Gender Identity

Introduction Gender refers to the state of being either male or female, which is distinguished by factors such as gender roles, social and economic status, perceptions, and ideals and values (Lee, 2005). Gender has been described as a psycho-sociocultural aspect. In contrast, sex is a biological concept that is determined by factors such as hormones and genetic make-up (Lee, 2005). Gender is also understood as evaluation of behavior based on individual perceptions and societal expectations.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Gender Identity specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Gender identity is defined as personal concepts and perceptions of self that are based on gender (Lee, 2005). This paper will explore determination of gender identity based on connections between hormones and behavior. In addition, it will scrutinize how biological and environmental factors affect gender identity. It will also explore current argu ments on gender identity. Interaction between hormones and behavior Research studies have revealed that hormones have great influence on behavior. For example, hormonal processes contribute towards hostile and aggressive behaviors (Lee, 2005). Studies associate certain behaviors with certain hormones. For example, testosterone is associated with aggressiveness. Studies on effect of hormones on behavior are based on the net effect of hormones on emotions. They cause varying level of moods or behavior depending on their concentrations. For example, in adults, estrogen causes positive moods while lack of estrogen causes depressive moods (Lee, 2005). This is the same effect testosterone has on moods and behaviors. Some hormones affect behavior directly while others affect behavior indirectly. For example, hormones that determine body size affect behavior indirectly. Big-sized people are domineering and usually rough towards small-sized people. Abnormal activity of glands can also influe nce behavior directly. Hormones respond by combining with specific cell receptors to form behavior. Puberty and prenatal periods are the most critical periods in human development that hormones have the greatest impact (Lee, 2005). During the prenatal period, any anomaly in production of hormones results in anomalies in gender identity. For example, a study conducted on 25 androgenized girls found out that even though they were raised as girls, they exhibited masculine attitudes, sexuality, and grooming (Lee, 2005). After the development of Money’s theories on gender identity, several studies followed that established connections between gender identity and environmental factors. Current arguments on sexual identity Current arguments on sexual identify claim that is mainly determined by biological factors rather than environmental factors (Lee, 2005). This argument is based on lifestyles such as homosexuality and lesbianism. These arguments claim that people who adopt these l ifestyles were born that way because of interaction between different biological factors.Advertising Looking for essay on gender studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Other arguments claim that such lifestyles can be caused by environmental factors. If an individual gets exposure to one of these lifestyles early in childhood, then he/she would adopt a similar lifestyle owing to influence of the environment (Lee, 2005). However, research has established that these lifestyles are mainly caused by influence of biological factors and further augmented by environmental factors. Biological influences on gender identity and sexual differentiation The influence of biological factors on gender identity can be explained by considering functions of hormones and cerebral lateralization of the brain (Lee, 2005). Gender is determined before birth by biological factors. Studies have revealed that brain lateralization and hormonal function s contribute in determination of gender. Males and females contain sexual and reproductive hormones in varying quantities. This is observed from childhood through adulthood although in each stage of development certain changes take place. During puberty, gender characteristics become more pronounced because attraction towards the opposite sex develops (Lee, 2005). Brain lateralization follows different systems of development in males and females. For example, in females the left side of the brain is more developed compared to males whose right side is more developed. Variation in brain lateralization accounts for high performance by males in sciences and mathematics and better performance in languages by girls. Environmental influences The first environmental child experiences after birth is the family (Lee, 2005). Mothers dress newborn babies in clothes that depict their gender. As they go through different development stages, children learn to discern their gender from how they ar e treated. Fathers influence boys and mothers influence girls. Absence of a father in the family affects discernment of gender identity significantly. Other environments outside the family also play critical roles. Television, music, movies, and books depict different genders in different ways (Lee, 2005). Children pick gender cues from these environments and incorporate them in their gender identity discernment processes. Environmental factors have the greatest influence on gender identity compared to other factors. Environments such as family and classrooms have the greater influence on gender identity compared to biological and psychological factors (Lee, 2005).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Gender Identity specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Conclusion Gender differs from sex in that it is psycho-sociocultural while sex is biological. Aspects such as social and economic status, roles, and personal perceptions determine gender. Gender identity is influenced and determined by biological, psychological, and environmental factors. The environment has the greatest influence compared to other factors. From childhood to adulthood, people interact with different environments that influence how they discern and define gender identity. According to the foregoing discussion, nurture has greater influence on gender identity than nature. Each of the three factors plays a different role in determination of gender identity. Reference Lee, J. (2005). Focus on Gender Identity. New York: Nova Publishers. This essay on Gender Identity was written and submitted by user Raiden Hays to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

The Pollution Caused by Cruise Ships Essays

The Pollution Caused by Cruise Ships Essays The Pollution Caused by Cruise Ships Paper The Pollution Caused by Cruise Ships Paper These ships carry up to 3,000 passengers who spend enormous amounts of money at tourist locations around the world. It is estimated that millions of dollars are generated and placed into the tourism markets annually. This is great news for local communities that depend on the cruise ship industry in order to survive, however it is bad news when it comes to the environment. Cruise ships create a massive amount of waste which ends up polluting our water ways and sending vast levels of pollutants into the air as well. These large ships typically produce around 170,000 gallons of waste water, 21 ,OHO gallons of sewage, 6,400 gallons of bilge water, and 1 ton of solid waste per day ((Brooks ; Dunn, 2012). Unfortunately, these waste products are dumped into our oceans, seas, rivers, and lakes. There are numerous laws, regulations, and guidelines to prevent such things from happening but most of the cruise ship operations have found a way to work around them. They understand that states such as Alaska and Washington prohibit dumping of waste materials in their waters. The cruise ship corporations have taken advantage of the relaxed laws of places like British Columbia (B. C. ) which for the most part allows them to release their waste products into their water areas. This presents a dilemma for the cruise ship industry because they ultimately have to decide between making a profit and being environmentally sound. Corporations such as the cruise ship industry have an ethical responsibility to et all environmental regulations and laws regardless of where they are sailing. Corporations have an obligation to the general public and that includes making sure they are meeting standards set forth by the government. Environmental groups have a major influence on the general public and can create enough pressure where the reputation of a company is tarnished and sales start to decrease. It would be to a corporations advantage to show the general public that it is going above and beyond meeting environmental needs regardless of the rules in a particular country, Tate, etc. When sailing in international waters cruise ships should go by the strictest of all guidelines. Ethically, a corporation should set the standard for all others to follow. They cant allow relaxed rules to be an excuse for creating environmental damage. The general public would feel betrayed to learn that a company built on having good, clean, vacation fun is in fact dirtying up the water ways. Coos of such corporations should exercise due care and professional skepticism. They should ask how my actions will affect the water ways in the future. In addition, executives should question the rules of other countries and do everything in their power not to take advantage of weak laws. Rot cities depend on tourism to generate revenue within their communities. It is of the most importance to balance the needs of tourism against the needs of maintaining an environmentally safe society. Compromise is essential in the effort to reduce as much waste going into our waters as possible. These tourist destinations should always work with the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency to develop reas onable plans that can e accomplished slowly in order to prevent pollution now and in the future. It is understood that cruise ships will always have waste products to get rid of so decisions should be based on what is good for the environment not solely on tourism. The responsibility to maintain a clean and healthy environment is up to everyone. Corporations have a major responsibility as well because they can influence the thoughts, ideas, and beliefs of the average citizen. If a major corporation promotes the idea of improving air and water quality then it can influence the actions of other corporations. The cruise ship industry is in the position to set the standards for all to follow. They have the ability to show others that no matter the location or circumstances that a standard set of rules should always be followed. They should not let profit get in the way of doing the right thing. In the long run doing what is expected is more important than profit. The general public would accept a rise in ticket prices for a cruise if they were informed that it is because of the environmental rules they are trying to follow. Profit is the main goal of any organization, but it should not come at the expense of peoples health and well being. If the proper research is conducted and coordination between countries is established then it should be no reason why environmental needs should not be met. The general public is the first priority of corporations and every effort Of compromise should be attempted.

Annotated bibliography Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Annotated Bibliography Example Examples include â€Å"Do men and women read alike? Do feminist critics know the female author or her point of view? Does plot have anything to do with being a man or woman? Do feminist have an opinion on the relationship between political and literature points of view. One of the first books to really breakdown African American literature and literary theory, this is a must read. Examples of prominent African American writers like Henry Lois Gates Jr. are interwoven with descriptions and study guides on how to better understand African American writers. African American can write about their experiences in a way that can be understood by all cultures. The value of these opinions and views are priceless. This is a good guide for every race or gender. Censorship is a part of literature. Since most Americans live in an uncensored society, censorship is a foreign concept. This book drags the curtain back revealing another side of Apartheid. Censorship helped keep the Apartheid in place. Since the white minority censored generations of African Americans writers, the stifling of this creativity had lasting effects. Not only were these authors censored, so were all of the resistant writers. The criticism of the Apartheid government was limited to sources outside of South America. This book examines the consequences of the censorship in Apartheid South Africa. It is a must read for all individuals concerned about censorship. Many books have been written on Ancient Egypt, but little has been said about Ancient Egyptian women. Gay Robins has reexamined ancient artifacts of Egypt to tell the Egyptian woman’s perspective. This colorfully illustrated book tells of how rich, middle class, and poor women lived in Ancient Egypt. From slaves to royalty, a new look at women from Ancient Egypt brings up interesting facts and interpretations. Literature, art, and other artifacts are examined by Robins.

Professional Articles Review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Professional Articles Review - Essay Example Journal Of Science Teacher Education, 21(2), 161-179. Doi: 10.1007/s10972-009-9161-8.758540. Mizrap, B. (2013). Teaching science through play in kindergarten: does integrated play and science instruction build understanding? European Early Childhood Education Research Journal. Vol. 21, No. 2, 226–249, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1350293X.2013.789195. The Effects of Kindergarten Experiences on Childrens Elementary Science Achievement educational policymakers struggle to form a curriculum that could help utilize the maximum potential of every child. It is apparent that the policymakers try to understand when and what should be done to enhance the cognitive growth in every child. The article The Effects of Kindergarten Experiences on Children’s Elementary Science Achievement presents answers to these issues obtained through statistical analysis of sample data consisting of 4,490 kindergarten children. The research conducted a quantitative analysis using the idea that there is a powerful connection between early childhood education and children intellectual development (Kumtepe, Kaya & Kumtepe, 2009, p. 978). Similarly, the authors talked about a study of student teachers attitudes that teaches science during preschool teacher education and how that influences them and affects their visions of the teacher’s role and th eir positions in science teaching. Furthermore, the author believes that a teacher’s role and attitudes toward science and science teaching will affect preschool teacher’s behavior and confidence in the training teacher program. In the article ‘‘Science Talks’’ in Kindergarten Classrooms: Improving Classroom Practice Through Collaborative Action Research, this article explores the importance of assimilating science talks in Kindergarten classrooms as a contemporary teaching technique of centralized learning. Sarah, a Kindergarten teacher, demonstrates the importance of science talks in promoting learning of science. Integrating

Tourism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Tourism - Essay Example Therefore, while evaluating tourism as a whole it is imperative to consider its dark and the bright side. Tourism just for the sake of leisure or fun may leave detrimental effects, thus educating tourists about their limits and rights is very important, to provide tourism a healthy form. In the following text some of the pros and cons are discussed with respect to their socio-economic implications. Tourism is involved directly as well as indirectly in economic activity of a place or a country, this is due to demands for services and goods that are needed to be produced and provided (Tribe, 2011). The direct effect of tourism on economics of a place is termed as tourism’s ‘economic contribution’ and it is determined by tourism satellite account or TSA. Meanwhile, the indirect economic impacts of tourism are determined through various models, and this type of modelling helps in determining the overall direct and indirect effects of tourism on the economy of a place. While considering the economic contribution of tourism it is imperative to understand the concept of tourism industries. Tourism industries are activities that typically produce tourism characteristic products. The criteria to characterize tourism product is that the production or availability of a product or service is sufficiently proportional to the extent of tourism, consequently the demand of these services or products develop a direct link with the presence of tourists. Some of the key characteristic tourism products include accommodation services, transport services, recreational services and area specific tourist services. Accommodation services refer to availability and management of hotel, motels and rest houses (Goeldner & Ritchie, 2009). Transport services include air, rail and road transport. Recreational services are usually specific from place to place, but some

Hydromorphone

Hydromorphone The name of the drug is called Hydromorphone. The systematic name (IUPAC) is 4,5-epoxy-3-hydroxy-17-methylmor-phinan-6-one. Hydromorphone has a chemical formula of C17H19NO3 . There are four functional groups in Hydromorphone: An Ether group A Ketone group An Amine group (tertiary) A Phenol group Stereochemistry and conformation: Hydromorphone has 4 chiral centres (Four different groups attached to a sp3 hybridised carbon one chiral centre). Therefore it has 24 = 16 stereoisomers. Carbon number 1 has R-configuration Carbon number 2 has R-configuration Carbon number 3 has S-configuration Carbon number 4 has R-configuration Hydromorphone is a semi-rigid molecule because it is composed of a five-member ring system: the phenolic ring (A), the cyclohexane ring (B), the cyclohexanone ring (C), the N-methyl piperidine ring (D), and the tetrahydrofuran ring (E). The molecule has a T shape. Rings A, B and E form a vertical plane where the C and D form the horizontal plane. Ring C exists in a chair conformation due to saturation of C-C double between C7 and 8. Ring D also exists in chair conformation. Synthesis: Commercially, Hydromorphone is made from morphine via either direct rearrangement (reflux alcoholic or acidic aqueous solution of morphine with platinum or palladium catalyst) or reduction of morphine via catalytic hydrogenation, this two reactions both produce Dihydromorphine. The Dihydromorphine then undergo Oppenauer oxidation, where it is oxidised with benzophenone in the presence of potassium tert butoxide or aluminium tert butoxide to form Hydromorphone. Drug stability: The half-life of Hydromorphone is 2.6hours through oral route, where it takes 18.6 hours for sustained release Palladone. Hydromorphone hydrochloride is affected by light, although hydromorphone hydrochloride injection may develop a slight yellowish discoloration, this change does not indicate loss of potency. Hydromorphone hydrochloride injection should be protected from light and stored at a controlled room temperature of 25 degrees C, but can be exposed to temperatures ranging from 15 to30 degrees C; freezing of the injection should be avoided. Hydromorphone hydrochloride tablets should be stored in tight, light-resistant containers, usually at 15 to30 degrees C; however, the manufacturer recommends that the 8-mg tablets be stored at 15 to 25 degrees C. Hydromorphone hydrochloride oral solution should be stored in light-resistant containers at 15 to 25 degrees C, and suppositories of the drug should be stored at 2 to 8 degrees C. Hydromorphone hydrochloride injection reportedly is physically and chemically stable for at least 24 hours in most common IV infusion solutions when protected from light at 25 degrees C. Hydromorphone is slightly soluble in water, freely soluble in alcohol and very soluble in chloroform. Formulation and packaging: In the U.K. Hydromorphone is only available in form of oral capsules and modified release capsules, which means it is released slowly to extend the length of the drugs effect. Available strengths for hydromorphone hydrochloride (Palladone ®): 1.3mg (orange/clear), net price 56-capsules pack =  £8.82; 2.6mg (red/clear), 56- capsules pack =  £17.64. Where for the modified (release Palladone ® SR): m/r, hydromorphone hydrochloride 2mg (yellow/clear), net price 56- capsules pack =  £20.98; 4mg (pale blue/clear), 56- capsules pack =  £28.75; 8mg (pink/clear), 56- capsules pack =  £56.08; 16mg (brown/clear), 56- capsules pack =  £106.53; 24mg (dark blue/clear), 56-cap pack =  £159.82. [BNF 56 page 235-236]. Lipinskis Rules: The molecular weight of Hydromorphone is 285 g/mol. (below 500) The Log P of Hydromorphone is +1.69. (lower than +5) There is only one hydrogen bond donating group, which is the hydroxyl group in Phenol. (less than 5 groups) here are only three hydrogen bond accepting groups. (less than 10 groups) The functional groups are generally stable to metabolism, i.e. hydrolysis and oxidations. According to the Lipinskis rules of five, Hydromorphone is an orally active drug. LogP and discussion of hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties: It is possible to predict the Log P of a molecule by using the Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Values (p Values) for organic fragments. This gives (+0.5 x 11) + (+2 x 1) + (-1 X 3) + (-1 X1) = +3.5. Therefore, the Predicted LogP = +3.5. Since 3.5 is greater than 0.5, hydromorphone is insoluble in water. (Soluble in water if smaller than 0.5) According to the predicted LogP, Hydromorphone is a very hydrophobic (lipophilic) drug and it can pass through the membrane layers in cell and enter the bloodstream (high absorption). Hydromorphone is insoluble in water because of its non-polar groups. They are: The long aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, i.e. cyclohexanes and the phenyl group. These non-polar groups will not interact with polar water molecules as they cannot form hydrogen bonds together and therefore insoluble. pKa and ionisation state: Hydromorphone has a pKa of 8.2 at 20 degrees C [Medicine Complete], it is weakly acidic. To calculate the percentage of ionization of Hydromorphone (weak acid) at different pH, Equation 1 can be used: Equation 1 % ionisation= 1001+antilog(pKa-pH) At pH 2: % ionization = 1001+antilog(8.2-2) = 6.31 x 10-5 % At pH 7.4: % ionization = 1001+antilog(8.2-7.4) = 13.7% At pH 10: % ionization = 1001+antilog(8.2-10) = 98.4% From the calculations on the previous page, I can conclude that only 6.31 x 10-5 % of hydromorphone is ionized at pH 2, i.e. in the stomach. Therefore, there are 100% 6.31 x 10-5 % = 99.9999% of unionised Hydromorphone which can pass through the membrane barrier and enter the bloodstream. Hydromorphone is highly absorbed by the body in stomach. Mode of action: Hydromorphone is an opioid analgesic; it reacts with the opioid mu-receptors. The mu-receptors are discretely distributed in the human brain with high density in the posterior amygdala, hypothalamus, thalamus, nucleus caudatus, putamen, and certain cortical areas. These receptors are also found in the spinal cord and gastrointestinal tract. It binds onto the mu-receptors and exerts its principle pharmacological effect on the Central Nervous System and gastrointestinal tract to produce analgesia and sedation. Hydromorphone is highly absorbed by the human body and it shows the analgesia effect very quickly once enter the body. It is 8 to 10 times stronger than morphine due to its hydrophobicity (very lipophilic). Bibliography: Samuel, B., Stanley,G., Robert, R. (2004), Process for the Synthesis of Hydromorphone, http://www.wipo.int/pctdb/en/wo.jsp?WO=2006005112IA=AU2005001002DISPLAY=DESC, Date accessed 23/04/10. Author unknown. (Date unknown), One-pot Isomerization of Morphine to Dihydromorphinone (Hydromorphone), http://www.erowid.org/archive/rhodium/chemistry/dihydromorphinones.html, Date accessed 23/04/10. Author unknown.(2006), Hydromorphone, http://www.patient.co.uk/medicine/Hydromorphone.htm, Date accessed 23/04/10. Hildebrand, K., Elsberry, D., Anderson, V. (2001), Stability and Compatibility of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride in an Implantable Infusion System, Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 22 (6), Page 1042-1047. Author unknown. (2010), Hydromorphone Suppository, http://www.drugs.com/cdi/hydromorphone-suppository.html, Date accessed 24/04/10 Lipinski, C. (2004), Lipinskis rule-of-five, http://www.bioscreening.com/reference/lipinski_rule.htm, Date accessed 24/04/10. Author unknown. (2009), Showing drug card for Hydromorphone (DB00327), http://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00327, Date accessed 24/04/10. Clarkes. (2006), Clarkes Analysis of Drugs and Poisons Hydromorphone, http://www.medicinescomplete.com/mc/clarke/2009/CLK0851.htm, Date accessed 24/04/10. Author unknown. (2008), Monograph Hydromorphone Hydrochloride, http://www.medscape.com/druginfo/monograph?cid=meddrugid=11338drugname=Hydromorphone+Rectmonotype=monographprint=1, Date accessed 24/04/10. BMJ Group,. (2008). British National Formulary 56, London, RPS Publishing. Bruice, P,. (2004). Organic Chemistry, Fourth Edition,Prentice Hall ,Pearson. Lo,K,. (1998) Synthesis of N- Phenethylnorhydromorphone, https://circle.ubc.ca/bitstream/handle/2429/11862/ubc_2001-0456.pdf;jsessionid=8D12F28D380E801AE9A422C0F9CD3435?sequence=1, Date accessed 26/04/10

The Move from Doubt to Certainty; A Look at the Theories of Descartes and Locke :: essays research papers

Descartes is interested in the certainty of his existence and the existence of other people and things. Descartes’ beliefs vary from those of Socrates. Descartes argues that knowledge is acquired through awareness and experience. Using this approach, Descartes moves through doubt to certainty of his existence. He asks himself various questions about the certainty of his existence and solves them through clear thought and logic. Using this method Descartes establishes doubts to be truths and by the end of the book, he has established that he does indeed exist. In this paper, I will show how Descartes moves through doubt to certainty. I will explain how Descartes uses the cogito, proves the existence of God and what that means to his existence. I will also discuss the general rules of truth that Descartes establishes. In the First Meditation Descartes begins to examine what is certain and what is doubtful. Descartes wants to establish that his knowledge is certain and not doubtful. He states, ...I had accepted many false opinions as being true, and that what I had based on such insecure principles could only be most doubtful and uncertain; so that I had to undertake seriously once in my life to rid myself of all opinions I had adopted up to then, and to begin, and to begin afresh from the foundations, if I wished to establish something firm and constant in the sciences.(Descartes 95) By this Descartes means that he wishes to establish a foundation for his knowledge based on certainty instead of doubt. Descartes first looks at the senses. This is important because the senses are the first thing to cause doubt. He focuses on the perception of things. He says that things far from him, in the distance, give him reason to doubt their certainty, while things that are close to him are indubitable and he is clear about their certainty. However, Descartes realizes that dreams pose an obstacle to his beliefs. Even up close, dreams can be indubitable. Descartes believes that if a person has had a dream that was so intense that the person could not determine it form reality, then they have reason to doubt objects that are close to us and appear to be indubitable. In order to resolve this problem, Descartes suggests that one must examine whether they are dreaming or not. Descartes realizes that he can not rely on his senses anymore to give him dubitable truths.