Influence of Sex in Society Free Essays

Sex plays a major role in today’s society. From television, radio, music, and advertisements, to video games, the Internet, and even art and pictures, all forms of media use sex to help sell their products. With the public being exposed to so many different types, the overuse and exploitation of sex is common. We will write a custom essay sample on Influence of Sex in Society or any similar topic only for you Order Now Is sex a useful tool, or a ploy to get the attention of the public? Before discussing sex in the media, one must understand why it has come to be that people use sex as a gimmick. â€Å"The writing of modern history has resulted in a viewpoint that is nothing short of a stag party. The history of women is ignored, hushed up, and censored in the most literal sense of the term. This method of eliminating the social and political destiny of half of humanity is the most effective form of supremacy. † (Janssen-Jurreit, 1982, pp. 15-16) The world we live in today is still man-made, no less now then in the nineteenth century. Eve Zaremba states in Privilege of Sex: â€Å"Women’s self-awareness as females has until very recently reflected the world’s (i. e. men’s) image of them; how well their personal performance matched male expectations. As English Canadians began to develop an identity in 19th century society, they mirrored the â€Å"ideals† for women of the Victorian period: gentility, weakness, ignorance and submissiveness. (Zaremba, 1974, p. i ) These individual roles, as described by Oneill and Leone in Male/Female Roles: Opposing Viewpoints as the relationship of a man or woman to society on the basis of gender, became essential in shaping male and female attitudes towards one another. Over the past twenty years remarkable changes in these traditional male and female roles have been witnessed. The subsequent impact on men, women, and families due to these changes is believed to be, by many social historians, caused by the re-emergence of the women’s movement. (p. 13) Though a positive alteration of roles has occurred, how is it that children of this century still may obey stereotypes? â€Å"A baby is born knowing nothing, but full of potential. † (p. 19) Oneill and Leone believe that the process by which an individual becomes a creature of society, a socialized human being, reflects culturally defined roles and norms. The first crucial question asked by the parents of a newborn baby is â€Å"What is it? A boy or a girl? † (p. 25) Other queries about attributes of health and physical conditions are only brought up afterwards, the first priority is to establish its sex. † Indeed, almost immediately, gender identity is permanently stamped on the child by the name it is given. † (p. 26) Recent research has established beyond a doubt that males and females are born with a different set of â€Å"instructions† built into their genetic code. Studies at Harvard University and elsewhere show that marked differences between male and female baby behaviour are already obvious in the first months of life. Females are more oriented towards people. Male infants, on the other hand, are more interested in â€Å"things. † Stanford psychologists Karl Pribram and Dianne McGuinness conclude that women are â€Å"communicative† animals while men are â€Å"manipulative† animals. Some people believe this is hereditary, while others think that if boys and girls were brought up in exactly the same way then all behavioral differences between men and women would evaporate. Beginning in early adolescence, children develop their own ideas of male and female roles with the perception of the conduct and activities of his or her parents and other adults in their world, including characters on television. Young people are exposed to advertising from a very early age. The effect, says the Ontario Ministry of Education, especially of advertising on television, â€Å"has a significant bearing on girls’ and boys’ behaviour, and their aspirations. To most children the commercial message is another piece of information received from the television set. It is often difficult for them to distinguish truth from fiction, particularly when the fiction is packaged in compelling words, striking images, and catchy music. † (Ontario Ministry of Education, 1975, pp. 5-7) An overwhelming amount of the visualizations that young kids see are the stereotypical images of women and girls. â€Å"This almost makes it seem legitimized, states Hon. David Macdonald, as it is reinforced and perpetuated by the mass dissemination of these images in broadcasting. (Macdonald, 1979, p. 3) Children know in their minds that women, like men, come in all ages, shapes, sizes, and colours, but they do not see this represented in the broadcast media. The increasing diversity of women’s lives is also omitted in most broadcasting. For example, commercials and programming most often portray women as mothers performing domestic tasks, as economically dependent homemakers, or as sexual lures for products or decorative objects. â€Å"Such images constitute a limiting or narrowing of women’s, men’s, and children’s perceptions of themselves and their roles in society. † (pp. -5) Sheila Copps made public her comments that â€Å"sexist and racist stereotypes were prominent in advertising. † (Curtis, 1996, p. 6) A member of the Canadian Advertising Foundation (CAF), Patrick McDougall, fired back by saying Copps had no clue what the CAF does and adds that Canadian advertising has immensely cleaned up its act and that there is very little if any sexist advertising being broadcasted. (p. 6) The overall content of television nowadays has changed dramatically from that of the past. Today characters deal more and more with important issues such as teen pregnancy, stds, spousal abuse, and birth control. Impoco, 1996, p. 58) Five to ten years ago, this subject matter was unheard of for use in programming content, as TV families tended to be occupied with trivial things such as outrageous clothing and hairstyles. Although Canadians have improved their broadcasting standards, not everyone is completely following their trend. In an intensive study done on American programming, it was found that a sexual act or reference occurred every four minutes on average during prime time. (p. 59) â€Å"Sex Sells,† the old adage goes. (Menzies, 1996, p. ) Sexiness, as a component of the good life, is a staple for advertisers – Coca-Cola decorated its drug-store posters at the turn of the century with coquettish young women who male drinkers wished to date and female drinkers to emulate. (Carter, 1996, p. 53) Finnish yogurt makers ran an ad with hot, young, well-built Finnish boys holding containers of yogurt, with the slogan â€Å"Less fat, more taste†¦. Eat it. † This aroused a scandal and nationwide debate. A formal pole was conducted on these ads and some interesting statistics were produced. Two-thirds of respondents were male, and two-thirds thought the ad was sexist. There was a sharp contrast in the female contingent, as the vast majority of whom thought the ads were sexy and quite acceptable (Holland, 1996, p. 31) These stats just prove that when the shoe is on the other foot, women view ads much in the same way that men do, and men are offended at seeing themselves portrayed as objects. Nowadays everyone seems so sensitive about anything brought up in the media. â€Å"Even when it comes to the etiquette of using sex appeal in advertising, it seems that there is a wrong way (exploit women) and a right way (exploit men). The pendulum has swung the other way now. If one is to gaze upon an exposed chest in an ad these days, chances are it belongs to a man. Male models have emerged as the politically correct â€Å"babes† of the 90’s. Yet, pray tell, where is the massive public outcry? † (Menzies, 1996, p. 9) Mediawatch, an organization that â€Å"monitors† the depiction of women and girls in the media, admits that you certainly see more naked male flesh today, than you did three years ago. They contend that the effects of objectification on men and women aren’t equal because â€Å"men and women aren’t equal to begin with. Author of this column, David Menzies writes â€Å"Hmmm, I still dunno. Isn’t a double standard, by any other name, still a double standard? † (p. 9) There is another more serious problem then offending the genders, with sex in the media today.. â€Å"Advertising images featuring young models in suggestive poses are sending out sinister messages to pedophiles,† according to one of Australia’s leading forensic psychiatrists, William Glaser. He argues that some advertising messages are giving pedophiles subconscious approval to commit crime. It’s a very subtle thing, but a young girl posing suggestively in a revealing bikini can send out the wrong message,† Glaser says. He adds â€Å"I don’t blame the advertising industry, but feels it fuels the fire when it comes to pedophilia. † (Johnson) Also, the attractiveness of sexual aggression as crime news, and therefore as prime news, has been recognized by many newspapers lately. â€Å"While comfortably hidden under the cloak of objective crime reporting, sexual violence can be endlessly exploited for its titillating value, its crypto – pornographic quality and its sexist slant. † (Johnson, 1997, p. 24) As rape and sexual assault became a more serious social problem in the 80’s, this prime news story has helped many papers to sell more copies in the competitive news market, while creating an impression of responsive and responsible reporting. â€Å"Newspapers are adept in sensing issues that arouse general interest and they then subtly alter the terms of the debate to achieve the end result of selling newspapers and making a profit,† alleged authors Maria Los and Sharon Chamond. â€Å"There is a thin line when it comes to educating the public on a problem, or exploiting it for it’s shock value. † (Los and Chamond, 1997, p. 93) Although this is a horrible exploitation, there is yet another form of media that rivals this problem. The Internet is the worst for having excessive sex in the media, as it is not regulated. All of the other forms of broadcasting have some sort of committee or association that analyzes and approves all ads and shows before they are released to the public. With the Internet, there currently are no real ways of suppressing the content. There are programs such as Net Nanny that will not open sites containing certain material, but what’s stopping a kid from going over to a friend’s house or to school and going to the Playboy site? With it’s vast geographical span, the Internet has the most numerous amounts of possibilities for media purposes, due to it’s ability to reach anyone that can access a modem. Problems such as pornography and hackers generate a fear in a lot of people and scare them from using one of the greatest information resources of our world. We’ve all seen and heard how sex is used in today’s media. With all of these problems and outcries being raised about it, some may as why is it used at all? Well sex is a part of life, everyone’s life. It is a common ground to all people. Everyone will experience it or will be or have been affected by it. Producers, advertisers, writers and musicians must believe that if they include it in what they’re trying to sell to the public, people will somehow relate to it, and be drawn in by it. A lot of times, writers and critics just go overboard and over analyze things that may not be as terrible as they make them out to be. Sex in advertising can be a useful and educational tool, when employed properly, but if people in the media offend just as much of society as they win over, by producing worthless, excessive overloads of eye candy, then the use of sex is wasted. How to cite Influence of Sex in Society, Papers

Shale Gas Exploitation & It’s Hazards on Environment in UK Free Soluti

Question: Exploiting shale gas: a realistic assessment of environmental hazards for the UK The assignment will meet the following learning outcomes: Critically assess concepts within Environmental Pollution and Control by reference to causal factors and incident history, legislative responsibilities, geology/ hydrogeology and contaminant transport, risk management, remedial options and environmental liabilities. Compare and contrast the remits of the client, environmental consultants and other practitioners such as contractors, other potential stakeholders and regulators with regard to Environmental Pollution and Control. Answer: Abstract UK is one of the main sources of shale gas. Shale gas actually is a natural gas which can be resourced for many purposes. Shale gas can replace coal and oil for generating electricity and is a heat resource. Thus, it can reduce the greenhouse effect in the environment. On the other hand, if it is not managed properly, it may become a reason of water and soil pollution as it emits various pollutants. Thus, these resources should be managed properly. This can be reason of small earthquake also. Introduction This essay is basically on the Shale gas. Shale gas is actually a form of natural gas which is generally found in the porous of the sedimentary rock. Shale gas has various importance and dark side also. UK is a most important source of shale gas. UK is producing shale gas since 1970. Thus, this report is basically a study on the Shale gas production in the UK. It contains a short description about the shale gas and its importance, Shale gas in the UK, impact of shale gas environment, legislative responsibility of shale gas producers towards its production, risk factors involved, its geological and hydrogeological syntheses in the UK and the remedial options in case of any accidents (White, 2014). Thus, this essay will outcome with various knowledge and points about the shale gas, how it should be treated etc. Its really important to discuss this topic, as Shale gas can be very much beneficial if handled and managed properly and can be worst if treated lightly Shale gas Shale gas is a form of natural gas which is actually filled in shale. Shale is a sedimentary rock which is grained finely (shale tec, 1995). The shale contains mud silt, organic matter and clays as raw material. The main compound of shale gas is methane. Other compounds in the shale gas are propane, ethane, butane, Carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide and nitrogen. Importance of shale gas The importance of shale gas is as follows: Shale gas can be used as the energy source. This can replace the coal and oil. Shale gas can be a best source of electricity generation. Shale gas generates more heat in comparison to other sources. The shale gas is reducing the problem of unemployment in the U.K. 5,000 companies and 2,000 drilling companies are associated with it in the U.K (Stuart, 2014). The above block diagram is showing how shale gas is used. As shown in the diagram, shale gas can be used in many ways like for making ammonia and methanol. This can also be used as a feedstock and feedstock fuel. This is a form of ethylene, gasoline and olefin feedstock (British geological survey, 2014). Effect Of shale gas on environment Water Shale gas is one of the causes of water pollution. According to the research, the most of the ground water is threatened by the gas emissions from wells which cant be prevented for a long term. On an average, about one quarter to half of the water used in the hydraulic fracturing becomes waste as it contains the hydrocarbons with benzene and aromatic compounds. Greenhouse gas emission Oil and coal are getting replaced by the extracted natural gas from Shale for energy used in generating the electricity. Thus, the impact of fossil fuels on the environment is reduced due to shale gas and it also prevents the environment from anthropogenic change in environment. Actually, these effects depend on the sources that are getting replaced by the shale gas. Land The extraction of shale gas causes the digging of wells. These are affecting the land at a very large scale. For developing the shale gas, various types of infrastructures are required like roads, compressor station, pipelining etc. which causes the harassment of the land and causes the land pollution. The shale gas development is affecting the large amount of land. Human Health and social Impacts Shale gas is economically beneficial but on the other hand, it is also polluting the water and air. Thus, it is affecting the health of the human being. These are causing various diseases like cancer and the disease related to breathing. According to the experts, it may be a cause of various new diseases in the environment related to skin and breathing. But these impacts depend on the amount and quality of the shale gas development (Seinmore, 2014). Air Contaminant Shale gas emits various air pollutants in the environment. The pollution due to emission of shale gas is similar to the conventional gas, but if higher units of the shale gas are produced than it will require greater efforts. The main pollutants emitted by shale gas are volatile organic compound, hydrocarbons and the diesel use emission (Council of Canadian academies, 2014). It also has the risk of generation of ozone which mostly affects the air Seismic Events The shale gas production requires hydraulic fracturing which may result in the earthquake. The main reason behind the earthquake is due to waste water re-injections rather than the hydraulic fracturing. Thus, it may affect for a long term. These risks may be minimized by selecting right site for hydraulic fracture. Shale gas exploitation in UK The U.K. started drilling for shale gas since 1875. It was first drilled by a group of academics; they were researching on geology and Palaeozoic rocks (Selley, 2011). Petroleum exploration began in the U.K. after 1890. At that time the oil shale deposits were exploited but the quantity was very small. The actual production of shale gas started from 1970 in a Witchy farm field but a large sale of production started from 1997 nearly 110,000 barrels per day. These fields were in the highly restricted areas like Jurassic Coast World Heritage site, Site of special scientific interest etc. Even in these restrictions, the U.K. govt. has allowed the researchers to drill after every 10 kilometres. Currently, U.K. is on the top in producing the shale gas. There are various stations of producing shale gas in the U.K (Talbot, 2013). Legislative responsibility The legislative responsibilities for shale gas are as follows: The shale gas should be used as a balanced energy portfolio. It should be used in generating electricity and heat at a balanced energy. The excess use of shale gas for these purposes is against the legislative responsibility criteria (Elsyvere, 2013). Before the use of shale gas, a wide range of tools should be available to the workers to effectively control the shale gas and the tools for controlling the effect on environment should also be used. Currently, the regulatory tools are providing high level of protection but for the future evidence, the tools should be researched and invented to control the shale gas. The shale gas is contained in the porous reservoirs which are interconnected and raises the permeability that causes the gas to flow easily inside the rock and well boreholes. Thus, these reservoirs may be miles away from the original source of the shale gas. The different technology may require exploiting the shale gas as it is contained in the reservoir of lower permeability. This may require a high amount of investment. The exploiting of shale gas may require 1000 meter of digging or drilling thus it may cause various effects. It is the responsibility of the driller or the digger company to choose the safe part of land. 7. The maximum fracture length is provided in the following figure. This chart should be followed while exploiting the shale gas. 8. Fracturing for shale gas may involve injecting a gas, foam or fluid into the well. This gas should be injected at high pressure to create fracture 9. The environmental effect should be minimized. The resources and solutions should be found to reduce the effect of these Shale gas on environment 10. Water pollution and land pollution should be minimized. The shale gas should be replaced by the resources which is creating more pollution than the shale gas (Myers, 2013). Thus, above are the legislative responsibilities of the companies while producing the shale gas. Geological and Hydrogeological syntheses Geologically and hydro geologically Carboniferous, Jurassic, Lower Palaeozoic and Precambrian have the resources of shale gas in the U.K. If we go in more detail, Carboniferous includes the area of Northern Britain and Ireland, Jurassic includes the Wessex Basin and The Weald, Lower Palaeozoic includes Wales, and Precambrian includes Midland Microcraton. The other areas are Cuadrilla, NW Eng, South Wales, Yorkshire, Somerset, West Sussex, Kent, Northern Ireland, Lincolnshire and Manchester. Risk Management Risk management of shale gas includes the risk identification and assessment, using risk management information in decision making, personnel competence, baseline surveys and emergency prevalence (Veritas, 2013). Risk Identification and Assessment Risk identification and assessment process includes identifying all the risks present in the shale gas production. These risks can be divided into various categories like human health and safety, well and gas containment, environmental resources and values, impact on local community including infrastructure, regulatory compliances and use of water, land and other resources. These types of risk should be identified and assessed at the time of production. Use of Information This step includes using the risk associated with the information for taking the proper decision which means researching the safety options for those risks and finding the solutions for the risks. These solutions should be implemented before starting the work and also the equipment and resources should be arranged in case of any emergency during the processing of shale gas (golders associates, 2014). Personnel Competence Personnel competence include identifying the training related to the risk associated with the workers working for the project. These training should be provided to each worker before worker starts working. These training should include the safety options, preventions and actions during any emergency. The training program is designed according to the risk identified for the workers while working or in case of any emergency. Baseline Surveys Baseline survey in case of shale gas processing include surveying the land, environmental and water in the surrounding before commencing the project. These surveys help in reducing and finding the more appropriate solution for any risk or in case of any emergency. The land survey in case of shale gas processing helps in reducing various risks like earthquake and environmental survey helps in reducing the explosion of pollutants (UK govt., 2013). Emergency Prevalence Emergency prevalence includes the training of workers in case of many emergencies like: When leaks in the well occur and this will flow to the surface and ground water (Ward, 2014). If various toxic gases starts releasing. If hydrocarbon liquid starts releasing. If fire catches at the work site, there may be various reason for this like forest fire, fire at the site, etc. There may be any type of natural disasters like earthquake, storm etc. Earthquake training is most important as the process itself may become the reason of small earthquakes. Various types of accidental releases of chemicals. Well spills at the site. If the shale gas starts releasing during transportation of shale gas (TCP, 2014). Remedial Options Exploration and production of shale gas is most growing sector in the U.K. Till now, more than 50 wells are drilled for producing the shale gas. Exploration and production of shale gas requires various technical equipment and chemicals, if these equipment fail, it may result in leaks of drilling mud, waste of fuel, hydraulic oil and various other materials. These types of situations may occur in both, at the well pad or during transport, which may also cause the environmental impact due to emission of barite metals, hydrocarbons and other chemical and gases. This may cause various health problems and safety issues. Thus, remediation is the process of cleaning the environment, including land and water. The remediation can be done as follows: By removing or degrading the pollutants due to the emission of shale gas. By transforming the pollutants into the less toxic form. The transformation may be done into mobile or reactive form also. The pathways should be eliminated which are constituent through the environment. The remediation process has various steps. The process starts from analysing the affected sites through remedial investigation. The investigation includes the analysis of chemicals and properties of the environment so that the remediation plan can be prepared efficiently. Then the remediation technique is selected by considering the following points (Nawrot, 2013). The selection of remediation technique is done by considering the human health and the environment. The government rules and regulations can be followed properly during the remediation process. Both short term and long term effectiveness can be achieved. The toxicity in the environment should be reduced. The plan and technique should be effectively implementable. The cost should be minimized. The communities should accept the technique and process of remediation. The site can be used in the future (CCA, 2014). The scale of the remediation should also be defined. When all the factors are defined, then the appropriate technique can be chosen. In all the technologies, the common processes are Bioremediation, stabilization, Landfill disposal, thermal desorption and land farming. Bioremediation includes the removal or transformation of the organic compounds like hydrocarbons, chlorides and aromatic compounds. Stabilization includes the protection of spreading of heavy metals, inorganic components in the well pad area. Landfill method is filling the land and environment with proper chemical components required in the environment. Thermal desorption is the process of maintaining suitable temperature required in the environment and land farming is the process of reducing the petroleum derivatives by biodegradation. Conclusion Above essay is the result of various studies and research on shale gas. Shale gas currently is a big issue as it is causing a high amount of water pollution and also soil pollution. U.K has been producing the shale gas since 1970. U.K. has found the risk associated with the shale and reduced its production very much since the last few years. Shale gas is a real issue for consideration as this can be used in place of various resources. Shale gas can be used in producing electricity and as a source of heating. At the starting stage of shale gas production, it seemed to be a very beneficial deal to produce the shale gas. Thus, the U.K. government allowed to drill even the most restricted areas for producing the shale gas but at the later stage, it was found that the shale gas is very much threatening for the environment (The Royal Society, 2012). Thus, various solutions and laws were entertained in respect to the shale gas. There are various risk factors in the shale gas, like threatening of environment, various risks for the workers like explosion of toxic material, fire etc. These risks should be managed for the safety of workers, surrounding area and environment etc. Various remedial options are also found in case of any threatening of the environment or any other sources. References: Shale Tec (1995). What is shale gas and why is it important. [online] Available at: https://www.shaletec.org/whatis.htm [Accessed: 6th January 2015]. Council of Canadian academy (2014). Impact of shale gas extraction. [online] Available at: https://www.scienceadvice.ca/uploads/eng/assessments%20and%20publications%20and%20news%20releases/shale%20gas/shalegas_fullreporten.pdf [Accessed: 6th January 2015]. SEPA (2011). Regulatory guidance coal bed methane and shale gas. [online] Available at: https://www.sepa.org.uk/customer_information/energy_industry.aspx [Accessed: 6th January 2015]. Nawrot, Barbara (2013). Remediation in shale gas projects. 3 (10) pp. 1-2 Veritas, Det(2013). Risk Management of Shale gas development and operations DNV database 3 (1) pp. 15-16 Selley R.C. (2011). U.K. Shale gas story so far. Marine and Petroleum geology 10 (1) pp. Talbot, Simon (2013). UK shale gas- The role of base line and operational continuous ground gas monitoring. [online] Available at: https://ipec.utulsa.edu/Conf2012/Papers_Presentations/Morris_Manuscript.pdf [Accessed: 6th January 2015]. British geological survey (2014). Transport properties of shale. [online] available at: https://www.bgs.ac.uk/research/energy/shaleGas/transportProperties.html [Accessed: 6th January 2015]. Ward, Rob (2014). Ground water or hydrocarbon change. [online] available at: https://www.iah-british.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Ineson-2014-Abstracts-FINAL.pdf [Accessed: 6th January 2015]. Stuart, Marianne (2014). Hydrological Aspects of shale gas extraction in UK. [online] Available at: https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/507404/1/UGas%20presentation%20v2.pdf [Accessed: 6th January 2015]. White, Adward (2014). Shale gas and freaking 2 (5) pp. 10-15 Sejourne, Stephen (2014). Geological and hydrological synthesis of the Utica Shale and the overlaying. [online] Available at: https://www.searchanddiscovery.com/documents/2014/80380sejourne/ndx_sejourne.pdf [Accessed: 6th January 2015]. Elsevier (2013). International Journal of Coal geology. [online] Available at: https://www.atlanticaenergy.org/pdfs/natural_gas/Environment/Utica_southern%20Quebec%20Hydrogeoloy_Lavoie_IJCG_2013.pdf [Accessed: 6th January2015]. Myers, Tom (2012). Potential Contaminant Pathways from Hydraulically Fractured Shale To Aquifers. [online] Available at: https://www.fraw.org.uk/files/extreme/myers_2012.pdf [Accessed: 6th January 2015]. Golder Associates (2014). Remediation in shale gas projects. [online]. Available at: https://www.golder.ca/en/modules.php?name=Publicationsp_id=371 [Accessed: 6th January 2015]. UK govt. (2013). Why is shale gas important? [online]. Available at: https://energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2013/04/f0/why_is_shale_gas_important.pdf [Accessed: 6th January 2015]. UK groundwater forum (2014). Shale gas Exploitation. [online] Available at: https://www.groundwateruk.org/shale-gas-exploitation.aspx [Accessed: 6th January 2015]. TCP (2013).Shale gas exploration and production- Key issues and responsible business practises. [online] Available at: https://iehn.org/documents/CPFIShaleGasGuidanceNoteApril2013.pdf [Accessed: 6th January 2015]. CCA (2014). Environmental impacts of shale gas extraction in UK. [online] Available at: https://www.scienceadvice.ca/uploads/eng/assessments%20and%20publications%20and%20news%20releases/shale%20gas/shalegas_fullreporten.pdf [Accessed: 6th January 2015]. The Royal Society (2012). Shale gas extraction in UK. [online] Available at: https://www.raeng.org.uk/publications/reports/shale-gas-extraction-in-the-uk [Accessed: 6th January 2015].

Nursing Informatics Essay Example

Nursing Informatics Essay NURSING INFORMATICS and the Foundation of Knowledge Introduction Nursing informatics is a specialty that integrates nursing science, computer science, and information science to manage and communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in nursing practice (McGonigle, 2009). Most hospitals now utilize computer systems to track patient health information. The purpose of this paper is to show how a computerized system can help the health care worker provide the best care for the patient by utilizing available programs that when implemented will aide staff in detecting weight gain in a patient with a diagnosis of heart failure. Concept Map The patient comes to the unit where admission history information is gathered, vital signs obtained and a head to toe assessment is completed. The patient has a diagnosis of hypertension and diabetes which is currently be treated with medication and is now having signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure (CHF). Nurses may generate and record the data from their own observations or with the assistance of various devices. In this way, data (often qualitative data that cannot be traditionally measured) can be organized and processed (McGonigle 2009). More information is needed so the nurse logs onto the hospital computer system and checks the patient’s previous admission history, including previous vital signs, lab results, and any testing that has been completed in the past few months for comparison. She also reviews physician notes, dietary, and social services for education given related to diagnosis of hypertension and diabetes. The nurse sorts through useful information that pertains to the patient’s current condition and complaints. The nurse notes the patient has gained some weight, her blood pressure is higher than previous readings and her mother ecently died from complications of CHF. The computer system allows the nurse to see results along a linear time line during any specific time chosen. This gives the nurse a clear picture of trending. The data is interpreted, organized and structured into useful information (McGonigle, 2009). The knowledge the nurse has acquired during her educational years combined with life experience allows her to put the signs and symptoms together to formulate the next step of action. She knows that the patient meets common criteria for CHF; the patient has a diagnosis of diabetes and hypertension, is overweight, an older female, is aving fluid retention in the lower extremities, shortness of breath and noted crackles in the lungs. The nurse anticipates the doctor will order various labs to check current levels of lipids, enzymes, BNP, liver, kidney and thyroid function that will be used to compare against past results, stored in the computer system for easy access. The doctor may also order chest x-ray, echocardiogram, check ejection fraction, and EKG/ECG to verify suspected diagnosis. All results are entered into the computerized system by each area of discipline and transferred into the a review results â€Å"tab† for easy access. We will write a custom essay sample on Nursing Informatics specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Nursing Informatics specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Nursing Informatics specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The information gained from testing will be synthesized so that relationships are identified and formalized (McGonigle, 2009). All disciplines have access to patient testing results via the computerized charting system, to assist them in formulating a plan of care for the patient while in the hospital and upon discharge to home. Wisdom is sometimes thought of as the highest form of common sense resulting from accumulated knowledge or erudition (deep, thorough learning) or enlightenment (education that results in understanding and the dissemination of knowledge) (McGonigle, 2009). A plan of action is formulated at this point based in knowledge. Daily weights are ordered and recorded, IV or oral diuretics, cardiotonics, vasodilators, and/or angiotensin inhibitors are ordered from pharmacy and sent to the unit via a house wide tube system. Medications are administered to the patient and routine labs obtained to monitor patient reaction to interventions. Other disciplines dietary, physical therapy, respiratory, and social services will meet with the patient to discuss patient care plan. Education will be provided to the patient and family members in relation to decreasing isk factors and barriers for compliance. Patient will have access to a computer educational program called, EMMI Manager. It is a website that addresses a variety of diagnosis in common language. INNOVATIONS Background In today’s world of technology, it is imperative that health care facilities stay current with the ever changing electronic health record (EHR) systems. EHR a computer- based data warehouse or repository of information regarding the health status of a client, replacing the former paper based medical record; it is systematic documentation of a lient’s health status and health care in a secured digital format, meaning that it can be processed, stored, transmitted, and accessed by authorized interdisciplinary professionals for the purpose of supporting efficient, high quality health care across the client’s healthcare continuum (McGonigle, 2009). The one that is utilized in the IU Health care system is called Cerner. Cerner has consistently been ranked among the nation’s leading information technology providers and the company’s healthcare products have won numerous awards (Answers, 2012). It has layer after layer of programs and connective ites that are not, nor probably ever will be, fully utilized. It is possible to add task and warnings to the system to meet the needs of the hospital and staff. The EHR system helps move simple data into the information realm and converts it into usable knowledge based on the input which allows the system to send a pop-up notice directing the staff member to utilize their wisdom to notify the doctor because the patient’s condition has changed. Projected costs The Cerner system is currently in use but, any changes that are made to the system needs to be approved. In this instance a pop-up tab is requested by nursing that ill automatically alert the nurse of weight gain within specified parameters for the patient with heart failure (HF). An example of how it will work is, the patient is weighed daily and the program will keep a running total of any weight gained or lost and show the total based on a three and five day course that will signal a pop-up if the patient’s weight is 3 or more pounds in 3 days or more than 5 pounds in 5 days. The nurse will see the pop-up tab and notify the doctor, so an intervention, usually a diuretic can be administered. The floor nurses will bring their idea to the Unit Based Council (UBC) it is pproved and moves on to the Professional Nursing Council (PNC) for approval. It is then taken to the Clinical Information System (CIS) team. If they feel it is a worth while project they in turn take it to the IU Health board of directors for approval. P. Smith head of the CIS team claimed the basic cost for the added feature is approximately $9,600, broken down as follows; it will require 4 computer technicians working for approximately 48 man hours each at $50. 00 an hour, before it is available to use (personal communication, March 12, 2012). S. Holloway head of the Education epartment at the hospital added that the nurses will need to be in-serviced relating to its features and use. With approximately 2800 nurses using the system at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, it will require 15 minutes of individual training via a learning module system (LMS) to understand how to apply and utilize the tab for the designated patients. The average pay for nurses is $22. 00 an hour which works out to a cost of $15,400 provided all of them stayed after their shift to complete the 15 minute LMS. The technical support and maintenance would be included in the current system contract personal communication, March 13, 2012). Projected Benefits This technology impacts the quality of care at the bedside by increasing response to a possible critical health value. A timely intervention to the patient may mean a difference in length of stay in the acute care setting. The projected benefits are an increase in positive outcomes to the patient wit h HF with fewer set backs. Stakeholders The biggest stakeholders are the nurses. By having a system in place to calculate weight gain on a continuing day by day bases, it reduces the time spent changing the ates and scrolling back and figuring the changes with paper and pencil from the values in the computer. The pop-up warning will assist the nurse by decreasing the chance of error related to miscalculations or oversights and notifying the doctor of changes sooner. Gaining the nurses buy-in is relatively easy, by pointing out the benefits they will gain by not having to take the time to figure the weight for three and five days every day. The nurses would be asked to participate in the build to offer suggestions as to where the tab will pop-up, on the task list or right on the screen where the weights are recorded. Evaluation The Heart Failure Team at the hospital has a subgroup that is monitoring patients with HF diagnosis who readmit for HF in less than 30 days. They discovered during a random chart check that 4 out of 36 patients in post acute care, had a weight gain greater than the set parameters and the doctor was not notified in a timely manner, to order a diuretic. The four patients were sent to cardiac care for treatment related to complications that could have been avoided with a timely administration of a diuretic. An increase in positive outcomes for HF patients would significantly increase our patient rust and satisfaction scores. The Heart Failure Team subgroup will continue to monitor timely notifications to doctors, of HF patients who have weight gain outside the parameters and report back to the Team on monthly bases to evaluate its effectiveness. The lead CIS nurse P. Smith also added that she is taking our idea a step further by checking into the possibility of the Cerner system being able to â€Å"shoot† a notice to the attending doctor via the Cerner system, letting him know that his patient has had a weight gain outside the set parameters. So if the nurse forgets or gets busy he will still be otified and can act on the changes (personal communication March 13, 2012). Competencies How Nursing Informatics competencies impact the use of technology for transforming data to wisdom. The concept map moves data to wisdom on a patient who presented with signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure (CHF). Heart failure is a serious medical condition where the heart does not pump blood around the body as well as it should. This means your blood can’t deliver enough oxygen and nourishment to your body to allow it to work normally. It also means that you can’t eliminate waste products roperly leading to a build up of fluid in your lungs and other parts of your body, such as your legs and abdomen (Heart Failure Matters, 2012). A build up of fluid increases weight and may indicate worsening of condition Data to Information Data is raw information gathered objectively without interpretation. (McGonigle, 2009). The data collected from the concept map is entered into the patient’s electronic health record (EHR) by the nurse. Being able to input data into the EHR correctly is imperative for patient safety and positive patient outcome. The nurse inputs vital signs, ssessments, medical history, and medication orders. The results of ordered patient testing example; chest x-ray, echocardiogram, lab results ordered is interred by the appropriate departments. All the data migrates to corresponding tabs in the patients EHR. Past medical history can also be found here, so if the patient leaves out information from previous visits, it is still available to the care giver. This is the essential information that must be available in a common data base to support patient care (QSEN, 2009). The nurse must be educated on the use of the EHR so she will be able to place meaning to all he information contained there and be able to pull that information upon request. Information to Knowledge Information is data that are interpreted, organized or structured. The data derived from direct care of an individual may then be complied across persons and aggregated for decision-making by nurses, nurse administrators, or other health processionals (McGonigle, 2009). Navigate the electronic health record (QSEN, 2009). By assessing the patient EHR the care giver can compare past values with present values. In a patient with CHF it is imperative that the patient be weighed accurately every day. The nurse eeds to know how to calibrate and zero out a free standing or bed scale for an accurate daily weight. This is just as important as knowing the patient should be weighed at the same time of day, wearing the same type of clothing or that the bed should contain the same amount of bedding for a more accurate weight. A weight gain of 2-3 lbs. per day or more than 5 lbs. in 5 days should be reported to the physician immediately as it could indicate a decrease in t he heart function. An alert feature that will notify the nurse of a weight gain, over the recommended period of time would assist the nurse in physician otification in a timely manner, leading to a more positive patient outcome. Knowledge to Wisdom Knowledge is information that has judgment applied to it or meaning extracted from it. Wisdom is knowledge applied in a practical way or translated into actions; uses knowledge and experience to heighten common sense and insight to exercise sound judgment in practical matters (McGonigle, 2009). Value technologies that support clinical decision-making, error prevention and care coordination (QSEN, 2009). The EHR is a form of technology that is invaluable to the health care field. All of the patient nformation is a click away for the care giver. The timeline side by side comparison for information necessary to make an informed decision related to patient care increases response time. Front line users are the first line of defense as to what types of programs could be added on to current systems to prevent errors, and should be included in meetings for system updates. Care coordination can be better utilized using the EHR when access to the system is so easy and all discipline notes migrate to the patient record. Conclusion The benefits of having a pop-up warning system, to alert the nurse when a atient has had a weight gain outside the set parameters, will increase efficiency related to doctor notification. When the doctor is notified sooner an intervention can be implemented sooner to improve patient outcome. Quicker intervention may lead to faster recovery, shorter hospital stay, improved quality of care, patient satisfaction, and reducing cost to patient and/or the insurance provider. With a growing focus on patient satisfaction, medical intervention that will support better patient outcomes and better care will improve patient satisfaction scores as they relate to direct nursing care and satisfaction with the doctors. All patients expect and deserve the best care every day. References Answers. com. Cerner Corporation, 2012. Retrieved March 11, 2012 from; http://www. answers. com/topic/cerner-corporation. Heart Failure Matters, 2012. Retrieved March 21, 2012 from; http://www. heartfailurematters. org. McGonigle, D. Mastrian, K. , (2009). Nursing Informatics and the Foundation of Knowledge (pp. 85,450, 459, 480). Sudbury, MA. Jones and Bartlett Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN), (2009). Quality and safety competencies. Retrieved March 1, 2012 from: http://www. QSEN. org/competencies.

comparison essays

comparison essays Human beings are helpless weeds drifting in a depthless sea of fate. We are mere rag dolls, thrown from birth, to the currents mercy. Life never happens on accident, every moment is precisely planned and plotted for every individual. Oedipus Rex, a man who was a true victim of fate, lived a life that was destined for self-destruction and pain. However, his story is one of heroism and tragedy, not because he was a puppet to the gods or fate, rather he freely chose to continue and accept his own destruction. He lived his life seemingly oblivious to fates pull, he murdered his father, married his mother, then surrendered to fates grand finale: death. One may ask how a life such as Oedipus could possibly be called heroic, and the answer is simple: although he was controlled by fate he did everything for his rights and honor. Thus, he may have been the man with the smoking gun, however, he didnt kill just for his own satisfaction or self loathing. He always had a purpose, if you will a reason to his rhyme. Fate was never a questionably subject for him. He accepted his destiny by placing his energy to aspects of his life he could control: his honor and quality of his own life. considering Oedipus situation, he lived life the best he could, and thats what makes him heroic. One may say that everyone is in control of their own futures which is a valid point. However, every decision made, every question asked, every question answered are all predestined by fate. Each experience is a road sign in lifes journey, there to guide us past those tricky forks in the road and dead ends that we find so challenging. Oedipus story makes one wonder if fate uses certain people as teaching devices, examples, or guide lines on how to not live life. Life is unscripted. Live it the best it can be lived, and never regret anything. Regrets are pointless because each experience is a lesson learn ...

BIBLIOGRAPHY Literature review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

BIBLIOGRAPHY - Literature review Example Through provision of essential information, the affected individuals become empowered to administer self-medication and live healthy lives, despite being infected with the chronic condition. This document seeks to establish the process on management of the condition. Search strategy Searching for this information began with identification of the condition of focus, diabetes within the context of this search. Following the identification of the topic the specific focus of management of the condition was identified and the search began with the key words being ‘diabetes’ and ‘management’. Various relevant search engines were utilised in identifying relevant information, regarding the topic being searched. The search engines were able to narrow my search, through giving only the key words identified before beginning the online search. The topic dealt with management of diabetes; hence the key words for the search became, ‘management’ and ‘dia betes’. While many articles might be presented when searching for diabetes, narrowing into management brought a minimised are of focus. Being an academic report, various academic sources were identified, with the aim of getting most relevant academic sources for the task being undertaken. The academic sources normally present information which can assist students in learning about their research topics. These sources only contain information regarded as having academic value to users. The Google scholar was very helpful in providing relevant information used in researching on the topic of management of diabetes. This remains the most utilised search engine, which is always readily available within different locations. This search engine provides users with unlimited resources, and its utilisation gave me numerous related articles, which would enhance the quality of the information retrieved. Several online libraries were also accessed. These libraries provided journal article s published in different countries, and detailing commonly employed diabetes management techniques. The information being sought in these libraries sought to define the various methods which are applied in treatment of diabetes. The utilisation of the website meant that I could access many articles, published in different countries and journal within the shortest time possible. The online libraries are normally accessible from different global location, with the same information remaining accessible every time. These libraries significantly reduce the duration taken when researching on a specified topic, like the one identified by this research. The dictionaries also offer information regarding copyrighted material which cannot be accessed online. They give information on where the material can be accessed without any copyright breaching, like publisher details. This information significantly assisted me in getting the correct sources. Other than identifying the topics, article abst racts were immensely helpful in deciding the references to include within my search. While I came across many articles, the selection of many required perusing through the abstracts to determine the relevance of contained information. Through reading the abstracts, I was able to evaluate many articles before selecting the relevant ones towards my research topic. Some articles focused on various elements of the condition and failed to provide essential information towards management of the condition. Others offered vague

To what extent did French avant-garde groupings in the 1880s coalesce Essay

To what extent did French avant-garde groupings in the 1880s coalesce around exhibitions - Essay Example The phrase ‘modern art’ first used by Joris-Karl Huysmans in a book title to delineate the subject matter of several paintings represented in the book in1883. The Anglo-Irish novelist, George Moore followed this in this book, ‘Modern Painting’. It was about this time that the critic Theodore Duret, who used it of certain young painters, introduced the term avant-garde (Wood 1999, pp. 7-33). Subsequently, modernity became the focal point for artists and critics, alike. How Impressionism triggered avant-garde groupings The period of 1860-1880 witnessed an undeniable transformation in the aesthetic perspective as the focus of paintings shifted to the depiction of everyday reality and fashions (Wood 1999, p. 113). Determined to present illustrations of contemporary life in both, urban and rural areas, the Impressionists pioneered this change by creating snapshots of everyday life. The war developed new urgency and hope in the progressive artists born in the 1880 s. There was unanimity amongst the generation that Europe had been endowed a second chance; Salinger 1957, 117 Wood 1999, pp. 28 Wood 1999, p. 113 thereby, a new order should be established (Hungerford 1989). Impressionism, a revolutionary movement in painting followed by music, emerged at the end of the nineteenth century in France. Impressionist paintings can be traced back to the period of 1867-1886 to a party of artists with common approaches, philosophies, and methodologies in art (Huyghe 1973, p. 90). They tried to translate their observations into the paintings by attempting to recreate the manifold and animated results of sunlight and shadows from direct and reflected light. One of the most integral development out of this style was the reproduction of objects out of discrete flecks and dabs of matching or contrasting colours to evoke the broken-hued marvels and distinguishing hued created by sunlight and its reflections (Callen 1982, p. 187). Lastly, conventional formal com positions were replaced by more casual and less artificial disposition of depicted objects. The Impressionists in portraying landscapes, houses, trees, and even urban streets employed these novel-painting techniques (Callen 2000, p. 245). As the mid 1880s approached, the Impressionists began to dissolve as every painter craved to pursue his personal aesthetic interests and principles. Nonetheless, in its short-lived existence, it categorically revolutionized art, paving the way for postimpressionist artists like Edgar Degas, Vincent van Gogh, Georges Seurat to be free from all traditional western paintings and methodologies and interpretation of subject matter. Aftermath Impressionism was the first avant-garde in art, which paved the way for contemporary or modern art. Undeniably, the impressionists motivated novel Hungerford 1989, 73 Huyghe, 1973, 90 Callen, 1982, 187 Callen, 2000, 245 approaches, perspectives, notions amongst subsequent artists (Ward 1996, p. 168). It was the resu lt of their relentless struggle and perseverance, that the Salon’s official foothold in the world of art was questioned. Undoubtedly, painters such as Monet, Renoir, Pissaro, and Degas encouraged new art movements, for instance, Post-impressionism, Fauvism, Cubism (Rewald 1978, p. 312). In 1886, following the official death of Impressionists, post-impressionism was born. Before these movements, the Impressionis

American Civil War Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

American Civil War - Essay Example His ultimate goal in the campaign of 1864 was ostensibly the capture of the Confederate capital, Richmond. Every movement, position and counter attack was intended to push through the Confederate forces. Smaller Union forces under the command of Franz Siegel and Benjamin Butler attempted to carry out missions that were to cut off supplies and reinforcements from General Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia. While capturing Richmond would have been a great leap towards ending the war, Grant admitted in his writings that this was actually a secondary goal. The primary objective of his campaign in the spring and summer of 1864 was to wage a war of attrition against the rebel troops. He wanted to wear them down, deplete their morale and break what remained of their allegiance to the cause of the Confederacy. While Grant ultimately failed in taking Richmond during the campaign, it could be argued that he did indeed cause a serious drop in morale among Confederate soldiers by causing high rates of attrition and displaying more tenacity to win battles than any Union commander had before him (Rickard 2006). The start of the campaign began with Grant traveling with Meade and the Army of the Potomac south, in an attempt to cross the Rapidan River and travel through the Wilderness. This Wilderness had been the scene of fierce fighting one year earlier that resulted in the retreat of the Union forces back across the river. Grant was hoping that he could push through the Wilderness before Lee was able to position his troops. Lee beat Grant to the Wilderness and the forces met amid the thick brush and tangles of the forest. Lee was successful in halting the Union advance, but Grant showed considerable determination by refusing to retreat back across the river. Instead, he withdrew from the Wilderness and tried to march around Lee’s army. Grant set his sights on obtaining control of a railroad junction near a village known as