Forecasting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Forecasting - Essay Example Forecasting is therefore a complex business in the company, which effectively has more than one personality. Seasonal forecasting is less significant and used at Daimler Chrysler than for example in the energy industry, in which the seasons make for dramatic and cyclical shifts in demand. It is not as though automobile sales do not peak at certain times of the year, but our regression models are able to take care of these models. We can also use moving annual totals for monthly future projections, rather than a calendar method, to ensure that we account for relatively minor seasonal fluctuations in demand. Seasonal forecasting has some applications for our finance business. Customers of the Daimler Chrysler Bank may have seasonal fluctuations in demand for their products and services. The financial services wing of the company has to evaluate the validity of revenue forecasts in applications for loans in such cases. There are also some key materials that we use in production, which experience seasonal fluctuations in pricing and availability. Energy is an example for plants in the northern hemisphere. Leather, though relatively small in total cost, is another example, the purchase and production support services functions of the company have to keep seasonal forecasting methods in mind, when planning for supplies at optimal prices and in time. Delphi Delphi is a key component of forecasting methodology in the automobile business. Product demand is significantly affected by cultural and geo-political matters, which lie outside the domain of expertise of a car and truck maker. The company has long gestation periods for developing new products. Hence, there is an important and frequent need to use third-party consultant from diverse fields to understand future automobile needs in various parts of the world. Daimler Chrysler has also to use Delphi as it spreads its wings to new territories. Russia, China and India are amongst the new markets with high growth potential for automobile sales, but which have driving, traffic and customer needs very different from the traditional strong holds of Western Europe and the United States. Relevant trend data are lacking for these key opportunities, and Delphi provides important learning inputs for entry and consolidation strategies for such markets. The Delphi technique has a number of drawbacks (Evans, 2002, p 366). The kind of experts selected for the study affect the outcome, and there is inevitable subjectivity in their forecasts. Most of them are highly biased and may take extreme positions to suit their private agendas. The questionnaires we deploy during the interviews are a bit vague, and the responses are therefore not universally comparable. There is no valid measure of error as with regression models. Nevertheless, this method is the best when we need ideas about the distant future and how customer choices and competitive technologies are likely to change. Daimler Chrysler cannot do without Delphi, its weaknesses notwithstanding, because innovation lies at the heart of our competitive position (Daimler-Chrysler Creates New Management Model, 2006). We need expert inputs on matters such as future consumer needs and energy security. The jatropha project in India and the driver assist system are examples of

Benefits and risks of migrating physical servers into a virtual Essay

Benefits and risks of migrating physical servers into a virtual environment - Essay Example (VMware) The main advantages of server virtualization Server Virtualization technology provides a number of advantages that can be very useful to an IT department and to an organization as a whole. Following, we provide a list of representative IT issues that can take advantage of the benefits of Server Virtualization. Virtual machines can be utilized for consolidating the workload of multiple under-utilized servers into a smaller number of server machines, possibly to only one machine. The associated benefits of this are the economy in hardware infrastructure, environmental cost, in administration and maintenance costs. The need for executing old legacy applications that used to work in server machines with operating systems that have become outdated is absolutely fulfilled by the use of virtual servers. An old application might not be able to execute in a new environment that is running a new operating system. Even if it is possible to run in that server environment, it might under -utilize the server machine, in a way that the consolidation of this server together with others into a virtual server - as already mentioned in the previous paragraph- does make sense. This might not be feasible without the use of virtualization as this kind of applications usually have not been developed in a way that they can co-exist with others in an execution environment. Virtual severs can be used for the creation of operating systems or execution environments with limitations to the usage of physical resources, provided that there exist the suitable routers with guaranteed resource access. Virtual servers can be used for the execution of multiple operating systems simultaneously: different versions or even absolutely different operating systems. Virtual servers... It is evident from the study that Server Virtualization is a framework, methodology and technique that achieves the segmentation of the computer machine’s physical resources into multiple execution environments (which are called virtual private servers), by applying one or more technologies. It is the method of executing multiple independent virtual operating systems in a physical computer machine. It is a way of â€Å"disguising† the physical computer resources, including their number and the identity of the isolated physical servers, processors and operations systems, hiding them from the end users of the â€Å"virtual† server. Server Virtualization technology provides a number of advantages that can be very useful to an IT department and to an organization as a whole. Following, we provide a list of representative IT issues that can take advantage of the benefits of Server Virtualization. Virtual machines can be utilized for consolidating the workload of multi ple under-utilized servers into a smaller number of server machines, possibly to only one machine. The associated benefits of this are the economy in hardware infrastructure, environmental cost, in administration and maintenance costs. The migration of the physical servers of an organization to a virtual environment has a lot of benefits. However, server virtualization also generates a number of risks that the organizations have to take seriously into account. Those risks are analyzed in the paragraphs that follow.

Abercrombie & Fitch vs Armani Essay Example for Free

Abercrombie Fitch vs Armani Essay ‘’Fierce,’’ ‘’work it,’’ ‘’bespoke,’’ ‘’black,’’, ‘’covert couture,’’ ‘’edgy,’’ ‘’fashion forward,’’ ‘’aspirational,’’ ‘’faux pas,’’ ‘’so last season,’’ ‘’glamourista,’’ ‘’retro-futurism,’’: these are some of the words most familiar to fashionistas around the world. Milan, Paris, New York City, London, and Tokyo: these are the cities to be in if you want to know what each designer is preparing for next season, places to be if you want the best and new collection for your clothes. Nowadays, designers know not only that they need the newest and finest clothes but also the psychological appeal that will make the consumer want to buy their clothes. Abercrombie Fitch and Armani both employ the same type of models, but Armani the one that appeals to more conservative and upscale customers is more effective. The designers use the same type of models in their ads. They employ typical young models, athletic, handsome, charming, radiant, almost angelic. They know how to target their audience and appeal to their emotions because most of the consumers want to look like the models in their advertisements. The models that they put in the ads are those who the everyday consumer doesn’t resemble. The designer implies that buying the product will make the consumer look like the model. Ultimately, both designers appeal to a certain type of consumer and demographics according to their style of clothing design. Less clothes and more revealing is what Abercrombie Fitch commercializes and advertises. In New York, their store has semi-naked models greeting customers. Some of the models might only he wearing jeans, and, in other cases, they might be walking around in their underwear. See more: Homelessness as a social problem Essay Their target audience is the guy next door outgoing, fun, young, athletic, casual, and, most of all, nice-looking. In this particular ad, Abercrombie and Fitch use black and white contrast. The scene gives the illusion of how the costumer would feel like in paradise, and where everything is laid back and where there are no problems. Their models are not wearing shirts, and the scene is casual contrast. The scene sends the consumer into the outdoors, in the spring, and where the fun is endless, priceless, and where the perfect place to be is and all of your wild dreams come true. Couture and sophistication brands Armani. Classic and cultivated is how they advertise and commercialize. When consumers hear this brand, they automatically think of blase, refined, elegant, luxury, and conservative. Their target audience is upper class with refined taste, a working man who wants to feel important and cultivated, the class of customers who are not only going to spend money but also know the quality of the product. In this ad, the designer picked an upscale place to shoot and the background is mainly black.. The ad was shot in black and white but the consumer still can distinguish the color of the model’s clothes and bag. The ad also evokes a fine of classic film and elegance, and lures the consumer into an era of where wealth and refined is everything. The ad transports the consumer into a fantasy dream of how he would look with those clothes on and what kind of life style you can have. Both Abercrombie Fitch and Armani hire a specific type models, the models have to be over 6 ft tall, slimmed and tone, perfect cheek bones, blond and black hair, porcelain face, and almost like a creature send from heaven. However, they differ in how they promote their product. One believes semi-naked models are more marketable while the other goes for the extravagance and exquisiteness. Abercrombie Fitch and Armani are known worldwide. Their type of advertisement works because they appeal to different audiences. Abercrombie Fitch pushes the envelope in the sexuality and homoeroticism. Armani stays traditional and conservative and doesn’t push the envelope in sexuality. Their product has a tremendous impact in our society, dictating class and taste in clothes, imagine of success, income, and whether or not the consumer fashionista. These two particular brands have an impact on my life because I have worn both designer clothes, and Armani is my favorite designer. Even if the consumer didn’t know who Armani was or what is sells, just by looking at this ad, it captivates the consumer with its style of model, clothes, accessory, and allure of black and white film that puts the consumer into this trance of what their life would be like and how they would look like if they owned Armani clothes.

Male Sub-fertility: Causes, Effects and Treatments

Male Sub-fertility: Causes, Effects and Treatments M. M. A. Priyantha Introduction Subfertility is a common problem affecting nearly 10 -15 % of couples attempting to conceive a baby even though theyve had frequent sexual intercourse for a year or longer. In up to one third of people having problems in getting pregnant, the issues are related to male reproductive system.[1][3] Definition Male sub fertility is any condition in which the man negatively affects the ability of initiating a pregnancy with his partner. Most commonly, those issues arise when the male is unable to deliver or produce fully-functioning sperm.[2] Prevalence of Male Subfertility Prevalence of subfertility among male varies depending on the definition. Some reports show that worldwide between 3% 7% of all couples / males alone have an unresolved problem of subfertility. [14] Some other couples, has involuntary childlessness in a range of 12% to 28% at least one year: [14] Sub fertility issues affect one in seven males in the UK.[15]nearly half of fertility issues occurred with the male in UK.[13] Male subfertility counts to 25% of infertile peoples In Britain. [14] Nearly 10% of peoples expecting children are sub fertile in in Sweden. Of these peoples one third of the man has the problem. [8] The Causes of Male Subfertility Male Subfertility is driven by many causes, such as hormonal imbalances, physiological problems structural defects and other abnormalities in the reproductive system, and psychological and/or behavioral problems and illness or even trauma. [13] The most common problems of male sub fertilityrelate with the production and development of sperm. Sperm may be abnormally shaped, not develop normally or not making movements properly. Or, even though having normal sperm in structural of functional, it may be produced in abnormally low count which is called as oligospermia.[1] When delivering the sperm, an Obstruction may lead to sub fertility by blocking sperm from its normal passage. It can be caused by a various factors, like prior surgery (includingvasectomy),[1] inflammation or development problems and repeated infections. Any part of the male reproductive pathway can be obstructed, avoiding normal transport of sperm from the testicles to the urethra. Hormonal Problems A small percentage of male subs fertile are caused by hormonal issues.Hormones produced by thepituitary glandare responsible for stimulating the testicles to make sperm. So, when these hormone levels are severely low, low sperm production and development can be result. The gonadotrophic-releasing hormone (GnRH)[3] stimulatesthe hormonal pathway which stimulates testosterone synthesis and so on the sperm production. An inadequaterelease of GnRH results in low levels of testosterone production and a failure in sperm production. The pituitary can fail to produce adequate Lutenizing hormone (LH)[3] and follicle stimulating hormonewhich is called as FSH, which help to stimulate the testes and from that, the testosterone/sperm production.In testosterone and sperm production, these hormones, LH and FSH are very important in the hormonal pathway. Also the sex-hormone balance of a male can be interrupted by some other hormones and some chemical compounds which are produce by himself[13] Physical Problems Many physical problems can cause male sub fertility. These issues will direct affect on sperm production of male body or interruption in the pathway which sperm travel from the testes to the penis and then the female body. These issues are normally identified by a low sperm count and sometimes using the abnormal sperm shape. Varicoceles Varicoceles are the most common correctable cause of male Subfertility:The dilated scrotal veins are present in 16% of all male but are most seen in sub fertile male 40 percent. They interfere with sperm development by fail to give a proper blood supply to testis. Varicocoeles can be result in low sperm count and abnormal sperm morphology which cause sub fertility. Varicoceles are easily identified by physical examination because the veins feel especially like a bag of worms. They can also be able to be enlarged and twisted enough to be seen in thescrotum.[8][9] Damaged Sperm Ducts: 7% of sub fertile male cannot deliver sperm from their testicles to out using their penis. This pathway can be blocked by a various conditions: A genetic or developmental abnormalities can be result in obstruction or cause not having of one or both tubes which needed importantly to transport the sperm from the testicles to the penis to pass the female. Scarring from tuberculosis or some STDs can block the epididymis or tubes. An elective or accidental vasectomy may interfere with tube continuity.[3][8] Retrograde ejaculation Retrograde ejaculation is another physiological phenomenon which can be result in male subfertility. When semen pushes backwards into the bladderthan out thepenis, retrograde ejaculation occurs. This is caused by nerve failure and muscles in the bladder neckto close during orgasm. It can be occur as result from some diseases acting on the nervous system, though out a previous surgery or medications. Cloudy urine after ejaculation mainly helps in identifies this condition. In some cases, diminished or dry ejaculation with orgasm may also help to identify this condition.[3][8] Torsion it is a common issue affecting sub fertility that can be caused by a supportive tissue abnormality which can be result in the testes to twist inside the scrotum which is identified by extreme swelling. Torsion pinches the blood vessels that supply the testes shut which causes testicular damage. When both testes twist, it can be a severe condition which can then results in permanent subfertility if emergency surgery is not to be done to untwist the testes.[3] Infection and Disease: Typhoid, influenza, tuberculosis, brucellosis, gonorrhea, Mumps, syphilis and smallpox can lead to testicular atrophy. A low level of sperm count and low sperm motility are characteristic of this condition. Also, high FSH levels and other hormonal issues are indication of testicular damage. Some STDs like gonorrhea can cause sub fertility by blocking the epididimis or tubes. These situations are usually treated with hormonal replacement therapy and surgery.[13] Genetically Problems Genetics issues have a major contribution to sub fertility. Abnormalities inchromosomalnumbers in the cells and structural issues such as deletions of the relevantY chromosomepresent in normal males can be also interfering with fertility. E.g. Klinefelter’s Syndrome: Is a genetic condition in which is created by additional X chromosome. Physiological symptoms may include peanut-sized testicles which are small than normal size and having enlarged breasts. Most of these males who have genetic issues will suffer with subfertility. Behavior Problems. Some bad behavior pattern also can lead to male sub fertility. # Smoking-significantly decreases the sperm count, volume, quality and sperm cell motility. [13] # Prolonged usage of drugs like marijuana and other recreational drugs. # Chronic alcohol abuse. # Anabolic steroid use- causes testicular shrinkage and then the sub fertility. # Inadequate vitamin C and Zinc in the diet. # Tight underwear-A common reason which increases scrotal temperature and results in decreased sperm production. # Exposure to environmental facts and toxins such as mercury,benzene, boron ,pesticides, lead and heavy metals, paint, radiation, radioactivesubstances. # In some cases excessive stress can also be result in male sub fertility. #Strenuous riding[4] Improving or simply change some pattern of these behaviors can help in sub fertility. Medication Some medications which are sing to treat conditions like arthritis, digestive problems, infections,and even cancer can affect sperm production. Also medication for hypertensionand depression can also be affect on male sub fertility.[13] Diagnosing male Sub fertility Diagnoses can be done using a complete history and physical examination and is usually followed by blood andsemenanalysis. From a sample of semen obtained through masturbation, it can check the factors like concentration, movement, volume, count, and structure of spermatozoa. The low values in any of the above factor can also indicate a problem with the development of male reproductive system or delivery of sperm which require some further testing. In atransrectal ultrasound, which mean an imaging test that places a probe into therectum safely to beam high-frequency sound waves to nearbyejaculatory ducts. This test can check whether these structures of male reproductive system are either abnormally developed or obstructed withcysts,calcificationsor other obstructions. Atesticular biopsyis useful to be done when a semen analysis results gives very low count of sperm or either no sperm. This test is done under general or regionalanesthesia through a small cut in the scrotum or using a needle which is inserted through the skin over the testicle for microscopic evaluation. The biopsy is important to be done in two ways. First, it is to determine the cause of sub fertility, and, if necessary, to get sperm sample for use in assisted reproduction. A hormonal profile is also an important evaluation to test sperm-producing ability. The pituitary hormones like follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) which is responsible in stimulating testicles in sperm production. High levels of follicle-stimulating hormone may indicate that the pituitary is over producing the hormones to stimulate the testicles which they are not responding.[13] Treating Male Subfertility The treatment using for male subfertility bases on specific issue. Unfortunately, no treatment will be available for some cases. But more often, there is a mix of medications, Simple lifestyle changes, assisted reproductive techniques (ART), also the surgical approaches are available as treatments for the male subfertility. Some treatment ways are – Minor outpatient surgery (varicocelectomy) is used more frequently to rearrange dilated scrotal veins (varicoceles), which may help in develop sperm concentration, sperm movement, and its structure. An obstruction causing sub fertility can also be surgically corrected for some extend. [1][3] Intrauterine insemination (IUI) means placing the sperm directly into theuterusvia acatheter close to thefallopian tubes where fertilization occurs. IUI can be a successful solution in avoid the sperm movement problems and sperm count problems like immunologic subfertility or retrograde ejaculation, and some other causes. Taking place the fertilization in a laboratory Petri dish, which means outside the body, is called as vitro fertilization (IVF). There, the male sperms are joined with egg of a female partner .When using IVF, the ovaries should be overly stimulated. Fertility drugs are normally used for that which is facilitating the retrieval of multiple mature eggs. Soon after 2 to 3 days of incubation, this fertilized egg (embryo) is inserted in the uterus of female partner which result the normal pregnancy.[8] When a male with sub fertility and the semen quality is poor or low in volume, a different treatment method is used which is called as Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The method is to inject a good quality single sperm directly in to an egg of female partner. Once it is fertilized, it can place inside in female uterus.[1] Treating Hormonal Problems Medication:pituitary hormone deficiency can be corrected with using the drugs such as clomiphene or gonadotropin If Lutenizing hormone (LH) or follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels are abnormally low but both the pituitary gland and hypothalamus gland are functional properly, using the drugs likeclomiphene citrate (Serophene, Clomid) which helps to stimulate the hypothalamus and helps to release GnRH withregular intervals. When the pituitary is not functioning properly and not produce the necessary sex hormones, hormonereplacement therapy can be used which is usually works in about 4 months. Injecting of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) helps to the increase LH levels and it helps in production of testosterone and sperm by stimulating the testes. In case of unresponsive to hCG , a combination of LH and FSH which is called as the Pergonal drug is used to stimulate spermproduction. The drug Parlodel (bromocriptine) can correct hyperprolactinemia.[3] Cortisone replacement therapy is used to stimulate the pituitary. Testosterone replacement therapy is highly effective for males with low testosterone levels. Treating Physical Problems: Varicocele[8][9] Varicoceles are most often treated by microsurgery. Surgical treatments improve the semen in 70% of male and results in pregnancy in 60% of couples. Surgery relates the interruption of the damaged testicular veins. Blocked Ducts: The sperm travelling pathway which is, from the testicle to the penis, can become interfere or blocked by several factors. In situations like voluntary or accidental vasectomy, the testicle and vas deferens should reconnect by using a vasectomy reversal.In situations like congenital absence of the vas deferens, a male’s sperm can be retrieved using three methods. Micro Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (MESA)- Which is getting a sperm sample proximal to the tubal obstruction using fine surgical techniques. [8] Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA)- which is using a small needle to aspirate spermfrom a location proximal to the tubal obstruction. Testicular Sperm Biopsy (TESE)-Which is using a small biopsy of testicular tissue. [13] Treating Psychological/Physical Problems [1][13] Pharmacological treatment: More commonly related to use of medications which helps to restore erections. Severaldrugs are currently used to treat. Sildenafil (Viagra) is normally taken orally to increase penile bloodflow which is highly effective. Caverject is a drug which is effective highly to cause anerection in penis after injected directly to it. Mechanical Treatment is also effective butmore cumbersome Treatment which uses a vacuum erection device and a constriction ring. The penis get into an erection by the vacuum from the. The constriction ring helps to maintain the erection by blocking blood fromexiting the spongy bodies of the penis. Surgical Treatment can be used in restore erectile capacity of penis. In these treatments, repairing or correcting the vascular damage/blockage or use of implants is used to restore erectile capacity.Arterial and venous reconstructive surgery helps moderatelyeffective and can obtain to restore a male’s erection ability of the penis. As treatments for premature ejaculation squeeze technique can be used effectively.When using squeeze technique, male is stimulated continually until they reach orgasm and after that, his partner squeezes his frenulum. With using this technique, longer sexual intercourse becomes possible. Another treatment option for premature ejaculation is to collect the ejaculate which is used for fertilizing an egg of female partner by using artificial insemination. As treatments for ejaculatory incompetence behavioral therapy can be used for some extend.When using behavioral therapy, ejaculation of a male can be stimulated by using both manual stimulation from insertion of penis into the vagina of his partner and masturbation together. If this method is failing to success, an ejaculate which takes through masturbation can be used in artificial insemination with a female egg and overcome the sub fertility of male. References Mens Health Male Factor Infertility. University of Utah Health Sciences Center. 2003-04-01. Brugh VM, Lipshultz LI (2004). Male factor infertility. Hirsh A (2003). Male subfertility. The Vicious Cycling: Bicycling Related Urogenital Disorders. Leibovitch I, Mor Y (2005). Agarwal A, Prabakaran SA, Said TM (2005). Prevention of Oxidative Stress Injury to Sperm. Journal of Andrology 26 Robbins WA, Elashoff DA(2005). Effect of lifestyle exposures on sperm aneuploidy. Cytogenetic and Genome Research Ji G, Long Y, Zhou Y, Huang C, Gu A, Wang X (2012). Common variants in mismatch repair genes associated with increased risk of sperm DNA damage and male infertility. Infertility in men. Retrieved 2007-11-21. Costabile RA, Spevak M (2001). Characterization of patients presenting with male factor infertility in an equal access, no cost medical system. Masarani M, Wazait H, Dinneen M (2006). Mumps orchitis. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine Hwang K, Walters RC, Lipshultz LI (February 2011). Contemporary concepts in the evaluation and management of male infertility.Nature Reviews Urology Mens Health Male Factor Infertility. University of Utah Health Sciences Center. 2003-04-01. Web site http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=male+infertility Himmel, W.; Ittner, E; Kochen, MM; Michelmann, HW; Hinney, B; Reuter, M; Kallerhoff, M; Ringert, RH (1997). Voluntary Childlessness and being Childfree NICE fertility guidance. Acknowledgment I would like to offer an especial thank for Dr. K.D. Mahinda (Department of Physiology) for spending his valuable time and for giving his precious advice to make my effort more effective. And I also thank every other person who helped me in this effort.

An Analysis of H.G. Wells The Invisible Man :: Invisible Man Essays

An Analysis of H.G. Wells' The Invisible Man "The stranger came early in February, one wintry day, through a biting wind and a driving snow. He was wrapped from head to foot, and the brim of his soft felt hat hid every inch of his face but the shiny tip of his nose. He staggered into the Coach and Horses (an Inn in Ipling), more dead than alive"(p.11) The stranger was the invisible man. The Invisible Man was written by H.G. Wells, and published in 1964. The invisible man is a dynamic character who was changed by society. He seemed to start out as a quiet man who didn't like to be disturbed. Things that some of the people did made him angry to the point that at the end he was killing people for no apparent reason. In the beginning I wanted the people to leave the Invisible Man alone, but by the end he needed to be killed. Before he made himself invisible, he was an albino. His name was Griffen, and he was living in a rented place, where he would conduct his experiments. He kept getting pissed off at his landlord, who was constantly bothering Griffen. With the landlord always around, Griffen was always afraid that someone would figure out how he was making things transparent. He thought that becoming invisible was a utopian idea, and he didn't want someone stealing his idea. Griffen was so stuck on his invention that he didn't take the time to think the whole thing out. He comes across as a nervous character at this point in the story. The landlord made him very angry and he decided to run the experiment on himself. Once he was invisible, he destroyed his machine, and because he was so angry he burned the house down. As he walked the streets he was leaving muddy footprints. Some boys saw the footprints and the ghostly feet that made them. Immediately, the boys drew a crowd and started chasing the feet. This made him cautious, and he realized that it wasn't going to be easy to stay invisible. He needed clothes and shelter, so he went to a department store where he thought he could steal clothes after they closed. He needed to be visible to get his money and his books. His plan didn't work so well and he had to leave with nothing. He finally got some clothes by knocking out the owner of a costume shop and stealing what he needed.

Nature is as Man Decrees :: Writing Technology Invention Essays

Nature is as Man Decrees I found this assignment far more difficult than I thought it would be at first glance. While thinking about it on the way home from class, I discarded one idea after another because technology had touched nearly everything I would think of. As Dennis Baron, author of From Pencils to Pixels wrote, once we are used to certain technologies â€Å"we come to think of them as natural rather than techEven thinking about going to a national park, the truth is that just by setting it aside as a "natural" state...makes it in essence, not natural because were it not for the decrees of humanity, it would be over run with fast food stores and gas stations. In fact, sadly, writing is in one sense both creative and destructive to nature. A tree is destroyed for the very paper we write on. The question arose, is there really any such thing as natural in the 21st Century or is that a word that no longer applies in its truest sense. That, of course, led to thoughts on just what is "natural." My insti nctive definition of natural is that it is not influenced or hampered or changed by humanity. So in some regards I think my initial conclusion is correct, that at least here in the Midwestern area of United States, finding something in nature that was not influenced in some way by technology or human interference might prove impossible. So the words that would end up being my project ran round and round in my head on the long ride home, â€Å"Nature is as man decrees, hedged by his technologies.† Later on while still pondering exactly what to do in order to "create" a writing technology, I ended up, most often coming back to..."Well, if I was a Native American in this area and I wished to write something...what would I use?" We tend to have the idea that the people native to the area didn't use technology and thus could offer suggestions on what is natural. Still, that brings to the forefront, what is technology, because in reality the natives did use technology, if a pencil is considered technology, as Dennis Baron in "From Pencils to Pixels" asserts it is. He defines technology as â€Å"a way of engineering materials in order to accomplish an end† (37). So in this regard, sewing, tomahawks, and all the other tools we think of as Native American are technologies even if we don't see them on the same level as a computer.

Intimate Violence and Sexual Abuse: Lived Experiences Essay

Abraham Maslow’s (1970) Hierarchy of Needs listed love and belongingness as the third level of human need (Kozier et al., 2006). Indeed, among the most basic needs of human beings is â€Å"belongingness.† Thus, humans go into intimate relationships to fulfill that need for love. Intimate relationships cover a wide range of interactions. It may include marital relationships, but it is not confined to these. It may also include formerly married partners, dating partners, and live-in partners  (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2006). Unfortunately, though, instead of fulfilling the need for love and belonging, some of these intimate relationships cause more harm than good. Sadly, a lot of abuse and violence occur within the supposed â€Å"shelter† of these relationships. In US alone, 4.8 million cases of physical assaults and rapes recorded each year occurred within intimate relationships  (Tjaden & Thoennes, 2000). With this, the study aims to examine the lived experiences of individuals in an abusive intimate relationship, focusing on its perceived cause, and its effect on the abused individual. However, it is the study’s ultimate hope that with the data gathered; it may provide and serve as a basis for preventive and curative interventions for intimate relationship violence.   More specifically, this study aims to answer the following questions: 1. What are the most common reasons and risk factors for abuse as perceived by individuals experiencing intimate violence? 2. What are the perceived physical and emotional/psychological health consequences of intimate relationship violence and sexual abuse on the abused individual? Literature Review Intimate partner abuse or violence, in its most basic sense, is defined as a maltreatment occuring between two non-blood-related individuals interacting in an intimate relationship (CDC, 2006). The term â€Å"intimate relationship† is most commonly associated with marriage. However, it can also refer to any relationship between individuals not related by blood or consanguinity. Therefore, intimate relationships also cover â€Å"dating or courtship relationships, relationships where partners live together, relationships where two people have children in common but are no longer formally involved with one another, and marital relationships  (Mouradin, 2000).† And in all these relations, intimate violence or sexual abuse can occur. Intimate partner violence manifests itself in different forms. Physical abuse involves the actual use of force to inflict physical harm. It may include hitting, cutting, slapping, choking, spanking, kicking, hair pulling, pushing, and others  (Mouradin, 2000). Emotional abuse, on the other hand, involves verbal and non-verbal acts that inflict harm on the other, without the actual use of physical force. It can include threats, yelling, swearing, insulting or belittling, and other treatments that lack the respect deserved by the other partner (Mouradin, 2000). However, although physical and emotional abuse are most common, there are also other forms of abuse that exist. Economic abuse entails the deprivation of a partner’s right for financial independence. This type of abuse achieves the same result as emotional abuse by inflicting fear and dependence in the abused individual  (Mouradin, 2000). Another type of intimate partner abuse includes social isolation. Social isolation refers to prohibiting a partner to go out, socialize and maintain social support networks  (Mouradin, 2000). Still, perhaps among the worst kind of intimate partner violence is sexual abuse. Intimate sexual violence includes a â€Å"range of coercive behaviors from suggestive comments to forced intercourse  (Allen, Raimer, & Rothman, 2004).† Although research studies on intimate partner violence are limited, surveys have shown that this problem has increased in prevalence over the years. In a national survey conducted by the National Violence Against Women, it was revealed that 0.3% of males and 7.7% of females experience in their lifetime an attempted or consumated rape by an intimate partner  (Tjaden & Thoennes, 2000). In addition, statistics suggest that Hispanic and Native American women are at a greater risk for intimate partner sexual abuse  (Tjaden & Thoennes, 2000). Further, a study conducted by Campbell et al. (2002), revealed that out of 2,005 women participating in an organization for health maintenance, around 361 reported that they were forced into sexual activities at least once in their lifetime (Campbell et al., 2002). Overall, an estimated number of five women and one man out of 1,000 individuals, are documented as new cases of intimate sexual abuse cases per year  (Tjaden & Thoennes, 2000). Survey organizations point out a lot of factors causing intimate sexual   abuse. Among these factors include unemployment, drug or alcohol use, low educational attainment, early onset of sexual experience, and a lot others. Also, another cause of intimate sexual abuse is the existence of myths on rape (i.e. some people deserve or benefit from rape), and the idea that rape can serve as a proof of power or dominance  (Allen, Raimer, & Rothman, 2004). In all these, women respond to sexual abuse in different manners. However, most commonly, victims of intimate sexual violence sustain psychological trauma and negative effects, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder  (Allen, Raimer, & Rothman, 2004). Methodology Primarily, this study utilized a qualitative research design. Qualitattive research focus on the quality, rather than the quantity, of a human experience. This study design gives emphasis on the â€Å"inherent depth of humans, and the ability of humans to shape and create their own experiences  (Polit & Beck, 2006).† This study follows the phenomenological qualitataive research tradition, by attempting to understand the social context in which intimate partner abuse occur  (Polit & Beck, 2006). Twenty individuals experiencing intimate violence and sexual abuse were chosen for this study through snowball or network sampling. All respondents were aged 18 y/o and above, with mixed genders: 17 females and three males. Race was not expressly considered among the respondents, but some cultural variations were noted. After being ensured of confidentiality and anonimity, the respondents gave their consent to participate in the study. Data For this study, data was collected through secondary data analysis and surveys. In secondary data analysis, previously existing data related to the study is examined. Data may come from journals, books, records, magazines, documents, previous studies, and others. This is done to establish a baseline and support for the study  (Polit & Beck, 2006). Surveys, on the other hand, are nonexperimental studies involving polls. In here, researchers use questionnaires, inteviews, and checklists to gather data  (Polit & Beck, 2006). For this study, after the analysis of secondary data, a simple questionaire was constructed. The questionnaire focused on the causes and perceived health consequences of intimate violence and sexual abuse on the abused individual. It was administered among the respondents and then was followed by an interviewed to expound on each specific topic. Hypotheses This study aims to prove the following hypotheses: 1. The commonly perceived causes/risk factors for intimate abuse are drug and alcohol use, unemployment, childhood abuse history, conflicts, and stressful life events. 2. The perceived physical health consequences of intimate violence and sexual abuse on abused individuals are wounds and lacerations, fracture, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, bleeding, emaciated body state, eye/facial damage, and abdominal injuries. 3. The perceived emotional/psychological health consequences of intimate relationship violence and sexual abuse include post-traumatic stress disorder, low self-esteem, trust issues, depression, eating and sleeping disorders, and unsafe sexual behavior. Discussion and Interpretation This chapter deals with the discussion of the data gathered from the survey and analysis. Perceived Causes/Risk Factors of Intimate Abuse After the data was tallied and analyzed, it was revealed that most of the causes of abuse among intimate relationships are personal and situational, although some societal factors may also come into play. It must also be remembered that abuse is the effect of the interaction of multiple factors, and not just the effect of a single event or factor. In the survey, 80% of the respondents said that their partners abuse them due to the influences of alcohol, while 55% responded that the abuse was due to the partner’s drug use. This was supported by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) World Report on Violence and Health that there is a direct relationship between a man’s drinking frequency, and a woman’s increased risk for being a victim of violence (World Health Organization (WHO), 2005). Respondents also confirmed that unemployment was another factor for intimate violence. Nine out of 20 respondents said that their partners abused them because he/she has no job or is having a hard time finding one. This was verified by Allen, Raimer & Rothman (2004), who listed unemployement as a cause or factor for intimate abuse (Allen, Raimer, & Rothman, 2004). Another reason agreed on by respondents are marital or relationship conflicts. Ten respondents claimed that they fight about a lot of things. Indeed, the WHO enumerated the following as parts of conflict that cause intimate abuse: lack of obedience on wife’s part, arguing back to the partner, questioning the man’s actions, refusing sex and the woman’s suspected infidelity (WHO, 2005). Further, five respondents added that their partners beat them due to a sexual compulsion/ dysfunction. These dysfunctions may also be attributed to personality disorders that affect a person’s sexual behavior. Although research on this topic is limited,   it was included as a risk factor for abuse by the WHO (WHO, 2005). However, a most serious cause and risk factor for intimate abuse pointed out by respondents was the presence of a history of chilhood abuse. Ninety percent of the respondents reported that their abusive partners were abused emotionally, physically, and sexually as children. According to the WHO, history of violence in the family of origin is a powerful risk factor for intimate violence and sexual abuse. Studies all over the world showed that â€Å"rates of abuse were higher among women whose husbands had either been beaten as children or had witnessed their mothers beaten (WHO, 2005).† In addition to this, victims of intimate abuse themselves presented a history of abuse as children. Sixteen respondents claimed that they were abused as children. In an interview, a respondent revealed that this history of abuse made her feel â€Å"like abuse was a normal thing, since [she] grew up with it.† Other factors pointed out was lack of education, lack of information on rights as a wife or partner, and the acceptability of intimate violence as a social norm. Among the respondents, abuse was greater among individuals who did not finish high school and among those with low self-esteem. Around 45% of the respondents did not finish high school, while 70% claimed that â€Å"they were ugly and worthless.† Abuse was also higher in those that experienced a recent stressful life event, and in some cultures that considered the wife as a â€Å"property† of the husband. Perceived Physical Effects of Intimate Abuse Depending on the prevalence of these causes, the severity of abuse can vary. However, the effects are all the same. Among the respondents, 100% of them reported that after each abuse, there were cuts, wounds, bruises and tears in their body, especially in the vagina or anus. Seventy-five percent of the respondents reported abdominal or chest injuries and disorders, 60% reported the presence of fracture, 55% reported vaginal/anal bleeding, 50% reported fatigue or tiredness, 35% reported nausea, vomiting and eye/facial damage, and around 25% claimed that the abuse led to an emaciated body state.Still, some added that the sexual abuse led to unwanted pregnancies and that the intimate violence caused miscarriage or stillbirths in some pregnant women. This finding was validate by the WHO’s report which enumerated physical effects of abuse very much similar to those found in the study (WHO, 2005).