Measurement For Skin Absorption Health And Social Care Essay

Risk appraisal after cuticular exposure to chemical merchandises requires transdermal soaking up information in order to correlate the external exposure to systemic toxicity. High quality informations on transdermal soaking up are accomplished from human voluntary surveies. Although the usage of in vivo surveies is strongly demotivated for ethical constrains. The behavior of these surveies is non imaginable for a immense figure of chemicals and other merchandises. As a consequence there was a turning demand for in vitro checks to find transdermal soaking up. The OECD in vitro TG for finding of cuticular soaking up accepts the usage of tegument of many mammalian species, and human tegument. Due to its higher handiness, excised carnal tegument has been used widely for appraisal of transdermal soaking up of chemicals merchandises in homo. The usage of animate being tegument for soaking up measuring is more meaningful when a permeableness coefficient can be used for comparing with human informations. Thus one of the cardinal undertakings is the hunt for a nexus between in vitro carnal tegument soaking up proving and human surveies for anticipation of transdermal soaking up in worlds. Hence such a method can optimise the development of drugs and cut down the figure of human surveies needed. However due to the big figure of different animate being species reported, comparing is complex. Small alterations in methodological analysis used with a specific tegument theoretical account, skin phonograph record temperature, receiving system media, application dosage and diffusion country can hold a serious impact on the cuticular soaking up. Furthermore no formal proof method has been performed.In vitro and in vivo OECD compliant surveiesTransdermal soaking up can be measured utilizing in vivo or in vitro methods with worlds or animate beings. These soaking up trials need to be executed under conditions imitating those expected to happen during the exposures to be investigated for hazard appraisal. The intent of vitro surveies is that they can foretell in vivo soaking up when the appropriate methodological analysis for both methods is used ( WHO, 2006, p.79 ) . During in vivo experiments the microcirculation system ( blood and lymph vass ) may transport substances from the corium into the cardinal compartment ( reabsorption ) . In contrast to in vivo reabsorption of a substance can non be sufficient evaluated in vitro ( SCCS, 2010, p.6 ) .In vivoThe rat is the most recognized species used in in vivo transdermal soaking up measuring ( OECD, 2004b, p.2 ) . The OECD 427 in vivo method defines the finding of the incursion of the trial compound ( or metabolites ) through the tegument into the systemic compartment. One or multiple doses of the trial substance, sooner radioactive-labeled sample, are applied to the clipped tegumen t of the trial animate being for a described period. The expected human exposure defines the applied dosage and clip. The animate beings are later evaluated at periodic intervals for marks of toxicity, and day-to-day piss and fecal matters ( and sometimes expired air ) are sampled for the trial compound. Blood samples are compiled at regular intervals and when the animate being is killed. Distribution of the trial compound may be determined in tissue samples from the application site and the organic structure. The result of the measuring can be expressed as the rate, sum, or per centum of transdermal soaking up. Advantages of the OECD 427 TG are the coevals of kinetic information in a metabolically undamaged system ( OECD, 2004b, P.1 ) .In vitroIn vitro or ex in vivo experiments, have realized a important decrease in usage of trial animate beings. The in vitro trial is developed for the measuring of the permeableness of a trial substance across excised tegument. Distinct types of ho mo or animate being skin readyings can be applied. The excised tegument phonograph record is mounted in a inactive or flow-through ( dynamic ) diffusion chamber and the trial compound that penetrates the tegument is collected in a fluid reservoir. Ex in vivo human- and pig tegument are today the most often applied tegument types ( Sh & A ; auml ; fer et Al, 2008, p.161 ) . As illustrated in fig.1, beside the usage of in vitro informations as a standalone attack, and due to the extended usage of the rat in other toxicity surveies, a combination of three surveies ( in vivo rat/in vitro rat/in vitro human tegument ) increases truth of human cuticular soaking up appraisal ( OECD,2010, p.13.15 ) .2.2.1 Validation of in vitro diffusion cellsIt is normally recognized that most types of diffusion cells provide consistent measurings of skin soaking up rates for a scope of penetrants ( Chilcott et al, 2005, p. 633 ) . In a global survey at different research labs the fluctuation in transdermal soaking up was investigated in in-vitro diffusion cell utilizing a mention silicone gum elastic membrane, there was no differences between inactive and flow-through cells in skin permeableness ( Jakasa, Kezic, 2008, p. 283 ) . In vitro measurings have been applied for many old ages for appraisal of transdermal soaking up, in malice of the absence of official proof surveies on the OECD 428 TG. Furthermore the OECD guidelines for in-vitro checks approved the use of assorted protocols ( Jakasa, Kezic, 2008, p.286 ) .Histological and permeableness differences between human and carnal theoretical accountsHuman tegument consists of three basic beds, that is, the cuticle corium and hypodermis. Above all the skin barrier map is provided by the cuticle. Dermal soaking up quantifies the incursion of compounds through this skin barrier into the tegument. The quality of the outer bed of the cuticle the stratum horny layer controls the velocity of cuticular soaking up. Human cuticle is comprised of 3-5 beds, and no blood capillaries are present. The cuticle of the rat shows a higher denseness of hair follicles associated with greasy secretory organs, this difference in coat denseness obvious consequences in higher permeableness in in vitro tegument soaking up surveies ( Chilcott, 2008, p.13 ) . More in peculiar the histology of the porc ear tegument was compared to clamber of worlds. In general the consequences for stratum horny layer thickness and follicular denseness were similar for both skin theoretical accounts ( Jacobi et al, 2007, p.22 ) . The entire lipid content measured in hog cuticular pieces resembles better to the human as for the rat ( Gray, Yardley, 1975, p.434 ) . From histological position the hog is the most relevant species for foretelling in vitro human soaking up, in comparing to human tegument. On the other manus the rat is the most often used species in systemic toxicity testing, particularly due to the low cost, and handiness of historical informations ( Ross, Dong, Krieger, 2000, p.53 ) .Intra-species correlativity between in vitro and in vivo measuring for skin soaking upThe correlativity between in vivo and in vitro transdermal soaking up ( IVIV ) is illustrated for human and rat. In human fundamentally the permeableness features of excised stratum horny layer are consistent with those from in vivo. A more in depth probe was carried-out utilizing literature informations for skin soaking up following in vitro and in vivo trial protocols. In entire 92 measurings in vitro/in vivo were compiled out of 30 publications chiefly from toxicological- and drug developmental countries. The IVIV correlativity or ratio between in vitro/in vivo soaking up was examined by a mathematic theoretical account, utilizing the entire soaking up as the cardinal parametric quantity for comparing. The mean correlativity IVIV for the complete used information set was 1.6. Nevertheless fluctuation between an single illustration could lift up to ratios of 20 crease. On the other manus less than 3 fold difference was observed in 85 % of the informations ( Lehman, Raney, Franz, 2011, p. 225 ) . Another illustration is given for the rat. For all examined compounds in vitro rat skin soaking up was superior to in vivo consequences. From a regulative point of position this may be of usage for a first tier rating ( van Ravenzwaay, Leibold, 2004, p.421 ) .Inter-species correlativity between in vitro and in vivo measuring for skin soaking upDue to fluctuation in composing and construction of the stratum horny layer, cuticular thickness ( table 2 ) , and denseness of hair follicles in the tegument, there are significant differentiations among the assorted animate beings and compared to human ( Jakasa, Kezic, 2008, p.284 ) . A considerable correlativity between animate being and human tegument soaking up can be studied by measuring of permeableness coefficients. Inter-species differences in cuticular soaking up are known since long. Brandau and Lippon reported in 1982 that inter-species permeableness followed the following ranking from higher to lower soaking up: coney & A ; gt ; rat & A ; gt ; guinea-pig & A ; gt ; mini-pig & A ; gt ; Rhesus monkey & A ; gt ; adult male ( EU, 2004, P.4-5 ) . From a quantitative point of position rat tegument is 10 times more permeable as human tegument. This was concluded from in vivo informations. ( van Ravenzwaay, Leibold, 2004, p.421 ) . Several surveies have ranked skin incursion rates for different species and concluded that a similar relation ranking is applicable for other compounds. This decision is non good founded because the original probe encompasses merely a limited figure of substances ( Vecchia, Bunge, 2005, p.327 ) .6 Conclusion and recommendationsThe re levancy of in vitro surveies for foretelling in vivo skin soaking up can non be underestimated. Dermal toxicity testing is carried out to determine local and or systemic effects of a chemical due to topical exposure. It may supply a suggestion that the compound penetrates the tegument if it leads to systemic toxicity, but the measure of chemical absorbed is non quantified by this cuticular toxicity survey ( ECVAM, 2002 ) . As a effect more exact in vitro anticipation of in vivo tegument soaking up is a turning aspect of regulative surveies. In instances where no transdermal soaking up informations is obtained for a compound, it is accepted that 100 % of the chemical topical applied is systemically available. This is a extremist and conservative policy, and more precise information on transdermal soaking up will take to more comprehensive hazard direction for chemicals ( Jakasa, Kezic, 2008, p.281 ) . In vitro surveies present a figure of benefits compared to volunteer homo or animate being surveies, among which time- and cost nest eggs, improved duplicability for transdermal soaking up, and lower fluctuation due to less restricted parametric quantity ( WHO, 2006, p.38 ) . Important advancement is made in standardisation of in vitro transdermal soaking up, but betterment in correlativity between in vivo informations, has non yet been realized ( Jakasa, kezic, 2008, p. 282 ) . Still variableness is a cardinal job in in vitro transdermal soaking up measuring ( Chilcott et al, 2005, p.633 ) . Cuticular soaking up experiments following the OECD TG 428 and TG 427 have been accepted by the EU governments, although they are widely applied without go throughing an detailed proof procedure as it is common pattern today ( SCCS, 2010, p.8 ) . It is known that fluctuation in in vitro permeableness measuring may be caused by the possible usage of different tegument theoretical accounts ( WHO, 2006, p.17 ) , but the OECD 428 TG still allows the usage of these different theoretical accounts ( OECD, 2004a, p.3 ) . Therefore it is recommended that for hazard appraisal one criterion tegument beginning should be internationally accepted ( WHO, 2006, p.124 ) . Human tegument is a valuable option, nevertheless it is non easy to acquire all the clip. Further human tegument samples from venters, human leg, or chest and in add-on full thickness ( 500-1000 µm ) human tegument samples are recommend ( OECD, 2010, p.10 ) in order to minimise fluctuation. Today in pattern rat and hog tegument ar e the most favourable in in vitro transdermal soaking up experiments. An in vitro survey in rat tegument in isolation of other information is most likely of restricted regulative significance due to overestimate of skin soaking up. Pig skin tissue is a good option but particular competency is urging ( OECD, 2010, p.9 ) . This fluctuation in skin barrier map among different species finds its beginning in morphological differences particularly fluctuations in the denseness of hair follicles and histological differences in degrees of free fatty acids and triglycerides that appear to be important factors for fluctuation ( Netzlaff et al, 2006, p.499 ) . Beside the acknowledgment of one gold criterion tegument type for both in vitro and in vivo soaking up. Extra probe is indispensable to heighten and standardise methodological analysis to cut down variableness in in vitro transdermal soaking up experiments. Additional internal and external quality controls such as: validated analytical methods, cross-check made with a high quality criterion substance, cogent evidence of skin barrier public presentation and appropriate tegument readying are needed. Besides the usage of a mention membrane and standard substance as an secondary control is urging ( WHO, 2006, p.124 ) . Reconstructed human cuticle ( RHE ) may function as high-quality mention membrane ( Sch & A ; auml ; fer et Al, 2008, p.183 ) . Testosterone, caffeine, or benzoic acids are proposed as standard substance for proof during the executing of soaking up checks. Unfortunately the OECD TG 428 does non demand this standard substances/membrane to be measured together with the surve y under reappraisal ( OECD, 2010, p11 ) . Therefore a reappraisal of the OECD guideline from 2004 is recommended. Alternatively important correlativity between animate being and human theoretical account based on permeableness coefficients can supply grounds of unity of the usage theoretical account ( Vecchia, Bunge, 2005, p.306 ) . For some systems a correlativity is found between in vitro/in vivo informations obtained in animate being and in worlds. However there are besides many instances turn outing low correlativities. Today merely a little sum of validated correlativities have been published ( Godin, Touitou, 2007, p.8 ) . More attending should be paid to correlate in vitro and in vivo informations ( WHO, 2006, p.125 ) . Particularly for specific classs of chemicals such as pesticides, cosmetics and industrial chemicals where extra probe may ensue in development of a more altered and – elaborate counsel paperss ( Jakasa, Kezic, 2008, p.286 ) .Appendix: TablesTable 1: Appraisal of skin soaking up utilizing combination of surveies.Animalin vivoHumanin vivoAnimalin vitroHumanin vitroTa ble 2: Cuticular thickness in different groups Skin scours Thickness in  µm Mentions Hog ear 72 Jacobi et Al, 2007, p.22 Human shoulder 70 Jacobi et Al, 2007, p.22 Rat 32 Godin, Touitou,2007, p.3 Rabbit norm 10-29 Parchami, Dehkordi,2010, p.610

Doll House

Act I Example 1: (p1600) Helmer: â€Å"That is like a woman! But seriously, Nora, you know how I feel about that. No debt, no borrowing† Torvald thinks that every woman is the same and woman is debt and owe from man but he did not accept that his life depend on borrowing. Example 2: (p. 1605) Nora: â€Å"Tell me, is it really true that you did not love your husband? Why did you marry him? †/ Mrs.Linde: â€Å"My mother was alive then, and was bedridden and helpless, and I had to provide for my two younger brothers; so I didn’t think I had any right to turn him down. † Almost women at that time always think that married a rich man is the only way to be better (about finance). Example 3: (p. 1607) Nora: â€Å"Besides, how painful and humiliating it would be for Torvald, with his masculine pride, to know that he owed me anything! â€Å". Act II Example 1: (p1624) Helmer: â€Å"They already know at the Bank that I’m going to fire Krogstad.Do you think I’m going to let them all say that the new manager has changed his mind because his wife said to† He could not accept that a man listen to his wife. That is an affront. Example 2: (p. 1629) Nora (jumping up and going to him). â€Å"Oh, dear, sweet Doctor Rank, I didn’t mean that way. But surely you can understand that being with Torvald is a little like being with papa† In Nora mind, she is always under pressure of man, even her husband, she respect him, idolize him as her father Act IIIExample 1: (p1637) Mrs. Linde:†Nils, when a woman has sold herself for someone else’s sake, she doesn’t do it a second time. † Woman must to worship her husband and never remarried or adultery. It is the quality, the standard of woman. Example 2: (p1640) Helmer: â€Å"What? You’re serious, Nora! You won’t? You won’t I’m your husband† Husbands think that He owns his wife (either her soul or her body). She cannot d eny every request from him. .

Geography and history of canada

Relationship between the Geography of Canada and Its History Veronica Guerrero FarJat CDNS 101 Royal Roads University Ms. Michelle Hardy November 20, 2013 What is the relationship between Canada's geography and its history? According to M. Hardy, (personal communication, March 27, 2012) my course material (2013) establishes that Canada is a North American country with 10 provinces and 3 territories; worldwide appointed as the 2nd largest country in the world Canada, is well known by its diverse but fascinating history! Canada fought over by the French and the British, the British won and end colonizing this one.This essay analyses the diversity of Canada's early history of settlement related to its geography. In order to see the connection we comprehend how the aboriginal people first came to Canada by following the wildlife; then the Europeans came to Canada because the vast of natural resources; and finally allowing the French people to settle in Quebec province. This paper argues that historical settlement of Canada was transformed by its geography. Canada used to be named â€Å"Kanata†: Huron- Iroquois word for village or settlement. In order to survive, as human beings we do many things such as feed, socialize, we procreate, we follow†¦ t mostly we stay together and we fight to survive. On this paragraph I will explain in detail how Aboriginal people first settle in Canada by following the wild life: Firstly, the earth warmed up, the ice masses melted and receded; which it means: open migrations routes (corridors). Following this fact, animals were capable to cross land bridges of the Alaska-Bering. Secondly,Aboriginal people appear in Canada's history by spreading out into the in abi n table areas ot north-western America, everything for huge reason: FOOD! They had to acquire certain skills such as hunting, fishing, etc. n order to survive. But animals; were their ain reason of settlement so then they stay and spread across the land. To conclu de I would like to point that as the climate and land conditions changed the land start to became rich and productive; natives were able to stay and that is one of the most important reasons how those first peoples are crucial for Canada's history; they represent thousand years of culture and wherever people nowadays agree or not they are Canada's first peoples. When two worlds meet, amazing things happen.According to my course material (2013) 1500-1791 was the time when Aboriginal people and Europeans were in contact. When Europeans first came to Canada, they ere amazed on this area because of the vast of natural resources; for example, wood/lumber that they could use in Europe so it can help with the development of their country. Firstly, Henry the VII financed an exploration to North America headed for the Italian explorer John Cabot in 1497. But it wasn't until 1610 when the English settlement begun. As tension set between France and England in Europe, competition leaded in the Americas.Subsequently, Henry IV of France assigned Samuel de Champlain to explore the new lands in the Americas; Champlain is an important figure in Canada's history because he opened up the St Lawrence River nd stretched French influence through the great lakes basin. As well, Champlain was involved with a group who were interested in the fur trade; the French and Aboriginal people collaborated in the vast fur trade economy. The fur trade was a trade between the French and first nation people for the exchange on items such as tool (beaver) and weapons. The short hairs of the beaver were used for making fashion hats and those were sended to Europe.In conclusion, the Fur trade had formed an important part of the early economies of both the English and French colonies and is very significant for Canada's early history because it's Canada's first conomy developed because of the beaver; which is a natural resource, this one and the wood/lumber are the two greatest examples why Europeans were so interested in this land so they are part of Canada's early history and we see the connection based on their decision after all happened deciding to settle here and so they end colonizing this country.On the early years of Jacques Cartier's France had been building up a colony along the ST Lawrence River. Conflict between France and England had been building up since then; European confrontations spilt over into the new world and in 1629 Kirke of England ended the French colony of Port Royal. This set the stage for opposition between the English and The French not only in the America's but also across the world. As I point in the beginning, Canada's is the 2nd largest country in the world.So now knowing that Canada is such a big country people is required for its development so after all the British conquered the former French colonies, absorbing them into their North American territories. Nevertheless, the French settled primarily in what is today known as Quebec and Nova S cotia. Britain allowed the French to stay because they needed them to settle this country; s well, Britain supported Canada with immigrants and money. Finally, once Canada had become a country, the goal was to unify, define, and built a state.This does not mean that the French Canadian renounce their mindset as Canadian or that they torgot their traditions and heritage. French was made the 2nd official language ot government in order to maintain French political support. I would like to emphasize that having all those facts and Canada being such a big country is essentially linked to its history bringing immigrants and the Europeans settling in this country. A omparison of Canada's history and geography; Mexico is diverse and it has 3 thousand years of history.According to world history project (2007) The Republic of Mexico is huge, comprising nearly two million square miles of coastline, desert, rain forest, mountains, and fertile plains. As Canada, Mexico is named as the 4th large st country in the western hemisphere and is rich in natural resources such as oil and natural gas. From the American borderlands of the extensive, agriculturally rich north, the country narrows gently as it sweeps south and east. As well as Canada, is bordered by the United States.In Canada's history we understand in some point the need of people while in Mexico there is a City (Mexico City) that is considered one of the most populous cities in the world. The population in Mexico is around 120. 8 million peoples. Although Mexico and Canada are very different countries, they have somehow things in common such as history of colonization. Canada was colonized by the British in the other hand, Mexico was colonized by Spain. Both, British and Spain were amazed by Canada's and Mexico's landscape, their beauty and its natural resources.Finally, Canada and Mexico are two greatest countries and somehow their istory and wealth on natural resources motivated other countries such as Britain and Spain to gain interest on them and that's how their history is similar. In conclusion, Canada is a land of diversity, creativity and liberal attitudes. The Canadian people are a mosaic of ethnicities; it means that as well it's formed by other nationalities which together they form a great home.We understand the connection by first, historical settlement of aboriginal people in Canada by following wildlife. Secondly, Europeans came and settle because of Canada's vast of natural resources nvolving the fur trade as a firs economy developed and finally, settlement of French people over Quebec province because of Canada's size and need of people. To conclude I would like to quote something that Lorraine Monk an editor of â€Å"Canada the Things We Hold Dear†: An Album of Photographic Memories (1999) said: â€Å"The search for Canada is a personal Journey.The search for a national identity is a Journey without an end. It began a long, long time ago. It will continue into the far distant future.

Terry Cannon, MBA Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Terry Cannon, MBA - Case Study Example From this paper it is clear that this company would be an internet based start-up so, it is quite evident that Terry Cannon should have proper knowledge regarding the information system as most of the work would be computer and internet based. In such a company with his given position, he requires to have good knowledge about Management Information Systems, Executive Support Systems, Decision-Support Systems, Transaction Processing Systems and Office Automation Systems as well. In this company Terry Cannon has been offered a position as a manager of the marketing department and would be responsible for developing new customers. Considering his role in this organization, Terry Cannon needs to have knowledge regarding Management Information System, Transaction Processing Systems, Decision Support Systems and Knowledge Management Systems. As the paper outlines Terry Cannon can prove to be a knowledgeable participant in each of the mentioned three jobs by possessing knowledge regarding information systems that would be relevant with the job profile in relation to all the three organizations. Being a knowledgeable participant in the field of information systems would assist him in carrying out his responsibilities more effectively. This would also help him in designing appropriate and accurate marketing as well as business strategies for his clients and his organizations. In case of Terry Cannon to be a knowledgeable participant, he should be well informed and possess enough knowledge regarding the types of information systems that would assist him in performing his duties as well as responsibilities towards his organizations and clients efficiently and successfully. For instance, being a consultant at ICG would involve designing marketing strategies for his clients.

Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 5

Management - Essay Example He subsequently underwent a partial hip arthroplasty to repair his hip damage and allow him to regain mobility. He is hypertensive and is taking medications to maintain his blood pressure. He also has gouty arthritis and is slightly overweight. 2. Pathological changes a. Limitations on his mobility. Despite the hip replacement procedure, the patient would still likely experience limited mobility. He would have difficulty moving from one place to another; he would have difficulty sitting up, sitting down, standing, walking, and carrying out his activities due to his physical limitations. He would also have difficulty in going to and from the bathroom; and he would likely need assistance in moving about the residential facility. He would also undergo painful rehabilitation exercises and physical changes in his life. b. Depression. Having been recently widowed after the death of his wife of more than 50 years, he is also being forced to face the fact that he would spend the twilight yea rs of his life without his wife. With his recent mishap, he is also likely to feel despair from his condition and such depression and despair would likely affect the success (or lack thereof) of his rehabilitative process. Depression is a major setback during the rehabilitative and recovery process for any patient. Ronald manifests symptoms of giving up, and of not trying hard enough to help himself recover and to improve his physical condition. This depression is also attributed to his recent loss and his advancement in age. Many elderly patients have to deal with this condition as they are brought face to face with the possibility of dying, of not being able to contribute anything to society, of losing a partner, and of being alone. c. Gouty arthritis. His arthritis is a major limitation to his mobility. Before his fracture, there were already deformities seen in his joints due to his gouty arthritis. Inflammation of his joints attributed to his arthritis caused much pain and diff iculty in walking and in moving about. After the fracture, his arthritis has slowed down his rehabilitation; it is impacting on his mobility, making it difficult to move about and to carry out the physical therapy and occupational therapy exercises. 3. Nursing care needs a. Patient/resident specific care needs: Total hip replacement The patient underwent partial hip replacement after his hips were fractured. It is a procedure meant to remove and replace the acetabulum or the femoral neck. This surgery is an inpatient procedure, therefore the proper preoperative care must be carried out in behalf of the patient. He must be informed that he needs to prepare for a 3 or 4 day hospital stay. After the surgery, the patient is immediately started with his physical therapy (Gilbey, et.al., 2003). This includes transfer training and walking. The nurse would assist the patient and the physical therapist in his transfers and in his walking (Hol, et.al., 2009). This initial training would inclu de the use of a walker in these transfers. After such training, a transition to crutches or canes may be made. The nurse must assist the patient in the proper use of the crutches or canes (Hol, et.al., 2009). The nurse must also ensure that there are no physical barriers which would interfere with the patient’s use of these assistive walking devices. Regular exercises to strengthen muscles must be carried out with the patient; the nurse would help encourage the patient to carry out these exercises. Such methods help ensure that the patient would eventually and safely regain his mobility and independence (Gilbey, et.al., 2003). The nurse would also have to teach and work with the patient in order to perform his activities of daily living. These

Print Media Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Print Media Analysis - Essay Example Europe is different than America in that it has a common currency without a common government to oversee economic policy (Krugman). The these two articles both tackle the future of the Euro – and attempt to assess the issues involved and the odds of success. The first article, by Timothy Garton Ash, outlines the history of riots and dissatisfaction that have erupted in the European Union since the beginning of this financial crisis, then goes on to outline the steps that would be necessary for preserving the European Union. It is important to note that this article is from the end of last year, and many things have happened in the interim, but essentially the issues stay the same, which is that the relationship between the EU’s poorer and richer countries is fraying. Krugman’s article indicates that the fall of the Euro, and possibly the EU, is imminent, and he faults failed economic policy, as well as the fundamental nature of the EU, as the problem. Interesting ly, both of these articles come from and espouse a liberal perspective, though in very different, and somewhat contradictory, ways. Krugman’s article faults conservative measures, such as budget cuts and austerity, for the depression’s continuance, but dislikes the EU as a structure, while Ash treats the large, overarching government of the EU as a good thing. The ideological spin of the Krugman article is inherently liberal, especially in his visceral attacks on austerity measures. He indicates that any good economist could have indicated (and did indicate) that austerity measures would lead to a depression (Krugman). This is a fundamentally liberal perspective, as it calls for higher government spending. Conservatives would argue that the deficit explosion is too much to handle, and that the Greece and other country’s addiction to debt is the fundamental issue, and that the austerity measures are the only method of stopping the explosion of such debt to unmana geable proportions. Ash’s article also takes a liberal perspective, in most ways. Firstly, it inherently treats the large government of the EU, with some centralized authority and one of the most byzantine bureaucracies on the planet, as good thing, talking about how it should be â€Å"saved† and the methods in place to do so. A conservative would likely be for smaller government, and find the dissolution of the European Union not at all problematic. He focuses much more than Krugman on the political situation on the ground, observing that the German declaration that funds going to Greece must come with â€Å"government oversight† (from Germany), and how Greeks with a national memory of the Second World War find that troubling (Ash). Liberal ideologies are present in both of these articles, but in two different ways. Kruger demonstrates socio-economic liberalism, seeing large government spending as a good thing, while Ash sees large governments as inherently goo d and worth saving (something that Kruger disagrees with, calling the Euro a â€Å"failed experiment†). Though conservatives talking about these issues might have some good points – for instance, that it irresponsible for a country as small as Greece to drive up debts that are unmanageable in order to provide social programming. Consistently spending more money than is available is an irresponsible thing to do, and conservatives are right to point that out. However,

Introduction to Psychology ( Discuss Quesition ) Essay

Introduction to Psychology ( Discuss Quesition ) - Essay Example Many crucial links are available to determine which type of personality a person chooses to have. Generally, the demarcations between and extrovert and an introvert are established through many factors like the overall levels of energy available and can also be attributed to certain physiological differences in the brain. Apart from that, the surrounding environment and the nature of the parental brought up also decides the levels of sociability of an individual in life. People choose to stay in battering situation when they are either scared of the offender or believe that the batterer is actually correct and knows what they are doing. Financial dependency, social norms, emotional voids, religious and cultural obligations, loneliness, etc are some of the reasons that draw people into the ‘Stockholm’ or the ‘Hostage’ syndrome. A general sense of fear, the presence of unreasonable false gratitude accompanied with a total lack of awareness that help is available are some of the other reasons that explain this. Therefore, a personality flaw, as a defense mechanism, develops more often than not as a result of holding on to the batterer and continuously suffering and may not be the principal cause of staying in a battering relationship. Learned helplessness increases the probability of a person staying in a battering relationship, as the person involved is already predisposed towards a feeling of utter helplessness and

Voluntary Service at a Food Pantry on March 28, 2015 Assignment

Voluntary Service at a Food Pantry on March 28, 2015 - Assignment Example The  report outlines that "I was keen to note that the food supply did not include fruits. Evidently, the fact that the food pantry did not supply fruits translated to an imbalanced diet for the community members. Therefore, I played an active role in donating raisin fruit. The fruits I donated amounted to 8 pounds in weight (Basavanthappa, 2008). It was a real privilege for me to contribute positively to improving the health of the community members. Many of the community members who receive food supplies from the pantry are not financially stable and require the help from well-wishers. However, they deserve to have access to a balanced diet that can help in promoting their health. Therefore, when I had the opportunity of providing them with fruits, I felt privileged because I knew that my contribution was worthwhile. In addition, the experience helped me to understand the health needs of the people especially those related to nutrition. According to my observation, the food pantry seeks to supply food to the needy in the society. They give a special focus to the elderly who are unable to earn a living. However, the pantry also seeks to ensure that the needy in the society have access to food. The qualification for accessing the foods from the pantry is that one must be living or working in Highland Park. Foods are supplied in accordance with the level of need. The food pantry carries out rigorous research in an effort to ascertain the different needs of people. Therefore, the donations from churches, schools, and other well-wishers are channeled to the neediest people in the society. In my opinion, the food pantry had its priorities right because it recognized the vulnerability of the elderly as a needy group in the society. However, the food pantry also supplies foods to community members of different ages.

Book Review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Book Review - Essay Example to the authors, a small group of remarkable leaders and scholars has been changing the world by influencing people’s behavior and they encourage the readers to be influencers. They maintain that it is essential to find vital behaviors as big problems succumb to changes in just few behaviors and that changing behavior requires changing minds. In the second part of the book, the authors deal with the six sources of influence to make change inevitable and they are personal motivation, personal ability, social motivation, social ability, structural motivation, and structural ability. Personal motivation is important to make the undesirables desirable and to overcome reluctance and resistance by connecting to values. Personal ability helps one in surpassing one’s limits and it is important to overinvest in learning how to master skills and emotions, because new behavior requires new skills. Social motivation is another important source of influence as it straps up peer press ures. Another significant factor is social ability which amplifies influence through just-in-time teamwork. Structural motivation and structural ability help one in designing rewards and demanding accountability and changing the environment. â€Å"There is a growing body of knowledge as well as impressive supply of real-life success stories that teach exactly how to change almost any human behavior. Read the scholarly works of Dr. Albert Bandura. Then watch what Dr. Mimi Silbert does at Delancey Street. These two influencers alone demonstrate that, if you know what you’re doing, you can indeed change remarkably resistant behavior.† (Patterson, Grenny, Maxfield, McMillan and Switzler, 2007, p 253). Therefore, Influencer: The Power to Change Anything is an essential book dealing with the strategies to develop influencers who can replace bad behaviors with powerful new skills, motivate others to change, and make things happen. In a reflective exploration of the book Influencer: The Power to Change

International Students Essay Example for Free

International Students Essay Most young people believe that studying in a different country is a privilege because they are able to experience other cultures, and learn from them. However, in the United States it is not as good as they thought because International students have much more pressure being in this country, and sometimes they cannot handle it very well. Therefore, in the United States the life of an international student is very unfavorable if people compare it to the life of an American student. International students have to learn a new language to study, they cannot work while studying, and their tuition is much more expensive. When people moves to the United Stated to study they imagine that it will be very helpful, and they believe that learning a new language (English) will not be a problem. However, when they really start studying their major, they find out that it is not easy since people have to really understand and appreciate the language. First of all, in order to have success in university in the United States people have to compose a number of essays which if people do not understand their structure, they will be incorrect , so international students have to really learn English, and they have to know how to write it in order to have success. Also, for them to have success in university they have to participate in class, and analyze an amount of readings, and because they are international students, it is very difficult to achieve since they believe that Americans are going to laugh at them or make jokes of them if they say something incorrectly. For example, some Americans do not realize sometimes how hard is for international students being in a different country, with different people, learning a new language, and experiencing different cultures, so some of them do not really appreciate the effort that international students put on being in the United States. They just think that it is easy and do not care about how they feel. On the other hand, American students since they are in middle school they are taught how to write very good essays , so when they get in college they do not have any problem creating essays. They know their structure and have a very superior vocabulary, so they can compose excellent essays. In addition, since American students speak English very well, they do not have any problem participating in class. They have confidence in themselves, so they will not be afraid of saying something wrong. Consequently, because American students do not have to learn any language to study their mayor, it is much easier for them to achieve excellent grades. Most university students feel the necessity of working since they would like to have their own money in order to be independent from their parents. It is not the exception for International students because they also feel the necessity of working to be independent from their parents or whoever is responsible for them. However, for international students to work in the United States it is very difficult because they are only allowed to work on campus. These kinds of jobs are very limited since some of the campuses in which they study are very small. Also for an international student to find a job on campus is difficult because people prefer to employee an American student who is not going to have any problem speaking the language. For example, last semester a friend from Venezuela who is studying at Miami Dade College decided that he wanted to get a job in order to have his own money. He went to every single place where he could be employee. However, when he went to all these places, all the people told him that at that time they did not need any person, so he realize that to get a job on campus was very difficult, and not only that but a few weeks later he noticed that a new person was working in the campus coffee, so he proves that for an international student to get a job on campus is very difficult. On the contrary, American students can work wherever and whenever they want and it does not matter if they are studying or no. They can have their own money and support themselves while being in university. As a result, the fact that they can work while studying really helps them to have more confidence and to achieve better possessions. Because American students can work while studying, it is better to be a citizen of the United States than an international student. The most important difference between International students and American students is the tuition that they pay. International students are require to pay a very expensive tuitions if it is compare with the tuitions that American students have to pay. The tuition is very inequality, and it is only because they are international al students. Sometimes it seems to be very difficult for international students to pay the tuition because it is very expensive. For instance, an international student who studies in Miami Dade College is require to take twelve credits or more per semester which represents three thousand seven hundred dollars. However, an American student only has to pay for the same amount of credits twelve hundred dollars per semester. It is very inequality and unfair that just because they are from a different country, they would have to pay so much more money than an American student. On the contrary, it is very easy for American students to pay the tuition that the university requires. They can even pay for it with their own money. Therefore, it is easy for them to achieve their goals, and to have their independency from their parents. In conclusion, an international student has to put a lot of effort if he or she wants to be success in college. However, although American students also have to put a lot of effort to be success, it is easier for them since they already know the language, they can work while studying, and their tuition is pretty much inexpensive. Also, people have to keep in mind that being an American student is a privilege, and they should take advantage of it in order to achieve their goals in life.

My Mentoring Account In Nursing Practice Nursing Essay

My Mentoring Account In Nursing Practice Nursing Essay This is my reflective account of my performance as a mentor in clinical setting, assessing the learning environment and the strategies used for teaching and assessing a student nurse. I have been mentoring student and newly qualified theatre practitioner for many years as a registered nurse for more than 20 years and as a qualified anaesthetic practitioner for 3 years. Working alongside with different mentors in the past help me to understand the different characteristics of being a mentor and developed my own style of facilitating learning within a clinical setting. I have unique experienced of conveying knowledge to others in a way that is comprehensible and significant through my work as a multi-skilled theatre practitioner. Because this assignment is a reflection of my performance in mentoring and assessing a student in nursing practice, Gibbs reflective cycle (1998) will be used the same model I used when I did my University post graduate course 3 years ago. Currently the hospital has program of mentoring university students and newly graduates. The program is in addition to the current program that familiarise students and new graduates to the theatre they will be assigned. It considers influencing the students learning experience by mentorship and assessment. The surgical setting as a learning environment will be examined and the accountability and value of the role of a mentor will be looked upon at. Finally, the overall performance of mentoring will be evaluated. To follow the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC2008) names will be changed and withheld confidential information and the student will be named as my mentee. According to the NMC (2006) students on NMC approved pre-registration nursing course be required to be supported and assessed by a mentor. The nurses / operating department practitioners selected to be mentors should be in the register and should be required to be up to date with their skills, knowledge and competencies with continuity. On the first day of my mentee right after her orientation, we have drawn up her learning opportunities so that there was an awareness of what my mentee hoped to gain from the operating theatre experience. As part of the course work one teaching session and one assessment were arranged. Teaching session includes informal and formal. The formal session happened in the theatre operating room and involved positioning of patients before surgery. My mentee was on her first clinical placement and is not familiar and no experience within a theatre setting. Present during the procedure were myself, my mentee, the rest of the theatre team and an unconscious patient under general anaesthesia. Before any learning lesson took place, it is crucial to build an effective working relationship with the student (Bally, J, 2007). Being kind to her and offering assistance for any needs she might have. My mentee feel that she is part of the team and that she wont feel alone. I build up her confidence by expressing to her that at any point of the teaching session if she did not understand a protocol, or why things were done, or why that thing is important, I will be there to explain and guide her. Learner must be made feel that they are welcome and important; this way will assist the learner to incorporate themselves into the clinical environment (Welsh and Swan 2006). Being approachable and friendly I was enabled to maintain a trusting and comfortable relationship beneficial to learning. My student felt that my character has a strong professional relationship throughout the learning experience. According to the student I am mentoring with, the relationship reduced her tension and anxiety which can affect her ability to learn. Anxiety in students happen to diminished when the mentors are capable of building good working relationship with the students for almost their entire placement (Slevin 2005). Openly welcoming and recognising my student in the team give her a sense of valued as an individual resulting in a positive effect on their self esteem. Personal attributes of the mentor is sometimes the number one barrier when creating effective learning experience. You need to be a good role model to be a good mentor. When I was a nursing student in my own country, I had mentors who were good role models where I learned more and given a chance to share my ideas and feel that I was valued. The results were I enjoyed my placement and excelled in my learning outcomes. To be a successful mentor, it is important that you will find ways to improve the learning environment. It can be a difficult task when creating suitable environment and can affect the learning experience. Nursing students has different backgrounds. Some had good experience working in a healthcare setting as healthcare assistant before entering to University while some just went straight to enrol in a nursing course; therefore, it is necessary to make an appropriate environment for each individual to take full advantage of the learning process (Lowenstein and Bradshaw 2004). The setting for the formal learning session was demanding as my mentee was not familiar working in a hospital theatre based environment. The chosen location was a theatre where it is located at the most secluded area to minimise interruption. This will ensure that my student will give her full attention during the teaching session. Evaluation of the learning process and assessment of the effectiveness of the session will help me to achieve by good planning of teaching session Hinchcliffe (2004). Numerous teaching sessions took place before assessment was done to guarantee that my mentee will feel confident and gained the necessary knowledge and skills to carry out the procedure. We involved each other thru direct questioning, discussion and observation and my mentee is fully aware that she has been assessed at the time of questioning. I taken into account in which the manner my mentee learns as it is important to recognize her learning style so that it can be incorporated to the learning material to facilitate effective learning (McNair et al 2007). Recognizing her individual learning style helps me to arrange her learning preferences. According to Kolb (1984) there are four distinct styles of learning or preferences which are based on four stages, diverging, assimilating, converging and accommodating learning styles. Although mentor and learner has different learning styles the NMC (2006) has developed a standard which point out that mentors have to strive and achieve best fit practice with the level and type of learners that they came upon in training as mentors and learners has different learning styles. It was felt that my mentee is a reflector as she likes to be given adequate time to think things through before reaching to conclusion. She also likes to observe in contrast to direct participation and slow to make up her mind and reach a decision as opposed to her as good in listening and assimilating information. For that reason the diverging learning style was applied for best possible learning. On a variety of occasions, it was clear that my mentee is good in watching a procedure before performing it. Prior to the start of any session, together we made proper visual checks and verbal questionings to the patient and noted in the pre-operative checklist. I pointed out that confirming the patients correct details is of paramount importance and one of the many safety issues she has to consider. Knowing that we have the correct person and the correct procedure, my mentee told me that she is happy and confident to proceed. Surgical room department is one of the most stressful environme nt in the hospital, thus, we give our student an assurance and support that they need from us. When doing the safety positioning of patient before surgery, I was talking to my mentee through the procedure step by step as I put the patient under anaesthesia, intubating and positioning the patient for a procedure. A number of questions followed to test my mentees understanding of the process and she correctly prioritised the order of step by step procedure. In this assessment, my mentee demonstrated theoretically her ability to integrate to the team to provide safe and effective care for the patient. It was also felt that my mentee was learning in an andragogical way, the teaching methods for adult learners, a term used by Knowles (1970). This became obvious when drawing up her learning opportunities. As the formal session involved not only my mentee it was felt that all different types of the learning styles should be consider as every student had their own styles of learning. Realising what the individual characters and needs is important for learning to be effective. Audio-visual materials were used for teaching as this type of learning aids can speed up learning through the use of diverse senses (Neeraja 2008).It is evident that group work allowed the student to produce a working relationship and expectation and it made the learning environment enjoyable and gives me a greater insight into different learning styles when doing it within a group. A written self-assessment followed the session to support my student to assess her strengths and weaknesses. This style of assessment can be valuable for the students as when they assessed themselves can occasionally focus on a negative or limitation. This gives me a chance to advise and correct the weakness and help to point out positi ve aspects of my mentees practice (Welsh and Swann 2006). I told my mentee that she needs to improve her self confidence to make a speedy safe decision before and during a procedure. I also pointed out some concerns on her practice document leaving it out to the last minute and be assertive enough to get it filled in at a regular intervals. Also discussed was her progress and conversely how she taught she was doing. At this point I discussed her development and that she is progressing well and that I was very pleased with her overall performance. I ended the review of her performance with a sandwich feedback (Hinchcliff 2004). It consists of giving not so good feedback inserted between positive feedbacks. My mentee was pleased to fulfil her learning objectives and that she enjoyed the way teaching happens as I took into consideration her individual learning style. She pointed out that an up to date induction pack before placement will be of big help as it makes her less anxious about working in the different surgical department after only having her hospital placements. An action plan has been drawn in response to this. The website directory of the university has been made up to date so students can now access up to date information in relation to this placement. Students should be provided with an induction pack as it will prepare them for the placement ahead (RCN 2007). On reflection the learning experience in general was very encouraging as my mentee was able to accomplish her competencies in an environment conducive to learning. I was able to established effective working relationship and leadership with by influencing and being a role model. By acting as a role model in clinical setting and looking to address natural obstacles in the surgical theatres as operating room are known to be full of activity and issues with staffing levels which contribute to effectiveness on the quality of assessing students (Phillips et al, 2000). I probably could not only develop myself and my student but also other mentors conduct and practice in a constructive way (Girvin 1998). My mentee has given me a positive feedback on my performance as her mentor and made very supportive and encouraging comments. She felt she was fully integrated into the learning environment and thought she was part of the surgical team. Upon reflecting on what I have found difficult about the learning experience, I found that as a mentor I can be faced with different forms of liability as I should be able to validate the marks given for an assessment. As a registered professional, I am accountable in the decisions I will make and must act in the best interests of service users (HCPC 2012). This is obviously no different to the role of the mentor and assessment of student in clinical practice. For that reason, assessing my students competencies brings the same responsibility I have to my patients (Jarvis and Gibson, 1997). After much examination and evaluation of the whole learning experience, I am looking forward to further develop my role as mentor to be a good contributor in educating future nurses. I will attempt to speak more slowly and clearly and learning more about my student before the assessment. I would consider gaining feedback of my student performance from my colleagues as it would allow taking into account the view of other professionals to promote clinical excellence and professionalism. To conclude, mentoring and assessing is fundamental in helping the student to have a complete learning experience. Mentors and student should outline their aims and objectives at the beginning and a professional relationship should be preserved throughout. Assessing nursing student is paramount in delivering a safe and competent nursing care.

Ethical Dilemmas Facing Social Workers Social Work Essay

Ethical Dilemmas Facing Social Workers Social Work Essay Social workers face ethical dilemmas on a daily basis, Banks illustrates this in her quotation ethical dilemmas occur when the social worker sees herself as facing a choice between two equally unwelcoming alternatives, which may involve a conflict of moral values, and it is not clear which choice will be the right one (Banks 2006:13). Banks implies that social workers are often involved in personal and even painful issues and ethical judgements in social work that are about human welfare (Banks 2006:155). This poses many challenges as decisions made are likely to be life changing for service users. It is therefore important for a social worker to be able to justify action (or inaction) accordingly. The facts of a case alone cannot determine what action must be taken, it would be impossible to make choices without values (Beckett and Maynard 2005:7). It is essential for a social worker to have a strong value base from which they work. In some instances problems may arise as social wor kers come into the profession with their own set of personal values and these may conflict with their professional values. Hence what Banks refers to as conflict of moral values (Banks 2006:13). Personal values cannot simply be eradicated because they conflict with professional values, but we must keep our values and assumptions under review, and be open to other arguments and other ideas (Beckett and Maynard 2005:17). In the case scenario of the Bertrams the alternatives are unwelcoming and in order to navigate the value maze in social work (Wilson, Ruch, Lymbery and Cooper 2008:92) social workers use various theories to inform practice. Kantism also referred to as deontology was derived from the ideas of philosopher Immanuel Kant (1724-1804). Kant believed people should be treated as an end and not a means to an end. By this Kant meant people should be valued and respected as an individual and not used for the benefit of others. Hence, Kant believed that everyone should be treated equally. Kants ideology was to set aside peoples view of religion and spiritual beliefs and move to the idea of being rational. Rationality enables people to understand what their duties are and how their duties enlighten what they do in the world (Parrott 2010: 500). Kant also believed that by using reason this would develop a consistent moral system. In the case of the Bertrams if the social worker were to use the deontological perspective to guide her decision-making it would be important to value Mrs Bertram as a person because the core of this perspective is respect for persons (Beckett Maynard 2005:35). This goes hand in hand with t he British Association of Social Workers (BASW) Code of Ethics key principles: Respect for human dignity; Value for every human being, their beliefs, goals, preferences and needs; and Respect for human rights and self determination (BASW 2010). Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) developed the philosophical theory of Utilitarianism. Utilitarianism looks at the consequences of actions balancing the relative advantages and disadvantages of a particular course of action, (Parrott 2010: 54) Therefore one persons suffering is acceptable as the greatest number of people is happy. There are two principles of utilitarianism, the principles of justice and utility. The principle of justice is about being equal and fair as the value of everyones happiness should be the same. The principle of utility signifies the greatest good for everyone. In many cases these two principles clash as the minority of people are unhappy. In the case scenario of the Bertrams her happiness should be valued and it would be important to consider the repercussions of going against her wishes if it were considered in her best interests. A social worker would be expected to balance Mrs Bertrams right to self-determination, her safety and the concerns of her family for her welfare as it is often the social workers job to assess the whole situation and work for a solution in the best interests of all concerned (Banks 2006:167). Virtue ethics is a theory that looks into an individuals character. Ones virtue ethics are developed by their personal belief system and this determines their character. Virtue ethics is an approach according to which the basic judgments in ethics are judgments about character (Statman, 1997:7). Ethical issues are embedded in relationships and responsibilities. An individual may lie to be seen as virtuous because they want to be seen as an honest person.   Ã‚   Radical social work is seen as belonging to an area of social work which can also be known as critical or activist social work. The radical position takes a transformational view of social work, and as such is concerned with transforming society to benefit the most oppressed rather than focusing on the individual (Hill, 2010). Payne (1997) suggests some typical views are that; problems are defined as social and structural rather than individual. McIntyre (1982) cited in Payne (1997) summarises the radical approaches criticisms of traditional social work as; traditional social work reduces complex social problems into individual psychological ones, it cuts service users off from others who may share the same problem and it reinforces the capitalist social order that is oppressive. The radical position sees the professionalisation of social work as alienating workers from service users. Praxis is the process of thinking and acting. It is like a spiral of thought and action, or a praxis spiral. Praxis is integral to social work practice and comes in the form of reflection. In social work theory, praxis is the reflexive relationship between theories and action. It describes a cyclical process of social work interactions developing new theories and refining old ones. In order to work anti-oppressively social workers need to reflect on factors that influence their practice; they then need to incorporate the results of this reflection into their practice (Lee, 2001). Downie and Telfer (1969, 1980) state that respect can be regarded as an active sympathy towards another human being (Banks S, 2006: 29). Darwell (1995) outlines two types of respect, recognition respect and appraisal respect. Recognition respect is in essence when a human being is worthy of respect whether it is for something they have communicated verbally or through their actions. Appraisal respect is acknowledging ones qualities. The level of respect would reflect on the qualities shown. Kantism has had an influence on the moral principle of respect in a relationship between a social worker and the service user. (Banks S, 2006: 31) In order for a social worker to show full respect there are four key elements that have to be met, these are, acknowledgement, preservation, non-destruction and engagement (Banks and Gallagher, 2009). Relativism suggests that all points of view are equally valid and the individual determines what is true and relative for individuals. Relativism theorises that truth is different for different people, not simply that different people believe different things to be true. Subjective relativism allows us to be rulers of our own principles and how we chose to live our lives. Cultural relativism is the view that moral beliefs and practises vary with and depend on the human needs and social conditions of particular cultures so that no moral belief can be universally true. (A E Holmes 1984). is this a direct quote? Descriptive Ethical relativism believes that different cultures have different moral values and normative ethical relativism suggests that each culture is right unto itself. The Collins English Dictionary (2009) defines values as the moral principles and beliefs of a person or group and ethics as a social, religious or civil code of behaviour considered correct, especially that of a particular group, profession, or individual. Therefore values can be seen as the fundamental beliefs that an individual or group holds to be true and ethics the more formalised rules or guidelines of an organization or society. Banks (2010) states that values are regarded as particular types of belief that people hold about what is regarded as worthy or valuable. (direct quote ?need pg number) Although values are personal to us as individuals, they may also be shared by the society or culture in which we live. Our values are formed through personal development and socialisation and will be influenced by both past and present experiences. (Parrott, 2010) Dubois and Miley (1996) state ethics are concerned with what people consider right while values are concerned with what peop le consider good. Most moral philosophers would define ethics as a singular term, which is used to describe a branch of philosophy concerned with the study of Morality, moral problems and moral judgements (Frankena, 1963 cited in Banks, 2006: page number). According to Parrott (2010), ethics can be seen to guide an action and are there to inform and influence any judgements made according to the professional value base of social work. Reamer (2006) provides an insight into the historical origins of values and ethics in social care and states that they have been at the foundation of social cares mission since its inception. He suggests that social work values and ethics come from four distinct stages: the morality period; the values period; the ethical theory and decision-making period and the ethical standards and risk management period (Reamer, 2006). These have culminated in the General Social Care Councils (GSCC) code of conduct that is in place today (Barnard, 2008). Social workers are duty bound to adhere to the GSCC codes of practice which acts as an ethical framework. A written code of ethics enables social workers to judge their practice against an ethical standard and enables service users to understand what conduct they should expect from their social worker. If social workers are considered to be in breach of the GSCC codes they can be removed from the social care register and no longer practice. Professional social workers must take responsibility for their actions as they hold a position of trust and power that is legitimised by the state making ethics an important factor in accountability. The impact of all practice on service users can be said to be powerful and therefore the ethics and value base emphasises the importance that the moral standing of service users is equal to that of the professional (Hugman, 2008). The National Occupation Standards (NOS) for Social Workers state clearly that values and ethics are central to being a competent practitioner. Parrott (2010) suggests that values are important to social work as they provide a common set of principles, which social workers can use and develop as a means of working in an ethical way with service users.(direct quote ? pg number) He goes on to say that they guide professional behaviour, help maintain a professional identity and protect service users from malpractice. It is important to clarify ones personal values in order to increase ones awareness of the potential conflicts and the impact these may have on ethical decision making. A persons cultural experiences and background will affect the decisions they make and may bias their behaviour. Social workers must first clarify their own value stance in relation to value-laden issues they meet in practice situations if they want to be true to themselves and to their profession (Dolgoff, 2009:54). When linking moral philosophy and ethical dilemmas to social work practice it is important to acknowledge that no one theory provides an answer. Traditionally social work has taken the Kantian approach and focused on the social worker / service user relationship. The need for social work to challenge inequality and oppression on an individual and structural level means radical social work is also still relevant. An overall Kantian Utilitarian Radical approach may be better. (Banks, 2006) The right of a service user to self determination may conflict with a social workers statutory duty if they are potentially endangering their own life or that of others (Clifford and Burke, 2009). Neil Thompson (2006, p40) defines oppression as inhuman or degrading treatment of individuals or groups; hardship or injustice brought about by the dominance of one group over another; the negative and demeaning use of power. It often involves disregarding the rights of an individual or group and is thus a denial of citizenship. Service users will predominately come from oppressed and marginalised groups and it is crucial that social workers acknowledge institutional discrimination and avoid inadvertently stereotyping service users, compounding existing oppressions. (Thompson, 2008) Social workers need to be aware of the unequal distribution of power within organisations and decide how best to advocate and negotiate within these organisations for the best interest of the service user, even if it involves challenging the structure and values of an organisation from within (Dominelli, 2002). Paternalism focuses on the right for social workers with knowledge, authority, and skills to go into the lives of those who need their help, either by self referral or referrals from other professions. Mrs Bertram has been referred by another professional because of her Alzheimers. Ethical awareness is an important part of social work as it gives the social worker the ability and commitment to work alongside other professionals and service users. The Utilitarian view is consequential with the results given as much consideration as possible. Therefore when thinking about practice this approach would say to think of the persons outcome (future) when dealing with the present situation. This would mean weighing the good with the bad. The radical approach would empower the service user into change enabling them to overcome problems and equip them with techniques to deal with these independently in the future. Social workers should involve the service user in the decision making process, working in partnership and keeping them fully informed about their case. The starting point of dealing with this case would be an assessment of the Bertrams situation. The assessment task when undertaken in a professional and informed manner is rewarding and sets the foundation for further interventions (Wilson, Ruch, Lymbery and Cooper 2008:269). The Bertrams financial situation is unclear as it appears that Mr Bertram doesnt have much inheritance money left which has led to rent arrears. This situation would need to be resolved soon as their landlord is threatening to evict them for rent arrears and the state of the flat, which could render them both homeless. Mrs Bertrams insight appears to be severely impaired by her end stage Alzheimers and an assessment of the health risks may require securing detailed information from the GP about Mrs Bertrams Alzheimers and other health issues, and the likely prognosis. Mr Bertram is believed to be an alcoholic and this could have implications for his health. The likelihood of a positive outcome would perhaps be i ncreased if Mr Bertram could be offered help for alcoholism as well as a carers assessment to ascertain what his needs are. He spends considerable time at his club, leaving his wife alone in the house vulnerable and at risk. Mrs Bertrams daughters distrust Mr Bertram and believe its in her best interest to be moved into residential care. Before her illness advanced Mrs Bertram stated she wanted to stay with her husband. Possible options to consider after the assessment would be providing support for Mr and Mrs Bertram at home, moving them into sheltered accommodation together or moving Mrs Bertram into residential care. All these alternatives may be unwelcoming to the Bertrams therefore in order to bring about any change it would be important to first build a relationship with both Mr Bertram and Mrs Bertram and her daughters applying the Kantist view that the truth is told. This could mean trying to communicate with Mrs Bertram at select times when she is more lucid and can partici pate as much as possible. It is important to develop/construct a shared understanding of the problem(s) being faced (Wilson, Ruch, Lymbery and Cooper, 2008:282). Judgements should be informed directly by what Mr and Mrs Bertram say about their circumstances. Mr and Mrs Bertram must have a key part in the assessment of their situation, and any issues should be shared allowing them to continue to have as much choice as possible. The strengths of this plan are that Mr and Mrs Bertram will be involved in the care plan and will be able to express their views, as well as Mrs Bertrams daughters being able to contribute towards the care plan. This may build a strong relationship with the family and build on trust so they do co- operate and consider all the options as they will understand that the strategy would be for the health and well being of both Mr and Mrs Bertram. As social workers we need to have a basic understanding of what the Bertrams values are as it would be difficult to empathise and get the necessary understanding of their wishes if we do not. As social workers we could then possibly struggle to make progress when trying to help the Bertrams. This professional development is important as we will use this type of growth everyday in the workplace. In this case the main value/wish seems to be that the Bertrams stayed together in their home. A social workers personal values may inform their understanding of practice. However, a social worker needs to follow the broader framework provided by anti-oppressive social work ethics. The framework provided allows a place for personal values but challenges social workers to place them within the wider framework where they are accountable to others and they must desist from imposing their values and in fact question them. (Clifford and Burke, 2009) Different contributions are made by various ethical perspectives in any given situation and these must be considered. Ethical perspectives must be considered in light of an anti-oppressive approach to practice and in relation to each other as there are occasions when the different perspectives conflict. Social workers have an obligation to work in a way that demonstrates not only knowledge of relevant ethical concepts and local laws but also a broader awareness of how ethical values are related to social inequalities and diversities (Cl ifford and Burke, 2009:203) Word Count: 2993 (including author details in brackets)

Advocating Elderly Americans Essay -- Advocates Senior Citizens

The elderly in America have many needs that can range from transportation, a little more money, and even just a little companionship but one of their major needs is advocacy. They need someone to stand up and fight with them for what the need. The elderly of today did so much for this country such things as fight both world wars and the Korean Conflict, they fought for equality, and the escalated this country to the greatness we have today.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  So what is an advocate? Advocate is a person or group that represents a common interest and goes to great lengths to see that their cause is not neglected. So why does our elderly need advocates? Our elderly need advocates for various reasons. They need someone to fight with congress over healthcare cost and issues, they need someone to defend them against neglect and abuse, and most of all they need someone to make them aware of the services and programs available to make their lives easier. Advocates are very important to our elderly as well as they should be no one wants to be alone, we all want someone to fight beside us. So who does stand up and fight for our elderly?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In all parts of the United States there are Offices for the Aging to assist our elderly with obtaining the services they deserve. The Office for the Aging was created to promote self-determination, self-promotion and self-sufficiency among the elderly. They also wanted to make seniors aware of the services available to them and their families. Over the years that Offices for the Aging has existed they have created networks of connections in many aspects with in each of their communities. Through their broad range of connections they can assist any one with any problems. Most people feel as though the Office for the Aging is nothing more than a referral agency. There could be nothing further from the truth, Office for the Aging offers a wide variety of services but if they do not offer a service that you need they can and will refer you to an agency that can. One of the services that the Office for the Aging offers is Social Security counseling. This is a big servi ce because of the changing laws and the complexity of the laws it is tough for many elderly to understand properly obtain all of the money they are entitled to. Office for the Aging can also go to your Social Security hearing for you if you wish that they do so. The Office for ... ...as quoted as saying, â€Å"It’s virtually impossible to take back the House or win the presidency without taking back the seniors. That makes them the key battleground†¦Ã¢â‚¬  In the upcoming decade there will be over 76 million baby boomers that will be over 65 that mean they will have more power then any other voting cohort in America. This means the attention that the senior vote is getting will become stronger and stronger. Older people are more likely to vote that are younger people this means that seniors can be their own advocate. Seniors can be their own advocates by voting people into office that will vote their way on important issues. Voting is a powerful instrument for all people but is often overlooked.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Advocacy is an important in order for voices to be heard. Seniors citizens have various needs and as fellow humans it is our obligation to protect them. They paved the way for our country’s prosperity who are we to put them out pasture. Works Cited www.aarp.org www.americangeriatrics.org www.carie.org www.commoncause.org www.ncscinc.org www.senior.org The gerontologist. â€Å"Older People and Voting Participation: Past and Future† by Robert Binstock. February 2000.

State and Church Essay -- essays research papers fc

Christopher Columbus and Cabeza de Vaca were two known adventurers, one being an explorer and the other as a treasurer. Both men had great reputations, which led to positions of high status. Cabeza de Vaca became the treasurer on an expedition to explore the Gulf coast as a young nobleman and Christopher Columbus went on many expeditions to explore lands of treasure and jewels of all sorts. Both men explored in a time in which the lands were controlled by church and state and because of this, pressure of enormous amounts were placed on the shoulders of these men. The misfortunes these men encountered on their expeditions led them to choose a side in which they tried to disguise their true outcomes. Cabeza de Vaca and Christopher Columbus used the power the church possessed and embellished in the writings as a means to escape ridicule and or conviction from the state.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One can get a sense from the works of Cabeza de Vaca that he went through hardship when captured by the Indians. In addition you can a sense that he uses much imagery of his men being killed and picked off one by one because he knew that the state and church would read his writings. My opinion of chapter seven is very skeptical because I feel that Cabeza de Vaca wanted to show the state and church that life over in the New World was very troubling and full of challenges so great no man can bare. He embellishes his writings in purpose of being forgiven for the money and manpower spent on the expedition. In chapter seven Cabeza de Vaca shows in his writings how he was attacked numerous times, â€Å"The day following, others came against us from a town on the opposite side of the lake, and attacked us as the first had done, escaping in the same way,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  pg. 1 except one who was also slain† (pg. 130). He keeps showing the reader that he was attacked numerous times but yet the Indians escaped the same way as the first did. These accounts could show the church that Cabeza de Vaca was strong in his encounters with harsh conditions and that these experie... ...ed this statement with the hoping he will return to explore because he feels that the third voyage did not find riches and other valuable items.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Both men used the church to somewhat cover up the unsuccessful expeditions and voyages that occurred. I feel that the writings were intentional in the fact they were not only made to keep accounts but also to show the church that they are still skilled as before they left. They also write with a manner in which they want to be rewarded somehow for their findings or misfortunes they encountered in such harsh conditions.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Pg. 4 Works Cited Columbus, Christopher. The Four Voyages of Columbus. Trans. J.M. Cohen   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1969. Cabeza de Vaca, Alvar Nunez. Relation of Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca. Trans.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Buckingham Smith. 1871.

The Host Chapter 20: Freed

Jeb let me cry myself out without interrupting. He didn't comment all through the following sniffles. It was only when I'd been completely silent for a good half hour that he spoke. â€Å"Still awake in there?† I didn't answer. I was too much in the habit of silence. â€Å"You want to come out here and stretch?† he offered. â€Å"My back is aching just thinking about that stupid hole.† Ironically, considering my week of maddening silence, I wasn't in the mood for company. But his offer wasn't one I could refuse. Before I could think about it, my hands were pulling me through the exit. Jeb was sitting with crossed legs on the mat. I watched him for some reaction as I shook out my arms and legs and rolled my shoulders, but he had his eyes closed. Like the time of Jamie's visit, he looked asleep. How long had it been since I'd seen Jamie? And how was he now? My already sore heart gave a painful little lurch. â€Å"Feel better?† Jeb asked, his eyes opening. I shrugged. â€Å"It's going to be okay, you know.† He grinned a wide, face-stretching grin. â€Å"That stuff I said to Jared†¦ Well, I won't say I lied, exactly, because it's all true if you look at it from a certain angle, but from another angle, it wasn't so much the truth as it was what he needed to hear.† I just stared; I didn't understand a word of what he was saying. â€Å"Anyway, Jared needs a break from this. Not from you, kid,† he added quickly, â€Å"but from the situation. He'll gain some perspective while he's away.† I wondered how he seemed to know exactly which words and phrases would cut at me. And, more than that, why should Jeb care if his words hurt me, or even if my back was aching and throbbing? His kindness toward me was frightening in its own way because it was incomprehensible. At least Jared's actions made sense. Kyle's and Ian's murder attempts, the doctor's cheerful eagerness to hurt me-these behaviors also were logical. Not kindness. What did Jeb want from me? â€Å"Don't look so glum,† Jeb urged. â€Å"There's a bright side to this. Jared was being real pigheaded about you, and now that he's temporarily out of the picture, it's bound to make things more comfortable.† My eyebrows furrowed as I tried to decide what he meant. â€Å"For example,† he went on. â€Å"This space here we usually use for storage. Now, when Jared and the guys get back, we're going to need someplace to put all the stuff they bring home with them. So we might as well find a new place for you now. Something a little bigger, maybe? Something with a bed?† He smiled again as he dangled the carrot in front of me. I waited for him to snatch it away, to tell me he was joking. Instead, his eyes-the color of faded blue jeans-became very, very gentle. Something about the expression in them brought the lump back to my throat. â€Å"You don't have to go back in that hole, honey. The worst part's over.† I found that I couldn't doubt the earnest look on his face. For the second time in an hour, I put my face in my hands and cried. He got to his feet and patted me awkwardly on the shoulder. He didn't seem comfortable with tears. â€Å"There, there,† he mumbled. I got control of myself more quickly this time. When I wiped the wet from my eyes and smiled tentatively at him, he nodded in approval. â€Å"That's a girl,† he said, patting me again. â€Å"Now, we'll have to hang out here until we're sure Jared's really gone and can't catch us.† He grinned conspiratorially. â€Å"Then we'll have some fun!† I remembered that his idea of fun was usually along the lines of an armed standoff. He chuckled at my expression. â€Å"Don't worry about it. While we're waiting, you might as well try to get some rest. I'll bet even that skinny mattress would feel pretty good to you right now.† I looked from his face to the mat on the floor and back. â€Å"Go on,† he said. â€Å"You look like you could use a good sleep. I'll keep watch over you.† Touched, new moisture in my eyes, I sank down on the mat and laid my head on the pillow. It was heavenly, despite Jeb's calling it thin. I stretched out to my full height, pointing my toes and reaching out with my fingers. I heard my joints popping. Then I let myself wilt into the mattress. It felt as if it were hugging me, erasing all the sore spots. I sighed. â€Å"Does me good to see that,† Jeb muttered. â€Å"It's like an itch you can't scratch, knowing someone is suffering under your own roof.† He eased himself to the floor a few yards away and started humming quietly. I was asleep before he'd finished the first bar. When I woke up, I knew that I'd been solidly asleep for a long time-a longer stretch than I'd slept since coming here. No pains, no frightening interruptions. I would have felt pretty good, except that waking on the pillow reminded me that Jared was gone. It still smelled like him. And in a good way, not the way I smelled. Back to just dreams. Melanie sighed forlornly. I remembered my dream only vaguely, but I knew it had featured Jared, as was usual when I was able to sleep deeply enough to dream. â€Å"Morning, kid,† Jeb said, sounding chipper. I peeled back my lids to look at him. Had he sat against the wall all night? He didn't look tired, but I suddenly felt guilty for monopolizing the better accommodations. â€Å"So the guys are long gone,† he said enthusiastically. â€Å"How 'bout a tour?† He stroked the gun slung through a strap at his waist with an unconscious gesture. My eyes opened wider, stared at him in disbelief. A tour? â€Å"Now, don't turn sissy on me. Nobody's going to bother you. And you'll need to be able to find your way around eventually.† He held out a hand to help me up. I took it automatically, my head spinning as I tried to process what he was saying. I would need to find my way around? Why? And what did he mean â€Å"eventually†? How long did he expect me to last? He pulled me to my feet and led me forward. I'd forgotten what it was like to move through the dark tunnels with a hand guiding me. It was so easy-walking barely took any concentration at all. â€Å"Let's see,† Jeb murmured. â€Å"Maybe the right wing first. Set up a decent place for you. Then the kitchens†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He went on planning his tour, continuing as we stepped through the narrow crevice into the bright tunnel that led to the even brighter big room. When the sound of voices reached us, I felt my mouth go dry. Jeb kept right on chatting at me, either missing or ignoring my terror. â€Å"I'll bet the carrots are sprouted today,† he was saying as he led me into the main plaza. The light blinded me, and I couldn't see who was there, but I could feel their eyes on me. The sudden silence was as ominous as ever. â€Å"Yep,† Jeb answered himself. â€Å"Now, I always think that looks real pretty. A nice spring green like that is a treat to see.† He stopped and held his hand out, inviting me to look. I squinted in the direction he gestured, but my eyes kept darting around the room as I waited for them to adjust. It took a moment, but then I saw what he was talking about. I also saw that there were maybe fifteen people here today, all of them regarding me with hostile eyes. But they were busy with something else, too. The wide, dark square that took up the center of the big cavern was no longer dark. Half of it was fuzzy with spring green, just as Jeb had said. It was pretty. And amazing. No wonder no one stood on this space. It was a garden. â€Å"Carrots?† I whispered. He answered at normal volume. â€Å"This half that's greening up. The other half is spinach. Should be up in a few days.† The people in the room had gone back to work, still peeking at me now and then but mostly concentrating on what they were doing. It was easy enough to understand their actions-and the big barrel on wheels, and the hoses-now that I recognized the garden. â€Å"Irrigating?† I whispered again. â€Å"That's right. Dries out pretty quick in this heat.† I nodded in agreement. It was still early, I guessed, but I was already sweaty. The heat from the intense radiance overhead was stifling in the caves. I tried to examine the ceiling again, but it was too bright to stare at. I tugged Jeb's sleeve and squinted up at the dazzling light. â€Å"How?† Jeb smiled, seeming thrilled with my curiosity. â€Å"Same way the magicians do it-with mirrors, kid. Hundreds of 'em. Took me long enough to get them all up there. It's nice to have extra hands around here when they need cleaning. See, there's only four small vents in the ceiling here, and that wasn't enough light for what I had in mind. What do you think of it?† He pulled his shoulders back, proud again. â€Å"Brilliant,† I whispered. â€Å"Astonishing.† Jeb grinned and nodded, enjoying my reaction. â€Å"Let's keep on,† he suggested. â€Å"Got a lot to do today.† He led me to a new tunnel, a wide, naturally shaped tube that ran off from the big cave. This was new territory. My muscles all locked up; I moved forward with stiff legs, unbending knees. Jeb patted my hand but otherwise ignored my nerves. â€Å"This is mostly sleeping quarters and some storage. The tubes are closer to the surface here, so it was easier to get some light.† He pointed up at a bright, slender crack in the tunnel ceiling overhead. It threw a hand-sized spot of white onto the floor. We reached a broad fork-not really a fork, because there were too many tines. It was an octopus-like branching of passageways. â€Å"Third from the left,† he said, and looked at me expectantly. â€Å"Third from the left?† I repeated. â€Å"That's right. Don't forget. It's easy to get lost around here, and that wouldn't be safe for you. Folks'd just as soon stab you as send you in the right direction.† I shuddered. â€Å"Thanks,† I muttered with quiet sarcasm. He laughed as if my answer had delighted him. â€Å"No point in ignoring the truth. Doesn't make it worse to have it said out loud.† It didn't make it better, either, but I didn't say that. I was beginning to enjoy myself just a little. It was so nice to have someone talk to me again. Jeb was, if nothing else, interesting company. â€Å"One, two, three,† he counted off, then he led me down the third hallway from the left. We started passing round entrances covered by a variety of makeshift doors. Some were curtained off with patterned sheets of fabric; others had big pieces of cardboard duct-taped together. One hole had two real doors-one red-painted wood, one gray metal-leaning over the opening. â€Å"Seven,† Jeb counted, and stopped in front of a smallish circle, the tallest point just a few inches higher than my head. This one protected its privacy with a pretty jade green screen-the kind that might divide the space in an elegant living room. There was a pattern of cherry blossoms embroidered across the silk. â€Å"This is the only space I can think of for now. The only one that's fitted up decent for human habitation. It will be empty for a few weeks, and we'll figure something better out for you by the time it's needed again.† He folded the screen aside, and a light that was brighter than that in the hallway greeted us. The room he revealed gave me a strange feeling of vertigo-probably because it was so much taller than it was wide. Standing inside it was like standing in a tower or a silo, not that I had ever been in such places, but those were the comparisons Melanie made. The ceiling, twice as high as the room was wide, was a maze of cracks. Like vines of light, the cracks circled around and almost met. This seemed dangerous to me-unstable. But Jeb showed no fear of cave-ins as he led me farther in. There was a double-sized mattress on the floor, with about a yard of space on three sides of it. The two pillows and two blankets twisted into two separate configurations on either half of the mattress made it look as if this room housed a couple. A thick wooden pole-something like a rake handle-was braced horizontally against the far wall at shoulder height with the ends lodged in two of the Swiss cheese holes in the rock. Over it were draped a handful of T-shirts and two pairs of jeans. A wooden stool was flush with the wall beside the makeshift clothes rack, and on the floor beneath it was a stack of worn paperback books. â€Å"Who?† I said to Jeb, whispering again. This space so obviously belonged to someone that I no longer felt like we were alone. â€Å"Just one of the guys out on the raid. Won't be back for a while. We'll find you something by then.† I didn't like it-not the room, but the idea of staying in it. The presence of the owner was strong despite the simple belongings. No matter who he was, he would not be happy to have me here. He would hate it. Jeb seemed to read my mind-or maybe the expression on my face was clear enough that he didn't have to. â€Å"Now, now,† he said. â€Å"Don't worry about that. This is my house, and this is just one of my many guest rooms. I say who is and isn't my guest. Right now, you are my guest, and I am offering you this room.† I still didn't like it, but I wasn't going to upset Jeb, either. I vowed that I would disturb nothing, if it meant sleeping on the floor. â€Å"Well, let's keep moving. Don't forget: third from the left, seventh in.† â€Å"Green screen,† I added. â€Å"Exactly.† Jeb took me back through the big garden room, around the perimeter to the opposite side, and through the biggest tunnel exit. When we passed the irrigators, they stiffened and turned, afraid to have me behind their backs. This tunnel was well lit, the bright crevices coming at intervals too regular to be natural. â€Å"We go even closer to the surface now. It gets drier, but it gets hotter, too.† I noticed that almost immediately. Instead of being steamed, we were now being baked. The air was less stuffy and stale. I could taste the desert dust. There were more voices ahead. I tried to steel myself against the inevitable reaction. If Jeb insisted on treating me like†¦ like a human, like a welcome guest, I was going to have to get used to this. No reason to let it make me nauseous over and over again. My stomach began an unhappy rolling anyway. â€Å"This way's the kitchen,† Jeb told me. At first I thought we were in another tunnel, one crowded with people. I pressed myself against the wall, trying to keep my distance. The kitchen was a long corridor with a high ceiling, higher than it was wide, like my new quarters. The light was bright and hot. Instead of thin crevices through deep rock, this place had huge open holes. â€Å"Can't cook in the daytime, of course. Smoke, you know. So we mainly use this as the mess hall until nightfall.† All conversation had come to an abrupt halt, so Jeb's words were clear for everyone to hear. I tried to hide behind him, but he kept walking farther in. We'd interrupted breakfast, or maybe it was lunch. The humans-almost twenty at a quick estimate-were very close here. It wasn't like the big cavern. I wanted to keep my eyes on the floor, but I couldn't stop them from flashing around the room. Just in case. I could feel my body tensing to run for it, though where I would run, I didn't know. Against both sides of the hallway, there were long piles of rock. Mostly rough, purple volcanic stone, with some lighter-colored substance-cement?-running between them, creating seams, holding them together. On top of these piles were different stones, browner in color, and flat. They were glued together with the light gray grout as well. The final product was a relatively even surface, like a counter or a table. It was clear that they were used for both. The humans sat on some, leaned on others. I recognized the bread rolls they held suspended between the table and their mouths, frozen with disbelief as they took in Jeb and his one-person tour. Some of them were familiar. Sharon, Maggie, and the doctor were the closest group to me. Melanie's cousin and aunt glared at Jeb furiously-I had an odd conviction that I could have stood on my head and bellowed songs out of Melanie's memory at the top of my lungs and they still would not have looked at me-but the doctor eyed me with a frank and almost friendly curiosity that made me feel cold deep inside my bones. At the back end of the hall-shaped room, I recognized the tall man with ink black hair and my heart stuttered. I'd thought Jared was supposed to take the hostile brothers with him to make Jeb's job of keeping me alive slightly easier. At least it was the younger one, Ian, who had belatedly developed a conscience-not quite as bad as leaving Kyle behind. That consolation did not slow my racing pulse, however. â€Å"Everybody full so quick?† Jeb asked loudly and sarcastically. â€Å"Lost our appetites,† Maggie muttered. â€Å"How 'bout you,† he said, turning to me. â€Å"You hungry?† A quiet groan went through our audience. I shook my head-a small but frantic motion. I didn't even know whether I was hungry, but I knew I couldn't eat in front of this crowd that would gladly have eaten me. â€Å"Well, I am,† Jeb grumbled. He walked down the aisle between the counters, but I did not follow. I couldn't stand the thought of being within easy reach of the rest. I stayed pressed against the wall where I stood. Only Sharon and Maggie watched him go to a big plastic bin on one counter and grab a roll. Everyone else watched me. I was certain that if I moved an inch, they would pounce. I tried not to breathe. â€Å"Well, let's just keep on movin',† Jeb suggested around a mouthful of bread as he ambled back to me. â€Å"Nobody seems able to concentrate on their lunch. Easily distracted, this set.† I was watching the humans for sudden movements, not really seeing their faces after that first moment when I recognized the few I could put names to. So it wasn't until Jamie stood up that I noticed him there. He was a head shorter than the adults beside him, but taller than the two smaller children who perched on the counter on his other side. He hopped lightly off his seat and followed behind Jeb. His expression was tight, compressed, like he was trying to solve a difficult equation in his head. He examined me through narrow eyes as he approached on Jeb's heels. Now I wasn't the only one in the room holding my breath. The others' gazes shifted back and forth between Melanie's brother and me. Oh, Jamie, Melanie thought. She hated the sad, adult expression on his face, and I probably hated it even more. She didn't feel as guilty as I did for putting it there. If only we could take it away. She sighed. It's too late. What could we do to make it better now? I didn't mean the question more than rhetorically, but I found myself searching for an answer, and Melanie searched, too. We found nothing in the brief second we had to consider the matter; there was nothing to be found, I was sure. But we both knew we would be searching again when we were done with this asinine tour and had a chance to think. If we lived that long. â€Å"Whatcha need, kid?† Jeb asked without looking at him. â€Å"Just wondering what you're doing,† Jamie answered, his voice striving for nonchalance and only just failing. Jeb stopped when he got to me and turned to look at Jamie. â€Å"Takin' her for a tour of the place. Just like I do for any newcomer.† There was another low grumble. â€Å"Can I come?† Jamie asked. I saw Sharon shake her head feverishly, her expression outraged. Jeb ignored her. â€Å"Doesn't bother me†¦ if you can mind your manners.† Jamie shrugged. â€Å"No problem.† I had to move then-to knot my fingers together in front of me. I wanted so badly to push Jamie's untidy hair out of his eyes and then leave my arm around his neck. Something that would not go over well, I was sure. â€Å"Let's go,† Jeb said to us both. He took us back out the way we had come. Jeb walked on one side of me, Jamie on the other. Jamie seemed to be trying to stare at the floor, but he kept glancing up at my face-just like I couldn't help glancing down at his. Whenever our eyes met, we looked away again quickly. We were about halfway down the big hall when I heard the quiet footsteps behind us. My reaction was instantaneous and unthinking. I skittered to one side of the tunnel, sweeping Jamie along with one arm so that I was between him and whatever was coming for me. â€Å"Hey!† he protested, but he did not knock my arm away. Jeb was just as quick. The gun twirled out of its strap with blinding speed. Ian and the doctor both raised their hands above their heads. â€Å"We can mind our manners, too,† the doctor said. It was hard to believe that this soft-spoken man with the friendly expression was the resident torturer; he was all the more terrifying to me because his exterior was so benign. A person would be on her guard on a dark and ominous night, a person would be ready. But on a clear, sunny day? How would she know to flee when she couldn't see any place for danger to hide? Jeb squinted at Ian, the barrel of the gun shifting to follow his gaze. â€Å"I don't mean any trouble, Jeb. I'll be just as mannerly as Doc.† â€Å"Fine,† Jeb said curtly, stowing his gun. â€Å"Just don't test me. I haven't shot anybody in a real long time, and I sort of miss the thrill of it.† I gasped. Everyone heard that and turned to see my horrified expression. The doctor was the first one to laugh, but even Jamie joined in briefly. â€Å"It's a joke,† Jamie whispered to me. His hand strayed from his side, almost as if he was reaching for mine, but he quickly shoved it into the pocket of his shorts. I let my arm-still stretched protectively in front of his body-drop, too. â€Å"Well, the day's wasting,† Jeb said, still a little surly. â€Å"You'll all have to keep up, 'cause I'm not waiting on you.† He stalked forward before he was done speaking.