America’s Personal Values, Compared Essay -- Literary Analysis

America’s Personal Values Compared Great Indian authors have written grand epics that depict heroic characters performing virtuous deeds. Many of these epic tales feature fearsome and godly battles, while others highlight the soft side of human emotions. Despite seemingly unrealistic characters such as talking hawks and ten-headed monsters, and unlikely conflicts that feature bloody battles, many of these grand epics display many traditional values that Americans value in modern society. When construing three particular celebrated Indian epics (â€Å"the Mahabharata,† â€Å"the Bhagavad-Gita,† and â€Å"the Ramayana†), readers would easily glean the values and belief system that Ancient Indian society held in high esteem many thousands of years ago. Moreover, by comparing and contrasting respective ideals and principles, similarities between Ancient Indians and Americans would come to surface. The Mahabharata teaches the value of integrity through the story of a deal between a king and a hawk. At a nearby river performing a ritual sacrifice, a king comes across an injured dove trying to escape the clutches of a hawk. He makes a vow to protect the dove and says, â€Å"This bird has come to me for asylum. It is my duty to protect it,† (From the Mahabharata). The hawk rebuts and cites his need for food; consequently, the king cuts a deal and promises to exchange his own flesh to compensate the hawk’s loss: â€Å"You shall have my flesh and nothing less,† (From the Mahabharata). The gods reward him for his integrity and bestow upon him the gift of prosperity. Certainly, our modern society values integrity to a great extent, but the king in this story goes above ordinary ethics and endures pain to protect an innocent life. While most Americans might not s... ... integrity, duty, and honor. The mere prevalence of these regarded values in modern society indicates their utility and tenability. Even though modern Americans might not on a day-to-day basis physically sacrifice themselves, go to battle, or fight a ten headed monster, they share the same principles of integrity, duty and honor with heroes of Ancient Indian Literature toward their perspective towards life. Works Cited "From the Bhagavad-Gita." Prentice Hall Literature. Trans. Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood. Upper Saddle: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2004. 182-89. Print. "From the Mahabharata." Prentice Hall Literature. Trans. R. K. Narayan. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2004. 174-81. Print. "From the Ramayana." Prentice Hall Literature. Trans. R. K. Narayan. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2004. 190-98. Print.

Describe two theories which explain the occurrence of schizophrenia

This paper sets out to look at the mental illness of Schizophrenia and will examine two theories on the cause of this disorder and how they relate to genetics and the environment. The two theories we will discuss are, ‘The Dopamine Theory’ and ‘The Genetic Theory’ Schizophrenia is a chronic and disabling brain disorder which is characterized by gross distortion of reality. The name ‘Schizophrenia’ derives from the Greek words skhizein meaning â€Å"to split† and Phrenos (phren) meaning â€Å"mind† (Taylor, 2011). The condition is categorised by either Positive or Negative Symptoms which are unique to each individual. Individuals suffering from positive symptoms of the disorder experience on-going episodes of psychosis affecting their ability to distinguish, what is real or imagined. Positive symptoms can be defined as symptoms of behaviour that are present but should be absent; they include behaviours such as delusions, hallucinations, fragmented thinking and unusual patterns of speech or behaviour. Negative symptoms on the other hand are the absence of normal behaviours which result in symptoms such as flattened emotional response, inability to express pleasure, apathy, poverty of speech and social withdrawal (Norman, 2004: 365). Schizophrenia is a very complex disorder, and despite on-going debates, researchers have failed to identify one single cause of the disorder, however, it would appear that the consensus is that both biological and environmental factors could play an important role in the occurrence of the illness. One of the most well debated theories on the cause of Schizophrenia is the dopamine theory. The dopamine theory postulates that schizophrenia occurs as a result of hyperactivity of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the synapse. There are four main dopamine pathways which have been implicated in the disorder of Schizophrenia and they are; the Nigrostriatal pathway which is involved in motor control, Tuberoinfundibular pathway associated with sensory processes and the Mesolimbic and Mesocortical pathways which are connected to memory, motivation and emotional responses (Stahl, 2002: 10). Research has given much attention specifically to the mesolimbic pathway which is a brain circuit dependent on dopamine. The mesolimbic pathway is often referred to as the ‘reward pathway’ due to its key role in linking certain behaviours to the sensation of pleasure, such as those associated with the use of psychostimulant drugs like amphetamine, MDMA (Ecstasy) and cocaine (Stahl, 2008: 272). The evidence to support the theory that mesolimbic dopamine plays a role in Schizophrenia, follows logically from the treatment of the disorder with antipsychotic drugs such as chlorpromazine and fluphenazine. These drugs work by blocking dopamine D2 postsynaptic receptor sites, which inhibits the binding of dopamine, thus reducing positive symptoms (Seeman, 2011). Furthermore, several studies have suggested that the use of Psychostimulant drugs (such as amphetamines and cocaine), which work by enhancing dopamine neurotransmission, have been shown to induce psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions and disorganised speech and thinking, all of which demonstrate a marked resemblance to the positive symptoms exhibited in patients with Paranoid Schizophrenia (Laruelle, et al. , 1996; Breier, et al. , 1997; Abi-Dargham, et al. 1998). Although some research has implicated excess dopamine as a possible cause of schizophrenia, there is still much controversy surrounding this theory. It could be argued that the theory is reliable because research demonstrates that alterations in levels of dopamine either exacerbate or reduce symptoms, however, there are limitations with this theory, as blocking of the dopamine D2 receptor sites will only have an impact on the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, and not the negative symptoms such as apathy, speech and working memory, which are associated with the mesocortical pathway (Wayandt, 2006: 130). It has been suggested by Stahl (2008), that the reason for this may be, that unlike the mesolimbic pathway which is hyperactive in dopamine, the mesocortical pathway may already be deficient in dopamine, therefore blocking of the D2 receptors in the mesocortical pathway could further increase negative symptoms. Swerdlow (2010: 359) suggests that an argument against the dopamine hypothesis may be that some patients may be unresponsive to the more traditional neuroleptic drugs such as chlorpromazine which acts upon the D2 receptor sites. However, studies conducted by Brier and Buchanan (1996) on the use of a new atypical anti-psychotic drug called clozapine, claimed to show a 40-60% improvement in symptoms for patients of schizophrenia who did not respond to the traditional neuroleptics (Pincus & Tucker, 2003: 119). Clozapine still plays a role in blocking the D2 receptor site but with less intensity than traditional antipsychotics. However, it is also responsible for blocking a variety of other receptor sites including dopamine D4, 5-HT (serotonin), norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and histamine (Moses, 2012). With this in mind, it could be said that dopamine does not operate in isolation, and may form only part of the etiology in the manifestation of Schizophrenia. What is clear is that the dopamine theory is far from conclusive, which would suggest that much more research is needed to examine the role that other neurotransmitters may play in the disorder. Furthermore, if dopamine does play a primary role in schizophrenia then this leads us to the question, what causes this dysfunction in the dopamine neurotransmitters? Studies to date have identified that several of the genes which are closely linked with Schizophrenia are directly involved in dopaminergic pathways (Howes & Kapur, 2009); this therefore leads us to a further conclusion that genetics and gene mutation may play a key role in the development of schizophrenia. Evidence suggests that there is a strong genetic predisposition to developing the disorder and the more closely someone is related to an individual with Schizophrenia, the higher the chance of them developing the disorder themselves (Nolen-Hesksema, et al. , 2009). Family, Twin and adoption studies demonstrate that there are higher concordance rates between monozygotic (Identical) twins than there is with dizygotic (non-identical) twins. Studies conducted by Gotteman (1991) found that dizygotic twins had a 17% risk factor if their twin sibling had the disorder; however, for monozygotic twins, the rate increased to a more significant 48%. Further studies have revealed that children of schizophrenic parents showed similar concordance rates of 46%, however, children born to schizophrenic mothers but adopted by non-schizophrenic mothers only showed a risk factor of 17% (Kalat, 2009: 451). These findings suggest that Schizophrenia is not entirely genetic, and that environmental factors may also play a role in the development of the disorder. However, in giving strength to the genetic theory, new research in epigenetics has found that, whilst monozygotic twins share the same DNA, there are variations in the levels of methylation detected in a gene called ST6GALNAC1, which has been found in individual schizophrenic twins (Times, 2011). Whilst these changes in segments of DNA offer some explanations for the discordance in monozygotic twin studies in Schizophrenia, it is suggested that these mutations develop as a result of environmental influences (Coghlan, 2011: 16). Moving on, it has become apparent, that both dopamine and genetics play an important role in the predisposition towards schizophrenia. However, evidence appears to suggest that, whilst an individual may have a predisposition, this is not a guarantee that they will develop the disorder. Theorists believe that for those individuals who do have a predisposition towards schizophrenia, environmental factors can greatly influence the development and life course of the condition. One environmental factor which may be linked to the dopamine theory is the associated risk between prenatal exposure to viral infections and adult onset of schizophrenia (Psychiatry, 2011). Research suggests that prenatal environmental insults such as viral induced anaemia in the first and second trimesters, may lead to deficiency in myelination of neurons and dysfunction in the dopaminergic pathways (Brown, 2011). In support of this claim, a study by (Aguilar-Valles, et al. , 2010) used rat models to produce viral induced iron deficiency, and found that the biochemical and behavioural changes which occurred in the rats were characteristic of those found in adult schizophrenia. Moreover, Brown (2011) also suggests that iron deficiency significantly contributes to de novo mutations in DNA, and this may be due to a possible disruption of oxidation in the cells. Consequently, researchers have also identified significant representation of de novo mutations in Schizophrenics (Krebs & Rouleau, 2011). De novo mutations do not occur as a result of hereditary factors, but instead, are alterations which take place around the time of early conception (Reference, 2012). These findings may support the theory that prenatal environmental insults could be responsible for the increased risk in someone developing the disorder. Furthermore, this may also offer some explanation for the manifestation of schizophrenia in individuals who have no family history of the disorder. In conclusion, schizophrenia still remains one of the most perplexing and misunderstood disorders faced by mental health professionals. It is evident that dopamine, genetics and the environment all play a role in schizophrenia, however not one of these factors appears to work in isolation. In short, it would appear that the environment interacts with both biochemical and genetic factors and determines whether or not an individual is likely to develop the disorder.

UNC Chapel Hill Acceptance Rate, SAT/ACT Scores, GPA

With an acceptance rate of just 22 percent, the  University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill  is one of the most selective public universities in the country.  UNC Chapel  Hill is one of the so-called Public Ivy schools and it offers students some great opportunities, but as youll see below, youre going to need high grades and SAT/ACT scores to be admitted.both in and out of the classroom. Why UNC Chapel Hill? Location: Chapel Hill, North CarolinaCampus Features: UNC Chapel Hill occupies an attractive 729-acre campus in North Carolinas Research Triangle, a research and business hub that also includes Duke University and North Carolina State University.Student/Faculty Ratio: 13:1Athletics: The University of North Carolina Tar Heels compete in the NCAA Division I Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).Highlights: UNC Chapel Hill frequently ranks near the top of the nations best public universities. The school wins high marks for both its value and the quality of its academic programs. Undergraduates can choose from 77 majors. Acceptance Rate For students entering UNC Chapel Hill in the 2018-19 academic year, UNC Chapel Hill had an acceptance rate of 21.9%. That means for every 100 applicants, 22 were admitted while 78 received rejection letters. The universitys admissions process is highly selective. Admissions Statistics (2018-19) Number of Applicants 43,473 Percent Admitted 21.9% Percent Admitted Who Enrolled 45.4% SAT Scores and Requirements The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill requires either SAT scores or ACT scores from all applicants. For the class entering in the 2018-19 academic year, 68% submitted SAT scores. UNC Chapel Hill SAT Range (Admitted Students) Section 25th Percentile 75th Percentile ERW 640 720 Math 630 750 ERW=Evidence-Based Reading and Writing If you compare SAT scores for all public universities in North Carolina, youll see that UNC Chapel Hill is the most selective institution in the state. If private colleges and universities are added to the comparison, only Duke University is more selective. Compared to national SAT data, we can see that typical scores for admission to UNC Chapel Hill tend to be in the top 20% of all test-takers. On the evidence-based reading exam, the middle 50% of students scored between 640 and 720. This tells us that 25% of students scored a 640 or lower, and at the upper end, 25% of students scored a 720 or higher. On the math section of the exam, the middle 50% of students scored between 630 and 750. The bottom quarter of students scored a 630 or lower, while the top quarter of applicants scored a 750 or higher. Requirements UNC Chapel Hill does not require nor recommend the optional SAT essay, nor does the university require any SAT Subject Tests. That said, if you choose to submit SAT Subject Test scores, they will be considered and they may also be used for course placement. If youve taken the SAT more than once, the admissions office will superscore your exams and consider your highest score from each section. ACT Scores and Requirements All applicants to UNC Chapel Hill must submit scores from the SAT or ACT. Many applicants submit scores from both. The ACT is slightly more popular, and for students who entered in the 2018-19 academic year, 75% submitted ACT scores. UNC Chapel Hill ACT Range (Admitted Students) Section 25th Percentile 75 Percentile English 26 34 Math 26 31 Composite 27 33 If you compare ACT scores for the nations top public universities, youll see that UNC Chapel Hill is right in the middle of the mix. When we look at national ACT score data, we find that UNC students tend to be among the top 15% of all test-takers. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 27 and 33 on the exam. This tells us that 25% scored a 27 or lower, and a quarter of students earned a 33 or higher. Requirements The university does not require or recommend the writing section of the ACT. If youve taken the ACT more than once, UNC Chapel Hill will superscore your exam and consider your highest scores for each section of the exam, even if the scores are from different test dates. GPA and Class Rank For students who entered UNC Chapel Hill in the 2018-19 academic year, the university reports that the average high school GPA was a 4.70. Nearly all admitted students have grades in the A range. Class rank also tends to be high: 78% were ranked in the top 10% of their class, and 96% were in the top 25%. Graph of Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Data UNC Chapel Hill Applicants Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Data. Data courtesy of Cappex. The GPA, SAT score, and ACT score data in the graph is self-reported by the actual applicants to UNC Chapel Hill. GPAs are unweighted. Find out how you compare to accepted students, see the real-time graph, and calculate your chances of getting in with a free Cappex account. Admissions Chances Accepted students at UNC Chapel Hill tend to have grades in the A range and standardized test scores that are well above average. Realize, however, that hidden beneath the blue and green (accepted students) on the graph is a lot of red (rejected students). A number of  students with 4.0 GPAs and high test scores still get rejected from Chapel Hill. Its also important to note that a number of students were accepted with test scores and grades a bit below the norm. UNC Chapel Hill has  holistic admissions, so the admissions officers are evaluating students based on more than numerical data. Students who show some kind of remarkable talent or have a compelling story to tell will often get a close look, even if their grades and test scores arent quite ideal. A  winning essay,  strong letters of recommendation, and interesting  extracurricular activities  can mean the difference between an acceptance and a rejection. Why Does UNC Reject Strong Students? High grades and strong standardized test scores are no guarantees of admission. A straight A student who doesnt reveal strength or passions in non-academic areas is likely to be rejected. The university is looking for applicants who will both succeed in the classroom and contribute to the campus community in meaningful ways. The high selectivity of the school is one reason why UNC Chapel Hill should be considered a reach school even if your grades and test scores are on target for admission. Sources: Graph courtesy of Cappex; all other data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the UNC Chapel Hill common data set, and the UNC Chapel Hill admissions office.