Social Work with Dementia Patients - 1788 Words

HISTORY OF DEMENTIA: The human brain is extraordinary organ. It stores our memories, vision, hearing, speech, and capable of executing executive higher reasoning and functions setting us apart from animals. Today we know more about the human brain because of medical advances and the development of technology. These brain disorders have been studied for years and many others would classify dementia as a mental illness because it causes cognitive impairments. The following paragraphs will discuss what dementia is, what the types of dementia are, perspectives of patients with dementia as well as the perspective of a caregiver to a dementia patient. The first case of dementia was discovered in 1906 by a German physiatrist Alois Alzheimer. It†¦show more content†¦While blood tests cannot say that a person has Alzheimer but a genetic marker has been found in the human genes that determines a risk factor. Another type of exam used to determine Alzheimer is a urine analysis by specifically looking for high protein or sugar levels. While this is not linked to the detection of Alzheimer it cannot help rule out other diseases that present similarly to Alzheimer. TYPES AND STAGES OF DEMENTIA: The focus of this paper has thus far been only on Alzheimer. Alzheimer has five stages which are, one; preclinical, two; mild, three; mild, four; moderate, five; severe and, six; terminal (Colleen Nerney, 2014). The preclinical stage as discussed from out class notes can be diagnosed in the earlier years of al adult and a patient can stay in this stage any where from 10-30 years. During this stage atrophy starts and the brain starts loosing its mass. During this period Alzheimer is often not noticed. It is during the mild stage of Alzheimer that a patient gets a diagnose and they can stay in this stage from 5-10 years in which then experience a decline in memory loss, they engage in repetitive statements. They are no longer able to complete tasks, they get lost, and are easily confused. During this stage family members can notice a change in their personality and moods that cause a disruption. During the moderate state an increase in memory loss can be observed, a shorter attention span is present, they are extremely confused andShow MoreRelatedAnalysis and Description of Dementia Essay1741 Words   |  7 PagesDementia is characterized as a condition where the mental processes of cogniti on and memory start to deteriorate. It is described as a syndrome that hinders the daily lives of those who have it and is characterized by memory and thinking impairment. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s Disease and the second most common is vascular dementia. Dementia is a syndrome occurring usually, but not limited, to people over the age of 40 and is due to brain damage caused by natural deterioratingRead MoreA Brief Note On The Final Stages Of The Disease1314 Words   |  6 Pagesstages of the disease, patients have problems eating, communicating with others, and controlling their bladder or bowels (Newton par. 16). There are a lot of social factors that are affected when a person has dementia. One example would be that the patient may forget simple words and replace them with something more inappropriate (Signs par. 4). Although there is a lot that is affected when a person has dementia, the patient still has some basic mental stability. Dementia pati ents may still hold ontoRead MoreDementia And The Power Of Music Therapy By Steve Matthews1011 Words   |  5 Pages In the article â€Å"Dementia and the Power of Music Therapy† by Steve Matthews, argues that music therapy has positive effects on dementia, in terms of non-pharmacological treatment, inexpensive in health budgets, and neurocognitive benefits for patients. Matthews starts off the article by describing current tendency of dementia in western nation. He mentions that dementia is one of fast increasing disease in United States, Canada, UK, Europe, and Australia. Additionally, Australian government’s investmentRead MoreAlzheimer s Disease And Vascular Dementia1510 Words   |  7 PagesDementia is a disease that is seen to be affecting many of our elderly population nowadays. Dementia patients show progressive symptoms, which become severe with age. Some of the symptoms include memory loss, difficulty performing intellectual activities and overall lose of cognition. There are many causes of dementia so therefore the prevalence rate of it is increasing yearly. Dementia can be caused due to genetic vulnerability such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), lifestyle choices and from other chronicRead MoreIntroduction. This Paper Is A Critical Analysis Of Two1147 Words   |  5 Pageswhose story it is : The challenges of undertaking life story work with people with dementia and their families. Dementia, (Qualitative) and Milne, A., Guss, R., and Russ, A., 2014, Psycho-educational support for relatives of people with a recent diagnosis of mild to moderate dementia: An evaluation of a ‘Course for Carers . Dementia. (Quantitative) These papers have been selected as they embrace contrasting research strategies on Dementia- qualitative and quantitative. The main aim of this analysisRead MoreThe National Institute Of Neurological Disorders And Stroke Defines Dementia1563 Words   |  7 PagesStroke defines dementia as:â€Å" word for a group of symptoms caused by disorders that affect the brain. It is not a specific disease. People with dementia may not be able to think well enough to do normal activities, such as getting dressed or eating. They may lose their ability to solve problems or control their emotions. Their personalities may change. They may become agitated or see things that are not there. (Health, 2014).This essay is going to discuss and explore what dementia is and the fourRead MoreMental Health Case Study1261 Words   |  6 Pagesa Mental Health professional in a trial of 580 patients. This test was performed within 48 hours of the original PHQ-9. The Cronbach’s Aplha was 0.84 for the test-retest. The means score for the clinic samples was 5.08 and 5.03 for the telephone interviews. The reliability appears to be great for this instrument and has similar results in different settings. Validity The validity of the PHQ-9 instrument appeared to be great. Out of the 41 patients that were diagnosed to have major depression theirRead MoreDisengagement Theory And Alzheimer s Disease901 Words   |  4 Pageswhich states that a person should remain active and social. There is the Continuation Theory and states that people who age successfully continue habits that lead to a happy life. Then there is the disengagement theory and this theory will be the focus of the paper. Disengagement theory is the idea that as people age it is expected for them to withdraw from society and take a more limited social role in life. I believe that this theory ties into dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease because it is expectedRead MoreThe Effects Of Occupational Therapy On Enhancing Quality Of Life1523 Words   |  7 PagesThe Effects of Occupational Therapy in Enhancing Quality of Life for Individuals With Dementia Dementia is a chronic syndrome that involves a progressive deterioration of brain function and leaves a person to suffer from not only a cognitive decline but physical, emotional, and behavioral changes as well. There are over ten different types of dementia and each cause significant changes in the make up of the brain and the brain function. Those changes include deposits of protein that form plaquesRead MoreDrug Therapy And Its Effects On The Health Of Individuals Essay1587 Words   |  7 Pagessomething for the effects of drugs. However, drug therapy is not the only effective type of therapy and does not work for every disease. Cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia have been effecting more and more people over time and there is still no cure or promising treatment. Therefore, we must look at different options when considering the well beings of these suffering patients. We must look beyond the medical research labs and start looking back at the self and the effectiveness of other therapies

Bullying Is A Growing Epidemic - 1345 Words

Bullying is a growing epidemic in today’s society and has become a pressing social and educational concern. It is often dismissed as typical adolescent behavior but ignoring the problem could be detrimental to the bully, the person being bullied, and even those who stand by witnessing the unkind acts but do nothing about it. Bullying can hinder academic, social, and emotional development and because it manifests in different forms, it is important to recognize the signs and address it with all parities immediately. Horton (2011) defines bullying as â€Å"a group’s collective aggressiveness towards an individual or group of individuals who provoke or attract this aggressiveness† (p. 268). According to Brank, Hoetger, and Hazen (2012) there are four main types of bullying: physical, verbal, relational (or social), and cyber bullying. Physical bullying is characterized by acts of aggression such as punching or hitting. Verbal bullying is characterized by name calling or teasing. Deliberately leaving someone out of activities and/or starting rumors characterizes relational or social bullying. Cyber bullying utilizes technology such as texts, email, or social media to express aggression toward others (p. 214). Regardless of the form of bullying, a common thread amongst them is there is a power imbalance between the bully and the person being bullied. Being able to physically or verbally hurt others, being more confident, having superior manipulative or social skills, andShow MoreRelatedThe Law Of The Few1111 Words   |  5 PagesThe Law of the Few Cyber bullying is a rapidly growing issue that directly affects adolescent health, and because 95% of teens use the Internet, and 81% use social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, and Instagram, they are susceptible to online harassment 24 hours of the day. (Cyber Bullying and Bullying Must Be Studied Within a Broader Peer Victimization Framework). According to the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 14.8%Read MoreInformative speech outline Essay1391 Words   |  6 Pagesbrain just never really registered but I was highly aware that teen suicide was a growing epidemic. So I decided that I needed to understand why two things such as death and teenagers go hand in hand. D. Preview: In order to share what I have learned about why about 4,600 youths between the ages of 10-24 commit suicide every year I will explain to you three of the main causes for teen suicide. They include Stress, Bullying, and also Depression. (Center for Disease Control: Teen Suicide Statistics, ChartRead MoreEssay about Bullying: A Major Problem in Today’s Schools563 Words   |  3 PagesBullying has been a major problem in today’s schools Bullying is a major problem in today’s society, especially among teens. With teens spending most of their time at school this environment must be as safe as possible. Schools need to be more proactive in addressing the issue of bullying because many students are bullied in many different ways, the effects can be deadly, and students deserve a safe place to learn. At schools kids are getting bullied in many different ways. For example, studentsRead MoreCyberbullying And Its Effect On Children Essay1497 Words   |  6 Pagesdiscuss cyberbullying, what it means, the concern, what is involved, and who is involved. Thirdly, the effects of cyberbullying, why and how has it become a concern, consequences for those involved, how bad the problem is, and will it continue to be a growing concern unless something is done. And lastly, what is being done to address the problem of cyberbullying, what is the government doing about the problem, people and organizations that are or need to be involved, and what else could be done. The internetRead MoreBullying Is Becoming A Silent Epidemic Essay1738 Words   |  7 PagesBullying is becoming a silent epidemic in the United States, not only affecting our children but adults as well. Adults can experience workplace bullying that involves verbal, physical, and mental mistreatment that can come from your manager or a co-worker. Bullying is an ethical problem that we see in our organizations affecting an employee’s morale and productivity. Bullying not only affects operations, but also affects employee’s health, and well-being, therefore, management should be awareRead MoreBullying : A Victim Of Sexual Harassment872 Words   |  4 PagesNo Longer Afraid Throughout the last 30 years, bullying cases of various types (physical and verbal) and situations (cyber and social) are growing rampant; and as a result, we’re now accustomed to hearing daily of the turmoil. A young victim, abused and embarrassed, suffers another attack and a bully walks away with a few days of suspension doled out by a useless disciplinary policy, useless to inhibit it from reoccurring. Whether it’s sexual harassment, self-defense, or defense of another, aRead MoreBullying Interventions That Support Exceptional Education Students914 Words   |  4 Pagesexist in the school system today is bullying. This type of misbehavior can cause the school climate to be unconducive to learning. Bullying can also have a negative effect on not just the regular student, but the exceptional education student as well. Because of the growing epidemic (trend) of bullying, it is a need to further research the effects that bullying has on the special education stud ent. These facts lead to the proposed research topic, â€Å"Bullying Interventions that support exceptionalRead MoreBullying Is Becoming More Spread At An Alarming And Dangerous Rate Essay1193 Words   |  5 Pagesreceiving an education are becoming a host of parasitic bullying, negatively affecting students learning environments. Central Idea: The presence of bullying is growing. It has reached a point that as it is becoming worse in school systems and is affecting students of all ages. This calls for a need of intervention or the establishment of stricter policies towards anti-bullying. Introduction In spite of anyone at any age being a victim of bullying, children and teenagers are the primary targets.ChildrenRead MoreBullying Is Becoming More Spread At An Alarming And Dangerous Rate Essay1152 Words   |  5 Pages Bullying in schools is becoming more spread at an alarming and dangerous rate. Specifically,School systems that are commonly viewed as excellent sources of receiving education are becoming a host of parasitic bullying, negatively affecting students learning environments. The presence of bullying is presented like a disease and is growing. It has reached a point that to prevent it from becoming worse, school systems need to intervene or establish stricter policies towards anti-bullying so thatRead Moreforce have contributed to a dramatic shift in family eating habits. The traditional family dinner900 Words   |  4 Pagesforce have contributed to a dramatic shift in family eating habits. The traditional family dinner has been replaced by microwavable dinners or unhealthy fast foods. Also, the shifting economy has resulted in a growing number of latch-key children. Often these children are responsible for providing snacks and dinner for themselves and their younger siblings. Compounding the problems associated with latch key children, parents’ perceptions of safe neighborhoods also contribute to increases in childhood

The Middle Passage Hell on Earth Free Essays

The Middle Passage: Hell on earth Olaudah Equiano’s The Middle Passage is a chilling look into the infamous Middle Passage, a harrowing journey across the Atlantic made by captured African slaves. The Middle Passage is told from Equiano’s own perspective of being captured, allowing the reader to more fully grasp the torturous emotions and tribulations involved in being ripped from your home and shipped a world away. Through the Middle Passage, historians are able to view one of the most gruesome aspects of the journey to slavery from a first person perspective, examining the interactions between many cultures and the impressions each had of one another. We will write a custom essay sample on The Middle Passage: Hell on Earth or any similar topic only for you Order Now The Middle Passage begins with Equiano’s sight and subsequent boarding of the ship that will take him across the Atlantic. It is obvious from the very beginning of his description that this is either his first or one of his first experiences with white people, describing them as â€Å"bad spirits† and believing â€Å"they were going to kill me. Fear is the first emotion Olaudah feels, and rightly so: The journey of 1-6 months had a 15% mortality rate, higher for africans during the process of capture and containment. (Wiki) In the subsequent paragraphs, fear turns into hopelessness, as Equiano begins to assess his situation and realizing he was â€Å"deprived of all chance of returning to my native country† As his journey progresses, the true horrors of the trip unfold. The disease and stench of the proximity with which the slaves are held make up arguably the worst of the trauma; many throw up, no doubt adding to the disgust. Historians here get interesting insight into the psyche of the crew: instead of leaving the slaves to die down below, they show vested interest in their cargo, allowing the sickest or most at danger of dying to be brought to the deck of the ship in order to survive. No doubt this seeming empathy was targeted at ensuring survival and thus profit margin rather than compassion. Multiple captured slaves commit suicide, preferring death over their grotesque conditions, a sickening allusion to how terrible the ship must have been. Upon reaching land the slaves are rounded up and finally given an explanation by other slaves that they will not be eaten, a fear that evidently persisted throughout the journey. They are then rounded up as cattle to be bought by land owners and merchants, a process similar to the reports of slave selling in 19th century America. Equiano’s journey finally over, he remarks on the fact he will most likely never see anyone from that journey again, as he is now alone in a foreign world where he neither speaks the language nor has knowledge of any culture of customs. The Middle Passage tells a tale of suffering, calamity and filth. The insight historians glean from the tale no doubt confirms what is already known of the slave trade: that it is a torturous, inhumane institution who’s end could not have came soon enough. How to cite The Middle Passage: Hell on Earth, Papers

Law in a Business Context Essays - Economy, Law, Business

Law in a Business Context Employment law research Marek Pongo | @00388578 Table of Content 1.0 Introduction P.2 2.0 Employee Status P.2 3.0 Three Employee Tests P.3/4 4.0 Test selection in Courts P.4/5 5.0 Conclusion . P.5 6.0 Reference List . P.5 1.0 Introduction In this report, I will evaluate and define what is employee status test with a detailed case laws that abstract the term of an "employee status test". Secondly there will be explanation of the three-employee status test that are currently presented on courts and also defined with academic reference/case laws. And lastly regarding the three tests I will analyze which test is currently being followed by the courts, again with supported case law example. 2.0 Employee Status When it comes to employment and and the status, firstly we need to define what is an employment and how does it work. Employment connects with the contract where agreement is created, forming basis of a relationship employment. Enforceable by the law, contract can be express in oral or in writing method: (Employment Rights Act 1996 s 230(2) and originate immediately. From written contracts, it requires employee's signature and the signature of an organization representative. As Ewan Macintyre (2014) stated "People employed under a contract of employment, or a contract of service' as such a contract is commonly known, are employees" Example above, written by Ewan Macintyre and published in 2014. The phrase "People employed under a contract of employment, or a contract of service' as such a contract is commonly known, are employees" appears on page 590 of the book written in reference list. Those who provides services on under a contract of employment are classed as an independent contractor. (Ewan, 2014) Employees and independent contractor distinct from several reasons. First, terms that applied to contracts of employment are not implied into independent contractors. Then employers can be critically liable for offences that's committed by employees during the process of employment. However, offences of independent contractors are not generally liable. Lastly majority of employees consult on their protection rights only upon employees. (Ewan, 2014) 3.0 Three employee tests To define and distinct employee's identity and rights, the courts has developed for both employees and independent contractors three main tests, over the past years. The first test is the Control Test, second is "Integration test and last one is Economic Reality test. (Ewan, 2014) Control Test This test assumes and conduct, that employees are in the position of being told not to do it and how to do it, in other words from Ewan's Book, (2014) "held that employees could not only be told what to do but they could also be told how to do it". However independent contractors were in the position to be told for achievement's purposes. But it was on contractor's power on whatever method to fit on these purposes. The test has not work well, specifically on skilled employees, so further tests has been made. This example was written and defined by Ewan Macintyre, published in 2014. The phrase "held that employees could not only be told what to do but they could also be told how to do it" is available at page 590 in the book written in reference list. Integration Test Stevenson Jordan and Harrison Ltd v Macdonald and Evans (1952) 1 TLR 101 Denning LJ has evolved an integration test, where on under a contract of service (contract of employment) a person that is employed as a part of the business progress and his working process is completed, on the integral level of the business. But under a contract of services, a contract made by the independent contractor. The work, that has been for the business is not integrated into it, but classed as an accessory. The test has worked better than the previous test, because certain skilled employees like surgeons acts in the control when it comes to operate the patients, surgeons has their own power of control therefore the test has been flexible and procedures has been followed. LJ (1952) clearly stated that "employees were part and parcel of the organization' whereas independent contractors were not" (Ewan, 2014) Citate above is written by Ewan and LJ, published in 2014. Phrase above "employees were part and parcel of the organization' whereas independent contractors were not" can

Punishing an innocent person

Punishing an innocent person All societies around the world have adopted a set of laws that have been precisely designed to create an environment of peace, order and respect for universal human rights like the right to life.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Punishing an innocent person specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It has therefore been necessary to create institutions such as the police force and courts of law; which have been given a responsibility of detecting, arresting and punishing individuals that fail to live by established laws in a society. Generally, we have been intuited by our consciousness and our societies to approve punishments for the guilty (Those that have trudged on other’s rights or broken set laws). However, as we have often observed, our societies are so complex that it is hardly possible to establish a comprehensive system of appreciating the just and punishing the guilty. Just like the guilty, the innocent have and will continue to be punished. A number of philosophical thoughts have therefore been presented on the morality of punishing the innocent intentionally. These philosophical thoughts have tried to justify the punishment of an innocent person in some specific circumstances. It is useful here to evaluate the meaning of innocence. According to Murphy (2007), it is much easier to define innocence from the legal perspective as compared to doing the same from a moral perspective. From a legal perspective, someone can be judged to be guilty (the reverse of innocent) if he/she has engaged in an act or behavior that is not allowed by a set of rules governing a society where he/she comes from (Murphy, 2007). Moving to the moral field, the threshold moves to the grey scale as one is obliged to apply theories on morality, which often contradict each other, in order to define innocence (Murphy, 2007).Advertising Looking for essay on philosophy? Let's see if we can help you! Get your fi rst paper with 15% OFF Learn More The utilitarian moral theory is oftentimes applied to justify the punishment of an innocent individual (Murphy, 2007). According to the utilitarian theory, an action or behavior can be evaluated to be morally acceptable or not depending on the effects that it will bring to the greatest number of people (Kay, 1997). When an action brings about happiness and pleasure to an extensive portion of a population that it will affect, then, such an action is morally acceptable in the eyes of a utilitarian (Kay, 1997). However, when an action brings about suffering and pain to an extensive segment of a population that it will affect, then, such an action is judged to be morally wrong in the eyes of a utilitarian (Kay, 1997). Considering that the process of punishing any person will automatically bring about pain to the one undergoing punishment, such a process will be morally acceptable to a utilitarian if it brings about joy to the most extens ive segment of a population (Kay, 1997). The action of punishing a person for breaking a law/laws cannot therefore be acceptable to a utilitarian if the action will fail to contribute in bringing joy to many (Kay, 1997). The innocence of an individual as it pertains to punishment is therefore of less importance here. What matters however is the effect of the punishment on the largest section of a populace-whether it will be able to bring them pleasure or pain (Kay, 1997). It is therefore possible to picture some complex scenarios that may justify the intentional punishment of an innocent person as it pertains to the utilitarian theory. For example, let’s imagine that a rioting and destructive mob capable of destroying properties as well as killing and injuring thousands of lives is demanding that a certain individual be killed (Newman, 1995). In this case, releasing the person whose life has been demanded by the destructive mob will definitely lead to many killings and pain; bringing about suffering and pain to many (Newman, 1995). On the other hand, killing the person whose life has been demanded by the destructive mob will deter the mob, and therefore save many lives and property, preventing pain for many (Newman, 1995). In this case, although the concerned person may be innocent; at least in legal terms, an individual or party that is guided by utilitarian principles will not hesitate to punish him (the person whose life has been demanded by the destructive mob) even if it means murdering him, because such an action will be deemed to have prevented suffering for the largest segment of a population (Newman, 1995).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Punishing an innocent person specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More What about a person that has not been confirmed to be guilty and is held by the police for the reason that releasing such a person will lead to a series of crimes like murder that w ill immediately be done by the person in custody from the moment he is released (Newman, 1995). The person in custody, although innocent, can therefore be subjected to punishment as he is held in a prison where he endures limited freedom and deplorable living conditions in order to prevent him from bringing about harm to a portion of a society where he operates from (Newman, 1995). On the other hand, the person in custody can be given freedom by releasing him from custody, something that will precede a series of sufferings to a portion of a society where he operates from (Newman, 1995). The preferable action in the eyes of a utilitarian will therefore involve keeping the innocent person in custody, since this will prevent suffering to many. The person in custody is therefore sacrificed in order to save the largest portion of the society from pain (Newman, 1995). It may also be necessary for a government to design and implement a policy tailored to combat a wrong that has been done t o a population segment and bring the level of that segment to that of others in a society, as it pertains to their economic wellbeing among other parameters (Kay, 1997). Such a process will involve establishing policies like affirmative action to specifically favor minorities and the powerless in a society. Implementing affirmative action means that individuals living in a society where such a policy is implemented will be compelled to sacrifice some of their rights that they would otherwise have enjoyed; such as the access to employment and education, in order for such rights to be distributed to minorities (Kay, 1997). Although members of such a society may be innocent from oppressing minorities, they have been obliged to endure some form of punishment: when they sacrifice part of their rights (Kay, 1997). Such a price and sacrifice is of necessity in order for a government to accommodate every citizen and for the promotion of equality within a society. For the purpose of preservi ng an important moral value that has been threatened in a society, say the value of freedom, a process that may involve punishing the innocent may become a necessity (Newman, 1995). In such a case, it may be necessary for a nation to go to war.Advertising Looking for essay on philosophy? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More To defeat the enemy, it may be impossible to avoid injuries and casualties including those that are in no way involved in combat (Newman, 1995). It therefore becomes necessary to punish innocent segments of a population residing in an environment that is controlled by an enemy, during combat (Newman, 1995). Although the principles of morality are hardly counted before embarking in combat, it may become morally right to consider the pain and suffering of populations affected by the war as a necessity required to protect and uphold a valuable moral right such as the right to freedom (Newman, 1995). The threat of terrorism for example has inspired fear and strived to limit our right to freedom (Newman, 1995). Although the exercise of wisdom and control is of necessity to prevent unnecessary suffering during the war on terror, it may become unavoidable at times for a nation to participate in combat- in the endeavor of mitigating terrorism and preserving societal rights (Newman, 1995). C onclusion As has been seen, it becomes necessary in certain circumstances to subject innocent individuals to punishment to achieve certain moral purposes. The utilitarian theory justifies the punishment of a person whether guilty or not on the criteria that such a punishment will inevitably lead to the wellbeing of the most extensive population segment in a society. Besides, policies like the affirmative action that emphasize on equality oblige government to compel some society members to sacrifice part of their rights for distribution to minorities. It may also become necessary to punish innocent members of communities in an environment controlled by an enemy by a nation that has gone to war to preserve important moral values like the right to freedom. Reference List Kay, D., January 20, 1997.Utilitarianism. [Online] New York: Wofford. http://sites.wofford.edu/kaycd/utilitarianism/ Murphy, G.J, 1990. The killing of the innocent. The Monist, 57 (4), p. 527-550. Newman, G., 1995. Jus t and painful. New York: McMillan.

Giant Pacific Octopus Facts

Giant Pacific Octopus Facts The giant Pacific octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini), also known as the North Pacific giant octopus, is the largest and longest-lived octopus in the world. As its common name suggests, this large cephalopod lives along coastlines of the North Pacific Ocean. Fast Facts: Giant Pacific Octopus Scientific Name: Enteroctopus dofleiniOther Name: North Pacific giant octopusDistinguishing Features: Reddish-brown octopus with large head, mantle, and eight arms, usually identified by its large sizeAverage Size: 15 kg (33 lb) with arm span of 4.3 m (14 ft)Diet: CarnivorousAverage Lifespan: 3 to 5 yearsHabitat: Coastal North PacificConservation Status: Not evaluatedKingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: MolluscaClass: CephalopodaOrder: OctopodaFamily: EnteroctopodidaeFun Fact: Despite its large size, it can escape any container with an opening large enough for its beak. Description Like other octopuses, the giant Pacific octopus exhibits bilateral symmetry and has a bulbous head, eight sucker-covered arms, and a mantle. Its beak and radula are at the center of the mantle. This octopus is generally reddish-brown, but special pigment cells in its skin change texture and color to camouflage the animal against rocks, plants, and coral. Like other octopuses, the giant Pacific octopus has blue, copper-rich blood that helps it obtain oxygen in cold water. The giant Pacific octopus is a master of disguise. Can you see it against the coral?. Andrey Nekrasov / Getty Images For an adult-age giant Pacific octopus, the average weight is 15 kg (33 lb) and the average arm span is 4.3 m (14 ft). Guinness World Records lists the largest specimen as weighing 136 kg (300 lb) with an arm span of 9.8 m (32 ft). Despite its large size, the octopus can compress its body to fit through any opening larger than its beak. The octopus is the most intelligent invertebrate. They have been known to play with toys, interact with a handler, open jars, use tools, and solve puzzles. In captivity, they can distinguish between and recognize different keepers. Distribution The giant Pacific octopus lives in the Pacific Ocean off the coasts of Russia, Japan, Korea, British Columbia, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and California. It prefers cool, oxygenated water, adjusting its depth from the surface down to 2000 m (6600 ft) as required. E. dolphleini distribution. Kat OBrien Diet Octopuses are carnivorous predators that usually hunt at night. The giant Pacific octopus appears to feed on any animal within its size range, including fish, crabs, clams, small sharks, other octopuses, and even seabirds. The octopus grabs and restrains prey using its tentacles and suckers, then bites it and tears away flesh with its tough beak. Predators Adult and juvenile giant Pacific octopuses are preyed upon by sea otters, harbor seals, sharks, and sperm whales. The eggs and paralarvae support zooplankton filter feeders, such as baleen whales, some species of sharks, and many species of fish. The giant Pacific octopus is an important protein source for human consumption. It is also used as bait for Pacific halibut and other fish species. About 3.3 million tons of giant octopus are fished annually. Reproduction The giant Pacific octopus is the longest-lived octopus species, usually living 3 to 5 years in the wild. During this time, it leads a solitary existence, breeding only one time. During mating, the male octopus inserts a specialized arm called a hectocotylus into the females mantle, depositing a spermatophore. The female can store the spermatophore for several months before fertilization. After mating, the males physical condition deteriorates. He stops eating and spends more time in open water. Males typically die of being preyed upon, rather than starving to death. Giant Pacific octopus with her eggs. FriedC After mating, the female stops hunting. She lays between 120,000 and 400,000 eggs. She attaches the eggs to a hard surface, blows fresh water over them, cleans them, and chases away predators. Depending on water temperature, the eggs hatch in about six months. Females die soon after the eggs hatch. Each hatchling is about the size of a grain of rice, but grows at the rate of about 0.9% per day. Although many eggs are laid and hatch, most hatchlings are eaten before they reach adulthood. Conservation Status The giant Pacific octopus has not been evaluated for the IUCN Red List, nor is it protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. This is because its too hard to find and track the animals to assess its numbers. While not endangered, the species is likely threatened by pollution and climate change. Usually, the octopus flees warm water and dead zones in favor of cooler, oxygenated water, but some populations may be trapped between low-oxygen zones. Yet, the species can adapt to live in deep water, so it may be possible for the giant Pacific octopus to find a new habitat. Sources Cosgrove, James (2009). Super Suckers, The Giant Pacific octopus. BC: Harbour Publishing. ISBN 978-1-55017-466-3.Mather, J.A.; Kuba, M.J. (2013). The cephalopod specialties: complex nervous system, learning and cognition. Canadian Journal of Zoology. 91 (6): 431–449. doi:10.1139/cjz-2013-0009

Festivals of Greece & Rome Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Festivals of Greece & Rome - Essay Example The Romans theatre history shows that they had several problems especially the stage craft and the imbalanced concept of drama with stage performances. As a result the stages in the beginning were constructed based on Greek models. In fact the concept of drama was introduced to Romans only from the Greeks. In this instance Romans stand next to the Greeks not equal to Greeks. The Greeks have a mythological background for all its religious festivals. Greeks’ strong faith in the supremacy of God is evident from the worship of each God and the reason they associate with their Gods. They honored their Gods through these festivals and had a faith that they could be punished in terms of earthquake or war if they don’t honor Gods. A festival according to both Greeks and Romans is not only for them but also for other visitors and participants from other countries to take part in competitions and contests. Especially sports, music and games. The course of the festival is declared as holiday. Greeks declare their festivals honoring their Gods such as Zeus, Olympia, Hera, and Dionysus who symbolize health, fertility, vegetation etc. The Greeks looked at their Gods as personifications of spring and periods. Where as most of the Roman festivals are celebrated during summer. Women were treated with equal importance as a result a special festival is organized for women honoring the Goddess Olympia, where sports events were conducted for women. The Panathenic festival in honor of the Goddess Hera, contained contests for singers, poets and playwrights. The Athens festival was considered as the most interesting event of the year, where series of operas, symphonies and ballets were performed at the theatre of Herodes Atticus. The influence of Greek drama could be seen in all the plays of all the times. Greeks performed plays in other religious festivals also especially the Church quoted dramatic scenes to explain religious