ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Introduction The case study involves Ralph Bradley, a 90 year old man whose wife died recently. Based on the Casuistic model of ethics, the medical indications include: Bradley’s diagnosis of colon cancer and metastasis of the lymph nodes, his referral to nursing home care and the prognosis of a terminal illness with eventual death. The patient’s preferences are affected by his emotional instability hence he is incompetent to make any decisions regarding treatments. Bradley’s surrogates are his daughters. With regards to quality of life, Bradley’s condition is terminal hence there is no possibility of return to normal life. Thus, the care he receives is palliative in nature rather than curative. The goal of palliative care is to enhance the quality of life of the patient as he awaits the inevitable death. Other variables relevant to the case include family issues. The patient/daughters recently lost their wife/mother and are therefore still affected by the loss. The decisions the daughters make are based on this loss in that they do not want their father to know the truth because they believe it would adversely affect his failing health. In addition, there is a conflict between the belief of the physician and the belief of the nurse. While the physician supports the patient’s family’s decisions, the nurse is against them and believes that they would negatively affect the nursing care provided to the patient. Ethical Issues Identified in the Case Autonomy Potter and Perry (2010) argue that “the principle of autonomy is based on the assertion that individuals have the right to determine their own actions and the freedom to make their own decisions” (p. 119). Respect for the individual is the keystone of this principle. Autonomous decisions are based on: individuals’ values, adequate information, freedom from coercion and reason and deliberation. Examples of autonomy in healthcare include: refusing treatment, giving consent for treatment or procedures, and obtaining information regarding results of tests and treatment options (Clark & Taxis, 2003). The lack of autonomy is well illustrated in the above scenario. To begin with, the patient is not aware of the seriousness of his condition because his physician and his family have refused to inform him about it. As a result, he is not in a position to make any decision regarding his health and medical needs or his normal life. The kind of treatment he receives is pushed down his throat by his physician. Moreover, the results of the tests he underwent were not revealed to him thus he lacks adequate information about his condition. Beneficence Beneficence is commonly defined as the doing of good and is often thought to be the most critical ethical principle in health care (Davis, Fowler & Aroskar, 2010). Fundamentally, the principle requires one to always consider his actions in the context of enhancing the welfare of the patient. This however becomes a challenge when what is generally considered to be good for the patient also brings harm to the patient or conflicts with the patient’s desire. Beneficence is we
Public service bulletin A number of the states’ health indicators used to illustrate the daily realities of the religion have in recent days been reflecting a disturbing increase in food-borne illness related to the Campylobacter bacteria. The undesirable effects of this kind of poisoning on the quality of life cannot be ignored owing to the fact that its control touches on each and every aspect of state administration which in turn calls for an unnecessary strain on the already stretched resources. It has come to the revelation of the state’s public health officials that the rapid increase and spread of food poisoning in recent days can be directly related to unsanitary handling of food, emanating from both ignorance and lack of information. This growing concern has necessitated the release of this bulletin to serve as a guide on the necessary information regarding campylobacter poisoning as well as how and where to obtain the relevant information regarding this type of illness. What is foodborne illness? Food-borne illness, which is sometimes known as food poisoning, is a condition that arises as a result of eating food contaminated with harmful agents. The most common cause of food poisoning in the United States is the bacterium going by the scientific name Campylobacter jejuni (Brown, 2007). An approximate 800, 000 cases of campylobacter poisoning are reported on a yearly basis but the real numbers of this kind of illness could be higher owing to the fact that most people do not seek treatment appropriate treatment (Bjorklund, 2006). Children below five years of age and young adults (ages 15-30) are the most common victims of Campylobacter poisoning. The primary symptom of Campylobacter poisoning is diarrhea which is usually bloody. Depending on the level of infection, diarrhea can range from mild to severe and comes accompanied by incidents of nausea and vomiting. Other symptoms include:   * Abdominal pain   * Headache   * Fever Safety issues in the prevention of Campylobacter infection When contaminated food is stored at room temperature, it can easily attract Campylobacter jejuni. The bacterium, however, can easily be destroyed owing to its sensitivity to heat and other sterilization routines such as pasteurization and chlorination. Handlers of food should consider the following safety measures before presenting the food for consumption in order to prevent the development of infection (Fein, Levy and Lin, 1996).  1. When preparing chicken, turkey, duck or any other type of poultry, ensure that all the thick sections reach 166 degrees Fahrenheit (75C)  2. When transporting raw meat and chicken in a car, ensure that it is placed in the coolest section of the vehicle  3. All types of animal and bird meat should be defrosted inside the refrigerator or by using a microwave. During this procedure, care should be taken to ensure that no dripping occurs  4. When stuffing po
Introduction Honor killing is a general practice among Muslim community against girls, young women or adult women. The families perform honor killing because a certain female member has dishonored them. Initially, parents use death threats to control their daughters. Families perform honor killings using various barbaric and ferocity means. It may involve the use of burning, raping, stoning, beating to death, slitting throat, decapitating and suffocation, among others. Community and extended family members set and maintain honor killings. The community does not condemn the perpetrators. Instead, they see it as normative religious process. If the girl escapes, the family searches her in order to perform honor killing. Opposing religious views on honor killing Melissa Robinson argues that nowhere in Islam are honor killings encouraged or condoned. Rather, the Koran states that the family is suppose to honor women and girls and never abused, hurt, or murdered them (Friedman, 2010). However, Robinson acknowledges that honor killings are problems in Muslim societies, but she points out that there are many cultures and religions that experience domestic violence and murder. She explains that people make misogynistic statements, not just by Muslim religious leaders, but also by Christian preachers, philosophers, revolutionaries, existentialists, historians, scientists, poets, and others. She concludes that honor killings are not inherently an Islamic problem. However, when they occur in Muslim families, they should be condemned by Muslims everywhere as being un-Islamic. On the other hand, Robert Spencer notes that families use Islam to justify honor killings. He argues that although Koran does not encourage the killing of women based on such offenses, the prevalence of honor killings is too often in Muslim societies and families to the extent that they can no longer be cases of domestic violence. Spencer draws from the history of Islamic countries where societies use religion to justify violence against women. Spencer says that it is impossible to assume that Islam has nothing to do with honor killings when majority of such killings happen in Islamic context. Spencer notes that there are circumstances where people link honor killings to Islamic practices. He further observes that there are cases where Islamic culture inculcates attitudes that can lead to honor killing (Friedman, 2010). Robinson and Spencer encourage Muslim leaders to condemn honor killings among Muslim societies if they believe that Islamic faith has nothing to do with honor killings. Socio-economic views on honor killings One of the factors that determine whether a question of honor leads to an honor killing is the relationship between Muslims and their community members. For instance, Turks experience social difficulties when community excludes them from other members. Theref
Introduction The Affordable Care Act (also called Obamacare) was aimed at transforming the experiences of many patients and American citizens who lacked adequate healthcare resources. This policy managed to transform various aspects of the country’s healthcare sector, including insurance, Medicaid eligibility, and improved medical services. Using this Act, the personal discussion presented below identifies three key points that are of particular interest to me as a future advanced practice nurse (APN). Key Points Budget Reconciliation Process Congress is currently proposing to repeal Obamacare through a process known as budget reconciliation. This move will have significant impacts on my roles and experiences as a future APN. The reason for this argument is that the decision will present both advantages and disadvantages. Blumberg, Buettgens, and Holahan (2016) believe that federal spending will reduce significantly, thereby making it possible for different institutions and agencies to focus on people’s health demands. The move will also guide the government to focus on other key areas for the economy, including employment and infrastructure. However, challenges such as reduced insurance cover, loss of health funding, and poor health outcomes might occur. APNs will have to utilize their concepts and competencies if they are to provide high-quality health services. This means that there is a need to consider the disadvantages of repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Elderly Population APNs should develop appropriate competencies and skills to meet
Summary of the Articles Article 1 Ackerman, Susan. “Why is Miriam also Among the Prophets? (And Zipporah Among the Priests?)”. Journal of Biblical Literature 121.1 (2002): 47-80. Print. This article examines the position of women in the Old Testament. The author begins by analyzing how the Feminist Revolution has reconsidered the role of women in the ancient Jewish culture. Religious analysts and scholars have described some of the roles played by women in the Old Testament. Many women, such as Deborah, Noadiah, Hulda, and Miriam, played many religious roles in the ancient Jewish society (Ackerman 50). Some women, such as Isaiah’s wife, did not undertake various religious roles. Isaiah’s wife completed specific chores such as bearing children and supporting the family. The Holy Bible does not indicate the name of Isaiah’s wife. This is the case because she did not play a major role in the Jewish religion. Many Jewish texts have ignored the role of women in the community. However, the agreeable fact is that many women contributed a lot to the religious history of the Jews (Ackerman 50). Miriam and other women were accepted in the Israelite religion. They became powerful prophets in a field that was dominated by men. According to different studies, many women managed to achieve high status in their respective communities. They completed several exercises and activities. This fact explains why “majority of these women were accorded prestige by many individuals in the society” (Ackerman 51). According to the Old Testament, some women, such as Zipporah, “took priest-like activities and functions” (Ackerman 80). Some texts show that women were required to meet certain conditions in order to participate in different religious activities. However, such issues have been debatable today. That being the case, women should be allowed to undertake various activities and roles in the Church. Women should preach and empower their fellow believers. Every believer should embrace these ideas in order to promote God’s work on earth. Article 2 Parker, Julie. “Blaming Eve Alone: Translation, Omission, and Implications of עמה in Genesis 3:6b.” Journal of Biblical Literature 132.4 (2013): 729-747. Print. The article “Blaming Eve Alone: Translation, Omission, and Implications of עמה in Genesis 3:6b” focuses on the story of Adam and Eve. According to the author, the interpretation and translation “of the book of Genesis h
Introduction The desire to continuously improve service delivery to citizens is a challenge faced by most governments across the globe. Governments are put to power by citizens through a democratic process with the hope that it will implement better governing policies that will benefit all and sundry. Effective and efficient modes of implementing such policies in spite of myriad challenges have to be sought. These changes have inspired new ways of thinking in service delivery. Gow (2005) clearly observes that since the early 1990s, the idea of result-based accountability facilitated the search for alternative forms of service delivery within our parliamentary system. The world has always been evolving as mankind seeks better ways of accomplishing tasks. Quality improvement is highly desired when delivering services be it in manufacturing, management or administration. On the same note, the concept of total quality management became widespread as focus shifted to satisfying customers. The approach was successful in Japan where high quality products were being manufactured. This type of management approach has also found its way in public service. Most governments are at crossroads due to insufficient resources. Hence, efficiency is apparently a mandatory requirement for effective public administration. The objective of introducing such management practices is to improve service delivery. Gow (2007) clearly notes that after five decades of predominant attention to processes, the emergence of management think
The author highlights the importance of developing and implementing well prepared marketing plans before setting up any business. From the journal article, it is evident that there are myriads of challenges that are inevitable when preparing a professional marketing plan. Worse still, the implementation phase of such plans is usually quite demanding. For instance, the element of cost to be incurred is indeed a major issue of concern when implementing marketing plans. In addition, the complex nature of certain marketing plans may also act as a setback towards realizing the set goals and objectives. The article also offers a cross reference study of a marketing plan that can be used to run a Casino business. Although the author is quite categorical that the development of Casino business is a recent trend in the western world, he does not refute the fact that adequate and realistic marketing plan should be put in place for such a business to flourish. In addition, the author expounds the meaning of a marketing plan, importance of a marketing plan, setbacks of a marketing plan, and the marketing plan of a Casino. Critique A well devised marketing plan should contain the following elements: executive summary, description of the business, the market to be targeted, environmental scan, specific goals and objectives, strategies and tactics to be used in marketing, budgetary allocations as finally an evaluation of the plan. According to Klebanow (n.d), some of the aforementioned elements have been discussed in the article towards the conclusion of the paper. Although the author has extensively dwelt on the benefits and challenges of a professionally prepared marketing plan, the section on components of a marketing plan has not been discussed in detail. From the outset, the article is intended to explore the marketing plan of a Casino business. However, the latter has been presented as a brief conclusion of the article. A viable marketing plan is also expected to allow regular evaluation in order to determine whether it is successful or not. Nonetheless, the author has not highlighted the importance of evaluation in a marketing plan. Thorough evaluation of a marketing plan is necessary because it ensures that the earlier set goals and objectives are met. Moreover, an evaluation of a marketing plan offers suggestive actions and action plans that can be promptly adopted in case any failure is noted in the originally drafted plan. Moreover, the author has addressed budgeting section of the marketing plan in terms of expenses that may be incurred when advertising the business. Nonetheless, the budgetary allocation of an entire marketing may sometimes stretch beyond mere advertising budget. Therefore, it is highly advisable to allow a flexible budget plan by including a section on miscellaneous expenses. On a final note, Klebanow (n.d) has categorically stressed the importance of customers when developing a viable marketing plan. As a matter of a fact, marketing should largely focus on the needs of the targeted customers because they are the end users of the products being marketed. Needless to say, the author has ad
There are significant inconsistencies across cortical thickness and volume studies regarding the localization and extent of age effects. This is despite the revelation of use of effects on large areas of the mind by cross-sectional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. These dissimilarities impede research on effects of aging on brain, and reduce the probable worth of MR in studies on age-related brain alterations. The authors used six independent samples comprising of 883 participants to examine consistency of age effects on the thickness of cortical. Surface-based method of segmentation helped in computation of cortical thickness across the surface of the brain. Consistent age effects were revealed in various cortices across samples (Fjell, Westlye, Amlien, Espeseth, Reinvang, Raz,… & Walhovd, 2009). Introduction Many studies in MRI agree that as one ages, there is a reduction of brain volumes as well as enlargement of the ventricular system. However, there is growing proof that brain aging is significantly heterogeneous rather than homogeneous across brain regions. Regrettably, this heterogeneity is hard to analyse because of discrepancies between results. Fjell et al. (2009) in their study endeavoured to tackle this predicament by testing the consistency of age effects on cortical thickness across six samples drawn from four research centers, with 883 participants. Fjell et al. (2009) argues that recent semiautomated and automated dissection methods have allowed studies of age effects continuously across the cortical mantle without manually defining ROIs. The study objective was to examine the consistency of age effects on regional cortical thickness across samples. Method The study involved 883 participants with an age range of 75 years. Scanning of all study subjects was by use of 1.5T magnets from two different manufacturers. The researchers used four different models of scanners. A single scanner generated data for both sample 4 and 5. For the Siemens scanners, T1-weighted sequences were acquired while GE used pulse sequences known as 3D spoiled gradient recalled (SPGR). Slice thickness were between 1.25 mm (samples 4 and 5) and 1.5 mm (sample 1), with acquisition matrices of 256 3 192 (samples 1, 3, and 6) or 256 3 256 (samples 2, 4, and 5). The need to increase the strength of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) resulted in development of several scans within equal scanning time and then averaging for all samples. General linear models (GLMs) were the statistical tools used to analyse the correlation between age and cortical thickness at each vertex across the entire cortical mantle in each independent sample. The foundation of the computation for the level of overlap between results from the different samples was the number of samples in which each of the P value thresholds was attained for each surface vertex. This information was color coded and projected onto a template brain. Next, all samples were included simultaneously in one GLM. Results The authors observed widespread age differences in cortical thickness across samples. However, the magnitude of effects varied among samples and brain regions. Results of using FDR < 0.05
Executive Summary Toyota is one of the leading car manufacturers in the world. The company has been expanding its markets over the last few decades. To ensure that it successfully enters into new markets, Toyota Motor Company has come up with a number of strategies. Improved marketing communication is one of the main strategies that the company has come up with to reach its target audience. In this study, it was found out that over 90% of the people who knew the brand saw it in one of the various forms of advertising strategies that the company has. With this technique, the company was therefore successful in capturing its esteemed target audience. Introduction Toyota Motor Corporation is the one of the leading automobile manufacturers in the world. The company is the third leading manufacturer of vehicles in the globe. It sells vehicles to over 160 countries in the world (Andidas, 2003). Toyota Motor Company is leading car manufacturer in Japan. In North America, it has a market share of approximately 10% in the motor vehicle industry (Andidas, 2003). However, the company is not doing that good in Europe. This is due to the different taste and preferences of the European target market. The people of Europe desire cars that are luxurious and have elegance, something that they cannot find in the cars that are manufactured by Toyota. Due to this fact, they prefer other European cars such as Volvo, BMW, Mercedes and Ford. Despite this fact, Toyota still controls over 4% of the market share in the region (Andidas, 2003). It is believed that the market share of Toyota will increase due to the lifting of quota by the European Union in the year 2000 that restricted the imports or exports between Europe and Japan. With the quota lifted, individuals can easily import vehicles from Japan and Toyota is one of the brands that is expected to gain from the lift. Toyota offers a full range of models from cars to trucks. It also has a variety of brands that are sold all over the world. Corolla, Fielder, Lexus, Daihatsu, Celica, Sprinter, Premio and Camry are some of the brands that the company manufactures. In the year 2002, the global sale of all the brands combines totalled to 6.17 million units (Andidas, 2003). In Japan, Toyota Motor Company has 12 manufacturing plants and 11 subsidiary plants. On a global scale, it has 45 manufacturing companies in 26 countries. This ensures that the company is able to meet the global demand of its products. Over the years, the company has come up with a number of strategies that have ensured that it remains to be successful. Having a strong internal system, a friendly human resou