Assisted suicide Essay

Assisted Suicide In the 1990s, ‘Doctor Death’ Jack Kevorkian invented the first assisted suicide machine  in the world. He was then thrown into prison for 7 years (Pickert). This caught people’s attention  and made them question whether it should be legal to request physician assisted suicide, which is  when someone asks a physician to help him or her terminate his or her life. This topic became  one of the most popular discussions in recent years, but the truth is that it has actually been a  centuries- old debate. For both logical and humanitarian reasons, assisted suicide is not right and  should not be legalize. Is it right for a nation founded on Christianity to allow citizens to choose assisted  suicide? Can a decision that is made by a mentally ill person be treated as a rational decision? Is  the prevention of pain an acceptable circumstance in which to end a life? People still do not have  a widely accepted answer. It is not clear whether physician assisted suicide  is right or wrong. Assisted suicide should not be viewed solely as affecting one life, but should be viewed as a  decision that affects many.  The declaration of independence states that everyone has the right to pursue happiness  In whatever way they choose. Many argue that a decision to kill oneself is a private choice, that  society should not be, and has no right to be concerned. America believes that with its freedom,  people can do almost everything based on their own choices. Physician assisted suicide is also  one of the choices that they can decide. The common argument is that these people are adults  who can make rational and reasonable choices, however many people who request physician  assisted suicide are mentally ill. Of those who attempt suicide but were unsuccessful, less than 4  percent go on to kill themselves in the future, which means that most people changed their mind  after a period of recovery. Psychological evidence shows that those who ask for physician   assisted suicide in order to avoid pain are normally ambivalent, and they  usually attempt to end  their life for other reasons than a settled desire to die. Since assisted suicide has already become  a popular way to end suffering and pain, people who were in the status might feel it is necessary  for them to kill themselves since they have in their mind become a burden to their family and  society. Some would say it is wrong for such an impression to have the power to persuade a  personto end their life due to their weakness and disability. As a Christian nation, America wants a positive and happy image for the country.  American people value the meaning of life, and According to what most of the Christians  believe, God is the one who created life. Then how can people have the right to end something  that they did not even create in the first place? American society does not think assisted suicide  is good as a whole, because assisted suicide is still a self-caused death, which is equal to suicide.  Although there is always a vague line drawn between assisted suicide and attempted  murder. Assisted suicide is the opposite of happiness because it demonstrates  utter depression. It  is clear that American society sees assisted suicide as wrong, because there is a suicide watch  team among the police and counselors at schools who are trained to help and avert suicide. Asking for assisted suicide as a form of pain relief and signing a release form is not acceptable  either. People cannot solve problems by trying to get rid of them. People who stand against  physician-assisted suicide believe that suffering is just a stage of life. And lots of people who  were prevented from assisted suicide will tell you that they all passed that stage successfully,  and they are appreciative that they were stopped from asking for physician-assisted suicide. Assisted suicide also hurts the people who care about those who were asking for a  physician assisted suicide. Patients might get relived from their long suffering and pain but their  family will be hurt from one’s immature decision. The person only thought of their own  feelings and never considered others who are around them and how they feel. Families and loved  ones will be upset about their decision to take their lives in a selfish act. Other evidence that  shows assisted suicide is wrong is the fact that there are always suicide prevention billboards in  communities. This should show the government that people do not want those around them to  commit suicide. People who fight for the right to have physician-assisted suicide argue that assisted  suicide can bring benefits to both patients and society. They believe that people who  choose assisted suicide will die with dignity rather than suffer the pain of illness( O’Steen,  Burke). That they will not let their family and friends suffer anymore by showing their weakness  and sickness. By choosing assisted suicide, patients can also reduce a huge amount of medical  expenses that insurance does not cover. To benefit society, their organs can be donated to save  people’s lives (Humphrey). Doctors and nurses can spend more time on recovering patients  rather than waste time on patients who are assured death, and of course, they still think it is a part  of one’s freedom to be able to choose for himself whether to live or die. Whether it is one’s  rational decision to chose to end their life has always been the center of this debate. Because  with out arguing about one’s free right, those who favor assisted suicide will lose an important  statement. Although there is a ton of evidence showing that physician assisted suicide is not right,  it is a fact that so many people are still in favor to legalize assisted suicide. They believe that  rather than give people hope to live, telling them the truth and offering them an option is more  reasonable. They argued that in some ways, it is humane to give dying people assisted suicide;  society is okay with people helping a sick or dying animal yet people are not okay with letting a  sick and dying patient go. It was said that humans are too selfish to let their loved ones go, even  if death would be a comfort. People who think it is illegal for a physician to offer assisted suicide  are accused of wanting to control other people’s lives. People think that one has his/her own will  about their life that no one is suppose to tell them what they should do and should not do. Especially when their faith to live is completely gone. It was understood as a merciful behavior  for a physician to offer help to end one’s life. A new statement was also brought up to argue in  the favor of legalize assisted suicide. It is that if one can reject medical treatment to prolong life  then why can’t one request treatment to end it? Many people found this statement be reasonable  and useful to support the legalization of physician-assisted suicide.  After centuries’ debating, there is still no certain answer for those questions that are  brought up by the topic of assisted suicide. Two sides are still debating about the benefits and  negative effects of assisted suicide. Still to this day no one is able to convince the either group to  change their views on this topic. In 2006, the US Supreme Court ruled that legalizing assisted  suicide is to be the responsibility of each state respectively. No one can yet predict how long this   topic will still be an argumentative topic for debate, And no one can predict how this issue will  effect human life in the future. But overall, do people really possess the right to kill a life that  was not created by them? It is still a big question that no one has yet given an answer that can  satisfy everyone. Maybe one-day people will find out the right answer and that assisted suicide  will be a new thing that brings benefits to the world. Physician suicide should be banned due to  its negative cause and impaction to society. People who think assisted suicide should be  illegalized because of the value of life to a society is still the majority; ending a life is  not so simple that people should decide to do so on their own. Work cited Pickert, Kate. â€Å"A brief history of assisted suicide.† a brief history of assisted suicide. N.p., 3 Mar. 2009. Web. 13 Sept. 2013. . Humphry, Derek. â€Å"Liberty and Death: A manifesto concerning an individual’s right to choose to die.† Assisted Suicide – Information on right-to-die and euthanasia laws and history. N.p., 24 Mar. 2009. Web. 18 Sept. 2013. â€Å"Declaration of Independence – Text Transcript.† National Archives and Records Administration. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Sept. 2013. O’Steen, David N. , and Burke J. Balch. â€Å"Why We Should Not Legalize Assisted Suicide | New York State Right to Life.† Welcome | New York State Right to Life. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Sept. 2013. Information on right-to-die and euthanasia laws and history. N.p., 24 Mar. 2009. Web. 18 Sept.2013. .

Thomas Jefferson Dbq Notes

Jessica Turro Hunter Torres 9/24/12 Period 3 The declaration of independence By Thomas Jefferson Argument – * Thomas Jefferson â€Å"Necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume, among the powers of the earth , the separated and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation† * Thomas Jefferson wanted all colonies to have freedom of speech, being entitled to their independence and their rights.Evidence * â€Å"We hold these truths to be self –evident – That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life , liberty and the pursuit of happiness. † * â€Å"†¦. driving their just powers from the consent of the governments; that, whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute its power in such form as to them shall seem most like to effect their safety and happiness. * â€Å"WE THEREFORE, THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, in General Congress assembled, appealing to the supreme judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions , do , in the name and by the authority of the good people of these colonies , solemnly publish and declare, that these United Colonies are, and of the state of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved; and that, as free and independent states, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce and to do all other acts and things which independent states may of right do. Appeals * Pathos- â€Å"that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. † * Logos-â€Å"the history of the present King of Great Britian is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having, in direct object, the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these seas. * Ethos- Rhetorical Strategies & Analysis * Thomas Jefferson uses ANAPHORA as a rhetorical strategy within his speech repeating â€Å"He Has†. * Thomas Jefferson has a frame with in his speech he begins with stating his argument of human rights and ends with his argument.

Political Nature Of Music Essay

Music has influenced man in a lot of ways and it can be evidently seen in the events that have occurred throughout the years. The vastness of music’s capability to create influential concepts and ideas ranges from the smallest of intents to the broadest of intentions. Politics is not an exemption to the scope of musical boundaries. Through the years, music has provided various influential impacts to society and to politics. In the United States, music has become a popular method to promote political intentions. Music and Politics Through the years music has evolved and added up different genres from time to time. This aspect of music provides a wider range of impact on different types of music lovers. From punk to hip-hop, jazz up to pop, these different musical styles possess the influential aspects that determine the concept of music and its ability to affect people. There are various artists and bands who blatantly express their political outcries through the use of their music. There have been the bands from the past until present who showcase their protests to political leaders and their actions. To these bands, their capability to influence people most especially the die hard fans makes them believe that they can make an impact or better yet a change to society. This potential of bands to influence and affect the perceptions of people is a powerful tool that displays music’s power. Bands and artists that showcase their political views creates a controversial stir due to the fact that not all people have the same political views. Despite all of this, these bands continue to stand on their opinions and still create music to promote their side. There are also those bands and artists who promote politically but does not display their political side. These artists are the ones who advertise people to vote. Due to the greatness of music’s influence especially on the youth of today, artists promote political awareness and help these youth to care for the country and vote. There have been various commercials of bands or artists who display their stand to vote. Years ago, artists started to create the thought of â€Å"vote or die†. This shows their strong stand to help people vote. If there are the musical artists who promote their stand to vote, there are also those who oppose the actions of political leaders. For instance, there are several music artists who display their strong stand against President Bush’s actions especially of the decision to send the country’s troops to Iraq. Years ago, there became a nationwide controversy regarding the Dixie Chicks opposing President Bush. This has led to different scenarios. This is just one example of music artists expressing their side. Through the years there are the bands like the notable punk artists such as the Sex Pistols, Dead Kennedys, The Clash and Green Day who have been notorious to utilize controversially political lyrics that bash the administrations. There are so many other bands who make use of their lyrics and catchy sounds to stir up messages that bring forth impact. We already jumped to the present times but the 1960s and 1970s are the decades that have really made expressionistic views through music. From the influential music of the rock bands of that era up to the formulation of the phenomenal rock concert named Woodstock, politics has served as a source of musical â€Å"revolution†. Woodstock, is the whole epitome of music serving as a tool towards political views. It is one of the most phenomenal events of history, a compilation of musical artists who serve for a single and peaceful cause. An expression of peace and a blatant display of care and intent to provide a better resolution to the war during those times, Woodstock became a festival of driven intention to promote peace and somehow express the side of the youth towards the actions of the American government especially pertaining to the Vietnam War then. Jumping back to the present, music’s influence stands on different aspects. In the United States, such prominent music icons serve as the most influential artists that can accumulate a larger prospective view. There are those artists who serve for patriotic intentions while there are those who serve for what they think is better for the country. It’s hard to count all these artists and specify their political views but the whole point is that the power of music is so great that when people choose to believe in it, their views and principles can be altered by music’s life-changing influences. For music lovers and the die hard fans, most of them copy or imitate their favorite artists or bands, and in turn, some of them find it cool to follow their footsteps or even yet their views. Such is the power of music that it can affect political views and principles of people. Music can unite people but it can also segregate people. The genres are the ones which takes care of the segregation part but with the evolution of music today, the genres have become side by side with views and perceptions. All of them serve as the segregating factor. But nonetheless, music still has the power to unite and make people believe in something. Though it is a fact that all people don’t possess the similar views, with regards to politics for that matter, there is a magnanimous challenge for music to unite everyone. The socio-economic class of people vary in a lot of ways and music also takes a part on it. As it is widely known, African Americans mostly take the side of Jazz, Hip-Hop and R&B due to their history while the Whites take country music, pop, rock and punk. Segregation can also be evidently seen in these types of music which appeal to certain groups of people. All in all, music has served great not only in the United States but also around the world. The contributions of music to the history of the world somehow have created the different impacts on events. Whether be it on the past or today, music’s vast power to capture a single person’s political point of view is quite underrated. To some it may not look like as a big factor, but to some it also means a lot. Some people love music and that love for music helps them to believe in something. Personally, my political views have been strong from the start. It’s not that music has influenced me or something, but seeing my favorite bands and artists taking a stand on what I believe in makes me feel that I am on the right side. Music helped me to become what I am today. It made me realize that someway, somehow I have something to believe in, something to be a fan of, and that I share this feeling with other people around the world. Music is a part of my life. I could not imagine my world without music. Though I know that not all people agree on my views, I still believe that music helps me to believe in something. The poetry of the lyrics, the awesome guitar rifts, the fast pace of the drums or even just the enlightening voice of the artist, these factors are the ones that helps me to create peace of mind and believe in something that has power and influence. Although I may not share the political views of all people, my music helps me take a stand and realize my worth and the worth of the country. Music artists have personally influenced me to vote and take a political stand but on what stand that is, it’s all up to me. Such is the power of music, it can alter, influence, and unite people.

Mini Marketing Plan Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Mini Marketing Plan - Assignment Example The company is dedicated to the creation of the best products that are simple and consumer friendly and at the same time maintains the class the customer wants to be identified with. Mission statement stipulates that the company aims at ensuring that consumers of its products or its customer enjoy their typical day via a brief escape on their phones or devices. The company does it by providing the customers with timely interactive mobile applications and games accessible in their mobile devices. It ensures that the software; applications are easy to interact with and have some connection with current news. The development of softwares such as the Pliar mini browser and McAbby security for mobile. The company produces apps that facilitate and makes the life of the customer easier. Such apps include clubs, event and associations, entertainment, games and social, internet business processes and closed audience. Johan Mobile Technologies targets any mobile user regardless of age. The main ingredient for the target market is a phone that can hold apps and games. The phone or device should have a downloading function enabled in order to accept the apps. It is even easier to get the apps if the phone or device has an android application. The customers targeted may have a wide range of disposable income. The constituent of its customers is broadly made up of teenagers living at home, college students or those in the workforce. The company’s apps design VP of marketing or equivalent position of a mini to a large group. The organization is looking for creative promotional methods in order to familiarize the customers with its products and services. Johan Mobile Technologies pricing strategy is competitively positioned in all its products and services. The company uses the cost-oriented method in pricing the apps. By cost method, the average cost of creating an app is

Health Care Organization As Metaphor Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Health Care Organization As Metaphor - Essay Example This metaphor of the organism can be used to understand a lot of different organizations including multinationals such as the Public Health Institute (PHI). Part I: Health Care Organization as Metaphor For the last three years, I have been working as a public health nurse with the Public Health Institute (PHI). The PHI is an internationally recognized public health organization known for its dynamic leadership in helping to improve the health of women, youths and children across the world. The main objective of the organization is to uncover health disparities existing among these identified groups, understand the causes of these disparities, and address each of them using evidence based solutions. The Public health Institute addresses various issues affecting women, children and youths and including asthma, obesity, and sexual and reproductive health on the international scene. In America the organization specifically focuses on nutrition, maternal mortality, depression and breast c ancer among women. The vision of the organization is to raise the social status of young people, girls and women by equipping them with desirable leadership skills and health education. The PHI is internationally funded by a diverse group of individuals and corporate entities to help it advance its course. My role in the organization was to focus on helping women and children under one year of age to overcome their health challenges. This involved working with women to fight breast cancer and depression, and advising them on proper nutrition to prevent them from contracting preventable diseases and helping to reduce the mortality rate. I also engaged with little children less than one year of age to help them fight asthmatic problems and other diseases prevalent among children in this age group. The PHI being an international organization, I had an opportunity to work overseas with different communities advancing the objectives of the organization. In my role as a public health nurs e with the PHI, I have gathered a lot of experience and knowledge in public health. I now understand fully how organizations in the public health sector operate, and I can relate running these organizations to various organizational theories that have been developed over time. Gareth Morgan’s theory of metaphors of organizations, for instance, can be relied upon to understand how the Public Health Institute (PHI) is structured and how it manages its affairs. My knowledge of these metaphors of organizations has greatly impacted my general understanding of public health as a nurse and as an administrator in one of the largest global public health organizations. Gareth Morgan (2006) in Images of an Organization stipulated that an organization can be best understood based on various images or metaphors that relate the organization to its environment and the need to be competitive and run into the foreseeable future. Among the images used by Gareth Morgan are machine, culture, pol itical system, organism, and the brain (Morgan, 2006). The image that can best be relied upon to understand the PHI is that of the organism. The metaphor of the organism considers all organizations to be as living organisms (Jim, 2000). Indeed, there are so many similarities between an organization and a living organism. As an organism, an organization is in a constant state of change and growth. Just as organisms, all organizations have very complex needs to thrive and survive over

Enron Corporation Position Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Enron Corporation Position - Essay Example The paper starts by giving a brief synapse of what Enron was and what the Enron Scandal was and why it caused the downfall of Enron. The paper will also discuss the ethical considerations of what Enron did to its investors and take a position on whether it was okay to sell stocks on what you believe will be the expected dividends. Enron was a company based in Houston and it specialised in commodities, energy and service corporation. The company was rocked by a scandal in 2001 and this was recorded as one of the biggest scandals of the century as a result of the fact that shareholders lost $74 billion and thousands of employees and investors lost their retirement accounts, and many employees lost their jobs (The ten worst corporate financial scandals of all time, nd). The main players in this particular scandal included the CEO Jeff Skilling and former CEO Ken Lay who kept huge debts off the balance sheet. In other words, the figure presented on the balance sheet revealed normal operations of the company which did not raise any suspicion among the investors. They also hoodwinked the investors by overstating their profits so as to attract many investors to pour in money into the company. However, things turned nasty when Sherron Watkins the internal whistle blower exposed them after witnessing high stock prices that fuelled external suspicions. Upon full investigation of the case, the main culprits were convicted of a criminal offence and the CEO was sentenced for 24 years and his partner in crime Lay died before his serving time. Andersen was also found guilty of fudging the company’s accounts. After the company was rocked by this scandal, it filed for bankruptcy. From an ethical perspective, it can be noted that what Enron did to its investors was not good especially to sell stocks on what you believe will be the expected dividends. The investors were not fully aware of the underhand dealings taking place behind

Cat's Paw Theory Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Cat's Paw Theory - Research Paper Example Once the cat burns his paws the monkey runs off with all the chestnuts they had picked up together. Cat’s paw can be defined as a person that uses another person as a tool or dope. This concept was recently used by a judge to make a ruling regarding a human resource issue in courts. A company had fired an employee claiming that the firing was based on bad performance when in reality the motivation was based on discrimination against military personnel. The employee had taken several leaves due to military obligations. The cat paw theory comes in into effect because the supervisors duped the human resource manager into thinking the firing was based on legit reasons when in reality it was based on discrimination. The termination was illegal because it violated the Uniformed Services Employment Rights Act. In order to avoid a ruling against a company based on Theory HR resource managers can take measures to prevent its occurrence. The HR manager should educate himself on all the current anti-discrimination laws and he should ensure that the company’s policies are aligned with the law. Whenever an HR manager is faced with a termination decision the person should never take the word of the supervisor at face value. He is supposed to investigate the situation and eliminate the possibility that the incentive for the termination is based on discriminatory practices. The use of employee evaluations to be performed on a recurrent basis can help an HR manager determine whether the claims of a supervisor are true.

Integrating the Bible in the High School Curriculum Essay

Integrating the Bible in the High School Curriculum - Essay Example This essay stresses that the America of today that is rent by crime and heathen practices is only reflecting the Bible-less policy of years in the recent past, but if the Bible is integrated into the school curriculum now, the America of the next few decades could evolve into a better place, with a greater focus on moral and ethical values rather than hedonistic values that have led to substance abuse. This paper makes a conclusion that there are two major reasons why integrating the Bible into the school curriculum may not only be an excellent option, but may actually be necessary. On the one hand, the Bible is a valuable source of academic learning and would enrich the educational experiences of young people if introduced into the curriculum. It would allow students to explore a fascinating range of historical events and classical literature. Secondly, it would inculcate within them the values of love and forgiveness and bring discipline and focus into their lives through the teaching of moral and ethical values. The Bible contains a wealth of stories that offer profound insights into human nature, and have spawned many offshoots in literature. On an overall basis, student understanding and appreciation of classical literature would be enhanced if the Bible is introduced into the school curriculum. Religious and spiritual instruction that focuses upon the teaching of ethical and moral values through the Bible can only enrich the character of students.

Examining switching costs as a moderator in the relationship between Essay

Examining switching costs as a moderator in the relationship between service personalization, customer satisfaction and customer - Essay Example Web presence with low price, low search costs, high power obtained and convenient with the appearance of the internet. The incredible growth of the internet is significant changing the way of business model. This is no exception that internet technology that significant influence and changing the global banking industry. Internet banking is fairly considered as one of the major achievements in global finance. Financial organizations and facilities invest heavily in the development of sophisticated internet technologies, to improve their daily operations. The internet exemplifies a new channel for expanding the customer base and raising customer satisfaction for banks. Today, a mere click of mouth can turn the world of financial services upside down, giving consumers unprecedented freedom in choosing the best provider of high-quality financial services (Chong Soo, Scruggs et al. 2002). Internet banking has recently become one of the most frequently discussed topics in professional l iterature. Numerous studies shown that internet has become the most popular electronic delivery platform for banking (Karjaluoto, Mattila et al. 2002). Open-access networks are studied and further used to deliver high-quality banking services directly to customers. Efficient provision of various information technologies and online financial services to customers has already become an inseparable component of the banks’ daily routine (Daniel 1999). Non-human interaction and extensive use of the internet operation are no longer surprising to anyone but, on the contrary, serve the principal channel for delivering financial services to customers all over the world. (Minjoon and Shaohan 2001). The Hong Kong financial services sector has changed significantly during the past decades. Previously, the banks used conventional, branch-based systems and organizational networks, to deliver financial services to customers. After then the banks have come to realize the need for lower cost methods of financial services delivery to customers, which would help them to develop new ways of attracting customers. Banks started to improve and restructure their product delivery mix, to include various technology elements and develop new approaches for financial services and business operations in the banking sector. An early breakthrough was ATM and 24 hours telephone banking services. To rapid development of internet and telecommunication technologies, most of banks was migrated the financial services to internet platform. Nowadays, online banking services exemplify one of the most successful achievements in the global financial services industry. The internet turns into the principal channel for enhancing customer service, as well as improving integration and interaction with their clients. Through the simplest form, the internet bank can use one single web-page in the Internet, to provide customers with high-quality banking services. (Jones, Mothersbaugh et al. 2002 ). Therefore, these are technologies that lead banks to acquire better opportunities to control their profit structures, costs, manage and possibly reduce operating expenses, as well as develop and sustain efficient systems of profitability management. The simplest website can provide customers

Berlin Wall versus “The Wall” Essay Example for Free

Berlin Wall versus â€Å"The Wall† Essay In this novel, the narrator mentions about the Wall that is built across the church which force some people in Gilead getting separate from the others. Margaret Atwood uses the reference of the Berlin wall to describe the wall in this novel. The Berlin wall was built by the Democratic republic to separate Germany into East Berlin and West Berlin. Proves of that will be the similarities of both wall including the barriers that placed around these walls and the consequences of the rebellions who against the public policies and usage of these walls. From the novel, Offred describes the wall as â€Å"the gates have sentries and there are ugly new floodlights mounted on metal posts above it, and barbed wire along the bottom and broken glass set in concrete along the top.† (Page 40). This description matches the security status of the Berlin Wall: guard towers were placed along large concrete walls, many kinds of â€Å"anti-vehicle trenches† and other defences were built around the wall. These two walls had a common purpose which is to prevent people to cross the line between social statuses or to prevent people from massive emigration and defection. Also many people who tried to cross the Berlin Wall ended up dead, because those people are trying to go against the rule made by the Germany Democratic Republicans; the same thing happened in the novel, when people tries to go against the rule which made by the Gilead government, for example, the Guardians who committed the Gender Treachery (Page 53) receives death penalty and their body are hanging onto the wall which reminds everyone about the authority. Therefore, the wall from the handmaid’s tale is referenced from the Berlin wall because both of the walls are the legacy of separation within the nation. The Gilead The name of the formal U.S.A. is Gilead, it is originally comes from the bible. Margaret Atwood uses this name because from the Bible, it describes Gilead as a country that is always in the war, this matches the situation from the novel, the handmaids’ talks about the war all the time: â€Å"â€Å"The war is going well, I hear† she says. â€Å"Praise be,† I reply.† (Page 24).  Furthermore, the country Gilead from the novel was very spiritual, which connect to the bible.

Structure of the Male Reproductive System

Structure of the Male Reproductive System New chapter 35 The Male Reproductive System INTRODUCTION The male reproductive system has three principal functions: The differentiation and maintenance of the primary and secondary sex characteristics under the influence of the hormone testos ­terone, made in the testes. Spermatogenesis—the creation of the male gametes inside the testes. The penile delivery of sperm from the testes into the female’s vagina in the act of procre ­ation. This includes penile erection and ejaculation. SYSTEM STRUCTURE The male reproductive system comprises not only the male genitals, but also the cranial structures that help regulate the performance of the male re ­productive system—namely, the hypothalamus and pituitary. At the hypothalamic and pituitary level, however, male and female anatomy and histology are more or less the same. For more details on the hy ­pothalamic and pituitary structures involved in hu ­man reproduction, see Chapter 36. In the section that follows, we will focus on the anatomy and histology of the testes, the penis, and the ductal connections between the testes and penis. The Testes The male gonads, or testes, are suspended from the perineum in an external contractile sac called the scrotum (Figure 37.1A). Each testis is about 4 cm long, and the testes are perfused by the spermatic arteries. The spermatic arteries are closely apposed with the spermatic venous plexus, and this close contact al ­lows countercurrent heat exchange between artery and vein, cooling the blood that flows to the testes. Countercurrent heat exchange helps keep the testic ­ular temperature cool enough for optimal spermato ­genesis (1 °C to 2 °C cooler than body temperature). The external location of the testes in the scrotum serves as a second important cooling mechanism. Because the testes develop within the abdomen, they descend into the scrotum during fetal life, reaching the deep inguinal rings around week 28 of gestation and inhab ­iting the scrotum by birth. In some instances (3% of the time in full-term male infants), the testes do not descend—a condition called c ryptorchidism. Cryp ­torchidism must be corrected if the male is to have properly functioning, fertile gonads. The testes are composed of coiled seminiferous tubules embedded in connective tissue (see Figure 37.1B). The connective tissue, which makes up about 20% of the testicular mass, contains Leydig cells, which make testosterone. The seminiferous tubules, constituting 80% of the testicular mass, generate the sperm. The tubules contain two main cell types: spermatogonia and Sertoli cells. Sper ­matogonia are the germ cells that undergo meiosis to give rise to spermatids, the immediate precursors to spermatozoa. The copious cytoplasm of the Sertoli cells completely envelops and protects the spermatids, sealing them off from any contact with the tubules’ outer basement membrane or blood supply. This Sertoli sheath hence forms a blood-testis barrier to protect the male gametes from any harmful bloodborne agents, and to prevent the immune system from attacking the unique sperm-specific proteins as though they were foreign anti ­gens. By virtue of their position between the blood and the spermatids, the Sertoli cells also transport nutrients, oxygen, and hormones, such as testos ­terone, to the spermatids. Figure 37.1 Anatomy of the male reproductive system. A. Overview. B. A closer look at the testis. C. The ducts of the reproductive system shown in isolation. The ducts arising from both testes are depicted, converging on the posterior urethra inside the prostate gland. The spermatogonia sit outside the blood-testis barrier near the basement membrane. Here, they continuously conduct mitosis. The products of mitosis are pushed toward the tubule lumen and undergo meiosis and differentiation into sperm cells. The Sertoli barrier is fluid and accommodates the passage of cells developing into spermatids. The testes make around 120 million sperm a day. As they differentiate, the sperm migrate into the tubule lu ­men for transport distally to the rete testis, a plexus of ducts that collects sperm from each of roughly 900 seminiferous tubules. The rete testis empties into the epididymis, a single coiled tubule running from the top of the testis down its posterior aspect. In the epididymis, sperm are stored and undergo maturation before continuing their voyage outside the testis. The Ducts and Penis Each epididymis leads to a long, straight tube called the vas deferens (see Figure 37.1C). The vas deferens from the epididymis of each testis rises in the scrotum, ranges laterally through the inguinal canals, runs along the pelvic wall toward the poste ­rior, and descends along the posterior aspect of the bladder. Here the two vas deferens tubes widen into ampullae, which are attached to glands called the seminal vesicles. (There are two seminal vesicles, one for each vas deferens.) The seminal vesicles se ­crete more than half the volume of the semen. The two ampullae each send an ejaculatory duct through the prostate gland, and the ejaculatory ducts join the urethra inside the tissue of the prostate gland. From this point onward, the male urethra serves as part of both the reproductive and urinary tracts, unlike female anatomy, in which the reproductive and urinary tracts are completely separate. Male physiol ­ogy ensures that micturition and ejaculation do not occur simult aneously. The urethra next passes through the muscle tissue of the urogenital diaphragm, a consciously controllable sphincter. Sitting just under the urogen ­ital diaphragm are the bulbourethral glands (also called Cowper’s glands), which lubricate the urethra with mucus. Finally, the urethra enters the penis. The cylindrical penis houses the urethra in erectile tissue, which helps effect the transition between the excretory and reproductive functions of the urethra (Figure 37.2). This erectile tissue contains cavernous sinuses that fill with blood under circumstances of increased penile blood flow, leading to erection of the penis. When erect, the penis may be inserted into the vagina so that sperm may be delivered to the fallop ­ian tubes. Figure 37.2 Cross-section of the penis. The erectile tissue is present in three cylinders inside the penis, each called a corpus cavernosum and together called the corpora cavernosa. Two of the corpora lie dorsally and are sheathed by the ischio ­cavernosus muscles. One lies ventrally and is sheathed by the bulbospongiosus muscle. The ventral corpus cavernosum is also called the corpus spongiosum, and it is special in that it contains the urethra and forms the glans penis, the spongy head of the penis. The corpora are each supplied by a cavernous artery that gives out helicine arteries. The penis averages 8.8 cm (3.5 in) in length when flaccid and 12.9 cm (5.1 in) when erect, indicating no correlation between flaccid and erect size. SYSTEM FUNCTION Just as the female reproductive system is coor ­dinated by the hypothalamus and pituitary, the activities of the male reproductive system are coor ­dinated by the HPG axis, in this case the hypothala ­mic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis (Figure 37.3). (The gonadal HPT axis is not to be confused with the hy ­pothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, also labeled HPT.) The male axis shares with the female the exact same hypothalamic hormone, gonadotropin- releasing hormone (GnRH), and the same pituitary go ­nadotropins, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). (The gonadotropins are named for their female reproductive functions, but they act in the male nonetheless.) The same array of gonadal steroid hormones that is produced by the ovary is also synthesized by the male reproductive system, but in different proportions. Because of differential expression of enzymes in the steroid synthesis pathway, the female gonad makes predom ­inantly progesterone and est rogen, while the male gonad predominantly makes the androgen steroid hormone testosterone. Testosterone inhibits the secretion of GnRH, LH, and FSH in a classic negative-feedback loop. Figure 37.3 Hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. Plus signs represent stimulation; minus signs represent inhibition. The HPT Axis GnRH is the initial driver of testicular function. It is secreted in a pulsatile fashion (one pulse every 1 to 3 hours) and distributes to the pituitary gonadotrophs through the hypothalamic-pituitary portal circula- tion. There, the releasing hormone stimulates the LH- and FSH-secreting cells. Each GnRH pulse directly prompts an LH pulse from the gonadotrophs. More frequent or larger-amplitude GnRH pulses result in more frequent or larger-amplitude LH pulses. GnRH also increases FSH release, but the correlation between GnRH and FSH release is not as exact. LH acts on the Leydig cells. The LH signal is transduced by a seven- transmembrane receptor linked through a G protein to adenylyl cyclase, which produces cAMP. LH-dependent elevations in cAMP promote testosterone synthesis from cholesterol and promote the growth of Leydig cells. Testosterone synthesis is increased by the activation and increased expression of key proteins involved in steroidogenesis, such as the steroidogenic acute regu ­latory protein (StAR). StAR shuttles cholesterol into steroid-manufacturing cells. The Leydig cells of the testis are unique in their ability to make testosterone in large amounts (Figure 37.4). While the zona reticulata cells of the adrenal gland also make androgens, the adrenal pathway stops at androstenedione, the im ­mediate precursor to testosterone. (Some peripheral tissues can make testosterone from androstenedione in small amounts.) FSH, meanwhile, binds to receptors on the Sertoli cells, activating the production of proteins involved in spermatogenesis. FSH also stimulates glucose metabolism, thereby providing energy to the sperm precursors. (Spermatogenesis will be discussed in more detail below.) Finally, FSH upregu ­lates the expression of the androgen receptor in Sertoli cells, thereby potentiating the influence of testosterone upon spermatogenesis. Like all steroids, testosterone binds an intracel ­lular receptor, which binds DNA transcription factors and influences gene expression. The distribution of testosterone receptors in the body tissues deter ­mines the targets of testosterone action. In addition, target tissues express an enzyme that converts testos ­terone to its more active form, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This enzyme is 5à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¡-reductase. DHT binds more avidly to the androgen receptor than does testos ­terone itself. Testosterone from the Leydig cells passes through the Sertoli cells and into the seminif ­erous tubules, where, alongside FSH, it promotes spermatogenesis. The Sertoli cells make androgen-binding protein (ABP), which helps them to retain testosterone. Testosterone also acts systemically, promoting growth and sustaining gene expression in many peripheral tissues. Testosterone is transported in the blood by sex hormone-binding protein (SHBP), also called sex hormone-binding globulin, a liv er-produced carrier protein that is structurally similar to ABP. It is thought that testosterone and SHBP itself may act at cell membrane receptors, in addition to testosterone’s genomic effects. This is parallel to the genomic and nongenomic modes of signal transduc ­tion employed by thyroid hormone. Finally, testosterone inhibits GnRH and go ­nadotropin secretion. Thus, testosterone limits its own production and action. Inhibin from the Sertoli cells also inhibits the pituitary and hypothalamus. Inhibin is a TGF-à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¢ glycoprotein hormone. Investiga ­tions suggest that additional feedback mechanisms link Sertoli cell behavior with Leydig cell behavior. Table 37.1 summarizes the actions of testosterone. Table 37.1 Testosterone Actions The Expression of Male Sex Characteristics The male reproductive system begins to function during embryonic life. As soon as the testes form and are capable of secreting testosterone, the androgen begins to act on the body tissues. At this stage, the hormone differentiates the fetus into a male with the appropriate primary sex characteristics—the male genitals. At puberty, testosterone causes sustained expression of the secondary sex characteristics, which are gender-based phenotypes other than the genitals, such as hair growth, muscle development, and a low voice. Fetal Life and Infancy (Primary Sex Characteristics) While the testes do act in utero, they cannot act before they have formed, and they do not form right away. In fact, before 6 weeks of gestation, the gonads of geno ­typically male or female embryos have not begun to differentiate into either ovaries or testes. The so-called â€Å"indifferent gonad† has an inner medullary (male) and an outer cortical (female) layer. In addition, the anatomic precursors of both males (the Wolffian ducts) and females (the Mà ¼llerian ducts) are present. Only at 6 to 8 weeks of gestation is male sexual devel ­opment initiated by the SRY gene, a gene on the short arm of the Y chromosome. SRY encodes a zinc finger DNA-binding protein called testis determining factor (TDF). Under the influence of TDF, the medullae of the indifferent gonads develop while the cortices regress. The previously indifferent gonads differentiate into testes: embryonic germ cells form spermatogonia, coelomic epitheli al cells form Sertoli cells (6 to 7 weeks of gestation), and mesenchymal stromal cells form Leydig cells (8 to 9 weeks of gestation). Now the testes can begin to act. The Sertoli cells secrete a Mà ¼llerian-inhibiting factor (MIF), which causes regression of the Mà ¼llerian ducts. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)—which is structurally related to LH—stimulates the Leydig cells to prolifer ­ate and secrete testosterone. The testosterone is reduced to DHT in target tissues by 5à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¡-reductase. As long as target tissues contain the androgen receptor and 5à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¡-reductase, DHT induces those tissues to form the primary male sex characteristics, the male repro ­ductive organs. Under the influence of DHT, the Wolffian ducts differentiate into the epididymis, vas deferens, and seminal vesicles. The genital tubercle transforms into the glans penis, the urethral folds grow into the penile shaft, and the urogenital sinus becomes the prostate gland. Finally, DHT causes the genital swellings to fuse, forming the scrotum. At its peak, the fetal testosterone level reaches 400 ng/dL, but by birth it falls below 50 ng/dL. There is a brief spike in the male infant’s testosterone level between 4 and 8 weeks after birth, but its function is not well understood. Otherwise, the testosterone level remains low throughout childhood, until puberty. Puberty and Beyond (Secondary Sex Characteristics) Puberty is the process by which males and females achieve reproductive capacity, and it begins in both sexes with an increase in hypothalamic GnRH secre ­tion. It is possible that this increase is in response to decreasing hypothalamic sensitivity to testos ­terone’s negative-feedback effects. As the child ap ­proaches adolescence, the hypothalamus gradually escapes inhibition and GnRH secretion rises. LH and FSH secretion in turn rise, and testosterone secretion from the testes increases. Gradual maturation of hypothalamic neurons probably plays a role in this pubertal change in GnRH secretion. Increased testicular production of testosterone and other androgens at puberty has a host of effects. The earliest one is enlargement of the penis and testes. From the beginning to the end of puberty, the testicular volume more than quadruples. Spermato ­genesis commences (with testosterone effects per ­haps being most important on the spermatids), and the prostate gland is stimulated to grow. Growth oc ­curs in many tissues outside the reproductive system as well. Androgens are anabolic steroids; they promote the storage of energy in complex molecules. While an ­drogens promote protein synthesis, an anabolic hor ­mone like insulin has a greater effect on the formation of complex carbohydrates and fats. Increased protein synthesis is associated with the growth of skeletal muscle, bones, skin, and hair (pubic, axillary, facial, chest, arms, and legs) and the growth of the larynx (which deepens the voice and causes the thyroid car ­tilage, or Adam’s apple, to protrude). Men on average have around 50% more muscle mass than women; they have stronger, denser bone matrices and thicker skin. Muscle does not contain 5à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ¡-reductase, so it ap ­pears that testosterone, not DHT, promotes muscular protein anabolism. However, testosterone or DHT may promote muscular anabolism via extramuscular effects, such as the stimulation of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) production. Collectively, the development of the secondary sex characteristics is called virilization (after the Latin vir for man). It appears that while testosterone promotes all of these effects—genital growth and spermatogenesis, hair growth, behavioral changes, and anabolism in peripheral tissues—certain andro ­gen precursors, metabolic byproducts, and pharma ­ceutical androgen analogs preferentially serve peripheral anabolism. Many of these metabolites and drugs are abused by bodybuilders and athletes. (See Clinical Application Box The Use and Abuse of An ­abolic Steroids.) Testosterone, combined with a genetic predis ­position, also influences hair growth on the head. Male-pattern baldness typically begins with a de ­crease in hair growth on the top of the head and progresses to a complete lack of hair growth extend ­ing from the top of the head down. Both factors, the androgens and the genes, are necessary for baldness to occur; a man without the genetic predisposition will not become bald regardless of his testosterone level. A woman with the genetic predisposition will usually not become bald unless she suffers from excess androgen production. Similarly, a castrated male with low testosterone levels will not become bald even if he has a genetic predisposition. Once testosterone levels rise during puberty, they reach a plateau and remain elevated until a man reaches his seventies, when they begin to decline. This event, called the male climacteric, may create some symptoms resembling those of female menopause. However, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is not commonly used to treat these symp ­toms. One reason is that men in this age group are at increased risk for prostate cancer. Because testos ­terone has proliferative effects on the prostate, HRT might further increase the risk of prostate cancer. While testosterone does promote spermatogenesis, this testicular function is remarkably well preserved in men even after the climacteric. The Haploid Life Cycle in the Male As mentioned above, spermatogenesis begins with puberty and continues into the eighth decade of life. Spermatogenesis has three phases: sperma ­tocytogenesis, during which the primordial sper ­matogonia divide by mitosis and differentiate into spermatocytes; meiosis, resulting in four haploid gametes called spermatids, each with a quarter of the cytoplasm of the original spermatogonium (see Chapter 36); and spermiogenesis, during which the spermatids are nourished and physically reshaped by the surrounding Sertoli cells. The product of spermiogenesis is spermatozoa, or sperm (Figure 37.5). After spermiogenesis, the epididymis and repro ­ductive tract glands help prepare the sperm for fertilization. Spermatocytogenesis and Meiosis The evolving group of cells spanning from spermatogonia to sper ­matozoa is sometimes called the spermatogenic series. Not all spermatogonia enter into the sper ­matogenic series. If they did, they would be con ­sumed—as happens to the oogonia in the ovary, eventually leading to menopause. Instead, the testis csontinually replenishes its own supply of spermato ­gonia. As they undergo mitosis, some of the new ones are committed to the spermatogenic series, while some remain undifferentiated. The undifferen- tiated stem cells are called type A spermatogonia, and the differentiated spermatogonia committed to becom ­ing spermatocytes are called type B spermatogonia. Once this allocation of mitotic products into one group or another occurs, spermatocytogenesis con ­tinues as follows. Type A spermatogonia remain on the outside of the blood-testis barrier, while type B spermatogonia cross it, becoming enveloped by the cytoplasmic processes of the Sertoli cells. These type B spermatogonia differentiate further and enlarge to become primary spermatocytes. The primary sperma ­tocytes then enter meiosis, a process that takes around 3.5 weeks to complete, almost all of which is spent in prophase (when the newly replicated chro ­mosomes condense). Each primary spermatocyte di ­vides into two secondary spermatocytes, which in turn divide again into a total of four haploid spermatids. Each spermatid contains either an X chromosome or a Y chromosome. The male’s gamete thus decides the sex of his offspring. Spermiogenesis Spermiogenesis begins once the spermatids are created and delivered into the em ­brace of the amoeboid Sertoli cells (Figure 37.6). The spermatid elongates and reorganizes its nuclear and cytoplasmic contents into a spermatozoon with a dis ­tinct head and tail. The head consists of a condensed nucleus surrounded by a thin layer of cytoplasm. The rest of the retained cytoplasm and cell membrane is shifted toward the opposite end of the sperm, the tail. A large amount of the spermatid’s cytoplasm is shed into the surrounding Sertoli cell during spermiogene ­sis. As the transformed sperm is extruded into the seminiferous tubule lumen, the discarded cytoplasm remains embedded in the cytoplasm of the Sertoli cell, where it is ultimately phagocytized. Figure 37.6 Spermiogenesis The structure of sperm cells enables them to swim up the female reproductive tract and fertilize oocytes. The tail of a sperm contains a flagellum for motility. Originating from one of the centrioles of the sperm cells, the flagellum consists of a central skele ­ton of microtubules called the axoneme. The axoneme is arranged in the ancient 9 + 2 pattern characteristic of eukaryotic cilia and flagella across all kingdoms and phyla of life: 9 pairs of microtubules surrounding 2 central tubules, linked via a complex array of protein bridges. The sperm cell’s mitochondria aggregate along the proximal end of the flagellum and supply energy for movement to the flagellum. The flagellum enables the sperm to swim. The anterior two thirds of the head of the sperm cell is surrounded by a thick capsule known as the acrosome, formed from the Golgi apparatus. The Golgi apparatus contains numerous hydrolytic and proteolytic enzymes, similar to those found in lysosomes, and ultimately facilitates the sperm’s penetration of the egg for fertilization. There is also evidence to suggest a role for the acrosomal enzymes in penetrating the mucus of the female cervix. Epididymal Sperm Maturation and Storage After spermiogenesis is complete, the sperm pass out of the testis (through the rete testis) and into the epi ­didymis, where growth and differentiation continue. After the first 24 hours in the epididymis, the sperm acquire the potential for motility. However, the epithelial cells of the epididymis secrete inhibitory proteins that suppress this potential. Thus, the 120 million sperm produced each day in the seminiferous tubules are stored in the epididymis, as well as in the vas deferens and ampulla. The sperm can remain in these excretory genital ducts in a deeply suppressed and inactive state for over a month without losing their potential fertility. The epididymis also secretes a special nutrient fluid that is ultimately ejaculated with the sperm and is thought to mature the sperm. This fluid contains hormones, enzymes (such as glycosyltransferases and glycosidases), and nutrients that are essential to achieving fertilization. The precise function of many of these factors is not known, but enzymes like gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase are thought to serve as antioxidants defending against mutations in the sperm. Potentiation in the Ejaculate The accessory genital glands—the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands—also contribute to potentia ­tion. During ejaculation, their secretions dilute the epididymal inhibitory proteins, allowing the sperm’s motile potential to be realized. In addition, the glands make individual contributions to sperm preparation and support. The seminal vesicles secrete semen, a mucoid yellowish material containing nutrients and sperm-activating substances such as fructose, cit ­rate, inositol, prostaglandins, and fibrinogen. Carbo ­hydrates such as fructose provide a source of energy for the sperm mitochondria as they power the sperm’s flagellar movements. The prostaglandins are believed to aid the sperm by affecting the female gen ­ital tract—making the cervical mucus more receptive to the sperm, and dampening the peristaltic contrac ­tions of the uterus and fallopian tubes to prevent them from expellin g the sperm. The prostate gland secretes a thin, milky, and al ­kaline fluid during ejaculation that mixes with the contents of the vas deferens. The prostatic secretion contains calcium, zinc, and phosphate ions, citrate, acid phosphatase, and various clotting enzymes. The clotting enzymes react with the fibrinogen of the seminal fluid, forming a weak coagulum that glues the semen inside the vagina and facilitates the passage of sperm through the cervix in larger numbers. The al ­kalinity imparted to semen by the prostate counter ­acts vaginal acidity, which is a natural defense against microbial pathogens and which can kill sperm or impair sperm motility. By titrating the acid ­ity, the prostate ensures that the sperm can elude this antimicrobial defense. Capacitation in the Female Reproductive Tract Ejaculated sperm is not immediately capable of fertilizing the female oocyte. In the first few hours after ejaculation, the spermatozoa must undergo capacitation inside the female reproductive tract. This is the final step in preparation for fertilization. First, the fluids of the female reproductive tract wash away more of the inhibitory factors of the male geni ­tal fluid. The flagella of the sperm hence act more readily, producing the whiplash motion that is needed for the sperm to swim to the oocyte in the fallopian tube. Second, the cell membrane of the head of the sperm is modified in preparation for the ultimate acrosomal reaction and penetration of the oocyte. Capacitation is an incompletely understood phenomenon. Fertilization Once capacitated, the spermatozoa travel to the oocyte. There is an enormous rate of at ­trition among the hundreds of millions of ejaculated sperm, and at most a few hundred reach the oocyte. However, the female reproductive tract is simultane ­ously increasing receptivity to the male gametes (see Chapter 36). When the few hundred sperm reach the egg, they begin to try to penetrate the granulosa cells surrounding the secondary oocyte. The sperm’s acrosome contains hyaluronidase and proteolytic enzymes, which open this path. As the anterior mem ­brane of the acrosome reaches the zona pellucida (the glycoprotein coat surrounding the oocyte), it rapidly dissolves and releases the acrosomal enzymes. Within minutes, these enzymes open a pathway through the zona pellucida for the sperm cytoplasm to merge with the oocyte cytoplasm. From beginning to end, the process of fertilization takes about half an hour. Figure 37.7 Sexual response and changes in the penis. Penile Erection and Ejaculation The practice of internal fertilization, in which the male deposits gametes directly into the reproductive tract of the female, is at least 300 million years old. Early cartilaginous fishes probably were its innova ­tors. These elasmobranchs retained their concepti internally until the eggs could be waterproofed and thus protected from the osmotic stress of seawater. Eventually, almost all the higher vertebrates would practice internal fertilization for the sake of defending the next generation. For this reason, the male vertebrate possesses a special apparatus for penetrating the body of the female and delivering semen to an internal location. There are two physiologic events crucial to this in ­ternal delivery of semen: penile erection, which makes it possible for the penis to penetrate the vagina, bringing the urethral opening, or meatus, into close contact with the female cervix; and ejaculation, in which the semen is secreted into the male repro ­ductive ductal system, mixed with sperm, and then mechanically squirted out of the penis. Both of these events are initiated and controlled by the nervous system in connection with the subjective state of sexual arousal. Sexual Response in the Male William H. Masters and Virginia E. Johnson in 1966 described four phases of sexual response

Global Plan to Eliminate New HIV Infections

Global Plan to Eliminate New HIV Infections Abstract The study assessed the progress of 20 priority sub-Saharan African countries in the attainment of the targets outlined in the ‘Global Plan for the Elimination of New HIV Infections among Children by 2015 and Keeping their Mothers Alive’. The 2012 progress reports of the countries were extracted from the UNAIDS online database. The global and Prong 1, 3, and 4 targets were analysed with respect to the May 2013 targets and milestones. The 2009 to 2012 and the 2005 to 2010 mid – point estimates were analysed respectively for global target 1 – Reduce number of new infections among children by 90% and global target 2- Reduce AIDS-related deaths during pregnancy or within 42 days of the end of pregnancy by 50%. Estimates were calculated using Spectrum version 4.6 and Wilcoxon ranked test was used for data analysis.Between 2009 and 2012, there was 38% total reduction in global target 1 while between2005 to 2012 there was 25% total reduction in global target 2 for the 20 priority countries. Ghana and South Africa recorded the most significant reduction for global target 1 with 72% and 63% respectively while Nigeria, Chad, Congo Democratic Republic and Lesotho recorded less than 20% reduction. Only Botswana and Ethiopia recorded over 50% reduction in global target 2. There has been significant progress however; the global milestones have not been attained. More effort is needed in Nigeria, Congo Democratic Republic and Angola and sustained momentum in other priority countries to achieve the Global Plan goals and milestones. HIV infection remains one of the major cause of death in children and their mothers in Sub Saharan African (SSA) countries [1,2,3]. Transmission of HIV infection from mothers to their unborn children and infants is mostly during pregnancy, labour and post – natally during breastfeeding period. [4,5]. There has been gradual reduction in new HIV infections among children of HIV infected mothers since the commencement of prevention of mother to child transmission programme (PMTCT) but as at 2009, a staggering 370,000 children were recorded to have became newly infected with HIV worldwide and an estimated 42,000 – 60,000 pregnant women also died due to HIV infection and its complications. [6,7].Over 90% of the countries responsible for this high burden of HIV infection and high mother to child transmission (MTCT) rates are located in SSA. India, which is located in Asia is another country which also contribute significantly to this burden. These countries account for the bu lk of the HIV infected women requiring antiretroviral therapy (ART) in order to prevent MTCT. They also account for over 90% of the paediatric HIV infected children who need ART [7].The case of MTCT presents a big disparity globally with high income countries recording almost zero new HIV infections among children and maternal and infant mortalities due to HIV infection. However; most of the low and middle countries especially those located in SSA record new infections because the number of women accessing HIV prevention and treatment services is considerably very low. The same situation applies to their children and this exposes them to new infections and death [7].The success recorded in reducing MTCT to almost zero and keeping their mothers alive is possible globally. However, this can only be a reality if all involved will ensure that all pregnant women living with HIV and their children have easy access to antiretroviral drugs and other necessary care as indicated during pregna ncy, delivery and breastfeeding. These measures will go a long way in preventing new infections among the children and take care of the health of the mothers as well. Provision and appropriate usage of ARVs as prophylaxis has been proven to reduce HIV MTCT to less than 5% [9]. Other measures that targets HIV infection prevention among women at increased risk of HIV and the unmet family planning needs of women living with HIV will contribute significantly to reduction for subsequent antiretroviral prophylaxis and treatment need [12].In May 2009, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) made a call for the virtual elimination of MTCT globally. This call was supported by many other multilateral and bilateral agencies, regional coordinating bodies, national governments and their HIV/AIDS control agencies . In furtherance of this noble course, the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2010 published new guidelines which included the best available scientific and programmatic tools to accelerate the reduction of MTCT and achieve the virtual elimination of MTCT. These guidelines also included advice for safer infant feeding. [6,7] The call for the virtual elimination of new paediatric HIV infection led to the launching of an initiative known as â€Å"Global Plan Towards the Elimination of New HIV Infections among Children by 2015 and Keeping their Mothers Alive † in July 2011 at the United Nations General Assembly High Level Meeting on AIDS. The Global Plan was developed through a consultative process by a Global Task Team convened by UNAIDS. The Global Task Team included experts and policy makers from 25 countries and 30 civil society organisations, private sector, networks of people living with HIV and international organisations. This plan was designed to provide the foundation for country-led movement towards the elimination of new HIV infections among children and keeping their mothers alive. The Global Plan covers all low- and middle-income countries, but with a particular focus on the 22 countries with the highest estimated numbers of pregnant women living with HIV. These countries are Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Cà ´te d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Swaziland, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. These countries were selected based on the fact that they account for nearly 90% of pregnant women living with HIV in need of services. These countries also need exceptional efforts to achieve this goal. The Global Plan also supports and reinforces the development of country-driven HIV national plans [7]. The Global Plan focuses on reaching pregnant women living with HIV and their children prior to pregnancy, through the time of pregnancy until stoppage of breastfeeding. The HIV prevention and treatment needs of mothers and children will be met within the existing comprehensive HIV care programmes.The implementation framework for the Global Plan is based on two global targets and broader four-pronged strategy. The strategy provides the foundation for national plans development and implementation. It encompasses ranges of HIV prevention and treatment indicators for mothers and their children, essential maternal, newborn and child health services and family planning, and as a crucial aspect of efforts to achieve Millennium Development Goals 4, 5 and 6 [10,11]. Global Target #1: Reduce the number of new HIV infections among children by 90% . Global Target #2: Reduce the number of AIDS-related maternal deaths by 50%. Prong 1: Prevention of HIV among women of reproductive age within services related to reproductive health such as antenatal care, postpartum and postnatal care and other health and HIV service delivery points. Target: Reduce HIV incidence in women 15-49 by 50%. Prong 2: Providing appropriate counselling and support, and contraceptives, to women living with HIV to meet their unmet needs for family planning and spacing of births, and to optimize health outcomes for these women and their children. Target: Reduce unmet need for family planning to zero (Millennium Development Goal). Prong 3: For pregnant women living with HIV, ensure HIV testing and counselling and access to the antiretroviral drugs needed to prevent HIV infection from being passed on to their babies during pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding [9]. Target: Reduce mother-to-child transmission of HIV to 5%. 90% of mothers receive perinatal antiretroviral therapy or prophylaxis. 90% of breastfeeding infant-mother pairs receive antiretroviral therapy or prophylaxis. Prong 4: HIV care, treatment and support for women, children living with HIV and their families. Target : Provide 90% of pregnant women in need of antiretroviral therapy for their own health with life-long antiretroviral therapy. By the end of 2015, the estimated number of new HIV infections in children is expected to have been reduced by at least 85% in each of the 22 priority countries, the estimated number of HIV-associated pregnancy-related deaths reduced by 50% and all countries will have met the targets for elimination of new HIV infections among children and keeping their mothers alive. There is however need to measure the progress made by these countries and to address gaps and challenges identified. This study aimed to assess the progress made by twenty of the priority countries involved in the Global Plan in sub Saharan Africa. This is coming two years after the formal launching of the Global Plan with the countries making commitment towards the elimination of new HIV infections in children and keeping their mothers alive. This study looked at the progress made so far in meeting some of the targets and milestones set to be met by May 2013.We searched the UNAIDS online database of the 2012 progress reports submitted by the priority countries. The 2009 2012 mid – point estimates were analysed for 20 of the sub- Saharan African Global Plan priority countries. The estimates were calculated using Spectrum version 4.6. The Spectrum files were developed by country teams and compiled by UNAIDS in 2013. However, the estimates from AIDS related deaths during pregnancy or within 42 days of the end of pregnancy was from 2005 to 2010 [8].Only 20 of the Global Plan priority countries data were analysed due to non availability of country – specific data for Uganda and India. . In order assess the progress made, the global targets and Prong 1, 3, and 4 targets were quantitatively analysed with respect to the May 2013 targets and milestones. Some of the global and country targets and milestones assessed were : The estimated number of new HIV infections in children is reduced by 50% from 2010 levels in at least 10 high-burden countries. (Country target and milestone). The estimated number of new HIV infections in children is reduced by 50%. (Global target and milestone). The data was analysed using statistical package Stata version 12.1. Overall Targets Between 2009 and 2012, the number of new infections among children in the 20 Global Plan priority countries in sub-Saharan Africa countries with country-specific data was estimated to have reduced from 315570 to 197170. ( Wilcoxon ranked test ;P = 0.0001; Table 1 and 5). The total reduction in the estimated number of new HIV infections among children was 38% from 2009 levels in the high-burden countries.AIDS-related deaths during pregnancy or within 42 days of the end of pregnancy among the 20 Global Plan priority countries in sub-Saharan Africa countries with country-specific data reduced from 36000 in 2005 to 29030 in 2010.Prong 1 Target The new HIV infections among women 15–49 years old among the 20 Global Plan priority countries in sub-Saharan Africa countries with country-specific data reduced from 687900 in 2009 to 606000 in 2012 (Wilcoxon ranked test ;P = 0.0001; Table 2 and 5 ).Prong 3 Targets The final Mother to Child Transmission rate (%) among the 20 priority countries with country-specific data reduced from 27% in 2009 to 19% in 2012 (Wilcoxon ranked test ;P = 0.0001; Table 3 and 5 ). The percentage of women receiving antiretroviral medicines (excluding single-dose nevirapine) to prevent MTCT increased from 34% in 2009 to 63% in 2012 (Wilcoxon ranked test ;P = 0.0001; Table 3 and 5). The percentage of women or infants receiving antiretroviral medicines during breastfeeding to prevent MTCT increased from 11% in 2009 to 43% in 2012 (Wilcoxon ranked test ;P = 0.0001; Table 3 and 5).Prong 4 TargetsThe percentage of antiretroviral therapy coverage among children 0–14 years old increased appreciably from 22% to 35% in all the Global Plan priority countriesIn SSA,the percentage of pregnant women living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy for their own health increased from 23% in 2009 to 57% in 2012 (Wilcoxon ranked test ;P = 0.0001; Table 4 and 5). Two countries namely Ghana and South Africa have done tremendously well in achieving the highest reduction in the numbers of new HIV infections among children from 2009 to 2012 with 72% and 63% reduction respectively [8]. Others like Botswana, Malawi, Ethiopia, Zambia and Namibia had also achieved remarkable reduction with Zimbabwe, Kenya, Mozambique and Tanzania almost reaching the 50% reduction. Angola, Nigeria, Chad, Congo Democratic Republic and Lesotho are still lagging behind in the aspect of reduction of new infection in children. The case of Nigeria is really a concern considering the fact that she has the highest number and about one third of all new paediatric infection in sub Saharan Africa. Angola is also a case for concern, there has been increase in new infections rather than reduction since 2009. Furthermore , there has been reduction in the AIDS-related deaths during pregnancy or within 42 days of the end of pregnancy from 2005 to 2010, although with some exceptions like Mozambique and South Africa. There has been some reduction in new HIV infections among women 15–49 years old in the priority countries but with some exceptions such as Angola, Cameroun, Chad, Cote D’Ivoire, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe. There was reduction in the final Mother to Child Transmission rate with Botswana and South Africa leading the pack. These two countries have already reached the 5% target for the reduction in transmission rate [8]. More women are now able to access antiretroviral medicines and thereby reducing the risk of new HIV transmission to their children compared to 2009. Four countries had already surpassed the 90% target for the increase in percentage of women receiving antiretroviral medicines (excluding single-dose nevirapine) to prevent MTCT, however, Angola, Chad, Nigeria and Congo DR did poorly in this area of maternal antiretroviral coverage. The increase in the percentage of women or infants receiving antiretroviral medicines during breastfeeding to prevent MTCT among the priority countries is a commendable step because some of the countries do not have this programme in place as of 2009. There was a significant increase in antiretroviral therapy coverage for pregnant women living with HIV in the priority countries. Botwsana and Namibia had achieved above 90% antiretroviral therapy coverage for pregnant women living with HIV . These increased coverage levels of antiretroviral medicines is expected to translate into lower mother-to-child transmission rates. Over the years, there has been an increase in the number of children who are on antiretroviral therapy but this increase is still not the desired expectation with two third of eligible children been denied the needed medication in most of the priority countries. It is noteworthy that Botswana was already having above 95% paediatric antiretroviral coverage as at 2009. A major limitation of this study is the non availability of Uganda and India country – specific data . Another challenge was in measuring the progress of the initiative because most of the priority countries do not have a direct measurement of the number of new HIV infections among children [8].There has been a significant progress among most of the sub Saharan African priority countries in the bid to eliminate new HIV infections in children as seen by the reduction in the percentage of final mother to child transmission of HIV.The success story so far include reduced number of children newly acquiring HIV infection, improved and increased access to HIV treatment for eligible women and their children, increased coverage of antiretroviral medicines for pregnant women living with HIV to prevent mother-to-child transmission from and reduction in AIDS-related deaths during pregnancy or within 42 days of the end of pregnancy. However, only seven countries has been able to achieve the 50% reduction in estimated number of new HIV infections among children thereby falling short of the expected ten countries target by May 2012 [7]. Also the number of new HIV infections in the countries declined by only 38% against the target of 50%. More effort is needed in certain countries like Nigeria, Congo Democratic Republic and Angola and sustained momentum in other priority countries in order to achieve the Global Plan goals.

The Pros and Cons of Postponing Childbearing :: Pro Con Essays

The trend to postpone childbearing has resulted in many children having older parents. What do you see as advantages and disadvantages for these children? What benefits and problems might result for parents being older? Advantages for children: -their parents are more relaxed -their parents have more money -their parents are wiser and can teach them more about life Advantages for parents: -they have the means to support the kids -they don't have to miss out on the fun of being young -they are ready to settle down -they are more patient and relaxed with the children -they will have someone to take care of them when they are old Disadvantages for children: -their parents are old and less energetic -their parents do not related as well with them as if they were younger -they may be embarrassed of their parents being old, especially during adolescence -their parents may die and get sick before the children are mature enough to deal with it -they probably wont get to know their grandparents Disadvantages for parents: -Retirement might not be as relaxing -their health may fail before they are done raising their children -their children may be embarrassed of them Write a brief letter to a new parent in which you describe information about games to play with the baby which will reveal the perceptual abilities of the baby. Base your games on current research and tasks from the Brazelton Scale. Dear New Parent,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Based on current research and tasks from the Brazelton Scale, I would like to recommend games to play with your new baby. These games will reveal the perceptual abilities of the baby. Read books to the baby with simple black and white pictures. Repeat the book checking the baby's responses to your voice and the pictures in the book. Have a rattle for the new baby. Play with the rattle and check the baby's response to the rattle. Reading a story to the baby will also check its response to inanimate visual and auditory stimuli. Play peek-a-boo with the baby. This will test the defensive movements of the baby (place your hands over the baby's eyes as well). As the baby grows older, you can read more visually stimulating books. Eventually, you need to let your baby make its own gaming decisions. Plan a one-week school lunch program for young children based upon information presented in Chapter 6. Monday Grilled Chicken, (skinless and boneless) Baked potato (free of butter and sour cream) Green beans or broccoli Skim milk or chocolate skim milk

This is gay :: essays research papers

nstalling over Windows 2000 releases ------------------------------------- Typical and full installations are not currently available for Windows 2000. Internet Explorer 6 will install a minimal set of files onto your system. This includes the Internet Explorer 6 Web browser and scripting support. Uninstalling Internet Explorer 6 before upgrading to Windows 2000 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Windows 2000 contains an earlier version of Internet Explorer components than Internet Explorer 6. Before upgrading from Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, or Windows NT to Windows 2000, it is recommended that users uninstall Internet Explorer 6. During the upgrade, you may receive the following message: "This program may not run correctly because of new features in Internet Explorer 4.0. You may need to obtain an updated version of this program." Although this message is misleading, please click the Details button for a more accurate description of the problem. Downloading Internet Explorer 6 using a non-Microsoft download manager ------------------------------------------------------------------ During the Internet Explorer 6 installation, Setup must download components from the Internet. Users who are utilizing non-Microsoft download managers (for example, Netzip, GetRight, or RealAudio's Download Demon) will intercept download requests. This will cause Setup to abort. To prevent this from occurring, disable non-Microsoft download managers before running Setup. High encryption support for Internet Explorer 6 -------------------------------------------------------------- High encryption components are included for Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, and Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 6a. Windows Millennium Edition contains high encryption by default. To obtain high encryption support for Windows 2000, please visit Windows Update at http://www.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ or http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/downloads/recommended/ encryption/default.asp. Installing or upgrading the Windows Desktop Update (Windows NT 4.0 only) ------------------------------------------------------------- If you have already installed Internet Explorer 6 and would like to install the Windows Desktop Update, you must install Internet Explorer 4.01 SP2 before installing the upgrade. >>>To install Windows Desktop Update: 1. Uninstall Internet Explorer 6 by using the procedure described later in this document. 2. If Internet Explorer 4.01 SP2 is not already installed on your computer, install it. 3. Install the Windows Desktop Update by clicking Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel. 4. Reinstall Internet Explorer 6. Previous version unavailable after uninstalling Internet Explorer 6 ------------------------------------------------------------------- After uninstalling Internet Explorer 6, it is not possible to remove the browser that was installed prior to Internet Explorer 6. Installing over localized Windows 98 Arabic and Hebrew releases --------------------------------------------------------------- Windows 98 Arabic and Hebrew versions require the corresponding localized version of Internet Explorer 6. It is not possible to install the English version of Internet Explorer over the Hebrew and Arabic localized versions of Windows 98. Installing Internet Explorer 6 with Norton Protected Recycle Bin This is gay :: essays research papers nstalling over Windows 2000 releases ------------------------------------- Typical and full installations are not currently available for Windows 2000. Internet Explorer 6 will install a minimal set of files onto your system. This includes the Internet Explorer 6 Web browser and scripting support. Uninstalling Internet Explorer 6 before upgrading to Windows 2000 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Windows 2000 contains an earlier version of Internet Explorer components than Internet Explorer 6. Before upgrading from Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, or Windows NT to Windows 2000, it is recommended that users uninstall Internet Explorer 6. During the upgrade, you may receive the following message: "This program may not run correctly because of new features in Internet Explorer 4.0. You may need to obtain an updated version of this program." Although this message is misleading, please click the Details button for a more accurate description of the problem. Downloading Internet Explorer 6 using a non-Microsoft download manager ------------------------------------------------------------------ During the Internet Explorer 6 installation, Setup must download components from the Internet. Users who are utilizing non-Microsoft download managers (for example, Netzip, GetRight, or RealAudio's Download Demon) will intercept download requests. This will cause Setup to abort. To prevent this from occurring, disable non-Microsoft download managers before running Setup. High encryption support for Internet Explorer 6 -------------------------------------------------------------- High encryption components are included for Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, and Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 6a. Windows Millennium Edition contains high encryption by default. To obtain high encryption support for Windows 2000, please visit Windows Update at http://www.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ or http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/downloads/recommended/ encryption/default.asp. Installing or upgrading the Windows Desktop Update (Windows NT 4.0 only) ------------------------------------------------------------- If you have already installed Internet Explorer 6 and would like to install the Windows Desktop Update, you must install Internet Explorer 4.01 SP2 before installing the upgrade. >>>To install Windows Desktop Update: 1. Uninstall Internet Explorer 6 by using the procedure described later in this document. 2. If Internet Explorer 4.01 SP2 is not already installed on your computer, install it. 3. Install the Windows Desktop Update by clicking Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel. 4. Reinstall Internet Explorer 6. Previous version unavailable after uninstalling Internet Explorer 6 ------------------------------------------------------------------- After uninstalling Internet Explorer 6, it is not possible to remove the browser that was installed prior to Internet Explorer 6. Installing over localized Windows 98 Arabic and Hebrew releases --------------------------------------------------------------- Windows 98 Arabic and Hebrew versions require the corresponding localized version of Internet Explorer 6. It is not possible to install the English version of Internet Explorer over the Hebrew and Arabic localized versions of Windows 98. Installing Internet Explorer 6 with Norton Protected Recycle Bin

Supply Issues Affectng the Copper Industry

Supply Issues Affecting the Copper Mining Industry As is demonstrated by the chart below, the demand for copper has exceeded the supply brought to market since 2009. In 2011, 16. 5 million tonnes of copper were produced worldwide and this amount is expected to grow by approximately 3% annually. Data from the International Copper Study Group (ICSG) for 2012 suggests that international demand for refined copper is expected to exceed production by about 240,000 metric tons.The slow growth forecasted in copper supply is speculated to continue to increase the production deficit into 2013 because of both long and short term issues that affect the copper production industry. (http://www. econmatters. com/2011/12/copper-2012-supply-struggling-to-meet. html) Declining Ore Grades Man has been mining copper for centuries. As is characteristic of many other heavily-mined minerals, high-grade copper areas are becoming increasingly rare as many of the largest and highest grade areas have been disc overed and depleted by mining companies.It was common in the early 1900`s to find sites that had up to 30% copper; however, the average percentage of copper in new sites found is 1% or less and deemed low grade. Because the copper production process is energy intensive, and therefore expensive, it becomes less feasible to develop the majority of new sites that are prospected. (http://www. mining-technology. com/features/featuremineral-munching-microbes-future-metal-mining) Falling Chilean Copper Output It is estimated that Chile produces about 35% of the world`s copper supply.However, Chilean copper production has fallen by 730 000 tonnes over the last decade. Although declining ore grades are part of the problem, as more iron ore must be processed to produce the same amount of copper creating cost overruns, supply disruptions at some of Chile`s largest mines continue to occur due to labour strikes. Labour striking tends to correlate with rises in the price of refined coppers as wel l as with large GDP increases, both of which have been seen over the last five years in Chile. (http://seekingalpha. om/instablog/389729-frank-holmes/247300-chart-of-the-week-struggling-copper-supply) Decreases in demand are not being met with needed foreign investment projects to develop new mines because of social factors. Since the beginning of copper exploration, the Chilean government has done little to regulate mining development. Many activists are beginning to file lawsuits and successfully halt new projects proposed by large mining companies because of the adverse effects of large scale mining on surrounding crops and water sources.In April 2012, GoldCorp Inc annulled a 3. 9 billion dollar copper project, known as El Morro, because courts deemed that the company had not engaged in proper due diligence procedures with the local indigenous community. (http://www. mining. com/popular-unrest-casts-doubt-over-billions-in-chilean-mining-projects-10820/) Geopolitical Instability i n High Grade Copper Regions Southern Africa has sparked the interest of many large copper production companies due to large, high-grade areas in South Africa, Zambia and the Congo.However, political instability and lack of infrastructure in these areas have severely affected the exploration and development of mines as they are seen as unstable and risky to foreign investors. Also, announcements of pending government policies in favour of copper resource nationalization have caused many existing projects to be halted until firmer decisions reached by ruling political parties. (http://copperinvestingnews. om/10134/copper-mining-africa-south-africa-zambia-congo-rio-tinto-anglo-american/) The above constraints are not easily rectified and suggest that the slow growth trends associated with copper supply will continue into the short-term future. For the purpose of this commodity investment decision, it is reasonable to assume that copper prices will continue to rise as the production def icit increases.

Distripute Innovation

A disruptive innovation is an innovation that helps create a new market and value network, and eventually goes on to disrupt an existing market and value network (over a few years or decades), displacing an earlier technology. The term is used in business and technology literature to describe innovations that improve a product or service in ways that the market does not expect, typically first by designing for a different set of consumers in the new market and later by lowering prices in the existing market.In contrast to disruptive innovation, a sustaining innovation does not create new markets or value networks but rather only evolves existing ones with better value, allowing the firms within to compete against each other's sustaining improvements. Sustaining innovations may be either â€Å"discontinuous†[1] (i. e. â€Å"transformational† or â€Å"revolutionary†) or â€Å"continuous† (i. e. â€Å"evolutionary†). The term â€Å"disruptive technolo gy† has been widely used as a synonym of â€Å"disruptive innovation†, but the latter is now preferred, because market disruption has been found to be a function usually not of technology itself but rather of its changing application.Sustaining innovations are typically innovations in technology, whereas disruptive innovations change entire markets. For example, the automobile was a revolutionary technological innovation, but it was not a disruptive innovation, because early automobiles were expensive luxury items that did not disrupt the market for horse-drawn vehicles. The market for transportation essentially remained intact until the debut of the lower priced Ford Model T in 1908. [2] The mass-produced automobile was a disruptive innovation, because it changed the transportation market. The automobile, by itself, was not.The current theoretical understanding of disruptive innovation is different from what might be expected by default, an idea that Clayton M. Christe nsen called the â€Å"technology mudslide hypothesis†. This is the simplistic idea that an established firm fails because it doesn't â€Å"keep up technologically† with other firms. In this hypothesis, firms are like climbers scrambling upward on crumbling footing, where it takes constant upward-climbing effort just to stay still, and any break from the effort (such as complacency born of profitability) causes a rapid downhill slide.Christensen and colleagues have shown that this simplistic hypothesis is wrong; it doesn't model reality. What they have shown is that good firms are usually aware of the innovations, but their business environment does not allow them to pursue them when they first arise, because they are not profitable enough at first and because their development can take scarce resources away from that of sustaining innovations (which are needed to compete against current competition). In Christensen's terms, a firm's existing value networks place insuff icient value on the disruptive innovation to allow its pursuit by that firm.Meanwhile, start-up firms inhabit different value networks, at least until the day that their disruptive innovation is able to invade the older value network. At that time, the established firm in that network can at best only fend off the market share attack with a me-too entry, for which survival (not thriving) is the only reward. [3] The work of Christensen and others during the 2000s has addressed the question of what firms can do to avoid oblivion brought on by technological disruption.

Frankenstein and the Human Mind

The human mind is something scientists have been trying to comprehend forever. Science can not alter how the mind communicates with one’s body, or even how it works. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein uses the creation of a fake being to emphasize the fact that the human mind cannot be altered or replicated effectively. Dr. Frankenstein thought he would be able to create and control the mind of a creature. He had tried many times, but to no avail. After talking with a professor, he finally figured out a way that he would be able to complete what he had been trying to for years.But does Frankenstein pass that natural boundary placed before us by our peers? To create life, a being with its own mind, had never been done before. What are the consequences of his actions and was it truly worth it to go beyond those limits? Mary Shelley says no, it was not worth it. Frankenstein thought he would be able to control this creature, control his emotions and how he would act on them. He w ould quickly find out that that was not the case. Immediately after creating this unnatural being, Frankenstein had to act as a somewhat fatherly figure to teach the â€Å"monster† how to walk and stand on his own.I don’t think it was what he intended, but by doing this the creature naturally looked at Frankenstein as being his sole â€Å"creator,† or â€Å"father† if you will. There was nothing he could say or do, and certainly nothing science could do, to change the thinking of the creature. He, by creating life, had attached himself to this being from the very beginning. When the creature is out in the streets for the first time, the whole town is completely against him, trying to bring him down, throwing stuff at him, etc. There is nothing science can do to take the anger and sadness out from the creature.It is only natural to the mind that you will feel such emotions if a whole town is against you. That is just how the mind works. It reacts to certai n situations in a certain way, beyond sciences control. Frankenstein tried to forget about the creature, but it crept right back up into his life with the murder of his little brother, William. The creature is angry with Frankenstein, angry for what he had done to him. Frankenstein made the creature much bigger and stronger than an average human being, and because of this, it isn’t necessarily easy for Frankenstein to say no to the creatures’ needs or wants.He demands a female partner, which brings us to another argument brought forward by Shelley. When you venture into the unknown by creating life, by creating unnatural beings, you risk the threat of more than one being created. When you pass that boundary by scientifically experimenting with the human mind and life, only bad things can come from it. It is a loss-loss no matter how you look at it, from Shelley’s point of view. In the film, Frankenstein is put forth with a very dangerous task. Either creating a second unnatural being with it’s own mind, or telling the creature he has already made that he cannot do that.Mary Shelley stresses that both of these outcomes are bad, and that it is impossible to avoid both circumstances. By giving an unnatural being its’ own mind, you are giving it the privilege to think on its’ own. This is incredibly dangerous, as you cannot control it after this point. If the being you gave life to is bigger or stronger than you, you are at the will of it to do what it asks. Because Frankenstein didn’t give in to the creatures’ wishes, the creature was not only responsible for the death of his little brother William, but also the death of the well loved servant, Justine, and ultimately the death of his wife, Elizabeth.Frankenstein then proceeds to pass that boundary even further, by replicating the mind of his wife in the same manner in which he created the creature. His wife comes â€Å"back to life† but with little t o no memory. The creature tries to bring her to his side, finally getting what he wanted, a partner. But, in a struggle over the possession of Elizabeth, she screams and commits suicide, hurting Frankenstein even more. What he thought would enhance science and bring innovation would ultimately be his downfall.And that is because he ventured past that boundary by trying to create or replicate the human mind, something in which science has no control over. The human mind cannot be altered or replicated successfully in any way, and any attempts to do so will end in a disastrous manner. I agree with Shelley in this regard, as she proved in her film. The human mind is something so complex that scientists are still trying to figure it out entirely, let alone duplicate it, or create it from scratch. Frankenstein was attempting to use some brains from dead people in his attempts at creating life, but it is still all wrong just the same.It is immoral and without a doubt beyond that limit tha t should not be passed. We saw a very clear example of what Shelley thinks would happen, and I think it is safe to say it is fairly accurate. You could theoretically try to pull something off like Frankenstein did, and you may even be able to control that being, but would it be worth it? Shelley says no, and I agree with her. The cons outweigh the pros indefinitely. You wouldn’t be able to control the created unnatural being, and it would cause havoc over society. The human mind is something not to be meddled with, and â€Å"Frankenstein† is a good example of this.If you create someone or something so unique, it will naturally want to be among its’ kind. If you wanted to experiment, you would need two creatures, not just one, and that could become a very dangerous threat. Scientists do not fully understand the human mind, and thus cannot effectively control it. Mary Shelley’s Film, â€Å"Frankenstein,† effectively warns us of the consequences of wh at can come if you pass a certain boundary by meddling with certain things science does not fully comprehend. The human mind is a sacred, unique device that every human being has. It allows one to think, to feel emotion.It is very dangerous to try to replicate this in the creation of an unnatural being. I agree with all the points Shelley is making in her film, in that it should not be attempted. It is immoral and very dangerous, and only bad things will come from it. Life is a natural thing that we are blessed to have, and we should not push our luck into trying to create beings in which we can control, because it can’t be done. The human mind cannot be altered or duplicated, and thus, scientists should not try to do so, especially not until they have a much better understanding of how it works so that they can learn how to control it. Word Count: 1,197