Thursday, November 28, 2019

The Importance Of Social Ranking In Michael Moores Roger And Me Essays

The Importance of Social Ranking in Michael Moore's Roger and Me Michael Moore's film, Roger and Me is about the closing of several General Motors plants in Flint, Michigan and the effects that the situation imposes on Flint's citizens. Throughout the movie, Moore, the director and narrator, tries to reach Roger Smith, chairman of GM, to let him understand Flint's suffering and devastation. Flint, after all, is the birthplace of General Motors. The citizens therefore feel that Roger Smith owes it to Flint to keep the plants alive. The story begins as an autobiographical film about Michael Moore. It explains how growing up in Flint, Moore never realized the significance of GM to the town. Nevertheless, he soon learns that the town's entire economy is based on General Motors. Moore's film utilizes various narrative techniques to emphasize that only an elite few have control over issues that may affect others whose voices are ignored. The use of major figures, point of view, and overall tone help him to make his argument. Moore's film is told from a first person perspective which allows the viewer to sympathize for the narrator. Moore is presented in the film as the main character while he continues to play the role of an insignificant individual: himself. Though Moore is a part of the community of Flint, he can still be described as an underdog. He is an average, unattractive, and poorly dressed man. Taking advantage of his ordinariness, Moore represents the everyday citizen of Flint who has to succumb to policies and standards set by the ?cr?me de la cr?me? of Flint. An intriguing part of the film in which the narrator represents himself as an average man is the scene in which Moore gets thrown out from a country club in which Roger Smith would allegedly be found. Access to the country club is reserved strictly for wealthy, ?significant? people, and Moore clearly does not fit this criteria. He also gets denied entrance to Roger Smith's office after many stubborn attempts. At one point, Moore gets a chance to speak with Smith by posing as a major shareholder in GM, but Smith ignores him after learning that Moore is an impostor. When Moore tries to interview a former spokesperson for a GM plant that was recently closed down, she refuses to be interviewed because Moore does not represent any major news network. Ironically enough, the woman is also an average ?nobody?. Moore chooses not to edit the rejections from his film in order to mock the way that people are brainwashed into only yielding to some and not to others based on their social ranking. He avoids his own appearance in the film while he still maintains a first person point of view. The overall tone of Moore's film further illustrates the ongoing struggle between the powerless and the dominant elite. Moore contrasts the lifestyle of the members of Flint's upper class with that of the rest of Flint and illustrates the apathetic attitudes of the rich towards the rest of Flint. He shows wealthy people attending parties, playing golf, and enjoying life without a worry in the world. In fact, some of them go as far as to accuse the poor of simply being lazy and choosing not to work. On the other hand, Moore's film helps the viewer to understand that the poor people of Flint are, in fact, trying to survive. Moore gives the viewer a look at the so-called ?lazy? people's attempts at making a new living. One lady, for example, decides to begin a business that determines the different colors of the clothes that people should wear based on the complexion of their skin. Moore describes the utter ridiculousness of her new business as well as that of another citizen of Flint w ho raises and sells rabbits. To further emphasize the unsuccessful efforts that the town is making to recover, Moore's film depicts several multi-million dollar projects aimed at attracting tourism to Flint. These efforts, needless to say, are done in vain. They still, however, help to prove that the rich people are wrong in saying that Flint is simply being lazy. In a town where poverty prevails, almost every way

Sunday, November 24, 2019

An Introduction to Socioeconomic Status

An Introduction to Socioeconomic Status Socioeconomic status (SES) is a term used by sociologists, economists, and other social scientists to describe the class standing of an individual  or group. It is measured by a number of factors, including income, occupation, and education, and it can have either a positive or negative impact on a persons life.   Who Uses SES? Socioeconomic data is gathered and analyzed by a wide range of organizations and institutions. Federal, state, and local governments all use such data to determine everything from tax rates to political representation. The U.S. Census is one of the best-known means of collecting SES data. Nongovernmental organizations and institutions like the Pew Research Center also collect and analyze such data, as do private companies like Google. But in general, when SES is discussed, its in the context of social science. Primary Factors There are three main factors that social scientists use to calculate socioeconomic status: Income: This is how much a person earns, including wages and salaries, as well as other forms of income such as investments and savings. The definition of income is sometimes expanded to include inherited wealth and intangible assets as well.Education: A persons level of education has a direct impact on their earning ability, with higher earning power leading to more educational opportunities that in turn increase future income potential.Occupation: This factor is more difficult to assess because of its subjective nature. White-collar professions that require a high degree of skilled training, such as physicians or lawyers, tend to require more education and thus return more income than many blue-collar jobs. This data is used to determine the level of ones SES, usually classified as low, middle, and high. But a persons true socioeconomic status doesnt necessarily reflect how a person sees him or herself. Although most Americans would describe themselves as middle class, regardless of their actual income, data from the Pew Research Center shows that only about half of all Americans are truly middle class. Impact The SES of an individual or group can have a profound influence on peoples lives. Researchers have pinpointed several factors that can be affected, including: Physical health: Communities with low socioeconomic status in the U.S. have higher rates of infant mortality, obesity, and cardiovascular health issues.  Mental health: Along with poor physical health, communities with low SES report more cases of depression, suicide, drug abuse, behavioral and developmental issues.General health and welfare: Along with the impact on an individuals well being, socioeconomic status can also have an impact on communities, including rates of crime and poverty. Oftentimes, communities of racial and ethnic minorities in the U.S. feel the effects of low socioeconomic status most directly. People who have physical or mental disabilities, as well as the elderly, are also particularly vulnerable populations. Resources and Further Reading Children, Youth, Families and Socioeconomic Status.  American Psychological Association. Accessed 22 Nov. 2017. Fry, Richard, and Kochhar, Rakesh. Are You in the American Middle Class? Find Out with Our Income Calculator. PewResearch.org. 11 May 2016. Tepper, Fabien. What is Your Social Class? Take Our Quiz to Find Out! The Christian Science Monitor. 17 Oct. 2013.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

What is a Code of Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

What is a Code of Ethics - Essay Example Ethics works in both ways in terms of employee commitment. A workplace is expected to establish a working environment where employees would want to come to work and be productive because of pride in what they do for a living. This gives the employees the motivation to stick with the company. A healthy and happy working environment makes the workforce enthusiastic about their works. In return, the employees become willing to cooperate with the company even in times of crisis. Employees are willing to extend a hand to lift up the spirit of the company as a part of its team instead of turning their back. They keep the confidentiality of matters that involve the company and maintain a good reputation as well that can also reflect the good image of their company. Investor loyalty is in one way or another, related to employee commitment. What would make an investor stick into something is a good service and return on/of investment. It is said that ethical business practices would include actions such as not using marketing materials or campaigns that mislead consumers (Tatum, 2003).

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Constitution Law and business Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Constitution Law and business - Research Paper Example However, constitutional laws bear significant impacts on how businesses are conducted, the nature of businesses as well as their scope. For instance, the U.S, Constitution governs businesses through the Commerce Clause while most of Germany’s commercial law is affected by the European Union’s legislation. In the end, constitutional laws on businesses will ultimately impact on the economic performance of the respective countries. The U.S constitution was ratified in 1788. Despite this passage of time, it has continued to evolve in tandem with the needs of the changing culture and economic environment. The U.S constitution generally regulates business through the Commerce Clause enshrined in Article 1, Section 8 and Clause 3 (Bahners, 2014). The German Republic’s constitution is sometimes referred to as the Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany. It has been in existence for about 60 years. In this duration it has been amended 55 times. For instance, in 2009, Germany’s constitution was amended to effect the debt break (or Schuldenbremse). Bahners (2014) states that this law applies to both the federal government as well as the Lander (individual states). Germany is a federal government like the United States. However, the jurisdiction of the German constitution in relation to business is affected by among other sources, the European Union’s regulations on trade and preferential trade area agreements (Bahners, 2014). Though similarly a federal government, the U.S Congress is accorded with the final authority to regulate business and commercial activities between itself and foreign nations. Therefore, both federal and state governments play roles in regulating commercial activities on the domestic and international stages (Allmendinger, 2013). The U.S state and federal governments share equal authority to

Monday, November 18, 2019

Make a summery for this Interview Questions and Answers Essay

Make a summery for this Interview Questions and Answers - Essay Example The district provides a computer program called TEAMS for scheduling. The principal and the counselor mutually develop the master schedule. Different campuses take different durations to complete the master schedule. Sometimes, it is completed by the eend of the school year, but some campuses complete it a week before the students arrival on campus. Variables that influence the development of master schedule primarily include courses that can only be offered once and the teachers schedules. Such courses should not be offered simultaneously. The master schedule is finally approved by the guidance office and the principal. Factors involved in the development of master schedule when arranged in the order of decreasing importance are these; labs and specialized need courses, personnel allocations, facilities, time, and extra-curricular activities. Adjustments in the master schedule are made according to the needs of the students. Adjustments are made with mutual consensus of the principa l and the counselor. The master schedule is not affected by the peprally, early release, or special programs since these factors are linked with the special schedules. Goals are identified considering the campus needs and the budget. Goals that address the campus needs without exceeding the budget are established. The rest may be postponed. The central office starts the budgeting at the end of the year which continues till the Summer months. The actual budget is not materialized till the next school years beginning. The central office provides assistance for the budget management. The principal is helped in the decision making process regarding all matters related to the campus from the Site Based Decision Making (SBDM) committee. Every campus is allocated budget at the 1st of September. Budget includes different kinds of funds, travel, and staff development programs. Allocation of funds is the next step. The campus budget

Friday, November 15, 2019

Wilson Disease Genetic Tests

Wilson Disease Genetic Tests Clinical Features in Patients with Wilson Disease Hepatic Asymptomatic hepatomegaly Isolated splenomegaly Persistently elevated serum aminotransferase activity (AST, ALT) Fatty liver, Acute hepatitis, Resembling autoimmune hepatitis Cirrhosis: compensated or decompensated Acute liver failure Neurological Movement disorders (tremor, involuntary movements) Drooling, dysarthria, Rigid dystonia Pseudobulbar palsy, Dysautonomia, Migraine headaches, Insomnia, Seizures Psychiatric Depression, Neurotic behaviours, Personality changes, Psychosis Other Systems Ocular: Kayser-Fleischer rings, sunflower cataracts Cutaneous: lunulae ceruleae  · Renal abnormalities: aminoaciduria and nephrolithiasis Skeletal abnormalities: premature osteoporosis and arthritis  · Cardiomyopathy, dysrhythmias  · Pancreatitis  · Hypoparathyroidism Menstrual irregularities; infertility, repeated miscarriages How is Wilson disease diagnosed? The diagnosis of Wilson disease is made by relatively simple tests. The tests can diagnose the disease in both symptomatic patients and people who show no signs of the disease. These tests can include: Opthalmalogic slit lamp examination for Kayser-Fleischer rings Serum ceruloplasmin test 24-hour urine copper test Liver biopsy for histology and histochemistry and copper quantification Genetic testing, haplotype analysis for siblings and mutation analysis. It is important to diagnose Wilson disease as early as possible, since severe liver damage can occur before there are any signs of the disease. Individuals with Wilson disease may falsely appear to be in excellent health. Treatment of Wilson disease Wilson disease is a very treatable condition. With proper therapy, disease progress can be halted and oftentimes symptoms can be improved. Treatment is aimed at removing excess accumulated copper and preventing its reaccumulation. Treatment for Wilson disease is a lifelong process. Patients may become progressively sicker from day to day, so immediate treatment can be critical. Treatment delays may cause irreversible damage. Chelation therapy drugs approved for treating Wilson disease include penicillamine (Cuprimine ® and Depen ®) and trientine (Syprine ® and Trientine Dihydrochloride) Both of these drugs act by chelation or binding of copper, causing its increased urinary excretion. Mettalothionein inducer drugs approved for treating Wilson disease are (Galzinâ„ ¢) in the U.S. and (Wilzin ®)in Europe.Zinc acts by blocking the absorption of copper in the intestinal tract. This action both depletes accumulated copper and prevents its reaccumulation. Zincs effectiveness has been shown by more than 30 years of considerable experience overseas. A major advantage of zinc therapy is its lack of side effects. Patients with severe hepatitis or liver failure may require liver transplant. Patients being investigated or treated for Wilson disease should be cared for by specialists in Wilson disease or by specialists in consultation with their primary physicians. Stopping treatment completely will result in death, sometimes as quickly as within three months. Decreasing dosage of medications also can result in unnecessary disease progression. How is Wilson disease inherited? Wilson disease is an autosomal recessive disease, which means it occurs equally in men and women. In order to inherit Wilson disease, both parents must carry one genetic mutation (abnormal alteration in the gene) that each parent passes to the affected child. At least one in 30,000 people of all known races and nationalities has the disease. Of the 23 different human chromosomes, the gene responsible for Wilson disease is located on chromosome 13. The gene is called ATP7B and it contains the genetic information necessary to make a copper transport protein that plays a key role in incorporating copper into ceruloplasmin and moving excess copper out of the liver. Mutations in the gene lead to an abnormal copper transporter that cannot move copper effectively or at all. More than 300 genes of the ATB7B have been identified thus far.This excess copper accumulates in the liver and other organs. Most patients have no family history of Wilson disease. People with only one abnormal gene are called carriers. Carriers (heterozygotes) may have mild, but medically insignificant, abnormalities of copper metabolism. Carriers do not become ill and should not be treated. Wilson disease patients (homozygotes) do become ill and must receive treatment lifelong or eventually they will develop severe lethal disease. One in 100 individuals in the general population carries one abnormal copy of the Wilson disease gene. Carriers have one normal and one abnormal gene. All (100%) children of those afflicted with Wilson disease receive at least one abnormal copy of the Wilson disease gene. One half (50%) of a carriers children receive at least one abnormal copy of the Wilson disease gene. A genetic counselor can provide a more detailed pedigree of specific family relationships. Family Screening All siblings and children of Wilson disease patients should be tested for Wilson disease. Other relatives who have had symptoms or laboratory tests that indicate liver or neurological disease also should be tested for Wilson disease. Biochemical Testing Children of patient: Begin at age 2 if asymptomatic, repeat once in 5 years unless reasontopursue further. Siblings of patient: Physical examination and brief history of any liver or neurological symptoms. Liver Function Tests: ALT, AST, Albumin, Bilirubin. Ceruloplasmin and Serum Copper. 24 hour urine copper Slit-lamp exam of the eyes for Kayser-Fleischer rings. If no K-F rings, abnormal liver functions tests, and low ceruloplasmin: liver bio Information about Molecular Genetic Testing All siblings and children of Wilson disease patients should be tested for Wilson disease. Other relatives who have had symptoms or laboratory tests that indicate liver or neurological disease also should be tested for Wilson disease. More than 300 different mutations of the ATP7B gene have been identified thus far. Testing Methods Available: Linkage analysis (Haplotype analysis) Molecular genetic testing to identify a set of closely linked segments of DNA (a marker or set of markers), comparing the markers of family members to those of an affected patient. Useful for: screening siblings of an identified patient Gene sequencing (mutation screening of the entire ATP7B gene) Analysis of the entire ATP7B gene to detect and identify disease causing mutations. An individual with confirmed Wilson disease needs to be tested first. If both mutations are identified, other family members can then be offered testing. Gene sequencing will identify both mutations in most but not all cases of Wilson disease. Useful for: confirmation of the diagnosis in suspected patients, family members to learn if they could be affected but do not yet have symptoms, to learn they are carriers, or to allow for prenatal testing for confirmed carriers. Analysis of a specific location in the ATP7B gene for a known particular mutation. Useful for: specific populations of patients where the common mutations are known; for screening siblings of patients with two identified mutations. Genetic testing is best coordinated through a genetic counselor who can carefully discuss the best method of testing to perform and the benefits, limitations, and implications of each method. Genetic testing is best coordinated though a genetic counselor who can carefully discuss the best method of testing to perform and the benefits, limitations, and implications of each method. Your physician should be able to direct you to a qualified genetic counselor and genetic testing facility. Definition: Kayser-Fleischer Ring: Clinical sign. Brownish-yellow ring visible around the corneo-scleral junction (limbus). Consists of copper deposits in Descemet’s membrane, extending into the trabecular meshwork. Sign of Wilson’s disease. Description and Location: Golden to greenish-brown annular deposition of copper located in the periphery (limbus) of the cornea (Descemet’s membrane). First appears as a superior crescent, then develops inferiorly and ultimately becomes circumferential. Usually requires a slit-lamp examination to detect rings in their early stage of formation. Prevalence: Approximately 95% of WD patients presenting with neurological signs will have a K-F ring. Whereas approximately 65% of WD patients presenting with hepatic signs will present with a ring. Copper chelation therapy may cause fading and even disappearance of the corneal copper over time.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Legalizing the Growth of Industrial Hemp Essay example -- Industrial H

It is clearly seen today that the abolishment of hemp has not only hurt American farmers, but also affects every citizen’s day to day life. This plant has been used for thousands of years all around the world, but in recent years it has been morphed into the devil weed it is seen as today. The unfortunate cause of this view is the assumption that marijuana and industrial hemp are one in the same. This view does have some validity but that cannot outweigh the fact that these products are far from identical. The benefits of hemp cannot be replaced; it is simply a miracle plant. This one plant can efficiently produce fuel, paper, plastic, and fiber for fabrics with a better end product than what is currently used for these commodities. This tough plant that is inexpensive and easy to grow would not only save our farming industry and help our economy, but would also help to repair our environment. Legalizing the use of industrial hemp would solve economic and environmental issues in America by providing a domestic, sustainable, and renewable resource. It has been found that industrial hemp was used as far back as 8000 BC (). This plant has withstood the test of time and was utilized for thousands of years, but in the 20th century was banned from America. The reason for this ban and why it continues today is due to its comparison to other strains of the plant that can be used for medicinal or recreational purposes (J. McDougal). The comparison between these two strains put fear into the American people, but could not be further from the truth. THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the chemical in marijuana that has an intoxicating effect when consumed. Industrial hemp or feral hemp contains less than half of one percent THC (D. West), whe... ...." Applied Physics Research. 2.1 (2010): 139-143. Print. Kaiser, Jocelyn. "Pests overwhelm Bt cotton crop." American Association for the Advancement of Science. (1996): Print. Kane, Mari. "The Movement to Legalize Industrial Hemp." Marijuana. Ed. Joseph Tardiff. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2002. Contemporary Issues Companion. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 27 Oct. 2010. "Legalize Hemp." Multinational Monitor. 19.4 (1998): 5. Print. McDougal, Jeanette. "The Hemp Movement: A Disguise for Legalizing Marijuana." Marijuana. Ed. Joseph Tardiff. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2002. Contemporary Issues Companion. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 27 Oct. 2010. "The history and benefits of hemp." San Diego Earth Times. Earth Times, 1999. Web. 15 Nov 2010. West, David. "Hemp and Marijuana: Myths & Realities." naihc.org. NAIHC, 1998. Web. 15 Nov 2010.