Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Policies and Procedures in Preventing Pressure Ulcers Essay Example

Policies and Procedures in Preventing Pressure Ulcers Essay Example Policies and Procedures in Preventing Pressure Ulcers Essay Policies and Procedures in Preventing Pressure Ulcers Essay Procedures and Policies in Preventing Pressure Ulcers 1 Running head: Procedures and Policies in Preventing Pressure Ulcers Procedures and Policies in Preventing Pressure Ulcers Procedures and Policies in Preventing Pressure Ulcers 2 One of the most serious obstacles that long- term care facilities face with their residents is the development of pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers, or bed sores, occur when pressure is applied to areas of the body causing skin breakdown. Most pressure ulcers develop over bony prominences, where friction and shearing force combine with pressure to breakdown skin and underlying tissues (Lippincott, Williams, Wilkins, 2010, p. 1). † Pressure ulcers may occur when great force for a short period or less force over a long period impairs circulation to an area of skin. This process obstructs capillary blood flow which deprives the tissues of oxygen and nutrients. The results are ischemic lesions and tissue necrosis which can lead to serious infection. Common areas that pressure ulcers occur are on the coccyx, sacrum, greater trochanters, vertebrae, scapulae, elbows, knees, and heels. Patients who are bedridden or have impaired mobility are at great risk for pressure ulcer development (Lippincott, Williams, Wilkins, 2010). Lippincott, Williams, Wilkins (2010) state that the prevention of pressure ulcers includes relieving pressure, improving circulation, and providing adequate nutrition. Prevention also includes managing diseases such as vascular disorders and diabetes. Vascular disorders can impair circulation and uncontrolled diabetes can promote infection. The prevention of pressure ulcers begins with an accurate assessment. The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (2007) categorizes pressure ulcers into six stages that include: suspected deep tissue injury, stage I, stage II, stage III, stage IV, and unstageable pressure ulcers. Suspected deep tissue injury occurs when underlying soft tissue is damaged by pressure or shearing. The appearance is described as a localized area that is urple, Procedures and Policies in Preventing Pressure Ulcers 3 maroon, or presents a blood filled blister on intact skin. A stage I pressure ulcer occurs over localized, intact skin that is red and nonblanchable. Stage II ulcers are characterized by partial-thickness loss of the dermis that is broken with a shallow, open ulcer that has a reddish-pink wound bed. These ulcers can be intact or open serum-filled blisters. Stage III ulcers have similar characteristics as stage II ulcers. However, subcutaneous fat may be seen in the wound bed. This represents full-thickness tissue loss. Undermining or tunneling may be present at this stage. Stage IV pressure ulcers progress through subcutaneous fat exposing muscle, tendons, or bone. Slough or eschar may be present in the wound bed. Undermining and tunneling are common in this stage. An unstageable ulcer occurs when the base of the ulcer is covered by slough, eschar, or both. Unless the slough and eschar are removed, the depth of the ulcer is unknown. For this reason, the ulcer is unstageable. Prevention is the key to avoiding extensive treatment and complications. At McCauley Sanctuary, a long- term care facility in Muskegon, preventative tools such as the Braden scale are used during an assessment. The Braden scale is a reliable instrument used to measure a patient’s risk of developing pressure ulcers. There are six areas that are assessed: sensory perception, skin moisture, physical activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction and shear. Each area produces 1-4 points, depending on the description that fits the patient. After the six area assessment, the points are tallied. The lower the points, the greater the risk is for the patient to develop pressure ulcers. The Braden Scale is useful in developing the patient’s plan of care. When a patient is at risk for pressure ulcers, a plan of care may include frequent repositioning to decrease pressure. It may also include the use of special equipment to reduce Procedures and Policies in Preventing Pressure Ulcers 4 pressure intensity (Lippincott, Williams, Wilkins, 2010). At McCauley Sanctuary, every patient has a 4† thick mattress overlay to reduce pressure intensity. They are also anti-microbial, which discourages infection. I noticed that every wheelchair had a thick foam cushion as well. Bolster pillows and regular pillows are used to reposition patients and relieve pressure from bony prominences. I had the duty of showering a patient on my first day of clinical. After her shower, I was instructed to apply a moisturizing cream to her sacrum, coccyx, and any other areas that showed signs of skin breakdown. The use of special equipment that reduce pressure and cream that is used on patients are examples of how McCauley Sanctuary complies with preventative measures. The patient I worked with did not require repositioning since her mobility was only slightly limited. Upon request I was given a handout of the clinic guidelines entitled Pressure Ulcer Prevention. The policy stated to turn and reposition a patient with impaired mobility every 1-2 hours. It also advised lifting the patient, with assistance, instead of sliding them. This is because sliding increases friction and shear which can contribute to the development of pressure ulcers. This handout was supported by EBP articles from the Journal of Advanced Nursing and the Journal of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing. It also included EBP provided by the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel. I have read and studied information regarding pressure ulcers, but being at McCauley allowed me to apply assessment skills and prevention of pressure ulcer development. I am a hands-on learner and being able to actually see prevention and care plan implementation has made learning and retaining this information easier. I am very grateful that I had this Procedures and Policies in Preventing Pressure Ulcers 5 opportunity provided to me by Grand Rapids Community College, Pilgrim Manor, and the patients I provided care to. Procedures and Policies in Preventing Pressure Ulcers 6 References Lippincott, Williams, Wilkins. (2010). Pressure ulcer prevention. Retrieved on July 15, 2010 from nursingprocedures. net/lnp/form/printPage. jsp National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel. (2007). Pressure ulcer stages revised by NPUAP. Retrieved on February 19, 2011from npuap. org/pr2. htm

Friday, November 22, 2019

Top Major Causes and Motivations of Terrorism

Top Major Causes and Motivations of Terrorism Loosely defined, terrorism is the use of violence with the aim of furthering a political or ideological goal at the expense of the general population. Terrorism can take many forms and has many causes, often more than one. It can have its roots in religious, social, or political conflicts, often when one community is oppressed by another. Some terrorist events are singular acts linked to a particular historical moment, such as the assassination of Austrias Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914, which touched off World War I. Other terrorist attacks are part of an ongoing campaign that may last years or even generations, as was the case in Northern Ireland from 1968 to 1998.   Historical Roots Although acts of terror and violence have been committed for centuries, terrorisms modern roots can be traced to the French Revolutions Reign of Terror in 1794–95, with its gruesome public beheadings, violent street battles, and bloodthirsty rhetoric. It was the first time in modern history that mass violence was used in such a fashion, but it would not be the last. In the latter half of the 19th century, terrorism would emerge as the weapon of choice for nationalists, particularly in Europe as ethnic groups chafed under the rule of empires. The Irish National Brotherhood, which sought Irish independence from Britain, carried out a number of bomb attacks in England in the 1880s. About the same time in Russia, the socialist group  Narodnaya Volya began a campaign against the royalist government, ultimately assassinating Tsar Alexander II in 1881. In the 20th century, acts of terrorism became more prevalent throughout the world as political, religious, and social activists agitated for change. In the 1930s, Jews living in occupied Palestine conducted a campaign of violence against the British occupiers in a quest to create the state of Israel. In the 1970s, Palestinian  terrorists used then-novel methods such as hijacking airplanes to further their cause. Other groups, espousing new causes like animal rights and environmentalism, committed acts of violence in the 1980s and 90s. And in the 21st century, the rise of pan-nationalist groups like ISIS that use social media to connect its members have killed thousands in attacks in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Causes and Motivations Although people resort to terrorism for a number of reasons, experts attribute most acts of violence to three major factors: Political.  Terrorism was originally theorized in the context of insurgency and guerrilla warfare, a form of organized political violence by a non-state army or group.  Individuals, abortion clinic bombers, or groups, like the Vietcong in the 1960s, can be understood as choosing terrorism when they are trying to right what they perceive to be a social, political or historical wrong. During the Troubles in Northern Ireland, which stretched from 1968 to 1998, Catholic and Protestant groups waged an ongoing campaign of violence against one another in Northern Ireland and in England, seeking political dominance.Religious.  In the 1990s, a number of attacks carried out in the name of religion made headlines. The Japanese doomsday cult Aum Shinrikyo perpetrated two deadly sarin gas attacks in the Tokyo subways in 1994 and 1995, and in the Middle East, numerous suicide attacks since the 1980s have been celebrated as the work of Islamic martyrs.  Career terrorism experts began to arg ue that a new form of terrorism was on the  rise, with concepts  such as martyrdom and Armageddon  seen as particularly dangerous. However, as thoughtful studies and commentators have repeatedly pointed out, such groups selectively interpret and exploit religious concepts and texts to support terrorism. Religions themselves do not cause terrorism. Socioeconomic.  Socio-economic explanations of terrorism suggest that various forms of deprivation drive people to terrorism, or that they are more susceptible to recruitment by organizations using terrorist tactics.  Poverty, lack of education or lack of political freedom are a few examples.  There is suggestive evidence on both sides of the argument. Comparisons of different conclusions are often very confusing because they dont distinguish between individuals and societies, and they pay little attention to the nuances of how people perceive injustice or deprivation, regardless of their material circumstances. The group Shining Path carried out a years-long campaign of violence against Perus government in the 1980s and early 90s in an attempt to create a Marxist state.   This explanation of the causes of terrorism may be difficult to swallow. It sounds too simple or too theoretical. However, if you look at any group that is widely understood as a terrorist group, you will find these elements are basic to their story. Psychological and Sociological Considerations: Individual vs. the Group Sociological and social psychology views of terrorism make the case that groups, not individuals, are the best way to explain social phenomena such as terrorism. These ideas, which are still gaining traction, are congruent with the late-20th-century trend toward seeing society and organizations in terms of networks of individuals. This view also shares common ground with studies of authoritarianism and cult behavior that examines how individuals come to identify so strongly with a group that they lose individual agency.  There is also a substantial body of theory that now concludes that individual terrorists are no more or less likely than other individuals  to have abnormal pathology.   Analysis Rather than seek the causes of terrorism itself, a better approach is to determine the conditions that make terror possible or likely. Sometimes these conditions have to do with the people who become terrorists; they are described as having certain psychological traits, like narcissistic rage. And some conditions have to do with the circumstances they live in, such as political or social repression, or economic strife. Terrorism is a complex phenomenon; it is a specific kind of political violence committed by people who do not have a  legitimate army at their disposal. There is nothing inside any person or in their circumstances that send them directly to terrorism. Instead, certain conditions make violence against civilians seem like a reasonable and even necessary option. Stopping the cycle of violence is rarely simple or easy. Although the Good Friday Agreement of 1998 brought an end to the violence in Northern Ireland, for example, the peace remains a fragile one. And despite nation-building efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, terrorism remains a daily fact of life after more than a decade of Western intervention. Only time and commitment by a majority of the parties involved can resolve​ a conflict.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

GOOGLE STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

GOOGLE STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT - Essay Example But in line with this selection, a comprehensive tool vested in the use of a VIRO analysis is implemented in critically evaluating the credibility of the selected option for the company. The VIRO analysis will be simplified in a manner that takes four major independent variables, which are tested against four other dependent variables. The independent variables are given as financial resources, human resources, material resources, and nonmaterial resources. Each of these will be tested against value, rareness, imitability, and organization in place at Google Inc. The cost Leadership Option Generally, the cost leadership option is in place to ensure that the company gains competitive advantage by taking consumers away from competitors and bringing them to the side of Google Inc. To effectively do this, there are two major approaches for the company to follow. In the first instance, there is the need to increase market share by reducing prices (Horkheimer and Theodor, 2007). This may s ound as an irony as a pair of objectives that cannot be achieved hand in hand. But from a very technical viewpoint, it is possible to both reduce prices and increase market share by using the cost leadership option (Lessig, 2009). ... This is because it has already been established that when there is increase in revenue, there must be a corresponding reduction in expenditure to make profitability possible. Meanwhile, the cost of production accounts for one of the highest sources of expenditure for most companies, of which Google Inc. is not exception (Barthes, 2008). Since 2004, Google’s cost of production has been said to be going up steadily especially as the company started engaging in a number of divestitures that are aimed at increasing the revenue pool of the company. To effectively use the cost leadership option, the company must be prepared to focus attention on the need to reduce most of its identified cost, especially internal costs that bring about cost sharing situations (Althusser, 2011). This way, it will be possible to produce goods and services at a much reduced cost, which will ensure that even if prices are charged at all-time low, market share will not be affected. Using VIRO Analysis to analyze the Cost Leadership Option Having identified the cost leadership option as the most viable option for Google, this section of the paper uses the VIRO analysis to critically break the option down into four major business constituents of Google Inc. these four constituents are financial resources, material resources, nonmaterial resources and human resources. Each of these four constituents shall be analysed using the four acronyms of VIRO, which are value, imitation, rareness and organisation. Financial Resources As far as the value of Google’s financial resources are concerned, one major question is posed. This is the question of how expensive the financial resource is (Gramsci, 2007). It would be established that Google is one of the most fortunate global IT companies that has a

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Medicating Children Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Medicating Children - Essay Example there is a broad spectrum of behavioral problems in children as they are still undergoing psycho-emotional changes and coming to terms with their true identity. Some behavioral problems that are frequently observed in children include aggression towards animals or others, hostile behavior and anger issues for a period of at least six consecutive months (Rubin, 21). Hence; in some cases the use of medication may be completely unnecessary. There is a wide range of therapies that have been found to be effective in addressing behavioral problems and in some situations behavioral therapy has found to be equally effective with fewer side effects than use of medications. Therefore, parents, students, teachers and medical practitioners should work together towards devising interventions that do not include medication. Since these measures have been found to be equally effective, research should be dedicated towards improving these methods and creating new ones for therapeutic purposes. This paper will discuss the negative attributes of utilizing medications and the benefits that are attained from alternative therapy. The prevalence of behavior problems among children is substantial and under diagnosed as it is often mistaken for normal childhood mischief. However, the implications on the child’s life can be serious if the appropriate measures are not taken to help the child. Furthermore, these implications would also extend to problems within the community as the levels of crime may increase subsequently (Rubin, 21). Children with behavior problems may also become isolated making them prone suicide and depression. Therefore, intervention for these children is inevitable and this should be accompanied with early diagnosis and the appropriate treatment plans. The problem however lies in the side effects that have been discovered from using these drugs. The side effects have been found to supersede the benefits that are attained making their use questionable especially

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Comment on how Baz Luhrmann uses video Essay Example for Free

Comment on how Baz Luhrmann uses video Essay Romeo and Juliet, is a play written by William Shakespeare in the late sixteenth century in fair Verona. This is an ultimate love story between the only children of two powerful enemies , both alike in dignity These two households bear an ancient grudge. Within this hate Romeo and Juliets love cannot survive, and they are driven by this hate to death. From this 1595 classic play, Baz Luhrmann got the job of wielding it in to a twentieth centaury blockbuster. He did this by using many different techniques, and even though he keeps the original dialogue, he changes many classic features of the play to give this modern feel to it. Such as horses to cars, Swords to guns and villages to cities are several examples. As the film starts, the opening shot is of a modern day television. It is shown speaking as a newsreader, speaking as a chorus would on stage, giving background knowledge to the audience watching. This television reflects Luhrmanns modern setting, showing how the film will be set, rather than the one in which the written play was set. The TV represents the media, as our main source of information. Just as the chorus would be, stood on stage, addressing the audience, giving them required information. The headline upon the TV reads , Star-crossed lovers, and above a picture of a ring split in two, showing both the themes of love and hate. How the pair had love enough to marry, though within their families there was hate enough to drive the couple to take their lives. Their love was doomed to die, the ring shows how they could not be together as reflected in one of the chorus lines , death marked love. One extremely short though effective camera shot, zooms down the middle of a main street, with many high raised buildings, until focusing upon a large statue of Christ. Showing that religion will play some part within the play/film. Here loud dramatic music kicks in. This music tells us that the play is going to be very powerful and dramatic. The choruss first line appears white upon black, in fair Verona. White and black are usually associated with good and bad. Showing two main features of the film. Again the image of Christs face appears, a close up camera shot, recoiling to show two large skyscrapers dominating the skyline. Each bearing separate names, Montague and Capulet, showing the large gap between them, they are different. The sheer size of the buildings tells us they are wealthy families, but separate. The statue of Christ is stood in the middle, showing again the religious society in which the film is set. Still with the dramatic music playing building up aura, images of police vehicles- cars and helicopters burn across the screen. Quick images. Images of conflict, linking the families with violence and ultimately the law. The music quietens, though still strong and menacing, as a voice over man speaks the same lines as already spoken by the chorus. Now the images are shown slower, two households both alike in dignity showing the two families, again separated by Jesus, sour looks upon the heads faces; hate and malcontent, though smiles upon the childrens; happy, contented faces, with no worries. Leading on to images of flames, representing hell, hatred and death. Headlines of newspapers flash upon the screen, linking again with the theme of the media and the modern setting. Showing there must be public interest in the growing feud between the two families, and again highlighting the conflict between the two families. Extremely short images are shown of police helping civilians escape the troubles caused by this abhorrence between the Montagues and the Capulets. The music had died down up until the point of take their life, where it picks up again adding atmosphere and letting the audience know there is great tragedy within the film. Another modern technique is then used. Just as characters on television programs are introduced or how western wanted posters are displayed, some of the main characters are initiated. These images build great suspense though shows a building power within the play/film. Two important images from later on in the film flash upon the screen, though they are very insignificant at this point, just adding suspense and wonder at this early stage. The music reaches a peek as the now familiar words of the prologue flash upon the screen. The words white on black, suspense, power, the words showing love, lust, hatred and tragedy. Followed by random images shooting across the screen, fireworks, choir boys singing in a loud wild fashion. Guns, characters, light and dark images showing good and evil. Loud bangs of gunshots, police helicopters, blood, raging images demonstrating excitement and apprehension to the audience. Now with the music at a climax, the words in bold print of Romeo + Juliet linger upon the screen. The + in blood red symbolising bloodshed and conflict, it is also shaped like a cross, to continue the religious theme of the film. The words are white upon black, illustrating good and evil. Here the music changes and a bouncier, more funky, modern tune kicks in as the boys come on to the screen. These three wear brightly coloured shirts- reds and lime greens, indicating good and to me fun. Though with the first line spoken you realise the Montague boys hate the Capulets. The boys are presented whizzing down a highway in an expensive looking yellow convertible, again suggesting warmth and fun. They are cool, with open shirts, brightly coloured hair, shades on heads and tattoos over their bodies. They are excitable, casual and looking at them they would not pose any threat. The car has a personalised number plate, Mon-005, Verona beach again showing wealth. The camera shot is at the front of the car as it comes in to the gas station, here there is a sound of screeching tyres, the piping of horns and basically excitable boyish behaviour. Benvolio- Romeos cousin does not come across as uncompromising, he tries to detach himself from the quarrel between the two families masters. Where as the other two Montague boys are very eager and want to be involved this is sown in their faces as a face close up is shown. Here Benvolio turns and another facial close up is shown, his face twisted almost looking in disgust as he turns and walks away. Here the camera turns moving across to another pump as an expensive looking blue car pulls calmly in to the station. Blue suggesting coldness and the slow speed suggests that the driver is not excitable like the Montague boys but serious. The music suddenly changes from hip to a western style tune as another personalised number plate is shown Cap-005, Verona beach. The camera is swung around with a whooping sound and rests upon a close up of the bottom of the car door opening and a pair of western style cowboy boots stepping from the car. Here the frame freezes on the boot touching the ground, Cooley and calmly and in this freeze frame he displays the words The Capulet boys with western style music playing to continue the western style theme. The boots walk away through a door the sound of spurs following, tension building as the camera shot moves again from the western boots to shoes and tights and the giggling of little girls over the western music. Leading back to more dark cowboy boots with spurs. The shoes belong to a Nun with a class of children and each side of their people carries resides a car of each of the two families. The two families torment the nun and her party in a very cocky sort of manor, exceptionally intimidating. So as the nun and her party speeds away to escape further torment, the two families are revealed to each other for the first time. The fun and idiocy of the Montagues turns to fear, as Abra-Capulet is revealed. Here another facial close-up is shown. Abra wears dark menacing colours (oranges, blacks and reds- colours associated with hell. ) He has a goatee beard an earring and a silver chain with cross hanging around his neck. He has the look of a typical gunslinger, someone who could be extremely dangerous. The music is now changed, as a more electric tune plays more menacing and threatening than before, highlighting the danger of this man. Fear is shown in the Montagues faces, shocked by the appearance of a known enemy. This man alarms them and with this abrupt entrance one of the boys makes a quick movement to reveal the butt of his pistol. A fast frightened movement, followed by the facial shot of a frightened face and the sound of a reluctant gasp, signifying the fear and tension between the two families. Here there is a shot of the face of Abra moving down his body and showing the slow movements of his hands to reveal the butt of his own pistol, engraved with the word Capulet, just as the Montagues gun was engraved with the word Montague, reflecting wealth yet again. The movements are menacingly slow, so calm and cool. Then suddenly a loud hissing sound like a serpent as Abra snarls revealing the word sin engraved on a silver plaque on his teeth. The camera is at a straight close up angle. The shot is both threatening and frightening. Here all the sounds stop as the Montagues sink back in to the car relieved that no harm has come to them. Though the Capulets are amused by the impression they have made upon the Montagues and laugh profusely showing they do not feel threatened at all by their presence but take them more as a joke than any thing else. The Montagues took this wind up a little too lightly and decide to make a second move. Here one of the Montagues bites their thumb at the Capulets. This is shown as a close up with a silly sound coming from the mouth of the offending Montague. Now there is anger and hate starting to show as the montages reverse the car, with the noise of screeching tyres, and the sound of a quick furious sounding, loud blast of music showing anger. The caplets sling loud though slow angry words at the Montages who return fast frightened words trying to calm the situation. Though as the camera shot goes to the toilet door, the quick shocking music picks up again and Benvolio appears-an image of a peace maker leading to a close up of Benvolios gun with a change back to western music. Here with gun drawn, a close up of Benvolios apprehensive face fills the screen and silence falls. Here only the sound of an old creaky sign is heard blowing in the wind, un-nerving Benvolio further and continuing the western theme. The camera swizzles around to an image of a close up cigar being lit and a match being dropped to the ground by Tybalt-the prince of cats. Juliets cousin Landing close to his feet, though still burning. The music playing slowly and quietly, adding tension and atmosphere. Now there is a major close up of tybalts face. He has the look of the devil, slick black hair with tiny matching beard. He has pointed teeth that only a close up would enable us to see properly. He wears the colours of the devil, Reds and blacks showing hate, fire, torment and death. Also his face shows no fear, no feelings but pure untamed hate. He is just so slick and calm and as he speaks, there is a close up on his eyes. These ooze confidence and hold great hate and rage towards the Montagues. The camera then focuses on Benvolios eyes, which are the complete opposite to Tybalts. His eyes show a great fear of the other man, apprehension. All adding tension to the opening scene. On a half of body shot, Benvolio is seen putting away his sword (which in this 1997 film s actually a gun,) and in an effort tries to avoid conflict by stating I do only to keep the peace put up my sword. His voice shaky in the eerie silence. Then another facial close up on Tybalt, as he says, Peace, peace, I hate the word. As I hate hell. All Montagues. And thee. With no quivers only confidence and raw hate. The burning match is finally stamped out with the sound of the metal healed boots grinding at the concrete ground. This long gap between lighting the match and putting it out shows a great danger. This man means something; he alone stands for power and danger. Now a small boy, symbolising innocent bystanders at the market place, interrupts the silence. The boy just playing, shouting bang, bang triggering the attack. Tybalt draws, the music screeching. The shot looking up the barrel of tybalts gun as the word bang is said again. Showing he is willing to harm fellow citizens if need be. Now there is a range of many different camera shots, with electric music playing in the background. Tybalt does a lot of flamenco style movements, flowing, professional movements, as though he was fluent and skilled in the art. Very dramatic and serious movements, with no fear of being harmed. The Montagues begin to try to fight back, though not really succeeding. They are frightened; you can see it in their eyes. Tybalt moves almost fashionably, where as the Montagues dont really know what to do. They shoot, showing no passion or drive. Unlike Tybalt who shows both. Tybalt is calling the shots, and in a swift movement he throws down his coat and fits an aiming device. Kissing his gun with a loving passion. People are running, frightened. The Montagues flee, leaving Benvolio and Tybalt in the petrol station. Music still flaring giving added depth to the scene, petrol covering the ground. Tybalt zooms on to one of the fleeing Montagues, taking the shot, and injuring him. The camera looking down the guns barrel as the shot is fired, pointing into Tybalts eyes. With a flickering smile he drops the cigar from his mouth, landing in a pool of petrol and igniting it immediately, which during the whole scene showed how contented he was with conflict. Here Benvolio flees with Tybalt in pursuit. The flames escalate, symbolising the devastation to come. The flames show hate and anger. Every body around is affected by the fighting as symbolised by the flames. Affecting peoples livelihoods, every body is effected by these civil brawls. There is very dramatic music playing now, escalating the feeling of hate and friction between the two families. A poster is shown burning, once stating Montagues and Capulets 2nd civil brawl. This shows that it is over; hate has ended that, and born a third brawl, more powerful than the previous ones. A sign is also shown burning, Add more fuel to your fire. Showing that the public are affected, and that hate is the road to all evils, symbolising the devil and hell. The camera follows the flames upwards showing things will get worse, still with the music blasting. It moves up and through the smoke screen, the two houses can be seen dominating the skyline, with the image of Jesus between them. Still looking extravagant and wealthy after the brawl. Nothings really changed. The fire is burning as strong as their hate, causing public panic and confusion. Now short images are shown of police helicopters and vehicles flying between and around the towers and statue. The music still blearing. Shots are shown from alternate angles showing news reporters reporting the third civil brawl, again linking with the media. Ted Montague (the father-head of the house) rushes to the scene in his limo with registration plate being Montague, Verona beach. Again representing wealth and power. Once more fast flickering shots are shown of the fleeing public, panic stricken, confused. Police swarming to the scene in different kinds of vehicles now, and here with the music breaching a climax the shots slow down and return to facial close-ups. Tybalt and Benvolio are screaming at each other hate in their eyes, with no more fear left in Benvolios body only hate. Cars spread upon the road, utter havoc breached by the two feuding enemies. Guns are pointed at the couple from air and ground. They have no choice but to both walk forward and admit defeat, dropping their weapons to the ground. There is no music now just a loud boom as the weapons fall. Adrenalin at an ultimate climax for anybody watching. The range of shots along with the series of different sounds and music create an unforgettable opening, showing many of the different themes and aspects of the play/film to anybody watching.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Implications of Internet Censorship Essay -- Critical Thinking Essays

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Abstract:   This paper deals with the ethical and social implications inherent in filtering content online.   As exposure to the Internet penetrates deeper into mainstream lives across all demographic groups, there has been increased concern about the ability of children to obtain access to printed and graphic material believed to be detrimental to their development and/or well-being.   Not only could this material be argued to be damaging, it could possibly lead children to act violently or maliciously towards others.   Proponents of filtering objectionable content argue that through such means society will be able to utilize the power of the Internet to acquire information, while still adhering to certain community values regarding the welfare of children.   Numerous critics of this argument claim that by filtering Internet content, society would be crippling individuals' right to use the power of the Internet for free-speech.   They argue that not only will unregulated speech be discouraged, but that the means for filtering are themselves inherently imperfect, often restricting worthwhile content from reputable queries. While not a complete solution to the dilemma, perhaps enforcing an instituted rating system on web pages might be an effective means for working past the unpredictable nature of content filters.    Just one decade ago few could have envisioned a world where scientists, business professionals, media agencies, activist groups, and children all over the globe would have access to equal common material via an online medium.   Originally started as a small interconnected network for government agencies, educational institutions, and computer researchers to trade information, the Internet has permeated the daily ... ...n Law Firm, http://www.fmew.com/archive/censor/.    The Internet Police. http://www.internet-police.co.uk/aims.html.    "Information about Labeling and Rating Systems". Massachusetts Institute of Technology. http://www.mit.edu/activities/safe/labeling/summary.html. "Communications Decency Act," Yahoo!. http://dir.yahoo.com/Society_and_Culture/Issues_and_Causes/Civil_Rights/Censorship/Internet_Censorship/Communications_Decency_Act/. Communications DecencyAmendment (full text of final language passed by the u.s. senate on June 14, 1995). http://www.prognet.com/contentp/rabest/thebill.html. "Internet Indecency and Communications Decency Act," University of Texas. http://www.gslis.utexas.edu/~cjyoung/. "Net filters strain to block sites," cnetNews.com, http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1005-200-4833800.html?tag=st.cn.1.lthd

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Video game

The rise of personal computers in the mid 1980s spurred interest in computer games. This caused a crash in home Video game market. Interest in Video games was rekindled when a number of different companies developed hardware consoles that provided graphics superior to the capabilities of computer games. By 1990, the Nintendo Entertainment System dominated the product category. Sega surpassed Nintendo when it introduced its Genesis System. By 1993, Sega commanded almost 60 per cent of Video game market and was one of the most recognized brand names among the children. Sega’s success was short lived. In 1995, Saturn (a division of General Motors) launched a new 32-bit system. The product was a miserable failure for a number of reasons. Sega was the primary software developer for Saturn and it did not support efforts by outside game developers to design compatible games. In addition, Sega’s games were often delivered quite late to retailers. Finally, the price of the Saturn system was greater than other comparable game consoles. This situation of Saturn’s misstep benefited Nintendo and Sony greatly. Sony’s Play Station was unveiled in 1994 and was available in 70 million homes worldwide by the end of 1999. Its â€Å"Open design† encouraged the efforts of o utside developers, resulting in almost 3,000 different games that were compatible with the PlayStation. It too featured 32-bit graphics that appealed to older audience. As a result, at one time, more than 30 per cent of PlayStation owners were over 30 years old. Nintendo 64 was introduced in 1996 and had eye-popping 64-bit graphics and entered in more than 28 million homes by 1999. Its primary users were between the age of 6 and 13 as a result of Nintendo’s efforts to limit the amount of violent and adult-oriented material featured on games that can be played on its systems. Because the company exercised considerable control over software development, Nintendo 64 had only one-tenth the number of compatible games as Sony’s PlayStation did. By 1999, Sony had captured 56 per cent of the video game market, followed by Nintendo with 42 per cent. Sega’s share had fallen to a low of 1%. Hence, Sega had two options, either to concede defeat or introduce an innovative video machine that would bring in huge sales. And Sega had to do so before either Nintendo or Sony could bring their next-generation console to market. The Sega Dreamcast arrived in stores in September 1999 with an initial price tag of $199. Anxious gamers placed 300,000 advance orders, and initial sales were quite encouraging. A total of 1. 5 million Dreamcast machines were bought within the first four months, and initial reviews were positive. The 128-bit system was capable of generating 3-D visuals, and 40 different games were available within three months of Dream cast’s introduction. By the end of the year, Sega had captured a market share to 15 per cent. But the Dreamcast could not sustain its momentum. Although its game capabilities were impressive, the system did not deliver all the functionality Sega had promised. A 56K modem (which used a home phone line) and a Web browser were meant to allow access to the Internet so that gamers could play each other online, surf the Web, and visit the Dreamcast Network for product information and playing tips. Unfortunately, these features either were not immediately available or were disappointing in their execution. Sega was not the only one in having the strategy of adding functionality beyond games. Sony and Nintendo followed the same approach for their machines introduced in 1999. Both Nintendo’s Neptune and Sony’s PlayStation 2 (PS2) were built on a DVD platform and featured a 128-bit processor. Analysts applauded the move to DVD because it is less expensive to produce and allows more storage than CDs. It also gives buyers the ability to use the machine as CD music player and DVD movie player. As Sony marketing director commented, â€Å"The full entertainment offering from Pl ay Station 2 definitely appeals to a much broader audience. I have friends in their 30s who bought it not only because it’s a gaming system for their kids, but also a DVD for them. † In addition, PlayStation 2 is able to play games developed for its earlier model that was CD-based. This gives the PS2 an enormous advantage in the number of compatible game titles that were immediately available to gamers. Further enhancing the PS2’s appeal is its high-speed modem and allows the user’s easy access to the Internet through digital cable as well as over telephone lines. This gives Sony the ability to distribute movies, music, and games directly to PS2 consoles. We are positioning this as an all-round entertainment player,† commented Ken Kutaragi, the head of Sony Computer Entertainment. However, some prospective customers were put off by the console’s initial price of $360. Shortly after the introduction of Neptune, Nintendo changed its strategies and announced the impending release of its newest game console, The GameCube. However, unlike the Neptune, the GameCube would not run on a DVD platform and also would not initially offer any online capabilities. It would be more attractively priced at $199. A marketing vice president for Nintendo explained the company’s change in direction, â€Å"We are the only com petitor whose business is video games. We want to create the best gaming system. † Nintendo also made the GameCube friendly for outside developers and started adding games that included sports titles to attract an older audience. Best known for its extra ordinary successes with games aimed at the younger set, such as Donkey Kong, Super Mario Bros, and Pokemon, Nintendo sought to attract older users, especially because the average video game player is 28. Youthful Nintendo users were particularly pleased to hear that they could use their handheld Game Boy Advance systems as controllers for the GameCube. Nintendo scrambled to ensure there would be an adequate supply of Game Cubes on the date in November 2001, when they were scheduled to be available to customers. It also budgeted $450 million to market its new product, as it anticipated stiff competition during the holiday shopping season. With more than 20 million PlayStation 2 sold worldwide, the GameCube as a new entry in the video game market would make the battle for market share even more intense. For almost a decade, the video game industry had only Sega, Nintendo, and Sony; just three players. Because of strong brand loyalty and high product development costs, newcomers faced a daunting task in entering this race and being competitive. In November 2001, Microsoft began selling its new Xbox, just three days before the GameCube made its debut. Some observers felt the Xbox was aimed to rival PlayStation 2, which has similar functions that rival Microsoft’s Web TV system and even some lower level PCs. Like the Sony’s PlayStation 2, Xbox was also built using a DVD platform, but it used an Intel processor in its construction. This open design allowed Microsoft to develop the Xbox in just two years, and gave developers the option of using standard PC tool for creating compatible games. In addition, Microsoft also sought the advice of successful game developers and even incorporated some of their feedback into the design of the console and its controllers. As a result of developers’ efforts, Microsoft had about 20 games ready when the Xbox became available. By contrast, the GameCube had only eight games available. Microsoft online strategy was another feature that differentiated of the Xbox from the GameCube. Whereas Nintendo had no immediate plans for Web-based play, the Xbox came equipped with an Ethernet port for broadband access to Internet. Microsoft also announced its own Web-based network on which gamers can come together for online head-to head play and for organised online matches and tournaments. Subscribers to this service were to pay a small monthly fee and must have high-speed access to the Internet. This is a potential drawback considering that a very low percentage of households world over currently have broadband connections. By contrast Sony promoted an open network, which allows software developers to manage their own games, including associated fees charged to users. However, interested players must purchase a network adapter for an additional $39. 99. Although game companies are not keen on the prospect of submitting to the control of a Microsoft-controlled network, it would require a significant investment for them to manage their own service on the Sony-based network. Initially the price of Microsoft’s X box was $299. Prior to the introduction of Xbox, in a competitive move Sony dropped the price of the PlayStation 2 to $299. Nintendo’s GameCube already enjoyed a significant price advantage, as it was selling for $100 less than either Microsoft or Sony products. Gamers eagerly snapped up the new consoles and made 2001 the best year ever for video game sales. For the first time, consumers spent $9. 4 billion on video game equipment, which was more than they did at the box office. By the end of 2001 holiday season, 6. million PlayStation 2 consoles had been sold in North America alone, followed by 1. 5 million Xbox units and 1. 2 million Game Cubes. What ensued was an all out price war. This started when Sony decided to put even more pressure on the Microsoft’s Xbox by cutting the PlayStation 2 price to $199. Microsoft quickly matched that price. Wanting to maintain its low-price status, Nintendo in turn responded by reducing the price of its the GameCube by $50, to $149. By mid 2002, Microsoft Xbox had sold between 3. 5 and 4 million units worldwide. However, Nintendo had surpassed Xbox sales by selling 4. million Game Cubes. Sony had the benefit of healthy head start, and had shipped 32 million PlayStation 2s. However, seven years after the introduction of original PlayStation, it was being sold in retail outlets for a mere $49. It had a significant lead in terms of numbers of units in homes around the world with a 43 per cent share. Nintendo 64 was second with 30 per cent, followed by Sony PlayStation 2 with 14 per cent. The Xbox and GameCube each claimed about 3 per cent of the market, with Sega Dreamcast comprising the last and least market share of 4. 7 per cent. Sega, once an industry leader, announced in 2001 that it had decided to stop producing the Dreamcast and other video game hardware components. The company said it would develop games for its competitors’ consoles. Thus Sega slashed the price of the Dreamcast to just $99 in an effort to liquidate its piled up inventory of more than 2 million units and immediately began developing 11 new games for the Xbox, four for PlayStation 2, and three for Nintendo’s Game Boy Advance. As the prices of video game consoles have dropped, consoles and games have become the equivalent of razors and blades. This means the consoles generate little if any profit, but the games are a highly profitable proposition. The profit margins on games are highly attractive, affected to some degree by whether the content is developed by the console maker (such as Sony) or by an independent game publisher (such as Electronic Arts). Thus, the competition to develop appealing, or perhaps even addictive, games may be even more intense than the battle among players to produce the best console. In particular, Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft want games that are exclusive to their own systems. With that in mind, they not only rely on large in-house staffs that design games but they also pay added fees to independent publishers for exclusive rights to new games. The sales of video games in 2001 rose to 43 per cent, compared to just 4 per cent increase for computer-based games. But computer game players are believed to be a loyal bunch, as they see many advantages in playing games on their computers rather than consoles. For one thing, they have a big advantage of having access to a mouse and a keyboard that allow them to play far more sophisticated games. In addition, they have been utilizing the Internet for years to receive game updates and modifications and to play each other over the Web. Sony and Microsoft are intent on capturing a portion of the online gaming opportunity. Even Nintendo has decided to make available a modem that will allow GameCube users to play online. As prices continue to fall and technology becomes increasingly more sophisticated, it remains to be seen whether these three companies can keep their names on the industry’s list of â€Å"hig h scorers†.

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Analysis of an Ethical Dilemma Essay

There are times when life takes an unforeseen route, and one is faced with an obstacle or situation that was not expected. Many people are diagnosed with terminal diseases, have accidents and are left with severe impairments, and suffer horrendous complications from medical issues. One has the right, according to law, to make medical decisions about their care and treatment options. But should one have the right to end their life? Assisted, or voluntary euthanasia, is the direct administration of a lethal agent to end one’s life at the request of the patient (Tamayo-Velazquez, Simon-Lorda, & Cruz-Piqueras, 2012, p. 678). Should a person have to intolerably suffer for the duration of their disease or disability, or should they have the right to choose to end their life? Related Ethical Implications and Obligations Voluntary euthanasia naturally sparks the debate between â€Å"morality and legality† (Young, 2010). Ethical implications come with being faced with if assisted euthanasia is morally justified, or if respecting one’s right to make choices about their life, including end of life decisions, supersedes all other aspects of the subject. Nurses are an integral part in end of life care of patients, and often times are witness to those expressing the desire to die. Ethical dilemmas are currently high regarding end of life care in nursing, and would only grow more complicated and severe if assisted euthanasia became legal worldwide, as nurses would not only provide comfort measures, but rather be a part of ending life. Currently, assisted euthanasia is legal in three countries; the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Euthanasia is considered murder in every other place in the world. (â€Å"Assisted Suicide & Death with Dignity,† 2013). In the United States, there are currently three states, Oregon, Montana, and Washington, where Physician Assisted Suicide, or PAS, is legal. PAS is referred to as the â€Å"Death with Dignity Act â€Å"and permits doctors to prescribe a lethal  overdose to a patient who is expected to die within six months. This decision is totally dependent upon patient wishes, and physicians are not obligated to inform families, only to write the prescription (â€Å"Analysis of Assisted Suicide Initiative,† 2013). In any other state, assisted suicide is considered manslaughter and is punishable by law. Assisted euthanasia remains a hot topic worldwide, and aims to pass laws are constantly challenged. Ethical Theories Ethical decisions are always difficult for the nurse to make in a challenging situation Confidentiality and privacy are part of ethical issues but can raise confusion as to the best direction of an action for a nurse to take. There is a need for nurses to know that patient obligations and laws concerning privacy and confidentiality matters. Healthcare has the HIPAA law that guides patient’s privacy (HIPAA. ORG, 2008) which is essential for nurses to understand the pertinent guidelines or rules on confidentiality so as to carry out their practices based on the law guidelines. The code of ethics states, â€Å"The nurse advocates for, promotes and strives towards safety, health and the patients’ rights (ANA, 2010). (ANA, 2010) stated that Deontology theory is helpful for the nurse to judges the morality of an action based on the action’s adherence to rules. Whether an action is ethical depends on the intentions behind the decisions rather than the outcomes that result. Beneficence represents compassion on the other hand, taking positive action to help others and desire to do good which is the core principle of our patient advocacy. (Butts, J. B., & Rich, K. L, 2008). Autonomy theory hel p nurses respect and honor a patients or clients right to make a course of action and support independent decision making. While the right to autonomy is not to hurt or negatively impact an outcome, it often gives the nurse a sense of freedom to choose a moral decision. Voluntary assisted euthanasia may be justified with the Beneficence theory but ethically wrong for the nurse in assisting. Impact of social valves, morals, and norms The Terry Schiavo case was perhaps the highest profile case to ever address the issue of prolonging one’s life when that person suffers a life-altering medical tragedy. With her husband fighting on one side for the right to not prolong her life and multiple parties, including her other family members, fighting for the right to prolong her life, this case took national media and even the courts by  storm. The case brought to light what has been called the â€Å"right-to-die† question. Because she lacked a living will, the courts were left to determine what her finals wishes would have been in a situation like this. Legally speaking, the court in Florida found that people have the right to refuse medical treatment, and that right extends to them even when they are in a vegetative state. This case was complicated because there was no clear consensus on whether Schiavo would have liked to exercise that right. Ultimately, her husband was able to convince the court of this, and his persuasiveness came largely because he was the closest person to her and was thus in the best position to understand her wishes. The case brought about complicated ethical issues, especially for the medical professionals involved. Nurses and doctors are under an oath to preserve life whenever possible, but they must also respect the wishes of patients. Because the decision involved removing a feeding tube rather than taking any direct action to harm the patient, medical professionals were able to comply with court orders without violating their oath. It is also worth noting that this case was complicated by social and political issues. Pro-life groups advocated on behalf of Schiavo’s family, and President George W. Bush even tried to intervene. Some argue that these things were designed to make a political point. Implementing an ethical theory Implementing an ethical theory or principle to address an ethical dilemma should involve identifying the type of ethical problem. Doing this lays the groundwork for the trajectory in the caring response. From here, an ethical theory can be implemented and methodically followed to conclude with the best caring response. In the case of Terry Schiavo, there were ambiguities of who should make the decisions. With this, a locus of authority was established to this ethical problem and ultimately, the Supreme Court would act as the moral agent. With the trajectory set, the Supreme Court was now going to be held responsible for the caring response outcome. Furthermore, the Courts would likely have to rely on a narrative approach to ethical decision making. Purtilo and Doherty  (2011) define the narrative approach as information told through stories that, as a result, affect the human experience. With the barrage of coming from the Schiavo case, the Supreme Court must be sure to gather all the relevant details in order to establish facts, relationships and values. Consequently, this is the first step in many ethical theories as well as Purtilo and Doherty’s (2011, p. 103) six steps to ethical decision making. The determination of an ethical decision in deeply rooted in personal and societal values. The ethical theory provides the framework, but it is the value-laden details that guide the decision (Aulisio & Arnold, 2008). With this said an accurate prediction with regard to cases such as Terry Schiavo would be the immediate intervention of ethics committees to mitigate lengthy legal processes and preserving a caring response. Conclusion In this case all of the moral and social valves that were implicated involved nursing ethics. Nurses play an important role in caring for patients that are at the end of life. Nurses must understand the issues that involve assisted euthanasia because of the legal and ethical implications that are involved. Nurses must have adequate knowledge and understanding of assisted death to prevent themselves from violating their personal and professional ethics. References Analysis of Washington Assisted Suicide Initiative {I-1000}. (2013). Retrieved from www.patientsrightcouncil.org/site/analysis-washington-state/ Assisted Suicide & Death with Dignity: Past, Present & Future – Part III. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.patientsrightcouncil.org/site/rpt2005-part3/ Aulisio, M. & Arnold, M. (2008). Role of the Ethics Committee: Helping To Address Value Conflicts or Uncertainties. Retrieved from http://journal.publications.chestnet.org/article.aspx?articleid=1086034 Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2009). Principles of biomedical ethics (6th ed., pp. 38- 39).New York, NY: Oxford University Press. Butts, J. B., & Rich, K. L. (2008). Nursing ethics across the curriculum and into practice (2nd ed., pp. 21-22). Sunbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett. Purtilo, Doherty. (2011). Ethical Dimensions in the Health Professions (5th ed). W.B. Saunders Company. Retrieved from http://pageburstls.elsevier.com/books/978-1-4377-0896-7/id/B9781437708967000138_p0300 Tamayo-Velazquez, M., Simon-Lorda, P., & Cruz-Piqueras, M. (2012). Euthanasia and physician assisted suicide: Knowledge, attitudes and experiences of nurses in Andalusia {Spain}. Nursing Ethics, 19{5}, 677-691. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0969733011436203 Young, R. (2010). Voluntary Euthanasia. Retrieved from http://plato.standford.edu/entries/euthanasia-voluntary/

Thursday, November 7, 2019

BMG

BMG BMG the World Wide Web of MusicTable of ContentsPage1. Executive Summary............12. Introduction and BMG Major Issues.............23. Industry Analysis................34. Internal Analysis................65. Financial Exhibits 2.1 and 2.2.....................76. Strategic Issues................87. Alternatives and Recommendation.............98. Implementation and Evaluation of Strategy........109. Bibliography....................11Executive SummaryThe introduction of the internet into the music industry presents issues that affect not only the industry as a whole, but each company including BMG. There are two major issues affect BMG, the first is that as technological advances of the internet continue to increase, BMG will increasingly be threatened. The second issue is the integration of the internet market into BMG's organizational structure. This can either occur by continuing with current distribution that exists or creating a new division to control the internet sales. Thes e issues present two alternatives that BMG could utilize as solutions, the first is to create a new distribution channel or division and the second is to maintain the current distribution channel.Members of the "Free Fiona" campaign, initiated in...The recommendation will come about as a result of which alternative will better assist BMG in attracting and serving the new digital customers as well as staying loyal to the traditional customers. With this recommendation comes the decision of whether to continue the multiple relationships they have with technological companies or enter into a partnership with only one. The major question that must be answered is what is the best method or strategy to serve the new internet marketplace and its customers?IntroductionThe purpose of this report is to analyze the major issues that have arisen within the company as well as the industry. There are both internal and external analyses performed in order to identify the strategic issues that exis t. In order to deal with these strategic issues within BMG, alternatives...

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

How Proper Tire Inflation Can Help the Environment

How Proper Tire Inflation Can Help the Environment When tires are not inflated to the pounds per square inch (PSI) rating recommended by manufacturers, they are less â€Å"round† and require more energy to begin moving and to maintain speed. As such, under-inflated tires do indeed contribute to pollution and increase fuel costs. Get Better Mileage An informal study by students at Carnegie Mellon University found that the majority of cars on U.S. roads are operating on tires inflated to only 80 percent of capacity. According to the website, fueleconomy.gov, inflating tires to their proper pressure can improve mileage by about 3.3 percent, whereas leaving them under-inflated can lower mileage by 0.4 percent for every one PSI drop in pressure of all four tires. Fuel Costs and Emissions That may not sound like much, but it means that the average person who drives 12,000 miles yearly on under-inflated tires uses about 144 extra gallons of gas, at a cost of $300-$500 a year. And each time one of those gallons of gas is burned, 20 pounds of carbon dioxide is added to the atmosphere as the carbons in the gas are released and combine with the oxygen in the air. As such, any vehicle running on soft tires is contributing as much as 1.5 extra tons (2,880 pounds) of greenhouse gases to the environment annually. Safety Besides saving fuel and money and minimizing emissions, properly inflated tires are safer and less likely to fail at high speeds. Under-inflated tires make for longer stopping distances and will skid longer on wet surfaces. Analysts point to under-inflated tires as a likely cause of many SUV rollover accidents. Properly inflated tires also wear more evenly and will last longer accordingly. Check Pressure Frequently and When Tires Are Cold Mechanics advise drivers to check their tire pressure monthly, if not more frequently. The correct air pressure for tires that come with new vehicles can be found either in the owner’s manual or inside the driver-side door. Beware, though, that replacement tires may carry a different PSI rating than the originals that came with the car. Most new replacement tires display their PSI rating on their sidewalls. Also, tire pressure should be checked when tires are cold, as internal pressure increases when the car has been on the road for a while, but then drops when the tires cool back down. It is best to check tire pressure before heading out on the road to avoid inaccurate readings. Congress Mandates Technology to Warn Drivers As part of the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation Act of 2000, Congress has mandated that automakers install tire pressure monitoring systems on all new cars, pickups, and SUVs beginning in 2008. To comply with the regulation, automakers are required to attach small sensors to each wheel that will signal if a tire falls 25 percent below its recommended PSI rating. Car makers spend as much as $70 per vehicle to install these sensors, a cost that is passed along to consumers. However, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, some 120 lives a year are saved now that all new vehicles are equipped with such systems. Edited by Frederic Beaudry.

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Gender and Sexual Studies - Women and War Research Paper

Gender and Sexual Studies - Women and War - Research Paper Example Women and War The supposed structural adjustment policies (SAP) of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is still wreaking havoc on women living in less developed countries. Labor oppression of poor women, heterosexist bureaucracy, environmental ruin, and militarization all raise weighty issues for feminist movements today.2 Although feminist movements all over the world have been diversely triumphant, we become heir to several issues women of the earlier periods confronted. However, there are new issues as well as we try to understand a world permanently blemished by the unsuccessful attempt of communist and postcolonial capitalist societies to meet the economic, social, religious, and psychological demands of most of the world’s people. Globalization has increasingly become representative of the motives and goals of the free market and companies rather than autonomy and liberty from economic, cultural, and political subjugation for all the inhabitants of t he world.3 There are several of the issues tackled in ‘women and war’. ... interventions into the Western-dominated discipline, while at the same time emphasizing the effort that can and has to be carried out to visualize and promote cross-cultural feminist unity. The topic ‘women and war’ is a key representation of the ties between mobilizing, deliberation, and analysis and the actualization of feminist unity promoted by such topic. Drawing on diverse readings and documents, the discussion has introduced a general, compelling, critical analysis of global gendered militarism, emphasizing women’s opposition to it. Furthermore, this discussion is a testimony to the flexibility, ingenuity, and profoundly critical resistance by women on the different ‘vanguards’ formed by wars across the globe. Drawing on a combination of published sources and histories, ‘women and war’ discusses the gendered intricacies underlying the public debates that came with, and still come with, the supposed global gendered militarization. W hether we are discussing the involvement of women in warfare as components of the military or as laborers on the territory, or whether we are discussing several of the emerging sexual liberties that appeared to come with the extensive marshalling of the population, this form of sweeping disruption of daily social life could always have an effect on customary concepts of gender. The dilemma, in many private and public domains, was to make sure, as much as possible, that the long-established gender structure must not be disrupted. In our interesting discussion of ‘women and war, several processes by which efforts were exerted to realize such objectives were included. The notion of nationalistic femininity aimed to unite with the different ways within which women were organized into warfare without destabilizing prevalent