Letter to Government Essay Example for Free

Letter to Government Essay I am writing to you on behalf of your article in this weeks paper I think the curfew is a fantastic idea I am in full support of the Council proposing this great curfew. Where I live under 16s are taking over my neighbourhood me and the other residents in the area are feeling threatend by these gangs of yobs hanging around our area. All they do is go around drinking and creating uneeded noise which I and the rest of our neighbourhood would agree on. While we adults are staying indoors scared of going out they are out commiting crimes and going round doing under age drinking and under age sex and if the parents of these children could see what I see nearly every night then Im sure they would be in support with me. As I said before I am scared to go out of my house to go to the shops or to the pub or anywhere! because I am scared of getting jumped or mugged or even killed. Also this curfew would be a good idea because it would give new employees in the police force good experience of dealing with these situations so they are confident and experienced when it comes to a really big proper crime. Also if this curfew goes through then once all of the under 16s are indoors then it will make life easier for the police patrolling to catch the proper criminals because they wont have to put up with the cheek and disrespect that they recieve off the under 16s, also the under 16s need to respect the police force and realise that they are trying to protect them but they are just trying to show off in front of friends.

Symptoms Of Disorganized Schizophrenia Psychology Essay

Symptoms Of Disorganized Schizophrenia Psychology Essay Schizophrenia  is a severe mental disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations and physical agitation; which typically causes such patients to severely misjudge the distinction between reality and their imagination. Schizophrenias prevalence in the world was highlighted as 26th in the list of diseases, ranked according to their contribution to their overall burden to society as a whole according to a study done by Murray and Lopez, 1996. For example, it is estimated to have cost the NHS an outstanding  £4.7 billion in the UK during 2004/05 [25]. In addition in this essay I will discuss a range of elements, from what factors increase the susceptibility of inducing schizophrenia and the current treatments on offer that will help alleviate common symptoms. The disease itself has a broad influence on several other prominent factors, involving both the individuals themselves but also the global community, which will be later discussed, in regards to their social and economic co ntext. Schizophrenia is such an enormous problem since no permanent cure currently exists. Types of schizophrenia There are 3 specific classes of schizophrenia [2]: Paranoid schizophrenia Disorganized schizophrenia Catatonic schizophrenia Symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia The dominant feature of paranoid schizophrenia is excessive suspicion and delusions of being oppressed. Symptoms of disorganized schizophrenia Disorganized schizophrenia usually becomes visible at an earlier age in comparison to the other types of schizophrenia. Individuals with disorganized schizophrenia struggle with the responsibility of supporting themselves. Therefore may be incapable of fulfilling basics needs, for example, being able to feed themselves. The following includes additional symptoms of disorganized schizophrenia: Weakened ability to communicate Slurred speech Immature behaviour Expression of inappropriate feelings, in the wrong situation. Symptoms of catatonic schizophrenia The interference in movement summaries catatonic schizophrenia: This can either be a decline in motor neuron activity (stupor state) or a rise in motor neuron activity (excited state). Stuporous (a  state  of unresponsiveness) motor signs. Sudden stoppage of all intentional movement and dialogue. Excited motor signs.  Occasionally, schizophrenics may drastically change from a state of stupor to a state of extreme exhilaration. Throughout this hyperactive phase, they may illustrate rapid speech or uncontrollable movement and even act out in violence, either self-inflicting or to someone else Example of the Symptoms of Schizophrenia [6] The following summarises common symptoms that arise in schizophrenics: Hallucinations Sudden changes in behaviour Depression Delusions Loss of insight What causes schizophrenia? The cause for schizophrenia has been the subject of vigorous debate, with numerous elements being proposed, discounted or amended. In contrary to this, it has to this day not yet been diagnosed by scientists to be solely induced by one particular factor. It is however thought to be a result of a combination of elements, which differ in every patient. Recent studies have suggested that the following have been significant contributors consisting of a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors, for example, prenatal development, genetics, psychology and neurobiology. [3] Genetic causes of schizophrenia Schizophrenia has a strong hereditary component which is shown to run in families, but no individual gene is accountable. It has been said that a combination of genes pose the potential to make people more susceptible to the disorder. In addition, people genetically predisposed to the condition have not always illustrated its symptoms, meaning that the biology of it will not guarantee having the condition. Studies imply that genes account for half (estimate) the risk of developing schizophrenia. Individuals with a parent or sibling who suffers from schizophrenia have a 10% chance of developing the illness, in comparison to the 1% chance of the general population. Identical twins who have precisely the same genetic make-up as one another, if one of the two siblings has schizophrenia, their twin has a 48% probability of developing it too. For example, Gottesman (1991) obtained data from the Maudsley twin register and then examined the records of 40 schizophrenics studies between 1948 and 1964.  Through statistical analysis he determined that 48% of the twins who were monozygotic (identical developed from one oocyte) happened to be concordant (when both have or both lack a given trait) and for dizygotic (not identical developed from two oocyte) only 16%.   This further demonstrates that schizophrenia is not solely genetic; otherwise the concordance for MZ twins would be 100%. Provided below is a table illustrating additional information regarding the risk of developing schizophrenia for different individuals [4]. Relatives with schizophrenia Chance of developing schizophrenia None 1 in 100 1 parent 1 in 10 1 identical twin (same genetic make-up) 1 in 2 1 non-identical twin (different genetic make-up) 1 in 80 Table 1: This table illustrates the risk of individuals developing schizophrenia if someone in their family has been diagnosed. Environmental causes of schizophrenia As discussed previously inherited genes make an individual greater exposed to schizophrenia and moreover environmental factors can too then act on this vulnerability to trigger the condition. In regards to the environmental aspects involved, on-going research is indicating the contribution of stress, either throughout pregnancy or at a further phase of life. High levels of stress activate schizophrenia by increasing the bodys manufacture of the steroid hormone cortisol. Cortisol normally controls the bodies fight or flight response, although long-term exposure can damage and reduce the number of nerve cells in the hippocampus, the brains primary memory centre. As a result theres a decline in the transmission of nerve impulses for memory recall, this damage results in memory loss and impaired learning, features associated with the mental disorder. Pregnancy where maternal stress is likely to be induced could possibly affect the development of the baby according to Gilmore Murrays study in 2006 [8] [23]. To determine whether prenatal stress alters neural, hormonal, and behavioural processes, in an experiment they carried out, pregnant rhesus monkeys were deliberately stressed frequently for 6 weeks of their pregnancy with various stimuli. Between 2-3 years of age, hippocampal volume, neurogenesis (generation of neurons), and cortisol levels were monitored in the offspring produced from both stressed and control pregnancies. Prenatal stress caused a reduced hippocampal volume and an inhibition of neurogenesis. These findings indicate that the prenatal environment can alter behaviour and affect the hippocampal structure of primates in a persistent manner. Furthermore if the mother happens to be anxious (stressed) while pregnant, there have been noticeable results suggesting reduced blood flow to the baby via the uterine arteries; blood vessels that supply nutrition and blood to the uterus. This could justify abnormalities in the development of the baby and the mothers high cortisol levels (a dominant stress hormone) could too pass onto the foetus. If adequate cortisol transports through the placenta from the mother to the foetus. This in turn could potentially affect the development of the brain and the future stress responses of the baby, thereby enhancing the risk of schizophrenia arising. Studies point to numerous stress-inducing environmental influences that may be related to schizophrenia, for example [22]: Inadequate oxygen levels during labour (due to prolonged labour or premature birth) Exposure to a virus during infancy e.g. T Gondi Drug abuse A relationship between marijuana use and the disorder has been suggested several years ago (Andreasson, Allebeck et al. 1987).   These conclusions have been validated by additional research.   Fundamentally, the deductions drawn from many of these reports were that marijuana use can induce psychosis.  Ã‚   For example, according to Thomas H, he stated the occurrence of psychotic symptoms amongst marijuana users in a random selection of volunteers from New Zealand. Fourteen percent of cannabis users described strange, unpleasant experiences such as hearing voices or becoming convinced that someone is trying to harm you or that you are being persecuted after consuming the substance. Such symptoms are frequent with schizophrenics too. [29] In addition Mathers DC conducted a study of patients residing in two London hospitals whose urine was investigated for the presence of cannabinoids (the active constituents of cannabis). They found a link between the presence of cannabinoids in urine and the disorder. This suggests a potential correlation and not entirely causual link, either that cannabis use increases the likely hood of being predisposed to a mental illness or that substance abuse is commonly adopted with post diagnosis [28]. The reliability of this data can be disputed even though it is a published study, a sample size made up of two individuals is notably small, especially when schizophrenia affects 1% of the global population, hence it may not be appropriate in statistical representation of the entire population because fewer risk factors can be taken into account to generate sound data, prove that a correlation exists and thus make any hypothesis meaningful. The cannabinoids found in cannabis, once consumed are thought to interfere with normal neural transmissions. The normal release of neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine and dopamine (chemicals that help transmit impulses) from post synaptic neurons are seen to be inhibited (Gill et al, 1970). In turn excitatory postsynaptic currents in neurons were dramatically reduced. If this process becomes perpetual prominent effects of cannabinoids include disruption of psychomotor behaviour (such as speech and coordination) and shortà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ term memory impairment [33].  In addition psychomotor retardation consists of several symptoms that have been acknowledged in schizophrenia. However there is miniscule evidence that such impairments are permanent stated by Manuel Morrens study in 2006. Abnormal brain structure Due to the progression in neuroimaging, technology now allows scientists to examine functions in living organisms and in particular brain structure. Investigations involving schizophrenics have identified irregularities in brain structure according to Johnstone (1976) [27]. Such as the expansion of the ventricles (fluid-filled cavities), the decline in size and metabolic activity in particular brain regions. These brain ventricles signify an insufficiency in the volume of brain matter. In addition evidence of abnormally low activity in the frontal lobe; the area of the brain accountable for higher order functioning including; speech and decision-making has too been gathered. Which could explain why schizophrenics experience slurred speech. Regardless of the evidence of brain abnormalities, it is doubtful that schizophrenia is caused by a single issue in any one area of the brain. Moreover microscopic studies of dead brain tissue in schizophrenics have also illustrated slight alterati ons in the distribution of brain cells. However these defects are not characteristic of  all  people with schizophrenia, neither do they happen  solely in people with the disorder. [7][8] This image is of 28-year-old identical twins, one with schizophrenia and the other well. Hence it clearly illustrates two points: (1) schizophrenia is a brain disease with measurable structural and functional abnormalities in the brain; and (2) it is not solely a genetic disease, and that other biological elements contribute in its etiology. C:UsersRahmanDocumentsSchizopherniaschizophrenia-brains-identical-twins.jpg Figure 1 MRI scans of 28-year-old identical male twins showing the enlarged brain ventricles in the twin with schizophrenia (right) compared to his well brother (left) Neurotransmitters Brain cells need messages to be transported between them; neurotransmitters are the chemicals that carry out this requirement. Neurotransmitters and schizophrenia have shown to demonstrate a relationship since medicines that adjust the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain are recognized to alleviate a few of the symptoms of schizophrenia. Therefore schizophrenia could possibly be triggered by an alteration in the level of the two neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine chemicals that help transmit nerve impulses from one nerve cell (neurone) to another across a synapse (gap between two neurones), investigations have suggested [7][8]. Lastly the antipsychotic drug chlorpromazine thought to reduce relapse time (suffer deterioration after a period of improvement), which too blocks dopamine-receptor complexes forming suggests that an imbalance of the two could possibly be the foundation of the problem. Genes In addition in 2006 a Gene linked to schizophrenia had been found, a University team from Edinburgh found people predisposed with what is called Neuregulin (gene) had a higher chance of developing similar psychotic symptoms. The longitudinal study followed a group of 200, of the same age and gender, for a period of 10 years. [9][10][11] This study could be deemed reliable to an extent, seeing as though 10 years is an extremely substantial amount of time, hence a vast amount of data could be collected to either support or disprove the theory. In addition by following individuals of the same age and gender, further risk factors that could influence the results were controlled. Meaning the data would be valid, because any results would be more likely to be influenced by genes alone. Neuregulin 3 is clearly one more gene to add to the few currently known to contribute to schizophrenia, says David Valle, director of the McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine at Hopkins. Pregnancy and birth complications The following circumstances increase the risk of the child developing schizophrenia later in life [8]: Exposure to a virus while in the womb Asphyxia (Lack of oxygen) during birth Malnutrition during pregnancy (Susser et al. 1996) How is schizophrenia treated? Due to the cause for schizophrenia still being undetermined, treatments target alleviating the symptoms. These include the use of both antipsychotic medication and various other psychosocial management techniques. Antipsychotic drugs assist in normalizing the biochemical imbalances that cause schizophrenia. Antipsychotic medications Medications used to treat schizophrenia are referred to as antipsychotics. Antipsychotics are dopamine antagonists they block receptors on the surface of neurons. How do antipsychotic drugs work? Neurons (nerve cells) carry electrical impulses through their branches. Neurons communicate chemically by sending out bursts of chemical signals (neurotransmitters NTs) into the synapse (space between neurons) and then sticking to receptors on receiving neuron. Receptors are shaped to fit with specific NTs and generate a new signal/change in the receiving cell. Molecules of antipsychotic drugs are deliberately shaped so that they stick to the dopamine receptors first; therefore preventing the binding of NTs so no signal goes through to the post-synaptic/receiving cell. [30] G:BlackBerrypicturesIMG00079-20130303-1521.jpg Figure 2 The picture above illustrates how the antipsychotic drug works by blocking the receptors on the post-synaptic neuron. The following include frequently used medicine [13]: Chlorpromazine C:UsersRahmanDocumentsSchizopherniaChlorpromazine 2D skeletal.png Figure 3 This picture illustrates the chemical composition of the antipsychotic Clozapine.Haloperidol Ondansetron Clozapine Clozapine as mentioned above is an effective drug utilized in treating psychotic symptoms, for example, hallucinations or long breaks with reality. Because antipsychotic drugs inhibit neurotransmitter and receptor complexes forming, such nerve impulses cannot be passed on through the neural pathway. In turn this prevents such thoughts from being processed by the CNS (central nervous system), including the brain and hence the patient doesnt encounter similar problems as before. However it too has its drawbacks, it can occasionally result in the loss of white blood cells which assist the immune system to fight off infection. As a result clozapine users require regular weekly blood tests in order to have their white blood cell count checked [26]. Moreover such a side effect can become an issue where health services are limited in availability, as well as the problem of being able to cope with the cost of blood tests and medicine, making treatment with clozapine demanding for a large majority of individuals. However clozapine is potentially valuable for those who have developed a resistance to alternative antipsychotic medication. What are the side effects? Further side effects may occur when schizophrenics begin taking their medication. Side effects of many antipsychotics include [14]: Tiredness Light-headedness Obscured vision Increased heart rate Inflammation Menstrual complications for women. One of the challenges with any form of medication is that a minority of individuals unable to tolerate the adverse side effects of the drug prescribed for their condition terminate its use into several months of their treatment. Furthermore in reference to a more serious medical note, persistent use (over several years) of antipsychotic drugs pose the risk of developing tardive dyskinesia (TD), a disorder categorised by involuntary movements. This may involve jerk movements of the limps (arms or legs) and certain other features of the body. However it only occurs in between 15-20% of all cases. The symptoms of TD are minor, to the extent where patients could possibly be unaware [13]. Its cause is supposed to be a result of prolonged inhibition of dopamine D2  receptors (a cell that dopamine binds to) which is thought to cause a surge in the quantity of D2  receptors in the striated section of the brain (regulates muscle contraction). This increase of D2  receptors enhances the chance of dopamine-receptor complexes forming, thereby leading to further impulsive muscle contraction. [34] Moreover typical antipsychotics can lead to severe obesity and alterations in a persons metabolism. This in turn can increase the possibility of diabetes and high cholesterol levels forming (therefore there is a need for doctors to regularly monitor a persons weight, glucose levels and liquid levels). Psychosocial Treatments (Alternative Treatment) Along with the more common psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia, for example, hallucinations, which antipsychotic drugs have demonstrated to alleviate. Patients are still left dealing with the behavioural difficulties of the condition. This treatment aims to ease psychological distress through a more personal and interactive process, rather than the use of medication. The following include methods in helping to treat these behavioural issues [5]: Individual/Group Psychotherapy consists of repeated scheduled talks between the patient(s) and a psychiatrist. Giving him/her the opportunity to discuss the difficulties that leave them feeling distressed in an intimate and safe environment. In turn the weight off having to deal with the problem alone can be removed, the psychiatrist can then provide an explanation for the suffering that is progressive that is, the patient understands something can be done to mend the situation. This leads them to conducting themselves in a healthier and active manner, whether it is thinking more positively or they learn how to maintain better relationships. This seems to be effective because the patient is given the self-belief that any improvements are down to their own merit. Family Education This involves teaching several coping techniques to families for the purpose of dealing more effectively with their ill relative. Relatives can be crucial tools when dealing with schizophrenics, with their support and guidance patients can find some form of normality and alleviate the effects of solitude, just one of the many symptoms of the condition. In general with the combination of medicinal and psychosocial treatment, patients quality of life of can be drastically improved. However dont be deceived, the treatment process for some individuals can be difficult to follow, in reference to drug side effects treatment may be discontinued. This is where relatives can be vital in assisting that patients do not relapse. C:UsersRahmanDocumentsSchizopherniapsychiatry-couch2.jpg Figure 4 this picture illustrates a comfortable environment, typically in a psychiatrics place of practice where the patient can discuss his feelings on topics that cause concern and thereby hopefully reduce his psychological suffering. This should improve his quality of life. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) ECT is scarcely implemented in the treatment of schizophrenia (e.g. exceptions may include when there is a high risk of suicide). The following describes how the treatment would typically be conducted [32]; The patient will have a pulse oximeter connected to them, in order to monitor blood oxygen levels. Electrodes will then be placed onto the recipients chest so that the electrical activity across the patients heart can be observed using an electrocardiogram (ECG) In addition an  electroencephalogram (EEG)  will too be simultaneously utilized to monitor brain activity The monitoring of blood pressure is imperative, so that any faults during the treatment can be identified immediately; hence a blood pressure cuff is positioned onto the recipients arm. Using a sharp hollow needle connected to a transparent tube, access to the blood vessel is obtained for the administration of drugs A sedated state is induced using the appropriate drugs to prevent erratic movement and a constant supply of oxygen is provided throughout the procedure. Next a bite block is placed in the patients mouth because the jaw tightens during the treatment and weakened teeth could break. Additional electrodes are placed onto the head; the electrical current is then applied through the scalp of the brain causing a seizure to occur. What the seizures are thought to do vary, suggestions include causing alterations in brain chemistry, especially in the balance of neurotransmitters, and hence the brain can function normally because nerve impulses are neither slowed down or too fast. An alternative theory suggests that ECT can stimulate the growth of new cells and nerve pathways in certain areas of the brain, as a resultà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ which can quickly inverse the symptoms of such an illness, the specifics yet remain unknown (Wahlund B   Von Rosen D, 2003). Evidence from randomised control trials (RCTs) have shown restricted success, lasting short term (Cochrane Schizophrenia Group, 1999). The typical side effects that arise seem to include; muscle aches, headaches and memory loss instantly after the procedure. Disadvantages of Psychosocial Treatments With any form of treatment, certain limitations will always follow; this includes that psychotherapy will naturally take a significantly longer span of time, in order for noticeable improvements to be seen in patients in comparison to drug therapy [24]. This is because psychotherapy very much depends on the use of the patients own mental experiences to bring about the desired changes, whereas drugs will have the desired effect regardless. Moreover in regards to the financial aspect of the treatment, it can too place a severe burden on health services to facilitate either group or individual therapy sessions at the tax payers expense, it has been estimated to cost society  £2 Billion in direct cost of treatment in 2004/05 (Mangalore R, Knapp M, 2007). In addition psychotherapy alone is not completely successful and effective in people with  a severe psychological state, so drugs can sometimes be the only form of treatment. Research into Stem Cell Treatment for Schizophrenia (Potential Treatment in the Future) Stem cells are unspecialized cells that hold the potential to differentiate into any type of cell found within the human body [19]. The National Institutes of Health states that stem cells have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body during early life and growth. [15] Stem cells hold the potential of great breakthroughs in the science community, in this case the possibility of an effective cure being manufactured in the future. However since our current limitations with the research, for example, problems with deliberate cell differentiation and the undetermined cause for schizophrenia such research has been delayed not till another 50-100 years so our understanding of stem cells is at an adequate level. However there are ethical issues that would arise in treating schizophrenia with stem cell therapy once scientifically possible. For the predominant reason that the pluripotent stem cells needed for research are solely present in embryos and the extraction of these would result in its death. For those people who believe that life begins at conception, this may be perceived as murder, seeing as though a viable life had been forcefully refused and to destroy it is immoral [15]. Furthermore like any other new technology, because we have not had a vast amount of time to study it to gather sufficient information on its broad impact; it is completely unknown what the long-term effects of such an intrusion with nature could mean to society. Such as will patients grow an extra arm in 10 years from the point of its use? Lastly stem cells derived from embryos that are not a patients own may be identified as a foreign body, so may be rejected. Therefore stem cell therapy may not always be appro priate. Although in order to balance the argument, stem cell therapy could be substantially beneficial to our society, it could potentially mean a cure, where patients would no longer suffer from the condition after treatment, resulting in a better quality of life. It could therefore replace conventional types of treatment e.g. medicine that are prescribed on a regular/life time basis. Thereby removing the pain inflicted on peoples lives caused by side effects and limits they can place such as, not being able to work from being too tired but more importantly reducing the burden placed on society by schizophrenia, for example, the financial expense of producing drugs. Furthermore if the development of new drugs in this area are no longer as important, a by-product could mean fewer pressures to experiment on animals, which is a constituent of the drug development cycle. Hence animals would be subject to less brutality such experiments hold. With anything, the pros and cons must be weighted out , so that a decision suiting the majority is made. C:UsersRahmanDocumentsSchizopherniaStem cells.jpg Figure 5 This illustration depicts pluripotent stem cells ability to differentiate into a range of cells found in our bodies, for example, neurons. Modelling schizophrenia using human induced pluripotent stem cells Research carried out by Professor Fred Gage, an expert in genetics has successfully been able to induce pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) created from schizophrenic patients. Sages study published in the journal Nature (April 13, 2011) suggests both that neurons formed from such individuals made fewer links with each other in comparison to neurons found in non-sufferers of the condition. Such research will have a variety of beneficial impacts, including as stated by Gage [20][21]: With further research there is potential of possibly replacing such abnormal neurons related to the condition with healthy ones.This model not only affords us the opportunity to look at live neurons from schizophrenia patients and healthy individuals to understand more about the disease mechanism, but also to screen for drugs that may be effective in reversing it. C:UsersRahmanDocumentsSchizopherniastem cells from schizophrenics.jpg Figure 6 This picture illustrates the healthy neural pathway in the brain generated from schizophrenia patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells. The Cost of Schizophrenia to Society: Economical Implication Also, for the government, especially in the UK where health care is provided free of charge, people with schizophrenia can be a severe financial constraint. Because such patients suffer from numerous debilitating  symptoms, including depression and hallucinations. Doctors will prescribe medication in order to combat this, in this instance antidepressants (e.g. prozac) or antipsychotics of which both need to be paid for. This cost is financed by the tax payers, the problem doesnt stop there. With any drug, side effects are present as a result of its usage; doctors too prescribe further medicine to treat these symptoms. The domino effect of over scribing medicine leaves the country with an overwhelming financial cost. In regards to Mangalore and Knapps study in 2007 indirect societal costs for schizophrenia were estimated to once have had an expenditure of  £4.7 billion in the UK in 2004/05 [25]. According to Marwaha Johnsons journal published in 2004, it showed that amongst those with long-term mental health problems in particular schizophrenia, only 24% were employed [18]. As a result, in order for such people to maintain a standard of living, such as being able to purchase food and pay rent on their homes, they will usually claim an incapacity benefit entitling them to some money per week. This cost will be supplemented by the government once again, adding to the total financial burden left by mental disorder patients. Social Implication The improper treatment and dismissal of the symptoms of schizophrenia can be overwhelming for the patient and those surrounding him/her.  Examples of the possible effects of schizophrenia include the following: Suffering from schizophrenia can make being employed and retaining relationships immensely challenging, because such patients frequently suffer from relapses, typically involving hallucinations; whereby the patient claims to see things that arent really there. This can cause them to develop trust issues and communication problems, sometimes feeling that they are being persecuted by the individuals themselves. As a result, the patients keep themselves isolated, disregarding their support or even presence. This may ultimately lead to the loss of relationships, which can have a psychological toll on the family members too who care for the person, knowing that they may never truly embrace the same person again. In addition schizophrenics ar

Death: Friend Or Foe? :: essays research papers

It is just a fact we all must die! Some of us are afraid of the uncertainty that death brings. Therefore, it is regarded as an enemy, a tragedy, and the unavoidable downside of life. Others live day by day knowing that death will come, but they have no fear. They are not in a hurry to meet him, but are making preparations for the encounter. Myself, now that I am old, will be looking forward to the place that I will be going to spend my eternity. I am an eternal being you know. I have heard it is a place I can happily anticipate. I?fm glad because I am very old and feeble. I am ninety-five years old and it is time, death has crept in on me. I have never welcomed an unannounced stranger especially at night. This was our first encounter, yet I knew he was a friend. I was just getting ready for bed when it happened. Now, I have to remind you that I did not know that it was time to die. I just lay down and that was the last time I would ever hear my children?fs voice, or see the sun rise or set. But you see I have lived a full life and I am looking forward to going to the place that I have wanted to be all my adult life. I have to say I did not know about it when I was a child. It would have saved me a lot of excess worry if I had. But I did all that I knew how to do while I lived here on earth. My life on earth seems like such a short time when I?fm about to experience eternity. Somewhere in the still of the night, my being, my very soul seemed to just float about my house. I am calling my body my house because I am leaving it behind. I left it right there still, cold, and lifeless. When I opened up my eyes I stood in front of a gate. This was no ordinary gate; it was made of pearl, one huge pearl, and the likes of which no man has ever seen. It opened as if by magic, but actually I was invited to come in. The light of this city was so bright and pure that it seemed to bring with it a flood of peace.

Water Pollution Must Be Stopped :: Environmental Pollution Essays

Water pollution must be stopped. Pollution of lakes rivers, streams, and oceans has been killing land and water animals for years. Polluting water is a horrible act and will be stopped. Water pollution kills all kinds of animals every year. Just the EXXON VALDEZ oil spill near anchorage Alaska caused over 3,000 otters to die 36,000 different kinds of seabirds were killed and over 100 eagles. Oil spills are one of--if not the worst types of pollution. They happen most often in the ocean and then get spread around by tides and currents where they enter streams and rivers and cover everything. They kill life and pollute more in a short amount of time than pesticides and human waste combined in about 1 year. (See graph on page 2 for more inf.) Radioactive Waste is a very serious problem polluting the lakes and oceans. Submarines release some radioactivity into the water. If a submarine ever crashed enough radioactivity would be released to destroy a region of about 300 sq. miles (this happens because of the nuclear engines) Human waste is when people dump their.... deification in the water and have sewer lines leading to water which also pollutes a lot (little streams lead to big lakes). Human waste is also when we dump garbage in the ocean because we cannot find places on land to dump it. Some more types of pollution are.. Infectious Gases, Plant nutrients that can simulate growth of aquatic plants which then interfere with water uses and, when decaying, deplete the dissolved oxygen and produce nasty odors. Exotic organic chemicals including: pesticides, various industrial products, detergents. petroleum, inorganic materials, nuclear power plants, industrial sites, medical and scientific use of radioactive materials. Water pollution was originally caused by need of space (to dump trash). I can say that the major sources (in general) that cause water pollution are: Municipal, Agricultural, and Industrial. The dumping of garbage was caused by the lack of space in landfills. Instead of recycling some people started dumping the trash in the water, that slowed in 1956 when the Federal Water Pollution Control Act was created. It slowed almost to a halt in 1977 when the Clean Water Act was created. But, it still happens. Company's still dump waste in the ocean, streams, and rivers even though it is against the law. Eventually water pollution will cause there to be no life in the ocean, lakes, and rivers.

A Few Greek Gods Essay -- essays research papers

The Ancient Greeks believed in a series of myths which explained nature, set up a moral code for the people, and were just folk lore of the people. In this paper, the beginnings of myths, the Greek gods themselves, and several myths concerning morals, nature, and old lore of the Ancients will be discussed. Because the myths and details about the gods were passed along by word of mouth, some myths or gods might be interchanged or different. The Greek myths started as folk lore until it began to explain nature and storytellers integrated a moral code into the myths. Many myths started out as fairy tales. As new and more efficient farming methods became available to the Greek people they were faced with more time in which to do other things. A people who have waste develop a culture all their own. Because Greece was divided into different city- states, many of the myths are different. The culture of storytelling began to involve explanations of nature such as the creation of the horse, spider, and such changes as winter and fire along with the creation of man himself. Slowly, as with any longstanding government, the morals and laws of society leaked into Greek myths in the form of, "The slain shall be avenged by Nemesis (a force which causes people to get revenge)," or just, "Kindness and humbleness are rewarded by the gods." Some myths were even created to support other myths. The myths started with storytelling and developed into a complex system of morals and explanations. The Greek myths were almost fruitless without the intervention of the gods. The gods controlled nature and fought their own battles on the earth, which sometimes caused problems. The first god was the most powerful one until he had children. The first god is called Oranos or in some myths Uranus. He was the first ruler among the gods. Uranus was the heavens and Gaea was the earth and thus they were married. The couple gave birth to many different and odd children but Uranus was cruel to them. Then, Chronos was born as the youngest titan. Chronos dethroned his father and soon after married his sister, Rhea. He didn't want his children to dethrone him so he ate them. However, Zeus overthrew Chronos and established the first real empire of the gods. Zeus settled disputes between the other gods and made sure the humans weren't treated in... ...horselike animals. The gods control the seasons as we know them today in this Greek myth. Hades was on the surface of the earth on business when Eros shot him with an arrow. Hades fell in love with Persephone and stole her away into the Underworld. Demeter, Persephone's mother, searched for her daughter and when she could not find her, froze the earth. Zeus didn't want the earth to wither and die so he sent Hermes to fix the situation. Since Persephone ate part of a pomegranate, she would stay with Hades part of the year and live on the world the rest of the year. All the time she would be gone, Demeter would weep and snow would fall. Fall is caused by her anticipation of her daughter leaving. This myth demonstrates the power of the gods, the power of love, and how fall and winter happen. The Greek gods and myths were a vital part to the ancient Greeks. The myths do explain nature and set up an orderly manner in which people should act. The myths, however, use gods to explain nature in order to substitute for pure logic. All the myths have meanings or explanations in which all the ancient questions are answered. The Greek myths were vital to Grecian society.

How I Learned to Drive Analysis Essay

In Paula Vogel’s â€Å"How I Learned to Drive†, we follow our protagonist nicknamed â€Å"Lil Bit† on a gut wrenching, and downright disturbing journey through her adolescence, told as a series of narrations, monologues, and flashbacks with the occasional interjection of a PSA like voice over. The play recounts the physical and emotional abuse Lil Bit encountered from the ages of eleven to eighteen at the hands of her uncle Peck, while he teaches her to drive. The main flaw I saw in Lil Bit was that she is too smart for her own good. You see this characteristic throughout the play as she manipulates Peck. For example, it was most obvious for me when their roles of adult and child are reversed, and Peck is explaining to Lil Bit what a good boy he has been for not drinking. Knowing how much Peck lusts after her she offers him a reward for his good behavior in the form of undoing her bra. Another great example is when prior to her and peck going on a road trip and Lil Bit’s mother indicates that she has a sense of what Peck has on his mind, she responds by saying â€Å"I can take care of myself. And I can certainly handle uncle Peck.† At this point in the story she is only eleven. It’s hard to imagine a child of that age so grown up emotionally. Overall, most of the characters had likeable qualities, with the exception of the grandmother. I didn’t really like the way she meddled in the Parenting of Lil Bit. I liked â€Å"Big Papa† the best. He’s a crabby old timer who speaks anything that comes into his head with reckless abandon. It brought me some levity in an otherwise melancholy play. The climax of the play occurs on Lil Bit’s eighteenth birthday. She and Peck are in a hotel room, and she’s been ignoring peck for some time leading up to this meeting as he’s been sending her cards counting down to her birthday. Lil Bit is obviously conflicted about their relationship now that she has gotten older, but Peck is looking forward to a time when it’s not illegal for them to be together. This is creepy enough on its own, but when Peck drops the marriage bomb, the creep factor skyrockets. I was honestly disgusted at the idea of a man leaving his wife to be with his niece whom he has known since birth, blood related or not. Prior to the climax, one major event occurs and that is in the monologue that Aunt Mary delivers indicating that she knows what’s going on between Peck and Lil bit. The words used during this monologue, indicate to me a couple of key points about this character. First of all she is very intelligent. Her thoughts are well put together and the words she uses indicates to me that she has some sort of education. She is also very intuitive, she picks up on the subtle, non-verbal signals that peck gives off when he’s got something on his mind and presumably when he’s around Lil Bit. Also, the words used by Lil Bit in her different flashbacks have a direct correlation to her age. It’s obvious as you read them, that during the later ones she is forming more complex thoughts and emotions, which is indicative of growth. For the music in this play, Paula Vogel suggested period correct music spanning two generations. She mentions Motown several times, as well as Roy Orbison and the Beach Boys. Most of this music is romantic and happy with little hints of sexuality and sometimes-pedophilic references. For some weird reason the voice of the announcer in my head was played by the Moviephone guy. The car in the play was described as a Buick Riviera, but in my mind it was more like a Camaro or GTO. The main reason for this is the obvious relationship between Peck and his car. The way he describes the way the aggressive way men are taught to drive and the feeling of a cars’ response to your touch, just makes me think of those fast nimble sports cars. Taking place in the 1960’s, the costumes in my mind were bell-bottoms and flowered shirts, polyester leisure suits, and fringes all over the place. This was your typical 1960’s attire. I believe the overall theme of this play is about the effect of time on relationships. The relationship between Peck and Lil Bit starts out strong, for her and fragile for him. She has a strong male figure giving her attention while he is nurturing a relationship that he knows is illegal and immoral. As time progresses, the roles ultimately reverse leaving Peck with much confidence in the relationship while Lil Bit comes to realize the truth about it which leads to its demise. It just goes to show that time will always change relationships, jus not always in the way you imagined.

Microelectronic Pill Essay

1. ABSTRACTA microelectronic oral contraceptive is a basic each(prenominal)y a multichannel sensor use for unconnected biomedical measurements using small technology. This has been genuine for the internal study and suggest detection of diseases and abnormalities in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract where restricted rag prevents the use of traditional endoscope. The measurement parameters for detection include authoritative time remote recording of temperature, pH, conductivity and dissolved group O in the GI tract. This paper deals with the bod of the Microelectronic pill which mainly consists of an outer(prenominal) biocompatible condensation encasing 4channel micro sensors, a control chip, a distinct component radio transmitter and 2 silver oxide cells. Our Body is a tippy system.Many times even doctors bent able to interpret the disease. Thus it establish too late to cure it. To demand this problem scientists discovered electronic capsule in 1972. Use of discrete & relatively large components, poor reliability, hornswoggle lifetimes & low sensitivity makes it outdated. To overcome all these problems Professor Jon Cooper and Dr Erik Johanessen from Glasgow University , U.K has led to the knowledge of a modern microelectronic pill. When Microelectronic pill is swallowed, then it allow for run low through the Gastro Intestinal Tract & con catamenialy perform multiparameter in situ physiological abstract After completing its mission it will come out of the body by normal catgut movement The pill is 16mm in diameter & 55mm long calculation around 5 gram It records parameters deal temperature, pH, Conductivity, & Dissolved Oxygen in real time. PARTS CONTROL fight receiving set TRANSMITTER 2 SILVER OXIDE CELLS BIOCOMPATIBLE compression ENCASING MICROSENSOR silicon DIODE 3 ELECTRODE electrochemical CELL need CONTACT sumptuous ELECTRODE ION-SELECTIVE FIELD military force TRANSISTOR (ISFET) formal DIAGRAM OF MICRO electronic condensi ngIt measures the body core temperature.Also compensates with the temperature generate signal changes in other sensors. It in addition identifies local changes associated with TISSUE INFLAMMATION & ULCERS. SILICON DIODEThe ISFET measures pH.It can reveal pathologic conditions associated with abnormal pH levels These abnormalities include pancreatic diseaseHypertensionInflammatory bowel diseaseThe activity of fermenting bacteriumThe level of acid excretion reflux of oesophagusEffect of GI special drugs on targetorgans.ION-SELECTIVE FIELD EFFECT TRANSISTOR (ISFET)The pair of direct jot Gold electrodes measures conductivity, by measuring the content of water & salt absorption, bile secretion & the breakdown of organic components into charged colloids etcetera in the GI tract. Since the gold has beat out conductivity among all the elements, Therefore it gives true value of conductivity as measured. DIRECT CONTACT GOLD ELECTRODEThe three electrode electrochemical cell detects t he level of dissolved atomic number 8 in solution. It measures the oxygen gradient from the proximal to the distal GI Tract It investigates emersion of aerobic or bacterial infectionFormation of radicals causing cellular damage & pathophysiological conditions like inflammation & Gastric ulceration. It develops 1 st generation enzymes linked with amperometric biosensors. 3 ELECTRODE electrochemical CELLAR creaseMENT MICRO ELECTRONIC PILL CHIP 1 CHIP 2 CONTROL CHIPThe ASIC (Application ad hoc Integrated Circuit) is the control unit that connects together other components of the micro system. It contains an analogue signal conditioning module operating the sensors, 10-bit analogue to digital (ADC) & digital to analogue (DAC) converters, & digital data butt oning module The temperature ropery parti pris the diode at constant current so that change in temperature reflects a alike(p)change in in diode potency. The pH ISFET sensor is prepossess as a simple man-made lake at c onstant current with the radical voltage changing with threshold voltage & pH. The conductivity circuit operates at D.C. It measures the electrical resistance across the electrode pair as an rearward function of solution conductivity. An incorporated potentiostat circuit operates the O 2 sensor with a 10 bit DAC controlling the works electrode potential w.r.t the reference Analogue signals ar sequenced through a multiplexer before beingness digitized by ADC. ASIC & sensors consume 5.3 mW power corresponding to 1.7 mA of current. CONTROL CHIP surface of transmitter = 8 5 3 mmModulation Scheme = frequency Shift Keying (FSK)Data Transfer identify = 1 kbpsFrequency = 40.01 MHz at 20 CBandwidth of the signal generated 10 KHzIt consumes 6.8 mW power at 2.2 mA of current.RADIO TRANSMITTOROBSERVATIONS ON RECIEVER COMPUTER2 SR44 Ag 2 O batteries are used.Operating Time 40 hours. provide Consumption = 12.1 mWCorresponding current white plague = 3.9mASupply Voltage = 3.1 V2 SILVER OX IDE BATTERIESRANGE Temperature from 0 to 70 CpH from 1 to 13Dissolved Oxygen up to 8.2 mg per literConductivity higher up 0.05 mScm -1 in full scale dynamic Range analogue signal = 2.8 VACCURACY pH channel is around 0.2 unit above the real valueOxygen sensing element is 0.4 mgL.Temperature & Conductivity is within 1%.RANGE & ACCURACYIt is being beneficially used for disease detection & abnormalities in humankind body. There fore it is also called as MAGIC PILL FOR HEALTH solicitude Adaptable for use in acerbic & quiescent environment It can be used in industries in military rating of water quality, Pollution Detection, fermentation process control & inspection of pipelines. Micro electronic Pill utilizes a PROGRAMMABLE STANDBY way of life , So Power consumption is real less. It has rattling small size, hence it is very easy for practical usage tall sensitivity, Good reliability & Life times. very(prenominal) long life of the cells(40 hours), Less Power, ongoing & Voltage requirement (12.1 mW, 3.9 mA, 3.1 V) Less contagion length & hence has zero reverberate interference. ADVANTAGESread thisuse this link to transfer presentation * RE MICROELECTRONIC PILLS