St. Jude's Children Research Hospital Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

St. Jude's Children Hospital - Research Paper Example These organizations range from government bodies, insurance companies, charities to religious authorities. However, in United States of America, there is no universal health care system. The health care system in the US has always been under debate. In such a scenario, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is one of its unique kinds whose main aim is to perform vast clinical research in the quest of finding new treatment options and providing free medical care to children (Sisk, Elizabeth, Clare, Belinda, and Shawna). The research hospital was funded by independent individuals as well as organizational charities. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is not only one of the largest charitable hospital’s in United States but also among the pioneers in cancer research. St. Jude Children’s Research hospital treats the children from United States as well as from other parts of the world. Above all, the families in the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospita l do not have to give any money for the treatment of a disease that they cannot afford ("St. Jude Children Research Hospital†) The organizational structure of St. Jude research Hospital is run by highly effective team from different disciplines of health care system. The whole team is proactively dedicated to increase the work efficiency and developing Quality Improvement plans. St. Jude Children’s Research hospital leadership is very focused in monitoring the survival rate after the treatment. Within the hospital St. Jude Research Hospital has a Research Community that focuses on the survival rate of the patients. They have set different committees at organizational levels that perform their respective roles which are as follows, Steering Committee: Is the higher management committee that includes the leaders of investigators, head of the projects and chief executive officers. Their main role and duty is to

Prior to Burial Essay Example for Free

Prior to Burial Essay The funeral service industry in the United States is discussed. A brief history of how funeral homes and associated services got their start. The various personnel and duties of those personnel are discussed. In addition, the educational and licensing requirements are outlined. A brief analysis of alternate funeral options is offered as well. The death of a loved on is always a painful experience. The funeral service industry recognizes the difficulty of planning a funeral. The job of individuals in the funeral service industry is to help family and friends design a funeral that meets the needs of the family and friends while also honoring the wishes of the deceased. In addition, funeral directors and other staff members work with different religious groups in order to ease the transition from life to death. There are many aspects of the funeral service industry and they are discussed and analyzed. The history of the funeral service industry is also offered. The funeral service industry has its roots in Chicago. Chicago has been the national center of the funeral industry since the late nineteenth century when the industry began to become more specialized and personalized (Wilson, 1). Prior to the 1830s, families who required the services of undertakers often dealt with people for whom the funeral service was just a part time job. In the 1830s cemeteries began to be created throughout Chicago. Cemeteries were staffed by gravediggers such as Henry Gherkin who was a Prussian immigrant and one of the city’s first gravediggers. However, the job of undertaker was still a part time affair. Many undertakers also ran other businesses when not helping prepare the dead for burial. These undertakers also sold caskets and provided funeral services (Wilson, 1). The growing population of Chicago prompted the creation of more specialized funeral services. In 1868, the undertakers of Chicago formed the Chicago Association of Undertakers which led to the creation of the Illinois School of Embalming in 1884. In the following decades, many more schools devoted to â€Å"mortuary science† were created. By 1920, embalmers in the state of Illinois were required to be licensed by the state. The specialization of the funeral service industry meant that funeral directors were viewed with more authority regarding funeral services and the handling of the dead (Wilson, 1). The changes that occurred in Chicago in the funeral industry spread throughout the country and led to the current funeral service industry. â€Å"Death is a part of life† (Clark. 231) and the funeral industry helps ease the transition between the two. There are many services offered that are designed to make dying and what happens afterwards easier to think about. The funeral service business is thriving (Clark, 231). Living wills have become increasingly more popular due to the thriving funeral industry. In addition, planning a funeral service has become increasingly more complex and funeral homes are now offering the choice to allow them to plan the funeral (Clark, 231). There are more services offered besides these including embalming, cremation, casket sales and burial. One important job an undertaker or funeral director has is to prepare the body for burial. This usually involves embalming and dressing the body. First, the body is drained of all fluids and then stored in alcohol of formaldehyde. The body is also wrapped in cloths soaked in alcohol or formaldehyde in order to keep it moist. The goal is to embalm a person as quickly after death as possible in order to get better results. This is important to families who plan to hold a viewing of the body prior to the service. In addition, embalmers also try to preserve the integrity of the dead person by attempting to make them appear as much like they did when they were alive. Massage cream is used to soften the skin and make it look more alive. Facial features are set using cotton in the nose and shapers in the mouth. Finally, the body is dressed, given a manicure and the hair is also styled (Anonymous, 5). Most people choose to use the services of an embalmer even if they plan to eventually cremate the body. This is to allow the family members and friends a chance to view their loved one for the last time. In addition to the embalming process, many funeral homes also offer to sell caskets as well as cremation containers. These range from plain wood to extremely fancy creations. The one eventually chosen depends on the wishes of the family as well as their budget. Many funeral homes also plan the services including music, flowers, scheduling and burials. This includes taking into account the religious preferences of the family when planning prayers, hymns and liturgy. Similarly, many also offer cremation services. The process of planning a funeral is complex and funeral homes, undertakers, morticians and all those involved must work together to make the process run smoothly. To that end, there are fifty-seven mortuary science schools in the United States that are accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education. From these schools, there are almost 35,000 state certified embalmers and about 32,000 funeral directors in the United States. All together, embalmers, funeral directors and morticians number 139,000 (Anonymous, 5). Funeral directors must also be licensed by the state and this process includes two years of education as well as a one year apprenticeship. They must also pass a qualifying examination in the state where they plan to practice (Anonymous, 7). The last person involved in the funeral service industry is the coroner. The coroner is responsible for investigating sudden, suspicious, violent and unexplained deaths. In addition, the coroner must also review the deaths of â€Å"persons whose bodies are to be cremated, buried, or otherwise disposed of so as to be thereafter unavailable for examination† (Anonymous, 8). This must be done before the funeral director can release the body. There are many things commonly associated with funerals today. Many of these relics are from the nineteenth century when funerals began to become more specialized. These include such things as the coffin, the hearse and the black clothing (Beadle, 870). There is a new trend in the funeral service industry today for alternative types of funerals (Beadle, 870). Many people are reexamining the way funerals have been conducted up until now and realizing that they don’t have to follow tradition if they don’t want to. For example, many people are opting to be buried in custom built coffins that represent their identity. There have been boat shaped, duck shaped and recycled fruit box versions (Beadle, 870). Other people are choosing not to wear black by instead wearing colors that represent their loved one (Beadle, 870). The funeral service industry today is similar to what it looked like when it got its start in Chicago. It remains a somber event most often surrounded by black and sadness. Family members and friends choose caskets or cremation containers based largely on their own personal budget. The hymns and prayers that are said during the funeral service are chosen based on religious preferences and the personality of the deceased. There are a few individuals choosing to go alternate routes but that remains the exception rather than the rule. One change that has been made is with regards to the licensing and education requirements of funeral directors, morticians and embalmers. When the funeral industry got its start in Chicago, the people performing these duties only did it part time as more of a hobby than a profession. They most often had regular jobs also. This changed over time as it was realized that these services were much needed and people in the industry needed to devote their full time attention to the funeral service. This led to the formation of mortuary science schools that adequately trained individuals to correctly prepare a body and provide the various other services that go along with funerals. The funeral industry is different than most jobs because it relies on death to profit. As a result, it takes dedicated personnel to run funeral homes efficiently. This is why education and training has become so important. Families and friends rely on those in the funeral industry to provide the best funeral possible. This is an important job because the death of a loved one is not an easy thing to deal with. Anonymous. (2008). Prior to Burial: Preparation of the Body in the United States. Retrieved on September 14, 2008 from http://www. uwosh. edu/faculty_staff/hardt/Death%20Questions/Prior%20to%20Burial. htm. Beadle, Joan. (2001). DEAD: An End to Conveyor Belt Funerals. BMJ, 322 (7290): 870. Clark, Jocalyn. (2003). Death Becomes Us. BMJ, 327 (4808): 231. Wilson, Mark R. (2008). Funeral Service Industry. Encyclopedia of Chicago. Retrieved on September 14, 2008 from http://www. encyclopedia. chicagohistory. org/pages/491. html.

The Downside to Land Use and Urban Development Essay example -- Enviro

The Downside to Land Use and Urban Development    Excessive land use and urban development are a problem, because it causes pollution and it robs animals of their homes.   When man extends his boundaries into nature, nature has no choice but to go somewhere else.   Expansion and population are the cause of this environmental problem.   I propose to set a standard for land development for every city.   In that I also propose that each city should impose a set number of persons to live in that city.   Each city must impose stricter guidelines for waste management.   Finally I propose that the city set limits for development, and expansion. Land development causes danger to the environment by polluting the air and disrupting geological and animal status.   Air pollution is a big problem with urban life.   Large cities have the characteristic of having polluted skies.   The Environmental Protection Agency passed an act, through legislation, called the Clean Air Act.   The CAA set standards for all cities (Environmental Politics and Policies, 195).   Some of these cities that do not meet such standards include Los Angels, New York, Chicago, Milwaukee, Baltimore, and Houston.   These limits are called National Ambient Air Quality Standards (189).   The NAAQS sets a limit on the amount of Carbon Dioxide, Hydrocarbons, Air born Particulates, nitrogenoxides, lead, and sulfur oxides, and Ozone in the cities air.   Such standards apply for 7 (192).   The definition for Ozone: A strong oxidizing agent with disinfecting properties similar to chlorine; also used in odor control and sludge processing (Environmenta l Engineering, 219).   Ozone is present in the high atmosphere, but at lower levels can be one of the most harmful gases on Earth (Our Poison... ...constantly influenced by their social ruling.   We don’t have except this way of living, there needs to be a change.   We need to prepare for the future, and save what we still have.   We have to, before it’s all gone.            Works Cited 1.) Beyond the numbers; Edited by Laurie Ann Mazur Published by Island Press, Washington DC; 1994 2.) Environmental Politics and Policy; Written by Walter A. Rosenbaum Published by Congressional Quarterly; 1998 3.) Our poisoned Sky; Written by Edward F. Dolan Published by Cobblehill books; 1991 4.) Endangered Environments; Written by James Colgney Published by Apple Tree Inc.; 1994 5.) Dennis Plunkett (American Reality, Phoenix Az) Interviewed: 11-14-98   6.)U.S. Census Bureau (WWW.census.gov/main/www/popclock.html)   7.)Q and A’s About Land Fills (WWW.awma.org/awma/educate/outreach/landfill.html)   

Minority Movements Essay -- Politics, Civil Rights Movement

During the 1900’s many minority and ethnic groups including African Americans, Mexican Americans, and Women wanted to prove that they deserved equal rights, freedom of speech, the right to sexuality preference, and equal treatment for women. They formed several organizations under great leaderships during these movements in order to civil rights and equality. Along with great leaders, powerful organizations, and dedicated supporters, African Americans, Mexican Americans, and women were able to successfully obtain many rights despite constant opposition. [This looks like a strong thesis, but I am a bit puzzled how great leaders, powerful organizations, and dedicated supporters also obtained rights. The sentence is rather confusing as it stands now. You may want to revise to indicate that these were instrumental in helping the cause. Then, if you are going to talk about them, that topic should come first in your discussion.] African Americans were in constant pursuit of equality through the civil rights movement that began in the 1940’s (Roark 843). They fought against racial discrimination, segregation laws, and for the right to vote without prejudice. Discrimination led to exclusion from belonging to professional sports teams (Roark 843). During the post war era in 1947, a man by the name of Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play major league baseball within an integrated team called the Brooklyn Dodgers (Roark 843). Known as a sports pioneer of the civil rights movement, he led the Dodgers to six national league titles and one outstanding World Series despite constant harassment from white players and fans (Roark 843). Several civil rights leaders emerged during this movement (Roark 680). Dr. Ralph David... ...is president?] If you sincerely desire to forward the interest s of all people, why do you oppose the national enfranchisement of women (Scott 24)? The president could not respond. The president made a Pro –suffrage speech for the women who protested and the next year Congress passed the Nineteenth Amendment giving women the right to vote in the year of 1918(Scott 24). All three minority groups used activities such as demonstrations to voice their opinions and stances to gain equal rights in America. Along with African Americans, Mexican Americans /Chicanos continued to be represented among the poor, and gradually won more political offices, effective enforcement of anti discrimination legislation, and greater respect for their culture (Roark 915). Mexican American like African Americans rejected traditional politics in favor of direct action (Roark 914). Minority Movements Essay -- Politics, Civil Rights Movement During the 1900’s many minority and ethnic groups including African Americans, Mexican Americans, and Women wanted to prove that they deserved equal rights, freedom of speech, the right to sexuality preference, and equal treatment for women. They formed several organizations under great leaderships during these movements in order to civil rights and equality. Along with great leaders, powerful organizations, and dedicated supporters, African Americans, Mexican Americans, and women were able to successfully obtain many rights despite constant opposition. [This looks like a strong thesis, but I am a bit puzzled how great leaders, powerful organizations, and dedicated supporters also obtained rights. The sentence is rather confusing as it stands now. You may want to revise to indicate that these were instrumental in helping the cause. Then, if you are going to talk about them, that topic should come first in your discussion.] African Americans were in constant pursuit of equality through the civil rights movement that began in the 1940’s (Roark 843). They fought against racial discrimination, segregation laws, and for the right to vote without prejudice. Discrimination led to exclusion from belonging to professional sports teams (Roark 843). During the post war era in 1947, a man by the name of Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play major league baseball within an integrated team called the Brooklyn Dodgers (Roark 843). Known as a sports pioneer of the civil rights movement, he led the Dodgers to six national league titles and one outstanding World Series despite constant harassment from white players and fans (Roark 843). Several civil rights leaders emerged during this movement (Roark 680). Dr. Ralph David... ...is president?] If you sincerely desire to forward the interest s of all people, why do you oppose the national enfranchisement of women (Scott 24)? The president could not respond. The president made a Pro –suffrage speech for the women who protested and the next year Congress passed the Nineteenth Amendment giving women the right to vote in the year of 1918(Scott 24). All three minority groups used activities such as demonstrations to voice their opinions and stances to gain equal rights in America. Along with African Americans, Mexican Americans /Chicanos continued to be represented among the poor, and gradually won more political offices, effective enforcement of anti discrimination legislation, and greater respect for their culture (Roark 915). Mexican American like African Americans rejected traditional politics in favor of direct action (Roark 914).

Compare and Contrast of Slavery Essay

Intro: During 18th century slavery, three regions of the country had slight to very different lifestyles as well as small to very common similarities. Slavery during the 18th century influenced how slavery went forth for the next century and a half. In this essay I will compare and contrast 18th century slavery in the Chesapeake, Low Country (South Carolina and Georgia), and the Northern colonies. 1. Chesapeake Region a. The early years of slavery in the Chesapeake region were lax. There were few black slaves at first and there were only a few slaves in the labor force. The first set of slaves in Virginia and Maryland were more indentured servants than true slavery. Before the late 1600’s there was a very thin line between black slavery and white freedom. In the early 1600’s slaves that had â€Å"Christian† names such as Pedro or Isabella were considered Christians so they were considered indentured servants and allowed to work off the price that was paid for them and then freed. They worked alongside white indentured servants. As time went on the slave, population there grew through natural reproduction. b. As some of the British planters became more successful and held more land in an effort of their own interest introduced the â€Å"Unthinking decision† (Chattel Slavery) which officially drew a line in the racial divide between Africans (Blacks) and Whites. The Chesapeake region was the first to have and enact â€Å"Slave codes† which would eventually carry across all regions partially and in its entirety. Bills of sale for slaves in regards to children of Black female slaves was instituted in the Chesapeake region saying that the children born to these women would be slaves for life because their mother was a slave. As the slave, codes kicked in slaves were deemed no more than livestock and inferior and could no longer become converts of Christianity taking away completely indentured servitude. It went on this way until slavery ended. c. Tobacco was the main source of prosperity in the Chesapeake region slaves worked in gangs in the tobacco fields because the owners thought it made them work faster. d. The slaves in this region lived in log cabins. 2. Low Country (South Carolina and Georgia) e. Slavery in the low country was somewhat different in the aspect that the slaves that arrived there were already Chattel. The slaves in the low country were mainly Black and Indian slaves and eventually all black as time progressed. The slaves in low country grew through the constant new arrivals of slaves from Africa. Slaves in the low country had a very high mortality rate due to disease, overwork, and poor treatment. Slaves in the low country retained more of their African heritage because there were so many of them and always fresh Africans coming in the ports. By the 18th Century, the low country had almost a 70 percent ratio of black slaves compared to white slave owners. Charleston was North America’s leading port of entry for Africans. f. The main crops in the low country were rice and corn compared to the Chesapeake region. g. The slaves there developed their own broken languages called Geechie and Gullah. h. Low Country showed a great deal of Creolization. This is the first sign of distinct classes between slaves. The creoles stayed in the same areas as whites because they were mixed race they had social and economic advantages over slaves that were on plantations but they were still watched all the time by whites. i. The slave houses in low country were made of tabby (a form of a concrete mortar mixture). j. In contrast to the slaves in the Chesapeake region, the slaves in low country had certain independence in their daily routines. Once they were done with their chores, their time was free to do what they chose without supervision. Although the slaves had this independence, the white people still had a â€Å"Negro Watch† to enforce curfew on the black people there. 3. Northern Colonies k. The Northern colony slaves were perhaps the least like slaves of the three regions. One of the main differences was organized religion. There was also the fact that during the 18th century there slave population in the Northern Colonies was a mere 4.5% compared to the 40% and higher in the south. Slavery was less oppressive due to the Puritan religious principles of the Northern region. l. The slaves lived in the house with their master and his family. The slaves also worked along side the master, his family, and the other slaves on the small farms. Most had two slaves per household on the rare occasion there some estates that had 50 or 60. m. Slaves in the Northern colonies were allowed to become Artisans, Shopkeepers, Messengers, Domestic Servants, and General Laborers. New England slaves had a huge advantage over slaves in the other regions they could legally own, transfer, and inherit property. They also had the least opportunity to preserve their African heritage because of their easier conditions. They also had the highest amount of mulattoes. 4. The commonality between Chesapeake, Low Country, and the Northern Colonies is the fact that no matter what slaves were still deemed less than whites. They still had to abide by the â€Å"Slave Codes†. Miscegenation was banned and strictly enforced everywhere. Conclusion: In comparing and contrasting the three regions there are more differences than commonalities when it comes to their areas. The commonalities are very strong in the fact that no matter how well or badly they were treated they were always deemed inferior to whites even the â€Å"mixed†, â€Å"Creoles†, or â€Å"Mulattoes†. In essence, slaves everywhere were under the same â€Å"Slave Codes† with the difference between the regions being how strictly they enforced.

Biography of Ian Wilmut Essays

Biography of Ian Wilmut Essays Biography of Ian Wilmut Paper Biography of Ian Wilmut Paper | The Life and Accomplishments of Ian Wilmut| Dr. Ian Wilmut with the year-old Dolly in 1997. Dolly was the first animal to be cloned from DNA taken from an adult animal.  © Najlah Feanny/CORBIS SABA| James Ray| Shepherd University| 9/16/2011| | Ian Wilmut is an embryologist from England that is arguably the most controversial researcher in recent history. He is considered to be the pioneer of cloning. He and his colleagues successfully cloned a lamb they named Dolly. He received many awards for his controversial work while enduring great backlash for the ethical implications of his accomplishments. Ian Wilmut was born July 7, 1944 in Hampton Lucy, Warwickshire, England (American Academy of Achievement, 2005). His father was Leonard Wilmut, a mathematics teacher at the Boys’ High School in Scarborough were Ian would later attend. His father was also a long time diabetes sufferer that eventually lost his sight to the disease (Lovetoknow Corp, 2008). It is thought that this experience may have been the early foundation for Ian Wilmut’s interest in scientific research. As a child, Ian Wilmut was raised in the town of Coventry (American Academy of Achievement, 2005). Early in his life Wilmut was interested in agriculture and farming spending much of his time in the outdoors and working as a farm hand (Wilmut, Creating the Genetic Replica, 1998). Wilmut once dreamed of a naval career, but those dreams were short lived due to his color blindness (Wilmut, Creating the Genetic Replica, 1998). As a young adult Ian Wilmut attended the University of Nottingham to pursue a degree in Agriculture. He felt he did not have the business sense to be successful in commercial farming so Wilmut focused his attention on agricultural research. While completing his undergraduate work at the University of Nottingham, Wilmut was exposed to the field of embryology by his mentor G. Eric Lamming. Lamming was a renowned expert in reproduction and after introducing Wilmut to his field, Wilmut knew that genetic engineering of animals was his quest in life. After graduation from the University of Nottingham, Wilmut attended the Darwin College at the University of Cambridge. In 1966 Wilmut spent 8 weeks working with Christopher Polge in his laboratory (Wilmut, Creating the Genetic Replica, 1998). Polge is credited with developing the technique of cryopreservation in 1949 (Rall, 2007). Wilmut was fascinated by Polge’s work and joined his laboratory in pursuit of a research PhD. His doctoral dissertation dealt with the freezing of boar semen and embryos. Based on this research, Wilmut was able to successfully produce the first calf born from a frozen embryo, a Hereford-Friesian named Frostie (Wilmut, Campbell, Tudge, The Second Creation: Dolly and the Age of Biological Control, 2000). This scientific advance allowed cattle breeders to increase the quality of their herd by implanting the embryos of the cows that produced the best meat and milk into cows of inferior quality. Wilmut graduated with his PhD in 1973 and took a research job with the Animal Breeding Research Station in Scotland. The research station was both privately and government funded and soon became known as the Roslin Institute in Roslin, Scotland (Wilmut, Campbell, Tudge, The Second Creation: Dolly and the Age of Biological Control, 2000). It is widely believed that Wilmut began his research in embryology after over hearing a conversation about Dr. Steen Willadsen, an embryologist that had used a cell from an embryo already in development to clone a sheep. Wilmut began applying Dr. Willesden’s research findings to his own research at the Roslin Institute. In 1991, animal activists heard about Wilmut’s research and burned down his laboratory. However, Wilmut was undeterred and secured funding from Pharmaceutical Proteins, LTD Therapeutics to continue his research. The greatest and most controversial part of Wilmut’s career began in 1996. Wilmut and a team of researchers took the DNA of a 6 year old Finn Dorset ewe’s mammary gland, switched off the active genes, and fused it with an egg cell from a Scottish Blackface ewe from which he removed the genetic material (Wilmut, Campbell, Tudge, The Second Creation: Dolly and the Age of Biological Control, 2000). Wilmut used electricity to fuse that mammary cell with its own DNA to the empty egg while it was in the dormant state. He repeated the same process with 277 udder cells and eggs from sheep (Wilmut, Campbell, Tudge, The Second Creation: Dolly and the Age of Biological Control, 2000). 9 of those eggs began to grow and divide into embryos (Wilmut, Campbell, Tudge, The Second Creation: Dolly and the Age of Biological Control, 2000). Wilmut then transferred the 29 embryos into surrogate sheep resulting in 13 of the sheep becoming pregnant (Wilmut, Campbell, Tudge, The Second Creation: Dolly and the Age of Biological Control, 2000). Of those 13 sheep, only one delivered a healthy lamb (Wilmut, Campbell, Tudge, The Second Creation: Dolly and the Age of Biological Control, 2000). On July 5, 1996, Dolly was born at the Roslin Institute. Wilmut has said that he named the lamb after country music singer Dolly Parton (Wilmut, Creating the Genetic Replica, 1998). After insuring Dolly was developing in a healthy manner and securing a patent for his work, Wilmut introduced Dolly to the world in February 1997 as a product of somatic cell nuclear transfer. DNA testing revealed that Dolly was in fact the genetic replica of her mother (Dewar, 2004). Dolly delivered four healthy offspring during her lifetime. In 2003, Dolly succumbed to pulmonary adenomatosis (Wilmut Highfield, After Dolly, 2006). After cloning Dolly, Wilmut went on to produce Molly and Polly, who had commercial value. They were each cloned with a human gene that allowed their milk to contain a blood clotting protein factor IX, which could be extracted to treat human hemophilia (Wilmut Highfield, After Dolly, 2006). Eventually, herds of sheep with genetic proteins in their milk could be produced, turning them into living drug factories for other diseases as well. Wilmut hoped that technology could be used with pigs to create human-adaptable organs for transplants. He also envisioned that certain genes could be more easily isolated and modified. Wilmut did could not have predicted the controversy his accomplishments would create. Media played up society’s fears of cloning human beings. Religious organizations lobbied against the use of embryos in research and called it murder. In March 1997, Wilmut appeared before the U. S. Senate public health and safety subcommittee hearing to discuss the ethical implications of his work. He said†I know what is bothering people about all this. I understand why the world is suddenly at my door. But this is my work. It has always been my work, and it doesn’t have anything to do with creating copies of human beings. I am no haunted by what I do, if that’s what you want to know. I sleep very well at night. † In 1999, Wilmut lobbied for a change to Great Britain’s 1990 Human Fertilization and Embryology Act to allow for the use of surplus eggs from assisted fertilization treatments to be developed for their stem cells. He sits on a Church of Scotland committee that examines the ethical issues surrounding advancements in science and technology. Although he is not a religious person, his focus is to neutralize critics so that scientific and technological advances can continue. Ian Wilmut wrote two books with his colleagues including Keith Campbell. These works include The Second Creation: The Age of Biological Control by the Scientists Who Cloned Dolly and After Dolly. In 2005, Wilmut received a license in the U. K. to clone human embryos for the purpose of culturing human stem cells. His goal was to investigate treatments for Motor Neuron Disorder. At the same time, the United States passed legislation to prohibit the use of government funding for research involving human embryos. Wilmut abandoned his use of human embryos when Dr. Shinya Yamanaka of Japan was able to program skin cells from adult mice to revert back to their original stem cell state. Ian Wilmut’s discoveries and advancements to the scientific community have garnered him several awards. His work with Dolly earned him Time Magazine’s 1997 Man of the Year Runner Up (Time Magazine, 1997). In 1998 he was inducted into the Museum of Living History in Washington, D. C. and was given the Lord Lloyd of Kilgerran Award. He was entered into the Order of the British Empire (OBE), the Fraternal Order of the Royal Society (FRE), the United Kingdom’s Academy of Sciences (FMedSci), and the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE). In 2008, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II of England (BBC, 2007). Ian Wilmut is a balding, unassuming man. He is married with three children, Helen, Naomi, and Dean. While currently out of the controversial limelight, Wilmut is the current Director of the Medical Research Council Centre for Regenerative Medicine at the University of Edinburgh. He lives in the Scottish countryside with his family. He enjoys gardening, the sport of curling and taking long walks (Wilmut, Creating the Genetic Replica, 1998). The impact of Ian Wilmut’s work is far reaching. It lays the basis for possibly treating or curing diseases such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s through the use of stem cells (Wilmut Highfield, After Dolly, 2006). It could lead to better agricultural stock without the fear of deadly diseases such as mad cow disease (Wilmut, Campbell, Tudge, The Second Creation: Dolly and the Age of Biological Control, 2000). Furthermore, his works could possibly be used to prevent animals from becoming extinct. Although controversial, I believe Ian Wilmut’s advances in science are for the greater good. The only concern I have is now that the process is known, what is to prevent some self funded millionaire from cloning humans (Dewar, 2004). It is easier to control research that is dependent on public or governmental funds, but one cannot control those that already have the funds. I chose Ian Wilmut because I was interested in cloning and what useful purposes it has for society. I understood the implications for the treatment of diseases but I did not realize the other uses as well. For example, I did not think that a lamb could be genetically engineered, without harm, to produce milk that could treat hemophilia in humans (Wilmut, Campbell, Tudge, The Second Creation: Dolly and the Age of Biological Control, 2000). I did not consider that cloning could be used to prevent the extinction of endangered species. Time Magazine. (1997, March 10). Time. American Academy of Achievement. (2005, October 25). Retrieved September 15, 2011, from Museum of Living History: achievement. org/autodoc/page/wil0bio-1 BBC. (2007, December 29). Retrieved September 22, 2011, from BBC: http://news. bbc. co. uk/1/uk/7163587. stm Lovetoknow Corp. (2008). Retrieved September 20, 2011, from biography. yourdictionary. com: http://biography. ourdictionary. com/ian-wilmut Dewar, E. (2004). The Second Tree. New York: Carrol Graf Publishers. Rall, W. (2007). Ernest John Christopher Polge. In W. Rall, Cryobiology (pp. 241-242). Wilmut, I. (1998, May 23). Creating the Genetic Replica. (T. A. Achievement, Interviewer) Wilmut, I. , Highfield, R. (2006). After Dolly. New York: W. W. Norton Company. Wilmut, I. , Campbell, K. , Tudge, C. (2000). The Second Creation: Dolly and the Age of Biological Control. New York: Farrar, Str aus and Giroux.

3. List 2 key enviromental issues for each of the Essays - Biology

3. List 2 key enviromental issues for each of the Essays - Biology 3. List 2 key enviromental issues for each of the following region and describe about how are the issues changing: The wilderness North These areas have important economic values in their trees, animals, scenery, and other natural resources. Resources exploitation involves significant trade-offs as these ecosystems are sensitive to insults and take a long time to repair damage caused by exploitation. Many short-term political and economic decisions have failed to look at long-term environment implications. Native peoples in these areas are sensitive to changes in land use or government policy that would force changes in traditional ways of life. Increasingly sophisticated in negotiations. The Agricultural Middle Middle of North America is dominated by intensive agriculture. Original, natural ecosystems have been replaced by managed agriculture Tremendous economic value. Mostly private land- large economic risks. Major non-point pollution source Soil erosion and groundwater contamination Fertilizer and Pesticides The forested West Government and commercial timber companies own large sections of land. Historically, much f this timber has been sold at a loss. In 1993, USFS directed to stop below-cost timber sales. Timber officials claim access to public land is necessary to remain in business and support the economy; conservationists argue ecological and intangible values outweigh economic value. Northern Spotted owl has become a symbol of conflict between logging and preservation. The Dry West Characterized by area where rainfall is inadequate for agriculture, but adequate enough to allow livestock production. Because much of western U.S. is of low economic value, most is still controlled by U.S government. Encourages use by providing cheap water for livestock and irrigation, cheap grazing fees, and access for industrial development. As cities grow, conflict arises between urban dwellers and ranchers and farmers. Increased demand will result in shortages and resulting trade-off decisions Low population density areas tend towards wilderness character. Economic livestock and wildness preservation. Great Lakes and Industrial Northeast: Great Lakes and Northeast are dominated by large metropolitan complexes with large, complex resource demands. Many older cities have declined, leaving behind abandoned sites and environmental problems. One of the greatest problems is water contamination from toxic material Bioaccumulation in food chain. Fish Advisories The South Microcosm of all other regions. Extremely rapid population growth in some areas such as coastal regions Pockets of extreme poverty.

Ufos exist Essays - Ufology, Unidentified Flying Object, Free Essays

Ufos exist Essays - Ufology, Unidentified Flying Object, Free Essays Ufos exist The Existence of UFOs is Real? Was that merely a shooting star streaking across the night sky, or was it a glimpse of some sort of alien aircraft? I believe that we are not the only intelligent life forms that exist in this vast universe, and it is my opinion that the earth has been visited by extraterrestrial beings. Sightings of unusual aerial phenomena date back to ancient times, but only after 1947, have UFOs been widely discussed because of publication worldwide. Moreover, many things support this concept of UFOs existence such as sightings, crop circles, encounters, and abductions. Furthermore, Area 51, which is a top-secret military facility that the government would not discuss about to the public, has been at the center of the UFO existence controversy for many years. The government denies its existence, but how do you explain the 240 or more white Jeep Cherokees patrolling an area that does not exist? This and many other factors are what contribute to the mystique of the highly restricted place called Ar ea 51 and the existence of flying saucers known as UFOs. Although, there is no official data or record about the UFO sighting, according to folk tales, it can be said that people does observed such flying objects since historic times. The first sighting of UFOs is marked since the late 1800 by most of the researchers. Private pilot Kenneth Arnold made the most famous and prominent UFO sighting in the year 1947. In addition, he claimed to observe nine circular objects in the skies over the state of Washington and described these objects like saucers skipping over water. There the term Flying Saucer was born. This event led to the reporting of similar reports in different parts of the world at different times. Moreover, according to a rough estimate, about 60% of such reports are hoax or due to some other reasons. While, some of the objects noticed in the sky were definitely Nguyen 2 astronomical in nature like comets and asteroids. However, some UFOs reporting were also a result of disillusion like clouds. There are certain natural phenomenons that give rise to various hypothetical shapes formation on the astronomical horizons. Most of these halos are also perceived by naked eyes and are called as UFOs by populace. Since 1947 there have been UFO sightings in almost every country sometimes there is something called a UFO wave, which for a short time UFO sighting increases rapidly in one certain area. For instance, UFO waves occurred in Italy in 1954 and in the United States in 1947. Furthermore, nobody can explain anything about these waves and attempts to link them with hysteria, mentality and stress have all failed. However, a good amount of 40% cases are still left to be researched. There are enough evidences that rule out all the possible human errors, psychological aspect and hallucinations. In addition, the reports do claim the presence of extra terrestrial components in the earth's atmosphere on scientific analysis. There are also people that often report the marks that are supposedly left by an alien spaceship at grounds, known as trace case. Such incidents are reported mainly by the inhabitants of remote and rural areas. Furthermore, similar evidence to support the reality of abduction events has been lacking or relatively uncompelling but the physical evidence events such as trace case has been more successful. For instance, a trace case that occurred near Trans-en-Provence, France, on January 8, 1981. The witness was working in his garden when he heard a low whistling sound. Upon turning around, he saw an ovoid object in the sky that approached the terrace at the bottom of the garden an d landed. The witness moved forward cautiously to observe the strange phenomenon but, within a minute, the object rose and moved away in the same direction from which it had arrived. It continued to emit a low whistle. The witness approached the scene of the apparent landing and observed circular depressions, separated by a crown, on the ground. Scientists and researchers are working extensively to mark the presence of life on other planets and their possible intervention in earth's atmosphere. However, no significant milestone has yet been reached by any of the

Admission paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Admission paper - Essay Example Furthermore, I believe that one should never cease to learn. Whether it is learning you do through practice or learning one does through prose, a person is and always should be in a state of learning. Without learning one becomes stagnant and it’s neither good for the person himself nor is it good for society. I am a registered nurse since 2002 and have been working in different positions as a nurse from then onwards. I have given services to geriatric and I liked working for the aged individuals because it gave me a sense of achievement when they felt better about their lives. I have also worked as a nurse at a clinic. Moreover I have also worked as nurse treating patients who were on dialysis and as a med-serge nurse. All these experiences helped me learn one thing or the other about patients and their problems. I want to learn more practical approaches through Empire State College. Plus I want to achieve my goal which is to become renal nurse practitioner. I think studying at Empire State College can help me achieve this goal. I have a strong will and positive attitude which help me sail through all the difficulties and pressures that I face as a nurse at times. I have a good experience and I have learnt a lot wherever I have worked. I am a striver and being passionate about nursing helps me be a better nurse. Which is why, I want to learn what Empire State College has to offer me in order to do my job in a better way. I would like to use this opportunity of entrance in Empire State College to groom myself and to be able to become renal nurse practitioner, so that I can help those who are suffering and whom I can help in my capacity as a nurse. I want to use the healing power that I have as a nurse in an effective

Individual Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Individual Report - Essay Example Based on this concept, I examine my everyday practices to gain self-awareness and to critically assess my response to various situations. Although learning through experience plays an important role in the development of the professionals, often experience alone is not sufficient for learning. One needs to reflect or revisit the experience so that it is not forgotten. Reflection is an operation of mind which gives rise to new ideas and thoughts (Scharp, 2008). This operation helps understand and handle different situations and once you reflect on an idea you gain an entirely new view on how it appeared to you in the first instance. Therefore in my opinion, reflection helps understand a situation better while forming a link between theory and practice. Brigden and Purcell (2014) stated that unless a link is established between theory and practice, reading based on evidence is of little use. Hence it can be said that reflection has helped me develop the most effective delivery in terms of student learning which is also both manageable and practicable. This report shares my personal experiences and reflections on my action learning exercise. We were assigned an action learning task in which we have to work as a group. As a group we worked as an action learning set where we have to work in coordination with each other to accomplish the task of preparing the presentation. I am reflecting on that experience to learn from its outcomes as Surgenor (2011) emphasised that when you become aware of your shortcomings and reflect upon them you take appropriate steps to correct them. Through observation and analysis, one becomes able to figure out the problems and rectify them. This report is a reflective essay to help me learn from my experience of the group work. I used the Kolbs Model as a guide while assessing my experiences in this action learning exercise. Kolb’s learning

Case of Fred Smitch and His Family Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Case of Fred Smitch and His Family - Assignment Example There is a clear evidentiary path between your father’s diagnosis, the effects of his medicine and your own claim that he was not in his sound mind at the time of the signing (World Trade Organization 1996, 1811). Let me outline the reasons that lead me to believe that your claim is unlikely to see a positive verdict. The first test that must be passed for this to be considered a contract is whether or not it is legally enforceable. There must be an offer and an acceptance. The offer must be something that is communicated by one party to another in relationship to what is intended or promised by the contract (Bhana, Bonthuys and Nortje 2009, 31). In this document, your father promises to provide money under specific conditions and this is the offer that he makes. In this document both you and your father make specific offers and both of you signed in agreement. By signing the document, James, you accepted the offer that was being made by your father as well as undertook to fac ilitate those terms that your father laid out for you in fulfilling this agreement. The agreement that Fred Smith wrote with his family and friends can be viewed as a ‘comfort letter’. ... Under the terms of the legality of the ‘comfort letter’, your father would be obligated to fulfill those promises. Also, it appears he fulfilled that promise in 2010 and through that action it might appear that you have a good claim, however, there are other circumstances that would influence the court’s view. The context of the pre-negotiations to this agreement, however, makes enforcing it problematic. The will of your father can easily be proven to have been subverted by a number of factors. One of those factors is the state of his health. His attorney could cite CVA v Amadio in which it was made clear that taking advantage of someone whose will is weaker negates the agreement that was made. The unconscionable act is defined as one where â€Å"the will of the innocent party, even if independent and voluntary, is the result of the disadvantageous position in which he is placed and of the other party unconscientiously taking advantage of that position† (Go ldring 1998, 34). You have told me that your father had recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and was taking medication that made him more emotional than usual, correct? This would likely be interpreted as making him weaker than those around him, with you and your family being accused of taking advantage of his condition in pressing him on those statements towards making written promises. It is likely that just as in Blomley v Ryan, the pressure of the occasion and the weaker will of your father will render a verdict that sets aside the contractual nature of the paper that you had your father write and sign (Chen-Wishart 2007, 374). The strongest evidence that this will be a problem is that you yourself made the claim to Matt that

Augustine's Confessions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Augustine's Confessions - Essay Example statement in the sense of death, the reason why he uses the term, its relationship to his theory of creation and time, and the authentic sense of life for Augustine. For Augustine, the origin of life is the Word of God, and God himself. Augustine refers to his restless everyday life in terms of life and death. He believes that all these will end through death, but God, the giver of life, does not experience the same. He says, â€Å"For You are infinite and in You is no change, nor does today pass away in You† (Augustine and Sheed 8). People with physical bodies have a common fear death, but those with spiritual bodies and a life of faith are not scared of death. They will experience no change, just as God has, if they maintain a spiritual life. They conform to the earthly world, not knowing that is merely a transition to the spiritual world, and hence their life is in death. The sense of death her is that people are alive but do not respect the wishes of God, and hence they are technically dead. Augustine explained that the everlasting fate of the soul is known at death. Only those who die in communion with the church enjoy purification through God. Augustine senses the approaching end of life in his physical body and the beginning of life in his spiritual body. Humans live with uncertainty about the future because they exist physically, and not spiritually. His example of stealing mangoes in Book 2 ridicules how humans seek pleasure in temporary things that can never truly satisfy. Through faith and hope, one can meet their death comfortably. Throughout life, one must rest their hopes in God and not in fellow humans.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"But in this lay my sin: that is sought pleasure, nobility, and truth not in God but in the beings He created, myself and others. Thus I fell into sorrow and confusion and error† (Augustine and Sheed 21). Augustine sees anybody who fails to live in a Godly manner as already dead. The statement about death relates to Augustine’s theory of

Why the modern world is bad for your brain by Daniel J Levitin Essay - 220

Why the modern world is bad for your brain by Daniel J Levitin - Essay Example Levitin draws on the research and works of several Neuroscientists and Psychologists to break the myths of multitasking and explain the physical and mental effects of the modern obsession and addiction to technology. I think the arguments advanced by Levitin sound convincing in view of my personal experience, news reports and similar findings from research around the globe. Levitin argues comprehensively against multitasking to shatter the ‘illusion’ surrounding multitasking and to point out the eventuating mental and physical losses to the multitaskers. One interesting observation made by Levitin is that the chronic tendency to multitask deludes people into believing that they are accomplishing a lot in a short time but in reality divides their attention between too many things to make them less efficient, more stressed and lose their cognitive abilities. Using research evidence, Levitin explains that switching between tasks stimulates the production of stress-related h ormones resulting in clouded thinking, anxiety, depleted concentration. The ultimate outcome is a temporary pleasure but permanent loss of efficiency and cognitive skills, according to Levitin. I find this argument compelling because of my urge to multitask. When I am doing a reading for an assignment, for example, simultaneously I check and respond to emails, instant messenger, answering my phone, and sometimes listening to my favorite music too. If I find myself at times at a student computer lab where I may not have access to my personal email or music, or not allowed to use mobile phone, I frequently get distracted by the thought that I am doing too little when there is a lot to do. As a result, I become anxious for no reason, as just the very thought of missing out on doing several things at once makes me feel stressed.  

Augustine's Confessions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Augustine's Confessions - Essay Example statement in the sense of death, the reason why he uses the term, its relationship to his theory of creation and time, and the authentic sense of life for Augustine. For Augustine, the origin of life is the Word of God, and God himself. Augustine refers to his restless everyday life in terms of life and death. He believes that all these will end through death, but God, the giver of life, does not experience the same. He says, â€Å"For You are infinite and in You is no change, nor does today pass away in You† (Augustine and Sheed 8). People with physical bodies have a common fear death, but those with spiritual bodies and a life of faith are not scared of death. They will experience no change, just as God has, if they maintain a spiritual life. They conform to the earthly world, not knowing that is merely a transition to the spiritual world, and hence their life is in death. The sense of death her is that people are alive but do not respect the wishes of God, and hence they are technically dead. Augustine explained that the everlasting fate of the soul is known at death. Only those who die in communion with the church enjoy purification through God. Augustine senses the approaching end of life in his physical body and the beginning of life in his spiritual body. Humans live with uncertainty about the future because they exist physically, and not spiritually. His example of stealing mangoes in Book 2 ridicules how humans seek pleasure in temporary things that can never truly satisfy. Through faith and hope, one can meet their death comfortably. Throughout life, one must rest their hopes in God and not in fellow humans.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"But in this lay my sin: that is sought pleasure, nobility, and truth not in God but in the beings He created, myself and others. Thus I fell into sorrow and confusion and error† (Augustine and Sheed 21). Augustine sees anybody who fails to live in a Godly manner as already dead. The statement about death relates to Augustine’s theory of

Three Brief Topics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Three Brief Topics - Essay Example Eliade's The Sacred and the Profane are enlightens three categories. The Sacred which is a transcendent referent such as God or Nirvana, hierophany which is the advancement of the sacred into human experience where he discusses the revelation of the sacred in a person's life and the third category is idea of homo religiosus where Eliade considers the appreciation and devotion of one to such a breakthrough of supreme power. He describes numinous experience as an appropriate experience of the Sacred by religious human beings or homo religiosus. When a person can experience the amazing, mysterium tremendum and fascinans, both are awesomely fearful and the enthrallingly captivating aspects of the Holy or the wholly other. In expanding and expounding the phenomenological dimensions of the Sacred, Eliade describes the sacred experience in human being as a crucial point of orientation and at the same time it also reveals the ontological reality which is its source of homo religiosus experie nce. For an instance the space is characterized as the boundary between sacred and profane and thus locates the axis mundi as centre. Thus temples and tepees, homes and hearths become sacralized for homo religiosus. ... According to Gerardus even the most ordinary events such as the customary associations with one's neighbors or similarly one's long familiar tasks prove to be replete with mystic interconnections if one examines them more closely. One can completely ignore his own scheme of explanation in terms of single causes and can misconceive life as a broad current of mighty powers. If, for instance, one of the Toradja tribes in Celebes is preparing for an expedition and an earthen pot is broken, then they remain at home, saying that it is measa. This may be translated as a sign, indicating some future misfortune, but that the current of life has been interrupted: If then one thing has been broken, why not more Similarly, when a Ewe tribesman finds refuge from his enemies on a white ant hill he ascribes his escape to the power residing there. Thus the place, the action, the person in which the power reveals itself receives a specific character. Bearers of mana, for example, are sharply distingu ished from the rest of the world: they are self-sufficient.2 References: - The Nature of Religion. The Sacred and The Profane Pages 8-18 by Eliade Mircea Religion in Essence and Manifestation, volume 1 Chapter 4 Potency. Awe. Tabu. by Gerardus Van Der Leeuw, (1967) Pages 43-51 The nature and elements of myth Q2. Discuss the nature and elements of myth and explore a particular myth using the frameworks in the following texts: Chapter 2- Myth and Religion. In Myths: God, Heroes, and Saviors by Billias Leonard J (1986). Chapter 3 'Five monolithic theories'. The Nature of Greek Myths by Kirk G S (1974). Answer: - Myths are the stories from the remote past as in another world or an earlier stage of this

Japanese Pornographic Animation Essay Example for Free

Japanese Pornographic Animation Essay Susan J. Napier’s â€Å"The Frenzy of Metamorphosis: The Body in Japanese Pornographic Animation† describes how both female and male bodies are depicted in Japanese animated pornography. Napier explains how male dominance over women is portrayed in the different animated films she has cited, where gender-specific roles are usually restored in the end of each film or series. For example, the female lead character in the animated film Wicked City is portrayed as a better warrior than the male lead character, but in the end she assumes the traditional role of damsel-in-distress and mother of the child that would bring peace to their city and its parallel, the Black World. Napier further highlights the often problematic and complicated depiction of male-female relationships in these films. The fantasy behind every transformation a male or female character’s body undergoes in the animated film subliminally illustrates underlying cultural backgrounds, as well as frustrations, of the Japanese. In these films, the female characters are commonly fantastically proportioned with massive breasts and hips, and tiny waists, while the male characters are similarly fantastically sexually endowed and lustful. Such depictions appear to reflect heavy Western influences. The metamorphosis of female bodies is described by Napier as â€Å"controlled† in that they are rather reflective of traditional roles and perceptions towards females in Japanese culture. Meanwhile, the metamorphosis of male bodies is described as more of â€Å"demonic dominance and comic frustration. † While they are subversive to the patriarchal culture of Japan, male bodies are portrayed in the opposite of how female bodies are portrayed. Male bodies are portrayed as either grotesquely demonic-looking or ridiculously child-like. Napier maintains that males do not always come out as the dominant character in Japanese animated pornography. I find this rather arguable as most if not all of the examples highlighted in the reading suggest the presence of a male figure whose role is either to dominate the female character or to support it. Culturally, Japanese are of control-minded and patriarchal culture where every female is traditionally submissive to a male partner. The presence of a male character, no matter how comic or demonic as depicted in the film, can be attributed to an attempt to balance out the portrayal of powers where the protagonist is a female; hence, whether the dominant role belongs to the male or female remains problematic. The presence of the male support character suggests that female characters cannot achieve great power over her adversary without him. An example of this is La Blue Girl where the lead character, a female ninja, is supported by her male ninja sidekick who is portrayed as constantly lusting after her. Napier also cites that male orgasms are depicted far less than male frustrations in these films because orgasms are viewed as a loss of patriarchal control. Patriarchal control can also be seen in the way that female orgasms are almost always depicted in these films, regardless of whether these orgasms are the result of traditional lovemaking or of sexual torture. I find that this is because of socio-cultural factors given the changes in roles of men and women in modern Japanese society. The Japanese male ego seems to be affected by this change so much that their frustration is reflected even in their animated pornographic films. Hence, Japanese animated pornography tend to portray female characters as young and non-threatening (high school girls, commonly) while male characters are either comically lustful (young or old voyeurs) or powerfully demonic. Many of the strong male characters in Japanese animated pornography are depicted as demons, making them appear threatening and ultimately powerful over the females. Even if the female lead characters are able to overcome these demonic male antagonists at the end of the film, these females are still portrayed as traditionally vulnerable to sexual violence.

Benefits Of Working In Partnership Children And Young People Essay

Benefits Of Working In Partnership Children And Young People Essay 7.1 Summarise the benefits of working in partnership with parents and others. The importance of building relationships and making links with parents is crucial. The old fashion attitude towards parents by early years workers was definitely wrong i.e. we know what is best for your child. This was an unhelpful attitude and created an atmosphere where parents did not feel at ease. Talking to practitioners parents felt that their views were not important. Parents did not feel comfortable coming into early years setting (nursery, school) unless they had been invited or had an appointment to attend. This approach and situation has nowadays generally changed and early years workers recognise that working with parents is very beneficial to childrens learning and development. As children come into settings with different experiences and many different needs, the main source of information about children is very often from their parents or main carers. Parents should be treated as partners as they are the childrens first and most influential educators. Working together the long term benefits of a constructive partnership between parents and practitioners will have a positive impact on a childs development and learning experiences. Parents may also feel more encouraged and supportive towards the school. There are many ways in which children benefit when parents and practitioners work together: Children will definitely settle more easily and feel more secure if they know that their parents and practitioners (childminder, nursery or school teacher) get on really well. Children will gain from having a similar routine or approach for example, parents are able to tell practitioners what time a child normally needs a rest, eats or feels tired, dealing with difficult tantrums and what to expect, or the use of a EpiPen if a allergic reaction is trigged and any difficult toilet issues. Practitioners and parents can work together to help a child who has a particular developmental need for example, a child with a language delay may need extra help in nursery or school with speech and some sign language enforcement i.e. Makaton which is a language program designed to help communication between individuals who cannot communicate efficiently by speaking or a child with poor pencil grip may learn the proper way of holding a pencil at school and will also help them at home when writing or drawing. Parents/ main carers are usually the first to notice that something is bothering a child, they can pass their concerns to practitioners who can recognise and help to resolve. Small unsolved problems or situations may become big ones if not treated promptly. Diabetes and insulin dependency is another very important area that needs to be discussed and completely covered so everyones aware of a childs needs. Early years personnel should have an understanding of diabetes and must be trained in its management and in the treatment of diabetic emergencies. There are many ways in which staff in settings can try to build up a good relationship between a childs home and the setting: In order to work effectively with parents most settings introduce an open door policy. The idea is to assure parents that they are able to talk to staff or teachers whenever they have any concerns. This means that instead of having to make an appointment or waiting until for example parents evening, any particular concern or worry can be raised straight away. The open door policy builds trust as parents know they are always welcome to pop in and have an informal chat or view their childrens work whenever they wish. Children also benefit from this very casual approach as they can sense that parents and practitioners are work closely together. Children can show their parents what they have been doing in their nursery or school. It is extremely important as children are excited to show off their work and achievements and they want their parents to be proud of them too. Getting to know the parents is essential in early years setting. Workers need to be welcoming and understand the importance of parents so that avenues of communication are established. Once the relationship is build it is easier for both parents and practitioners to bring up concerns that may arise for example, child has been diagnosed as asthmatic and a pump needs to be used, parents have separated from their partner and the child is aware, a family pet has just died. These are very personal and sensitive issues so the relationship needs to be close and comfortable for both parties. All the children are different and have different needs the same relates to parents. For example parents may be slightly anxious as they leave their children in school for the first time from parents who are experienced and comfortable with leaving their child. We have to remember that relating to parents well is just as much a skill as working with children. Some parents will be uncomfortable talking to members of staff while others will be friendly and feel relaxed. Early years workers will learn how to listen and talk to parents as their experience and confidence grows. There may be times when parents will need to be contacted quickly for example, child is not feeling well, had an accident etc. Exchanging emergency information its extremely important. It is vital that early years workers have the correct and update information to hand i.e. emergency numbers and addresses are usually exchanged during the admission procedure. We should encourage parental involvement as parents often have a lot to offer settings in terms of their knowledge, interests, experience, and in volunteering for activities. Working together can also help bring the community closer together; especially in areas where there are different cultural groupings. Many setting find that parents who come to help are able to bring in many skills and different areas of expertise. Some parents offer to help permanently i.e. reading mums in school one a week for an hour; others may help occasionally i.e. school production. Some parents find that working as helpers boost their confidence and give them the chance to meet other parents. We have to remember that nowadays for a parent to be able to work/help in a setting he/she needs to have a current CRB check by the police. A good working partnership between parents and settings should mean that parents enjoy coming in while the setting appreciates their time and help and the children are able to benefit from having extra adult attention. We have to realise that being friendly with parents is not the same as being friends as this may cause unnecessary problems i.e. parents asking for confidential information, or asking to let unwell child to stay in setting. Professional boundaries must be maintained at all times to avoid misunderstandings. It can be beneficial for early years setting to establish liaisons with other agencies. As a part of the process of helping children to settle in it can be helpful to exchange or gain information from other agencies for example, a previous nursery that the child has attended or from a childminder. Other professionals might be able to give us advice as how to meet that childs needs or might suggest strategies they used which were helpful. They may have also some information or observations or even notes about a particular child, which will be appropriate for us to see and know. Whatever information we receive from agencies should be referenced with parental consent. (The only exception case of suspected abuse). Working with Healthcare professionals. If a child has a disability or emotional issues it is likely they will meet with a variety of healthcare professionals, from Doctors, Physiotherapist, Social workers, Occupational therapist, Dieticians, Orthotics, Speech or language therapist. Parents must inform and communicate to practitioners if their child is seeing a healthcare professional, as for everyone to better understand the childs behaviour. For example if a child is being treated for anxiety or depression and the school is unaware of their condition, the child might be looked upon as being shy or a bad mixer when asked to participate with others, wrong diagnosis can be more harmful as the child is being left out or ignored. These experiences can cause a lasting impression on a childs life, as can a good experience with a caring early years worker or teacher. Working closely with parents, teachers and healthcare professionals can only improve a childs overall achievement and wellbeing to optimise their development and growth. The most important relationship you can develop will be with your general practitioner (GP). Doctors train for at least five years after medical school to become GPs and have an extensive knowledge base with regards to many health conditions .Getting your child used to seeing your GP from an early age will have major benefits as they grow older. Being in known surroundings and seeing a familiar face will help any anxiety they might have about visiting the doctor. Your doctor can provide a wide range of services and give advice on health issues. GPs will also refer you to hospital for treatment or to other specialist healthcare professionals. The relationship with other healthcare professionals is equally important as we need to build trust and confidence with each one. When dealing with patients, health professionals should be truthful and respect the privacy and dignity of any patient young or old. We have the right to information about the condition of our health and any diagnosis or illness. We also have a right to be involved in any decisions with regards to any treatment or care we may receive and warned about serious side effects. Our consent must be sought after and medical records should always remain confidential. Physiotherapists Physiotherapists are experts in the physical treatment and the improvement of certain conditions. Physiotherapists help to restore lost movement and function to someone affected by illness, injury or other disabilities. Social workers Social workers are professionally qualified health professionals who assess peoples needs for care or social services. They will support and find solution, to issues people find themselves in. They have good knowledge of the law, and the social welfare system. Occupational therapists Occupational therapists work with patients who have a physical disability, mental health issues, learning disability or medical conditions. Patients with difficulties doing everyday tasks, such as preparing a meal, going up stairs, taking a bath, or getting into bed. Dieticians Dieticians are health professionals who explain and treat diet, they assess and diagnose any nutritional problems a patient may have. Prosthetist and orthotist Prosthetist and orthotist provide care for anyone requiring an artificial limb, splints, braces or special footwear to assist in movement, they work with other healthcare professionals to provide treatment. Speech and language therapist The role of a speech and language therapist is in treating someone who has problems communicating with speech or language, by helping people of all ages, to communicate better. A patients beliefs or views should be respected during their healthcare, and they should receive treatment regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. It is very important our healthcare professionals work as a team as they are from a variety of disciplines and have to work together to deliver a professional service for all patients. Good communication is essential for effective relationship development. Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia www.daycaretrust.org.uk www.ofsted.gov.uk www.alt.org.uk www.hertschs.nhs.uk www.nhscareers.nhs.uk

The Theme of Racial Intolerance in Conrads Heart of Darkness Essay

It is commonly argued that ‘Heart of Darkness’ is nothing more than a racial tirade from a misinformed Englishman. Although Conrad is not misinformed and has no intention of fronting a racist point of view, when the treatment of Africans in the text is closely examined, the theme of racism is presented so deliberately all other themes merely fade into the background. Conrad’s evocation of the African environment and population preaches racial intolerance and creates a stark contrast between the life of Europeans and Africans. The constant slandering of the African population as â€Å"niggers† and â€Å"cannibals† and â€Å"savages† and the referral to the continent as an immense â€Å"Heart of Darkness† are the base examples of this racial intolerance. But despite this racist viewpoint, Conrad is merely conveying the language and prevailing attitude of the day; that Africa is considered as subordinate to Western civilization. However, Marlow’s observation of the Indigenous population of Africa develops on the idea of racial intolerance. The dancing Africans on the riverbank yield the first example of t...

Analysis of Blinking Hell, a Sight Savers International Campaign Essay

The article 'Blinking Hell' is written for the purpose of informing a number of audiences about an eye disorder existing in economically developing countries. The title of this extract, 'Blinking Hell' carries a double meaning. The Statement 'blinking hell' traditionally serves as an exclamatory comment. For the intention of this article, the author has changed the exclamation to a verb and a noun and the semantics of it become literal. The graphology of the text is like that of a newspaper article, set out in columns with an emboldened title and graphic image. Presumably, this was done in this fashion as it may have featured within a newspaper. Equally, the reasons could have been purely to draw attention to the text. 'Blinking Hell' opens with an exposition giving no clear meaning as to what it's putting across to the reader. By using this short phrase, the author has encouraged the audience to read on and discover its significance. No noun is present in this opening statement and, is instead, immediately substituted for a pronoun. 'At first it's not too bad' In the next paragraph, the writer goes on to describe the behaviour of a child in relation to their eyes. The noun child is used along with the description with average child-like behaviour for certain readers to identify with. The writer is writing this on the basis that most adults have seen a young one perform this action. At the end of this section, verbs and a noun are used within a simple sentence to reveal the main subject of this text piece. 'And that's all it takes to spread trachoma' Throughout the rest of the text, the writer has gone into explicit d... ... written in a biased and un-scientific way as if it was a tabloid article. 'scarring the child's eyelid a little bit more' The noun child has been used to inform the reader of which type of people fall into the category of Trachoma sufferers. The author has chosen only to tell the audience that children are the victims, despite it being a disease that does not discriminate. This device was most probably used to persuade and emotionally involve which is a vital skill for fund raisers of any form. At the end of the article, the author uses persuasive language in the form of a complex sentence as a last attempt to convince the prospective donater. 'Â £5 is all we need for the operation' The verb 'need' is used to show the importance of the operation, thus the importance of the reader donating money to the cause.

Virgin Coconut Oil

Pilipog * The pilipog dwarf coconut is originally from the Philippines. Distinguishing features include female flowers, pink parts including the base of shoots, tips of roots and just germinated seedlings and round, green nuts. Read more:  Types of Dwarf Coconuts | eHow. com  http://www. ehow. com/info_8588814_types-dwarf-coconuts. html#ixzz2BPahLEvi Catigan * The catigan dwarf coconut is originally from the Philippines. Distinguishing features include medium-sized nuts, thick husk, long bunch rachis, round shape with a prominent stigmatic tip and green young nuts and petioles.Read more:  Types of Dwarf Coconuts | eHow. com  http://www. ehow. com/info_8588814_types-dwarf-coconuts. html#ixzz2BPamAIZK Mangipod Green * The mangipod green dwarf coconut is originally from the Philippines. Distinguishing features include strict dwarfism, high self-pollinating and retention of many ripe nuts at the crown due to the nuts drying while on the tree Read more:  Types of Dwarf Coconuts | eHow. com  http://www. ehow. com/info_8588814_types-dwarf-coconuts. html#ixzz2BPaqvpxp Refined * The main difference between virgin coconut oil and regular, organic coconut oil is the amount of refining the oil undergoes.Refined coconut oil means the oil has undergone a process of drying the coconut. This type of coconut oil may sometimes be called deodorized or bleached according to Live the Organic Life. This is usually done outside in the Sun. Generally, refined coconut oil is thought of as being of a lesser quality. Unrefined * Unrefined coconut oil may also be called virgin coconut oil. The type of method used to extract the oil from the coconut is done in the most natural way. This way, the coconut oil stays in its natural form without the use of any artificial filtering which is sometimes used in the process of refined coconut oil.No chemicals are used in the process of extracting coconut oil using this method. * Sponsored Links * Flour Mills Manufacturer Single flour mil l,small flour mill and complete set of flour mill. www. FlourMillMachine. com Smell and Taste * Virgin coconut oil maintains a sweet smell and taste of the coconut, whereas refined coconut oil will lose much of the flavor and smell. An easy way to know if coconut oil is unrefined is to hold a bit of it in the palm of your hand. Unrefined coconut oil should easily melt in the palm of your hand due to your body's temperature.Refined coconut oil will usually stay fairly solid without melting. Copra * Copra refers to the dried kernel or meat of the coconut. Refined coconut oil uses copras. Coconut oil made of copra is generally thick in consistency — notably thicker than virgin coconut oil. Oil made of copra is too thick to use as a moisturizer for the skin or a conditioner for the hair because it will sit on the skin without being absorbed. This can clog the pores and actually do more harm to the skin than help. Read more:  Differences Between Organic Coconut Oil & Extra Virgi n Organic Coconut Oil | eHow. om  http://www. ehow. com/info_8283628_differences-virgin-organic-coconut-oil. html#ixzz2BPf8AlVu ————————————————- Description VCO is a pale yellow to colorless oil with a distinct taste and scent. [1]  According to the standards set by the  Bureau of Product Standards  of the Philippine  Department of Trade and Industry  in  PNS/BAFPS 22:2004 with Amendment 1:2005, virgin coconut oil must be colorless, sediment free with natural fresh coconut scent and free from rancid odor or taste. It should not contain food additives and must have a maximum of . 0% moisture and volatile content to prevent rancidity. [2] ————————————————- Background Natural coconut oil has long been used in the  Philippines, since the raw material s are easy to obtain and the oil is easy to manufacture. Coconut milk, from which VCO is obtained, is a staple ingredient in most, as well as the  coconut oil  itself. Coconut milk and natural coconut oil are also used as hair conditioner and skin oil. When research showed the beneficial effects of natural coconut oil, the Philippines initiated market access for what is now called Virgin Coconut Oil.According to the Philippine  Department of Science and Technology, it was  Mt. Banahaw  Tropical Traditions that first entered the U. S. market in 2000 with an initial export of 800 kilos of VCO, which increased to 19 metric tons in 2002. In 2005, there were about 200 VCO producers with an approximate production capacity of around 250 to 300 metric tons per month. Aside from the VCO used as food supplement, VCO is now also used in other products such as coconut butter or cream, massage oil, shampoos and lotions. [3] ———————â€⠀Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€- Production Process ere are three methods used in manufacturing virgin coconut oil. * Drying. Fresh coconut meat is quick-dried over low heat to produce the oil. * Wet-milling. Fresh coconut meat is squeezed to produce coconut milk. The oil is then separated from the water and other components of coconut milk through various methods such as boiling, fermentation, refrigeration, use of enzymes, and use of mechanical centrifuge. * Fermentation. This is the traditional method. Coconut milk extracted from fresh coconut meat is fermented for 1 to 3 days for the oil to separate from the water and other components of the milk.The oil is then slightly heated to reduce moisture content and filtered. [1] ————————————————- Significance Virgin coconut oil contains lauric acid, a medium chain fatty acid, which once dige sted is converted into monolaurin. Lauric acid is also found in human breast milk, and provides immune building properties to protect an infant from infections and diseases. Monolaurin destroys lipid-coated viruses, various pathogenic bacteria, and protozoa. [4]  A study done by  Conrado S.Dayrit  on HIV-infected patients at  San Lazaro General Hospital,  Manila  showed that virgin coconut oil has an anti-viral effect and can reduce the viral load of HIV-infected patients. [5]Research done by Mary Enig concludes that contrary to established belief, having virgin coconut oil in the diet helps to prevent hardening of the arteries and heart disease more than other vegetable oils. [6] ————————————————- References 1. ^  1. 0  1. 1  1. 2  Virgin Coconut Oil website. (accessed November 16, 2007). 2.   Department of Trade and Industry website. News article on Virgin Coconut Oil Standards (accessed November 16, 2007). 3. ^  Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research and Development (PCIERD) – Department of Science and Technology (DOST) website. News article on Virgin Coconut Oil (accessed November 16, 2007). 4. ^  Virgin Coconut Oil website. (accessed November 16, 2007). 5. ^  Coconut Oil in Health and Disease: Its and Monolaurin’s Potential as Cure for HIV-AIDS. Study done by Dr. Conrado S. Dayrit (accessed November 16, 2007). 6.   The Effects of Coconut Oil on Serum Cholesterol Levels and HDLs  Report 14, Keep Hope Alive by Mary Enig, on the Emerging Worlds of Progressive Medicine website (accessed November 16, 2007). 1. Why is Virgin Coconut Oil healthy? Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) contains no cholesterol. It is high in lauric acid, the main nutrient found in mothers? breast milk that is known to strengthen human immune system. It is made up mostly of medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) making it easier to di gest and absorb by the body. VCO also naturally contains vitamin E, a well-known anti-oxidant that protects our cells from damage.   | 2. How is VCO different from other coconut oils? VCO is made from fresh coconut meat (non-copra). It is extracted through cold process and no chemicals were added in the process. On the other hand, commercial grade coconut oils are made from copra (sun-dried coconuts) and undergo refining, bleaching and deodorizing (RBD), which make the nutrients and natural taste disappear, and may contain harmful chemicals. |   | 3. How does Nutrizen Extra Virgin Coconut Oil differ from other VCO? Nutrizen Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (EVCO) is extracted through an â€Å"absolutely no heat† mechanical process.It does not undergo fermentation where coconut milk is left for 12-24 hours to let oil and water separate. Nutrizen EVCO is extracted and packed within a few hours from the time the coconuts were picked, making it fresh with no rancid smell and taste. | Coconut Oil Extraction Methods By Jane Peterson, eHow Contributor Read more:  Coconut Oil Extraction Methods | eHow. com  http://www. ehow. com/about_5417900_coconut-oil-extraction-methods. html#ixzz2BPlTbA00 Coconut oil extraction can be done through traditional methods or with help from modern machinery.Pressure, heat and motion are forces that are often used to separate the coconut oil from the white coconut meat. Depending on the type of extraction method used, the coconut oil extracted may be completely pure, or it may require additional refining processes. Aqueous Processing * Using water to extract coconut oil is also known as aqueous processing. The first step of this method is to separate the flesh from the shell of the coconut. Next, the coconut meat is boiled in water. As the coconut meat cooks and softens, oils escape from the meat and are separated from the water; the coconut oil is skimmed from the surface and collected.Ram Press * The ram press literally presses the coconut oil from the coconut using blunt force. This type of press utilizes a heavy piston and metal tube that is able to filter out the coconut oil; once the coconut meat is loaded into a metal tube, a hydraulic jack is used to power the press into the meat and the oil is squeezed out from the tube and collected. Ram press coconut oil extraction helps to preserve the coconut oil in its raw state and does not require further refining methods. * Sponsored Links * Yifan – Mobile Crusher Specialized in Mobile Crusher, Export to 50 Countries.Contact Us! www. yfcrusher. com Mechanical Centrifuge * A mechanical centrifuge can be used to obtain virgin coconut oil, which is considered to be one of the purest forms. During this process, coconut meat is emptied into a machine which chops the meat into tiny pieces. These little pieces are placed into a light screw press and the milk is extracted from the meat; then, the remaining coconut is placed in a high speed mechanical centrifu ge which rapidly spins the coconut. Through the spinning process, the oil is separated from the meat and collected.Mechanical centrifuge coconut oil retains a strong coconut taste and smell and requires no refining processes. Ghani Extraction * Ghani coconut oil extraction is a traditional method that uses a giant pestle and mortar system to crush the coconut meat. Today, mechanized Ghani extraction systems are available, although traditional Ghani presses powered by donkeys or horses are still in use. While Ghani oil extraction results in a pure form of coconut oil, it is labor intensive and collects less oil than methods mentioned above. Expeller Method An expeller coconut extraction method uses a mechanized cylindrical barrel to create a pulverized version of coconut meat known as coconut cake. Heated coconut is placed into the barrel where a rotating metal rod is used to crush the coconut. This process helps to breakdown the constituents of the meat to prepare the meat for oil e xtraction. The last step in the processes uses a chemical solvent, hexane, to separate the coconut cake from the coconut oil. Refining is often necessary to cleanse the extract from the oil. Read more:  Coconut Oil Extraction Methods | eHow. com  http://www. ehow. om/about_5417900_coconut-oil-extraction-methods. html#ixzz2BPlgucUh ————————————————- TYPES OF COCONUT OIL Coconut oil has been widely used in Asian and Pacific countries throughout history. The oil is extracted from the coconut and used in soap, cosmetics and cooking. According to the Coconut Research Center, coconut oil was also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of health problems due to its anti-microbial properties. However, when it comes to coconut oils, not all are created equal. There are different types that have different uses and benefits. Virgin Coconut OilAccording to the Coconut Dev elopment Board of India, virgin coconut oil is extracted from fresh coconut meat. During this process, no high temperatures or chemicals are used, allowing this variety of coconut oil to maintain many of its natural health properties. The fat contained in this type of oil is about 50% lauric acids. Lauric acid is converted to monolaurin in the body, which is considered an anti-microbial substance leading to improved immunity. In addition, virgin coconut oil is made up of medium-chain fatty acids, which are believed to be metabolized more efficiently than other fatty acids.This leads to claims that coconut oil can assist with weight loss, which are supported by scientific findings, including an article published in the journal Life Sciences showing that an increased energy expenditure after eating medium-chain fatty acids could promote weight loss. Sponsored Links Soap making machineJiujiang Yixin produce all kinds  of soap making machinewww. jx-yixin. com/en Refined Coconut Oil Re fined coconut oil is extracted from the copra, or dried coconut kernel. According to the World's Healthiest Foods (WHFoods), a non-profit, research-based health organization, refined coconut oil undergoes rocessing, bleaching and deodorizing. It is often referred to as â€Å"RBD Coconut Oil† to stand for â€Å"refined, bleached and deodorized. † This type of coconut oil is often used in cooking because it has a desirable smoke point of about 450 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the processing used to make this type of oil can disrupt the favorable fatty-acid balance, which is often associated with the health benefit of coconut oil. Organic Coconut Oil Organic coconut oil is named for the origins of the coconut the oil comes from.According to Organic Facts, a privately owned website with the goal of distributing unbiased information on organic foods, these coconuts should come from palm trees grown in organic manure. There should be no use of synthetic fertilizers or insect icides. Further, there should be no use of chemicals in the extraction of the oil. WHFoods states that choosing organic coconut oil leads to a stronger assurance of higher quality. However, Organic Facts concludes that it is very difficult to verify the validity of organic coconut oil to ensure that it is, in fact, organic.In addition, it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between organic and non-organic coconut oil in terms of flavor and odor. Organic coconut oil can also be found in the virgin form, which is highly regarded due to its being both virgin, meaning more natural, and grown under organic conditions. While extra virgin coconut oil is a term sometimes used, there is no set standard or recognition of the use of the term â€Å"extra virgin. † Sponsored Links http://www. livestrong. com/article/22890-types-coconut-oil/#ixzz2BPsloYRp The Coconut TreeIn many areas of the world, especially the tropical tourist type of places, the first thing that you see on any of the advertising media be it television, guide books of post cards are white sandy beaches and Coconut Trees! I am sure that most people reading this will probably say something like, Coconut trees, so what about them? The simple Coconut Tree is probably one of the most useful and versatile trees in the world as it is as near as can be 100% usable and many areas people rely on this tree for their survival and protection from the elements and other uses! Typical AdvertisementAs a kid in England, we saw the Coconut Fruit at the fair grounds or carnivals, they were small brown hard shelled nuts which were actually good for Copra, not really for eating but we did not know any better and ate it as it came. The thought that the nut actually grew within the protective confines of a Husk never came to light so you can imagine my surprise when I joined the Army, travelled overseas and saw Coconuts in their natural form! Being from Bradford, at first I did not believe it but when I saw one being opened then the reality of the situation took over and I then believed what I saw, bloody amazing I thought!Over the years I have traveled to many different countries and have seen millions of Coconut Trees but it was really here in the Philippines that I actually saw the many different uses and the different things that can be done with the different parts of the tree. Actual Beach Scene. The first thing that you see in many areas of the Philippines are piles of ready cut Coco Lumber which is used in all kinds of construction projects from the basic scaffolding, roofing, door frames etc. It is not really the best construction lumber as it has many problems attached to it.To get useful lumber from the tree it must be at least 60 years old, this gives it a good chance of giving good hard lumber. Before a tree can be cut down, someone has to climb the tree and remove all the Coconuts, if not, when the tree comes down all the Coconuts will be fired away like cannon balls in all d irections as the tree will whiplash  before it hits the ground! To cut the lumber is not easy as there is no grain  as you get on a normal tree  just a fibre type of structure which gives all kinds of problems when cutting which makes the chain saw the preferred tool for cutting the lumber.In the same tree you will get both hard and soft wood, if the tree is cut before it is really mature, the soft parts of the tree will dry out like Balsa Wood which is pretty useless for any purpose with the exception of firewood and it burns so fast its really not much good for that! A Modern Dwarf Coconut Plantation. One English friend of mine ordered some Coco Lumber to construct a building but was very unhappy with what was delivered. He complained that the lumber was too soft and had water coming out of it and said it was reject and he would return it!I advised him to use it straight away while it was still fresh but he kept on complaining for another couple of months before he cooled do wn and decided to use it! His next complaint was that he could not drive a nail into it as it was too hard, in the end he had to pre drill every hole and use concrete nails to join the pieces together! A very sad part of this story is that the Coconut Trees as we know them are being chopped down by the millions for the building trade but unfortunately they are being replaced with new Dwarf Varieties which will produce Coconuts within 5 years but will never grow to the size to give any amount of lumber.The outer skin of the tree can be used for making fences as it is very tough and braves the elements very well. I used it when we had our Carinderia to clad the inside walls. Once varnished it looks very good and makes an unusual but pleasing to the eye type of finish. Harvesting. As the tree is growing we all know that coconuts are harvested, this is about every 3 to 4 months. The younger nuts are opened and the soft sweet meat, Buko is the local name, is eaten and the juice can be dr unk. The milk of the Coconut is really full of every good thing that the body needs to survive with the exception of potassium which you get from bananas!In the Second World War, many prisoners of war owe their lives to the healthy milk and meat of the Coconut! As a piece of usless information, did you know that more people are killed every year by falling Coconuts than are killed by Sharks! Beware or Ouch. Within the older nuts, the meat is thick and hard and is called Copra, this meat is first dried and then processed into all kinds of things, oil, soap, cosmetics and even fuel for vehicles! Without the Coconut many of the worlds female population might not be quite as good looking as the Coconut products do wonders for their skin!That’s not quite the end of the actual Coconut as the shell can be cooked and turned into a type of high quality charcoal while the husk can be processed and turned into very hard wearing door mats or as I remember once again from being a kid, the big and very course floor mats in the school gym! In some households the maids will use half of the coconut husk under one foot and will polish the floors to a high shine while dancing to music! This could be a good workout for some of you ladies out there! Tuba Collector with his collector. Pretty impressive for just a tree don’t you think but there is more!As the tree is still alive, local people the world over milk the sap from the tree and let it ferment into Tuba or Palm Wine as it is called in some countries. The problem with this harvest is that the men in the household get the younger members to do the daily harvest then the older men like to drink it! The wives, who want to sell the Coco Vinegar are prepared for this so usually allow the men to have one container to drink while they secretly squeeze calamansi juice into the rest causing the fermentation process to start immediately thus making the sap wine undrinkable!Ready to Harvest. Once the tree has been cut dow n, within the top portion is what they call Coconut Heart. This is a kind of vegetable I suppose but is very good to eat and is made into several dishes including spring rolls! The leaves of the tree are used for roofing material and is totally waterproof if maintained correctly. The Philippine name for this kind of roof is Local Zinc! Many people who visit the Philippines are truly amazed when they shelter under a Coco Nipa Roof and stay dry.There are probably more uses for the Coconut Tree which I have not discovered yet but I am sure that by now, the next time that you see a Coconut Tree you might think of this useful edition to any country in a different light! In Dubai for instance they have even built a new island in the shape of a Coconut tree! Weird. ————————————————- Philippines: Researchers develop high-yield coconut varieties by making hybrids out of hybrids The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) is succeeding n its 16-year search for ideal coconut varieties to replace aging and unproductive coconuts through a novel method, making synthetic varieties out of hybrids and ensuring higher yields through better coco juice, copra and other byproducts. Administrator Oscar Garin has been trying to implement a replanting system that would reduce substantially the tall varieties favored by Filipino farmers and replace them with hybrids that come from multiple ancestors, with most of the planting materials developed in the silty, clay loam of the 425-hectare San Roque PCA farm in Zamboanga City.Garin, who has been in the forefront of the battle against the invasive coconut pest Brontispa longissima, earlier slapped a moratorium on the cutting of coconut trees to preserve tree stands that had been saved from the pest and improve production. For nearly 70 years, the country dictated copra prices since the Philippines sold nearly 80 percent of its domes tic production of coconuts, scientifically known as Cocos nucifera L. PCA breeders at the Zamboanga Research Center (ZRC) are actually working to develop a unique farmers’ variety that would fit the tradition of planting seeds from any high ? ielding tree for successive cropping. Since the late 70s, PCA had been developing an open pollinated variety (OPV) through the hybridization of hybrids of six Tall coconut cultivars, with research intensifying in the last 16 years. Thus, they have developed a genetically multi-ancestored coconut variety that combines the agronomic qualities of the four local farmers’ traditional Tall varieties (Laguna, Bago Oshiro, Baybay and Tagnanan) and two foreign varieties (West African and Rennel. According to Garin, the results of this untried method of coconut breeding could provide the answer to the country’s persistent need for low input, high quality planting material. In effect, the PCA’s work is the pioneering geneticall y enhanced coconut variety that combines high yield precocity, vigor and durable genetic stability from generation to generation, said Ramon Rivera, head of ZRC’s breeding and genetics division. The synthetic variety, now known as PCA Syn Var001, Rivera, along with PCA breeders G. A. Santos, S.M. Rivera, E. Emanuel and G. B. Baylon, noted that to revive and develop the coconut industry, there was a need to use fertilizers to increase yield in old strands and accelerate replanting of â€Å"senile† and unproductive palms. The hybrids grow faster and are more precocious apart from producing higher and more stable yield of copra. However, they produce many small nuts and are threatened by short lifespans due to the influence of dwarf parent and could be unsuitable for the partiality of farmers to use seeds for a net crop.Using the seeds from hybrid varieties or simply planting second generation filial seeds was discouraged mainly due to its disastrous results technically, the second generation seeds were mixtures of all sorts of individuals resulting from combined effects of open pollination, cross pollination, self ? pollination and backcrossing that occurs during the time of pollination. In overcoming the problem, the PCA focused its breeding strategy on the farmers’ practice. The idea was to breed and select coconut planting materials with high and stable yield. It should also reproduce through open pollination.In their research, the PCA breeders found that coconut hybrids were good, but developing countries like the Philippines could hardly sustain their use. As they cited in their study, â€Å"the use of the synthetic variety offered prospects but it would take a long time before we can perfect this unconventional method. † Yet, they also quickly pointed out that this unconventional method of â€Å"making ‘hybrids out of hybrids’ could be the cheapest and sustainable answer to the persistent problem of supplying elite planting materials for the country’s planting and replanting program. Today, the propagation of the synthetic variety is being considered by the PCA as the ultimate strategy in the mass propagation of improved materials. (biolife news service) Philippines: Coconut seed farms eyed for synthetic variety The Department of Agriculture through the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) is eyeing the establishment of more coconut seed farms in strategic coconut-growing areas for its latest hybrid, the Orgullo Tall SV San Ramon Coconut Variety.Otherwise known as the synthetic coconut variety, this superior coconut breed developed by scientists at the Philippine Coconut Authority -Zamboanga Research Center is a high-yielding coconut variety recognized as the first in the world, said Ramon L. Rivera, head of the PCA-Zamboanga Research Center. Rivera presented the business prospects for technology transfer during an investor’s forum at the Nido Fortified Science Discovery Center at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City last week as part of the 5th National Biotechnology Week celebrations. Dubbed as OK ang Kabuhayan Sa Biotech! the forum aims to commercialize products of agricultural biotechnology through public-private partnership, said Department of Agriculture-Biotechnology Program Office (DA-BPO) outgoing director Alicia Ilaga. She said through technology transfer, the DA-PCA and her office aims to encourage investors to help put up coconut seed farms all over the country to meet the expected increase in the demand for coconut both here and abroad. â€Å"With the increasing demand for coconut because of the biofuels law, the prospects for putting up coconut seed farms are bright,† she said.According to Rivera, the product, the first in the country and recognized as the first in the world, has a yield potential of 7,730 to 20,540 nuts per hectare or equivalent to 3. 2 to 6. 7 tons of copra per hectare. He said the synthetic coconut variety produces 60 to 150 nuts per tree, a 50- to 260-percent more than the current average of 43. â€Å"Unlike the hybrid palms, second generation SV San Ramon nuts can be replanted and assured to bear fruits even more. This pioneering genetically enhanced coconut variety combines high yield precocity, vigor, and durable genetic stability from generation to generation.This characteristic of the SV San Ramon fits the farmers’ unique tradition of planting seeds from any high-yielding tree for successive cropping,† he said. According to the DFA-BPO, coconut production constitutes one of the four major sectors of Philippine agriculture, the others being rice, corn, and sugar. Coconut is planted in 3. 258 million hectares, which accounts for 27 percent of the total agricultural lands. About one-third of the Philippine population depends mainly on coconut production for its livelihood.Sixty-eight (68) of the 79 provinces in the country are in the coconut regions, producing an average of 14 bill ion nuts annually. In terms of export earnings, coconut is rated as an $800-million industry. These facts could only underscore the coconut industry to obviously be of crucial importance to the country, Rivera stressed. â€Å"A 50-hectare farm requires an estimated initial investment of P12 million. Financial projections showed that this investment could generate an IRR of 38 percent, with payback period of 10 years,† he said.Meanwhile, individual farmer-investors who would like to develop a one-hectare of Syn Var monocrop, needs an estimated amount of P65,000. This amount excludes the cost of lot for development. In a 25-year projected production period, an IRR of 30 percent and a payback period of 11 years could be achieved, he said. Orange Dwarf Coconut, is a beautiful yellow and orange colored variety of Coconut commonly grown in Konkan region of India. In Konkani, this variety is known asGendale. Many of my family members who own farmlands and ancestral fields take great pride in harvesting this variety of Coconut.I have vivid memories of sipping farm fresh coconut water drawn from freshly plucked Coconuts from my Grandfather's farmlands. In those days, Coconuts were an easily available commodity and paying for a bunch of them was certainly unheard of. The Orange Dwarf coconut tree grows to about 10-15 metres in height as opposed to conventional Coconut trees which shoot anywhere from 20 to 50 metres in height depending on the soil, climate and type of nutrition provided to the tree. When I was a child this variety was a common one.However now with less forest regions and dwindling green fields and farmlands this Coconut is becoming a very rare and precious variety. A chilled glass of this coconut water is by and far the best and tastiest one I've ever had. Many agro and horticulture based initiatives are currently being undertaken to propagate and multiply this rare and precious variety of Coconut. Difference between a brown coconut and a green co conut? There is only one coconut, produced by the coconut palm tree, which may come in green or red/orange colours.The difference in green or brown is simply differing stages of maturation. Green or young coconuts commonly have their tops sliced off, add a straw and presto you have a ready-made refreshing tropical drink! That is  coconut water, which is very different from the  coconut milk  used in cooking. The meat is tender and translucent, which you can scrape out to eat after your drink or add it to fruit salads & canned mixed fruits for a tropical twist. Brown or mature coconuts are commonly sold with the already brown dried husk removed.The meat has become more firm and opaque white. I understand that some people produce coconut milk by mixing the meat with the coconut water eg. Hawaiians. In South East Asia, the brown shell with just a thin layer of meat left is ground up. The fresh ground coconut is placed in a muslin bag with 1 cup of water added, the bag is then squ eezed to produce thick coconut milk (equivalent to canned coconut cream); this is used in SE Asian desserts & added at the end of cooking curries for extra creaminess & coconut flavour.After the first squeezing, about 4 cups of water are added for the second squeezing to produce a thinner coconut milk that is more liquid. This can be added during the curry cooking process, for desserts, making coconut rice etc. Note that if you let coconut milk boil, it tends to separate and the resultant curry has a higher chance of turning rancid. And yes, you need to refrigerate coconut milk as it spoils fast.