Introduction to Indigenous Australia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Introduction to Indigenous Australia - Essay Example The indigenous land rights have gain support from article 1 of the International Bill of Rights. This is the right of people to control their resources and wealth, self determination and maintain their ways of subsistence (Mugambwa, 2003). The Aboriginal land rights movement started out of the equal citizenships and civil rights campaigns, starting from 1920s to 1960s. As the community’s control grew in these civil rights organizations, the fight for the return of the stolen Aboriginal land took a pivotal role in 1960s and early 1970. There were a number of campaigns that shook the Australian community and led to a variety of major developments in the policy. However, funding dependency and the bureaucratization of the Aboriginal services delayed these campaigns early in the 1980s (Edwards, 2001). Australian Aborigines Progressive Association (AAPA) became founded in 1927 by Maynard and Lacey. This was Aboriginal first political party and its formation got stimulated by the re duction in the Aboriginal reserve land, dictatorial practices of Aborigines Board of Protection and a rise in the kidnappings of kids. Maynard declared that the original land owners were the Aboriginal and their rights are above all others. The party has often been regarded as a Christian organization by the Non Aboriginal Australians because of its motto, â€Å"One God, One Aim, and One Destiny† (Lee, 2006). It took about 10 years for success in the campaigns of changing Australian constitution. A referendum became passed in 1967 with more than a 90 percent vote count and became a successful exercise in public education about the Aboriginal, civil rights. The referendum was, however, not about the right to vote, as it became believed, but rather to allow the federal government to provide services and legislate for the Aboriginal people. The federal government power over the states is still a serious issue in the politics of Australia (Edwards, 2001). Meanwhile, a number of t he Aboriginal peoples at Yirkalla, in 1963, gave the Federal Parliament a petition complaining the excision of most of their land to one of the mining companies. They claimed that the land got to be used by the Yirkalla communities for hunting and gathering since time immemorial. The same resistance was also growing in Cape York, a place where the Aurukun and the Mapoon peoples got evicted by the federal government from their land. This was in order to pave the way for aluminum companies. Victoria in 1960 had witnessed a dispute over arranged Lake Tyers closure, under the assimilation policy (Lee, 2006). Laurie Moffat and Doug Nicholls joined the Lake Tyers elders to fight for the community control over the mission. The Victorian government in 1970 handed the Aboriginal people a freehold title to the reserve. Charles Perkins, In 1965 led students in freedom rides around the country, fighting apartheid ways in swimming pools, bars and theatres. In 1966, the people of Gurindji moved o ff the Wave Hill Station over a claim for equal and fair wages from their pastoral company employer, which later turn into a claim for the return of their ancestral land. The Gurindijis gained support both from the Aboriginal and the non Aboriginal organizations, which contributed to the 1960s equal pay cases. The Gurindji claim became partly met 10 years later when the Labor Government gave back some parts of their land. The Larrakia claim

Consciousness and Intentionality of Action Essay -- Philosophy Philoso

Consciousness and Intentionality of Action ABSTRACT: One much discussed issue in contemporary philosophy is the relation between consciousness and intentionality. Philosophers debate whether consciousness and intentionality are somehow ‘connected’; whether we have reason to be more optimistic about an ‘objective,’ ‘scientific’ or ‘third person’ ‘account’ of intentionality than about an analogous account of consciousness. This paper is intended as a limited contribution to that debate. I shall be concerned only with the intentionality of action. Not everything which is true of intentionality of action is true of intentionality of other phenomena, such as beliefs. I shall discuss the question, ‘What is the intentionality of action?’ More specifically, I shall discuss one partial answer to this question: that a necessary condition of an agent performing a certain intentional action is that the agent is conscious of performing that action. This answer i s fairly unpopular in contemporary philosophy. In this paper, I shall try to say something about the ground for the rather wide-spread philosophical resistance to the answer, and I shall also outline the kind of considerations that I think are required to judge whether a wedge can or cannot be driven between consciousness and intentionality of action. One much discussed issue in contemporary philosophy is the relation between consciousness and intentionality. Philosophers debate whether consciousness and intentionality are somehow "connected" (see Searle, chap. 7); whether the one or the other is the "theoretically fundamental" one (see Dennett); and whether we have reason to be more optimistic about an "objective" or "scientific," or "third-person" "account" of intentionality ... ...6) The Conscious Mind: In Search of a Fundamental Theory, Oxford UP. Dennett, Daniel C. (1994) "Dennett, Daniel C" in A Companion to the Philosophy of Mind, Samuel Guttenplan, ed., Oxford, Blackwell. Dreyfus, Hubert L. (1991) Being-in-the-World: A Commentary on Heidegger's Being and Time, Division I, Cambridge, Mass., MIT Press. Kripke, Saul A. (1982) Wittgenstein on Rules and Private Language, Cambridge, Mass., Harvard UP. Lycan, William G. (1996) Consciousness and Experience, Cambridge, Mass., MIT Press. McGinn, Colin (1996) The Character of Mind: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind, 2nd ed., Oxford UP. McGinn, Colin (1991) The Problem of Consciousness, Oxford, Blackwell. Searle, John R. (1992) The Rediscovery of the Mind, Cambridge, Mass., MIT Press. Wittgenstein, Ludwig (1958) Philosophical Investigations, 2nd ed, Oxford, Blackwell.

Digitalis Toxicity Report

The accounts of digitalis toxicity due to overdose in 1985 specify 1,015 cases including 584 patients that are below 6 years old and 56 patients aging 6-17 years old. The greater part of these documented toxicity cases (83%) come about without the purpose of overdosing (Kwon, 2006). The prevalence of digitalis toxicity had a rising trend for some time until it was acknowledged in the early 1990’s that reduction in toxicity cases was observed. Among the studies that concluded the decreased cases of digitalis toxicity was the research conducted by Haynes et al.In there study, it was noted that the cases of digitalis toxicity in United States and United Kingdom manifested a decreasing trend in the past two decades. Hospitalizations in relation to digitalis toxicity were notably reduced in United States whereas in United Kingdom the cases of ambulatory digitalis toxicity also lessened. The decreased incidence of digitalis toxicity in the U. S. is correlated to the diminished admin istration of this drug. The dilemma due to digitalis toxicity has significantly reduced in the two above mentioned countries (Haynes, et al, 2008).Though incidence of digitalis toxicity is turning to the decreasing side it is no reason to disregard the threats of toxicity that consumers of this substance are exposed to. Digitalis is drug extracted from the leaves of the plant called Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea). The utilization of foxglove as a medicinal plant already exists for centuries. But the popularity of this plant was not that intense until an English botanist and physician named William Withering in the 1700’s pioneered the establishing of digitalis as a cardiac drug.This doctor conducted a detailed study of digitalis. Withering was also responsible for the determination of the most effective preparation of the drug as well as the correct dosages for various heart ailments. This English physician was also responsible for the setting up the standards of when to abort the therapy using digitalis because of its toxic effects (NetIndustries, 2008). The mode of action of digitoxin involves the inhibition of the Na-K ATPase in myocytes to increase heart muscles contractility.The drug attach to the binding sites situated in the extra cytoplasm of the sodium- and potassium-activated adenosine triphosphate (Na-K ATPase) pump preventing the active transfer of Na and K across the cell membranes. The resulting high concentrations of sodium and calcium as well as the low amounts of potassium in the intracellular part of the muscle cell promotes the fourth stage myocardial action potential creating a decreased conduction velocity and amplification of ectopic activity.The end result boost in the contractility of heart muscles due to the action of digitalis is beneficial to various heart ailments (Kwon, 2006). This is utilized as a drug therapy for heart problems. This substance is specifically indicated in cases of persistent systolic heart failure symptoms despite the administration of diuretics, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), and beta blocker; and, cases of congestive heart failure with atrial fibrillation.The objective of the therapy using digitoxin ranges from 0.5 to 1. 0 ng/mL. The administration of digitoxin is contraindicated in patients that are receiving primary therapy for acute decompensated heart failure stabilization and during cases of sinus or atrioventricular (AV) except for cases of prior pacemaker treatment applied (Kwon, 2006). Medicine administered within the range of its therapeutic dose rarely produce toxicity. The established daily therapeutic dose of digitoxin varies from 0. 0005 mg/kg (for young infants) to 0. 75 mg/kg (for mature individuals).This drug in tablet preparations has the estimated absorption of 70-80% and a bioavailability of 95%. In oral administrations (per os / PO), the action onset of digitoxin transpires after 30-120 minutes whereas in intravenous route action onset to occur requires onl y 5-30 minutes. The threshold of the effect of this drug after oral and intravenous routes is 2-6 hrs and 5-30 minutes respectively. An estimate of 60-80% of the digitoxin intake is excreted by the kidney without structure and properties change(Kwon, 2006). The lethal dose of this drug varies with the age of the patients.Doses above 10 mg per individual even in healthy adults will cause death but doses lower than 5 mg infrequently produces problems such as toxicity. In children, the intake of doses above 0. 3 mg/kg or 4 mg per individual often causes fatality (Kwon, 2006). The population which is highly at risked with the development of digitoxin toxicity are the infants and the old people. The threats of digitalis toxicity include intake of medicines like digitoxin and digoxin; and, digitalis interaction with other drugs like verapamil, amiodarone, and quinidine.Having below normal levels of potassium in the body such as the patients medicated with potassium losing diuretics is als o at risk of the toxic effects of digitalis. People with kidney damage and having little amounts of magnesium are also prone to digitalis toxicity. Caution should be observed in administering digitalis as well as other medicines to patients with kidney damage because the capacity of the body to excrete any drug taken is also diminished along with the kidney problem. Thus, the drug has the tendency to accumulate in the kidney and increasing the possibility of toxicity (â€Å"Digitalis Toxicity†).Occurrence of digitalis toxicity can be due to two mechanisms: the above therapeutic amounts of digitalis in the patient’s body, and the lowering of the patient’s digitalis tolerance. The toxicity can be caused by either or both of the mechanisms. The toxicity of this drug can happen with one exposure to the drug as well as the gradual toxicity. Some patients suffer the effects of digitalis toxicity despite the normal blood levels of this drug because of the existence of other digitalis toxicity risk factors (â€Å"Digitalis Toxicity†).Other disease and metabolic conditions that serve as risk factors of the toxic effects of this drug are: hypoxemia, hypothyroidism, and alkalosis (Kwon, 2006). The mortality rates due to digitalis toxicity vary with the details of the population. The direct consequence of cardiac toxicity in digitalis toxicity result to 3-21% mortality rate. Male individuals are more prone to this drug’s toxicity compared to the females. The young and old people have increased risks to digitalis toxicity than the other age brackets.Ingestion of digitalis medicines of their grandparents is the primary cause of toxicity among children (Kwon, 2006). The symptoms of toxicity due to digitalis include strange changes in vision like color perception problems, blurring of vision, having visual blind spots, and having visual bright light spots; nausea; vomiting; pulse irregularities; appetite loss; palpitations; confusion; genera l swelling; lower urine volume; lowered consciousness; and, breathing difficulty during lying down (â€Å"Digitalis Toxicity†).The treatment regimen for digitalis toxicities comprise of specific, symptomatic, and supportive therapy phases. The supportive therapy phase for this toxicity case consists of electrolyte imbalance correction, dehydration treatment using IV fluids, and oxygen support equipped with ventilation. It is frequently prescribed by medical practitioners to supplement potassium in cases wherein the patient has potassium levels lower than 4 mmol/L.The recommendation of diuresis induction is not approved due to the tendency to aggravate the electrolyte imbalances and the renal excretion of the drug is not enhanced by this process (Kwon, 2006). The specific therapy phase involves the administration of digoxin-specific Fab antibody fragments that are noted to be of significant success in treating severe acute digitalis toxicity. This drug is sort of the antidote for digitalis toxicities as well as other complications in relation to digitalis.Immediate administration of digoxin-specific Fab antibody is recommended upon deducing digitalis toxicity. The prompt treatment digoxin immune fab will decrease the morbidity and mortality rates of digitalis toxicities. To contradict arrhythmias that might occur in digitalis toxicity treatment with phynetoin is advised (Kwon, 2006). The recommended method for gastrointestinal cleansing is the utilization of multiple-dose activated charcoal (1gram/kilogram weight of patient/day). Administration of ipecac syrup to induce emesis is contraindicated due to the activation of the vagal tones.Other possible methodologies of eliminating the toxic amounts of digitalis in a patient’s body are gastric lavage, whole-bowel irrigations, and steroid binding resins like colestipol and cholestyramine. These three aforementioned therapeutic regimens though have constraints like the vagal effects and the lack of sub stantial data to support their efficacy in these toxicity cases (Kwon, 2006). Even if the incidence of digitalis toxicity cases have plunged the vigilance regarding this condition should not stop.The drug prescriptions of digitalis for heart problems should be ensured by the medical practitioners to be under the therapeutic dosages. The availability of this drug to children should also be eliminated to prevent the accidental ingestion of this drug. Since digitalis in an important cardiac drug various researches has been conducted involving this medicinal substance. The medical industry should not stop there though; further studies can still be done to improve the value of digitalis as a therapeutic agent without compromising the patient’s safety.

Create Your Own Heirloom Photo Ornament

Holiday ornaments are more than decorations, theyre memories in miniature. Capture the special memories of favorite family members or ancestors by creating your own homemade photo ornament with these step-by-step instructions. Materials: Clear glass ornament (any shape size)Magic Bubble adhesive (or alternative*)Magic Bubble brush (or alternative*)Crystal glitter (very fine), powdered paint pigments (such as Pearl Ex), or shredded Mylar angel hair1/4 decorative ribbon for bow (optional) Note: Magic Bubble products are no longer available in local retail stores, or online. A similar effect can be achieved by using a craft glue such as Mod Podge that dries clear (mix two parts glue to one part water), a spray adhesive, or a clear acrylic paint such as  Ceramcoat. A disposable mascara applicator or even a Q-tip taped onto a thin stick can be substituted for the Magic Bubble brush. Instructions Carefully remove the flange from the top of your glass ornament and rinse the ornament with a solution of bleach and water (this helps prevent mold growth on the finished ornament). Place upside down on paper towels to drain. Let dry thoroughly.Select a treasured family photograph for your photo ornament. Use graphics software, a scanner, and printer, to enhance, resize, and print a copy of the photo on regular printer paper (do NOT use glossy photo paper - it wont conform to the glass ball very well). Alternatively, you can use a photocopier at your local copy shop to make copies. Dont forget to decrease the image size to fit your ornament.Carefully cut around the copied photo, leaving about a 1/4-inch border. If youre using a round ball ornament, make cuts into the edges of the copied photo every 1/4 inch or 1/2 inch, to allow the paper to fit smoothly on the rounded ball. These cuts will not show on the finished ornament.Pour some Magic Bubble adhesive into the ornament, being car eful not to get it on the neck. Tilt the ball to let the adhesive run until it covers the glass where the image will be placed.Roll the copied photo (image side out) into a roll small enough to fit into the ornament and carefully insert. Use the Magic Bubble brush to position the photo against the inside of the ornament and carefully brush over the entire photo until it has smoothly adhered to the glass. If youre unable to obtain the Magic Bubble brush, it looks like a small mascara wand or bottle brush - so feel free to substitute anything similar.If using glitter, pour more Magic Bubble glue into the ornament, and tilt the ornament to cover the inside completely. Pour out any excess. Pour glitter into the ornament and roll the ball until the entire inside of the ornament is covered. If you find youve missed a spot with the Magic Bubble glue, you can use the brush to add more adhesive to that spot. Shake out any excess glitter to avoid clumping.Allow the photo ornament to thoroughl y dry. If you did not use glitter on the ball, you can now add shredded Mylar angel hair, decorative paper shreds, punched paper snowflakes, feathers, or other decorative items to fill the inside of the ball. Once the ornament is completed, carefully put the flange back on, pinching the wires to avoid damaging the ornament opening.Use a glue gun or white glue to attach a decorative ribbon bow around the neck of the ornament if desired. You may also want to attach a paper tag with the names and dates (birth death dates and/or the date the photo was taken) of the individuals in the photograph. Heirloom Photo Ornament Tips: If you plan to use your printer to print the photos, be sure the ink is water fast. Many inkjet printers use water-soluble ink, which will run if used in this project. If you arent sure, then have copies made at your local copy shop.This project works best on flat ornaments. When using round balls, be sure to clip the edges of the photo to help it fit the rounded ball, and make pinpricks in the photo to help eliminate air bubbles. Work slowly and be patient - this can be tricky with larger photos and round ball ornaments.If you make a mistake, tear a photo, etc. you always have the option of starting over. To reuse the ornament, rinse it out thoroughly with chlorine bleach, and let dry. Enjoy your special keepsake ornament! Please note: The Magic Bubble ornament is a patented technique by Anita Adams White which she graciously allowed us to share with you.