Abstract This paper offers a mission statement for the Stroud-Lawrence Funeral Home, a family-owned business established in 1870. It explains that the company is dedicated to providing the highest quality in pre-need services, traditional funerals, cremations, burials and embalming and to doing so in a sensitive and caring manner. The paper mentions that the company serves the local area around Chagrin Falls, which is approximately 20 miles east of Cleveland, Ohio. This is the area's oldest funeral home and expresses its pride in carrying on the founder's commitment to serve families with compassionate, quality service in a sensitive human caring profession.
From the Paper "The Stroud-Lawrence Funeral Home was established in 1870 and remains a family-owned business. The company is dedicated to providing the highest quality in pre-need services, traditional funerals, cremations, burials, and embalming and to doing so in a sensitive and caring manner. The company serves the local area around Chagrin Falls, which is approximately 20 miles east of Cleveland, Ohio. This is the area's oldest funeral home and expresses its pride in carrying on the founder's commitment to serve families with compassionate, quality service in a sensitive human caring profession. The mission of the company is to provide this service to people in a time of need and to help alleviate the grief of the families. The company provides a wide variety of services aside from funerals, including insurance portfolios, caskets, rentals, monuments, removal services, notary services, trusts, vaults, limousine services, out of state services ..."
Abstract This paper evaluates Alderwoods' reexamination of their ethical standards, for too many of these ethical standards are being violated for the sake of profit maximization. This reexamination is significant, for as the second-largest operator of funeral homes and cemeteries in North America, actions Alderwoods takes influence the entire funeral home industry.
From the Paper "Each and every day of the year more than six-thousand Americans die. Some of them pass away at home or at work, some die in hospitals or nursing homes, and others are killed in accidents or die by violence. Despite differences in how, when, or where they die, nearly every one of them ultimately leaves this world through a funeral home. Subsequently, it is important for funeral homes to administer effective staffing practices and selection tools which reflect trends in ethics and diversity. In response to trends in diversity and ethics, Alderwoods is reexamining their ethical standards, for too many of these ethical standards are being violated for the sake of profit maximization."
A paper which studies the effects of the Superfund Neurotoxin Methylazoxymethanol (MAM) on brain dendritic spine density in long hooded Evans Rats Rattus norvegicus.
Abstract The paper shows that in the study of structural development in the brain there have been several proposed biomarkers for quantifying brain plasticity. These include but are not limited to cortical thickness, dendritic length and branching, expression of neuronal proteins, and the presence of DNA adducts. The paper discusses the theory that a measure of brain plasticity emerging late in embryonic development will be a very sensitive biomarker for detecting subtle damage suffered by brain cells during earlier stages of brain development not detectable by other means. The paper shows that to test this, the effects of a neurotoxin on the late developing dendritic spines were studied. A significant decrease in spine density was observed as the neurotoxin, methylazoxymethanol, increased. The author of the paper shows how the implications are widespread in the study of neuro-degenerative disease.
From the Paper "Fifty years ago, Donald Hebb demonstrated that the conditions under which laboratory rats were housed could significantly affect their performance in a variety of complex spatial tasks later in life (1). The complex environment rearing paradigm has been valuable in assessing plasticity of a variety of brain components including cerebral cortical microvasculature, astrocyetic morphology, dentritic branching patterns, synaptic number, and synaptic structure are all affected by complex environment rearing (2). It has been suggested that multiple synaptic contacts (spines) may play a role in the spread of the additive effect of learning known as potentiation, among neighboring unstimulated neurons. A lack of these spines and their connection with boutons of neighboring neurons could then result in a decrease in the capacity for learning. Some recent work has indicated that the presence of multiple synaptic contacts may be altered by experience. Most of this research has focused on structural changes in the hippocampus. Dendrtic spines show great variability in structure and connectivity, both within and across brain structures, including 10-fold differences in length and diameter as well as variations in the number of branches and spines per dendrite."
This paper highlights the advances in imaging technology that have allowed scientists to discover how memory works and the areas of the brain involved.
Abstract This paper looks at how the different advances in brain imaging-techniques have contributed to scientists increased ability to understand the concept of memory. It looks at the advent of Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and what they have meant to the increased ability to understand and treat brain, and memory disorders.
From the Paper "For example, fMRI was found useful for research by Awh and colleagues (1999) to observe brain activations during the performance of a spatial working memory task. In this investigation, subjects were given a spatial working memory task and a control task. Using fMRI the researchers found a functionally distinct, region that showed sustained activity during the spatial working memory task, confirming the location for the neural bases for that function. In the past, researchers who wanted detailed studies of human brain activity struggled because they lacked effective investigative tools. In experiments with humans the best technologies brought only limited success in mapping the processes of consciousness."
Abstract This paper discusses the importance of using brain-based education research for teaching adult learners. It examines findings from brain-based research, information regarding the adult learner, and the use of brain-based education for adult learners.
From the Paper "This research paper presents the importance of using brain-based education research for the teaching of the adult learner. Findings from brain-based research information regarding the adult learner and the ..."
Tags:brain-based research adult learners, education
Abstract In this article the writer discusses the function of the brain within people with autism. The writer firstly defines the neurological disorder of autism that affects each individual in a different way. It should be noted, however, that autism negatively affects normal brain function. The writer notes that many individuals with autism have been considered remarkably intelligent, despite their difficulties relating to the rest of the social order. Further, the writer points out that due to these variances in the manner that autism is present in the affected individual, the issue of brain development comes into question.
From the Paper "Children with autism may not begin to show signs of the developmental disorder until they have passed infancy. A neurological disorder, autism cannot be defined by standard criteria that are universal to all patients because the disorder affects each individual differently. It should be noted, however, that autism negatively affects normal brain function. As the disorder progresses it will inhibit the individual's ability with social interaction and communication."
Abstract This paper looks at the process of metabolism and how it is changed during starvation to keep the brain supplied, first with glucose, and when that is exhausted, with acetyl-CoA. It then looks at the effects of starvation on the brain and how these problems can be corrected.
Abstract This paper looks at the development of the brain from the moment of conception to one year of age. It looks at the development of gender, gender differences in the brain, cognition, and how cognitive function changes through adulthood into old age.
From the Paper There is a four-year period of potential growth lasting from conception until around the third birthday, which is the most critical period for human development. Maria Montessori called this La mente del bambino or the time of the absorbent mind. The brain is composed basically of two types of cells; the neurons which are the nerve cells and the glial cells which are the supportive cells. Information is integrated in the cell bodies of the neurons and travels as an electrochemical impulse along the axon where the..."
Abstract This paper discusses how the brain learns from a physiological standpoint and what the current state of research is. It explores issues cited such as the knowledge of brain physiology and the developmental changes that enable learning. The author of the paper claims that cited literature gives a perspective that learning is intangible and is only evidenced by changes in physiology. The paper considers how the physiological changes happen and how they relate to intangibles related to learning.
Abstract The paper relates that there are many studies into the long-term effects of heavy alcohol use and notes that it may lead to shrinkage of brain material. This in turn may lead to short-term memory deficits. The paper also relates that it is known that heavy alcohol use impairs the hippocampus which affects memory.
Outline:
Introduction
Brain Shrinkage and Short Term Memory Loss
Hippocampus Activity and Memory Loss
Conclusion
From the Paper "As discussed earlier in the essay, heavy consumption has been associated for some time that with reductions in the numbers of cholinergic neurons in the forebrain. The forebrain cholinergic neurons are distinguished into two groups, those of the basal ganglia and those of the basal forebrain. The cholinergic neurons of the basal forebrain project to the cortical regions, and the most rostral of these project to the allocortical regions such as the hippocampus. Therefore reductions in numbers of these cholinergic neurons will lead to reductions in activity of these allocortical regions, including the hippocampus. It is also possible that alterations in modulatory transmitter inputs such as cholinergic innervations may also play a role in the reduction of hippocampus activity without the actual loss of cholinergic neurons themselves. However in tests which have been performed on rhesus monkey models it has been shown that hippocampal activity reduction which is related solely to these alterations in modulatory input and not reductions in numbers of cholinergic neurons are unrelated to observed changes in memory function of any kind (Calhoun 475). This does not mean however that the reduction in hippocampal activity related to actual loss of cholinergic neurons does not lead to degeneration of memory function."
Abstract This paper discusses the history of signature wounds from various wars. According to this paper, the Iraq War has resulted in a large number of traumatic brain injuries. This paper goes on to discuss the causes and nature of this injury.
From the Paper "In every war, historians recognize that there will probably be at least one signature wound that will characterize that war for posterity. Incidences of radiation sickness from the atomic bomb will forever distinguish World War II. The Vietnam War still lives on in highlighting the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder. The current Iraq War will be no different. In fact, military doctors are already aware of the signature wound of this conflict, one that is slowly dawning in the public eye. For a variety of reasons--including protective armor and enemy tactics--traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are emerging as one of the most devastating and widespread injuries among U.S. casualties of the Iraq War. Traumatic brain injury has a number of causes. However, the nature of the wound and its effects are well documented."
Abstract This paper explains that themes of death, altered states of consciousness and mental chaos are conveyed through traditional and sophisticated uses of poetic composition in Emily Dickinson's "I Felt a Funeral in My Brain". The author points out that the poet employs a plethora of poetic techniques such as alliteration, repetition, rhyme and rhythm to create mood and convey the central themes of emptiness and mental chaos. The paper relates that, just as sensory deprivation is a common tool used to create altered states of consciousness, so, too, is sensory overload; the speaker in "I Felt a Funeral in My Brain" describes both sensory deprivation and sensory overload.
From the Paper "Alliteration and repetition provide the musical and rhythmic backbone of Dickinson's poem. Examples of alliteration include: "felt a funeral," "seated, / A service," "silence some strange," and "dropped down," (1; 6; 15; 17). In addition to alliteration, "I Felt a Funeral in My Brain" also contains several examples of word repetition: "treading, treading," "beating, beating," "down, and down," (3; 7; 17). The rhythmic quality of both alliteration and repetition mirrors the motif of drums that the speaker refers to in the second stanza. Therefore, poetic devices perfectly reflect the theme. Musicality is also conveyed through careful word selections: the third stanza begins: "And then I heard them lift a box, / And creak across my soul /.../ Then space began to toll," (9-12). Key words invoking music and sound include "heard," "creak," and "toll." Aural imagery continues in the fourth stanza, which continues where the third left off with its allusion to a bell tolling."
Abstract This paper discusses how Emily Dickinson, as an individual and as a poet, deployed the poetic devices of point of view, tone, and metaphor, in order to convince her readers, and perhaps herself, that death was merely another mode of existence and, therefore, not something to dread. It looks at how, through a review of the poems "I Heard a Fly Buzz" and ?I Felt a Funeral in My Brain,? it explores how she portrays death as another world and state of being, rather than as a termination.
From the Paper "?I felt a Funeral, in my Brain,? similarly ends with an unfinished line, conveying the transported corpse's final descent into the grave, but never reaching the bottom of the ground. This poem's cool tone is equally pronounced as the poem about the fly's buzz, and is even more shocking in its observed "plot" as the speaker of the poem takes the reader through her funeral and the decent into her own grave. As the funeral takes place, beginning first in her brain with the sight of mourners, she, as she sinks into the earth, does not express fear or horror at being buried alive but rather, she accepts what happens,? And hit a World, at every plunge,? observing her entrance into something not fully describable, because it is so different from what she has left."
Abstract This paper explains that, although the end product of funeral homes may be dramatically different than most other industries, most funeral homes need to fulfill many of the same administrative tasks that are associated with any type of business, which can be met by off-the-shelf small business management software packages; software vendors also are addressing the unique needs of funeral home directors. The author reviews several funeral home software packages such as Mortware, which provides funeral custom software that allows easy data entry, rapid form generation as well as a number of add-ons that funeral home directors can select for their own unique needs. The paper concludes that it makes good business sense to automate everything possible in a funeral home environment to allow more time for the face-to-face interactions required to ensure the perception of high quality customer service.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Administrative and Processing Needs of a Typical Funeral Home
Software Solutions for Funeral Homes
Conclusion
From the Paper "Microsoft and other major computer providers generally provide a standard suite of software tools with their products that can be easily customized for the specific needs of a funeral home (pers. obs.). Likewise, standard software accounting packages such as Quicken are appropriate for many funeral homes' accounting needs today. For additional assistance in itemizing funeral costs, POWERsolutions has created a software package called "PreNeed" that retails for about $40; this software package provides funeral directors (or consumers) with a step-by-step guide through the decision-making process; the program also generates a final report for comparison purposes (the author notes that comparable reports can be developed by using a basic word processing or spreadsheet program). While funeral homes can manage to get along by using off-the-shelf software programs, there are a number of applications specifically designed for the funeral industry available today."
Abstract This paper presents an in-depth literature survey that examines the history and protocol of military benefits, the history of military funeral legislation, and military funeral leave and protocol as defined by federal law. The paper scrutinizes available books, articles, and Internet materials on caring leadership, in general, and on caring leadership as it relates to funeral leave benefits and the caring management of grieving employees. The paper also reviews available literature on caring leadership as a value, qualitatively and in terms of potential financial benefit to a company or organization. The paper presents an analysis and comparison of funeral leave benefits offered by a variety of public organizations and private companies to their employees, comparing them with each other and with those of U.S. military personnel.
Outline
Introduction
Federal Legislation on Military and Government Funerals, Funeral Leave, and Bereavement Leave
Literature on Caring Leadership
Literature on Grief Management in the Workplace
Funeral and Bereavement Leave Policies of Specific Organizations
Potential Advantages and Drawbacks of Incorporating Official Bereavement Processes and Expanded Funeral Benefits for United States Government Employees Other than Military Personnel
Conclusion
From the Paper "Other documents on military funerals, history, protocol, employee leave, and entitlements surveyed for the study included: Military funerals - A brief history (2005); History of Taps (2005); Funeral leave (2005); Military funeral support (2004); Funeral honors ceremony (2005); Banusiewics (2004), and Military funerals (2002). All of these sources contained also information on military funeral protocol, including the facts that: the military has a litany of regulations regarding its funeral procedures. When military personnel pass, there are federal laws and formal procedures in place to acknowledge them, based on Title 38 of the United States Code, Section 112. Military funeral protocols spelled out by federal law include: (1) At least two military personnel being sent to the funeral; (2) Taps being played by a bugler, if available, and if not, a recording of Taps being played; (3) a 21-gun salute being given to honor a fallen soldier, under particular circumstances;(4) an American flag being first folded thirteen (13) times by the military detail conducting the ceremony, and the folded flag then being given, by the military detail leader, to the next-of kin; (4) special words of condolence being spoken, by the detail leader, to the next-of-kin; and (5) a Certificate of Honor, signed by the current President of the United States, being made available, upon request, to the next of kin."
