Australian development in accordance to Indigenous Rights Essay

In most practical ways, Australia is an egalitarian society. This does not mean that everyone is the same or that everybody has equal wealth or property, just that we accept all. As a country, Australia aims for the equality of all citizens; Indigenous, European and other, however these were not always the intentions of White Settlement, on the land we call home. European settlement had a severe and devastating impact on Indigenous people. Indigenous people called Australia home many hundreds of thousands of years before White Settlement came. Sadly, including the fact that the Europeans were intruding and taking over land that was not their own, the Indigenous Australians still fell victims of the invasion and sadly became slaves on their own soil. Not only did the European Australian’s discriminate against the Indigenous Australians; they murdered them too. In the 1800’s two years after the British flag was raised in Van Dieman’s Land, settlers were authorised to shoot Indigenous Australians. The displacement of Aboriginal peoples from their land resulted in a drastic decline in their population. While many Aboriginal people were killed in violent clashes over the rights to settle on the land, a vast number also died from malnourishment. But the European settlers did not stop there. From about 1910 until at least 1970, the intention of governments and Aboriginal welfare officials was to assimilate them into white society and, by controlling who they associated with and married, to eventually ‘breed out the colour’ and thus rid Australia of its Indigenous people. One of the ways they tried to achieve this was through The Stolen Generation. Children were removed to separate them permanently from the rest of their race and around 100,00 children were taken from their families. Ronald Wilson and Mick Dodson, the commission’s chairman and social justice commissioner, declared: â€Å"Nationally we can conclude with confidence that between one in three and one in ten Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families and communities in the period from approximately 1910 until 1970. † Up until a certain point in history, Australians didn’t even believe that the Stolen Generation occurred and continued to ignore the rights of Indigenous Australians. However, Australia has in fact realized that these events against the Indigenous people of our land were wrong, and should never be repeated, and since then action has taken place. In 1997, the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission made the most notorious accusation ever directed by a government body against Australia. It accused this country of committing genocide against the Aborigines by stealing their children. Australia has tried to make progress since acknowledging these wrongs. The Commonwealth Electoral Act 1962 entitled all Indigenous Australians to enrol and vote in Commonwealth elections. The 1967 Referendum allowed the Aboriginals to become part of the Commonwealth and removed part of the Parliament statement that discriminated against the Indigenous, allowing them to not make ‘special rules’. As a result the Indigenous Australians now have more equality in terms of the laws within Australia and the Constitution. The Redfern Address in December 1992 by Prime Minister Paul Keating was another step forward for Australia and Indigenous Rights. Keating truly connected with Indigenous Australians, making a speech to the Indigenous community of Redfern, NSW, openly and boldly admitting that Australia was to blame for the suffering of Indigenous Australians. He acknowledged on behalf of the country, the responsibility for the injustices done to Australia’s indigenous peoples. Additionally, February the 14th 2008 saw an incredible event in history for the development of Australia as a country, in accordance to Aboriginal rights, as well as being a huge importance to the Indigenous people. In Parliament, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd officially offered a broad apology to all Aborigines and the Stolen Generations for their â€Å"profound grief, suffering and loss†. He said there came a time in history when people had to reconcile the past with their future, and that as a country â€Å"we apologize. † Since recognizing the wrongs of our country, Australia has developed in accordance to Indigenous Rights. Indigenous Australians hold the status of original peoples of this land. By the Australian Government, laws now state that Indigenous Australians have the rights to: – A distinct status and culture, which helps maintain and strengthen the identity and spiritual and cultural practices of Indigenous communities, – The right to self-determination, which is a process where Indigenous communities take control of their future and decide how they will address the issues facing them, and – The right to land, which provides the spiritual and cultural basis of Indigenous communities. Although it is evident that Australia has moved forward as a country in terms of accepting and recognizing the rights of Indigenous Australians, we do have room to move even more forward. Australia still has room for improvement and further development- we are not fully satisfied and have not yet fully achieved development when it comes to Indigenous Australians. From the time they first arrived in Australia, the white settlers had attempted to ‘civilise’ the Aboriginal people. The impact of the white settlers changed their lives, and the lives of future generations, forever. The drastic effects we had on Indigenous Australians are still there. And even though Australia now accepts Indigenous people as equal citizens, they still appear to be underdeveloped. The intervention was wrong in the first place, because there was no negotiation and understanding towards the Indigenous culture. However it is too late now to walk away, attempting to create peace when harm has been done. Australia should assist in areas of Indigenous welfare, education and health, and should also continue educate white Australians to maintain a deep respect towards the Aboriginal culture, the original owners of our land.

Evaluate The Circumstances In Which Pluralism Will Develop Essay

Pluralism is a system of government that allows and encourages public participation so the state can satisfy the needs of the people. This is achieved through a multitude of organisations, such as pressure groups, trade unions, environmentalists and civil rights activists, seeking to influence the making of laws and policies. It ensures that power is dispersed rather than concentrated within a select few and enables minority groups to voice their opinion. If Pluralism is to develop, it can’t be possible for a single group to dominate. Political force exerted by one group will be counteracted by equal and opposite political force exerted by other groups. For that reason, there are multiple centres of power and authority, as opposed to one where the state controls people’s actions. This encourages political participation as everyone can exercise influence over decision makers. An example of this would be Medieval Europe where the Monarchy and Church were co-equal rulers in their different spheres. In democracies, people vote for representatives and in the UK, MPs have this role. If the majority don’t like what their representatives are doing, they can vote them out of office at elections. This means representatives have to act in a way which satisfies the majority. But our electoral system often produces representatives who are unrepresentative because only those voters who voted for the winner are represented by their member of parliament. Another problem is that this system doesn’t allow voters to influence specific issues. Therefore people then join interest groups such as pressure groups. These are a vital for the growth of a pluralist political system. Robert Dahl saw that pluralism responded to a high degree of industrialization. Therefore it’s highly unlikely that a pluralistic democracy would be seen in developing nations, where people are undernourished, uneducated and illiterate and as a result unable to participate. The aim of pluralism is to set limits on the power of the rulers over the community. This is achieved by agreeing certain rights and liberties which the rulers can’t infringe. Therefore there is a requirement for checks and balances to occur on the relationship between the state and the individual to allow pluralism to develop. Freedom of association is a necessary condition of political pluralism so that opposition is able to occur within the public domain of the media. This is usually prohibited in totalitarian states, as seen under Hitler’s regime when he banned trade unions and suspended the right to assemble. When individuals are given that freedom though, they tend to form into groups. These are needed to assert individual interests and in turn acquire political power. This could be used to change a governmental policy in a way that advances the interests of the group’s members. Therefore, while a single individual is basically powerless when it comes to changing state policy, the coming together of several individuals presents a more challenging contender. The pluralistic political model is one in which groups are used as a means to vindicate the interests of its members rather than dominate other groups as the latter encourages tyranny. Citizens are therefore organised into a variety of interest groups that must bargain with each other for the influence over government. This competition between groups is precisely what ensures that the key characteristic is maintained – no group dominates as power is openly competed for. In order for Pluralism to grow, the state must act as a mediator in the political process when responding to the demands of all segments of society and distributing policies in such a way that all of the groups have some influence on government strategy. Ideally the government should intervene to help the weaker groups and that they consider alternatives in order to meet national interests. This means that the people within society need to be open-minded and show tolerance towards the ideas of others. In conclusion, there are many basic conditions necessary for pluralism to develop, including fundamental freedoms such as free speech, a free media and fair elections. Yet the key requirements appear to be a genuine toleration of other people’s beliefs and interests, as well as the ability to form into groups such as trade unions and pressure groups which stand for all the different interests of the population. The collective power of these associations representing different interests provides a counter to the tyranny of the state and that of the majority.

Jubilee Line Extension Project Management Assignment

Jubilee Line Extension Project Management - Assignment Example There are certain principles of project management that are significantly applicable in the current project. These include the commitment principle and the success principle, wherein every stakeholders of the project should have the commitment for the successful completion of the project. Another principle of project management includes strategy principle, wherein planning is considered as the most important and primary step. Moreover, thread off principle of project management is considered as the combination of both commitment principle and success principle. Another principle includes the control principle, wherein the prime importance provided to the policies and procedures of the project. Single point responsibility is a common phenomenon in most of the projects in which an individual is responsible for every aspect of the project. Furthermore, another principle of project management is the cultural environment principle. In this regard, planning of projects, execution and other s are aligned with the community environment and environment law.Determination of the viability of a project is highly important. This is because it assesses the success of the project. Moreover, it also determines the worth of investment made towards completing the project within a specific period. This assessment of the performance of s project is evaluated through two techniques. These include Net Present value (NPV) and the Return on Investment (ROI). The NPV value for project A is calculated as (Â £ 108,952.31).

Raising prices enhances wine sales Research Paper

Raising prices enhances wine sales - Research Paper Example Hypothesis generation is considered to be the most creative task within a research (Salkind, 2010, p. 1253-1254). The null hypothesis and alternative hypothesis of this research study are mentioned below: Based on the research problem and the designed hypothesis in this study, it can be said that the two major variables that can be considered in this case are the price and demand of wines. The increasing price increases the demand of wine; here the dependent variable is the demand while the independent variable is the price of wines. Another dependent variable is the satisfaction or level of pleasure of the respondents because the satisfaction level of the respondents also increased when they consumed a high priced wine (Nargundkar, 2003, p. 187-189). The wines were tagged with the price, which is the independent variable, and given to respondents for tasting. It was found that the respondents preferred more of the high price tagged wines; a MRI test was also conducted to monitor the brain activities. It was found that the respondents felt more satisfied consuming the high price tagged wines. There are certain extraneous variables which might have affected the study, but these are not included in the article. This can be even considered as the limitations of the study. The brand of the wine; age group; socio-cultural aspects, such as level of the respondents in the society; income level and habit are few important variables that affect the demand of wine (Malhotra, 2008, p. 228). In this experiment, the researcher has chosen a within subject design, as it can be seen that all the respondents in this research have undergone similar experiments. Here all the 20 respondents were allowed to taste similar wines and provide their inputs for the same. Firstly, within subject design is appropriate for small experiments. As the sample size of this experiment

Mutimedia System - Discussion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Mutimedia System - Discussion - Essay Example The productivity aspects center on the premise of bringing out more reasons for interactivity with the users so that the end goal would be to derive a benefit on the part of the people who make the best use of the very same. The aspects that are deemed as the good ones make use of the positives that are outlined as the significant ones from the aesthetics and user interaction perspectives. These aspects bring to light the notion of sound interactivity as well as maximum stay on the part of the users, which is also a very important yardstick for measuring the efficiency of the multimedia systems. The multimedia systems require hard work and proper planning by the designers who are usually doing their best to come out with a future looking outlook of the multimedia system. The bad aspects of multimedia systems depend a great deal on the way people perceive the very multimedia systems (Carroll 1996). Hence in order to understand what kind of multimedia systems would be seen as the effective ones, there is a need to comprehend what kind of solutions they are deriving for the sake of the users. If the solutions are tangible and the users feel stuck on to the designs for a long period of time, it is essential that aesthetics are kept a proper place within the mind of the designer when he is actually designing the very multimedia system. In essence it would be important to understand that the good use of the multimedia systems is essential as these offer maximum productivity and sound results, which is always taken in a very positive way. The bad use of the multimedia systems would mean that the product (the design itself) is not appreciated by the users and hence they would avoid such multimedia systems in the first place (Draper 1986). There is a proper need to adjust the time which a user would devote towards the multimedia systems so that the efficiency and effectiveness results could be achieved in a sound manner. Having said that it is also important that the

Management principle Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Management principle - Essay Example Leadership is essential in management as it spells out a clear vision that others work towards and formulates the strategies of realising that dream. Management can only be easy and effective if people work together and have the same purpose (Bolman, 2013:78). Efficiency holds time and task into consideration as activities in the organisation are undertaken while effectiveness focuses more on the impact of the activity or the result it has yielded. Efficiency is all about the cost and process under which the task was operated while effectiveness is about the result the activity has produced. In the modern society it would be better for an organisation if it can have both efficiency and effectiveness in its operations but if both can’t be achieved the ‘effectiveness’ is much preferred. This is because in these modern times no one would want to rush things over and end up with a poor result. It would rather be a little bit slow but produce real results. Saving cost should only be if the result is guaranteed and that the reason why technology is expensive but it guarantees good results (Chermack, 2011:55). Centralisation and decentralisation are two opposing business structures based on power to make decisions. In centralised organisations, directives and decisions to the conduct and activities in that organisation are made by a single individual probably the business proprietor like in tiny business while decentralisation is the vesting of power to make decisions and provide management directives on different people in the company such as the departmental managers among others (Chermack, 2011:44). This structural outline varies depending on the business or company. Formal planning is the clearly lucid and well thought-out and prepared ideas about individual or organisational objectives and precisely spelt out methods and procedures of achieving them

Scientific Concepts and Methodologies Lab Report

Scientific Concepts and Methodologies - Lab Report Example This paper explores the various microorganisms that are detrimental to human health and the biochemical potential that enables them to pose such dangers. Ascertaining and knowing the microorganisms that are associated with water are very important in the sense isolation of the bacteria will allow for the study of their biochemical tests and a remedy for their infection. The understanding of the biochemical nature of the microorganisms will also enable appropriate water treatment to ensure that they are safe for consumption. Bacteria are one of the microorganisms that are known to be extensively found in water. As Wearing clearly put it in his book’ Bacteria: staph, strep, clostridium, and other bacteria’ (2010), bacteria are ubiquitous and have fast means of propagation; budding, binary fission being the most frequent one. Bacteria can be classified in many classes depending on their morphology and, biochemical tests. Almost all classification of the bacteria starts with the Gram test. This test helps categorize bacteria in two wide groups; the Gram positive and negative. Depending on whether they are positive or negative necessitate further classification into streptococcus and staphylococcus as well as bacilli and others which are bacteria of unique morphology and biology (Schink, 2000). The bacteria known to be found in water are the Escherichia coli and salmonella species. E.coli is found in the human gut and other warm blooded animals. They are generally rod shaped and are gram-negative. These microorganisms are found in the human body as the normal flora and are known to be harmless to the body. Interestingly, there are serotypes of the bacteria that are quite harmful and are pathogenic to human. They are able to cause serious devastating gastrointestinal infection. This is the serotype coded E. coli 0157:H7 (McArthur, 2006). It is contracted through eating or drinking

American Government Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

American Government - Research Paper Example ticle handling the roles of the house and the senate, the second article providing for the powers and responsibilities of the president, the vice president and the departments, while the third article caters for the duties and authorities of the federal and the supreme courts. The system of checking the powers is enhanced through having one arm of the government limit the powers of the other. The system of checks and balances can be demonstrated by the nature of relationships between these arms of the government. The executive is authorized to constitute the judiciary through having the president appoint judges. The legislature on the other hand is mandated to approve or disapprove the appointments made by the president. This way, there is a participation of each arm of the government in such decision making, ensuring that no arm exercises excessive powers over the others (Kilman and Costello, 56). The other nature of a relationship is that while the legislature, through the congress passes a law, the executive, through the president can veto such a law (Kilman and Costello, 58). Further, the judiciary can rule on the unconstitutionality of a law passed by the legislature, but the legislature can avert this through initiating the amendment of the constitution to suit such laws, if deemed necessary for the state. Thus, the separation of powers ensures that each arm is acc ountable to the others and by extension the whole republic (Kilman and Costello, 79). The process of passing a bill into a law includes the introduction of such a bill by the congress. The bill can either emanate from the senate or the house of representative, with the person introducing it becoming the sponsor (Kilman and Costello, 107). The introduced bill is then passed on to a selected committee of the senate or the house, depending on the nature and the rules of the process, for consideration. From here it can be passed on to subcommittees for further review. The next stage after the

Liverpool Old Cathedral as a magnificent architecture Assignment

Liverpool Old Cathedral as a magnificent architecture - Assignment Example The focus in this paper is on Liverpool Old Cathedral. The single tower structure was not the original design proposed by Giles Gilbert Scott who was the winner of the design competition organised by the authorities of Liverpool for the cathedral. Scott family was a family of architects. He was barely twenty two years old when he submitted the original design for the cathedral which had twin towers and not a single tower as it is now being seen with. As the architect was an articled student and it was his first commission at such young age, the management decided to appoint Bodley who was a senior architect and one of the judges of the competition of which Scott was the winner. However the joint commission theory left Scott frustrated to a large extent. The work had begun in the year 1904 and Bodley had several other commitments going on at the same time as well. Bodley was not able to give undivided attention to the construction of the cathedral which created problems for Scott. Sco tt decided to give up on the commission and resign form the job when in the year 1907, Bodley’s sudden death forced him to stay on. Scott was now single in charge of the project and although management doubted his decisions several times never thought of appointing a co-architect. They trusted Scott and his vision of the cathedral. In the year 1910, Scott presented the committee his revised plan of architecture which consisted of single tower unlike the original design. The committee was shocked initially and asked Scott to present more detailed plans. Upon his presentation the changes were agreed upon and the work commenced. The most unusual feature of the history of cathedral’s construction is that it has witnessed 74 years of British history, which includes the golden era and the two world wars. It also witnessed bombing of previously constructed part and needless to say in the times of labour scarcity had tough times to reconstruct the cathedral. It was only assura nce from the royal family as well as the authorities that the construction continued and eventually got completed. This is the fifth longest cathedral of the world and second largest cathedral of England. Features of Liverpool Old Cathedral The common features of any cathedral construction comprise: 1. Chapter House – Which is also the office of dean and chapter where decisions regarding running of the cathedral are taken. 2. Cloisters – Cloisters are rectangular pathways which surround the central garden or greenery. This is used by the occupants

Personal Journal Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Personal Journal - Assignment Example , I read more textbook concepts of entrepreneurship that made me realize how my idea would be a combination of both the lifestyle firm and entrepreneurial firm in the 21st century. Whereas the restaurant aspect has and provides value for the customers, the customer interaction aspect will allow people the opportunity to live out their fantasies or try something they cannot do on their own without the risk. On sixth of January 2014, I watched the Shark Tank program, after which I became very passionate about entrepreneurship, getting many insights on how to launch successful upstarts in the highly competitive business environment today. I also read a fantastic article in the November issue of INC. Magazine, concerning how to build the right organizational culture within an entrepreneurial firm; I would definitely apply some of these principles in my business since a positive workplace culture promotes business performance while enhancing value for customers accordingly. In addition to that, I also read an interesting article in November about the Fast Company that implemented the â€Å"iPourIt† self-service draft beer system with the RFID wristband that keeps track of pours. This system is a brilliant idea of saving in bars by getting rid of ‘over-pours’ that often arise due to bartenders tipping beer out of heady glasses while allowing customers to self-serve. The saved â€Å"over-pours† could amount to great saves in revenue per year thereby promoting business by adding profits; such a phenomenon system would greatly boost my entrepreneurial idea of business since it also does adopt the self-service concept. I am interested in working for myself and being independent financially without having to depend on upkeep from my parents or on employment by working for others; I am passionate about social networking because it enables me to make connections with my old contacts to establish new ones through the friends I already have. Social networking enables me to

Police Department Roles and Functions Essay Example for Free

Police Department Roles and Functions Essay There are many various functions of police agencies. Patron, traffic, juvenile services, intelligence and undercover, and special operations are just some of the various functions of police agencies. There are many differences between the functions of the police agencies and the federal, state, and the local levels. There are reasons of why you need to have various functions and roles of policing in any community. There are a few various functions of police agencies such as patrol, traffic, juvenile services, intelligence and undercover, and special functions. There are many functions of the patrol and consists of protecting the lives of people and their property, repression of criminal and delinquent behavior, identification, apprehension and conviction of offenders, traffic flow, collision reduction, maintenance of order and public safety. Patrol functions are a major part of policing agencies. Traffic functions consist of identifying potential traffic problems and hazards, arresting offenders, investigation property damage and personal injury automobile accidents, regulating parking on the streets and municipal buildings (Grant Terry, 2008). Traffic functions keep the roads safer and make things flow better for traffic. Juvenile services are there to help juvenile offenders go to counseling and counseling for the juvenile’s families. There are also programs that can help juveniles learn about drugs, alcohol, abuse and gangs. There is a program called (D.A.R.E) Drug Abuse Resistance Education. (GREAT) Gang Resistance Education and Training is another program that is used to inform the youth group about the negative impact of gangs. Intelligence and undercover is where officers go and use a different identification so that they can get closer to suspects or fugitive or get evidence (Grant Terry, 2008). They may have to live in different places and dress as complete different people then who they are so that they can  fit in to the environment they are trying to get close to. The last function is the special operations that consist of S.W.A.T and the canine unit. The S.W.A.T stands for special weapons and tactics and they functions are dealing with high risk law enforcement such as hostage situations and arresting people that are armed and dangerous suspects. The canine unit is having a police dog that helps on searches. Searches could be consisting of drug investigations, tracking and searching for victims or suspects, vehicle searches, and searching of buildings (Grant Terry, 2008). The police agency functions differ from the federal, state, and local level. The federal has two main functions that split into a few different functions. The Homeland Security and Department of Justice have many functions. The Homeland Security has the Bureau of Customs and Border protection (CBP) and this helps make sure that people and cargo are crossed borders legally and safely. Bureau of Immigration and Custom Enforcement known as (ICE) works with the smuggling of drugs and weapons. It also helps remove illegal immigrants that should not be across the borders. ICE also helps protect and secure federal buildings. FEMA is the Federal Emergency Management Agency and their goal is to help prevent man-made disasters from destroying cities. FEMA also helps after man-made disasters happen with providing food, water, and shelter to the people that have homes that are destroyed or have no stores that have food remaining for them to eat or drink. Department of Justice has a few functions as well that are to help protect on a higher level than the police agencies. Drug Enforcement Administrators (DEA) deal with enforcing laws that pertain to controlled substances. The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) has many functions. They protect against any kind of terrorist attack against the country, foreign intelligence operations, cyber based attacks, public corruption, and white collar crimes. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) deal with the investigations of the trafficking of illegal firearms. The ATF also enforces federal laws that pertain to federal taxes on alcohol and tobacco (Walker Katz, 2011). The federal and the police agencies have many differences. The federal have more of a variety of different functions than the police agencies. The state does not have as many functions as the federal but still have functions that make a difference. The State has some functions that the police agencies also have. The State has different kind of  officers. There are State police and Highway patrol officers that patrol the highways statewide. They also have power to give traffic violations, criminal investigations, and arrest non traffic violators (Walker Katz, 2011). The police agencies also do a lot of patrol just like the state police. The local levels are a lot like the police agencies. They have municipal officers, county police and they hav e sheriffs that patrol city roads. They attend to more serious crimes that are committed in the city. The local level deals with order maintenance problems and emergency services (Walker Katz, 2011). The county police have the same functions as the municipal officers but can operate countywide. The sheriffs have more functions than the municipal officers and the county police. The sheriffs have to go to courts and deal with corrections. When it comes to the community all of the policing agencies are very important. There are many functions and roles that help keep a safe community. If there are limited policing agencies in the community it could raise the rate of crime, accidents, and deaths. With having the functions in the communities it helps make the people of the community feel safer knowing that the policing agencies are out patrolling the streets whether it is by foot, bike, car, or horse. Without having the functions of trafficking there would be more accidents on the roads or highways. If the juvenile services the younger generations may not have the resources to learn about awareness programs for drugs, alcohol, and abuse. They may not have the opportunity to change their lives by attending counseling to help better themselves. Without having undercover officers it would be a little harder to catch suspects before they actually commit a crime. Even though not all cities have the canine unit, the canine unit helps search for things that the human nose cannot detect as well as a dog can. The canine unit is a very big help for searches when victims are missing or are searching for drugs. There are many functions and roles for all police agencies no matter how big or how small the agency is. There are many differences between the police agencies and the federal, state, and local level. But there are also some functions that are the same. Without having functions of all the police agencies there would be more crime and accidents within the cities and states. Having as many functions in all the policing agencies makes this place a safer place for everyone. References Walker, S., Katz, C.M. (2011). The police in America: An introduction (7th ed). Grant, H.B., Terry, K.J. (2008) Law Enforcement in the 21st Century(2nd ed).

Key Theories Of Desistance From Crime Criminology Essay

Key Theories Of Desistance From Crime Criminology Essay When a criminal is able to stop the behavior that characterizes his or her criminal activities, the gradual process involved is what is termed as desistance. Apart from the fact that it has practical applications for probation workers with criminal offenders from the community, desistance also has a strong link and connection in the rehabilitation of a criminal. However, it is evident that theories of desistance when compared to the theories of the start of criminal behavior have not been fully researched on and expanded in the field of criminology (Smith, 2007). It is therefore a good sign when studies of desistance increase drastically especially since the last twenty years; this has been particularly noticeable after the formulation of the life course theory that was done by Sampson and Laub. But as Piquero (2004:103) explains, continued research has been significantly affected by methodological and theoretical issues. Moreover, theorists in the field have not been able to come up with a universal definition of desistance. Consequently this paper endeavors to create a workable definition of desistance and to furthermore give a preview of the updated main facts and theories of desistance. Understanding desistance Oxford Dictionary defines desistance as, to desist or to stop doing something; cease or abstain. Applying this definition to criminology is however a bit technical. The big question is usually about time, if a criminal is able to stop a certain criminal behavior for four weeks for example, is it correct to classify him or her as an accomplished case of desistance? What is the recommended time for one to be sure that he or she is free from the crime? Developing a clear definition of desistance therefore becomes quite an issue especially since it is not well understood whether or not relapse and recidivism are crucial in the study of desistance. The option of observing a criminals past behavior to best highlights his or her possible future behavior is also still not well structured (LeBel et al, 2004). Laub and Sampson (2001) as a matter of fact agree that a definition of desistance cannot be made, they support that the questions in a particular research best deduce the definition of d esistance for the researcher (cited in Maruna, 2006). According to Shadd Maruna, for a habitual offender, any recognizable time spent without doing any crime is called primary desistance. However studies on recidivism and relapse cannot be complete without an outline of achieving long term desistance. Maruna goes on to therefore state that secondary desistance is when a criminal is able to change his identity and take an almost permanent direction to a life free of the initial crime that was a norm in his behavior. Studying secondary desistance is important as it seeks to understand how initial offenders can be able to keep a distance from their crimes. Desistance is therefore not the final result of the end of a crime; it is actually the process that is gradual and continuous till the end result of successful desistance. Sampson and Laub (2001) acknowledge that there is a huge difference between the stopping an offence and the continuous change to a crime free lifestyle. They mark that as compared to theories of offending, desistance theories have not yet been fully studied and explained, however desistance is now understood as the procedure necessary for acquiring a n accomplished state of non-offence. It is important that a criminal who wants to change must be willing to change his or her self identity and concept to be able to grasp the full context of change. Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990) explain that on the contrary it is a common occurrence to find ex-offenders who have undergone desistance commit other acts of deviance, (cited in Sampson and Laub, 2003: 298). Desistance is therefore basically the ability of a former criminal to be able to completely withdraw from a crime and to maintain being in that state regardless of the challenges involved when trying to keep away. Some of these challenges are drug abuse and addiction, unemployment, few academic opportunities, social pressure and return to environments with high crime rates (Richards and Jones, 2004). Career criminals are those who have been criminal offenders for a considerably long period of time (Maruna, 2001). According to Laub and Sampson (2003), career criminals rather than small time offenders should be given more attention in researches on desistance. However another major problem in the study of desistance is the availability of completely successful offenders in desistance to the researchers in the field (Maruna, 2001; Burnett, 2004). Total desistance to many ex-offenders is quite a hard step as most of them usually end up going back to their initial criminal tendencies (Piquero, 2004). Addiction is a very significant factor that is more often overlooked yet its contribution to the whole process of desistance has a major impact on the ability of a criminal to completely change. It is therefore important to understand the connection between the two before arriving at a definition of desistance. From a number of researches it has been recognized that the link between addiction and criminal activities is actually very strong. A drug addict is therefore more likely to engage in crimes (Maruna, 2001). Moreover the cause of addiction and criminality are as a matter of fact very similar. Frisher and Beckett (2006:141) found that a large percentage of drug abusers are very active members in criminal gangs. Therefore, when defining desistance, it is necessary to note that the complete resistance of both criminal offending and drug abuse must be realized (Maruna, 2001). To achieve the purpose of this paper desistance can be described and defined as the initial process allowing quality desistance from drug abuse, criminality and other forms of deviance for an ex- criminal. Quality desistance in this case is the is the total termination of previous criminal behaviors together with other possible forms of deviance like drug abuse for at least ten years accompanied by a change in the identity of an individual. Desistance theories Ageing Age has been found to be a significant factor in criminology, as one grows older it is noted that their level of criminality greatly reduces. (Smith, 2007; Sampson and Laub, 2003; Gluecks, 1943; cited in Sampson and Laub, 2003; Gottfredson and Hirschi, 1990; cited in Sampson and Laub, 2003). In 2000 in the United Kingdom 19 year olds were found to have committed crimes fifty times more those which men of over fifty years had committed. According to research the total lifespan of a criminal is usually general considering factors like early deaths, imprisonment and when a criminal is evolving to avoid being detected (Maruna, 2006). In a research of 411 criminal males in London, Farrington (1990) realized that as the criminals grew older, their crimes reduced greatly with time but this however depended on different types of crimes (cited in Smith, 2007). For example, burglary is at its highest at age 20 while fraud and drug abuse offences record their highest at the age of 25 all the way to 30 as burglary sets on a steady decline afterwards. Nevertheless for the persistent hardcore criminals into their 70s, there was a clear connection between their age and their crime rates according to studies by Laub and Sampson (2003, 2005, 2005b). Furthermore they realized that alcohol and drug offences were their highest in the mid- thirties as compared to other offences. They finally came to a conclusion that both age and the type of crimes affect the whole process of desistance as well. However there have been different explanations to the not clear age crime curve. Developmental criminologists have been able to link the age of an offender and the capability of total desistance to childhood related issues. (Mulver et al, 1988; cited in Sampson and Laub, 2003; Nagin, 2005; cited in Sampson and Laub, 2005a) Offenders are therefore divided into two distinct groups, the adolescent and the persistent adult offenders. As a result it will be evident that in their late teens the adolescents will be able to grown out of crime and will be able to work on their social circles basically due to their education and good social integration skills. The adult offender however will find it very hard to terminate deviancy due to unsuccessful relationships, academic prospects and also due to their low cognitive capabilities (Moffitt, 1993; 1994; cited in Sampson and Laub, 2003). As a result of this theory, criminals are therefore grouped into two separate groups that are very different from each other due to childhood causes. And for any chance of desistance then one has to be in the right group. Sampson and Laub (2003; 2005a; 2005b) on the other hand are against that approach and explain that anyone can be successful in desistance irrespective of which group they fall in (2003:179). According to them childhood factors of offence do not determine desistance but instead help to explain the whole process of desis tance. Gottfredson and Hirschi have their views as well and point out that with the gradual process of growing old offenders usually find themselves stopping deviance (1995; cited in Sampson and Laub, 2003). They expound that for any organism there is always a stage of discontinuity that applies to criminology and the study of desistance and its links with age. Consequently, desistance becomes an expected phenomenon in the normal life of a criminal. Maruna (2001) however does not fully agree with this because according to him desistance, especially at the beginning, takes a huge amount of emotional, psychological and even physical effort and resources. Gluecks (1943) agrees with this too because he highlighted that desistance is from a change that comes with maturity, meaning, an offender gradually stops committing a crime (cited in Sampson and Laub, 2003). This process is more often evidenced after the age 25 when a criminal starts tiring and gets less involved with crime. This theory howe ver is not left out on the criticisms since it is claimed that it does not fully address the issue of age and its role in desistance (Maruna, 2001; Sampson and Laub, 2003). Acknowledging that age is a significant factor in desistance, Sampson and Laub (1992) further argue that the importance of turning points in life and social contacts is underestimated in the maturational reform (cited in Maruna, 2001). Life Course Theory A significant study on 500 men up to the age of 32 was carried in the 1930s and 1940s by the Gluecks (1943; cited in Sampson and Laub, 2003; 2005a; 2005b). Sampson and Laub later on in an impressive research followed up on 52 of these men and investigated on their criminal career to the age of 70. They found out that the causes of desistance and persistence are actually opposites, namely, deliberately productive agency, establishment of limits in social relationships and organized routine activities (Sampson and Laub, 2003; 2005a; 2005b; 2006). Their finding indicated that job stability, military service and marriage were able to positively contribute to achieving desistance. These turning points were realized in the process of desistance whereby an offender seeks to start a new life by changing location or even starting a new job like entering the military for example. This however does not necessarily involve starting over, sometimes these offenders work to gain back and maintain t heir original contacts like a job or a marriage in their quest to stop their criminal tendencies. Whichever path desistance takes these turning points often lead to: an elimination of the past chance for the growth and development of new social contacts that have a positive effect on an individual types of direct and indirect evaluation and observance of character planned routines with a central concern to family rather than peers circumstances allowing for change in identity and development of new scripts of a new self These factors, they explain are true and are not affected by the type of marriage and the crime life of an individual , though informal, parenthood and cohabiting have also been linked to successful desistance (Sampson and Laub, 2006; Katz, 1999). Individuals with none of these social bonds are also more able to stop offending because; in the end they do not lose anything. Rebecca Katz (1999:13) indicates that, families may play a significant role in developing desistance since family influences self control and delinquency. Life course theory emphasizes on the strong influence of the social environment to offending explaining that absence of criminal peers reduces the chances of an individual ever engaging in offences and in the end positive attitudes favoring change will grow (Warr, 1998; cited in Sampson and Laub, 2003). Life Course Theory contradicts the link between developmental theories in criminal careers and desistance. It agrees that adulthood experiences are essential as w ell but to some point more significant in establishing the possible trajectory of desistance (2003). Circumstances, structural set-ups and personal choices all work together to promote desistance. The theme that desistance is a systematic process that continuously gets renewed, underestimates the importance of research on personal encouragement and the influence of social environment (Sampson and Laub, 2003:171) Agency Yet another essential element that has been pointed out as key in achieving successful desistance is agency. (Burnett, 2004; Maruna, 2001; McNeill, 2006; Maguire et al, 2006; Maruna, 2001; Sampson and Laub, 2005 a). The theory of rational offence understands the fact that a criminal is able to make decisions based on his judgment of what is good or bad according to him in his crime life. Agency therefore works hand in hand with rational choice in the key decision making processes of a criminal. Agency is important since it assists in the overall process of making a rational choice. Furthermore, when the inconsistent prototypes of criminal activities are considered together with financial and familial challenges most criminal encounter the theory of rational choice cannot by its own back up volitions to desist (Burnett, 2004; Sampson and Laub, 2005b). In their study of the Gluecks men Sampson and Laub (2005a) discovered that agency was a necessary component in the process of desistanc e. There is more to the structural support in the process of desistance, agency is required to offer the determination and persistence part of the equation. Agency determines the will to keep moving on and only those who are persistent will be able to manage the whole process. Measuring the determination and charge to persist the whole process of desistance is quite a challenge and as a result creates yet another crucial factor in the concept of turning points (Maruna, 2001) (Sampson and Laub, 2005a:177). Moreover it is a quintessential component in the study of desistance and persistence in a criminal career that has however not been fully researched to date. In their research of the life course theory Sampson and Laub assert that they have been seeking to explain the importance of the human agency as an aid in understanding desistance and other deviance forms (2003:177). Knifing offà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸ ones past, has come out to be a vital element to describe the ability to be able to accomplish a successful desistance for some individuals. To achieve this voluntarily, agency is necessary since it is one of the most difficult things to do and needs a lot of determination. It is a process that is more often accompanied by cutting all past contacts and establishing new ones for example geographical location and family. Most importantly though, Maruna et al (2006a) explained that it can as well involve change from the inside, or a change in the way the offender thinks about him or herself, their past, and their environment. It is this positive change that motivates an offender to persist on and maintain desistance for longer (Maruna, 2001; Sampson and Laub, 2003; 2005a; Maguire et al, 2006). Contemplation time was found to be a crucial moment that assisted in creating a turning point to desistance according to a study by Margaret Hughes (1998). And it was found that the opportunity to contemplate came as a result of a change in geographical location, imprisonment and residential treatment programmes. Hughes participants found their desire to change develop when they removed from the usual environments and being able to get ample time for self actualization. Social identity Researchers have tried to explain the phenomenon whereby some individual are able to sustain long term resistance while others do not, and it has been discovered that apart from agency, an individuals self identity change is similarly necessary. When an offender creates a a different set of beliefs and perspective chances of maintaining desistance are normally guaranteed to some point (Burnett, 2004). That is why programs like the cognitive behavioral therapy and the 12 step that work to develop a change in personal identity are advocated for during incarceration (Maruna, 2001). Each and every individual, whether an ex-offender, offender or normal citizen has a unique self identity through which their actions are guided upon, it is therefore as a result of this mechanisms that give people the different circumstances they exist in. The significance of change in a criminal life is often subjectified by self-narratives (McNiell, 2006). More often though not a fact; self narratives have been of assistance when people seek to explain their actions. Narratives very often change throughout the life course and understanding narratives, helps individuals realize the significance of past and present events in our lives (Sampson and Laub, 2005a). In a desistance study in Liverpool, Shadd Maruna investigated the different self narratives of two distinct groups of offenders whereby one persisted and the other desisted, to account for the changes in ex-offender identities (Maruna, 2001). He was able to find out that both the desisting and persistent criminals actually had more or less the same personality characteristics and were not as agreeable and conscious as the general population. Self-narratives are the only components that divided the two groups after thorough interviews. Active offenders had what Maruna called a, condemnation scriptà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸ (2001), meaning, they saw life as an unfortunate abyss of hostility and uncertainty. They believed that circumstances had pushed them to their present situation and there was nothing they could do to change things and that the authority pushed them even further away. Desisting ex-offenders on the other hand had a positive outlook on their past and present and this is what assi sted them to continue with their desistance process. It is this self-narrative that may be the tool needed for successful desistance. The past and present life of an ex-offender is often different and this is almost basically due to the self narrative (Maruna et al, 2007). This self narrative attaches a psychological component to the real facts of the past and creates a purpose and meaning in the life of an offender. This is what brings about the positive outlook and assists in achieving desistance. In a study focused completely on religious changes of rehabilitated offenders, Maruna et al discovered that their self-narrative was interestingly altered after changing their religious beliefs (Maruna et al, 2006b). As a result the importance of this self narrative is once more highlighted as it helps an offender realize that the past can be changed and that the future has a hope even for those in long sentences. The offender is therefore able to have a new sense of identity, empowerment, purpose and forgiveness. The self narratives of most offenders in the desisting group have a common characteristic Maruna describes as, the redemption scriptà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸ (2001). This is basically the belief that an offender is a good person and that his or her past was merely as a result of circumstances of crime, recidivism and addiction. As a result of this, the offenders are able to endeavor to live new lives as they continue in with their desistance. They are then able to view themselves as role models with the necessary knowledge and experience to advice and educate the next generations, something Maruna calls, Making Goodà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸. The major difference therefore between the desisting offenders and the persistent ones is the positive energy they surround themselves with. Confidence and self belief are as a result pointed out to be essential qualities as they guide an offender to understand that their past was a necessary component for them to be where they are at the present. This redemptive narrative helps them realize that they are not their past and that their future is what that matters. The acknowledgement of a supreme power beyond them has also been a contributing factor in the lives of these offenders. This is because they realize that their past might have been a plan to give them the positions they hold in the present, like being counselors and youth leaders. This moral superiority and change from the past, according to Maruna, is to make up for long stretches of lost life. During desistance according to Stephen Farrall some offenders undergo long periods of creating new social identities (2006:85). However much these offenders change, it is not forgotten that they acknowledge they are responsible for their criminal past. Ideologies that ex-offenders feel responsibility and burden from their past crimes are actually not evidenced by researches (Maruna, 2007). Successful offenders in desistance often admit to the guilt of their past but they however rationalize their actions and justify or blame themselves and accept that circumstances might have pushed them to criminality. Sometimes however they do not accept their actions and believe that the society pushed them to crime. This however does not cultivate the necessity of an ex-offender to acknowledge the wrongs from past life rather than putting blame on the society and the initial environment (Maruna, 2001). The Liverpool Desistance Study prove that a concurrent characteristic of the redemption script is an offender accepting to take control of changing his future however they do not acknowledge their past crimes. However a concurrent observation is made that most candidates of successful desistance accept responsibility for their past and future and have the will to persist the challenges they will face. Maruna (2001:88) consequently gives the summary of the desisting persons narrative as: development of inner beliefs that truly describes an individuals personality a positive look at an individuals capability of changing in the future the purpose driven enthusiasm of giving back to the community particularly the next generation Life-Course-Persistent and Moffit Adolescence Deviance: Groups of Development Moffitts (1993) concept of dual taxonomy of offending similarly tries to explain the processes of desistance and persistence. Moffitt (ibid) outlined that offenders can be grouped into two; adolescent limiteds and life persisters. Moffitt proposes that the two groups are different and unique from each other in their offence and desistance processes, with the life course persisters having a different aetiology to the adolescent limited offenders. It is explained that they may be suffering neurological problems that affects their cognitive and learning skills. This is therefore evidenced by poor social skills even in the family leading to the various forms of anti social behavior and poor self control Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990). Early signs of antisocial behavior are a common characteristic of life course persisters (for example under-age drinking, premarital sex) as a result they are often excommunicated from their initial societal setting because of poor behavior, development and social bonds. Early signs of antisocial behaviors like these are normally a clear indication of a persistent criminal career in the future. This will be in connection to the age graded theory meaning there patterns of crime will be different and theirs will be a continuous cycle of events of affected marriages, work, education and relationships. Moffitt continues to argue that adolescent limited are not affected by any neurological problems like life course persisters and are able to successfully develop their social networks and cognitive skills. Therefore the causal factors for their criminality are connected to the gap between social development, age and desires. Age for example prevents them from engaging in adult behavior like sex or drinking. As a result of deviance from their desires, they tend to associate with the life course persister leading to the growth of their deviance. However, due to their developed social skills and academic success they are likely to be able to change more easily if they choose desistance. This is because they will be able to depend on their strong social bonds for support. Maruna (cited Laub Sampson 2001) explains that as a result of giving more credit to dispositional rather than personality traits, the proper steps involved in discovering the consistency of criminality is achieved. Sampson and Laub note that when personality traits do not change gradually with time people are still more often capable of making a change. Researchers therefore have to examine other factors influencing personalities like personal strategies and self-perceptions Maruna (cited ibid). Narrative script There are two distinct narrative script types in the desistance literature that highlight how criminals really view themselves and their societal roles. For the persisters their script usually has a concurrent theme of condemnation. More often they blame external conditions like poor family relations and lack of education for their criminality. They generally have an external locus of control. In contrast the offenders who finally become successful in desistance have a redemption script. They are complete opposites of the latter and are fully responsible for their actions. As a result they make a positive choice to stop the crime by accepting rehabilitation programmes. They are described to have an internal locus of control. Factors that influence the particular narrative script that gets adopted by a criminal are majorly internal factors such as personality and genetics especially after rehabilitation. A higher chance of a redemptive script is noted to be as a result of intense rehabilitation. A probation workers relationship with an offender has also been linked to affect desistance. It is there important for these officers to have empathy skills that are crucial in the process of guiding an offender to desistance as they strive to be able to re-integrate back into the society. Relevance of desistance theory The desistance theory is relevant in a number of different applied and academic professions. The desistance theory to researchers may provide a foundation to be able to examine the different factors that contribute to the cessation of a criminal offence from a theoretical view. The desistance theory allows for a number of different crimes in history and their approaches like the Lombrosian biological positivism, to have consideration in the present society which has an evident difference in its ways of thinking. As a result criminology is more understood and its relationship with other disciplines like psychology, politics and social policy acknowledged. This will consequently allow the development of collaboration for a positive cause of reducing re offence rates. The desistance theory on a practical level has assisted the criminal justice system (CJS) to identify possible solutions to cases of reoffending of successful candidates of desistance through for example initiating community based sentences. This kind of programme is sure to gradually decrease the number of criminals in HM Prison Service institutions for short periods. Studies have shown that short-term sentences in prisons for example (those for less than six months) often lead to increased crime rates after release. This is well explained by the fact that these short-term prisoners to not undergo complete metamorphosis from not covering all the rehabilitation programs. Their exposure to the hard core criminals in the prisons who have been there for longer and have been experienced criminals also contributes to their overall change. In addition desistance theory assists in the continuous development of training programmes for the respective professionals responsible for working with ex-offenders in the community. For example the Probation Service (see Narrative script section, above). Controversies It is important for the general public to realize that desistance is achievable and takes time. Offenders should therefore not be viewed as bad people who cannot live with others even after rehabilitation programs. The public is therefore advised not to discriminate these groups of people in their society. Reintegration cases of offenders back into the society have always caused massive outrages by a large percentage of the public community. There are numerous related cases of such circumstances that have often been quite difficult and delicate to handle. For example in 2011, the case of the reintegration of Jason Owen, he had been imprisoned for allegedly taking part in the killing of Baby P (Peter Connelly) in 2007, and in 2011 he was the released after his sentence was over. The Sun newspaper immediately kicked off a campaign to find him. Readers were urged to write and report to the newspaper of any knowledge of his whereabouts. There was an article in the same newspaper that sent sentiments of outrage over the fact that the ex-convict had actually tried to find a job. This is a clear indication of how the effort of successful psychological research can be nullified by news reports in the popular media. This kind of outrageous reporting is especially a common characteristic of Tabloid newspapers. Their influence over the public is often impressive and they are as a result able to manipulate and affect the attitudes of the wider public towards their view of desistance and offenders. As a result of this, future recidivism is often developed gradually due to the ill-informed public. Newspapers then use this recidivism as proof of their initial correctness. Conclusion

Principles of Acid Base Balance

Principles of Acid Base Balance The purpose of this handout is to educate the student on basic principles of acid base balance. To give a systematic approach to interpretation and understanding of arterial blood gases and appropriate care for the patient who is having a blood gas taken. It is intended that the student will learn from this package but also be encouraged to source other material to broaden their understanding of acid base balance. It is intended that this learning packet will complement their experiences with help of an understanding mentor, who will assist them with questions raised both within themselves and within the book. An arterial blood gas measures the acidity of the blood, the levels of carbon dioxide and levels of oxygen. The blood is taken from an artery prior to the blood distributing the oxygen from blood cells to the body tissues. The values the gas will show are: Partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) this measures the pressure of oxygen dissolved in the blood Edwards (2009) say this can indicate how good respiratory system is functioning. This can indicate oxygen saturation and how well oxygen can move from the lungs to the blood Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) this measures how much CO2 is dissolved in the blood and how well it can move from the blood to the lungs (and out of the body). Foxall (2008) explains that co2 mixed with water turns in to carbonic acid that the lung must excrete to prevent an acidosis. Bicarbonate (HCO3) Bicarbonate is the form in which a large amount of acid is removed from the cells Schilling (2008) says about 70% is removed from tissues and bicarbonate can be measured as either actual or standard bicarbonate. The standard which is the more important value is obtained by using a PCo2 of 5.6 kPa as a reference for the amount of CO2 in the body. Base excess (B.E.) Springhouse (2008) explains that the base excess indicates the amount of excess or lack of bicarbonate in the circulatory system it can be a negative number indicating too much acid or a positive number indicating too much base. It normal range is -2 to +2 Introduction Skinner (2005) and Adam (2009) concur in that arterial blood gas analysis is an essential part of diagnosis and management a patients ventilation therapy and their acid base balance. Skinner continues to say the usefulness of this intervention is dependent on the ability of the health professional to analyse and interpret the individual aspects of the gas. The intention of this learning packet is to introduce the learner to the individual aspects of a blood gas, and there meaning. Additionally it hopes to show how to bring these values together to formulate a decision on the patients condition and suggest options for treatment. Common reasons for blood gas analysis are: To diagnose and assess existing lung function. To review treatment for lung disease and evaluate its effectiveness. To assess if extra oxygen is required for a patient or if further support is required (CPAP, BIPAP or PPV). To measure the acid base level in patients where it is compromised. Patient would include renal patients, patient with heart failure, severe infected patients uncontrolled diabetes or individuals who have taken an overdose. Preparing the patient. Explain to the patient that they are having a blood test from their artery. It is likely to be taken from a radial artery. Nettina (2005) Describes a test to assess the puncture site prior to puncture called the Allens test procedure. This will evaluate the blood circulation in the hand and whether it is appropriate to use the radial artery for puncture. The site will be cleaned with alcohol and allergy status permitting anaesthetic agents will be applied to reduce discomfort, and increase possibility of success. Dougherty (2008) suggests that the patient should be encouraged to breathe normally through the procedure and the doctor may ask for cessation of supplementary oxygen prior, to give a better understanding of the patients present condition. After the syringe is full, place gauze over the puncture site and apply pressure until bleeding has stopped. This may be some time if the patient is on blood thinners or has coagulopathy. Once bleeding has stopped apply a dry dressing but monitor for any further bleeding. After the procedure there is a possibility of bruising although the longer pressure is kept on the puncture site the lower the risk. Some light headedness or nausea may occur during or after the blood draw. On rare occasions the needle may damage the artery or a nerve causing it to become blocked. As a result care must be taken with the wrist once blood draw has taken place. How it feels Dougherty explains that collecting arterial blood from a patient is a procedure that is often painful. It is more painful than the routine venous phlebotomy your patient may be used to. There are a number of reasons for this, arteries are often deeper than veins and surrounded by nerves. Ideally the patient is given a local anaesthetic and the patient feels just a sting as the needle punctures the skin. Otherwise there is a sharp pain as the needle enters the artery. If the procedure becomes protracted either by the practitioner having difficulty finding the artery or the artery is narrow the pain may more than brief. It is important to note that both pain and fear would cause the arteries to narrow so reassurance is important and if the practitioner continues to have difficulty you must advocate on the patients behalf since fear would impact on future successful arterial blood gas collection. Questions What other sites could a patient have blood gases taken from? Can only arterial blood be used for blood gases? What values would be markedly different in a venous sample blood gas. Why would a patient emotional response make blood draw difficult how can we reduce the affects of this to cause a positive outcome What medications or disease process would make a patients bleeding time prolonged after sampling? Further reading Royal Marsden clinical procedures manual 2008, Dougherty etal Overview The measurement of a blood gas will show a pH value. PH is a value the can range from 1 to 14 and is a measure of acidity or alkalinity of a substance. Springhouse(2008)explains in the blood stream the pH value is inversely proportional to the number of hydrogen ions in the blood. The fewer ions the higher the number (alkalosis) and vica versa, more ions would mean a lower number (acidosis). A solution with a pH of 1 is acidic and a solution of pH 13 would be alkalotic. A solution of pH 7 is called neutral since it is in the middle, it is neither acidic nor alkalotic, and water has a pH of 7. Adams (2009) explains that the normal PH of the body ranges from 7.35 to 7.45. In order for normal metabolism to take place the body must maintain this fine balance at all times. He clarifies that if the pH level rises the blood is said to be alkalotic or acidic if it drops below 7. Hall (2009) says the ability of the body to function normally is impaired if the pH moves from these parameters. Hall also concludes that in acidosis the bodys response to medication is muted, cardiac function is impaired since contractility and vascular response to catecholamines is reduced. If the patients pH is raised then oxygenation is effected which interferes with neurological and muscle function. Adams points out that severe changes in pH that is above 7.8 or below 6.8 will interfere with basic cell function and respiration and if not corrected will result in death. Below is a discussion on how the body regulates this delicate balance. We will elaborate on the processes the renal and respiratory systems use to buffer the bodys processes to keep this fine balance. The respiratory buffer system Hinds (2008) explain that carbon dioxide (CO2) is a normal by product of cellular metabolism. Carbon dioxide is carried in the blood to the lungs where excess CO2 combines with water (H2O) to form carbonic acid (H2CO2) in the blood. The blood pH will change according to the level of this acid in the blood. This fluctuation triggers either a rise or fall in respiration until the level of CO2 is returned to the patients base line. Hinds explain that this system is fairly rapid and can be triggered in a short space of time a few minutes in most cases. The renal buffer system Henessey (2007) simplifies the metabolic system explaining that the kidneys also maintain acid base balance by the excretion or retention of bicarbonate (HCO3). As the pH rises HCO3 is excreted and in return as the pH decreases HCO3 is retained. Although an effective system the renal system is slow to respond to imbalances, requiring hours or days to attend altered pH. Questions If neutral pH is 7 why does the body require a mean of 7.4 a slightly alkalotic environment to operate? The notes above indicate the bodys response to catecholamines is muted what are these and why are they important? Normal values pH 7.35 to 7.45 PO2 11 to 13.3 kPa PaCO2 4.8 to 6.0 kPa HCO3 21 to 28 mmol/l Acid Base Disorders Respiratory acidosis. Henessy (2007) discussion on respiratory acidosis is defined as a pH less than 7.35 with a Pco2 greater than 6.0 kPa. This type acidosis is caused by a build up of CO2 which combines with water in the body to produce carbonic acid thus lowering the pH of blood. Driscoll (1997) says any condition that results in a reduction in ventilation can cause this type of acidosis. Head trauma, which has inflicted damage to the respiratory centre leading to respiratory depression. Sedatives, narcotics, neuromuscular blocking agents or anaesthesia, which can cause central nervous system depression. Impaired respiratory muscle function related to spinal cord injury or neuromuscular disease. Poor lung function such pneumothorax, pneumonia, atelectasis or bronchial obstruction. Hypo inflation due to pain chest injury or abdominal distension. Hasan (2009) simplifies the presentation of the signs and symptoms of respiratory acidosis are centred within the respiratory, cardiovascular and nervous systems. These symptoms can range from shallow breathing or dyspnoea to headaches or altered consciousness and irritability. If left unchecked these symptoms deteriorate towards drowsiness and coma. Increasing ventilation support will correct this type of acidosis. The specifics of how this will be done is dependant on the mode of insult to the respiratory system. Edwards (2009) suggests ventilator support could be oxygen via a face mask, non invasive ventilation (N.I.V.) or positive pressure ventilation (P.P.V.). If medications are inhibiting respiratory function then reversal agents can be deployed whilst supporting the patients respiratory needs. Pneumothorax and pain are problems that can be reversed promptly once the patients condition allows. Marino (1997) say that if the patients symptoms or condition, cannot easily be resolved then it may be appropriate to ventilate the patient mechanically. Commonly patients with respiratory acidosis are hypo ventilating, as a result they will benefit from supplemental oxygen but this only improves the quality of respiration; it does not in fact remedy the problem. Respiratory Alkalosis Respiratory alkalosis is defined as a pH greater than 7.45 with a PaCO2 less than 4.8 kPa. Any condition that causes hyper inflation can result in respiratory alkalosis. These conditions include, Pain Anxiety fear or panic Medications which stimulate the respiratory system Lesions in the brain affecting the respiratory centre Increased metabolic demands such as fever sepsis or pregnancy. Alkalosis will present cardiovascular or central nervous system disorder. Springhouse (2008) illustrates that presentations can be dysrhythmias and palpitations to numbness and confusion. Additional symptoms are dry mouth, blurred vision and titanic spasms of the arms and legs. To resolve the alkalosis the cause of the hyper ventilation must be attended to. These patients are at risk of suddenly deteriorating, they have tachypnea and must be supported to reduce fatigue. If they become tired their own ability to ventilate adequately will be impaired leading to respiratory failure. Questions What would be the signs and symptoms of a patient with a respiratory caused imbalance? Which kind of medications can cause an acidotic condition and what would be the reversal agents? In respiratory alkalosis why do patients suffer with tetany? What are the signs and symptoms of respiratory failure? Metabolic acidosis Metabolic acidosis is defined as a bicarbonate level less than 21mEq/L with a pH of less than 7.35. Schilling (2008) explains metabolic acidosis is caused either by a deficit of base in the blood stream or an excess of acids other than CO2. Excessive bowel action such as diarrhoea and intestinal fistulas may cause decreased levels of base. Increased acids can be caused by a number of factors such as: Renal failure Diabetic ketoacidosis Anaerobic Metabolism Starvation Salicylate intoxication Hall (2009) Signs and symptoms of metabolic acidosis are varied affecting numerous systems. The nervous system presents with headaches, dizziness leading to confusion or later coma. Dysrhythmias are common as conduction pathways are affected and low blood pressure due to desensitivity to catecholamines such as epinephrine. Marino (1997) elaborates to say the respiratory system will attempt to correct imbalances by breathing out more CO2. Kussmaul respirations these are deep and laboured breaths. In the gastro intestinal tract nausea and vomiting is noted as well as warm flushed skin. The Hinds (2008) says treatment of the metabolic acidosis is to resolve the cause, this invariably means an initial review of body systems and their function. By assessing each function and its efficiency, underperfused or hypoxic tissue beds can be identified. Hypoxemia can lead to generalised anaerobic metabolism, but hypoxia of a specific tissue bed will produce metabolic acids even if oxygenation (PaO2) is normal. To reverse this acidosis perfusion must be restored which in turn will cease the anaerobic metabolism. Hinds warns that other causes of metabolic acidosis should be addressed after the possibility of hypoxia and poorly perfused tissue beds have been resolved or ruled out. Metabolic alkalosis Metabolic alkalosis is defined as a bicarbonate level of 28mEq/L with pH greater than 7.45. Metabolic alkalosis obviously is the reverse of the previous condition deriving from an excess of base or a deficit of acid. Adam (2009) suggests that excessive base comes from ingestion of antacids, excess use of bicarbonate or lactate in dialysis. Low amounts of acid come from overuse of diuretics, gastric suction or protracted vomiting. It presents through neurological signs and symptoms varying from light headedness to seizures and coma or musculoskeletal symptoms of weakness, muscle cramps and tetany. Other associated signs might be nausea and vomiting and respiratory depression. This is a relatively uncommon presentation and presents a challenge in treatment. Bicarbonate can be stimulated thought the kidneys by drugs such as Acetazolamide but it is a protracted therapy. Severe cases I.V. administration of acids may be used Questions Which other value is closely linked with the metabolic state of the body? What does it signify? What signs and symptoms would a patient show who presented with a metabolic acidosis? In a very severe alkalosis state what I.V. acids could be administered? Steps to Arterial Blood gas interpretation There are simply 3 steps to interpreting a blood gas result and each must be done in order to prevent confusion and misdiagnosing your patient. The components are pH PaCO2 and HCO3 below are three steps and following are examples to assist you in interpreting them. Step One Review the pH initially is this normal or abnormal? If the pH is above 7.45 it is alkalotic if it is below 7.35 then it is acidotic. Step Two If the blood sample pH is altered then we must consider how this is being affected. Initially assess the PaCO2 this value will move in the opposite direction to the pH when there is a insult to the respiratory system. That is as the pH falls out of normal values the PaCO2 rises from its normal limits. The reverse is true if the PaCO2 falls then the pH will rise. Step Three The third step is to assess the HCO3 value. If there is an altered metabolic function the HCO3 will alter in a similar direction to the pH. As the HCO3 value rises so will the pH and as one decreases so will the other. Examples: Using the table above and your knowledge you have gained try and diagnose the problems below. Example 1 Mr Brown is a 72 year old man admitted with recent chest infection to the assessment unit. He is quite short of breath and has a strong cough his blood gas show the following information Patient: John Brown D.O.B.01:01:38 PH 7.30 PaCO2 8 HCO3 25 Step one, assess the pH is it normal? It is not, it is low therefore it is acidotic. Step two, assess the PaCO2 is it normal? It is not, it is raised which is the opposite direction of the movement of the pH. Step three, assess the HCO3, is that normal? Yes it is within its normal range. Reviewing the grid it can be seen the pH being low, the PaCO2 raised and the HCO3 normal shows a respiratory acidosis. Example 2 Maria 29, who has a long history indigestion and reflux, has come to the drop in clinic with vomiting unresponsive to her usual medications and cramp in her hands. A routine blood gas shows the information below. Patient: Maria Goode D.O.B.: 01:01:1981 pH 7.51 PaCO2 5.5 HCO3 35 Assess the pH, is it normal? It is high indicating alkalosis Assess the PaCO2 is it normal? It is normal Assess the HCO3 is it normal? It is raised, moving in the same direction as the pH. Looking at the chart above a raised pH and a raised HCO3 would indicate a metabolic alkalosis state Discussion on compensation So far we have only looked at a simple blood gas scenarios, with only one system failing. As Hasan (2009) indicates that often if one system fails or falls out of normal range altering the pH the second system will activate and work harder to compensate to bring the pH back in to normal limits. This activity is called compensation. Foxall (2008) describes that when a patient develops an imbalance over a period of time the body will naturally attempt to compensate. The lungs and the kidneys are the primary response mechanisms and so the body will try to resolve any metabolic or respiratory imbalance to return the pH to normal There are varying degrees of compensation initially uncompensated, an altered pH with only one value out of normal range. Partially compensated blood gas, an altered pH value with both values out of normal range. Compensated blood gas, a normal pH value with possibly both values out of range. Previous examples we looked at were simple uncompensated blood gases. Now lets look at more advanced gases such as partial compensation. To review these gases as before break the interpretation down in to three simple steps Assess the pH, is the gas acidotic or alkalotic Assess the PaCO2; is the PaCO2 a normal value? As reviewed before respiratory imbalances will move the pH in the opposite direction to which the PaCO2 moves when causing a primary imbalance. If the PaCO2 is moving in the same direction that is either increasing, or decreasing in value, then this would be a compensatory behaviour and it would indicate the primary insult is coming from the kidneys (metabolic). In a compensatory environment a decreasing PaCO2 would show the lungs are buffering by excreting excess acid by blowing off Co2 in order to equalise the balance of acids and return the pH to normal. Conversely a raised pH and raised PaCO2 would indicate a buffering response by the lungs which would reduce acid excretion in an effort to return to homeostasis. In summary, if there is evidence of compensation, but the pH has not yet arrived back into normal limits then it is only partial respiratory compensation. Assess the HCO3. In our original uncompensated examples the pH and the HCO3 moved in the same direction when the primary insult was metabolic. Following our discussion above in compensatory behaviours the values will work counter to their normal presentation. So if the pH is decreasing when the HCO3 is increasing or decreasing when the pH is increasing this is a compensatory action therefore the primary insult is a respiratory one. The kidneys will hold on to or release HCO3 in response to the abnormal pH to equalise the acid in the body to return the bodys pH to normal The essential difference between these two states is that they are on a journey towards normal from possibly uncompensated , to partially compensated, to fully compensated environment (normal pH). The body is always trying to correct the imbalance however successful, but the body will never over compensate. As can be seen from the above table the pH in fully compensated states is normal. Knowing which side of 7.40 will help in determine the original imbalance that is now compensated. More technical questions Example 1 A patient enters the AE who is known to the renal team. He has been having dialysis 3 times a week for a year but missed his last appointment. He is complaining of being unwell. A Routine blood gas show the following results Using the same 3 steps we have used before: Patient : George Philip D.O.B. : 01:01:50 pH 7.31 PaCO2 3.9 HCO3 18 Is the pH normal? The answer is no it is low therefore it is acidotic Is the PaCO2 Normal? No this is also low. If the PaCO2 was causing the primary insult we would expect it to move in an opposite direction to the pH in this case it is not. We must conclude therefore that the primary insult is metabolic and the paCo2 is out of range in a compenstatory role. The lung are excreting CO2 to reduce the PaCO2 whereby return equilibrium and return the pH to normal. Is the HCO3 normal? It is not it is low moving in the same direction as the pH. Therefore confirming what has already been said that the primary problem is metabolic. If you review the tables above it can be seen that the primary problem is metabolic but the full diagnosis would be a partially compensated metabolic acidosis Example 2 A lady walks in to her local surgery complaining of shortness of breath she is a long term smoker. A routine blood gas shows the following results Patient: Jane OBrien D.O.B. : 01:01:62 pH 7.35 PaCO2 7.2 HCO3 29Assess the pH is it normal? Yes it is, but the low side of neutral Assess the PaCO2 is it normal? No it is raised an acidotic condition. If this is the primary problem we would expect the pH to move in opposite direction to the PaCO2. Assess the HCO3 is it normal? No it is also high which is representative of an alkalotic state. Although the pH is normal both elements are out of range showing there is full compensation being achieved. The pH is lower than 7.40 which shows it is moving in the opposite direction as the HCO3 which show the initial insult was respiratory and that the kidneys are compensating by retaining bicarbonate Her arterial blood gas would be interpreted as fully compensated respiratory acidosis Example 3 A 42 year old man on the surgical unit with history of bowel obstruction has had N.G. on free drainage has become unwell. Routine labs were sent and the blood gas below: Patient: Tom Jones D.O.B. : 01:01:47 pH 7.44 PaCO2 7.1 HCO3 34 Is the pH normal? Yes Raised within normal limits Is the PaCO2 normal? No this value is also raised, so therefore even if this is a fully compensated state it was a metabolic imbalance in origin. Is the HCO3 normal? No this is raised with two value out of range and the pH with in normal limits this is fully compensated gas with the pH raised in normal limits and the HCO3 raised this was an initially a metabolic alkalosis This is a fully compensated metabolic alkalosis. Example 4 David has arrived from a nursing home with altered consciousness into the AE department. His initial labs showed a raised white cell count and this blood gas was taken Patient: David Hawcroft D.O.B. : 01:01:72 pH 7.32 PaCO2 8.2 HCO3 32 Is the pH normal? No it is low therefore it is acidotic. Is the PaCO2 with in normal limits? No it is raised which indicates that respiratory system is causing the primary insult. Assess the HCO3 is that normal? No this is raised also indicating that because it is moving in an opposite direction to the pH it must be in compensation, confirming the insult is respiratory in nature. Since both elements are out of normal limits there is evidence of compensation but since thepH is not achieved normal values it is considered only partial compensation, so this gas is a partially compensated respiratory acidosis Primarily this book has been to discuss the relationship between respiratory and renal systems is maintaining the bodys acid base balance. Arterial blood gases are used also to interpret blood oxygenation using the Po2 value. This value indicates the partial pressure of oxygen, the ability of oxygen to bind to haemoglobin and transfer to tissues, this ability can be affected by the acid state of the body. Below is a discussion on the Oxyhemoglobin Dissociation Curve which is a graph that plots the behaviour of oxygen in the blood comparing saturation against partial pressure and how acid base can affect it. Oxyhemoglobin Dissociation Curve The Oxyhemoglobin curve is a tool used to show the relationship between oxygen saturation and Pao2. Marino (1997)points out that the strength at which oxygen binds to the haemoglobin can vary depending on the disease state of the body. This in turn can affect the oxygenation of tissue beds or end organ perfusion. Adam(2009) simplifies the principle explaining that oxygen can bind too tightly which would which would inhibit of transfer of oxygen to tissues that needed oxygen or alternatively not bind tightly enough an oxygen is lost before it reaches these target cells. This relationship between the affinity of oxygen and the saturation is illustrated below with the Oxyhemoglobin curve. As mentioned above there are a number of conditions or states than can affect this relationship essentially moving the graph left or right. A fever, acidosis or elevated PCo2 levels can cause reduced adhesion of the O2 molecule therefore the graph and its values appear to move to the right (A right shift). Where as if the body is alkalotic, hypothermic or a low PCo2 the graph will shift to the left which would indicate the blood is failing to release the oxygen through increased affinity The curve can be used to assess Pao2 if the oxygen saturation is known. Shown in the illustration is a person with a saturation of 82%. If the curve has not shifted then that persons Pao2 would be 51mm Hg. A value of 80mmHg could indicate hypoxemia. Correction of the patients oxygen level may be facilitated by improving oxygen delivery and resolving conditions affecting the curve. Revision Questions What number indicates extreme acid on the pH scale? What is the range for pH in the blood? The kidneys compensate for acid base imbalances by excreting what substance? Which A.B.G value indicates an excess or insufficiency of sodium bicarbonate? What two values are compared on the Oxyhemoglobin curve? Interpretation revision pH 7.33 PaCO2 8.0kPa HCO3 31 pH 7.49 PaCO2 5.9 kPa HCO3 34 pH7.37 PaCO2 5.3 kPa HCO3 25 pH 7.44 PaCO2 4.0 kPa HCO3 16 pH 7.27 paCO2 5.5 kPa HCO3 15 Further reading Mays DA (1995). Turn ABGs into childs play R.N. 58:1: 36-40 Foxall Kesley (2008) Arterial Blood Gas Analysis: an easy learning guide M K Publishing Keswick Cumbria U.K.

Essay --

Drew Rivera English 4 Ms. R. Crow December 11th, 2013 NSA spying, what is it and how can we stop it? The National Security Agency was created in 1952 through a top secret memorandum signed by President Truman. At the time of its creation, the NSA was secretive, with only a few members of Congress knowing about it. Existence of the agency had been a deep secret until it was unveiled in a Senate investigation called the â€Å"Church Committee† in 1975 (2nd Source Title: Timeline of NSA Domestic Spying). The Committee uncovered illegal domestic spying by the NSA, and recommended it make reforms, this was one of the earliest incidents / scandals for the NSA. Prior to that, in 1973 the Supreme Court ruled that warrants are required and that the NSA are to provide the names of all US citizens and residents it wished to monitor. After 9/11, President Bush ordered the NSA to eavesdrop without court approved warrants technically breaking breaking previously set â€Å"rules† on domestic spying. Leaked reports from whistleblower and former NSA contractor Edward Snowden, claims the NSA reviews millions of phone records collected by Verizon (source title: NSA said to be spying on millions of Verizon users.), does this sound legal to you? The NSA collects and keeps record of calls made in the U.S., this includes the phone number of the telephone that is receiving and making the call, and the duration of the call. This is known as â€Å"metadata† it doesn’t include a recording of the call. This information was discovered through a leaked secret court order, that states Verizon is to turn over all information meeting this criteria every day. Phone Companies including AT&T and Sprint, are also said to be giving up records to the NSA on a daily basis. All of... ...vering information about the programs. In that sense, the supposed â€Å"Congressional oversight† seems more like an illusion of accountability. The NSA claims its mission for domestic spying is â€Å"simple† that they are here to : collect, process, and store U.S. citizen data for the good of our nation. They NSA further elaborates that they cope with the overload of information we have in our country and use it to their strategic advantage. This in turn, helps them find new ways to detect, report, and respond to all domestic threats. â€Å"We work through you. For you. For our Nation.†(Source:http://nsa.gov1.info), this means they are trying to justify that spying on civilians is being done for the good of our nation. Though they claim this is for the sake of our nation, does this violate any previously set laws that are in the constitution or amendments in the Bill Of Rights?

Essay --

Succinimidyl-4-(N-maleimidomethyl) cyclohexane-1-carboxylate (SMCC) is a non-cleavable and membrane permeable crosslinker. It contains an amine-reactive N -hydroxysuccinimide (NHS ester) and a sulfhydryl-reactive maleimide group. NHS esters react with primary amines at pH 7-9 to form stable amide bonds. Maleimides react with sulfhydryl groups at pH 6.5-7.5 to form stable thioether bonds The staining procedure starts by placing the slides in a slide rack, immersed in a staining dish containing PBS and incubated for 5 min. PBS was removed from slides by tipping the slides and allowing the PBS solution to drip out. Residual PBS around the samples was also removed by gently absorbing the solution with Kim wipes without contaminating and damaging the samples. Diluted antibody solution (1/10 v/v in PBS) were directly inoculated to the regions encircled with wax pen and incubated for one hour without letting the sections dry. The slides were washed in PBS solution for 10 min. This step was triplicated. One drop of prolong) media as an antifading agent was applied to each section and covered with a coverslip to preserve the QDs from photobleaching during fluorescence microscopy experiments. The edges of the coverslips were sealed with nail polish to prevent drying. Slides were placed in a dark room and we waited until the nail polish dries at room temperature for 12 hours. They were kept for another 12 hours at 4  ºC in a refrigerator.A confocal laser scanning microscope (Zeiss LSM 710, Carl Zeiss Micro imaging GmbH, Germany) was used to visualize dough sample microstructure. Starch granules were identified by simple polarized light .The excitation wavelengths of the QDs were 405 nm for the reflection and 615 nm for the fluoresce... ...mages of are illustrated in figure for†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. The results showed that antibody-quantum dots conjugates successfully diffused into the 3D matrix and were bound to gliadins. Distribution and location of gliadin at different focal planes in each section were found to show similar patterns for a given mixing time. Gliadins were evenly dispersed in dough sections and typically localized in the center of the sections. This supports the observation and hypothesis that the mobility of gliadin due to its lower viscosity enables gliadin to diffuse to the inner sections of the dough along with all other parts of the sample. Intensities of gliadins at top and bottom stacks were relatively low compared to ones located at center. It might be because of optical sectioning of starch molecules found at top and bottom surfaces of sections play a dominant part in the imaging process.

Animal testing Essay -- Animal Testing

When it comes to animals and their rights, there is a definite line between our needs and our taking advantage of those species that we consider inferior. As long as man has existed he has been carnivorous, and the same holds true for many other species of animals. Animals are a necessity to humans for survival, whether it be for food, clothing, etc. However, the unnecessary torture of animals through testing is not a necessity for human survival. When it comes to the needless torture of animals that we claim to benefit, the animals lives need to be taken into consideration. S. F. Sapontzis gives his theory as to why animals should not be used in testing. To start with, animals are not capable of giving their consent to be used as subjects in an experiment. Secondly, "experiments can only be performed on an individual who is willing, morally speaking. Therefore it is immoral to use animals in experiments" (Sapontzis 209). It would be great if this world where our lives wer e actually governed by morals. The sad truth is that we do not. Until we do, someone is going to have to stand up for the silent majority that is incapable of voicing its opinion. When there is torture and unjust treatment towards humans, people then realize that it is wrong. These people realize that it's wrong when it comes to animals as well. Henry Spira said of the animals used in experiments: "†¦the victims are unable to organize in defense of their own interests" (Spira 194). When it comes to needlessly conducting experiments on animals, no one ever says anything. Humans need to stop thinking about themselves as a superior species to other animals. They have to start thinking about how we can stop the cruelty that they inflict upon animals day after day in experiment after experiment. Tom Regan, a well-known animal rights activist, wrote, "the fundamental wrong is the system that allows us to view animals as our resources, here for us- to be eaten, or surgi cally manipulated, or exploited for sport or money" (Regan 14). Nothing could be more true than this fact; man considers itself such a superior species that all others were put on earth for his convenience. It is this type of thinking that has gotten humans to the place where we are today. What humanity needs to do is get off its high-horse and realize that they are not the king of the jungle and we rea... ...n estimated that between 100 million and 200 million animals die in laboratories around the world each year" (Ryder 77-78). Although it has been proven that a lot of good has come out of animal research and animal testing, this does not make up for all the pain and suffering that these animals go though without being able to consent. The truth still remains that, despite the benefits (when there are benefits), perhaps we need to contemplate the effects that our actions are having on these animals. Work Cited Blum, Debrorah. The Monkey Wars. New York: Oxford. 1994 "Experiments on Animals." Animal Rights and Human Obligations. Eds. Tom Regan and Peter Singer. Englewoods Cilffs: Prentice Hall. 1976 Regan, Tom. The Case for Animal Rights. Los Angels: University of California Press. 1983 Ryder, Richard R. Animal Revolution. Cambridge: Basil Blackwell. 1989 Sapontzis, S. F. Morals, Reason, and Animals. Philidelphia: Temple U P. 1987 "Speciesism in the Laboratory." In Defense of Animals." Ed. Peter Singer. Oxford: Blackwell. 1985 Spira, Henry. "Fighting To Win." In Defense of Animals." Ed. Peter Singer. Oxford: Blackwell. 1985