Trip Report Essay Example for Free

Trip Report Essay INTRODUCTION Where: Tokyo Japan When: 23 January 2008-28 January 2008 Why: Communication Exhibition (Technology Scout) What Next: Company Application of the Learned Innovations The company RUNC TELCOM is a joint venture of network products in the field of information and communication technology. It specializes in producing and dealing with the quality products of telecommunication equipment accessories and network products. RUNC INC is committed to providing quality products and services to customers and is an ISO9001 quality accredited company. DISCUSSION During the conference, we have been able to observe how a state-of-the-art SONY P300 Cellular Phone works. Likely, the process of the production of the said piece of technological art has lead us to a conclusion that technology today is certainly not only catering to the needs of the society but also to the wants of the majority in the human population. The said communication gadget comprises of different features that suits the modernized human community today. It is primarily video conference capable, which could easily connect to the Internet for connection purposes. As the producer of the product, Miyoko Sony Company has mentioned that the said gadget is indeed one of a kind that could be well developed by other companies as they wish to do so. As for the expenses that were consumed during the exhibit, the breakdown shall be presented below: Rental Car 300.00, food and hotel 800.00 Conference room rental 400.00 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   As noted earlier, the exhibit aimed to introduce a new way of treating modern systems of communication through introducing SONY P3500 Cellular Phone to the society. This is the primary reason why it is suggested that RUNC TELCOM be able to grasp the important implication of the said exhibit within its system so as to forward towards progression. As recommended, the RUNC TELECOM is proposed to consider following suggestions: Locate and Buy thin communicators [Cellular Phones] that are innovatively capable of VTC connection that is cheaper that any phone in the market today. Find and exhibit its features to the market and lure attract them in buying the product thus becoming one of the companies controlling the cellular industry today.

Impact of Mental Health Act 2007 on Children

Impact of Mental Health Act 2007 on Children The amendments introduced into the Mental Health Act 1983 by the Mental Health Act 2007, amending s.131 of the 1983 Act, in relation to the informal admission of 16 and 17 year olds is, at last, a step in the right direction and goes some way to addressing an unsatisfactory failure to recognise the right to autonomy of a competent child. Critically analyse this statement with regard to the law relating to the medical treatment of children. Introduction In order to analyse whether the Mental Health Act 2007 has given new rights to children in respect of autonomy it is necessary to examine the way in which children were treated before the introduction of the Act. In doing this it will be necessary to examine the various Acts that have been implemented and the content of these with regard to the rights of children. It is hoped to be able to draw a conclusion from the research as to the effectiveness of the 2007 Act in allowing children to be able to make decisions about their own medical treatment. Consent to treatment Consent to medical treatment is founded on the principle of the respect for autonomy, which has been encompassed in Article 5 and Article 8 of the Human Rights Act 1998. Many doctors are of the opinion that there is a legal requirement for consent to medical treatment (Kessel, 1994). Informed consent has become an issue following several cases against doctors on allegations of negligence and battery (Faden and Beauchamp, 1986). Supporters of the Human Rights Act 1998 believe that mature minors should be protected under the right to a private life and should be able to insist on not having their wishes overridden (Hagger, 2003). Patient autonomy has been the impetus behind legislative changes in relation to the issue of consent. Faden and Beauchamp (1986) believed that the aim of the process of consent is to allow the patient the maximum opportunity to reach an autonomous decision. They believed that this could also be achieved by persuasion through convincing the patient of the benefits of the treatment by appealing to their sense of reason. Internationally the Nuremberg Code 1947 and the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki 1964 have attempted to increase patient autonomy, particularly with regard to medical research. The Human Rights Act 1998 has also increased the rights of autonomy which impacts on not only adult patients but also on adolescents who are deemed to be competent to make such decisions (Hewson, 2000). In terms of legislation on the issue of autonomy the Family Law Reform Act 1991 was enacted to give 16 and 17 year old a greater degree of autonomy over their treatment. In essence the notion of the Act was that a person in the stipulated age range would be entitled to decide whether or not to accept the treatment offered. Unfortunately there was a reluctance to give full autonomy to adolescents and so in order to allow a degree of parental control s8(3) of the Act was inserted which stated that ‘nothing in this section shall be construed as making ineffective any consent which would have been effective had the section not been enacted’. This effectively allowed a parent to still give consent on the part of the adolescent if they refused the treatment. The Mental Health Act 1983 did little to assist with autonomy especially when in relation to the autonomy of a child. Under this Act parents or carers of children with mental disorders were given even less autonomy then under the previous legislation. Under the 1983 Act the competence of the patient was even more difficult to establish in cases where the patient was suffering from a mental disorder. It was viewed that such a disorder was likely to lead to the patient being less able to decide whether the treatment would be beneficial to them. The Mental Health Act 1983 Code of Practice regards parental authority for treatment and detention sufficient irrespective if the competence of the child (Department of Health and Welsh Office, 1999). In 1989 the Children Act attempted to provide a child with a degree of autonomy by granting them limited rights to refuse medical treatment. However, the courts were instructed to view the refusal of the child in line with the professional’s perception of the best interests of the child. This effectively meant that a doctor could override the wishes of the child if he were able to display that the treatment would benefit the child. Similar attempts at increasing autonomy were contained within the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1991 which stated that children should have the same dignity and rights of an adult when making a decision concerning their treatment. Article 12 of the convention states that ‘†¦the child who is capable of forming his or her own views has the right to express those views freely in all matters affecting the child: the views of the child being given due weight in accordance with age and maturity of the child. the child shall in particular be provided with the opportunity to be heard in any surgical or administrative proceedings affecting the child directly; or through a representative body. The Convention was, however, reluctant to allow total autonomy and made it clear that despite the right to autonomy children are dependent on their parents or carers and need protection and guidance. This in essence allows those caring for a child who is refusing treatment to insist on the child receiving the treatment on the grounds that they are incapable of making their own decisions and need the guidance of their parents. In 1999 the Department of Health conducted the Mental Health Act Review in which it recommended the lowering of the age of capacity for decision making to 16 and inserted a presumption that a child is regarded as competent from the age of 10. Distinction between consent and refusal of treatment Whilst accepting that there are occasions when the child should be regarded as competent to give consent the courts have been reluctant to allow a child to refuse to treatment. In order for consent to be given by a minor the court need to be satisfied that the child is competent enough to be able to make such a decision. This was tested in the case of Gillick v West Norfolk and Wisbech Area Health Authority [1986] in which Lord Scarman ruled that the parental right to determine whether their child below the age of 16 will have medical treatment terminates if and when the child achieves a sufficient understanding and intelligence to enable them to understand fully what is proposed . This case led to the formation of the principle of Gillick competence. In assessing the ability of the child to give consent the courts use the above case as a yardstick for determining the competence of the child. Although the case mentioned above would appear to open the floodgates for children to be able to assert their right with regard to consent to treatment those who are suffering from a mental disorder are unlikely to be able to rely on this. This was the case in Re R (A minor) (Wardship: Medical Treatment) [1991] in which a 15 year old who had been admitted to hospital with a suspected psychotic illness and who had refused medication was forced to receive treatment. At the Court of Appeal the judge held that a child who had a fluctuating mental capacity as in the instant case could never be considered to be competent. In the case of Re W (A minor) (Wardship: Medical Treatment) [1992] the court held that a parent’s right to consent was not extinguished by the Family Law Reform Act 1969. In this case a 16 year old girl who was suffering from anorexia nervosa was refusing treatment for her condition. Case law regarding the compulsive treatment is at a variance to the treatment of adults. A competent adult is entitled to refuse medical treatment even if the reason for the refusal is irrational. A competent adult can also refuse treatment without any specific reason for refusing as was demonstrated in Sidaway v Governors of Bethlem Royal Hospital [1985]. There have also been occasions where adults who have been detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 have not been regarded as wholly incompetent. This was held to be the case in Re C (Adult: Refusal of treatment) [1994] in which the patient who was schizophrenic refused to have his foot amputated despite the fact that it was gangrenous and that by not having it removed it was likely that he would die. In this particular case the patient accepted a less invasive treatment which resulted in the foot returning to normal without the need to amputate. It can be concluded from the above that within English law a minor has the right to consent to treatment but is denied the right to refuse treatment. One of the major concerns expressed by doctors with regard to the refusal of treatment is that the essence of medical opinion is that they are required as doctors to act in the best interests of their patient. Allowing the patient to refuse treatment denies the doctors the right to act in the patient’s best interests. Test for competence The British Medical Association alongside the Law Society (1995) published guidelines to assist in determining the competence of a child. Assessments are based on the determining whether the child understands the choices available, the consequences of each of those choices and that they are able to make those choices. The person carrying out the assessment should ensure that the child has not been pressured to make the choice they are making. Most doctors will consider the rationality of the decision made by the child, however they should consider these choices in context of the emotions of the parties, their experience and the social context (Dickenson, 1994; Rushforth, 1999). The maturity of the child has also been a deciding factor in the assessment of competence. Children mature at different rates and maturity can be affected by the role of the parents in the child’s life (Alderson, 1993). Maturity is of particular relevance in relation to mental health issues of the child. Batten (1996) argues that maturity can be difficult to determine as their can be a harsh fluctuation in the maturity level of a child with a mental disorder. Gersch (2002) believes that professionals should be trained in child development so as to understand the thought processes of the child. by understanding the way they think the professionals can determine whether the child is making a decision of their own free will or whether the child has been coerced by those responsible for the care of the child. Alderson (1996) believes that in assessing the competence of the child consideration should be given of the child’s understanding of their condition. Alderson holds that an assessment of the child’s experience of their illness will disclose their level of maturity and understanding of the consequences of the refusal of treatment. Chapman (1988) felt that using the age of the child as a traditional measure of competence was flawed as children mature at different levels. Using age as a measure failed to take into account those suffering with mental disorders, some of whom were unlikely to ever be competent enough to make a decision in their own right. Ethics and consent When dealing with adult patients with mental disorders the emphasis is on allowing the patient to make autonomous decisions. By contrast with children the major deciding factor is the welfare of the child as expressed by those who have parental responsibility for them and the medical staff treating the child. The Mental Health Act 2007 is an attempt to redress this imbalance by accepting that children mature at a much earlier age nowadays and that in the past the parents have made decisions regarding the child’s treatment without proper consideration of the quality of life the child will have (Dickenson, 1994). Given that it is the children who have to live with the decisions that are being made about their treatment the 2007 Act seems to enforce the right of the child to be able to make their own decisions. Mental illness and treatment Much of the above centres on the rights of children in respect of general medical treatment and allows for the decision of a child to be overruled where the situation is regarded as life threatening, as demonstrated in the case mentioned above with a child suffering from anorexia. Shaw (1999) believes that children should be involved as much as possible where refusal of such treatment is only likely to have minor consequences for the child. Rushforth (1999), however, feels that there should be a sliding scale of involvement in the decision making process, with the medical practitioners, parents and children all being actively involved. Rushforth (1999) also believes that even if the admission was formal or compulsory this should not affect the autonomy of the patient in respect of all treatment. It could be argued that overruling the refusal of the child to undergo treatment is tantamount to child abuse, as the child is forced to have treatment against their will. The impact of the Mental Health Act 2007 From 1 January 2008 16 and 17year olds can no longer be admitted to hospital for treatment for a mental disorder based on the consent of a person who has parental responsibility for them. The change in legislation has been into section 43 of the Mental Health Act 2007 and states (4) If the patient does not consent to the making of the arrangements, they may not be made, carried out or determined on the basis of the consent of a person who has parental responsibility for him. By virtue of subsection (3) a person aged 16 or 17 is able to give consent for an informal admission to hospital even if those who have parental responsibility for them refuse to consent. (3) If the patient consents to the making of the arrangements, they may be made, carried out and determined on the basis of that consent even though there are one or more persons who have parental responsibility for him. Given that this section only came into force since January 2008 there is no case law available to prove that the legislation will be fully adhered to. It is unclear from the information available whether exceptions will apply where the refusal of treatment can be overruled. Life threatening conditions In some spheres eating disorders have been regarded as a form of mental illness. Since the change in legislation to the Mental Health Act whereby 16 and 17 year olds can refuse medical treatment it is likely that conditions such as anorexia nervosa will be classified as illnesses rather then mental abnormalities. Should such conditions be classed as mental illnesses this would effectively mean that an adolescent could refuse treatment thereby starving themselves to death. Before the introduction of the 2007 Act patients with eating disorders where compulsorily admitted to hospital for treatment under the Mental Health Act 1983. Compulsory treatment for this condition has been deemed to be compatible with the Human Rights Act 1998 although many have questioned the legitimacy over parental consent being applied where the sufferer is aged between 16 and 18. In the white paper ‘The New Legal Framework’ published in 2000 it was recommended that the amended Mental Health Act should introduce community detention powers, at the same time as altering the detention and representation rights of children (Department of Health, 2000a). It was argued that the definition of mental disorder, as would be amended by the 2007 Act, would become to broad and concerns were expressed that should anorexia be regarded as a mental disorder difficulties might arise in being able to force feed sufferers as doctors have been able to in the past (Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2001). This point was raised during the early stages of the Bill. In an attempt to prevent such an anomaly the white paper suggested that the limits of the definition of mental disorder should be clearly set. According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists (2001) the proposed amendments to the definition were sufficient and would not cause any difficulty when dealing with a patient with an eating disorder. In their report they stated that as the main treatment was in making the patient eat it could be argued that this was not medication and therefore the patient would not be able to refuse in reliance on the Act as this specifically deals with the refusal of medication (Szmukler et al, 1995). It was also felt that someone suffering from an eating disorder could be admitted under a formal admission process as there was a severe medical risk to the sufferer. Since s43 deals specifically with informal admissions and the right of the patient to refuse to be informally admitted, classification of the illness as a severe medical risk could be used to for malise the admission which would mean that the patient would not be able to refuse admission relying on the Act. Capacity and the Mental Health Act Changes to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 have been included within the 2007 Act which assists those dealing with patients with eating disorders to be able to detain the person under a formal admission. Section 50 of the 2007 Act deals specifically with the deprivation of liberty and highlights the occasions where a patient can be deprived of their liberty. The amendments have the effect of inserting into the 2005 Act the following 4B Deprivation of liberty necessary for life-sustaining treatment etc (3) The second condition is that the deprivation of liberty— (a) is wholly or partly for the purpose of— (i) giving P life-sustaining treatment, or (ii) doing any vital act, or (b) consists wholly or partly of— (i) giving P life-sustaining treatment, or (ii) doing any vital act. (4) The third condition is that the deprivation of liberty is necessary in order to— (a) give the life-sustaining treatment, or (b) do the vital act. (5) A vital act is any act which the person doing it reasonably believes to be necessary to prevent a serious deterioration in P’s condition.† By including this provision into the 2005 Act doctors can insist on hospitalisation and treatment of a person with an eating disorder on the grounds that the treatment is necessary in order to sustain life. During the discussions leading up to the change in the Mental Health Act the Government expressed concern about the use of compulsory powers following a diagnosis of mental disorder (Department of Health, 2000b). In the New Legal Framework paper it specified that there should be an assessment period of a maximum of 28 days where compulsory treatment could be given. After the expiration of this period a tribunal will be required to authorise a care plan guided by the opinion of an expert. Those responsible for the treatment of patients with anorexia nervosa argued that the patient would be unlikely to have significantly improved within 28 days and would still lack the necessary capacity to make rational decisions as the condition has the effect of impairing the mental capacity of the patient. The paper also suggested that in some instances patients could be treated through compulsory community treatment as opposed to enforced admission. This was included under section 32 of the 2007 Act. A safety net has been inserted into the amendments such that a community patient can be recalled to hospital if they need medical treatment for their condition. 17E Power to recall to hospital (1) The responsible clinician may recall a community patient to hospital if in his opinion— (a) the patient requires medical treatment in hospital for his mental disorder; and (b) there would be a risk of harm to the health or safety of the patient or to other persons if the patient were not recalled to hospital for that purpose. In cases of eating disorders community treatment might be difficult to monitor or control although it was agreed by those dealing with these disorders that treatment of patient’s at home could be beneficial in preventing relapse. In Somerset and Wessex the Somerset and Wessex Eating Disorders Association has adopted the National Plan of meal support. The role of the meal supporter is to help the person with the disorder to overcome their anxiety about being scrutinised over the foods they are eating. Meal supporters in this area have found that the best way to assist a sufferer is for the meal supporter to eat exactly the same as the sufferer that way the sufferer does not feel that they are being patronised and singled out. Health professionals have agreed that the provision of meal supporters nationally will enable people suffering from eating disorders to be treated in the community rather than having to be hospitalised. Where the condition of the person suffering from an eating disorder is so severe and they are refusing treatment medical practitioners are not limited by the 2007 Act with regard to the compulsory admission of patient’s. Fears that a 16 or 17 year old patient with anorexia nervosa could refuse treatment on reliance of the 2007 Act are unlikely to come to fruition. The treatment of adult patients suffering from this condition since the introduction of the 2007 Act is still carried out through compulsory admission under the Mental Health Act 1983. The recent case of R. (on the application of M) v Homerton University Hospital [2008] EWCA Civ 197 involved a woman in her forties who was suffering from anorexia nervosa. The patient was admitted to hospital under s2 of the 1983 Act and following treatment her condition improved and she was gaining weight. The mother of the applicant indicated to the hospital that she intended to apply to the court for an order of discharge. Realising that this would result in the release of the patient the hospital applied to have the woman detained under s3 of the 1983 Act as well as applying to have the mother displaced as the nearest relative under s29 of the Act. The patient appealed on the grounds that compulsory admission was unlawful. The court disallowed the appeal and concurrent detention was ordered. Using the decision above it would be impossible for a 16 or 17 year old to argue that they had been treated any differently to an adult in the same situation, therefore the courts would be li kely to order compulsory detention. Conclusion From the above it can be concluded that the amendments made by the Mental Health Act 2007 are likely to have a positive impact. The insertion of the right of 16 and 17 year olds to refuse informal admission to hospital for treatment gives them a degree of autonomy that has previously been denied to them. Within the amendment adolescents in this age range are also entitled to insist on informal admission in situations where their parents or carers have refused to allow them to be admitted. The concerns expressed over the treatment of such people with eating disorders has been addressed by allowing doctors to apply for formal admission where the condition of the person has deteriorated to the extent that the condition has become life threatening. The use of compulsory community treatment orders is also likely to be beneficial in dealing with patients with eating disorders as statistics have shown that there is a higher mortality rate amongst those treated compulsorily in hospital then those that have been treated at home or in the community. Bibliography Alderson P, Montgomery J. What about me? Health Service Journal April 1996:22–4. Alderson, P. (1993) Childrens Consent to Surgery. Buckingham: Open University Press. Batten, D. A. (1996) Informed consent by children and adolescents to psychiatric treatment. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 30, 623-632 British Medical Association the Law Society (1995) Assessment of Mental Capacity. London: BMA. Chapman M. Constructive evolution: origins and development of Piaget’s thought. Cambridge University Press, 1988 Department of Health Welsh Office (1999) Mental Health Act 1983 Code of Practice. London: Stationery Office. Department of Health (2000a) Reforming the Mental Health Act White Paper Part 1 ‘The new legal framework’ and Part 2 ‘High risk patients’. London: Department of Health. Department of Health (2000b) Reforming the Mental Health Act White Paper Summary. London: Department of Health. Dickenson, D. (1994) Childrens informed consent to treatment: is the law an ass? Journal of Medical Ethics, 20, 205-206 Faden, R. R. Beauchamp, T. L. (1986) A History and Theory of Informed Consent. Oxford: Oxford University Press Gersch I. Resolving disagreement in special educational needs: a practical guide to conciliation and mediation. Routledge/Falmer, 2002. Hagger L. Some implications of the Human Rights Act 1998 for the medical treatment of children. Medical Law International 2003;6(1):25–51 Hewson, B. (2000) Why the human rights act matters to doctors. BMJ, 30, 780-781. Honig, P, Consent in relation to the treatment of eating disorders, Psychiatric Bulletin (2000) 24: 409-411. doi: 10.1192/pb.24.11.409 Kessel, A. S. (1994) On failing to understand informed consent. British Journal of Hospital Medicine, 52, 235-239 Law Commission (1995) Mental Incapacity (Law Commission Report 231). London: Law Commission (http://www.lawcom.gov.uk/library/lc231/contents.htm). Parekh, S.A, Child consent and the law: an insight and discussion into the law relating to consent and competence, Child: Care, Health and Development, Volume 33,Number 1, January 2007 Blackwell Publishing Potter, R, Child psychiatry, mental disorder and the law: is a more specific statutory framework necessary?, The British Journal of Psychiatry (2004) 184: 1-2 2004 The Royal College of Psychiatrists Royal College of Psychiatrists (2001) White Paper on the Reform of the Mental Health Act 1983. Letter from the Chair of the Colleges Public Policy Committee. 13 June 2001. Royal College of Psychiatrists Rushforth, H. (1999) Communicating with hospitalised children: review and application of research pertaining to childrens understanding of health and illness. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 40, 683-691 Shaw, M. (1999) Treatment Decisions in Young People: The Legal Framework. London: FOCUS, The Royal College of Psychiatrists Research Unit. Szmukler, G, Dare, C. Treasure, J. (1995) Handbook of Eating Disorders. London: Wiley and Sons. Webster, P, ‘Reforming the Mental Health Act’: implications of the Governments white paper for the management of patients with eating disorders, Psychiatric Bulletin (2003) 27: 364-366. http://www.swedauk.org/leaflets/mealsupport.htm

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott :: Louisa May Alcott, Little Women

It is interesting that Louisa May Alcott writes Little Women, in which she incorporates her own feelings and experiences. In fact, Jo's character is a near replication of Alcott herself. This makes the novel all the more interesting and personal, with the author speaking directly through the protagonist. Alcott writes the novel from third person limited point of view, focusing chiefly on Josephine March. She develops the characters brilliantly throughout the entire work, especially the March girls. Each sister is entirely unique, and yet so tightly bound together through their love for one another. Little Women takes place during the Civil War in a small town in Massachusetts. The Marchs live a life of poverty with their father in the war. Through this hardship, the girls: Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, learn to be thankful in all circumstances and help those less fortunate than themselves. The girls are very hopeful and dream of a brighter future. Each experiences adventures and pursues her own dreams. In the end, they are still gathered as one family, grateful for their many blessings and for each other. Josephine March is the protagonist, a tomboy who refuses to submit to the traditional image of ladyhood. This mindset is radically different from a typical woman of her time. Jo possesses an innate passion for writing and literature in general. However, she loses much of her headstrong independent nature through marrying Professor Bhaer. She gives up writing as he is a significant critic of her style. The reader is exposed to two the dramatically different sides of Jo March. She is rebellious, fiery, and outspoken, wishing all the while that she was a man who could fight in the war along side her dear father. Jo stresses and works to keep her family together, becoming extremely upset when Meg and Amy become married. With their father absent, Jo assumes the male role as a father figure in many ways. Nevertheless, her flaws only make Jo a more lovable character. The reader cannot help but adore Jo for her sheer humanity, much like Huck in Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Amy is the youngest March sister. She is ladylike, artistic, and is regarded as the beauty of the March family. Often fantasizing a life of riches and popularity, Amy's thirst for worldly pleasures represents the inner desires of man.

The Philosophy of Teaching According to Dave :: Educationg Educating Teaching Papers

The Philosophy of Teaching According to Dave Still very much in the developmental stage, the mere thought of a philosophical idea creates a shiver. Older and more worldly than most students, experienced seems to fall short when describing cultural diversity. Thinking inside the box is just hard to do; conventional falls short of my teaching platform. The platform needs to consist of more than what exists in the confines of books. Besides the eclectic mix of essentialism, and behaviorism, the underlining progressivism will be ever present. A history major, I believe there is more than what can be read in a book. The expressions, passion and theatrics just do not exist between the covers of textbooks. Teaching history from a book falls short of telling the story. It is full of epics, and lessons not just dates to learn. It is those lessons that our youth is lacking. The most concerning thing in today’s schools is the lack of respect, for the teacher as well as the institution they represent. We live in a new world full of true stories, not in the Beaver Cleaver world of perfection. Youth is wasted in the pursuit of a duel household reality. A parent at home to instruct morality is increasingly becoming non-existent. Children are going through life with out mentors and roll models, except for what they see in the media. The belief that education should involve the whole child is not lost here. I believe that an open line of communication must exist between the student and the teacher. I do not believe in labels and stigmatisms that cubby hole any child. We as educators have a plethora of resources at our disposal to impart, at the same time remaining the all-important professional. Our job as teacher is not just to regurgitate facts but also to communicate their importance and value to the student and their life. It is said that a child will learn all they need to know to survive society before the age of seven. I do realize that the need for the basics is beyond reproach.

Solar Energy Informative Speech

Heather Smith Informative Outline Michelle Talasis Topic: Solar Energy General Purpose: To inform Specific Purpose:To inform the uses of Solar Energy to my audience. Thesis:When all of our natural fossil fuels are low or gone, solar energy will be one of the leading sources of energy that we will need in the future. Introduction Attention Getter: Natural fossil fuels, such as coal used for burning, oil used for gasoline, and natural gas used to heat and warm houses, are a threat to the Earth and everything in it. Fossil fuels pollute the air and they are non-renewable and non-recyclable.We need different energy sources that are renewable and recyclable for our future existence. Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy is renewable and recyclable. When all of our natural fossil fuels are scare or gone, solar energy will be one of the leading sources of energy that we will need in the future. With all of the technology we have today, we can develop different ways to use and harness these ener gy sources. Reason to Listen:Solar energy is making a big impact on lives today all over the world. The development of solar energy in all ways and technologies is making our world a cleaner, safer, and less dependent nation.A. Thesis Statement: When all of our natural fossil fuels are low or gone, solar energy will be one of the leading sources of energy that we will need in the future. B. Credibility Statement: My dad is an electrician that puts up solar energy plants for businesses. I had to research for this paper. C. Preview of Main Points: 1. First I will explain solar energy technology and how it can be used in houses. 2. Next, I will explain the uses of solar energy and how it will be helpful saving water. 3. Finally, I will explain the unique uses of solar energy in transportation and military weapons. II. Body A.People have created new technologies for others to use in their homes, vehicles or buildings. 1. One of the technologies that people have created to be energy effi cient is the photovoltaic cells or â€Å"solar cells† which use sunlight and convert it into electricity automatically. PVs can be used in anything from watches to an electric grid. They can also be used to provide energy to places where power lines cannot be attached to buildings. â€Å"Thermal technologies use the heat from the sun and use it directly in space or water heating in homes and buildings or it is directly converted into electricity,† says Fischer and Finnell.Thermal technologies are also used for agriculture needs that farmer’s livestock or crops require. With solar energy being used in electrical, heating, and transportation applications, the idea for an energy efficient house would be more probable. Energy efficient improvements can cut energy costs by over 40% in most affordable housing. They help reduce health risks from mold, dust mites, radon, and combustion by-products and other contaminants. These houses have less condensation, and better m oisture control and temperature. These energy improvements usually cost less than the savings they offer on utility bills.Increasing the value of a home is a great investment-paying high energybills are not. Transition:Now that I have discussed new solar technologies that people use in their homes, and for electricity, I will now explain the uses of solar energy in water. A. Solar power has helped with electricity and heat, but it can also help with the growing need for fresh water. 1. â€Å"Instead of using fossil fuels and electricity to desalinate water, engineers at the University of Florida have developed a system that uses a gravity-induced vacuum and solar energy. † (â€Å"Here Comes the Sun†) The desalination of water is the same process as nature. . A U-shaped pipe is place in two different containers, one side in salt water and the other in fresh water. ii. A vacuum is then surrounded by a circulator that heats the saltwater and the salt water is then evapora ted. iii. The evaporated steam is then condensed and finally the fresh water drips down into a tank. This system have been proved to be 90% efficient, while the solar â€Å"stills† only proved to be 50% efficient. Water has been desalinized by solar power for more efficient and inexpensive drinking water and fresh water supply, but it is also being detoxified by solar power for other usages around the house.Detoxification of water by solar power has proved to be one of the most promising methods to disinfect water, an earth-friendly operation and it does not create harmful emissions. â€Å"One way was ZED or Zero Effluent Discharge,† says Inamdar and Singh. i. ZED disposed of inadequately cleaned waste water that is contaminating fresh water resources, the waste water will recycle water properly if it is forced to generate fresh water from the waste water generated by them, and it is economical to use recycled water than to pay for consuming fresh water and wasting was te water.Transition:Now that we have learned the uses of solar energy in water, I will explain the uses solar energy in military weapons and transportation. Solar power is being used for disinfecting water and electricity, but for transportation and military weapons? 1. Solar power has been used in cruise boats and ferries. â€Å"The first boat that used solar power was in Australian waters that won a contract to build another ferry to carry passengers between San Francisco Harbor and Alcatraz Island,† explains Thwaites, a science writer and broadcaster in Australia. i.The guy who built the solar powered boat is Robert Dane. ii. He wanted to build a boat that was powered by solar power and wind power. iii. He called it the Solar Sailor, which has an electric motor they can power to drive the propeller properly, meaning the boat will be more efficient and easy to move and back up without stalling them. Solar Sailor technology also helped the Navy create UOVs or Unmanned Ocean Vehicles. i. These vehicles could be used to collect data for climate research, ocean exploration, offshore oil exploration and production and even surveillance of pipelines and telecommunications.Solar power is also being used in the US Military and even some weapons too. â€Å"The US Military have installed black and blue solar panels to use in solar-powered battlefield radios and even in tents with solar panels woven into their fabric to power military equipment,† says John Naish, an environmental campaigner. The solar panels are also being used for sensors and radars, which saves troops from being predictable targets when they regularly refuel generators. I. Conclusion Review of Main Points: Today, I explained how solar energy technology can be used in houses.Second, I discussed the uses of solar energy and how it will be helpful saving water. Finally, I talked about the unique uses of solar energy in transportation and military weapons. Restate Thesis:When all of our nat ural fossil fuels are low or gone, solar energy will be one of the leading sources of energy that we will need in the future. Closure: If we don’t continue to develop different ways and technology to lessen our needs on all of our natural fossil fuels, water, natural gas, and the environment, we will soon be living in our own human and mechanical waste.

Draft Statistics on Health Care Prescription Errors Essay

Relation between Error in Healthcare prescription and the inconsistency in Technological information Introduction Background Information            A lot of errors are occurring within the healthcare field lately. They are a result of many factors. Among the principle causes of error are related to wrong prescriptions. As indicated by Benjamin (770), one of the elements that is playing a key role ion this is the use of advanced technological methods. Computers have been used to aid in the computerized entry of prescription orders. Depending on the intensity of the prescription, they can result in serious injuries on the patient or even lead to fatality incidences. In turn, they lead to unnecessary court cases and legal suits that eventually cost many healthcare institutions and practitioners a lot of money that is paid to cater for the damages (Carroll 52-8). As such, there is a need to study the main causes of wrong prescription to ensure that such avoidable consequences are kept at their possible minimal rates. The main questions that will be answered in this study include:            What are the most common types of error in healthcare prescriptions?            What kind of information technology is used in the provision of proper prescription?            Are there specific errors that are related to inconsistently provided information in the same prescription order entry? Methodology            In this study, both primary and secondary data collection methods will be employed. It will include the use of surveys for the collection of first-hand information. In this sense questionnaires and interviews from the participants will also be used to gather information for the data. For accuracy and proper validation, these will be combined with secondary sources such as the national health statistics (Wu, Pronovost, Morlock 88). Data analysis            In this study, the..method of data analysis will be used. The method mainly†¦. Findings            Previous research performed on this topic revealed that†¦..Thus, in relation to this study, it was evident that†¦.. Conclusion            It is important that the laid down professional ethics are adhered to in different fields. This is especially within the medical field where a slight mistake can lead to devastating consequences. Therefore, healthcare providers are always obligated to use the knowledge that they acquired in their studies as well as new knowledge and practices appropriately. They should ensure that drugs are prescribed in the most proper ways to avoid errors. In particular, computerized drug entries should be counterchecked to eliminate disparities. However, owing to the continuous change in the nature of disease processes and hence the production of advanced drug formulas, there is need to conduct more research. These will provide more guidance to guarantee safe drug prescription by providers of healthcare services using new technological methods. References Benjamin, D. M. Reducing medication errors and increasing patient safety: case studies inclinical pharmacology. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 2003; 43:768–83. Carroll, P. Medication issues: the bigger picture. RN. 2003; 66(1):52–8. Wu, A. W., Pronovost, P., and Morlock, L. ICU incident reporting systems. Journal of Critical Care. 2006; 17(2):86–94 Source document

Literature and writing

Nature, as seen and depicted by Walt Whitman in â€Å"Leaves of Grass† is vast and sweeping in its grandeur, like a giant movie screen, where he unloads scenes upon scenes of grand vistas in living color.  Ã‚   If it were a theatrical performance, he would create lavish scenes of epic proportions : majestic skies, billowing waves, golden fields of grain extending to the horizon.   They would be the exact opposite of the languid seascapes captured on canvas in Virginia Woolf’s â€Å"To the Lighthouse†.   Describing the sea, Whitman writes: Behold, the sea itself, And on its limitless, heaving breast, the ships; See, where their white sails, bellying in the wind, speckle The green and blue, See, dusky and undulating, the long pennants of smoke (33.30-37). To Whitman, nature perpetually calls attention unto itself, but man ordinarily ignores it or is not sensitive enough to perceive its charms.  Ã‚  Ã‚   Thus, the poet continually exhorts the onlooker to behold the beauty unfolding before his eyes. For him, a leaf of grass is â€Å"no less than the journey work of the stars† and that â€Å"the running blackberry would adorn the parlors of heaven†(31.1-8). As in theatre, the poet conjures images to create moods as would suit his purpose.  Ã‚   Whitman’s poems overflow with robustness and energy as he writes about the pioneers of a new nation leaving the sanctuary of their homes to tame the great frontiers.   In the process he is overwhelmed by the magnificent beauty of the outdoors as well as the great cities and industries built by man’s labor. If his medium were a film screen, Whitman would come up with glorious takes of canyons and sunsets and deserts in Cinemascope, of buffalo herds grazing the plains, interspersed with the creaking wheels of industry.  Ã‚   When Whitman hears America singing, the songs he hears are those of vigorous workmen as they go about their daily tasks. For him, America is one vast theatre with the American common man as hero.   For him, life consists of â€Å"Victory, union, faith, identity, time,/ The indissoluble compacts, riches, mystery,/ eternal progress, the kosmos, and the modern reports†.   (Book II. 2.4) These are abstract terms, vague and incomprehensible, but the reader follows the thread of his thoughts when the poet writes about â€Å"sturdy blacksmiths swinging their sledges†, â€Å"cheerful axemen, wielding all day their axes†, and of â€Å"how the ash writhes under the muscular arms† of oarsmen on the lakes   (33.39-43).     For Walt, commonplace things in nature become the stuff of legend. Nature is likewise a common theme in a ballet performance.   Because no lines are spoken, the audience rely on the setting, the music, and the language of the bodies in motion.  Ã‚   That there is no dialogue seems to enhance rather than detract from the performance, for the dancers themselves with their seemingly effortless   leaps, twists and turns, their graceful flowing motions tell the story; no words are necessary. Sometime ago I had the opportunity to watch a ballet performance at the Metropolitan Opera House.   The experience was fascinating.   It impressed on me the beauty of the human body in motion, so long immortalized in poem and marble, but more usually ignored. The classic ballet Apollo, where the sun-god is offered the gifts of poetry, dance and music, began with the stage decked in black with haunting music in the background to create a somber mood.  Ã‚   The ballerinas, clad in contrasting white, were seen distinctly on stage as they retold one of mythology’s enduring tales. Jeu de Cartes was a modern ballet that featured poker hands, each being shuffled until the last card became a royal flush.  Ã‚   Modern and very lively,   Jeu de Cartes was very entertaining. Petrouchka, a classic Russian ballet, made use of lavish costumes and contrivances and four changes of scene.   Set in a Russian village, it made use of puppets and costumed characters. Watching a ballet performance makes one appreciate the tremendous work and resources needed to stage it.  Ã‚   It also makes one realize how beautiful the human body is, how graceful its gestures, its subtle flowing and gliding motions, as it tries to mimic life or capture its essence, in the same way that an artist tries to transfer the colors of sunset into canvas, or a poet his ruminations about life into rhyme. The poet, like the ballet dancer, tells a story by the subtle use of words, of symbols, of everyday things that ring a bell in the reader’s mind, or strike a chord in his heart.   Ã‚  Ã‚  The cast of a ballet and its creators also reach out to an audience by the use of movement synchronized with music in the midst of an appropriate setting to define mood.   In both arts, appreciation and enjoyment are the just rewards. WORKS CITED Whitman, Walt.   Leaves of Grass.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚