Death Penalty Debate Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Death Penalty Debate - Essay Example The main argument in favor of death penalty is the possibility of an innocent person being mistakenly executed. Given the long and rigorous justice process that precedes the conviction of a person beyond a shadow of doubt, the risk of such an incidence is extremely low. There are also arguments that a criminal can still reform and atone. Opponents of death penalty argue that society should not give up on wrongdoers altogether. In my opinion, it is the victim's near and dear ones who can give a fitting answer to this question. I am sure that the parents whose daughter has been raped and killed in cold blood will not forgive the criminal. It is the society's responsibility that they should get justice. Capital punishment is a reflection of the public belief that some crimes so grievously offend humanity as to merit a death punishment (Sharp, 2000). Perhaps this is why it still finds support in many of the world's nations (Wikipedia, 2007 ). It has been proved that convicted criminals freed on parole or probation commit thousands of violent crimes every year, thus endangering the lives and property of many innocents (Sharp, 1997). Therefore, the death penalty saves lives in the long run. It should definitely be given for extreme crimes in order to deliver justice to the victimized as well as to deter future offenders. i) Deterrence - The main advantages of this punishment in this philosophy is that many future crimes either by the

Technology - Voice Recognition Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Technology - Voice Recognition - Essay Example The historical development of speech recognition technology spans at least 50 years. These years can be divided into decades, which most researchers would identify as generations. The 1950s and the 1960s was the period of first generation speech recognition technologies. The market condition for the technology during and immediately preceding periods was not favorable because it was only during the latter part of the 1990s when the technology became cheap and made available to many consumer markets. The late 1960s through the 1970s saw the second-generation technology; the late 1970s through 1980s were for the third generation and so forth. One of the earliest speech recognition technologies include the system for isolated digit recognition developed by the American company Bell Laboratories as well as the technology developed by RCA Laboratories that recognized distinct syllables spoken by a speaker. (Chen and Jokinen, 2010, p. 2) These technologies, including the succeeding attempts of various laboratories were classified as Automatic Speech Recognition or ASR systems, which are primarily based on acoustic phonetic systems. The second generation technologies entailed several breakthroughs. Most of the systems developed used dynamic programming methods such as the Viterbi algorithm, which became indispensable technique in ASR. (Chen and Jokinen, p. 3) Many companies began developing their own speech recognition technologies such as IBM and others companies overseas such as Japan and the then Soviet Union. By 1980s, the third generation has already perfected technologies that that could recognize a fluently spoken stri ng of connected word in addition to the development of various other models such as the statistical modeling and the continuous speech recognition concept developed by DARPA. (p. 4) From the 1990s to the present the development became robust as other technologies that

What Is Philosophy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

What Is Philosophy - Essay Example The actual meaning of the word 'philosophy', however, is such that neither interpretation can truly be said to be wrong. On the other hand, neither interpretation is truly correct on its own, either. This being the case, the question of what philosophy is should first be answered. The word 'philosophy' actually derives its origins from the Greek words 'philo' and 'sophos', which respectively mean 'love' and 'wisdom' - thus, the word can be translated as 'love of wisdom' (Online Etymology Dictionary, 2012). Philosophers tend to concern themselves with problems, especially those with concepts such as existence, knowledge and values (Teichmann and Evans, 1999). They then proceed to try and answer these questions as logically, rationally and systematically as possible. One of the more notable things said of the field of philosophy is that it revolves around the creation of concepts. This is actually a rather accurate description; for instance, the subcategory of metaphysics concerns itse lf with explaining the nature not only of the world, but of the human existence (Geisler, 1999). Those who specialize in this branch of philosophy search for knowledge with the aim of helping others attain greater understanding of the world, as defined by its fundamental notions such as existence, causality, ontology and possibility. ... This is not necessarily a bad thing, though - as the legendary Bruce Lee once put it, all knowledge ultimately leads to self-knowledge (Little, 1996). Interpreting any given subject will inevitably require the use of one's logic - of one's rational capabilities to try and make sense of the subject at hand. And as Popkin and Stroll (1993) explain, this in turn requires that one is capable of reasoning things out in a valid manner, based on the body of knowledge involved. For instance, one need not be a lawyer or a law student to know the law. However, the only way to truly understand the intricacies of the law is to unlearn everything one has been taught to think of it, and to try and understand the law as lawyers do. Joe Hyams (1982) quotes no less than Bruce Lee himself when he emphasizes the need to let go of one's preconceived expectations and notions. For one to properly study a subject requires that he be willing to let go of everything he has been taught to think about that sub ject, and to approach it with a clean slate, as if for the first time. In connection with this, it has often been said that lawyers are not truly after the truth, but what can be proven. As most lawyers and law students know, this can and often is a problem. For one thing, evidence can, in fact, be fabricated, and besides that, even the evidence at hand can be misinterpreted such that it heavily favors a particular interpretation of events. This can be very frustrating, especially to those who took to heart the lawyer's oath to uphold justice and truth seriously Furthermore, evidence can be admitted or dismissed depending on the methods used to obtain it,

Water Resource Challenges Essay Example for Free

Water Resource Challenges Essay Irrigation allows farmers to increase the productivity of land. Food production is an important concern particularly with the ever increasing population thus it is essential that even arid and semiarid lands are utilized. This is only possible through irrigation. Unfortunately, traditional irrigation generally makes inefficient use of water. This involves flooding the land or diverting water through open channels. However, plants absorb only about 40 percent while the rest evaporates into the atmosphere or seeps into the ground. One of the most important innovations in agricultural water conservation is micro irrigation which is also called drip or trickle irrigation. Micro irrigation includes all methods of frequent water application, in small flow rates, on or below the soil surface. Water is distributed using an extensive hydraulic pipe network that conveys water from its source to the plant. Ideally, the volume of water is applied directly to the root zone in quantities that is measured in accordance to the plant’s absorption capacity. Due to the manner in which water is applied by a micro irrigation system, only a portion of the soil surface and root zone of the total field is wetted. An efficiency in irrigation is achieved that result in a significant reduction in water use and even that of fertilizers which can be conveyed through the same system. With water concentrated on the area where it is most needed, it also allows the safe use of recycled water and even water sources with high salt content without danger to the over soil productivity. However, the costs can be prohibitive thus not all are able to install such a system in the farms.

The Needs Of Older People In Palliative Care Nursing Essay

The Needs Of Older People In Palliative Care Nursing Essay Worldwide, populations are experiencing an increase in life expectancy with associated serious chronic illnesses towards the end of life (World Health Organisation (WHO), 2011). In the UK, 457,000 people require palliative care services annually, however there are significant shortcomings in providing care to all those in need. In a recent survey, by the Palliative Care Funding Review (2011), it was estimated that 92,000 people are not being reached by palliative care services. After decades of declining death rates, we now face the dual demographic challenges of increasing life expectancy and an incline in chronic illnesses towards the end stage of life. As a result a rise in patients with more complex healthcare requirements could be expected. Palliative care advocates a holistic, problem-based approach for patients facing terminal disease in order to improve quality of life and symptom control (WHO, 2009). Studies have shown that, in addition to receiving the best possible treatment, patients want to be approached as individuals and have autonomy regarding decisions affecting their care (Gomes and Higginson, 2008). This essay aims to discuss how an ageing population will influence the delivery of physiotherapy to the older person in palliative care. It will address the current necessary factors required to meet the needs of the older person whilst also evaluate the barriers preventing access to physiotherapy services in palliative care. The role of the physiotherapist will be evaluated with reference to appropriate and current health care policies. In order to discuss meeting the needs of the older person, it is essential to establish a definition of the older person. As defined by WHO (2012) (1) most developed world countries have accepted the chronological age of 65 years as a definition of elderly or older person. Whilst it has generally been agreed by the United Nations (UN) that 60+ years is thought of as the cut-off point when referring to an older person (WHO, 2011). Over the last 25 years, the number of people aged 65 and over in the UK has increased by 18%, from 8.4 million to 9.9 million, and it continues to steadily increase (Office for National Statistics, 2010). Changing demographics mean that on average, people worldwide are living 30 years longer than they did a hundred years ago with life expectancy continuing to increase by approximately 4 months every year (United Nations, 2008). WHO (2011) estimates indicate that by 2050, more than one quarter of the population will be aged 65 years and older. Whilst changing demographics indicate an inevitable increase in population of the older person, patterns of disease are also changing, with more people dying from multiple debilitating conditions such as cardiovascular disease, neurological conditions, and diabetes. It could be argued that advances in medical knowledge and technology have allowed many patients to live longer, however a paradox of this success is that many will struggle in managing such a wide range of diseases, symptoms, and disabilities towards the end of live (Wu and Quill, 2011). Inevitably the combined pressures of increasing life expectancy and greater numbers of people living with multiple conditions at the end of life mean that pressure will be put on palliative health and social care capacity in order to adapt to these changing demographics (NCPC, 2010). Palliative care is defined by The World Health Organisation (WHO) as: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦an approach that improves quality of life of patients and their families facing the problems associated with life-threatening illness, through prevention, assessment and treatment of pain and other physical, psychosocial and spiritual problems. (WHO, 2002) Physiotherapists are vital members of specialist palliative care teams, with a critical role to play in the management of the older person in palliative care (CSP, 2004). Physiotherapists work to restore physical function, reduce pain and disability and increase mobility ultimately improving the life of patients, regardless of life expectancy (Medscape, 2011). The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Oncology and Palliative Care (ACPOPC), guidelines for Good Practice (1993) describes the role of the physiotherapist in palliative care as being: . . . To improve the patients quality of life by helping to achieve maximum potential of functional ability and independence. As recognised by Baldwin and Woodhouse (2011), rehabilitation and palliative care may appear to be at the opposite ends of the spectrum however the World Health Organisations definition of palliative care (WHO, 2002) advocates offering support to improve quality of life and maximize functional ability until death. The appropriate physiotherapeutic intervention can allow functional ability and mobility levels to be maximized, thus improving quality of life. This in return promotes independence for the older person facing end of life. There is sufficient evidence demonstrating that exercise can improve reduced mobility which is so prevalent among the elderly. In a high intensity strength training program of 100 nursing home residents, William (1999) concluded that because of their low functional status and high incidence of chronic disease, there is no segment of the population that can benefit more from exercise than the elderly. A fundamental core value of palliative care is to allow the older person to feel empowered facing the end of their life. Wikman and Faitholm (2006) describe an empowered patient as a patient who works with the multidisciplinary team to formulate goals and make treatment decisions. A fundamental component of physiotherapy is to establish achievable goals with patients and work in partnership with both the patient and relatives to achieve these goals. Within palliative care, realistic joint goal setting provides the patient with control over their treatment when they are experiencing a loss of independence (Robinson, 2000). However, regardless of the evidence demonstrating the benefits of physiotherapy intervention to the older person, the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines (2004) found that some patients are still unable to receive access to rehabilitation services. It is suggested that this is due to the patients needs not being recognized by healthcare members and a lack of allied health professionals who are adequately trained in the care of patients under palliative care (NICE, 2004). Despite the important role physiotherapists can contribute and provide to the older person in palliative care, there are current barriers preventing the ageing population from accessing such services. With the current ageing population estimated to increase it is essential these barriers are overcome with measures set in place so that the demands and needs of such changing demographics can be met. To date, the needs of the older person in palliative care has not been a research priority. Current research predominantly focuses on recommendations on the needs of the older person facing end of life as opposed to formal evaluations of the effectiveness of palliative care (WHO, 2004; WHO, 2011). Until recently palliative care has been largely focused towards patients with a cancer diagnosis, with a large majority of palliative care research focusing upon palliative care specifically for the cancer diagnosis (Baldwin and Woodhouse 2011). However it is estimated by the National Council for Palliative Care that 300,000 people die each year from progressive non-malignant disease (Royal College of Physicians, 2007). For example, the Coronary Heart Disease Collaborative (2004) concedes that heart failure produces greater suffering and is associated with a worse prognosis than many cancers (Baldwin and Woodhouse 2011). Whilst a study by Byrne et al (2009) concludes that there is a scarcity of evidence identifying the palliative care needs of patients with neurological conditions. Considering that the number of older people having prolonged long-term medical conditions towards the end of life has been forecasted to increase, the inclusion of non-cancer related diseases within palliative care is essential (Gott and Ingleton, 2011). In correlation with recommendations from WHO (2011) guidelines, in order to meet the care needs of the older person, the dimensions of palliative care need to be expanded to encompass a broader range of conditions. This will require understanding from healthcare staff at all levels. Discussions of ageing and palliative care assume that ageism is an important factor limiting access to palliative care for the older person. The TLC model of Palliative Care, Jerant et al., (2004) argues that palliative care is viewed as a terminal event rather than a longitudinal process. He argues that this can result in unnecessary distress to the elderly patient suffering from chronic, slowly progressive illnesses (Jerant et al., 2004). The TLC model further goes on to recognise that palliative care of the older person is essential to relieve the physical and emotional complications that often accompany chronic long term end of life diseases and the illnesses associated with ageing (Jerant et al., 2004). Therefore, regardless of whether death is imminent, palliative care should be a major focus throughout the ageing process, with physiotherapy services being readily available to improve symptom control (Jerant et al., 2004). It can be predicted that physiotherapy services will be required over a prolonged period as a result of the older person facing more long term, chronic debilitating diseases. This emphasizes the need for palliative care teams to draw upon more physiotherapists to ensure the needs of the older person are met during the end of life. Although changing demographics may suggest that more physiotherapists will be required in order to meet the demands of the older person, the CSP (2004) highlights that in current clinical practice there is already a shortfall of physiotherapists working within palliative care. They further go on to emphasize that a predominant problem in accessing physiotherapy services as part of palliative care is a lack of experienced physiotherapists available CSP (2004). With an increase in ageing population and the changes in demographic trends of long term chronic conditions, a shortage of physiotherapists within palliative care teams will reduce the effectiveness of care packages provided. It is recognised worldwide that physiotherapy in palliative care is a specialty with physiotherapists required to have years of experience before they become involved in palliative care (CSP, 2004; WHO, 2011). Specialist palliative care is defined by the NCPC as a multidisciplinary approach, providing a variety of specialist services to patients facing end of life, either as a result of the ageing process or terminal illness. There is compelling evidence to demonstrate that compared to conventional care, specialist teams improve satisfaction and identify dealing more with patient and family needs, whilst they can also reduce the overall cost of care by reducing the time patients spend in acute hospital settings (House of Commons Health Committee, 2004) It is the ability to call upon a broad range of health professionals in specialist palliative care teams that provides care responsive to the older patients individual needs.  However, physiotherapists are only infrequently incorporated into specialist palliative care teams (CSP, 2004). In order for physiotherapists to be able to meet the demands of changing demographics of the ageing population it is essential that the role of the physiotherapist within palliative care is defined. Although NICE Guidelines on Supportive and Palliative Care (NICE, 2004) set aims relevant to the physiotherapeutic profession, whilst NICE (2011) guidelines on Palliative Care also state that physiotherapists are able to provide specialist skills, there is a lack of specific mention of physiotherapists and the role contributed. Proposals, such as NICE guidelines on Palliative Care (2011) and recommendations by WHO (2011) emphasis the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to palliative care however m entions of specialist palliative care teams are restricted to doctors, nurses and careers. Although guidelines recommend rehabilitation to be available to all patients, the role and effectiveness of the physiotherapist is not highlighted. The NHS Cancer Plan (2000) outlines palliative care guidelines to ensure patients receive the right healthcare services and support, as well as receiving the best, most holistic treatment. However in contradiction to this it has been found by Montagnini, Lodhi and Born (2003) that in the palliative care setting, rehabilitation interventions are often overlooked and underutilized, despite patients demonstrating high levels of functional disability. This has raised concerns as by excluding the attributes of specialist physiotherapists from specialist palliative care teams will be detrimental to patient care (CSP, 2004). More research is therefore required to identify the value and effectiveness of physiotherapy intervention for the older person under palliative care. Furthermore, it is essential that palliative care core guidelines are not just limited to medical teams and that physiotherapists are also recognised and identified as core members of specialised palliative care teams. This will allow for the development and production of a recognised clinical career structure for physiotherapists working in palliative care and thus to keep up with the changing demographics of ageing populations. Specialist palliative care teams encompasses hospice care, including services such as inpatient services, day care and community care as well as a range of advice, education, support and care (NICE, 2011). Given that a common problem presented by the older person is a functional decline in mobility, a major barrier preventing the older person from accessing palliative care services are difficulties leaving the home. Worryingly, physical inactivity has been demonstrated to correlate to an increase in premature deaths of patients under palliative care services, therefore it is essential that provisions are put in place for patients unable to access palliative care services (Pate  et al, (1995); Bryan  et al, (2007). There is an advantage for the older person to receive physiotherapy in their home setting as not only does it provide familiarity but it grants patient centred holistic care. Whilst it has also been found that the older person, specifically with dementia, have been shown to demonstrate greater progress and benefits when treated in a familiar setting such as the home setting rather than the clinical setting (Brissette, 2004). However as stated by Kumar  and  Jim (2011), the scope of physiotherapy practice is influenced by the ratio of qualified physiotherapists to the population. Therefore in order to meet the needs of the older person under changing demographics, the scope of physiotherapy services within palliative care will be required to expand, with more physiotherapists being readily available to treat the older person in outpatient and home settings. CONCLUSION

Literature Review of Risks Prevention of Pressure Sores

Literature Review of Risks Prevention of Pressure Sores A review of literature provides the concept to continue for the contemplated research, an understanding of the status of the research in the problem area includes research approach, method, instrumentation, and analysis. The literature review is organized under the following headings: Review related to the prevalence of pressure sore Review related to the etiology and risk factors of pressure sore Review related to the prevention of pressure sore Review related to the caregivers of pressure sore Review Related to prevalence of pressure sore Hendrichova.I et.al (2010) have done Retrospective analysis of 1414 clinical records of patients admitted over 6 months and found prevalence of pressure ulcers of 22.9 % and incidence of 6.7 % Forni C et. al (2009), conducted study regarding cohort study of the incidence of heel pressure sores in patients with leg casts at the Rizzoli orthopedic hospital and also the associated risk factors at Italy. He found that out of 216 patients 17.6% (38) developed a pressure sore: 16/124 in orthopedic wards; and 22/92 in cancer care units. The related risk factors of pressure sore were noted are administration of anti neoplastic drugs (p = 0.033) OR = 2.61; skin redness before cast application (p = 0.001; OR = 4.44), reported symptoms after the application (p = 0.000; OR = 7.86). Most of the pressure sores were mainly in the stage 1 and stage II was 6/216 (2.4%). Voweden KR and Vowden.P (2009) conducted study regarding the prevalence of pressure ulcer, management, equipment provision and outcome for patients with pressure ulceration and identified in a wound care survey within one English health care district on 1000 population in the tertiary referrals and prevalence of 53.7 % were classed as grade 2 pressure ulcers, 48 % were grade I and only 35 % of grade 4. Pressure ulcers were identified through the critical incident form are only about 11 % of pressure ulcers at hospital setup and gives the current Epidemiology of pressure ulcers. Harrow J.J et.al (2008) conducted study regarding pressure ulcers and occipital alopecia in operation Iraqi Freedom poly trauma casualties: retrospective review from 2004- 2006 to detect the prevalence and severity of pressure-related injuries and stated that 38% of admissions to this hospital had pressure-related injuries on the day of admission. In which Casualties from Iraq had a higher rate of pressure ulcers (53%) than other area (22%). Occipital lesions accounts 50% of non-stage I pressure ulcers and more severe than of the sacrum or in the extremities. Review related to risk factors associated with the pressure ulcer: Lahmann N.A.et. al (2010) done, study regarding impact of prevention structures and processes on pressure ulcer prevalence in nursing homes and acute care hospitals, by the method of prevalence survey among 7377 residents in 60 nursing homes and also 28,102 clients with 82 acute-care hospitals at Germany by annual point prevalence surveys. Results noted are nosocomial prevalence rates in hospitals decreased from 26.3% during the first year to 11.3% in the last year (mainly in nursing homes from 13.7% to 6.4%). The usage of pressure ulcer-related structures conspicuous more during each repetition to more than 90%. Fisher A.R et. al (2004) conducted cross sectional prevalence studies among 535 patients regarding f pressure ulcers in adults in acute care settings at university teaching hospital, Canada and found the prevalence of pressure ulcers was 27% (at 95% confidence interval, 23-31%). Total Braden score below 17 and increasing age were significantly associated with the presence of pressure ulcers and also found majority of the risk factors are increasing age, less activity level, friction and shear while seated or lying down were associated with hospital-acquired pressure ulcers, only increasing age, friction and shear were associated with the presence of pressure ulcers in the whole sample. Silva M.S et.al (1998) conducted exploratory- descriptive study to identify, in the specialized literature, which predisposing conditions and risks factors would be related to the development of pressure ulcer, and to verify how often these predisposing conditions and risk factors would be present in bedridden patients, hospitalized in an institution and concluded that there is the need to construct an instrument to measure this risk must suit our reality and that incorporates risk factors identified with a significant frequency in this study and are not contemplated in most of the available scales in the literature. Review related to the prevention of pressure sore Baldi et .al (2010) conducted study regarding Studying factors related to pressure ulcers prevention: a marginal scale model for modelling heterogeneity among hospitals. in patients referred to several Italian hospitals, with the method of prevalence survey co ordinate through the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel among 12 000 hospitalized patients in Italy, and results shows that the prevention of pressure sore includes usage of Braden Scale, age and assistance- connected aspects, and usage of preventive equipment combined with a repositioning techniques. Wann-Hansson C et .al (2008) conducted study in sweedish University regarding Risk factors and prevention among clients with hospital-acquired and pre-existing pressure ulcers in an acute care hospital among adults in an acute care hospital compared with patients with pre-existing pressure ulcers present during admission with 535 clients and notified the prevalence rate of pressure ulcers were 27% (95% confidence interval, 23-31%). Shahin E.S (2008) conducted study regarding prevalence of pressure ulcer among intensive care cltients: a cross sectional study at German with the sample of 1760 clients in order to assess the pressure ulcer prevalence among intensive care clients, and also found clients characteristics and preventive measures related to prevalence of pressure ulcer clients and to assess the most common sites of pressure ulcers. A result shows a mean prevalence rate was +/-30% from 2002 to 2005. The pressure sore prevalence was decreased to 16.2% in 2006 and half of the pressure ulcers were in grade 1. He has stated the significant association between the age and pressure ulcer (P

Life Among the Fish Essay examples -- Personal Narrative Writing

Life Among the Fish I dropped my air tank on the deck of the boat, creating a deep hollow sound throughout the air. The tank lay on the rough floor teetering from side to side until finally resting against the waistband. I gazed at it for a moment lost in its sleek wetness while water poured down my back. â€Å"What are you looking at? Help me with my tank!† my sister Tawnya yelled from the stern of the boat. She was half way up the ladder with her tank slowly slipping off her back. My dad was the last one up the ladder. Dropping his tank, he let out the noise he always makes when he gets through something of a feat, a loud noise that sounds as though a train were going through the center of the boat. That day in the ocean took away any fear that I might have had in the future for doing anything adventurous. We got on the boat around nine that morning. The sun was sending out its warm rays that tickled your skin when you stepped into it from the shade. A white boat dubbed the â€Å"Naughty Nymph,† was our vehicle for the day to take us on endless adventures. Dad was getting the food on the boat as Tawnya and I ran around looking for secret hiding spots and the better place to put our towels. The bow of the boat seemed to be the best spot so that is where we settled. Dad yelled if we were ready to take off, and off we went. The waters were crystal blue. The coral on the sea floor was popping out at me as the water worked as magnifying glass. The water looked only three feet deep, a depth that would make anyone feel uneasy about driving over in a boat. There were islands all around us, chess pieces of the sea, which shot out of the ocean without warning. The wind was tickling my... ...ted to stay at the altitude of negative twenty for the rest of my life. I was not afraid down there, with the fish and the dead silence between breaths. I was not afraid of anything at that point. I would think of something that had frightened me before and would be completely calm at the thought. I was no longer afraid to do anything alone or something I would not normally do. I went back to living my life with the fish, doing flips and shaking hands with the seaweed until I felt someone take my hand. I looked up and saw Tawnya; it was time to head back to the surface. She pulled me along to where dad was waiting for us. I looked back at the great wall and smiled. Watching my world being swallowed up by the sea, I said good-bye to my friends and thanked them for being there to take away my fears for anything that came my way in the future.