Case study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words - 3

Case study - Essay Example inhibitory or excitatory) and determine the specific behavior of the receptor. There are four NTs important with reference to alcohol effect and dependence, the excitatory NT glutamate, the inhibitory NT GABA (gamma- aminobutyric acid) & the two NTs involved in the reward process: Dopamine and serotonin. In initial exposure, alcohol induces production of dopamine, which onsets the encoding of these incidences as environment linked memories in cortex of brain. It also influences the excitatory and inhibitory NTs which in absence of alcohol, maintain a balance. Under the influence of alcohol, an important subset of glutamate (N-methyl D-aspartate, NMDA) is inhibited, thus causing inhibition of excitatory impulse.The primary effect of alcohol, however is on NT GABA: its inhibitory effect is enhanced, resulting in suppresing neuronal activity of receptor cell. Here one of the key features of brain comes into play, that is adaptation. Adaptation in the same system, i.e. homologous adaptation results with repeated exposure to alcohol, and thus a tolerance is developed, GABA receptors become less responsive to GABA and higher alcohol concentrations are required to achieve the same level of suppression. Upon withdrawl of alcohol, GABA receptors still remain less responsive and hence resulting in an imbalance in favor of excitatory NT. The situation is further aggravated by the enhanced activity of excitatory NT glutamate, the receptors for which remain elevated even after withdrawl of alcohol. Both these effects have the cumulative effect of hyperexcitability, which leads to craving for alcohol and withdrawl symptoms. Added to this is the hetrologous adaptation of brain, i.e the homeostatic response in one system as result of changes in another system. It is very difficult to discern these changes more so because they are not mutually exclusive. And therefore doubts arise as to which one of these neurochemical pathway is actually responsible for

Culture framework Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Culture framework - Essay Example They have gained recognition for their special work towards the Mentawai people where they have helped them retain their culture and traditions despite the material aids provided to them and attempts made towards a behavioral change rather than cultural alteration. The organization markets itself with the help of its human values which they reveal in their activities. provision of education, training and support have helped the organization gain adequate recognition apart form the popularity of Jenkins’ corporate tactics amongst the donors. It shows a combination of careful strategic planning and rendering social service at the same time. Introduction Surf Aid is a â€Å"nonprofit humanitarian organization founded by Dr. Dave Jenkins, whose objective was to improve the health; well being and self reliance of people living in isolated communities connected to the rest of the world through surfing† (Surf Aid International, n.d.). ... Both the adult and the children of the region suffered from malnutrition and natural disasters like tsunami and earthquake was a harsh reality that the people of those regions were facing. (Annual Report, 2006-2007, p. 6) The goal of the company is to empower the community so that they can help themselves in building local capacity ensuring sustainable improved health resilience. The educational program initiated by the organization to bring in awareness among the people of the community involved educating the community in nutrition, hygiene and sanitation, clean and healthy environments and prevention of diseases which also includes the distribution of mosquito nets among the people of the community. The aim of the organization is to improve the health and well being of the people through an integrated approach of cost effectiveness and high-impact interventions without encroaching upon their culture, thereby not making an effort to urbanize them. The organization’s work was to bring in a change in the behavior of the community which were necessary to have a healthy living but not changing the culture of the whole community. The effort of the organization has resulted in measurable health improvement and decline in health inequality eventually (Roxburg, n.d.). The organization without working on the fact to urbanize the area has worked upon the healing of the community from diseases. It has in a way represented the community of the islander. Organizational Values and Culture Surf Aid advocates the organizational values of accountability to others, transparency of the organization and partnership. The organization goes by the principle and values of respecting colleagues, communities and social justice. The