Endocrine Disruptors Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Endocrine Disruptors - Essay Example These chemicals have been found to act as estrogens, anti-estrogens, androgens, anti-androgens, or to interfere with thyroid hormone, cortisol, insulin, or growth regulators. Moreover, since animals and human foetal development is primarily dependent on hormonal levels at various phases of development, the effects of these endocrine disrupting chemicals on the endocrine, reproductive, neurological, and immune systems have been found to be very serious, if not catastrophic (Windham, 2000). TCDD dioxin is the most toxic of a class of organochlorine chemicals including chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (CDDs), dibinzofurans (CDFs), polychlorinated biphenals (PCBs), brominated dibenzo-p-dioxins (BDDs), brominated dibenzofurans (BDFs), and polychlorinated pesticides etc. These groups of chemicals have been shown to exert hormonal effects that disrupt the endocrine system of wildlife resulting in adverse effects on reproductive system development and hormones, foetal development, and the immune system at extremely low levels of exposure (Windham, 2000; Are Environmental Hormones Emasculating Wildlife, 1994). Dioxins have been found to have both estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects depending on the organ or tissue affected. The toxic metals mercury, lead, and cadmium as well as phenols have also been found to have reproductive and endocrine system disrupting effects (Windham, 2000). Chemicals with estrogenic effects cause cells to produce surplus levels of oestrogen, which has been linked to breast cancer, testicular cancer, lowered sperm counts, and malformation/mutations of male sex organs, and a decreased number of successful male births. Exposure to relatively low levels of these chemicals have been documented to have had catastrophic effects on populations of Beluga whales, alligators, turtles, mink, otters, bald eagles, osprey, cormorants, terns, herring gulls, migratory birds, chickens, lake trout, chinook and coho salmon, etc. For example only 60 parts per billion (ppb) of DDE are required to cause anti-androgenic effects on male test animals (Colborn, 1999; Pritchard, 2004). These chemicals act in a variety of ways; however, their mechanism of action could be broadly described as mimicking oestrogen thereby increasing oestrogen levels in the blood, anti-estrogenic; binding with oestrogen receptors or anti-androgenic; binding with androgen receptors. Some chemicals known to bind to estrogens receptors include insecticides (dichlorodiphenyl-trichloroethane (o,p'-DDT), methoxychlor, and chlordecone); a monomer used in plastic (bisphenol A); an alkylphenol surfactant used in detergents, cosmetics and toiletries, and other household products (octylphenol); and a plasticizer (butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP). Other compounds known to bind to androgen receptors include the fungicide vinclozolin and 1,1dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (p,p'-DDE) the persistent in vivo metabolite of DDT. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and 2,3,7.8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) could all disrupt reproduction and development via several mechanisms (CLS, 1999; Developmenta l Effects, 1993). Laboratory studies investigating the endocrine disrupting capacity of these chemicals

Employment Law case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Employment Law - Case Study Example Momma Mia will then be subjected to wrongful termination charges. In addition, Momma Mia will be held liable for providing state and federal employment taxes, compensation insurance, withholding taxes, Social Security taxes and other employment benefits. Misclassification can subject an employer to penalties (DuBoff 1999 p. 80; Twomey p. 605). No statutory law clearly defines the term ‘employee,’ but common law describes an employee as one who provides or performs services for another for compensation where the employee determines the manner and the means by which the services or work is to be performed. This common law agency-test was laid down in Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co v Darden, 503 US 318 (1992). Likewise, section 220 (2) of the Restatement (Second) of Agency defines the term servant similarly and enumerates ten elements to distinguish between servant and independent contractor: extent of control; distinctiveness of occupation; necessity of supervision over na ture of work; skills required; supply of tools for the work; length of employment; method of payment; role of work in employer’s regular business; what the parties believed, and; if principal is in business or not. Applying the law at bar, Jill qualifies as an employee. Her schedule and contacts, among others, need to be approved by her employer and equipment and other tools will be supplied as well by it.

A Pro Stance for Vaccines Essay Example for Free

A Pro Stance for Vaccines Essay The topic of laws mandating vaccinations is a much debated issue. A large number of parents argue they should not be forced to vaccinate their children in order for them to attend public school and daycare. One reason for the controversy of their use is the increased number of children with autism, which some reports have indicated is a possible side effect of vaccines. Information regarding potential negative side effects of vaccines is abundant although not always accurate; however, the decreased incidence in vaccine preventable diseases illustrates their continued necessity. In the United States many of the diseases vaccinated for are nearly absent in communities now. Some diseases may even be eradicated completely by the use of immunizations, as with the case of smallpox in 1977. (Kee, Hayes, McCuistion, 2012, p. 502) A low incidence in many of the vaccine-prevented diseases can lead some to a false sense of security against the risk of contracting such diseases. It is important for the general population to continue receiving vaccinations. An article in The New England Journal of Medicine points out High vaccine coverage, particularly at the community level, is extremely important for children who cannot be vaccinated, including children who have medical contraindications to vaccination and those who are too young to be vaccinated. These groups are often more susceptible to the complications of infectious diseases than the general population of children and depend on the protection provided by the vaccination of children in their environs. Many parents think there is no longer a risk of their child contracting the disease or even becoming exposed to them at all. The refusal of a few to vaccine may not have much of an impact on society, however, the refusal of many to not vaccinate in a community can have disastrous consequences. If the immunization level of a population drops too low, there can be an outbreak of the disease, and the vaccinated population may not be high enough to cover all of the individuals who refused vaccination. This is clearly evidenced by a measles outbreak documented in 2008. The New England Journal of Medicine discussed this measles outbreak in a 2009 article, Between January 1, 2008, and April 25, 2008, there were five measles  outbreaks and a total of 64 cases reported. All but one of the persons with measles were either unvaccinated or did not have evidence of immunization. Of the 21 cases among children and adolescents in the vaccine-eligible age group (16 months to 19 years) with a known reason for nonvaccination, 14, or 67%, had obtained a nonmedical exemption and all of the 10 school-age children had obtained a nonmedical exemption. Thirteen cases occurred in children too young to be vaccinated, and in more than a third of the cases (18 of 44) occurring in a known transmission setting the disease was acquired in a health care facility. (Omer, Salmon, Orenstein, deHArt Halsey) Children are not the only population in need of vaccination. Many adults either never got their immunizations as a child, never received their boosters, or they received them so long ago that they are no longer effective as contracting the disease. The National Network for Immunization Information reports in the United States, up to 60,000 adults die from vaccine-preventable diseases or their complications. These diseases include influenza, pneumococcal disease, and tetanus among others. This statistic alone shows a need for more immunizations, not less. The reports indicating negative side effects of the vaccines, especially the possible link to autism is just another reason many feel immunizations are an unnecessary risk. References: Ram Koppaka, MD, PhD (2011) Ten Great Public Health Achievements United States, 20012010 Retrieved from Mobidity and Mortality Weekly Report website: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6019a5.htm May 20, 2011 / 60(19);619-623 (2008). Adult Immunizations. Retrieved from National Network for Immunization Information (NNii). website: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/reprint/peds.2010-1722Tv1 Kee, J., Hayes, E., McCuistion, L. (2012) Pharmacology: A Nursing Process Approach 7th Edition. St. Louis, MI: Elsevier Saunders, 503-510.

Rebel Without A Cause Film Studies Essay

Rebel Without A Cause Film Studies Essay For as long as film has been around, it has been an art form that is a representation of society and the culture from which it breeds. One of the most popular and critically acclaimed which represented the times around it was that of Rebel Without a Cause(1955), which challenged the ideas of masculinity in society and it was a reflection of many teenagers of that generation. It also broke grounds for the portrayal of its characters. How exactly did Rebel Without a Cause(1955) change the perception of masculinity in society and why is the film considered to be the poster child film of the 1950s youth rebellion? Masculinity at the time in the 1950s was in a state of uncertainty. Men were returning from war and did not know how to readjust to society. Many men were forced to become the bread winner of the family again as well as be the stereotypical father of the household. Rebel Without a Cause(1955) was a movie that was ahead of its time in terms of its symbolism and its direction. Wh at many considered to be taboo, the film challenged the boundaries of societys rules and yet reflected what so many had tried to keep hidden. It challenged the ideas of masculinity and it was a social commentary on the men returning home from World War II and it was a movie about the commonalities that still perforate today of teen angst. To analyze the masculinity in the film, one must first look at its actors as well as its characters. Christopher Castiligia wrote an article entitled Rebel Without a Closet: Homosexuality and Hollywood in which he examines the in depth relationships of the characters within the movie and the connections it had to homosexuality as it was reflected upon society. James Dean who starred as Jim Stark and whos career spanned only three movies blossomed into a full blown star overnight and after his tragic death, his role in Rebel Without a Cause(1955) has turned him into an icon of cinema and he has become idolized ever since. He himself, was a gay male, not openly, but was very much the effeminate man that he portrayed on screen which is also possibly why it was done so effectively using a style of method acting. Jim Stark, was a rebellious teen who was strong and mysterious, yet also had deep feelings and emotions, which was unheard of at the time to even mention such a thing. His charac ter is saddled by the fact that he has to be a tough character in order to conform to societys demands. This is shown several times throughout the film in which he is swayed into fights that he doesnt want to get into by being called a chicken. He has to fight back because that is what a man is supposed to do. On the other side of the spectrum is Sal Mineo who starred as the character Plato, was an openly gay male who in turn portrayed a gay character on screen even though it is not explicitly stated. The character of Plato openly pines for Jim, whom he looks up to and shows affection for. One could argue that it was the first portrayal of a gay man on screen. Jims father Frank is shown as a very effeminate man, one who is constantly put down by his wife and cannot control his son. This was a reflection of many fathers of the time, who were emasculated perhaps by not going to war or because of the societal pressures caving in. The characterization of these characters completely alte rs the archetype of what it is to be a manly man on screen and instead show emotion. Their characters have conflicting and yet very similar personalities. Jim takes the role of a father, whereas Plato takes the role of the son. One could argue that is the true extent to what the relationship takes, although the distinct camera shots seem to suggest otherwise. Men are a complex breed, men have to act tough, yet still be emotional enough to connect with their family. Rebel Without a Cause (1955) brought about an important social issue in which many men had just come home from World War II and an important feature that men had to live up to was their propensity to act as tough bread winners who provided for their family. This male stereotype is played differently in Rebel Without a Cause (1955) as Jim Starks father was a man who didnt live up to that stereotype. He lacked the leadership characteristic that was typical of what a man was supposed to be. In doing so, it became evident that Jim was searching for a father figure and in turn found his parent to be switched to some degree as his mother was acting like a father and his father was acting like a mother. This gender disassociation creates such a friction within Jim that all he can do is act out. He demonstrates this numerous times and all he is looking for is a father figure to set him straight in line. Instead he has to take up the mantle himself and become his own father. The stylistic effects used within the film are some of the most iconic in history and contributes to the representation of the time with the music and the cinematography. The music within the film is a now classic soundtrack by Leonard Rosenman set the scenes of the film with its uses of Jazz music which reminds one of the 50s. The cinematography used within the film which was composed by Ernest Haller could be described as some of the coolest shots in the history of film. Many of the most iconic shots within the film are done with close-ups such as in the beginning of the film where we are first introduced to Jim Starks character as well as shots which focus solely on the character. By employing this effect, it showcased the brilliance and delivery of the acting. How is the film a representation of teenage culture of the time? Rebellion was a very common trait in many young men and women in the early 1950s. Many of their fathers has been serving during World War II and thus were not able to be at home with their families. This left a hole in the young peoples lives as they wanted so much to have a father and yet end up turning against them as soon as they returned. This feeling of abandonment so to speak is what drove much of this rebellion of the 1950s. Such is the case when the three main characters within Rebel Without a Cause(1955) are introduced for the first time. The characters are so drastically different in terms of social class, status, yet eerily so similar in the case of their parents. Jim Stark whos dad is not the father whom he needs to be. Judy whose father is completely distant and cold to her and then there is Platos parents who just arent there at all and whose father abandoned him. They all struggle with a similar paternal issue of fathers who just arent able to adjust to the new generation of the time. The family structure of each of these kids is all very confusing for them. They grew up with this notion of family and the fathers being perfect, that when they grow up and see that this is not the case, they have to find their own personal identity. Rebel Without a Cause(1955) created a new archetype for its generation. It created the James Dean character of a rebellious youth looking for a direction in life. One of the most iconic fashions of all time is James Dean in his red jacket and jeans which epitomized this sense of rebellion. Delia Konzett wrote an article entitled Rebel Without a Cause: Approaches to a Maverick Masterwork about Rebel Without a Cause in which he explains the films everlasting qualities throughout generations. She states This legacy with its foregrounding of the radical potential of internal or self critique is what has appealed to the films diverse audiences over the years, who have continued to see Rebel Without a Cause (1955) as a touchstone for imagining anxieties over coming-of-age, traditional values of family and community, threats from abroad, and the provocations of mass or consumer society (20). Within the article she explains how specific scenes deal with the trials of an average teenager havi ng to prove his masculinity and himself to his peers or else be picked upon as if it were as primitive as survival of the fittest. She analyzes one of the most important scenes in the film, The chicie race scene as one of the most important in which she explains This scene centers upon a dangerous competitive car race that can be constructively interpreted as rite of existential and social bonding or more negatively as a Darwinian survival of the fittest in an era of late consumerism and capitalism with absurdity and chance as its major elements. It also captures the distinctly American fascination with the automobile and the liberating experience of driving and being on the road. One of the most intriguing aspects of his analysis is the Americans fascination of cars. They have to be fast, powerful and in that sense, it has to be a representation of power and masculinity. This scene is one of the most important within the film about having to prove ones masculinity in order to be th e leader of the pack. The film ultimately culminates in Jim Stark finding his masculinity so to speak. In the end is quite a picture perfect sight of a traditional family structure as Jim, Judy and Plato all sit around an abandoned house, pondering their lives going forth. They act out living as children in a fantasy life. As soon as something tries to disrupt this perfect fantasy life, Plato goes crazy to an extent. The life he wanted is threatened and he essentially breaks down, brandishing a gun on everyone he sees. He succumbs to the desolate life of a teenager unable to cope with the problems around him, his familial structure failing him. The film has remained one of the most iconic films of all time because of how relatable it is to this day. To this day, Rebel Without a Cause(1955) could just as easily have as much of an impact as it did fifty years ago. Now more than ever society is changing where changes in masculinity are more accepted. Not only has Rebel Without a Cause(1955) become a voice fo r its generations, but in some ways a voice for many generations to come.

Listeria monocytogenes Essay -- Essays Papers

Listeria monocytogenes Introduction Listeria monocytogenes, a motile, gram-positive rod, is an opportunistic food-borne pathogen capable of causing listeriosis in humans. Listeriosis includes manifestations of septicemia, meningitis, pneumonia, and encephalitis. L. monocytogenes is also implicated in miscarriages, stillbirth, and premature birth for pregnant women. L. monocytogenes is a tough bacterium resistant to freezing, drying, and heat; most strains have been shown to be pathogenic. It is hypothesized that 1-10% of humans are intestinal carriers of L. monocytogenes. Over 37 mammalian species, including wild and domestic animals, are capable of L. monocytogenes infection and transmission. Extensive environmental reservoirs for L. monocytogenes include soil, water, vegetation, sewage, silage, and the intestinal tract of various animals. Encounter: L. monocytogenes is transmitted by ingestion of contaminated food or water. The bacterium is associated with raw milk, cheeses, (particularly soft varieties) ice cream, raw vegetables, fermented raw-meat sausages, raw and cooked poultry, raw meats, and raw and smoked fish. It is capable of growing at temperatures as low as 3Â °C allowing multiplication in refrigerated foods, making L. monocytogenes infection particularly hard to avoid. The infective dose has not been determined, but is believed to vary with the susceptibility of the individual. It may be less than 1000 bacterium in the immuno-compromised individual. Entry, Multiplication, and Spread: L. monocytogenes initially gains access to the body through the gastrointestinal tract but is capable of infecting the blood through monocytes, macrophages and polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The bacterium is also capable of infe... ...s system involvement, the elderly and in persons with other serious medical problems. Worldwide: Approximately 2,500 cases of listeriosis are reported every year in the United States. This includes 500 preventable deaths. L. monocytogenes outbreaks are still occurring worldwide. Recently, in 2002 contaminated turkey deli meat caused a US outbreak along the east coast and contaminated cheese caused an outbreak in British Columbia. Outbreaks over the past twenty years have involved contaminated chocolate milk, shrimp, lunchmeats, and cheese. A California outbreak in 1985 was due to contaminated Mexican-style cheese. This outbreak led to numerous stillbirths resulting in the monitoring of cheeses by the FDA. Fortunately, according to a study done by The US Department of Health and Human Services, infections with L. monocytogenes have decreased 35 % from 1996 to 2002.

Justification of the Corn Laws Essay -- Politics History Political

Justification of the Corn Laws The Corn Law was a potentially dangerous bill introduced in 1815 after three years of good harvests. It was instigated with the support of Lord Liverpool the current Prime Minister who saw the Corn Laws as a temporary measure to create stability in the agricultural sector in the immediate post-war years. The Corn Laws were potentially disastrous because they, along with the abolishment of Income tax and the creation of the Game laws, were seen as a return by the ultra-Tory's to a single-issue, single class government. That issue being the wants and needs of the landed classes. I believe that the Corn Laws led large groups of the urbanised population to become unreasonably politicised in their demands to parliament. The catalyst for these potentially revolutionary actions being the starvation of the working classes - the Corn Laws. Lord Liverpool's justification for the Corn Laws was the appalling state of agriculture in England in the post war period. England faced a unique set of financial and economic problems bought about by the end of the war. The harvest of 1813, 14 and 15 were extremely good leading to a fall in prices by almost half. The end of trade sanctions after the end of the Napoleonic Wars flooded the British market with cheaper corn that made British Corn uncompetitive. Agriculture still exceeded manufacturing as the country's largest single economic interest. Therefore the Corn Laws were justifiable in this sense because they still supported the largest single category of labour provider. But while choosing to secure one social group Liverpool and his cabinet had provided immedia... ...for a slim chance of economic recovery in a single sector of the country's economy-agriculture. The British Government had decided to choke one group of citizens, the urban based working classes, to create a wealthier group of large land owners-ironically the largest group of MP's. In my eyes protecting no part of the economy would have been the best idea. No economic area would flourish but neither would any industry be choked. A free market mentality would be painful but would result in more efficient techniques in manufacturing and agriculture. All the Corn Laws seemed to do was underline the injustices that were allowed to happen because of the lack of universal suffrage. It also highlighted how inward looking and self centred the Ultra-Tory's were as well as highlighting urban electoral under representation.

American Literature Essay

Fenny Fern, pseudonym of Sara Willis Parton, was the first woman columnist, a popular novelist and author of children’s stories. She was the most highly paid newspaper writer of that period. She used to write on such topics, which a woman at that time would not dare to talk about in public. Fenny wrote on economic independence of women, prostitution, birth control, children’s rights etc. Fenny was deeply affected by the injustice women had to face both at home and workplace and hence she raised those issues in her newspaper columns. She even used to suggest the right ways and wrestled or equal right, equal pay for women too. ‘The working girls of New York’ is just one step towards what seemed to be her target. Here she dealt with the problems that working women faced at that time including the problems at workplace and also the inequality of wages. Rebecca Harding Davis was a journalist who raised social issues and is considered the pioneer of realistic fiction in American literature. She achieved fame from her novel, ‘Life in the Iron Mills’. Davis used to write for a change in social status of blacks, women, immigrants and the working class. She concentrated on the issues related to omen and portrayed the powerlessness of the working class in breaking the chains of industrial capitalism. According to Jean Pfaelzer, ‘Life in the Iron Mills’ must be considered a central text in the origins of American realism, American proletarian literature, and American feminism. Both Fenny and Davis fought for social injustice with the help of their writing skills. Their medium of war was print and instrument was pen with which they used to fight for the prevailing social injustice. They raised issues of the downtrodden and the working class that had to suffer various problems at that time.