AIM on knowledge April 2013

ARTS

HEALTH

SCIENCE

SOCIETY

Health Arts Dealing with Stress 04 Is K-Pop Going Global? 18 by Anthony Giguère by Alexandra Poulin

When the Sun Becomes a Drug 06 The Rise of Body Painting 20 by Michel Bergeron by Ann-Frédérik Gosselin

Worth the Boost? 08 Mangas: An Amazing Japanese Book Style 22 by Miro Lacroix by Catherine Savard

Anorexia Nervosa: 10 Society More Than We Have Ever Known Multitasking: A Fight Between Genders 24 by Stéphanie Bédard by Thomas Pozer The Dreaded C10H15N 12 Ancient Medics: The Miracle of QI 26 by Gabriel Fontaine by David Kaba Science The Pursuit of the Bride: China’s 28 The Science of Swimming 14 Most Controversial Demographic Problem by Sarah Bourque by Catherine Fontaine How Does Language Affect the 16 Way you Perceive the World? by Antoine Poirier-Morin Introduction Written by The idea of producing a magazine came to me We decided to distribute AIM ON KNOW- for two reasons mainly. To start with, I want- LEDGE in high schools mostly for teachers to Alain Gilbert ed the Cégep to publish a document showing use them in class but also for the same teach- how good some of our students are in Eng- ers to read former students’ work. I hope this lish. I have been teaching here for close to may also motivate some students to aim high- 20 years now and over the years, I have read er, to become better in their English skills. truly impressive texts written by students for whom English is a second language. The stu- This is the first version of AIM and needless dents who wrote the articles in this magazine to say, there is room for improvement. That were in my 103 course, which is the most ad- is why I will welcome any comment that will vanced level in cégep. Also, the Cégep has a contribute in making it better. A project like program in Printing Management in which this involves unsuspected details that only ex- students learn, among other things, to pro- perience will improve. Your input would be a duce printed works. It made perfect sense to valuable asset for the magazines to come. create a project where these students do work Finally, this project would have never been to publish this magazine. English teacher. possible without the help of other teachers. [email protected] Readers should know that every aspect of this Christian Pépin, teacher in Arts, helped for magazine was done by students: the writing, the pictures. Rémi Rodrigue, English teacher, the layout, the pictures for the writers, and all and Sonia Cadoret, teacher in Printing, were the many other details. The only aspects that nice enough to integrate this project in one were not done entirely by students are the of their courses. Their patience and contribu- promotional pages for certain programs. tion, especially for this first version, was cru- cial and absolutely necessary. Credits Journalists’ Pictures: Alexandre Duclos-Ferland student in Arts visuels Cover Page: Kim Lamontagne student in Arts visuels Magazine’s Layout: Anne Rancourt and Philippe Gaboury students in Gestion de projet en communications graphiques Customer Service Representative: Carolann Drouin student in Gestion de projet en communications graphiques Printer: Tactic Financial support: AGÉ and CBA 4 Health Dealing with Stress

Written by Anthony Giguère

ooner or later, we all have to face a of workers with a high stress level indi- being felt. In this situation, the body Ssituation in which several choices cated that their job is their main source tries to hold on. This is when cortisol, a are imperative. We then try to choose of stress. Yet, financial concerns and hormone associated with stress, will be an alternative that represents our val- lack of time seem to be another import- secreted in order to maintain the sugar ues which, according to us, would have ant source of stress. rate in blood with an aim of feeding the the most positive repercussions. Some- muscles and the brain in energy. There- times, however, a much more compli- Of course, the causes of stress are after, the moment when the body cracks cated situation requires sudden adap- specific to each individual, depending under tension corresponds to the phase tation, either if that situation is dan- on what the individual considers as be- of exhaustion. This is when the effects gerous or not. At this point, the body ing stressful. However, human stress on health appear. reacts in order to be prepared to face could be classified in three general this destabilizing situation, either from causes: chemical, physical and psychic A level of stress that is too high or sim- a physical or psychological nature. The stress. Moreover, various situations ply out of control often results in mul- body then reacts to the several effects such as the lack of time, the lack of rest, tiple consequences and serious symp- related to the peak of adrenalin caused an emotional shock, familial or senti- toms that affect the health of an indi- by the stress. As such, the stress can be mental events, work and certain harm- vidual. On the cognitive side, problems beneficial, but there are times when it ful dependences (tobacco, alcohol and of memory, difficulty to concentrate, becomes harmful to the whole body, drugs increase the level of stress) seem poor judgment, negative thoughts and both physically and mentally. One thing to be recurring causes of stress. We may omnipresent concerns are consequences is sure: stress may affect anybody, but conclude that any changes in our lives caused by stress. Furthermore, on the the consequences depend on the level could result in stress. It is important emotional level, irritability, strong tem- of stress of that person. to understand that stress is important, per, incapacity to calm down, feeling even essential, for our survival. How- of insulation and rejection, as well as a In fact, according to Statistics Canada, ever, certain situations will be more potential depression are the results of in 2008, 21, 2% of men (2.8 million) and difficult to manage and will affect our severe stress. In addition, the nutrition 23.4% of women (3.2 million) aged over health more seriously. of that person as well as his sleep will 15 confessed that most of their days be unbalanced. Moreover, the person were quite or extremely stressful. Inter- First of all, stress can be subdivided in will tend to isolate himself from others, estingly, women in general seem to be a three phases: the phase of alarm, the to neglect his responsibilities, to use little more stressed than men. Actually, phase of resistance and then the phase substances (alcohol, tobacco, drugs) in they were 1.5 times more likely than of exhaustion. In the phase of alarm, order to relax and will develop certain men to say that most of their days were the acute stress, which is the benefi- nervous habits. Stress is also considered fairly or very stressful. Of course, the cial stress, is concerned. We feel the to be a risk factor related to many dis- sources of stress differ from one person need to act as fast as possible in order eases, such as heart disease, herpes and to another, but in general, the causes are to face a situation which is unforesee- to mental illness. It also makes it hard still similar. According to a survey from able and new. Then, we enter the phase for some people to control their dia- Statistics Canada, approximately 62% of resistance, where chronic stress is betes. All those reasons demonstrate the AIM ON KNOWLEDGE 5 Source: © 2011, Denis Chabot, Le monde en images, CCDMD en images, © 2011, Denis Chabot, LeSource: monde

importance of dealing with stress. Here if it is worth making a big deal out of In my opinion, we tend to exaggerate is some advice to help you deal with it. it, if the situation you have to face jus- many situations for no reason. There tifies your level of stress. Be optimistic. is no reason to feel sorry for ourselves, First of all, evaluate your level of stress. A positive attitude will help you to face especially if we don’t have the capacities This step is of primary importance in the moments of stress, contrary to a to change the situation. It is important order to manage stress. You will then be negative attitude which will depress you to remember that the only thing that aware of the intensity of the stress which more. Lay down objectives which you matters is the future, since we cannot affects you; it might make you realize know are realizable to avoid the useless change the past. If you feel that stress is that you are not stressed as much as you discouragement. Moreover, physical ac- unbearable, make sure it won’t bother believe. Thereafter, determine what are tivity is an excellent way to relax, just you. Do what you like and what makes the causes of your stress. To do so, ana- like the multiple techniques of relaxa- you happy. Do not forget that controlled lyze how certain situations affect you tion (yoga, meditation, visualization, stress will keep you away from many and the way you react towards them. etc.) In brief, choose an activity you like, problems. Obviously, try to avoid the situations that makes you happy. What could be which cause you stress. Although that is better than having pleasure while relax- not always possible, it is a step towards ing? success. Then, have a look at what you consider as being stressful. Ask yourself 6 Health When the Sun Becomes a Drug

Written by Michel Bergeron

oday’s society has created beauty of the skin results in alteration of the skin when Coco Chanel started this trend, Tstandards that are precisely defined cells’ DNA and is a sign of skin dam- to the invention of tanning booths and and strongly influential in people’s life. age. This darkening is a defense used by innovation in equipment, tanning has Women have to be skinny, men have to the skin in order to protect itself against not stopped growing in popularity. This be muscular, fashion is more import- further damage caused by UV radiation; augmentation actually ties in with the ant than ever. It is now socially accepted it is an obvious sign that you have dam- increase of skin cancers. This growing that a “beautiful” tan will make you look aged your skin cells. In other words, what appeal should be a tremendous concern. healthier and, of course, sexier. Tanning many people consider as a healthy sign is salons know how to sell their product totally the opposite and is even a major Recently, researchers have discovered, and their supposedly safe tanning booths cause of melanoma and non-melanoma by analyzing the brain of people exposed are more popular than ever. It is a known types of cancer. to UV radiation, that exposure to UV fact that overexposure to UV rays leads to rays acts just like drugs do. It has been tanned skin. But how safe is it? UV rays are not as inoffensive as they proved that the action of UV rays on hu- look. Indeed, overexposure to UV radia- man skin stimulates the same regions Tanning is a very popular trend. Thirty tion causes genetic mutations that can of the brain than drug consumption. million Americans go to tanning salons eventually lead to skin cancer. Both UVA Repetitive use of tanning beds causes every year. The NCI (National Cancer and UVB are dangerous. UVA goes deep- changes in brain activities as well as its Institute) discovered that indoor tanning er in the skin and tanning booths emit up organization. The brain’s chemical reac- devices were the cause of a 50-percent to twelve times more UVA rays than the tions are modified the same way they increase in the risk of developing basal sun. That is why people using these booths would if that person was addicted to cell carcinoma and more than a 100-per- are more likely to develop carcinoma and drugs. Indeed, exposure to UV rays acti- cent increase in risks of squamous cell melanoma. UVB are well-known and vates the parts of the brain involved with carcinoma. UV rays are also a cause of more feared by the average person on the addictions and, eventually, creates a real melanoma, which is the deadliest type of street since they cause sunburn. Unlike addiction: the tanning addiction. skin cancer. It kills more than eight thou- UVA, they damage the superficial layers sand Americans every year. Tanning beds of the skin and do not penetrate too deep. Knowing this, we can explain why people emit as much as twelve times more UV They are still dangerous, even during win- continue to frequent tanning salons de- rays than the sun, which is an impressive ter since they bounce off snow and ice as spite the fact that they are aware of the amount. well as any reflective surface. dangers. People that are regular users of tanning beds all know that it can lead to People should really be aware of the con- Despite these facts, people continue to ex- a skin cancer, almost everybody knows sequences of tanning on their skin. Tan- pose themselves willingly to these danger- this in today’s society, but they still con- ning is a skin reaction caused by UVA and ous rays. Tanning salons have never been tinue to do so. Why do people do it? Be- UVB rays, which are naturally emitted by so popular. In 2010, the indoor tanning cause of the drug-like effect tanning has the sun. UV rays penetrate the skin and industry’s revenue represented 2.6 billion on the brain. They are conscious of the disrupt the epithelial cells. The darkening dollars in US currency. From the 1920s, dangers, but they are dependent so they AIM ON KNOWLEDGE 7

cannot stop, even if they know that it is involve addiction showed a high activity wrong. level during normal sessions. However, during the filtered sessions, the regions Moreover, scientists have proven their involved in addiction showed far less ac- point with a psychological test. People tivity and, after these, people still felt the that went often for outdoor tanning had need to tan. to answer to an adapted version of a well- known test often used to detect alcohol Of course, tanning addiction is real- addiction. The results were quite interest- ly present in our society. Knowing all ing; they indicated that a large amount the dangers it represents, it is clear that met the psychiatric definition of a sub- stronger legislation should be imposed by stance abuse disorder. This means that UV governments regarding tanning booths. exposition created a psychological and Warning the users about the dangers such a physical dependency in these people. an activity involves should be mandatory. Researchers also ran an experiment with However, being aware doesn’t necessarily indoor tanners where they observed the fix the problem because, most of the time, brain’s activity of people while they had the need to be better looking is stronger their tanning sessions. Sometimes, the than reason. Afterall, isn’t it how all ad- scientists would filter the light of the tan- dictions work? ning beds so that UV rays did not reach the tanner. The parts of the brain that Source: iStock Photo iStock Source: 8 Health Worth the Boost?

Written by Miro Lacroix

nergy drinks are beverages that are percent of them were reported in con- these beverages contain provides an E intended to boost the mental energy suming energy drinks every month. energy source. Many contain taurine, of each consumer. The typical ingredi- These numbers are a bit troubling be- for example, Red Bull, which has been ents used in such drinks to give the cause, according to Mayo Foundation proven to improve reaction time and main intended effect are caffeine and for Medical Education and Research even concentration. Moreover, the ones sugar. But, in addition to those substan- (MFMER), heavy daily caffeine use (over that have ginseng are quite useful for an ces, many energy drinks contain taur- 500 milligrams a day) may cause insom- energy drink considering the fact that ine, guranine, ginseng, and B vitamins, nia, nervousness, restlessness, irritabil- it reduces the ability to sleep. Knowing all for the same purpose of increas- ity, stomach upset, fast heartbeat, and the positive aspects, energy drinks can ing energy. The caffeine concentration muscle tremors. be very useful in some situations, espe- of energy drinks contains about three cially when studying or for driving for times the concentration of colas. In 340 There are six main situations where the long periods of time. ml of Coca-Cola Classic, there are 35 mg college student consumption of these of caffeine, whereas a Monster Energy beverages was determined. Either, for Although energy drinks are known to Drink contains 120 mg of caffeine for the insufficient sleep, to simply increase help improve people’s alertness and cog- same amount of liquid. energy in general, to help study, to drive nition temporarily, the consumption of for longer periods of time, to drink with them has negative side-effects shortly The popularity of energy drinks has alcohol while partying, or to treat a after. The drinking of them usually leads grown since 1997, the starting point of hangover. Some may think that in those to a crash and burn effect. The positive RedBull which is the current leader in situations it is not necessary to turn to aspects of the drinks wear off in a sud- the market of this type of drink. Energy energy drinks. However, the ingredients den way so the consumer has to deal drink companies, such as RedBull, Mon- aren’t all bad. Based on a recent study with a very important loss of energy. ster, or Amp mainly try to target young published in Men’s Health, the methylx- The main reason for this is because adults. Based on a 2007 survey pub- anthines, or naturally occurring organic most of the energy is provided by a large lished in Nutrition Journal, among 496 compounds such as caffeine help de- amount of sugar and caffeine, both of randomly surveyed college students in crease sleepiness and improve alertness. which remain in your system for just a North America aged from 17 to 25, 51 Also, the amount of sugar that most of short period of time. AIM ON KNOWLEDGE 9

Source: iStock Photo

Energy drinks are quite controversial in gerous to drink too much of energy which decreases the apparent influence some countries because of the above fac- drinks. of alcohol. The consumers of the mixture tors. In France, Denmark, and Norway, often underestimate their drunkenness RedBull did not get market approval Lately, teens and college students have and tend to drink more than they usually for several years. The French approval been mixing energy drinks with al- would. Moreover, alcohol makes you de- process had concerns about taurine, a cohol even though the combination, hydrated, which is one of the reasons why normal body constituent and also natur- such as RedBull and Vodka, can be people have hangovers, and caffeine is a ally present in the human diet. This is the dangerous. The main reason for this diuretic which also causes people to lose reason it couldn’t be sold in France. In- is for getting a high without getting water. So the two combined makes the de- stead, a different recipe that did not con- sleepy. It is true that the mixture can hydration effects even worse. tain taurine was, therefore, introduced. create the wanted effect, but it is im- The French Food Safety Agency weren’t portant that these students know that Finally, there are numerous students that able to prove definitively the existence of they must still be very careful while are simply unsure about the health effects health risk, with or without taurine, so it mixing energy drinks with alcohol. that energy drinks may cause. Some of has been legal in all 27 member states of Being tired is the way the body says these students, however, continue con- the European Union since 2008. More- it had enough to drink and it is risky suming these beverages regardless of over, RedBull is now on sale in 164 coun- to continue to deceive your body into their ignorance. Others, though, avoid tries around the globe. According to BBC thinking that you’re not as drunk as drinking energy drinks because of the News though, a town in England forbade you really are. It is possible that you fact that they simply don’t know what is the sale of energy drinks to minors be- may feel fine and alert after consum- in them and because they don’t know of cause of the possible dangers they pose ing a decent amount of the mixture. the long-term consequences that may af- during physical activities that demand a But, actually, the energy drink doesn’t fect them. lot of effort or for when it is mixed with decrease the effects of alcohol at all. alcohol. In 2000, an Irish student passed The alcohol will continue having the “RedBull? I wouldn’t recommend that away after drinking three energy drinks same effect on you. This is due to the to anyone,” said Jean-Nicolas Roy, a first followed by a rigorous basketball game. fact that energy drinks act as a stimu- year college student. “I don’t even know So we can therefore agree that it is dan- lant while alcohol is a depressant, what is in it!” 10 Health Anorexia Nervosa: More Than What We Have Ever Known

Written by Stéphanie Bédard

llness. We all know what that word during her pregnancy, she has higher pressure on them. Because they put a lot Imeans: it is when someone is un- rates of miscarriages and more chances of emphasis on looks themselves, parents healthy, sick. Usually, what comes to our to give birth to her baby prematurely. In tend to push their descendants to look mind first is a person who is physically addition to that, anorexics can catch sight and act flawless. For instance, a young girl sick, but being ill can also mean having of certain changes on their body: slowed could feel the necessity of being a copy of a mental disease. Anorexics suffer from thinking, poor memory, dizziness, faint- her mother only to please her. It is hard both physical and mental problems. So ing, headaches, yellow skin and even a for teens to respond entirely to all these how and why are that many people in- growth of fine hair all over their body. criteria so it may lead them to stop eat- volved? There are different types of fac- ing and develop anorexia nervosa just to tors that could lead someone to become To begin with, anorexia nervosa can be fit in that mold. Also, this type of pressure anorexic: psychological, social and bio- caused by a psychological factor. As we could come from an activity the person logical factors. probably all know, pressure to be perfect does. For example, gymnastics, model- weighs on teenagers much more than it ing or ballet requires their participants First, let’s call the disease by its real name: did in other generations. That is why an- to be extremely thin. For them, the best Anorexia Nervosa. The difference be- orexics are often described as perfection- and fastest way of acquiring the desired tween anorexia and anorexia nervosa is ists and overachievers these days. Every- slimness is to eat less and throw up what simple: having anorexia only means you thing they do, they do it perfectly and they ingest. Therefore, anorexia nervosa have a lack of appetite, while a person better than anybody else. They are used to is their solution. suffering from anorexia nervosa com- try something and be excellent at it with- pletely loses his or her appetite. As we all out putting much effort. By being good at Finally, the disorder could come from know, these people are obsessed about everything, they please others, like their a biological factor, which means some their weight. For them, as long as you are parents or coaches, and really think it is people could have a genetic predispos- not extremely thin, you are not beauti- important to satisfy them. If one day it ition to anorexia. As a matter of fact, the ful, and that perception pushes them to happens that they don’t easily achieve one brain secretes a type of hormone called stop eating and even induce themselves of their goals, they become very critical cortisol that is related to stress. When to vomit. 1 in every 250 people is in this about themselves and feel like a failure. someone goes on a severe diet, his or her condition on our planet. Anorexia ner- Then, they consider they are worthless, blood cortisol levels get higher. Thus, vosa is known for its striking percentages inadequate and not good enough. These anorexics tend to have that hormone in and disastrous effects. Actually, recent feelings are an important trigger to the high quantity in their system. Two other studies from the Agency for Healthcare disease. Most anorexics don’t have a good hormones can have an impact on their Research and Quality showed the average self-esteem and usually feel lonely. situation: the serotonin and the norepi- age of people suffering from this disease nephrine, which are both related to feel- decreased from 13 to 17 years old to 9 Also, the disease could originate from a ings of well-being. People suffering from to 12 years old. Also, it tends to affect 10 family and social pressure factor. Indeed, anorexia nervosa have a tendency of hav- times more often females than males. If every parent wishes the best for their ing decreased levels of these hormones in a woman experiences anorexia nervosa children, but some tend to put too much their blood. In addition to that, there is AIM ON KNOWLEDGE 11

a less known biological symptom in link weight or any other serious health issue, and stop feeling that high pressure soci- with anorexia nervosa and it is called he or she needs to be treated first. After, ety puts on their shoulders. They have so urinary defects. Psychiatrist Philip W. there is, of course, an important nutri- much potential and we should encourage Gold and his partners at the National tional treatment to make sure the person them to be who they really are. Obsession Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda gains his or her healthy weight and he or about weight should not be an issue, not made the discovery. Once again, a hor- she can even be helped by a nutritionist today, and not ever. mone is implied: the vasopressin. It com- or dietician to learn about proper nutri- mands actions in the kidneys and is also tion. Then, to make sure the patient does

Source: iStock Photo situated in the cerebrospinal fluid (liquid not fall back into the illness, he or she at- present around the brain). After tests on tends therapy sessions and counselling to animals, experts observed that the vaso- understand how to deal with their emo- pressin strengthens the coding of infor- tions, stress and problems. Deplorably, mation. So the excess of this hormone only 1 out of 10 people suffering from around the anorexics’ brain could explain anorexia nervosa receive adequate treat- the abnormally strong coding of certain ment and 20% of the others die from thoughts, in this case, persistent thoughts complications related to their disease. about weight. In conclusion, more than 125 years after Fortunately, when diagnosed soon its discovery, anorexia nervosa remains enough, anorexia nervosa can be treated. the third most common chronic mental There are three necessary steps to achieve illness among teenagers. According to recovery. The first one is medical treat- me, this condition is not going to improve ment. When the patient has a critical unless adolescents gain more confidence 12 Health The Dreaded C10H12N Written by Gabriel Fontaine

t the beginning of the year 2008, Moreover, in the same years, it was tracted from several everyday household Athe release of the show Break- also used as a cure for depression and items such as common cold remedy pills, ing Bad brought a lot of hype around fatigue, or even for diseases such as the batteries or even antifreeze. The danger- methamphetamine and its synthesis. Parkinson. During the 1950’s, since ous chemicals used can explode if they This TV show revolves around an old the army did not need methampheta- are not handled properly, causing severe man who decides to manufacture and mine anymore, it became much easier burns or even death. The production also sell the powerful and dangerous drug. to find. Seeing the effects it could have creates a lot of toxic waste which can Cristal meth has become more popular on people who became addicted, it endanger people who come in contact over the years and the negative effects it was banned in 1951 and would only be with it. Methamphetamine can be made can have on a user are not completely used for prescriptions to treat various using various methods like the reductive known to the general public. These ef- health problems. amination of phenyl-2-propanone with fects should be more publicized and methylamine. One thing all the meth- discussed because they can ruin lives. According to The United Nations Of- ods have in common is that they need There is various information to know fice on Drugs and Crime, almost 500 methylamine as a main component. The such as the history of this drug, the metric tons of methamphetamine are most illicitly used method is made by the short and long term effects of the drug produced every year, with approxi- reduction of ephedrine or pseudoephe- on the body, the withdrawal effects and mately 24.7 million abusers. In 2007, drine to produce the more active d-meth- the synthesis of this stimulant. 4.5% of high school seniors that were amphetamine isomer. asked have admitted trying meth- Methamphetamine was first synthe- amphetamine at least once. Having Much like other drugs, methampheta- sized in its crystallized form in 1919, been invented almost a century ago, mine has a major effect on the brain. in Japan, and there has been a lot of this drug is highly addictive and is The most important effect it has is that controversy surrounding this dread- often sold, illegally of course, for up it sends signals to the brain to release ful drug. One of the first notable uses to twenty five thousand dollars per important doses of dopamine, a neuro- for Crystal Meth happened during pound. It is most often synthesised transmitter resembling adrenaline that the Second World War. Because of in clandestine laboratories and, when is normally produced to bring a feeling its effects on the human brain, it was abused, can change the appearance of of reward, motivation or pleasure to the used as a strong stimulant to keep the the user making his teeth rot. person. When the user is under the effect troops concentrated during their mis- of meth, other signals are blocked in such sions. Since it was implanted in the Since Cristal meth is synthesised in a way that the body will not try to recycle chocolate that the soldiers were given, hidden laboratories using different the brain chemical that is released so the it is a possibility that the crews were chemicals and amphetamines, some amount of dopamine is much higher not aware they were being drugged. of the basic components can be ex- than usual. This sudden important level AIM ON KNOWLEDGE 13

of dopamine produces an intense eu- Methamphetamine is an extremely dan- are present because since the drug forces phoria for the user who either snorts it, gerous drug because the withdrawal it the brain to produce more dopamine, the smoked it, or injected it to himself. This causes is terrible. One of the only treat- brain will stop trying to produce it by it- “rush” will also cause various symp- ment available is a twelve step program self and will wait for the methampheta- toms such as increased wakefulness, that mostly relies on the user’s determin- mine rush to resume the production of increased respiration or hyperthermia. ation to stop taking meth. The signs of the neurotransmitter.

After a prolonged usage In my opinion, metham- of methamphetamine, phetamine is a dangerous the risks of developing drug that should not even heart disease, Parkinson be tried since it is very or amnesia are greatly easy to become addicted increased due to the to it and it can destroy neurotoxic uncontrolled lives. It is important to dopamine release. Simi- be well informed about lar to the neurotoxic ef- the dangers it represents fect of the dopamine re- because people who get lease, meth addiction can addicted most often do result in neurotoxicity not realize the devastat- in the serotonin system, ing effects it can have on a neurotransmitter also someone’s life and when responsible for the feel- they do realize it, they ing of well-being and are already addicted. I happiness. Repeated use wish that the humans of will most often lead to a tomorrow will at least chronic addiction that is Photo iStock Source: realize how important life very hard to control. The is and stop wasting it by extended use of cristal using drugs that make life meth can cause teeth to decay or fall. withdrawal often appear from thirty to seem awesome, only to make it depress- The specific cause is unknown, but the ninety days after the last drug use. They ing as soon as the effects fade. bruxism (tooth-grinding) and xeros- can manifest as depression, energy loss, tomia (dry mouth) may influence this difficulty to experience pleasure and the condition most commonly known as users may have suicidal thoughts. The meth mouth which is very difficult to meth withdrawal being an extremely treat as long as the patient keeps using difficult challenge, almost 93% of users the drug. The usage of the drug by in- that try to stop revert. It can deterior- jection can, eventually, produce rashes ate the ability of the user to differentiate at the site of injection while smoking it reality from hallucinations. Depression can result in pulmonary embolism. and the ability to experience pleasure 14 Science The Science of Swimming

Written by Sarah Bourque

ver wonder why you can’t seem to than water. It also explains why men that keeps us from moving forward in E float or how to improve your swim- and women float differently. As a mat- water. At the same time, it is the force ming skills? Swimming is a basic sport ter of fact, fat has a lower density than that strokes use to create propulsion, that does not require much knowledge. water and helps us stay afloat. Keeping which is what makes us move forward In fact, there are records of swimming that in mind, body fat distribution cor- in water. Therefore, resistance works in that date back to Stone Age paintings. relates to levels of sex hormones, which both ways while propulsion uses resist- Therefore, since it is mostly natural are different for each sex. For women, ance to create the movement. In order instinct that guides us, we don’t really estrogen causes fat to be stored in the to be more hydrodynamic, we have to know what keeps us afloat or what buttocks, thighs, and hips. Therefore, increase the power of the strokes, or re- explains that we can move forward in the area around the hips is the part of duce water resistance. In order to reduce water. The different physical principles the women’s body that usually floats it, we have to reduce the surface of the concerning swimming also offer bene- best. As for men, testosterone causes body that displaces water as much as fits for the body that are difficult to the expansion of the ribcage and broad possible since it increases resistance. We understand if you don’t start out with shoulders, which means men can in- can also increase propulsion to improve the fundamentals of the sport. hale more air and, since air has a lower hydro dynamicity. Although reducing density than water, it helps them stay resistance is usually more efficient, you To begin with the most fundamen- afloat. The area of the shoulders is usu- can increase the power or the force that tal principle concerning swimming ally the part that floats best for men you apply on the water to move forward, is buoyancy. Over all, buoyancy ex- since they don’t normally store as much which is another type of resistance. This plains the force that keeps an object, fat as women do. That is the main dif- type in particular is the resistance of the whose density is lower than that of ference between men and women con- water against strokes which makes you the fluid in which it is submerged, cerning floatation. However, men also move forward. However, we have to be afloat. Buoyancy also includes two have to exhale air and it makes it more careful when increasing the power of other principles, density and floata- difficult for them to float, although the strokes because it usually makes us tion. To put it simply, density explains men morphologically tend to have big- move in ways that increase resistance. floatation which is part of buoyancy. ger muscles and therefore have greater We could end up moving slower because Consequently, because of the different propulsion, which is another physical of that increased resistance while giving density of different objects, some float principle. out more energy in the strokes and get- on others and that implies that a force ting tired quicker. There are techniques is keeping the object afloat. That force Moreover, hydro dynamicity is also like keeping a horizontal position in is buoyancy. Now that we understand a fundamental principle concern- water or rotating shoulders that reduce this, how does it affect swimming? ing swimming since it explains how resistance. There are also techniques we can move through water. It also that help you increase propulsion with- First, it explains why we have to keep includes two major principles that out increasing resistance. Furthermore, the air in our lungs in order to float are resistance and propulsion. As a since water offers twelve times more best because air has a lower density matter of fact, resistance is the force resistance than air, it makes it harder to AIM ON KNOWLEDGE 15 Source: © 1950, Joseph-Hermann Bolduc, Le monde en images, CCDMD en images, Bolduc, Le monde © 1950, Joseph-Hermann Source:

move through it and that is why swim- cold water is best to stimulate blood flow ming helps build stronger muscles than and reduce swelling. Swimming relieves just walking. menstrual cramps and can also treat anx- iety when doing breathing exercises in Furthermore, the different physical water, also called rhythmic breathing. principles concerning swimming offer a lot of benefits for your body. In the To conclude, I find it fascinating that an first place, water supports your body activity that seems so banal, like swim- instead of putting the pressure of your ming, bears so many scientific principles weight onto your joints and helps pre- and can be explained in a logical way so vent joint related injuries. Especially that we can make the most of it. As a mat- people who suffer from arthritis benefit ter of fact, we are getting closer and closer from the low impact of water exercise to the limit of what we can accomplish on the body. Swimming is also a great when playing a sport. Can you imagine way to start training after an injury. This science getting to the point where we sport makes all of the major muscle can’t get any better, to the limit of phys- groups work at the same time in an en- ics? Can you imagine a world where every vironment that offers twelve times more activity is done perfectly, where there is resistance than air and therefore brings nothing left to discover? great muscle definition. Furthermore, water has medical proprieties. For ex- ample, hydrotherapy takes advantage of the different proprieties of water to stimulate blood flow and to treat the symptoms of certain diseases. In fact, 16 Science

How Does Language Affect the Way We Perceive the World?

Written by Antoine Poirier-Morin

anguage is a wonderful gift that has Lera Boroditsky, Assistant Professor of were facing random cardinal directions Lbeen given to the human species that Psychology, Neuroscience and Symbolic each time and none knew how the others no other life forms on Earth have. Indeed, Systems at Stanford University, traveled were situated. While doing this, Borodit- humans only can communicate with one to Pormpuraaw, an Aboriginal com- sky and her collaborator noted how they another using an amazing range of lan- munity located in Northern Australia to arranged the pictures. English speakers guages. Worldwide, it is estimated there study how their inhabitants communicate would indubitably arrange the cards from are between 6000 and 7000 different lan- about space. In Kuuk Thaayorre (the lan- left to right. Hebrew speakers would ar- guages. Some of them have similarities guage spoken there), directions are not range them from right to left showing but they are all distinct by their pronun- expressed the same as in a language like that writing has an impact on spatial rep- ciations, grammar and so on. Language English. Instead of using relative direc- resentation. But how did Kuuk Thaayorre has the property to express thoughts but tions (left, right, front, back), this lan- speakers classify the cards? When they it doesn’t express them the same way. Do guage uses cardinal direction terms. Sen- were sitting facing a given direction, they people who speak different languages tences like “Move to the southwest a bit.” would arrange time in a given way. For think differently? How does language af- would describe well how cardinal points example, when sitting facing south, they fect the way we perceive the world? are used. Talking like this takes a great would arrange the cards left to right, but sense of orientation because you always when they were facing east, they would Many linguists tried to answer those need to know where you are to use the arrange them toward the body. In that questions by going through experimenta- right direction. Therefore, it is clear that case, Boroditsky’s study indeed shows tion. Two of them, Benjamin Lee Whorf Kuuk Thaayorre speakers are superior to that the language we speak can affect the and Edward Sapir, are by far the most English speakers with spatial knowledge. way we perceive the world. controverted linguists of their time. Fath- This knowledge is used as a base of other ers of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis (also representations such as numbers, emo- Language can, according to Lera Borodit- called the principle of linguistic relativity tions and time. If people can think differ- sky, make people better at tasks in some nowadays), they claimed that the struc- ently about space, can they think about ways. Does it have other effects on hu- ture of language affects the way speak- something based on spatial knowledge mans? Some languages other than Eng- ers perceive the world. The main point (time for example) the same way as every- lish use gendered nouns. A genre (in this of debate in the theory is the validity of body else? context meaning class or kind) can hold the correlation between thought and the mark of masculine, feminine, neu- language. Is there really a link between That is what Lera Boroditsky and her col- tral, among others. A gendered noun will these two or Whorf and Sapir were just laborator Alice Gaby also wanted to find be treated differently depending on its mistaken? Recent studies show that there out in Pormpuraaw. They gave people gender. In another of Boroditsky’s study, is indeed a connection between thought pictures representing temporal progres- German and Spanish people were asked and language. sions (e.g., a man aging) and wanted them to describe the noun “bridge” using ad- to place them in a correct order. People jectives. In German, bridge is feminine AIM ON KNOWLEDGE 17

so the people used mainly words like it as a woman. Therefore, language is con- and “royal blue”, Russian speakers tend to “beautiful”, “fragile” and “elegant” to de- firmed to have effects on how people see be able to recognize shades of blue in an scribe it. Though, in Spanish, bridge is the world around us. easier way because they don’t have many masculine so people tended to describe it categories under which a blue can fall. as “big”, “strong” and “dangerous”. What Another demonstration shows that the Therefore, the language we speak can af- does describing an object differently Whorf-Sapir hypothesis can be true and fect how we perceive colors which are an change? Obviously, it shows people think it has to do with color perception. Some integrant part of human life. differently about something even though native speakers of certain languages are they do see it the same way. Speaking a good at discriminating certain shades of In the end, I do really think language can gendered language can change the way a given color. Having more words to de- change how we think and thus change our people see objects, but there is even more. scribe a color seems to help the process acts. This is what we can conclude from Gendered languages even have effects on of discriminating them. Indeed, it helps Boroditsky’s studies. Eventhough these art, believe it or not. The way entities like remembering each of its variation no studies are scientific, there are still de- death, sin and love are personified varies matter how small it can be. For example, bates over the power of language on hu- in languages in which the genre of these Russian uses two words to describe a man thoughts. This debate is still relevant entities varies. It is the case 85% of the blue: “goluboy” (light blue) and “siniy” as of today, because it is hard to experi- time. For example, German painters are (dark blue). Compared to English speak- ment on humans. Maybe one day, new more likely to paint death as a man and ers, in which many words can be used to technics will lead us to discover the truth Russian painters are more likely to paint name a blue such as “navy blue”, “indigo” about the power of language. Source: © 2006, Sarah Donikian, Le monde en images, CCDMD en images, Donikian, Le © 2006, Sarah Source: monde 18 Arts Is K-Pop Going Global?

Written by Alexandra Poulin

ver the past few months, Korean pop At the end of the 1990’s, South Korea was Music Core, Inkigayo or Mnet Count- Ostar Psy has been topping the charts dealing with the 1997 Asian Financial down. Every week, an award is given to with his song Gangnam Style. Within Crisis. To build up the economy again, the artist who topped the charts for that three months, the song’s music video has the government started what is now week’s show. These honours determine the become a Guinness World Record as the called the Korean Wave or Hallyu. How- popularity of the group. When the group Most Liked Video of All Time on You- ever, how did the wave work out? South is popular enough, they can go overseas tube, with almost five million likes and Korea was influenced by Japan and their to start promotions. Usually, compan- about eight hundred million views, mak- Japanese Pop Music, and used three big ies send their artists to Japan, as there is ing the singer a worldwide phenomenon. music companies: SM Entertainment, JYP much profit to make through Japanese His upbeat single and memorable “horse” Entertainment, and YG Entertainment. promotions. Once the artist has con- dance has been catching the attention of These three companies recruited artists, quered Japan, they can begin travelling people all over the world, enough to win mostly teenagers, through auditions to to Taiwan, Indonesia, The Philippines, the Best Video award at the 2012 MTV be part of a subsequent Idol group or to China, Thailand, and more; pretty much Europe Music Awards held in Germany become a solo artist. Companies trained all over Asia. Fan-signing events, con- at the end of the year, making Gangnam these teens from two to four years in certs, and private showcases are held for Style the most popular video in history. order to prepare them to become a star. fans that are part of the fanclub. If these Psy might be bringing the Korean sensa- They had vocal lessons and dance classes; endeavours are successful, the popularity tion to a larger public. sometimes, even acting courses. Japanese, of the artist increases and companies take Chinese and English were sometimes bigger actions Some of the most popular Korean artists taught to them to facilitate overseas include BoA, called the Queen of Ko- promotions and recordings of songs in As the group collects a larger fanbase, rean Pop and TVXQ, whose official fan- those foreign languages. Everything was entertainment companies start seek- club holds the Guinness World Record planned for these new artists to be ready ing the help of famous producers. Girl- for Largest Official Fanbase Worldwide, to face the life of a celebrity. This method group 2NE1 received help through leader with over 800 000 official Korean fans. of training and fostering is still the same Will.i.am. from the famous American Both are under SM Entertainment, the today. hip-hop group the Black Eyed Peas for biggest labor company in South Korea their song Take the World On on their since 1995. JYP Entertainment, found- Once the artist is ready to debut, compan- upcoming album. The girls also have a ed by singer, dancer, songwriter, actor ies hire choreographers and producers to close relationship with American fashion and record producer Park Jin-young in create the dance and the song. Over the designer Jeremy Scott, whose clothes are 1996, is the home of popular girlgroup duration of a few months, the group or often worn during their concerts. As for The Wonder Girls. Lastly, 1996-founded solo artist practice their songs repeatedly BoA, her self-titled album was recorded record label YG Entertainment, special- in order to gain absolute perfection. They completely in English and released world- izing mostly in hip hop music, currently put all of their effort into it, knowing that wide in 2009. Her song Did it For Love has Psy, Big Bang and 2NE1 under their their company is harsh and relentless on featured American singer and producer company. BoA, The Wonder Girls, Psy, their image. Then, the group or singer Sean Garrett. BoA performed at many Big Bang and 2NE1 have all held tours promotes in Korea for about two months, events in the United States, like the Jingle overseas during the past few years. going on music shows like Music Bank, Ball at the Anaheim Honda Center in AIM ON KNOWLEDGE 19

2008, where she performed her single Eat You Up, and the San Francisco Pride Festi- val in 2009 with famous stars like Solange Knowles and The Clicks. SM Entertain- ment’s most popular group, TVXQ, had one of their hits songs, Mirotic, produced by a Danish producer and composer, Thomas Troelsen, who also produced for artists like Bryan Adams, among others.

An aspect that aids the Korean Wave is the large Asian community spread throughout the world. The Korean diaspora consists of 7 million people worldwide, most of them living in China, Japan and the United States, but also in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and many other countries. There are 1.3 million Koreans in the United States only. However, not only Koreans contribute to Hallyu. Chinese, Filipino, and Vietnam- ese communities, to name a few, represent a big part in supporting Korean pop music. The American population is composed of Asians at 4.8%, and 11% of Canadians are of Asian decent. With the globalization of K-Pop, Asians are not the only ones listen- ing to it. Any ethnicity is prone to its catchy beat and amazing vocals. Every year, the Korean Music Festival takes place in Los Angeles at the Hollywood Bowl, bringing all K-Pop fans together. Korean pop music is even popular now in Europe and South America. Famous boygroup Big Bang is currently traveling to 25 cities in 16 coun- tries in South America, Europe, Asia, and North America for their Alive Tour 2012.

Korean Pop music is indeed becoming a worldwide phenomenon. We can find every music genre for every taste: hip-hop, pop, dance, electronic, and many more. Anyone is able to find a song they enjoy in K-Pop. Although there is a language barrier, most song titles are in English and some lines in the lyrics are in English too. With Psy and Gangnam Style, Korean music is be- coming successful. K-Pop is just starting to Source: © 2007, Gilbert Rock, Le monde en images, CCDMD be popular outside of Asia; the question is how long will this Korean Wave last? 20 Arts The Rise of Body Painting

Written by Ann-Frédérik Gosselin

rt is everywhere. It is used to show Australia, the Pacific Islands, India, New is reddish brown and can last anywhere Aideas, creativity, love and so much Zealand and Native Americans. In some from one to three weeks depending on more. There a many forms of arts, but I Indian tribes, only men could decorate the quality and type of henna paste ap- want to introduce you to one of the most their body in order to attract the interest plied, as well as where it was applied on popular and ancient types of body art, of women. Women could, however, help the body. body painting. This is a form of art that to paint their husband’s body. The Indi- has surrounded us since we were born, ans always painted abstract and geomet- Since the early 1960’s, a new form of without us knowing it. In my case, every ric designs, which were rich in meanings. body painting appeared: the modern Halloween, I painted my body as much body painting. With time, numerous as possible: all brown to resemble a black Back then, they painted their bodies with changes in the field of body painting person, all blue to look like an avatar, all natural dyes, paints, pigments, ash and have come. These changes emerged with yellow to imitate a chicken, etc. I just like clay. The body paint, which was tempor- the liberalization of norms in the soci- it! I’m glad to know that it is art. Now, I ary, could be applied on the face, hands, ety with the surfacing of nudity. Now, have the opportunity to share my inter- legs or other parts of the body. When it according to Maggie Bernaldo, a part est for this form of art with you. I want was not for a celebration, the markings of body painting could be to live the people to know what it is, where it comes that they made on their bodies were union of art with the human anatomy. from and why it is used. After reading thought to have magical powers with Another part is to portray the beauti- this article, you will be aware of the his- which they could ward off evil spirits, ful. However, there is still a debate today tory and of the evolution of body paint- such as demons or tribal enemies. It was about whether body painting is truly an ing over the years. also used as a protection against insects, art form, although its adherents have no as camouflage, label or for medical-hy- doubt about it being so. A long time ago, in tribalist cultures, gienic reasons. body painting was used in many circum- This type of body art today is considered stances and had many different mean- Another impermanent form of body the “in thing”. The market is huge and ings. It was a part of their social and painting popularly known as Henna or various competitions and festivals are spiritual life. Body painting was also a Mehndi, which is made from an herb conducted all over the globe. The most main element in the important moments known by the same name, is practiced in popular body art festivals that take place of human life such as weddings, death, India, the Middle East and Pakistan. This include the World Body painting Festi- birth of a child, war and many others. practice is popular among young girls, val in Seeboden, Austria, and the Amer- Sometimes it was used by members of brides and female members of the com- ican Body Arts Festival in New York, tribes to beautify their body, or to show munity. Henna paste is usually applied to name but two. These festivals bring their origins or their social class. Still, in on the skin using a plastic cone or a paint in the most talented professionals who most of the tribal cultures, this practice brush. Overall, the process can last from are skilled in their field of expertise. For is common, especially in African tribes, 24 to 72 hours to realize. The final color them, the human body is the canvas on AIM ON KNOWLEDGE 21

which they express their artistic tal- designs on women and masculine and washable. A fine arts gallery located in ent with dots, swirls and lines of paint. bold imagery on men. The paints are ap- New Orleans is devoted exclusively to Their main concern is not to trans- plied using paintbrushes, airbrushes, nat- body art in order to expose the work of form a person into a character, but to ural sea sponges, or just by the fingers and the talented artists. Furthermore, the cause a visual effect and an expression hands. These days, the paints that are used trend of body painting has found its way of beauty. They usually use delicate are non-allergic, non-toxic and are easily into fashion, various media and adver- tising outlets. Many popular brands decided to incorporate body painting in their fashion events and shows, like Vic- toria’s Secret and Sephora.

Personally, I think that body painting is one of the most ori- ginal forms of art and that we should give it more import- ance, in Quebec especially. It is an original way to express our- selves differently. Moreover, body painting is an interest- ing alternate form of art that people around the globe take pleasure in experimenting with. I think that art programs in schools should introduce this form of art in classes, whether it is by studying its evolution or applying some of its techniques. I will con- clude with saying that body painting has made its name as one of the most creative ways to decorate the human body, from fine art to festivals and celebrations.

Source: © 2010, Valerie Charlebois, Le monde en images, CCDMD 22 Arts Mangas: An Amazing Japanese Book Style

Written by Catherine Savard

or several years now, Japanese culture organized activities about Mangas and Behind all these words and pictures, there Fhas been getting a lot more promin- Animes, such as karaoke, Cosplay Cafe, is a Mangaka putting a lot of effort into his ent in North America. Of course, with Otakuthon Idol and even Cosplay Chess, work. Before being published, the auth- their advanced technologies, but also including real people as the pieces. or’s work needs to go through many pro- with a brand new style of literature: Man- cedures. This person must create the plot, gas. With their growing popularity all The first mangas appeared at the begin- write the story, and draw the pictures by around the world, Mangas are currently ning of the 1900’s. At this time, they himself; these steps, which must be com- revolutionizing the whole world of art weren’t much different than the comic pleted before finding an editor, are dif- and books. The global history of Mangas books from our country. They were cre- ficult to be accomplished. Usually, there started back in the 1980’s and are created ated with humour to please the Japanese are approximately twenty-five pages in a by a single person known as a Mangaka. population, but they were not very popu- chapter. Considering they have to draw They can be compared to the common lar then. The real introduction to Mangas every single scene of the story, the writing United States comics. happened right after the Second World part does not make the work any easier. War. The fact that Japan was defeated cer- The fact that a Mangaka must be talented Since the 1980’s, Mangas have become tainly changed the vision of the world that in all those aspects makes the whole man- a major part of the Japanese publishing they had at the time. While the popula- ga a lot more interesting. This way, the industry, representing a total of approxi- tion was searching for a distraction, be- Manga can be a more personal work of art mately 5.5 billion dollars in 2009. These cause of his creativity and originality, Ni- since it is a vision from a single artist. The profits are mostly due to the most popular ponne Ozamu Tezuka, a mangaka, pub- Mangaka usually sends a sample of the mangas, such as One Piece and Naruto. lished a new style of book; the traditional future manga to an editor to see if they are One Piece has more than 260 million vol- Manga. The author first wanted a work interested in the storyline. If they are, the umes sold alone, which is beyond amaz- related to cinema, but since the country author then creates the first volume in no ing. These numbers represent a large part was ruined, he tried to put his ideas on less than 6 months. Once many volumes of the Mangas market. Usually, regular paper instead. This is how he created the have been published, the same process mangas only sell around a few million very particular book style. Since then, in- can take less time, such as 1 or 2 months, copies. Before reaching that state, Mangas dustries have been publishing Mangas at since they know the procedure really well. are first published in a magazine. Once it ridiculous rates. In addition to the bene- Then, all they have to do is wait to see if gets popular enough, it can become an ficial effects they brought to the Japanese, the readers are satisfied. independently appearing book or even it did not take long before these books become an anime later, which is the same became international. Today, Mangas Mangas can be compared to common as animated cartoons airing on television are sold everywhere in the world and are comic books from the United States, but here. In addition, for fans in the region also written in many languages, but they despite their similarities, American com- of Quebec, a manga festival occurs every always keep their original style, which ic books have a lot to learn from these year, in August, in Montreal, named The forces us to read them from right to left, Japanese works. What really distinguishes Otakuthon. During this event, people are starting from the end of the book. This Mangas is certainly how they are written invited to wear Cosplays, which means may be a little confusing at the beginning, and drawn. Mangas use a style with cine- to dress up as their favorite manga or but it doesn’t take long to get used to it. matic camera angles, and always repre- anime character. Cosplayers attend many AIM ON KNOWLEDGE 23

sent an action in every frame. We could story. We could read the dialogues with- Mangas have made a big difference in almost compare a Mangaka to a film dir- out even looking at the pictures, and still the world of art and books since their ector. They must create dramatic angles understand the storyline. As for Man- apparition in the 1950’s. Both kids and so we can really feel the characters’ ex- gas, this would be impossible, as the pic- adults can enjoy the masterpieces due pressions. On the other hand, American tures are as important, if not more, than to their wide variety of genres. These in- comics are more like graphic novels. Both the dialogues. The pictures illustrate the clude action, fantasy, horror, drama, ro- the story and the pictures are there, but characters’ emotions. mance, or even comedy. They resemble the dialogues don’t seem to blend in the American comics, but the author will introduce you to a whole new world filled with emotions. The only way to realize how great Mangas are is by read- ing them.

Source: iStock Photo 24 Society Multitasking: a Fight Between Genders

Written by Thomas Pozer

owadays, as gender equality is now and Parents¨, written by Michael Gu- with multitasking appears when we are N a part of our society, a lot of stereo- rian and Jossey-Bass, 2001, brain-based pursuing three goals at the same time: types have appeared between men and research indicates the superior ability of the prefrontal cortex will always discard women. And even more, with all the girls to be able to perform multitasking. one. This is why we might not really be technology that surrounds us, we quickly When girls deal with information, they multitasking but actually switching from learned that we could do more than one will use both sides of their brain, there- one task to another and at the same time thing at a time. One particular stereotype fore processing faster than boys by being losing energy and focus on these tasks. combines those two aspects of our lives: more active physically and by having bet- However, boys tend to lose attention sim- Girls are better than boys at multitasking. ter hearing. Where girls use a more ad- ply because they can’t hear as well as girls For ladies, it is clear that they are better, vanced part of their brain (for example and because they focus on the ¨where¨ of but for gentlemen, it is quite frustrating the cerebral cortex) to learn or do certain things instead of the ¨what¨. This might to hear them brag about something that tasks, boys use their more primitive part be another reason why people often be- they possibly do better than them. (That’s (for example the hippocampus) of theirs. lieve that girls are better at multitasking. why people are trying to find out if it’s This proves that the main difference be- true). Are women really better than men tween a boy and a girl is that different re- Even if doing multiple tasks at the same at doing two things at a time? Is there a gions in the brain get developed in differ- time might be actually impossible for difference between boys and girls any- ent sequences for each gender. the brain, two neuroscientists from the way? Is multitasking really possible? French Biomedical Research Agency To continue, let’s ask ourselves if multi- (INSERM) in Paris used magnetic reson- To begin, we should even wonder if there tasking is even possible. Are we really do- ance imaging (MRI) to see if multitasking is a difference between boys and girls in ing two or three things at a time or are really splits the brain. They asked 16 men the first place. There is an obvious bio- we just task-switching? Can our brain and 16 women, aged 19 to 32, to perform logical difference as to girls have breasts really process multiple actions at the same a complicated letter matching task while and boys have testicles. Both genders time and, if so, is it really more effective? they were monitored by the MRI. The vol- might be just the same mentally accord- Harold Pashler, an Associate Professor of unteers were shown some letters pulled at ing to two members of the U.S Depart- Psychology at the University of California random, from random words on a screen. ment of Education, Patricia B. Campbell at San Diego, did a research on bottleneck Then they had to determine if two succes- and Jennifer N. Storo. They went further operations: operations that the brain can- sive letters appeared in the same order as by saying that people, if they know some- not process at the same time because they they did in the word. To add some diffi- one’s sex beforehand, will think that they use the same cognitive resource and there- culty, they also had to deal with lowercase know a lot of things about the nature and fore cannot do them at the same time. But and uppercase letters to match them to abilities of a boy or a girl. The ¨normal¨ just like computer processors nowadays, either the all uppercase or all lowercase behaviour of a certain gender might just the brain can also do actions in paral- word. If they did the test correctly they be a result of their upbringing, because lel to optimise its delivering of informa- received a small amount of money so parents know the gender of their child. tion. When our mind faces two different they were sure they did it the good way However, according to ¨Boys and Girls operations, it splits the labour between and had good results. As expected, only learn Differently: A Guide for Teachers the two halves of the brain. The problem working on a single letter-matching task AIM ON KNOWLEDGE 25

was done easily as the two sides of the brain were used to complete the task. But as soon as they took on the other task, their brain would split the labour between the two sides. Each side worked independ- ently from the other. The results showed that the brain can’t ef- ficiently perform more than two tasks because it has only two hemispheres available. The neuroscientists also asked an- other team of volunteers to do the same thing but also with a coloured-letters matching task. The triple task jugglers from both genders all forgot one of their tasks.

Furthermore, there is not an ac- tual proof that girls are capable of multitasking better than boys. So how could we say that they are better? We have just learned that there is not much Source: iStock Photo difference between men and women psychologically. They females scored higher than males but this then another instead of the two at the both use their brain the same way but time again the difference was so slight same time. Sure, sometimes it is possible each develops different aspects of it. An- that the hypothesis supporting that girls to do it, but like Roger Kay, a Forbes con- other experiment was specifically look- would perform better was not supported. tributor, said: ¨Multitask where you can, ing for the difference between girls and Does this mean that there is no difference task switch when you have to, and focus boys. The Department of Psychology of between boys and girls? on the job at hand as much as possible for Loyola University in New-Orleans asked the best results¨. two groups of each 30 boys and 30 girls Lastly, we can clearly assume that multi- to complete 5 mazes, a survey on their tasking is not that easy to do for every- Remember, social media might be great, multitasking skills and had to listen to a body. It is definitely not easier for girls but they will surely cause your homework story while noting a certain word every than for boys. A lot of research shows time to increase. time they heard it. The word was men- that there is almost no difference be- tioned 16 times. The results showed that tween the two genders. Furthermore, it’s males scored higher for their perform- not even good to perform multiple tasks ance in the spatial task (mazes) than girls. at the same time. It will split your brain But the difference was so slight that the hemisphere and can also make you forget hypothesis about boys being better was some of your other tasks. You will per- not supported. On the verbal skills, the form a lot better if you do one task and 26 Society Ancient Medics: The Miracle of Qi

Written by David Kaba

t’s been said throughout the centuries regarding Qigong’s existence throughout cording to traditional Chinese methods, Ithat mankind made use of numerous the attempt to comprehend the relation- the four most effective ways (also referred natural aspects of their surroundings to ship between men, nature and heaven, to as “branches”) of using Qigong would ease their lives, shelter themselves and becoming a main source of medicine in have to be acupuncture, herbal medicine hunt for food, cook and various other China. Those methods later transported and massage. Others even suggest that uses of the sort. Such pure resources could themselves in India through the Han it could be used for patients to improve also – in fact most definitely – come in Dynasty and even later throughout Asia, their health conditions through certain handy when it came to curing the health becoming an effective way of communi- directives: from Qigong ways and studies, of the ill ones, being either mentally or cation among nations. illness, sickness and other complications physically; for most Asian cultures, this of the well-being occur mostly if not only natural energy came from nowhere other From this point, the art developed many once the energy flow within one’s body than themselves. This practise was later traditional ways to practise it: medical is blocked, and by practising the healing referred to as Qigong for its origins and qigong heals, emphasizes and regularises arts, such hindrance can be removed in many uses, such as healing. the flow within the human body, Taoist order to let the energy circulate through- qigong focuses on high virtue and pres- out the body again, healing any form of First of all, Qigong (translated as “Force”, ervation of the body, Buddhist qigong lib- anomaly in the process. or literally “Life Energy Cultivation”) is erates the mind in order to obtain a cer- said to be the energy that inhabits all liv- tain level of wisdom, Confucian qigong By advancing into the matter, one could ing beings and life forms, having roots enhances intelligence and moral percep- learn to recognise Qi energy within of 4000 years and beyond in Chinese tion and last but not least, martial qigong other beings, improve their own flow or history. Qigong’s main purpose, as the (fighting arts) serves as physical defense even learn how to free another person’s name implies, is to take control of one’s against weaponry and enhances the “blocked flow” with the following ad- own “flow” and in various means, such strength of delivered blows. Its purpose vanced techniques: the “sword fingers” a thing achieved mostly through intense in Asian culture grew with the centur- enables one to increase their ability to meditation and martial arts (e.g. Wushu, ies, quickly becoming a well-known art. “free” others’ energy flow, the “thun- Tai Chi, kung Fu, etc.). However, Qigong, From 1911 until now, Qigong has grown der palm” enables one to insert positive and all its affiliated arts, is a branch of the into a world-wide phenomenon and is energy throughout another’s body, and Eastern religion known as Taoism, which now practised by over 10 million Can- similar ones such as the “10,000 hands” is rather considered to be a philosophical adians. Despite its various functions, Qi- and “cloud hand”. Those are a variety of way of life. This practise was introduced gong is best known for the clinical relief it usage suggested by grand Qigong master to the world in the B.C. period, thought may bring to practitioners: the electrical Chunyi Lin, who offers 3 ways to estab- to be a “remedy dance” at first when the activities of the brain, blood flow, heart lish Qigong, being breath, proper pos- ancients, struggling against nature’s tor- functions, kidney processes, biophysical ture and mind stability. In his teachings, ments, took notice of the benefits behind states and many more. From a scien- he tales that breathing is fundamental to proper body positioning and breathing. tific point of view, it acts like magnetism health, as it flourishes the brain with most In fact, in 206 B.C., the Yi Jing (Book of throughout the body that accentuates of the elements it requires to function Changes) was first to approach the theory and/or accelerates healing processes. Ac- properly, which is also true for other vital AIMAIM ON KNOWLEDGEKNOWLEDGE 27

Source: © 2010, Daniel Hardy, Le monde en images, CCDMD

organs such as the heart and the lungs. as most of the benefits reported were human race with numerous benefits kept The physical posture is crucial, since the also proven to be highly effective and re- unraveled up to this day, thus I encourage body holds the “chakra gates” and must juvenating. As stated in one of Dr. Roger any curious ones to enlighten themselves therefore be positioned comfortably in Jahke’s article, “Qigong is one of the most about such a subject as spiritual healing order to open such gates with success. powerful self healing traditions ever de- and give it an attempt. Perhaps some of If not, the practitioner’s focus might be veloped in human history. It is literally our own future medicine resides in the art disturbed. And last, the mind, being the a health wonder of the world”. All in all, of Qigong. center point of his studies. He suggests even through the offensive style that Qi- that it bears powerful capabilities and, as gong harbors in martial arts, its primary scientists indicate as well, can accomplish function will remain: soothe its user from a lot despite the low percentage of usage physical stress and tension, as well as ac- human beings apply normally (estimated centuate the natural ability of healing as to be between 2 or 10%), and that with well as maintain inner peace. proper focus, can produce “miracles” re- garding physical and mental healing. To conclude, there’s still much to discover about Qigong and its numerous ways, as But some of the Qigong’s results, exer- it helps us reflect and resolve upon our- cises and methods may still seem foggy selves rather than always having to rely on or questionable to sceptical ones and sci- Mother Nature’s support. Further advan- entists due to their mythological origins, cement into the matter might provide the 28 Society The Pursuit of the Bride: China’s Most Controversial Demographic Problem

Written by Catherine Fontaine

t appears to the rest of the world that ing years. The main goal was to prevent is taken away or worst, they have to leave IAsia is the most problematic contin- the number of citizens to be more than him in orphanage, or to abort when it is ent concerning the imbalance of gender what the country could afford. Not a law still possible. The parents of a second or and the heavy charge of inhabitants in yet, the family-planning was created to third illegal child also take the risk of los- the countries. In fact, China, as well as introduce better ideas for the well-being ing their job or being punished severely. other Asian countries like India, must of the country such as proposing later Some women decide to abort, others do deal with great difficulties in their popu- marriage, a bigger space between births, not. Because of this policy, many stories lation. The abnormal sex rate, the low and a maximum of two children per of forced abortion have emerged in the birth rate and the forced abortions re- couple. As for the one-child policy, the media in the last years, such as Pan Chun- sulting of the non-respect of a law are main idea came from the new leader of yan’s one. Kidnapped at the grocery store, the most dramatic problems. This situa- China in the late 1970’s, Deng Xiaoping. she was forced to put her thumbprint on tion might seem a bit senseless when you In order to maximize the modernization a document allowing people to practice a consider that China is the most popu- of the country, the government focused late-term abortion on her. Born on April lous country in the world, but it can be on the main problem: the massive and 8, 2012, the baby was well-formed but easily explained. As China is trying to potentially problematic population’s dead. They had injected her some drugs get back on the right trail, there is still growth. This is why, in 1979, the one- affecting the baby that quickly advanced much to do in this country lead by com- child policy that we still know about to- the birth time. She was eight-month preg- munism for decades. day appeared. nant of her third child, and her husband was raising the $8640 fee required to keep When the Communists attempted The one-child policy, introduced in 1979 the baby. More than 13 million abortions to reach the power of China in 1949, as a temporary measure to control the are done each year in China and this re- the population was about 560 mil- very fast population growth, and sup- sult only considers legal abortions. lion people. As Mao Tsé-toung was the posed to end in 2010 (30 years later), has most influent man of the country, most lead to many unwanted actions such as A recent research shows that there are 119 Chinese followed him in his ideas and forced abortions decried by different or- baby boys for each 100 baby girls in China, the population adopted his value: the ganizations around the world. Globally, an abnormal ratio, far from the 103 to 107 more arms you’ve got in the country, this policy limits the number of children boys for 100 girls in other countries. The the more powerful you are. This way of to one per couple in the cities and ex- difference of birth rate between the two considering the births as a great thing tends to two this number for the ones sexes is a turning point of China’s prob- for the country lead to a record rate of living in rural areas. For those who do lem. In fact, it is projected that 40 mil- 5, 7 children per woman in the 1950’s. not take notice of the limit and trans- lion baby boys won’t be able to find a wife Later, in the 1970’s, the government cre- gress the law, a fine is sent to them by the at the adult age. Based on his research, ated a family-planning system to limit family planning agents, and they have to Nicholas Eberstadt, Ph.D, claims that ’’ the population’s growth in the follow- pay it. If they can’t afford it, their child In 2000, more than half of all abortions AIM ON KNOWLEDGE 29

in China were a result of prenatal sex se- the workers without new births? Accord- population. Should the Chinese govern- lection’’ which can be explained by the ing to a report from the National Popula- ment ‘’abort’’ this policy? I personally preference for male children in China. It tion and Family Planning Commission, think they should, but because everything represents a huge problem because with- for 1000 Chinese citizens, the birth rate is a matter of values, it might not be pos- out women, the Chinese population will is 4.79 births which is really low in com- sible for this enormous population to keep on getting older and the new gen- parison with the 10,28 children per 1000 get rid of this policy that still follows the erations will not be able to support the inhabitants in Canada. people since 1979. elderly ones with the health-care system and the pensions given by the govern- By its impacts on Chinese life, the one- ment for the golden aged citizens. It has child policy has created more problems been proven that ‘’people above the age than it has solved. Firstly, the abortion of 60 now represent 13.3 % of the total, rate has risen radically and the forced up from 10.3% in the year 2000. In the abortions have become part of the ‘’nor- same period, those under the age of 14 mal’’ solutions to get rid of an ‘’unwant- declined from 23% to 17%.’’ .The popula- ed’’ child. Secondly, the abnormal sex rate tion is aging, but who is going to replace still poses great problems in this aging Source: © 2007, Gilbert CCDMD Source: en images, Rock, Le monde programme arts et lettres 500.B4 option langues A world of opportunities!

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