Tourette Syndrome Essay Example For Students

Tourette Syndrome Essay Tourette Syndrome was named for Georges Gilles de la Tourette, who first described the syndrome in 1885. Although the disease was identified in 1885, today in 1996, there still is a mystery surrounding Tourette Syndrome, its causes and possible cures. Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder that researchers believe is caused by and abnormal metabolism of the neurotransmitters dopamire and serotonin. It is genetically transmitted from parent to child. There is a fifty percent chance of passing the gene on from parent to child (Gaffy,Ottinger). Those most at risk are sons of mothers with Tourette Syndrome. About three-quarters of Tourette Syndrome patients are male. Males with the disorder have a ninety-nine percent chance of displaying symptoms. Females, have a seventy percent chance of displaying symptoms. This ration of 3-4:1 for males and females may be accounted for by referral bias. Also, there is a frequent number of reported cases within the Mennonite religious isolate pop ulation in Canada. The specific genetic transmission however, has not been established. Some researchers believe that the mar is on an autosomal dominant trait. Some cases however are sporadic, and there may not be a link to family history involved. These cases are mild however, and not full blown. The onset of Tourette Syndrome must be before the age of fifteen, and usually occurs after the age of two. The mean age onset of motor tics is seven. The mean age onset for vocal tics is nine. In order for a person to be classified as having Tourette Syndrome they must have both multiple motor tics and vocal tics. These tics however do not have to occur everyday. In fact, affected individuals may rarely exhibit all of the symptoms, or all of the tics. The vocal and motor tics must also occur within the same year, for a person to be classified as having Tourette Syndrome. Symptoms can disappear for weeks or months at a time. However if people afflicted with the syndrome try and suppress th eir tics, they will reoccur with increased ferver. Tics increase as a result of tension or stress, and decrease with relaxation or concentration on absorbing a task. Tics are classified into two groups: complex and simple tics. Simple tics are movements or vocalizations which are completely uncomprehendable and meaningless to those not suffering from the disorder (Peiss). Complex tics are movements or vocalizations which make use of more than one muscle group to appear to be meaningful (Peiss). Simple motor tics are: eye blinking, head jerking, shoulder shrugging or facial grimacing. Simple vocal tics are: throat clearing, coughing, snorting, baiting, yelping. Examples of complex motor tics include: jumping, touching over people, and or things, smelling, stomping loudly, making obscene gestures, hitting or biting oneself. Complex vocal tics are any understandable words given out of context, and may including echoing and repetition. Other problems associated with Tourette Syndrome in clude Attention-Deficit Disorder, Hyperactivity Disorder, disinhibition, obsessive compulsive disorder, dyslexia and other various learning disabilities, and various sleep disorders. People with Tourette Syndrome do tend to present more other Axis 1 disorders than the rest of the normal population not afflicted with the syndrome. People with Tourette Syndrome are also afflicted with obsessions of contamination, disease, sexual impulses, self harm, being just right, and death. We will write a custom essay on Tourette Syndrome specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Sixty percent of those who are diagnosed as having Tourette Syndrome will also display some type of learning disorder. Such disorders include: having difficulty organizing work, having difficulty playing quietly, talking excessively, interrupting and intruding on others, having a shorter attention span, losing necessary materials for school and home, and engaging in physically dangerous activity, with no thought given to the ramifications of their actions. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is also found in sixty percent of those with Tourette Syndrome. Those with ADHD are easily distracted, has difficulty getting along in groups, shifts from activity to activity, often blurts out answers before asked, and fidgets with hands, feet, or squirms in seat. Although these symptoms may seem fairly similar it Tourette Syndrome, it is important to remember that Tourette Syndrome is a genetically inherited disease. These other complexes are merely brought on by the neurological imbalance which affects the brain of those afflicted. Tourette Syndrome cannot be treated as a whole. Medications must be issued for the different aspects of the disease. For example, Tics and movements are treated with Neuoleptics, Clonidine and SErotonin Drugs, which are prozac-like. These drugs are very good for treating muscle spasms as well as tremors. However the side effects may be unpleasant. Therefore the patients under such drugs must be monitored for the liver and heart. The Medical Treatment for OCD is augmenting dopamine agents (Orap) or Klonopin. These drugs help curtail depression, but how genital-urinary side-effects. The ADHD in Tourette Syndrome are treated with Ritalin because the tics may not increase if used in reasonable dosages. Hyperactivity is also curtailed. The side effects of Ritalin are urinary problems, skin changes, EEG monitor, and EKG monitor as well. The Tics may also be controlled by visits to doctors office, talking to friends, and staying away from social gatherings, and learning to deal with emotional trauma. Help however is available for Tourette Syndrome. The goals of health professionals concerning this disorder is to clarify reasons for school problems, and to develop and individualized multimodality treatment program.

4 Steps of Cardiac Conduction

4 Steps of Cardiac Conduction Have you ever wondered what causes your heart to beat? Your heart beats as a result of the generation and conduction of electrical impulses. Cardiac conduction is the rate at which the heart conducts electrical impulses. These impulses cause the heart to contract and then relax. The constant cycle of heart muscle contraction followed by relaxation causes blood to be pumped throughout the body. Cardiac conduction can be influenced by various factors including exercise, temperature, and endocrine system hormones. Step 1: Pacemaker Impulse Generation The first step of cardiac conduction is impulse generation. The sinoatrial (SA) node (also referred to as the pacemaker of the heart) contracts, generating nerve impulses that travel throughout the heart wall. This causes both atria to contract. The SA node is located in the upper wall of the right atrium. It is composed of nodal tissue that has characteristics of both muscle and nervous tissue. Step 2: AV Node Impulse Conduction The atrioventricular (AV) node lies on the right side of the partition that divides the atria, near the bottom of the right atrium. When the impulses from the SA node reach the AV node, they are delayed for about a tenth of a second. This delay allows atria to contract and empty their contents into the ventricles prior to ventricle contraction. Step 3: AV Bundle Impulse Conduction The impulses are then sent down the atrioventricular bundle. This bundle of fibers branches off into two bundles and the impulses are carried down the center of the heart to the left and right ventricles. Step 4: Purkinje Fibers Impulse Conduction At the base of the heart, the atrioventricular bundles start to divide further into Purkinje fibers. When the impulses reach these fibers they trigger the muscle fibers in the ventricles to contract. The right ventricle sends blood to the lungs via the pulmonary artery. The left ventricle pumps blood to the aorta. Cardiac Conduction and the Cardiac Cycle Cardiac conduction is the driving force behind the cardiac cycle. This cycle is the sequence of events that occur when the heart beats. During the diastole phase of the cardiac cycle, the atria and ventricles are relaxed and blood flows into the atria and ventricles. In the systole phase, the ventricles contract sending blood to the rest of the body. Cardiac Conduction System Disorders Disorders of the hearts conduction system can cause problems with the hearts ability to function effectively. These problems are typically the result of a blockage that diminishes the rate of speed at which impulses are conducted. Should this blockage occur in one of the two atrioventricular bundle branches that lead to the ventricles, one ventricle may contract more slowly than the other. Individuals with bundle branch block typically dont experience any symptoms, but this issue can be detected with an electrocardiogram (ECG). A more serious condition, known as heart block, involves the impairment or blockage of electrical signal transmissions between the hearts atria and ventricles. Heart block electrical disorders range from first to third degree and are accompanied by symptoms ranging from light-headedness and dizziness to palpitations and irregular heartbeats.

HIroshima Discussion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

HIroshima Discussion - Essay Example This paper will review some of the characteristics of the bomb survivors, the miraculous incidents in the bombing and Truman’s press release after the bombing. In relation to miraculous occurrences, there are individuals that thought that their chances for survival were pretty limited or close to non-existent. They include Mrs. Nakamura, Mrs. Sasaki and Father Kleinsorge. Mrs. Nakamura who suffered from radiation poisoning fought furiously and regained her health. This was despite the fact that the radiation illness had affected her health in levels that doctors had concluded would never be reversed. Father Kleinsorge was affected by the bomb and its effects. He was seriously wounded, and despite all this, he tried to rescue people even though he thought he was to die from the effects of the bomb that made him loose blood from his wounds that kept reopening (Hersey, p 34-41). Mrs. Sasaki also recovers unexpectedly after the effects of radiation and the injuries she sustained from the collapsing of her house. This can be seen as both scientific and religious recoveries since science and medicine played a role in their wellness while they ha d hope and faith to get well. Science provided the much needed medicine and scientific support that was needed by the survivors of the blast. Their spiritual mindsets also contributed in ensuring that they believed that they would overcome what they were experiencing (Hersey, p 47). Truman describes the atomic bomb as the most potent explosive device whose output is exclusively from fission reactions. This device is a marvelous new power that can be used to overpower enemies. The book is an official non-fiction piece of work that explains an account of the bombing attack from the victims and their families view points. The book is just as monumental as the bombing incident

The Values of Minimalism Applied in Architectural Design Essay

The Values of Minimalism Applied in Architectural Design - Essay Example The essay "The Values of Minimalism Applied in Architectural Design" discusses postmodernism and minimalism through the architecture. This paper discovers what values of minimalism applied in architectural design as a process. The grand restructuring optimisms of the 1920s, of Walter Gropius, Le Corbusier, and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, had been stranded on the movement of social pragmatism. In the course of actions, the hopes of an architecture that might promote the public good of humanity were interpreted as elitist and minimalist, with an old-fashioned touch of Calvinist belief and frugality. After the filth had receded and the crooked steelwork had been put away, the site was settled for the antidote newbie postmodernism, which provided pluralism in replacement of uniformity, and bliss, happiness and intelligence in place of the washed out white walls of a succeeding reformation. While they paraded their way on to the vacant building location, the champions of postmodernism carri ed with them a shortened history that lessened the genuine complexity and ingenuity of modernism. The revolution in architectural design that had prevailed in the century was represented as the triumph of the square or the box, the flexible case as universal packaging, or as an embodiment of a Protestant Reformation placing confidence in the liberating features of industrialisation and democracy. In criticizing modernism as minimalist, the supporters of postmodernism cited a history that was itself similarly minimalist and ordinary.

My writing skills Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

My writing skills - Essay Example My three essays addressed different audiences, which required me to use different strategies. In my rhetoric essay, I was not precise in my writing. However, I was able to improve on this and my second and third essays were more specific and clear. The different essays have enabled me to improve my vocabulary use and sentence structure. In the different essays, I have had the privilege of addressing different audiences and make use of different writing strategies. This enabled me to realize the effectiveness of different persuasive strategies. In addition, I was able to develop different writing skills distinct to the different audiences. In the Rhetoric essay, I devoted my essay to an academic audience. I focused on analyzing a piece of work by a pronounced author. My rhetoric strategies were considered poor. I could not differentiate the different persuasive styles used in the essay. Moreover, the introduction of the essay was poorly written. Additionally, my thesis was not well st ated. The essay lacked a flow and the ideas were poorly phrased. As I read the essay, I noticed several things that I would change if I had to rewrite the essay again. For example, I did not explain how David Brooks made use of different rhetoric strategies to persuade the audience. My essay just mentioned that Brooks was persuasive without explaining how. However, analyzing David Brooks work was crucial to my writing. I was able to learn the different writing strategies used in persuasive.... The second essay was an argumentative essay. In this essay, it is clear that my writing skills had improved. I was able to state my viewpoint clearly. Additionally, the essay demonstrated excellent debating skills. In this essay, I shared arguments and counterarguments on why companies should start focusing on environmental protection and avoid focusing on economic profits. I ensured that I was open-minded and based my arguments on facts. Although I stated my stand, I ensured that my tone was convincing. For example, I explained the effects of company operations on the environment. I was able to convince the corporate audiences why it is advisable for them to adopt policies that will enable them invest in environment protection. In this essay, I realized that my persuasive strategies had improved. I was able to establish facts and use them to support my arguments. Additionally, I ensured that my arguments were organized in order of their priority, which helped me to build a strong ar gument. Additionally, my conclusions were clear and were based on facts. The third essay focused on why corporation, organizations, and governments should concentrate on cooperation and not competition. The controversy essay enabled me to establish ways of convincing the audience to support my arguments. In this essay, I pinpointed the demerits that arise when organizations adopt competitive strategies. I was able to draw the readers’ attention to the different issues surrounding competition and cooperation. I gave examples of how competition results in elimination of some companies from the market and how this affects the economy. Moreover, I explained how cooperation results into a win-win aftermath resulting in success of both parties. On the other hand, I was

Clinically Isolated Syndrome and MS

Clinically Isolated Syndrome and MS CHAPTER 1 – GENERAL PRINCIPLES 1.1 Terminology Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) is a central nervous system demyelinating event isolated in time that is may or may not lead to the development of multiple sclerosis (MS). It is a term that describes a first clinical episode with features suggestive of multiple sclerosis (MS). It usually occurs in young adults (19-30 years old) and affects optic nerves, the brainstem, or the spinal cord. Although patients usually recover from their presenting episode. (1) The term â€Å"clinically isolated syndrome† (CIS) is used to describe a first episode of neurologic episode that lasts at least 24 hours and is caused by inflammation and demyelination in one or more sites in the central nervous system (CNS). CIS may be presented as monofocal or multifocal: Monofocal episode:The person experiences a single neurologic sign or symptom such as an attack of optic neuritis that is caused by a single lesion. Multifocal episode:The person experiences more than one sign or symptom such as an attack of optic neuritis accompanied by weakness on one side of the body (hemiparesis) that is caused by lesions in more than one place in CNS. Individuals who experience a CIS may or may not go on to develop MS. In diagnosing CIS, the physician faces two challenges: first, to determine whether the patient is experiencing a neurologic episode caused by damage of the CNS, and second, to determine the possibility that a person experiencing this type of demyelinating episode is having high risk to develop MS. Of the people who are eventually diagnosed with MS, 85% experienced a first attack that is referred to as a clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). (1) If an MRI scan of the brain and spinal cord shows evidence suggestive of MS at the time of a clinically isolated syndrome or at the time of a second episode, then MS will be diagnosed. However, not all patients who experience a clinically isolated syndrome will go to develop MS (2). For many patients, there will be no MRI evidence suggestive of MS and no further symptoms or episodes. 1.2 history The first journal article including the term â€Å"clinically isolated syndrome† appeared only 20 years ago .Increasing availability of  magnetic resonance technology in the 80s improved diagnosis of  CNS  demyelinating disorders, and the arrival of disease-modifying medications for  multiple sclerosis  starting in mid-90s increased the importance of correct diagnosis and treatment. Long term follow up studies of patients presenting with an isolated clinical syndrome characteristic of multiple sclerosis led to the identification of risk factors for conversion to clinically definite multiple sclerosis (3). Today, no uniform consensus definition for a clinically isolated syndrome exists. In 2008, a panel of multiple sclerosis experts recommended that a clinically isolated syndrome be defined as a monophasic presentation with suspected underlying inflammatory demyelinating disease and recommended 5 subtypes based on monofocal or multifocal symptoms, presence or absence of asymptomatic MRI lesions, or patients without symptoms but with a suggestive MRI (3,4). 1.3 Epidemiology A study was made to determine whether the incidence of clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) the precursor form of multiple sclerosis (MS) that encompasses optic neuritis and transverse myelitis as well as other clinical presentations, varies by race/ethnicity in a multi-ethnic, population-based cohort (5). The methods that was used is based on electronic record searches and complete medical records review to identify all newly diagnosed CIS and MS cases in the population-based, multiethnic membership of Southern California Kaiser Permanente (KPSC) between 2008 and 2009. The KPSC membership contributed 7,410,754 person-years of observation during the study period and the racial/ethnic distribution was 36.5% white, 8.6% black, 43.4% Hispanic, 9.3% Asian/Pacific Islanders (Asian/PI) and 1.9% other (6). The results were the identification of 254 incident cases of CIS cases who did not yet met McDonald criteria for MS and did not have other obvious causes (viral, lupus, ischemia). The most common clinical presentation was optic neuritis (48.4%) followed by transverse myelitis (32.7%), other forms of mono-regional CIS (9.8%) and poly-regional CIS (9.1%). The average age at diagnosis with CIS was 42.9 years (range 14.8-80.8) and 70.5% were women. Among CIS cases, the racial/ethnic distribution was 47.6% white, 12.6% black, 33.1% Hispanic, 4.3% Asian/PI and 2.4% other. The incidence of CIS was 3.4 per 100,000 person-years. Incidence of CIS was higher in black (5.1, 95%CI=3.5-7.1) and white, non-Hispanic individuals (4.5, 95%CI=3.7-5.3) compared with white, Hispanic (2.6, 95%CI=2.1-3.2) and Asian/PI individuals (1.6, 95% CI = 0.8 2.9; p In conclusion the incidence of CIS is 3.4 per 100,000 person-years in a multi-ethnic, population-based cohort of Southern Californians. The incidence of CIS is higher in black and white individuals compared with Hispanic and Asian/PI individuals.6) 1.4 Risk of developing multiple sclerosis after clinically isolated syndrome Studies suggest that people who experienced a clinically isolated syndrome have a less than 50% risk of developing MS within five years of experiencing the initial symptoms (7). There is no single examination that can determine whether a person who experiences a clinically isolated syndrome will or will not go to develop MS. However, researchers have tried to identify factors that might influence the possibility of developing MS and help differentiate between people who have a higher and lower risk to develop MS. Though these classifications do not establish absolute risk of developing MS, they may help to guide people in making decisions about further testing or treatment (1,7). Figure 1: Progression of the disease for CIS and MS types. Source https://sbvimprover.com Factors that influence the likelihood of developing MS: 1. Type of clinically isolated syndrome Many studies have shown that different types of clinically isolated syndrome (i.e. transverse myelitis, optic neuritis, brainstem syndrome) in relation to the risk of developing MS. These studies suggest that optic neuritis is associated with a lower risk of developing MS and better long-term outcome than other types of clinically isolated syndromes (7). 2. Symptoms experienced during a clinically isolated syndrome Isolated sensory symptoms, which include tingling, numbness, or visual impairment are thought to be associated with a lower risk of developing MS compared to the presence of symptoms of motor system involvement , which are associated with a higher risk .(1) 3. MRI markers A brain MRI scan at the time of the clinical episode of CIS is thought to be the most useful predictive tool. A normal MRI scan showing no lesions is associated with a lower risk of developing MS. In the other hand, a brain scan that shows a high number or volume of lesions is associated with a higher risk of developing MS (1,7). 4. Laboratory markers A test that is used to confirm or rule out a diagnosis of MS is a lumbar puncture. A lumbar puncture involves removing and analyzing a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), specific markers in the cerebrospinal fluid have the ability to indicate MS activity. Studies have investigated whether analysis of CSF can help predict the possibility of developing MS after a clinically isolated syndrome. One of these studies was based on the data of 40 patients who presented with a clinically isolated syndrome and have been examined with MRI scanning and CSF analyzing within the following two months. Of the 15 patients who developed MS, 14 had abnormalities on MRI and 13 tested positive for markers of disease activity in their CSF. The risk of developing MS was significantly higher in patients who tested positive in CSF analysis and had abnormalities on their first MRI scan compared to patients who were negative for both or one of the tests (7,8). However, because it is less useful as a predictive tool than MRI, a lumbar puncture is not routinely recommended in cases of CIS as described in Table (1). High risk Low risk Motor system symptoms Isolated sensory symptoms High number and volume of brain lesion on MRI Normal brain MRI Table (1): Symptoms in high risk and low risk to develop MS In conclusion motor system symptoms and high number and volume of lesion on brain MRI are indicative of high risk of developing MS, in the other hand isolated sensory symptoms and normal brain MRI are most probably with low risk of developing MS (7).

A film adaptation of One Hundred Years of Solitude :: English Literature

A film adaptation of One Hundred Years of Solitude Intent We have reached an age, where most things are done through TV and cinema. It is unfortunate many people do not read many books anymore. People would rather sit for a few hours in a dark room eating popcorn and watching a screen. In my opinion it is necessary for more books to be adapted in films. Some people might argue whether a great book such as Madame Bovary and The Great Gatsby can shine in the same light with a film adaptation. With the film techniques available and the great talent this is very possible. I am a strong believer that watching an excellent movie on Pride and Prejudice or any other literary masterpiece is equal to reading the book. For this reason I have taken on the responsibility of adapting chapter 1 of One Hundred Years of Solitude. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez is a novel about a family, the Buendias living in a town called Macondo. The novel is postmodern. There are many instances where time jumps around. Along with the postmodernism feel there is also an element of magical realism. The magical realism is where characters can do things that are not possible in real life. In example of this is Remedios’s ability to fly in the air and go away. The elements of postmodern and magical realism make One Hundred Years of Solitude a difficult novel to adapt. For this particular paper I have chosen to adapt chapter 1. Chapter 1 includes flashbacks, magical realism, and the encounters with the gypsies. I have chosen chapter 1 because it includes the elements the novel is based on. The title of my film on One Hundred Years of Solitude is Opportunity. The main reason I have chosen this title because it is rooted in the last sentence of the novel, â€Å"†¦Aureliano Babilonia would finish deciphering the parchments, and that everything written on them was unrepeatable since time immemorial and forever more, because races condemned to one hundred year of solitude did not have a second opportunity on earth (Gabriel Garcia Marquez 448). In this quote, Marquez discusses how civilization with cease to be if there continues to be the solitude that is outlined in One Hundred Years of Solitude. Because the Buendia was the first attempt at a ‘perfect’ world, I have called it Opportunity, since this family was the first opportunity at the ‘utopia’. By adapting chapter 1 of One Hundred Years of Solitude I hope to show that a film can be just as or better than the novel it is based on.

Tourist Places of Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu & Kashmir Travel Information -Srinagar is an ancient city and has many attractions that can attract even the most unwilling of tourists to this magical land. Dal Lake, Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashme Shahi are some of the best-known tourist spot in Srinagar. Jammu is the winter capital of the state and next in importance after Srinagar. Most of the tourists who come to the Jammu region have the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine as their destination, which is quite close by. However, the spirit of holiness permeates through the entire city, so much so that Jammu is also known as the ‘City of Temples’. If Bahu Mata is the presiding deity of Jammu, the dargah of Peer Budhan Ali Shah is the other shrine that is believed to protect the local people. The other major tourist attraction is the Raghunath Temple Complex, which is the largest temple in North India devoted to Lord Rama. The construction of this temple was begun by Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1851 and completed by his son Ranbir Singh six years later. The temple of Maha Kali (better known as Bahu or Bawey Wali Mata), located in the Bahu Fort, is considered second only to Mata Vaishno Devi in terms of mystical power. The temple was built shortly after the coronation of Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1822. Other temples in the city include the Gauri Kund Temple, Shudh Mahadev Temple, Shiva Temple, Peer Khoh Cave Temple, Ranbireshwar Temple, and the Parmandal Temple Complex. The most stunning site in Jammu is the Sheesh Mahal. The Pink Hall of the palace now houses the Dogra Art Museum, which has miniature paintings of the various hill schools. The museum also has the handwritten Persian manuscripts of the Shahnama and Sikandernama. The palace was once the royal residence of the Dogra kings. Built as a group of buildings around a courtyard, the palace has a commanding view of river Tawi on one side and the city on the other. The Amar Mahal Palace Museum is a beautiful palace of red sandstone, which stands amidst the most picturesque environs of Jammu. It offers a beautiful view of the Shivaliks in the north and the river Tawi in the south. This was once the residential palace of Raja Amar Singh, but now it has been converted into a museum. The museum has a golden throne made of 120 kg of pure gold. A treat for those interested in history is the town of Akhnoor, 32 km southwest of Jammu. Standing on the banks of the mighty river Chenab, the town tells the tragic tale of the lovers Sohni and Mahiwal. Along the riverbank are the majestic ruins of the Indus Valley Civilization that are of great historical importance. Patnitop, near the Vaishno Devi Temple, is fast becoming a busy hill station and a good place to enjoy the nature in its eternity. Ladakh is home to the minority Buddhist community in the state. They have preserved their unique culture for the past hundreds of years. Leh is the headquarters of this region. The major points of attraction are the Leh Palace, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, Sankar Gompa, Shanti Stupa, and Soma Gompa.

Argument Against the Person - Argumentum ad hominem

Argument Against the Person - Argumentum ad hominem The ad hominem fallacy is a class of fallacies which is not only common but also commonly misunderstood. Many people assume that any personal attack is an ad hominem argument, but that isnt true. Some attacks arent ad hominem fallacies, and some ad hominem fallacies arent clear insults. What the concept argument​ ad hominem means is argument to the man, although it is also translated as argument against the man. Instead of criticizing what a person says and the arguments they are offering, what we have instead is a criticism of where the arguments are coming from (the person). This is not necessarily relevant to the validity of what is said - thus, it is a Fallacy of Relevance. The general form this argument takes is: 1. There is something objectionable about person X. Therefore, person Xs claim is false. Types of Ad Hominem Fallacy This fallacy can be separated into five different types: Abusive ad hominem: The most common and well-known type of ad hominem fallacy is just a simple insult and is called the abusive ad hominem. It occurs when a person has given up attempting to persuade a person or an audience about the reasonableness of a position and is now resorting to mere personal attacks.Tu quoque (two wrongs dont make a right): An ad hominem fallacy which does not attack a person for random, unrelated things, but instead attacks them for some perceived fault in how they have presented their case is often called tu quoque, which means you too. It often occurs when a person is attacked for doing what they are arguing against.Circumstantial ad hominem: Dismissing an argument by attacking an entire class of people who presumably accept that argument is called the circumstantial ad hominem. The name is derived from the fact that it addresses the circumstances of those who hold the position in question.Genetic fallacy: Attacking the origins for the position someone is proposing instead of the person or the argument is called the genetic fallacy because it is based on the idea that the original source of an idea is a sound basis for evaluating its truth or reasonableness. Poisoning the well: A preemptive attack on a person which questions their character is called poisoning the well and is an attempt to make the target appear bad before they even have a chance to say anything. All of these different types of ad hominem argument are fairly similar and in some cases can appear almost identical. Because this category involves fallacies of relevance, the ad hominem argument is a fallacy when the comments are directed against some aspect about a person which is irrelevant to the topic at hand. Valid Ad Hominem Arguments It is important, however, to remember that an argumentum ad hominem is not always a fallacy! Not everything about a person is irrelevant to every possible topic or any possible argument that they might make. Sometimes it is entirely legitimate to bring up a persons expertise in some subject as a reason to be skeptical, and perhaps even dismissive, of their opinions about it. For example: 2. George is not a biologist and has no training in biology. Therefore, his opinions about what is or is not possible with regards to evolutionary biology do not have a lot of credibility. The above argument rests upon the assumption that, if a person is going to make credible assertions about what is or is not possible for evolutionary biology, then they really should have some training in biology - preferably a degree and perhaps some practical experience. Now, to be fair pointing out the lack of training or knowledge does not qualify as an automatic reason for declaring their opinion to be false. If nothing else, its at least possible that they have made a guess by random chance. When contrasted with the conclusions offered by a person who does have relevant training and knowledge, however, we have a sound basis for not accepting the first persons statements. This type of valid ad hominem argument is therefore in some ways the reverse of a valid appeal to authority argument.

Orgs 2000 Term Notes Essays

Orgs 2000 Term Notes Essays Orgs 2000 Term Notes Essay Orgs 2000 Term Notes Essay WEEK 1 The organization has set of features shared by modern large scale organizations called bureaucracy (Max Weber note, very strategic design-y) o Features include: 0 1 . Clearly delineated positions and Jobs with required qualifications 0 2. Formal hierarchy of positions line of authority setting out power/limitations (chain of command) 0 3. Formal rules and standard operating procedures 0 4. Training, career paths, reward systems (aka advancement) Macro/Micro analysis o Macro organization and external organizational environment o Micro groups eams and interpersonal relations o Organizations are complex systems and what happens on one level affects another 0 Unanticipated consequences of changes! 3 lenses o Strategic design 0 View of the organization: input-throughput-output system 0 Key concepts: activities, interdependence, resources (esp. nformation) 0 Key processes: grouping, linking, and aligning 0 View of the environment: resource base (source of inputs), competitive market 0 Role of the leader: organizational architect, strategist 0 Stimuli for change: lack of internal alignment, lack of fit between organization environment Obstacles to change: inadequate information (they dont get it), inadequate analysis (the case isnt convincing) o Political system 0 View of the organization: an arena for conflict 0 Key concepts: power influence, interests 0 Key processes: conflict, negotiation, coalition building, networking 0 View of the environment: external stakeholders 0 Role of the leader: forging coalitions, identifying and leveraging interests, negotiating 0 Stimuli for change: shifts in dominant coalition, in power of stakeholders 0 Obstacles to change: entrenched interests (they wont buy in because hey stand to lose) o Cultural perspective 0 View of the organization: a social construct what we think it is 0 Key concepts: identity, symbols, values, basic assumptions 0 Key processes: meaning and interpretation, legitimating 0 View of environment: social and cultural network 0 Role of the leader: articulating vision, symbolizing the culture, understanding and leveraging the culture 0 Stimuli for change: challenges to basic assumptions, contending interpretations Impediments to change: dominant culture, established mindsets (they cant see it) Levels of analysis o Individual o Group o Organization Applications o Teams o Gender and Diversity Ince ntives and Motivation Change and CSR WEEK 2 STRATEGIC DESIGN Strategic design systems deliberately constructed to achieve certain strategic goals o Efficiency (accomplishing strategic goals with least resources)+ effectiveness (goals accomplished to standards) emphasized o Assumption: organization has a strategy for creating value (value proposition/ distinctive competitive advantage) establishes what activities will lead to success o Key strategic question: which activities should be inside the boundaries of the organization and which outside? Key elements o Information processing and enhancing system o Task basic element smallest unit of activities needed to be done to achieve overall strategic goals 0 Vary in complexity, routinization and interdependence o Task interdependence 0 Sequential interdependence one task completed and then handed off to next stage 0 Harder to manage than pooled, easier than reciprocal 0 Pooled interdependence tasks undertaken at same time and tlnal result put together 0 Easiest to manage 0 Reciprocal interdependence tasks conducted in repeated interaction with each other 0 Hardest to manage Organizational design choices begin with strategic grouping differentiation of clusters of activities, positions, and individuals into work units o Then they must go through linking ensure that resources and information flows efficiently and effectively between activities/groups o Lastly must use alignment mechanisms (incentive systems, information systems, etc. to ensure people have the resources AND incentives to carry out tasks assigned to them Strategic grouping gathering tasks, functions, disciplines and separating from others o Assumption: coordination and communication are easier within unit han across units o Basic criteria 0 Activity (function) 0 Product/technology (business division/unit) 0 Market/customer (geography/customer segment) o Grouping by expertise/function bringing together individuals who share similar functions, disciplines, skills, and work processes Three strengths 0 1. Development of deep functional expertise and a high degree of specialization 2. Economies of Scope easy to transfer resources across activities within functions 0 3. Allows for creations of separate alignment systems each tailored to every functions needs/strengths Four weaknesses 1 . Backward flows of information can be difficult due to sequential interdependence between functions (e. g. from marketing to eng) -> therefore not responsive to changes in consumers 0 2. As specialization increases, individuals develop narrower perspectives 0 3. Difficult to assess costs 0 4. Tendency to expand levels of management over time this can inhibit efficient and effective info flows 0 Frequently adopted by new businesses maintained over time by organizations that have a single major business or share similar technologies across similar markets Grouping by Output/Product organizes on basis of service/product rovided Two strengths 0 1 . Transparency of performance costs/profits are clear of each function (business) 0 2. Clear strategic focus each business division head is responsible for profitability/growth of a complete chain 0 Four weaknesses 0 1 . Difficulty of sharing resources lead to duplication of activities across business units 0 2. New business creation difficult business units focus on expanding their own business instead of finding new opportunities OR competing across units 0 3. Functional specialists are spread can lose touch with innovation in own fields 0 4. Distributing activities across different units can lead to missed learning opportunities in core functions 0 Structure associated with strategies that emphasize efficiency, where info on cost/ profitability is crucial Grouping by Market gathers together people who perform different activities/tasks and produce different outputs but serve same customers/market 0 1 . Capacity for deep customer knowledge and close relationships 0 2. Tailor products/services to different needs 0 Three weaknesses 0 1. Duplication of activities/resources 0 2. Erosion of deep technical expertise 0 3. Missed opportunities for synergies and learning 0 For strategies that are customer-focused (customers with different needs and tastes). Often in service industries Matrix organization picks two strategic grouping dimensions and gives them equal weight in org structure each manager of each operating unit reports to two bosses one for each dimension ren balancing two equally important grouping dimensions 0 Four weaknesses from complexity 0 1. Confusion 0 2. Higher costs 0 3. Delays in decision making 0 3. Heightened potential for conflict Front/back structure divided into two parts. Front end faces customer and organized by market developing and producing products. Back end is organized by product business units that include technology dev, production, logistics Two Strengths 1 . Close integration of tech development and production (back end) 2. Building deep customer knowledge and close relationships (front end) Three weaknesses 1 . Fragmentation of technical expertise (back end) 2. Poor integration between market needs and tech development 3. Ensuring adequate integration/synergy between the front and back ends can be difficult o Modular/Network structures self organizing network. The subunits come together and cooperate to deliver a specific product or service. New development. Not much info in reading o Line activities in the direct chain providing products/ services to customer o Staff support activities (so finance, legal, HR, PR, IT) Linking designing structures and processes to connect and coordinate organizational units and subunits whose tasks are interdependent but have been separated by strategic grouping decisions o Intensity of linking mechanisms is influenced by level of interdependence (pooled, sequential, reciprocal the task interdependence earlier) Dotted line relationships lower ranking person is formally responsible for supplying all relevant information to higher ranked person but that they have no formal authority over them beyond the information flow (easy fix for lack of horizontal information flow) o Liaison roles assigning responsibility for coordination across groups to individuals 0 These people are conduits for info and expertise 0 Primarily information-focused role 0 Not a full-time responsibility but combined with other act ivities o Integrator roles coordinate activities and decision processes 0 More of a general management role Have carrots and stic ks to help their role o Permanent cross-unit groups formal mandate for representatives of different task/work groups to pool expertise and coordinate efforts to a certain product/client/ market/problem. Often combined with other activities (not full-time assignment) o Temporary cross-unit groups like permanent groups, but project is the grouping dimension. Disband after the project. Heads of project teams play an integrator role o IT Systems enhance support for linking and coordinating mechanisms and even can be seen as own linking mechanisms Co-location putting people and subunits that need to exchange information in the same location o Challenge in designing linking mechanisms determining which add value and which do not Alignment ensuring the units and individuals assigned certain tasks and activities by grouping and linking have the resources and motivation to carry them out A common failure of organizational redesign efforts is a lack of organizational congruence misaligned supporting systems and processes o Performance measurement systems system to indicate whether or not a design is effective based on its performance. Need to be designed so that they do not pull groups in incompatible directions that undercut linking o Rewards and incentives useful tool for changing behaviour. 0 Criteria for general principles: 0 Incentives should link performance to pay and directly link performance to specific standards and objectives 0 Rewards should relate directly to the nature of performance required at each level of the organization. Rewards should be directly linked to objectives that are within the groups or individuals power to control 0 Incentive plans should match measurement periods for rewards to relevant erformance plans 0 One view individuals oriented to material rewards 0 Prone to free ride off others can be unproductive without negative sanctions 0 Other view most individuals want to do a good Job 0 Main challenge is to design reward system that doesnt misalign rewards with requirements of orgs strategic intent perverse incentives o Resource allocation assessing adequacy of resource to carry out assigned tasks very difficult to implement o HR Development -Allocating resources of people as well as developing (training) and creating them (hiring) Strategic organizational design process Disruption of flow of business re design efforts take up time and attention of managers and tie up organizational resources 0 Information is not processed adequately employees do not recognize the value of different kinds of info, how to interpret it, how to add value, or how to pass it on o Risk to LT relationships with customers/suppliers they do not know who to talk to in the organization because of changing positions o Stress loss ot continui ty, departure ot key people = damages core competencies ot company. People worry about Job loss o Good design process (Nadler/Tushman) 0 1. Those that emerge from consideration of widest possible range 0 2. Design process involves people who understand the organization 0 3. Developed with implementation in mind 0 4. Making people responsible for making the change work feel as if were part of shaping the change o Stimulus for change 0 Response to growth more products, broader range of customers, etc. 0 Internal problems lack of coordination, excessive conflict, unclear roles, poor work flows, etc. Environmental changes (most frequent) from external business environment Organization seen as throughout-put takes inputs from environment, adds value hrough internal processes, and distributes to users outside the organization 0 Input- set environment 0 Output-set market 0 Shifts in the environment can change the design organization must fit the environmental pressures Understanding an organization 0 1. Know its strategy what is the organization trying to accomplish? How does it differentiate itself? What does it do better than others? 0 2. Map its design 0 What is the grouping structure? 0 How are the units created by the structure linked? 0 Are the basic systems aligned with each other? Do they positively reinforce each other? Does the organization design fit the demands of its environment and of its strategy? Strategic organizational design process 0 1. Generate design criteria 0 2. Generate grouping alternatives 0 3. Evaluate grouping alternati ves 0 4. Identify coordination requirements 0 5. Generate structural linking mechanisms 0 6. Evaluate structural linking mechanisms 0 7. Conduct impact analysis 0 8. Refine and eliminate designs 0 9. Identify issues for operational design and alignment 0 10. Identify issues for implementation Political system sees organization as a social system constructed as an arena for ompetition and conflict among individuals, groups, and other organizations whose interests and goals differ o Roots of conflict lie in different interests, disagreements requiring action, including negotiation, coalition building, exercise of power and influence o Asks Whos defining the problem? What gives them the power to define it? Whos advocating my solution and why? How can I get an outcome that serves the interests of me and my group? o Decisions must be political have to have buy in of those with power to implement/block them Interests what people want and whats at stake for hem o Assumption: people act rationally to serve their own interests (economic man) o Collective interests those shared by others belonging to same group o Groups: 0 Formal structure 0 Demographic groups 0 Division of labour 0 Location 0 Professional/occupational category o Stakeholder perspective identifies groups that have a share stake (i. e. set of collective interests) 0 1 . Analyzing what interests are and what priority they have for individuals and collective actors 0 Multiple interests at same time LT/ST, competing, autonomy/ cooperation 0 Collectives also have multiple interests Therefore, the way decisions are made, they depend mostly on how key decision makers see and assign weight to their interests 0 These interests are also dynamic they change 0 Can be latent do not realize they exist until an event happens 0 To carry out an action, one must understand what interests will be affected by it Power ability to affect behaviour of other people 0 1 . Influence someone does not have formal authority but has ability to persuade others. Legitimate 0 2. Authority legitimate and decreed upon by organizational hierarchy/formal positions 0 3. Coercion domination not considered very legitimate. Breeds resentment. Basically punishing someone o Sources of power: 0 Personal characteristics charisma gift of grace. Emotional connection between leader and followers. Unstable, requires constant proofs, difficult to transfer 0 Energy 0 Focus 0 Sensitivity to others and ability to understand how they see interests 0 Flexibility 0 Ability to tolerate conflict 0 Submerging ones ego and getting along 0 Willingness to engage in conflict to further ones actions is a source of power Scarce or valued expertise 0 Past performance/track record People believe can cultivate future relationships with high fliers 0 Formal position 0 Provides guide to resource allocation, info flows, evaluation of employee performance, task assignments, conflict resolution 0 Proximity of subunit to head of organization greater the power 0 Informal network position 0 Size of network and position in network is crucial 0 Centrality how many links you are between powerful individuals within a network 0 Network clusters are better and more efficient than redundant interconnected, tightly knit networks 0 Network position is a great source of influence for 2 reasons 0 1. Info advanta ge in can confer 0 2. Potential for coalitions 0 Holes in an organizational network where there is no direct link between subunits that could benefit from being linked structural holes o Someone who bridges these wholes has power because he has disproportionate say since he has contact with both 0 Many social networks: task-related networks, friendship networks, advice networks o How to identify where power resides in an organization: 0 Reputation ask people who has power in the org 0 Representational indicators which groups interests are over repped Observation of consequences which groups benefit most from resource allocation 0 Symbols of power o Sources of power: Personal characteristics, scare valued expertise, track record/ contribution to org. performance, formal position in org. hierarchy, informal network position Using political lens to take action: 0 1. Map interests and power 0 1 . Supporters whose cooperation do you need 0 2. Blockers whose opposition could hold you up 0 3. Potential stakeholders who will be affected 0 4. Existing coalitions who are the friends/allies of potential supports/blockers and what are their collective interests This provides guidance on a) how to convince key stakeholders that your initiative serves them, and b) how to tailor your initiative so that incorporates key stakeholders 0 2. Getting buy-in getting people to commit to action 0 Escalation of commitment people are more likely to commit to something that they have already invested resources into 0 Publically made less likely to back in 0 More resources = more commitment 0 Giving stakeholders chance to provide feedback they have some effect on the group 0 Risk: having potential supporter back out 0 3. Finding allies building coalition illusion of influence feeling that Set of allies who act together to support certain policies/activities 0 Long-term can be a general coalition to provide reciprocal support for each others interests 0 Dominant coalition upper management acting together in their interests 0 Idea of reciprocity mostly 4. Building a network 0 Built on reciprocity (l do for you, you do for me), and trust. Have values, i. e. urrencies: 0 Rewards-related 0 Task-related 0 Relationship-related 0 Status-related 0 Key to establish trust to overcome initial barrier and begin with reciprocity Mainta ining relationships are a crucial time sink may take up to 80% of managers ime 0 Choose type of network to maintain 5. Building negotiation skills WEEK 4 CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE Cultural perspective focuses on social and personal identities carried by people. Cultural understandings are collectively shaped and rooted in the past o Limitations of managers, structural authority, influence, and rationality best describe human behaviour o Emphasis that people must learn these things to be fully functioning members of org Schiens model of culture: o Pyramid going from top to bottom: 0 1 . Artifacts/behaviours (symbols) what you observe 0 2. Espoused values what you are told (normative)

Innovation in Nursing Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Innovation in Nursing - Research Paper Example Moreover, some health care experts have alluded that innovation in nursing is a process that does not only take place in laboratories, but rather among the health care service providers hence requires the need to diffuse and use modern technology in order to facilitate quality healthcare service provision. Challenges facing Innovation in Nursing PracticeOne major challenge that has hindered proper and effective nursing is the fact that many stakeholders have not realized the importance of innovation within the healthcare systems. Leaders have failed to recognize that without nurses and other healthcare service providers, the process of healthcare service provision would come to a standstill.In addition, the profession of nurses and other health care service provision is complex and requires great understanding; this aspect has been recognized by many stakeholders (Edwards 2012). However, there has been increasing perception in the media and other channels of information dissemination that: The quality of nursing is increasingly diminishing and that healthcare service providers in many case do not have the passion and the commitment to undertake innovative activities geared towards improving healthcare service provision. This affected the support, emotional and physical, directed towards nurses hence hindering their capacities to participate in innovative activities.It is a fact that innovation facilitates doing things in different ways; such knowledge is usually generated among concerned individuals.

Human Rights Standards are Vague and Lack Effective Enforcement Essay

Human Rights Standards are Vague and Lack Effective Enforcement Mechanisms - Essay Example ..shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures...secure their universal and effective recognition and observance† (UDHR, n.d). In effect, the law clearly established the importance of establishing standards for all nations in promoting respect due to every citizen. Some of the provisions of the UDHR however, are vague and are filled with different issues in enforcement. Article 1 alone has various vague and unspecific terms which cannot be clearly pictured on a more practical application. As discussed by various legal experts, the provisions of the UDHR are vague and are too general or sweeping in their contents. They do not contain sufficient specifics in order to guide the people, and other individuals called on to implement its provisions. The provisions of the law are drafted generally and are also general in their language, without clear indications on the rights of the people being protected (Dugard, 2 009). The imprecise nature of Article 3 also leaves major gaps in enforcement, gaps which often have to be filled in by enforcers who are prompted to make their own judgment (often subjective) on the violation of the UDHR’s provisions. This declaration was originally planned as a statement of objectives to be implemented by different governments, and they were originally not part of international law. However, in 1968, the UN International Conference on Human Rights declared that the UDHR would form part of the obligations of members of the international community (Dugard, 2009). As a result, the declaration became part of the international laws applicable to all nations of the world. As such, the coverage of these laws became more extensive. In relation to the domestic implementation of the UDHR’s provisions, there are major issues in the distillation or decentralization of these laws. There are issues for some of these countries agreeing to the application of the pro visions of the UDHR (Donnelly, 1984). Some of these countries’ laws, especially those in the Middle East including Iraq and Afghanistan, conflict with the international provisions of the UDHR (Article 2) which includes provisions on the rights and freedoms of women. These nations have not adequately resolved the issue on what to do in case there is such a conflict, as such, the implementation of the UDHR’s provisions are suspended pending their decision on this matter (Koh, 1998). And for some countries, especially those in the Middle East, decisions on this matter can take years to finalize. In the meantime, violations on the provisions of the UDHR may sometimes go unpunished and even unnoticed by the concerned authorities. This was apparent in the case of Afghanistan who, for many years suffered under the Taliban rule, enduring this abusive regime. For countries with limited resources and reception of international laws, the enforcement of the UDHR may be reduced (Ko h, 1998). This would allow for the proliferation of violations in human rights in these countries, compromising the efficacy and the reach of the international laws within domestic territories. Issues on the enforcement o