Different Views On Substance Dependece, Abuse and Addicition †Essay

Different Views On Substance Dependece, Abuse and Addicition – Essay Free Online Research Papers Different Views On Substance Dependece, Abuse and Addicition Essay Substance addiction, or substance dependence is the compulsive use of drugs, to the point where the user has no effective choice but to continue use. (Wikipedia 2005)Substance abuse refers to the overindulgence in and dependence on a stimulant, depressant, or other chemical substance, leading to effects that are detrimental to the individuals physical or mental health, or the welfare of others. (Wikipedia 2005) Historically the terminology surrounding drug use has been unclear and little concise. It was usual to distinguish between physiological and psychological need.If the drug altered the internal chemistry of the body to the point where the normal state was the dug state, it was called an addiction. However, if it was the abuser that centred his or her life on the procurement and use of the drug, it was called psychological dependence. (Alloy et al 1999) These definitions have not been embraced by all medical and psychological professions. It was discovered that all psychoactive drugs had both a psychological and a physiological effect. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) reserve the term dependence to conditions that specifically involve addiction, and call it psychoactive substance dependence. It also suggests nine criteria that include both physiological and psychological consequences and a person that fulfil any three of these nine come under the diagnosis mentioned. (Alloy et al 1999) The nine criteria listed by DSM-III-R. (Alloy et al 1999, Wikipedia 2005) 1. Preoccupation with the drug. 2. Unintentional overuse. 3. Tolerance. 4. Withdrawal. 5. Relief substance use. 6. Persistent desire or efforts to control drug use. 7. Pattern of drug-impaired performance in social or occupational circumstances or when dug use is dangerous. 8. The abandonment of important social, occupational or recreational activities for the sake of the drug. 9. Continued drug use despite serious drug-related problems. The DSM also distinguishes between dependence and abuse, drawing up the parallel diagnosis of psychoactive substance abuse. This is when the use of the drug is at an abnormal level, but not yet a dependency issue. A person that continue to use a drug even if it had a (1) social, occupational, psychological or physical impact, or continued to use it in physically dangerous situations. (Alloy et al 1999, Wikipedia 2005) The three terms substance dependence, substance addiction and substance abuse, are hence melted down to the two diagnoses of psychoactive substance dependence; including the elements of dependence and addiction, and psychoactive substance abuse. (Alloy et al 1999) In this essay alcoholism will be used as an example on substance abuse/dependence, as it is a common and easily accessible substance. The behaviourists view alcoholism as a powerful habit that is maintained by various cues and consequences. What is the primary reinforcer is debated, but suggestions like social acceptance, reduction of psychological tension and avoidance of psychological withdrawal symptoms have been made. (Alloy et al 1999) The behaviourists believe in two theories for substance abuse and addiction. The first one is the tension-reduction hypothesis, and the other is the opponent process theory. The tension-reduction hypothesis assumes the dynamics of alcoholism to be rooted in personal troubles faced by all. However some people are inclined to have a drink to alleviate the stress and discomfort, and if successful alcohol has a positive association. However, excessive drinking may cause stress and discomfort, manifested as guilt, and a viscous cycle is started. (Alloy et al 1999) Behaviourists have identified high risk and low risk persons based on personality scores. A person with outgoing, aggressive, impulsive and antisocial features where considered at higher risk for alcoholism, also the situation is critical to stress- handling. (Alloy et al 1999) The â€Å"opponent process† theory also offers explanations on addiction plus tolerance and withdrawal. It states that the human brain is organised such that any strong emotional state, regardless if it is pleasant or unpleasant, will elicit the opposite state (opponent process) to suppress and counteract the original state and that this mechanism will strengthen over time. (Alloy et al 1999) The theory states that after a while the relaxation with drinking (state A) will be cancelled out by underlying tension and irritability (state B or opponent process). Then state B will be experienced directly as withdrawal symptoms. (Alloy et al 1999) The early behavioural programs for alcoholics relied on aversion conditioning. They had initial success, but suffered from heavy relapse rates. Currently programs look into inadequate coping skills, such as unemployment and marital conflicts, and try to remedy these problems. (Alloy et al 1999) The cognitive theories has been developed by amongst others, Jean Piaget and Albert Ellis. (Wikipedia 2005) The cognitive theories view alcoholism as motivated and maintained by negative reinforcement, much like the behaviourists. However they focus on cognitive processes such as expectations, self-evaluations and attributions perceived as mediators for alcohol abuse. There are three theories; expectancy theory, self-awareness model and self-handicapping strategy. (Alloy et al 1999) The expectancy theory focuses on the expectations of the effect of alcohol, as a critical component in whether people will use or abuse alcohol. These alcohol expectations are developed through parents, peers, television and movies and together they from a schema. This schema will determine how that individual will respond to drinking. (Alloy et al 1999) The use of alcohol is also influenced by positive or negative expectancies, such as enhancement of social/physical pleasure, increase power and aggressiveness, and impairs performance and encourages irresponsibility. Hence if the positive expectancies outweigh the negative people will drink. This theory may be good at describing why people begin to drink, but not why they continue, as the expectations between drink number 1 and 10.000 will change. (Alloy et al 1999) The self-awareness model proposes that alcohol is used to disrupt information processing, and decrease self-awareness. It can be used in two ways; firstly if self-awareness involves negative feelings, then suppression of self-awareness will be negative reinforcing. Secondly alcohol can disinhibit and enable the person to flirt or be funny, a positive reinforcement. This theory however describes the alcoholic as reflective, self-focused and sensitive to criticism. Empirical findings describe an alcoholic as aggressive, extroverted and undercontrolled. (Alloy et al 1999) The self-handicapping model reasons that the alcoholic will drink if placed in a situation where he is likely to fail. The drink will be his excuse to fail, shifting the blame form themselves to the alcohol. There is no proof that this model leads to alcoholism, but it ties well in with both the expectancy theory and self-awareness model. (Alloy et al 1999) Treatments the cognitive way aim to attack the cognitive variables that are faulty. This is done by changing expectancies, increase sense of competence and teach ways of coping with failure. A mixture of cognitive restructuring and behavioural techniques are used. Attention is also given to prevent relapses, correcting how alcoholics handle slips so that it does not lead to a total relapse. (Alloy et al 1999, Wikipedia 2005) Sigmund Freud came up with the idea and developed psychoanalysis between 1888 and 1939. Psychoanalysis divides the human personality into three entities; the id, the ego and the superego. It is in the focus between the aggressive pleasure-seeking biological impulses and the internal social restraints against them that the human psyche is formed. Freud believed that personality is the result of trying to resolve this conflict, and to bring pleasure without also bringing guilt and punishment. (Meyers 1998, Wikipedia 2005, ) Freud theorised that this conflict is centred on the three systems: id, ego and superego. (Meyers 1998, Wikipedia 2005, Hayes 1994) The id is always trying to satisfy the basic drives and instincts. It is a reservoir of unconscious energy that constantly drives the human to aggress, survive and reproduce. The id operates on the pleasure principle and has to be restrained by reality so that it will not seek immediate gratification whatever the consequence. (Meyers 1998, Hayes 1994)) The ego is the controller of the id. It operates in the reality principle, and seeks to gratify the id’s impulses. However, the ego will only do this if it is a realistic way of realisation and it will not bring destruction or pain. The ego hence contains the partly conscious perceptions, thoughts, judgements and memories. (Meyers 1998, Hayes 1994)) The superego operates on how things ought to be. It forces the ego to consider not only the real, but also what is ideal. It strives after perfection, and judges any action producing either positive or negative feelings. As the id’s demands are often the opposite of the superego, the ego in the middle struggles to reconcile the two. (Meyers 1998, Hayes 1994)) People with a present rather than a future time perspective is what Freud would have called id dominated persons. This is a personality type that more often use/overuse tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. They are willing to jeopardise future happiness for instant pleasure. (Meyers 1998, Hayes 1994)) The humanistic perspective came as a reaction to the negativity of Freud. They focused on how healthy people live and strive for self-determination and self-realisation, and emphasised on the growth potential of healthy people. The emphasis was on the free will and that people play an active role in determining how they act. The two leading theorists in the humanist movement are Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers. The humanistic approach has been criticised for promoting an optimistic but often vague view of the mind. (Meyers 1998, Wikipedia 2005, Hayes 1994)) Maslows theory proposed a hierarchy of needs. To move to the next level in the hierarchy a person had to fulfil his or her needs at the level they are. The different levels are seen in figure 1. (Meyers 1998, Hayes 1994)) Figure 1: Maslows Pyramid The ultimate goal for a person is to seek and achieve self-actualisation, fulfilling the person’s whole potential. Another way to view the pyramid is that one can achieve higher levels on the pyramid in some areas, but still try to cover the lower areas in other aspects of life. (Meyers 1998, Hayes 1994)) Alcoholics may find themselves trying to meet their physiological needs, when it comes to alcohol. If the alcoholic in addition lives on the street, safety needs are not met either. However, if the alcoholic is well-educated has a good job and income, then maybe it is the social needs or self-esteem needs that are not covered. (Meyers 1998, Hayes 1994)) Rogers believed that healthy people could satisfy their need for positive regard and self-actualisation, and being in a constant process of self-development and psychological growth. (Meyers 1998, Wikipedia 2005, Hayes 1994)) If people lack this positive regard from others they will be mentally ill, and afraid of what they do may meet disapproval from others. They will constantly feel they have to gain positive regard from others, and their self-concept impossible to live up to. (Meyers 1998, Hayes 1994)) The person will then be torn between true inner self and outer self. This battle Rogers believed could lead to both neurosis and psychosis. It is then up to the therapist to establish this relationship of unconditional positive regard. (Meyers 1998, Hayes 1994)) The different theories and models described, all aim at different aspects of the human psyche and how substance abuse and dependence might be explained. It is such a complex theme that I feel it is unlikely that any single one of these theories have the full answer. Not being a psychologist I would say it is more likely to view a patient bearing all the theories in mind, and using the different theories to explain different areas of the abusers/addicts mind. However, should I pick one I feel is the best model, I would have to go with the behavioural view. I feel it encompass a lot of the issues, and that with this approach the other theories can be used in conjunction when appropriate. I feel that behaviour is quite essential to how a person end up, and that the environment is a strong influence. To change a habit of abuse and addiction is also to change behaviour. Word Count: 2010. Reference: Myers D.G. (1998), Psychology, 5th edition, Worth Publishers Alloy, Jacobsen, Acocella (1999), Abnormal Psychology: Current Perspectives, 8th edition, McGraw Hill Hayes N. (1994), Foundations of Psychology an Introductory Text, 1st edition, Routledge http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personality_psychology#Humanistic_theories http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personality_psychology http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humanistic_psychology Research Papers on Different Views On Substance Dependece, Abuse and Addicition - EssayThe Relationship Between Delinquency and Drug UseUnreasonable Searches and SeizuresMoral and Ethical Issues in Hiring New EmployeesThe Effects of Illegal ImmigrationRelationship between Media Coverage and Social andThree Concepts of PsychodynamicDefinition of Export QuotasAnalysis Of A Cosmetics AdvertisementInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married MalesGenetic Engineering

Overview of the Oligocene Epoch

Overview of the Oligocene Epoch The Oligocene epoch wasnt an especially innovative period of time with regard to its prehistoric animals, which continued along the evolutionary paths that had been pretty much locked in during the preceding Eocene (and continued on in turn during the ensuing Miocene). The Oligocene was the last major geologic subdivision of the Paleogene period (65-23 million years ago), following the Paleocene (85-56 million years ago) and Eocene (56-34 million years ago) epochs; all of these periods and epochs were themselves part of the Cenozoic Era (65 million years ago to the present). Climate and geography While the Oligocene epoch was still fairly temperate by modern standards, this 10-million-year stretch of geologic time saw a decrease in both average global temperatures and sea levels. All of the worlds continents were well on their way toward moving into their present positions; the most striking change occurred in Antarctica, which drifted slowly south, became more isolated from South America and Australia, and developed the polar ice cap that it retains today. Giant mountain ranges continued to form, most prominently in western North America and southern Europe. Terrestrial Life During the Oligocene Epoch Mammals. There were two major trends in mammalian evolution during the Oligocene epoch. First, the spread of newly evolved grasses across the plains of the northern and southern hemispheres opened a new ecological niche for grazing mammals. Early horses (such as Miohippus), distant rhinoceros ancestors (such as Hyracodon), and proto-camels (such as Poebrotherium) were all common sights on grasslands, often in locations you might not expect (camels, for instance, were especially thick on the ground in Oligocene North America, where they first evolved). The other trend was mostly confined to South America, which was isolated from North America during the Oligocene epoch (the Central American land bridge would not form for another 20 million years) and hosted a bizarre array of megafauna mammals, including the elephant-like Pyrotherium and the meat-eating marsupial Borhyaena (the marsupials of Oligocene South America were every match for the contemporary Australian variety). Asia, meanwhile, was home to the largest terrestrial mammal that ever lived, the 20-ton Indricotherium, which bore an uncanny resemblance to a sauropod dinosaur! Birds As with the preceding Eocene epoch, the most common fossil birds of the Oligocene epoch were predatory South American terror birds (such as the unusually pint-sized Psilopterus), which mimicked the behavior of their two-legged dinosaur ancestors,  and giant penguins that lived in temperate, rather than polar, climatesKairuku of New Zealand is a good example. Other types of birds also undoubtedly lived during the Oligocene epoch; we just havent identified many of their fossils yet! Reptiles To judge by the limited fossil remains, the Oligocene epoch wasnt an especially notable time for lizards, snakes, turtles or crocodiles. However, the plenitude of these reptiles both before and after the Oligocene provides at least circumstantial evidence that they must have prospered during this epoch as well; a lack of fossils doesnt always correspond to a lack of wildlife. Marine Life During the Oligocene Epoch The Oligocene epoch was a golden age for whales, rich in transitional species like Aetiocetus, Janjucetus, and Mammalodon (which possessed both teeth and plankton-filtering baleen plates). Prehistoric sharks continued to be the apex predators of the high seas; it was toward the end of the Oligocene, 25 million years ago, that the gigantic Megalodon, ten times bigger than the Great White Shark, first appeared on the scene. The latter part of the Oligocene epoch also witnessed the evolution of the first pinnipeds (the family of mammals that includes seals and walruses), the basal Puijila being a good example. Plant Life During the Oligocene Epoch As remarked above, the major innovation in plant life during the Oligocene epoch was the worldwide spread of newly evolved grasses, which carpeted the plains of North and South America, Eurasia and Africaand spurred the evolution of horses, deer, and various ruminants, as well as the meat-eating mammals that preyed on them. The process that had begun during the preceding Eocene epoch, the gradual appearance of deciduous forests in place of jungles over the earths spreading non-tropical regions, also continued unabated.

China is more important to the USA's national interest than Taiwan Research Paper

China is more important to the USA's national interest than Taiwan - Research Paper Example It was able to make Wake Island to be its territory in 1900 and soon started to build the Panama Canal. All these were aided by Taiwan and the navy of the US continued to expand to a state whereby by the end of the Second World War, no nation would compare or compete with the navy. Taiwan has also aided in the building of the economic relations in the United States. Despite this however, China is considered to be more important than Taiwan and has been regarded to as an obstacle to building of the relationship between China and the United States (Copper, 2011). The first reason that supports the argument of China being more important to interest of the United States than Taiwan emanates from the fact that China has maintained a steady increase in the political as well as the economic growth. This has increased the political and economic influence that it has on the other nations. China has been rated as being the third largest exporting and importing country in the global market at the beginning of twenty first century and the fourth largest in the economic rating. It therefore comes after United States, Japan and Germany. It is also among the top three states that are highly involved in foreign direct investment in the global market. It has also acquired more benefits from globalization than any other country in the world and this is evidenced by the share of the market it has in the global market. Its annual growth for exports averaged 4.5 percent while the country that followed attained only 1.8 percent and this was the United States. T he Gross Domestic Product of China has also been observed to grow at a higher rate compared to the other developing countries. China has focused on ways of improving its performance in the global market and in this respect has considered the importance of liberalization and has encouraged economic integration by focusing on the involving the private and public investments. It has improved its

What is the best free digital content we use today Essay

What is the best free digital content we use today - Essay Example Today, something magical and enchanting has overpowered the PowerPoint and is increasingly being made use of by students and mentors. It is Prezi – the free online software. Prezi is the best free digital content we use today. Prezi enables an individual to develop beautiful multimedia presentations. Instead of limiting the user to slides like the conventional PowerPoint, Prezi provides the user with a 3d canvas which the user can zoom in and zoom out as desired. As this is done, different themes, images and ideas are unveiled. For example, one may begin the discussion with the word â€Å"Apple†, and hide all information regarding it inside the alphabet â€Å"A†. Upon zooming in â€Å"A†, the hidden information can be accessed. Prezi also enables the user to store and save the presentation online. This eliminates the chances of the report getting lost when needed. Despite the multitude of options PowerPoint provides the users with, use of it today seems ou tdated. Carefully chosen color and background combinations in PowerPoint hardly interest the audience anymore. In these circumstances, Prezi comes with new features that are of huge interest not only to the audience, but also to the presenter. Their mutual interest raises attention that is the primary requisite of a good presentation and develops an atmosphere that is conducive for both teaching and learning.

Gender Discrimination Essay Example for Free

Gender Discrimination Essay How can you balance work and having a life? Balancing work and life you have to build downtime into your schedule. Make a point to spend time with family and friends. Set up activities that everyone can do and you can combine the two. Set goals, plan and organize what should come first. Having your goals set is much easier than to just go day to day. Work/Life balance is all about flexibility, but to have flexibility you need a support system around you. Both at work and at home. If you dont have the support its harder to deal. Having structure is important because it brings certainty into your world. Without structure life is a bit more chaotic. You then find that you use both physical and emotional energy to bring meaning and clarity to different situations. A good way to improve on your skills is to write things down. It may help you balance out your day, week, or even a whole month. Manage is a world which comes from experience. There are people who took things as they come and manage them accordingly. It is a will power and self-confidence which play a dice game here. Considering women are good managers when they balanced office and home life. Women have a lot going on when it comes to life period. In a large majority of families with children, both parents work, and women now hold half of all jobs. Majority of the time women do more of home caregiving then men. Some men think longs as they bring home the bacon thats all they need to do. Not at all, women work 40 hours a week, have to get kids ready for school, cook, clean, ECT. In my case school to for the adult and Im a single parent. Its so many issues and that alone can cause tension in your  relationship. Many women assume that the men in their lives pick up signals and hints about stuff like needing help at the house, and many men (not all, but honestly most that Ive had any kind of close relationship with) just arent good with those signals. I suppose its a classic issue within genders as well; it seems like many people assume that theyre sending out all kinds of signals to their boss that they want to move up, or have too big a workload, or whatever, those signals arent getting picked up on their end, and then we just get more and more frustrated! This should help people get a better understanding of working out your life and work life so that they both can balance. Everyones situation is different but itll all come together if you prioritize your life balance. Many people are able to accommodate work and home. You can solve your work life problem if your home life is up to par. Pat Katepoo, Founder, WorkOptions.com http://www.womensconference.org/a-flexible-work-life/ Year Published: 2008 Melanie Hawks is the Learning and Development Coordinator at the J. Willard Marriott Library, University of Utah.

Essay on Whartons Ethan Frome: Development of the Novel and Characters

The Development of   the Novel and Characters   In the novel Ethan Frome, by Edith Wharton, the character of Ethan Frome plays an important role in the development of the rest of the book. He has several character traits which distinguish him from the other main characters. Also, there are many factors which play against him throughout the novel.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The physical appearance of Ethan Frome played a significant part in creating his character. He was a tall, thin man. He had dark colored hair and dark eyes. He seemed a little rough around the edges and the scar on the side of his face was another of his distinguishing marks. At the very beginning of the book, he is 52 years old, but is described as looking much older than that. Throughout the main part of the book, which is a flashback, Frome is in his 20's. After the sledding accident with Mattie, he is left with bad vision in his right eye, which causes him trouble sometimes. Ethan Frome stutters and speaks in abbreviated forms sometimes. Most of the people in the town and in the novel speak in abbreviated forms. The actual town itself and the surroundings of Frome are harsh and cold, especially in winter when the book takes place. These harsh surroundings make Frome who he is and give him a "careless powerful look".   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Speech also renders some importance in this novel. A few examples of abbreviated words are: "Wurst kind", and "More'n enough", and lastly "Oh, I ain't afr'd". All of these slang words and also many more were used throughout the novel. This misuse of words shows that Frome and the other characters were not well educated. The work was more important than learning and also, Ethan Frome's p... ...im. As they stood in each others arms, they experienced a sense of ease that neither of them had ever felt before. They had led hard lives and this was the end. Theirs dreams were crushed, yet these moments were very important in the course of their lives. This was also the point in which they decided that if they couldn't live with each other, they wouldn't live at all. They decided to commit suicide mutually, and failed. It may have been better off if they had succeeded, because they led miserable lives after the accident.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The novel Ethan Frome, by Edith Wharton, created a vivid character image for the actual character of Ethan Frome. His role was depicted by physical appearance, speech, behavior and motivation, response and change, worst life experience, and best life experience. All of these themes help develop the novel and other characters. Essay on Wharton's Ethan Frome: Development of the Novel and Characters The Development of   the Novel and Characters   In the novel Ethan Frome, by Edith Wharton, the character of Ethan Frome plays an important role in the development of the rest of the book. He has several character traits which distinguish him from the other main characters. Also, there are many factors which play against him throughout the novel.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The physical appearance of Ethan Frome played a significant part in creating his character. He was a tall, thin man. He had dark colored hair and dark eyes. He seemed a little rough around the edges and the scar on the side of his face was another of his distinguishing marks. At the very beginning of the book, he is 52 years old, but is described as looking much older than that. Throughout the main part of the book, which is a flashback, Frome is in his 20's. After the sledding accident with Mattie, he is left with bad vision in his right eye, which causes him trouble sometimes. Ethan Frome stutters and speaks in abbreviated forms sometimes. Most of the people in the town and in the novel speak in abbreviated forms. The actual town itself and the surroundings of Frome are harsh and cold, especially in winter when the book takes place. These harsh surroundings make Frome who he is and give him a "careless powerful look".   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Speech also renders some importance in this novel. A few examples of abbreviated words are: "Wurst kind", and "More'n enough", and lastly "Oh, I ain't afr'd". All of these slang words and also many more were used throughout the novel. This misuse of words shows that Frome and the other characters were not well educated. The work was more important than learning and also, Ethan Frome's p... ...im. As they stood in each others arms, they experienced a sense of ease that neither of them had ever felt before. They had led hard lives and this was the end. Theirs dreams were crushed, yet these moments were very important in the course of their lives. This was also the point in which they decided that if they couldn't live with each other, they wouldn't live at all. They decided to commit suicide mutually, and failed. It may have been better off if they had succeeded, because they led miserable lives after the accident.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The novel Ethan Frome, by Edith Wharton, created a vivid character image for the actual character of Ethan Frome. His role was depicted by physical appearance, speech, behavior and motivation, response and change, worst life experience, and best life experience. All of these themes help develop the novel and other characters.

English translation, Part 1/prologue of Lazarillo de Tormes Essay

I think it is good that such remarkable things as these, which may never have been heard of or seen before, should come to the attention of many people instead of being buried away in the tomb of oblivion. Because it might turn out that someone who reads about them will like what he reads, and even people who only glance lightly through this book may be entertained. Pliny says along these lines that there is no book–no matter how bad it is–that doesn’t have something good in it. And this is all the more true since all tastes are not the same: what one man won’t even touch, another will be dying to get. And so there are things that some people don’t care for, while others do. The point is that nothing should be destroyed or thrown away unless it is really detestable; instead, it should be shown to everybody, especially if it won’t do any harm and they might get some good out of it. If this weren’t so, there would be very few people who would write for only one reader, because writing is hardly a simple thing to do. But since writers go ahead with it, they want to be rewarded, not with money but with people seeing and reading their works, and if there is something worthwhile in them, they would like some praise. Along these lines too, Cicero says: â€Å"Honor promotes the arts.† Does anyone think that the first soldier to stand up and charge the enemy hates life? Of course not; a craving for glory is what makes him expose himself to danger. And the same is true in arts and letters. The young preacher gives a very good sermon and is really interested in the improvement of people’s souls, but ask his grace if he minds when they tell him, â€Å"Oh, what an excellent sermon you gave today, Reverend!† And So-and-so was terrible in jousting today, but when some rascal praised him for the way he had handled his weapons, he gave him his armor. What would he have done if it had really been true? And so everything goes: I confess that I’m no more saintly than my neighbors, but I would not mind it at all if those people who find some pleasure in  this little trifle of mine (written in my crude style) would get wrapped up in it and be entertained by it, and if they could see that a man who has had so much bad luck and so many misfortunes and troubles does exist. Please take this poor effort from a person who would have liked to make it richer if only his ability had been as great as his desire. And since you told me that you wanted me to write down all the details of the matter, I have decided not to start out in the middle but at the beginning. That way you will have a complete picture of me, and at the same time those people who received a large inheritance will see how little they had to do with it, since fortune favored them, and they will also see how much more those people accomplished whose luck was going against them, since they rowed hard and well and brought their ship safely into port. I. Lazaro Tells about His Life and His Parents You should know first of all that I’m called Lazaro of Tormes, and that I’m the son of Tome Gonzales and Antona Perez, who were born in Tejares, a village near Salamanca. I was actually born in the Tormes River, and that’s how I got my name. It happened this way: My father (God rest his soul) was in charge of a mill on the bank of that river, and he was the miller there for more than fifteen years. Well, one night while my mother was in the mill, carrying me around in her belly, she went into labor and gave birth to me right there. So I can really say I was born in the river. Then when I was eight years old, they accused my father of  gutting the sacks that people were bringing to the mill. They took him to jail, and without a word of protest he went ahead and confessed everything, and he suffered persecution for  righteousness’ sake. But I trust God that he’s in heaven because the Bible calls that kind of man blessed. At that time they were getting together an expedition to go fight the Moors, and my father went with them. They had exiled him because of the bad luck that I’ve already told about, so he went  along as a muleteer for one of the men, and like a loyal servant, he ended his life with his master. My widowed mother, finding herself without a husband or anyone to take care of her, decided to lie at the side–I mean, stay on the side–of good men and be like them. So she came to the city to live. She rented a little house and began to cook for some students. She washed clothes for some stableboys who served the Commander of La Magdalena, too, so a lot of the time she was around the stables. She and a dark man–one of those men who took care of the animals– got to know each other. Sometimes he would come to our house and wouldn’t leave till the next morning; and other times he would come to our door in the daytime pretending that he wanted to buy eggs, and then he would come inside. When he first began to come I didn’t like him, he scared me  because of the color of his skin and the way he looked. But when I saw that with him around there the food got better, I began to like him quite a lot. He always brought bread and pieces of meat, and in the winter he brought in firewood so we could keep warm. So with his visits and the relationship going right along, it happened that my mother gave me a pretty little black baby, and I used to bounce it on my knee and help keep it warm. I remember one time when my black stepfather was playing with the little fellow, the child noticed that my mother and I were white but that my stepfather wasn’t and he got scared. He ran to my mother and pointed his finger at him and said, â€Å"Mama, it’s the bogeyman!† And my stepfather laughed: â€Å"You little son-of-a-bitch!† Even though I was still a young boy, I thought about the word my little brother had used, and I said to myself: How many people there must be in the world who run away from others when they don’t see themselves. As luck would have it, talk about Zaide (that was my stepfather’s name)  reached the ears of the foreman, and when a search was made they found out that he’d been stealing about half of the barley that was supposed to be given to the animals. He’d pretended that the bran, wool, currycombs, aprons, and the horse covers and blankets had been lost; and when there was nothing else left to steal, he took the shoes right off the horses’ hooves. And he was using all this to buy things for my mother so that she could bring up my little brother. Why should we be surprised at priests when they steal from the poor or at friars when they take things from their monasteries to give to their lady followers, or for other things, when we see how love can make a poor slave do what he did? And they found him guilty of everything I’ve said and more  because they asked me questions and threatened me too, and I answered them like a child. I was so frightened that I told them everything I knew–even about some horseshoes my mother had made me sell to a blacksmith. They beat and tarred my poor stepfather, and they gave my mother a stiff sentence besides the usual hundred lashes: they said that she couldn’t go into the house of the Commander (the one I mentioned) and that she couldn’t take poor Zaide into her own house. So that matters wouldn’t get any worse, the poor woman went ahead and carried out the sentence. And to avoid any danger and get away from wagging tongues, she went to work as a servant for the people who were living at the Solano Inn then. And there, while putting up with all kinds of indignities, she managed to raise my little brother until he knew how to walk. And she even raised me to be a good little boy who would take wine and candles to the guests and do whatever else they told me. About this time a blind man came by and stayed at the inn. He thought I would be a good guide for him, so he asked my mother if I could serve him, and she said I could. She told him what a good man my father had been and  how he’d died in the battle of Gelves for the holy faith. She said she trusted God that I wouldn’t turn out any worse a man than my father, and she begged him to be good to me and look after me, since I would be an  orphan now. He told her he would and said that I wouldn’t be a servant to him, but a son. And so I began to serve and guide my new old master. After he had been in Salamanca a few days, my master wasn’t happy with the amount of money he was taking in, and he decided to go somewhere else. So when we were ready to leave, I went to see my mother. And with both of us crying she gave me her blessing and said, â€Å"Son, I know that I’ll never see you again. Try to be good, and may God be your guide. I’ve raised you and given you to a good master; take good care of yourself.† And then I went back out to my master who was waiting for me. We left Salamanca and we came to a bridge; and at the edge of this bridge there’s a stone statue of an animal that looks  something like a bull. The blind man told me to go up next to the animal, and when I was there he said, â€Å"Lazaro, put your ear up next to this bull and you’ll hear a great sound inside of it.† I put my ear next to it very simply, thinking he was telling the truth. And when he felt my head near the statue, he doubled up his fist and knocked my head into that devil of a bull so hard that I felt the pain from its horns for three days. And he said to me, â€Å"You fool, now learn that a blind man’s servant has to be one step ahead of the devil.† And he laughed out loud at his joke. It seemed to me that at that very instant I woke up from my  childlike simplicity and I said to myself, â€Å"He’s right. I’ve got to open my eyes and be on my guard. I’m alone now, and I’ve got to think about taking care of myself.† We started on our way again, and in just a few days he taught me the slang thieves use. When he saw what a quick mind I had he was really happy, and  he said, â€Å"I can’t give you any gold or silver, but I can give you plenty of hints on how to stay alive.† And that’s exactly what he did; after God, it was this fellow who gave me life and who, although he was blind,  enlightened me and showed me how to live. I like to tell you these silly things to show what virtue there is in men being able to raise themselves up from the depths, and what a vice it is for them to let themselves slip down from  high stations. Well, getting back to my dear blind man and telling about his ways, you should know that from the time God created the world there’s no one He made smarter or sharper than that man. At his job he was sly as a fox. He knew over a hundred prayers by  heart. He would use a low tone, calm and very sonorous, that would make the church where he was praying echo. And whenever he prayed, he would put on a humble and pious expression–something he did very well. And he wouldn’t make faces or grimaces with his mouth or eyes the way others do. Besides this he had thousands of other ways of getting money. He told everyone that he knew prayers for lots of different things: for women who couldn’t have children or who were in labor; for those women who weren’t happy in their marriage–so that their husbands would love them more. He would give predictions to expectant mothers about whether they would have a boy or a girl. And as far as medicine was concerned, he said that Galen never knew the half of what he did about toothaches, fainting spells, and female illnesses. In fact, there was no one who would tell him they were sick that he couldn’t immediately say to them: â€Å"Do this, and then is; take this herb, or take that root.† And so everyone came to him–especially women–and they believed everything he told them. He got a lot out of them with these ways I’ve been telling  about; in fact, he earned more in a month than a hundred ordinary blind men earn in a year. But I want you to know, too, that even with all he got and all that he had, I’ve never seen a more greedy, miserly man. He was starving me to death. He didn’t even give me enough to keep me alive! I’m telling the truth: If I hadn’t known how to help myself with my wily ways and some pretty clever tricks, I would have died of hunger lots of times. But with all his know-how and carefulness I outwitted him, so that I always–or usually–really got the better of him. The way I did this was I played some devilish tricks on him, and I’ll tell about some of them, even though I didn’t come out on top every time. He carried the bread and all the other things in a cloth bag, and he kept the neck of it closed with an iron ring that had a  padlock and key. And when he put things in or took them out, he did it so carefully and counted everything so well that no one in the world could have gotten a crumb from him. So I’d take what little he gave me, and in less than two mouthfuls it would be gone. After he had closed the lock and forgotten about it, thinking that I was busy with other things, I would begin to bleed the miserly bag dry. There was a little seam on the side of the bag that I’d rip open and sew up again. And I would take out bread– not little crumbs, either, but big hunks–and I’d get bacon and sausage too. And so I was always looking for the right time to score, not on a ball field, but on the food in that blasted bag that the tyrant of a blind man kept away from me. And then, every time I had a chance I’d steal half copper coins. And when someone gave him a copper to say a prayer for them–and since he couldn’t see–they’d no sooner have offered it than I would pop it into my mouth and have a half-copper ready. And as soon as he stuck out his hand, there was my coin reduced to half price. Then the old blind man would start growling at me. As soon as he felt it and realized that it wasn’t a whole copper he’d say, â€Å"How the devil is it that now that you’re with me they never give  me anything but half coppers, when they almost always used to give me a copper or a two-copper piece? I’d swear that this is all your fault.† He used to cut his prayers short, too; he wouldn’t even get  halfway through them. He told me to pull on the end of his cloak whenever the person who asked for the prayer had gone. So that’s what I did. Then he’d begin to call out again with his cry, â€Å"Who would like to have me say a prayer for him?† in his usual way. And he always put a little jug of wine next to him when we ate. I would grab it quickly and give it a couple of quiet kisses before I put it back in its place. But that didn’t go on for very long: he could tell by the number of nips he took that some was missing. So to keep his wine safe he never let the jug out of reach; he’d always hold on to the handle. But not even a magnet could attract the way I could with a long rye straw that I had made for that very purpose. And I’d stick it in the mouth of the jug and suck until–good-bye, wine! But the old traitor was so wary that I think he must have sensed me, because from then on he stopped that and put the jug between his legs. And even then he kept his hand over the top to make sure. But I got so used to drinking wine that I was dying for it. And when I saw that my straw trick wouldn’t work, I decided to make a spout by carving a little hole in the bottom of the jug and then sealing it off neatly with a little thin strip of wax. When it was mealtime, I’d pretend I was cold and get in between the legs of the miserable blind man to warm up by the little fire we had. And the heat of it would melt the wax, since it was such a tiny piece. Then the wine would begin to trickle from the spout into my mouth, and I got into a position so that I wouldn’t miss a blasted drop. When the poor fellow went to drink he wouldn’t find a thing. He’d draw back, astonished, then he’d curse and damn the jar and the wine, not knowing what could have happened. â€Å"You can’t say that I drank it, Sir,† I said, â€Å"since you never let it out of your hand.† But he kept turning the jug around and feeling it, until he  finally discovered the hole and saw through my trick. But he pretended that he hadn’t found out. Then one day I was tippling on my jug as usual, without realizing what was in store for me or even that the blind man had found me out. I was sitting the same as always, taking in those sweet sips, my face turned toward the sky and my eyes slightly closed so I could really savor the delicious liquor. The dirty blind man saw that now was the time to take out his revenge on me, and he raised that sweet and bitter jug with both his hands and smashed it down on my mouth with all his might. As I say, he used all his strength, and poor Lazaro hadn’t been expecting anything like this; in fact, I was drowsy and happy as always. So it seemed like the sky and everything in it had really fallen down on top of me. The little tap sent me reeling and knocked me unconscious, and that enormous jug was so huge that pieces of it stuck in my face, cutting me in several places and knocking out my teeth, so that I don’t have them to this very day. From that minute I began to hate that old blind man. Because, even though he took care of me and treated me all right and fixed me up, I saw that he had really enjoyed his dirty  trick. He used wine to wash the places where the pieces of the jug had cut me, and he smiled and said, â€Å"How about that, Lazaro? The very thing that hurt you is helping to cure you.† And he made other witty remarks that I didn’t particularly care for. When I had about recovered from the beating and the black and blue marks were nearly gone, I realized that with a few more blows like that the blind man would have gotten rid of me. So I decided to be rid of him. But I didn’t run away right then; I waited until I could do it in a safer and better way. And although I wanted to be kind and forgive the blind man for  hitting me with the jug, I couldn’t because of the harsh treatment he gave me from then on. Without any reason he would hit me on the head and yank on my hair. And if anyone asked him why he beat me so much, he would tell them about the incident with the jug: â€Å"Do you think this boy of mine is just some  innocent little fellow? Well, listen and see if you think the devil himself would try anything like this.† After they’d heard about it, they would cross themselves and say, â€Å"Well–who would ever think that such a little boy would do  anything like that!† Then they’d laugh at the prank and tell him, â€Å"Go on, beat him. God will give you your reward.† And this advice he followed to the letter. So, for revenge, I’d lead him down all the worst roads on purpose to see if he wouldn’t get hurt somehow. If there were rocks, I’d take him right over them; if there was mud, I’d lead him through the deepest part. Because even though I didn’t keep dry myself, I would have given an eye if I could have hurt two eyes of that man who didn’t even have one. Because of this, he was always beating me with the end of his cane so that my head was full of bumps, and with him always pulling on my hair a lot of it was gone. I told him I wasn’t doing it on purpose and that I just couldn’t find any better roads, but that didn’t do any good. The old traitor saw through everything and was so wary that he wouldn’t believe me any more. So that you can see how smart this shrewd blind man was, I’ll tell you about one of the many times when I was with him that he really seemed to show a lot of perception. When we left Salamanca, his plan was to go to Toledo because the people were supposed to be richer there, although not very free with their money. But he pinned his hopes on this saying: â€Å"You’ll get more  water from a narrow flowing stream than you will from a deep dry well.† And we’d pass through the best places as we went along. Where we were welcomed and were able to get something, we stayed; where this didn’t happen, we’d move on after a few days. And it happened that as we were coming to a place called Almorox when they were gathering the grapes, a grape picker gave him a bunch as alms. And since the baskets are usually handled pretty roughly and the grapes were very ripe at the time, the bunch started to fall apart in his hand. If we had thrown it in the sack, it and everything it touched would have spoiled. He decided that we’d have a picnic so that it wouldn’t go to waste– and he did it to please me, too, since he’d kicked and beat me quite a bit that day. So we sat down on a low wall, and he said: â€Å"Now I want to be generous with you: we’ll share this bunch of grapes, and you can eat as many as I do. We’ll divide it like this: you take one, then I’ll take one. But you have to promise me that you won’t take more than one at a time. I’ll do the same until we finish, and that way there won’t be any cheating.† The agreement was made, and we began. But on his second turn, the traitor changed his mind and began to take two at a time, evidently thinking that I was doing the same. But when I saw that he had broken our agreement, I wasn’t satisfied with going at his rate of speed. Instead, I went even further: I took two at a time, or three at a time–in fact, I ate them as fast as I could. And when there weren’t any grapes left, he just sat there for a while with the stem in his hand, and then he shook his head and said, â€Å"Lazaro, you tricked me. I’ll swear to God that you ate these grapes three at a time.† â€Å"No, I didn’t,† I said. â€Å"But why do you think so?† That wise old blind man answered, â€Å"Do you know how I see that you ate them three at a time? Because I was eating them two at a time, and you didn’t say a word.† I laughed to myself, and even though I was only a boy, I was very much aware of the sharpness of that blind man. But, so that I won’t talk too much, I won’t tell about a lot of humorous and interesting things that happened to me with my first master. I just want to tell about how we separated, and be done with him. We were in Escalona, a town owned by the duke of that name, at an inn, and the blind man gave me a piece of sausage to roast for him. When the sausage had been basted and he had sopped up and eaten the drippings with a piece of bread, he took a coin out of his purse and told me to go get him some wine from the tavern. Then the devil put an idea in my head, just like they say he does to thieves. It so happened that near the fire there was a little turnip, kind of long and beat up; it had probably been thrown there because it wasn’t good enough for stew. At that moment he and I were there all alone, and when I whiffed the delicious odor of the sausage, I suddenly got a huge appetite– and I knew that all I would get of it would be the smell. But the thought of eating that sausage made me lose all my fear: I didn’t think for a minute what would happen to me. So while the blind man was getting the money out of his purse, I took the sausage off the spit and quickly put the turnip on. Then the blind man gave me the money for the wine and took hold of the spit, turning it over the fire, trying to cook the very thing that hadn’t been cooked before because it was so bad. I went for the wine, and on the way I downed the sausage. When I came back I found that sinner of a blind man holding the turnip between two slices of bread. He didn’t know what it was yet, because he hadn’t felt of it. But when he took the bread and bit into it, thinking he would get part of the sausage too, he was suddenly stopped cold by the taste of the cold turnip. He got mad then, and said, â€Å"What is this, Lazarillo?† â€Å"You mean, ‘Lacerated,'† I said. â€Å"Are you trying to pin  something on me? Didn’t I just come back from getting the wine? Someone must have been here and played a joke on you.† â€Å"Oh, no,† he said. â€Å"I haven’t let the spit out of my hand. No one could have done that.† I kept swearing that I hadn’t done any switching around. But it didn’t do me any good–I couldn’t hide anything from the  sharpness of that miserable blind man. He got up and grabbed me by the head and got close so he could smell me. And he must have smelled my breath like a good hound. Really being anxious to find out if he was right, he held on tight and opened my mouth wider than he should have. Then, not very wisely, he stuck in his nose. And it was long and sharp. And his anger had made it swell a bit, so that the point of it hit me in the throat. So with all this and my being really frightened, along with the fact that the black sausage hadn’t had time to settle in my stomach, and especially with the sudden poking in of his very large nose, half choking me–all these things went together and made the crime and the snack show themselves, and the owner got back what belonged to him. What happened was that before the blind man could take his beak out of my mouth, my stomach got so upset that it hit his nose with what I had stolen. So his nose and the black, half-chewed sausage both left my mouth at the same time. Oh, Almighty God! I was wishing I’d been buried at that very moment, because I was already dead. The perverse blind man was so mad that if people hadn’t come at the noise, I think he would have killed me. They pulled me out of his hands, and he was left with what few hairs had still been in my head. My face was all scratched up, and my neck and throat were clawed. But my throat really deserved its rough treatment because it was only on account of what it had done that I’d been beaten. Then that rotten blind man told everyone there about the things I’d done, and he told them over and over about the jug and the grapes and this last incident. They laughed so hard that all the people who were going by in the street came  in to see the fun. But the blind man told them about my tricks with such wit and cleverness that, even though I was hurt and crying, I felt that it would have been wrong for me not to laugh too. And while this was going on I suddenly remembered that I’d been negligent and cowardly, and I began to swear at myself: I should have bitten off his nose. I’d had the opportunity to do it; in fact, half of the work had already been done for me. If only I’d clamped down with my teeth, I’d have had it trapped. Even though it belonged to that skunk, my stomach would probably have held it better than it held the sausage; and since there wouldn’t have been any evidence, I could have denied the crime. I wish to God I’d have done it. It wouldn’t have been a bad idea at all! The lady running the inn and the others there made us stop our fighting, and they washed my face and throat with the wine I’d brought for him to drink. Then the dirty blind man made up jokes about it, saying things like: â€Å"The truth of the matter is I use more wine washing this boy in one year than I drink in two.† And: â€Å"At least, Lazaro, you owe more to wine than you do to your father–he only gave you life once, but wine has brought you to life a thousand times.† Then he told about all the times he’d beaten me and scratched my face and then doctored me up with wine. â€Å"I tell you,† he said, â€Å"if there’s one man in the world who will be blessed by wine, it’s you.† And the people who were washing me laughed out loud, while I was swearing. But the blind man’s prophecy wasn’t wrong, and since then I’ve often thought about that man who must have had a gift for telling the future. And I feel sorry about the bad things I did to him, although I really paid him back, since what he told me that day happened just like he said it would, as you’ll see later on. Because of this and the dirty tricks the blind man played on me, I decided to leave him for good. And since I had thought about it and really had my mind set on it, this last trick of his only made me more determined. So the next day we went into town to beg. It had rained quite a bit the night before, and since it was still raining that day, he went around praying under the arcades in the town so we wouldn’t get wet. But with night coming on and there still being no let up, the blind man said to me, â€Å"Lazaro, this rain isn’t going to stop, and the later it gets the harder it’s coming down. Let’s go inside the inn before there’s a real downpour.† To get there we had to cross over a ditch that was full of water from the rain. And I said to him; â€Å"Sir, the water’s too wide to cross here, but if you’d like, I see an easier place to get  across, and we won’t get wet either. It’s very narrow there, and if we jump we’ll keep our feet dry.† That seemed like a good idea to him, and he said, â€Å"You’re pretty clever. That’s why I like you so much. Take me to the place where the ditch is narrow. It’s winter now, and I don’t care for water any time, and especially not when I get my feet wet.† Seeing that the time was ripe, I led him under the arcades, to a spot right in front of a sort of pillar or stone post that was in the plaza–one of those that hold up the overhanging arches of the houses. And I said to him, â€Å"Sir, this is the narrowest place along the whole ditch.† It was really raining hard and the poor man was getting wet. This, along with the fact that we were in a hurry to get out of the water that was pouring down on us–and especially because God clouded his mind so I could get revenge–made him believe me, and he said, â€Å"Point me in the right direction, and you jump over the water.† I put him right in front of the pillar. Then I jumped and got behind the post like someone waiting for a bull to charge, and I said to him, â€Å"Come on, jump as far as you can so you’ll miss the water.† As soon as I’d said that, the poor blind man charged like an old goat. First he took one step back to get a running start, and then he hurled himself forward with all his might. His head hit the post with a hollow sound like a pumpkin. Then he fell over backward, half dead, with his head split open. â€Å"What? You mean to say you smelled the sausage but not the post? Smell it, smell it!† I said, and I left him in the hands of all the people who had run to help him. I reached the village gate on the run, and before night fell I made it to Torrijos. I didn’t know what God had done with him, and I never made any attempt to find out.

Agriculture Essay Essay

Many discussions have been sparked on the topic of whether or not agriculture was beneficial or detrimental to human life. Hypothetically, agriculture, if cultivated correctly, will never allow any part of a group to go hungry. There is no stress about moving because every resource you need is in your back yard. Realistically, agriculture does cause a lot of issues. Problems such as increased population, non cooperative weather patterns, and territorial issues are just a few. Wars were sparked from overstepped territorial boundaries. Also, the creation of government was commenced as a result of hierarchy issues. Even though the issues on the surface can weigh down the positives, agriculture, at its core, has improved human lives and led to the development of the working/manageable lifestyles we have today. There are many issues that have sprung to the surface due to the subsistence strategy of agriculture. â€Å"Increased population densities†(Agriculture and Civilization) caused many problems with survival during empty seasons. As the population rose, more food had to be produced. During a good season, this was no problem, but during a dry season, this caused many problems. Instead of simply working 4-6 hours to find food, a full workday would have been needed. According to the article Agriculture and Civilization, â€Å"agriculture, to be successful, demands constant attention, good soil, good weather, and plentiful water. † As a farmer, many hours of the day was needed to make sure that the soil was rich with nutrients, turned correctly, and supplied with enough water so that the seeds would grow. The diets of agriculturalist was not necessarily as well rounded as a hunter-gatherers, pastoralist or industrialist. The article Agriculture and Civilization also says that â€Å"agriculture, while it can be highly productive, takes advantage of only a few thousand of the edible plants available on the planet†¦[and] agriculture-based societ[ies] relied on fewer food choices than hunter-gather societies. †

Computerization of the Medical Records Essays

Computerization of the Medical Records Essays Computerization of the Medical Records Essay Computerization of the Medical Records Essay Essay Topic: Eva Luna CHAPTER I Introduction Computer-based patient records is a system in which its function are becoming an essential technology for health care in part because the information management challenges were being faced by health care professionals that are increasing daily. The system stores data regarding additional medical information records in a relational database. Most published studies to date have been in the area of keeping the records safety. The database is a general setting of compiling not only the records of the patients but all the records. These computerized records of the patients in Rural Health Units of Irosin will develop and improve our health offices. Under database, the program, inquiries are now being done fast and easy using required data like patient’s name, birth date and etc. The system stores data regarding additional medical information records in a relational database. A Computerized Medical Records greatly improves the quality services of care that the physicians by allowing easy and organized access to critical patients data. The computerized medical record lies at the center of any computerized data. The efficiency, safeties, organization of medical records will give of these computerized medical records. Background of the Study The Rural Health Unit of Irosin is one of the important establishments in our community that serves our people everyday in their Health problems. This service is a very big help on the people of Irosin. Nurses and Doctors provide manual process of recording health and disease of the patients. They kept it in folder and drawers. As the patients enter the Health Center the employees try making it as omfortable as they face the patients. Interviewers must not let the patient’s sees there tiredness. The information, nurses and doctor, together they help each other to make it an organize the manual process. This process is being used until today. Our health center is outdated. It makes the workers time and energy consuming. They find it not good for the patients because it takes them a long time looking for the files. So instead of healing, patients get weaker. We proposed this project thesis to help our fellow citizen of Irosin. This is about the organization of records; we will create a database program to process the files of the patients more organize, time, and energy saving, plus an updated RHU to the modern civilization for the good ness of all Irosinians. Statement of the Problem We proposed the computerization of the Medical Records of the patients in the Rural Health Units using the database program. Use and manipulate it easily. For the accuracy and efficiency of works. And gather easily and safety stored the important files of the patients for the comfort ness of both the patients and the employees. This project sought to answer the following questions: * How can we make easy the finding of records? * How can we improve the record, its organization, and keeping? * How can we have secure record/confidential records? * How can we have copies of records in order to have hard duplicates or even triplicates? * How to help the employees to be comfortable in organization of records? * How to give benefit to the patients? * How can we give the employees a benefit for their services? As proponents, we need to make a more efficient Medical Record in order to solve these problems. Scope and Delimitation This proposed project is design only to help make the record more organize and easier for the employees to find. This project will focus only on the following: First, is on the patient’s Medical Record, the personal and health record. Data will be transferred in a database program designed to kept the record files organize and easy to find. Second, is the records organization and keeping. This part is related as the primary purposes of our thesis project. Third, is how confidential records will be safety kept and delivered to those patients cannot take it easily. This project will try not to be broad, for easiness and briefness. To make this project worthy of approval. Significance of the Study We had seen that the records, its organization, and keeping are improper and not related to what the employees want it to be. So, this project is proposed to organize the medical records of the patients in the Rural Health Units. Not only for the comfort ability of the employee but also for the benefit of the patients. A Rural Health Units includes a number of features that allow the clinical side of the practice to operate more efficiently. Patient Records users enjoy these benefits from their system. Successful computerized medical records are more efficient than traditional offices system. As a result, the number of worker required to support physicians is lower than at paper based offices. These improvements can be attributed to the following: * Improves documentation quality (legible, organized, complete) * Improves medication management * Enhances efficiency management * Reduces internal/external copying expenses * Improves the completeness of documentation Improves coding accuracy * Increasing the number of services * Reduces chart pulls and less filing * Eliminates time spent searching for lost records * Improves internal office communication * Reduces call- backs or patients un-satisfaction CHAPTER II Review of Related Literature Foreign Studies A computer system with a workflow server provides for automatic and prioritized assignment of work involving processing of medical information records, or charts, to par ticular resources (personnel) in a hospital. In particular, as the system stores data regarding additional medical information records in a relational database, the workflow server identifies which such additional records constitute a new encounter for a particular patient. For each encounter, the system defines one or more visit cases, and may identify for each visit further subset cases for one or more of a number of application programs. Such application programs may include coding/abstracting of documents and assigning deficiencies in documents for completion. The system defines states corresponding to each application program. In response to requests from the application programs, the workflow server routes each defined case to a particular work queue within the proper state, and then can assign each case to a particular resource (employee) within the proper work queue. The criteria for the type and number of work queues within each state, and the criteria for the assignment of resources within each work queue, can be identified with whatever sophistication or prioritization that a hospital may desire. Garcia Rodriguez LA, Perez Gutthann S. The last decade has seen a surge in the use of computerized health care data for pharmacoepidemiology. Of all European databases, the General Practice Research Database (GPRD) in the UK has been the most widely used for pharmacoepidemiological research. Since 1994, this database has belonged to the UK Department of Health, and is maintained by the Office of National Statistics (ONS). Currently, around 1500 general practitioners with population coverage in excess of 3 million, systematically provide their computerized medical data anonymously to ONS. Validation studies of the GPRD ave documented the recording of medical data into general practitioners computers to be near to complete. The GPRD collects truly population-based data, has a size that makes it possible to follow-up large cohorts of users of specific drugs, and includes both outpatient and inpatient clinical information. The access to original medical records is excellent. Desirable improvements to the GPRD would be additio nal computerized information on certain variables and linkage to other health care databases. Most published studies to date have been in the area of drug safety. The General Practice Research Database has proved that valuable data can be collected in a general practice setting. The full potential of this rich computerized database has yet to come. This experience should serve to encourage others to develop similar population-based data in other countries. Improving Patient Records Computer-based patient records and the system in which they function are becoming an essential technology for Health care in part because the information management challenges faced by health care professionals are increasing daily. Technological progress makes it possible for CPRs and CPR systems to provide total, cost-effective access to more complete, accurate patient care data and to offer improved performance and enhanced functions that can be used to meet those information management challenges. CPRs can play an important role in improving the quality of patient care and strengthening the scientific basis of clinical practice; they can also contribute to the management and moderation of health care costs. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) study committee believes that the time is right for a major initiative to make CPRs a standard technology in health care within a decade. Achieving this goal within 10 years will require a nationwide effort and a great deal of work. More research and development are needed in several critical areas to ensure that systems meet the needs of patients, practitioners, administrators, third-party payers, researchers, and policymakers. For example, the need to protect patient privacy must be balanced by the need for timely access to data at multiple sites. Systems must offer both considerable flexibility for users and standards required for data transfers and exchange. CPR implementation will necessitate both organizational and behavioral changes. Organizationally, it will require substantial coordination across the many elements of the pluralistic U. S health care system. Behaviorally, it will that users develop new skills to use CPR systems and to change their documentation behaviors. Local Studies The Medical Records Department (MRD) forms part of the basic hospital set-up. Its functions among others include the following: (a) to ensure that patients records are available at all times; (b) to see to it that medical records are maintained in accordance with principles and practices of efficient and effective MRD; (c) to maintain comprehensive indexes; (d) to review records for completeness and accuracy; (e) to respond to subpoenas and medico-legal cases directed to the hospital; and (f) to maintain and safeguard the confidentiality of medical records. In 1968, MMC opened its own medical records department at the 3rd floor circular portion of the building. Staffed with only 7 employees with Sr. Rosalinda Vijandre as its head, paper work were then quite few since the hospital had just begun admitting patients and the total recorded admission for that year was only 583 patients. From the period beginning 1971 to 1975 MRD had recorded a total of 96,324 admitted patients. MRD had acquired its first microfilm machine to keep away some files since it had started running out of filing space. In 1986, the hospital management bought a personal computer for MRD; an XT model with 120 MB hard disk system. This acquisition boosted the capability of MRD as this has enabled them to put into the computer a program for Patient Index System. Under this program, inquiries are now being done fast and easy using either patients name, birth date, admission date or discharge date. The computer can also assign automatically the patients hospital number and simultaneously give out the date of previous admissions. This is very important in the retrieval of re-admitted patients previous hospital records as well as to prevent error of assigning more than two hospital numbers to one patient and consequently destroy the very essence of record compilation. More inputs were done on the computer, such as those involving different compilation as for instance: the compilation of patients data; record of admission; microfilm record and census report of ER patients. Towards the end of 1974, MRD was rendered helpless with the volume of records to microfilm. It had almost run out of space for the storage of huge volumes of patients records. MRD could not however move those films from their place until they are microfilmed. So that eventually, in 1995 a more modern, high tech microfilm machine from Kodak was acquired. It was a Kodak IM 70 model, which can store thousands of data in film cassette which is 4 to 5 times faster than the previous one. It also had a lot of distinct features such as: a) the microfilm could be done in any ambient light condition; b) it had an automatic feeder; c) it could automatically stamp the document with labels while microfilming; d) it could produce about five or more rolls of films per day; and e) it could capture about 200 documents per minute. With the help of the new microfilm machine, the MRD can now catch up on the fast pace of records turnover. Conveniently however, in 1996 MRD has found a solution for its long time storage problem with the help of File Manager, a company that renders filing and storage services. MRD is now situated at the 3rd Floor annex of the hospital adjacent to the Floating Island Restaurant. Headed by Mrs. Lilian S. Garcia, the department is presently staffed by 4 supervisors, 2 programmers, a secretary, 7 senior clerks and 21 junior clerks. CHAPTER III System Analysis and Design * Existing System Overview Until now, the Rural Health Unit of Irosin is still using the manual process of making records and keeping it by using folders. And to organize it as it is, they compile those folders in drawers. So, with this improper keeping of records, most of the problems are finding it that give sick to the employees and making hard for the patients who were sickly waiting. Not only that, it also waist the time of employees and patients. Narrative Description of the Process Flow The flow of process starts from the patient. First, the patient will complain to the Information. Then, with that complain, the Information Officer will ask questions of identification and to confirm it, he/she will find the record from those folders. The finding of record will make a wasteful time for both of the patient and employees of that RHU. After that, the patient will now go to the doctor for the check-up. After that, the doctor will give the patient the medicine or if not the prescription and then release the patient. In the other hand, that information of check-up will be recorded or renew the past record. Input Forms The data being inputted in the record are mostly from the patients. Those are there personal information so to identify there records. These are the following: * Name names of the patients including first name, last name, and middle name or maiden name. Address – the address of the patients where they reside. This includes the street, the district or municipality and the province or city where they belong to. * Age – the present age of the patient when he/she was checked-up. * Sex – the sex of the patient if he/she is a male or a female. * Contacts – number or address that the doctor needs to refer to in case of patient’s emergency. * Date of Birth – the date when the patient was born. * Guardian/ Parent – the person related to the patient whom the doctor needs to contact in case of emergency. * Medical Information – nformation like blood type, blood rate/ pressure, weight, height, pulse rate, respiratory rate, etc. These are some inputted data that came from doctors who conducted the check-up. * Record Date the date when the file is being recorded. * Treatment Number – the number of treatment or from what number of treatment it follows. * Date of Consultation – the date when the patient had consulted. Must be the same date as the record date. * Report of Patient’s History – the present and past history of the patients’ disease. * Diagnosis – the result of the check-up or the final/total report of the disease. Data Processing Procedure The process of these data is conducted by the Information Officer or the Doctor himself. As being said from the description of the process flow, the personal information taken from the patient by the information officer will guide the Info. Off. to find the related information to the records. Then it will also be given to the doctor for referrals of the check-up. And after the check-up, those data from patient, with the data from the doctor will be recorded again or renew the existing record. Output Forms and it Processing Procedures The output forms were the reports of the gathered data. These were: * Medical Certificate * Medical Record And those data will now become record and will be kept for the patients return. And for his/ her other future complains, it will be renew or make a new record. * Proposed System Introduction The proposed system is designed to solve the problems being encountered in the Rural Health Unit. It is the Automation of the Existing System. Narrative Descriptions of the Flow As a start, like the manual system, the patient will give his/her complains to the Information Officer. Then the Information Officer will ask him/her some questions about his/her Identification and that information will be the referral in finding the record. And then, the Info. Officer will find the record in the designed database. There, it will only input the required information so as to open the Record. It will only take a while. Then, the patient will now go to the doctor for Check-up. After that, same thing, the doctor will give the medicine, if not, the prescription and then release the patient. In the other hand, the result of the check-up will be recorded again or renew the existing record in the database. Save and Print for a hard copy in case of loosing file or problems in computer operation. The Proposed Output Forms The outputs were more presentable than the existing because of computerized forms and satisfying data and information were well presented in the output. These were: * Medical Certificate * Medical Record * Personal Information/Data * Confidential Health Data (not being presented to the public unless said so by Authorities/Doctor) Economic Feasibility of the Proposed System Development Cost Computer Desktop Cost- From PhP 20,000. 00- above Licensed copy of OS Cost- PhP 9,000. 00 Licensed copy of Software Cost- PhP 9,000. 00 Use Training Cost- PhP 2,500. 00 Development Labor Cost- 7,500. 00 Annual Operating Cost Maintenance Cost- PhP 2,500. 00per month Technical Inspection Cost- PhP 5000. 00 every Third Month System Requirements Operating System * Windows 2000 Professional * Windows XP Professional Software Requirements * Microsoft Office 2000 Professional * Microsoft Office XP Professional Capacity * Memory must be high because this will hold the Medical Record of the Population of Irosin Other Devices * Printer * Other devices that will help the Record Keeping and Organization Comparative Analysis of the Existing and the Proposed System Existing System The flow of process starts from the patient. First, the patient will complain to the Information. In the other hand, that information of check-up will be recorded or renew the past record. The data being inputted in the record are mostly from the patients. Those were there personal information so to identify there records. Name names of the patients including first name, last name, and middle name or maiden name. Address – the address of the patients where they reside. Date of Birth – the date when the patient was born. Medical Information are the information like blood type, blood rate/ pressure, weight, height, pulse rate, respiratory rate, etc. Record Date the date when the file is being recorded. Date of Consultation – the date when the patient had consulted. The process of these data is conducted by the Information Officer or the Doctor himself. Medical Certificate, Medical Record. And those data will now become record and will be kept for the patients’ future use. Proposed System Officer will find the record in the designed database. Then, the patient will now go to the doctor for Check-up. The Medical Record and Personal Information/Data were being separated for confidentiality and security. Only that using Computerized is more expensive in Technical procedures and Maintenance. CHAPTER IV Research Design The group will use the interview techniques with questionnaire as the primary tool in gathering information needed to make this project. Data Gathering Techniques We, the group, used some questionnaires and interview about the transaction of medical records of patients in Rural Health Units. Preparation. The group prepared the questionnaires and interview for the personnel in charged in medical records of patients. It will be used as a basis for the propose Medical Record. Organization. The group organized the medical records by using the designed MS Access Database. Coordination. The group coordinated to the people in charged to keep confidential and lawfully organizing the medical records of patients. Data Gathering Tools Questionnaires. It was used as the basis of the Proposed System. To make it more appropriate and not living the original purpose of Medical Record. Computer and Other Devices. To document the data and other information, to process words and to save it as our back-up information and print it as an output, we uses computer. Internet. We used the Internet information as the second source of data and made a user friendly program. Database Specification Program Presentation Design Figure 1: Introductory Form Figure 2: Login Form Figure 3: Switchboard Figure 4: Personal Form Figure 5: Disease Form Flow Diagram of manual process: PATIENTS (a)INFORMATION Getting the data from the patients (b) INFORMATION Processing the data DOCTOR NEW DATA (DIAGNOSIS) Patient’s release Prescription (Rx) Proposed Diagram Patients Information officer Doctor Prescription and diagnosis release CHAPTER V Recommendation, Conclusion and Summary Recommendation We believe that this time is right for improving our health offices for major initiative to make standard technology. Achieving this goal is a very great deal to work. These can make the performance of the worker enhanced and access to more complete, accurate patients care and data. Computerization of documentation provides some benefits for those involved in litigation. One of the most obvious benefits is the creation of legible records. Computer-printed records are completely legible, therefore eliminating the confusion caused by guessing at the meaning of handwritten words. Tampering with the medical record is much more difficult to do with an electronic system. Software programs contain a way to correct mistaken entries, such as an incorrect entry, misspelled word, or typographical error. A clock embedded in the software program indicates the precise time and date of an entry, which makes it impossible to backdate information to make it look as if it was entered earlier. Software programs contain a feature that makes the entry unalterable after a certain time or event. The typical method is to make the entry unchangeable once it is authenticated. There is a regularly scheduled backup time to store data, making it impossible for someone to delete previous entries once they are saved. Our computerized medical records system is proven to eliminate soaring transcription costs, decrease malpractice exposure, and dramatically reduce paper and storage costs†¦which in turn increase your profitability. Improved risk management. By eliminating illegible charts and providing easier and more accurate compliance reporting, risks are better handled. Patient data is more securely safeguarded, requirements are easier to comply with and the risk of documentation audits is minimized. It’s also very easy to back up your database and store the information off-site. By computerizing patient records you eliminate transcription costs, maximize medical coding and ease the charting task. Your office is also able to see more patients and reallocate staffing. Automation also allows for easier billing and claims filing, maximized medical coding, an improved workflow and customized reporting. Point-of-care charting improves documentation and makes patient records instantly accessible. All patient-related messages are captured and charted to the appropriate record, which is instantly accessible. Because your patient records are computerized, you can share patient information among staff to complete multiple tasks at once and you are able to do more comprehensive documentation in less time. Conclusion A medical record includes any of an individuals health documents of the types listed. It’s may be on physical media such as film (x-rays), paper (notes), or photographs, often of different sizes and shapes. Physical storage of documents is problematic, as not all document types fit in the same size folders or storage spaces. Physical records sually require significant amounts of space to store them. When physical records are no longer maintained, the large amounts of storage space are no longer required. Paper, film, and other expensive physical media usage (and therefore cost) is also reduced with computerized record storage. When paper records are stored in different locations, furthermore, collecting and transporting them to a single location for review by a healthcare provider is time-consuming. When paper (or other types of) records are required in multiple locations, copying, faxing, and transporting costs are significant. Handwritten paper medical records can be associated with poor legibility, which can contribute to medical errors. Electronic records help with the standardization of forms, terminology and abbreviations, and data input. A CMR can come with multiple security levels and it often uses the most advanced security technology to protect patient data. Summary A medical record is very important and it must be secured for the patient’s security. The computerizations of the medical records were implemented in every hospital for records care. This can make the records safe and it makes the job well and accurate and efficient. It will also improve documentation quality, better patient’s communication, and enhances efficiency management. Not only that, it also reduces labor cost, lower internal or external copying expenses and lower malpractice insurance cost. It improves the completeness of documentation, coding accuracy, and increasing the number of services. By this, we develop our very own database software program that enables user to have an easy access of retrieving data together with the records of the patients and the confidential data files. Database Specification Manual Data Dictionary Field Names property is use to specify the name of a field within a table. For example, you can specify Last Name for a field that stores employees last names within the Employees table. Data Type property is use to specify the type of data stored in a table field. Each field can store data consisting of only a single data type. Description property is use to provide information about objects contained in the Database window as well as about individual table or query fields. Setting The DataType property uses the following settings. Setting| Type of data| Size| Text| (Default) Text or combinations of text and numbers, as well as numbers that dont require calculations, such as phone numbers. | Up to 255 characters or the length set by the FieldSize property, whichever is less. Microsoft Access does not reserve space for unused portions of a text field. | Memo| Lengthy text or combinations of text and numbers. | Up to 65,535 characters. (If the Memo field is manipulated through DAO and only text and numbers [not binary data] will be stored in it, then the size of the Memo field is limited by the size of the database. )| Number| Numeric data used in mathematical calculations. For more information on how to set the specific Number type, see the FieldSize property topic. | 1, 2, 4, or 8 bytes (16 bytes if the FieldSize property is set to Replication ID). | Date/Time| Date and time values for the years 100 through 9999. | 8 bytes. | Currency| Currency values and numeric data used in mathematical calculations involving data with one to four decimal places. Accurate to 15 digits on the left side of the decimal separator and to 4 digits on the right side. | 8 bytes. | AutoNumber| A unique sequential (incremented by 1) number or random number assigned by Microsoft Access whenever a new record is added to a table. AutoNumber fields cant be updated. For more information, see the NewValues property topic. | 4 bytes (16 bytes if the FieldSize property is set to Replication ID). | Yes/No| Yes and No values and fields that contain only one of two values (Yes/No, True/False, or On/Off). | 1 bit. | OLE Object| An object (such as a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, a Microsoft Word document, graphics, sounds, or other binary data) linked to or embedded in a Microsoft Access table. | Up to 1 gigabyte (limited by available disk space)| Hyperlink| Text or combinations of text and numbers stored as text and used as a hyperlink address. A hyperlink address can have up to three parts: text to display-    the text that appears in a field or control. address-   the path to a file (UNC path) or page (URL). subaddress-   a location within the file or page. screentip-   the text displayed as a tooltip. The easiest way to insert a hyperlink address in a field or control is to click Hyperlink on the Insert menu. | Each part of the three parts of a Hyperlink data type can contain up to 2048 characters. | Lookup Wizard| Creates a field that allows you to choose a value from another table or from a list of values by using a list box or combo box. Clicking this option starts the Lookup Wizard, which creates a Lookup field. After you complete the wizard, Microsoft Access sets the data type based on the values selected in the wizard. and allows the user to enter shorthand versions of frequently used words. | AutoForms| An AutoForm is a quick form that automatically includes every field from the table or query on which it is based. | AutoNumber| The AutoNumber format automatically assigns a new number when a record is entered. This is a good format to use for primary keys, because it ensures that unique numbers will be assigned to each record. AutoReports| An AutoReport is a quick report that automatically includes every field from the table or query on which it is based. | Axes| Axes are the lines that frame the bar chart area and provide a means for comparison. The Y axis is usually vertical and the X axis is usually horizontal. | Back Color Button| Use the Back Color button to change the background color of the selected contr ol. | Back Style| The Back Style option allows you to determine whether the color of a control will be visible or transparent. | Bar Chart| A bar chart uses colored bars of various heights or lengths to represent each item. Bitmap| A bitmap is a type of graphics file that is usually created in MS Paint. | Border Width Button| Use the Border Width button to change the border width of the selected control. | Bound Control| A bound control in a form or report is one that is used to show or edit information from a table or query, such as a text box. | Browsing| Browsing means looking through a computer system to locate files, folders, applications, or printers. | Button| A button is an icon that represents a tool or command. | By Column Button| Use the By Column button in Microsoft Graph to place data series in columns. By Row Button| Use the By Row button in Microsoft Graph to place data series in rows. | Captions| Captions serve as column headers in tables or as labels in forms. | Cli ck-and-drag| Click-and-drag refers to pressing and holding the left mouse button while moving the mouse. Click-and-drag is often used to move selected items or to select several items at one time. | Column Command| Use the Column command on the Insert menu to insert a new column to the left of the current column in Datasheet. | Column Headers| Column headers are the identifiers at the top of each column in a table. The names of the headers should correspond to the field names. | Columns| Columns are the vertical divisions of a table. Fields are represented in tables as columns. Each column in the table represents one field. | Context-sensitive| Context-sensitive refers to information or menus that are specific to the selected object. | Control| A control is any graphical object on a form or report that can be selected or manipulated. Controls include, but are not limited to, text boxes, labels, graphics, and lines. | Criteria Row| Use the Criteria row in the design grid to specify parameters that desired records must meet. For example, a criterion might tell the query to select all customer records having area code 407. A criterion is usually entered using an expression. | Data| Data is related information that is grouped and manipulated by an application. In Access, data is entered into the fields of a table. | Data Labels| Data labels provide additional information about the data in your chart. | Data Types| A fields data type specifies and limits what kind of data may be entered into that field. | Database| A database is a collection of records pertaining to a specific topic. Examples of databases include: customer lists, order records, telephone books, product listings, and Rolodex files. | Database Window| The Database window appears when you open a database. Depending on which option button you select, the Database window shows you a list of available tables, queries, forms, reports, macros, and modules. The Database window allows you to select whether you want to design, edit, view, or create specific objects. | Database Wizards| A Database Wizard creates a database for you, automatically setting up appropriate tables, forms, and queries. Access provides more than 20 Database Wizards, each devoted to a specific use, such as household inventory, ledgers, or inventory control. | Databases Card| Use the Databases card in the New dialog box to select one of the Database Wizards. | Datasheet View| Use a tables Datasheet view to view, edit, or add data. @10| Datasheet View| A tables Datasheet view allows you to view, edit, or add data to the table. | Default| A default setting is the software manufacturers preset option for a particular command or function. Default settings can be changed. Delimited| In a delimited text file, characters such as commas or tabs separate the fields. | Description| Use the description column in the Table Design view to describe each field in the table. | Deselecting| Deselecting is removing the active mark or highlight from an object. | Design Button| The Design button allows you to open the selected object in Design view, where changes can be made to the structure of the object. | Design Grid| The design grid is a graphical tool that allows you to create a query by placing fields from the upper half of the Query window into the design grid in the lower half of the window. Design View| A tables Design view allows you to add fields or make changes to the overall formatting and properties of a table. | Detail And Summary| Use the Detail And Summary option in the Show section of the Summary Options dialog box to create a report that includes each record along with the summary calculations. | Detail Section| The detail section of a form contains one record. It should consist of any labels and fields that you want to display on the form. | Drag-select| Click-and-hold the left mouse button and move the mouse to select text or items. Drop-down List| A drop-down list is a list of choices that become available by clicking a text box or its adjacent down-arrow. | Embedded Object| An embedded object is linked to the original data and is updated when the original data is updated or c hanged. | Embossed Text| Embossed text is similar to shadowed text, though the effect is more of a highlight than a shadow. Embossed text takes the same color as the background and appears slightly raised. | Expression| An expression is used to specify criteria in a query. | Field| A field is a category of information, such as a phone number, product name, or unit cost. If a table contains customer information, its fields might be first name, last name, address, city, state, zip code, and phone number. | Field List| The field list appears at the top of the Query design window when you have added a table to the query. It lists all of the fields in the table, and you can use it to add fields to the query design grid. | Field List Button| Use the Field List Button to open or close a list of fields available for use in a report or form. | Field Properties| A fields properties govern how its data is displayed or stored. File Management| File management is the process of organizing objects contained on the hard disk into a formal structure of folders, subfolders, and files. | File Type| File type refers to the format the file was saved in and often refers to the application that created the file. | Files| A file is a collection of data referred to by a given name. | Filter By Form| A Filter By Form lets you designate the records you are seeking by opening a blank view of your datasheet or form and letting you type in or select from a drop-down list the data you are seeking. Filter By Selection| A Filter By Selection lets you designate the records you are seeking simply by clicking the value you are looking for within the form or datasheet. | Filters| A filter is a feature that provides a quick way to select and view designated records. Filters may be applied from within tables, forms, or the datasheet of a query. They can also be run from within another filter. A filter cannot be based on multiple tables or be used to perform calculations. | Find Command| The Find command allows you to search the computer for files and folders based on particular criteria. Find Now Button| Use the Find Now button to initiate the search for a designated file. | Fixed Width| In a fixed width file, fields are arranged in columns with spaces in-between. | Flipping| Flipping is the action of rotating or flipping an object either horizontally, vertically, left, or right. | Folders| Part of the organizational system of the computer disk, folders can contain files or other folders. | Font| A font is a style and size of type, such as Times New Roman, 12 point, bold. | Fonts Folder| The Fonts folder is an area on the system used for controlling and managing type styles. Fore Color Button| Use the Fore Color button to change the color of selected text. | Form| A form is a feature that shows only the information you want to see, in the order you want to see it. A form is used to view data in a database, enter new data into the database, or edit data. | Form View Button| Use the Form View button to switch between the Design, Form, and Database views of your form. | Form Wizard| Form Wizard provides step-by-step help in creating a form. | Formatting| Formatting is the way entries in a field are displayed or printed. For example, if 5. 9 is entered into a field formatted as currency, it will display as $5. 49. | Frame| A frame is a placehold er that may be inserted for a graphic. | Gridlines| Gridlines in a report are non-printing lines that help you to line up or position controls. They can be turned off or on from the View menu. Gridlines in a form are non-printing lines that help you to line up or position controls. | Group| When you group data in a report, you tell Access that you want certain data arranged together. For example, you might want to group order records by item number, with all the orders for a particular item number listed together. Grouping Objects| Grouping objects combines multiple objects into a single object with its own selection handles. | Groups/Totals Report| A Groups/Totals report, which can be created using Report Wizard, organizes data in a row-and-column format, grouping records based on specified fields. Totals and grand totals may then be calculated for each grouping. | Heading Section| The heading section of a form appears at the top of the form and usually consists of the title of the form. Other data that you may want in a heading section might be the date or the company name. Hot Spot| A hot spot is a green word or phrase that can be used to open help about that particular word or phrase. Click a hot spot with a solid underline to open a help document about the phrase. Click a hot spot with a dotted underline to open a pop-up window about the phrase. | Image Button| Use the Image button to create a frame for a graphic that cannot be edited from within Access. | Image Mouse Pointer| The mouse pointer changes to an Image mouse pointer when you can draw a frame for a graphic. | Import| Importing is the process of bringing in the data from another database (including non-Access databases). Index| Access uses indexes to help locate or sort records more quickly. | Input Mask| An input mask helps to control the values that are entered into a field and might include dashes, spaces, or parentheses. You then fill in the blanks. When you use Table Wizard, input masks may be automatically applied to certain fields, such as phone numbers or zip codes. | Insertion Point| The insertion point is the vertical, flashing bar that shows you your current position on screen. Whatever you type will be entered at this point. | Insertion Point| An insertion point is the place where text or graphics will appear in the document. Join Lines| A join line is drawn between two fields in different tables to indicate that the two tables are linked or joined by the data in those two fields. | Label| A label is any area on a form or report where titles or descriptions are shown. The label can stand alone or be attached to a control. If a label is attached to a control, it often contains the name of the field represented by the control. | Label Button| Use the Label button to create a label. | Label Mouse Pointer| The mouse pointer changes to a capital A with a plus sign once you have clicked the Label button and are ready to insert a label. Label Wizard| Label Wizard is o ne of the report wizards that runs you through a series of step-by-step dialog boxes that allow you to select the size of labels you wish to create. | Labels| A label is any area on a form or report where titles or descriptions are shown. A label can stand alone or be attached to a control. | Landscape| Landscape refers to the orientation of the paper. In Landscape mode, the report is formatted to fit 11 x 8? paper. | Last Record Button| Use the Last Record button to take you to the last record in the table or form. Layout| The layout of the report is how the data is placed on the page, including how it is aligned and whether it is in a single column or multiple columns. Access provides several preformatted layout options from which to choose. | Legends| A legend provides a key to the data illustrated in a chart. | Line Button| Use the Line Button to draw a line. | Linking Tables| When an Access table is linked from another database, you have access to all of the records in the lin ked table. | Links| Links tell Access how the tables are related to each other by indicating which fields they have in common. Lookup Field| A Lookup field points to another table and lets you select data from that table by using a drop-down list. | Macro| A macro is an advanced option used to automate a series of tasks. You might want to write a macro to run functions that you perform on a regular basis, such as printing particular reports whenever you open a database. | Mailing Labels| Mailing Labels are address labels that are affixed to sales flyers, catalogs, or letters. | Main Form| A main form is the primary form and may contain one or more subforms. Make-table Queries| A make-table query takes the selected records and creates a new table with them. | Margins| Margins are the areas that border the printed portion of the page along the top, sides, and bottom. | Marquee-select| Marquee-selecting is the process of clicking-and-dragging the mouse pointer over a group of objects u ntil a dotted line forms a box around it. | Match| The Match criterion in the Find in field dialog box lets you specify what part of the field needs to match the text you type in the Find What box. | MB| MB (or megabyte) is a data measurement. One megabyte is equal to 1,000 kilobytes of data. Menu Bar| A menu bar is a list of commands across the top of the screen that may be opened to reveal additional commands. | Microsoft Graph| Microsoft Graph is an application used within Microsoft software, such as Access, Word, and PowerPoint, to create graphic representations, or charts, of your data. | Module| A module is a unit of Visual Basic For Applications programming code and is much more complex than a macro. Modules allow you to create very sophisticated, customized databases; however, they require the ability to program in the Visual Basic For Applications language. More Files| Use the More Files option to see other databases that you have worked with if the database you want is not in the original list. | Multiple Table Queries| Multiple table queries are queries that use more than one table. | Multitasking| Multitasking is the process of running more than one application or activity at a time. | Name Property| The Name Property on the property sheet is used to rename a page on a tab control. | Navigation Buttons| The navigation buttons are a group of five buttons located at the bottom of a table or form. They move you to various records within the table or form. Navigation Keys| Navigation keys are keyboard keys that allow you to move around within a document, such as [PAGE UP], [HOME], and the arrow keys. | New Button| Click the New button to create a new object, depending on which object tab is selected. | Next Record Button| Use the Next Record button to take you to the next record in the table or form. | Normalization| Normalization is the process of splitting a table into related tables, in order to eliminate wasted space, redundancy, and keying errors. | Number Across| Number across refers to the number of labels that may be printed in a single row across the page or sheet. Object Tabs| The object tabs, which are located along the top of the Database window, allow you to switch between the available types of objects: tables, queries, forms, reports, macros, and modules. | Objects| Objects are any data that can be used in an application or shared with other applications. | Office Assistant| The Office Assistant is a feature that provides help and tips as you work in Access. | OLE| Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) are processes that permit the sharing of files and objects between applications. | Open Database Button| Use the Open Database button to access an existing database so that you can open it. Open Hand Mouse Pointer| The Open Hand mouse pointer indicates that the pointer is in the correct position to move a text box and its attached label. | Option Button| An option button in a dialog box is a round button that is used to select one of several mutually exclusive commands. | Page| Each tab on a tab control is called a page. | Page Footer Section| Any controls in the Page Footer section in the report design window will appear at the bottom of every page of the report. | Plot Area| The plot area is the chart. It includes the axes, the data labels, the grid, and the bars, lines, or wedges that make up the chart. Point| Pointing is the action of placing the mouse pointer over the desired object or text. | Portrait| Portrait refers to the orientation of the paper. In Portrait mode, the report is formatted to fit 8? x 11 paper. | Primary Key| The primary key is the unique identifier for each record, such as an employee number, a product number, or a customer number. Access will not allow duplicate entries in a field that is set up as a primary key. | Primary Key Fields| The primary key is the unique identifier for each record, such as an employee number, a product number, or a customer number. Print Area| Within a report, the print area is the area that will be printed, even though it may contain blank areas. In Report Design view, this is shown by default as a white background. | Print Preview| Print Preview is one of the report views. It allows you to see how the document will look when it is printed. | Properties Button| Use the Properties button to open the property sheet for the selected control. | Property Sheet| The property sheet contains settings that control the characteristics or appearance of the selected control. | Query| A query is a question that you ask about the data in your table(s). For example, you may want to know which of your customers bought pinto beans in March. Access searches designated tables or queries and provides you with an answer. | Query Design View| Query Design view lets you build or edit a query using the design grid. | Query Type Button| Use the Query Type button to begin creating a specific type of query. | Query View Button| Use the Query View button to switch between the Design, SQL, and Datasheet views of your query. | Raised Special Effect| The Raised special effect makes the selected control appear slightly elevated from the background. Record| A record is all of the information collected about a specific event, thing, product, or person, such as a customer record. A record can consist of many fields. For instance, a customer record could consist of the customers first name, last name, address, city, state, zip code, and phone number. | Record Indicator| The record indicator is a small box that appears on the scroll box when the scroll b ox is clicked or moved. It displays which record number you are at in the table. | Record Selector| A record selector is the small box to the left of a record or row in a table. Click a record selector to select the adjacent record. Recordset| A Recordset is the result of a query. While the Recordset may look like a table or Datasheet, it exists only in the computers memory. Once you close it, it no longer exists unless you save it. | Referential Integrity| Referential integrity is a system of rules that Access uses to make sure that relationships between records in related tables are valid, and that you dont accidentally delete or change related data. | Relational Database| A relational database management system is an application that allows you to organize, manipulate, query, and view your data, while building links between related opics. Access is a relational database management system. | Relationships| Relationships are ties that are created between tables in the database so t hat Access can combine data from more than one table to create reports. It is how tables determine how they correspond to each other. | Relationships Button| Use the Relationships button to open the Relationships window so that you can view, edit, or define relationships between tables and queries. | Replace Text Box| Use the Replace text box in the AutoCorrect dialog box to enter the text you want to replace. Report| A report is used to show and print selected information from a table in a customized manner. A report differs from a form because it does not allow you to make any modifications or edits to the actual records within the table(s). | Report Design View| Report Design view lets you create a report from scratch or modify the way a report appears. Fields, lines, labels, color, and graphics can be added to a report in Design view. | Report Sections| In Design view, a report is divided into different sections, which vary depending on the individual report. Some common section s include the Report Header, Detail, and Page Footer sections. When printed, some sections, such as Report Header, appear only once on the report. Other sections, such as the Detail section, are repeated over and over until all the records are shown. | Report Wizard| Report Wizard helps you create a report by giving you a variety of choices in a series of dialog boxes. | Right-click Menu| A right-click menu is a context-sensitive menu for an object. | Right-drag| Right-dragging is the process of pressing and holding the right mouse button while moving the mouse. | Row Selector| The row selector is the small box to the left of each field name in the upper half of the Table Design view window. Rows| Rows are the horizontal divisions of a table. Each row contains a separate record. | Rulers| In Form or Report Design View, horizontal and vertical rulers located along the top and left side of the screen indicate your current position within the document. They can assist you in determining the size of a control or a section. They can be turned off or on from the View menu. | Run| When you run a query, you tell it to find and list the designated records. | Sample Tables| The Table Wizard provides numerous sample tables-both business-related and personal-from which to choose. Select the type of table that most closely fits your application. Your selection of sample fields will be based on the sample table you select. | Save As/Export Option| The Save As/Export option located on the File menu lets you save the selected object under a different name. | Screen Element| A screen element is an object on the screen, such as a button or a ruler. | Search Subfolders| Use the Search Subfolders option in the Advanced Find dialog box to extend your search through the current folder and all of its subfolders. @49| Section| A section is a portion of a form. A form contains at least one section, but can contain others. The most common sections used on forms are the heading and detail sections. | Select| You select, or highlight, an object by clicking it with the mouse. In order to work with an object, you must first select it. | Select Query| A select query retrieves a set of records based on the fields and criteria designated in the design grid. @61| Selecting| Selecting is highlighting an object or data in order to perform a command or operation. | Selection Bar| The selection bar is an unmarked area in the left margin of a document that allows for easy data selection. Selection Query| A selection query searches for and creates a Recordset of all records that meet designated criteria. | Shadowed Button| Use the Shadowed Button to apply a border around the control and a shadow box behind it. | Shadowing Text| When you shadow text, you add a drop-shadow behind it. You can use shadowing for emphasis. | SHIFT| The [SHIFT] key on the keyboa rd is used in conjunction with other keys and mouse actions to capitalize letters and perform various commands and functions. | SHIFT+Click| [SHIFT+Click] is the process of holding down the [SHIFT] key while pressing the left mouse button. SHIFT+TAB| Use [SHIFT+TAB] to move one column to the left. | Shortcut| A shortcut points to an application or document in another location and is represented by an icon with an arrow at the bottom. | Shortcut Menu| A shortcut menu shows a list of context-sensitive options. (See Right-click Menu. )| Show Table Button| Use the Show Table button to open a dialog box that lets you add a table to the query or the Relationships window| Show Table Dialog Box| The Show Table dialog box lets you add tables to your query. | Single-column Report| A single-column report prints all the data in one column. The quickest way to produce one that allows you to choose your fields is to use Report Wizard, then select Vertical under layout options. | Size Mode| Size Mode specifies how a graphic will be sized. | Sizing Handles| Sizing handles are the small black boxes on the corners, sides, tops, and bottoms of selected text boxes or controls. You can resize the selected object by clicking-and-dragging one of these handles. | Sort| When you sort data in a report, you tell Access that you want the data arranged in a certain order. For example, you might want to sort order records by date ordered. You also can sort items within a group. | Sort Row| Use the Sort row to designate how the records will be sorted. The sort options available are ascending, descending, or not sorted. If you wish to sort records by the Cost field, then you would designate this in the Sort cell of the Cost column. | Special Effects| Access lets you change the appearence of a selected control by applying one of the following special effects: Flat, Raised, Sunken, Etched, Shadowed, Chisled. | Specific Record Box| The Specific Record box tells you the number of the current record. Status Bar| The status bar is a horizontal line of information located at the bottom of the Access window. It may provide instructions or descriptions as you work in Access. | Status Box| The status box is an informational panel on one end of the Taskbar that provides information about the system. | Style| The style is the appearance of the report, including font styles, borders, and colors. Access has a number of preformatted s tyles from which to choose. | Subfolders| Subfolders are folders within folders. | Subform| A subform is a form within a main form and can be displayed as a datasheet or as a single or continuous form. Summary Report| A summary report takes all of the records in a table or query and, instead of listing each record separately, it summarizes or condenses them. | Switchboard| A switchboard is a form that allows you to open other reports or forms or to perform other actions. It is particularly useful when creating a database that will be used by those who are not proficient in Access. | Tabbed Form| A tabbed form contains more than one page for each record. | Table| A table is a feature, comprised of parallel columns and rows, which is used to store, organize, and view data on a particular topic. A single database may contain numerous tables containing information about related topics, such as customer addresses, product prices, and order information. | Table Design View Window| The Table Design view window is divided into two halves. The top half allows you to select or add fields, while the bottom half shows the properties of the selected field. | Table View Button| Use the Table View button to switch between the Design and Datasheet views of your table. | Table Views| There are two places to work with tables in Access: Design view and Datasheet view. Table Wizard| The Table Wizard provides step-by-step help in creating a table, selecting the fields, designating a primary key, and naming the table. | Tabs| Tabs are the titles of the cards found in some dialog boxes. Clicking one brings that card to the front. | Text Box Button| Use the Text Box button to create a text box. @75| Text Box Mouse Pointer| The mouse pointer changes to a text box pointer when you can insert a tex t box in a form or report. | Text Boxes| A text box is an area on a form or report where data fields can be shown or changed. Tick Mark Labels| Tick mark labels are the names that are applied to each section designated by tick marks. | Tick Marks| Tick marks are small marks that divide the sections of data along the axes of a bar chart. | Title Bar| The title bar is the area at the top of a window that contains the name of the application or open file. | Tool| A tool is a shortcut button, usually shown on a bar near the top of a window, that provides quick access to a commonly used command. | Toolbar| A toolbar is a group of tools of usually related functions. | Toolbox Button| Use the Toolbox button to toggle between opening and closing the toolbox. ToolTip| A ToolTip is a descriptive label that appears when the mouse pointer is held over a tool. | Truncated| Truncated text is the shortening or abbreviation of text due to limited display space. | Unbound Control| An unbound control in a form or report is not linked to a table or query and is usually a label, line, or graphic. | Ungrouping Objects| Ungrouping objects allows you to work with each part of a grouped object individually. | Unit Of Measure| The Unit of Measure options for labels are as follows: English, which lists the available label sizes in inches. Metric, which lists the available label sizes in millimeters. | Up One Level Button| Use the Up One Level button to access the next higher-level folder on the computer. | Update Queries| An update query makes a change to designated records. | Wizards| Wizards guide you through difficult tasks using step-by-step dialog boxes. | WYSIWYG| WYSIWYG is an acronym for What You See Is What You Get, meaning that what you see on the screen should be what prints on the page. | † WIZARDs ®Ã¢â‚¬   â€Å"Time is gold. † As a leader, it is really hard to let your member decide whether it is final or not. This is just my observation about our cooperation to fulfill our final documentation. Position: leader Name: Joel Gaano Balderama Address: San Agustin, Irosin, Sorsogon Civil Status: Single Course: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science â€Å"Being responsible is and honor we can give and an honor we can get. † As a member of a team, we shall always be approachable and available so that we can fulfill our duties. Position: Assistant/ Documentator/Program designer Name: Anne Christine Tenes Grajo Address: Cogon, Irosin, Sorsogon Course: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology E-mail Address: [emailprotected] com It is really hard to make a thesis†¦but with the aid of cooperation of the co-members it makes our works lighter than it seems. † Position: Assistant/ Programmer Name: Riza Monte Garcia Address: Burabod, Bagsangan, Irosin, Sorsogon Course: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science E-mail Address: [emailprotected] com â€Å"As a member I can see that eac h and everyone is willing to learn something new about all techniques involve in realization of our thesis†¦ And I can see that it is really effective†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Position: Member/ Financier Name: Rico Fortes Gile Address: Patag, Irosin, Sorsogon Course: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science E-mail Address: [emailprotected] com â€Å"All the hardworks has it fruitful rewards†¦ this is the presumption I am having as we do our thesis documentation†¦ All the efforts we have made is simply a ‘gathered-fruit’ though our own time of preparations. † Position: Member/ Financier Name: Arlyn Loberia Nanoz Address: Omagom, Gulang-gulang, Irosin, Sorsogon Course: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science E-mail Address: [emailprotected] com. ph â€Å"Time is very important in preparing this kind of documentation†¦ We encounter repetition of printing and then in editing of redundancies of our thesis. As a member I am very much concern about my co-members participation. † Position: Member/ Financier Name: Vincent Paul Herrera Fundano Address: San Pedro, Irosin, Sorsogon Course: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology E-mail Address: [emailprotected] com â€Å"In the preparation of our thesis I was amazed by my co-members for their patience in finalizing this kind of documentation†¦ They had the perseverance to finish our task†¦ And by this I was influenced to cooperate with them. At least I do contribute my time and effort. † Position: Secretary/ Financier Name: Mary Jane Lacsa Alunan Address: Bacolod, Irosin, Sorsogon Course: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science E-mail Address: [emailprotected]