Monday, 15 June 2015

Aggressive Game Play in the Curriculum

“Schools are contributing to a culture of violence by offering sports that encourage aggressive game play in the curriculum”

It is clear that sports offered in schools do not encourage and or develop aggressive beliefs due to the other great teachings in the Health and Physical Education curriculum. Such sports include: Rugby, Hockey, Basketball and AFL. The sport of Rugby in particular is referred as a violent sport due to the implications on some, but can be a sport we can take life lessons from, a source of stress relief and a social experience for some. Although some say it is a dangerous sport and should be abolished from the curriculum it is a necessity in children’s lives in this day and age. Therefore, I disagree with the provided statement. 

Rugby is a sport that really harvests and develops the passion and drive towards being a parent. It depicts the tale of parenthood and raising a child. The role of a parent is to ‘lead your child’. This is quite similar to the role of a captain on the Rugby field. He must lead the team; he must encourage his team to victory and must overcome any obstacles they may face. Such actions are exhibited in parenting as a child needs a leader, someone to show them the right from the wrong. Furthermore, the art of discipline is another benefit of playing the sport of Rugby. The ideology of being strong and high spirited is essential as children need someone with such skills rather than a parent who is milquetoast and or overly laid back. Commitment is another example that reinforces the fact that Rugby is a necessity in our lives. In an 80 minute Rugby game, the players must play with force and passion to finish and hopefully win the game. When a player is tackled, play is continued and everything in the player’s power must be done to continue to remain possession of the ball. Parents require this quality so they can demonstrate to their child to never give up and keep persisting until you achieve success. They must make sure that when the child does indeed fail at a given point of time, they have the will and determination to get back up and keep running with the intensity he/ she came with. Violence in Rugby overshadows this point and if played within the rules can be a game in which violence in the sport is a minority.  

The elements incorporated by the game of Rugby: stamina, mental and physical strength and fitness help release the stress in modern day society. The energy put towards playing such a high intensity sport is extreme and provides children a fresh outlook on life. It can release large amounts of tension and anxiety due and can be a method of reaction from day to day stress. It also de- clutters the brain of thoughts and helps the child see straight in stressful times. Though stress is a common factor in violence, if these elements are combined when playing the game this should not be an issue. (Better Health Channel, Rugby- Health Benefits) 

The above text highlights the many reasons why Rugby is a necessity in our school lives. It provides the child the foundation of many important lessons for later in life, helps to relieve stress and helps with the social life of a child. With the correct equipment and the element of sportsmanship from both teams, Rugby is a tremendous addition to the curriculum. 


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SOSE, Japanese Whaling, Grade 10

1.0 INTRODUCTION:
The following report will outline the various features of whaling: practises, prevention and action. 
Whales are magnificent, large and unique animals on planet Earth (Greenpeace Foundation). Every year, the Japanese whaling fleet sail thousands of kilometres each year cruelly eliminate the whales in the Southern Ocean. 
These animals are primarily hunted for their rare meat and highly priced oil (National Geographic). Organisations such as Greenpeace and the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society help prevent such catastrophic incidents from happening in the sea. This report however will focus on the Japanese whaling fleet. This report will outline and describe whaling, prevention of such acts and the affects it has had both on the environment and the great animals. 


2.0 WHALING PRACTISES: 
Although in the modern day, the general public around the world is highly against the act. The practise of Japanese whaling has significantly developed over time and killing a whale in the modern day has been assisted with many new technological methods thanks to portions of Japanese tax money assisting with research in such equipment. 
A general Japanese whaling ship is equipped with whaling sonar system. When the ship is in the surroundings of a whale, a 30 gram penthrite grenade armed harpoon is shot into the whale. If the grenade armed harpoon is not shot cleanly, another harpoon is fired and or a high calibre rifle is used to finish the deadly act (Animal Planet, 2014). 
This method of killing is truly terrible and costs associated with doing so is tremendous. However, the Japanese government still persists with the act. 



3.0 PREVENTION:
In 1946, eighty governments from countries around the world joined to form the International Whaling Commission (IWC). The International Whaling Commission is the global body in charge of conservation of whales and the management of whaling (International Whaling Commission, 2014). 
In 1982, the Whaling Commission called for a moratorium on commercial whaling. Japan was allowed to whale purely for scientific purposes while Norway was allowed to hunt for meat. 
Although, many species of whales have benefitted from the moratorium, organisations are still trying to prevent whaling in general (National Geographic). In 2012- 2013, Japan killed 445 whales in which they claimed was for ‘scientific purposes’ (WDC).  
This claim is false as they have been constantly been caught selling the meat and oil of the whale for a high price even before any testing on whales had been conducted. (Thornton, 2010) Figure 1, which is depicted below proves that countries with the scientific permits are abusing this right to commit the deadly act of whaling and kills are rapidly increasing over time. 
It has been clear that many global anti- whaling campaigns such as Greenpeace and the Sea Shepherds have prevented the whaling craze in Japan and subsequently the Japanese people have begun to oppose the act of whaling and as a country, have rapidly tried to decrease their consumption of whale meat. Despite the decline of demand for whale meat, the whaling industry has continually has been growing in Japan due to Japanese tax subsidiaries. Though, financially whaling is a loss (a mere US$22 million total turnover in 2008), the Japanese government will not concede to a somewhat ‘defeat’ as they have been fighting this act for many years and some say, would cause shame to the acting government as it has been a Japanese tradition for many years.  



4.0 ACTION: 
Though commercial whaling has been abolished, few countries such as- Norway, Iceland and Japan have continued to whale under the ‘scientific research’ act. Worldwide, the general public considers whaling to be a cruel, unnecessary and harsh act. In order to take action, if everyone were to put pressure on the whaling governments, whales will remain protected for many, many more years (Yeovil Innovation Centre). Furthermore, by signing petitions organised by anti- whaling committees, there is better chance they will be heard and respected (Sea Sheppard, 2013). 

5.0 CONCLUSION:
It has become evident over the last year that the general public and political voices around the world have made a significant difference in the world of whaling. On the 31st of March, 2014 the International Whaling Commission ruled that the Japanese had to cease its whaling hunt in the Antarctic. This was a tremendous win for the anti- whaling committees and has given them a drive to stop the Japanese whaling in the Pacific. With the constant help and support of the public, we can help to stop whaling all together! 


BIBLIOGRAPHY

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Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited disease of a faulty secretory gland (National Institute of Health, 2014). In 1938, Dorothy Andersen of Columbia University performed various autopsies upon children diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Following on from the tests, Andersen released an in-depth report into the effects of the disease. The report concluded that in most, if not all cases, the pancreas was always ‘destroyed’. Andersen named the disease “cystic fibrosis of the pancreas” (Scientific American, 1995). The faulty gene caused by cystic fibrosis controls the movement of salt and water in and out of body cells, so the lungs and digestive system become clogged with mucus, making it difficult to breathe or digest (Cystic Fibrosis Trust Registered Charity, 2014). It was reported that the incidence of cystic fibrosis in Australia was 1 in 2800 births and about 1 in 25 people were carriers of the genetic mutation (Philip Robinson, 2011). This essay will explore and analyse the various elements of the deadly disease ranging from screening, treatment, and its unfortunate implications upon Jonothan Jackson. 

Cystic Fibrosis can only occur when both parents of a child are carriers of the gene that causes the disease. In Section A of the Appendix, a graph of this process is provided. Carriers generally do not show symptoms of cystic fibrosis however when two carriers conceive a child together, there is a 25% chance that the newborn will have cystic fibrosis. In Section C of the Appendix, a punnet square that represents the figure above is provided. Cystic Fibrosis carrier screening is a genetic test that determines if one has changes to the cystic fibrosis gene. Either a blood or saliva sample is required for the screening. While the screening is optional, the results can be used to make the right decision when attempting to reproduce or thinking about reproducing (Cystic Fibrosis Australia, 2014). After birth, every newborn baby in Australia has the opportunity to undergo screening to identify whether the baby is at risk of any genetic disease. The test is safe and only a few drops of blood are required from the baby’s heel. The benefit of taking this test is early detection. Many disorders can be resolved if diagnosed early and prompt treatment is taken, more information about treatment will be discussed below (Better Health Channel, 2014). 

The signs and symptoms of cystic fibrosis can differ depending on the intensity of the disease. Screening of newborn children is a standard procedure in Australia and all 50 states in the United States of America. The mucus that clogs the lungs and digestive organs can cause a persistent cough, wheezing, breathlessness, lung infections, salty sweat or an inflamed nasal passage. Symptoms of the disease include poor weight gain, intestinal blockage and severe constipation (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2012). Being 30 years old, Jonothan currently may be suffering from various problems and without having treatment for such an extended period, could be detrimental. He potentially may be facing lung damage, lung scarring and poor lung function. (Genetech, 2014) 

Cystic Fibrosis is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which effectively means that both copies of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator or CFTR gene in each cell have mutations. The CFTR gene provides instructions for making a channel that transports negatively charged particles called chloride ions in and out of cells. Chloride is a component of sodium chloride, a common salt found in sweat. The flow of chloride helps control the movement of water in tissues- necessary for the production of mucus (National Institute of Health, 2014).

Unfortunately, cystic fibrosis does not have a cure. However researchers over the past few years have discovered that a number of treatments significantly help in curing cystic fibrosis. Goals in conquering cystic fibrosis include: preventing and controlling lung infections, loosening and removing sticky mucus from the lungs, preventing and treating blockages in the intestines, providing enough nutrition and preventing dehydration. Main treatments for controlling lung infections generally are through physical chest therapy, exercise and medicines. Treatments for digestive problems consist of having a well- balanced diet based around calories, fat and protein (National Institute of Health, 2014). A Brisbane based company with the name of HSK Instruments, has developed a revolutionary product called Pepster to help cystic fibrosis patients with their respiratory physiotherapy. Essentially, the respiratory physiotherapy is completed in a game like environment and the data from the exercises is collected and given to the doctor managing the patient (HSK Instruments, 2014) 

In the case of Mr Jonothan Jackson, it can be viewed in two ways: from the airports view and Mr Jackson and his family.  From the airports point of view, it is clear that a perfectly healthy air traffic controller is a necessity as the role is extremely hands on and requires the utmost of attention due to the intensity of the role. A condition like cystic fibrosis could potentially be detrimental and could cause the killing of hundreds of people travelling around the world as the effects of the disease include coughing up blood sporadically, Pneumothorax (build-up of air between the lungs and the chest wall that causes the lung to collapse) (Healthwise Incorporated, 2013). From Mr Jackson’s view, the financial implications could be catastrophic as cystic fibrosis treatment is expensive and if unemployed, he may not be able to afford the necessary treatment he requires to fight the disease.  

In regards to the question regarding whether his medical condition should be passed on to a future employer. The information should indeed be passed on as his condition significantly affects many of the body’s systems, more notably the lungs and digestive system. If Mr Jackson were to suffer from one of the many physical effects of cystic fibrosis whilst on the job, it could cause significant danger to others. Therefore, it can be justified that if his current employers inform his potential future employers about his medical condition it would be fair. Alternatively, a part time job that allows him to work with flexible hours would be ideal. Jobs that include physical ability would be perfect as physical exercise builds stamina, which stimulates endorphins and improves cardio- fitness (Cystic Fibrosis Australia, 2014). Such jobs include delivering mail and youth and community work (University of Kent, 2012). 


BIBLIOGRAPHY:
WEBSITES: 
National Institute of Health, 2014,What is Cystic Fibrosis?  http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/cf/
Cystic Fibrosis Trust Registered Charity, 2014, What is Cystic Fibrosis? http://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/about-cf/what-is-cystic-fibrosis
Robinson P, 2011, Cystic Fibrosis in Australia, 2009: results from a data registry, https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2011/195/7/cystic-fibrosis-australia-2009-results-data-registry
World Health Organization, 2014, Genes and human disease, http://www.who.int/genomics/public/geneticdiseases/en/index2.html#CF
Cystic Fibrosis Worldwide, 2014, http://www.cfww.org/about/article/400/What_is_Cystic_Fibrosis 
Cystic Fibrosis Australia, 2014, http://www.cysticfibrosis.org.au/all/learn/ 
Mayo Clinic Staff, 2012, Cystic Fibrosis, http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cystic-fibrosis/basics/symptoms/con-20013731
Better Health Channel, 2014, Newborn Screening, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Newborn_screening 
Healthwise Incorporated, 2013, Cystic Fibrosis Topic Overview, http://www.webmd.com/children/tc/cystic-fibrosis-topic-overview
Genetech, 2014, Cystic Fibrosis Progression, http://www.pulmozyme.com/understanding/cf-progression.html 
Scientific American, 1995, Cystic Fibrosis, https://www.msu.edu/~luckie/cfarticle.html 
University of Kent, 2012, Careers and Employability Service, http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/outdoor-careers.htm  
HSK Instruments, 2014, Pepster by HSK Instruments, http://hskinstruments.com/more.html 

VIDEOS:
Khan Academy, 2014, What is Cystic Fibrosis?, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucbxYIVztz8 
2011, What is cystic fibrosis? Animation, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMAOEOmLoUE 
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 2014, 2014 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORURXnKjCso 
Mauch R, 2013, Cystic Fibrosis Pulmonary Disease, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LItSsVJPQEY 
Wineland C, 2014, What is Cystic Fibrosis?, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWWpPAXFEFs 
BOOKS:
Karen Hopkin, 2010, Understanding Cystic Fibrosis.
David M. Orenstein, Jonathan E. Spahr, Daniel J. Weiner, 2012, Cystic Fibrosis- A Guide for Patient and Family. 
Sharon Giddlings, 2009, Cystic Fibrosis
Judy Monroe, 2001, Cystic Fibrosis- Perspectives on Disease and Illness
Ruth Bjorklund, 2008, Cystic Fibrosis

Allison Peebles, Judi Maddison, 2005, Cystic Fibrosis Care: A Practical Guide 
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DNA and RNA

  • Proteins are made of long chains of amino acids. There are 20 different types of amino acid from which to make proteins
  • Transcription: the process of making a copy of mRNA from DNA, means transcribing or copy, transcription takes place in the nucleus, where DNA is located
  • Translation: The process of turning mRNA into protein is called translation, translation takes place in the cytoplasm where the ribosomes are located
  • Genes: made up of DNA, organised into larger structures called chromosomes 
  • Chromosomes: tiny thread- like structures
  • DNA Replication: New double strands form by complementary base pairing, the DNA ‘unzips’ to form single strands, occurs before cell division and ensures that all daughter cells have identical genes, DNA helix uncoils and acts as a template for the new complementary strand. 
  • DNA is semi- conservative: occurs before mitosis/ meiosis during interphase 
  • DNA Replication: DNA unwinds with help from Helicase, free nucleotides form complimentary bonds with DNA strand- both sides, New DNA strand forms with help of DNA Polymerase

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Economics: Flight Centre and Visy and Amcor

1.0 MARKET STRUCTURES: 
In the world of economists, there are a range of different market structures. These structures include: Monopolies, in which there is only one producer/ seller for a product. Gaining entry in such a market is restricted due to the high costs associated in the entry. An example of a Monopoly market place is in Saudi Arabia where the government has full control and rights over the oil industry. (Investopedia)

The Oligopoly market place is structured in such a way where there only few firms in a particular industry. The few firms in that industry have full control over the price and like a Monopoly marketplace; Oligopolies have high barriers to enter the market place. (Investopedia)

Perfect competition, is when there are many buyers and sellers and when there are many products and services. Due to the many sellers, there are many substitutes in the market. In a perfect competition marketplace, there are very few barriers of entry and the price is determined by the consumers and no one can affect the market. (Investopedia)

Monopolistic Competition market places include many firms that produce similar but not perfectly substitutable products. (Investopedia) Each of the firms make an independent decision on pricing and there are very few barriers of entry and exit. (Economics Online)


2.0 ANTI- COMPETITIVE ACTS:
Anti- competitive practises include ways that limit or prevent competition in the market place. This is against the law! (ACCC) 

Common anti- competitive practises include: dumping- company sells a product in a competitive market at a loss, exclusive dealing- a retailer or wholesaler is obliged by contract to only purchase from contracted suppliers, price fixing- companies collude prices, refusal to deal- two companies agree not to use a certain supplier and dividing territories- agreement by two companies to stay out of each other’s way. Criminal penalties of such acts can be up to $220, 000 per offence and or up to 10 years of imprisonment.  (Australian Government)


3.0 ACCC:
The ACCC is Australia’s competition regulator and national consumer law champion. They mainly promote market competition and fair trading. (ACCC) It was formed in 1995 to administer the Trade Practises Act 1974 and Consumer Act 2010. 

The ACCC’s primary role is to educate both consumers and businesses as to their rights and responsibilities in these acts. As well as to improve market conduct, use resources efficiently and effectively enhance competition in our regulatory activities. (Scam Watch) 


4.0 FLIGHT CENTRE: 
On the 28th of March, 2014. Flight Centre was ordered to pay penalties of a whopping $11 million for infringing the Trade Practises Act on six occasions between 2006 and 2010. (ACCC)

 The company attempted to enter anti- competitive arrangements with three international airlines: Malaysian Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Emirates. Flight Centre wanted to eliminate differences in the air fare by attempting to induce the above airlines to enter into a price fixing arrangement. More specifically, Flight Centre wanted to stop these three major airlines from offering and booking their own fares at prices less than what Flight Centre offered. (Bainbridge A, 2013) 

Between 2005 and 2009, representatives of Flight Centre sent multiple emails to the three airlines to induce the airlines to begin price fixing. Flight Centre did not dispute that the alleged emails has been sent to the different airlines but had a very different idea of how it should have been interpreted. They claim that the communication was in the context of a principal- agent relationship in which Flight Centre was the agent and was trying to gain assurance that they were being given access to the same air travel service as other travel agencies. (ACCC) 

The Flight Centre price fixing scandal was so the company could obtain the benefit of prices greater than those which would be obtained in a competitive market and be able to state that they are the cheapest in the air fare market place. (ACCC)


5.0 VISY AND AMCOR:
Another example of the illegal act of price fixing was committed by Visy and Amcor, the cardboard box giants. (Sydney Morning Herald, 2011)

Between the two companies, Visy and Amcor had control over around 90% of the corrugated fibre packaging market segment. This segment was worth between $1.8- 2 billion per year. In the span of 2000- 2004, the two companies joined forces to raise prices of their products while also maintaining their particular market shares. (ACCC) 

The two companies consulted with each other to coordinate frequent price rises and customer quotes. (Main A, 2011) If a customer were to receive quotes from the other company, they would swap information regarding that particular transaction to ensure that the competitors quote was higher than the other. (ACCC)

 The ACCC was seeking declarations, injuctions, pecuniary penalties, orders relating to trade practises training or compliance programs and costs from Visy and Amcor. (ACCC) 

Both Visy and Amcor reached a $95 million settlement in a class action against their price fixing scandal. Amcor will pay two thirds of the settlements and Visy will pay one third. (Mallesons, 2006) The cartel went on for almost five years and had it not been formally reported, would have still been active. (ACCC)


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