years after the onset of symptoms.3,7-9 Dryness symptoms are amplified in patients with RA, it increases with age and are associated with the severity of illness, relating to worse outcomes measures of the disease. Appr oximately 25% RA patients presents with keratoconjunctivitis sicca as the most prevailing and frequent ocular complication.5,10 Several therapies have been identified that inhibit inflammatory mediators and mechanisms in dry eye disease, however the treatment of persistent epithelial defects and severe ocular dryness by means of topical tear replacement often proofs inadequate.11 In this case study we report a RA patient who regardless of well controlled treatment with a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor, still developed severe secondary SS. Autologous serum drops offered significant improvement of her extreme ocular surface inflammation and symptoms, when all other treatment modalities failed. Case Report A 50 year old Caucasian woman was diagnosed with RA. During the course of the illness she was treated with methotrexate, folic acid, meloxicam, prednisone, sulfasalazine and leflunomide. Seven years post RA diagnosis and despite well controlled disease on adalimumab, methotrexate and folic acid, her eyes became extremely dry and highly sensitive to light. This dryness caused severe, constant discomfort and visual blurring, rendering her partially incapacitated, even though her corrected vision was still normal at 6/6. She had to wear sunglasses indoors and could not drive independently. On examination of her corneas the various findings confirmed the severity of her dry eyes. These included a tear breakup time of 5 seconds bilaterally, mucus filaments, punctuate corneal straining and an almost non-existing tear meniscus indicating very little tear secretion. Evidence of previous (healed) peripheral ulcerative keratitis could be seen on the medial aspect of both corneas. These symptoms lead to the diagnosis of Sjà ¶gren’s syndrome. She was treated with all possible modalities including punctum plugs and multitudes of topical medication including Cyclosporine A, with no apparent improvement. A decision was made to attempt an eye drop prepared from autologous serum. Her condition improved remarkably in the year since she started the serum. Discussion Sjà ¶gren’s syndrome was first described by the eye specialist Hendrik Sjà ¶gren in 1933. It presents with a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, arthralgia, myalgia, keratoconjunctivitis sicca(dry eyes, in part known as Sicca syndrome), xerostomia (dry mouth), skin lesions, lymphoproliferative disorders, neurologic involvement, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, rhinitis, pharyngitis and laryngitis.3,9,12 In view of the wide range of severe systemic manifestations of the disease patients are often characterised with higher morbidity and mortality, which are mainly related to an enhanced probability to develop lymphoma.3,13 Most patients with SS are middle-aged women, and symptoms mostly occur with the accompaniment of, but not exclusively to, RA.3,12 Recently literature differentiates between two main types of the disease: The glandular (exocrine gland-localised) form that affects mainly the quality of life of the patient, and the systemic syndrome type which display extraglandular manifestations that may lead to lymphoma.3 The glandular phenomenon includes ocular symptoms (dry eyes, xerophthalmia) and oral involvement (dry mouth, xerostomia, caries and candidiasis).3 Extraglandular manifestations consist of musculoskeletal indications, Raynaud’s phenomenon, renal, liver and neurological involvement, vasculitis and haematologic manifestations.3,13 Diagnosis Sjà ¶gren’s syndrome is difficult to diagnose due to the multiple aspects of the syndrome, and similarity to the symptoms caused by other diseases.3,7,8 SS is a slow progressing disorder, and on average may take approximately 5 years from the onset of symptoms before the correct diagnosis is reached.8 Sjà ¶gren’s syndrome is strongly suggested in patients who present with both signs and symptoms of oral and ocular dryness and who test positive to the diagnostic criteria. From clinical experience it was found that if a patient does not suffer from both dry eyes and dry mouth, it is necessary to exclude further causes of the dry eyes by means of differential diagnoses.13 A series of tests in the diagnosis of Sjà ¶gren’s syndrome are outlined in Table 1. These criteria consider dryness symptoms, changes in salivary and lacrimal gland function, and systemic findings.8 Table 1. Tests and criteria used to diagnose Sjà ¶gren’s Syndrome8 Treatment The aim of treatment for dry eyes is mainly to provide relief of symptoms and to prevent corneal epitheliopathy. Management of the disease currently includes artificial tears, topical secretagogues, local immunomodulatory drops, lachrymal duct occlusion and hypotonic hyaluronic acid drops in the treatment of dry eyes.3 Different methods of treatment that may be used independently or in combination with tear supplements include systemic immunoactive drugs and calcineurin inhibitors, topical corticosteroids and topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.3 Patients with dry eyes normally respond well to these treatments that focus on optimising the ocular surface environment. Some patients, however, present with more serious ocular surface disorders, that do not react to conventional treatment, which may lead to severe visual impairment.14,15 Fujita et al.10 drew attention to the exceptionally high incidence of dry eyes in patients with RA. Their conclusions are that although RA patients with SS present with systemic effects on dry eyes, there seems to be other local factors independently of the systemic process, that disturbs the ocular surface and control the severity of dry eyes in RA patients.5,16 Due to the many local elements active in dry eyes it calls for improved new therapeutic agents for managing dry eyes without making use of systemic agents.5 The various factors that contribute to a healthy ocular surface include an adequate blink reflex, normal tear production and healthy adnexae.14 Typically tears contain epitheliotrophic factors including growth factors, vitamins and fibronectin that are of vital importance to the ocular epithelial health.15 These factors support the viability, proliferation and migration of ocular surface epithelial cells.15 They are not found in pharmaceutical tear substitutes, but do however occur in blood serum. Clinical cohort studies have reported the successful useof epitheliotrophic factors in autologous serum drops to improve severe cases of dry eyes where other conventional treatments fall short.14,15 Autologous serum drops was first described in 1984 as a substitute constituent free of potentially harmful substances17 applied as unpreserved artificial tears.15 It is believed that the epitheliotrophic factors in the serum are the rationale behind its success in the treatment of extremely dry eyes.15 The use of autologous serum eye drops may in many cases be a last resort of treatment for SS patients who have not responded well to conventional tear replacement therapy. Even though the preparation thereof is costly and complex, it proofs a clinically effective treatment in ocular surface diseases.3,11 Being non-allergenic with biochemical properties akin to normal tears,3,18 it benefits the conjunctival epithelium supplementing essential vitamins, fibronectin, anti-proteases and growth factors. This may stimulate its proliferation and repair,11 and play an important role in the integrity of the cornea and conjunctiva.3,11 Autologous serum appears to be more effective in resistant cases. It may also play an essential role adjunct to therapy in other ophthalmological conditions as seen in chemical injuries of the ocular surface. Conclusion Sjà ¶gren’s syndrome may cause marked disability in patients suffering from the disease, especially when secondary to RA. In this case study, despite optimal control with a TNF inhibitor the patient still presented with SS and suffered from severe xerophthalmia. All treatment modalities had failed and as a last alternative autologous eye serum was instituted. This significantly improved the severe dry eyes and persistent epithelial defects and enabled her to live a normal life. Consent Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report. A copy of the written consent is available for review. References 1.Shiel W. What is rheumatoid arthritis?. 4/24/2014; Available at: http://www.medicinenet.com/rheumatoid_arthritis/article.htm. Accessed June 26, 2014. 2.Antero DC, Parra AGM, Miyazaki FH, Gehlen M, Skare TL. Secondary Sjà ¶grens syndrome and disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis. Rev.Assoc.Med.Bras. 2011 05/20;57(3):319-322. 3.Vitali C, Palombi G, Cataleta P. Treating Sjà ¶grens Syndrome: Insights for the Clinician. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis 2010 06;2(3):155-166. 4.Patel R, Shahane A. The epidemiology of Sjà ¶grens syndrome. Clin Epidemiol 2014 07/30;6:247-255. 5.Lemp MA. Dry eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca), rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjà ¶grens syndrome. Am.J.Ophthalmol. 2005 11;140(5):898-899. 6.Fox RI. Sjà ¶grens syndrome. Lancet 2005 07/23;366(9482):321-331. 7.Mayo Clinic. Diseases and Conditions: Sjogrens syndrome tests and diagnosis. Jul. 08, 2014; Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sjogrens-syndrome/basics/tests-diagnosis/con-20020275. Accessed June 25, 2014. 8.Sjà ¶gren’s Syndrome Foundation. Diagnosis about Sjà ¶grens Syndrome. 2014; Available at: http://www.sjogrens.org/home/ about-sjogrens-syndrome/diagnosis. Accessed June 26, 2014. 9.Kruszka P, OBrian R,J. Diagnosis and management of Sjà ¶gren syndrome. Am.Fam.Physician 2009 03/15;79(6):465-470. 10.Fujita M, Igarashi T, Kurai T, Sakane M, Yoshino S, Takahashi H. Correlation between dry eye and rheumatoid arthritis activity. Am.J.Ophthalmol. 2005 11;140(5):808-813. 11.Cho YK, Huang W, Kim GY, Lim BS. Comparison of autologous serum eye drops with different diluents. Curr.Eye Res. 2013 01;38(1):9-17. 12.ELLMAN P, Weber FP, Goodier T. A contribution to the pathology of Sjà ¶grens disease. QJM 1951;20(1):33-42. 13.Kassan SS, Moutsopoulos HM. Clinical manifestations and early diagnosis of Sjà ¶gren syndrome. Arch.Intern.Med. 2004 06/28;164(12):1275-1284. 14.Noble BA, Loh RSK, MacLennan S, Pesudovs K, Reynolds A, Bridges LR, et al. Comparison of autologous serum eye drops with conventional therapy in a randomised controlled crossover trial for ocular surface disease. Br.J.Ophthalmol. 2004 05;88(5):647-652. 15.Geerling G, Maclennan S, Hartwig D. Autologous serum eye drops for ocular surface disorders. Br.J.Ophthalmol. 2004 11;88(11):1467-1474. 16.Villani E, Galimberti D, Del Papa N, Nucci P, Ratiglia R. Inflammation in dry eye associated with rheumatoid arthritis: cytokine and in vivo confocal microscopy study. Innate Immun 2013;19(4):420-427. 17.Fox RI, Chan R, Michelson JB, Belmont JB, Michelson PE. Beneficial effect of artificial tears made with autologous serum in patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Arthritis Rheum. 1984 04;27(4):459-461. 18.Quinto GG, Campos M, Behrens A. Autologous serum for ocular surface diseases. Arq.Bras.Oftalmol. 2008 11/20;71(6):47-54. 1