Abstract
The research aims to persuade skeptics of the validity of the near-death experience (NDE), both as a phenomenon distinct from out-of-body experience (OBE) and as a genuine vision of the afterlife. It discusses how skeptics refuse to accept NDEs due to the fact that they have difficulty in accepting the paranormal in the first place. Following the attempt to persuade skeptics that NDEs are a distinct phenomenon, unrelated to either dying brain hallucinations or OBEs, the research attempts to sway them towards the belief that NDEs are nothing short of visions of the afterlife and invaluable proof of life beyond death.

From the Paper
"In an era where moon landings and space exploration have become common activities, exploration into that which lies beyond death appear impossible. Muslims, Christians and Jews believe that they know the answer which is given to them in their holy books, and argue that the Day of Judgment lies beyond death, followed by an eternity in Heaven or Hell. Atheists argue that death is final and that nothing lies beyond it. Hindus and Buddhists believe in a never-ending circle of reincarnation, whereby death is perceived as the first step towards rebirth in a different form. Whatever the answer that people may have, and the degree of conviction that they hold in their specific theory to what lies beyond death, the fact remains that we simply do not have the answer. Certainly, the Bible, the Torah and the Koran do inform us to some degree of the nature of life beyond death but these accounts are open to interpretation as none can claim to truly and fully comprehend the word of God. Therefore, even those of us who believe in life after death and the Day of Judgment, have countless questions such as whether or not we are conscious in death, or if we feel fear, meet dead relatives and enter into this different zone, or even if we are aware of the living. Basically, there are opinions rather than clear-cut answers to these questions as, despite the great strides that mankind has made in scientific and technological development, and their success in answering many of the mysteries of life, science and technology have utterly failed in providing clear evidence of what lies beyond death."

Tags:after, life, death

Abstract
This research paper analyzes the phenomenon of elder abuse. It discusses the phenomenon in general and specifically examines its contribution to premature death among this population in particular. The paper then aims to identify opportunities for improving the delivery of support services to the elderly and discusses best practices as they exist today.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Chapter 1: Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of Study
Importance of Study
Scope of Study
Rationale of Study
Overview of Study
Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature
Chapter 3: Methodology
Description of the Study Approach
Data-gathering Method and Database of Study
Chapter 4: Data Analysis
Chapter 5: Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations

From the Paper
"Estimates on the incidence of elder abuse in the United States are confounded by several factors, including the "hidden" nature of the problem in many families and the reluctance of the elderly to report such abusive behaviors for fear of retribution or being institutionalized in the alternative. While experts vary on their estimates of the incidence of the elder abuse in the U.S. today, even the low-end estimates suggest that the problem is great and is simply going to get worse in the years to come as more and more baby boomers reach retirement age and their adult children assume some degree of caregiving responsibilities for them. While elder abuse in institutional settings is perhaps more well publicized, the research was clear in showing that much abuse takes place in the elder's home by family members including spouses. While men were shown to be the abusing partner in many relationships, it quickly became clear that elder males were also on the receiving end of much elder abuse as well."

Tags:retirement, services, support, family

Abstract
The paper discusses how the phenomenon of mass social rituals, produced and enjoyed collectively by large segments of a social community, have been a consistent element of human civilization from earliest times. The paper looks at how Donald Kyle, in his "Spectacles of Death in Ancient Rome", examines one of the most famous, and notorious, examples of this phenomenon: the inventive public slaughter of humans and animals in the arenas of ancient Rome. This paper critically reviews Kyle's text and his primary arguments, with particular comparative reference to similar practices of ritualized violence in ancient Aztec civilization. This comparative analysis is shown to reinforce Kyle's contention that such mass ritualized violence is of enormous political, social and even religious significance as a culturally unifying practice.

From the Paper
"The phenomenon of mass social rituals, produced and enjoyed collectively by large segments of a social community, have been a consistent element of human civilization from earliest times. Donald Kyle, in his "Spectacles of Death in Ancient Rome", examines one of the most famous, and notorious, examples of this phenomenon: the inventive public slaughter of humans and animals in the arenas of ancient Rome. This essay will critically review Kyle's text and his primary arguments, with particular comparative..."

Tags:history, ancient, anthropology

Abstract
A look at the phenomenon of near-death experiences (NDEs) and how they are perceived by the scientific community, with arguments for and against scientific explanations of such occurrences.

From the Paper
"The scientific aspects surrounding the near-death experience are more obscure than the popular accounts and non-substantial definitions of them. Researcher Charles T. Tart says that science can actually help to further our knowledge of the NDE if more people would attempt to embrace the application of scientific ideas in studying its occurrence. He says: ".many people react negatively to the idea of scientific investigation of NDEs, but genuine science can contribute a great deal to understanding NDEs and helping experiencers integrate their experiences with everyday life"(Tart, 1997). The factors surrounding the near-death experience have been researched by a number of scientists, and a number of facts, similarities, and correlations have been discovered surrounding this very difficult, largely undocumented phenomena. "

Tags:nde, psychology

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the topic of near-death experiences. Specifically, the paper discusses the reality of near-death experiences and whether they exist or not. The paper explores how stories about near-death experiences (NDE) have become almost commonplace in our modern culture. The paper further examines how many studies into this phenomenon have occurred and many of them explain near-death experiences as the body's reaction to tremendous stress. The paper discusses how there is much debate about whether they actually exist, concluding that whether they exist or not, to those experiencing NDEs, they are very real.

From the Paper
"The first real written study of near-death experiences occurred in 1926 by Englishman Sir William Barrett. He compiled many experiences he and his wife (both doctors) had seen with patients during their last moments of life. Two researchers note, "Barrett found that in their visions the dying see dead persons who have come to take them away to a heavenly abode. He also found that such visions often occur when the mind of the patient is clear and rational, and that they sometimes portray what the dying do not expect" (Osis & Haraldsson, 1997, p. 18)."

Tags:self-image, bright, light, memory, Ron, Siegel, simulate, Higher, Being

Abstract
While death may be a natural phenomenon, the meanings that society ascribes to death are socially-constructed ideas. A society's death rituals reveal much about its values and beliefs. This paper looks at the death rituals associated with Western cultures, such as end-of-life care and funeral rituals. This paper then examines what these rituals reveal about Western values and beliefs.

Outline:
End of Life Rituals
Funeral Rituals

From the Paper
"Different Western cultures exhibit differing perspectives on euthanasia or assisted suicide. Many countries in Europe have more tolerant social policies than the United States, and the policy of euthanasia is no exception. In February 2001, after two decades of being practiced underground, the Dutch government enacted a law legalizing physician-assisted suicide. The law had popular support and, like the health workers who worked with AIDS patients, it had the best intentions. Strict criteria were put in place, limiting physician-assisted suicides to terminally ill patients who possessed adequate mental capacity to decide and make an explicit request for a physician-assisted suicide (Hopkins 2001)."

Tags:suicide, funeral, physician-assisted, euthanasia

Abstract
This paper takes each aspect of death in turn and discusses arguments for and against providing a sociological outlook and economic basis. For suicide, certain social factors are identified as being causal or contributing to this phenomenon. The different types of suicide and causes are discussed. The cases for and against euthanasia and the death penalty are also examined in the context of social issues and legislation.

From the Paper
"In recent years the subject of assisted suicide or Euthanasia has been one of the most controversial and hotly debated subjects. With one respect the current social framework places great value on the personal agency paradigm, with the concept of autonomy and freedom of choice ranked as an important aspect of a free society. However, the idea of assisted suicide, arguable an ultimate expression of the individual autonomy of this type of framework is seen in terms of right and wrong, not of choice."

Tags:social, factors, hanging, shooting, family, terminal, illness, psychiatric

Abstract
This paper focuses on the phenomenon of near death experiences, including its history, psychological theories, and research findings. The paper's definition of a near death experience is when someone dies clinically, but does not remain that way; instead, the heart starts to beat again, the lungs start to function, and the person remains in existence on this planet. After examining various psychological theories and research findings, the paper concludes that near-death experiences constitute an anomalous area of research that continues to fascinate us.

Outline:
Historical Perspectives and Psychology - The Work of John Haught
NDE Research and Study Findings
Conclusion
References

From the Paper
"Doctors and others have said that the white light people say they see when they die is merely the brain activity shutting down, and is no proof that all that that person was headed to Heaven (Ring & Cooper, 1999). This may be true, but while it cannot be proven that the person saw the bright light of Heaven, the doctors can also not prove that it was the brain's response to death. This leaves many people stuck between what they can prove and what they believe. This can be a very difficult place to be stuck because it causes a conundrum (Ring & Cooper, 1999). Their heart tells them that belief is enough, but their mind tells them that they have no proof so they must not believe. Only a few people manage to come to terms with this completely and totally, and accept either one or the other of these paths. If they stick with the lack of proof they are often called atheists. If they deal only with belief, many others think that they are just a little too religious, and that they need to live 'in the real world' with the rest of society (Ring & Cooper, 1999)."

Tags:NDE, tunnel, light

Abstract
This three-page undergraduate paper throws light on the psychological fear of death. Moreover it explores the phenomenon that such a fear grows with age. It then goes on to give reasons and touches upon the solution to minimize the fear.

Abstract
The paper uses the cities of Guelph and Vermont to show how communities can combat the phenomenon of dying downtowns. The paper illustrates how cities must focus on a sustainable economic development strategy and must have a commitment from all sectors of the community with the city council. The paper also looks at Mexico as an example of the negative effects of a Mexican version of Wal-Mart on downtown.

Outline:
Introduction
Downtown Death Delayed By Design
Power of the People
Vermont Vs Big Box Construction
Mexico's Malingering Big Box
Londerville-A Synthesis of the Research
Summit Report-Waterloo-Guelph
Summary and Conclusion

From the Paper
"In all cities and towns all over both the United States and Canada something is dying, or perhaps already dead and that something is downtown and cultural heritage being replaced by something generic and that comes in a big box - that something is 'Wal-Mart'. While Wal-Mart has brought lower prices to these communities, Wal-Mart has also brought decay, decline, and crime. These lower prices have come with a high price tag to communities and society as this work in writing intends to show."

Tags:economic, construction, quality-of-life, culture, mom-and-pop, stores