Bertolt Brecht The Caucasian Chalk Circle essays

Bertolt Brecht The Caucasian Chalk Circle essays BERTOLT BRECHT THE CAUCASIAN CHALK CIRCLE Bertolt Brecht (1898-1956) a non-conformist German playwright, was the most important single influence in the development of epic theatre. His political beliefs and experiences were his motivation to try to change the world through drama. Through the theatre he created he made people realise the wrong doings of the society in which they lived. Brecht was a pacifist and, therefore, wrote a number of plays with strong political messages to intellectually stimulate and politically motivate his audiences. Brechts plays were originally rejected by the society in which he lived because they were unconventional and against the ideological beliefs that his society embraced. In his work, Brecht explored themes related to war, ownership, sacrifice, the notion of justice and the theme of the inequalities produced by superior people in power over the inferior lower class. He challenged societys opinion of the oppressed. Brecht tried to teach his audiences not to accept the world as they found it. He also tried to teach his actors the same thing. ... above all s/he [actor of Brechtian theatre] must be aware of the theme with which the play is concerned. Brechts The Caucasian Chalk Circle is set in the time of a civil war. It contains two parallel stories. One centers around AZDAK, a drunken peasant, who is put into the powerful role of judge. The other deals with a peasant named Grusha who saves an abandoned child and claims it as her own. The two stories unite to conclude the play. AZDAK must decide whether the child should be under the custody of his natural mother a wealthy, upper-class woman who abandoned him, or Grusha, who saved him from certain death. The attached extract from The Caucasian Chalk Circle clearly demonstrates and exemplifies the Brechtian style, showing evidence of al...

Economic Issues Simulation Paper

Economic Issues Simulation Paper Introduction Employees are the most valuable asset of each and every organization. The wellbeing of the employees has a direct relationship with their level of productivity. Employees who have managed to achieve all the elements of wellness are more productive (Wilkinson, 2005). There are five elements of wellness namely, physical wellness, career wellness, social wellness, community wellness and financial wellness. Every employee needs to achieve all the elements of wellness.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Economic Issues Simulation Paper specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Physical wellness is the most challenging to achieve since it relates to the health of the employee. The challenge is attributed to the costs involved in treating the sick employee or preventing the occurrence of diseases among employees (Wilkinson, 2005). Besides, the employers or organizations suffer huge losses on a daily basis in the f orm of lost productivity when their employees fall sick (Wilkinson, 2005). Thus managing the cost of preventing diseases and treating sick employees has become a major concern to employers and the government. Health insurance plans have been used as one of the most effective strategies for controlling expenses associated with treating and preventing diseases. This paper analyzes Construct IT in terms of the health insurance needs of its employees. Company Profile Construct IT is an industry-led consultancy organization in the construction industry (Construct IT, 2010). The organization was founded in 1994 in the UK to provide consultancy services to various stakeholders in the construction industry. Construct IT is a non-profit organization that facilitates networking in the industry by collaborating with representatives from various organizations and professionals in the construction industry (Construct IT, 2010). The organization aims at improving the industry’s performance by encouraging innovative application of IT as well as research and development. The organization’s main activities includes promoting research, facilitating networking, value and benefits study, benchmarking best practice and managing projects. The members of the organization are representatives from various firms in the construction industry. Representatives from various Universities and higher learning institutions are also members. However, the members are not employees of the organization. This means that their physical wellness is the responsibility of the companies that employ them. Construct IT is run by a team of 15 employees. Out of the 15 employees, 13 are members of the management board (Construct IT, 2010). The remaining two serve in the positions of administrative support and webmaster. The staffs are employed on contracts that are renewable. 8 of the employees are male while the remaining 5 are female.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The employees fall in the age bracket of between 30 to 55 years with an annual income of at least $ 60,000. The employees are stationed in different parts of UK and Europe. They travel regularly in order to meet the clients and member of the organization (Construct IT, 2010). The staff members of the organization have specialized skills in various fields. All employees have at least a University degree in their areas of specialization (Construct IT, 2010). The health risk factors for the organization include inactivity and excess weight. This is attributed to the fact that the employees are mainly engaged in in-door activities that discourage body exercise (Construct IT, 2010). Besides, they have limited time to visit physical fitness clubs in order to exercise their bodies. The other health risk factor relates to behaviors such as smoking, consumption of alcohol and eating junk fo odstuffs. Consequently, the employees are at risk of suffering from diseases such as cancer, high blood pressure and even obesity (Rodin, Blewett, Davern, 2009). The company intends to manage the health issues through a health insurance plan. This will cost the company $78,000 annually. Types of Health Insurance Plans There are three health insurance plans that the organization can use to achieve its objective of reducing cost of healthcare and improving the physical wellness of its employees. The first plan is referred to as free-for-service health plan. In this case, the insurer pays for the cost of treatment when the insured employee visits a health provider for treatment (Rodin, Blewett, Davern, 2009). The insurer pays part of the treatment fee while the insured pays the rest through their employer. Thus the employer pays monthly premiums to the insurer (Stvens, 2003). The insured is compensated for the treatment fee upon filling a claims form. This plan gives the employees a chance to choose their preferred doctors and hospitals. The plan costs at least $ 500 per employee annually (Davern, Quinn, Kenney, 2009). The free-for-service plan can be considered by the company due to the fact that it covers most illnesses. Besides, most of the organization’s employees are stationed outside the country. Thus they will need to obtain health services from different healthcare providers without restrictions. The second plan is referred to as health maintenance organization plan (Stvens, 2003). It is a prepaid plan in which the users pay a monthly premium to the insurance company (Morrisey, 2007). The plan provides comprehensive cover to the employee and their families. The covered services include surgery, emergency care, hospital stay and doctor’s visits. The plan would cost the organization at least $ 550 per employee annually (Davern, Quinn, Kenney, 2009). This plan can be considered by the organization for two reasons. First, it covers the emplo yees and their family members hence eliminating the anxiety that develops among employees when their family members fall sick. Second, it is efficient since claim forms are not needed to process payment. Finally, it covers most illnesses including regular health screening by a doctor.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Economic Issues Simulation Paper specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The last plan is referred to as preferred provider organization health plan. This plan combines the features of for-free-service health plan and health maintenance organization plan (Davidson, Brown, Kincheloe, 2007). In this case the insured are treated by a particular doctor at a particular hospital. However, they can also visit other hospitals at a higher cost. The claim forms are not needed in this case since credit cards are used to process payment. The plan would cost the organization at least $ 500 per employee annually (D avern, Quinn, Kenney, 2009). This plan can be considered by the organization due to the fact that it is convenient and also provides comprehensive cover. Form the above analysis of the organization’s profile and the various health insurance plans, the preferred provider organization plan will be the best for the organization. Unlike, free-for-service plan it is more efficient since the claim forms are not needed to process claims (Davern, Quinn, Kenney, 2009). It also covers more healthcare services as compared to free-for-service plan. This plan is also better than the health maintenance organization plan since it allows the users to access health services from health providers outside the plan. Besides, it also covers preventive care which is not included in health maintenance organization plan. Given the Gallup’s strategy of consumer-driven healthcare, the preferred provider organization health plan should be modified as follows. The plan should include programs t hat train or encourage the staff to be more responsible for their health. The high cost of providing health services should be emphasized in such programs. To achieve this objective, the plan should use part of the premium to promote behavior change and better lifestyles among the employees. This will reduce cases of illnesses among the employees. Thus there will be savings as the employer and employees spend little on healthcare. Conclusion Physical wellness influences the performance of employees in every organization (Wilkinson, 2005). Therefore most organizations are focusing on strategies that can allow their employees to access medical services at reduced costs. Health insurance is one of the strategies used by organizations to access medical services at reduced costs.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More It is for this reason that Construct IT intends to purchase a health insurance cover for its employees. A part from offering health insurance, organizations should encourage their staff to be responsible for their health. This will reduce chances of falling sick thus reducing spending on health services. References Construct IT. (2010). About us. Retrieved from https://www.salford.ac.uk/built-environment/collaborate-with-us/construct-it Davern, M., Quinn, B., Kenney, G. (2009). The American community servey and health insurance coverage estimates. Health Serrvices Research, vol. 44 (2) , 593-605. Davidson, G., Brown, E., Kincheloe, E. (2007). Accuracy of self-reported health insurance coverage among medicaid enrolees. Inquiry, vol. 45 (4) , 438-560. Morrisey, A. (2007). Health insurance. New York: Health Administration Press. Rodin, H., Blewett, L., Davern, M. (2009). Employement and health insurance coverage for rural Latino population. Journal of Community Health, vol. 30 (1) , 181-195. Stvens, W. (2003). Health insurance: current issues and background. New York: Nova Science Publishers. Wilkinson, N. (2005). Managerial economics. Cambridge: Cambrige University Press.

The Provisions for the Enforcement of Human Rights within the United Essay

The Provisions for the Enforcement of Human Rights within the United Nations Conventions Indicate that there are Some Rights - Essay Example 1 This approach ensures that all human beings are treated well and equally. Human rights go hand in hand with fairness and equality. They distinguish individual liberty to make a selection concerning individual life.  Human rights are also concerned with freedom and aggravation or favouritism.   The current human international law was developed after the Second World War, and that is when the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights was developed.  Several treaties have been developed, and specific human rights have emerged in the Universal Declaration. 2 During the year 1966, the International Agreement on Social, Economic, and Social Ethnic Rights, and International Agreement on Civic and Opinionated Rights was developed forming the International Bill of Human Rights. Other treaties were also developed in the universal level which included; 3 International symposiums on abolition of all types of ethnic discrimination.   Conference on the removal of discrimination of women ,  Resolution touching torment and other unkind cruel conduct,  Conference on the rights of the teenager,  Principal on the rights of disabled people, and Global Conference for the defence of all People from imposed Departure.   1 The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United General Assembly for Human Rights 3. The structure of this declaration was developed by Cassin, and it was derived from the original draft developed by John Humphrey.   In this structure, article 1 and 2 form the foundation of this structure, and it contains the principal of dignity, equality, brotherhood and liberty of individuals 4. The important part of the constitution consists of a column illustration article 3 to 11 that advocates for individual rights, and defence from slavery. In the next column, article 12 to that illustrate rights of people in affairs of state and civic society. The following column consists of article 18 to 24 that illustrates spiritual and political f reedom such as freedom of worship. The last column, illustrate article 22-27 that displays social, cultural and economical rights. The last part of this structure summarizes all parts of the declaration.    These structure talks of peoples’ duties to the community and the ways used to implement the rights as per requirement of United Nations 5. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights has been adapted by United Nations and has been essential among nations. Though, the declaration has turned out to be part of habitual international laws, this law is the foundation of practice in Intercontinental court of impartiality. This declaration has also had an incredible inspiration in the charter of other countries 6. In addition to this, the declaration has acted as the foundation of two main United Nations human rights agreements.    2   Koch argues that Civil and political right consists of social satisfying elements. These elements are considered non justifiable under the co nnection on economic, cultural and social rights. This approach has been put together and described in the legal review, though, a significant explanation has not been given to justify the level at which legal factors can be attributed to social factors under the agreement of civil and political rights 7.   The two fundamental ways of operational on human rights are the reactive method and the proactive method. The reactive method looks at conflicts, and looks at how conflicts occurred. The proactive method is mainly

IPod Research Progress Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

IPod Research Progress - Essay Example libraries and online journals in a bid to achieve this purpose and a lot of potential books and magazines have been earmarked for further use during the course of the study. To keep track of the required excerpts and information from these various books, an excel sheet has been prepared and is being constantly used to keep track of the specific pages and sections within these literary sources so that it may be possible to revert to a specific page within a particular book or magazine with minimal effort, thereby providing more time to invest qualitatively in performing the requisite analysis. In a similar fashion, efforts are also underway to study and understand various market research theories and methodologies with the intention of selecting the appropriate ones that can be used for the research. Information pertaining to market research is available from a plethora of related books that contain vast discussions on areas such as product design, marketing, competitor analysis and branding. Although the study is being performed in a highly structured manner, it is true that certain difficulties were observed. Although local libraries contain a plethora of information on Apple’s products, it was soon evident that a large part of this information was in fact a few years old and the best books available offered information up to a few years since the launch of the iPod. To counter this deficiency, it was soon decided to rely extensively on online digital libraries such as Questia and the ACM portal. These online sites provided access to the latest books and journals, thus helping provide up to date information and helping make the research outcome more productive and qualitative. To obtain data on market perceptions and latest trends, it had been mentioned earlier that the study would utilize the inputs from various companies and professionals dealing in market research within the consumer electronics market with a specific focus on digital music players. To

Zip Car Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Zip Car - Case Study Example The business had a market of people that would enjoy using Zip car. The market was good for those who were able to use the internet and did not have a car available for use at all times. The market for Zip car would target those who did not do a lot of driving throughout the year. It was important for Chase to allow operating costs to be cheaper than the cost of leasing, renting or purchasing a car. By doing this, Chase would entice the targeted market to use Zip cars as a main means of transportation. Funding is a problem for many businesses. Chase, with the help of Danielson, created business plans and presentations that are appropriate for investors. Investors want to see that they are going to receive the money they lent and more. Chase performed the necessary research and gave the investors exactly what they wanted. Seeking a new engineer to create the software was a way to keep cost down and achieve the necessary technology that Zip car needed. A new software engineer costs less than an engineer that has more experience. Little cost cutting techniques like this used by Chase were important for allowing funding to go as far as possible. Zip car had everything lined up to get the business started and seemed as if it could be successful. Question # 2) What is the business model, and how has it changed between Dec. 1999 and May 2000? What do the data from actual operations in September say about how the business model is working? Does this give you comfort or concern? Answer # 2) A business model is important for every business. Business models show the most important part of a business. That part is the businesses numbers. The numbers show everything. If the proper research has been performed and the numbers do not show a potential profit, there is no need to start the business. The business model for Zip car shows the expenses and profit for the company. The business model shows expenses such as leases, insurance, parking

Use of Enzymes for Clinical Diagnosis

Use of Enzymes for Clinical Diagnosis Clinical enzymology is branch off medical science deals with the usage of enzymes for diagnosis prognosis of various diseases. In general, each enzyme of clinical significance is found in many tissues of the body, and in healthy individuals, these enzyme exhibit very low levels in serum. In certain disease states or with cell injury, these intracellular enzymes are released into the blood and are indicative of the presence of a pathological condition. Quantification of enzyme levels in serum is useful in determining the presence of disease. Based on the individuals physical symptoms, several enzymes may be chosen for analysis to determine if a pattern develops that aids in identifying the tissue source of the enzyme elevation in the serum(2). The understanding of enzyme kinetics allows for laboratory measurement of plasma levels. Damaged or dying cells within organ can release enzymes into the circulation, these plasma enzyme levels can be used to develop a differential diagnosis of a patient with respect to specific organ disease and dysfunction(1). Like others analyte use for clinical chemistry analysis, specific pre-analytical influences have to be taken into consideration. Analysis of enzyme measurement would involve the process from the start to the end that comprises the pre-analytical factors, analytical and post analytical factors. Pre- analytical issues in the enzyme measurement include the types of specimens, the specific anticoagulants and preservative in the tubes and the specimen collection procedure. Table 2.0 describe the type of enzymes, the specimen of choice and the pre-analytical factors that can affect the enzyme measurement. Slight hemolysis can be accepted as there is no CK ain rbc, however severe or moderate hemolysis can cause enzymes and intermediates (adenylate kinase,ATP,glucose 6-phosphatea) liberated from the erytrocytes and may affect the lag phase and the side reactions occurring in the assay system(3) Lactate Dehydrogenase LDH Serum or heparanised plasma Plasma containing anticoagulant especially oxalate, should not be used. Haemolysed specimen 150 times LDH in rbc than serum(3) Alkaline Phosphatare ALP Serum or haparinized plasma ALP-, free hemolysis. Complexing anticoagulants such as citrate,oxalate, and edta must be avoided. Storage and doing test later than 4 hours can cause loss of activity EDTA concentration in the sample-reagent mixture, causing chelation of metallic cations, and this can affect the activity of the alkaline phosphatase Gamma Glutamyl Transferase GGT Serum free from hemolysis preferred. EDTA -plasma ( up to 1 mg/mL blood) can be used Heparin produces turbidity in the reaction mixture; citrate, oxalate and fluoride depress activity by 10 15 % The rate of disappearance of substrate or the rate of appearance of product had been utilized for enzyme measurement. Usually, measuring small increase in product it is much easier than to measure small decrease in a large amount of substrate. In some enzyme measurements, neither the product not the substrate of a chemical reaction can be measured conveniently. In such cases the enzymatic reaction can be coupled to another reaction that uses the product of the enzyme catalyzed reaction to produce an indicator substance (1). The rate of change in concentration of substrate or product is the principle of kinetic method for most of the enzyme measurement. The accuracy of Kinetic makes it easier to detect changes in reaction conditions and samples requiring dilution. In a kinetic reaction, the rate of reaction can be expressed as ΔP/ΔT, the change in amount of per unit time. The amount of enzyme in a sample is measured by the rate of reaction  catalyzed by the enzyme. This rate is directly proportioned to the amount of enzyme and is expressed in enzyme unit, IU/L (4). Substrate depletion phase is a period during an enzyme assay when the concentration of substrate is falling and the assay is not following zero-order kinetics(5). The amount of substrate must be present in sufficient quantity, so that the reaction rate is limited only by the amount of enzymes. In order to get optimal method of enzyme measurement, the substrate concentration is one of the important parameters. It is essential for the concentration of the substrate(s) is saturating during the measured period of the reaction(6). At saturating substrate concentrations, the reaction velocity is pseudo zero order with respect to the substrate and the velocity is proportional only to the enzyme concentration. Figure 1.0; describe the importance of substrate depletion in enzyme measurement. Enzyme activity High Moderate Low Substrate depletion Substrate depletion Lag phase Absorbance Time Figure 1.0 Enzyme activity can be calculated from a plot of absorbance versus time when monitoring an enzyme-catalysed reaction. When reagents and serum are mixed, there may initially be a period of a time when mixing and any preliminary reactions occur; this is termed the lag period. Following this phase, the reaction will proceed at zero-order kinetics (V max); at this point, the rate of appearance of product (as measured from the slope of the line, ΔA/ΔT) is directly proportional to the enzyme activity present. As the reaction proceeds and substrate is depleted, the rate of reaction will fall below V max and the plot is no longer linear. At this point, the reaction is no longer zero order with respect to substrate concentration; rate of reaction is now dependent on both amount of substrate (which is declining) and amount of enzyme present, making it difficult to calculate amount of enzyme present. (Adapted from Henrys Clinical Diagnostic and Management by Laboratory Metho ds) An organic component of enzymes is called coenzyme. Coenzymes participate in many of the enzyme analyses performed in the clinical laboratory. As the coenzyme make up a part of the active site, the role of this coenzyme in enzymatic transamination is crucial as an example the use of pyridoxal phosphate for expression of enzyme activity for aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase measurement(7). Table 3.0 describe the enzyme, the coenzyme and the clinical relevance of the enzyme measurement for laboratory diagnosis. In conclusion, the type of assay method, sample preparation, age and storage conditions are the variables that have to be taken into consideration in the determination of enzyme activity. Other important variables in determining enzyme activity include temperature, pH, concentration of substrate, concentration of cofactors of the assay, use of other enzyme reactions as indicators, and whether the forward or backward reaction is used to measure the enzyme. All of these variables can lead to significant differences in enzyme activity between methods (1). Enzyme Co-enzyme Clinical relevance Creatinine kinase (CK) Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide Elevations of total CK in serum are associated with cardiac disorders, such as AMI, and skeletal muscle disorder, such as muscular dystrophy. Occasionally,elevations are due to central nervous system, including seizures and cerebral vascular accidents. CK-MB values greater than 6 % of total CK are suggestive of AMI. When AMI is suspected, troponin is assayed in conjunction with CK-MB, and sometimes myoglobin is assayed. Following AMI, Ck-MB levels rise within 4-6 hrs,peak at 12-24 hours, and return to normal within 2-3 days(2). Aspartate aminotransferase pyridoxal phosphate AST is used to evaluate hepatocellular disorders (up to 100 times upper reference limit in infectious mononucleosis, and up to 4 times upper reference limit in cirrhosis), skeletal muscle disorders ( up to 8 times upper reference limit) and acute pancreatitis(8). In AMI, AST rises within 6-8 hours, peaks at 18-24 hours, and return to normal within 4-5 days. AST is not used to diagnose AMI, but awareness of the AST pattern may be useful when ruling out other disorders, including concurrent liver damage(2). Lactate dehydrogenase (LD) NAD Elevated in cardiac disorders (AMI), hepatic diseases (viral hepatitis,cirrhosis,infectious mononucleosis),skeletal muscle diseases, haemolytic and haematological disorders (acute lymphoblastic leukemia) In AMI, LD levels rise within 8-12 hours, peak at 24-48 hours, and return to normal in 7 10 days. Although LD and LD isoenzymes are not used to diagnose AMI, knowledge of their pattern may be useful when assessing concurrent liver damage(2).

Physical Inactivity Essay -- Health, Ageing, Nursing Home

Introduction and purpose Ageing is a common process in life. With ageing, functional capabilities deteriorate and lead to major risk in health. So for older people, keeping them physically active is an important role in their healthy ageing. This will help them to maintain their independence and value their life as long as they live. Engaging in physical activity will reduce the risk of chronic conditions and improve the state of mind and well being. Being physically active by participating in regular physical activities has a major health advantage which has been well documented. Despite the advantage of day to day physical activity a large number of older people go ahead with their inactive way of life. This study was conducted in older people who live in LTC about their barriers in performing the physical activity. In 2007, WHO urged the researchers to conduct a study on the reasons of physical inactivity in older adults. This study was able to improve patient outcomes due to the fact that older people a re aware of the importance of keeping themselves active and having a meaningful, healthy ageing life. Review of the literature The author has reviewed the previous studies on the barriers of regular physical activity in the community living older people (Jones and Nies 1996, Conn 1998, Heesch et al 2003, Lin et.al 2007). But the review shows that little study was done among older adults living in LTC about the barriers they face in their physical activity. The areas of nursing practices are to identify the barriers in older people that keep them away from their physical activity. Developing a plan of care and interventions depend on the individual problems. Study Design Qualitative exploratory design is used in this study... ...here are barriers among older adults who stays in LTC centers .The barriers are Physical health problems and physical frailty, Fear of resultant injury or falling, past sedentary lifestyle, insufficient understanding about physical activity and environmental restrictions. Health care providers have a major role in influencing these older adults to take up a regular physical activity. This study suggests that health care providers need to intervene these barriers to develop and maintain physical activity. Also it is important to provide supportive surroundings. Change in behavior cannot occur in overnight, so ongoing physical activity practice is needed. For most of the older residents the LTC becomes the permanent homes, so the health care provider needs to develop a continuous relationship with these residents. These findings contributed to the nursing knowledge.