Thursday, October 31, 2019

There is 100 topics to choose from Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

There is 100 topics to choose from - Essay Example E-Learning is a type of education which helps the students to learn with the help of internet and computer. Individuals can access internet and enrol into courses through which they can gain knowledge. The ease of access to educational resources has improved the overall learning environment, while at the same time, there are a number of ethical, social and professional issues that have emerged in parallel with the emerging e-learning facilities as we shall discuss in the following lines. A question arises after reviewing the current situation in the world as to if ‘in the future will people still put pen to paper’ ? (Alan 2007; Rosenberg 2001). Discussion The widespread use of computers in our daily tasks like shopping, education and communication has created a ‘digital divide’ between those who use the modern technologies and those who for some reason or merely lack of interest do not use it. The effects of this ‘digital divide’ are so profound that the life patterns of the two classes show vast differences. Whether used in schools, universities or for professional training at work place, well planned and designed e-learning facilities greatly enhance the learning experience. ... However, while developing an e-leraning application for a college/university, one must consider the associated ethical, professional and social issues (Bruckman 2002; Adelsberger 2008; Rosenberg 2001). Stamatellos (2007) explains some of the ethical issues which are associated with the use of computers and internet in the fields of education, health and business. However, the focus of our study will be limited to the educational field. The ethical issues revolving around e-learning include: computer crime and security, Privacy and Anonymity, intellectual Property, Computer Reliability (Stamatellos, 2007). These ethical issues involve the security threats that exist while working on online databases. Some of these common threats include viruses, hacking software and programs, misuse of information and invasion of private material and illegal use of individual’s information. The laws related to intellectual property are also violated in the e-learning environment, mostly by the students. The plagiarism issue is one of the examples of those law violating activities. Students, teachers and other people are equally at a risk of violating such rights and laws. Computer reliability is another major factor which needs to be considered while designing, or implementing an e-learning application. Since, the data, information and important records are all stored in the computer memory and are uploaded on the websites; there are threats to those records and information. Computer memory is delicate and may be formatted easily. A virus, electricity problem or other issues may erase or end up in erasing the important information stored in computers. However, the information carried on the websites have external threats from hackers and law violators (Cross 2005; Welsh et al

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

What is Marriage Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

What is Marriage - Essay Example The first marriage is instituted by God in the Garden of Eden. After He created the heaven and earth and all creatures therein, He also created man. However, He also recognized that â€Å"It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.† Thus, He made Eve to complete Adam, to be his companion, to receive his love and share his dominion in all the earth. It should also be noted that as Eve is created from Adam’s ribs, she became the â€Å"bone of his bones† and the â€Å"flesh of his flesh† which signifies their union.Biblical marriage, as stated above has three important aspects which is contained in Genesis 2:24. The first is that â€Å"a man should leave his father and mother.† In a marriage, this is extremely important. It should also be noted that it is the man who should leave his parents as he is the head of the family. In the house of his parents, the father of the husband is the head of the family. Thus, the fir st phase of marriage requires him to put up his own dwelling with his wife apart from his parents. This is illustrated in the Bible in the case of Jacob. In the house of his father-in-law, he is considered as a servant. When he returned to his father’s camp, he did not live with them but build his own household. In our modern world, this aspect of marriage is still very important. A separate household is imperative for a family as it allows them to make their own decisions. This also helps prevent disputes arising from the disagreements among parents and children.... In the house of his father-in-law, he is considered as a servant. When he returned in his father's camp, he did not live with them but build his own household (Ptacek 4). In our modern world, this aspect of marriage is still very important. A separate household is imperative for a family as it allows them to make their own decisions. Also, a man and woman joined in marriage are considered to have a new life of their own and separating them to their parents will ensure this. This also helps prevent disputes arising from the disagreements among parents and children. The second phase of marriage in Biblical marriage is for man to "cleave to his wife." This aspect is better illustrated by using a simpler word for "cleave." Cleave means to "be joined" which connotes a close, intimate and inseparable relationship with his wife (Ptcaek 5). Being joined is more than just living together. A man and woman bound by marriage will have a meeting not only of mind and heart, but should also have one direction, one purpose, and one faith. This second aspect strongly indicates the eternal covenant between man and woman. A husband "cleaving" to his wife is an illustration of two individuals being joined for the rest of their lives amidst any situation. The third aspect of marriage is that husband and wife "shall become one flesh." Accordingly, there are three interpretations to this passage. The first one believes that it symbolizes sexual intercourse while the other is the wife's joining the family of her husband. However, a more favored interpretation is the reference to the "flesh" to the natural life (Ptacek 7-9). When God created man with soul, spirit, and body the two being eternal while the physical body perishes after death.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Use of Stem Cells on Ageing Prevention

Use of Stem Cells on Ageing Prevention ELA KING Abstract This scientific report will look at stem cells and their abilities to prevent ageing. My[DS1] research was mostly qualitative, secondary research which didnt cost any money to conduct. I have discovered through writing this report that in the future it may be possible to achieve biological immortality with the aid of stem cells, either by altering the genes of human stem cells or by using other biologically immortal organisms stem cell information. However stem cell research is controversial and it will be many years before stem cell research will have developed to the point that biological immortality will be feasible. Introduction Ageing can be described in many ways. It is often used to refer to a passage in time in which someone gets older. Ageing in humans can be judged on the number of years lived and on appearance both external and internal such as grey hair and organs no longer working the way they are supposed to. This is because ageing leads to a decline in the regenerative abilities of all the tissues and organs in the body. [Kirkwood T.B, 2005]. This is connected to a decline in stem cell function. Why would we want to prevent or reverse ageing? Whilst a person cannot simply die of old age, as a person gets older there are more chances of genetic mutations and damage from the environment which can lead to a person being more likely to get a disease or condition. When a person ages, their cells can no longer defend themselves against diseases as well as they could when the person was younger. This means that as a person ages, they become more vulnerable to injuries and diseases [Radford B, 2012]. If it was made possible to prevent ageing, this would mean that the average life span would increase dramatically and it may be possible for humans to become biologically immortal. What is biological immortality? Biological immortality is the idea that whilst you are able to die (by disease or other means), you do not age. This would mean that a person with biological immortality would no longer experience loss of physiological function. This would allow people to stay relatively healthy whilst also not looking as though they were ageing [ Despain D, 2010]. There are many ways in which people believe biological immortality can be achieved, either through lifestyle changes or genetic changes. One particular way focuses on stem cells. What are stem cells? Stem cells are undifferentiated cells which are able to become other cells. Stem cells are also able to self-renew. There are two main types of stem cells, embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are found in human blastocyts which are newly fertilised eggs (three-five days old) which are created by IVF. These stem cells are used in various therapies and tests and can be grown into any organ in the body[DS2]. The other main types of stem cells are Adult stem cells, also known as Tissue-specific stem cells. These stem cells generate the same type of cell of the organ or tissue that it lives on. However, adult stem cells dont self-renew as easily as embryonic stem cells. Adult stem cells can be studied to show a lot about the process of ageing. [closerlookatstemcells.org , 2015] Adult stem cells are essential for the maintenance of organs and tissues of mammals during their lives. With age, this maintenance is decreased due to the deterioration of co-ordination from molecular signalling. This leads to organs and tissues not being rejuvenated as quickly or as well in an older mammal than that of a younger one [Silva H. and Conboy I.M, 2008]. This means that overtime organs and tissues would become weaker and more susceptible to failure. If an animals stem cells were to remain fully functioning for a longer period of time, this would increase the time before organs and tissues begin to lose functionality and if the stem cells were able to be fully functional forever, then an animal would achieve biological immortality. How can stem cells be used to achieve biological immortality? Organisms such as the Hydra (Hydra oligactis), an animal related to the jellyfish, have achieved biological immortality. Whilst its unknown exactly how long the Hydra lives, a Hydra which was kept in captivity for 4 years remained unchanged which is remarkable for a creature of its size (15mm). The Hydras biological immortality can be attributed to its stem cells which are able to renew and regrow parts of the Hydras body. Using 3 different types of stem cell populations, the Hydra is able to fully create clones of itself. Scientists found that the 3 types of stem cells all contained the same gene, the FoxO (a protein thought to be anti-ageing) and when this gene is removed the Hydra ages [Barras C, 2015]. If scientists were able to isolate this gene and place it into the DNA of another organism, theoretically another non-ageing organism would have been created. However, trying this with humans is likely to be a long way off as many people believe it would be unethical to conduct thi s sort of experiment on a human[DS3]. Other animals are also able to rejuvenate themselves using stem cells. Limbs and complex organs such as eyes and kidneys are able to be re-grown once lost or damaged. These animals such as frogs and fish either use pluripotent cells (stem cells able to differentiate into different cell types eg. Embryonic stem cells) to regenerate the whole limb or different types of stem cells to regenerate the different types of tissue like humans. So whilst humans use different types of stem cells for the maintenance of different tissues, humans arent able to rejuvenate their tissues to this level. This could be because humans are mammals and therefore lack the ability to direct stem cells to different parts of the body like certain amphibians. Future research will show why humans are lack this capability [Tanaka E, 2015]. Another possible method of using stem cells to achieve biological immortality would be to alter genes in order for more microRNAs to be produced. MicroRNAs are snippets of genetic material which can be linked to growth regulation in cells. MicroMRNAs keep cells dividing as they prevent stop signals that stop cells from dividing. Using microMRNAs, ageing stem cells could be made to keep dividing for a longer period of time therefore meaning that the stem cells would be able to maintain organs and tissues for longer. However, microRNAs have also been linked to the development of cancer when produced in abundance. Therefore, finding the right amount of microRNAs to boost ageing stem cells whilst also making sure that cancer growth and tumours arent created at the same time is essential. Scientists also have to identify which, out of the 200+ human microMRNAs, is responsible for keeping stem cells dividing [Boyle A, 2005]. There has been further research into embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. A gene has been discovered called Nanog in the embryonic stem cells which allowed it to remain youthful. This would allow for later research to be done in order to give adult stem cells the pluripotent properties of ESCs which would eliminate the need to harvest embryonic stem cells from blastocyts for medical treatments [Bhattacharya S, 2003]. Adult stem cells would become induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. This would now be able to rejuvenate other somatic cells (any cell making up an organism other than gametes and undifferentiated cells). The iPS cells would be able to create new somatic cells for an indefinite period of time. This would mean that cells lifespan would be able to be increased [West M.D, 2013]. Currently, stem cells are used in various rejuvenation therapies from degenerative and debilitating conditions to cosmetic and dermatological therapies. Stem cell transplants are also used to treat some forms of cancer such a leukaemia and lymphoma. The stem cells are adult stem cells which are either collected from the patient themselves or are donor stem cells. These stem cells are collected and transplanted in order to replace the stem cells killed in other cancer treatments [stem cell transplants, cancerresearchuk.org]. Some other stem cell therapies use donor placentas from healthy young mothers. Stem cell therapies are still not risk free, even when using the patients own stem cells, complications can arise. Whilst stem cells arent yet used to create organs for organ transplants, progress is being made in creating organs from scratch purely using stem cells. Working organs have been created, however it will be at least another 10 years of research and millions of pounds invested before the process is deemed fit to use on human patients [The Guardian, 2014]. What ethical concerns surround stem cell research? Stem cell research is opposed by a lot of people. The majority of those people are religious who believe that life starts at conception. This would mean that using blastocyts created through IVF for medical research would be equivalent to testing on living humans. Those who agree with stem cell research do not believe that life starts at conception and/or believe that the benefits of stem cell research and its future of curing various conditions outweigh the risks and harm[DS4]. Conclusion Stem cell research leads to an exciting future where current debilitating conditions will be able to be cured, ageing will be prevented and more will be discovered about how stem cells work and the many ways they can be harnessed to improve humans quality of life. In the future this could lead to life spans dramatically increasing, but is that necessarily a good thing? This could lead to various issues such as overpopulation and other social changes, such as a change in the age of retirement [Emanuel P, 2005]. Will stem cell research continue after we have found the key to biological immortality? Acknowledgements I would like to thank Dekkel Simmons and Andre Mostert for supporting me during the process of writing this scientific report. References Barras C. (2015) The animals and plants that can live forever. Bbc.co.uk Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/earth/story/20150622-can-anything-live-forever Accessed 29/8/16 Bhattacharya S. (2003) Stem cell immortality gene found. Newscientist.com Available at: https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn3786-stem-cell-immortality-gene-found Accessed 29/8/16 Boyle A. (2005) Scientists find key to stem cell immortality. Nbcnews.com Available at: http://www.nbcnews.com/id/8135713/ns/technology_and_science-science/t/scientists-find-key-stem-cell-immortality/#.V8QLCo-cHIU Accessed 29/8/16 Despain, D (2010). How to achieve biological immortality naturally. Kuezweilai.net Available at: http://www.kurzweilai.net/how-to-achieve-biological-immortality-naturally Accessed 27/8/16 Emanuel P. (2005) Can stem cell research make us immortal? Quora.com Available at: https://www.quora.com/Can-stem-cell-research-make-us-immortal Accessed 29/8/16 Kirkwood, T.B (2005). Understanding the odd science of aging. Cell. Available at: http://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(05)00101-7 Accessed 27/8/16 Radford, B (2012). Do People Really Die Of Old Age? Livescience.com Available at: http://www.livescience.com/32241-do-people-really-die-of-old-age.html Accessed 27/8/16 Silva H. and Conboy I.M. (2008) Aging and stem cell renewal. Stembook.org Available at: http://www.stembook.org/node/459.html Accessed 27/8/16 Stem cell transplants. Cancerresearchuk.org Available at: http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancers-in-general/treatment/transplant/stem-cell-transplants Accessed 29/8/16 Tanaka E. (2015) Regeneration: what does it mean and how does it work? Eurostemcell.org Available at: http://www.eurostemcell.org/factsheet/regeneration-what-does-it-mean-and-how-does-it-work Accessed 29/8/16 The Guardian (2014) Scientists hail creation of working organ made from laboratory cells. Thegaurdian.com Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2014/aug/24/lab-grown-cells-create-functioning-organ Accessed 29/8/16 Types of stem cells. Closerlookatstemcells.org Available at: http://www.closerlookatstemcells.org/learn-about-stem-cells/types-of-stem-cells Accessed 27/8/16 West M.D. (2013) How engineered stem cells may enable youthful immortality. Lifextension.com Available at: http://www.lifeextension.com/Magazine/2013/2/otc/Page-02 Accessed 29/8/16[DS5]     Ã‚  

Friday, October 25, 2019

Persecution of Hispanics Exposed in David Hernandez’s Pigeons Essay

Persecution of Hispanics Exposed in David Hernandez’s Pigeons The word â€Å"outsider† is typically used when describing someone or something that just does not fit in. An outsider is different and distinct, but not always valued or appreciated for its diversities. Quite the opposite of being appreciated, the outsider is usually castrated from whatever society it might have appeared in, and looked down upon for its differences. Sadly, outsiders are frequent in humanity. Whether the purpose for their outsider status relates to gender, race, religion or even economical standing, the fact is that there are outsiders in today’s society. When one is made into an outsider, the bias they experience is terrible and unjust, and they are unable to prosper where most so- called â€Å"insiders† would be more likely to flourish. When people are made into outsiders, their metaphorical wings are clipped, and they are unable to â€Å"take flight† and honestly reach their true potential as human beings. David Hernandez, a poet from Chicago, wrote â€Å"Pigeons,† a poem that addresses this issue of discrimination, and I agree with all of his various claims about insiders and how they are prejudiced against outsiders. In the poem, Hernandez uses the imagery of pigeons and doves to compare and contrast the treatment of ethnic outsiders (Hispanics in particular) and Caucasians in American society. Hernandez details the many struggles that pigeons must deal with in order to function in their society, calling pigeons â€Å"the spiks of Birdland† (1023). Why are the pigeons labeled as â€Å"spiks,† though? â€Å"Spik† is a derogatory term used when addressing people of Latin American descent. â€Å"Spik† is also one of the many labels that American s... ... discrimination, but it is not the outsiders who need to change. It is the insiders who persecute the outsiders for their differences that need a transformation. The insiders need a lesson in acceptance and tolerance. The doves should take a look at the pigeons and see a race that is proud of its heritage, even though they are oppressed because of it. The pigeons, in spite of being deemed the â€Å"spiks of Birdland,† should always celebrate who they are and be dancing in the streets (Hernandez 1023). To dance is to fly, and as long as the pigeons keep on dancing, their wings will forever be intact and they will always be able to fly, in spite of their persecution. Works Cited Hernandez, David. â€Å"Pigeons.† Making Literature Matter: An Anthology for Readers and Writers. Ed. John Schilb and John Clifford. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2000.1023-24.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Technology and Modern Communication Technologies

Modern communication technologies such as mobile phones, e-mails and internet chat programs like the MSN Messenger have brought significant changes to our lives in recent years. Yet, there remains some disagreement as to whether the overall effect of this innovation has been positive or negative. Although there are valid arguments to the contrary, it is my belief that the majority of people in the globe have benefited greatly from these powerful and effective means of modern communication. To begin with, mobile phones and other tools of modern communication facilitate not only contact with friends and relatives in faraway places but also global business. With the click of a button, the vast amount of information can be transmitted from America to China in just a few seconds. Furthermore, it is generally felt that the access to these tools of communication is available in every corner of the world. With a mobile phone or a laptop, a person can talk or send messages online at a bus stop, in a corner shop or anywhere they could imagine. Therefore, it seems that these new forms of communication do bring a great deal of convenience to humankind. Nevertheless, opponents of modern communications claim that only the more privileged are able to enjoy the benefits. They further point out that the wide spread use of these efficient and effective ways of communication costs a considerable amount of money. Anyone who aims to use these innovations have to not only pay for the appliances such as a mobile phone or a computer but also cover up costs for communication services. Consequently, people who live in poverty are less likely to be benefited from modern communication technologies. By way of conclusion, I believe that modern communication technologies will benefit more people in the future as the pace of life increases; however, the have-nots cannot be ignored simply because they couldn't afford it. Modern technology has increased material wealth but not happiness To what extend do you agree / disagree with the statement? According to recent statistics, the number of people who are stressed by the influence of a modern lifestyle is increasing. While having to suffer quick developments in advanced technology, people are always busy at work. Undeniably, modern technology makes people's standard of living higher, however, I am convinced that people will not be happy while they live in a modern society with modern technology all around them. First, technological advances, resulting in increased degrees of industrialisation, have changed a lot of things in society, therefore, people living in that society have to suffer influences of these big changes, e. . , instead of working for eight hours a day and spending time with their families or going out to enjoy chatting over coffee with friends, people must be in their office and do a lot of work, maybe ten working hours per day, even they have to take works to do at home and their meals are always fast food. Do you think is that a happy life? Moreover, modern technology makes people's life boring, after working time people often sit by their computer to play games or reading some information on internet. That means they do not refresh their mind and by accident they turn their own into slave of modern technology. In fact, a lot of teenage get stuck in their lives, they think that there is nothing to learn and to enjoy because they know everything thanks to technological advances, thus, they choose the death for their solution. For all above reasons, I thoroughly believe that modern technology can not decide the happiness, it has improved people's standard of living but not happiness.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Ethnic Paper Essay

Write a 100- to 200-word response to each of the following questions. Provide citations for all the sources you use. †¢ What is discrimination? How is discrimination different from prejudice and stereotyping? Discrimination is the denial of opportunities and equal rights to individuals and groups because of predjudice or for other arbitrary reasons. Discrimination is different from predjudice and stereotyping because discrimination are actual negative actions towards the objects of predjudice. Stereotype is an unreliable generalization of members of a particular group and predjudice is a negative attitude and emotion response to members of a group. †¢ What are the causes of discrimination? Discrimination can be caused from learned behavior If you grew up in a home where your parents discriminated against others, then your more than Likely to do the same thing. Growing up in a neighborhood where there are mostly people of the same race and members of a different race coming into your neighborhood can cause discrimination. I also believe ignorance is probably one of the main causes of discrimination people are blind to the fact that we are all human beings and have feelings and everyone should be treated the same regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, oreientation, disability etc. †¢ How is discrimination faced by one identity group (race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability) the same as discrimination faced by another? How are they different? I would agree that sexual orientation and gender face similar discrimination if you are gay, straight transgender people will look at you in disgust they will treat you differently and deny certain rights llke getting a job, marrying, and many more gender can be similar in the sense that you can be denied certain job positions and be incapable of performing certain duties especially a female who tries to attempt to do a job that is usually done by a man. I think the difference in the two is sexual orientation is a much bigger problem and strict laws have been put into effect for people who discriminate against gays, transgender, lesbians and they are still continuing to fight for equal rights today like getting married as far as gender if you’re male and female you have that right automaticall, whereas the gay community doesn’t. Racial and Ethnic Groups (13th ed.) (Schaefer)