Source Evaluations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Source Evaluations - Essay Example This increases the credibility of the writer. His broad experience in the field of medical sciences and general health-partitioning make it appropriate to carry out a credible research, which can be relied upon for informative purposes. Dr Gupta is also linked to several hospitals where he practices his medicine and neurosurgeon. Amongst his past experiences in broadcast journalism, Dr Sanjay Gupta covered the war of invasion in Iraq. While covering the Iraq war, he also got to practice medicine whereby he helped in treating the American soldiers and the Iraq civilians. His article on why he changed his perspective on the use of weed was published on the CNN website, which is a very reliable and reputable website. The article was published in the year 2013, August 9. In his article, Dr Sanjay Gupta acknowledges the fact that he has been wrong on his previous stand on the issue of the usage of weed. However, he has been very categorical in the reason why he changed his stand on the usage of marijuana. He cites several reasons and examples of people he has come across during his research. During his research on the usage of marijuana, he focused mostly on the medicinal aspect of the drug. The various people he came across during his study were all victims suffering from various disorders who had used prescribed drugs but there treatment only proved to get better after the use of weed. Dr Sanjay Gupta also proves to be quit reliable because of the scope and range of categories of sources of information that he covered during the research. He brings out several issues including the challenges he faced during his research process. This is very credible and reliable information that can be followed because they are from trusted sources. Dr. Sanjay Gupta also explains categorically why he has shifted his stand on the usage of marijuana. He has displayed in this article that the beliefs that most people carry and the ignorance misplaced on

Controlling Marijuana Abuse among University Students in the US Research Paper

Controlling Marijuana Abuse among University Students in the US - Research Paper Example Marijuana abuse can, therefore, be described as the illegal use of marijuana to alter one’s mood, emotional state or state of conscience. In modern societies, the use and abuse of drugs creates a social paradox which includes the potential for good outcomes such as being used for medicinal purposes and bad ones such as addiction which can cause diseases, such as lung cancer. As a positive impact of marijuana, patients suffering from severe forms of cancers get a bit of reprieve from their anguish through controlled use of the drug, whereby with small doses they are able to undergo less suffering. However, certifications of clinical uses are still unavailable due to little known knowledge about the drug’s long-term effects, and scientists continue to do studies on its medicinal properties and how it can be used favorably and avoid its adverse effects (NIDA). Perhaps with increased research into the positive medical uses, patients can better enjoy the drug in a controlled environment. Despite the ban on use and trade of marijuana within the United States, there has been a surge in its use, particularly within colleges and universities. Marijuana abuse has mushroomed into both a social hazard for enforcing agencies and a steady social evil that is practiced with little caution or care of legal restrictions on its use and trade as its use has greatly spread over the years. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (2010), the trade in marijuana has grown into a multi-million dollar industry globally; and this market seems to surpass social and demographic boundaries. Thus, this paper examines the causative agents for marijuana abuse in the United States with a focus on the user group consisting of college and university students and assessing the effects arising therein. The paper will discuss the causation and effects of marijuana smoking and this will help in enabling students know how it affects their lives, and provide awareness to those a t risk of smoking. Elaborating on the effects of marijuana use will help in deterring students from smoking marijuana as it will keep them informed on the negative effects it has on them and will provide awareness to potential smokers, hence, deterring them from starting the habit. Marijuana use has increased among the youngest age groups between the age of 12-17 in the United States and, especially, within the minority groups, such as Hispanics and African-Americans (NIDA). This also has been found to represent a shift upwards in both the abuse and dependency on other drugs (Gledhill-Hoyt , Lee and Strote 1657). Many studies, such as the one by The Drug Abuse Warning Network, have provided positive correlation towards this end, but I would draw a cautious line on this conclusion, since the consumption of marijuana might cause problems in the consumption of other substances. My own prognosis would be inclined towards the examination of this relationship based on the consideration th at marijuana and other cases of substance abuse arise significantly out of the underlying problems within a subset of the particular individual’s orientation, such as wanting to change moods, which will prompt an individual to smoke. The personality characteristics of the individual have been found to be attributable to marijuana use

Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine

Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine human papilloma virus vaccine Abstract Identifying human papilloma viruses related to the pathogenesis of cancer cervix and producing vaccines against them offered hopes for primary prevention of cancer cervix. Understanding the virus and the natural history of HPV infection recommends the use of the vaccine. However; debates on the compulsory use of the vaccine for young age females delays the legislations needed. The aim of this essay is to review, briefly, HPV vaccination and spotlight the debate about how important it is as a preventive measure against cancer cervix. Introduction In 1842, Rigoni Stern presented his observation that nuns never get cervical cancer to the 4th Congress of Italian Scientists. This pointed out the possibility that sexually transmitted infection may be the cause of cervical cancer (Harper, 2004). Since then, many types of human papilloma virus (HPV) were identified to cause certain human diseases. The most serious health problem with HPV is that it is an important causative agent for cancer cervix (types 6, 11, 16, 18) (Bishop and others, 2007). Virus transmission occurs through sexual contact and infection may give no symptoms (silent infection). HPV infection is the commonest sexually transmitted infection in the US, by the age of 50, 80% of women in the US have had the chance to catch infection (National Cancer Institute 2006). I support giving HPV vaccine to females between the ages of 9 to 26 because of the possible serious outcome of HPV infection; as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on Ju ne 2006 (ACIP 2006). Therefore; my essay is directed to parents and young sexually active females to spotlight how serious the consequences of human papilloma virus infection can be and how important is their support to HPV vaccination. Background Papilloma virus is a double strand circular DNA virus. The epithelial cells in certain tissues as the skin and the ano-genital tract are the target cells of infection are. Papilloma virus capsids (outside capsule like envelop around the virus DNA) contain two characteristic proteins (virally encoded proteins) called L1 and L2. These virally encoded proteins develop late in the infection cycle. These capsids are made of protein with L1 proteins having the intrinsic ability of self-assembly forming virus like particles (VLP) which are, in fact, empty capsids. The use of VLPs as a vaccine is because they are similar, immunologically, to the infecting virus (Bishop and others 2007). The question now is what happens when HPV infection occurs? The natural course (sequence of events) of infection takes three forms (Harper 2004). The first form is episomal infection (virus-latency or latent period of HPV infection). The virions (small virus particles) transmitted from one epithelial surface (superficial cells) become attached to another epithelial surface. Virions, then, find its way to the deeper (basal) cells. Characteristic to this stage is the association with low virus copy numbers and that is the reason for missing HPV in routine histo-pathological scrapping examination. The second form is when the virus genome (DNA) copies itself faster than the host cell DNA. In this stage, the epithelium may show some metaplasia (cell character or order change). The third form occurs when high risk virus genome incorporates with basal cell DNA with the release of precancerous substances (CIN) (Harper 2004). Cervical cancer is the third cancer that affects the female genital tract in the US (after cancer ovary and carcinoma of the uterine endometrium). It is the eighth cancer if we look to all body organs. The incidence of cervical cancer shows ethnic variations, in American white females, the incidence is 8.6 each 100.000. In African-American females, it incidence is 13 each 100.000. In Asian-American females, it is 9.3 by 100.000, while in Hispanic (Latino) females; the ratio is 14.7 each 100.000. The main reasons which predispose to cancer cervix are; practicing sexual activity at an early age, multiple sexual partners, persistent infection with papilloma virus and cigarette smoking. The major factor affecting prognosis is early detection since the 5 years survival rate is 48% when discovered in late stages. The 5 years survival rate of preinvasive (early) cases is near 100% (Benedet and others 2001). A quadrivalent HPV vaccine (types 6, 11, 16, 18) developed, recently, and approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in June 2006. According to FDA report in 2006, it is a significant step forward to prevent female HPV infection which is an important reason for developing cancer cervix (FDA News 2006). The vaccine is prepared from virus like particles (VLP) which lack DNA and therefore non infective combined with an adjuvant. The dose of vaccine is three intramuscular 0.5 ml doses with intervals of two months after the first dose and six months after the second (Cutts and others 2007). The vaccine is recommended for females nine to 26 years old. Females of young age are vaccinated because it is important to give them the vaccine before sexual activity. Parent should be acknowledged that the vaccine is only prophylactic and will not prevent the disease caused by any type of HPV if infection with that type has already occurred. Pregnant females are discouraged of taking the vac cine as its impact on the unborn fetus needs further studies. Any female who is mildly ill can still get the vaccine, but those who are moderately or severely ill should postpone the dose till they recover. Finally, those with known history of allergy to yeast (adjuvant) or to a previous dose of the vaccine should get the vaccine or following doses (ACIP 2006). Discussion Cons: The debate against HPV vaccine is on four main issues. First, knowing that health care authorities encourage HPV; should legislations be made to make the vaccine a school mandate? HPV is not a causal or droplet infection such as measles or pertussis. It needs practices that are not usual at schools at such a young age. Therefore; there is no immediate need to give the vaccine as a preschool requirement. The right of parents to refuse vaccinating their daughters is the second issue. Third, is cost-effectiveness, as the price of the three doses is 360 US$, this raises the question of funding compulsory schoolgirls vaccination. Finally, as there is no vaccine that is safe or effective, should not we wait for further confirming studies (Weber 2007)? HPV vaccine side effects range from mild to severe. Mild side effects include: pain at the site of injection (80%), redness or swelling at the site of injection (25%), mild fever (10%) and itching at the injection site (3.3%). Moderate fever i.e. 102 F occurs in 1 female vaccinated by 65. Severe risk may develop because of severe allergic reactions (ACIP 2006). However; HPV vaccine does not have a therapeutic effect on a female that have the virus nor can it prevent the disease caused by that virus (ACIP 2006). The routine screening using Papinicolaou (pap) test to detect cervical precancer lesions succeeded in reducing the overall decrease in cervical cancer incidence by 70% over the last 50 years (Guido 2004). Dungan, 2007, argues that it is better to educate women on safe sex and abstinence. Yearly pap test should not be discouraged. It might be better to improve these two lines than to provide a vaccine without being aware its long-term effects or for how long does it provide protection against the virus. Pros: Epidemiological studies show that nearly 20 million men and women are infected with HPV in the US. Additionally about 6.2 million get infected each year, and 50% of sexually active men and women are HPV infected. Although HPV infection may cause no symptoms, yet infection is important for developing cancer cervix. Cancer cervix affect 10000 women in the US every year of them 3700 die of it (ACIP 2006). HPV vaccine is effective against two viruses blamed for about 70% of cases showing malignant transformation of cells (type 16, 18) and two more viruses that cause about 90% of benign genital warts (CIAP 2006). The vaccine is made of VLPs devoid of DNA and thus is not capable of producing a disease. The vaccine does not cause serious or life threatening side effects (CIAP 2006). In addition, the vaccine is expected to give long term immunity (good immune memory) and therefore, it is likely to provide long-term protection (Stanley 2007). The vaccine is expensive, yet the cost of treatment of cancer cervix is much higher. Studies showed that if the vaccine is effective against HPV type 16, 18 only, being immune saves 15.000 to 25000 US$. In addition, the US Health Department provides vaccination at minimum or no charge for those who cannot afford it (ACIP 2006). The prospects of HPV vaccination are notable. FDA approved the vaccine (FDA 2006) and both the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP 2006) and the National Cancer Institute (2006) advise giving it to females between 9 to 26 years old. For a successful introduction of the vaccine, nationwide, there is the need for support of policy decision makers, healthcare professionals and the public specially parents and sexually active females. Therefore; essential communication strategies are essential for a successful HPV vaccine program. Conclusion Human papilloma virus vaccine contributes to improving the incidence of cervical cancer. Sex education and regular screening have proved relatively effective in preventing cancer cervix. However, complying of all sexually active females to these measures is questionable. A decision of approving HPV vaccine is a decision of saving lives. For better efficacy, the vaccine has to be given before the age of sexual activity. Therefore; filling the communication gap with parents is important. Making it mandatory needs state legislations which in turn need discussion with healthcare workers to solve the issues delaying legislations making the vaccine affordable to anyone irrespective of their social or economic status. References Harper, D.M (2004). Why am I scared of HPV (Editorial). CA Cancer J Clin, 54, 245-247. Bishop, B, Dasgupta, J, Klein, M, Garcea, R.L et al (2007). Crystal Structures of four types of human papilloma virus L1 capsid proteins. J. Biol. Chem., 43, 31803-31811. National Cancer Institute (2006). HPV- Vaccine: Question and answers for the public. Retrieved 02/07/2008, from Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) (2006).HPV (human papilloma virus) vaccine: What you need to know. Retrieved 02/07/2008, from Howe, H.L, Wu, X., Ries, L.A et al (2006). Annual report to the nation on the status of cancer 1975-2003 featuring cancer among US Hispanic/Latino populations. Cancer, 107, 1643-1658. Benedet, J.L, Odicino, F, Maisonneuve, P et al (2001). Carcinoma of the cervix uteri. J Epidemiol Biostat, 6 (1), 7-43. FDA News (June 8, 2006). FDA Licenses New Vaccine for Prevention of Cervical Cancer and Other Diseases in females caused by human papilloma virus. US Food and Drug Administration, News. Retrieved 02/07/2008, from . Cutts, F.T, Franceschi, S, Goldie, X et al (2007). Human papilloma virus and HPV vaccines: a review. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 85, 719-726. Weber, C.J (2007). Update on vaccination against human papilloma virus (HPV). Urologic Nursing, 27 (4), 320-321. Guido, R (2004). Guidelines for screening and treatment of cervical disease in the adolescent. J pediatr Adolesc Gynaecol, 17, 303-311. Dungan, D (2007). Pros and cons of HPV vaccine debate: Gardasil remains controversial despite FDA approval. Idaho Mountain Express. Retrieved 02/07/2008 from Stanley, M (2007). Prophylactic HPV vaccines. Journal of Clinical Pathology, 60, 961-965.

Kant Essay -- Psychology, Human Reasoning

In the Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals, Kant undermines many of our moral certainties. Our Western philosophical tradition teaches that choosing the right path to virtue is in ones own hands. Aristotle’s understanding of virtue comes from our moral bearings, which are taken from exemplars of virtue. Kant’s idea of morality is sought from a single individual. Only few people are universally accepted as this ideal conception of morality, such figures like Gandhi or Jesus. Kant believes that we cannot derive this idea of morality simply from examples of those around us but we can only decide morality from a specific principle. This notion of morality is rooted from an idea that is not used by most individuals. He has little faith in human morality because he sees them as easily corruptible; the Kantian moral method can only be true on the basis that human nature often struggles with desires and passions that don’t always fit in line with morality. Kant argues that human reasoning is limited in its ability to provide an example of true morality. In his essay, he states that what humans perceive as good morals does not necessarily fit the conditions of what can be categorized as universal law of morality. Kant believes that people must hold morality not solely as an idea or set of exceptions but as an absolute idea (Kant 408). This absolute idea should be free of human rationalization in order to create a pure example. He believes this to be the case because within this form of rationalizing what is good from what is wrong there are often cases that stray away from true virtue such as human behavior. Kant sees this as a unique quality in humankind; that they can act in accordance with acceptation to the law (412). He worries ... ...annot help themselves. Experiencing the process that happens between the realization of someone needs help to the solution is vital to understanding how to carry out a moral law. Without this someone may know what is moral but not have the means to know how to help. Morality in Kantian terms provokes many questions to the ordinary concepts people have placed it in. Having a universal law of morality, free from examples of others is hard to reach for any human being. It is possible for someone to create their own imperative to reach a working set of moral means. Many people could actively use a basic independent concept of morality. But this is not sufficient for the greater good. In order to understand the roots of universal moral law one must fully understand it through examples and experience so they can proceed through their own followings and incentives.

Strauss and Brahms

On October 16, 2010 at 8:00 pm I attended the â€Å"Strauss & Brahms† concert by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at the Woodruff Arts Center. The program consisted of three compositions, each which received the longest standing applause from an audience that I have ever witnessed. The first piece performed was On the Beautiful Blue Danube, Waltzes, Opus 314 by Johann Strauss, composed in 1867 during the late Romantic era. This piece is similar and different from Fredric Chopin’s Mazurka in B-flat that we studied in class.Similarities include both are dance music in triple meter and are in major key attributing to their mostly bright and cheerful mood, though the Blue Danube is also more romantic. Differences are the type of dance music, the Mazurka we studied being shorter in length with a heavy accent on the second or third beat of each measure, and the Waltz being almost quadruple in length with a heavy accent on the first beat as is customary. In addition, Strauss would reintroduce themes with very little if no variation, whereas Chopin would use various variations of the theme as well as contrast.The second composition performed was the Concerto for Violin and Orchestra by Alan Berg with the famous violinist Julian Rachlin as the featured soloist. I understood the piece to be program music right away when the conductor gave us a brief narrative or story on which the music was based. Composed in 1935 during the Expressionism period, the music is similar to the style of the time in that it focuses more on representing the emotional experiences of Manon Gropius (whom the piece is about) rather than representing her physical characteristics or physical experiences and such.The concerto is divided into two movements, each which are divided into two sections. In movement one in the Andante section, the music is played in sonata form with the last three sections in ternary form (A-B-A) before transitioning into the Allegretto section, which is mor e dance-like. In the second movement, in the Allegro section, the tempo is faster and the mood is more agitated, and in the Adagio section the tempo is slower and the mood is calmer. Throughout the composition, Berg combines the twelve tone system we studied in class by Arnold Schoenberg with a whole tone scale pointed out by the conductor before the performance.To me the music sounded kind of eerie and strange, though I liked the parts when the violin reached very high notes. The last piece performed was Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Opus 73 by Johannes Brahms, composed in 1877 also during the late Romantic era. I find this piece to be reflective of the time period because it certainly has a form and structure similar to the classical period, most notably works of Beethoven. The symphony has the classical symphony structure of four movements and each are in major key.In the first movement, Allegro non troppo, the harmony and rhythm of the melody consistently changes. In the second mov ement, Adiago non troppo, there are variations of many different themes throughout. In the third movement, Allegretto grazioso, the form changes from the sonata form of the previous two movements, and in the last movement, Allegro con spirito, the form returns back to sonata form. In terms of dynamics, each movement alternated between loud (forte) and soft (piano) music. The most memorable part that stood out for me was the melody that I recognized as a lullaby.The melody would often change to where it did not sound like before, but was always wide-ranging and conjunct for the most part. Overall, I enjoyed the concert. In honesty, it was the first classical concert I ever attended, so it was pretty funny to see the conductor when he was fervently waving his arms around with his hair bouncing up and down like madman. I was also extremely impressed by the performance of solo violinist, who was outstanding. Everyone working at the Symphony Hall was really nice and well mannered. I woul d love to attend here again for my second concert report.

Planning and Decision Making Essay

Planning and decision-making are critical processes for effective police administration because: (1) planning is the first step to the effective operation and good management of a police department; (2) planning is the essential element of decision –making; (3) effective planning can eliminate or reduce potential catastrophe resulting from manmade and natural disasters; (4) decision making can usually be described in three types of theoretical models rational, incremental, and heuristic none of which defines all of the elements and factors that affect every decision; (5) the decisions individuals make during crisis situations often define their leadership abilities and, in some cases, their career success; (6) police administrators rarely act alone and most decision making within a police department is conducted at the group level; and (7) decision making is rarely perfect, and is often marred by individual and group weakness that can be identified and hence, avoided. (Swanson, 2012) Yes I agree on my topic with what the author is talking about, because planning and decision making from personal experience is very big. Making decision is very stressful at times that will lead to depression that comes with giving up and frustration that might makes you uncertain of making the best choice. Planning is the most basic function of management. It preceded other functions because a manager plans before he acts. Planning involves determination the objectives and selecting courses of action that will lead to the achievement of predetermined objectives. I don’t like to plan because I get over my head, and too excited and can’t wait for the day to come.

Communism essays

Communism essays Its hard to believe that 60 years ago, the threat of communism was at the door step of the United States. Most everyone was in the some way effected by the threat. From being assoiated with communists or even being acused of actually Communism is often called a collective ideology, which calls for collective or state, ownership of land and other productive property. The origin of the idea of Communism lie deep in Western though. Communist communities have been reported to have existed in ancient times, usually established by a religious order. Marx and Friedrich Engels first set out its basic concepts in the Communist Manifesto in 1848. The thoughts expressed in the communist manifesto were greatly different then previous Utopian views. Marxs major work, Das Kapital (1867), he based the work on the four closely related concepts: his theory of history, the labor theory of value, the nature of the state, and the dictatorship of the proletariat. Marxs view of history was a story of class struggle of social classes competing for the control of labor and productive property. One class was the oppressors; the other, the oppressed.Marx also rejected the free enterprise ideas of profit and competition. In his opinion, the value of commodity was sety by the amount of labor put into it. A pair of shoes or a rebuilt bicycle is worth a certain amount because it takes that much labor to produce it. Therefore, communists say, the laborer should receive that value in full. Marx saw the state and its government as the tools by which the capitalists maintained their power and privilages. He also stated that he thought religion was the opiate of the people, a sort of drug that persuades workers to tolerate their harsh lot in this life in the hope that someday they will gain what Marx called a fictional afterlife. Although, Marx did not believe that revolu...