Saturday, September 21, 2019

I have a dream Essay Example for Free

I have a dream Essay I have a dream that one day we shall all live in a world without bullies. No one to intimidate us, no one to tell us what to do and how to do it, but to lead our own lives in confidence, and being able to walk strong-mindedly through streets at night without feeling scared or threatened by others. Every day, children are too frightened to go to school as they are being bullied. There are children coming home in tears as they are having such a bad time at school. And those are just the children who do speak out! Many children are too scared to even tell an adult that they are being bullied, as they fear that it will only get worse. Are you being bullied? Have you ever had someone hit you, or make you feel threatened? Even name-calling is a form of bulling. If you are being bullied and have not told anyone, then now is the time to do so. Do it now, before it could get any worse. Why should you put up with it? Dont let them get away with it. And never feel like it is your own fault. Or maybe you are a bully? Are you? Ask yourself, have you ever picked on anyone for no reason at all. Maybe because they arent wearing the latest designer gear, or that they look different, talk differently or simply dont even listen to the same music as you? When people hear the word bullying, they automatically think of big, rough looking kids holding smaller children up by the scruffs of their necks and taking their dinner money. But mental bullying is just the same, maybe worse even, than physical bullying. Even a dirty look at someone is a form of bullying. Whether its physical or mental bullying, they all affect the victim. Bullies dont realise just how much they can effect someones life. They dont know the after-effects they can leave on their victims. Even name calling leaves scars inside. Victims of bullying often turn to drugs, turn anorexic, bulimia, and sometimes bully others to get over their trauma. In some sad cases, children sometimes take their own life to end the bullying! But bullying doesnt just go on at school. Its happening to pedestrians on the street, adults at work, and to be honest really, anywhere that someone can be seen vulnerable to others. This morning I opened a newspaper, only to be confronted by headlines such as, Old Woman Mugged at Knife-point and Young girl stabbed for the sake of 20 pounds. It disgusts me to think that humans can act like this towards each other. But the thing that repulses me the most about such crimes is that it is so common. Killing someone for the sake of a few pounds? Or a mobile phone? Too many incidents like these are occurring more frequently over the years and it looks like things are going to carry on like this if people dont look out for others and try to help those who are being bullied. So until people start to look out for others in the world, start to care about how they act towards others, and to basically appreciate other human beings as they themselves would like to be treated, my dream, that one-day we shall all live in a world without bullies. No one to intimidate us, no one to tell us what to do and how to do it, but to lead our own lives in confidence, and being able to walk strong-mindedly through streets at night without feeling scared or threatened by others, will continue to be a dream.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Bezlotoxumab (Zinplava) with MAYO Clinic

Bezlotoxumab (Zinplava) with MAYO Clinic Group 4: Rafi Saadallah, Anthony Hill, Alex Nedved, Angel Withrow Bezlotoxumab (Zinplava) BLT with MAYO Clinic Pharmacy and Therapeutic committee Drug Evaluation Monograph: Generic Name Bezlotoxumab Brand Name Zinplava Manufacturer MERCK SHARP DOHME Therapeutic Category 80:04 Antitoxins and Immune Globulins Classification J06BB: Specific Immunoglobulins FDA Classification: Approved (rating not specified) Status: Rx only Similar Agents on Market None Summary: Zinplava is the first and only monoclonal antibody FDA approved for prevention of recurrent C. Diff infections. It is used as an add on therapy to decrease risk of recurrent C. Diff. Zinplava is currently the only drug in its class because its currently the only drug in the market that prevents the recurrence of CDI instead of treating the actual infection. The drugs mechanisms of action is unique due to its ability to inhibit Toxin B and stopping its effects on the cell. After looking at the trials, its hard to see any side effects that can prevent people from taking this drug. Most of the Zinplavas side effects were nausea, headaches, and infusion problems. It is recommended to not use this drug with people who have congestive heart failure. Recommendations: It is recommended to add Zinplava to the drug formulary for add on therapy. It is usefull for those patients that are at especially high risk of a recurrent C. Diff infection. Zinplava currently costs $4,560.00 per vial and while it has been proven to reduce the risk of recurrent zinplava the use of this medication can only be justified in patients that meet criteria that would put them at high risk of recurrent C. Difff. With other options available to prevent recurrent C. Diff it can only be justified to use zinplava in a particular group of patients that cannot tolerate alternative medical interventions and are at an increased risk of recurrent C. Diff. Pharmacological Data: Mechanism of action: A monoclonal antibody that inhibits Toxin B (does not bind to Toxin A) and stops the effect on Mammalian cells. This drug should not be used alone, instead it needs to be used in conjunction with other antibiotics to treat recurrence cases of C.Diff. Therapeutic Indications: FDA approved on June 9th, 2016 for the prevention and treatment of recurrent C.diff in patients > 18 years of age that are undergoing antimicrobial therapy for the treatment of C. Diff. Evidence Based Guidelines Zinplava was approved in October 2016 and its place in guideline therapy has not yet been determined. It is the first monoclonal antibody approved for the prevention of recurrent C. Diff. and guidelines do not yet reflect therapy with zinplava for the prevention of primary or recurrent C. Diff. All guidelines available are only for the treatment of C.diff and do not yet include zinplava. Clinical Studies: The safety of Zinplava was evaluated in two placebo-controlled Phase 3 trials. Patients received a single Zinplava dose with antimicrobial treatment for C. diff infection. Between the experimental group and placebo group, mortality rates were slightly lower in the experimental group at 7.1% compared to 7.6% at a 12 week follow-up. Common side effects noted were nausea, pyrexia, and headache. Heart failure was listed as a serious adverse reaction, as it occurred in 2.3% of the experimental group compared to 1% in the placebo group. Infusion related reactions were reported in 10% of patients treated with Zinplava compared to 8% of placebo patients. In terms of recurrence prevention efficacy, Trial 1 had 386 patients in the Zinplava group and 395 patients in the control group. Disease recurrence was found in 67 patients (17.4%) treated with Zinplava and in 109 patients (27.6%) of the control group. In Trial 2, there were 395 patients in the Zinplava group and 378 patients in the control group. Disease recurrence was found in 62 patients (15.7%) treated with Zinplava and in 97 patients (25.7%) of the control group. There was no statistical significance Merck Sharp Dohme Corp. A study of MK-3415, MK-6072, and MK-3415A in participants receiving antibiotic therapy for clostridium difficile infection (MK-3415A-001) (MODIFY I). NLM Identifier: NCT01241552. Last updated November 30, 2015. Available at: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01241552?term=NCT01241552rank=1. Merck Sharp Dohme Corp. A study of MK-6072 and MK-3415A in participants receiving antibiotic therapy for clostridium difficile infection (MK-3415A-002) (MODIFY 11). NLM Identifier: NCT01513239. Last updated October 29, 2015. Available at: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01513239?term=NCT01513239rank=1. Pharmacokinetics and Bioavailability Absorption Immediately and 100% bioavailable Distribution Vd is 7.33 L Metabolism By Catabolism Excretion Primarily by Catabolism Dosage Forms: Drug Bezlotoxumab Formulation Solution Strength 1000 mg/40 ml (25 mg/ml) Storage 2-8 ÂÂ °C (Do not freeze) Special considerations Solutions diluted for infusion may be stored at room temperature for up to 16 hours or under refrigeration for up to 24 hours. Administration Infusion over a 60 minute period through a sterile, low protein binding 0.2 to 5 micro line or add on filter. Can be administered through a central line or a peripheral catheter. Dosage Range: Adults IV 10 mg/kg (single dose) Children Only studied in 18 years or older Elderly Same as adult dosing Hepatic Failure No dose adjustments Renal Impairment No dose adjustments Adverse Effects Adverse Effects Nausea, Pyrexia, Headache, Infusion related reactions, Immunogenicity Serious: Congestive Heart Failure exacerbation Special Precautions: In congestive heart failure patients, Bezlotoxumab should be reserved for patients where benefit outweighs the risk in order to reduce risk of worsening heart failure. Contraindications: None Drug Interactions: -Belimumab: Monoclonal Antibodies may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Belimumab(Brand name: Benlysta). Drug Food interactions: None. Drug Laboratory Test interactions: None. Patient Safety: -Zinplava has a good side effect profile with the most common side effect being nausea. The patient should tell their doctor if they have or have had a history of congestive heart failure, as it can be a serious side effect of the zinplava. Monitoring Guidelines : Monitor for signs and symptoms of adverse reactions. Patient Information: -Zinplava doesnt take the place of their antibacterial treatment for CDI. Patient must continue to take their treatment regimen as directed. You will need to have a doctors appointment to receive Zinplava. Administration will take one hour via IV route. If you miss an appointment, contact your doctor right away. Cost Comparison: Drug (Strength) Daily Dose/Dosing AWP Zinplava 1000 mg/40 mL (25 mg/mL) 10 mg/kg infusion over 1 hour $4560.00( per vial: 1000 mg/40 ml) Vancomycin HCL in dextrose IV -1g/200ml -500 mg/100 ml -750 mg/150 ml $27.65 $7.92 $14.50 Vancomycin HCL in NaCl IV -1g/200 ml -500 mg/100 ml -750 mg/150 ml $28.55 $8.82 $15.40 Vancomycin HCL IV 10 g 500 mg 750 mg 1000 mg 5000 mg $206.40 $8.40 $11.63 $15.60 $85.50 Pharmacoeconomic Analysis: Problem definition: -The objective of this analysis is to determine if Zinplava should be used as an add on to antimicrobial therapy. Perspective: -Will be from the perspective of the institution. Specific treatment alternatives and outcomes: -Zinplava can only be used as an add on to antimicrobial therapy for the treatment and prevention of recurrent Clostridium Difficile. The treatment options are either antimicrobial therapy without zinplava and antimicrobial therapy with zinplava. Pharmacoeconomic model: Number need to treat with zinplava will be used in order to detail the effects that zinplava has in order to make a realistic judgement as to whether or not zinplava is worth the extra cost to add on therapy in terms of determining if adding on zinplava can be justified from an economic perspective. . -NNT (Vancomycin and Zinplava) = 5.5 Drugs: Average Cost: Vancomycin $25.6 (per 1 gram) Vancomycin + Zinplava $25.6 (per 1 gram) + $4,560 (1000mg/40 ml) = $4,585.6 [Note to reader: Number needed to treat data was extrapolated from a randomized, double blind controlled study using 200 patients during a phase 2 trial. Recurrence of C. Diff. (measured after 84 days) between the monoclonal antibody and placebo group was 7% and 25%, respectively with a 95% confidence interval and a p-value Presented by Rafi Saadallah, Anthony Hill, Alex Nedved, Angel Withrow to the Pharmacy and Therapeutics committee on March 10th, 2017 Reference: Lowy I, Molrine DC, Leav BA, Blair BM, Baxter R, Gerding DN, Nichol G, Thomas WD, Jr., Leney M, Sloan S, Hay CA, Ambrosino DM: Treatment with monoclonal antibodies against Clostridium difficile toxins. N Engl J Med 2010, 362:197-205.(Economic analysis refrence)

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Successful Management of a Diverse Workforce Essay -- Workforce Employ

Successful Management of a Diverse Workforce Successful management of a diverse workforce poses many challenges in the confusing aspects of diversity that exist in today’s workplace. Equal employment opportunity is an attempt to pay retribution for past errors and many say it was a good beginning but more is needed. We commonly read and hear the increasingly popular term diversity training. The new catchphrase to be found gaining popularity in the workforce is inclusion. With all these confusing concepts, just how can management develop a successful strategy to manage a diverse workforce? The term diversity needs to be defined, as it is applicable in the workplace. Equal Employment Opportunity focused primarily on gender and race. Diversity, though, is filled with many more criteria than just gender and race. Diversity is defined in one article (â€Å"Value of Cultural Diversity,â€Å" 1997) as â€Å"not part of the mainstream, popular culture. In this nation, our popular culture, or ideal business success, is white, young, heterosexual, Christian, and male.† This description, while blunt, may indeed reflect what diversity in the workforce represents. Anyone in the workforce who does not meet the criteria stated in the article would be an example of diversity. When we add age, marital or family status, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, and disabilities the pool of a diverse workforce outside of gender and race gets rather deep indeed. Management strategies must adapt to be effective in managing this expanded diverse workforce. Management in America has historically always dealt with a diverse workforce. During the days under British colonialism a majority of the workforce were religious minorities, political dissidents, minor criminals, and indentured servants from Britain. Further diversifying the workforce was the practice of importing African slaves. After the American Independence, the American workforce began seeing many German and Irish immigrants who were Roman Catholic, which increased as the nineteenth century progressed. Actually, according to Hatton and Williamson (1998), during the second half of the nineteenth century, â€Å" the rate of Irish emigration was more than double that of any other European country, with as many as 13 per thousand emigrating each year†. While the Irish were flooding the workforce from Europe, the Chinese were also flowing into... ...r of the skin we're born with but we can control what we put in our noses.† When does inclusion become intrusion on the dominant culture? How far must the dominant culture bend over to accommodate the multitude of differences found in today’s society? As a nation of diversity, haven’t we already adapted enough without making special concessions for every person with a difference? Recognizing both the differences and the commonalities among the various individuals comprising one’s workplace and instituting fair and balanced strategies are the keys to successful management of a diverse workforce. References Beck, B. E. (1999, July). Style and modern writing [Special issue]. Prose Magazine, 126, 96-134. Gode, S. M., Orman, T. P., & Carey, R. (1967). Writers and writing. New York: Lucerne Publishing. MacDonald, S. E. (1993). Words. In The new encyclopedia Britannica (vol. 38, pp. 745-758). Chicago: Forty-One Publishing. Wilson, J. C. (2001). Scientific research papers. In Stewart, J. H. (Ed.), Research papers that work (pp. 123-256). New York: Lucerne Publishing. Xenon, R. M. (2002). Birth order and romantic attachment style. Journal of Research in Personality, 22, 236-252.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Why JT Rocks! :: essays research papers

I'll say straight up that I'm not nor ever was an N'sync fan. The 80's are over and so is the mandate for me to listen to and love pop..I like a bit more substance to my music. But even still, some albums or songs are so catchy, with great beats that even as pop or r&b records they make you run out to the store and purchase them. I thought this was the case w/ Timberlake, as the first single from his Justified had me boppin' my head and tapping my toes. No doubt about it, Justin has soul and can sing, so I figured with this new album he would let the whole world know who he is. Houston, we have a problem..... First off, before you notice anything else about Justin's album the first thing that strikes your mind isnt his vocals or style, but who the producers are. Within 6 seconds of each song it becomes apparent who was on the boards that day i.e. Neptunes, Timbaland, Mcknight etc. Now, maybe it was Justin's intention to have as many flavors as possible on the album to show his range, which isnt a bad thing neccesarily, but I feel that the production overshadows the man on the mic. Justin is never really able to make a song his 'own', and that is a key thing with great artists. Even if they dont write or produce a song, great artists have the ability to make it their own, to make it impossible for anyone else sing the song in with quite the same impact- this is not the case with Justin. He does an admirable job with each song, and as I said, the boy can sing...but b/c of his lack of ability to make each song his own, the album sounds a bit schizophrenic or rather like a long impersonation 'Justin performs Timbaland' 'Justin performs Neptunes' etc. Production should never overwhelm a song, but complement the artist's style seamlessly(see Aaliyah's Aaliyah album). Maybe next album, Justin will have more of an identity to bring to the mic. And speaking of a lack of identity, that is my next gripe with the album...Justin trying way too hard to be Micheal Jackson. Now to you younger kids out there who cant recall the late 70's and mid to early 80's, this may seem like a new sound. But, all you

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Federal Welfare Reform Essay -- Poverty

Federal Welfare Reform: A Critical Perspective Abstract: This project will examine â€Å"welfare reform,† which was signified by the signing of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act (PRWOA) in 1996. PRWOA replaced the original welfare act of 1935, titled Aid to Dependent Children (later changed to Aid to Families with Dependent Children), with the program Temporary Assistance to needy Families (TANF). Under PRWOA, TANF was instated as a system of block grants allocated to states to implement their own forms of assistance and replaced programs like the cash-assistance program, Aid to Families with Dependent Children, and the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training. The most influential change of this legislation among others has been the implementation of required work hours and strict time limits to how long families may receive aid, implying that people can simply will their way out of poverty provided they work hard enough. While the significant fall of TANF cash assistance caseloads within the program’s first five years has been celebrated as proof of reform’s success, the new era of welfare can only be considered a success if America views the transformation of the welfare poor to the working poor an achievement. Review of the Literature: In conducting my research, it was interesting to find dramatically divergent perspectives on the topic of welfare reform, especially considering that each perspective gave the impression that their argument was based on quantitative facts. The sources I consulted that were affiliated with the federal government, such as statistics and fact sheets from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) as well as the Whitehouse website, were the most optim... ...erg, Heidi. â€Å"Recent TANF Proposals Would Hinder Successful State Efforts to Help Families Overcome Barriers to Employment and Find Better- Paying Jobs.† Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. 9 May 2002. Melendez, Edwin et al. â€Å"Community College Participation in Welfare Programs: Do State Policies Matter?† Community College Journal of Research and Practice. 27.3 (2003). Shipler, David K. The Working Poor: Invisible in America. Vintage Books. New York, 2004. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families. Factsheets â€Å"Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).† October 2003. . The White House. Office of the Press Secretary. Factsheet. â€Å"President Calls for Action on Welfare Reform.† 14 January 2003. .

Literal vs. Figurative Blindness

The importance of figurative vision as opposed to literal vision to the influence of an individual is emphasized by the power inner vision yields, even over the power of the gods. Homer first highlights the power of inner sight in the situation of Agamemnon and Aigisthos. This example demonstrates that even the authority of the Greek gods cannot overcome the imbalance of power caused by the lack of figurative vision, for â€Å"the gods may love a man, but they can’t help him when cold death comes to lay him on his bier,† (III, 255-256).The gods attempt to save Agamemnon from the consequences of his figurative blindness by warning Aigisthos against the betrayal, but even the interference of the gods cannot assist Agamemnon when he is weakened by lack of knowledge. Another circumstance where inner vision is indirectly shown to be more powerful than the strength of the gods themselves is in the case of Demodokus.Demodokus’ example is unique in the fact that it can b e argued that Demodokus’ literal blindness is a demonstration of the power of the gods to keep mortal power in balance, for though Demodokus was â€Å"that man of song whom the Muse cherished,† it was â€Å"by her gift he knew the good of life and the evil- for she who lent him her sweetness also made him blind,†(VIII, 67-70).However, this only bolsters the point that inner sight brings one level with, if not above, the Greek gods themselves in terms of influence. If not, the Muse would have had not felt the need to take away literal sight to limit the power wielded by Demodokus through inner vision. The gods themselves are the product of strong inner vision in conjunction with literal vision.While they do possess magical powers, it is their inner vision that truly gives them power over mortals. Clearly, the strength of inner sight, or the weakness caused by a lack thereof, is a force that even the power of the gods cannot overcome. It is clear that an eye for a n eye does not steady the imbalance of power caused by a mortal possessing or lacking inner vision, for an eye with figurative sight is far more powerful than an eye with literal vision. Literal vs. Figurative Blindness The importance of figurative vision as opposed to literal vision to the influence of an individual is emphasized by the power inner vision yields, even over the power of the gods. Homer first highlights the power of inner sight in the situation of Agamemnon and Aigisthos. This example demonstrates that even the authority of the Greek gods cannot overcome the imbalance of power caused by the lack of figurative vision, for â€Å"the gods may love a man, but they can’t help him when cold death comes to lay him on his bier,† (III, 255-256).The gods attempt to save Agamemnon from the consequences of his figurative blindness by warning Aigisthos against the betrayal, but even the interference of the gods cannot assist Agamemnon when he is weakened by lack of knowledge. Another circumstance where inner vision is indirectly shown to be more powerful than the strength of the gods themselves is in the case of Demodokus.Demodokus’ example is unique in the fact that it can b e argued that Demodokus’ literal blindness is a demonstration of the power of the gods to keep mortal power in balance, for though Demodokus was â€Å"that man of song whom the Muse cherished,† it was â€Å"by her gift he knew the good of life and the evil- for she who lent him her sweetness also made him blind,†(VIII, 67-70).However, this only bolsters the point that inner sight brings one level with, if not above, the Greek gods themselves in terms of influence. If not, the Muse would have had not felt the need to take away literal sight to limit the power wielded by Demodokus through inner vision. The gods themselves are the product of strong inner vision in conjunction with literal vision.While they do possess magical powers, it is their inner vision that truly gives them power over mortals. Clearly, the strength of inner sight, or the weakness caused by a lack thereof, is a force that even the power of the gods cannot overcome. It is clear that an eye for a n eye does not steady the imbalance of power caused by a mortal possessing or lacking inner vision, for an eye with figurative sight is far more powerful than an eye with literal vision.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Abnormal Psychology Reflection Essay

The objective of the course was for a better understanding of mental disorders. This course has given me the ability to apply information learned about human experience, and relate it to psychopathology. During the semester I have learned various types of psychological perspectives and diverse treatment plans; and by taking this class I have been given the tools, and skills to think critically about mental disorders. The course of abnormal psychology is a branch that deals with the description, causes, and treatment of abnormal behavior patterns. Abnormal psychology is the thoughts or behavior that cause social, cognitive, emotional, and various other tribulations for an individual. When there is an abnormal behavior pattern disrupting one’s psychological functioning or behavior, it is due to a psychological disorder. I have realized that to be able to distinguish when a person has a psychological disorder, it is vital to be able to determine the definition of the abnormal behavior. The characteristics that classify abnormal behavior are unusualness, social deviance, faulty perception, significant personal distress, maladaptive behavior, and dangerousness, all traits that need attention and diagnosis. Abnormal behavior can bring unhappiness, conflict, or even discomfort in the individual’s everyday life not only impairing one’s lifestyle, but can affect others. However, behavior that is normal in one region may be considered abnormal in another, henceforth I must also be refined in the cultures around the world and of the patient. Each culture approaches mental disorders differently, and have different forms of normality’s, and solutions for one’s behavior. In this class I was taught how American and western cultures approach mental disorders. Throughout the course I learned about different perspectives of psychology and different approaches to treatment. The perspectives that I consider to best explain abnormal behavior is the biopsychosocial model. The biopsychosocial model is an integrative model, which explains abnormal behavior through the interactions of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. The reason why IÂ  believe this model is the most accurate is because it takes into account that there is not just one factor that can cause a mental illness. One of the most interesting ways it approaches disorders is that it comes up with the diathesis-stress model. This model is a way of explaining how people end up suffering from mental disorders, by assuming that mental disorders come from the interaction of two things, genetic and life experience. A person that is genetically susceptible, minimal stress from the environment can trigger a mental illness; in contrast a person can withstand immense environmental stress and withstand mental illnesses. I find this model to be conclusive because it explains how all three factors contribute to different mental disorders. The treatment that I found most efficient and effective for mental disorders is cognitive-behavioral therapy. This therapy treats a maladaptive-learned behavior through applying the behavioral principles of learning. This gives the individual the ability to reconstruct his or her thoughts in a more positive matter. Disorders tend to make a person feel hopeless and maladaptive, but this treatment allows the person to have control of their thoughts and feelings. Mental illnesses can lead to disturbances in a person’s thoughts and may be an emotional experience. Mental illnesses tend to make life difficult because a person may find it hard to sustain relationships, keep a job, or motivate oneself to do daily activities. Without treatment, they can and often do make life intolerable to live. From this class I have a better understanding how mental disorders can affect one’s life and what one can do to change their life. Furthermore, this class has given me a better understanding of the various psychological disorders, and how to diagnosis, as well as treat them. This has guided me so that one day I can help other people, and make their lives enjoyable and fulfilling.