Abstract This paper explains that the principal ethical issue underlying objections to the medical use of stem cells has its roots in the Christian religious belief that human life begins at conception. Scientists absolutely reject this belief and consider all biological life, including human life, to be fundamentally the same, different only in degrees rather than in kind. The author states that the argument against stem cell research is based on the specious "slippery slope" argument, according to which producing embryos for medical research would necessarily lead to human cloning. he paper concludes that there is no basis in objective ethical principles to prohibit the medical profession from pursuing all avenues likely to improve human life by eliminating as many debilitating diseases as possible.
From the Paper "Human stem cells exist in four varieties, with different relative therapeutic medical potential. Stem cells derived from early human embryos have the greatest medical potential and likely hold the key to curing victims of traumatic spinal paralysis and organ tissue regeneration instead of reliance on donor tissue transplantation. Embryonic stem cell tissues are referred to as totipotent, because they seem to posses the unique potential to grow into virtually any human tissue or even complete human organs."
Abstract The paper explains that the main argument in favor of Tasers is that it is a non-lethal replacement for firearms and impact weapons such as batons and, hence, a more humane alternative for controlling violent individuals. The paper argues, however, that law enforcement agencies readily allow the use of Tasers in situations that would not even justify the use of batons or other impact weapons. The paper also asserts that Tasers cause severe pain and their touch stun function is designed to cause pain and debilitation. The paper claims there are an increasing number of deaths caused by the use of Tasers and contends that unchecked and increasing use of Tasers in law enforcement needs a serious review.
Outline:
Replacement of Lethal Weapons or a Routine Force Option?
Overuse
Causes Severe Pain
Stun Function Mode
Lethal Weapon
Conclusion
From the Paper "The use of Tasers , dart-firing weapons designed to cause instant immobility by delivering a high voltage shock, has gained widespread use in recent times among the law enforcement agencies, particularly in the USA. Its supporters claim that they are a safer, non-lethal alternative to many conventional weapons in controlling dangerous or combative individuals and have resulted in bringing down the injuries to police officers and suspects since their introduction. A closer look at the pro-taser arguments, the use of the weapon by the law enforcers, and its effects, however, gives a contrary picture."
Abstract In this article, the writer explains that Crohn's disease is a debilitating bowel disease that has no known cause and very limited treatment options. The writer then discusses symptoms and the diagnosis of Crohn's disease. The writer maintains that individual and long-term counseling with an individual who is particularly sensitive to the devastating effects of chronic illness, and specifically "invisible" illnesses as one counselor puts it is the key approach to maintenance counseling for Crohn's disease. The writer concludes that just as the disease is variable in individuals so must the approach to resolving the many issues that are faced by individuals who have it.
From the Paper "The disease itself is a clear robber of vitality, as the individual does not get the needed nutritional elements to gain weight, and in women mature sexually and potentially menstruate for the first time. The body is placed in position of shock with regard to physical growth and development and if the disease's onset is early enough this can stunt growth for life or completely destroy one's body image, another potential psychological problem. Thompson points out that the age group of typical onset is particularly vulnerable to impatience and therefore may feel devastated by the length of time it takes to elicit treatment results, and restore the body to its normal state, and appearance."
Abstract This paper explains that Shakespeare's play, "Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark", addresses morality from the viewpoint of a Prince who is not only grieving but also confused. Whereas, while Hamlet is debilitated by uncertainty, Dr. Faustus, in Christopher Marlow's play "Dr. Faustus", is debilitated by the evil to which he has sold his soul to Lucifer. The author compares the themes of death, the possibility of life after death, the supernatural and lethargy, all of which appear in both plays. In its conclusion, the paper notes that Hamlet emerges victorious but tragic as the victim of the various conspiracies that reach their climax at the end of the play whereas Faustus, in the end, emerges defeated in death.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Indecision, Lethargy, and the Right Thing
Comparative Themes
Conclusion
From the Paper "As a moral point, this illustrates the illusive and deceptive nature of the devil's promises. Furthermore, Faustus is not only unable to mobilize himself to do something world-changing with his powers despite having the ability to do so; he is particularly unable to make the right decision towards his own redemption. Knowing that his soul is bound for eternal damnation does not motivate him beyond his lethargy. Indeed, it appears that Faustus's lethargy progresses with the progression of time. Eventually his lethargy proves fatal."
Abstract The paper discusses the range of diseases and debilitating conditions that cause an elderly relative to need care and refers to studies that demonstrate that the best solution to elder care is family members. The paper then reveals the signs of neglect or abuse of an elderly individual and highlights the significant role of human resource personnel in organizations that provide long term, skilled nursing and home care services to elderly populations. A list of signs of financial, mental and physical abuse, as well as caregiver behaviors that should raise suspicion of abuse, is provided with the paper as well.
Outline:
Disease and Debilitation Warranting Elder Care
Elder Care and Abuse
Neglect and Abuse
Reporting Elder Abuse
Human Resources and Patient Care Management
From the Paper "The baby generation has begun the march into their silver years, their retirement years. These years in a person's life represent, too, the years when the body's betrayal of the mind, or vice versa, often result in an individual's inability to care his or her self during the post retirement years. These years have come to be referred to as the elder care years, because the care for the elderly often becomes the responsibility of the younger family members, children, or involves the institutionalization of loved ones. In either situation, the problems family members are faced with and the choices they must consider in resolving those problems concerning the care of their loved ones can be difficult and emotionally overwhelming. In some cases, taking care of an aging parent could mean the difference between giving up a career, and even moving to a different part of the country, or going "home" after years of being away."
This paper outlines Fragile X disorder with a detailed description of the biological cause of the disorder, as well as an explanation of the subsequent communication disorders
Abstract This paper looks at the debilitating disease called Fragile X Disorder. It examines the physical characteristics of people who suffer from this disorder as well as mental and behavioral problems. It focuses on the specific issue of speech impairments causing communication problems.
From the paper:
"Fragile X is the most common inherited cause of developmental and learning disabilities, affecting as many as one person in every 1,000 (Saunders, 1999). Fragile X is a sex-linked genetic disorder and is named so because of a fragile site on the tip of the long arm of the X chromosome where it looks as if a piece of the chromosome is broken off (Saunders, 1999). The gene responsible for the disorder is Fragile Mental Retardation 1 (FMR-1) and can be diagnosed through DNA testing (Saunders, 1999). The FMR-1 gene becomes faulty due to an expansion of three nucleotides, Cytosine-Guanine-Guanine (CGG), which inhibits the production of the FMR protein; the FMR protein is essential for normal brain development (Symons, et al, 2001). "
This paper describes how patriarchal protection or authority both liberate and debilitate the female characters in Aphra Behn's "Sir Patient Fancy" and "The Feigned Courtesans".
Abstract This paper looks at these two plays by Aphra Behn and shows how she was a radical writer in her times. Focusing on the sexual liberty of women, she created characters that were not suppressed by the male patriarchy and she wrote of the erotic nature that the women possessed. The plays are analyzed for these themes.
From the Paper "Depicting sexually liberalized women the two plays in question, underscore and criticize the patriarchal system of society where a double standard of judgment is applied to the behavioral codes of men and women. Under the guise of protection the women are seduced but then by an ironic set of standards the very same women are criticized on allowing themselves to be seduced."
Tags: female, erotic, play, literature, patriarch, society, liberal
Abstract This paper is an analysis of the many different issues and arguments that occur when the topic of physician-assisted suicide is discussed. The paper looks at some of the ethical questions raised on both sides of the debate and looks at how other countries worldwide have dealt with similar issues. he author presents arguments in support of euthanasia, including its use in cases of patients who are terminally ill, or have suddenly suffered a debilitating handicap, such as a brain or spinal cord injury that prohibits them from being able to function in society. According to the author, these patients feel that they have the right to choose when and how they will live, or die. The Oregon's "Death with Dignity Law," is an example of how one state has dealt with this pressing issue. The author argues that those who oppose this type of law fail to recognize that they are a way to prevent its reckless abuse, and therefore protect the patient.
From the Paper "Next, supporters of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide argue that individuals suffering from advanced terminal illnesses experience a total loss of quality of life due to incurable, protracted medical conditions (Humphrey). Traditional forms of suicide often concern individuals who decide to terminate their life because of short-term emotional, financial, and/or psychological difficulties. However, with euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide, the difficulty which has caused an individual to consider ending his or her life, i.e., an advanced terminal illness, is not a short-term problem for which a cure or resolution exists. While numerous medical advances have been made with respect to certain diseases and illnesses such as AIDS, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease, the fact is that there is no cure in sight for any of these diseases or illnesses. Thus, it must be asked whether it is ethical or morally right to prolong an individual's life simply for the sake of life itself."
Abstract The paper describes Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD or ADD as it is commonly referred to, as a debilitating disorder that affects children and adults alike, however its effects on children appear to be more pronounced due to their need to concentrate and focus in their schooling to prepare them for adulthood. This paper explores what ADHD is, its symptoms and possible causes. Strategies by schools and teachers are also addressed, particularly in their methods of creating awareness of this disorder and including the sufferer in normal classes.
From the Paper "Many of the strategies that special education educators adopt are fundamentally sound teaching methods. Informing child ADHD sufferers in advance of what they will be learning, like providing an agenda, giving visual aids, and writing out oral instructions contribute much to helping students with ADHD. It aids them in sustaining their focus on the lesson at hand, as well as helping them recall what they are supposed to learn. Teachers even encourage students with ADHD in observing and managing their own behavior and attention by educating them on certain techniques. These techniques encompass seeking instructions on the blackboard, raising their hand in the event of a question or problem as opposed to shouting for attention, test their own memory, or quietly ask a fellow student of they have a question or need clarification on something being taught."
Abstract This paper discusses how the success of the allies in World War II hinged on the defeat of its two greatest opposing forces. The key to success relied upon debilitating and disabling the German army and the Japanese army. The paper shows how the weakening of the German army at the Battle of Kursk and the weakening of the Japanese army at the Battle of Midway were two of the key battles responsible for turning the tides to the Allied forces' favor in World War II. The similarities and differences of these two decisive battles are the focus of the research.
From the Paper "It can be said that just because one loses the battle, it doesn?t mean that they have lost the war. In most cases this is true. However, one battle can mean a such defeat for one side that it changes the entire course of the rest of the war. This was the case in the Battle of Midway. The Battle of Midway took place from June 4-7, 1942. Prior to the Battle of Midway, Japanese forces were on the offensive capturing and securing massive territories throughout the Pacific Rim and Asia (NHC, 2002). Midway Island lies in the middle of the Pacific Ocean half way between the United States and Japan. It is a key refueling and strategic supply point for long runs across the Pacific Ocean. Control of Midway Island was a key factor to the offensive position of the Japanese. It was also important defensively as a key to preventing the Japanese invasion of Hawaii."
From the Paper "The most important point to consider in the debate on whether depression is a disease is that it is indeed categorized as a disease by the DSM, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which is the standard for naming and classifying mental diseases by the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-IV).
The DSM includes listings for all those elements of a disorder which qualify depression as a disease -- diagnostic features, specifiers, recording procedures and diagnostic codes, associated descriptive features, associated laboratory findings, prevalence, course, and familial pattern. Anyone who offers the view that depression is not a disease must confront the findings of the American Psychiatric Association and that organization's inclusion of various types of depression as diseases."
Abstract "Between 20 and 40 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis, a condition in which the normally spongy cartilage between bones deteriorates so that bones rub together, causing stiffness, debilitating pain, fluid in the joints and inflammation.
From the Paper "Between 20 and 40 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis, a condition in which the normally spongy cartilage between bones deteriorates so that bones rub together, causing stiffness, debilitating pain, fluid in the joints and inflammation. This paper will look at two new over-the-counter supplements, glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate, which are being used to treat different forms of arthritis.
In healthy joints, cartilage makes a slippery, lubricating cushion between bones that allows for easy movement (Fraser 46). Injuries, overuse, or age can wear cartilage down, leaving bone grinding against bone. Half of all people over 65 have this version of arthritis known as osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a wearing away of joint cartilage and a thickening of the lubricant-containing synovial tissues which insulate contact of ..."
A completed study measuring doctors' compliance with stipulated asthma treatment guidelines and the effectiveness of such compliance in treating patients.
3,825 words (approx. 15.3 pages), 15 sources, 2000, $ 135.95
Abstract Asthma is a seriously debilitating condition. Higgins (1997), in a report for the United States Department of Health and Human Services, stated that approximately four million children and eight million adults in the United States suffer from the effects of asthma.
From the Paper "Chapter I
The Problem
Introduction
Asthma is a seriously debilitating condition. Higgins (1997), in a report for the United States Department of Health and Human Services, stated that approximately four million children and eight million adults in the United States suffer from the effects of asthma; this figure translates to roughly 5 percent of the total population of America. Higgins (1997) also notes that this percentage is increasing.
In addition to the foregoing, asthma accounts for total annual care costs of more than $6 billion dollars per year in America as well as 15 million physician visits per year (one third of which are made by persons under age 20 years), and over..."
Abstract This paper examines the issue of how suicide is creeping up the list of leading causes of death among persons over the age of 65. It shows how the elderly population most at risk can be placed in 3 categories: those who have had a recent loss, usually the death of a spouse or child but could also be a loss like a home or possessions, those who have received an unpleasant medical diagnosis, a terminal diagnosis or a debilitating chronic diagnosis and those who feel a general lack of usefulness or purpose that elicits feelings of depression. It proposes a study in order to determine the risk level of elderly individuals and attempt to help similar populations obtain more timely access to mental health treatment and possibly prevent the increase in incidents of suicide among the elderly.
From the Paper "Of the two groups addressed the individuals still residing at home would again be at greater risk for lack of access to mental health treatment or even awareness of the severity of their symptoms. Once again this is associated with the general lesser opportunity for frequent social interactions. Symptoms of depression are often long term, causing some individuals who are suffering from organic and/or situational depression to become accustomed to the symptoms and the subsequent lifestyle change. Occasionally, in a worst-case scenario an individual and his or her family may actually believe that their suffering is a normal aspect of the aging process, unaware that there are reasonable and effective treatments for this condition."
Abstract The paper shows that the field of pediatric nursing is a particularly large one in which its members may find themselves having to counsel both young patients and their families suffering from a myriad of diseases. Cystic fibrosis (CF), in particular, is a debilitating disease that strikes many young people. The paper discusses how, in the first years following its discovery, many children could not expect to make it to their teen years. Today, with advances in the management and care of this disease, patients are living into their 40s and it is even possible that there will one day be a cure. This paper will look at CF from a historical perspective. The timeline of its discovery and research are briefly presented, as are a few of the significant "milestones" in the history of the treatment of CF and what these mean for people battling this disease.
From the Paper "Perhaps the most exciting advent in the history of the treatment of CF, as well as the most controversial, is the use of gene therapy. The idea behind gene therapy is to treat an illness by addressing and correcting its genetic cause. With the identification of the gene that actually causes CF, noting that it is a defect of sorts in the gene that causes the disease, it was only a matter of time before gene therapy was applied to CF. In 2000, an advanced experiment was performed in North Carolina. The idea was to give patients currently suffering from CF a healthy gene and hope that it will fix what is wrong with the unhealthy gene, even replace it, thereby curing the patient. Results and future applications of this procedure remain to be seen."
