This paper examines the concept of ‘openness with patients’ from the stand-point of the limitations of biomedical ethics. Initially we review contemporary critiques of bioethics and, in particular, of principlism; we relate how other; somewhat neglected, forms of medical ethics can yield useful information and provide moral guidance.The main section of the paper then shows how a bioethical approach to openness misses the social context in our example, the viewpoints of patients; we present some of the increasing wealth of research (...) evidence which points towards patients wanting more information and a greater degree of openness.Finally we put forward that a principlist’s objection to active encouragement of openness might be based on the risk of infringing upon the ‘right not to know’. We reject this by arguing how rights can be trumped. (shrink)

Communication is central to leadership and determines how organizations function and how employees are motivated. Therefore, this research paper aims at comparing English language ability, and management skills, and other elements of leadership. This paper undertakes a qualitative approach wherein the authors review literature and numerous case studies from diverse industries to explore the role of English language proficiency in facilitating leaders to articulate a vision, mobilise people and get things done. At the same time, the paper considers how different (...) managerial approaches, including transformational and transactional leadership, depend on communication to be executed. High English language proficiency improves the message clarity and interpersonal communication, but it is the ability to find and implement effective management approaches that promotes creativity, teamwork, and effectiveness when working in a global environment. The present study demonstrates the co-dependency of language skills and strategic management for the accomplishment of organizational goals and aims. (shrink)

Séculos de intenso trabalho no discurso da origem da vida levaram a ciência a nenhuma descoberta significativa. As teorias mais progressivas se estagnaram no problema central da origem da informação genética, inimaginavelmente distante de qualquer concepção humana. Aparentemente o Criador reservou para si o conhecimento absoluto deste extraordinário acontecimento. Mas há algo surpreendente nessa investigação que está ao alcance do homem.

Este manuscrito apresenta um ponto de vista sobre o conhecimento da origem do cosmos. A ciência afirma que o Universo teve um começo com o tempo, mas também declara que nenhuma lei natural pode ser aplicada no tempo inicial. Considerando que se trata de algo exclusivo da ciência divina, sugere-se então a instrumentalidade da fé para se conhecer aquilo que de fato é relevante sobre o início da história.

The similarity of documents in a large database of published Fractals articles was examined for redundancy. Three different text matching techniques were used on publisheds to identify redundancy candidates, and predictions were verified by reading full text versions of the redundancy candidate articles. A small fraction of the total articles in the database was judged to be redundant. This was viewed as a lower limit, because it excluded cases where the concepts remained the same, but the text was altered substantially.Far (...) more pervasive than redundant publications were publications that did not violate the letter of redundancy but rather violated the spirit of redundancy. There appeared to be widespread publication maximization strategies. Studies that resulted in one comprehensive paper decades ago now result in multiple papers that focus on one major problem, but are differentiated by parameter ranges, or other stratifying variables. This ‘paper inflation’ is due in large part to the increasing use of metrics (publications, patents, citations, etc) to evaluate research performance, and the researchers’ motivation to maximize the metrics. (shrink)

In this research, I explored the ways to purify and elevate the soul through various factors, most notably the impact of trials in preserving and elevating the soul. Just as education and moral refinement are crucial for disciplining, thriving, purifying, and reforming the soul, trials also play a significant role in preserving the soul, protecting it from misguidance, and reforming it. Trials contribute to the soul’s ascension in the ranks of servitude to Allah, acceptance of Allah’s decree, and submission to (...) His will. Trials can sometimes serve as expiation for sins, concealing flaws and defects, and at other times they elevate one in the paths of success and righteousness for both individuals and society alike. To understand your true self in your present and past before your burial, observe yourself during times of trials, whether in hardship or ease, in deprivation or abundance. It is in these moments that your true nature, substance, and essence are revealed. Ibn al-Jawzi said: "You will know when the dust clears... whether you are riding a horse or a donkey." It is a well-established fact in religion that the purpose of human existence on this earth is for worship and obedience, and this purpose is achieved through trials. Allah said: "And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me," meaning: according to the natural disposition upon which Allah created people, whether in happiness or misery. In a lengthy hadith, the Prophet said: "... and prayer is light, charity is proof, patience is illumination, and the Quran is evidence for or against you. Every person starts their day as a vendor of their soul, either freeing it or bringing about its ruin." The only way to live with stability and positivity is through patience in the face of all types of trials. Trials are a part of life, as Allah said: "O mankind, indeed you are laboring toward your Lord with [great] exertion and will meet it," whether this exertion is good or bad, you will encounter it on the Day of Judgment. Every person bears the consequences of their will, choices, and efforts. No one is exempt from this test, hence Allah said: "and will meet it." By this approach, an individual’s character is built and their path clarified. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the concept of trials and tribulations, the difference between these terms, and their outcomes on the purity of the soul and society. This understanding should be utilized for the benefit and development of the community. It is also crucial to understand individual freedom and its limits and to study the philosophy of good and evil, historically referred to as "the creation of actions," to determine responsibility for any actions taken by individuals and to record their movements in light of the reality of the Muslim community and its moderation in all matters. Patience with all types and forms of trials and enduring their consequences in this life and the hereafter is obligatory. I hope I have succeeded in addressing all these points, and our final prayer is that praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. (shrink)

Este artigo contém um estudo sobre a Ciência a partir do ponto de vista bíblico, por meio da fé na revelação divinamente inspirada. A Bíblia revela a origem e a plenitude da Ciência no ato da criação do Universo e a apresenta como uma dádiva especial de Deus aos homens. As Escrituras também demonstram que a Ciência genuína existe para glorificar a Deus, sendo a sua instrumentalidade uma forma excelente de comunicação divina.

This paper examines some of the possible legal implications of the production, marketing and use of expert systems. The relevance of a legally useful definition of expert systems, comprising systems designed for use both by laymen and professionals, is related to the distinctions inherent in the legal doctrine underlying provision of goods and provision of services. The liability of the sellers and users of, and contributors to, expert systems are examined in terms of professional malpractice as well as product liability. (...) A recurring theme indicates that legislators may be inclined to restrict possibilities of liability suits in order to avoid disincentives to the creation of expert systems. (shrink)

The use of placebo in clinical trials has been repeatedly challenged as being unacceptable from an ethical point of view. The present paper responds to this criticism by taking up the issue in the light of the pertinent provisions of the Helsinki Declaration. Examples from different therapeutic areas are given that highlight the importance of placebo in situations in which its use is acceptable according to the Declaration. Particular emphasis is given to the question of active control trials, which, under (...) conditions of low assay sensitivity, may become an ethically less acceptable approach than the use of a placebo control. (shrink)

The Internet has expanded marketing communication channels beyond traditional print, electronic, and transportation media to include social media in cyberspace. Social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Google, and Twitter have recently become increasingly popular. Last three decades. Social media is a popular mode of communication for people from every stage of life, offering a variety of formats including images, videos, jokes, and peer comments. Social media platforms influence how buyers perceive a merchant's goods or services. Social networking is increasingly used (...) to facilitate business transactions between vendors and customers. In today's digital age, people are transitioning from traditional to online purchase. Consumer attitudes are shifting. Researchers have questions about how social media influences customers' internet shopping decisions. Can buyers discern between branded and non-branded products? How long will consumers associate with the present brand? Is there any criteria set by consumers while acquiring products? The researcher used this investigation to identify answers to the questions listed above. To researcher obtained various statistical tools through SPSS to understand the consumer’s impression towards purchase decision on social media. (shrink)

The main purpose of this study is to reveal the degree of availability of quality-of-life domains in third-grade textbooks in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and monitoring indicators of quality-of-life domains. In order to achieve the purpose of the study, it has been used the descriptive method through content analysis method, and it has been prepared a list of indicators of quality-of-life domains. The study sample consisted of all the textbooks of the third-grade of primary school for the three semesters (...) of the academic year 1444-1445 Hijri, which amounted to (21) textbooks. The study showed the following results: The frequencies of quality-of-life domains in the third-grade textbooks for all domains amounted to (37602) frequencies, and they classified as following: In the first rank: domain of quality of academic life reaching (27,248) frequencies, with a percentage of (72.46%), while the domain of quality of environmental life came in second rank, reaching (4902) frequencies, with a percentage of (13.04%), in the third rank came the domain of quality of family and social relationships, with a frequency of (2008) with percentage of (5.34%), in the fourth rank came the domain of quality of healthy life with (1372) frequencies, and with percentage of (3.65%), in the fifth rank was the domain of quality of spiritual life with (957) frequencies and percentage of (2.55%), in the sixth rank came the domain of quality of independence life that reached to (873) frequencies and percentage of (2,32%), and in the last rank was the domain of quality-of-life psychological that reached to (873242) frequencies and percentage of (0.64%). In conclusion, the study recommended the necessity of incorporation the quality-of-life domains in content of third-grade textbooks in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which contributes to raising students’ awareness in the quality-of-life domains. (shrink)

Die demografische Entwicklung und der medizinische Fortschritt werden die Problematik der Ressourcenknappheit im deutschen Gesundheitswesen in Zukunft weiter verschärfen. Soll nicht nur kurzfristig akuten Sparzwängen ausgewichen werden, steht – wie in verschiedenen Ländern bereits geschehen – auch Deutschland auf Dauer eine Prioritätensetzung im Gesundheitswesen bevor. Diese sollte in möglichst transparenter Weise nach klaren Kriterien erfolgen. Eines der seit einiger Zeit häufig öffentlich zitierten Kriterien der Verteilung von Mitteln in der Gesundheitsversorgung ist die Eigenverantwortung von Patienten. Deren Berücksichtigung in der Allokation (...) von Ressourcen birgt allerdings zahlreiche Probleme. Der vorliegende Beitrag untersucht die gerechtigkeitstheoretischen Grundlagen und die praktischen Probleme bzw. die möglichen Konsequenzen von Eigenverantwortung als Verteilungskriterium im Gesundheitswesen. Auf der Grundlage eines alternativen gerechtigkeitstheoretischen Vorschlags werden drei Möglichkeiten skizziert, Eigenverantwortung von Patienten im deutschen Gesundheitswesen in gerechter Weise stärker zu betonen. (shrink)

The ability to reason independently from one's own goals or beliefs has long been recognised as a key characteristic of the development of formal operational thought. In this article we present the results of a study that examined the correlates of this ability in a group of 10-year-old children ( N = 61). Participants were presented with conditional and relational reasoning items, where the content was manipulated such that the conclusion to the arguments were either congruent, neutral, or incongruent with (...) beliefs, and either logically valid or logically invalid. Participants also received a measure of working memory capacity (the counting span task) and a measure of inhibitory control (the stop signal task). Indices of belief bias and logical reasoning on belief-based problems were predicted independently by both measures. In contrast logical reasoning on belief neutral problems was predicted by working memory alone. The findings suggest that executive functions play a key role in the development of children's ability to decontextualise their thinking. (shrink)

A great variety of medical conditions are subject to the placebo effect. Although there is mounting evidence to suggest that the placebo effect is related to the expectation of clinical benefit, little is still known about the biochemical bases underlying placebo responses. Positron emission tomography studies have recently shown that the placebo effect in Parkinson’s disease, pain, and depression is related to the activation of the limbic circuitry. The observation that placebo administration induces the release of dopamine in the ventral (...) striatum of patients with Parkinson’s disease suggests a link between the placebo effect and reward mechanisms. In addition to Parkinson’s disease, the placebo-reward model may also apply to other disorders. However, the relative contribution of the different neurotransmitters and neuropeptides that are known to be involved in modulating the activity of the limbic system may be disease-specific. Thus, while the placebo-induced clinical benefit observed in Parkinson’s disease would mostly reflect the release of dopamine in the dorsal striatum, the activation of opioid and serotonin pathways could be particularly implicated in mediating placebo responses encountered in pain and depression, respectively. (shrink)

Sarah A. Mattice develops a comparative intervention in contemporary metaphilosophy. Drawing on resources from hermeneutics, cognitive linguistics, aesthetics, and Chinese philosophy, she explores how philosophical language is deeply intertwined with the definition and practice of the discipline.

Bei der „terminalen Sedierung“ wird ein unheilbar kranker und schwer leidender Patient für den Rest seines Lebens in ein tiefes Koma versetzt. Das hierzu verwendete Morphin bzw. Midazolam kann lebensverkürzend wirken. Ist dies also eine Maßnahme, die das Leben des Patienten beendet, auf seinen Wunsch hin oder nicht? Gewöhnlich wird diese Frage mit nein beantwortet, wenn die lebensverkürzende Wirkung nur vorhersehbar, aber nicht beabsichtigt ist. Allerdings ist der Zugang der Menschen auch zu ihren eigenen Intentionen fallibel, so dass sogar ihre (...) Selbstangaben in komplexen Fällen nicht sehr zuverlässig sind. Wenn ein Arzt sagt, dass er „beabsichtigt“, das Leben eines Patienten zu verkürzen, meint er damit möglicherweise nur, dass dieses vorhersehbare Ergebnis ein erwünschtes ist. Diese Art der Einschätzung kann nicht als solche moralisch diskreditiert werden, weil sie bei anderen allgemein akzeptierten Entscheidungen unvermeidlich ist, z. B. von einer „vergeblichen“ Behandlung Abstand zu nehmen. Legitimerweise können wir von einem Fachmann erwarten, dass er begründet handelt. Deshalb sollte unsere Klassifikation von ärztlichem Handeln als „terminale Sedierung“ oder „Beendigung des Lebens des Patienten“ nicht von den Intentionen des Arztes abhängen, sondern von den in dieser speziellen Krankheitsphase bei diesem speziellen Patienten verwendeten Dosierungen. (shrink)

ABSTRACT Many people now believe that human reproductive cloning – once sufficiently safe and effective – should be permitted on the grounds that it will allow the otherwise infertile to have children that are biologically closely related to them. However, though it is widely believed that the possession of a close genetic link to our children is morally significant and valuable, we argue that such a view is erroneous. Moreover, the claim that the genetic link is valuable is pernicious; it (...) tends to give rise to highly undesirable consequences, and therefore should be combated rather than pandered to. The emphasis on the genetic is unwarranted and unfortunate; rather than giving us moral reason to support reproductive cloning in the case of infertility, the fact that cloning requests are likely to be motivated by the genetic argument gives us reason to oppose its availability. (shrink)

Background: Recruitment, training and performance management are central processes in Human Resource Management (HRM) for organizational performance. Organizational Culture (OC) also determines these practices based on the nature of hiring, career development, and employee retention. It is essential to have a clear understanding of the relationship to gain the biggest benefits for HRM strategies and organizational results. Aim: Thus, the current research examines how OC affects HRM practices such as RP, TD, PM, EE, RR, and CR. It is desired to (...) identify how OC influences HRM practices and offer recommendations that can help to improve the HRM practices. Method: A questionnaire survey was conducted among 250 respondents using a structured 5-point Likert scale. The survey was based on demographic characteristics and evaluated the OC influence on RP, TD, PM, EE, RR, and CR. The study employed the PLS-SEM technique and T-test with the CFA and psychometric tests to check for reliability. Results: A strong correlation between OC and human resource management practices was established. OC impacted the approach to attracting employees, selecting and developing training programs, assessing performer appraisals, motivating employees, deciding on retention strategies, and handling conflict. These observations show that OC has a strong impact on the range of HRM practices. Conclusion: It is important to understand that organizational culture is an influential component that affects HRM practices. Positive OC affects the ability to attract, develop, manage, engage, retain, and resolve conflicts with employees. The PLS-SEM approach was useful in analysing these relationships and enhancing the HRM strategies with regards to organizational culture. (shrink)

The purpose of this study is to explore the linguistic aspects of police FIR using Michael Halliday’s system of transitivity and three-dimensional model of CDA, encompassing the macro-sociological analysis of social practice. FIR is a genre of discourse, referring to a report prepared by the police, which reaches the police station first after the commission of a cognizable offence. FIR needs thorough and careful reading, and very difficult to understand by the people of a particular community. In this regard, the (...) Transitivity system is a medley of six different processes realizing ideational meaning which is further strengthened by CDA, which also helps the people of a community to comprehend complex discourses. In accordance with this study, the researchers used the qualitative approach as a paradigm. They used close reading technique as a strategy and relying on purposive sampling in the selection of data. Further textual analysis is used as a method of analysis. The researcher took five FIRs which were analyzed with respect to the transitivity system. This study reveals that the FIRs conform to five processes out six processes of the transitivity system and the three-dimensional model of CDA. Moreover, this study can be extended to other police reports and common people may easily expand their awareness to understand the language and context of FIRs. (shrink)

The northwestern dialects of Albanian stretch from Plava and Gucia in the North to Mat in the South, from Tivari and Ulqini in the West to Nikaj-Mërtur and Pukë in the East. This group of dialects includes the dialects of Kelmendi, Hoti, Kastrati, Shkreli, Buza e Uji, Koplik, Grizha, Lohe, Reci, Rrjolli, Shala, Shosh, Pulti, of Postriba, Shllak, Temal, Shkodra, Buna Bank, Drini Bank and Zadrima. The areas where the northwestern dialects of Albanian are spoken, as evidenced by the discoveries (...) made so far, were inhabited very early. The great Ardian tribe lived in these places. Moving specifically to the studies of Northwestern Albanian dialects, we see their origin at the beginning of the 20th century, although their data did not present scientific certainty. The Albanian lexicographers of the Northern region Frang Bardhi, Nikollë Gazulli and Benedikt Dema also played a fundamental role in the creation of the old Albanian literature, but the invaluable help started by Buzuku, Budi and Bogdani should not be left out. (shrink)

The present article discusses the two stages that, according to the vinaya texts, precede a full ordination of a woman candidate within the samgha: the stages of novice and of probationer. In the context of the present-day discussions on the position of nuns within the samgha, and on the introduction of a nuns' ordination in lineages where today this is not fully accepted, the article focuses on the formal issues that in the Dharmaguptaka vinaya tradition precede the nuns' ordination and (...) thus prepare the basis on which the full ordination was traditionally built. (shrink)

Despite being written in 1941–1942, Long Day’s Journey into Night wasn’t released until 1956, two years after the author’s death. The Tyrone family is at the centre of the narrative, advancing the plot and creating further avenues for the characters to develop. The article explores the various aspects of the play that indicate that the Tyrones are a dysfunctional family. The critical analysis of the play and its various themes conclude that Tyrone in “Long Day’s Journey into Night” displays many (...) characteristics of a dysfunctional family while certain behavioural patterns of each one of the family are enough to show that the family is dysfunctional. The article presents a critical analysis of Eugene O’Neill’s Long Day’s Journey into Night. Various modes of reading were employed, including thematic analysis, close reading of the text, and a deconstructive reading of the play. These methods support the exploration of how the Tyrones are depicted as a dysfunctional family. James and Mary’s children, Edmund and Jamie, are central to the drama. Edmund is suffering from tuberculosis, while Mary struggles with a morphine addiction. The play is set at the Tyrones' Monte Cristo Cottage in seaside Connecticut, on a single day in August 1912, from roughly 8:30 a.m. until 12:00 a.m. The Tyrones are painted in a highly negative light as a dysfunctional family, as the parents and sons accuse, lash out, and harbor grudges against one another and in various situations. They possess traits that encourage pitiful and futile endeavours as well as strong desires for their circumstances to improve. (shrink)

The aim of the study was to compare the anthropometrics parameters of young female volleyball players by different court play position. 52 female volleyball players (indoor court) (mean ± SD age: 15.7 ± 1.2 years) participated in the study. Players were divided based on their playing position (middle blocks, setters, liberos, and hitters (outside hitter/left side hitter and opposite hitter/right side hitter). They were examined in the field for anthropometric characteristics such as BM (mean ± SD: 61.4 ± 13.4 kg), (...) height (mean ± SD: 163.6 ± 7.7 cm), Body Mass Index [BMI] (mean ± SD: 22.6 ± 3.1), waist circumference (mean ± SD: 70 ± 8.4 cm).All data are presented as mean ± SD, and the level of significance was set at p ≤0.05. Therefore, a parametric analysis, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), was used to determine significant differences among positions in anthropometric parameters.Post hoc comparison indicated that height and body mass differed significantly among most groups; however, no significant differences were found between middle blocker and setters (p = 0.20) for height. In addition, no significant differences (p > 0.05) were detected between the setter and opposite hitters (p = 0.55) and between middle blocker and outside hitter (p = 0.41) for body-height. In conclusion this study indicates that significant differences exist among youth female volleyball players of different playing positions for body-mass, body-height, waist-circumference and BMI. (shrink)

A pesquisa sobre o dogma mariano mostra que, no seu desenvolvimento, a experiência, mas, sobretudo, a fé vivida, precedeu as proclamações dogmáticas oficiais, de modo que é importante que o dogma mantenha contato com a fé viva da Igreja, pois é nesse contato, que aquilo que está ainda implícito se torne sempre mais explícito sem que haja mudança no seu conteúdo formal, porque não se trata de adição de verdades, e sim de clarificação da verdade. Esse estudo mostra também a (...) contribuição da psicologia das profundezas na compreensão da relação entre experiência e dogma. (shrink)