Towards Understanding the Causes of Genetic Diversity

Man, in all his uniqueness, has managed to conquer the world and its inhabitants for thousands of millennia now. Animals and plants have their own unique characteristics too, at least scientifically as well as biologically.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Towards Understanding the Causes of Genetic Diversity specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Scientists and other theorists have been working round the clock to understand the origins and nature of these unique characteristics found in both primate and non-primate organisms (Lahn Ebenstein, 2008). Below, several concepts that are thought to cause genetic diversity are critically evaluated in a bid to offer answers to the myriad of questions on the unique characteristics prevalent in organisms. Genetic diversity is a term mostly used to underscore the â€Å"variation in the nucleotides, genes, chromosomes, or whole genomes of organisms† (Harrison et al , 2004, para. 1). In its most straightforward level, genetic diversity is characterized by variations in the nucleotides, the basic ingredients that forms the DNA contained in the cells of a living organism. The chromosomes residing within the organism’s cells play host to the DNA. Most organisms contain two sets of chromosomes, with a few exceptions that have one, three, or four pairs of chromosomes in a cell. If an organism is diploid (two sets of chromosomes), it means that it has two alleles of each gene (Harrison et al, 2004). Mutation and sexual reproduction comes in since there are the major factors that lead to variation of either one or more alleles contained in each gene (Lewontin, 1995; Harrison et al, 2004). Other biologists and anthropologists are of the opinion that geographical localities and lifestyles are also possible candidates for genetic diversity in primates. Generally, mutations are changes in the structure of the DNA which form the foundation for dissi milarities between related organisms (Lewontin, 1995; TutorVista.com, 2008). Although a single mutation can have an overbearing effect on an organism, most evolutionary variations and spontaneous mutations are as a result of accrual of many mutations in the natural setting. One of the fundamental objectives of all living creatures is to survive. It is therefore imperative for cells to continue reproducing so that the objective can be met (Knight, 2009). During sexual reproduction, an organism inherits alleles from the sperm and ova of both parents.Advertising Looking for research paper on biology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The pairing or copying of these alleles after fertilization to form an offspring can assist to introduce genetic variation which may indeed be of great benefit in the future. This process is called sexual recombination (Harrison et al, 2004; Knight, 2009). An example of such genetic variation can be wi tnessed in the difference in looks between an offspring and its parents. Sexual reproduction introduces the issues of migration and population size. Migration is the progression or movement, in most cases within organisms (USDA, 2006). The chromosomes inherited by the offspring from the parents are bound to change more if there has been a case of migration or hybridization (Harrison et al, 2004). This is especially so if parents of the offspring happen to come from different populations, and therefore posses dissimilar gene pools. In plants, genetic diversity via migration takes place through pollen dispersal or grafting of vegetative stems. Lastly, sexual reproduction, in altering genetic diversity, allows organisms to increase their population size with the aim of maintaining a high competitive advantage over the others (Harrison et al, 2004). This is crucial for survival. Sexual reproduction has the capacity to introduce new and more advanced gene into a population. The essence o f this type of gene shuffling is yet another fundamental foundation for genetic diversity. It cannot escape mention that genetic variation also occurs when alleles of two or more sets of populations mix through migration incase of primates or via pollen and seed dispersal via non-primates (USDA, 2006). It is therefore true to say that genetic diversity is in a constant mode of change – both through time and across geographical localities. Reference List Harrison, I., Laverty, M., Sterling, E. (2004). Genetic Diversity. Retrieved from https://cnx.org/contents/b8pd-bDN@2/Genetic-Diversity Knight, J.C. (2009). Human Genetic Diversity: Functional Consequences for Health and Disease: Oxford University Press. ISBN: 9780199227693Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Towards Understanding the Causes of Genetic Diversity specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Lahn, B.T., Ebenstein, L. (2008). Let’s celebrat e human genetic diversity. Nature, Vol. 461, pp. 726-728 Lewontin, R. (1995). Human Diversity, 2nd Ed. W.H. Freeman Company. ISBN: 0716760134 United States Department of Agriculture. (2006). Why is Genetic Diversity always Changing? Web. This research paper on Towards Understanding the Causes of Genetic Diversity was written and submitted by user Dario Harrington to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Whispers in the Sand essays

Whispers in the Sand essays To escape from something is to break loose from confinement; get free and a means of obtaining temporary freedom from worry, care, or unpleasantness. In the novel, Whispers in the Sand, by Barbara Erskine it uses symbols which represent this feeling of escape. The symbols used in the novel try to symbolize some form of escape or difference between reality and illusion; the concept of escaping their own lives and retreating into an illusion has entered each of the character's minds. Everyone in the novel seeks haven from their lives, attempting to escape into a mythological world. In Whispers in the Sand, Erskines' use of the diary and the scent bottle portrays the high priests, Louisa and Anas need to use the escape as a literal exit from their own reality. In previous times when ancient Egypt was ruled by pharaohs there were two priests who had a struggle that abruptly ended both of their lives. This struggle was for the power and recognition of the pharaoh at the time. One priest ruled towards God and all things good, whereas the other wanted the power and for the Pharaoh to give him the recognition for finding an elixir of life so that he may live forever. Knowing that this was not an acceptable thing to do the good priest did whatever was in his power to stop the elixir from going any further or into the hands of the Pharaoh. As the priest went into stop the other from producing such a formula he says, No you mustnt, you cant. You have no idea what you are doing. You may think this is going to help all your problems but in the end you will always be here. Reality is this. Do not use a formula to make your life into some kind of illusion... (12). By his statement alone it is possible to believe that the bad priest was only doing the se acts in order to break free from his own life. That he was using the elixir which becomes the scent bottle to Ana in modern times as a way to make things ...

Happiness Advantage Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Happiness Advantage - Essay Example However, for every success, goalposts are pushed further and further, and happiness is forced to the horizon. In a recent research that has been conducted in the area of positive psychology and neuroscience, there is evidence that in circumstance that the relationship between happiness and success works backward. Through this cutting –edge- science, it is now apparent that happiness is what produces success according to Achor. Dr. Achor argues that optimism and happiness gear to achievement and performance that result in competitive edge called ‘Happiness Advantage. The authors say, waiting to be happy limits the brain’s potential to success, while by positive minds results in more motivation, resilience, creativity, productivity and efficiency increase a person’s performance. The author says that is his discovery is based on a research he carried out in 500 companies worldwide and an interview with 1600 students in Harvard School (Achor 100). There are sev en main principles from the Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor that produce happiness. These principles include Happiness Advantage, The Tetris Effects, The Zorro Circle, Social Investment, The Fulcrum and the Lever, Falling Up, and The 20-Second Rule. The author was raised in Waco, Texas, and he never anticipated leaving the city. As he applied in Harvard, he wanted to train as a volunteer firefighter. He was unexpectedly accepted in the school, and this made him feel honored and privileged. After pursuing his studies, he becomes a proctor, hired to assist undergraduates navigate through the academic success and happiness. The author explains that his life in Harvard changed the way his brain processed his experience. Many learners in Harvard saw the school as a privilege, but others did not see this as they mainly focused on competition, workload and stress (Achor 120). The students felt inundated by every small challenge instead of being motivated by the opportunities ahead

Women Liberation Movement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Women Liberation Movement - Essay Example However, Women Liberation Movement not only consisted of different liberation groups but it also included various advocates and a variety of groups who aimed to represent women and their rights. In addition to this, Women Liberation Movement also appeared formally in organizations like the Women’s Action Group or Women Electoral Lobby. Women Liberation Movement is said to be the biggest landmark in the women history of UK. Throughout the years, their hard work did pay off. They succeeded in their aims in a short span of time. One cannot ignore the fact that this movement did improve the status of women in British society. Before this movement was established, women were not allowed to do outdoor jobs and it was obligatory for them to obey their husbands no matter what. Due to this low status of women in British society, Mary Wollstonecraft, first feminist, advocated that this movement purely aimed for equitable distribution of rights between male and female. Even though Women Liberation Movement achieved its goals, but along this, some problems still remained. All in all, this movement is a continuous battle which includes women struggling against the world in order to improve their life, work and sexuality1. History and Foundation As mentioned above, Women Liberation Movement

Site plan Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Site plan - Case Study Example Such information can be acquired by conducting a SWOT analysis of the business in attempts to determine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats affecting the business. This work evaluates the provided plan of a proposed cupcake shop along the beach by using the SWOT Analysis. In any business, it is vital to assess the industry in order to be fully informed of the requirements. It is essential to have credible information regarding the targeted customers and their needs. The intended business has to meet and satisfy the needs of the targeted customers. If the business achieves this objective efficiently, chances of success are high. Therefore, as far as this proposed business is concerned, SWOT analysis will provide the necessary information to make the business a success. Strengths The site location’s strength is based on the demographics of the area. The demographics, according to Russ (2009) give a person the idea of the population surrounding the area. Since th e site is supposed to host a cup cake studio, the area demographics, which includes the beach, is suited for the site location. People of different age groups love the beach, and this is an opportunity to serve these people with cupcakes. The beachgoers love to relax as they enjoy themselves with their favorite snacks and beverages. Therefore, the fact that there is a cup cake shop near the beach is an advantage to the business since it is near the targeted customers. Also, because the business is located on the first building accessible from the beach is an advantage. Had the business been located in other buildings far away from the beach, proximity could have been affected. It is imperative to have a business located in a place easily accessible to customers. Easier proximity to a business plays a significant role in the growth and development of the business. When customers can easily access the business, the business is guaranteed to succeed. Furthermore, the immediate surround ing area has numerous apartments that will provide the proposed business with the required customer base for the business to

Character Analysis: Theory Of Personality Development

Character Analysis: Theory Of Personality Development In the analysis of the star character Rachel in the 1968 movie Rachel Rachel by Paul Newman, I have used the Theory of Personality Development by Freud Sigmund (1856-1939). Sigmund developed this theory about psychoanalysis from his works on patients with mental problems several years back. In this theory, Freud Sigmund believed that allthe spheres ofsomeonespersonality were in one way or another determined by the sex of the person and aggression.Sigmund believed that other factors that shapedsomeones character also developed during this period of personality development which in totality determined the adults personality and how well they relate with the world. According to Freud Sigmund the three elements that make the personality are the Id, the ego and the superego. The ID is the part we are born with and is the part of us that wants us to be comfortable. For instance children will cry when they are hungry until they are fed in complete disregard of whether there is food or not or even whether the person attending to them is busy or not. As we have observed around us, a child will always cry until what they want is done for them or given to them. The Ego is believed to develop in children from three years of age onwards. This part enables one to realize the realities of life. At this stage of development a child can very clearly understand the consequences of their actions. For instance they can understand that some unpleasing actions can make them to be punished or rewarded. Main Body: Analysis The Superego is the part that develops by the time a child reaches five years. Once the superego develops the cycle of personal development is completed and one attains a balanced personality. The superego is also known as the conscience because it helps us distinguish between wrong and right actions and it also defines for us the ethics and morals by which we live. The movie Rachel Rachel based on the novel Jest of God by Margaret Laurence is about a 35-year-old schoolteacher Rachel Cameron who is unmarried and is portrayed in the movie as feeling terrible that she has wasted her life. The Interprofessional education would also enable me to involve all the necessary stakeholders in cases of emergency so as to limit conflicts and ensure the delivery of quality health and social care. For instance, in case I will be faced with a similar situation as the drunken patient case, I would be able to reassure the patient and ensure that they have plenty of drip water added to their body, while ensuring that before I take any steps, I consult with other adult nurses and doctors. In addition, I would advocate for joint multi-disciplinary training so as to ensure increased harmony among the IP group members at the work place. Moreover, I would also ensure that there is a clearly distinct role defined for each IP team member so that each member contributes to the situation at hand. The role of effective communication would be key to the success of my career as an adult nurse. This is because; the service user and the nurses as well as the doctors would require knowing the progress of the patient as he is being treated. In the above case, after treating the patient, he will be moved to the recovery ward where he will be attended to by other nurses and health care givers. These health care givers will require knowing the progress report of the patient, which I would ensure that they have in good time. As an adult nurse, the value of communication is immeasurable The star character Rachel lives with her mother in an apartment that was once owned by her late father in New England. It is time for the summer holidays and Rachel is not excited like the other teachers about the vacation as she figures it will just be another holiday when she will be bored and she will have to put up with her demanding mother in the house. In the movie, another character Calla Mackie who happens to be Rachels best friend,a lesbian and a fellow teacherpersuades and invites Rachel to attend a religious meeting with her. Rachel is convinced into attending the meeting and while there she is touched by the sermon delivered by the guest preacher who is a young man. This incidence marks the beginning of a series of several other events which will convince Rachel to get out of the cocoon she was hiding in and live in the real world where she can freely express her emotions and desires. Calla also feeling touched by the sermon confesses her feelings for her best friend but she is turned down by Rachel who does not have lesbian tendencies. After the religious meeting and Rachel feeling that she can express her emotions and love to those she cares about she gets involved in a short lived sexual relationship with their old family friend Nick Kazlik who was back in town to visit his folks. Rachel then has her first sexual relationship with Nick;she falls in lovewith him and starts thinking of a future with Nickmistaking the lust they have for one another for love. Nick on the other hand on noticing that Rachel is treating their relationship more seriously than it ought to be treated ends the fling because to him it was just a casual affair. Shortly after Rachel suspects that she might have fallen pregnant and this really makes her happy as she imagines having a baby of her own.Rachel therefore plans to relocate elsewhere to a place where she can raise her child now that her relationship with Nick is short-lived. Her best friend Calla helps her get another teaching job in Oregon but Rachel soon finds out that she is not pregnant but has a benign cyst. A surgery is organized and after having the cyst removed Rachel still decides to move away with her mother to Oregon and even though she is feeling alone and empty because of the loss of the man she loved and her supposed baby, she has a strong will to continue with her life. Rachels Experience Rachel Rachel is a very moving romance, classic and drama themed movie that shows the loneliness and existence of some ladies in real life where someone does not get what they have always wanted or where life seems so unfair to someone. The problem could be in our personalities where we have internal battles within us over what we want and what society or everyone else will say about us. There were several ideologies that the students discussed in low tones relating to the behavior of these students. However, this was only qualified by the fact that the medical profession students liked discussing their peers conduct and professional ethics. In this book, I learnt that Rachel had issues with other students conduct which frequently extended to the rest of the other peers both at school and at home. I concurred with critics that she often exhibited this trend. The rest of the team members agreed that the time limit of working in groups could not be construed to mean that medical students were often too pervasive. The setting of the group work was more controlled, thus limiting the results of the findings. It was agreed within my group that the real picture could be depicted in the work place though with limited variations. This was the case with the attitude of the medical students towards other medical students as well as the other students in general. The multi-disci plinary team meeting gave me insights and adequate experience in relation to the kind of communication among different professional team members. They were constantly evaluating her work which sounded kind of uneasy for Rachel. Striking a balance In emotionally sound persons, the ego normally comes out as the strongest element of personality taking care of both the Id and the superego. When these three elements are balanced someone is able to survive and exist well without taking undue advantage of others. Unfortunately not all of us can have the ego coming out stronger than our Ids and superegos. For some the Id is stronger and such a person will be self-centered and concerned only with their wellbeing and if the superego also happens to be stronger such a person can be too hard on themselves, have judgmental tendencies and relating with others would be extremely difficult for them. Like mentioned earlier the three elements are driven by sex and aggression. Sex which Freud calls the Eros stands for our desire to reproduce and live. Aggression on the other hand represents our need to acquire more wealth and protect our lives. According to Freudstheory, our ego therefore has so many tasks. It is charged with the duty of checking that everything is balanced, it deals with lifes challenges and ensures that our actions do not hurt those we care about and all this is done by employing ego defense mechanisms like: Denial- where we pretend that a problem does not exist. Suppression- where we consciously block out some thoughts from our minds especially thoughts that can hurt our feelings. Regression- where we can go back to decisions we had made earlier on. Rationalization- where we come up with logical explanations to problems or difficult situations instead of admitting the truth. Projection- where we put behaviors that are unpleasing on other people. Consequently, after looking at the storyline of the movie briefly and having explained the theory of Personality Development of the psyche by Freud Sigmund, we can say that Rachel the lead character in the movie had a personality problem. This is evident in several ways: First at 35 years of age, Rachel was still a single woman never married before and still a virgin. This shows that Rachels ego could probably be weaker than the other two elements of her personality because in Freuds explanation there reaches a point in life when every human being of reproductive age would like to procreate and have offspring of their own. And that is why when Rachel suspects that she is pregnant and her belly starts swelling she is so excited. Even though she could have ended up being a single mother she does not seem bothered at all. All that seemed to pre occupy her mind was the fact that she would have her own baby finally. This shows that Rachels super ego couldbe much stronger than her ego and her Id and that is why she was a virgin till late into her life. Secondly, Rachel looks like she has a personality development problem because she had not known who she was or what she wanted in her life before she and her friend Calla attended the crusade. It is while at the crusade that Rachel decides to have a free spirit. Rachel looks like she was hiding in some shell and it was the young preacher who helped her get out of it after which she had a sexual relationship with Nick. In this case we conclude that it is Rachels superego which was dominant once again because her morals were probably too uptight that she could not have sex before marriage. I also learnt that adult nurses should learn to downplay their differences for the common good of their patients. I also learnt that the power and authority held by students in their past affected the IP collaboration. Critics subsequently felt beaten at it. However, this has changed owing to the modern reorganization of the healthcare delivery. I learnt that other team members have now been given a chance to take lead roles in the delivery of quality health and social care. This kind of delegation was necessary due to the busy schedule of the doctors. This had to be communicated effectively within the Interprofessional teams. Nurses have been empowered and can now play a vital role which was traditionally reserved for lead doctors in the health care centers. IP working has therefore made nurses more powerful and authoritative thus providing them with ardent experience to further their careers. Rachel also does not seem to enjoy her life. Schools have closed and people are happy to be going on vacation but Rachel on the other hand is just there not excited about the holidays like everyone else. Rachel was more of an outgoing kind of person than any other character in the movie. In fact, the movie depicts Rachel as aggressive lass who not only care about her own affairs and her state of being but also the state of others. It is indeed appalling to learn that she attempts to repair the bad relationship that others have been nurturing all this while. It should be remembered that Rachels earlier background is one to reckon. I acknowledge the fact that working together as a team is integral to the success of my career. There are many times when I will have to consult various health and social care practitioners to effectively treat or deal with complications that may arise during treatment. Likewise, such professional team members may require my help in dealing with social, phys ical and mental health problems. I also appreciate the fact that effective communication within the IP teams is key since no professional staff within the health and social care can work in isolation. Professional health and social team members should attend the same training session so as to improve their IP team collaboration. Her character is mostly confused to be that of a person who is very strict and stern with all aspects of her life. This indeed helps to illuminate on the kind of character that we expect her to have. The issue again could be that her superego dominates over the other elements of her personality so much that Rachel is uptight and her conscience cannot allow her to indulge in activities that are fun even during vacation. Rachel does not seem to make decisions or to be in total control of her life. When she gets invited by Calla to attend a revival meeting Rachel goes just to please her best friend not that she really cared what was going to happen at the meeting. Fortunately for Rachel, it is a time she gets to discover herself and start doing things that other normal adults do without feeling guilty about anything. She even gets to fall in love for someone something she had never done all her entire life. The best thing is that the movie ends when Rachel seems like she is beginning to have a grip of her life and that her own life is beginning to bring meaning to her and excite her as well. Hopefully she found the love of her life where they relocated to. In the movie Rachel Rachel, several people are struggling with personality issues. The theory by Freud has helped us to study an individuals character and to be able to draw a conclusion concerning the level of development of the Id,ego and superego. My Experience During my internship at the general ward as a practicing nurse to be, I was able to experience teamwork conflicts. This experience played well during the conference, thus enabling me to learn more from a practical approach. I was also able to share my experience with the other IP team members. I also learnt important aspects of IP communication and working that are integral to the success of IP collaboration. These include, not using jargons, listening whenever other team members are talking, questioning assumptions sensibly, promoting the rights and dignity of IP team members. There are certain terms that adult nurses will use which cause confusion and ambiguity, thus making others who assume the meaning of jargons to error. On the other hand, I would also learn to resolve ethical issues within my IP team. Certain ethical issues are bound to affect the IP collaboration within my working teams. I would therefore respect other IP team members ethical standing and approach any indifference with a voice of reason in a bid to drive sense into the team members understanding. Indeed, most of the team members agreed to the fact that discrimination was indeed a shared concern. During my internship, I watched a patient walk in with his girlfriend. It was evident that from the start, the doctor on call could not give effective direction and as if this was not enough, the doctor could not take a leadership role and advice the girlfriend to calm down. I believe as a future adult nurse, I would have tackled this situation with more wit. My first step would have been to take control of the situation and give the patient options with the benefits of each. This would have given more insight to the girlfriend and reduce the conflict. I would also initiate active communication with the rest of the adult nurses for consultation in privacy. Interprofessional education would have enabled me to effectively initiate communication with my team members, thus taking control of the situation in good time. As an adult nurse, every patients condition is important since my core value is to preserve life. I have also learnt the effectiveness of working in partnership with the patients through listening and responding to their concerns. I have also learnt that it would be important to consult with the patients regarding their treatment and care before commencing such. While reflecting this experience, I shall work closely with my team members as an adult nurse and constantly communicate with the relevant authorities and IP team members for quality health and social care delivery. I truly acknowledge that I would need a succinct understanding of teamwork and modern approaches towards health and social solutions. As a future adult nurse, I will always ensure that I initiate effective communication with the rest of my IP team members so as to work together for the common good of the patients. The experience that I learnt was indeed useful as it would enable me to effectively become a successful adult nurse who would stand out from the rest. The person-centred approach was particularly imperative in ensuring that I am able to understand the genesis of multi-disciplinary teamwork. I indeed acknowledge that issues relating to patient care should be approached with interprofessional teamwork so that each medical practitioner offers advice in his or her area of professional knowledge while ensuring that they work as a team. My experience at the multi-disciplinary conference would enable me to become a successful adult nurse who values teamwork and professional collaboration. This conference has also enabled me to have a clear picture of what medical professionals go through and what can be done to avert such challenges. I now feel adequately capable of tacking these challenges that my career as an adult nurse will provide. I have also learnt to take into account the views of other people when making important decisions. Indeed issues of race, gender, class and sexuality among others should not affect multi-disciplinary teamwork. Cultural and social differences should not be construed as effective barriers to IP teamwork. As a future adult nurse, the conference was a brainstorming session which expanded my experience. I was also able to learn that certain general terms used by patients to refer to their illness may indeed cause great confusion among professional health and social care practitioners. These are referred to as stereotypes. In such a situation, the health and social professional practitioner should consult the other members of his or her IP group or team so as to come up with the proper interpretation thus limit errors in the treatment of the patients condition. Synergy model of nursing supports this argument and calls for more consultation in the treatment of the patient. The group discussion on IP education enabled me to visualize the reality between theory and practice. The patient-centred perspective was clearly illuminated by the patients voice presentation. The exclusion of IP working has been seen in collaborative treatment. Decisions made by individual inexperienced doctors have been tragic. The case of Victoria Climbie and Baby Peter can best illuminate this when Baby Tiffany passed on due to negligence. Findings from this tragic situation enabled doctors and nurses to establish a framework that saw the prevention of such situations. It was agreed that IP teams would not be able to prevent the occurrence of every tragic incidence. Some would indeed be inevitable. Hence, I was able to learn the value of communication and collaboration in the build up to my career as an adult nurse. Calla also seems to be struggling with her sexuality. She is a lesbian but before the Christian revival she cannot confess her feelings to Rachel because of the societys views on the subject but after the meeting everyone is feeling like they can open up and that is when she openly tells Rachel of her feelings even though she is turned down. Conclusion In conclusion, we can say that the three elements that make up someones personality are very crucial in molding the character of someone and greatly influence what someone turns into when they are adults. We should therefore strive to help the Id, ego and superego to grow well and the ego especially should be nurtured to surpass the other two in dominance, because as research has shown for a sound thinking adult, the ego should dominate. As much as this may not be achieved in all people, those who hang around children should motivate them so that they do not have problems in adulthood in identity or of self-esteem like was the case of Rachel and Calla. Rachels super-ego is something to reckon with though at times she seems to be not confident enough to tackle the situation at hand. She stands out as a she-wolf, always seizing any opportunity that comes her way.

Voting Requirements in the Economic Arena :: Political Economic Business Essays

Voting Requirements in the Economic Arena Status as an adult citizen in a political jurisdiction is seen as a sufficient condition to entitle one to a vote for a representative or participate in collective decision-making. Why not apply that same criterion and entitle adult citizens to voting rights to decide the composition of corporate boards of directors and decide other corporate matters? If mere adult status and citizenship is sufficient for decision-making in the political arena, why not in the economic arena as well? The easy answer/question is: why should anyone who has no stake or interest in a corporation have a say in its decision-making? The only people who should have voting rights are stockholders who have ownership rights in the corporation manifested by stock ownership. We generally agree that voting power should be proportional to their stake in the corporation, namely how many shares they own. If votes were not proportionate to one's stake (stock) in the corporation, including none at all, people might easily vote in ways that personally benefit them but harm the best interests of the corporation and other stockholders. For example, imagine if all Detroit citizens were entitled to vote on decisions made by General Motors. Suppose these voters managed to get on the ballot the question whether the corporation should give all of its profits to local charitable organizations or be plowed back into the corporation as retained earnings. It is not at all inconceivable that donating General Motors' profits to local charities might win by a landslide. People who have little or no stake in General Motors can be expected to behave differently than those who do, simply because their decisions are less costly to them - others bear the cost of their decisions. The identical cost/benefit assessment applies to decision-making in the political arena. Suppose a politician campaigned on the promise to increase spending on various social programs that would be funded with higher taxes. People who pay little or no taxes would see themselves as coming out ahead by voting for that politician. They would bear little or none of the costs, at least directly in the form of taxes, and they would benefit from the promised social spending increase. As such they could be counted upon to support such a politician. Survey polls showed a less-than-enthusiastic response to President George Bush's calls for tax cuts. Maybe a good part of the reason is the fact that so many Americans pay little or no income taxes.

Internet Addiction: Ushering in a Generation of the Socially Inept

How long does a year take when it's going away? This was a question asked by Dunbar to a very highly disciplined soldier right before explaining, rising in almost furious passion, how fast life goes and that the only way that can slow it down is the slow, tedious, and overall unpleasant aspects of life. Granted this conversation took place in a work of fiction; however, how Dunbar insisted that he spend most of his time on base shooting skeet simply because it made his life seem to pass slower does draw parallels to how we distract ourselves today. Unlike in the 50's when Mr. Heller first introduced us to his pleasantly insane world that was Catch-22, today we have the amazing expanse of information and entertainment known as the Internet as well as the multitude of mediums for accessing it: computers, tablets, cellphones, televisions, even the very confines of our car can read Facebook updates. But with this quickly growing rise in demand for technology, status updates, and quick amusement, there is also a growth in research on a literal addiction to the Internet and technology. Many in the social sciences worry that we may be looking at a dependence on the superficial global connection, one that I fear may leave us with an incapable generation of social media dependents. Internet addiction is seen as an impulse-control disorder, much like other addictions such as to gambling or sexual activity, where users are unable to resist urges or impulses to access the Internet. In a recent study done by Dr. Kimberly Young of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, it was found that out of the nearly four hundred surveyed that were categorized as Internet dependent a resounding number had experienced academic, relationship, financial, or occupational problems that could be directly linked to excessive Internet use (Table 1).    One of the most alarming of these were those whose real relationships were affected with plenty sad and at times disturbing anecdotes of people becoming too absorbed in the lures of the online community; for example, one mother had forgot about some of the more basic needs of her own children such as picking them up from school or making them dinner (Young 1-5). The academic arena is one that has been most recently seen affected. When surveyed at the Cranfield School of Management in the United Kingdom, about 39% of students 11 to 18 years old said that texting had taken its toll on their ability to proper write English. Probably more concerning was the 59.2% that openly admitted to plagiarism, â€Å"inserting information straight from the Internet into schoolwork, without actually reading or changing it, and then, shockingly, a third of those said that they considered that acceptable schoolwork (Goodwin). Then you have Californian psychologist Larry D. Rosen who referred to the â€Å"Google effect,† what he described as â€Å"an inability to remember facts brought on by the realization [sic] they are all available via Google (â€Å"Rise † 8). What we see here can be construed as just laziness on part of this generation, a stereotype that I would agree with if not for the overwhelming evidence that suggests that this issue runs so much deeper, namely how we interact with each other when we are offline. The detrimental effects that dependence on the Internet has on people is further outlined in the report â€Å"Technology Overload: Explaining, Diagnosing, And Dealing With Techno-Addiction† by Nada Kakabadse, a professor of management and business research at University of Northampton in the United Kingdom. His commentary was hardly optimistic: â€Å"Being hooked into ICT [information and communication technology] devices and ignoring ‘offline' social interaction can lead to chronic insomnia, relationship break-up, job-loss, premature burn-out and accidents as a result of inattentiveness to daily detail.The harm to both the individual and society is immense. Idolatry of ICT gadgets such as the PDA, BlackBerry, mobile phone, has serious consequences, especially when ‘online' behavior begins to interfere with an ‘offline' life. † (Claburn) Vesile Oktan revealed in another report on the effects that Internet dependence had on students at the Karadeniz Technical University in Turkey on their ability to cope and control emotions. While his findings did indicate that Internet addiction was a reliable predictor in poor emotions management, he also point out previous studies that supported this such as young people with virtual gaming addictions had low self-control and discipline. He went on to discuss how this addiction could be a behavioral pattern that compensated, however inadequately, for failures in life (Oktan 3-5). A very similar examination from Greece only showed consistency; when comparing a younger demographic (ages 12-18) to their respective parents over the course of two years, it was found that without preventative initiative Internet addiction grew in the children. The biggest predictor variable for this addiction was parental bonding rather than actual security as many parents underestimated their children's involvement (Siomos). These two reports show a consistent connection between how people interact outside the digital world and how they both are affected and effect how one develops uncontrollable cravings. What the spectacular resources the Internet has to offer surely can't be refuted as invaluable. The ability to quickly and effectively communicate with each other over vast distances and almost instantaneously is a recent luxury that we at times take for granted. The use of the Internet and its many outlets does make for a good distraction in much of the same way Dunbar made use of the shooting range in Catch-22 even though he detested actually doing target practice. Unfortunately, in this situation, what we can take for granted also has its capacity to consume and entrap us with its ease of access and being easily relatible unlike standard social situations when offline where one has to make compromises (Young 5). Many experts would rather not classify this issue as an actual addiction, citing that it is more of a means to an end such as how gambling addicts will switch to the Internet poker rooms when they can no longer get their fix from actual casinos or vice versa (Ritchie). I firmly believe that this is a real problem in society that will eventually prevent many people from achieving success as this continues to monopolize their time, effort, and mental processes. I would almost go as far to say that I have my own difficulties with this; case and point: I would readily say that this essay would have been completed in a timely manner if it had not been of the constant distraction from reality that the Internet provides. I will conclude with an anecdote that very clearly displays where many undiagnosed individuals are going if this issue is not given proper attention. I challenge you to read this and reflect on other well researched and described addictions such as with alcohol, gambling, and sexual activity. Then I pose to you a question: if we are dealing with a very similar problem with a medium that is as vast as it is accessible, long could a life take when it's going away? â€Å"When Johnny's grandmother died unexpectedly, the family was devastated. Fifteen-year-old Johnny seemed to be coping well, but would continue to spend at least six hours a day playing online role-play game [sic] World of Warcraft; sometimes up to 10 hours at the weekend. It was not until months later, after he had cut down on his gaming, that the impact of the death really hit home. Johnny went to visit his grandfather and was horrified to relearn that his grandmother had gone and would not be coming back. â€Å"He did acknowledge it, but was so immersed in World of Warcraft at the time that when he got off the game, he was shocked and very upset that she wasn't there, says Dr. Richard Graham, a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist who subsequently treated Johnny for his gaming addiction. â€Å"The time Johnny spent gaming had steadily increased over the years until he was spending every available hour on his Xbox. He completely lost all interest in school and his grades inevitably suffered. It was only after a couple of months of treatment that Johnny started to re-engage with the people around him. ‘That emotional impact had been frozen in time,' says Dr Graham. ‘Even when there was a death in the family, something as crucial as mourning didn't take place.'† (Ritchie)

Ibn Battuta essays

Ibn Battuta essays Ibn Battuta was one of the great travelers of ancient history. He traveled to Mecca on his first hajj to complete the service that all Muslims should do if they are able to. Traveling to Mecca was an adventurous experience and many people didn't make it because the trip was very rough on the body. There were rituals that had to be followed before Ibn Battuta got to Mecca and rituals that had to performed while in Mecca. These rituals sometimes symbolized events of the past. Before reaching Mecca, Ibn Battuta went through several different places such as North Africa, Egypt, Palestine, and Syra. "There were five stations on the trails leading to Mecca where pilgrims were required to enter into the state of consecration called ihram." At this point the male pilgrims prayed and washed themselves. After they finished praying they received a special garmet, also called an ihram. The garmet they received was two plain white cloths; one was wrapped around the waist and the other was wrapped around the top portion of the body, but didn't cover one shoulder. The ihram symbolized equality of all men before God, the pilgrim was to behave himself the same as he entered. In October 1326, Ibn Battuta finally reached Mecca and he went to the Holy House. Pilgrims from all over gathered in Mecca to pray in the Sacred Mosque. When a visitor arrives in Mecca, he must as his very first act perform the tawaf, the cirumambulation. He walks around the Ka'ba seven times counterclockwise slowly, while reciting prayers special to the occasion. Each time he passes the eastern corner he kisses or touches the Black Stone, he does this because the Prophet kissed the stone. Once the pilgrim has completed his tawaf he goes to the Maqam where he prays a prayer of two prostrations. Next the pilgrims go to the well to drink, the water is sacred and has a saline taste, but the pilgrims still drink it because it heals them. After drinking from the ...

The Great Gatsby Essay

The Great Gatsby Essay F .Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" is a story of a group of "friends" who live on two separate islands in Long Island, New York. The main characters are, Nick Carraway who is also the narrator, Jay Gatsby, Tom Buchanan, Daisy Buchanan, Jordan Baker, and Myrtle Wilson. The story takes place in the 1920's in Long Island, New York as well as New York City. It is said to be "an exclusive literary group of fictional masterworks forming the American literary collection, which define... the American myth of identity and experience." It is also said by Professor Daniel S .Burt that this is a novel that is based on a "series of lies." The Great Gatsby is both a great American piece of literature and a series of detailed lies. The American experience is about the "American Dream." Which is how you are perceived by your peers, therefore you can achieve the American experience while stringing together a group of lies.The Great Gatsby (1926 film)F Scott Fitzgerald does this while telling a story of a group of people whose live were so involved with one another that it put them all against each other driving them to do some very outrageous things.Jay Gatsby or James Gatz as he used to be known is a prime example of someone in the novel who is "living the American dream" although he is living a lie. On page 69 he says to Nick "I am the son of some wealthy people in the mid-west-all dead now.....educated at Oxford because all of my ancestors have been educated there. It is a family tradition." Although when Gatsby was asked later by Nick on page 70 where in the mid-west he was from Gatsby replied "San Francisco." This is one instance in the novel where Gatsby, who...

Current Issue Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Current Issue - Coursework Example Being near green vacant lots was associated with an average heart rate reduction of more than five beats per minute, compared with non-greened lots. Further analysis concluded that the total net reduction in heart rate when near and in view of green vacant lots was more than 15 heart beats a minute. â€Å"We used heart rate as a physiologic marker of acute stress, and the reduction we found suggests a biological link between urban blight reduction strategies like vacant lot greening and reductions in stress,† lead author Dr. Eugenia South, a physician in the department of emergency medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia, said in a university news release. â€Å"Our hypothesis in the earlier published work was that transforming vacant lots from being overrun with weeds and filled with trash to a clean and green space may make it difficult for people to hide weapons and conduct illegal activities such as drug use in or near the space,† South

What is the secret meaning of the art and how we knowers could access Essay

What is the secret meaning of the art and how we knowers could access the secret through emotions and imagination - Essay Example Through cultivating and releasing the spirit of creativity, art becomes a perfect tool for healing patients with serious mental disorders. Art liberates the process of creativity in our minds and seeks solutions to the problems affecting us in our lives. It helps us provide freedom and sustenance to our creativity and hence moving freely to any direction that is most appropriate for us. Art has acquired great significance in treating patients with critical mental sickness, patients with severe depressions, patients with anxiety and emotional disorders. In addition, some programs organized for solving addiction problems incorporate art to make them perfect. To add on that, people without mental disorders also use art to communicate their ideas, feelings, facts, thoughts and findings (Rustin 5). A person with serious fright attacks and horrified by most of the things that many take in a pace that include conversation with cashiers, driving and receiving telephone calls may remain stagnant in his house just because of fears outside. Art therefore, focus on current issues that induce stress as well as those of the past. Through art, the individual can learn how to deal with the problems knowing that he cannot run away from them. Paintings can also help remember previous problems and the means used to address them and cultivates a culture of acceptance in oneself and confidence in dealing with the problems. The paintings create a visual impression in one mind, which tends to reduce the imagination as one learns to familiarize himself with the situation. Art in this way makes what is invisible visible and thus easier to fight an enemy you see than one you do not see (Rustin 7). The arts paintings depicting the various problems facing the society will help reduce the imaginations and suffering. Problem sharing between individuals helps to reduce the adverse effects created by the problem. A painting therefore helps to create an impression of problem