Technological Innovation Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Technological Innovation - Research Paper Example To lead in innovations, the concepts of realizing the need, finding people with the relevant technology and citing financial support are key to managing innovations. In addition to this, requirements for diffusion of technology like the knowledge, attitude, the decision to adopt or reject implementation and use and the confirmation of the decision, needs to be put into consideration for effective management (Clark, 2010). These will outline the measure and indicators of the innovation and its overall impact thus enabling decision making. Innovations are meant to bring institutional change through knowledge and application of ideas in relation to the existing products and operations. Innovations change institution’s insight into competitive advantage, new systems, processes and way of conducting business. They are manifested in organization structures of governance, production and marketing systems and employee structuring and specialization. To achieve this there is need to establish leadership to promote, execute and sustain these initiatives. In addition, effective predictions of market/ client trends, generation and evaluation of ideas and communicating the solutions will enhance team work and realization of targeted goals (Conti & Herron, 2006). Technology innovation has impacted the society positively through assurance of convenience, efficiency, comfort and expansion of opportunities. For instance, socially, advancements of telecommunication infrastructure through provision of reliable network and powerful gadgets like computers and smart phones, has integrated the people as they can share ideas and transact business. In the field of business and economics, convenience and efficiency have improved by construction of transport and communication networks which enhance efficient movement of goods, services and ideas

Health Promotion throughout the Human Lifespan Essay

Health Promotion throughout the Human Lifespan - Essay Example Despite this claims, Canadians have time and again misused alcohol, thus leading to health risks. This paper will examine strategies of promoting health throughout the lifespan of alcohol abusers. Alcohol Related Health Problems Abuse of alcohol result major health risks such cancer among other societal problems such as drunken driver accidents, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, criminal activities, and even family problems. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder describes a wide range of health concerns that come because of prenatal abuse and misuse of alcohol. Disabilities resulting from Fetal Alcohol Spectrum disorder include alcohol related Neurodevelopment Disorder. Health problems such as cancer have come up as a result of alcohol consumptions. Consumption of alcohol in risky amounts has been proved to increase risks for individuals developing cancers such as those of the, liver, gastrointestinal tract, breast, pharynx, mouth, larynx, and the esophagus. However, alcohol consumption in moderate amounts is proved to reduce the risk of developing cancer. Alcohol consumers, who take meals alongside alcohol, have a lower risk of developing cancer of the throat, mouth and the digestive system. ... Generally, adolescents and young adults are the most vulnerable to misuse of alcohol and heavy drinking. Many accidents caused by adolescent and young adult drunken drivers have been a major cause of deaths in many countries (Galanter, American Medical Society on Alcoholism, Research Society on Alcoholism (U.S.) and National Council on Alcoholism, 2005, P.2). In addition, alcohol consumption is said to cause impairment, thus making drivers more prone to accidents and injuries that come out to be severe in most cases. Accident risk potential as a result of impairment caused by alcohol varies between women and men. In addition to accidents, misuse of alcohol also causes high blood pressure, weakening of the immune system, osteoporosis, obesity, and even neurological disorders. Risks of high blood pressure are substantially increased by more and more consumption of alcohol. Moreover, heavy consumption of alcohol weakens the immune system and thus individuals have a higher potential of b eing infected, falling sick, and recovering from illness slowly. Studies claim that alcohol is a major health issue when misused, as it results in individual health problems, societal issues, cognitive and physical impairment. Alcohol Neurological disorders resulting from alcohol consumption include dementia and Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, which results in memory loss, and cognitive impairment. In most cases, alcohol affects physical performance of an individual, as it adversely inhibits span of attention, coordination of activities, and the time with which an individual reacts to stimulus. Alcohol also causes poor judgment, and in many circumstances, results in destruction of social relationships and communicative behavior

The importance of maintaining confidentiality

The importance of maintaining confidentiality Abstract Confidentiality is a protection and assurance of the right to privacy to the fullest extent. This report discusses the findings of my research into the importance of maintaining confidentiality. I investigated the situations where disclosure of confidentiality is appropriate in todays workplaces. The transmission of data and handling of patients medical records and personal information is still a big area of debate. When handled incorrectly the penalties that can be enforced are very stiff. Information handled in an inappropriate way can be damaging and costly. Costly to the company, in respect to cost of litigation, and costly to the customer due to private information being shared with the unscrupulous people! This report will set out to discover some cases of law related to the workplace, I will look at some of the examples of when confidentiality is not maintained, and investigate what big corporations are doing to train their employees on the importance of maintaining ethical st andards which contain guidelines for confidentiality in the workplace. Keywords: Confidentiality, workplace, Research, Importance, Medical, Privacy. Maintaining confidentiality in the work place is a big deal for corporations, major amounts of time and expense is devoted to training and documentation. All major businesses implement â€Å"Codes of Ethical Conduct† into the employment agreement for everyone that works for the company. Failure to maintain the policy could result in termination for the employee, and legal repercussions for the company. Confidentiality is based on four basic principles: Respect for an individuals right to privacy Respect for human relationship in which personal information is shared Appreciation of the importance of confidentiality to both individuals and society Expectations that those who pledge to safeguard confidential information will do so Confidential information may contain, but is not limited to, address, phone number, names of family members, medical information, etc. Confidentiality is very important in maintaining trust and building a strong employee relationship. This type of ethical behavior spans the globe, and is not just an American ideology. Here is an example from an Institution of higher learning at the University of South Australia, http://www.unisa.edu.au/hrm/forms/workplace.asp these types of policies are being implemented around the world. Information is power, and if not protected, can be abused. (University of South Australia accessed 11.24.09) Present situations where disclosure of information confidentiality is well stated is the medical field, the government has enacted The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPPA). Under these guidelines which they have named, final privacy rules, â€Å"covered entities must keep individually identifiable health information against deliberate or inadvertent misuse or disclosure. Consequently, health plans and providers must maintain administrative and physical safeguards to protect the confidentiality of health information as well as protect against unauthorized access. These entities must inform individuals about how their health information is used and disclosed and ensure them access to their information. Written authorization from patients for the use and disclosure of health information for most purposes is also required with the exception of health care treatment, payment and operations.†(http://www.hhs.gov accessed 11.24.09) Those entities that misuse personal health information can be penalized. Under final HIPAA rules, the HHS Office for Civil Rights, which is responsible for implementing the Privacy rules can impose civil monetary penalties and criminal penalties for certain wrongful disclosures of protected information. Civil penalties can be imposed up to $25,000 per year and criminal penalties can range from $50,000 and one year in prison to $250,000 and ten years in prison.(HHS.gov accessed 11.24.09) The Health Care Industry had been lobbying the former administration to change or dismantle HIPAA regulations, while consumer privacy advocates view the rules as a breakthrough that provides comprehensive federal standards, rather than conflicting state standards for patient medical privacy. At this time, it is unclear whether or not the current administration will fully implement HIPAA and how these final rules will affect everything over the long term. Keeping customer and employee information confidential is an important duty of all professionals. Employee data such as the information obtained and store to hire, pay, and manage is by nature sensitive. Keeping information that is discovered in the workplace confidential is also very sensitive, whether it is company related or customer based. SOURCES U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Mercer Consulting LLC University of South Australia

Diabetes :: essays research papers

What is diabetes? Diabetes mellitus is a group of diseases characterized by high levels of blood glucose resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Diabetes can be associated with serious complications and premature death, but persons with diabetes can take measures to reduce the likelihood of such occurrences. 15.7 million people -- 5.9% of the population -- have diabetes. But only 10.3 million people are diagnosed so that leaves 5.4 million people not diagnosed. Studies have found death rates to be twice as high among middle-aged people with diabetes as among middle-aged people without diabetes. Based on death certificate data, diabetes contributed to 193,140 deaths in 1996. Diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death listed on U.S. death certificates in 1996, according to CDC's National Center for Health Statistics. Diabetes is believed to be underreported on death certificates, both as a condition and as a cause of death. 6.3 million. 18.4% of all people 65 years and older have diabetes. 15.6 million. 8.2% of all people 20 years and older have diabetes. 123,000. 0.16% of all people under age 20 have diabetes. Prevalence data for diabetes among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are limited. Some groups within this population are at increased risk for diabetes. For example, data collected from 1988 to 1995 suggest that Native Hawaiians are twice as likely to have diagnosed diabetes as white residents of Hawaii. The four types of diabetes are:  · Type 1 diabetes was previously called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile-onset diabetes. Type 1 diabetes may account for 5% to 10% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Risk factors are less well defined for type 1 diabetes than for type 2 diabetes, but autoimmune, genetic, and environmental factors are involved in the development of this type of diabetes  · Type 2 diabetes was previously called non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes. Type 2 diabetes may account for about 90% to 95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include older age, obesity, family history of diabetes, prior history of gestational diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, physical inactivity, and race/ethnicity. African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, American Indians, and some Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are at particularly high risk for type 2 diabetes.  · Gestational diabetes develops in 2% to 5% of all pregnancies but disappears when a pregnancy is over.

Pttls Assignment Essay

1. Types and methods of assessment used in lifelong learning 1. Types of assessment used in lifelong learning 2. Assessment methods used in lifelong learning 3. Strengths and limitations of assessment methods 2. Importance of involving learners in the assessment process 1. Evaluation of involving learners in the assessment process 2. The role of peer and self-assessment in the assessment process 3. Requirements for keeping records of assessment in lifelong learning 3.1 Reasons to keep records of assessment of learning 3.2 Summary of requirements for keeping records 1. Types and methods of assessment used in lifelong learning 1. Types of assessment used in lifelong learning Macmillan Dictionary defines assessment as `the process of making a judgment or forming an opinion, after considering something or someone carefully` Assessment is aimed to measure the breadth and depth of learning.( Geoff Petty) According to Ann Gravells assessment types include initial, formative and summative which could be on a formal or informal basis. Initial assessment called diagnostic usually takes place before commencing a particular programme when students are diagnosed what they know about the subject they are going to look into. Formative assessment called continuous is part of the learning programme where assessment occurs continuously to measure the students progress of learning. Summative assessment called final and always takes place at the end of the course or programme taught. 2. Assessment methods used in lifelong learning Assessment methods are different from assessment types. Usage of assessment methods can be formal or informal depending on what the teacher is going to assess: knowledge, skills or attitudes states Ann Gravells. Formal assessment methods include: assignments, essays, examinations, tests, observations, professional discussions, multiple-choice questions Informal assessment methods include: discussions, quizzes, role plays, puzzles and crosswords, self-assessment, peer assessment 3. Strengths and limitations of assessment methods 2. Importance of involving learners in the assessment process 3. Evaluation of involving learners in the assessment process 4. The role of peer and self-assessment in the assessment process 3. Requirements for keeping records of assessment in lifelong learning 1. Reasons to keep records of assessment of learning 3.2 Summary of requirements for keeping records Reference: 1. Gravells, A. (2012) Preparing to Teach in Lifelong Learning Sector, 5th ed, London, Learning Matters/SAGE 2. Petty, G. (2009) Teaching Today, 4th ed, Cheltenham, Nelson Thornes Ltd 3. Cohen, L. et al (2010) A Guide to Teaching Practice, rev. 5th ed, Oxon, Routledge 4. Cowley, S. (2007) Guerrilla Guide to Teaching, 2nd ed, London, Continuum International Publishing Group 5. http://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/british/assessment 6.

Ecosystems and How They Work Essay

Question 1. The industrialization of the United States began after the civil war and started to peak in the late 19th century as capital equipment and tools were developed. This made the rapid production of more goods for more people possible. This resulted in the expansion of the factory system allowing people to make a living by manufacturing, commerce, trade or finance. Industrialization, urbanization and immigration caused people to move from the village to the city and together with the influx of foreign immigrants, this led to a dramatic growth in urban population (Faulkner, 1924). The increasing density of industry, transportation and housing had negative impacts on both the land and the lives of the urban dwellers such that alongside with the revolution came the problem of pollution in all its forms – air, garbage, water and noise. The factories needed less variable energy production to run the factories thus energy production shifted from the waterwheel to the burning of fossil fuels and fuel oils. At first, the urban industrial centers took pride in black smoke as a symbol of progress and triumph of civilization. With the invention of the automobile and its rise in popularity, their exhaust fumes further exacerbated the already noxious emissions from the factories. These led to a multitude of respiratory ailments. The problem of garbage came with the increasing population. These accumulated faster than they can be collected and disposed. Even the horse-drawn carts utilized for the collection contributed to this problem as the equine waste s created both health hazards and foul odors. Then, the industrial effluents and sewage from were polluting the river systems. The public started to become aware that the environment cannot absorb limitless amounts of waste. By the 1960’s, the threat became too great. During the mid-twentieth century, the focus on environmental concerns was on the conservation of resources such as forest, ranges and water which led to the passage of laws such as the Taylor Grazing Act (1934), Soil Conservation Act (1935) and even the building of the Hoover Dam (formerly known as the Boulder Dam) to provide cheap electric power along with flood control, recreation and soil conservation. In the 1960’s, according to the environmental historian Samuel P. Hays, there was a shift â€Å"in emphasis from resource efficiency to that of quality of life based on beauty, health and permanence†¦ arising out of the social changes and transformation in human values in the post-War years† (cited in Faulkner, 2002). Various private organizations were found, public agencies established and acts passed to address environmental issues. In 1969, there was Friends of the Earth (FOE) which aimed to protect the planet from environmental disaster and to preserve biological, cultural and ethnic diversity. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) made it mandatory for federal agencies to prepare environment impact statement. To regulate the air and water quality, hazard and disposal management, the Environmental Protection Agency was established. In 1970, Earth Day was first promoted to fight environment causes and to oppose environmental degradation which led o the Environmental Movement. In the same year, the U. S. passed the Clean Air Act. Almost two decades later, an agreement by industrialized nations called the Kyoto Protocol was reached to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (Merchant, 2002). The cost of substantially reducing industrial pollution is high but the costs of ignoring it is even higher as it would compromise the sustainability of life itself. Question 2. â€Å"The biosphere is a closed ecological system with finite resources and its equilibrium is maintained by grand-scale recycling† (â€Å"Pollution†, 2004). Fungi and bacteria play major roles in maintaining a balanced ecosystem as they are in essence nature’s recyclers. Some of these processes where they are involved include photosynthesis and respiration, nitrogen fixation and denitrification. When an organic material is decomposed, the atmospheric supply of carbon dioxide is replenished. Carbon dioxide is needed by plants for the photosynthetic process where oxygen is a by-product and released into the atmosphere. Oxygen is essential for human respiration. Plants also need nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus in the form of phosphates in order to flourish. These can be found in the soil. Nitrogen is obtained through nitrification through microbes oxidizing ammonium to form nitrate and nitrate salts. It can also be obtained through bacteria living in the root nodules of legumes. They obtain fee nitrogen from the air, and synthesize or fix it or even just incorporate it into their bodies so when they die, the nitrogen compounds are released. The phosphorous cycle does not include a gaseous state. Instead, phosphates are removed from rocks where it usually occurs and distributed to both the soil and water. The plant absorbs all the nutrients it needs from the soil, produce its own food, releases oxygen, then are eaten by herbivores, who themselves are eaten by carnivores. The phosphates absorbed are returned to the soil through urine and feces as well as from plant and amanimal decomposition. Since the industrial revolution, we have increasingly ignored or altered the natural cycles. The resulting explosion in economic output has come at the cost of the long-term and dangerous depletion of natural capital. By relying on nitrogen fertilizer instead of organic farm wastes, we have reduced the fertility of agricultural lands and created dead zones in our oceans and rivers. Our logging operations and regular use of fossil fuels have increased atmospheric carbon concentrations to very high levels. By diverting or damming our rivers, we’ve dried out seas (or created new ones), changes local weather patterns and disrupted entire ecosystems. Nature will not be able to keep up if the natural cycles are disrupted by high quantities of wastes. We know this simply cannot go on.