Friday, November 29, 2019

Cloning- Is It Ethical Essays - Biology, Molecular Biology, Cloning

Cloning- Is It Ethical Genetic Engineering; Cloning In today' world of advanced technology and even faster progress of this technology one has to stop and examine what we have accomplished. How far do we want to go with this technology of genetic engineering, particularly in the field of cloning. Examining genetic engineering and its many possibilities holds great hope for the future. Centrally the issue of cloning has been a hot topic in the media mainly because its has become a technological as well as a medical breakthrough. The possibilities of cloning are innumerable that is, if it works. But the other side of the coin are the ethics of the process. What happens when we master cloning of body parts and venture out to clone humans? Will this clone be someone who has feelings, and mind and a spirit of its own? Will it have a soul? Genetic Engineering, the alteration of an organism's genetic, or hereditary, material to eliminate undesirable characteristics or to produce desirable new ones(Brennan, 57) . Genetic engineering is used to increase plant and animal food production; to diagnose disease, improve medical treatment, and produce vaccines and other useful drugs.(Brennan, 58). Included in genetic engineering techniques are the selective breeding of plants and animals, and recombinant DNA. The first genetic engineering technique, still used today, was the selective breeding of plants and animals, usually for increased food production. In selective breeding, only those plants or animals with good characteristics are chosen for further breeding. Corn has been selectively bred for increased kernel size and number and for nutritional content. More recently, selective breeding of wheat and rice in an effort called the green revolution has helped supply the world's ever-increasing need for food(Clarke, 1211). This is also another aspect of technology that has improved over the years. Production has proved that we can grow more with less land mass. Cattle and pigs were first domesticated about 8000 years ago and through selective breeding have become main sources of meat for humans. Dogs and horses have also been selectively bred for thousands of years for recreational purposes. Over the past 20 years, genetic engineering has been revolutionized by a new technique known as recombinant DNA, or gene splicing, with which scientists can directly alter genetic material (Encarta, 03). Genes consist of the chemical deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). In recombinant DNA, the DNA of one organism is joined to the DNA of a second organism to produce a recombinant DNA. When this recombinant DNA is spliced with another organism, it permanently changes the genetic makeup of that organism. Recombinant DNA techniques have transformed genetic engineering in plant and animal food production and medicine. In most cases, DNA cannot be transferred directly from its original organism, known as the donor, to the recipient organism, known as the host (Brennan ). Instead, the donor DNA must be cut and recombined with a matching fragment of DNA from an organism that can carry the donor DNA into the host. In 1982 the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for the first time the medical use of a recombinant DNA protein, the hormone insulin, which had been cloned in large quantities(Encarta, 05). Previously, this hormone, used by diabetics had been available only in limited quantities from hogs. Since that time, the FDA has approved other genetically engineered proteins for use in humans. Scientists also have employed recombinant DNA techniques to produce medically useful human proteins in animal milk(Clarke, 1211). In this procedure, the human gene responsible for the desired protein is first linked to specific genes of the animal that are active only in its milk-producing glands(Clarke, 1211). The egg of the animal is then injected with the linked genes. The resulting babies will have these linked genes in every cell of their body but will produce the human protein only in their milk. The human protein is finally extracted from the animal's milk for use as medicine. In this way, sheep's milk is used to produce an enzyme used in the treatment of emphysema; cow's milk is used to produce a protein that combats bacterial infections; and goat's milk is used as yet another way to produce blood-clot-dissolving enzyme also cloned in hamster cell

Monday, November 25, 2019

Jurassic Seas essays

Jurassic Seas essays The sea, being such a rich and vast environment, logically holds a plethora of animals ranging from mammals, reptiles, fish, and so forth. It still remains a place of mystery, danger, and wonder in the modern world today for all those who have ever seen it, though it no longer harbors one of its greatest predators, the ichthyosaurs. In Rulers of the Jurassic Seas, Ryosuke Montani uses personal experience and proven fact to unravel a bit of the mystery surrounding such a creature, explaining its murky origins, its evolution, its swimming style, its decent into the deep, and its ultimate extinction. Primarily, Montani presents information explaining that the ichthyosaurs evolved from not fish, but land-dwelling animals. Their adaptation for water made them quite successful, and able to rule the sea from 245 million to about 90 million years ago approximately the entire time dinosaurs existed on earth. Widely spread out fossils around the world indicate that they migrated extensively, and despite their aquatic appearance, they were most definitely air-breathing reptiles. Montani states that they did not have gills, and their jaw had all the features and traits of that of a reptile. Moreover, they obtained two pairs of limbs, which hinted that perhaps their ancestors once lived on land. All of the stated conclusions were drawn only by the study of one rather late, fish-shaped ichthyosaurs. Their ancestor was built more for land, having stout legs while the later versions obtained flippers, a boneless tail fluke, and a dorsal fin. With the new adaptations and loss of old f eatures, it would have made it difficult to recognize their cousins on land. Due to this lack of evidence, early scientists had no idea as to which vertebrate group they should place the ichthyosaurs. As time progressed, scientists developed new techniques on how to better decipher the relationships among various species. Afterward, most agreed...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

What are the benefits of emergency management doctrine, and how do you Essay - 3

What are the benefits of emergency management doctrine, and how do you think its creation may be enhanced in the context of the UAE - Essay Example ces had to evacuate their homes for the sake of visitors and holy servants who crowded the area for such functions and since the climatic conditions are always harsh, the inhabitants had to move around all day long distributing water to quench thirst. The United Arab Emirates, for the last eighty years has been on the move coming up with an effective emergency management plan. From the Saudi Arabian documentation, the first response to such emergencies was by the establishment of a fire brigade in 1927 to serve pilgrims who flock Makah each year for special prayers. The establishment of emergency management doctrine has brought along great benefits to the United Arab Emirates. It has been possible to save lives and assets from damage. United Arabs Emirates has been the centre of discussion because of the terrorist attacks for example the Khobar tower bomb attack in 1996, which claimed 19 lives, the Yanbu and Asir floods caused pure destruction to property estimated over 230,000 km2, the fire and meningitis outbreak during Hajj and Ramadan festivals in 1997 and 1987 respectively affected close to 2,000 pilgrims (Alamri 15).. These are just a few examples of the damages caused by hazardous happenings. Through emergency management doctrine, it has been able to contain most of the calamities through resource optimization; which means being in a position to deploy and respond to emergency situations. For instance, due to a daily increase in the number of worshippers flocking Makkah, the Saudi Red Crescent Society has already come up with a medical e vacuation system which involves the use of twenty five helicopters. This in turn will help save innocent lives in case of disease outbreaks. In addition, it has eased the motor vehicle crashes and traffic jams. This is evident through the creation of Makah Metro, which has the capability to connect all the holy places around Makah 24/7. This works in line with a digital traffic control system; Saher. This ensures all

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Language and Literacy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Language and Literacy - Essay Example Mellix, on the other hand, explains how it felt uncomfortable writing in Standard English arguing that she could not express her true self. She claims that after â€Å"reading, practicing, writing, rewriting, and experimenting,† she learned that â€Å"one can, through writing, bring out new lives, each with new complexities, possibilities, and difficulties. Remarkably, I continually write and give birth to myself† (Mellix 111). Mellix found out that she was able to reinvent herself through writing. Coincidentally, Malcolm X also had a similar experience while in prison. Through reading and enhancing his knowledge of Standard English, he saw his situation and himself differently. â€Å" I had increasingly become frustrated because of being unable to express my thoughts in the letters I wrote to a public figure† (Malcolm 99). While Malcolm learned and became comfortable using Standard English through copying out of the dictionary and reading, Barbara Mellix learned and became comfortable with Standard English through revising and writing. It is certain that all these authors, Malcolm, Mellix, and Gloria, viewed themselves differently and got an identity as a result of language. Learning to use Standard language enabled Mellix and Malcolm discover new possibilities. Both Douglass and Baca were illiterate; they were not able to read or write. They both learn how to read and write by employing certain unconventional strategies and without the help of a regular teacher. â€Å"In learning how to read and write, I employed various stratagems. I had no regular teacher† (Douglass 5). The authors felt less empowered and humiliated simply because of they not able to read or write and as such could not express themselves. â€Å"There was nothing more humiliating than not being able to express one’s self†¦I felt so intimidated, vulnerable, scorned and ridiculed† (Baca 4).

Monday, November 18, 2019

Information Systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Information Systems - Essay Example Communicating with branches and offices worldwide has never been easier than now. Purchases through online transactions have increased because of the convenience it offers. The advancement in information systems has also paved the way for shifts in media and advertising. More companies are using the web to advertise their products and services. These types of promotional campaigns are less costly for companies and they get instant feedback from customers. A well-developed information system gives a strategic competitive advantage to companies. Information systems play a vital role in business processes and operations. Information systems make it less complicated to handle numerous company data through electronic data processing, transaction processing, record keeping and accounting applications. Another way information systems transform business is it simplifies the decision-making process of employees and managers. It acts as an ad hoc support to the decision-making process by providing decision makers the information they need, when they need it. Information system literacy is the â€Å"knowledge and hands-on familiarity with hardware, software, peripherals and network components common to most information systems†(WebFinance, Inc., 2013). On the other hand, computer literacy is the â€Å"level of familiarity with the basic hardware and software (and now Internet) concepts that allows one to use personal computers for data entry, word processing, spreadsheets, and electronic communications†

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Strategic Framework for Reform of the Health Service

Strategic Framework for Reform of the Health Service Introduction: In 2012 the Department of Health (2012) (DoH) launched its Strategic Framework for Reform of the Health Service. The rationale behind the release of this Framework, through the Health Service Executive (HSE) was the continued improvement of societal health and wellbeing within the State of Ireland. Four key areas were identified for reform: Health and Well Being; keeping people healthy, Service Reforms; providing healthcare that people need, Structural Reforms; delivering high quality services and Financial Reform; getting the best value for health system resources. To achieve these reforms there must be a symbiotic relationship in situ between all four key areas, providing the best provision of care and best practice to all stakeholders involved, through the continued and correlated use of Management, Leadership, Quality Management and Information Management. Examining some of the principles of Information and Quality Management this student will endeavour to critically discuss some key areas. Information Management: With the advancement in technology, reliance on and use of computer based Information Management has increased dramatically. Insuring the design, implementation and continued development of Information Management there are a number of key principles to successful Information Management including effective Management of Information and Data Knowledge. Management of Information: Effective Management of Information is a multifaceted combination of People, Process, Technology and Content and it is how these are managed that allow us to provide a high quality of care to all. It is how this information is managed that allows recognises the value of information, whilst being readily available, protected shared and is always evidence based. A good process of Management Information allows all healthcare professionals collect data and to communicate this information through various avenues to other health care professionals, not only allowing for a greater flow of information, but also an ease of access to the relevant concise information. Patient records can now be accessed and shared with far greater ease than they have historically (Wallis 2011) remotely by authorised professionals, access to imaging data and laboratory results is almost instantaneous allowing for Healthcare professionals to make informed decisions. Data can be collected and correlated to local and national policy makers regarding the provision of health care, including Care Planning, Prioritising Workloads and Resource planning (Murnane 2005) Effectual Information Management can help maintain and protect documented information. Two separated inquires exposed the purposeful practice of interfering with documented records, Leas Cross (O’Neill 2006)and the Neary Report (Harding Clark 2006), indeed Sexton et al. hypothesised that written nursing handovers could be simplified, leading to increased efficacy in time management ergo allowing more time for patient interactions through the centralised use of patient information and reducing potential for errors. Spooner et al. (2013) Data Knowledge: One of the challenges of having a good information Management system in situ is to ensure that the data correlation is relevant, true and fit for purpose. Data collection as outlined by the Health Information Quality Authority (HIQA) (HIQA 2012) should be, where possible collected once and then used continually, thus preventing the patient asked on numerous occasions for the same information, this is more applicable to long term service users of health care. Due to the enormity of data available it must be validated, reliable, accurate and complete where possible, however, records must be updated following all interactions between patients and caregivers insuring that the most up-to-date information is readily available. Good data may give the care giver/hospital a competitive advantage, allowing all stakeholders to make strategic, informed decisions, increase productivity leading to a possible long term increase cost efficiency, however, it must be noted that this data knowledge should be bidirectional allowing for patients to access the Data Services such as the HSE Dashboard. Data is only as good as what is imputed on to the system, therefore clinical governance needs to be policed to ensure good quality data is entered, there may be initial cost implications during data gathering. Whilst there are multifaceted benefits of implementaning, maintaining and continual development of good information management systems and Data Quality protocols in place it; must be also noted that there are a number of areas of concern, most notably patient confidentiality, insuring the safety of all patient records, implementation and upkeep costs, fail safe back up and intrusion systems and lack of end user involvement in the design process and implementation of the Information Management system (Huryk 2010). One must also examine the legality and accountability of information transcribed onto databases/patient records and examine who is going to manage and take ownership of these E documentations, as this is currently still an area growing concern, taking into account what are the consequences for those who misuse and abuse data collected and stored under The Data Protection Act 2003. (Irish Government 2003) Quality in Health Care: Over the past number of years there have been a growing number of inquiries into the quality of care delivered to the Lourdes Hospital Inquiry (Government of Ireland 2006), Leas Cross (DoH 2009) and the more recent Halappanavar case (HIQA 2013), whereby the provision and delivery of care has been called into account in a legal context. All reports make various recommendations; however, it is how these recommendations and findings are then implemented into an accountable structure regarding the delivery of healthcare. From an Irish context, Evidence based standards in collaboration with users of healthcare are pivotal to the continual improvement of our Health Service (DoHC 2001) Quality Improvement: Critical to the establishing a basis for quality improvement and reform in healthcare is the establishing and contextualising the values, mission and core competencies of the organisation. This should incorporate codes, responsibilities for performance and quality, documentation of key policies and procedures, public information on available services, relevant updated information. Procedures must be systematic, measurable and comply to local, national and in some cases, international law(s) and health policies, more importantly, for the delivery of care one must embrace the Patient/Service User/Client into the melee to create a Person Centred delivery of service orchestrated by Quality Improvements, these may encompass medical errors and empowering the patient but must have their foundations built upon evidence based practice (HSE 2012). In theory, this sounds achievable and one may question why such measures were not in place already, however in practice, there are a number of elements to consider that may impact on quality improvements. A recent report from The Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance (Department of Health, 2011) identified â€Å"cultural issues† as a major obstacle to accepting change, most notably from an organisational and professional stance. Therefore, it is essential that to have effective leadership in place to help with the development and implementation of change, however, as Fealy et al. (2010) summarised that there are a number of barriers to nurses developing as efficient interdisciplinary leaders which need to be addressed. Patient/Service User Focus: There have been a number of initiatives to establish a patient/service user focus within healthcare. From a service user perspective the HSE has established a ‘Patient Form’ allowing service users the prospect of having active participation in the design, implementation and assessment of developing ‘National Clinical Care Programmes’ (HSE 2014) National Standards Agencies such as the Mental Health Commission (MHC) and HIQA have been established to protect the service user and caregiver. The Quality Framework for Mental Health Services in Ireland (MHC 2007) delivers a structure manner for safeguarding continual improvements and monitoring of all mental health services, by setting expectations of all those who come into contact with the Mental Health Services in Ireland, aided by a modality of staff and services being proactive. There is a greater duty with the service user to have increased impetus in their own care through the knowledge of services available, focus groups and readily available Patient Information Leaflets. Conclusion: Oroviogoicoechea et al. (2008) recognise that there is a strong association between the Quality of Care offered to patients and Quality of Information, received, documented and managed, as with all systems, there is scope for improvement, however, following on from lessons learnt we have seen the introduction and implementation of Policy and procedures with the setting up of the Government Standards Body of HIQA as a state body with the power to implement changes and recommendations. Health must stop treating itself as an isolated entity and embrace modern technological developments in information management as they do within other areas in the delivery of care, such as Imaging, Surgical Interventions and so forth, however strong and systematic procedures should be in situ to insure the safe management of Patient information. Correct Clinical Governance will ensure that standards are met and that policy and procedures are stringently adhered to, however this can only be accomplished by nurses’ accepting changes, evaluating evidence based practice and performing to the best of their ability. References: Department of Health and Children (2001) Quality and Fairness, a health system for you, Health Strategy, Stationary Office: Dublin. Department of Health (2009) The Leas Cross Commission The Commission of Investigation (Leas Cross Nursing Home) Final Report June 2009. Stationary Office: Dublin. Department of Health (2011) Report of the Implementation Steering Group on the Recommendations of the Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance. DoH, Dublin. Department of Health (2012) Future Health. A Strategic Framework for Reform of the Health Services 2012- 2016. DoH, Dublin. Gerard M Fealy, Martin S McNamara, Mary Casey, Ruth Geraghty, Michelle Butler, Phil Halligan, Margaret Treacy and Maree Johnson (2010) Barriers to clinical leadership development: Findings from a national survey. Blackwell Publishing Ltd, Journal of Clinical Nursing, 20, 2023–2032 Government of Ireland. 2006. The Lourdes Hospital Inquiry: An inquiry into peripartum hysterectomy at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda. (By Judge Harding Clark). Stationery Office, Dublin http://health.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/lourdes.pdf  (Accessed 07/10/14) Harding Clarke, M. (2006). The Lourdes Hospital Enquiry; An inquiry into peripartum hysterectomy at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, Stationary Office. Dublin Health Information and Quality Authority, (2012) Guidance on information governance for health and social care services in Ireland: Health Information and Quality Authority. Dublin Health Information and Quality Authority, (2013) Patient Safety Investigation report into services at University Hospital Galway (UHG) and as reflected in the care provided to Savita Halappanavar. Health Information and Quality Authority. Dublin Health Service Executive (2012). A vision for Psychiatric /Mental Health Nursing. Health Service Executive. Dublin Health Service Executive (2014) http://www.hse.ie/portal/eng/about/Who/qualityandpatientsafety/Advocacy/QPS_service_users/Service_User_Involvement_in_Clinical_Care.html  (Accessed 06/10/14) Huryk, L. (2010) Factors influencing nurses’ attitudes towards healthcare information technology. Journal of Nursing Management. 18, 5, 606-612. Irish Government (2003) Data Protection (Amendment) Act.. The Stationary Office. Dublin Mental Health Commission (2007) Quality Framework: Mental Health Services in Ireland. Mental Health Commission, Dublin Murnana, R., (2005) Empowering nurses—Improving care Nurses’ response to the new Health Services Reform Programme in Ireland. International Journal of Medical Informatics 74, 861—868 O’Neill, D. (2006) A review of the deaths at Ideas Cross Nursing Home 2002-2005, Dublin: Department of Health and Children. Oroviogoicoechea, C. Elliot, B. Watson, R. (2008) Journal of Clinical Nursing 17, 567–575. Sexton, A.C., Chan C., Elliot M. , Stuart J. , Jaysuriya R. Crookes P. (2004) Nursing handovers: do we really need them? Journal of Nursing Management 12, 37–42 Spooner, A.J., Chaboyer, W., Corley, A., Hammond N., Fraser JF. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2013; 19: 214–220 Wallis, A. (2012) Management, http://rcnpublishing.com/doi/abs/10.7748/nm2012.03.18.10.14.c8957  (Accessed 08/10/14)

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Radioheads OK Computer :: Music Musical Essays

Radiohead's OK Computer In the mid-1990s, rock and roll experienced another of its many transitions. During the early ‘90s, the â€Å"grunge† scene, emanating from Seattle and its surrounding area, enthralled the youth of the time with the music of such acts as Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, and Nirvana. This surge in high-distortion, high angst rock snapped the genre out of the doldrums of glam-metal, which, for a long time, dominated the â€Å"rock music† racks of record stores across America. By 1997, grunge was dead, its end spurred by the death of Kurt Cobaine, the impending breakup of Soundgarden, and the increasing vapidity of Pearl Jam. At the same time, bubble gum pop made its comeback, thanks to acts like Hanson and the Spice Girls (even today, irritatingly saccharine acts like the Backstreet Boys and their seemingly infinite clones dominate pop charts). Fortunately, in the summer of 1997, the British rock band Radiohead released OK Computer, which received both critical acclaim and commercial success, a rare combination in today’s music scene. The album caught enough attention in both respects that it was later nominated for both best alternative album and album of the year, and received the former award (Hilburn C-6). OK Computer is important because it is one of the few albums released in this decade that has an underlying message; Radiohead, while never coming out and stating it, does an excellent job a blending subtlety with clarity. By both its lyrical and musical complexity, OK Computer covers a broad emotional range, evoking, as David Cheal puts it, â€Å"gloom and alienation; but you also get warmth and yearning† (15). Dimitri Ehrlich adds that, as a whole, the album is â€Å"unglossy, unhandsome, and every bit as complex as modern life† (56). â€Å"Paranoid Android† expresses this complexity at a level in which frustration and alienation come hand in hand. The song, clocking at nearly seven minutes, begins with the elegant plucking of an acoustic guitar and lead singer Thom Yorke’s statement of bitterness: â€Å"When I am king, you will be first against the wall.† After a brief guitar break, the song begins its tremulous diatribe on the loss of identity: â€Å"Why don’t you remember my name? / Off with his head now, off with his head.