1. Understanding Implicit and Explicit Bias

For example, most people find sharper quality knives to be better and more useful, and this is certainly true for the chefs interviewed last week. All three of them were very clear in stating that they believed that a sharp knife is not only more predictable and precise, but it’s also safer – and I think they’re right too. However, I think most people ignore that this might not actually be the case, and just assume that their belief in the superiority of a sharp knife is entirely rational. This is where implicit bias comes into play. Implicit bias – also known as unconscious bias – is a bias that we are unaware of, and which happens outside of our control. It’s a bias that happens automatically and is triggered by our brain making quick judgments and assessments of people and situations, influenced by our background, cultural environment, and personal experiences. One of the simplest ways to think about this is to consider the triangle that Daniel Kahneman outlines in his best-selling book on psychology, Thinking, Fast, and Slow. When your brain first recognizes something (the so-called “fast brain”), it may well make an automatic judgment without you even realizing it. This fast judgment is then given to the slower, more reasoned part of your brain to approve, meaning that the immediate implicit bias is confirmed and potentially reinforced by explicit bias – a bias that you intentionally control and are aware of, and which is usually formed by beliefs and experiences. Many explicit biases are shaped by implicit biases, making them closely linked. For example, a person might hold an implicit bias about a certain type of person which, when left unchallenged and automatically appraised by the fast brain, can solidify into a more permanent, conscious bias. In the realm of healthcare, immunizations and treatments are too often based on studies of only one sex, and this is just one example of how gender bias can creep into medicine. However, the potential for introducing implicit and explicit biases is much more widespread, with the concept and its impacts fully realizing themselves in the complex and information-laden terrains of clinical practice and healthcare services. Although understanding and challenging bias is important in everyday circumstances, nowhere is it more important than in healthcare – where human life and standards of living are involved. By recognizing the presence, impact, and methods to challenge and mitigate both implicit and explicit biases, a fairer, more just form of health provision and care may be realized. This is something that not only benefits patients but also healthcare professionals who are able to perform their duties with equipoise, clinical objectivity, and a clear conscience.

1.1 Definition of Implicit Bias

“Implicit and Explicit Bias in Healthcare” explores the concept and impact of biases in the healthcare field. The first section defines implicit and explicit bias, providing a foundation for understanding their significance. The next section delves into personal experiences with implicit bias, discussing its effects on behavior, realization, and emotional response. The following section focuses on observing others’ biases, including recognizing and responding to them, and the lessons learned from these observations. The importance of self-reflection and awareness is emphasized in the fourth section, highlighting the significance and benefits of bringing awareness to biases. The fifth section explores the impact of challenging biases on health equity and how it can enhance overall population health outcomes. Mitigating bias is examined in the sixth section, discussing strategies to mitigate bias and its application in both community and professional settings. Aligning thoughts and actions with values is discussed in the seventh section, emphasizing the importance of ensuring alignment and avoiding the influence of biases on thoughts and actions. Finally, the last section outlines the steps to address implicit and explicit bias, including personal steps and addressing bias at the population level. Overall, this comprehensive guide aims to help healthcare professionals and individuals navigate biases to promote equity and improve healthcare outcomes.

1.2 Definition of Explicit Bias

Explicit bias refers to the attitudes and beliefs that people hold about a group and its members, which is consciously based upon the individual’s moral values and the properties of any outgroup. This type of bias usually takes the form of direct behaviors, from subtle alienation to active discrimination. If left unchecked, unlike implicit bias, explicit bias can manifest into hate speech, hate crimes, and even genocide. Nonetheless, this does not mean that implicit bias is less harmful than explicit bias. Actually, the powerful and pervasive nature of implicit bias sometimes can lead to a more harmful area. On the other hand, implicit bias refers to the attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner. According to the research in social psychology, unconscious biases that we hold influence our behaviors through the activation of the stereotype that we hold for any of those different social groups that we unconsciously. Such biases can actually cause situations of which we are not even aware. For example, people who hold an implicit bias against a minority community may speak in a different manner and may act quite professionally, yet they unconsciously give more support to the treatment regimens that are associated with less effectiveness, orally and personally, rather than those with high effectiveness but maybe injectable. These acts, in a very subtle way, will lead to health disparities due to the failure of minimizing implicit bias. Finally, implicit bias is considered an automatic attitude because it is an unconscious mental state that promotes discriminatory behaviors. Most of the time, implicit biases tend to hold contrary to our consciously held beliefs of equality and a sense of commitment to fairness. This creates a kind of discrepancy between the intention and the action because, until and unless we are made aware of the existence, it lies submerged and hidden in our minds. However, explicit bias is always considered to be a conscious malevolent intention. This is in a way that most of the discriminatory actions or behaviors committed by the individual are a result of his/her conscious intentional will to commit.

2. Personal Experience with Implicit Bias

2.1 Impact of Implicit Bias on Behavior

2.2 Realization of Implicit Bias

2.3 Emotional Response to Implicit Bias

3. Observing Others’ Biases

3.1 Recognition of Implicit or Explicit Biases

3.2 Response to Others’ Biases

3.3 Lessons Learned from Observations

4. Importance of Self-Reflection and Awareness

4.1 Significance of Self-Reflection

4.2 Benefits of Bringing Awareness to Biases

5. Challenging Biases for Health Equity

5.1 Impact of Challenging Biases on Population Health Outcomes

5.2 Enhancing Health Equity through Bias Challenges

6. Mitigating Bias in Community and Professional Life

6.1 Strategies to Mitigate Bias

6.2 Application of Bias Mitigation in Community

6.3 Application of Bias Mitigation in Professional Life

7. Aligning Thoughts and Actions with Values

7.1 Ensuring Alignment with Values and Beliefs

7.2 Avoiding Influence of Biases on Thoughts and Actions

8. Steps to Address Implicit and Explicit Bias

8.1 Personal Steps to Address Bias

8.2 Addressing Bias in the Population as a Whole

1. Introduction

Nowadays, with our world rapidly changing and new discoveries being made every day, science can no longer be just for scientists. It is important for everyone to have an understanding and appreciation of this vital way of thinking. Scientists do not simply accept any observation; they question, analyze and test it. This is done to ensure mistakes are not made and that new information can be trusted. These are some of the valuable skills, which are not just useful in scientific investigation, but are also skills for life! So for this great process for learning and investigation begins with asking why, and there is no such thing as a final answer! By starting to develop an understanding of the terminology used in the world of science, and learning about the way the human body is organized, we can start to apply scientific thinking in our everyday lives. Terminology is what we call the words that are specific to each field of study. For example, in a computer science program, you would probably have to learn terms like RAM and ROM, but these words would not mean to most people what they mean to a computer scientist. It is the same with medical terminology. This is because the human body is broken down into many different systems so that it is easier to study and understand the way in which the body works. Scientists use a kind of shorthand-terminology, which is specialized language that people use to communicate with each other efficiently. The body consists of different levels of organizations. At the highest level is the atomic level, where individual atoms make up molecules and macromolecules. These in turn combine to form cells, the basic level of life which can perform all the processes associated with life. But different cells are designed to carry out specialized tasks, such as muscle or nerve cells. We call this arrangement of different cells into groups with common goals “organization”. And the final product of this organization is what we call emergent properties, which are new functions seen at the levels above. For example, a nerve cell cannot coordinate the rapid movement of a leg muscle by itself, but when combined with other nerve cells and muscle cells, a nerve cell can help to make this movement happen.

1.1. Purpose of the Study Guide

The study guide is tailored to meet the learning needs of those with little or no background in anatomy and physiology. Reinforcing the concepts contained in the guide through standard reading and reviewing those concepts and providing tools for “transfer learning” which will enhance your overall retention of the material. Finally and most importantly, all of the above becomes more relevant and valuable as you progress through your healthcare quality curriculum because it has the potential, if used properly and consistently from the onset, for building an essential skill in healthcare quality and that is “critical analysis”. Critical analysis is really the foundation for dissecting the root causes of quality failures and negative outcomes in healthcare delivery. This guide and each of its components all help to build and reinforce that skill. By doing so, it is not a stretch to say that this guide can be utilized as an “Answer Key” to critical analysis because by following and routinely using all that is outlined, you will find that you learn over time to systematically break down the various interactions, investigational methods and contributing factors in the cause-and-effect continuum associated with quality deficiencies and less than ideal patient outcomes. The interpretations that you develop and the interventions that you might suggest will become second nature and that, folks, is what effective quality improvement is all about. It just doesn’t get any better than routinely striving to solve problems and improve the outcomes for those in our care. Well all I can say is “let’s get to study”.

1.2. Scope of the Study Guide

The study guide has been compiled to introduce the students to the terminology used in the medical world. The acquisition of medical terminologies requires a systematic process. The learning trajectory begins from simple subjects and advances to more complex ones. In this study guide, there are a number of key areas in the field of medical terminology that have been given priority. This is in line with the major areas of human body systems which, at the end, help the student to have a comprehensive understanding of the entire human body in relation to medical terminologies. The focus of the study begins with an introduction to the various terminologies and term analysis. This becomes foundational as the student gains skills in prefix, suffix, and root word analysis. The study guide further captures a broad overview of the human body organization, the various levels of the body from cells to tissues, and the importance of maintaining a constant body environment. It moves on to cover the major body systems such as the skeletal system, the muscular system, and the nervous system. Within each system, a detailed explanation of the system and common terminologies used in result to malfunctions or diseases that affect that system has been provided. The guide is structured in a systematic manner, highlighting one each system by itself. This makes the work easier as students do not become overwhelmed by the amount of information given. Rather, they are able to appreciate how the various systems are interrelated. Towards the end of the guide, students will find a summarization of the key points of each system. I firmly believe that this study guide will be a useful companion for the students who intend to pursue studies in medical-related courses and those who are already in the medical field. In fact, further reading materials and exercises should be encouraged so that the students can constantly engage themselves and reinforce their understanding of the terminologies. I hope the students will enjoy the study and benefit from it richly.

1.3. Target Audience

This guide is designed for several different groups of individuals. First, this guide will be useful to any student studying some field of medical movement science, such as exercise physiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or athletic training. In particular, this guide was designed for students in the Kinesiology program at San Francisco State University who are taking Human Kinesiology (KIN 355) and Medical Terminology (KIN 356). This guide is also written for students who are working toward a degree in physical education and seek a stronger understanding of the human body; for them, the study of the terminology and body organization in this field may provide both interest and challenge. Secondly, this guide may be useful to any faculty member who is teaching such a course. As part of its development in the Fall of 2011, the initial draft of this guide was submitted to the San Francisco State University-Academic Senate-Curriculum Review and Approval Committee for the establishment of Medical Terminology (KIN 356) as a General Education-Lifelong Learning and Self-Development course. It was fully approved with the guide through the completion of the cycle of review. This guide will be useful to explain to the Senate and students why a class about medical terminology could be categorized as a General Education self development in areas such as health and well-being. It also will help to give a clearer idea of the level of knowledge development, its application and the scope of the class. Last but not least, it is a useful reference for any student seeking to apply for the course waiver by demonstrating the successful completion of comparable class at another institution. However, in the effort to standardize the practice, the petition to consider such waiver in San Francisco State University must be approved by the faculty adviser in writing. One thing needs to be mentioned that, all current and future students of KIN 355 and KIN 356 at San Francisco State University are obliged to adhere to the published university policies and curriculum established by the faculty of the Department of Kinesiology. It is in the best interest of students who are enrolled in such classes to work with us in order to achieve the goal of enhancing the understanding learning experience for medical terminology and body organization. Also, the authors and contributors of this guide welcome any kind of criticism, for the purpose of improving the quality and usefulness of the book. All readers can send comments and suggestions. The contact information can be found on the last section of this guide. We hope that all students will not only find this guide useful, but also have a great time exploring the study of human movement and enjoying the lab work, which brings the words and knowledge learned to life!

2. Terminology

2.1. Definition of Terminology

2.2. Importance of Understanding Terminology

2.3. Common Medical Terminology

3. Body Organization

3.1. Overview of Body Organization

3.2. Levels of Body Organization

3.2.1. Cellular Level

3.2.2. Tissue Level

3.2.3. Organ Level

3.2.4. Organ System Level

3.2.5. Organism Level

4. Body Systems

4.1. Skeletal System

4.1.1. Bones

4.1.2. Joints

4.1.3. Functions of the Skeletal System

4.2. Muscular System

4.2.1. Types of Muscles

4.2.2. Functions of the Muscular System

4.3. Nervous System

4.3.1. Central Nervous System

4.3.2. Peripheral Nervous System

4.3.3. Functions of the Nervous System

5. Common Terminology in Body Systems

5.1. Cardiovascular System

5.1.1. Heart

5.1.2. Blood Vessels

5.1.3. Functions of the Cardiovascular System

5.2. Respiratory System

5.2.1. Lungs

5.2.2. Airways

5.2.3. Functions of the Respiratory System

5.3. Digestive System

5.3.1. Stomach

5.3.2. Intestines

5.3.3. Functions of the Digestive System

6. Conclusion

6.1. Summary of Key Points

6.2. Importance of Terminology and Body Organization

1. Introduction

Highly contagious diseases with epidemic potential require a coordinated, continuous response that involves all levels of government and partners internationally. Nurses working in different phases of an outbreak need to be knowledgeable, flexible, and prepared to adapt to ever-changing situations. Continuing education and training, along with comprehensive preparedness and readiness plans, are essential to protect both healthcare workers and the public. However, ongoing and continuous education and preparedness for Ebola and other highly contagious diseases are challenges that the healthcare system and nursing profession currently face.Highly contagious diseases like Ebola present unique challenges to nurses in the healthcare setting, as both the patients and healthcare workers are at risk of infection. Nurses, especially those who work in critical care units and emergency departments, play a key role in identifying, managing, and preventing the spread of Ebola. Successful containment of outbreaks and prevention of further transmission depend on early diagnosis, isolation of infected patients, appropriate infection control practices, and the use of personal protective equipment.Ebola is a rare and deadly disease caused by infection with one of the Ebola virus strains. It was first discovered near the Ebola River in 1976 in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since then, outbreaks have appeared sporadically in Africa. The 2014-2016 outbreak in West Africa was the largest Ebola outbreak since the virus was first discovered, with multiple countries affected. The outbreak was associated with more than 28,000 cases and over 11,000 deaths. Twelve cases of Ebola have been reported in the United States to date, with two of those being transmissions within the healthcare setting.The world has experienced several infectious disease outbreaks in the past, such as the Spanish flu in 1918, the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003, the H1N1 influenza in 2009, and the Ebola outbreak in West Africa in 2014-2016. Safely managing patients infected with highly contagious diseases is of utmost importance to prevent the spread of infection within the healthcare facility and the community. This is especially crucial given the global nature of healthcare and the ease and frequency of international travel today.

1.1. Importance of Safely Managing Highly Contagious Diseases

First and foremost, safely managing highly contagious diseases like Ebola is important to minimize the risk of transmission, both for healthcare workers and other patients in the healthcare setting. Ebola is caused by infection with a virus of the family Filoviridae, genus Ebolavirus. The Ebola virus is a member of a family of RNA viruses known as Filoviridae. These viruses exist as parasites of several organisms, including humans, and cause a number of hemorrhagic fevers. The Ebola virus is named after the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire), where one of the first recorded outbreaks occurred. Since then, there have been numerous outbreaks of Ebola in Africa. The first documented human case of Ebola virus was in 1976, and since that time, the virus has been a health threat in Africa. The natural reservoir host of the Ebola virus is not confirmed, but scientists believe that the virus is animal-borne and that bats are the most likely reservoir. In general, highly contagious diseases have the potential to cause sudden, widespread illness and death, and they can also cause a high degree of public fear and social disruption. Therefore, it is essential that there is a coordinated and well thought out plan for managing such diseases effectively. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), for example, led to considerable disruption to international air travel and business in 2003, and had serious economic implications for affected countries. Even more seriously, the “Black Death,” now known to be caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, killed an estimated 25 million people in Europe between 1347 and 1351 and had far-reaching social and economic effects. Highly contagious diseases like Ebola are transmitted through contact with blood or body fluids of a person who is sick with or has died from Ebola, or through exposure to contaminated objects, such as needles. Some highly contagious diseases may be airborne, transmitting through particles of moisture that are coughed or sneezed into the air. It is also possible for some diseases to be transmitted through the water or food supplies. Therefore, taking appropriate measures for safely managing such patients with highly contagious diseases is vital. Such measures help to control the spread of these diseases and minimize the risk of infections to both patients and healthcare workers. In addition, having appropriate procedures for managing patients with highly contagious diseases in place can give assurance to healthcare workers, who are the first line of response, and also avoid unnecessary panic among the public. Sudden outbreaks of highly contagious diseases can cause substantial stress and worry. People may worry about catching the disease for themselves or for their loved ones, what treatments are available or what will happen to their jobs or businesses. By having good plans in place for managing patients with highly contagious diseases and by effectively and appropriately implementing those plans, public fear and social disruption can be minimized.

1.2. Overview of Ebola Virus

The first symptoms of Ebola infection are very similar to those of many other infections, such as fever, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat. These early nonspecific symptoms, along with adequate knowledge of the transmission pathway, are believed to be important in the recognition and containment of potential outbreaks. These symptoms, however, are eventually overpowered by the later signs of severe damage to the vascular system, such as widespread bruising, bloody feces, vomiting blood, and spontaneous bleeding from various orifices. If the patient makes it past this critical stage and has a robust immune system, they can recover from the virus. Long-term complications of Ebola infection may include joint pain, muscle pain, and fatigue. However, the survival rate depends on the exact strain of Ebola virus and medical care. For some outbreaks, live rates have varied from 25% to 90%.The Ebola virus primarily targets the immune system and vascular system in the human body. After initial contact and entry into the body, the virus first invades local macrophages and dendritic cells, then travels within infected cells through the lymphatic system. The virus ultimately disrupts the vascular system and induces abnormal blood clotting, which can lead to a variety of bleeding disorders. In fact, it is the multifaceted damage to the vascular system which ultimately results in the severe and often fatal hemorrhagic fever that has made Ebola virus infections notorious. The cellular response to Ebola infection, known as “cytokine storm,” greatly enhances inflammation and vascular permeability, further adding to the lethal nature of the virus.The Ebola virus, named after the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where it was first detected in 1976, is a member of the family Filoviridae. There are five known Ebola virus species, four of which can cause disease in humans and the fifth in nonhuman primates. While the natural reservoir for Ebola virus remains unknown, it is believed that fruit bats are likely the hosts for the virus and that the infection is transmitted to humans and other animals through bat secretions. Upon infection, the virus can be secreted in many different body fluids, such as saliva, vomit, feces, sweat, and blood, and can be transmitted to others through direct contact with the skin or mucous membranes.

1.3. Challenges Faced by Nurses in Managing Ebola Patients

Nurses working with Ebola patients face many challenges. These challenges may encompass the provision of direct care and the structural, administrative, and cultural issues that are part of an outbreak response in a healthcare facility. Most significantly, the high mortality rates and the absence of a proven vaccine and a clear-cut treatment for Ebola may cause fear and extensive distress for nurses who are responsible for providing nursing care to the patients. Studies have identified that there is an existence of cognitive, emotional, and physical challenges experienced by the nurses. The cognitive challenges include high workload, situational awareness, and decision-making process in managing the safety of both nurses and the patients. Emotional challenges mainly refer to the psychological demand, anxiety, burnout, and stress due to the unpredictable disease trajectory and death of the patients while physical challenges are related to the adherence of the infection prevention and control practices and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the workplace. Also, maintaining a safe environment with high infectious agents such as the providing of adequate spacing from other patients, segregation or isolation plans, and the reduction in unnecessary transportation to other places can be challenging. This may entail the alteration of the healthcare customs of allowing visitations and the accommodation of patient’s preference on the comprehensive healthcare options. Nurses not only have to maintain the functional requirements in treating the patients but also to implement the structural changes. Mitigation strategies include more staffing and the training of healthcare workers to have a better understanding of the pathogen and the infection prevention. The ongoing Ebola weighs heavy on the nurses both mentally and physically. The continuous exposure to the trauma and suffering of the patients can lead to distress response and other types of psychological impacts on the nurses, not to mention potential stigmatization and shunning by the public. It is important for the nurses to have an additionally reinforced training on stress and emotional management during the outbreak of such high-risk infectious diseases. In essence, it is an educational and support intervention strategy which can aid in diabetes prevention and improve the holistic health in the safety work environment for the nurses. Also, empowering the nurses on the decision-making process and work safety confidence with more isolation on the structural overcome will promote a positive and healthy workforce when encountered with an infectious outbreak. Finally, with the increased involvement in the research profession and rapid advancements in the laboratory technologies, it aims to develop better treatments of Ebola and potential cures. Nonetheless, it is vital for the nurses to have a strong drive in the engagement of the academic opportunities to have a deeper understanding of biomedical research so as to equip themselves to face the challenges in dealing with such infectious diseases in the long run.

2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

2.1. Importance of PPE in Ebola Management

2.2. Types of PPE Used by Nurses

2.3. Proper Donning and Doffing of PPE

3. Infection Prevention and Control Measures

3.1. Hand Hygiene Practices

3.2. Disinfection and Sterilization Procedures

3.3. Waste Management in Ebola Units

4. Patient Assessment and Monitoring

4.1. Initial Assessment of Ebola Patients

4.2. Vital Signs Monitoring

4.3. Symptom Management

5. Safe Patient Handling and Movement

5.1. Techniques for Safe Patient Transfers

5.2. Proper Use of Medical Equipment

5.3. Preventing Patient Falls

6. Communication and Collaboration

6.1. Effective Communication Strategies in Ebola Units

6.2. Interprofessional Collaboration in Managing Ebola Patients

6.3. Family and Community Engagement

7. Emotional and Psychological Support

7.1. Providing Emotional Support to Ebola Patients

7.2. Self-Care for Nurses in High-Stress Environments

7.3. Dealing with Stigma and Discrimination

8. Emergency Preparedness and Response

8.1. Disaster Planning for Ebola Outbreaks

8.2. Rapid Response Teams and Emergency Protocols

8.3. Lessons Learned from Previous Ebola Outbreaks

9. Training and Education

9.1. Ebola-specific Training for Nurses

9.2. Continuous Professional Development in Ebola Management

9.3. Simulation and Drills for Preparedness

10. Conclusion

1. Introduction

The Black Gangster Disciple organization is a powerful gang. Its power and strength have made it one of the most powerful gangs in the United States, with about 35,000 members. The group consists of well-organized “crews” that work together under the supervision of a strong central leadership. Members are typically male and African-American, and many come from low-income areas. The group is most active in the Great Lakes region, especially in Chicago. It also has members in other states and other countries. The gang has a long history. It was created by David Barksdale, who was the leader of the Black Disciple Nation. The group that eventually became the Black Gangster Disciples was formed by the leader of the Supreme Gangsters, a group that would eventually align with the Black Disciple Nation. The combined gang was known as the Black Gangster Disciple Nation. The gang has a hierarchical leadership structure, with a national board, state leaders, and then local leaders who lead the crews. The highest leader of the gang is known as the “chairman of the board”. The gang also has many laws that members must obey. These laws are grouped into “FOLKS” – “Follow and Obey the Laws the Kings Set”. This refers to the crucial role that leaders and their laws have in the gang’s ideology and organization. It also reflects the fact that leaders in the group have powers similar to those of a king in a monarchy – and gang leaders are prepared to defend their “kingdom” with violence. The gang’s power and presence are so strong because it is based on a semi-secret, disciplined, and well-structured organization. Every member of the gang is given a copy of the rules, called the “literature”. This literature was written by the founder of the Black Gangster Disciples, David Barksdale, before he was murdered in 1974. He was known as “King David”. The gang’s laws were updated by the next leader, Hoover, who was known as “King Larry”. Some of the laws specify things that members should or shouldn’t do – for example, “you must not be a punk” and “you should aim to be physically fit and train body and mind”. However, some of the laws are for the disciplined organization of the group, such as “Discipline must be maintained”; “One is never to harm the love of one’s life”; and “The unwilling, led by the unqualified, to do the unnecessary, for the ungrateful, is foolish”. The focus of this module is the issue of “gangs” and “dissent groups”, but the mention of discipline and leadership helps you to understand how the gang has maintained its power and influence for so many years.

1.2 Origins of Black Gangster Disciple

The Black Gangster Disciple began life in the Midwest. The organization was founded in the late 1960s as the Black Gangster Disciple Nation by David Barksdale, leader of the Black Disciples, and Larry Hoover, “supreme gangster” (Quinn and Kumfer 656). Hogshire (21) states that “Hoover controlled not only the illicit drug market in the Southside of Chicago, but…all the black underworld in the city” and that Barksdale ran the Westside. The connection between the Black Gangster Disciple and the Black Disciples “is a long-standing and complex one” (Hagedorn 85), although they have been known to be enemies. Hagedorn (85) suggests that power struggles and “factionalism” within Chicago gangs following the death of Barksdale led to the Black Gangster Disciples splitting into more “institutionalized units” and that the groups claim to be really fighting over the legacy of Barksdale. Hobble (353) suggests that the Black Gangster Disciples were actually formed prior to the Black Disciples and that they were originally part of a “people’s gang nation” and an “unholy alliance” that were united against “white supremacy and the police”. However, the differing interpretations of the origins of the Black Gangster Disciples are a common feature of gang formation myths… every individual gang seeks to claim a heritage that legitimizes its existence and codifies its adopted codes of conduct. It is usually very difficult to research gangland history because traditional historical documentation is not available so historians have to rely on a number of different sources. Gang culture is often considered to be simply an “oral history” but in reality, many gangs have adopted modern methods of communication and history, through websites and social media being only the latest “oral” movements.

2. F.O.L.K.S. Philosophy

2.1 The importance of following laws

2.2 The role of kings in the organization

2.3 Principles of loyalty and obedience

3.1 Hierarchy within the organization

3.2 Roles and responsibilities of members

3.3 Code of conduct and rules

4.1 Criminal activities and involvement

4.2 Community outreach and social programs

4.3 Influence on local neighborhoods

5. Influence of F.O.L.K.S. on Gang Culture

5.1 Spread of F.O.L.K.S. ideology

5.2 Impact on other gangs and organizations

5.3 Media portrayal and public perception

6. Challenges and Controversies

6.2 Internal conflicts and power struggles

6.3 Criticisms and debates surrounding the organization

7.1 Adaptation to changing times and environments

7.2 Potential for growth or decline

7.3 Strategies for maintaining relevance and influence

1. Introduction

The phrase ‘food insecurity’ has no standard accepted global definition. However, some more specific, reliable and generally agreed-upon description is used to aid data collection and comparison between different areas or countries. It is also useful when considering appropriate responses to food insecurity. Food insecurity refers to a situation where people lack secure access to sufficient amounts of safe and nutritious food for normal growth and development and an active and healthy life. This may result from the unavailability of affordable food, insufficient resources, or inconsistent access to food. Food insecurity can be classified into two primary stages: severe food insecurity and moderate food insecurity. Severe food insecurity, previously called famine, results in a substantial and almost immediate deterioration of the quality of life and may involve the threat of hunger and ultimately starvation. On the other hand, moderate food insecurity is characterized by the uncertainty of being able to obtain food, consistently or in socially acceptable ways. Hunger is the body’s way of signaling that it is not receiving the type and amount of food that it needs. This hunger can have a serious consequence on an individual’s physical and mental health. However, it is worth noting that the most common symptoms of hunger can include a constant lack of energy, dizziness, repeated illness, the inability to concentrate and organize thought, as well as a feeling of distress or worry. The ‘physical’ aspect of food insecurity involves the physiological changes that occur as a result of prolonged lack of essential nutrients and energy. For example, the nerve messages that control the muscles in the stomach can become damaged and can affect the movement and expulsion of the stomach muscles. This delay in the emptying of the stomach, known as gastroparesis, inhibits the sufferer from digesting food and can cause nausea and early satiety.

1.1 Definition of Food Insecurity

In our world today, there are numerous cases of food insecurity, including different forms that can be classified. There is chronic food insecurity, whereby people in a certain region historically have not had food for long periods of time, and this in some cases may be attributed to poverty, where people lack the financial means to access food or any other basic necessities for living.

In addition to that, many researchers believe that food insecurity arises when people live in unhygienic environments with no proper means of storing or preparing food, or they have no means of providing fresh food for themselves and their families.

Food insecurity, on the other hand, refers to a situation where people lack secure access to sufficient amounts of safe and nutritious food for normal growth and development and an active life (Santeramo). This refers to not having available food and being in a situation where it is either difficult to find food or to be in fear of famine (Zefirini and Canfora).

In the context of the work “Food Insecurity and Security” and specifically this piece, we’re focusing on writing an explanation and providing reliable references to better understand the concept of food insecurity. In essence, this can be attributed to the traditional means of procurement, such as discarding market surplus and disposing of food waste. But now, with rapid urbanization and industrialization, more people are turning towards markets for food.

1.2 Importance of Food Security

In conclusion, food security is a major issue in the world today. By the year 2050, global population is expected to reach 9 billion people. This poses a major challenge to food producers and suppliers, not only in terms of producing enough food for the growing population, but also to providing the world population with balanced and nutritious food. Cultures and traditions have changed and no one wants to eat the same kind of food every day. These among many other factors continue to put pressure on the food production, storage and distribution systems. Global climate change has led to unpredictable weather patterns, threatening the productivity of food production systems. There is need for the governments to come up with effective policies of ensuring that food is produced and distributed sustainably, and that all citizens, in particular the most vulnerable, have access to enough food to meet their dietary needs at any given time.Political stability and national security cannot be realized in a country that is unable to feed its citizens. In many cases, lack of adequate food supplies or the presence of ineffective food distribution systems can lead to food riots, protests and general disorganization of the society. These conditions contribute to political unrest and in some cases armed conflicts as different factions try to control the available food supplies. Such conditions drive away potential investors and lay a foundation for plight and underdevelopment.Moreover, where people are assured of their next meal, they are able to engage in meaningful economic activities with the aim of improving their lives and their community at large. This leads to economic growth and development. Modernization and economic development, which are the main drivers of national progress, cannot be achieved in any country without first ensuring that the population has access to enough food. This is because modernization is associated with various other related aspects, such as increasing per capita income, and shift from agricultural based to industrial economies, all of which require a well fed and nutritionally sound society.In addition to hunger and malnutrition, diseases resulting from lack of food continue to pose a major challenge to the realization of food security. For example, lack of food weakens the human immune system and its ability to resist diseases, making the affected population even more vulnerable to various diseases. On the other hand, the realization of food security can lead to political stability and peaceful coexistence among the members of the society. This is because availability of food to the entire population of a given country reduces the chances of the society being divided along social and economic lines in search of food.There is a clear link between food security and the health and well-being of a nation. The importance of food security to national development, economic growth, political stability, and social progress cannot be overemphasized. Food security is essential to sustainable development. However, providing food security continues to be a major challenge for many countries worldwide. Many individuals continue to suffer from hunger, despite the commitment by governments to achieve food security for their citizens.

2. Causes of Food Insecurity

2.1 Poverty and Income Inequality

2.2 Climate Change and Natural Disasters

2.3 Conflict and Political Instability

3. Consequences of Food Insecurity

3.1 Malnutrition and Health Issues

3.2 Economic Impacts

3.3 Social and Political Unrest

4. Global Efforts to Address Food Insecurity

4.1 Sustainable Development Goals

4.2 International Organizations and Initiatives

4.3 Agricultural and Food Policies

5. Regional Perspectives on Food Insecurity

5.1 Africa

5.1.1 Challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa

5.1.2 Strategies for Food Security in Africa

5.2 Asia

5.2.1 Food Insecurity in South Asia

5.2.2 Achievements and Challenges in East Asia

5.3 Latin America

5.3.1 Food Insecurity in Central America

5.3.2 Successes in South American Countries

6. Innovations and Solutions for Food Security

6.1 Technology and Digital Solutions

6.2 Sustainable Agriculture Practices

6.3 Community-Based Approaches

7. Future Challenges and Opportunities

7.1 Population Growth and Food Demand

7.2 Urbanization and Changing Diets

7.3 Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience