A Review and Reflection of The Book that Made Your World

A Review and Reflection of The Book that Made Your World: Self- Am I Like Dog or God

Name

Institution Affiliation

A Review and Reflection of The Book that Made Your World: Self- Am I Like Dog or God

What is it about trying to find oneself that makes one distant with everything else? The journey to discover oneself begins and ends with an individual, in a process that is remarkably self-centered and individualistic. This is a required process because it means that a person is looking inwards in order to truly understand their uniqueness, strengths, and weaknesses. In Chapter Four of The book that made your world: How the Bible created the soul of western civilization, Mangalwadi (2011, p. 42) talks about his journey in finding his true self and how it became very easy to doubt God. Mangalwadi presents his own history developing the story from his journey as a Christian to now a secular university scholar. In his psychology class and all through learning in the university, Mangalwadi was bombarded by teachings he terms as “contradictory” (2011, p. 42), regarding the nature of knowledge and truth. In his time in the university, Mangalwadi interacted with friends who held pantheistic perspectives, and his professors insisted that truth is unknowable. In his time in the University, he went through a period of discovery, being struck by the manner in which a fatalistic belief about reincarnation trapped entire communities in utter poverty. By turning to the Bible, Mangalwadi (2011, p. 42) found that there is a common thread running all through that God desires all nations to be blessed through his Word.

Secular ideas have slowly infiltrated the natural and cultural environment to an extent that a majority of people view some of the main ideas in secularism as a core part of their own religious and cultural beliefs. Behaviorism is a huge part of the world Mangalwadi is exposed to while studying in the university. Behaviorism teaches that the concept of the soul and the idea of God are all non-existent. It talks about humans being chemicals turned into animals, no different from a creature such as the dog. Behaviorism looks at the world from a cause and effect perspective, finding no sense in the concept of free will and the soul. Human beings are, therefore, conditioned, much like a dog, and can be reconditioned to suit different circumstances. From the ideas presented by the behaviorist school of thought, a person is perceived to be a direct consequence of their environment, chemistry, cultural conditioning, and chance. The cultural issue addressed here is the belief in a person as somewhat a superior creation made in the image, likeness, and to suit the functions provided by God. There is a conflict between this idea in Christianity and a majority of other major religions, and the university’s secular way of thinking. In a question of whether man is unique or just another creature like the dog, Mangalwadi (2011) finds truth and solace in the bible as a starting point for self discovery. As secularism takes center stage, other ideas and thoughts relating to spirituality and the natural world are masked almost entirely, creating room for doubt and fear relating the existence of God and every other core idea that defines Christianity.

The Christian response to the secular thought of man having neither a soul nor free will or even a God is very straightforward. It gives humans a quest in their life to search themselves through knowing God. Specifically, the bible advices that one should be known by God, should know God, and should make God known. In this way, one is able to gain bearing on their own life and to discover who they are through inward looking. The knowledge that a human being is neither equal to their God nor similar to a dog but rather exists in between these concepts of the natural and the spiritual is what the bible seeks to clarify. For example, Jesus called himself the “light of the world” and that whoever walks with Him will never be in darkness. The followers of Jesus had lamps yet walked in complete moral, political, social, economic, and religious darkness. The Christian response to the issue of a secular view of the soul and God is answered by Jesus calling unto his followers to be the light of the world. This means that people must look inwards and find their creative imagination that goes above nature, the environment, history, and culture and be ultimately free to make a difference externally. The view that people have no souls and that the concept of God and free will are nonexistent is ideally in contrast to what the bible teaches and calls people to be. God is the creator and has enabled every human being to make a difference in whichever area of life they choose to focus on, whether it is cultural or natural.

In my point of view, resigning to fate because of an idea that the soul and free will are non-existent is a flawed perspective. I agree with the author that human beings, while being a product of their environment, morals, nature, nurture, culture, and other things, is also made superior to rule over the earth and to worship God through their actions. Secularism only opposes these concepts because it fails to understand the connection between God and man. I also agree with the Christian response that we can never truly know ourselves until we truly and actively seek to know God because he is the creator. The response is realistic because it only demands that every person looks inwards to know God and to understand His will on us. My views about Christianity have been thoroughly challenged by the discussion in this chapter. I find the discussion very realistic in the way it tackles the issue of self discovery and how that personal journey is tied to a belief in God and understanding His will. I have experienced the influence of secularism in my own faith, and the result is that I turned to the bible for help, finding out that exposure to external influences only strengthened my own resolve to be a believer.

Reference List

Mangalwadi, V. (2011). The book that made your world: How the Bible created the soul of western civilization. Thomas Nelson.

Louisa Adams

Louisa Adams

Outline

Introduction of the major topic as Louisa Adams Commemorative gold coins

The launching of the coins

Issue of the 24-karat and the ten dollar dominated series of gold as related to the launch

The sale of uncirculated and proof coins

Possibility of Louisa Adam Security coins scarcity

Conclusion of the speech

Louisa Adams

Commemorative Speech

This day is a great day for it marks the final day of the First Spouse Gold Coins. It is the day when this kind of rare coins would be launched as a way of marking the sixth release in order to commemorate the program in an honor of all American First Ladies. The first ladies are great in showing the symbol of American culture and diversities. For this reason, the deserve respect and aspect of commemoration with respect to this day and the First Spouse Gold Coins.

The coins are to be launched after which collectors can have their share in accordance the past Mint practices and policies. The opportunity is open until Thursday morning after which further collection may not be possible. The collection of the coins would be done from The U.S. Mint. All interested parties would have to observe time since they mark the most limited series of coins currently.

Most of you know at least something about the 24-karat. It is associated with the ten dollar dominated series of gold that began in the year 2007. Since then, only eight coin of the same kind existed and were only available at the US Mint. This was however at all times. Only a new release of the coins forces the replacement of the existed ones. The oldest coins have been pooled prior to the release of new one.

On the same Thursday that marks the deadline of the collection of the coins, the uncirculated coins, particularly the “Letitia Tyler First Spouse Gold Coins”, would go on sale. This as well includes the new proof coins. The uncirculated coins would cost as much as six hundred and twenty nine US dollar per piece while the latter would be relatively cheaper by up to thirteen dollars apiece. This is scheduled to take place on the same Thursday making the last opportunity for collectors to get the coins. At the same time, collectors may find Mint hardly selling the Louisa Adam coins. This follows the fact that they have been in availability for more than thirteen months. This kind of coin has actually taken longer than any of you would expect with any other coin.

People also should have expectations of scarcity as far as the Louisa Adams coins are concerned. It could be clear to most of you that about the coin stock held by Mint. The US Mint is only hold uncirculated coins totaling to four thousand, two hundred and twenty-three while the proof Louisa Adams Coins are more at six thousand, nine hundred and fifty. This is not a significant number following that each of you may aspire to have one. This is a threat to those collectors hoping to get one or two of each kind later. There is a great likelihood that no one among you or beyond this group of people wants to be left out. Given that the current trend persists, the coins may end up becoming the scarcest in history and in the series.

It is therefore very kind of you to get at least on coin to promote the prevailing culture. You can simply do this by ordering only or going personally to the US Mint to purchase one. America is one country that is full of rich cultural diversities. The country can preserve its culture only if your support is admitted. Thank you for paying attention and wish you good luck.

Low Fiber Food Item

Research Paper: Food Label

Following the American Psychological Functions

Name

Institutional Affiliation

Dietary Fiber Content

Low Fiber Food Item Portion Size Dietary Fiber Higher Fiber Healthier Alternative Portion Size Dietary Fiber Oat Bran 100g 4g Corn Bran 100g 79g White Bread 45g 0.06g Rye Bread 45g 2.0g Long grain Spaghetti 45g 0.9g Whole Wheat Spaghetti 45g 6.3g Rice Bubbles 45g 0.6g All bran Cereal 45g 12.4g Sliced Avocado 2 slices 0.9g Whole Avocado 2 slices 2.8g Plums 1 cup 0.9g Strawberries 1 cup 3.3g White rice 1 cup 0.6g Brown rice 1 cup 3.5g Melon 1 cup 1.4g Blackberries 1 cup 7.6g Iceberg lettuce 1 cup 0.7g Romaine Lettuce 1 cup 1.2g Boiled Peas 1 cup 4.5g Split Peas 1 cup 16.3g Dietary fiber is a form of roughage. It is obtained from plants that are not digested by enzymes during the digestion process in the intestines. It is comprised of two components:

Soluble fiber, from the name, means that it readily dissolves in water. During the digestion process, these fibers are fermented and transformed into gases and products that are psychologically functional. These products can be viscous or prebiotic (Omega 3 & Omega 6 Fatty Acids – Fat Facts, 2014). The entire process occurs in the colon. Their main function is to slow down the movement of digestible food through the digestive system.

Insoluble fibers, from its name, do not readily dissolve in water. This property makes them inert hence they add bulk to the digestible food. The bulking types of fibers are responsible for the absorption of water throughout the digestive system. This makes defecation easier since the faeces will be well lubricated (Omega 3 & Omega 6 Fatty Acids – Fat Facts, 2014). They also enhance and promote regular defecation. They also speed up the movement of digestible food throughout the digestive system.

These minerals are important since:

•They make the stool softer and bulkier.

•They assist in the curing and reduction of infections and conditions showing the intestinal tract such as constipation, diverticulosis and hemorrhoids.

•Food with low fiber content do not supplement any process in the body, therefore, should be avoided. However, they are useful when someone has a heart condition. High fiber foods have more advantages than low fiber foods.

Fiber lowers the risk of contracting a heart condition because:

Solvable fiber moderates the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines by tie it with bile (which comprises of cholesterol) and nutritional cholesterol so that the body defecates it.

Protein Content Chart

Low protein Food Item Portion Size Protein Content High Protein Food Item Portion Size Protein Content Chicken wings 3.5oz 6grams Chicken Breast 3.5oz 30grams Fish fillet 3.5oz 22g Tuna 3.5oz 40g Bacon 1 slice 3grams Pork chop 1 slice 22g Soft Cheese 1oz 6gm Cottage Cheese 1oz 15g Medium Cheese 1oz 7gms Hard Cheese 1oz 10g Soy milk 1 cup 6gms Soy beans 1 cup 14gms Pecans ¼ cup 2.5gms Almonds ¼ cup 8gms Cashew ¼ cup 5gms Peanuts ¼ cup 9gms Hamburger 4oz 28gms Steak 4oz 42gms Chicken Drumstick 4oz 11gms Chicken Meat 4oz 35gms Proteins are foods that are responsible for body building and are a vital component in the pathophysiology of major organs of the body. They differ from one another in the form of the arrangement of the amino acids. All proteins contain at least one long chain of residual amino acids, which are a linear chain of amino acids that have remained. People’s daily protein needs differ from one person to another in accordance to age, gender, and body mass and activity level (Omega 3 & Omega 6 Fatty Acids – Fat Facts, 2014). People engaging in strenuous activities need more proteins since they burn their calories at a higher rate while those engaging in activities that require less energy need optimum protein. Little consumption of protein will result to the body using the protein reserves stored in muscles. The result of this is an unfit body.

Low and insufficient protein intake may cause:

Alzheimer’s disease caused by Aβ, protein, the main constituent of senile signs.

Parkinson’s disease caused by insufficient A constituent of γ-secretase

Fat content Foods

Low Fat Food Item Portion Size Fat Content High Fat Food Item Portion Size Fat Content Skimmed

milk 1cup 0gms Whole milk 1cup 8gms Fat free Margarine 1tbs 0.5gms margarine 1tbs 3.5gms Reduced fat Mayonnaise 1 tbs 2gms mayonnaise 1tbs 11gms fat-free Cream cheese 1oz 0g cream cheese 1oz 10gms Skim cheese 1oz 0gms Regular cheese 1oz 8gms two egg whites 2 whites 2gms Whole egg 5gms non-fat yogurt 1oz 0gms Whipped cream 1oz 5.6gms Low fat butter 1tbs 0gms Ghee or butter 1tbs 12gms Frozen dessert made with vegetable oil 1tbs 2gms Ice cream 1tbs 5gms Fats are known for being constituents of the macronutrients. They are crucial for our body when taken in optimum amounts as required. Fats are known for promoting various diseases in the human body. High-fat food content is not healthy since they introduce a pathogen conducive environment in the body. Low fatty foods are the better alternatives since they eliminate the probability of infections. Additionally, they enhance vitamin absorption and nerve activity, and improve the human immune system.

High content fatty foods can cause the following diseases:

•Arthritis

•Rheumatoid Arthritis

•Gallstones: are comprised of hardened cholesterol that is found in high content fat foods.

•Diabetes: Diabetics produce insulin, however, high levels of fat in the plasma cause insulin to breakdown.

Reference

Omega 3 & Omega 6 Fatty Acids – Fat Facts. (2014). Fat Facts. Retrieved October 15, 2014, from http://www.nutritionvista.com/Nutrition/fat-facts,22.aspx

Medical Technology and Information Technology

Healthcare Delivery

Name

Institution

Medical Technology and Information Technology

Medical technology refers to the processes, equipment and procedures by which medical care is provided. For instance, changes in new technology will involve new surgical and medical procedures, drugs, medical, medical devices and new support systems. Examples of medical procedures include angioplasty and joint replacements. Changes in technology involve the use of biological agents while the support systems include telemedicine, electronic medical records and the sharing of medical information. In addition, technological changes in medical devices include the use of CT scanners and implantable defibrillators. Every field of medicine has some type of medical technology that is continuously affected by new technology (Dössel & Schlegel, 2010).

In the United States, Traditional Medical Technology (TMT) has been evolving in treatment of the heart disease. In 1970s, cardiac care units were implemented and irregular heartbeat was managed by use of lidocaine. Three hours after a heart attack, beta-blockers were used to reduce the blood pressure. As the use clot-buster drugs increased in hospitals, coronary artery bypass surgery became the most common technology. In the 1980s, to prevent reoccurrences after a patient had suffered a heart attack, blood thinning agents were used. The short-term beta-blocker therapy was changed to maintenance therapy, and after the patients with a heart attack stabilized, angioplasty was used. By 1990s, cardiac rehabilitation programs were later introduced, and implantable cardiac defibrillators were used for those patients who had irregular heartbeats. In 2000, new drug strategies were developed for long-term management of heart attack which included, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, statins and aspirin. As a result of the evolving Traditional Medical Technology, mortality rate for patients with a heart attack reduced by half between 1980-2000. Another example of traditional evolution of medical technology is the treatment of pre-term babies. There was very little that was done in 1950. However, by 1990, artificial pulmonary surfactants and special ventilators were used to help the lungs of the infants to develop. In additional, neonatal intensive care units and the use of steroids for the babies reduced the infant mortality rate to one-third compared to the year 1950 (Dössel & Schlegel, 2010).

Today, as technology improves, medical providers have improved the quality of healthcare through information gathering, communication, treatment and research. For instance, people are relying on the internet more than ever to search for healthcare information about symptoms of diseases, their methods of treatment and medicines available. Information technology has improved patient care and work efficiency as nurses and doctors can use emails, texts, video conferencing devices to consult with other colleagues all around the world. Additionally, the use of Electronic Health Records (EHR) that contains a database of patient’s history medical record has encouraged patient’s participation in the treatment process (Dössel & Schlegel, 2010).

There are some technological advances that have combined medical technology and information technology. For example, telemedicine has enhanced exchange patients information from one site to another by use of electronic communication. Telemedicine has brought improvement of the clinical health status of the patient. For over forty years, medical providers have been using demonstrations to extend healthcare to patients who are in remote areas. However, the use of telemedicine has rapidly spread and integrated operations in hospitals and private physician offices, with consumers at home and the workplaces. Telemedicine aims at providing remote clinical services by use of information technology (Dössel & Schlegel, 2010).

References

Dössel, O., & Schlegel, W.C. (2010). World congress on medical physics and biomedical

engineering september 7 – 12, 2009 Munich, Germany: Vol. 25/VII diagnostic and therapeutic instrumentation, clinical engineering. Heidelberg: Springer Science & Business Media.

Medication Shortage Cost vs. Opioid addiction (2)

Medication Shortage: Cost vs. Opioid addiction

Introduction

Thesis: Between the high prices of medication and opioid addiction, the chances of becoming addicted is a daily trial. High demand for medication

Large impact on hospitals

Costing them millions of dollars for new strategies

Big liability for them

Several people with severe allergies need their medication

Epi pens are hard to get

The cost is up on the ones that are available

Opioid Crisis (Issue)

Pain medications are being over prescribed

Doctors are writing too many prescriptions

Are being sold by several patients

Doctors are the reason/concern

They are the source of getting the drugs

May be due to payment from prescriptions prescribed

Cost is high

Insurance companies not wanting to pay the full cost

They may only pay half of the payment

Requires them to pay for several things

If too high, they may say “No”

Medicine is out there, but can be short due to businesses

Businesses may cant afford to buy certain medications

1. The demand may be too much at one time

2. Certain medicines may not be in

Some medications must be made

1. These are limited prescriptions

2. Not everyone can take the same medications

Conclusion

Medical Technology

Name:

Course:

Professor:

Date:

Medical Technology

Technology plays a significant role in all parts of our lives today. It therefore follows that technology cannot be left out in the medical field. With complex surgeries and other procedures being carried out by doctors every day, medical technology can go a long way in solving many of the problems encountered by staff in the medical field. Among such solutions include reduction of human error as the robots and other machines used in medical procedures are quite precise. However, there are many concerns as to whether the benefits of medical technology outweigh the disadvantages such as deaths and other injuries. While even one fatality or injury cannot be taken lightly or dismissed, the benefits that have been brought by technology to medicine are noteworthy, and with further advances, we stand to gain even more.

Invasive surgeries often pose multiple risks and complications for patients. Many surgical patients would, therefore, be more relaxed if the procedures were to be minimally invasive. The da Vinci Surgical System aims to do just that. Some of its pros include a monitor that allows for better visibility, robotic arms that are precise thus reducing errors and a record recovery rate as a result of the minimally invasive procedure (Source B). There have been complications from the da Vinci system such as deaths and other injuries. In this case, there need to be more studies carried out into the system especially by the engineers to pinpoint the cause of these malfunctions. The system should not merely be dismissed as with fine-tuning, there is potential to overhaul how surgeries are carried out. While this is being done, however, the patients should come first, and this calls for regulation especially from the FDA. This is a significant area of concern as the FDA stated that it does not have the authority to supervise training (Source B), raising the question of precisely who will protect the patients’ interests in this case. BBC reports similar cases of complications from procedures assisted by robots but does not examine if these complications resulted directly as a consequence of using the robots (Source D).

A research paper written by the American Society of Medical Engineers paints a brighter picture. Minimally invasive procedures have benefited a lot from the use of surgical assistants which are robots that can aid surgeons even from outside of the operating rooms. The main advantage is the 3DHD imaging that helps doctors see better inside patients (Source C). Rehabilitation robots also play a crucial role in helping patients recover from conditions such as traumatic injuries or neuromuscular diseases. Sanitation and disinfecting robots can disinfect surfaces in cases of highly infectious viruses thus reducing the risk to humans. Robotic prescription systems have increased the accuracy of prescriptions thus reducing human error or contamination in the dispensation of drugs (Source C). From this research paper, medical technology is an essential part of practicing medicine in hospitals and patients also stand to gain a lot from its use. The complications and challenges should also be highlighted for clarity.

Micro-sized robots are another exciting potential in medical technology. Several experiments have been carried out involving these micro-robots that can swim through the body fluids of humans. They are directed to search for a particular diseased area of the body such as a tumor and on reaching that area; the robot treats it with drugs (Source E). The experiments such as the one in the Max Planck Institute are unprecedented, and if successful, it would bring revolutionary changes to patient treatment. Artificial Intelligence is an essential tool in the analysis of medical data and helping the medical staff determine the best courses of treatment for their patients (Source E). The use of these micro-sized robots would take away the need to open up patients in complicated and risky surgical procedures. An example of these is when patients have tumors that are surgically inoperable due to the fact that the benefits of the surgery are outweighed by the risk of complications that could occur.

From the above articles, it is clear that medical technology is an area that cannot be taken lightly. Technology has the potential and ability to revolutionize how patients are treated, surgeries carried out and drugs dispensed. However, it is essential to take into account the risks that have been documented in research and look into ways of addressing and dealing with these incidents that include injuries and even deaths. The desire for profit in companies in medical technology such as Intuitive should not take precedence over the safety of the patients being treated. To this effect, there must be guidelines to be followed both in the training of doctors using such technologies and also in regulating the use of technologies such as robots. This has been illustrated to be a gray area with the FDA having no authority over these matters. This being said, the promises that are offered by medical technology are quite thrilling to imagine. Just a few years from now, treatment of patients could be completely different characterized by fewer cases of errors and exponentially faster rates of recovery. We should, therefore, look forward to the future of medical technology both hope and a touch of caution. Medical technology is on the path towards transforming medical care all over the world for the better.

Works Cited

Source B (Andrew W. Lehren The da Vinci surgical robot: A medical breakthrough with risks for patients, NBC)

Source C (Mark Crawford, ​Top Robotic Applications in Medicine ​ ,American Society of Mechanical Engineers ​)

Source D (BBC, Robotic surgery linked to 144 deaths in the US, ​ BBC Medical Technology)​

Source E (Len Calderone, Advancements of Robotics in Medicine, Robotics Tomorrow)

Medication Shortage Cost vs. Opioid addiction

Taylor Cunningham

EH102

Research Paper

10 September 2019

Medication Shortage: Cost vs. Opioid addiction

As of 2019, there are a total of 36,510,207 patients admitted into each of the big hospitals in the United States. With the recent medication shortages in the United States, hospitals are running out of the medicine needed and are having to turn to other solutions that are eventually costing them millions of dollars due to new things that are being tried. Trying new things are sometimes not a good idea because most likely it will lead to deaths and eventually liabilities that will soon be unaffordable for the hospital. As a result of too many people being admitted and some falling sick, there is medication shortage. Since medicine is not enough and patients have to relieve pain, man opt for opioid and they end up addicted. Between the high prices of medication and opioid addiction, the chances of becoming addicted is a daily trial.

First on medication shortage, too many people are admitted in hospitals and it gets hard for the pharmacy to provide enough drugs to the patients. Not only is that an issue, the fact that there are many people that have severe allergies are not able to get their medicine. There was a news report not too long ago that stated that, there was a major epi pen shortage and that several patients were not able to get there prescription every time they went to the pharmacy to pick it up. This is a serious issue because some cases are so server that it leaves them in a life-threatening state. Any of the epi pens that are available are now so costly and unaffordable it is nerve wrecking to know that the medicine that is needed is not available now. Lack of drugs is in turn expensive for the country since hospitals have to looks for alternatives which costs millions of money (Bowles 3). Also, due to scarcity, patients are charged a lot on drugs. The reason is that they up the price so high to the point that it is not covered by insurance and patients aren’t able to pay out of pocket for them as well. Which will eventually lead to the reason that the opioid crisis is up and out of control in the world today.

Lack of medication leaves doctors with no option rather than to prescribe painkillers with opioid being a key prescription in many hospitals. Drugs can be addictive when taken for too long. There was a time opioid was marked to be a hyper reactive drug and scientists suggested that it should not be given as prescriptions (Madras, 441). Opioids are found everywhere including local shops and some people sell them back street for those addicted but cannot obtain a doctor’s prescription. Since patients need to recover from pain and there are less drugs, they tend to write too many prescriptions for patients. It gets worse since some patients turn it to a business where they sell the opioids to addicted victims. Doctors as well make prescription a business since they prescribe and sell the drugs as well. Doctors are key causes of drug shortages and opioid addicted since prescription has become a business.

Medication shortage also comes with the burden of increased medical cost. Many insurance companies have realized that covering for drugs is costly than covering for patients examination and consultation fee. There are few insurance companies which cover for full cost unless one has a comprehensive medical cover which is way expensive for a middle class citizen. Many insurance companies only cover for half the total price. There was a complain that those paying in cash are always charged less compared to those with insurance cards thus these companies are modifying their terms and conditions. Some can a well say no and would only cover for inpatients. All these is as a result of scarcity of drugs and doctors giving too much prescriptions.

Not to forget, business can bloom more if there is plenty of medicine but then there is less thus they get affected too. Many sellers shy off to buy expensive medicine since they end up expiring in the chemists and pharmaceuticals. Who would want to buy expensive pain killers yet one can get opioids easily from the counter? Also, businesses fail because some medicines prescribed are not available since there is drug shortage in the country. It is boring for patients to walk miles just to get one drug. Research in 2017 found out that Shortage medications demonstrated a quarterly price growth of −0.5 % (95 % confidence interval [CI] −1.6, 0.6) in the period preceding a shortage, 4.3 % (95 % CI 3.6, 4.5) during a shortage, and 4.1 % (95 % CI 2.6, 5.5) in the post-shortage period (Alevizakos, Michail, et al. 1556) Medications not affected by a shortage had a quarterly price growth of 0.2 % (95 % CI −0.3, 0.6) (Alevizakos, Michail, et al. 1556). Many patients opt for opioids which can be obtained from corridors and backdoor in some shops. Since opioids are addictive then patients end up using them even after getting well. There are limited medications/ drugs yes there are variety of prescriptions. It is hard to get a drug with more than three required contents indicated by the doctor. Pharmacists end up giving cheap drugs where each one had less than two components. Remember not everyone can take the same medication there are some patients who have allergies. Patients are left with no option than to adjust to the medication shortage crisis.

Conclusively, as a result of medication, patients have to pay the price by using addictive drugs such as opioids. Meth is also addictive and can be made from cough syrup. There has never been an alternative of the cough syrup since funding such projects is expensive. Government should set aside funds for medical research to curb the issue of medication shortages before it becomes a crisis.

Work Cited

Alevizakos, Michail, et al. “The impact of shortages on medication prices: implications for shortage prevention.” Drugs 76.16 (2016): 1551-1558.

Bowles, Susan K. “Drug Shortages: More than Just Background Noise.” The Canadian journal of hospital pharmacy 72.1 (2019): 3.

Madras, Bertha K. “The surge of opioid use, addiction, and overdoses: responsibility and response of the US health care system.” Jama Psychiatry 74.5 (2017): 441-442.

Louisiana Purchase 1803

Louisiana Purchase 1803

Introduction

The history of the United States of America is laden with numerous occasions and events, some of which were negative while others were positive. Wars and revolutions, as well as movements have shaped the country into what it is today and given the nation fundamental pillars and lessons on how to tackle varied issues in the future. However, there exist quite a number of positive aspects or events in its history, events that affected the country and shaped its destiny for years to come. These mainly involved territorial expansion. Any country acknowledges that the territory is one of its most fundamental aspects. In fact, it is recognized as one of the fundamental pillars of its sovereignty, in which case it is always guarded, with any violations of the same by any other country brewing conflicts some of which may be violent. In essence, the varied instances of territorial expansion marked a crucial instance in its history with an incredible influence on the future of the United States (Burgan, 2002). One of the most crucial territorial expansions of the United States was the Louisiana Purchase of 1803.

The Louisiana Purchase (1803) refers to a land deal that was struck between France and the United States that allowed the United States to acquire about 827,000 miles square of a piece of land that was situated or lay west of the Mississippi River through the payment of 15 million dollars (Burgan, 2002). The United States president at that time, President Jefferson deemed the expansion necessary especially as pertining to the United States security. In the spread of the United States across the Appalachians, the United States acknowledged the increased importance of the Mississippi River as a conduit or channel for transporting produce from the West (Burgan, 2002). At that time, the west was a piece of land that lay between Mississippi and the Appalachians. The Spain had occupied the Louisiana territory for close to four decades (since 1762), including 828 square miles. This is the territory that today comprises or at least an enormous component of the separate states that lay between the Rocky Mountains and the Mississippi River.

However, there were constant conflicts between the United States. These conflicts were mainly revolving around the right to plot a route in the Mississippi. It is worth noting that, a resolution to the Americans’ entitlement towards transporting or transferring their goods and produce to ocean-going vessels situated in New Orleans had already been made in the Pinckney Treaty of 1795 (Burgan, 2002). The making of the Pinckney Treaty, coupled with the weak control of the Louisiana territory by the Spanish empire, gave American statesmen the idea that the United States efforts to expand westward would face no restriction in the long run.

However, Napoleon Bonaparte had intentions of reviving the French Empire. His long-term goal was to use Louisiana territory as his empire’s granary once he had recapture St. Domingue, an incredibly valuable sugar colony from slave rebellion. In essence, Louisiana changed hands from Spain to France in 1800, taking possession of the territory in 1802, a situation that was seen as a threat to the United States (Burgan, 2002). This is especially considering that the French sent enormous French armies to St. Domingue, intending to send even more armies to New Orleans. This bred apprehension in westerners who dreaded the prospects of relatively more powerful French controlling the New Orleans. In fact, this was bound to be a point of conflict as President Jefferson acknowledged that the possessor of New Orleans would automatically be a threat, habitual and natural enemy of the United States. In essence, President Jefferson started preparing for a military conflict between the United States and France in Mississippi Valley (Burgan, 2002). At the same time, he dispatched John Monroe to France where he would join Robert Livingston and float the offer of 10 million dollars for purchasing the West Florida and the New Orleans. It is worth noting that if such attempts were to fail, the United States meant to establish a military alliance with England.

Nevertheless, the prospects of war were averted after Napoleon shelved his plans for Louisiana. In fact, he offered the two the entire Louisiana territory for 15 million dollars. This had been necessitated by the fact that his army in St. Domingue was dying in large numbers from the yellow fever, not to mention the prospects of war between England and France. The two men agreed to the deal despite the fact that it far exceeded the orders that were given as pertaining to the price. This is how the United States came to purchase the Louisiana territory (Burgan, 2002).

Needless to say, the purchase of Louisiana in 1803 had consequences both in the long-term, as well as the short-term. One of the effects of the purchase was with regard to the implied powers and authority of the Federal government. It is worth noting that, as much as President Jefferson and the United States in its entity was elated by the prospects of owning the Louisiana territory, the constitution did not incorporate any provision that gave him the power to buy any territory (Levinson & Sparrow, 2005). However, the entire or a large percentage of the American public supported the purchase, acknowledging the immense value that Louisiana had for the growth of the United States in the future. In essence, President Jefferson, despite the gaps in the constitution, went ahead and made the purchase, choosing to do without the passage of a constitutional amendment that would have validated the purchase (Burgan, 2002). This, therefore, cemented the notion of implied powers of the federal government. The purchase exposed the silence of the United States constitution with regard to the country’s geographic expansion or growth (Levinson & Sparrow, 2005). It revealed a number of flaws and contradictions that are inherent in the political system of the United States. These included the existence of the United States territories as a collection of states, as well as the contradiction pertaining to the definitions of, as well as rights that accrued to citizens of states and those of the acquired territories in a democratic United States (Levinson & Sparrow, 2005).

In addition, the 1803 Louisiana Purchase cultivated increased growth and development of the United States and led to or resulted in the establishment of what John Marshall termed as the American Empire (Levinson & Sparrow, 2005). In fact, scholars note that the purchase of Louisiana paved the way for the position in which the United States is today with regard to its military, economic and political leviathan that incorporates both non-state and state areas in its domain (Levinson & Sparrow, 2005). They note that Louisiana Purchase was a prerequisite for the Missouri Compromise, its subsequent overruling in Dred Scott, the westward expansion of slaver, as well as the 1861 ultimate conflagration of the Missouri Compromise.

In addition, the Louisiana Purchase is credited with the multicultural and heterogeneous society that the United States has become today (Levinson & Sparrow, 2005). This is especially having in mind that an enormous number of people who inhabited Louisiana did not fall under the category of Native Americans, black slaves or even the white northern Europeans, which are the categories that are associated with the early America republic.

References

Burgan, M. (2002). The Louisiana Purchase. Minneapolis, Minn: Compass Point Books.

Levinson, S., & Sparrow, B. H. (2005). The Louisiana Purchase and American expansion, 1803-1898. Lanham, Md: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.

Black Americans and the healthcare system

Black Americans and the healthcare system

Student’s name

Instructor

Department of affiliation

Course

Date

Black Americans and the healthcare system

Different people and different cultures have different practices and ways of viewing the healthcare system and this helps us to understand why people when handled in a certain manner get anxious or nervous. It is in this same accord that this paper looks into the view and belief of different people about their own cultures as well as the other cultures. This paper, therefore, explains how black Americans view the health care system and why they view it in this manner. Therefore this paper explains from the view of one of the participants in an interview and who has been affected by racial segregation why the black American culture views the healthcare system the way they view it and what leads to this. It has always been my desire and will to know more and to interact more with these individuals and therefore through this work I was able to interact with one of the black Americans who were able to narrate to me what it means to be black in American society. Even though the interview and the conversation were majorly about the healthcare system there also seemed to be a very strong conviction and will to change the American societal belief system to value and see blacks as part of the whole story and not as outsiders (Dula, 1994).

The client whom I was interviewing being a black American had a lot of issues that were arising as his state of being black American and therefore he feared that at some point he will have to fear to stop going to hospitals and get into other methods of treatment which can serve him best. This is due to his description of the healthcare system as a corrupt one and one which is very discriminative towards the people of its own. He explained how it was difficult for him to get medical health care, especially from a white doctor or nurse. This is based on the fact that he said that black people are still considered not superior as whites are and therefore their place in the society is not as important as compared to that of the whites (Kennedy et.al. 2007).

It is from this that he views the healthcare system as one that is not efficient and inconsiderate in terms of its relationship with the black people and how it handles them. He described his category of people who are black Americans as forming a culture that is distinct from that of the whites as they are brought together by their segregation and therefore it is very easy for a black American to relate to another easily unlike how a black American can relate to a white American.

Some needs need to be taken care of and considered urgent and important when it comes to the health care system. This is with consideration and many efforts towards making the healthcare system-neutral especially for the blacks who feel left out. This is according to him as he stated that the black people also want to be treated with care, love, proper and clear communication among other factors which are very essential in the manner in which they are treated (Dula, 1994).

His perception of the way the people of his category which is the black Americans are treated in the US healthcare system was that they are never treated in an equal manner and respect as the whites and therefore this needed to be considered and changed (Feagin & Bennefield, 2014). The nurses, therefore, he suggested ought to remember that they are dealing with normal human beings whose value of life is equal to the whites and therefore they should treat each of these individuals with due respect.

References

Dula, A. (1994). African American suspicion of the healthcare system is justified: what do we do about it?. Cambridge Q. Healthcare Ethics, 3, 347.Feagin, J., & Bennefield, Z. (2014). Systemic racism and US health care. Social science & medicine, 103, 7-14.Kennedy, B. R., Mathis, C. C., & Woods, A. K. (2007). African Americans and their distrust of the health care system: healthcare for diverse populations. Journal of cultural diversity, 14(2).

A Response to 1990s Financial Struggles DSL Case Study

A Response to 1990s Financial Struggles: DSL Case Study

Name

Institutional Affiliation

Date:

Executive Summary

It is vital to initiate a management based approach as compared to a resource based approach since a coherent inspired team will motivate resources accurately. This approach is based on the knowledge that in the 21centruy organizations tend to benefit periodically from communication since most organizations have a complex hierarchy which tends not to be effective if communication is not applied decisively. This report is based on 1995 Domestic Services Ltd (DSL) corporate situation. The report will attempt to prove that DSL 1991 crash was not a resource driven but a deficiency in the nature of management affecting the entire organizational culture. The report will assess the organizational architecture structrually contributing to the current difficulties, and how to improve it. Secondly, the report will examine the impetus behind Beyond Budgeting approach as compared to the normal financial controller approach.

How DSL’s organisational architecture is contributing to its current difficulties

After going through DSL’s current organizational culture, one will notice that DSL organizational central audit has identified tainted organizational culture as a result of an unethical behaviour. Ferrell (2014, p. 208) approach this analysis in what the text refers as a sluggish human resource development. According to Ferrell, leadership has a significant impact on the ethical decision making process because leaders have the power to motivate others. In Barlett’s case, it is notable that regional managers (who happen to be most significant) are not properly motivated. Barlett on the other lacks significant form of leadership and this explains why he did not have substantial support regional managers. Dion (2012, pp. 20) Ferrel’s opinion in what he considers as internal difficulties due to a failing organizational culture. Dion further assess the challenges in organizational culture as those which fail to generate sufficient subsequent decision which are vital in mitigating organizational challenges.

According to specific generated from the interviews, it is good to note that Barlets is also failing to generate significant support from the organizational spheres of management. This can be seconded by Dion (2012, pp. 22) who establishes failing spheres of delegation in establishing prudent management framework. Some of the sad specifics are that the staff members refer to the top management as dictatorial. Also to this, staff members argue against prevailing organizational policies; for instance, the gaming process. Essentially, the gaming process is structurally engineered to ensure that staff members are ignited towards a collective formula of operations.

Technically, Berlets suffers from capital problems from top management trickling down to other spheres down to the staff. For instance, it is undebatable to expect that the regional manager is willing to take up a job in a rivalling company at a much lower cost. Seconding this is that that some staff members are willing to stretch out to cleaning jobs to increase their revenue. In an encapsulation, the organizational architecture is failing on its principality of roles and processes. As a result, poor organizational culture is not mounting up in quality decisions, rewards and performance evaluation.

Alternative organisational architecture

In a close analysis of the interview, it is notable that the deficiencies in organizational culture are technically responsible for the failing levels of leadership. In this regard, there is a derived necessity to establish a coherent organizational mechanism. Technically, a good organizational architecture is one that enable the art framework (aspect of the organization, for example, ethical) to illuminate on a predetermined scientific approach. In the design, organizational architecture should appreciate the finite role of members from the top to the bottom (Brickley, 2007). Therefore, organizational architecture is a highly productive in respect to the creative process. Martlew (2004, p. 26) seconded by Brickley (2007) suggest the application of analogous principles as those which adhere to soundness, cultural empathy, durability and the comfort for the inhabitants. The principle approach in this strategy is technically centered in applying several principles (purpose) and execution (delivery, innovation), and performance.

Essentially, these architectural principles are complex and their complexities explain their results. Peltonen (2012, pp. 70) joins in the list of suggestions in what he prefers as client driven approach. In a research conducted by Peltonen et al. (2012), it is a clear that the market demand is technically responsible for the creation of undoubtedly organizational results through the increased organizational demand. Chief of the problems experienced in Harlets is the redundancy. Redundancy in Harlets case can be explained by the declined levels of organizing and planning and capital failures in building teams and dividing up tasks.

According to Gitman and McDaniel (2008, p. 173) organizational structure must integrate separate product lines, organizational units and managerial approaches which seek to build hierarchies while eliminating capital redundancies. In other words, it is an inherent responsibility for the top managers to contain redundancy by improving the work-flow. Callahan (2011) suggests that a potential client’s organizational structure should endeavour to drill a little more deeply into the nature of human resources policies. In fact, the signs of good organizational culture should seek enable communication messages to ensure that employees understand the logic behind an organizational and this will facilitate the development of integrity, competency and ethical behaviour. For instance, employees prefer to pursue individual cleaning activities. In response to this, it could be effective if employees considered merging their operations to the mainstream operations of the firm (Langfield-Smith, 2012).

Although these decisions appear prudent and applicable, it is good to note that achieving organizational culture should begin from the top and technicalities illuminated to the junior spheres of the organization. Finkelstein (2011, pp. 26-28) argues in this relation that; that a shift to hierarchy culture produces a sense of apprehension. Practically, abandoning expensive cultures should be instrumental in ensuring that the efficiency and marketing are skilled to match closely with shifting culture. Gamage (2006, p. 26) argues that climate and e culture are largely learned through socialization process and through the symbolic interaction among members. Secondly, culture and climate are monolithic constructs that seek to appreciate multidimensional ones. Therefore, in apprehension, organizational climate is technically responsible for building culture and subcultures. Thirdly, culture and climate are responsible in identifying the environment affects of people in the organization.

Now based on this, it is good to note that organizational climate is Lewinian concept that emphasizes the impact of social context on the members of the organization. In Lewinian concept, it is knowledgeable that the situation and contextual factors are technically responsible in influencing an individual behaviour. In seeking solutions to the DSL problems, Lewinian approach will seek to apply equation of B= f (P, E) which assess that behaviour of regional managers and staff members can only be rectified by improving the environment at which they are in. To achieve this, it is impetus that DSL executive council develops policies and procedures that are indicative of a rectifying approach, and, in fact, in this sense, there is a derived need for abstraction and thus capture additional influences either covertly or overtly.

Beyond Budgeting

Libby (2010, pp. 57) seconds Abrahamsson’s (2010) definition of Beyond Budgeting. Ideally, the two holds the view that beyond budgeting is about rethinking how to manage the organization in a post industrial world where innovative management models are represent are the sustainable to initiate a lucid competitive strategy. Technically, BB is about transferring responsibility and power from the centre to the front line units, and inversely integrating employees first, and customer seconds and the hierarchy third.

For DSL, implementing changes requires the proper operation of (Beyond Budgeting Round Table) BBRT is an independent international research and the development of the learning collaborative. As we have just realized, DSL is just recovering from the recent 1990 competition. Consequently, managers met at a seaside resort to establishing a profit plan for the regions. Now, focusing on profits seems a decisive strategy; however, it should be noted that BBRT is only significant in team building (Langfield-Smith, 2012). Time and again, there is a necessity to ensure that the organization meets structural requirements of team building. Abrahamsson et al. (2010) quotes the Lean & Agile principles as commonalities in developing a BB approach. In fact, according to Andy et al. (2003, pp. 27) DSL can only realize its full potential if it is in a position to integrate the BB approaches in its core organization architecture plan.

As identified, there is a structural breakdown in the degrees of communication, which technically affects the beyond budgeting process. Dugdale (2010, p. xiv) suggests the adoption of N-form organization to replace M-form organization. N-form stands for Networked organization while M-form stands for multi dimensional organization. DSL in any case is a multi dimensional organization, each region or individuals are pursuing individual goals. This approach is not collective since it does not promote multiple linkages in the organization’s managers; therefore, M-form should be dropped to ensure that there is an introduction of quality communication in the organization top management. As a result, regional managers would be based on the relative performance measures versus competition and not on performance related to the budget but on communication (Interview with Lennart Francke, 2003).

Based on the BB strategy, it is coherent to assess the impacts that BB instigates on the budgeting form. Primarily, there are two central concerns courtesy of Budgetary Slack and Budget difficulty. Technically, internal organizational development in relation performance measures seeks to ensure that DSL stands a greater position to engage regional managers to facilitate production and this will impact on the average revenue of the firm. In this light, the BB approach will seek to engage communication, and inversely, there is a derived impetus of created by then networking in the precise N-form approach. Thus, the budgetary slacking process will naturally improve since the financial controller will stand a better position to communicate DSL agenda to the organization top facility.

A combined approach of these stratagems ensures that the organization is in a greater position to respond to greater challenges of management deficiencies. In this light, planning will be fostered to ensure that the organization is in a greater position to respond to strategic plans that will seek to create decisive answers to the overall organizational process (Andy, 2003). Technically, planning compels managers to think about the future. In this regard, DSL executive management will be in a greater position to deliberate on solutions for upcoming environmental changes and, therefore, minimize the negative impact of hasty decisions. In an encapsulation, the BB will enable the DSL to react proactively and reactively.

Conclusion

The year is 1995, and according to the recent DSL internal organization environmental shocks of 1991, there is derivative need to implement technical approaches suggested in this report. This report has been decisive in establishing a desired organizational architecture. The organization architecture suggested in the report is impetus in scheduling analogous principle technically centered on fostered on communication. Secondly, the report has considered the role of Beyond Budgeting process as this ensures that the organization is in a greater position to respond to structural financing problems which are entirely management driven and resource driven.

References

Abrahamsson, P., & Oza, N. (2010). Lean enterprise software and systems: First international

conference, LESS 2010, Helsinki, Finland, October 17-20, 2010 : proceedings. Berlin: Springer.

Andy, N., Bourne, M., & Adams, C., (2003). Better budgeting or beyond budgeting?

Measuring Business Excellence, 7 (3), 22-28.

An Australian Perspective 6e. McGraw Hill, Chapter 9. (Chapter 5 in the AYB321 compositetext

Brickley, C. Smith and J. Zimmerman (2007). Managerial Economics and Organizational

Architecture, fifth edition, Irwin, McGraw-Hill, Chapter 11. (Chapter 4 in the AYB321

composite text.

Callahan, K. R., Stetz, G. S., & Brooks, L. M. (2011). Project management accounting:

Budgeting, tracking, and reporting costs and profitability. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley.

Dion, M. (2012). Are ethical theories relevant for ethical leadership?. Leadership & Organization

Development Journal, 33(1), 4-24.

Dugdale, D., & Lyne, S. (2010). Budgeting practice and organisational structure. Oxford:

CIMA Pub.

Finkelstein, M. A. (2011). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and organizational citizenship

behavior: A functional approach to organizational citizenship behavior. Journal of

Psychological Issues in Organizational Culture, 2(1), 19-34.

Ferrell, O.C., & Fraedrich, F.J. (2014). Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making & Cases: New

York: Cengage.

Gamage, D. T. (2006). Professional development for leaders and managers of self-governing

schools. Dordrecht: Springer.

Gitman, L. J., & McDaniel, C. D. (2009). The future of business: The essentials. Mason, OH:

South-Western Cengage Learning.

Interview with Lennart Francke: Managing without budgets at Svenska Handelsbanken The New

Economy Analyst Report – Febr 24, 2003.

Kim Langfield-Smith, Helen Thorne and Ronald W. Hilton (2012). Management Accounting:

Libby, T., & Lindsay, R. M. (2010). Beyond Budgeting Or Budgeting Reconsidered? A Survey

Of North-American Budgeting Practice. Management Accounting Research, 21(1), 56-75.

Martlew, C. (2004). Leadership recharged!: Business leadership & organizational architecture.

Leicester: Troubador. gage Learning.

Peltonen, T. (2012). Exploring organizational architecture and space: a case for heterodox

research. International Journal of Organizational Analysis, 20(1), 68-81.