Future of Nuclear Power in Sustainable Development Essay

With the population increase and economic growth, energy is becoming an essential part for development. To some extent, in any development process, reliable access to modern energy services is needed. However, the world is facing the energy imbalance: that of energy generation have consequences for the environment so meeting this growth in demand while safeguarding the environment poses a growing challenge. To date, the use of nuclear power has been concentrated in industrialized countries, which might play in filling the growing gap between what the world wants to consume in terms of energy and what the environment tells us we can sustain is considered. 1〠Development of Neural Power In the last few years, the nuclear power is mainly used in the industrialized countries. More and more countries pay their attention to the introduction of nuclear power programs, such as Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Yemen, etc, not limited to Asia. Also, other countries such as Argentina, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, and South Africa are working to expand their works. As is shown by statistics, of the world’s 439 currently operating nuclear power reactors, 403 (or 91%) are in either OECD countries or countries with economics in transition [1]. In terms of electrical generating capacity, 349 GWCe) out of 368 GWCe) , or 95% of nuclear generating capacity is installed in these countries. At present, nuclear power is a proven technology which has provided more than 16% of world electricity supply [2]. In the future of nuclear power, many different views are raised on its sustainable development, particularly to innovative reactors and fuel cycles [3]. There are a number of significant environmental benefits arising from the use of nuclear power, but it does raise its own environmental issues. During the operation, some radioactivity is released at a very low level into the environment either via filtered emissions to the atmosphere or in liquid form in the cooling water discharged to sea. Thus, on one hand, nuclear power is a hazardous energy and should be phased out. On the other hand, the nuclear power can be sustainably used. Comparing with the fossil-based energy, nuclear power does not emit CO2 and other hazardous emissions, which the impact of the nuclear power chains on the health and environment is less negative than those for fossil-based energy. Currently, Europe, North America and some countries in Asia have been enjoying the advantages of nuclear power. 2〠Status of Neural Power To date, the use of nuclear power is increasing. In terms of new construction, however , the pattern is different, 16 of the 30 reactors now being built are in developing countries and most of the recent expansion has been centered in Asia China, for example, currently has four reactors under construction, and plans a more than five- fold expansion in its nuclear generating capacity over the next 15 years. India has seven reactors under construction, and plans roughly a seven-fold increase in capacity by 2022. Japan, Pakistan and the Republic of Korea also have plans to expand their nuclear power capacity [4,5]. In the near future, additional countries in the Asia-Pacific region will choose the nuclear power option. Vietnam intends to begin construction of its first nuclear power plant in 2015. Indonesia plans to build two 1000 MW reactors in central Javaa. Recently, the Energy Generating Authority of Thailand announced plans to build two large nuclear plants, with construction to be gin in 2015. In Malaysia, a comprehensive energy policy study – including consideration of nuclear power- is to be completed by 2010 [6]. The resurgence of interest in nuclear power [7-9] is not limited to Asia. Other countries such as Jordan and Turkey are seriously considering or planning for the introduction of nuclear power programs. And many others, such as Aragentina, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan and South Africa, are working to expand existing programs. In the USA, where no new reactors has been ordered in 28 years, these trends, plus excellent performance of the existing nuclear fleet and financial incentives in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, have led to a race to develop new nuclear power plants. Twenty countries now have new plants either under construction or under development with well over half of these new nuclear plants likely to be built over the next two decades in five countries- China, India, South Korea, Japan and USA. Also, in the USA, several dozen reactors are in various stages of proposal development, while international nuclear vendors and service providers are forming new alliances. Finally, rising uranium prices have led to development of new mines. 3〠Rising Interest of Neural Power Any negative impact on the population health and environment is unacceptable. Once it happens, it will be phased out. The negative consequences for nuclear power would be the same. If it is not possible or too expensive to improve sufficiently their safety, we must insist on their closing. The international conventions for nuclear safety were carried out, which legally enhance nuclear safety. Also, the IAEA updated the safety standards for reflecting the best industry practices [10]. Importantly, both the IAEA and the world Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) , created international networks to conduct peer reviews and exchange operating information to improve safety performance. Another important factor is the strong performance of nuclear power that drives the renewed interest in nuclear power. Up to date, with more than half a century of operating experience, nuclear power is becoming a mature technology. In the past two decades, more and more significant improvements are made in nuclear power plant reliability, as well as lower operating costs and a progressively improved safety record. 4〠Problems of Nuclear Power a) Management of radwaste Annually, the spent nuclear fuel produced is about 10,000 tons, which is small when compared with the nearly 28 billion tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) waste from fossil fuels [11, 12]. In addition, the radwaste is most concerned point in public. Based on the expert experiences, the reasonable geological disposal of high level radioactive waste is safe and feasible. But for public, it is likely remain skeptical, which the nuclear waste disposal will likely remain controversial. The emphasis in the problem of radwastes should be in obtaining the support of people. On one hand, we should provide true information on comparative assessment of different energy sources. We should provide a clear report that there is no risk for the population health and environment from radwaste repositories. On the other hand, as soon as possible the countries with suitable places for repositories should license them and start the disposal process. Moreover, cooperation will be effective to share the burden of the waste disposal cost for countries with small nuclear power programs. b) Technological innovation If we want to develop the new reactor or fuel cycle technologies, technological innovation is needed. Currently, the nuclear Research and Development (R&D) projects are focused on enhancing nuclear safety, reducing proliferation risks, minimizing waste generation and improving economic performance [13]. In particularly, many developing countries, such as some countries in Asia, have been devoted to develop small and medium size reactor designs. These designs allow a more incremental investment than is required for a large reactor, and provide a better match to grid capacity in many developing countries. To some extent, these reactors are more adapted in applications [14]. c) Nuclear non- proliferation With the increasing expectations for nuclear power, there are concerns regarding the spread of nuclear weapons and sensitive nuclear technology. However, at the same time, the nuclear proliferation should be prevented. Now, a safeguard system has been established to guarantee the peaceful application of nuclear technology. An integrated system of safeguards can and should permit effective control of non-proliferation by a combination of technical measures and the extension of institutional measures [15]. It would occur in two steps. The first step would create a mechanism for the assurance of supply of nuclear fuel, possibly including fuel bank to be managed by the IAEA. For countries that use nuclear fuel for electricity generation, this mechanism would severe as a supplier of last resort, thereby removing the risk of having their fuel supply interrupted for non- commercial reasons. The second step would seek to bring any new operations for uranium enrichment and plutonium separation under multinational control. These multinational controls should also be extended to facilities that already exist- to ensure that all countries are treated equally in terms of their nuclear capabilities. d) Economic cost Although cost is perhaps not a major factor affecting plans for nuclear power in most areas of the world, in the United States, which has the world’s largest nuclear program and sufficient growth in electricity demand to support substantial growth in generating capacity, the cost of electricity has been the dominant factor in determining what type of capacity gets built [16]. As the United States has moved to reduce the economic regulation of electricity generation, cost has become a competitive focus, and â€Å"capital cost is the single most important factor determining the economic competitiveness of nuclear energy† (University of Chicago, 2004, p. xi). In 2009 the U.S. National Academies published a large study of energy technologies. After reviewing many previous studies, the authors noted that â€Å"cost estimates in the open literature have varied by more than a factor of two. Recent estimates have ranged from $2400/kW to as much as $6000/kW† (Committee on America’s Energy Future, 2009, p. 526). These are cost estimates for the United States. High costs are seen in the much-delayed new Finnish reactor, discussed further below. Until new plants are built in the United States, costs will remain a major uncertainty and an obstacle to growth of the industry. e) Public opinion Dana Mead, chairman of the MIT governing body, commented that â€Å"Nuclear power generates the most varied public opinion of any power generation type. According to MIT studies, 39% of those polled feel it should be reduced, 35% feel in should be increased and 11% don’t believe it should be used at all — the highest fraction of people who are opposed to any type of generation† (remarks at the American Nuclear Society Annual Meeting, as quoted in Power Engineering, August 2007). In addition to proliferation and economic cost, the main controversies regarding nuclear power are whether the public will accept new nuclear plants, whether sites can be found where the public will accept a geological repository for their spent fuel, and whether future development should be based on the once-through or the closed fuel cycle [17]. Bringing the public into decision processes early will substantially improve the climate for nuclear power to go forward. (In the United States , the law requires that the federal agencies make the final decisions.) 5〠Future of Nuclear Power While there are still uncertainties ahead, it seems quite likely at this point that, in the near-term, new nuclear power plants will be built, both in countries that already have substantial nuclear programs and in new countries. Thus, the number of countries with nuclear power plants will increase, and since some of these countries have small grids and limited infrastructures, it is likely that smaller reactors will be used to meet some of these needs [18, 19]. In the near-term, nuclear power growth will likely be met by existing technologies and those technologies for which substantial development has already occurred. Nuclear power development will not be the only source of power to meet growing energy demands and growing concerns about global warming. The near term is also likely to see the development and deployment of more renewable power of current or evolutionary design, and possibly of clean coal technology. Other options, such as increased conservation and the deployment of more energy efficient end-use technologies, will also be exploited. In the longer term, more advanced nuclear power plants, such as the Generation IV power plants, will likely be deployed. These will be able to meet a more diverse range of energy needs than the current generation of large, centralized electricity-generating power plants can meet. Possible applications include process heat for industrial applications, the generation of fuels such as hydrogen for transportation, and a variety of possible off-grid applications [20-23]. Likewise, other energy-generating technologies will continue to develop and will be deployed as appropriate. In the much longer term, these could potentially include fusion power. If that is successful, it could ultimately replace some of the technologies of today, including perhaps nuclear fission power. 6〠Conclusion Nuclear energy alone is not a solution, but it is likely in the near Future to have an increasing role as part of the global energy mix. Through the analysis and investigation, it is clear that nuclear power can bring significant long term benefits in terms of increased access to energy and security of energy supply. Nuclear power at present does possess proven technologies that ensure adequate safety level and safe radwaste disposal. Non-proliferation of nuclear materials is effectively supported by the system of IAEA safeguards. This structure is sound and it provides the basis for the further development of nuclear energy. However, the nuclear industry needs to work on new, innovative technologies in order: on one hand, to reduce the costs and thus answer the strong challenge of competing energy generation technologies, on the other hand, to facilitate the dialogue between the nuclear industry and the public by providing more transparent, convincing solutions and designs A success ful development of innovative nuclear technologies addressing these two key challenges would permit a large-scale development of nuclear energy in the next century. Thus, in the foreseeable future, the need for the development and deployment of more advanced versions of today’s energy production technologies will continue, and all promising technologies should be pursued. It is likely that different technologies could be favored in different circumstances. These circumstances could be based on a variety of factors, including national policy, regulatory and other mechanisms in different countries, and geopolitical situations (remoteness, availability of particular resources, etc.). Globally, it appears that the world is likely to need substantial new contributions from all sources, particularly those capable of supplying significant amounts of clean, low-carbon energy. Nuclear power is one of the most promising of these sources. References [1] International Automatic Energy Agency , Nuclear Technology Review, August 2006, IAEA, Vienna , Austria. [2] Energy, Electricity and Nuclear Power Estimates for the period up to 2020, Reference Data series No. 1, July 2002, IAEA, Vienna , Austria. [3] International Automatic Energy Agency IAEA Bulletin, volume 49/1. September 2007, IAEA, Vienna, Austria. [4] Global Nuclear Energy Partnership, . [5] IAEA, 2008b.Nuclear Power Reactors in theWorld. IAEA Reference Data Series no. 2. Vienna. [6] IAEA, 2009. Energy, Electricity and Nuclear Power Estimates for the Period up to 2030. IEAE Reference Data Series no. 1. Vienna. [7] Jones, J.M., 2010. U.S. support for nuclear power climbs to new high of 62%. Gallup.com, March 30. 2010. [8] Sustainable Development in a Dynamic world, world Development Report- 2005, World Bank. [9] Bharadwaj, A., Krishnan, L.V., Rajgopal, S., 2008. Nuclear Power in India: The Road Ahead. Center for Study of Science. Technology & Policy, Bangalore (September). [10] Bilboa y Leon, S., 2009. Development of advanced nuclear reactors worldwide. Nucl.Plant J. September October. 27 (5), 36–42. [11] Rashad S.M. , Hammad , F.H.; Nuclear Power and the Environment ;Compartative Assessment of Environmental and Health Impacts of Eelectricity Generating Systems, Applied Energy 65 (2000) 211-229. [12] Rashad S.M. , Nuclear Power and the Environment Prospects and Challenges, Proceeding of Energy for Sustainable Development and Science for the Future of the Islamic World and Humanity Conference , Organized in Kuching / Sarawak , Malaysia 29 Sept-2 Oct. 2003 Islamic World Academy of Sciences, Amman , Jordan, 2006. [13] Innovative Technologies for Nuclear Fuel Cycles and Nuclear Power , Proceedings of International Conference held in Vienna, 23-26 Hune 2003 organized by IAEA et a1 , Vienna, Austria, 2004. [14] International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycle, . [15] Nuclear Power and Proliferation Resistance: Securing Benefits, Limiting Risk. American Physical Society, College Park, MD (May). [16] Chicago, University of., 2004. The Economic Future of Nuclear Power: Study Conducted at the University of Chicago. 2004(August). Cirincione, J., 2009. Chain reaction. Foreign Policy (May 7). [17] Nuclear Energy Study Group, American Physical Society Panel on Public Affairs, 2005. [18] MIT, 2003. The Future of Nuclear Energy: An Interdisciplinary MIT Study. . [19] Deutch, J.M., Forsberg, C.W., Kadak, A.C., Kazimi, M.S., Moniz, E.J., Parsons, J.E., 2009.Update of the MIT 2003 Future of Nuclear Power Cambridge, MA. [20] InterAcademy Council, 2007. Lighting the Way Toward a Sustainable Energy Future. Amsterdam. (October). [21] MacFarlane, A., Asselstine, J., Ahearne, J., 2008. The future of nuclear energy: policy recommendations . Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (December 11). [22] MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), 2003. The Future of Nuclear Power: An Interdisciplinary MIT Study. Cambridge, MA. [23] Nuclear Energy Agency (France), 2008. Uranium Resources Sufficient to Meet Projected Nuclear Energy Requirements Long into the Future. Paris (June 3).

Regime Type and its Influences on Growth Essay

During the last period of the 20th century, the world has observed the so called â€Å"Asian Miracle†, the phenomenon refers to Asian countries that achieved a very high growth rate that western countries have never experience before. Interestingly, one common thing these Asia countries have in common are the experience of a certain level of dictatorship. For example, China’s economy during 1960-1980 was heavily centralized and the private sector was not allowed to exist. Singapore gained their independence in 1945 and started to develop with the leading role of government. Japan, Malaysia, Korea, and Vietnam experienced the same level of dictatorship when they started to open their market and turn into market economies. The idea behind this phenomenon is because the government can quickly decide what industry to investment in and the large investment help these industries to acquire economics of scale quickly. The government takes the leading role as the distributor of resources instead of the market as in Western countries. My study aims at examine the relationship between the level of dictatorship and the growth rate. Literature Review That good governance is necessary for economic development was until recently the conventional wisdom. In 2002, for example, a USAID study asserted that â€Å"without good governance, it is impossible to foster development†. Lately, however, this paradigm has begun to lose ground. Robert Zoellick, president of the World Bank, argued in an October 2010 speech that development practitioners should embrace â€Å"differentiated policy approaches† noting that â€Å"what may safeguard (development) in one context my strangle in another†. The leaders of the G20 nations in November endorsed a â€Å"Seoul Consensus† that â€Å"there is no one size fits all formula for development success and that developing countries must take the lead in designing and implementing development strategies tailored to their individual need and circumstances†. The topic of whether democracy and autocracy is more appropriate for growth has received a lot of attention lately. This paper will examine five papers as examples of the current state of knowledge. Wilkin (2011) provides several definitions of good governance that he use in his paper. The World Bank defines governance is the process and institutions through which  decisions are made and authority in a country is exercised. Wilkin uses the governance metric offered by the Worldwide Governance Indicators Project. The indicators are grouped into six categories that are a useful guide to the dimensions of governance quality as it is generally conceived: (1) voice and accountability (2) political stability and absence of violent, (3) government effectiveness, (4) regulatory quality, (5) rule of law and (6) control of corruption. According to this metric, Wilkin point out that China continues to perform poorly on most of these indicators, ranking near or below the 50th percentile of countries assessed, while nonetheless achieving one of the fastest income growth rates of any country in the world. The reason that oligarchies in these countries can be beneficial to development is that they produce consistent policy choices. There are many developing countries that have achieved brief spurts of rapid per capita income growth – in fact, Wilkin specifies that, more than 130 countries have experienced annual per capita income growth of 6% or more for five or more of the years between 1950 and 2007. The challenge is not to achieve growth of 6% or more for a few years, which is unremarkable, but to do so for decades. This produces exponential rates of development, doubling the population’s average income roughly every 12 years. To attain this kind of consistency, oligarchy or authoritarian governance is useful and highly effective. Rodan and Jayasuriya (2009) focus their paper on the transition process and how capitalism developed in several Asian countries. They compare several regimes types across Southeast Asia and how the transition affect economic performance. The authors argue that a transition in Singapore from â€Å"competitive authoritarianism† to a more genuinely competitive political system requires a transformation in the political economy that suppresses bases for independent political organization. Meanwhile, political parties in post-authoritarian regimes in Thailand, Philippines and Indonesia do not operate quite as their counterparts historically have in earlier industrializing countries – not simply because of deficient institutions but because of the structural constraints on labor, social justice groups and other actors in civil society. Chin-en Wu (2012) raise the question of â€Å"whether democracy or autocracy is better for economic performance?† By incorporating both institutional  factors and structural incentives into his model, he find that the relative strength of political regimes in steering economic development is conditional on structural factors, which exert greater influence in autocracies than in democracies. For instance, when confronting external challenges, increasing national wealth becomes the most effective way for authoritarian leaders to reduce survival risk. Development provides incumbent governments with sufficient financial resources, which can finance the states apparatuses, including the bureaucracy and coercive forces such as the military and police. Failure to cope with external threats could result in seceding territories and damaging domestic support, both increasing the probability of losing power. Given the unfavorable structural condition, i.e., low levels of external threats of abundant resources wealth, dictators have weak incentives to implement growth-supporting policies. In a democracies, by contrast, the presences of democratic institutions induces political leaders to deliver public goods and partially substitute the role of structural factors. Conversely, where structural factors are conducive to growth, democracies do not necessarily outperform autocracies and may even grow at a slower rate because the flaw that are inherent in this system. Folch (2007) wrote a paper about the potential punishment under dictatorship. This paper explores whether the probability of being punished after losing power leads dictator to restrain their level of predation and, thus, increase economic growth. Holding dictators accountable is a difficulty problem, but under certain circumstances it might well improve their policy choices. Folch prove that dictators’ post tenure fate plays a key role in determining their level of graft and, hence, their economic performance. The logic Folch provide is quite simple, if dictators expect that after losing or giving up power they will be able to enjoy their booty in pleasant exile or in their own countries, their level of rent-extraction will be higher and this will lead growth rate to shrink. On the contrary, if the probability of being punished is high enough, dictators will constrain their greed and economic performance will improve. To confirm his theory, the author employ a simple model of predatory rule, and the consequences of increasing probability of punishment after losing power is explored. The  probability of punishment is proven to have a positive and significant effect on the rate of growth of GDP and alternative specification of growth regressions. Pitlik’s paper (2008) put an emphasis on the impact of growth performance on economic policy liberalization. He rejects the benefit of authoritarian regimes. In his paper, he investigates empirically the interaction between economic growth performance and political institutions in producing free-market reform. Using the data of up to 120 countries over the period of 1970-2004, Pitlik shows that political regime types systematically shape government policy responses to economic growth performance. In line with several other contributions, the author finds that democratic rule is favorable for reform in general. Contrary to conventional wisdom, he argues Economic policy reform is a conflict-ridden political process. Policies beneficial for society as a whole are often not implemented due to a fierce opposition from politically powerful prospective losers from reforms. In this respect, it is often claimed that a very poor economic performance can help overcome resistance to economic policy liberalization. Furthermore, political authorities not constrained by democratic checks and balances are often supposed to be more decisive and thus expected to carry out market-friendly policy change in times of crises more easily. Later, Pitlik concludes that there is no need for autocratic rule to implement economic policy reform in times of crises. Democracies not only carry out more liberal economic policies in general, but they are also more responsive to economic growth crises. Barro (1996) did a throughout research on determinate of growth in his paper. First variable he analyzed is the convergence of economies. He pointed out that, based on the neoclassical growth model developed by Ramsey (1928), Solow (1956), Swan (1956), Cass (1965) the lower the starting level of real per capita gross domestic product (GDP) the higher is the predicted growth rate. That is, if all economies were intrinsically the same, except for their starting capital intensities, then convergence could apply in an absolute sense; in other words, poor countries would tend to grow faster per capita than rich ones. However, if economies differ in various respects –  including propensities to save and have children, willingness to work, access to technologies, and government policies- then the convergence force applies only in a conditional sense. He conclude that, the growth rate should be higher if the starting per capita GDP is low in relation to is long-run or steady-state p osition; that is, if an economy begins far below its own target positon. He gives an example of a poor country that also has a low steady-state position – possibly because its public policies are harmful or its saving rate is low- would not tend to grow rapidly. Barro also made a very important contribution in analyzing the interplay between economic and political development. He shares the same idea with Friedman (1962) that the two â€Å"political freedom and economic freedom are mutually reinforcing†. Though, he stressed on the growth retarding aspects of democracy: The tendency to enact rich-to-poor redistributions of income. Authoritarian regimes may partially avoid these drawbacks of democracy. Moreover, nothing in principle prevents non-democratic governments from maintaining economic freedom and private property rights. A dictator does not have to engage in central planning, he said. Some examples of autocracies that have expanded economic freedoms include the Pinochet government of Chile, the Fujimore administration in Peru, the Shah’s regime in Iran and several current governments in East Asia. Schwarz (1992) observed that most OECD countries began their modern economic development in system with limited political rights and became full-fledged representative democracies only much later. Barro concludes that an increase in political rights tends to enhance growth and investment because the benefit from limitations on governmental power is the key matter. But in places that have already achieved a moderate amount of democracy, a further increase in political rights impairs growth and investment because the dominant effect comes from the intensified concern with income redistribution. Lipset (1959)’s paper focuses on the relationship between propensity and democracy. He apparently prefers to view it as the Aristotle hypothesis: â€Å"From Aristotle down to the present, men have argued that only in a wealthy society in which relatively few citizens lived in real poverty could a situation exist in which the mass of the population could intelligently participate in politics and could develop the self-restraint necessary to  avoid succumbing to the appeals of irresponsible demagogues†. Lipset emphasized increased education and an enlarged middle class as elements that expand â€Å"receptivity to democratic political tolerance norms†. Therefore, he conclude that for a country to maintain democracy regime, it is necessary to attain a certain level of education and prosperity. Otherwise, forcing democracy without its prerequisite would lead to reduction in growth rate and political instability. Cheibub (1998) also studies the relationship between political regimes and particular aspect of economic performance. Specifically, it addresses the question of whether regime type, classified as democracy or dictatorship, has a causal impact on the extractive capacity of government, as measured by the level of taxes it collects. The findings reported in his paper are unambiguous: there are no grounds for believing that democracies are less capable of collecting taxes than dictatorships. Although taxes are higher in democracies than in dictatorship, we should not infer that this is due to any inherent feature of democratic regimes. Once we control for the conditions that make us observe countries as one regime type or the other, and conjure up counterfactuals in which countries experiences conditions that are identical in every respect except for their political regime, we observe that the difference in level of taxes between the two regimes disappears. It is not that the two regimes do not matter for taxation. Even though taxation under democracies and dictatorships is influenced by broadly similar factors, there are also notable differences from one regime to the other. Per capita income, however, affects taxation only in democracies, whereas the pressure of servicing foreign debts only affects the level of taxes in dictatorships. Therefore, although there are factors that influence differently the level of taxes collected by the government in each regime, regime type does not affect the overall level of taxation. Democracies are not any less capable than dictatorship of extracting taxes from society.

Explore the memories of childhood Essay

Explore the memories of childhood presented in â€Å"In Mrs Tilscher’s class† by Carol Ann Duffy and â€Å"Childhood† by John Clare The memories of childhood presented in the two poems â€Å"In Mrs Tilscher’s class† by Carol Ann Duffy and â€Å"Childhood† by John Clare are explored in many different ways. One of the ways Duffy explores the memories of childhood is by remembering the happiness of being a child and creating a happy tone. â€Å"Sugar paper. Coloured shapes. Brady and Hindley faded, like the faint, uneasy smudge of a mistake. † This quotation shows that Duffy explores her memories of childhood to be happy by describing a horrendous crime to have disappeared in Mrs Tilscher’s classroom. â€Å"Uneasy smudge of a mistake† suggests the horrific incidents to have been rubbed away because it is so happy and peaceful when you are in Mrs Tilscher’s class room. Brady and Hindley’s horrifying antics also suggest the dangers of the adult world. It also gives the impression that the classroom is like a different world, a fantasy world where only happiness exists. The way Duffy mentions the sugar paper and the coloured shapes also give a sense of happiness because it makes the reader think of bright colours and activities which are associated with the pleasure of being a child. Likewise, in â€Å"Childhood† Clare also describes the contentment of childhood. â€Å"On the heaths, in the meadows beside the deep lake, and return’d with torn clothes all covered wi’ burrs. † This quotation shows how happy childhood was for Clare. The idea of nature presented in this quotation gives the impression of blissful children exploring the outside world. It gives this impression by mention â€Å"the meadow by the deep lake,† these words are in connotation to nature and outdoor life. A sense of freedom is also created as Clare uses a care free tone to describe where the children would play. â€Å"and return’d with torn clothes all covered wi’ burrs,† this section of the quotation creates a feeling of freedom and cheerfulness as Clare exclaims his clothes were ripped and torn but the care free tone he uses suggests he didn’t care and that he shed no guilt because of this, he was just having fun, which explores the idea of childhood innocence. Even though a happy sense of youth is produced in â€Å"In Mrs Tilscher’s class,† Duffy makes the happiness seem to diminish throughout the poem. â€Å"You asked how you were born, and Mrs Tilscher smiled, and then turned away. † This shows that the innocence of the children is starting to pass away. The fact that Mrs Tilscher smiles and turns away, when â€Å"asked how you were born,† conveys a sense that she does not want to encourage the children to loose their childhood innocence by telling them such mature things. This is a sign of sexual awareness created by Duffy because the topic of sexual nature is starting to be explored at this stage in a child’s life. Duffy also creates a feeling that the children look towards Mrs Tilscher for comfort but they both feel that it is time to move on in the direction of growing up. Duffy does this by making the child try on last attempt to stay in the safeness and secure, safe womb of the primary school. As Mrs Tilscher turns away is signifies the fact that her time is over teaching this particular class. This conveys a sense that joyfulness is slipping away. â€Å"A rough boy told you how you were born. † This quotation shows the â€Å"rough boy† who reveals how you were conceived is another sign of maturity. For children it is like finding out there is no Father Christmas. It gives the impression that life won’t be the same again. The structure of the two poems, is different. In â€Å"Childhood,† Clare has created a regular rhyme scheme to the poem. â€Å"O dear to us ever the scenes of our childhood The green spots we played in the school where we met The heavy old desk where we thought of the wild-wood Where we poured o’er the sums which the master had set. † This is a fraction of the first stanza of the poem which shows the rhyming pattern. It has a sort of â€Å"sing-song† rhythm to it, which is reminiscent of the nursery rhymes sang when a young child. In contrast to this, in â€Å"In Mrs Tilscher’s classroom,† there is no regular rhyme scheme. â€Å"You could travel up the Blue Nile, With your finger, tracing the route While Mrs Tilscher chanted the scenery†¦ † This quotation is also from the first stanza of the poem, and there is no regular rhyme scheme. But as there are four stanzas in this poem, each stanza can be said to represent a different area of development. For example, the first stanza represents escapism. â€Å"You could travel up the Blue Nile with your finger,† this gives the impression that you can physically escape from your troubles and actually travel up the Blue Nile with your imagination. This conveys a sense that Mrs Tilscher’s classroom is a safe and comforting place to be. The final stanza represents moving on and growing up. â€Å"A rough boy told you how you were born. You kicked him, but stared at your parents, appalled when you got home. † This quotation gives the impression that the safety that Mrs Tilscher provided for you, is now slipping away as you are being introduced to bullies, and people who know more about the world than you do. It conveys a sense that the innocence and virtue of being a child has gone because you are growing older and maturing into adolescence. In â€Å"Childhood,† the final stanza creates a sense of closure. â€Å"There’s nought to compare to the days of our childhood. † This quotation suggests that nothing is as good as childhood and it was obviously an exciting part of life for Clare. It also makes the reader feel as if that is the end, there was no moving on to a different stage of life or growing older into a teenager. Clare creates this feeling by saying nothing compares to his childhood giving the impression that his teenage and younger life was not as exciting and stimulating as his childhood days. It is as if Clare wanted childhood to be everlasting. Likewise in â€Å"In Mrs Tilscher’s class,† there is also a sense of closure. â€Å"Reports were handed out. You ran through the gates, impatient to be grown,† This quotation also gives the impression of the ending of being in Mrs Tilscher’s class, as Duffy mentions reports were handed out, this usually happens at the end of an academic year, which makes the reader think of a new teacher and a new class. It also creates a sense of moving on to another year of school. It suggests that there is more to come of life but not as in childhood, in more of an adult nature. A feeling of finishing is also created. In conclusion, the two poems â€Å"In Mrs Tilscher’s class† and â€Å"Childhood† have many similar and different references.

FACEBOOK AND TWITTER OFFER BUSINESSES BOTH OPPORTUNITIES AND Essay

FACEBOOK AND TWITTER OFFER BUSINESSES BOTH OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES - Essay Example Overall, both challenges and opportunities surface to businesses when using Twitter and Facebook. If no marketing activities were present on the social media sites, perhaps no consumer would be willing to pay for such sites. This is majorly because the social media, especially Facebook and Twitter, offer both consumers and businesses an opportunity to interact and share experiences with certain products and services. While most businesses use the social media for marketing and customer service, a vast majority of the consumers tend to offer valuable feedback and complaints via the same sites. This close interaction between businesspersons and their clients strengthens the bond between the consumers and the businesspeople. Owing to the critical service that consumers receive from respective businesses, it is appropriate to imply that few consumers would be willing to pay for the social media sites if there were no marketing activities in such sites. Essentially, they are consumers, and need information about the product they consume, probably from the marketers. Facebook and Twit ter offer the best platform for such marketing activities hence retaining several consumers. Although most marketers are genuine in their advertisements, some marketers have the tendency of posting what a majority of the social media users would consider inappropriate. Perhaps it is because the social media is a platform where people are supposed to have fun and any serious content that interrupts the conversation of fun lovers might appear inappropriate. In essence, oversharing of information by some marketers might be considered inappropriate, especially when such advertisements are unwarranted. Additionally, some marketers do not clearly examine the market segments hence posting would be offensive to some sections of social media users. Therefore, it is imperative that marketers be

Deciphering Communication Styles between Men and Women Essay

Deciphering Communication Styles between Men and Women - Essay Example For example the communicative style of a child is different from that of teenager or adult. It is the study about communication which has led me understanding the way I interacting with people is more complex than I assume. After studying about communication I have become more observant in communicating with people at home, work and online classrooms. I acknowledge that speaking itself does not constitute communication but equal importance must be given to listening aspect too. It is a two way phenomenon in which, both the speaker and listener have position to comply with. For example, communication between genders has different perspective when closely monitored. When I communicate with my mother and sister I perceive that I am more emotional, but when I talk with my father it is more of action – oriented and practical. As per (Sherwood,2013) â€Å"Women communicate through dialogue, discussing emotions, choices and problems. Males remain action-oriented -- the goal of commu nication is to achieve something†. Communication at Home and Gender concept The communication held at home is different from that of workplace or online classrooms. The communication process at home is informal whereas work place and online class rooms are formal. Communication is a two way process and people involved in it largely makes the nature of it. Communication is an art and interacting with women and men in this as a process largely differ. When I perceive the way in which I communicate with my mother and sister, I can understand I am using a different tone and style. I can understand that inequality does exist while communicating with females and males. My talking style is different with my mother and sister and it takes different direction when communicating with my Father. When communicating with men and women we can understand the functionalism concept in them as both the gender convey inequality. When I talk to my mother I find that she wants to connect to me emo tionally and wants to know about my wellbeing and physical status. My mother talks about choices, problems I encounter and think a lot before giving her decisions. Even my sister wants to achieve emotional satisfaction by communicating with me and be playful with me all time. She likes to argue with me without reason to engage more emotionally with me. However, my father is more serious while communicating and is direct in his speech. He gives practical solution to the problems I encounter in life and is guides me for a better living. According to (Lieberman,2009)â€Å"Men like to tell and give information rather than ask questions. They share experiences as a way of being one-up†. Communication at work place and gender concept Communication at workplace is different from home as the former is a formal environment. In my workplace my main communication is with my manager. My manager is a male and I can identify his communicative style to mostly resemble with my Father. I can find that he is very authoritative in his talking style. He is very reserved person and unlike female colleague is less problem sharing and expressive. When I talk with my female colleague, I find her as a talkative person, who enquires more about my life outside the office. I find her very pacifying compare to my other male colleague. As per (Tannen,2010) â€Å"I have spent more than three decades collecting and analyzing thousands of examples of how women and men interact and have found that men’

Quantitative decision theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Quantitative decision theory - Essay Example rgency plan, he directs the emergency response program and has the final decision and responsibility for the major decision relating to all aspects of emergency response. In case the president is absent, the provost has the authority to direct the emergency response until the president is available. The other key person in emergency response is the vice president of administration. He is responsible for damage assessment claim relationships with trinity’s insurance company and immediate oversight of facilities for any emergencies involving building and grounds. The building collapse and cause accident, the assessment will be carried out effectively. The most important role during emergency response is directing the emergency program by the president (Britten-Jones, 1999). He is the overall authority to give order to be followed by all the emergency personnel. Emergency response needs central command that can be best performed by the president. The other issues concern is assessment of damage. It determines the magnitude of the disaster and the kind of response it will need. If the disaster is severe it will need comprehensive and

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Strategic forecasting in support of proactive engagement Responding to uncertainty in Somalia - Essay Example Much as the western civilization is so prolific in the accumulation of economic prowess it no doubt that the civilization is condemned by itself. Crisis prevention, conflict transformation and peace-building should be at the centre stage in Somalia. The world at large should come out clear to fight this crisis. Restoration of sanity in Somalia should borrow a leaflet from post-conflict countries, where all warring factions. To this end, it is taken into account, for instance, that all population groups must have equal access to inputs, and every effort is made to ensure that the weaker party to the conflict is not disadvantaged. The need for a comprehensive strategy is needed with all the urgency. War is simply a disease of the body politics; a pathological condition which can be traced to abnormalities in the social or economic structures or to the racial characteristics of particular peoples. Historians on the other hand do not discuss war from the aspect of good or evil normality or abnormality, health or disease. For them it is simply the use of violence by states for enforcement, the protection or extension of their political power. War in Somalia has left an estimated 400,000 Somali's displaced since the (IFG) backed by the Ethiopian army entered Mogadishu last December to eject Islamic courts union (ICU) The UNHCR estimate 124,000 people have fled Mogadishu since Feb. 2004 while 73,000 are reported to have left capital Mogadishu. 1.2 Definition of the Anomaly. Conflicts in Africa date back to 1884 when the continent was balkanized into colonies by European powers. The state, in trying to assist to bring order amid disorder, merely adds another dimension to the conflict. External actors to a conflict should be identified and brought to participate in the conflict resolution. The mind must be decolonized so that conflict resolution and peace building and dialogue can be regionalized and, where appropriate globalize. Early warning responding units involving CSO, up to the community level, should be in a position to soften the edges between groups. This includes suggesting other ways of resolving issues that recourse to arms. There is need to study the countries success stories. In cases where there is internalization of conflict international actors are quick to respond to bring peace to the area. Consideration, therefore ought to be given to the internationalization of peace building process. The presence of the UN force and the Ethiopian military occupation is a reflection of a political hostility. However, this is to be blamed on external forces reverberating waves of fear in the Nation of Somalia, consequently, it is futile to try to regulate or reduce military forces separately from their underlying political issues. Basically hostility should be resolved, through the reduction in arms. This will bring sanity and a sense of security among residents. To attempt control of military forces before removing the political sources of friction or threat is to put the cart before the horse. 1.3 Rationale. The basic point should be stressed again no arms-control plaint will remain effective and dependable unless it continues to serve the national interest of Somalia and its warring factions as its leaders conceive those interest. In reaching their judgments they would however appraise the alternatives. The main function of inspection and of remedies available to the other parties is to make

Biographies of Ronald Reagan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Biographies of Ronald Reagan - Essay Example Though he questions the rationality of Reagan’s policies, he welcomes how his method and political capacity reassured the country and in varied dimensions changed the nation’s political course. He further argues that, Reagan failed to realize his targets. However, he managed to reduce expenditure, taxes, arrears, and size of administration. Furthermore, he instigated a course of change in varied areas that persist to direct the liaison between commonplace Americans and the organization that administer them. The country has undergone a Reagan revolution in many facets of administrational and legal policy. He labeled a ‘big administration’ as a problem. He also made attempts to endorse a conservative social ethic. He changed the lingo and content of U.S. politics in a conservative direction. He brought many devout, scholarly and economic conservatives into the state’s political mainstream. Charles Dunn investigates into the opinionated legacy of Reagan ’s confirmation and rise of his political rank in a democratic system. Reagan at all times presented himself as a commonplace American native in office. He was an ethical and an efficient leader. This efficient leader was also practical, flexible, and at times treacherous. He further describes him as an independent politician. He ventured into politics, not for fame, but due to his firm innate beliefs. This made his political regime has an outstanding appeal even in the worst of situations. Reagan was an efficient communicator who upheld to fundamental principles.

Bio for award recommendation Annotated Bibliography

Bio for award recommendation - Annotated Bibliography Example Besides providing support on an online platform, I also provide support on a tier one level to basic operating programs that include, the radio communication systems, radar tracking systems and personnel tracking systems. In addition to the provision of these operational systems, I am tasked with the provision of written documentation such as maintenance reports, engineering surveys and memoranda to give an analysis on services performed and planned. My work engagements across the globe have enabled me to acquire the necessary skills to give support on a tier one level basis to every single programme in the operation center. Due to my extensive travelling, I have become well versed in the Foreign Affairs Manual and Handbook to smoothen my stay in Iraq. During my time in the military, I was conditioned to be able to withstand high pressure while multitasking in my area of specialty. This has enabled me to be an efficient and focused worker. My time at the Department of Defense has conditioned me to work in physically demanding situations. This has been handy in maintaining and developing preventive measures for systems that I have been assigned. On an almost daily basis, I am involved in drafting written reports and recommendations regarding activity reports and personnel programs. Therefore, I maintain knowledge on base products installed at an expert level while striving to improve and sustain the ongoing technical security controls. I have installed many technical systems such as telecommunications, cabling, electrical and power. Additionally, I have in the past developed and installed CCTV systems for both analogue and digital features, automated control systems, and other life safety programs. Additional duties at the embassy that form part of my accomplishments include-troubleshooting video and fiber problems, installing cameras and smart boards (in and outside the embassy) to secure the safety of the personnel and its property, providing onsite

Tourism Operation Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Tourism Operation Management - Essay Example An attempt has been made in this paper to investigate two key challenges relating to management and operations - capacity building, and quality of services - and to make suitable recommendations concerning the possible measures to overcome these challenges. Tourism has emerged as a major business activity world wide. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) reported that tourism operations generated revenues totalling US$4421 billion in the year 2002. According to the Council's estimated projections, tourism business will grow to over US$8614 billion by the year 2012, registered an annual growth rate of 4.5% in global demand (Page, 2003, p. 2). The Council also reported that tourism accounted for almost 8% of employment worldwide, which translates to one in 13 jobs. In the year 2002, tourism-related jobs totalled a whopping 198 098 000 jobs, and according to Page (2003), this is expected to touch the magical figure of 249 486 000 by the year 2012. Stephen Page (2003) noted: "The late twentieth century and the new millennium have witnessed the continued growth of interest in how people spend their leisure and non-work time." Leisure pursuits and holiday tours are increasingly becoming a major non-work activity for millions of people across the globe. This growing interest to travel and holiday has now come to be recognised as a truly international phenomenon, or 'tourism' that motivates people to use their leisure time to visit different localities, landmarks, places and destinations across the globe. Added to this is the growing demand for tours and travels relating to specialized events, such as seasonal pilgrimages to holy sites and shrines. Among the latter, Mecca stands out as perhaps the single biggest spot the world over in terms of the number of tourists and pilgrims that flock to this holy city. Growing Profile of Global Tourism There has been a phenomenal growth in the demand for air travel since the 1960s. According to Page (2003, p. 144), the global airline industry carried 1600 million passengers (many of them tourists) to and from 10,000 airports, with 18,000 aircraft in the skies in the year 1998. Air traffic demand in Europe alone stood at 541 million passengers, and is expected to touch the 1101 million figure by the year 2015. With steadily increasing demand, several carriers and tour operators have even commissioned their own charter planes to woo tourists and to boost their tourism business. Boeing even evolved a hub-and-spokes services facility with point-to-point flight services. According to estimates, Hajj pilgrims to Mecca alone totalled the one million mark every year (2003). Among several reasons for this stupendous growth in tourism operations, the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), a lobby group in the aviation sector, cited mainly five factors (2003, p. 3): A major downslide in the real cost of a travel Increasing activities in international trade and economic deals that call for frequent

Heart Rate and Blood Pressure Responses to Warm Whirlpool Treatment Article

Heart Rate and Blood Pressure Responses to Warm Whirlpool Treatment - Article Example The human body in normal conditions has a temperature set point of 37 degrees Centigrade, which may get altered during the circadian rhythm, after sleep loss, during hypobaria, and subsequent to dehydration. The stability in temperature that the body maintains is achieved by maintaining a balance between the rate of heat production that occurs mainly through metabolism and rate of heat lost or gained from the environment. Normal rules of thermodynamics are involved in this transfer of heat from the body and to the body. Differences between the temperature the skin and the environment is the governing factor in the thermodynamics involved (Lloyd, 1994). The thermodynamics involved in the attempt of the body to maintain the setpoint temperature of 37 degrees Centigrade is responsible for the thermal stimulus on hemodynamics, and it is for this reason that causes Ishijima and Togawa, 1999, to maintain that bathing in hot water puts stress on the heart.  The human body in normal condit ions has a temperature set point of 37 degrees Centigrade, which may get altered during the circadian rhythm, after sleep loss, during hypobaria, and subsequent to dehydration. The stability in temperature that the body maintains is achieved by maintaining a balance between the rate of heat production that occurs mainly through metabolism and rate of heat lost or gained from the environment. Normal rules of thermodynamics are involved in this transfer of heat from the body and to the body. Differences between the temperature the skin and the environment is the governing factor in the thermodynamics involved (Lloyd, 1994). The thermodynamics involved in the attempt of the body to maintain the setpoint temperature of 37 degrees Centigrade is responsible for the thermal stimulus on hemodynamics, and it is for this reason that causes Ishijima and Togawa, 1999, to maintain that bathing in hot water puts stress on the heart.   According to Press, 1991, this stress on the heart originate s from the increased pressure from the water causing vasodilation, profuse perspiration leading to a decrease in the extracellular volume of blood, increase in hematocrit levels with shortened clotting times, and an increase in the consumption of oxygen, due to the conditions of the environment saunas, spas, and hot tub baths. This raises the possibility of cardiac arrests resulting in patients during their use of saunas, spas and hot water tubs, with particular emphasis on individuals with a history of cardiovascular problems (Press, 1991). Such an understanding of the hemodynamics associated with an individual in the environmental conditions of hot tub baths, has caused physicians to warn individuals with elevated blood pressure levels and cardiac problems on the possible risks they face in hot water baths (Shin, Wilson & Wilson, 2003). Nagasawa, et al, 2001, points out that there is the risk of sudden death from hot water baths as such deaths have been associated with bathing in hot water.   This study aims to answer the question of how heart rate and blood pressure changes during a full body warm whirlpool treatment. The purpose of the study is to observe changes in the heart rate and blood pressure that occur with a warm whirlpool treatment as against the heart rate and blood pressure at rest and hypothesize the reason why certain special populations are advised precautions in the use of warm whirlpool treatments or hot tub baths. The study revolves around the hypothesis that heart rate will increase with warm whirlpool treatment and there will be a decrease in blood pressure.

The Knowledge of Human Existence Essay Example for Free

The Knowledge of Human Existence Essay Movies provide the audience with a unique experience. Not only do they entertain, they allow the audience to explore their own preconceptions. The most vital preconception that movies allow the viewer to explore and interact with is the definition and formation of knowledge. For centuries man has grasped for the true definition of knowledge. In this struggle many have fought for a unifying definition, this great conflagration of discourse and study did not lead to a unified definition of knowledge. Moreover, it leads to the question that still beats in the hearts of the philosopher and the movie-goer. What can human beings know about the experience of existence? How do we define it? Man’s struggle with the definition of knowledge and how we define existence is a driving force behind the questions asked by philosophers throughout history. From Plato to Descartes, from Aristotle to Kant, the understanding of existence became nearly an obsession of the great philosophical minds. It is this â€Å"obsession† that drives Hugh Jackman’s character, Robert Angier in Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige. In this â€Å"obsession† Angier finds his match with Keanu Reeves’ character, Neo in Andy and Larry Wachowski’s The Matrix, whose transformation from computer hacker to an almost God like position of knowledge, stems from his obsession with defining his existence. While it is the character Neo who is lead or rises to a position where it is possible to fathom the nature of existence, it is the audience whom Christopher Nolan guides to this level in The Prestige. Before an understanding of existence can be examined, it is important to define the role of the audience in Nolan’s The Prestige. While Nolan’s characters are subject to an â€Å"obsession† directed towards the knowledge of each other’s methods, the true character receiving knowledge is the viewer. Cristel Russell in a piece titled, â€Å"Rethinking Television Audience Measures: An Exploration into the Construct of Audience Connectedness,† written for Marketing Letters in 1999 discusses the degrees of connection a television audience has. While Russell’s piece is intentioned for an understanding of the relationship between a television audience and the images on screen in the sense of how to market to the audience, the similarity of the mediums allow for this to be an example for the filmic experience as well. Russell’s study asserts the strength of the connection the audience has, â€Å"viewers often reported that they imitate some of the intangible aspects of their television show, from the lifestyle of the actors to the philosophy portrayed by the character,† (Russell, 1999, p. 401). Russell chooses the word â€Å"their† to suggest a possessive, included, position that the viewer takes with the images portrayed on the screen. It this suggestion of inclusiveness that suggests that the viewer becomes part of â€Å"their,† show. No longer is the viewer simply an audience member; they are a part of the cast chosen by the director and as such they become a necessary medium for explication of â€Å"philosophy† as is suggested by Russell. Nolan’s audience is not simply viewing, they are interacting with the film, and as such they are guided by Nolan to a realization, just as Robert Angier is. While, Angier’s â€Å"obsession† for knowledge is limited by his insatiable desire for revenge, he ascends on a philosophical scale. While this may seem reminiscent of the story of Plato’s cave, where a man trapped is freed by realization that his existence is limited to projections on the wall of his cave, Plato’s example does not serve Angier. It isn’t until his death at the hands of his old enemy that Angier is able to transcend to the realm of knowledge necessary to understand existence. It is in this moment that he realizes that all the tangible evidence of how his rival’s tricks were performed, were not the true illusion. The truth that Angier in his final moments is lead to believe, is that sacrifice is a necessity for perception to become actual existence. In his dying moments Angiers defines his own understanding of his purpose, while the film-maker paints it in a romantic sense, it provides the viewer with the true understanding of individual existence. It is just that. Individual. While shaped by the collective experience, the only thing a human being can say for certain is that their existence is their own, folding too completely into an empirical collective experience is as unfulfilling as life without death. Hence, Angier must die by the end of the film. (Nolan, 2006). Knowledge cannot be limited solely to a scientific explanation of why things are and why things aren’t. John Cottingham’s piece, â€Å"The Question,† from The Meaning of Life provides the seeker of knowledge with an explanation for the limitedness of scientific inquiry. In the piece Cottingham highlights â€Å"religious discourse† throughout time as necessary force for further investigation into the why that creates the human need for knowledge of existence. While â€Å"religious discourse† may not provide an exact answer to what existence is, this is inconsequential as according to Cottingham, â€Å"But its advocates would urge that it none the less assuages the nausea, the ‘nausea’ as Jean-Paul Sartre called it, that we feel in confronting the blank mystery of existence,† (Cottingham, 2003, p. 9). Here Cottingham’s inclusion of â€Å"religious discourse† as essential in understanding the â€Å"blank mystery of existence,† seems to undermine a definition of existence based entirely on science. â€Å"Science† as discussed in Cottingham’s discourse should be understood as empirical knowledge. Based upon Cottingham, this empirical knowledge, the tangible is limited in its ability to assist human beings in their understandings of existence. It is into this gladiatorial arena where Rene Descartes jumps as a opponent of a solely empirical understanding of existence. Rene Descartes provides a rational approach to the problem of understanding existence. Descartes rationalism is based upon his definition of the â€Å"material† of existence. Rather than being bogged down in the definition of â€Å"material,† Descartes comes to the conclusion that, â€Å"Consciousness is the essential property of mind substance,† (Collinson, 2006, p.81). Descartes’ definition of the â€Å"essential property† as espoused in Diane Collinson’s Fifty Major Philosophers opens the door for how human existence is defined. The â€Å"essential property† of existence is not based on tangible experience. Collinson highlights Descartes suggestion that the mind experiences the empirical sense of the body, but not because of direct physical experience, rather that, â€Å"ideas of primary qualities are not derived from sense experience but are innate,† (Collinson, 2006, p 83. ). This idea of â€Å"primary qualities† can be applied to the question of existence as experienced by Neo in The Matrix. Neo’s character ascends from a plateau of empirical existence in the beginning of the film. He does not know that he is actually being deceived, that his definition of existence is a computer created dream state. This dream state although realized to be a manifestation of a computer program, is seen by Neo in his earliest iteration as real. He does not know he lives within a deception, because the computer-generated Matrix  maintains all the â€Å"essential qualities† of existence in Neo’s mind. It is not until he meets Morpheus that what he considers existence is a facade. While he maintained a certain amount of skepticism, Neo’s first iteration as Thomas Anderson does not suffer to greatly from the problems that Descartes mused about in the sense of â€Å"dualism. † Neo before meeting Morpheus is happy to accept his existence just as it is because without the outside of influence of Morpheus’ experience, the Matrix holds up to the ideal of the innate nature of existence. Similarly, the audience of The Prestige is like Neo. They are lead astray from the true realization of existence, in particular the truths revealed at the end of the movie, by Nolan. The audience does not know that there is a form of deception taking place. Sure, there is the acknowledgement that the other characters practice in deception, but as the audience is intertwined into the film as an additional character, they are unable to see the greater deception at play. Like Neo, the viewers of The Prestige must go through further iterations in order to understand that while seemingly â€Å"innate† in the sense of Descartes, that the existence portrayed is not the truth. In both cases, an outside influence contends against the assumed support of the rationalism proposed by Descartes. As Neo is awakened into the real world by Morpheus, he ascends another rung on the ladder to an identifiable definition of what composes existence. As Morpheus instructs Neo in the realities of the computer dominated manifestation he had accepted as existence, he is in fact reflecting what Kenneth Westphal refers to as, â€Å"the Humean objection, that the appearance of physical objects in space and time is a deceptive illusion produced by our imagination,† (Westphal, 2006, p. 781). In this direct reference to David Hume In his piece,† How Does Kant Prove That We Perceive, And Not Merely Imagine, Physical Objects,† written for Review of Metaphysics, Westphal endorses Morpheus’ claim to Neo that his imagined self when inside the Matrix is just as real as Neo in the real world. If Neo dies in the Matrix, even-though his computer generated image is simply a construction of the mind, he also dies outside of the Matrix. The creation of two distinct images of the same person, with equal mortality seems to suggest a dichotomy, that deception and perception are interchangeable. That the tangible and the imagined are one and the same when it comes to defining existence, but this understanding is only reached by a communal understanding of existence. Neo was perfectly fine with accepting his previous understanding of the world and his violent initial reaction to Morpheus’ suggestion, points to this. This notion rather than serving to clarify how existence is determined actually muddles the idea. It almost works to endorse a sense of self-deception. (Wachowski, 1999). The concept of self-deception and the reality of the imagined is examined by through the audience’s viewing of the truth behind Angier’s final downfall in The Prestige Angier buys into the imagined and as a result must be destroyed. The final scenes of the film refer the audience, now so deeply involved in the deception to the introduction by the character, Cutter, â€Å"Now youre looking for the secret but you wont find it, because of course youre not really looking. You dont really want to know. You want to be fooled,† (Nolan, 2006). This suggestion that the viewer doesn’t â€Å"really want to know,† explains the downfall of Angier. He was so hopeless caught up in his desire for revenge that he limited his imagination, he only placed importance on the empirical evidence, that his enemy had been hung. He allowed himself to be deceived. Similarly, the character Cypher in The Matrix, desires to allow himself to be deceived. Rather than endorsing an empirical knowledge of existence in this desire, this â€Å"obsession,† it does quite the opposite. Both Cypher’s desire and Angier’s downfall in contrast to the admirable outcome favored upon Christian Bale’s character, Alfred Borden, endorse the idea that deception is as real as existence. The ability to choose between to two, between the intangible, (elucidated here as deception) and the tangible is the defining notion of human existence. This seems to reinforce a Kantian understanding of existence. Kant’s definition of the human experience while seemingly based in sensory information and in that regard would be subject to the same deceptions of the senses that plagued Rene Descartes. However, Kant’s argument trumps this understanding. Diane Collinson brings forth Kant’s understanding of experience and existence, â€Å"Things-inthemselves cannot be known ‘even if we could bring our intuition to the highest degree of clearness’. They are the non-sensible causes of what we intuit,† (Collinson, 2006, p. 123). Kant’s theory on knowledge, at least in part, suggests that although senses provide humans with a lens to view the world, that this is limited because in truth the perceived â€Å"cannot be known† no matter what level of ascendency the viewer reaches. This first portion of Kant’s definition of the knowledge of human experience is reflected in the downfalls of both Neo and Robert Angier. Both must fall in order to support this theory, but in falling they are able to transcend and realize that they were unable to fathom their experiences. Angier had to have his rival’s mystery elucidated for him. Neo had to die in order to reach a position similar to that of a demi-god where he was no longer limited by the human existence. The agents in The Matrix repeatedly call attention to this by discussing the weak and vileness of the humans they have enslaved. In order to transcend to this level of knowing both characters had to fail. They had to realize that experience and existence cannot be known simply from the sensory or the perception. It requires sacrifice, but the knowledge that comes out of the sacrifice is limited to the individual. Immanuel Kant endorses this assertion of the individual in existence. Moreover it Is in his acceptance of the individual’s lack of ability to discern between perception and the empirical Kant provides an argument against the aforementioned â€Å"Humean objection. † Whereas Hume argued that the knowledge of the physical is a deception produced by the imaginative capacities of the human mind, Kant dispelled this conjecture of Hume’s. This facet of Kantian idealism is reflected in his next contention against the Humean, â€Å"but Kant regarded Hume’s strategy as inadequate since it left the causal principle without any justification. His own account establishes a third class of propositions, one whose propositions, like those stating matters of fact, tell us something about the world and are synthetic rather than analytic but which are also necessary in that they have an a priori element, that is, an element that is not derived from sense perception,† (Collinson, 2006, p. 124). Collinson highlights Kant’s transcendence of Descartes’ and Hume’s positioning of sense perception. By allowing for â€Å"synthetic† propositions or ideas about the world, including that of human existence, Kant opens up a window to air out the farce that perception and the empirical are the measures by which existence is judged. Existence in this sense being â€Å"synthetic† is entirely based upon the individual. The individual, although knowledgeable of the deceptive nature of perceptions can choose to limit their knowledge of existence to those perceptions, as did Robert Angier. Or the individual can create their â€Å"own† synthetic perception of the world, if they understand that they cannot fully understand existence. Both characters ascend the scale of knowledge, but in order to truly understand the purpose of existence, they must fall. It is in this final fall, that both are allowed to finally acknowledge, to finally understand, the truth of their existence. In both movies, the characters, including the character of the audience in The Prestige, are guided to make a choice. The implications of this choice while not entirely revealed to the character upon deciding, reflect their decision to define their own existence. The character just like the human being, chooses what to make of their existence in whatever time and place they reside. It is not a communal definition of existence or an all-encompassing one. The knowledge of what existence is limited solely to the individual. Works Cited Collinson, Diane and Plant, Kathryn. â€Å"Emmanuel Kant (1724-1804). † Fifty Major Philosphers Routledge, 2006, pp. 121-127. Collinson, Diane and Kathryn Plant. â€Å"Rene Descartes (1591-1651),† Fifty Major Philosopher, Routledge, 2006, pp. 79-84. Cottingham, John. â€Å"The Question,† On Meaning of Life, Routledge, 2006, pp. 1-31. Nolan, Christopher (Producer), Nolan, Christopher (Director). (2006). The Prestige [Motion Picture]. United States: Touchstone Pictures. Russell, Cristel Antonia and Puto, Christopher. (Nov 1999). â€Å"Rethinking Television Audience Measures: An Exploration into the Construct of Audience Connectedness. † Marketing Letters 18 (4). Retrieved from: http://www. jstor. org. ezproxy2. lib. depaul. edu/stablett Silver, Joel (Producer), Wachowski, Andy and Larry (Director). (1999). The Matrix [Motion Picture]. United States: Warner Brothers. Westphal, K. R. (2006). HOW DOES KANT PROVE THAT WE PERCEIVE, AND NOT MERELY IMAGINE, PHYSICAL OBJECTS?. Review Of Metaphysics, 59(4), 781-806. Retrieved from: http://web. ebscohost. com. ezproxy2. lib. depaul. edu.

Causes of Epilepsy and Seizures

Causes of Epilepsy and Seizures Contents (Jump to) Introduction to Epilepsy Seizures Causes of Epilepsy Conclusion References Figures Appendix Introduction to Epilepsy Epilepsy is the oldest known brain disorder dating back as early as 2080BC (Cascino et al., 1995). It was first identified as a disease by Dr Jon Hughlings Jackson in 1880 who defined it as â€Å"An occasional, sudden, massive, rapid and local discharge or the grey matter† (Scott, 1978). This definition has been confirmed 50 years later by Electroencephalography. A more recent definition was devised stating â€Å"Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in which the nerve cell activity in your brain is disturbed, causing a seizure during which you experience abnormal behaviour, symptoms and sensations, including loss of consciousness.†(Scambler, 1989) Worldwide, it is estimated that there are 65 million people living with epilepsy with almost 80% of the cases reported occurring in the developing world (Ngugi et al., 2010). Within the UK, the prevalence is between 1 in 40/70,000 which equates to 3% of the population will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. Recurrent seizures are the hallmark characteristic of an epileptic. If an individual has one seizure early in their lives then none thereafter, they are said to have had an epileptic seizure but do not suffer from epilepsy. (Duncan et al., 2006) Seizures A seizure is abnormally excessive neuronal activity localised to a particular area of the brain known as the cerebral cortex causing a disruption to normal brain function. These cortical discharges will transmit to the muscles causing convulsions or commonly referred to as a fit. Figure 1 Generalised seizure with neuronal activation in both hemisphere Classifying seizures is done based on the site of the brain which the seizure begins. This will be either; Partial – where the onset of seizure is localised to one part of the hemisphere (fig. 1), Generalised – where the onset of the seizure is across both hemispheres (fig. 2) or Secondary generalised – where a partial seizure later spreads to involve the majority of the 2 cerebral hemispheres (Duncan et al., 2006). Figure 2 Partial seizure with neuronal activation in one hemisphere The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) have defined 6 main types of seizures: Clonic, Tonic, Tonic-Clonic, myoclonic, absence and atonic (Solodar, 2014), with all having the shared characteristic of syncope. Tonic-clonic seizures (grand mal seizures) are the most common and typically last 30 seconds with an initial back arching motion (tonic phase), followed by severe shaking of body limbs (clonic phase) in which sufferers can become incontinent and bit their tongue (fig. 3). Myoclonic seizures consist of muscle spasms throughout the body, while absence seizures only display mild symptoms such as a slight head turn or repetitive eye blinking (Engel and Pedley, 2008). Figure 3 Tonic and Clonic phases of a seizure Causes of Epilepsy Majority of cases are termed idiopathic, meaning there is no known reason for the disorder in that individual. The difference in causes amongst the general population can be seen in figure 4. Genetic factors can causes epilepsy as can environmental factors. In general it is a combination of the two which go on to cause someone to become epileptic. Over 500 genes have been identified to be linked to the disorder if mutated with some making individuals more sensitive to environmental conditions that can initiate seizures (Sanchez-Carpintero Abad et al., 2007). Some symptomatic causes of epilepsy include; brain tumours, strokes, low oxygen during birth, head injuries during birth or during a person’s lifetime, infections such as meningitis or anything which causes damage to the brain (Chang and Lowenstein, 2003). Figure 4 Causes of epilepsy amongst the general population Conclusion Epilepsy is a condition which has a host of causes as have been highlighted. It is the category of seizure within the brain an individual has which will determine the type of seizure they have and the altered body state which is displayed. This can be a very distressing disorder for sufferers as they are unable to control when they have a seizure and could occur at a very dangerous time such as whilst driving. The effective management via medication, surgery or lifestyle changes can reduce a person’s chance of suffering future seizures. Unfortunately in the majority of cases, the cause is unknown. This makes it highly difficult to target the disease for a cure, therefore minimising the probability of a seizure is the next best thing. References CASCINO, G., HOPKINS, A. O. SHORVON, S. D. 1995. Epilepsy, London, Chapman Hall Medical. CHANG, B. S. LOWENSTEIN, D. H. 2003. Epilepsy. N Engl J Med, 349, 1257-66. DUNCAN, J. S., SANDER, J. W., SISODIYA, S. M. WALKER, M. C. 2006. Adult epilepsy. Lancet, 367, 1087-100. ENGEL, J., JR. PEDLEY, T. A. 2008. Epilepsy : a comprehensive textbook, Philadelphia, Pa. ; London, Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams Wilkins. NGUGI, A. K., BOTTOMLEY, C., KLEINSCHMIDT, I., SANDER, J. W. NEWTON, C. R. 2010. Estimation of the burden of active and life-time epilepsy: a meta-analytic approach. Epilepsia, 51, 883-890. SANCHEZ-CARPINTERO ABAD, R., SANMARTI VILAPLANA, F. X. SERRATOSA FERNANDEZ, J. M. 2007. Genetic causes of epilepsy. Neurologist, 13, S47-51. SCAMBLER, G. 1989. Epilepsy, London, Tavistock / Routledge. SCOTT, D. 1978. About epilepsy, London, Duckworth. SOLODAR, J. 2014. Commentary: ILAE Definition of Epilepsy. Epilepsia, 55, 491. Figures ENGEL, J., JR. PEDLEY, T. A. 2008. Epilepsy : a comprehensive textbook, Philadelphia, Pa. ; London, Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams Wilkins. – figures 1 2 http://www.doctortipster.com/10291-generalized-tonic-clonic-epilepsy-seizures-grand-mal-seizures-clinical-presentation.html figure 3 http://www.cureepilepsy.org/egi/about.asp figure 4 Appendix Reference Type: Book Record Number: 1988 Author: Cascino, Gregory, Hopkins, Anthony October and Shorvon, S. D. Year: 1995 Title: Epilepsy Place Published: London Publisher: Chapman Hall Medical Edition: 2nd ed / edited by Anthony Hopkins, Simon Shorvon and Gregory Cascino. Short Title: Epilepsy ISBN: 0412543303 :  ¹95.00 Accession Number: b9561325 Call Number: 616.853 20 British Library DSC 95/22799 British Library STI (B) GV 05 blsrissc Keywords: Epilepsy. Notes: GB9561325 bnb 2362 Previous ed.: 1987. Includes bibliographies and index. Research Notes: Useful book, especially for historical aspects. Uses different terminology for seizures than other material, possibly due to age of print Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 2037 Author: Chang, B. S. and Lowenstein, D. H. Year: 2003 Title: Epilepsy Journal: N Engl J Med Volume: 349 Issue: 13 Pages: 1257-66 Epub Date: 2003/09/26 Date: Sep 25 Short Title: Epilepsy Alternate Journal: The New England journal of medicine ISSN: 0028-4793 DOI: 10.1056/NEJMra022308 Accession Number: 14507951 Keywords: Cerebral Cortex/pathology/physiopathology Electroencephalography Epilepsy/classification/etiology/pathology/*physiopathology Hippocampus/pathology Humans Ion Channels/physiopathology Neuroglia/physiology Sclerosis Thalamus/physiopathology Notes: 1533-4406 Chang, Bernard S Lowenstein, Daniel H NS39950/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States Journal Article Research Support, U.S. Govt, P.H.S. Review United States N Engl J Med. 2003 Sep 25;349(13):1257-66. Research Notes: Good overview of the disorder with relevant sections around the causes Author Address: Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA. Database Provider: NLM Language: eng Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 10337 Author: Duncan, J. S., Sander, J. W., Sisodiya, S. M. and Walker, M. C. Year: 2006 Title: Adult epilepsy Journal: Lancet Volume: 367 Issue: 9516 Pages: 1087-100 Epub Date: 2006/04/04 Date: Apr 1 Short Title: Adult epilepsy Alternate Journal: Lancet ISSN: 0140-6736 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(06)68477-8 Accession Number: 16581409 Keywords: Adult Aged Anticonvulsants/adverse effects/*therapeutic use Drug Resistance/*genetics Electroencephalography *Epilepsy/diagnosis/drug therapy/physiopathology Humans Incidence Infant Pharmacogenetics Abstract: The epilepsies are one of the most common serious brain disorders, can occur at all ages, and have many possible presentations and causes. Although incidence in childhood has fallen over the past three decades in developed countries, this reduction is matched by an increase in elderly people. Monogenic Mendelian epilepsies are rare. A clinical syndrome often has multiple possible genetic causes, and conversely, different mutations in one gene can lead to various epileptic syndromes. Most common epilepsies, however, are probably complex traits with environmental effects acting on inherited susceptibility, mediated by common variation in particular genes. Diagnosis of epilepsy remains clinical, and neurophysiological investigations assist with diagnosis of the syndrome. Brain imaging is making great progress in identifying the structural and functional causes and consequences of the epilepsies. Current antiepileptic drugs suppress seizures without influencing the underlying t endency to generate seizures, and are effective in 60-70% of individuals. Pharmacogenetic studies hold the promise of being able to better individualise treatment for each patient, with maximum possibility of benefit and minimum risk of adverse effects. For people with refractory focal epilepsy, neurosurgical resection offers the possibility of a life-changing cure. Potential new treatments include precise prediction of seizures and focal therapy with drug delivery, neural stimulation, and biological grafts. Notes: 1474-547x Duncan, John S Sander, Josemir W Sisodiya, Sanjay M Walker, Matthew C Journal Article Research Support, Non-U.S. Govt Review England Lancet. 2006 Apr 1;367(9516):1087-100. Research Notes: Very good overview with clear explanation around neuronal activity of seizures Author Address: Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, Institute of Neurology UCL, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK. [emailprotected] Database Provider: NLM Language: eng Reference Type: Book Record Number: 10529 Author: Engel, Jerome, Jr. and Pedley, Timothy A. Year: 2008 Title: Epilepsy : a comprehensive textbook Place Published: Philadelphia, Pa. ; London Publisher: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams Wilkins Pages: 2797 Edition: 2nd ed. Short Title: Epilepsy : a comprehensive textbook ISBN: 9780781757775 (set) :  ¹173.00 0781757770 (set) :  ¹173.00 Call Number: 616.853 22 British Library DSC m07/.34665 vol. 1 British Library STI (B) 616.853 British Library DSC m07/.34666 vol. 3 British Library DSC m07/.34664 vol. 2 Keywords: Epilepsy. Notes: GBA771698 bnb editors, Jerome Engel Jr., Timothy A. Pedley ; associate editors, Jean Aicardi [et al.]. Previous ed. : c1998. Includes bibliographical references and index. Formerly CIP. Uk Research Notes: Had everything covered in good detail. Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 10335 Author: Ngugi, Anthony K., Bottomley, Christian, Kleinschmidt, Immo, Sander, Josemir W. and Newton, Charles R. Year: 2010 Title: Estimation of the burden of active and life-time epilepsy: a meta-analytic approach Journal: Epilepsia Volume: 51 Issue: 5 Pages: 883-890 Short Title: Estimation of the burden of active and life-time epilepsy: a meta-analytic approach ISSN: 0013-9580 DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2009.02481.x Abstract: To estimate the burden of lifetime epilepsy (LTE) and active epilepsy (AE) and examine the influence of study characteristics on prevalence estimates. Notes: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2009.02481.x Research Notes: Only really useful for prevalence related material URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1528-1167.2009.02481.x Name of Database: READCUBE Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 11373 Author: Sanchez-Carpintero Abad, R., Sanmarti Vilaplana, F. X. and Serratosa Fernandez, J. M. Year: 2007 Title: Genetic causes of epilepsy Journal: Neurologist Volume: 13 Issue: 6 Suppl 1 Pages: S47-51 Date: Nov Short Title: Genetic causes of epilepsy Alternate Journal: The neurologist ISSN: 1074-7931 (Print) 1074-7931 (Linking) DOI: 10.1097/NRL.0b013e31815bb07d Accession Number: 18090951 Keywords: Animals Cerebral Cortex/physiopathology Epilepsy/*etiology/*genetics/pathology Humans Ion Channel Gating/genetics Ion Channels/genetics/*physiology Abstract: BACKGROUND: The contribution of genetic factors to the origin of different epilepsies is a fact established by epidemiological, clinical, and molecular studies. These studies have made it possible to identify numerous mutations in different genes that cause or predispose to the development of certain types of epilepsy. REVIEW SUMMARY: The study of single-gene epilepsies has contributed relevant data regarding the pathophysiology of epilepsy. Most of these genes encode voltage- or ligand-gated ion channels. Other single-gene epilepsies are related to mutations that provoke alterations in neuronal maturation and migration during embryonic development. Nevertheless, the most common forms of epilepsy are not caused by single mutations but by a combination of polymorphisms, most of which are unknown, that generate an alteration in neuronal excitability. In some syndromes, genetic alterations and their consequences have made it possible to explain the therapeutic response to diff erent drugs. Therefore, the progress being made in genetics is changing the classification and diagnosis of epilepsy; moreover, it can sometimes influence the choice of treatment. CONCLUSION: The advances made in genetic knowledge of epilepsy have led to the description of new epilepsy syndromes and to a better characterization of known ones. However, the genes responsible for the most common forms of idiopathic epilepsy remain mostly unknown. This means that for the time being, in clinical practice, genetic diagnosis is limited to uncommon syndromes and to cases in which treatment decisions or genetic counseling can be derived from the diagnosis. Notes: Sanchez-Carpintero Abad, Rocio Sanmarti Vilaplana, Francesc X Serratosa Fernandez, Jose Maria eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Govt Review 2008/01/26 09:00 Neurologist. 2007 Nov;13(6 Suppl 1):S47-51. doi: 10.1097/NRL.0b013e31815bb07d. Research Notes: Very complicated to read. Poorly illustrated. URL: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18090951 Author Address: Pediatric Neurology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Clinica Universitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain. [emailprotected] Reference Type: Book Record Number: 2015 Author: Scambler, Graham Year: 1989 Title: Epilepsy Place Published: London Publisher: Tavistock / Routledge Short Title: Epilepsy ISBN: 0415017580 (pbk) : No price 0415017572 (cased) : No price Accession Number: b8920431 Call Number: 362.1/96853 19 British Library DSC 89/23194 British Library HMNTS YK.1989.a.5440 Keywords: Epileptics Psychology. Notes: GB8920431 bnb 2054 Graham Scambler. The Experience of illness Bibliography: p124-130. _ Includes index. Research Notes: Written with the patient in mind but lacks specific scientific data Reference Type: Book Record Number: 2011 Author: Scott, Donald F. Year: 1978 Title: About Epilepsy : revised Edition Place Published: [S.l.] Publisher: Duckworth Edition: 3rd Ed. Short Title: About Epilepsy : revised Edition ISBN: 0715609467 Call Number: British Library DSC 79/5721 Research Notes: Very well written with good scientific data to back up claims. Reference Type: Journal Article Record Number: 10484 Author: Solodar, J. Year: 2014 Title: Commentary: ILAE Definition of Epilepsy Journal: Epilepsia Volume: 55 Issue: 4 Pages: 491 Date: Apr Short Title: Commentary: ILAE Definition of Epilepsy Alternate Journal: Epilepsia ISSN: 1528-1167 (Electronic) 0013-9580 (Linking) DOI: 10.1111/epi.12594 Accession Number: 24731170 Keywords: *Advisory Committees Epilepsy/*classification/*diagnosis Female Humans Male *Research Report *Societies, Medical Notes: Solodar, Jessica eng Comment 2014/04/16 06:00 Epilepsia. 2014 Apr;55(4):491. doi: 10.1111/epi.12594. Epub 2014 Apr 14. URL: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24731170 Research Notes: Good summary of definitions around seizures and all terminology within epilepsy 1

Cultural And Crop Related Festivals

Cultural And Crop Related Festivals Agriculture is the prime and predominant occupation of tribals and the culture of the tribal communities is reflected in their agricultural practices. Their main entertaining modes or ways are the celebrations of different festivals in different seasons that relate to and depend on agriculture produce. The study was made in Seethammapeta Mandal tribal areas on their socio- cultural traits influenced by the crops and forest mining produce that they acquire. This paper details the analysis of how influential the crops and F.M.P. are on the tribals socio-cultural activities in Seethammapeta Mandal and understanding the thematic perception of each festival that the tribes celebrate in different seasons as well as to analyze the concept of cultivation based much on spiritual confidence rather than logical process of production. The encouragement and support from the government legislation for the progress of tribal music and dance have inculcated a new sense of pride in their music and so cial ethos play an important role. KEY WORDS: Crops F.M.P., Primitive tribal groups, Spiritual confidence, Time cycle, Tribal culture. INTRODUCTION The tribes generally have a group of families living together and these groups have pre-historic economy, with several rituals and customs. Certain tribal languages have no script except speech. They live in interior forest areas far away from the civilized world. They have slash burn cultivation and hunting of the wild animals as the way of life. They have a common religion, common customs and live as a community. In general tribes are of peculiar type of people living all over the world. Agriculture is the prime and predominant occupation of tribals and the culture of the tribal communities is reflected in their agricultural practices. The agro-climatic conditions and the resource potentialities differ from one tribal area to another. This is due to the nature of soil, fertility, availability of water etc. Due to prevalence of unemployment and underemployment, agriculture alone cannot sustain them throughout the year. So the tribals must rely on labour works and the forest produce which occupies and play an important role in their daily life. Hence the tribal economy may rightly be called as agro forest based economy. The isolated location of the tribes from the main stream of life is hindering their economic activities. The illiteracy among the tribals and the rich forest produce tempted the money lenders and small traders to exploit the tribals. India ranks the second in having the tribal concentration in the world next only to Africa. India holds unique position in the concentration of tribal communities. Andhra Pradesh is one of the States where the tribals with different cultures especially in Seethammapeta Mandal of Srikakulam District, the important tribes are Savara (Hill and plain) and Jatapu. Savara are one of the important Mundari speaking tribes of India, on linguistic and ethnological grounds. Savara can be considered as pre-Aryan and pre-Dravidian. Though, there were so many sub-divisions among Savara, broadly they are treated as Konda Savara (Malia Savara) and Kapu Savara. Savaras are divided into a number of endogamous tribes. It has been noted that among sub-tribes the Konda Savara tribe have restricted themselves to the tracts of hill and jungle covered valleys. But as the plains are approached, traces of amalgamation become apparent, resulting in a hybrid race, whose apperance and manners differ but little from those of the ordinary citizens. The culture of the hill Savara is very ancient and they are considered by government as primitive tribal groups (PTG) and the Sa varas in plains are not considered as PTG in the Srikakulam district. The researcher has observed considerable differences between Konda Savaras and plain Savaras and also they are equally numbered in tribal population of the district. The other important tribes residing in Seethammapeta mandal are Jatapu, who are socially, economically and culturally advanced tribe in the Seethammapeta mandal. Actually, the other tribes residing in Seethammpeta mandal are insignificant in number. Konda Savara, plain Savara (hereafter mentioned as Savara) and Jatapu are in equal proportion and they consist of nearly 92 per cent of the total tribal population of the Seethammapeta Mandal. Their main entertaining modes or ways are the celebrations of different festivals in different seasons that relate to and depend on agriculture produce. Objectives To analyze how influential the crops and F.M.P. are on the tribals socio-cultural activities in Seethammapeta Mandal To understand the thematic perception of each festival that the tribes celebrate in different seasons. To analyze the concept of cultivation based much on spiritual confidence rather than logical process of production. Present Study The study was made in Seethammapeta Mandal tribal areas on their socio- cultural traits influenced by the crops and forest mining produce that they acquire. Tribal celebrate most of the festivals with respect to the crop grown at particular seasons and throughout the year. In the survey throughout the year, it is revealed that in all the 12 months, they celebrate different festivals by which they worship their traditional gods and godesses in association with agricultural and forest mining produce. This paper deals with wholesome information about how different cultural traits, traditional festivals are influenced by the crops (Agricultural F.M. Produce) in Seetampeta Mandal, Srikakulam District. TIME CYCLE REPRESENTING CULTURAL AND CROP RELATED FESTIVALS January: January is an important month for all Hindus of Andhra Pradesh for the most auspicious festival Sankranthi is celebrated in a grand way, similarly tribals also celebrate it, but the way and process of celebration is somewhat different .They accompany the crop red grass with Sankrathi, conventionally called as Redgram week festival. They have the custom of tasting newly cultivated redgram only after this celebration refers that it should be presented to the god first. Sankranthi in this month is also celebrated in a distinguished way that the entire tribals worship village Godesses regionally called as GRAMA DEVETAS by sacrificing crows and continue the procession of the Godess with all relatives. Another festival in this month called Tiger Festival which they call as PULI PANDAGA in which a goat is sacrificed to the Yojjos in the name of the persons who got expired in the family. They enjoy by taking part in dances like Dhinsa, ancient orchestra and tribal games in this fest ival. Dancing in the villages provides them opportunity for collective rejoining as well as inculcates in them a sense of cultural solidarity. February: Siva Ratri is pretty famous in this month even for tribals and their customary practice is to celebrate the flowers festival (POOLA PANDAGA in their language) in such a way that all the tribals gather flowers from all corners of the forest to worship the Godess and then onwards flowers are used for other personal and commercial purposes. This month is famous for marriages which are generally arranged under the direction of villege Jannad in a formal and traditional way. There is a celibration of cereal week where no cereal produced is tasted till the celebration is held. Another festival in this month is Toku festival in which they construct a small hut in the middle of the villege for their traditional priest called Yojjodu as a representative of the God, is decorated with the feathers of peacock proceeded with a grand procession afterwards. There is another festival called Solapur festival celebrated for the productive growth of cultivation by getting away from the evils, envious deeds and harmful thoughts from others. March: New amavasya is pretty famous and tribals celebrate by being articulated as bear with appropriate make-up and Jannod the formal priest store seeds in a swing. Later all taste the newly cropped mongo .Then follows other festivals in this month called New Jaggary, Jakaramma Temple and tamarind festival are also celebrated. April: There is a festival called Ujjamma Godess festival for the welfare of the villege in which they make a cart and fill it with a kind of fruits called Palli and worship with chik sacrifice and represent the same at the outscirts of the villege. They also celebrate Perantal celebrations for the welfare of the earth, forest and water which give better existence of them. May: Tribals are very busy with agriculture in this month where Seeds Festival is celebrated. All the tribals gather and clean all the agri-utencils and tools and worship them with water melted with rice powder .They also gather sample seeds from every family for puja (worship) with an animal sacrifice and then distribute seeds to all farmers assuming that the permission granted from the God to continue the process of cultivation. June : In this month there are two festivals called Tenka festival and Corner festival (Mula Panduga) in which all tribals taste seeds firstly and celebrate with riped mango by digging them at the corner of every house .This is one of the important festivals for them as the crop of mangos from the forest give them good return. July: There is a festival called Mokkalu Fest in which all tribals take out the unwanted plants in their fields to prevent deceases and increase the productivity of the crop. In this festival a cow is sacrificed to the God. August : The major and important tool they use for the preliminary process of cultivation is ploughing and tribals celebrate PLOUGH WEEK where the plough is neatly cleaned with turmeric powder, decorated with bangles and worship with again a cocks sacrifise so as they start cultivation ploughing with a new instrument. September: ANKUDA Leaves festival is celebrated is this month to get away from the dangerous mosquitos and bees which cost their health. In this Connection they gather every different flower from the forest and worship their God. October: DURGA FESTIVAL traditionally called DASARA is also celebrated by them just as every one of us does. They decorate all the tools, weapons, utensils and furniture with turmeric powder in order to worship the God. Another festival called NANDAMMA Godess Festival is also held at the time of the corp has been handed over from the fields. They celebrate this festival with articulations and roleplays by making up like their traditional Gods. They also worship JAKARI with potatoes and then the corp is taken back to home. November: There is a different festival in the way of games called KANDI GAMES in which they play with their skills of playing withaxes and dancing DHINSA and the tiger festival as refered before also celebrated in this month. December: CHUKKALA Festival is celebrated exclusively by the person who married second time after the dimise of first wife .In order to the former wife should be satisfied in the heaven and assuming that there will be a problem if it is not celebrated , they present four animals sacrifice to the God. There is another festival called AGAMA festival for preventing unnecessary demises is the family. At the end of the month KANDA festival starts and new red gram is tasted by all and will be continued to Redgram week in the month of January. Findings and conclusions: In most of the festivals there is a common practice of presenting animals like cock, cow and goat to the God or Goddess whom they worship. The basic source of their lively hook is either agriculture or acquiring Forest Mining Produce, so they worship the God or Goddess with newly originated produce or endowrsed to the God and afterwards they enjoy by eating and selling them. Most of their practice of enjoying every festival with non-vegetarian, liquor, Dinsa dance articulations. They celebrate festival for the most consumed crop or produce that is directly helpful and gainful to their livelihood such as redgram, cereals, tamannad custard apple and etc. They also give much importance to the utensils, tools and weapons in some festivals as their process of cultivation or FMP starts with them only. There are many superstitions they believe in and very proud to follow the traditional practices in every festival. They respect the mythological master called YOJJODU and JANNADS whom are believed as the representatives of the God or Goddess. They do not generally allow other castes to join their festivals as they look into them as almost their utmost responsibility much associated with community. They believe much in nature and in every festival they worship pancha bhutaas (Five Survivors i.e. air, earth, water, sky, and fire) for their survival is depended on them. The participation in every festival is found from every small village, every house and every person in the family. There is nothing like one exclusive festival is for one separate segment. Fishing hunt is one of the livelihoods for them exclusively for the tribals who reside at the bank of any river. It is found almost all the tools used by them for cultivation, hunting, and gathering produce from the forest are manufactured by them only. Step irrigation is the main system that they proceed with for cultivation. There are famous Gods and Goddess named Gramadevata, Durgadevi, Nandemma Goddess, Goddalama Goddess, Vijjamma Goddesses and etc. Traditional music and dance is slowly becoming less popular among the literate sections of the tribal society. The encouragement and support from the government legislation for the progress of tribal music and dance have inculcated a new sense of pride in their music and social ethos play an important role and significance of socio-cultural factors cannot be ignored in formulation of schemes for their all-round sustainable development. The degree of change with respect to traditional practices and celebrations of festivals is more in Jatapu and Kapu Savaras who are residing in the surroundings of Seethammapeta and in roadside villages. However, the degree of change for the same among these tribes is limited in the interior villages which are not having any transport or communication facilities.