The Need to Introduce Flexible Benefit Plans for Employees

The employees of today†s workforce are divers. With such a workforce at hand, an employer must have a flexible benefit plan to match the composition of its employees. Flexible benefit plans are a written plan under which employees of a company are allowed to choose two or more benefits consisting of cash and qualified benefits (Everett & Miller, 1994). Some benefits offered under a flexible benefit plan are health care, dental, reimbursement accounts, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment coverage, long-term disability, vacation, retirement savings, spouse accidental death and dismemberment coverage, and dependent care (Kleiner & Sparks, 1994). A young couple can be assured that their jobs not only meet the daily needs of their growing family, but that their children are covered for very little cost in their own employer-provided hospitalization and health care insurance. A worker employed by the same organization, approaching retirement, can choose benefits that will maximize his/her retirement income as much as possible. With his/her own children grown-up, he/she needs to attend only to his/her own needs. Also known as â€Å"cafeteria plans,† the organization offering a choice of applicable benefits to their employees ensures that the benefits for which they pay are the most useful for each of their employees. Costs are rising in almost every area of benefit provision and administration. The organization is able to secure more favorable rates for those benefits used, if the organization is not required to provide the same service to each employee (Webster, 1996). Employee benefit plans have had a long history, and can be traced back to 1794, when the first profit-sharing plan was created by Albert Gallatin in his glassworks in Pennsylvania (Kleiner & Sparks, 1994). Another notable benefit plan includes those made by the American Express Company in 1875 with the first private pension plan, and the first group annuity contract issued in 1921 by the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (Kleiner & Sparks, 1994). These early benefit plans were only the beginning of the benefit packages. As it turns out, the Social Security Act of 1935 gave employees across the country a legal framework that supported the development of many forms of employee benefits. Very few employers provide full family health care coverage at no cost to the employee in today†s world, but everyone can save when they provide that coverage only to those who need it. Even though the employee almost always shares the cost now, the employer still provides the major portion of the cost of health care insurance. In today†s increasingly competitive business climate, everyone is forced to operate as efficiently as possible. The advantage to the organization and employees of having a flexible benefit plan is clear. Businesses are not required to pay for services its employees will never seek. For instance, pediatric care was provided across the board in one organization, a significant numbers of the company†s leadership were well past the point of needing that type of coverage for their family (Webster, 1996). Flexible benefit plans can be a very important tool for recruiting new employees and retaining current employees. Also, the costs of administering such plans may be offset to a large extent by the payroll tax savings generated when employees convert previously taxable compensation and income into a nontaxable fringe benefit tax (Everett & Miller, 1994). Flexible benefit plans also provide the employee with the advantage of being able to ensure that benefits chosen are those that best meets their needs. The primary advantage of flexible benefit plans is that the employer and employee receive certain tax advantages. This depends on the types of programs the employee chooses. In some cases, the employee may choose cash rather than any benefits at all, but that option is dependent on company policy. For instance, many companies offer pay in lieu of off the job vacation time, but other companies insist that employees take their accrued vacation time. Another advantage of flexible benefit plans is the ability of the organization to shift some of the cost of benefits to the employees who use them, while simultaneously offering tax advantages in other areas such as 401K plans. Any benefit that is not paid in cash, but is treated as such, is taxable to the employee, but the employee tax liability decreases the employer†s. Any benefit that does not satisfy the nondiscrimination clause of the Internal Revenue code is taxable (Webster, 1996). Other benefits are nontaxable either to the employee or to the employer. To be nontaxable, the benefit must be a qualified benefit under Section 125. Such qualified benefits include accident or health plans, disability benefits, accidental death and dismemberment benefits, the first $50,000 of group term life insurance, a group dependent care assistance plan, and a group legal services plan (Webster, 1996). A disadvantage of flexible benefit plans is that employees are often overwhelmed by the numerous choices a plan may have to offer. In many cases, companies are contracting accountants, financial planners, investment counselors and other consultants to help employees wade through the vast array of options (Jurek, 1995). Such consultant use increases the employers† costs of providing the flexible benefits plans, but employers believe the guidance is needed. As for the IRS, it only requires organizations make flexible benefit plans available to all employees, not explain the intricacies of all options. Employers† that provide flexible benefit plans show the desire to in increase employees† loyalty to the company. In an increasingly tight labor market and faced with the necessity of operating as efficiently as possible, in order to remain competitive, employers view the flexible benefit plan as a tool to enhance employee morale. Flexible benefit plans are also used to improve employer-employee relationships, reduce overall costs of providing benefits, and reduce the incidence of employee turnover (Leonard, 1994). Replacing an employee can cost more than the annual salary of that employee, so it is to the employer†s advantage to retain as stable a workforce as possible (Leonard, 1994). From both the employer and the employee point of view, flexible benefit plans make sound financial sense (Kleiner & Sparks, 1994). These plans provide a way for employers to control and budget benefit cost. At the same time, it is also a way for employees to enhance their benefits while paying expenses with pre-taxed dollars.

Heritage Listed Sites- Should It Be Open to Public or Kept Private Essay

Did you know that there are 962 properties listed as heritage sites in the world? As we aware the Kakadu National Park, Uluru, Shark Bay and Great Barrier Reef in Australia are also listed as world heritage sites. However, there are currently 38 properties listed in danger because of various reasons; unable to support with technical, scientific expertise in some areas or â€Å"pollution, uncontrolled urbanization, unchecked tourism† (Amanpour, 2012) in many cases. UNESCO (2013) states that the Tourism impacted on the sites greatly since â€Å"the world heritage properties are among the most popular and heavily promoted tourist destinations in many countries. The dramatic current and projected growth of international and domestic travel represents both challenges and opportunities for World Heritage Sites and surrounding populations. Poorly managed tourism at a site can pose major threats to heritage in all of its forms and degrade the quality of the visitor experience†. For instance, The Great Barrier Reef was declared as a world heritage area in 1981, there have been more than two million people visited the reef each year and generated more than â€Å"$AU2 billion in tourism dollar, making tourism a major earner for the north-eastern Australian economy† and also gave negative impact that damaged fragile corals by reef walking, polluted in the water with human activities not only fuels from boats but associated with †run -off sweat and suntan lotion† affected on the reef environment (Australia Government, 2007). There is a question arose for the heritage listed sites whether it should be open to public or kept private in order to protect and conserve them. It is a controversial topic on the public access to the heritage listed sites; some people may say that the sites should be kept in private in order to protect the area, or some say it should be open to public so it will bring the great benefit to economy. W hile tourism can provide a way to educate the public on the importance of the reef, the constant flow of people over a few select areas of the Great Barrier Reef region can also pose some problems†. A director of Centre of Future Studies believes that â€Å"There is a conflict between environmental concerns and commercial interests† in terms of heritage listed sites (SMH, 2006).It will be discussed the potential benefits and damages for both cases and solutions that can compromise the benefit and the issues. World Heritage Listed Site refers to â€Å"a place (such as a forest, mountain, lake, desert, monument, building, complex, or city) that is listed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization ( UNESCO) as of special cultural or physical significance.† as per Wikipedia (2013). There are 190 states parties ratified The World Heritage Convention, as of September 2012, to help these countries with heritage listed sites in terms of maintaining and conserving the sites ( UNESCO, 2013). By all means that a place listed as world heritage site, the place will be supported by UNESCO in relation with protecting and maintaining the sites with well structured plan. W hat is it that makes the sites so important; many countries have formed as ‘rescue team’ to protect the heritage sites? There are a number of reasons as the following: It is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage is both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa’s Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world’s heritage (UNESCO, 2013). In addition, the heritage listed sites reflects the way the past lived, thoughts or even the changes geographically over the time in the area which is a great source for researches and studies, the sites also involve the culture of the society. The World Bank defines â€Å"culture as the whole complex of distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional features that characterize a society or social group. It includes not only arts and letters, but also modes of life, the fundamental rights of the human being, value systems, traditions, and beliefs† (cited on Endresen, p 5). Janet Stephenson, of Dunedin, who is New Zealand historic places trust representative states the importance of the heritage listed sites as â€Å"this is something you don’t get in a museum and †¦ each of these places has heritage role† (cited on Allan, D. The South Times, p19). Also, Australian Government states the importance of heritage listed sites for education, it is important to â€Å"inspire students to explore our unique world heritage listed places and develop an appreciation of heritage values. An understanding of heritage place in Australia and their significance in the world will encourage young people to appreciate and help preserve them for future generation† (Environment Government, 2011). As mentioned earlier, it leaves a big question on how to protect the heritage listed sites, should it be open to public or kept private? There are number of reasons it should open to public. First of all, it can bring great benefits monetarily to local and country as whole, according to Department of Environment and Conservation, Government of Western Australia, it increases wealth of local community, in which the heritage listed site is located, and enable to promote the areas to domestic and international visitors. Harriott states the marine tourism industry is a major contributor to the Australian economy, with an estimated direct value in excess of $1 billion (Wachenfeld et al, 1998 cited 2002, p12). For example, Australian icons such as Uluru , The Great Barrier Reef, and The Tasmanian Wilderness attracted a great number of visitations for both nationally and internationally which was result of heavily featuring in Tourism promotion since the sites listed as world heritage (Shark Bay, 2009). By the booming in Tourism, the area needed more facilities to accommodate the visitors with hotels, restaurants, retail shops and entertainments which created employment opportunity. Producer groups such as construction firms, skilled tradespeople and unskilled workers benefited from extra work created in the heritage sector; also increased local and government income from worker’s tax (Abelson, 2000). Another example –Zhan-gjia-jie National Park, is China’s first national park and also well-known for the ‘Avatar’ Hollywood movie. For this reason, tourism has boomed in the region resulted in generating economic wealth, creation of jobs and development opportunities for local residents. â€Å"Zhan -gjia-jie receives up to 40,000 tourists a day during its high season† (UNWTO, 2011). Secondly, the positive economic impact gained through the profit in Tourism can lead to positive impact on Heritage sites- providing fund for site preservation and management: â€Å"In 1995 the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) provided a $1.7 million grant to help preserve prehistoric cave paintings at 260 sites within the Capivara Park, a W orld Heritage Site in north-eastern Brazil. The grant included funding to improve roads in order to stimulate tourism as a source of income for local residents, thereby improving economic conditions and helping to reduce activities that were destroying the sites† (cited on Andresen, 1999, p8). Thirdly, â€Å"Visitors to World Heritage sites can learn about natural, cultural and historical characteristics† (Alberta, 2012) . Having a real experience of the heritage listed sites by touching, looking and feeling the existence of the property will be definitely different from learning by photos and story -telling. In spite of the benefits aforementioned, promoting Tourism can negatively impact on the sites itself and the environment due to constructions, pollution and over urbanization. The site will need to accommodate the tourists in hospitality needs; hotels, restaurants and bars, and with other activities to explore that sites, it cannot avoid having a development in the area. There are examples of heritage sites damaged from Tourism such as Angkor Wat which is a temple complex in Cambodia, and the Inca fortress of Machu Picchu in Peru are often cited as places of world-historical importance where a vast influx of tourists may be causing serious damage (The economist, 2012). Also, some researchers clearly demonstrate that The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral system in Queensland (Wikipedia, 2012), is being damaged (GBRMPA, 2009 cited on Great barrier reef foundation, 2009) and â€Å"lost half of its coral in the past 27years† ( Holland, 2012) by human activities such as fishing, mining, farming and unsorting rubbishes, University of Michigan also states that â€Å"the human based pollution caused such harm to our reefs needs to be stopped or reduced significantly if we wish to save this fragile ecosystem† . In addition there might be unwanted cultural changes, and â€Å"Demonstration Effect† (Endresen, 1999, p8) that comes from exposure to western culture and lifestyle due to tourism, sometimes is blamed for spoiling local culture. According to Endresen (1997, p7) unmanaged tourism can result â€Å"cheapening of culture and traditions; alienation and loss of cultural identity† in the heritage sites. Victoria Falls is the most relevant example in terms of the damages on the heritage listed sites from open to public, led to a various conservation challenges related to urban development, tourism pressure; invasive species; poaching; Water pollution and abstraction; and, institutional challenges (African World Heritage Fund , 2012) which may take up to years to get it recovered. It is critical to get those sites (not only Victoria Falls, but the other 37 sites as mentioned earlier) restored and preserved with our attention and care. On the other hand, if it is being kept private it will enable to reserve the area more efficiently as there isn’t access allowed for public so it can prevent from getting polluted and over-urbanized in the area. Also that helps to preserve damaged areas and get it re-stored as there will not be any restrictions to undergo the repair work. â€Å"The royal tombs, which are registered as UNESCO World Heritage sites, have not allowed public access for the reason of preservation. After going through maintenance and installing several convenience facilities, the tombs ar e now ready to welcome visitors† (visit Korea, 2012). W hat about the potential economic growth in their community or the country by developing the heritage site? The development will attract more tourists who like to visit the heritage sites and trigger increase of GDP through the economic activities made between tourists and locals which will lead to the development of the country as a whole. Various economists state â€Å"the development of tourism has usually been considered a positive contribution to economic growth† (Lim, 1997; Oh, 2005 cited on Chanchrat, 2011, p2). Since it is kept private, there will be forgone cost from not allowing the public access to the site and various parties will lose their potential benefit; the property owner loses in admission fees, local community loses in the benefit from involving active economy in the site area, and the government loses tax income from the sellers and buyers of the economic activity. According to UNICCO it is challengeable to â€Å"manage the future growth of the industry so as to minimise its negative impacts on the environment and host communities whilst maximising the benefits it brings in terms of jobs, wealth and support for local culture and industry, and protection of the built and natural environment† (1999, p21 cited on Endresen, 1999, p2), just like it challenges to keep the heritage sites protected so as to get economic benefit from being open to public. It is obvious that we need to conserve the listed sites at its best by keeping it private but it is, also, impeccable for people at present to get explored of what the ancestors inherited for us, and learn from it to make better future which will be inherited to future generation for our children. It can be protected while the heritage sites being open to public via a number of ways as below: First of all, the industry and the organisation should encourage the public awareness in regards to the importance of the heritage listed sites and the ways that we ca n contribute to protect them. By promoting education for the heritage sites with placing conservation materials at visitor centre will enable to increase public awareness in terms of the importance of those sites. â€Å"Build capacity for cultural management and protection of world heritage cultural asset† â€Å"Promote public awareness of the social value of world heritage sites and the importance of natural resources† (MDGIF, 2012) . For instance there can be TV commercial and donation program promoted by UNESCO just like UNICEF charity program we often see on TV and on airlines that will enable people to aware its importance and for them to practice the good manner when they visit those sites. Also by giving wrist band or badge to people who contributed donation, in recognition of their contribution which will increase the public awareness and helps for the fund needed to support the heritage listed sites. And also managing Heritage listed sites should be well -planned. â€Å"By promoting publicity- developed plan that identifies appropriate levels and types of use and necessary with building environmental awareness, conserving local ecosystem that will result in generating the income and employment for the local communities† (Alberta, 2012) Secondly, Responsible Tourism and Sustainable Tourism should be encouraged.â€Å"You can expect tourist numbers, visitor numbers to grow. And the high level of visitation should not damage the value of the site. So you should have a plan for sustainable tourism in the sites, for all the components† (Bali Daily, 2012). Responsible Tourism refers to tourism that â€Å"makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultur al heritage embracing diversity† and it believes â€Å"individuals, organizations and businesses are asked to take responsibility for their actions and the impacts of their actions† (Wikipedia, 2012). UNESCO states if tourism is undertaken responsibly, â€Å"it can be a driver for the preservation and conservation of cultural and natural heritage and a vehicle for sustainable development† Sustainable Tourism is â€Å"tourism attempting to make as low impact on the environment and local culture as possible, while helping to generate future employment for local people†¦ ensure that development brings a positive experience for local people, tourism companies and the tourists themselves † (Wikipedia, 2013). It also helps â€Å"to meet the needs of the present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunity for the future† (World Tourism Organization cited on Pedersen, 2002, p20). Sustainable tourism relies on the development and emphasizes the delivery of quality visitor experiences within not damaging any of the property values or cultural values. According to UNESCO (2013) it requires effective, cooperative commitment and coordination between site management and all relevant public agencies and private enterprises in order to achieve the sustainable and responsible tourism development and visitor management. For example, International Hotel & Restaurant Association (IH &RA) and International Hotels Environment Initiative (IHEI) have helped in raising the public awareness in terms of environmental issues and provided practical advice with Action Pack to assist hotels, and other various industry association have also supported with codes and guidelines that can promote ‘Responsible Tourism’ (Endresen, 1999, p10). Thirdly, establish regulations. Government should establish appropriate regulations and tools to monitor and assess the heritage listed sites consistently in order to maintain them. Under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 (EPBC Act), Governments may require their departments and agencies to have regard for heritage considerations in asset management decisions: Organizations that have control of her itage assets also have a second service obligation. While they use assets in delivering their primary service, they are also responsible for the stewardship of the assets and protection of their significance for future generations †¦ The management of heritage assets should be viewed as an essential part of the management of the assets, rather than another problem and cost impost. Sustainable management of heritage values should be treated by an agency as part of its core business -GAMC, 2003, p13 cited on management of public historic heritage places, 2006, p193). In conclusion, tourism can impact on the heritage listed sites heavily either it damages heritage sites with unmanaged plans, conversely it makes a great contribution on conserving the sites as well as enabling the tradition to be alive from the profits made. It is impeccable that organization; manage any activities in relation to tour operation (travel agencies, airline s and government), should take into accounts in order to conserve the areas in relation to promoting public awareness of environmental issues. The business should be encouraged to design trip-packages that embrace nature resources and culture s. For example, star watch tour; photography tour; camping on the sites; refurbish local old buildings for accommodation; using solar powers and recycling water, composing and sorting the rubbish, to minimize the potential damage to the sites. It can be a good idea to promote rewarding system that allows entry for only certain organizations that practice the sustainability touri sm, to the heritage sites and offer them a cheaper rate of loan for future business. Reference Abelson, P. 2000. 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Human impact on Great Barrier Reef, Available: http://sitemaker.umich.edu/gc2sec7labgroup3/pollution (accessed 19 Jan 2013) Visit Korea. 2012. Closed Royal Tombs to Open to the Public, Available: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FU/FU_EN_15.jsp?cid=1773440 (accessed 18 Jan 2013). 12 Wikipedia- the free encyclopedia. 2012. Responsible Tourism, Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Responsible_Tourism (accessed 17 Jan 2013). Wikipedia- the free encyclopedia. 2013. World Heritage Site, Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Heritage_Sites (accessed 11 Jan 2013). Wisegeek. 2013. What is world heritage site? Available: http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-a-world-heritage-site.htm (accessed 15 Jan 2013). W orld Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). 2011. UNWTO and China open third observatory for sustainable tourism development , 19 July, Available: http://www2.unwto.org/en/press-release/2011-07-19/unwto-and-china-open-thirdo

Brain Tumour Glioblastoma Multiforme Problem Health And Social Care Essay

GBM normally affects people who older than 50 old ages old although the disease can happen in patients from all age group [ 2,25,28 ] . Patients suffer ictus, concern, ocular perturbation and sometimes personality alterations which can do great emotional hurt [ 25,30,31 ] . The average endurance of GBM patients is hapless, with about 12 to 14 months [ 7 ] . At this minute, the exact causes of GBM still remain vague to the scientists. Figure 1 GBM tumor is normally found in frontal and temporal lobe. Beginning: hypertext transfer protocol: //ebsco.smartimagebase.com/brain-tumor/view-item? ItemID=4027 Accumulative Word Count: 131 Possible Treatments Surgery Surgery is normally the initial measure to handle GBM by taking every bit much tumor as possible. It is non healing but aims to cut down the tumor ‘s size every bit much as possible so that other therapies right after the surgery can be more effectual. Furthermore, surgical resection Acts of the Apostless to alleviate hydrops by debulking tumor every bit good as being a alleviative intervention for neurologic symptoms such as ictus activity [ 7 ] . The surgery includes standard surgical process craniotomy which removes a subdivision of skull to expose the encephalon underneath in order to unclutter the tumor. Besides, patients may choose to undergo optical maser microsurgery or supersonic aspiration to hold their tumors removed. 2 1 3 4 Figure 2 Craniotomy hypertext transfer protocol: //ebsco.smartimagebase.com/surgical-craniotomy/view-item? ItemID=40345 Accumulative Word Count: 242 Radiation Therapy Normally, radiation therapy ( RT ) is administered instantly after surgery. It works chiefly by damaging the Deoxyribonucleic acid of tumor cells, killing any residuary tumor cells after surgical remotion of the tumour [ 3-6,32 ] . A research has shown that the average endurance clip has increased from 17 hebdomads ( treated with conventional attention ) to 37.5 hebdomads when the GBM patients were treated with RT entirely while combination of BNCU ( carmustine ) and RT produced a 40.5 hebdomad average endurance [ 11 ] . Table 1 Randomized surveies of post-operative radiation compared with no radiation therapy in malignant gliomaa [ 23 ] Study [ Ref. ] Study group Radiation dose Gy/ no. of fraction No. of patients randomized ( analyzed ) Median endurance ( hebdomads ) Overall endurance P value Shapiro et al. , 1976 [ 62 ] Connecticut RT + CT – 60 16 ( 16 ) 17 ( 17 ) 30 44.5 NR Not important Andersen, 1978 [ 1 ] Surgery entirely RT – 45/25 57 ( 57 ) 51 ( 51 ) 15b 23b †¹0.005 Survival at 6 months Walker et al. , 1978 [ 78 ] vitamin D Surgery entirely RT – 50-60/25-35 42 ( 31 ) 93 ( 68 ) 14c 36c 0.001 Walker et al. , 1980 [ 79 ] vitamin D Connecticut RT – 60/30-35 111 ( 111 ) 118 ( 118 ) 31 37 0.003 Kristiansen et al. , 1981 [ 36 ] vitamin D Surgery entirely RT + / – Connecticut – 45/25 38 ( 38 ) 80 ( 80 ) 23 47 NR Significant Sandberg-Wollheim et al. , 1991 [ 60 ] Connecticut RT + CT – 58/27 87 ( 87 ) 84 ( 84 ) 42 62 0.028 a CT, chemotherapy ; NR, non reported ; RT, radiation therapy. B Calculated from survival curve. 500 Multi-arm survey that included a radiation plus chemotherapy arm. For both surveies by Walker et al. , merely information from the radiation entirely arm are shown in Table 2. Kristiansen et Al. reported combined informations from the radiation entirely arm and the radiation plus chemotherapy arm. In each of these surveies, there was a important survival benefit favouring radiation plus chemotherapy compared with no radiation therapy but no important difference in endurance between radiation entirely and radiation plus chemotherapy ( informations non shown ) . degree Celsiuss Merely consequences for the evaluable patients were reported ( 31 patients in the surgery entirely arm and 68 patients in the RT arm ) . Accumulative Word Count: 329 RT is normally administered through external beam radiation but internal radiation called Brachytherapy is besides possible. Each manner differs in how the radiation beginnings are delivered to the tumour [ 4-6,32 ] . Using IMRT ( Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy ) , a machine such as additive gas pedal delivers precise high-energy radiation doses ( eg: X raies ) to the tumor accurately and kills the affected cells [ 6,33 ] . Most patients will have the intervention for five to seven hebdomads [ 6,32,34 ] . Typically, around 6000 to 6500 units of radiation are delivered over seven hebdomads [ 6 ] . In contrast, brachytherapy topographic point the radiation beginnings every bit near as possible to the targeted cells in shorter clip comparison to external radiation. It consists of radioactive implants in the signifier of catheters or seeds which has impermanent radioactive beginnings in the tumor [ 8 ] . Figure 3 Brachythrapy hypertext transfer protocol: //ebsco.smartimagebase.com/brachytherapy/view-item? ItemID=24923 Besides, stereotactic radiosurgery, a noninvasive method of presenting an intense and focused dosage of radiation to a little country can be used for GBM excessively. Treatment dose is individualized but the typical dosage is about 2500 units of radiation per intervention [ 6 ] . Other signifiers of radiation intervention such as installing of inflatable balloon incorporating liquid radiation or interpolation of monoclonal antibodies tagged with radioactive substances may be used [ 8 ] . Accumulative Word Count: 519 Chemotherapy Chemotherapy may be given after surgical resection and radiation. In this therapy, chemotherapeutic drugs play an of import function in impacting retroflexing cells by damaging the Deoxyribonucleic acid of these cells. The most normally used drugs are carmustine ( BNCU ) , lomustine ( CCNU ) , temozolomide ( Temodar ) and procarbazine. They are classified as alkylating agents which are DNA-damaging drugs. These drugs alkylate the Deoxyribonucleic acid in the tumor cells, doing the dual strands to be cross-linked to each other in an inappropriate manner. This thereby, blocks DNA reproduction and bit by bit leads to cell decease [ 4,5,8 ] . Soon, Gliadel Wafer – a biodegradable wafer soaked with BNCU is prevailing among the interventions. This is done by engrafting wafers in the pit after surgical remotion of the tumor. The wafers so easy let go of high concentrations of BCNU straight into the tumour country over a period of 2-3 hebdomads. Gliadel does non supply a remedy for GBM but is believed to be capable of protracting endurance. Apart from that, temozolomide is more frequently administered orally on monthly rhythm for 6-12 months after surgery and radiation as a care therapy [ 6,8,28,29 ] . Traditional chemotherapy drugs can be effectual, but most of them do non separate between healthy and tumour cells, thereby forestalling the disposal of high doses to kill the unnatural cells. What is more, their generalised toxicity can do terrible side effects. Targeted therapy drugs like Avastin ( bevacizumab ) are more precise than some chemotherapy drugs and tend to hold fewer side effects. It has been approved by FDA in 2009 as a new biologic drug to handle GBM. Avastin acts chiefly as an angiogenesis inhibitors by decelerating the growing of new blood vass environing the tumor. It selectively blocks VEGF to suppress the activation of VEGF receptors tyrosine kinases VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 [ 13-15 ] . There are some surveies to turn out that approximately 20-30 % patients with GBM do react to the drugs [ 27 ] . Accumulative Word Count: 823 A Graph 1 Kaplan-Meier endurance curves for patients treated with steroids and ( A ) resective surgery merely, ( B ) resective surgery and radiation therapy and ( C ) resective surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. [ 12 ] Bacillus C Accumulative Word Count: 848 Social and Economic Deductions The trouble to digest with the side effects of the medicines such as sleepiness and hair loss may do GBM patients to experience down and hurt. They may be easy frustrated by concerns they suffer often or experience suffering and hopeless after the diagnosing [ 34 ] . This could take to serious societal impact and would worry the people around them. Furthermore, most of the patients find it hard to return to work due to decrease in productiveness. A study has shown that with 91 % patients were employed before diagnosing, merely 33 % of them continue working after interventions. While health professionals who were still working experience employment alterations such as taking leave of absence to be with their loved 1s for interventions or taking on extra paid work might experience stressed and have to fight difficult to get by with the tough life [ 9 ] . In order to run a normal life, patients require undergo a plentifulness of interventions including hospitalization after surgery which would do great fiscal load. It is estimated that cost of GBM interventions ranged from ˆ10 893 to ˆ125 275 [ 22 ] . Trouble of obtaining insurance makes the status even worse. Drugs that are necessary for GBM interventions are expensive and are normally administered over long period of clip. All this becomes a beginning of depression which affects non merely the patients but their households and friends [ 9 ] . The return of GBM after conventional therapy is inevitable. This so creates unstoppable medical crisis every bit good as fiscal hurt to the patients and their households. Accumulative Word Count: 1084 Benefits and Hazards I believe a combination of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy is the most effectual intervention for GBM presently. In malice of its forecast has remained hapless for the last few decennaries, patients do acquire better after adhering to this standard therapy. Although GBM can non be cured, the patients had have their survival clip prolonged, acquiring a opportunity to pass their last few months with their loved 1s in a meaningful manner [ 34 ] . Nevertheless, the interventions do enforce distressing side effects to human wellness. Despite killing tumour cells, alkylating agents used are considered toxic, ensuing in suppression or lowering of blood counts. They have been associated with important sickness, hair loss, weariness and sterility [ 5 ] . High doses of BNCU may take to damage and marking of the lungs while procarbazine can do raging concern, purging and numbness. Hence, doses of drugs administered have to be carefully monitored by doctor to avoid taking to unwanted effects. Recently invented drugs temozolomide, has comparatively mild side effects but they are still inevitable [ 6 ] . Meanwhile, hazard of developing acute leukaemia old ages subsequently is increased when patients are exposed to alkylating agents [ 5 ] . Avastin, a freshly developed drug, provides a more effectual therapy for GBM. However, it potentially creates fatal toxicity, doing the late closed surgical lesion interruptions down. Some claim that the development of toxicity by avastin may shorten endurance in some patients when it is added to radiotherapy and temozolomide. Thus, researches on the effectivity and safety of use of avastin should be carried on continually until desirable consequences are obtained [ 20 ] . In add-on, the return of the tumor is ineluctable, with the average endurance rate of patients who relapse runing from 3-6 months despite aggressive intervention [ 10 ] . Patients may develop the feeling that the medicines are useless or may give up because of the intolerable side effects and the unstoppable backsliding of disease. This will take to non-adherence to therapy and increase the hazard of mortality. However, in my sentiment, the multimodal treatments I discuss above are still considered the best solution for GBM as they outweigh the hazards by protracting the patients ‘ survival clip. Accumulative Word Count: 1432 Alternate Treatments Gene therapy Another promising attack of handling GBM is cistron therapy. Herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase/ganciclovir ( HSV-tk/GCV ) has evolved as a cytotoxic cistron therapy. In this instance, recombinant adenoviral vectors are used to give favorable consequences. Adenoviral HSV-tk ( AdHSV-tk ) is able to assail the residuary dividing tumour cells while go forthing the non-dividing nerve cells unharmed. What ‘s more, it can destruct the malignant neoplastic disease cells through bystander- consequence [ 19 ] . HSV-tk first converts GCV to GCV-monophosphate [ 16,17 ] . Then, cellular kinases farther convert this merchandise to GCV-triphosphate which is a hapless substrate for uninterrupted DNA elongation due to the lacking of 3 ‘ hydroxyl group that is needed to organize phosphodiester bond in chain-elongation-reaction. Ultimately, nonfunctional Deoxyribonucleic acid fragments are formed, triping programmed cell death in malignant neoplastic disease cells [ 18 ] . Nowadays, AdH SV-tk /GCV is going preferred comparisons to conventional radiation therapy and chemotherapy due to its fewer inauspicious effects. Figure 4 The rule of HSV-tk/GCV cistron therapy. hypertext transfer protocol: //www.gtmb.org/VOL4A/GTMBVOL4AHTML/23_Adachi_files/image001.gif Accumulative Word Count: 1575 Table 2 Surveies by Sandmair et Al. and Immonen et Al. demo a singular protraction of endurance in patients treated with AdHSV-tk [ 19 ] . Patients Vector Phase Gene Transfer Method Adverse Effectss Survival ( Months ) Response Brain Tumour Glioblastoma Multiforme Problem Health And Social Care Essay GBM normally affects people who older than 50 old ages old although the disease can happen in patients from all age group [ 2,25,28 ] . Patients suffer ictus, concern, ocular perturbation and sometimes personality alterations which can do great emotional hurt [ 25,30,31 ] . The average endurance of GBM patients is hapless, with about 12 to 14 months [ 7 ] . At this minute, the exact causes of GBM still remain vague to the scientists. Figure 1 GBM tumor is normally found in frontal and temporal lobe. Beginning: hypertext transfer protocol: //ebsco.smartimagebase.com/brain-tumor/view-item? ItemID=4027 Accumulative Word Count: 131 Possible Treatments Surgery Surgery is normally the initial measure to handle GBM by taking every bit much tumor as possible. It is non healing but aims to cut down the tumor ‘s size every bit much as possible so that other therapies right after the surgery can be more effectual. Furthermore, surgical resection Acts of the Apostless to alleviate hydrops by debulking tumor every bit good as being a alleviative intervention for neurologic symptoms such as ictus activity [ 7 ] . The surgery includes standard surgical process craniotomy which removes a subdivision of skull to expose the encephalon underneath in order to unclutter the tumor. Besides, patients may choose to undergo optical maser microsurgery or supersonic aspiration to hold their tumors removed. 2 1 3 4 Figure 2 Craniotomy hypertext transfer protocol: //ebsco.smartimagebase.com/surgical-craniotomy/view-item? ItemID=40345 Accumulative Word Count: 242 Radiation Therapy Normally, radiation therapy ( RT ) is administered instantly after surgery. It works chiefly by damaging the Deoxyribonucleic acid of tumor cells, killing any residuary tumor cells after surgical remotion of the tumour [ 3-6,32 ] . A research has shown that the average endurance clip has increased from 17 hebdomads ( treated with conventional attention ) to 37.5 hebdomads when the GBM patients were treated with RT entirely while combination of BNCU ( carmustine ) and RT produced a 40.5 hebdomad average endurance [ 11 ] . Table 1 Randomized surveies of post-operative radiation compared with no radiation therapy in malignant gliomaa [ 23 ] Study [ Ref. ] Study group Radiation dose Gy/ no. of fraction No. of patients randomized ( analyzed ) Median endurance ( hebdomads ) Overall endurance P value Shapiro et al. , 1976 [ 62 ] Connecticut RT + CT – 60 16 ( 16 ) 17 ( 17 ) 30 44.5 NR Not important Andersen, 1978 [ 1 ] Surgery entirely RT – 45/25 57 ( 57 ) 51 ( 51 ) 15b 23b †¹0.005 Survival at 6 months Walker et al. , 1978 [ 78 ] vitamin D Surgery entirely RT – 50-60/25-35 42 ( 31 ) 93 ( 68 ) 14c 36c 0.001 Walker et al. , 1980 [ 79 ] vitamin D Connecticut RT – 60/30-35 111 ( 111 ) 118 ( 118 ) 31 37 0.003 Kristiansen et al. , 1981 [ 36 ] vitamin D Surgery entirely RT + / – Connecticut – 45/25 38 ( 38 ) 80 ( 80 ) 23 47 NR Significant Sandberg-Wollheim et al. , 1991 [ 60 ] Connecticut RT + CT – 58/27 87 ( 87 ) 84 ( 84 ) 42 62 0.028 a CT, chemotherapy ; NR, non reported ; RT, radiation therapy. B Calculated from survival curve. 500 Multi-arm survey that included a radiation plus chemotherapy arm. For both surveies by Walker et al. , merely information from the radiation entirely arm are shown in Table 2. Kristiansen et Al. reported combined informations from the radiation entirely arm and the radiation plus chemotherapy arm. In each of these surveies, there was a important survival benefit favouring radiation plus chemotherapy compared with no radiation therapy but no important difference in endurance between radiation entirely and radiation plus chemotherapy ( informations non shown ) . degree Celsiuss Merely consequences for the evaluable patients were reported ( 31 patients in the surgery entirely arm and 68 patients in the RT arm ) . Accumulative Word Count: 329 RT is normally administered through external beam radiation but internal radiation called Brachytherapy is besides possible. Each manner differs in how the radiation beginnings are delivered to the tumour [ 4-6,32 ] . Using IMRT ( Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy ) , a machine such as additive gas pedal delivers precise high-energy radiation doses ( eg: X raies ) to the tumor accurately and kills the affected cells [ 6,33 ] . Most patients will have the intervention for five to seven hebdomads [ 6,32,34 ] . Typically, around 6000 to 6500 units of radiation are delivered over seven hebdomads [ 6 ] . In contrast, brachytherapy topographic point the radiation beginnings every bit near as possible to the targeted cells in shorter clip comparison to external radiation. It consists of radioactive implants in the signifier of catheters or seeds which has impermanent radioactive beginnings in the tumor [ 8 ] . Figure 3 Brachythrapy hypertext transfer protocol: //ebsco.smartimagebase.com/brachytherapy/view-item? ItemID=24923 Besides, stereotactic radiosurgery, a noninvasive method of presenting an intense and focused dosage of radiation to a little country can be used for GBM excessively. Treatment dose is individualized but the typical dosage is about 2500 units of radiation per intervention [ 6 ] . Other signifiers of radiation intervention such as installing of inflatable balloon incorporating liquid radiation or interpolation of monoclonal antibodies tagged with radioactive substances may be used [ 8 ] . Accumulative Word Count: 519 Chemotherapy Chemotherapy may be given after surgical resection and radiation. In this therapy, chemotherapeutic drugs play an of import function in impacting retroflexing cells by damaging the Deoxyribonucleic acid of these cells. The most normally used drugs are carmustine ( BNCU ) , lomustine ( CCNU ) , temozolomide ( Temodar ) and procarbazine. They are classified as alkylating agents which are DNA-damaging drugs. These drugs alkylate the Deoxyribonucleic acid in the tumor cells, doing the dual strands to be cross-linked to each other in an inappropriate manner. This thereby, blocks DNA reproduction and bit by bit leads to cell decease [ 4,5,8 ] . Soon, Gliadel Wafer – a biodegradable wafer soaked with BNCU is prevailing among the interventions. This is done by engrafting wafers in the pit after surgical remotion of the tumor. The wafers so easy let go of high concentrations of BCNU straight into the tumour country over a period of 2-3 hebdomads. Gliadel does non supply a remedy for GBM but is believed to be capable of protracting endurance. Apart from that, temozolomide is more frequently administered orally on monthly rhythm for 6-12 months after surgery and radiation as a care therapy [ 6,8,28,29 ] . Traditional chemotherapy drugs can be effectual, but most of them do non separate between healthy and tumour cells, thereby forestalling the disposal of high doses to kill the unnatural cells. What is more, their generalised toxicity can do terrible side effects. Targeted therapy drugs like Avastin ( bevacizumab ) are more precise than some chemotherapy drugs and tend to hold fewer side effects. It has been approved by FDA in 2009 as a new biologic drug to handle GBM. Avastin acts chiefly as an angiogenesis inhibitors by decelerating the growing of new blood vass environing the tumor. It selectively blocks VEGF to suppress the activation of VEGF receptors tyrosine kinases VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 [ 13-15 ] . There are some surveies to turn out that approximately 20-30 % patients with GBM do react to the drugs [ 27 ] . Accumulative Word Count: 823 A Graph 1 Kaplan-Meier endurance curves for patients treated with steroids and ( A ) resective surgery merely, ( B ) resective surgery and radiation therapy and ( C ) resective surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. [ 12 ] Bacillus C Accumulative Word Count: 848 Social and Economic Deductions The trouble to digest with the side effects of the medicines such as sleepiness and hair loss may do GBM patients to experience down and hurt. They may be easy frustrated by concerns they suffer often or experience suffering and hopeless after the diagnosing [ 34 ] . This could take to serious societal impact and would worry the people around them. Furthermore, most of the patients find it hard to return to work due to decrease in productiveness. A study has shown that with 91 % patients were employed before diagnosing, merely 33 % of them continue working after interventions. While health professionals who were still working experience employment alterations such as taking leave of absence to be with their loved 1s for interventions or taking on extra paid work might experience stressed and have to fight difficult to get by with the tough life [ 9 ] . In order to run a normal life, patients require undergo a plentifulness of interventions including hospitalization after surgery which would do great fiscal load. It is estimated that cost of GBM interventions ranged from ˆ10 893 to ˆ125 275 [ 22 ] . Trouble of obtaining insurance makes the status even worse. Drugs that are necessary for GBM interventions are expensive and are normally administered over long period of clip. All this becomes a beginning of depression which affects non merely the patients but their households and friends [ 9 ] . The return of GBM after conventional therapy is inevitable. This so creates unstoppable medical crisis every bit good as fiscal hurt to the patients and their households. Accumulative Word Count: 1084 Benefits and Hazards I believe a combination of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy is the most effectual intervention for GBM presently. In malice of its forecast has remained hapless for the last few decennaries, patients do acquire better after adhering to this standard therapy. Although GBM can non be cured, the patients had have their survival clip prolonged, acquiring a opportunity to pass their last few months with their loved 1s in a meaningful manner [ 34 ] . Nevertheless, the interventions do enforce distressing side effects to human wellness. Despite killing tumour cells, alkylating agents used are considered toxic, ensuing in suppression or lowering of blood counts. They have been associated with important sickness, hair loss, weariness and sterility [ 5 ] . High doses of BNCU may take to damage and marking of the lungs while procarbazine can do raging concern, purging and numbness. Hence, doses of drugs administered have to be carefully monitored by doctor to avoid taking to unwanted effects. Recently invented drugs temozolomide, has comparatively mild side effects but they are still inevitable [ 6 ] . Meanwhile, hazard of developing acute leukaemia old ages subsequently is increased when patients are exposed to alkylating agents [ 5 ] . Avastin, a freshly developed drug, provides a more effectual therapy for GBM. However, it potentially creates fatal toxicity, doing the late closed surgical lesion interruptions down. Some claim that the development of toxicity by avastin may shorten endurance in some patients when it is added to radiotherapy and temozolomide. Thus, researches on the effectivity and safety of use of avastin should be carried on continually until desirable consequences are obtained [ 20 ] . In add-on, the return of the tumor is ineluctable, with the average endurance rate of patients who relapse runing from 3-6 months despite aggressive intervention [ 10 ] . Patients may develop the feeling that the medicines are useless or may give up because of the intolerable side effects and the unstoppable backsliding of disease. This will take to non-adherence to therapy and increase the hazard of mortality. However, in my sentiment, the multimodal treatments I discuss above are still considered the best solution for GBM as they outweigh the hazards by protracting the patients ‘ survival clip. Accumulative Word Count: 1432 Alternate Treatments Gene therapy Another promising attack of handling GBM is cistron therapy. Herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase/ganciclovir ( HSV-tk/GCV ) has evolved as a cytotoxic cistron therapy. In this instance, recombinant adenoviral vectors are used to give favorable consequences. Adenoviral HSV-tk ( AdHSV-tk ) is able to assail the residuary dividing tumour cells while go forthing the non-dividing nerve cells unharmed. What ‘s more, it can destruct the malignant neoplastic disease cells through bystander- consequence [ 19 ] . HSV-tk first converts GCV to GCV-monophosphate [ 16,17 ] . Then, cellular kinases farther convert this merchandise to GCV-triphosphate which is a hapless substrate for uninterrupted DNA elongation due to the lacking of 3 ‘ hydroxyl group that is needed to organize phosphodiester bond in chain-elongation-reaction. Ultimately, nonfunctional Deoxyribonucleic acid fragments are formed, triping programmed cell death in malignant neoplastic disease cells [ 18 ] . Nowadays, AdH SV-tk /GCV is going preferred comparisons to conventional radiation therapy and chemotherapy due to its fewer inauspicious effects. Figure 4 The rule of HSV-tk/GCV cistron therapy. hypertext transfer protocol: //www.gtmb.org/VOL4A/GTMBVOL4AHTML/23_Adachi_files/image001.gif Accumulative Word Count: 1575 Table 2 Surveies by Sandmair et Al. and Immonen et Al. demo a singular protraction of endurance in patients treated with AdHSV-tk [ 19 ] . Patients Vector Phase Gene Transfer Method Adverse Effectss Survival ( Months ) Response

Film Review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 3

Film Review - Essay Example The crux of the story revolves around the well known adventure and archaeologist Dr. Henry – â€Å"Indiana† Jones when he is summoned back into action and gets entangled in a plot by the Soviets to unearth the secret behind the sinister yet mysterious artifacts of the Crystal Skulls. At the time of the Cold War, Professor Henry James is tracked down by Soviet agents when they find him accepting a coded message that was sent to him from an old and demented colleague, played by Henry Oxley. The brilliant and adventurous Irina Spalko leads the Soviets and trails Jones and Mutt the young man to Peru. Making use of Oxley’s code, they chance upon a legendary skull carved from a single piece of Quartz. The main knot of the story lay in the fact that if Jones found the skull and transferred it to its rightful place, then everything would be calm and peaceful, but in case Irina found it and took it to it’s place of origin, she would be endowed with exceptional powers that would endanger the West. The professor and the young man join hands with a lady from Jone’s past to face the dangers of the tumultuous jungle. Spielberg’s brilliance can be seen in almost every frame and the movie captivates or engulfs its audience. This 122 min. film keeps the audience pinned to their seats as the intriguing drama unfolds. Such a mega movie needs the backing of a big company and that was shouldered by Paramount Pictures, USA. With the sound mix in Dolby Digital, the soundtracks were old but very famous numbers by popular artists. The first was â€Å"Hound Dog† lyrics penned by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller and originally performed by the enigmatic Elvis Presley, the second track was the â€Å"Howdy Doody Theme†, the third was the famous â€Å"Wake up little Susie† originally performed by the Everly Brothers and the other tracks were â€Å"Little Bitty Pretty

The Effects of Alcohol on the Body Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Effects of Alcohol on the Body - Term Paper Example The present research article highlight the impact of alcohol on the various organ and organ systems of human body. As soon as the alcohol is consumed, it enters the blood stream. 70% of the human body is made up of water and alcohol is distributed in this water content. Organs which require plentiful blood supply to work in an appropriate manner, such as brain, are badly affected. Various other active organs like heart, liver, kidneys etc are also affected. Essentially, need to understand the impact of alcohol on various organs is of paramount significance. Introduction Since the dawn of human civilization, use of drugs and alcohol became an inevitable part of life to relieve sufferings and have a contented and happy life. Human beings possess a craving for good food items which not only generate a good feeling but also act as a stimulant. This was pertinent to making them look for substances which alleviated their mood. Discovery of fermentation served as a landmark which paved the way for alcohol production. With time, alcohol production has taken new paradigms and has become a part of culture as social drink while others became addicted to the same. Consumption of alcohol is harmful in its natural form, besides, human temperament to enhance the potency of the compound, the natural flavor was altered and things started taking a new shape and composition to provide mood swing and to deflect the feelings of stress and anxiety towards good emotions. Gradually, this process took a large form, and now people consume alcohol on a regular basis. Once beneficial in altering the situation of melancholy and dissatisfaction for individuals to feel a new life, alcohol consumption becomes part of their routine forming habit, high consumption is deleterious to health and affects the body system to a greater extent (History of Drug & Alcohol Abuse). Alcohol is a volatile liquid and possess high affinity for water. This makes alcohol highly soluble and thereby alcohol causes depressant effect on central nervous system. It acts as a hypnotic sedative and cause an array of deleterious consequences. Alcohol concentration in blood is signified as BAC or Blood Alcohol Content (Effects of Alcohol on the Human Body). Impact of Alcohol on Human Body Physical Effects of Alcohol Alcohol affects body and brain, implications are observed in the walking styles of the individual as well as way of speaking, in certain cases one may speak meaningless and irrational things. Behaviour of the individual could be out of character. However some of the features may remain with the individual while others may vanish overnight. individuals may display hangover when they wake up. As soon as alcohol is consumed, it irritates oesophagus and stomach, followed by sickness, nausea and in some cases diarrhoea. Alcohol also brings dehydration causing thumping effect (Effects of Alcohol). Appearance Lot of alcohol consumption may result in bloating and dark eye circles, alcohol also l eads to dryness of skin, wrinkles may appear which shows premature aging. Heavy consumption of alcohol leads to the development of acne rosacea resulting in the facial disfiguration, this condition is known as rhinophyma (Effects of Alcohol). Alcohol Poisoning Alcohol consumption results in alcohol poisoning, individual may tend to inhale self vomiting resulting in lung damage,

News framing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

News framing - Essay Example The PBS Newshour reported that, there were no signs of give from sequester despite the gloomy urgings. In the above examples, the reporters interpreted the information in different theorems and themes although the case is the same. The New Republic analyzed that the sequestration for the automatic budget cuts have started to take effects but it will take some time for most Americans to notice. According to the media, the effects are discernible to proof that the government can operate on less money. On its perspective, the Fox News reported of how the President Obama and the top administration are struggling in accurately explaining the effects of cutting billions in federal budget. Carlos Elias, the superintendent of the Capitol Building sent a memo reminding staffers of the pay cut. The president proposed the pay and agreed by Congress in the year 2011. This was agreed after the Republicans and Democrats failed in agreeing how to measure and reduce the budget deficit. The PBS News summarizes the transcripts of each speaker of the President Obama’s meeting with the nation’s governors. He urged the governors to forget politics in order to prevent the automatic spending

The Paradoxical Relationship Between Atheism and Communism Term Paper

The Paradoxical Relationship Between Atheism and Communism - Term Paper Example On the other hand, communism was a sociopolitical movement which was made famous by Karl Marx in the early 19th century. This movement was related by Marx as the solution to the problems which the world was facing back then, and still is, the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer. Marx suggested that there should be a system in which all material goods are owned by the entire community so that the poor are not working to make the rich even richer. The society would have no class and the resources would be used keeping in mind the best interests of everyone (Marx & Engels, 1948). The relation between communism and atheism emerges where Karl Marx states, â€Å"Religious suffering is, at one and the same time, the expression of real suffering and a protest against real suffering. Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people.† It needs to be noted here that communism, th e idea which was proposed by Karl Marx is the one which incorporates atheism into it. Atheism does not incorporate into it any kind of social or political belief or agenda. Thus the relationship which is being discussed here is of the involvement of the idea that religion is detrimental to the human in communism. While atheism negates the idea of a religion being in anyway beneficial to man, it itself provides a belief system along with a set of rules to follow, in short, it provides a religion. While religion may make a man secondary to a deity or a God, it makes every man secondary to a power which is far greater than man himself where as communism in giving man the power to make his own decisions, provides him with a system to which he is secondary, a system that is ultimately run by a human. And as someone so eloquently put it, as long as it is human, it is flawed (Markham, 2010). While supposedly giving humans who are poor the freedom to not be forced to bring up their children in less then desirable conditions, communism impresses upon them the importance of following the system, again, where it gives freedom in one way, it takes it away on the other hand. One can say, while looking at this, that atheism while denying religion and grading it the root of all evils, provides to the people a system of belief. One very much like a religion, that would give people hope that someone up their, whether in the skies or sitting on a chair is looking out for their freedom and betterment. Here, atheism in relation to communism contradicts itself. While it denies people the right to follow a deity of their choice, it forces them to follow one which it puts into place. And while it claims that the human mind is free and should be developed enough not to believe in a deity or anything supernatural, it also makes it very clear that there is indeed a higher power which is communism (Marx & Engels, 1948). The problem which arises when communism and atheism are discussed i n relation to each other is the fact that all definitions of communism are decidedly vague. While it explains very clearly why communism would work, it does not say how. It explains how religion could be detrimental, but does not say why. There are no set of rules which put communism into action, thus the derivations of communism were many and varied. And by co-incidence or by pure irony,

Failure Mode Avoidance- How to design and avoid failure Essay

Failure Mode Avoidance- How to design and avoid failure - Essay Example In that line of design, engineers are able to come up with design optimization method. These methods are combined with the present technology of low-cycle fatigue, which is applied in the durability characteristic of a vehicle. This requires skillful integration of computational tools and methodologies in a car dynamics. This includes fatigue strain life evaluation, finite factors simulations and prediction techniques. The analyses of these car safety elements are important in attaining car performance of critical design in complex system. To address the problem, metal model and the slide bar process are used. In regards to Failure Mode Avoidance approach, the model and process permit the engineering group to uncover and avoid potential wheel or tire and driveline noise vibration and harshness failure modes. In the early development of the product, the team can identify and control noise factor system and decrease system level effects and avoid potential failures of noise vibration h arshness by developing appropriate countermeasures. To create a failure mode avoidance one needs to understand when and the reasons for creating potential failure modes. The aim of this paper is to understand the reason for creating better failure mode avoidance in cars. This paper focuses on the study of eleven customers and the problems they faced related with reliability in an automobile company. The interviews were done using open-ended questions that enabled the interviewees give a description of their experiences and views. The interviews took between one and two hours and secondary data collected. The case analyses all problems related to the customers meaning the failures were seen after the car was in the market. Most of the failure modes formed during the early development stages of the cars. The failure modes that affected the customers formed during the selection phase and

Foreign Policy Forum Simulation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Foreign Policy Forum Simulation - Essay Example The country appears split on its part at the global stage. This is seen through the various arguments that have been presented by members of government, through their political parties. In one simulation, Prime Minister Steven Harper presents the case for Canada to maintain its stature as a warrior nation. He argues that going back to the peacekeeping days hinder security efforts that the country has carried out through interventions such as Afghanistan. Similarly, peacekeeping efforts would be a hindrance to Canadian national interests. Harper presents his Conservative Party’s position that the primary role of government is to protect national sovereignty. Avoidance of peacekeeping efforts would allow the country to assert its own agenda at the global stage. Similarly, it would allow Canada to reassert its glorious military history (Beeksma 45). However, the New Democratic Party differs with the Prime Minister’s positioning of the country. They feel that peacekeeping e fforts should serve as the foundation of Canadian foreign policy. The opposition has presented the argument that avoidance of peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts has sunk the country’s importance at the global stage. Dewar explains that, the country has sunk from first to fifty-second in the global rank for peacekeeping nations (Raycraft 78). ... A country’s values are often ingrained in the views of its people. In that regard, Dorn states that peacekeeping operations have now become part of the Canadian national identity. Similarly, they have been celebrated as ‘part of what Canada is as a nation, and Canadians are as people’ (Dorn 7--32). Harper has also explained the same. He states that Canada advocates for right and good for the world. Harper portrays the nation as a confident partner, courageous warrior and a compassionate neighbor. These values are ingrained into its agenda on global peacekeeping efforts. The UN secretary general has also presented Canadian values as part of its image. He has presented the country as ‘the champion of the responsibility to protect’. From the simulations and other literature, it appears that an overwhelmingly partisan view has developed on the Canadian image. Most views hold that the country should be present in all peacekeeping efforts. This is seen from the citizenry to people from other nations. The NDP views that the nation should be committed to humanitarian and peacekeeping efforts as has happened in the past. In his presentations, Ban Ki moon has commended Canadian contributions in the past. In that respect, he has advocated a renewal to these past efforts. Similarly, Dewar has advocated continued participation by Canadian personnel in peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts, in troubled areas. It is, therefore, seen that most of the world has developed a partisan image on the Canadian position on peacekeeping efforts. It has been presented that peacekeeping efforts are part of Canadian values. This image has slowly become part of the national worldview. The representation has,

Holy Spirit Essay Example for Free

Holy Spirit Essay Mary Magdalene along with other women visited the tomb of Jesus on Easter Sunday morning to apply fresh spices to the body of Jesus who was crucified on Friday. The agony and pain carried by Mary Magdalene for Jesus has lead to visit Jesus early before the sun rise. As a matter of fact, for all believers of Christianity, this moment of Mary Magdalene witnessing an empty tomb the absence of Jesus physical body provides a strength to the faith of believers with the fact that Mary Magdalene carried the message of resurrection of Jesus first to the disciples and to the entire world. On the other side, if Mary Magdalene would not visit the tomb of Jesus on Easter Sunday morning, how the world would view the death and resurrection of Jesus, and how the gospel and missionary work of Jesus would be carried on, such as these questions would arise whereas by witnessing an empty tomb, Mary Magdalene has brought a message to the world that Jesus has risen from the dead. This amazing fact and for this purpose, Jesus may have chosen Mary Magdalene in spite of the fact that, Jesus had 12 ardent and strong followers as disciples who knew and witnessed the Lord’s miracle work and missionary work. In Matthew 28:1-2 angels declare that Jesus has risen and Jesus cannot be found among the dead and this message was first disclosed to women who visited the tomb. In Mark 16:4-5 it was stated that stone on the tomb was rolled away, and an angel was seated in side the tomb to tell that Jesus has risen from the dead and this resurrection message must be carried to all. Among all women who visited the tomb of Jesus, Mary Magdalene was the first to meet Jesus after the resurrection and also as the first person to disclose the message of resurrection of Jesus to the disciples of Jesus. The life of Mary Magdalene was one part, wherein on several occasions, was pointed out as a rich woman who led a luxurious and lavish life, who lived a family life along with brother Lazarus and sister Martha, and who possessed demons and was also viewed by people as a sinner. The second part of Mary Magdalene life began with the association of Jesus gospel work , and there was a great transformation and change in the life of life of Mary Magdalene. Mary witnessed the life of brother Lazarus which was brought back by Jesus, Jesus participation with Pharisees and Sadducees along with disciples in feast and how Jesus motivated and preached the teachings. Mary Magdalene was present on several occasions with Jesus which provide an understanding that Mary Magdalene after choosing to follow Jesus did not go back to the old life and remained with Jesus until the resurrection and Jesus accepted the presence of Mary Magdalene every where. Many scholars also state that Mary Magdalene was the best female disciple of Jesus and men disciples disliked this fact. Jesus did not permit Mary Magdalene to touch Jesus, after the resurrection, and this is quite notable as â€Å"noli me tangere† which means â€Å"Don’t touch me, for I have not ascended to my father as stated in St. John 20:17. Just after this episode, a week later Jesus visits doubting Thomas along with other disciples and asks to touch Jesus hands and side as stated in John 20:24-28. With the above facts, it is a very strong and evidential fact that Mary Magdalene was the closest disciple of Jesus who maintained well tuned relation with Jesus in all respects and Jesus did not deny this. Mary Magdalene life after Jesus is another interesting point of view as Jesus and Mary Magdalene were lead to the birth and inception of The Holy Grail and it is also interesting to take note how this has been achieved. 2. Gospels of New Testament about Mary Magdalene All the four gospels of New Testament speak about Mary as Mary Magdalene. It can be stated here that if Jesus showed much appreciation for Peter among men disciples Mary Magdalene was the most appreciative among women disciples of Jesus and Peter disliked this and as per Gospel of Thomas, Peter on several occasions asked Mary to leave Jesus and disciples and also stated that â€Å"for women are not worthy of life† (Bart D. Ehrman, Peter, Paul, and Mary Magdalene, page. 254). There is also a question whether it was Mary Magdalene who laid the foundation for the birth of Christianity, and that Mary was the first apostle of Jesus who lead to the church movement. Mary Magdalene was cured from seven demons when Jesus was journeying from one place to another preaching the good news about kingdom of god. (Luke 8:1-3) This was the first inspiration that has drawn Mary towards Jesus. In the second instance, during crucifixion Mark 15:40 along with other women viz. , Mary the mother of James, Joses and Salome, Mary Magdalene was also present for visiting the tomb of Jesus. Again in Math 27:56 Mary Magdalene with other women Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of sons of Zebedee. In John 19:25 Mary Magdalene was standing at the cross along with Mary the mother of Jesus, mother’s sister and Mary the wife of Clopas. After the crucifixion of Jesus, Mark 15:47 states that Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses were looking where Jesus was laid. Matt 27:61 states that Mary Magdalene and other Mary were sitting opposite the sepulcher. Mat 28:1 states that after the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. Mark 16:1 states that after the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Salome brought spices to anoint the body of Jesus. On the occasion of resurrection of Jesus, it is stated in John 20:1, Marg Magdalene came to the tomb on the first day of the week and it was still dark and Mary Magdalene saw that the stone was already taken from the tomb. Mark 16:9 states that Jesus after the resurrection, the first day of the week, first appeared to Mary Magdalene from whom Jesus casted out seven demons. In John 20:18, Mary Magdalene announced to the disciples as â€Å"I have seen the Lord†. Luke 24 states that women took the spices and went to the tomb of Jesus on the first day of the week and found that the stone was rolled away from the tomb. Women when entered the tomb, did not find the body of Lord Jesus and saw two men in dazzling garments who said â€Å"why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but he has been raised. Remember what he said to you while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners and be crucified, and rise on the third day†. Immediately women among whom was Mary Magdalene was present along with Joanna, and Mary the mother of James and others who visited disciples and unfolded the message of resurrection of Jesus. This fact was first not accepted by disciples who did not believe the fact that Jesus would definitely rise from the dead on the third day after the crucifixion. This discussion clearly indicates that the presence of Mary Magdalene is constant from the time of crucifixion, during the burial of Jesus and most importantly the resurrection of Jesus. In all the three phases of Jesus crucifixion and resurrection Mary Magdalene was persistent and faithful to meet Lord Jesus Christ. This strongly communicates that Mary Magdalene was truly the first apostle of women who longed for the presence of Jesus and did not look back to the old life which was filled with luxuries and riches whereas Mary Magdalene was pursuing Jesus taking note of every good news of gospel work performed by Jesus. 3. Character analysis of Mary Magdalene Some people identify Mary Magdalene as â€Å"sinner† who anointed Jesus feet in the home of Simon, the Pharisee as stated in St. Luke 7:36-50 whereas there is no concrete evidence for this. Mary Magdalene is portrayed as an ardent follower of Jesus as it is revealed in the scriptures of New Testament in several places of gospels which describe about the association of Mary Magdalene with Jesus viz. , St. Mat 27:56, 61: 28:1, Mark 15:40,47. 16:1-19; 8:2, 24:10, John 19:25, 20:1-18. Magdala means â€Å"tower or castle† is a prosperous town on the coast of Galilee, three miles away from Capernaum, wherein there are many dye work factories and Mary is from this city which is why Mary is called as Mary Magdalene. The perfume/oil Mary uses to anoint the feet of Jesus was very expensive to an amount of $ 17,000 worth which was approximate wage of 300 days ($7 per hour x 8hrs per day) which strongly confirm the fact that Mary had great respect for Jesus and the fact that Jesus could forgive the sins of Mary Magdalene. Jesus clearly understood this fact and developed deep sympathy for Mary Magdalene and condemns the words of disciples against Mary Magdalene. St. Mark 14:3-9, St. Mat 26:6-13. The Gospel of John also identifies Mary Magdalene is also identified as a sister of Martha and Lazarus who was raised from the dead John 11:1-44 and the fact that Mary was at the feet of Jesus when a dinner was arranged in Martha and Mary’s home and did not participate in the domestic help for Martha. Mary as Magdalene is first introduced in St. Luke 8:2, and Jesus had driven seven demons out of Mary, who is called Magdalene as stated in St. Luke. As per New Testament, Mary Magdalene presence is quite evident at the time of crucifixion and after the resurrection of Jesus. In fact, Mary Magdalene was the first person to meet visit after the resurrection of Jesus. Luke 23:27 says â€Å" a large number of people followed him, including women mourned and wailed for him†. Mat 27:55 †She was there at the cross† . It gives an understanding to the people that Mary Magdalene after meeting Jesus, never looked back to the old way of life, and continued to life with God. Mary was faithful, steadfast and strong follower of Jesus until crucifixion and after the resurrection of Jesus. At the time when Jesus was carrying cross to the calvary Mary was present among those women who wept for Jesus and also as a witness for the death of Jesus on the cross as stated in Mark 15:40, Luk 23:48 and John 19:25. Particularly, when Jesus body was wrapped in linen clothes and was kept in tomb as per Jewish customs, Mary Magdalene spends lot of amount for purchase of dry spices and liquid spices as stated in Mar 16:1 to be applied for the body of Jesus on the Sabbath day. Mary visits the tomb early before the sun rise and finds that the body of Jesus was not present in the tomb, and talks to two angels who question â€Å"Woman, why are you crying? † John 20:13 and Mary answered â€Å"They have taken my Lord away, and I don’t know where they have put him†. The message of Jesus resurrection was first unfolded to the world by Mary Magdalene and Jesus first spoke to Mary Magdalene after the resurrection by saying â€Å"Greetings† (Mat 28:9) and Mary proclaims this message to the disciples as â€Å"I have seen the Lord† John 20:18. 4. Holy Grail The Holy Grail is a cup which was used by Jesus Christ at the time of Last Supper to drink wine and this was the same cup used by Joseph of Arimethea (12th Century) to hold the blood of Jesus while on the cross. The term â€Å"grail† is derived from Latin word gradale which means a dish brought to the table in various stages during the course of a meal. According to the Christian mythology, the Holy Grail is deemed to be possessed with miraculous powers and Joseph d’Arimathie late 12th century passed Holy Grail to Great Britain. The description of Holy Grail is 17cm high, in the form of a cup having a body and a base. The cup finely carved and carries 28 pea-sized pearls, two balaxes and two emeralds. An inscription is also ingraved on the back which was first read and publicized by the archaelogist Antonio Beltran. According to some documents, the Holy Grail stood at Saint Juan de la Pena Monastery at least in 1399 and in the same year, King Martin brought it to the chapel of Royal Palace at the Alfajeria in Zaragoa. After the death of King Martin, in September 1410, it was taken as a property of Barcelona. In 1424, The Holy Grail was transferred to Valencia Royal Palace and in 1437 Dan Juan, King of Navarran presented Holy Grail to Valencia Cathedral. From here, Holy Grail was moved to Alicante and to the towns of Ibiza and Palma de Mallorca. As on today, The Holy Grail is preserved in Valencia Cathedral. The Holy Grail was first discovered in The Last Supper, the painting by Leonardo Da Vinci who painted Last Supper on the wall for church community and there are questions whether the Holy Grail or the Holy cup was present in the painting. Leonardo drawn the sketch of painting from the Gospels as stated and there were many hypotheses to declare Holy Grail as a literary invention and also to decide whether it is a cup? , platter, stone or religuary. Many other writers also claim the Holy Grail as a fictitious device and there are many arguments about this. In Mat 26:27 it is stated â€Å"And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;† and a similar verse in repeated in all other gospels, which indicates that in the Passover feast, Jesus did use cup which later took the form as The Holy Grail predicted to be used by Joseph Arimathea and Mary Magdalene. This vessel used by Jesus is presumed to be the Holy Eucharist as described in the Synoptic Gospels of the New Testament. There are also other arguments that Mary Magdalene, travelled along with brother Lazarus and Joseph Arimathea and brought the Holy Grail to the coast of France. Further there are arguments whether in the Last Supper painting, Mary Magdalene was present amidst of Jesus and disciples and to this Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code states that the person sitting next to Jesus in the Last Supper was not Mary Magdalene and it was John, the disciple of Jesus. Here John appears as a woman in the painting made by Leonardo and it depicts the art work and the imagination in that era. The Holy Grail is the preserver of Jesus missionary work and the service delivered by Jesus to the humanity. The comparison of the sacred vessel or Holy Grail with Mary Magdalene is made here that both the sacred vessel and Mary Magdalene had the presence of Jesus who performed respective jobs in the missionary work of Jesus while on earth. Sacred vessel indicates that Jesus did participate in the Last Supper along with disciples before the crucifixion and Mary Magdalene represents as the first woman apostle who lead to the movement of christian church. 5. Analysis from Old Testament about the word â€Å"Rabbi† In the gospel of John 20:13, Mary Magdalene says â€Å"They have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him†. Even in spite of the fact that Jesus stood by the side, Mary Magdalene did not recognize and mistakes Jesus for a gardener and says â€Å"Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away† (John 20:15) In John 20:16 Jesus says â€Å" Mary† and immediately Magdalene recognizes Jesus and says â€Å"Rabbouni† which means â€Å"teacher†. In John 1:38 â€Å"Then Jesus turned and saw them following, and said unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master) The original language of Old Testament is Hebrew and Rabbis are fluent in Hebrew. Jesus was a Jewish Rabbi. Teachers of Jesus were Jewish Rabbis and the main book Jesus studied was the Bible – the Old Testament. Hebrew language is considered to be a holy language and God when created the universe, God used Hebrew Alphabets and each of these letters have a shape and a special meaning. In Hebrew language the Old Testament is called as Torah which means law. Therefore Rabbis according to Old Testament are the teachers of law and Jesus was a descendant from Jewish community and was also participating in the teaching and preaching about the kingdom of God and also about the laws of social issues as well political issues. In this manner, Mary Magdalene addressed Jesus as Rabbi calling Jesus as teacher. This clearly states that Mary Magdalene learnt many facts about spiritual living and how the kingdom of God should be practiced on earth. 6. Dan Brown â€Å"Da Vinci Code† Dan Brown’s â€Å"Da Vinci Code† states that Mary Magdalene was the Holy Grail, as the vessel that carried Sangreal (Holy Grail in the Medieval French). The French word for blood is sang, which indicates a fact that Mary Magdalene was carrying the royal blood or the holy blood of Jesus as stated in the books Holy Blood, Holy Grail and The Da Vinci Code. As per this source, Dan Brown in the novel, depicts a fact that Mary Magdalene with at least one child secretly trying to enter France and seeking a refuge in Jewish community. According to this fiction, Jesus and Mary’s child called Sarah, is presumed to be an ancestress for Merovingian royals. At this period of 12th century, the popularity of Mary Magdalene was placed at greater heights and it was also one of the darkest period of civilization. It is stated that the wedding of Cana took place between Jesus and Mary Magdalene and mother of Jesus who was present instructed all the servants to carryout the instructions of Jesus when there was not enough wine. In the Jewish custom, bachelorhood was not acceptable and marriage was honored. In Matt 19:4-5 it is stated â€Å" Have ye’ not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said for this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh†. In weddings, mostly it is mother of bride or groom spend time and organize in the matters of food and drink and take interest to see that guests are satisfied. In the wedding of Cana, Mary the mother of Jesus was worried about the arrangements made at the wedding in spite of the fact being a guest as stated in John 2:3-10. There are many questions for a common man understanding whether was this acceptable to Mary Magdalene and whether disciples accepted this arrangement. This is one part of an argument whether did Jesus truly part of this fiction or was this a fact? And there is no end for such as these doubts who worship Jesus as Lord and Savior of the world. Some writers have truly suggested that the wedding at Cana was none other than Mary Magdalene’s own wedding with Jesus who was present with disciples. (Meera Lester, Mary Magdalene, page. 38) Another argument is that whether Mary Magadalene was present in Last Supper along with Jesus. The Da Vinci Code believes that Mary Magdalene was present in Last Supper and the novelists asks the readers to look for â€Å"V† created by the positions of disciples to the right of Jesus. The letter â€Å"V† stands for Sacred Feminine. â€Å"The symbol of hieros gamos, sacred marriage, is a six pointed star. One half of the star is made by a â€Å"V†. The other half of the star is a pyramid, a male symbol of power. The Da Vinci’s The Last Supper could reflect the artist’s beliefs regarding the importance of Mary in Jesus’ inner circle – that she was the wife of Jesus and also the Holy Grail, a human chalice to contain the savior’s blood line† (Meera Lester, Mary Magdalene, page 40) 7. Mary Magdalene bearer of the Holy Grail What is the significance of Holy Grail and what is it? These are some of the questions that interest the common man. According to the scholars, the sacred vessel that was used to hold the blood of Jesus while on the cross which was held by Joseph of Arimathea is termed as Holy Grail and another belief is that the sacred vessel that was used by Jesus to drink wine at the Last Supper is also termed as Holy Grail. Holy Grail is precious and is a historical evidence that Jesus did live and die on the cross. Another legend also states that a jar was held at the foot of cross to hold the blood of Jesus on the cross, which was held by Mary Magdalene. Vessel has become sacred because the vessel carried the holy blood of Jesus. (Margaret Starbird, Mary Magdalene: Bearer of the Holy Grail) The Holy Grail is a powerful symbol for Christianity for it is a sacred evidence of Jesus blood and chastity it carries to the entire world of christianity. The echoes of Grail promise many truths for Christian believers that precious blood of Jesus who died on the cross for bringing salvation to the entire world that whoever believes in Jesus and confesses sins, such people would be forgiven and are permitted to live a born-again life. Jesus emphasized on life of faith as the prime most important aspect in a Christian life. Why the Holy Grail is carried by Mary Magdalene and why not disciples or why not others? The answer to this question would be explained as, a story in Southern Coast of France states that Mary Magdalene was the bearer of the â€Å"sangraal†, the French word translated as â€Å"holy grail† as Magdalene was a devoted follower of Jesus and most prominently, the first person who met Jesus on Easter Sunday morning, Mary took note of all the events after the crucifixion of Jesus and silently decided to proclaim the gospel of Christianity which is why, Holy Grail is held as a sacred vessel by Mary Magdalene. In other words, the seed that was preserved by Jesus and Mary Magdalene is known as The Holy Grail which presumably carries mystical powers and also the presence of Christ. Here it can stated that Jesus has chosen Mary Magdalene to be the bearer of Holy Grail, or Mary Magdalene all by self, has consecrated the whole life to preserve the Holy Grail after the ascension of Jesus. According to the New Testament, all through the Gospels, there are no texts cited about either Holy Grail or about the life of Mary Magdalene after the ascension of Jesus. There are no evidences, how old are the gospels written in New Testament whereas going by the each scripture portion, it depicts the sanctity and power of Jesus on earth. Even in the letters written by Apostle Paul, there are no citations or discussion about Mary Magdalene as the bearer of Holy Grail. In the garden of Gethsmane, before the arrest of Jesus while Jesus was praying (John 17:1-26) (Mark 14:35-39, Mat 26:36-44). Therefore, historical evidence prove that Mary Magdalene as the bearer of Holy Grail whereas Holy Bible New Testament does not carry or state any scripture in this regard neither by Gospel writers nor essentially by Apostle Paul who has written 22 letters on the gospel of Jesus Christ which indicate that it was St. Paul who has brought a daylight to Christianity. 8. Conclusion Whether a fiction or a fact that is based on Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code, according to the New Testament, Jesus came into the world as Messiah, â€Å"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us (Mat 1:23). The teachings of Jesus especially sermon on the mount Mat 5:1-19, miracles, parables and teachings are closely relevant to this day and the application and implementation of these theories have always given perfect results which is why Christianity is considered to be a fruitful and life giving religion in the world and any contradictory theories to this effect would disappear through the time whereas the teachings of Jesus, the works of Holy Spirit would continue to lead believers. References Bart D. Ehrman, Peter, Paul, and Mary Magdalene http://books.google. co. in/books? id=WsQpdzzC7oMCdq=Mary+Magdalenepg=PP1ots=FFCegubqjvsource=insig=isSozHQC45SGH8zIgm9Q3UUlMhl=ensa=Xoi=book_resultresnum=11ct=result Meera Lester (2005), Mary Magdalene Accessed 5 December, 2008 http://books. google. co. in/books? id=LIMBrOJ0zGgCpg=PA31lpg=PA31dq=Mary+Magdalene+and+Holy+Grailsource=blots=YJoq3ZwQ4ssig=JKSjW0tdg73-fsxgOVsO-LDoc_shl=ensa=Xoi=book_resultresnum=8ct=result Mary Magdalene and The Holy Grail Accessed 5 December, 2008 http://www. newconnexion. net/article/05-05/mary_magdalene. html

Westgate Bridge Collapse Engineering

Westgate Bridge Collapse Engineering The West Gate Bridge fell down on the 15th of October in 1970, it was caused by a few half girders on the west part of the bridge that didnt fit. They attempted to fix this with an unusual method which made the situation worse. The bridge buckled and eventually collapsed. It killed the workers while they were on break and only a few were left alive. Introduction The West Gate Bridge started construction in 1968 and was the second longest bridge in Australia. The building process was going well at first though an unusual method was being used throughout the project. About 2 years into construction, problems began to show. There was an imbalance between several steel girders which made them not fix into position. Some engineers proposed putting 10 concrete blocks which weighed 8 tons individually, on each of the girders to put them into place which caused the bridge to buckle. Background The company Freeman Fox Partners was in charge of build and this was their 20th bridge.Some of their previous works were The Adome Bridge, Humber Bridge, Erskine Bridge, and Forth Road Bridge. The West Gate Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia which spanned over the Yarra River north of Port Phillip and is an important link to the inner city. Investigation For the most part, the investigation was mostly interviewing survivors and explaining what happened. The blame was mostly on the engineer who designed it and the engineers who ordered the concrete blocks. Findings It was found that Ward, aka Freeman Fox Partners were responsible for giving the designs.The bridge was built unevenly and they tried to put concrete blocks on the girders. Their measurements were fixed in the rebuild and there were no problems during the process. Conclusion It was structural engineer fault due to the failure of measuring properly and allowing to fixing the problem with concrete bricks, which resulted in the bridge buckling. The mess was cleaned up almost immediately. The ambulance got the injured, the firefighters put out the fire and the construction crew cleaned up the wreckage and started over. The bridge was reopened to the public in 1978. Notes Camber- is a rate of elevation between two rails Snapped after removing buckle Structural design failure Freeman Fox Partners Second longest bridge in Australia and highest in the country In October 15 1970, The span between piers 10 and 11 collapsed 2,000 Tonne mass plummeted into mud and created an explosion Rescuers risked their lives Girders are large iron or steel beams used in complex structures Unusual method of construction 35 killed, 18 injured Known for jumpers Steel box girder cable-stayed bridge Began construction in 1965 A cable-stayed bridge has one or more towers from which cables support the bridge deck Sources https://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/beta/exhibit/wQLmdTVt https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Gate_Bridge http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:UccIiYplRh8J:anengineersaspect.blogspot.com/2009/10/west-gate-bridge-collapse-on-its-39th.html+cd=2hl=enct=clnkgl=us https://qph.ec.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-f4416355b6576128ede23ea6abd5452e-c?convert_to_webp=true Rubric rating submitted on: 12/21/2016, 12:20:28 PM by [emailprotected] 10 5 0 Title Page Your score: 5 x Present not done Table of Contents Your score: 5 x Present not done Abstract Your score: 10 Present not done Introduction Your score: 5 x Background Your score: 5 Present not done Investigation Your score: 5 Present not done Findings Your score: 5 Present not done Impact Your score: 5 Present not done Conclusion Your score: 5 x not done References Your score: 10 References included no references Notes Your score: 10 Notes recorded no notes 6 Content Pages Your score: filled 6 pages 3 content pages no contents pages