The purpose of Dante's journey Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The purpose of Dante's journey - Research Paper Example As such, the story is heavily influenced by the Catholic teachings during his time (the Medieval period) as shown by belief in these three states as well as an earth-centric view of the universe (before a more correct one was discovered by Copernicus and proved by Galileo which is helio-centric, for which he was forced to recant under pain of death during the period of the Inquisition) as evidenced by the story's placement of Hell at the center of concentric circles that was more or less consistent with the Ptolemic conception of the universe at that time. The story of his journey is an allegory that tells of his resentments at being forced to live outside his country (exiled) due to numerous political enemies who betrayed him. But the story of â€Å"Divine Comedy† has many other allusions to more crucial or important things in life that really matter the most such as loyalty and trust. Further evidence of the other aspects is a reference to the people who cannot decide their minds and practice fence-sitting to wait and see who wins in a political struggle before they will make their own stand known. In a sense, Dante's work is a stinging indictment of the people he had met during his lifetime but offers a redemption for some although a more potent message in this story presented as a collection of poems or songs is that punishment must fit the gravity of the crime committed. Discussion Dolce Stil Novo means the â€Å"sweet new style† in Italian and believed to be first used by Dante himself in a section on Purgatorio. The term actually referred to a new style of writing which was focused more on a theme of love than on any other topic. The new style of Dolce Stil Novo was a literary movement credited with improving the poetry of the time, such as the better quality of intellectual discussions, most especially when it pertains or refers to a female body in an adoring or idolizing manner. But perhaps more importantly, this style of writing conceive d the ideals or features of feminine beauty in terms of being similar to the creatures coming from Paradise. This idealistic form of feminine beauty is compared not to a physical type of beauty but rather in more spiritual terms. As Dante was a foremost exponent of this new writing style, his portrayal of Beatrice (his platonic love) is an example of the kind of love that is angelic and hence the woman served as a bridge to God for divine love. It is no wonder that Beatrice was the one who guided Dante towards Heaven. La Vita Nuova literally means the new life and this pertains to a Medieval genre of the courtly love (a noble expression of love that was at times illicit among members of a nobility) in which the male lover shows his love through his acts chivalry. These acts may constitute of anything that was considered honorable, brave and noble at that time. Courtly love is a special kind of love that is based partly on sexual attraction and spiritual discipline as it is mostly so rt of an unrequited or unfulfilled love (such as that of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet). It can be best described as an odd mixture of bravery, humility and courtesy with a good sprinkling of adulterous love as well that was a part of the prevailing culture of the nobility. Dante used this style of writing because he himself was a victim of an unrequited love during his childhood as well as into his adulthood. Courtly love as expressed through acts of chivalry is now largely a lost trait among the modern males; today,

How may genetic and epigenetic phenomena influence cardiovascular risk Essay - 1

How may genetic and epigenetic phenomena influence cardiovascular risk by altering the pathophysiology of plasma lipoproteins - Essay Example An important risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases is dyslipidemia, whereby the plasma concentrations of different lipoprotein fractions, in particular, HDL and LDL, are deviated from the norm (Hegele, 2009, p. 111). Since approximately half of the variations in the plasma levels of HDL and LDL cholesterol are heritable (Kathiresan, et al., 2008, p. 1241), it is postulated that genetic influences play a significant role in the determination of plasma lipoprotein levels, especially HDL and LDL, which in turn are strongly correlated with the risk of cardiovascular disease and outcomes. Similarly, recent literature has also unveiled several epigenetic mechanisms whereby concentrations of different lipoproteins are altered. This paper discusses the relationship between the levels of different lipoproteins found in the human bloodstream and the risk for cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, the focus of this paper is to elucidate how genetic and epigenetic phenomena infl uence cardiovascular risk by altering the pathophysiology of plasma lipoproteins. The relationship between plasma lipoproteins and the risk for cardiovascular diseases: As discussed previously, CVDs are the leading preventable cause of death globally. It has been found that these diseases account for approximately 50% of the deaths in the developed world and are the most common cause of death in both developed and underdeveloped countries (Ebesunun, Agbedana, Taylor, & Oladapo, 2008, p. 282). In the United States alone, cardiovascular diseases have been shown to claim almost 1 million lives each year (Eichner, Dunn, Perveen, Thompson, Stewart, & Stroehla, 2002, p. 490). The domain of cardiovascular diseases encompasses various ailments such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, cerebrovascular diseases such as stroke and peripheral arterial disease (Brunzell, et al., 2008, p. 811; Eichner, Dunn, Perveen, Thompson, Stewart, & Stroehla, 2002, p. 490). There are severa l established risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, both modifiable and non-modifiable, including and not limited to age, sex, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, obesity (in particular, central obesity) and dyslipidemia (Rizzo & Berneis, 2006, p. 1; Ordovas, 2009, p. 1509). Dyslipidemia, which is defined as an alteration in the plasma levels of lipids and lipoproteins, is an important risk factor for CVD (Hegele, 2009, p. 111). Lipoproteins are transporter macromolecules that are present in the human bloodstream and tend to serve the function of transporting insoluble plasma lipids, including cholesterol and triglycerides in the bloodstream (Hegele, 2009, p. 109). There are several different types of lipoproteins present in the plasma, which have been classified according to their density, particle size and the substances that they transport (Hegele, 2009, p. 110). Several studies have revealed that the most important determinants of cardiovascular risk are the levels of two impor tant lipoproteins, viz. HDL and LDL and alterations in the levels of these lipoproteins can lead to several pathologies. While elevated LDL is found to increase CVD risk, elevated levels of HDL are found to confer protection against the likelihood of developing CVD. For example, it has been found that a 1mmol/l reduction in the plasma levels of LDL cholesterol leads to a 21% decline in the risk for

Local Health Departments Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Local Health Departments - Essay Example They are departments, which screen and treat sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in rural communities (National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2011). Indeed, local health departments carry out immunization clinics, disease surveillance, health screenings, offer pre-natal care, dental health promotion activities, and participate in environmental health programs (Ohio Department of Health, 2012). Notably, Local health departments play a significant role in promoting public health services in Connecticut County in America. Some of the community partners or stakeholders that are central in Connecticut public health system include St. Vincent’s Health Partners, which is an independent physician-hospital organization that seeks to address the health of high-risk populations in this community. We also have the United Cerebral Palsy Association of S.E. Connecticut, Connecticut Main Street Center, Alliance for Living, and Lawrence & Memorial Hospital (Connecticut College, 2013). Connecticut College. (2013). Working with Community Health Partners. Retrieved from: http://www.conncoll.edu/offices/office-of-volunteers-for-community-service/what-we-do/student-run-programs/pre-health-program/working-with-community-health-partners/ National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2011). The role of local health departments in providing sexually transmitted disease services and surveillance in rural communities. Retrieved from:

Mera.Net Cafe Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Mera.Net Cafe - Essay Example The large initial capital investment will allow Mera.Net to provide its customers with a full featured Internet cafe. A unique, upscale, and innovative environment is required to provide the customers with an atmosphere that will spawn socialization. Mera.Net, soon to be located near at Sacred Heart College on 10th of March, will offer the community easy and affordable access to the Internet. Mera.Net will provide full access to email, WWW, FTP, Usenet and other Internet applications. Mera.Net will appeal to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. The instructional Internet classes, and the helpful staff that MeraNet provides, will appeal to the audience that does not associate themselves with the computer age. This educational aspect will attract younger and elderly members of the community who are rapidly gaining interest in the unique resources that online communications have to offer. Mera.Net's customers can be divided into two groups. The first group is familiar with the Internet and desires a progressive and inviting atmosphere where they can get out of their offices or bedrooms. The second group is not familiar with the Internet, yet, and is just waiting for the right opportunity to enter the online community. Mera.Net's target market falls anywhere between the ages of 18 and 50. This extremely wide range of ages is due to the fact that the Internet appeal to a variety of people. In addition to these two broad categories, Mera.Net's target market can be divided into more specific market segments. The majority of these individuals are students and business people.Potential Customers University Students Office Workers Seniors Teenagers IV. Required Capital 4.1 Start-up Summary Mera.Net's start-up costs of P200,000 that will cover for site renovation and modification and the communications equipment necessary to get its customers online. The communications equipment necessary to provide Mera.Net's customers with a high-speed connection to the Internet and the services it has to offer make up a large portion of the start-up costs. These costs will include the computer terminals and all costs associated with their set-up. Costs will also be designated for the purchase of two laser printers and a scanner. V. Equipments and Facilities List of Startup Equipments and facilities. Cost at least P200,000 of capital. 10 computer set P150 000 1 aircon