Sample Essay on Tuskegee Syphilis Study
Tuskegee Syphilis Study
Introduction
The Tuskegee syphilis study took advantage of the level of poverty among African American men. Those involved were ignorant black American sharecroppers from deprived communities. At the beginning of the research, the common issue was malnutrition. A large number of the participants lined in areas that were dirty with poor sanitary facilities and dirty floors. It was stated the mortality levels was high due to insufficient clothing and food. Medical experts were not available for poor blacks due to the high medical fees. During the start of 1930’s, syphilis was widespread in various United States communities. The Rosenwald foundation collaborated with public health services to come up with the initiative in 6 states. However, the program failed due to lack of sufficient funds (Reverby, 2009).
The Tuskegee syphilis study was done between the years 1932 and 1972 by American Public Health Service. The experiments were done with the purpose of monitoring natural succession of uncured syphilis. The research started in 1932, the investigators included a team of the Tuskegee Institute and the Public Health Service. The experiment was done on the countryside of African Americans who knew they were receiving free medical care from the US government. The experiment was carried out on 600 black Americans who were illiterate individual from Macon which was among the regions most deprived in Alabama. 399 of these were already infected while the other 201 were not. They were never informed about the disease they had though the investigators informed them they would be given medication for a “bad blood”.
The experimental statistics were obtained from the post-mortem results of the black Americans, they were as such intentionally left to worsen under negative effects of tertiary syphilis. There are numerous myths about the experiments that cannot be overlooked since in some way, they are true. The first is that the subjects were injected intentionally with the disease. The other is that the black Americans were never given proper medication for the illness (Reverby, 2001).
Using the Black Americans as Laboratory Specimens
Information regarding the experiments was not disclosed to the black men to ensure their cooperation. They were manipulated as a result of poverty and the subjects were easily convinced by the great offers of free meals, burial insurance and health care. The black men failed to take time and find out the actual information regarding the research or the diagnosis made (Hastings Center Report, 1992). They agreed to undergo the experiments without questioning the likely risks and what the terms of study were. During the duration of the experiment, individual wellbeing in the US was linked to economic and social status in addition to race. For the duration of the slavery and division that took place after the conflict era, African Americans were neglected when it came to issues of health research. Eunice Rivers was a black nurse involved in the experiment. She acted as the connection between the US government officials and the subjects in the study.
Throughout the entire 40 year duration, she was part of the study. Her key duties were assisting in the recruitment of black men, to help them in dealing with their issues as well as securing the autopsies of the black men in case they died. Her focus was taking care of the black men other than offering treatment. She believed the men benefited from the experiment as they were offered free treatment. As a nurse, she was taught not to prescribe medication or diagnose. She always followed the instructions that were issued by doctors. The black men had great trust in her as she cared about them sincerely (Rusert, 2009).
The research was aimed at determining the effects the disease had on the bodies of African Americans as opposed to white men. The theory before the experiment was white men experienced more neurological complications from the disease while black men were vulnerable to cardiovascular illness. It was unpredictable how the results from the experiment would change medication procedures of the illness. It took forty years before one of the investigators made the admission that nothing could have cured or prevented a single infectious syphilis case or led to the key objective of controlling the venereal disease in the US. For forty years, the investigators deliberately declined to offer patients proper treatment even after validation of penicillin as the efficient cure for syphilis Reverby, 2009).
By the period the research came to an end, 28 of the African Americans were already dead, 100 passed away as a result of related problems, forty of their companions got infected while 19 children were born infected. These black men were persuaded to endure the fatal disease by a doctor who convinced them it was necessary for the study to be carried out. First, the African American were given Neoarsphenamine and mercury and the disease dosage though in limited amounts as such, they did not show improvements.
The investigators knew the small doses could not interfere with the objectives of the experiment as they did not have side effects. After a while, the syphilis doses were replaced by pink medications known as aspirin. The Public Health Service investigators misinformed the African Americans with a letter stated, ‘Last chance for Special Free Treatment”. This was aimed at ensuring they would show up for spinal tap, which they knew was risky and very hurting. Throughout the duration of the 40 year period, the black men never knew they were only part of an experiment and they were not treated. It was after the news broke out that they realized they were just used (Reverby, 2009).
After the Experiment
On July 25th, 1972, news regarding the experiment broke out in the Washington Star. It was published in an article that was written by Jean Heller. Her source was a disease interviewer from Public Service Health service. The investigators had however insisted the black men were volunteers and were not forced to take part in the experiment. Therefore, the government made the decision to halt the experiment since the public was aware of its initiatives. It was at that point as well that they made the decision to provide the proper diagnosis to the men with syphilis. Penicillin was discovered as the best prescription for the disease by the year 1947. As such, the U.S government offered support to various public health programs so as to wipe the disease out. Several treatment centers got formed and campaigns to address the disease were started. Only seventy four of the 399 black men participants survived to the end of the experiment duration in 1972 (Reverby, 2001).
Fred Gray, a lawyer filed a class suit which recommended that a compensation of $ 10 million should be given to the black men affected. He portrayed the Tuskegee case as one of blacks against the whites however, it was more complicated. The revelation by whistle blowers of the failure in the study later on lead to major changes in the regulations and laws of the US in regard to protection of individuals involved in medical experiments. Recent medical studies demand doctors should seek permission, state diagnosis and provide the individuals with accurate test results (Reverby, 2001).
The National Research Act in 1974 was approved by the American legislature. The congress created a commission that established the regulations and rules that governed experiments involving human subjects. The US president apologized to black American men who were part of the Tuskegee experiment and even held a national ceremony in their honor (Katz, 2008). The study as well destroyed the trust African Americans had in public health efforts which were provided by the government of the US. Majority of the blacks lost trust in the medical community and became reluctant to make contributions to the varying health programs, for instance, the organ donation programs. The study also contributed to the reluctance of poor black people to seek preventive regular measures. The Black American people also developed the belief that the government contributed to spread of HIV/AIDS virus due to the experiment (Rusert, 2009).
References
Hastings Center Report. (1992). Twenty Years After: The Legacy of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study. Vol. 22 Issue 6, p29. 3/8p.
Katz, R. (2008). Awareness of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study and the US Presidential Apology and Their lnfluence on Minority Participation in Biomedical Research.American Journal of Public Health. Vol. 98 Issue 6, p1137-1142.
Reverby, S. (2001). More than Fact and Fiction. Cultural Memory and the Tuskegee Syphilis Study. The Hastings Center Report [Hastings Cent Rep] Vol. 31 (5), pp. 22-8.
Reverby, S. (2009). Examining Tuskegee : the Infamous Syphilis Study and its Legacy. Chapel Hill : University of North Carolina Press.
Rusert, B. (2009). “A Study in Nature”: The Tuskegee Experiments and the New South Plantation. Journal of Medical Humanities. Vol. 30 Issue 3, p155-171. 17p.
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Sample Essay on Supportive Employment Policies and Political Issues for the Mentally Ill
Supportive Employment Policies
Introduction
Mental illnesses incidences are increasing rapidly at the workplace. Problems related with mental health are major disability contributors globally. They are ranked among top 10 leading disability causes. Countries are affected equally by mental illnesses whether they are poor or rich. The effects are felt across all ethnic groups, genders, ages and races. Additionally, researchers indicate further mental health problems are expected in the near future (Shaw et al., 2003).
The risks and burdens that accompany mental health at work places should not be overlooked. It is established 15 to 30 percent of employees will likely experience mental health complications in the course of work (UN, 2000). This issue has attracted plenty of public policy legislations and political attention. As such, the purpose of this paper is to discuss political issues and state, local policies and federal on employment of persons who are mentally ill.
Political Issues and Policies on Supportive Employment of Mentally Ill Persons
In majority of countries, there exists legislation that a state of disability should not keep one from enjoying a meaningful life. For example, the American Disability Act makes provision that employers are supposed to make noteworthy considerations where employment of persons who are mentally ill is concerned. It is necessary not only to provide support to such individuals but for the employer as well in order to enhance good working environment and relationship (Atkins & Weiss, 2002).
Mental illness is linked to various problems such as unemployment, lack of education and poverty as well as other problems. Depression prevalence is also high among individuals who are unemployed than among those employed. Unemployment as well has significant effects on the health and well-being of the people. On top of this insecure jobs also leads to health complications. For example, temporary workers face more difficulties in working environment than permanent workers (SAMHSA, 2003).
Therefore, government policies are extremely crucial in reducing and promoting unemployment as they have positive effects on the peoples’ mental well-being. A health mental policy for workplaces should be developed as a policy that is separate or part of health and safety policy. This ensures all aspects of mental health are also put into consideration (American Psychiatric Association, 2004). Examples of mental health policies at workplaces include retention arguments and good health. Few employers act on adage that good health equates to good business and even fewer of them recognize mental health importance’. There is however an inclusive approach towards well-being and mental health of employees. These approaches included reduction of absenteeism, acquiring necessary skills, creation of good work relationships, encouragement of productivity, employment of best managers, supporting and ensuring acceptance of all individuals as well as making ones place of work safe as well as efficient.
Many businesses on the other hand address problems of mental health at their places of work through development of policies. A mental health policy, usually aids in defining the vision as well as aim of improving mental condition of the work forces as well as establishing a model of action. After formulation, the policy not only identifies the agreement between the employee and employer but facilitates relationship between the various stakeholders at the workplace. A policy on mental health on employment of personals who are mentally ill can be developed as part of safety and health policy. Putting such a policy in place will involve the analysis of mental illness issues, development of actual policy, establishment of strategies to implement it as well as implementation of the policy. High levels of dedication and commitment are needed on the part of employer towards ensuring policy development (America Psychiatric Association, 2004).
The workplace policy on persons who are mentally ill is normally based on an understanding of the issues that are associated with the illness which is obtained after thorough assessment of the predicament (Shaw et al., 2003). This information might include data records from the department of human resources, occupational health record, health records and financial reports. New information collection is just as important as well. Research and surveys should be carried out on the incidence and occurrence of mental illness at places of work so as to identify occupational health risks and safety matters within the workplace. Interviews are supposed to be conducted with employees, managers, medical officers and families so as to get new information (America Psychiatric Association, 2004).
At national level, the government has the responsibility of promoting mental wellness, ensuring proper mental illness treatment and preventing mental issues as well. The government also targets workplaces in its strategies of prevention and promotion. On top of this, the government is itself, the employer. However, the administrative structures differ greatly in overseeing employment of persons who are mentally ill. The Ministry of Health also aids the government in formulation of mental health policy, suggests frameworks for promotion of employees’ mental health and implements mental health policies. As a matter of fact, mental health policy should define relationship between the health and work of the employees (World Health Organization, 2005).
The ministry of Labor, on the other hand has the mandate of ensuring health and safety at workplaces. This does not just include supervision and regulation of safety and health but protection of incomes for persons who are mentally ill. Improvement of management of mental health issues among the employees leads to changes in legislation of policies which is accompanied by relevant policy implementation.
The government as well has a crucial role to play towards ensuring the policies get implemented and they provide framework that promotes implementation of mental health policy and ensures the employees suffering from mental health complications get proper and adequate treatment. These policies cover issues of discrimination, safe environment, income and other mental health issues noted among employees (America Psychiatric Association, 2004).
The UN has committed to ensure persons with disabilities get the same opportunities as those without and they are allowed to take part in any economic activity which also includes employment. The law on antidiscrimination was introduced in many countries and it has proven to be the most vital and effective legislation so far as improvement and employment of mental health within the workplace is concerned. The United Nations adopted standard rules on equal opportunities for personals with disabilities in 1993 (UN, 2000). The rules further identified a couple of issues that needed quick action and which were lacking for purposes of attaining equal opportunities for all people which includes the disabled. Some of these issues included creation of awareness, health care, support services, rehabilitation services, and protection of income, employment and security among others.
The International Labor Organization in 1998, declared fundamental principles and workplace rights which ensured the commitment of government, workers and employers. On top of this, employer’s organizations upheld standards and principles in 3 main areas of employing people with disability which included elimination, discrimination and promotion at workplace SAMHSA, 2003). Antidiscrimination legislation also prohibits the discrimination of people suffering from mental illness. The effectiveness of these laws depends on model of disability and the inclusive nature of mental health problems, equality aspect for instance, in promotion of access to training and education, appearance of legislation in civil, labor and criminal laws. The laws of antidiscrimination as well include people with mental illness. The US for instance, passed the 1990 Disability Act which prohibits employers from carrying out acts of discrimination against people with mental illness in any aspect as job applicants or employees deserve to enjoy equal treatment (UN, 2000).
The laws of antidiscrimination make it unlawful for employers to discriminate against people with mental illness and requires employers to be responsible in creating environments that are conducive to ensure all people, including those with disabilities, work well in these companies (NIMH, n.d). The national government, on the other hand has numerous strategies that ensure persons with mental illness or disabilities are employed. These include the use of quota schemes requiring certain businesses to employ specific number of people with disabilities; nondiscrimination laws, content that it is unlawful for employers to discriminate against persons with mental illness or disability and job retention requires that employers should retain employees who are disabled while working for them (America Psychiatric Association, 2004).
Employees, in addition need protection against cost of disability and illness. This should include both treatment cost and salaries loss as a result of inability to work. Financial protection is based on three principles (Atkins & Weiss, 2002). First, employees ought to enjoy protection from severe financial expenses through reduction of their cost on mental health care. Secondly, healthy people are supposed to support the sick through subsidizing their health care through strategies such as prepayment services of mental illness. Thirdly, the rich are supposed to offer support to the poor.
Majority of the small business enterprises on the other hand address problems of mental health at their workplace through development of policies. A mental health policy usually assists in definition of the aim and vision of improving mental state of work forces through establishment of a model of action. Once the policy is formulated, it not only identifies the agreement between the employee and employer but it facilitates relationship between the different stakeholders at the workplace. Unfortunately, majority of the employees in small businesses or enterprises, self-employed or on part-time employment do not have access to income protection as a result of mental illnesses (UN, 2000). Such people are at great risk of financial hardship and crisis in case of mental complications which impair their ability to work. As such, the employers and government needs to join hands and devise ways of ensuring all employees are protected adequately against financial crisis cause by mental illness.
Other policies and provisions on mental illness focus on duties of the employer in provision of safe work environment (America Psychiatric Association, 2004). They commit employers to development of safety workplaces. For example, the International Labor Organization develops programs which ensure and promote safety at work places. The main objective of the organization is increasing global awareness on impacts and aspects of mental illness, diseases, injuries and enhancing the capacity of industries and states to implement and develop effective policies and programmes as well as protecting all the employees.
Most of the national laws have addressed employees’ safety. For instance, the 1994 Safety Act and Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulation of 1999 ensures that employers provide safe environments for employers, accesses and controls risks that are associated with mental health (Shaw et al., 2003). The laws as well make employers responsible for ensuring the safety of employees at workplaces and support as well as assisting persons with disabilities. For such policies to be put into place, it demands the analysis of the issue on mental illness, development of actual policy, establishment of strategies to implement it as well as policy implementation. High level of dedication and commitment is needed from the employer in order to ensure development of the policy (WHO, 2005).
Majority of employees are affected by mental issues depending on the health care services that are offered by private sectors, the government and NGOs for their medication. It is crucial that these services should be accessible and of the top most quality. Additionally, a mental health policy on the treatment of persons who are mentally ill should be developed as part of the safety and health policy. High dedication and commitment levels from employers are needed in order to ensure the policy is well developed (Atkins & Weiss, 2002)/
However, there are a couple of challenges that face introduction and implementation of mental health policies in the workplace though they do not come without solutions. First, employers firmly believe profits are higher when employees work for long hours while responding to mental issues can be very expensive to them. Majority of the employees do not understand the link between employees’ mental health and productivity. Second employers who run small businesses and with few employees might only understand the need of addressing mental health issues in large organizations but not small ventures such as theirs. These business owners therefore rely on the government and the existing services of mental health care (Shaw et al., 2003).
Thirdly, stakeholders might resist development and implementation of mental health policy as well as accompanying strategies. This is because they might not be aware of the influence mental health has on productivity and performance at work places. It is important to conduct consultation and assessment with stakeholders during implementation and development of the policies. For instance, demonstration of projects and discussion n meetings can help people get better understanding (NIMH, n.d).
At national level, the Ministry of Health aids the government in formulating mental health policy, suggests frameworks for promoting mental health of employees and implements mental health policies. As a matter of fact, mental health policy is supposed to define relationship between health of employees and work (WHO, 2005). The government has the mandate for promoting mental wellness, preventing mental issues and ensuring mental illness is properly treated. The government also targets workplaces in prevention and promotion strategies. On top of this, the government is an employer itself. However, the administrative structures differ greatly in how they oversee the employment of persons with mental illness.
Conclusion
Mental illness contributes to disability and is linked to numerous problems such as unemployment, poverty, lack of education and other issues. Depression prevalence is high among people who are unemployed than those employed. Unemployment as well has significant effects on the health and well-being of the people (NIMH, n.d.). On top of this, insecure jobs can also lead to health problems. For example, temporary workers indicate more difficulties in working compared to permanent workers. As such, various policies need to be developed and implemented by organizations and government to support persons who are mentally ill. The policies should address issues such as employment, income protection, retention as well as safety for persons who are mentally ill (SAMHSA, 2003). Other policies and provisions of mental illness should focus on the employer’s duties in provision of a working environment that is safe. They should commit employers to guarantee safety at workplaces.
References
American Psychiatric Association (2004). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 4th ed. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.
Atkins, A. & Weiss, H. (2002). Program evaluation: the bottom line in organizational health. In: Quick JC, Tetrick LC, eds., Handbook of occupational health psychology, Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
National Institute for Mental Health (undated) Mindout for mental health. Retrieved on 9 November 2013 from <http://www.nimhe.org.uk/downloads/LineMngrPack-FINAL.pdf>
Shaw WS et al. (2003). Employee perspectives on the role of supervisors to prevent workplace disability after injuries. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, Vol. 13(3): 129-142.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2003). National household survey on drug abuse: main findings, 1991. Rockville, MD (DHHS Publication No. SMA 93-1980).
United Nations (2000). The Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for People with Disabilities. UN General Assembly Resolution 48/96
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Sample Essay on More than Conquerors Bible Review
More than Conquerors
Passage: I Corinthians 7:1-40
Apostle Paul authored this passage in which he uses a detailed and descriptive narrative to share his thoughts. Paul narrates to the Christians of Corinth how they ought to behave in a marriage as well as before they enter into a marriage as an institution.
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In this passage verses 1-2, Paul highlights sexuality as an aspect:
Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good for a man not to marry. But since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. (NIV)
Apparently, Paul is writing in response to a letter that was written by the Corinthian Christians. As such, the response is a letter. Uncompromisingly, Paul says that marriage is not good for a man. Nevertheless, there are no reasons that he gives for his strong statement. The apostle further says that for sexuality’s sake, a man ought to have his own wife and every woman ought to have her husband (Ellis).
Paul uses a literary style and this says a lot concerning his personality. It depicts him as a principled and God fearing person especially when it comes to handling contentious issues that affect the society. He also employs a conversational style because he uses “you” while addressing the audience. This indicates communication flow between the audience and the author.
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Paul talks about the wives and husbands’ responsibilities in a marriage in verses 3-6.
The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife’s body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband’s body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife. Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. I say this as a concession, not as a command.
In these verses, Paul gives instructions regarding the behavior of wives and husbands vehemently. He strongly states that a person’s body does not belong to them alone. It also belongs to his/her partner in marriage. By this statement, Paul implies that couples are mutually responsible in terms of sex and that they should not deny each other conjugal rights.
Carefully, Paul condemns promiscuity/immorality by selecting the words to use in the passage. He uses the following words: ‘then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control’. In verse 6, he ends by telling the audience that this is not a command but an admonishment for them (Daniel and Collins).
From the way Paul uses a literary style, it is clear that sex is not considered wrong in marriage for Christians. However, Paul notes that Satan uses a strategy through which he encourages couples to engage themselves in extra marital affairs. One can also deduce that the apostle addresses sex in marriage because it was a controversial issue and perhaps, causing divorces during that time.
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In the passage that follows (Verses 7-9); Paul shares the benefits of being single while indicating marriage benefits which he all refers to as a gift from God.
I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that. Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I am. But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
Here, Paul uses a controversial style by saying that, “For I wish that all men were as I am…” This is the time when Paul’s life was dedicated to God’s service. Hence, he belonged to the unmarried category. Paul indicates that the unmarried people are better off.
Nevertheless, he is not imposing the idea of being single on the audience. Instead, he notes that every man has a gift from God. In terms of gifts from God, in James 1:17, the scripture says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” As such, Paul indicates that Christians are guaranteed good gifts by the unchanging nature of God and in reference to this case, there are people who have the gift of a marriage while others are gifted to remain single.
It is worth observing that Paul employs a persuasive style in writing because he urges the unmarried and windows to remain as single as he is. Nevertheless, since Paul understands the nature of humans, he tells them that they should marry if taking control of sexual passions is a problem to them. This is a point at which Paul indicates that marriage is beneficial in satisfying the sexual desires of the married people. Just like in the other verses of this context, the apostle upholds the values of Christians by encouraging them to engage in sex only when married.
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In verses 10-11, Paul answers the separation and divorce question among Christian couples.
To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.
Paul uses a literary style in a conversational tone but there are instances when he employs sternness in his statements. He is also authoritative than in the previous statements. Paul changes the discussion topic from making a decision to remain single or to marry and now he discusses the issue of separation and divorce. These verses indicate transition that portrays the organization of Paul in terms of literary works.
Paul indicates marriage gravity because he commands the Corinth couples to strictly avoid separation or divorce. However, Paul adds that if it is a must for couples to separate, they should be reconciled or remain unmarried. This indicates the hatred that God has for divorce and that He is a marriage advocate. The divorce and marriage issue has a connection with the past scriptures in which God allows couples to divorce only on sexual immorality basis (Matthew 19: 3-9).
This command was given by Jesus while referring to marriage when He said, “I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery.” (Matthew 19:9). In response, Jesus’ disciples said, “If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry.”
As such, according to Lord Jesus’ stand on divorce, one can deduce that Paul is an indication of an apostle who was loyal to Jesus and a follower of the scriptures. He also upheld the commands of God strictly. Paul had an uncompromising and principled nature which was evident in the way he does not give reasons for having double standards to his audience.
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In verses 12-16, the apostle addresses different couples. It is apparent that Paul addresses Christian couples in the previous verses but in these verses, he now addresses his brother who is married to wife who does not belief as well as a woman who is married to a husband who does not believe.
To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. But if the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace. How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?
There is a new twist that is introduced in Paul’s literary work when he states that, “I, not the Lord.” Paul employs this style to indicate he is giving the audience his opinion regarding this matter. In simple terms, Jesus did not teach about this topic during his time on earth. However, he inspired Paul and that is why he is writing about it.
The apostle urges the Christians of Corinth who are in marriages with unbelievers to avoid divorcing them. One may assume that divorcing unbelieving partners is a spiritual act since a believer ought not to remain yoked with an unbeliever. Nevertheless, the stand of Paul is that in such a scenario divorce should not be considered as an option (Zodhiates).
According to Paul, the unbelieving spouse can be drawn to Christ by the believer and this will glorify God. This is the main reason why Paul does not encourage divorce in this case. Nevertheless, he does not encourage courtship between believers and unbelievers. He only encourages Christians with unbelievers as their spouses. Additionally, Paul has proven a point that believers sanctify their partners and their children.
As an alternative, Paul comes out clearly in terms of separation for such couples. The believer ought not to start a break-up/separation. Instead, they should maintain their marriage. If an unbelieving spouse chose to separate, the believer ought to let them go since this breaks them from the bondage of that kind of a marriage.
Paul says, “For how do you know…” as a statement that concludes the section by giving hope to the Christians with unbelieving spouses.
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Paul depicts a leadership skill of an outstanding nature in the following verse as indicated below by the way he authoritatively urge Christians to remain where they have been placed by the Lord (verse 17).
Nevertheless, each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches.
Paul in this scenario tells Corinthians that regardless of their position or state (whether separated, married, remarried, etc), it is highly important that they keep walking as Christians in their lives. To a great extent, Paul helps the audience get over their past and also work to please God in their current states.
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In verses 18-20, Paul emphasizes on the essence of staying in the state or position that a person has been placed by God.
Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts. Each one should remain in the situation which he was in when God called him.
The bravery nature of Paul is greatly depicted in this section because he is not apologetic while handling controversial issues that affect Christians’ lives. While writing to the Christians of Corinth, Paul had noted the discrimination that the uncircumcised were facing. Paul refers to uncircumcision and circumcision as ‘nothing’. This is similar to what was written by Solomon in Ecclesiastes where most things are referred to as ‘vanity’. Paul is highly esteemed by this bravely and it can also captivate the audience (Braxton and Brad).
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Between verses 21 and 24 as indicated below, Paul emphasizes on the importance of letting go of past situations as well as living the present in which a person has been placed by God.
Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so. For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman; similarly, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. Brothers, each man, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation God called him to.
The audience is motivated by Paul to avoid being troubled by the past lives even for those who were slaves. In these verses, Paul uses a conversational style in expressing his point. He tells the audience that old has gone and that God intends to use his Christians in their current situations because He has placed them in such situations. The apostle makes literary style personal by using the word ‘brothers’ in reference to the audience. He uses a less stern statement and instead he uplifts the discouraged spirits by encouraging statements.
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In the verses that follow (25-35), Paul talks about different issues that include marriage, singleness and virginity. Instead of using hidden sayings, Paul speaks in an open manner while motivating all people.
Now about virgins: I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy. Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for you to remain as you are. Are you married? Do not seek a divorce. Are you unmarried?
Do not look for a wife. But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this. What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away. I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs— how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.
The apostle says that the best option to consider was an unmarried state because times are distressing. However, Paul is not condemning marriage. He gives straight tips on different aspects that relate to single life and married life. Paul expounds on all areas. He also tells the audience that getting married is not committing a sin. It is clear that Paul takes adequate time to purposely change the audience’s typical perspective. Additionally, the apostle employs a conversational style which makes his instructions easy to comprehend and lively (Gordon and Dorcas).
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In the concluding statements, Paul proceeds to correct possible perspectives that could be held by the Corinthians. In the verses that follow (36-40), the concluding or final statements of Apostle Paul to the Corinthians are shown as indicated in I Corinthians chapter 7.
If anyone thinks he is acting improperly toward the virgin he is engaged to, and if she is getting along in years and he feels he ought to marry, he should do as he wants. He is not sinning. They should get married. But the man who has settled the matter in his own mind, who is under no compulsion but has control over his own will, and who has made up his mind not to marry the virgin—this man also does the right thing. So then, he who marries the virgin does right, but he who does not marry her does even better. A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord. In my judgment, she is happier if she stays as she is—and I think that I too have the Spirit of God.
Clearly, one can deduce that some Christians of Corinth were struggling with unnecessary ideologies that were related to their relationships. By writing to them, Paul significantly changes their perspectives towards relationships. As such, the literary works that he uses include phrases like “feels he ought to marry…made up his mind…”
Paul highlights another vital aspect clearly that relates to the role of a man. It ought to be noted that Paul explains that the decision not to marry a virgin or to marry her should be made by a man himself. Additionally, the apostle writes that a man’s life determines the marriage life of a woman-a woman can only remarry after the death of a husband.
Paul concludes this section by stating his opinion. He indicates this by saying “In my judgment…” As such, Paul implies that there could be different opinions held by the other people regarding the issue of remarriage of a woman after the death of a husband. The finalizing statement of Paul is astounding-“I think I too have the Spirit of God.” The opinions of Paul on marriage and relationships issue could be justified by this statement. This statement employs a comparison style.
Modern Relevance of the Passage
Several issues of the contemporary society are addressed by this passage. This passage touches on everything that relates to sexual purity, divorce and marriage. The words of Paul are reflected in many generations. Actually, most controversies that emerge in the modern church are solved using these scriptures. Social values that include sexual purity, virginity, faithfulness and holiness are promoted by this passage.
Through his writing, Apostle Paul answered many controversial questions regarding marriage (1-9). When married to unbelieving companions, Christians ought not to seek separation from them. According to verses 10-16, when in fixed positions, people should remain in them. In verses 17-24, sitting loose to the world was desirable because of the risky days of that time. Verses 25-35 says that married people should exercise great caution; it ought to be a type that the Lord orchestrates (36-40).
Marriage and relationships’ holiness as an aspect is the lesson that can be picked from this passage by the modern Christians. This lesson should be picked by the youthful Christians in relationships as well as the married couples since sexual purity is emphasized in majority of the verses of the passage. The apostle has tackled pre-marital marriage as well as sex within marriage issues. This comes in handy for Christians at different stages in life.
Works Cited
Braxton, Brad Ronnell. The tyranny of resolution: I Corinthians 7:17-24. Atlanta, Ga.: Society of Biblical Literature, 2000. Print.
Collins, Raymond F., and Daniel J. Harrington. First Corinthians. Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press, 1999. Print.
Deming, Will. Paul on marriage and celibacy: the Hellenistic background of 1 Corinthians 7. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1995. Print.
Ellis, J. Edward. Paul and ancient views of sexual desire Paul’s sexual ethics in 1 Thessalonians 4, 1 Corinthians 7 and Romans 1. London: T & T Clark, 2007. Print.
Gordon, J. Dorcas. Sister or wife? 1 Corinthians 7 and cultural anthropology. Sheffield, England: Sheffield Academic Press, 1997. Print.
Zodhiates, Spiros. May I divorce and remarry?: an exegetical exposition of I Corinthians 7 from the Greek text. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Pub., 1984. Print.
- Published in Bible Review
Sample Essay on Medical Ultrasound History and Echocardiography Application
Medical Ultrasound History and Echocardiography Application
Introduction
There are many names that are used to describe an ultrasound including sonogram, diagnostic sonography or an ultrasonography (Leonard 89). Medical sonography (ultrasonography) is an ultrasound-based imaging technique used in diagnostic medicals that are utilized in visualizing small and delicate body organs such as muscles, tendons and many internal organs to capture their size, structure and any pathological lesions using the real time tomographic images (Chaudhuri 317). A sonogram utilizes high frequency sound waves to form the image of certain parts of the inside of a human body including the stomach, liver, heart, tendons, muscles among other things (Vaezy 379). This technique uses sound waves as opposed to radiation, hence is considered safer because it does not harm the body (Hoskins 8). Ultrasounds can be used to detect any problems within the parts of the body that are examined. The technology in this case is usually less expensive and mobile, particularly when compared with other modalities such as the MRI and the CT (magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography) (Alter 56). Hence it is the most popular diagnostic tool currently in the world of modern medicine.
History of Ultrasound
The history of ultrasound dates back to the 19th and 20th century, especially in Europe. Specifically, the during the First World War, the French government had assigned a physician, Paul Langevin, the duty of inventing a device that was capable of detecting the underwater submarines belonging to its enemy using the high frequency sonar.
Over the decades that followed, many experiments were carried out within the military to assess the potential of scientific and industrial ultrasound technology. Despite all these developments being put forward, it was not until the 1940s that the use of an ultrasound as a diagnostic medical tool emerged. This happened when the neurologist and psychiatrist Karl Dussik from the University of Vienna developed the concept of the ultrasound. During this period, while working with his brother, the scientist used an ultrasound beam to look for brain tumors and also locate cerebral ventricles as well as cavities in the brain that contained cerebro-spinal fluid.
Other pioneers from America and Europe also emerged with time and broadened the scope of the diagnostic medical ultrasound during the following five decades (Mamou 19-24). Besides using it to detect a wide array of medical conditions, they also made great advances in hardware and imaging quality. In the 1950s, Ian Donald, while working in Glasgow, became the first person to use the ultrasound to monitor fetal development (Rantanen 1) During the same period, he also published a seminal diagnostic study in 1958 having worked with a group of researchers to invent a prototype ultrasound machine which was specifically designed and dedicated to the task of medical diagnosis. With time, manufacturers were able to use technology advancement to design smaller and portable ultrasound machines.
A development that resulted in future machines taking sharper, clearer and high quality pictures. Further developments and innovation eventually resulted in the invention of the two, three and four dimensional ultrasounds, in addition to the dropper imaging. This latter invention assisted medical professionals and even patients to better fathom the indications and revelations of ultrasound tests. By the 1970s, medical profession had already embraced sonography as a special and distinct occupation and in 1973, the United States department of education even recognized the field as a profession with its own rights. Since this period, sonography as a field and profession has grown immensely and attained its present status in the medical field.
Uses and Applications of a Medical Sonogram
Medical sonography is utilized in various medical studies which include anesthesiology whereby the ultrasound technology guides anesthetists when injecting needles to administer local anesthetic solutions near the nerve of patients. At the same time, this technology is utilized in echocardiography to detect any dilations on the paths of the heart and also check whether the heart and the valves are functioning properly. It is further used in the emergency medicine and emergency departments to expedite the care of the patients who might be experiencing gallstones or feeling intense pain in the upper abdomen. The ultrasound technology is also commonly used in managing pregnancy by determining important things such as the fetal heart of a baby, expected delivery time and the location of the fetus. In fact, this technology can be used to indicate the sex of a baby during pregnancy (Bruno 325). The sonogram has been used and applied in many medical care areas including Neonatology, Neurology, Otolaryngology and gastroenterology fields.
Working Principle of an Ultrasound
An ultrasound works by transmitting high frequency sound pulses (echoes) into a patient’s body and the sound waves in turn travel through the body into different tissues at an average speed of 1540 m / s, even though this speed is different depending on the type of the tissue. Science shows that the speed of the ultrasounds through fat is 1459m/s while through the bones it is approximated at 4080m/s. As sound passes through the tissues with different acoustic properties, there is a reflection of the proportionate of the sound (Hoskins 8). The boundaries between two different tissues are known as acoustic interfaces and the amount of sound reflected through the acoustic interface is determined by the type or properties of materials on the sides of the interface.
Echocardiography
Echocardiogram commonly abbreviated (ECG) is an ultrasound that is carried out at the heart that utilizes the process of echocardiography. In today’s society, it has been used in many instances in diagnosing, managing and also following up of patients who may be experiencing heart problems. In cardiology, echocardiography is one of the most common diagnostic tests because it can yield a lot of vital information which may include the size and the shape of the heart, pumping capacity of the heart, location and the extent to which a heart tissue may be damaged. In addition this test can also reveal other features such as the estimates of heart functions which may encompass the calculation of the cardiac output as well as the ejection fraction. Echocardiography can help to detect cardiomyopathies such as the hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy among other problems. The echocardiography is also an important diagnostic tool that can be used to test chest pains and other symptoms that are connected to heart ailments. One of the most essential merits of the echocardiography is the fact that it is noninvasive hence it does not involve the breaking of the skin and, as such carries neither risks nor side effects.
Applications of Echocardiography
As explained, the echocardiogram is a noninvasive sonograph analysis of the heart and big vessels which mostly differs from the ordinary ultrasound because of its capacity to provide pertinent information on the human anatomy, haemodynamics, functions, both dynamic systolic and diastolic of the heart as well as regarding the big vessels. It is of high importance to note that echocardiogram can either be performed under a resting condition as a baseline comprehensive assessment or even under controlled stress conditions with the aim of carrying out functional assessment of the significance of the vascular lesion. There are different kinds of echocardiograms that can be utilized in the creation of pictures of the heart and these include the transthoracic echocardiography, which is said to be the most common type of echocardiogram test (St 203).
It entails the sinologist placing a special device on the chest, which then transmits special sound waves through the wall of the chest to the heart whereby the waves are resounded back to a computer and automatically converted into pictures. Stress echocardiography is usually carried out as the part of the stress test where one is instructed to run or take some medicine to make the heart beat faster, after which the technician takes the echo from the heart just before the exercise or taking the medicine and immediately after the exercise of medicine has been taken. This type of echocardiography can be helpful in diagnosing some problems such as the coronary heart disease.
Transesophageal echocardiography is the technique where a transducer attached to the end of a flexible tube is guided down the throat into the esophagus allowing a sonologist to obtain a better detailed picture of the heart. Fetal echocardiography on the other hand is used to test the movement of the heart of an unborn baby and is recommended on 18th to 22nd weeks of pregnancy. Finally, a three dimension echocardiography assists in the creation of 3D images of the heart as it takes the echo and is popularly used to diagnose various heart problems in children as well as in planning and monitoring the heart valve surgery.
Chest pains can result from various issues which may vary from coronary artery disease, aortic dissection, pulmonary embolism and peptic ulcer disease, reflux esophagus among other factors that involve muskeletal pain, neuritis, pleurities, gallstones, psychosomatic and pericarditis. In such cases, many of the clinicians need to rule out the coronary heart disease and the aortic dissections because they are treatable and exhibit most of the presenting symptoms. A thorough echocardiogram is usually carried out to give clues and diagnosis of acute syndrome or any other possible infection that may be found in the patient. If the ECG reveals that there is any abnormality and thinning around the regional wall motions, then it is assumed that the old myocardial infarction is at rest.
Recently, numerous manufacturers have began the production of the harmonic imaging within echocardiography machines. The reason for introduction of such imaging is the fact that reflected sound waves may contain second degree harmonics which are in the form of wavelengths but have a half life or half of the wavelength magnitude, hence the harmonic imaging aids the system by emitting sonography energy at a frequency that is generally of a lower rate. Harmonic imaging also helps to retain the normal frequencies and this does not affect the quality of the image. Nevertheless, care must be taken during its application as continuous usage can cause unusual textures on the image.
Contrast echocardiography is yet another emerging application that is utilized in the demonstration of shunts through the intravenous injection of agitated saline (Walsh 198). The contrast agents are produced commercially and are made up of free and encapsulated gases bubbles. The tiny air bubble enhance the backscatter thus assisting in highlighting the tissue that has the contrast agent. This technique is used in diverse applications including filling of cavity in case blood is visualized in the left ventricle because the borders between the blood and the myocardium are visibly highlighted. Contrast is also used in myocardial perfusion where it is introduced through the intracoronary injection and helps to regulate the changes that are linked with the increased workloads as well as delineating the myocardium that is supplied by each coronary artery.
Contrast is further used in enhancing the flow in the heart whereby it is injected to enhance the number of reflectors and thereby increases the intensity of the resultant spectral trace. It is also essential in the studies regarding the dropper. The three dimensional echocardiography is mostly used together with both the transoephagueal and intravascular ultrasounds and it assists in providing real time imaging of the cardiac structure as well as its functioning. Since it is noninvasive, it is more effective in describing and communicating the abnormalities to specialists and can also help to better identify the location of the structural defects of the heart in connection to each other and other heart structures. Therefore, this technique gives accurate descriptions that can even be utilized when undertaking surgical repair.
Echocardiography is recommended for purposes of initial diagnosis where there is a noticeable change in the clinical status of the patient and as such it is not wise to overuse this test, unless there is a noticeable deteriorating change in the condition of the patient based on the results of the testing. Echocardiogram is essential because it helps the doctor to easily conduct diagnosis, monitoring and analysis of the heart conditions for any abnormal heart rates, heart murmurs, infection in the heart, sources of blood clots and pulmonary hypertension among other problems.
Works Cited
Alter, Katharine E. Ultrasound-guided Chemodenervation Procedures: Text and Atlas. Demos Medical Publishing, 2013.
Bruno, Michael A, and Hani H. Abujudeh. Quality and Safety in Radiology. New York: Oxford University Press, 2012. Print.
Chaudhuri, Zia, and Murugesan Vanathi. Postgraduate Ophthalmology. New Delhi, India: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers, 2012. Print.
Hoskins, P R, Kevin Martin, and Abigail Thrush. Diagnostic Ultrasound: Physics and Equipment. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2010. Print.
Leonard, Peggy C. Quick & Easy Medical Terminology. St. Louis, Mo: Elsevier, 2014. Print.
Mamou, Jonathan, and Michael L. Oelze. Quantitative Ultrasound in Soft Tissues. , 2013. Print.
St, John S. M, and Susan E. Wiegers. Echocardiography in Heart Failure. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier/Saunders, 2012. Internet resource.
Vaezy, Shahram, and Vesna Zderic. Image-guided Therapy Systems. Boston, MA: Artech House, 2009. Internet resource.
Walsh, Catherine A, and Peter Wilde. Practical Echocardiography. London: Greenwich Medical Media, 1999. Print. 198.
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Sample Essay on Commercialization of Organ Transplants
Commercialization of Organ Transplants
Introduction
Medical specialists across the globe have raised a concern over the alarming shortage of human organs for transplant. They have thus suggested commercialization of human cells, tissues, and other organs to be considered as an essentialbiotechnological solution. The views of these scientists have proliferated both legal and ethical debates that deal with the transplant of human organs owing to the strong intuitions and beliefs on bioethics and its implications especially with regard to the commercialization of organ transplant to individuals and the society at large. Such intuitions regarding commercializing organ transplant originate from the moral, cultural, and economic viewpoints (Kurnit et al, 1994, p. 420)
Pro: Commercialization of Organ Transplants
To save the tyranny of patients and medics who are desperately pursuing the commercialization of these human organs, several beneficial units and boundaries have been taken up to make sure that they work within relatively reasonable boundaries.The first successful transplant of human organs of individuals who were not blood relatives was conducted in 1962 and since then, the demand for such magical operations has risen to exceed its supply. Today, it seems that numerous human organs are being traded commercially within the global markets and as research suggests that cloning may become the ultimate alternative for this controversial practice. It is believed that promptly commercializing the human organ transplant process will automatically trigger an accelerated supply of this overburdening demand of these organs by a rapidly increasing number of patients (Gorsline et al, 1995, pp.32).
In the U.S. the legislation and courts have actually legalized the renewal of several body parts including the blood and skin and this has led to commercialization of the body organs. Many donors have thus been lured by the thought of making money to consciously donate their body parts. In some instances, the medics usually seek the consent of deceased individuals to permit the usage of the organs from their dead ones and this has become quite a common thing in donation of blood, sperm, born marrow organs. This activity is actually backed by the code of health and disability rights which clearly spells out that every consumer has a reasonable right to receive returns after disposing of their body substances that are eliminated during a surgical procedure (Radhika, 2000, pp. 360).
The scientists continue to support the commercialization of these body organs so as to enable them maintain medical research services that interest them. They argue that by restraining the commercialization process they will be automatically denied the chance to progress with their scientific research and medical advances. Therefore, to them it is pertinent to ignore other negative implications of the commercialization of the human organs, and for all persons to embrace and accept the practice as a societal norm (Gorsline et al, 1995, pp.32).
Con: Commercialization of Organ Transplants
Thedebate on commercialization of human organs is a concept that has raised controversial issues, some of which are perceptions of human ethical understanding. This has resulted in the rejection of the idea by several focus groups especially because of the numerous negatively perceived answers that are usually elicited by these reports. One of the key arguments is that commercialization is likened to the permission of treating body organs as an imagery of machines, which are replaceable, and posses the necessary spare parts to turn humans into creators. This focus on mechanistic functionality and performance is also in line with the perception of the body as a commodity and deviate from God’s intention of creation (Kurnit et al, 1994, p. 424)
When a person dies, his physical body presence gives its central sense of living hence the laws that enforce the use of the dead body organs are seen to be acting against the wishes of the dead with regard to their body properties. In his research, Sir Edward termed the dead bodies’ burial as nullius in bunis, meaning they do not have any property rights, and this law has been adopted and used many times for decades to mislead the general rule of protecting the bodies of the dead. To date, this rule has been amended many times in order to provide the rights and respect to the dead, hence the use of their organs cannot be allowed to be commercialized by the third parties without theirconsent (Radhika, 2000, pp. 360).
Critical analysis also indicates that legalizing the commercialization of human organ transplant will give rise to some unethical entrepreneurs whose main interest will be to exploit poor people especially in the other parts of the world like the developing countries. This may complicate and strain inter-relations and repress the economic growth of such misused countries. Such unscrupulous entrepreneurs are also perceived to have strong intentions and going to the extent of involving themselves in criminal attacks of killing people to get their organs for the sake of financial gain. This may ultimately lead to extortion of the vulnerable patients and their loved ones who may be in desperate need for the organ transplant (Gorsline et al, 1995, pp.32).
Organ transplants have in some cases failed to conjoin to the recipient hence posing various health threats to both the donor and the recipient. These cases have been witnesses in many transplants of kidney, heart, and liver between unrelated persons. It is thus perceived to have negative effects on both the donor and recipient’s health as well as economic progress. Research also indicates that there is a tendency of enhancing disparity by using the commercialized organs on the basis of the race factor particularly in multiracial countries (Kurnit et al, 1994, p. 426).
In conclusion, the physiological and ethical stance with regard to this motion purely depends on every person’s life beliefs and intuitions. The plurality underlying of its practice in connection to the ethical, cultural, and social norm necessitate an informed approach and liberal comprehension.
References
Gorsline, Monique and Johnson, Rachelle L. (1995). “The United States System of Organ
Donation,The International Solution and the Cadaver Organ Donor Act: “And
theWinneris…” 20Journal ofCorporation Law5, 32.
Kurnit, Melissa N. (1994) “Organ Donation in the United States: Can we learn from
successesabroad?17 Boston College International and Comparative Law
Review. Pp. 405-427.
Radhika Rao (2000) “Property Privacy and the Human Body” 80Boston University Law Review
358-374
- Published in Research Paper Help
Sample Essay on Information Assurance Security Plan
Information Assurance Security Plan
Introduction
Information assurance is a practice that entails the maintenance of information integrity and safety, and management of risks that are linked to application, processing, storage and distribution of various kinds of data. Information has been associated with a variety of threats. All these have impacted adverse consequences for both clients and organization. The information assurance security plan will help in addressing the data safety requirements of Kemper Corporation, an organization that deals with the provision of different insurance covers for people within the United States of America.
Assessment of Risks
Kemper Corporation has a numerous data bases that hold private information of clients and stakeholders of the company. The information should be safeguarded from misuse or unauthorized access by any third party. As a result of advancement in technology, clients have been given the opportunity to access the services of the company online. Kemper Corporation has also been reported to focus its information assurance on specific systems and has not begun using enterprise approach on its information assurance security plan. Enterprise information assurance information system is whereby an organization makes all conclusive assessment of the whole networks of the company. The concentration on a particular system may not provide a decisive security strategy. There are also challenges faced by the organization when it comes to dealing with its own problems.
If the company does not focus on all the systems used in an enterprise approach, it will be faced with numerous challenges. One of them is that information risks are not consistently mitigated, thereby making some business activities too risky for the company. For example, Kemper Corporation may find that the management of data bases that hold the information of clients could be too dangerous and this could end up hindering the ability of the company to conduct assessment and verification of some of the data.
Enhancements in a single system are negatively impacted by errors in other networks. For example, the client information upgrades could be negatively influenced by the data systems of other stakeholders that have problems. This could be used by third parties for accessing the stakeholders’ information. Without the application of the enterprise approach, the poor cultural assumptions regarding security are not addresses. This could hamper the full implementation of the information assurance policies.
Key Information Assurance Considerations
Because of the fact that the company has a variety of information databases that are run through different systems, the information assurance concern should be improving the security through an enterprise level change instead of the traditional approach of the system level accreditation process. This can be linked to the fact that information systems generally have complex interconnections. This is an implication that securing the whole information system of the company through various inter-relations may be an attempt in futility by the organization. The entire company will only be fully secure when there are no weak links. Vulnerable units in various systems may prove to be quite expensive to the organization with regards to risks. The identification of the ideal investment opportunities and implementation of information assurance should be accorded an enterprise view.
Options for Kemper
An enterprise approach to information security for Kemper Corporation can take a variety of avenues. One of them is obtaining board level commitment for an enterprise strategy for data safety. This will be important in making sure that all departments involve their own information systems in addressing the information security system of the company.
There is also another option of using a business change framework. This can help in making sure that all business approaches are improved towards the achievement of new information assurance security. It will be critical in enabling all the departments and levels to adopt the new strategy of the organization regarding data safety. Besides, it will also make sure that the other activities of the company are simultaneously enhanced with the information assurance security.
The Information Technology of the organization should initiate plans for the identification, consultation and influencing the stakeholders. Even though the company has the responsibility of safeguarding the stakeholders’ information, the interested parties also have certain obligations to a particular degree. This will be critical in making sure that all stakeholders are involved in the information assurance security operations and plans for the organization.
Recommendations
The primary objective of the information assurance security plan should be that of securing information that could be used in harming the company. This is an implication that Kemper Corporation should see to it that all the information pertaining to its stakeholders is protected. This will only be attained if the company takes a holistic approach to the information security plan.
The organization should also make sure that all the stakeholders embrace the holistic approach. With this, all interested parties play their roles in ensuring that the projected goals of the information assurance security plan are met. This will be critical in enhancing the mitigation of all risks, and it could be achieved from different stakeholders.
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Sample Essay on Heavy Metals in Water Resources
Heavy Metals in Water Resources
Introduction
Heavy metals are the metallic chemical elements which have high density and high amounts of poisonous or toxic substances at low concentrations (Afzal et al, 2013). Cadmium, arsenic, thallium, lead and cadnum are some of the metals listed among heavy metals and they usually get into the human body via drinking water, food and air. Some of the heavy metal elements are useful in maintaining metabolism in the human body and these include selenium, copper and zinc. However, these metals can become poisonous when in high concentrations. For instance, one can develop poisoning from drinking contaminated water that is passed through lead pipes, a food chain or high ambient concentrations of air. This essay thus seeks to discuss both the natural and artificial sources of heavy metals while highlighting the impacts of heavy metals on health and the environment. In addition, it will address the accidents that are related to the heavy metals and associated with the contamination of water resources.
Natural Sources of Heavy Metals
Heavy metals can occur naturally as a result of the physical and chemical weathering of metamorphic and igneous soils and rocks which also release the metals into the water resources. Heavy metals can also be generated from the plan decomposition and animal atmospheric deposition of the airborne particles that come from wind erosion, volcanic activity, plant exudates, oceanic spray and forest fire smoke. Heavy metals that are found within the geological structures of the earth can penetrate and exist in water resources via natural processes. For example, flowing water or heavy rains tend to percolate/leach heavy metals out of the geological formations (Ardau et al, 2006). Such processes are worsened when the geology is upset by economic activities such as mining because these processes expose the mined area to air and water hence causing adverse effects like acid mine drainage (Wyk, 2012).
Man-Made Sources of Heavy Metals
Heavy metals found in water resources can also be man-made whereby the metals permeate the water supply through consumer or industrial waster or via the acidic rainfall breaking into soils hence releasing the metals into the water bodies such as lakes, rivers, groundwater or streams. Urban storm water runoff always contains metals from roadways and atmospheric fallout while wastewaters also carry poisonous heavy metals into the aquatic system and soil through diverse processes, and in particular, irrigation. Metal-containing solids found in polluted places can also be produced from a wide array of artificial sources that are associated with metal mine stakeouts, lead-based paints, leaded gasoline, fertilizer application, and discarding the densely concentrated metal wastes within unsuitably protected animal manures, landfills, sewerage sludge, coal combustion remainders, and petrochemicals, among many others (Afzalet al, 2013).
Environmental and Health Effects of Heavy Metals
Heavy metals can adversely affect the environment hence destroying the aquatic organisms. According to Rai (2008), such destruction can be attributed to the poisoning caused by metal sediment composition and water chemistry within the water system surface. High metal concentrations in water affects the aquatic organisms in the sense that it transforms their morphological tissues, suppresses their development and growth, while altering their chemistry and leading to poor swimming performance. Aquatic plants are also affected because they cannot successfully control the metal uptake.
Ingesting heavy metals via contaminated water can also pose great health risks to human beings. Lead, for instance, can also act as a substitute to calcium especially among children taking into consideration that they need high levels of calcium to develop their skeletal systems. Even though the levels of lead contained in bones are not harmful, high concentrations can cause neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and hypertention (Afzal et al, 2013).Cadmium on the other hand can interfere with the ability of metallothionein in monitoring copper and zinc amounts within the human body. Mercury canalso pose a great health risk to humans because when it comes into contact with water it tends to be by the microorganisms, taking the form of poisonousmethyl mercury. Acute poisoning symptoms caused by heavy metals are exhibited through vomiting or other symptoms and chronic poisoning can cause neural damage, liver damage or teratogenenisis. Arsenic in particular can cause one to vomit, experience cardiac abnormalities, and diarrhea while chromium has been linked to adverse health effects such as respiratory and dermatological problems (Afzal et al, 2013).
Accidents Linked to Heavy Metals Contamination of Water Resources
Many regions have suffered heavy metal-related accidents and one of the major examples is the 2005 adverse environmental disaster which happened on Songhua River after a chemical plant explosion within Jilin City hence contaminating the river with about 110 tons of heavy metal pollutants (Gleick, 2009). As a result, the contamination flowed downstream and compelled the authorities to carry out temporary suspension of the water supply to an estimated 4 million people living in Harbin. Another example is linked to the November 1986 ‘Sandoz chemical spill’ in SchweizerhalleSwitzerland. The accident led to the release of toxic agrochemicals that contained heavy metal (e.g.mercury) into the air while massive tons of pollutants were simultaneously released into Rhine River, turning it red. The contamination resulted in massive mortality of wildlife downstream that subsequently destroyed a huge proportion of European eel population within the Rhine River (Halfon & Buggermann, 2006).
Conclusion
This essay has given a discussion of the various sources of heavy metals in water resources and demonstrated that such metals can cause grave danger to human health and the environment. It has also given examples of accidents that are related to water resources contamination through heavy metals.
References
Afzal, S., Sardar, K., Hameed, S., Bwarwana, S., Shakoor, M., Ali, S., Fatima, S., & Tauqeer, H. (2013). Heavy Metals Contamination and What are the Impacts on Living Organisms. Greener Journal of Environmental Management and Public Safety, 2(4):172-179.
Ardau C., Concas A., Cristini A., Zuddas P., & Cao, G. (2006). Mobility of Heavy Metals from Tailings to Stream Waters in a Mining Activity Contaminated Site. Chemosphere, 63(3):244-253.
Gleick, P. (2009). China and Water. The World’s Water, 1(1):79-100.
Halfon, E., & Buggermann, R. (2006). Environmental Hazard Ran king o f Chemicals Spilled in the Rhine River in November 1986. Acta Hydrochimica et hydrobiological, 17(1):47-60.
Rai, K. (2008). Heavy Metal Pollution in Aquatic Ecosystems and its Phytoremediation using Wetland Plants: An Eco-Sustainable Approach. International Journal Phytoremediation, 10(2):133-160.
Wyk, C. (2012). Heavy Metal Pollution of Water Resources-Causes and Impacts. Retrieved from http://sustainableproductivity.blogspot.com/2012/07/heavy-metal-pollution-of-water.html
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Sample Essay on Future of Electric Cars in Canada
Electric Cars
The usage of electric cars has been greatly cited as avast and ongoing revolution in motor technology.Virtually every big car manufacturing company has a particular type of electric vehicle being developed in the pipeline. Nissan and General Motors Companies have, in fact, propelled some of their merchandises in the United States already(Peace Child International 47). The electric cars have been hyped as significant and are used in monitoring and reducing greenhouse gas emissions hence are considered as an important pace towards the right course for plummeting over dependence on fossil fuels. Many regimes have made great hoards with the aim of promoting the advent of the electric cars. Canada, however, lags behind as the government is yet to make significant levels of investment.
In various ways the electric cars will not be penetrating the Canadian market any time soon unless the regimes help to maintain the automobile industry and at the same time gear operations toward introducing the infrastructure needed for people to effectively control and operate these automobiles (Turnbull 120).With an ingrained automotive manufacturingindustry that involves anexpertlabor force,Canada’s electric carsbuilt-upsubstructure can switch to manufacturing ofelectric vehicles without a lot of trouble.
Many corporations in Canada have previously had the knowledge and capacity to yield the participation for the electric car industry, and all other nine automotive manufacturing stations in the republic have the capability to alter their productions and focus on electric cars. Before this revolution, Canada had several of the basic desirable elements necessary for a state electric car industry. However, without the public funds being forthcoming to assist and inspire this industry given the promising market for these yields, such an extensive implementation of these automobiles and the emergence of a Canadian manufacture base are less likely to occur (Westbrook & Institution of Electrical Engineers 2).
Nevertheless, before any endorsements for public speculation in the electric car industry can be completed, it is imperative to deliberate as to whether or not electric cars are actual or fallacious answers to the adverse impacts of automobile vehicles. The electric vehicles that are exclusively charged or controlled by batteries have factually no tailpipe hence produce no emissions when in action. As a result, this type of technology in vehicles is very encouraging for the aim of reducing greenhouse gas production from tailpipes.
The degree of embracing and implementing the future electric cars is still unclear, yet previously influenced electric grids are becoming progressively implicit. Considerable decisions are necessary, both parsimoniously and in terms of the ecological outlook, from the inevitable electrification of the infrastructure sector (Peace Child International 47). On the other hand, it will be dangerous and an inconvenience for Canada to fully implement operations with customers to monitor the steps and possibilities of electric vehicle procurement and practice, Current pilot platforms indicate that there are significant influences to the electricity dissemination grid that is linked to popularization of electric cars implementation.
It is necessary to understand the advantages of transforming from old-fashioned combustion engines to modern electric drivers. Canadian practicalities have acknowledged these benefits as treasured to their client base, and are taking their part to make it easier to transition to this, low-release veracity, achieved by a step that best matches the car buyers and users. Canadian authorities are intensely engrossed in this stage and the implementation of a range of purchaser electric car (Westbrook & Institution of Electrical Engineers 2). If not properly implemented, the effects of infusing electric cars into the electricity network rapidly develops problems, destabilizing dependence, power feature, and the effectiveness of the power mechanism. These working difficulties make it necessary to develop sound engineering and the ever existent mistake of electric values. It is important to strike a subtle balance between advancement grid in the expectation of consumer electric cars being implemented and over-capitalizing in the unnecessary substructures. This impasse can be best handled by offering returns to the controlling flexibility to stimulate reaction to the market growths in real time.
Hybrid automobiles have been attaining admiration in the open market because of their fuel proficiency. This fuel proficiency is grown by either electric motor supporting the locomotive or offering all the control at low speediness with the interior combustion,mechanically turned off to imply the existence of full hybrid. On the other hand, mild hybrid cars are less fuel effectual compared to the full hybrid. However, the full hybrid is better fuel effective as the interior ignition engines are no longer ideals when clogged. In as much as full hybrid vehicles are changing into more general, it is actually a walking stone on the track to the electric cars (Turnbull 120).
In conclusion, when one dwells in a state or area where most of the electricity is produced from wind power, hydroelectricity, or atomic energy,he or she can easily afford the vehicle upgrade. This may entail buying an electric driven car when it develops to become commercially accessible, and essential acts that will assist in effectively dealing with the matter of Global Warming challenges.It is true that adopting electric cars has been notably quoted as the resultant huge technological growth in automobiles. The electric cars will not be introduced in Canada unless the administrations helps to preserve the vehicle industry, while it remains open towards establishing the substructure essential for people to successfully control and utilize these electric cars.
Works Cited
Peace Child International. Climate Change and the post-carbon future. London: Evans, 2009. Print.
Turnbull, Andy. We need to talk: about the future of Canada. Toronto: Red Ear Publications, 2005. Print.
Westbrook, Michael H., Institution of Electrical Engineers. The electric car: development and future of battery, hybrid and fuel-cell cars. London: London Institution of Electrical Engineers, 2001. Print.
- Published in Academic Writing
Sample Essay on Ethical Issues in Access to Water
Access to Water
Executive Summary
This study seeks to broaden our understanding with regards to the ethical issues associated with water management issue since it has become one of the controversial topics in the current world. The work also feeds into the factors that affect the environmental ethics in view of the interaction of ethics and economics. The work is based on some reflections with regards to water ethics because of the continuous discussions it continues to elicit in terms of both policies and practices of water resource management. The submission of ethical concepts is directly connected to and hence significant to the water resource management. It assists in the process of decision making, which can be a challenging issue as it involves different scientific domains, and requires that the different sources of water use, including the supply and demand side be considered. The paper closely examines some viable or applicable ethical principles to resolve moral dilemmas that involve the management of water. It was argued that as opposed to assessing the ethical issues of water management again, more efforts should have been directed towards promoting the best ethical practices with some pertinent principles identified being the theories of Human Dignity and the Right to Water. The work then concludes that ethics form both the foundation and normative content of certain decisions as it provides the reason and explanation. It is necessary to acknowledge that even though the access to water is crucial, it sometime comes at a cost, yet the procedures used in determining the water price ought to satisfy and meet the operation and maintenance costs. This principle also calls for an impartial explanation of water status reports and the availing as well as ease of access of such reports to the public. Measures, standards and indicators ought to be established, not only for the purposes of human health, but also for the protecting the global ecosystems, swampland and their habitats and species.
Environmental, Ethical, and Moral Issues & Themes
Introduction
The issue of water management has become one of the highly debated that touches on the world resources today. It is becoming more obvious that the water crisis witnessed by the world today is as a result of climate change, rapid, industrialization as well as urbanization, ongoing population augmentation and mismanagement of water resources. For instance, the Asian Development Bank attributes mismanagement of water resources as one of the most significant explanations for the “unprecedented” water crisis being seen in the Asian developing countries. Asian Development Bank further points out that future water crises will not occur as a result of genuine physical scarcity of water, as has been predicted by many organizations, individuals and institutions at present. Instead, the ongoing disregard of suitable wastewater management practices will be the main contribution.
For example, issues such as increased water prices, augmented water cuts owing to unpaid water bills and putting in place the prepaid water meters make it apparent that the existent reform processes based on economic values are in conflict with existing ethical and moral values as far as water is concerned (Gleick 1999). Moreover, scarcity and competition increase pressures to get water now from any available source, irrespective of the long-term ecological impacts that may even affect the water sources. Water markets and trans-basin transfers have been popularized in policy proposals with the aim of meeting the consumer demand. As a result, water has become conceptually and politically delinked from its places of origin, and in particular watersheds, ecosystems and landscapes, with some attempts to protect the environmental features being thwarted.
These management practices ought to ensure a lasting, consistent, and flexible water supply capacity that can meet diverse water consumption, as well as maintain a stable correlation between the practices associated with usage of water and their related environmental outcomes. However, challenges that affect water resources management exist at each stage of the development, usage and management of water resources (Brechin 1999). Such problems that have been attributed to water management include:
- Physical Problems: Physical problems are still commonly experienced in certain parts of the world, for instance, Asia and the Pacific regions. Such problems may take the form of poorly developed water supply and wastewater handling amenities, as well as imperfect water metering/monitoring systems.
- Water Pricing Problems: Low water prices can come about as a result of good water policy or availability of sufficient water resources. Despite its benefits, it has been named as one of the leading factors that contribute to excessive water use, for example in agriculture. The procedures used in setting up the water price should be able to meet both the operation and maintenance costs (Jerome, James & Ramón 2004). In China, for instance, the pricing of water is generally based on irrigated land area, or solely based on the electricity that has been utilized. The water prices that are applied for industrial and domestic uses do not therefore include the actual cost of water.
- Organizational Problems: Organizational problems have been attributed as the cause of most of the water conflicts. “Integrated Water Resources Management” is yet to be fully implemented in most parts of Asia and the Pacific. The case study, “A Brief Introduction to the Trans-jurisdictional Water Quality Issues in China”, introduces the overlapped and distributed institutional organizations.
- Achieving conformity on ethical issues appears to be an uphill task, yet, it is not unachievable (Jerome, James, and Ramón). The fact that there are numerous issues linked to water ethical issues necessitates the need to view the matter from a universal perspective.
Jerome, James and Ramón (2004), further state that:
Ethical values take different forms in different cultural groups. In western societies, ethical restrictions tend to take the form of behavioral rules, which ultimately are codified in law. In non-western societies, they may take the form of taboos or rites, which develop into customs of behavior with the social sanction of the community. ( 2004)
From the above text it is easy to deduce that there are major dilemmas in applying the moral values on the society scale which are centered in-between the macro sphere of global norms and the microsphere of inter-personal relationships (Jerome, James & Ramón 2004). Even though it is obvious that all three levels are pertinent with regards to water ethics, there has been a problem in distinguishing the ethical interpretation of water and religion viewpoints. For instance, during the International Conference on Water and the Environment that was held in Dublin in January 1992, it was agreed that water has an economic significance in all its competing uses and, thus it should be regarded as an economic good (Al-Jayouroi 2000). However, the Muslim fraternity was against this proposition because this description of water as an economic good differed greatly from the Koran, which describes water as the source of all life and a gift of God. Jerome, James & Ramón 2004 suggests that supposing this problem had been noticed in the beginning of the conference, then it would have necessitated the change of wording of the phrase. After six years, another problem in relation to the prior issue was raised in the conference in which context, Muslims abide by the belief that water needs to be given free to the people instead of being sold for monetary value.
The Context of Environmental Ethics
Despite some pertinent differences in beliefs of different individuals and groups, water ethic ought to be viewed in the context of a general environmental ethic (Mary & Jocelyn 2000). It is essential to use the environmental perspective as a distinct and unique way of dealing with a long-standing controversy in the field of moral development. This means that each individual in the community must be held accountable for water management given the significance of this resource in human life and development. The issue of upstream and downstream interdependence within a watershed, frequently poses the threat for water management hence necessitating the need for an incorporated water management approach.
Roles of Water Ethics
This topic is constantly being discussed in different forums addressing both policies and practices of managing water resource. The submission of ethical concepts is directly connected to water resource management and hence remains relevant to this topic. It helps in the decision making process, which is a difficult subject that involves different scientific domains, and demands the attention of various sources of water use, including the supply and demand sides. In this delicate environment with diverse variables, ethics is mainly charged with the responsibility of providing operational aid and conceptualization of different perspectives, while still focusing on the action, consequences or the motives, which analyze the concepts of rights and duties. Ethics forms both the basis and normative content of particular decisions as it provides reasoning and explanation.
Increased privatization of water and human rights in developing countries can result in massive unrest in most developing countries. Most countries have managed to establish policies that promote private ownership and control of public water supply, which can be seen as a gross violation of human right to accessing water. Basically, public rights and interests in water can be a conjectural basis from which private rights as well as interests in water can be derived. However, as a practical concern, private rights in water are given primacy, subject to a few key public interest restrictions. Given the essential nature of water as a basic element for human life, it is wrong to deny any human being access to water because of their financial capacity either as an individual or group of people. The importance of water makes it essential for human beings to have access to clean water (Gleick 1999). It is fundamentally correct to assert that every person has a right to life in a water source that is at the minimum healthy and functional.
Frameworks for Water Ethics
The World Commission on the Ethics of Science and Technology, UNESCO organized and sponsored working groups that tried to look into the question of water ethics (Jerome, James & Ramón 2004). This led to the publication of 14 essays and 5 case studies which argued that instead of carrying out assessments once again regarding the ethical issues of water management, it would be better to strive to promote the best ethical practices and principles identified which included:
Human dignity: without water life ceases to exist.
Participation: which entails involving all individuals, especially the poor, in water planning and management; with gender and poverty issues being taken into account when nurturing this process.
Solidarity: the upstream and downstream interdependence within a watershed that often poses threats for water management necessitating the need for an incorporated water management approach.
Human equality: all people must be given the basic life necessities equally. Given the importance of water to human life, it is necessary for organizations and individuals to provide water to very person irrespective of their status in the community.
Common good: water is a common good, without which human latent and self-respect can disappear. The description of water as an economic good is in contradiction with the Koran, which describes water as the source of life and a gift of God (Jerome, James & Ramón 2004).
Stewardship: It is necessary to safeguard and carefully use water resources for intergenerational and intra-generational equity and the promotion of the sustainable use of life-enabling ecosystems (Craig 2009).
Transparency and universal access to information: the lack of data that can be accessed in a form that is understood by all, promotes the exploitation of others by some parties that understand this data.
Inclusiveness: water management policies ought to address the interests of every person who resides in a water catchment area. In this case, the interests of the minority, the poor and other disadvantaged in the society must be indemnified.
Empowerment: There is need to facilitate participation in planning and management, and there is need to create opportunities and platforms for discussion. Communities and individuals must be involved in such debates so that they can make pertinent decisions regarding their water (Horowitz 1996).
Theories of `Human Dignity and the Right to Water
Article three on human dignity and human rights stipulates that human dignity, human rights, and freedom must be respected, while article 14 on social responsibility and health advocates that the central purpose for governments should be the promotion of health and social development for their people. These touch on the ethical principle of human dignity, which has continuously arisen in many reports on ethics (Craig 2009). It is also depicted in many reports that address the use of water. The vital test lies in finding the right balance between the interests of individuals, society, and other non-human users of water.
Principle of Equity in Availability and Applicability of Water
This is very important at all levels and should start from the local communities to the universal scale. It is not right for one individual to have access to too much water in excess of what he/she needs, while another absolutely lacks access to water. It is necessary to practice equity for water rights and apply a policy that provides an equal amount of clean healthy water for human use while avoiding any extravagant water usage.
Ecosystem Requirement and a Healthy Environment
The deep and endless affiliation with water is first proven by the biological dependence whereby our body weight is made up of nearly 95 percent water (Gleick 1999). The other is socio-biological affiliation to water, together with other parts of the environment where the common themes brought out in the comments and pictures of nature and life was water, most fundamentally rivers and oceans with ponds having birds, fish and other animals. Most religions also use water for cleansing purpose and all these factors combined confirm the frequency of water as an image of the environment.
Principle of Vicinity
There is no doubt about the irregular distribution of freshwater resources that make it challenging to access dependable freshwater resources. Legal barriers also make it difficult to access these because of legal barriers, for example in cases where an upstream land is privately owned or under the authority of another country. Under the principle of vicinity it is implied that in case the need for water arises, the first alternative will be to utilize the closest water resources. This principle therefore gives first priority and consideration to those people living closer to water when it comes to usage in comparison to those that are far away. Nevertheless, it should be noted that such consideration is not a privilege, but is only dependent on their approval of the situation. Those who are close to the water sources ought to utilize such sources carefully, bearing in mind to avoid any contamination.
Principle of Frugality
This principle directs that people living close to the water sources should avoid wastage and using the water beyond their genuine needs. People ought to only consume the amount that meets their essential living needs, comfort and for sustaining the local ecosystem. This is to enable water not to be misused by other communities in different regions that lack the essential commodity. Water can also be stored for future usage and to this effect, the government needs to set up a policy to adjust the levels between the areas that have a good supply of water and those that face water shortage challenges so as to balance water utilization.
Principle of Transaction
This principle calls for the trade of saved and surplus water that is gotten from the located source as a product in the water market using water banks, water exchanges or transfers. Such trade should, however, bear in mind the private right of users to use and own water resources. In many parts of Asia Pacific countries, water resources are considered public properties with the exception of those used for household purposes. The state therefore grants the permits that are utilized in facilitating water appropriation.
Principle of Multiple and Beneficial Use of Water
The involvement of an all inclusive approach in running water resources, makes it essential for multiple usage. Since humans heavily depend on water, no other water use should be prioritized, even if it is considered equal. While considering this point, it is important to note that the beneficial use of water resources entails the multiple uses over different sectors. For instance, it is advantageous to build a multipurpose hydropower that promotes irrigation and the generation of electricity as opposed to putting water sources to a single use. However, if the multipurpose use of hydropower will affect the extremely important human needs for water, the criteria of selecting beneficial use should be the one which satisfies the higher utilization of water. Nonetheless, this should not be interpreted to imply that minorities should be sacrificed in favor of majorities when addressing the human needs for water.
Principle of Mandatory Application of Quantity and Quality Measures
This emphasizes that both supply and allocation should be viewed as both scientific and ethical responsibilities. Precise, dependable and up to date data on water sources can facilitate monitoring the status of all water bodies and help to establish definite lasting strategic policies that will attain and sustain the preferred status of water situation that promotes healthy environments. Such data can also provide the appropriate responses and intervention mechanisms that can be used to address the negative trends and changes such as pollution or any other problem (Orlando And Peter 2002). This principle also calls for an indiscriminate and clear explanations of water status reports as well as availing and easing access of such reports to the public. Measures, standards and indicators need to be established not only for the purposes of human health, but also for protecting the global ecosystems, swampland as well as their habitats and species.
Principle of Participation
The interests of all groups, and especially those of the poor and the underprivileged, ought to be considered in all policies that govern water management. These can be attained by providing education, open journals of water data, community hearings, virtual forums and deliberations. All individuals should be compelled to participate whenever any issues arise that affect the management of water. For example, many concerns have been raised by the opponents of aqua fluoridation who consider it as a form of an obligatory mass medication and assert that while obtaining approval from all water consumers is desirable, it is not an easy thing to achieve. On the other hand, the suppliers precisely manage the exact concentration of fluoride that a population can receive and this goes to show that if all stakeholders would be involved in policymaking, it would have been easier to make the concerned parties to comprehend the concepts behind fluoridation.
Conclusion
Two conclusions can be drawn from the current situation being witnessed and that has elicited strong debate regarding the controversial resources in the globe today. Despite the fact that today’s world is witnessing water crisis caused by climate change, rapid industrialization as well as urbanization, ongoing population augmentation and mismanagement of water resources, the situation can be managed or controlled (Craig 2009). Management practices should be set in place, so as to foster a lasting, constant, as well as flexible water supply capacity which will be able to meet versatile and diverse water consumption, in addition to maintaining a stable correlation between water usage practices and their related environmental outcomes. It is necessary to practice equity for water rights and apply policies that provide an equal amount of clean healthy water for human usage without any extravagance and wastage.
In addition, even though in this delicate environment with diverse variables, the main objective of ethics is to provide operational assistance and conceptualize the different perspectives, the focus should remain on the actions, consequences or the motives, that analyze the concepts of rights and duties. Ethics forms both the basis and normative content for the decision making process given that it provides reasoning and explanation. It is necessary to acknowledge that despite being crucial, the access to water it may come with a price. Yet, it is important to ensure that the procedures used in setting the water price must satisfactorily meet the operation and maintenance costs. This principle also calls for an impartial explanation of water status reports and availing as well as easing the access of such reports to the public. Measures, standards and indicators must be developed in order to protect human health, and also for the indemnify the global ecosystems, swampland and their habitats and species.
Bibliography
AL-JAYOUROI 2000, ‘Islamic Water Management and the Dublin Statement. In: Water
Management in Islam’, Journal of Water International, vol 26, no. 4, pp. 481–9.
BRECHIN, S,R 1999, ‘Objective problems, subjective values, and global environmentalism:
Evaluating the postmaterialist argument and challenging a new explanation’, Social Science Quarterly, no. 80, pp. 793-809.
CRAIG, A 2009, ‘Water Privatization Trends in the United States: Human Rights,National
Security , and Public Stewardship’, William & Mar y Environmental Law and Policy
Review, vol 33, no. 3, pp. 786-849.
GLEICK, P 1999, ‘The Human Right to Water’, Journal of water policy, pp. 487–503.
HOROWITZ, HS 1996, ‘The effectiveness of community water fluoridation in the United States’,
J Public Health Dent , pp. 253-8.
JEROME, DP, JAMES, D & RAMÓN, L 2004, ‘Water and Ethics’, Series on Water and Ethics,
- 1-33.
MARY, M & JOCELYN, D 2000, ‘The Ethics of Water Fluoridation ‘, Journal of Canadian
Dentalt Association, pp. 592-3.
MCNALLY, M & DOWNIE, J 2000, ‘The ethics of water fluoridation’, Journal of Canadian
Dental Association, vol 66, no. 11, pp. 592-593.
ORLANDO, L & PETER, H,K 2002, Water, Air, Fire, and Earth: A Developmental Study in
Portugal of Environmental Moral Reasoning’, Journal of environment and behavior, vol 34, no. 4, pp. 405-430.
- Published in research paper example
Sample Essay on Eliminating Fraudulent Tickets in the Ticketing Industry
Fraudulent Tickets
The markets for secondary tickets have become popular in the contemporary ticketing industry. These markets involve the resale of the tickets acquired formally. However, the vendor has no official association with the league, the event or the team. The market for derivative tickets has now grown to become a 10 to 15 billion dollar market. This market offers great opportunities and challenges to the modern ticketing industry. The league, the team as well as the event managements can access more people who buy tickets in the markets of the secondary tickets.
Nevertheless, the main problems that are faced by these markets impact on the entire ticketing industry. An example of the problems of these markets is counterfeit vouchers sale. Business levels as well as the operations of events, teams and leagues are affected by these vouchers. Although the markets for secondary tickets bring opportunities, they also face challenges that requite urgent attention from different stakeholders.
The fraud tickets’ problem impacts on the credibility of the markets of the secondary tickets directly. The league management, event organizers and the teams are also affected indirectly since they are required to handle complaints that people who purchase fraudulent tickets raise. As such, the causes of this problem should be addressed by secondary markets in order to gain credibility and trust from the customers. Nevertheless, the markets for secondary tickets ought not to be removed from this business since their activities support the primary markets by enhancing their reach for more people. These markets also offer feedback in terms of performance and value of the primary markets. The markets for secondary tickets also assist event organizers and teams in determining the prices of the tickets by providing market information.
According to this study, the major problem is conflicting interests between the main stakeholders. The markets for secondary tickets offer great opportunities in the modern ticketing industry. Nevertheless, there are flaws in the market that impact on the industry performance and other major stakeholders including the league, event organizers and the teams.
The fans and the teams are the major stakeholders who are the beneficiaries of the services of the secondary markets. However, they also suffer more when there are malpractices in the secondary markets for the tickets. Fans lose money through fraudulent activities while the teams are blamed by the customers. Some fans may think that the team management was responsible for the fraud. This implies that the image of these teams will be affected negatively.
There are different techniques that can be used by the stakeholders in solving this problem. For instance, the distributors of the primary tickets can come up with non-transferable tickets. This way, it will be hard for people to transfer their tickets without appropriate confirmation and authorization. Tickets should include the identification number of the persons who buy them as well as their full names. In addition, unique computer chips will be included that will link the tickets to original buyers. In the event that there is a need to resell the tickets, then there will be reduced chances of reselling fraudulent tickets.
Another technique that the teams can use to solve this problem is developing and maintaining partnership relations
with distributors of secondary tickets. Teams are blamed the most by their fans when there are fraudulent tickets in the market. As such, they should implement such strategies to safeguard their image from the blame by the public. Additionally, such an arrangement will be beneficial to the markets for the secondary tickets as well since their personal relations with the buyers as well as with the teams will be on long term basis.
The final technique that can be used to solve this problem is implementing restrictions on the distributors of secondary tickets. Even league and event organizers have considered such a move. The move entails promoting tickets’ sale via the internet by the markets for primary tickets.
The markets for secondary tickets are important in this industry. Their operations entail handling luxury suits, season tickets and premium seating. These markets promote the teams’ interests by selling more tickets. As such, the markets for secondary tickets should not be eliminated. Partnership relationships between ticket distributors and the teams are the best solutions to this problem. Research indicates that the markets for secondary tickets allow for changing of tickets. This implies that many tickets would be wasted if these markets did not exist. Therefore, the team management ought to come up with policies for detecting and eliminating the distributors of fake tickets. This way, satisfaction will be ensured for all stakeholders and the entire industry will be streamlined.
My recommendation is that the event organizers, the league and the team appreciate the role of the secondary markets. They are prevalent and restricting them is not necessary because they bring more opportunities in the modern industry. As such, their operations should be coordinated and controlled in order to reduce fraud cases. Licensing all distributors of secondary tickets is one way of doing this by ensuring that all purchased tickets can only be resold by authorized distributors.
I would also recommend that the management create avenues via which buyers can resell tickets online. This way, sellers and buyers will have better opportunities since they will be able to choose whether to resell tickets or to engage services of the secondary markets.
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Sample Admission Essay on Cyber Law in Saudi Arabia
Cyber Law
Cyber Law in Saudi Arabia
Cybercrime refers to an illegal act that criminals carry out using computers and the internet via web defacement, hacking, fraud, scams, copyright infringement, as well as service denial attacks. Cyber laws in the Middle East face different types of cybercrimes that include hackers, computer viruses, cyber stalking, phishing, information ware, identity theft and malware among others (Saad 1). Paul Dwyer notes that the main targets of cybercrimes in the Middle East are large financial companies and organizations. This is because criminals achieve great financial gains and prestige, pride and accolades for attacking such organizations. Organizations that lack skills and internal structures for curbing cybercrimes experience great losses. This is usually the case when internal attacks occur combined with the company’s mails phishing (Paul 1).
In the list of the countries that have high vulnerability for cybercrimes, Saudi Arabia tops the list with the United Arab Emirates following it. In Dubai, police officers acknowledge that innovation, revolution as well as advancement in technology combined with population increase and diversity of the educated persons are among the causes of increased cybercrime. More than 700 incidents of computer crash are reported within Saudi Arabia within duration of 9 months. These are usually attributed to the attempts of hackers to get data or valuable information illegally more so credit cards’ details. For instance, in Saudi Arabia some individuals who citizens suspected to be religious cleric’s supporters hacked a newspaper (Paul 5).
On the basis of these statistics, laws and regulations that are aimed at curbing cybercrime were approved by the government of this country. The Bureau of Experts Council of Ministers in the government of Saudi Arabia issued the Anti-Cyber Crime Law. The Royal Decree approved this law later under the Act that the Communication and Information Technology Commission officially published. Cybercrimes are also called electronic crimes and they are global challenges and issues. Over the past years, these crimes have increased in the Middle East. According to Paul, the increase can be attributed to several factors that include increase in the population of this area as well as lack of security awareness and regulations.
Law enforcers do not have the right training on how to fight cyber crimes. People can also access technologies with ease and this has led to sophisticated attacks. The educated population is also diverse. Additionally, there has been an increase in social networks most of which are unsecure. Consequently, terrorists and criminals are using them with eased to find paths that lead to financial organizations making it easy for them to steal financial valuables, data, identities and passwords. Terrorists are consequently using the finances and identities that they steal in committing terrorist attacks. The United States is the main target of terrorists (5).
For successful execution of terrorist attacks, some internet infrastructures are required. They include a line of communication that can be accessed with ease via social networks that are unsecure, a weapon that is usually acquired by internet service denial, recruitment, propaganda that is carried out through the internet, and fundraising, psychological welfare as well as coordinated activities. Modern technology facilitates all these (Paul 6).
Due to technological advancement, there has been an increase in the production of highly sophisticated tablets, iPads and mobile phones within Saudi Arabia. These and other equipment make it easier for terrorists to successfully coordinate and execute terrorist attacks. For instance, Al Qaeda uses modern techniques and technological machines that include steganography to pass hidden messages in form of simple images on the public and open websites to organize attacks. The Saudi Arabian authorities acknowledge that the internet has been used to learn how bombs are built and constructed and how attacks are coordinated. Suicide bombers also called the Jihadists use cyberspace with advanced technology to enhance encryption. On the basis of these facts, the government of Saudi Arabia acknowledges that criminals commit cybercrimes with a desire and the will to hurt the innocent citizens. Professional and experienced terrorists are a serious challenge since they employ advanced technologies in their operations (Paul 8).
The Saudi Arabia cyber laws are under Anti-Cyber Crime Law that published different articles that address specific cyberspace issues. The article 2 of this law aims at combating cybercrimes by identifying criminal activities to make determining the applicable punishments possible. Via this article, the aim of cyber law is to enhance security of information while protecting the rights of legitimate information networks and computer users, public interest, morals, national economies and values in the country (Royal 5).
In article 3, the law asserts that a person found guilty or caught committing any cybercrime should be jailed for a term that does not exceed one year. The individual should also be fined an amount that is not more than 500,000 riyals. Nevertheless, the law allows the authorities to subject cyber criminals to a fine and a jail term. Going by this article, the aim of the cyber law is to offer protection to people from spying, unlawful access of computers for blackmailing and threat purposes, illegal website access via hacking, destruction and/or modifications, invasion of the privacy of another person through camera equipment and mobile phones access and defamation through the use of modern technology devices (KSA 3).
In article 4, the law further asserts that cyber criminals should undergo imprisonment that exceeds 3 years. A fine of less than 2 million riyals and the aforementioned imprisonment can also be applied if the following cybercrimes are committed: stealing bonds and/or property via fraud or by using false identity while appending a signature as well as accessing the bank account of a person or credit data with an aim of stealing data, securities, information, funds and/or services rendered. As such, Saudi Arabia has various cyber laws that aim at curbing cyber crimes within this country while ensuring the safety of the public (KSA 4).
On the basis of the articles of the cyber laws, it is apparent that Saudi Arabia experiences different types of cyber crimes. These include occupying and/or copying website’s URL, website distortion, stealing information of or credit cards in order to access the bank data of another person via false identity or fraud, hacking and using the cyberspace in coordinating domestic or international terrorist attacks (Saad 1). Norton Symantec came up with a report on cybercrime in 2012 that touches on 24 countries that include Saudi Arabia. The report listed different types of cyber crimes including consumer cybercrime, password infringement and security as well as illegal access via technological devices.
This report indicated that over 1.5 million citizens of these countries become victims of different types of cybercrimes on daily basis. They lose more than 100 billion dollars within a year. Modern and traditional cybercrimes are a threat to consumers. Most of them do not know different risks that include the possibility of email password loss to cyberspace criminals (Marco 141).
According to this report, two out of three people access different sites on the internet using mobile phones. The crimes that were committed in 2011 via mobile phones were doubled. Some users were sent text messages by anonymous individuals who requested them to visit embedded links. Others were requested to dial anonymous numbers in order to listen to voice messages (Adam and Marian 4). More than 30 percent of the population has lost mobile phones or they have been stolen. Most people claim that their devices are not secured. Since the implementation of cyber laws, more people now use Wi-Fi connections via mobile phones to access emails and they are concerned about their security as well as that of their personal data. As such, people are keen to use secured Wi-Fi. Most people use secure Wi-Fi connections in accessing social networks, emails, bank accounts and even shopping online. These activities usually involve private and highly sensitive data (Adam and Marian 9).
A Price Water House Coopers (PWC) survey on cybercrime also indicated that more individuals now know about cybercrimes that in the past 10 years. CEOs, HR managers as well as organizational staffs now pay more attention to cyber security. Experts attribute this to the formulation and implementation of the cyber laws and after cyber crimes were defined by different authoritative bodies and agents which also highlighted different ways through which people become vulnerable to cyber crimes (PWC 28).
Systems, strategies and expert groups that focus on fighting crimes that include cybercrimes were established by the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Commission under the guidelines of the General Assembly. As such, the legal measures that have been employed in the fight against cyber crimes and the vital role that they have played in the prevention and handling of the illegal acts of criminals over the cyberspace are acknowledged by the United Nations (UN 20).
The Saudi Arabian agents are responsible for ensuring that the country’s cyber laws are implemented fully so as to combat and to prevent cybercrimes. Among these agents is the United Arabs Emirates Cyber Crime group that is headquartered in Abu Dhabi. This group ensures full implementation of the Federal Law, the UAE Cyber Crime Law under the leadership of Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president. This law relates to the protection of credit cards, bank accounts and internet materials’ information as well as other printed information, data and material that may be used in committing fraud (Marco 141).
Under the Penal Code of UAE, there are tougher penalties for individuals who commit cybercrimes. This is due to the fact that the Penal Code includes eavesdropping of private conversations, information and data that is sent via the internet, intervening messages, high-tech systems and electronic devices in cybercrimes. The terms of punishment for these cybercrimes and terrorists’ information publication as a way of communicating with leaders as well as promoting illegal ideologies and/or making explosives and bombs attract the jail term that the law dictates (Marco 14).
In terms of defining cybercrimes as well as listing different types of cybercrimes and how to combat them, the Computer Emergency Response Team played a very significant role. The Federal Protective Service (FPS), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) and the U.S Customs Service (USCS) which are all found in the US have participated in highlighting challenges and issues that relate to cybercrimes. Different countries including Saudi Arabia have known about cybercrimes and the risks that they pose to the entire country and to the citizens through these agencies.
Although sexual crimes that result from cyberspace issues have not been documented properly, it ought to be noted that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States listed sexual exploitation more so among the young children as an act that should raise concern in relation to cybercrimes. According to the FBI, there are programs and initiatives that use websites in targeting young children and exploiting them sexually later. These programs and initiatives can be by organizations or individuals and their aim is to enhance child pornography on commercial basis. They produce, create, publish and distribute pornographic materials that include children via websites, social network sites and other online platforms. In Saudi Arabia, cyber laws are implemented for purposes of avoiding these cases in a country that is religious and one that does not allow sexual abuse and child exploitation (USDoJ 14).
Conclusion
On the basis of the data that is available in the sources where the information for writing this article was retrieved, the implementation of cyber law is aimed at preventing and combating computer crimes in Saudi Arabia which are happening all over the world. Cyber crimes are illegal activities that criminals commit using internet connectivity and computers. This implies that Asia, the United States, and the United Kingdom as well as other countries are facing the same challenges. In terms of Saudi Arabia, the implemented cyber laws are important because the government realized that terrorist attacks are coordinated using the internet. These attacks have led to loss of many lives, valuables, properties, morals as well as trust among the citizens of the affected countries.
With an increase in the use of information technology, email abuse, service denial attacks, virus attacks, unauthorized access and data theft have also increased. As such, it was highly important for countries with increasing cases of cyber crimes such as Saudi Arabia to formulate cyber laws, gazette and also implement them so that they can combat, prevent and also eliminate cyber crimes.
Works Cited
Adam, Palmer and Marian Merritt. 2012 Norton Cyber-Crime Report, A Report by the Norton Symantec, 2012.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE Investigations: Missions Roles in Multi Agency Areas of Responsibility, U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement Report, 2007.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Anti-Cyber Crime Law, Bureau of Experts Council of Ministers Official Department Saudi Laws, 2007.
Marco, Gercke. Understanding Cybercrime: Phenomena, Challenges and Legal Responses, Telecommunication Development Bureau Report, 2012.
Paul, Dwyer. Cyber Crime in the Middle East, Security GRC & Cyber Crime Report, 2010.
Price Water House Coopers (PWC). Cybercrime: Protecting Against the Growing Threat, Global Economic Crime Survey, 2011.
Royal, Decree. Electronic Transactions Law, A Royal Decree Report No. (M/8), 2007.
Saad, Shwailah. Campaign Crimes and Abuse, Computer Engineering Department Saudi Arabia Report, 2008.
U.S Department of Justice (USDoJ). The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Efforts to Combat Crimes against Children, U.S Department of Justice Audit Report, 2009.
United Nations (UN). Comprehensive Study on Cybercrime, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Report, 2013.
- Published in Admission Essay
Sample Essay on Wilson’s Disease
Wilson’s Disease
Introduction
This disease is also known as hepatolenticular degeneration disease, which can be fatal is not acted upon. According the revelations from medical research, this disease affects an estimated one person in every thirty thousand people. It develops as a result of copper poisoning of the body cells and organs. According to medical experts, the disease should be contained at an early stage instead of waiting until it reaches a lethal quantity. This disease usually affects organs like the liver and brain. In normal conditions, the body accumulates excess copper than it can actually accommodate, thereby causing an attack on these sensitive body organs. The presence of copper in the brain and liver can cause serious medical conditions that require immediate attention, otherwise lives can be lost. Copper belongs to the category of trace elements that are required by the body in small quantities so as to undertake various biological operations. However, a lot of the element should be released through body cells and organs by excretion.
This is the concept that helps in differentiating normal people from those suffering from Wilson’s disease, since they are usually unable to excrete excess copper compounds from their bodies. As mentioned earlier, this health condition is genetic and is caused by the presence of excess accumulation of copper in the body, which eventually attacks vital organs. The presence of this disease is noticed right from the time that a child is born, and the patient develops uniqueness in terms of physical and psychological behaviors (Sang, Hee, Sun Ho & Dae Ghon, 2013, p. 500). Excess copper in the body makes the conditions of the body to worsen, and mostly ends in death if not attended to. The symptoms of this condition are evident in the liver right from the time that one is born, however, it is more pronounced during adolescence. At this stage, excess copper in the body begins to acquire a new state and consequently generates adverse effects on the liver. The condition of the liver is only visible through microscopes and upon testing its physical states are determined based on the condition.
Causes and Inheritance of Wilson’s Disease
The cause of Wilson’s disease is directly linked to the failure of a certain gene that is found in the chromosome. The failure of gene 13 is what results into the severe symptoms that later turn into Wilson’s disease. The gene is commonly known as ATP7B, and primarily meant to control the copper levels in body organs. In the event that the gene fails to function as required, the liver is among the first organs to be adversely affected. As a result of this, there is a low volume of copper excreted, thereby leading to accumulation of bile within the bile glands that are found in the liver. This may end up in death. The excess bile that has high levels of copper piles up in the liver, and the compounds of copper seep outside the liver into the bloodstream and finally the brain. Once the copper elements get into the brain, the condition of the body deteriorates. Based on the poisonous nature of these compounds they usually pose great danger to the body organs.
This disease is inherited depending on the gene composition and alignment. The condition is a case of autosomal recessive disorder. This term is related to gene alignments behind its inheritance. For example, a person develops Wilson’s disease upon inheritance of the two abnormal ATP7B genes in the body. This pair of abnormal genes originates from both parents; father and mother (Tamura, Sugawara, Kishi, Hamamatsu, Kaneko & Makuuchi, 2005, 485). The simplest explanation of the occurrence of this disease can best be shown through a diagram. Based on the diagram of this gene, both parents must be carriers of the Wilson’s disease and the gene combination must be that the pair of abnormal genes constitutes the gene composition of the child.
The inheritance of a single abnormal gene by an individual makes him or her become a carrier. Carriers do not have the disease since one of their genes has the ability of controlling the function of copper within the organs. However, two carriers have higher chances of passing on the disorder to their offspring. These cases are established by chance and only take place in special circumstances. According to statistics on the review of the inheritance of Wilson’s disease, there is one case of the disorder in every 100 people. Looking at the cases whereby two people bearing abnormal genes have a child, certain conditions are impacted.
The first case according to the Wilson’s inheritance probability diagram is that there is one out of four chances that the offspring will have the condition. This is an implication that the child inherits the two abnormal genes from the mother and father. This results into the development of the disorder that can eventually be fatal. The second case involves the inheritance of just one abnormal ATP7B genes from both parents. The probability gene diagram indicates that only two chances out of four are available for this disorder to occur. The inheritance of a single gene from the parents is an implication that the child is a carrier and may not necessarily suffer from Wilson’s disease.
The other case is whereby the child has neither the disorder nor a carrier. This means that the child born will not suffer the defect of his or her parents. This rarely occurs since it amounts to only one of the possible four chances. In this case, the offspring inherits normal genes, hence, is free from the condition. The discussion of the occurrence of the mapping and implications on the child is basically behind all the diseases that are genetically induced.
Symptoms of Wilson’s Disease
The symptoms of this disorder can be experienced as early as six years in some people and also as later in life as forty years old. However, there are certain cases whereby the symptoms show in adolescence. Despite all these, Wilson’s disease is inherent in an individual right from birth. The symptoms vary depending on the target organs that are attacked, and the stages of development. The first category of symptoms is impacted by liver attack. The liver starts to develop problems once excess bile is accumulated in the liver. The toxic elements of copper deposited on the liver makes the organ to begin swelling. This condition is usually called hepatitis or simply liver inflammation. Hepatitis is a mild condition, but can adversely incapacitate parts of the body. For instance, existence of hepatitis may result into adverse conditions like jaundice, vomiting and severe abdominal pain. If this condition persists in the liver, it can cause other consequences like liver cells damage called cirrhosis (Brewer, 2005, p. 187). These problems can further impact fatal situations, and usually result into liver failure.
There is also another problem that is caused by severe case of excessive concentration of bile in the liver. With the restricted control of copper in the form of bile, the elements are absorbed into the bloodstream where they accumulate and end up in the brain. The presence of bile in the brain can generate adverse results that may cause physical imparities. For instance, the victim may experience tremor in the arms, general slowdown in speech, difficulty in swallowing food and in extreme cases lack of saliva. Other symptoms of presence of bile in the brain include unsteady walk, seizures and problems in writing.
These physical problems can torment the patient psychologically and even end up in psychological trauma. Some of the signs of psychological syndromes include depression, mood swings and inability of the individual to concentrate on his or her endeavors. Such symptoms make the person to become argumentative and at times even develop strong emotional reactions and vulnerability to anger. Poor state of self control is among the justifications of Wilson’s disorder in the later stages. At this stage, the high concentration of bile in the brain may cause severe conditions if not addressed on time. For instance, persistent accumulation of copper elements in the brain may become a chronic condition causing severe weakness of the muscles, development of dementia, and undue rigidity in the body organs and even joints.
Besides, copper build up in the liver may also be translated to other organs in the body. For instance, excessive concentration of copper in the eyes can lead to severity in the cornea and characteristic feature usually known as Kayser-Fleischer rings (Svetel, Pekmezovic, Petrovic, Tomic, Kresojevic, Jesic & Kostic, 2009, p. 855). This can be portrayed by the development of a brownish pigment in the cornea. Secondary impacts of the accumulation of excess copper is not limited to just the above symptoms but also extends to other body problems like pancreatitis, kidney damage, anemia, development of heart problems, menstruation defects among others such as miscarriages in women.
Diagnosis of Wilson’s Disease
There are various kinds of ways of diagnosing the Wilson’s disorder to make sure that its presence in the body is determined and the quantity ascertained rightfully. This entails the administration of several tests that are varied based on the level of suspicion, and the extent of prevalence. The first test is conducted through blood tests to measure the element known as caeruplasmin. The element is general a protein factor whose role is binding of copper within the human bloodstream. The ability of the body to excrete excess copper is determined by the level of caeruplasmin. In normal body conditions, it is ideal that the substance levels remain high. People with lower levels of it highly suffer Wilson’s disease.
The blood tests will help in establishing the quantity of caeruplasmin in the body. This will ascertain whether one has the disorder or not. The test forms part of the most effective way of determining the presence of Wilson’s disease in the body. Through the measurement of the protein that binds copper in the bloodstream, a conclusion is made on the level of the disorder (Da Silva-Junior, Carrasco, Mendes, A Lopes & De Bruin, 2008). Besides, extremely low levels of caeruplasmin are linked to the high rate of copper loss and consequently adverse conditions. Apart from the blood tests, there are several other tests that are also performed to establish the levels of copper within the body. For instance, other tests on kidney and liver function can also be conducted.
These organs are the most vulnerable to Wilson’s disease, and tests done on them can provide their corresponding states. Hepatitis test among other infections can also be conducted to determine whether the organs are affected or safe. In consideration of tests on the kidney, a brief examination provides detailed results on its status in relation to this disorder. The infection equally affects kidneys and they can at times even fail to effectively carry out their functions when attacked by Wilson’s disease.
The other test that can also be done to ascertain whether one has the disorder is urine test. Urine test is among the most viable means of establishing the contents of copper elements in the body. For instance, optimal levels of copper in the urine translate into a high level or abnormal presence of Wilson’s disease. According to the results of the test, low copper levels in urine may give the implication of lots of copper help up in the kidney, something that can cause severe kidney damage.
Besides, high level of copper in the urine may also mean over concentration of copper in the body. This test is conducted on all urine produced by a person in one day. This disorder can be determined by the presence of Kayser-Fleischer rings. Based on this test, the eye cornea is examined by an optometrist or eye specialist. Liver related tests can also be done to ascertain the level of copper and extent of infection. One of those tests is known as biopsy, which entails examination of a liver sample under a microscope. The results obtained from the test will indicate the extent of cirrhosis and copper levels in the liver.
The specialist can also request for other significant tests like MRI scan of the brain and kidney. These tests can compound the extent of damage in tow organs as impacted by Wilson’s disease (Merle, Weiss, Eisenbach, Tuma, S Ferenci & Stremmel, 2010, p.108). MRI scans provide detailed information on the state of the brain, in relation to the consequential impact of copper deposits. Confirmation of the disorder in the body should be complemented by other secondary tests on an individual’s brothers and sisters. Medical research shows that the brothers and sisters of the victim have one out of four chances of having the disease. With such information, the medical practitioners can generalize that the victims must have higher prospects of Wilson’s disorder. Based on this probability cycle, at least one or more of the victim’s brothers are carriers.
Treatment of Wilson’s Disease
This disease adversely affects the brain and liver respectively, thereby calling for an earlier treatment for the mitigation of the impacts. The first set of treatment method is oral ingestion of drugs. Penicillamine is among the drugs that can be used in reducing copper levels in the body. The drug can shoot down levels of copper that are linked to the inability of the liver to control and maintain the body Ph. When this drug is taken, it ensures that excess copper is expelled from the body in the form of urine. The administration of penicillamine can significantly reduce the concentration of copper in the bloodstream. For instance, it is lowered in cases whereby copper build up in the body becomes less. The drug is an essential preventive measure, and its use must be continued for a period of up to one year. Apart from penicillin, copper levels in the body can also be reduced through the administration of Trientine. This drug is a chelating agent that helps in removing excessive concentration of copper from the body (Okada, Shiono, Kaneko, Miwa & Yamagishi, 2010, p. 1238).
Wilson’s disease can be treated in several ways that may also involve the introduction of zinc into the body. The presence of zinc in the body is critical since it aids the blocking of the gut from the absorption of copper that may impact an excess quantity in the body. Zinc plays a preventive role by blocking the gut, thereby hindering future buildup of copper in the body organs. Apart from shielding the gut, zinc has another advantage over Penicillamine and Trientine, in that it shows no side effects after use. Zinc has a mild effect on the body and normally has no negative effects on the usual operations of the body. Ideals of zinc are related to the state of early signs of the disease. The early stages of infection can be prevented by taking of zinc. Other case where zinc intake is also appropriate is whereby the victim was initially treated using Penicillamine or Trientine, and the accumulation of copper in the body has already started going down. Zinc is also ideal for pregnant mothers since it helps in the proper development of the fetus.
Wilson’s disorder is quite hazardous to the normal functioning of the body, and treatment for life is considered the most viable way of wiping out the effects. This process occurs in sequences and starts from the clearance of excess copper in the body before embarking on mechanisms for stopping future accumulation. Preventive measures can eliminate the chances of re-buildup of copper in the body, completely controlling the future occurrence. Other cases of this disorder may end up in death, especially when determined at later stages of the infection. Such adverse conditions or organ damage may at times not respond to treatment through medication. Thus, the ideal treatment is organ transplant which happens in circumstances whereby the organs are completely damaged.
For instance, destruction of the liver requires liver transplant, to serve the purpose of the liver in the human body. However, this method is quite expensive such that many cannot afford it. Another simple means of ensuring that the body retains its stability is intake of adequate diet. The right diet helps the victim to stay safe from food related conditions, which can deteriorate the physical body. The recommended diets should not contain copper rich foods that may elevate the copper levels in the body (Martin, Bartels, Redlich, Hauss & Fangmann, 2008, p. 218). Every effort is aimed at reducing the copper levels in the body, which can be achieved through the consumption of foods with low copper contents. Some of the main foods to be avoided include liver, nuts, chocolate, legumes, mushrooms, shellfish and lobsters. It is essential for the individual to eat appropriate diet and also adopt correct eating habits in order to control the disorder.
In conclusion, Wilson’s disease is a severe condition that requires thorough diagnosis and treatment. If one gets ideal treatment, the effects in the body will be kept low. Early treatments are ideal for controlling the condition and preventing its future occurrence. This concept is the baseline of controlling the disorder.
References
Brewer, G. J. (2005). Neurologically Presenting Wilson’s disease: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology and Treatment. CNS Drugs, 19(3), 185-192.
Da Silva-Júnior, F. P., Carrasco, A. B., Mendes, A., Lopes, A. T., Souza, M. E., & De Bruin, V. S. (2008). Swallowing dysfunction in Wilson’s disease: a scintigraphic study. Neurogastroenterology & Motility, 20(4), 285-290. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2982.2007.01036.x
Lai, C. H., & Tseng, H. F. (2010).Population-based epidemiologic study of Wilson’s disease in Taiwan. European Journal of Neurology, 17(6), 830-833. doi:10.1111/j.1468-1331.2009.02946.x
Machado, A., Deguti, M., Caixeta, L., Spitz, M., Lucato, L., & Barbosa, E. (2008).Mania as the first manifestation of Wilson’s disease.Bipolar Disorders, 10(3), 447-450. doi:10.1111/j.1399-5618.2007.00531.x
Martin, A. P., Bartels, M., Redlich, J., Hauss, J., & Fangmann, J. (2008).A single-center experience with liver transplantation for Wilson’s disease.Clinical Transplantation, 22(2), 216-221. doi:10.1111/j.1399-0012.2007.00777.x
Merle, U., Weiss, K., Eisenbach, C., Tuma, S., Ferenci, P., & Stremmel, W. (2010). Truncating mutations in the Wilson disease geneATP7B are associated with very low serumceruloplasmin oxidase activity and an early onsetof Wilson disease. BMC Gastroenterology, 108-13.doi:10.1186/1471-230X-10-8
Okada, T., Shiono, Y., Kaneko, Y., Miwa, K., Hasatani, K., Hayashi, Y., & … Yamagishi, M. (2010).High prevalence of fulminant hepatic failure among patients with mutant alleles for truncation of ATP7B in Wilson’s disease.Scandinavian Journal Of Gastroenterology, 45(10), 1232-1237. doi:10.3109/00365521.2010.492527
Sang Youn, L., In Hee, K., Sun Ho, Y., & Dae Ghon, K. (2013). Brief communication: A Case of Colonic Adenocarcinoma in a Patient with Wilson`s Disease. Gut And Liver, 7(4), 500.
Svetel, M. M., Pekmezović, T. T., Petrović, I. I., Tomić, A. A., Kresojević, N. N., Ješić, R. R., & … Kostić, V. S. (2009). Long-term outcome in Serbian patients with Wilson disease.European Journal Of Neurology, 16(7), 852-857. doi:10.1111/j.1468-1331.2009.02607.x
Tamura, S., Sugawara, Y., Kishi, Y., Hamamatsu, N., Kaneko, J., & Makuuchi, M. (2005).Living-related liver transplantation for Wilson’s disease.Clinical Transplantation, 19(4), 483-486. doi:10.1111/j.1399-0012.2005.00371.x
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Sample Essay on Business Case Analysis of Ritz-Carlton
Ritz-Carlton
Executive Summary
Company History and Growth
Ritz-Carlton Hotel was founded in 1983 in Atlanta Georgia after the sale of Ritz-Carlton Boston and the United States trademark. The company has been able to expand over time to establish its brand in 26 countries so far with more than 81 hotels and resorts. The founder of the organization, Cesar-Ritz took luxury accommodation a notch higher though his distinct management in the hotels’ branches in Paris and London.
Mission Statement
The mission of the company, ‘’we are ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen’’ enhances a close relationship between the workers and customers, and also indicates the perception and appreciation of development in the company.
Ethics Credo
The company’s credo is offering genuine care and comfort to guests, providing better personalized services and facilities, and enlivening the senses and fulfilling the wishes of guests with mind blowing experiences. Husrt established a customer/ employee credo and set standards which employees are required to meet in serving clients. This highlights human resource management practices and organizational cultures like hiring, training and empowerment that have been implemented by the company for organizational success.
Challenges
Some of the challenges that are experienced by the organization in management include strict organizational culture, an expensive recruitment process and an expansive method of enticing guests for ensuring an excellent experience in the resorts and hotels.
Diagnosis
Current Action Plan
The company acquired finances to open new branches from Manufacturers Hanover Trust of New York. Under the leadership of Horst Schulze, the company has emerged as a leader in the hospitality industry in the United States through the institution of a personal and data driven service. The company endeavors to acknowledge the employees’ contributions since they are the greatest resource for enhancing service delivery, nurturing talent towards the benefit of both the individuals and the organization at large, and value diversity, improvement of quality and strengthening of the values of the organization through creation of a proper working environment.
Employee Orientation
The company sets aside sufficient time and resources for the orientation and training of employees since it is believed that proper training enables the workers to obtain service values and the required service standards. To make sure that only qualified individuals are hired and the process is objective, Ritz-Carlton uses the services of Talent+ Recruitment Firm based in Nebraska. The organization conducts ongoing training for the employees in their first year of recruitment (100 hours annually), so that they are able to perfect their skills and master the culture of the organization. Besides, it also holds workshops and training sessions on either monthly or quarterly basis where it discusses aspects like the appreciation of individual disparities, team work and evaluation of co-workers performance.
Training and Development Steps
The Ritz-Carlton employees are taken through intensive and comprehensive training for the achievement of excellent standards. To recognize the quality and commitment towards offering training to its employees, the company clinched the top spot in training top 125 winners in 2007. Besides, the organization has been able to curve a reputation for exemplary performance when it comes to the provision of quality services by calling their staff ladies and gentlemen, and using training methods that help in providing high quality services as expressed in the company’s Gold Standards. For instance, in 2007, the organization invested 10% of its expenditure in creating a sufficient training program.
Ritz-Carlton is a leading name in the hospitality industry because of the choice to create and adhere to its own standards that is portrayed by the fact that it is the only company that has won the Malcohm Baldridge National Quality Award two times and provides the best through its employee training program. According to the Chief Executive Officer, the success of the organization is tied to several fundamentals like location, product building and the people. To make sure that all employees are up to date, the company uses lineup whereby the CEO communicates with the waiters and waitresses on their schedule for the day and employees utilize this opportunity to also discuss their service experiences. This lineup also enhances continuous training and communication since the message from the heads of departments is passed across. Besides, the sharing of experiences motivates the employees to strive towards continuous development.
Empowerment
Giving employees the opportunity to use at least $2,000 to make sure that guests are treated to the best experience instills trust, enhances creativity and also creates a good public image for the company. The values of Ritz-Carlton acknowledge that creating a good working environment requires that employees ate involved in because this will makes them feel part of the organization and influence their commitment as professionals instead of servants. Despite the awards that the organization received for excellence, the CEO still felt that they were far from attaining sufficient customer satisfaction since their services were erratic and workers lacked a clear understanding on what was required of them.
Employees are given the power to spend up to $2,000 in cases where they think that they are able to enhance the experience of customers, handle customer complaints or correcting an error without the permission from their supervisor. This level of trust makes the staff to have confidence, be creative and approach issues and come up with solutions professionally to the advantage of the company. The philosophy of the organization of respecting its employees creates a fully incorporated working environment that accommodates all. The turnover of Ritz-Carlton is about 20%, quite a low rate in the hospitality industry and the move towards evaluating how well the employees feels that the company’s promises are accomplished on day 21 is commendable.
Performance Evaluation
The evaluation of employee performance is conducted by a quality management team every week through reviews of product and service quality offered. The strategic plans are set on a yearly basis to guide the employees on what they are required to achieve over a given period of time and the established monitoring performance is aimed at enabling them to set goals and carry out evaluations at individual levels. Once the management realizes that a particular employee is not delivering, the first step is to establish the source of the problem and through training, they are encouraged to solve the problem themselves. Employees also monitor their own performance and are rewarded at both departmental and hotel level for their accomplishments.
Although the organization does not provide the greatest salary packages in the industry, it is preferred by many people who have the dream of developing their professional standings because of the positive organizational culture. Comprehensive training and delegation of responsibility and trust to employees reduces the employee turnover, thereby leading to growth since hiring and training expenditure are barely at minimum.
Implementation
Challenges of the Current Action Plan
The culture of the organization emphasizes on customer satisfaction and maximization of profits. The question is how much the organization is willing to spend on offering clients exemplary experiences. Besides, upholding the culture of the organization is based on the person at the helm and the processes involved in hiring, much time and resources are unnecessarily spent. Due to the intensive training and strict standards, the organizational culture is static and accommodating change can take quite some time. According to literature, the expense involved in operations and ensuring that guests have mind blowing experiences has been identified to cause strain between the management and owners of the organization.
Recommendation
New Recruitment Strategy
A new plan of action should consider implementing a recruitment strategy that does not take a lot of time and resources. The company offers rewards to employees for better performance like professional growth at individual levels and promotions for employees who are committed and hard working.
Tying pay to performance
Considering a good working environment and name of Ritz-Carlton, it is important that salaries of employees are reviewed so that they are able to coincide with the revenues of the organization.
Target Market for Job Candidates
The target market for the employees working in the hospitality industry is focused on tourism and hotel industry. Therefore, the training program should be flexible so that workers are able to use the knowledge acquired in outside situations.
Training Resources
The company sets aside sufficient resources for hiring, training and employee empowerment. This has ensured success of the company in the industry. With 25% of the organization’s managerial workforce as employees who were hired as casual indicates that the organization provides opportunities for professional growth through promotions. The better working conditions enable the employees to understand their roles and also create a perception that they are not in the company to undertake certain duties.
Conclusion
The challenges experienced in the management of the organization include a stringent organizational culture, an expensive process of recruitment and a costly method enticing guests in an effort to make sure that they have the most memorable experience in the hotels. A review of the strategy of recruitment will make sure that the process is less costly to the company and release resources initially used to other important ventures.
Ritz-Carlton’s process of recruitment is done professionally and only applicants with the highest qualifications in the hospitality sector are absorbed. This is because of the fact that service and quality can only be as good as the staff and for the company to attain the Gold Standards, it is important that it hires the right kind of employees and equip them with the necessary input. Recruitment is conducted through benchmarking, an overtime observation of the ability of an employee to learn and deliver. Besides, the good working environment enables employees to understand their responsibility and instills a perception that they are not in the company to play certain roles.
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Sample Case Study on Procter and Gamble in Eastern Europe
Procter and Gamble
Historical Background of Procter and Gamble
Procter and Gamble (P&G) was founded in 1837 in Cincinnati, Ohio as a partnership between a British candle maker and Irish soap maker William Procter and James Gamble (Conklin 2006, p. 189). The partnership led to birth of the company proctor and gamble that gained fame quickly and reputation because of their honesty which made it possible for them to earn respect and trust from suppliers and customers alike. The company delivered its products at prices that were competitive and the quality of products was always superior. Upon the merger, the company’s sales reached $ 1 million by 1859 and by that time, the company already had an excess of eighty employees. During the 1880s, the company started to market new products which included an in-expensive sop that could float in water.
The company, in 1887 allowed employees to undertake employee stock option plan (ESOP) where they were permitted to buy shares from the company. The company continued introduction of new products and product improvement as well as engaged in diversification of related products (189). The company, by 1980 was a leading marketer and a leader in advertising as well as basic development and research. By that time, it had marketed move than 300 brands within thirty nine categories which included personal care, laundry, cleaning food and beverages, chemical and pulp products. In the 1980’s the company was able to achieve 95% market penetration. The acquisitions the company made helped in fostering the company (192) and it continued to grow such that by 1990, performance of the company in terms of sales reached a high sales record.
Issues/Environment
Success of P&G can be attributed to the company’s willingness to operate the business in a manner that was consistent with integrity values, doing what is right in the best manner possible and respecting individual working with the company (192). The environment the company worked on was one of religious backing as such, they were able to inculcate honesty in all dealings. The management policies set aided in best performance among employees. The company also held the belief the company was inseparable from employees as such, it placed great value on workers. The principle of placing high value on workers dictated the HRM policies which included promotion and recruitment of staff from within the organization on the basis of merit, development of individuals through coaching and training, rewarding and encouraging individuals, leadership and innovations and teamwork across the numerous divisions, disciplines and geographies (194-7). The company as well employed in excess of 89,000 people throughout the globe by 1990.
The environment within which the organization operated was comprised of strong internal competition and teamwork which was characterized by a management process that was well structured. The company famed the brand management system by ensuring each brand had drive and focus. In this regard, the management allocated people to foresee the performance of drive in the market place. Each brand was assigned to a specific brand manager and a couple of assistants mandated with the responsibility for loss and profit for the complete product line, for instance, detergents (197). Changes in business environments contributed t revelation of the effects of internal competition leading to conflicts, lack of focus and inefficiencies (197). When authority was pushed down to managers of categories, decision making was also enhanced and the company was better able to get closer to its customers (198).
Competitors/Competition, Risk
In the 70s and 80s, competition and globalization in the industry led to many issues because P&G was not in the position to respond to the new environment fast. This contributed to erosion of earnings, brand leadership and margins. The new entrants into the industry included warehouse retailers such as Wall-Mart and large supermarkets. The new entrants as well brought about new sale of point technology, shifting balance of power within the industry from the manufacturers to consumers (199). The retailers benefited as a result of this and they were able to exploit rivalries ad dictate terms of trade.
As the level of competition intensified, competitors reacted quickly to change and they benefited more from restructured operations. P&G faced a lot of competition in all brand categories mostly from competitors that were foreign based such as France’s L’Oreal, Japans Kao, Germany’s Henkel and Unilever Johnson and Johnson, and Gillette (199). Others included American’s Colgate Palmolive and Kimberly Clark who stole the market share for diapers and dental products. The competitive was extremely stiff such that one analyst indicated there were over 1000 new products introduced in the market each month (199-200). The competition was high and especially with the brands established to the point that by 1989, unit sales had risen by 17% and other products competing in the same category doubled. Changing demographics affected competition. An increase in working women and proliferation of media outlets made it hard for the company to be in the position of reaching a large number of segments. As a result of this, the financial state of P&G was drastically reduced.
Market Strategy and Model
Due to the deteriorating results, the company was forced into implementing internal changes in marketing, sales, manufacturing and distribution (199). The structure of management and creation of new category managers begun turning the business around. The company was able to be more customer focused as a result of this since it was in a position to work with its big pool of customers. In order to make this possible, the company employed globalization strategy and research as well as development in marketing, distribution and production of its products. International strategy, worked well till 1970 when the low prices and increased competition weakened it. By 1990 however, the company increased its international marketing and this was attained as a result of foreign expansions, acquisitions and mergers (201). The company as well as able to use global strategy by expanding into Asia, Latin America and Europe among other places (201-203). After the war P&G management carried out research and development, talked to European managers and were able to understand the economic, social and political state throughout Europe making it possible for them to start business once more in these regions by using different models such as taking the entire pulp and detergent industry in the Soviet Union nations.
Recommendation
The merger between gamble and proctor aided in nurturing a global company. The company won the market as a result of its capability to invest in employees and cultivate a culture of honesty in its dealings. Work allocation and hiring within the company made certain that the company retained competent employees and this made it possible for it to introduce more than a hundred new product brands. Technological innovation also led to company collapse. The management should have looked into the issue immediately as it would have made it possible to know introduction of technology age into the market. Development and research was not properly carried out since the company did not have the slightest idea of how to respond to the conditions in the market faster. While the company valued internal hiring, external experts might have been integrated into the company to introduce new ideas such as technology, new products and ideas. Regardless of this fact, the company still managed to perform well by restricting and this helped it to reclaim its lost glory through initiating different kinds of models to be taken to Eastern Europe.
Reference List
Conklin, D. W. 2006. Cases in the environment of business: international perspectives. Thousand Oaks, Sage Publications.
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Sample Essay on Patent
Patent
Introduction
A patent is defined as an award or grant made by government upon which it discusses the maker of an invention given them the exclusive right to sell, exploit and make that particular invention for a certain duration (Pipers Intellectual Property, n.d). It is a set of specific rights which are given to inventors for a restricted duration and they in turn have to make the invention public. Simply put, a patent refers to personal property or assets and can take the form of the property belong to the inventor which can be quite costly to individuals who have them. There are different kinds of patents which are accessible to inventors, for instance, patent to file processes referred to as Utility patent. There are also a couple of reasons inventors might patent a process though this is not restricted to the privilege of selling an idea to customers who are interested.
A patent is also known as a set of restricted rights which are given to individuals who are inventors or owners of material or product. These rights are given by independent state. The attorney offering clients the processes needed to have patents is referred to as patent attorney. Patent attorneys are supposed to have all the needed merits so they can be entitled to offer patent rights to individuals. The processes of patent provision however vary widely between nations depending on their laws and other global settlements.
The individual that performs the task of pursuing patent registration for an inventor or holder before the Patent Office power is referred to as a patent agent. Essentially, no opportunity is given out for patent agents under the Patent Law though these might differ from one state to another. This post, however can also be referred to that of patent attorney in various states according to their laws. Any individual applying for the post of a patent agent must first pass a qualifying exam each year which is provided by Patent Office as it is required by law (Lemley 1501).
Granting exclusive or specific rights to an inventor is anticipated to encourage investment of resources and time for purposes of developing new and helpful discoveries. Restricted domination which is issued by a patent is encouraged and lawful under the United States Jurisdictions as well. As such, patents can be and are very important. A large number of individuals have made large sums of money from patents while others have not.
The Requirements for Patentability
There are 5 primary patentability requirements and these are:
- Patentable subject matter-This addresses the type of inventions that should be reviewed for protection. A god example of the subjects that can be patented and those that cannot is products of nature and fabricated inventions. The law of opposition to stuff that is patent printed still holds force though the printed stuff can as well be patentable if its affiliation with physical invention is useful and new.
- Utility-This means the invention has to be a useful one. Reliability utility obliges that logic and fact should support affirmation of utility or that someone with ordinary talent in art would make the admission the invention has the capability of accomplishing its stated use. The utility is supposed to be specific to an area that is under discussion and common utility that might possibly be applicable to a range of inventions. Considerable utility on the other hand necessitates the invention should be comprised of a genuine definite world use, a claimed utility that is comprised of carrying out further research in order to substantiate or classify use in perspective of the real world.
- Novelty-This requires that the invention should be original. This means it should not have been used by others prior to its invention by the claimant of the patent. In order to enjoy this obligation, the new invention must be new in difference to the art that lies ahead.
- Non-obviousness-The test used for this requirement is establishing whether the matter needs to be patented and the preceding art are such that the matter of the subject as one would be clear to have ordinary talent in art during the period of invention.
- Enablement-This is an obligation that is directly connected to the revelation or requirement which can be incorporated as a component for each of the patent application. Enablement is viewed as having 3 distinguishing revelation which include; enablement necessity, written description necessity and best mode necessity. Each application of patent needs to include specification that tells the invention mechanisms, as well as one or more claims at the stages of closing of specification that states the exact legal meaning of invention. In order to meet this requirement, the specification or design need to illustrate invention with adequate distinctiveness that someone has ordinary talent in art has the capability of using and making the claimed invention which is devoid of any “unnecessary experimentation”.
Process of Obtaining a Patent
Prior to following the procedure to obtain a patent, an inventor is supposed to ensure all the products meet the 3 lawful requirements which include non-obviousness, utility and novelty. Innovations make it possible for the process to be distinct in the market. The law as well entails invention ought to be different before the products or technology gets into the market. The last legal requirement that must be met is utility. This entails the process should provide significant intention.
Pre-Application
There is the suggestion that inventors should take the following processes before they start the process of seeking a patent: Maintain an invention record, comprised of specification, diagram as well as other adjustments that are made along the way. Other investors might also come up with typical examples. As necessity, the invention should attain the merit for patent application. This includes that it should be outstanding, able to measure up to other products and the application of patent should occur within the scope of a year from when the product is publicized. Inventors are supposed to assess the market to establish invention capability before they use time and money to go through the procedure of application. Inventors are also supposed to carry out complete investigation of patent. One can start this process of getting a patent through visiting the Web.
Specifications
The primary process of getting a patent starts with making the specifications. This provides a description of invention which is specified to allow an individual with knowledge in the area to make a duplication of the invention without going through experimentation. Specifications are also supposed to show the best techniques for creating then putting the invention to use. Regularly, these credentials are comprised of several components such as the title of the invention, background, summary and brief introduction.
Claims
These are complete declarations that brief what the invention is about. Majority of people take this process as one of the most significant steps to getting a patent. The inventor is supposed to provide boundaries within their creation. This helps to draw awareness on other inventors in case they should cross the line and breach the legal rights of the inventor. The language claims, including words and phrases and manner in which they are put together is of great importance.
Drawings
Normally, drawings are a requirement for demonstrating the manner in which individual invention operates. They are supposed to plainly demonstrate characteristics documented in the claims made regarding the invention. There are precise provisions for drawings that the inventor must follow. If invention is illustrated and translated through use of a drawing, then the drawing becomes necessary to be part of the patent application.
Filing the Application
The last stage that is part of the process in obtaining a patent is filing the actual application. This can be filed through use of electronic system and mail. The inventor is supposed to create copies of each page given out in the application. The inventor can also receive evidence of receipt; fasten a self-addressed official postcard to the first age of patent application. The card is supposed to contain comprehensive information regarding the inventor; the information might be in the form of; name, date when the filing was done and completed as well the title given to the invention. The card is also supposed to have all documents integrated with application and number of pages for all documents.
A patent makes it possible for the holder to enjoy exclusive privilege. It can be imposed against or sold licensed such that an infringer pays damages or acquires an injunction. It can be worth a large amount of money too as well. A good example of large grants in patent infringement lawsuits is C.R Bird v. W.L. Gore case where the jury awarded to Bard an amount that totaled to $ 371 million (Pritzker n.p).
On February 10th 2012, in a 2-1 judgment, the Federal Circuit of Appeals drew the “ultimate curtain” over a decade’s long patent battle between CR. Bard Inc. and W.LL. Gore & Associates. The landslide win for Bard came after a row that lasted for 38 years and which had been presented before the Federal Circuit three times. In the final ruling, the Federal Circuit make the ruling that Peter Cooper, the Gore plant manager, who apparently worked with David Goldfarb, a researcher, to test prospective use of Gore-Tex as a prosthetic blood vessel was not co-inventor of the medical patent that was in contention. The Federal Circuit, in addition further ruled that the lower court judge made the appropriate action within her jurisdiction in doubling compensation award taking into account the discovery by the jury regarding the willing fullness and continued violation of the patent by Gore regardless of losing repeatedly in court (Quizon, 2012).
Steven Cherny, a couple of weeks before his selection as C.R.Bard, Inc.’s new trial attorney in the violation case against W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. had a brief panic attack. The response was a logical one. Ideally, if the Fish & Neave associate, had actually figured out what he was becoming part of while joining the Bard case in 2004, he would have being frightened. He would have being aware of the long history the case had. For three decades, Gore had been fighting for the ownership of fabricated blood vessel, referred to as vascular graft, which changed the face of vascular surgery. Barely after a twelve year contentious court proceeding aimed at establishing the actual inventor of the device and two trips to United States Federal Circuit, Gore’s ownership claim was rejected by the Patent and Trademark Office eventually in 2002. Gore, however, would not give in to defeat.
The corporation, which was making tens of millions of dollars every year from sale of the grafts declined to make payments to Bard for licensing fee, claimed without concession to the squabbles irony regarding the patent it had fought for thirty years to attain as actually invalid. Lastly, in order to have power over the patent rights and the privileges, Bard was able to file a suit for infringement against Gore. Cherny was not deterred by the extent of time as he had already worked on other long running suits. He was not worried about the technological complication of the case (Frankel, 2009).
In 1983, 9 years after the clashing patent submissions of the vascular graft were filed, the Patent Office affirmed “interference”. The assessor of the patent, in other terms ascertained that the graft was a patentable innovation and both Goldfarb and Cooper had filed for the legit applications.
The intrusion, which was to be done by the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences office, would have to determine whether Cooper or Goldfarb were the actual inventors. It took another 12 additional years for a decision to be reached-making it the largest interference in the history of Interference proceeding. This led to a 15,000 page as well as one extremely sad encounter. The lawyer hired by Bard for the Interference, Lawrence Green, and ousted Peter Cooper as Gore’s purported inventor. Cooper had managed to cash out of Gore shortly after his name was attached to the patent application of the vascular graft.
Where there was substantial evidence available to support a verdict that an individual had infringed the vascular patent the Court of Appeals, the Court of Appeals in Washington made a ruling that included royalties, fees and interest like for instance, when Gore owed $ 783 million as of June, Bard, in a regulatory filing dated the previous year.
A case involving dispute over a tube that aids in maintaining the shape of blood veins through use of same substance as that of DuPont Co.’s Teflon, in 2003 was similar to the patent held by Gore. The ruling attracted a penalty of close to $ 1 billion for Bard, adding $ 1 a share yearly pay as stated by Raj Denhoy, an analyst with the New York based Jefferies & Co. in a note to clients. Though the proceedings are not anywhere close to finished. Bard is close to the end line.
At the close of New York trading, Bard roe to a higher percentage which was the highest since 30th November. Later, the Federal jury in 2007 found Gore has infringed a Bard patent and awarded $185.6 million in damages. The U.S District Judge, later doubled this amount on the basis of the jury discovering the infringement was done on purpose.
The judge, told Gore to start paying royalties of 12% to 20%, based on the type of Gore grafts. The 3-bench judge appeals committee made the argument that Murguia acted within her powers in order to decline the request made by Bard to stop sales of Gore.
Murguia passed the judgment Gore should have the capability of retaining sales on the market since it was public opinion to allow competition in the medical products field. While initially Bard laid complains in 2003, the court of appeal said the dispute dated back to 1974, which meant that the matter was not recent. Initially, the patent requested in 1974 and issued in 2003 indicated there was a dispute as to who was the first to make the invention.
The Federal Circuit, which initially passed judgment that a researcher with Gore was not the primary inventor. Another patent issue is that of Falana v. Kent State University. In the dispute, the Federal Circuit made the declaration that the court’s ruling that Falana was the primary inventor of the patent argued a genus of chemical substance. The Circuit as well concluded it lacked jurisdiction of arriving at a prize of attorney fees because the district court was yet to state the amount of that prize as such, not finalizing it. Alana took legal action against the University and mentioned the inventors on face of the U.S 789 patent, searching for correction of inventor ship.
Falana also said he had inappropriately not being included among the inventors of the ‘789 patent which was associated with chiral additives for liquid crystal displays. While working at Kent Research organization, Falana thought of finding upgraded chiral additives with the aim of including temperature independence. He also came up with the technique for synthesizing novel class of naphthyl a version of Compound 7. The compound failed to attain required target for temperature independence but it was seen as a great improvement. Later, in 2000 after Falana left, the stated inventor used the technique applied by Falana to synthetize Compound 9 which was able to attain the target for temperature independence.
At the judgment, the court realized Falana was part of the inventors. The defendants said the argument needed high temperature independence but the district court refused as they did not find any help in such a position in the light of the arguments. The Federal circuit made the declaration that it approved the claim of language enclosed a genus of chemical compounds that were not restricted by temperature independence. The court also approved inventor ship final decision giving overall direction on conception of chemical genus. Falana’s lack of specific involvement with compound 9 failed to put him off from the list of investors of broader genus which was covered by the claims.
The district court stated the case was outstanding and offered Falana his attorney’s award but never valued them preceding the appeal. The Federal Circuit finalized it insufficient jurisdiction to come up with a fee award since it was not final. The Federal Circuit, in the ruling failed to practice pendant appellate jurisdiction. The court as well gave the ruling under jurisdiction which allowed interlocutory appeals of fee awards that were not valued in infringement cases which were not applicable to the inventor ship dispute.
The Federal Circuit in the end concluded the trial court prohibited some of the documents which were revealed allegedly by Falana were not novel and was a harmless mistake where the stated originator was permitted to provide details to the allegations.
Work Cited
Dyanna, Quizon, “Federal Circuit Affirms Huge Award for Bard in Decades-Long Suit” February 15, 2012. Web. November 7. 2013. <http://blogs.findlaw.com/federal_circuit/2012/02/federal-circuit-affirms-huge-award-for-bard-in-decades-long-suit.html>
Lemley, Mark, “Rational Ignorance at the Patent Office. Northwestern University Law Review, Volume 95, Issue. 4, 2001.
Randy, Pritzker, “ Building and Monetizing a Patent Portfolio,” Wolf Greenfield. Executive Counsel-December 2010.
Pipers Intellectual Property, (n.d). Patents – Protecting New Innovations and Inventions. Retrieved on 9 November 2013 from http://www.piperpat.com/page/new-innovation-patents
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