Thursday, October 31, 2019

Learning Experiences 1 (Personal Training) Essay

Learning Experiences 1 (Personal Training) - Essay Example Its insertion is olecranon process of ulna. Intended action is long head, and exercise is skull crushers. Fourth is Biceps Brachii. Origin is scapula. Its insertion is tuberosity of radius and bicipital aponeurosis. Intended action is flexion of elbow and dumbbell biceps curl as exercise. Fifth is Anterior Deltoid, with the origin as anterior lateral third of the clavicle. Insertion is deltoid tuberosity on lateral humerus, intended action is abduction and flexion and exercise is dumbbell anterior deltoid raise. Sixth is Medial Deltoid. Origin is scapula, insertion is deltoid tuberosity on lateral humerus, intended action is abduction of the shoulder joint, and exercise is dumbbell lateral raise. Seventh is Posterior Deltoid with the origin as scapula, insertion is deltoid tuberosity on lateral humerus, intended action is abduction, extension and rotation while exercise is dumbbell posterior deltoid raise (Alcamo & Bergdahl, 2003, p.68). The eighth muscle is Trapezius, origin is the base of skull, insertion is the base of the scapular spine, intended action is elevation and depression, exercise is barbell shrugs. The ninth is Rectus Abdominis, origin is superior surface of pubis, insertion is costal cartilages, and intended action is depresses ribs, and exercise is crunches. Tenth is the External Oblique, origin is ribs, insertion is linear alba and iliac crest, intended action is flexes and depresses ribs, exercise is standing side twists. Eleventh is Gluteus Maximus, origin is illium and sacrum, insertion is the oblique ridge of the greater trochanter, intended action is the extension and rotation of hip, exercise is standing. Twelfth muscle involves Rectus Femoris, origin is anterior iliac spine of the illeum, insertion is patella, intended action is the flexion of hip, and exercise is leg extensions. The thirteen is the Biceps Femoris, origin is ischial tuberosity, insertion is lateral condoyle of tibia, intende d action is flexion

Monday, October 28, 2019

International Organizations Essay Example for Free

International Organizations Essay International organizations have been noted to be around since the mid- 19th century and such organizations do not operate for profit. An international organization is defined by the United Nations as an organization with an international membership, scope, or presence. The main objective of all the international organizations they say ,have usually been welfare and the improvement of member countries through cooperation. Karns and Mingst identify the two main types of international organizations as IGOs and INGOs which they also refer to as international and transnational structures who are actors in global governance. Global governance, they say, are the cooperative problem-solving arrangements and activities that states and other actors have put into place to deal with various issues and problems. Firstly, Intergovernmental Organizations; herein referred to as IGOs will be discussed. IGOs are organizations that include at least three states among their membership, that have activities in several states, and that are created through a formal intergovernmental agreement such as a treaty, charter, or statute. These organizations range in size from 3 members (North American Free Trade Agreement [NAFTA]) to more than 190 members Universal Postal Union [UPU]. Within these IGOs, members can be limited to one geographic region, for example the Organization of American States (OAS), the European Union (EU) or even the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) or they may come from all geographic regions such as members of the World Bank and IMF. Some IGOs are designed for solitary purposes such as the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries [OPEC]), whilst others have been developed for multilateral purposes, for example the United Nations [UN]. Most IGOs though, are not global in membership but are in fact regional, wherein a commonality of interest motivates states to cooperate on issues directly affecting them. Most are small in membership and designed to address specific functions. It must also be noted that IGOs are recognized subjects of international law with separate standing from their member states. According to Karns and Mingst, IGOs function for purposes of gathering, analyzing, and disseminating data, providing a place for negotiations, creating norms and defining standards of behavior through legally binding treaties, monitoring compliance with rules, adjudicating disputes and also taking enforcement measures and for allocating resources, providing technical assistance and relief and deploying forces. Kenneth Abbott and Duncan Snidal (1998) suggest that IGOs â€Å"allow for the centralization of collective activities through a concrete and stable organizational structure and a supportive administrative apparatus. This increases the efficiency of collective activities and enhance the organization’s ability to affect the understandings, environment, and interests of states. † In their book on International Organization Karns and Mingst say that â€Å"IGOs do not only create opportunities for their member states, but also exercise influence and impose constraints on their member states’ policies and processes† which aids in forcing governments to take positions on international or domestic issues of concern. They also facilitate the creation of principles, norms, and rules of behavior with which states must align their policies if they wish to benefit from reciprocity. For example, China’s admission to the World Trade Organization and how this has affected its national policies and required extensive governmental reforms. Secondly, International Non Governmental Organizations; herein referred to as INGOs will be discussed. INGOs are institutions that are established by non-state actors or at least one side of these organizations is not states. They can generally be defined as private, voluntary, non-profit, self-governing, professional organizations with a distinctive legal character concerned with public welfare aims. INGOs unlike IGOs are not created by treaties or states but rather private people and organizations and usual encompass more than three states and therefore cannot be bilateral. They employ limited resources to make rules, set standards, procreate principles and broadly represent more ‘humanity’ than states and other actors do. There are many kinds of NGOs such as transnational, government organized, government-regulated and initiated, business and industry, donor-organized, donor-dominated, peoples organizations, operational, advocacy, transnational social movements, quasi, and anti-governmental NGOs. Their number increased (more than 23,000 in the early 1990s) and their effectiveness for transnational politics became more relevant in recent decades. They have become crucial participants in the international policy process says Brown (1995). Some INGOs are formed to dvocate a particular cause such as human rights, peace, or environmental protection. While others are established to provide services such as disaster relief, humanitarian aid in war-torn societies, or development assistance. Many INGOs are transnational federations involving formal, long-term links among national groups. Examples include the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the World Wildlife Fund, Transparency International, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and Save the Children. INGOs’ governance functions parallel many functions provided by IGOs and, like IGOs, they can be analyzed as both pieces of and actors in global governance. As pieces of governance, INGOs function to provide processes at many levels to pressure or persuade individuals, governments, IGOs, corporations, and other actors to improve human rights records, protect the environment, tackle corruption, create a ban on landmines, or intervene in conflicts such as that in the Darfur region of Sudan. Some IGOs, such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), World Tourism Organization, and the UN Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), provide for INGOs roles in their governance. As a result of global trends to privatize activities previously controlled by governments, services once provided by governments or IGOs are now often contracted out to INGOs. INGOs are important pieces of global governance because of the ways they enable individuals to act publicly through creating networks, and volunteering and this makes them useful links between the domestic and international communities and institutions. In this sense, they function as communicators among multiple levels of governance. Both Intergovernmental Organisations and International Non-governmental Organizations are of growing significance in the international community. The proliferation of non-state actors has recently led some observers of international relations to conclude that states are declining in importance and that non-state actors are gaining status and influence. New theories of international relations such as the complex interdependence of Robert Keohane and Joseph Nye (1989) were formed in order to explain new developments. Kegley and Wittkoph (1995) accurately point out that as the world grown smaller, the mutual dependence of nation-states and other transnational political actors on one another has grown Their significance can be noted not only through their international presence but also through their voice and ability to hold governments accountable for not abiding by the standards set forth through their organizations. The benefits of these two types of all the international organizations has usually been seen through its welfare improvement of member countries and its importance lies in the following: 1.  International organizations, such as International Trade Centre and World Trade Organization, assist member countries in promoting fair trade with each other. 2. The aim of the international organizations, such as Natural Capitalism and International Development Research Centre, is to enhance sustainable economic development in the world. 3. The World Bank and Institute of International Finance are international organizations that provide monetary help to member countries. 4. The purpose of the incorporation of international organizations, such as Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and World Food Programme, is to provide food security to member nations. 5. The endeavor of international organizations, such as Global Environment Facility and United Nations Environment Programme, is to ensure environmental protection. 6. The protection of human rights is ensured by international organizations, such as the ICJ and Amnesty International. 7.  Emergency/disaster relief is taken care of by several international organizations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and ReliefWeb. 8. The WHO helps member countries promote health care and facilities. Most countries though, perceive that there are benefits to participating in IGOs and international regimes even when it is costly. South Africa never withdrew from the UN over the long years when it was repeatedly condemned for its policies of apartheid. Iraq did not withdraw from the UN when it was subject to more than a decade of stringent sanctions. China spent fourteen years negotiating the terms of its entry into the international trade system and undertaking changes in laws and policies required to bring itself into compliance with WTO rules. Additionally , INGOs too are increasingly active today at all levels of human society and governance, from local or grassroots communities to national and international politics. Many national-level groups, often called interest or pressure groups, are now linked to counterpart groups in other countries through networks or federations. International NGOs, like IGOs, may draw their members from more than one country, and they may have very specific functions or be multifunctional. IGOs have been proven to decrease the cost of information gathering which is more important for poor and small countries. Without the UN, many states are unable to obtain information about the international society and politics. Activities of IGOs, such as the UN and the IMF, are decisive for most small countries. They may impose their principles on them more easily than on big powers. Most governments; especially in less developed countries face serious resource constraints limiting their ability to apply the provisions of regimes to areas and activities under their jurisdiction. And in spite of the fact that international organizations are utilized by powerful nation-states, these states do not hold full power over IGOs. IGOs however do have notable influence in international and on the most powerful state, the United States (Karns and Mingst). IGOs have been especially successful in their effectiveness in economic issue areas is also considerably high. For example, the IMF and the World Bank are very effective in money flowing, debt management and financing debt issues between the rich and poor countries. Though still effective, IGOs are less influential in issues of high politics such as political and security issues. INGOs too play an increasingly important role in world politics through agencies, such as Greenpeace and Amnesty International who draw attention to issues of world-wide concern, promote international co-operation and they have a significant impact on the global dissemination of ideas, values and knowledge. One of the major challenges being faced by international organizations however is integrating developing countries on various measures. Health related issues, such as infant mortality in developing countries are also of great challenge. Some other challenges that international organizations are facing are in the filed of intellectual property rights, trade in services and investment measures in relation to trade. Also seen as future difficulties in the international system is the issue of multilateral liberalization due to growing regionalism and the reformation of world trade.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Femininity And The World Of Semiotics Cultural Studies Essay

Femininity And The World Of Semiotics Cultural Studies Essay Semiotics is the doctrine of signs. Signs take the form of anything that society invests meaning into. Such signs as words, images, sounds, odours, flavours, acts or objects only become signs when they are interpreted as having meaning (Chandler, 2009). Roland Barthes was a French theorist who had a major contribution to structuralist semiotics. His contribution was to extend the idea of the sign into myth. He later moved towards a post-structuralist view. Barthes began to read culture from a mythic perspective, where myths were seen as connotations. (Bignell, 2002, p58)Ursula, in the film the Little Mermaid, is portrayed as a villain due to her resistance against the discourse of femininity. The discourse of femininity is the social constructions that dictate how women are expected to behave and look. Ursula desires power, which is not considered a conventional feminine trait. This positions the audience to see her as a villain. The film creators have specifically chosen everything about Ursula. The filmmakers are aware of the connotations associated with femininity. They have used this knowledge to create Ursula as a villain. Her image, gender performance and her interaction with animals are all individual signs of her rebellion against femininity. Barthes originally adopted Louis Hjelmslevs notion of orders of signification. (Chandler, 2009) After Barthe had extended the sign he began to read culture through a mythical perspective where he linked myths with connotations and ideologies. The semiotic interpretation of a myth differs to the preexisting definition of a myth being false. Myths help to make sense of experiences within a culture. A myth to Barthes supports ideologies and relates to social realities (Bignell, 2002, p58). A myths function is to make dominant cultural and historical values, attitudes and beliefs seem entirely natural and true reflections of the way things are (Chandler, 2009). Barthes linked myths and ideologies very closely as he also defined ideologies as reinforcing the existing system as appearing natural and acceptable to society (Bignell, 2002, p58). Barthes believed visual signs in media are used to trigger a range of connotations attached to the sign and that connotations came from our social ex periences. (Allen, 2003, p42) Barthes believed when signs and connotations were brought together they shaped a particular message. (Bignell, 2002, p58). Ursulas image is associated with unfeminine connotations. Every detail of Ursulas image, from her clothing to her weight represents a desire for power and resistance against femininity. This positions the audience to view Ursula as a villain due to the myth society holds regarding femininity. These myths are automatically accepted by society, as we believe the connotations associated with these signs are true reflections of reality. Parents and authoritative figures encourage young girls from an early age to speak and act in ways which displays their femininity. Behaviour like wearing frilly dresses is a symbol for appearing weaker and less aggressive than boys (Larner, 2009). Ursula wears a black revealing dress, which refers to her strength, aggression, and power that goes against femininity. Ursula has sharp angular features that she highlights with heavy eye make up, which is a symbol of an unnatural woman. (Stoll, 2005) Ursula is an overweight character who shakes her hips and m oves in an exaggerated and sluggish manner. She is languid, lacy and floppish. (Stoll, 2005) Overweight characters in Disney films have negative connotations associated with them. They are considered ugly, unpleasant, lazy and un- married (Towbin, Haddock, Zimmerman, Lund, Tanner, 2004). These connotations come from the myth that attractive women need protection because they are helpless and are therefore more likely to marry. (Towbin, et al., 2004). Ursulas hair is a disruption to the image of femininity. She has short, bleached and butch hair. (Mallan, 2000) Feminine characters are usually represented as having long, flowing hair that is often seen as sensual. Therefore Ursulas short hair is associated with resisting the discourse of femininity. Throughout the film, Ursulas image is associated with suspense and tension. (Stoll, 2005) Each time the viewer sees Ursula they are reminded she is the villain who brings evil upon others. As Barthe suggests the visual signs within The Lit tle Mermaid trigger connotations associated with femininity. These signs and connotations create a message that Ursula is a villain due to her desire for power, which is represented through her image. Ursula is conveyed as a villain through here gender performance. Gender performance, according to Judith Baxter, is the term that argues that gender norms are constructed by society. She suggests that as much as femininity is about image, femininity is an act and does not automatically come with female genitalia (Frus, P. Williams, C. 2010, p201). Performance is about the repetition of gestures, words, acts and desires. Ursula tries to teach Ariel how to preform woman by bumping her hips through sexual gestures while speaking the words dont underestimate body language. Her gestures and words refer to the connotations of sexually perversity and promiscuity, which is controversial to the image of femininity. Ursulas performance shows the disconnection between the female body of the performer and her masculine persona. Ursula is parallel to John Waters transvestite diva character, Divine. Divine was a drag queen that had a monstrous figure and attempted to resemble a female. (Hallam, 20 09) This false female who conveyed masculine acts and gestures did not fool the audiences. This is parallel to Ursulas character whose overly phallic body represents sexual perversity. The fact Ursula is sexually aware displays her masculine traits, as feminine characters in Disney films are often seen as innocent and unaware of sexuality. The innocent female ideology is reinforced through The Little Mermaid. This demonstrates Ursula is unacceptable to society because she resists this ideology. Desires are a contributing factor to gender performance. Ursula desires patriarchal authority rather than a marriage, which is an unconventional feminine trait that destabilizes gender. In accordance with Barthes theory of semiotics, and the connotations and signs associated with Ursulas performance it is evident that Ursula is an unfeminine character, who for this very reason, is portrayed as a villain. The way animals react and engage with Ursula conveys her villainous behavior and her rebellion against femininity. Wicked women in Disney films are often considered antisocial and are associated with ugly animal helpers who take pleasure in disastrous events. (Bell, Haas, Sells, 1995) Flotsam and Jetsam are Ursulas assistants. These characters demonstrate Ursulas desire for power. Her assistants appear to dedicate their life to her and display no evidence of a life of their own. Ursula fails to show gratitude towards her assistants. These two characters do wicked odd jobs Ursula doesnt want to do. They are inferior characters, yet essential to the portrayal of Ursula. (Stoll, )Ursula steals Ariels voice with the help of her accomplices. Ursula attempts to lure the prince into marrying however she fails, as the surrounding animals are not fooled by her false femininity. Her attempt to usurp male power fails and she is punished and humiliated. The animals degrade Ursula in a performanc e at the altar. Birds fly between her outspread legs, starfish smack her face and the princes dog bites her behind (Zuk, 1998). The animals hatred towards Ursula is highlighted by their love for Ariel. All women are expected to be caring from birth and desire a family. Ursula displays no caring attributes towards others and is a self indulged woman. Women are subconsciously warned of the negative consequences of stepping outside feminine sex roles as the stereotypical female is expected to be biologically maternal. This myth refers to the expectation that feminine women are expected to care and nurture animals and have an automatic bond with them. The way Ursula treats her assistants, Flotsam and Jetsam is an accurate portrayal of Ursula. The way the animals react around Ursula also highlights her wickedness, as they feel hatred towards her and are also cautious of her power. As Barthe suggests, the signs and connotations associated with Ursulas interaction with other characters por trays her as a villain. Ursula resists the discourse of femininity through her image, gender performance and her interaction with animals. Ursulas image resists femininity through her Clothing, weight, hair and make up. The connotations associated with each of these reinforce that Ursula is negatively different from the other female characters and is therefore a villain. Gender performance includes gestures, desires and words. Ursula fails at feminine performance due to her sexual awareness, which is demonstrated through her gestures and words. Her desire is to have patriarchal power over the human and underwater world is considered a male and villainous trait. The way animals react to Ursula shows her true villainous nature and unfeminine qualities. Her accomplices Flotsam and Jetsam are essential to the portrayal of Ursula as they add to her wickedness. As Barthe suggests the signs and connotations within Ursulas image, gender performance and her interaction with animals have shaped the message that Ursul a is a villain due to her resistance against femininity.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

lord of the flies :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  How a person changes when he or she is confronted by danger or tremendous stress can reveal alot abou thier character. Do they spring into action or do they bow thier head in defeat? In the novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding contains a character named Jack that under goes a drastic change because of the danger and stress that is around him.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In Lord of the Flies a plane evacuating a group of English boys from Britain is shot down over a deserted tropical island. Marooned the boys choose leaders. Jack is chosen to lead the hunters while another boy named Ralph ios named the groups supreme leader. This is where Jack’s change begins. The fact that he is not elected the leader of the whole group angers him due to the fact that he is older than Ralph. When Ralph, Simon, and Jack go out to explore the island they stumble upon a wild pig. Jack, being the leader of the hunters, tries to kill it but is unsucessful. This furthers Jack change as his anger rises closer to the surface. Later open hostility shows up between Ralph and Jack because Ralph blaims Jack of avoiding work. The same night Jack loses his temper with Piggy and strikes him across the face. At this point his change reaches its half way point. After this the degree of Jack’s change is displayed througth the amount of teasing that he directs towards Piggy. Jack shows signs of reverting back to his original state when him and Ralph begin to reastablish thier bond while searching for a monster that two of the boys claimed to have seen. This does not last long however. Jack begins to question Ralph’s leadership and bravery and calls him a coward. When the other boys stick with Ralph, Jack becomes enraged. This begins Jack’s final change. The peak of this final change comes when Jack begins to address a dead sow’s head as The Lord of the Flies. From this point on Jack as lost all of his humanity and become no more than an animal. In his new animal state Jack is responsible for the deaths of Piggy, Simon, and

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Harrison Bergeron Essay

In the short story, â€Å"Harrison Bergeron†, Kurt Vonnegut portrays a society in which â€Å"everyone is equal†. Through the efforts of the Handicapper General, all persons who were endowed with anything more than moderate talents are forced to wear various devices meant to make everyone equal, intellectually and physically. Through showing his audience what a truly â€Å"equal† society could be, as well as how government could regulate equality, Kurt Vonnegut clearly makes the point that truly equality leads to a loss of true individuality within a society. Each person in society has talents that another does not, which is what creates diversity in our communities and careers. By removing this diversity from society by making every person equal, the government is inviting its own demise. The first example of how idealistic equality creates a lack of individuality is in the scene where George and Hazel Bergeron are watching ballerinas on television. George notes, â€Å"They weren’t really very good – no better than anybody else would have been, anyway†. By leveling the playing field, and forcing ballerinas to wear weights and masks to hide their talent and beauty, the Handicapper General has taken away from the dancers their unique talents for dancing and eliminating any competition between ballerinas. If all dancers must be equal, this eliminates the need for any one ballerina to spend extra time practicing, or trying to be a better ballerina. This, in turn, could create a less than desirable work ethic, as the ballerinas do not have to work as hard to be competitive. As Philip Fetzer explains, â€Å"†¦ even if it were possible to create a society based on equality of ability, it would not be desirable to do so. A society without differences of ability would generate no leaders, no great works of art or literature, no new ideas. The society would quickly stagnate†. The second instance in which Vonnegut shows his readers the impact of an equal society is when George and Hazel are talking about what society would be like without handicaps to make everyone equal. George cannot think for more than a few seconds at a time because of the handicap that he must wear in his ear, to distract him from his thoughts by blaring loud noises at random. All people who have above â€Å"average† intelligence are required to wear such a device to eliminate any unfair intellectual advantage over others. However, by scaring off the thoughts of truly intelligent people, the government is also creating a society in which nothing will ever change. Without the truly intelligent men and women in any society, there are no new inventions or new ideas that, in the past, have revolutionized a society. By making all people intellectually equal, the government and the society itself will remain unchanged and unadvanced. Ironically, George believes that without handicaps to keep everyone equal, â€Å"pretty soon we’d be right back to the dark ages again, with everybody competing against everybody else†. However, without competition, society would revert to the dark ages, unable to compete with other societies and develop new technology and innovation. As Christopher Alexion points out, human beings must be careful with creating equality, because of the risk of taking it â€Å"to extremes that eventually destroy whatever it was we were trying to protect. That’s why our efforts toward equality need vitally to be guided by a love of liberty. Naked equality is just another name for tyranny – for if everyone’s going to be equal in all aspects, then no one can really be free†. The final example of the effect of a truly equal society occurs when Harrison Bergeron appears on television with all of his clanking weights and extreme handicaps. Harrison is athletic and intelligent, and has an obscene amount of handicaps because of this. Harrison attempts to overthrow the government, by declaring himself â€Å"the Emperor†, and removing all of his handicaps, as well as those of his chosen Empress. By having independent thoughts and beliefs, Harrison leads his own revolution in an attempt to change society for the better. Harrison sees that the constant equality means that people are no longer competitive, and he decides to try to change that. However, he is killed by the government in the process, and any dreams of change die with him. As Steven Saus notes, â€Å"The maximization of human potential – and the potential of society – can only be achieved by allowing all individuals to have the best opportunity to succeed within the limits of their primary characteristics†. Any person who has new ideas or tries to initiate change within an equal society would be met with the same fate, and consequently, nothing would ever change. By creating a society in which every person is equal, Kurt Vonnegut is able to show his readers how devastating to a society equality could be. At a time when political correctness is a must, and society strives for equality, it is easy to see how true equality could lead to a lack of diversity and competition within a society. Although Vonnegut’s society was a fictional one, a society similar to the one in â€Å"Harrison Bergeron† would become a stagnant and unmotivated environment, falling behind in innovation and invention. Ultimately, the equality in this story will lead to the demise of the society.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Hercules and Theseus in the Greek Mythology Essay Example

Hercules and Theseus in the Greek Mythology Essay Example Hercules and Theseus in the Greek Mythology Paper Hercules and Theseus in the Greek Mythology Paper Essay Topic: History Hercules and Theseus, the two great heros of the Greek Mythology In the Greek Mythology two characters played a main role in defeating the monsters and all evil enemies. The two great heroes of Greece were Hercules and Theseus. It is true that they were uncles, but they were preferred by different part of Greece. Athens liked Theseus while Sparta or the rest of Greece preferred Hercules. Both heroes had some characteristics in common, like both of them had supernatural powers and when they realized their abilities, they wanted to help mankind and to save the world. In the same time they were totally different from each other in mental way. Their intelligence level and the life experience that they had through their journey, made them two separate characters. Theseus was a good thinker, which is the reason why Athens liked him best, while Hercules used his enormous power; he was preferred by Sparta. If somebody asks the question what is the ability that is in common in Hercules and Theseus, the answer is: strength. With this ability, they decided to help innocent people and to become heroes of Greece. Hercules was the strongest man on earth and he had the supreme self-confidence magnificent physical strength gives. He excelled from the others at a very young age, when he killed two snakes with his own, bare hands. Hera, Zeuss jealous wife, sent the snakes to kill Hercules while he was sleeping. He proved that he is strong and he can defeat anybody and anything. Theseus was a strong child, too. His father placed in a hallow a sword and a pair of shoes and he covered them with a great stone. The reason why he did that, was that he wanted to see, if his son Theseus can move that stone. If yes, then he is able to take over the kingdom. The child was a boy and he grew up strong far beyond others, so that when his mother finally took him to the stone he lifted it with no trouble at all. At a very young age both characters became heroes by killing monsters and doing good to mankind. Theseuss idea was to become a great hero as quickly as possible On his way to Athens he killed many bandits and he also killed the Minotaur. It can be imagined how Greece rang with the praises of the young man who cleared the land of these banes to travelers. Hercules was renamed after his strength and he was called a hero when he defeated the Minyans. Of course they had some different characteristics as every people do. But these differences were important. Their intelligence level was like sky and ground, and their life experience differed, too. Herculess Intelligence did not figure largely i n anything he did and was often conspicuously absent. Theseus was at a higher level of his mental capabilities, because he wanted a peoples government where all would be equal. About Hercules we get a clear picture from the story, that what kind a man was he: His intellect was not strong. His emotions were. Even if his feelings were strong, he always blamed himself for the way he acted. He usually acted first and then thought about the consequences. This characteristic is proven by the scene from the funeral, where Hercules gets drunk and then he realized his fault and to make a recompense he bring back Admetuss wife from the underworld. During their long journey, both heroes, Hercules as well as Theseus, had different life experiences. The strongest man on earth engaged three times (in order: Megara, Deinanira and Hebe), while Theseus married only two women (in order: Hippolyta and Phedra). Theseus decided to dedicate his life for saving innocents and helping mankind. He knew how to treat people and how to understand himself with the peoples that supported him. Another difference between them was that Hercules always had to make up his fault. He gets twelfth labors (bringing back the lion for Nemea, to kill the nine headed creature, Hydra, to bring back alive a stag with hums of gold, to capture a great boar, to clean the Augean stables in a single day, to drive away the Stymphalian birds, to go to Crete and fetch from there the savage bull, to get the man-eating mares of King Diomedes, to bring back a the girdle of Hippolyta, to bring back the cattle of Geryon, to bring back the Golden Apples of the Hespiredes, and to bring up Cerberus from the Underworld) for killing his family, but he also killed innocent people by accident. The water-boy, and the musician were the victims of his angriness. Even if they were uncles why were they supported by different part of Greece? Athens supported Theseus while Hercules was the Spartans favorite. Athens was the home of the thinkers, doctors and scientists. As Theseus acted after his mind, he was considered as one of them. Another reason why Athenians like him best, because he never had to make labors like Hercules did many-many times. Athenians didnt liked Hercules, because he was wild. The rest of Greece preferred wildness and the strength. But Hercules embodied what the rest of Greece most valued. His qualities were those the Greeks in general honored and admired. In Greek tradition, the boys are taken at very young age for military practices and they are educated to kill. As Hercules was strong and able to kill, Spartans considered him as one of them. In my opinion Theseus was a better hero than Hercules. I admire Hercules for his enormous powers, but sometimes he was out of control of his strength and killed people that he shouldnt have killed. I think that if we didnt think ahead before we act something always going to end with a disaster. Thats why I like Theseus. He is a carefully thought out person, he never had to make up labors, and he also treated people equally and cared about their feelings.

Monday, October 21, 2019

Development of Inâ€Vitro Fertilization technology Essays

Development of In–Vitro Fertilization technology Essays Development of In–Vitro Fertilization technology Essay Development of In–Vitro Fertilization technology Essay 1. Introduction The pioneering work of Bob Edwards and Patrick Steptoe in the development of In Vitro Fertilization ( IVF ) engineering led to the first IVF birth of Louise Brown in 1978 [ I ] ( Johnson 2007 ) . It is considered one of the landmark parts to human medical specialty and wellness in the 20th century. In the last 20 old ages, there has been important advancement and scientific developments in the field of aided reproduction. The success rate of assisted generative engineering ( ART ) is continually increasing due to the debut of fresh engineerings, enhanced IVF techniques and improved embryo civilization systems [ two. The rapid gait of development in ART is besides straight linked to progresss in the clinical field of human reproduction and improved diagnosing of the causes of sterility. The field of ART will doubtless go on to turn in the following 20 old ages as there is a immense planetary demand for its medical and scientific advancement. More clinicians and scientists choose to come in this field every twelvemonth which is a testament to the success and turning importance of ART in medical specialty. 2. Sterility Infertility is defined as the lessened capacity to gestate or bear a kid ( Johnson 2007 ) . A twosome is considered sterile if they are unable to gestate after 2 old ages of unprotected and frequent sexual intercourse. The prevalence of sterility in the developed universe is estimated to be in the scope of 10s of female diseases and upsets doing sterility include: Tubal obstruction Endometriosis Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Male factor sterility histories for approximately 30 % of the incidence of sterility. Examples of male diseases and upsets doing sterility include: Varicoceles Retrograde interjection Obstruction of vessel deferens or epididymis 30 % of incidence of sterility is due both male and female spouse have abnormalcies doing their sterility. The staying 20 % of infertile twosomes have no clinically identifiable cause for sterility and this group is termed unexplained sterility . The clinical work-up for sterility probe for any twosome includes documenting their medical history and a standard set of diagnostic trials to be performed on the male and female spouse ( Serhal A ; Overton 2004 ) for illustration: hormonal checks, hysterosalpingography, semen analysis. Establishing the cause of sterility allows clinicians to find which type of IVF intervention is the best to assist the twosome with gestating a kid. 3. Progresss in Infertility Treatment in the past 20 old ages The progresss in sterility intervention in the last 20 old ages are legion but I am merely discoursing the 1s which were of the most significance in my sentiment as follows. a. In- Vitro Fertilisation ( IVF ) The rule of the IVF technique is both simple and standard and can be summarised as follows [ four ] ( Strauss A ; Barbieri 2009 ) : Collection of mature oocytes from the ovaries Processing of seeds sample to better sperm count and motility Fertilization of sperm and oocyte in cell civilization dish in the research lab Transportation of embryo with best morphology into the uterine pit B. Controlled Ovarian Stimulation The female spouse undergoes a protocol of controlled ovarian stimulation. The pick of protocol is dependent on the age of the female spouse and the clinical diagnosing of sterility [ V ] ( Fauser et al 1999 ) . One of Steptoe and Edwards major job in their 1976 IVF process was the deficit of oocytes [ six ] ( Coughlan A ; Ledger 2008 ) . Surveies have shown that usage of ovarian stimulation protocols maximizes the figure and quality of mature follicles that can be retrieved [ seven ] ( Sluijmer 1994 ) [ viii ] ( Macklon et al 2008 ) which will necessarily better opportunities of IVF intervention success. In 1986, the add-on of Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone ( GnRH ) agonist intervention to ovarian stimulation protocols became widespread [ nine ] ( Hedon et al 1990 ) . In the early 1990 s, ovarian stimulation protocols were refined with some fluctuations introduced in order to maximise the figure of eggs to be retrieved. The protocols used can be either: V Long OR Desensitization protocol: Starts with Pituitary receptor downregulation utilizing GnRH agonists e.g Lupron, Triptorelin, Burserelin Ovarian stimulation with GnRH injections of recombinant Follicle Stimulating Hormone ( FSH ) e.g Puregon Or Gonal F Injection of Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin ( HCG ) to command and clip oocyte ripening V Short OR Micro-Flare Protocol: GnRH antagonists e.g Cetrorelix Or Ganirelix are used to straight barricade the GnRH receptor. The undermentioned stairss are similar to Steps 2 A ; 3 of Long Protocol. Ovarian follicular growing is monitored by ultrasound imagination and measuring of blood degrees of oestradiol [ xi ] . The usage of GnRH adversaries has revolutionized ovarian stimulation for ART [ xii ] ( Ludwig et al 2001 ) . The Short Protocol was introduced in 1990 by [ xiii ] ( Bouchard et al. ) The advantages of the usage of GnRH adversaries in ART include: A more rapid IVF intervention rhythm Reduce the hazard of Ovarian Hyper-Stimulation Syndrome ( OHSS ) More effectual protocol for usage with older adult females and hapless respondents Avoids formation of ovarian cysts Cost effectual and more convenient for clinics and patients The usage of controlled ovarian stimulation is a major progress in IVF intervention and has contributed towards maximising success rates of clinical gestations and unrecorded births. There is no uncertainty that in the hereafter such protocols will be optimized and refined further for better clinical results. c. Oocyte retrieval In the 1st clinically successful IVF intervention, Bob Edwards and Patrick Steptoe retrieved the oocytes by laparoscopic surgery from the unstimulated ovaries of Louise s female parent during the natural catamenial rhythm [ xiv ] . The early 1980 s saw the development of high frequence vaginal investigation ultrasound transducers for usage in obstetric echography [ xv ] ( Lenz et al 1981 ) . In 1990, [ xvi ] ( Tan et al ) a survey outlined the advantages of utilizing vaginal ultrasounds for the process of oocyte retrieval. The process was termed Transvaginal Ultrasound Directed Oocyte Retrieval ( TUDOR ) and rapidly became the method of pick for usage in IVF clinics. The advantages of usage of TUDOR to laproscopic oocyte retrieval is that the latter is dearly-won and clip consuming. TUDOR can be done with local anesthesia and sedation which made it safer for patients and more convenient for IVF clinics ( Serhal A ; Overton 2004 ) . Laproscopic oocyte retrieval is performed presents merely in instances where female diseases such as adenomyosis or infective adhesions make the ovaries inaccessible through the transvaginal path. d. Testicular Sperm Extraction Male spouses with a clinical diagnosing of primary testicular failure will hold seeds analysis consequences bespeaking Low or No sperm count A ; motility. The development of testicular sperm extraction processs has provided such male patients with the possibility of recovering sperm for usage in IVF. The purpose of these processs is to assist the male patient to beget his ain familial kid. In 1995, Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration ( PESA ) was a new process developed [ xvii ] ( Craft et al 1995 ) . It is a simpler and a more efficient process when compared to its predecessor Microscopic Epididymal Sperm Aspiration ( MESA ) which was developed in 1985 [ xviii ] . PESA is performed by infixing a suction needle into the caput of the epididymis and analyzing the aspirate for the presence of sperm [ xix ] In 1995, Testicular Sperm Extraction ( TESE ) was besides performed successfully in combination with IVF [ xx ] ( Devroey et al 1995 ) . The process involves taking a big fragment of testicular tissue through a cross scratch of the adventitia albuginea in the testicle [ xxi ] . Micro surgical TESE ( Micro-TESE ) is a polish to the TESE process. Numerous micro-retrievals of testicular tissue are performed across the testicle [ xxii ] ( Colpi et al 2009 ) . Micro-TESE has been associated with higher rates of sperm retrieval when compared to TESE ( Colpi et al 2009 ) . Aspirates incorporating sperm that are retrieved from the above stated processs can all be cryopreserved for subsequently usage in IVF. e. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection ( ICSI ) The micro-injection of a individual sperm into the cytol of the egg has revolutionized IVF intervention for twosomes with terrible male factor sterility [ xxiii ] ( Palermo et al 1992 ) . The technique is known as Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection ( ICSI ) . Palermo et al reported the first successful ICSI gestation in 1992. Merely a little figure of sperms are equal for fertilisation utilizing ICSI which makes it an ideal process for male spouses with terrible male factor sterility following testicular sperm extraction processs. ICSI has enabled azoospermic male patients to beget their ain biological kids which was impossible in the past [ twenty-four ] ( Nijs A ; Elst 2000 ) . ICSI has become a mainstream process in ART. The chief stairss in ICSI technique can be summarised as follows: The oocyte is prepared by steadfastly attaching it to by suction to a keeping pipette with the polar organic structure at 6 oclock. A individual morphologically normal motile sperm is selected and immobilised. The injection acerate leaf is inserted into the oocyte at 3 oclock with careful deposition of the sperm into the cytol [ xxv ] ( Bromage et al 2007 ) . After 16 18 hours, fertilisation is confirmed by the presence of two pro-nuclei. ICSI is a technique that bypasses sperm oocyte adhering measure in the fertilization procedure and can therefore utilize sperm with lacking kinetic belongingss or anomalousnesss of the acrosome ( Palermo et al 1992 ) . Pregnancies and births have been reported after ICSI utilizing nonmotile sperm from ejaculate [ xxvi ] . ICSI still remains a controversial technique despite its world-wide clinical success in ART. The major concerns remain in the possible inauspicious results in kids born from this technique due to its invasive nature [ xxvii ] . The possible hazards of ICSI can attest in 3 general countries: Obstetric results: Low birth weight appears to be the most consistent hazard for ICSI kids [ twenty-eight ] ( Shieve et al 2002 ) Chromosomal Abnormalities: ICSI kids do transport an increased hazard of familial chromosomal aberrances. These are largely due to paternal Y chromosome microdeletions but can be due to maternal familial factors every bit good [ xxix ] ( Rubio et al 2001 ) . There is an increased hazard of forming upsets [ thirty ] ( Cox et al 2002 ) e.g Angelman Syndrome. These surveies emphasize the importance of familial guidance to IVF twosomes prior to ICSI. Developmental Abnormalities: No major developmental abnormalcies are observed nevertheless some surveies have reported lower mental development rate in ICSI kids when compared to IVF and natural construct rhythms [ thirty-one ] ( Bowen et al 1998 ) The mechanical harm done to the oocyte and its meiotic spindle during ICSI technique and the possible transportation of sperm mitochondrial Deoxyribonucleic acid into the oocyte are besides major countries of concern with ICSI. Sperm choice during ICSI is non natural and relies on opinion of the clinical embryologist. The PICSI sperm choice device was developed in 2006 to better the effectivity and cut down hazards of unreal sperm choice during ICSI. Sperm are placed in PICSI dish which contains samples of hyaluronan hydrogel which mimics the natural hyaluronan bed environing the oocyte [ xxxii ] ( ESHRE 2006 ) . Merely those that bind to the hyaluronan microdots mimic natural sperm choice procedure and are selected for ICSI. A survey completed in 2009 to measure the efficaciousness of PICSI + ICSI versus ICSI entirely, found that the clinical gestation rate in the PICSI group was greater by 6 % when compared to the ICSI entirely group [ xxxiii ] ( Worrilow et al 2009 ) f. Assisted Embryo Hatching Hatch of the human embryo from its environing Zona Pellucida is a cardinal demand for its successful nidation in the receptive endometrium ( Johnson 2007 ) . Failure of embryo hatching can restrict the nidation rate which will impact IVF intervention success. Zona Pellucida hardening can be induced by the in vitro civilization conditions and increased maternal age [ xxxiv ] ( Cohen et al 1990 ) . Assisted Hatching ( AH ) of embryos was started in the early 90 s when surveies showed betterment in nidation rates ( Cohen et al 1990 ) . AH is by and large performed on twenty-four hours 3 post-fertilization. It is a micromanipulation technique performed automatically by boring an gap in the Zona or by chemically thinning it by utilizing an acidified solution [ xxxv ] ( Chao et al 1997 ) . From the twelvemonth 2000 onwards, surveies have reported on the efficaciousness of Laser assisted hatching ( LAH ) [ thirty-six ] ( Hseih et al 2002 ) . The impact of LAH remains controversial due to fear of its mutagenic consequence on the embryo, but several surveies conclude that better clinical results are achieved with LAH when compared to the mechanical techniques, in adult females of advanced age ( gt ; 37 old ages ) and with insistent IVF failure [ xxxvii ] ( Makrakis et al 2006 ) [ xxxviii ] ( Ali et al 2002 ) . However, there is still non adequate grounds to reason which AH method is superior to the others. The major hazards associated with AH technique include: Increased hazard of monozygotic twins Damage to the embryo and its single blastomeres Introduction of micro-organisms into the embryo through the zone hole. g. Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis ( PGD ) is a specialised process that was developed for twosomes who are at hazard of conveying a known familial disease to their kids. The alternate intervention options available for these twosomes include: expiration of gestation if antenatal diagnosing confirms an affected foetus, gamete contribution through IVF or acceptance [ xli ] . In 1990, [ xlii ] Handyside et Al reported the first human gestation following usage of PGD in two twosomes at hazard of conveying adrenoleukodystrophy and X-linked mental deceleration. PGD involves three phases: Use of IVF: to make embryos Embryo biopsy: There are 3 methods presently being used: Polar Body Biopsy: remotion of 1st and 2nd polar organic structure Blastocyst Biopsy: remotion of some trophectoderm cells Cleavage Phase Biopsy: Is the most common method used and involves remotion of 1 2 blastomeres from 6 8 cell embryo [ xliii ] ( Harper 2009 ) . Single Cell Diagnosis: Cells extracted after biopsy are tested by: Polymerase Chain Reaction ( PCR ) : for diagnosing of individual cistron defects ( e.g Cystic Fibrosis ) , X Linked Diseases ( e.g Haemophilia ) and Triplet Repeat Disorders ( e.g Myotonic Dystrophy ) Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization ( FISH ) : for analysis of chromosomal abnormalcies [ xliv ] Even though PGD is an invasive and expensive process it offers twosomes a curative birthrate intervention that prevents the transmittal of their familial disease. Recently the applications of PGD have been extended to name for familial malignant neoplastic disease sensitivities [ forty-five ] ( Spits et al 2007 ) and for human leucocyte antigen ( HLA ) matched offspring to bring forth a healthy kid that is indistinguishable to his / her affected sibling [ xlvi ] ( Verlinsky et al 2001 ) besides known as saviour sibling . Sexual activity choice for societal grounds can besides be performed by PGD nevertheless this remains a extremely controversial application [ xlvii ] ( Shenfield et al 2003 ) . The field of PGD is quickly germinating and this has led to moral A ; ethical concerns over its practical application for non-medical grounds. h. Cryopreservation of Embryos Embryo cryopreservation is an of import concluding measure in IVF intervention. Cryopreservation of trim embryos involves puting them in cryoprotectant solution and hive awaying them in liquid N. Embryo cryopreservation reduces the demand for multiple embryo transportations during an IVF rhythm as trim healthy embryos can be stored successfully ( Serhal A ; Overton 2004 ) . This finally helps cut down the multiple gestation hazard associated with IVF intervention. Slow freeze has been the primary method for cryopreservation in the 80 s and the first human gestation from frozen embryo was in 1983 [ xlviii ] ( Trounson A ; Mohr 1983 ) . However, slow freeze is associated with ice crystal formation, cell lysis and blastomere flight peculiarly in PGD biopsied embryos [ xlix ] ( Magli et al 1999 ) . In 2000, a new alternate method termed for cryopreservation of human embryos was introduced with a rapid freeze protocol [ cubic decimeter ] ( Saito et al 2000 ) . Vitrfication is a procedure by which liquid turns into solid without the formation of ice crystals [ fifty-one ] ( Luyet A ; Hodapp 1938 ) . The vitrification protocol quickly revolutionized both embryo and gamete ( peculiarly oocyte ) cryopreservation. It is a low-priced and efficient method that can be performed at cleavage, morula A ; blastocyst phase [ lii ] ( Kuwayama et al 2005 ) . It consequences in decreased ice crystal formation and lower DNA harm to blastomeres following zonary h atching [ liii ] ( Kader et al 2007 ) . Vitrification significantly improved station melt endurance rates, embryo development and gestation rates [ fifty-four ] ( Kolibianakis et al 2009 ) . One issue of concern raised with vitrification protocol is the direct contact between embryos and liquid N [ lv ] ( Huang et al 2007 ) . This raises concern of possible bacterial A ; viral cross-contamination peculiarly in biopsied embryos [ lvi ] ( Bielanski et al 2000 ) nevertheless a possible solution would be to hive away the embryos in vapour stage of liquid N [ lvii ] ( Cobo et al 2007 ) . There is no uncertainty that farther alterations and betterments to current vitrification protocol will be introduced in the hereafter to farther optimise embryo cryopreservation processs. 3. What will the following 20 old ages bring for sterility intervention? The legion developments and success rates of IVF intervention has so far likely exceeded the outlooks of Edward and Steptoe themselves. The hereafter will convey betterments to the current techniques mentioned in old subdivision as optimisation of protocols is linked to progresss in engineering and scientific research. The following 20 old ages will perchance keep another exciting chapter in ART. a. Artificial Gametes Patients who wish to undergo IVF intervention but have absent or non feasible gametes are presently non being offered ART with the chance of bring forthing their biological progeny. The alternate intervention to such twosomes would be gamete contribution coupled with conventional IVF. The figure of twosomes seeking gamete contribution is increasing and this is partially due to detain kid bearing age in modern society. This presents a challenge to the hereafter of sterility intervention. Recent surveies have shown that mouse embryologic root cells ( ESC ) can distinguish into sperm [ lviii ] ( Geijsen et al. 2004 ) and oocytes [ lix ] ( Hubner et al.2003 ) . Another survey concluded that human ESCs can besides distinguish into germ cells in civilization [ sixty ] ( Clark et al. 2004 ) . The creative activity of unreal gametes involves bodily cell atomic transportation ( SCNT ) of a diploid karyon into the cytol of an enucleated oocyte with the purpose of bring forthing a cloned embryo [ lxi ] ( Nagy A ; Chang 2008 ) . ESCs derived from the cloned embryo can be differentiated in vitro into monoploid sperm and oocytes [ lxii ] ( Zubin 2006 ) . Customized gametes of the opposite sex can besides be created utilizing SCNT from a male karyon as it possesses both X and Y chromosomes nevertheless this is more hard for a female karyon as it can non distinguish into sperm as it does nt possess Y-chromosome cistrons. Further research is required to measure the possible hazards of ESC gamete creative activity in ART and its medical A ; ethical deductions. Surveies have shown that micromanipulation of cells during SCNT can bring on forming and epigenetic mutants [ sixty-three ] ( Humphreys et al 2002 ) every bit good as neglecting to trip cardinal embryologic cistrons [ sixty-four ] ( Bortvin et al 2003 ) . This is both an expensive and labour intensive procedure and farther research is required to do it an efficient A ; safe procedure for its hereafter usage in sterility intervention. Scientific research in this field is assuring A ; will doubtless come on further in the following 20 old ages. Artificial gametes can be used by twosomes who have spiritual expostulations to utilizing donor gametes or who wish to hold genetically indistinguishable kids. Customized gametes can besides be used by same sex twosomes and this offers them picks in ART. B. Designer Babies The rapid progresss in the field human genetic sciences and completion of the human genome undertaking has improved familial alteration engineering and its application in medical specialty. Scientific research is continuously set uping familial links with common diseases. Future progresss in IVF intervention can increase the easiness and efficiency of the PGD procedure. This will take to farther mainstream usage of ART for non medical grounds. PGD offers the engineering for increased familial generative pick to parents. In the following 20 old ages IVF coupled with PGD can be used to: transportation gender selected embryos transportation embryos absent of cistrons for less life threatening diseases e.g diabetes, high blood pressure, adenomyosis transportation embryos with selected non medical traits e.g height, hair A ; oculus coloring material and intelligence. The term Designer Babies is tricky but is deceptive because multi-factorial familial traits are influenced by environmental factors and besides PGD choice is limited to the cistron pool of the parents [ sixty-five ] ( Toukhy A ; Braude 2008 ) . The hereafter of PGD remains controversial and applications of the technique will be capable to more legal and ethical argument. The following 20 old ages may besides present familial sweetening of embryos by changing their familial makeup as chosen by parents. This is non executable with current engineering but future scientific developments may do it possible for usage in ART. c. Embryo Screening The progresss in IVF intervention have still non been able to extinguish its major hazard. Almost a 3rd of IVF gestations involve multiple gestations ( Coughlan A ; Ledger 2008 ) . Multiple births are associated with increased morbidity A ; mortality [ lxvi ] ( Hardy et al 2002 ) . Twin A ; three gestations are common in IVF and are a consequence of the transportation of more than one embryo in the receptive endometrium. This is done peculiarly for female patients with advanced maternal age ( gt ; 35 old ages ) and hapless forecast and this represents a big cohort of IVF patients. The following 20 old ages may convey developments to the undermentioned methods: Optimize the civilization media for human embryos: The challenge will be to alter the alimentary concentration of the civilization media to seek and mime every bit much as possible the in vivo environment of the fallopian tubing. This will better embryo development prior to reassign. Improve embryo scaling and choice: Embryo are selected harmonizing to their morphology and developmental rate. This is non the best method for choosing feasible embryos. Hopes for drawn-out embryo culturing in the hereafter may let further development of embryos, after the blastodermic vessicle phase, to better choice of healthy embryos. Aneuploidy Screening: Designation of chromosomal abnormalcies in embryos of older IVF patients is an of import showing tool to avoid nidation failure [ lxvii ] ( Fragouli et al 2006 ) . Comparative genomic Hybridisation ( CGH ) is a promising technique that allows efficient sensing of chromosomal aneuploidies in one experiment utilizing individual blastomeres or polar organic structures [ sixty-eight ] ( Wells et al 2002 ) . The following 20 old ages will convey optimisation of a rapid A ; cheap CGH protocol which will greatly progress whole genome embryo testing techniques in antenatal nosologies. Mentions: Johnson M. H. ( 2007 ) . Essential Reproduction, 6th erectile dysfunction: Wiley-Blackwell.Pg 299 Serhal P. A ; Overton C. 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H, Hamilton A, Fauser B, Giudice L, The Impact of Ovarian Stimulation With Recombinant FSH in Combination With GnRH Antagonist on the Endometrial Transcriptome in the Window of Implantation, ( 2008 ) Reproductive Sciences, Vol15: Issue 4, pp 357-365 Hedon B, Bringer J, Arnal F, Humeau C, Boulot P, Audibert F, Benos P, Neveu S, Mares P, Laffargue F, Viala J. L, The usage of GnRH agonists with hMG for initiation or stimulation of ovulation ( 1990 ) Bailli A ; egrave ; rhenium s Clinical Obstetricss and Gynaecology, Vol 4: Issue 3, pp 575-587 Tarlatzis B.C. 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( 1981 ) Lancet, Vol I, pp 1163-4 Tan S.L. , Bennett S. , Parsons J. Surgical techniques of oocyte aggregation and embryo transportation ( 1990 ) British Medical Bulletin, Vol 46 pp 628 42 Trade I, Tsirigotis M, Bennett V, Taranissi M, Khalifa Y, Hogewind G, et Al. : Transdermal epididymal sperm aspiration and intracytoplasmic sperm injection in the direction of sterility due to clogging azoospermia. ( 1995 ) Fertility A ; Sterility, Vol 63, pp 1038-42. Temple-Smith PD, Southwick GJ, Yates CA, Trounson AO, de Kretser DM: Human gestation by in vitro fertilisation ( IVF ) utilizing sperm aspirated from the epididymis. ( 1985 ) Journal of In Vitro Fertilization A ; Embryo Transfer, Vol 2 pp 119-22. Glina S. , Fragoso J. B, Martins F.G, Soares J.B, Galuppo A.G. PERCUTANEOUS EPIDIDYMAL SPERM ASPIRATION ( PESA ) IN MEN WITH OBSTRUCTIVE AZOOSPERMIA ( 2003 ) International Brazilian Journal of Urology, Vol 29 pp 141-146. 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Sunday, October 20, 2019

Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression in the Elderly essays

Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression in the Elderly essays Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression in the Elderly Mental disorders are becoming more prevalent in todays society as people add stress and pressure to their daily lives. The elderly population is not eliminated as a candidate for a disorder just because they may be retired. In fact, mental disorders affect 1 in 5 elderly people. One would think that with disorders being rather prevalent in this age group that there would be an abundance of treatment programs, but this is not the case. Because the diagnosis of an individuals mental state is subjective in nature, many troubled people go untreated regularly (summer 1998). Depression in the elderly population is a common occurrence, yet the diagnosis and treatment seem to slip through the cracks. Depression is an example of a metal condition that may slip through the cracks when it comes to detection. The health care industry contributes to the overlooking of depression in the elderly because of the overwhelming desire to keep costs down. The factors of depression are open for interpretation, which results in different doctors looking for different things. In addition to that, elderly people may not exhibit the traditional symptoms of depression either. Aged individuals may have symptoms of depression that go unnoticed due the fact that those symptoms are being attributed to a different ailment. One half of all depressed patients seen by general physicians are not identified as depressed (August 1995). Also, some of the things people look for in detecting depression are things that society seems to think are the norm for our elders (October 1999). In addition, there appear to be a few fundamental differences between depression in the young and old. Elderly people tend to have more ideational symptoms, which are related to thoughts, ideas, and guilt. Elderly depressed individuals are also more likely to have psychotic depressive and melancholic sy...

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Positive and negative effects of fast food Essay

Positive and negative effects of fast food - Essay Example Everyone we look we are bombarded with messages saying that fast food is trendy and affordable for anyone. Another factor is due to the dramatic lifestyle changes that Americans have experienced over the last few years. When time is tight, people generally choose to eat food that does not take up any preparation time. The convenience of a drive-thru has resulted in many people being able to pick up fast food on the go. However, healthy food advocates maintain that fast food is destroying our society in many ways. This paper will look at three positive effects (cost, convenience, taste) of fast food and three negative effects (portion sizes, obesity, and disease) of fast food. The first positive effect of fast food is the low cost that it involves. For many American families, money is tight and they cannot afford to shell out on food that is moderately expensive. For these low income families, fast food offers them an option to feed their whole family for very little cost. Fast food c an be produced very cheaply because of the standardized production process used to make it. Fast food chains are then able to entice low income families by offering food that fits their limited budgets. If fast food was expensive, then it would not have the same popularity because very few people would be able to afford it. The second positive effect of fast food is the convenience at which it offers customers. ... The is accentuated by the popularity of the drive-thru, which allows patrons to order, pay for, and then receive their food without getting out of their car. When someone is in a rush, ordering fast food like this is very appealing because they can eat on the go. The third positive effect of fast food is in terms of the good taste that people get from it. Fast food has additives that are appealing to many people’s taste buds. These addictive substances taste good for a reason: to make someone want to go back for more. If fast food did not taste very nice, then not very many people would be willing to eat it. Part of the appeal of fast food, in addition to its low cost and convenience, is that almost everyone likes to eat fast food even if they don’t do so on a regular basis. Although fast food has many positive aspects to it, one negative effect is that it has increased the portion sizes of American’s meals considerably. Because fast food is processed, it takes e ating a lot of fast food to feel full. This has resulted in people wanting to eat larger meals in order to fill themselves. In addition to fast food, this effect has been transported to all other types of food in that serving sizes have increased remarkably over the past few decades. This has lead to a knock-on effect, such as obesity and disease, both of which are discussed below. Another negative effect of fast food is that it is contributing to the growing problem of obesity in America. The content of fast food has a lot of calories in it, so it helps people to put on weight rather than them slimming down. The fatty oils that are used to cook most fast food are not good for the average person’s health and fast food is known to be a leading cause of obesity. A

Friday, October 18, 2019

HRD Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 2

HRD - Essay Example One of the major roles of human resource management in an organization is staffing as no single organization is in a position to run its operations without employees, both fully functional and support staff. As such human resource development sees the recruitment and selection of human resources, read employees, into the organization. This occurs after human resource development runs planning for human resources where they determine the employees required to meet the goals and achieve set targets for the organization. Recruitment involves attracting qualified applicants for a job that exists in the organization and the qualifications should meet the job description, while selection involves human resource management selecting from the qualified applicants that are best suited (â€Å"Introduction to human†¦Ã¢â‚¬ , n.d.). The other role of human resources is orientation into an organization where after hiring; an employee is expected to familiarize himself or herself with the or ganization and its functions and operations. In this case, human resource development plays its role in orientation, where it acquaints its employees with aspects of the organizations so that the employee is comfortable in the organization and ready to work based on the information that is passed on to him or her during this process. Human resource development provides information on the basics and other information that an employee collects and creates in the process of working in then organization, but most of it is the basics that are provided at orientation (â€Å"Introduction to human†¦Ã¢â‚¬ , n.d.). The third important role of human resource development is training and development, where it provides employees with skills and knowledge to perform their tasks and fulfill their duties responsibly and as per organizational objectives. In this role, human resource development provides training for new employees who

Reflexive Managers in Contemporary Organisations Term Paper

Reflexive Managers in Contemporary Organisations - Term Paper Example Every manager has to realize that there is dual responsibility associated with this position as the individual has to both accomplish the organizational objectives and provide guidance to the subordinates in giving their best efforts. Moreover, the managers have to perform their self-assessment to review their own set of competencies and make sure that they possess the proficiencies required for assisting the subordinates or employees in contributing effectively within the enterprises (Cunliffe, 2013). In order to provide appropriate resources to the managers, the theorists of the organizational management field have stressed the need for utilizing the reflection process within their job responsibilities. In the present era, everyone has to act as a reflexive individual who continuously and critically thinks about the way an action is taken by the person. This analysis will allow the individual to assess the act from various perspectives so that he/she can review the perception held by the person and how others will perceive it (Bradbury, 2010; Gunia et al., 2012). Also, most of the contemporary organizations are supporting the designing and implementation of the training programs for the management positions in which managers are given adequate training for becoming the reflexive practitioners or reflexive managers (Broussine & Ahmed, 2013). The overall aim of such training sessions is to develop the critical thinking and self-assessment techniques in the managers so that they can reflect upon their own course of actions and be assured that a positive, complying and appropriate perception is created in the minds of the subordinates (Bolton, 2010). Moreover, it is stated by Hibbert (2012) that reflexive manager is mandatory for the modern day organizations as the expert has to critically evaluate his/her own practices at three instances i.e. before, during and after the decision/action.  

Key learning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Key learning - Essay Example It is important to learn that determination makes individuals to aspire for a better performance in the next stage. Support from others reassures people that they are not alone in the current circumstance and gives them strength to move on (Lewis 47). This is a key learning point because the neutral zone acts as a redefining moment in the life of an individual. This understanding can an individual learn that difficulties are temporary and that they will go away once he or she succeeds out of this zone (Lewis 47). This is an important learning point because it underscores effectiveness as an indicator of good leadership. This draws from the role of a leader in coordinating the activities of the team and providing direction (Lewis 48). It is crucial to learn that fairness and honesty creates a trusting environment and leads to success because it wins the support of the team towards a leader’s plans. This way, the leader does not strain mobilizing group members for action (Lewis 49). Learning not to overact to resistance and opposition is important because it help to remain objective. This way, a change leader gets time to plan how to counter the resistance in a way that does not scare away the support of the team (Lewis 51). It is important to learn that low trust makes individuals fear for the welfare and this makes them not embrace the change thus disrupting the success of the transition. The change leader needs to convince the team that their welfare is his or her concern (Lewis 52). There is need for change leaders to persuade the team of the efficacy of the intended change plan inviting their participation in the change process. A compelling vision implores people to be proactive in realizing the goal of the change process (Lewis 54). Change process needs leadership and coordination in order to remain harmonious and consistent.

Thursday, October 17, 2019

At&T Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

At&T - Research Paper Example it covers the national and the regional business markets, spending $100K-1M & $50K-100K on each respectively (Kalata, 2011). The SMB currently has 125K accounts. Besides these three major groups, it has global ramifications which it labels as ‘Most of World’ (MOW) which incorporates the non US based clientele, where the projected spend is $500K, and also offers government solutions in the local government, educational and medical sectors’ (Kalata, 2011). AT&T offers network, devices as well as applications’ to its consumer base. Focus Strategy AT&T has developed its product lines for its varied customer base by focusing on differentiation and cost leadership which can be illustrated with Porter’s Generic Model. ... It has also diversified into the TV broadcast (DIRECTV) and yellow pages business, offering multimedia local search solutions. Their IP (Internet Protocol) based business communications services are considered the most advanced in the world. The company offers tailor made solutions for the different cultural groups within the United States , never forgetting what is important for the consumers, shareholders, business associates and employees. Key Success Metrics In the highly competitive global environment, survival and sustainability of a company depends upon the level of its adaptability to the continuously changing consumer demand, ability to come up with affordable and technically abreast products for its market, good employee management and judicious expenditure of resources. In terms of its financial infrastructure, AT&T is a giant amongst its competitors and its workforce is one of the best in the telecommunications sector. AT&T has diversified its business and focused on aspe cts in which it can really excel. It has kept its primary focus on developing GSM wireless networks which occupy the envious position of being 88% of the currently prevalent global networks. It is therefore the largest US operator in the global market. Being the best provider of 3G networks, it is gradually focusing on transitioning towards the 4G technology, although its global deployment may take some years. The latest technology in communications known as LTE is already undergoing trials under the aegis of AT&T. The company has invested billions in its wireless networks around the world. In 2009, AT&T invested $17.3 billion and intended to increase the amount further in

Basel 1 2 and 3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Basel 1 2 and 3 - Essay Example Basel I, II, and III agreements have given birth to a new era of international banking cooperation. Through technical, qualitative and quantitative analysis, these agreements have assisted in harmonization of banking supervision, capital adequacy standards and regulation across the eleven member states of the Basel Group and the emerging economies. Contrary to this, the strength of these agreements-their technical and qualitative benchmarks limit the comprehension of these accords within policy circles causing confusion among people while interpreting them and wrongly applied to majority of the world’s political economies. However, even in situations where the Basel system has been rightly applied, neither accord has secured long-term stability within nations banking system or sector. Therefore, a full comprehension of the intentions, rules, and shortcomings of the three Basel accords is significant in assessing their impact on international banking and financial system. With the recent collapse or major investment banks, such as Bears Sterns, Lehman Brothers, AIG and others regulation has become increasingly important in today’s economy. The lack of regulation allowed these banks to borrow massive amount of capital and invest in high-risk securities. The Basel Committee attempted to force these banks to hold cash reserves in order to prevent a total banking collapse; sadly, the international banking system thwarted any attempt to do this thus making the collapse inevitable. The Basel I accord was a set of global or international banking regulation installed by the Basel committee to enhance bank supervision, which laid down the minimum capital requirement of banks and other financial institutions with the aim of minimizing credit risk. Banks that operated globally are required to maintain minimum amount of capital based upon a percentage of risk-weighted assets. After the Basel committee in Switzerland, the G-10 members started to discuss

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Key learning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Key learning - Essay Example It is important to learn that determination makes individuals to aspire for a better performance in the next stage. Support from others reassures people that they are not alone in the current circumstance and gives them strength to move on (Lewis 47). This is a key learning point because the neutral zone acts as a redefining moment in the life of an individual. This understanding can an individual learn that difficulties are temporary and that they will go away once he or she succeeds out of this zone (Lewis 47). This is an important learning point because it underscores effectiveness as an indicator of good leadership. This draws from the role of a leader in coordinating the activities of the team and providing direction (Lewis 48). It is crucial to learn that fairness and honesty creates a trusting environment and leads to success because it wins the support of the team towards a leader’s plans. This way, the leader does not strain mobilizing group members for action (Lewis 49). Learning not to overact to resistance and opposition is important because it help to remain objective. This way, a change leader gets time to plan how to counter the resistance in a way that does not scare away the support of the team (Lewis 51). It is important to learn that low trust makes individuals fear for the welfare and this makes them not embrace the change thus disrupting the success of the transition. The change leader needs to convince the team that their welfare is his or her concern (Lewis 52). There is need for change leaders to persuade the team of the efficacy of the intended change plan inviting their participation in the change process. A compelling vision implores people to be proactive in realizing the goal of the change process (Lewis 54). Change process needs leadership and coordination in order to remain harmonious and consistent.

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Basel 1 2 and 3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Basel 1 2 and 3 - Essay Example Basel I, II, and III agreements have given birth to a new era of international banking cooperation. Through technical, qualitative and quantitative analysis, these agreements have assisted in harmonization of banking supervision, capital adequacy standards and regulation across the eleven member states of the Basel Group and the emerging economies. Contrary to this, the strength of these agreements-their technical and qualitative benchmarks limit the comprehension of these accords within policy circles causing confusion among people while interpreting them and wrongly applied to majority of the world’s political economies. However, even in situations where the Basel system has been rightly applied, neither accord has secured long-term stability within nations banking system or sector. Therefore, a full comprehension of the intentions, rules, and shortcomings of the three Basel accords is significant in assessing their impact on international banking and financial system. With the recent collapse or major investment banks, such as Bears Sterns, Lehman Brothers, AIG and others regulation has become increasingly important in today’s economy. The lack of regulation allowed these banks to borrow massive amount of capital and invest in high-risk securities. The Basel Committee attempted to force these banks to hold cash reserves in order to prevent a total banking collapse; sadly, the international banking system thwarted any attempt to do this thus making the collapse inevitable. The Basel I accord was a set of global or international banking regulation installed by the Basel committee to enhance bank supervision, which laid down the minimum capital requirement of banks and other financial institutions with the aim of minimizing credit risk. Banks that operated globally are required to maintain minimum amount of capital based upon a percentage of risk-weighted assets. After the Basel committee in Switzerland, the G-10 members started to discuss

Transformational Leader Essay Example for Free

Transformational Leader Essay The entire world has been caught up in the events leading up to the 2008 United States Presidential election. The selection of Barack Obama as America’s first African American President, and his highly effective campaign, provides us with a prime example of the power of transformational leadership, and the means by which change occurs. The notion of transformational leadership is not just pertinent, however, to the worlds of politics and the community. It is highly relevant to the corporate world and organizations as well. While Obama’s ethnicity is obviously noteworthy and is a large part of what makes this election so significant, there is another critically important component of this moment which people have a tendency to ignore. It has to do with the transformation that has taken place in the minds of voters in the US and the hearts of people around the world. The change that has occurred is a direct result of the President-elect’s ability to inspire change. He didn’t change the people themselves, which would be impossible. What he did change was the way they see the world and their place in it. Business leaders operate under similar circumstances because they also must engage employees and inspire them to feel a part of an organization. Transformational leadership involves more than charisma and emotion. It involves more than giving good speeches and making people feel good. In his hallmark definition of the term James MacGregor Burns coined the term transformational leadership as â€Å"leaders inducing followers to act for certain goals that represent the values and the motivations the wants and needs, the aspirations and expectations of both leaders and followers.† [Italics original] The leader is not merely wielding power, but appealing to the values of the follower. In this sense, values mean, â€Å"A principle, standard, or quality regarded as worthwhile or desirable,† (Webster’s New Riverside University Dictionary). Burns insists that for leaders to have the greatest impact on the â€Å"led,† they must motivate followers to action by appealing to shared values and by satisfying the higher order needs of the led, such as their aspirations and expectations. He said, â€Å". . . transforming leadership ultimately becomes moral in that it raises the level of human conduct and ethical aspiration of both leader and the led, and thus it has a transforming effect on both.† Change doesn’t just happen. It needs an impetus. Einstein in his Theory of Relativity applied the laws of physics to matter and we can apply this theory to universal behavior. As force is applied to an object in the direction of motion, the object gains momentum and gains energy. President-elect Obama was the force for change; he introduced a new direction that would address the needs as he saw it. In order for the notion of transformational leadership to be relevant, three elements must be present: 1) A Clearly Articulated Vision 2) Statements that Inspire People to Connect; and 3) A Detailed Plan to Execute. 1) A Clearly Articulated Vision The history of the world is replete with examples of charismatic leaders who have led their nations and a cause. The names of Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi, Napoleon Bonaparte Julius Caesar, Mao Tse-tung, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., Winston Churchill and Franklin Delano Roosevelt evoke tremendous feeling. The Industrial Revolution also evokes thoughts regarding the titans of industry like Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Alexander Graham Bell and JP Morgan who had an incontrovertible and formative impact on that era. The vision that was articulated by the individuals in these two categories, the ability to inspire people to connect and the plans that were executed to make the vision a reality is indisputable. In the present, we may not know the names of all of the transformational leaders who are making change in their sector, but it certainly is happening. Apple, Google, Tata Motors, Carrefour, and Toyota, for example, are having an undeniable global impact on our everyday behavior and interaction. Apple’s iPod, for example, has revolutionized the way we think about listening to music, the way we purchase music, the way we share music, and even the way we define our personal space. The question for business leaders within organizations such as Apple is how to achieve the multiplier effect of this leadership pattern in order to bring about continuous innovation and improvement? How do we replicate this leadership pattern at the department and team level in order to generate change in every sector of an organization? How do we grow transformational leaders so they can rise to the positions of influence to positively impact organizational change? Transformational leadership must occur throughout the organization, not just at the top, in order to bring about the full synergistic effect. For example, when a CEO articulates the vision of a company, it is up to the global presidents and department vice presidents to execute the vision. But they must also be able to communicate that vision in a way which translates into local or regional needs. People must buy into the vision and relate it to â€Å"what’s in it for me.† To the extent that they do this, the overall vision becomes more compelling. This starts the process of aligning the vision and connecting it to local needs and desires. A clearly articulated vision must have in it the elements which point to a better way for dealing with the present and the future. It must provide a context to address the most pressing issues in a manner which is innovative and compelling. Innovative because any change strategy needs to outline what will be different from the status quo. It must be compelling because it must be believable. People must feel that this vision will definitely lead to a better way of doing things. 2) Statements that Inspire People to Connect The most powerful visions also are those which have a few words that are easily understood and restated. This eases the communication process and enables everyone to embrace the vision as their own. In the 21st century a brief statement is marketing sin qua non. In others words, it is essential to excellent communications. As transformational leaders seek to communicate their vision using various venues, they begin to appreciate the marketing challenge of disseminating their message out and ensuring comprehension of their message. In 1964 Marshall McLuhan coined the phrase The medium is the message meaning that the form of a medium embeds itself in the message, creating a symbiotic relationship by which the medium influences how the message is perceived, creating subtle change over time. 21st century transformational leaders ignore the medium at their peril. In order to give a vision the wings it needs to travel, it must Inspire People to Connect. This is when a vision really begins to come alive. It comes alive because people believe that the vision will take them from where they are to where they want to be. In organizations it means that employees can begin to align to a better way of doing their work; reaching their customers or constituencies; and providing the goods and services which will make them more effective, productive and profitable. When people connect on a cognitive and emotional level it begins to move them to action. This action contains the seeds for producing change. Einstein stated that â€Å"no problem can be solved with the same type of thinking that created it†. Inspiring people with a different message gives them an alternative way to approach their challenges. It is this connective element that provides the momentum to a vision and gives it longevity. It is this connective element that enables people to align with each other in a different way to meet their challenges. By connecting with the vision they are also reenergized to act. When we talk about motivation this is where it begins. People are motivated to act and engage differently because they can connect to something new, innovative and inspiring. Obama’s incredibly effective â€Å"Yes We Can† slogan is a great example of how a simple statement can encompass a lofty inspirational theme, yet still pertain to day to day action. The slogan was simple, inspirational, easy to remember, and resonated on a number of levels regardless of one’s unique personal circumstances. Furthermore, Barack Obama and his team revolutionized the way they used the internet to connect their vision to people. They provided a continuous stream of messages via mobile phone, internet, the web and countless other technological mediums in a personalized manner practically every day for two years! You always felt that the vision was on top of mind and that they were speaking directly to you. Every message had your name on it. You didn’t feel you were part of a mass communication campaign. The messages were simple, informative and compelled you to action. Corporate transformational leaders need to embrace these same innovative techniques if they are to connect with the workforce of today. This type of connection or engagement is crucial to attracting and retaining high potential workers. When workers are fully engaged, a noted Gallup study of Oct 2006 indicates, they are more motivated and more productive. Specifically engaged employees work with passion and have a profound connection to their organization. They drive innovation and move their organization forward. Unfortunately, not enough attention is paid to how people connect to a vision. They must go through a process of enrolling with the vision so that they feel it is their own. In essence, a vision connects when people internalize it and say that it is not just someone else’s vision, it is their own. This feeling of ownership is crucial to success. By implementing goal alignment processes, organizations can involve every department in the effort. Individual departments need to know tactically what their role is in contributing to the greater good. They must feel that this vision will definitely enhance their way of performing and interacting. When they have this ownership, then they are motivated to act in different ways. This engagement is directly correlated to employee retention as staff will leave an organization when they can’t get their needs met, and they feel that they don’t identify with the way things are done and with the values or vision of the organization. In short, just having a vision statement will not achieve results. 3) A Detailed Plan to Execute In order to increase the ownership process, one has to move from â€Å"what â€Å"and â€Å"why† to â€Å"how†. Transformation falls short when this is not in place. Invariably many great plans fall apart at the connect points. A critical connecting point is a detailed plan to execute the vision. This begins to complete the circle. It is no surprise that when you have a wonderfully articulated vision, people will then want to see how it works. For many, this is the litmus test of whether the vision is a good one or bad one! Consequently, transformational leaders must help people understand that their vision is just the starting point. They must articulate the complete process that individuals must go through to make true change a reality. During the transition period, it is easy for people to get discouraged because the path to a new future can be difficult to see and follow at times. There must be constant communication and education along the way to keep people focused on the goal. The vision becomes a compass leading people through the turbulent times. Conclusion Indeed change can happen in any organization when there are transformational leaders who clearly articulate the vision; inspire people to connect to the vision and detail the plans in order to achieve the vision. It is this type of leadership that will bring about true innovation, productivity and employee satisfaction as organizations strive to be relevant on a global basis. The success of the Obama campaign was not magic. It relied on a disciplined approach articulating the vision, inspiring people to connect to it, along with a plan of execution. This same pattern can be duplicated in the business world on an organization-wide level. And if done correctly, it can yield awesome results from the entry level to the corporate suites. The challenges in front of us demand no less. Turning middle managers into transformational leadersIn these turbulent times, nearly every organization is facing the need to transform to survive or thrive.The concept of Transformational Leadership (TL), which plays a direct role in creating change, establishing a vision, and giving confidence to employees to explore new directions, therefore becomes popular once again in management development.By Uwe Napiersky, Business Psychologist Learning Architect, PhD.The transformational leaders Undergoing such development empowers an organization to greatly exceed previous levels of accomplishment. The transformational leaders are able to challenge and motivate an entire organisation – top to bottom. They care about people and want people to succeed. Th e result is individual, group, and organizational achievement and morale. Many organisations consider the transformational approach of leadership as a revitalisation to increase competitiveness, sustain growth and to develop their talents further (remember the war for talent hasn’t stopped!).Instead of exercising formal authority and power over others resulting from a manager’s formal position in the hierarchy, empowering and enabling people is a key behaviour. The approach represents positive values like quality, performance, respect and fairness.To create a culture of high performance, where everyone in the  organisation is consistently working together to improve performance, not only top management needs to exercise transformational behaviour, but the middle management does as well. Leadership needs to be demonstrated at times by everyone in the organisation. How can middle Managers develop Transformational Leadership? 1. A change of mindset 2. Development of new (transformational) behaviours 3. Three fundamentals for the design of a transformation process in the organization. 1. A change of mindsetFrom organizing work and â€Å"doing things right† to motivating, inspiring and coaching Typically technical professionals, with e. g. engineering, IT, finance or scientific background are promoted to positions in middle management. Entry and middle management roles mainly consist of task oriented behaviours like planning budgets, setting priorities, controlling and solving problems etc. which are often summarized as â€Å"doing things right†; This is known as a â€Å"transactional† management mindset.This kind of management is necessary for the every day functioning of the business but does not bring about change or major innovation. To use a popular expression, it is good in â€Å"rearranging the deck chairs of the Titanic, but can’t keep the ship from sinking†.To increase personal impact, a person has to shift his/her mindset (and subsequently behaviour) towards influence oriented behaviour, relationship trust building skil ls, combined with caring to sustain a motivational environment, which inspires and empowers.The manager needs to shift his/her mindset radically, by perceiving his/her role as focusing on people, their dreams, development needs and emotions; rather than primarily managing tasks and planning. 2. Development of new (transformational) behaviour: A – Openness to feedback, via 360 degree feedback data A 360 degree feedback tool provides a structured approach to self discovery and a process of understanding yourself which creates awareness about your strengths and areas for development. B – Coaching subordinates Coaching and facilitating subordinates to develop their strengths and work on their development needs enables both the acceptance and understanding of feedback as well as the commitment and relevant action plan steps and practicing of new behaviours.Coaching can be done in one to one sessions, in teams or with peers. It is essential to work on real life/business situations and how to translate theory into manageable relevant action steps.Developing openness to feedback and coaching skills  and behaviours can build confidence, openness and ability for the participant to deal positively with the challenges to exercise new behaviours like motivating and coaching others. C – The understanding, commitment and endorsement of the top management to the objective of a transformational leadership process The implementation of TL via training programmes will not be effective unless part of its objectives and design principles are coherent with what TL is really about. The commitment of all stakeholders is necessary for the success of the training programs (trainers, participants (managers), their bosses, senior management, CEO of the firm) and is a critical success factor to make TL work!Senior management will need to facilitate and nurture a culture of transformational leadership, and to be ready to become mentors who will assist the new managers to develop their own self-confidence to lead change, their own skills set as well as develop the self-concept that allows the transformation from a manager to a leader. 3. Three fundamentals for the design of a transformation process: A – Start by stopping to work with purely cognitive models of change It’s a process and not a 2-day course! And a successful process will not be mastered only on a cognitive level; it has to be exercised on a behavioural level too. Therefore it needs a safe space for learning, reflecting and experimenting. To develop TL means that intentional effort must be made to adopt a transformational style.The process of the self transformation and a learning journey for middle managers mostly starts with understanding ones own personal visions, values and how to manage the developmental process. B – Behaviour change takes more than a good theory and good explanations It needs self awareness and behaviour change interventions. In particular, it needs self directed learning and motivation to challenge oneself in a field which is mostly new for most middle managers with a technical background.The transition for a transactional manager into a transformational leader requires time to learn a new skill set, demonstrate new behaviours and embrace a new mindset. The appropriate understanding of how to apply TL is not about some things you do with your employees, it is the positive stimulating relationship with your employee. C – Include a systematic approach of Monitoring Either include existing instruments for measuring the impact of TL or they can be developed – tailor made – to the specific needs of the organisation. The evaluation methods and  tools provide information about individual and organisational processes as well as the impact on business results. Conclusions * Create an integrated and flexible process design * Build positive dynamic for middle management