Literary Components Of M Commerce Information Technology Essay

Literary Components Of M Commerce Information Technology Essay The present assignment on Secure Mobile Transactions: m-commerce, aims to present a comprehensive view of all the technological and security aspects that influence and govern monetary transactions done on wireless networks. This paper refers to some basic concepts related to m-commerce and then proceeds to discuss various purely technical issues involved in m-commerce. This work identifies presently available technologies that facilitate m-commerce and gives explanation about each of such technology. Further, the assignment focuses on the security challenges involved in mobile transactions and various aspects of mobile payments. Finally, the paper gives a brief list of m-commerce solutions currently available. Table of Contents 1. Introduction: Mobile commerce or simply m-commerce relates to commercial business operations and transactions carried out on wireless telecommunication networks with the infrastructural assistance of handheld mobile electronic devices. E-commerce is the commercial business processes done on internet and the m-commerce is making all monetary transactions on mobile devices (wireless electronic commerce). The technology of m-commerce offers many services and facilities that make commercial dealings simplified and reduce time consumed in those transactions. But the users and service providers have to be cautious of possible treats of wireless trade operations. Security of information, privacy to personal details and protection to the money involved are the real touch stones of strength of m-commerce. 2. Literary components of m-Commerce: The concept of mobile commerce came into existence in the last decade of the 20th century. What has started as a facility to make payments to a soft drink vending machine, has now effectively subsumed nearly every aspect of electronic commerce. Today, m-commerce has emerged as a viable extension to e-commerce. Now the customers of any service or product can make their payments over mobile phones staying anywhere or even on move. Fundamental difference between e-commerce and m-commerce is that, in electronic commerce business dealings and transactions are made on internet, but the mobile commerce services can be used with the help of simple and inexpensive SMS and IVR systems (Rediff.com, 2010). Statistics inform that, the penetration of personal computers is still limited and the mobile penetration is nearly ten times more than that of PCs. Further, the wide internet access is still a distant dream with the exception of big cities and conurbations. Thus with the presently available u ser share and the further spread in future would certainly point mobile commerce as a viable and popular option to make swift and secure monetary transactions. Further, people with basic literacy can also make use of various services of mobile commerce unlike the electronic commerce, which requires the users to have good command on PC knowledge and its operational procedures. The central point of mobile commerce is making payments on mobile phones. It is a point of sale payment made over a mobile gadget like cell phone, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) ,a smart phone, gadgets of personal area networks and other newly coming wireless equipment (Krueger, 2001). Here, not only the merchandise transactions made through cell phones but the monetary payments made to utility vending machines, cab services, car wash machines etc also constitute acts of mobile commerce (Paavalainen, 2001). The core idea is the convenience. This convenience should not turn into a nightmare because of lack of security of the data exchanged in these commercial transactions over wireless networks. Important services offered by m-commerce are, Making reservations of tickets of journeys Booking various entertainment show tickets Making payments of civic utility bills Transferring gift vouchers Booking hotel rooms Booking cab services Make money donations to social service foundations Making stock market trading To avail all these facilities, mobile users can make use of SMS, BREW, GPRS and IVR services. Key issues of mobile transactions are the questions of authentication and security. The service providers have to follow robust security standards that are in vogue world wide. Some of the presently accepted standards are PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard). Advantages of m-commerce are: Reduction of time consumed in serving merchandise orders Reduction in the cost of management of commercial transactions Gives extensively broad reach Helps in effectively coordinating all the business processes involved Gives competitive advantage in matters of product pricing Provides high speed access to modern cellular applications (Answers Corporation, 2010). Disadvantages of mobile transactions: Cost of establishing and managing wireless telecommunication infrastructure Concerns over safety of information and data exchanged over mobile gadgets Mobile devices come with small screens and this limited display can limit the types of data and files that can be exchanged and accessed Advanced mobile technologies are now largely confined to big cities Technical limitations of mobile telecommunication equipments (Answers Corporation, 2010). Given the comparative merits and demerits of mobile commerce, one can be perfectly sure that, the ongoing technological researches would certainly find viable answers to problems of this new paradigm in wireless commerce. 3. How m-commerce differs from e-commerce? The level of wide availability of wireless telecommunication networks to use m-commerce applications practically from any location. The convenience in handling these small and low weighed devices is unique when compared to equipment required for carrying out electronic commerce transactions. Further these mobile devices are purely personal electronic gadgets and this guarantees maximum personalization unlike the PCs with Internet which are needed for e-commerce actions that are often shared among multiple users. Localized positioning of users can be done on all mobile commerce transactions. As the users carry their mobile phones with them, they can utilize their preferred personalized settings with which they can transact. This personalization is not available in electronic commerce transactions and dealings. 4. Technical areas related to secure m-commerce: There are various aspects on the technical front that are closely related to safe money transactions done on wireless telecommunication networks with the help of mobile handheld devices. They are: 4.1. Need for secure m-commerce: According to Yeun (2001), there are more cell phones which are connected to internet than the number of net connected Personal Computers. Though the PC penetration is also gaining pace, the spread of mobile phones and related gadgets has already surpassed all the future projections. The comfort given by mobile merchandise transactions is fueling the further expansion of m-commerce. As more and more people are resorting to the m-commerce utilities, the service providers have to take every care to ensure that all the transactions done, payments made, business deals concluded and the information exchanged over wireless networks is best guarded and strongly protected. Already the electronic commerce has seen any worst cases of security breaches and fraudulent infringements in high value commercial transactions done on electronic media through PCs connected to internet. This shows the dire need to research, design, invent and implement robust security standards for every small monetary tr ansaction done over mobiles. Propensity of threat should be reduced and the vulnerability of supportive wireless networks should be reduced to sub-terrestrial depths to complement the growing demand for m-commerce. 4.2. Security Challenges in m-commerce: As the wireless telecommunication networks are spreading fast and becoming a ubiquitous resource, the user base of m-commerce is fast expanding. But to ensure the continuity of this boom, high security of mobile transactions is in dire need. Important data and transaction security problems that pervade over m-commerce transactions are analyzed by Grosche Knospe (n.d.). As the mobile gadgets are purely personal devices, they are bound to carry some important private and confidential information which needs protection from unauthorized intruder access. To answer this threat these, smart and sensitive gadgets must employ user authentication mechanisms like passwords and PIN. Further, these cell phones must come with good data backup and crash recovery tools pre-installed in them, to cater to any unforeseen data loss and authentication breach. The operating systems used in the wireless gadgets must have tested perfection in defending owners data security needs. While the owner of the mobile phone intends to transmit some data over wireless telecommunication network for any commercial dealing, the wireless interface that guides this information exchange must be strong enough to maintain high levels of confidentiality, content integrity and more particularly user authenticity. Eavesdropping is a big threat which the wireless networks have to confront ser iously. Data security mechanisms vary from one mobile technology to another. The end user access networks need to be strongly protected from data theft within and out side these network loops. And the network operator concerned must ensure that the money transactions made are concluded to the maximum satisfaction of both parties. Money payment actions done on wireless networks should have assured secrecy and protection to the money involved. This task should cover all the stages starting from the payment or committing to make a payment up to the conclusion of the deal and authentication systems have to guard the entire transaction leaving no chance to intruder attack. 4.2. Technologies involved in m-commerce security: With the increasing widening of mobile penetration, and all other similar wireless handheld devices, the services offered by mobile commerce have assured future. The technologies involved in the mobile commerce mainly deal with transferring of data and information over the available wireless telecom networks. Presently, widely used supportive network technologies are 2nd generation (2G), 3rd generation (3G) etc (Grosche Knospe n.d.). 2nd generation wireless telephone technologies include, GSM (TDMA based), CDMA One etc. 2G telecommunication technologies are also known as PCS (Personal Communications Service) in USA. Advanced version of 2G services is 2.5G. This new one offers data transfer at higher speed. These services gave way to 3G services. This 3G technology comes with wireless telecom services like CDMA2000, UMTS, GSM EDGE, WiMAX, DECT etc. These new mobile standards support data transfers up to 14Mbits per second while downloading. The security of data transfers is higher in 3G when compared to earlier 2G technology. 3G services come with user authentication facilities while connecting to any network. This guarantees high security to all the transactions done of that specific telecom network (Grosche Knospe n.d.).. GSM is the most used media for carrying out mobile commerce transactions. The data transfer and sharing services offered on GSM networks are, SMS (Short Messaging Service) for sending short messages having maximum 160 characters on the network media, WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) to access internet APIs designed in WML (Wireless Mark-up Language), HSCSD (High Speed Circuit Switched Data) tool of channel clustering for high data transfer rates and GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) actually, this is an extension of GSM services. Fundamental architecture of GSM network generally contains GPRS, Intelligent Network(IN) and SMS services. UTMS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System) is a modern telecommunication system offered by 3G services. This is largely an extension of existing GSM. It has WCDMA (Wireband Code Division Multiple Access) radio channel signaling technology (Grosche Knospe n.d.). WLAN (Wireless LAN) works in 2.4 GHz 5 GHz spectrum. Normally WLANs are low in data security. IEEE stipulated WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) to provide some security to transactions done on WLANs. 5. Security at various levels of mobile transactions: 5.1. Safety in data transport channels: The technologies like GSM, GPRS, WLAN, UTMS provide considerable security to all deals transacted on wireless networks. But they cannot handle the safety constraints, when the commercial transactions involve multiple access networks. To ensure end to end security in such cases that communicate over Internet Protocol, SSL/TLS is widely used. SSL works with TCP (Transmission Control Protocol). Another transport layer security protocol designed and used for this purpose is WTLS with WAP services (Grosche Knospe n.d.). 5.2. Safety of network services: To make m-commerce transactions more secure, Intelligent Network (IN) concept in GSM networks is introduced. This GSM framework contains IN logic i.e. CAMEL (Cuatomized Application for Mobile Enhanced network Logic). IN handles all the m-commerce conversations. These services can also be used with SMS systems. Other technologies for secure services are, Parlay / OSA (Open Service Access) and USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) (Grosche Knospe n.d.). 6. Security models presently in use: GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) is the widely used mobile security standard in European countries. According to Zobol (2001), Europe has the highest mobile penetration and the European Commission is presently implementing 15 new projects that operate mobile telecommunication networks. These projects are using WAP, GPRS, UTMS technologies. For ensuring high security of mobile transactions, they are using NESSIE encryption and E-PASTA environment. Further, 4G an ultra speed broadband is also under implementation. 7. m-Payments: The commercial transactions concluded on mobile wireless networks do involve money payment. The concept of m-payments related to payment of charges for services or the price of goods sold or purchased over mobile wireless telecommunication networks. Significant advantageous aspects of m-payments are, less time consumed, no need to carry physical money and remote operability of accounts safely. There are different variants of m-payment systems like, pre paid payment systems, pay now payment systems and post payment systems. There are various agreed limits of money transactions that can be done on mobile networks. In Europe micro, small and macro payments are in vogue form 1euro to more than 10 euros. In India the monetary transactions up to Rs.50000 can be done (Rediff.com, 2010). The level of safety such mobile transactions need varies based on the money involved and the items that are traded in that transaction. But in each of such case anonymity of customer has to be protected safely. Mandatory and common requirements of mobile transactions are authenticity, reliability, confidentiality, authorization and integrity. Further the response time has to be reduced to minimum. And, conformity to ACID (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation and Durability) principle for all deals involving monetary payment. Depending on the sources of money from where customers make payment over mobile networks, various m-payment systems presently available are: Software electronic coins, Hardware electronic coins, Background amount (Grosche Knospe n.d.). 8. Examples of m-commerce security solutions: Irrespective of the mode of payments made on mobile phones, there are various standardization bodies that deal with mobile commerce transactions. Some of them are, MoSign, Mobile Payment Forum, mSign etc. Another famous data security standard related to m-commerce is PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) (TechTarget, 2010). Visa International has recently developed Mobile 3D. It is a global security specification standard system that makes money transactions made by mobile phones and on internet more secure and safe (CellularOnline, n.d.). Finacle m-commerce solution developed by Infosys has many good security features like, generation of One time Password (OTP), USSD application, strong inclusivity framework and ability to register multiple bank accounts to a single mobile (Infosys, 2010). 9. Conclusion: Security of transactions concluded on mobile telecommunication networks is of fundamental necessity for the very concept of m-commerce. This assignment attempted to through light on every important aspect related to mobile commerce. The technologies discussed in this paper do need further improvement to cope up with the increasing threats to data and money transfer over internet and on wireless networks. Growing fraudulent intrusions on mobile information systems and individual gadgets make up a persistent need to continuously refine existing solutions and design new ones that can better resist attacks on transaction security over wireless media.

Addiction Counselor Essay

The Human Service Career of Addiction Counseling has inspired me to learn all I can to help people, and has given me the opportunity to make an honest living. I was in desperate need of a behavior and attitude change about my life, for I have received the information from others in the field and made a conscious decision to help others who have a desire for change and a new way of life. Substance abuse counselors advise people who have alcoholism or other types of addiction, behavioral problems, or help the client recover from addiction by providing treatment and support. Substance abuse counselors and behavior disorder counselors do the following: Help people in treatment centers, jails, institutions with mental and physical, addiction or problem behavior. In these settings they assist people develop treatment goals and plans. They help people with family problems. Help people with behavioral and attitude to recover from their addiction. Work with families about addiction or behavioral disorders, and help them develop strategies to cope with those problems. Refer people to other resources or services, such as job placement services and support groups. The support groups of Narcotic’s Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous are just a couple of positive resources addicts in recovery attend. There are a number of career centers located in metropolitan areas which help people with job placement or assist them to obtain the skills to get a job. Addiction counselors also work with other health and mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, social workers, doctors, and nurses. They work in places that employ many types of healthcare and mental health professionals. Addiction treatment counselors may work in teams to best develop a treatment plan and coordinate the suggested care for a patient. Counselors work with those who have been ordered by a judge to receive treatment for addiction problems. Counselors work in a wide variety of settings; mental health centers, prisons, probation or parole agencies and juvenile detention facilities. They also work in halfway houses, detox centers, or in employee assistance programs. EAP’s are mental health programs provided by some companies to help employees deal with personal problems. Addiction counselors work in residential centers, where clients live in the facility for thirty days, sixty days, six months, one year, and eighteen month long term program. They work with clients in outpatient treatment centers or programs. Addiction counselors also work in private practice, where they work alone or with other professionals. They have sometimes have large caseloads, and do not always have enough counselors to meet the demand for their services. They may have to work together in some situations to deal with agitated clients, which can be very stressful. Addiction counselors work full time, and overtime in inpatient facilities, you may have to work evenings, nights, or weekends. Education requirements are from a high school diploma to a master’s degree, depending on where you’re working and state regulation. Counselors with a license are able to do more with their clients, such as private one-on-one counseling sessions. If this is what you’re interested in you need to reach your state’s education requirements. Substance abuse and behavioral disorders counselors in private practice must be license. Private practice, requires a master’s degree and 2,000 to 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. Counselors must pass a state-recognized exam and complete continuing education every year. Contact information for your state’s regulating board can be found through the National Board for Certified Counselors. The licensure or certification criteria for substance abuse and behavioral counselors outside of private practice may vary from state to state. The state you’re working in may or may not require a specific degree, but many require applicants to pass an exam. Addiction Counselor’s with less education, such as a high school diploma, may be required to go through a period of on the job training. Training prepares counselors how to respond to a crisis situation, and interact with families and people with addictions. The wages for substance abuse behavioral disorder counselors in the industries employing the most counselors were as follows: Hospitals, state, local. Private –$ 45,000, Local Government –$ 45,000, Individual and family services – $ 37,000, Outpatient mental health and substances abuse centers – $ 35,000 and Residential mental health and substance abuse facilities – $33,570. The median is annual wage of substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors was $ 38,120 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $ 24,690 and the top 10 percent earned more than $ 60,400. Employment of addiction counselors is expected to grow more than average for all occupations. Growth is expected as more people seek treatment for their addictions or other behaviors and drug offenders are increasingly being sentenced to treatment rather than jail time. The court system has recognized that people committing crimes related to drugs are less likely to offend again if they get treatment for addiction. As the population grows, the number of individuals entering treatment is expected to increase as well. This is expected to cause a continued demand for counselors in mental health centers, halfway houses, detox centers, and treatment programs. Important qualities for this kind of work are as follows: Compassion; Counselors often work with people who are dealing with stressful and difficult situations, so they must be compassionate and empathize with their clients. Listening skills; Good listening skills are essential for substance abuse counselors, they need to give their full attention to a client to be able to understand that client’s problem and values. Patients; Counselors must be able to remain calm when working with all types of clients, including those who may be distressed or angry. People skills; Counselors must be able to work with different types of people. They spend most of their time working directly with clients or other professionals and must be able to develop and nature good relationships. Speaking skills; Counselors need to be able to communicate with clients effectively. They must express ideas and information in a way that their clients easily understand. Job prospects are excellent for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors, particularly for those with specialized training or education. Employers often have difficulty recruiting workers with the proper educational requirements and experience in working with addiction. Although, many workers leave the field after a few years and jobs need to be replaced. Those interested in entering this field should do some searching and find the right place suitable to your liking so you can enjoy helping others while earning a responsible living. References Occupational outlook handbook (2012-13 ed, pp, 192-194). Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorders Counselors. Baton Rouge, LA: Claitor’s Pub. Division.

Narration in The Turn of the Screw Essay - 1606 Words

Narration in The Turn of the Screw Henry James makes the governess the narrator because she keeps the readers’ interest by also being involved in the story as a main character. However, being involved on this personal level, it can make the governess exaggerate at times and be over-emotional. Her determined and curious nature makes her an ideal candidate to explore the mysterious happenings, however her imagination keeps the reader in suspense, as we are never sure how much she has exaggerated the story. This also adds tension as the full picture is never revealed. This choice of narrator is therefore challenged by Susan Hill’s description that a narrator should be ‘unimaginative and straightforward’ as the governess’†¦show more content†¦James makes us think that there is something unusual about this, because the governess is imagining the master appearing like that to tell her she’s doing a good job, so her imagination becomes reality. However, it soon becomes clear that this was not the person she was imagining appearing, as he is not wearing a hat, something no gentleman would be without in Victorian times. Also it is dusk when he appears, and all of the birds stop singing and the scene is described as ‘stricken with death’ all of which create a suitable atmosphere for a spectre to appear in. The governess’s reaction to the sighting is to stand transfixed on the spot, as she cannot believe that her imagination may have become reality. She is scared, as it says she ‘stood stricken to the spot.’ However, she cannot take her eyes away from him, possibly because she doesn’t know whether he is real or a figment of her imagination. Also the fact that they are unchaperoned, and that Peter Quint is not wearing a hat, seems to shock her most of all, as she says ‘An unknown man in a lonely place is a permitted object of fear to a young woman privately bred.’, meaning that because they are alone together, and he is wearing no hat; a sign of familiarity, she has a good right to be scared. Henry James includes two ghosts, to increase suspense and tension, because of their relationship, suggesting that because they were colleagues, they may be plotting to do somethingShow MoreRelatedThe Governess in The Turn of the Screw Essay1110 Words   |  5 PagesOne of the most critically discussed works in twentieth-century American literature, The Turn of the Screw has inspired a variety of critical interpretations since its publication in 1898. Until 1934, the book was cons idered a traditional ghost story. Edmund Wilson, however, soon challenged that view with his assertions that The Turn of the Screw is a psychological study of the unstable governess whose visions of ghosts are merely delusions. Wilson’s essay initiated a critical debate concerning theRead More Archetype Myths in Turn of the Screw Essay1119 Words   |  5 PagesArchetype Myths in Turn of the Screw In one surface reading of Henry James’s Turn of the Screw, the governess appears to be a victim of circumstance. Some critics however, say that she is not without blame in the turn of events that characterizes the story. They claim that leading to her demise are certain character flaws, such as envy and pride. In categorizing her character as such, this novella resonates several themes found throughout literature. In Northrop Frye’s essay The ArchetypesRead More The Turn of the Screw Essay1076 Words   |  5 PagesThe Turn of the Screw I must take my horrid plunge from the opening line sets the tone of the passage. The novels gothic form is revealed very early on in the passage. There is a distinctive differentiation between horror and terror derived from the studies of Radcliffe. Terror is when one induces to action and horror is when one is powerless and freezes as a result of it. The Governess horrid plunge is a forced action, as she is powerless to combat the supernatural forcesRead MoreThe Turn Of The Screw1265 Words   |  6 PagesHenry James’ The Turn of the Screw has been described as one of the best ghost stories of all time. However, there is clear evidence that the main character, the governess, suffers from delusions. The strange events that occur throughout the story happen in the estate of Bly. The anomalies, described as horrors or ghosts, only come to light after the governess arrives. These events are due to creations of the governess mind, her controlling intent to protect and overrule the children, and her unstableRead MoreThe Turn Of The Screw By Henry James1219 Words   |  5 PagesThe Turn of the Screw by Henry James (2010) is designed to have many interpretations in terms of its characters, chain of events and its narration. Many people believe the main idea of this narrative is whether it is apparitionist or non-apparitionist. They question the Governess’s abil ity to see ghosts. However, this paper will demonstrate that this narrative is in essence a love story regardless of supernatural events. Through the analysis of the frame, it is easy to accept that the Turn of theRead More The Turn of the Screw Essays1329 Words   |  6 PagesLove Between the Classes: An Analysis of Social Status Violation in The Turn of the Screw A Marxist reading of The Turn of the Screw by Henry James brings to light how social status differences and above all how the violation of these distinctions affect the story. The relationship between the governess and Miles is a clear example of this kind of transgression. As an unnamed character, the governess has an indefinite social status. She is neither an upper-class lady nor a simple servant. MoreoverRead MoreBly And The Mysteries Of Specter In Henry JamesThe Turn Of The Screw1677 Words   |  7 PagesBly and the Mysteries of Specter in Henry James’ The Turn of the Screw Henry James’ most controversial novella The Turn of the Screw was first published in 1898. The first person narration is well-known for its thrills, suspense, and the long-lasting uncertainties it leaves in the mind of readers. Its inexplicable screws and turns have generated arguments among critics, centuries after its publication, and the story has been analyzed from diverse perspectives – from psychological analysis to literaryRead MoreThe Turn Of The Screw By Henry James1379 Words   |  6 Pages A Screw Loose During the course of the novella, â€Å"The Turn of the Screw†, by Henry James, the governess continuously encounters ghosts that seemingly only appear to her. As the story progresses, the governess starts postulating a relationship between Miles, Flora, and the supposed corruptive ghosts. However, due to the fact that the ghosts are not seen when others are present at the time of the sightings indicate that they fail to exist. Moreover, through the evidence presented in the text, theRead MoreHenry James, the Art of Fiction and the Turn on the Screw3624 Words   |  15 PagesFiction, and how these reflect on his novel The Turn of the Screw. One of the most important points discussed by James in his essay is the idea of the fictionality of fiction. A novel as an art form to exist must contain the essence of reality; James goes even further by saying that a novel should be life itself. In order to achieve this purpose, the writer â€Å"must write from experience[1]. Henry James’s The Turn of the Screw is a framed narration; at the beginning we are introduced to a group ofRead More A Psychological Perspective of The Turn of the Screw Essay2107 Words   |  9 PagesPerspective of The Turn of the Screw   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Henry James was one of the famous writers during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. He was known as an innovative and independent novelist. One of James novels, The Turn of the Screw (1898), has caused a lot of controversy among many critics, and each of them has had a particular interpretation. James creative writing built a close connection between his novel and his readers. The reactions of the readers toward The Turn of the Screw can be researched

Spinal Cord Trauma - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 9 Words: 2752 Downloads: 1 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Medicine Essay Type Research paper Did you like this example? Abstract Loss of sensory and motor function below the injury site is caused by trauma to the spinal cord. Approximately 10,000 people experience serious spinal cord injury each year. There are four general types of spinal cord injury, cord maceration and laceration, contusion and solid core injury. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Spinal Cord Trauma" essay for you Create order There are three phases of SCI response that occur after injury: the acute, secondary, and chronic. The most immediate concern is patient stabilization. Additionally interventions may be instituted in an effort to improve function and outcome. Through health, and future development one day there will be hope for recovery from the spinal cord injury. Introduction Loss of sensory and motor function below the injury site is caused by trauma to the spinal cord. As indicated by Huether McCance (2008) normal activity of the spinal cord cells at and below the level of injury ceases due to loss of continuous tonic discharge from the brain and brain stem. Depending on the extent of the injury reflex function below the point of injury may be completely lost. This involves all skeletal muscles, bladder, bowel, sexual function and autonomic control. In the past hope for recovery has been minimal. With medical advancements and better understanding today hope for recovery is better but still limited. Risk Factors and Incidence According to Huether McCance (2008) approximately 10,000 people experience serious spinal cord injury each year. 81% of those injuries are males with an average age of 33.4 years. As indicated by Hulsebosch (2002) the majority of injuries are divided into four separate groups; 44% of the injuries are young people sustained through motor vehicle crashes or other high energy traumatic accident; 18% are sustained through sports activities, and 24% are sustained through violence and 22% are sustained in the elderly population either through falls or cervical spinal stenosis caused by congenital narrowing or spondylosis. Categories of Injury According to Hulsebosch (2002) there are four general types of spinal cord injury: 1) cord maceration 2) cord laceration 3) contusion injury, and 4) solid cord injury. In the first two injuries, the surface of the cord is lacerated and a prominent connective tissue response is invoked, whereas in the latter two the spinal cord surface is not breached and the connective tissue component is minimal. The contusion injury represents from 25 to40% of all injuries and is a progressive injury that enlarges overtime. Cellular Level Physiology Hulsebosch (2002) gives us three phases of response directly after the injury of the spinal cord. The acute phase begins with the moment of injury and extends for the first few days. A variety of pathophysiological processes begins. There is immediate mechanical soft tissue damage, including endothelial cells of the vasculature. Cell death, resulting from mechanical forces and ischemic consequences is instantaneous. Over the next few minutes there are significant electrolytic shifts, intracellular concentrations of sodium increase. Extracellular concentrations of potassium increase. Intracellular levels of calcium increase to toxic levels that contribute to a failure in neural function. Electrolyte shifts cascade to a generalized demonstration of spinal shock, which is representative of a failure of circuitry in the spinal neural network. As indicated by Shewmon (1999) spinal shock is a transient functional depression of a structurally intact cord below the site of an acute spinal cord injury. It does not occur with slowly progressive lesions. Limited function or loss of function typically lasts two to six weeks followed by recovery of functions. The secondary phase occurs over the next few minutes to the next few weeks. Ischemic cellular death, electrolytic shifts, and edema continue. As a result of cell lysis extracellular concentrations of glutamate and other amino acids reach toxic concentrations within the first fifteen minutes after injury. Free-radical production amplifies. Neutrophils accumulate in the spinal parenchyma within 24 hours. Lymphocytes follow the neutrophils and reach their peak numbers within forty eight hours. Local concentrations of cytokines and chemokines increase as part of the inflammation process. As inflammation and ischemia proceed the injury site grows in size from the initial mechanical force response site into the area around the site, encompassing a larger region of cell death. Regeneration is inhibited by factors expressed within the dominos of responsive reactions. The chronic phase occurs over a time course of days to years. Cell death continues. The cord becomes scarred and tethered. Conduction deficits result from demyelination of the cord. Regeneration and emergence of axons is exhibited but inhibitory factors suppress any resultant growth. Alteration of neural circuits often results in chronic pain syndromes for many spinal cord injury patients. Therapeutic Management Spinal cord injury is diagnosed by physical examination, radiological exam, CT scans, MRI scans, and myelography. The most immediate concern in the management of an acute spinal cord injury is patient stabilization. The vertebral column is subject to surgical stabilization using variety of surgical rods, pins, and wires. Hardware must be meticulously placed. Surgical intervention has the potential to instigate additional spinal trauma. Hemostatic body systems must be supported through fluid resuscitation, medication management and electrolyte support. Additionally the following interventions may be instituted in an effort to improve function and outcome: Edema Reduction Reduction of the inflammatory response is one intervention of concentrating in the treatment of the acute spinal cord injury. Steroids have provided a primary tool to reduce edema and inflammation, the most successful of which is methylprednisolone (MP). According to Bracken (1993) the administration of a high dose of MP, if given within eight hours of the insult in patients with both complete and incomplete SCI, as proposed by the National Acute Spinal Cord Injury Study (NASCIS-2), has been promising with respect to improved clinical outcome. The cellular and molecular mechanisms by which MP improves function may involve antioxidant properties, the inhibition of inflammatory response, and/or a role in immunosuppression. Inhibition of Inflammation: by use of Anti-Inflammatory Agents Although inflammation is generally held to be are pair mechanism that is restorative in nature, recent work has demonstrated that the inflammatory cascade produces several pathways that are degradative in nature, such as the prostagland in pathways. Anti-inflammatory agents have been administered with successful limitation of the inflammatory process. As indicated by Hains, Yucra and Hulsebosch (2001) selective cyclooxygenase (COX)-2inhibitors given systemically to spinal card injury patients have demonstrated significant improvements. Provision of inhibition of the enzyme activation sequence appears to be the safest medication action at this time. Application of either whole body hypothermia or local cord cooling appears to hold promise for those suffering from neuro trauma. Application of hypothermia, either spinally or systemically, is thought to provide protection for neural cells and to reduce secondary inflammation, decreasing immediate mortality. According to Haye s, Hsieh, Potter, Wolfe, Delaney, and Blight (1993) local spinal cord cooling within eight and a half hours of injury in ten patients produced a better-than-expected rate of recovery of sensory and motor function. Rescue from Neural Cell Death Cells die due to a programmed cell death after SCI. An excellent opportunity is present for intervention with factors that could rescue the cells at risk. As presented by Eldadah and Faden (2000) one approach to cell rescue is the inhibition of caspases. Caspases are regulated signalling proteases that that accomplish a primary role in mediating cell apoptosis thru division at specific sites within proteins. These proteins inhibit programmed cell death and are a part of the bcl-2 oncogene products. According to Shibata, Murray, Tessler, Ljubetic, Connors and Saavedra (2000) recent work has demonstrated prevention of retrograde cell loss and atrophy reduction by direct intra-spinal administration of the Bcl-2 protein into the damaged site. Another group of proteins with potential cell death inhibition properties are calpains. Calpains are calcium-activated proteases that assist in degradation of cytoskeletal demolition of injured cells. Substances with calpain inhibitor p roperties could prove of benefit in reduction of cell death. Demyelination and Conduction According to Waxman (2001) the strategy of inhibiting the neural injury induced by the increased barrage of action potentials early in the injury phase or by inhibiting the voltage-dependent sodium channels, which provide the ionic basis for the action potential may be beneficial. In addition, neural injury and disease may introduce altered ionic channel function on nerve processes that would result in impaired conduction properties, which produces persistent hyperexcitability leading to the basis for chronic pain after CNS neural trauma. As a result of secondary injury to the spinal cord many axons are demylinated. Infusion of a fast, voltage-sensitive potassium channel blocker may provide partial restoration of conduction properties to demylinated axons. As presented by Guest, Hiester and Bunge (2005) another strategy for the improvement in demyelinationis the transplantation of Schwann cells which may contribute to the restoration of myelin sheaths around some spinal axo ns. Promotion of Axonal Regeneration During development of the central nervous system, an assortment of axonal growth promoting proteins are present in the extracellular environment. The environment stimulates axon growth and neural development. Once the central nervous system is established the growth stimulating agents decline. The adult central nervous system shifts toward inhibition of axonal growth permitting a stable and circuitry. These inhibition and stimulatory factors provide an opportunity for research that will promote axonal growth after a spinal cord injury perhaps rebuilding a neural communication network. Cell Replacement Strategies After spinal cord injury function of nerve cells and cells that produce myelin that insulates and provides a positive impulse conduction venue has vanished. Cellular replacement to rebuild conduction properties is a promising therapy. As indicated by Normura, Tator and Shoichet (2006) there is promise that technology utilizing cellular treatment procedures including olfactory ensheathing cells, (the cells that form the myelin on olfactory nerves), Schwann cells (the cells that form the myelin on peripheral nerves), dorsalroot ganglia, adrenal tissue, and neural stem cells can promote repair of the injured spinal cord. It is postulated that these tissues would rescue, replace, or provide a regenerative pathway for injured adult neurons, which would then integrate or promote the regeneration of the spinal cord circuitry and restore function after injury. As indicated by Nakamura (2005) there is promise that bioengineering technology utilizing cellular treatment advances can p romote repair of the injured spinal cord. Transplantation of these cells promotes functional recovery of locomotion and reflex responses. The engineering of cells combines the therapeutic advantage of the cells along with a delivery system. For example, if delivery of neurotrophins (neuro- related to cell nerves, tropin- a turning) is desired, cells that secrete neutrophins and cells that create myelin can be engineered to stimulate axon growth and rebuild nerve function. In an effort to further enhance beneficial effects autoimmune agents such as macrophages can be extracted from the patients own system and inserted at the injury site. The patients own activated macrophages will scavenge degenerating myelin debris, rich in non-permissive factors, and at the same time encourage regenerative growth without eliciting an immune response. Retrain the Brain with Aggressive Physical Therapy It is apparent that recovery of locomotion is dependent on sensory input that can reawaken spinal circuits and activate central pattern generators in the spinal cord, as demonstrated by spontaneous stepping in the lower limbs of one patient. According to Calancie, Alexeeva, Broton and Molano (2005) it may take six or more months for reflexes to appear following acute SCI suggesting they might be due to new synaptic interconnections. Electrical Stimulation Functional electrical stimulation (FES) that contributes to improved standing can improve quality of life for the individual and the caregiver. There is considerable interest in computer-controlled FES for strengthening the lower extremities and for cardiovascular conditioning, which has met with some success in terms of physiological improvements such as increased muscle mass, improved blood flow, and better bladder and bowel function. With added benefit there are decreases in medical complications such as venous thrombosis, osteoporosis, and bone fractures. Stimulation of the phrenic nerve, which innervates the diaphragm, is used in cases where there is damage to respiratory pathways. Chronic Central Pain As indicated by Siddall Cousins (1997) pain continues to be a significant problem in patients with spinal cord injuries. There is little consensus regarding the terminology, definitions and nature of the pain. Treatment studies have lacked congruence due to inaccurate identification of pain types. There has been little progress in efforts to bring an understanding of the pathophysiology of CCP to the development of therapeutic approaches for the SCI patient population. Chronic central pain (CCP) syndromes develop in the majority of spinal cord injury patients. As indicated by Que, Siddall and Cousins (2007) chronic pain is a disturbing aspect of spinal cord injury, often interfering with basic activities, effective rehabilitation and the quality of life of the patient. Evidence that neurons in pain pathways are pathophysiologically altered after spinal cord injury comes from both clinical and animal literature. In addition, the development of the chronic pain state correl ates with structural alterations such as intra-spinal sprouting of primary afferent fibres. According to Que, Siddall and Cousins (2007) pain in the cord-injured patient is often resistant to treatment. Recognition of Chronic Central Pain has led to utilization of non-opioid analgesics. According to Siddall and Middleton (2006) Baclofen, once used exclusively in treatment of spasticity and the anticonvulsant gabapentin originally used to treat epilepsy, have had some success with attenuating muskuloskeletal CCP syndromes. The tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline has shown effective in treatment of dysesthetic pain. Conclusion Stem cell therapy will offer hope for spinal cord injury patients with opportunities for the abundance of cell replacement strategies. Advances in the field of electronic circuitry will lead to better FES and robotic devices. Pharmacological advances offer intervention direction to aid in recovery and improve patients quality of life every day. The re-establishment of cell, nerve and muscle communication interconnections will be potentially possible. Through tenacity, health, and future development one day victims of spinal cord injury will be told there is hope of recovery. References American Psychological Association (2001). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (5th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. Bracken, M.B., Holford, T.R. (1993). Effects of timing of methylprednisolone or naloxone administration on recovery of segmental and long-tract neurological function in NASCIS 2. Journal of Neurosurgery. 79(4), 500-7. Bunge, R.P., Puckett, W.R., and Hiester, E.D. (1997). Observations on the pathology of several types of human spinal cord injury, with emphasis on the astrocyte response to penetrating injuries. Adv Neurol.72, 305-315. Calancie, B., Alexeeva, N., Broton, J.G., Molano, M.R. (2005). Interlimb reflex activity after spinal cord injury in man: strengthening response patterns are consistent with ongoing synaptic plasticity. Clinical Neurophysiology : Official Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. 116(1), 75-86. Eldadah, B.A., Faden, A.I. (2000). Caspase pathwa ys, neuronal apoptosis, and CNS injury. Journal of Neurotrauma. 17(10), 811-29. Guest, J.D., Hiester, E.D., Bunge, R.P. (2005). Demyelination and Schwann cell responses adjacent to injury epicenter cavities following chronic human spinal cord injury. Experimental Neurology. 192(2), 384-93. Hains, B.C., Yucra, J.A., Hulsebosch, C.E. (2001). Reduction of pathological and behavioral deficits following spinal cord contusion injury with the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor NS-398. Journal of Neurotrauma. 18(4), 409-23. Hayes, K.C., Hsieh, J.T., Potter, P.J., Wolfe, D.L., Delaney, G.A., Blight, A.R. (1993). Effects of induced hypothermia on somatosensory evoked potentials in patients with chronic spinal cord injury. Paraplegia. 31(11), 730-41. Huether, S.E., McCance, K.L. (2008). Understanding pathophysiology (4th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby, Inc. Hulsebosch, C.E. (2002). Recent advances in pathophysiology and treatment of spinal cord injury. Advan. Physiol.Edu. 2 6, 238-255 Nakamura, M., Okano, H., Toyama, Y., Dai, H.N., Finn, T.P., Bregman, B.S. (2005). Transplantation of embryonic spinal cord-derived neurospheres support growth of supraspinal projections and functional recovery after spinal cord injury in the neonatal rat. Journal of Neuroscience Research. 81(4), 457-68. Nomura, H., Tator, C.H., Shoichet, M.S. (2006). Bioengineered strategies for spinal cord repair. Journal of Neurotrauma. 23(3-4), 496-507. Que, J.C., Siddall, P.J., Cousins, M.J. (2007). Pain management in a patient with intractable spinal cord injury pain: a case report and literature review. Anesthesia and Analgesia. 105(5), 1462-73, table of contents. Shewmon, D.A. (1999). Spinal shock and brain death: somatic pathophysiological equivalance and implications for the integrative-unity rationale. Spinal Cord 37, 313-324 Shibata, M., Murray M., Tessler, A., Ljubetic, C., Connors, T., Saavedra, R.A. (2000). Single injections of a DNA plasmid that conta ins the human Bcl-2 gene prevent loss and atrophy of distinct neuronal populations after spinal cord injury in adult rats. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair. 14(4), 319-30. Siddall, P.J., Middleton, J.W. (2006). A proposed algorithm for the management of pain following spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord 44, 67-77 Tator, C.H. (1998). Biology of neurological recovery and functional restoration after spinal card injury. Neurosurgery. 42(4), 696-707 Waxman, S.G. (2001). Acquired channelopathies in nerve injury and MS. Neurology. 56(12), 1621-7.