Literature Review Of Assistive Technology - 1277 Words

Assistive technology includes products and related services that improve the functioning of children with disabilities. Many forms of technology, both â€Å"high† and â€Å"low,† can help individuals with learning disabilities capitalize on their strengths and bypass, or compensate for, their disabilities. In conclusion, appropriate assistive technology can be a powerful tool to increase a child’s independence and improve their participation. It can help children become mobile, communicate more effectively, see and hear better, and participate more fully in learning and play activities. Assistive technology allows children to access and enjoy their rights and participate in things they value, and it bridges the disparities between children with and†¦show more content†¦The quality of life of both families and children can be enhanced by assistive technology. Definition Assistive technology is accessible to aid individuals with many kinds of disabilities which also cover cognitive issues to physical impairment. Huang, Cheing, Rumrill, Bengtson, Chan, Telzlaff and Snitker (2016) examined the use of assistive technology that enhances learning in children where they often experience greater success and use their abilities in a good manner. On the other hand, this provides children knowledge to work around on their disabilities challenges. Tshiswaka, Clay, Chiu, Alston and Lewis (2016) stated that assistive technology is explained as any piece of equipment or a device that helps bypass, compensate individual’s specific learning deficits with learning disabilities. On the other hand, Hook, Verbaan, Durrant, Olivier and Wright (2014) demonstrated that assistive technology doesn’t remove learning difficulties but can help student reach their potential. This allows student to capitalize on their strengths and avoid their difficult areas. Gener ally, assistive technology compensates in students skills whereas it also allow student to receive remedial instruction at alleviating deficits such as: the software intended to enhance poor phonic skills. Jensen (2014) examined that students with motor coordination difficulties associated with intellectual disability may also use the keyboard mask together with cardboard or cardboardShow MoreRelatedTeaching Mathematical Problem Solving Math, Technology Education, And Special Education989 Words   |  4 PagesMathematical Problem Solving to Middle School Students in Math, Technology Education, and Special Education Classrooms.RMLE Online: Research in Middle Level Education, 27(1), 1-17. There were two instructional approaches, Enhanced Anchored Instruction (EAI) and text-based instruction (TBI), compared in this study. Both teaching methods were used to teach sixth-grade middle school students how to solve math problems in technology, special education classes and math classrooms.The purpose of thisRead MoreTeacher Training Of Assistive Instructional Technology939 Words   |  4 PagesTeacher training in assistive instructional technology (AIT) has been a topic of discussion that has heightened with the drive for differentiated instruction. Although, research has been extensively conducted on pre-service training, not much research has indicated the success of teacher training in assistive instructional technology for in-service experienced teachers (Edyburn, 2014). In an attempt to advance the science in the field of leadership and educational administration in relationship toRead MoreTeaching The Flexible Learning Program1690 Words   |  7 PagesLiterature Re view(10) One of the areas that students find most challenging is math. For the past three years I have been teaching The Flexible Learning program, which covers 6th, 7th and 8th grade Mathematics. The curriculum is was created by both the district curriculum staff as well as the federal programs department of the school system. The Flexible Learning Program (FLP) focuses on mathematics for grades 6-8 for students who are at the highest risk academically. The program is supplementalRead MoreAssistive Technology Essay1440 Words   |  6 Pagespresent society places technology on a high pedestal. This pedestal contains all of the hi-tech, yet sophisticated gadgets, gizmos, and all of the other novel items that are inundating our households. Items such as computers and cell phones enable us to communicate via e-mail, text message, and video (Stodden, Roberts, Picklesimer, Jackson Chang, 2006). Innovative items may be taken for granted but if we understand their significance and how they help us live in a technology driven and dependentRead MoreHearing Loss Among Individuals : Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Essay1143 Words   |  5 PagesThis literature review addresses the impact of hearing assistive technology and advanced testing that touches the lives of adolescences in educational settings who have a hearing disorder, affecting their life dramatically. Hearing loss is a common impairment and approximately â€Å"one in twenty-two newborns in the US† are born with a form of this communication disorder (McCoy, 2016). A hearing disorder is an â€Å"impaired [†¦] sensitivity of the physiological auditory system† [†¦] that can be â€Å"classifiedRead MoreTexas Dyslexia Reform: Implementing a Policy in Its Infancy Essay1696 Words   |  7 Pageseducation reform (T. Flanders, personal communication, August 30, 2011). Until recently, little consideration was made in the use of assistive technology (AT) for students with mild disabilities, specifically in the field of dyslexia education and intervention (Edyburn, 2006, p. 18). With the passing of Senate Bill 866, concerning the implementation of classroom technology plans for students with dyslexia, the pursuit of reform has become of utmost importance (The Texas State Senate-Information NewsRead MoreTeaching Students With Particular Learning Needs1178 Words   |  5 PagesPRACTICE SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORTS Assistive Devices Chosen and Trial of DeviceStudent Enrolls in Schools and Assigned to Teacher Assistive Devices Chosen and Trial of Device Student Enrolls in Schools and Assigned to Teacher Student/Parent/Teacher Meeting Prior to First Day of School Year to develop plan for assistive devices and other supports for classroom learning Student/Parent/Teacher Meeting Prior to First Day of School Year to develop plan for assistive devices and other supports for classroomRead MoreDeveloping A Successful Classroom Inclusive Environment Is The Quality Of Teaching926 Words   |  4 Pagesenrich the quality of teaching. The rapid increase in available technologies (both assistive and instructive) has provided teachers with a wide range of tools to support students with various learning abilities in the mainstream classroom (Sims, 2011). Assistive technology allows the children to communicate effectively, and to enhance functional skills that may be difficult without the technology. Boschetti (2006) discussed how technology can also assist with academic success when selected to matchRead More Autism Spectrum Disorders Essay1723 Words   |  7 PagesAbstract— This paper discusses the potential of using technologies in the diagnosis, study and intervention treatments of autism. The first part of paper introduces bac kground information on autism spectrum disorder. The second part deals with review of literature survey. The third part summarizes our proposed research work on the connected topic. The fourth part concludes our work as whole. Keywords— autism, discrete trail training, applied behaviour analysis, voice output communication aidsRead MoreThe Digital Divide Between Younger And Older Users1002 Words   |  5 Pagesway a person is introduced to the technology (Sonderegger, Schmutz Sauer, 2015). For example, an elderly person is introduced to SNS as adults. In contrast, a younger person is born and raised with the technology in existence (Sonderegger, Schmutz Sauer, 2015). In this study, socialisation and technological socialisation are used interchangeably to define an individual or group adapting to the technological norms of the Australian society. Literature review Paul and Stegbauer (2005) theorises

Supreme Court and the Affordable Care Act Essay Example

Essays on Supreme Court and the Affordable Care Act Essay The paper "Supreme Court and the Affordable Care Act" is an excellent example of an essay on social science.  The ruling by the Supreme Court on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) gave states the option of staying out of the medical expansion. The decision of any state is in the hands of the state leaders and the nation’s governor. Based on the different perspectives held by different state governors, quite a number, nearly as half of the USA, has joined the expansion. A major factor in making such important decisions is based on the executive, legislative or executive actions to increase coverage to low-income citizens using ACA funding (Hicks Jacobs, 2014).   This paper, therefore, seeks to explain the choice regarding the medical expansion that states face due to the Supreme Court ruling on the Affordable Medical Act.On the announcement of the ruling, New York governor Andrew M. Cuomo issued a statement in support of the ruling. From a broader perspective, this expansion wo uld offer health insurance to 32 million people currently uninsured. It would enable them to purchase policies through state-based exchanges and subsidies available to citizens earning between 133 percent and 400 percent of the poverty level. The governor released an executive budget that increased the allocation of funds to medical expansion plans relative to the increased spending by the state. This budget achieves a $10.9 saving from public health and other programs through initiative measures to increase efficiency and general cost control. This program has seen increased enrolment in a number of people to over one million and a corresponding reduction in uninsured citizens.  In analyzing the cost-benefit analysis of ACA, the enrolment fee per person is relatively cheaper, $178, compared to other states such as Alaska; $443. According to Kaiser Commission report, savings up to $33 billion could be achieved through ACA implementation that is a 90% reduction in the cost per empl oyee, as opposed to only 50% achieved through state baseline expenditure on Medicaid. The benefits of implementing the ACA far outreach those gained from Medicaid that is due to several cost control measures that would see the cost of health care under ACA significantly reduce as opposed to Medicaid (Hicks Jacobs, 2014). However, it is crucial to note that the incremental costs or savings of carrying out the implementation do vary across states. Overall, the incremental state costs incurred in implementing the Medicaid expansion is cheaper in relation to the amount spent by the state in Medicaid. The increase in health care access is closely associated with primary care; people with access to Medicaid are 70% are more likely to report having a steady and dependable place of care. 55% are likely to report as having a normal doctor.In conclusion, therefore, the main purpose of ACA is to have fewer people without insurance plans mainly by increasing coverage through Medicaid and new H ealth Insurance Exchanges. The Supreme Court ruling effectively permits states to make decisions as to whether to implement the Medicaid expansion program. State policymakers appraise the health coverage, new costs incurred, probable savings, and political and economic repercussions of a decision to implement the Medicaid expansion. The overall conclusion is that, by implementing the Medicaid expansion coupled with other provisions of the ACA, states could considerably cut the number of uninsured. Overall state costs of executing the Medicaid expansion would be modest compared to non-ACA Medicaid expenditure and relative to upturns in federal finances, and the majority of the states are likely to see small net budget gains.

The Tsetse Fly free essay sample

This fly has been responsible for conveying a disease called African trypoanosomiasis (sleeping sickness). Sleeping sickness can be fatal, and in areas of interest it is responsible for 40,000 deaths per year- just in humans. Considering that there are 23 different species of tsetse flies, this could pose a problem. 2. Traditionally, scientists would trap the flies using electric blue cloth (this would attract the them). Upon touching the cloth, they would be killed if not instantly, soon after by the insectidies that were proirly sprayed on the cloth. This technique includes breeding large numbers of the fly in a laboratory and using radiation to sterilize them. This way when they are introduced back into the environment, they cannot create any offspring. This prevents the disease to spread as fast. It is very efficent in sterilizing the male flies, and poses little to no problems for the non-target speices living with the tsetse flies. We will write a custom essay sample on The Tsetse Fly or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page 2. SIT is sustainable because it has no effect on non-target species. The only problem that could be considered at this point in time is that some people object to sterilizing insects, as well as the effects arent fully known of the radiation. . Yes, this is a viable alternative to traiditonal methods. In fact, scientists have been using SIT for tsetse flies for a while now. 4. Absolutely not. Although scientists are working to get this technique to all the countries that need it, they are not fully successful at this point. However, Africa which would probably be in most need of this technique, does have access. Scientists have been working in laboratories near and around many towns in Africa which desperately need the help. 5. The SIT would work in any conditions.

Visual Elements Paper free essay sample

This media is from the tenth edition Prebles’ book on page 356. The artist Henri Matisse uses the elements of Art color, line, and space to capture the viewer’s attention. This artwork’s setting is environmental, and the artist uses the element of are color to express that. He uses the warm analogous colors orange and yellow also the secondary cool color green to make up the background for the middle left side of the piece. It looks like it could be a combination of different types of leaf colors. Each of these colors was in their pure form. Another example of the usage of the element of art color is the use of subtractive color on the women in the middle of the artwork; both of their skin tones are white and it looks as if the sun is shining on them. The next element of art used was line. We will write a custom essay sample on Visual Elements Paper or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page On the left side of the piece there is a thick, long diagonal line. Another line is the thick, curvy line located on the right side of the artwork. The last element used is space. The artist creates an illusion of space by using diminishing scale. Matisse did this by making the group of people located in the far back of the piece smaller than the people that are directly in the front of the artwork. Another example of space is the horizon line dividing the sky and the yellow ground. To make his artwork speak to the viewers, the artist Henri Matisse uses the design principles contrast and emphasis. The use of contrast takes place in the center of the piece between the two women. One woman has red-orange hair and the other woman has black hair. Another example is the ground. Most of the ground is yellow but there is a portion of the grass is the dark blue. The use of emphasis also takes place in this artwork. The emphasis of placement is on the woman located in the center of the piece hair is red-orange; this is the first thing that catches the viewer’s eye. Another example of emphasis subordination in this artwork is of the people furthest away in piece, because they are so far away that part of the artwork would be less noticeable. In conclusion, to create the beautiful master piece â€Å"The Joy of Life†, the artist Henri Matisse used the art elements color, line and also space. The artist also demonstrated the use of the design principles contrast and emphasis.

South Africa - Apartheid essays

South Africa - Apartheid essays Thesis- That the era of apartheid in South Africa enforced racist ideals on to the minds of society, and although is no longer in place, has left legacy that may never South Africa is a country tormented by a past of enforced racism and separation of its multi-racial community. The superior white Europeans invaded the country and imposed a political system known as Apartheid (meaning apartness). This system severely restricted the rights and lifestyle of the non-white inhabitants of the country forcing them to live separately from the white Europeans. This system of imposed racial ideas although now ended, has left an imprint on the thoughts and actions of society in South Africa today. Dutch farmers known as the Boers settled the African lands. Eventually, a rising great Britain noted the rich resources and strategic location of the country. Britain imposed its rule on rebellious Boers, pushing the Boers off their land and eventually sparking the Boer war. Britain employed an overwhelming force to subdue the Boers. Ironically the Boers, now called Afrikaners, triumphed. . The Afrikaners imposed the Apartheid system, which aimed to turn the already segregated society into completely divided and separately developing racial communities The Apartheid system brought about many laws to ensure that the races of South Africa were kept separate. The first major law was the Race Classification Act which divided the citizens of South Africa into separate groups, white, black and coloured. With this also came the Group Areas Act, which was imposed to ensure that whites and blacks lived separately. South Africa was divided into separate areas for each race. As a persons race could not only be judged by appearance, people had to carry something to prove their identity. The reference or pass book was introduced to ensure that people were not in the wro...

Recent Legal History of the Death Penalty in America

Recent Legal History of the Death Penalty in America While capital punishment – the death penalty – has been an integral part of the American judicial system since the colonial period, when a person could be executed for offenses like witchcraft or stealing grapes, the modern history of American execution has been shaped largely by political reaction to public opinion. According to data on capital punishment collected by the federal government’s Bureau of Justice Statistics, a total of 1,394 people were executed under sentences handed down by federal and state civilian courts from 1997 to 2014. However, there have been extended periods in recent history during which punitive death took a holiday. Voluntary Moratorium: 1967-1972 While all but 10 states allowed the death penalty in the late 1960s, and an average of 130 executions per year were being carried out, public opinion turned sharply against the death penalty. Several other nations had dropped the death penalty by the early 1960s and legal authorities in the U.S. were starting to question whether or not executions represented cruel and unusual punishments under the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Public support for the death penalty reached its lowest point in 1966, when a Gallup poll showed only 42% of Americans approved of the practice. Between 1967 and 1972, the U.S. observed what amounted to a voluntary moratorium on executions as the U.S. Supreme Court wrestled with the issue. In several cases not directly testing its constitutionality, the Supreme Court modified the application and administration of the death penalty. The most significant of these cases dealt with juries in capital cases. In a 1971 case, the Supreme Court upheld the unrestricted right of juries to both determine guilt or innocence of the accused and to impose the death penalty in a single trial. Supreme Court Overturns Most Death Penalty Laws In the 1972 case of Furman v. Georgia, the Supreme Court issued a 5-4 decision effectively striking down most federal and state death penalty laws finding them arbitrary and capricious. The court held that the death penalty laws, as written, violated the cruel and unusual punishment provision of the Eighth Amendment and the due process guarantees of the Fourteenth Amendment. As a result of Furman v. Georgia, more than 600 prisoners who had been sentenced to death between 1967 and 1972 had their death sentences commuted. Â   Supreme Court Upholds New Death Penalty Laws The Supreme Courts decision in Furman v. Georgia did not rule the death penalty itself to be unconstitutional, only the specific laws by which it was applied. Thus, the states quickly began to write new death penalty laws designed to comply with the courts ruling. The first of the new death penalty laws created by the states of Texas, Florida and Georgia gave the courts wider discretion in applying the death penalty for specific crimes and provided for the current bifurcated trial system, in which a first trial determines guilt or innocence and a second trial determines punishment. The Texas and Georgia laws allowed the jury to decide punishment, while Floridas law left the punishment up to the trial judge. In five related cases, the Supreme Court upheld various aspects of the new death penalty laws. These cases were: Gregg v. Georgia, 428 U.S. 153 (1976)Jurek v. Texas, 428 U.S. 262 (1976)Proffitt v. Florida, 428 U.S. 242 (1976)Woodson v. North Carolina, 428 U.S. 280 (1976)Roberts v. Louisiana, 428 U.S. 325 (1976) As a result of these decisions, 21 states threw out their old mandatory death penalty laws and hundreds of death row prisoners had their sentences changed to life in prison. Execution Resumes On January 17, 1977, convicted murderer Gary Gilmore told a Utah firing squad, Lets do it! and became the first prisoner since 1976 executed under the new death penalty laws. A total of 85 prisoners - 83 men and two women - in 14 U.S. states were executed during 2000. Current Status of the Death Penalty As of January 1, 2015, the death penalty was legal in 31 states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming. Nineteen states and the District of Columbia have abolished the death penalty: Alaska, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Between the reinstatement of the death penalty in 1976 and 2015, executions have been carried out in thirty-four states. From 1997 to 2014, Texas led all death penalty-legal states, carrying out a total of 518 executions, far ahead of Oklahoma’s 111, Virginia’s 110, and Florida’s 89. Detailed statistics on executions and capital punishment can be found on the Bureau of Justice Statistics’ Capital Punishment website.

Rewriting by Joseph Harris Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Rewriting by Joseph Harris - Assignment Example The aim of the article is to enlighten the reader about the importance of reading and writing in general education. The example of Malcolm is enough evidence. They quote the text to explain what it means as well as using it to make their perspective clear. There is the push beyond the pro and con thinking through the potential uses of a number of positions. The text uses vivid examples as well as mental pictures to pass its message to the reader. The step by step experiences of the character while in prison up to the time he is released and becomes a famous person is a clear conviction to the reader as well as the validity of the project. The text ends up with a conclusion that sums up the main point as well as emphasizing on the importance of the home made education. The author clearly acknowledges their influence and how the influences have directed their work. The author uses a simple and convincing language so as to pass on his message to the reader. He also focuses on the values such as determination, hope, hard work and will power to strengthen his main points. The person behind this writing could be a black man who was fed up by the white exploitation and who has been in prison for the

Software Reuse Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Software Reuse - Essay Example Software reuse has its roots it software and computer programming in the development of software libraries, which contains functions and subroutines, they are called reusable units of software. Now day’s software reuse contains the spectrum of system artifacts including these software libraries as software requirements and patterns. In software engineering, the last fifty years were a tremendous change. In 1990’s, there had been a shift from tools, processes, documentation and plans to individuals, working software, collaborations and responding to change. Organizations have been moved from typical waterfall models to spiral, evolutionary or iterative process models. Software reuse is categorized into two different types: opportunistic and systematic. Opportunistic means the unplanned and euphemistically reuse of software artifacts that are not originally designed for reuse of it in mind. But as well as concerned with systematic reuse of software, the software artifacts are designed in a sense that they are deliberately reused (Glisic and Lorenzo 2009). Benefits of Software Reuse: The concept behind software reuse is clear cut. Software reuse enables developers to create new software from existing ones using strategies, principles and techniques. A powerful concept proposed by Jones and Bonsignour (2012) has been focused on the software reusability. Software reuse results in a huge productivity, better quality and decrease in time for products. It is a mean to achieve the improvement in the overall software production. A high quality software reuse process improves productivity, quality and dependability as well as schedule, cost and performance of software. In short, software reuse development helps in reduction of risks in legacy and new system development. Estublier and Vege (2005) suggested that a really reusable component had a significant cost. Therefore, to be cost effective, a reusable component must be widely reused. Reuse backdrop encomp asses a range of reuse techniques (Sommerville 2004). Once software reuse is established, it enables the organization to accomplish more without using addition resources. Software reuse is important for business trying to gain and maintain a competitive advantage. It allows organizations to avoid duplicating past efforts. Software issues are also decreased by using these reusing techniques, and it represents a strategy to meet the challenges of rapidly changing complex environment (Pressman 2010). Lim (1998) identifies many benefits of software reuse, which are given as following: Improved software quality Short time to market Increase development productivity Consistent application functionality Reduce the risk of cost and schedule overruns Allow prototyping for validating user requirements Leveraging of technical skills and knowledge There are many benefits of software reuse, however, cannot be realized until effective implementation is not applied. Reuse of a software component, which cannot meet the requirements, cannot present the evident until verification and validation activities. Software reuse has broader benefits, but these benefits may be overlooked or go largely unrealizable without the organizational support for reuse and incentives for reuse (Larman 2012). Potential Problems with Software Reuse: Sobh (2010) stated the following facts, which affect the software reusing process:

Online education vs traditional education Essay Example for Free

Online education vs traditional education Essay For hundreds of years we have been teaching traditionally to children with varying results, in the last two decades with the growing technology a new form of education has formed, online education. With high school being a pivotal time in teenagers life parents and educators have questioned is online education better for students over traditional methods. In the search to figure out which is better people have gathered evidence involving studies, polls, and research on the effect online education has on students. My first source used is written by Dan Lips, an article called â€Å"How Online Learning Is Revolutionizing K-12 Education and Benefiting Students† for the Heritage Foundation. The author’s tone is formal and persuasive. In the article he uses evidence such as facts, studies, and polls to persuade the readers to see the greatness of virtual education. Dan Lips uses high profile people who wrote books on virtual learning to increase credibility to his claim. The second source, â€Å"Students frustrations with a Web-based distance education course† by Noriko Hara and Rob Kling published in the online journal First Monday. This is an article based on the study the authors did on how students felt enrolled in an online class in college. While this is an article based on the feelings of college students this applies to the high school online education as they base high school online education on college online education so they are going to run into the same problems. The authors of this article were neutral to the study and were just reporting what was wrong with distance learning so as not to bias the results, and to get how the teacher and students feel about online learning. The authors use this article to caution students, teachers, and schools on some of the things wrong with online education and to not ignore the bad sides of online education because of mostly praise towards it. My last source is â€Å"Online High Schools Test Students Social Skills† by Paul Glader investigates the impact of online education on teens socially. Glader found that students enrolled in online high school often drop out due to the fact of them feeling lonely. The online high schools are trying to find ways to make teens spend time together in the virtual classrooms. High school is a pivotal time in everyone’s life that can shape your future.

Emporer Hadrian Of Rome :: essays research papers

By the time Hadrian's contributions to his country had succeeded, and death was near; he was the most hated man in Rome. However, throughout his reign, he was regarded as a noble leader. "The Roman emperor Hadrian exercised a profound organizational influence on the Greco-Roman world. He worked successfully toward the codification of Roman law and the strengthening of imperial border defenses (Eadie 8)." Emperor Hadrian made many important contributions to Roman culture, and he was also known as one of the greatest Roman emperors in history.Hadrian was born on January, 26 76 a.d. in Spain. In his youth, he developed a strong interest in Hellenic culture. This earned him his nickname "The Greekling." For example, "Hadrian was an admirer of Greek culture and under different circumstances, might well have devoted his full time to literature and philosophy rather than politics (Eadie 8 )." Hadrian was well-educated, and known throughout Rome as a military man. For instance, " He rose through the ranks as befitting of one of his position in life and became a well-respected general (Internet Hadrian 4)." Soon after, Hadrian was married to a thirteen year old girl named Sabina. Thirteen years of age was very young even in Roman terms of marriage. Hadrian became emperor in 117a.d. This occurred when Trajan, Hadrian's deceased father's cousin and guardian, made Hadrian his successor on his deathbed. "Certainly Hadrian's relationship with the Senate was not a good one(Coleman-Norton 674)." At the beginning of his reign, he put four former consuls to death for conspiracy. This created negative personal relations between Hadrian and the Senate; however, "Hadrian generally treated the Senate with the utmost respect(Coleman-Norton 674)." Throughout the years 120-133, he traveled eminsly. He visited Britain, Spain, eastern provinces, and even Africa. Towns and cities vastly benefited from his journeys. Harbor installations, roads, and bridges were built. The size of Athens almost doubled, and many new cities, including Adrinople were founded by the emperor(Coleman-Norton)." " Hadrian's travels, which during his reign covered a period of more than twelve years, were the most extensive of any peacetime emperors in history(Coleman-Norton 673)." Hadrian cared about the welfare of his country and people. For example, "Hadrian was an able and tireless ruler. He issued laws protecting women, children, and slaves from mistreatment (Beers 112)." He also revised and reorganized the entire system of Roman laws. Hadrian greatly improved the East by building new roads, temples, theatres, and circuses.

Project Management Process [in Construction]

ADVANCE PROJECT MANAGEMENT Project Management Process [In Construction Project] Ibtisam, Badar Reg. No— CIIT/SP13-RPM-292/CVC CIIT/SP13-RPMEmail: [email  protected] edu. pk Project Management Process | 2 Project Management Processes A PROJECT MANAGEMENT Process is the management process of planning and controlling the performance or execution of a project. Project management is one of the critical processes of any project. This is due to the fact that project management is the core process that connects all other project activities and processes together.Project management is a responsible process. The project management process connects all other project activities together and creates the harmony in the project. Therefore, the project management team should have a detailed understanding on the all project management processes and the tools that they can make use for each project management process. When it comes to the activities of project management, there are plenty. Ho wever, these plenty of project management activities can be categorized into five main processes. THE FIVE PROJECT PROCESS GROUPS . Initiation 2. Planning 3. Implementation / Execution 4. Monitoring, Evaluation & Control 5. Closure Project Management Process | 3 Project Management Process [In Construction Project] In my all working career, I only deal with two types of projects, i. e. IT and Construction Project. So if someone asks to me where you have to invest, I will prefer these two areas. In this report, I’m discussing about construction project management process. As I believe, construction is a field which boosts jobs and help in unemployment.In this report, I want to talk about project management process according to new project of Housing society or Villas construction project. I will consider this project according to each phase and step of project management process. Project Initiating The Initiating phase of the Construction project management process is where the project gets defined and authorized by management. The inputs to this phase are usually a statement of work or a contract given to you by the project sponsor. Other inputs are the environmental factors of your organization such as policies, procedures, and cultures to name a few.The output of the Initiating process is a Project Charter, focus on project scope and costs issue, set major milestones, and a Preliminary Project Scope Statement. We value leading the Project with a commitment that allows for nothing but success. By embracing new ideas, working well with our partners, meeting challenges with enthusiasm, and serving as positive advocates for the project, we will provide the leadership required for exceptional delivery. We value managing the Project well by clarifying our priorities, defining expectations and directing all efforts toward addressing the most critical issues first.Working hard to determine what must be done to guide potential toward opportunity will provide th e focus we need to succeed. We value the resources entrusted to us. By developing and recognizing our staff, practicing fiscal responsibility, measuring and reporting on performance, delivering what we promise, keeping to a schedule, and communicating with honesty and transparency, we will demonstrate our integrity. Measures of Success †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Safety: No Recordable or lost time injuries and reportable injuries lower than the industry average Schedule: Meet or eat established project milestones Budget: Manage risks to contain costs within budget Quality: Conform to project requirements without adverse effects on milestones or budget Environmental Compliance: Complete project without permit violations. Public Perception: Strong Community Support Through Effective Communication Project Management Process | 4 Project Planning Once a contract has been awarded: It is the responsibility of the project staff to review the item material lists and arran ge for deletion of material codes that will not be required.They shall also request addition of item material codes that they determine are necessary. Site Manager staff reviews the uploaded data in Site Manager for accuracy prior to making a project active. If the contract contains more than one category, the site manager staff will discuss with the project engineer and supervising engineer (SE) the need to keep the multiple categories. The SE will determine if the Site Manager staff should process an administrative construction order to combine Categories with like federal funding. A preconstruction meeting with the Contractor must be held for all Contracts awarded.The purposes of the meeting are: †¢ To review the Contract, especially job-specific special provisions. †¢ To discuss Project features, particularly those that may present problems. †¢ To discuss Environmental Permits and concerns. †¢ To discuss the potential problems of water pollution and soil eros ion. †¢ To review the Contractor's proposed progress schedule. †¢ To review the methods of handling traffic. †¢ To review sampling and testing requirements for materials to be used throughout the construction process. Project Management Process | 5 To address any of the Contractors’ questions concerning the plans and the Contract. Any problems that cannot be resolved at this meeting will be reviewed with the District office, and the final determination will be transmitted to all concerned, and if feasible, incorporated in the written report of the meeting. Start and completion dates for utilities must also be sent to: †¢ the Manager of Fiscal and Special Projects, and †¢ The Transportation Utilities Engineer. Notification should be sent to both of the above within seven days of effective completion date so final audits can be performed.The original of all memorandums regarding project status must be addressed and sent to the Construction Division Chie f. The functional requirements for construction planning such as technology choice, work breakdown, and budgeting. Construction planning is not an activity which is restricted to the period after the award of a contract for construction. It should be an essential activity during the facility design. Also, if problems arise during construction, re-planning is required. Project Implementation/ExecutionIn this stage we deal with contract management, Construction Management , and cost management. The integration of the different design aspects almost always requires that changes in approach be made in each aspect to accommodate the others. Such changes should be made as early in the design of the building as possible, since the time and work required in making changes increases rapidly as the design becomes more detailed. It is helpful therefore to have a systematic approach to the coordination of these approaches, and the Design Brief is a good opportunity for providing this.It is sugg ested that some initial indications are included in the Design Brief at the project inception stage, and that the consultants amend these as the design develops. The building envelope consists of all the different elements that make up the fabric of the building, such as the floor, walls, windows and roof. Most of the design decisions relating to the building envelope are the responsibility of the architect and structural engineer. They have a large impact on the thermal performance of the building, and it is therefore essential that the performance of the envelope is coordinated with the design of the HVAC system.This is the area that offers most opportunities for improved building performance through an integrated design approach. Project Management Process | 6 Monitoring, Evaluation & Control In this portion we deal with risk management, quality management and also do many kind of testing. Quality control starts with matching expectations about quality levels with budget and scop e during planning and design reviews and continues through construction delivery with a program of inspections, tests, and certifications.It requires a coordinated performance among the entire project team in order for a completed building program to fully satisfy a client's and the building users' expectations. Having a process implemented at the beginning of the project will help define the goals as well as provide a continuous measurement system over time to make sure the objectives are being met. The responsibility rests withe project team and the project owner. Also the manager who has †general management† or †project owner† jurisdiction also shares in the residual responsibility.This process is done at many levels such as: – The individual professional's level – The work package level – The functional manager's level – The project team level – The general manager's level – The project owner's level Project audit s provide the opportunity to have an independent appraisal of where the project stands and the efficiency and effectiveness with which the project is being managed. Audits can be planned periodicly, but also requested when there is a sense that the project is in trouble, or when a new manager takes over in order to become accustomed with the project.Project audits should: – Determine what is going right or wrong, and why – Identify forces and factors that have prevented achievements of cost, schedule, and technical performance goals and Evaluate the efficacy of existing project management strategy – Provide for an exchange of ideas, information, problems, solutions, and strategies with the project team members The task is to manage the project as it progresses, using the project control systems to maximum advantage. Project control is best analyzed by applying the factors of a unique operation, following its output and measuring its results.All factors are to be considered; labor, materials and equipment. One might also have to consider the role of the subcontractors, as they affect the sequencing of a task. In measuring the factors, the project manager must key in on the productivity of his labor force, measuring output over a given period of time. From these results, the project manager can then make a comparison against the project estimate, and against the objectives to meet the expected goals. To be affected in managing the project, the project manager must exercise three modes of operation.These three modes are planning, communicating and monitoring of the project. The project must be well-planned, each factor of the plan properly communicated, carefully monitored and controlled. Proper planning involves one of the initiatives of the goal setting process, the preparation of the schedules, a solid logistics plan and time-based general conditions established to monitor all phases of construction. The limits of construction should be cl ear and they must comply with the language of Project Management Process | 7 the contract documents. Collectively, these are the tools needed to compile this information.It must then be the commitment of the project superintendent and labor forces to carry out the tasks within these limits. To properly implement the plan, the plan must be communicated in such a fashion that there is full understanding of its purpose. One successful mode is the construction schedule. This guide to the project must clearly show each activity starting and finishing dates, duration, resources, long lead item purchasing schedule, submittal dates, purchasing dates, materials delivery to site dates all tied together by meaningful relationships, the networking between tasks. Closer & conclusionAs part of the Project Closure Plan, Suring success of a project the Project Manager needs to remain mindful of the close-out activities that bring a job to its responsible end. The process involves several very impor tant accomplishments that are clearly defined in the construction documents usually in the general conditions section of the specification book. To be successful it is always prudent to be informed and prepared. At the startup of the project a review of each trade section would further help identify needed final submittal information, that each of your subcontractors would be obligated to produce to complete their contract.It is now time to make a close out checklist. This checklist is an excellent tool to include in each subcontract, locking each subcontractor into ownership of their respective final submittal material, whether it is warranties, record drawings, or operation and maintenance manuals a clear reminder at the set time of contract signing is a good way to identify that you are in control. Referencing this information at the halfway point of a longer project would allow you to focus on closing out subcontracts of early finish work completed early, reducing your challenge s at the end of the project.The close-out materials are generally comparable to the submission materials required for approval by the architect at the start-up of the work by any trade. At the end of the project a manual including all of these pieces of literature are assembled and you publish this collection to the client via the architect. Additional information may include as-built drawings; replications of the architect plans with markups that identify the changes made and approved throughout the construction period and most certainly, letters of warrantee from each participating subcontractor. process will be developed that will address the things most important to employees as they explore options for their future. During this process, the management team promises to: †¢ Be open and honest about decisions that affect an employee’s position on the team †¢ Work directly with employees to allow opportunities inside and outside the project to develop new skills an d refine existing ones †¢ Promptly communicate to employee’s project changes that might affect them.We want to keep employees engaged in the current project and ensure that they are ready for new challenges. Employees can share immediate and long-term plans by completing the Employee Interest Survey described above. The employee’s manager will schedule an informal meeting to discuss the employee’s responses in the Interest Survey. The outcome of this meeting will be to turn those short and long-term goals into an action plan.

In What Ways Did Deng’s Leadership Bring Change to China in the Late 1970s and 1980s Essay

After Mao’s death in 1976, Deng abandoned the Maoist economic model and decided to open China up to free market economic reforms and Western style capitalism – all carefully controlled by the state still. He also introduced the ‘One Child’ policy. The domestic social, political, and most notably, economic systems would undergo significant changes during Deng’s time as leader. The goals of Deng’s reforms were summarized by the Four Modernizations, those of agriculture, industry, science and technology and the military. The strategy for achieving these aims of becoming a modern, industrial nation was the socialist market economy. For agriculture, it changed for the better. Deng first took steps to repair the damage done to farm production during the Great Leap Forward. In place of the communes he established the contract responsibility system. Under this arrangement, the government rented land to individual farm families, who then decided for themselves what to produce. The families contracted with the government simply to provide a certain amount of crops at a set price. Once the contract was fulfilled, the families were free to sell any extra crops at markets for whatever prices they could get. This chance to make more money by growing more crops greatly increased China’s farm production. Since the introduction of the contract responsibility system, Chinese farmers produced about 8 percent more each year than they did in the previous year. And many farmers have benefited greatly from the new plan. Under the contract responsibility system, families still did not own the land. The long-term leases awar ded by the government, however, helped to develop an â€Å"owner† attitude among the farmers. As a result, many families have made improvements to the land. As for the economy, Deng attracted foreign companies to a series of Special Economic Zones, where foreign investment and market liberalization were encouraged. Which meant that China needed Western technology and investment, and that it could open the door to foreign businesses who wanted to set up in China. The reforms centered on improving labor productivity as well. New material incentives and bonus systems were introduced. Rural markets selling peasants’ homegrown products and the surplus products of communes were revived. Not only did rural markets increase agricultural output, they stimulated industrial development as well. With peasants able to sell surplus agricultural yields on the open market, domestic consumption stimulated industrialization as well and also created political support for more difficult economic reforms. Another change for China was it’s industry, the four modernizations affected the industry positively. It provided electricity in the rural areas, industrial automation, a new economic outlook, and greatly enhanced defense strength. His program for industry had two goals. First, he wanted people to spend more money on consumer goods. Therefore, he changed the focus from heavy industry to light industry, the production of small consumer goods such as clothing, appliances, and bicycles. He also wanted factories to step up production. So he gave more decision-making power to individual factory managers. And he started a system of rewards for managers and workers who found ways to make factories produce more. All in all, these changes brought good results, and changed China for the better and is the China that is here today. Deng’s leadership really helped modernize China.

Women of the South American Yanomamo Society essays

Women of the South American Yanomamo Society essays Women of the South American Yanomamo Society The South American Yanomamo society is decidedly masculine. Yanomamo women are considered inferior to men. The superior/inferior male/female duality occurs in all contexts of the Yanomamos lives. It can be seen from the division of daily labor to the beatings that women are subject to. However, women have a role to play in Yanomamo society, albeit, not one many American women would find agreeable. The practice of infanticide plays a role in the lack of women in Yanomamo society. Yanomamo prefer to parent a male child rather than a female child. Many times a female child will be killed at birth because females are inferior to males. To the people of North American culture certain the Yanomamo procedures of murdering a newborn baby would be considered brutal, horrific and mutilation. Some Americans would also suggest that abortion is murder also. However, many Americans see a clear difference between abortion and infanticide. One argument for abortion is that a fetus is not considered a child until it is born. Infanticide kills a child that has already been born. The differences of men and women can be found in the early socialization of the children. Female children assume duties and responsibilities in the household long before their brothers are obliged to participate in comparable useful domestic tasks. Young girls tend to their younger siblings, and help their mothers with chores. By the time a girl is ten years old, she has become an economic asset to the mother and spends a great deal of time working. In contrast, little boys, spend hours playing and are able to prolong their childhood into their late teens. Most are promised in marriage by the time they reach puberty. Girls have almost no voice in the decision of whom they will marry. Their elder kin decide mate selection. The girls wishes are not considered. Boys, in...

5 Ways to Get Inspired when Writing a College Paper

5 Ways to Get Inspired when Writing a College Paper 5 Ways to Get Inspired when Writing a College Paper Y’all know the drill by now. Your professor sets an assignment. You head to the library and get out the relevant textbook. You write up your paper and receive an average grade for your efforts. But what if â€Å"average† isn’t good enough? How do you make your work stand out? How do you get inspired when writing a college paper? One answer is â€Å"independent research,† which will make your work more original. It also demonstrates that you’ve engaged with the topic in depth (rather than merely remembering what you were taught in class). This, however, may involve venturing beyond the library walls in search of inspiration†¦ 1. Conferences and Workshops Some of the best places to get new ideas are academic conferences and workshops, especially if you want to find out about cutting-edge research when it’s first presented. Most conferences are aimed at professional academics and grad students, but it’s definitely worth looking to see if your college is hosting anything relevant to your subject. 2. Books and Journals While a good college library should have everything you need to get by, it’s always worth looking beyond the catalog for additional books and journals. Try checking the reference list in any set texts to see if something grabs your eye. If the library doesn’t have it, ask a librarian if they can order it in. Its here somewhere. Good luck finding it. [Photo: Djembayz/Wikimedia] 3. Getting On(line) The internet, to paraphrase Homer Simpson, is the cause of, and solution to, all of academia’s problems. On the one hand, journal databases provide a quick and easy way to access decades of research in various fields. College message boards, moreover, allow you to discuss academic (and non-academic) matters with other students around the country and beyond. On the other hand, you should be careful when doing research online, as not every internet source is considered suitable for academic work. We’re looking at you, Wikipedia. 4. Talking to Your Lecturers Back in meatspace, you could try asking lecturers, seminar leaders or other academic staff for advice. Most of them will be happy to recommend further reading. Heck, most of them will just be happy you’ve been paying attention. 5. Trade Magazines and Newsletters Finally, if you’re studying a major with connections to a particular industry, reading trade publications will help you to keep up with current news and events in your field. Probably best to go for a slightly more recent issue than this.

Sports logo Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Sports logo - Essay Example It was established 54 years ago, and the present-day sports logo of the team did not undergo significant changes since then. Today Minnesota Vikings looks a little bit different from what it used to be in 1961, when the team was founded under its present name. However, the image of a Norseman or Viking, which is a core symbol of the team, has left untouched with minor changes being introduced since the day one of its existence. It was altered first in 1965, when the face of the Norseman was turned from left to right and new colors were added, not mention the slight change of the size of the image. The next time it was upgraded in 2013, when the shape of two horns on the helmet of the Norseman were slightly changed, as well as facial features that became a little bit more sharpened than before. The dominant colors of the present-day Minnesota Vikings sports logo are yellow, purple or velvet and white. The hair and the helmet of the Norseman are of yellow color, while the horns on the helmet are white with black tips. There is a velvet string on the helmet, which contrasts the dominant color wheel of the image to a certain extent. The gradation of direction of the image, obviously, aims at adding movement to the Norsemans shape. The oblique lines of the face might suggest the readiness for action; while a horizontal line that is seen in Norsemans helmet might suggest stability, which symbolizes self-confidence. The texture of the image is hard and rough. The sports logo containing the image of a Viking as a symbol of a Minneapolis football team was first used in 1960. The owners of the newly created American football team, Minnesota Vikings, decided to use this very logo as the image of a team mainly because Minnesota is a state being famous nationwide for a large portion of American population originated from Scandinavian countries. In fact, almost ten million

Political science Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 7

Political science - Essay Example ilarly, this paper will also explain the similarities and differences in their own justification for disobedience, and in the manner in which each perceives disobedience to be necessary or beneficial in the circumstances. Sophocles’ Antigone argues that the unwritten and natural law supersedes any form of human law (â€Å"Sophocles Antigone 442 BC†, 2005), which means that the only source or basis of legitimate law is the unwritten and natural law; Antigone believes that duties to the gods are more essential than obedience of the state and law. She argues that she does not fear condemnation from men, but punishment from the gods by failing to honour her obligations to them, which oblige her to bury the dead and not to insult the gods by denying the dead a proper burial. Like Sophocles’ Antigone, Plato’s Socrates believes in a higher standard as the ultimate source of legitimate law, which is the gods. After he had been found guilty of poisoning the minds of young ones, Socrates declared without modesty that his teachings were the gods’ bidding, and that the city of Athens had thrived because of his service to the gods (DAmato, 1976). However, unlike Sophoclesâ€℠¢ Antigone who exclusively believes in one base of legitimate law, Plato’s Socrates also believes that the Athenian judicial system, a tribunal that dispensed justice according to the laws, was also a legitimate basis of law that should be respected; however, Socrates argues that his teachings had made Athens a better state. Sophocles’ Antigone argues that human laws undermine the unwritten and natural law especially because they do not honour the gods and family morals. Antigone gives honour and a principled responsibility to the gods and family equal weight in her defence since she does not want to offend the gods and to attract severe penalties from them (â€Å"Sophocles Antigone 442 BC†, 2005). Like Sophocles’ Antigone, Plato’s Socrates believes that in as much as the Athenian judicial

HRM Practice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

HRM Practice - Essay Example This kind of behavior not only posed a threat to the reputation of the company but the unregulated stream of affairs also affected the children in a negative way. Motivation theories state that different factors affect why people go to work and their performance and efficiency is determined by these factors. These could be fulfillment of physiological, security, relationship, self esteem or self actualization needs according to Abraham Maslows hierarchy of needs. Other motivational factors would include Expectancy, Instrumentality and Valence according to Victor Vrooms theory of motivation. Absence of these factors of motivation could easily lead to low performance and efficiency. Absenteeism would have been a problem if employees were assigned fixed days but since the job demanded a fixed number of hours therefore employees preferred to report to the institution but work with a lax attitude. The low performance levels at social service could also be directly linked to the job characteristic model. Workers should be enthusiastic about the job they perform. They should have a certain level of intrinsic motivation which is related to the skill variety, task identity and task significance. Feedback from a job and consequences and results of workers activity also result in work effectiveness. Absence of these would decrease performance. It could be clearly observed that most of the motivational factors were absent from the job. The workers or the employees were not receiving any direct monetary compensation from the job and were ignorant about its true purpose; the betterment of the society. Thus they could not relate to the real intention of the job. There was a pressure to attend but there was no regulator of the quality of work. There was absolutely no job related instrumentality of social work as there were no identifiable outcomes in form of promotions or

Misuse Of Opiates Health And Social Care Essay

Misuse Of Opiates Health And Social Care Essay The misuse and abuse of illicit and prescription opiates is a growing problem in the United States. Even though Americans make up less than 5 percent of the worlds population, we consume close to 100% of the worlds supply of hydrocodone and nearly 80% of the worlds supply of legal and illegal opiates . Because of the vast availability of drugs and its impact on many facets of healthcare and the economy, it is imperative that health care providers and policy makers understand what drugs are being abused, who uses these drugs, where the drugs come from, and the health and economic burden on the United States. It is becoming exceedingly important for those directly involved with substance abusers to understand the physiological consequences, psychosocial consequences and withdrawal consequences of drugs. Opiates and opiate derivatives in particular, whether illicit (such as heroin) or prescription (such as Oxycontin) are being heavily abused across the country. These drugs can have serious health implications during use and during abrupt cessation (detoxification or withdrawal). This paper will present a review of the literature on the epidemic of heroin and prescription opiate abuse. Through a critical review, concepts such as the prevalence of the problem, the physiologic consequences of abuse, the current trends in management of the problem and implications for nursing and healthcare will be explored. Background Before proceeding, it is important to briefly discuss the basic pharmacology of opiate drugs. Opiates, otherwise known as narcotics, include the drugs heroin, morphine, codeine, oxycontin, hydrocodone, methadone and other chemically-related derivatives. All opiates are considered dispensable only by prescription in the United States with the exception of heroin, which is illegal in all circumstances. Opiates wield their effects by activating pleasure centers in the brain. The neurobiochemical model of addiction suggests that over time, the brains chemistry changes so that it yearns for the substance when it is not there and can produce physiologic effects of withdrawal when stopped. Heroin for example, which is chemically-related to morphine (the chemical name for heroin is diamorphine) readily crosses the blood-brain barrier to cause a rapid spilling of dopamine into the dopaminergic receptors of the brains neurons. For this reason, the drug is easily addictive and absence of the dr ug causes a sensation of craving and can cause feelings of illness, such as nausea and diarrhea, when stopped abruptly. . Prevalence of the Problem Several researchers in the nursing, allied health and economics disciplines have explored and discussed the prevalence of prescription opiate abuse and hypotheses of the origin of the problem. However, there is a large gap in the literature related to the prevalence of illicit drug abuse (heroin) among different populations. The prevalence data for heroin abuse in the US is largely reported by national survey trends, such as the National Institute of Drug Abuse (part of the National Institutes of Health) Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). Even so, the massive survey document pays little attention to the problem of heroin abuse and reports only two percent of the 67,500 survey respondents using heroin in the month preceding the survey (National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2009). The etiology of prescription drug misuse and abuse is discussed more heavily in the literature than is heroin abuse. According to the NSDUH, in 2009 4.8% of the survey respondents aged 12 and older reported using prescription opiates for non-medical reasons. Of those, over 55% reported obtaining the drug for free from a friend or relative, and 4.8% reported purchasing the drug from a dealer on the streets (National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2009). Researchers at Columbia University surveyed adolescents aged 12 to 17 in 2005 and found that 9.3% reported the misuse of prescription opiates over the past month. In exploring the adolescents motives for abuse, the researchers found that the most commonly reported motives were ease of attainment and affordability . Among young adult college students, prevalence of non-medical prescription opiate abuse has been reported between seven and nine percent in the past month to twelve to fourteen percent lifetime prevalence . One of the most at-risk groups for misuse of and addiction to prescription opiates is the chronic pain population. When used appropriately, opiate pain medications are a gold standard of care for serious pain-related conditions (such as post-operative pain, neuropathic pain and so on). In an effort to better manage pain, the number of prescriptions for opiate medications increased 154% in the ten-year period from 1992 to 2002, even though the population of the United States increased by only 13% . Although prescription opiates have been used to treat pain and improve the quality of life among acute and chronic pain patients, the advent of the drugs misuse has led to a wide body of literature on prescriptive practices and monitoring of opiate drugs. There delicate balance between managing pain adequately and the risk for misuse, addiction and diversion has been discussed in the literature recently, largely among the adolescent/young adult and chronic pain populations. Although there is a general lack in the literature of the number of people prescribed opiates for chronic pain . There is a large body of literature which suggests that the increased number of prescription opiates for chronic pain patients has contributed significantly to the drug abuse problem. In studies to investigate the use of prescription opiates for chronic pain, it has been found that pain treatment plans are sparse, good documentation on the patients health history and history of substance abuse is rare, and opiates are sometimes improperly utilized or not indicated at all . Health Consequences of Opiate Abuse Both prescription and illicit opiates have the potential to exert a myriad of acute and chronic negative health effects for the user. Neurological decline, vision changes, cardiac abnormalities, vascular complications, pulmonary disorders and mortality have been studied and reported. In a study of over 500 opiate addicts, electrocardiographic changes were documented in 61% of the sample. These ECG changes included ST-segment elevation, which may indicate ischemic heart damage (or lack of oxygen-rich blood to the myocardium) and QTc prolongation (seen mostly with methadone addicts). Prolonged QTc intervals may lead to inappropriate triggering of the ventricles and may lead to potentially lethal ventricular tachycardia . The use of heroin and other drugs by injection with non-sterile or reused needles may produce powerful toxins in the bloodstream leading to endocarditis, left ventricular hemorrhage and death. Researchers in Ireland reviewed the autopsy findings from eight cases of heroin users and found rapid fatal illness caused by the endotoxin Clostridium novyi which caused fatal subendocardial hemorrhage, spleen enlargement and pulmonary edema in all of the subjects studied . Heroin can cause significant acute peripheral and central nervous system complications such as neuropathy and hearing loss. In a study six of intravenous and intranasal heroin users admitted to the hospital for acute illness, five had documented rhabdomyolysis between three and 36 hours after administration of the drug. In each of the five cases, there was no documented trauma. Typically rhabdomyolysis occurs after a traumatic, compression-type injury where enzymes spill into the musculature and cause rapid neurological decline, loss of muscle tone and coma. In each of the subjects studied, no trauma or compression injury occurred . In a group of patients with a reported history of speedballing (or mixing heroin and cocaine), 2 of the 16 studied experienced sudden, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss four hours after speedballing which resolved within three days. One additional participant experienced sudden hearing loss after speedballing but unilaterally. The mechanism by which th e hearing loss occurred was described as a possible cochlear toxicity or autoimmune reaction related directly to the drugs . Injection of drugs of any type can cause vascular complications, skin and soft tissue infections and infectious diseases such as hepatitis and HIV . In the most severe cases, opiate abuse may lead to death, generally from overdose. Heroin has been related to 1.65 deaths per 100,000 people in the Florida population alone over the last decade and in Alabama between 1986 and 2003, a review of medical examiners reports revealed those whos cause of sudden death was undermined were 5.3 times more likely to have a history of drug abuse . Researchers in the United Kingdom have further investigated heroin deaths and concluded that overdose related to heroin rarely occurs after the use of heroin alone- in 50% of the cases they reviewed, alcohol was also involved . Although studies have been published on the health effects of abuse itself, a review of nursing, medical and allied health literature shows a significant lack of studies on the health consequences of withdrawal (abrupt cessation) of opiate drugs. Several studies have been found relating to the use of pharmacotherapy to treat opiate addiction (such as methadone and similar programs) but no studies have explored the physiologic effects of withdrawal without medication assistance. Searching online databases for relevant articles on opiate withdrawal does not yield any studies other than those using medication-assisted withdrawal therapies (such as methadone and buprenorphine). This is important to populations such as inmates in a correctional facility where pharmacotherapy is not generally used during detoxification and requires further attention . In sum, the potential health-related consequences of opiate abuse can negatively affect a myriad of body systems. The risk of potentially fatal infectious disease, neurological and cardiovascular complications and death by overdose creates a public health problem that demands attention. Health care providers in all arenas must be able to rapidly and appropriately identify those at risk. Implications for Advanced Nursing Practice Nurse practitioners are allowed prescriptive authority in almost any state across the country. Depending on the practice setting, they may prescribe opiates to treat pain. Opiates are the gold standard for treating moderate to severe pain in both acute and chronic pain syndromes . There has been some discourse in the literature on the dilemma to treat or not to treat pain with opiates. On the one hand, effective pain management is not only ethical but also opiates are effective for many patients for pain management and on the other hand there is a fear of misuse, dependence and addiction issues . The ability for advanced practice nurses to identify drug-seeking behavior, issues with addiction and possible diversion of opiates is crucial to the problem of opiate abuse. As it has been documented in the literature, diversion of prescription opiates generally occurs with the patient selling, trading or giving away the medication to another. According to Annie Gerhardt, emergency room nu rse practitioner, drug seekers become victims of their own disease, becoming involved in a tangled web of addiction, drug-seeking, drug diversion and criminal behavior that escalates over time with increased drug use . Gerhardt (2004) suggests monitoring patients treated with opiates for refilling meds before their follow up appointments, patient reports of losing medications, attempting to see different providers for pain medications (which can usually be identified by pharmacies), and scamming providers for more medications by complimenting the provider or the office staff or displaying increased levels of pain in order to procure more medication. When prescribing opiates to treat pain in patients already known to have addiction issues, using sustained-released formulations may reduce dependency while adequately treating pain. Sustained-release formulations usually have a reduced street value and are less likely to be sold and diverted, and the withdrawal from sustained-release op iates is typically not as severe . In terms of advanced practice nursing, prescribers have the unique ability to screen for potential addiction issues, monitor those who are prescribed addictive medications and potentially control diversion of those medications to others for whom they are not prescribed. Ultimately, the knowledge of drugs of abuse and health-related consequences is important for nurses at all levels to possess. Implications for Research To further add to the body of literature on the subject of opiate drug abuse, addiction and withdrawal, several areas still need to be explored. First, patterns of drug use in individual populations and communities should be investigated. The types of drugs most commonly used, the routes of administration of these drugs and their negative health-related consequences should be studied in a variety of communities, both urban and rural, to gain a better understanding of the patterns of use across the country. More research is needed beyond simple prevalence studies on the number of people who use to expand on the actual patterns of abuse. Similarly, the psychosocial consequence of drug use across different populations needs further investigation in order to articulate the negative impact on individuals and communities. Because the abrupt cessation of opiate drugs without medication assistance occurs frequently in specific settings, more research needs to be done on the physiological effects of non-assisted detoxification. The patterns of symptoms of withdrawal and negative health effects among populations such as the incarcerated and the hospitalized need to be explored. The potential for the development of evidence-based protocols for the management of abuse and withdrawal in these settings can occur once the patterns of symptoms and health consequences are documented. Conclusion In sum, the problem of drug abuse (which extends far beyond even opiate drugs) has been reported in multiple sources, and prevalence studies seem rampant in the literature. However, much more work needs to be done on the consequences of drug abuse from a healthcare perspective across a variety of populations in different settings to begin to understand the impact of drugs on communities.

Oil and its Economics :: Economy Petrol

Supply of Oil â€Å"Since 1974 oil-exporting nations have substantially increased their imports in order to finance development plans and to pay for highly technical military training, equipment, and sophisticated defense systems such as the airborne warning and control system, AWACS. From 1972 to 1983, OPECs imports increased approximately sevenfold. Furthermore, exports to OPEC from OECD as a percentage of the latter's total exports increased from 4.1 percent in l972-73 to 8.8 percent in 1975-82, then to 8.4 percent in 1983; and it dropped to 7.1 percent in 1984.† (http://www.georgetown.edu/users/johnsonj/oweiss/petrod/increase.htm) â€Å"Dynamic forces of oil supply and demand led to all excess supply in world markets since 1980, which in turn led to a de facto decline in the price of oil even before OPEC's London agreement of March 1983 in which the official price was reduced by approximately 14 percent. This oil glut in world markets was the result of at least three mutually dependent dominant forces: high oil prices, increase in production, and reduction in demand.† (http://www.georgetown.edu/users/johnsonj/oweiss/petrod/since.htm) â€Å"First, following the initial leap of 1973 the price of oil was once again drastically increased in l979. This rise led to a substitution of other sources of fuel and a reduction in real income, which contributed eventually to a decline in the demand for oil after a three-year time lag.† â€Å"A second factor in the oil glut was the increase in world oil production--a predictable economic consequence of rise in its price.† â€Å"A third factor in the oil glut was decreased demand for oil. The 1980 economic recession, which had plagued the world economy and which had markedly reduced the productive capacity of industrial nations by its greatest percentage decline since World War II, was a dominant force in reducing the demand for oil yet further. As their gross national products headed downward because of the recession, industrial nations reduced their imports. This, in turn, led to a reduction in foreign exchange earnings of the less-developed countries. These had, therefore, to curtail their purchases from abroad, including imports of oil. A multiplier effect of all such factors had a marked effect on the demand for oil in world markets.† (http://www.georgetown.edu/users/johnsonj/oweiss/petrod/since.htm) DEMAND Demand for Oil over Time (http://www.georgetown.edu/users/johnsonj/oweiss/petrod/time.htm) â€Å"A conventional downward-sloping demand curve is not, in [Dr. Oweiss’]opinion, sufficient to explain the interaction of oil prices and quantity demanded over time. In studying the dynamics of international oil markets which differentiates between upward and downward trends in prices. A small rise in the price of oil, from its low, pre-1973 level, will not change the quantity demanded, for demand at such a low level may he regarded as perfectly inelastic.

Beowulf: Sigemund Episode

Analysis of the Sigemund Episode Within Beowulf One of the best literary devices the author of Beowulf uses is the use of episodes and digressions. Each of these episodes and digressions tell another story apart from the main plot of Beowulf, but sets up an introduction to the main plot. One such episode, the Sigemund episode, tells of valiant King Sigemund who received glory and honor through his killing of the dragon and possession of the hoard. Sigemund became a noble and experienced king, only to be betrayed and brought to his downfall.Beowulf was much the same as Sigemund, and both were great examples of heroes. The Sigemund episode introduces a comparison to Beowulf, foreshadows Beowulf’s downfall, and parallels the irony of Beowulf’s shortcomings. As we see in the following lines: â€Å"Sigemund’s name was known everywhere. / He was utterly valiant and venturesome, / a fence round his fighters and flourished therefore† (897-898), the author introduc es Sigemund as an excellent comparison to Beowulf. The author uses the Sigemund episode to set up a better understanding of the character of Beowulf by describing a king much like himself.This allows the reader to understand the character of Beowulf and know what a noble and valiant character he was. The author presents Sigemund as a brave warrior who defeated the dragon, much like the victorious warrior that Beowulf was. And within the Sigemund episode, Heremod is introduced as a wicked king, an exact opposite of Sigemund and Beowulf. This allows the reader to compare the three kings, and promote Beowulf as a noble king such as Sigemund. Another purpose of the Sigemund episode within Beowulf is to foreshadow Beowulf’s defeat and downfall.Sigemund is a noble and mighty king, but is led to his defeat in the following lines: â€Å"†¦ The king was betrayed, ambushed in Jutland, overpowered / and done away with† (901-903). This defeat of Sigemund foreshadows Beowulfâ €™s defeat and death during the battle with the dragon. As Sigemund and Beowulf are both valiant kings, they both are led to their failure and death. This part of the Sigemund episode gives the reader a glimpse of what is to come for Beowulf in the rest of the poem. From this episode, the author uses irony that Beowulf will become a great and mighty king, but also will come face to face with his destruction.The author uses this irony to connect the characters of Sigemund and Beowulf. Not only does the Sigemund episode foreshadow the downfall of Beowulf, but it also sets up a choice that Beowulf has to make. Beowulf has to either chose to be like Sigemund, a courageous and noble king, or take the path of Heremod, an evil king. This gives the reader a sense of uncertainty of the choice Beowulf will make. As the reader, the choice that Beowulf will make is obvious, but this is a huge choice of character for Beowulf.It gives a chance for Beowulf to prove his character, and allows th e reader to understand the trustworthiness of Beowulf once he does chose to be a noble king. Among the various episodes and digressions within Beowulf, Sigemund’s episode sets up the best foreshadowing of Beowulf’s life. In all, Sigemund’s episode clues the reader in with what type of character Beowulf is. Sigemund is the perfect comparison to Beowulf, and this allows the reader to expect what is to come for Beowulf. Sigemund’s hymn apart from the main plot of Beowulf accomplished the task of introducing and setting up the destiny for Beowulf.

Stryker Corporation

Stryker Corporation is a Fortune 500 medical technologies firm based in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Stryker's products include implants used in joint replacement and trauma surgeries; surgical equipment and surgical navigation systems; endoscopic and communications systems; patient handling and emergency medical equipment; neurosurgical, neurovascular and spinal devices; as well as other medical device products used in a variety of medical specialties. In the United States, most of Stryker's products are marketed directly to doctors, hospitals and other healthcare facilities.Internationally, Stryker products are sold in over 100 countries through Company-owned sales subsidiaries and branches as well as third-party dealers and distributors. Business Segments – Stryker segregates their reporting into three reportable business segments: Reconstructive, Medical and Surgical, and Neurotechnology and Spine. Reconstructive products consist primarily of implants used in hip and knee joint re placements and trauma and extremities surgeries.MedSurg products include surgical equipment and surgical navigation systems (Instruments); endoscopic and communications systems (Endoscopy); patient handling and emergency medical equipment (Medical); and reprocessed and remanufactured medical devices as well as other medical device products used in a variety of medical specialties. Stryker Neurotechnology and Spine products include a portfolio of products including both neurosurgical and neurovascular devices.Their neurotechnology offering includes products used for minimally invasive endovascular techniques, as well as a line of products for traditional brain and open skull base surgical procedures, orthobiologic and biosurgery products including synthetic bone grafts and vertebral augmentation products, as well as minimally invasive products for the treatment of acute ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Stryker also develops, manufactures and markets spinal implant products including cervical, thoracolumbar and interbody systems used in spinal injury, deformity and degenerative therapies.Contents: 1 History †¢2 Corporate governance †¢3 Recent acquisitions †¢4 Sponsorships †¢5 Regulatory controversies †¢6 References †¢7 External linksHistoryThe Orthopedic Frame Company, precursor of Stryker Corporation, was formed on February 20, 1941 by Dr. Homer Stryker, a Kalamazoo, Michigan based orthopedist. Stryker developed the Turning Frame—a mobile hospital bed that allowed for repositioning of injured patients while providing necessary body immobility, the cast cutter—a cast cutting apparatus that removed cast material without damaging underlying tissues, and the walking heel, among others.In 1964, the company name underwent revision and was officially changed to Stryker Corporation. [2] In 1979 Stryker made an initial public offering of stock and later acquired Osteonics Corporation, entering the replacement hip, knee, and ot her orthopaedic implants market (Stryker). In 1999 annual sales reached $2. 1 billion and in 2000 Stryker was included in the S&P 500 and the Forbes Platinum 400 for the first time. In 2002 sales reached $3.0 billion and Stryker was listed in the Fortune 500 for the first time.In 2003 Stephen P. MacMillan joined Stryker as President and COO. In 2005, annual sales reached $4. 9 billion and John W. Brown transitioned to the single role of Chairman of the Board while Steve MacMillan became President & CEO. By 2007, Stryker sold its Physiotherapy Associates division to private equity firm Water Street Healthcare Partners for $150 million. In February 2012, Mr.  MacMillan resigned and Curt R. Hartman was named Interim Chief Executive Officer and Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.Mr. William U. Parfet was named Non-Executive Chairman of the Board. On October 1, 2012 Mr. Kevin A. Lobo was appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer. At the end of 2012, Stryker had approxi mately 22,000 global employees, annual sales of $8. 7 billion, and 35% of those sales were outside the U. S.Stryker Roll-In-StretcherAs of a 2012 global market overview of top medical technology firms, Stryker maintains a number 10 locus with total portfolio sales in excess of $8. 6 billion. Moreover, the firm maintains 35% worldwide reconstructive market share; 50% worldwide MedSurg market share; 15% worldwide Neurotechnology and Spine market share. The company was recognized in by Hermann Simon as a role model for other small to medium sized business in his book Hidden Champions.Corporate governance As of 2013, members of the board of directors of Stryker Corporation are: †¢John W. Brown, Chairman Emeritus †¢Kevin A. Lobo, President & CEO †¢William U. Parfet, Non Executive Chairman †¢Howard E. Cox, Jr. †¢Srikant M. Datar, Ph.D. †¢Dr. Roch Doliveux †¢Donald M. Engelman, Ph.D. †¢Louise L. Francesconi †¢Allan C. Golston †¢Howard L. La nce †¢Ronda E. StrykerRecent acquisitionsIn 1998, Stryker purchased Howmedica, the orthopaedic division of Pfizer, for $1. 65 billion. Howmedica became Stryker Orthopaedics. In August 2000, Stryker acquired, with stock, Guided Technologies, Inc. , a developer and manufacturer of optical localizers purposed for use in healthcare and industrial.   In August 2004, Stryker acquired, for $120 million, SpineCore Inc. , a company involved in the development of artificial spinal disks. About two years preceding this date, in June 2002, the firm acquired the Spinal Implant Business of Surgical Dynamics Inc.for $135 million. In March 2006 Stryker absorbed the Haifa, Israel based Sightline Technologies Ltd. into its operations. Sightline, a manufacturer of gastrointestinal endoscopy apparatuses, propelled Stryker into the flexible endoscopy market. In February of the same year, the firm acquired eTrauma. com Corp. , a privately held entity involved in the development of software for Pic ture archiving and communication system (PACS); the company was incorporated into Stryker Endoscopy Business. December 2005 marked the company’s acquisition of PlasmaSol Corp. for $17. 5 million.PlasmaSol produces technologies allowing sterilization of various MedSurg equipments. In 2009, Stryker acquired Ascent Healthcare Solutions, Inc. the market leader in the reprocessing and remanufacturing of medical devices in the U. S. In Jan 2011, Stryker acquired the Neurovascular Division of Boston Scientific, which includes products used for the minimally invasive treatment of hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. In June 2011, Stryker purchased Malvern, Pennsylvania-based Orthovita, a biomaterials company specializing in bone augmentation and substitution technologies.The Orthovita business now makes up the Stryker Orthobiologics division, which specializes in biomaterials for all Stryker divisions. In July 2011, Stryker completed the acquisition of privately held Memometal Technologi es S. A. (Memometal). France based Memometal develops, manufactures and markets products for extremity indications based on its proprietary methods for preparing and manufacturing a shape memory metal alloy. In August 2011, Stryker signed a definitive agreement to acquire privately held Concentric Medical, Inc. (Concentric) in an all cash transaction for $135 million.Concentric's products include devices for the removal of thrombus in patients experiencing acute ischemic stroke along with a broad range of AIS access products. In November 2012, Stryker acquired the Tel Aviv, Israel based Surpass Medical Ltd. a company developing a flow diversion stent technology to treat brain aneurysms using a mesh design and delivery system, for $135 million. [10] In March 2013, Stryker acquired Trauson Holdings Company Limited (Trauson). Trauson is a trauma manufacturer in China and a major competitor in the spine segment.SponsorshipsStryker maintains relationships with, but not limited to, the fo llowing professional and trade organizations:†¢The Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed) †¢The Medical Devices Manufacturing Association (MDMA) †¢The Orthopedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF) †¢National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) †¢European Federation of National Associations of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (EFORT) †¢International Society of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology (SICOT) †¢International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (ISAKOS) †¢Foundation for Orthopaedic Trauma; Speaking of Women’s Health †¢Arthritis Foundation and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) †¢Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN) †¢American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) Additionally, the following athletes publicly endorse Stryker Orthopaedics products: †¢Johnny Bench †¢Fred FunkRegulatory controversiesOn Jan 27, 20 00, Stryker Corporation restated its operating results for the year ended December 31, 1998 to reduce acquisition-related charges by $30. 9 million. Since early 2007 the company has received three Warning Letters from the Food & Drug Administration citing issues in compliancy. The first of these, a seven-page correspondence, named various issues at an Ireland-based manufacturing facility such as untimely fix of failures and procedural noncompliance in the testing of failed or otherwise problem-prone devices.The second, sent November 2007, cites issues at the firm’s Mahwah, N. J. facility including poor fixation of hip implant components, in some instances requiring mitigation by revision surgeries; exceeded microbial level violations in the cleaning and final packaging areas of the sterile implants; and failure to institute measures in prevention of recurrence of these and other problems. The final warning letter, sent April 2008, cites issues at the firm’s Hopkinton, MA biotechnology facility.Again, issues relate to quality and noncompliance including falsification of documents relevant to the selling of products to hospitals which are to be sold under a limited, government-mandated basis. Stryker maintains that employees involved in the falsification of documents have since been terminated. In the Fall of 2007, Stryker, along with the related companies: Biomet, Zimmer Holdings, DePuy Orthopaedics and Smith & Nephew, were involved in civil ligation with the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.This litigation called for a net payout of $311 million as the governmental department maintains the aforementioned companies engaged in unlawful kickbacks to physicians who urged hospitals to purchase their respective products. Stryker, however, having cooperated early in the investigation, was not fined. As of February 2008, a dispute exists between Stryker Corp. and the U. S. Department of Justice concerning a subpo ena linking the company to aforementioned misconduct in sale of products.Since governmental filing of the injunction, Stryker notes that it has produced in excess of 300,000 pages of documentation in compliance with the mandate. U. S. Government counters, however, that the documentation was not proper in scope and format. Law officials expect the investigation to continue for several months. Stryker recalled several models of medical vacuums sold under the Neptune Waste Management System brand in June and September of 2012. The devices, some of which had not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, caused a fatal accident when the vacuum was mistakenly used to suction a passive drainage tube.