Melting ice glaciers due to global warming Term Paper - 1

Melting ice glaciers due to global warming - Term Paper Example The increase in carbon content in the air has increased the global temperature which has caused glaciers to melt (Kayne). The resulting increase in the sea level is the main cause of hurricanes and cyclones which have endangered life on Earth. The enormous increase of temperature can greatly affect many ecosystems. Most importantly, ice is melting away. The following figure depicts fluctuations in the sea level along with the temperature variations over the last 450,000 years: From the figure, it can be seen that the content of carbon dioxide in the Miocene caused the sea levels to become 25 ft higher as compared to the present day level. The increase in the content of carbon dioxide in the air in the recent years has been so enormous that the global temperature and sea levels did not get sufficient time to increase, and so they could not increase as much as they would have, had the increase of carbon dioxide taken longer. It is noteworthy here that it is not the phenomenon of melting away of the pack ice that causes any rise in the level of sea. Ice that floats in an ocean is lesser in density as compared to water. When it melts, the additional water that goes into the sea is no more than the volume of ice that was originally above the water line. Nonetheless, ice which is on the land does play a big role in adding to the sea level upon melting. Many researches in the past have spoken of a consistent rise in the level of sea. Presently, rate of increase of sea level is about 1.8 Â ± 0.3 mm per annum which makes about 7.4 inches per 100 years (White et al. cited in Deem). The present rate of increase of sea level is dangerous and if the trend sustains over some period of time, sea levels would increase enough to cause damage to the life on land. Many islands particularly the ones which are in the Pacific are greatly endangered by the

Equal Opportunity Essay Example for Free

Equal Opportunity Essay In this short story, Equal Opportunity, written by Walter Mosely, Minority Socrates Furtlow, faces the dilemma of getting a job. Socrates is an ex-con, having served 27 years in prison. While drunken, he killed two of his good friends, and now lives life as a bumb who goes around collecting bottles and cans for a living. This story tells his struggle to find honorable work as a black man in society because of his background. Because there were no jobs in Socrates neighborhood that would hire him, knowing of his background, finding a job was a complicated task for this African-American, 58 year-old man who hadn’t worked in 37 years. As Socrates travels approximately 14 miles, 3 bus transfers from his apartment in Watts, South Central, Los Angeles, he arrives at Bounty Supermarket to try and get a job. As he enters the store, he wondered what the workers would think of him working there surrounded by money because of his prison background. Socrates, though was a murderer, not a thief! During his job search at Bounty Supermarket, he attempted to retrieve an application. Being a man of his stance, he had already practiced how he would attempt to ask for â€Å"an application. Anton Crier, assistant store manager of Bounty Supermarket, was a young white male who Socrates interacted with during his first visit. Anton was reluctant to give Socrates the time of day, mainly because of his appearance. Anton’s first question to Socrates was â€Å"Uh. How old are you sir? † As an ex-convict, with the stereotype of knowing the law, Socrates knew that this question was a violation of is rights for Equal Opportunity, and he surely informed Anton. Socrates stated to him the law of discrimination, equal opportunity, and his right to basically be given a chance and to at least to turn an application. Determination allowed Socrates to â€Å"demand† his right to fill out the application and wait for a reply, based on the information submitted on the application and simply not his race! After he turned in the application with a borrowed pencil Anton loaned him, he informed Anton and the store manager Halley Grimes of his dilemma of not having a phone, but an address where they could write to him he results of his application. He had to explain to them his address was valid because they were already going trying not accept it based on the fact he did not have a phone . He also questioned them about an information section on the application about his ability to travel to work. The question asked if he had a car? Although he didn’t, he didn’t mind using the public transportation (RTD -Rapid Transportaion District) bus route. Over a five day period, Socrates proved to them both his willingness to work and get there on time even if he was using the bus. He arrived at the supermarket for those five days straight on time, and before 9:30am. On the fourth day, Halley informed him his application had not been accepted and that she had thrown the fax away stating his denial. Unable to produce proof, Socrates called the main office himself, finding out his application was never submitted. In the midst of all this, Halley had also reported that Socrates was a threat to her and was afraid that he would do her harm because of him coming in all the time demanding his application results, knowing that she hadn’t submitted them. So that fifth day when Socrates came to the supermarket for an answer, he was approached by two gentlemen in lieu of his business there. He was called into the manager’s office and then was asked explained to the men, Mr. Parker and Mr. Weems his situation. Surely as they thought about his rights, end up offering Socrates a job at one of their other locations. As Socrates faces dilemma in his position as a black man during the Harlem Renaissance period, he ultimately succeeds in doing what he set out to do†¦.. find a job. As honorable as Socrates claimed he would be while trying to get this job, he ended up lying in the end about another question on the application he had missed. That question is the one who would identify him as a felon for his past mishaps. As appreciation for Mosely’s short story, one must believe that Socrates and many other African-Americans struggled to be successful, and to survive during this time period. This story tells the struggle of a man who just wanted to work to survive, and that knowing his rights and acting on them with patience and non-violence helped him get what he wanted eventually!

The effects of amnesia and its different types

The effects of amnesia and its different types Amnesia is defined as the full or partial loss of memory that may be temporary or permanent, causing a significant inability to remember important information to such a degree that it has moderate to severe effects on persons life (Logsdon). The effects of amnesia are related to the type of amnesia patient is suffering. The most common effect is the inability to recall information stored in the long-term memory. There are some cases that patient is able to recall past memories, but he is unable to create new memories, or even, unable to do both recall past memories and create new ones (Nordqvist, 2009). There are many factors that origin amnesia, which are classified in organic and functional. The organic factors are related to injuries in the brain, and loss of brain cells in the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes. A cause of brain injury is when it is occurred in car accidents. The degree of memory loss usually is proportional to the severity of damage in the brain. In most cases, amnesia is not severe and the recovery is short-lasting (Nordqvist, 2009). An organic factor of brain injuries is the brain has suffered a virus infection such as encephalitis (inflammation), which the brain tissue is affected by a mistaken attack of the immune system, or an insufficient supply of oxygen to the brain due to a heart attack, respiratory distress, or carbon monoxide poisoning (Nordqvist, 2009). Another factor of brain injury is the abuse of alcohol and drugs, such as sleeping and depressive pills, by a prolonged time, causing memory loss (Crystal, 2010). The functional factors are relate d to emotional shocks caused by being the victim of a violent crime, child or sexual abuse, or being involved in a combat, natural disaster, or a terrorist attack (Nordqvist, 2009). Amnesia is presented in many types depending on the outcomes occurred to the affected person, or any traumatic event he or she is affected. The following three types of amnesia are related to the effects in the persons memory and the capability to recall information. Retrograde amnesia is the most common type presented in hospitals, television shows, and movies. This is caused by damage in the temporal lobes and especially the hippocampus (Ellis-Christensen, 2010). Patients with retrograde amnesia are unable to recall memories from the past occurred before it is presented, but the ability to form new memories and recall after the start of amnesia is not affected (Wall, 2006). Anterograde amnesia is the reverse-side of retrograde amnesia. This is caused by the damage to the hippocampus or surrounding cortices, disabling memory formation, and often it is permanent if the brain is damaged (Liden, 2010). Patients with anterograde amnesia are unable to form new memories from the point when it is presented and to recall memories recently formed because information is not moved to the long-term memory. However, patients may be able to learn new skills without being taught again because the declarative memory is impaired while the procedural memory continues to function (Liden, 2010). Although anterograde amnesia is permanent when brain damage is presented, scientists actually are studying ways to apply neural plasticity, the capability of nerves to form new ways to recover lost functionality, to perform treatments for this and other diseases caused by brain injury (Liden, 2010). Transient global amnesia is a temporary total loss of memory and the patient affected is unable to recall any information restored in memory. The causes of this disease are uncertain, but some hypotheses establish it could be caused by a reduced blood flow, a traumatic event, stress, or an atypical type of migraine. This disease tends to reverse itself over time, but the temporary blackout can last for 24 hours or more (Wall, 2006). The following types of amnesia are related to disturbing events, or abuse of alcohol and drugs. Traumatic amnesia is caused by a hard blow to the head as a result of a car accident. The person affected may experience a brief loss of consciousness, or even go into a coma. The majority of cases are temporary and it lasts depending of the severity of the injury. Childhood, or infantile, amnesia occurs when the person is unable to recall events from early childhood. The causes could be that this may be associated with language developments, or the possibilities of some areas of the brain were not fully mature during childhood. Wernike-Korsakoffs amnesia is caused by excessive abuse of alcohol, or by malnutrition linked to thiamin deficiency. Patients with this disease have poor coordination and loss of feeling in the fingers and toes (Nordqvist, 2009). To diagnose amnesia in a patient, a doctor will do an evaluation to discard other possible causes of memory loss, such as dementia, depression, a brain tumor, or Alzheimers disease. First, the doctor starts the evaluation with a detailed medical history, including the type of memory loss, when the problems started and how they progressed, factors that started amnesia, such as a head injury or a traumatic event, family history especially of neurological disease, use of medication or alcohol and drugs, history of seizures, headaches, depression or cancer, and other symptoms (language problems, personality changes, or impaired abilities) (Test and diagnosis, 2009). Next, doctor will do a physical examination, including a neurological exam to check reflexes, sensory function, balance, or the physiological aspects of the brain and the nervous system (Test and diagnosis, 2009). Then, doctor will do a cognitive exam, testing patients thinking, judgment, short- and long-term memory. Finally, doctor will verify any internal damage of the brain through MRI, CT scans, and electroencephalogram (Nordqvist, 2009). So far, there is not any medication or drug for the restoration of memory for patients with amnesia. Fortunately in the majority of cases, amnesia is resolved itself without any treatment. However, if an essential physical or mental disorder is present, a treatment must be developed. Occupational therapist may help patients to learn new information to replace what was lost, or using the existing memories to create new ones (Treatments and drugs, 2009). Reality orientation aids may help patients to remember if he is surrounded with familiar objects, photographs, smells, and music. If patients are suffering the Wernike-Korsakoffs amnesia, an adequate nutrition can help. Whole grain cereals, legumes, nuts, lean pork, and yeast are rich sources of thiamin (Nordqvist, 2009). CONCLUSION Amnesia is a disease that commonly means partial or total memory loss and/or the ability to store new memories. Sources of amnesia can be organic, such as brain injury caused by an accident, infection to brain cells, oxygen deprivation, or abuse of alcohol and drugs; and functional, such as traumatic events or effects of stress. Amnesia can be classified depending on the factors how this is presented, such as Wernike-Korsakoffs, traumatic, or infantile amnesia; and on the effects in the functionality of the brain, such as retrograde, anterograde, or transient global amnesia. The diagnosis of amnesia in a patient depends on a detailed medical history in order to discard other types of disease, physical and cognitive exams, and a verification of the brain if an injury is present. Amnesia is reversible by itself, but if physical or mental damage is presented, treatments like replacement of memories, reality orientation aids, or a healthy nutrition for Wernike-Korsakoff disease can be helpful solution to resolve amnesia in patients.

Problems and Solutions in the Fight Against Urban Poverty Essay

Problems and solutions in the fight against urban poverty Introduction – the advent of capitalism and the resultant economic inequality There can be no talk of modern poverty without talking first of capitalism, and as such, the capitalist model of production and the exploitation of labor is where I will begin my paper. Capitalism evolved from the feudal system, which was incorporated into western European societies hundreds of years ago. Under the feudal system, serfs worked the land and handed the surplus of their production over to the nobles, who owned the land and accumulated the surplus. This surplus was visible, occurring literally in the form of produced goods, and the feudal system was linked to the control of the state, which is how it was sustained - through the threat of force from the armies at the disposal of the nobles. The economic system later evolved into pure capitalism similar to the modern form that we are now familiar with, which involves the ownership of private property. That is, there is no longer any semblance of a communal institution and the state has been shut out from any influence on the development of this property. What this means is that the state now exists for the sake of private property, and the result is that self-interest (the interest of the individual property holder) takes precedence over communal interest. The bottom line is that those who own the most capital then have the largest amount of influence over the state, and since the state is dependent on the commercial economy, economic and institutional power now go hand in hand. The effects of this system on the worker (as opposed to the capitalist) are overwhelmingly negative. Since most workers will never accumula... ...e, Wilbert The Functional Theory of Social Stratification in Bendix, R and Lipset, S (eds) Class, Status and Power, 2nd edition, London: Routledge and Kegan Paul. 1967 Tumin, Melvin Some Principles of Stratification: A Critical Analysis. American Sociological Review, Vol. 18, No. 4. (Aug., 1953) Marable, Manning. How Capitalism Underdeveloped Black America: Problems in Race, Political Economy and Society. Cambridge: South End Press, 2000. Ofari, Earl, The Myth of Black Capitalism. New York: Monthly Review Press, 1970 Tucker, ed, The Marx-Engels reader. New York: Norton, 1978. 2nd ed. Wilson, William J. The Truly Disadvantaged: The Inner City, The Underclass, and Public Policy. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1987. Woodson, Robert L., ed. On the Road to Economic Freedom: An Agenda for Black Progress. Washington, D.C.: Regenery Gateway, 1987.

Reflection on Today’s Society Essay

Online education has evolved over the last ten years as much as the cell phone. Given this, what have been some of the major improvements and changes in the digital classroom? Online education has come a very long way to where we were 10 years ago. Now you can achieve your whole degree online without ever going to a classroom. Online education now days let’s everyone work at their own pace. This is a very good system for the people that have a full-time job and have a family to take care of when they get off work. Once your able to get all your work and family time done you are able to sit in front of your computer and work as much as you want on your school work. Online education has helped so many people achieve their goal of receiving their degree that weren’t able to do it due to â€Å"not having time†. Cyber bullying is a serious issue in today’s schools and business. If everyone adopted and educated people on netiquette guidelines would this issue be solved? Explain. Cyber bullying is and has been an issue now days due to the technology and the fact that kids are more on computers in social website such as Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, etc. If more people were educated on cyber bullying and the effects that it has on the people being bullied, it would make a difference and there will be less cyber bullying. Too many people’s self-esteem are lowered and even lowered so much it will eventually lead to a suicide. It is sad that somebody could have an effect on somebody to drive them to take their own life. Cyber bullying needs to be educated to all people of all ages. It will make a big difference and make people open their eyes and realize how severe the situation can be. If I post a poem on my Facebook site and someone cuts and pastes it on their site is that a case for stealing my intellectual property? If you do post a poem or anything on Facebook that become visible to everyone out there. Even though you have created a poem that will not stop anybody from taking it and using it as their own. I can understand if you have copyrights to your work but if you do not than anybody is able to use it without any consequences. Granted it is morally wrong to use anybody else’s work without their permission or not giving them the credit they deserve. What that person did was wrong by taking somebody else’s work, but you at the same time need to be aware and safe about what you post on Facebook. To answer the question, Yes, it would be consider stealing intellectual property but like I said if  there are no copyright’s than there is nothing you can do about it.

Neck Rings and Lotus Feet

Bodily mutilation to achieve the goal of ultimate beauty for women resides within every culture in the world. An average American way of bodily mutilation to gain beauty is through plastic surgery. As for Africa, women believe having a long neck symbolizes their beauty and status within their village. In some parts of China, the women believe the smaller your feet are the more desirable you become. Within the Mae Hong Son area of northwest Thailand, the women of the tribes are more commonly known as the, â€Å"Long-Necks. The women in these areas are known for adorning brass rings around their necks, The rings on the neck reach from the clavicle up to beneath the chin, and these rings are held very tightly by the bone structure from clavicle to chin. This neck ring adornment is started when the girls are five or six years old and the neck grows longer as additional rings are added with each passing year. It is from this practice that this tribe has gained the name of â€Å"Long-Nec ks†. Some women wear thirty-seven brass rings around the neck and this is considered ideal.Not only do they wear the rings around their necks they will wear them around the arms and the legs, and for this tribe the rings are the most prominent sign of female beauty and status. â€Å"Lotus Feet† is an ancient Chinese bodily mutilation of binding the feet to make the size much smaller. to the restructure the feet by the breaking of the arch and four smaller toes on each foot. After the initial binding procedure, usually around the age of seven, the feet would remain tightly bound with long cloth strips until the feet were no longer growing.The ideal foot consisted of three features, which was the length of three inches, a cleft between the heel and the sole, which was wanted to be around two to three inched deep, and that the feet appeared to be an extension of the leg, instead of platforms for the legs. Binding of the feet symbolized a lily or lotus flower because of the similarities in looks, if the woman’s feet were bound, they would be comparable to the grace and delicateness of the flower.If a woman had a natural size foot similar to a mans, it meant she was the opposite of grace and beauty such as a man would be characterized. Neck rings and feet binding pose serious negative effects to a human body. Neck rings caused a woman who adorned them to never be able to look up or down. The mobility of the neck was restricted where they wouldn’t even be able to drink from a cup without using a straw. Stretching of the neck pulled the muscles rendering them useless, to the point were if they were removed, the woman would not be able to hold her own head up.Feet binding can cause the woman to be nearly crippled, they have trouble getting out of chairs, doing activties on their feet, and have hip and spinal injuries throughout life. Although Neck-rings and Lotus feet are very different practices of bodily mutilation, they create the same de sired effect. These practices are to convey a womans beauty through a painful act, creating a falsified version of what society believed to be beautiful. Every culture shares this common theme throughout history, although it may be painful and odd, it continues on through our culture today.