Thursday, January 9, 2020

The Stranger By Albert Camus - 1535 Words

What if our past has no importance and the only point in our life that really counts is that point in which is occurring at the moment? Thus, when existence is over, life is also over; The expectation of some sort of redemption from a god is useless. Albert Camus demonstrates his absurdist view of the world in The Stranger, through the protagonist, Meursault. His absurdist view on the world is portrayed by how one simply exists in a world physically and consequently the absence or presence of significance in one s life is only revealed through that event in which we are undergoing at a specific moment. Camus presents this topic of absurdist in conjunction to several themes, using imagery and symbols. In the beginning of the novel, Meursault s indifferent absurdist view sets the tone for the novel with the statement: Maman died today. Or yesterday maybe, I don t know (3). Although the insecurity originates with a telegram, it seems that the tone alone could explain changing the meaning of the words from an I don t know to I don t care’. Over the next couple of days, Meursault does not feel sad for his mother’s loss, he only goes through the motions of the vigil and then the funeral. This is the first moment when the readers get a glimpse of not only Meursault’s indifference but also his isolation from society. He asserts how he feels out of place. However, people are judging him due to his lack of emotion to his mother’s funeral which does not indicate he did notShow MoreRelatedThe Stranger By Albert Camus1391 Words   |  6 PagesThe Stranger â€Å"The Stranger,† written by the Algerian writer Albert Camus, is a novel about Meursault, a character who’s different and even threatening views on life take him to pay the highest price a person can pay: his life. This was Camus’ first novel written in the early 1940’s, in France, and it reflects the authors belief that there is no meaning in life and it is absurd for humans to try to find it places like religion. The main themes of the novel are irrationality of the universe and theRead MoreThe Stranger By Albert Camus1495 Words   |  6 Pages Albert Camus said, â€Å"Basically, at the very bottom of life, which seduces us all, there is only absurdity, and more absurdity. And maybe that s what gives us our joy for living, because the only thing that can defeat absurdity is lucidity.† In other terms, Camus is indicating that absurdity affects us all even if it’s hidden all the way on the bottom, but it’s the joy that comes from absurdity that makes us take risks and live freely without any thought or focus. Camus also specifies that the onlyRead MoreThe Stranger By Albert Camus1411 Words   |  6 PagesThe novel The Stranger, written by Albert Camus, encompasses contemporary philosophies of existentialism and absurdism. Existentialist and absurdist philosophies entail principles regarding that one’s identity is not based on nature or culture, but rather by sole existence. The role of minor characters in The Stranger helps to present Camus’s purpose to convey absurdist and existentialist principles. The characters of Salamano and Marie are utilized in order to contrast the author’s ideas about contemporaryRead MoreThe Stranger by Albert Camus720 Words   |  3 PagesAlbert Camus’ portrayal of the emotional being of the main character in The Stranger is an indirect display of his own personal distress. The use of symbolism and irony presented throughout this novel is comparable with the quest for such that death itself would be nonetheless happy. Camus’ irrational concept is based off the exclusion of any logical reasoning behind the events in the text. Meursault’s first impression given to the reader is that of ignorance and a nonchalant behavior to indifferenceRead MoreThe Stranger By Albert Camus1345 Words   |  6 PagesAbsurdism is a philosophy based on the belief that the universe is irrational and meaningless and that the search for order brings the individual into conflict with the universe. Albert Camus’s novel The Stranger is often termed an absurdist novel because it contains the elements of Camus’s philosophical notion of absurdity. Mersault, the protagonist, is an absurd hero that is emotionally detached and indifferent form society. Neither the external world in which Meursault lives nor the internal worldRead MoreThe Stranger By Albert Camus Essay1591 Words   |  7 PagesThe Stranger was written by the French author Albert Camus, and was first published in 1942 in its indigenous French. It’s described as being the most widely-read French novel of the twentieth century, and has sold milli ons of copies in Britain and the United States alone. It’s known by two titles; the other being The Outsider. The backstory to this is very interesting but, more importantly, the subtle difference in meaning between titles suggests certain resultant translative idiosyncrasies whenRead MoreThe Stranger By Albert Camus1628 Words   |  7 PagesAlbert Camus’s novel â€Å"The Stranger† revolves around a young man estranged from society. This man, Monsieur Meursault, lives the majority of his life fulfilling his own physical needs and social obligations, but has little emotional connection to the world around him. Throughout the book Meursault attends his mother’s funeral, begins a serious relationship with his former co-worker Marie, kills a man without motive, goes through trial, and is sentenced for execution. His lack of emotional responseRead MoreThe Stranger by Albert Camus1115 Words   |  4 PagesIn the novel, The Stranger, by Albert Camus, the point lessness of life and existence is exposed through the illustration of Camus’s absurdist world view. The novel tells the story of an emotionally detached, amoral young man named Meursault. Meursault shows us how important it is to start thinking and analyzing the events that happen in our lives. He does this by developing the theme of conflicts within society. Albert Camus’s novel The Stranger portrays Meursault, the main character, as a staticRead MoreThe Stranger By Albert Camus1365 Words   |  6 PagesThroughout The Stranger, Albert Camus uses routinesituations to demonstrate how the protagonist, Meursault is not just another ordinary individual. Camus depicts Meursault as an independent being, disinterested in his surroundings, contrasting him with the majority of his peers. Meursault traverses the entire novel, exhibiting little to no emotion. Instead, he displayscharacteristics synonymous to someone suffering from psychopathy. Regardless of the situation, Meursa ult refrainsfrom assigning meaningRead MoreThe Stranger By Albert Camus Essay1844 Words   |  8 Pagesof the novel, The Stranger, written by Albert Camus, multiple debatable topics have risen. Does Meursault have a heart? Is he an existentialist? Why does he seem to not be phased by his mother dying? This novel is definitely on the more controversial side, which is somewhat strange because although it seems like a novel about almost nothing, everything seems to have a much deeper meaning than it puts off. However, one topic that seems to be overlooked is the fact that The Stranger relates highly to

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Social Health Research Essay - 1715 Words

Introduction This study aims at providing insight and documentation into the public’s understanding of cardiovascular disease, the global leading cause of death. Data shows that a large percentage of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is preventable, however, the numbers continue to rise (WHO, 2011). The first part of the report will explain CVD and discuss the related economic burden. Next, relevant literature is reviewed to report on previous studies of the same subject. Finally, the study paradigms and design have been explained. The objective of this research plan is to contribute to knowledge regarding women’s understanding of cardiovascular disease. By reviewing the population’s understanding, we can ascertain optimal strategies to†¦show more content†¦Literature Review Introduction Evaluating existing literature is an integral feature of any research project. Scrutinising relevant information assists in discovering missing information or â€Å"research gaps†. This literature review will analyse data collected regarding metropolitan dwelling Western Australian women and their understanding, perception and knowledge of cardiovascular disease focussing on providing further insight into the significance of knowledge of cardiovascular disease and CVD prevalence. Prevalence and current trends The prevalence of cardio vascular disease has reached disturbing levels on a global scale (WHO, 2011). Although treatment and professional understanding of risk factors is advancing, CVD remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Australia, with 3.5 million people suffering from CVD between 2007 and 2008 and a total of 50 000 deaths attributed to CVD in 2008 (AIHW, 2010). Approximately 92% of Australian adults are afflicted with one risk of CVD, with approximately 40% of the population having ≠¥2 risk factors (AIHW, 2005). It is commonly believed that CVD predominantly affects men, however more women die every year from CVD than any other disease (Lloyd-Jones et al., 2010). Additionally, statistics show that 2 out of 3 women who suffer from a myocardial infarction (heart attack) never make a complete recovery and 52% of women will die from myocardial infarction before reaching a hospital, comparedShow MoreRelatedHealth And Social Care Research1505 Words   |  7 P agesIn health and social care research tends to accept the methods of social science research because the projects often involve investigating people’s feelings, observations and attitudes, which do not lend themselves to investigation by scientific methodology. Quantitative research Scientific method involves quantitative information. For example measuring changes in the body and analysing blood or urine samples. Body mass index is used to measure height and weight to distinguish whether an individualRead MoreResearch Methods Of Health And Social Care1726 Words   |  7 Pages Research Methods in Health and Social Care Throughout research in Health and social care settings, there are many implications with the research, which takes place. Many research methods include ethical issues which have to be considered when conducting research. Ethical issues need to be considered when research is being conducted, in all methods of conducting the research information. One method of research is using interviews. For example, when using interviews in a care home, when conductingRead MoreResearch Methodology in Health and Social Care2501 Words   |  11 Pageseat no more and sometimes even less that their friends but they still get fat. He argued that is not true because he tested thousands of overweight people and every single one had a normal metabolism’’. This belief or myth has interested me to do research on obesity and find out whether â€Å"we are what we eat or whether genetics is to blame for being overweight as well as obesity†. Obesity has always been a controversial topic and this was also the reason why I decided to look at this part of the topicRead MoreResearch Methods in Health and Social Care2462 Words   |  10 PagesResearch Methods in Health and Social Care Critical review of quantitative research Majid,S.Foo,S.Luyt,B.Ahang,X.Theng,YL.Chang,YK.Mokhtar,IA.(2011) Adopting and evidence-based practice in clinical decision making: nurses’ perceptions, knowledge , and barriers. Journal of the Medical Library Association 99(3) PP229-236. This essay will be a critical review on the study conducted by Majid et al (2011). The article which is titled ‘Adopting evidence-based practice in clinical decision making: Nurses’Read MoreCompare different research methodologies for health and social care637 Words   |  3 PagesP3: Compare different research methodologies for health and social care. In this assignment I will be comparing the different types of research methodologies for health and social care. INTERVIEWS: Interviews are usually taken for people when they are looking for jobs or looking places in college and universities. There are many advantages of interviews, one being that they will be able to get good information and some data, also they will develop their communication skills too when talking toRead MoreDifferent Research Methodologies For Health And Social Care Setting3787 Words   |  16 Pagesdifferent research methodologies, which might be used in health and social care setting. We use research in health and social care because this helps to explain the methods of social science research, projects usually involve investigating peoples feeling, perceptions and also attitudes. In a laboratory-based environment, research is usually linked into diseases and disorders by using tissues and chemicals for example. This is more likely to be based on scientific method until the research needs toRead MoreUnit 22:Functions of Research to Health and Social Care Essay1181 Words   |  5 PagesWHAT IS RESEARCH? It is a planned process whereby information is collected for a specific purpose, analysed and reported. FUNCTIONS OF RESEARCH TO HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE: Research might have so many different functions or aims which are as follows: identifying needs, highlighting gaps in provision, planning provision, informing policy or practice, extending knowledge and understanding, improving practice, aiding reflection, allowing progress to be monitored and examining topics of contemporary importanceRead MoreGeneral Social Survey Essay807 Words   |  4 PagesStarting in 1972, the General Social Survey (GSS) used a four-category response scale for respondents to answer a question on how they view their own health, known as the self-reported health question (SRH) (Smith 2005, 1). The four-categories used were: poor, fair, good, and excellent (Smith et al. 2017, 385) Starting in 2002, the GSS started using both a four and five-category scale for people to respond to the SRH (Smith et al. 2017,1537). The five-category scale used the same measures from theRead MoreParticipatory Action Research And Prac tice1616 Words   |  7 Pages Evaluate the claim that participatory action research, by engaging in the development of policy and practice, empowers marginalised groups. (1500 words limit) Presented by Brigid Kent 11/04/2015 Participatory action research (PAR) is a process in which real people are included in the research of a project because they can bring further insight to the research and help make the policy more relative to the marginalised group being researched. Participation is defined as ‘taking part’ and ‘makingRead MoreIntroduction: There are many factors that contribute to students’ academic success, such as low800 Words   |  4 Pagestoward research method course. Therefore, it is an important to understand students attitude and helps them to create positive attitude toward research to improve their learning process. The aim of this study is to explore the multidimensional factor structure of â€Å"Attitude Toward Research† scale (ATR). Literature Review: A plethora of literature found that undergraduate students seem to have negative attitudes toward some courses such as statistics and mathematics that are related to research courses

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Lululemon Case Study - 2260 Words

Nova Southeastern University Wayne Huizenga Graduate School of Business amp; Entrepreneurship Assignment for Course: MGT 5090 – Entrepreneurial and Strategic Thinking Submitted to: Dr. Regina A. Greenwood Submitted by: Anais Carrasco Date of Submission: May 30th, 2013 Title of Assignment: CASE 4 – Lululemon Athletica Inc. CERTIFICATION OF AUTHORSHIP: I certify that I am the author of this paper and that any assistance I received in its preparation is fully acknowledge and disclosed in the paper. I have also cited any sources from which I used data, ideas of words, whether quoted directly or paraphrased. I also certify that this paper was prepared by me specifically for this course.†¦show more content†¦As part of the industry analysis, Potter’s five-force analysis has been developed (see Appendix A). There is a high threat of new entrants. Barriers to enter this industry are very low since there is no need of a huge amount of capital to start a business; actually, this is one of the reasons why this industry has so many independent sellers. One factor that may lower the threat of new entrants is the fact that distribution is vital for this business. In order to get customers to know their brand, companies need a good and strong distribution network. Athletic wear industry is very profitable, and that makes it very attractive for new investors. Competition among suppliers is fierce. There are many available options for companies to choose from when it comes to suppliers. There is not much differentiation in the products they offer therefore suppliers compete among prices. Since there are so many manufacturers, and the switching cost is low; suppliers have low to moderate bargaining power. Since clothes really doesn’t have substitutes, this force is seeing from the perspective of how many alternatives are there available for customers to buy fitness wear from. Besides retailers and independent shops, customers can find active wear on the internet; therefore E-commerce is considered the main substitute in the industry because it enhance the availability of the product, as well as theShow MoreRelatedLululemon Case Study1306 Words   |  6 PagesAssignment 1 Case Study Lululemon 1. Considering the five forces of competition and how they direct the profit potential for a given industry, discuss how the forces help explain Lululemon’s performance. 2. The resource-based model assumes that each organization is a collection of resources and capabilities, which provide the basis for a firm‘s strategy and its primary source of above-average returns. Use this this model to outline Lululemon‘s core competencies and how their capabilitiesRead MoreLululemon Case Study1609 Words   |  7 PagesCase Study- lululemon Ethics and Social Responsibility Executive Summary Founded in 1998, lululemon has become an extremely successful company. Over the last 12 years of operation, its mission is to improve health, make a difference in all the communities it is located in, and provide guests with quality products to help them live healthy lives. Currently, lululemon still strives to make a difference in each community through the Community Legacies Program. Plans for expansion are also in effectRead MoreLululemon Case Study1094 Words   |  5 Pagesfood chains, which appeal to the youth, such as Chipotle and offer take-out delivery. Personally, I see Amazon capturing the food delivery service in the near future. However, some analysts such as Derrick, believe Amazon’s next step is to acquire Lululemon. All of this suggestion is highly probable. In the next century, it would not be surprising to see if Amazon was able to compete for all of these suggestions. Costco Costco’s channel management is certainly one of the reasons why the organizationRead MoreLululemon Case Study Essay947 Words   |  4 PagesLULULEMON CASE STUDY FEBURARY 9, 2013 Question # 1 SWOT Strengths: niche market leader, product technology, customer focused, quality, innovation, brand, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability Weaknesses: perceived female focus, Local centricity, price point, inventory, perceived as yoga only, distribution, and access to stores Opportunities: Product diversification, line expansion, accessories, leveraging perceived expertise, category leader, and expert Threats: BuyoutRead MoreLululemon Case Study Essay example780 Words   |  4 Pageslevels increase, and also, the introduction of women-oriented gyms has also increased the customer base by encouraging more women to partake in fitness. Moreover, the technologies of designing and manufactured apparel have been constantly improved. Lululemon`s fastest wicking fabric is primarily used in running gear for women and men which the moisture wicking is inherent in the fabric so will last for the life of the garment. The analysis from porter`s five forces shows: Rivalry between establishedRead MoreLULULEMON Ethical BehaviourSocial Responsibility1467 Words   |  6 Pagesï » ¿ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY lululemon athletica There are many ways to measure the success of a business. A financial analysis of lululemon athletica, a Vancouver-based company, would show that it is valued at more than $220 million. Would looking at an improved level of health in its community be another way to measure the success of this company? lululemon athletica founder Chip Wilson would welcome your investigation of the improved health and well-being of people in the communitiesRead MoreThe Problem Of Defective Yoga Pants1297 Words   |  6 PagesBackground: This case study analysis will define the problem of defective yoga pants products, corporate corruption, and the growing media conflict of â€Å"weigh shaming† in the sizes-2-12 limits on Lululemon yoga pants. Lululemon has seen a fall in the price of stock market shares due to these major defects of yoga pants products and corporate unethical decision making processes. The Problem: Lululemon has a growing reputation for making defective yoga pants (due to sheerness and â€Å"see-through†)Read MoreLululemon Athletica Inc. Case Analysis1506 Words   |  7 PagesThis paper commences by defining the problems that were faced by Lululemon Athletica Inc in 2013. After, the author explores the causes of the issues that the company was experiencing and the effects that they had on Lululemon Athletica Inc. The next step is to look at ways in which the issues could have been addressed both for the short-term and long-term. When all is said and done, the audience will fully appreciate why â€Å"Lululemon Athletica Inc should revert to its fundamentals – that is, to concentrateRead MoreQuality And Quality Of Product Quality1268 Words   |  6 Pages†¨In this report I will be focusing on Quality Control, Quality Assurance, Product Specifications and why they are all so important in terms of product quality. I will also look at an instance of product q uality failure, in this particular example Lululemon had to recall certain products because they had failed to adequately test the quality of those products. I will identify exactly what happened, why it happened and what was done to rectify the situation. †¨ 2.0 Background Information†¨Ã¢â‚¬ ¨2.1 QualityRead MoreLululemon2462 Words   |  10 PagesIntroduction Lululemon is one of the Canada’s best retailers of technical athletic yoga apparel. Lululemon’s yoga inspired apparel is marketed under the two brand names Lululemon Athletica for more mature women and Ivivva Athletica for younger girls. Lululemon primary target customers are educated and hard working women, who understand the importance of healthy and active lifestyle. Majority of these women are Caucasian who are mainly urban and have higher income, since Lululemon is an expensive

Sunday, December 15, 2019

Immigration Reformation Free Essays

Mexico’s immigration policies comprise single, streamlined laws that ensure that foreign visitors and immigrants are regimented. For a better picture, these include stern rules that these immigrants are in the country legally, that they are able to sustain themselves economically, that they do not become burdens to the society, that they are of good character and have no criminal records, and are contributors to the general wellbeing of the nation. In fact, immigration authorities compile records of each foreign visitor and assure that these visitors do not violate their visa status. We will write a custom essay sample on Immigration Reformation or any similar topic only for you Order Now They are also banned from meddling with internal politics and those who violate the terms of their entry and who enter under false pretenses are imprisoned or deported (Lillpop). Indeed, the Mexican constitution strictly defines the rights of its citizens and as one may put it, the denial of may fundamental rights to non-citizens, legal or illegal. Though its law makes perfect sense, Mexico is pushing the United States to water down the latter’s immigration rules, when, in the first place, its own immigration restrictions are the toughest in the continent. However, also looking at Mexico’s points, El Paso asks the US government to stop raids and dividing American families insisting, â€Å"We are not the Enemy, We are Part of the Solution† (Garcia Camargo). The rally down in El Paso has emphasized the need for new immigration policies that provide means for immigrants residing in the United States to attain permanent residency. Some say Mexican leaders demanding from the United States immigration laws, which contradict its own. Some even say the agenda of Mexico for such demand is clear: to have a one-way immigration relationship with the United States. However, looking at a broader perspective, I believe Mexico only wants to impose stern rules with regards to foreigners to protect its citizens and the well being of its nations. United States, on the other hand, are trying to impose the same, now with opposition from the Mexicans. Who are directly affected here are those Southerners who live in US soil and vice versa. To avoid stepping on each other’s flags and more importantly to avoid misunderstanding between the neighboring countries, each much provide room for adjustments and meet halfway so as to grant the its citizens, foreign or not, just and humane rights even if they live in a soil foreign to their true nation. Works Cited Lillpop, John. â€Å"Immigration Reform? Lets Try Mexico’s Immigration Law. † 27 February 2007. Canada Free Press. 19 October 2007. http://www. canadafreepress. com/2007/lillpop022707. htm. Garcia, Fernando Camargo, Betty. â€Å"El Paso and Southern New Mexico Communities March and Rally for Just, Humane and Comprehensive Immigration Reform NOW! †. 6 April 2007. Border Network and Human Rights. 19 October 2007. http://www. bnhr. org/. How to cite Immigration Reformation, Papers

Saturday, December 7, 2019

Dehumanization the Holocaust and Wiesel free essay sample

Jacinda Ruzicka Mrs. Jones Advanced World Literature 7 April 2010 Dehumanization: Unimaginable No individual should ever be deprived of the basic essentials of human life: food, shelter, citizenship and a family to lean on. This hell, known as the Holocaust, became a reality for many. The Holocaust was the systemic genocide of over six million Jews during World War II. The unthinkable occurred all because of one man and his goal to create a super-race. That one man was Adolf Hitler. To Adolf Hitler and the Schutzstaffel or SS, the Holocaust was the final solution to the Jewish problem, thus establishing a pure German race. Much of the brutal killings and torturous acts took place in the concentration camps. Concentration camps were used to confine millions of Jews as a group to be cleansed from the German nation. Communists, Gypsies, homosexuals, and other groups of people considered undesirable according to Nazi principles, and anyone who opposed the government, were also placed in concentration camps. We will write a custom essay sample on Dehumanization: the Holocaust and Wiesel or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page This is the process by which a select group is degraded to unimportant, meaningless things. Individuals are made to feel inferior and develop the mindset that they are nuisances to society. The persecutors work toward depriving a person of the attributes that make them human, depriving them of their right and ability to truly be an individual. During the Holocaust, dehumanization was used as a weapon that made the SS feel that they were ingenious. When they no longer considered the Jews to be humans, they were beaten, starved and annihilated in the most inhumane ways. The Nazi Governor of Poland stated, I ask nothing of the Jews except that they should disappear. (Hans Frank). This demonstrates the hatred toward the Jews that Adolf Hitler inspired in others. Hitler achieved this dehumanization process by depriving and dissecting every aspect of the Jewish population. His ploy was to remove the Jews from their homes; destroying the one place a human can feel ultimately safe. First, there the Jews were not allowed to leave their homes for three days. The SS took their most prized possessions away from them including their gold, jewels, or any other objects of value. When those three days passed, every Jew was forced to wear a yellow star. This made it easier to others to stereotype because it showed that they were all of the Jewish society. Then came the ghetto. (Wiesel 9). The ghettos were created to restrict and isolate the Jewish community. Jews were stripped of their right to property and forced from their homes once more. Each person will be allowed to take only his own personal belongings. A bag on our backs, some food, a few clothes. Nothing else. (Wiesel 11). The Jews were then forced into cattle cars and moved to various concentration camps. The arrival was overwhelming for them with numerous death areas crowding the immense size of the camp. One of the most famous of these prison camps was Auschwitz, where Elie Wiesel was forced to stay and await his destined fate. Upon his arrival, German officer stated, From this moment, you come under the authority of the German army. (Wiesel 21). This illustrates that the Jews are no longer people; they are property of the Germans. Upon their arrival, the SS immediately gave orders. The Jews were to be separated into two groups, a group of men and a group of women. Families from that very instant were destroyed. Many would never see their loved ones again. Their last moments were there, right in front of them. They could do nothing, say goodbye, give final hugs and kisses, or have appropriate partings. They had nothing but the tears, screams, and horrid thoughts to remember their segregation from each other. In this very moment, their thoughts of the future were uncared for. They wanted nothing and needed nothing because they felt nothing. Elie expresses his feelings about his separation from his mother by saying, Eight words spoken quietly, indifferently, without motion. Eight short, simple words. Yet that was the moment when I parted from my mother. I had not had time to think, but already I felt the pressure of my fathers hand: we were alone. (Wiesel 27). Though separated from his mother and sisters, Elie was lucky. He was with his father, the only family he had left, which was more than most. He expresses his gratitude with this statement, But for the moment I was happy; I was near my father. (Wiesel 30). That statement, perhaps, is the last time you would hear Elie say he was happy until after he is saved. The Jews were stripped of normality and everything that makes a person want to live in those very short moments of just stepping out of the cattle cars onto the grounds of Birkenau, the reception center of Auschwitz. Naked, beaten souls are what had become of the Jews. They were ordered to strip when they arrived at the barracks. This completely degraded them for they were surrounded by other men, naked, with embarrassment flowing through their minds. For us, this was the true equality: nakedness. Shivering with the cold. (Wiesel 32) The Jews then were dragged to the barbers, where all of their hair was cut off with clippers. All of the hair on their bodies was shaved. Making them have no differences. They were all just naked, shaved men who had hardly any differences to distinguish one from another. Wiesel explains how he felt less human when he said, It was no longer possible to grasp anything. The instincts of self-preservation, of self defense, of pride, had all deserted us. In one ultimate moment of lucidity it seemed to me that we were damned souls wandering the half-world, souls condemned to wander through space till the generations of man came to an end, seeking their redemption, seeking oblivion without hope of finding it. (Wiesel 34). This illustrates how the Jews that they no longer felt human. They feel like things, souls stuck in meaningless bodies. To continue the process, the Jews were then soaked in a barrel of petrol. Disinfected like animals, Within a few seconds, we had ceased to be men. (Wiesel 34). They were dehumanized at a higher level when they were forced to wear uniforms, takin g away more of their individuality. They became the same, there was no way to identify or recognize them as unique. As for names: what names? The Jews did not have the right to names. They were forced into living like animals. Just like cows have tags on their ears and pigs are branded, the Jews had numbered tattooed on their arms. This replaced their names. They were subjected to being treated as if they were animals. Elie tells about when he had his number engraved on his left arm and states, I became A-7713. After that I had no other name. (Wiesel 39). Deprived of a name, the one thing that differentiates one man from another completely. That is taking dehumanization to the extreme. The Jews from the beginning of the novel to the end were slowly becoming less and less human. They were taken from their homes, separated, forced to lose their individuality, and deprived of their names. They became more and more like animals while they were stowed in the concentration camps like cattle. Elie Wiesel cannot make it easier to understand but he informs us of how humans could be. It is unimaginable to say the least, how one race could hate another race so much as to feel they are unworthy of their right to human qualities or life itself.

Saturday, November 30, 2019

Platypus Essays - Monotremes, Sleep, Dream, Neurophysiology

Platypus The platypus, apparently, is a surprisingly deep sleeper. What's more, it spends more of its time in so-called 'REM' sleep than any other mammal. These are the conclusions of a study on sleep in the platypus by Jerry M. Siegel of the Sepulveda Veterans' Affairs Medical Center, North Hills, California and colleagues. Their report appears in a special number of Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society devoted to the biology of the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus), celebrating the bicentenary of the discovery, in Australia, of this remarkable animal. 'REM' stands for 'rapid eye-movement' and is the kind of sleep in which the brain can be more active than in it is while awake, the animal twitches, and the eyelids flicker ? hence the name. In humans, REM sleep is associated with dreaming. But does the platypus have an extraordinarily rich dream life? Possibly not, say the researchers: "cats, opossums, armadillos and other mammals not known for their intellectual achievements have far more REM sleep, whether calculated in hours per day or as a percentage of total sleep time, than humans." And why study sleep in the platypus anyway? After all, the platypus is an obscure and extremely primitive creature, distantly related to humans. The answer lies in that primitive state: studying the physiology of the platypus could yield clues about the life and behaviour of the very earliest mammals. The platypus belongs to a group of mammals with very ancient roots. Apart from the platypus itself, the group ? the monotremes ? includes two species of echidna, or 'spiny anteater'. All three species are confined to Australasia. Monotremes lay eggs, like birds and reptiles, but unlike all other mammals. They also have a range of other reptile-like anatomical features, features that have been lost in more 'advanced' mammals. Researchers think that monotremes have been distinct as a group for at least 80 million years, long before the dinosaurs became extinct. Monotremes have taken a cameo role in studies on the evolution of mammalian brain function. A study in 1972 suggested that the echidna Tachyglossus had no REM sleep. This was important, because it implied that REM sleep must have evolved in higher mammals. Subsequent research made this result look anomalous, as REM-like sleep phenomena have since been observed in birds and some reptiles: in which case, the echidna may have lost the capacity somewhere in its evolution. This is the conundrum that Siegel and colleagues have been investigating. First, it turns out that the term 'REM' is a misnomer: animals may show REM sleep even though their eyes don't move, and their bodies don't twitch. REM is properly defined as a characteristic pattern of activity in the brain, generated by specific neuronal pathways in the brainstem ? whether or not this activity is carried forwards into the 'higher' centres of the brain (where it is manifested as dreaming). Recordings from discreetly implanted electrodes show that the echidna does, after all, show a kind of REM sleep generated by the brainstem, even though it is rather muted and the animal shows no outward signs. Young animals show more REM sleep than older ones, and it could be that very young echidnas have a more active sleeping life (including twitching) than older ones. The platypus, though, shows all the classic outward signs of REM sleep. Indeed, an account from as long ago as 1860, before REM sleep was discovered, reported that young platypus showed 'swimming' movements of their forepaws while asleep. Despite these differences, the REM sleep of the platypus and the echidna is confined to the brainstem: the forebrain shows the regular, steady patterns of neuronal activity associated with deep, dreamless sleep. This suggests that for all their REM sleep, monotremes do not dream. These findings set our understanding of the evolution of sleep on a firmer footing. It now seems that the 'core' brainstem activity manifested as REM sleep has extremely ancient roots, going back to the reptilian acnestors of mammals as well as birds. The elaboration of REM sleep into the forebrain is a later innovation: but whether it evolved once and monotremes have since lost it, or if it evolved more than once, is something that only more work on birds and reptiles can establish. The platypus, apparently, is a surprisingly deep sleeper. What's more, it spends more of its time in so-called 'REM' sleep than any other mammal. These are the conclusions of a study on sleep in the platypus by Jerry M. Siegel of the Sepulveda Veterans' Affairs Medical Center, North Hills, California and colleagues. Their report appears

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

The Definition of a Dermal Denticle

The Definition of a Dermal Denticle Dermal denticles (placoid scales) are tough scales that cover the skin of elasmobranchs (sharks and rays). Even though denticles are similar to scales, they are actually just modified teeth and are covered with hard enamel. These structures are packed tightly together and grow with their tips facing backward, giving the skin a rough feel if you run your finger from tail to head, and a smooth feel from head to tail. What Dermal Denticles Do The main function of these denticles is for protection against predators, kind of like a naturally occurring  chainmail armor, although in some sharks they have a hydrodynamic function. The denticles reduce turbulence and drag which allows the shark to swim faster and covertly. Some swimsuit manufacturers are trying to replicate sharks denticles in swimsuit material in order to help swimmers cut through the water faster.   Like our teeth, dermal denticles have an inner core of pulp (made up of connective tissues, blood vessels, and nerves), covered by a layer of dentine (hard calcareous material). This is covered with an enamel-like vitrodentine, which provides a hard outer casing. While scales in bony fish grow as the fish gets large, dermal denticles stop growing after they reach a certain size. More denticles are added later as the fish grows.