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Monday, September 30, 2019

Poetry changed alongside wider society Essay

We learn that Arnold can no longer draw comfort from the â€Å"sea of faith† or religion which encompassed him and like the â€Å"folds of a bright girdle furled. † Instead, the coast and sea is an analogy for religious trend. Christianity is ebbing away because of scientific dispatch. This results is the â€Å"naked shingles of the world†; a place that is unprotected and fragile with no supreme power to guide man. This confusion is emphasized the informality of its structure. The lack of a coherent rhythm and rhyme scheme creates the illusion of tide, â€Å"But now I only hear, Its melancholy, long, withdrawing roar, Retreating to the breath,† which swashes and washes along the coast just like the different line lengths. As we can see, Arnold is hesitant of change and acceptance for him results in apprehension. This is unusual in the sense that, conventionally, acceptance results in peace of mind. Ironically, in god’s Grandeur, when Hopkins refutes absolute science, he is more buoyant and cheerful towards which is not the usual characteristics of denial. In the poem, despite the fall of contemporary Victorian society, â€Å"nature is never spent† and permeates the world with â€Å"the dearest of freshness. † Hopkins conveys an image of god being a regenerative force who is able to bring morning following the â€Å"last lights of the black west. † He is defiant of the theory of evolution and instead believes in the â€Å"holy ghost. † Gods Grandeur ends with: â€Å"World broods with warm breast and with ah! Bright wings. † This imagery is inspired with hope and resembles the techniques by Romantic poets where an animal would be used as the vehicle to escape misery; for example the skylark in Keats poem. On the other hand, Dover Beech is not optimistic but instead shares the pessimism associated with poems in the 1900. Arnold depicts the world as a stagnant site with â€Å"neither joy, nor love nor light. † In the last stanza, he talks personally to his wife: â€Å"Ah, love, let us be true† In a place of no faith, Arnold wishes to pin their faith on each other- the language becomes poetic with a series of semantically related adjectives: â€Å"So various, so beautiful, so new† The Victorians lived through a time of change however change in the near future results in â€Å"neither certitude, nor peace, nor help for pain. † This apprehension is felt by Arnold who is â€Å"swept with confused alarms†; the complete antithesis of Hopkins.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Trade Union Development

Trade Union Development in Jamaica & Trinidad & Tobago Trade Unionism: Hugh W. Springer ? Trade Unionism is an instrument of social change and progress. It had to be invented because it is a necessary part of the apparatus of democratic government in modern industrial society. In the West Indies the Trade Union Movement came into existence as part of the larger movement for the freedom and independent nationhood. ?Economic Conditions that contributed to Discontentment in the Region ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 1st Great Depression late 19th Century Low Wages / Increased mechanisation of processes (affected mostly women) Rising Prices / Rising Cost of Living Increasing Unemployment & Underemployment Reduction in Working Hours 1929 Financial Crisis in the USA Other: – – – No Machinery to air grievances Lack of political and legal rights Unsanitary working conditions Role of the Media ? ? ?Dissemination of information that reached the masses (Newspapers) but National Newspaper pro moted capitalist interests Audio and Visual information through Radio broadcast and news reels at cinemas Case: A group of intellectuals developed a radical critique that help to shape a new political culture in Trinidad, they did so through – – – – A literary journal called Trinidad The beacon magazine There was also a similar type of vehicle used in Jamaica called the Plain Talk, a Garveyite weekly newspaper edited by Alfred Mendez & Public Opinion used by local intellectuals to write letters and articlesWorld Events as well as Social Factors that Contributed to Greater Levels of Consciousness at a Regional Level attacks on the Abyssinians – aroused anti-white feelings among the blacks ? Italian ? The repatriation of Labourers who had gone to Latin America ?Marcus Garvey and the Universal Negro Improvement Association – which increased class solidarity and the advocacy of Trade Unionism as well as it contributed to the spread of Marxist id eas – workers had taken power and property from the Capitalist ? Russia ? Ex-servicemen returning home after World War 1Welcome to Jamaica â€Å"Gud feh si yuh† Conditions Unique to Jamaica ? ? ? ? ? Crisis in Banana Production Mass migration in Kingston and St. Andrew Areas (urban) The Radicalisation of Waterfront Workers The influence of Marcus Garvey (who was deported back to JA from the US in1927) The Emergence of Rastafarianism – Leonard Howell Late 19th Century ? ? ? Angry protest broke out in many of the colonies Trade Unions were still illegal At least 16 serious disturbances occurred between 1884-1905 according to Bolland – – Most in Jamaica (1884,1894,1895,1901,1902 & 1912) Trinidad 1903Jamaica ? ? ? The largest economy of the region They took the lead in confronting the Colonial Power-Structure Their history of rebellion – – Maroons victory in 1738 Morant Bay Rebellion in 1865 – in which Governor Eyre had to expediti ously abolish the Representative type Government and it found approval with the colonial office – New Constitution introduced – Crown Colony The Representative Type of Government Governors (representing the Imperial Powers) Conflict over power in the system particularly concerning finance Legislators (local vested Interest)Local Crown Colony Structure Resident Governor (Autocratic Power) Executive Council (Policy – making) Legislative Assembly Nominated (majority) / Elected (minority) Jamaica ? Brief Overview – – – Prior to emancipation (during apprenticeship) there was a noticeable trek of wage labour Land acquisition had become popular among former slaves By the 1860s the majority of the labour force comprised of small farmers, peasants, rural (nonstate) labourers and independent semi-skilled tradesman – growing Black Middle Class Jamaica Pre 1930 ? ? ?Between World War I & II, there were more vocalising of colonial exploitation and oppression The Mass movement Bedwardism, a quasireligious body of unemployed labourers was becoming popular The movement of Garveyism – philosophy of negritude improvement and denunciation of the white-power regime – United Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) Jamaica Pre 1930 Cont’d ? ? Both Bedwardism & Garveyism as Mass Movements suffered from the alienation of the Middle-Class Jamaicans But the Middle Class too was involved in the struggle with several quasi-political & nationalist organisations – – –Social Reconstruction League The National Reform Association The Jamaica Progressive League Early Organised Labour ? ? ? Workers at the Kingston Ice Factory went on strike in 1917 and several were imprisoned In 1918 tram and dock workers began organising Several strikes took place in 1918 as a matter of fact a strike among sugar workers resulted in violent police action where 3 people were killed and several others injuredEarly Organised La bour Con’t ? ? ? In 1919 railway workers formed a ‘union under cover’ called the Workingmen’s Cooperative Association Bain-Alves with the help of Alfred Mends formed the Jamaican federation of Labour (JFL) – a group of small unions The JFL petitioned the Governor for legal and official recognition for Trade Unions, which saw the TU Law became law in Oct. 25th 1919 The Trade Union Law ? ? ? Conferred legal status on registered Trade Unions and protected them from prosecution for conspiracy and unlawful combinations It did not confer immunity for Union and workers from liability of tort or breach of Contract It did not legalise peaceful picketing The strikes and organisation of workers in 1917 & 1918 provided the necessary pressure that resulted in the legalisation of TUs Post 1930 ? ? ? ? ?Labour protest took place in 1935 along the North Coast although it was peaceful, armed forces were sent One person died, several people injured and several arrest s were made In 1936 the Jamaica Workers and Tradesmen Union (JWTU) was formed and lead by A. G. S. Coombs and H. C. Buchanan Hunger marches followed in Kingston and Spanish Town led by L. W. Rose, a shoemaker and by UNIA organiser L. E. Barnett In 1937 there was a middle class reform – the National Reform Association (NRA) – Noel Nethersole (President); Ken Hill (Secretary) and F. A.Glasspole – they had formed a radical, socially active network Post 1930 Cont’d ? ? ? ? Manley’s Jamaicans’ Labour Party was launched in April 1937 Manley had won the trust of the Colonial Officials He had refused to run for elections as well as to become the president of the NRA saying that the problems in Jamaica were social and economic not political So up to 1938 the two most serious attempts to organize working people were the JWTU and the Poor Man’s Improvement Land Settlement and Labour Association (PMILSLA) William Alexander Bustamante ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Opportunitist or Hero of the Working class?While Coombs and Buchanan were financially pressed in an attempt to organize workers into the JWTU, they accepted assistance from Bustamante, who was a money lender He became the Union’s Treasurer in 1936 He went to Cuba at the age of 21, then moved to Panama a few years later before moving back to Cuba In 1928 he tried a dairy business in Jamaica but by 1932 he was in New York calling himself Alejandro Bustamanti In 1934 he finally returned to Jamaica He became a prolific writer of letters to the press and in 1936 was speaking at meetings, thus gaining popularity Bustamante challenged Coombs for the leadership of the JWTU but Coombs resigned before it could officially happened Bustamante after facing opposition from Coombs supporters quitted from the Union April – June 1938 ? ? ? ? ? According to Bolland – first was the riot and strike at Frome Estate in Westmoreland between April 29th – May 2nd Protest, S trikes and uprising in Kingston between May 2nd – May 28th – Mainly Dock workers Many Demonstrations, Riots and ‘Rolling Strikes’ throughout the Island between May 23rd – June 11th All of which were confronted by the armed forces Bustamante and Grant were charged with Sedition, inciting people to assemble unlawfully and refusing to move on when ordered to and taken to jail Cont’d ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? With the incarceration of the two Manley took a more prominent role using the ame strategy as Bustamante as a mediator opposed to trade union leader A state of emergency was declared By this time Bustamante was becoming a martyr and Hart and Buchanan did not want workers to return to work until Bustamante and Grant were released The Dock workers also did not want Manley’s advice In essence, Manley’s role as mediator was accepted by the Government and Employers but was rejected by the Waterfront workers This laid the foundation for the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU) according to Bolland The Governor appointed a board of conciliation In response Manley announced the creation of a Labour Committee which was the foundation of the Labour Party in Jamaica (political strategy) Hart and Buchanan cooperated with the committee Cont’d ? ? ?Manley was instrumental in the release of Bustamante on May 28th 1938 who was greeted by a large crowd but he claimed credit for doing better than Manley in terms of negotiating increases on their behalf Because of this impression created by Bustamante he was able to get workers to return to work Both cousins then worked with the Conciliation Board to settle other claims before it Rebellions after the Release of Bustamante ? ? ? ? ? ? On May 30 Mandeville in Manchester was full of demonstrations Roads were blocked and telephone wires cut in Santa Cruz and Black River in St Elizabeth Banana workers were on strike in St Mary, St Cathrine and Portland The strike at Prospect Estate in Hanover and Islington on June 2nd and 3rd respectively Several people were killed and more injured Both Bustamante and Manley travelled around the country trying to get strikers to accept offers made to them as they saw the bigger problem being unemployment Aftermath ? ? ? ? ? ? ?The state intervened with a land settlement scheme, tools, seeds, etc According to the Commissioner’s report eight people were killed, scores injured both law enforcers and civilians and over four hundred person were convicted and given punishments Rivalry emerged between the two cousins Manley founded the People's National Party (PNP) – British Fabian Socialism in September 1938 – Nationalistic An autocratic style of leadership was developed by Bustamante Bustamante registered his Union on 23rd January 1939 – Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU) – labouristic The rules constituted him as president for life and gave him power to control its funds and to appoi nt a committee of Management – authoritarian style of leadership Disunity ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Within the Trade Union Movement itself there was a rivalry between Bustamante (President of BITU) and Coombs (President of JWTU) The BITU was growing rapidly and leaders from the JWTU were changing alliances But the JWTU remained popular among the banana and dock workers in St James After a worker who was also a member of the JWTU told Grant (BITU) his union is not wanted there an altercation ensued Bustamante then called an Islandwide strike Some workers heeded to the call and as a result a State of Emergency was issued The strike was a major failure and blow to the TU movement Disunity Cont’d ? ? ? Bustamante broke the truce and broke away from the Trade Union Advisory Council Protection from state for â€Å"strike breakers† Despite the evidence of need for unity the movements remained divided Analysis of the Rebellion ? Locality – – Rural – interest in land ownership Urban – more proletarianised ? ? ? Relations between Capital and Labour Levels of consciousness and organization of workers Known contradictions by the state Impact of the Rebellion in Jamaica ? ? ? ? ? ?It provided an experience in labour politics that irreversibly changed the colony’s political culture It wrung several concessions from the colonial government Bustamante and Manley were promoted to the status of Leaders of the Labour and Nationalist Movement Appointment of a board of Conciliation – to settle labour disputes and make recommendations to relieve unemployment – this was also an indication of acceptance for negotiation between employees and employers Changes were made in the Jamaica’s Constitution in 1944 where the British-style Westminster Model was adopted The achievement of Universal Suffrage in 1944 Jamaica in the 1940s ? ? ? ? ? Bustamante was arrested from September 8th 1940 to 8th February 1942 Manley and the PNPà ¢â‚¬â„¢s left stepped in to revive the BITU There was a call from the PNP’s left wing for unity between the movements based on race and class consciousness which contributed to the growth of the anti-colonial and nationalist movement The PNP headed by Manley advocated for constitutional reform by demanding a Bicameral legislature.Manley was also in favour of a Federation After Bustamante’s release the coalition was solidified between the BITU and the PNP with the mandate of changing the government but this collaboration was brief and ended in February 1942 Jamaica in the 1940s ? ? ? ? ? ? Despite the truce to keep the peace strikes broke out in St Thomas in 1940 (sugar workers) Leaders started demanding the publication of the Moyne Commission Report All strikes failed In 1942 there was an imposing of several restrictions through legislation again – Defence Projects and Essential Services (Trade Disputes) order Mid-1942 Jamaica was in serious crisis – incr eased unemployment The Citizens Emergency Council (CEC) was formed in May 1942 and included groups such as JTUC, JUWU, UNIA, FCA, Jamaica Union of Teachers as well as the Capitalist Association Jamaica in the 1940s ? ? ? ? ? ?Henry and several other union activists lost their jobs on the railway and as a result they started to organise government workers Richards moved to have the unions not recognised as he saw potential danger for the transport system The Authorized Associations (Government Departments) (Defence) Regulation was passed to make it impossible for non-government employees to lead unions as it forbid membership of persons who were not government employees The GREU in particular cabled Citrine to intervene and Manley filed for an injunction against the Governor The 4Hs were detained under the same regulation but eventual the British government revoked it and restored the right for government employees to select their own officials These efforts however did not equate in to similar numbers as the BITU base Manley / PNP / NWU’s Operations ? ? ? ? Manley’s PNP contributed to the constitutional change towards self-government in 1943 Aimed at uniting all the classes in Jamaica The PNP’s policy was formally socialist Manley expelled the â€Å"4 Hs† in 1952 and formed the National Workers Unions (NWU) which was largely responsible for his victory in the 1955 elections Bustamante / BITU / JLP ? ? ? ? ? ?Bustamante did not really campaign for constitutional reform but was priming himself for the opportunity when it came through the formation of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Instead the JLP advocated a conservative reformist policy which aimed to narrow the socio-economic gap JLP was supported by the old propertied elite In essence there was the formation of an alliance between the leading labour leader and the leading capitalist The BITU won elections in 1946 and as Minister of Communications became a source of additional power and as a promotional opportunity The BITU also expanded its power through closed shop agreements and took a law & order stance in dealing with IA Violent Clashes Between the BITU/JLP & PNP/NWU ? ? On October 20th 1947 – at Trench Pen left several BITU/JLP members dead and wounded PNP Supporter – J. Nicholas after being threatened by the BITU gang shot and killed Clifford Reid Jamaica Conclusion ? ? The evolution of self-government weakened the ability of organised labour to influence class structure and class relations Political reforms created competitions within the labour movement at the expense of meaningful social change Trinidad and TobagoAn Overview ? ? ? ? ? ? Slavery had lasted a relatively short period of time in T compared to Jamaica and other Islands The Building up of the Mass Movement was much slower because there was no common base upon which that spirit of national consciousness could have been forged Middle class support however, was quicker and forthc oming The earliest and longest lasting organisation of working people in the British Caribbean was the Trinidad Workingmen’s Association (TWA) – 1897 – it had two divisions TWA was involved in Political reform than it was in Trade Unionism By WWI there was no organisation devoted to the rank-andfile workers’ T Pre 1930 ? ? ?The general social system mirror that of the UK In the 1830s in the UK Trade Unions had not been fully established It was only in the latter half of the 19th Century that the legislative and institutional framework was attaining that stage of development which would enable a free labour movement to emerge T Pre 1930 Cont’d ? ? ? ? ? In 1917 workers in oil and asphalt industries were involved in serious disturbances The strikes had all failed Strikers were arrested and some were given prison sentences The TWA by 1919 became the main agency for collective political and industrial action Although still illegal organised Labour was clearly progressing Three Main Sectors ? ? Sugar Cocoa †¢Prices depressed due to drop in world prices in early 1920s (2nd Great Depression) †¢ mechanisation of the production processes – increased unemployment ? Oil – although substantial profits – workers earned little T Post 1930 ? ? ? ?New radical leadership started to develop Politically motivated militant groups began to agitate and organise workers including the unemployed TWA had become less effective and united as an organisation A rival organisation called the Trinidad and Tobago Trade Union centre was formed and gained popularity in the 1930s T Post 1930 Cont’d ? ? ? ? ? The Trade Union Ordinance came into being in 1932 It made Trade Unions legal However it did not legalise peaceful picketing and provided immunity for them from legal actions for damages arising out of strike actions In 1934 however, Butler did not register a Trade Union instead it was a political party named Trinidad L abour Party (TLP) There was increasing dissatisfaction within the TWA/TLP over Cipriani’s authoritarian leadership T Post 1930 Cont’d ? ? ?A series of hunger marches and demonstrations were taking place between 1933-1935 Several new organisations were formed and they attacked Cipriani’s leadership of the Labour movement, mobilised workers and initiated new, radical labour politics In fact there was a hunger march to the Governor in the Red House in June 1933 T Post 1930 Cont’d ? ? In 1934 the National Unemployment Movement formed by Elma Francois, Jim Barrette and Jim Headley who organised demonstrations that spread like wildfire through the country By 1935 the NUM had transformed itself into an organisation with more broadly defined goals but narrower social base, the Negro Welfare Cultural and Social Association (NWCSA) T 1935 – Activities that paved the way for the Labour Riots of 1937 ? ? ? ? ? ? Apex Oilfields went on strike During a hungry ma rch to POS organised byButler and Rojas they were stopped by police and Cipriani This event marked the start of Butler’s rise as a labour leader in the oilfields of southern Trinidad Links were also made between Butler and NWCSA The Trinidad Citizens’ League (TCL) founded by Adrian Cola Rienzi who was crazed about Indian nationalism and world socialism Butler and Rojas were a part of the TCL as well 1936 ? ? ? Butler started his party called the British Empire Workers and Citizens Home Rule Party (BEWCHRP) He declared himself â€Å"Chief Servant† He was not a revolutionary but a traditional leader according to Bolland†¦. he had socialist and anti-imperialist ideas like Rienzi and NWCSA who really provided leadership direction and organisation for the emergence of Trade UnionsWhere there Employers Organisations all the while? ? Yes T 1937 ? ? ? Poor working conditions fuelled labour riots and strikes from June 1937 Tubal Uriah Butler had become the catalyst that was needed for industrial action in the oil districts Butler and his organisers planned peaceful (sit-down) strikes restricted to the Oil Industry June 1937 ? ? ? The strikes were carded for June 22nd but due to information from the armed forces it was brought forward to June 18th It was an island-wide labour Crisis that involved all industries including Tobago Few people died including a police officer and several were injured This will take us to Charlie King Junction State Intervention ? ? ? ? ? ? ?The Governor came up with a double policy of ‘conciliation’ and ‘repression’ He announced that he would seek a settlement ‘which will be fair to employers and employees alike’ A State of Emergency was declared on June 26th A committee of the Executive Council was appointed to hear the workers’ grievances and seek reconciliation The Governor proposed new rates (minimum wages) for Government Workers Oil companies agreed to raise the mini mum wage and shorten working hours A commission of inquiry was also launched into the disturbances Collective Bargaining ? On July 25th 1937 a committee of oil workers publicly announce their intention for a union to conduct negotiations via the process of Collective Bargaining The fact that Trinidad had become the British empire’s largest producer of oil ‘was an important determinant of imperial policy towards the labour disturbances’ By the end of 1937†¦.. ? Six Unions had gained official recognition from the colonial government, they were: – – – – – –Amalgamated Building & Wood Workers Trade Union – 1st to register Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU) All Trinidad Sugar Estates and Factory Workers Trade Union Federated Workers Trade Union Seamen & Waterfront Workers Trade Union Public Works Workers Trade Union The Colonial Government in T ? ? ? ? Governor Fletcher admittedly expressed concern over the extrem ely low wages paid to workers especially in the sugar and oil industries Nankivell, the colonial secretary was even more outspoken, he pointed out that the cost of living was increasing and the Government’s revenue increased as industries prospered while workers situation had continued to get worse They displayed a more humane view of workers than Employers But it was short lived as pressure from the capital class amounted and Fletcher opted to strengthens laws at the detriment of Trade UnionsImpact of the Rebellion in T ? ? ? The commission recommended – the creation of a labour department – the appointment of a labour officer to act as mediator and arbitrator between employer and employees – The establishment of an Industrial Court – An amendment to the workers’ compensation law to include agricultural labourers On the other hand however laws were passed to strengthen sedition, restrain public meeting and public speakers and they also made illegal for more than ten persons to gather in public These represented Labour, legislative and Political reforms and employee rights such as the right to negotiate and air grievances Impact Cont’d ? ? ? ? ? Development of an organised advanced labour movement between 1937 and 1939 Universal suffrage Uniting of races to put forward a class struggle Rienzi established the Committee of Industrial Organisation (CIO) which was a precursor to the TTTUC which formed in 1939 Proliferation of labour rights as human Rights issues But these civil/human rights did not address the discrimination of women in Labour According to Bolland ? â€Å"The salience of race and class, and their relationship to the structure and fluctuating fortunes of the economy, were central to the emergence of the Labour movement in Trinidad† Industrial Action at its Best ? ? ? ? ? ?Clement Payne referred to a strike put on by women working in a garment factory who were demanding increased wages and bett er living conditions when negotiations broke down in 1939 After a week of strike other workers from other factories joined in, in sympathy Conciliation had failed Other Unions pledged assistance and supported a boycott of all the stores displaying the clothing Although the employers tried to break the strike by using strike breakers, it did not work They gained 12% wage increase, an eight hour day, 2 weeks annual vacation, protective clothing & a system of shop-floor representation Further Organization ? ? ? The OWTU was represented by Rienzi and Mentor at the 2nd Guianese and West Indian Labour Conference in British Guiana The Trinidad and Tobago Trades Union Council was formed in March 1939 and was modelled after the British TUC Scholarships were made available from the British TUC for Trade Unionists to study abroad Moyne Commission (1938 – 1939) Recommendations ? ? ? ? ? ?The enactment of laws to protect trade unions from actions for damages consequent on strikes; legalis ation of peaceful picketing; compulsory registration of Trade Unions; and audit of their funds Interim Labour departments /officers to cover the period until Trade Unions can play a decisive role in the regulation of wages and conditions of employment The appointment of a Labour Advisor at the Comptroller of the West Indian Welfare Fund who would maintain close liaison with Labour Officers/Departments The establishment of a Labour Department in the Colonial Office and the appointment of a Labour advisory Committee whose members are experts in Labour and colonial questions The creation of wages boards as a means of fixing wages preferable t legislation The establishment of an Industrial Court for the West Indies Moyne Commission (1938 – 1939) Recommendations ? ? ? ? ? The establishment of unemployment insurance Adequate factory inspection and factory legislation The adoption of a Workmen’s Compensation Scheme based on Canadian practice In the sugar industry – the imposition of welfare levies to finance welfare schemes They also recommended the following : – The appointment of women on all Boards and Local authorities which includes government office, judicial office and public office Butler ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Butler was working class and displayed an authoritarian leadership style OnMay 6th 1939 Butler was released from Prison He was incorporated into the OWTU Despite a clear procedure to deal with grievances and lack of the Union’s support, Butler urged workers to strike As a result he was expelled from the OWTU in August 1939 Butler continued to stir up unrest in the oil belt and was imprisoned until 1945 and continued to lead his BEWCHRP Butler major supporters were in the southern oil belts and they remained faithful to him so much so that the strike called by him in December 1946 was successful Butler was the only Labour leader that made a genuine attempt to unify the masses and was unwilling to compromise with employers and colonial administrators Disunities in the 1940s ? Divisions in the economy – – Imperial Capitalist (sugar and oil industries) Local Capitalist (cocoa, coconut and food crop sector) Indian Indentured labours African Trinidadians Middle Class leaders (Rienzi) Working class leaders (Butler) ? Divisions in the working class – – ? Divisions in the labour – – Sectoral Divisions that hampered an Unified Political Movement Divisions by Race African descent Indian Chinese European There were further divisions in terms of class, place of residence and religion.Political Activities in the 1940s ? ? ? ? ? Rienzi and the OWTU launched the Socialist Party of T (SPTT) in March 1941 There were some minor constitutional changes where the number of electives on the legislative council was increased from seven to nine and the number of electives on the executive council was increased to two Chief officers of the OWTU were also members of the TTTUC and in 1943 they advocated for Rienzi’s elevation to the EC This caused Gomes, Pitt and Joseph of the San Fernando Borough to turn against him In November of 1943 Rienzi’s SPTT nominees were defeated in the San Fernando Borough elections Political Activities in the 1940s Cont’d ? ? ? ? ? ?Soon after Pitt and Joseph formed the rival WINP (early 1942) The franchise committee put forward a report but Rienzi had a minority position which was supported by the Governor In February 1944 Rienzi was offered the position of acting Second Crown Council in the Colonial Service, a position he accepted and Rojas succeeded him at the OWTU In 1944 the EC increased to four but the Governor still was not obligated to go on the advise of this council In 1944 there was also the adoption of universal suffrage for all adults over 21 but candidates for election had to be literate in English, with an income not less than $960/yr or property valued at least $5,000. 00 Cipriani died in 1945 Politic al Activities in the 1940s Cont’d ? ? ? ? ? ?Elections were held on July 1st 1946 by this time Rienzi also exited the political arena In light of these two major losses to the political world new ambitions blossomed, the WINP although formed in 1942 became more active in 1944 and gained the support of the FWTU. In WINP was later converted into the United Front (UF) Some of the TLP leader left the organization and formed the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) both of which had no success in this election Three seats were won each to the UF and BEWCHRP, the SPTT won two and one to an independent candidate The major leaders failed to secure a win There was no self-government at this time Unrest in 1947-1949 ? ? ? ? ? ?The Public Works Union (PWU) called a strike in Port of Spain on January 8th 1947 App. 1200 of Butler’s supporters staged a protest march in through the capital Sugar Workers led by Ranjit Kumar who opposed the Sugar Workers Union went on strike on May 5th 1 947 OWTU admitted that the influx of Butlerites strengthened the Union in terms of militancy and size On April 28th 1949 Butler petitioned the Colonial Secretary in the UK and several of his supported protested against the new constitution which allowed for 8 of the 26 seated not to be elected On May Day the TTTUC held a demonstration in San Fernando and Butlers Party held one in Port of Spain Elections 1950 and beyond ? ? ? ? ? ?Elections 18th September 1950 Out of the 18 seats contested Butler’s Party – BEWCHRP won six seats The Trinidad Labour Party (TLP) and Political Progress Group (PPG) won two each, the Caribbean Socialist Party (CSP) won one and the other seven were won by independents, Gomes was the only other leader to be elected Two of the independents joined with the BEWCHRP and thus formed the largest group in the legislature (8 seats) Butler and his members were bypassed for a position of the Executive Council although he deserved it Butler attempted elec tions again in 1956 but was defeated by Eric Williams and the People’s National Movement (PNM) Industrial Stabilization Act 1965 ? During the early 1960s the industrial relations climate in Trinidad and Tobago was tense. There was an increasing number of strikes and labour disputes which threatened the economic growth and productivity of the country ? ? As a result the Industrial Stabilisation Act, 1965, was enacted Later repealed and replaced by the Industrial Relations Act , 1972, Chapter 88:01 Industrial Relations Act 1972 ? ? An Act to make better provision for the stabilization, improvement and promotion of industrial relations.The IRA provides for the following: – Free collective bargaining between employer and workers through their representative associations, – The development of a peaceful and expeditious procedure for the settlement of disputes, – The establishment of the Industrial Court, – The recognition and registration of trade union s, – The freedom to be represented by a trade union and the right not to associate, and – Industrial action which may be taken by both employer and employee In Short Trade Union Movement Decolonisation (the establishment of democratic Westminster-style) Independence (the middle classes controlled political parties) Regional and International Alliances ? ? ? ?The TTTUC progressed into other alliances such as: The Caribbean Labour Congress (CLC) began in 1945 World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) 1st conference was held in 1945 CODORIT and its parent ORIT who were financially dependent on the AFL External Factors that also affected the Trade Movement Post 1930 ? ? ? ? The second World War (WW2) – 1939-1945 The decline of the British Empire The rise of the United Sates of America The Cold War – 1947-1991 Globalisation ? Is one of the reasons why a regional body was not formed. Issues of foreign investments, potential for wealth accumulation which depended largely on competition. Facts of Both Countries Jamaica Trinidad & TobagoTripartite Labour Relation & Industrial disputes Act 1975 (A1978 & 1986) Ministry of Labour – advise, direction, conciliation, Pay & conditions of employment, monitors Tripartite Industrial Stabilization Act 1965 Industrial Relations Act 1972 Ministry of Labour – conciliation Trade Union Act 1919 Majority Trade Union – representational ballot Joint Industrial Councils Industrial Disputes Tribunal (decision not final) Trade Union Ordinance 1933 Trade Union Act 1950 Majority Trade Union according to Law No industry wide negotiations Industrial Court Fact of both Countries Cont’d Jamaica Trinidad & Tobago Collective Agreements not legally binding Collective Agreements legally bindingIndustrial Action permissible only for Industrial Action permissible for interest disputes interest disputes No legal right to strike 20% Union Density as at 1988 Legal right to strike 25% Union Density as a t 1988 Sequence of Institutional Building ? ? ? Jamaica – the trade union movement provided the base for political party growth (struggles there gave raise to constitutional reform) T – similar to that of Jamaica (constitutional changes towards universal suffrage and self government gave rise to political parties) Therefore literature refers to it as the politics of labour which impacted the culture of politics throughout the Caribbean Conclusion ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Similar conditions exist today Similar conclusions/recommendations in all the inquiries Use the Police and the Police involvement in riots Treatment of leaders/organizers according to Elma Francois cited in Bolland â€Å"In Trinidad when the workers ask for bread they get bullets and jail sentences† There were two (2) sectors in upper classes (i) the colonial Power/officials and (ii) the capitalist, where the capitalist was backed by the colonial state Socio-Economic situation remained intact despite co nstitutional reform Rulers became authoritarian The weakness of the Labour and Nationalist Movement was the fact individuals wanted to pursue there selfish ambitions Labour colleges were formed in both countries References ? ? ? ? ? ? On the March: Labour rebellion in the British Caribbean, 1934-1939 – O. Nigel Bolland The Politics of Labour in the British Caribbean: The Social Origins of Authoritarianism and Democracy in the Labour Movement – O. Nigel Bolland Rise and Organise: The Birth of the Workers and National Movement in Jamaica – Richard Hart Report of the West India Commission – The Moyne Commission Labour Education in the British Caribbean ed. Rawle Farley – education for Trade Unionist Trade Unionism and Industrial Relations in the Commonwealth Caribbean: History, Contemporary Practice and Prospect – Lawrence Nurse

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Change and Conflict Theories and Change Agent Essay

What does it take to for an organization to become successful? Research suggests that an effective institution is one that is infused with competent, motivated employees who have been molded to succeed. However, this process takes effort from both sound management and motivated employees. If either is not fully committed, then failure is sure to follow. On the other hand, if done properly, any organization will become enriched with employees who will constantly strive for perfection. The bottom line is that a well-mentored and motivated employee helps produce a successful organization. Before any organization can institute change, the management team must identify and understand the concept of change theory. In other words, he or she should have a clear picture of those internal and external forces that create successful situations and those circumstances that hinder progress. Three basic types of organizational change theories come to mind; they are environmental change, teleologica l change and life cycle change. The lecture notes describe environmental change, â€Å"that which involves situations and the environment around an individual or group. Environmental change is unplanned and a result of changes in the environment (South University, 2013). An example is Florence Nightingale’s Environmental Theory Defined Nursing: â€Å"The act of utilizing the environment of the patient to assist him in his recovery† (Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 2010). This theory focuses on changing and influencing the environment in order to put the patient in the best possible conditions such as, having access to fresh air, pure water, cleanliness and sanitation. Nightingale considered a clean, well-ventilated, quiet environment essential for recovery (Nursing Theorists, n.d.). Teleological change theory is a repetitive sequence of implementation, evaluation and modification of an end state based on what was intended (Van de Ven & Sun, 2011). Teleological change or planned change is purposeful social construction among individuals within the organization undergoing change and individuals do not recognize the need for change (Van de Ven & Sun, 2011). Changes occur because management sees the need for change but may fail from lack of plans. This can be improved by teambuilding and training (Van de Ven & Sun, 2011). Another change theory is life cycle theory which describes the process of change as progressing through different stages and activitie s over time (Van de Ven & Sun, 2011). In most organizations, life cycle changes are based on  routines learned in the past for managing repeated changes in efficient and effective ways and how individuals are able to adapt (Van de Ven & Kangyong Sun, 2011). Organizations go through different life cycles similar to those of people. For example, people go through infancy, child-hood and early-teenage phases, which are characterized by rapid growth over a short period of time. Comparably, organizations go through start-up, growth, maturity, decline, renewal and death. A leader should take time to explain the change, how it will benefit the organization and how it will help to achieve the organization’s vision. The effect of change on the staff must be thought out and a plan must be implemented to avoid confrontational consequences. Most importantly, leaders should constantly communicate every detail as simply, clearly and extensively as possible. Conflict Theories Conflict theory focuses on the negative aspects of society. Contemporary theory say conflicts are expected between human beings, beneficial and are the result of change (Conflict management, n.d.). Social conflict pertains to each individual advancing their own interest, conflicting with the interests of others. Social conflict theory uses one’s own desires. Conflict evolves from two individuals wanting the same thing or wanting two different things. Thomas (1976), put conflict into two categories: cooperative and assertiveness (South University, 2013). The ones who end up controlling the majority of these resources exert their power over others with the use of inequality causing social conflict over the struggle of power. This way of thinking is derived from Karl Marx who saw society as being split into different groups all competing for the same social and economic resources. Social conflict theory is complex by inequality and conflict that cause social change. Organizationa l conflict is a dispute caused by apparent conflict of needs, values and interests between people working together. Organizational conflict theory enhances productivity, decision-making, cooperation, communication and employees who work together (Organizational conflict, 2013). Organization conflict in the workplace occurs from personality differences and personal problems such as childcare issues or family issues. Organizational factors that cause conflict are leadership and management styles, budget constraints and disagreements among staff members (Organizational conflict, 2013). Organizational conflicts can  also occur when two or more departments within the same organization compete for the same limited resources, such as budget, equipment and the need for additional staff. Organizational conflict can be negative to staff and the faculty. This constant competition can create stress and result in poor outcome for patients. This implies as an individual develops, they need to be given more responsibility and the opportunity to develop their potential (Organizational conflict, 2013). Another type of conflict is interpersonal conflict. This occurs when two nurses disagree on an issue. Interpersonal conflict can be noticeable when a person verbally attack s someone. Thus, the result can be damaging to the medical facility if patients witness the conflict (Dodge, 2009). Intrapersonal conflict may occur for a nurse who feels overwhelmed as she struggles to balance her job requirements with her personal life and beliefs (Dodge, 2009). Conflict resolution With the change in health care, conflict is certain to happen. Managing and addressing conflict and facilitating a healthy work environment is essential (South University, 2013). According to Follet and Deutsch, conflict could be constructive and not viewed as a weakness. Follet studied the effectiveness of handling interpersonal conflict in an organization with domination, compromise and integration (South University, 2013). In 1976, Thomas devised an effective way to handle conflict by accommodating, avoiding, collaborating with members of management and encouraging compromise (South University, 2013). Accommodating is the willingness to meet the needs of others at the expense of one’s own needs; in essence, keeping the peace is more important than â€Å"winning† a small battle. Avoiding conflict is trying to evade the conflict completely. This is a weak and ineffective approach. Collaborating is trying to meet the needs of all people involved. This style is important in order to bring together different viewpoints to make a decision or to agree on a solution. Competing is when one takes a firm stand on what he believes is true. This style is used as a position of power and expertise then used in situations that need an immediate answer. Compromising is when one tries to find a solution that satisfies everyone. This style is effective when the cost of conflict is higher then the cost of losing (Manktelow & Carlson, n.d.). Change Agent The Change Agent is a person who brings a positive change to the health care environment. Nurses play the role of change agent by bringing improvement (Nursing, 2011). An effective nurse leader, as a change agent, resolves conflict by incorporating communication with conflict resolution to get what they need accomplished on a day-to-day basis. Nurses dislike conflict and like to avoid it at all cost. Nurses take a passive approach to conflict management, calming the situation and not addressing it directly. Nurses do not confront the behavior for fear that it will only make matters worse (Blake & Young, 2013). The Change agent must identify the problem, the importance of the problem, address the people involved, and have the confidence to resolve it. Change agents need to implement plans to achieve and change goals (Grossman &Valigra, 2008). They must be proactive in order to address the issue or problem before it becomes a major conflict. An example of a conflict is a family memberà ¢â‚¬â„¢s request for a second opinion regarding the patient care. The nurse leader should have a nurse intervene and go to the family in order to help relieve their anxiety. She should be an active listener and remain calm. Nothing sets people off more than when they feel they are being ignored or patronized. It is easy to become emotional but it is not worth getting into a volatile discussion that ends in confrontation. Finally, she should seek a solution and work to come up with a solution or a compromise good for both parties. Nurse leaders use conflict resolution with collaboration. Both parties of the conflict confront the problem. The nurse leader takes equal concern for both sides by listening and communicating with the parties. Then both parties can collaborate and identify what they can agree on and evaluate the differences for a solution (South University, 2013). A situation that comes to my mind deals with a supervisor and a subordinate. During this interpersonal conflict, I witnessed on many occasions two strong-willed personalities clash that often ended in verbal altercations. In these situations, the subordinate is a highly self-centered female who cares little about those within hearing distance. On the other hand, our supervisor is very laid back and genuinely well- liked by most people. However, when the two came together, they clashed over the speed in which my co-worker completed her tasks. Although, she was very thorough with her work, it often meant that  she could not handle the same load as the others in the office. Therefore, as co-workers, we had to pick up the slack. This person did not deal well with how the conflict was resolved which often ended up with counsel for insubordination. The tension between the two grew more intense over a period of three to four years. This conflict ended when our supervisor resigned. Nurses in health care today use avoidance as a style for managing conflict which is usually counterproductive. This leads to stress and further conflict. Nurses who repeatedly avoid conflict hold onto the feelings of irritation, frustration or anger with themselves. Avoidance does not solve the problem or prevent the conflict. Competition can result from one individual or group gaining up on another. Attempts to solve conflict with power and control will result in unstable situations and negative communication. Lastly, competitive individuals fail to identify the concerns and needs of others (Handling conflict, n.d.). Conclusion In conclusion, for an organization to be successful, the management team and leaders must identify and understand the concept of change theory. Nurse leaders need to be aware of conflict that can occur with change in the health care environment. Nurses have difficulty with change because it can be related to interpersonal conflict, social conflict or organizational conflict. An effective leader is a change agent by being proactive, be an effective listener and have great communication. A change agent must identify the problem, the importance of the problem, know the people involved and have the confidence to resolve it. Nurses in health care today hinder the resolution of conflict by avoiding the conflict. The nurse leader can help by steering the conflict to a positive outcome. References Dodge, A. (2009, November 10). Types of Conflicts in Nursing | eHow. EHow. Retrieved October 18, 2013, from http://www.ehow.com/about_5630265_types-conflicts-nursing.html Habel, M., RN, MA. (2013). The Power of Change | CE365-60 Content. The Power of Change | CE365-60 Content. Retrieved October 18, 2013, from http://ce.nurse.com/content/ce365-60/the-power-of-change/ Handling conflict. (n.d.). SAGE – the Natural Home for Authors, Editors and Societies. Retrieved October 19, 2013, from http://www.sagepub.com/ Manktelow, J., & Carlson, A. (n.d.). Management training and leadership training, online. Mind Tools New Articles RSS. Retrieved October 19, 2013, from http://www.mindtools.com/ Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. (2010, November/December). 24th Annual Conference of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (16), 366-387. Retrieved from http://jap.sagepub.com Blake, N., PhD, RN, CCRN & Young, C. (n.d.). How to be an effective charge nurse. Nursing Theorists. (n.d.). Nursing Theorists. Retrieved October 19, 2013, from http://currentnursing.com/nursing_theory/nursing_theorists.html Oberleitner, M. (n.d.). Theories models and frameworks from administration and management. University of Illinois at Chicago – UIC. Retrieved October 19, 2013, from http://www.uic.edu/ Organizational conflict. (2013, October 15). Wikipedia. Retrieved October 19, 2013, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organizational_conflic t South University Online. (2013). Leadership in a Diverse Society: Week 3: Conflict Theories. Retrieved from www.myeclassonline.com Van de Ven, A. H., & Sun, K. (2011, August). Breakdowns in Inplementing Models of Organization Change. Academy of Management Perspectives, 25(3), pp. 58-74. Retrieved October 18, 2013, from http://www.neeley.tcu.edu

Friday, September 27, 2019

A perfect job for a finance major Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

A perfect job for a finance major - Essay Example Since these activities are much needed in the current business society, the need of financial planner remains the high in all seasons. In addition, the job pays off even during the recession or financial crisis because financial planners are much needed for getting out the state of turmoil. The tasks that are expected from a financial planner begin from procedural classification of finance over the year. A strategy is designed in order to make sure that financial assets are providing enough profit that consumption rate is settled. A financial planner needs keep updated about information flow so that the concerned authorities are able to make expected moves. The situation of the finances should be effectively communicated to the client by a financial planner. The demand of financial planner is very high in different regions of the world, especially, in Australia, Canada and Europe. Since the need of financial planner remains high, the compensation is also high round the year providing more and more chances for financial planners to experience growth

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Black in latin america Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Black in latin america - Essay Example The Haitians, on one side openly acknowledges their African heritage and respects it. This respect has led to their openly defending their being related to the Africans, a defence they have paid an agonizing price for. The Dominicans, on the other hand, is a multiracial society that tries to identify with the whites. They shun their African heritage and roots and openly embrace European identities mainly Hispanic. Being a multiracial, the Dominicans have always tried to push the African heritage to the background in the name of national identity. This has its origin in 1844 when the country became free from the Haitians, at this time, and anything associated with Haiti especially creole, statues and the African pride was considered low and inferior. It is also notable from the movie that there has emerged a new group in Dominica still identifying itself with their black ancestors. The situation in Haiti is exactly the opposite. They embrace their African heritage to the extent that even their heroes’ statues are almost all black. The music and arts in Haiti and even the culture and language have deep African roots, and the people are proud of their heritage. I terms of religion, the Haitians have besides the Roman Catholic, the voodoo, a religion that combines both catholic and African influences. Although in the same island, the two countries are depicted in the movie as having differ ing attitudes towards their common African

Cyber crime Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Cyber crime - Essay Example DDos works by first downloading a free internet software called Low Orbit Ion Canon (LOIC) as a "destructive cyber weapon". Once downloaded, â€Å"the LOIC could be used to attack by sending internet traffic to a target computer†¦When the volume of traffic sent to a computer becomes too much for it to handle it would suffer a denial of service. The more LOICs used, therefore, to attack a target computer, the more likely that a denial of service will take place † (Laville, 2012). The irony of the hackers Anonymous is that they do not see themselves as criminals but rather online activists or hacktivists who conduct their protest by bringing a site down through DDos or other methods to teach them a lesson for whatever reason they can think of. Impact of Cybercrime on worldwide justice systems The advent and proliferation of cybercrime â€Å"forced† worldwide justice systems to adapt to crimes committed in the internet and institute laws in order to combat and prosecu te them. As criminals became sophisticated, justice systems have to be responsive as well in order to arrest and prosecute cyber criminals. ... irus which was sent through malicious emails in the early 2000 that overwrote the files of those who received them costing billions of dollars in the US and elsewhere in the world. While the culprit was known to be in the Philippines, authorities cannot do anything to arrest the individual due to the lack of laws to prosecute the person. This incidence and other crimes facilitated in the internet such as fraud, human trafficking, terrorism prompted the legislative body of such country to craft a law to combat cyber crime. Albeit delayed, the Philippine legislature crafted a Cybercrime Act 9225 and was implemented this year (although a Temporary Restraining Order was issued against it) because of this incidence and other crimes done through internet. The proliferation of cybercrime made governments worldwide to acknowledge the digital space as a medium where cyber criminals can facilitate their illicit activities. The process to combat global cyber crime According to Federal Bureau of Investigation or FBI, the best way to combat the global cyber crime is through international cooperation. To effectively counter the threat of cyber crime, â€Å"FBI is working closely with international law enforcement agencies to fight cyber criminals (FBI). The Department of Homeland Security also agreed that collaboration is needed to enhance cyber security not only among countries but also among sectors to protect critical digital infrastructures from digital malfeasance (Homeland Security, nd). To facilitate this international cooperation and collaboration an international conference was held in Fordham University in New York City this year which was attended by over 400 participants from 37 countries. Delegates from various sectors also attended from international counterparts ranging

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Breast Cancer Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Breast Cancer - Research Paper Example The death due to breast cancer is a nightmare for all the women. However, National Cancer Institute has given some hope to the people by providing with the information that the survival rate of the breast cancer patients have increased from 48 percent to 52 percent in a span of 19 years (Mankiller, p.68). A number of women in US who are breast cancer survivors and won the battle against this life-ending disease are now leading a reasonably normal life. New York Magazine illustrated a story of a breast cancer survivor in 1992. Joyce Wadler who is a resident of New York stated in the magazine, â€Å"I have a scar on my left breast, four inches long that runs from right side of my breast to just above the nipple. The true story is, that a surgeon made the cut, following the line I had drawn for him the night before. He asked where I wanted the scar, the surgeon took it out using a local, and when he was done, I asked to see it. A robin’s egg size with the grey brain like matter that gives it its name: medullary cancer. It rested in the middle of a large ball of pink and white breast tissues, sliced down the centre like a hard-boiled egg, an onion like layering of whitish grey tissues about it, and I looked at it hard, trying to figure it out. We did know it was cancer until twenty minutes later, when they had almost finished stitching me up and the pathology report came back, and then I was especially glad I had looked. Mano a mano, eyeball to eyeball. This is a modern story. Me and my cancer. I won† (Wadler, p.36). The risk of getting breast cancer augments with age until the menopause, after which the risk decreases drastically. The probability of having breast cancer is higher than of lungs cancer in young age. Most of the women become a victim of this disease at an age of 25-30 and they are the largest group of female cancer survivors. The breast cancer survivors face number of physical and emotional consequences after the treatment and need a sp ecial health care. Women who are breast cancer survivors, often lack confidence due to the physical changes they suffer after treatment and they hesitate to date someone. A forty-five year old divorced woman who is a breast cancer survivor said, â€Å"I do not feel as beautiful. It is as if I am not as confident as I was before I had my breasts removed. I am not as confident getting to know someone new in that way, not at all† (Abel & Subramanian, p.95, 2008). This behavior of the breast cancer patients is due to the mistreatment they get from other people. They lose social life, their friends leave them, and they feel lonely. However, a positive attitude is all what a cancer survivor needs in order to enjoy his or her life. Sarah a resident of New York is a proud survivor of breast cancer too. She was 27 years old when doctors told her about her breast cancer. She says, â€Å"Since I have had breast cancer, it is clear that I have changed. For starters, I value my body more now. I treat it more carefully and do not take it fore granted. I also think that I look better than before and like the way I look. Over the years, I have developed a dress style that covers up my bad parts and play up my good parts† (Kahane, p.22). Works Cited Abel, Emily K. & Subramanian,

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Global Water Shortage (Sudan) Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Global Water Shortage (Sudan) - Research Paper Example Water being the fundamental of life, it is ironical to see some people taking a whole day searching for it. Instead, it was supposed to be adequate for everyone, equally. In places like the Sub-Saharan Africa, people take too much of time looking for this precious water, thus reducing their potential (Fiona, 2013). Many people lose their lives, livestock, education and their economic development just because of this water shortage. The biggest question we are left asking is that; if water is fundamental to life, what causes its shortage? Global water shortage is caused by a number of reasons. Some are direct, while others are profound. Some of the causes of water shortage include global warming, drought, flooding, and climatic change (Srinivasan, Lambin, Gorelick, Thompson, & Rozelle, 2012). The mother of all these cases is said to be global warming. This is where man’s activities such as industrialization leads to the emission of ozone gases which causes change adverse change s to the world’s climatic pattern. This leaves many affected areas with inadequate rainfall yet; rainfall is the mother of water (CSM, 2012). Harsh climatic conditions, caused by the effects of global warming, bring about drought and drying up of the ground underground water sources. In case nothing is done to control this problem of global warming, serious water crisis problem is yet to face the entire world by 2030. This is where the global water requirement may outstrip its sustainable use by 40%, as predicted by the Organization for Economic Corporation and Development (OECD). Case Study of Sudan In Sudan, most people do not have access to clean drinking water even though River Nile is known to be the closest river around. Most parts of this country are dry and not everyone lives near the Nile River to even access the unsafe river water. In addition, it is very difficult to access the Nile River has given its terrain that has poisonous and dangerous creatures which scares people away. People living along the Nile River are much affected by HIV/AIDS given that they solicit for sexual favors in exchange for water. Sources state that only 40% of the entire Sudan has access to clean drinking water, while the rest die in the water crisis. Being listed as one of the major countries in the world whose citizens seek refuge from other countries, the major reason behind the alarming rate of refugees from this country become that of water shortage. Sudanese flees to the neighboring countries like Kenya in East Africa, in order to stay at a place with plentiful of water. According to Jason (2012), more than 35,000 people had fled Sudan in 2012 to Kenya, in search of water. Water shortages in Sudan have led to several other problems so he people including health problems, where waterborne diseases attack the people as they use dirty water for drinking and others dehydrate to death due to water scarcity. Children do not go to school since they need to walk severa l thousands of miles to find water; this takes almost a whole day or sometimes, several days, hence they have no time to go to school. Economic activities such as livestock keeping and farming cannot take place in some parts of the country since there is no easy water access to those parts. Solution to the Problem The only remedy to global water shortage is that; we should control the emission of the dangerous gases to the atmosphere so as to reduce global warming. In this way, we can reverse the harsh climatic conditions, hence avoiding droughts and drying up of our wells, lakes and rivers, (Cook & Bakker, 2011). People should also be trained in better water management programs so that when it rains, they are able to harvest the

Monday, September 23, 2019

Small business Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Small business - Assignment Example This report discusses Entrepreneurial mind sets are difficult to define, but they are within the realm of psychological dispositions which are entrenched in customs and worldviews. According to Dweck (2006), there is a distinction between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset, and personalities in the former believes that intelligence is inherent while the latter acknowledges that success and results depend on effort. In business, a growth mindset can bring more value than a fixated mindset, a mental tool that empowers one to initiate change. This is the entrepreneurial trait approach and according to this model, an entrepreneur is often defined within certain traits, often an interaction with the inner self manifest in the manner I which they control, plan, Set goals; take risk, decision making and independence. In literature, a focus on the difference between and an entrepreneur and one who lacks such skills have been brought to the fore. Brockhaus (1980) empirical study noted that an entrepreneur brings value addition to the business through risk taking propensity, a trait lacking in the majority of the population he studied. ChelL (2008) asserts that an entrepreneur is driven by the need for achievement, a locus of control, the social constructionism theory. With such a drive and push in the business environment, of priority to such a personality would to find innovative ways to bring change to the business. According to Storey (2011) optimism and chance theory best explains the mindset of an entrepreneur. According to the theory, entrepreneurs are not attracted to the conventional way of conducting normal business, rater they pounce on a chance to bring different perspectives to the normal ways of business. According to Mcgrath & Macmillan (2009)Â  an entrepreneurial mind set typically goes for the goals and stops functioning by the ground rules. The writers distinguishes a manager from an entrepreneur and notes that the former

Sunday, September 22, 2019

To Be A Working Mom Essay Example for Free

To Be A Working Mom Essay A baby changes the lives of parents, most especially, the mothers. A mother may intend to work or may decide to stay at home and take care of his children. For moms who stay at home, work appears to be less important than it used to, while working moms believe working would benefit the financial conditions of the family. This issue has become a controversy in most families all over the world, and mothers are are torn about whether to stay at home or work for the family. Mothers who are earning money from work could improve the financial condition of the family. A working mother can buy her children toys and nicer things or even enroll her children to a better school (Should You Go Back to Work or Stay at Home?, 4). Children may more likely become mature and independent and could also gain more respect and satisfaction to what he or does or achieves in school. Moreover, the mother’s daily interaction and mental stimulation positively affect her personal growth as a woman (Stay-at Home Mothers vs. Mothers who return to Work, 4). Therefore, ambitions are fulfilled and make her become a better mother. However, working moms could miss an opportunity to witness special events in their child’s life. She will feel the hurt whenever she leaves her child crying, giving the mother much worries and anxiety (Stay-at Home Mothers vs. Mothers who return to Work, 5). A mother who works and leaves her child with a family member or a household helper feels the sadness when that person becomes closer to her child and sees the happiness of her child’s firsts. Besides, a working mother might want to be with her child knowing she cannot, therefore, neglecting the emotional needs of the child.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Mothers who prefer to stay at home and take care of her children have more quality time spent and can always attend the needs of her child, such as being sick or doing difficult assignments. Babies who are well taken care of and have been watched over by their mothers are guided correctly and feel more secured. Children more disciplined and have good values and attitudes towards other people (Should You Go Back to Work or Stay at Home?, 3). According to some psychologists, babies who are separated from their mothers become troubled during his or her adolescence and have less chances of excelling in school (Stay-at Home Mothers vs. Mothers who return to Work, 2). A child could appreciate the sacrifices her mother has made when he or she grows up. In contrast, a stay-at-home mom would lead to reduced income of the family. The family may only afford a small house and could not afford to buy a car (Should You Go Back to Work or Stay at Home, 4). The mother will have less social interaction and intellectual stimulation is hindered. Every mother has a choice. Either work for the family’s financial stability or take care of the child at home. In my opinion, a mother who prefers to stay at home has a greater achievement than mothers who are successful in their profession. No award or career achievement could ever replace the joys of a mother who has disciplined, loving and emotionally secured children. A child who is nurtured and has enough attention and love by her mother succeeds emotionally and socially. The father could work for the family, or the mother could get a home-based job in order to cope with the family’s financial needs. The sacrifices of every mother who chooses to stay at home and surrender her aspirations as a career woman is a lot more fruitful than working mothers. Whether a mother prefers to work or stay at home, she must always give importance to the needs of her child. A child’s values and success reflects the priorities and thinking of a mother. Works Cited: â€Å"Should You Go Back to Work or Stay at Home?† Smart Momma. 2005. 20 July 2007   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.smartmomma.com/work_career/go_to_work_or_stay_home.htm â€Å"Stay-at Home Mothers vs. Mothers who return to Work.† Developmental Psychology   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Student Netletter. 2002. 20 July 2007   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.mc.maricopa.edu/dept/d46/psy/dev/Spring02/infancy/homevswork.html

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Structure of Water and Its Dynamic Hydrogen Bond Network

Structure of Water and Its Dynamic Hydrogen Bond Network Introduction Water is essential to life as it is main constituent of cell in living organism. All biological macromolecules are almost inactive in its structural stability and functioning in absence of water. Water-Role in Life Water is key compound for our existence on this planet due to its ubiquitous presence on the earth and in living organisms. It is involved in all chemical, biological and geological processes. Due to its anomalous behavior it named as ‘matrix of life’, ‘solvent of life’. It plays a vital role from molecule and cell to tissues and organisms.1-4 In past several decades water has attracted the most scientific attention among the liquid due to its anomalous properties. It shows peculiar properties such as negative volume of melting, density maximum at 277 K, high melting and boiling point, high dielectric constant, minimum in the isobaric heat capacity and isothermal compressibility at 308 K and 319 K, respectively, high mobility transport for H+ and OH ions. The density of most liquids increases as it freeze but in case of water it expands about 11% due to which ice floats on water. It is the solvent of life and plays an important role in protein interactions a nd stabilization of protein structure. The work of Kauzmann gives the importance of water in protein folding and its interactions with water.5 Structure of Liquid Water The anomalous behavior of water is due to its unique ability to form a network of self associated molecules through hydrogen bonding. To study the structure of water and its dynamic hydrogen bond network large number of studies has been carried out.1-12 Still many aspects of water are not fully understand at molecular level. Dyke and co-workers first reported existence of H-bonding in vapor phase experimentally and measured the H-bond length as 2.98 Ã… in water dimer using molecular beam resonance technique which is higher than water in solid (for ice H-bond strength 2.74 Ã…) and liquid (2.85 Ã…) indicates the H-bond strength is weaker in Gas phase.13 From X-ray diffraction study of Bernal and Fowler and Morgan and Warren it is revealed that water is tetrahedrally coordinated through hydrogen bonds similar to the structure of ice I (Figure 1.1). 14-15The number of theories for the water structure has been proposed based on different techniques such as X-ray, neutron diffraction, dielectric relaxation and Raman spectroscopy. 16-22. These theories are generally classified into two models as a) Continuum model and b) Mixture model. Figure 1.1 Crystal structure of ice I at low pressure Continuum model In continuum model it is assumed that almost completely hydrogen bonded water molecules in a continuous network. Pople described the continuum model which is agreement with the observed variation of X-ray radial distribution function with temperature. 23According to Pople In continuous bonded network of the water bond bending and deformations occurs instead of bond water. Recently, Rice and Sceats 24proposed Random Network Model (RNM), which explains the continuum model and it is further developed by Henn and Kauzmann. 25This model is used for determining the heat capacity contribution due to water-water interactions. b) Mixture model In mixture model water consists of differently H-bonded species with zero, one or both hydrogens are engaged in hydrogen bonding. Franks and Wen 26 gives the â€Å"Flickering Cluster† model in which cooperative H-bonding is observed in water molecules. The co-operativity involves the hydrogen bond formation of one bonding site of water molecule contributes the delocalization energy to the molecule, which is involved in hydrogen bonding with another water molecule. According to Franks and Wen the clusters of the water molecules (bulk water) and free monomer molecules (dense water) are in equilibrium with each other. Samoilov 27 proposed the interstitial model in which water molecules are present in the cavities of ice lattice. Nemethy and Scheraga 28 used statistical thermodynamic model to calculate the Helmholtz free energy, internal energy and entropy as a function of temperature. Also the water hydrate model proposed by Pauling. 29 Now a days, theoretical techniques such as Monto Carlo, molecular dynamic simulation are used to study structural behavior of water. It provides most promising approach for the study of water at molecular level. Jorgensen 30 has developed transferable intermolecular potential functions (TIPS) suitable for use in liquid simulations for water. This potential has been used by Jorgensen and Madura 31 in MC simulation on liquid water to study the effect of temperature on vaporization, hydrogen bonding, density, isothermal compressibility and radial distribution functions. Number of water models such as SPC, TIP3P, TIP4P, TIP5P are developed for the molecular simulation of large biomolecular systems. Figure 1.2 Frank-Wen Flickering Cluster Model of Liquid Water 1.2 Hydrophobic Hydration and Hydrophobic Interactions The weak non-covalent interactions like van der Waals forces, H-bonding, ion-dipole, hydrophobic interactions are responsible for change in the structure of water around the solute molecule. The hydrophobic interaction is the prominent factor in the solvation of apolar or non-polar molecule. When a non-polar solute is dissolve in water there is large negative change in entropy. The disruption in the normal H-bonded structure is occurred and new H-bonded cage-like structure is formed around the solute molecule. So the structure formed is more ordered than the ordinary water. The term hydrophobic hydration is used when non-polar solute solvated by the cage of the solvent molecule around it. The short lived aggregates are formed around the solute molecule. The formation of polymeric aggregates strengthens the hydrogen bonding which gives negative contribution to ΔH0. 10 The hydrophobic interactions are important in a field of biochemistry for the purpose of conformational stability of biological macromolecules, protein folding, aggregation, ion transport, drug delivery as well as in industry. Usually hydrophobic hydration occurs in non-polar compounds such as alcohols, ethers, and amines. The tetraalkylammonium (TAA) salts with larger cation also shows the hydrophobic hydration effect. Kustov gives the effect of size of cation on the hydrophobic hydration. He studied the specific heat of solution for the higher size cation TAA salts and observed that as the size of cation in salt increases the specific heat of solution and hydration increases upto the tetrapentylammonium salts and then decreases. As the specific heat of solution increases the hydrophobic hydration increases. For the hexyl and heptyltetraalkylammonium salts the ΔC0p decreases so the hydrophobic hydration weakens. Thus hydrophobic hydration depends on the size of cation of TAA. Th e hydrophobic interaction is best explained by Goring et al. by studying the interaction of non-electrolytes in aqueous solutions by dilatometrically. They compared the apparent specific volume (à Ã¢â‚¬ ¢2) relative to apparent specific volume at 0  ºC as function of temperature for non-electrolytes and showed that 1-butanol behaves like hydrophobic compound and acts as structure maker in aqueous solution while glycerol with polar groups disrupts the structure of water. The hydrophobic compound shows the slope dà Ã¢â‚¬ ¢2/dT is less than the corresponding thermal expansions of pure compound while it greater for the hydrophilic compounds. Madan and Sharp explained that non-polar solutes have large capacity heat of hydration ΔCp while for polar solutes it is small negative. The large change in heat capacity at high temperature is due to unfavorable enthalpic interacions and not due to entropy change. The effect of salt on the hydrophobic hydration was carried out by Talukdar and Kundu and observed that hydrophobic cation induce more hydrophobic hydration in aqueous NaNO3 solution than in pure water. Rossky et al. with the help of computer simulation studied the hydration properties of the interfaces between the water and the hydrophobic surfaces for the active peptide melittin in its monomeric and dimeric form and concluded that hydrophobic hydration is depends on the surface topography of biomolecule. 1.3 Spectroscopic study of water Due to its various anomalous properties and great importance in the several field water is the most studied compound. To study the structure of water, number of spectroscopic techniques such as IR, Raman, neutron diffraction, X-ray scattering, NMR spectroscopy etc. have been used still today. The spectroscopy and scattering studies provides the structural information of water at molecular level. Bernal and Fowler analyzed the X-ray diffraction of water and investigated water as distorted quartz-like. The hydrogen bond network in water is found to be tetrahedral in nature and each water molecule can be bound with another four water molecules i.e. each water molecule is double proton donor and double proton acceptor. While recently, Wernet et al. studied the structure of water by soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray Raman scattering and investigate that hydrogen bond network in the water consists of only two strong hydrogen bonds and one act as proton door and another as proton acceptor. This controversial result of structure of water from earlier study makes the scientist to study the water structure more interesting. In this context, number of scientists have been studied the water structure by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Infrared and Raman techniques are also the important sources of the information of hydrogen bonding in water. Above the absolute temperature all the atoms in the molecules are in continuously vibrating motion with respect to each other. Any molecule absorbs the radiation when frequency of a specific vibration is equal to frequency of the IR radiation directed on the molecule. Each atom has three degrees of freedom, corresponding to motions of the three Cartesian coordinate axes (x, y, z). Total no of coordinate values is 3N for a molecule containing N atoms. Thus, Water has 9 degrees of freedom with C2v symmetry. It shows the two stretching vibrations (symmetric and asymmetric), one bending vibration, three hindered rotations (librations), and three hindered translations. Earlier, number of research papers has been published on the study of the structure of water in solid, liquid as well as in vapor phase by IR and Raman technique. The fundamental IR frequencies for the H2O and heavy water is as shown in Table Table: Fundamental vibrations of liquid ordinary water and heavy water Vibration(s) liquid H2O (25  °C) liquid D2O (25  °C) liquid T2O v, cm-1 ÃŽ µÃŽ », M-1cm-1 v, cm-1 ÃŽ µÃŽ », M-1cm-1 v, cm-1 v2 1643.5 21.65 1209.4 17.10 1024 combination ofv2+ libration 2127.5 3.46 1555.0 1.88 v1,v3, and overtone ofv2 3404.0 100.61 2504.0 69.68 2200 http://www1.lsbu.ac.uk/water/water_vibrational_spectrum.html Walrafen investigated the structure of water by Raman spectroscopy in the intermolecular as well as intramolecular vibrational region. From Raman scattering it is observed that for liquid H2O and D2O a broad weak hydrogen bending band at 60 cm-1 and it is observed to be decreases as temperature rise, the band near 170 cm-1 is produced by the stretching motion of O-H band in water molecule. This is also decreases as increases in temperature which indicates the structural breakdown of water units. These vibrations are the intermolecular vibrations of water which are observed in the restricted translational region. The intramolecular vibrations of water occurs in the range of 2000-4000 cm-1.Walrafen studied the Raman spectra of 50 mole % solution of H2O and D2O in the intramolecular region in which principle contribution of HDO vibrations are studied. The two maxima at 3415 ±5 cm-1 and 2495 ±5 cm-1 are referred due to OH and OD stretching vibrations of HDO, and of H2O and D2O. Also the weak band at 2860 ± 10 cm-1 arises from the overtone of the fundamental intramolecular bending vibration of HDO near 1450 cm-1. When H2O, D2O mixture studied at 32.2 to 93  ºC, the isosbestic point observed at 2570 ±5 cm-1 indicates the equilibrium exists between hydrogen bonded and nonhydrogen bonded OD stretching vibrations. Senior and Verrall observed same results when studied the HDO stretching at temperature 29 to 87  ºC by infrared spectroscopy. Bakker et al. studied the lifetime of the OH-stretching vibration in the water as a function of temperature by using femtosecond mid-infrared pump-probe spectroscopy and observed that it increases from 260 ±18 (at 298 K) to 320 ±18 (at 358 K) Recently, molecular dynamic simulation is becomes the fast method for the structural detection at molecular level. Xantheas et al. used the ab initio method to obtain the vibrational frequencies as well as zero point energy for the water clusters and its isomers with the help of second-order Mà ¸ller–Plesset perturbation level of theory (MP2) with the augmented correlation consistent basis set of double zeta quality (aug-cc-pVDZ). 1.3.1 Near-Infrared spectral study of water and aqueous solutions Near-Infrared consists of the region 800-2500 nm (12500-4000 cm‑1) in the electromagnetic spectrum. In this region molecule have energy sufficient to excite first (2ÃŽ ½), second (3ÃŽ ½), and higher overtones (nÃŽ ½) vibrations. The overtones observed in the molecule when the intermolecular vibrations of the molecules do not obey the Hook’s law. The band is more intense when the greater the anharmonicity. The combination bands are also observed in the same region. Near infrared spectroscopy is the basic tool to study the hydrogen bonding in molecule. Earlier, the scientist Luck studied water and alcohol in the NIR region and observed that the strength of cooperativity of H-bond in water is about 250 % stronger than H-bond in a monomeric water. Different species of water present in the cooperative H-bond such as H-non bonded, H-bond strong and H-bond weaker. Ozaki et al. studied the structure of water by using two analytical techniques such as two dimensional correlation spectroscopy and principal component analysis in which they showed the two-state water model by measurements of the water at different temperatures from 6 to 80  ºC. Two bands are observed at 1412 and 1491 nm due to two different species of water i.e. weak H-bond and strong H-bond respectively. The species observed at 1438 nm which has no much effect of temperature which suggested may be due to distorted two-state model of water. The water at high temperature and pressure rem arkably exhibits different properties than at ambient temperature. It becomes good solvent for hydrophobic substance such as benzene and hydrocarbons which are non-polar gets completely miscible at certain temperature and pressure. The effect of high temperature as well as pressure has been given by Ikawa et al. in the range of 5500 to 7800 cm-1. They observed the band at 7000 cm-1 gradually shifts to higher wavenumber is due to free OH vibrations and at 673 K and 400 bar pressure the absorption band retain the rotational features i.e. water molecule quite rotate freely though there is collision with other molecules. Recently, Near-Infrared spectroscopy has been used extensively for chemical analysis and characterization. The applications of NIR spectroscopy in various fields have attracted the scientific community. It is also used in the determination of moisture content in food samples. It can be used to probe the hydration effects in aqueous solutions of salt. Wu et al. have studied the effect of ethanol on the structural organization of aqueous solutions of [Bmim][BF4] and [Amim][Cl] using one-dimensional and 2D correlation NIR spectroscopy. They showed that hydrogen bonding between water and ILs gets reduced in presence of high concentration of ethanol32 and can be used to remove water as an impurity in hygroscopic ILs. They also used this technique to study aggregation behavior of ILs in water. NIR spectroscopy has been used previously for the study of hydration by McCabe and Fisher in which they have studied the hydration of perchlorate and alkali halides in aqueous solutions by using excl uded volume. Koga et al. have given the excess molar absorptivity in the range of 4600-5500 cm-1 i.e. (ÃŽ ½2+ÃŽ ½3) combination band of water for the Na halides and concluded that the Br‑ and I form the hydrogen bond directly with the water network which is different than the Cl ion. Bonner and Woolsey have obtained the hydration number for some alkali halides by using the 958 nm (2ÃŽ ½1+ÃŽ ½3) combination band of water. By applying their method, Hollenberg et al. calculated the hydration number for amino acids and carbohydrates The new concept introduced by Noda in 1993 i.e. two dimensional correlation spectroscopy has attracted many scientist to study effect of solutes on the structure of water by IR as well as NIR spectroscopy. This technique becomes powerful tool for the elucidation of spectral changes induced by temperature, time and concentration. Noda et al. studied the structural and crystallization dynamics of poly(L-lactide) during isothermal cold crystallization by two dimensional correlation spectroscopy. An interpretation of the evolution with temperature of the ÃŽ ½2+ÃŽ ½3 combination band in water V. Fornà ©s and J. Chaussidon, J. Chem. Phys. 68, 4667-4671 (1978) Near-infrared spectroscopic study of water at high temperatures and pressures Yusuke Jin and Shun-ichi Ikawa J. Chem. Phys., 119(23), 12432-12438, 2003. The importance of cooperativity for the properties of liquid water W.A.P. Luck Journal of Molecular Structure, 448 (1998) 131 142. Studies on the Structure of Water Using Two-Dimensional Near-Infrared Correlation Spectroscopy and Principal Component Analysis V. H. Segtnan, S. Sasic, T. Isaksson, Y. Ozaki Anal. Chem. 2001, 73, 3153-3161

Friday, September 20, 2019

Management And Treatment And Psychosocial Aspects Of Pneumonia Biology Essay

Management And Treatment And Psychosocial Aspects Of Pneumonia Biology Essay This essay will explore the pathophysiology, management and treatment, and psychosocial aspects of pneumonia in an adult patient. Information has been obtained by the means of history taking, examination, and analysing the patients medical records to form a case study in which the sections mentioned will be considered in relation to the case study. Section A Case History VD is a 68 year old female who was admitted into the acute medical unit (AMU) on 29/1/11 following complaints of generally feeling unwell and chest pain. She had a history of feeling unwell since 25/1/11 coupled with chest pain. This pain was a sharp pain under her right breast which was intermittent and radiated around her chest to her back. The pain was worse on inspiration or when coughing, and was relieved by over-the-counter analgesia. She also felt sweaty, pyrexic (39.7  °C), had rigors and aches over her body, however she was not short of breath. She also had symptoms of a non productive dry cough, poor appetite and vomiting once in AMU (watery and colourless). She previously had no episodes of nausea and vomiting, no palpitations or headaches, no urinary symptoms and normal bowel movements. She has not had any recent contact with anyone who had similar symptoms. In her past medical history she was diagnosed with Sjà ¶grens syndrome and systemic sclerosis last year; both systemic autoimmune diseases. She was on two courses of antibiotics last year for associated pleuritic chest pain. Her family history consisted of her father having ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and her mother dying from lung cancer, although she was a heavy smoker. She currently lives with her husband at home and her occupation is as a shop assistant; this indicates that the infection she has is most likely to be community acquired. She has been a lifelong non-smoker and she does not drink alcohol. She was on no regular medication prior to being admitted, but is now on 1000mg of paracetamol four times a day (QDS) and 500mg of amoxicillin three times a day (TDS). She has no allergies. On examination in a respiratory ward, VD was apyrexial with a blood pressure reading of 95/65, a heart rate of 95 beats per minute and a respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute. Oxygen saturations (SATS) were 96% in air and she was speaking in full sentences, whilst looking generally comfortable at rest. Her hands seemed dry and scaly on inspection but there were no abnormalities on her face. On palpation of her chest, there was equal chest expansion and no tracheal deviation. There were also no enlargement of cervical or supraclavicular nodes. On percussion, there were dull sounds that could be heard on both right and left lung bases. On ausculatation, coarse crackles could also be heard in the right and left lung bases. There were no abnormal heart sounds heard and her capillary refill time (CRT) was less than 3 seconds. Her abdomen was soft and non tender, and normal bowel sounds were heard. There was normal tone, power and reflexes in all 4 limbs and her Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS ) score was 15/15. Her arterial blood gas values were as follows: pH 7.43, pCO2 5.49, pO2 10.1, HCO3- 26.8, basal excess of 2.8 and glucose of 5.6; these values indicated that she was not in respiratory failure. She was also found to have a raised C reactive protein (CRP) of 210, with a high neutophil count of 10.1. Her chest x-ray film revealed consolidation in her right lung base and no pneumothorax. The impression from the x-ray was that it was right lower lobar pneumonia (Figure 1 is an example of what VDs x-ray would have looked like). 1 No blood cultures were recorded in her notes as it was assumed that due to the neutrophilia the likely source was bacterial. After being initially treated with intravenous (IV) antibiotics in hospital, her symptoms were relieved, no crackles could be heard and her chest was clearing up on 1/2/11. She was then discharged in the afternoon on 2/2/11 given the instructions to continue with her course of oral amoxicillin. Section B Pathophysiology Introduction Pneumonia can be described as an inflammation to the lungs distal airways, particularly the alveoli, usually with a bacterial infection being the origin. 2 3 It clinically presents as an acute illness which can include fever, cough and purulent sputum, although the latter was not present in VD. Pneumonias can be classified by the site of the consolidation (anatomically), or by the aetiology of the disease (see Table 1). 2 3 VD was suspected to have lobar pneumonia after looking at her chest x-ray. The majority of lobar pneumonias are due to Streptococcus pneumonia and can affect a large part, or a whole lobe of the lung. 3 Lobar Pneumonia There are four stages to the pathology of lobar pneumonia, which is a classic example of acute inflammation; these are: congestion, red hepatisation, grey hepatisation and resolution. 3 Congestion is the first stage and lasts for approximately 24 hours. This is represented by protein-rich exudates leaking into the alveolar spaces and also causing venous congestion consequently causing the lung to become oedematous, heavier and redder in colour. 3 The next stage is red hepatisation which has a duration of a few days. Large numbers of polymorphs (neutrophils and basophils) accumulate in the alveolar spaces along with some lymphocytes and macrophages. 3 Many erythrocytes are extravasated from the distended capillaries into the lung tissue, along with the overlying pleura being covered with fibrinous exudates. 3 The lung is now solid and airless, resembling a fresh liver. Figure 1 supports the latter statement by showing a solid consolidation in the right lower lobe. When the lung become s grey and solid, this is grey hepatisation. This also lasts a few days and represents further accumulation of fibrin coupled with the destruction of leukocytes and erythrocytes. 3 The final stage is resolution, whereby the lung reverts to its normal condition. 4 This happens at approximately 8-10 days in cases which are untreated and is when the cells and fibrin in the alveoli undergo fatty degeneration. 3 4 This causes the exudates to be converted into an emulsion, producing a yellow pus-like appearance. 4 The exudates are now in a condition where they can be reabsorbed, whilst preserving the underlying alveolar wall structure. 3 4 The lungs would be softer but remain solid, and this would be confirmed on an x-ray by consolidation of the lungs. Co-morbidities VDs history also mentioned having a background history of Sjà ¶grens syndrome and systemic sclerosis; both systemic autoimmune diseases. Sjà ¶grens syndrome is an inflammatory disease that predominantly affects the exocrine glands with an association to HLA-B8/DR3, which usually causes dryness in the eyes and mouth. 2 5 However it can also cause extra glandular problems such as: Raynauds phenomenon, arthritis and lung inflammation, causing degradation of the lining of the bronchioles and alveoli consequently causing lung infections. 2 5 6 Systemic sclerosis, also known as systemic scleroderma, is a multi-system autoimmune disease in which the cause is unknown. 2 It mainly causes tightness and hardening of the skin (such as VDs hands) but other systems can also be affected, such as the lungs. 2 There is some destruction to the lungs in patients with scleroderma which can lead to right heart failure due to pulmonary hypertension. 7 Other complications that involve the lungs include pulmonary haemorrhage, pneumothorax and pneumonia. 7 Summary VD had come in with an acute infection and was diagnosed with pneumonia. Her right lower lobe was consolidated meaning that she has had it for a few days as protein exudates have leaked into the alveolar spaces and becoming fibrinous, showing up as solid on the chest x-ray, with her CRP (a marker of inflammation) also being raised. VDs medical history last year stated that she had suffered from two previous chest infections that required antibiotics for her to recover. This could possibly be due to the autoimmune diseases aforementioned that she had recently been diagnosed with, causing her to be more predisposed to contracting infections, especially in her respiratory tract. She is currently not on immunosuppressant drugs, but if she were to be for her autoimmune conditions it would then be detrimental to her immune system. This would leave her still being prone to acquiring infections, leaving her in quite a predicament. Section C Treatment and Management VD was on 1000mg of oral paracetamol QDS and 500mg of oral amoxicillin three TDS by the time she was moved to the respiratory ward. The main actions of these drugs were to improve her feverish symptoms and pain whilst also attempting to clear up her infection. Paracetamol Paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen in the USA) is one of the most widely used non-narcotic, analgesic and antipyretic over-the-counter drugs in the world. 8-11 It has properties resembling those of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as its analgesic and antipyrexic actions, which can be traced back to the inhibition of the central nervous systems prostaglandin (PG) synthesis. 8 9 It also shares some anti-inflammatory properties, however it does not produce the platelet or gastric side effects that the other NSAIDs do, thus causing argument as to whether it should even be classified as an NSAID at all. 8 It is commonly given orally and is metabolised in the liver, with a half life of approximately 2-4 hours, hence why VD was given it QDS to avoid toxic doses. Mechanism of Action It is considered that the main mechanism of paracetamol is the inhibition of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), COX-2 in particular as studies have shown that it is highly selective towards it. Due to its high selectivity towards COX-2, its inhibition towards pro-clotting thromboxanes is limited. 9 It is said that paracetamol works centrally and is a weak inhibitor of PG synthesis in intact cells, if the concentrations of arachidonic acid available are low enough, through the inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2. 12 This concept was based on research that discovered that PG production in the brain was more sensitive to inhibition from paracetamol by tenfold compared to the spleen. 9 The COX enzymes are responsible for the metabolism of prostaglandin H2 from arachidonic acid. 9 This is an unstable molecule that can form many pro-inflammatory compounds; COX is highly active when oxidised. 9 12 The oxidised form of the COX enzyme is reduced by paracetamol, stopping it from creating pro-inflammat ory compounds. This lowers the amount of PGE2 in the central nervous system, therefore decreasing the set-point of the thermoregulatory centre in the hypothalamus. 9 Exactly how the mechanism of the inhibition of the COX enzymes is still in discussion. Due to the differences of activity between NSAIDs and paracetamol, it is thought that there may be another variant of the COX enzyme that paracetamol interacts with, COX-3 a splice variant of the COX-1 enzyme; however this is just a hypothesis and has yet to be proven. 8 9 12 Side Effects When paracetamol is given at therapeutic doses adverse effects are uncommonly seen, although allergic skin reactions are sometimes observed. 8 Fatal hepatotoxicity can be potentially caused by toxic doses of paracetamol (10-15 grams). 8 Initial symptoms are nausea and vomiting, followed by liver damage after 24-48 hours. 8 13 This happens when the enzymes in the liver, cytochrome P450, catalysing the normal conjugation reactions become saturated, and consequently causes the drug to be metabolised instead by mixed function oxidases. 8 A toxic metabolite, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinoneimine, is formed and inactivated by conjugation with glutathione. 8 13 However when glutathione levels are depleted, the toxic metabolite accumulates and reacts with nucleophilic constituents in the cell, causing necrosis in the liver and kidney tubules. 8 Contraindications Paracetamol is generally well tolerated by the liver when polypharmacy is involved. However, evidence has shown that chronic alcoholics are more susceptible to paracetamol hepatotoxicity, even at therapeutic levels. 13 Chronic alcohol ingestion induces hepatic microsomal enzymes (CYP2E1) by twofold and can increase paracetamol hepatotoxicity, due to increased amounts of the toxic metabolite. 13 Amoxicillin Amoxicillin is a moderate to broad spectrum, ÃŽÂ ²-lactam antibiotic that is commonly used to treat infections that are caused by susceptible bacteria, pneumonia being one of them. 8 14 A derivative of penicillin, this semi synthetic ÃŽÂ ²-lactam antibiotic is created by adding different side chains to the penicillin nucleus, causing it to become broad-spectrum. 8 It is sometimes combined with clavulanic acid in treatment to form co-amoxiclav, which is more effective in treatment nowadays due to the increase in antibiotic resistance; microorganisms are now developing a resistance to penicillins by secreting ÃŽÂ ²-lactamases and the addition of clavulanic acid inhibits this enzyme. 8 Pharmokinetic Aspects The routes of administration are quite vast: when given orally, amoxicillin is absorbed to a different degree compared to other penicillins as it depends on their stability in acid and their adsorption to foodstuffs in the gut. 8 It can also be administered through intramuscular or intravenous injections; however intrathecal administration is generally avoided as it can cause convulsions. 8 Elimination of amoxicillin is rapid and mainly due to the kindneys, with 90% being through tubular secretion. This however may be advantageous as the inhibition to cell wall synthesis is intermittent rather than continuous, and exposure to the drug is reduced. 8 Mechanism of Action Î’-lactam antibiotics inhibit the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan leading to lysis of the bacterium; this peptidoglycan is crucial for the structural integrity of the cell wall in bacteria, particularly organisms that are Gram-positive. 8 In the synthesis of a peptidoglycan, the final stage is transpeptidation which involves transpeptidases known as penicillin binding proteins (PDPs). Î’-lactam antibiotics attach to these PDPs on bacteria and inhibit the transpeptidases that cross-link the peptide chains attached to the backbone of the peptidoglycan. 8 15 16 The ÃŽÂ ²-lactam antibiotics are closely related to D-alanyl, the terminal amino acid of the peptidoglycan layer. 15 16 The similarity between these two structures allows for the antibiotic and the amino acid to promote their binding to the PDP. 15 The binding of the ÃŽÂ ²-lactam nucleus to the residue of the PDP is irreversible, and it is this irreversible binding of the PDP that disr upts the final transpeptidation of the peptidoglycan layer and consequently inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis. 8 15 16 The inhibition of transpeptidation due to the ÃŽÂ ²-lactams causes an accumulation of peptidoglycan precursors, which initiates autolytic enzymes to lyse the excess peptidoglycan. 8 Under normal circumstances, the peptidoglycan precursors inhibit the autolytic enzymes; however the ÃŽÂ ²-lactams inactivate this and halt the process. 8 Unwanted Effects Penicillins are mainly free from toxic effects. The main side effects are hypersensitivity reactions caused by by-products of the breakdown of penicillin, which combine with the host protein and become antigenic. 8 Skin rashes and fever are common but much more serious is acute anaphylactic shock which can be fatal in some cases. 8 When administered orally, penicillins, particularly broad-spectrum types such as amoxicillin, can disturb the bacterial flora in the gut; this can be associated with gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances. 8 Summary VD had no complications and responded well to the treatment that she was given. It was suspected that she had community acquired pneumonia and that the treatment would be a broad-spectrum antibiotic to fight the infection. Paracetamol was also prescribed to alleviate her symptoms. As paracetamol and amoxicillin work on different receptors, there were no contraindications to her treatment. She was given medication intravenously, but once she moves onto oral amoxicillin, she must be aware of GI side effects that may occur. Section D Psychosocial Aspects and Public Health Psychosocial Aspects Although initially there may not be many psychosocial aspects to pneumonia, VD could be suffering indirectly from it. A sufferer of Sjà ¶grens syndrome, VD is susceptible to fatigue which can be physically and mentally exhausting. This can lead to depression, emotional stress and general lethargy. As VD is susceptible to getting infections such as pneumonia due to Sjà ¶grens syndrome, it can also further impact on her psychologically whilst dealing with those infections as her quality of life may be significantly reduced. 17 It is important that a patient with Sjà ¶grens syndrome can address these issues to a health professional if they are ever in distress as psychosocial factors may lead to non-compliance in their treatment. Epidemiology There have been many population studies that have been investigating the annual incidence rate of community acquired pneumonia (CAP). In adults, this can vary from, 2.6-13.4 per 1000 inhabitants, with somewhat higher figures in males and at the extreme ages of life. 18 19 Rates of hospitalization range between 22-51%, with annual mortality rates between 0.1-0.7 per 1000 patients. 20 In approximately 50% of patients with CAP, a pathogen of cause was determined. Streptococcus pneumoniae is found in 20-75% of the cases followed by Mycoplasma pneumoniae at 1-18%, Chlamydia pneumoniae at 4-19% and other viruses from 2-15%.20 C. pneumoniae, however, has arisen as a noteworthy pulmonary pathogen in adult pneumonia patients requiring hospitalization. 20 Cost-effectiveness of Patient Care On average there are roughly 4.5 million visits annually to outpatient clinics, emergency departments and physicians offices due to CAP. 21 However, there has been very little in terms of studies gathering national data on the costs of CAP treatment. One study showed that there was, a total cost of $4.8 billion for treating patients aged à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¥65 years and $3.6 billion for treating patients aged Conclusion VD was an elderly woman who was admitted into hospital complaining of acute chest pain and fever for the last few days. After taking a detailed history and examination from her, and with confirmation from a chest X-ray she was diagnosed with right lower lobe community acquired pneumonia. Due to the high neutrophil count in her alveolar spaces, the causative pathogen was most likely to be bacterial and so VD was promptly treated with intravenous amoxicillin, a broad spectrum ÃŽÂ ²-lactam antibiotic that works by inhibiting peptidoglycan synthesis in bacterial cell walls. Paracetamol was also prescribed to alleviate her feverish and chest pain symptoms by inhibiting COX enzymes and PG synthesis in the CNS. Having been diagnosed with chronic autoimmune diseases that can lead to increased susceptibility to chest infections, this can lead to psychological issues such as depression. Recurrent admissions will also be costly to the NHS; if alternative treatments that can allow patients to be treated in an outpatient setting are possible, then there could be significant reductions in cost, particularly for patients over 65.