Essay about The Possible Mechanisms of Scrapie Contraction

The Possible Mechanisms of Scrapie Contraction Scrapie was first discovered in Great Britain in the late 1900’s. The first case of scrapie in the United States was found in Michigan in 1947 when the flock owner had imported sheep of British origin several years prior. Since then scientists have researched to find the cause of the scrapie agent that are classified as transmissible spongiform encephalopathy. At the present, scientists have presented three main theories that explain why the scrapie agent holds a dangerous threat against its host and how it elicits its symptoms. Scientists are finding genetic alternatives to prevent and dampen the spread of scrapie within sheep and goat flocks. They use methods such as tatoing and genetic†¦show more content†¦Because of the mysterious nature of the disease, the origin of scrapie and the damage it causes the body can only be theorized. The three main theories of scrapie and its structure’s effect on the symptoms it causes sheep and goats all present potential in formation about the disease and its cure (Scrapie Fact Sheet. August 2001: http://www.animalagriculture.org/scrapie/AboutScrapie/FactSheet.htm) The uncertainty of the origin and cause of scrapie is due to the insufficient research to find a solution to the epidemic because it is still considered a relatively new disease and not an immediate threat to humans. There have been three main theories of the cause of scrapie and its resistant nature to all previous experimental cures. The first theory is that the agent is a virus with unusual characteristics. The second theory is that the agent is a prion, which is an exclusively host-coded protein that is modified to a protease-resistant form after infection. The last theory is that the agent is a virino, a small nucleic acid coated with a host-derived protective protein that allows it to resist scientists’ futile attempts at destroying it (Scrapie Fact Sheet. August 2001: http://www.animalagriculture.org/scrapie/AboutScrapie/FactSheet.htm). The first theory of the scrapie agent being an unusual virus presents a serious problem to scientists because viruses do not respond to antibiotics and other chemicals of that nature. Scientists would have to find an

The Last Samurai Being a Favorite Movie Free Essays

The movie The Last Samurai was not only a great fighting action movie but it also touched on human spirituality, cultural, lifestyle difference and the effect of Japanese culture on a western man. The movie was created in 2003 and takes place in Jap in the 1860s. An American military advisor is embraces the samurai culture that he was hired to destroy after being capture. We will write a custom essay sample on The Last Samurai Being a Favorite Movie or any similar topic only for you Order Now The battle scenes in The Last Samurai are accurate to how the samurai fought back then from weapons to battle strategies. The warrior strategies of the samurai were determined in part by the weapons that were being used as was the topography of the battle site where the fight was being conducted. They would use up close cavalry for open plains battle, while having archers in the mountains that were better suited for the forest and rocky terrains. They are able to combine these two ways to conduct long range and up close melee attacks during a battle. There are two completely different cultures that clash throughout the movie. You have the Japanese old Samurai culture that hasn’t changed for hundreds of years. Then there is the still new western American culture that Japan is trying to adapt into. The Japanese Samurai culture has always has great discipline and lived by the code of Bushido. Bushido has seven virtues to it which are, Duty or also known as Right Action, Courage, Benevolence, Morality, Truthfulness, Honor and Loyalty. They would live everyday disciplining themselves to this and believed so highly in it that if they disgraced themselves they would commit Seppuku which is taking their own life. While you have the new still forming western culture of America where people were more selfish greedy and wild instead of discipline. They strongly believed in growing stronger through selling or trading and expanding their reaches across the globe. In the beginning of the movie you will see the main character Major Nathan Algeren of the united states army who is sadden, angry and a personal lost of oneself. He despises himself so much that he has to lose himself every night in a bottle of alcohol hoping and wishing someone will release him from his pain by killing him. When he is capture by the same people he was suppose destroy, he is then able to see and study the way of how another culture lives. He eventually takes part in the ways of the Samurai and experiences the mysterious culture of his enemy. By keeping an open mind and fully taking in what he learned from the different culture of his enemies he is able to find a peace within himself that he has never felt before and a new path of life that he can follow happily with no regrets. The movie does have awesome historical accurate battle scenes but it also has a deeper story about how a different culture that can seem strange at first effect someone in a good way. Major Nathan Algeren was an unstable person that thought he didn’t deserve to live but was able to find a peace that he never imagined through learning and experiencing a different culture that he use to refer to as primitive. It’s just like the quote â€Å"never judge a book by its cover†. How to cite The Last Samurai Being a Favorite Movie, Essay examples

Relationship Between Architecture and Art

Question: Writeabout the Relationship Between Architecture and Art. Answer: Introduction Harmony is defined to be the state of co-existence achievable when two or more elements in the same context complement one another thereby enhancing one anothers effects. It is common that in case two elements exist in perfect harmony rarely are a second thought given to the distinction between the elements at play. This is the same case with architecture and art. The two are often connected that seldom does an individual notice there exist a difference between them. Commonly, people assume and oversimplify this relationship in such a way that architecture is involved with the structures in the built environment while art ends at the decoration point. As brought forth by one of the scholars of the time, art refers to the application or expression of the creative skills and imaginations of human beings in a typical visual form such as sculpture or painting. In this regard, art is primarily aimed at emotional power or beauty. Art has three visual forms i.e. sculpture which refers to art that one can walk around, painting which is art to be looked at and architecture which is basically art that an individual can walk through. From this classification, it is deducible that architecture is in itself a form of art. On the other hand, architecture is defined in three dimensions including firmness, beauty, and usefulness.7 Firmness in this context could as well be referring to strength. Beauty is an expression of the human skills and imagination to a piece of work to communicate the existence of admirable forms and elements. Just like there exist virtual or non-functional buildings, so do unconventional pieces of art for example sound sculptures and three-dimensional paintings. Another scholar yet also defined architecture as a form of art in which one deliberately or unknowingly creates an emotion of aesthetics in an atmosphere and when the environment reciprocates by producing well-being.[1] Artistic elements are easily found in a building for example in traditional architecture of both the east and west, parts of the building for example columns, beams and roofs were found to have heavily ornamented with sculptures and painted reliefs. However, there exist numerous artworks which trace their aspirations from architecture. Taking Ronchamp Chapel, France, done by Le Corbusier as one of the case studies. In his design, Le Corbusier makes visitors walk round the building before getting to the entrance. He deliberately ignores placing the chapel right at the end of the road and instead opts for people to walk a further distance to the end of the hill. The walk up the hill is not on straight paths but rather along curved walkways. These are seen as design strategies to delay the arrival of visitors to the chapel. The long journey through the woods as one move up the end of the hill is seen as a preparatory for the holy experience to the visitors.5 As they walk a longer distance, they find enough time to settle and set their mind in readiness for a holy service. In case the chapel would have been located right at the end of the road, it would mean most of the visitors would be bumping into the place of worship immediately from the street denying them ample time for spiritual preparation. This architecture is an expression of a form of art dealing with human emotion. The building interior is dark having stained glass windows which give a sharp contrast to the pristine exterior. In addition to the main altar, there are three other smaller chapels which are linked to the main worship space. Each altar has its own light tower which is a reflection of three exterior towers. The three towers can as well as a symbolism of the Trinity i.e. God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.7 These towers are linked together just like the three Godheads work together. This is yet another expression of architecture in the form of art and vice versa. Considering the building form, Le Corbusier was inspired by the wing of a dove, bat or by a pair of hands praying.8 This makes the design exhibit both sculptural and organic properties. It is organic in the sense that the inspiration is derived from activities related to the intended purpose which is in this case praying. Using the concept of paying hands in the design of a charge not only provides the well-being of the environment but also improves on its aesthetics. The building form would always create an emotion of humility to the users of the structure and passers-by. The shape of the building is quite complex encompassing planes (both vertical and horizontal), volumes and points to come up with a bigger form in which all the shapes included are in harmony. One would have different experiences of the facades when going round the building. Each of the elevations gives a unique feeling of the chapel.8 Another illustration of the relationship between art and architecture in this case study is the materials used in the construction. Le Corbusier chose to use concrete in his design even though most of the churches and places of worship at the time were done with stones and bricks. Even though he used concrete throughout the structure, it does not create monotony or dominance. This is achieved through the differences in the textures at various points. Through art, Le Corbusier chose to have some surfaces rough while others smooth taking care not ensure harmony between the differently textured surfaces.[2] In conclusion, architecture is the mother art. If we do not have an architecture of our won, then we have no soul of the civilization of ourselves. In other words, architecture is art and art are architecture. Artists not only manipulate the spaces that are available with structures but more often than not architects take up the role of artists themselves. Artistic works usually stand out in architectural pieces of work but work together with them to bring harmony and conformity of the building. Art and architecture must, therefore, work in harmony to improve the usefulness of a structure as buildings are no longer just establishments and elections from the surface of the ground. References Benjamin, Andrew. Writing Art and Architecture. London: re.press, 2010. Brouwer, Joke. ARt D: Research and Development in Art. Kansas: V2_ publishing, 2005. Diamonstein, Barbaralee. American architecture now. New York: Rizzoli, 2005. Jodidio, Philip. Architecture: Nature. New Delhi: Prestel, 2006. Kleinbauer, W. Eugene. Modern Perspectives in Western Art History: An Anthology of Twentieth-century Writings on the Visual Arts. California: University of Toronto Press, 2007. Masmoudi, Slim. Attention, Representation, and Human Performance: Integration of Cognition, Emotion, and Motivation. New York: Psychology Press, 2012. Taylor, Mark C. Disfiguring: Art, Architecture, Religion. New York: University of Chicago Press, 2012. Vesely, Dalibor. Architecture in the Age of Divided Representation: The Question of Creativity in the Shadow of Production. London: MIT Press, 2004.

Thomas Jefferson Essays (972 words) - Libertarian Theory

Thomas Jefferson Thomas Jeffersons ideals and beliefs were derived from a deep regard for life, liberty, and freedom. His concept of individual freedoms strongly disagreed with the notion of a guided republic which he believed concentrated a great deal unchecked power among a few people. This could have the potential of tyrannical government that might suppress personal freedoms of any kind especially those of religion, which Jefferson feels very strongly felt should be protected. After fighting hard to rid America of British domination, Jefferson was determined to create a government that was responsible to, and derived its powers from, a free people. As the writer of the Declaration of Independence and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, Jefferson is thought by many to be the founder of the Democratic Party. He was foremost among the influential men who believed that laws should be made by those who are to obey them. Thomas Jefferson pushed hard to create a government that would serve and p rotect all its constituents. A guided republic is a form of government where an essentially omnipotent council determines the legislation passed by the legislative body. Though the legislative and executive branches may be elected by the people, they supervising power is not and therefore has the ability to rule in any way they please. The council can, and often does, refuse the rights to freedom of press, speech, and religion. They may prevent bills that attempt to revive these powers and, in the same sense, may prohibit people from speaking about ideas that oppose those of the council. This governing group does not hesitate to use violent force to protect their power. At its worst, a guided republic is a tyrannical form of government, whose people are denied basic rights to life. The people in a guided republic are not the constituents but the subjects of their government. Thomas Jefferson believed that all Americans should have the freedom of language and sentimentas derived from the laws of nature . In his most famous document, the Declaration of Independence, he stated that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain [inherent and] inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness . Jefferson was a strong advocate of a bill of rights within the Constitution. In a letter to James Madison, he says that he did not likethe omission of a bill of rights providingfor freedom of religion [and for] freedom of the press . Jefferson was in favor of religious freedom because it did him no injury for [his] neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god . Jefferson wrote the Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom which essentially stated that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion . He summarizes his feelings in letters to both E lbridge Gerry and Edward Carrington, where he writes that he is against all violations of the constitution because the basis of our governments should be the opinion of the people, [and] the very first object should be to keep that right . Jefferson wanted a separation of powers within the government in order to prevent one person or group having a tyrannical hold over the nation. He believed that concentrating these [powers] in the same hands [was] precisely the definition of a despotic government . He knew that a singular governing force had the potential of becoming oppressive over the people because he had witnessed it when every basic colonial right wasviolated by subsequent [British] kings and parliaments . Against the dogma of a guided republic, Jefferson thought that each branch should be independent of the othersto protect itself from enterprises of force attempted on the by the others Thomas Jefferson would fervently disagree with the notion of a guided republic for a number of reasons. His strongest underlying sentiment was that every society must at all times possess within itself the sovereign powers of legislation or a legislature to whom [the people] may have delegated sovereign authority , an idea vehemently opposed by a guiding council. Jefferson did not think that the people should be governed under a very energetic

University of Mary Washington Costs and Admissions Data

University of Mary Washington Costs and Admissions Data The University of Mary Washington has an acceptance rate of 74  percent, making it   accessible to the majority of applicants. Those interested in attending Mary Washington will need to submit an application (the school accepts the Common Application), along with scores from the ACT or SAT, high school transcripts, and a letter of recommendation.   Admissions Data (2016) University of Mary Washington Acceptance Rate: 74%GPA, SAT and ACT graph for UMWTest Scores 25th / 75th PercentileSAT Critical Reading: 510 / 620SAT Math: 500 / 590SAT Writing: - / -What these SAT numbers meanTop Virginia colleges SAT comparisonSAT scores for public Virginia collegesACT Composite: 22 / 27ACT English: 21 / 28ACT Math: 21  / 26What these ACT numbers meanTop Virginia colleges ACT comparisonACT scores for public Virginia colleges University of Mary Washington Description Named after the mother of George Washington, the University of Mary Washington was the womens college of the University of Virginia before going co-ed in 1970. The University of Mary Washington is one of the rare  public liberal arts colleges  in the country, and it provides students with the access to faculty one would expect at a small private college, but the cost is significantly less. The primary campus is located in Fredericksburg, Virginia, midway between Richmond and Washington, D.C. UMW also has a branch campus for its graduate programs located in Stafford, Virginia. In athletics, popular sports include basketball, equestrian, volleyball, soccer, field hockey, and lacrosse. Enrollment (2016) Total Enrollment: 4,726 (4,357 undergraduates)Gender Breakdown: 36% Male / 64% Female89% Full-time Costs (2016 - 17) Tuition and Fees: $11,630  (in-state); $26,220  (out-of-state)Books: $1,200 (why so much?)Room and Board: $10,104Other Expenses: $2,892Total Cost: $25,826  (in-state); $40,416 (out-of-state) University of Mary Washington Financial Aid (2015  - 16) Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 87%Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of AidGrants: 80%Loans: 50%Average Amount of AidGrants: $5,363Loans: $7,410 Academic Programs Most Popular Majors:  Biology, Business Administration, English, History, Interdisciplinary Studies, Liberal Arts, Political Science, Psychology. Graduation, Retention and Transfer Rates First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 83%Transfer-out Rate: 24%4-Year Graduation Rate: 62%6-Year Graduation Rate: 72% Intercollegiate Athletic Programs Mens Sports:  Baseball, Basketball, Riding, Lacrosse, Swimming, TennisWomens Sports:  Field Hockey, Riding, Tennis, Volleyball, Soccer Data Source National Center for Educational Statistics If You Like UMW, You May Also Like These Schools: Christopher Newport University:  Profile  |  GPA-SAT-ACT GraphJames Madison University:  Profile  |  GPA-SAT-ACT GraphRoanoke College:  Profile  |  GPA-SAT-ACT GraphFerrum College:  Profile  Marymount University:  Profile  College of William Mary:  Profile  |  GPA-SAT-ACT GraphGeorge Mason University:  Profile  |  GPA-SAT-ACT GraphSweet Briar College:  Profile  |  GPA-SAT-ACT GraphVirginia Wesleyan College:  Profile  Radford University:  Profile  |  GPA-SAT-ACT Graph Mary Washington and the Common Application The University of Mary Washington uses the  Common Application. These articles can help guide you: Common Application essay tips and samplesShort answer tips and samplesSupplemental essay tips and samples

Evolution of Hair Color

Evolution of Hair Color Imagine a world with only brunettes in it. That was the world when the first human ancestors first started to appear as primates adapted and speciation created the lineage that would eventually lead to our modern-day humans. It is believed the very first hominids lived on the continent of Africa. Since Africa is directly on the equator, sunlight shines directly down throughout the entire year. This impacted evolution as it drove the natural selection of pigments in humans as dark as possible. Dark pigments, like melanin, help block harmful ultraviolet rays from penetrating into the body through the skin and hair. The darker the skin or hair, the more protected from the sunlight the individual is. Once these human ancestors started migrating to other places throughout the world, the pressure to select for skin and hair colors as dark as possible let up and lighter skin colors and hair colors became much more common. In fact, once the human ancestors reached latitudes as high north as what is known today as the Western European and Nordic countries, skin color had to be much lighter in order for the individuals living there to get enough Vitamin D from the sunlight. While darker pigmentation in skin and hair block unwanted and harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun, it also blocks other components of sunlight that are necessary for survival. With as much direct sunlight as countries along the equator get on a daily basis, capturing Vitamin D is not an issue. However, as human ancestors migrated farther north (or south) of the equator, the amount of daylight varied throughout the year. In the winter, there were very few daylight hours in which the individuals could get out and ob tain the necessary nutrients. Not to mention it was also cold during these times which made it even more unappealing to get out during the daylight at all. As these populations of migrating human ancestors settled in these colder climates, pigments in the skin and hair started to fade and give way to new color combinations. Since hair color is polygenic, many genes control the actual phenotype of hair color in humans. That is why there are so many different shades of colors seen in different populations throughout the world. While it is possible that skin color and hair color are at least somewhat linked, they are not so closely linked that various combinations are not possible. Once these new shades and colors emerged in various areas around the world, it started to be less of a natural selection of traits than a sexual selection. Studies have been done to show that the less abundant any given hair color is in the gene pool, the more attractive they tend to be for suitors. This is thought to have led to the proliferation of blonde hair in Nordic areas, which favored as little pigment as possible for maximum absorption of Vitamin D. Once blonde hair began to be seen on individuals in the area, their mates found them more attractive than the others who had dark hair. Over several generations, blonde hair became much more prominent and proliferated over time. The blonde Nordics continued to migrate and found mates in other areas and hair colors blended. Red hair is most likely the result of a DNA mutation somewhere along the line. Neanderthals also most likely had lighter hair colors than those of their Homo sapien relatives. There was thought to be some gene flow and cross-breeding of the two different species in the European areas. This probably led to even more shades of the different hair colors.

Maison Bouygues Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Maison Bouygues - Assignment Example It is irrefutable that amidst the effort of companies to deliver the value which they have chosen to impart, there have been discrepancies with these two. The tactical aspect of marketing often does not fully embody what has been strategically formulated. In line with this, this paper looks at the value creation within MB, identifying the value that it chooses and how it provides this value to its clientele. At the end, this paper will give further recommendations on how value creation can be enhanced through the alignment of strategic and tactical marketing. As with any business organization, MB's strategic aspect of marketing is comprised of its segmentation, targeting, and positioning. The company's identification of the value that it wants to provide is rationally through identifying its customers and their specific needs and wants and specifically pinpointing what image the company wants to build in the mind of its customers. Among these client groups, the New Anxious represents approximately 25% of the company's customers. This segment, having the least income (average is FF12, 700), demands the most value for their hard-earned money for their first homes. It should also be noted that MB has a relatively high presence in this group indicated by the 138 MB presence index reported. The Wealthy Savers comes next with approximately 24% of MB's clientele. Directly opposed to the New Anxious, this group generates high income which averages FF18, 100 and have owned their previous homes. MB also has a high presence in this segment relative to the industry (MB presence index is 123). Autonomous Independents represents 19% of the MB's total market. Having an average income of $16, 500, this group occupies high social level and desires to own their home after renting for some time. Relative to its competitors, MB has a relatively low presence in this market indicated by MB's presence index which is reported at 53. Wealthy Spenders and New Responsible both share approximately 16% of MB's entire market. Wealthy Spenders have the highest average income at FF19, 700. However, MB's presence in this sector is only limited compared to the whole industry. New Responsible group has a low average income of FF14, 400 who demands more value and quality from MB's products because they would want to leave their house to their children. The company has a very high presence in this segment (MB's presence index is 123). The conducted market segmentation above clearly distinguishes the targeting strategy employed by MB. Furthermore, looking at the history of the company shows how it has alters and augments the particularly markets that it intended to serve: "Initially MB focused on building small, basic homes for middle and lower-income households. During the mid-1980s, the company shifted its focus to the higher end of the single family market." This shift in targeting strateg

Marketing Campaign Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Marketing Campaign - Case Study Example Furthermore, it does not sacrifice the other wonders and advancements of car technology such as the optional Bluetooth capabilities or the option to include an input jack, so you can directly input whatever music you want to listen to while you drive around. It's your car, make it clean, make it affordable, and make it run well. That's a Toyota. For this marketing campaign we have chosen to specifically target men. We believe that this vehicle is already quite popular amongst women. However the gender gap is pretty big, and we need to find a way to market to more male customers. We are going to base the whole marketing technique around sex appeal, sports appeal, and make it so the Prius strongly appeals to the male population to increase our targeted sales. We are going to try to include as many groups, including marketing to all age groups of men, and to include people from every finical bracket. Already, TV ads are going to be geared towards the younger 18-35 audiences and older male audiences(35+), but both of those groups will be targeted by the sex appeal marketing plan. In addition, we are also going to cast people of many different races into the advertisements, so we can increase the appeal of this product to a more diverse group of customers. People connect best with people who are similar to them, this is why we also make sure to include all racial demographics. We are currently working on finding several celebrities to star in these ads, and are awaiting the results of which celebrities are most popular amongst the different age demographics that we have set aside for the male gender. We will be using male, as well as female actors, and intend to use attractive models to incorporate sex appeal into the marketing plan. Sex sells, everybody knows it, and if we could get a babe behind the wheel of a Prius or on a commercial, we would be golden. We have come up with a temporary draft of a man driving a Prius, with a hot girl, and then a man driving another model stuck with an ugly girl. This idea is just a rough draft and sample of one of the TV ads that may be implemented and used. The first wave of our campaign is going to be Internet based. We have joined with several huge advertising agencies to run online ads containing the Prius and the new Prius girls, a group of extremely attractive girls all swooning over the car, as they would in the first commercial idea. The ads will be run on companies such as Yahoo and Google, and we are currently looking into spreading these ads to popular sports sites to properly target the male demographic on the Internet, such as ESPN and Sports Net. The next campaign for our advertising is going to be TV, which will probably be the biggest force of our advertising. We have come up with several ad ideas and are in discussions with several popular rappers to try to appear in some of our commercials. We are also hoping to get several foot ball stars, basketball stars, baseball stars, and, of course, plenty of attractive women. We need to make the Prius sexy, because if men think the Prius is sexy they are going to purchase it. Men want sex appeal and if they think driving a Prius will help them have more sex appeal, then they will be more inclined to buy one. We are going to run these ads on the major networks, including EPSN, Comedy Central, FOX, ABC, Spike TV and CBS. In

Anti Head Lice Essay Example for Free

Anti Head Lice Essay Abstract. The present study focused on the separation and identification of the active compounds against head lice from the hexane extract of Annona squamosa L seed. Chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques revealed that two major compounds of the hexane seed extract were oleic acid and triglyceride with one oleate ester. The yields of these compounds were 13.25% and 7.74% dry weight, respectively. The compounds were tested in vitro against head lice, comparing to the crude hexane extract of the seed. The triglyceride with one oleate ester and the crude hexane extract diluted with coconut oil 1:1. These compounds were found to kill all tested head lice in 49, 11 and 30 minutes, respectively. The triglyceride ester can be used as a marker for quantitative analysis of the active compound for quality control of the raw material A. squamosa seed and its extract. This first finding will be useful for quality assessment and the chemical stability of the antihead lice preparation from this plant. INTRODUCTION Annona squamosa L. (Custard apple) is a plant belonging to the family Annonaceae. It is popularly cultivated in all parts of Thailand, especially in the northeast, as a sweet fruit. The seed of this plant is well known for killing head lice in many countries (Boonyaprapasara, 1998). The human head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis) is a small insect causing a public health problem, especially in poor sanitary conditions. In Thailand, research has shown the anti-head lice activity of A. squamosa. Puapatanakul (1980) reported that the extract of custard apple seeds in coconut oil at the ratio of 1:2 can kill 98% of head lice within two hours, while the leaf extract shows less potency. Gritsanapan et al (1996) found that the petroleum ether extract of the leaves and seeds dissolved in coconut oil at a ratio of 1:1, kill 90% of head lice in vitro by 53 and 26 minutes, respectively. A 20% cream (oil/ water) preparation of petroleum ether extract of custard apple seeds can kill 93% of head lice Correspondence: Wandee Gritsanapan, Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, 447 Si Ayutthaya Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand. Tel: +66 (0) 2644-8677 ext 1500, 5530; Fax: +66 (0) 2644-8701 E-mail: [emailprotected] 532 within 3 hours (Areekul and Chaikledkaew, 1994, personal communication). Gritsanapan et al (1996), reported that 20 g of 20% freshly prepared cream can kill 94.5Â ±9.1% of head lice within 3 hours of application to school girls’ hair. Tiangda et al (2000) found the cream preparation of custard apple seed is biologically stable for at least 12 months. However, it is easier to control the quality and stability of the preparation by quantitative analysis of the active chemical components. The active compounds of A. squamosa seed extract have not been reported elsewhere. The present study, therefore, is focused on the isolation and identification of the anti-head lice components in the seeds of A. squamosa. MATERIALS AND METHODS Preparation of plant extracts A. squamosa seeds were purchased from Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand in October 2004. The samples were identified by comparison with the herbarium at Forest Herbarium, Department of National Parks, Wild-life and Plant Conservation, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Bangkok. The voucher specimen (WAS 0704) has been deposited at the Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol UniVol 37 No. 3 May 2006 A NTI-HEAD L ICE EFFECT OF A. SQUAMOSA versity, Bangkok, Thailand. The seeds were washed and dried in a hot air oven at 55Â ºC for 24 hours. The dried seeds were ground in an electric mill. Extraction and separation of major compounds The powdered seeds of A. squamosa (1.1 kg) were macerated with hexane (23 l) for three days at room temperature. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated by a rotary evaporator and evaporated in a hot water bath until a constant weight (282.4 g) was obtained. The extract (75 g) was separated using silica gel column chromatography (400 g silica). Hexane (CH2Cl2 (1:1) 100% CH 2Cl 2 : CH 2Cl2 : MeOH (1:1)) was used as an eluent. Fifty milliliter fractions were collected and the fractions with the same TLC pattern (SiGF 254 hexane: ethyl acetate 10:3) were combined. The fractions containing two major spots (R f 0.20 and 0.72) were eluted in 100% CH2Cl2 fractions. To isolate pure compounds, the fractions containing major compounds were combined and concentrated. The mixture wa s further fractionated using silica gel column chromatography (200 g). Isocratic elution by hexane: ethyl acetate (10:3) was performed (approximately 25 ml per fraction). The fractions with the same TLC pattern were combined to yield five fractions. The second and fourth fractions gave compound AS1 (38.7 g) and compound AS2 (22.6 g), respectively. Compounds AS1 and AS2 were purified to give pure compounds. Testing for anti-head lice activity of pure compounds and crude extract The hexane extract and the two major pure compounds were tested for anti-head lice activity according to the method of McCage (2002). The extract and pure compounds were separately dissolved in coconut oil at dilutions of 1:1 to 1:8 w:w. The same amount of each solution (0.05 ml) was put in a Petri dish and spread in a thin layer over a 2 cm2 area. Seven equal sized head lice collected from school girls’ hair were placed in the Petri dish containing solutions of the extract and the two major pure compounds. Non-moving head lice, which were determined as dead lice, were counted every 5 minutes until all the lice were dead. A commercial anti-head Vol 37 No. 3 May 2006 lice cream, Hexinâ„ ¢, which is gamma benzene hexachloride (1% w/w) and coconut oil were used as a positive and negative controls, respectively. RESULTS Compound AS1 was a pale yellow oil, yielded 13.25% w/w of dried seeds. TLC (SiGF254, hexane:ethyl acetate 10:3) had an Rf value of 0.20 (Fig 1). The EI mass spectrum had a molecular ion peak at m/z 283.2 [M+1] and a prominent peak at m/z 264.3. The IR spectrum of compound AS1 revealed absorption peaks at 3000-2930 (O-H stretch), 2850 (C-H stretch), and 1700 (C=O stretch, carboxylic) cm-1. The 1H NMR spectrum of compound AS1 indicated the presence of one methyl proton at ÃŽ ´ 0.90 (3H, t, H-18); a methylene proton group at ÃŽ ´ 1.26 (20H, m, H-4-7 and H-12-17); two methylene proton groups at ÃŽ ´1.65 (2H, m, H-3); four methylene proton groups at ÃŽ ´ 2.00 (4H, m, H-8, 11); two methylene proton groups at ÃŽ ´ 2.35 (2H, t, H-2); two olefinic methane proton groups at ÃŽ ´ 5.35 (2H, m, H-9,10) and the broad peak of a hydroxyl proton at ÃŽ ´ 10.15 (1H). The 13C NMR spectrum and Distortionless Enhancement by Polarization Transfer (DEPT) exhibited 16 carbon resonances, revealing the presence of thirteen methylene carbons, one methyl carbon, two olefinic methine carbons and one carbonyl carbon. These spectral data suggested that compound AS1 was a fatty acid. Comparing the NMR spectra of compound AS1 with Aldrich Library (1993) of 13C and 1H FT NMR spectra, confirmed the molecular structure of AS1 was an oleic acid (Fig 2). Compound AS2 was also pale yellow oil, yielded 7.74% w/w of dried seeds. The Rf value (SiGF254, hexane: ethyl acetate 10:3) was 0.72 (Fig 1).The 1H NMR spectrum looked similer to the AS1 spectrum, with additional signals at ÃŽ ´ 4.15 and 4.30. The IR spectrum of compound AS2 showed bands at 2925 (C-H stretch) and 1746 (C=O stretch, ester) cm-1. 533 S OUTHEAST ASIAN J T ROP MED P UBLIC H EALTH Table 1 Head lice killing time of the crude extract and pure compounds from Annona squamosa seeds (n=3). Test sample Dilution (w:w) Killing time (min) 30.67Â ±4.04 34.33Â ±4.04 41.00Â ±3.61 55.00Â ±5.00 49.33Â ±3.06 54.67Â ±5.51 59.00Â ±6.56 61.33Â ±4.16 11.00Â ±1.00 12.00Â ±2.00 16.00Â ±1.00 22.33Â ±2.52 180 180 1 2 3 Hexane crude extract 1:1 1:2 1:4 1:8 Oleic acid (AS1) 1:1 1:2 1:4 1:8 Triglyceride with one oleate ester (AS2) 1:1 1:2 1:4 1:8 Coconut oil (-ve control) Not diluted Hexinâ„ ¢ (+ve control) Not diluted 1 = AS1, 2 = AS2, 3 = hexane crude extract. Fig 1–TLC chromatogram of AS1, AS2 and hexane crude extract. H After comparing the NMR spectra of compound AS2 with Aldrich Library (1913) of 13C and 1 H FT NMR spectra, compound AS2 was felt to be a triglyceride with one oleate ester (Fig 2). The hexane crude extract of compound AS1 (oleic acid) and compound AS2 (triglyceride with one oleate ester) from Annona squamosa seeds showed in vitro anti-head lice activity as summarized in the Table 1. The data show that the triglyceride with one oleate ester was the most active compound against head lice. It killed all tested head lice within 11 minutes when diluted with coconut oil to a ratio of 1:1. Both the Hexinâ„ ¢ and the coconut oil killed all the head lice within a period of 180 minutes. H COOH (CH2) 7 H3C (CH2) 7 Oleic acid O CH2O CHO CH2O C R1 R2 Oleate Triglyceride with one oleate ester R 1, R2 = H/ other fatty acid Fig 2–Structure of separated compounds from Annona squamosa seed. DISCUSSION The triglyceride with one oleate ester in coconut oil (1:1) was significantly more active against head lice than gamma benzene hexachloride 1% cream and the hexane crude extract. These data are supported by previous reports (Gritsanapan et al, 1996; Tiangda et al. 534 2000). This result is useful for the standardization of Annona squamosa seed and its extract. The active compound may be used for the qualitative assessment of the chemical stability of the custard apple cream preparation. This is the a first report of the active anti-head lice components from A. squamosa seeds. Vol 37 No. 3 May 2006 A NTI-HEAD L ICE EFFECT OF A. SQUAMOSA REFERENCES Aldrich Chemical Co, Inc. The Aldrich Library of 13C and 1H FT NMR Spectra. 1st ed, 1993. Boonyaprapasara N, Chokchaicharoenporn O, eds. Samunprai Maipuenbaan. Vol. 2. Bangkok: Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, 1998: 454 (in Thai). Gritsanapan W, Somanabandhu A, Titirungruang C, Lertchaiporn M. A study on the antiparasitic activities and chemical constituents of extracts from the leaves and seeds of custard apple (Annona squamosa Linn.). Proceedings of Third NRCT- JSPS Joint Seminar, 1996: 209-15. McCage CM, Ward SM, Paling CA, Fisher DA, Flynn PJ, McLaughlin. Development of a paw paw herbal shampoo for the removal of head lice. Phytomedicine 2002; 9: 743-8. Puapatanakul O. Clinical studies of Annona squamosa seeds and leaves for the treatment of head lice. 1980: 37 pp (in Thai). T iangda C, Gritsanapan W, Sookvanichsilp N, Limchalearn A. Antihead-lice activity of Annona squamosa seed extract. Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health 2000;31 (suppl 1): 174-7. Vol 37 No. 3 May 2006

Graduation Speech: The Future is Now :: Graduation Speech, Commencement Address

Good evening parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and friends. I would like to thank you all for coming to this very special day. I know how proud you must be. As we have grown over the years, there are many stages we all have gone through. From learning our shapes and colors, to getting our first kiss in middle school, or how about explaining to our parents why we skipped school because the principal called home. As we remember these days, things that we've done will be with us forever. But this is only the start of our journey. The day has come where we say goodbye to the big yellow buses, assemblies, assigned seating, and attendance policies. Are you really gonna miss it? For some of us maybe not right away. But eventually we will so for us to be here it is not necessarily an achievement, but a privilege. All of us have been in school over half our lives. To graduate is one more step we've taken in our lives. Now I would like to take the time to thank everyone who has helped me get this far. First of all, thank you to all the teachers. None of us would be here without you always pushing our academic abilities to the fullest. Jessica Parker a.k.a. my partner in crime as Mr. Tri would refer to us. You made everyday coming to school worthwhile. Hillary Laswell, who would leave third period to go steal flowers from horticulture and give them to Mrs. Granillo with me. My brother Jeramie who always said, "If anyone is mean to you, I'll take care of it." My Mom, thank you for always believing in me and putting up with me when I was a real jerk.

Managing a Business

Management is an art or practice of managing (especially a business or money. According to behavioral theories of management the traditional notion of Management is planing, organizing, leading and controlling. We have chosen Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank (HSBC) to explain these management concepts.PLANNING:Planning is an important management function that has to be carried out in an organization as it helps in determining the organizational goals and to create an action plan to carry it out.PLANNING PROCESS:Every department’s manager is responsible for preparing its own plans of action to carry out their tasks in the most efficient manner. These plans of action can also be termed as tactical plans as they are designed to help execute major strategic plans along with helping the organization to achieve its overall goals.SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM PLANNING:The manager undertakes both short-term planning as well as long-term planning. The bank stresses on the departments to lay grea ter emphasis on short-term goals so that the bank sees at least the short-term results of each department and, therefore, the progress of the departments.While preparing its plans, each department takes into consideration the resources, capital and human both, available to the department and the budget that is available to the department for each of the products. The manager also plans for the existing product line as well as the new products that are recently launched in the market. Lastly, the manager also plans for the targeted volume of each product.After the plan has been devised taking into account all the above factors, the plan is sent to the Central Planning Department, which is centralized. The Central Planning Department is a group of planning specialists who then prepares the overall future plan for the bank and submits it to the Finance Department.At the same time, monthly meetings are held in which all the heads of various departments and the Board of Directors get tog ether to review budget vs. variances, profit and loss accounts, cash flows, inventory level, etc. of each department and then the marketing department, for example, will have to come up with a new plan to overcame the shortcomings as pointed out by the Board of Directors.STRATEGIESStrategy formulation is an important part of planning which the department also undertakes. There are various strategies and methods used by the departments to undertake their plans.PRICING STRATEGY:One of the strategies that it uses is the Pricing Strategy. In this strategy, they look at the current prices in the market and then plan accordingly and then project the new prices which will prove to be more profitable than the old prices.Note: While we are talking about the pricing then we mean the prices of the products that the banks are offering and the price itself is the interest rate being offered.  COST BASED PRICING STRATEGY: The other strategy used by the departments is Cost Based Pricing Strategy . The department’s sets the products prices by looking at the components those make up their price, that is, its imagery, cost and profit. The department always tries to set the price, which is lower than the competitors and brings in positive cash flow. So, it tries to produce the products at the lowest possible cost by investing more money into R&D so that it could increase its profit margin further.OTHER STRATEGIES:Other strategies used are market research, which is conducted on a small basis but is very important for the Marketing Department. And as their focus is on corporate clients, the carry out corporate surveys and interviews with their customers, which adds a personal touch and results in, increased sales. Focus groups and questionnaires are also sometimes distributed to get responses from the customers. Sampling is another strategy used by the department in which they give sample products to various houses which they choose randomly and the results are then verifi ed by the sales and marketing team carrying out the research.ORGANIZING:Organizing is the next important function of management which is the assignment of resources available to the company to different tasks in order to achieve the strategic goals.ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE:Like every other company HSBC has also been established as a separate legal entity having its own managing director and a team of professionals to head each department. As evident from the organizational structure of the company, the company has a formal structure i.e. it is official and planned and has deliberately planned structure of roles within the organization.It follows the organic style of management where authority is based on expertise rather than hierarchy and, therefore, believes in participative decision making in which employees working in all levels of the company are involved. Decision making power is delegated up to the level of middle management. The company believes in the philosophy that  "To get the job done most efficiently, people doing the job should essentially be indecision making†.  All the decisions, whether small or minor, are made at the top levels in the company’s hierarchy. Therefore, HSBC is a centralized company in the sense that only the department heads and the managing director is involved in decision making.MARKETING DEPARTMENT’S STRUCTURE:In the Marketing Department, the authority to make decisions is vested in the Marketing Director, who makes all the decisions for his department and then delegate’s authority and responsibility to their subordinates.The sales team collects information like the sales figure currently in the market, information about the competitors, etc. and is handed over to the Marketing Director who then makes the final decision based on the available information. There are assistant brand managers working under the brand managers who are sometimes asked to give suggestions if a decision requires inf ormation related to a task which is directly handled by them.HSBC follows the concept of line authority as the people in the management positions such as the research division manager has the power to control and direct the immediate employees which in this case are the field investigators.LEADING:HSBC believes that leadership is an art or process of influencing people so that they perform assigned tasks willingly and in an efficient and effective manner. The marketing director, therefore, thinks that leadership is crucial in motivating and inspiring the workforce.MOTIVATORS:The company uses only two ways of regarding the employees: either by increasing the salary or prompting the employees if possible. The company strictly adheres to the policy of promotion from within.Job enrichment provided by HSBC is almost negligible which limits the scope of jobs for the employees because of which employees leave the company for better job offers elsewhere.HSBC does provide a good working envi ronment to its employees and there are large numbers of female employees working in the company.There is high employee turnover in HSBC because of the few opportunities of progressing that the company provides to their employees because of which none of the employees stay with the company for a long time.CONTROLLING:Controlling which is the fourth function of management is effectively practiced in HSBC. The director of the Human Resource Department monitors employees’ activities, keeps the departments on track towards achieving the goals and makes corrections as needed. These are the basic functions of controlling which are used in this department.CONTROL METHODS: Regular meetings are held to check the progress of the employees and then make amendments as needed. Marketing and sales teams are sent for national visits to places and when they come back, they have to report to the marketing director in way of both formal and informal reports The director then sees the results of the visit whether there was an increase in sales or not and therefore, make corrections like to change the sales team in the next visit, etc. These, therefore, train the employees in the practical aspects of the job which prove to be beneficial for the company.ReferenceCourtland L. Bovee, John Thill, (2004), Business in Action, 3rd Ed.Christopher Kingsley (1993), A trainer's primer: Advice to the novice trainer about the basics of organizing, planning, and leading an effective training seminar (Technical assistance & training publication series)Sandy Schuman (2005), The IAF Handbook of Group Facilitation: Best Practices from the Leading OrganizationLuis Martin Diaz (2006), Evaluation of Cooperative Planning in Supply ChainsDavid A. Baldwin, Frances C. Wilkinson, and Daniel C. Barkley (2000), Effective Management of Student Employment.Rohan Wickremasinghe – (Daily News May 3, 2001), Management Consultant,  Ã‚   President of Institute of Development

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms One charter of Right I feel passionate about is the one that talks about each and every person having freedom to live, to have liberty, and to have security. This charter states, â€Å"Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice. â€Å" This charter protects all citizens of Canada from any cruel and unusual treatment or punishment from others.People who do not treat others to the standards will get punished by the judicial system. Another Charter of right I feel strongly about says, â€Å"freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication† Not all counties are lucky enough to have this freedom and so I cherish this one. Because we have this freedom, Canadians are able to be very social and more connected throughout communities. We have the freedo m to express our ideas, and I like this a lot because we can be a stronger, more collected country.My final charter I have chosen is the democratic right. This rights enables every individual the right to vote and the right to hold office. (become a politician or an elected representative) Everyone has an equal say in our communities, provinces, and our federal government. We get to choose a leader that will befit us where and when we need him or her. With these Charters I am free to live my life the way I want, and I'm free to think what I want. This article, When rights collide with freedoms talks about what happens when religion and human rights collide.

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Quotes

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Quotes Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis  (full name Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy Onassis and often called Jackie Kennedy when she was First Lady) brought a youthful elegance to the White House during her tenure there. Briefly a photographer before her marriage to John F. Kennedy, and an editor after she was widowed for the second time when Aristotle Onassis died, she was mother to John F. Kennedy, Jr., and Caroline Kennedy (Schlossberg). Onassis was born in 1929 to the wealthy Bouvier family. She studied French literature at George Washington University before starting her photography career. Like many women, she left her career behind to marry her first husband, John F. Kennedy, and became one of the most iconic First Ladies during his presidency. She remarried in 1968, five years after Kennedys assassination, and remained married to shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis until his 1975 death. After her second husbands death, she returned to her professional career, becoming a book editor, first at Viking Press, then at Doubleday. She also advocated for historic preservation and was lightly involved in Democratic politics in her later years. Throughout her life, she was looked upon as a style icon, and still is to this day. In 1994, she died aged 64 of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Quotes About Marriage and Family If you bungle raising your children, I dont think whatever else you do well matters very much. There are many little ways to enlarge your childs world. Love of books is the best of all. Ill be a wife and mother first, then First Lady. What is sad for women of my generation is that they werent supposed to work if they had families. What were they going to do when the children are grown - watch the raindrops coming down the window pane? The one thing I do not want to be called is First Lady. It sounds like a saddle horse. Can anyone understand how it is to have lived in the White House and then, suddenly, to be living alone as the Presidents widow? (1974, in McCalls) Now, I think that I should have known that [Kennedy] was magic all along. I did know it - but I should have guessed that it would be too much to ask to grow old with and see our children grow up together. So now, he is a legend when he would have preferred to be a man. I dont think there are any men who are faithful to their wives. The first time you marry for love, the second for money, and the third for companionship. I think the best thing I can do is to be a distraction. A husband lives and breathes his work all day long. If he comes home to more table thumping, how can the poor man ever relax? Quotes About Career An Editor becomes kind of your mother. You expect love and encouragement from an Editor. (while Editor at Doubleday) Being a reporter seems a ticket out to the world. When Harvard men say they have graduated from Radcliffe, then weve made it. I always wanted to be some kind of writer or newspaper reporter. But after college... I did other things. Quotes About Life Even though people may be well known, they hold in their hearts the emotions of a simple person for the moments that are the most important of those we know on earth: birth, marriage and death. I want to live my life, not record it. There are two kinds of women: those who want power in the world, and those who want power in bed. Being away from home gave me the chance to look at myself with a jaundiced eye. I learned not to be ashamed of a real hunger for knowledge, something I had always tried to hide, and I came home glad to start in here again with a love for Europe that I am afraid will never leave me.

Analyzing Jesus Christ in the Gospels vis-a-vis Galilean Lifestyle

Analyzing Jesus Christ in the Gospels vis-a-vis Galilean Lifestyle AUTHORS NOTE: The following paper received first place at the 2005 Concordia University Presidents Showcase, Tier Two, and was presented at the Southern California Conference on Undergraduate Research at the University of California, Riverside. Jesus in Context: The Influence of the Galilee Region on the Life and Ministry of Jesus and His Followers Introduction: History, Faith, and the Cultural Context of Jesus of Nazareth According to the popular periodical Newsweek, 93 percent of Americans believe that Jesus of Nazareth existed as a historical figure (The Christmas Miracle), yet scholars continue to struggle with the question of how best to understand the founder of the worlds largest religion. Assuming that Jesus lived in a definite historical period, one of the most significant factors in developing an accurate portrait of Jesus life is an understanding of the cultural setting in which he lived. Due to the lack of a common foundation on which to build a thesis for such a portrait, however, scholars often clash over the specifics of the major influences that contributed to Jesus ministry. Many scholars contend that Jesus was an apocalyptic prophet of the Judaic tradition, the exclusive product of Hebrew beliefs and customs. In such Judaic renderings of the life of Jesus, put forward by scholars like E.P. Sanders, gentile culture plays only a peripheral role in the development of Jesus beliefs and mi nistry. By contrast, others have de-emphasized Jesus role as a Jewish prophet and cast him instead as a Hellenistic teacher of wisdom, who inherited much of his material from the philosophy of the Greek cynic school. Writing from this perspective in his book The Historical Jesus: The Life of a Mediterranean Jewish Peasant, J.D. Crossan describes Jesus as a peasant Jewish cynic (Crossan 421). In addition to the question of Jesus cultural influences, scholars often question whether studying and assessing the Jesus presented in the Bible the Jesus of faith can be anything other than an obfuscation or interference in discovering the historical man who lived in the first century A.D. the Jesus of history. At the extreme end of skeptical scholarship are contentions that dismiss the Jesus of faith not as irrelevant or obfuscating, but as outright fraudulent. Scholars in this camp will often argue that the Jesus presented in the New Testament is an elaborately constructed myth, with St. Paul often credited as the intelligence behind the construction. In contrast to the skeptical view, early 20th century scholar Rudolph Bultmann suggests, in his influential writings such as The History of the Synoptic Tradition, that attempts to find the objective Jesus of history apart from orthodox Christian faith produced only diverse and often conflicting results (McLaughlin). Following Bultmanns suggestion, I begin this study with the presupposition that the conflict between history and faith whether artificial or actual has been largely fruitless as a focal point of historical Jesus research. Rather than attempting to reconcile competing theories, I suggest that secular scholars and religious researchers alike would benefit from the introduction of a common foundation on which to construct a portrait of the historical Jesus. Such an interpretive approach can be found in what I and other scholars have termed Jesus Galilean Context. I suggest that the Galilean Context of Jesus can serve as a mutual focal point between the two often juxtaposed poles of Biblical scholarship those that favor a purely secular interpretation Jesus, and those that wish to emphasize the Christ of tradition while offering fresh insights for both the scholarly community and the Church. A broad survey of the Galilean Contexts ramifications for contemporary scholarship lies beyon d the scope of this study. However, an overview of the Galilee regions cultural, historical, and geographic makeup is sufficient to demonstrate the significance of Jesus Galilean Context as an interpretive tool for shedding light on the development of his life and ministry. Furthermore, a Galilean interpretation of Jesus offers insight into the differences between Jesus and the religious establishment of his time, and can be useful in explaining the characteristics of Jesus ministry that caused him to be put to death. Barring Jesus of Nazareths alleged supernatural activity, the trait that most sets him apart from his contemporaries is his uncanny ability to reach across cultural boundaries and appeal to those who were traditionally excluded from first century Jewish society. Taking into account both Biblical and secular sources, it is clear that Jesus utilized the cultural diversity, economic climate, and geography of the Galilee region as the primary vehicle by which to communicate his message to both Jews and Gentiles. Historical Context: An Intercultural Crossroads Just as Galilee culturally stands at the center of Jesus life and ministry, likewise the Sea of Galilee (see Figure 1) itself is central to understanding what it was for Jesus to be a Galilean. A natural depression surrounded by fertile hills, the Sea of Galilee forms a natural amphitheater 690 feet below sea level, making it the second lowest point on the Earths surface. In contrast to the low elevation of the sea, the adjacent Hills of Galilee rise 1,500 feet above sea level on the western coasts, while the Golan Heights reach over 2,000 feet above sea level to the east. With a circumference of 33 miles and an approximate area of 64 square miles, the Sea of Galilee is the largest freshwater body in Israel. Because of its freshwater composition, the Sea of Galilee would more accurately be described as a lake or inland sea. The Sea of Galilees status as a lake was well known in ancient times, as is revealed in Josephus description of the region in The Jewish War: The Lake of Gennesar has sweet, excellent water, perfectly pure, and the lake ends in pebbly or sandy beaches everywhere (Maier 310). Similarly, the author of Luke 5:1 records that Jesus stood by the Lake of Gennesaret when he addressed the masses. Both authors associate the Sea of Galilee with the fruitful plain of Gennesaret, which lies on the seas northwestern coast. Luke is not unique in using alternate names for the body of water commonly called Galilee, and the names attached to this lake are often indicative of the cultural composition of the region. In Hebrew, Galilee is often known as Yam Kinneret or Chinneroth, both of which describe the lakes elegant lyre shape (Dunston). Galilees roots in Jewish history reach deep into the soil of the Old Testament, with the first mention of the region being made in Joshua 20:7. In Isaiah 8:23, Galilee is called by the Hebrew word Gelil haggoyim, meaning the region of nations (Galilee: Etymology). In its Old Testament context, the word nations is synonymous with gentiles or heathens, which strongly implies that Galilee was wedged within the vicinity of many non-Jewish peoples. In spite of the groping fingers of the nations, however, the region would remain under the control of the Israelites until the armies of Assyria flooded the Northern Kingdom in 732 B.C., seizing Galilee from its Semitic masters (Sea of Galilee). Along with the rest of Palestine, Galilee would later buckle beneath the pressure of Alexander the Greats quest for Hellenistic hegemony in c. 330 B.C. Scholars who see echoes of the Greek cynic school in Jesus teachings find support for their position in the resulting fusion of Jewish and Greek culture, which still permeated the region in the first century A.D. Out of Alexanders conquests rose the Decapolis on Galilees eastern shore (see Figure 1) a collection of ten Greek cities eventually unified under Roman rule (Middendorf). The Gospels indicate that Jesus and his entourage visited the Greek Decapolis on the eastern shore of Galilee, where they journeyed to the city of Gadara as recorded in Mark 5:1. Among the Gentile population, Christ performed a series of miracles including the exorcism of the demon Legion mentioned in Mark 5. Following the miracle, Jesus saw the opportunity he had to spread his message amongst the Gentile population of the region and used the cured man as a vehicle for his reputation, as revealed in the Gospel narrative: As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demonpossessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you. So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed. (Mark 5:18-20; emphasis mine). As a result of this missionary activity, Jesus popularity grew in the region, as evidenced by the great multitudes of people from Decapolis mentioned in Matthew 4:25. Based on Scripture, it seems that Jesus actually made a second trip into the Decapolis later in his ministry. Mark 7:31 reports that after an interlude in Tyre and Sidon to the north of Galilee, Jesus returned to the Galilee region and went into the region of the Decapolis. In the decades following his ministry, Jesus influence on the Decapolis would continue to reverberate in the growing Christian community. Philadelphia, a Decapolis city far south of the Sea of Galilee, would become the site of a thriving church for whom the author of Revelation offers the highest praise in verses 3:7-11. Following Alexanders conquests, Galilee would remain in cultural and political flux until the Maccabean revolt during the last century B.C. briefly reclaimed the lost crown of Jewish sovereignty. With a large Jewish migration into the region during the mid-100s B.C., Galilee briefly regained its Jewish character, only to fall again to Roman conquest in 63 B.C. The author of John refers to the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias (John 6:1), connecting Galilee with the Roman city of Tiberias (see Figure 1), which stood on the lakes western shore. For Jews living in the era of Roman occupation, Tiberias was a place of dubious reputation. Constructed under the direction of Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great, Tiberias was a stalwart monument to the Roman presence in the region. In spite of Tiberias pre-eminence, the citys odious cemetery repulsed the local Jewish population, who viewed the presence of a burial ground as ritually unclean (Sea of Galilee). Intercultural tolerance was in short supply in first century Palestine, however, and Herod eventually attracted Jewish settlers to the city by force. Left to brace themselves against a crumbling wall of ethnic identity, these Jews would continue to practice their traditions throughout the first century, eventually transforming the once profane city of Tiberias into a center of Jewish scholarship that would play a decisive role in the compilation of rabbinical commentaries such as the Mishna and the Talmud (Sea of Galilee). In a technical sense, first century Galilee was a client kingdom of the Roman Empire, meaning that it was essentially self-governing but ultimately subjugated to the greater will of its imperial masters (Hanson). A client king, such as Herod Antipas, would rule autonomously, but he, in turn, would be responsible for maintaining Caesar Augustus good will by sending tribute to Rome. From a practical standpoint, this meant that the local region could maintain much of its cultural identity, as it did under the Jewish Antipas (Hanson). However, the peace that such a system created was ephemeral, being constituted by the necessity of compromise rather than contentment. On the occasions when this structure weakened, the stirrings of rebellion could burst through the dam of stability. Josephus reports in Jewish Antiquities that while the Romans were distracted by internecine strife between Archelaus and Antipas, revolutionary activity took its toll on the Galilee region: the whole country was without any government, and erupted in violence. Judas, son of Ezekias the bandit plundered Galilee, while Simon, a slave of Herod, crowned himself king and burned the royal palace in Jericho until he was caught and beheaded Athronges, a huge shepherd with his burly brothers conducted a guerilla campaign and others also spread ruin and desolation over the country (Maier 258). It was this internal tension that stirred the authorities of Jesus time to question his motives and accuse him of undermining the Roman authority. Reporting for PBS From Jesus to Christ, L. Michael White, Professor of Classics and Director of the Religious Studies Program University of Texas at Austin, posits that the term Galilean itself carried loaded connotations in the first century. To some, he suggests, it just might mean an outsider, or someone whos not really an old Jew of the traditional sort. Precisely because the Galilee had traditionally not been Jewish at the time of the Maccabean Revolt a hundred or 150 years before Jesus. But from another perspective, Galilean also took on the coloration of being rebellious, or insurrectionistso for some, the term Galilean might also mean something political (From Jesus to Christ). Many of Christs followers, in fact, wanted him to be a revolutionary figure in the vein of Judas the Galilean, as evidenced by their attempts to crown him king in John 6:15. Yet, Jesus himself seems to have been alienated from the anti-Roman movement, because he responds to the attempted coronation by departing into a mountain himself alone. Nonetheless, the Roman authorities appear to have associated him with the more radical currents of the Galilee. Ironically, the immediate consequence of Jesus teachings was the same as that of many Galilean radicals, as described by Josephus: Tiberius Alexander crucified James and Simon, the sons of Judas the Galilean, who had aroused the people to rebellion (Maier 273). Developmental Context: Galilee During Christs Formative Years Because of the ethnic composition of the region, it would be possible for an individual living in first century Galilee to experience aspects of both Jewish and Gentile culture. As the two worlds became, of necessity, more entwined, it is likely that each succeeding generation would become more of a composite of the two. Little of Jesus youth is revealed in the Gospels, yet the impact that these years would have on his ministry cannot be underestimated. In the isolated hills of the Galilean town of Nazareth (see Figure 1) that Christ would find the raw materials of many of his most enduring parables seeds being sown, grapes ripening on the vine, and farmers ardently shaping the land. Such images resurface throughout the teachings of Christ, as in the parable of the farmer and the seeds in Matthew 13, the parable of the sheep in Matthew 18, and the parable of the fruit tree of Matthew 3. By contrast, Jesus rarely draws on examples from commerce or military life in his teachings, nor does he employ the legalistic language that would be expected of a teacher from Jerusalem. Although the New Testament is our only source of Nazareths history until the 4th century A.D., the agricultural character of this small community can be inferred by two means. Although such etymological constructions are at best speculative, many linguistic scholars believe that the name Nazareth derives from a root word meaning separated, which describes the towns relative distance from the rest of the Galilean community (Baird). While this may be one shade of meaning, the word Nazareth may have its origins in the Hebrew word netser, which means sprout or shoot (Baird). Some argue that this refers to the towns being an offshoot of the greater Galilee region (Baird). This may be true, but to argue that sprout refers to the towns size would be to read into the Hebrew language an idiom for which there is little evidence, and it seems apparent to me that a literal reading of netser is most appropriate. If this is the case, the name clearly carries agrarian connotations. Secondly, it must be remembered that Galilees primary source of food production was its shoreline fishing industry. Geographically cut off from the regions cornucopia and too small to participate in any significant trading, Nazareth would, by necessity, have relied on small-scale agriculture for its survival (Hanson). Much like the Kibbutzim small, socialistic Jewish settlements of modern Israel, Nazareth would most likely have been a self-sufficient village that produced most of its own goods. Aside from its rural qualities, other characteristics of Nazareth must be inferred from the Biblical texts. In particular, the question arises as to where and when Jesus developed his sage knowledge of Jewish scripture and tradition, as well as his provocative orators skill. According to John 7:15, the initial reaction to Christs literacy was one of surprise: The Jews were amazed and asked, How did this man get such learning without having studied? The picture seems to be one of a supposedly ignorant villager suddenly displaying a profound knowledge of Jewish learning, revealing himself to be distinct from the other peasants of his day. Although Nazareth appears to have been a Semitic island in an intercultural sea, it seems implausible to assume that Jesus grew up in ethnic isolation. Consider, for example, his easy tolerance of non-Jewish peoples and customs and his eventual conflicts with the conservative element of the Jewish religion. According to many Biblical scholars, these skills could hardly be expected in a man who had been reared in isolation, with limited cross-cultural contact (Reed 104). A plausible explanation, then, must be sought outside of Nazareth. While Nazareth did exist apart from the Sea of Galilees cosmopolitan coastline, the Jewish hamlet was only an hours walk worldly-wise Sepphoris, Antipas capital of Galilee (Reed 105). In his book Archaeology and the Galilean Jesus, Professor Jonathan Reed asserts that it would be almost impossible for Jesus not to have seen Sepphoris (see Figure 1) at some point in his life, out of curiosity, if not necessity (Reed 105). In spite of its prominence in Galilean society, however, Sepphoris is completely absent from the Gospel narratives. That the Bible never mentions Christ teaching in this city has usually been explained as a political snub to Antipas or a necessity for Christs safety, in light of John the Baptists execution (Reed 104). Other scholars contend that Jesus did teach in Sepphoris, but that his teachings there were not well-received and thus dismissed by the Gospel writers (Reed 104). The latter theory seems odd, since the Gospel writers include multiple accounts of audienc es unfriendly to the teachings of Jesus, including his childhood neighbors in Nazareth. What both of these theories fail to recognize, however, is the probability that Jesus had visited Sepphoris in his youth, but chose not to return in adulthood. According to the Gospels, Josephs trade was carpentry, and as sons usually took on the trade of their fathers in first century Palestine, Christ is also called a carpenter in Mark 6:3. Assuming that Christ was born in the first decade of the first century, he would likely have been too young to participate in Antipas ambitious construction of Sepphoris in A.D. 3 or 4. However, should Joseph have been contracted to work in the city, it is likely that he would have taken the young Jesus with him for on the job training. Putting aside Antipas initial building project, Nazareths close proximity to Sepphoris would seem to indicate that Joseph, or perhaps Jesus himself, would have sought work in the bustling Roman city. If Jesus career did bring him to Sepphoris, then a plausible explanation can be offered for the ease with which he learned to cross traditional cultural boundaries. Recent excavations of the site reveal that its inhabitants were mostly from the upper-class, as evidenced by the presence of extravagant ritual baths called miqweh in the houses of the city (Reed 107). The sheer cost of transporting fresh, clean water from the Sea of Galilee into the city of Sepphoris would have made these a luxury (Meyers). While Jesus would denounce elitist attitudes during his ministry, he draws from a wealth of material that may have been engendered by contact perhaps as a hired worker with Sepphoris urban nobility. For example, the parable of the royal banquet in Matthew 22:1 -14 describes an occurrence that Jesus may have witnessed while in Sepphoris, while the rich men of Luke 12 and 16 may have been based on personages met in the city. Assuming that Jesus did have contact with Sepphoris, then it may have been his experiences as a hired laborer that fueled Christs later criticisms of the wealthy. A traditional picture of class warfare begins to emerge when one recognizes that Jesus belonged to a lower-income family. In Luke 12:24, Mary the mother of Jesus makes an offering of a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. This offering of birds was customary of poor families, who could not afford to offer the usual lamb (LaSor 83). While Sepphoris no doubt brought Jesus into contact with the gentiles, evidence suggests that the city was largely Jewish in character, but of a less traditional style (Reed 107). In archaeological digs, ample piles of pig bones have been found in the second and third century strata, but the first century layer of the city includes almost none indicating that the Jews, who did not eat pork, were the dominant citizens of the city during the time of Christ (Reed 107). In spite of the Jewish presence in the city, the culture of Sepphoris would have been of a more urbanized type than that found in Judea. Writing in Jewish War, Josephus reports that Sepphoris took a pro-Roman position in the first-century Palestinian revolt (Chancey). Sepphoris decision to routinely harbor Roman garrisons is described by Josephus as a betrayal of the allies of their tribe and an insurrection against the common religious center of Jerusalem (Chancey). German Scholar Walter Bauer, cited in Archaeology and the Galilean Jesus, argues that the religious life of Sepphoris was distanced from the legalistic religion of the Pharisees and contends that by extension so was Christ in his early years. Clearly, the rift between Christ and the legalism of the Jerusalem authorities that resulted from Christs upbringing offers one plausible explanation for his death. However, while Bauers argument may be sufficient in explaining Jesus later conflicts with the Pharisees, it may overemphasize the role of Sepphoris in shaping the religious life of the young Christ. Because of Jesus economic position, it is unlikely that he would have viewed the aristocracy of Sepphoris of as role models to be emulated. Like the majority of Galileans, Jesus was alienated from both the secular wealthy and the religious elite. If, as the saying goes, individuals are defined by the company they keep, then Jesus distance from the prominent people of his time is proved in his choice of average Galilean fishermen as companions. Socio-Economic Context: On the Shores of Galilee It was shortly after his baptism that Jesus made his way to the shores of the Sea of Galilee itself. A remarkably fertile country, the hills of the Galilean seashore would have been brimming with life as Jesus strolled among them, teaching the people and proclaiming that the kingdom of God is at hand (Mrk 1:15). For the fishermen who worked along Galilees coasts, however, the iridescent majesty of the sea would not have been the primary motive for slogging around its waters on a daily basis. Rather, these men were motivated by the perennial need for economic survival. Although many Galileans owned their own fishing boats and equipment, there is little evidence to suggest that they participated in a free market economy, such readers in the Western world might envision. While Galilean society was not communistic by any stretch of the imagination, its primary economic movers were political and familial structures, with production largely seen as an ends to maintaining the stability of both (Hanson). Generally speaking, the legs that carried Galilean society were peasant fishermen or farmers whose primary economic motive was to feed their families, with family units serving as both producer and consumer (Hason). It must be realized, however, that the Galilean concept of family was much broader than that with which most Americans are familiar, and usually included a complex network of inner and outer relations. In order to maximize production and prevent domestic squabbles semi-formal trade relations were established among kin, creating endeavors of mutual interest (Hanson). Fishing in Hellenistic Galilee usually took one of four forms: casting a line with bronze hooks, dipping a flaxen net into the sea, primitive fish traps, or pronged tridents (Hanson). It is unclear from Mark 1:18-19 what type of net Simon and Andrew were using, since the Greek word used in this passage, dictua, is a generic term for nets (Hanson). Matthew 1:18 clarifies in telling us that Simon and Andrew were working with an amphiblestron, or hand-held casting net (Hanson). In spite of their relative independence, the fishermen of first century Galilee crawled through life at subsistence level, producing only enough to meet their basic needs (Hanson). Roman client kings, such as Herod Antipas, were supportive of the fishing industry only insofar as it gave them the ability to profit by levying severe taxes and tolls on the fishermans product. This constant taxation which allowed Antipas to pay tribute to the reigning Caesar left the average fisherman in Galilean society just slightly above the status of the average laborer. So, it was in keeping with his concern for the marginalized of society that Jesus first followers were drawn from the decks of Galilean fishing boats. Mark 1: 16 records that as Jesus walked by the shores of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon and Andrew, casting a fishing net into the sea. Although John 1:36 records that Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist and already knew of Jesus coming, the response of the fishermen to Christs invitation to become fishers of men (Mrk 1:17) is profound. Considering that the very survival of these men rode on their ability to bring in a bounty of fish each day, their abrupt decision to forsake their nets and follow him (Mrk 1:18) reveals the unique skill of Jesus in appealing to the average Galilean. His ability to frame his invitation (follow me) in a Galilean context (fishers of men) drove home a provocative point that would have been lost on these brothers had Christ engaged in sophisticated theological argumentation. Because of Christs clever association of his message with the Galilean fishing economy, the fishermen were drawn to Christs larger theme of eternal life. Jesus invitation to the fishermen is consistent with the teaching style he used during his Galilean ministry, which relied on the imagery of the region to convey theological points. In Mark 6, for example, Jesus uses a boys small fish most likely sardines and five loaves of bread to feed a five thousand people. Through this example, Jesus demonstrates the process by which his teachings would reach the world first from through his death (illustrated by the broken bread and fish), then through the Apostles on Pentecost (He gave them [the loaves and fish] to the disciples), and from the Apostles to all the nations of the world (and the disciples gave them [the loaves and fishes] to the crowds). A large fishing net, called a sagene, is mentioned by Jesus in Matthew 13:47 as an illustration of the Kingdom of Gods cross-cultural reach (Hanson). Like a net dragged behind a boat, Jesus explains, the Kingdom of Heaven pulls in a diversity of people some good for consumption and some stale and rotten all which will be sorted out at the end of the age. Where most Jews expected the Messianic kingdom to be exclusively Semitic, Jesus sagene illustration is a bold departure from tradition, especially when one considers that Galilee is home to over thirty different species of fish. James and John, Jesus second set of seafaring apostles, may have been mending such a net in Mark 1:20. Their reaction to Jesus call to ministry was the same as that of Simon and Peter, and it may have been partially inspired by the endorsement that the former pair of fishermen had given to the traveling Messiah. It is likely that some knot of kinship bound the Yonah family of Simon and Peter together with the Zebedee family of James and John, for in Luke 5:10, the Gospel writer records that the sons of Zebedee were partners with Simon. The Greek word usually read as partners koinonoi would more be more accurately translated as cooperative-members, implying that familial trade relations existed between the two fishing interests (Hanson). Based on the fact that both families owned their own boats and fishing equipment, some scholars have concluded that they represent a sort of upper middle class in Galilean society (Hanson). Others argue that this conclusion inappropriately reads free-market ideas into the Galilean economy and infers a degree of economic stratification that probably did not exist in first century Galilee (Reed 165). While the inference of an upper middle class may be a historical hyperbole, Mark 1:20 does indicate that the Zebedee family at least had hired servants. Accordingly, it can be inferred that Galilean fishermen were higher up the economic ladder than those who contributed the raw materials and manual labor that supported the fishing trade. Nonetheless, it is true that the hiring of itinerant peasant workers was a common practice that in no way indicates membership in the upper class (Reed 165), although we may assume that the Zebedee family was capable of maintaining a living. Jesus not only mingled with the fishermen of Galilee, but he also lived with them during his ministry at Capernaum (see Figure 1). Archaeological evidence suggests that Capernaum was near the bottom of Galilees social registry, lacking in niceties such as marble, frescoes, mosaic, and ritual baths (Reed 165). While the affluent left their indelible mark on society by sponsoring public buildings like the theater at Sepphoris, no such projects have been found among the ruins of Capernaum (Reed 165). Thus, Capernaum became the setting for Jesus to work with common or even lowly people, who would become his primary followers throughout much of the Galilean ministry. Capernaum clearly influenced Jesus treatment of the poor, satisfying his drive to reach those of his own social class with his message. In addition, Capernaum would have extended Christs interaction with Galilees non-Jewish population. Although the unassuming city lingered on the edge of Antipas tetrarchy, Capernaum appears to have been part of a regional trade network (Reed 165). Because of this, the city would have witnessed a steady stream of gentile merchants and sojourners passing through on business. This intersection of Jews and Gentiles is exhibited by Matthew 8:5, in which a Roman centurion implores Jesus to heal his dying servant. Much like American peacekeepers in Iraq today, the centurion may have been viewed by Jewish peasants as a necessary, but unwelcome, foreign intruder. Apparently, the Gentiles faith startled Jesus (Matt 8:10), who immediately healed the mans withering servant and declared the centurions faith superior to that of Jewish Israel. During a later trip through Capernaum, Christ would again display his tendency to cross cultural boundaries by calling Mattew, a tax collector, into his retinue (Mark 1:14). In the pristine holiness of dusty Renaissance paintings and chapel windows, we tend to imagine the apostles as

Importance Role of Cooperation in Achievement of Goals Essay

Importance Role of Cooperation in Achievement of Goals - Essay Example Graduating from school with satisfactory grades was one of the most important goals I have achieved that exemplifies the importance of cooperation. I always registered poor grades prior to my final examination. Thus, I realized that I had to take action in order to achieve decent grades in my final examination. Coincidentally, three of my classmates realized the need to improve their grades and we eventually became a team when doing our revision in order to achieve our individual goals. In this regard, we came up with a program that would help us come together to revise and teach each other what we independently knew. In addition, we could help each other improve essays that we wrote in class in order to make them better. Furthermore, we could ask for teachers on tips that we could use for effective group work, in different subjects, in order to achieve that common goal that we so desired. Eventually, we became better each passing day and our grades ultimately improved through cooper ating with each other in revision. In order to achieve our individual goals, we had to cooperate and learn a lesson from small creatures like wasps, ants, bees, and other similar creatures. These diminutive creatures epitomize the importance of cooperation, which is a lesson we can learn as human beings. In this regard, these tiny creatures teach us the fundamental aspect of unity for a common goal. Therefore, we had to unite in order to achieve the common goal of improving our grades towards the final examination.

Critical abstracts Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Critical abstracts - Essay Example In addition, Gabriel, Johnson and Stanton through empirical analysis found out that, ethnicity had no adverse influence on card values from 1984 to 1990 (Gabriel, Johnson & Stanton 215). 5. Authors through this article have managed to clear speculations or doubts commonly held by the public regarding the influence of ethnicity on card values and inequity, which they thought existed between 1984 and 1990. This is via contacting successful empirical analysis of the then rookie cards data for both pitchers and hitters (Gabriel, Johnson & Stanton 228). 6. However, this study’s results contrast with both 1990 and 1991 analyses; contacted by other experts whose conclusions exhibited adverse influence of ethnicity on card values besides resulting to other discrepancies (Gabriel, Johnson & Stanton 228). This is because Gabriel, Johnson and Stanton contacted analysis of rookie card prices for the active players only and excluded the retired members. Therefore, they ought to have included both age groups, which would give reliable information devoid of contrasting

Hearing Child of a Deaf Parent and a Deaf Child of a Hearing Parent Assignment

Hearing Child of a Deaf Parent and a Deaf Child of a Hearing Parent - Assignment Example Daniel never hesitated to ask the tutors, audiologists and even other professionals any questions and even other issues of concern. They would often give him the utmost assistance he required. His parents loved and encouraged him, praised him for anything he did well, often smiling with him and paid attention to whenever he wanted to share something with them. These loving activities were the most important milestone of boosting his confidence and making him feel relaxed. He often came to class and mused around with his funny stories about his experiences at the family gatherings. He dreaded the occasions since he was the eldest child, yet his younger cousins and even the adults would not understand him. He would go by himself to read any book in the apartment including the children’s books. His cousins would ignore him and go about playing and making the clay â€Å"cookies†. He would interact with the adults with his parents always trying to interpret, though the degre es of success were varying. He often missed deep conversations even with his grandparents. He tells me that my shortcomings should never deter me from achieving success and this really inspires me. Billy told her story too. She had been raised by deaf parents but had no hearing impairment. At the age of five, she was lying on her bed, and the thought of little monsters under the bed crossed her mind. Their intention was to eat her feet if she attempted to step down. Like every other child, paralyzed in fear, she tried to call for help from her parents, but unfortunately, her screams would land on deaf ears of her parents. At that age, she knew her parents were deaf, and they lived in a visual world with her. To attract her parents’ attention, it demanded her to be within their coverage of sight and wave her hands, or to gently touch them to signalize her presence.

Health Disparities in New Zealand: A Literature Review

Health Disparities in New Zealand: A Literature Review Nateeh R. Cueva   Introduction Health is an integral part in the context of human existence. Each individual’s views regarding health and practices concerning healthcare vary depending on one’s historical, political and economic status, including the level of education, gender and personal experiences.[1] Hence, it is imperative to consider these aforementioned factors affecting health in the healthcare system. The principal objective of this paper is to review the specific historical, cultural, social, educational and economic backgrounds of the Maori people and each corresponding effects to healthcare approach. This paper also aims to investigate the imparity of the Maori and non-Maori health status. As several studies prove health disparities, this paper examines the actions taken to achieve equilibrium in healthcare service delivery among Maori and non-Maori people. Maori History and the Treaty of Waitangi New Zealand’s first east Polynesian settlers discovered the country during the 13th century, approximately 500 years before Europeans became aware of its existence.[2] The tribe is now known as Maori, meaning ‘original’, to characterize their distinction after the Europeans’ arrival. Due to lawlessness and the British government’s goal to protect trading interests, the Treaty of Waitangi was created and signed by several Maori chiefs and British Crown representatives. [3] The Treaty was translated into English and Maori versions containing three articles with substantial interpretation differences.[4] As explained by St. George (2013), the first article in the English version refers to sovereignty. It indicates transfer of power to the British Crown. However, Maori version conveys share of power. Maori used the term â€Å"kawanatanga†, which means setting up of British government without implicating transfer of authority. The second article chiefly safeguards property of rights, concerning â€Å"tino rangatiratanga† or chieftainship. Maori people are granted control and rights over their lands, woodlands, waters, fisheries and other properties in the English version. In contrast, Maori version denotes more extensive rights for Maori, including proprietary and reassurance of cultural and social items like language and villages. The third article warrants the Maori people equal rights as the British subjects. Regardless of the differences, the two versions of the Treaty are legitimate as they were both signed (St. George, 2013). Although protecting Maori health is part of the objectives of the Treaty, the population decline in the 1800’s proved past neglect on its principles. Basing on the data presented by Wishart (2012), Maori population went as low as 43,927 in 1886 while non-Maori migration constantly increased. The land wars between Maori and Pakeha (non-Maori) as well as the diseases introduced by the increasing migration had also caused devastating effects to Maori population (Durie, as cited in Kingi, 2007). After a major Maori protest, the Waitangi Tribunal was established in 1975 to investigate Crown breaches to the Treaty of Waitangi.[5] Its goal is to consider the principles of the Treaty upon making decisions rather than the mere conflicting interpretations of both English and Maori versions. This had led to compensation grants, return of lands and financial recompense to tribal authorities for economic development. Subsequently, the Maori population dramatically recovered to over half a million during the 20th century (St. George, 2013). St. George further elaborated that the Treaty has three key principles relating to Maori health: partnership, participation and protection. Partnership basically means working with Maori communities in developing strategic health care practices for the community. Participation is the act of involving the Maori people upon planning and during healthcare services delivery. Protection is ensuring equality on Maori and non-Maori health status while considering Maori cultural concepts, values, and practices. Culture and Impact on Health Culturally-based beliefs, values and attitude relating to health influence engagement to health-promoting activities and access to health services. As non-Maori population continuously surged, healthcare services became highly Pakeha-dominated.[6] This led Maori on becoming suspicious about health services rendered by hospitals because of cultural reasons. The Maori cultural health perspective is holistic. It comprises four cornerstones of health: wairua (spiritual), hinengaro (psychological), tinana (physical) and whà ¤nau (extended family).[7] Maori’s concepts of tapu (sacred, restricted) and noa (free from tapu or unrestricted), the basis of law and order during pre-European time, interrelate with today’s Maori health environment. In terms of daily activities, this entails that food (noa) should be placed separately from bodily functions like faeces (tapu). Practices and healthcare services that do not mirror these cultural concepts receive lesser support and often distress the Maori community. As Maori slowly embrace Pakeha-predominated health services, traditional Maori health practices largely remained (Lange, 2012). These health practices, though helpful in some cases, oftentimes risk patient safety and jeopardize medical treatment when opposed or delayed in consideration to cultural beliefs. Maori Socioeconomic Status and Health Socioeconomic status, basing on aspects such as income, education and occupation, is a fundamental element of health. Studies prove that favourable living condition is closely relevant to better health quality.[8] Health disparity can be brought about by material poverty, poor nutrition, mediocre housing standards and stress resulting from low social and economic status. Health services fees further hinder medical treatment access. Statistics New Zealand (as cited in Marie, Fergusson Boden, 2010) supports well documented studies proving that Maori are at greater socioeconomic disadvantage than any New Zealanders by ethnicity. This socioeconomic deprivation likely predisposes Maori to poor health conditions and limit healthcare access. Health Disparity and Inequality Regardless of the efforts to apply the Principles of the Treaty to health development, health inequality and disproportion among Maori and non-Maori is still evident. Studies prove that Maori are underprivileged in terms of health among any New Zealand ethnic groups, showing higher morbidity and mortality rates.[9] Blakely, Fawcett, Atkinson, Tobias and Cheung (as cited in St. George, 2013) stated that Maori infants have lower birth weight and die more frequently from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) than non-Maori. Brown (as cited in St. George, 2013) also added that Maori die eight to ten years earlier, on average, with avoidable death rates twice as much compared to non-Maori. New Zealand’s cancer death rate is greater than Australia, consisting of two thirds male Maori and one quarter Maori female deaths (Skegg and McCredie, as cited in St. George, 2013). Obesity in Maori community is also of greater proportion, contributing to higher rates of diabetes (Ministry of Heal th, as cited in St. George, 2013). These data show that Maori are more susceptible to illnesses and their lesser access to health services is detrimental. According to Durie (as cited in St. George, 2013), the suboptimal Maori health status pose negative effects on the community’s outlook of the healthcare system as a whole. This may lead to stereotyping healthcare system basing on their less suitable health situations and experiences. Studies further claimed Maori being treated differently in the healthcare setting. As per findings of the 2001—02 National Primary Medical Care Survey (as cited in St. George, 2013), doctors spent only 2 minutes out of 12 minute consultation time or 17% less time on caring for Maori than non-Maori patients. Racism also affects Maori health status (Harris, as cited in St. George, 2013), suggesting that the greater the number of racial discrimination experiences, Maori self perceived health status becomes lesser. Maori Health Development and Addressing Inequalities During the 20th century, eliminating inequalities became a considerable section of government health policy and statutory obligation of district health boards (Pollock, 2012). Social welfare policies and intersectoral activities promoting health equality such as retrofitting and housing insulation were implemented. The New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act 2000 absolves the Treaty of Waitangi and Maori health (Blakely Simmers, 2011). Health programmes and healthcare service delivery focus on Maori and low socioeconomic people. Constant monitoring on health inequalities and research conduction allowed better understanding of health disparities and progress tracking. The increasing awareness on health inequalities concerning Maori people paved way to more improved funding on health services addressing deprivation and ethnicity. As a result, immunization rates soared, smoking cessation rates increased and improved Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk management.[10] The policies relevant to health equity strongly develop Maori health status and healthcare service access. Conclusion Health is indeed affected by several determining factors that can enhance or diminish quality of life. Historical, political, cultural, educational and socioeconomic backgrounds are crucial aspects to consider in delivering effective health services that support health equality. Looking into the health disparities affecting Maori people, it is unacceptable in the context of medical practice to provide partial health services basing on individual’s ethnicity, cultural beliefs, values and economic status. While it is a fact that traditional practices can hinder medical treatment and healthcare goal achievement, better ways and policies should be implemented to meet the greater Maori health needs. The Maori culture, being the first settlers in New Zealand, has become an indispensable component of the country’s society. For Maori to live longer, achieve healthier lives and contribute to the society at their utmost potential, the root causes of inequalities ought to be rightfully addressed. In the same manner, may the past mistakes and neglect be a grounding lesson to further strengthen the efforts to eliminate health disparities. May impartial health services prevail and be maintained for Maori, non-Maori and other ethnicity of different backgrounds alike. References Blakely, T., Simmers, D. (2011). Fact and action sheets on health inequalities. New Zealand Medical Association. Retrieved from http://www.nzma.org.nz/sites/all/files/Marmot_factsheets.pdf Capital and Coast District Health Board. (2009). Tikanga Mà ¤ori: A guide for healthcare workers. Retrieved from http://www.ccdhb.org.nz/news/Tikanga Maori.pdf Derby, M. (2012). Waitangi tribunal – te rÃ…Â pÃ…Â « whakamana. Te, Ara the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, 1-6. Retrieved from http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/waitangi-tribunal-te-ropu- whakamana/page-1 Kingi, T. R. (2007). The treaty of Waitangi: A framework for MÄ ori health development. New Zealand Journal of Occupational Therapy, 54(1), 4-10. Retrieved from http://www.nzaot.com/downloads/contribute/TheTreatyofWaitangiAFrameworkforMaoriHealth.pdf Lange, R. (2014). Te hauora MÄ ori i mua – history of MÄ ori health Pre-European health. Te, Ara the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, 1-6. Retrieved from http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/te-hauora-maori-i-mua-history-of-maori-health/page-1 Marie D., Fergusson, D.M., Boden, J.M. (2010). Does socio-economic inequality explain ethnic differences in nicotine dependence? Evidence from a New Zealand birth cohort. Australian New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, (44), 378-383. Retrieved from http://www.otago.ac.nz/christchurch/otago014477.pdf Meredith, P., Higgins, R. (2012). KÄ wanatanga – MÄ ori engagement with the state: Defining kÄ wanatanga. Te Ara the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, 1-5. Retrieved from http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/kawanatanga-maori-engagement-with-the-state Health Promotion Forum of New Zealand. (2002). TUHA–NZ: A treaty understanding of Hauora in Aotearoa-New Zealand. Retrieved from http://www.hauora.co.nz/assets/files/Maori/Tuhanzpdf.pdf New Zealand History. (2012). Differences between the texts: Read the treaty. Retrieved from http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/politics/treaty/read-the-Treaty/differences-between-the-texts New Zealand History. (2012). Signing the treaty. Retrieved from http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/politics/treaty/making-the-treaty/signing-the-treaty Pollock, K. (2012). Health and society: Socio-economic status, ethnicity and health inequality. Te Ara the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, 1-5. Retrieved from http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/health-and-society St. George, I. (Ed.). (2013). Cole’s medical practice in New Zealand. 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