Euthanasia Debate Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Euthanasia Debate - Essay Example Introduction The role of nursing (though previously restricted to caring for in patients and currently diversified to include coordination of care and critical thinking towards health care solutions in the society) is to ensure well being of members of the society. Therefore, nurses are the principle caregivers, communicators, advisers, and can change agents in health care provision with focus on patients’ interests. Euthanasia and physician assisted deaths have emerged as contemporary controversial issues that support and contradict the role of nursing. Euthanasia defines a physician’s direct involvement in terminating patient’s life and involves actions like injecting lethal drugs to facilitate death, while physician assisted suicide involves an indirect role, such as consultancy or provision of a lethal substance for a patient’s use towards a faster death. The irony of a nurse’s involvement in euthanasia and physically assisted suicide (contrary to the traditionally perceived role of facilitating well being and relieving patients of pain together with moral and legal concerns over people’s lives) has raised the debate on whether euthanasia and physically assisted suicide should be legalized. This paper explores existing literature to develop the position that euthanasia and physically assisted suicide could and should be legalized. ... The patients, their relatives and close associates, and even their care givers may face the dilemma of relieving the pain or letting the patient suffer the pain awaiting natural death and the right to make such decisions are reflective of ethical and legal considerations. Martin, Mauron, and Hurst argue that core to the debate on euthanasia and physician assisted suicide is consideration of the wider scope of medical ethics, even beyond issues of patients’ deaths (2011). The authors argue that caregivers have many roles that supersede healing and that some forms of assisted deaths may be necessary and justified. A consideration of some medical practices that have been legalized despite their moral contentions and non-healing objectives is the first basis for exploring the euthanasia and physician assisted suicide debate. Application of contraceptive pills that control unwanted pregnancies is a non-healing act but is considered legal and ethical and similarity in application of contraceptives and those of euthanasia and physician assisted suicide means that they should be accorded a similar treatment regarding the healing argument. The core objective of contraceptive application is to respect people’s right to determine their appropriate time for having children and implies the need for respect of people’s autonomy in other matters. Termination of life through physicians’ assistance falls within such categories of personal decisions, especially if the patient makes the primary reason (Martin, Mauron, and Hurst, 2011). Legal and moral considerations over â€Å"preventive medical measures and palliative care† are other reasons that support legalization of euthanasia and physician assisted

Evolution of white women in society Essay Example for Free

Evolution of white women in society Essay During the colonial chronology of the United States, many a historian pictured women as better situated than their more recent contemporaries (Mary Beth Norton, 1984). The value of women in the colonies was premised on the survival mode of the colonists during that time (Norton, 1984). To survive, both male and female were expected to pull their own weight in the community for the common good of the community (Norton, 1984). Due to this situation, the common lines of separation on the roles of women from the men were blurred greatly (Norton, 1984). As such, women in the colonies could engage in the activities that were also done by the men folk in the community (Norton, 1984). But what gave women a distinct advantage was that they could produce offspring, a very large contribution to the survival of the colonies (Norton, 1984). Also, the Common Law as it was applied in England was not fully complied with in the colonies (Norton, 1984). Hence, women were able to contribute more fully in the life of the colonies (Norton, 1984). Today’s society bears little distinction in the role of women in the colonies. At present, women are doing many of the duties and employment that men have usually been pictured. Women can do what the men are doing to be able to cope with the increasing costs of living in the present economy of many countries. Most are successful in many of traditional endeavors of man. Sadly, there are opponents from both sides, one saying that women must be confined to their traditional station, while another seeks greater power for the women. What lies in the crux of the issue is the issue of equality for both sexes. We must treat women as vital instruments to the growth of a society, not only as objects to look and admire at. That aim can be achieved in terms of affording greater avenues for women to make that contribution, not locking them away from them. In this day and age, all hands count in the survival of a community. Reference Norton, M. B. (1984). The evolution of white women’s experience in early America. The American Historical Review, Volume 89, pp. 539-619

Essay --

Risks Summary This case is about the aggressive price behavior of the TA Orange that has recently been in the joint venture with other Thai companies. Risks The risks that TA Orange faces while entering in to the Thai market are as follows: Lower profit margin risks Shareholders’ risk Increased competition in the market risk and market saturation risk As the joint venture between TelecomAsia-Orange and Thai companies CP Group and TelecomAsia and France's Orange SA adapted the strategy of aggressive price-cutting strategy aimed at picking up a million subscribers in 2002. This strategy has increased the risk of price wars between the service providers and as experts like J. P. Morgan points out, this would let them lower their profit margins, and eventually this price war would end up eroding all the profits that was initially intended. As indicated â€Å"all of this threatens to erode margins across the board, analysts warn, with the prospect of declining handset sales cast ing particularly long shadows over the profit profile at AIS. Last year, AIS derived nearly 35% of its net profit f...

The Media and Today’s Youth

The Media and Today’s Youth Today, there is no escape from the flamboyant displays of sex and violence on television, in the movies, and in commercial advertising. When watching the morning news, the television floods with reports of sexual assault and murder. When waiting in line at the grocery store, it is impossible to ignore the headlines accusing wives of cheating and husbands of abuse. When driving on the highway, it is difficult to concentrate on the road with audacious billboards with half-naked women around every corner.Similarly, it seems that today’s children are becoming increasingly dependent of modern technology including cell phones, video games, and internet, making the sex and violence seen in the media more accessible than ever. So if a young girl is experimenting with sex before she has even reached puberty, or if a young boy brings a gun to elementary school, this behavior cannot be blamed on characteristics inherited at birth. Rather, it is the unav oidable truth that young people are corrupted by the constant exposure to the provocative media.Children were certainly not born with the aforementioned negative behaviors, therefore it must be a direct effect of the environment. So does this mean that people are born moral and molded into violent, promiscuous creatures? According to the ancient Chinese philosopher Mencius, humans are â€Å"inherently good† and in order to demonstrate the ability of outside forces to molest the natural good nature of humans, he compares the human heart to a barley seed.Though all seeds, like the human heart have the potential to grow just as strong and healthy as the rest, there is always the possibility that external obstacles will inhibit some from succeeding as much as others. Similarly, the philosopher Hsun Tzu explains that the environment that a person grows in will significantly affect the person he or she is soon to become. Although he contrasts the argument of Mencius in his beliefs that humans are born with evil tendencies and are only made good through training and education.Both philosophers, however, agree that training and mentoring is vital to shaping behavior. If a man is surrounded by evil, it is inevitable that he will develop evil characteristics. Therefore, the theories of both Mencius and Tzu contrast the current values of American popular culture. Constant exposure to pop media promoting uninhibited sex is leading to a total loss of conservative values, especially among young girls. Values such as monogamy, loyalty, modesty, and self-respect are crucial to maintaining a decent image of the American Woman.Fashion magazines directed toward young women are bursting with photo-shopped ads for perfume, jewelry, and clothing showing women with little clothing covering their hourglass frames. If kids are exposed to over 250,000 commercial advertisements by the age of 17, then it is impossible to deny that this influences their views on what types of behav ior is appropriate. Not only are young girls pressured to keep up with unrealistic body images but also with ridiculous norms of behavior for their age group, including drinking excessively, dressing provocatively, and acting recklessly.Watching a show every week like Jersey Shore which openly glorifies sex and drinking will undoubtedly begin to make young girls believe that such behavior is desirable. A typical episode of this popular show includes an entertaining portrayal of a small group of young Italian adults who are paid to act foolishly. On a typical day, the group of â€Å"guidos† spend time working out, tanning, drinking, and helping out at a beach-side t-shirt shop on the infamous Jersey Shore boardwalk. The end of the show highlights their evening routine including unhealthy amounts of alcohol, minimal clothing, and lots of sexual content.Girls who act inappropriately at a young age were clearly taught how to do so by the poor role models who are paid millions of dollars per year to corrupt American youth. To make matters worse, these ideas seem to be reinforced with displays of sexual innuendo everywhere young people look. The explosion of personal computers within the last 20 years has allowed children to have more access to adult content than ever before. The internet is flooded with websites streaming free pornography and all a child needs is a computer and Google search.While there are some ways that parents can censor what their children view online, most kids are knowledgeable enough about computers to get around any firewalls. Additionally, there is very few children today who do not own a smartphone; a personal device that opens the doors to unlimited searching without censorship. But who needs porn when there is sexting? Today’s young people seem to be increasingly more open to send each other sexually explicit text messages or pictures without true control over where they are sent.The idea of sexting would seem much more sc andalous, however, if they were not observing such behavior from their role models on TV, in magazines, or on the internet. Unfortunately, sex in the media is not the only problem. Violent video games are becoming increasingly more realistic and allow people to live vicariously through the animation, causing real-life violence to seem mundane. For example, the game Grand Theft Auto is wildly popular among the youth as it allows players to earn points through stealing cars, mugging pedestrians, assaulting prostitutes, and murdering strangers.This type of game is obviously entertaining, but should not be available for kids at the local videogame provider. To make matters worse, the quickly advancing technology allows for a more life-like picture than ever before. Therefore, the line drawn between fantasy and reality becomes blurry; a dangerous problem when it comes to violent crimes. Kids who are involved in gang violence and vicious crimes had to have learned this behavior from somew here.While it is a valid point that television and videogames cannot make a person do something they do not want to do, it is undeniable that the media is capable of putting the idea in that person’s head. While adults are able to put violent and sexual content inside of context, children are not mature enough to realize the difference between how people act on entertainment television versus real life. With adult content becoming available to increasingly younger age groups, it appears that there is no limit to how young children are able to access the world of sex and violence.Hsun Tzu reinforces this argument with his statement that â€Å"environment is everything† when it comes to the root of human nature and his belief that values are learned through practice. The corruption of today’s young people is a negative bi-product of the digital revolution and has created colossal problems for the youth of society. But it is your responsibility as the youth of Amer ica to take a step back and realize that we need to hold on tight to our morals and values if we want to preserve The American Dream.

Unilever Strategy for Organising and Structuring Its Global Operations.

Unilever is a complex global organization that has a portfolio of 400 brands, spanning 14 categories in home and personal care and food products. The company has 163,000 employees in the 170 countries within which it operates (Unilever, 2010). Organizations such as Unilever face the challenge of configuring a global structure that â€Å"works well in diverse locations but also brings units together in a coordinated fashion† (Shenkar & Luo, 2007, p. 312). Given its wide range of products and the diversity of countries in which it operates, Unilever has to employ a global organizational strategy that addresses its global complexity and the diversity of its product portfolio. In its portfolio, there are some product lines that can be extended to new markets with little or no modification, while there are others that need to be modified to suit the local preferences. For example, chemical products are highly standardized and require little variation for local markets (Child, 2005, p. 45). Standardization of such products creates economies of scale in production and requires a â€Å"high level of global coordination and integration† (Child, 2005) and centralized R&D. On the other hand, some of Unilever’s products, such as packaged foods, require modification to suit local tastes and cultures. There are no production economies of scale for such categories and product development has to be facilitated locally. These factors present two scenarios for the company – striving for high global integration in the case where products can be introduced to new markets without modification and striving for high local responsiveness where there is need for modification to meet local preferences. Unilever has to therefore adopt a global organizational structure that addresses the two scenarios. The organization employs a transnational strategy, which is best suited for Unilever’s global operations, as it is faced with high pressure for both local responsiveness and global integration (Child, 2005, p. 43; Shenkar & Luo, 2007, p. 312). Unilever also uses the transnational strategy to organize its functions. Its sales, distribution and promotional tasks are locally responsive and are decentralized to suit individual markets, whereas the R&D function is globally integrated to leverage learning in the different markets. The transnational strategy enables Unilever to leverage the advantages of low cost in conjunction with the advantages of differentiation. Unilever adopted the transnational strategy mainly in esponse to competition from Procter and Gamble, which was already pursuing a transnational strategy by 1990 (Child, 2005, p. 247). However Unilever is still lagging behind P&G, in terms of revenues, marketing and innovation, because it has faced difficulty in reorganizing its activities to meet the requirements of a transnational strategy. The transnational strategy is both demanding and expensive to implement. It also requires a â€Å"flat† hierarchy (Child, 2005, p. 249) and Unilever has gone through a process of reorganizing its structure through the â€Å"One Unilever† programme, which was launched in 2005. The programme resulted in â€Å"better allocation of resources, faster decision-making and a lower cost level† (Unilever, 2007) and enables the organization to leverage its scale both globally and locally. References: †¢ Child, J. (2005) Organisation: contemporary principles and practice. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing, pp. 241-253 †¢ Shenkar, O. & Luo, Y. (2007) International business. 2nd ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. †¢ Unilever Website. Available from: http://www. unilever. com

How To Stop Being So Distracted While You Write In WordPress

How To Stop Being So Distracted While You Write In WordPress Simple, less, fewer, quiet, white space–these are the trends. We want to live by the motto of less is more. We want simplification. We want our lives to be free of distraction, and we want our technology, devices, and apps to reflect that. Minimalism then, with complete functionality. This has carried over into other activities, like writing. Simplified distraction-free writing is all the rage. Written on inkpen.in, one of many online distraction-free writing apps. Distraction free writing app Draft works great, too. SimpleNote will work, too, if you want a basic writing program. Do a search on distraction free writing and youre going to find an endless number of apps and software for every device and operating system: everyone is going distraction free with their writing. Why Use Distraction Free Writing Tools? A 2011 research project by Nathaniel Welch  explored the viability of minimalistic writing software. He began by surveying people who wrote, asking them what they wrote, and what they liked and disliked about the tools they used to write. In Welchs survey, he discovered two kinds of writers: People who wrote in a corporate or academic environment want lots of features and formatting options. People who wrote for their own enjoyment or wrote fiction wanted something more minimal. What can we take away from what Welch discovered? Distracting Tools Slow Us Down Welch points out that software is made to be generic.  Microsoft Word (the king of bloated writing software) can do just about anything for everyone whether academic or corporate or personal use. That means it is so packed with features (spreadsheets! ebooks! resumes! posters! desktop publishing! memos!) that most of us dont use half of them, though if you pool all of the users they all get used somehow. Bloated and distracting software comes when you make a tool for the largest common denominator.   This means writers are carrying a 200 lb. backpack as they climb the mountain of creativity when they only needed a 5 lb. backpack. You might just want to write poetry, but youre carrying the entire toolset for corporate word processing. Distracting tools slow us down. #DistractionFreeWritingWe Are In A Battle Against Features Welch also discovered that [e]very single one of my responders despised Microsoft Word’s auto-correct but thought spell check was the most essential feature any word processor could have. We all want some features and formatting options, but we dont all want the same amount of features. Features quickly become bloat and take up space both on the screen and in our decision making process. Welch then went on to do an overview of several word processing programs, explaining that you could minimize some of those excessive features that many writers didnt want, but that it wasnt easy. Its not a simple one-click option like it is in WordPress (more on that in a bit). You had to fight against the software to make it less distracting. Why go through all that work just to turn off the features that a writing app or software is touting as its strength? Because most of us need to go into Do Not Disturb mode to really get things done. No, multi-tasking doesnt work. No, youre not going to write a detailed an insightful post with useful facts when theres a three-ring circus around you.  It wont happen. Features and options are just more things to fiddle with when you really need to just get words written. Too many features require more decisions, a waste of creative energy. #DistractionFreeWritingWriting Is Like Flying A Plane When I was a student pilot, one of the things that was drilled into me was being aware of cockpit distractions, referred to as keeping a sterile cockpit. Essentially, during any stage of flight that isnt cruise flight, pilots are required to avoid distractions that keep them from performing taxi, takeoff, landing, etc. This includes unnecessary talking, using electronic gadgets, and so forth. Pilots are supposed to pay attention and be mindful of what needs to be done. Distraction-free writing is the sterile cockpit rule for writers, especially  with blogging where  simpler is better, both in the visual look and how we approach content (even  long form content). Of course your writing isnt the same as flying a plane of people safely, but the point is clear: distractions all around us keep us from doing the job well. Noise, discomfort, and visual: these are all distractions.

A Four-Month Oscillation Detected from Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-A Measurements in the Arctic and Antarctic The WritePass Journal

A Four-Month Oscillation Detected from Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-A Measurements in the Arctic and Antarctic References A Four-Month Oscillation Detected from Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-A Measurements in the Arctic and Antarctic Abstract1. Introduction2. Satellite Brightness Temperature Data3. ERA-Interim Reanalysis Data4. Arctic Four-Month Oscillation5. Discussions of the oscillation AcknowledgementReferencesRelated Abstract Satellite microwave measurements can penetrate through clouds and therefore provide unique information of surface and near-surface temperatures and surface emissivity. In this study, the brightness temperatures from NOAA-15 Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU-A) are used to analyze the surface temperature variation in the Arctic and Antarctic regions during the past 13 years of period from 1998 to 2010. The data from four AMSU-A channels sensitive to surface are analyzed with wavelet and Fourier spectrum techniques. A very pronounced maximum is noticed in the period range centered around four months. Application of a statistical significance test confirms that it is a dominant mode of variability over polar regions besides the annual and semi-annual oscillations. No evidence of this feature could be found in middle and low latitudes. The four-month oscillation is 90o out of phase at Arctic and Antarctic, with the Arctic four-month oscillation reaching its maximum in the beginning of March, July and November and the Antarctic four-month oscillation in the middle of April, August and December. The intensity of the four-month oscillation varies inter-annually. The years with pronounced four-month oscillation were 2002-2003, 2005-2006 and 2008-2009. The strongest year for the Arctic and Antarctic four-month oscillations occurred in 2005-2006 and 2008-2009, respectively. The sign of four-month oscillation is also found in the surface-skin temperatures and two-meter air temperatures from ERA-Interim reanalysis. It is hypothesized that the Arctic and Antarctic four-month oscillations are a combined result of unique features of solar radiative forcing and snow/sea ice formation and metamorphosis. 1. Introduction The spectrum analysis of wind time series revealed a 40-50 day Madden and Julian oscillation (MJO) in the zonal wind in the tropical Pacific (Madden and Julian 1971). In the course of an investigation of Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-A (AMSU-A) for global climate change and global warming, we stumbled upon an apparent four-month oscillation in the surface-sensitive channels in the Arctic and Antarctic. It is not a â€Å"periodicity† in the sense of tidally induced oscillation, but certainly a broadband phenomenon. It passes a statistical significance test with more than 95% confidence. A spectral analysis of both surface skin temperature and two meter air temperature from ERA-Interim reanalysis also confirms the existence of a four-month oscillation in the Arctic and Antarctic. It is our understanding that the AMSU-A observations can be strongly influenced by variable surface emissivity in polar environment and have not been effectively utilized through the ERA data assimil ation. Thus, the confirmation of a four-month oscillation signal from ERA-Interim reanalysis is significant and believed to be mostly associated with the physical process. 2. Satellite Brightness Temperature Data NOAA-15 AMSU-A has 15 channels and is a cross-track scanning radiometer, providing 30 field of views (FOVs) along each scan line. Near the nadir of satellite observations, the FOV size is at best of 48 km. There are a total of four AMSU-A surface-sensitive channels: channel 1 (23.8 GHz), channel 2 (31.4 GHz), channel 3 (50.3) and channel 15 (89 GHz) (Mo 1999; Goodrum et al. 2009). Over land where the surface emissivity is high, the measurements from these surface-sensitive channels are primarily affected by surface emissivity and surface temperature. Over oceans where the emissivity is relatively low, the channels are also a function of temperature, water vapor and liquid water in the lower troposphere. Channels 1,  2 and 15 are located at frequencies away from the major oxygen gaseous absorption lines and can thus see through the atmosphere. The radiation at these channels mainly comes from the  earth’s surface, which is proportional to the product of surface emissivity a nd surface temperature. For a  cloudy atmosphere, a portion of surface emission at these channels can be attenuated by cloud and the rest transmitted through the cloud. The cloud also emits additional radiation. Channel 3 is near an oxygen absorption line and contains the upwelling microwave radiation from both the earth’s surface and the near surface atmosphere. Satellite measurements and their retrieval products were used for studying climate variability and decadal trends (Christy et al. 1998, 2000, 2003; Izaguirre et al. 2010; Johannessen et al. 1995, 1999; Mears et al. 2003, Mears and Wentz 2009; Schneider et al. 2004; Vinnikov and Grody 2003; Zou et al. 2009). In these study, the AMSU-A brightness temperatures onboard NOAA-15 from October 26, 1998 to August 7, 2010 are analyzed for various applications including climate trend and global change. 3. ERA-Interim Reanalysis Data The ERA-Interim reanalysis is produced by European Center for Medium-Range Forecast (ECMWF) (Simmons et al. 2007). By employing an advanced four-dimensional variational data assimilation (4D-Var) approach with improved data quality control, satellite bias correction, and fast radiative transfer model, conventional surface and upper air observations and satellite brightness temperatures and cloud motion winds from Television InfraRed Observational Satellite (TIROS) Operational Vertical Sounder (TOVS), Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I), ESA Remote-Sensing Satellites (ERS-1 and ERS-2), and Advanced TOVS (ATOVS) are optimally combined with model forecasts in ERA-Interim reanalysis. The ERA-Interim reanalysis products are thus suitable for use in studies of climate variability and decadal trends (Agudelo and Curry 2004; Chelliah et al. 2004; Frauenfeld et al. 2005). The ERA-Interim analyses consist of a high quality set of global analyses of the state of the atmosphere, land, and ocean-wave conditions from 1989 to present time. The surface-skin temperatures and two-meter air temperatures from ERA-Interim are used in this study. These data has 1.5 ° resolution and 37 pressure levels and is publicly available on the ECMWF Data Server. 4. Arctic Four-Month Oscillation A wavelet analysis is applied to global daily mean, nadir only, surface-sensitive brightness temperatures observed by the NOAA-15 AMSU-A over the time period from October 26, 1998 to August 7, 2010, as well as daily mean surface skin and surface air (two-meter) temperatures from ERA-Interim reanalysis. Specifically, the brightness temperature measurements at the surface-sensitive channel 1 (, 23.8 GHz), channel 2 (, 31.4 GHz), channel 3 (, 50.3 GHz) and channel 15 (, 89 GHz) near the nadir direction (FOVs 15 and 16), at both descending and ascending nodes, and north of 75oN and south of 70oS are averaged to provide eight daily time series from October 26, 1998 to August 7, 2010. Surface skin temperatures () and two-meter surface air temperature () from ERA-Interim north of 75oN and south of 70oS are also averaged to provide four more time series in the same time period. Using the Morlet wavelet analysis with statistical significant testing, each time series is decomposed into time-fr equency space, from which the dominant modes of variability and their temporal evolution can be determined with great confidence (Torrence and Compo 1998). The wavelet transform is chosen for this study as it can be used to analyze time series that contain non-stationary power at many different frequencies. Figure 1 shows the wavelet power spectrum (shaded) of daily mean nadir only brightness temperatures from NOAA-15 AMSU-A surface-sensitive channel two in the Arctic and Antarctic, and the surface skin and 2-m air temperature of ERA-Interim from October 26, 1998 to August 13, 2010. To show the significance of a peak in the wavelet power spectra, regions of greater than 95% confidence is indicated (line). For period less than semi-annual oscillation, most of the power is concentrated around the four-month period within the 95% confidence level. The existence of the four-month oscillation is also confirmed using the Fourier spectrum analysis technique and is shown in Fig. 2. However, with wavelet analysis, one can see variations in the frequency occurrence and amplitude of the Arctic/Antarctic four-month oscillations shown in Fig. 1. Large amplitude four-month oscillation events occurred at a period about 3 years. The strongest years were 2002-2003, 2005-2006 and 2008-2009. Similar wavel et power spectra are seen in other AMSU-A surface-sensitive channels in the Northern Hemisphere and AMSU-A channel 1 in the Southern Hemisphere (Figure omitted). Due to the fact the Antarctic is covered mostly by land, the Antarctic four-month oscillation is very weak in channels 15 and 3. A four-month oscillation is also found in daily mean surface skin temperatures and surface air temperatures from ERA-Interim reanalysis in the Arctic (Fig. 1c-d), but not in the Antarctic (figure omitted). The reduced power of surface and near-surface temperatures (Fig. 1c-d) compared to satellite observations (Fig. 1a-b) is possibly due to the fact that most of surface channels observations are excluded from data assimilation in high latitudes owing to large impacts of surface emissivity uncertainty on radiance simulations. From Fig. 1, it is seen that the ERA-Interim captures the four-month surface oscillation better during 2005-2006 and 2008-2009 than earlier years. Figure 3 presents the temporal evolution of Arctic (75oN-90oN) and Antarctic (70oS-90oS) daily mean brightness temperatures in 2005 (black line), in which mean values, annual and semi-annual components are removed, as well as the corresponding four-month oscillation (red curve). The four-month oscillation of AMSU-A channel 2 has the largest amplitude at the beginning of March, July and November. No significant phase difference is found between this and other three surface sensitive channels (Figures omitted). The Antarctic four-month oscillation is 90o out of phase with the Arctic oscillation. It peaks in the middle of April, August and December. A weak four-month oscillation is also found in the daily mean surface-skin temperatures and two-meter air temperatures from ERA-Interim reanalysis. However, a significant phase difference is found between the AMSU-A surface-sensitive channels and the ERA-Interim surface skin temperature and surface air temperatures. The four-month oscillation of both surface skin temperature and surface air temperatures peaks in late June, about one and half months earlier than satellite observations. Given the fact that the brightness temperatures at the four surface-sensitive channels approximately equal to the product of surface emissivity and surface skin temperature, with a small contribution from the atmosphere in a shallow layer above the Earth’s surface, the phase differences between the ERA-Interim surface variables and AMSU-A surface channel brightness temperatures suggest that the brightness temperature change is delayed by surface emissivity change. It is worth mentioning that the four-month oscillation is not found in the brightness temperature measurements of the other 11 AMSU-A channels, which approximately represent the air temperature in a broad layer centered in the troposphere or stratosphere. Figure 4 provides the percentage of explained variances by annual (black), semi-annual (red) and four-month (yellow) oscillations in middle and high latitudes for NOAA-15 AMSU-A channel 2. It is seen that the annual variation increases toward high latitudes from 20oN to 70oN or from 20oS to 70oS. The annual oscillation becomes a dominant feature with 50oN-70oN and 50oS-70oS. The sum of annual and semi-annual oscillations explains more than 80% of the total variances within the latitudinal band 60oN-70oN or 60oS-70oS, which reduces to below 60% in higher latitudes 70oN-90oN and 70oS-80oS. The four-month oscillation explains about 10% of the total variance in the Arctic and Antarctic. Figure 5 presents the annual cycles of Arctic four-month oscillation in three selected years (1999, 2003 and 2009) from all the six time series (, , , , , and ). The four-month oscillations of all four surface-sensitive channels have the largest amplitude at the beginning of March, July and November. No significant phase difference is found among these four channels. However, a significant phase difference is found between the AMSU-A surface-sensitive channels and the ERA-Interim surface skin temperature and surface air temperatures. The four-month oscillation of both surface skin temperature and surface air temperatures peaks in late June, about one and half months earlier than satellite observations. Given the fact that the brightness temperatures at the four surface-sensitive channels is a sum of the surface term (approximately equals to surface emissivity times surface skin temperature) and the atmosphere term (about equal to the air temperature in a shallow layer (~1 km) above t he Earth’s surface), the phase differences between the ERA-Interim surface variables and AMSU-A surface channel brightness temperatures suggest that the four-month oscillation started from the surface. In fact, the four-month oscillation is not found in the brightness temperature measurements of the other 11 AMSU-A channels, which approximately represent the air temperature in a broad layer centered in the troposphere or stratosphere. Wave structures with periods between 60 days and 150 days are shown in Fig. 6 based on the daily mean brightness temperatures in 75oN-90oN latitudes at nadir of NOAA-15 AMSU-A channel one, two, three, fifteen, skin and 2-m surface air temperature of ERA-Interim from January 1, 2004 to January 1, 2007. The four-month oscillation is a dominant feature in all years. A weak 90-day oscillation is also found in satellite measurements. The intensity of the Arctic four-month oscillation varies inter-annually. 5. Discussions of the oscillation A four-month oscillation is found in the satellite microwave measurements in the Arctic and Antarctic for the first time. The ERA-Interim reanalysis data confirms the existence of such an oscillation. Such oscillation is not found in other regions over the globe and nor in other AMSU-A atmospheric sounding channels. The surface temperature in polar regions is determined by surface heat budget equation, which relates changes in surface upward long-wave radiations to changes in (i) the surface downward short-wave radiation, (ii) surface downward long-wave radiations, (iii) heat storage for both land surface and ocean, (iv) surface sensible heat flux, and (v) surface latent heat flux. The presence of polar day/night is a unique feature that makes the annual variation of solar radiative forcing within the frigid zone[1] substantially different from middle and low latitudes. Since solar radiation is a major source of energy for the snow/ice melting in polar regions, the unique annual variation of solar radiation can modulate microwave surface emissivity and thermodynamic and dynamic processes near the surface boundary. The responses of surface-sensitive brightness temperature to solar radiation can also be delayed due to the time for the snow and ice metamorphosis process to occur. The combined effec t of polar day and night during the year and snow/ice metamorphosis process probably gives birth to a four-month oscillation in the Arctic and Antarctic. The fact that the four-month oscillation is stronger in higher latitudes is consistent with the increase of the length of the time when the sun is below the horizon from the Arctic Circle (20  hours) to North Pole (179  days). Acknowledgement This work was supported by Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology under 973 project no. 2010CB951600 and the NOAA/NESDIS grant to Florida State University. References Agudelo, P. A., and J. A. Curry, 2004: Analysis of spatial distribution in tropospheric temperature trends, Geophys. Res. Lett., 31, L22207, doi: 10.1029/ 2004GL020818. Chelliah, M., and G. D. Bell, 2004: Tropical Multidecadal and Interannual Climate Variability in the NCEP–NCAR Reanalysis.  J. Climate,  17, 1777–1803. Christy, J. R., R. W. Spencer, and E. S. Lobel, 1998: Analysis of the merging procedure for the MSU daily temperature time series. J. Climate, 11, 2016–2041. Christy, J. R., R. W. Spencer, and W. D. Braswell, 2000: MSU tropospheric temperatures: Dataset construction and radiosonde comparisons. J. Atmos. Oceanic Technol., 17, 1153–1170. Christy, J. R., R. W. Spencer, W. B. Norris, W. D. Braswell, and D. E. Parker, 2003: Error estimates of version 5.0 of MSU–AMSU bulk atmospheric temperature. J. Atmos. Oceanic Technol., 20, 613–629. Frauenfeld, O. W., T. Zhang, and M. C. Serreze, 2005: Climate change and variability using European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts reanalysis (ERA-40) temperatures on the Tibetan Plateau.  J. Geophys. Res.,  110, D02101, doi: 10.1029/2004JD005230. Goodrum, G., K. Kidwell, and W. Winston, 2009: NOAA KLM Users Guide with NOAA-N, -N-Prime supplement. NOAA, [available from: ncdc.noaa.gov/docs/klm/cover.htm]. Izaguirre C., Mendez F. J., Menendez M., and I. J., Losada, 2010: Global extreme wave height variability based on satellite data, Geophys. Res. Lett.,  doi:10.1029/2011GL047302. Johannessen, O. M., M. W. Miles, and E. Bjorgo, 1995: The Arctic’s shrinking sea ice. Nature, 376, 126-127. Johannessen, O. M., E. V. Shalina, and M. W. Miles, 1999: Satellite evidence for an Arctic sea ice coverage in transformation. Science, 286, 1837-1939. Madden, R. A., and P. R. Julian, 1971: Detection of a 40-50 day oscillation in the zonal wind in the tropical Pacific. J. Atmos. Sci.,  28, 702-708. Mears, C. A., M. C. Schabel, and F. J. Wentz, 2003: A reanalysis of the MSU channel 2 tropospheric temperature record. J. Climate, 16, 3650–3664. Mears, C. A., and F. J. Wentz, 2009: Construction of the Remote Sensing Systems V3.2 atmospheric temperature records from the MSU and AMSU microwave sounders. J. Atmos. Oceanic Technol., 26, 1040–1056. Mo, T., 1999: AMSU-A antenna pattern corrections, IEEE Trans. Geosci. Remote Sens., 37, 103-112. Schneider, D. P., E. J. Steig, and J. C. Comiso, 2004: Recent Climate Variability in Antarctica from Satellite derived temperature data, J. Climate, 17, 1569-1583. Simmons, A., S. Uppala, D. Dee, and S. Kobayashi, 2007: ERA-Interim: New ECMWF reanalysis products from 1989 onwards. ECMWF Newsletter, No. 110, 25–35. Torrence, C., and G. P.  Compo, 1998: A Practical Guide to Wavelet Analysis. Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., 79, 61-78. Vinnikov K. Y. and Norman C. Grody, 2003: Global Warming Trend of Mean tropospheric temperature observed by satellites, Science, 269-272. Zou, C.-Z., M. Gao, and M. Goldberg, 2009: Error structure and atmospheric temperature trend in observations from the Microwave Sounding Unit. J. Climate, 22, 1661–1681.

Stigma, Stigmas, and Stigmata

Stigma, Stigmas, and Stigmata Stigma, Stigmas, and Stigmata Stigma, Stigmas, and Stigmata By Maeve Maddox Another term associated with religious practice, but often used in other contexts, is stigma. The word has two plural forms: stigmas and stigmata. Stigma derives from Greek and Latin words for the type of mark made by burning, like the brand placed on a slave, or by cutting. The word’s figurative meaning is â€Å"mark of censure or infamy.† The plural stigmata appears in a line at the end of Saint Pauls Letter to the Galatians. Paul says he â€Å"bears Christ’s stigmata in his body† (stigmata Domini Iesu in corpore meo porto). Paul is playing on different meanings of the word stigma. On the one hand, he is contrasting the marks and scars he has received by preaching Christianity as the valid equivalent of the mark/stigma of circumcision, which some Jewish Christians of his time insisted should be required of converted Gentiles. He is also using the word in the sense of the identifying mark of a slave, implying that he belongs to Christ, as a slave belongs to his master. In modern religious usage, the Latin plural stigmata refers specifically to marks on the body that mimic the five wounds of Christ: nail holes in the hands/wrists and feet, and a wound in the side. Some reported stigmata include pain and marks around the head (from the crown of thorns) and on the back (from scourging). The first documented stigmatic (person who exhibits Christ’s stigmata) was Francis of Assisi: The  saints  right side is described as bearing on open wound which looked as if made by a lance, while through his hands and feet were black nails of flesh, the points of which were bent backward.- New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia.   A stigmatic who lived in the twentieth century and was studied by contemporary physicians was Pio of Pietrelcina (1887-1968). The figurative use of stigma is popular in the media to refer to the disapprobation displayed toward certain members of society or to characteristics felt to be socially disreputable. Used in this sense, the usual plural is stigmas. Here are some examples of this use of stigma: Now, in the 21st century, we still have a situation where the words â€Å"mental illness† have negative connotations, leading to stigma surrounding anyone diagnosed with mental illness. In 1936, a bill was passed that made Texas the first state in the southwest to legally remove the  stigma of illegitimacy  from birth records. It is important to understand stigma in India, given its varied culture and mixture of rural and urban populations. The verb is to stigmatize: Afflicted individuals and racial or national groups  have been stigmatized  because of perceptions about highly contagious, difficult-to-cure diseases. [This book] is a great overview of how romance novels (and their readers)  have been stigmatized  for centuries. How Singles Are Stereotyped,  Stigmatized, and Ignored An error in the use of stigma is the redundancy of following it with the word mark: There is a stigma mark attached to being Aboriginal. I would think that if anyone needs a stigma mark, it is them. Note: The noun stigma has other meanings in scientific contexts. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Dialogue Dos and Don'ts45 Synonyms for â€Å"Old† and â€Å"Old-Fashioned†The 7 Types of Possessive Case

Anthropological Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Anthropological - Research Proposal Example The ethical consideration in this paper is considering Micronesia as a culture and studying the group keeping in mind the sub groups and the differences between them. The field study in the research involves questions like how do the constituents of the group feel about their identity and exchange of cultures. The questions about their expression of their identity and effort to have that identity are also important. The important part of the study is to infer the answers that participants cannot answer directly. Hence, researcher should focus on sociocultural anthropology and several offshoots of the discipline as stated by Kiste Robert (2008) in ‘American Anthropology in Micronesia: An Assessment’. The inference regarding culture, language and identity is possible with the study of prehistory and anthropological linguistics and physical anthropology. The researchers should take into consideration the roles played by applied anthropology within the domain of socio cultural anthropology and archaeology on the evolution of the group with the diversities contained by its sub groups. The anthropological linguistical research is also necessary for determining the exchange and physical anthropology is necessary for major inputs in war related applied projects and other types of evolution. The cultural relativism as a basic tenet of discipline can explain how the expression of identities changes in course of time and between various sub groups in an affinity group.

New York Times Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

New York Times - Research Paper Example The New York Times sold content portal About Group in late 2012. Chairman Arthur Sulzberger and his family control the company through a trust. The company has vowed to develop content from existing and emerging platforms like the wireless communication, in-house digital media, broadband technologies and the internet (Drexler, 2007). In an effort to acknowledge, the tremendous performance The New York Times has had through its segments since inception, the paper seeks to perform a business and corporate level strategy analysis of the firm and predict its future in the communication sector. The New York Times Media Group: The New York Times Media Group comprises of the New comprises of the New York Times which is a daily and Sunday newspaper media house; the New York Times index which is a print publication and in addition producing and licensing the New York Times Index; the International Herald Tribune which is a daily Newspaper; NYTimes.com; Digital Archive Distribution business that is responsible for licensing electronic archive database to resellers of that information in the professional, business, and library markets (Drexler, 2007). The New York Times Media Group is also responsible and management of the New York Times News Services Division. This main function New York Times News Services Division is the transmission of articles, graphics and photographs from the globe, the Times and several other publications to magazines, newspapers and web sites (New York Times (Firm), & In Claiborne 1966). New York Times News Services Division also performs the function o f distributing content online in addition to other digital platforms including e-reader and mobile applications, and social networking sites. The New England Media Group: This segment of New York Times comprises BostonGlobe.com which is a paid subscription Web site; the Boston Globe which is a daily and Sunday newspaper. Boston.com is also

Sports Products Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Sports Products - Assignment Example Through the commercial that run during designated times, Fitbit advertisement intend to convince the consumers that the product offers real-time feedback, and thus suitable for tracking steps and vital statistics such as the calorie consumption (Salah, MacIntosh, & Rajakulendran, 2014). Notably, the FuelBand and Fitbit Flex advertisement compete to attract consumers to purchase the products. The FuelBand and Fitbit Flex target the both male and females who are health oriented and interested in tracking their vital statistics. The company segments the market according to none and sports participants. The marketers position the products as the replacement to physical trainers, workout logs, and other sports accessories (Guarda, 2013). Notably, the competing goal of the two companies is to create loyalty to the consumers through the focused-differentiation strategy. Nike’s advertisement depicts the company as the market leader in the sports product and technology, and it will always strive to reach the consumers through social media, families, and friends in order to increase the Nile community. On the other hand, the Fitbit adverts employ the geographic and behavioral segmentation. Salah, MacIntosh, and Rajakulendran (2014) contend that company targets the technologically savvy consumers in the middle and upper-classes. Guarda, D. (2013). Nike Takes Digital Data and Social Media Marketing Seriously. Retrieved 21 Apr. 2015, from http://www.intelligenthq.com/social-media-business/nike-takes-digital-data-and-social-media-marketing-seriously/ Salah, H., MacIntosh, E., & Rajakulendran, N. (2014). Wearable tech: Leveraging Canadian innovation to improve health. Retrieved 23 Apr. 2015, from

Ad analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Ad analysis - Essay Example This essay considers the specific aspects of audience, picture, language, and technique, as they are implemented in a Prudential advertisement that is featured in the current issue of the New Yorker. Audience The specific advertisement was found in an issue of the New Yorker. With this concept in mind it’s possible that the intentions of the advertiser were to reach a more educated audience, who already has a general understanding of financial aspects and upper-level vocabulary and comprehension skills. In these regards, the extent the audience is clearly middle to upper class and educated. Picture There are a great many visual techniques implemented in the advertisement. The first notable concept is that the advertising consists of a full page spread with an entirely dark blue background. The effect of this is such that it creates a juxtaposing effect in relation to the heavy text-based stories that constitute the majority of the magazine. In terms of specific pictures, in th e upper-right hand of the advertisement a city backdrop is pictured in muted-tones. The signification of this imagery seems to indicate that Prudential has a urban feel, perhaps reminiscent of Wall-Street. This is further indicative of an understanding of financial systems as being rooted in industrial or urban life. The very functions of the urban experience demonstrate the gear and wheels of the working economy; indeed, right next to the picture of buildings are pictures of gears in motion. Pictured even further to the left of these individuals is a small man in yellow. The implications of this imagery seem to empathize with the potential customer or client. In essence, the advertising is situating the reader in the position of the small man in yellow, and the Prudential advertisement is saying that through going to Prudential for financial advice will result in the individual being able to navigate this challenging urban environment. Language Perhaps unique to this advertisement is the reliance it places on text. One possible explanation for this is the obvious implication that since the advertisement is from the New Yorker, it is believed that the audience will be more interested in reading text than perhaps in a publication such as People or ESPN the Magazine. In fact, text is featured in two long columns throughout the entire body of the page. In terms of the actual language that is implemented, the first relies on a rhetorical feel, attempting to empathize and draw the reader into the advertisement. Even though it is featured in the New Yorker, the text still retains a crisp and to-the-point tone. Phrases such as, â€Å"What if today was the day we took on the big challenges?† are balanced against more financially specific language such as, â€Å"What if we could help create more reliable and durable forms of financial security?† Ultimately, it’s clear that the language remains in traditional advertising form, while acknowledging th at the reader is aware of general financial terminology. Technique The overall technique is the creation of an advertisement that doesn’t insult the reader’s intelligence, conforms to traditional advertising trends, and considers the medium in which it will be displayed. The overall signification of the advertisement seems to indicate that through Prudential’s experience the reader will be able to navigate the challenges of the contemporary financial environment. In these regards, the text moves from a general rhetorical style to more specific information related to reader interest. It implements contrast to bring out the heading ‘Bring Your Challenges’ which also represents the general theme of the advertisement. It also displays this theme in visual ways through the juxtaposition of the sm

Classical And Scientific Schools Of Management Theory Essay - 26

Classical And Scientific Schools Of Management Theory - Essay Example The top management agrees on the objectives, and the strategies and tactics, to achieve the goals they set for the enterprise they lead, by employing a large workforce to produce the goods, and provide the services for consumers the world over. Management theory with the concern for how to get the most out of front-line workers in industrial and commercial concerns became very much a twentieth-century phenomenon. Earlier, following the industrial revolution, large concentrations of workers were needed in mills and factories to mass produce goods which replaced agricultural and craftwork hitherto produced in the small rural family or communal units. In those days the managers were authoritarian and tyrannical when slave labor or indentured labor including child labor at starvation wages could be deployed at the behest of the ruling, the capitalist class. The world has changed since, and owners of capital can no longer treat labor as a disposable commodity. Trade Unions, Communism, and universal education along with worldwide markets meant that the old methods of almost forced, the repetitive back-breaking labor of the ‘dark satanic mills’ could no longer be sustained. New disciplines like economics, psychology, and sociology sprang up. These social sciences were called upon to build theories of management and organizational behavior that would explain and help understand the dynamics of an ever more sophisticated and demanding workforce. Early theories of management exemplified by the work of Frederick Winslow Taylor (1911) had been described colloquially as the ‘carrot and stick’ approach. Taylor coined the term ‘scientific management’ for his theory which was later simply referred to as ‘Taylorism’. He sought to break down tasks to their simplest elements so that an assembly line robot could perform them without any need for thinking.

Taxes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Taxes - Essay Example Using charitable trusts is another way to reduce income tax, especially for the ones who belong to high income group as these trusts help you to give charity generously, giving you a big tax break (Karayan & Swenson, 2006). At the time of selling of valuable assets, one can easily minimize Capital Gains tax with the help of one of the most secure asset protection program known as Private Annuity Tax (PAT) which minimizes even smaller properties like artwork or jewelry. When a property is transferred into PAT, it results in smaller tax expense. Another way of minimizing Capital Gains is to get an ISA (Individual Savings Account). Investors can put sufficient funds in ISA and gains made inside this account are CGT-free. Moreover, one more strategy is used which is: Investing in small companies through special tax efficient programs. In this way, one can claim for Capital Gains tax previously paid. One of the most popular vehicles used to reduce Estate tax is to ‘uniform transfer to minors’. Such type of gifting occurs where your children are minors. The gift is handed over to a guardian and when the children reach the age of majority. Marital transfers is another useful way in which assets are transferred to a surviving spouse, who should not be a non-citizen, which minimized the estate tax which is due. Lastly, Quality Family-Owned Business Interest (QFOBI) is another way in which it reduces the gross value of the state and automatically reduces the amount of estate tax which is charged on the net value of the state (Karayan, et al., 2002). I am very much hopeful that I have provided you significant and useful amount of information about the vehicles for reducing taxes and these vehicles could be regarded as substantial means for taxes

Classical And Scientific Schools Of Management Theory Essay - 26

Classical And Scientific Schools Of Management Theory - Essay Example The top management agrees on the objectives, and the strategies and tactics, to achieve the goals they set for the enterprise they lead, by employing a large workforce to produce the goods, and provide the services for consumers the world over. Management theory with the concern for how to get the most out of front-line workers in industrial and commercial concerns became very much a twentieth-century phenomenon. Earlier, following the industrial revolution, large concentrations of workers were needed in mills and factories to mass produce goods which replaced agricultural and craftwork hitherto produced in the small rural family or communal units. In those days the managers were authoritarian and tyrannical when slave labor or indentured labor including child labor at starvation wages could be deployed at the behest of the ruling, the capitalist class. The world has changed since, and owners of capital can no longer treat labor as a disposable commodity. Trade Unions, Communism, and universal education along with worldwide markets meant that the old methods of almost forced, the repetitive back-breaking labor of the ‘dark satanic mills’ could no longer be sustained. New disciplines like economics, psychology, and sociology sprang up. These social sciences were called upon to build theories of management and organizational behavior that would explain and help understand the dynamics of an ever more sophisticated and demanding workforce. Early theories of management exemplified by the work of Frederick Winslow Taylor (1911) had been described colloquially as the ‘carrot and stick’ approach. Taylor coined the term ‘scientific management’ for his theory which was later simply referred to as ‘Taylorism’. He sought to break down tasks to their simplest elements so that an assembly line robot could perform them without any need for thinking.

Tourism the best seven countries to visit Essay

Tourism the best seven countries to visit - Essay Example Travelling to different parts of the world has its own pleasures and uses; it is quite a great recreational activity. One gets to learn plenty from the different cultures, places, and people one visits and comes across. I have short listed seven countries that I find interesting, places that I have visited and places which I would like to go to in the future. Each of them has their own geographical features that distinguishes them from other countries. The countries’ statistics that I shall be mentioning later include the capital cities, the historic places, the geographical map, the currency in use and other notable features. Qatar The country which tops the list is where I am originally from. Qatar is an amazing place, particularly during the months of November to April. This is when the scorching temperature lowers down and the weather becomes pleasant and cool, the level of humidity falls and there is even a little rainfall. It is, I think, better for the families to visit this country due to the country’s strict laws regarding how men and women are supposed to act in public. So it would not quite suit a couple, particularly those who are big on public displays of affection. Once there, the visitor should make sure to change their money to the local currency which is the Qatari Riyal. The country is famous for its shopping malls, which are relatively expensive places such as Al Khor Mall, Lagoona Mall and Safari Hypermarket. Other places to visit are: The Kingdom of Aladdin, The Zoo, Al Rumaila Park, Dahl El-Hamam Public Park, Khor Al Udaid Beach, Al Jassasiya, Oryx Farm, Water Sports and Cruises, Desert Safari. Travelling to these places, one may need to hire cars or get a cab or use a bus. (Orr, 2008) Thailand Another country worth checking out is Thailand, the place I visited last summer, which I was told is the hottest time of the year. Those who would rather not be vacationing in such heat should book the tickets for the months of Novembe r to February when the weather is relatively cooler. You can go to this country with your family or your partner. It has enough attractions for both, some of them being Koh Samuei, Hua Hin, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Pai and also Ko Tarutao, Ayuthaya, Ko Chang, Similan Islands. Shopping zones include Siam Paragon, Central Chidlom, Platinum Fashion Mall Prince Palace, Natural Ville and Sivatel Bangkok. Then, of course, there are the beaches Thailand is famous for. These can be reached through various modes of transport from motorbikes, bicycles, tuk-tuks to bamboo rafts. What is notable is that the prices are relatively affordable in comparison to the European countries; the currency used is Thai Baht. (Boraas & Tracey, 2002) India Another Asian country is India, which I would like to visit between the months of October to March since it would be cooler then. It is purely suited for family outings since the culture is Eastern and there are certain behaviorisms to be followed. But i t does not mean that one cannot enjoy the visit, this country does have a lot to offer like the shopping zones such as Dil Hatt, Chandi Chowk, Connaught Place, Hauz Khas and Atria Millennium Mall. Other places to see are: the Taj Mahal in Agra, the various temples, the India Gate, the forts in Jaipur, even the beaches in Goa in particular and Mysore. The currency is the Indian Rupee and its low value makes spending time in the country very cheap. One can go around the place in railways, rickshaws or taxis and even cars. (Singh, 2009) United States of America Everyone is familiar with this country which is so vast that one can visit this place at any time of the year, but September is the month most preferred. Again, a trip to the USA is suitable for both: family as well as couples. There are many tourist attractions, again, most of which we all are already aware of, some being the historic places, the Statue of Liberty, the Niagara Falls, the casinos in Las Vegas, etc. Some of the s hopping zones

The friendship that exists with Stephen and Keith Essay Example for Free

The friendship that exists with Stephen and Keith Essay In the first chapter of Michael Frayns novel Spies, amongst the limited amount of characters introduced, is Keith. The reader is given no background knowledge about him, only that Does he ever think about the things that happened that summer? meaning that Keith is a significant person as it is implied that he shared the narrators (revealed as Stephen in chapter 2) experience that particular, somewhat haunting summer. However in Chapter 2 a lot more information is given about Keith and details about the depth of friendship between Keith and Stephen begin to emerge. In Chapter 2, one of the first memories Stephen comes to is that of his house. in spite of the fact that its attached to No.3- the only semidetached pair in the Close, indicating that Stephen is somewhat the odd one out, when he says only, and almost uncomfortable about admitting to this. He then goes on to describe his ghastly neighbours who were even more shameful than his house, and how they brought us down with them., and he then goes on to expresses his distress about being attached to the undesirables. Also that he was still somewhat faintly embarrassed about it despite all the years that had past. Throughout this chapter, Stephen implies to the reader how his house was neglected, and never tended to, and this could easily link to his and his parents relationship with each other. Next, Stephen then describes how he doesnt need to open the front gate because its already, rotted drunkenly away from the top hinge, as he makes his way to Keiths house, however, once arriving there, he goes through the White wicket gate on its well oiled hinges and closes it carefully behind him. The keywords here are white suggesting purity (unlike the rot on Stephens gate), and carefully as Stephen obviously feels he should treat Keiths gate with respect, even if he has no regard for his own, as it has been so well maintained. Immediately the gates highlight the contrast between Keith and Stephen, however the contrast then grows as the reader is introduced to Keiths house, which is perceived as neat, flawless and perfection by Stephen. This is because Keiths house is exactly the opposite of Stephens, and the unlikely forming of friendship of these two boys is defiantly presented with the differences of lifestyle and houses. Another key point used in the presentation of friendship between Stephen and Keith is the boys appearance. Stephen is described as grubby, with one of his grey socks slipping down his leg into a thick concertina. The narrator (older Stephen) asks the rhetorical question What do I feel about him as I watch him now?, and then goes on to answer this himself claiming his appearance to be unsatisfactory. Keith is then bought into the story, and his appearance, like the houses, is the exact opposite of Stephen; His shirt, though, not to short, his shorts are not to long. Also he is described as neat compared to his unsatisfactory friend. However the most significant thing about the boys appearances is their uniform. The narrator describes how once seeing Keith, he no longer views himself as monochrome or slightly ashamed of his younger self. This is purely down to the fact that he can now see both their belts. The boys each have a different colour belt; Stephens being green whereas Keiths is yellow. The reader then learns why, as well as some more background information on Stephen and Keith. Were socially colour coded for ease of reference. Meaning that being green is the colours of a wrong school. This tells the reader that the boys do not go to school together, and Keith goes to a much higher rated school in the society around them. From this alone the reader can gain a better understanding of the social differences between the two boys, the houses also lead to the fact that Keith is a great deal wealthier than Stephen. Moving on to the games room in Keiths house, it is immediately clear of the presentation of the social differences once again, His playroom was well ordered as the rest of the house, from this we can once again confirm that Keith is a great deal better off than Stephen, All Keiths toys are his own. Not only this, but the reader can begin to figure out the boys individual personalities- Stephen is care-free and entirely not phased by his appearance, where as Keith is a very neat, and well organised personality. Once again, complete opposites, which is what the narrator wants to show to the reader. Not only do objects, and clothes define the differences in Stephens and Keiths relationship, but both their parents do as well. For example Keiths mum, is very similar to Keith as she takes pride in her appearance, she raises her perfectly plucked eyebrows. His father is also similar to the glamorised perfect family image that Stephen is creating, as he spends most of his time trimming, pruning, and perfecting things such as the garden. Not only this, but the relationship between parents and child seems to be quite strong, as they put the same amount of effort and love into their property and appearance as they do with Keith. He even has various pet names such as old chap or old bean, and his mother seem to always want to know what Keith is doing/ up to. But, when Stephen goes on to describe his family, once again, completely different, and the parents reflect their child, as Stephens dad is described to be unsatisfactory as Stephens, not only this, but his parents have no pet names for him, or seem to particularly care where he is going. The conflicting backgrounds of the boys dont seem to affect their relationship in the slightest. To summarise, although the author presents the boys to be of entirely different backgrounds, wealth, and social status, he makes it known to the reader that these are the foundations on which the boys friendship is built on. Being different to each other only draws them closer together. For instance, Keith calls the shots, but Stephen is still astonished and proud that Keith even wants to be his friend (as he is so ashamed of himself and his family) so doesnt feel resentful in the slightest, He was the officer corps in our two man army. I was the Other Ranks- and grateful to be so. Although Stephen may envy Keiths lifestyle, he certainly doesnt hold any judgement towards him, and is glad that he gets to share an experience of how the other half lives. Despite the various class/economical clashes, the boys are still great friends, and seem to follow suit that opposites do attract.

The Perfect Drug :: Illegal Drugs Anti-Depressants Essays

The Perfect Drug Is money the perfect drug, a cure all pill that will take away all misery, anguish, and suffering; or is it an addictive depressant, sending us on the downward spiral towards death? The truth of life is that money lures us in with its appealing image, creates a dependency, and gradually rends us a soulless slave to it. â€Å"And I want you†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Almost all of America today is consumed by a need to attain great wealth, reputation, and worldly possessions. Everything is about what job can be attained, who can be impressed, or what possessions we are about to surround ourselves with. To this end, we are enraptured by a need for as much money as possible. This can come by the means of anything from playing the lottery to investing to working at a job that we hate. Torturing ourselves to gain wealth and power, we willingly accept the pains of the 8AM - 5PM day to feel a small amount of happiness from 6PM-10PM. The high that is gained by this small increase in wealth is just enough to keep us coming back for more, the addiction just enough to create a dependency that is both strong and invisible. We are so captivated by the false happiness of wealth that we fail to recognize the shallow truth of it all: that we are slaves to our money. Just like addicts to heroin, we cannot live without money, and we always crave more. However, just because we have more money doesn’t mean that we’ll have more to spend. We almost immediately will take any gained wealth and put it towards an increase in living style, such that our spending money remains virtually the same as it was whenever we had less money overall. These changes in living style are usually some material possession like a car that we see ourselves as needing to have. Take the example of the suburban yuppies driving around in SUV’s and worse, Hummers. Are such robust vehicles really necessary for tackling the rough streets of suburbia? The obvious answer here is no, but it mustn’t be too obvious, because these types of vehicles can be seen everyday out of their intended setting. This brings up the point of their use, which is to make sure that the drivers look more powerful than anyone else around them. What’s

Essay on Prejudice and Pride in Pride and Prejudice -- Pride and Preju

Prejudice and Pride in Pride and Prejudice      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In any literary work the title and introduction make at least some allusion to the important events of the novel. With Pride and Prejudice, Austen takes this convention to the extreme, designing all of the first and some of the second half of the novel after the title and the first sentence. The concepts of pride, prejudice, and "universally acknowledged truth" (51), as well as the interpretation of those concepts, are the central focus of the novel. They dictate the actions of almost all the major characters (not just Darcy and Elizabeth), and foreshadow all of the major events in the novel, especially in the first few chapters, involving the first ball at Netherfield. While Darcy comes to represent pride, and Elizabeth prejudice, all of the characters in Pride and Prejudice are impacted by both pride and prejudice, and their scorn towards the two central characters in the novel becomes only hypocritical.    While everyone (at first) scorns Darcy's excessive pride, that very same pride in self and family effects the actions of many of the characters. Pride in her daughters makes Mrs. Bennet confident that they will soon be married off. "It is very likely," she tells her husband, "that [Bingley] may fall in love with one of them" (52). Pride makes the early Darcy cold and disrespectful, and Miss Bingley haughty, jealous, and spiteful. "[The Bingley sisters] were in fact very fine ladies...but proud and conceited. They were rather handsome, had been educated in one of the first private seminaries in town, had a fortune of twenty thousand pounds...and were therefore in every respect entitled to think well of themselves, and meanly of others" (63). Pride drives Mr. Col... ...Donald Gray. New York: Norton and Co., 1993. Butler, Marilyn. Jane Austen and the War of Ideas. Oxford. Claredon Press, 1975 Harding, D. W. "Regulated Hatred: An Aspect in the Work of Jane Austen." Pride and Prejudice. By Jane Austen. Ed. Donald Gray. New York: Norton and Co., 1993. pp. 291-295. "Jane Austen, " Discovering Authors' Modules, http://galenet.gale.com/a/acp/netacgi/nphrs?d=DAMA&s1=bio&s2=Austen,+Jane&1=50&pg1=DT&pg2=NM&p=17    Johnson, Claudia L. "Pride and Prejudice and the Pursuit of Happiness." Pride and Prejudice. By Jane Austen. Ed. Donald Gray. New York: Norton and Co., 1993. pp. 367-376. Mudrick, Marvin."Irony as Discovery in Pride and Prejudice." Pride and Prejudice. By Jane Austen. Ed. Donald Gray. New York: Norton and Co., 1993. pp. 295-303. Sherry, Norman. Jane Austen. London. Montegue House, 1966   

Record Retrieval System Essay

Chapter 1 The Problem and Its Scope Introduction Technology plays an important role in retrieving patient records in the lives of every patient, an office staff and a medical hospital because of the big boom of technology across the globe it enhanced the services of health institutions. Big, small hospitals or even clinics use the advantage of technology that gave ease to every transaction made especially on important document stored and released for patients. Every record is important just like birth certificates that every parent will retrieve from a hospital for future use of their children, a medical record or laboratory results needed by doctors for medical purposes. For the past decades, medical hospitals all over the world are using a paper system in the retrieval of patient’s records. Patient Record Retrieval is the process of getting the patient records back from a repository or a place where records are stored. Such as, an outpatient record is stored in the deck of folders, envelopes mostly sorted by family names, and there are hundreds or thousands in one of the corner of the office. Patients come and will retrieve records if needed anytime and does not have the assurance that a record will be able to retrieve in a short period of time. Medical centers in the country, it maybe prestigious or not, has also encountered the same problems as other countries encountered, scattered records are everywhere and occupied the whole space of the office, adds manpower for processing transaction and waste of office supplies and most especially retrieval services are slow. Government hospitals have many patients most especially poor people from rural areas and retrieving patient records in the hospital is the common problem. Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital is a government health agency intended for the poor and one of its services is to retrieve records of patients. One problem that clients lost their patience is because of turtle-like services of the agency in retrieving records. Factors that the hospital has a slow service in retrieving patient records and it is because records are very hard to locate that consumes couple of minutes in retrieving for a specific record being requested. In addition to the problems of Negros Oriental Provincial Records Department is that the paper  system consumes the office space, waste of paper materials and additional personnel for locating records. Thus, with all problems encountered by Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital Records Department in retrieving records, the researchers came up a solution to have a new computerized patient records retrieval system. Review of Related Literature, Studies and Systems Review of Related Literature Patients record a collection of documents that provides an account of each episode in which a patient visited or sought treatment and received care or a referral for care from a health care facility. The record is confidential and is usually held by the facility, and the information in it is released only to the patient or with the patient’s written permission. A problem-oriented medical record also contains a master problem list. The patient record is often a collection of papers held in a folder, but it may be computerized. Retrieval of medical record has been a significant means of communication between the Provider, Payer and Legal community. For decades it has been an extremely manual driven, paper driven process and time consuming process. With the advent of technology, issue of regulatory guidelines of PHI security and confidentiality such as Privacy Rules or HIPAA, Medical Record Retrieval and Release of Information is an industry which has undergone and is going through a lot of transformation. Earlier being done by the organizations themselves, this service is now being outsourced to specialists with the end goal to reduce retrieval time by process automation, reduce paper usage, and abide by the stringent HIPAA and Privacy rules. Retrieving medical records isn’t overly difficult, but it is a process with specific requirements. For example, medical records aren’t always stored at a physician’s office. First, the medical provider needs to be contacted and asked about where the medical records request forms should be sent. Once the correct mailing address has been obtained, the record request forms as well as a HIPAA authorization form and a check for copy charges needs to be sent. In a perfect world, the provider would receive the request and fill it right away. However, it’s not unusual for a request to sit in a pile on some clerk’s desk making follow-up calls an absolute necessity. Lehnart et al. defines a patient record management system as a system that stores demographic, and medical information from ancillary services such as registration, lab, radiology, pathology, pharmacy, consultation and transcription.They state that a record management system is not simply automated updates of paper based charts, but rather a dynamic system used to help health care workers make better informed dragonesses. According to Gaillour et al. a record management system is only effective at achieving the goals of increasing quality of care and lowering costs if the organization re†designs it’s current workflow and practices. Hence a very user† friendly system needs to be created to mitigate the risk of user dissatisfaction towards the new system. Fromberg et al. claim the clinical benefits to such a system includes easier, more rapid access to patient data charts; Improved clinical decision making and disease management; More educated patients about their own ailments; An increase in time to spend consulting with patients; An increased perception of patient care and theoretically a better working environment. All these benefits overall translate to better patient care. More benefits include a more efficient workflow, as duplicate tasks would not be performed as the need to re gather information would be eliminated as all data pertaining to the patient is readily available at all times. Time taken to execute administration functions, such as capturing patient demographics, drop dramatically. According to Dassenko and Slowinski, an average of up to 15 minutes was saved per patient on the patients first visit and further 20 minutes on each subsequent visit as a result of implementing a computer based patient record. Fischer and Bloude (1999) states findings that the retrieval of paper records was time consuming and finding the required information amongst many documents for certain patients could be a lengthy process. Wellen et al (1998) emphasized the advantage of EPR because it enables information be Time is saved by EPR in not requiring the whole patient file to be used to find to available quickly about specific requirements perhaps just one piece information. Coiera (2003) EPR added that information instantaneously drugs though many documents. with EPR instead of requiring a search such as allergies to particular could be obtained information strategy states that in the EPR system the patient records should be secure, accurate, and legible. They can be easily accessed by authorized staff and in addition to use for individual patients can be incorporated in research. Data can also be available for the improvement of quality. Bush (2002)recommended introducing and using an appropriate EPR system since it helps to reduce costs and ongoing expenses in providing multiple users access to faster. Distance is information, data protection and backups. An EPR backup system is more economical than the manual system since it saves space, time to locate and access information and maintenance costs. Abdellhak et al (1996) and Young (2000) state that physical control of a file are not always available, EPR data can be accessed at any provides adequate security. However, sometimes as many as 30% of which is not possible with paper records. Englebardt and Nelson (2002) and Reynolds (2003) agree that an increasing number of paper records approved workstation are authorized difficult more Robert(2002) one the information for the right reason. Especially Friedman (2005) considered security for confidentiality must be ensured this is and relevant with EPR systems even if it makes authorized access access patient record especially in emergency cases. Kirshna and authorized person. Where as a paper based system is available to only one person at a time to point out that an EPR system can  be used simultaneously by more than Amatayku (2004) drew attention to access policy which needs not only a ban sharing passwords but also a reminder of the possible legal consequences. Schmitz (1979 p.74) described an early EPR system at a time when â€Å"there is as yet no such thing as a fully electronic medical record†. The benefits were then seen to be â€Å"timeliness, accuracy, completeness and availability† resulting from†having physicians interact directly with an electronic management information system† (Schmitz 1979, p.75). He seems to have been one of the pioneers in anticipating the potential of EPR, and the benefits from professional input. Kovner (1990), who considered the use of electronic records for patient history and current treatments. The availability of computer systems from 1990 onwards further helped to prove the arguments raised by the two authors above. This availability changed medical record keeping to electronic methods, which were beneficial in many ways. methods of recording have reduced the size of records despite the fact that they contain very much more information. By using computers, doctors can easily access information from more than one source. The organization of records for ease of access is essential for efficiency and the importance of the service is recognized by supervisors in charge. Good organization and management requires good leadership to ensure efficiency and co-operation and a constant improvement performance. In addition to the above observations, Meijden et al (2000) measured the attitudes towards electronic patient record among physicians and nurses. The researchers noted that the experienced physicians and nurses were move positive, whereas the inexperienced ones found EPR to be more time consuming for data entry and retrieval, and they were concerned about their familiarity with computers and the need for training. This study implies that one has to be experienced in making the optimum use of EPR systems. Furthermore, an EPR system proves to have more effect on improving quality of patient care. Bickford (1995)noted the in as a restriction potential that EPR systems have for improving patient health costs, adding satisfaction for providers, researchers and administrators. Dick and Steen (1991) argued that patient records should include more information than just treatment details for as proposed by earlier researchers such as Kovner (1990), example, guiding problem solving, decision analysis, reminders, and risk assessment ,an do the relevant details(Dick & Steen1991,p.37). The system could prompt staff about additional considerations not available in paper records. The system would be accessible at all times. Similarly, a report by the Institute of Medicine (IOM 1997) helped to argue further that an electronic patient record is to be as the one that is specifically designed to support users through of complete and accurate data, practitioner reminders and alerts, clinical understood availability decision support systems, links to bodies of medical knowledge and other aids. Novak(2005) considered EPRs as time saving which can be life saving, transfers to cost other physicians history, effective whilst maintaining confidentiality and, making easy and immediate. However A personal EPR can contain a total medical complicated. EPR systems have to a greater extent improved patients records and facilitated  the selection of the most appropriate treatment. Amongst these advantages, Burton et al with the patient’s input can be created when records are retrieved much Lane & Hayward (1999) investigated the value of electronic patient records make adequate and legible records has been reduced to take only a few minutes per patient, when physicians’ time is tightly scheduled. However, Soper (2000) observed that more time to see a patient, together commented that the time taken to. Furthermore, the above author noted that accessibility of record sat a made possible. Electronic records are more legible and can resolve the problem of misplaced documents and the opportunity to show parents the records of their children if required. For  GPs and found them to be considerable, but there were doubts about the system on a larger. Furthermore, (Atkinson 1997; British Medical Association 2002). The training of users on EPR scale in hospital use. Mansoor (2002) Training the users in manipulating EPR systems has proved to be easier them to familiarize themselves with other aspects of computer supports the observation in that physicians use systems motivates applications. Computers for administrative purposes as well as EPR systems, and are keen to acquire computer skills and knowledge to enhance their clinical practice. They learn how to access computer based information and to how to make the best use of such resources. Svenningsen (2003) found the advantages of EPR included no loss of records, ease of access for all medical staff, some reduction in professionals. The same was the case for Smith, (2003) who considered good medication errors, better documentation, and more co-ordination between leadership and supportive staff were essential for a planning, strong successful EPR system. Benefits include accurate medication lists, legible notes and physician. Having experienced EPR he would never revert to paper records. Seems to summarize the general point of view of those who have experienced prescriptions. This the change from manual to electronic systems. Amatayakul (2005) emphasized the value of EPRs providing reminders to alert hospital staff to particular problems which may arise, and improve decision making, in addition to reducing errors. At the same time much information is still being handwritten in many hospitals and the electronic records do not necessarily include information which would assist decision making. Also it was helpful to have systems which work similarly in different places e.g. surgeries, clinics and hospitals. The benefits of EPR as outlined by Ginneken (2002, p. 115) included Flexibility in content and use, integration and adaptability to change. Once consensus is reached on terminology, architecture, and legislation, the EPR  will become as established as the Hippocratic Oath record has been for centuries†.It seems from the literature that benefits have been obvious in all the countries that have adopted the system, and even those who originally had difficulties in making the changes now express no regrets, because they have experienced the great advantage of electronic systems. There was a reported reluctance to change which needs to be overcome by a good training programme, and some people under-estimate their capabilities to cope with different systems ( Loomis & Ries 2002). As Huston (2004) noted, to such a change would require an agreed standard procedure and provision for the transition period. Faber(2003)draws attention to the fact that several authors new and implement argue that the implementation of EPR can fail if the assumed nature of the medical work being considered does not match the real aspects of that work. Related Studies and System According to the study of abdullah, f. Epr system in hamad medical corporation   Qatar that it greatly resolved the dissatisfaction with the existing manual patient  Record system expressed both doctors and nurses referred to many defects of the  Present manual system which caused irritation and potential exposure to reducing  Patient safety. Such obstacles can affect the improvement of patient care and delay Important treatment. From the findings the major problem of the traditional paper  Based record system appears to be misfiling of records causing difficulties in obtaining   Information quickly in emergencies. Thus the newly EPR system benefited the   Hamad medical in terms of the accuracy,legibility, confidentiality and time saving  in the patient records. Another study from Droma, Fahad et al. in automation of the patient record management sytem in St Francis Hospital Nsambya that Patient record management systems in hospital today necessitate a competent administration when handling patients, generating reports from cashier, patient details which serves as a key factor for the flow of business transactions in St Francis Hospital Nsambya. Unfortunately the current Record management system leads to misplacement of drug details, payment details, and late release of reports and insecurity to records. This research project is aimed at computerizing all the records about patients, staff and drug suppliers. In order to achieve this goal, a thorough System Study and investigation was carried out and data was collected and analyzed about the current system using document and data flow diagrams. The concept of report production has been computerized hence, no more delay in report generation to the hospital manager. Errors made on hand held calculators are dealt out completely The method used to develop the system include iterative waterfall model approach, dataflow, logical and entity relationship diagram were used to design the system and finally the language used were MySql, php, HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Atkinson (1997), whilst seeing the benefits of EPR systems, also that they could change clinical practice, and that there could be problems of controlling access to them. His research also reported anxieties that were expressed regarding the possibility of computer failure. The argument shows that the electronic record system has a â€Å"back up† scheme for computer failure patient which automatically prevents information from being lost. In addition, even if the benefits of EPR are recognized,found that the time taken to learn procedures was an obstacle to their use. A software engineering consultant, Sam Simple was hired to design a Computerized Patient Record system for a hospital. Each patient’s record in the database consists of a patient’s name, address, age, phone number, next of kin, name of parents, phone number, birth date and place, social security number, occupation, marital status, religion, military service, treatment history, family background, lifestyle information such as drug history and sexual  preferences, diagnostic and testing information, and insurance information. At the initial meeting held to discuss the project requirements, a hospital representative indicated to Simple that the hospital had conducted research on CPR systems prior to hiring him. Based on the report produced from the hospital’s research, it considered that user authentication to verify users’ ID and password at login was sufficient for their system, as far as the system security was concerned. However, Simple learned from a study that 85 percent of the passwords on a typical computer system were guessable. According to Dr. Marie Sy, CHITS, an electronic medical record (EMR) specifically designed for the community health centers in the Philippines, was developed through a collaborative and participative process involving health workers and the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) community, using the primary health care approach and guided by the open source philosophy. â€Å"The development of CHITS that the paper record retrieval time was decreased from 2.41 minutes to less than 5 seconds,† has resulted in increased efficiency of health workers, allowing them to spend more time for patient care, improved data quality; streamlin ed records management; and data-guided decision-making, both operationally and strategically,† Dr. Sy added. The development of EPR in most countries has been rapid in recent years with some differences to meet local requirements. Beaumont (1999) noted the advantage of electronic records in the UK, including simultaneous access from multiple locations, legibility, ease of exchange of data, and confidentiality. He compares the advantages with those of paper records which are: easily transported; easy to read; require no training and are never â€Å"out of order†. According to Beaumont’s personal experience, electronic records are an improvement on medical handwriting which is often illegible. In addition, he noted a need for training in the details of categories which the manual records should contain, just as computers may be â€Å"down†, so misfiled patient records can be equally frustrating. Frolick, (n. d. ) noted that electronic patient records in USA are of great benefit to patients, because they are not subject to loss, illegibility or inaccuracy, and assist in guiding patients’ daily treatment. In addition, the records would be readily available for research and accessible directly on the users’ screen. Furthermore, Madison(1997) reported Dr. Paul King’s opinion that the ability to create, and retrieve  charts quickly was of importance and time saving. The choice of the best EPR in USA for a particular department as important and there should be a wide range of availability of a system for selection. By the immediate accessibility of the right technical information lives could be saved, and this is the most important consideration of all. In addition to aspects such as time saving and quality of care, Kowalsky (2002)observed that, to make the system comprehensive and cost effective was a large task and integrating existing systems was difficult. Much as the EPR systems are suggested to provide the best solutions to improve patient record keeping, several authors have observed a number of challenges to them. For example, Fields & Duncker (2003) mentioned that although EPR systems are planned to be universal in UK by 2008, there were doubts about this. The complexity of the task and the need to complete it rapidly caused concern after previous NHS computerisation problems. There was anxiety and the need to convince staff of the benefits of the system. Bishop (2003) referred to availability, as being able to use the information or the source desired i. e., hardware, software or networks. The same issues were discussed by Singh et al. (2004) who noted that primary care in USA is complex and includes safety problems, with no two providers being alike. EPR imposed on any health system can have unpredictable effects, reducing or increasing safety. To some extent EPR could distract a GP from properly recording observations, but, if used correctly, would greatly assist in providing immediate and accurate information. In practice it is essential that all staff are familiar with EPR systems, if these are to be used effectively, and all aware of hazards and how to avoid them. Similarly, Pizziferri et al (2005) considered one factor which inh ibits the use of EPR in USA was the concern that it may take more time than paper records. A study of 20 physicians’ use of time at primary health centres was recorded, before and after the introduction of EPR, and a decrease in time was noted. This was also the case with dictating notes, reading, and writing; however searching for data was much faster than before. The researchers concluded that EPR took less time than manual records but that there was a need to identify EPR users who had difficulty with the system. Mikkelsen & Aasly (2005) of the neurology department at St Olave’s Hospital, Norway analysed electronic patient records and how the system affected performance, e. g. the ability to access information. Records for a neurological department were of variable accuracy because of lack of precise definitions, and were a potential threat to the safety of the system. Strict procedures are required to ensure accuracy and sufficient relevant information. The Steiermà ¤rkischeKrankenanstaltenGes.m.b.H. (KAGes), the governing body of the Styrian hospitals. Out of a new MIS, termed OpenMedocs, has been conducted. This system shall simplify the management, the access to and the exchange of health-related patient information. It is a centrally managed system at the headquarter of KAGes in Graz. The core of OpenMedocs is an electronic patient record (EPR) system. All documents concerning patients are stored in this system. Thus, it is possible to receive documents from a patient which have been generated in different hospitals ’at the push of a button’. Since almost all medical information of the hospitals concerning patients is managed in the ERP system, it is possible to avoid various disadvantages of ’traditional documentation’, like multiple medical attendance or local constraints of usage of retrieval possibilities, and user-oriented presentation of data should help, among other things, to speed up and to improve the quality of the medical decision-making process of physicians. Since the roll-out of OpenMedocs, the amount of these patient-related documents increased continuously. Thus, the efï ¬ cient storage and the timely retrieval of documents in the EPR system have gained considerable importance. The Problem Statement of the Problem This present study tries to analyze, design, develop, test and implement a Record Retrieval System for Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital. This study attempts to answer the following questions. 1. What is the current retrieval system used by Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital Records Department in retrieving records? 2. What are the problems encountered by retrieval section employees in the retrieval of patient’s records in NOPH Records Department? 3. What are the requirements needed for the development of the Computerized Retrieval System for Negros Oriental Records Department Retrieval Section? 4. How secure and manageable is the Computerized Retrieval System for NOPH Records Section? 5. How beneficial is the Computerized Retrieval System for  Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital Records Department Retrieval Section. Hypothesis H0: There is an existing problem with the current retrieval system of Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital Records Department. H1: Negros Oriental Hospital Records Department is in need of a new system that will help them improve their service. Technical Background Design Concept Input Data Captured Process Working with records Output Showing results by print outs Storage of the patient records Figure 1 It shows the input, process and output of the patient record retrieval system that in input in order to retrieved such records they need a personal information and the records they want to be retrieved in a system. In Process it is where the records has been process in order they could release the record and in output it is where the records have been already retrieved and ready to release to the authorized person. Design Method Figure 2 Agile Approach The methodology that use in developing the system is agile the researcher use  agile since it promotes adaptive planning, evolutionary development and delivery; time boxed iterative approach and encourages rapid and flexible response to change. A conceptual framework promotes foreseen interactions throughout the development cycle. There are five phases in this methodology the requirements, design, implementation, test and deployment. In requirements phase in which the requirements for the software are gathered and analyzed. This is equivalent to researching and brainstorming what the product requires. Examples can include general features, architecture discussions, workflow discussions and general product discovery. Design phase this is which will have all the requirements defined for the product. Implementation phase during the development, needed to test the code as well as get feedback from the customer on progress. Feedback from the customer can include mockups, front-end designs, and usability. Testing phase bugs and defects are always a constant in the software development process. It is important that there are good quality assurance standards to eliminate general issues. Deployment the software application is finally deployed and live. Once this occurs, a support plan needs to be in place for maintenance and general support on potential future issues. Significance of the Study Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital Record Department.The study will serve as a new instrument for the technological advancement that greatly benefits for Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital. This computerized system is intended to lessen the manpower which will lead to a faster and more accurate record retrieval process which will lead to profitability of the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital. Employees. The job of the employees will become more accurate and efficient through the use of the proposed system. This leads to less error which saves time and energy on the side of the workers. Employees can also focus on other tasks assigned that will make them more productive. Patients. The service of Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital to the patient will become more convenient. Less time will be consumed during the retrieval process. This will also lessen time for patients to wait for their records to be release. The study is also expected to increase the satisfaction of the patients to the services of the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital. Researchers This study is a great achievement for the researchers because it  will improve their skills in technical writing. The experiences while doing the research build up their characters and teach them values like creativity, working hard, team building and responsibility and time management. It also builds friendship and camaraderie among the co-researchers. It also gives them an overview of the IT industry and trains them to prepare to the competitive professional field. Questionnaire Directions: Please put a checkmark on the selected choice. Name (Optional):____________________________________ Age:______ Gender:____________ Department:______________________ I. The current system that NOPH are using in retrieving records: 1. What is the present system used by Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital Records Department Retrieval Section? __ Manual Retrieval __ ComputerizedRetrieval If manual, what are the tools or things used in retrieving records or how a single record is retrieved according to its arrangement? _By folders _By logbooks _By envelopes _By family names _By cabinets _By disease/injury Others (Specify):______________________ If computerized, what are the applications used? _ Microsoft Excel _Microsoft Word _Microsoft Access _Others(Specify):_____________________________ II. The problems encountered by employees in retrieving records: 2. What are the problems encountered by Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital Records Department in retrieving records? _Unarranged Documents _Difficulty in finding records _Lost Documents _ Mountainous Stocked Files _Crowded area Others(Specify):______________________________ III. Particular documents that Negros Oriental Hospital retrieve. 3. What are the common documents that hospital clients retrieved mostly? _Birth certificates _Death certificates _Laboratory results Others(Specify):___________________________________ References: Related Literature http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/patient+record http://www.wipro.com/industries/healthcare-segments/medical-records-retrieval.aspx http://www.sunbeltreporting.com/sunbelt-blog/bid/45059/Benefits-of-Outsourcing Medical-Records-Retrieval) Fischer, J. S. & Blonde, L., 1999. Impact of an electronic medical record on diabetes practice workflow. Clinical Diabetes, 17(2), 10-12. Wellen, D. et al., 1998. The electronic medical oncology record: misconceptions, barriers, and benefits. Cancer Management, 3 (5), 6-8. Coiera, E., 2003. Guide to health informatics. 2†³d ed. London: Arnold. Bush, J., 2002. Looking for a good electronic medical records system? Family Practice Management, 9(1), 50-51. Lenhart, J. G., Honess, K., Covington, D., and Johnson, K. 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