Hormones and Dreaming

â€Å"I Dreamed A Dream† We all dream, it is inevitable. You dream about people, places, homework, daily doings, and even things you don’t even recognize as being a part of our life. People may often question the significance of dreaming or why humans do it, but it is an essential part for our brain function as you sleep and live day to day. It allows for our minds to process the input it receives. There have been ample researchers who have studied the brain and its relationship with dreaming.Most people are aware of the influence hormones have on the behavior of a person. However, such hormones have also been linked to the dream process and their content. My goal through this research paper is to identify several hormones, naturally secreted by the body, and the impact they have on the dreaming process for both males and females, with a particular focus on females. The articles provide evidence as to what specific hormones from the body affect dreaming and how the horm ones enable that to occur. Article 1: Sleep, dreams, and memory consolidationIn this article, Payne and Nadel did not perform any actual experiments themselves; they did review the results of a number of different studies pertaining to cortisol and dreams. Researchers focused on the effects of brain neurohormones, specifically cortisol, as it impacts sleep, dreams, and memory. Researchers believed that variations in amounts of cortisol, as well as other neurotransmitters, affect the hippocampal formation and neocortical circuits, two parts essential for fusing memories, a process which occurs during sleep usually through dreams.It is important to understand that cortisol is released by the adrenal cortex in response to stress and low levels of blood glucocorticoid meaning. Researchers of the studies that were reviewed provided background and assumptions for topics concerning sleeping and dreaming such as the sleep stages, the distribution of dreams, and the relationship between drea ms, sleep, and memory consolidation. First, sleep does not merely serve one purpose for humans.Second, content of dreams shows which portions of the brain are active. Third, if cortisol levels affect the hippocampal formation then the stages during sleep in which memory consolidation occurs will be also altered. In the studies looked at by Payne and Nadel, all findings showed that cortisol levels do fluctuate during a night’s sleep based on the sleep stage (REM, NREM, SWS). Some studies also indicated that sleep strengthens communication for the neocortical circuits and hippocampal formation.Many of the same studies continued to point out that the changes in cortisol levels interrupt the hippocampal formation function, which is the processing of episodes, and neocortical interactions. The results therefore alter dream content because the two brain parts are closely linked with dreaming during sleep. This dream interruption comes because the brain is attempting to integrate th e information with pre-existing knowledge and other related concepts.The findings compiled by Payne and Nadel are examples of biological psychology, which displays the relationship between human behavior, the mind, and biological processes in comparison with the influence of neuroscience and chemical/hormonal reactions, specifically cortisol. Cortisol is known to increase with age because of its role as a stress response hormone. Stress increases as age increases, therefore the connection between cortisol and dream interruption is also a part of developmental psychology because it is a change that occurs throughout a lifespan.These findings are also relatable to a cognitive psychological perspective since the studies investigate the mental process of dreams and how the brain sorts through new information and past information; simply stated: it is cognitive psychology because it is the brain working as one sleeps. These articles go into depth about the process of dreaming and how it is affect negatively by cortisol. Payne and Nadel also demonstrate social psychology, which is how our behavior is affected by others, in their review.Cortisol can be released by the body as a response to the stress brought about by others meaning that the behavior produced in our dreams is a result of our interactions with those around us. It would not be necessary to cut off contact with the world to decrease stress levels and attempt to control amounts of cortisol secreted by the body, but it can help people understand their own dream process through the night. Article 2: The Influence of the Hormonal Cycle on Dream Recall in Women In the dissertation by Phyllis Bales, Bales focuses on the impact of womens’ hormonal cycle in relationship to dream intensity, vividness, and content.As demonstrated in the first article, hormones can have a pronounced effect on dreams while sleeping because of hormonal influence on the brain. She hypothesized three things: first, there would b e higher dream activity and recall during the luteal phase, when large amounts of progesterone are emitted; second, dream intensity would be higher during the luteal phase; third, thematic content would co-vary with the hormonal, or menstrual, cycle. Bales performed a study with seven female subjects who were not taking birth control, since birth control is known to alter hormone balances.These participants kept a Dream Analysis Questionnaire and Menstrual Distress Questionnaire throughout the study, to track the content, intensity, and vividness of their own dreams. The findings from her study supported some of her initial hypotheses. The questionnaires showed that there was no difference in dream activity during the pre- and post-ovulatory phases, however, there was a significant increase in dream recall following the post-ovulatory phase, also known as the luteal phase as mentioned previously.Another influence seen in the luteal phase was an increase in maternal dreams along with their duration and intensity concerning maternity. These results proved to be consistent as shown through other studies that even used different methodologies. Bales’ study and dissertation are relatable to individual difference/personality with psychology as the results may vary insignificantly from person to person by extremely small numbers because of interactions with the environment, but will constantly be similar among women as a group, as long as they experience a menstrual cycle and have not entered menopause.An interesting perspective to consider is evolutionary psychology because of its inclusion of behavioral differences among individuals in response to changing physical and social environments. Women may experience such differences in dreams as part of variations between males and females. Through history, females have been the ones to bear children, never men, as told in the bible, but there is the chance that the body may have undergone experiences that have al tered the body in turn altering the mind, including dreams.Article 3: Menstrual hormone changes and instinctual tendencies in dreams In this paper by Judith Baron, Baron investigates whether the female sex hormone, progesterone, contributes to the content of dreams. Her main hypothesis was: the themes of dreams are more likely to contain maternal content when progesterone levels are high in the post-ovulatory or luteal phase. As part of the study included in the paper, seventeen female college students completed dream questionnaires for every dream remembered over two menstrual cycles.Then, scales were created to measure obvious and symbolic dream content. Menstrual cycles were divided into follicular, without progesterone, and luteal, with progesterone, phases for comparison within each subject of dream content. Conclusions taken from this study showed that there were higher obvious and symbolic maternal scores in the luteal phase. It was concluded that hormones do influence matern al instinctual tendencies as expressed in dreams and supported Baron’s beginning hypothesis concerning dream content in relation to progesterone levels.Again, this study backed the hypothesis that hormones do affect dream content. These findings suggest two things: first, hormones do impact the content of dreams; second, specifically progesterone has been linked to increase the maternal content in females’ dreams. This study is relatable to cognitive psychology because it is strongly tied with internal mental processes as the hormones influence the dreams females have and remember, even what they may learn from these dreams.Baron’s results are also representative of a biological perspective since it focuses on the biological foundations in relation with behavior and mental processes, including dreams. Progesterone released by the body affects the behavior that occurs in dreams for women. Conclusion People dream each night because it is our brain’s way of processing new experiences and information for our brain. Dreaming can be fun as it pertains to enjoyable events, like reliving a date or time with a loved one, or it can be terrifying as through nightmares, where our worst fears seem real.I have experienced both ends of the dream content spectrum as I have dreamt about a cute guy or even about death. Looking back at the findings in these articles, I am better able to understand the context in which these dreams happened and rationalize the occurrence I experienced. As a female, this research brings to light the even greater differences that are seen by scientist between men and women. We already have different physical features and behaviors which are linked to the dreams we experience.These physical features and behaviors are typically tied with hormones like testosterone, progesterone, and cortisol, the same hormones that affect dream processing, content, and vividness. With ovulation, the findings of increased maternal dreams in a sleeping pattern can also help women understand the reasoning behind why they are experiencing more dreams about being a mother. Some people may question the importance of such information concerning hormones and their effects on dreams, but it is important to note that many of our bodies’ hormones are released without real control over them.They are a response to outside stimuli or other impacts from our environment. With this research, we are able to answer two rather popular questions as to what our dreams may mean or why we had the dreams we did. Take the time to evaluate the environment around you, whether it is ovulation, stress, or even pregnancy. One thing to consider the next time you dream are the hormones your body may be producing and how they may be affecting your dreams. So next time you recall a dream, just ask â€Å"is a dream really a wish your heart makes? †

The Similarity of the Husband in “Cat in The Rain” and “Hills Like White Elephants”

Ernest Hemingway’s â€Å"Cat in the Rain† and â€Å"Hills Like White Elephants† describe a theme of difference between husband’s desires and wife’s desires. Both stories have the same conflict about an inconsiderate husband who always ignores his wife’s desire. The husband is not a family man.He indirectly shows that he doesn’t enjoy being with his wife and children. The male characters of Ernest Hemingway emerge as having similarities in their characters and their attitudes with their wives. For the first similarity, both husbands are identical to their inconsiderate characters. The husbands lack of attention to their wife.The American husband, George, in â€Å"Cat in the Rain† is an unresponsive person. He always takes more interest in his books than his wife. In the end of the story, the man doesn’t listen to his wife and keeps reading his book.His wife expresses many desires, for example, she wants a cat which has a s ymbol of a child and wants to eat at the table with silver spoon and candle that means she want to be a house wife. George doesn’t pay attention what his wife wants. For example, when the woman wants to grow out her hair, which symbolizes femininity, he responds, â€Å"I think you look pretty darn nice.†He directly speaks to her in an irritated way. â€Å"Shut up and get something to read†, George says when she wants the cat in the rain. Similar to George, the American husband, in â€Å"Hills Like White Elephants†, is insensitive to his wife and his baby. He says that â€Å"it’s just to let the air in. † His speech hints that he doesn’t want to have a baby.The American husband wants his wife to abort because he thinks that the unborn baby is a big obstacle for the couple’s happiness. The American husband gives his wife a cold look and doesn’t care about whatever his wife wants or talks.Furthermore, both the male characte rs lack fatherhood. While George ignores to have a baby, the American husband hints at his wife to have an abortion. The second resemblance of two male characters is that they have the same attitudes of married life towards their wives.The two husbands don’t want to settle down and don’t want to start to have a quitter way of life. In â€Å"Hills Like White Elephants†, the American husband indirectly doesn’t want to live in one place while his wife wishes to have a warm family and a child.Because of different married attitudes, their marriage’s life leads  to future separation. In â€Å"Hills Like White Elephant†, the American husband â€Å"waits reasonably† for the train, which suggests us that the couple maybe brake up and go separate way.George and the American husband can’t get along with their wife. Although they don’t make a terrible quarrel, they are dissatisfied and will break up with each other someday. Moreov er, their relationship is about lack of freedom of the woman’s desires. In â€Å"Cat in the Rain†, George hardly listen to his wife and doesn’t care for her materialistic wants.Because he doesn’t want her to get what she wants, he probably thinks that he is the leader of their relationship and has more power than his wife. To resemble in â€Å"Hills Like White Elephant†, we obviously notice that the American husband tries to control his wife by hinting her to abort.The American husband may thinks that he can control anything. He also acts as if he is more knowledgeable and worldly than his wife. The similarities of the male characters in Ernest Hemingway’s fictions, the writer wants to show us about disagreement of the couple’s desires. Two male characters, George and the American husband, are unfeeling to their wife.They virtually don’t concern whatever their wives’ urge and want. Although two females indirectly express their desires that they want to have a baby, two husbands always pay no attention to their wife’s need.The men also has no the state of being a father, especially the American husband who circuitously tells his wife to have an abortion. Furthermore, two husbands have a rough relationship with their wife. The couple’s relationship shows us that they are about to separate because they are contrary to each other’s need. The husbands also try to decrease freedom of their wife by controlling their wife what they want her to do and to be.

Movie review of inherit the Wind Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Movie review of inherit the Wind - Essay Example Scopes â€Å"Monkey† Trial (one of the most famous trials in American legal history), which happened in 1925, in order to explore the then current controversy – the McCarthy trials. However, although the movie based a large portion of its scenes from the actual trial transcript, it is still a composite depiction of the Scopes trial. Kramer added several elements to the original tale, adding a love interest here, a fiery character there – all for the sake of embellishments and dramatization of the film and the messages it wanted to convey. The movie explored the subject of individual freethinking and how it was put on trial when a high school biology teacher was charged of illegally teaching Darwinism. The film attacked religious fanaticism and sided with Darwinism, including the ideas that it represented during the time. Three of the points in the film that proved pivotal in the progression of the story and the successful delivery of the message the director wanted to convey include: 1) the many scenes added to open out the courtroom-bound drama such as the separate depiction of the arrivals of the lawyers, establishing the characterization immediately; 2) the climactic scene between the two lawyers wherein Brady forced Drummond to admit that the Bible could be interpreted in a nonliteral fashion, allowing the argument that evolution could be consistent with the biblical account of creation; 3) the religious hymns and folk songs used in the film in an apparent effort to counteract negative criticisms of fundamentalists that the film was anti-Christ. The second point in the film mentioned previously, underscored the role of the two lawyers, Darrow and Bryan, in outlining, explaining and resolving the problem posited by the film. One aspect in the movie that I found unappealing was the extreme stereotyping committed by the movie. For example, Bryan was portrayed as an ignorant, a bigot, and religious fundamentalist. The man was indeed a fundamentalist but that

Child Protection in School Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Child Protection in School - Essay Example Safety is important to protect children from extreme pain, incapacitation, dismemberment or even death. In addition, breach of safety by supervisors, parents or (and) equipment makers can lead to legal suits for breach of safety standards. Each year, institutions of learning in Britain pay thousands of pounds to compensate injured children within school premises. For example, Gloucestershire council paid GBP 7,000 compensation to a student after a teacher accidentally injured a pupil during rugby tackle demonstration (NSPCC, 2011). Safety Safety is in everyone’s mind in the playground. As much as children require a lot of opportunities to engage in physical activities, it is important to ensure that they are safe from potential harm or injury. Dangers inherent during physical exercise include; burns, drowning, poisoning, falls, getting knocked over, cuts, breakages, dehydration, rape, beating and extreme is death. There are a number of worrying incidents where children die dur ing physical activities. Child’s serious injury during physical exercise is bad and death of a child during physical exercise is worst and unacceptable. When death in the field is reported, it sends cold shivers in people who listen and anger inhibits one’s heart. For example, according to Brighton and Hove Council, a child fell from the roof of air raid shelter when he climbed the fence to retrieve a ball. In Medway, a pupil was injured when goal post fell on him and at Cornwall; a student was injured by a ball kicked by a teacher. In addition, a child at Rotherham, South Yorkshire was hurt in the playground when another child splashed him with custard. Worst, Kyle Rees 16 year old boy at Portchester school, Bournemouth died when hit by a cricked ball on the head. Finally, a research conducted by NSPCC between 2007 and 2010 revealed that 75 percent of children were subjected to harmful treatment by coaches or their peers. Peers contribute significant portion injuries or harm experienced (NSPCC 2011). To ensure children‘s safety during physical education, teachers or guardians supervising then must be informed that children unlike adults may not be in a position to anticipate accidents or possible injuries. Therefore, it is the responsibilities and duty of adults to anticipate potential accidents and risk and prevent them from happening. According to Sportengland (n.d.), there is a safety framework that is useful in creating safe sporting environment, which prevent harm. The framework is a benchmark that is useful in making informed decisions, challenging harmful practices and promotes best safety practices. To prevent likelihood of accidents occurring, it is important to note below factors; Playgrounds need to be surrounded by handrails, fences, rubber surfaces and crash barriers to make children safe by preventing them from falling. Children need to be educated in safety measure to reduce injury risks. They also need to cover-up and gear- up during physical exercises. For example, children playing must wear helmets when riding bicycles to protect their heads from serious injury in case they fall and wear hats when playing in the sun to prevent sunburns. The people in charge with physical exercises should ensure that all sporting equipment and gears are in perfect working conditions and fitting properly. In addition, children need to shape up by preparing adequately before main physical activities to prepare their bodies and prevent them

The Alienation in Urban Taipei in Tsai Ming-liang's Film Essay

The Alienation in Urban Taipei in Tsai Ming-liang's Film - Essay Example (Rivire, 1999, p 81) As he moved to Taiwan at the age of 20 years and chose film direction as profession his filmmaking style-both in terms of the plots and portrayal of characters-largely reflected the sense of alienation experienced by him in youth days as emigrants in Malaysia and the initial and subsequent impressions about the microcosmic and paced worlds of large urban centers rushing headlong toward emotionless and cruel uniformity. Reality probing was a favorite with Tsai from these early years. "I think European films are closer to me because they are about modern life and ordinary, modern men," Tsai told Nanouk Leopold. "And I have the idea they are more realistic, true to life." (Nanouk, 2002) Tsai began with TV dramas (1989-'91) and went to make a TV documentary, about AIDS (My New Friends, 1995), and some features, notable and well known among them being: Rebels of the Neon God (1992), Vive l'Amour (1994), The River (1996), and The Hole (1998). All of these features are set in backdrop of modern day Taipei and have remarkable branding with the primary issue of metropolitan loneliness and isolation. These exceptional and highly critically acclaimed films whose constant refrain reverberate with the reality of emptiness and nothingness in today's urban lives as central theme, invariably leave characters isolated in lonely madness pursuing routine without making much meaning of the numerous developments happening around them in fast paced metropolitan worlds. His above films set in clearly that the protagonists are mesmerised and confused by half grafted Western values in the pursuit of a modern capitalist lives, in fast paced transformation facing their societies which are now torn with occidental and oriental contradictions. The apparent conflicts between age-old Eastern values and traditions and the fast paced West aping civilization and the telling impact of such conflicts on urban dweller of today in term of heightening alienation has been portray ed with startling clarity in these films. This paper examines in detail the sense of alienation portrayed in the above mentioned films of Tsai Ming-liang's. Alienation in The HoleThe Hole catches action in the events that are supposed to have taken place in penultimate days of the year 1999, when an unexplained and mysterious end-of-the-millennium virus affliction with which causes people to behave like cockroaches has compelled the government to quarantine (and stop servicing) large sections of Taipei metropolis. Two characters - played by Lee Kang-sheng and Yang Kuei-mei - live in one apartment complex on flats located on successive floors, and a plumber's fault instead on mending a leak results in a gaping hole between the flats which is the main cause of concern and distress for theses two central actors. The film's landscape is writ with urban desolation and commences in a ramshackle movie theater exhibiting a non decrepit show with little attendance. The backdrop is equally desolate in that it is night and raining hard with not a soul on deserted streets of Taipei. All these i.e... the

A Review of lloyd and Craig 2007 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

A Review of lloyd and Craig 2007 - Essay Example The following review examines Lloyd and Craig's (2007) framework and provides an evaluation of its proposed benefits. Summary of Article According to Lloyd and Craig (2007), taking a patient history is "arguably the most important aspect of patient assessment." Because of the continually expanding role of nurses, the need exists to expand their assessment skills as well. In this article, Lloyd and Craig provide a detailed framework for conducting a patient history assessment. First, Lloyd and Craig believe it is important to prepare the environment so that it is properly equipped, safe, free of distractions, and allows the patient to feel comfortable. Second, nurses must practice effective communication in order to enhance trust and obtain the most accurate information from the patient. Nurses can use both verbal and non-verbal cues to signify interest and empathy for the patient. Finally, consent is essential and nurses must obtain some form of informed consent by the patient or pat ient's surrogates before proceeding with the assessment. Lloyd and Craig then outline the history-taking process and illustrate the importance of maintaining some form of order when asking questions. Questions should begin in an open-ended format in order to generate conversation and obtain a large amount of information. Nurses can then follow up with closed questions to receive more detail about a particular point of concern. Lloyd and Craig draw on the Calgary Cambridge framework for structuring the consultation. This model proposes five stages of history taking, including: (a) explanation and planning; (b) aiding accurate recall and understanding; (c) achieving a shared understanding; (d) planning through shared decision making; and (e) closing the consultation. This model provides a systematic order to guide nurses' assessment-taking. While Lloyd and Craig advocate following an order, these authors also highlight the importance of following the natural flow of conversation. Simp ly reading off a checklist of questions seems mechanical and impersonal, and can prevent the patient from wanting to reveal personal information. Therefore, Lloyd and Craig suggest using their framework as a practical reference, and not a step-by-step operations manual. Lloyd and Craig also provide examples of behaviors to avoid while conducting a patient history assessment. Examples of such behaviors include giving advice, interrupting, using defensive responses, jumping to conclusions, and several more. Improper interview techniques can disrupt communication and trust, and ultimately hinder the nurse's ability to treat the patient. Respect for each patient's individuality and rights as a human being is a critical component of most nursing associations' codes of ethics. Finally, Lloyd and Craig include examples of key points to remember in the history assessment, including family and occupation history, drug and alcohol use, sexual history, and family and social history. These can be difficult questions to ask and patients may not always feel comfortable answering them. Therefore, effective communication and establishing a positive rapport with the patient is vital to the consultation. At the same time, these difficult questions reflect the importance o

Necessary Elements that Teachers Should Aware for Culturally and Article

Necessary Elements that Teachers Should Aware for Culturally and Linguistically - Article Example The bilingual exceptional student’s proficient instructional approaches have created additional stress for teachers and researchers to build up and for managers to expand evaluation policies that make possible legal fulfillment, at the same time make instructional sense. In the sphere of bilingual learning the question of the best sort of services, together with cultural pluralism, diverse communities, exit-entry appraisal, and the identical wellbeing of the law, are most frequently in disagreement with intercession policies, confusing the subject of what a perfect bilingual education program should achieve. There is no precise standard available to gauge and explain the range of bilingual programs existing, nor has any visibly defined variable surfaced beside which to appraise the broad competence or usefulness of bilingual education (Amber and Dew, 1983). The asymmetrical account of learners from varied socio-cultural and linguistic environment in special education has been a relentless anxiety in the field since many years. Regardless of constant hard work by teachers and researchers to recognize causative features and build up an explanation, student enrollments in special education range from over to under-representation, relying on the disability category and the specific racial/ethnic group, social class, culture, and language of the students (Donovan & Cross, 2002). Even though investigative rates of representation can alert teachers to the reality of a crisis, the important question is that in dealing with disproportional in special education whether the right student is recognized and served. It is important to focus on professional development on efficient practices for culturally and linguistically diverse learners. Since the inadequate number of teachers available with adequate training in effective practices for culturally and linguistically diverse learners, it is important that  educators engage in professional development that can lead to culturally skilled practice.  

Coffee Drinking Habits in UK Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Coffee Drinking Habits in UK - Assignment Example UK's market is predominately penetrated by tea and fruit juices and tea is the third largest non-alcoholic beverage used in the country. However, trends are changing as a new coffee culture is emerging in the country. Most and most consumers now prefer coffee because of the relaxed experience offered by the branded coffee chains. Initially, the trends emerged in the urban areas of the country however, it is picking up in the rural areas also thus the future may provide a much bigger market to cater. It is however, important to note that due to current economic crisis in the country with the possibility of negative growth in 2009, the consumers may reduce their spending on something which can be produced in their own homes too. It is also critical to note that consumers are increasingly becoming ethical in nature and prefer such organizations which offer products and services which are based on the sustainability products. As discussed in the case study that Starbucks leave its water taps open all the time give the whole issue a more ethical dimension and indicate that the future consumer buying patterns may be shift towards having more ethically responsible organizations with an strong sense of conserving the natural resources of the planet. Starbucks is predominately American in taste and it has been strong speculated that the growth can doubled if the taste is tailored according to the European flavor preferred in EU region. Europe, as a region has a very strong tradition of drinking coffee according to their own individual tastes and consumers are certainly missing that element into the coffee cup offered by Starbucks thus the product development trends may be directed towards creating the coffee tastes which suit the European consumers. Significance to Starbucks The market intelligence or market research is critical for the success of the firm because it provides them a larger base of information to decide upon where to invest or not thus market information basically provides insight into as to how to spend their money wisely and the information is used to the maximum benefit of the firm. (Callingham).From a marketing perspective, understanding the market is one the key steps in order to make an entry into the market. Understanding the market therefore provide a deeper insight into the size of the market. Based on this, marketers often tend to segment the same into different niches according to their individual target market based on different factors such as demographics, psychographics etc. As discussed above that almost 20 million people living in UK belong to working class with different levels of incomes earned therefore Starbucks has virtually a market which has 20 million customers to satisfy and with the increase in trends for preferring coffee over the traditional non-alcoholic drinks such as tea and fruit juices, the

Fashion Trend in 2009 Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Fashion Trend in 2009 - Case Study Example The study "Fashion Trend in 2009" concerns the 2009's trend. The target market segment for the new designed products is middle market. The availability of cotton products in the middle class are only nominal due to the high production cost relating to the organic cotton products. Through direct purchasing and synthesizing of raw material the production cost can be signicantly reduced. This will help to focus on the middle market through appropriate pricing policies. â€Å"The purpose for segmenting a market is to allow your marketing/sales program to focus on the subset of prospects that are "most likely" to purchase your offering. If done properly this will help to insure the highest return for your marketing/sales expenditures.† The in-store presentation of the product will be in a sophisticated manner by using attractive presentation and display tactics. There should be separate section for the Y’s Passion series in the shop. The section will be made attractive by us ing glass tubes and light presentation. The product range should be of T -shirts clothing which is suitable for both men and women category. It will be available in 5 elegant colors. Comfortably fitting and skin friendly material renders a cool effect by easily absorbing the sweat. Products with unique and attractive modern designs which are affordable even to the middle class consumers, are the main feature of ‘Y’s passion’. Overall image of the product should be differentiated by its color and trendy designs and the fact that it is made from cotton. 100% pure organic cotton. The product must carry a new brand name followed by the company name. The brand name for the product range is "Y's Passion" which is a catchy one that will evolve interest and immediate attention. Following are the images of Y's Passion range products: Product features: "100% organic cotton, Color: Jersey Crewneck, 4 plus color fastness, shrinkage is less than 4 %." (Packing Bags: Organic Cotton T-Shirts). Product features: "Avocado Green", "Size: 5.8-oz. standard weight, double-needle stitching, cover-stitched hems, durability." (Visualize World Peas Women's Organic T Shirt Avocado Green). Product feature: Made from 100 % pure organic cotton, yellow haze, size: XL (100% Organic Cotton - (eco dad) T Shirt Yellow Haze XL (Extra Large)). 5. Dominant trends: The color of the products is its main interesting factor and attractive stylish rare color combinations are used for the product design. The environment friendly, high quality, perfect fit, highly stylish, comfortable, very insignificant percentage of shrinkage, fine fabric strength, textures and color fastness are other attractive features of the product. Moreover, the increasing popularity of cotton garments is an added advantage to the product, "Sales of organic cotton are set to triple to $2.6 billion at the end of 2008 from its current $900 million level as retailers and brands make significant new commitments to sustainable textile and apparel production." (Mowbray). 6. Country of manufacture: The manufacturing country for the product is India because of the availability of organic

Spirituality in Nursing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Spirituality in Nursing - Essay Example Pragmatically though it is nurses on the ward, rather than staff who only visit occasionally, and often only when requested, who are best placed to deal with this part of holistic nursing care. This is especially so where life-threatening illness is involved and there is much one to one interaction between nurse and patient. Thompson in 1993 spoke of the way in which by maintaining a bond with a distressed patient   the nurse is making an act   'unconditional love'.Even if their own beliefs are different from those of the patient, by being both good communicators and listeners, nurses can be supportive. They are often providing spiritual care simply be allowing the patient the opportunity to express themselves about beliefs and spiritual matters. Nurses have been encouraged to care for the whole person as a spiritual being,   as well as biological and psychological beings, since the 1970’s and books appeared such those by Roper, Logan and Tierney and their ‘Element s of Nursing’ each edition of which includes a chapter about dying and such things as grief and bereavement.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Spirit is someone's soul, so spirituality would be focused on the self, but focused on the self in a manner in which they can understand it more deeply than just standard cognitive thinking about it, so religion might help you understand yourself in that "higher" manner. That is, it is almost like faith to believe in yourself like that, so it is like religion. ... They are often providing spiritual care simply be allowing the patient the opportunity to express themselves about beliefs and spiritual matters. Nurses have been encouraged to care for the whole person as a spiritual being, as well as biological and psychological beings, since the 1970’s and books appeared such those by Roper, Logan and Tierney and their ‘Elements of Nursing’ each edition of which includes a chapter about dying and such things as grief and bereavement. Definitions of Spirituality Mark Pettinelli – Spirit is someone's soul, so spirituality would be focused on the self, but focused on the self in a manner in which they can understand it more deeply than just standard cognitive thinking about it, so religion might help you understand yourself in that "higher" manner. That is, it is almost like faith To believe in yourself like that, so it is like religion. Laburn ( 1988) 'That which inspires in one the desire to transcend the realm of the material', Living Words of Wisdom:- You are surrounded by spirituality every day. The definition of spirituality is that which relates to or affects the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things. Spirituality touches that part of you that is not dependant on material things or physical comforts Dictionary Definitions of Spirituality There is any number of variations on the subject of spirituality. It is defined most often as the quality or state of being spiritual. this doesn’t get you much further on unless you then look up what spiritual means. This, however, can be defined as simply to do with the spirit. It then follows that one must first of all define spirit.  

Health and Safety Assignment Essay Example for Free

Health and Safety Assignment Essay Question 1 The first statement is correct as lead is a highly intoxicated substance that can cause damage, especially in young children. There are many symptoms to lead poisoning which include: irritability, loss of appetite and nausea, headaches, unexplained abdominal pain, muscle aches, constipation, learning problems, short attention span, easily distracted, mental retardation and behaviour problems including aggression and impulsivity. As seen in the statement â€Å"this is disturbing because it has been well established that lead causes reduction in IQ scores, shortened concentration spans, hyperactivity and learning difficulties even when lead is present at very low levels in the blood† , it can be agreed that having lead in one’s system can cause damage to one’s concentration and learning abilities. Research has shown that raised levels of lead can lower a child’s IQ by 4-5%. see more:explain how to promote health and safety within the social care setting With regards to the second statement â€Å"painted toys with high lead levels have been found in major toy stores, as well as supermarkets, stationary stores, craft shops and craft/flea markets. These toys were both locally produced and imported†, it can be agreed on as lead can be found in many old housing and furniture pieces. It is also of great urgency that when purchasing toys and furniture from garage sales, internet, second-hand-stores etc. that one takes precautions in checking that there is not any lead as some may contain lead based paint, a simple way of knowing if it does is to buy a test kit to determine if lead based paint is present. Question 2 For a baby and toddler unit I would consider: Indoor: * Non-breakable mirrors to learn to see themselves. * Wooden cars for improving gross motor skills. * Rattles to improve their movement. * Plastic telephones to practise their speech. * Simple puzzles to improve their knowledge. * Large wooden beads to string to improve on their hand eye co-ordination. Outdoor: * Balls to improve on gross motor skills * Jungle gym to improve on their climbing abilities. For children aged 3-6 years I would consider: Indoor: * Puppets to improve on their dramatic skills. * Dress-up clothes to teach them the different type of career choices. * Art materials to improve their creative minds. * Books and puzzles to improve on their knowledge. Outdoor: * Tricycles and bikes to improve their balancing skills. * Jungle gyms to improve climbing. * Sand pits to do sensory knowledge, (touch and feel) Question 3 The way in which one would ensure that equipment which you purchased does not cause lead poisoning is by reading the labels on the purchased equipment making sure there is no lead contained in it, try prevent buying used toys and equipment from garage sales, internet, second-hand-stores as many old items may contain lead based paint. It is also advised that children go for screening to make sure no lead is present. Children are encouraged to practice regular hand washing and to keep their hands and other objects away from their mouths. Question 4 Birth – 4 months: at this stage the child eats, sleeps, cries rolls off flat surfaces and wriggles. They are hazardous to burns, falls, sharp objects and suffocation. 4 – 12 months : at this stage the child grasps and moves around as well as putting objects in their mouths. They are hazardous to burns, poisoning, falls and drowning. 1 – 2 years : at this stage the child is able to investigate, climb, open doors and takes thing apart. They are hazardous to being in contact with gates, windows and doors as they might get injured with their investigation minds, fingers might get stuck in door etc. also water is hazardous as they may drown, traffic as they now know how to walk. 2 – 3 years: at this stage the child is interested in fires, tires to do things by themselves and gets very impatient. They are hazardous to dangerous objects and burns. 3 – 6 years: at this stage the child lies to explore, climb, riding tricycles, rough games. They are hazardous to poisons and burns, falls and injuries, drowning and traffic. 6 – 10 years : at this stage the child like spending time away from home, active sports. They are hazardous to firearms, injuries from sports and drowning. Through this we can conclude that every one of these ages is vital as the developmental level can affect children’s safety and health and that they should never be left unsupervised and parents should know what to do in an emergency. Question 5 Air-borne transmission include in illnesses such as chickenpox, common cold, fifth disease, measles, mumps and tuberculosis. The measures one would take in these instances would be to identify the child with the illness and send them home, with antibiotics, the child should not be allowed to return to school until fully recovered. All these illnesses and the limitations of the spread apply to all age groups ( birth to grade 3) The faecal-oral route include cholera, rotavirus and ascariasis, can be spread through water, food and poor sewage, to limit the infection one needs to make sure water is clean, food is cooked properly and sewage is flushed away. Food only obtains to children who can eat solid foods, thus not referring to birth to 12 months. Direct and indirect include illnesses such as pinkeye, hand foot and mouth disease, cold sores, lice and ring worms. The measures one would take in these instances would be pinkeye: antibiotic treatment and sent home, continuous hand washing, hand foot and mouth disease sent home for several days and continuous hand washing. A cold sore child can stay at school but must was hands frequently. Lice, child should be sent home until lice is gone, hair must be washed with medicated shampoo. Ring worms, child should stay away from gyms, pools or activities where can be exposed and should use a fungal ointment. These limitations would all be considered to all age groups ( birth to grade 3 ) however gyms, pools etc would only obtain to the older children grade 1 – 3. Blood illnesses include AIDS and hepatitis B, the measures one would take for AIDS is excluding child of 0-5, and prevent anyone from touching the child blood, handle blood with surgical gloves, seal up blood infected items and disinfect surfaces with bleach. Hepatitis B one would also use precautions when handling blood and frequent hand wash is advised. REFERENCE: Marotz, L, 2009. Health, safety and nutrition for the young child. 76de uitgawe. Clifton park, NY: Thomason Delmar Learning

Impacts and Causes of Quality Implementation Failures

Impacts and Causes of Quality Implementation Failures INTRODUCTION: Due to, the increased competitiveness and arduous customers who desire to have high quality products at lowest prices; quality is acknowledged as a source of competitive advantage and have a higher strategic importance, is essential for success. (Spector and Beer 1994; Eskildson 1994) studies have shown that in organizations there are a lot of quality implementation failures, causes for theses failures are due to environmental uncertainty, Firm orientation, and Total quality management (TQM) was not properly addressed. (Puffer and McCarthy 1996) Â   Â   UNCERTAINTY: It means lack of assurance, about something and facts in decision making (Duncan 1972; Lawrence and Lorsch 1967). ENVIRONMENTAL UNCERTAINTY: It is a state, when conditions are constantly changing within a business environment (jauch and kraft 1986). Environmental uncertainty takes place by complete customer knowledge and for more worth in products and services. It has promoted the business scene, accordingly, feat of any organization now rely more on its ability for delivering quality products and services to customers. So, Business organizations are now confronted with a triangle of problems that they must sort out for building sustainability and success. This is by practicing uncertainty, strategy, and quality. UNCERTAINTY DIMENSIONS: Environmental uncertainty rises or falls as environments differ along five simple dimensions: Homogeneity-heterogeneity: It is the number and range of areas having impact on the organization. Concentration- dispersion: it is interconnection between components of the environment Stability-turbulence: The rate and scale of change in the environment Resource Scarcity- Resource Munificence: richness and accessibility of resources Hostility-Supportiveness: it is the degree of competition and level of getting of the organization The challenge of current companies is to endure and grow while growing in a complex and harsh international market. Change has to be eternal, for example, as the attainment of new abilities. Change can thus only be observed as the important attitude of an organization. By evaluating this environment offers vision of the unique changes, the effects of these changes have on a firms strategies, and the making of special methods required understanding them. CHANGE MANAGEMENT Organizational change management (OCM): It is an organization structural process, used for safeguarding that changes are easily and effectively implemented, and that the lifelong benefits of change can be accomplished. CHANGE MANAGEMENT MODELS: KOTTERS EIGHTS STEPS TO CHANGE This model copes for knowing and handling change. Every stage admits an important principle linking to peoples reaction and approach to change, where people understand, sense and then make change. The model is intended on research which demonstrates that there are eight critical steps an organization or team demands to use in order to make sure that change occurs and sticks properly. (Kotter, 1996) BRIDGE TRANSITION MODEL: With the support of Bridge transition model, we can have awareness about the feelings of our workers and operate conditions according to the way that hold the changes committedly. It is a three phase procedure, where people slowly adopted the facts of new circumstances and the change that derived with it. ROGERS TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION CURVE: It defines the acceptance or adoption of a new innovation or product, along with the psychological and demographic features of acceptor groups. It is exemplified as bell curve. The model shows that first group of people that use a new product is innovators, and subsequent is early adopters. Next group is early and late majority and the last group that finally accept a product are called laggards. The curve makes the base of 5 step procedure of technology adoption; Knowledge, Persuasion, Decision, Implementation. KUBLER- ROSS FIVE STAGE MODEL This Model was developed by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross in 1960s. It is use to describe the grieving procedures. She suggests a sequence of feelings practiced by fatally ill patients before death, in which the five stages are anger, bargaining, depression denial, and acceptance. The Change Curve was a firm feature in change management circles By the 1980s. The curve, and its related emotions, can be accustomed to predict that how performance is probably affected by the declaration and following implementation of a vital change. PROSCI ADKAR model This Model offers a modest and action-focused five-step procedure. It is used by managers, directors and even workers to recognize and eliminate fences for making positive change. Individuals make changes effectively when they contain the essential Awareness, Knowledge, Desire, Ability and Reinforcement. PARTICIPATORY METHODS: It contains a sequence of actions with a common line. It allows common people to play a dynamic and significant role in making choices which affect their lives (Participatory Methodology Facilitation Guide, 2000). This method is used by publics, researchers, and donors. Its outcome is involvements of local realities, and it direct towards a well-supported and permanent social change. EXTENT OF UNCERTAINTY: It is the degree of rise in environmental vitality and intricacy (Johnson and Scholes 1999). Therefore, in complex environmental situations there are, larger level of uncertainty in the environment . Low uncertainty: An environmental change affecting the uncertainty is low. For example, variations in customer tastes are low, perhaps because of there are less factors that influence on demand. Moderate uncertainty: It links between low complexity and high dynamism. High uncertainty: The environment is extremely dynamic a d intricate and the links among the modules of the environment and the organization are uncertain. This makes selections more problematic. For instance, the broadcastings business is facing some uncertainties about technology, government rules, demand etc. All these uncertainties link in changeable techniques and use to predict the environment and improve reasonable choices. Strategy and Environmental Uncertainty They are closely related to environmental uncertainty. The degree of uncertainty perhaps is objective and assessable or subjective and apparent. The significant matter is that in such environments how organizations behave. (Zahra, 1987) determines that businesses that follow diverse type of strategic aspects will be inclined to observe their environment in a different way. (Hambrick, 1983), (Miller, 1986), (Snow and Hrebiniak, 1980) usually determined that these strategy types acts inversely under different environmental situations. STRATEGIES TO DEAL WITH UNCERTAINTY IN ORGANIZATIONS: There are number of strategies that are used by organizations to encounter uncertainties of the business environment. (Miles and Snow, 1978) strategy is a strong description of the strategic behavior of organizations. It redirects a wide number of strategies and complete view to strategy conceptualization (Venkatraman, 1989). Four Basic Strategy types: The organizations can implement one of four approaches when retorting to uncertainty in their environment: (Miles and Snow, 1978) Prospector: (Miles and Snow, 1978) organizations adopted or follows this strategy is highly advanced and continually seeking out new markets and new prospects and they are oriented towards growth and risk taking. Firms can use3M strategies. And Johnson Johnson Company relate decentralization with a prospector strategy. Defender: It focuses on accommodating its present markets, keeping steady growth, and serving its present customers. For example, BIC Company used defender strategies; it has implemented a less violent, less business style of management and has taken to protect its considerable market share in the industry. Analyzer: An organization that assumed this strategy has market share and seeks to be groundbreaking. For example, IBM uses analyzer strategies. Thousands of their clients have bought IBM computers over the last some decades. It is in IBMs attention to keep these clients content and to lead new products and services that modernize their computer amenities. Another example contains Proctor Gamble (PG) has proven numerous name brand products, for instance Tide laundry and Crest toothpaste, it is significant for PG to stand to invest in its effective products, so as to keep financial performance Reactor: (Miles and Snow, 1978) an organization that monitors a reactor strategy has no reliable strategic approach; it floats with environmental proceedings, reacting to but failing to anticipate or influence those events. According to (Miles and Snow, 1978) organizations adopt a methodical and distinguishable outline of behavior toward environmental adaptation. An organizations strategy tackles three types of complications, Entrepreneurial: This relates that how an organization faces itself to the market. Engineering: It refers to the technical system of the organization. Administrative: It refers that how an organization tries to organize and implement its strategies, specifically, control, structure, and procedure issues. TECHNIQUES FOR MANAGING CHANGE EFFECTIVELY For Successfully Managing the change needs a shifting of the firm from its present condition to the state according to its future needs at negligible cost to the organization. (Wallington, 2000) Key steps are as follows: Firstly, familiarity with the present state is very necessary. This includes finding problems that company faces, assigning a degree of status to each person, and evaluating the kinds of changes required to resolve the problems. It involves imaging the Future state of the organization. This includes considering the perfect state for the company after the implementation of change, assigning this vision perceptibly to everyone involved in the change endeavor, and designing a waysof change to the new state. Stability is an important part of the transition for instance the companys mission and workers should help constantly in the uncertainty in order to aid and reduce peoples unease. All change should include employees at certain level. Organizational change needs to be clarified and linked, especially changes that affect how employees do their jobs. It involves the Implementing of change in well-ordered manner. This contains managing the transition successfully. It is supportive to assemble a plan, assign resources, and employ an important person to take responsibility of the change procedure. For this, The Companys leaders must do effort to create interest for the change by partaking their aims and vision and acting as role models. (Murray and Greenes, 2006) When a change process is done, it is always worthy to follow-up after implementation and measure how the change are employed and whether the implemented change deliver the intended results. Conclusion The current day organizations main challenge is to endure and even grow while developing in a complex and cruel international market. Change must be eternal, just as the gaining of new capabilities. Management plays very important role in bringing and implementing change in an organization proper functioning. While dealing with uncertain environment in business organization, there is also of responsibility come to on their shoulders. Managers challenge contains originating the change central for the company, so that assemble the human energy toward building and action, so as to correspond the structures with the accessible human potential. Thus, Personnel will be the performers of an evaluative procedure instead of the sufferers of a revolution. Change can hence only be observed as the important approach of an organization. It should ensue as a natural and liberal behavior that is applied by personnel themselves. The Change Management also play vital role in organizations uncertain c ircumstance it familiarizes and monitors organizations through complex and problematic changes. CMG is a global management referring secure staff by Manufacturing and Structural MBAs and Psychologists REFRENCES: Wallington, Patricia M. Making Change. CIO. 1 April 2000 PDF: Participatory Methodology Facilitation Guide. WaterAid. 2002. Kotter J, (1996), Leading Change, Boston:Harvard Business School Press Wallington, Patricia M. Making Change. CIO. 1 April 2000. Wischenvsky, J. Daniel and Fariborz Damanpour. Organizational Transformation and Performance: An examination of three perspectives. Journal of Managerial Issues. Spring 2006. Murray, Art and Kent Greenes. The Enterprise of the Future. KMWorld. March 2006. Spector, B., and M. Beer. 1994. Beyond TQM program. Journal of Organizational Change Management 7, no. 2: 63-70. Puffer, S. M., and McCarthy. 1996. A framework for leadership in TQM context. Journal of Quality Management 1, no. 1: 109-130. Duncan, R. B. 1972. Characteristics of organizational environments and perceived environmental uncertainty. Administrative Sciences 17: 313-327. Jauch, L., and K. Kraft. 1986. Strategic management of uncertainty. Academy of Management Review 11: 777-790. Zahra, S. 1987. Corporate strategic types, environmental perceptions, managerial philosophies, and goals: An empirical study. Akron Business and Economic Review (Summer) 18, no. 2: 63-74. Snow, C. C., and L. G. Hrebiniak. 1980. Strategy, distinctive competence, and organizational performance. Administrative Science Quarterly 25: 317-335. Hambrick, D. C. 1983. Some tests of the effectiveness and functional attributes of miles and snow strategic types. Academy of Management Journal 26, no. 1: 5-26.

Child Refugees

Child Refugees Backdrop Half of the worlds refugees are children but their voices are amongst the least heard. Amidst the debate and conflict around refugees and border protection, the rights of refugee children have been neglected. â€Å"We come to a country we heard has human rights and freedoms. We cant believe whats happening to us†¦.We havent any human rights. We are just like animals. We do not have a normal life like a human. Our feeling is dead. Our thinking is dead. We are very sad about everything. We cant smile.† (Ibrahim Ishreti-refugee living on a bridging visa) Australia is a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol and has a proud tradition of sheltering refugees but the current mandatory detention (an essential component) for on-shore arrivals including the children of asylum seekers and unaccompanied minors has enormously damaged its international reputation. Whilst these might be legitimate policy concerns they have led to an approach to asylum seekers that has caused wide community debate and division in Australia. The writer is a Pakistani origin immigrant in Australia. Pakistan considers a poorest country of the world host over a million Afghan refugees enjoying ample freedoms, however in Australia where the number of unauthorized arrivals has never been much more than 4000 in any one year are placed indefinitely in detention camps with limited access to services, hence the motive for selecting this topic. Key Aspects of the Policy The major policy objectives of mandatory detention have been to have â€Å"ordered† approach to immigration and to ensure that Australian borders are secure. But little or no consideration has been given to the impact of these polices on the children who are caught up in them. That policy ââ€"  Denies internationally recognised fundamental human rights to all the children of particular social group;ââ€"  Locks up, behind razor wire, children who have committed no crime;ââ€"  And fails to recognises the vulnerability and special needs of these children. The fundamental purpose of childrens rights is to identify children as human beings who because of their vulnerability and special needs require special protection. To address this special status the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) was developed. The UNCRC to which Australia is a party (1990), decrees that a child seeking refugee status is to receive appropriate protection and humanitarian assistance. Refugee children share certain universal rights with all other people; have additional rights as children and particular rights as refugees. It provides a comprehensive framework to guide the development of policy and practices that relate to children. Irrespective of where people stand on the Australian Governments broad asylum seekers policy it is an undeniable fact that any form of detention applying to children is a breach of their rights. In the terms of UNCRC the imprisonment of these children is either â€Å"cruel and inhuman treatment† or at the very least â€Å"harsh treatment†. Both of which are unacceptable under the terms of the convention. Detention compounds the effect of previous trauma and exacerbates the grief and loss that these children have already suffered whether they are accompanied or unaccompanied in their flight to Australia. UNCRC The UNCRC articulate that holding children in detention shall be used as a measure of last resort and only for the shortest possible time. But in Australia, detention is the first and only resort and for an indefinite period of time. We are letting these children down by neglecting this provision of the UNCRC. The difficult lives these children have suffered at the hands of their won governments or fellow beings are beyond the comprehension of most Australians. Yet we compound that damage by allowing children to spend their formative years in detention . Keeping children in mandatory detention is denial of their internationally recognised basic human rights. Childrens developmental needs which are a fundamental reality often not considered in relief efforts. In order to grow and develop normally, a child has certain age-specific requirements that must be satisfied. Basic health care, nutrition and education are generally recognised as necessary for the physical and intellectual developmental of children. Beyond these, however, healthy psychosocial development depends in large measure on the nurturing and stimulation that children receive as they grow, and on the opportunities that they have to learn and master new skills. For refugee children, healthy psychosocial development also requires coping effectively with the multiple trauma of loss, uprooting and often more damaging experiences. Hence, tragic long-term consequences may result where childrens developmental needs are not adequately met. Challenges and/or Controversies The Australian public is not generally informed about international obligations towards refugees and the many false perceptions that migrants are a major cause of economic and social problems remain largely unchallenged. In many instances, the government has demonized asylum seekers in emotive language and as a result many people consider that refugees are lairs, criminals, ‘forum shoppers, welfare cheats and queue jumpers . The terminology of ‘queue jumper does not exist in international law nor does it exist in other countries. Australia has adopted it simply because it prefers to offer refugee status to a carefully selected number of people from overseas countries and it does not like being forced to consider applications from those it had not already selected. Australia, in comparison with most other western societies, has a small number of children arriving, nevertheless, in relation to the total number of asylum seekers arriving, children remain a significant percentage. Some travel with parents or guardians and other often travel alone (identified as unaccompanied). Regardless of the motive, children have no choice in the decision that has led them to be vulnerable to the notions of a new authority. The overriding principle, contained in Article 3 of UNCRC the Best Interests of the Child: In all actions concerning children, weather undertakenby public or private social welfare institutions, courtsof law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies,the best interest of the child shall be a primary consideration. Various laws in Australia mention the Bets Interest of the Child and propose to support this principle. The law that relates to onshore asylum seekers is not one of these laws. The Migration Amendment Act of 1992 identifies asylum seekers as designated persons. Section 189 states that a designated person must be detained during the processing of their refugee status and Section 192 goes on to identify two options for release obtaining a Temporary Protection Visa or being deported. Under this section everyone is detained until they are either accepted or rejected as refugees, regardless of age or infirmity. This is where politics becomes involved in childrens rights and immigration detention of children where the Act does not make any distinction between the immigration status of adults and children and therefore there is no legal status between adults and their children and no difference in their treatment. This is of course dismisses the idea of the ‘best interests of the ch ild. Childrens needs cannot be met in isolation. They are normally met most effectively within the context of family and community. Moreover a childs welfare is closely linked to the health and security of the primary caregiver. It is therefore, necessary to strengthen the capacities of refugee families to meet their own needs and improve the participation and situation of adult refugees particularly women, thereby contributing significantly to the welfare of their children. Selection of one challenge and its reflection on policy based solution Best Interest In relation to the refugee children whether accompanied or unaccompanied the primary goals of any action or program must be: †¢ To ensure the protection and healthy development of all children†¢ To achieve durable solutions which are appropriate to the immediate and long term developmental needs of children.While there is no one definition of what will be in the best interests of each and every child, a childs ability to enjoy all of his or her rights in a given environment is a good indication of whether the childs best interests are being met. Furthermore, the UNCRC also doesnt explicitly define ‘best interest it is clear that in the case of actions and decisions affecting a child; it is the best interests of that individual child which must be taken into account rather than children generally. The childs best interests†¦..must be the subject of active consideration. It needs to be demonstrated that childrens interests have been explored and taken into account as a primary consideration. The ‘best interests principle is reiterated in article 9(1) of the UNCRC states that children should never be separated from their parents against their will except when ‘necessary for the best interests of the child. The interaction between the ‘best interests principle, family unity and immigration can be enlightened by referring preamble of the UNCRC providing a reference point by recognizing that: â€Å"[T]he child, for the full and harmonious development ofhis of her personality, should grow up in a family environment,in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding†. In order to support the best interests of the refugee children many of the obligations under the UNCRC are relevant for instance, protection from violence, the highest attainable standards of physical and mental health, special care for children with disabilities, education, keeping confidentiality of their personal information, non-discrimination, recreation and the right to full cultural life (including language) are all factors that create a nurturing environment. Incorporating Children voices into policy debate The idea of childrens participation gained currency due to UNCRC. This legal instrument grants children civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights. Articles 12-15 are interpreted as conferring on children the right to participate in their societies. This includes the right to have their views heard in matters affecting them; the right to freedom of expression, information, religion and conscience; and the right to form associations. The UNCRC marks a change from understanding children as objects of adult interventions designed to meet their developmental needs, towards a construction of children as rights holders with the ability to participate in defining their own requirements for well being . Refugees children being most vulnerable members of Australian society, they should have the right to have their fundamental need for shelter, food, physical and emotional care and education met, and to live freely and securely within a society that values and protects them. It is the responsibility of Government and communities to ensure these needs are met if a childs family/caregiver cannot or will not protect their rights. But due to their protracted legal status refugee children have spoken loud and clear. The welfare of kids in immigration detention is jeopardized because the three agencies supposedly caring for them the federal government, the private correctional firm that runs the detention centres and the state government wont consider childrens interests before their own. Where are the kids in this picture while the adults are fighting with each other over jurisdictional and policy issues? They are unheard and ignored. It proves that these children have worries, distress and concern for their unresolved legal situation and their inability to move towards an integration into the Australian community. Many children describe themselves as happy, good, but detailed their depression and distress that accompanied being in a limbo situation. The non-resolution of their migration or refugee situation was their paramount concern. The current manifestations of distress, while particularly concerning are equalled by the knowledge of the long term impact of ‘not belonging; to a community; to a state and to a nation If a child cannot access normal citizenship, then their ability to grow emotionally and integrate themselves into their new country is diminished. These children have the possibility of becoming adults with a sense of frustration and anger that will impact on their lives and will impact on our lives in the Australian community in the forthcoming years. [NOTE: the writer considers the points of this paragraph as specifics impacting her local area of residence surrounded by refugee children] Conclusion Refugee children, just like our won children, need access to education and health care, and have the right to live with their families and be reunited with them when separated. They are entitled to a safe environment, free from fear and intimidation. Why do we recognize this for our won children but deny it for Iraqi, Afghan and Iranian children? We must take them into the community where they can play, learn and grow. At least when our children look back on this time and ask us what we did to stand up for refugee kids, we can say we gave them their childhood .

History of Hearing Aids Essays -- Sound Deaf

The story of the hearing aid depicts one of the most ridiculous timelines of technological advancements in all of history. Although we modernly think of a â€Å"hearing aid† as a small device which is inserted into the ear canal, the reality is that a hearing aid is â€Å"an apparatus that amplifies sound and compensates for impaired hearing.† Thus, I invite you to expand your mind, and draw your attention to the intriguing, and absolutely absurd, timeline of the hearing aid. The most common model of the ancestral hearing aid is that of the simple ear trumpet. This was a small, pipe-looking device which was carved from either bull’s horn or seashell, and was held up to the ear in order to amplify sound. The audible result of such would have been much like cupping your hand around your ear. The next advancement, used in the late 1700s and the early 1800s, was that of the acoustic throne. As these were quite costly to make and buy, they were typically used for royalty and other elites. The arms of the chair were hollow, with a long tube connected to a resonator located wit... History of Hearing Aids Essays -- Sound Deaf The story of the hearing aid depicts one of the most ridiculous timelines of technological advancements in all of history. Although we modernly think of a â€Å"hearing aid† as a small device which is inserted into the ear canal, the reality is that a hearing aid is â€Å"an apparatus that amplifies sound and compensates for impaired hearing.† Thus, I invite you to expand your mind, and draw your attention to the intriguing, and absolutely absurd, timeline of the hearing aid. The most common model of the ancestral hearing aid is that of the simple ear trumpet. This was a small, pipe-looking device which was carved from either bull’s horn or seashell, and was held up to the ear in order to amplify sound. The audible result of such would have been much like cupping your hand around your ear. The next advancement, used in the late 1700s and the early 1800s, was that of the acoustic throne. As these were quite costly to make and buy, they were typically used for royalty and other elites. The arms of the chair were hollow, with a long tube connected to a resonator located wit...

The Symbolism of Self Violence Essay -- Psychology Papers

The Symbolism of Self Violence I enrolled in this class in semiotics in order to see if the semiotic approach would give me a greater understanding or give meaning to what I do for a living. It seems natural that I would try to employ the method with the problems that vex me the most. I hope that any reader of this text will appreciate the attempt at interpretation of meaning and not focus on the sensationalism or strangeness of the behaviors that I will describe. I must give credit for the idea of looking at the symbolism of self-violence to James Gilligan in his book, "Violence" in which he examines the symbolism of violence towards others (Gilligan , 1996) . This paper is an attempt to bring meaning or understanding to the behaviors of the residents where I am employed, specifically self-inflicted harm or self-injurious behaviors. I will first describe the behaviors, then define them in the theories that I have used for many years, and finally attempt to make meaning from the behaviors through semiotics. Jane, not her real name, became upset one night while I was at work. I was called to help stop her, as she had ran into the bathroom where she was making cuts on her face with a piece of mirror she broke from a compact. She made four parallel superficial lines of about two centimeters downwards from her left eye. David was in the seclusionary time-out room for physical aggression as well as verbal aggression towards a female staff. He had taken his tee shirt off and had torn it into long narrow strips, which he used to tie around his neck and to tie his hands and fingers together and still attached to his neck. His arms were flexed upwards towards his neck in order to make the strips reach both. Another boy of ... ...unction well during the other parts of the day. My purpose for writing this essay has been to examine the standard approaches to understanding self-injury and then apply a semiotic approach to the self-injury. The teenagers that I give as examples are individuals whose behavior has defied explanation and treatment through the conventional means. I find some freedom and hope in viewing their behaviors as being more symbolic. References Aaltonen, J, & Rakkolainen, V. (1994). The shared image guiding the treatment process: A precondition for integration of the treatment of schizophrenia. British Journal of Psychiatry, 164(suppl 23), 97-102. Danesi, M. (1998). Sign, thought, & culture: A basic course in semiotics. Canadian Scholarsà ­ Press: Toronto, Ontario. Gilligan, J. (1996). Violence: Our deadly epidemic and its causes. Putnam: New York, New York. The Symbolism of Self Violence Essay -- Psychology Papers The Symbolism of Self Violence I enrolled in this class in semiotics in order to see if the semiotic approach would give me a greater understanding or give meaning to what I do for a living. It seems natural that I would try to employ the method with the problems that vex me the most. I hope that any reader of this text will appreciate the attempt at interpretation of meaning and not focus on the sensationalism or strangeness of the behaviors that I will describe. I must give credit for the idea of looking at the symbolism of self-violence to James Gilligan in his book, "Violence" in which he examines the symbolism of violence towards others (Gilligan , 1996) . This paper is an attempt to bring meaning or understanding to the behaviors of the residents where I am employed, specifically self-inflicted harm or self-injurious behaviors. I will first describe the behaviors, then define them in the theories that I have used for many years, and finally attempt to make meaning from the behaviors through semiotics. Jane, not her real name, became upset one night while I was at work. I was called to help stop her, as she had ran into the bathroom where she was making cuts on her face with a piece of mirror she broke from a compact. She made four parallel superficial lines of about two centimeters downwards from her left eye. David was in the seclusionary time-out room for physical aggression as well as verbal aggression towards a female staff. He had taken his tee shirt off and had torn it into long narrow strips, which he used to tie around his neck and to tie his hands and fingers together and still attached to his neck. His arms were flexed upwards towards his neck in order to make the strips reach both. Another boy of ... ...unction well during the other parts of the day. My purpose for writing this essay has been to examine the standard approaches to understanding self-injury and then apply a semiotic approach to the self-injury. The teenagers that I give as examples are individuals whose behavior has defied explanation and treatment through the conventional means. I find some freedom and hope in viewing their behaviors as being more symbolic. References Aaltonen, J, & Rakkolainen, V. (1994). The shared image guiding the treatment process: A precondition for integration of the treatment of schizophrenia. British Journal of Psychiatry, 164(suppl 23), 97-102. Danesi, M. (1998). Sign, thought, & culture: A basic course in semiotics. Canadian Scholarsà ­ Press: Toronto, Ontario. Gilligan, J. (1996). Violence: Our deadly epidemic and its causes. Putnam: New York, New York.

Peoples Obsession With MUDs :: Technology Internet Chat Essays

People's Obsession With MUDs Patik licks Mary. Mary giggles and kicks him in the shin. Krista pirouettes and falls down laughing. Cislynx seduces Missworld. Ralphie shouts, "who wants to tango"?! I am not having a nightmare, and I do not live in a mental institution. I am simply witnessing the typical behavior of a Multi User Dungeon (MUD). MUDs have become all the rage in the rapidly increasing world of computer technology. MUDs put you in a virtual space where you can create an identity and "chat" with other people. In this virtual world, you are represented by a self-composed textual description: if youre fat, you can be thin; if you're beautiful, you can be plain; and if you're nerdy, you can be sophisticated. This anonymity allows you to express unexplored aspects of yourself, to play with your real world identity by trying out new ones (Turkle 12). In addition to creating an identity, your virtual character can converse with others, exchange gestures, express emotions and rise and fall in popularity. You can even die in a MUD (Turkle 183). Essentially, you can be who or whatever you want, and you can say anything because your character exists only in cyberspace, as does everyone else who you encounter. You might ask yourself why do people bother to spend hours, days and weeks interacting with virtual beings? Why don't these people get out more and try living in the real world? The answer is simple. On-line communication in a MUD is a unique form of interaction because it is the only place in the world where you can leave your "real" life, assume the identity of your dreams and behave as you like without leaving any negative impact on your non-virtual existence. People are obsessed with MUDding because it is an escape mechanism which allows you to ignore reality and live out fantasy. This desire to escape reality is an understandable response to an overemphasis on who you are or to the problems of your real-world identity. As a society, we have created an immense pressure upon ourselves to have a "perfect" self-image. This "perfection" can range from wanting flawless skin and pouty lips to desiring a successful career and a happy family. The demands of creating and sustaining this perfect modern identity are becoming increasingly burdensome, and as your life centers more on maintaining this certain image the desire to escape from the image grows greater (Baumeister 2).

Compare and Contrast Hinduism and Christianity Essay

A. Christian and Hindu Hinduism is one of the oldest religions of the world. Its followers are called Hindus. Its largest following is found in India. Hinduism traces its roots to the Indus Valley civilization about 5000 years ago. It is an intermingling of the  Ã‚  Ã‚   religion of the nomadic Aryans (indo –European tribes) called Vedism and the more sophisticated indigenous Indian native beliefs and practices, often referred to as â€Å"Indus valley culture†(Famighetti, 1996, 654). It has no single founder or creed but drew on many traditions as it evolved. In spite of the fact that it was subject to many influences (a little Islam practices are incorporated into it) it stayed flexible enough to be the dominant faith of most people of India (Hammer 1982). After the Aryans, Hinduism went through many developments and in 1200 AD the religion was officially named â€Å"Hinduism† by the Muslim invaders. There is a minimal organization in Hinduism and an absence of creed particularly because Hinduism operates more as culture than a religion. The religion is so diverse in scope that it does not fit well into the western concept of religion but rather it leans more to a commitment to or respect for an ideal way of life, known as Dharma: eternal order, righteousness, religion, law and duty (Hammer 1982). In a much later time, a new kind of religious movement, Christianity, was founded around AD 30. Christianity is based upon the teachings of Jesus, a Jewish carpenter who resides in the Roman province of Palestine. He was a popular figure in that part of the world because he was known to perform many miracles of healing. His life and his teachings are found in the Bible– the first four gospels of the New Testament; Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These gospels were written by diverse authors (excluding Jesus). Jesus Christ is believed to fulfill the prophecy of Messiah (a redeemer of the world) in the Old Testament. In fact, the main teaching of Christianity is that Jesus died on the cross to reconcile sinners back to God. He offers unconditional love and forgiveness to those who accepts him as Lord and Savior. He gained many followers especially after his â€Å"resurrection† and before long, amidst persecutions; Christianity became the official religion of the many provinces of the most powerful Empire in that era, Rome. At present, Christianity is embraced by many countries of the world (Crofton, 1991, 312-313). B.   Two characteristics of each religion The Christians believed in a Triune God; God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ) and God the Holy Spirit. Although they are three, they are also considered as one (monotheistic). The Christian concept of Trinity is that God is one but manifested himself  Ã‚   in three ways, each with separate function. As God the father, he expresses himself as the Supreme Creator of everything, whether seen or unseen, as God the Son he expresses himself as God born as man (incarnation) with a mission to reconcile man back to God by dying in the cross as a sacrifice for sin, and as God the Holy Spirit he expresses himself as a spiritual Being who indwells Christian believers to impart to them the power and strength to overcome the trials and temptations while living on earth(Boettner , 1976 , 80-81 ). The Hindus, on the other hand believed in a supreme being (Brahman) who is thought to be present in all creatures and that, at the same time, creatures are also considered as part of him. They believed in many different gods and goddesses, but all are considered to be symbols and expressions of Brahman. Each deity can appear in many forms or incarnations. Their most important expressions or manifestations of Brahman are Brahma the creator, Shiva the destroyer and Vishnu the preserver (Crofton, 1994, 304). Although the west may consider the Hindu faith as polytheistic, Hinduism can be viewed as Trinitarian, one God in three major manifestations: Brahman, Vishnu and Shiva. However, Hindus can be accurately described as henotheistic; they adhere to the belief that gods and goddesses are facets, forms, manifestations, or aspects of the one supreme God (Perry, 1988, 230). The Christians also believed that man lived only once on this earth and after he dies he is destined to two places, Heaven or hell. Heaven is for those who lived a godly life on earth, who ask for forgiveness of their sins and acknowledge Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Together with God and his heavenly beings the â€Å"saints† will live a life of bliss forever.   Hell is the destiny of those who persisted in transgressing God’s established Law, revealed to man through the Bible, and to those who did not acknowledge Jesus as their Lord and Savior. They will be with the Devil forever and be tormented without end. Wherever he may end up, death eternally liberates man from a life on earth (Crofton, 1994, 312-313). The Hindus, on the other hand, believed that after a man die he would be reincarnated into another life depending on Karma. Karma can be understood most simply as the accumulated good and bad acts of man’s previous lives, which consequently determines his type of birth, length of life and kinds of experiences in the next life. Hindu concept of reincarnation is the continuous transfer of one’s soul from body to body. Hindus believed that good Karma assures a person of being reborn into a better life. A person with bad Karma may not be reborn in a human body, but perhaps as an animal or insect. In Hinduism, the goal is liberation from an endless cycle of rebirth (Perry, 1988, 230). B. Similarities and Differences between Each Religion’s Concepts of each of the two characteristics, Both religions are similar in their belief of a Triune God (although in Hinduism it cannot be accurately stated that they believe in Trinity because there are other lesser gods and goddesses that vie for worship).   In the two religions the first and second and third persons of the Trinity are similar; as God the creator, God the preserver and God as the destroyer.   However there are obvious and important differences in their characters or functions.   Brahma is considered a very impersonal God because he should not be disturbed by man in fulfilling his duties and obligations as a creator (Cory, 1986, 10). God the Father on the other hand longed to have a personal relationship with man and in fact many verses in the Bible expressed his desire to be man’s provider, sustainer and protector.   He even promised man that whenever man calls him, he would answer him (Thompson, 1983, 812). In the case of Vishnu he is so different from God the Son because of the fact that whenever dharma on earth is threatened Vishnu travels to earth in ten incarnations including as fish and tortoise (Crofton, 1994, 304). God the Son for his part traveled to earth only once to settle the issue of sin (which threatens whatever is good on earth) and to accomplish this mission he was born incarnate as full God and full human in the person of Jesus Christ only. Unlike Vishnu (who lived in milky waters of Vaikunth surrounded by thousands of hooded serpent) he lived a truly human life subject to all of its trials and temptations (McDowell, 1991, 271-276). Lastly, Hindus knew Shiva as a destroyer in a positive way; he destroys imperfections, illusions, desires, attachments, impurities and ignorance for the welfare of the world and those who inhabit it (Perry, 1988, 304). Although God the Holy Spirit can be an agent to dispense judgment on errors like Shiva, he is different from Shiva in the sense that his primary function is to empower men to live a godly life by indwelling in them so that they themselves will overcome whatever is negative in this earth (Thompson, 1983, 1112). Unlike the Brahman who can manifest himself in various forms and in innumerable gods and goddesses, the Christian God does not manifest himself aside from the three mentioned above (Thompson, 1983, 76). Also, while in Hinduism it is believed that all things are part of Brahman, in Christianity God is distinct from his creation. He does not in anyway appear as a fish or tortoise but may use his creation to advance his purposes through the exhibition of his power (Thompson, 1983, 646). With the case of the doctrine of the afterlife, both religions believed that there is life after death and this next life is made possible because of the existence of the immortal human soul. Both religions also believed that whatever man’s state will be in the afterlife is determined by the actions he had while living on earth. However, similarity ends here for both religions because surrounding this doctrine are many obvious differences. In Christianity, there are only two destinations, the good to heaven, and the bad to hell. The human soul is transported to these places and will permanently live there forever. There is no way that his eternal condition can ever be reversed or change. Also his death is the final liberation of human existence, there is no way that he will ever be born again either as man or in any other form. Moreover, his destination will determine whether he will be finally liberated from any human suffering or continue to live with it in eternity. If he ends up in heaven, then he will be liberated from suffering but if he ends up in hell, suffering will be his lot (Crofton, 1994, 312). In Hinduism, however, after the physical death, man is going to be reborn either to a better life or to a worse one depending on karma. Good karma enables him to be reborn to a better life, perhaps from a peasant to a king, or for a bad karma to a worse one from a peasant to an insect. Departed soul search and find out a body, where it can continue doing what ever it left off in the last life. The Hindus believed that as long as the ‘soul’ engages in egoistic and desire ridden actions, considering himself to be the doer of his actions, he will be forever subject to the cycles of birth and deaths and the laws of nature. The only way to be liberated from this endless cycle is to perform selfless desireless actions for humanity and to offer to God detached devotion and sacrifices, acknowledging him as the doer of all (Hammer 1986). This Hindu belief expresses the idea that a person can make up for whatever wrong he did while alive on earth and eventually end up liberated, unlike Christianity where a person can never undo what was done while his was on earth and the consequences of his actions in the afterlife can never be changed. D. Origin and Contemporary Expression of Each Characteristic. Tertullian was the first one to use the word Trinity in 215 AD when the early Christian church was facing a lot of doctrinal errors concerning the existence of God, as various heresies circulated (Cairns, 1967, 122). Although the word Trinity is not stated directly in the Bible nor explained thoroughly nevertheless it was amply implied. Trinity in fact was subject to controversy as it was humanly impossible to understand a â€Å"one God in three persons†. Early Christian scholars were forced to give this doctrine a careful thought and consideration through studying of the Biblical truths. The doctrine of the Trinity is widely accepted by the Christians of today, in fact, it is considered to be central to the Christian faith (Ryrie, 1972, 29).Today Christians make a statement of faith in Trinity through reciting the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Athanasian Creed. Celebrating the Trinity takes place the first Sunday after Pentecost. Christians expressed their faith in the Trinity by making the sign of the cross â€Å"In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit† (â€Å"cross†, 2007, 1). But it must be remembered that the Christian concept of God is a monotheistic one. In Hinduism, the vague concept of Trinity is expressed in the Vedanta, a section of the Vedas (foundational scriptures of the Hindus). Vedas is believed to be revelations of God and its teaching are handed down from generation to generation through the gurus. Written Vedas were made around 500 years ago. But generally, the Hindu religion as a polytheistic one derived its concept of many gods also from the Vedas. Contemporary Hindus today visits Hindu temples to worship major Gods and local shrines to worship their local gods and goddesses (Perry, 1988, 230). The origin of the Christian doctrine of life after death, in Hell and Heaven is taken from the Bible. The writings, which eventually were gathered together and came to be known as â€Å"The Holy Bible†, were written over a period of 1500 years by more than 40 different authors living on 3 different continents (Asia, Africa, and Europe). The first book of the Bible were believed to be written by Moses around 1450-1400 BC (Crofton, 1991, 312). The Christians today, just like those who had gone before them, do not expect their loved ones to live again after death except in the final bodily resurrection when Christ returns for the second time. They knew that the physical separation was final. They bury their dead (usually enclosed in a coffin) in a cemetery and visits regularly to pay their respect to the dead (Crofton, 1991, 311). The endless cycle of rebirth is known as Samsà ¢ra by the Hindus. The precise origin of the Indic belief in Samsà ¢ra is uncertain. However, it is a fact that the ancient culture of India celebrated cycles of nature and human –earthly fertility rhythms. The concept of rebirth may be derived from this. Nevertheless, no matter how samsara originated, the doctrine of rebirth became popular in India in the sixth century B.C. The contemporary expression of their belief in reincarnation can be seen in the cremation of their dead. It is believed that as the skull of the dead cracked upon burning in a funeral pyre, the soul of the dead is released for its rebirth in the next life. The ashes of the dead are cast upon the sacred waters of the Ganges River. Also, the Hindus never set a monument for the dead for the person continues life onwards; it is not shackled to the past (Perry, 1988, 231).

Benefits of rice wine Essay

Louis Pasteur said that wine is the most healthful and the most hygienic of all beverages. It can give the human body 500 calories that are normally taken from fats and carbohydrates. All these energy is completely consumed by the body and will not add an ounce of the body weight (Lichine, et al. 1968). There are several health benefits that can be derived from wine. Aside from being a healthy beverage, it was said that wine can deter food poisoning. It can help wipe out the bacteria that are responsible for food-related stomach problems. In addition, red wine reduces the build-up of fat cells in the arteries, thus it protects those who are wine-drinker against heart disease. Recent studies in medicine show the positive effects of moderate wine consumption to the heart. One of the popular findings is the â€Å"French Paradox.† France is considered both as land of wine-producers and wine-drinkers. It is one of the countries with highest amount of saturated fat intake which is positively correlated with arteroschlerosis, yet there is low incidence of coronary heart disease (Landrault, et al. 2001). Some of the locally produced wines include â€Å"basi† (sugarcane wine), â€Å"laksoy† (nipa wine), â€Å"tapuy† (rice wine) and â€Å"tuba† (coco wine). On the other hand, she discussed the challenges to today’s wine manufacturers such as production of consistent quality products, competitive advantage in terms of product presentation (packaging, label, closure or seal), innovative products, willingness to work hard to establish a thriving business, protecting the natural flavor of the product, identifying functional properties of the product, expand cultivating area for minor but potential fruits for making wine, and utilization of by-products from wine processing. http://www.bar.gov.ph/chronicle-home/archives-list/142-august-2008-issue/2207-learning-about-tropical-fruit-wine-processing This type of wine, when compare to other regular wine, contain a higher level of alcohol content. Regular wine usually contains 10%-20% alcohol but rice wine contains 18%-25%. Unsurprisingly, it has way more alcohol content that beer which only contains about 4%-8% of alcohol. It is natural to think that drinking too much of this wine, or any other alcoholic beverage for that matter, is  bad for the body. It will have side effects such as nausea, hangover, blurry vision, lost balance and lost muscle control. The side effects might be felt earlier when drinking rice wine because of its higher alcohol content. However, there are also other health benefits from wine made from rice. It has been tested to help improve the skin’s protective function and also in skin whitening. In effect, it is concluded that rice wine may be a potential protectant from UV-induced skin aging phenomena. In addition, rice wine has also been linked to promote better blood circulation and enhanced body metabolism. There are citric and lactic acids in rice wine which helps the digestion of the food. When food is properly digested, nutrients are better sorted out and transferred to the proper body organ. There is also research that specially brewed medicinal rice wine can have more beneficial effects than other regular wines. Some consider rice wine to be more healthy than wine from grapes because rice wine contains large amount of protein, sugar and vitamin B2. These factors have been shown to regulate blood sugar, plus vitamin B2 supports the liver giving it more energy to assist with alcohol digestion. The kojic acids in rice wine (sake) decrease your skin’s ability to form the type of melanin found in age spots and freckles. If you put sake on your face or use skincare products containing sake or kojic acid, you’ll also find the rice wine keeps moisture in your skin. Turns out it may just be the most bar-and-body-friendly beverage the country has ever built a national and export marketing strategy around. â€Å"It’s low proof with an alcohol content of 6-7 percent,† notes Sung Ki-wook, a director at the Seoul Rice Wine Manufacturing Association, â€Å"so people with a lower tolerance can enjoy it.† â€Å"It contains lots of lactobacilli and fiber, matching the current ‘well-being’ trend in our society,† adds Kooksoondang Brewery spokesman, Shin Woo-chang. Of course, low alcohol content, gastro-intestinal benefits and a tricky nickname have never buoyed a drink’s popularity all that much even during the best of times. Especially a drink derived from steaming glutinous rice that’s traditionally quaffed from an unwashed wooden bowl. Nutrition Facts Calculated for 1 fl oz Amount Per Serving %DV Calories 14 Calories from Fat 0 (0%) Total Fat 0.0g 0% Saturated Fat 0.0g 0% Monounsaturated Fat 0.0g Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g Trans Fat 0.0g Cholesterol 0mg 0% Sodium 181mg 7% Potassium 25mg 0% Total Carbohydrate 1.8g 0% Dietary Fiber 0.0g 0% Sugars 0.0g Protein 0.1g 0% This wine should be named â€Å"rice beer† because it is fermented from a grain and not a fruit. The Japanese have developed two kinds of rice wine; one being sake and the other a dry one. Red rice wine is a sweet wine, which has low alcohol content. Used in both cooking and drinking. There are three varieties available: Mirin: a sweet wine pronounced MEE-reen. Sake: white wine pronounced SAH-kee. Shaoxing wine: Chinese rice wine. Substitutions; sake or sherry. Chia Fan, Shan Nian and Yen Hung are Chinese rice wines. plural: rice wines Ingredient Season: available year-round How to select: Also sold as â€Å"sweet cooking seasoning† Substitutions: Mirin: 1 tbsp dry sherry +  ½ tsp sugar, OR sherry, OR heat two parts sake and one part sugar, OR white wine and sugar to taste OT white wine. Sake: Shaoxing wine or Vermouth, dry white wine, or dry sherry. Read more: http://www.food.com/library/rice-wine-97?oc=linkback