Assignment 1

My own definition of neuroplasticity would provide another term to substitute the condition- brain plasticity. Brain plasticity is a description of a lasting transformation on an individual’s brain throughout his course of life. In simple terms, neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to recover from damage or trauma. Neuroplasticity enables us understand why people regain intellectual functions because we are shown how the brain performs its functions to bring them from trauma to normal life. Brain development and surgery is only successful at a tender age when the brain is still able to perform its functions (Keller and Just 2016). When an individual gets old, the brain unlike that of Jodi is not elastic anymore and Jodi was successful because of her tender age. A phantom limb is simply a feeling of amputation or that of a missing limb still attached to an individual (Subedi & Grossberg 2011). Occasionally, individuals with phantom limbs would always anxious, stressed also accompanied by feelings of trauma and thus casing neuroplasticity.

Assignment 2

When an individual bounces back from trauma, we call this the ability to train and regain. The ability to regain comes from a strong, close and tight support as evident in Jodi’s case. However, brain plasticity is very much successful as shown in the case of Jodi because of her age. In the case of an old man, neuroplasticity might not be successful because the brain gets older as an individual grows old.

Assignment 3

Bouncing back from trauma is a brain function. The brain is created with the ability to heal itself and design new techniques out of traumatic experiences. However, it is also true that as one ages, they lose the chances of having a successful brain plasticity surgery. Phantom limb syndrome is born from neuroplasticity because of the feeling and plain from the amputation. Because pain and sensation are mapped to a portion of the brain, the feeling takes over the brain and this explains why after surgery the patient would feel a part of him is missing.

Assignment 4

Traumatic experiences are ugly and painful life experiences and because the brain has been designed with the ability to make an individual bounce back from trauma, neuroplasticity could be defined also as the ability for the brain to take over as though nothing happened. Plasticity is elasticity which is the ability to be easily modeled or shaped. The brain has the ability to sense and communicate and I believe Jodi’s brain sensed the great family support and that is why she was able to bounce back quickly.

Assignment 5

Stress in never necessary, it is not a good thing and it is not useful. This is because prolonged stress can lead to depression while depression can ultimately lead to death (Hidebrandt 2012). Very simple and small changes can impact on individual’s health and also global health. The greatest cause of stress in people presently is because due to the rise cost of living, insecurity and political instability. Because of meeting individual needs and wants, people take up stressful jobs that are high paying than relaxing jobs that give low pays. In the United States it is very common to find people taking up three different jobs to earn more. Myself, I would rather take a less stressing job as long as it is relaxing.

Assignment 6

Stress is evidently not a good thing and not useful. Other than insecurity and money, schoolwork, job and family could also be stressing. It is better to take a relaxing job with low pay than have a well-paying job that is stressful.

Introduction

How life was lived in colonial America was different from how present Americans lived. Colonial life was shaped and influenced by various factors. The importance of these factors did not only vary because of American origin but because they occurred at the same time when American origin was being established. We can also say that America was shaped by the presence of resources as well as America’s geography but on the other side American was highly shaped by gender, religion, violence and race. All these factors were well incorporated by Freeman in his composition ‘in everyday life in Early America’ that was composed in 1988. His book is clear in providing colorful description of the lives of early Colonial Americans and the wide assumptions held about American settlers during the 17^th century.

The first volume in Freeman’s composition provides a sequence of rich and detailed survey that looks into the lives lived by early colonialists. In his discussion, we learn for example that the presence of trees ( a concept that was already becoming scarce in the England during the 17^th century) was a great asset for first American dwellers in providing fences, houses and heat. With the plenty of trees, we also learn the plenty in supply of food. First American families chose to live in log cabins, sod houses that were introduced by Swedes and when they are away from home, they were forced to live with insects and pests they were not familiar with. There were few diversions according to David and the classic structure of gathering in church became a trend. However, in this engaging account of life, Freeman stresses on how life was better for Americans of the old time. Freedom was in excess but what he thinks is more important lies in the idea of having plenty to eat.

This book by David Hawke can be termed as an enlightening composition. This book provides its audience with a detailed account of how the early settlers in the United States live. In a nutshell, the book is a simple narration of the history of the early settlers in the US. Hawke tries to maintain the geographical concept in the history of American early settlers by discussing their physical environment as the primary factor that determines how people during the time conducted themselves. The author discusses how early settlers came to the United States with a hope of maintain their traditions and beliefs in a new land. Unfortunately, with the physical environment they found in the United States, the early settlers were forced to find means of survival by adapting to the way of life in America.

The early settlers begun to have a slow understanding of the only way they needed to survive through modifying the patterns of survival. The time, in which Hawke was making this composition, this was the time brethren’s and criminals were being transported from Great Britain to America. These Bethens and criminals were given a choice to either move to the US or sentenced to death. The seventh century during that time was full of land dedicated to farming and so many people immigrated to the US to settle down in a land full of farming activities. This composition is a detailed account of how the first houses in the US were developed with a history of how huts were designed and constructed in the seventh century US. This composition is basically for history students who wish to study the history and development of US, how early settler influence the culture and beliefs in the US and the establishments of US. All David Hawke books cover some form of historical developments and past patterns that can be used by history students to gain more historical knowledge. In addition to this book, Hawke has also composed Nuts and Bolts of the past: A history of America Technology (1976-1860). John D. The founding father of the Rockefellers (1980), Paine 1974, In the Midst of a Revolution (1980),  A transaction of Free Men: The Birth and Course of the Declaration of Independence (1989) and Honorable season of 1976.

In all his books, Hawke majors on presenting historical information that give knowledge to history students on the development of their country. Everyday life in America traces well the history of America as well as the major events that shaped their history. In his book, Hawke claims that adults lived longer in the past than it was believed and that most early settlers of ancient America were craftsmen, artisans and had knowledge of farming. He also claims that most pioneers of ancient America were not young and their families were not as large as present day America. His claims are true because looking at the historical data that contains how ancient America was populated compared to now, we evidently see how the country had fewer people who concentrated on farming, crafting and artisan. This does not change my belief at all because even before reading this book, I believed America and Americans were more composed in the past than in the present. This book comes to strengthen my previous belief about ancient America. The book is not too long and the contents are informative.

In David’s development, America is discussed from the aspect of early settler influence where the author brilliantly gives us how present America was shaped.

Dworkin’s Defense of paternalism

In Dworkin’s discussion of paternalism, he accepts the idea that the society could at times defensibly restrict an individual’s liberty for the main reason of self-protection but under certain circumstances. At the same time, Dworkin supports societal restriction not only for the protection of self but also for the protection of others. For the reason of self-protection and the protection of others, Dworkin presents us with a warranty to which paternalism should be guaranteed (Dworkin 1997). In his discussion, Dworkin takes the issue from the position of Mill idea of anti-paternalistic. As opposed to Dworkin, Mill presents us with his opinion that any individual should not be compelled to do that which society wants even if it will be better for him to do so.

Dworkin however does not fully support paternalism but instead argues that some forms of limited state paternalism should be justified under specific conditions that are rational for every individual to agree and not to be forced into. In a government that is representative, rational citizens should agree on some form of restriction on their liberty as long as their interests and those of others are not interfered with. In such a case I believe the state would bear a heavy burden of having to show and prove to its citizens the particular nature of the conditions in which individuals are restricted. In paternalism from the view of Dworkin, the government apart from restricting its citizens should also determine the probability of certain future occurrences.

In a nutshell, Dworkin supports paternalism because he thinks the society cannot be trusted to design decisions for every individual. For this reason, he also thinks that experimentation is the only way in which the government can determine the best ways its citizens can live (Dworkin 1997). Paternalism according to Dworkin should be warranted because actions that influence one person could also influence the rest of the society as well thus causing direct harm to the society. The government should be guaranteed to practice paternalism because sometimes forcing people to make rational decisions could be for their own good. For instance, paternalism is evident in gun control laws, laws that restrict open use of drugs, gay marriages, suicide and polygamy. According to Dworkin, the state should intervene in the life of every person engaged in the above mentioned behaviors.

Dworkin defends paternalism only when it enhances an individual’s ability to make rational decisions in the future. Paternalism is justified and supported by Dworkin if it prevents an individual from making irrational decisions that may cause harm to the well-being of others. Making a choice to take an addictive drug would prevent an individual from making rational decision and so the state is allowed to intervene. Refusing to tie your seatbelt or failing to be part of a blood transfusion activity would be acting in against your own well-being and the government is also encouraged to intervene. In reading Dworkin’s article, we should take note of two things. First and foremost Dworkin draws a high level distinction between impure and pure cases in which paternalism should be justified (Dworkin 1997). A policy is understood as paternalistic if it is out to reduce the available dangerous opportunities to a person for his own good. Secondly, Dworkin gives us a strategy that justified paternalistic intervention which is wholly direct to non-consenting adults. In this strategy, he specifically proposes a necessary condition of irrationality where paternalism is justified (Dworkin 1972).

Goldman and response to Dworkin’s position

Alan Goldman refutation of paternalism stands out in a way that is not so extraordinary. He does not refute general paternalism but refutes paternalism from the medical field. He claims that patients should be presented with the right to determine their treatment, make choice of how they should be treated and agree to the specific treatment terms and conditions. Every decision regarding the future of patients should be left for them to decide because they are in full control of their lives regardless of the effects of their choices. In this manner, Goldman maintains that paternalism is total disrespect to patient autonomy which should be one of the values of clinical procedures (Goldman 1980). On the other hand Ackerman forms his opinion on paternalism in support of doctors intervening in patient scenarios. Just like Ackerman, I think respecting patient autonomy would be a distorted action because autonomy in the case of patient care is mere noninterference.

On such a prevalent hands-off view, doctors are expected to be good and honest technicians in providing their clients with significant data about their future and that of their illnesses. Lack of paternalism fails to respect autonomy Ackernman argues because it fails to recognize the numerous factors that compromise on autonomy such as cultural and social constraints, illness and the host of psychological constraints. I think Goldman is on the right track in responding to paternalism because he takes into account the aspect of being independent. However, the case of doctor and patient requires full paternalism as addressed well by Ackerman. In order to restore autonomy in medical procedures, doctors in fact need to deal with the social, psychological and cognitive that is required for full functioning.

The data in this scenario is evidently in need of dictated interventions similar to that of primary data. In primary data, Terrance as the investigator should directly collect information from the patient and other close participant. Prospective observational studies type of data involves studying other individuals who have a condition similar to Angela’s. There are case control studies and cohort investigations that reveal to the investigator the kind of research question and how these questions can be answered clearly. In primary data, registries can also be used as a major source of data. Registries are basically a systematic data collection.

In the case of Angela, Terrance could use a series of previous medical histories to reveal the nature of her current. Registries also employ the use of an observational design study that does not have specifications for the required therapies to change patient outcome. Registries could also be termed as specific conditions or diseases, exposure, populations and time periods. Primary data sources are best for use in this case because they have been clinically approved because of the fact that they provide a unique perspective into other sub populations. In a short study like Angela’s, these sources could be very cheap to maintain because of the less effort to find third party participants in a short period of time.

In the case of Angela, two primary sources of data would be enough because it is significant that the doctor reveals the results of the patient in a short period of time for treatment to follow. These two sources are better for the physician because a variety of sources would be time wasting and might discourage the patient from enduring for the results.

Reading the foundations of American Education by Webb, Metha,  Forbis and Jordan (2010), I realized being an educator is not easy. But remembering why one gets into this profession in the first place makes me stay focused in dealing with the challenges that this profession poses. The main reason why I would want to be an education lies in the belief that education is the basic foundation for every success and it is a lifelong process of learning. I want to be an educator because unlike the universal belief that education is limited to the classroom, I think there should be no limitation of education to dictation, classroom or expectations. As a teacher, I would really want to make a change in the education sector and ensure that every child is presented with the opportunity to receive not only the best but quality education no matter their race, ethnicity or socio-economic status. By providing every child with a firm education, I believe I will be paving the road towards a future that is full of growth and development. Being an instructor is an incredibly hard work but then again it is the most rewarding profession out there because every day is different for the teacher and her students

There are considerable agreements on what is defined as characteristics of a profession. A profession must have a cognitive base, a license in which it operates upon, colleague control, a professional association, a form of institutionalized training that all who want to join the profession must go through and above all a code of ethics that ensures the profession operates upon. Another high level characteristic of a profession lies in the high standards of intellectual excellence and professionalism that all members within the profession must operate upon. At the same time professionalism is an occupation that comes with prestige and special power that gives an elite group within the society the authority to work with other members within that profession as well as other members from different professions. A profession has been further offered a definition of “a special type of occupation that enjoys corporate solidarity in a prolonged specialized training within a body of abstract knowledge and service orientation”. Teaching qualifies to be a profession because of the vocational subculture that it believes in and the implicit codes of conduct that is used by all members within the profession to ensure they are at a certain occupational advantage.

Teaching qualifies as a profession because it is evident that its members have an organized body of knowledge that distinguished them from other professions. Looking at all teacher, they are equipped with high level knowledge from intensive backgrounds that propels the culture of education to higher levels. Teacher also qualified to be a profession because it serves a greater social purposed. Instructors carry with themselves full responsibilities of adherence to the codes of professional conduct within the practice and have accumulated the culture of assisting each student realize the importance of self-realization. There is a higher form of cooperation achieved through teaching as a professional organization and that makes teacher qualify as a profession. Viewing the profession cooperation plays a higher role in the development of teachers and represents a higher branding in togetherness to achieve a common purpose. Teaching over the years has been presented with the award of being the best at social order and influencing cooperation in research, professional preparation and adherence to professional code of conduct.

Introduction

Education basically involved the transfer of knowledge, skill, habits and abilities from one generation to the next through the process of research, training and teaching. Education is fundamental important because it is the most effective method of ensuring personal growth, reducing poverty, improving national health and boosting economic growth.

Personal growth

Quality education is essential for personal growth. A highly educated and skilled individual manages to work towards a better professions life, get unlimited opportunities and be competent as well (Hanushek 2005). Personal skill development also exposes one a successful life because of high acquired skills

Reduces poverty

Education reduces poverty through increase in employment for educated people. Through education, an individual is able to afford a decent life (Hanushek 2005). Education increases the chances of economic security by creating income opportunities and improving livelihoods of those who are economically disadvantaged.

Improving national health

Evidently, educated people are health conscious and they live longer compared to those who are not educated. Education increases awareness of living a healthy life by engaging in healthy habits such like having a balanced diet, engaging in exercise and having frequent checkups (Hanushek 2005). Also, education increases the room of incorporating technology in medical advancements by developing machines that aid in faster diagnosis and treatment.

Boost economic growth

Human labor is fundamental in economic growth and essentially skilled laborers increases productivity with in turn increases national economy (Hanushek 2005). By the reason of education, an educated labor force easily adapts to new and challenging environments, aid in professional exchange of idea in different work places which enabled development of new ideas.

Conclusion

It is evident that it is only through education that we are able to alleviate poverty, aid in individual growth, increase global economy and ultimately improve people’s health status. Therefore improving education in areas that are marginalized will go a long way in improvement of individual living standards.

In the very last attempt of saving their family marriage just after the first child stillbirth, Martin the architect and Kate the journalist leave for London for a vacation to the remote though beautifully built unpopulated home in Blackhome Island located at the West coast of Scotland. At the cottage (fairweather), they are reminded of the romantic times they ones shared during their early times of marriage. It is autum in Scotland and Kate and Martin choose to arrive by boat in observation of the rocky barren moors and feeling the freezing winds. At this point in time, their relationship is already filled with anxiety and fragility especially when they lost contact at the mainland after a heavy storm that result in washing up an injured man up to the shores.

Carrying a heavy gun and dressed in a military outfit, the stranger regains consciousness in a mysterious way, identifying himself as a British solder called to work with a Private organization owned by Jack Corman. The soldier later delivers a terrifying message of the spread of a deadly disease in Europe, an airborne virus that has the ability to sweep the whole of Europe, destroying all citizens (Smith 2011). He warns them about the threatful nature of the virus and tells them that if they do not take drastic measures, they might all perish. He assures them that the only way to ensure safety is to lock themselves up in a cottage. After a few days of disappearing, Martin starts to behave erattic and stranger as his behavior is described as intimidating. He later meets Kate and reveal to her that during the disappearance he was experimented upon by secure military organizations. He has the virus and dies after a short while of Kate’s attempts to live with his body.

References;

Smith, N.  (2011). “Retreat”. Total Film.

Law touches on every aspect of life and constantly evolves to keep us at per with the present society. The current injustices happening in the world with evidence in terrorism, increase in rape cases, child trafficking among other have been a bother to me since I was young and I developed an interest in wanting to make a difference in helping those around me find the right way to deal with such injustices. As a matter of fact, law is bedrock of the society as it allows the world to maintain a natural process of societal order thus making a great impact on everyone’s life. Even though I am from the African-American culture, I have complete admiration for the European culture and ever since my interest in studying law evolved, I have always wanted to grow intellectually and become a better person. Studying in an institution of higher learning for me would be the most efficient way to achieve my career goals and progress to develop that career that I have always wished for.

As a student at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, I found an opportunity to grow by being a member of the law council at the University where I got easy access to magazines, books, articles as well as movies that broaden my understanding in the field of law. This is how I discovered how the common law in British works which made me quite focused on objective in seeking a career that would be fulfilling. With a strong belief in protecting the earth from the faults of human kind as what matters the most in life, I evolved into a balanced individual who engaged in real life challenges and discussions. At the University, I met different people from all parts of the world, acquired new experiences and learnt to be independent. I have a complete understanding of the amount and effort needed to acquire a master degree in law and I am very sure that I am determined and very much ready to take up the new challenges that will be assigned to me. Although I am still young, I do not have troubles having to deal with reality because of the life standard I have lived in which has never been easy but has given me a great life experience though in a tough way. Instead, the life difficulties have made me face the world with persistence, determination and patience to better myself for the future. As a student at Mount St. Joseph University, I took up the role of leading like-minded students for a period of two semesters staying devoted as the president of the Law Society as well as being a member at the Finance club. These roles propelled me and boosted my drive to pursue law further because I developed leadership qualities and an increasing concern for other which is the core value in the law profession. During this time, I also worked routinely with attorneys, acquiring real life experience from legal issues and having the chance to defend others. My main objective of wanting to pursue a master degree in the field of law is to progress myself into an talented and skillful lawyer through your highly respected program. With a stronger desire to fight for human rights, access for knowledge to all and equal treatment, I plan to make full use of the energy and time in school to commit to extracurricular activities. Law is an interesting profession and I know I have the capacity, enthusiasm and desire to stay open minded and success in such a fulfilling career. I have deep commitment to a legal system profession, paying much interest to the issues that are affecting the present society.

I was privileged to have a one on one session with Ruby Sokwala, the executive Human Resource Manager at Microsoft foundation during the human resource summit in Colorado. In her not very new role of chief human resource manager, I shall be finding the ways of operation at the human resource department. Being an international figure working for a multinational company, it is not easy to organize and impromptu meeting with her and so I asked whether she can spare 30 minutes of her time to graciously provide response to a few Human Resource questions.

Q: What are the personal characteristics that make you a good HR executive?

R: Because human resource managers have to deal with personnel, they must be in possession of certain personal characteristics that are deemed necessary. One must speak about their interpersonal and leadership skills as well. Oral and written communication and presentation skills are most times hard to demonstrate. I possess the ability to demonstrate creativity and initiative in decision making through providing relevant examples in my ability to negotiate and talk.

Q: What are your hiring strategies? How do you find talent for Microsoft?

R: Lots of things could be said here. To begin with, we use tactics and strategies like displaying of skills at street level and during the interview before one is made part of the organization. I am usually in the panel of interview where I personally assess a particular candidate from their expression. We assess every candidate from their professional experience and education but on a higher level, we look at skill; what they would add to the company when they become part of us. Other traits such as integrity, initiative, determination, flexibility, honesty and openness are also preferred. Our interviews and selection process is not only revolving around attracting talent but also about creating a talented community of subordinates who share a common vision.

Q: What is the significant of employee training in an organization?

R: One of the major key functions of Human Resource is employee training. Because training is important, at Microsoft we have different training yet all for the same purpose. Training is significant in every organization because it familiarizes those working within the organization with the work culture, management and company policies. Training also strengthens team work and provides a more common vision to the business as a whole.  Other sessions of training act as ice-breaker to ensure employees feel comfortable in their working environment.

Q: What can you say about motivation?

R: Human resource managers are responsible for appraising performance and motivation as well as introducing necessary changes within the organization. However, motivation is not an easy task. I think it requires analytical thinking, initiative, interpersonal sensitivity, problem solving ability and independence. Training is one of the ways we use to improve on motivation. Conflict manager is also a way used in increasing employee motivation. For instance when conflict between the company and employees is solved analytically, it results to better motivation.

Q: How does collaboration with other departments within the company influence your role as the Executive Human Resource manager?

R: Human resource plays a higher role of coordinating decisions throughout the organization. Coordination requires the HR department to gather information and feedback from other department for optimal efficiency. When there is cooperation between departments, it is easy for the business to attain its targets. For instance, Human resource can cooperate with the accounting department to decide on salary matters. This way, employees will feel adequately rewarded as the company continues to remain faithfully optimally to its budget policies.

Q: How do you hire, train, and fire?

R: Being a multinational company, there are specific skills we look for like previous experience in technology companies, teamwork, technology skills among others. Training at Microsoft occurs three times a year for every department and firing is from inconsistency, not being loyal to the organization and betrayal

What I have learnt

Human resource has a lot of exciting opportunities. However, they must have certain characteristics to qualify for a HR position. Apart from hiring, HR departments also fire and plan for trainings which are aimed to make employees comfortable in their working environment. In playing their role, it is vital that the HR department cooperate with other departments for optimal success.

Because of the recent equation of thinness to beauty, western societies as well as other races have developed anorexia nervosa because of their women and men being obsessed with maintaining low unhealthy weight. A fundamental risk factor in individuals with anorexia nervosa; small number of studies have incorporated struggling around meals,  low birth weight, premature birth, perfectionism and delivering multiple babies to be a risk factor in leading to low body weight as well as low nutrition nourishment. In Bulimia nervosa individuals are preoccupied with feeding as many times they are engaged in repetitive episodes of eating which is considered uncontrollable (Stice 2016). Risk factors to acquiring bulimia have been summarized from increased social pressure for thinning, negative effects from dieting and fasting and thin-ideal internalization. Other risk factors that occur to men and women as well as other races include; psychiatric symptoms, early puberty, having less to eat during childhood, low interoceptive awareness and alcohol use. Binge eating is linked to the risk factor of social pressure for thinness.

Correlates for eating disorders

In all eating disorders, scientists have designed biological explanations to the factor. In most individuals with eating disorders, it is assumed that certain chemicals in the brain that are responsible for controlling hunger are not balance while other individuals suffer from the disorder as a factor that runs in the family (Jacobi & Fittig 2010).

Psychological factors such as lack of self-control, low feelings in self-esteem, anxiety, anger, loneliness and depression contribute to increased chances of acquiring eating disorders.

Social factors like pressure from culture to maintain a thin or masculine body to fit among existing individuals with perfect body contributes to eating disorders. There are cultural norms that value men and women from physical appearance and not inner qualities (Jacobi & Fittig 2010).

Interpersonal factors like finding it difficult to express emotions, a history of being ridiculed basing on the weight and size of the body, sexual abuse and troubled relationships could also contribute to eating disorders.