A Capstone Experience(Factors and Trends that Influence Strategy Assignment

A Capstone Experience(Factors and Trends that Influence Strategy Development)1 - Assignment Example The businesses will save a lot of money in the long run. However, there will be reductions in employment, cuts on expenditure, and closure of establishments (Glynn, 2010). Investment strategies involve the business spending on innovation and market diversification. Though it is a risky strategy, many businesses have begun successfully using investment strategies. Businesses will allocate a large portion of their capital towards short-term survival and innovation. Businesses will then exploit all its resources (Glynn, 2010). Ambidextrous strategies are a combination of retrenchment and investment strategies. Businesses that adopt these strategies survive the recession period by cost and asset cutting. The businesses also invest a lot in product innovation and market development. Business managers have a task in choosing the right investment for the business and which cost to cut (Glynn, 2010). In the new post-recession consumer behavior, there are certain factors useful to achieve product differentiation. The factors include good business location to create convenience for the customers, and price differentiation so as to give the customers value for their money. Luxury goods are products which are not necessary; however, they make life more pleasant. Marketers of luxury goods should abandon their efforts to abandon premium pricing because their marketing focuses more on affluent mass markets. It would confuse market players because plenty of goods would not know whether to represent luxury or premium pricing (Silverstein, 2008). It is advantageous to create customer value and satisfaction. Companies should formulate their marketing strategies while sticking to the societal attitudes. For example, Wal-Mart delivers its promises always charging low prices on

Summary of Health Articles Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Summary of Health Articles - Essay Example Most of the women, especially those above the age of 75 were found to be dependent in more than one way. Singapore has the fastest growing elderly population in Asia and it is estimated to triple over the next twenty years. This rapidly aging region of the world is estimated to spend 11% of its Gross Domestic Product on solely health related costs. The major concern that warrants this study is the increasingly high cost of looking after the elderly. In The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, a study was performed to evaluate the quality of exercise prevalent in low income communities. This was done through having subjects perform 6 minute walk tests, checking their blood pressure, and analyzing the activities in their daily lives (ADL). The upper body strength of most individuals, as well as their estimated body fat at the beginning of the project, was not affected, but their blood pressure did tend to decrease. There was also a dramatic increase in lower body strength of these individuals. The results can be expected from a younger group of individuals, but part of its sociological value stems from its use on the elderly.

African-American Civil Rights in the Years 1950 to 1962 Essay Example for Free

African-American Civil Rights in the Years 1950 to 1962 Essay Explain how far the views in Source B differ from those in Source A in relation to President Eisenhower and the desegregation of education. Both sources illustrate Eisenhower’s negative opinion on desegregation in schools. Both criticise and portray Eisenhower’s intolerance of black people as Source states Eisenhower’s comment that white people ‘ are concerned about is that their sweet little girls are not required to sit in school alongside some big overgrown Negroes’ . Eisenhower’s ‘sympathises’; the south as he originates there himself, the intolerance could be considered to be part of the South’s culture and behaviour to be intolerant of the black people, it is arguable that this effected Eisenhower’s political judgement . The fact that Eisenhower came from military background after spending 44 years of his life in service, would have influenced his decisions and opinions on desegregation as military camps were segregated and Eisenhower would have been use to this system. He once again agues from the South’s point of view in Source B, ‘I don’t believe you can change the hearts of men with laws and decisions’ this once again supports the point I made before. Evidence of his intolerance was regretting appointing Earl Warren as chief of justice ‘the biggest damn fool mistake I ever made’ he obviously was very against the decision and never wanted desegregation. The similarities continue as both sources shows the reluctance of helping the black people through desegregation. Source A comments that he didn’t show a clear support for the Supreme Court decision to desegregate schools, ‘his silence encouraged massive resistance’. His political and personal opinions were colliding with each other making his actions limited. Source B shows proof of his reluctance also as it stated three years later he finally protects the little rock 9 with a federal army in 1957. This was the first time Eisenhower showed support of segregation however; it was a ‘weak act’ from Eisenhower. It could be possible that he felt that it was his study as the president not himself supporting civil rights for the black people. However, the sources do differ in the fact that source B states a more positive view on Eisenhower even thought it was considered ‘weak’. As already stated Eisenhower While in presidency did not actively support desegregation and had reservations about the Brown decision, he understood his constitutional responsibility to uphold the federal authority and the law. Eisenhower ordered federal troops to guard and Little Rock and protect black students as they walked to school. He therefore became the first president since Reconstruction to use federal troops to protect the rights of African Americans. As Source A’s tone is very negative as it quotes intolerant views on the African Americans, it insinuates that Eisenhower is very against African Americans being part of a ‘white society’ this contrast with the little rock 9 as he aids the black people into the school, after his comments it would been unlikely to help the black people but he does. To conclude: source A and B are very similar as they both voice the intolerance and his lack of support Eisenhower gave to the African-Americans. I agree with the source as from my own knowledge he was very against civil rights because of his Sothern influence. His views on desegregation was transparent from his actions and that’s what source and B illustrate (12 Marks) (B) Use Source A, B and C and your own knowledge. How important was the Supreme Court in the development of African-American civil rights in the years 1950 to 1962? The Supreme Court is the highest federal court in the US, consisting of nine justices and taking judicial precedence over all other courts in the nation. The Supreme Court would have benefited every African- American with their decisions of passing and lifting laws if they succeeded in winning their cases. It allowed them to have legal rights with in the country and legally be equal to the white people. However, the self-esteem of the African Americans was low due to the intolerance of the white people therefore figures such as Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King and support of political figures such as Kennedy allowed them to be brave and a sense of pride in gaining equality. Therefore, the Supreme Court could be considered less important than other figures and factors that occurred between 1950 and 1962. Source A and B discuss the Brown vs. Topeka’s Board of Education verdict in 1954. The Supreme Court passed the law of desegregated schools by the chief of Justice Earl Warren. He was criticised for his decision such as President Eisenhower, who had shared his annoyance with Warren by stating that is was the ‘biggest damn fool mistake he ever made’. The silence of Eisenhower’s support on desegregation caused massive resistance along with the indirect deadline for when desegregation is to commence. Hence, Brown 2 in 1955 was the attempt to get a clearer deadline than before. However, disappointingly the verdict was ‘with all deliberate speed’ it was still vague and prolonged the wait for desegregation. The Supremes’ role in this particular situation helped civil rights as it declared more equality within America however turned to a hindrance as it become a battle of when it will happen. The decision also caused further problems for the African- Americans as Little Rock complied with the high court’s laws and decided to desegregate there all white school. The NAACP submitted nine students originally to join the school and gradually bring more in and settled them slowly. However, it wasn’t that simply as the 9 students went to enter their school they was verbally abused and tormented by the white southerners, Eisenhower had to submit federal assistance to help them into school , this is stated in source B as it had taken 3 years to show any support from Eisenhower and the south to finally accept desegregation . Eisenhower’s federal involvement was then became the first president since Reconstruction to use federal troops to protect the rights of African Americans. However, since Brown vs. education Source C states that McLaurin vs. Oklahoma rules that universities too have to follow the desegregation law and that you ‘could not provide different treatment to a student solely because of his/her race’. This proves that the Supreme Court was furthering African American rights through all levels of education making them equal and educated. This is another influence the Supreme Court had over monumental changes for the African Americans and the society around them. However, it is arguable that the Supreme Court only assisted the figures and events that immensely changed civil rights for the African Americans. Events such as the Montgomery Bus boycott in 1956 were a political and social protest. after the arrest of Rosa parks African Americans were ready to take action and regain some equality and raise the issue of how wrong it is to make a ‘tired, old lady’ to move, even if it wasn’t entirely true. The boycott was led by the group the MIA (Montgomery Improvement Association) Saturday 3rd December the black community supported each other as a lot of people avoided the busses and had to take rides with other people in the community, even though it was difficult the supporters of the cause enthusiastically agreed to continue the boycott until there was justice. The success of the black people boycotting led to economic stress were the issue of segregation would be over. The fact that one event, encourage African Americans to stand for their rights influenced and uncovered the most influential figures in civil right history and gained justice from their efforts. This is repeated again the 1960 in the Greensboro sit-in’s when African Americans refuse to move to from their seats in the Woolworths store. Their numbers increased in support and was watched by the world; even Eisenhower voiced his opinions on the matter. These nonviolent protests allowed black people to become a part of changing their future and not relying on court cases and individuals to get them there. Arguably even though they gained great success the black people didn’t have any legal hold on desegregating the bus system, thus the Browder vs. Gayle case. The Supreme Court upheld the district court’s decision in making bus’s desegregated. Without the confirmation from the Supreme Court all the black people’s efforts would have resulted to nothing without the confirmation of the Supreme Court. Rosa parks is seen in our modern day history as an inspirational civil rights leader. Her story influenced thousands of African Americans to boycott buses and gain equality. However, her image of being a ‘hard working, old, fragile women’ who wanted to rest her feet after a long day isn’t true at all. She had been an active protester and NAACP member for years and probably planned this protest to gain publicity and change. Due to her protest Martin Luther King was noticed as a civil rights figure, he had been watched from all over the world and from then on seen as the leading civil rights leader. His efforts in the SCLC created in 1957 after the Montgomery bus boycott, helped the southern African Americans who suffered from great intolerance . However, once again their efforts amounted to achieving the legalisation of equality, without the Supreme Court all their efforts went to nothing. To conclude: even though Martin Luther King is seen as the saviour of the African Americans in gaining equality and is still admired in our modern day society, it is the supreme court that allowed them legally to be treated as equals and live the lives they should live. However, without the efforts and protests the Supreme Court would never have considered to pass or all the African Americans to have the equality they gained through their efforts. Therefore, the other factors that influenced African Americans development on civil rights were more important than the Supreme Court. (2A) Explain why school were not immediately desegregated after the verdict in the Brown vs. Topeka Board of Education case of 1954 * Â  Earl Warren passed desegregation in 1954 in the Brown vs. Topeka Board of education. This was to end segregation. The NAACP appointed Thurgood to take the case and won with Earl Warren’s confirmation However, Warren didn’t set the deadline when schools should be desegregated. This prolonged desegregation and led to the court case Brown 2 in 1955 to gain directness on when desegregation will commence .However the verdict remained vague commenting that desegregation should happen with ‘all deliberate speed’ allowing desegregation, once again to be prevented from racial diversity in schools. This suggests that the Supreme Court was reluctant to desegregate schools fully due to Eisenhower’s silence and the South’s reluctance to do so. Other than the Cooper vs. Aaron case, the southern manifesto is proof of their reluctance as this was a legal document signed by 99 politicians to counter the decision on Brown vs. Education, because of the legality and not just the opinions of the south. This then makes the manifesto more than reluctance but a serious legal matter. Their claim matched the opinions of the south commenting that ‘segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. The southern manifesto stated that ‘It is destroying the amicable relations between the white and Negro races’, ‘It has planted hatred and suspicion where there has been heretofore friendship and understanding’ to make their argument fair and agreeable they used the idea that desegregation will bring violence and issues to the communities when there is no need. Even though some areas (especially in the north where it was more tolerant) accepted desegregation quickly. However, a lot of the south continued segregation as they didn’t agree with the Brown vs. Board of Education, thus the southern manifesto. The build-up of tension of intolerance was at little rock. Little rock school in Arkansas decided to comply with the high court’s ruling. The NAACP submitted 9 students to the previously all white school. They was verbally abused and tormented as they entered the school, President Eisenhower had to send federal troops to protect the 9 children. This suggests that ‘fear’ that was presented in the southern manifesto was proven to be true allowing anxiety for other schools and black people to comply with desegregation. President Eisenhower originated from the south and voiced intolerance himself about the decisions of Brown vs. board of education. It was commented that his silence encouraged massive resistance to applying the new law forcefully through the country as he did not agree with the verdict. It was also claimed that he voiced annoyance about appointing Earl Warren stating that it was ‘The biggest damn fool mistake I ever made’ this is evidence of his intolerance because he disapproved of Warren’s decision. Being a military man himself he was use to the segregation system and probably agreed with the idea of ‘separate but equal’. This suggests why the Supreme Court had given vague answers of when the deadline should be on desegregation because the president wasn’t happy with the decision. To conclude: there were many factors to why desegregation wasn’t immediate however; the most important factor that contributed to preventing desegregation was the south. The fear, the legal documentation created by the south, the behaviour and the powerful leaders from the south made the desegregation difficult and tense. The South’s intolerance caused the most issues, as the north complied with high court’s decision quickly as there was less intolerance. Â  * (2B) ‘The work of the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP) was the most important reason for the desegregation of schools in the years 1950 to 1960’ * Explain why you agree or disagree with this view * The NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People) is an African-American civil rights organization in the United States, formed in 1909. Their mission is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination. They are the earliest organisation to aid African- Americans into equality. They have had many successes in desegregating schools and their efforts have gone far however, it is arguable that other organisations, figures and events that were more influential to desegregation in schools than the NAACP. * The NAACP had succeeded in other cases for the rights of black people however; it was the Brown vs. Board of Education that is considered NAACP’s victorious achievement. But, without the work of Thurgood marshal that was appointed by the NAACP the outcome might have been different. Other than being the first African American to serve on the Supreme Court he had won 29 out of the 32 he had faced. He was a very intelligent and stood for his rights after winning previous cases for the NAACP himself and a team of NAACP attorneys won Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka. Other than the NAACP winning the case Thurgood who was part of the NAACP team, was an inspiration to the African Americans. However, the decision didn’t lead to an immediate change as there was no clear deadline. The NAACP and Marshall forgot to argue its urgency for change therefore, Brown 2 the case that was to get the urgency it needed however, the decision was vague as it stated ‘with deliberate speed’. The NAACP did succeed in the decision of desegregation but it had no action. NAACP helped all African American’s in need such as the Little Rock 9 in 1957. The NAACP submitted 9 students to attend the previously all white school Little Rock, this was an achievement as a lot of the south wasn’t and would not comply with the high court’s orders. However, this turned into a disadvantage as The 9 students was verbally abused, tormented and prevented to enter their new school. The NAACP however, did help them try and enter or submit them in different and safer schools. It wasn’t just Little Rock students that they helped enter schools but many. * It is arguable that other factors effected the desegregation of schools such as the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court had to pass the laws to gain legal equality, therefore the Brown vs. Education case without the Chief of Justice Earl Warren reaching the decision that segregation is unconstitutional. Desegregation would never have gone through. They pass the McLaurin vs. Oklahoma state regents, this was to desegregate universities. However, other cases were inspired by the efforts of the NAACP, and the outcome they reached in the Brown vs. board of Education Verdict. * However, it was the ordinary people that changed their future by joining protests and helping each other. Such as Linda Brown, if it wasn’t for Linda’s cause the case to bring desegregation to schools. Linda Brown was the Daughter to Oliver Brown, because of his annoyance that his daughter had to walk 6 blocks because of the Plessy vs. Ferguson ruling ‘separate but equal’ under the Jim Crow laws. Her long walks to school led to one of the most monumental events that happened for African Americans. However, Linda Brown was part one of the thirteen families that was recruited to Topeka (the area they lived in), the NAACP took the case for Brown and pursued his plan to desegregate schools. * To conclude: The NAACP efforts in desegregating schools were more important than the other factors that influenced desegregations. Without The NAACP providing lawyers such as Marshall and helping brown win his case, Oliver brown wouldn’t of won the case. I believe that the NAACP’s involvement in the desegregation of schools was the main reason and that’s why I agree with the statement.

Case Study: Urachal Carcinoma in a Young Man

Case Study: Urachal Carcinoma in a Young Man A rare case of urachal carcinoma in a young man Young Kwon Hong, Haeyoun Kang1, Moon Hyung Kang, Dong Soo Park INTRODUCTION Urachal carcinoma accounts for less than 1% of bladder cancers and approximately 40% of vesical adenocarcinomas. Historically, patients tend to have a poor prognosis, with 5-year survival rates of 6.5–61.0%. Therefore it is important to detect the disease as early as possible. Most urachal cancers have been reported at the middle or old age, and it is hard to think that urachal remnant has malignant change in a young man at the age of twenties. Here we introduce a very rare urachal cancer case in a young man and we would like to remind that urachal remnants have potential to change from benign to malignant as earlier than expected. CASE REPORT A 26 year old man visited our clinic with gross hematuria starting a few months ago. Urinalysis showed many RBC, and CT scan showed a 4.0 x 6.8 cm sized lobulated cystic mass over the bladder dome which was located midline to the right side. The mass has calcified thick wall with suspicious contrast enhancement (Fig 1). Cystoscopy showed a ball-shape extrinsic mass from the bladder dome with intact bladder mucosa (Fig 2). With an impression of urachal cancer laparoscopic surgery was performed. Camera port was placed 5cm above the umbilicus, and two instrument ports were placed 7cm lateral and 2cm caudal to the camera port. Anterior peritoneum was dissected deep and widely from the level of umbilicus down to the UB including median umbilical ligament and part of both medial umbilical ligaments. Cystoscope was introduced from the urethra into the bladder to illuminate the margin of the mass and to facilitate keeping enough distance from the mass during laparoscopic partial cystectomy. Bladder was repaired continuously with 4-0 vicryl suture. After placing a closed suction drain the mass was wrapped into an Endo CatchTM bag and squeezed out through the extended umbilicus opening. A Foley catheter was inserted into the bladder and the port sites were closed. Cross section of the surgical specimen showed a unilocular cyst without definite solid part, filled with gray tan to brownish thick mucus material. It also showed whitish to yellowish thick wall with multifocal calcifications (Fig 3). Immunohistochemical staining was strong positive on CEA, positive on CD15 (LeuMI), and weak positive on CK7 and CK20. Final diagnosis was well differentiated mucinous urachal adenocarcinoma invading bladder muscle, pT3a based on Sheldon’s staging system, pT2b based on Mayo system, and pT2 based on Ontario system. Surgical margin was negative. DISCUSSION Malignant involvement of the urachus is rarely reported, one in 5 million people, accounting for 0.35% to 0.7% of all bladder cancers [1]. It has been reported mostly in adults over 30 years old. To our best knowledge, only one adult case of urachal carcinoma diagnosed before the age of 26 has been reported in the English written literature, although two cases have been reported in 15 year-old girls [2-7]. The youngest adult case in a 22 year-old patient is found on MD Anderson cancer center experience written by Siefker-Radtke et al [4]. According to the MSKCC study of 24 cases, two young men who was 26, 29 years old each found to have urachal cancer [5]. The 26 year-old man received extended partial cystectomy, umbilectomy and pelvic LN dissection, and survived at only 0.9 month of follow up without long-term survival data. The 29-year-old man received extended partial cystectomy and umbilectomy, and survived at 17 months of follow up without local recurrence or metastasis. Even in a large series study, Mayo clinic study of 49 cases for 53 years, the youngest was 43 years old [8]. Our case is an urachal adenocarcinoma found in a 26 year-old man, the second youngest adult case ever reported. Age at the diagnosis of urachal carcinoma is important to understand pathogenetic transitional mechanism from benign to malignancy. Also clinicians should be aware that urachal carcinoma may occur early in the life time at the age of twenties. References Sheldon CA,Clayman RV,Gonzalez R,Williams RD,Fraley EE. Malignanturachallesions. J Urol.1984; 131(1):1-8. Cornil C,Reynolds CT,Kickham CJ. Carcinoma of the urachus. J Urol.1967; 98(1):93-5. Gupta S,Bhaijee F,Harmon EP. Mucinousneoplasmarisingin aurachalcyst: a first in the pediatric population. Urology.2014; 83(2):455-6. Siefker-Radtke AO,Gee J,Shen Y,Wen S,Daliani D,Millikan RE,Pisters LL. Multimodalitymanagement ofurachalcarcinoma: the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center experience. J Urol.2003; 169(4):1295-8. Gopalan A,Sharp DS,Fine SW,Tickoo SK,Herr HW,Reuter VE,Olgac S. Urachalcarcinoma: aclinicopathologicanalysisof24caseswith outcome correlation. Am J Surg Pathol.2009; 33(5):659-68. Pinthus JH,Haddad R,Trachtenberg J,Holowaty E,Bowler J,Herzenberg AM,Jewett M,Fleshner NE. Populationbasedsurvivaldataonurachaltumors. J Urol.2006; 175(6):2042-7; discussion 2047. Henly DR1,Farrow GM,Zincke H. Urachal cancer: role of conservative surgery. Urology.1993; 42(6):635-9. Molina JR,Quevedo JF,Furth AF,Richardson RL,Zincke H,Burch PA. Predictorsofsurvivalfromurachal cancer: a Mayo Clinic study of 49 cases. Cancer.2007; 110(11):2434-40. Acute Tonsillitis Chronic Ulcerative Colitis | Case Study Acute Tonsillitis Chronic Ulcerative Colitis | Case Study Katharine Buzzbee is a pleasant young girl of 9 years old. She was brought to the health center with complaints of sore throat with difficulty swallowing. Her mother states that Katharine has had similar symptoms three separate times this year. The illnesses begin with irritation in the throat that progress to pain. The pain radiates to her ears and she generally develops a fever during the course of each attack. The patient also has a history of developing frequent colds where she experiences headaches, a stuffy nose and frequent sneezing. Her older brother and sister have both recently had the common cold. The patient is otherwise healthy with no major illnesses or injuries. Clinical manifestations: On examination, Katharines palatine tonsils are swollen, red and surrounded by exudate. She has a temperature of 101.1 °F and complains of a running nose and headache. She appears tired and isnt as energetic as in our previous encounters. Diagnosis: acute tonsillitis. Throat culture confirmed strep. bacterial infection. Etiology: Acute tonsillitis is generally caused by a viral infection, most commonly caused by common cold viruses such as: adenovirus, rhinovirus, influenza, coronavirus, respiratory syncytial virus. The Epstein-Barr virus, herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus and HIV occasionally manifest as tonsillitis. The second cause of acute tonsillitis is bacterial1 (about 30% of patients). The common bacterium is group A Beta hemolytic streptoccal. Other strains of bacteria are less common. The patient listed above has this type of infection. Pathogenesis: virus or bacteria attacks tonsil tissue exiting the response of innate immunity and adaptive immunity of T and B cells contained in the tonsils. The lymphocytes fight the infection, which leads to inflammation. As long as the lymphocytes and other cells can weaken the virus/bacteria the damage to the cells within the tonsils will remain reversible. Treatment: 10-day course of oral penicillin2, rest and hydration. Prognosis: symptoms should resolve during course of treatment. If frequent onset of tonsillitis continues tonsillectomy may be recommended. Inflammatory response The bacteria is ingested or inhaled and attaches to the palatine tonsils (injury). At the gross level the tonsils become swollen with erythema causing pain and difficulty completing normal tasks such as swallowing. In the study by Liljaa, Raisanenb and Stenfors3, the researchers studied bacterial and epithelial cells from palatine tonsils of nine patients with positive streptococcus pyogenes infection. The reported findings showed, S. pyogenes could be identified both in the mucous layer covering the tonsils and attached to the surface epithelial cells. Long chains of coccus-shaped bacteria could be seen encroaching on the epithelial cell borders. S. pyogenes can apparently penetrate the mucous barrier, attach to the epithelial cells, spread from cell to cell and possibly penetrate into the outermost layer of the epithelial cells. These events in turn provoke cytokine production and/or complement activation, which induce inflammatory reaction in the tonsillar tissue (activation). Dead bacteria and bacterial debris will remain at the site of the infection and must be removed (phagocytosis) from this area by neutrophils and macrophages. Once the bacterium has been removed through phagocytes the tonsillar tissue will resume its normal form through resolution (healing process). Swelling and pain will cease. Chronic inflammation: Ulcerative Collitis Case study Jedediah Jones is a 24-year-old student pursing a degree in chiropractic medicine. He presents today with abdominal pain and frequent diarrhea containing mucus and blood. The onset of these symptoms began 2 months ago, but Jedediah decided to seek treatment when his frequent bowel movements began to disrupt his studies. Patient states that on average he has approximately 8 bowel movements per day, most frequently occurring after a meal. His abdominal pain is most severe before a bowel movement, but remains constant at the pain level of 4 out of 10. Patient says pain is 6 out of 10 at its worse. Patient attributes the symptoms to his newly adopted diet mostly consisting of fast food. Until recently he lived at home where all his meals were homemade. Patient has experienced an increased level of stress since beginning his studies (6 months ago) and subsequently quit smoking cigarettes. Patient exercises regularly, but has experienced a decrease in energy levels since the onset of symptoms. Patient denies other illness or injuries and is currently not taking any medication. Patients twin brother was recently diagnosed with Crohns disease and his maternal grandfather died of colon cancer at 48 years old. Clinical manifestations: LLQ tender upon palpation and entire abdomen appears distended. Patient claims 8 bowel movements per day with a watery consistency containing mucus and blood. Conjuctiva and finger nail beds appear pale. Diagnosis: ulcerative colitis, confirmed by positive biopsy removed during sigmoidoscopy. Inflammation of bowel appeared to extend no further than the descending colon with most severe inflammation and ulceration in the sigmoid section. Stool cultures ruled out parasitic infection. Etiology: the cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, but factors such as genetics7, psychological stress, smoking cessation and poor diet have been attributed to onset of disease. Pathogenesis: as stated in the pathology textbook7, Most investigators believe that [ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease] result from a combination of defects in host interactions with intestinal microbiota, intestinal epithelial dysfunction, and aberrant mucosal immune responses. Treatment: Sulfasalazine 2 pills by mouth, 3 times per day. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Rowasa (mesalamine) rectal suspension enema, at bedtime until bleeding stops. Prognosis: continue medication until symptoms have resolved completely. Maintenance therapy will be recommended indefinitely to avoid relapse. Inflammatory response Podolsky8 explains in his article that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is believed to be the result of an ongoing activation of the mucosal immune system. This abnormal response is likely due to the defects in both the intestinal epithelium and the mucosal immune system (injury). Podolsky8 clearly defines the inflammatory response of IBD, Chronic, recurrent intestinal inflammation appears to result from stimulation of the mucosal immune system by-products of commensal bacteria in the lumen. Stimulation may occur as a result of the penetration of bacterial products through the mucosal barrier, leading to their direct interaction with immune cells, especially dendritic cells and lymphocyte populations (chemotaxis). Alternatively, bacterial products may stimulate the surface epithelium, possibly through receptors that are components of the innate immune-response system; the epithelium can, in turn, produce cytokines and chemokines that recruit and activate mucosal immune cells (transmigration). Cellular changes occur in ulcerative colitis as the chronic inflammation may lead to mucosal atrophy7, damage to the muscularis propria and disrupt neuromuscular function leading to colonic dilation and risk of perforation (cellular changes). As stated in the textbook7, The inflammatory process is diffuse and generally limited to the mucosa and superficial submucosa. Submucosal fibrosis, mucosal atrophy and distorted mucosal architecture remain a residual of healed disease but histology may also revert to near normal after prolonged remission (healing process). Resources Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. Tonsillopharyngitis. Available at: http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec08/ch090/ch090i.html. Accessed: October 21, 2010 Venes D, Thomas C (Eds.). Tabers Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary 19th ed. Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis; 2001 Liljaa M, Raisanenb S, Stenfors L E. Initial events in the pathogenesis of acute tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. Int. J. Pediatr. Otorhinolaryngol. September 1998; 45 (1): 15 20. Mansson A, Adner M, Cardell L O. Toll-like receptors in cellular subsets of human tonsil T cells: altered expression during recurrent tonsillitis. Respir Res. 2006; 7(1): 36 Ebenfelt A, Ericson L E, Lundberg C. Acute Pharyngotonsillitis is an Infection Restricted to the Crypt and Surface Secretion. Acta Otolaryngol (Stockh) 1998; 118: 264 271. Wikipedia contributors. Wound healing. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. October 23, 2010, 14:00 UTC. Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wound_healingoldid=392404843. Accessed October 24, 2010. Kumar V, Abbas A, Fausto N, Aster J. The Gastrointestinal Tract (Ch 17). Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2010: 810 814 Podolsky, D. Inflammatory Bowel Disease. N Engl J Med 2002; 347:417-429 The Empire Writes Back | Green is the Colour The Empire Writes Back | Green is the Colour Ashcroft, Bill et al in the book The Empire Writes Back: Theory and Practice in Post Colonial Literature discusses what post-colonial is and explains among others the theories of post-colonialism. According to Ashcroft et al, the term colonial can be used to cover all the culture affected by the imperial process from the moment of colonization to the present which concerns with the world as it exists during and after the period of European imperial domination and the effects of this on contemporary literatures. These contemporary literatures include those produced in the African countries, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Caribbean countries, India, Malaysia, Malta, New Zealand, Pakistan, Singapore, South Pacific countries, Sri Langka and even the USA (p.2). Development of post-colonial literatures happens through several stages along with the stages of national or regional consciousness and the project of asserting difference from the imperial centre (ibid, p.5). The first stage is the stage of the imperialism where writings were produced using the language of the imperial centre because they were written mainly by the literate elites which can also be regarded as the representative of the imperial power. Examples include gentrified settlers (Wentworths Australia), travellers and sightseers (Froudes Oceana, and his The English in the West Indies or the travel diaries of Mary Kingsley) or the Anglo-Indian and West African administrators, soldiers and boxwallah and their memsahibs (volumes of memoirs). At this stage the writers not only talk about the landscape, language and culture of the place but also emphasize the home over the native, the metropolitan over the provincial or colonial and so on (ibid, p.5). The second stage involved literature produced by what Aschroft et. al termed as under the imperial license by the natives or outcasts like the English educated Indian upper class or the African missionary literature. However, the institution of Literature in the colony was still under the control of the imperial ruling class which prevented the writers from fully exploring their anti-Imperial potential. One of the examples given is a novel entitled Ralph Rashleigh by James Tucker. Basically, there are four post colonial models which can be used to study literary texts. The first model is the national or regional models which emphasize the distinctive features of the particular national or regional culture; while the second one is the race- based model which identifies certain shared characteristics across various national literatures such as the common racial inheritance in literatures of the African diaspora addressed by the Black Writing model. Comparative models of varying complex ity which seek to account for particular linguistic, historical and cultural features across two or more post-colonial literature is the third model while the last one which is rather comprehensive is the comparative models which argues things such as hybridity and syncreticity as the constitutive elements of all post-colonial literature. One of the popular preoccupations of postcolonial literature deals with nationalism. Several definitions of nationalism can be found in the dictionaries and among them are the devotion to the interests or culture of ones nation; the belief that nations will benefit from acting independently rather than collectively emphasizing national rather than international goals; and aspirations for national independence in a country under foreign domination (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/nationalism). Benedict Anderson (1983) defines nation as imagined, limited and sovereign communities. According to Anderson imagined community is different from an actual community because it is not (and, for practical reasons, cannot be) based on everyday face-to-face interaction between its members. Anderson argues that nations are a small idea shared by a geographically limited area of people that despite its limitation has influence and power in its greater region and sovereignty over its people. Nation became more and more realized as linguistic diversity, religious authority and traditional monarchies faded. A nation is imagined because the members of even the smallest nation will never know most of their fellow-members, meet them, or even hear of them, yet in the minds of each, lives the image of their communion and regardless of the actual inequality and exploitation that may prevail in each, the nation is always conceived as a deep, horizontal comradeship. Members of the community probably will never know each of the other members face to face; however, they may have similar interests or identify as part of the same nation. Anderson believes that his creation of imagined communities became possible because of print-capitalism. Capitalist entrepreneurs printed their books and media in the vernacular (instead of exclusive script languages, such as Latin) in order to maximize circulation. As a result, readers speaking various local dialects became able to understand each other, a nd a common discourse emerged. Anderson argued that the first European nation-states were thus formed around their national print-languages. Quayum (2009) in his introductory note for Writing A Nation Essays on Malaysian Literature stated that nationalism implies idealisation of the nation that has many positive qualities in its ideal state. Besides creating the sense of belonging, solidarity and shared membership for all its citizens where all members recognise mutual rights and duties towards one another, it also creates a sense of conviction and loyalty among members to certain shared artefacts of the nation. Quayaum however believes that to some extent nationalism may also be dangerous because there is a probability that the idealisation of the nation can turn into idolatry and nationalist sentiment can deteriorate into demagoguery, divisiveness, despotism, radicalism and racism which may lead to sectarian arrogance and destroy the creative bond of the wholeness of humanity. Lloyd Fernandos Green is the Colour Lloyd Fernandos Scorpion Orchid (1976) and Green is the Colour (1993) provide crucial insights into the state of belonging and nation-formation, as well as the understated realities of racial religious segregation and politics of prejudice which are still rampant in the contemporary Malaysian ideological landscape (Qayum and Nam, 2009). Although the exact time frame for Lloyd Fernandos novel Green is the Colour has not been clearly stated, it is quite possible that the historical context which Fernando is indirectly referring to was the Malaysian Racial Riot of 13th May, 1969. The novel exposed the unstable relationship between the racial and religious groups of Malaysia which continues to haunt the socio-cultural fabric of the country up until today (Ng, 2009). Thus, the depiction of violence, prejudices between different races and roaming vigilante in the countryside were quite real and became a common sight at that time. The effect of the racial unrest which is referred in the novel as the unsightly scab in Malaysian history can directly be felt by the multicultural citizens represented by characters like Siti Sara, Dahlan, Yun Ming and Gita. The ill-fated, cross-cultural relationship between Siti Sara and Yun Ming and their reflections to the uncertain situation in the country become the focus of the novel. Yun Ming, a second generation Chinese is a civil servant working for the Ministry of Home Affairs who seeks justice by working from within the government. He lusts for Sara, an oversea- graduate lecturer teaching in a local premier university from the first moment he sees her at a concert. Since the first meeting, Yun Ming seems to feel a kind of attraction towards Siti Sara and always tries to find ways or opportunities to be near her. Siti Sara who at first tries not to make her feeling obvious due to her status as Omars wife finally responds and begins to find comfort and peace in Yun Mings company who is described as gentle and moderate and looks at things from a human point of view and believes in the brotherhood of all. His sincerity and trustworthiness are evidenced through his willingness to risk his life in d istributing relief goods in the Malay areas even during the peak of racial riot. The understanding and tolerance that Sara never gets from her spouse leads Sara to be deeply in love with the Chinese guy. Despite all the challenges and disapproval from others (except from Lebai Hanafiah, Siti Saras father), the couple is almost successful in their relationship until Yun Ming is caught under the instruction of the villain in the novel- Panglima. Siti Sara is very significant in the novel not only as a heroine but also a narrator. As such, the story is mainly narrated from her viewpoint except for Chapter 9 which is narrated by Lebai Hanafiah, Siti Saras father and Chapter 15 by Dahlan a lawyer. Saras father has certainly becomes instrumental in shaping her into a liberal, tolerant and accommodative woman ( ). Although described as not having a unitary, parochial sense of identity like her lover Yun Ming, nor adopt a monolithic model of nationalism like her husband Omar ( ), Siti Saras character is used to realise the authors philosophy of fellowship and understanding among multi-racial Malaysia ( ). Fernando tries to promote a tolerant, selfless Bangsa Malaysia in this novel through the depiction of the characters of Yun Ming, Siti Sara and Lebai Hanafiah. Through the story, Fernando not only shows the effect of explosive and intractable racial riots on the entire nation but also on the band of closely linked individuals and how their relationships are affected by the event particularly by their contesting views of the nation. The interpretation of nation or imagined community according to him would be a community that is open- minded, receptive and tolerant towards each other just like the relationship of Siti Sara and Yun Ming. Even though Panglimas single set of values may be necessary as a reference, it is wise to allow for some freedoms for the multiracial society to practice what they believe to be right and appropriate without letting their contesting views affect their judgments and relationship with other. As Quayum, (2007) puts it, as long as we consider love as the base of all metaphysics and humanity and as the highest principle in life, we can never go wrong in self-refashioning ourselves as a nation or a society. Fernando enunciated his firmly-held belief in the integration of races and religions in his two novels Scorpion Orchid (1976) and Green is the Colour (1993) while deftly criticising communal and divisive politics which inevitably result in intolerance and destruction. These two novels provide an insight into the state of belonging and nation-formation as well as the understated realities of racial-religious segregation and politics which are regarded as sensitive but anyhow still relevant to be discussed up till now (Ng, 2009). Even though Fernando seems to rely on the incidents of the 1969 racial riot to construct the ideological backdrop of the novel, it is however inaccurate to generalize it as depicting the realities of the tensions. Instead, a careful reading will reveal that the novel is in fact depicting the ideological state of affairs in Malaysia of the 80s and 90s, a situation which Fernando views as dire to the nations health due to the communal, prejudicial agendas of cer tain political groups. Fernando tries to bring to attention the dangerous direction towards which the nation is heading, a direction that is increasingly forgetting its multicultural makeup in the move towards racial-religious homogeneity (ibid. p.118-119). Although some critics feel that the portrayal of women characters in both Fernandos novel Scorpion Orchid and Green is the Colour is rather bias Mohammad A.Quayum who reads Siti Sara as a metaphor of a nation argues that her rape by Panglima is especially significant: she is at the centre of the novel and associated with the countryside and the natural beauty of Malaysia from time to time. The authors worst fears about the future of Malaysia would be realised if corrupt politicians and bureaucrats like Panglima were allowed to remain at the helm and rule of the country (Shaping a New National Destiny with Dialogic, p. 170) The novel reveals what would happen to Malaysia if megalomaniac, bigoted and close-minded politicians were to come into power and threaten to divest other racial groups of their rights to religious and cultural affiliations (Andrew Ng, 2009, p.119) Fernando articulates the dangers of deploying religion for selfish, politically-invested ends echoes precisely the socio-political situation in Malaysia during this period. (Andrew Ng, 2009, p.119) Other character include Dahlan, a renegade Malay lawyer who persistently questions Malay supremacy and privileges resulting in him being rejected by his community (Andrew Ng, 2009, p.119) Racial harmony cannot be reinstated by force. Panglima who represents the corrupted leader of the country and Ustaz Bahaudin a leader of a religious extremist have their own way to forward their homogenising, monolithic agendas. Panglima constantly talks about an ominous strategy for nation-building. According to him in order to maintain the order in the country everybody must follow one way of life and has one way of doing things. Tuan Guru Bahaudin and the Panglima endorse the view that a nation comprising many religions cannot become united and only through a single faith at the (potentially violent) expense of others can function as the adhesive for a people that is otherwise racially segregated (Wilson in Andrew Ng, 2009, p.123)

Wages of Sin Revealed in The Divine Comedy :: Divine Comedy Inferno Essays

Wages of Sin Revealed in The Divine Comedy      Ã‚   In his poem The Divine Comedy. The Inferno, Dante Alighieri gives his audience a clear vivid presentation of what he as a follower of the Christian religion perceives to be hell. Dante shows that human sin is punishable in various degrees of severity and that this is dependent on the nature of one's sinful actions. He sets forth what could very well be the most fully developed Christian understanding of justice on earth, and that is; that what we do as human beings will determine what happens to us in the event of death based on God's judgment. In writing his poem Dante uses symbolism, allegorism and imagery among other literary effects to place his poem analogically to life as it was during his day and age. Dante structures The Inferno around thirty four cantos. Each of these cantos marks a steady progression from the mildest to the worst of sins. The cantos depict sinners under various forms of punishment which are commensurate to the nature of their sins.   Dante categorizes sin into three different categories of fraud, incontinence and violence. In canto I he mentions three animals namely , a leopard, a lion and a she-wolf. These animals act as symbolisms for the various types of sins. The sin^à ±s depicted in canto XVIII are symbolized by the she-wolf which acts as a symbol for the sins of fraud. The sins of fraud are placed the furthest from God in the deepest pits of hell, near Satan. In canto XVIII Dante and his guide Virgil find themselves in the eighth circle, called the Malebolge. It is in the Malebolge, that each of the kinds of simple fraud are punished in the concentric ditches.   In the first ditch, Dante sees two files of naked sinners each running in opposite direction, whipped by demons. These sinners are the panderers and the seducers. Dante recognizes Venedico Caccianemico, a man he once knew. Venedico in this case is depicted as having sold his sister, Ghisola to serve the will and lust of another man, Marquis. Dante at this point uses a fellow contemporary to show what happens when one goes against the will of God and sins. Venedico betrays his family ties and his indifference in this act results in his eternal punishment of being whipped by demons.

Leonardo da Vinci :: essays research papers

Leonardo da Vinci, perhaps the greatest man in history, invented thousands of things including the helicopter, tank and portable bridge. Leonardo was not only an inventor ,but a sculptor, an artist and an architect. He was born 1452 in the small town of Vinci ,in Tuscany. His father was a wealthy notary and his mother a peasant woman. In the mid 1460s the family moved to Florence here he was given the best education Florence could offer. He advanced rapidly socially and intellectually . He was very handsome and a fine musician. About 1482 Leonardo entered the service of the duke of Milan. Due to a recommendation stating that he could build portable bridges and knew techniques in constructing canons, ships and catapults as well as other weapons. He served as principle engineer in the duke’s military projects. In 1502 Leonardo entered the service of Cesare Borgia, duke of Romagna. He served as Cesare’s chief architect and engineer. Leonardo supervised work on the fortresses of the papal territories in central Italy. In 1506 Leonardo went to Milan again at the summons of its French governor Charles d’Amboise. For the next six years he divided his time between Milan and Florence. He still continued his engineering projects and worked on a figure for a monument to a commander of the French forces in the city. Although Leonardo produced a small number of paintings he was an influent artist. The Mona Lisa, his most famous work, is a great example of two techniques sfumato and chiaroscuro of which he was one of the first great masters. Because none of Leonardo’s sculptural projects were brought to completion, his approach to three dimensional art can only be judged by his drawings. As a scientist he towered over his generation.

Re-Examining the ‘Step-and-Slide’: Sex Differences in Pedestrian Collision Avoidance

Abstract Previous literature has reported sex differences in collision avoidance behaviour by pedestrians. The current study sough to establish whether these sex differences are still valid now by observing an opportunity sample of male and female pedestrians in a busy location. A chi-square test found a significant (p 01) relationship between sex and collision avoidance behaviour. In particular, women were significantly more likely to engage in closed passes and men were significantly more likely to engage in open passes. This finding is in keeping with the pattern previously reported by Collett and Marsh (1981). Future research is needed to understand why these sex differences may exist. Introduction Despite often busy and overcrowded public areas, pedestrians can be observed navigating and avoiding collisions with remarkable ease. Previous literature appears to be relatively unanimous in its observations and conclusions about how pedestrians are able to avoid collisions. In an early study, Goffman (1972) made a number of observations including that people tend to form two lanes whilst walking upon the pavement, with one group walking on the inside, away from the road and the other group walking on the outside and close to the road. Many years later, Collett and Marsh (1981) observed the same phenomenon and coined the term ‘pedestrian streaming.’ It was also discovered that individuals will use others’ movements and monitor their intentions, known as â€Å"externalisation,† to ensure a smoother passage. These movements may be unconscious or conscious and may as be discrete as a slight turn of the shoulders. Again, this phenomenon was also observed by Wo lff (1973), who named it â€Å"behaviour monitoring.† Wolff (1973) observed that many pedestrians engage in what he coined the ‘step-and-slide’ pass, which involved a slight angling of the shoulders alongside a discrete side step. After videotaping the passing behaviour of individuals using a pedestrian crossing, Collett and Marsh (1981) noted significant sex differences in the strategies used whilst engaging in this type of pass. Males were far more likely to use an open pass strategy by orienting toward the person they were trying to avoid whereas females were more likely to use a closed pass strategy by orienting themselves away from the person they were attempting to avoid. Interestingly, the types of pass used could not adequately be explained by the natural position of the leg during passing and even when it was more difficult, women were still more likely to use a closed pass. The researchers concluded that the use of a closed pass strategy by women was an example of self-protective behaviour. In particular, the auth ors concluded that women were attempting to protect their breasts after observing that they often drew their arms across their bodies during the pass. The result of Collett and Marsh’s (1981) study may now be outdated. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate whether sex differences in collision avoidance behaviour still exist today and whether the pattern still reflects that seen by Collett and Marsh (1981). Based on previous literature it is hypothesised that females will make more closed passes than males and that males will use more open passes than females. MethodParticipants2,910 participants (1,376 females, 1,534 males) were observed using an opportunity sample. As this was a observation study it was not feasible to collect demographic data such as age.MaterialsObservations were recorded on a data collection grid. The data collection grid was used to record the sex of the pedestrian and whether a open pass, closed pass or neutral pass was observed. Design This was a between-subjects design with male participants being compared with female participants. The predictor variable was the sex of the pedestrian and the criterion variable was the type of passing behaviour exhibited.ProcedureBefore collecting data for the study a pilot study was carried out to ensure that the observers could correctly identify whether a pedestrian was exhibiting an open pass, closed pass or neutral behaviour. Data was collected on an opportunity sample of ten pedestrians for the pilot study. For the main study, data was collected by observing pedestrians at various train stations during peak times. Two researchers collected the data with one acting as observer and the other acting as recorder. Observations were based on an opportunity sample and a mix of male-male, female-female and female-male interactions were recorded.ResultsA total of 1,376 females and 1,534 males were observed. Of the 1,376 females, 561 engaged in an open pass, whereas 815 engaged in a closed pass. Of the 1,534 males observed, 1,070 engaged in an open pass, whereas 464 engaged in a closed pass. A chi-square test was performed and a significant relationship was found between sex and type of collision avoidance behaviour X2 (1, N = 2910) = 247.32, p < 0.01. [Insert graph here] Discussion The aim of the current study was to investigate whether current sex differences in pedestrian collision avoidance behaviour support previous literature that has found females are more likely to use closed passes, whereas males are more likely to use open passes when avoiding each other in busy pedestrian areas. It was found that more women engaged in closed passes than men and that more men engaged in open passes than women. Statistical analysis revealed that there was a significant relationship between sex and type of collision avoidance behaviour. This means that women are significantly more likely to engage in closed passes, whereas men are significantly more likely to engage in open passes. This finding is in support of previous literature (Collett and Marsh, 1981) and the data supports the researchers’ hypothesis. Collett and Marsh (1981) argued that females engage in closed passes in an attempt to protect their breasts because they observed that women often drew their arms across their chests during the pass. However, more recent research has demonstrated that even in non-confrontational, everyday situations, females tend to sit in closed positions whilst keeping their arms close to their bodies (Cashdan, 1998; Vrugt and Luyerink, 2000). This suggests that Collett and Marsh’s (1981) initial interpretation may be flawed. Women may naturally adopt closed body language, which they are also likely to use during pedestrian collision avoidance scenarios. The finding that men are more likely to use open passes is in keeping with previous literature on male body language and non-verbal communication. For example, Mehrabian (1968) found that men tend to show more alertness than women by directing their shoulder orientation toward the other person. This could explain why men adopt an open positi on and direct their shoulders toward the other individual whilst passing them. Luxen (2005) found that men tend to exhibit behavioural dominance in situations involving women. Turning their body toward a woman, whilst she turns away, may reflect this dominance. Therefore, the current findings can be interpreted in the context of sex differences in both body language and non-verbal communication. It is difficult to draw any strong conclusions from an observational study and only inferences can be made. However, based on the results and what is known about body language, it appears as though the sex differences in the way that individuals avoid pedestrian collisions still exist today as they did in the 1980s. The results also seem to support Collett and Marsh’s (1981) conclusion that women are more likely to adopt a protective stance when making passes in a collision avoidance situation. The current study had a notable number of strengths. Primarily, this study utilised a large sample, which is highly likely to be representative of the population as a whole. Generalisability was also strengthened by using different train station locations for observations. Furthermore, having taken place in a natural environment rather than a lab setting, the results have good ecological validity. However, the observation method has a number of limitations, which should be noted. Firstly, although a pilot study was carried out in order to familiarise the observer with different types of passes, the data would have been more reliable if two observers had been used at any one time. An alternative method of improving the study would have to been to video record the observation area so that a second observer could interpret an identical scenario of pedestrian collision avoidance. This would have provided a measure of inter-observer reliability, which would have strengthened the results o f the study. It is also possible that the observer was biased because they were aware of the study hypothesis. In other words, the observer may have interpreted females to have carried out more closed passes because this is what was expected based on the previous literature. In future studies, keeping the observer blind to the hypothesis of the study will reduce this risk. There are also some ethical concerns with large scale observation studies such as this. For example, some individuals may object to being watched and to their behaviour being recorded. However, with such a large scale study, it would have been impossible to have sought the informed consent of each participant. Data was also completely anonymised, which keeps the study within ethical boundaries. Although the study has good generalisability, this is somewhat weakened by collecting results from only the UK. Future research may wish to focus on whether the same patterns are found internationally. Based on the findings of the current study, future studies may also wish to focus on exploring in more detail why these sex differences exist. For example, a sample of individuals exhibiting these behaviours could be administered a questionnaire to explore whether the behaviour is unconscious or conscious and if it is conscious, why they engage in either open or closed passes. References Cashdan, E. (1998). Smiles, speech, and body posture: How women and men display sociometric status and power. Journal of Nonverbal Behavior, 22(4), 209-228. Collett, P.R. & Marsh, P.E. (1981). Patterns of public behaviour: Collision avoidance on a pedestri an crossing. In A. Kendon (Ed.), Nonverbal communication, interaction and gesture (pp. 199-217). The Hague: Mouton Press. Goffman, E. (1972). Relations in public. Harmondsworth: Pelican. Luxen, M. (2005). Gender differences in dominance and affiliation during a demanding interaction. Journal of Psychology: Interdisciplinary and Applied, 139(4), 331- 347. Mehrabian, A. (1968). Relationship of attitude to seated posture, orientation, and distance. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 10(1), 26-30. Vrugt, A., & Luyerink, M. (2000). The contribution of bodily posture to gender stereotypical im pressions. Social Behavior & Personality: An International Journal, 28(1), 91. Wolff, M. (1973) Notes on the behaviour of pedestrians. In A. Birenbaum and E. Sagar (Eds.), Peo ple in places: The sociology of the familiar (pp. 35-48). New York: Praeger.