Friday, August 21, 2020

OCD vs. Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder

OCD vs. Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder OCD Related Conditions Print OCD vs. Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder By Owen Kelly, PhD Reviewed by Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW on July 01, 2019 facebook twitter instagram Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist, author of the bestselling book 13 Things Mentally Strong People Dont Do, and a highly sought-after speaker. Learn about our Wellness Board Amy Morin, LCSW Updated on September 12, 2019 Manchan / Getty Images More in OCD Related Conditions Causes Symptoms and Diagnosis Treatment Types Living With OCD Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) are often a source of considerable confusion for researchers, healthcare professionals, and patients. Despite having similar names and symptoms, OCD and OCPD are distinct forms of mental illness that have unique and specific characteristics. The main difference  is that OCD is designated in the DSM within its own category called Obsessive-Compulsive and related disorders,  while OCPD is considered a personality disorder.?? Characteristics of OCD OCD is a disorder defined as the presence of an obsession (an irrational thought or idea that continually repeats) or a compulsion (an irrational behavior performed repeatedly). These behaviors can occur together or on their own, and interfere with a persons quality of life and ability to function.?? Obsessions Obsessions are not simply worries about real, everyday problems; they are defined by specific clinical characteristics, namely: Irrational thoughts, images, or ideas that won’t go away, are unwanted and cause extreme distressThoughts that you accept as your own but seem impossible to controlThoughts that are distressing enough to cause you to act in ways to actively dispel those thoughts, such as engaging in compulsive behaviors as a means of distraction Compulsions Similar to obsessions, compulsions are neither routines nor addictions.?? Rather, they are characterized by abnormal behaviors that may include: Irrational and often ritualistic behaviors you feel you must carry out over and over again, such as cleaning, hand-washing, counting, tapping, or double-checkingEngaging in repetitive behaviors for fear that something terrible may happen, such as getting an infectionHoarding things out of fear that something bad may happen if you dont have these items near youPerforming ritualistic behaviors to dispel anxieties about an obsessive thought, such as the fear of someone dyingRepetitive behaviors that you recognize are irrational but find impossible to stop Characteristics of OCPD OCPD is a personality disorder defined by strict adherence to orderliness and control over ones environment at the expense of flexibility and the openness to new experiences.?? OCPD is characterized by personality traits such as: An excessive need for perfection and a relentless control over not only your environment but the nature of interpersonal relationshipsA preoccupation with details, rules, lists, and order to the extent that you may miss the major objective of an activityAn excessive devotion to work at the expense of family or friendsA rigidity and inflexibility with regards to morals, ethics, values, and/or the adherence to rulesThe inability to get rid of items that no longer have value (hoarding)The inability to be generous to others OCD vs. OCPD Differentiating Between Conditions While there is considerable overlap between the two disorders, there are four basic ways to tell OCD and OCPD apart: OCD is defined by the presence of true obsessions and/or compulsions. Conversely, with OCPD, the behaviors are not directed by thoughts you are unable to control or irrational behaviors you repeat over and over again, often with no apparent aim.??Persons with OCD are typically distressed by the nature of their behaviors or thoughts, however much they are unable to control them, while people with OCPD fully believe that their actions have an aim and purpose.Persons with OCD will often seek professional help to overcome the irrational nature of their behavior and the persistent state of anxiety they live under.?? (Some, however, may not see their actions as irrational and will not seek help for behavior they believe to be helpful or necessary.)Persons with OCPD will usually not seek help because they dont see that anything they are doing is particularly abnormal or irrational.The symptoms of OCD tend to fluctuate in association with the underlying anxiety. Because OCPD is defined by in flexibility, the behaviors tend to be persistent and unchanging over the long term. A Word From Verywell While there are clear conceptual differences between OCD and OCPD, in practice, these disorders can be difficult to tell apart. In some cases, a person may even be affected by both disorders. To come to an informed diagnosis and find appropriate treatment, it is important to seek the care of a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.?? Some OCD and/or OCPD sufferers may not recognize the detrimental impact of their behavior(s) and may be in harms way. If you know someone in this situation, encourage them to seek professional help in a supporting, sensitive way.

Sunday, May 24, 2020

Taliban Decrees and Prohibitions Against Women

Immediately on taking over cities and communities in Afghanistan, the Taliban imposed its law, based on an interpretation of Sharia  or Islamic  law that was stricter than in any part of the Islamic world. The interpretation is at wide variance from that of most Islamic scholars. With very minimal changes, what follows are the Taliban rules, decrees, and prohibitions as posted in Kabul and elsewhere in Afghanistan beginning in November and December 1996, and as translated from Dari by Western non-governmental agencies. The grammar and syntax ​follows the original. Those rules still prevail wherever the Taliban is in control – in vast parts of Afghanistan or in Pakistans Federally Administered Tribal Areas. On Women and Families Decree announced by the General Presidency of Amr Bil Maruf and Nai As Munkar (Taliban Religious Police), Kabul, November 1996. Women you should not step outside your residence. If you go outside the house you should not be like women who used to go with fashionable clothes wearing much cosmetics and appearing in front of every men before the coming of Islam. Islam as a rescuing religion has determined specific dignity for women, Islam has valuable instructions for women. Women should not create such opportunity to attract the attention of useless people who will not look at them with a good eye. Women have the responsibility as a teacher or coordinator for her family. Husband, brother, father have the responsibility for providing the family with the necessary life requirements (food, clothes etc). In case women are required to go outside the residence for the purposes of education, social needs or social services they should cover themselves in accordance with Islamic Sharia regulation. If women are going outside with fashionable, ornamental, tight and charming clothes to show themselves, they will be cursed by the Islamic Sharia and should never expect to go to heaven. All family elders and every Muslim have responsibility in this respect. We request all family elders to keep tight control over their families and avoid these social problems. Otherwise these women will be threatened, investigated and severely punished as well as the family elders by the forces of the Religious Police (Munkrat). The Religious Police have the responsibility and duty to struggle against these social problems and will continue their effort until evil is finished. Hospital Rules and Prohibitions Rules of work for the State Hospitals and private clinics based on Islamic Sharia principles. Ministry of Health, on behalf of Amir ul Momineet Mohammed Omar. Kabul, November 1996. 1. Female patients should go to female physicians. In case a male physician is needed, the female patient should be accompanied by her close relative. 2. During examination, the female patients and male physicians both will be dressed with Islamic . 3. Male physicians should not touch or see the other parts of female patients except for the affected part. 4. Waiting room for female patients should be safely covered. 5. The person who regulates turn for female patients should be a woman. 6. During the night duty, in what rooms which female patients are hospitalized, the male doctor without the call of the patient is not allowed to enter the room. 7. Sitting and speaking between male and female doctors are not allowed. If there be need for discussion, it should be done with hijab. 8. Female doctors should wear simple clothes, they are not allowed stylish clothes or use of cosmetics or make-up. 9. Female doctors and nurses are not allowed to enter the rooms where male patients are hospitalized. 10. Hospital staff should pray in mosques on time. 11. The Religious Police are allowed to go for control at any time and nobody can prevent them. Anybody who violates the order will be punished as per Islamic regulations. General Rules and Prohibitions General Presidency of Amr Bil Maruf. Kabul, December 1996. 1. To prevent sedition and female uncovers (Be Hejabi). No drivers allowed to pick up women who are using Iranian burqa. In case of violation the driver will be imprisoned. If such kind of female are observed in the street their house will be found and their husband punished. If the women use stimulating and attractive cloth and there is no accompany of close male relative with them, the drivers should not pick them up. 2. To prevent music. To be broadcasted by the public information resources. In shops, hotels, vehicles and rickshaws cassettes and music are prohibited. This matter should be monitored within five days. If any music cassette found in a shop, the shopkeeper should be imprisoned and the shop locked. If five people guarantee the shop should be opened the criminal released later. If cassette found in the vehicle, the vehicle and the driver will be imprisoned. If five people guarantee the vehicle will be released and the criminal released later. 3. To prevent beard shaving and its cutting. After one and a half months, if anyone is observed who has shaved and/or cut his beard, they should be arrested and imprisoned until their beard gets bushy. 4. To prevent keeping pigeons and playing with birds. Within ten days this habit/hobby should stop. After ten days this should be monitored and the pigeons and any other playing birds should be killed. 5. To prevent kite-flying. The kite shops in the city should be abolished. 6. To prevent idolatry. In vehicles, shops, hotels, room and any other places, pictures and portraits should be abolished. The monitors should tear up all pictures in the above places. 7. To prevent gambling. In collaboration with the security police the main centers should be found and the gamblers imprisoned for one month. 8. To eradicate the use of narcotics. Addicts should be imprisoned and investigation made to find the supplier and the shop. The shop should be locked and the owner and user should be imprisoned and punished. 9. To prevent the British and American hairstyle. People with long hair should be arrested and taken to the Religious Police department to shave their hair. The criminal has to pay the barber. 10. To prevent interest on loans, charge on changing small denomination notes and charge on money orders. All money exchangers should be informed that the above three types of exchanging the money should be prohibited. In case of violation criminals will be imprisoned for a long time. 11. To prevent washing cloth by young ladies along the water streams in the city. Violator ladies should be picked up with respectful Islamic manner, taken to their houses and their husbands severely punished. 12. To prevent music and dances in wedding parties. In the case of violation the head of the family will be arrested and punished. 13. To prevent the playing of music drum. The prohibition of this should be announced. If anybody does this then the religious elders can decide about it. 14. To prevent sewing ladies cloth and taking female body measures by tailor. If women or fashion magazines are seen in the shop the tailor should be imprisoned. 15. To prevent sorcery. All the related books should be burnt and the magician should be imprisoned until his repentance. 16. To prevent not praying and order gathering pray at the bazaar. Prayer should be done  on  their due times in all districts. Transportation should be strictly prohibited and all people are obliged to go to the mosque. If young people are seen in the shops they will be immediately imprisoned. 9. To prevent the British and American hairstyle. People with long hair should be arrested and taken to the Religious Police department to shave their hair. The criminal has to pay the barber. 10. To prevent interest on loans, charge on changing small denomination notes and charge on money orders. All money exchangers should be informed that the above three types of exchanging the money should be prohibited. In case of violation criminals will be imprisoned for a long time. 11. To prevent washing cloth by young ladies along the water streams in the city. Violator ladies should be picked up with respectful Islamic manner, taken to their houses and their husbands severely punished. 12. To prevent music and dances in wedding parties. In the case of violation the head of the family will be arrested and punished. 13. To prevent the playing of music drum. The prohibition of this should be announced. If anybody does this then the religious elders can decide about it. 14. To prevent sewing ladies cloth and taking female body measures by tailor. If women or fashion magazines are seen in the shop the tailor should be imprisoned. 15. To prevent sorcery. All the related books should be burnt and the magician should be imprisoned until his repentance. 16. To prevent not praying and order gathering pray at the bazaar. Prayer should be done on their due times in all districts. Transportation should be strictly prohibited and all people are obliged to go to the mosque. If young people are seen in the shops they will be immediately imprisoned.

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

DaVinvi The last Supper Essay - 694 Words

The Last Supper has been and will be one of the most talked about works of Leonardo Da Vinci’s work of art. The work of art was started in 1495 and was completed in 1498; it contained the event depicted in the bible as the final days when Jesus announced that he would be betrayed by one of his twelve disciples.† Leonardo had chosen to depict the moment when Jesus says, â€Å"One of you will betray me†.1 The painting is located in the dining hall of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan Italy. The painting was commissioned by Duke of Milan, Ludovico Sforza. The painting it self has a massive presence of 15 feet high by 29 feet wide. Even though most facts stated that the painted was not completed until three years after it was started. It was also†¦show more content†¦Unfortunately, the work of art The Last Supper was not able to stand the test of time. This untried method at the time caused the painting to begin deterioration within twenty year of completion. The outcome was that the pigment began to break loose from its base causing the masterpiece to decay over time. Most blame the brick wall it was painted on because of the changes in the wall due to temperature, humidity and moisture which all affected the pigments of paint and the base it was painted on. Many different design elements went into the work of The Last Supper. Elements such as one point perspective, chiaroscuro, lighting, and atmospheric perspective where used to create this art work. The one point perspective used Jesus’ head as the vantage point of the painting, which was also used as some say a source of light. The head of Jesus also seems to be a source of light for the whole painting. The head was placed in front of the largest window in the painting. In this window and other to the side of the one main one was the element atmospheric perspective, which used techniques such as brightness, manipulations of cool and warm colors, and color saturation, to show the depth of the painting. The techniques of chiaroscuro which is the gradual shifting from light to dark over curved surfaces using successive graduation of tones, it was mainly used on many of the faces and feet and arms of Jesus and his apostil’s. This was used to show the human like

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

HRM and Its Impact of HR Practise-Free-Samples Myassignmenthelp

Questions: 1.Evidence-based HRM, a specific application of the broader term, evidence-based Management, is a cornerstone in this subject. Using at least two information sources from academic journals, explain what is meant by this term. Why is this Important in HR Practice? 2.Find any two internet written sources that you believe would be useful to Israel Tobin in persuading Mark French of the Strategic Value of the HR function in CERA. 3.Using the CRAP test, evaluate the two sources that you used above. Answers: 1.Evidence based HRM and its impact of HR practise: This process is in charge of making all the decisions and combines the critical thinking of business information with that of the evidence. The evidence based HRM is the professional decision maker. The decisions are made taking into context the high quality research and the evidence based HRM needs daily practise to learn the integration of HR practises of the organisation (Armstrong Taylor, (2014). The evidence based HRM allows the HR with an understanding of taking good decisions and make the practises, which actually work. There is no place of blind trust in any organisation and thus if the HR lacks knowledge then the organisation suffers a stagnant state. The good HR is brilliant in critical thinking and has a questioning mindset. The mindset offers them with exploring, understanding, testing the effectiveness of the decisions. This critical thinking in HR is inserted with the help of evidence based HRM practitioner. The evidence based HRM instigates the HR to think and make su ch decisions taking into context the evidence, which will affect the organisation in a positive way. The evidence based HRM is the base of a HR and HR is related to the organisational challenges and promotes practices using organisational facts and assessments (Marler Fisher, 2013). 2.Sources supporting Israel Tobins pitch: Israel Tobin proposed to imply innovative culture in their work design process, he has proposed the idea of inculcating innovation in work design to Mark French, and the executive team right after Mark showed him the Australian innovation system report, which states that no company is inculcating innovation in their work design (Samson Gloet, 2014). The two articles that support his pitch and inform about the importance of his idea are: McMurray, A. J., Islam, M., Sarros, J. C., Pirola?Merlo, A. (2013). Workplace innovation in a nonprofit organization.Nonprofit Management and Leadership,23(3), 367-388. https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev-psych-010213-115208 The above two article support the pitch of Israel Tobin. Innovation management in an organisation is very important work of the HR. The two articles clearly denote that innovation in work place is very important to maintain the standards of the organisation (McMurray et al, 2013). The Australian innovation report clearly mentioned the missing innovation in every organisation including CERA. The role of HR in promoting the workplace innovation is very vital to foster a healthy work environment and get over the stagnant condition of the organisation (Pot, Totterdill Dhondt, 2016). Tobin can adopt motivational perspectives in CERA to emphasize the importance of innovation in the work place. Innovation in work place will help in the development of the employees mental satisfaction and provide them with a proper work place (Xerri, Brunetto, 2013). Innovation in work place and practising the evidence based HRM process will provide CERA with the thoughts of the customers (Borrs Edquist, 2014). Tobin believes that CERA is famous for its innovation strategy and it is right to work with an innovative strategy in a pilot place to check with the effectiveness of creativity and innovation in CERA. Innovation is always not about building new infrastructure, it is sometimes doing the same old things in a new way (Torugsa Arundel, 2016). 3.CRAP test: Currency: The two articles, which are chosen to support Israel Tobins thoughts about innovation, are current and yes, it is from an appropriate time. The articles were first published in the year of 2013 and 2014 respectively. The period is exactly matching to the needs of the discussion. These articles are not at all revised since then thus they are actually the one, which was first published. Reliability or relevancy: The two article has the accurate and original information and match exactly to Tobins comment on implying innovation in work design. Both the articles are about the importance of innovation in the work places and hence support the choice too. The author of the author has used some sources from which he has gathered the idea of the importance of innovation in the work place. Both the article has accurate and proper grammar and the information can be verified from the other given sources. The information in both the article is reliable and has relevance to the discussion. The articles discuss the importance of innovation in any work place taking into consideration any organisation and its employees. Authority: The source from which the information is found is appropriate and trustable. The authors of the first article are Adela J. McMurray, Md. Mazharul Islam, James C. Sarros and Andrew Pirola-Merlo and that of the second article is Sharon K. Parker. The publisher of the first article is Wiley online library and that of the second article are the official site of annual review of psychology. The URL of the first article ends with .com and that of the second article is .org. both the article contains the actual information about the impact of innovation in work place and its influence on the employees. Purpose: The authors motives behind the publishing of the resources are to validate the importance of creativity and innovation in the work place. The authors with the help of those resources want to inform the readers about innovation in work place and to inform them about what role does it play to improve the condition of the environment of the work place. The innovation and creativity is very important method, which provide the employees with a better work place and to the employees with a proper justification and idea about the customers view and thoughts about the organisation (Moran Porter Curth-Bibb, 2014).. The resources used in this writing have only links to buy the full access to the article and are sponsored by the resource itself. The authors are not biased as they clearly in a brief manner discuss only why work place innovation is needed and what changes will it make in the environment of the work place. Both the article states that innovation will provide the workplac e with a different and effective work environment. The work place innovation if adapted in CERA will provide them with an effective work place and will help them to bring critical thinking in their HR practises and practise more evidence based HRM process (Brunetto, 2013). Conclusion: The innovation in work place adapted by CERA can be like dividing the office in to two separate areas, first one will be the work area and the second one will be the communication or recreation zone. CERA can also bring innovation in their work place by scheduling some events once a week so that the employees get a chance to enjoy themselves and lessen their burden of work. Tobin can propose the executive team and the CEO to develop a practise of working in the field of any pilot area, which will not bore the employees and help them get interested in working. As Tobin have already thought about the idea of working on a pilot area and practise innovation there then they can give it a try to start with field work as many employees get bored of sitting and working in an office. The innovation in work place will help the employees get more attracted to their work and to office. References: Armstrong, M., Taylor, S. (2014).Armstrong's handbook of human resource management practice. Kogan Page Publishers. Borrs, S., Edquist, C. (2014). Education, training and skills in innovation policy.Science and Public Policy,42(2), 215-227. Brunetto, Y., Xerri, M., Shriberg, A., Farr?Wharton, R., Shacklock, K., Newman, S., Dienger, J. (2013). The impact of workplace relationships on engagement, well?being, commitment and turnover in Australia and the USA.,69(12), 2786-2799. https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev-psych-010213-115208 Marler, J. H., Fisher, S. L. (2013). An evidence-based review of e-HRM and strategic human resource management.Human Resource Management Review,23(1), 18-36. McMurray, A. J., Islam, M., Sarros, J. C., Pirola?Merlo, A. (2013). Workplace innovation in a nonprofit organization.Nonprofit Management and Leadership,23(3), 367-388. Moran, M., Porter, D., Curth-Bibb, J. (2014).Funding Indigenous organisations: improving governance performance through innovations in public finance management in remote Australia. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare AIHW. Pot, F., Totterdill, P., Dhondt, S. (2016). Workplace innovation: European policy and theoretical foundation.World Review of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development,12(1), 13-32. Samson, D., Gloet, M. (2014). Innovation capability in Australian manufacturing organisations: an exploratory study.International Journal of Production Research,52(21), 6448-6466. Torugsa, N. A., Arundel, A. (2016). The nature and incidence of workgroup innovation in the Australian public sector: evidence from the Australian 2011 state of the service survey.Australian Journal of Public Administration,75(2), 202-221. Xerri, M. J., Brunetto, Y. (2013). Fostering innovative behaviour: The importance of employee commitment and organisational behaviour.The International Journal of Human Resource Management,24(16), 3163-3177

Saturday, April 4, 2020

Piezoelectric Nano

Introduction Piezoelectric nano-biosensors are designed to operate in the nano-dimensions. They are mainly used to conduct an analysis of various biomaterial samples with the chief objective of understanding bio-compositions, functionalities, and even their structures (Atta 2011).Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Piezoelectric Nano-biosensor Importance specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Although different modes of operations are deployed by different biosensors, their central principle of operation is based on the interactions of physical and or chemical detectors and the biological components. Through this interaction, it becomes possible to detect and analyse analytes (Joshi Bhansali 2008). A biological recognition element that incorporates a nano-material or nano-scale phenomena having the capability to convert the cognized event through transduction process into an appropriate signal in chemical of physica l format is the building block of piezoelectric nano-biosensors. In these sense, piezoelectric nano-biosensors form the bridge between the biological spectrum and the chemical and or physical spectrums (Khana 2012). Some of the detection principles of operation of nano-biosensors include optical, mechanical, chemical, and piezoelectric detection ideologies. The focus of this paper is on the piezoelectric bio-sensing detection principle. The science behind piezoelectric nano-biosensors Piezoelectric transducers are deployed in the signal detection process to change mechanical force that is exacted by masses placed on a crystal onto some electrical signal, which while amplified is used to proportionately measure the mass of an object placed on the piezoelectric material. When a mass is placed on top of piezoelectric material, the material resonates with a frequency proportional to the mass placed on it. A voltage proportionate to the size of the mass is generated (Dey Goswami 2011).A dvertising Looking for case study on natural sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More On the nano-dimensions, piezoelectric materials or nano-biosensors deploying the piezzo electric principle of operation possess immobilised elements of sensing on some piezoelectric crystals. A good example of material that can be deployed to function as a piezoelectric transducer is â€Å"functionalised quartz crystal with dehydrogenate to detect formaldehyde† (Pohanka et al. 2007: 2826). However, it is perhaps also crucial to note that, when voltage is applied across a piezoelectric material, the material deforms proportionately to the amount of voltage applied. An immense theoretical study on the operation principle of the piezoelectric material has been developed. Whether at nano level or even in the kilo level, the basic principle of operation remains the same. Sauerbrey (Ho 1999), Stockridge (Hahn 1988) and Lostis (Muramatsu et al. 1987) deployed different approaches to develop equations that describe the relationship between the frequency of resonance for an oscillating crystal of a piezoelectric material and a mass placed on the surface of the crystal. Although the three scholars’ equations are similar, Sauerbrey’s equation has received a universal acceptance (Ho 1999). Sauerbrey’s equation relates to an AT-cut quartz crystal â€Å"vibrating in the thickness shear mode that describes the relationship between mass of thin films deposited on the quartz crystal and the corresponding change in resonant frequency of the crystal† (Hussain et al. 1997: 505).Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Piezoelectric Nano-biosensor Importance specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The change in frequency for an oscillating quartz crystal in Hz is given by the equation: Source: (Hussain et al. 1997: 505) In the equation, denot es the change in mass that produces a corresponding variation in frequency Advertising Looking for case study on natural sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More . A is the electrode surface area measured in cm2. The described relationship by Sauerbrey is not only applicable to film depositions but equally applicable to deposition of particulate matter (Hussain et al. 1997: 505). In the thickness-shear mode of vibration, the overall frequency of oscillation of AT-cut quartz crystal is described by the equation: F defines the crystal frequency, N is a constant of the material used to make the piezoelectric sensor, and ‘a’ defines the thickness of the material used to make the crystal. For a quartz crystal, which is the most typical material deployed to make piezoelectric transducers, N is given by 1.66 MHz-mm. The thickness of a crystal can be defined by the equation: Where M stands for the electrically driven portion of the mass of the crystal, A the eclectically driven crystal area, and Rho (⠍ ´) defines the crystal’s density. Since the crystal of quartz is in solid state, its density is constant. Consequently, for an infinite change in mass M, the corresponding change in frequency registered by the piezoelectric transducer is given by: Source: (Hussain et al. 1997: 505) However, in the practical application of piezoelectric transducer, F and M are constants so that is given by where K is the constant defined by This equation shows that the change in frequency produced by a piezoelectric biosensors inserted in an analyte is proportionate to the change in mass. This principle can be applied in the construction of piezoelectric biosensor used in treatment of tuberculosis process as described later in the paper. Example of a nano-biosensor, which utilises piezoelectric detection principle A good example of biosensor that utilises piezoelectric principle is the micro membrane biosensors. The sensor makes use of thin films of crystal falling in the range of 10 to 30nm (Woolley, 2000). When placed near cells, they are able to detect the masses of the cells and hence their presence. The detection process is realised via measurements of natural frequencies of the vibrating crystals. The frequency is a function of the mass placed on the piezoelectric sensing element. Applying such sensors in the immunology demands that the masses of cell belonging to infectious organizations are known so that the frequency registered can be used to identify the type of pathogen in the body of a host. In some situations, during infections, the pathogen cell interacts with body defence mechanism cells, which comprise the antibodies through the engulfing process. When such a process occurs, rapid changes in the frequencies of the piezoelectric nano-sensor occur so that, even if the immunologist may not be fully cognizant about the specific type of infection a patient is suffering from, he or she can be able to detect anomalies in the patient’s body. When micro-membrane biosensors are used this way, they form an essential component of pre-diagnosis process. Difference of nano biosensors an d conventional non-nano methods: advantages and disadvantages Interaction of antibodies with antigens provides a wonderful opportunity for development of chemical binding based biosensor. In theoretical terms, in case it is possible to raise an antibody against a specific analyte, it becomes possible to develop an immune-sensor to recognise it, for which piezoelectric sensor is one of the imuno-sensors. It is also important to note, â€Å"Despite high specificity and affinity of antibodies towards complementary ligand molecules, most antibody-antigen interactions do not cause an electronically measurable change† (Kumar 2008: 198). This forms a major challenge of application of nano biosensors in the detection of changes in the analyte masses for possible detection of pathogens, for instance, those causing TB. Nonetheless, this argument does not mean that it is impossible to develop a piezoelectric biosensor such as the one described in the subsequent sections of the paper. Pi ezoelectric biosensors can be produced from a myriad of crystalline substances. Such substances have incredible properties, which facilitates precise detection of analytes for presence of antigen-antibody reactions. Indeed, a piezoelectric â€Å"immune-sensor is thought to be one of the most sensitive analytical instruments developed to date, being capable of detecting antigens in the pictogram range† (Kumar 2000: 198). Opposed to traditional sensors, the piezoelectric biosensors can detect the antigens while in both liquid and gaseous phases. When the developed device is applied in detection of changes in mass of amalgamations formed due to reaction between the antigens and antibodies because of infection of tuberculosis bacterium, principle advantages are gained while the functionality of the device is compared with the traditional approaches in tuberculosis detection procedures and processes. In fact, the traditional approaches to diagnosis of tuberculosis have repetitive drawbacks. Generally, they are time consuming. In some instances, they are non-specific. Kumar (2000) exemplifies this argument by asserting, â€Å"In most cases of pulmonary and extra-pulmonary TB, diagnosis depends upon culturing the micro-bacterial organism, a process requiring 4-8 weeks† (199). Consequently, in the attempt to counter this challenges, magnificent attention has been directed towards development of mechanisms of diagnosis of TB, which are rapid and time cautious by various researchers. Some of the developed strategies fail to have high sensitivity and specificity for the required appropriate diagnosis (Kumar 2000). It is for this reason that the proposed piezoelectric biosensor is both appropriate and significant in driving new approaches for tuberculosis detection or diagnosis. The science and principles of operation of traditional biosensors do not constitute an adequate basis for advocating their utilisation in practice. Issues such as economic factors in relation to their manufacturing coupled with their functionalities are also critical. The main question is, ‘how effective are the traditional biosensors in realisation of the purposes they are designed to accomplish?’ The rapid explosions of technology and science experienced over the last three decades pose challenges to the applicability of the traditional biosensors in the era of scientific and technological evolution. Such challenges manifest themselves in terms of improvement of the accuracy and preciseness of the transducers, multiplexing (the capacity for detection of biomarkers in a simultaneous manner), reduction of costs associated with manufacturing, and operation of the gadgets (Prakash et al 2012: Bhushan 2012). It is through the need to resolve some of these challenges of the traditional biosensors that the nano-biosensors have been developed. A particular concern for embracement of the proposed piezoelectric nano-biosensors in the diagnosis of TB is art iculated to the need to increase the specificity and sensitivity of the traditional biosensors in the quest to facilitate early detection of the associated signals to be measured. A major advantage of using the nano-biosensors in opposition to the traditional biosensors is that, while traditional biosensors utilise â€Å"any specific substance â€Å"as the analyte, the nano-biosensor uses â€Å"any substances with the potential to detect a single molecule or fragment of DNA† (Adam Kizek 2008, p.6129). This argument means that the detection is narrowed to molecular level. Nano-bio-sensing is achieved in the same manner under various approaches. These approaches include the use of antigen-antibody interactions, cell based, and enzymes catalysis and through nucleic acid recognition. Nonetheless, nano-bio-sensing extends this approach to include ELISA and nanonfluidic technology and techniques. Mass-production of the sensor, details of the fabrication method and cost-effective ness Mass production In the mass production of products, reproducibility is an important factor. In mass production of piezoelectric nano-biosensors, reproducibility is a major hindrance. The sensitivity and precision of piezoelectric biosensor are directly proportional to the dimensional accuracy including the shape of the crystal cut. The obstacles coupled with other obstacles such as â€Å"presence of biomaterial in the biosensor (immobilisation of bimolecules on transducers, stability of enzymes and antibodies), the development of the sensor device (sensitivity and reproducibility issues) and the integration of biosensors into complete systems† (Velasco-Garcia Mottram 2003: 5) impair the mass production of the piezoelectric biosensor. However, with new advents of production technologies such as rapid prototyping and computer aided precision machining, it is possible to mass-produce the device’s components. Details of the fabrication In this section, a practical pi ezoelectric biosensor is described. Since a nano-piezoelectric biosensor would require highly precise machining process and intricate fabrication techniques, which are not realisable in the context of this paper, the discussed example of piezoelectric biosensor does not fall in the nano range. The block diagram (Fig 1) below illustrates the schematically the components of the nano-biosensor showing how they are related with one another. Fig 1: Block diagram for the piezoelectric sensor Source: (Pohanka et al. 2007) The piezoelectric sensor is composed of three main components. These are gold electrode, quartz crystal, and the base plate. Quartz crystal used is made of alpha quartz since such a crystal is not soluble in water. It is also resistant to high temperatures (Pohanka et al. 2007). Indeed, alpha quartz crystal has the capacity to withstand temperature up to 579 degree centigrade without losing prosperities of piezoelectric. The resonance frequency of the quartz crystal is a function of the physical dimensions and measurements of the cut crystal. AT-cut crystal is the most preferred for the discussed piezoelectric biosensor since it has been proved through scholarly researches that it is the most stable. Its temperature coefficient is 1ppm per degree centigrade within a temperature range of 10 degrees centigrade to 50 degree centigrade. This property is important since the temperature under which the piezoelectric sensor proposed here will operate (under environmental standard temperature) is in this temperature range. The crystal can also be modified to take a number of forms including rectangles, discs, and squares. The figure below shows schematically the details of the fabrication of the sensor as discussed by Kumar (2000). Source: (Kumar 2000) In the process of imuno-sensing, a protein extracted from Staphylococcus aureus is used to modify the surface of the coating of the device to increase the adhesion properties of the antibodies. The form of Staphylococcus protein used is capable to bind on the molecules of the imunoglobin particularly the IgG antibodies. When immersed in a tube containing antigens, it is anticipated that antigen-antibody reaction will occur thus causing a change in the mass on the crystal. From the developed theory of operation of the device, a corresponding frequency change occurs. The frequency counter will record this change in frequency as a change (ââ€" ³F). Since antibody-antigen reaction is anticipated to occur in magnitudes corresponding to the concentration levels of antigens, the higher the frequency changes, the higher the concentration of antigens. Consequently, it is more likely for the patients from whom the antigens have been obtained to suffer from advanced TB. Cost effectiveness One of the central challenges on the commercial production of nano-sensors is associated with the cost of production of micro components of the sensors with high degrees of precision. Although, over the last t wo decades, these costs have been significantly high, the developments in the nanotechnology has made is possible to produce components for biosensors at significantly low costs (Joshi, Sharma Harsha, 2011). The rapid developments in production process such as rapid prototyping make it possible for the sensor to be produced in a cost effective manner. Conclusion Piezo nano-biosensors encompass the nano-scale sensing devices deployed to detect a myriad of analytes including microorganisms, proteins, nucleic acids, metal, and metabolites among others. In the production of these sensors, nanotechnology is playing pivotal role. In this context, the paper argues that nanotechnology has resulted in the revolution of the immunology technology in the extent that it is now possible to apply biosensors to detect presence of pathogens at the molecular level. This provides a possibility for early treatment. By fully appreciating that there are many detection principles that can be applied in t he development of nano-biosensors, the paper limited itself to the piezoelectric principle of detection. A possible piezoelectric sensor has been discussed in the paper alongside with its fabrications and operation principles. The paper argued that deploying antigens-antibody mechanism of detection of increases in masses resulting from antibody- antigens reactions due to the presence of Staphylococcus aureus. The sensor can aid in the early diagnosis of tuberculosis than it would ordinarily happen by the use of convectional nano-biosensors. Bibliography Adam, V R Kizek, ‘Utilization of Electrochemical Sensors and Biosensors in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology’, Sensors, vol. 8, no. 10, 2008, pp.6125–6131. Atta, N, A Galal, S Ali, Nanobiosensors for health care, Biosensors for Health, Environment and Biosecurity, 2011. Web. Bhushan, B, ‘Biosensors: surface structures and materials’, Philosophical transactions, Mathematical, physical, and engineeri ng sciences, vol. 370, no.1967, 2012, pp.2267–2268. Dey, D T Goswami, ‘Optical Biosensors: A Revolution towards Quantum Nanoscale Electronics Device Fabrication’, Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, vol.12, no. 5, 2011, pp 356-361. Hahn, C Piezoelectric Crystal Detectors and Their Applications, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, 1998. Ho, M, Applications of Piezoelectric Quartz Crystal Microbalances, Amsterdam, Elsevier, 1999. Hussain, I et al. ‘Fabrication of Piezoelectric Sensors for Biomedical Applications’, MRS Symp. Proc. Materials for Smart System, vol. 459, no.31, 1997, pp. 501-506. Joshi, Y, C Sharma, P Harsha, ‘Zeptrogram scale mass sensing using single walled carbon nanotube based biosensors’, Sensors and Actuators A: Physical, vol. 168, no,11, 2011, pp. 275-280. Joshi, R S Bhansali, ‘Nanosensor Technology’, Journal of Nanomaterials, vol. 1, no. 1, 2008, pp. 1-10. Khana, V, Nanosensors: Physical Chemi cal and Biological, Florida: CRC Press. Kumar, K 2000, ‘Biosensors Based on Piezoelectric Crystal Detectors: Theory and Application’, JOM, vol. 52, no.10, 2012, pp. 198-207. Muramatsu, H et al. ‘Piezoelectric Crystal Biosensor Modified with Protein A for Determination of Immunoglobulins’, Analytical Chemistry, vol. 59, no.19, 1987, pp. 2760-2763. Pohanka, M et al. ‘Piezoelectric Biosensor for a Simple Serological Diagnosis of Tularemia in Infected European Brown Hares’, Sensors, vol.7, no.11, 2007, pp. 2825–2834. Prakash, S, M Pinti, B Bhushan, ‘Theory, fabrication and applications of microfluidic and nanofluidic biosensors’, Philosophical transactions, Mathematical, physical, and engineering sciences, vol. 370, no.196, 2012, pp. 2269–2303. Velasco-Garcia, M T Mottram, ‘Biosensor Technology addressing Agricultural Problems’, Biosystems Engineering, vol. 84, no.1, 2003, pp. 1–12. Woolley, T, L Che ung, H Hafner, M Lieber, ‘Structural biology with carbon nanotube AFM probes’, Chemistry and Biology, vol. 7 no. 3, 2000, pp. 192-204. This case study on Piezoelectric Nano-biosensor Importance was written and submitted by user Allison H. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Sunday, March 8, 2020

Chances Fat and Slim

Chances Fat and Slim Chances Fat and Slim Chances Fat and Slim By Maeve Maddox A reader wonders about two expressions: For many years I’ve wondered about Fat Chance and Slim Chance – both meaning â€Å"little chance,† but where’d they come from? The Ngram Viewer indicates that â€Å"slim chance† came along about eighty years earlier than â€Å"fat chance† and that â€Å"slim chance† is far more common in print than â€Å"fat chance.† A Google search shows the expressions in about equal use on the Web. One meaning of slim is â€Å"thin† or â€Å"slender,† but its meaning in â€Å"slim chance† is â€Å"meager, scanty, sparse.† I’d guess that the expression â€Å"fat chance† originated as a play on words. Both expressions are popular in titles for books and articles that have something to do with obesity or fitness. Slim Chance, Fat Hope: Societys Obsession With Thinness Slim Chance in a Fat World Fat Chance! The Weight Loss Workbook â€Å"Obese People Have Slim Chance of Obtaining Normal Body Weight† â€Å"Critics say mesotherapy offers slim chance† â€Å"Why dieters have fat chance of losing weight† Although many speakers share the reader’s idea that both expressions mean the same thing, the two have different meanings. If there’s a â€Å"slim chance† that something will happen, then there is a possibility, albeit a small one. That’s the meaning in this headline about the current movement of migrants: How much for a spot on a rubber raft and a slim chance at a better life?† â€Å"Fat chance† is an ironic way of saying there’s no chance at all, as in this exchange between a woman and a former boyfriend: I was just wondering - † â€Å" - if Id  come back to you  now?  Fat chance. Forget it.†    Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Expressions category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:45 Synonyms for â€Å"Food†50 Latin Phrases You Should KnowDrama vs. Melodrama