Bondage and Discipline: The mystique behind BSDM Essay

Abstract Dating back to as far as 1969, Bondage and Discipline or BDSM is a form of sexual actions performed with abnormal dominance and submissions. An exotic sexual preference mostly involving role playing restraint, with the aid of foreign objects such as tassel tipped whips, paddles, gagging, etc. BDSM is derivative of Sadism and Masochism branch, only falling under separate concentration due to excessive and abnormal sexual tortures. Most sexual involvements require safe words; just incase the level of kink is surpassed and the recipient no longer feels a sense of sexual euphoria, and more of a urgency of danger. It is fairly normal for older couples to experiment BDSM, as well as mostly affecting the older population (40 and up). BDSM is affected by the population due to having much skeptical criticism amongst foreign communities. Keywords: BDSM, Sadism, Masochism, Kink The mystique behind Bondage and Discipline. Sweeping the nation in awkward fashion around the 1960’s, Bondage sex had apparently become the new â€Å"thing† or latest crave kids were partaking in. Bondage sex is a relative of the BDSM family, with the â€Å"B† standing for of course Bondage. Bondage and Discipline gives monotonous couples a little excitement in the bedroom. A most common reason behind bondage is so that both couples may gain pleasure from the restraint position in which one or the other may dwell in, while the pursuer engages in the thought of full dominance over the participant. People who take interest in this are known as Sadomasochistic. While some sadomasochistic people take pleasure in the sexual thrill of bondage sex, others benefit from the visual just as much. While this may be strange, but still done to this day, this may trigger  several questions toward mass society: 1) Why do people perform bondage sex? 2) Is it safe? 3) What sexual thrill do its occupants receive? 4) Is it actually helping keep relationships strong? Understanding that the usage of this may be limited due to the age of its occupants, it is safe to say that most children are not entertaining the idea of having Bondage and Discipline sex with their peers, nor will they be pursuing it anytime soon. Of course, we live in a world of curiosity, so it is not safe to count the younger generation out. However, sexual activity via teenagers is at an all time high, and easy access to porn sites makes it easier for little old Tommy or Susie to stumble upon the idea. Why do people perform bondage sex? Many couples incorporate Bondage sex into their lives, only to find it is sort of relationship steroid or adrenaline shot. Ever play fought with your mate before enticing them in a sexual comfort zone? Or teasing them toward the brink of hormonal eruption, whereas he or she is immensely aroused and will not stop at nothing to pursue a pleasant sexual endeavor? If so, then you have no need for this act. Bondage sex is usually incorporated into bland relationships lacking sexual drive. BDSM can either implement a spark or an explosion in sexual climax if used correctly. Bondage discipline strengthens the trust of both partners because the activity pushes the limits of each partner, bringing them beyond their typical comfort zone. The exotic mixture of fear and pleasure forms a potent concoction of euphoria. This fusion also forces both cohorts to instill a mammoth like trust in one another. It also helps the two (unlimited) in knowing each other better both mentally and physically. Und erstanding that with each slap, spank, lip-biting gesture could be a signal or pleasure or pain raises the enigma of how well you really know your significant other, being that one mistake or missed warning sign could be their last. Is it safe? Of course Bondage sex is not safe, that is what causes the sexual thrill of the activity. BDSM IS NOT FOR EVERYONE. Some couples will not be willing to journey out unto unfamiliar territory. Then again, we are humans, we are  known for being risk takers. Since the dawn of time humankind has risked everything into journeying into the unknown. For instance, in 1969 in attempts in beating the Soviets in the venturous Space Race, an audacious country (USA) sent three brave men, (Neil Armstrong, Edwin â€Å"Buzz† Aldrin, and Michael Collins were sent to the moon. Not only were they sent in attempts to beat out the Soviets, but to explore the unknown. You see, not anything we carry out is out of harm’s way. We dwell in times in which we may all perish by missiles, be engulfed in the rage of war, and drowned due to our lack of concern of the ozone layer and constant ignorance of quickly deteriorating polar caps. With that being said, if we were to place the two on an imagina ry Libra Scale, it is evident that bondage sex would be on the higher end. Also, another reason in why Bondage sex can be safer than what media portrays it to be, would be due to objects being used. Many adult toy companies are devising toys that with stringent safety precautions, as well as rising the age of the consumers to buy their product to 21 and up. There was a time when sex toys were a taboo, yet gradually, due to today’s generation, sex toys have become more blatant and commonly shown on late night commercials. This caused adult toy companies to take a step for the better. By creating smarter, innovative sex toys, scientist have derived adult toys the aid sexually and implemented devices that contribute toward the health of its users, such as therapeutic benefits for both men and women. For example, men who suffer from erectile dysfunction and abridged penile consciousness and women who partake in the usage of vibrators also stimulate vaginal blood flow. These enhancements also strengthen orgasms and the release of superior good-feeling hor mones. Due to the step-up in sexual toys, these altercations have made it safer for its users as well as implementing the devices for various uses. (Ashton, Devon G. â€Å"The Key Archives/BDSM Mystique 2010) Also, buzzing through the BDSM community is the term SSC. This stands for safe, sane, and consensual. Safe: this term is used to ensure that both users enacting in bondage activities should place health and safety at their highest priority. This reduces mistakes and problems; however there will  always be typical casualties amongst inexperienced users. Sane: client must partake in their right frame of mind when enacting in BDSM related activities.(Fredder, James. â€Å"Dr. Drew On Call.† HLNtv.com. BDSMreviews, 12 Sept. 2009) Noted, that these actions should not be undergone while under the influence of alcohol or drugs of any kind, for even if they enhance the experience, they also pall the users vision of clarity. Finally Consensual: All activities should have 100% consent from both parties. Consent from both partners allows actions that are made to be swift, and hoist trust between both. Also to keep in mind, even if consent from each party is of maximum percentage, legal consent may not create a difference between criminalist behaviors, and may fall liable upon any injury caused. Ultimately there is no such thing as being safe enough. Injury can occur at anytime, and it is up to both partners if BDSM activities are fit for them. No matter the activity, you can enhance you and your partner’s safety by properly following SSC, as well as possessing a mutual respect for each others body and responsibility. What sexual thrill do its occupants receive? In most cases, BDSM activities are done based on thrill. But before we go into detail the reader most know the roper definition of thrill. As defined by www.Dictionary.com, thrill is a sudden feeling of excitement or pleasure, (of an emotion or sensation) pass with nervous tremor. Also you should be informed on the term sexual thrill. As defined by www.Dictionary.com, sexual thrill is chiefly with reference to people) sexual activity, including specifically sexual intercourse. Now there are three types of thrills in which a Sadomasochistic person may partake in: 1) Visual thrill: Upon gaining sensation in visualizing others in BDSM activities. 2) Physical thrill: The intense sensation in partaking in BDSM activities. 3) Olfactory thrill: The urge of smelling someone held captive in BDSM activities. Depending of the user, each thrill initiates their endorphins in an unbridled frenzy. Visual thrill users usually do not get to intense with BDSM activities. Although the relish seeing oth ers in BDSM activities, they themselves may not want to engage in such activities, and usually their addiction can be controlled with the simple click of a mouse. Although others, such as Cuckold Visual Thrillers, usually pay other people to partake in BDSM related activates with their spouse and watch. Physical  thrill users are your typical run of the mill porno visualization guys and gals. These usually are the people that pop up in you head when you the Bondage and Discipline related activities. Depending on preference, these people usually dress in leather and gag their partners. Their acts usually involve handcuffed role play as well as external and internal mutilation. Being that they dress for the role and that they use a heavy amount of foreign objects, Physical thrill users usually construct a safe word. A safe word is usually a simple word used for when BDSM activities have placed one of the occupants in unfamiliar or painful territory; this causes the oppressor in ceasing in what they were doing and if necessary, to discontinue the session. The weirdest of them all, Olfactory thrillers, take a sexual thrill in smelling someone held captive in BDSM related activities. Usually, since BDSM clients wear leather for what ever purposes, the smell of leather, fear, and sex triggers OFT pleasant receptors, this gives them a feeling of elevated sexual sensation. Within the BDSM community, 78% say that OFT receives a stronger sexual sensation, and cause enormous orgasms. Bondage Discipline Submission Masochism based scientist have credited this theory. Lionel B. Wilkes, led researcher and developer in BDSM related activities states, â€Å"Olfactory thrill users tend to engage in an earlier and longer lasting sexual high due to the aroma compromising a supplementary and immediate itinerary toward cerebral brain receptors, which cause immense affect toward Dopamine receptors.† This simply means that because the occupant smells BDSM activities, the chances of the smell entering the nose and accessing the brain’s pleasant receptors and causing a sexual high, are extremely exponential. Noting that each thrill has its perks, it is not uncommon for some people to encompass a fixation of all three, these users are universal thrill seekers. This usually occurs in seasoned BDSM patients who have experienced a certain form of thrill so many times that the thrill became less appealing. To awaken their desire for BDSM activities, they partook in oth er thrills. It’s sort of like eating bland pizza for a while, and then you decide to add some hot sauce to it; this is how Universal users operate. Doing anything they can to maintain the feeling of euphoric sensation; even after the brain has developed a callus for it. Is it actually helping keep relationships strong? There are many reasons why Bondage and Discipline is used. Some people do it for the experience; just to they did it, while others do it for the peace the feel within themselves. Yet most of the time, couples do to intensify relationships. Understanding that 56% of the population partaking in BDSM related events are place in the 40 year old plus percentile, it evident that couples are using it to spice things up. After being married to some one for 20+ years, in bed experience may be lacking; most men around that age suffer from erectile dysfunction, which places a hassle on fulfilling their significant others sexual needs. Women around the ages 44-45 usually undergo painful menstruation cycles, thus declining the urge of sexual desire. By implementing Bondage activities in a slowly decomposing relationship ushers life. You reach heights in which you have never journeyed; you learn more about your significant other than ever before. Recent studies have shown, most married couples know about 48% of their significant others. Wow! Being together with someone for 20 or more years and to know only 48%?! Bondage and Discipline activities instill a major amount of trust in a relationship. In performing these acts, it is vital that you and your partner know each others limits; and by limits, the smallest gesture can be vital! If you do not know your significant others facial expression when they are in pain or enjoying themselves, then it is about time you learn. Being that BDSM activities are extremely dangerous, you have to have major trust in your partner. In an article published by ABC titled â€Å"Love hurts: Sadomasochism Danger.† ABC documents a 67 year old man who passed out and lost consciences in a sex club after participating in a BDSM scene. He lost consciousness while hanging his arms from a cross. The article explains that the damage was so severe; it took him a couple of days to recover. I believe this compliments my point, in which you should not partake in BDSM activities with anyone. (Lars, Hannah S. â€Å"Sex Toys – Combine Sexual Pleasure with Health Benefits.† Yahoo Contributor Network. Yahoo, July-Aug. 2008) Judy Kuriansky, a sex psychologist, says, â€Å"There is a triumvirate of guilt, embarrassment, and fear of intimacy for these people†¦ It’s rare that all of the sudden they can give up on being interested in pain and suddenly  capable of being loved.† I highly agree with Dr. Kuriansky, except for the phrase, â€Å"intimacy for these people†¦Ã¢â‚¬  As a result of information for www.BDSMfordummies.com they combat that the intimacy of Bondage and Discipline users should be sacred and held others of intimate meaning. Basically saying that these intimate acts should be held with intimate people; which prove my theory, which BDSM is just as safe as the users who partake in it. Essentially, a lot of harm can be avoided if you partake in it with someone you know. Psychosexual and relationship therapist Simone Bienne continued, â€Å"That’s certainly one thing that the BDSM community is very, very proud of — how they are able to communicate and thi s is essential how it spills out — the sexual relationship spills out into the emotional side of the relationship because you are able to manage conflict better because of strong communication.† (Laundry, Michelle. â€Å"32 Shocking Statistics of Relationship Insecurity.† McKinley Irvin. MCIB/Stats, Feb.-Mar. 2005. Web. 05 Apr. 2014.) All in all, Bondage Discipline is an extremely interesting and exotic way to rekindle a fading relationship, as well as arousing yourself. Although BDSM is pretty much for anyone, it should be for older people; by older I mean 21 and up. Of course I have no say in what people do behind closed doors, yet due to the information I have provided, and thanks to several credited websites, Bondage sex is very risky, and can also harm if placed in the hands of the young and inexperienced. Maybe it’s our desire to experience love in a different rendition, maybe it’s or innovative ways, or maybe, just maybe, it is our thirst to explore the unknown. References Ashton, Devon G. â€Å"The Key Archives/BDSM Mystique.† The Key RSS. XPN.org/thekey, May-June 2010. Web. 5 Apr. 2014. Fredder, James. â€Å"Dr. Drew On Call.† HLNtv.com. BDSMreviews, 12 Sept. 2009. Web. 30 Mar. 2014. Lars, Hannah S. â€Å"Sex Toys – Combine Sexual Pleasure with Health Benefits.† Yahoo Contributor Network. Yahoo, July-Aug. 2008. Web. 09 Apr. 2014. Laundry, Michelle. â€Å"32 Shocking Statistics of Relationship Insecurity.† McKinley Irvin. MCIB/Stats, Feb.-Mar. 2005. Web. 05 Apr. 2014. Michaelis, Viktoria. â€Å"Top 5 Benefits of Using Sex Toys – Viktoria Michaelis.† Viktoria Michaelis. PBS/top5benefit, 5 Nov. 2013. Web. 03 Apr. 2014. Perkins, Ronald. â€Å"What Is BDSM?† Examiner.com. GoogleinfoBDSM, 4 Dec. 2012. Web. 23 Mar. 2014.

Public adminstration Essay

When an employee is told to do his/her work, they do and they get paid for it. This has been the standard work style since the beginning of man; but what if there was a way to work that the employees were not just a cogs in a machine but a real worker. Frederick Taylor outlines this idea in his essay entitled â€Å"Scientific Management†. Taylors essay describes the â€Å"initiative and incentive† system and how this system is good, but the initiative is obtained with irregularity. With scientific management, absolute regularity is almost always the outcome (Taylor 37). This is achieved because the management takes on huge burdens that used to fall to the employee. In this new system of management, the employee is not just a number. This system is more personal so that way employees feel more in touch with management and will do more and better work. Taylor stated in his essay that management takes on extraordinary burdens and duties (Taylor 37). So what burdens does management take on? The burdens taken on by management are divided into four sections. First, the deliberate gathering of traditional knowledge of the work place (Taylor 37). This is done to reduce the amount of red tape so that management is left with laws, rules and mathematical formulas for the workplace (Taylor 37). With this being done it makes the workplace a safer and friendly environment to work in. Output is higher, in quality and quantity, wages go up for the workers, and gives the company larger profits. Public administration tries to apply this to bureaucracy so it can streamline policy enforcement and get constituents services faster. The second section from Taylors essay describes how management needs to study there employees for their strengths and weaknesses. When management sees an employee’s strength and weaknesses, they need to focus on training the employee’s weaknesses to make it a strength (Taylor 38). In public administration, this principle is put to use to better a public servants relationship with their constituents. Taylor’s third section describes the bringing of science into the workplace and its effect on individual workers. Taylor describes that unless you bring some sort of scientific management into the workplace, all of your labor will be for nothing (Taylor 38). That is why the job of management is to tell the workers what specific job they need to accomplish for the day. In public administration, we see this on a  day to day basis. Management tells you your task for the day and you do it. Simple enough? The last piece of Taylor’s essay describes that the work for any business has to be almost split in half in the sense of labor production. The division is so great that, until recently, companies that use the scientific management principles had never had employees go on strike. This is one section that public administration lacks in. This is the principle that would make everyone in the work place equal and the amount of labor would be equally split between management and employees. Mr. Taylor’s essay talks in great detail on how companies need to focus less on better services toward individuals and focus on more on their employees. Mr. Kettl explains why this is the best course of action. Public administration draws some principles form scientific management but needs to incorporate more in there day to day business. As Kettl states â€Å"bureaucratic work takes the humanity out of individuals† (Kettl 90). Taylor says that companies need to focus on more there employees so that production levels will increase. Kettl has almost the exact same idea but applies it to the bureaucracy instead of a company. The main point Kettl and Taylor are trying to get across is this; if employers will focus more on employees and less about making money, then there profits will increase and employees will stay with companies longer. Overall, Fredrick Taylor’s ideas and principles are worth putting into action. I know in my first job, if management had been more personal with myself and other employees of their business then I would have stayed longer with that business. Taylor’s ideas should be put into actio n around the US and the world to make the workplace friendlier and employees happier.

Appearance of Pre-Hispanic Filipinos

Clothing The natives of the Philippine islands already wore different types of clothing and ornaments before the arrival of Spanish colonizers. The men usually wore short-sleeved, collarless jackets that reached just below the waste. The jackets were also symbols of their status in the community. The chief usually wore red, for example. The bahag was worn for the lower part. It is a strip of cloth wrapped around the waist which passes between the things, leaving the thighs and legs exposed. A head gear or a putong is a piece of cloth wrapped around the head.This is also important like the color of the jacket. A red putong meant that the wearer has already gone to war and killed an enemy. An embroidered putong meant that the wearer has killed at least seven enemies. Adornments such as necklaces, armlets or kalombiga, anklets, earrings and rings were also worn. These were usually made of gold and other precious stones. Women also wore sleeved jackets called baro and skirts called saya or patadyong. Women fancied wearing ornaments as well such as gem-studded bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and rings.Tattoos Tattoos played an important part in the appearance of pre-Hispanic Filipinos both for the men and women. Tattoos were considered to be the equivalent of medals, one had to work for and earn it. The more tattoos a person had, the more impressive was his or her war record. The Visayas was known to be the Islas del Pintados or Islands of the Painted People because it was the there that the early Spanish colonizers observed very tattooed people and Spanish writers referred to them as the pintados, meaning â€Å"painted†.

Gendering Social Work Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Gendering Social Work - Essay Example Divide the students into two groups: (1) male students; and (2) female students. Before starting the group activity, call on the female students and instruct them to actively participate in the group discussion. Inform the female students to keep on talking while the male student(s) participate in the group discussion. Without mentioning the main purpose and objectives of this activity, the group of young men and women will be asked to read â€Å"Jazz ’03 Proudly Salutes Women in Jazzâ€Å". After allowing the students to read the article for 20 minutes, breaking the male privilege exercise will start by rarely calling on the male students to participate in the group discussion throughout the exercise. In case one or two male students is called to participate in the group discussion, make sure that each one of the male student will be given only a limited time to talk. During the last 15 minutes of the entire activity, start an open-discussion with the students regarding how they personally felt during the group discussion specifically on how the male students were given the chance to participate in the group discussion versus the female counterpart. For this particular question, take note which group complains more than the other group. As soon as the proctor receives a comment from each student, it is necessary to write down the comment of each student on the board. This will allow the students and the proctor to have a better analysis on how the group discussion went.

Child abuse and the effects that it has on their physical and Research Proposal

Child abuse and the effects that it has on their physical and psychological development - Research Proposal Example abuse is associated with numerous physical health conditions such as infectious diseases, pain, hypertension, asthma, heart disease, inflammation and generally, poor health of children. Springer, Sheridan, Kuo & Carnes (2003) add to the long-term consequences of child abuse possible post traumatic stress disorder (PSTD), chronic pain syndromes, chronic fatigue syndrome, eating disorders and irritable bowels. Aside from physical health consequences of child abuse, there are reported psychological effects as well. Anda et al (2005) discussed that the traumatic experiences of abused or neglected children often stays on with the victim into adulthood, and can even influence the raising of that victim’s own children. More often than not, abused children repeat the pattern with their own children. Some children may never fully recover from the trauma, resulting in lifelong depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. Other individuals may be predisposed to engage in prostitution, pornography, drug abuse, or crime (Browne & Finkelhor, 1986; Bryant & Range, 1996; Ferrara, 2002; Malinoskey-Rummell & Hansen, 1993). The long-term consequences of child maltreatment can be so devastating that it has been called "soul murder" (Shengold, 1989). These alarming facts culled from both literature and anecdotal experiences of individuals who survived child abuse merit serious consideration and investigation of the devastating effects of painful experiences in childhood in a victim’s life. In doing so, interventions to help child abuse victims overcome their negative childhood experiences may be put in place in order to prevent the serious negative outcomes that can permanently mar their personality and outlook in life. It is hoped that the provision of such interventions to such victims will help them still develop a more positive outlook and give them hope that they can still be productive, contributing citizens in society despite their painful past. It will also help

Understanding business environments Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Understanding business environments - Essay Example These elements include; competitors, customers, suppliers, marketing intermediaries, the general public, the economy, distributors, regulations, social and cultural factors, government activities and demographics (Lucas 2011, p.24). The internal business environment consists of the factors that are present within the business and affect the operations of the business. The elements of the internal business environment are; management, employees, production capacity of the business, the business policies, structural organization of the business, objectives of the business, the composition of its board of directors and features of the human resource department. Although the elements of the internal business environment affect how the business runs, they are not fully included as elements of the environment. P4 An economic system refers to the organization of the economy is. In a nation’s point of view, an economic system can be defined as the limited supply of elements of production such as; land, labor, capital and natural resources influence or affect the production of goods and services in the country. Because of the scarcity of these factors of production the government of that country has to make the decision of how it will allocate these resources to competing claims. To make this decision, the government would need to evaluate the opportunity cost of production of different products. After comparing the opportunity costs of producing that product, the government then makes the decision to allocate resources for production. In a command economic system the allocation and distribution of resources to certain sectors of the economy is controlled by central organizing body, usually it is the government. The government in this economic system also controls the distribution of the produced goods and services. In this economic system, the government main agenda is to try to reduce or eliminate the pursuit of profits by the producers, and ensure that basic goods and services are produced on the basis of the consumer’s needs and wants. The resources here would be allocated efficiently on the basis of social goals. This means that they

Descriptive statistics Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Descriptive statistics - Assignment Example The study will employ a cross-sectional study where the data will be collected using a well-structured questionnaire administered randomly to both the participating and non-participating ELL students in a bid to compare the academic achievements among both groups. An in-depth interview will be conducted with the school counsellors in a bid to get a deeper understanding of the various interventions techniques implemented. According to Clark and Creswell (2010) one cannot analyze their data with statistics unless the data have been recorded in a numeric form. The first step therefore will be to assign scores to the different quantitative responses, followed by data entry done using the relevant statistical software or Excel. The research will examine both the single item scores and the summed scores (Clark & Creswell, 2010) as part of its detailed analysis to address the research question, the descriptive statistics obtained will be summarized in tables. Various outputs from the statistical analysis tools will be included as part of the findings. As per Clark and Creswell (2010) the models will be accompanied by the ANOVA and T-test tables in order to provide detailed statistics relevant in testing the differences between the observed grouped in regards to the academic performance. The descriptive statistics will be employed due to their convenience in providing informative comparison using the means of each attribute as indicator, the research findings will either be expressed as a percentage or as a mean. The descriptive table will contain the relevant standard deviation for the purposes of showing the extent of variability (Clark & Creswell, 2010). An example of a descriptive table is as shown in the table below: Where it summarizes the mean academic score of ELL students participating in the Interventions and those that don’t. ANOVA table is key for

Film Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 14

Film - Essay Example tion of America, the film industry took a high recovery path between 1970 and 1980, through the integration of the television and the film division of the MCA with new blockbuster films. This was to be reversed back to the studio system balance of power, after the deregulation of the media that swept through the 1990s, coupled with globalization and digital technologies (Schatz, n.d.). Between the 1920s and the 1940s, the film industry was controlled by the Big Eight Studios, which operated on a factory-based mode, and the studio control made the industry flourish through the depression and the World War II, such that the government had to tolerate the studio control. However, by 1947-8, the studio control experienced one of its major blows that saw the revenues drop drastically. This is because, the Supreme Court ruled to prohibit the collusive trade practices that enabled the big studios to control the industry (Schatz, n.d.). This resulted to the change of the mode of operation of the film business in Hollywood, to a new business model that operates to date. The ‘telefilm’ concept developed in the 1950s, with the rise of the profitable television production based on the West Coast films, which the studios started pursuing (Schatz, n.d.). Though initially the big studios such as the Warner Bros and the 20th Century Fox had initially resisted the ‘telefilm’ lure, they were eventually absorbed into it by the success of other studios, and by the 1960s, the TV series production had shifted from New York to Hollywood. Further, the 1960s were the years of increased film importation and international co-production, and during the same period, Hollywood ventured into regenerating its own art cinema (Schatz, n.d.). However, the excess youth-marketed art cinema coupled with the flop of high budget film resulted in a high recession for the industry between 1969 and 1971. This led to the revolution of the industry through the introduction of the theatrical

Managing Change in Healthcare Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Managing Change in Healthcare - Essay Example Some of the most favored approaches that have been preferred are cycle-time reduction, process engineering, and total quality management (TQM), with which companies have tried to flatten the organizational structure [3]. However, structural change programs on its own are likely to fail as they do not account for the human element, which actually forms the structure. Change management must work towards removing fear, cynicism, and defensiveness from the minds of the people. In the healthcare sector of US, the practice of midwifery was almost eliminated by concerted effort of university educated physicians [11]. The changes in perceptions about the profession of midwifery and its reinstatement into the healthcare industry, started in 1939, with the Frontier Nursing Service and has since then passed through various changes and reconstruction [11]. To enhance the performance of an organization it is important to improve the performance of the individuals and groups that comprise that organization. When organizations set new goals, they must also take care to see that the employees are made aware of these new goals well in advance or better still the company can set the new goals after consulting the employees. The employees must be backed by timely and adequate infrastructure to attain the goals; proper feedbacks and timely interventions must be integrated into the system. The Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA) was formed in 1982 and the struggle and persistent effort of the initial women of the midwifery profession has enabled it to get a legitimate status in 33 states of the country [11]. Managing Change - The Impact of Relevant Theory on the Change Process Aims Technological development has ushered in changes across organizations and our personal world. In the midst of these changes to better and sophisticated machines, it is important to remember that people form the basis of organizations. Technology makes structured and repetitive work easy while people use their intelligence to think, create, and solve. The major change today is the transformation of the work force from an information worker to an information user or what can be better described as a knowledge worker. Peter Drucker in his 'The New Society of Organization' has said, that the world economy is transforming to a knowledge society, where knowledge is the primary resource for the economy and for the individuals. In such an economy, according to Drucker, the competitive advantage comes not from the research and development of technology but from the skill and expertise of the knowledge workers, who form the organization [2]. The legitimacy of midwifery as a practice was established by the vision and persistence of the traditional midwifery experts, who encouraged self regulation in the next generation. Their efforts paid off and by the 1980's the standards of practice and certification began to be established in one state after another. The Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA) was formed in 1982, to help the movement gain support and legitimacy [11]. Issues Affecting Change and Personal Behavior Healthcare organizations are different from other organizations, as they involve something beyond business. According to

Success of the Communist Movement of the 1960's in Cuba and Not Research Paper

Success of the Communist Movement of the 1960's in Cuba and Not Bolivia - Research Paper Example Research demonstrates that Cuba was the third most developed country in the continent of America. Some aspects of development recorded in Cuba in 1950s surpassed European countries, such as Belgium, Spain, and Portugal. Cuba was not among the nations, which suffered from severe economic problems and reported lowest living standards of the citizens (Dolgoff). In contrast, Cuba was among the American countries that had the highest living standards before the revolution took off. Although Cuba was not a well developed nation economically and there was poverty in the country, Cuba did not face hunger as well as economic crises in the years prior to the revolution. Prior to the 1959, Cuba was reported to be relatively developed country. It was compared on economic standards of development to capitalist countries, such as Costa Rica besides Taiwan (Dolgoff). According to Eckistein (1982), at the time of revolution, Bolivia reported one of the poorest and least developed economies on the co ntinent. The GNP per capita of the country was the second lowest in South American region. The country was ruled by a small kin and land-based oligarchy. The majority of the citizens in Bolivia operated as tenant farmers as well as sharecroppers. In contrast, the Cuban economy was much developed and superior to the Bolivian economy. Cuba was one of the countries with a developed agricultural economy. Nonetheless, the heavily capitalized economy of the country was significantly dominated by foreign companies. Prior to the Cuban revolution, the agricultural economy of Cuba is reported to have been the most integrated economy in the global economy. The agricultural economy in Cuba increasingly used wage labor in the country. According to the Latin American... The Cuban revolution staged in 1959 by Fidel Castro was meant to liberate peasants and low class citizens from low standards of living and improve the economy of the country. The communist structures together with the overwhelming support of peasants from rural and urban regions ensured that the revolution was a success. Seven years later, Guevara Che, who actively participated in the Cuban revolution, set out to Bolivia to stage a revolt in the country that had similar economic problems to Cuba’s and enjoyed massive support of communism. However, 11 months later, he was captured, and killed and the revolution did not succeed as planned. There is a general misconception that poverty leads to communist uprisings and that accumulation of wealth do not contribute toward communism. This notion is misleading as demonstrated by the revolutions in Cuba and Bolivia in 1960s. Poverty does not lead to communism neither does wealth accumulation result in non-communism. Empirical data from various research materials will be reviewed to present the economic statistics and arguments indicating that before the Cuban revolution took place, Bolivia was more underdeveloped economically, yet communism did not thrive in the country as it did in Cuba, which was more developed. Subsequently, after the revolutions of which Cuba increasingly practiced communism but struggled with economic problems whereas Bolivia, which deviated toward non-communism progressively developed economically than Cuba. The political spheres, structure and organization of the communist parties in various countries, and the support of anticommunist nations contributed to the success or failure of the revolutions.

Human Resources Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Human Resources - Essay Example Key parts to this style are: (1) identifying goals to reduce conflict; (2) analyzing what actions can meet these goals; (3) finding ways to alter behavior that could provoke conflict; (4) changing any non useful responses to productive responses; (5) improving overall communication ability in order to minimize conflicts; and (6) minimizing the harmful effects of conflict to all parties (Noble, p.3). The author mentions that this type of coaching can either be tailored to individuals who often find themselves in unwanted conflicts, or can be specific to certain types of situations (p.3). Executive coaching is a second model that focuses on an executive who is mentored by a more seasoned executive (Thach, p. 205). In this type of coaching, both individuals lay out goals to increase the manager’s performance at the work level and the organizational level (p. 205). Executive coaching involves: (1) contracting; (2) data collection; and (3) coaching. The contracting step is a plan t hat is drawn up which includes goals, resources, and initial planning. The data collection step may involve skill assessment, interviews, and other methods for the collection of data. The coaching step is the largest step where two individuals analyze the data in order to develop a plan to overcome issues previously identified (Thach, p.206). An executive coaching example was mentioned by the author where 281 executives participated to either improve managerial effectiveness, or be able to assume a top executive role if needed. The study found that executive coaching did significantly improve both types of situations (Thach, p. 213). Steven Downward in his article â€Å"Coaching vs. Training---What Really is the Difference?† outlines differences between the two practices. One major difference is with the degree of learning involved (Downward, p.1). Training is the act of imparting knowledge to another person that would usually involve more intense one-on-one interaction and f eedback between the two parties (p.1). Coaching is more focused with guiding people to meet goals. Coaches do not necessarily have expertise that trainers would provide, but they do try to ensure that goals are met and outcomes are achieved (Downward, p.2). Another type of development is mentoring which is described as a much more extensive and long lasting process than coaching (insala.com, p.1). The difference between mentoring and coaching is that mentoring is a long term relationship that will develop between two individuals where an individual is providing guidance and knowledge to their pupil and lasts over a longer period of time while coaching is usually finished once a specific task is completed. In addition, mentoring will target more complete development of an individual while coaching is limited to usually one measure of performance (p.2). Coaches will influence people’s behavior, but mentors will be involved in every aspect of creating

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Essay Example for Free

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Essay â€Å"Many people called her the American Queen. † (Mattern) Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was by far the most iconic fashion figure of the 1960’s. She shaped fashion especially for women in her own time, but more than just being a significant influence on how women dressed in the 1960’s her style has transcended the boundaries of time and the modern women even looks to her on matters of fashion. Jackie, as she was fondly called, did not remain as a potent fashion figure only in the 60’s but continued to shape the fashion industry worldwide, even after her days of glory as the First Lady of America. The influence of Jackies style can still be seen now on the catwalks, every designer shows a look inspired by her. She was very classic, but with a modern twist. (Reuters) Nevertheless, it would be presumptuous to just make this conclusion without looking at how this lady was able to change the way women dress. Jackie was highly instrumental in the fashion scene of the 60’s as well as in modern eras because she instilled a sense of courage into fashion, she equated fashion with personality, and she pioneered the concept that simplicity was in fact stylish, elegant and fashionable. The baroque and almost boisterous fashion sense of women in the 60’s were a basis for Jackie’s influence in making women bolder and more unique in their choice of clothing. Note that during this period discreet strain between American and French relations, and despite of this, Jackie rose above the rest and refused to be influenced by this. Oleg Cassini, Jackie’s designer, â€Å"created her wardrobe for the 1961 inauguration. Jackie told him she wanted to dress as if Jack were President of France. Jacobs) While this remark may be considered as un-patriotic at that time, it simply shows how Jackie chose to ignore political and social constructs in delivering her message of fashion. She was also known for quite radical fashion decisions such as when she â€Å"kicked off a craze for the one-shoulder dress, encouraged women to ditch their high, pointy heels, endorsed chain belts, oversized sunglasses, and YSL midi skirts. † (Mathai) All these changes in the way women dress all speak of the boldness Jackie which was what women of the time wanted to acquire. Fashion was almost secondary to women of this period; what were more important to them were the decisiveness, innovation, and courage that riddled decision making among the feminine gender. For instance, â€Å"Jackie had been forced by her public role into wearing hats, as called for by formal protocol†¦She made fashion history, however, by choosing to wear the hat tipped to the back of her head rather than straight on top. (CAVF) This is an illustration of how Jackie set the example for women to remain undaunted by male dominated policies and so take flight; she did this in a language that all women would easily understand – fashion. Jackie was never one to follow what was ‘in’ during the moment because she believed in the value of individualism and unique style. Her penchant for seeking what was most comfortable to her was the best indication that she was not about to sacrifice her comfort for trendiness, and this worked for her as a result. â€Å"Trends and fads never dictated Jackies fashion choices†¦she had the courage of her convictions to reject it if she didnt feel it was right for her. Flaherty) Her courage in fashion rubbed off on all women of the time and even on the modern woman and to this day, people will remember how she breathed new life into the American fashion scene even making the industry more competitive when compared to its global rivals. â€Å"At that time, most high fashion clothes were made in Europe. However, the first lady decided to promote American designers. † (Mattern) Jackie also exercised her influence over women of the 60’s and on today’s fashionable female by showing that clothing was not everything and that what one wore was in fact a reflection of one’s personality. Jackie understood the power of clothing and image and used it to reflect the internationalism of the Kennedy Administration and the promise of the 1960s. † (Leight) So, Jackie always made sure that what she wore made a statement, if not about her, at least about the country she was in. Nevertheless, she also insisted that it was not really the clothing that one wore that made the person, rather, this was just the extension of the ideals and principles that a particular person stood for. As much as Jackie loved fashion, she was much more than the clothes she wore. Although appearances clearly counted, how she lived her life mattered most. † (Flaherty) Jackie was not the kind of person who would as she pleased while compromising the image of her family and of her husband’s administration. Through her many women all around the world realized how important it was for a person to use fashion as a means of conveying a message either about oneself or about the society that he/she was in, but more importantly about one’s beliefs and convictions. Jackie chose clothes that played to both her athletic sensibility and her Vassar-educated, Francophile refinement, notes Bowles. †(Tauber) This meant that Jackie was always on top of her style, that her outfit almost usually reflected not the designer, not the luxury of the attire, but the sensibilities and the principles of the wearer. This had to mean wearing clothes that were not only practical but also simple and Jackie did not destroy the concept of simplicity in the process, in fact, she even re-invented simplicity at a time when artistic expression was at its noisiest. Jackie had left her legacy on the woman of the 60’s as well as on contemporary fashion trends by making women see that simplicity can in fact be fashionable, stylish and elegant. Her passion for simplicity â€Å"took America out of the staid and conservative 1950s and into the world of classy international elegance. † (Leight) Jackie knew what it meant to make an impression and she believed that a lasting impression was possible even with the simplest white dress. She knew that she did not have to be overly verbose about her dressing styles to make people want to turn and have a second look. Her clothes were informed with an understated modern elegance, characterized by cleanliness, solid colors, and ease of movement. † (Leight) So again, one sees here that Jackie found convenience in simplicity in that other than being overly numbered, her fashion sense was fluid and responsive to the needs of the contemporary woman. Nothing went wrong with fashion when Jackie was in the limelight because her style was almost a nude expression of the feminine psyche. â€Å"Years before she became Jackie O, Kennedy was a first lady with impeccable style. (Shih) Simplicity, however, did not come without a price because appearing simple meant that she had to carefully plan her wardrobe so that she achieved the kind of impression that she wanted to get; and so for Jackie, fashion was never unintentional, it was always a conscious effort like poetry and literature; â€Å"Jackie put an enormous amount of work into appearing effortlessly elegant. † We look at her and think, How simple! â€Å"says Hubert de Givenchy†¦But it was deliberate. She was very conscious of her style, her body, her face. (Tauber) A woman of the 90’s can look at Jackie and like the woman of the 60’s still say that she was in fact right in deciding to look simple amid the fame and glory that she was in because it was this simplicity in her fashion sense that gave her authority over the world of fashion and a healthy appreciation for the elegance that came with a piece of clothing. Jackie was nevertheless quite innovative as she always believed that simplicity could be expressed in a thousand different ways, and even with this ironic contradiction, women of the 60’s were able to identify with the effortlessness of Jackie’s fashion. It is this that transcended the trends of the 60’s and began a whole new movement in contemporary dressing, now even known as Jackie O fashion. Jackie was aware that she was changing the world of fashion little by little and building a monument to the element of feminism that is almost non-existent to the opposite sex. So, to date, the world fondly recalls â€Å"the elegant simplicity of Jacqueline Kennedys style that would come to influence fashion all over the world. † (CAVF) It is not always that a woman is able to change the world by being herself; but the fact remains that Jackie sparked a revolution or more appropriately a renaissance in how women dressed in the 60’s and in the new millennia. Of course, some would say that fashion is just a small piece of the bigger picture depicting world shattering issues but how comforting it is to have someone slink back once in a while and remember that there is nothing that one does not have that one can give to the world. Making a difference means having that difference initiated within oneself and through fashion Jackie was able to make this bold and courageous statement. History will forever remember Jackie as the woman who was able to put policy into fashion; as the women who through her humility and respect for the female persona was able to take the fashion of the 60’s and the contemporary era and mold it to perfection by making women understand that fashion meant courage and conviction, that fashion was an extension of oneself, and that fashion does not need to be loud and un-moderated for it to be elegant, fashionable, and more importantly, stylish.

Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure Research

Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure Research Abstract: Background: DREEM (Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure) is a validated and global tool for assessing educational environment. It can be used to make comparative analysis of educational environment. Our aim is to study medical school students perception of their environment and correlate this with cGPA, gender and year of study. Materials and Method: This cross-sectional study involved students of semesters 5, 7 and 9 of Dow Medical College from August 2013 to August 2014. DREEM questionnaires were provided to participants in written form. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate mean and SD score for total DREEM and DREEM domains. ANOVA was used to categorize any variation related to three semesters and unpaired t- test was used to classify gender related variances. Results: Total number of respondents was 246 (response rate=82.0%), of which 69(28.04%) were males and 177(71.95%) were females. Total DREEM score was calculated as 110.4/200(55.2%). Maximum score was established in the domain of students’ self-social perception (56.8%) and lowest in domain of students’ perceptions of learning (53.3%). Conclusion: The research shows that students’ perception of their educational environment is slightly more positive than average. It is clear that cGPA does not have an enormous impact on the mind-set of students as commonly perceived. Key Words: Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure, educational environment, cGPA, undergraduate, medical education. Background: The ‘educational environment’ defined as everything that happens within the classroom, campus or university as whole is crucial in determining the success of undergraduate medical education [1]. In 1998, the World Federation for Medical Education highlighted the learning environment as one of the determining factors in the evaluation of medical education programs 2. Medical educators widely agree upon the fact that the effects of the educational environment, both academic and clinical, are important determinants of medical students’ attitude, knowledge and skill 2. The key to the provision of highly motivated, student centered education is precise evaluation of the academic and clinical aspects of a medical institution. For such highly quality and accurate assessment, there is a need of comprehensive and valid tool [3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]. For decades, researchers have assessed and developed various tools to measure learning environment in primary and secondary education as well as for tertiary education [9, 10, 11]. In health profession, nursing educational system and their perceived environment has been studied comprehensively as well [12, 13, 14, 15]. Educators and researchers have attempted to define and measure the medical education environment as basis for implementing modifications and thus optimizing the educational environment [16, 17, 18, 19]. The most widely used contemporary tool is almost certainly the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) [20]. The DREEM is a 50-item measure of students perceptions of their learning environment which projects scores on five domains. These five domains are labeled as, students’ perception of learning, perception of course organizers, academic self-perception, perception of atmosphere and social self-perception [21]. DREEM questionnaire, developed by an international Delphi panel, has been applied to several undergraduate courses for health professionals worldwide. It produces global readings and diagnostic analyses which allows quality comparisons to be made in the performance and effectiveness of different medical schools. This instrument has been translated into Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, Dutch Swedish, Norwegian, Malay and Thai and used in several settings including the Middle East, Thailand, Nepal and Nigeria [22, 23,24]. It is currently being utilized in the medical schools of the UK, Canada, Ireland, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Norway, Sweden, Venezuela, the West Indies, Sri Lanka, Oman and the Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia to evaluate the students’ perception and help medical and health schools to recognize their educational priorities and as a result, introduce more effective measures [25, 26, 27, 28, 29 30] Dow Medical College, located in Karachi, is one of the oldest medical schools in Pakistan. In 2003, it became a constituent college of the newly formed Dow University of Health Sciences. Gradual but definitive changes in the teaching strategies are being implemented at Dow Medical College. With the batch of 2009, Dow University of Health Sciences has introduced an integrated modular curriculum. Dow University is the first public sector medical university of Pakistan to have introduced this modern method of education. The curriculum has been developed by a strong team of faculty members of the University and this has greatly enhanced the teaching standards. Moreover, it has proved to greatly impact students’ perception of their learning environment. The course work of five years has been divided into 10 semesters and a semester examination is conducted at the end of the course of 6 months. Modular and midterm examinations are held for regular appraisal of students. The rationale of this study is to evaluate the effect of cGPA on the students’ perception of educational environment at Dow Medical College, and to assess any differences in perception related to gender and year of study using Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM). Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, conducted on the target population of the students of semester 5, 7 9 of Dow Medical College, Karachi from 30th August 2013 to 30th August 2014. The study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Dow University of Health Sciences. DREEM questionnaires were distributed to 246 students of semesters 5, 7 9. DREEM consists of 50 statements, grouped in five domains, relevant to the educational environment. The respondents were asked to read each statement carefully and to respond using a five-point Likert scales ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree. Each item was scored as follows: 4 for strongly agree, 3 for agree, 2 for uncertain, 1 for disagree and 0 for strongly disagree. The DREEM inventory has a maximum score of 200. It consists of the following domains: Students Perceptions of Learning (12 questions, maximum score: 48) Students Perceptions of Teachers (11 questions, maximum score: 44) Students Academic Self-Perceptions (8 questions, maximum score: 32) Students Perceptions of Atmosphere (12 questions, maximum score: 48) Students Social Self-Perceptions (7 questions, maximum score: 28) It was made sure that the personal identity of the students remained anonymous. It was also explained that the data would not be forwarded to third party. Before distributing the research questionnaire to the students, a thorough explanation was given to them in order to describe the objectives dimensions of the study. Data was analyzed using SPSS version-16.0. Descriptive statistics tool was used to evaluate arithmetic means and standard deviation for total DREEM all five sub-scales. ANOVA was used to categorize any variation related to three semesters and level of significance was taken at â€Å"p Results: Response rate: Response rate was 82% (246/300), distribution of response rate of students in selected semesters in chosen medical school was semester 5: 101 (41.05%); semester 7: 75 (30.48%); semester 9: 70 (28.45%). Male and female students accounted for 69 (28.04%) and 177 (71.95%) for responding samples, respectively. Total DREEM mean score was calculated to be 110.4/200 (55.2%) among all three semesters. Components of Table 1, are: Maximum and minimum scores of DREEM inventory and its five domains, arithmetic mean with standard deviation and percentage of mean score with interpretations. In Table 1, the highest score was recorded in the domain of students’ social self-perceptions (56.8%) and lowest in the of students’ perception of learning domain (53.3%). Table 2 shows the mean scores of DREEM inventory in selected semesters. There has been a significant difference in the perceptions of students of 5th, 7th and 9th semesters regarding environment. Students of 9th semester hold a considerable positive attitude which is exhibited not only by their mean DREEM score but also when viewing all the domains of DREEM individually, with a maximum of 61.4% positivity in the domain of â€Å"Students’ self-social perception† and a minimum of 58.8% in the sub-scale of â€Å"Students’ perception of atmosphere†. Response of 7th semester students’ is somewhat positive as shown by their mean DREEM score of 112/200 (56%), score being highest of 57.8% in the subscale of â€Å"Students’ social self-perceptions† and lowest of 54.3% in â€Å"Students’ perception of teachers† domain. Response of 5th semester students’ in all domains, though not in negative integers, is certainly poor being just 51.35% on the mean DREEM score of 102.7/200. Response rate is maximum in the sub-scale of â€Å"Students’ social self-perceptions† and minimum in â€Å"Students’ perception of learning† These results show that students of all three semesters had maximum positive response as represented by their respective scores in the sub-scale of â€Å"Students’ social self-perception†. This is further explained under the section of discussions. Table 3 describes another objective of this study which is, the effect of cGPA on students’ mind-set regarding academic studies, social life and professors. Using DREEM inventory, it is remarkable to know that cGPA is an insignificant factor from analyzed data. This is suggestive that cGPA is not an accurate representative of academic status of student at the medical college. Table 4 delineates difference in the observation of educational environment among male and female gender. Males were found to be more positive about educational environment with response rate of 58.1% on total DREEM score of 116.2/200 while females had the total DREEM score of 108.1/200 with response rate of 54.1%. Males’ response was substantially more positive in every subscale except â€Å"Students’ academic self-perceptions† domain which was determined as a non-significant factor in this comparison between males and females. Discussion: According to the practical guide of McAleer, a mean score between 50 and 100 indicates probable problems in the learning environment [31]. In medical schools with a traditional curriculum, domain scores are found to be below 120; however, in modern, student-centered curriculums, the mean score is generally improved [32]. The results presented herein revealed a mean score of 110.4/200 (55.2%) for the DREEM five domains. Subscale analysis exhibited maximum in the section of students’ social self-perceptions and lowest in domain of students’ perception of learning. The DREEM score of students of 9th semester was slightly positive than students of 5th and 7th semesters presumably because they did not follow the modular system. Their studies were not fast paced and so they were not over burdened by the course. Since the modular system has specified a limited time span for the completion of each course comprehensively, the high burn out rate was apparent in students of this new, fast paced system. Hence the students of 5th and 7th semesters perceived the milieu more negatively than semester 9 students. Effect of cGPA on students’ academic lives was an important aspect of this study. From the results obtained, it is clear that cGPA did not have an enormous impact on the mind-set of students as commonly anticipated. This could be attributable to a fact that majority of the students at DMC, instead of competing for marks, aimed to compete for practical expertise. From the response given by the students, it also appeared that respondents of this research preferred their semester papers to be more clinically oriented in lieu of constructed on outmoded system which is based rote-learning. Students’ perception of the educational environment has a considerable influence on their performance, motivation and academic accomplishments. The analysis also showed the lowest score in the domain of students’ perception of self-learning. It could be attributable to compact learning time and challenging course. This is a point of concern because students are important stake holders of any educational institution and if they are not satisfied with the perception of self-learning then this matter should be taken into consideration by the concerned authorities with sincerity and wherever necessary, credence should be given to students opinion as well. The analysis explains the DREEM score of male students to be more positive than the female students. One reason of this might be the ratio of female students is much higher than the ratio of male students in medical colleges which may be the cause of a competitive approach to learning amongst girls hence more chances of disappointments and negative opinions about the environment. Conclusion: It is concluded that cGPA does not have an enormous impact on the mind-set of students. In all sub-scales, the DREEM score is slightly more positive than average. Mean DREEM score in all three semesters in Dow Medical College is 110.4/200 (55.2%). Sub-scale analysis revealed maximum score in the domain of students’ social self-perceptions and lowest in domain of students’ perception of learning. Hence, results obtained in study can be astutely used to make reforms in academic curriculum, examination patterns, and to direct tactical improvement in order to make educational environment more interesting and better for students. Competing interests: Authors contributions: Authors information: Acknowledgements: References: [1]. Lokuhetty M, Warnakulasuriya S, Perera R, De Silva H, Wijesinghe H. Students’ perception of the educational environment in a Medical Faculty with an innovative curriculum in Sri Lanka. South-East Asian Journal of Medical Education. 2011;4(1):916. [2]. Hammond S, ORourke M, Kelly M, Bennett D, OFlynn S. A psychometric appraisal of the DREEM. BMC medical education. 2012;12(1):2. [3]. Maida A, Vasquez A, Herskovic V, Calderon J, Jacard M, Pereira A et al. A report on student abuse during medical training. Medical teacher. 2003;25(5):497501. [4]. Snadden D. Editorial: Student health and abuse: what is going on out there? Medical teacher. 2003;25(5):461462. [5]. Kovatz S, Notzer N, Bleiberg I, Shenkman L. Cultural perception of harassment in two groups of medical students: American and Israeli. Medical Teacher. 2004;26(4):349352. [6]. Seabrook M. Clinical students initial reports of the educational climate in a single medical school. Medical education. 2004;38(6):659669. [7]. Seabrook M. Intimidation in medical education: students and teachers perspectives. Studies in Higher Education. 2004;29(1):5974. [8]. Lempp H, Seale C. The hidden curriculum in undergraduate medical education: qualitative study of medical students perceptions of teaching. BMJ. 2004;329(7469):770-3. [9]. Fraser, B. (1982). Development of short forms of several classroom environment scales. Journal of Educational Measurement, 19(3), pp.221227. [10]. Trickett EJ, Moos RH, Press CP. Classroom environment scale: Consulting Psychologists Press; 1987. [11]. Pace CR, Stern GG. An approach to the measurement of psychological characteristics of college environments. Journal of Educational Psychology. 1958;49(5):269. [12]. Chan D. Development of an innovative tool to assess hospital learning environments. Nurse Education Today. 2001;21(8):624-31. [13]. Chan DS. Combining qualitative and quantitative methods in assessing hospital learning environments. International journal of nursing studies. 2001;38(4):447-59. [14]. Chan D. Development of the Clinical Learning Environment Inventory: using the theoretical framework of learning environment studies to assess nursing students perceptions of the hospital as a learning environment. The Journal of nursing education. 2002;41(2):69-75. [15]. Saarikoski M, Leino-Kilpi H. The clinical learning environment and supervision by staff nurses: developing the instrument. International Journal of Nursing Studies. 2002;39(3):259-67. [16]. Rothman A, Ayoade F. The development of a learning environment: a questionnaire for use in curriculum evaluation. Academic Medicine. 1970;45(10):7549. [17]. 5.Marshall R. Measuring the medical school learning environment. Academic Medicine. 1978;53(2):98104. [18]. Feletti G, Clarke R. Review of psychometric features of the medical school learning environment survey. Medical Education. 1981;15(2):9296. [19]. Moore-West M, Harrington D, Mennin S, Kaufman A, Skipper B. Distress and attitudes toward the learning environment: effects of a curriculum innovation. Teaching and Learning in Medicine: An International Journal. 1989;1(3):151157. [20].Roff S, McAleer S, Harden R, Al-Qahtani M, Ahmed A, Deza H et al. Development and validation of the Dundee ready education environment measure (DREEM). Medical Teacher. 1997;19(4):295—299. [21]. Roff S. The Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM)-a generic instrument for measuring students perceptions of undergraduate health professions curricula. Medical Teacher. 2005;27(4):322-5. [22]. Al-Qahtani MFM. Approaches to study and learning environment in medical schools with special reference to the Gulf countries: University of Dundee; 1999. [23]. Pimparyon SMC, S. Pemba, S. Roff, P. Educational environment, student approaches to learning and academic achievement in a Thai nursing school. Medical Teacher. 2000;22(4):359-64. [24]. Roff S, McAleer S, Ifere O, Bhattacharya S. A global diagnostic tool for measuring educational environment: comparing Nigeria and Nepal. Medical teacher. 2001;23(4):378-82. [25]. Till H, Roff S, McAleer S, editors. Identifying the Strengths and Weaknesses of a New Curriculum by Means of the DREEM Inventory. Poster presentation at AMEE Conference, Lisbon; 2002. [26]. Till H. Identifying the perceived weaknesses of a new curriculum by means of the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) Inventory. Medical teacher. 2004;26(1):39-45. [27]. Zamzuri A, Ali A, Roff S, McAleer S. Students perceptions of the educational environment at dental training college. Malaysian Dent J. 2004;25:15-26. [28]. Bassaw B, Roff S, McAleer S, Roopnarinesingh S, De Lisle J, Teelucksingh S, et al. Students perspectives on the educational environment, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Trinidad. Medical teacher. 2003;25(5):522-6. [29]. Al-Zidgali L. Students’ approaches to studying at the Institute of Health Sciences, Sultanate of Oman. Masters of Medical Education dissertation, University of Dundee. 1999. [30]. Al-hazimi A, Al-hyiani A, Roff S. Perceptions of the educational environment of the medical school in King Abdul Aziz University, Saudi Arabia. Medical teacher. 2004;26(6):570-3. [31]. McAleer S, Roff S: A practical guide to using the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM). Curriculum, Environment, Climate, Quality and Change in Medical Education: a Unifying Perspective. AMEE Education Guide No. 23. Dundee: Association for Medical Education in Europe Edited by Genn JM. 2001, 29-33. [32]. http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6920/10/87

Factors for MRI Image Quality

Factors for MRI Image Quality Title: MRI Image Quality TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION 2.0 SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO (SNR) Figure 1 3.0 CONTRAST TO NOISE RATIO (CNR) 4.0 RESOLUTION AND SCAN TIME 5.0 THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MRI PARAMETERS AND IMAGE QUALITY Table 1: MRI parameters trade-offs (Proprofs.com, 2015) 6.0 CONCLUSION REFERENCES 1.0 INTRODUCTION Image quality is the most important element in imaging radiography. According to Courses Washington Education, (2015) image quality must be assessed on the basis of average performance of some task of interest by some observer or decision maker. It was stated that image quality must be defined in terms of a task on what information to be retrieved from an image; and the observer on how the information will be extracted from the image. Since MRI image is a digital image, it is greatly depends on image contrast and its spatial characteristics. Nevertheless, one of the disadvantages of this flexibility is a greater difficulty in terms of the choice of scanning parameters. In general scan times are not negligible and there is a certain tendency towards artefact. However, the most fundamental limitation in MRI is the signal-to noise ratio (SNR) which is dependent upon the hardware, mostly the main field strength and radiofrequency (RF) coils, upon the relaxation properties of tissue and upon the choice of sequence parameters. Good image quality depends upon making good scanning parameter choices (McRobbie, 2007). 2.0 SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO (SNR) The signal to noise ratio can be defined as the ratio of the amplitude of the signal received to the average amplitude of the noise whereas the signal is the voltage induced in the receiver coil by the precession of the net magnetic vector in the transverse plane (Westbrook et al. 2011, pp.104). Noise can be defined as an undesirable backgroundinterferenceor disturbance that affects image quality (Mr-tip.com, 2015). According to Weber (2015), noise is caused by two factors which are the electromagnetic noise in the body due to movement of charged particles; and small anomalies in the measurement electronics, which depends on the size of the RF coil and the bandwidth of the pulse sequence. In addition, noise occurs at all frequencies and is also random in time and space. On the other hand, the signal is cumulative, and occurs at time TE, depends on many factors and it can be altered. The signal is therefore can be changed in relation to the noise. Increasing the signal increases the SNR, while decreasing the signal decreases the SNR. Therefore, any factor that affects the signal amplitude in gives effect to the SNR. The factors that affect the SNR include magnetic field strength, the proton density, voxel volume, repetition time (TR), echo time (TE), flip angle, number of excitations (NEX), receive bandwidth and coil type (Westbrook et al. 2011, pp.104). According to McRobbie in his book, MRI from Picture to Proton (2007), images with a poor SNR will appear fuzzy. An important aspect of image optimization is to certify that there is a high enough SNR for the images to be diagnostically valuable yet low SNR may result in losing small details or the obscuring of subtle contrast changes. Therefore, contrast to noise ratio (CNR) is always taken into consideration in the aspect of image quality. Figure 1: Increasing the basic resolution will increase the image quality. However, increasing the resolution more than the acceptable range will produce grains in the image due to low SNR and reducing it will produce a blurry image due to high SNR. Increasing basic resolution will result in prolonged time. (Image adapted from Mrimaster.com, 2015) 3.0 CONTRAST TO NOISE RATIO (CNR) CNR can be defined as a measure to assess the ability of an imaging procedure to generate clinically useful image contrast. However, the image contrast itself is not precise enough to qualify an image, because in a noisy image it is uncertain where the contrast originates. It depends on two factors either due true tissue contrast, or it may be due to noise fluctuations. The human ability to distinguish between objects is proportional to contrast, and it decreases linearly with noise (KTH, 2015). By improving CNR the perception of the distinct differences between two clinical areas of interest will be increased. In a simple word, acontrasttonoiseratio is a summary ofSNRandcontrast. It is the difference inSNRbetween two relevant tissue types (Mr-tip.com, 2015). CNR is controlled by the same factors that affect SNR. However, it is considered as the most critical factor affecting image quality (scrsl.weebly.com, 2015). 4.0 RESOLUTION AND SCAN TIME In MRI imaging, the scan time is advisable to be as short as possible. This is because the longer the patient lies on the table; the more likely it is that they will move. Moreover, if the patient has moved during the scan, the image produced will have a great SNR (Westbrook et al. 2011). The minimum scan time in MRI imaging is affected by TR, matrix size and NEX while the spatial resolution is determined by matrix size, FOV and slice thickness. By increasing matrix size or decreasing FOV and slice thickness increases spatial resolution at the expense of either decreased signal-to-noise or increased scan time. In order to obtain images of high resolution with high signal-to-noise requires longer scan times. All of the scan parameters affect signal-to-noise ratio. However, the signal within an image can be enhanced either by increasing TR, FOV, slice thickness and NEX or by decreasing TE and matrix size. The most direct way to increase signal is by increasing NEX, but increasing NEX from two to four which doubles the scan time, increases the signal by only the square root of two. Lastly, TE does not affect scan time; however, it does determine the maximum number of slices in multi-slice mode. Increasing the TE or shortening TR decreases the number of slices that can be obtained with one pulse sequence (Spinwarp.ucsd.edu, 2015). 5.0 THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MRI PARAMETERS AND IMAGE QUALITY An image that is obtained in a short scan time, with a good spatial resolution and high SNR is preferable yet is hardly to achieve as increasing one factor certainly reduces one or both of the other two (Westbrook et. al, 2011). Trade-offsexists when changing imaging parameters to obtain the best images possible. For instance, the SNR, resolution, and acquisition time, are all interconnected. Changing one will affect the others. It is important to decide what factors are more important for an examination of a particular body part, patient and suspected abnormality. For example, when looking at the pituitary or cranial nerves, some SNR may need to be less considered or use longer acquisition time to improve the spatial resolution. However, in a claustrophobic of patient in pain who may be moving around, both resolution and SNR for the shortest possible examination time need to be considered to produce better image quality and preventing motion artefact (Ballinger, 2015). Thetable below summarizes the trade-offs in MRI between SNR, resolution, time, maximum number of slices and distance covered. Table 1: MRI parameters trade-offs (Proprofs.com, 2015) 6.0CONCLUSION In conclusion, the quality of an MR image depends on several factors which include the spatial resolution and image contrast, SNR and CNR and also artefacts. An MR examination is cooperation between scan time and image quality and its sequence parameters will have to be optimized in function of the organs and pathology. Moreover, the signal intensities and contrast are determined by the timing parameters TR and TE and also the flip angle. Besides, to produce a good image in MRI the scan time should always be as short as possible to avoid patient movement by using the shortest TR possible, select the coarse matrix possible and reduce the NEX to a minimum. REFERENCES Ballinger, J. (2015).Trade offs | Radiology Reference Article | Radiopaedia.org. [online] Radiopaedia.org. Available at: http://radiopaedia.org/articles/trade-offs [Accessed 3 May 2015]. Barrett, H. and Myers, K. (2004).Foundations of image science. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Interscience. Courses Washington Education, (2015).Image Quality. [online] Available at: http://courses.washington.edu/bioen508/Lecture1_partC.pdf [Accessed 30 Apr. 2015]. KTH, (2015).Point Spread Function. [online] Available at: http://medim.sth.kth.se/6l2872/F/F9.pdf [Accessed 30 Apr. 2015]. McRobbie, D. (2007).MRI from picture to proton. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. Mrimaster.com, (2015). MRI resolution and image quality | how to manipulate mri scan parameters. [online] Available at: https://mrimaster.com/index.4.html [Accessed 4 May 2015]. Mr-tip.com, (2015).MRI Database : Contrast to Noise Ratio. [online] Available at: http://www.mr-tip.com/serv1.php?type=db1dbs=Contrast+to+Noise+Ratio [Accessed 30 Apr. 2015]. Mr-tip.com, (2015).MRI Database : Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI. [online] Available at: http://www.mr-tip.com/serv1.php?type=db1dbs=Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI [Accessed 28 Apr. 2015]. Mr-tip.com, (2015).MRI Database : Noise. [online] Available at: http://www.mr-tip.com/serv1.php?type=db1dbs=Noise [Accessed 30 Apr. 2015]. Nde-ed.org, (2015).Image Considerations. [online] Available at: https://www.nde-ed.org/EducationResources/CommunityCollege/Radiography/TechCalibrations/imageconsiderations.htm [Accessed 30 Apr. 2015]. Proprofs.com, (2015).Flashcards Table on MRIImaging Parameters. [online] Available at: http://www.proprofs.com/flashcards/tableview.php?title=mriimaging-parameters [Accessed 3 May 2015]. scrsl.weebly.com, (2015).Parameters and Trade-offs. [online] Available at: http://scrsl.weebly.com/uploads/5/1/3/0/5130772/magnetic_resonance_imaging_6parameters__trade_offs.ppt [Accessed 30 Apr. 2015]. Spinwarp.ucsd.edu, (2015). [online] Available at: http://spinwarp.ucsd.edu/neuroweb/Text/br-100.htm [Accessed 3 May 2015]. Spinwarp.ucsd.edu, (2015). [online] Available at: http://spinwarp.ucsd.edu/neuroweb/Text/br-100.htm [Accessed 3 May 2015]. UChicago, (2015).How does MRI work?. [online] Available at: http://wiki.ci.uchicago.edu/pub/HNL/DifficultQuestion/howdoesmriwork.pdf [Accessed 30 Apr. 2015]. University of Bergen, (2015).Contrast (CNR) in MRI. [online] Available at: https://wikihost.uib.no/mriwiki/images/5/5c/MRCourseLectures_Oct2011_ContrastTheory.pdf [Accessed 30 Apr. 2015]. Weber, D. (2015).MRI Quality. [online] Psdlw.users.sourceforge.net. Available at: http://psdlw.users.sourceforge.net/career/dweber_docs/mri_quality.html [Accessed 30 Apr. 2015]. Westbrook, C. and Kaut-Roth, C. (2011).MRI in practice. Oxford: Blackwell Science. 1

Mans Relationship to the Land in John Steinbecks Grapes of Wrath Essa

     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Man's relationship to the land undergoes a transformation throughout John Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath. Initially, back in Oklahoma, each family feels a strong attachment to the land because the ancestors of these farmers fought and cleared the Indians out of the land, made it suitable for farming, and worked year after year in the fields so that each generation would be provided for. Passing down the land to successive generations, the farmers come to realize that the land is all that they own. It is their family's source of sustenance. However, the strong bond between man and the land is broken when the bank comes to vacate the tenants during hard times.   The tractors hired by the bank literally tear down the bond between man and the land. Due to the eviction, the farmers are forced to move to California, where work is supposedly in demand. As each family takes off for California, it no longer feels a connection to the lands through which it is traveling. Once it reaches California, it feels no connection to its land. For the first time, it is forced to be dependent on somebody else's generosity in distributing jobs, and most importantly, somebody else's land. Thus, in California, the relationship between man and land is not as strong as it was in Arkansas and Oklahoma. The change in this relationship is due in part to the mercilessness of the bank, and in the end, man loses because its connection to the only significant thing it has ever owned is gone. Once the families travel to California, each family member's soul stays back in Oklahoma, making it difficult to adjust to working on lands that have not been cultivate d by their own family for generations.    The land of each generatio... ...job, but instead, little is offered, because of the numbers that they are coming in. Ultimately, one must conclude that no matter how poor a family may be, without land, all is lost in pursuit of a replacement of the heritage that has been destroyed by a superior power. Works Cited and Consulted: Conder, John J. "Steinbeck and Nature's Self: The Grapes of Wrath." John Steinbeck, Modern Critical Views. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1987. 125-140. French, Warren. John Steinbeck. Boston: Twayne Publishers, 1975. Levant, Howard. "The Fully Matured Art: The Grapes of Wrath." John Steinbeck, Modern Critical Views. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1987. 35-62. Steinbeck, John. The Grapes of Wrath. New York: Penguin Books, 1978. Wallsten, Robert and Steinbeck, Elaine. Steinbeck: A Life in Letters. New York: The Viking Press, 1975.

Analysis of Spike Lees Do the Right Thing Essay -- Spike Lees Do the

Director and actor Spike Lee presents his "truth" about race relations in his movie Do the Right Thing. The film exhibits the spectacle of black discrimination and racial altercations. Through serious, angry, and loud sounds, Lee stays true to the ethnicity of his characters, all of which reflect their own individualism. Lee uses insulting diction and intense scenes to show how severe racism can lead to violence. The biases reflected through Do the Right Thing model those of today which has kept society in a constant feud for so long. In Oprah Winfrey's dynamic episode, "The Color of Fear", Mr. Mun Wah projects his strong opinion when he states, " . . . that racism is still going on today, that we've got to stop to hear the anguish and the pain that goes with that and then we'll survive." (3) People do not realize the severity of their own words. In the scenes of the movie that emphasize the shocking reality of failed interracial communication, racial stereotyping, trust or l ack of trust, and acrimonious violence mirror the current concerns about race in America as reflected in "The Color Of Fear." The disturbing scene where different nationalities badger their opinions on each other shows poor communication and horrible stereotyping. Pino's Italian slang, Mookies black talk, and Korean obscenities are all mixed together to show how communication grows impossible among different ethnic groups. Spike Lee is trying to show how nonsense language results in a snowball effect which worsens any situation. Lorene Cary states her view on this situation when she comments, "We need more of them, not less; more words . . . What I do want is language: fighting words, love poems, elegance, dissonance, dissing, signifying, alarms, whistles, scholarly texts, political oratory, the works. Without it, we're dead."("As plain as Black and White") Maybe these "fighting words" unlock the truth about the communication plague, spreading throughout history. Leonard P. Zakin once said, " . . . it's all about conversation, not dialogue."("Scaling the Walls of Hatred") Like the characters in Do the Rig ht Thing, present day people can scream at each other all they want and will not get anywhere because outcry is not conversation. Conversation is talking, explaining, discussing, informing, and most definitely listening. Many people do not think twice when a racial slur ... ... trust, and wrongful violence that reflects the existing concerns about racism in America. The intense language and strong gestures enhance the film creating a realistic view for the audience. The actors in "The Color of Fear" and Spike Lee's characters both realize a problem exist, although do not know where to start to fix it. Peter Jennings pinpoints: " . . . There are many valid points of view, many belief systems, . . . bias and prejudice and truth and reality and myth are all mixed together . . . we're all biased in some way . . . You know, I used to think there was something called 'truth'. But after I spent seven years in the Middle East, I learned that there are truths about everything in life."(ABC Classroom Connection, Fall, 1993) Racism did not start with just one person nor one truth. Neither will racism end with one person or truth. I believe it takes a contribution of people, the American nation, to commit willingly. We need to listen and learn, talk and share, and understand the truths that each individual owns. Spike Lee's movie comes across as a brilliant and powerful illustration of how America's condescending behavior impairs our racial society.

Make Way Movie Brats Essay

In the late 1960s to late 1970s, as the veteran directors retired, a new generation gradually took their place. Associated with â€Å"New Hollywood,† these young and diverse directors, often in their late twenties and early thirties, were considered â€Å"movie brats. † These new directors Some of the more famous were Francis Ford Coppola, Stephen Spielberg, and George Lucas; all of whom had an intense awareness of film history, worked with quotations and remakes, and created extremely successful films. With an influx of new directors, it seemed fit that they would take over the industry entirely. However, director Robert Altman, born around twenty years earlier and being significantly older than his â€Å"movie brats† successors, Altman remained essential to the industry. Post mid-1970s, it was less commonplace for efforts to be put toward maintaining Hollywood art cinema. The new directors were focusing on box-office revenue and the production of both action-oriented and youth-oriented, blockbuster films with radiant special effects. Two films that demonstrated such qualities were Steven Spielberg’s Jaws and George Lucas’s Star Wars. Altman persisted for efforts to be continued. He, as well as other older directors like Paul Mazusky and Woody Allen, ventured into the American art cinema. Altman had to work at a rapid pace during the 1970s as he completed more than a dozen films. He also had to compete with the younger generation of Hollywood that was producing huge blockbuster hits. Though rather than trying to create an action flick, Altman stayed true to his roots and produced films primarily based on the character’s emotions rather than plot. Two specific movies in which Altman emphasized shifts from objective reality and subjectivity of the character are Images and 3 Women. In 1970, Altman directed M*A*S*H*; a film praised for its uses of humor with a topic as heavy as the Korean War and for becoming one of the highest grossing films of the year. However, Altman’s films did not always prove to do exceedingly well at the box-office. McCabe and Mrs. Miller and The Long Goodbye created a few years later were generally well received and proved to be moderate earners. His films That Cold Day in the Park, Brewster McCloud, and Thieves Like Us evidently all became box-office disappointments, even though the three generally received good reviews from critics. Although Altman’s movies are not always top box-office earners, they are still habitually the subject of a lot of critical attention. Such is evident with his film Images where the movie didn’t garner a lot of praise for Altman, even though the film might have been considered a peak for other directors. It was released between the films â€Å"McCabe† and â€Å"The Long† and as mentioned previously, they were moderately successful. They received more acclaim and attention resulting in less appreciation of Images upon its release on-screen and it’s availability in today’s time. For this reason, the film can be compared to Francis Coppola’s The Conversation. Although a great movie, it was only considered to be a minor significance to Coppola’s career coming between the crowd pleasers and box-office smash hits The Godfather and The Godfather 2. Images was shot in the wet autumn months of 1971 in Ireland. It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival the following May. It was there that Susannah York won the award for best actress. York credited her role as Cathryn in the film as the role she is most proud of. Although taking home an award, Cannes audiences were primarily confused. Images isn’t the type of film an audience would feel sympathetic towards. It’s somewhat complicated to follow and comes off as cold. However, it’s not as nearly as hard to comprehend as the first reviewers of the movie suggested. As film critic Roger Ebert states, â€Å"[The film] is a technical success but not quite an emotional one. † Because Altman was a hot ticket item in 1971 with M*A*S*H*; Columbia Pictures took the distribution rights of the film and entered it in the New York Film Festival. Unfortunately for Images, neither Vincent Canby nor Roger Greenspan (two dominant film critics for the New York Times) took up the movie to review. It was then left to Howard Thomson, a journalist and film critic for the New York Times nicknamed â€Å"mishmash† for writing brief reviews for films. Thomson made no exception for Images, leaving it only with an imperceptive review. The film never went on to have a traditional commercial release in America. Essentially the film is about a children’s author and housewife Cathryn (Susannah York) who receives several phone calls on a gloomy night in her London home. The voice on the other end is a female stating that Cathryn’s husband Hugh (Rene Auberjonois) is having an affair with another woman. Hugh comes home seeing his wife in grief and tries to comfort her. He vanishes and another man is shown acting as if he was her husband. Frightened at the sight, she screams and backs way, later seeing the figure change back into the â€Å"image† of her husband. Hugh feels that her angst is a result of stress and her budding pregnancy. He takes her to vacation at an isolated cottage in an attempt to relieve some stress. As she stays there, Cathryn dives farther into foreboding delusions as the stranger reappears. It becomes difficult for her to distinguish what is happening in reality and what’s just going on her head. Images shows a lot of subjectivity through its characters because of the extreme personas of the characters and the situations they are placed in. Cathryn begins hearing sounds and hallucinates constantly. She feels guilt sexually after envisioning encounters with two men that are not her husband. One is a sinister Frenchman who asked to be shot by Cathryn to exorcise his ghost. After he apparently falls dead, it is shown that her husband’s expensive camera is all that was really shot. The other man is more realistic, portraying a neighbor who’s infatuated with her and believes Cathryn has rape fantasies and needs strong care. She bares an attraction to him but also feels guilt. She eventually stabs the neighbor with a kitchen knife eventually â€Å"killing† him. The husband Hugh is relatively the only normal character of the film. He never completely comprehends the extent of his wife’s mental horror. Truly having his wife’s best interests in mind and acting as an ideal husband, Hugh thought relocating her to a more isolated place would relieve her of woes. He’s a typical simple American who is addicted to dumb jokes. What Cathryn actually feels about him is only pointed at towards the last 20 minutes of the film where she tries killing off a ghost she incorrectly sees as her other self. Altman’s introduction of his characters and plot comes off as him trying his hand at feminist tax. For one thing, there’s barely any scenes that don’t revolve around the main protagonist Cathryn. Her character isn’t compelling which somewhat dooms the film from the beginning. The male characters come across as jerks. Altman’s goal seemed to make a point about the way movies objectify women, turning them into the â€Å"images,† the film’s title indicates, for the consumption of male viewers. After all, Cathryn is only a little more than something for the men in the film to enjoy. Cameras figure plainly in the film’s mise-en-scene. Her pointing and shooting a gun (a symbol of male power) is yet another example of Altman’s use of gender associations. Although Altman’s point is clear, it seems like he went about delivering the message in a cliched way. In terms of objective reality, every image revealed rovides a lot of suspense and anticipation of what effect Altman will provide next. However it is somewhat difficult to find the reality as it is one of Altman’s most abstract films. It is full of so much symbolism and images that it reflects the work of Bergman and Kubrik. These â€Å"images† consist of shimmering water and tinkling ornaments. They are astonishing beautiful â€Å"images† cut often by shocks of Cathryn’s sensibilities. One daunting scene that does not occur in her head is when she is writing her story and watching ponies, but a dog and frantic sounds break the peacefulness. Altman wrote the film entirely, but the children’s story that accompanies some of â€Å"the images† was composed by Ms. York. This blends art and actuality. The film also has a wonderful use of color that separates the protagonist Cheryl from her ambience in a particularly unique and incomparable way. A few things that this movie can be credited for is its complete originality and uniqueness. Images is a very bizarre Altman film. For a filmmaker who characteristically produces works with large ensembles and layered dialogue, Images feels more blunt and almost claustrophobic. One thing that makes it so different is that the visual style is more lyrical at some points while jagged at the others. Another difference is that the dialog does not overlap. In charge of photography was Vilmos Zsigmond, one of the best cinematographers of the seventies and Altman’s favorite cameraman at the time of production. He does an amazing job with his photography by remaining with the woman’s point of view while never suggesting at what is really going on. Altman added a clever touch to interchange the character’s names with the actors that portray them. Susannah is played by actress Cathryn Harrison and Cathryn is played by actress Susannah York. Another switch of names is shown in the characters of three actors: Hugh played by Rene Auberjonois, Rene played by Marcel Bozzuffi, and Marcel is played by Hugh Millai. Altman’s demand of the audience’s senses is both nontraditional and expert. The fragmented style applied to the movie will definitely not please all senses to each audience member. However its witty script, brave look at a twisted inner world, and the eerie atmosphere the film creates is enough to keep one’s attention for the films entirety. If that’s not enough, there is always the pleasure of watching characters played by phenomenal actors Altman is so famous for providing. American film critic and film/animation historian Leonard Maltin described the film best in stating the film was â€Å"difficult but fascinating† and that it comes off as â€Å"off-putting at first, but worth the effort to hang on. † It is a definite must see for Altman admirers who want to see him in a new style. Altman doesn’t worry about the defenses needed for his film, but rather simply creates a spiritual and poetic vision letting logic and caution fall in the depths of the films beauty. Whether or not Altman produced a commercial success, didn’t change the pace at which he put forth films. Five years after Images was produced, Altman came out with the film 3 Women. The idea for the film came to Altman in a dream. It was because of Allen’s success with filmmaking; 20th Century Fox approved the movie before he had a definite script. Although it was original intention to film without a script, he eventually had one made before filming. This script was more like a â€Å"blueprint,† which he regularly did with previous films. The film centers around two women whose characters are in keen contrast with one another among their first encounters. The third woman the title hints at is a minor character but has a key supporting role, although not first recognized to the audience but gradually can be understood. Essentially the movie tells a story of three women whose characters change and merge, until finally, in the perplexing ending scene, switch roles. 3 Women, although praised for its uniqueness, was not very popular at the time. American audiences may not have even recognized its release at the time. Why you might wonder? A little movie directed by George Lucas bearing the name Star Wars was released in the same year. The three women the title hints at are Shelley Duvall, Sissy Spacek, and Janice Rule who live in the same apartment complex in the desert of California. Duvall plays Mildred â€Å"Millie† Lammoreaux, who works as a physical therapist at a senior care center. She comes off as very confident about her charm and her appeal to men, even though the men she goes after openly mock her. Pinky Rose, played by Spacek, is a young, naive, and childlike woman from Texas who too gets a job at the senior center. With Millie’s roommate moving out, she is forced to find a new roommate, after accepting the conditions, Pinky becomes that new roommate. Rule plays the supporting yet vital role of Willie Hart, the pregnant wife of the landlord of the apartment complex. She gives off an incredibly sad aura as she moves with a gloomy silence, keeping isolated from other people. Willie is a muralist who makes visually appealing yet moderately unsettling murals; one in which is painted at the bottom of the apartment pool depicting godlike creatures, absurd men, and women who annoy each other. The opening scene of the film reflects roles of each of the three women that women in general often play. Willie, the pregnant wife, represents a mother. From the mural she is painting in the pool, one can determine that she seems very sad. Millie reflects a teenager in that she is often very interested in the opposite sex. She is an odd character in that she obsessively gives recipes to others and tells them how she organizes them by the allotted time, even though no one seems to care. Pinky, when first introduced at the clinic, comes off instantly as immature and naive just like an average child. During lunch, she blows bubbles through a straw into her drink and later plays around in a wheelchair, pretending as if she was a patient. Along with making faces at the workers, she says to Millie, â€Å"You’re the most perfect person I’ve ever met,† resembling a young child admiring their cooler older sister. As with Images, this film is also extremely subjective in terms of the characters. Each character has an excessive emphasis on their moods, attitudes, and opinions. There’s no subtly in any of the way the characters act. Millie, as explained in the previous paragraph, is portrayed as an annoying friend who talks excessively. We’ve all experienced or know someone who has experienced a friend like this before, but someone having a personality as dramatic as Millie is just unusual. The audience quickly understands how desperate she is to find a man. Tom, a neighbor who works the grill during poolside dinners, is someone Millie fancies a lot but can’t get attention from. She even tells Pinky that he has asked her out on dates but she’s always been too busy to accept; clearly an act of desperation over someone she cares fantasizes about so deeply. During her lunch break she eats and sits with the doctors, consisting of only men, rather than her co-workers even though it’s more expensive. Her efforts are useless in that they still don’t really acknowledge her. Her last hangout spot to socialize with men is a local bar/ recreation area, owned by Edgar and bartended by his wife Willie. The boys too preoccupied with shooting at a gun range and riding bikes outback, provides yet another obstacle for Millie to find someone. Pinky too reflects the extreme of a personality behaving as some would call childlike. She is a withdrawn woman trying to begin a new life in California, refusing to go into specifics of her past life. The way she looks up to Millie after knowing her for less than a day is extremely odd. Most people emulate people, especially when they are the new one in town as Pinky was, when they are popular or are known for doing something good. They think by acting similar to that person, they will share that same sense of praise and popularity. What’s strange about Pinky’s situation is that Millie isn’t your ideal role model and is the complete opposite of a popular girl. Millie is more of the nerd that’s oblivious to what other people truly think about her. It brings to the question, why would anyone want to duplicate Millie? Also, what made Pinky not want to keep her past life hidden? Altman was very creative in creating Willie’s character. Although Willie doesn’t have many lines in the film, shown mostly with her paintings instead of with people, her supporting role is necessary for the flow of the movie. With a macho husband possessing such an extravagant personality, it wouldn’t be hard to miss her character entirely. Although withdrawn from social interaction, it is made evident that she is still caring. After Pinky attempted to commit suicide by jumping into the apartment pool, Willie didn’t hesitate to jump in and save her. Also in the final scene, even though Willie and Pinky were both messing around with her husband, she still decided to take them in and let them work at the bar with her after the â€Å"accidental† death of her husband. The three women make a complete 360 from polar opposites, into a family. The objective reality of the film is evident through its use of the visual representation found in the mirrors and the water. Mirrors and reflections represent the way Millie views herself. Through the mirrors, we begin to understand Millie’s obsession with looking good, something she is proud of accomplishing. Millie is always beautifying herself by making small changes to her clothes, touching her hair constantly to make sure her curls are intact, and perfecting her makeup. She looks at her reflection, apparently adoring what she says looking back at her, even though no one can figuratively see her. The mirror and the reflections represent Millie’s invisibility to other people in that when you look in the mirror, you are the only one to take notice of what’s reflecting back. Water is also extremely prevalent in the film’s entirety. Each of the three female protagonists of the film is associated with water in one way or another. The opening shot of pregnant Willie painting a mural and water being immersed as a backdrop is said by Altman to represent â€Å"the amniotic fluid surrounding a fetus,† (Ebert). The seceding scene shows Millie and her coworkers helping old people slowly descend into a pool- going to the water as their lives initially started. The wavy line shown on the screen is thought to represent an umbilical cord connecting the person to its life line. Also located in the pool is the crucial turning point in which Pinky jumps into the pool from the balcony, to be later saved by Willie. The movie does feature men; however they are of far less significance to the main protagonists. Edgar, played by Robert Fortier, is the husband of Willie. What someone might call a â€Å"manly man,† Edgar showcases himself with motorcycles, beer, and guns. He is very much a drunk who tries to portray himself as a benevolent western gunslinger and fails to acknowledge his wife properly. The other men, often seen lounging around the apartment’s pool, are objects of Millie’s captivation. She always comes off in preparation for dates or dinner plans with these gentleman, even though they never actually happen and they fail to notice her. It is understood fairly quickly that Millie is a lonely soul. The men are used only to further emphasize the personality of the female characters they come in contact with. It is obvious that this film was primarily focused on the significance of the character rather than creating an high-suspense adventure like Stephen Spielberg did with his film Jaws created a mere two years previously. Each actress perfectly resembles their characters through their looks and acting capabilities. Rule depicts Willie with no apparent expression on the face and a sad look in her eyes. Spacek’s light hair and eyes that stare in adoration fit a character named Pinky. Duvall especially contributed a lot to the creation of the film. She was accountable for creating the recipes, the diary entries, and a great deal of the dialogue her character Millie had. Her big brown round eyes resemble a deer in headlights as she is oblivious to the feelings others have towards her. It’s no wonder why she took home the Cannes Film Festival and Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards best actress award. Though the actors fit the characters well and portrayed each scene wonderfully, some things are left unanswered for the audience. Although Pinky is a main character, not a lot is understood about her past. Upon completion of the film, it is still left a mystery why she left Texas and whether or not she was actually from there. When Millie asked for specifics on what part of Texas she was from, Pinky accused her of giving her the third degree and avoided the question. Also, when Pinky saw her â€Å"parents† in the hospital she claimed that she had never seen them before, screaming for them to get out. This was a very peculiar scene since the old couple claim to be Pinky’s parents, but look far too old to actually be them. Whether they are frauds, grandparents, or her adoptive parents, is never actually presented. Another mystery Altman added to make the movie come off as a dream, where not everything makes sense and only certain details are vivid. For its use of water coming in and out of scenes with the primary characters, even though water is not actually present, and the mysteries that leave the audience questioning scenes, 3 Women possesses a dream-like quality. The idea of the film, the story, the cast, and everything included, was said by Altman to come to him in a dream, so he wanted to express it as such. The message and the overall point of the film are left open to interpretation for the audience. Altman himself says he is not exactly sure what the ending means but has a â€Å"theory† on what it signifies and what actually occurred. He wanted to create a film filled with emotion and allusion rather than â€Å"surface realities caught with the camera’s allegedly objective eye,† (Sterritt). Essentially this movie is not a narrative in any way but reflects the three stages of a woman’s life. The three women merge into a single person, who is mother, daughter, and granddaughter, â€Å"isolated but serenely self-sufficient (Canby). The film is about age and youth and the overall quality of American life. Trying to decipher the exact meaning of the movie is pointless in that no one could be definite for sure. 3 Women is a film concentrated more on mystery, mood, and behavior than the use of plot devices. In both Images and 3 Women, it is evident that Altman avoided an attempt to make a flashy movie in order to compete at the same level as his younger comrades in the business. Images depicted a fairytale and 3 Women, a dream; both very unconventional types of films. He was far too interested in the preservation of Hollywood art to care about garnering publicity. These were films that had emphasis on ambiguous between objective reality, and character subjectivity, decorated with abstract, enigmatic compositions. Both were films in which Altman was involved both with the writing and directing process, enabling him to project on screen what he himself envisioned as the direction of the movie. Also, these films examined madness in its female characters. It is no coincidence that these specific films both won a best actress award at Cannes. Although Altman’s movies don’t always do extremely well at the box office, they are perpetually the subject of a lot of analytical attention.