Effects of the Civil War and Reconstruction of the women of the South as portrayed in modern American novels

Thesis (M.A.)--Boston UniversityWriters of modern American fiction live presented the heroines of stories of the Civil War and Reconstruction Era in the South, in a different light than authors dealing with belles of the ante-bellum period. The change in viewpoint has been due, not so much to the introspective qualities of the authors, as to the revolutionary transformation in women themselves, caused by their experiences in the tremendous upheaval. To fully appreciate the potency of the changes, an over-all survey of the section and its people in relation to their background, is necessary. The span of time between 1860 and 1877 shoves the most effective contrasts. The plan of this paper is to deal with the three prevailing classes of women, aristocrat, poor white, and negress. The subject is organized to present the three successive stages in the drama: first, the status of women under the Old Regime; second the terrible experiences they suffered during the Civil War, and finally, the readjustments demanded of women by a complete revolution in the social and economic life of the region. Each section closes with a summary of the particular period covered. The first part discusses the characteristics of each class of women, placing emphasis on the domestic, recreational, and educational facilities available to each. The second portion reveals the behavior of the three types in response to the stimuli of war. Their devotion, courage, and ingenuity under stress have been disclosed. The third part portrays the final destruction of the Old South with its consequent effect on women. The leveling of the upper class, the rise of the middle group, and the temporary elevation of the black race present an interesting panorama. By way of conclusion, a thumb-nail sketch of literary trends which have affected the portrayal of women of the designated period, is briefly presented. The institution of slavery colored everything it touched. The economic structure of the Old South was built on it. Wealthy planters acquired more and more slaves, and prospered accordingly. Poor farmers unable to maintain chattels, were compelled to compete with rich planters in a system that was grossly unjust and imbalanced. Such competition denied the middle group opportunities for equal rights and privileges. As the gap widened between the two white classes, there was built up, gradually, a distinct caste system with the aristocrat at the top and the slave at the bottom. The poor whites were higher in the social scale than the negroes, because of their color, but they were actually more neglected and destitute, in many cases. The negroes, while objects of pity to the North were by far, the most carefree of the three groups. They were burdens to their mistresses who were charged with the responsibility of their welfare. Yet, the patricians firmly believed that only in slavery could a Christian influence be exerted on them, while they in turn lessened the labor of their owners and brought them prosperity. The leisure gained by the aristocrats was devoted to acquiring a rich culture, and to the enjoyment of social functions. Women indulged in lavish self-adornment and abhorred self-support of any kind. The slaves, denied education, nevertheless acquired by imitation many of the refined mannerisms and elegant phrases of their betters. Realizing their many advantages over the poor whites, they slyly ridiculed them, and provoked ill-feeling. The former envied the slaves' material comforts, yet despised them for their smugness. Women performed men's work during the Civil War. The shock awakened them from their ladylike futility. They left their homes to work in field, factories, and hospitals. They inspired greater heroism and devotion to the Confederate Cause. The urge for survival drove them to unprecedented physical and mental exertions. Their whole-hearted support is alleged to have prolonged the conflict. They cheerfully accepted irksome tasks, and cleverly improvised substitutes for scarce commodities. Their Spartan conduct during the invasion of the federal Army, evoked the admiration of the Unionists. The poor whites aligned themselves with the rich planters and worked fervently for victory. They feared a defeat which would free the slaves and place negroes on their social level. Under the guise of patriotism they gladly entered the field of industry which women had scorned. The negroes, bewildered by the confusion, remained faithful to their ovmers, working blindly against the forces which fought to free them. Education for all classes was practically suspended, since the energies of the South were devoted to a struggle which dwarfed the importance of a subject that thrives best under the beneficent regime of peace. In 1865 multitudes of women in the South faced a future devoid of the comfort and household ease so dear to the hearts of all women. The outlook seemed hopeless; yet by persistence and valor they salvaged what remained of the old life and encouraged the building of a newer, more stable one. Undaunted by hardship, they married crippled, penniless veterans and made homes where happiness reigned. Disheartened men were aroused from their lethargy and spurred to renewed interest and activity in the rebuilding of the South. Corrupt governments, exorbitant taxes, and vindictive reprisals made life almost unbearable. The aristocrats maintained their morale holding Starvation Parties and making light of their hardships. Since poverty was the badge of aristocracy, it was worn proudly. The middle class, "nouveau-riche," flaunted their wealth in extravagant homes, clothing, and entertainments. Although they were the leaders in the new society, they lacked the prestige which fine old names, and family traditions gave to the patricians. A more democratic distribution of land, made possible by the breakup of plantations, raised the living standard of the industrious farming class. Negroes, catapulted to a freedom for which they were unprepared, were as giddy and restless as children. The preferred treatment given them by the North increased intolerance between the races. Lawless blacks terrified the whites, and caused the formation of the Ku Klux Klan. Unrestrained by anyone, many quickly sank to the depths of degradation. They were, however, free to determine what course their lives would take, whether for good or evil. Education revived slowly after the war. Negroes were amply cared for by Northern philanthropists. Raids of the Carpet-bag Governments depleted educational funds in the South, placing a serious obstacle in the way of training white children. Public schools were looked on as institutions of charity, but after 1870 this feeling gradually abated and educational facilities were open to all - girls as well as boys. The Southern woman of any class never resumed the position she occupied before the war. The old ways and customs were changed beyond recall. They were at last free of the fetters which slavery had inflicted upon their efforts. New interests in the social and economic world beckoned them. The old pseudo-chivalry gave way to a less protected but highly respected position. They learned contempt for gossip, frivolities, and idleness. The intellectual interests of these women were large, and they undertook to develop their capacities in a serious manner which laid the basis for the advancement of women in many fields of endeavor. The strengthening and development of latent qualities of sterling value in women's characters was an important outcome of their superb efforts. In short they ceased to strive for the title "Lady, " and were proud to have earned the greater one, "Woman.

Tangentyere Artists: Continuity, Contemporaneity and Inconvenient Art Practice

Tangentyere Artists is an Aboriginal owned and directed art centre that represents urban and regional artists from eighteen Alice Springs town camp communities and beyond.In this article, artists from  Tangentyere discuss their work

A rights-based approach to monitoring children and young people's well-being

This Foundation Report is the first in a Special Report Series addressing the well-being of children and youth in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Report corresponds with three key UNESCO aims: to strengthen awareness of human rights; to act as a catalyst for regional and national action in human rights; and to foster co-operation with a range of stakeholders and networks working with, or on behalf of, children and youth. This Foundation Report, whilst focusing on Ireland and Northern Ireland, reflects the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) position that rights and well-being are a global concern and the extent to which they are realised affects the lives of all children and young people. The Report integrates the position of UNESCO on rights and well-being2 into current thinking and practice in Ireland and Northern Ireland in responding to the lessons of the past and shaping a society where a happy childhood is a norm and not an aspiration. The specific purpose of the Report is to contribute to a shared understanding of a human rights-based approach to monitoring children and young people’s well-being

Strabismus Surgery for Esotropia, Down Syndrome and Developmental Delay; Is an Altered Surgical Dose Required? A Literature Review.

Background and purposeThere is a high rate of strabismus, in particular esotropia, in children with Down syndrome or developmental delay, which frequently requires surgical correction. A paper in 1994 advocated that the surgical dose be adjusted due to an altered response in these children. The aim of this literature review is to evaluate the available evidence to establish whether an altered surgical approach is required in either population.MethodsA literature review was conducted using PubMed and Web of Knowledge. Only English language papers were eligible for inclusion. The papers were collated in chronological order for analysis, and their references searched for further relevant papers. Forward citation searches were also undertaken.ResultsA 2 × 2 comparison is made between publications on Down syndrome (in isolation) and developmental delay populations (including Down syndrome) with adjusted versus non-adjusted surgery. Published surgical success rates on esotropia from unaltered surgical doses range from 62.0%-85.7% (four papers) in the Down syndrome cohort, with none of the adjusted surgeries having a successful outcome. Surgical success rates from adjusted surgical doses in developmental delay cohort range from 37.5%-86.0% (seven papers), with one unadjusted surgical success rate of 76.0%. The results across the studies are summarised in a table and discussed.ConclusionsAn exaggerated surgical effect in individuals with developmental delay has been reported, and this population may benefit from a reduced surgical dose. Published research does not support giving a reduced surgical dose in individuals with Down syndrome, but more research needs to be done to make a definitive conclusion

Informing nursing policy: An exploration of digital health research by nurses in England.

Digital health technologies are designed, implemented, and evaluated to support clinical practice, enable patients to self-manage illness, and further public and global health. Nursing and health policies often emphasise the importance of evidence-based digital health services to deliver better care. However, the contribution nurses make to digital health research in many countries is unknown. Hence, this study aims to examine digital health research conducted by nurses in England. A bibliometric analysis. The CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Scopus databases were searched between 2000 and 2022, and supplemented with a hand search of nurses' research profiles. Results were screened by title, abstract, and full text against eligibility criteria. Data were extracted and bibliometric analysis used to summarise the findings. Mental health nurses produced the most digital health research in England, followed by nurses working in community care, with several disciplines underrepresented or missing. Web/online health services or information was the most researched technology, followed by mobile health and telehealth. Nurses based in the south-east and north-west of England produced the most digital health research, with other regions less well represented. Nurse leaders should support nurses to conduct more digital health research by providing dedicated time, funding, and professional development opportunities, particularly in under researched clinical areas, technologies, and geographic regions to further evidence-based practice and patient care. More digital nursing data is needed to support nurse led research in areas like artificial intelligence and data science. The findings supported the national Philips Ives Review by identifying areas of digital nursing research that need more investment in England. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor and Physiotherapy after Stroke: Results of a Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial: Stem Cell Trial of Recovery EnhanceMent after Stroke-3 (STEMS-3 ISRCTN16714730)

Background: Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) mobilises endogenous haematopoietic stem cells and enhances recovery in experimental stroke. Recovery may also be dependent on an enriched environment and physical activity. G-CSF may have the potential to enhance recovery when used in combination with physiotherapy, in patients with disability late after stroke. Methods: A pilot 2 x 2 factorial randomised (1:1) placebo-controlled trial of G-CSF (double-blind), and/or a 6 week course of physiotherapy, in 60 participants with disability (mRS >1), at least 3 months after stroke. Primary outcome was feasibility, acceptability and tolerability. Secondary outcomes included death, dependency, motor function and quality of life measured 90 and 365 days after enrolment. Results: Recruitment to the trial was feasible and acceptable; of 118 screened patients, 92 were eligible and 32 declined to participate. 60 patients were recruited between November 2011 and July 2013. All participants received some allocated treatment. Although 29 out of 30 participants received all 5 G-CSF/placebo injections, only 7 of 30 participants received all 18 therapy sessions. G-CSF was well tolerated but associated with a tendency to more adverse events than placebo (16 vs 10 patients, p=0.12) and serious adverse events (SAE) (9 vs 3, p=0.10). On average, patients received 14 (out of 18 planned) therapy sessions, interquartile range [12, 17]. Only a minority (23%) of participants completed all physiotherapy sessions, a large proportion of sessions (114 of 540, 21%) were cancelled due to patient (94, 17%) and therapist factors (20, 4%). No significant differences in functional outcomes were detected in either the G-CSF or physiotherapy group at day 90 or 365. Conclusions – Delivery of G-CSF is feasible in chronic stroke. However, the study failed to demonstrate feasibility for delivering additional physiotherapy sessions late after stroke. Future work should occur earlier after stroke, alongside on-going clinical rehabilitation

Helicobacter pylori Infection Promotes Methylation and Silencing of Trefoil Factor 2, Leading to Gastric Tumor Development in Mice and Humans

Background & Aims Trefoil factors (TFFs) regulate mucosal repair and suppress tumor formation in the stomach. Tff1 deficiency results in gastric cancer, whereas Tff2 deficiency increases gastric inflammation. TFF2 expression is frequently lost in gastric neoplasms, but the nature of the silencing mechanism and associated impact on tumorigenesis have not been determined. Methods We investigated the epigenetic silencing of TFF2 in gastric biopsy specimens from individuals with Helicobacter pylori-positive gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, gastric cancer, and disease-free controls. TFF2 function and methylation were manipulated in gastric cancer cell lines. The effects of Tff2 deficiency on tumor growth were investigated in the gp130[superscript F/F] mouse model of gastric cancer. Results In human tissue samples, DNA methylation at the TFF2 promoter began at the time of H pylori infection and increased throughout gastric tumor progression. TFF2 methylation levels were inversely correlated with TFF2 messenger RNA levels and could be used to discriminate between disease-free controls, H pylori-infected, and tumor tissues. Genome demethylation restored TFF2 expression in gastric cancer cell lines, so TFF2 silencing requires methylation. In Tff2-deficient gp130[superscript F/F]/Tff2[superscript −/−] mice, proliferation of mucosal cells and release of T helper cell type-1 (Th-1) 1 cytokines increased, whereas expression of gastric tumor suppressor genes and Th-2 cytokines were reduced, compared with gp130[superscript F/F]controls. The fundus of gp130[superscript F/F]/Tff2[superscript −/−] mice displayed glandular atrophy and metaplasia, indicating accelerated preneoplasia. Experimental H pylori infection in wild-type mice reduced antral expression of Tff2 by increased promoter methylation. Conclusions TFF2 negatively regulates preneoplastic progression and subsequent tumor development in the stomach, a role that is subverted by promoter methylation during H pylori infection.National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia