Dwarfism Essays - Growth Disorders, Dwarfism, Achondroplasia

Dwarfism Or Anchondroplasia In medicine, ACHONDROPLASIA is known as being undersized, or less than 50in. in height. Having short limbs, a normal sized trunk, large head with a depressed nasal bridge and small face. This is a result of a disease in the thyroid gland. It can also be caused by Down syndrome or absorption, a cartilaginous tissue during the fetal stage. Hypochondroplasia, a mild form of dwarfism. Spinal tuberculosis and the deficiency of the pituitary gland secretions. Treatment with thyroxin or thyroid extract early in childhood results in normal growth and development. Somatrophin, also known as the human growth hormone is secreted by the anterior pituitary. Respiratory problems start to occur in infants. Symptoms of problems include snoring and sleeping with neck in a hyperextended condition. The limbs have rhizometic shortening. The legs are straight in infantry but when a child. He begins walking they develop a knock-knee position. When the child continues to walk legs begin to have a bowed-leg look. Occasionally, these curvatures are fixed. As the child continues to walk the kyphosis disappears and the back assumes a lordotic posture. If a delay in child's walking occurs, the spine should be monitored closely for signs of gibbous formation. In infancy, hypercephalus can occur. Infants head circumference should be monitored close. Monthly checks of head circumference must be monitored. Radiologic studies are indicated if head circumference raises to disproportionately, or if symptoms of hydrocephalus. Child's pediatrician should have a copy of head circumference curves for children with achondroplasia. Radiologic procedures for dwarfism include head ultrasound, C-T scan, or MRI of the head. If intervention is necessary, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt is placed relieving the pressure. Infants should also be monitored for foramen magnum compression. It is the opening at the base of the skull in which the brain stem and cervical spinal cord exit. When you have achondroplasia the foramen magnum is compressing the brain stem and spinal cord. Symptoms of narrowing include apnea the cessation of breathing and cervical myleopathy. C-T scans and MRI scans are done to examine the size of the infectious foramen magnum. A neurosurgical procedure called a foramen magnum decompression is executed to alarge foramen and alleviate further symptoms. Adolescents are at risk of getting lumbosacral spinal stenosis. The lumber spinal cord or nerve roots become compressed producing nerosurgical symptoms. Initial symptoms including weakness, tingling, and pain of the legs. Pain usually alleviated by assuming a squatting position. When condition worsens, pain in lower buttocks occurs. Diagnosis made by neurosurgical procedure called a lumber laminectomy. Dwarfism is an autosomal dominant condition. This means a person with achondroplasia has a 50% chance of passing it to his children. 75% of individuals with achondroplasia are born to normal size parents. The gene for Dwarfism, fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) is acquired when one undersized individual and a normal sized individual produce a child. Couples at risk of having a child with 2 copies of the changed gene. A DNA test is now also available to detect double homozygosity. Bibliography The Merck Manual of Medical Information. P 295, Merck & Co, Inc. Whitehouse Station, NS 1997 Hunter, AGW, et. al. Standard weight for height curves in achondroplasia. Am J Med Genet, 1996, 62:255-261 Science Publishing Inc., Disease Volume 7, p 73 "Dwarfism","Microsoft (R) Encarta (R) 98 Encyclopedia (c) 1993-1997 Microsoft Corporation.

The Animation of Waking Life essays

The Animation of Waking Life essays The Animation of Waking Life Richard Linklater accomplished a vision that he had almost scrapped until the immergence of a new technique in rotoscoped animation. Waking Life is a film infused with the power of animation that takes us through a journey of dreams and makes one question their own reality. The method of animation used was the step to making this powerful piece of cinema a reality and would not have happened without it. Rotoscoping was inventing in 1915 by animation pioneer Max Fleischer. It is a method that takes live action footage and traces over the images to produce very realistic movement. It is because of this tracing method that some feel rotoscoping is a sort of a cheat or easy way out. However, rotoscoping and other forms like it are a way to explore animation and its creativity even further; it allows animators more artistic freedom by saving labor: To not use these labor saving methods and tools would take us back to the days when acetate cells werent invented and you had not only to animate every frame but had to redraw the background every time as well. It was this type of freedom that allowed everyone involved with the piece to create a film that is just as visually stunning as it is narrativly. Director Richard Linklater wanted to bring artist, like painters, who did not necessarily know anything about producing animation and involve them in the process as animators. To accomplish this Linklater enlisted animator Bob Sabiston as art director. Sabiston brought with him his own developed software nicknamed RotoShop. This software was the tool that allowed artists of all animation levels to create their visions. It is a system that allows artists to trace over the video (Quicktime) with Wacom pens and tablets with results that are very close to brush strokes on a canvas. This method is accelerated due to the softwares interpolation system, which automat...

Course & syllabus Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Course & syllabus - Essay Example The importance of considering both are stressed and explained, as well as the difficulties involved. A greater emphasis on needs, aims, objectives and learning outcomes began when the Council of Europe’s Modern Languages Project attempted to remedy the over-emphasis on teaching methods in the 1970s (Stern, 1989: 212). This was a positive step but it became apparent later on, that treatment and evaluation related factors also needed to be considered for a more balanced approach. However, the focus of attention in this paper is on the needs, aims, objectives and learning outcomes. Needs analysis A needs analysis is a â€Å"systematic collection and analysis of all subjective and objective information necessary to define and validate defensible curriculum purposes †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Brown, 1995: 36). Often, a needs assessment is not undertaken for devising language courses. It is generally thought that it is not possible to be specific in identifying needs. However, it has been sho wn to be not only possible, but also useful in English language classrooms to support problem solving and â€Å"as a basis for aims, courses, and materials; and to provide a concrete illustration of how analysis of data can be performed, and how a tight and direct link can be maintained between needs, aims, and materials, and what actually occurs in the classroom† (Seedhouse, 1993). ... According to Brown (1995, ch. 2), they generally involve two things, firstly making basic decisions such as identifying the types of people involved, the information needed and points of view, and secondly gathering information such as types of questions, instruments, choosing procedures and other factors. For providing such information, Richards (2001: 63-64) recommends a number of strategies such as conducting a literature survey and conducting interviews. This would help to find out information such as the situations in which English is used most frequently, in which difficulties are encountered, perceived difficulties, frequencies of errors, suggestions, opinions, and so on. The Council of Europe model suggests the approach should be systematic and centred on the learner (Richterich & Chancerel, 1977). The Munby (1978) model also advocates the same but also suggests considering features pertaining to the target situation in which the language will be used. The information gleaned from this analysis is then fed as input for processing both language skills and meaning, i.e. for identifying the micro-skills and functions that would be required. Muby also mentions a number of other variables that should be considered, but these are recommended for after, not before, the syllabus is specified. However, all the pertinent information should ideally be gathered beforehand as part of the needs analysis not when the syllabus is finalised. Hutchinson & Waters (1987) formed a number of specific questions in their framework for target situation analysis, and based on these, further questions for analysing learning needs. These are listed in the table below. These questions are useful to ensure that all the important aspects

The Power of Music Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Power of Music - Term Paper Example Beyond any doubt, music has a power that goes far beyond the spoken word and enables a person to grasp a feeling that can only be experienced through music. In my own life, there are times where music will make me experience a feeling just by the sound or rhythm of the notes that is unlike anything else. For instance, classical music has always had that effect. Most classical music does not have words or lyrics with it; however, the notes and composition of music impacts the soul in such a way that it can change your mood or force a person’s memory to recall a specific period of time, event or feeling. Whenever I listed to classical music, it calms me down and makes me think more clearly. I always use classical music as a tool for me whenever I am experiencing a lot of stress. However, it does not always have to be classical music. There are times when I exercise that I use rock music to get me excited to work out and push myself harder. I get mad and energized all at the same time. Music has always had the power to alter my mood at any time.

John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King jr Essay

John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King jr - Essay Example As a result of their public awareness campaigns, the populous began questioning traditional values leading to emergence of new movements. The changes in the USA were part of a larger global trend that influenced humanity as a whole. During this period, there was the Cold War and Vietnam War, construction of the Berlin Wall in addition to the gaining of independence by former colonies was constructed. Therefore, John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. were a part of global revolutionists who were able to go with the changing nature of the world. John F. Kennedy John F. Kennedy, known as Jack by members of family and close friends was born on May 29, 1917, in Brookline, Massachusetts to Joseph and Rose Kennedy a family of Irish Catholics (â€Å"John F. Kennedy†). Being from a wealthy family background, he grew up in a favorable environment where he was assured of the best educational facilities in addition to having a conducive economic and social environment given that he an d his siblings enjoyed the luxuries of attending elite private schools, sailboats, summers homes as well as having servants to tend to their needs ("John Fitzgerald"). Although he suffered various illnesses and health complications in the course of his childhood, these setbacks did not curtail John F. Kennedy’s educational ambitions as he was able to join Harvard University in 1936 (Kenney 12). During his Harvard University days, Kennedy’s father was the U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain, from where Kennedy gathered resources for his final thesis. Kennedy returned to the USA to finish his senior Harvard University where he worked on his thesis that afterwards amended and published with the title Why England Slept in which examines how the British government reacted to Hitler’s rise to power before, during and after the world war two. After Harvard University education, Kennedy enlisted into the American Navy in 1941 which catapulted him to national prominence whe n his motor torpedo boat PT 109 was sunk by a Japanese destroyer. Kennedy’s heroic act when he saved one remember of his crew although he had also sustained injuries in his back made him achieve greater accolades from the US public. Describing Kennedy’s actions Dallek sees Kennedy as the best unifying instance of American egalitarianism (98). Many in the US saw Kennedy as embodying how the country’s social relations between the rich and poor should function being child from a wealthy family who made a choice to voluntarily risk his life in the name of nation. Although, his family was grooming his elder brother, for political office, Kennedy was convinced by his family and friends to take a political career after his brother Joe died in the Second World War (Dallek 117). After the war, Kennedy’s main career objective was to join journalism profession where his first assignment was at the United Nations Conference in San Francisco as well as covering Potsda m Conference. A key element that made Kennedy’s political career in congressional, senatorial and presidential positions a success was his family’s wealth, influential national status and prestige in addition to the tales of his heroic acts during the world war two. Barnes notes financial support was central to Kennedy’s success in all these campaigns with his father being in charge of all financial

Achilles Tendon Sprain Case Study

Achilles Tendon Sprain Case Study Name: Lani Thompson Age: 26 Sex: Female Occupation: Merchandiser Height: 179 Weight:77.8, BMI: Diet: Mixed Family: She lives with her partner, no kids. Medical History: No history of Hypertension, Cardiovascular, Diabetics mellitus, pulmonary or any chronic disease. Footwear: A comfortable, properly fitted footwear should be used. Avoid High heels. Daily activities: Usually she goes to Gym thrice in a week, occasionally she goes for swimming. Balance: Muscle performance: No muscle wasting. Posture: Circumferential measurement: Alignment: There is no difference in alignment while she walks. History: Lani Thompson is a hockey and rugby player. About 4 months back, while she was training rugby she had a right ankle sprain. The Incident was happening around 7 in the night. Soon after she was shifted to the hospital and consulted with the doctor. On the same day she had undergone several investigations and examinations, including X-Ray and ultrasound. No evidence of any fracture on the x-ray and was diagnosed as an Achilles tendon sprain. Initial 2 weeks she was in a brace, subsequently she started ankle exercises. Later she exercised with Theraband and had started physiotherapy treatment for 2 weeks, eventually continued her exercises at home. Past Medical History: She has never been hospitalized for any chronic diseases. No history of Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension, Heart diseases, Asthma, Hepatitis, Sexually transmitted diseases or Tuberculosis. She regularly takes medications for depression/anxiety and for contraception. Medication: Venlafaxine, Quitiepine and a contraceptive pill. Surgical Intervention: No surgical interference. Gait pattern: Altered, limping of right leg. Range of Motion (ROM): Normal on left side, right ankle ROM is slightly altered, No muscle stiffness. Palpation: No tenderness or any abnormalities. Anatomy of the Ankle joint: The ankle joint mainly consists of two joints, the subtalar and the true ankle joint. The subtalar joint comprises three bones, the tibia, the fibula and the talus. The mechanism of the ankle joint is very complex. True ankle is responsible for the up and down movements of the foot. The subtalar joint is positioned under the true ankle joint and consists with two bones, the calcaneus and the talus. This joint is responsible for the side to side movement of the foot. The joint is covered with a cartilage known as articular cartilage. The articular joint is lubricated with synovial fluid. Many ligaments connect the ankle bones together, they are anterior fibular ligament, which attaches the fibula to the tibial bone. The second ligament is known as the lateral collateral ligament, which connects calcaneus bone with the fibula and the tibial bone and the third one is deltoid ligament, it connects calcaneus and the talus bones together to the tibia. Many tendons attach the muscles of the lower limb and the bones of the ankle, they are the Achilles, the flexor hallicus longus, the flexor digitorium, the peroneal tendons, the posterior tibialis and the anterior tibialis tendons. Among these tendons the Achilles tendon is considered to be the strongest tendons in the human body. It is located at the posterior of the leg and connects the calcaneus bone to the gastrocnemius ,solens and plantarius muscles. The Achilles tendon is about six inches long and can withstand around four time of body mass during walking and almost eight times while running. Achilles Tendonitis: It is the inflammation of the calcaneus tendon.Over use of the tendon causes pain and stiffness, for instance running up hill or climbing up stairs. Achilles Rupture: asdf†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. Exercises: Group 1 Exercise: Evertion/ Invertion isometric exercises. Evertion: This exercise can be performed by placing the injured foot adjacent to a door or the leg of a table and gradually push extremely to the lateral side of the foot. Inversion: This exercise can be done by placing the medial aspect of the foot to any fixed objects such as a table leg or a door, then to push gently outward –in for two to three seconds. Evertion/Invertion with an exercise band: Evertion: The client has to sit and fix the leg straight, with the help of an elastic band One end of the elastic band is attached to a table leg and other to the foot and then gradually turns the foot outwards. Invertion: Rotate the foot inwards by reversing the position of the band .The movement of the foot should be apart from the leg of the table. The client can proceed to the group two exercises, if he tolerates to do group one exercise. Group 2 exercises: Gastrocnemius stretch: The patient has to bend forward and push the wall with his hands. The injured leg should be placed just behind the other foot, keeping the foot firmly to the floor for about 30 seconds. Soleus Stretch: Place the non injured foot behind the injured foot and bend the other knee joint. The heel should be raised while stretching. Weight bearing exercises: The client should stand on the floor with the affected leg and bend the other leg, so that the whole body weight should bear on the injured leg for 30 seconds and then lift the heel up and down. Injured leg stand with a cloth: The client is asked to stand on a 2inches thick cloth with the injured leg for 30 seconds. The client can proceed to the group three exercises, if he tolerates to do group two exercises. Group 3 exercises: Lateral step and bound exercise. This exercise is performed by placing a folded towel on the floor and to stand beside the towel and client steps on the folded towel. Other foot should be placed firmly on the floor. Repeat the same exercise with other leg. As the pain allows, increase the repetitions and speed accordingly. Hop exercise: It is performed by placing a folded towel on a floor and the client is asked to stand beside the towel and bound over the folded towel and to rest on the other foot. Then reverse the entire exercise with the other leg.As the pain allows, slowly raise the speed and hops. Rehabilitation: Range of movement: Stretching of the calf muscle: When the patient will be able to sand comfortably with an injured leg, he is asked to move back the injured foot and move the hip gradually forward, so that the calf muscle is stretched. Hold for 20 seconds and repeat for at least 2 times per day. Alphabet writing: The patient has to write alphabets with his greater toe at least 2 times per day. Balance training exercises: By holding a fixed object firmly with one hand and stand on a single leg, keeping the other knee folded. Repeat the same with the other foot as well. As the patients balance improves, he is encouraged to repeat the same exercise with eyes shut. GOALS: Short term: Phase 1 and 2 Improve joint range of motion and flexibility Increase ankle strength Gain normal gait pattern Progressive Proprioception and motor coordination Long term: Phase 3 and 4 Improve cardiovascular endurance Return to complete sports activity Rehabilitation program involves: Stretching of the calf muscle and around the ankle muscle Strengthening exercise Deep massage techniques Cardiovascular endurance exercise Agility training Phase 1: T o gain range of motion Stretching- Calf plantar fascia stretch: Sit on the floor with leg extended and knees straight Loop a towel around the affected leg and grip the end of towel on each hand. Affected leg should be in straight and pull the towel near the body Hold the position as same for 30 seconds and relax Repetition: 3 to 5 Calf muscle stretching: Open kinetic chain exercise: Toe curls Marble pickups Four-plane surgical tubing exercises Sub maximal Isokinetics in short arc Strengthening exercise: Plantar flexion exercises with Theraband Inversion and eversion exercise isometric exercise Flexibility: Grade 1 and 2 mobilization Alphabet ROM Proprioceptive: Stork standing Single plane tilt board Biomechanical ankle platform system in non-partial Weight bearing position. Cardiac endurance exercise: Pool therapy Stationary cycling. PHASE 2: Stretching: Achilles stretches in sitting and standing positions Open kinetic chain exercise: full –arc ISO kinetics Close kinetic chain exercise: Shuttle squats Heel raises Toe raises Tubing lunge steps Proprioception: Wobble board work Walking on uneven surface Biomechanical ankle platform system with partial Cardiac endurance training: Treadmill Stairmaster PHASE 3: Program in this phase should be considered according to the Strength and progression of the client. The program involves dynamic and functional tolerance of the patient. Start up with increase weight bearing force on the ankle joint Stretching of Achilles tendon in a supinated position Eccentric heel drop with knee straight Eccentric heel drop with knee bent Lunges and squats Step ups Side step ups with weight bearing To focus on lateral stability –up and down sideways movement Back pedalling exercise Caricos Plyomettric drills Proprioception: Ladder drill Netball throwing and catching with Standing on the affected leg moving to catch the ball and return to land on the same leg. Four square hopping drills Agility training: Shuttle running with changing the direction Zigzagging or figure of 8 runs Phase 4: functional rehabilitation activities such as tip toe walking. Polymeric progressions –hopping, bounding, depth jumps and box drills Sport-specific training Unstable surface training Stationary cross country skier Ensure normal plantar to dorsiflexion strength ratios and muscle balance Careful increase in training regimens

Essay --

Rockets were first introduced in 1232 AD. Therefore, they have a very long and extensive history. At first, rockets were just used as weapons, but as early as 1806 they began being used for space travel. The first rockets that were made, were made in China. This was during the time that black powder was discovered. Several years later the largest rocket in the world was built which took 18 months to finish. Many of us don’t think of all the work that has been put into creating rockets. From the tiny weapons that were used to fight off enemies, to the 300 foot tall contraption that sends people to space, rockets have forever changed history and the way that space travel has developed. A rocket is a missile, spacecraft, aircraft or other vehicle that obtains thrust from a rocket engine. Rocket engine exhaust is formed entirely from propellants carried within the rocket before use. Rockets are powered by engines, and engines work by action and reaction. Pushing the rocket forward and then throwing the exhaust backwards causes the rocket to go into the air extremely fast. While comparatively inefficient for low speed use, rockets are relatively lightweight and powerful, capable of generating large accelerations and of attaining extremely high speeds with reasonable efficiency. Rockets are not reliant on the atmosphere and work very well in space. Unlike ordinary engines, rockets carry their own supply of oxygen to burn its fuel. As rockets have gotten bigger and bigger so have the engines. The largest rocket in the world which took 18 months to build was NASA’s Saturn V model. Werner von Braun designed this rocket. He developed a rocket that got the first grou p of men to the moon in July of 1969. The technology of rockets was first k... ... influenced by the Mongol invasions of the previous few centuries. Chemical rockets are the most common type of rocket and they typically create their exhaust by the combustion of rocket propellant. Chemical rockets store a large amount of energy in an easily released form, and can be very dangerous. However, careful design, testing, construction and use minimize risks. In space, there are better ways of propulsion. Many of them get much more mileage, but they are slower and require an electric power source. Once we start to industrialize space, we will surely assemble large "space trucks" in low Earth orbit to haul payloads around space much more efficiently, using something else besides chemical rocketry. However, for people, who need to be transported quickly, we can assume we will be using chemical rocketry in the first stage of large scale space development.

Hiroshima and Nagasaki Day

Hiroshima Peace Day falls on August 6 and Nagasaki Peace Day on August 9. The two days to remind the world of the destruction that a war can wreck. According to estimates the bombs killed a large number of people – with the majority of the causalities having died from flash or flame burns. What happened? In 1945, the United States of America dropped two atomic bombs on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan. On August 6, the nuclear weapon â€Å"Little Boy† was dropped on Hiroshima because it was a city of considerable military importance and contained Japan's Second Army Headquarters. It also was the communications centre and storage depot. On August 9, at 11:02 a. m. , at an altitude of 1,650 feet, Fat Man (right) exploded over Nagasaki. The yield of the explosion was later estimated at 21 kilotons, 40 percent greater than that of the Hiroshima bomb. Within the first two to four months of the bombings, the acute effects killed 90,000 – 166,000 people in Hiroshima and 60,000 – 80,000 in Nagasaki, with roughly half of the deaths in each city occurring on the first day. Six days after the detonation over Nagasaki, on August 15, Japan announced its surrender to the Allied Powers, signing the Instrument of Surrender on September 2, officially ending the Pacific War and therefore World War II. Germany had signed its Instrument of Surrender on May 7, ending the war in Europe. The bombings led, in part, to post-war Japan adopting Three Non-Nuclear Principles, forbidding the nation from nuclear armament.

The Validity of Knowledge

Lia Thompson Mr. Faria HZT 4U1 Wednesday January 18, 2012 The Validity of Knowledge This paper will explain the validity of John Locke’s Theory of Knowledge. Epistemology has been the topic of discussion for many philosophers over the centuries. The study of knowledge is important because as humans, it is necessary to understand where the basis for our knowledge originates. Locke, like many philosophers believed that all knowledge about the world is derived from sensory perceptions.Empiricists such as Locke believe this â€Å"posteriori† view of knowledge. He explains in his theory that we are born with â€Å"blank slates† or Tabula Rasa, the term used in Locke’s theory in his writing, â€Å"An Essay Concerning Human Understanding† (Locke 163). Philosophical arguments are as varied as the philosophers who construct them. For each theory, there is an opposing view. Rationalists, such as Rene Descartes would argue against Locke and his empiricist view of knowledge, believing knowledge to be innate.Descartes believed that all humans are innately born with these truths without the aid of our senses as argued in his first, second and third Meditations (Descartes 3). Locke’s theory goes against not only Descartes views but Plato’s as well. But Despite the arguments against Locke’s empiricist view, he is most reasonable. I agree with John Locke’s theory of sensory perception because we would not be able to survive without our senses. John Locke was born on August 29, 1632 in a village in Somerset, England (John Locke-Biography).He wrote several major works that have made a big impact on today’s view of the world, but his major theory on knowledge was in his book, â€Å"An Essay Concerning Human Understanding†, where he outlined his views as well as argued against rationalist’s view on innate knowledge. He wrote his book based on his belief that true knowledge is gained through experien ce, â€Å"a posteriori† (Velasquez 330). â€Å"Locke holds that the mind is a tabula rasa or blank sheet until experience in the form of sensation and reflection provide the basic materials — simple ideas — out of which most of our more complex knowledge is constructed† (Uzgalis).Reflection and sensory experiences go hand in hand because in order for our senses to be used, we must experience the world around us. Once we have experienced, for example the sweet taste of an apple, from eating it, we are able to reflect on what our senses were able to establish about it and gain truths about what we experienced. â€Å"Reason is our intellect, our power to think and make judgments based on our sensory experience† (Locke 59). Locke does agree that we as humans have reason but our senses are paired up with reason, as we are to reason what our senses are experiencing.Locke created the theory of â€Å"Primary and Secondary Qualities† to explain his i deas about the differences between our perception of the world and what the world really is. Based on scientific research, humans are aware that not everything we perceive is the same as how other living creatures perceive it. Animals in comparison to humans may experience the same things as humans do, but the way they are perceived can be totally different. For example, it is scientifically proven that dogs cannot see in colour, so to them everything is in black and white.Dogs still use their sight, but are unable to see the same colour humans can. Primary Qualities are measurable qualities by size, weight, shape etc. and will stay the same regardless of our perception. Secondary Qualities are the hidden powers an object has that can produce in us a sensory experience such as the colour we see in the sky. (Velasquez 333) We can understand his theory on Primary and Secondary Qualities because scientists are able through research to study other living things and their perceptions of senses.Locke’s theories are a clear explanation to the many things we experience as human beings. Descartes was born on March 31st, 1596 in Touraine. After finishing school in 1612, it left him feeling unsettled and dissatisfied. He felt the need to travel, so he could discover new surroundings and he joined the army at the age of seventeen. He was in search of discovering more truth than he had found at school. Descartes lived in a time of great uncertainty as to what truth was, and what it wasn’t.There were new scientific discoveries being made which were unheard of at that time, as well as the new protestant branch of Christianity that went against the old traditional religious beliefs. With everything around Descartes changing, he began to doubt all his prior knowledge (Velasquez 320). Descartes began to search for true knowledge, which was the beginning of Descartes’ first meditation on Doubt. He questioned the idea that we may all be unaware of our state o f mind; are we dreaming, or are we awake?Descartes concluded that there are no ways to tell whether or not we are awake or dreaming. So where did this idea come from? He went on to say that there must be something of a higher power deceiving him, an â€Å"evil genius† of deceiving nature creating this illusion for all to get caught up in. Descartes reasoned that, if this were the case, we couldn’t trust our senses at all because our senses are illusions. With this mindset, Descartes believed that the only basic truths are those that cannot be doubted. The undeniable truth he discovered was â€Å"I think, therefore I am† which he reasoned that even if he was being deceived about everything else, he could not be deceived that he was thinking he was deceived, therefore he exists† (Velasquez 321). In order for Descartes to rule out sensory perceptions, he would need to rely on another basis for our knowledge. Based on his inner reflection, he believed that kno wledge is not learned, ideas are present in the mind at birth. â€Å"We have a priori knowledge – we are born with knowledge and truths without the aid of sense perceptions†¦Ã¢â‚¬ (Velasquez 324).Descartes would argue against Locke’s sensory perceptions theory because to Descartes, our senses are invalid. In Descartes† second meditation, he uses an example of a piece of wax to prove our senses wrong. â€Å"Let us take, for example this piece of wax: it has been taken quite freshly from the hive, and it has not yet lost its sweetness of the honey which it contains; it still retains somewhat of the odor of the flowers from which it has been culled; its colour, its figure, its size are apparent; it is hard, cold, easily handled, and if you strike it with a finger, it will emit a sound† (Descartes 190-191).Here Descartes explains, in every respect all physical aspects of the wax that is experienced with our senses. â€Å"But notice that while I speak a nd approach the fire what remained of the taste is exhaled, the smell evaporated, the colour alters, the figure is destroyed, the size increases, it becomes liquid, it heats, scarcely one can handle it, and when one strikes it, no sound is emitted†¦What then did I know so distinctly of this piece of wax? It could certainly be nothing of all that the senses brought to my notice, since all hese things which fall under taste, smell, sight, touch, and hearing, are found to be changed, and yet the same wax remains†¦ it is mind alone which perceives†¦this piece of wax† (Descartes 190-191). Descartes explains that because the wax can transform, leaving us with different sense perceptions than before, it cannot be trusted as knowledge. Descartes was unable to grasp Locke’s concepts of sensory experiences and therefore rejects everything but the knowledge we are innately born with.Although Descartes gives an adequate theory, his views do not stand up to Locke and other philosopher’s criticisms. To Locke, Descartes’ whole argument on innate knowledge and the ideas behind his meditations are weak, not only invalid because of their opposing views on how humans attain knowledge, but invalid in regards to his reasoning behind his theories. There are many things to point out about Descartes, based on Locke’s ideas. Locke understood the ideas of innate knowledge, but disagreed because he believes we are too much a part of this world to doubt its existence.If innate knowledge were the only true way to have knowledge, people would not be having arguments of what is right and what is wrong. â€Å"[Descartes ideas of doubt are invalid] because there are none to which all mankind give a universal assent† (Uzgalis). Descartes’ explanation of existence of things states that because Descartes can think, and because thinking things exist, Descartes therefore exists. But this argument is invalid because this is the same as saying, â€Å"I am walking, hence I am the walking. The author, William Benton in the book, â€Å"Descartes/Spinoza† objected to Descartes’ second meditation on doubt by saying, â€Å"this is an assumption on Descartes part to say that which one understands is the same exercise of understanding†¦for the entity of understanding itself, is one thing and the essence is another† (Benton 135). This relates back to Descartes invalid argument because Descartes defense can be restated as a claim that he is thought.One may think, but can never be the â€Å"entity† or the actual action of thinking. All of Descartes meditations on knowledge surround the main idea of innate knowledge and thought, â€Å"but whence comes our knowledge of this proposition, I think? †¦ we cannot think of leaping, apart from that which leaps, of knowing apart from a knower, of thinking without a thinker† (Benton 135). Descartes has no explanations of how we are able to c ome to thoughts on actions.Actions can relate to the idea of innate knowledge because they both are thought, but are unseen to the senses, at least until the thought or action is indeed physically done. â€Å"But for example, willing fearing and denying always go hand in hand with something physical as the subject of those thoughts, you cannot have the knowledge of what scares you without experiencing it in some way† (Hutchins 138). Locke also expresses his opinion not on emotions that derive from experiences but with the nature of this world. For I imagine any one will easily grant that it would be impertinent to suppose the ideas of colours innate in a creature to whom God hath given sight, and a power to receive them by the eyes from external objects: and no less unreasonable would it be to attribute several truths to the impressions of nature, and innate characters† (Uzgalis). If we know what the term â€Å"colour† means, that is some sort of knowledge, and s o we are unable to identify colour unless we use our senses. We cannot believe we know the term colour, without actually experiencing it.Just as the author in the book â€Å"Descartes/Spinoza† explains that one is unable to know what an actual angel looks like, but from our experiences through visual senses, we are able to construct ideas of what one might look like based on our visual surroundings. (Hutchins 136) Now this goes against Descartes ideas of thought and innate knowledge because, â€Å"Notice that in order for Descartes to doubt his beliefs, he needs a language in which to express his doubt. But then, if Descartes were to doubt his beliefs about what words mean, then he could not formulate any doubts at all.He would be totally incapable to express his doubts. Thus the attempt to doubt anything would be necessarily self defeating† (Albert). Descartes’ arguments on doubt are self-defeating because Descartes does not believe anything exists but his mind , ruling out all language and terms used and formulated in this world. The example of wax used by Descartes to validate his view that sensory knowledge is the only knowledge, can be looked at differently to validate sensory experiences.From an empiricist’s point of view, one would indeed gain knowledge by putting the wax near the fire because in doing so, one would understand what happens to wax when it is being scorched. By using the senses to experience the wax in a different form, one is able to reflect and learn from the experiment. Descartes theories have many flaws, therefore making his arguments invalid. Although there are many other rationalists that oppose the views of empiricism, Plato was another great philosopher who developed the very foundations of innate knowledge based on Socrates dialogue with the slave boy.Socrates, being one of the significant founders of western philosophy, along with his student Plato was famous for imposing difficult thought-provoking in quiries to the fellow Athenian citizens. Although Socrates did not record any of his philosophical discussions or inquiries, his student Plato explains to us the works of Socrates. Plato, like Descartes believed that there was only one way to have knowledge. He believed knowledge was not acquired through the use of our senses, but merely obtained before we were born.Plato went farther than Descartes by believing that our souls must have lived in another universe before being born in this one. This other universe would have been perfect where we would have been able to experience perfect objects and were able to experience all that was perfect in the prior universe. The reason we would have innate knowledge would be because when we were born into this imperfect world, according to Plato, all the perfect concepts of the previous world would still be within our souls. â€Å"Most rationalist philosophers have rejected Plato’s claim that before we were born we existed in another perfect universe.But many rationalists have accepted Plato’s more basic insight: we do not acquire the basic truths of math and science by observing the world around us†(Velasquez 326). Although his beliefs about how we attained innate knowledge were not much accepted, he uses a dialogue between Socrates and Meno, the slave boy’s master to explain his beliefs on innate knowledge. â€Å"In Meno, Plato tells us how Socrates once made a slave boy â€Å"remember† his knowledge of geometry by showing him some imperfect figures drawn on the ground.Socrates shows the slave boy a square that is supposed to be two feet by two feet in size. Socrates asks the boy to draw a second square that is exactly twice the size of the first square†¦the boy initially realizes that his first answer is wrong. If you double the length of each side of the square, you will get a new square that is exactly four times as big as the first square. Yet the boy knows this without mak ing exact measurements†¦ and even if the boy had measured the squares, they would probably not have turned out to be exactly the right sizes. So where did this boy’s knowledge come from? (Velasquez 324) In this summary of the dialogue, Plato argues that the boy’s knowledge of the Pythagorean theorem could not have come from observing the imperfect figures drawn on the ground. This proves that it must be knowledge that is already in our minds then, because Plato explains that the knowledge of mathematical theorems are not obtained through sensory experiences. It is impossible to rely on our senses to give us knowledge of math because there is no physical experience to go hand in hand them. This belief is the total opposite of Locke’s views because Plato denies any thing that relies on the senses.In Plato’s dialogue involving the slave boy, there is some questionable material that can relate back to Locke’s beliefs of relying on our senses. Even though the slave boy was able to answer Socrates’ geometrical question, the dialogue stated that the boy hesitated and also made a mistake before arriving at the correct answer. â€Å"At first the boy says that if you double the length of each side of the first square, you will get a second square that is exactly twice the size of the first square†¦the boy quickly realizes that his first answer is wrong. (Velasquez 324) His knowledge was based on observation not innate knowledge. The boy was able to use his visual perception to determine the measurements of the squares. As Locke would say, â€Å"Reason is our intellect, our power to think and make judgments based on our sensory experience† (Locke 59). It merely takes reason and reflection to first observe the dimensions of square and then come to a realization about how to double the square. Although he was answering a question, Socrates used an example of an imperfect square and then asked him to solve the ques tion.The answer was discovered through trial and error. It was clearly not based on innate knowledge but visual senses. I agree with Locke’s theory because it is the most reasonable approach to the idea of gaining knowledge. With out sensory perception feeding us, we have nothing to base our knowledge on. We have been born with blank slate, but are still equipped with reason as human beings. One can relate scientific discoveries to sensory perceptions because all scientific knowledge comes from observations.One cannot call something a scientific discovery if it does not have evidence to back up their hypotheses. The evidence used does not come from innate knowledge, but from observation, touching, hearing, smelling, tasting. If, according to Plato and Descartes, basic science and math were innately known, then science would not improve. If science were innate, scientists would not have a job, and everyone wouldn’t be arguing about their beliefs. Science is constantly d iscovering something new, constantly realizing that something once thought as true, turned out to be false.For example, Einstein’s Theory of Relativity is based on mathematical structures and therefore is valid in the eyes of a rationalist. But if this knowledge were innate it would automatically have to be true. Scientists just recently have discovered subatomic particles that defy the theory of relativity, as these particles move faster than the speed of light. If this is the case, it is impossible to say that innate knowledge is the only truth. The whole world would have to be in agreement and collectively accept things as they are, and the world is nothing like that.We can all agree to this because we have all gained knowledge through the use of our senses. Knowledge itself is something that we as humans are still discovering, questioning and experiencing in our own way. John Locke helps us to see that knowledge is something gained individually, in our own ways, in our ow n time. We all have something in common and that is our ability to use our senses in such ways that we have been able to create magnificent pieces of art, unravel the mysteries of the universe, invent new and convenient strategies for the human race and so on.All this made possible by the pursuit of knowledge. Works cited Books Hutchins, Robert Maynard// Rene Descartes// Baruch Spinoza. Great Books of the Western World: Descartes Spinoza. Chicago: Encyclopedia Britannica, 1952. Print. Locke, John. An Essay Concerning Human Understanding. Ed. Kenneth Winkler. Hackett Publishing Company, 1996. Velasquez, Manuel. â€Å"Chapter 5: The Source of Knowledge. † Philosophy. 10th ed. Belmont: Thomas Wadsworth, 2008. 320-33. Print. Websites Albert. â€Å"Criticisms to Descartes’ Cogito  « Albert’s PHI101/103 Weblog. Albert’s PHI101/103 Weblog. 1 Apr. 2008. Web. 20 Jan. 2012. . â€Å"John Locke – Philosopher – Biography. † The European Graduat e School – Media and Communication – Graduate & Postgraduate Studies Program. 2010. Web. 20 Jan. 2012. . Uzgalis, William, â€Å"John Locke†, The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Winter 2010 Edition), Edward N. Zalta  (ed. ), URL = .

Person Health Assesment Essay Example

Person Health Assesment Essay Example Person Health Assesment Paper Person Health Assesment Paper Personal health is a term that is used to refer to one’s state of complete physical, mental and social well being. In addition it includes absence of diseases in one’s body. Every person requires being healthy in order to carry out his or her daily routine effectively and on time. It is for this reason that each person carries out his or her personal health assement. For the last one year I have not had any serious health problems, though from time to time I have had minor body ailments. My mental health has been good, I have not experienced  Ã‚   depression, stress or other mental-related diseases .I have been able to use my cognitive and emotional capabilities, function well and meet my everyday life demands .I also feel capable and complete, can handle stress, live an independent life as I maintain satisfying relationships. My body measurements are above average. This includes my height and weight. Normal weight has been through improved nutrition and health care. Proper nutrition protects the body from weight-related diseases or disorders. I have not had any allergic diseases . A wide variety of food types can be eaten without developing allergic complications. This has been an advantage in balancing my diet. No chemicals or environmental sensitivies have been observed. Therefore I have been able to stay in varying environments especially those that assist me in keeping me healthy .For example, I have gone camping and hiking in areas that other people are allergic to (their components). My blood sugar level has been normal as required by the body .I go for examination very often .In addition, my blood pressure is fine as confirmed by the doctor’s examination. This is due to proper nutrition where components that cause these diseases are only consumed in required levels .I have had digestive problems and diarrhoea at least once per month. This is usually experienced when I take food types that I have not taken for a long time. I rarely get headaches or migraines, unless when I’m exposed to extreme weather conditions or very loud music. No skin disorders or sleep problems have bee experienced. Problems that I may experience include backaches due to my working under strenuous conditions sometimes .I’m also prone to not taking enough water every day as required. This may result to constipation. . Digestive problems and diarrhoea may arise due to my tendency to eat foods that I have not eaten for a long time when I come across them. If I expose myself to extreme weather conditions or very loud music, I’m likely to get headaches or migraines. High cholesterol levels in my body are a possible in future, since sometimes I take high-cholesterol foods much often. Strategies that can optimize wellness in later life for me and for others are very critical in Proper nutrition assists in regulation of food components that one puts into the body. One avoids taking disease-causing components if taken in large amounts, while eating foods that boost the immune system. Also helps prevent deficiency in the body. Physical exercises maintain the physical fitness of the body .It prevents diseases like cancer, heart disease, obesity and a back pain .It promotes healthy weight, healthy bones and strengthens immune system. Keeping warm during the cold weather keeps one from catching a common cold or a running nose. Positive thinking, building confidence in one’s self and meditation helps reduce stress which may cause mental disorders. Ensuring proper hygiene of the body and the surroundings prevents infections and illnesses. Proper medication should always be sought in case of an illness to prevent serious complications. Consultation should be with a competent physician .All these ensure good personal health. References Yahoo! Health: Diet and Fitness, Mind and Mood, Longevity, Conditions. www.Health.yahoo.com Accessed on April 16 2008. www.health.com.Health articles and Medical Information from Health.com Accessed on April 16 2008.

Crown Cork & Seal in 1989 Business strategy Case Study

Crown Cork & Seal in 1989 Business strategy - Case Study Example The economic analysis deals with the opportunity costs of resources being used along with attempting to measure the social and private costs as well as benefits in monetary terms of a project to the economy. The Crown Cork and Seal attempted to locate its business towards the areas that were closer to the customers. For the purpose of forecasting of the transportation costs of the company, the distance of about 150 to 300 miles was considered to be economical between the location of customers and the placement of plant. In addition to this, the company managed to decrease its transportation cost that was roughly estimated to be 7.5%. In addition to this, the company changed its ingredient of making cans from the use of steel to aluminium. This resulted in decreasing the weight of the cans along with reduction in the shipment cost of these cans relative to the cans produced before by the company. Furthermore, due to the shipment of steel cans in the international markets, the company suffered uneconomical circumstances due to the increase in shipment costs. For this reason, the company attempted to make joint ventures in terms of affiliation with US can manufacturers, foreign subsidiaries as well as local foreign firms in order to cater the foreign markets (Bradley S., 2005). Political: Political environment can be referred to as an immediate impact of the political parties possessing authority, representing the popular perceptions given by the citizens of the area (Export Help). It has been seen that the developments of legislations were unfavorable for metal can industry in USA (Bradley S., 2005). Social Cultural Environment: In this case, the chief executive officer attempted to bring together two companies possessing distinctive cultural and social backgrounds irrespective of the fact that the past mergers were undoubtedly unsuccessful. This impossible challenge was accepted by Avery in order to capture the markets of Canada and to expand its operations furt her. Moreover, there were numerous

Research proposal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 7

Research proposal - Essay Example The internal environment, is made up the organisations strengths and weakness while the external environment is made up of the organisations opportunities and threats (Dooris, Kelley, & Trainer, 2004). Understanding of these factors is necessary while developing a strategic plan that can contend with the challenges of an organisation proactively. Some of the sources to use while analysing the internal environment is the assessment of the factors affecting the organisation internally. They include physical resources, human resources, processes and activities and the past experiences. Understanding the assets and problems of the organisation, will be useful in developing a strategic plan for an organisation that will maximise on the strengths and the same time work towards minimising the weakness (Helms & Nixon, 2010). For comprehensive coverage of the internal environment of the organisation, there is need to be aware of the perception of other people on the organization. This is important because they may see problems or assets that the organisation can’t see. To establish other people’s point of view apart from that the group that is developing the strategic plan, the team should include data collection from people on their perception. The information will be obtained by conducting focus groups, having listening sessions, conducting surveys and having meetings with people. By so doing, the strategic planning team will have a comprehensive coverage of its internal environment which will eventually lead to a more inclusive and well informed plan th at will maximize on the organisations challenges. While developing a strategic plan, analysis to the factors that an organisation does not have control over, is fundamental since it enable the team to develop a plan this is line with its external environment. The external environment is made up of the opportunities and threats