Good Mothers Bad Gang

Anita Anderson Dr. Mike Calvert Teenage Wasteland 18, July 2011 Good Mom/Bad Gang Kids on the street, parents that don’t care, looking for a sense of family or belonging; do you see a child at risk? While in some cases this may be true, in many instances this is not the case. In her article â€Å"Mothers, Sons, and The Gangs† Susan Horton tells of three different gang members and their families. Although the families had different backgrounds, beliefs, and techniques they all shared in common sons who were gang members. They are mothers who care but have to face alone the battle of raising their sons in a community lost to gangs. In Horton's article we are introduced to three different families whose sons are involved with gangs. Teresa Rodriguez who still feels foreign and timid about the culture of America. Maggie Garcia who was raised in the same neighborhood as her son and believes that loyalty to the neighborhood is just and understandable. Gayle Thomas Kary, because of financial struggles was thrown into the gang community and fought her best to save her son. These young men were all minors living in a society pressured by gang affiliation. Although their homes had loving mothers their gangs had friends, boldness, acceptance, and a way of life. â€Å"There may be several deep-seated, underling motives for joining gangs: â€Å"Those who join gangs are struggling with the classic, desperate needs of adolescence: for the end of childhood; for acceptance as an adult; for sexual, social and economic identity; for status and success; for respect and a sense of belonging†. Sheldon, Tracy, Brown 77) Not all of these aspects are apparent in gang members but at least one is. In Teresa Rodriguez's case her son at thirteen unbeknown to her belonged to the gang Sur 13. Because of his boldness he was shot and the family home has been victim to drive-bys ever since. The bullet missed his heart and fortunately he survived. Still he did not learn his lesson and claimed that he did not care if he died. Finally his mother threatened to send him to l ive in Mexico if he continued to go out. â€Å"He did not want that, so he stayed inside. But that has not stopped him from dressing or acting like a member of the Sur 13. After the incident of the shooting Rodriguez also found out that all three of her older sons were part of gangs. Her 16-year-old threw away his cholo clothes right when he heard about his brother. He had not been with the gang since then. The two older boys are very repentant, but it is the father had always left rearing the children to the mother he did not have a strong, active, male role model. So, perhaps he felt as if he had no other alternatives. Maggie Garcia also has a son who is a gang member but her view and approach to her son’s affiliation is very different. She was raised in the same neighborhood as she raised her son in; she understands how much the neighborhood could mean. During school her son got into a fight with a rival gang member because each claimed a different neighborhood. Her son was expelled and she felt the principal at his school was upset because my son had stated that he would die for his neighborhood, but if he had said that if he would have died for his country, the principal probably would have given him an award. This mom understood that the danger in the inter-neighborhood conflicts that her son gets into because other family members have been lost to such conflicts. Sadly this is not enough for her to forbid her son from being with his friends. She feels that by doings so would be like her son telling her not to be with her friends. Garcia follows similar problems as the Rodriguez family; she mentions her history and connection to the neighborhood. In this story the father is also absent and the mother supports her son and find it difficult to believe that her son is wrong. She does not have a bad relationship with her son but he receives no discipline or clear-cut parameters from her. She seems to feel that he is loyal to his friends and at times perhaps takes his loyalty a little too far. Garcia seems to adopt the â€Å"boys will be boys† attitude and does not want to believe that her son may be committing crimes or may be with the wrong crowd or may be in a gang. When he was arrested she insisted that he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. She could not accept that maybe he is doing wrong and that he should have known better than to be in such situations. She tells him to stay out of the fire but her words are not strong enough to keep him out. Although she is not a bad mother, she is not giving her son reason to stay out of gangs. Because she could no longer afford to live in a community where her son had more opportunities and alternatives her son joined the only other thing, the gangs. The story of Gayle Thomas Kary may be the saddest one because the she tried everything and when she finally thought she succeeded her son, Jamee, died as a result of gang violence. Kary did more than the others, discipline, rules and action. When she caught her son cutting up soap to look like cocaine she sent him to his father, perhaps a change of venue would make the difference, but three weeks later, his dad sent him back because he couldn’t control him. She tried reasoning with him telling him â€Å"†¦ fast life goes fast. â€Å"(Horton) When he was arrested for possession of cocaine Kary was highly relieved but to her disappointment he was let out on probation. Kary refused to accept him and he was sentenced to juvenile hall and a youth camp. When he was released he had a probation officer Kary could turn to. Jamee was tired of life on the streets and his probation officer convinced him to turn himself into a youth facility away from Los Angeles. Finally things were turning around and he really seemed to have changed. He was like the child she use to know Unfortunately when she let him go out with his friends to get something to eat he was shot and died. She did everything she could but still she could not save her son's life. Unlike the other two mothers Kary was really able to turn her son Jamee around. She finally made him understand and she can say that his death was an accident. He was not just a number or a statistic of children lost to gang violence. Although, these mothers were, loving they could not help that a major factor was absent from their son’s lives, their fathers. The fathers may have been there but none seemed to take an active role in their children's lives. Parents can make a difference in their children's lives but many times they cannot do it alone. Gangs are not only the problem of the parents it is a problem of society. â€Å"To prevent gangs, society, police, and parents have to work together to keep gangs out of neighborhoods and also to address the existing gang problem†. Ojile) It may be easier to blame the parents but the truth is the parents are not only the ones to blame. We have to realize that in a society where gangs are the neighborhood it could be our son, our daughter, our nephew, etc. that is lost in the gangs. Works Cited Horton, Susan. â€Å"Mother's, Son's and the Gangs. † Los Angeles Times 16 Oct. 19 88. Print. Ojile, Todd. â€Å"Gang Activity in Wichita. † Teenage Wasteland. Baker University, Wichita Campus, Wichita, Kansas. 25 July 2011. Lecture. Shelden, Randall G. , Sharon K. Tracy, and William B. Brown. Youth Gangs in American Society. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2004. Print.

Songs of Suicide

As usual, nearly all the children loved lunch time. The younger children played small games, and the older boys would enjoy a friendly game of football, showing off to the girls, and the girls would chat and laugh about the rumours they had heard over the weekend, looking at the boys and decided who they thought were best looking or who they thought were really nice. As usual, the teachers would shout across the field, at the group of kids standing in the corner, lighting up a regular cigarette and as usual, there were the group of good people, or bofs as they were often called by the rest of the school, as they hid their heads in a book, and giggled at the site of a boy. But Everyone had their friendship groups, some clever, some stupid, some friendly, some not, but everyone had their friendship groups, except Justin. Justin was often referred to as a loner, or a weirdo or something that you wouldnt really like to be named. He sat in the corner of the cloakroom every lunch, every break, and in lessons, he wouldnt answer if any one talked to him, he would just look at then plainly, as if he couldnt see them, as if they were a ghost. He was always very pale, and always kept to himself, listening to his music, and writing in a small blue book who no one had ever read or seen except himself. He was a clever child, but the only lesson he seemed to participate in were music lessons. He wrote his way through books and books of songs, poems and lyrics, and could play any instrument which was presented to him. But he never seemed to be prepared to show his talent to anyone. ‘Oi, Justin, give us ya book, or ya diary, or whatever it is,' yelled mark across the field, and everyone watched and laughed at Justin, calling names and making fun out of him, not being aware of his feelings. Justin just turned away and carried on scribbling notes into his book, and then stopping, chewed his pen for a while, scribbled some words out, then wrote down another sentence, then smiled to himself, drew a line and turned the page. The bell rang and people started trailing into the classrooms, mumbling words as the bofins ran past and sat at the front of the class, with their books out ready and sat up straight, ready for the teacher to walk in. The girls then trailed in followed by the footballers, chatting away with each other, and every so often, a laugh, or a scream. Following them, Justin walked in, clenching his small blue book, and looking at each person, with a stare in his eyes, like he was analysing the way they act, or walk, or talk. He sat at the back in the corner, away from the rest of the class. About five minutes later, the smokers trailed in, chatting with a bit of strong language added in, and the scent of cigarettes filled the classroom. As the teacher marched in, the people at the front jumped up, followed by the rest of the class including justin, who mumbled ‘Good Morning sir' over their breaths. As the work started, random objects were thrown in the direction of Justin, usually hitting his desk, chair or even himself, but he didnt move. He just let it happen and dealt with it. Notes were passed to him with rude, agressive words on them, threatning sometimes, but never did he stir, he just scribbled some notes down that the teacher was making, then carried on writing is his little blue book. The end of school bell finally rang, and the classes were dismissed. Everyone left and trailed off home, including Justin, who walked 4 miles to get home, in the summer or winter, no matter what the weather was like. As he arrived home, he let himself in, often the door was left open, if his father had forgotten to close it behind him. He dragged his school bag up the small cluttered stairs, collecting the dust on the way. His mother had died at an early age and his father had become violent with drink since she had passed away. He had always blamed Justin, even thought he was only 3 years old when she died. He always said if he wasnt born, she would still be alive. He got into his room, where the walls were painted plain black, but could often not be seen by the amount of band pictures and posters which had been pasted over his walls. This was Justins personal space, and no one ever came in his room. His music could be played loudly and he could keep to himself in their as his dad couldnt easily get up the stairs so his slept on the cigarette burnt, old, tatty sofa downstairs. Justin stayed up there all night, until he woke up in the mornings, and went downstairs to find some food he could scrape out of the cupboards, or some spare money so he could buy some food from the corner shop on his way to school before his dad came downstairs. If his dad caught him, he would be punished, which was that morning. At 6 :00, Justin crept downstairs, and past his father sleeping on the sofa, and into the so called kitchen. He opened the cupboard and found some change, three pounds to be exact which he picked up an swand round, pleased with his find, but as he turned around, his father was stood in the doorway. ‘What you doing there with my money Justin ?!' asked his father ‘Just going to buy something to eat dad' Justin mumbled shakily under his breath. ‘And you were going to take my food money were you ?' ‘No dad, i†¦i just †¦ i was going to pay it back' said Justin, starting to panic now. ‘Yeah Justin, you were really going to pay it back. I know you Justin, always taking my money, never paying it back, probably hoping i will starve so you dont have to live here anymore. You dont care about me do you Justin ?' ‘I do dad. I just need some food' ‘Not out of my money you dont, you selfish child !' shouted his father as he lifted his fist to justin and knocked him over. Justin grabbed his school bag, and ran out of the house straight to school. It was early and the teachers were just arriving. His eye had swelled up and had gone black. He got out his blue book, and wrote down a diary entry and some more lyrics to finish up his song. The he saw Mark coming down the road. He ran to the unused toilets and locked himself in. This was the place he felt safe, other than his bedroom. No one ever came into the toilets, not even the cleaners, because they hadnt been used for about 6 months, since there had been more toilets built inside the main building. He could sit in the toilets for hours, just thinking to himself, and writing in his blue book, and not having to bother about any one else. ‘Wheres Justin ?' asked the teacher when the bell had rung. No one really knew because he didnt have any friends. Some nonsence was mumbled under peoples breaths about him, but no one really had any clue where he was. ‘I saw him before school , outside, by the gate. His eye was swolen, Miss, i duno what he had been doin.' Shouted Mark from the back of the class. Louise walked into the old toilet block with her friends behind her. This was where they were planning on having a cigarette and as they hadn't been used for 3 years, not many people entered. ‘Pass a cigarette, Chris.' Shouted Ryan from the other side of the toilet block. ‘I wonder if any of these toilets still work.' Mentioned Louise to Greg. ‘Dunno, lets go have a look at them, bet there disgusting,' answered Greg. So Gred pushed each door open quickly an peeked inside, looking at the mess they were in, the graffiti on the walls and the broken doors and toilet seats. ‘This ones locked,' said Greg. ‘Nah, it cant be, have a look over, see if theres something in the way.' As Greg looked over, he saw a boy, sat on the floor, writing in a book. He looked behind him to see if it was any of his friends, but they were all stood there, looking at him, waiting for him to open the door. He glanced back. The boy was gone and the door swung open. ‘Who the hell was that ?' shouted Greg, feeling a bit shaken up and his friends looking at him puzzled. ‘There was†¦there†¦i†¦i just saw a ghost.' And there on the floor, was a small blue book, in neat condition, with a name on the outside. Justin Holdsworth.

Merger For Success In The US Airline Industry Research Paper

Merger For Success In The US Airline Industry - Research Paper Example Prior to regulation, there were no reports of airline bankruptcy. However, since deregulation in 1978, bankruptcy has become commonplace.    Between 1978 and 2001, nine major airlines inclusive of America West, Braniff, Continental, Eastern, Pan Am and TWA and more than 100 smaller carriers declared bankruptcy or liquidated its assets (Kaps, Hamilton & Bliss, 2012). The irony is that deregulation was thought to be appropriate on the basis that previous concerns about distorted competition and monopolies had been unfounded (Kaps et. al., 2012).   As Kaps et. al. (2012) explained, government officials believed that the dynamics of the market would facilitate operations â€Å"approaching pure market competition without governmental economic regulation† (p. 7).  Prior to regulation, there were no reports of airline bankruptcy. However, since deregulation in 1978, bankruptcy has become commonplace.    Between 1978 and 2001, nine major airlines inclusive of America West, Bra niff, Continental, Eastern, Pan Am and TWA and more than 100 smaller carriers declared bankruptcy or liquidated its assets (Kaps, Hamilton & Bliss, 2012). The irony is that deregulation was thought to be appropriate on the basis that previous concerns about distorted competition and monopolies had been unfounded.   As Kaps et. al. explained, government officials believed that the dynamics of the market would facilitate operations â€Å"approaching pure market competition without governmental economic regulation†.† (p. 7). The terror attacks of September 11, 2001 introduced greater difficulties for an already struggling airline industry (Wensveen, 2011). Losses to the US airline industry following the September 11, 2001 amounted to an estimated US$17.7 billion. However, it has been argued that the failures in the airline industry cannot be entirely attributable

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Continuum of Legal Formality Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Continuum of Legal Formality - Research Paper Example The administrative law is aimed at capturing thefts within the community. On a global scale, administrative law is a very low positioned legal system. This system is responsible for the correction of people and upholding of social norms. The administrative law governance, however, keeps changing depending on the type of case. In many occasions, administrative law uses informal ways to settle disputes or any other r case based on its importance. However, as much there are informal ways of dealing with cases of administrative law, the formal procedures need to follow. There must be protocol. It will also look at the merits and demerits of using both the formal and informal approach. Over the years the debate over informality or formality in the legal system has dominated many forums. Some administrators feel that the law shield their operating power and hence advocate for more informal procedures to be embraced. Contrary to this, some feel without the participation of the law, administ rators may use this avenue to fulfill their personal interest. In an argument by Harrington & Carter (2009) informal procedures can be used by selfish individuals to hurt other people without any concrete reasons. With increasing trends in society, the already outlined laws may fail to access some parts of the community. In regards to these developments, an informal administrative law may be used to solve the issue. With the already outlined formal lawmaking, sometimes it becomes difficult to solve upcoming issues using the formal way (Harrington & Carter, 2009). On this perspective, the informal law application should be advocated for. While dealing with formality the case advancement is usually dictated by the existing law. This hinders the administrators to utilize all options. For example, some issues may not need prosecution to any parties involved. According to formal procedure, any wrong done is punishable law. However, some administrators feel obligated to use informal metho ds of keeping the case out of the formal procedures. In some instances, they choose dialogue where both parties can settle issues outside the corridors of justice. In this way, the legal system is shielded from petty cases while the feeling of mutual respect is instilled in the parties (Harrington & Carter, 2009). Apart from ease, informal procedures doe does not escalate the conflict between two warring parties. It gives both parties chance to save their image and any form of relationship. In using the formal procedures, it is difficult for parties to get both justice and positive attitude towards one another. As much as formal legal procedures are not advocated by a majority of people, they remain the most efficient legal procedures. From the operating stage to the implementing stage, formal procedures have the well-defined code of operation. With this structure, many people still advocate for it since there is the assurance of transparency. With transparency, all individuals feel justice has been done regardless of the outcome. In words by Harrington & Carter (2009), formal procedures usually leave a mark of justice to all parties involved in a legal battle.

Memory Deficits and Aging Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Memory Deficits and Aging - Essay Example Memory impairment among the elderly often begins casually and progresses consistently leading to a disproportionately impaired cognitive symptom over time. By the middle part of the disorder, the memory is impaired but other types of cognitive functions such as language, visuo-spatial abilities, and key executive functions are also impaired. In its advanced stages, the patient ultimately becomes disoriented to time, place, and finally, persons. The advanced and latter stages will then require specialized medical care and attention to address the daily functioning of the elderly. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV; APA 1994) defined dementia as "the progress of multiple cognitive deficits that covers memory impairment and one of any of these cognitive disturbances: aphasia, apraxia, agnosia, or a disturbance in executive functions" (p. 134). Cognitive disturbance as manifested in dementia pertains to a decline from a higher normal level of daily functioning to a severely impaired level which seriously affects an individual's discharge of his/her social, family or work duties. The prevalence of dementia increases significantly with age, and approximately 6% of individuals over age 65 and 20% over age 80 suffer from a a disabling degree of dementia (Plum 1987). Dementia and amnesia are... However, a single pattern of preserved and impaired cognitive abilities may not pertain to all amnesic sicknesses. Research Questions: This study will explore these research questions: a.) What is the incidence of memory deficits among the British elderly population considering functional limitations and demographic characteristics b.) What are the social services and medical services available for the British elderly population who are afflicted with this memory deficits c.) What is the extent of self-reported memory function among the British elderly population who are afflicted with dementia d.) What services do private elderly facilities provide for those who suffer from memory deficits Research Methods This study will utilize a quantitative methodology consisting of a survey questionnaire which is self-administered and the implementation of a Randt Memory Test (RMT) which will be administered to approximately 200 British elderly persons in a private facility.A RANDT MEMORY TEST (RMT) (Randt & Brown 1983) will be administered to the designated respondents. The RMT is a memory test which covers seven subtests: tests of general information, immediate span of auditory-verbal attention, verbal learning and recall, picture recognition, and learning test of the names of the previous tasks. The objective of this test is to present a global survey of patients' memory complaints.A key highlight of the RMT over other types of tests is the presence of at least five alternative forms which then allows for multiple testing of the respondents over short intervals of time. Aims of the Research The ability to measure and characterize memory disorders at both the structural and functional

UK Investment in China Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

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Domestic Jurisdiction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Domestic Jurisdiction - Essay Example The concept of domestic jurisdiction in relation to freedom from intervention is very basically shown in the unit of society we call family. Before we became citizens of a country, we became parts of a state or a city. Before we became parts of any city, we are first members of a community, and before we became members of a community, we are primarily members of our own families. This is where the dynamic process of protecting one owns freedom and autonomy begins. As a family, we want to function on our own to the best of our abilities with minor help from other people. This is our responsibility to our unit. We want to deal with problems and seek out solutions with each other's help, before we ask assistance from other people. We try to keep family matters inside the home and away from the prying eyes of other families. We do not welcome intervention from other people in family matters without them being requested by us to do so. This action is not appreciated and even shunned as in trusion does not only violate privacy but it goes beyond the unwritten rule of familial boundaries where each family as a distinct unit of society has its own internal rules which the members abide to. These internal rules, however free the family members are in terms of acting on their own will, should be in accordance with the established general laws of the community. Intervention in family matters by other community members is justifiable if the laws of the community are not adhered to and if a certain member of the family is forced to act out of his own volition. This is also where law enforcement may intervene. The same is true for communities. Communities have their own specific agenda and priorities. It is because of the distinct agenda that a community is very wary of intervention from other communities. Resources are limited in communities so intervention is most likely to occur as a means to help or assist. It may also be mutually beneficial to both parties concerned. Going to a higher level or a wider scope, cities or states have the same characteristics. They may belong to one government and one country, but cities or states have their own set of rules aside from the general laws of the land. They have differing strategies and techniques to promote growth within their reach. They want to handle their own problems and issues first before transferring them to a higher authority. They want to exercise their autonomy the best possible way they can, before submitting to the authority of the government. Of course, every action that they do should be within the general laws of the land. The moment that laws are broken and disregarded, intervention from government will always occur. The principles discussed are all parts of the concept of domestic jurisdiction. They are the minor aspects and the foundation for the general idea of the term. In a larger setting, which is the global arena, the basic unit is the nation. A nation has its own members, its own rules, its own ways or techniques of doing things, its own resources and its own beliefs and values. All the factors comprising one nation may be slightly or very different from another. This degree of diversity makes each nation distinct from each

Gold as a Hedge against the Devaluation of the Dollar Research Paper

Gold as a Hedge against the Devaluation of the Dollar - Research Paper Example For example, the price of gold had been remained the same for about two hundred years after when Sir Isaac Newton had set the gold price at L3, 17s. 10d. per troy ounce in 1717. The gold prices have been raised to extreme levels after 1973. The gold rate in 1973 was $97.39 which was average price, and it rose to $444.74 in 2005, which has now become $1224.53 at the end of 2010. The calculation of five-year annualized rate of return on gold as an investment alternative has been given below. The gold rates have been taken for year 2005 and 2010, which are $444.74 and $1224.53 respectively. The formula for computing the rate of return of gold is as follows: 100*(second price/ first price) ^ (1/ (second year – first year))-100 Putting the values for second price ($1224.53), first year ($444.74), second year (2010), and first year (2005), we will get the rate of return on gold as an investment alternative for the period of 2005-2010 as follows: 100*(1224.53/444.74) ^ (1/(2010-2005) )-100 = 22.4539074 From the result we have got, we can get the rate of return on gold as an alternative investment, which is in this case is 46%. Relationship between gold and USD value: This section will provide the necessary details about the relation between the gold and USD value in both the domestic as well as in the international economy. Some of the key factors will also be presented that affect key changes into the value of USD. Firstly, we will be talking about some of the factors affecting the US economy on the domestic economy. The domestic economy actually tends to affect the exchange rates of a country. The apparent position of the US economy in the economic cycle is one example, in which we experience a boom, bust, and then expansion or contradiction. Factors such as economic growth, inflation and economic outlook actually highlight the economic condition and health of the country. The level of interest rates will be influenced depending upon the economy’s posit ion in the economic cycle, e.g. the economic cycle’s booming phase will experience the interest rates to be increasing despite the slow demand. The possibility of the occurrence of the inflation is also reduced. The monetary policy of the US is quite similar to that of Australia in terms of interest rates rising to lower down the pressures from the inflation or monetary demand. On the other hand, an increase or a decrease in the interest rates in the US causes the demand or supply of the currency to increase or decrease. ‘Debt levels’ is considered to be the major problem with the US economy. The USA is still facing the severe debt crisis as it owes to the other countries trillions of dollars. This has the effect of pressurizing the economy of the US. Another alarming factor is that the US financial institutions pay more interests to their lenders than the one they receive from their borrowers. The difference in the two countries’ interest rates really aff ects the demand of the foreign currencies. In simple terms a country will only invest into another country if the former is getting a good return from the latter on the investments. The most suitable example for this event is the higher interest rates in Australia in 2009 and the US interest rates were lower. Hence the investors moved to Australia instead of US. The overall effect of that was the upward pressure imposed on Australian dollar and a downward on US dollar. Now about the gold

Interviewing for the Future Essay Example for Free

Interviewing for the Future Essay Interviewing is considered by many people to be an art. As an adolescent, I never had the chance to interview someone before and it really made me have to expose myself to the world outside of my comfort zone. Being only eighteen years old, I wanted to explore my future career path a little more in depth from somebody who knows the field. I chose to do my interview on someone I admired off campus who works in my field of interest. As a freshman in college, most students don’t know which direction they want to go in, most of them are undeclared. Upon entering CCSU this fall I, too, was undeclared; however, very recently I discovered that I wanted to work in the field of dentistry. I noted that I wanted to talk to an expert, somebody who had been in the field for many years so I could get a concrete grasp on what a day-in-the-life was like. I decided that I wanted to know more on the field and conducted an interview with Lyudmila Adamitskaya, a dental hygienist at Smiles for the Future a pediatric dentist office in Glastonbury, CT. Before I decided to conduct the actual interview, I did some basic background research on Smiles for the Future. I looked at their company website to get a sense of what the atmosphere was like. After I got the general idea of what the pediatric dentistry field was similar too, I brainstormed a variety of questions. I wanted to know what it was like for Lyudmila and what the work environment was like. I had already known quite a bit about the actual field itself, but I wanted to find out things about the pediatric dentistry field that a person couldn’t read about in Chemistry books or through Anatomy lectures. I wanted to discover why she liked her job and what she didn’t like about her job. I desired to know the obstacles she had to overcome and if her expectations were fulfilled from what she had perceived them to be while in college. At first I couldn’t find the right words to put down on paper prior to the interview. From the in class essay we read â€Å"The Art of Interviewing† I took away a central point that really stood out to me, â€Å"Substance is powerful to conduct a meaningful interview† (Foster 1). This quote really jumped off the page for me because it made me think that if I didn’t have the questions I wanted answered, then what was the point of even doing the interview? This point certainly got me to brainstorm for quite a long time to get the right questions. I took away another point from the essay, â€Å"If the interviewer already suspects what content is coming then why conduct the interview?† (Foster 1). This acknowledgement made me really concentrate on questions I could not possibly know the answers to, so that my interview would be meaningful to me and not just a waste of time. I knew that going into the interview, I was going to be nervous but I had no idea what was going to happen. On the afternoon of September 24th, 2012 I walked into the colorful pediatric office of Smiles for the Future in Glastonbury, CT. I anxiously waited until Mrs. Lyudmila Adamitskaya was finished with a small girl who looked as if she were around six or seven years old. I looked around at my surroundings and noticed many toys thrown about the waiting room. Normally, this wouldn’t bother me, I love working with children; however, today seemed different. I couldn’t place what it was that bothered me so much about this but I was abruptly pulled out of my dream-like state when Mrs. Adamitskaya greeted me with a warm and cheery â€Å"Hello!† The first thing I noticed about her was her bright purple scrubs. Her hair was neatly tied back and she had a professional, but friendly, demeanor about her. We shook hands briefly and she invited me to come to the back, into room six. She invited me to sit in the patient’s chair, which was significantly smaller than I was and we shared a brief ice-breaking laugh at the situation. She asked me how old I was and I told her I was eighteen and conducting the interview for my English class. I also told her how I was considering going into the field of pediatric dentistry. Immediately, I saw her face light up and I smiled at how much I could tell just from that simple body language she really enjoyed her job. I opened up the interview with the most basic question I could think of; what made you want to become a dental hygienist? She paused momentarily, trying to search for the right words, a puzzled yet relaxed expression on her face. Finally she stated with an enormous smile, â€Å"I always wanted to work in the medical field or dental field to make a difference in people’s oral and overall health† (Adamitskaya). Just that statement alone told me most of what I needed to know about Mrs. Adamitskaya’s attitude not only towards her patients, but towards all people. The statement told me that she genuinely cared how people were doing and she wanted to make a difference in the community. I nervously looked around the room at small stuffed animals and butterfly wallpaper and asked, â€Å"Do you like your work environment?† Mrs. Adamitskaya looked relieved and a little less under pressure. She quickly stepped back into the upbeat woman I first had seen and said, â€Å"I love my work environment because I get to work with amazing doctors and team members who dedicate their work and knowledge to improve and educate people about oral health† (Adamitskaya). This really perked my interest that she felt so strongly about the field and how much her doctors and co-workers cared for other patients as much as she did. I wanted to know more so I added â€Å"Do you like your job? What’s the best and worst part about your job?† She glanced around, looked at me and smiled. â€Å"I don’t like my job.† She paused, gave me a strange look and continued, â€Å"I love my job! I love it because everything we do is for our patients and it brings positive feedback. It encourages patients to keep coming back. It’s always rewarding to work with patients and make a difference in people’s lives and build relationships. The worst part would be the cost of health insurance for families† (Adamitskaya). I could sense she felt bad about the state of the economy, and briefly went on to discuss with me how â€Å"unfortunate it is that most families struggle to put food on the table at night while balancing family and school life† (Adamitskaya). When I saw how much this bothered her it made me eager to get more information on her personal background and struggles. I was nervous to ask at first, but my inner child’s curiosity got the best of me and I rather excitedly asked â€Å"What obstacles have you had to overcome to get where you are today?† She laughed a little; I’m assuming at how embarrassed I looked, I must’ve been a little flushed because my face felt hot as I waited for an answer. She proudly said, â€Å"Going through my college years, I didn’t speak English until I came to America when I was 22 years old. I was raising two children, working full time for minimum wage at Subway to put myself through school. I was trying to learn English and all the dynamics that go into a dental hygiene program at the same time. There were nights I didn’t sleep, but I did it all to provide a better future for my family† (Adamitskaya). It was at this point in the interview I really felt a huge personal connection with Mrs. Lyudmila Adamitskaya. I told her that I, myself, had been working two jobs and putting myself through college full time and she simply replied with a soft smile, â€Å"All hard work has rewards† (Adamitskaya). After this significant quote, Mrs. Adamitskaya wasn’t just another dental hygienist I was interviewing; she became somebody I truly admired. But I had to know if all that she worked for paid off for her and if in her heart her expectations were fulfilled. I asked, â€Å"Were your expectations fulfilled when you entered your career field from what you thought it would be like in college?† She eagerly answered very quickly, â€Å"Yes! They were fulfilled for certain. I am very pleased with what I have achieved over the last ten years of working as a dental hygienist† (Adamitskaya). When she said that her expectations were fulfilled, it somehow made me feel much more relaxed about the career path I had finally decided I wanted to go with. I then asked her what her opinion was on the industry in terms of job openings for after I completed college. She hesitated; looking almost worried, and said, â€Å"It’s easier to find a part time job rather than a full time position because of the economy, but it is an ever growing field and will always expand† (Adamitskaya). Her words had a way of relaxing me almost instantly. Mrs. Lyudmila Adamitskaya was definitely a woman who I would love to go back to for a second, third or even fourth interview with. She was extremely honest, kind and opened up her office doors to me in a very warm and friendly environment. I thanked her for meeting with me, shook her hand again and told her that I would love to meet with her again in the future to talk about dental hygiene and the wonderful world of pediatric dentistry. She laughed at my humor and said to â€Å"stay in school.† I walked back to my car with a newfound confidence in my ability to interview somebody. What I took away from this experience was not only how to interview a person I wanted to know more about, but how to go with the natural flow of conversation to fulfill my own curiosity. I had tons of questions lined up on paper, but I realized when I got back to my car that I hadn’t asked any of the basic questions I had written on the paper. I found that it was much more natural to talk from what I honestly wanted to know than from what I brainstormed in the midst of cramming all of my homework into one night. I learned that interviewing really isn’t as difficult as it had seemed before. It takes determination as well as a sense of confidence and curiosity in the subject to conduct a successful interview. Interviewing, from this experience, showed me that it’s not just about the answers, but how carefully the questions are tailored to how the person responds to a statement that is made. I learned that interviewing is truly an art form in itself. Work Cited Adamitskaya, Lyudmila. Personal Interview. 24 Sept, 2012. Foster, Linda. â€Å"The Art of Interviewing.† 25 Sept, 2012.

Hypothyroidism: Causes, Effects and Treatments

Hypothyroidism: Causes, Effects and Treatments Hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by abnormally low amount of the thyroid hormone synthesis. This may be due to a thyroid problem or any other reason. Thyroid hormone affects growth, development, and many cellular processes. Inadequate thyroid hormone has many consequences for the body (1, 2, 3). Thyroid gland and thyroid hormone synthesis Thyroid gland has two lobes connected by an isthmus. It attaches to the thyroid cartilage and trachea. Therefore it moves with swallowing. Thyroid gland consists of follicles lined by a cuboidal epithelial cell layer. These follicles filled with colloids.Parafollicular cells situated in between follicular cells which secrete calcitonine (4, 9). Thyroid gland synthesizes mainly two hormones. They are L-thyroxin/tetraiodothyronine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).T3 is the active form that acts at the cellular level and T4 is the prohormone.Iodide enters the thyroid follicles primarily through a transporter. Thyroid hormone synthesis occurs in the follicular space through a series of reactions, many of which are peroxides-mediated. Thyroid hormones stored in the colloid in the follicular space that is released from Thymoglobulin by a hydrolysis reaction which occur inside the thyroid cell (4, 5, 8). E.g. Thyroglobulin (Tgb), monoiodotyrosine (MIT), diiodotyrosine (DIT),  Triiodothyronine (T3), tetraiodothyronine (T4) (5). If there is hereditary defect of enzyme in above process, Thyroid hormone synthesis could not occur. So its leads to congenital goiter and often results in hypothyroidism (6). Regulation of the synthesis of thyroid hormones Thyroid hormone synthesis is regulated by another gland located in the brain called pituitary. In turn the pituitary gland in part regulated by the thyroid hormone via feedback mechanism and other gland called hypothalamus. The hypothalamus secretes thyrotropin hormone (TRH), which give a signal to the pituitary gland to release thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH in turn sends a signal to the thyroid gland to release thyroid hormone. If some defect occurs in one of these levels, a lack of production of thyroid hormones can cause a deficiency of thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) (4, 5, 8). Hypothalamus TRH down arrow Pituitary- TSH down arrow Thyroid- T4 and T3 The rate of thyroid hormone synthesis is regulated by the pituitary gland. If there is an insufficient amount of thyroid hormone circulating in the body to normal functioning, the release of TSH from the pituitary increased in order to stimulate more thyroid hormone. However, when there is a large amount of thyroid hormones in circulation, TSH level decreases and pituitary attempts to reduce the production of thyroid hormone. In people with hypothyroidism have low levels of circulating thyroid hormones (4, 8). Physiological effects of thyroid hormones Cardiovascular system increased cardiac output and heart rate. Skeletal system increased bone turnover and resorption. Respiratory maintains normal hypoxic and Hypercapnic drive in respiratory centre. Gastrointestinal increases gut motility. Blood increases red blood cell 2, 3-BPG facilitating Oxygen release to tissues. Neuromuscular increases speed of muscle contraction and relaxation and muscle protein turnover. Metabolism of carbohydrates increases hepatic Gluconeogenesis/glycolysis and intestinal glucose Absorption. Metabolism of lipids increased lipolysis and Cholesterol synthesis and degradation. Sympathetic nervous tissue increases catecholamine Sensitivity and ÃŽÂ ²-adrenergic receptor numbers in heart, skeletal muscle, adipose cells and lymphocytes (1, 2, 4, 7, 8). Reduces cardiac ÃŽÂ ±-adrenergic receptors. If there is a defect in the synthesis or regulation pathways or thyroid lead to many disorders. They are mainly divided in two parts. They are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, is the overproduction of thyroid hormones T3 and T4, and most often caused by the development of Graves disease which is an autoimmune disease in which antibodies are produced which stimulate the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones. This disease can lead to the development of toxic goiter due to the growth of the thyroid gland in response to the absence of negative feedback mechanisms. This is manifested by symptoms such as thyroid goiter, protruding eyes (exopthalmos), palpitations, excessive sweating, diarrhea, weight loss, muscle weakness and unusual sensitivity to heat. Appetite is increased (2, 4, 7). Classification of Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is often classified by association with the indicated organ dysfunction (4). Type Origin Primary Thyroid gland The most common forms are Hashimotos thyroiditis which is an autoimmune disease and can be occur in radioiodine therapy for hyperthyroidism (4, 7, 6). Secondary Pituitary gland Occurs if the pituitary gland does not release enough thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce enough thyroid hormones. Although not every case of secondary hypothyroidism has a clear-cut case, it is usually caused by damage to the pituitary gland, as by a tumor, radiation, or surgery. Secondary hypothyroidism accounts for less than 5% or 10% of hypothyroidism cases (4, 7, 6). Tertiary Hypothalamus Results when the hypothalamus fails to produce sufficient Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH prompts the pituitary gland to produce thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Hence may also be termed hypothalamic-pitu(4,7,6) Autoimmune Atrophic (autoimmune) hypothyroidism. The most common cause of hypothyroidism and the associated with antithyroid auto antibodies leads to lymphoid infiltration Cancer and eventually atrophy and fibrosis. It has been six Times more common in women and the incidence increases with age. This can be associated with other autoimmune Diseases such as pernicious anemia, vitiligo and other endocrine disorders. In some cases, intermittent Hypothyroidism occurs when recovering from illness, antibodies which block the TSH receptor can sometimes be involved in the etiology(5, 7, 10). Hashimotos thyroiditis. This form of autoimmune thyroiditis, again, more common in women and the most common in the late. The average age is atrophic changes with regeneration, leading to the formation of goiter. This may be usually firm and Rubber but can vary from soft to hard. TPO antibodies very high amount (>1000 IU / L). Patients can be euthyroid or hypothyroid, but they can pass through the initial phase of the toxic Hashi toxicity, Levothyroxine therapy. The goiter may reduce the even if the patient does not Hypothyroid (7, 8, 10). Postpartum thyroiditis. Typically, this is a temporary phenomenon Observed after pregnancy. It can cause hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism or the two sequences. It is believed to cause changes in the immune system necesnecessary.In case of pregnancy, and histologically lymphocytic thyroiditis. The process is usually self-limiting, but when Conventional antibodies are there is a strong chance this procedure of permanent hypothyroidism. Postpartum Thyroiditis may be misdiagnosed as postnatal depression. Thyroid function test is done to detect this situation (4, 7). Defects in hormone synthesis Iodine deficiency. Dietary iodine deficiency still exists in some areas as endemic goiter where goiter, occasionally massive is common. Patients may be euthyroid or hypothyroidism depending on the severity of iodine deficiency. The mechanism is considered borderline hypothyroidism leading to TSH stimulation and thyroid enlargement against iodine deficiency continues (4;7). Iodine deficiency is this still a problem in the Netherlands, the Western Pacific and South. East Asia for example, the mountainous regions of the Himalayas and Africa. Some countries affected by iodine deficiency, for example, China and Kazakhstan take measures providing iodine  in salt, but others, such as Russia, have not yet done so. Of The 500 million with iodine deficiency in India about 2 million suffering from cretinism.Dyshormonogenesis is a rare disease is due to genetics. Defects in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, patients Develop hypothyroidism with goiter. One particular family Form is associated with sensorineural hearing loss due to the removal Mutation of chromosome 7, resulting in a defect Transporter Pendrin (Pendred syndrome author) (4, 5). Hypothyroidism causes many symptoms. The term myxedema refers to the accumulation of mucopolysaccharides.In the subcutaneous tissue. The classical pictures are Slow in working, dry hair, thick-skinned, deep voice, Weight gain, cold intolerance, bradycardia, and constipation. These features make the diagnosis easy. Milder symptoms, however, more common and difficult to distinguish from other causes Nonspecific tiredness. Many of the cases on the biochemical detection (4, 6, 7) Screening Particular difficulties in diagnosis may occur in certain circumstances: Children with hypothyroidism may not classical Properties, but often have a slow growth rate, poor School performance and sometimes arrests of pubertal Development. Young women with hypothyroidism may not show obvious signs. Hypothyroidism is excluded in all Patients with oligomenorrhea / amenorrhea, Menorrhagia, infertility and hyperprolactinemia. the elderly show many clinical features that are difficult Distinct from normal aging (7, 10, 11). Investigation of primary hypothyroidism The Serum TSH is the examination of choice, a high TSH level Confirmed primary hypothyroidism. A low free T4 level confirms the hypothyroidism is (and is also essential for TSH to close a deficiency and clinical hypothyroidism is strongly suspected  and TSH is normal or low).Thyroid and other organ-specific antibodies are present (7,10). Other exceptions are the following: Anemia, usually normochromic and normocytic In type but can macrocytic (sometimes this is by Associated pernicious anemia) or microcytic (in women, By menorrhagia) increased serum aspartate transferase levels, from Muscle and / or liver increased serum creatine kinase levels, with associated myopathy Hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia Hyponatremia due to an increase in ADH and reduced Free water clearance (7, 10). Treatment Replacement therapy with levothyroxine (thyroxin, that is to say, T4) is Data for life. The starting dose will depend upon the severity of the failure and the age and condition of the patient, especially their cardiac function: 100ÃŽÂ ¼g per day during the Young and fit, 50ÃŽÂ ¼g (up to 100ÃŽÂ ¼g after 2-4 weeks) for the small, old or weak. Patients with ischemic heart disease Illness an even lower initial dose, especially if the Hypothyroidism is a severe and prolonged. Most doctors Would then start with daily 25ÃŽÂ ¼g and performing serial ECG, increasing the dose at 3 to 4-week intervals as angina Not occur or worsen and the ECG is not Deteriorate(8,10,11). Monitoring The goal is to recover well within T4 and TSH The normal range. The adequacy of the replacement is reviewed Clinical and thyroid function tests after at least 6 weeks at a constant dose. If serum TSH remains high, the dose of T4 Should is increased in increments of 25-50 g à ¯Ã†â€™Ã‚ ¬ the tests Repeated 6-8 week intervals until TSH returns to normal. Complete suppression of TSH should be avoided atrial fibrillation and the risk of osteoporosis. The usual The Maintenance dose is 100 to 150 g à ¯Ã†â€™Ã‚ ¬ administered as a single daily Dose. An annual thyroid function test is recommended this is usually done in the first line, often assisted and in response to the district thyroid registers (5, 8, 11). Clinical improvement T4 cannot start 2 weeks or more and complete resolution of symptoms 6 months. The need for lifelong therapy should be emphasized and the possibility of other autoimmune endocrine disease development, Especially Addisons disease or pernicious anemia, Should be considered. During pregnancy, an increase of T4 Dosage of about 25-50ÃŽÂ ¼g is often necessary to maintain normal TSH and the need for replacement during optimal. Pregnancy is highlighted by the finding of the reduction of Cognitive function in children of mothers with elevated TSH during pregnancy. A few patients with primary hypothyroidism complain incomplete symptomatic response to T4 replacement. Combination T4 and T3 replacement is advocated in this Context, but randomized clinical trials show no consistent Benefit from the quality of life symptoms (4, 8). Borderline hypothyroidism or Compensated euthyroidism Patients are often seen with a low-normal serum T4 levels and slightly elevated TSH values. Sometimes this follows surgery or radioactive iodine therapy when it can be reasonably seen as compensatory. Treatment with levothyroxine is normally recommended where the TSH is consistently above 10 mu / L, or if possible symptoms, high titers of thyroid Antibodies or lipid abnormalities are present (4, 8, 10). When the TSH is only marginally increased, the tests must be repeated three to six Months later. Conversion to overt hypothyroidism is more common in men or TPO antibodies are present in Practice, vague symptoms in patients with marginal Elevated TSH (less than 10 mu / L) rarely responds to treatment, However, a therapeutic trial of substitution may be required to confirm that the symptoms are not related to the thyroid gland(4,8,10). It is also is considered to be the best time (TSH level normalization, the ideal case, the former) Pregnancy, in order to avoid the side effects of the fetus.Myxedema coma severe hypothyroidism, especially in the elderly, may be with confusion and even coma. Myxedema coma is very rare. Low temperature is often there, the patient may have severe heart failure, hypoventilation, hypoglycemia, and hyponatriemia.The best treatment Controversial, there is no data, most doctors recommend T3 oral or intravenous injection, a dose of à ¯Ã†â€™Ã‚ ¬2, and 5-5 grams every 8 hours then, such as the above-mentioned increase. High-dose intravenous cannot be used (4, 7, 8). Other measures, although there is no proof of Include: Oxygen (by ventilation if necessary) monitoring of cardiac output and pressure Gradual warming Hydrocortisone 100 mg intravenously 8-hour Glucose infusion to avoid hypoglycemia. Myxedema madness Depression is common in hypothyroidism but rarely with severe hypothyroidism in the elderly can the patient be said demented or psychotic, sometimes with prominent delusions. This may occur shortly after starting T4 replacement (6, 5). Screening for hypothyroidism the incidence of congenital hypothyroidism is Approximately 1 in 3500 births. Untreated, severe Hypothyroidism produces permanent neurological and Intellectual damage (cretinism). Routine screening of the newborn with a bloodstain, like Guthrie test, a high TSH level as an indicator of primary detecting Hypothyroidism is efficient and cost effective; cretinism is prevented if T4 is started within the first few months of life. screening of elderly patients for thyroid dysfunction a low pick-up rate and is controversial and not currently recommended. However, patients who have undergone Thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine should receive Regular thyroid function tests, should be as those who Lithium or amiodarone therapy (6, 5). Signs and symptoms early hypothyroidism is often asymptomatic, can have very mild symptoms. Subclinical hypothyroidism normal levels of thyroid hormones, thyroxin (T4) and triiodo thyroxin (T3), moderate to high thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) conditions. TSH and low free T4 at a higher level; the symptoms are more obvious in clinical hypothyroidism (4, 6, 5). Hypothyroidism may be associated with the following symptoms: Early cold intolerance, increased sensitivity to cold Constipation weight gain, water retention bradycardia (low heart rate less than 65 times per minute) Fatigue decreased sweating Muscle cramps and joint pain dry, itchy skin thin, brittle nails Quick thoughts Depression muscle tension difference (hypotonia) female infertility and problems in the menstrual cycle Hyperprolactinemia and galactorrhea elevated serum cholesterol(10,11) Late goiter slow speech and a hoarse, breaking voice deepening of the voice can also be noticed. Reinke edema. Dry puffy skin, especially in the face Thinning of the outer third of the eyebrows (sign of Hertoghe) Menstrual cycle abnormalities Low basal body temperature thyroid related depression(10,11) Uncommon Impaired memory Impaired cognitive function (brain fog) and inattentiveness. A slow heart rate with ECG changes including low voltage signals. Diminished cardiac output and decreased contractility slow reflexes Yellowing of the skin due to impaired conversion of beta-carotene to vitamin A (carotoderma) Difficulty swallowing(dysphagia) Shortness of breath with a shallow and slow respiratory pattern(dyphnea) myxedema madness (a rare presentation) Decreased libido due to impairment of testicular testosterone synthesis Gynecomastia(enlarge breast tissue) Loss of hearing(10,11) Diagnosis thyroid function test the only validation test diagnosis of primary hypothyroidism is thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxin (T4) level. However, these levels can be varying without thyroid disease (10, 11). High TSH levels, the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone levels (primarily thyroxin (T4) and a small amount of iodine Thyroid three original leucine (T3)). However, measuring just TSH can diagnose secondary and tertiary thyroid function loss, resulting in the following recommended a blood test, if the TSH is normal hypothyroidism remains skeptical(10,11). Free triiodothyronine (ft3) Free thyroxin (ft4) Total T3 Total T4 Additionally, the following measurements may be needed: Free T3 from 24-hour urine catch Antithyroid antibodies for evidence of autoimmune diseases that may be damaging the thyroid gland Serum cholesterol which may be elevated in hypothyroidism Prolactin as a widely available test of pituitary function Testing for anemia, including ferritin Basal body temperature(4,8,10) Exams and Tests A physical examination may reveal a smaller than normal thyroid gland, although sometimes the gland is normal size or even enlarged (goiter). The examination may also reveal: Brittle nails Coarse facial features Pale or dry skin, which may be cool to the touch Swelling of the arms and legs Thin and brittle hair A chest x-ray may show an enlarged heart (12, 13). Laboratory tests to determine thyroid function include: TSH test T4 test(10,12,13) Lab tests may also reveal: Anemia on a complete blood count (CBC) Increased cholesterol levels Increased liver enzymes Increased prolactin Low sodium(8,13) Treatment The treatment of hypothyroidism is levorotatory forms of thyroxin (thyroid hormone) (L-T4) and triiodo thyroxin liothyronine (L-T3). Thyroxin is a name, and in the USA, the most common form of thyroxin tablets. Thyroxin is a doctor of the most common drugs, wherein a synthetic thyroid hormone predetermined. This medicine can improve symptoms of thyroid deficiency such as speech delay, lack of energy, weight gain, hair loss, dry skin, cold feeling. This will also help in the treatment of goiter. It can also be used to treat certain types of thyroid cancer, surgery and other medicines. Both synthetic and animal thyroid tablets available, and may be required in patients with the additional thyroid hormone (8, 10). Daily doses of thyroid hormone, doctors can monitor blood pressure, in order to help ensure that the correct dose. Thyroxin is the best 30-60 minutes before breakfast, because some foods can reduce absorption. Calcium can interfere with absorption levothryoxine. Compared with water, the coffee can be reduced about 30% of the absorption of thyroxin. Some patients may be anti-thyroxin, in fact, they do not have good absorption sheet to solve the problem by spraying. There are several different treatment options for thyroid replacement therapy (8, 10, 12, 13). T4 only such treatment methods include supplementary levothyroxin separately, a synthetic form. This is the current standard treatment of mainstream medicine. A combination of T4 and T3 in This treatment method involves the combination simultaneously manage two synthetic L-T4 and L-T3 (8, 10, 11). Dried thyroid extract Dried thyroid extract is an animal thyroid extract; the most common is from porcine sources. It is also a combination therapy, containing a natural form of L-T4 and L-T3. Dealing with controversial T4 T3 generation has been investigating the potential benefits, but has proved to be no conclusive combination therapy benefit. Laboratory Medicine Practice Guidelines in 2002, the clinical biochemical state of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences during pregnancy: L-T4 dose should be increased (usually 50 micrograms / day) maintained at 0.5 ~ 2.0 mIU / L and serum serum TSH FT4 within the normal reference interval the upper third.Doctors tend to assume that if your TSH is in the normal range, sometimes defined as high as 5.5 MIU / L has no effect on fertility. But there is an approximately 1.0 MIU / L, TSH level in healthy pregnant women (8, 12, 13) Subclinical hypothyroidism there are a series of biochemical and point thyroxin treatment, the typical treatment of hypothyroidism symptoms views. Reference range has been debated. As of 2003, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (ACEE) that within the normal range of 0.3-3.0 MIU /L. There is always an excess risk of hyperthyroidism. Some studies suggest that subclinical hypothyroidism does not require treatment. In 2007, the Cochrane Collaboration, a meta-analysis found that, in addition to the no benefit of thyroid hormone replacement lipids and left ventricular function in 2002 meta-analysis checks whether subclinical hypothyroidism may increase the risk of heart disease increase, some of the parameters previously thought, a slight increase, and recommended to be updated for the current recommendations for further research  with the end point of coronary heart disease (11, 12, 13). Replacement therapy The connection has been a slow release combination of T3 and T4, supporters will be able to thyroid dysfunction symptoms and functional quality of life. This is still a matter of debate, refused by the traditional medical community (3, 8, 10). Remember, the important thing when are taking thyroid hormone are: Do not stop taking the drugs, and when you feel better. Continue the medication completely guidance of a doctor. If change the brand of thyroid drugs, let doctor know. levels may need to be checked. Some dietary changes can change your body absorb thyroid drugs. Contact your doctor, if you eat a lot of soy products, or in the high-fiber diet. Thyroid medicine best on an empty stomach, and if any other drugs before one hour. Do not take the thyroid hormone supplement fiber, calcium, iron, multivitamins, aluminum hydroxide, sulfuric acid agent, cholesterol, or in combination with a bile acid drugs(4,13). Start taking replacement therapy, the doctor tells, if there are symptoms of increased thyroid activity (hyperthyroidism), such as Palpitations Rapid weight loss Restlessness or shakiness Sweating Myxedema coma is a medical emergency; the thyroid hormone the body becomes very low. Intravenous replacement thyroid hormone and steroids. Some patients may need support therapy (oxygen, breathing assistance, fluid replacement) and intensive care (8, 10, 11). Outlook (prognosis) in most cases, thyroid levels to normal, and appropriate treatment. However, thyroid hormone replacement for the rest of life.Myxedema coma can result in death (12, 13). Possible complications Hypothyroidism, myxedema coma, the most severe form is rare. This can be caused by infection, illness, exposure to cold, or certain medications in untreated hypothyroidism (12, 13). The symptoms and signs of myxedema coma include: room temperature Reduce breathing low blood pressure Hypoglycemia unresponsive Other complications include: Heart disease Increased risk of infection Infertility Abortion(8,12,13) Untreated hypothyroidism are at increased risk: gave birth to birth defects heart disease, the higher the level of LDL (bad cholesterol) heart failure Too much thyroid hormone treatment are at risk of angina or a heart attack, as well as the risk of osteoporosis(the bone thinning)(11,12,13). Network Management System: Light Weight SNMP Implementation Network Management System: Light Weight SNMP Implementation Chapter 6 Implementation Initially the Java (JDK 1.6) and Netbeans IDE 5.4 should be installed in a system. Then the SNMP4J API should be added to the Netbeans library. The Mysql-JDBC sever should be added to the library for using the database purpose. Then the SNMP is tested in the same system for working condition, afterwards the destination devices are enabled with SNMP agent and are tested. The system should have the requirements as follows. 6.1 About NetBeans: NetBeans IDE is a developer tool for application development technologies. The IDE includes a multi-language editor, Profiler, Debugger and also tools for developer requirement. The IDE provides templates to create Java EE, Java SE, and Java ME applications. A variety of technologies and frameworks are supported. The language-aware editor detects errors while you type and suggest user with documentation popups and smart code completion with the speed and simplicity. To identify and solve problems in your applications, such as deadlocks and memory leaks, the IDE provides a feature rich debugger and profiler.When user is testing applications, it provides tools for Testing, as well as code analyzers and, in particular, integration with the popular open source Error detecting tool. NetBeans is an integrated development environment (IDE) for developing primarily with Java, but also with other languages, in particular PHP,C/C++, and HTML5. It is also an application platform framework for Java desktop applications and others. The NetBeans IDE is written in Java and can run on Windows, OS X, Linux, Solaris and other platforms supporting a compatible JVM. The NetBeans Platform allows applications to be developed from a set of modular software components called modules NetBeans began in 1996 as Xelfi (word play on Delphi), a Java IDE student project under the guidance of the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics at Charles University in Prague. In 1997 Roman StanĆºk formed a company around the project and produced commercial versions of the NetBeans IDE until it was bought by Sun Microsystems in 1999. Sun opensourced the NetBeans IDE in June of the following year. Since then, the NetBeans community has continued to grow. In 2010, Sun (and thus NetBeans) was ac quired by Oracle. 6.1.1 NetBeans Platform: The NetBeans Platform is a reusable framework for simplifying the development of Java Swing desktop applications. The NetBeans IDE bundle for Java SE contains what is needed to start developing NetBeans plugins and NetBeans Platform based applications; no additional SDK is required. Applications can install modules dynamically. Any application can include the Update Center module to allow users of the application to download signed upgrades and new features directly into the running application. Reinstalling an upgrade or a new release does not force users to download the entire application again. The platform offers reusable services common to desktop applications, allowing developers to focus on the logic specific to their application. Among the features of the platform are: User interface management (e.g. menus and toolbars). User settings management. Storage management (saving and loading any kind of data). Window management. Wizard framework (supports step-by-step dialogs). NetBeans Visual Library. Integrated development tools. NetBeans IDE is a free, open-source, cross-platform IDE with built-in-support for Java Programming Language. 6.1.2 NetBeans IDE: NetBeans IDE is an open-source integrated development environment. NetBeans IDE supports development of all Java application types (Java SE(including JavaFX), Java ME, web, EJB and mobile applications) out of the box. Modularity: All the functions of the IDE are provided by modules. Each module provides a well defined function, such as support for the Java language, editing, or support for the CVS versioning system, and SVN. NetBeans contains all the modules needed for Java development in a single download, allowing the user to start working immediately. Modules also allow NetBeans to be extended. New features, such as support for other programming languages, can be added by installing additional modules. For instance, Sun Studio, Sun Java Studio Enterprise, and Sun Java Studio Creator from Sun Microsystems are all based on the NetBeans IDE. 6.2 Platform selection: Java is an object oriented application programming language developed by Sun Microsystems in the early 1990s.Java application is typically compiled to byte code, although compilation to native machine code is also possible. At runtime, byte code is usually either interpreted or compiled to native code for execution, although direct hardware execution of byte code by a java processor is also possible. The version of java used to run the application is JDK1.6.This is because the APIs used in this application specifies this requirement. 6.2.1 Reasons for Using Java Java was chosen as the programming language because of its versatility. It is an object oriented programming language with the following important features. a) Platform Independent-The concept of Write-once-run-anywhere (known as the platform independent) is one of the important key feature of java language that makes java as the most powerful language. The programs written on one platform can run on any platform provided the platform must have the JVM. b) Simple There are various features that make the java as a simple language. Programs are easy to write and debug because java does not use the pointers explicitly. Java provides the bug free system due to the strong memory management. It also has the automatic memory allocation and de-allocation system. c) Robust Java has the strong memory allocation and automatic garbage collection mechanism. It provides the powerful exception handling and type checking mechanism as compare to other programming languages. Compiler checks the program whether there are any errors and interpreter checks any run time error and makes the system secure from crash. All of the above features make the java language robust. d) Distributed The widely used protocols like HTTP and FTP are developed in java. Internet programmers can call functions on these protocols and can get access the files from any remote machine on the internet rather than writing codes on their local system. e) Portable The feature Write-once-run-anywhere makes the java language portable provided that the system must have interpreter for the JVM. Java also has the standard data size irrespective of operating system or the processor. These features make the java as a portable language. f) Dynamic While executing the java program the user can get the required files dynamically from a local drive or from a computer thousands of miles away from the user just by connecting with the Internet. g) Secure Java does not use memory pointers explicitly. All the programs in java are run under an area known as the sand box. Security manager determines the accessibility options of a class like reading and writing a file to the local disk. Java uses the public key encryption system to allow the java applications to transmit over the internet in the secure encrypted form. The byte code verifier checks the classes after loading. h) Performance Java uses native code usage, and lightweight process called threads. In the beginning interpretation of byte code resulted in the slow performance but the advance version of JVM uses the adaptive and just in time compilation technique that improves the performance. i) Multithreaded Java is also a multithreaded programming language. Multithreading means a single program having different threads executing independently at the same time. Multithreading programming is a very interesting concept in Java. In multithreaded programs not even a single thread disturbs the execution of other thread. j) Architecture Neutral The Java compiler generates byte code instructions, to be easily interpreted on any machine and to be easily translated into native machine code on the fly. The compiler generates an architecture-neutral object file format to enable a Java application to execute anywhere on the network and then the compiled code is executed on many processors, given the presence of the Java runtime system. 6.3 About SNMP: Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is an application–layer protocolusedfor exchanging management information between network devices.SNMP is one of the widely accepted protocols to manage and monitor network elements. Most of the professional–grade network elements come with bundled SNMP agent. In the following figure the SNMP manager, SNMP agents and MIBs (Management information base) are the major parts of architecture. Here the manager will send the get-next request for particular OID (object identifier) to the agent. The SNMP agent will retrieve the information from the MIB for a particular OID and will send the response to the manager. If any warning message occurs in the agent side, agent will send the trap notifications to manager. 6.4 Use of API: The SNMP4J API should be added correctly to the tool which the user is using in the project. It may be eclipse or Netbeans. Basically the APIs which needed in our project are JFreechart, Mysql and the SNMP4J. JFreechart APIs are added into the tool by their jar files, it should contain the JCommon and JFreechart JAR files and the documentation. These should be added into the library here. Mysql JDBC Connector JAR files should be added into the library for using the database. 6.5 Modules of project: A) The following code snippet explains how the set of all the IP address and MAC address are retrieved for the given input switch. That is the all the devices connected to the particular switch is retrieved and stored. for (i = 0; i Node nodSwi = nodesSwi.item(i); if (nodSwi.getNodeType() == Node.ELEMENT_NODE) { Element element = (Element) nodSwi; String MacAddress = xjava.getValue(MacAddr, element); String MacAddressEnd = xjava.getValue(MacAddrEnd, element); out.println( ); out.println( SL no ); out.println( IP Address ); out.println( MAC Binding ); stroid_result = MacAddress; do { stroid_result = ip.CreateOID(ipAddress, stroid_result, port); temp = stroid_result.substring(stroid_result.indexOf(.) + 20, stroid_result.length()); ipA = temp.substring(temp.indexOf(.) + 1, temp.indexOf(=)); MacAddr = temp.substring(temp.indexOf(=) + 2, temp.length()); stroid_result = stroid_result.substring(0, stroid_result.indexOf(=) 1); if (!stroid_result.contains(MacAddressEnd)) { out.println( + ++i + ); out.println( + ipA + ); out.println( + MacAddr + ); } } while (!stroid_result.contains(MacAddressEnd)); out.println( ); out.println( ); out.println( ); } } B) The following code is typed and tested in the JSP file. Here the connectivity discovery module is explained and the connection between the ports and the devices are identified. stroid_result = MacAddress; do { stroid_result = ip.CreateOID(ipAddress, stroid_result, port); temp = stroid_result.substring(stroid_result.indexOf(.) + 20, stroid_result.length()); ipA = temp.substring(temp.indexOf(.) + 1, temp.indexOf(=)); MacAddr = temp.substring(temp.indexOf(=) + 2, temp.length()); stroid_result = stroid_result.substring(0, stroid_result.indexOf(=) 1); if (stroid_result.contains(MacAddress)) {//Port Index objip_MacResult[index] = new ClsOid_Input_Rslt(); objip_MacResult[index].Str_Macaddress = MacAddr; objip_MacResult[index].Str_Ip = ipA; m++; index++; } } while (!stroid_result.contains(MacAddrEnd)); /*TO GET MAC ADDRESS AND PORT COUNT*/ do { stroid_result = ip.CreateOID(ipAddress, stroid_result, port); temp = stroid_result.substring(stroid_result.indexOf(=) + 2, stroid_result.length()); stroid_result = stroid_result.substring(0, stroid_result.indexOf(=) 1); if (stroid_result.contains(Mac)) {//Port Index count++; } } while (!stroid_result.contains(MacEnd)); ClsOid_Input_Rslt[] objMac_PortResult; objMac_PortResult = new ClsOid_Input_Rslt[count]; /*TO GET MAC ADDRESS AND PORT */ do { stroid_result = ip.CreateOID(ipAddress, stroid_result, port); temp = stroid_result.substring(stroid_result.indexOf(=) + 2, stroid_result.length()); stroid_result = stroid_result.substring(0, stroid_result.indexOf(=) 1); if (stroid_result.contains(Mac)) { objMac_PortResult[index] = new ClsOid_Input_Rslt(); objMac_PortResult[index].Str_Mac = temp; m++; index++; } if (stroid_result.contains(PortNum)) { if (index > n) { index = (n 1); } objMac_PortResult[index].Str_PortNum = temp; n++; index++; } } while (!stroid_result.contains(MacEnd)); HashMap map = new HashMap(); /* TO GET IPADDRESS, MACADDRESS AND PORTS */ out.println( ); out.println( IP ADDRESS PORT NUMBER ); for (int Macportcount = 0; Macportcount { String Macaddress = new String(); String MacPort = new String(); MacPort = objMac_PortResult[Macportcount].Str_Mac; for (int IpMaccount = 0; IpMaccount Macaddress = objip_MacResult[IpMaccount].Str_Macaddress; if (MacPort.equals(Macaddress)) { if (!map.containsKey(objMac_PortResult[Macportcount].Str_PortNum)) { map.put(objMac_PortResult[Macportcount].Str_PortNum, objip_MacResult[IpMaccount].Str_Ip); } else { map.remove(objMac_PortResult[Macportcount].Str_PortNum); map.put(objMac_PortResult[Macportcount].Str_PortNum, uplink); } } } } Set> set = map.entrySet(); for (Map.Entry me : set) { out.println( + me.getValue() + ); out.println( + me.getKey() + ); } out.println( ); out.println( ); out.println( ); } C) The following code is to explain about the device type discovery of the network. The device type and the switch type are identified using this code. stroid_result = Service; stroid_result = ip.CreateOID(ipAdd[ipCount], stroid_result, port); temp = stroid_result.substring(stroid_result.indexOf(=) + 2, stroid_result.length()); stroid_result = stroid_result.substring(0, stroid_result.indexOf(=) 1); if (temp.contains(7) || temp.contains(6)) { out.println(Switch Type :L3 ); } else { out.println(Switch Type :L2 ); } /*code for Type of Switch ENDS*/ /* the device type discovery code starts from here*/ stroid_result = name; stroid_result = ip.CreateOID(ipAddress, stroid_result, port); if (stroid_result.indexOf(=) > 0) { out.println( ); stroid_result = print; stroid_result = ip.CreateOID(ipAddress, stroid_result, port); stroid_result = stroid_result.substring(0, stroid_result.indexOf(=) 1); if (stroid_result.contains(print)) { out.println( ); out.println(); } else { stroid_result = Numberofuser; stroid_result = ip.CreateOID(ipAddress, stroid_result, port); stroid_result = stroid_result.substring(0, stroid_result.indexOf(=) 1); if (stroid_result.contains(Numberofuser)) { out.println( ); out.println(); } else { out.println( ); out.println(); stroid_result = name; stroid_result = ip.CreateOID(ipAddress, stroid_result, port); temp = stroid_result.substring(stroid_result.indexOf(=) + 2, stroid_result.length()); out.println( + temp + ); out.println( ); out.println( ); } } 6.6 Execution part: Here JDK 1.6 with Netbeans 6.9.1 tool is used, SNMP API(SNMP4J) [11], and Jfreechart for graphical representation. The system is developed and tested on Red Hat Linux 5.4 operating system with 2.80-GHz, Intel Pentium 4 CPU with 512 MB RAM. The approach is tested in the subnet of a network or can say that department of an organisation. In this subnet found number of devices connected to the switches, their details and also the connection between them. These are tested multiple times and physically verified. The problem we faced is that some devices are having multiple Mac Addresses so it is difficult for the system to find the connectivity of the device to port. Except this everything is working well enough. The major thing done is when the device is not supporting for SNMP then tried to get the details of that system by ICMP echo requests. The time taken to discover the devices connected to switch are compared with the previous research. And it is very less compared to other research. In very short time nearly 8-9 seconds we can discover all the devices connected to the switch in the network.

The Environment And Effect On Human Health Environmental Sciences Essay

The Environment And Effect On Human Health Environmental Sciences Essay Polychlorinated Biphenyls are a group of manmade chemicals. They make up a group of two hundred and nine individual chlorinated biphenyl rings, known as congeners. In the concentrated form, PCBs are oily liquids, oily solids, and clear to yellow in color.(EPA, 2012). They have no smell or taste. (EPA, 2012). They are very stable mixtures that are resistant to extreme temperature and pressure. They have a low degree of reactivity. PCBs are not flammable, have high electrical resistance, and are good insulators.(Barbalace, 2002) PCBs were seen as an industrial breakthrough, because of its chemical properties. Before their ban in 1979, Polychlorinated biphenyls entered the environment during their manufacture and us in the United States. The organic chemicals were first manufactured by Monsanto in 1929. Prior to their ban, PCBs were used in hundreds of industrial and commercial applications, as electrical insulators. Uses for PCBS included transformers, electrical equipment, hydraulic fluids, oil based paint, carbonless carbon paper, compressors, heat transfer systems, pigments, adhesives, liquid cooled electric motors, fluorescent bulbs, cable insulation, plastic, and the list goes on.(EPA, 2012). Domestic uses included cereal boxes and bread wrappers. Because of its role in prevent fires and an explosion, the chemical was required by fire code. PCBs were seen as the ideal insulator for companies and consumers. The qualities that make PCBs wanted by consumers and companies are also the ones that make it hazardous to the environment and human health. PCBs high thermal and chemical resistance means they do not break down easily when exposed to heat or chemical treatments causing it to be hard to get out of the environment. Since they do not break down they remain in the environment and continue to build up. Today, the chemicals can still be released in the environment through spills, leaks, and improper disposal and storage. More than half of the PCBs produced during 1929-1979 have been released into the environment. (Barbalace, 2012). Although PCBs are no longer commercially manufactured or widely used , there are still ways people can be exposed to concentrated Polychlorinated Biphenyls. The most common exposures include through food, surface soils, drinking and ground water, indoor air, and in the workplace. PCBs are an organic pollutant. Companies that used the substance contaminated the environment through its uses and disposals. In 1935, the Monsanto Company purchased the Theodore Swann chemical company and began manufacturing PCBs in the United States. Monsanto continued to produce PCBs at its Anniston plant until 1971.(Lyons, 2004). During its forty years of manufacturing PCBs as an electrical insulator, the Monsanto Company flushed tens of thousands of pounds of PCBs into nearby creeks and buried millions more pounds in a hillside landfill. (Lyons, 2004). The Monsanto Company was sued by thousands of current and former residents of Anniston, who claim the company was aware of the dangers posed by PCBs and actively schemed to hide this information from the nearby public. (Firestone, 2002). In 1966, Monsanto managers discovered fish near the waste sites turned belly side up spurting blood and shredding skin, within ten seconds of the PCBs disposal.(Firestone, 2002). The company hid t heir findings. In 1969, fish were found with 7500 times the legal PCB level.(Grunwald, 2002). Company records reveal the companys decision that there was no reason to go to expensive extremes in limiting discharge form the plant.(Grunwald, 2002). The company was ordered to pay $53 million in cleanup cost and agreed to a global settlement involving current and future cases in Alabama.(Lyons, 2004). There are numerous known contaminated sites around the U.S. Among the most dangerous of these,  is the Hudson River Valley. In 1947-1977, General Electric (GE) began dumping PCB in the river. By the ban in 1979, an estimated 1.3 million pounds of the synthetic chemical had entered the Hudson river. The Hudson River was contaminated with PCB pollution. Twenty years later, officials still have to deal with the environmental effect of PCBs in the bedrocks of the Hudson River. (Mele, 1998). PCBs are now found throughout the Hudson River ecosystem, in in sediment, water, and wildlife. (Mele, 1998). The spread of PCBs throughout the Hudson River and the food chain has created one of the most widespread, hazardous waste problems in the nation.  The EPA ordered the General Electric Company to pay 460 million dollars to dredge the PCBs it had dumped into the Hudson River. (Grunwald, 2002). The Environmental Protection Agency Prevention regulates PCBs through the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The Act bans the use, distribution, manufacture, and processing of PCBs. TSCA gives EPA the authority to develop and enforce regulations concerning the manufacture, use, cleanup, and proper disposal of PCBs. (EPA, 2012). Through the environment, humans came into contact with the chemical. Polychlorinated Biphenyls are linked to numerous health hazard. It has an acute toxic affect. Skin irritations can occur in people exposed to high levels of PCBs. Studies in the workplace suggest that exposure to PCBs may also cause irritation of the nose and lungs. PCBs are a probable human carcinogen. EPA ´s regulations on cancer-causing chemicals use the term `probable ´ when a chemical is known to cause cancer in animals and where there is evidence that suggests that it causes cancer in humans but which is not conclusive. Studies of PCBs in humans have found increased rates of cancer patients that may be connected to the synthetic chemical. PCBs are known to cause a variety of types of cancer in rats, mice, and other study animals. (EPA, 2012) Polychlorinated Biphenyls are linked to developmental effects. Proper development of the nervous system is critical for early learning and can have potentially significant implications for the health of individuals throughout their lifetimes. (EPA, 2012). Women exposed to PCBs before or during pregnancy can give birth to children with significant neurological and motor control problems. These problems include lowered IQ and poor short-term memory. (EPA, 2012). PCBs disrupt hormone function. PCBs with only a few chlorine atoms can mimic the body ´s natural hormones. PCBs are also thought to play a role in reduced sperm number, reformed sex organs, puberty, and altered sex ratios of children. PCBs with more chlorine atoms act like dioxins in altering the metabolism of sex steroids in the body, which change the normal levels of estrogens and testosterone. PCBs also upset the balance of thyroid hormones, which may affect the growth, intellectual, and behavioral development. (EPA, 2012). PCBs are found throughout the environment, and it may be impossible to avoid coming into contact with Polychlorinated Biphenyls. People can try avoiding contact with contaminated soils and sediments. (Wisconsin, 2012). Practice good hygiene habits. Limit their consumption of sport-caught fish. Wash fruits and vegetables before eating them. Also, if any member of the household works with old electrical equipment be sure the equipment is properly maintained and the area is well ventilated. (Wisconsin, 2012). Polychlorinated Biphenyls are a chemical that will not go away. The Environmental Protection Agency is trying their best to rid the environment of its effects. The characteristics of the synthetic drug cause it to be transported easily and hard to break down. The drug has caused damaged to the environment, and the people around the environment. Polychlorinated Biphenyls will have a lifetime effect on the environment and people. Sources Barbalace, Roberta C. The Chemistry of Polychlorinated Biphenyls.  : PCB, The Manmade Chemicals That Wont Go Away (EnvironmentalChemistry.com). N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Aug. 2012. . Environmental Protection Agency. Polychlorinated Biphenyls.  EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, n.d. Web. 7 Sept. 2012. . Firestone, David. Alabama Jury Says Monsanto Polluted Town.  The New York Times. N.p., 23 Feb. 2002. Web. 7 Sept. 2012. . Grunwald, Michael. Monsanto Held Liable For PCB Dumping.  The Washington Post. Raw Food Info, 23 Feb. 2002. Web. 7 Sept. 2012. . Lyon, Steve. PCB Pollution in Anniston, Alabama. Reading.  Commonweal. Professor Raquel Pinderhughes. San Francisco State Unversity . Urban Studies and Environmental Programs, 2004. Web. 7 Sept. 2012. . Human Health Hazards PCBs and Your Health.  Human Health Hazards PCBs and Your Health. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Sept. 2012. . The Hudson River PCB Story A Toxic Heritage. Dir. Andy Mele. W. Alton Jones Foundation, 1998. Short Film.  The Hudson River PCB Story A Toxic Heritage. Web. 7 Sept. 2012. . What Are The Human Health Effects Of PCBs?  What Are The Human Health Effects Of PCBs?  N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Sept. 2012. .