Defibrillators Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Defibrillators - Essay Example Per the European Union legal framework, a medical device is an apparatus that is used in diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of diseased conditions where its mode of action is not through chemical action in a patient’s body. Medical devices consist of enormous variations with regard to their sophistication and scope of use, which ranges from tongue depressors to medical robots and cardiac pacemakers. Biomedical engineering involves fundamental aspects of the device production including designing, system analysis, and practical application. This is in line with ensuring that quality and reliable devices. This paper seeks to highlight defibrillators as medical devices with regard to their history, scope of application and safety aspects of the device in terms of human factors engineering. It is estimated that about 30,000 people in the United Kingdom experience cardiac arrest away from the hospital annually and they are assisted by medical emergency response units (Resuscitation Council, 2010). Such assistance is facilitated by the availability of portable medical devices, which prove essential in the delivery of the critically required services. Among the crucial devices required in relieving the effects of cardiac arrest is the defibrillator. Defibrillators are apparatus, external or implanted, that deliver an electric shock to the heart via the chest cavity in order to restore normal heart rhythms. Defibrillators function by delivering a joust of electric current to the heart in order to polarise the muscles and nerve cells, allowing them resume a normal rhythm (Street, 2012). Implanted Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) constantly monitors the heartbeat rate as well as its rhythm to detect abnormal and life threatening rhythms, which on detection an electric shock is sent to the heart to restore a normal rhythm (Defibrillation, n.d). The device also works as a pacemaker to curb the effects of the electric shock, which slows down the rate of the heartbeat . The above is illustrative of a monitoring and feedback mechanism, where the defibrillators function based on signals taken from the patient after its analysis. Among the external defibrillator units are automated external defibrillators (AED), which automate the patient’s heartbeat rhythms for monitoring as electric shock is administered to normalise the rhythm. AEDs consist of in-built computer systems that examine the patient’s heartbeat in order to assess the need to administer defibrillation (Sciammarella, n.d.). One of the common causes of cardiac arrest is ventricular fibrillation, which is characterised by chaotic, unorganised electrical malfunction of the heart resulting in a less effective heartbeat (Khandpur, 2003). This chaotic electrical activity can be stopped and its effects reversed by the application of an electrical counter shock where heart assumes a normal and organised rhythm. Disorders in the generation of a normal pulse by the heart results irre gular heartbeats manifested in arrhythmias. Abnormal automaticity and triggered activity are characteristic of conduction abnormalities that trigger ventricular tachycardia. In addition to the use of medication and surgical procedures in the management of arrhythmias, defibrillation comes in handy in resolution of ventricular tachyarrhythmia and atrial fibrillation. This is especially so for medical emergencies that occurs away from healthcare facilities.

Running a Business on Smartphones Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 69

Running a Business on Smartphones - Case Study Example The companies are able to resolve customer issues with fewer processes, for example through the use of CPS, making the customers more satisfied. The use of the phones eased and cheapened the process of transactions, reducing unwanted costs. For example, Lloyd was able to cut the time used for data entry and dispatch, the fuel costs were cut by more than 30% and a reduction in unauthorized stops. In overall, the company was able to reduce its cost an estimated 100 million dollar profit in 2007. Most employees feared their jobs were over with the implementation of the smartphones. The introduction of the phones could lead to a fewer workforce for the companies. For example, Lloyd reduced their staff from 100 to just 40; hence the employees were right to be scared of the implementation. 1. The management of the company should come up with a system that tries to blend the existing workforce and the new initiative rather than wiping out most of the staff. The system could work in such a way that the existing staff is retained for some period, like until their current contract expires. The company could come up with an application that allows the customers an easy access to the company’s information rather than going through the internet by themselves. The application should be able to send daily updates to their customers about any changes. The firm could use an application that can keep it updated on any market changes, weather conditions. The application could be linked to a central database, and when there are any changes in weather conditions, the information is relayed to all its employees.

Effectively Managing A Work Life Balance Social Work Essay

Effectively Managing A Work Life Balance Social Work Essay Work-life balance is defined here as an individuals ability to meet their work and family commitments, as well as other non-work responsibilities and activities. Work life balance, in addition to the relations between work and family functions, also involves other roles in other areas of life. In this study, due to its more extensive associations, the concept of work -life balance is preferred. Work-life balance has been defined differently by different scholars. In order to broaden our perspectives, some definitions will be presented. Greenhaus (2002) defined work -life balance as satisfaction and good functioning at work and at home with a minimum of role conflict. Felstead et al. (2002) defines work-life balance as the relationship between the institutional and cultural times and spaces of work and non-work in societies where income is predominantly generated and distributed through labor markets. Aycan et al. (2007) confined the subject only with work and family and put forward the concept of life balance with a more whole perspective. Scholars defined life balance as fulfilling the demands satisfactorily in the three basic areas of life; namely, work, family and private. Work demands work hours, work intensity and proportion of working hours spent in work. Additional work hours subtract from home time, while high work intensity or work pressure may result in fatigue, anxiety or other adverse physiological consequences that affect the quality of home and family life( White et al.,2003). Family demands include such subjects as the roles of the individuals (e.g. Father, mother, etc.,) family responsibilities (e.g childcare, house chores, etc) looking after the old members, children. Besides this, there are some other demands in work life balance than family and work live relaxation, vacation, sports and personal development programmes. Work -life balance is not the allocation of time equally among work, family and personal demands. In literature, it is also emphasized that work-life balance is subjective phenomenon that changes from person to person. In this regard, work-life balance should be regarded as allocating the available resources like time, thought and labor wisely among the elements of life. While some adopt the philosophy of working to live and sees work as the objective, others consider living to work and situated work into the centre of life. DETERMINANTS OF WORK-LIFE BALANCE Many things in life are the determinants of work life balance. The subjects in the literature that are related the most with work life balance are grouped here. INDIVIDUAL: An individual is the most important determinant of work -life balance. two American cardiologists Rosenman and Friedman determined two different types of personality depending on heart disorders and individual behaviours: type A and type B. Type A expresses someone who is more active, more work oriented, more passionate and competitive, while Type B is calm, patient, balanced and right minded. It can be argued that since type A is more work oriented, there will be a negative reflection of it to work -life balance. Yet work holism, which is considered as an obsessive behavior, is another thing that destroys work-life balance. When work holism connotes over addiction to work, being at work for a very long time, overworking and busy with work at times out of work. Since life is not only about work, workaholics suffer from alienation, family problems and some health problems. Porter(1996) states that alcoholics, workaholics neglect their families, friends, relations and other social responsibilities. FAMILY: The demands that one experience in family life and that have effects on life balance can be given as the demand of workload and time, role expectations in family and support to be given to the spouse. It is also included in the literature that such variances as marriage, child rising, caring of the elderly at home have effect on work-life balance since they demand more family responsibilities. Those who have to look after a child or the elderly might sometimes have to risk their career by shortening their working hours, which becomes a source of stress for them. On the other hand, those without children or any elderly to look after at home experience less work-life imbalance. WORK AND ORGANISATION: Work environment is more effective in work-life imbalance than the family environment. The job and the institution one works in both demands on his time, efforts and mental capacity. Among the efforts to increase organizational efficiency, one of the subjects managers focus on is to raise the organizational efficiency, one of the subjects managers focus on is to raise the organizational loyalty of the staff. SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT: Another determinant of work-life balance is social environment. Especially in countries that stand out with their culturally collectivist characteristics, an individual also has responsibilities towards certain social groups he belongs. CONSEQUENCES OF WORK-LIFE IMBALANCE The stress based conflict occurs when one of the roles of the individual at work or in the family causes stress on the individual and this stress affects the other roles of the individual. The behavior stress occurs when the behavior at work and out of work are dissonant and conflicting. PERSONAL IMPLICATIONS According to Lowe (2005), work life imbalance affects the overall well-being of the individual causing such problems as dissatisfaction from life, prolonged sadness, using drugs or alcohol. FAMILY IMPLICATIONS: Organization expects from individual to allocate more time for their work while at the same time the family want him to perform his responsibilities too. Those who cant sustain work-life balance are bound to experience many problems in their families such as lower family satisfaction, decreased involvement in family roles etc. ORGANIZATIONALIMPLICATIONS: Those whose demands of the family and ones social interest are not met duly naturally prefer sacrificing his working hours, and carry out their personal needs. ORGANIZATIONAL PERSPECTIVE In order to decrease the negative consequences of work- family conflict on working individuals, family friendly organizational culture and human resources applications have recently been in agenda of executive. The components of the organizational strategy are flexible working hours , child care and elderly care scheme, home working ,job sharing. Supportive programmes for the family life of employees in an organization contribute to providing work -life balance. Thanks to these programmes, the employees will be encouraged, their attendance will be supported and their efficiency will increase. Flexible working hours is one of the methods used to maintain work-life balance. For example employees with flexi-time will have to fulfill certain amount of time weekly. Other thing which can be done is to allow employees to work at home away from traditional work environment. CONCLUSION: If one has managed to allocate the required time for every aspect of life duly and not to reflect the problems in one part of life to another it means that he has been able to achieve work-family balance. Life as a whole is composed of many other aspects along with work. Those who have achieved a balance among these aspects are sure to achieve the life balance, which does away with any imbalance.

Free Essays - Achieving Understanding in Amy Tans Joy Luck Club :: Joy Luck Club Essays

Achieving Understanding in Amy Tan's Joy Luck Club In Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club the daughters are too young and naive to understand their mothers and the hardship they faced. But by the end on the novel the daughters are able to understand where their mothers came from through stories and experiences the mothers tell the daughters their background. This shows that the daughters overall understood the mothers better because through time they were able to experience some of the same conflicts giving them a better understanding. While Jing-Mei Woo is only one of four young women whose stories integrate the novel, her story makes her seem to be the initial character, especially since her tale not only begins and ends the novel, but also strongly develops the theme and plot of the entire book. Her mother, Suyuan Woo was very concerned with people and things they lacked, "Something was always missing...always needed improvements...not in balance" (19). This reveals that Suyuan is lacking something herself and feels not good enough for her family. We later discover her past and the twin girls she left behind in China. This past life draws readers and makes the story more interesting but a little confusing at the same time. This past comes back to Jing-Mei when her mother dies and Jing-Mei begins to understand how hard it is to let go of the people you love, which makes her become more open, understanding and mature. She lost a mother she got to share her life with, but like her half sisters, they did n't understand their mother until she was gone to share the experience of being reunited. In a sense, her spirit was there to capture their happiness of finally meeting one another. Although Waverly Jong is perceived in being an intelligent, ambitious, proud, and arrogant, she is constantly struggling with everything that happens in her life. Her unwillingness to adapt to change becomes a major conflict. "Bite back your tongue"(89) her mother's harshness on her while growing up may have caused her lack of self-confidence foiled but assurance. Not only that caused her to resent her mother but the way she introduced her to perfect strangers, "This is my daughter Waver-ly Jong"(101) just to tell people or make reference to the TIME article on Waverly cause her to become upset.

The Hofstede’s Theories

As the International manager begins to identify differences among national cultures, he or she must be aware of past research and techniques to utilize while creating a strategy. The Dutch scholar Geert Hostede†s research offers framework for international managers to understand the management implications of broad differences in national cultures. Hofstede breaks down categories such as power distance, uncertainty avoidance, individualism-collectivism, masculinity-femininity, and short-term-long-term orientation. Hostede†s framework helps identify some of the managerial implications of cultural differences when dealing with other nations. It helps the international managers strategize accordingly to build a better plan to effectively produce his or her desired outcome when dealing with another culture. Hofstede believed that these theories should not be applied universally because many of the theories are ethnocentric and fail to account all cultural differences. Hofstede also indicated that American scholars, in particular, studied motivational theories but may have damaged data due to cultural differences. International managers must realize that Hofstede†s theories are only a starting point for understanding differences in ethnic cultures. For example, an international manager who is attempting to do business with Ireland should utilize the theories Hofstede supplied, but it is only a broad view that must be supplemented by other understandings gained through direct contact, personal commitment, and genuine openness in dealing with people of a different ethic background. Hofstede†s framework is a useful asset in analyzing and developing business with countries such as Ireland. However, the international manager should also research this culture with personal experiences to indicate whether or not the preliminary research is correct. There are so many variables that the international manager must be aware of during the research process. Any incorrect measures taken or applied haphazardly may cost the international company its reputation and future business. Cultures and individuals are constantly changing. Hofstede†s framework will be a guide for the international manager, but the successful manager will continue to customize his or her company to fit within a different cultures mold.

Curriculum Planning History Essay

Introduction Curriculum Planning History has several historical or political occurrences that have mostly influenced current curriculum design through various teaching styles and patterns. Educational communities shape and mold our society and society in turn impacts the curriculum. Majority of all stakeholders speak openly concerning their views today in hopes to persuade legislatures and school officials about decisions going forth or changing within school systems. In the last 10 years some of the most dramatically changes within curriculum in the schools has resulted due to the increasing number of US youth in school, the diversity of the US population, traditional classroom setting activities, increase in pre-kindergarten students beginning school, the likelihood of diminishing smaller schools, minimizing teacher/pupil ratios at a slow pace, technological future: and the future becoming technology, and who is left to teach becomes a critical question. The ELL laws and SIOP have impacted our educational communities’ curriculum development in both negative and positive ways. For example, some of the benefits of SIOP for non-ELL teachers are dramatic increase awareness in professional-development programs on how to teach English-language learners as a plus in the implementation of the law. Nevertheless, the No Child Left Behind Act could be thought of as a disadvantage more than a benefit to English-language learners, this belief is one of the few researchers who have studied the impact that the law has had on instruction. I personally believe in the NCLB Act and I was very much an advocate for the Act when it initially became effective. Also we must acknowledge the â€Å"gifted education† movement and how it identifies with the initial curriculum development both negatively and positively from its first implementations of similar development and specifications. Most Influential Historical/Political Occurrences The melting pot approach has interested educators in the integration of diversity. The melting pot approach was adopted in the 60s and 70s, soon quickly becoming known nationwide in the United States at the same time interacting with similar subjects of various cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds. Metaphoric speaking contents of the pot–people of different cultures, languages and religions are combined so as to lose their distinct identities resulting in a final product that is quite interesting but nothing like the normal consistency at start. Resulting in more multicultural, multiethnic and multi-religious societies it is important that curriculum understands and reflect these changes. As stated by Ornstein and Hunkins (1998), â€Å"the complexion of our students is changing from one colour to various shades of colour and this adding of colour and cultural diversity will continue into the foreseeable future† (p.146). As we continue to research our influential historical and political occurrences we take notice of the world changing into a global village. Society becoming even more diverse as people brings new values and new languages to assist in establishing a new way of life. Then there is the salad bowl approach where diversity is personified individually but all uniquely at the same time. In other words, take for instance the makeup of a salad where all ingredients (diverse backgrounds) maintain their own specific flavors. The salad bowl approach is better representation than the melting pot approach. It is politically correct to assume that Cultural diversity of pluralism demonstrates how most societal beliefs are made up of several voices and various races. This outline allows groups to show good manners and appreciation of each other; coexisting and interacting without issues. Society members usually more committed than not in participating and sharing the lead of power and decision making as history proves with this approach. ELL Laws and SIOP Impact Educators specializing in teaching English-language learners tend to be uncertain about the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Although, most have expressed that the 10-year-old plus law has shown concern for the handling of test results resulting from the criteria spelled out within the NCLB Act. It is evident that the challenges these students face has prompted an  increase in professional development, specifically for mainstream teachers. While acknowledging the ELL Laws are not clear about the instruction being more positive or negative overall. As English-learners’ test scores fall short many believe it is wrong to penalize schools. In addition to reviewing the ELL laws we must address the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol, or SIOP, defined as a model for teaching English and academic content simultaneously. For example, clearly written objectives content, clearly written language objectives, key vocabulary emphasized, various technique concepts usage to stress clarity, and providing many consistent opportunities for interactive teacher/student dialogue encouraging elaborated responses are some examples. For example, SIOP allows a teacher to implement various hands on teaching and training aids that can only assist in teaching the average ELL students at a more rapid pace. â€Å"Gifted Education† Movement Impact The â€Å"Gifted Education† curriculum has impacted education for at least twenty-five years or more with various issues. Therefore implementing and identifying key trends including values and substantial material for the elite, technological subject matter, aspects of creative interactive lesson plans for the academically skilled persons within core subject areas. It is obvious Passow’s flattering article on secondary programming was designed for the gifted student that was justifiably leveled between mental and influential areas. Passow’s model provided answers on creating a guide for tracking implementations and improvements that called for concerns about accepting one’s own beliefs and assisting others who you might not agree with. It was also centered morally and ethically with developmental stages in reality and emphasis on critical thinking and resolving problems, a stress on the liberal arts, and customized choices. Surely, Passow and VanTassel-Baska are advocates for Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs. Mentorships, internships, and independent study are all examples of why there is a need for more customized interactions. Conclusion Curriculum Planning History occurrences are dictated by the outcome of present and past societal decisions that have outweighed educational models  and theories across the nation in various educational communities. Curriculum Planning prepares students from past experiences to embrace the now and willingly reaches out and take on the future. In other words, a curriculum needs to address the wants and needs of everyone desiring to resolve social conditions locally, nationally and globally (McNeil, 1995). In the United States the number of school-age students will grow from more than 60 million in 2012 to possibly 80 million in 2050. However, it is extremely critical not to ignore or deny the possibilities the trends reveal. Therefore, we can hope â€Å"Trends† will best serve as a starting point where educators and facilities professionals come together to â€Å"think outside of the box,† to ask â€Å"what if,† to wonder â€Å"why can’t we,† and to â€Å"consider the unconsidered.† Flashing back on Chen, 20110, stating how open discussions of the potential impact of the trends on public education and its school structures will surely emerge new and exciting ideas. Undoubtedly, the roles of all stakeholders will be affected by a changing future. In conclusion, it has been proven that educators and educational specialists do continue to shape diverse futures. As an old favorite African proverb of mine reminds us; Tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today. A Collaborative Curriculum is created and necessary based on the circumstances and beliefs during that period of time. The collaboration is reflective of various political ideologies, societal predictions, divine beliefs and wisdom conceptions at a particular point in time. While there is great advancements in information and communication technology, administrators, teachers and students are expressing and gathering views globally. It has been seen in other school systems and majority of all stakeholders would like to see these practices in their own educational community. References: Ornstein, A. and Hunkins, F. Curriculum: Foundations, principle and issues. (1998). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon. Chapter 5: Social foundations of curriculum. Passow, A. H. (1986). Curriculum for the gifted and talented at the secondary level. Gifted Child Quarterly, 30, 186-191. [See Vol. 4, p. 103.] Stevenson, K. R., (September 2010). Educational Trends Shaping School Planning, Design, Construction, Funding, and Operation., National Clearing House For Educational Facilities www.files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED539457.pdf Topic 3: Social Foundations of Curriculum peoplelearn.homestead.com/beduc/module_3.social.history.doc VanTassel-Baska, J., Zuo, L., Avery, L. D., & Little, C. A. (2002). A curriculum study of gifted-student learning in the language arts. Gifted Child Quarterly, 46(1), 30-44. [See Vol. 5.] VanTassel-Baska, J., (2003). Introduction to Curriculum for Gifted and Talented Students: A 25-Year Retrospective and Prospective. The College of William and Mary.