Kingdom Fungi

Chapter 21 Notes: Kingdom Fungi! Name_________________________ 21-1: The Kingdom Fungi A. What Are Fungi? Fungi include MANY DIFFERENT types of organisms From tiny yeast cells To the one of the largest organisms in the world! Fungi are: Multicellular (except for yeasts) Eukaryotic Heterotrophic Decomposers: decompose dead and decaying material -Recyclers! -Secrete enzymes OUTSIDE bodies – Absorb digested nutrients Hyphae: long, slender, root-like filament Septa: cross-walls across hyphae (not in all hyphae) Mycelium: mat of interwoven hyphae o Large surface area = max food absorptionFruiting body: reproductive structures, like mushrooms o Many can develop from same mycelium o â€Å"fairy rings† Entire mycelium is haploid! o (1 set of chromosomes) B. Structure & Function of Fungi Fungi cells have cell walls -Contain carbohydrate â€Å"chitin† also found in exoskeletons Unlike plants: -Fungi DON’T have chlorophyll -Fungi have chitin in cell walls (plants hav e cellulose) C. Reproduction in Fungi Most fungi reproduce BOTH asexually and sexually Asexual Reproduction: Sporangia at the tip of sporangiophores produce haploid spores Fragmentation (breaking off) of hyphae can also produce new mycelia Sexual reproductionFungi form hyphae of opposite â€Å"Sex† o Called â€Å"+† & â€Å"-â€Å" The + & – hyphae fuse and form gametangia: o Makes gametes o Form a diploid zygote o Zygote undergoes meiosis: haploid once again! D. How Fungi Spread Fungal spores travel VERY easily in the air All they need is a good â€Å"landing place† with moisture & food Some fungi have special adaptations for spreading spores 21-2: Classification of Fungi A. 4 Phyla of Fungi: Zygomycota Ascomycota Basidiomycota Deuteromycota Named for their reproductive structures! B. Phylum Zygomycota â€Å"Common molds† o On bread, cheese, etc. Black bread mold: Rhizopus stoloniferReproduce asexually (spores) & sexually (zygospores) C. Phylum Ascomycota â€Å"Sac Fungi† o Conidia form spores asexually o The ascus contains diploid spores in sexual reproduction Examples: yeast, cup fungi D. Phylum Basidiomycota â€Å"Club Fungi† 16,000 species: mushrooms, puffballs, bracket fungi, morels Club-shaped reproductive structure Spores form in basidia: o On the â€Å"gills† underneath mushroom cap Many wild mushrooms are poisonous! E. Phylum Deuteromycota â€Å"Imperfect Fungi† Fungi with NO KNOWN sexual stage Reproduction only asexually Ex: Penicillium; also pathogens like ringworm, athlete’s foot 1-3: Ecology of Fungi A. Fungi as Heterotrophs Most fungi are decomposers or saprobes Others are parasites (live on/in a living host) And others are symbionts: live in symbiosis with other organisms Pleurotus ostreatus is actually a carnivore captures & eats roundworms ALL fungi, though, are heterotrophs! B. Fungi as Decomposers External digestion: Fungi decompose matter by secreting enzymes o break i t down into simple organic molecules Fungus then absorb those molecules C. Fungi as Parasites Plants and animals (humans) are subject to fungal diseases Plants: o Corn smut o Mildew o Wheat rustHumans & animals: o Athlete’s foot o Yeast infections (Candida albicans) o Ring worm o Cordyceps (kills grasshoppers) D. Symbiosis Symbiosis is a â€Å"mutualistic† relationship in which BOTH partners benefit Lichens = algae (or cyanobacteria) + fungus o On rocks, dry environments Mycorrhizae = plant roots + fungus o -80% of plants might have these o Fungi help the plants get water & minerals o Plants provide fungi w/ energy E. Fungi & Food! Many foods are made using fungi! Yeast (Saccharomyces) is used to make bread, beer, wine Cheeses (Brie, Blue, Roquefort) are made using mold (Penicillium)

Case Study – Appendicitis

I. DEFINITION/PREVALENCE Acute disease of the GI tract may be caused by the pathogen itself or by a bacterial or other toxin. Acute inflammatory disorders such as appendicitis and peritonitis result from contamination of damaged or normally sterile tissue by a client’s own endogenous or resident bacteria (Lemone and Burke, 2008, page 766). Appendicitis is the inflammation of the vermiform (wormlike) appendix; the appendix is a small fingerlike appendage about 10 cm (4 in) long, attached to the cecum just below the ileocecal valve, which is the beginning of the large intestine.It is usually located in the right iliac region, at an area designated as McBurney’s point. McBurney’s point, located midway between the umbilicus and the anterior iliac crest in the right lower quadrant. It is the usual site for localized pain and rebound tenderness due to appendicitis during later stages of appendicitis. The function of the appendix is not fully understood, although it reg ularly fills and empties digested food. Some scientists have recently proposed that the appendix may harbor and protect  bacteria  that are beneficial in the function of the human colon.Appendicitis  is the most common cause of acute inflammation in the right lower quadrant of the abdominal cavity. The lower quadrant pain is usually accompanied by a low-grade fever, nausea, and often vomiting. Loss of appetite is common. In up to 50% of presenting cases, local tenderness is elicited at Mc Burney’s point applied located at halfway between the umbilicus and the anterior spine of the Ilium. Rebound tenderness (ex. Production or intensification of pain when pressure is released) may be present.The extent of tenderness and muscle spasm and the existence of the constipation or diarrhea depend not so much on the severity of the appendiceal infection as on the location of the appendix. If the appendix curls around behind the cecum, pain and tenderness may be felt in the lumbar region. Rovsing’s sign may be elicited by palpating the left lower quadrant. If the appendix has ruptured, the pain become more diffuse, abdominal distention develops as a result of paralytic ileus, and the patient’s condition worsens.The disease is more prevalent in countries in which people consume a diet low in fiber and high in refined carbohydrates. It is the most common reason for emergency abdominal surgery, affecting 10% of the population. Although appendicitis affects a person at any age, the peak incidence is between the ages of 20 and 30 years old in which the vast majority of clients are most common in adolescents and young and slightly more common in males than females. About 7% of the population will have appendicitis at some time in their lives (Lemone and Burke, 2008 page 766).The major complication of appendicitis is perforation of the appendix, which can lead to peritonitis, abscess formation (collection of purulent material), or portal Pyle phlebitis , which is septic thrombosis of the portal vein caused by vegetative emboli that arise from septic intestines. Perforation generally occurs 24 hours after the onset of pain symptoms include a fever of 37. 7 degree Celsius or 100 degree Fahrenheit or greater, a toxic appearance and continued abdominal pain or tenderness. II. TYPES/CLASSIFICATIONAppendicitis can be classified as simple, gangrenous, or perforated, depending on the stage of the process. In simple appendicitis, the appendix is inflamed but intact. When areas of tissue necrosis and microscopic perforations are present in the appendix, the disorder is called gangrenous appendicitis. A perforated appendix shows evidence of gross perforation and contamination of the peritoneal cavity (LeMone & Burke, 2008 page 766). Peritonitis can be primary or secondary. Primary peritonitis is an acute bacterial infection that is not associated with perforated viscus, or organ.Bacterial infection is the usual cause and may be associated wi th an infection by the same organism somewhere else in the body, which reaches the peritoneum via the vascular system. Tuberculosis peritonitis, which originates from tuberculosis elsewhere in the body, is a type of primary peritonitis. Clients with alcoholic cirrhosis and ascites, in the absence of a perforated organ, often manifest peritonitis, which may be due to leakage of bacteria through the wall of the intestine. Secondary peritonitis is usually caused by bacterial invasion as a result of perforation, or rupture of an abdominal viscus.It can also result from severe chemical reactions to: pancreatic enzymes, digestive juices, or biles released into the peritoneal cavity (Gould & Dyer, 2011). III. DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE Patient’s name is Mr. Ruptured Acute Appendicitis, 24 years old, male, residing at 820 General Kalentong, Daang Bakal, Mandaluyong City. He is the second child among 3 siblings, a Roman Catholic, single, a 3rd year college Information Technology student. IV. FAMILY MEDICAL HISTORY (Family Genogram)COD: TB COD: TB A: 83 -S, -D A: 83 -S, -D Not Recalled Not Recalled c c A: 20 +S, +D A: 20 S, +D A: 24 +S, +D A: 24 +S, +D A: 27 -S, -D Skin allergy A: 27 -S, -D Skin allergy A: 42 +S, +D A: 42 +S, +D A: 64 +S, +D HPN, Stroke A: 64 +S, +D HPN, Stroke c c A: 46 -S, +D Asthma A: 46 -S, +D Asthma A: 51 -S, +D A: 51 -S, +D patient patient LEGEND: LEGEND: male male married married deceased male deceased male S- smoker D- drinker COD- cause of death S- smoker D- drinker COD- cause of death female female deceased female deceased female V. PAST MEDICAL HISTORY He was first hospitalized last 2006 due to dengue at the same hospital: Mandaluyong City Medical Center (MCMC).He has no other further illnesses except the typical fever, cough and cold. Other than that, he has no allergies, hypertension, or diabetes mellitus. VI. HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS 1 week prior to admission patient experienced abdominal pain all over abdomen. He consulted at ER MCMC si gned out AUPD (Acute Peptic Ulcer Disease) and was given Omeprazole & HNBB (Buscopan). Whole abdominal ultrasound done and revealed tiny cholecystolethiasis. He was given Diclofenal and HNBB tab and eventually discharged. Few days prior to consultation, the patient still experienced abdominal pain.He consulted at Emergency Room and was opted for surgical intervention – EXPLORATORY LAPAROTOMY APPENDECTOMY under the service of Dr. Abram Del Valle, M. D. VII. GORDON’S PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT i. Health Maintenance – Perception Pattern Before admission: The patient used to smoke cigarette 3 sticks per day. And he also drinks alcohol daily specifically beer of more than 2 bottles per session. He was not using drugs and he has no allergies at all. During time of care: The patient is not smoking cigarette or drinking alcohol. ii. Nutritional – Metabolic PatternBefore admission: The patient was on a high protein diet because he was used to go to the gym 2-3 times a we ek. He was also taking vitamins (CENTRUM). He has normal appetite and has no difficulty swallowing. He usually eats 3 times a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and most of the time he also has his snacks. He also usually drinks 2-3 liters of water a day. e During time of care: The patient is on NPO (nothing per orem) for 5 days due to post-operative appendectomy and he was on his 2nd day of NPO status when we cared for him. He has also NGT lavage connected. ii. Elimination Pattern Before admission: The patient’s normal bowel movement was 3 BM a day and has no difficulty in bladder habits. His last bowel movement was last July 17, 2012. He usually urinates 6-7 times a day without difficulty. During time of care: The patient has absence of bowel movement and even flatus and has no bowel sounds upon auscultation. He has foley catheter and with urine output of 480 cc per shift. iv. Activity and Exercise Before admission: The patient could do his activities independently without a ssistance.He usually goes to gym 2-3 times a week. During time of care: The patient’s functional level or self-care ability level is 2 which mean he requires help from another person for assistance. v. Sleep/Rest Pattern Before admission: The patient usually sleeps at 4 or 5 am and wakes up at 8 or 9 am. He has no difficulty in sleeping and he feels rested after sleep. During time of care: The patient has regular sleeping habits. He sleeps at 10 am, wakes up at 6 am with uninterrupted sleep. vi. Cognitive – Perceptual PatternBefore admission: The patient was alert and coherent, has normal speech, with mild level of anxiety, has normal hearing, and with impaired vision of his left eye due to cataract. During time of care: The patient is alert and coherent. He has normal speech (Filipino as his spoken language), he has moderate level of anxiety, has normal hearing, and with impaired vision of his left eye due to cataract. He also complained of acute pain and described it as a cramping pain. Pain management (Tramadol) was given. vii. Role – Relationship Pattern Before admission: The patient was a student and single.His support system was his family, relatives & friends. During time of care: The patient’s support system is his mother who is always at his bed side assisting him in whatever he needs. Upon asking his mother if she has any concerns regarding hospitalization, she said that she is more concern about the fast recovery of her son. viii. Sexuality – Reproductive System Before admission and during the time of care: The patient still didn’t have his testicular exam. ix. Coping – Stress Tolerance/Self – Perception/Self – Concept Pattern The patient’s major concern regarding his hospitalization is s all about self-care.Due to the contraptions attached to him, he cannot independently do his activities. His major loss was his stepfather when he died of kidney failure. His rated his outlook on future as 5, 1 being poor and 10 being very optimistic. He further explained why he rated 5 because he is not sure if when he finished college he can be able to find a job suited for him. x. Value – Belief Pattern Our patient is a Roman Catholic and he always goes to church every Sunday together with his family. VIII. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENTAL TASK| THEORIST| STATUS| Intimacy vs.Isolation * Develops commitments to others and to a life work (career)(Daniels, et. al. , 2010). | Erikson| The patient had a relationship with his opposite sex but he said that they just broke up a week before he was hospitalized due to some personal and private reasons. Currently, he is in 3rd year college, an IT student. | Genital * Emergence of sexual interests and development of relationships with potential sexual partners (Daniels, et. al. , 2010). | Freud| As what had written above, the patient had a relationship with his opposite sex but because of some reasons they decided to end u p their relationship. Formal Operations * Able to see relationships and to reason in the abstract (Daniels, et. al. , 2010). | Piaget| He perceived that relationships (any kind of relationship) are important especially at his age. He can also reason out in an abstract way. He can express his opinions intellectually and precisely. | Early Adulthood * Select a partner, learn to live with a partner, start a family, manage a home, establish self in a career/occupation, assume civic responsibility, and become a part of a social group (Daniels, et. al. , 2010). Havighurst| According to our patient, he didn’t expected that something like that will happen to them (referring to his girlfriend). He was really expecting that they are really meant for each other and that she (his gf) will be his future wife. He is also establishing himself to a future career, that’s why he is studying in preparation for his future. During our time of care also, his ‘barkadas’ visited him and he said that they were his ‘tropa’. | Postconventional * Individual understands the morality of having democratically established laws (Daniels, et. al. , 2010). Kohlberg| Upon asking the patient if he is familiar with the democratically established laws in the Philippines, he immediately responded with a yes. He also said that these laws help us, Filipinos, to have safe and secure country though there may come a time that we may experience something unexpectedly. | IX. PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT * Vital Signs TIME| Initial 8AM (07/24/12)| 10 AM| 12 NN| 8 AM (07/25/12)| 12 NN| Last 8AM(07/26/12)| T| 36. 3| 37. 3| 37. 4| 36. 4| 37. 3| 36| P| 83| 84| 71| 75| 81| 68| R| 23| 25| 21| 19| 19| 20| BP| 120/80| 120/80| 120/80| 120/80| 120/80| 110/80| Sequence: BY SYSTEMS NORMAL FINDINGS| BOOK FINDINGS| PATIENT FINDINGS| SIGNIFICANCE| I. NEUROLOCIGAL SYSTEM Alert and coherent; with normal body temperature of 36. 3 °C – 37. 6 °C| * Fever (usually >38 °C although hypo thermia may be present w/ severe sepsis); chills * Thirst * Pain| * Complained of pain in the incision site (lower longitudinal midline of the abdomen)| Pain results from the increased pressure of fluid on the nerves, especially in enclosed areas, and by the local irritation of nerves by chemical mediators such as bradykinins (Gould, et al. 2011). | II. RESPIRATORY Normal respiration with a rate of 12-20 breaths per minute| * Tachypnea; shallow respirations| * RR: 23 bpm w/ shallow respiration| Acute pain usually initiates physiologic stress response with increased respiratory rate (Gould & Dyer, 2011). | III. INTEGUMENTARYPink or brown and in uniform color, no edema, no lesions, moistSkin temperature is normally warmIntact skinWhen pinched, skin springs back to previous state| * Dry lips and mucous membranes * Swollen tongue * Poor skin turgor| * Dry lips and mucous membranes * Skin turgor:3-5 seconds * Presence of surgical incision at lower longitudinal midline of the abdomen * Sk in is warm to touch and is reddened| Dry mucous membrane and poor skin turgor are signs of dehydration (Gulanick, et al. 1994). Redness may indicate inflammation (Weber & Kelly, 2007). Redness and warmth are caused by increased blood flow into the damaged area (Gould & Dyer, 2011). | IV. CARDIOVASCULAR Normal pulse rate of 60-100 bpm| * Tachycardia * Diaphoresis * Pallor * Hypotension * Tissue edema| * Pulse rate: 83 bpm| Acute pain usually initiates a physiologic stress response with increased heart rate (Gould & Dyer, 2011). | V. MUSCOLOSKELETALAbility to do Activities of Daily Living (ADL)| * Difficulty ambulating * Weakness| * Difficulty ambulating due to post-op condition * Weakness| Constant pain frequently affects daily activities and may become a primary focus in the life of an individual (Gould & Dyer, 2011). | VI. GENITO-URINARY Normal urine output of 30cc/hrColor: Amber, transparent, clear| * Decreased urinary output * Dark color urine| * Dark color urine * Urine output: 480 mL/shift * Specific gravity: 1. 30| Decreasing output of concentrated urine with increasing specific gravity suggests dehydration/need for increased fluids (Doenges, et al. , 2006). | VII. GASTROINTESTINAL Abdominal skin may be paler than the general skin tone because this skin is so seldom exposed to the natural elementsAbdomen is free of lesions or rashesA series of intermittent, soft clicks and gurgles are heard at a rate of 5-30 per minuteNormally no tenderness or pain is elicited or reported by the clientNo rebound tenderness is presentAbdomen is non-tender and soft.There is no guarding| * Loss of appetite * Nausea & vomiting(usually projectile) * Constipation of recent onset * Diarrhea(occasional) * Sudden, severe, generalized abdominal pain * Abdominal distention; rigidity * Decreased/absence of bowel sounds * Inability to pass stool/flatus * Muscle guarding (abdomen) * Psoas’ Sign (flexion of or pain on hyperextension of the hip due to contact between an inflammat ory process & the psoas muscle) * Obturator Sign (the internal rotation of the right leg with the leg flexed to 90 degrees at the hip and knee and a resultant tightening of the internal obturator muscle may ause abdominal discomfort) * Rovsing’s Sign (pressure on the left lower quadrant of the abdomen causes pain in the right lower quadrant) * Rebound tenderness (a sign of inflammation of the peritoneum in which pain is elicited by the sudden release of the fingertips pressing on the abdomen) | * Board-like abdomen * Sudden, severe, generalized abdominal pain * Absence of bowel sounds in all four quadrants * Absence of flatus/stool * Presence of surgical incision| Signs indicating the onset of peritonitis include a rigid â€Å"board-like† abdomen (Gould & Dyer, 2011).Pain recurs as a steady, severe abdominal pain as peritonitis develops (Gould & Dyer, 2011). Absence of bowel sounds may be associated with peritonitis or paralytic ileus (Weber & Kelly, 2007). When inflam mation persists, nerve conduction is impaired, and peristalsis decreases, leading to obstruction of the intestines (paralytic ileus) (Gould & Dyer, 2011). | X. DIAGNOSTIC TESTS DIAGNOSTIC TEST| NORMAL| RESULT| SIGNIFICANCE| WHOLE ABDOMINAL ULTRASOUND (July 21, 2012) | The organs examined appear normal (Cosgrove, et al. , 2008). | Liver is not enlarged.It has homogenous echopattern with smooth border. The intrahepatic ducts are not dilated. No evident focal mass lesion seen. CD measures 3. 9mm. Gallbladder is normal in size and wall thickness. There are multiple tiny echogenic shadowing foci seen within the gallbladder lumen. Pancreas & spleen are normal in size & echopattern. No focal mass lesion seen. Both kidneys are normal in size & echopattern. Right kidney measures 10. 1Ãâ€"4. 2Ãâ€"5. 46cm with cortical thickness of 1. 7cm while the left kidney measures 10. 5Ãâ€"4. 8Ãâ€"4. 1cm with thickness of 19cm. No evident caliectasis, lithiasis, seen bilaterally.Urinary bladder is unf illed. Impression:Tiny cholecystolithiasesNormal liver, pancreas, spleen, kidneys by UTZUnfilled urinary bladderNot dilated biliary tree | Abdominal ultrasound is the most effective test for diagnosing acute appendicitis (LeMone & Burke, 2007). | HEMATOLOGY REPORT/COUNT (July 21, 2012)| RBC: 4. 2-5. 6 M/uLPlatelets: 150-400 x 10/LWBC: 3. 8-11. 0 K/mm3Hemoglobin: 135-180g/LHematocrit: 0. 45-0. 52DifferentialNeutrophils: 0. 50-0. 81Lymphocytes: 0. 14-0. 44Monocytes:0. 02-0. 06Eosinophils: 0. 01-0. 05Basophils:0. 00-0. 01| WBC Count: 12. 6 K/mm3RBC: 4. 1 M/uL (normal)Hematocrit: 0. 45 (normal)Hemoglobin: 153g/L (normal)Differential Count:Neutrophils 0. 90Lymphocytes 0. 10 (normal)| Elevated WBC is seen in acute infection (LeMone & Burke, 2007). Neutrophils: elevated in bacterial infection (LeMone & Burke, 2007). | URINALYSIS (July 21, 2012)| Color: Light straw to amber yellowAppearance: ClearOdor: AromaticpH: 4. 5-8. 0Specific gravity: 1. 005-1. 030Protein: 2-8mg/dLGlucose: NegativeKet ones: NegativeRBCs: RareWBCs: 3-4Casts: Occasional hyaline| Color: Dark YellowTransparency: TurbidUrine pH: 6. 0 Specific gravity: 1. 30Sugar: NegativeProtein: +4Microscopic examPus cells 4-6/HPFRBC 1-2/HPFCrystals: Amorphous Sulfate Moderate| A dark yellow to brownish color is seen with deficient fluid volume (LeMone & Burke, 2007). Hazy or cloudy urine indicates bacteria, pus, RBCs, WBCs, phosphates, prostatic fluid spermatozoa, or urates (LeMone & Burke, 2007). | CLINICAL CHEMISTRY (July 21, 2012)| Sodium (Na): 135-142 mmol/LPotassium (K): 3. 8-5 mmol/L| Sodium: 132 mmol/LPotassium: 4. 02 mmol/L| Sodium is decreased in SIADH & vomiting (LeMone & Burke, 2007). | XI. ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY OF APPENDIX (LARGE INTESTINE)The large intestine, which is about 1. 5 m (5 ft) long and 6. 5 cm (2. 5 in. ) in diameter, extends from the ileum to the anus. It is attached to the posterior abdominal wall by its mesocolon, which is a double layer of peritoneum. Structurally, the four major regions o f the large intestine are the cecum, colon, rectum, and anal canal. The opening from the ileum into the large intestine is guarded by a fold of mucous membrane called the ileocecal sphincter (valve), which allows materials from the small intestine to pass into the large intestine. Hanging inferior to the ileocecal valve is the cecum, a small pouch about 6 cm (2. 4 in. ) long.Attached to the cecum is a twisted, coiled tube, measuring about 8 cm (3 in. ) in length, called the appendix or vermiform appendix (vermiform = worm-shaped; appendix = appendage). The mesentery of the appendix, called the mesoappendix, attaches the appendix to the inferior part of the mesentery of the ileum. The open end of the cecum merges with a long tube called colon, which is divided into ascending, transverse, descending colon are retroperitoneal; the transverse and sigmoid colon ascends on the right side of the abdomen, reaches the inferior surface of the liver, and turns abruptly to the left to form the right colic (hepatic) flexure.The colon continues across the abdomen to the left side as the transverse colon. It curves beneath the inferior end of the spleen on the left side as the left colic (splentic) flexure and passes inferiorly to the level of the iliac crest as the descending colon. The sigmoid colon begins near the left iliac crest, projects medially to the midline, and terminates as the rectum at about the level of the third sacral vertebra. The rectum, the last 20 cm (8 in. ) of the GI tract, lies anterior to the sacrum and coccyx. The terminal 2-3 cm (1 in. ) of the rectum is called the anal canal.The mucous membrane of the anal canal is arranged longitudinal folds called anal columns that contain a network of arteries and veins. The opening of the anal canal to the exterior, called the anus, is guarded by an internal anal sphincter of smooth muscle (involuntary) and an external anal sphincter of the skeletal muscle (voluntary). Normally these sphincters keep the anus c losed except during the elimination of feces (Tortora & Derrickson, 2006). XII. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY NARRATIVE Appendicitis, inflammation of the vermiform appendix, is a common cause of acute abdominal pain.It is the most common reason for emergency abdominal surgery, affecting 10% of the population (Tierney et al. , 2005). Appendicitis can occur at any age, but is more common in adolescents and young adults and slightly more common in males than females (LeMone & Burke, 2007). The development of appendicitis usually follows a pattern that correlates with the clinical signs, although variations may occur because of the altered location of the appendix or underlying factors (Gould & Dyer, 2011). Obstruction of the proximal lumen of the appendix is apparent in most acutely inflamed appendices.The obstruction is often caused by fecalith, or hard mass of feces. Other obstructive causes include a calculus or stone, a foreign body, inflammation, a tumor, parasites (e. g. , pinworms), or edema of lymphoid tissue (LeMone & Burke, 2007). Following obstruction, the appendix becomes distended with fluid secreted by its mucosa and microorganisms proliferate. Pressure within the lumen of the appendix increases, impairing its blood supply because blood vessels in the wall are compressed thus the appendiceal wall becomes inflamed and purulent exudate forms.Within 24 to 36 hours, the increasing congestion and pressure within the appendix leads to ischemia and necrosis of the wall, resulting in increased permeability. Bacteria and toxins escape through the wall into the surrounding are. This breakout of bacteria leads to abscess formation or localized peritonitis. An abscess may develop when the adjacent omentum temporarily walls off the inflamed area by adhering to the appendiceal surface. In some cases, the inflammation and pain subside temporarily but then recur. Localized infection or peritonitis develops around the appendix and may spread along the peritoneal membranes.Increas ing pressure inside the appendix causes increased necrosis and gangrene in the wall (infection in necrotic tissue). The wall of the appendix appears blackish. The appendix ruptures or perforates, releasing its contents into the peritoneal cavity. This leads to generalized peritonitis and would lead to septicemia and into septic shock and will result to death (Gould & Dyer, 2011). XIII. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY DIAGRAM Risk Factors Non-modifiable: * Age (Adolescents & young adults) * Gender (Male) Modifiable: * Fecalith * Calculus/Stone * Foreign body * Inflammation * Tumor * Parasites Edema of lymphoid tissue Obstruction of the appendiceal lumen Obstruction of the appendiceal lumen Buildup of fluid inside the appendix Buildup of fluid inside the appendix Proliferation of microorganisms Proliferation of microorganisms Abdominal pain Abdominal pain Increased pressure within the lumen of appendix Increased pressure within the lumen of appendix Compression of blood vessels Compression of blood v essels * Fever * Obturator Sign * Psoas Sign * Rovsing’s Sign * Rebound tenderness * Fever * Obturator Sign * Psoas Sign * Rovsing’s Sign * Rebound tenderness Decreased blood flow into the appendixDecreased blood flow into the appendix Inflammation of appendiceal wall Inflammation of appendiceal wall (July 21, 2012) Hematology Count * WBC count: 12. 6 K/mm * Neutrophils: 0. 90 Urinalysis * Transparency: turbid (July 21, 2012) Hematology Count * WBC count: 12. 6 K/mm * Neutrophils: 0. 90 Urinalysis * Transparency: turbid Ischemia & necrosis of the wall Ischemia & necrosis of the wall Increased permeability Increased permeability Bacteria and toxins escape through the wall Bacteria and toxins escape through the wall Abscess formation/localized bacterial peritonitisAbscess formation/localized bacterial peritonitis Proliferation of localized peritonitis around the appendix and peritoneal membranes Proliferation of localized peritonitis around the appendix and peritoneal me mbranes Increased pressure inside the appendix Increased pressure inside the appendix * Sudden, severe, generalized abdominal pain * Abdominal distention & rigid â€Å"boardlike† abdomen * Absence of bowel sounds/(-) flatus/(-) BM (July 24, 2012) * Sudden, severe, generalized abdominal pain * Abdominal distention & rigid â€Å"boardlike† abdomen * Absence of bowel sounds/(-) flatus/(-) BM July 24, 2012) Increased necrosis and gangrene in the wall Increased necrosis and gangrene in the wall Appendectomy with NGT lavage (July 22, 2012) Appendectomy with NGT lavage (July 22, 2012) Perforation of the appendix Perforation of the appendix Intestinal bacteria leak out into peritoneal cavity Intestinal bacteria leak out into peritoneal cavity * Low-grade fever & leukocytosis * Tachycardia * Hypotension * Vomiting * Low-grade fever & leukocytosis * Tachycardia * Hypotension * Vomiting Generalized peritonitis Generalized peritonitis XIV. NURSING PROCESSProblem #1: ABDOMINAL PAIN – July 24, 2012 * Subjective Cues: * â€Å"Nurse wait lang, ang sakit kasi parang nagcacramps,† patient verbalized while having a conversation with him. How does it feel like: Abdominal cramping Precipitating factor: â€Å"Kapag nililinisan pero kadalasan bigla-bigla na lang sumasakit† (â€Å"Whenever wound cleaning is performed but oftentimes it just suddenly happened†) Relieving factor: Pain reliever (but not all the time pain reliever is being given) Does it radiate to the other parts of the body (back, legs, chest, etc): No Duration of pain: â€Å"Paiba-iba din eh.Minsan sobrang tagal mga 2-3 minutes, minsan naman mga ilang Segundo lang† (â€Å"It differs, sometimes it’s too long (2-3 minutes) and sometimes it just happened for a second†) * Patient rated the pain as 8/10 where 0 signifies no pain and 10 signifies unbearable pain. * Objective Cues: * Facial grimace * Guarding of the incision site * Rigid (board-like) abdomen * Abd ominal distention * Location of pain: Surgical site * RR: 25 bpm * Nursing Diagnosis Acute Pain related to inflammation of the tissues secondary to post-op surgical incision.Inflammation or nerve damage gives rise to changes in sensory processing at peripheral and central level with a resultant sensitization. In relation, prostaglandins are chemotactic substances drawing leukocytes to the inflamed tissue. It plays a vasoactive role; it is also a pain and fever inducer (Lemone and Burke, 2007). Acute Pain related to infection & inflammation of the peritoneal membranes secondary to peritonitis The peritoneum consists of a large sterile expanse of highly vascular tissue that covers the viscera and lines of abdominal cavity.This peritoneal structure provides a mean of rapid dissemination of irritants or bacteria throughout the abdominal cavity. Abdominal distention is evident, and the typical rigid, board-like abdomen develops as reflex abdominal muscle spasm occurs in response to invol vement of the parietal peritoneum (Gould & Dyer, 2011). * Goal/NOC: Pain Control Outcomes Short Term: After 30 minutes of nursing intervention the patient will report a decrease in pain from pain scale of 8/10 to 4-5/10. Long Term:After 8 hours of nursing intervention the patient will demonstrate an understanding about the proper way of controlling pain as evidenced by proper splinting and deep breathing exercise and will report a decrease or most probably will be free from pain from pain scale of 4-5/10 to 1-2/10. * NIC: Pain Management Independent: * Assessed pain including its character, location, severity, and duration. Both preoperatively and postoperatively, the client’s pain provides important clues about the diagnosis and possible complications.Abdominal distention and acute inflammation contribute to the pain associated with peritonitis. Surgery further disrupts abdominal muscles and other tissues, causing pain (LeMone & Burke, 2007). * Monitored vital signs every 2 hours. Vital Signs, especially respiratory rate (RR), are usually altered in acute pain. (Sparks and Taylor, 2005). * Kept the client at rest in semi-Fowler’s position. Gravity localizes inflammatory exudate into lower abdomen or pelvis, relieving abdominal tension, which is accentuated by supine position (Doenges et al. , 2006). * Provided diversional activities (texting, sound trip, etc).Refocuses attention, promotes relaxation, and may enhance coping abilities and diverts attention from pain (Doenges et al. , 2006). * Taught post-op health teaching (e. g. , proper splinting & deep breathing exercises). The use of non-invasive pain relief measures can increase the release of endorphins and enhance the therapeutic effects of pain relief medications (LeMone & Burke, 2007). * Encouraged early ambulation. Promotes normalization of organ function; stimulates peristalsis and passing of flatus, reducing abdominal discomfort (Doenges, et al. , 2006). Give hot and cold compress. Hot , moist compresses have a penetrating effect. The warm rushes blood to the affected area to promote healing. Cold compresses may reduce total edema and promote some numbing, thereby promoting comfort. (Doenges et al. , 2006). Dependent: * Administered analgesic as prescribed (TRAMADOL 50 mg/IV Q 8 ° x 3 doses) Time given: 8 AM. Post-operatively, analgesics are provided to maintain comfort and enhance mobility (LeMone & Burke, 2007). * Kept on NPO. Decreases discomfort of early intestinal peristalsis and gastric irritation/vomiting (Doenges et al. 2006). * Evaluation Short Term: Goal partially met. After 30 minutes of nursing intervention the patient reported of a decrease in pain from a pain scale of 8/10 to 6/10 in which 4-5/10 was the expected outcome. Long Term: Goal met. After 8 hours of nursing intervention the patient displayed control of pain as evidence by deep breathing exercise and proper splinting. He also reported of a decrease in pain with a pain scale of 2/10 from 6/ 10. Pain reliever – TRAMADOL was given @ 8 am via IV. Problem #2: ABSENCE OF FLATUS– July 24, 2012 * Subjective Cues: â€Å"Nurse wait lang, ang sakit kasi parang nagcacramps (referring to abdominal cramping),† patient verbalized while having a conversation with him. * Pain scale of 8/10 * Objective Cues: * (-) Flatulence * (-) BM (Last BM was July 17, 2012) * Absence of bowel sounds upon auscultation of all four quadrants * Nursing Diagnosis Dysfunctional gastrointestinal motility related to inflammatory process of peritonitis secondary to absence of flatulence. The inflammatory process of peritonitis often draws large amounts of fluid into the abdominal cavity and the bowel.In addition, peristaltic activity of the bowel is slowed or halted by the inflammation, causing paralytic ileus, impaired propulsion of forward movement of bowel contents (LeMone & Burke, 2007). * Goal/NOC: Ambulation Outcomes Short Term: After 8 hours of nursing intervention the client wil l report/experience flatus and will understand and demonstrate the need for early ambulation following abdominal surgery. Long Term: After 2 days of nursing intervention the client will report/experience either flatus or bowel movement or both. * NIC: Impaction Management; PositioningIndependent: * Assessed abdomen including all four quadrants noting character to determine increased or decreased in motility; Assessed for further abdominal tenderness & auscultated for any abdominal sounds. To help identify the cause of the alteration and guide development of nursing intervention (Sabol & Carlson, 2007). * Monitored and recorded (intake) and output every hour or 2 hours. Intake and output records provide valuable information about fluid volume status (LeMone & Burke, 2007). * Encouraged early ambulation.Promotes normalization of organ function; stimulates peristalsis and passing of flatus, reducing abdominal discomfort (Doenges, et al. , 2006). * Assisted in moving from side to side o r up in bed from time to time. Frequent repositioning helps in proper oxygenation and usually prevents complications like pressure ulcers, deep vein thrombosis, etc. (Gulanick, et. al. , 1994). Dependent: * Administered antacid as ordered (RANITIDINE 50g/IV Q 12 °. Antacids either directly neutralize acidity, increasing the  pH, or reversibly reduce or block the secretion of acid by gastric cells to reduce acidity in the stomach (Gabriely, et al. 2008). * Evaluation Short Term: Goal partially met. After 8 hours of nursing intervention the patient didn’t experience flatus or even bowel movement but was able to have an understanding with regards to early ambulation as evidenced by letting his mother assist him in moving up in bed going to the chair but refused to walk because of complaint of having a lot of contraptions attached to him which causes him to have difficulty in moving. Long Term: Goal met. After 3 days of nursing intervention the patient reported of a flatus fo r 3 times.Problem #3: RISK FOR DEHYDRATION – July 24, 2012 * Subjective Cue: * â€Å"Nanghihina na ako kasi limang araw ako hindi pwede kumain pati tubig bawal din kaya nagnunuyo na yung labi ko,† as verbalized by the patient. * Objective Cues: * NPO for 5 days * Dry mucous membrane * Dry lips * Capillary refill= 2 seconds * Skin turgor= 3-5 seconds * Urine output/shift= 480 mL * Urine color: Dark Yellow * Urine specific gravity: 1. 030 (Normal value: 1. 005-1. 030) * Absence of bowel sounds of all the four quadrants * (-) Flatus, (-) BM * BP: 120/80 mmHg * PP: 83 bpm * Nursing DiagnosisRisk for deficient fluid volume related to postoperative restriction secondary to NPO for 5 days Inflammation of the peritoneum with sequestration fluid and NPO status can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance (Doenges, et al. , 2008). * Goal/NOC: Knowledge: Treatment Regimen; Hydration; Oral Hygiene; Tissue Integrity: Skin & Mucous Membranes Outcomes Short Term: After 30 minute s of nursing intervention patient will have an understanding with regards to maintaining fluid balance as evidenced by willingness of following the prescribed regimen given by the medical staffs. Long Term:After 3 days of nursing intervention the patient will be able to maintain adequate fluid balance as evidenced by moist mucous membrane, good skin turgor, stable vital signs, and individually adequate urine output. * NIC: Fluid Management; Fluid Monitoring; Vital Signs Monitoring Independent: * Monitored BP & Pulse. Variations help identify fluctuating intravascular volumes, or changes in vital signs associated with immune response to inflammation (Doenges, et al. , 2006). * Inspected mucous membranes; assessed skin turgor and capillary refill. Indicators of adequacy of peripheral circulation and cellular hydration (Doenges, et al. 2006). * Monitored intake and output; noted urine color/concentration, specific gravity. Decreasing urine output of concentrated urine with increasing s pecific gravity suggests dehydration/need for increased fluids (Doenges, et al. , 2006). * Auscultated bowel sounds. Noted passing of flatus, bowel movement. Indicators of return of peristalsis, readiness to begin oral intake (Doenges, et al. , 2006). * Provide clear liquids in small amounts when oral intake is resumed, and progress diet is tolerated. Reduces risk of gastric irritation/vomiting to minimize fluid loss (Doenges, et al. 2006). * Stressed the importance of having him on a NPO status and provided the necessary information with regards to his condition and the medications being administered (e. g. , IVF). It provides the patient a full understanding with regards to his condition thus encouraging him to participate and work hand in hand with the staff (Gulanick, et al. , 1994). * Gave frequent mouth care with special attention to protection of the lips. Dehydration results in drying and painful cracking of the lips and mouth (Doenges, et al. , 2006). Dependent: * Maintaine d gastric suction as indicated.Although not frequently needed, an NG tube may be inserted preoperatively and maintained in immediate postoperatively phase to decompress the bowel, promote intestinal rest, and prevent vomiting (Doenges, et al. , 2006). * Administered IV fluids (D5LR 1L x 8 ° or 30 gtts/min) and electrolytes (D5 Balanced Multiple Maintenance Solution w/ 5% dextrose 1L x 8 ° or 30 gtts/min). The peritoneum reacts to irritation/infection by producing large amounts of intestinal fluid, possibly reducing the circulating blood volume, resulting in dehydration and relative electrolyte imbalances (Doenges, et al. , 2006). * EvaluationShort Term: Goal met. After 30 minutes of nursing intervention the patient was able to have a full understanding with regards to maintaining fluid balance as evidenced by verbalizing, â€Å"So kaya pala hindi pa ako pwede kumain ngaun para maiwasan mairritate ang tiyan ko. † Long Term: Goal met. After 3 days of nursing intervention th e patient was able to maintain adequate fluid balance as evidenced by moist mucous membrane, good skin turgor (1-2 seconds), stable vital signs (please see page __ ), and adequate urine output of 620 mL with an appearance of amber yellow. Problem #4: RISK FOR INFECTION – July 24, 2012 Subjective Cues: â€Å"Nurse, sobrang kailangan ba talaga ang paghuhugas ng kamay bago linisan o hawakan sugat niya? †, asked by the mother. * Objective Cues: * Post-operative condition – presence of surgical incision * Surgical site is warm to touch and reddened * Temp: 36. 3 °C * Nursing Diagnosis Risk for infection related to inadequate primary defenses secondary to post-operative surgical incision It is risk to be invaded by pathogens especially if surgical site is near at the perineal area, pathogens can also develop by poor personal hygiene and poor wound cleaning (Doenges, et al. 2006). * Goal/NOC: Risk Control (For Infection) Outcomes Short Term: After 30 minutes of nursi ng intervention the patient will be able to have partial understanding about infection control and will verbalize understanding of and willingness to follow up prescribed regimen. Long Term: After 3 days of  nursing intervention  the  patient will be free of sign and symptom r/t infection. * NIC: Incision Site Care; Infection Control; Wound Care Independent: * Monitored vital signs. Noted onset of fever, chills, diaphoresis, changes in mentation, and reports of increasing abdominal pain.Suggestive of presence of infection/developing sepsis, abscess, peritonitis (Doenges, et al. , 2006). * Inspected incision and dressings. Noted characteristics of drainage from wound/drains, presence of erythema. Provides for early detection of developing infectious process, and/or monitors resolution of preexisting peritonitis (Doenges, et al. , 2006). * Instructed proper hand washing. Practiced aseptic wound care. Reduces risk for infection (Doenges, et al. , 2006). * Encouraged adequate nutr itional intake after the NPO status of the patient and when the patient is allowed to eat.Adequate intake of protein, Vitamin C and minerals is essential to promote tissue and wound healing (Sparks and Taylor, 2005). Dependent: * Administered antibiotics (CEFUROXIME 750mg TID Q 8 ° x 2 doses & METRONIDAZOLE 500g/IV Q 8 ° x 2 doses) as ordered. Therapeutic antibiotics are given if the appendix is ruptured or abscessed or peritonitis has developed (Doenges, et al. , 2006). * Prepare for/assist with incision and drainage (I&D) if indicated. May be necessary to drain contents of localized abscess (Doenges, et al. , 2006). * Evaluation Short Term:Goal met. After 30 minutes of nursing intervention the patient was able to have an understanding about infection control as evidenced by verbalizing, â€Å"Para maiwasan ang pagkaroon ng impeksyon kailangan kong maghugas ng kamay palagi at kinakailangan din ang araw-araw na paglilinis ng sugat ko kahit na sa tuwing nililinisan ito makirot s a pakiramdam. † Long Term: Goal met. After 3 days of  nursing intervention  the  patient was free of sign and symptom r/t infection. Problem #5: INABILITY TO PERFORM ACTIVITY/IES OF DAILY LIVING (ADL) – JULY 24, 2012 * Subjective Cues: â€Å"Hirap talaga ako gumalaw, maglakadlakad, o kahit man lang umupo dahil sa mga nakakabit na ito sa akin,† as verbalized by the patient. â€Å"Nakakapanghina pa kasi masakit nga yung tahi tapos madalas din nagcacramps ang tiyan ko,† he added. * Objective Cues: * Presence of surgical incision * Presence of contraptions (urinary catheter, NGT lavage & IV fluid @ left hand) * Nursing Diagnosis Impaired physical mobility related to body weakness, presence of surgical incision, pain, & presence of contraptions attached Physical immobility can be usually associated with post-operative conditions (Gulanick, et al. 1994). * Goal/NOC: Activity Tolerance Outcomes Short Term: After 30-45 minutes of nursing intervention the pat ient will be able to have a clear understanding with the use of identified techniques to enhance activity tolerance and to apply it as well as evidenced by participating in ROM exercises, lower leg & ankle exercise, ambulation, or even moving up in bed. Long Term: After 2-3 days of nursing intervention the patient will be able to continually participate in a simple form of activity and will report an improvement with regards to his activities. * NIC: Exercise Therapy: BalanceIndependent: * Performed passive ROM exercises. ROM exercises and good body mechanics strengthen abdominal muscles and flexors of spine (Gulanick, et al. , 1994). * Encouraged lower leg and ankle exercises. Evaluated for edema, erythema of lower extremities, and calf pain or tenderness. These exercises stimulate venous return, decrease venous stasis, and reduce risk of thrombus formation (Gulanick, et al. , 1994). * Noted emotional and behavioral responses to immobility. Provided diversional activities. Forced i mmobility may heighten restlessness and irritability.The Cardiovascular SystemDiversional activity aids in refocusing attention and enhances coping with actual and perceived limitations (Gulanick, et al. , 1994). * Assisted with activity, progressive ambulation, and therapeutic exercises. Activity depends on individual situation. It should begin as early as possible and usually progresses slowly, based on client tolerance (Gulanick, et al. , 1994). * Assisted in moving from side to side or up in bed from time to time. Frequent repositioning helps in proper oxygenation and usually prevents complications like pressure ulcers, deep vein thrombosis, etc. Gulanick, et al. , 1994). * Noted client reports of weakness, fatigue, pain and difficulty accomplishing tasks. Symptoms may be result of/or contribute to intolerance of activity (Gulanick, et al. , 1994). Dependent: * Administered pain medication (TRAMADOL 50 mg/IV Q 8 ° x 3 doses, time given: 8 AM) as prescribed and on a regular sch edule. Client’s anticipation of pain can increase muscle tension. Medications can help relax the client, enhance comfort, and improve motivation to increase activity (Gulanick, et al. , 1994). * Evaluation Short Term:Goal partially met. After 30-45 minutes of nursing intervention the patient was able to have a clear understanding with the use of identified techniques to enhance activity tolerance and was able to use all of the techniques except for the ambulation. He refused to walk because he complained of pain whenever the catheter tube slipped into his legs. Long Term: Goal partially met. After 2-3 days of nursing intervention the patient was able to continually participate in all of the identified techniques but still refused to participate in ambulation.He also reported of an improvement with regards to his activities as evidence by his verbalization, â€Å"Medyo natotolerate ko na rin yung mga activities kahit pautay-utay muna. Hindi ko lang talaga muna kaya maglakad p ero pagnaalis na siguro yung catheter baka kayanin ko na. † XV. BIBLIOGRAPHY * Cosgrove DO, Meire HB, Lim A, & Eckersley RJ. (2008). Grainger & Allisonn's Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical Imaging (5th edition). New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone * Doenges M. , Moorhouse, M. ; Murr, A. (2006).Nursing Care Plans Guidelines for Individualizing Client Care across the Life Span (7th Edition). F. A. Davis Company, Philadelphia * Doenges, M. , Moorhouse, M. ; Murr, A. (2006). Nurse’s Pocket Guide Diagnoses, Prioritized Interventions, and Rationales (11th Edition). F. A. Davis Company, Philadelphia * Gabriely I, Leu, J. P. , Barky, N. (2008). Clinical problem-solving, back to basics. New England Journal of Medicine * Gould, B. ; Dyer, R. (2011). Pathophysiology for the Health Professions (4th Edition). Saunders Elsevier Inc. * Gulanick, M. Klopp, A. , Galanes, S. , Gradishar, D. ; Puzas, M. (1994). Nursing Care Plans Nursing Diagnosis and Intervention (3rd Edition). Mosby-Year Book, Inc. * LeMone P. ; Burke, K. (2007). Principles of Medical-Surgical Nursing: Critical Thinking in Client Care (4th Edition). Pearson International Edition * LeMone P. ; Burke, K. (2008). Principles of Medical-Surgical Nursing: Critical Thinking in Client Care (5th Edition). Pearson International Edition * Mosby’s Pocket Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing ; Allied Heath (4th Edition) 2002, Mosby Inc. Palma G. ; Oseda A. (2009). G;A Notes Clinical Pocket Guide for Medical and Allied Health Professionals (2nd edition). G;A Notes Publishing Co. , Philippines * Sabol, V. K. ; Carlson, K. K. (2007). Diarrhea: Applying research to bedside practice. AACN Advanced Critical Care * Tortora G. ; Derrickson B. (2006). Principles of Anatomy and Physiology 11th edition. Biological Sciences Textbooks, Inc. * Weber J. ; Kelley J. (2007). Health Assessment in Nursing (3rd Edition). Lippincott Williams ; Wilkins

American Eagle Outfitters and The Marketing Strategies They Use to Seem Appealing to Customers

American Eagle Outfitters and The Marketing Strategies They Use to Seem Appealing to Customers April Economics Literacy Project In the article, Jason Bloomberg discusses how American Eagle Outfitters, a retail industry, is focusing on developing a new mobile application for their consumers. Since more than 50% of consumers use their phones when they are shopping, the retail industry wanted to take advantage of this opportunity. American Eagle has included special features like the AEO Radio in order to reinforce the â€Å"in-store† experience. The store has also experimented with geolocation. In order to increase traffic in stores, the retail store send promotions to a customer who is in proximity to the store. In addition, American Eagle has introduced a new feature called â€Å"Reserve-Try-Buy† to allow customers the ability to reserve an item ahead of time in order to try it on. American Eagle is currently working on new upgrades on their loyalty program and new strategies to expand internationally in order to increase their revenue. This situation represents the economic principle that everyone faces tradeoffs. The retail company had to face the decision of how to promote their company. For example, the company had to trade the expansion of the web apps to the expansion of native apps. The company realized that with the focus of native apps, their opportunity cost is appealing to a broader range of people since only the most loyal customers will bother to download the application. However, the benefit is greater than the opportunity cost since the application will increase the engagement of loyal customers with the brand. In addition, this situation represents the economic principle that the cost of something is what you give up to get it. By investing their money into mobile apps, American Eagle has the opportunity cost of appealing to an audience who isn’t tech savvy (i.e. most grandparents and some parents). However, since their main audience is people within the ages of 18-25, their audience is more likely to be connected to the mobile application. This shows how this benefit exceeds the cost since American Eagle has continued to further invest in their digital strategy. Finally, another economic principle that reflects this situation is that people respond to incentives. As an employee of this company, headquarters has reached to all employees of how to increase traffic within a store since most customers shop online today. By introducing the program â€Å"Reserve-Try-Buy†, customers have the incentive to visit the store. It could also push customers to buy more items within the store and, as a result, increase revenue. Another example is that since there is a higher demand for people to shop on their mobile devices, American Eagle is given the incentive to invest in their mobile application in order to increase revenue. This article relates to the concepts that we have discussed in class. American Eagle is currently in a monopolistic competitive market. Therefore, the company must differentiate its product in order to appeal to customers and have market power. American Eagle does this by revamping its digital strategy by including the AEO Radio, â€Å"Reserve-Try-Buy† program, geolocation, etc. As a result, the company is able to gain market power by creating a closer connection to their customers and expanding the brand experience to mobile devices. In addition, we learned in class about how advertising affects the economy. We learned in class that companies try to differentiate themselves through style, quality, and location. The use of the mobile platform would push American Eagle’s advertising. Through geolocation, the company can advertise their location to their customers in order to increase traffic within the stores.

Internet Technology, Marketing, and Security Research Paper

Internet Technology, Marketing, and Security - Research Paper Example In addition, in the past three years the threat of security and privacy attacks has grown significantly. Additionally, the extent and complexity of online security and privacy attacks continue increasing. As a matter of fact, daily amount of online security breaches and attacks increased up to 93 percent from 2009 to 2010. In this scenario, a number of worldwide researches discovered that online security threats are hitting corporate bottom lines because of the overall increase in the cost of data breaches. Above all, many research reports discovered that hacking results in a standard of 262,767 identities uncovered for each data breach event (Schwartz, 2011; Turban, Leidner, McLean, & Wetherbe, 2005). This report addresses the information security related concerns for H4 Corporation. Part 1 Corporate Website For the purpose of analyzing the biggest security and privacy attacks on any web based business, I have chosen the scenario of Betfair business. This report discusses how web ba sed privacy exposure at Betfair affected poker players. This report presents a detailed analysis of such security attacks and breaches at the business website that eventfully led toward the overall business degradation and caused other issues. Security breach Overview In 2010, web based security and privacy attacks against business, governmental, social network websites and users have grown to a greater extent. However, among these security and privacy attacks the most common attack was directing users to a website that can attack the website’s hosts through the malicious code; as a result, such attackers could be able to perform a drive-by download that makes use of some dangerous vulnerability on the clients’ systems and computer to infect it. However, in spite of the cleverness of the crime-ware toolkits employed to infect web based systems, as well as launch similar security and privacy attacks, a lot of social network based security breaches and attacks were compa ratively simple. Moreover, according to Symantec reports, "two-thirds of malicious security attacks based links are found in news feeds using shortened URL just forwarding clients to a malicious business or corporate website† (Schwartz, 2011; Condon, 2010; Whitman & Mattord, 2011). Product Information Betfair has turned into the world’s major betting community. Surrounded by a commitment to innovation and value, in just 10 years Betfair has modernized the traditional betting business. In addition, Betfair is a pioneer of betting business, where clients get together in order to bet at odds required by them or presented by other clients, thus, getting rid of the need for a customary bookmaker. Additionally, Betfair presents a variety of other sports betting services and products, as well as casino games and poker (Betfair1, 2011; Betfair2, 2011). Moreover, Betfair possesses LMAX that has established a business arrangement for online retail economic trading that has develo p from Betfair’s exchange optional technology. LMAX was initially

The Effects of Multimedia on Cultural Change in the Kingdom of Saudi Research Proposal

The Effects of Multimedia on Cultural Change in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - Research Proposal Example The native language of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is Arabic, and is thus, the primary medium of oral and written communication. The Arabic language also â€Å"reflects and preserves the culture and customs of the desert society of Arabia that evolved long before the introduction of Islam† (Long, 2005, p. 82). Long (2005) maintained that Arabic is more than a liturgical language, but a living language echoing the culture of its people, then and now. Kendall (2011), however, believes that generally, cultures do not remain static. Forces are constantly at work which results either in gradual or abrupt cultural changes. There is reason to believe that like other cultures of the world, Saudi Arabia may not be immune to cultural changes. The computer and the Internet are believed to be responsible for the popularity of multimedia among people globally. Such popularity is believed to be a significant influence on how multimedia changes the lives of people in any society. Even Saudi Arabia, which according to Cordesman (2009) is generally regarded as a very conservative society then and now, did not remain unaffected by the changes brought about by multimedia. Based on a number of information technology statistics, Saudi Arabia posted 11.4 million Internet users from a population of 26,131,703, for an approximate Internet penetration of 43.6%. As of March, 2011, there are 4,092,600 Facebook accounts by Saudi Arabian nationals. Saudi Arabia posted higher Internet penetration rate than seven other Middle East nations, namely: Iran (42.6%); Kuwait (42.6%); Jordan (26.8%); Lebanon (26.4%); Syria (19.8%); Yemen (9.7%) and Iraq (1.1%) (Internet World Stats, 2011). Aims of the Proposed Study The study is being proposed to examine how multimedia has influenced cultural change in the Kingdom, aided by the computer and the Internet. Specifically, the aims of the study are: (1) describe the profile of the respondents in terms of gender, age, educational attainment, occupa tion and place of residence: (2) identify the types of multimedia equipment the respondents consider as indispensable for their activities at home in the office and in school: (3) measure the extent to which different forms of multimedia affect the people of Saudi Arabia as social beings; (4) explain how the culture of Saudi Arabia changed as a result of the introduction of various forms of multimedia and assess whether the respondents are amenable to these cultural changes; (5) describe how multimedia have an effect in the cultural changes which has occurred in Saudi Arabia in the last decade; (6) verify significant differences in the perspective of the respondents about the cultural changes when they are grouped according to the profile variables considered in the study. Methodology The study will involve 385 respondents selected using a web-based sample size calculator based on the following parameters: (1) a margin of error of 5%; (2) a confidence level of 95%; (3) a population size of 26,131,703; and (4) a response distribution of 50% (Raosoft, 2004). Respondents will be selected using purposive sampling. A survey questionnaire will serve as the main data gathering instrument. The questionnaire will be pilot tested among 20 respondents and the same will be subjected to content and face validation and reliability analysis. Data gathering will be carried out using a technology-mediated questionnaire

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Remmber event Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

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Are there any Medicaid policies towards illegal and legal immigrants Essay

Are there any Medicaid policies towards illegal and legal immigrants - Essay Example borders to work and to receive publicly-funded services, often with the aid of fraudulent documents. Such entry is a misdemeanor and, if repeated, becomes punishable as a felony. Over eight million illegal immigrants live in the United States -- some estimate even more.† (American Patrol, 21 September 2008.) Research has found that ill legal immigration affects the citizens of that particular country, especially the poor people and the legal immigrants. It is also found that the taxes paid by these illegal immigrants are far less than the services received by them. Countries like United States of America are trying their level best to counter this by increased border patrol but this is not only reason for illegal immigration, most of the cases occur because of people who overstay even after their visa is expired. United States of America provides Medicaid facilities to the legal and illegal immigrants but this results in a very big loss for the economy of the country because the people take undue advantage of the same by overstaying in the hospitals even after recovery. The Medicaid policies depend on state to state but there are some states in America which provide the young children and elders requiring medical attention with great facilities like free drugs, free nursing and proper m edical attention. Off late the federal law has brought in many restrictions to keep a check on the illegal immigrants, this also ensures a strict check on the money spent on the public welfare. Some of the services provided by Medicaid to the people are Vaccine for the children, rural health care services, transportation services and these are just a handful of many services provided by the Medicaid in America. The funding of these services provided by the states comes from a partnership between the federal and the state government and this was established in the year 1965, this comes under the social security act. â€Å"States with lower per capita

Family business managment Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Family business managment - Case Study Example There was collaborative decision making in the Cohen family as it is documented that the family members met twice a week over lunch to debate and come to a consensus as pertained to the pressing company issues (Ward, 3). However, the Cohen family has its weaknesses that would have proved fatal for the success of the company. Firstly positions in the company were awarded with reference to the predecessor’s position and not with reference to qualifications; Abe and Cohen lineages. Moreover, they held informal meetings hence lack of giving much seriousness to issues that needed intensive decision making. It has been documented that the family members decided when they would have their leaves irrespective of the number yet this was not a privilege accorded to employees who were not family members. The family members seem to be favored other than other employees, creating a loophole for failure of the business (Ward, 4). The issue of succession needs to be resolved to ensure the success of the business. This is following the reassignment of Robert Cohen. It has been documented that no one has yet been appointed to oversee the international relations of the company. This needs to be resolved for the company to maintain its competitive edge in the international business. Consequently, compensation of the next generation and appraisal of the fourth generation was also an issue that needed to be resolved and addressed. There needed to be a top level management, an issue which Abel speculated would raise conflict leading to some family members leaving the company. Subsequently, the issue of diversification of the company needed to be addressed and resolved, this was to inculcate the diversity in the family and also to accommodate all family members (Ward, 7). At first the family meetings were 100% informal as they are documented to occur across a desk shared by Abe and

Manpower Planning Essay Example for Free

Manpower Planning Essay In manpower planning Analyzing the current manpower plan Reviewing utilization Finding out current demand Finding out future supply Finally developing a manpower plan The MDI campus Is lush green and has a dedicated area for various Indoor sports and leisure activities Each leisure area requires a dedicated gardener and each such garden/lawn requires manpower planning to estimate the number of gardeners required in the area. Thorough analysis we concluded that the present number of Gardeners are somewhat overstaffed. The staffing is more appropriate during monsoon and rainy season when there is an overgrowth of grass. In other seasons the number of gardeners required is lesser. We interviewed a number of gardeners to ascertain their working habits and methodologies. The findings are documented below: 2. 3. 4. 5. Primary Job: Trimming grasses pruning bushes Secondary Jobs: Keeping the bushes and the plantation in order Soil upkeep and enrichment Cleanliness of the gardens and lawns Pesticide spraying New plantation and expansion of green area Primary analysis results: 1 . Gardeners are normally late and they also are not in their full capacity. At any given time not all the gardeners employed are present. 2. Working hours: 40 hours a week 5 days. 3. Overtime, if required is taken cared of. 4. All the gardeners have one supervisor whom they report to. 5. Few gardeners are cross skilled and may work across domains 6. Each gardener has the same salary which is around 6500 Per month Page 4 The gardens are of three types according to their function: 1 . Sport grounds- 2 namely Golf Course and Football grounds 2. Utility Lawns- 3 namely the Inland Greens, the lawn near CM/Odyssey and Library Greens 3. Leisure lawns- 5 namely the lawns near Lash, the lawn inside Scholars Building, Directors Bungalow and the Staff Quarters and the lawns at the main gate Garden/ Lawn Number of Golf Course Football ground hours/day Reek. 26 Gardeners Reek. 4. 5 3. 5 Inland Greens 21 9 3 2 Lawns at main gate Lawns near CM/ Odyssey Lawns near Lash 14 2. 5 0. 5 Lawn inside Scholars Bungalow Lawns near Staff Quarters 8 1. 5 6 10 Cost analysis We estimated that the manpower planning be done according to the seasonal variations. During off seasons the cross skilled gardeners can be accommodated in other works whereas during on season these same gardeners can be taken back into the gardening work. In this way MDI can optimism the utilization of each gardener even better. Page 5 Recommendations We recommend a change in the number of gardeners required as we promote cross killing of gardeners and each gardener would be then better utilized, the number we came up with was 23 gardeners. The current number of gardeners present are 24 gardeners. Thus, the final number according to us comes out to be 23 gardeners.

Framework Advocating CSOs Analysis

Framework Advocating CSOs Analysis Take a case of actually existing civil society and critically discuss the extent to which your case has managed to achieve any democratic or developmental progress. Championed as the panacea for development ills under the neoliberal New Policy Agenda (McIllwaine;1998), civil society has become the sweetheart of development donors (Barr, Fafchamps Owens, 2005;659), famed for its ability to incubate participatory development[ma1][ma2]. Civil society is conceptualised as an independent third pillar between state and market, comprising of horizontal networks of associational groups with cross cut ties of kinship and patronage (Putnam, 1993). Within this network, citizens organize to pursue shared interests and influence policy in the public domain (UNDP, 2014). Civil society organisations (CSOs) can embody autonomous or NGO supported community based organisations, or can comprise of NGOs as primary agents of civil society themselves (Mohan, 2002[ma3]). Despite doubt surrounding the classification of NGOs as CSOs (Carmody, 2007), this essay will define NGOs as a variant of CSOs, as their primary purpose is influencing public policy (Edwards Hulme, 1997;24), and are independent from direct government control (UNDP, 2014[ma4][ma5]). Thus, for the reasons outlined, this essay will focus on the Voice2People programme of Christian Aid, an NGO based CSO. Ultimately, this essay will examine the extent to which the normative framework advocating CSOs as the missing middle between citizen and state (World Bank, 1996;114), represents the reality of actually existing civil society (Mamdani, 1996;19). It is in this sense that actually existing civil society is defined as the reality of CSOs in practise as largely dissonant from the normative promised agenda for change (Ibid). By analysing Christian Aids Voice2People programme, this essay will posit that the realities of actually existing civil society are divergent from the normative ideals placed upon it, and thus can achieve little democratic or developmental success. This essay will begin by demonstrating the normative and programmatic qualities perceived as inherent within CSOs, in particular their ability to facilitate participatory development, upon which donor funding is predicated (Igoe Kelsall, 2005). It will then outline the Voice2People programme rolled out by Christian Aid, in relation to the normative characteristics it is perceived to retain. Once the theoretical framework is outlined, this paper will then assess the extent to which these normative ideals diverge from reality of actually existing civil society. By outlining the flaws of the theoretical framework underlying the programme, and the problematic constraints it faced, this essay will conclude by arguing that contrary to normative perceptions, actually existing civil society in the case of the Voice2People programme, can achieve very little democratic or developmental progress. The normative characteristics of civil society organisations However, it is first essential to outline the perceived normative characteristics of CSOs in order to analyse their divergence from the empirical reality of actually existing civil society. These characteristics are normative in the sense they are expected rather than empirically validated. It[ma6][ma7] is also essential to underscore the ideological nature of these characteristics, which dovetail the neoliberal new policy agenda (Robinson, 2003;2) which embraces the democratic development paradigm (Banks, Edwards and Hulme; 2015, 710) in supporting inclusive participation to facilitate development (Mertz, 2012;54). Firstly, neoliberal theory posits CSOs as vehicles through which to build better citizens (Archer, 1994). Civil society is thus perceived as an arena for the cultivation of liberal norms, including participation and market rationality (Williams Young, 2012). CSOs become schools of liberal democracy (Banks, Edwards Hulme, 2015;4) educating citizens to take participate in formulating their own development agenda. Secondly, CSOs are also regarded as key actors in encouraging increased state accountability, as an active civil society enables choice, scrutinises errant governments, and leads to pluralised democracy (Mohan, 2002). CSOs thus demand state accountability to local demands (Suileman, 2013;245) an issue outlined by the Voice2People baseline report (Christian Aid, 2013). In addition, CSOs are also perceived by donors as vital facilitators of democratisation. This is because CSOs are seen to exhibit a pluralising function as they disperse the distribution of political power in s ociety through increasing channels of access (Hadenius Uggla, 1996) what Ndegwa (1996;3) terms the civil society political liberalisation thesis. Additionally, as Przewoski (1992) notes, CSOs also play a constitutive role in defining the rules of state/CSO interaction along democratic lines. Finally, the last perceived function of CSOs is facilitating localised empowerment, so communities can pursue their own development activities either through CSOs or as autonomous politically conscious citizens. This view posits the poor not as beneficiaries, but as controllers of the development process with the means to radically alter their own situation (Clark, 1991;201). However, for the sake of this essay, the above functions will be amalgamated into one role of facilitating participatory development the process through which stakeholders can influence and share control over development initiatives, decisions and resources that affect themselves (Worldbank, 1996b;4). This requires the participation of empowered groups in the design and implementation of development projects, and is dependent on a state open to pluralising the political arena to organisations such as CSOs who can demand accountability on behalf of their members. The[ma8] next section of this essay will outline the Voice2People programme rolled out by Christian Aid, which attempts to facilitate participatory development in Nigeria. A case of actually existing civil society Christian Aids Voice2People programme is a DFID funded programme worth  £2million (DFID, 2016), aiming to facilitate citizen-driven development and increased government accountability in Anambra State, Nigeria (Christian Aid, 2016;2). It is through this programme which aims to influence public development policy, that Christian Aid can be regarded as a CSO in its own right. Prior to the programme, the baseline report suggested that 54% of 1, 535 respondents in the area felt they were not able participate in making demands to state representatives, and that there was no accountability mechanism to ensure state compliance with local needs (Christian Aid, 2013;6-8). Consequently, the Voice2People community based programme utilised two strategies (outlined by Brown and Tandon;1994) in an attempt to rectify this democratic deficit (Warleigh, 2001;1). Firstly, Voice2People employed state reform strategies to secure agreements which guaranteed quarterly community engagement meetings, with the aim to precipitate democratic norms such as state accountability. Secondly, societal programmes such as the use of participatory rural appraisals (PRAs) intended to create community charters of needs, aiming to immerse all levels of community participation in development consultations (Christian Aid, 2016a;8). However, this next section will analyse the theoretical and practical barriers which constrain the Voice2People programme; an example of actually existing civil society (Mamdani, 1996:19); in achieving participatory development. Can Voice2People achieve participatory development? In the donor community, the perceived functions of CSOs are taken as normative and unproblematic. This is concerning as this next section will show, there are various theoretical and practical barriers which constrains actually existing civil society (in this case, the Voice2People programme) to achieving participatory development[ma9]. Theoretical barriers One[ma10] of the first theoretical constraints which limit the Voice2People programme and other CSO work in achieving participatory development, is the problematic dichotomy in which state and CSOs are theorised (Lewis, 2000). CSOs are perceived as autonomous agent able to impose community-formulated demands onto a democratic state. However, it is unwise to conceive civil society as unconstrained by the power of the state, as Hadenius and Uggla (1996) note, CSO inclusion is dependent on regime type, with autocratic regimes opposing CSO engagement due to desire to monopolise the political space (Clark, 1991[ma11]). Therefore, as Stewart (1997) suggests, the presence of CSOs does not instantly facilitate democratic engagement with states. In some cases, inclusion of CSOs into policy consultation is little more than PR to meet the criteria of debt relief. In the case of Voice2Protect, government legislation passed in July 2016 which requires a state-led regulatory body to oversee the wo rk of CSOs (Civicus, 2016), demonstrates the power of the Nigerian state in constraining the work of Voice2People. It is therefore too simplistic to theorise the state and CSOs as independent actors with equal agency in influencing public policy[ma12]. Moreover, it would also be unwise to suggest that even democratic states can adequately address the demands of CSOs, as due to the streamlining and weakening of state under structural adjustment, gridlock can occur, whereby the sheer volume of CSO interests and demands can lead to political impasse (Blair, 1997 in Lewis, 2002). This suggests that Voice2People is unable to achieve participatory development success either due to the constraining power of the state, or through lack of state capacity, notions largely ignored by the theoretical framework. This has led to the critique by some post-colonial scholars, who suggest that civil society as a concept has very little explanatory value for the complexities of African associational life (maia) which can include an autocratic state characterised by big men rule (cite). Therefore, although Voice2People established a working relationship with the House that was formalised with an agreement to hold quarterly meetings with members (Christian Aid, 2016;4), there are no constitutional mechanisms to guarantee the continuation of this interaction, and no clear capacity of the state to meet the demands forwarded by Voice2People. This is further evidenced by the Voice2People progress report which cites that citizens found it difficult to engage government officials si nce the governments lacked the financial power to undertaken any projects (Christian Aid, 2014;6). As well as the problematic dichotomy between state and CSOs, the theoretical underpinnings behind CSO led service provision also limits the extent to which Voice2People can achieve participatory development. Due to their closeness to intended beneficiaries, CSOs are regarded as ideal for replacing waning state services that have been decimated by structural adjustment (Carmody;2007). Empowerment therefore is economic in the liberal sense, as through the participation of contributing funds towards a community service project, one gets to become the controller of their own development. Voice2People utilises this approach to pacify the 46% of respondents who were not happy at allwith the level of state service provision (Christian Aid, 2013;6). Although seemingly locally appropriate, this approach is highly problematic as it reduces the concept of public welfare to mere private provision to the extent that citizens forego their sense of state entitlement (Kamat, 2003;156). CSO service p rovision, no matter how well intentioned, therefore reduces the state to a franchise state (Wood, 1997;1) ultimately unaccountable for the services provided to its citizens through other actors. Community based service provision as utilised by Voice2People therefore achieves very little democratic output, as any state accountability based on service provision is nullified, and replaced by self-dependency. Additionally, this project does little to increase development, as the limited financial accessibility of community funded services, means that the chronic poor seldom partake in this form of neoliberal participation and are thus excluded from accessing vital services. conclude [ma13][ma14] Practical constraints When aiming to facilitate participatory development, one of the practical constraints faced by Voice2Protect is the extent to which it can achieve full participation. In an attempt to facilitate inclusive participationVoice2People liaisons with established community structures (Christian Aid), to create charters of demands which prioritise community development needs (ibid). However, by working through established community structures such as chieftaincies, existing power relations are entrenched and reproduced (white). This new localism which essentialises established structures as microcosms of a homogenous community (mohan) is problematic, as it excludes traditionally ostracised groups from access to civil society participation. Additionally, community participation can also be co-opted by middle class hegemonic groups in a bid to access influences and resources (Mercer and green), often leading to disillusionment amongst the primordial public of traditionalist groups who interven tions aimed to target (Suiliman[ma15]). These issues occurred in the Voice2Project programme, whereby community mobilisation was misconstrued to have political bearings by stakeholders wanting to gain access (cite) and thus exclusive meetings were still utilised to buy-in community leadership for the middle classes(Cite). Conclude On a similar note, for Voice2Protect to achieve full democratic participation, there needs to be greater emphasis on the gendered implications of PRAs and other participatory tools, as some V2P communities are yet to adopt balanced representation in decision making platforms (cite). The time necessary to participate in decision making is problematic, as it reduces the time women dedicate to caregiving roles, therefore impeding female participation (Howell and Milligan[ma16]). This then leads to talking to men about women which is hardly democratic nor will ever understand the gendered development issues facing women as a group (Ardner). Concludeand addmore Additionally, one of the clearest practical factors constraining Voice2Protect in facilitating participatory development, is that contrary to building better citizens (archer), CSOs can often pluralise the political arena for the worst, incorporating the voice of extremist or violent community organisations (Lewis and Kanjii). A pluralised political arena thus legitimises vice as well as virtue (Robinson White, 1998;229), as well as ethnic chauvinism (diamond) as an exercise in liberal democracy. Although this does increase pluralised democratic output (for the better or for worse), such instances could indeed hinder inclusive community development, as can often become a platform for legitimising prejudices or community based structural violence[ma17][ma18][ma19]. more Finally, an additional practical limitation faced by Voice2People, is the problematic mode through which democratic participation is facilitated within its programmes. Ultimately, the Voice2People programme is externally facilitated by an NGO based CSO, unlike programmes led by traditionalist CSOs which arise out of indigenous community structures. This stems from a contradictive paradox of self-help, whereby external NGO based CSOs are deployed to facilitate empowerment in traditionalist settings (Page, 2014). The concern here is, that due to the nature of Voice2People as an external NGO directed programme, true participatory development is constrained as it foregoes the political conscientization necessary for true and sustainable empowerment. Evidently, by using NGO based CSOs as proxies for indigenous organisations[ma20], only artificial low intensity democracy can be achieved (Carmody). This artificial empowerment runs the risk of disintegrating once the NGO based CSO has withdr awn, and is therefore unsustainable and unable to exert continuous pressure for longstanding change. Since the timescale of the Voice2People programme had an end date of March 2016 (Christian Aid, 2016), one can suggest that due to the lack of endogenous indigenous programmes to guarantee democratic output, participatory development progress began to disintegrate after the withdrawal of Christian Aid. This suggests that the dichotomy theorised by Mamdani (1996;19), which bifurcates the normative perceptions of civil society and its actually existing form, is too simplistic to encapsulate the different issues faced by varying CSOs. Through homogenising the realities of all actually existing civil society, the dichotomy ignores the vastly different realities faced by NGO based CSOs in relation to indigenous organisations[ma21]. Conclusion Normative ideals as unattainable clear divergence to the reality fo actually existing civil society [ma1]democratic development paradigm (Banks, Edwards and Hulme; 2015, 710 [ma2]Since democracy is regarded as the requisite political system conducive to growth (Chan, 2002), [ma3]Make all this link a bit more [ma4]Something about beneficiary membership or something about closeness to them [ma5]This will become important later on [ma6]Link these two sections together better [ma7] [ma8]Make sure you notePD as requiring liberally moulded empowered citizen participation and a democratic and accountable state. [ma9]Describe theoretical as motivations beind and practical barriers and issues facing actual formation/methodology [ma10]Maybe link western concept here: universalism of normative ideal does not take into account the authoritarian big man state this suggests it is applicable to western experience only. Miaia Why are we pushing the concept it if has failed in the US (Carmoroff and Carmoroff) [ma11]Mandani state power is in the ability to incorporate [ma12]Conclude: how does this link to participatory development? How does this constrain V2P? [ma13] Moreover, it can also be argued that the envisioned concept of civil society is applicable only to the western experience and thus in reality, can achieve very little democratic or developmental progress elsewhere (Lewis, 2003). In this sense, donor support for CSOs is misguided, as the theoretical framework used to mould civil society in Eastern Europe after the fall of communism, has very little explanatory value for the complexities of African associational life such as the constraining power of tribe and caste (Maina). It also ignores the need of a democratic tradition to perpetuate democratic norms within civil society, as an earlier point states, the presence of CSOs such as Voice2People, does not necessarily equate to democracy. Additionally, the limited western definition of CSOs may lead to duplication of efforts to build civil society where an indigenous form already exists (Uggla). This dissonance of the legitimacy to alternatives to western defined CSOs limits true democr acy due to the monopolisation of the political sphere by one homogenous form of CSO (hearn, 2001). When the wrong kinds of CSO are excluded, how can participatory development occur? (Banks Edwards and Hulme). Actually existing civil society cannot therefore lead to full participatory development, as the attributes of civil society itself, are western and ungeneralizable to the Nigerian case. Link to V2P. conclude [ma14] [ma15]say this too much reword this so it isnt repetitive [ma16]needs to link more [ma17]need an example of V2P and how this is not participatory can prejudices lead to the deliberate exclusion of others in participation the need for monitors has reflected this [ma18]it is in this sense that White cites the possibility of CS impeding democracy by gives rise to a multiplicity of distinct structures of dominance and subordinacy [ma19]find example of this in CA policy doccs [ma20]I can only stress that throughà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ [ma21]add example of this from CA policy docc

Beowulf is an Anglo Saxon Hero Essay -- Epic of Beowulf Essays

There has only been one hero in Anglo-Saxon history, only one man can meet every requirement one needs to be classified as hero. Only one man's honor, loyalty, courage, generosity, and wisdom, fits the true definition of a hero. That man is Beowulf. With these leading traits, Beowulf's rise to heroism was not just by chance. He filled each of the five characteristics perfectly, as if it was his destiny to be admired. To gain the respect and glory that a person of power needs, one must earn it. There is only one way to achieve respect in the times of the Anglo-Saxons. Only Beowulf was the most honored man throughout all Anglo-Saxon history. He performed three straightforward tasks to reach his level of admiration. In the time of The Anglo-Saxon?s, men lived by the Comitatus Code. One avenged the death of their king. Men lived a lifestyle of boasting and violence. Beowulf?s first major feat was undoubtedly through violence. An evil bloodthirsty creature named Grendel haunted the mead hall of Heorot. Upon hearing of this ghastly monster, Beowulf found it too ?hard to ignore? (Lines 409-410). Many claimed it was an impossible feat to go toe to toe with Grendel (Line 473). ?No one has ever outlasted an entire night with Grendel? (Lines 527-528). Hrothgar said that he would hate to burden anyone with such a great task. For many have tried, yet none have succeeded in killing Grendel. Ho wever, Beowulf took on Grendel and ripped his arm off as a sign of his sheer strength. Upon accomplishing this act, Beowulf did what was a customary action for this time. He bragged, boasted, and did not downplay the praise he received. He had just ripped the arm off the monster that had been previously tormenting Heorot?s mead ... ... decision throughout all Anglo-Saxon history. Life doesn?t cost Beowulf a thought (Line 1535). Beowulf gave his breath so that life still can go on. He made the choice that was best for his people, but in turn fatal for him. Beowulf, the honorable, loyal, and courageous king of great generosity and wisdom has fallen. The perfectness on every level was amazing. The five traits that Beowulf needed to qualify for to even be considered a hero, he exceeded them. Beowulf was the man whose honor lives on. Beowulf was the man whole loyalty and courageousness never faltered. Beowulf was the man whose generosity touched the heart of others. Beowulf was the man with the greatest wisdom throughout all history. ?Beowulf worked for the people, but as well at that he behaved like a hero?(Lines 3006-3007). Beowulf knew he was destined to be our king, leader, our beast.

Essay --

Child Obesity Six through eleven year old obese children have increased from seven percent to eighteen percent, for children of twelve through nineteen the percentage has increased from five percent to eighteen as stated by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.htm. In this new decade, fast, fatty, and sugary, food has become day to day life consumption in our society. America’s children are exposed to these foods and unfortunately take part in this diet because their providers present them with this unhealthy diet. Not only do they have an inadequate nutritious diet, but they also lack of physical activity. There are millions of children who need your help to not be in danger of a serious health problem and die. Child obesity is increasing rapidly in the United States. Let’s begin by addressing the problems that can occur among child obesity. The first problem is that children may not be able to meet all of their physical needs. Example of a fifteen month old weighing fifty five pounds, twenty...

Televisions Effects on the Natural Environment Essay -- Environmental

Television's Effects on the Natural Environment You may be thinking, â€Å"How on earth could the TV have an affect on our natural environment?† and you have every right to. At first glance, it may seem impossible that the TV can have an effect on our natural surroundings; but, nevertheless, it does. One of the ways that the TV can have an effect on our surroundings is by the amount of power that is needed to run all of the TV’s in the world. I realize, that compared to other appliances, a television does not use a huge amount of energy. But think about this: almost every family in America has at least one TV if not more (some people that I know have upwards of 6 and 7). Can you imagine the power it must take to run all of these televisions? And this is only in our country! Just think, if our society would stop watching television, we could save huge amounts of energy (fossil fuels) each year. This extra energy (fuel) could be used or saved in more efficient ways. The TV not only has an effect on our natural resources, but it affects our living organisms as well; in both bad and good ways. Lets discuss the bad first. Going back to what I discussed earlier, when we mine for fuels to produce the energy to power our TV’s, we are harming the habitat that our precious animals live on. Bet you never thought that a TV would indirectly be destroying an animal’s habitat? Television programming can also have an affect on our animals and their habitat. When programs and channels film documentaries and movies in the wilderness, they definitely have an effect on the environment. During the filming of a documentary or, especially, a movie the filmmakers need to transport their crew and equipment into very delicate ... ... viewing quality becomes and the more channels we can get, the more people are likely to stay inside. Don’t get me wrong, I love TV, and I feel that it is one of the most important inventions that this world has been blessed with; but I feel that it is taking away from some of the â€Å"realness† of our lives. People are becoming less healthy, they are developing eye and other health problems, and they don’t know what is real and what is not any more. I hope that in the future television designers and makers can develop so new technologies that would improve and not worsen our environment. The television is a very helpful and important tool that has had a great impact on our society, but we need to be aware of how this tool has also affected out environment as well, so next time you watch you television, think about what impact you might be having on our environment!

Emotional Intelligence in Brave New World

Emotional Intelligence in Brave New World In Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, both the world and its people are designed to disallow deep feeling and passion. But, assuming the citizens of Brave New World are human, is it really possible for humans to exist as social, thinking beings without true emotion? What is emotional intelligence? For years people have been asking that same question. Emotional intelligence was first discovered in the 1930s by Edward Thorndike, but the term was still unfamiliar to the psychological world.The term â€Å"emotional intelligence† was not officially used until 1985 by Wayne Payne (Cherry â€Å"Timeline of Modern  Psychology†). Today researchers still do not have an accurate description of emotional intelligence. In 1990 John D. Mayer was the first to describe emotional intelligence (EI) as â€Å"the subset of social intelligence that involves the ability to monitor one's own and others' feelings and emotions, to discriminate a mong them and to use this information to guide one's thinking and actions† (Salovey 1990, pg. 185).Mayer and his research partner Peter Salovey further defined emotional intelligence as â€Å"a set of skills hypothesized to contribute to the accurate appraisal and expression of emotion in oneself and in others, the effective regulation of emotion in self and others, and the use of feelings to motivate, plan and achieve in one's life† (Salovey 1990, pg. 210). Emotional intelligence is not only the regulation of emotions, but also the deregulation of emotions. The regulation of emotions is when we have control over our emotions. The deregulation of emotions is when there is no control over our emotions.The deregulation of emotions is greatly needed in our society because to be creative and to think outside of the box, one needs to let go of his or her emotions. To be passionate, our society needs to let our emotions run freely and flow without being restricted. Emotional intelligence gives that passion which encourages people to create our imaginative and our artistic society that we have established today. The question of whether we can live without deep emotion is also a question of whether we can exist without imagination.Emotional intelligence is a key ingredient in critical thinking. Critical thinking is the Rational reflective thinking concerned with what to do or believe, then critical thinking clearly implicitly implies the capacity to bring reason to bear on emotions, if for no other reason than that our emotions and feelings are deeply inter involved with our beliefs and actions. (Elder) In her article, Linda Elder gives the example: â€Å"If [a person] feel[s] fear, it is because [they believe] that [they are] being threatened. Therefore [they are] likely to attack or flee† (Elder).This shows how thought and emotions collaborate with each other to express our actions in difficult situations and in everyday life situations. Elder di scusses how â€Å"it is critical thinking which provides us with the mental tools needed to explicitly understand how reasoning works, and how those tools can be used to take command of what we think, feel, desire, and do† (Elder). To effectively solve difficult problems â€Å"one must have the desire to do so†¦Thus the affective dimension, comprised of feelings and volition, is a necessary condition and component of high quality reasoning and problem solving† (Elder).If a person has a â€Å"‘defect in emotion and drive,’† that person can create a â€Å"‘defect in thought and reason† (Elder). â€Å"In short, the truly intelligent person is not a disembodied intellect functioning in an emotional wasteland, but a deeply committed mindful person, full of passion and high values, engaged in effective reasoning, sound judgment, and wise conduct† (Elder). â€Å"The emotions that you experience and the thoughts that drive them, li ke everything in the Universe, are at their core pure energy† (â€Å"The Power of Emotions†).Emotions are designed to help people become aware of their special needs. Without emotions, people would not know how to make decisions. Our bodies were made to make decisions based on our emotions. In her article â€Å"The Importance of Emotions,† Carla Valencia discusses how emotions are the most important factors in making correct decisions (Valencia 1-2). Valencia explains how positive emotions â€Å"not only motivate our existence, but also give enjoyment and happiness† to our lives (3). When we express â€Å"negative emotions, on the other hand, [it] impact[s] our lives in a negative way† (3).This affects our decisions because if we â€Å"take a decision when [we] feel revenge for example, the results could be dangerous. A negative emotional state leads to a negative behavior† (pg. 3). If people misuse their emotions, it can lead to wrong decisi ons. The different emotions that human beings feel are important for people to function as social and intellectual beings. In her book The Food and Feelings Workbook, Karin Koenig reveals that: The function of emotions is to tell us about our internal world, just as senses provide guidance in the external world†¦ emotions also] keep you safe and out of harm’s way, steer you toward what’s healthy and life-affirming, and deter you from what’s dangerous and life-threatening. (Koenig â€Å"What Is the Purpose of Feelings? †) Koenig believes that our feelings and emotions show people the â€Å"painful† and the â€Å"pleasurable† things, so that they can adjust and make proper choices (Koenig â€Å"What Is the Purpose of Feelings? †). In The Food and Feelings Workbook, Koenig argues that people â€Å"have a better chance at physical survival if [they] are biologically programmed to be highly sensitive to both pleasure and pain†¦ People] are also programmed for emotional survival† (Koenig â€Å"How Do I Know When I Have a Feeling or an Emotion? †). This explains why we need our different emotions to survive. Our bodies need feelings to affectively interact with our environment. In his book called Emotional Design: Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things, Donald A. Norman says that â€Å"affect is a vague sensation that may be either conscious or subconscious, but emotion is the conscious experience of such affect† (Norman 55). Emotions are not the result of a forced action; emotions occur naturally.Karin Koenig agrees with this statement by saying that â€Å"feelings belong to our primitive defense system and are rooted in our collective biology and the history of the species. They are neurological, biochemical reactions that happen on a cellular level in response to stimuli. They don’t require thinking† (Koenig â€Å"How Do I Know When I Have a Feeling or an Emotion? † ). Emotions are used to differentiate the moral and the corrupt; the wrong and the right. We cannot survive without our emotions and feelings because our different emotions help us distinguish the good things from the bad things. Our emotions help us make decisions. Studies show that when a person's emotional connections are severed in the brain, he cannot make even simple decisions† (Hein â€Å"Emotions- Importance Of; Management of Negative Feelings; Positive Value of†). People whose emotional needs are not fulfilled become depressed which usually leads to their death by committing suicide(Hein â€Å"Teen Suicide†). â€Å"Teenagers around the world are killing themselves to put an end to their intense emotional pain† (Hein â€Å"Teen Suicide†).Teenagers especially need their emotional needs to be fulfilled because they are at the point where they are developing their â€Å"emotional development† (â€Å"Emotional Development – Emotio nal Development During Adolescence†). Their â€Å"behavioral problems† are the result of their need to express their emotions (Hein â€Å"Emotions- Importance Of; Management of Negative Feelings; Positive Value of†). Our emotions are needed to help us make decisions, to help us be passionate about what we love, and to distinguish us from the rest of the world.We need our emotions to help us survive in this society, and without our emotions we are nothing but robots roaming aimlessly around the Earth. The stark reality of Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World is due to the lack of emotions from the citizens. Huxley’s â€Å"utopian† society fails because to have a rich existence in a society, one needs to express and have a full range of emotions. Huxley describes a dystopian society with â€Å"promiscuous sex, ‘the feelies’, and most famously of all, [the] supposedly perfect pleasure-drug, soma† (Pearce). Humans need their emotio ns to distinguish them from other humans.Their emotions and their personality create their own identity. If everyone was the same like the characters in Brave New World, we would not be able to function. We need our emotions to help us through difficult situations. Because the characters in Brave New World do not have emotions, they do not know how to handle difficult situations. Huxley falsely depicted a â€Å"utopian† society emotions and individuality. Huxley’s characters are not credible in that they lack the needed human emotion to make decisions, to create their own identity, to be creative, and to be mentally healthy.Lenina is one important character who is like all the other citizens in the way that she acts and in what â€Å"her† beliefs are. She is taught by the directors and World Controllers that â€Å"No pains have been spared to make your lives emotionally easy—to preserve you, as far as that is possible, from having emotions at all† (Smith). In Brave New World, the citizens do not know how to express their emotions because they are forced to be the same. If a person is different, like Bernard Marx, everyone criticizes that person.Bernard Marx is out of the ordinary and he â€Å"hated [Henry Foster and the Assistant Predestinator]† because they talk about â€Å"[Lenina] as though she were a bit of meat† (Huxley 45 ; 47). He respects Lenina and perhaps feels â€Å"love† for Lenina. This is unusual for an Alpha because they are injected with drugs when they are embryos so that they would not feel these emotions. The citizens are trained to have sex, and to take soma holidays. Bernard Marx is a defect so he actually feels and expresses his emotions which make him unique from the other people.Marx knows how wrong the â€Å"promiscuous sex, ‘the feelies’, and most famously of all, [the] supposedly perfect pleasure-drug, soma† is (Pearce). Linda is a citizen who was exposed to the outside world. Linda is forced to develop her emotions because if she does not, she will be considered an outcast to the â€Å"savages. † In Brave New World, Huxley demonstrates a false interpretation of a â€Å"utopian† society by stripping away the citizens emotions and feelings. In addition to being a false utopian society, this book falsely demonstrates how the world would be like without emotions and feelings.Steve Hein accurately describes what would happen without emotions. He says that â€Å"Our emotions help us make decisions,† and without these emotions we would be making wrong decisions which could lead to dangerous situations. We also use our emotions for critical thinking. The citizens in Brave New World do not have emotions; therefore, they do not have critical thinking skills. We cannot survive without critical thinking skills. Other than helping us make the right decision, our emotions make us unique. Without emotions, we are robots roaming a imlessly through the Earth.