Environmental Impact of Medical Wastes

Environmental Impact of Medical Wastes Introduction Several incidents concerning medical waste being spotted on public and private beaches have drawn a lot of public attention on the issue of management of medical waste. One such incident happened back in June 1987, when in Indiana polis, twelve children were found playing with blood vials that they had picked from a bin placed outside an HMO medical office.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Environmental Impact of Medical Wastes specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Two of these vials were infected with the AIDS virus (10). These issues and others raise concerns on how medical waste is handled, treated and disposed. Medical waste can be defined as all the waste that is generated by health facilities and other sources such as funeral homes, research laboratories, doctor’s clinic funeral homes, nursing homes and veterinary facilities. These wastes consists the hazardous (radioactive materials), infectious also referred to as red bag waste and any other waste generated within the facility (4). Medical waste although not voluminous, is infectious and toxic and leads to serious environmental pollution (1). Background Information According to Environmental protection Agency (EPA), hospitals generate around 3.2 million tons of medical wastes per annum. (10). 10 to 15 0percent of this medical waste generated is infectious. In most hospitals, the non infectious waste is land filled while the infectious one is incinerated. Medical waste requires proper handling, disposal and treatment to minimize the environmental and health risks associated with it. Illegal or careless disposal of medical waste not only creates an aesthetic and health problem, but also increases public apprehension on the existing medical waste management methods. Due to the liabilities and the safety related concerns, some municipals refuse or ban any medical waste from their incinerators and landfills. Various states have prohibited all un-sterilized infectious waste from the municipal landfills.Advertising Looking for essay on ecology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The states have also banned construction of commercial incinerators handling medical waste. These afro mentioned bans, have made it increasingly difficult for medical facilities and hospitals in the country to properly manage medical waste (3). This situation is further complicated by the lack of clear and concise regulatory climate. These inconsistencies are present in the Federal guidelines laid down by the States with regards to the definition of medical waste and the management options available for handling, transporting, treating and disposing medical waste (5). The current situation can only change if the Congress adopts bills relating to medical waste management. In the meantime, most states have been mandated to devise their own plans and programs of managing t he medical waste generated. This means that there are a lot of variations between different states and local requirements. This paper aims at looking at the disposal problems posed by medical waste for both the local government and hospitals, the methods used in disposing medical waste, the long term implications medical waste has on the environment and the conclusions drawn from the discussion (2). Classification of Medical Wastes Medical waste is heterogeneous in nature as it comprises a variety of materials ranging from general waste such as food, office waste and non-infectious waste from patients. It also includes infectious waste e.g. contaminated sharps and blood products, hazardous waste generated from pharmaceuticals, cytotoxic chemicals from chemotherapy, mercury as well as radioactive wastes. Classifying infectious waste has proved difficult due to the variations resulting from different State regulations (10). These different classifications lead to inconsistency in stor age, disposal and treatment practices across different states. The variations also influence the preferred treatment methods, cost of management and eventually, the possible environment and health hazards created by these wastes. Around 10 to 15 percent of all medical waste is infectious but this percentage can differ from 3 to 90 percent, depending on the definition and procedure adopted (10). The state entities, EPA and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have all tried to find the proper definition of infectious waste based on the characteristics of the waste.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Environmental Impact of Medical Wastes specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More According to EPA, infectious waste is any waste with the possibility of causing an infectious disease. EPA has broadened its category of infectious waste compared to CDC. This has led to the adoption of EPA instead of CDC guidelines, in hospitals and other areas that generate medical waste, helping in minimizing potential environmental and health risks (4). Another concern is whether to classify infectious waste as hazardous which will increase the cost of managing it due the construction of special facilities. Such a move would improve the management of medical waste, but lead strict regulations and prosecution of illegal dumpers. Some of the wastes recommended to be included in the infectious category are waste from dialysis, stocks and cultures with infectious agents, blood products and human blood, contaminated sharps, soiled dressings, surgical gloves sponges and other surgical waste (6). Varied definition of infectious and hazardous medical waste has led to the public being exposed to this hazardous waste that poses a health risk. For example, the public was barred from accessing beaches in the East coast after bloody bandages, sutures and needles were found in the shores. Infectious waste is sent to the incinerators, thus if th e category was broadened as discussed above, such waste would not have ended up in the beaches (10). Handling of Medical Waste There are various occupational hazards associated with handling medical waste. Waste handlers and health workers are primarily exposed to this type of risk as they more than often handle this waste. Handling hospital waste include packing, storing and transporting it properly to avoid any contamination and littering as discussed below; 1. Packaging- before packaging any medical waste, it must be sorted into different categories and packed accordingly. This is a time consuming activity and quite risky to the handler.Advertising Looking for essay on ecology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Bulk waste is put in polythene bags and colors used in differentiating different categories of wastes. Infectious waste is placed in red bags and all the waste is securely closed in readiness for storage or transportation. Sharps are put in puncture proof containers due to their infectious capability and also due to their prick injuries (7). 2. Storage- hospitals must designate special areas for storing the waste before it is transported or disposed. The area must be regularly disinfected and kept at the right temperature. According to EPA, storage areas must have the bio-hazard symbol and sufficient packaging to prevent vermin’s and rodents from accessing the area. The waste must also be stored for the shortest period possible, although EPA does not give the stipulated period, leading to a State disparity in specified temperatures and times. Lack of uniformity in regulating storage temperature and time can sometimes lead to increased rates of putrefaction and microbial growt h (8). 3. Transportation EPA guidelines address the movement of infectious of waste on-site briefly, and provide limited information on how to move this waste off-site. Such recommendations involve using leak proof and rigid containers to move the waste and not using mechanical loading devices that can rapture packed waste. There are no guidelines on how to handle and transfer medical waste off-site. Although EPA, recommends that hazard labels be put on all medical waste in accordance to Federal, State and municipal regulations, the energy and transport department limit the use of this label, confusing commercial waste handlers (10). Varied definition of infectious waste across different states complicates the matters and increases the likelihood of improper disposal and potential exposure to the public. For example, if a state does not classify bloodied sutures and bandages as infectious waste, it can dispose this waste from another state in the municipal landfill. However, such wa ste can be washed by storm water to the beaches and pose a health risk (9). Methods Used In Disposing Medical Waste Incineration As hospitals generate a lot of waste, both non-infectious and infectious wastes are incinerated together. There is no data on the exact waste incinerated in hospitals or information on the number of current medical incinerators available. Municipal incinerators burn a large volume of waste compared to hospital ones. However, hospital incinerators are situated in highly populated regions, leading to a greater probability of public exposure to toxic fumes and air pollutants. These small incinerators emit higher levels of pollutants, although few risk assessments are carried out, making it impossible to evaluate the risks emanating from these incinerators in comparison to other sources e.g. the municipal incinerators (10). Moreover, the short stacks in hospital incinerators might permit emissions from the incinerators to go into the hospitals via windows and air-conditioning ducts. Hospitals in US use three types of incinerators namely: rotary kiln models, multiple chamber air and controlled air. Most medical waste incinerators are closed air, since they are associated with lower costs and lesser pollution. The advantage associated incinerators is that they can reduce large volumes of waste, sterilize it, and make it possible for it to be disposed traditionally through landfills. Secondly, modern incinerators harness the heat created during the process and use it to power generators within the facility (8). Autoclaves Autoclaving uses steam sterilization in treating wastes before they are sent off to the landfills. Autoclaving is done in closed compartments, where pressure and heat are applied generating steam, within a given length of time so as to sterilize medical apparatus. All microorganisms found in the medical waste are destroyed by the steam generated and then disposed off disposed in landfills. After autoclaving medical waste, it undergoes compaction through shredding so that it is not used for any other purposes and then later on disposed in the landfills. However, autoclaving is not recommended for pathological waste due to the presence of low levels of radiation. The advantage of this method is that it can be used in processing 90 percent of medical waste and compaction reduces the volume of waste after (7). Long term Environmental Implications of Medical Waste Improper disposal of medical waste have far reaching environment impacts. Disposal of medical waste in oceans or other water bodies can lead to contamination of water by the pathogens found in this waste. Medical wastes such as soiled bandages or plastic gloves destroy the aesthetic appearance of the environment when they litter the beach or other places. On the other hand, the disposal methods used in getting rid of the medical waste causes serious air pollution. According to a JAMA study carried out in 2009, the health sector accounts for 8 pe rcent carbon emission (8). Most of the medical waste is plastic that produces furans and dioxins during combustion. Most old medical incinerators have no equipment for controlling pollution. The incinerator ash generated from combusting contaminated waste may contain potentially toxic chemicals that will end up in the landfill and cause environmental pollution. When autoclaving is used in disposal, the waste might not completely sterilized since the density and volume of material being sterilized determine the effectiveness of the process (7). There is a possibility of incomplete sterilization if the autoclave is overloaded and these pathogens will end up in the landfill, polluting the environment and posing a health risk to the public. Conclusion From the discussion above, it is clear that poor regulatory framework has hindered proper management of medical waste disposal. Medical waste is disposed through incineration and autoclaving, but both methods cause environmental pollution and pose a risk to the public health. Incineration releases toxic gases, while in autoclaving there is the risk of incomplete sterilization, transferring pathogens to the landfills. It is important for medical facilities to adopt new technology in waste disposal to reduce the environmental pollution. References Landrum, VJ. Medical waste management and disposal. California:William Andrew; 1991. NBCE. Medical, municipal and plastic waste management handbook. New Delhi: National Institute of Industrial Re; 2007. Office of technology Assessment. Finding the Rx for managing medical wastes. Washington DC: Diane Publishing; 1990. Friedman, M M and Rhinehart, E. Infection Control in Home Care. Sudbury: Jones Bartlett Learning; 1999. Hunt, DL and Fleming, D. Biological safety: principles and practices. Washington DC: ASM Press; 2000. Bassey, BE, Benka-Coker, MO and Aluyi, HAS. Characterization and management of solid medical wastes in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja Nigeria. Afri H ealth Sci. 2006 March; 6(1): 58–63. Uzych, L. Medical waste management: regulatory issues and current legal requirements. J Environmental Health, 1990 May, 52 (3): 30-35. Pyrek, KM. Infection control today. Phoenix Virgo publishing; 2010 November 16. Web. Hossetti, BB. Prospects and Perspective of Solid Waste Management. Seborga: New Age International; 2006. Federation of American scientists. Washington DC: The Association; c1988-2002. Group and Physicians Workshop: [about 3 screens]. Web.

Funk Art Movement, From Ceramics to Found Objects

Funk Art Movement, From Ceramics to Found Objects By the middle of the 1950s, abstract expressionism had held sway in the art world for a full decade, and there existed certain artists who felt the adulation had gone on for roughly nine years too long. In an uncoordinated artistic rebellion, a number of new movements began to gain traction. The one characteristic these movements had in common was shunning the abstract in favor of the tangible. From this, the delightfully-named Funk Art movement was born. Origins of the Funk Art  Name The romantic version of Funk Arts etymology says it came from jazz music, where funky was a term of approbation. Jazz is also perceived as unrefined and especially with late 50s free jazz unorthodox. This fits neatly, for Funk Art was nothing if not unrefined and unorthodox. However, it is probably closer to the truth to say that Funk Art came from the original, negative meaning of funk: a powerful stench, or an assault on ones senses. Whichever version you believe, the baptism occurred in 1967, when UC Berkeley Art History professor and Founding Director of the Berkeley Art Museum, Peter Selz, curated the Funk exhibition. Where Funk Art Was Created The movement got its start in the San Francisco Bay area, specifically at the University of California, Davis. In fact, many of the artists who participated in Funk Art were on the studio art faculty. Funk Art never outgrew being a regional movement, which is just as well. The Bay Area, the epicenter of the underground, was probably the one place in which it could have thrived, let alone survived. How Long the Movement Lasted Funk Arts heyday was in the mid- to late-1960s. Naturally, its beginnings were much earlier; the (very) late-1950s seem to be the point of origin. By the end of the 1970s, things were pretty much over as far as artistic movements go. To include all possibilities, it can be said Funk Art was produced for no more than two decades and 15 years would be more realistic. It was fun while it lasted, but Funk did not have a long life. The Key Characteristics of Funk Art Found and everyday objectsAutobiographical subjects(Frequently inappropriate) humorAudience engagementElevation of ceramics Historic Precedent Funk was preceded by another Bay Area art movement known as Beat Era Funk or Funk Assemblage. Its attitude was more surrealistic than funky, but it did add a few notes to Funk. Despite also being regional, Beat Era Funk never garnered much popularity. In terms of humor and subject matter, Funk Arts lineage goes straight back to Dada, while its aspects of collage and assemblage hearken to Pablo Picassos and Georges Braques Synthetic Cubism. Artists Associated with Funk Art Robert ArnesonWallace BermanBruce ConnerRoy De ForestJay DeFeoViola FreyDavid GilhoolyWally HedrickRobert H. HudsonJessEd KienholzManuel NeriGladys NilssonJim NuttPeter SaulRichard ShawWilliam T. Wiley Sources Albright, Thomas. Art in the San Francisco Bay Area: 1945 to 1980, Berkeley: University of California Press, 1985.Nelson, A. G. You (exh. cat.),  Davis: University of California Press, 2007.See: The Early Years of the UC Davis Studio Art FacultyOral history interview with Bruce Nauman, 1980 May 27-30,  Archives of American Art, Smithsonian InstitutionOral history interview with Roy De Forest, 2004 Apr. 7-June 30,  Archives of American Art, Smithsonian InstitutionSelz, Peter. Funk (exh. cat.).  Berkeley: University of California Press, 1967.Tinti, Mary M. Funk Art,  Grove Art Online, accessed 25 Apr. 2012.

Ethics class Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Ethics class - Essay Example The accepted standards of business operations safeguard the interests of companies, and violation of these standards constitutes unethical practices (Jennings 319). The emerging concern is whether Samsung has engaged in unethical business practices, or whether Apple is making false allegations against Samsung. Apple operates in the telecommunications industry with other numerous companies. The environment is competitive, guided by technology advancement, creativity, and innovativeness in developing products for the diverse world markets (Jennings 383). The situation that Apple is in following the allegations against Samsung is based on its product design technology and the numerous patents that it holds. The question is: Is Apple right or using false allegations to capture market attention? This has resulted in an ethical dilemma, especially after a South Korean court ruling in favor of Samsung. In this respect, a number of options emerge. These are: Apple’s allegations could have been right, Samsung could have actually imitated Apple’s products, or both companies could have engaged in unethical business practices in their line of operations and competition. The position of Apple in the matter constitutes an ethical

Statistics Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Statistics - Coursework Example A marketing manager of a well-known bookstore in the UK conducted a survey measuring customers’ loyalty. Customers’ Loyalty was measured with one question on an ordinal scale from 1 to 10, with lower values indicating less strength and higher values greater strength. The manager also took details on their gender. The manager performed a t-test to examine whether there was an association between the variables loyalty and gender. The results are shown below. The difference between the means is evidently significantly low at 0.86. However, from the test results, the p value 0.0002 is less compared to the significance level of 0.05. For this reason, we reject the null hypothesis. We may thus conclude that loyalty may be associated with gender. It means that the difference between the mean loyalty level of males and the mean loyalty level of the females is 0.86. That is mean of male group minus mean of female group is -0.86. The negative sign shows that the mean of the female group is higher than the mean of the male

In Civil Peace, How Does War Affect Society Essay Example for Free

In Civil Peace, How Does War Affect Society Essay In human history, especially in the ninetieth century and the twentieth century, there were many civil wars in different countries because of political, economic, religious, ethnic, and cultural conflicts, for example, the American Civil War between the United States and several southern slaves states from 1861 to 1865; the Korean Civil War between the Republic of Korea and Democratic people Republic of Korea from 1950 to 1953; the Chinese Civil War between the Republic of China and the Communist Party of China from 1927 to 1950, and the Nigeria Civil War between the Hausas Party and the Igbo Party from 1967 to 1970. Civil wars cause serious poverty and starvation for the people, kill tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians, and bring tragedies to many families. For instance, in the Korean Civil war, more than one million soldiers and civilians were killed, including over 40,000 American soldiers, 511,493 South Korean soldiers and civilians, about 400,000 North Koreans, and over 148,000 Chinese soldiers. Therefore, civil wars affect societies severely. In â€Å"Civil Peace†, the war causes terrible casualties of civilians and soldiers, results in fearful society instability, and destroys tremendous infrastructures and houses. In human history, especially in the ninetieth century and the twentieth century, there were many civil wars in different countries because of political, economic, religious, ethnic, and cultural conflicts, for example, the American Civil War between the United States and several southern slaves states from 1861 to 1865;[1] the Korean Civil War between the Republic of Korea and Democratic people Republic of Korea from 1950 to 1953;[2] the Chinese Civil War between the Republic of China and the Communist Party of China from 1927 to 1950, and the Nigeria Civil War between the Hausas Party and the Igbo Party from 1967 to 1970. 3] Civil wars cause serious poverty and starvation for the people, kill tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians, and bring tragedies to many families. For instance, in the Korean Civil war, more than one million soldiers and civilians were killed, including over 40,000 American soldiers, 511,493 South Korean soldiers and civilians, about 400,000 North Koreans, and over 148,000 Chinese soldiers. [4] Therefore, civil wars affect societies severely. In â€Å"Civil Peace†, the war causes terrible casualties of civilians and soldiers, results in fearful society instability, and destroys tremendous infrastructures and houses. First, most Nigerian civilians live in hunger and malnutrition, but more miserably, tens of thousands soldiers and civilians are killed during the devastating civil war. It is estimated that about 180,000 soldiers and civilians were battle deaths and non-battle deaths. [5] Contrary to Jonathan’s luckiness, such as â€Å"He had come out of war with five inestimable blessing-his head, his wife Maria’s head and the heads of three out of their four children†(Achebe 20), many parents lost all of their children and many other children lost their parents. They all live in extreme grief and sorrow of losing their family members. Furthermore, those children whose parents are dead can hardly survive in the extreme postwar poverty. A lot of people suffer life poverty and spiritual grief. Most important, civil war brings tragedies to many families. These tragedies will affect survivors forever. Secondly, civil war not only results in lots of corporations being closed down and many employees being unemployed, but also brings social instability. For example, most of Jonathan’s fellow ex-miners cannot find jobs. They cook meals that they scrounge together in Bournvita tins. Moreover, because a large number civilian population lacks food and money and they are always in starvation; some civilians are forced to make a living through robbery. These robbers bring people serious fear and pain. In â€Å"Civil Peace†, after Jonathan brings his ex-gratia award back home, a gang of robbers comes and threatens that they will break into the house at night if he doesn’t give them one hundred pounds. â€Å"Jonathan and his family were now completely paralyzed by terror. Maria and the children sobbed inaudibly like lost souls. Jonathan groaned continuously† (Achebe 23). At last, the thieves rob Jonathan twenty pounds. Therefore, the Civil War causes serious social instability and brings civilians more sorrows. Thirdly, in addition to life hardships and spiritual grieves, tremendous infrastructures and houses are destroyed in the war. Many people become destitute and homeless. For example, when Jonathan comes back Enugu, he is astonished to find that â€Å"Only two houses away a huge concrete edifice some wealthy contractor had put up just before the war was a mountain of rubble† (Achebe 22). Some ex-miners are sleeping out of the offices because their houses are ruined in civil war. It is well known that roads, bridges, railways, and rban water and electricity facilities are always heavily destroyed during wars. Civilians suffer starvations during the days and endure cold during the nights because their houses are damaged. Indeed, it is inconceivable how tough conditions people live in during the war. Jonathan is an extra-ordinarily lucky man, but most civilians’ lives are tragic. Without food, houses, money, families and jobs, many people almost collapse into near-madness. Therefore, civil war results in numerous houses and infrastructures ruined. In addition, civil war will severely block postwar national economic development. The governments need to invest lots of money to rebuild ruined national infrastructures. â€Å"Nothing puzzles God† says Jonathan (Achebe 25), but civil wars puzzle everyone. Most Nigeria civilians undergo poverty, homelessness, cold and sadness. Civil wars not only bring extreme poverty and starvation, but also cause severe casualties of soldiers and civilians. Moreover, numerous houses and facilities are terribly ruined. In addition, a lot of factories and corporations are forced to close down. Above all, the civil war contributes to severe social instability, brings families tragedies, and causes people deep sorrows.

Missoula Flood :: miscellaneous

Missoula Flood Human beings existing, breathing, and walking around on a measureless, changing and growing quickly as times goes by. Similar to the human growth, landforms kept on changing rapidly over years after years. For many centuries, geologists believed landscapes were formed through a long process known as uniformitarian- a â€Å"gradually† slow process of changing its landscapes toward its environments. Evidence of multiple catastrophism- a â€Å"speed† process of landform has been developed over the years, especially during the time of J. Harlen Bretz, a remarkable geologist who defied the scientific belief of his day and argued that sudden flood of almost unbelievable force rather than the slow uniform process. By recognizing the effects of catastrophic flooding on the Columbia Plateau of eastern Washington, the Missoula flood was brought upon the geologist community. The event of Missoula flood caused spectacular changes in landscapes. Even though thousands years of land erosion, scars of the flood still visible and noticeable. This significant event made remarkable changes in the geology, and guide us to a new level of understanding the causes of changes in the past leading to present and into the future as well. Landscapes around us significantly change because of the Missoula flood. Bretz began to realized the area of Puget Sound- area filled with valleys and complex drainage channels and had been covered by mountain glaciers - is made up of giant discarded river channels during the time of glaciers expansion nudged the drainage system southward. (p. 19) One of the places that Bretz visited was Columbia River Gorge, a stretch of steep river valley that cuts its way through the Cascade Mountains. (p. 27) Here Bretz found certain number of misfit rocks called erratics, a rock type that located distance away from their area of origin. Erractics not only came from the coast but the interior of Washington and Idaho. Found their way into the Columbia Gorge, their boulders have clearly avoided the usual breaking up and smoothing down that occurs to river tumbled rocks. Rolling, grinding, and polishing action did not transport these erractics, something irregular has occurred. Their sizes are a thousand times larger than the river gravels and are likely to be angular rather than smooth. At the same time, Bretz notices the oddness of its dry falls in the Columbia Gorge on the U.S. Geological Survey map of Quincy Basin, showed up clearly at the western end of the basin.

Clinical Decision Support

A state of irritability, exhaustion, or bewilderment triggered in clinicians who have been exposed to too many alerts which cause the user to ignore some or all the alerts. American National Standards Institute (ANSI) ; coordinates for the development of Health bevel Seven's Arden Syntax Standard. Bar Code Medication Administration (ABACA) ; An inpatient CADS to assist nurses with the five rights of medication administration. ; Provides warnings if any of the five rights are violated. ; It also requires the nurses to enter an override reason if he/she chooses to proceed.Bar Code Medication Administration Health Level Seven (HAL) ; A standards development organization for health information technology (HIT) Look-Alike, Sound-Alike (ALAS) ; Drugs with similar spelling or pronunciation. ; Refers to providing clinicians or patients with clinical knowledge and patient-related information, intelligently filtered or presented to appropriate times, to enhance patient care. ; Integrate patie nt-specific data with an available knowledge base in order to assist the clinician in selecting and delivering the safest and most effective therapies.Clinical Decision Support System A system intended to provide CDC to clinicians, caregivers and health care consumers. ; An Automated CADS includes: 1. A Knowledge base 2. An Event monitor 3. A Communication system Take Note: ; CADS may be a stand alone system ; CADS may be integrated into other technology solutions (ex. Bar code scanning technology and e-Prescribing) General Attributes of CADS 1. Designed for three purposes: Improve the quality of clinical decisions Notify of potential change in patient status ;. Prevent errant action at the point of care a.Error of commission b. Error of omission 2. Patient specificity 3. Context sensitive- relates directly to the work at hand 4. Integrated into workflow- convenient to use. 5. Timely- executes in real time 6. Pushes information to the clinician, care-giver or health care consumer 7. Intelligently filtered clinical information ; Information, advice or warning is relevant and meaningful ; CADS uses patient data to infer that the message is actually needed. ; CADS is customizable to clinical preferences. Types of Clinical Decision Support A. Patient-specific CADS B.Non-patient specific CADS ; This type of CADS consist of three types f alerts 1 . Commercial drug-interaction alerting system 2. Commercial dose and dose-range checking alerts 3. Commercial clinical rules engine Commercial drug-interaction alerting system ; Most common in COPE and Pharmacy Information systems. ; Provides alerts for drug-allergy, drug-drug, drug-pregnancy and other interactions. ; Limitation is that severity levels Of drug interaction is pre-assigned by the vendor based on the anticipated adverse reaction and cannot be customized.Four Possible Results from deterioration alerting system Alert Result Produces alert? Relevant? Clinician deeds to see? True Positive Yes True Negative NO No P ositive False Yes but never gets the chance Commercial dose and dose-range checking alerts ; Currently, this is rudimentary using few patient data, usually only age. Therefore this systems only loosely fit paternalistic category. Commercial clinical rules engine ; These allow local development or customization of clinical content and programming logic. 2. 3. 4.Data mining Informational notice Order sets Knowledge retrieval systems ; Provides population specific relationships and information. ; Encompasses numerous methods used to identify patterns and relationships in data. ; Usually just-in-time, product specific information. ; Examples: 1 . Provides alert for possible ALAS 2. In COPE, it might be order specific information such as the cost off lab test, or formula status of a drug. ; An organized set of patient care orders that are usually population, procedure or disease specific. It may be evidence-based such as clinical guideline. ; The KIRKS ; It could be: 1. Primary KIRKS ex. Google and 2. Secondary KIRKS (Harridan's online) 3. Tertiary KIRKS (ASAP, Thomson Health care and How to maximize the benefits Of CADS? Maximizing the benefits 1. Ensure that the data available for decision-making is as comprehensive as possible. Data should be current and urge Larry updated. 2. Optimize the method by which the decision support information is delivered to the health care provider values of CADS ; Application of CADS in different current medical technologies available: 1.COPE 2. OMAR(Getronics Medication Administration 3. Smart Pumps 4. Automated distribution cabinets CADS in COPE CADS integrated in COPE can: ; Reduce medication errors (any preventable event that may lead to inappropriate medication use or cause harm to he patient while the medication is in the control of a health care professional, patient or consumer) ; Improve compliance with recommended monitoring or adjunctive therapies. ; Improve efficiency by reducing the time spent clarifying incomplete ord ers. Screen for a variety or risks on the point of entry (ex. Duplicate therapy, drug-drug, allergic cross sensitivities) ; can reduced mathematical errors by automating weight-based and similar dosing calculations. ; can identify possible ALAS medications. Computerized Provider Order Entry CADS in Omar ; OMAR (Electronic Medication Administration Record) CADS integrated in Omar can: ; Can provide real time confirmation of the 5 rights of medication administration: 1. Right medication 2. Right dose 3. Right route 4. Right patient 5.Right time ; Can screen for recent changes in laboratory parameters, vital signs, or allergy status which may interact with a scheduled medication and alert the nurse prior to administration. ; Ex: laboratory shows critical level of potassium thereby alerting the nurse before administering dioxin to patient. CADS in Smart Pumps ; Smart pump- a computerized infusion device that can be programmed to include specific set of data. CADS integrated in Smart Pum ps can: ; Provide real time confirmation of the volume, rate and concentration of the solution being administered.Smart Pumps CADS in Automated Dispensing Cabinets ; ADS- secure storage cabinets typically located decennially on patient care units capable of handling most unit-dose and multiple dose medications. ; CADS integrated in ADS can: ; Notify nurses of potential hypersensitivity or ADAIR when certain trigger medications are withdrawn for a patient. ; In pharmacy, can provide alerts when medication is withdrawn too early or too ate based on scheduled administration time. Automated Dispensing Cabinets Unintended consequences in CADS ; A. Alert fatigue ; 8. Delay in care ; C. System performance A.Alert fatigue ; Tendency users to become overwhelmed and begin to ignore CDC messages due to a high quantity of alerts or a perception that the alerts have little perceived value. B. Delay in care ; The risk that interruptions in the workflow caused by clinical decision support alerts o r system limitations may lead to a delay in delivery of patient care. C. System Performance ; The risk that the processor resources seed by the CADS will cause the hospital information system software to perform slowly. Arden syntax standard ; A programming language designed for clinicians to build clinical rules. Streamlined computer language based on Pascal. ; Developed in Columbia University Arden Homestead in 1989. ; This standard provides a method to construct clinical rules, such as alerts, reminders and recommendations, known as Ml. ; Provides a flexible and clinically way to develop Ml. What is Ml? Ml ; Means Medical Logical Modules ; Offers a suggestion or warning (alert, recommendation or reminder) regarding a alnico decision or action, or an informational notice to report a change in a patient's clinical status.

Kite Runner Characters Essay

From that point forward, he is driven by his feelings of guilt as he searches to find a way to redeem himself. Ultimately he does so through courage and self-sacrifice, and he tells his story as a form of penance. Hassan  Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚   Amir’s best friend and half-brother as well as a servant of Baba’s. Hassan proves himself a loyal friend to Amir repeatedly, defending Amir when he is attacked and always being ready to listen. His defining traits are bravery, selflessness, and intelligence, though his smarts are more instinctual than bookish, largely because he is uneducated. As a poor ethnic Hazara, he is considered an inferior in Afghan society, and he is the victim of racism throughout the novel as a result. He is Baba’s illegitimate child, though he is not aware of this fact, and he grows up with Ali acting as his father. His rape is an early catalyst in the story, and even though he is not present in a significant portion of the novel, he plays a major role throughout. Baba  Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚   Father of Amir and Hassan and a wealthy, well-respected businessman. Baba believes first and foremost in doing what is right and thinking for oneself, and he tries to impart these qualities to Amir. He also never lets anyone’s lack of belief in him stop him from accomplishing his goals. Although he distrusts religious fundamentalism, he follows his own moral code and acts with self-assurance and bravery. When necessary, he is even willing to risk his life for what he believes in. Yet his shame at having a child with a Hazara woman leads him to hide the fact that Hassan is his son. Because he cannot love Hassan openly, he is somewhat distant toward Amir and is often hard on him, though he undoubtedly loves him. Ali  Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚   Acting father to Hassan and a servant of Baba’s. Ali is defined by his modesty more than anything, and he works diligently as Baba’s servant. He loves Hassan deeply, though he rarely expresses his emotions outwardly. Poor and an ethnic Hazara, he suffers from partial paralysis of his face and walks with a limp caused by polio. Sohrab  Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚   Son of Hassan and Farzana. In many ways, Sohrab acts as a substitute for Hassan in the novel, and he is a central focus of the plot in the later sections of the book. He is also an ethnic Hazara and is great with a slingshot. His character arc takes him from being a normal little boy to the traumatized victim of sexual and physical abuse, and he goes from speaking very little to not at all. Assef  Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚   Hassan’s and Sohrab’s rapist and the novel’s antagonist. Assef represents all things wrong in Afghanistan. A racist who wishes to rid Afghanistan of Hazaras, he is incapable of remorse and enjoys inflicting violence and sexual abuse on those who are powerless. He even claims Hitler as a role model. Rahim Khan  Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚   Friend of Baba and Amir. Rahim Khan is Baba’s closest confidant, and the one man who knows all of Baba’s secrets. For Amir, he serves a father figure, often giving Amir the attention he craves and filling the holes left by Baba’s emotional distance.

Finding the Percent of Change Between Numbers

Finding the Percent of Change Between Numbers There are two methods of finding the  percent of change between two numbers. The first is  to find the ratio of the amount of change to the original amount. If the new number is greater than the old number, then that ratio is the percent of increase, which will be a positive. If the new number is less than the old number, then that ratio is the percent of decrease, which will be a negative. The first question to ask yourself when finding the percent of change with this method is: Is it an increase or a decrease? Method 1: AProblem With an Increase Say one person had $200 in a savings account last month and now has $225. Thats an increase. The problem is to find the percent of increase in  money. First,  subtract to find the amount of change: 225 - 25 200. The  increase is 25. Next, divide the amount of change by the original amount: 25 à · 200 0.125 Now, to change the decimal to a percent, multiply the number by 100: 0.125 X 100 12.5 The answer is 12.5 percent. So thats the percent of change, an increase of 12.5 percent in the savings account. Method 1: A Problem Witha Decrease Say one person weighed 150 pounds last year and now weighs 125 pounds. Thats a decrease. The problem is to find the percent of decrease in weight- the weight loss,   First, subtract to find the amount of change: 150 - 125 25. The decrease is 25. Next, divide the amount of change by the original amount: 25 à · 150 0.167 Now, to change the decimal to a percent, multiply the number by 100: 0.167 x 100 16.7 The answer is 16.7 percent. So thats the percent of change, a decrease of 16.7 percent in body weight. Method 2: AProblemWith an Increase The  second method of finding  the  percent  of change between two numbers involves finding the ratio between the new number and the original number. Use the same example for this  method of finding the percent of increase: One person had $200 in a savings account last month and now has $225. The problem is to find the percent of increase in money. First, divide the new amount by the original amount: 225 / 200 1.125 Next, to change the decimal to a percent,  multiply the result  by 100: 1.125 X 100 112.5 percent Now, subtract 100 percent from the result: 112.5 percent - 100 percent   12.5 percent Thats the same result as in method 1: an increase of 12.5 percent in the savings account. Method2: AProblemWitha Decrease Use the same example for the second  method of finding the percent of decrease: One person weighed 150 pounds last year and now weighs 125 pounds. The problem is  to find the percent of decrease in weight. First,  divide the new amount by he original amount: 125 / 150 0.833 Next, to change the decimal to a percent, multiply the result by 100: 0.833 X 100 83.3 percent Now,  subtract 100 percent from the result: 83.3 percent - 100 percent -16.7 percent Thats the same result as in method 1: a  decrease of 16.7 percent in body weight.

Quotes About Simplicity

Quotes About Simplicity Living in simplicity is about more than taking your time to soak in the warmth of the sun or stopping to smell the flowers, although those actions could certainly fit in a simple lifestyle. Simplicity is about deciding what is necessary and important in your life and then not being distracted by the business that fills our days. It is about focusing on the important, rather than the urgent. The term simplicity can also imply a lack of pretense or sophistication, although many would claim that the most uncomplicated life is the most sophisticated.   John Kabat-ZinnVoluntary simplicity means going fewer places in one day rather than more, seeing less so I can see more, doing less so I can do more, acquiring less so I can have more. Albert EinsteinEverything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler. I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of life is best for everyone, best for both the body and the mind. Charles WarnerSimplicity is making the journey of this life with just baggage enough. ConfuciusLife is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. Winston ChurchillAll the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope. Charles de LintLife is like art. You have to work hard to keep it simple and still, have meaning. SocratesBeware the barrenness of a busy life. Dalai LamaMy religion is very simple. My religion is kindness. William MorrisHave nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful. Orison MardenThe waste of life occasioned by trying to do too many things at once is appalling. Ronald ReaganThere are no easy answers, but there are simple answers. We must have the courage to do what we know is morally right.   Warren BuffettThe business schools reward difficult complex behavior more than simple behavior, but simple behavior is more effective. Doris Janzen LongacreThe trouble with simple living is that, though it can be joyful, rich and creative, it isnt simple. Elizabeth SeatonLive simply that others might simply live. Henry David ThoreauAs you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler; solitude will not be solitude, poverty will not be poverty, nor weakness. Our life is frittered away by detail. Simplify, simplify. Leonardo Da Vinci Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Hans Hofmann The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak. Stendhal Only great minds can afford a simple style. Oscar Wilde Simple pleasures are always the last refuge of the complex. Arnold H. Glasgow Success is simple. Do whats right, the right way, at the right time. Lao Tzu I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow ï » ¿Ã¯ » ¿In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity.

Recycling as a Mandatory Process Research Paper

Recycling as a Mandatory Process - Research Paper Example Among the top concerns in environmental pollution involve proper waste disposal and management among every citizen and the authorities that govern them since litter generated by humans is the primary cause of pollution (Ferrara and Missios 222-223). Every day, tons of garbage is being collected in every city all over the world. All kinds of wastes coming from household consumption and industrial by-products are dumped in landfills, segregated, incarcerated, recycled or worse, discarded anywhere. Emergent concerns for municipal waste generation and disposal are rapidly increasing mainly because of the public awareness in the effects of waste generation to the environment, specifically its contribution to climate change and water and air contamination. Government as well as its citizens is now hesitant in creating new landfills and incineration facilities for fear of ground water contagion brought by toxic chemicals in industrial and electronic wastes. Municipal wastes are also swellin g at a fast rate as a result of higher incomes, increase use of durable materials and packaging. Definitely the pollution that wastes carries to the environment is imminent and the impact to environmental pressures from household will probably build up in the following two decades (OECDa 82-83). Nevertheless, the issue of recycling or going green has been widely encouraged, from reusing glass and plastic bottles to utilizing old as cleaning materials in the house. In order to minimize trash, people are taught to reprocess, reuse, reutilize and recondition materials that can beneficial in saving the environment from pollutants. In 2005, household waste alone generated over 75% of municipal waste in key countries like Korea, Germany, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Belgium, the Netherlands, the Slovak Republic, Luxembourg, Denmark and Spain. Each household with one person accumulates two bags of mixed trash every week while households with three persons accrue an average of 3.2 bags. To a ddress the situation, local government units created policies that will lessen waste generation such as imposing fees based on volume of garbage and minimizing the frequency of collection. Studies show that households tend to lessen waste generation by 7.11% upon the implementation of volume-based fees. On the other hand, it has been observed that mixed waste generation decreases as the frequency of garbage collection also decreases. However, the figures gathered from these policies are not significant; consequently the need for recycling is also essential to resolve the issue (Ferrara and Missios 223-230). According to the Organisation of Economic Co-Operation and Development, Household consumption patterns and behavior have a profound effect on stocks of natural resources and the quality of the environment. As a consequence, governments have introduced a wide variety to encourage people to take environmental impacts into account in their purchases and practices. Recent initiatives include the phasing out of incandescent light bulbs, the introduction of energy performance labels for homes, and the provision of tax incentives to purchase alternative-fuelled vehicles (OECDa 15). In addition, the high volume of litter generated by the industrial sector is a huge concern for environmentalists. According to environmental policy analyst Linda Luther (1), the by-product