Reflection paper on Nancy Andreasen's book, Brave New Brain Essay

Reflection paper on Nancy Andreasen's book, Brave New Brain - Essay Example A similar treatment has been appropriated by many experts with regards Nancy Andreasens book titled, Brave New Brain: Conquering Mental Illness in the Era of the Genome in which the author contends that the mapping of the brain and the human genome, occurring seemingly at the same time, has brought forward a new and effective understanding of the biological origins of mental illness. For many, this only implies that ‘biological understanding’ would refer to evolution, setting aside the teaching of Christianity which states that God intervenes on human affairs. For others, the Christian approach of ministering to individuals with mental illness will be considered inept and ineffective as this does not mesh with the ‘scientific procedure’ of administering to people with mental disabilities. In her book, Nancy Andreasens notes that the convergent research focusing on the genome and mental illness is a fascinating development as it transformed the way we think of mental illnesses and their implications. First, with the utilization of new technology in neurology and psychiatry, experts are able to link the illnesses of the mind to biology and all illnesses have biological basis, even schizophrenia (Andreasen 4). This of course, does not conform to some Christian notions that mental illness is a result of demon possessions or is something related to superstition. Thus, Nancy Andreasen asserts that the best treatment should be one which varies from one patient to another. Clearly, the holistic approach to the treatment of mental illnesses is no longer acceptable. Some of the methods which Andreasen are ones that are based on science such as genomics and neuroimaging as she states that ‘mental illnesses are diseases of the brain that can be understood and treated using established scientific tools’ (Andreasen 7). What is considerable to note here is that Andreasen’s contentions that the brain ‘teaches itself to learn’ pose a

Theories of Attachment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Theories of Attachment - Essay Example New longer-term research studies had likewise shown that bonding occurs not only if the mother cares for the child but also with the fathers (Belluck, 2011, p. 1) in which fatherhood is a crucial component in raising successfully the child and of nurturing a family. One attachment theory developed by psychiatrist and psychoanalyst John Bowlby had emphasized the need of infants to have one consistent primary caregiver to whom they can attach normally during their social and emotional development, typically from 6 months to 2 years old. Usually, it is the mother that provides the need for an attachment figure but other people may in some cases be acceptable such as the father, the grandmother, the older sibling or close relatives. Another prominent theory on bonding is the one developed by Klaus and Kennell which states that maternal bonding is important which in turn gave rise to the new practice of bringing a new baby to its mother instead of being brought to the nursery. The theory became controversial as they postulated that maternal deprivation can lead to maladjustments later on such as an eating disorder, personality defects, juvenile delinquency and substance abuse by a failure to bond. I believe the attachment theory that is best aligned and integrated with my own views of attachment is the single caregiver theory. Infants stick to one caregiver during their first months of existence and any changes will result in the so-called separation anxiety as the infant grows a bit older and able to recognize faces and voices. It is therefore very vital to have only one person as the primary caregiver, maybe relieved by someone else but only for brief periods of time so as not to cause stress, anxiety, fear or other negative emotions on the baby who sees long periods of separation as a threat to its survival. The attachment theory by Bowlby is now

Statement for Applying Leadership Award Personal

For Applying Leadership Award - Personal Statement Example To elucidate in greater detail, since 2006 I have been a designated outreach executive for Cuts For Cancer, an annual event in which students are given the unique opportunity to help ease the suffering of children and cancer sufferers. In this capacity I have spearheaded numerous fundraising initiatives for those suffering from long-term hair loss stemming from the effects of cancer treatment. Locks of hair are sent to a company which turn them into wigs, and this in combination with cash donations result in synergistic benefits for our recipients. Last year alone we successfully raised $15,000 , including an encouraging total of 196 hair donations. As an outreach executive my responsibilities included the promotion of our organization, utilizing local media channels including major broadsheets, television, and radio stations. I also have a marked interest in health-care related issues, volunteering at the emergency waiting area of St. Paul's Hospital during the summer of last year. During my short tenure I tended to the immediate needs of the patients, doing my best to lift their spirits and boost their morale. In addition, I am also currently a group leader for the In-Sight mentoring program, helping freshmen do well academically as well as making sure that they are engaged in well-meaning, worthwhile activities.

Descartes Meditation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Descartes Meditation - Essay Example Despite the fact that Descartes does recognize him to be a being that is imperfect, he has an ability to entertain God’s idea as a perfect existence. The fact that he is not able to form such an idea by himself, there has to be the idea’s greater course. This argument basis itself on a scholastic belief that there has to be as much reality within the cause same as within the effect (Rene, p.70). Therefore, any perfection ideas require their perfect causes. To respond to the argument, one can deny the principle as well as claim not to have God’s perfect Idea. Rather, an individual can claim to have an approximation only, of the perfect idea. Due to the fact that individuals’ idea of God would not be perfect then, it would not need a perfect course, as well as the conclusion, would not follow. It is in the fifth meditation that the second argument of God’s existence occurs. Despite the fact the there is different wording, it recalls the ontological argument of Anselm in the 11th century. Descartes’ consideration here is the perfect being idea as well as what is contained in such an idea. If the being happens to perfect truly, then it would not lack anything. Consequently, there is no chance that it would lack existence. Therefore, the essence of God does contain his existence (Rene, p.89). God’s existence argument following essentially from his essence has implications as well for the thought of the evil deceiver that is mentioned within the 1st meditation. If god happens to be perfect, there is no way he can be a deceiver. In addition, there is no way he can lead an individual into error. Deceit, as well as an induced error, would not be consistent with an imperfect being’s character. Due to the fact that he cannot lead an individual into error, the individual will be able to obtain knowledge on all the matters he doubted within the 1st meditation, particularly the truth on material objects. Descartes claimed that error does not  arise within the ideas of individuals, which are within individuals’ conscious states themselves, however, in judgments that individuals make, there exists something distinct from individuals’ conscious ideas, which cause such ideas to exist within the conscious minds of individuals.  

Teen pregnancy Essay Example for Free

Teen pregnancy Essay Teenage pregnancy is a social problem that has existed for over a century and has always been a great concern to every nation due to the numerous adverse consequences it brings on both the economy and society at large. In the middle of the 70s, teenage pregnancy had reached an astronomical height that it was described as â€Å"epidemic† by the Alan Guttmacher Institute in a booklet entitled â€Å"11 Million Teenagers† which was widely circulated at the time (Gallagher, M. , 1999). This, in fact, put pressure on Congress at the time to pass a bill that would increase family planning fund by hundred percent as a strategy to curtail teenage pregnancy â€Å"epidemic† (Gallagher, M. , 1999). The rate of Teenage Pregnancy rose from 23. 9 births per 1000 single female teenagers in 1975 to 31. 4 in 1985, and to 46. 4 in 1994. In the last part of the 90s, the rate had dropped by16 percent. For teenagers between 15 and 19 years, the rate of teen pregnancy had dropped by 36 per cent by 2002 and 33 per cent by 2004 (Gallagher, M. , 1999). Until recent times, Teenage pregnancy was considered an abomination and a mockery to a family. It carried a stigma and a disgrace to the young mothers and their immediate families. The young mothers were often considered sinners and the children born out of wedlock were referred to as bastards or illegitimate. The horror and the disgrace that was immediately associated with giving birth to bastards or illegitimate children, kept teenage pregnancy at the lowest minimum (Sprague, C. , 2009). In the 20th Century, the attitude of society toward teen mothers and their children or teenage pregnancy in general changed; society looked at them with compassion. Soon the horror, the intimidation, and the stigma that surrounds teenage pregnancy dissipated. This has, in no simple terms, contributed to the current level of teen pregnancy in our society. Though the rate of Teenage Pregnancy has declined in the United States in the last decade, it is still considered high, relative to other developed countries such as Sweden, Great Britain, and Denmark. Teenage pregnancy is a real social problem that requires all and sundry in finding a lasting solution to it. What makes teen pregnancy a huge problem lies in the negative effects it brings. The purpose of this work is to discuss some of the effects of teenage pregnancy which include health issues, school dropouts and dependency on the public for economic support. One striking effect with teenage pregnancy is the high propensity for the pregnant teenager to suffer some health problems. Very often, teenagers who become pregnant try to hide their pregnancy from their parents and in so doing, they do not get the necessary medical attention that initial pregnancy requires or may use crude means to abort the baby which can result in bleeding and death. About 33% of pregnant teenagers do not receive proper prenatal care and monitoring (Sprague, C. , 2009). This can result in an increased risk of miscarriage, anemia and high blood pressure in the pregnant teenager. Also, children born to teenage mothers usually exhibit low birth weight which is accompanied with other health hazards like respiratory disease, bleeding in the brain, and intestinal problems. All these account for the high mortality rate for infants born to teenage mothers than those born to women older than 20. This will in effect put some financial demand on the families of the teenage mothers. Another effect that has captivated the attention of civil society is the rate at which pregnant teenagers drop out of school. Drop outs today are ill-effects for future labor force; a situation which can cause poverty and semi-illiterates which civil society considers very serious in the development of a nation. Research shows that between 30 to 35 per cent of pregnant teenagers drop out of school compared to the 6 per cent of non-pregnant teenagers (Sprague, C. , 2009). Dropping out of school has an inherent effect on the teenage mothers; the early pregnancy deprives them of getting the necessary education and skills that will ensure them of rewarding and stable jobs. Finding a regular source of income therefore, becomes extremely difficult for teenage mothers as every job position requires certain skills. Their inabilities to secure jobs lead them to falling on the public for financial support. Finally, pregnant teenagers are likely to encounter abject poverty if they do not have a strong financial backing from their parents. Surprisingly, a higher percentage of these teens come from either broken home or staying with single parents, and are already living in poverty (Gallagher, M). Also, most of these teens are unmarried and likely to be single mothers which will cause them to face further acute economic hardships than if they were married. The only alternative at their disposal to partially solving their economic predicaments in the short run is to seek public assistance; that is, relying on welfare which includes food stamp. Over 80 per cent of teen mothers go on welfare within three years of giving birth (Sprague, C. , 2009). If the teen mother does not go back to school to attain any profession which is mostly the case, their daughters are more likely to become teen mothers and it becomes a vicious cycle. There are numerous effects of teenage pregnancy but the limit of this paper cannot exhaust all of them. In conclusion, teenage pregnancy is one source that can cause health, economic and educational setbacks not only in the lives of teenagers who allow them to be impregnated but generations down the â€Å"road†. All these can be averted if teenagers are taught abstinence from early sex until they have at least completed high school or attained age of 20. Where the teenagers are uncontrollable, they must be advice to use protections such as condoms but one thing is that condom is not 100 percent safe. There has been instances where condoms have torn and causing pregnancy. References

Physics Online Course Essay Example for Free

Physics Online Course Essay 1-How can you demonstrate that water is denser than ice without weighing them? What is the principle involved? Release an ice cube in water; the ice cube will float. The ice cube will displace some water as it â€Å"pushes† the water away. The principle involved is displacement. 2-The density of water is a maximum at 4 °C. Why is this property of water important for aquatic life? The maximum density being attained at   4 °C means that even if the water gets colder, the density will decrease. Therefore, ice (when it forms) floats instead of sinks. This makes the continuity of aquatic life during winter possible. 3-When two different materials are given the same amount of heat will their temperatures increase by the same amount? Explain with reasons? No. It depends on the ability of the materials to conduct heat. 4-It is generally observed that it is more difficult to cook food at high altitudes. Explain the possible reason for this? In higher altitudes, there is lower pressure. This means that water will not boil at 100 °C, but at a lower temperature, making your water not as hot as on sea-level, making cooking time longer. 5-What are the variable factors that affect the pitch (frequency) of a vibrating string? How are these factors controlled in a stringed musical instrument such as a violin? The speed and wavelength of the waves formed by striking an object. A musician controls the frequency through the strings tension and density, by pressing some of the strings. 6-If you want to see yourself fully in a plane mirror, the mirror needs to be only half your height. Draw a ray diagram showing how this is possible. Explain the diagram and principles you used. The image in the mirror looks as if the figure is far away, when in fact, it is right in front of the mirror. This is because the light received by the eye traveled in a straight line as if it came from behind the mirror. The mirror is also laterally inverted, meaning the figures right will appear as the mirror images left. References Leigh, J.R. (1988). Temperature measurement and control. USA: Institute of Engineering and   Ã‚   Technology. Sumich, J.L. and Morrissey J.F. (2004). Introduction to the biology of marine life. Massachusetts: Jones   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   and Bartlett Publishers. Pople, S. (1987). Explaining physics. United Kingdom: Oxford University Press. Dolan, G., Duffy, P. and Percival, A. (1996). Physics. United Kingdom: Heinemann.

Critic The Pestel Analysis As Model Commerce Essay

Critic The Pestel Analysis As Model Commerce Essay The topic of the project concerns research questions, which are based on previous observations over Bohemia Travel Agency. It is an interesting topic to follow, because of the arising opportunities for the company. With the long years of experience in the tourism sector, the company has already created image and during the whole years that positive image increased the profitability of the company. While becoming a leader on the market, the travel agency increased the potential of its performance, so that is the main reason of choosing the certain company and the researched questions. The investigation of finding solution to these research questions are strictly related to pursuing an appropriate theories. These theories bind together with appropriate analysis will open the future paths for increasing the business performance of the company. As mentioned in the problem formulation and the methodology the project will harshly follow the strategy of the travel agency and based on the strategic direction and choices, we will find a better ways for the company to develop and expand its business. The usage of the theory will start with examination of the macro-environment. The analysis is the first step of the planning process, as it helps to identify issues to be removed in the development and implementation of effectiveness in the business development. In this sense, it is crucial to examine the microenvironment and immediate impact on the organization. The most commonly used technique is the so-called PESTEL analysis divides the entire external environment of six segments, thus covering almost everything that can affect the organization. These six areas are: economic, political, social, technological, environmental and legal. The thing that should be considered when one PESTEL analysis is conducted is to identify the environmental factors that affect the organization in the long term, and arrange them in order of importance. When the organization develops the strategy, there is a variety of important factors they have to consider. We are going to take a look at all the factors that affect the economic environment and examine the relationship between business and the environment. This part will explain the key macro-economic variables that affect the business of the organization and will identify the trends in these variables. The PESTEL model will assess how changes might affect the company and will evaluate the strategies that the company might deploy in response. Thus, we are using that model in our research. The plan of action of the travel agency could be always ruined by the external economic changes, thus the PESTEL analysis will help us in finding out the appropriate solution for the further strate gic choices. According to Farnham (1999), the PESTEL and Porters (1980) five forces model provide a useful start for analysis the external environment and providing a crucial set of inputs for strategic development and implementation. (P. Rudolpf, 2005) It is important to critic the PESTEL analysis as model, because it clarifies the external factors of the company, but these factors (Lynch 2006) are viewed as almost uncontrollable. In addition (Sutton 1988) suggests that analysis of the external environment is undertaken to gain competitive advantage and improve long and short term planning. McMillan and Tampoe, (2000) state that the PESTEL framework represents a guide to the general environment but is based only historical data and the past, but it refers to forces of changes in the environment and can be used to forecast the future. In other words, understanding changes taking place currently is an important guide to anticipating the future (Fahey, 1986). (Aguilar 1967; Choo and Auster 1993) suggest that the external environment in relation to an organisation or business is where information that is of critical importance can be analysed. This in turn will help the strategic planning and future development of the organisations future. Organisations and businesses choose to analyse the external environment in order to understand forces out with the business or organisation that can change a proposed strategy instantly. Organisations and businesses do this in order to avoid any surprises and in turn identify threats and opportunities. Such as the SWOT/TOWS analysis, the PESTEL analysis has been discussed and proposed as an excellent tool by many authors and researchers (Lynch, Sutton, Farnham. In addition (Sutton 1988) suggests that analysis of the external environment is undertaken to gain competitive advantage and improve long and short term planning. Moreover (Lynch 2006) asserts that external factors outside the business or organization are viewed as almost uncontrollable. In addition we will say that conducting the PESTEL analysis will be much more reliable than any other models, because it strongly influences our further strategic choices. The next step of in understanding the firms competitiveness is to look at the competitive arena in an industry. Porter five forces model is created by Michael Porter in Harvard University (1979). The aim of the model is to analyze the industry in order to identify the level of intensity regarding the competition and attractiveness of the industry. A good technique for analysing the microenvironment is Porters five forces model that helps to identify the level of competition in an industry (Stonehouse, 2001). However, it is essential, by using this model, to consider the characteristics of the industry in regard to technological and economical environmental aspects and the influence of the government in regulation competition (Porter, 1980). According to variety of authors (Porter, Kotler, Lynch, Hollensen etc.) the external environment should be accompanied with competition analysis. That is why our next step will be based on the authors advices. In our case, that is the Porters five forces analysis. As already described in the methodology part (see the previous chapter above), the Porters five forces are going to clarify our picture of the competition in the tourism sector of the chosen travel agency. One of the most useful frameworks for analyzing the competitive structure has been developed by Porter. Porter (1980) suggests that competition in an industry is rooted in its underlying economic structure and goes beyond the bahaviour of current competitors. (Hollensen, 2010) As we can see, one of the authors following the Porters model is Svend Hollensen, who as an Associate Professor can confirm the benefits of using the Porters five forces as a constructive model of analyzing the competition in the industry. Moreover (Hollensen, 2010) asserts that the goal of competition analysis is to find a position in industry where the company can best defend itself against the five forces, or can influence them in its favour. If we agree with Hollensen (2010), there will be two possible outlines for our travel agency positive and negative. But no matter of the final results, in overall, the analysis will ensure and confirm our further strategic choices and will influences on our proposal of investment plan. Michael Porters five forces model was also harmed of other authors criticism, such as Lynch who says that the model assumes that there are no changes in the industrial environment but in fact the market is very flexible. This is shown for example on the enormous growth of the e-commerce sector. If you use this tool, you have to repeat this analysis continuously. (Lynch, 2009, p. 101-102) The main reasons why Porters five forces has endured much criticism are that the world radical economic changes has occurred since the time the model has been developed; there is a very strong impact of internet on the industry. Of course, the recent years, there are authors, investigating the strategic planning in the business and one of them Larry Downes stated that Porters five forces are no longer viable. Due to that reason, Downes has developed three new forces, which are: Digitalization, Globalization, and Deregulation. Downes insists that Porters five forces model is obsolete. Downes arguments are convincing. In fact, digitalization, globalization and deregulation have become powerful forces during the last years, but Porters models rarely take them into consideration. Todays markets are highly influenced by technological progress, especially in information technology. Therefore, it is not advisable if not to say impossible to develop a strategy solely on the basis of Porters models. (Recklies, 2008) Downes critique of Porter implies that Porters models focus too much on the economic conditions of their era of origin. Therefore, their viability is limited under changed conditions. We need to add here that Downes new forces are derived from the economic conditions of their particular era too. Within some years or decades, they will have lost some of their importance because other developments have taken over the driving role. (Downes, 1997) Further criticism comes from those who say the model simply provides a snapshot of an industry, rather than a more dynamic picture which says something about the future, and can be more readily translated to strategy. Lawton argues, however, that the idea of assessing substitutes does bring dynamism, highlighting where the challenges will come from. Then there are those who criticise the model for having missed out a vital stage in the process of assessing the market. Lampel says: It doesnt explain how to define the industry, and sometimes that is a tricky question. Porter picked industries that were easy to identify, but a lot of people get the industry wrong, so the analysis is worthless. Some people argue that defining the industry is the critical input of knowing where you stand. (SPS, Nov. 2009) However, some criticism has been made that the five forces are an analytical tool and rather static. Rumelt, (1991) suggested that companies have company-specific preferences of strategic development regarding profitability, which has lager influences than the competitive forces of environment. Furthermore, the five forces largely ignores the human resources aspects of strategy (Farnham, 1999), which will be of increasing importance in the future. But still we can stick to the proving of PESTEL analysis combined with Porters five forces, because as Thomas Lawton, professor of strategic management at Cranfield says: In a sense transposing the PESTLE ideas onto the Five Forces is the best way. (SPS, Nov. 2009) The very next theoretical model conducted in our project will be SWOT/TOWS analysis. The SWOT analysis is a rottenly used strategic tool in bigger or smaller organizations. It examines the internal and external environment of a company and gives a clearer picture for an organization of its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. SWOT analysis is developed by Albert Humphrey, who named the strategic tool alternately SWOT Matrix. The matrix is also described by (Jobber and Fahey 2006) as the structured approach to evaluating the strategic position of a business or organisation by identifying its strengths weaknesses opportunities and threats. (Lynch 2006) furthers the view of (Jobber and Fahey 2006) by suggesting that the SWOT analysis is how a business or organisation can further their development from the PEST and Porters Analysis and make an amalgamation of the analysis of the internal and external environment by doing the SWOT analysis. On the other hand, the SWOT has end ured a lot of criticism of variety of authors and researchers, working in the field. In relation to the external factors of the SWOT analysis (Johnson Et al 2009) suggest that the analysis of opportunities and threats is extremely valuable when the organisation or business is looking to formulate a proposed strategic plan for the future. Other criticism is provided by (Mintzberg 1994) who suggests that SWOT is the main cause of what is considered there an excessive formalization of the strategy making process. Many authors (Baramuralikrishna and Dugger 1998; David 1997; Hill and Westbrook 1997; Johnson et al 1989; Thompson and Strickland 1998; Wheelan and Hunger 1998) suggests that this usage rarely amounts to much more than a poorly structured, very general, hastily conducted exercise that produces unverified, vague and inconsistent inventories of factors regarded by the proposing individuals as most important components of their organizations strategic situation. Most of the SWOT critics are arguing that the matrix is too superficial and basic. It does not provide detailed analysis of a company and many times it is used in a wrong way. Due to much criticism and conflicts between authors about the SWOT analysis, we decided to conduct the TOWS matrix represented and developed by Heinz Weihrich, Professor of Management, University of San Francisco. He writes a detailed article about TOWS analysis, also called The TOWS Matrix A Tool for Situational Analysis. (Heinz Weihrich, GODINA) has two main purposes One is to review general considerations in strategic planning and the second to introduce the TOWS Matrix for matching the environmental threats and opportunities with the companys weaknesses and especially its strengths. These factors per se are not new; what is new is systematically identifying relationships between these factors and basing strategies on them. There is little doubt that strategic planning will gain greater prominence in the future. In his article Heinz Weihrich is describing in details the ways of usage the matrix and the main benefits of using the matrix. In contrast of the SWOT analysis, the TOWS one is much more reliable and appropriate to conduct in our project, because it is focused in analyzing the company in much more details and gives much flawless picture of how to turn the weaknesses into strengths and the threats into opportunities. The TOWS matrix is combining the whole four outlines of the matrix and creates the opportunity of better observation into the internal and external factors influencing the company. Even sometimes the threats could ruin the forecasting, the TOWS help the company to forecast easily and once understood the strengths and the weaknesses, the company could find better future opportunities to develop. The relation between providing TOWS and the other strategic tools PESTEL analysis and Porter dive forces is that all the models and theories are bind together in building the most appropriate path for the company to find the most accurate strategy for the better performance of the company. The very next strategic tool of the project is the model of Igor Ansoff, who created the product-mission matrix, in other word the so-called Ansoff matrix. The matrix allows companies to realize the risk component of various growth strategies, including product versus market development, and diversification. The Ansoff matrix presents the product and market choices available to an organization. Herein markets may be defined as customers, and products as items sold to customers (Lynch, 2003). When developing the Ansoff matrix, the inventor Igor Ansoff aimed to measure the growth of risk that the company might take when choosing different directions of strategy. According to the matrix, we can say that the more different the territory is, the higher risk is taken. Managers of organizations should be aware of how to manage the risk appropriately and to take into considerations the right decisions. The Ansoff matrix helps the company to increase its profit by entering in new business oce ans. The strategies taken by a company may have huge consequences and that is why the risk should be observed carefully. However, due to these reasons in our project we will conduct an analysis over Ansoff matrix and will see how the strategies will work for it and for its future performance. As also known, the Ansoff matrix was developed 1957, but a few years later the Igor Ansoff realized that his work was not unique, because a similar matrix was developed earlier.Moreover few years after Ansoff matrix was much criticized by Henry Mintzberg, who didnt like the idea of strategy being built from planning, which is supported by analytical techniques.