Project Estimating Techniques Essay Example for Free

Project Estimating Techniques Essay One of the most important factors to the success of a project is how well the project is estimated, as well as how overall costs are managed during the execution phase by the project manager. Project costs and estimates are vital to the success of any organization to remain competitive in the market. Cost estimating for organizations rely heavily on resources that can sometimes be difficult to obtain. Forecasting and utilizing historical return costs are just a couple of ways that organizations rely on estimating. Experienced planners are often a sought trade within the market; this paper will discuss some often used project cost estimating techniques. Types of Estimating The first type of estimating is analogous. This type of estimating utilizes estimates from a previous project that is similar, and uses them to build estimates for the new project. While this type of estimating is beneficial to the planning process, caution must be used to ensure that estimates carried over from the previous project are fair and reasonable. Parametric estimation takes historical data inputs, makes calculated assumptions based on market and statistical data, and then formulates the estimate. This type of estimating is useful as it does use historical data, coupled with statistical data; however, assumptions made by the planner can be skewed and lead to inaccurate estimates in my opinion. The next type of estimating is bottom-up. Bottom-up estimating utilizes information from individual estimates through the Work Break Down structure. This type of estimating is one of the most common types of estimating because it uses estimates from the floor tasks. These floor tasks are estimated by subject matter experts with years of experience, and can be very beneficial to ensuring that not only the estimate is accurate, but the scope of the task is correct. Another type of estimating is three-point estimating. Three-point estimating takes a look at the best, worst, and most realistic scenario to cost estimating the project. These three options obviously come with a  premium on cost, time, or quality. Dependent on what the project objective is will more than likely determine what route to take in this process. From my work experience with project planning, cost estimating can be a very difficult task. Most organizations have a method or process in how to cost estimate. Some utilize checklists, while others may standard operating procedures as part of an organizational policy. Regardless of what tools are available to a project team during the cost estimating process, knowing the overall goals and objectives of the project are keys to estimating a successful project. The burden of cost estimating is not normally the responsibility of one individual; it often lies within the project team. Multiple estimators from various skills are part of the process, and all types of estimating as discussed earlier are part of the process. Tools that my organization utilizes are bid specification review meetings that go over the material, labor, and rates that apply to the work being conducted during the project. In addition, an independent government estimate (IGE) is utilized to ensure that estimates are filled out thoroughly, and reviewed against the contractor’s estimates upon receipt. There are many other processes that can be used; however, these are the most commonly one’s used within government estimating. Conclusion Cost estimating is a very important part of the project planning process as it often dictates the duration of the project, and how much work can be accomplished during the project against the budget given for the project. Estimates of time and cost together allow the manager to develop a time-phased budget, which is imperative for project control (Larson Gray, 2014, p. 131). While there are many different ways that estimates are created, there is no sure fire way in stating that one is better than the other. While some may think that historical data is a more accurate way, there is not telling that the estimate and return costs from a previous project were fair and reasonable. If the previous project cost was overestimated, then the current project would continue to be overestimated; therefore not proving to be a cost benefit to the organization. Cost estimating drives the project plan, and organizations need to ensure they utilize all the tools and resources they have available to them to make the  project a success. Reference Larson, E. W., Gray, C. F. (2014). Project Management: The Managerial Process (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill.

The Navigation of young Adolescents from elementary school to Middle School Essay Example for Free

The Navigation of young Adolescents from elementary school to Middle School Essay The period of young adolescent is a very challenging and transformational period for the child. There are tremendous bodily and mental changes taking place which places significant amount of stress on the children, as well parents and the educators involved in dealing with this age group. This age group requires an unusual and sensitive team work to address t hisses which can address their changing expectations and help them cope with their emotional well being. The issues arise with time and situation and learning the skills to cope with them is important in terms of the peers, as well as family and school oriented affairs. It is also important to take into consideration the thoughts and the feelings as well their behavioral manifestations in theses tender years of change and adaptability. It is important to recognize the â€Å"disinterest, disorder and defiance† (Mcknight-Taylor, 1979) which is characteristic feature of middle school level of students. The educational enforcement should be aimed to engage and involve students and help them feel part of their special environment. Their individuality needs to be respected and their interests need to be taken into consideration. The educators should reach out to the students and aim to give them authentic informed facts which they can base their decision son. The teamwork of partnership between the young adolescent, parents and the educators will make significant difference in enhancing the navigational strategy to handle the transition with sensitivity and understanding, which will ensure greater degree of success. One needs to recognize that transition is a very difficult time for any age, but for young adolescent it is even more challenging taking into account the other transformational bodily, emotional and 0pphsyical changes which are taking place in their psychological setup. (Parker, 2009). The emotional , psychological and academic decline which has been witnessed in this phase can be addressed with strategic organizational and academic setup. It is important to investigate and advocate and advise based on authentic facts and figures which can provide a solid concept of the self image which is undergoing change in the life of the middle school students and thus address the issues related to young adolescent with sufficiently organized and departmentalized approach in which advisory and advocacy has a significant role to play. The issue related to advocacy has been an urgent issue which motivates educators to address the problematic issue to â€Å"navigate the transition from elementary to middle school, as their bodies grow and change, s they develop new interests and new peer groups, as they probe their boundaries and test their limits, as they explore a rapidly changing world via Internet, as they consume a daily bombardment of television, magazines, music and headlines† (Buckhardt, 1999). The challenge of educating young adolescents in this emerging world of changes and transition which is full of distractions and drama which has overwhelmed the lifestyle leads to unnecessary turbulence which impacts their self-centered lives with a roller coaster kind of speed and thrill, which is uncontrolled and untamed. The exposure to abusive material on uncontrolled technological devices makes the situation even more challenging for the parents as well as the educators. The exposure to pain and suffering is lot more which results from the unhealthy choices which are presented by settings which are of abusive nature. The role of advocacy and advisory in such situation which targets the program to engage and involve the student in the process would be a necessary tool to address this critical nature of issue which deals with navigating young adolescents in their middle school years. The rationale of the advisory program should be aimed at addressing the common attributes of the particular age group, along with the individual attention and conferences in which parents are part of the process. There should be regular and open conferences which builds the bridge between the advisor and advisees. The school should plan for sound administrative support which is backed by â€Å" an adult advocate for each young adolescent† (Buckhardt, 1999). â€Å"According to This We Believe, the obligation of a developmentally responsive middle level school is to provide ‘a continuity of caring that extends over the student’s entire middle level experience so that no student is neglected’ (National Middle School Association, 1995, p. 17). An advisory program enables that ‘continuity of caring’ to take root. † (Buckhardt, 1999). The success of the students in this transitional period and transformational phase has to taken with challenge and understanding which can ensure navigation of young adolescents in a sensitive and humane manner which provides supportive care and discipline to help them keep within the boundaries without suppression and repression. This will be reflected in their academic achievement, school attendance, lesser alienation, greater interests in school related learning and greater adaptability. These are the pillars which will help build a bridge which will help the young adolescent transitioning between elementary and middle school years a climate which helps them foster and grow to their peak. References Buckhardt, R. M. (1999). Advisory: Advocacy for Every Student. Middle School Journal, Vol. 30, Number 3. http://www. nmsa. org/portals/0/pdf/publications/On_Target/advisory/advisory_3. pdf Burkhardt, R. M. and Kane, J. T.. â€Å"An Adult Advocate for Every Student. Mcknight-Taylor , M. (1997) Making Education Special for All Young Adolescents. Jouranl Article. Childhood Education, Vo. 73. Beane, J. A. (1993). A middle school curriculum: From rhetoric to reality. (2nd ed). Columbus, OH:National Middle School Association. Burns, J. (1998). National middle school association 25th anniversary interview. Las Cruces, NM: Author. Lipsitz, J. (1984). Successful schools for young adolescents. East Brunswick, NJ: Transaction. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. (1994). Early adolescence/generalist standards for national board certification. Washington, DC: Author. Parker, A. K. Elementary Organizational Structures and Young Adolescents Self-Concept and Classroom Environment Perceptions Across the Transition to Middle School. University of Suth Florida, Journal of Research in Childhood Education, Vol. 23Issue 3, pg. 325-339. Rubinstein, R. E. (1994). Hints for teaching success in middle school. Englewood, CO: Teacher Ideas Press. Shoreham-Wading River Middle School. (1989). Advisory activities at Shoreham-Wading River middle school. Shoreham, NY: Author. Shoreham-Wading River Middle School. (1973). Advisory handbook. Shoreham, NY: Author.

Osteoarthritis Care and Management | Case Study

Osteoarthritis Care and Management | Case Study INTRODUCTION Osteoarthritis is a case of hip, spine and forearm fractures and injuries which is predominantly found in older people, unless otherwise. There is an increase in these fractures, injuries, morbidity and mortality rates in older people. In the 1990s, these numbered around 1.7 million worldwide and with rapid increases in the years that followed, it has been estimated around 8.2 million cases by 2050 (Cooper, 2006). Yaban (2006) made the staggering conclusion that 95% of hip fractures or injuries in old age people are caused by falls. Supporting these views, Arinzon (2007) went a little further by stating that post hip fracture disability among patients that initially survived hospitalisation is between 32-80% and that those in need of long term caring by skilled Nurses is 6-60%. MeeK et al (2002) and Abudu et al (2002) noted the series of complications that usually develop in patients after hip fracture or injury due to old age and that 10-35% of such patients died within the first year after an injury and 30% do suffer another fracture within a year. Mitigating these appalling problems, surgery is usually recommended for a total hip replacement (THR), especially in primary and secondary Osteoarthritis. Following surgery, many patients encountered problems, especially in their activities of daily life (ADL) as they are no longer able to climb chairs, lie down in bed, and get on and off transportation without the help of someone. As a result of this dependency, after discharge, total hip replacement patients need a proper arrangement of their home settings. The home setting is in conjunction with their new model of living (TML), which Roper in 1976 defined as those activities of living performed by individuals and care being provided throughout their lives. As Murphy et al (2002) admonished, the model did not only emphasis on individualism but also facilitates the planning of the care as a whole and the achievement of realistic and accessible goals in care. Holistic assessment of Ms Jane. On admission to the ward, Ms Sutcliffe is given a thorough assessment that involves the collection of her data regarding age, sex, chronic medical conditions, pre-fracture functional status, her type of fracture and operation, weight, pain perception and cognitive status. The assessment takes into account her psychological, physical and social preparation as all will play a major role in her recovery after surgery. The psychological assessment/preparation allows her to understand what she will experience during the acute phase of the surgery and during the process of recovery. This gives her ample time to prepare ahead and come to terms with whatever follows. Banduru (1997) made mentioned of self-efficacy beliefs, which are making exercises in order to achieve good outcome after surgery. There is also the provision of verbal and written information by Nurses to her before the surgery. Ayers et al (2004) regards physical preparation as a major life event and affects the outcome of the operation. This process underscores the point that patients that are more depressed before the surgery to have poorer pain relief after operation. On the other hand, Holman (2005)maintained patients with positive expectations before a hip operation have better physical outcomes and that those that work hard help the multidisciplinary team in achieving such outcomes. Social assessment looks at Ms Sutcliffe’s home circumstances and her ability to manage after the hip replacement operation. Chow (2001) refers to the patient’s home environment as very crucial in the recovery process and that there is no need for Jane to struggle in getting up from a chair, a bed, visiting the kitchen, going to toilet during the period her muscles are healing. There is a need for support in the areas of shopping, cleaning, cooking, laundry as there are no relatives or friends around her on daily basis. Escobar et al (2007) purported that the whole pathway of care from patients being listed for surgery, to the time of surgery and the recovery process are very complex and involves a lot of health professionals. Normally, before a patient is referred for hip replacement, should have some understanding of what the surgery entails. This gives them the chance to consider it or not. Some GPs do ensure that patients are physically fit before making a referral to an Orthopaedic Consultant. In the event the patient’s hip pain can no longer be managed, as in the case of Ms Jane, the Consultant can now refer to an Orthopaedic Surgeon. The preparation for surgery at the preoperative assessment clinic is considered to be long and should be undertaken earlier. That is, just when a patient’s name is added to the waiting list (Krouse, 2001). Normally, the process involves giving out a comprehensive booklet to Ms Jane to read at home to enable her understand what is required along the care pathway. In some instances, videos or DVDs containing details of the surgery provided for watching at home as well. The final stage of assessment is the preoperative assessment in the ward. It is a form of educational assessment, whereby the Nurse or any professional ensure earlier conditions do not change. They will screen for MRSA to check for infection and to see whether Ms Jane can cope with the surgery (Losina, 2008). According to Rowley (2001), Nurses in the unit/ward are to make sure that Jane is safely prepared for surgery through the help of a surgical safety checklist. A Medical condition With regards to the care the patient requires for Osteoarthritis, as the case with Ms Jane, is derived from the Integrated Care Pathways (ICP), which are structured multidisciplinary care plans that describe in detail each step in the care process. Zander (1998) looked at such care plans and concluded that they usually entail treatment protocols with the aim of standardising care. Inputs are not only from Nurses, but from paramedical and administrative staff as well. Parker et al (2002) maintained that in-hospital care for right hip replacement is a team effort, though Nurses are seen to be playing an all-embracing role throughout this period. In brief, Nurses are involved in assessment, emotional support, involvement of family members, technical and physical care, co-ordination and communication and therapy integration. This therefore made Kirkevold (1997) to conclude that the need for Nurses to work effectively within the multi-professional team is becoming increasingly vital, just as their contributions towards rehabilitation leading to the patients’ independence living. Post-operative care Thomas (2002) is of the view that the human body is always susceptible to physical, traumatic and medical situations that do adversely affect the breathing process. As a result of this, airway and breathing must be managed quickly and effectively to enable the continuous flow of oxygen, thereby preventing deaths. Airway management is the physical process which ensures the airway is open and clear to allow respiration to occur. Mastering or becoming proficient in the methods and tools for airway management by health professionals enhances the patient’s (Ms Sutcliffe) chances of survival after surgery. Nurses should observe for coughs, inspiratory crackles, and shallow respirations and decreased chest expansion. In addition, observe for pale mucous membrane as they are signs of pneumonia that usually create ineffective airway clearance. Breathing involves the process of air (oxygen) entering the body and then (carbon dioxide) expelled back into the environment. The conduit for such a process is through the airway. Such complex ways of managing airways by health professionals involves the opening, cleaning and delivering of supplementary oxygen for artificial ventilation-in cases of ineffective breathing by Jane after the surgery. Post-operative observation in relation to circulation normally looks at the main signs and symptoms of bleeding as soon as Ms Jane is brought to the ward after the surgery. There are tendencies for patients to be at risk after undergoing surgery. Problems such as hypovolenic shock as a result of loss of blood and fluids. Right hip replacement surgery requires bed rest post-operatively and normally places the patient at risk in relation to developing blood clots in the legs. When this occurs, the decreased volume within the circulating system cannot provide the much needed oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and can sometime results to death if not solved. As a care, the Nurses or health professionals should administer intravenous fluids to replace the lost volume and if blood is lost, packed red blood cells and platelets must be ordered for Ms Jane immediately. Pain Management Helme and Gibson (2001) asserted that pain and its consequence, especially functional limitations that interfere with individual daily activities and leading to poorer life, afflict about 25%-88% of elder people within communities worldwide. For pain management to be effective there must be accurate pain assessment. Many held the view that self-reporting of pain is an individual’s subjective perception and this may provide enough information for its management. With the elderly, their pain is usually undetected due to severe cognitive impairment. Sheppered et al (2010) argues that effective post-operative pain management relieves suffering and leads not only to shorter hospital stay but at the same time reduces hospital costs as well as earlier patient mobilisation. One goal many believe in the management of post-operative pain is to actually reduce the dose of medications in order to lessen side effects. Opioids are seen to be the first-line treatment for severe acute post-operative pain and the same scenario should apply to Ms Jane after undergoing the surgery. They are drugs use to lessen pain and use often to titrate against pain relief and to minimise unwanted effects to the patient. Other common methods use to manage post-operative pain include the taking of Codeine, Ibuprofen, intravenous narcotics like Morphine Sulphate, Paracetamol and even Opiate Fentanyl. According to Sheppered et al (2010), some of the side effects of Opiopds include vomiting, respiratory depression, constipation and itching which are mostly common. In such situations, healthcare professionals can reduce the effects by changing the dosing schedule of the patients, in this case Ms Jane, maintain constant blood levels through checking the manner in which drugs are given out and addition of other drugs to counteract any effects. Psychological Care Davidson et al (2008) are of the view that normally when psychological care is addressed in hospitals, entails what health professionals expect the patient to need rather than from the perspective of the individual and illness experience. Such a care should focus on assessments of Ms Jane’s understanding of her illness and the effect it will have on her life. Supporting this view, one is to draw his or her attention to the assertion that assessment of the patient’s illness beliefs as a daily practice can significantly increase his or her sense of wellbeing on discharge (Lau-Walker et al, 2008). After the surgery, hip replacement patient immediately start physical therapy as part of the psychological care. This is normally a minor exercise, involving sitting in a chair, the day after the surgery. What follows is stepping, walking, and climbing, with supportive devices like crutches. In this case, Ms Jane pain is being monitored during these exercises, as most often, there is some degree of discomfort. As Van den Akker-Scheek et al (2007) pointed out, psychological needs of hip replacement patients like acute pain after surgery can be addressed during the period of psychological care. At the pre-operative stage, the patient some time has already planned about such a pain and come to terms with it at this stage. Discharge details Discharge is a process and not an isolated thing and in this regard, must be planned for at the earliest opportunity. According to the Department of Health (2003), the above view is to ensure that patients and their carers understand and feel involved in the discharge arrangements. For any discharge to be detailed, the planning must involve communication, education, patient participation and collaboration and coordination. All such detailed planning must be instituted for Ms Jane. Olsen and Wagner (2000) maintained that effective communication is needed between Ms Jane, the patient, and the healthcare professionals for any meaningful discharge to take place. This kind of communication normally involves asking questions to her or relatives and getting answers. Through this process, inconsistencies are brought to light and clarified. At this stage of discharge planning, which may be verbal or written, information like the patient’s functional status, social support and environment status, are all addressed (Neuman, 2004). Bull and Roberts (2001) viewed communication as a complete circle as it involve community team in the arrangement of outpatient appointments, the GP and connecting again with the district Nurse. Education is all part of communication but Lin et al (2005) believed that the provision of instruction leaflets to the patient or the family sums the entire process. Garratt (2009) said of such leaflets to contain specific information of the patient’s needs and at the same time how to manage their ongoing care at home. Patients’ involvement and collaboration in their discharge is very essential and according to Pearson et al (2004) includes their practical arrangements for physically getting back to their homes, management at home and health professionals making them feel they are in control of their health. Such information is vital and discussing it jointly with Ms Jane makes the discharge planning very successful. All what has been discussed above will be meaningless without proper coordination. Therefore, Atwal (2002) purported that a key aspect of successful discharge planning is coordination and that without it, the entire process cannot be effective. For Atwal, there should be inter-professional working relationship between the Nurses and the Doctors for a successful discharge planning. Watts et al (2007) are of the view that there are normally disputes as to who does, and who should, carry out the discharge planning process. But where there is coordination, normally it is the bedside Nurse or primary Nurse that is responsible for coordinating discharge planning process (Gardner (2005). The issue of discharge is to be dealt with in the right manner just as Young et al (2005) warned, shorter hospital stays can result in older people experiencing right hip replacement being discharged in a state of incomplete recovery. They went on to suggest for a proper time table for such an activity and to be agreed upon by both the hospital authorities and the patient. Immediate care of the patient in the community. Contemporary health and social care policy across Europe and in the UK in particular, is focused on the provision of care in the community for older people with chronic illnesses and eventual surgery (DH, 2001). To this end, Themessl-Hubber et al (2007) suggested that awareness, expectations and perceptions of community services are steadily increasing in older people. According to Stoltz et al (2004), research has shown more responsibility for care provision is now placed on informal caregivers-unpaid family members, friends or neighbours. This is because older people perceived this informal segment as their best option as compared to formal support-services provided by health and social care in the community. However, Mahoney et al (2008) caution this claim as they pointed out that older people living alone and infrequently visited by family members are more likely to have poor outcomes following discharge. Relating this to Ms Jane, proper arrangement should be made for community c are so as to avoid the situation of having a poor outcome. One is to take not of the fact that she lives alone and not frequently visited by her children relatives and friends. Deniz et al (2005) warned that after hip replacement surgery, patients normally encounter problems such as climbing stairs, lie down in bed, walk and so on and thereby affecting their activities of daily living. As a result of these problems and many more, Bilik (2006) asserted that continuity of care is to be provided in their homes or communities. Such a community care emphasised on individualism so that Ms Jane can acquire independence in her activities of daily living. The Model of Living, according to Roper (1976), can be used to acquire this independence. In brief, the model focuses on eating and drinking, personal cleansing and dressing, mobilising, working and playing, breathing and control of body temperature. Where this model is properly used by those caring for her in the community, will not only allow her to live independently, assist in focusing on those problems she often experienced while recovering but complications can also be prevented. The removal of the sutures depends which ones are used in Ms Jane’s operation. If buried ones are used by the Surgeon, no need to be removed as they would dissolve in the body. The dressing also depends largely on whether the Surgeon uses stitches or staples. In any case, the wound needs to be kept covered and in the case of leakage from Ms Jane’s covered wound, the community worker should inform the appropriate authorities. Conclusion Post-operative care of elderly patients with hip fracture both in hospitals and in their communities can be carried out effectively when they are identified immediately at admission as high-risk patients. With this achieved, planning for their discharge to be done early and communicated well to all those involve in the care process. This is to allow them to move back confidently to their communities. Nurses’ role in the entire process of care appears to be extensive and always in a position to influence patient care. This is why it is expected of them to make a thorough assessment of patients, including their physical, mental and social conditions as soon as possible. Such a clinical history would help Nurses to transform care from defensive status to a more advanced care. However, even though assessment is a vital part of caring for hip replacement, majority have considered it to be of less importance wherein Nurses who carry it out do not inform their superiors in the care planning process. Moving away from the hospital environment, the importance of support provided by other family members and the community during post-hospitalisation, more so in the dispensation of medication should be considered highly. Notwithstanding the above, total hip replacement is becoming increasingly common. All that is required from those undertaking it is physical, psychological and social preparation.

footprints new :: essays research papers

We all know the story of Footprints In The Sand, it's been around for > > > > >a long time. The following is a new version of Footprints that I had > > > >not read before. I hope you enjoy it. > > > > > > > >FOOTPRINTS...A New Version > > > >Imagine you and the Lord Jesus are walking down the road together. > > > >For much of the way, the Lord's footprints go along steadily, > > > >consistently, rarely varying the pace. But your footprints are a > > > >disorganized stream of zigzags, starts, stops, turnarounds, circles, > > > >departures, and returns. > > > > > > > >For much of the way, it seems to go like this, but gradually your > > > >footprints come more in line with the Lord's, soon paralleling His > > > >consistently. You and Jesus are walking as true friends! > > > > > > > >This seems perfect, but then an interesting thing happens: Your > > > >footprints that once etched the sand next to Jesus' are now walking > > > >precisely in His steps. Inside His larger footprints are your smaller > > > > >ones, you and Jesus are becoming one. > > > > > > > >This goes on for many miles, but gradually you notice another change. > > > > >The footprints inside the large footprints seem to grow larger. > > > >Eventually they disappear altogether. There is only one set of > > > >footprints they have become one. > > > > > > > >This goes on for a long time, but suddenly the second set of > > > >footprints is back. This time it seems even worse! Zigzags all over > > > >the place. Stops. Starts. Gashes in the sand. A variable mess of > > > >prints. > > > > > > > >You are amazed and shocked. Your dream ends. > > > > > > > >Now you pray: "Lord, I understand the first scene with zigzags end > > > >fits. I was a new Christian; I was just learning. But You walked on > > > >through the storm and helped me learn to walk with You." > > > > > > > >"That is correct." > > > > > > > >"And when the smaller footprints were inside of Yours, I was actually > > > > >learning to walk in Your steps; followed You very closely." > > > > > > > >"Very good.

Biological Terrorism: Our City Streets as the New Battlefield Essay

Biological Terrorism: Our City Streets as the New Battlefield The last 60-70 years of the twentieth century might be called the modern era of biological warfare. During this period, nation states developed biological weapons to be used on a far-away â€Å"European battlefield†. Even after ratification of the Biological Weapons Convention of 1972, the most impressive BW program in the history of mankind continued for 20 years, effectively cloaked in secrecy. Yet between 1970 and 1990, little thought was given to the possibility of a biological warfare or biological terrorist attack on US cities. Funding for biological defense in the US was minimal and most of the federal government was oblivious about the threat. In fiscal year 2000, the US government has committed more than $1.5 billion to military biodefense and another $1 billion to domestic preparedness for biological attack. What happened? In 1991, the US decisively engaged the Iraqi force, demonstrating vast conventional technical superiority while the world watched on CNN. Shortly thereafter, with economic implosion in the Former Soviet Union, our concern turned to the fate of tens of thousands of Russian scientists and engineers who had developed an impressive programÃâ€"which may never be surpassed in scale or offensive capability. We feared that lesser nations might turn to now jobless Russian bioweaponeers for help in building their â€Å"great equalizer.† All this occurred with a backdrop of increasing evidence that the dual-use nature of bioweapons programs might make treaties unverifiable. Here at home, the equally dual-use biotechnological revolution screamed forward while novels imprinted the horror of bioterrorism on our minds and experts proclaimed that â€Å"there are no... ...se who would use these breakthroughs for evil---taking away their freedom through effective intelligence programs and law enforcement---we will be more likely to stay steps ahead as we use the technologies for good, and provide an additional deterrent to the threat. Bioterrorism presents a daunting problem to our free society, especially at the unique intersection of politics and biotechnology that occurred during the last decade of the 20th century. We may have been lulled by our prosperity and strategic isolation from major conflict into a sense of invulnerability. However, we are vulnerable todayÃâ€"and there is no reason to believe that will change in the near future. We must carefully evaluate the real threat, make the hard cost-benefit decisions and continue to build a fully integrated defense against the distortion of biology by those who would do us harm.

Social Protest in Uncle Toms Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe :: Uncle Toms Cabin Essays

Uncle Tom's Cabin as Social Protest      Ã‚   Even today, with literature constantly crossing more lines and becoming more shocking, Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin remains one of the most scandalous, controversial, and powerful literary works ever spilled onto a set of blank pages. Not only does this novel examine the attitudes of white nineteenth-century society toward slavery, but it introduces us to the hearts, minds and souls of several remarkable and unprecedented characters.    In a time when it was quite common for a black woman to see almost all of her children die, Harriet Beecher Stowe created Eliza; a strong and powerful woman fleeing slavery and risking everything to protect her son.    In Chapter Seven, we see through Eliza's eyes, just how painful and heart wrenching her personal sacrifices are to her.    "It is impossible to conceive of a human creature more wholly desolate and forlorn than Eliza, when she turned her footsteps from Uncle Tom's cabin. Her husband's suffering and dangers, and the danger of her child, all blended in her mind, with a confused and stunning sense of the risk she was running, in leaving the only home she had ever known, and cutting loose from the protection of a friend whom she loved and revered. "    Statements like this were not simply crafted to enhance character development; they were created in an attempt to make whites see slaves as mothers, fathers, Christians, and most of all...people. The character of Tom is described as "a man of humanity"   certainly not a description commonly linked to black people at that time.    Tom was truly the first black hero in American fiction. However, Stowe based many of her assessments on her own reality. And while it is obvious that she very much advocated the abolition of slavery, she did not completely rise above her own racism. After all, this work was written during a time in which racial equality was incomprehensible to most whites. Therefore Stowe's ingrained prejudices were bound to seep out occasionally, despite her positive convictions.    There is a section in Chapter 30 which reads as follows:    "Ah, ha! that's right. Go it, boys, -- go it!" said Mr. Skeggs, the keeper. "My people are always so merry! Sambo, I see!" he said, speaking approvingly to a burly negro who was performing tricks of low buffoonery, which occasioned the shouts which Tom had heard. Social Protest in Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe :: Uncle Tom's Cabin Essays Uncle Tom's Cabin as Social Protest      Ã‚   Even today, with literature constantly crossing more lines and becoming more shocking, Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin remains one of the most scandalous, controversial, and powerful literary works ever spilled onto a set of blank pages. Not only does this novel examine the attitudes of white nineteenth-century society toward slavery, but it introduces us to the hearts, minds and souls of several remarkable and unprecedented characters.    In a time when it was quite common for a black woman to see almost all of her children die, Harriet Beecher Stowe created Eliza; a strong and powerful woman fleeing slavery and risking everything to protect her son.    In Chapter Seven, we see through Eliza's eyes, just how painful and heart wrenching her personal sacrifices are to her.    "It is impossible to conceive of a human creature more wholly desolate and forlorn than Eliza, when she turned her footsteps from Uncle Tom's cabin. Her husband's suffering and dangers, and the danger of her child, all blended in her mind, with a confused and stunning sense of the risk she was running, in leaving the only home she had ever known, and cutting loose from the protection of a friend whom she loved and revered. "    Statements like this were not simply crafted to enhance character development; they were created in an attempt to make whites see slaves as mothers, fathers, Christians, and most of all...people. The character of Tom is described as "a man of humanity"   certainly not a description commonly linked to black people at that time.    Tom was truly the first black hero in American fiction. However, Stowe based many of her assessments on her own reality. And while it is obvious that she very much advocated the abolition of slavery, she did not completely rise above her own racism. After all, this work was written during a time in which racial equality was incomprehensible to most whites. Therefore Stowe's ingrained prejudices were bound to seep out occasionally, despite her positive convictions.    There is a section in Chapter 30 which reads as follows:    "Ah, ha! that's right. Go it, boys, -- go it!" said Mr. Skeggs, the keeper. "My people are always so merry! Sambo, I see!" he said, speaking approvingly to a burly negro who was performing tricks of low buffoonery, which occasioned the shouts which Tom had heard.

Iron Deficiency Anemia Essay

What is it and what are its causes?Anemia is an insufficient amount of red blood cells in the bloodstream and iron deficiency anemia is where there is a lack of iron in the blood. You need iron in your blood to make hemoglobin, which contributes in distributing oxygen to tissues from the lungs. One of the most common causes of iron deficiency anemia is an inadequate intake of iron in your diet. Another possible cause of iron deficiency anemia is bleeding, be this because of an injury or because of menstrual bleeding. It can also be caused by gastrointestinal problems such as ulcers or colon cancer. Iron deficiency anemia, however, may also be due to growth spurt or pregnancy. Symptoms:Some of the symptoms that anemic people might experience include; pale skin colour, fatigue, headaches, lack of appetite, unusual food cravings, brittle nails, weakness, shortness of breath and a sore tongue. These symptoms may not also we evident, since they do not usually show up prominently in people with mild iron deficiency anemia. Treatment:Most people who are diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia take iron pills (iron sulfate) for approximately six months. After two months there blood should have its proper iron level back, but just to make sure the pills are followed through for another couple of months. This treatment is continued to replenish the iron stored in the bone marrow. About 30% of all the iron in your body is stored in your bone marrow, so it is important you replenish these stores as well. After this treatment you should be fine, but people in high risk groups should go for regular check-ups. Older people may have to be more closely monitored or receive different treatment if their iron loss is due to something else, such as an ulcer. Prevention:Iron deficiency anemia can in most cases be easily prevented, since its main cause is an inadequate intake of iron in your diet. Some iron rich foods are meats, legumes, raisins, egg yolks, broccoli and whole-wheat bread. Also vitamin C can help. Vitamin C aids with the absorption of iron. You can also have a too high intake of iron. This is called Hemochromatosis. In hemoglobin test this also shows up as there being too little hemoglobin. Hemochromatosis can be fatal and is one the largest contributors to poisoning deaths. Works Cited ICON health publication, Iron deficiency anemia, San Diego, ICON health publicationshttp://www.bloodbook.com/iron-foods.htmlwww.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000584.htmwww.emedicine.com/med/topic1188.htmhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_deficiency_anemiawww.umm.edu/blood/aneiron.htm