Agree or Disagree with Dissections

Why Do We Dissect ? The art of dissection allows for people to gain knowledge about the organisms around them in a very unique way. Dissection involves the cutting open and examination of animals or plants. Some of the earliest dissections date back to the third century where they were performed by Greek physicians. They used dissections as a means of gaining a broader understanding of their own species. Today dissections are an essential part of life. Dissections are popularly used in autopsies to determine means of death and by students to gain a better understanding of animal and human body. I personally think dissections are the best way to learn about our own bodies through examining other animals. This is because of homology or similarities between certain animals and humans. I’ve experienced homology in frog dissections. The internal structure of the frog was similar to the internal structure of the human body. Dissections were performed live and virtually. The live dissection of the frog allowed me to gain a true understanding of the organ systems compared to a virtual dissection done on the computer. I believe live dissections are better, they allowed me to learn more about the specimen by providing a better sense of the size and structure of the specimen. Through a live dissection I also gained lab experience in using dissection tools, safety procedures and equipment. When preparing for a lab practical a live dissection is more sufficient than a virtual dissection. It is easier to identify internal structures when you’ve examined them up close In conclusion dissections are one of the best means of gaining knowledge about the body and internal structure of a specimen. They allow for humans to discover homology between them and other animals such as frogs. Dissections can be performed live or virtually and to me live dissections are supreme because they allow for a more in depth and hands on examination. Thus leading to a better understanding of the specimen. | |

Decomposition Lab 5

Lab 5 DECOMPOSITION (Nov 2, 2011) Introduction: Decomposition is the breakdown of organic material into its smaller molecules and elements. (This term is generally considered as a biotic process but one may find it also used to describe an abiotic process, e. g. , due to weathering. ) The decomposing organisms may use the release of elements for nutrients and by breaking apart the carbon-carbon bonds in organic matter this can release energy for them. These smaller molecules and nutrient elements may also become available for use by the primary producers (i. e. , plants and phototropic microorganisms). Decomposition is an important step in the food chain and contributes to the nutrient cycling within an ecosystem. Most of the organic matter in an ecosystem ultimately passes through the decomposer subsystem. Decomposition of organic matter is a major ecosystem process involving an array of different organisms. The catabolism (breakdown of molecules into smaller units) of the organic compounds is mostly accomplished by bacteria and fungi. However if one considers decomposition as the disappearance or breakdown of organic litter then the soil fauna (invertebrates such as the springtails, mites, isopods, etc) must be included in this array of soil biota that contributes to the decomposition of organic matter. Wood decomposition is also influenced by the fungal species that break it down. Some of these species form brown rot (where only cellulose and hemicellulose are broken down leaving lignin which is brown), while others form white rot where all three are broken down). The majority of fungi are white rotters, but brown rot fungi are ecologically important because they form long-lived nurse logs. Decomposition rates vary due to abiotic factors such as moisture level, temperature, and soil type. The rates also vary depending on the amount of initial breakdown caused by the prior consumers in the food chain. The more broken down the organic matter (greater surface area exposed), the faster is the final decomposition. There are a variety of methods to determine decomposition rates. For example, 1) weight loss (a change in organic matter mass over time) – such as using litter bags or core sampling; 2) organic tissue or component substrate changes (e. g. , weight or concentration changes of cellulose or lignin); 3) microbial populations (fingerprinting the microbial populations present and their changes) and/or their activity (e. g. CO2 evolution using alkali traps [eg, soda lime, sodium hydroxide] or detection of CO2 in gaseous samples [e. g. , InfraRed Gas Analyzer-IRGA, gas chromatography-GC]. Objectives 1. Determine CO2 evolution as an indicator of decomposition and microbial populations from the hardwood, conifer and garden soils using a static soda lime trap. 2. Determine the effects of isopods on decomposition of vine maple leaves 3. Examine differences between brown and white rot in wood  decay 4. Solve a problem set using conifer needle mass loss data from litterbags. . Soil CO2 evolution using the Soda Lime technique (a static-chamber method)   CO2 evolution will be determined from the soil surface beneath conifer trees (Douglas-fir and cedar), deciduous hardwood trees adjacent to Winkenwerder Hall, and a nearby garden soil on campus using the static trap soda lime technique. Soda lime gains weight when exposed to CO2. The main components of soda lime are  : †¢ Calcium hydroxide – Ca(OH)2 (about 75%) †¢ Water – H2O (about 20%) †¢ Sodium hydroxide – NaOH (about 3%) Potassium hydroxide – KOH (about 1%) The method is based on the adsorption of CO2 by soda lime that is measured by a weight gain. The following absorption reactions occur: 2NaOH+CO2[pic]Na2CO3+H2O Ca(OH)2+CO2[pic]CaCO3+H2O Procedure: 1. Obtain soda lime 2. Dry the soda lime in a clean beaker at 105 C in a drying oven to remove adsorbed moistur e (212 Bloedel) 3. When dry (probably overnight or until it stops losing weight), weigh out approximately 10 g into a soil can (record to at least the nearest 0. 001g). 4. A plastic container (16 cm diam) is used as a chamber to trap CO2 evolving from the soil. 5. At the field sites place the soil can with soda lime on the soil and then place the plastic container upside down over it and push its edges into the soil to form a seal around the beaker to trap CO2 from the soil respiration. 6. Also place a control (blank) sample of soda lime in a soil can in the field also under a plastic container, but one that has a bottom on it (aluminium foil) so that it does not allow CO2 evolving from the soil to be adsorbed. This control (blank) is treated as all other samples except that it is not exposed to soil CO2 evolution. 7. Incubate for 24 hr (leave in situ so that CO2 evolution has been subjected to abiotic/biotic fluctuations occurring over the diurnal period). 8. After 24hr remove the soda lime from under the can and put the top on the soil can to keep CO2 exchanges from occurring. 9. Dry the soil can of soda lime (uncovered) in the drying oven at 105 C (overnight sufficient) and then reweigh. 10. Three replicate samples are used for the conifer, hardwood and garden soils as well one blank at each site. 11. At each site record pH and temperature in the upper 5 cm of mineral soil. Make general observations about the amount of roots you see at each site Calculation: The difference in weights before and after incubation is an estimate of the grams of carbon dioxide evolved from the soil. Multiply this weight by a correction factor* of 1. 69 (due to 1 mole of water generated by each mole of CO2 absorbed by the lime) (Grogan 1998). The units are g CO2 per ‘container area’ per 24hr. This is converted to g CO2 m-2 hr-1. S = (Wsl x 1. 69) / (Ac x T) where, S is CO2 evolution (g CO2 m-2 h-1), Wsl is the soda lime weight gain, 1. 69 is the C absorption rate of soda-lime, Ac is the chamber area (m2), and T is the sampling time in hours. Do the same calculation for the control (blank) and subtract that value from the sample calculation to derive the correct CO2 evolution from the soil. In Excel conduct an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to determine if there are significant differences (P

Deming & Quality Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Deming & Quality - Term Paper Example Gitlow &Gitlow (1987), points out that in determining customers’ needs, it is important that the future be brought into the equation, because such needs can change, and companies should be well prepared for it. The need for the prototypes to fit certain specifications, are also worth considering, especially with regards to the suppliers of the raw materials (Gitlow & Gitlow 1987). According to Gitlow & Gitlow (1987), the extent to which a firm and its suppliers are able to surpass the design specifications and meet the customers need, is really what quality conformance is all about. However the quality of performance can only be determined through research and sales, and service call analysis to determine how well the firm’s goods and services are doing in the market place (Gitlow & Gitlow 1987). Feedback from the quality of performance surveys, may lead to changes in design and in redesigning, thereby facilitate the continuity of the quality cycle. The 14 point method of Deming incorporates the use of statistical tools, and significant changes in the corporate culture of organizations intent on achieving a quality program, according to Gitlow & Gitlow (1987); it provides a framework for action as well as giving management bases from which they can formulate plans for which they may even lack the necessary experience. Organization leaders who embrace the 14 point system of quality have to back up that strategy with a commitment to change in their thinking and behavior patterns. The 14 Points entails, according to Gitlow & Gitlow (1987), A motivated worker is one that is doing his or her job willingly and well. However, for this to happen, managers must provide both intrinsic and extrinsic forms to their workers. Most of our behaviors according to Jung, are evaluated or judged on some criterion of quality and excellence of performance, and some of the incentive for the dedicated pursuit of achievement comes from social

How Managers Can Use Motivational Theories to Improve Performance Research Paper

How Managers Can Use Motivational Theories to Improve Performance - Research Paper Example In the case when the production staff is not provided with the motivation to produce end products, to be able to fulfill the demand, the manager would be in serious trouble and it may contribute to majorly drastic consequences. If the efficiency of an organization is to be promoted there has to be provision of motivation. The case can be such that the business division has the very products and resources. However, merely a combination of superior products and resources cannot lead to the best consequences: there is a need for motivation as well if a company aims to be successful (Strategic Direction 22). Simply training the employees and delegating them to work does not ensure loyalty and dedication on their part. Employees have to be motivated in order to attain this. Motivation affects work performance to a great degree, thus it holds a great significance for any organization. As clichà ©d as it may sound employees are an organization’s greatest asset and without motivated workers a company cannot be efficient. A company can only go as far as its workers would lead it, as they are the ones who drive it. An organisation is simply a group of individuals who work together for a general reason. Actua lly they make up the company. No matter how effective the organisation’s technology or devices are, their employees remain as the most valuable asset. Therefore, it is necessary that they are provided with motivation so as to encourage them to perform better and better, which would lead to the company’s increased productivity. Several of the business managers of today do not know how effective motivation can be on the efficiency of their company. Therefore, they are required to learn its importance and to recognize the ways through which they can positively motivate their employees at the workplace. The size of the company is

Evidence Based Nursing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Evidence Based Nursing - Essay Example Additionally, the nurses seek to undertake a self completed survey, which implies that the mothers will only be questioned and the nurses will document the results of the survey in wait for the final findings. This raises the ethics components since, the nurse is exposed to becoming judgmental on their subjects given the scope of the research. Question 1b In order to protect the human subjects’ rights of this study population, the IRB must assess various components including the right to self-determination. In this regard, the IRB must assess whether the employers of the nurses clearly and in articulate writing, informed the nurses about whether the participation in this particular research in a condition for employment and thereby expose any relevant risks associated with the study. As such the IRB must analyze the risks to benefit ratio of the study and document whether the eminent risks and/or benefits are clearly described. Further, with the minimal risk guidance level, th e IRB must prove whether the prevailing risks are greater than the minimal risk and the available measure of mitigating the risks. Additionally, the IRB must assess the subjects’ vulnerability in the study and how the researchers have handled the informed consent component. This will involve the IRB in investigating whether the nurses’ selection of the subjects is appropriate and whether the burden of participation is likely to fall on those who will actually benefit from the findings of the research. In this regard, the IRB might question the hospitalized mothers’ involvement in the survey while the focus of the survey is to address child abuse. It is imperative that abuse to children involve parents subjecting their children to unlawful conditions and/or treatment. Therefore the involvement of the parents in the survey will instantly raise the question of subjects’ vulnerability. The other components that IRB will have to assess in this study includes w hether the subjects are given incentives, issues to do with extra safeguards and privacy and confidentiality components of the survey (Beyae & Slattery, 2006). Question 1c The unique ethical concerns of this study could stem from the fact that nurses are obliged to observe confidentiality and privacy in serving the interest of their clients, however, the study seeks to expose the nurses to violate that obligation. When the nurses will question the mothers of hospitalized children within the given age bracket and record the results as sources for the survey, then the privacy of the clients will be violated. Question 1d As a prerequisite condition for allowing the study, the IRB member will seek clarification on the underlying components of study including the specific ways that the nurses have planned to address the eminent ethical issues concerning the privacy and the right to informed consent so as to ensure that the survey achieves the stated objectives without subjecting the stud y subject’s, who could be vulnerable to undue pressure as the IRB provisions demand. Question 1e As a matter of principle, the nurses will conduct the survey within the scope of the IRB provisions and thus remain vigilant in ensuring informed consent and privacy and confidentiality of the subjects are adhered to. In this regard, the nurses will remain advocates of the subjects in the sense that they will make sure the subjects’ confidentiality since they will apply procedures that are in

Roles of Psychiatric Nurses in Mental Health Nursing Essay

Roles of Psychiatric Nurses in Mental Health Nursing - Essay Example At the same time, some contemporary cultures are more tolerant, and their beliefs suggest that family and community members are keys to the care and treatment of the mentally ill. The impact of longstanding beliefs and values on care provision: Mental health nurses are from the population, and before being mental health nurses, they were lay people. Therefore, it is very likely that the beliefs and values about mental health deeply ingrained in societies would be carried forward in the nurses, unless they acquire mental health literacy. It is ironical that while amongst the nurses, the importance of health literacy in terms of physical health is well recognised, even among them, the area of mental health literacy is comparatively ignored. Prejudice, stereotyping, and stigma of the healthcare professionals in the psychological health field has influenced care traditionally, mainly because of the fact that those are difficult to change, and if this occurs in the mental health nurses, would influence the care outcome. When nurses understand different cultures as they relate to individual feelings and motivations, they will be better equipped to adapt mental health care to the backgrounds and lifestyles of their clients. It is a matter of growing concern and an important issue in delivery of mental health care in the Australian Healthcare System. According to the DHS (1998) one of the roles of the psychiatric nurse is to have an awareness of stigma and the ability to challenge their beliefs, thoughts, attitudes, and bias about mental disorder. It is required by the standards of practice to implement this changing "attitude" of the nurses into practice to eliminate discrimination in practice, and therefore, "Reflecting on practice, feelings and beliefs and the consequences of these for individuals/groups is an important professional benchmark" (ANMC, 2006). Nursing care of people with psychiatric illnesses and emotional problems very frequently are more complex because of cultural differences between the nurses' and patients' backgrounds and cultural heritages. It is important for nurses to understand clearly the thinking and perspectives of other cultures and groups, especially to which their clients belong. Because treating mental disorders is intertwined with peoples' attitudes about themselves, their beliefs, values, and ways of interacting with their families and communities, it is crucial that psychiatric nurses be culturally competent in their practice. The awareness about these factors leads to knowledge and alteration of beliefs about mental disorders in nurses, and this alteration would aid the recognition, better management, and efficient prevention of these disorders. This awareness has several components including the ability to recognise specific disorders or different types of psychological distress, knowledge and beliefs about risk factors and causes, knowledge and beliefs about interventions, and attitudes that facilitate recognition and offer help. Poor knowledge about mental illness and negative attitude towards patients suffering from mental illness is widespread among the mental health workers including nurses. Educational interventions can reduce stigma, and as noted earlier, stigmatizing opinions are not related to knowledge. Mental health

Literature - I stand here ironing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Literature - I stand here ironing - Essay Example As mother goes back to fetch her past life, we as readers get a glimpse of Emily’s childhood. There are few intrusions that bring her back to the present like "I put the iron down" (p. 12); "Ronnie is calling. He is wet and I change him" (p. 17); "She is coming.† (p. 19). But this journey of recollection ends on a positive note, â€Å"At the end she comes to understand that shed done the best she could, given the circumstances—but this simple insight, and her journey toward it, are quietly devastating.† (Disher, 2001: 91) Emily is a nineteen year old in the present. She is confident woman and has found the art of self-expression through mime. But occasionally she can behave erratically and her sense of self-worth gets dented. That is when she wants to be assured of her beauty and her attractiveness. Emily would insist on being told, "over and over how beautiful she had been--and would be, I would tell her--and was now, to the seeing eye. But the seeing eyes were few or non-existent. Including mine" (p. 10). That was when her alienation, her isolation and her mother’s helplessness and guilt became obvious and grew more intense: "the unsureness, the having to be conscious of words before you speak, the constant caring--what are they thinking of me? . . ." (p. 17). But Emily has found self-worth, expression and confidence as a skilled performer of pantomime. As happy as her mother is of her achievement, it cannot acquit her completely. She is still haunted by her own past, by her pained alienation from a daughter for few months, and by Emily’s failure to adjust in the new family. Emily’s counselor insists she ‘needs help’ but her mother acknowledges Emily’s skill as a mime artist and knows that she has found an inner strength through this art. The counselor is possibly worried about Emily’s alienation and isolation. Her mother goes