Motivational Theories and Factors Essay

According to DuBrin, â€Å"†¦motivation is an energizing force that stimulates arousal, direction, and persistence of behavior† (2004, p. 121). It is the force inside the individual and process which allows us to get others to put forth effort. There are many motivational theories that can be used to motivate others (DuBrin, 2004). In the workplace, managers may need to find ways to motivate their employees. Three ways a manager might motivate their employees are: Setting goals, using operant conditioning to change behaviors, and using monetary incentives. These may all be used to motivate employees (DuBrin, 2004). Goals are what motivate us and others to strive to achieve accomplishments either set by ourselves or others. Goals create a self-dissatisfaction within us which gives us an incentive to reduce this dissatisfaction by achieving our goal. By setting goals, employees can improve performance and increase productivity (DuBrin, 2004). Another way to motivate employees is to use operant conditioning as used by B. F. Skinner. By providing rewards and punishments for behaviors, an employer can motivate employees to modify behaviors by providing consequences. An employee can use an incentive for positive behaviors such as increasing sales and receiving a commission or promotion. For negative behaviors such as not meeting goals set, an employer might demote the employee or even take away commissions or the promise of a promotion (DuBrin, 2004). Monetary rewards can be used to motivate an employee to improve performance and production. By offering commission or a raise, an employee will be motivated to achieve. By setting clear expectations, an employee can strive to attain or exceed expectations, knowing what they will be eligible to receive the incentive. (DuBrin, 2004). I believe that the three ways of motivating others, can also help me motivate myself. By setting personal goals for myself, I can motivate myself to accomplish those goals. After achieving the original goals, I will set higher goals to challenge me. Monetary or recognition rewards will also motivate me to be more productive. When given a choice between being rewarded or punished for behaviors, I will always avoid the negative behavior and opt for achieving rewards (DuBrin, 2004). Vroom’s Expectancy theory and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs theory are two popular motivational theories. The Expectancy theory and Hierarchy of Needs theory have similar and contrasting ways of motivation. The Expectancy theory focuses on personal choices that an individual must make when faced with the possibility of working hard to achieve rewards and are affected by individual perceptions. Expectancy is how a person perceives the subject probability that one thing will lead to another. How a person’s perception of expectancy for effort will lead to performance and how performance will lead to reward probabilities (valance) increase, so does a person’s motivation force increase. (Scholl, 2002). The Hierarchy of Needs theory is based on satisfying our innate physiological needs first (food, shelter, water), then safety (job security, earning an income), then moving up the hierarchy ladder to satisfy our need for growth (love and belongingness needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization needs. Maslow states that until our basic needs are met first, we cannot move up the hierarchy ladder (Olson & Hergenhahn, 2011). The two theories are similar because they both have forces that drive our motivation. However, Maslow generalizes about our motivation whereas Vroom shows that ‘the same people are motivated by different things at different times and that different people are motivated by different things at the same time’ (Motivation Types, 2009). Vroom does not attempt to explain a person’s motivation like Maslow. Instead, he explains how people arrive at decisions to achieve the end they value. Both can be motivated by needs and self-esteem (Scholl, 2002). While financial incentives can be a good motivational tool, it can also have drawbacks. By offering monetary, promotions, or employee benefits to employees, it can increase an employee’s performance and production. However, the drawbacks to this are: a decrease in teamwork and inequitable rewards. If a person is working toward a goal to receive a monetary reward, he will most likely be less of a team player due to competition with coworkers. If monetary rewards go by income, a person who makes less will receive less monetary rewards than someone who receives a higher salary. An example of this is profit sharing (Ehow Money, 2012). Sometimes it may be better to have monetary rewards given as a team effort or equitable financial rewards for the same job performance.

The Characteristics and Formation of Meanders

Meanders are sinuous bends in a river's middle and lower courses. In low flow conditions, alternating pools and riffles are formed along the river bed. The river channel is deeper in pools so it has greater energy and more erosive power. Energy is lost as the river flows over a riffle because of friction. These cause the river's flow to become uneven and maximum flow to be concentrated on one side of the river, causing lateral erosion on one side, creating an outer concave bank.Deposition takes place on the other side of the bend, creating a convex bank. The cross-section of a meander is asymmetrical. The outer bank forms a river cliff or a bluff with a deep pool close to the bank, mainly because of the fast flow, hydraulic action and abrasion. The inner bank is a gently sloping deposit of sand and gravel, called a point bar. Meanders are maintained by a surface flow of water across to the concave outer bank with a balancing subsurface return flow back to the convex inner bank.This c orkscrew-like movement of water is called helicoidal flow. In this way, eroded material from the outer bank is transported away and deposited on the inner bank. The combination of erosion and deposition exaggerates the bends until large meanders are formed. Sometimes, oxbow lakes are formed when the neck of the loop of a meander is broken through, and the new cut eventually becomes the main channel, leaving the formed channel sealed off by deposition.

Moon as a character Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Moon as a character - Essay Example The centrifugal elements of the story have served to also deliver a sense of shock value to those who hear it. These main elements are Salome herself, so beautiful and enchanting that her own stepfather Herod the king, is smitten by her. This is an incestual element which is certainly edgy enough to gain attention. Secondly, a man of God who claims to be a prophet, is so hated that he is murdered in a brutal way in order to please a beautiful woman. These elements are just the surface of a thicket of metaphorical allegory. The moon is of course something of a constant. Certainly, we assume that in any story taking place on this planet, the moon is automatically thought to be lurking overhead in the night. This however, is not the only place for the moon in this particular tale. Salome uses numerous references to ‘white’ which is thought to in essence, represent the moon. Additionally, the story has two human voyeurs, the page and the Syrian. It is the page who is smitten or hypnotized by the moon but really, the moon is serving as a metaphor for princess Salome. This gives a circular quality to the story and reminds the reader that on one layer, there are these people of royalty who are in fact subject to voyeurs. Princess Salome is the object of her stepfather Herod’s voyeurism as well as the voyeurism of the page and the Syrian. Beyond this layer, the voyeurs are subject to the moon itself as it looms overhead as a distant but present voyeur. The moon in fact, is the voyeur watch ing this entire story unfold. Getting back to the nature of the story’s conflicts, it is both an incestual situation materializing which leads to the brutal murder and sadistic handling of a man of God. The piece is entirely fashioned around an emphasis on the dark side of human beings with the additional almost cautionary sense that someone is always watching. This is perhaps the heaviest and most impressive metaphor used in the piece between the moon and

Most and Least Favorable Approaches Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Most and Least Favorable Approaches - Assignment Example Nevertheless, to facilitate resolution of these issues, there is a need to have preparedness for dealing with conflicts, thereby establishing a statement of strategic issue that entail three elements. The issue identified is expected to give a concise description with a single paragraph, and the issue should be framed and addressed by the organization. However, there are situation when an organization lack the ability to address the question; thus, it ought to limit attention on the issues that cannot be resolved to avoid wastage of time. The element involves listing the factors that are basic policy questions. In this situation, the objectives, principles, opportunities, strengths and weaknesses of the organization are made strategic issues. Furthermore, these issues are listed, after which they apply in the following stage of strategy identification. The last stage involves a planning team, which is expected to make indications of the implication of not addressing the strategic issues. This involves a review of the consequences in order to inform judgments and various issues (Taylor, 1984). In this case, steps of identifying strategic issues in an organization are substantial t o facilitate survival and success of the organization and offering substantial advice on ways to achieve these objectives. Preferred approach of identifying strategic issues is a direct approach, which requires the strategic planners to focus on outlook of charges and objectives organization. The strategic planners are expected to conduct a SWOT analysis in order to identify the strategic issues that are compatible with the public and government agencies (Bryson & Delbecq, 1979). This approach is best applied in the absence of an agreement on goals. Direct approaches of identifying the strategic issues are useful in situations without pre-existing vision of achieving set objectives. It can also apply when there are no impositions of goals by hierarchical

How to detect and prevent abuse and neglect in nursing homes Essay

How to detect and prevent abuse and neglect in nursing homes - Essay Example The fundamental means of reforming and strengthening the program of nursing homes is to corroborate the entire frame work with efficient plans and channelizing of resources in a judicious manner in order to deliver the citizens in the later stages of their lives solitude, satisfaction and quality that they deserve. This can be done by an early detection and intervention followed by long term surveillance to keep a hard eye on companies which might be looking for maximum profits while compromising on their services. Several measures can be incorporated into the system to work towards prevention of abuse and neglect. Training and provision of education to health workers relating to not only their professional responsibilities but also guidance on how to keep their stress levels to a minimum will contribute towards a more wholesome approach. Minimizing social isolation and engaging in community activities help care givers to attain better equilibrium, so does interaction with their fami ly members.

Art, Body and Mind through the Works of Marina Abramovic Essay

Art, Body and Mind through the Works of Marina Abramovic - Essay Example The essay "Art, Body and Mind through the Works of Marina Abramovic" concerns the art of Marina Abramovic. The perspective, which Abramovic has built, is based on pushing the limits of space to redefine expressions of the mind. This research paper will examine how Abramovic has changed her physical space to represents the mental aspects of performance and to create a sense of symbolism with the arts used. This will be further explored by understanding the various perspectives and angles that Abramovic has considered with the performances. The external influences and environment that Abramovic is in as well as the ways in which she has approached various performances through time to change her philosophy will then create a specific perspective based on something that moves beyond the culture and becomes a part of expressing the existence of the mind. This paper will first discuss the ways in which Abramovic was influenced, specifically during her earlier years and childhood. This exam ination will be used to understand how Abramovic began working with later performances and what concepts continue to be associated with her works. There will then be an overview of the philosophers that have influenced Abramovic and how these philosophies continue to be a part of the narrative of performances by the artist. The examination of outside philosophers will link directly to the thought processes that are used in each performance. This will lead to an understanding of how Abramovic trains for a performance.... The external influences and environment that Abramovic is in as well as the ways in which she has approached various performances through time to change her philosophy will then create a specific perspective based on something that moves beyond the culture and becomes a part of expressing the existence of the mind. This paper will first discuss the ways in which Abramovic was influenced, specifically during her earlier years and childhood. This examination will be used to understand how Abramovic began working with later performances and what concepts continue to be associated with her works. There will then be an overview of the philosophers that have influenced Abramovic and how these philosophies continue to be a part of the narrative of performances by the artist. The examination of outside philosophers will link directly to the thought processes that are used in each performance. This will lead to an understanding of how Abramovic trains and prepares for a performance and how th is is associated with the end results in each of the performances. There will then be sections based on the philosophies of Abramovic. The first examination will be of the perceptions of the mind and how the challenge of Abramovic is to let go of bodily limitations. The concept will be to understand how Abramovic believes that the body is one which can be pushed outside of what is physically expected, specifically which is dependent on the mind. The second philosophy examined will be the idea of pain and dying that is displayed in the performances by Abramovic. The third philosophy will be the concept of the mirror, which Abramovic incorporates into her performances with interactions from the audience. There will also be a section on the other

Exploring a work of art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Exploring a work of art - Essay Example Usually, the piece of paper is rolled around the hard cardboard so that it can roll out easily when being used. The long length of paper is segmented using dotted lines to make it easy to tear when in use. The dotted lines are symmetrically placed to ensure a uniform utilization of the paper. Several folds exist at specific lengths from each other. Due the presence of perforation or pores at specific sections of the paper, it can easily be used by people. The hollow part of the cylindrical cardboard is placed on a holder that serves as the pivot when the paper is rolled. During use, it is rolled several times as it revolves about the holder. The toilet paper is usually translucent and only allows minimal intensity if light to pass through it. The hollow cardboard is rough and compact and consists of an interior white color and exterior brown color. The brown color is concealed by the rolls of the toilet paper but once the roll is completely utilized, the brown color is visible. Whereas, the white color is visible via the hollow part, the hollow part is made of hard paper than the one used on toilet paper rolls. The hard brown card does not disintegrate in water. The toilet rolls have a sweet fragrance that oozes out of them to give a feeling of relaxation. The perfume brings a feeling of freshness and the white color a sense of cleanliness. The color is appealing and creates a feeling of confidence. This work of art falls in the category of functional art category. (Lecture notes, AAD 251: Arts and Visual Literacy). Its functionality lies in its usage. People can use the toilet paper in the toilets. This describes its functionality as a work of art. Unlike some works of art that are merely displayed in rooms and buildings, this work of art serves a significant and almost unparalleled role in the toilet. It is also not as delicate as other works of art. Some works of art are brittle and can easily break down. The toilet paper only disintegrates when it

The Influence Of Mass Media On Drug Abuse In The Society Essay

The Influence Of Mass Media On Drug Abuse In The Society - Essay Example The internet is also a mass media channel that includes e-mails, websites, blogs and social networking sites (Armstrong 34). Mass media messages especially advertisements of entertainment video clips contain drug abuse messages that influence the attitudes of the youth towards consumption of illicit drugs (Primack, Kraemer, Fine and Dalton 27). The teenagers lack the cognitive capabilities to understand the dangers of drug abuse and imitate the lifestyles of entertainment celebrities thus leading to high drug abuse in the society. Thesis statement: the mass media has fuelled drug abuse among teenagers in the society. The influence of mass media in drug abuse among the teenagers cannot be underestimated. The mass media has created a new drug abuse culture among the teenagers Wagner 67). The mass media advertising contains drug abuse messages that create wrong perceptions of prosperity by showing images of drug abusers enjoying material things like luxury cars and expensive jewelry (Pr imack, Kraemer, Fine and Dalton 35). The mass media has created numerous stereotypes about drug abuse, fashion and violence thus leading to a sensation of drug abuse and sex among teenagers in the United States. ... The teenagers mainly rely on the mass media for entertainment and connecting with their peers (Wagner 81). Currently, the mass media contains a lot of information, images and audio-video clips that depict drug abuse as something rewarding and cool. Although there is controversial debate surrounding the impact of mass media on drug abuse among the youth, it is true that mass media messages affect the perceptions of youth towards drugs (Primack, Kraemer, Fine and Dalton 19). The mass media is increasingly being used to advertise tobacco related products, alcohol and other prescription drugs. Accordingly, teenagers who smoke tobacco and take alcohol have higher chances of engaging in illicit drug abuse. Cigarette advertising messages glamorize smokers and smoking through depicting the smokers as young, cool, adventurous, independent and healthy (Primack, Kraemer, Fine and Dalton 31). Accordingly, teen-oriented television programs and magazines have tobacco-related advertising that conta ins images that are tailor-made in order to appeal to the youths. The audio-clips use images that show young people as fun-loving and enjoying consumption of illicit drugs. The internet is contains massive videos and messages related to drug abuse and often portray positive consequences of drug abuse and desirable attributes like feelings of relaxation or greatness (Primack, Kraemer, Fine and Dalton 12). Some of the factors that expose teenagers to unrestricted drug related advertising and violent movies that contain images of drug abuse include poor parenting, aggressive tobacco related advertising and peer pressure (Brown, Steele and Walsh-Childers 44). A majority of the

Germany Travel and Commerce Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Germany Travel and Commerce - Case Study Example Eight years ago in the domestic German market, they currently account for a good share of the domestic market and growth was steady until the global recession of 2007/08; nevertheless, there was reasonable growth in 2009. Internationally, low-cost carriers’ growth was slow in early years of the last decade; however, in 2003 low-cost carriers services grew rapidly until 2008. Today’s airports have become more than just pure transportation hubs because they are both service and communication centers and places of urban experiences on the cities perimeter. German has various major urban centers that host main airports in the country and the urban centers include Berlin, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Munich, and Stuttgart. The main business aviation airports include Schoenefeld Airport in Berlin, DÃ ¼sseldorf Airport in Dusseldorf, Stuttgart Airport in Stuttgart, Hamburg Airport in Hamburg, Frankfurt Airport in Frankfurt and Munich Airport in Munich. DÃ ¼sseldorf Airpor t offers various major airlines to fly into it, which include Turkish Airlines, KLM flights, and Emirates flights. The biggest airlines that use Frankfurt airport include Condor, Turkish Airlines, and Lufthansa flights. In Munich, the largest airlines flying into the city’s airport include Turkish Airlines, KLM flights, and Qatar Airways flights. The various largest airlines flying to Berlin’s airports include KLM flights, British Airways and Turkish Airlines flights; however, other airlines like Brussels Airlines fly into Berlin. Largest airlines flying into Hamburg’s airport include Turkish Airlines, KLM flights, and British Airways. The largest airlines flying to Stuttgart’s airport include Turkish Airlines, KLM flights and British Airways (Skyscanner, 2012). British Airways is owned by International Airlines Group (IAG) and shareholders who have limited liability.

Critical Assessment Of The Future Of Coffee As A Commodity Trade Essay

Critical Assessment Of The Future Of Coffee As A Commodity Trade - Essay Example This issue has been addressed by a diverse array of institutions with different approaches in order to find adequate solutions to short-term and long-term conditions of the coffee market as a commodity that is mainly produced in LCDs and developing countries where the levels of poverty are pretty high. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). (2004) published a report entitled "The state of agricultural commodity markets 2004" with the main concern of addressing the issue of agricultural commodity economies with the intention of finding workable solutions to the challenges ahead. Jacques Diouf, FAO Director-General, stated the following in the Foreword: "The price of coffee plummeted 70 percent between 1997 and 2001, threatening the livelihoods of an estimated 25 million people who depend on coffee and triggering food emergencies in several countries in Africa and Central America." (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2004). This is really a very critical situation. There are several reasons behind it. It is a complex problem that has to be assessed from a multi-lateral perspective taking into account all the stakeholders, especially the small farmers in LDCs and developing countries. In its report, FAO acknowledges the greater productivity of the coffee sector. At the same time it points out that the main beneficiaries are the developed countries producers and consumers: "Advances in agricultural productivity th... ers in better-endowed and more-developed regions that have been able to take advantage of productivity gains to strengthen their position on world markets." (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2004). The FAO report also addresses the issue of concentration of a few big companies in the global market. This troublesome factor in the overall scenario of commodity trading is stated as follows: "Another development in agricultural commodity markets has been the increasing concentration of market power in the hands of a few transnational corporations. Just three companies now control almost half the coffee roasting in the world, for example, and the 30 largest supermarket chains control almost one-third of grocery sales worldwide." (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2004). Daniele Giovannucci, Bryan Lewin and Panayotis Varangis published a report for the World Bank entitled "Coffee markets: New paradigms in global supply and demand". Among their findings, the following statements picture a negative situation for producers in LCDs and developing countries regarding coffee economic viability: "Most of the world's coffee is produced by smallholders utilizing just a few hectares of land. In the past year, many reports have confirmed the heavy toll on farmers that have had to sell below cost or even give up their coffee farms because current prices do not even cover the most basic costs of harvesting and transport to market, and estimate economic losses for small coffee farmers at US$4.5 billion per year." (Giovannucci, Lewin, & Varangis, 2004). These losses are extremely burdensome for small farmers who mostly live in LDCs and developing countries. Finding a solution by raising prices has its ups and downs as can be seen in an article about commodity trade published

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde Essay Example for Free

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde Essay Why would a Victorian reader find The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde shocking yet fascinating? Robert Louis Stevenson wrote Jekyll and Hyde in 1886 in the middle of the Victorian era. This book is both shocking yet fascinating to a Victorian reader, I will explore this further. Polar twins continually struggling, this quotation is talking about the struggle between Jekyll and Hyde; they are struggling to gain dominance over each other in Jekylls body. They are polar twins, Jekyll is good and Hyde is Evil, this quotation shows that Jekyll and Hyde are linked, and this idea that they are linked in body and soul would be shocking to a reader yet it would also be fascinating because it shows the dual nature of man, the ability to do good and evil. There are many themes in Jekyll and Hyde that a Victorian reader would find shocking and fascinating at the same time, like Science vs. religion, civilisation vs. savagery, the dual identity of man, the way Stevenson portrays London, the gothic elements of the story, and the description of the characters and their relationships. Jekyll manipulates science to resurface the dual identity of man, only God should be able to do this, Jekyll is going against his god and dwells on the thought of committing suicide to get rid of Hyde, a Victorian reader would find this shocking because almost all Victorian people at this time were devout Christians and committing suicide was against the laws of the church and even the thought of someone committing suicide was shocking to a Victorian. Also the ongoing debate between the church and scientists about Darwins theory of evolution surfaces in Jekyll and Hyde, this is a case of Religion vs. science. Dr Lanyon and Jekyll debate about this in the book, a Victorian reader would find these ideas fascinating. The book is also focused on temptation, Adam and Eve were tempted by the tree of Knowledge and were then thrown out of the Garden of Eden and Jekyll is also tempted by the knowledge that man is not truly one but truly two, Science undermines the church by the theory of evolution. Victorian readers would find this fascinating, as well as the parallels between the Garden of Eden story and Jekylls life. Civilisation vs. savagery is shown in where people live, Hyde lives in Soho in London, Soho is one of the worst parts of London, and it is the barbaric part of London where prostitution, drug dealing, gambling, lots of violence. This is Hydes world and it shows his character and nature. Hyde is violent, evil dark, twisted like Soho. A Victorian reader would find this fascinating that the area he lives in reflects his personality. Lanyon lives in Mayfair, this shows his rich civilised character and Jekyll lives in an area of working class apartments but lives in a whole house, a reader would find it shocking why Jekyll lives in such a poor area but as the read the book the see that this area reflects him, and because he is a doctor of science who dissects bodies he is probably frowned on in public and by higher classes. This makes the reader question the respectability of Jekyll. The reader would find this shocking and fascinating that the areas that they live in reflect their charact er. The idea of the dual identity of man would be shocking to a reader because a Victorian person wouldnt have heard of this before; they would also find it very interesting even if they dont believe in it. Man is not truly one but truly two, it shows that man is split into two parts, one part that is wholly good and odes good things and another part that is wholly evil. The idea that Hyde alone in the ranks of mankind was pure evil, comes up from the dual nature. The reader would find this fascinating that someone could be pure evil yet they would also be shocked by it, that this person would do evil things like kill people. Also the fact that Jekyll and Hyde share only one body would be shocking because man is supposed to be in two parts but they only share one body, Hyde is caged within Jekyll, so a potion is needed to turn them into each other and back again, a Victorian person would find this fascinating because of the fact that a potion might be able to do what only God has been able to do before. London is portrayed as a city covered by a great chocolate covered pall, for at this time smog was common over London. Areas like Soho are shown in more detail and the area around Jekylls house as well. All sorts of conditions of men shady lawyersobscure enterprises these are some of the descriptions of things around Jekylls house. A reader would find it shocking that the capital of an empire which spanned a quarter of the known world is described as sordid and black and dirty and covered with a thick blanket of smog. The gothic elements of the novella help make the book more interesting to the reader and it gives suspense to some of the scenes and makes them more vivid, using short sentences to give a strong atmosphere of tension and all of the descriptive words are dark, using dark colours like black and setting some of the scarier scenes at night to make it darker and more gothic. This would pull the reader in and make him fascinated by the detailed descriptions of what is happening. Also some of the descriptions of the characters especially Hyde are very gothic, with a kind of black sneering coolnessreally like Satan. Hyde is described as the devil. A reader would find this shocking because at first they would believe that Hyde is a normal person, but to be described as the devil must mean he is very evil and later on they find out that he is pure evil a part of a conscience and not a whole person, a reader would find this shocking and would disgust them as well Jekyll and Hyde is talked about by critics as a magnificent piece of sensationalism, which means that Jekyll and Hyde was a magnificent story and would be very fascinating to readers in the Victorian era. All of the different themes of the story add to this idea that Jekyll and Hyde is shocking and fascinating to readers. They would be fascinated and shocked by some of the ideas of science and the opposing ideas of religion. They would be interested by the theme of civilisation vs. savagery and shocked by some of the points. They would be shocked by Jekylls ideas of the dual nature of man yet because they havent heard of it before they would be fascinated by it. The way Stevenson portrays London would shock them and all of the gothic elements which enhance the story would help the readers appreciate Jekyll and Hyde more. The strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is a book that is both shocking yet fascinating to Victorian readers.

Adventures Of Tom Sawyer Essay Example for Free

Adventures Of Tom Sawyer Essay I will never forget the time I spent with Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn and Joe Harper on Jackson’s Island. We have always wanted to become pirates. Now that we have found the exact opportunity – Tom being scolded by Aunt Polly and Joe Harper having been whipped by his mother for tasting sour cream – we decided that it is now time to pursue our dream to become real pirates. In that way, we will be able to live a life of freedom and fame, and the whole town will hear about our names. The people who mistreated us will also feel sorry for what they had done. Our rendezvous is Jackson’s Island, which is three miles below the town of St. Petersburg. We met there at midnight. That became the start of our lives as pirates of the sea. Personally, I loved the idea of running away from home. I never had to go to school anymore. I didn’t need to follow rules anymore. And as Tom promised often, all we will need to do is to steal, kill and get rich. So when midnight came, the four of us met at Jackson’s Island. Each of us came with something stolen. Tom brought stolen ham, Joe had a one sided bacon and Huck had a skillet and some tobacco leaves. I brought stolen matches from my mom’s drawer. I figured that if we would stay long in the Island, we would need fire for our daily needs. Tom applauded me for bringing some matches. In those days, matches are not commonly used in St. Petersburg. Very few people had them. We found a raft about a hundred yards away. So we decided to have some fun with it and as usual, Tom was the captain. He commanded our pirate ship as we all pretended to be real pirates, using terms we have heard from sailors as well as lines from books we have read. We decided to settle in a virgin forest about two hundred yards above the head of the island. There, we spread our belongings and also built a huge bonfire. We cooked our ham, bacon and corn pone by roasting them in the fire. We ate and ate until we were so full. There was nothing like it. If the other boys in the village saw us that way, they would greatly envy us without a doubt. There was nothing like a pirate’s life. After eating, we lay down on the grass and talked for a while. Tom started to tell us stories about pirates – how extravagant they are, and how rich and famous. We started to ask him many questions about becoming a pirate. He simply told us that all we had to do was steal belongings and kill other people. In the midst of the conversation, Huck Finn began to smoke tobacco! I instantly followed him with that activity and smoked tobacco as well. Tom and Joe simply looked silently at us in amazement. For a long time now, they had wanted to learn how to smoke, but never had the opportunity. Only Huck and I could smoke. After much talking, we all fell asleep one by one. That was our first night as â€Å"pirates†. Tom was the first to wake up in the morning. The first thing we did was to strip ourselves off our clothes and bathe in the sea. After that, we got ready for breakfast. Joe began to slice bacon and would have cooked it, but Tom and Huck asked him to wait. I was the one who caught a couple of sun perch and catfish! We instantly cooked those fishes along with the bacon and they tasted so good. Then after eating, we lay down on the sand for a long time. Sadness started to creep in, but nobody dared to speak about it. Nobody wants to be accused of being a chicken heart. I think Tom was starting to feel homesick too, but he didn’t want to show his feelings. Our growing homesickness was interrupted when we saw a ferry boat afar off, shooting cannon over the water. This is a sign that somebody in the village got drowned. Shooting cannons over the water made drowned people come up to the top. For a while we wondered who got drowned, and then Tom suddenly had a brilliant thought. We are the ones who got drowned! The entire village was searching for us. Our parents missed us, and the other boys surely heard about us. The girls we admired are now talking about us too! We spent the rest of the entire day swimming, talking, eating and exploring the island. When night came, everyone went to sleep. When I woke up in the morning, Joe and Huck were still sleeping. Tom, however, was nowhere to be found. I looked at the spot where he slept and found a note. I opened the note and it read like this: â€Å"If I don’t come back by breakfast time, all my things are yours.. † Upon reading this, I woke Joe and Huck and showed them the note. We waited for Tom for about an hour but he never came. Huck supposed that Tom felt homesick and went back to Aunt Polly’s house. However, Joe defended Tom and said that he knew his friend would never do such a disgrace. Tom, according to Joe, knew the code of pirates and he is too proud to quit and go home just like that. I told Joe to start cooking breakfast and if Tom never returned by the time we ate breakfast, all his things will be ours. But just before we started to eat, Tom appeared dramatically and entered the camp. He had some news for us. He had â€Å"spied† on St. Petersburg and discovered that the whole town was talking about us – the lost pirates. If our bodies were not found until Saturday, our funeral will be pronounced that very Sunday. We instantly felt like heroes. Then suddenly I had a brilliant idea. What if we could make a comeback on the day of our funeral? Tom and the other pirates liked it very much. Tom slept until noon and when afternoon came, we started to plan our appearance at our funeral on Sunday. That Sunday, while the entire town mourned for us and as the minister preached his eulogy for the â€Å"dead boys†, we were hiding in an unused gallery behind the church as we listened to everything that was happening. Suddenly, we made our appearance to the crowd. Needless to say, everybody welcomed us dramatically. Our loved ones cried with joy. We were the talk of the town for several months and I will never ever forget it. It was the best day of our lives. Part 2: The Commentary The pirate boys led by Tom Sawyer built a community that they have entirely created amongst themselves. It is a community apart from the regular life they have known at St. Petersburg. We can safely say that Tom, Joe and Huck built their pirate community based on their childhood imagination. As young people in a simple town, where modern industrialized America has not yet fully penetrated, these three boys have an inclination towards idealism. Their idea of a perfect life is total freedom. Thus, they chose to pretend as pirates and imitate the pirate’s code of conduct in order to experience the life that they have always dreamed about. To them, escaping to Jackson’s Island is more of an escape from reality. Although they have romantic idealisms as pirates in a free world, the reality remains that in the town of St. Petersburg, they are children and they are not as powerful as they suppose themselves to be. Tom Sawyer is just a kid who can get whipped by Aunt Polly any time of day. He is a student who needs to go to school and study his lessons. He is part of society. So as we have stated, going to Jackson’s Island is an escape from reality. The boys thought that they can build a community on their own – apart from society, authority and responsibility. This thought is evident in Tom’s opening thoughts in Chapter 13: â€Å"Tom’s mind was made up now. He was gloomy and desperate. He was a forsaken, friendless boy, he said; nobody loved him; when they found out what they had driven him to, perhaps they would be sorry†¦Yes, they had forced him to it at last: he would lead a life of crime. There was no choice. † (Twain, 1876). In the community that the boys built, each one played an important role. Tom was the leader because he was the one who provided the vision and insight about the life of a pirate. So in essence, he was providing direction for all of them. Almost everything they did during their getaway in the island was a product of Tom Sawyer’s imagination – based on what he read from books and his own thoughts and romantic dreams. Joe Harper, meanwhile was more of a follower. He also executes Tom’s orders. It is evident that Joe admired Tom for everything that he was. Joe once said: No, Toms true-blue, Huck, and hell come back. He wont desert. He knows that would be a disgrace to a pirate, and Toms too proud for that sort of thing. Hes up to something or other. Now I wonder what? (Twain, 1876) Huck, meanwhile, is a symbol of the free life that Tom and Joe have always longed for. Huck didn’t need to go to school. He is a waif, a vagabond and he is not part of society. The other boys envied Huck because he can smoke tobacco while most boys in St. Petersburg – even Tom and Joe – cannot do that act. Although Tom was the leader, we can say that Huck is the role model for the entire community they have built for themselves. If, for Tom and Joe, the island getaway was an escape from reality, it was a normal day for Huck. He was probably used to going to different places all by himself. The simple community of Huck Finn, Joe Harper and Tom Sawyer was similar to adult communities in that they have a single driving force – the desire to live a life of freedom. If we look at history, almost all communities started with that single driving force. In any given community, there should be a leader, a follower and a symbol of inspiration. As these traits are respectively found in each of our characters, we may say that Tom, Huck and Joe are a perfect embodiment of American idealism. Although their deeds were shown in boyish manner, they represent a greater dimension which reflects the reality of adult life. As the saying goes, â€Å"Men are simply boys who grew up†. Works Cited: Twain, Mark (1993). The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer [electronic version]. New York: Project Gutenberg Ebooks. (Original work published 1876)

Impact of Chemotherapy Induced Diarrhoea (CID)

Impact of Chemotherapy Induced Diarrhoea (CID) This assignment will critically explore one impact of cancer treatment, examining the physiological nature of the impact. I will analyse strategies for alleviating the impact, considering the contribution of the multi-disciplinary team. I will discuss the contribution of healthcare professionals to holistic care analysing the professional and ethical dimensions of practice. Finally I will evaluate the effectiveness of the current management of the identified impact. The one impact of cancer treatment which I have chosen to look at is chemotherapy induced diarrhoea (CID). The London Cancer Alliance (2013) reports that patients receiving chemotherapy are at risk of developing severe diarrhoea, and the prevalence has been reported to be as high as 50–80%. Sherman (2008) explains that diarrhoea has a significant impact on quality of life and can contribute to malnutrition, weight loss, immunosuppression, and mortality. I have personally encountered CID in my practice and have seen how debilitating it can be for service users both physiologically and psychologically. According to Stein (2010) the pathophysiology of chemotherapy induced diarrhoea is multifaceted, complex and still undergoing further investigation. This is also acknowledged by Gibson and Keefe (2006) who believe that CID is likely to be caused by combinations of varying factors which include, altered gut motility; colonic crypt damage, impairing water absorption in the colon, changes to intestinal microflora, affecting absorption and altered fluid transport in the colon. Robinson and Dobish (2007) believe that the absorptive and secretory capacity within the gut is altered during chemotherapy due to the toxicity damaging the intestinal epithelium, inflammation of the bowel wall and superficial necrosis. Which according to Stringer (2009) causes a difference between secretion and absorption in the small bowel resulting in diarrhoea. Viele (2003) suggests that there are two mechanisms by which chemotherapy may induce this. First, the diarrhoea is caused by changes in intestinal absorption which may or may not be accompanied by excessive electrolyte and fluid secretion. Second, the diarrhoea may be a consequence of a combination of mechanical and biochemical changes caused by the chemotherapy. These intestinal functional changes are thought to be a result of direct toxicity of the chemotherapy on the colonic crypt stem cells. Death of these cells leads to a cascading effect where immature crypt cells attempt to compensate by releasing more secretory compounds (Viele, 2003). The small intestine is also thought to play a role whereby the villi are unable to absorb fluids correctly, leading to a skewed ratio of fluid absorption and secretion. In addition, chemotherapy is reported to destroy the brush border enzymes, which are responsible for the digestion of both carbohydrates and proteins, and this causes more gut-wall secretions to occur (Rutledge and Engelking, 2008). Sharma (2005) informs us that if CID is uncontrolled the consequences can be devastating both physically and psychologically. According to Cherny (2008) diarrhoea can lead to, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, renal issues and even death. Viele (2003) reminds us that the impact if CID is not just physiological, the psychological effects of diarrhoea include depression, social isolation and anxiety. Patients suffering from CID will often require additional healthcare resources, such as admission, which will raise the cost of the patients care for the healthcare service (Dranitsaris et al 2005). Arnold (2005) explains that CID can interfere with cancer treatments affecting scheduled treatment plans, dose reductions ultimately leading to a worse outcome. In a reflective study of cancer patients who acquired CID, Arnold et al (2005) discovered that 65% of patients experienced a decrease in dose intensity, a dose reduction was required in 45%, a delay in treatment was experienced in 71%, and 3% had their therapy discontinued. Maroun et al (2007) conclude that treatment delays, discontinuation and dose reductions have a direct adverse effect on patient mortality and morbidity. Therefore clear objectives must be in place in order to manage chemotherapy induced diarrhoea effectively. According to Skelley (2005), healthcare professionals must promptly diagnose and treat patients with CID, minimise treatment delays, maximise chemo intensity and therefore maximise the patients’ quality of life whilst undertaking treatment. Skelley (2005) states that to manage diarrhoea in an acute setting effectively healthcare staff need to maintain an accurate stool chart and should grade diarrhoea using the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria for Diarrhoea. The London Cancer Alliance (2013) supports the use of a grading system and shows one in their management literature and has added symptoms into the table to help aid in grading diarrhoea more effectively. The LCA (2013) add that mucositis and neutropenia from the chemotherapy treatment can also significantly increase complications associated with CID. Prompt recognition and swift appropriate treatment are essential. Therefore by completing the aforementioned measures, medical staff are enabled to choose the correct treatment options and it also helps to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment. Also we must ensure that a stool culture taken, so as to rule out any infections or other causes which could further prolong or alter treatment plans. It is important for healthcare professionals to actively encourage patients to report their bowel movements, because patients can fear that reporting diarrhoea will delay their treatment (Maroun, 2007). As a healthcare professional we should aim to reassure patients that prompt diagnosis and early treatment can prevent delays to their chemotherapy. According to Cherny (2008) patients with CID should have a full assessment including medical history, dietary history and medication review. Before treating CID other common causes of diarrhoea should be considered and excluded. These could include, adverse medication effects, concurrent Disease such as, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis and ulcerative colitis, viral Infection, bacterial Infection, faecal Impaction, diet and psychological Factors (LSA, 2013). Benson (2004) believes that patient education is the vital underpinning to the management of CID and before commencing chemotherapy, patients must be fully informed of the potential risks and what actions to take, if they develop diarrhoea. Patients will require nutritional advice and the LCA (2013) guides us by showing the initial management for CID which we can in turn offer to patients. This includes drinking 8–10 large glasses of clear fluids per day to prevent dehydration and stopping lactose-containing products since lactose intolerance can develop when the mucosa is damaged. Patients need to avoid spices, high-fibre foods, high-fat foods, caffeine, alcohol and fruit juices. Small frequent meals such as bananas, toast and plain pasta are also recommended. There are many more aspects to dietary advice therefore input from a dietician would be beneficial. Benson et al (2004) show that in diarrhoea grades 1–2 Loperamide is the recommended medication, 4mg followed by 2mg after every loose stool up to 16mg daily. If diarrhoea persists, high dose Loperamide should be used and Codeine Phosphate 30–60mg QDS can be added, also a stool culture needs to be taken if not previously done. The patient will need to be admitted to hospital if not already an inpatient if the diarrhoea persists or becomes grade 3-4 after 24-48 hours. At this point Octreotide is the recommended treatment as a sub-cutaneous injection, 300mcg/24hr for 5 days, increasing to 600mcg/24hr if not effective (LCA, 2013). According to Barbounis et al (2001) Octreotide has a 60% 90% success rate in resolving persistent diarrhoea. Zidane (2001) explains that although Octreotide has proven to be more successful than Loperamide, it still remains as a second line treatment due to its high cost. Chemotherapy induced diarrhoea has tremendous effects on patients’ quality of life, the management of cancer patients requires increased attention to this side effect from nurses. Targeted education is needed to help nurses implement systematic assessment and documentation. Nurses must ensure to communicate effectively with patients and caregivers in every setting about the nature of diarrhoea and its causes, as well as develop appropriate interventions for each individual. As such, nurses need to maintain current knowledge of the causes and available treatment strategies for CID. It is also imperative to remember the beneficial effect that diet may play in alleviating diarrhoea symptoms. Reference List Arnold, R. J. Gabrail, N. Raut, M. Kim, R. Sung, J. C. Zhou, Y. (2005) ‘Clinical implications of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea in patients with cancer’. The Journal of Supportive Oncology, 3(3), pp. 227-232. Available at: http://www.oncologypractice.com/jso/journal/articles/0303227.pdf (Accessed: 22 March 2014). Benson, A.B. Ajani, J.A. Catalano, R.B. Engelking, C. Kornblau, S.M. Martenson, J.A. (2004) ‘Recommended guidelines for the treatment of cancer treatment-induced diarrhea’. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 22, pp. 2918–2926. Available at: http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/22/14/2918.long (Accessed: 30 March 2014). Cherny, N. I. (2008). ‘Evaluation and management of treatment-related diarrhea in patients with advanced cancer: A review’. Journal of Pain Symptom Management, 36(4), pp. 413-423. Available at: http://download.journals.elsevierhealth.com/pdfs/journals/0885-3924/PIIS088539240800111 5.pdf (Accessed: 8 April 2014). Dranitsaris, G. Maroun, J. Shah, A. (2005) ‘Severe chemotherapy-induced diarrhea in patients with colorectal cancer: A cost of illness analysis’. Supportive Care in Cancer, 13(5), pp. 318-324. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15614493 (Accessed: 01 April 2014). Gibson, R J. Keefe, D M. (2006) Cancer chemotherapy-induced diarrhoea and constipation: mechanisms of damage and prevention strategies. Support Care Cancer. 14, pp 890–900. Available at: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00520-006-0040-y (Accessed: 01 April 2014). Hogan, C M. (1998) The nurses role in diarrhea management. Oncology Nurses Forum. 25 (5), pp879-86. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9644704 (Accessed: 23 March 2014). London Cancer Alliance (2013) LCA Acute Oncology Clinical Guidelines. Available at: http://www.londoncanceralliance.nhs.uk/media/56533/FINAL LCA Acute Oncology Clinical Guidelines September 2013.pdf (Accessed: 9 March 2011). Maroun, J.A. Anthony, L.B. Blais, N. Burkes, R. Dowden, S.D. Dranitsaris, G. (2007) ‘Prevention and management of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea in patients with colorectal cancer: a consensus statement by the Canadian working group on chemotherapy-induced diarrhea’. Current Oncology, 14, pp. 13–20. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1891194/ (Accessed : 10 March 2014). Rutledge, D N. Engelking, C. (2008) Cancer-related diarrhea: selected findings of a national survey of oncology nurse experiences. Oncology Nurses Forum. 25, pp 861–873. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9644704 (Accessed 01 September 2012). Sharma, R. Tobin, P. Clarke, SJ. (2005) ‘Management of chemotherapy-induced nausea, vomiting, oral mucositis, and diarrhoea’. Oncology. 6, pp. 93–102. Available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1470204505017353# (Accessed: 5 April 2014). Sherman, D S. Fish, D N. (2008). Management of protease inhibitor associated diarrhea. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 30, pp 908–914. Available at: http://cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/30/6/908.long (Accessed 01 April 2014). Skelley, K. (2005) ‘Management of chemotherapy induced diarrhoea in adults with cancer’ (Online). Available at: http://www.ruh.nhs.uk/about/policies/documents/clinical_policies/ local/405%202006 %20Management%20of%20Chemotherapy%20Induced% 20Diarrhoea.pdf (Accessed: 22 March 2014). Stein, A. Voigt, W. Jordan, K. (2010) ‘Review: Chemotherapy-induced diarrhea: pathophysiology, frequency and guideline-based management’. Therapeutic Advances in Medical Oncology. 2 (51). Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles /PMC3126005/pdf/10.1177_1758834009355164.pdf (Accessed: 28 March 2014). Stringer, A.M. Gibson, R.J. Logan, R.M. Bowen, J.M. Yeoh, A.S. Laurence, J. (2009) ‘Irinotecan-induced mucositis is associated with changes in intestinal mucins’. Cancer Chemotherapy Pharmacology, 64, pp. 123–132. Available at: http://www.springerlink.com/content/d45k70508772318j (Accessed: 3 April 2014). Viele, C. S. (2003) ‘Overview of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea’. Oncology Nursing, 19(4 Suppl 3), pp. 2-5. Available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/ S074920810300114 (Accessed: 23 March 2014). Zidan, J. Haim, N. Beny, A. Stein, M. Gez, E. Kuten, A. (2001) ‘Octreotide in the treatment of severe chemotherapy-induced diarrhea’. Annual Oncology, 12, pp. 227–229. Available at: http://annonc.oxfordjournals.org/content/12/2/227.long (Accessed 22 March 2014).

Lost Lady Essay -- essays research papers

The diction and detail used by Willa Cather in the book A Lost Lady, paints a picture in the readers mind by her prose selection of diction and arrangements of graphic detail, which conveys a feeling of passion, sadness, tense anger and unending happiness through Neil Herbert. Throughout the book, Cather describes Neil Herbert ¡Ã‚ ¯s life from his childhood, to his teenage years, and then to his adulthood with surpassing diction and supporting detail.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As the story begins, Cather describes Neil Herbert as,  ¡Ã‚ °a handsome boy of twelve whom she liked. ¡Ã‚ ± This description gives us a mental picture of this boy with a smile on his face and always being courteous. In his younger years, the reader can assume that Herbert was very energetic and always merry. He ¡Ã‚ ¯d even try to catch a bird in a tree so Ivy Peters couldn ¡Ã‚ ¯t kill it with a rock.  ¡Ã‚ °If I can get it now, I can kill it and put it out of its misery. ¡Ã‚ ± Through Cather ¡Ã‚ ¯s details the reader can tell that Herbert had a strong determination to catch the bird. Herbert ends up falling from the tree and breaking his arm of which he gets treated at Mrs. Forrester ¡Ã‚ ¯s house.  ¡Ã‚ °What soft fingers Mrs. Forrester had, ¡Ã‚ ± and he though,  ¡Ã‚ °what a lovely lady she was. ¡Ã‚ ± The author states that  ¡Ã‚ °The little boy was thinking that he would never be in so nice a place again. ¡Ã‚ ± Through Cather's descriptio n the reader can tell that Neil had a yearning passion for Mrs. Forrester and that her house was like heaven on earth. &nbs...

Society and Family Conflict in A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberr

Society and Family Conflict in A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry      Ã‚  Ã‚   Within the context of any given moment in history, the passage of time allows reflection on the attitudes and emotions of people. The political atmosphere, commercial fads, social trends or religious fervor of the time we observe, all lend spice to the attitudes that we will find there. Some aspects of our human nature are as timeless as eating or sleeping, such as the bonds of a family or the conflicts which tear them apart. In Lorraine Hansberry's work "A Raisin in the Sun" we can see clearly not only the drama each of us lives through in the ties of family and love, but it gives us an immortal slice of history of the times in which it was written.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Much of the political action that occurred during the time described within this play is specific to the era which it portrays. In Chicago and elsewhere, the economic affliction of minority families was ... ... Carlisle, David K. 1998. Black Combat Units In Korean War Action. [Online] Available:   http://members.aol.com/warlib/dkc2.htm [2000, June 12]. Hansberry, Lorraine. "A Raisin in the Sun". Beatty, J., Hunter, J. P. (Eds.)(1998) Norton Introduction to Literature (7th Ed.). New York: Norton (pp.   1381-1485). MSN Microsoft Network. Encarta. W.E.B. DuBois. [Online] Available: http://encarta.msn.com/index/conciseindex/2E/02E91000.htm?z=1&pg=2&br=1 [2000, June 11].