Abstract This paper examines in detail the schwannoma, a benign tumor that grows from the fibrous coverings of a peripheral nerve. The author makes reference to Nager's and Shapsay's findings on the subject and discusses diagnosis and treatment, with reference to Morita, Sekhar, and Wright. The paper concludes with a number of case studies.
From the paper:
?Morita, Sekhar, and Wright also discuss statistics of surgery for schwannomas. Their statistics are based on the more common vestibular schwannomas. They state that morbidity associated with surgery has been decreasing and that the preservation of the functions of cranial nerves has been improving.?
Tags: neurinoma, neuroma, benign, tumor, peripheral, cancer, nerve, medicine
Abstract The paper explores the issue of benign surveillance and the ethics of capturing customer data and analyzing it to find new strategies to get customers to buy more. The paper also discusses the unethical practice of reselling the information captured from Internet-based marketing campaigns. The paper shows how consumers have become increasingly concerned that their data will be sold without their knowledge, leading to identity theft and junk mail. The paper focuses on the 4th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and examines the strategies of consumers to protect their identities.
Outline:
Executive Summary
The Ethics of Analyzing Data Obtained Through Benign Surveillance
The Ethics of Creating Strategies Using Data Derived From Benign Surveillance
An Explicit Requirement for Transparency and Ethical Use of Data
Benign Surveillance and Consumers Rights: Interpretations of the 4th Amendment
Opt-Out Options Needed from Data Collected Through Benign Surveillance
From the Paper "The ethical issues of whether benign surveillance is a commentary of a modern high-tech society or a precedent for ethical misconduct and harm to others is discussed in this paper. There are also the considerations of how data captured and stored in data warehouse is used by programmers and management analysts in the devising of selling and loyalty program strategies (Albrechtslund, 63). The ethical considerations of using data warehouses and data marts constructed from data accumulated through benign surveillance requires an entirely different set of standards, practices and processes (Danna & Gandy, p. 374, 5). The ethics of strategies based on data obtained through benign surveillance have conflicting assessments (Ess, p. 220, 221) that highlight the polarity of the use of online data and enterprise-class predictive analytics software applications to ascertain customer segments and understand their preferences."
Abstract The paper discusses racial prejudice and cultural prejudice and exposes the myth behind "benign" prejudice and racial pride. The paper then reveals that prejudice is often displaced aggression; aggression-prone individuals express their repressed rage in their treatment of other less powerful individuals. The paper looks at the history of prejudice in American society in contrast to American society today that has publicly embraced the concepts of tolerance and diversity. The paper points out, however, that it is difficult to conceive of the complete eradication of all forms of prejudice until the concept of benign prejudice is no longer considered more acceptable than overt prejudice.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Types of Prejudice
The Myth of "Benign" Prejudice
Aggression in Society
Aggression and Prejudice
Conclusion
From the Paper "Prejudice is a predictable human tendency that exists in myriad forms in virtually all social cultures. Typically, prejudice derives from some of the same atavistic and xenophobic natural impulses that played some protective role in evolutionary times, much like aggressive impulses. In modern society, the aggressive impulses are largely kept in check by secular laws, but still find expression in various ways.
"To a large extent, overt prejudice and so-called "benign" prejudice derive from the exact same sentiments although that view may conflict with popular sentiment. In reality, the primary difference between overt and benign (or "passive") prejudice may relate to different levels of aggression more than any fundamental differences between them. In that regard, various behavioral clues having to do with aggression levels in the individual may correspond to a greater propensity toward one or the other even given the same underlying sentiments."
Abstract In this paper the author examines the US Federal Budget during the Clinton administration and how he reduced the deficit to a surplus amount in 1998. He moves on to discuss the changing American economy and provides examples of why he considers that there are times in a nation's life when deficits are necessary and even beneficial. The author suggests that use of debt spending during wars and times of recession help to boost the economy but can be detrimental to the Stock Market. He further examines levels of taxation and compares the effect that different administrations have had on the federal deficit.
From the paper:
?Determining the correct, or economically benign, level of deficit and debt is a subject for endless debate. Economies do not operate by a simple law of cause and effect, of plus and minus, of deficit and surplus. They are complex interweaving of many economic and psychological factors, both domestic and international. Although a huge deficit is never to be praised, there are times in a nation's life when deficits are necessary and even beneficial.?
Tags: Clinton, Regan, Bush, Terrorism, War, Federal, Budget, Deficit, Tax, Stock, Market, America
Abstract Although, certain apologists of colonialism have tried to depict colonial rule and influence as benign and even beneficial for the populations of "lesser" civilizations, the fact of the matter is that colonization of these countries was done for exploitative (economic), religious and strategic motives. This paper focuses on the problems that the two countries had to endure as a result of the colonial rule or influence, and the similarities and differences between their experiences. Issues such as the transfer of wealth, unfair trade, the opium wars and poverty are covered in the paper.
From the Paper "Although poverty is still a shocking sight in India today, it was even worse during the colonial period. There were 31 serious famines during 120 years of direct British rule in India compared to 17 in the 2000 years before the British rule. (Mike Davis quoted in The Colonial Legacy). If you think this was due to rapid growth in population, you are wrong?between 1870 and 1910, India's population grew by 19% while England and Wales's population grew by 58%. Most eyewitness accounts of India before the British colonization describe India as a rich country. ("From Trade to"?). The region is still struggling to climb out of crippling poverty after 200 years of colonial exploitation."
Tags: British, East, India, Trading, Company, Lord, Curzon, 2nd, Opium, War, Manchuria
An examination of the history of the United States as an imperial power and consideration of the implications of its position now that America is the only country in the world able to lay claim to the term superpower.
Abstract This paper discusses the expansion of the American empire from its early days as a nation of farmers through being an imperial power with expanding territories to being the world's only superpower since the collapse of the Former Soviet Union. It evaluates whether it is a good thing for a state to be so powerful and looks at how long America can actually stay in this position in light of today's political world.
Outline
Introduction
Manifest Destiny
Land Acquisition through Conquest and Purchases
Implications of American Imperialism
America's History as an Imperialist Power
America as an Agricultural Country
The Need for Markets
Foreign Markets and American Imperialism
American Hegemony vs. other Imperial Powers
Comparison with the Soviet Union
Comparison with Britain
Negative Implications
America as the World's Only Superpower
America after the Collapse of the USSR
America as a Benign Hegemony
Collapse of Empire
Conclusion
From the Paper "America began as a small cluster of colonies clinging to the eastern shore of the great continent of North America. As the country expanded westward, and also northward and southward, a spirit of "manifest destiny" gripped the land as pioneers, patriots and politicians sought to bring under American domination ever greater amounts of territory. Through land purchases such as the Louisiana Purchase, and through conquest, as in the case of the lands acquired as a result of the Mexican War and the Spanish American War, the country grew until it stretched from sea to sea, and from the Rio Grande River in the south, far north to the cold stretches of the Canadian wilderness."
Abstract This paper discusses the fatal disease of lung cancer. The different types of lung cancer are described. The paper outlines the various possible causes and symptoms of lung cancer. The paper examines diagnostic procedures, treatment programs and prevention strategies. Statistical data is provided on the topic.
From the Paper "The average age for the diagnosis of lung cancer is 60 years of age, and it is rarely seen in people less than 40 years of age. Lung cancer affects both men and women, but rates are decreasing among both white and African-American men, but are increasing among white and African-American women (American Cancer Society; American Lung Association). Lung cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer in America, accounting for an estimated 28% of cancer deaths. Lung cancer kills more people than breast, prostate, and colon cancer combined. An estimated 169,400 cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in 2002, and 156,900 people will die from the disease in the same year (American Cancer Society; American Lung Association). Second-hand smoking is responsible for approximately 3,000 lung cancer deaths each year in America (American Lung Association)."
Abstract This paper illustrates how the depiction of science and scientists in films and other popular media has long been characterized either by fear and anxiety at scientists' potential power or by wild acclaim for their accomplishments. It examines through a review of several films how there are variations on the basic stereotypes of the mad and the benignly inspired scientist and how filmmakers tend to express general societal concerns in their choice of type. It reviews films such as "Pi", "Contact" and "The Absent-Minded Professor". It also looks at portrayals of the most famous scientist Albert Einstein in "Insignificance", "I.Q." and "Young Einstein' which all address the problem of a public that idolizes what seems incomprehensible, but powerful, to them.
From the Paper "Stereotypes of the scientist also included the malignant varieties and even types whose benign neglect (caused by their single-minded attention to science with no concern for the consequences) was their main characteristic. Mad scientists certainly preceded and followed the biopic tradition. But in all these cases scientists were viewed as powerful beings. In the past twenty years, however, this trend seems to have reversed itself in two ways. On the one hand, films "increasingly portray science and reason as tools that are unsuitable for understanding our world in a new age of credulity" (Evans 45). Laypersons, for example, are often depicted as achieving better results, moral as well as scientific, than scientists. In Spielberg's E. T., one of the most popular films ever made, the extraterrestrial being is menaced by the cold, faceless forces of science and can only be helped by the kindly efforts of a little boy and his friends. Even the conclusions of more scientifically aware films such as Contact and Pi hint at the comfort offered by the existence of forces that truly are above everything the scientists have failed to comprehend or prove."
Discusses how paternalistic overtures and the positioning of the elite as a benign force in the lives of the poor have formed the path of class conflict in Latin America.
Abstract This paper analyzes the motives and methods behind the class overtures in Latin America and how these methods have clashed with the pure-force tactics also employed by those in power. It discusses how paternalism has both hindered and facilitated force and violence in class struggle in Latin America. The writer also explores this topic through looking at missionaries, industry and politics in the region, using specific examples such as factories in Chile and Columbia, Peronism in Argentina and Isabellan legislation in the New World.
From the Paper "The modern era has seen the rise of class conflict to the forefront of the political and economic arenas of the world. Nowhere is this more clearly seen than in the socially stratified sphere of Latin American history. From violent strikes to repressive politics, Latin America has seen class struggle pit the poor against the rich, labor against capital, peasants against landlords, the people against the government, and the masses against the elite. And yet, class conflict and the lines between the sides involved have never been so clear-cut in reality as in words. In many instances, the powers that be, the elites of politics and the factory owners of industry, have positioned themselves not as the enemies, but as the protectors, of the poor. From European missionary rhetoric to paternalistic factory politics to populist politics, those in power have forged as a much of a legacy in positioning themselves as a benign force in the lives of the lower class as they have in abusing and antagonizing those less fortunate. Incidences of paternalism, control by those in power to mold the lower classes into a way of living deemed or advertised as better than their current status, in Latin America are not only deviations from the them-vs.-us portrait of class struggle; paternalism complexifies and deepens the reality of class relations itself by at times intensifying the exploitation of elite goals, and at other times offering the lower classes genuine help from the above. Often, though, the effects of paternalism have been somewhere in between, both building bridges and burning them in the war between classes. In analyzing the motives behind paternalistic actions and rhetoric, whether they derive from need for control or power, or a genuine conception or misconception of how to improve the lives of the lower class, students of Latin American history can see that the reasons behind paternalistic efforts have been varied and unclear, while the effects of these efforts have touched all aspects of social, economic and political identity in Latin America. "
Abstract This paper argues that the modern mass media has played a significant role in shaping modern society. It has altered the power structure of modern society by redefining, largely through the influence of advertising - the keystone of mass media - the citizen into a consumer. This paper is convincingly written and provides excellent insight into the various subtle sales methods used by advertisers in all forms of media: television, radio, movies, and magazines. When popular media culture is viewed as a socializing force, as opposed to the more benign interpretation of it as an "objective" medium devoid of ideological or political content, one may get some appreciation of the potential of its totalizing power to insert messages into various media.
Abstract This paper puts forward the argument that female genital mutilation is no more a human rights violation than male circumcision, and therefore, both should be abolished. It discusses how, although genital mutilations are usually referred to as a cultural practice, there is increasing evidence that this innocent and benign label actually evades, dismisses, and covers up the horrific effects these mutilations have upon a child's psyche and soma and, moreover, present a very real danger to the child's health. It shows how people or cultures that engage in such practices view them as an essential right of passage and, often, an important requirement for a marriage partner, while those who do not practice genital circumcision view the practice with disbelief, horrified that any human would willingly permit such a thing to be performed on his or her child. It also looks at the origins of some these religious practices.
From the Paper "According to James DeMeo in his article ?The Geography of Genital Mutilations,? the time frame and location of origins of female genital mutilations are most likely identical to that of male genital mutilations, ?given their similar distributions, similar cross-cultural aspects, and similar psychological motifs,? the use of each of which being ?mandated and widely expanded by groups where dominance of the sexual live of children by adults, and females by males, was most extreme.? With the decline of the harem system during the last 100 years, the use of eunuchs has died out, however, female infibulations and other forms female genital mutilations remain part of the certain cultures ?in accordance with the arranged marriage system and other vestiges of a powerful and hysterical virginity taboo.? "
Abstract This paper looks at how the disease of rubella, taken from the Latin for ?little red,? is generally a benign, communicable, exanthematous disease caused by the rubella virus. It examines how the rubella virus attacks the body, the initial symptoms, and its fast progression. It also discusses diagnosis as well as the vaccine strategy for rubella immunization.
From the Paper "The initial symptoms of rubella are usually mild respiratory problems, such as a runny nose with reddened eyes, a slight fever and headache. Swollen glands behind the ears and in the neck may cause soreness and pain and may persist for two to three weeks. Following the swelling of these lymph nodes, a slightly pink rash breaks out on the face and quickly spreads to the chest and stomach and then, at times, to the feet. The rubella rash is usually made up of small pink dots that remain separated, unlike the flat, reddish-brown spots in measles that quickly join together to form large blotches. The progression of rubella is rather swift, for it usually lasts one to three days. "
Abstract This paper explains that, previously considered a benign disabling illness, rheumatoid arthritis is now recognized as a cause of increased mortality due to the systemic effects of peri-cardial disease, interstitial lung disease and systemic vasculitis. The author points out that the differentiation of rheumatoid arthritis from other rheumatic diseases can be difficult; however, certain clinical features, such as joint inflammation and the number and specific joint sites affected can help indicate if the diagnosis should be RA. The paper relates that the etiology of rheumatoid arthritis is still unknown but there is some indication that a common virus or bacterium might serve as a triggering event; however, there is still no evidence to implicate a specific infectious agent.
From the Paper "Joint inflammation is characteristically polyarticular, symmetrical, and in severe cases may be warm and erythematous. Joints involved in Rheumatoid Arthritis include proximal interphalangeal, metacarpophalangeal (MCP), the wrist, elbow, knee, and ankle. Rheumatoid nodules, an aggregate of inflammatory cells surrounding a center of cellular debris, can occur on the extensor surfaces of the elbows or fingers. A poorer prognosis is likely for patients who experienced onset at an early age and who have elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rates and high levels of rheumatoid factor and swelling of more than 20 joints."
This paper discusses the use of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans to reduce the need for exploratory surgery and other invasive techniques and to target better radiation therapy in cancer patients.
Abstract This paper explains that Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanning is an advanced imaging technique that can differentiate between malignant lesions and benign lesions in almost every process in cancer diagnosis, staging and treatment because PET is more sensitive than CT scanning or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques. The author explains that for PET scanning, the patient is injected with positron emitting radionuclides and placed in a tube and surrounded by a ring of detectors; when one of these high-energy photon rays is detected, the source location can be determined and mapped by a specialized software package. The paper relates that, after radiation and surgery there is considerable damage to surrounding tissue; therefore, it is often difficult to distinguish living cancer cells from morphological changes caused by surgery or tissue death caused by radiation; however, because dead tissue and cancer cells have different glucose metabolism rates, they are easy to distinguish by PET imaging.
Table of Contents
Improving Outcomes for Radiation Therapy
How PET Scanning Works
Radiation Therapy
Using PET to Analyze the Effectiveness of Radiation Treatments
From the Paper "Because PET scanning is based on glucose levels, it is important that these be controlled prior to the scan. Patients are usually told to fast for 4-6 hours prior to the test. However, they can drink water and take any medications that they are on. The goal is to get the base glucose level lower than 160 mg/dL before administering the FDG or other isotope. Patients with diabetes should continue their routine of eating small meals and taking their insulin. Then these small inconveniences, PET imaging is non-invasive and causes little discomfort to the patient."
Abstract This paper cites the Wikipedia definition of public relations (PR) and explains that, while PR campaigns can be benign, they are often detrimental to society. The paper goes on to examine current global trends in public relations and to discuss the dual purposes of PR: to provide the public with necessary information, or attempt to influence the public with propaganda that may or may not be true.
From the Paper "Public relations is defined by Wikipedia as the practice of conveying messages to the public through media on behalf of a client with the intention of changing the public's actions by influencing their opinions Public relations can have a benign purpose, such as educating the public about HIV AIDS or advertising a charity, but often the clients of PR firms play neither a constructive role nor offer a public benefit but simply want some advantage to the detriment of the public good."
