Compromise of 1850

The Compromise of 1850 was a series of acts passed in 1850, by which the United States Congress hoped to settle the strife between the opponents of slavery in the North and slave owners in the South. There is much speculation about how our country would be without this Compromise. The Compromise is a major stepping stone in United States history because of its many forces and provisions. California's admission to the Union would tip the balance in favor of free states—sixteen free states to fifteen slave states. A balance had been achieved with the Missouri Compromise of 1820, which tried to settle the growing slavery issue at that time by admitting Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state. The proposed admission of California in 1850 was further complicated by unresolved slavery questions in the vast southwestern territory that had been ceded to the United States after the war with Mexico ended in 1848 with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. As he had done with the Missouri Compromise thirty years earlier, U. S. Senator Henry Clay of Kentucky attempted to find a solution in 1850. This time the stakes were higher—the real possibility that the Union would break apart. Now seventy-one years old and in ill health, Clay gave his last great speech to the Senate on February 5–6, 1850, outlining the many features of the compromise, which once again tried to give satisfaction to both sides, and staking his reputation upon its passage. It was Senator Stephen Douglas of Illinois, though, who successfully crafted the measures. The Compromise of 1850 called for the admission of California as a free state as well as the organization of the ceded southwestern land into the territories of New Mexico and Utah, without mention of slavery. It stated that, when the territories became states, voting citizens living in those territories could then decide on their slavery status, a solution known as popular sovereignty. The compromise also settled the boundary dispute between Texas and New Mexico and called for prohibition of slavery in the District of Columbia. But by far the most contentious part of the Compromise of 1850 was the Fugitive Slave Act. It was the second of such acts, the first having been passed in 1793. Southern states demanded it largely in response to the growing number of fugitive slaves who were escaping to freedom in the North or into Canada. The act not only called for the return of runaway slaves, as the previous law had done, but prohibited the fugitives a trial by jury or even to testify in their own behalf. In addition, marshals in the North who did not enforce the law were given heavy penalties, as were those who helped slaves to escape. The act was so severe and the outrage against it in the North so intense that it led to heavy abuses and therefore defeated its own purpose. Some Northern states passed personal liberty laws to defy the Fugitive Slave Act. The number of escapees increased, as did the number of abolitionists who took up the cause against slavery. Putting the law into effect only led to more animosity between North and South, and when South Carolina justified its secession from the Union in December 1860, it listed the personal liberty laws as one of its grievances. The Fugitive Slave Act was not repealed until June 28, 1864, well into the Civil War. The Compromise of 1850 accomplished what it set out to do — it kept the nation united — but the solution was only temporary. Over the following decade the country's citizens became further divided over the issue of slavery. The rift would continue to grow until the nation itself divided. Compromise of 1850 The Compromise of 1850 was a series of acts passed in 1850, by which the United States Congress hoped to settle the strife between the opponents of slavery in the North and slave owners in the South. There is much speculation about how our country would be without this Compromise. The Compromise is a major stepping stone in United States history because of its many forces and provisions. California's admission to the Union would tip the balance in favor of free states—sixteen free states to fifteen slave states. A balance had been achieved with the Missouri Compromise of 1820, which tried to settle the growing slavery issue at that time by admitting Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state. The proposed admission of California in 1850 was further complicated by unresolved slavery questions in the vast southwestern territory that had been ceded to the United States after the war with Mexico ended in 1848 with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. As he had done with the Missouri Compromise thirty years earlier, U. S. Senator Henry Clay of Kentucky attempted to find a solution in 1850. This time the stakes were higher—the real possibility that the Union would break apart. Now seventy-one years old and in ill health, Clay gave his last great speech to the Senate on February 5–6, 1850, outlining the many features of the compromise, which once again tried to give satisfaction to both sides, and staking his reputation upon its passage. It was Senator Stephen Douglas of Illinois, though, who successfully crafted the measures. The Compromise of 1850 called for the admission of California as a free state as well as the organization of the ceded southwestern land into the territories of New Mexico and Utah, without mention of slavery. It stated that, when the territories became states, voting citizens living in those territories could then decide on their slavery status, a solution known as popular sovereignty. The compromise also settled the boundary dispute between Texas and New Mexico and called for prohibition of slavery in the District of Columbia. But by far the most contentious part of the Compromise of 1850 was the Fugitive Slave Act. It was the second of such acts, the first having been passed in 1793. Southern states demanded it largely in response to the growing number of fugitive slaves who were escaping to freedom in the North or into Canada. The act not only called for the return of runaway slaves, as the previous law had done, but prohibited the fugitives a trial by jury or even to testify in their own behalf. In addition, marshals in the North who did not enforce the law were given heavy penalties, as were those who helped slaves to escape. The act was so severe and the outrage against it in the North so intense that it led to heavy abuses and therefore defeated its own purpose. Some Northern states passed personal liberty laws to defy the Fugitive Slave Act. The number of escapees increased, as did the number of abolitionists who took up the cause against slavery. Putting the law into effect only led to more animosity between North and South, and when South Carolina justified its secession from the Union in December 1860, it listed the personal liberty laws as one of its grievances. The Fugitive Slave Act was not repealed until June 28, 1864, well into the Civil War. The Compromise of 1850 accomplished what it set out to do — it kept the nation united — but the solution was only temporary. Over the following decade the country's citizens became further divided over the issue of slavery. The rift would continue to grow until the nation itself divided.

Work to Be Done.

Introduction: The poem ‘Dad’ explores the author, Elaine Feinstein’s life and the feelings surrounding the passing of her father. The poem was written a year and a half after her father’s death as she tried to come to terms with her feelings of grief and sadness towards losing a loved one. Elaine Feinstein reflects on the images she has of her father. The themes that evolve throughout the poem ‘Dad’ are those of grief for the father she has lost, love and great sorrow. â€Å"Every day I grieve†, demonstrates the degree of loss the author feels towards her father’s death.Fond memories of her father caring sacks of potatoes, fresh eggs and flowers show the great love she feels towards her father. She feels sorrow for all the childhood memories that she has lost. At the start of the poem the tone is one of fondness as the author describes the characteristics of her father such as his hat and his soft heavy hand. This gives the reader an idea that it was when she was a child and that her dad was that to protect and comfort her. In stanza two the tone and mood is one of great grief and sadness as the author remembers how her father became ill. you beached: cold, white-faced, shivering† Gives the impression that the man or her father was in hospital with some illness about to pass away. In stanza three the tone turns to one of disbelief as the author questions how her father became ill. Her loyal warrior became ill and attached to a hospital monitor. This enforce that the author never believed that becoming ill and end up in hospital was an option for him. In the last stanza the mood and tone becomes one of great sorrow and loss towards the childhood memories that she had of her father.Throughout this poem there are several different types of poetic devices used to enhance the images of this man’s past life. These include: personification, metaphors, similes and imagery. In the first stanza the only p oetic device was personification. This was evident in the very first sentence, â€Å"Your old hat hurts me†¦Ã¢â‚¬  For this sentence the hat is suggested to be hurting someone giving it a human characteristic meaning that the sentence contains personification. It portrays the image of a little child wearing a hat that falls over his eyes.The purpose of the imagery is to show where the poem starts off; when the author was a child describing what his earliest memories were like. In the second stanza the most significant poetic device was a metaphor. This could be found at the end of the stanza, â€Å"you beached: cold, white-faced, shivering. † This metaphor is comparing the man or dad to a beached whale suggesting he is sick or reached a difficult obstacle. The image put forward is of the father lying in a hospital bed with some illness.The author has gradually worked to this image, each sentence is about the author’s memories this is a recent memory, unlike the others which were from when the author was younger. In the third stanza an important sentence for imagery is, â€Å"What happened, old bull, my loyal hoarse-voiced warrior? † The image captured in this sentence is of someone questioning how this could have happened to such a determined and wilful man. This suggests that the now old man had such an effect on the narrator/author that they thought the old man could never be stopped but they were proved wrong.This adds to the mood of the poem as well. In the final stanza the most obvious poetic device was a simile. In the sentence, â€Å"the earth as chosen as a bed†¦Ã¢â‚¬  is where the simile is. It is comparing the earth of a grave-pit to a bed or final resting place suggesting that someone may have passed away. The image received is of a funeral where they are at the point of lowering the coffin into the grave where he shall rest for eternity. It means that the once strong and determined ‘dad’ has given in. Conclusion:

Associate Degree in Nursing Essay

Healthcare systems and the way safe, quality health care is delivered are continually changing to better serve patients and communities. Professional nursing practice is a large component in the healthcare system today. Back in the 1960s, professional nursing leaders tried to adopt the bachelor degree programs as the only educational track to become a registered nurse (Creasia & Friberg, 2011). Due to nursing shortages and demands this motive did not hold fast. Individuals entering the nursing profession today must first decide which educational pathway to take to become a Registered Nurse (RN). Although there are studies that suggest nurses with a higher level of education have better overall outcomes, there still exist different educational pathways one can take to become a registered nurse. The two most popular educational programs today are the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Both programs prepare students to sit for the state’s NCLEX exam and obtain a registered nurse license. Each educational pathway poses different advantages and disadvantages. The associate level degree can be obtained in two to three years and offered through community colleges and technical schools. Because the length of the program is shorter than the BSN program, this can be viewed as an advantage, saving both time and money. ADN nurses are typically educated to be direct care providers, usually employed by hospitals and long term care facilities. The course of study includes general education and clinical nursing classes (Creasia & Friberg, 2011). Technical skills are emphasized in the ADN programs, leaving little time for critical thinking skills. According to the American Association of College of Nursing (AACN), ADN nurses are better suited to work at the bedside in less complicated plans of care (Baccalaureate Degree, 2000). The associate degree nurse does possess good technical skills. The bachelor level degree can be obtained in four years by attending a college or university. Obviously, the BSN program will take more time and money over the ADN program. Although most colleges and universities offer traditional four year nursing programs, some offer accelerated programs. It will usually cost the same, however you are able to enter the nursing profession sooner. Unlike the ADN program, â€Å"the BSN nurse is better prepared to practice in all health care settings – critical care, outpatient, public health, and mental health† (Baccalaureate Degree, 2000, para. 8). In addition to the content taught in ADN programs, the humanistic BSN education encompasses more of the physical and social sciences (Impact of Education, 2011). The BSN nurse is better prepared to work more independently, therefore is well qualified to practice in healthcare systems outside of the hospital. Bachelor programs â€Å"prepare professional nurse generalists for acute care settings, community-based practice, and beginning leadership /management positions† (Creasia & Friberg, 2011, p. 32). This course of study is crucial to the delivery of good, safe, quality patient care. There have been several research studies completed to see if there is a correlation between higher RN education level and better patient outcomes. Several studies concluded there is decrease in mortality rates within hospitals that employee a greater percentage of bachelor prepared nurses (Creating a More, 2011). There are several patient care situations within hospitals in which a BSN nurse would be better qualified to create and manage a patient’s plan of care. Suppose a 28 year old American Indian female was admitted for preterm labor at 32 works gestation with a history of non-compliant diabetes since age 15. Both the ADN and BSN nurse could clinically perform a thorough assessment of the patient, monitor fetal condition and uterine activity, and administer medications. This patient needs more than just acute clinical care; she needs education and resources on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle for her and for the child she will soon be raising. A BSN practitioner has extensive training in cultural, social, and economic areas and would be a much better provider of care than the ADN nurse. Both ADN and BSN nurses will usually start at the same salary in the hospital or long term care facility, the ADN nurse will be limited to career advancements and opportunities. Charge nurse positions may be available in some organizations; however any position of higher level will almost always require an advanced education. Years of experience will sometimes be of relevance for a higher level position, but ultimately, these positions go to individuals who hold a bachelors and/or masters degree. As healthcare settings and delivery of care change, more nursing positions require the Bachelors of Science degree to be hired (Baccalaureate Degree, 2000). Overall, studies and research have proven the BSN nurse to be better prepared professionally for the ever changing healthcare systems of our world today and tomorrow. There have been great strides by nursing leaders and organizations around the nation to increase the number of bachelor degree nurses from 50% to 80% by the year 2020 (Employment of New Nurse, 2011). Even though deciding which educational pathway to take now is still up to the individual, research points to the BSN program. Choosing the BSN educational pathway over the ADN not only provides a broader spectrum of education to better serve patients and communities, but also opens many doors of opportunity for growth and advancement.

Freud’s Psychosexual Stages Essay

The theory of psychosexual development describes how personality develops throughout our childhood and our experiences during childhood. This theory was developed by Freud, and is well known to the world of psychology. Even though it is well known it is also considered one of the most controversial theories. Freud developed this theory in which there are five different stages. Stage one is considered the oral stage. This stage starts at the birth of the child and ends when the child turns one. During this stage the infant gets the majority of their interactions through their mouth. The rooting and sucking reflexes are very important during this stage because their mouths are vital for eating. Most if not all infants derive pleasure from oral stimulation through gratifying activities such as tasting and sucking. During this stage the child develops a sense of trust and comfort because the caretaker/parents are responsible for feedings. The primary conflict during this stage is trying to wean the child off because the child has to become less dependent of the caretaker/parent. Stage two is the anal stage. This stage begins when the child turns one and ends once the child is three years old. Freud believes that during this stage the primary focus of the libido is to learn to control bladder and bowel movements. The major conflict of this stage is toilet training because he child must learn to control his/her bodily needs. Once the child has developed such control they get a sense of accomplishment and independence. But, success at this stage is dependent upon the parents approach to potty training and this stage is more successful when praises and rewards are given. Stage three s the phallic stage and the erogenous zone is the genital. This stage begins once the child turns three and ends once the child turns six years old. During the phallic stage the libidos primary focus is the genitals. It’s at this age that children begin to discover the difference between males and females. Freud believes that boys, in this stage, begin to  view their father as a rival for their mother’s affection. The Oedipus complex describes the feelings that Freud says the boys go through during this stage. These boys also fear they will be punished by their fathers so Freud termed this fear castration anxiety. Stage four is considered the laten period. This stage occurs from the age six to puberty. During this stage the interest of the libido are suppressed. The development of the child’s ego and superego contribute to this period of calm. This stage begins just around the time that children are starting school and are becoming more concerned with peer relationships, hobbies, and other interests. This stage is very important to the development of social, communication skills, and self confidence. Stage five of the psychosexual development theory is the genital stage. The erogenous zone of this stage is maturing sexual interest. This is the final stage of psychosexual s=development, and during this stage the individual develops a strong sexual interest in the opposite sex. This stage will only end once someone dies. During this stage the interest and welfare of others grows. The goal of this stage is to establish a balance between various areas of life. After studying this theory, I now see why it is one of the most controversial theories. This theory places much of its focus on males an very rarely mentions the development of females. Freud’s theories can also be very difficult to test; for example, concepts that Freud uses such as the libido cannot be tested and are impossible to measure. New research being done often discredits Freud’s work. Freud’s predictions are also very vague, and is based upon case studies about adult patients and their recollections of their childhood not actual observation and study of children.

Selecting a suitable computer system

Task: Find three computer systems which are currently for sale and evaluate their specifications and select the one which you think is most suitable for Ben and Jerry. Write a detailed report to the family identifying the computers you have selected and explaining which computer that you consider to be the most suitable, justifying your choice. (Distinction Criteria) Dear Andrew, I received your letter regarding a new computer for your children and I looked up several computers matching the criteria you provided. I trimmed the list to just three computers and I gave you my honest thoughts about them including a critical, technical analysis of each computer. I hope you find my advice helpful. The first computer I wanted you to look at was the Apple Mac Pro which at à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½5691 is a high end, top of the line PC that is very expensive but very powerful nonetheless. The Mac Pro has a powerful quad core processor with two dual core processors capable of 16 GB of SDRAM. To have 16 GBs is unheard of in the computing world so Ben should find that whatever demanding application he uses, the computer still handles smoothly. At 2 TB it has a huge hard disk space that dwarfs other mainstream hard drive sizes. Having this amount of space would allow Ben to store as many games as he wants without worrying about the size of it. The graphics card is the impressive 512MB nVidia Quadro FX 4500 that has a 128 bit memory interface when most these days only have 64 bit. This graphics card however seems more appropriate for casual gamer, and those who are not in the market for the latest graphics card. I'm unsure that Ben is just a casual gamer or if he's a games enthusiast who is very interested in his gaming. Nonetheless, this graphics card is not only supportive of the latest graphics but it also possesses enough processing power to generate smooth gaming with out any noticeable lagging. The Mac Pro comes with one of the best professional video editing software programmes that's used by many Hollywood movie editors. Final Cut Pro is one of the leading video editing applications with thousands of effects and although, it looks complicated to begin with, eventually it does become much easier to use. Its image editing package is impressive as well with Adobe Fireworks, Illustrator and Photoshop available for Jerry to play around with. Illustrator is a vector based image editor and Photoshop is simply the best application for the editing of digital images.Windows 7 Check Your Understanding One mustn't discount the Photobooth feature which uses its webcam to take pictures and videos. It has a range of standard effects such as sepia tone, black and white, thermal camera, X ray, comic, mirror etc. There are range of backdrops like clouds, colour dots and rollercoaster available. This would please Jerry since he preferred a PC with a webcam to record. The price includes an Apple DVI to Video adaptor to connect the PC to your Television in order to view the movies you downloaded. An excellent aspect of this PC is the operating system it uses. The Mac OS snow leopard is a far more efficient OS when compared to Windows due to the fact that it's not susceptible to viruses and its stunning user interface. Every button has a glassy feel and all applications are organised very well. The finder application searches through the hard drive at incredible speeds to look for a document or another application. It has a futuristic feel that Windows Vista and 7 have recently tried to emulate, however, the original is always the best. It was largely well received by many critics and was referred to as the most advanced OS in the world. Apple Macs are reputed to have excellent screen quality and its 23 inch screen is suitable for gaming and having such a wide screen would allow Jerry to have a spacious desktop and to work freely when editing his images or videos. The next computer that maybe worth a look in is the Dell XPS 430 Desktop which at à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½670 is very much cheaper than the Apple Mac Pro; in truth this is a very competitive price for a powerful machine such as this. In addition to this, Dell is market leader manufacturing high quality PCs with a glowing worldwide reputation. Most of the features match up to your criteria. For example, you said that Jerry has an interest in photo editing. The XPS 430 has the latest Adobe Elements package including Photoshop which is tailored for a person like Jerry. Adobe Photoshop is industry standard editing software that has a plethora of editing effects and capabilities and I assure you that it's perfect for an image editing enthusiast like Jerry. Granted Adobe Premiere elements is a scaled down version of the industry standard Adobe Premier Pro, however, it's still the best selling consumer video editing software because it has a range of advantages over its competitors. Features like real time rendering would help Jerry to immediately preview his edits to the timeline. This machine also has a deck-top docking area to conveniently dock, charge and cable route for portable devices – such as digital camera, in the case of Jerry. This undoubtedly makes things much easier where all Jerry would have to do is to doc k the camera and then edit straight from there! In addition to this, the XPS is a self-titled gaming computer which is perfect for Ben. By using ATI2 and NVIDIA2 graphic solutions, the XPS 430 is capable of delivering high end multimedia features including next generation graphics and HD quality video. Most impressive of all, the machine's processor is a top of the line Intel Quad Core 2 processor that was specifically built to handle the most demanding games. High detailed games are rendered by four hardware threads, which in turn distribute the AI and physics evenly. This powerful processor is tailor made for Ben who thrives on the latest games. Nowadays, many games take up several GB's of space meaning smaller hard drives would struggle. The XPS 430 has 2 TB's (that's a 2000 GB) of hard drive space which is more than three times the size of a hard drive on normal computer. Plus, there are plenty of USB ports (5 internal, 7 external to be precise) in case Ben wants to plug in a games controller or joystick. The speaker that come s with the package is the Bose Companion 3 Series II which is a multimedia speaker system that is unlike any other conventional speaker in the sense that it delivers crisp sound and stunning ambience that creates a life like atmosphere, be it playing games or watching a HD movie. Also, since the computer has a Blu-Ray disk drive, it has the ability to play games or watch films in true high definition. I'm also impressed with the Dell Ultrasharp widescreen display that completes the High definition capability of the PC. Since the monitor's widescreen, you get the sense that it's almost a widescreen television not a PC monitor. Its operating system Windows Vista is reputed to be a media centric OS so Jerry and Ben would enjoy using its 3D user interface which has an Apple Mac feel. The XPS 430's RAM is well above average too with 8GB. Most computers have 2, maybe 3 GB because that's an acceptable amount. RAM is a good indicator of how good a computer is because it shows how many programmes a machine can run without having to slow down. So the more RAM on store, the more programmes you can run without worrying about it slowing things down. Finally, we mustn't ignore the digital video capture capability in this PC. It has a built in 2.0 mega pixel camera which is capable of taking pictures, record videos and it's perfect when added with VOIP(Voice over Internet Protocol) software such as Skype. The XPS 430 also has 1 VGA and HDMI output to connect the PC to your TV, allowing you to watch downloaded films on your TV; This PC certainly ticks all your boxes. The last PC I picked out was the HP Pavilion Elite which is nearly twice as expensive as the Dell at à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½1279. The feature you immediately notice is the processor which is twice as capable as the Intel Quad Core 2 processor that was in the Dell XPS 430. The Intel Core i7-860 Processor is a processor that was specifically designed for multi-tasking purposes. That's why unlike the Intel Quad Core 2 it has 8 threads to share the workload. One of its features, Intel Smart Cache, was optimized to deliver a higher quality gaming performance with an improved capable cache system. In addition to this, other features like HD Boost and Turbo Boost technology handle the most demanding programmes maximising the performance leading to an overall improvement of a plethora of multimedia and computer intensive programmes. Its clock speed of 2.8 GHz is also marginally better than the Quad Core 2 Processor (2.66 GHz) – the clock speed measures how fast a PC can complete basic calculations and operations. This processor would be incredibly useful for both your children as it's perfect for high detail HD gaming and image editing which would need multiple applications to be open. The OS system Microsoft 7 Home premium is the latest OS from windows and has a range of multimedia applications that would satisfy both Ben and Jerry. The latest Windows media centre can act as a hub for all your children's multimedia needs. Here they can watch videos, photos and even play games! Applications that are included with the OS under Microsoft like Movie Maker, DVD Maker and photo gallery are standard multimedia programmes that are still competent in helping the user to maximise their multimedia experience. The graphics card would no doubt excite Ben who I understand is a games enthusiast. The NVIDIA GeForce GT 230 is a graphics card with Purevideo HD technology which like the graphics card in the XPS 430 allows the user to immerse themselves in true high definition gaming. Another added benefit to gaming, is the â€Å"7.1 HD audio support† that would undoubtedly create a unique gaming atmosphere. The disk drive size of 1.5 TB is enormous even though it's not as much the XPS 430 (2 TB in size) and it would mean that both your children can store plenty of games, videos and images without worrying about how big they are. It has an equal RAM capability to the XPS 430 at 8 GB, allowing the computer to run many programmes at the same time without worrying about it slowing things down. This is ideal for Jerry in particular who would be using multiple, highly demanding applications to edit his videos and images. This particular PC comes with a HP games console that has hours of free gameplay that would certainly entertain Ben. The fact that it has 10 external USB ports is useful if he were to plug in his joystick or games controller. This PC may however disappoint Jerry due to the fact that it doesn't have an image editing software included. However, it does have one of the world's best video editing software in Cyberlink DVDSuite. This application is not as competent as Adobe Premiere Elements but I still feel that it's an excellent video editing software that is suited for an amateur video editing enthusiast. This machine also doesn't have a webcam which is a downside but it does have a VGA and a HDMI port to plug the PC on to your television. In conclusion, the HP pavilion would not be recommended by me due to the absence of an image editing software. I feel for à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½1279 it doesn't suit the criteria and so would be a waste of money. It doesn't have a webcam either further deteriorating its credibility. However, this PC is very suited for Ben because of the quality of the graphics card, the audio support and the free HP games console that's included and not to forget the brilliant PC monitor. On the other extreme, the Apple Mac Pro is nearly à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½6000 and for that money you're getting the best OS in the world, superb image editing software and a world class video editing application in Final Cut pro. Its Imagebooth applications boast the ability to take pictures and videos and have a range of effects. This makes it perfect for Jerry who loves editing videos and images. However, I don't believe it's suitable for Ben as the graphics card is a just a mainstream graphics card that may struggle with certain demanding games. The fact that it doesn't have a blu-ray disc drive is a negative as well as it would be unable to play HD games. For the amount of money, you'd expect this PC to be perfect but it's far from it. That leaves me with the Dell XPS 430 which I reckon is the most suitable PC as it satisfies the needs of both Jerry and Ben equally well. Its graphics card is incredibly powerful and the RAM it possesses is enough to handle the most highly detailed games. It even has a blu-ray disc drive to play HD games and its quad core 2 processor is one of the best for gaming. Ben is sure to be impressed with these specifications. Jerry on the other hand will be excited to have Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Premiere which are excellent programmes for image and video editing. The XPS 430 even has deck-top docking area to conveniently dock portable devices like a digital camera. This would without doubt be convenient for Jerry as he can simply plug in his camera and get editing without wasting much time. It has a VGA and HDMI output to connect to the television and watch movies and its sound system gives an incredible atmosphere. Whether it's watching videos or playing games this sound system would simply maximise the viewing experience. One mustn't forget that it also has a 2.0 mega pixel camera that records and takes pictures and is suitable for applications like Skype. The icing on the cake without doubt has to be the fact that it's the cheapest PC from the ones I've listed at à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½670 and that's why I recommend that you purchase the Dell XPS 430.

White Paper on Pros and Cons of Positioning and Expanding the Essay

White Paper on Pros and Cons of Positioning and Expanding the Company's Strategy and Operational Direction in the Global Markets - Essay Example Creating brand equity is the initial step for a company to develop acceptability from foreign markets. Brand positioning should also be done strategically to determine the target market for the products and services offered by the company. Finally, this paper provides different approaches and strategies that can serve as a reference for the planning of a company’s mode of entry. White Paper on Pros and Cons of Positioning and Expanding the Company's Strategy and Operational Direction in the Global Markets Introduction Most multinational companies have been operating in the global market for decades, with combined sales that accounts for a quarter of the entire global economy. According to Kotler, Keller and Burton (2009), Altria and its subsidiary Philip Morris operates to over 160 countries with a total size comparable to the economy of New Zealand, the company’s exports in 2006 took part in the GDP Growth of the US comprising a quarter of the entire market.... A company gets its initial exposure to the international business when they start to establish foreign trade to partner countries for purchasing or selling raw materials, goods, or services. The transactions are relatively simple in cases where the flow of cash is only in one direction, for instance, an importer paying a foreign supplier. For this case, the primary need is foreign exchange services and finance services without the need of having a bank account in the country where the trade partner is located. However, as the company expands its international business, the need to establish an operation in a foreign country becomes inevitable. This property acquisition may range from having a simple sales office to a highly complex operation such as putting up a manufacturing facility. In this line, where international operations handle making and receiving payments in a foreign currency, an effective international treasury management is important (Deroo, 2011). The drawback of such operations is that offshore trade activities are not visible to corporate treasury making it difficult to determine the company’s cash position, control over foreign exchange exposures, and manage its working capital globally. There is also a deficiency for safety and security associated with preventing fraudulent activities as well as the occurrence of some unwanted degree of bank risks (Deroo, 2011). In order to increase the chances of thriving in the global market several steps should be undergone by the company. A strategic brand management process is important for a good quality product or service. Its most important goal is to develop an intense customer loyalty. The process has four main steps, namely; identifying and

Immigration Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Immigration - Coursework Example As per statistics this can be said that in the year 2009, almost 200 million people changed their resident country throughout the world. This number is almost 3 % of overall population in the world. Economic migrant refers to those persons who are moving from one region to another region for the purpose of seeking employment opportunities or for improving their financial condition. So this can be said that economic migrant are distinct in nature from the refugees. Many countries have restriction in the field of immigration and providing visa to the people. This will help to prohibit a person from entering into the other country. It is also helpful to protect the country and its economy from those persons who want to work without proper and valid work visa. China is an example of such kind of countries which completely stopped to grant citizenship for foreign migrants. Again violation of immigration law may be harmful for the people and government of that country can refuse their entry and force them to leave the country as soon as possible. Another term is used in the field of immigration which is called legal immigrant. The person enters in the new country for the purpose of b eing a permanent resident after getting clearance from the respective end. In this case the person is called as legal immigrant (Kleyn, 2-8). Immigration can be defined as a powerful instrument for economic revitalization. If population of a country increases, then number of working labour force participants also will get increased. This will help to enhance the economic condition of that country. Again more number of workers will help to generate more consumers spending in the economy. Businesses will flourish in this stage and entrepreneurs will get more scope to expand their business activities. When industry attains the growth position then automatically

Human Beings are Causing Global Warming Research Paper

Human Beings are Causing Global Warming - Research Paper Example According to the research findings, it can, therefore, be said that the majority of researchers have concluded that the earth is undergoing major climatic changes. Further, they also agree that carbon dioxide levels are increasing gradually. It is an evident form of satellite images that ice caps are melting quickly, the sea levels are rising in addition to severe weather conditions such as extreme temperatures, floods, drought, etc. This has led to increased water shortages, frequent hurricanes, cyclones, and typhoons. It is without a doubt that deserts will expand and the world will eventually experience food shortages and this is why human activities have to be regulated. Few scientists claim that the earth is going on well but for the case of dealing with global warming, we should advocate for the implementation of the precautionary principle which states that â€Å"†¦if any potential consequences of any action are irreversible or severe, in the absence of full scientific c ertainty the burden of proof is blamed on those who advocate taking the action†¦Ã¢â‚¬ . The earth has undergone various climatic cycles during its history. The scary part is that human beings are causing unbelievable climatic changes at an abnormal rate. The combustion of fossil fuels produces greenhouse gases at a high life-threatening rate thus resulting in global warming. Global Warming, Climate Change, Greenhouse Effect†¦. All are happening just now and this is as a consequence of human activities. After sunrays reach the earth some heat is absorbed by earth while the rest is refracted back to the atmosphere at the longer wavelength. These wavelengths are absorbed by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere before they disappear into space. The absorption of these wavelengths increases the atmosphere temperature.

Steps to make ethical practice in the workplace a reality Essay

Steps to make ethical practice in the workplace a reality - Essay Example Since majority of the people in the world goes to work, it is important that one possesses good ethics in the work place. Good ethics is an essential attribute that an individual must possess in order to lessen conflicts in that might arise in the work place. Steps to Make Ethical Practice in the Work Place a Reality Work ethics main concern is how everyone gets along which each other, Weinstein (2009) explains that it encompasses the right attitudes, proper behavior, respect, open communication and appropriate interaction on how people show who and what kind of person they are. Christian values may be incorporated in the formulation of rules and guidelines for employees and following the words of God will actually guide one into having the ideal work attitude and may lead to further career growth. A company could consider incorporating the four basic values which are trust, responsibility, respect and care, as the primary step to achieve good work ethics. Kidd claims that †¦ â €˜it is about healing, empowerment, liberation and transcendence.’ Trust or faith connotes how trustworthy a person is. Imagine the employees of an accounting firm do not have trust in each other that firm is doomed to fail. Trust as defined by Spirit Home ‘indicates a depth and a sense of assurance that is based on strong but not logically-conclusive evidence,  and/or  based on the character, ability, or truth shown by someone or something over time or across situations.’ Once the employees begin to trust each other and the company, a sense of safeness can be integrated. And the breach of trust would result in multiple damages. Spirit Home insinuates that when trust starts to break, people become afraid. Proper communication within all the levels of the organization combined with doing the reciprocal, showing that one also trusts the other will ensure that this value remains intact in the work place. MDE (2004) states that ‘Getting things accomplish ed is more effective when people know who is responsible.’ Responsibility means making it clear to the individuals that they are accountable for their work. People work better when they have been briefed on what they have to do than to have them assume they know their duties. It is the responsibility of the management of a company to orient its entire workforce on the scope of each individual’s responsibility; this should be done to avoid any overlapping in their work that might result in repetitive outputs which only waste precious time. Lack of this will also result in finger pointing whenever something goes wrong and leaves the workplace an ill-environment to be in. Respect is a subjective term. People can create their own meaning of the word based from their experiences. However, Ulrich et al. (2009) claims that ‘respect is important in the†¦.profession’ that ‘†¦it should be practiced with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity , worth, and uniqueness of every individual, unrestricted by considerations of social or economic status and personal attributes†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ Any workplace would be a harmonious one if people begin by respecting one another. This must be innate in everyone, to revere in each other’s attribute, ethnicity, race and stature in life. Showing people you care for them is another vital value that should be included in the ethical practice. Caring is like the other values stated above which definition depends on the person’

The Courtroom and The Courthouse Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Courtroom and The Courthouse - Essay Example A 'Witness' also plays an important role in presenting facts about the case that can help the lawyers and the judge to reach a logical conclusion. The law gives right to a victim to file a complaint against the offender. Victim initiates a case and hires a lawyer to give legal advice and represent him in the court. A victim is obliged to present authentic data and facts to ensure a fair trial. He has the right to protection against further harm, to live with dignity, and to get compensation for damages. Lawyer is a person licensed to practice law (Black's dictionary, 6th Edition). A lawyer is the most vocal actor in the courtroom and implements legal activities on behalf of his clients (victim or defendant). His role begins with an intake interview (Zwier & Bocchini, 2000) where he understands the client's case and aspirations and communicates the legal possibilities, scope, and procedures to the client. He then conducts extensive research to draft various legal papers and oral arguments to represent the client's case. Most importantly, a lawyer provides in-person representation of his client and provides Oral argument at courts or other legal proceeding to support the case in hand. Apart from communicating with his client and the Judge he needs to cross examine and question the opposite party and the witnesses to bring out important facts in the court. He sometimes even communicates with the other party lawyers to negotiate outside the court. Role of a Defendant A defendant is a person who has been accused of violating a law or against whom a criminal complaint has been filed by a victim/ plaintiff. A defendant is treated innocent and cannot be convicted unless the court of law proves him guilty. He has the right to appoint a lawyer to represent him and give him legal advice. He can put forth evidences, remain silent if needed, and also cross examine the victim's witnesses. Role of a Witness A witness is a person, who has first hand knowledge of the crime, who is often called in a court trial to testify an important consideration related to the crime. He is required to swear and reproduce authentic facts that can steer the judgment of a trial. He is subjected to 'Direct examination and 'Cross examination'. Direct examination is done by the party (lawyer) who the witness represents to elicit evidences to support the case. Cross examination is conducted by the

Religion in Vietnam Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Religion in Vietnam - Research Paper Example This topic is likely to be tremendously engrossing and enjoyable to read. This is because it will evaluate the hypothesis in procedures that will lead to the final conclusion. One must support this statement that science must destroy religion since it makes sense. Science is an intellectual activity that humans carry out to discover information concerning the natural world, and ways of organizing information into meaningful patterns. Religion refers to a collection of beliefs, worldviews, and cultural systems that relate humanity to spirituality and moral values (Harris 12). These are two different fields that guide people in making various conclusions in life. The main idea in this essay is an analysis of religion and science that people use to form reasonable claims that help them understand the universe and human beings. It critically analyses the misleading aspect of religion that is used to make people believe various propositions that cannot happen in the real world. It explains the main differences between science and religion giving a deeper explanation behind the success of religion. This forms the thesis statement since it expounds on the irreco ncilable commitments of religion that amount to human conflict (Harris 34). It explains that our fear of provoking religion makes us incapable of criticizing ideas that maladaptive and absurd.... The arrival of the French missionaries in Vietnam in the 17th century was to have an effect on how people worshipped and how they talked to their god (Fox, 5). This is because their influence profoundly affected the manner in which Vietnam developed several years later. â€Å"Vietnamese society during the 17th and 18th centuries experienced many vicissitudes and complexities that created favourable conditions for the development of Christianity†(Fox,1). This is not only in the religious conviction but in addition in the political systems. This is because it was part of the cause of the Vietnam War that its effects have continued to be experienced until the recent past. Even, though, the missionaries received a warm welcome from the local population, this waned away after the realization that the missionaries had stated to recruit the population into their own religion. This is one of the chief reasons that lead to the conversion of Buddhists to Christianity and its expansion. The local population’s religion was to be transformed from Buddhism to Roman Catholicism for ease of governance. This is because, within the missionaries, there were explorers who determined the place to be a most favorable site to expand its empire. Threfore, the local population was encouraged to abandon their traditions and be loyal to God and not to the Emperor on conversion to Catholicism. This received a boost when French troops were sent to protect the missionaries, for they had been cases of frequent murders of catholic priests. This reinforcement and the subsequent surrender of Vietnam emperor allowed for continued conversion of the local population. The efforts of China to drive out the French troops from Vietnam that were thwarted by the French Army's

Concept Analysis Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Concept Analysis - Coursework Example According to McEwin and Wills (2014), antecedents are the happenings that took place before the manifestation of the idea while the consequences are the effects of the concept. For instance, for holism to take place, there has to exist a real nurse-patient relationship founded on trust and understanding. The nurse also requires expertise, outstanding communication skills and knowledge. Additionally, a precursor to the concept of risk is the cognitive capability to differentiate between options. The aptitude for cognitive reasoning is an antecedent to the risk concept (Fawcett, 2005). If an individual cannot use cognitive reasoning, he or she is not capable of making a recognition or discernment about the probable harm to him or herself and other people. For instance, young children cannot interpret and analyze information in their surrounding that would be harmful to them or would put them in risk; therefore, they cannot know that touching an iron box after use will burn them. It is an adult in this case who has cognitive thinking to understand that the kid is in danger. In this case, cognitive reasoning is an antecedent to the concept of risk (McEwin & Wills, 2014). Townsend, L., & Scanlany, J. (2001). Self-efficacy related to student nurses in the clinical setting: A concept analysis. International Journal of Nursing Education Scholarship, 8(1). doi:10.2202/1548-923X.2223 Permalink to

Understanding Vietnam Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Understanding Vietnam - Assignment Example Another war broke, and this time other nations also joined the war. Many Vietnamese had taken refuge in other countries when the fight intensified Jamieson. It was late 1950s and early 1960s that the Americans started getting into Vietnam slowly by slowly and by 1970s, they were already too many in Vietnam. The Americans poured money, equipment, and even facilities in Vietnam to aid them in their mission (Westheider 50). As the war continued in late 1968, which is termed as the year of death, the numbers of orphans increased, crippled people were all over, the widowed not to mention the amputees and paraplegics. This became so astonishing, and the Americans, although they had not well understood the values of tradition for the Vietnamese which remained in their hearts, decided to bring a change in the nation. The Vietnams embraced the idea though they were not sure of what plan the Americans exactly had and for the sake of their suffering to end (Westheider 82). This are helicopter wars used by the Americans troops to fight Vietnam whereby troops were moved to any location in the nation, confirming the amount of combat seen by soldiers during an annual tour were far higher than during world war II. During Viet Cong Camp, the helicopters poured machine gun fire as a form of attack. The Americans on seeing how the war had so much impacted on them and also to the Vietnamese, they decided to in turn advocate for an end to the war. The Vietnamese responded quite well to this and in return the Americans introduced education system to the nation and Vietnamese had right to get access to classrooms together with the Americans. They could also catch planes to various destinations of their choice. Through out the whole of Vietnam, everyone shifted to a flexible and less exacting behavioural traditional values (Jamieson 301). The black market boomed again by 1970s in Saigon, and the government moved further in their

Origin Enterprises plc Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Origin Enterprises plc - Assignment Example The manufacturing and distribution operation of the agro nutrition division is based in the United Kingdom, Norway, Poland and the Ireland. There are many renowned items produced by the company. Some of those renowned products are crop nutrition, feed ingredients, marine proteins and oils and integrated agronomy services etc. which provides a leading edge in the competitive market. On the other side the food division of the company is categorized into four segments i.e. manufacturing, marketing, sales, and distribution which is primarily based on Ireland. Presently, the company is in leading position due to supply quality of foods across manufacturing sector, food service sector and the retail sector. Here the researcher tries to analyse the different aspects of the Origin Enterprise by analysing the annual report as well as the Director’s report. In this report, the researcher highlights the different social, ethical and environmental issues. The financial analysis is also in tegral part of this report. Review of Annual Report and Director’s Report General Overview of the Origin Enterprise Plc ... There are a number of food brands of Ireland, food services retail convenience segments, manufacturing sector and home baking that are related with the business network of the company. On the other side, the foods wing of Origin Enterprise plc is consisted with three food brands namely Roma, Odlums and Shamrock. There are two subsidiaries of the company i.e. R & H Hall Limited and Goulding Chemicals Limited. The sales revenue of the company decreased 11 % in 2012 comparing to that of in 2011. The segment wise analysis of the company shows that the sales revenue of Food business division is higher than the Agri-nutrition division. Target Market The Agri-Nutrition business is distributed through its manufacturing and distribution operation in Ireland, United Kingdom, Poland and Norway. The Food division activities are mainly based on Ireland and supplies the Italian food ingredients, home baking and convenience categories across the retails, food service and manufacturing sectors. Comp any generates 50.4% of the total revenue from the Ireland and 49.6% from rest of the world (Annual Report, 2012). Market Situation The present global crisis UK and downturn in the European market is affecting many of the businesses. The inflation rate is 3.7% down as compared to last year and the increase in unemployment rate of 7.9% changed the spending pattern of the customers. There Irish farming division is currently facing significant challenges. Firm’s incomes and purchasing power are under sustained pressure following a period of very low output prices and tightening of firm credit. As a result the sales and profit margin of the company got affected. Core Competitors Origin

Horizontal Flow, Inwardoutward Flow, Vertical Information flow, and Essay

Horizontal Flow, Inwardoutward Flow, Vertical Information flow, and Downward information Flow of financial data in the Kuali system - Essay Example There are essentially four different groups involved in the Kuali process: the initiator, the department representative or BSC, the account manager, and the DFA. Horizontal flow would occur between any individuals that are contained within the same group. For example, an initiator sharing information with a co-worker on the same level or an account manager sharing information with another account manager would constitute horizontal flow (Cornell University, 2005). Inward flows occur when an outside entity or group sends information into one of the four internal groups. An example of this could be a service center such as a document editor sending that information to an account manager. Outward flows are the exact opposite. These occur when an internal group sends information to an outside entity or group. An example of this could be an account manager sending financial data to a service center that serves as an account delegate (Cornell University, 2008). Vertical information flows occur among the four different groups. These constitute those flows where information either travels upward or downward among the groups. An example of this could be when the initiator sends information to the department representative or when the department representative sends information to the account manager. They also occur the other direction, when the account manager sends information to the department representative or the department representative sends information to the initiator. Downward information flow occurs when a group that is higher than another sends information to a group that is lower on the hierarchy. This can happen when the DFA sends information to an account manager, when an account manager sends information to a department representative or BSC, or when a department manager or BSC sends information to the initiator. It is not possible for information to be sent any lower since the initiator is at the bottom of the hierarchy. According to McNeely and Wheeler, "Fiscal officers can delegate approval authority to both primary and secondary approvers. An organization can specify extra routing, and units or central administration can establish predefined "special conditions" for some or all documents. For example, a college can specify that all budget adjustments be routed to the dean, or the central research administration office can stipulate that any transaction involving a contract or grant account be routed to a central post-award office. The workflow engine also accommodates specialized routing based on the dollar value of the document. Ad hoc routing-for both approval and FYI purposes-is also available" (2006) The type of data that is being exchanged using the Kuali system is financial data. The overall system is designed on a business model for higher education. Also according to McNeely and Wheeler, " The data structures, transaction interfaces, and back-office processes are built to accommodate how higher education institutions are structured. However, there is sufficient flexibility in the design for each institution to tailor the system to its needs without requiring major modifications.

Response Paper One Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Response Paper One - Assignment Example Most of these issues point to the knowledge-preparation of nurses and delivery of a compassionate care. Nursing educators and students promote learning and competence by changing the methods used in learning nursing concepts. It has been identified that nursing education placed less emphasis on rote learning and memorization and greater emphasis on locating and understanding information or critical thinking. Does this mean that nurse educators should not require learners to memorize information such as the classifications of medications or normal blood values? Does the emphasis on finding information rather than memorizing it impact critical thinking skills of learners? Memorization vs. Critical Thinking Students who used memorization as a learning strategy are viewed as passive learners(Cherry & Jacob, 2005, p. 72). Memorization familiarized the students with different nursing concepts and serves as guide during academic evaluation and examinations. However, nursing education today face the challenge of an ever-changing treatment modalities and technological advances. The health care environment become increasingly complex, researches are updated, and care centers on patient and evidence-based practice.

From the perspective of your own discipline, critically assess the Essay - 3

From the perspective of your own discipline, critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of any TWO research methods discussed on this module - Essay Example Ethnography refers to a research method that involves the study of peoples and their cultural practices when collecting information. Ethnography requires a researcher to be actively involved in the field where the researchers involve in participants’ activities directly (Hammersley and Atikson 2007, p.14). For example, a journalist carrying out research on the kind of meal consumed by a particular community will have to join them when preparing food in order to collect rigid information. This is an effective method for obtaining primary information as journalist obtains data without exaggeration. Additionally, it enables account for the complexity of the group their relationship and providing context for their behavior (OReilly 2009, p.102). However, it encounters some challenges; firstly, respondents may behave differently during research period thus hiding reliable information. Additionally, the journalist is committed so much since they have to be actively involved in the f ield. Finally, it is a tedious method considering time taken to complete research. Ethnography is often referred to as â€Å"Think Descriptive† where gathered data is culminated, and then journalists’ think about it to bring about cultural meaning from the information obtained. It could also be advantageous for a journalist who is knowledgeable on ethnography since they are able to obtain information from nonverbal traits through body language thus ensuring no information is left hidden (Hansen 2010, p.215). Additionally, unique words are noted and their meanings are compared across cultures to note similarity and differences on the same. Ethnography enables journalists to reflect on their findings; thus, gaining more insight on the matter considering their personal observation on the field of study (Peterson and Domingo 2009, p.29). In addition, this method is useful to journalists in their reporting as it

Research Business Concept Outline Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Research Business Concept Outline - Essay Example Prospective vacation package bidders can view web sites of businesses included in each package, for selection of most appropriate packages. Online payment and reservations are simplified with this process, as dates for vacation packages are already determined and payment online is more secure today with encryption, just as other online stores. Fees for offering part of a tour or vacation package on Vacation Bay are similar to listing fees on eBay. Business will not invested more than a few dollars for each listing. Costs for running Vacation Bay include web hosting, programming, database management and marketing. Brochures and emails can be sent to all hotels, restaurants, historical sites, museums and tour operators. The largest costs for advertising come from search engine optimization activities. Online auctions are widely accepted in Australia, so there are no legal concerns. There are consumer to consumer auctions such as Oztion5 and business to consumer auctions such as Grays.6 Businesses are required to include a Goods and services tax in their package portions. â€Å"The GST is a 10 per cent tax on most goods and services. Businesses that are registered for the GST and that sell qualifying supplies include the GST component on their tax invoice.†7 An example of a vacation package in Queensland might include four nights at a B&B, two different restaurant dinners , two days of golf or art museum tours. Restaurants such as Fuse8 and Baguette9 already have websites with online reservations options. A restaurant such as Greeka,10 lacking an online reservations option, will benefit from exposure in offering a night or two at its restaurant as part of a package. Choice in packaging allows businesses to experiment with various images, by co-branding. Businesses are able to closely monitor success of different packages. The online

Online vs Brick and Mortar Essay Example for Free

Online vs Brick and Mortar Essay In today’s world, everyone is always so busy and sometimes there is just not enough time in the day to get all your work done. Technology is changing to make everything in our lives easier; like the way we pay bills, online banking, find information, get reviews, order tickets, and so much more. One thing that technology has changed that is beneficial for everyone is the way we shop. Brick-and-mortar has always existed, but now with online shopping it has become a competition to the old-fashioned way. Most people spend their days at work, then come home to clean, cook dinner, help the children with homework, and get them ready for bed. With all that going on people sometimes forget things that they were supposed to do. So now instead of bothering to go to the store, you can comfortably sit on the couch and shop for what you need without all the hassle. Online shopping is becoming more popular these days, because you can now get anything you want without leaving your home, it has many benefits, different sale opportunities, but there are also some inconveniences. When you are at the store, have you ever experienced one of those annoying and eager sales people trying to pressure you to buy a certain product that you have no interest in or just looking at? When shopping online you will not experience that problem any more. Online shopping has many advantages that benefit everyone, which going to the traditional store does not offer. Now you do not have to leave your home when you want to go to the store. You will not be wasting money on the gas to get there and back. Also when you shop online you never have to worry about the Internet closing (Top 10 Benefits Of Online Shopping, 2013). Stores have a closing time, except Wal-Mart, and if you don’t make it before closing you are out of luck until the next day. You will not have to worry about if the store is busy or if the lines will be long, because it will only be you on your computer. Online shopping is perfect if your town or state does not have the store that you love to shop at. Now you can get on the computer and still shop there without all the travel time. The best thing about online shopping is that there is normally more selection (Top 10 Benefits Of Online Shopping, 2013). If you went to the store already and if they did not have what you wanted any more, you could go online and there are normally more or different products you can pick from. Another benefit to online shopping is sending gifts (Top 10 Benefits Of Online Shopping, 2013). If your friends or relatives live in a different state, instead of mailing a gift you can go online, buy the item, and have them ship it to the recipient’s home. When shopping online compared to going to the store, you will receive different promotion or discount opportunities. Instead of going to all the stores checking for the best price on a certain item, you can easily look at all the stores online without all the extra work (Top 10 Benefits Of Online Shopping, 2013). Unlike shopping in the store, when shopping online you can Google discount codes for that store and save more money with the codes they offer. If you find yourself online shopping at the same store frequently it would be a good idea to sign up for their e-mail list. You will receive weekly codes free shipping and deals online that they do not normally have in the stores. Online shopping is marvelous to look at other people’s reviews on the product you are about to buy (Top 10 Benefits Of Online Shopping, 2013). If there are terrible reviews, you will save money by not choosing the poorly reviewed item. That benefit is not offered when shopping in the store. There are always inconveniences to trying to buy things online that you would not experience if you went to the store. If you are trying to buy clothing or shoes, you will have to know what your size is or you could order the wrong one. Most stores very in sizes, so it is not wise to order online if you are not familiar with your size from that particular store. When shopping for things like furniture or home dà ©cor, it may be hard to tell the size or exact color so when you get that item you may not like it in person. If you were shopping online for lotion, perfume, or makeup you may not like the scent, color, or feel of that product, but if you went to the store you would not deal with problem like that. Another thing that causes inconveniences is the shipping costs and the amount shopping time (Advantage Disadvantage Of Shopping Online, 1993). Instead of wasting gas money, you have to spend money shipping the products to your house, and it could take days to get there. At that point you are only saving mileage on your car. When shopping online it will be important to know the return policy of that specific store, because all the stores are different. If you order something online, and you cannot return the item you are stuck with it no matter what (Advantage Disadvantage Of Shopping Online, 1993). Also there can be an issue of not having a credit card. If you are the type of person who chooses not to have one, then you cannot order items online. If you go shopping at the store you have the option of paying by cash, check, or credit card. If you do have a credit card and order online then you have to worry about identity theft and making sure that website has a secure checkout (Advantage Disadvantage Of Shopping Online, 1993). Technology will continue to expand, help make our lives easier, and create less of a hassle. Brick and mortar will always be a way to shop, but online shopping will continue to grow and become more popular as technology adapts to the future. When you online shop it makes your shopping time easier and shorter compared to brick-and-mortar shopping. You would not have to bother getting ready or driving there, you could sit in the comfort of your own home while ordering the items you need without leaving your home. Although brick-and-mortar shopping is better to actually see, touch, and try what you will buy, which is something online shopping does not offer (Advantage Disadvantage Of Shopping Online, 1993). When shopping online it is easy to quickly find a coupon to save you some money, which is another thing you can’t do in the store. Online or brick and mortar shopping, everyone has their own preference.

Ethics in Professionals Essay Example for Free

Ethics in Professionals Essay . Salgo v Leland Sanford University Board of Trustees notes that if the health professional do not present all the necessary facts that will form the basis for the decision of the patient, the professional has committed a violation. The patient has to undergo an operation in the heart, in his aorta. Before the operation, he is well. After the operation, the patient experienced paralysis in his lower extremities and that the condition is permanent. There has been negligence in the part of the doctors and they fail to explain to the patient all the details of the procedure (Standford 1957). 2. Arato v. Avedon states that the physicians must present the accurate statistics regarding the life expectancy of patients regarding their case so they could plan for their death. Arato was suffering from an illness in his pancreas. He was told by the doctors to undergo F. A. M. chemotherapy. The doctors have failed to give the patient the chances of recovering after the chemotheraphy (LSU Law Center 1993). 3. The Schloendorff case has been part of the history of informed consent when the concept was made upon the decision of the judge that adults and those who are capable of thinking well can determine what can be done to his body and that any professionals who work on a patient’s body without the latter’s consent is guilty of assault and is liable of any charges. It says that as long as the patient is capable of right thinking, he can give his consent regarding the operation to his body. The victim has some problems in her stomach. When she was under anesthesia, the doctor performed removal of fibroid tumor. The patient only gave her consent to have ether examination. After the operation, the patient has to be amputated because of infection and gangrene (Szczygiel). 4. Canterbury v. Spence also states that all information regarding the result, the risks, benefits of the operation must be revealed to the patient. The patient was suffering from back pains. The doctors performed an operation which resulted in paralysis. The doctors failed to disclose the risks of the operation (Stanford, 1972). 5. The Patient Self-Determination Act provides a document of the rights of the patients to participate in making decisions for their own safety and make directives. It also says that violation of it makes the health professionals ethically liable. B. Timeline Schloendorff case (1914) ? Salgo v. Leland Sanford University Board of Trustees (1957) ? Canterbury v. Spemce (1972) ? Arato v. Avedon ? Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA) (1991) C. Informed Consent Informed Consent involves the participation of the patient regarding the decision to whether a procedure will be done to the patient or not. The patient has the right to give consent. Informed consent means that the patient is informed regarding all the information that is necessary for the patient to have a basis in making his decision. Information includes the status of his illness, the life expectancy, the treatment that could be done and its risks and benefits, and all other possible treatments. The patients must also be informed to the possible consequences of not performing the treatment or even the consequences if the treatment is performed Works Cited: LSU Law Center. 1993. No duty to inform patient of non-medical information ARATO v. AVEDON 858 P. 2d 598 (Cal 1993) available from http://biotech. law. lsu. edu/cases/ consent/ARATO_v_AVEDON. htm [15 February 2009] Stanford University. 1957. Salgo v. Leland Stanford etc. Bd. Trustees, 154 Cal. App. 2d 560 available from http://www. stanford. edu/group/psylawseminar/Salgo. htm [15 February 2009] . 1972. Canterbury v. Spence. , 464 F. 2d 772 (D. C. Cir. 1972) available from http://www. stanford. edu/group/psylawseminar/Canterbury. htm [15 February 2009] Szczygiel, Tony. 1914. Mary E. Schloendorff, Appellant, v. The Society of the New York Hospital, Respondent available from http://wings. buffalo. edu/faculty/research/ bioethics/schloen0. html [15 February 2009]

Less Lethal Weapons in Law Enforcement

Less Lethal Weapons in Law Enforcement For decades, the only weapons law enforcement had at its disposal were lethal weapons and physical force using a wooden night stick or baton. New less harmful or less lethal weapons were needed due to the ever increasing violence in our communities and the demand for better crime control, especially after the widespread scrutiny of law enforcement after highly publicized use of force incidents such as the arrest of Rodney King in Los Angeles. Less lethal weapons are defined as weapons that are intended to incapacitate a subject without causing permanent injuries or death while also inflicting minimal damage on surrounding environments (Davison, 2009). They are often also known as non-lethal weapons, but this is a misnomer as no weapon can be completely non-lethal even when used properly and cautiously; moreover, any use of force by law enforcement can inherently involve a risk of death. The use of less lethal weapons can have physical and mental effects on the individual being subjected to them. There are numerous factors concerning the environment and the subject when choosing the type of less lethal weapon to deploy. Less lethal weapons use in law enforcement is vital as they frequently contend with subjects who have not yet committed a criminal act (as in the case of crowd control) or with mentally unstable subjects or those under the influence of an intoxicant. Officers must balance their use with what is accepted as reasonable force to avoid violating a subjects civil rights while, at the same time, satisfying the public that the least amount of force necessary was used. Many subjects use the judicial process to challenge the use of less lethal weapons. Some of the different categories of less lethal weapons available to law enforcement include: specialty impact munitions, distraction devices, chemical munitions, and conducted energy devices. Specialty Impact Munitions Specialty impact munitions (SIM) were used as early as the 1960s in American Law Enforcement. During this period, police used wooden baton rounds to quell riots and the first bean bag round was designed (BAE SIM, 2009). The use of specialty impact munitions are intended to cause pain (the lowest expected response) and sometimes sufficient blunt trauma to disorient or incapacitate a subject (the maximum desired effect) (BAE SIM, 2009). Low energy specialty impact munitions are used for pain compliance, while high energy specialty impact munitions are used for incapacitation. Some degree of injury is expected to occur as it is necessary to achieve compliance or a momentary degree of incapacitation. The intent with specialty impact munitions is to minimize the amount of injury that is painful. In most instances, bruising is the only injury, but abrasions, contusions, lacerations, and fractures have occurred. Specialty impact munitions can also have an immense mental effect on an individual often causing anxiety, fear, and/or panic. By pointing a firearm directly at a subject and firing a projectile, the subject may have the fear of actually having been shot by a firearm. The pain associated with the impact may reinforce this belief. Specialty impact weapons can also cause mental distraction in a subject as they cope with the physiological pain that the body feels and also the perceived danger. If the subject panics, however, it could lead to less control as their fear may lead to the fight or flight response. Specialty impact weapons include rubber balls, bean bags, foam batons, rubber batons, and wood batons which are usually encapsulated in either 12-gauge shotgun shells, 37mm rounds, 40mm rounds, or grenades (BAE SIM, 2009). Specialty impact munitions can be used in a variety of situations. Police uses include perimeter control, temporarily incapacitating barricaded subjects, and subduing emotionally disturbed subjects. Correctional uses include performing cell extractions in correctional or prison settings, quelling riots or crowd management, and regaining control of areas. There are several factors to consider when using specialty impact munitions including distance from the subject, impact areas, munitions selection, and delivery system. Long range engagements may affect the accuracy of the specialty impact munitions. Additionally, the energy of the specialty impact munitions will decrease over distance and a sufficient amount of energy may not be available to incapacitate the subject rendering it ineffective. While, close range engagements with a subject increase the potential for incapacitation, they also increase the risk for serious injury such as penetration wounds and broken bones. Distraction Devices Websters Dictionary defines distraction as the state in which the attention is called in different ways; confusion; perplexity and that which diverts attention (Distraction, n.d.). Distraction devices are a low explosive device that emit heat, light, and sound with the intent of distracting a potentially dangerous subject (BAE DD, 2009). They are also commonly called diversion devices, flash sound diversion devices, and referred to as a flashbang. Flashbangs were designed in a United Kingdom military facility in Porton Down as an experimental stun device called a stun grenade. They were first deployed in a 1977 hostage rescue mission in Mogadishu, Somalia. Law enforcement then became interested in them. However, the first distraction devices were inappropriate for law enforcement use due to several factors including: unreliable fuses, the long delay in detonation (friction type fuses had a 6-12 second delay), excessive noise level, metal fragmentation, and the cardboard containers became soft when exposed to moisture (BAE DD, 2009). Finally, a cost effective distraction device with container that was safe to ship and easy to handle was developed. The Los Angeles Police Department was the first department to explore the use of the flashbang in preparation for the 1984 Olympic Games (BAE DD, 2009). Distraction devices have both a psychological and a physiological effect on the subjects they are used on. A psychological or mental distraction is one that effects how a subject thinks and reacts based upon human instinct, the chemical makeup of his nervous system, and learned behavior (BAE DD, 2009). The most common psychological distraction is confusion or making someone think that something has, is currently, or is going to occur even though it is not the case (BAE DD, 2009). Another psychological distraction is the response to fear or their flight or fight response. Fear can cause trembling, sweating, dry mouth, and loss of fine motor control (bladder and bowel). No other less lethal weapon has the potential to impact all of the bodys five senses like the distraction devices (Stanley, 2008). Physiological or physical distractions are distractions that the body just cannot control because when exposed to the appropriate stimulus, the sensory organs of the body react. Physiological distractions have three dimensions: visual effects, auditory effects, and equilibrium effects. Exposure to intense light bleaches the retina and causes restriction of the pupil which, in turn, causes a subject to see white spots (much like the flash from a camera). A test conducted by the Arizona Department of Public Safety concluded that it could take up to two minutes for the pupil to return to normal size and ten to thirty minutes for restoration of normal vision (BAE DD, 2009). The sound of distraction devices can be as loud as 174.5 decibels. To put this in perspective, a lawnmower equals approximately 90 decibels; a chainsaw, 100 decibels; standing in front of rock concert speakers is equal to 120 decibels; and a gunshot or jet engine at 50 feet away is equal to 140 decibels (BAE DD, 2009). Distraction devices affect equilibrium by disturbing the fluid in the ear canals which affects the subjects balance. The advantage of physiological distraction is that it will work every time. The combination of effects: sound, light, the smell and taste of smoke, along with the pressure wave of energy striking the skin is enough to cause a sensory overload for anyone in the immediate proximity of the blast (Stanley, 2008). The disadvantages to physiological distractions are they require direct exposure and can vary in duration as sensory overload varies greatly from person to person and from device to device. Some subjects will show little or no effect, others may be merely disoriented, while still others can be frozen in pace for several seconds. The three primary effects of a distraction device are: heat, light, and sound. The heat effect is the least damaging of the three. The heat produced from the explosion of the distraction device has a short duration (50 milliseconds), but can exceed 2000 degrees centigrade (BAE DD, 2009). The heat and flame (thermal incendiary) effect is usually seen as a bright flash or fireball at the instant of the explosion. The light generated is very intense and short of duration (less than 50 milliseconds) (BAE DD, 2009). The explosion from a distraction device creates a blast pressure wave which is the almost instantaneous creation of a volume of gas forcing the existing gases of the surrounding area out and away from the blast at high speed. It is essentially a powerful sound wave. Distraction devices are available in two types: those that only produce sound and light (flashbangs) and those that also eject either projectiles or chemicals (projectile/chemical grenades) (Stanley, 2008). A flashbang is a thermal incendiary with a combustion capacity and fire potential. Its heat can exceed 2000 degrees centigrade but is short in duration. The light from a flashbang also has a short duration but is intensely bright at six to eight million candelas. As a comparison, a typical law enforcement flashlight produces approximately 30,000 candelas, while the light from a 35mm camera flash equals 50,000 candelas (BAE DD, 2009). The sound (blast pressure) from a flashbang can cause injury. A primary blast almost always affects air-filled structures such as the lungs, ears, and gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Secondary blast pressure occurs when the action of the blast pressure wave reflects off surrounding surfaces. Soft or porous surfaces absorb the wave and decrease its reflec tion while hard or flexible surfaces enhance the reflection (BAE DD, 2009). Distraction devices come in canister type, grenade (with rubber balls or pellets), and a 12-gauge cartridge (aerial diversion). The most common method of deployment is by hand. The officer properly grips and controls the device, then pulls the pin and deploys the device. A flashbang pole is used to deploy the device through a window. The least frequent method of deployment is launching or throwing as the officer cannot see where the device will initiate. This method is generally used outdoors as a crowd management tool. The hazards of deploying distraction devices include the presence of children and the elderly, fire, and smoke. Children may become hysterical and can young infants can suffer hearing damage as their auditory system is still developing. Elderly people often have health problems that may be aggravated by the exposure to the distraction device or they may be bedridden and need help becoming ambulatory. A fire extinguisher should always be present when a distraction device is utilized in case a fire erupts. Distraction devices emit smoke that creates tactical and health concerns as smoke may obscure the officers vision and by-products of flash powder are not healthy to breathe. Another potential hazard is secondary blast projectiles which can be created from the blast pressure. Rocks or other small objects on the ground easily become ballistic when a distraction device is thrown next to them. A flashbang pole deployed through a closed window can cause ballistic glass fragments. Flashbang court cases are not abundant. They are challenged more in criminal court than in civil court. Civil cases include personal injury, property damage, death, negligent supervision, deliberate indifference, or civil rights violations. The first court case concerning the use of distraction devices was Langford v. Gates, 43 Cal. 3d 21, 729 P.2d 822 (1987). Langford claimed use of the flashbang device violated her 4th, 5th, 9th, and 14th Amendment rights because its use against residences constituted unreasonable force. The court did not issue an injunction against their use, citing in their ruling that flashbangs were used in more than 25 cases since 1984 and they presented no more than minimal risk of injury (Langford v. Superior Ct., 1987). Therefore, their use could not be accounted unreasonable. In Garcia v. Texas, 829 S.W.2d 830 (1992), the defendant challenged his confession and his waiver of rights (BAE DD, 2009). He stated it was involuntary and violated his 5th Amendment because it was made after he was subjected to a forcible entry and a stun grenade. The Texas Court of Appeals upheld his conviction. In civil action, a Wisconsin prisoner received $49,000. in 2009 for the permanent harm he suffered after a flashbang grenade was thrown into his cell in an effort to subdue him (Foley, 2009). He experienced ringing in his ears for months afterward and now suffers from tinnitus. Chemical Munitions Chemical munitions, developed during World War I, that produce temporary effects of excessive tearing, closing of the eyes, and shortness of breath are commonly known as tear gas. Chemical munitions can be a good tool for law enforcement because when used correctly, they are effective, but their effects will dissipate quickly when a subject moves away from the contaminated area. There are five purposes in the deployment of chemical munitions, including to: disperse, dislodge, distract, disorient, and detect (BAE CM, 2009). Chemical munitions are a primary means of dispersing violent crowds and dislodging barricaded subjects, but can also be used to help detect a barricaded subjects location by forcing the subject to cough or make some other noise. When the chemical munitions fails to dislodge the barricaded subject, its continued application can tire the subject and potentially diminish his desire to fight or resist. Chemical munitions can also be used to visually impair subjects or limit their access where evidence (especially drugs) may be destroyed. Additionally, they can be utilized to mask the movement of specialized police tactical teams such as S.W.A.T. Protective masks that filter particulates and absorb gas vapors should be worn by law enforcement when some types of chemical munitions are utilized. The most common types of chemical munitions used by law enforcement are: Cloroacetophenone (CN), Orthoclorobenzalmalononitrile (CS), and Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) (BAE CM, 2009). Cloreacetophenone (CN) CN was invented by German chemist Carl Graebe in 1869 and was used for training soldiers in the use of their protective equipment (BAE CM, 2009). Studies of CN revealed that although it had mild effects, it could still incapacitate a subject for a short period of time (BAE CM, 2009). This made it a good weapon for use against rioting citizens and barricaded subjects. CN is lighter than CS, but five times more toxic; however, it has milder physiological effects relative to CS and OC (BAE CM, 2009). The physiological effects of CN include extreme tear production, voluntary closure of eyes, and mild stinging/burning of the eyes, mouth, throat, and nasal passages (BAE CM, 2009). Its psychological effects include some mental disorientation and confusion, as well as fear or panic due to the physiological effects. The reaction time for CN is usually one to three seconds, but often varies depending on the ambient temperature and the mental state and physical condition of the subject. After exposure, the effects should dissipate 5-15 minutes after the subject is removed from the contaminated area. Subjects under extreme influences of drugs and alcohol and mentally disturbed subjects are less likely to be troubled by the effects of CN. And animals that are exposed to CN suffer little, if at all (BAE CM, 2009). CN is used by law enforcement is aerosol sprays and chemical dispensing grenades. Orthoclorobenzalmalononitrile (CS) Law enforcement in the United States began using CS in 1965 as an aid to disperse crowds and subdue barricaded subjects (BAE CM, 2009). It is currently the most used riot control agent by law enforcement. CS is an irritant that causes a burning sensation to the moist areas of the skin, especially the eyes, mouth, throat, and nasal passages. The sensation is consistent with an instant sunburn (Stanley, 2008). Other physiological effects are excessive tear production and mucous discharge from the nose involuntary closure of the eyes, shortness of breath, feelings of suffocation, and sneezing and coughing. Psychologically, CS may cause disorientation and confusion. The subject may also experience anxiety, fear, and panic. The reaction time for CS is usually 3-7 seconds but can vary depending on the chemical composition of the CS and the mental and physical condition of the subject. The after-effects usually dissipate 5-15 minutes after the subject is removed from the contaminated area. CS is often blended with OC to increase its effectiveness. CN and CS are available in solid (pellets or powder) and liquid form. For pyrotechnic use, or when the chemical agent is vaporized and carried by smoke particulates through the atmosphere, a granulated raw agent of CN/CS is combined with a fuel mix and then pressed into various sized pellets (BAE CM, 2009). Powder is made with micro-pulverized forms of CN or CS mixed with Magnesium oxide and cabbosil (BAE CM. 2009). Munitions in the powder form are not pyrotechnic, making them ideal for indoor use. To convert CN or CS to a liquid form, it is pulverized into a very fine powder and then suspended within a liquid carrier (BAE CM, 2009). The most effective form of CN or CS is when it is mixed with a fuel mix and burned (pyrotechnic). The least effective form of carrier is a liquid as it tends to settle faster (BAE CM, 2009). CN or CN can be delivered by hand deployment up to 50 yards and with a launcher for deployment more than 50 yards from the police line (BAE CM, 2009). Chemical munitions can be delivered by expulsion or blast devices that eject chemical agents into the atmosphere using a detonator, blasting cap, primer and powder, or CO ² cartridges. Pyrotechnic is a delivery method where agents are released into the atmosphere by means of compressed slugs or pellets and a fuel mix that is then carried by smoke. Other delivery methods include fogging systems, aerosols, and liquids. Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) Oleoresin capsicum is oil and a resin extracted from the cayenne pepper plant (Chan et al, 2001). The first commercial OC product for law enforcement was developed in 1974 in a Florida home (BAE OC, 2009). OC use was then adopted by FBI special agents in 1990. Later that year, a violent subject who had been sprayed with an oil-based OC spray containing isopropyl alcohol was unintentionally set on fire after a conducted energy weapon was also deployed. This led the development of a safer, water-based OC product. The California Department of Justice conducted a two-year study documenting the se and effectiveness of two distinctively different OC products (BAE OC, 2009). The study helped establish industry standards for selection criteria that are still in use today. OC is an inflammatory where the desired result is to affect the respiratory system. Approximately 85% of the subjects contaminated with OC will move seeking fresh air (BAE CM, 2009). OC comes in both powder and liquid forms and is designed to stay airborne as long as possible. OC powder and liquid munitions are not as persistent as CN and CS and, therefore, may not be as effective, but it is easier to decontaminate a subject and clean and area that has been exposed to OC munitions (BAE CM, 2009). OC is also considered to be safer and less toxic than CN and CS (Chan et al, 2001). The physiological effects of OC are a burning sensation of the upper respiratory system and exposed skin, inflammation of eyes and mucous membranes, and involuntary intermittent blinking or complete shutting of the eyes. The inflammation of the respiratory system causes a sensation of shortness of breath of feeling of suffocation which usually results in coughing. The psychological effects include anxiety, fear of the expected pain, and panic which may cause auditory exclusion where the subject doesnt respond to verbal commands (BAE OC, 2009). There is no standard reaction time for OC products because the reaction time relies on the subjects mental state, the humidity, and the temperature. OC can be delivered in a pepper fog, pepper spray, or pepper foam application. The pepper fog application has a range of 3-4 meters and is effective on single or multiple subjects. Less accuracy is needed due to its wider spray area. The disadvantage of the wider spray area is the potential for users and by-standers being affected by the spray. Its range and effectiveness can also be reduced by high winds. Pepper spray or direct stream has a range of 5-7 meters and its delivery is similar to the stream of a water pistol. There is less of a possibility of user and by-standers being affected by the spray when delivered in this form. It also has a longer range and is less affected by wind. The direct stream delivery has a narrower spray area and requires more accuracy. It is not as effective as a fog pattern on multiple subjects. The foam spray pattern has a range of 3-6 feet and is used in climate-controlled environments such as courtrooms, hospitals, schools, and jails. It has better surface cohesion, reduced cross contamination, and causes virtually no respiratory difficulties. However, it does have a very limited range. After exposure to OC, decontamination should encompass physiological as well as psychological effects. To provide physical relief, eyes should be flushed with water, exposed skin surfaces should be decontaminated, and the subject should be exposed to fresh air. For psychological effects, verbal rapport should be established with the subject and efforts should be made to calm and relax the subject (BAE OC, 2009). It can take from 15 minutes to one hour for the subject to recover from the effects of OC. Liquids are released when the launched projectile breaks apart upon hitting a hard surface, thus releasing the chemical munitions. There are many factors that should be considered before chemical munitions are deployed. Tactical considerations for outdoor deployment include: wind conditions, weather conditions, crowd make up, escape routes, terrain surfaces, fire hazards, sensitive structures nearby (hospitals, schools), and counter-measures present (gas masks). When the chemical munitions are deployed indoors, there are different factors to consider such as entry/exit points, whether the power/water is on or off, the presence of hazardous materials, the subjects location, the location of weapons, the medical condition of subjects, and the subjects access to counter-measures (gas masks, etc). Critics continue to claim that OC spray is not safe. A National Institute of Justice funded study of the safety and effectiveness of OC spray in three North Carolina jurisdictions concluded that the use of pepper spray contributed to only two of the 63 in-custody deaths with both of those involving people with asthma (NIJ, 2003). The other 61 deaths were caused by disease, drug use, positional asphyxiation, or a combination of these effects (NIJ, 2003). Another study by medical researchers at the University of California-San Diego found no evidence that the exposure to pepper spray alone did not pose a significant risk for positional asphyxiation (NIJ, 2003). They also recognized that the use of OC spray reduced the number of injuries to officers and suspects, as well as excessive use of force complaints against law enforcement (NIJ, 2003). Conducted Energy Devices (CED) Conducted energy devices (CED), or electronic control devices (ECD), affect the neuromuscular functions of the body. Their pulse mimics the electrical signals used within the body to communicate between the brain and the muscles. This stimulates the pulsed communication used within the nerves and interferes with communication to the muscles which causes the Central Nervous System to be overwhelmed resulting in uncontrollable muscle contractions and temporary immobility (Steverson, 2007). CEDs are available to law enforcement in many different forms including handheld devices, belts, and shields. Handheld devices Most handheld CEDs are more commonly known as Tasers, even though Tasers are a brand of CED manufactured by Taser International. The Taser was invented in the 1960s by Jack Cover, a lead scientist at American Aerospace working on the Apollo Moon Landing Project (Taser, 2009). The name, Thomas A. Swift Electric Rifle (TASER) was derived from one of his favorite boyhood books (Taser, 2009). The handheld CED uses compressed nitrogen to discharge two electric darts or probes that remain connected to the cartridge on the gun by a thin high-voltage insulated wire. The probes deliver electricity in 5-second bursts. CEDs deliver a high voltage, low amperage shock. In order for the shock to be delivered, both probes must connect with the subject to complete the circuit. Although the probe deployments are more effective, the handheld CED also has a drive stun back up feature where it can be used without the cartridge as a stun gun. However, the drive stun does not usually result in incapacitation since it doesnt have a significant impact on the central nervous system (Taser, 2009). It is used as a more as a pain compliance technique. The handheld CEDs work well in enclosed environments and close quarters such as houses, jails, emergency rooms, and crowd control. Their cartridges have a range of 0-21 feet, 0-25 feet, and 0-35 feet (Taser, 2009). They have a good deterrent effect and unlike chemical munitions, decontamination is not a factor. The effectiveness of handheld CEDs can be limited by loose or thick clothing, low nerve or muscle mass on a subject, or wire breakage. Considerations must be made for increased deployment risk when activating handheld CEDs on subjects: in an elevated position (risk of falling), operating machinery, in flammable environments, in water (risk of drowning), obviously pregnant, and frail or infirmed. There are also problems with becoming too reliant on CEDs. Some agencies found that officers relied so heavily on handheld CED use to gain compliance from a subject that they bypassed non-violent conflict resolution techniques, such as negotiations; consequently, agency policies were revised on its use. One Northwest Florida agency does not allow the use of CEDs on subjects who merely refuse to comply (without physical resistance) with a verbal command. One feature developed on Taser CEDs is the anti-felon identification system that uses small confetti-like tags laden with the cartridge serial number in every cartridge. Once the Taser is deployed, the area is sprayed with the confetti-like tags leaving the cartridge serial number behind. Since there are too many to retrieve them all, this leaves a record of who the spent cartridge was registered to. To help prevent overuse and intentional abuse of the Taser, there is also a dataport that can be utilized to record the date and time of every trigger pull of the weapon. Opponents of CEDs have repeatedly claimed that they are responsible for many in-custody deaths. However, a study by the Department of Justice concluded that there is no conclusive medical evidenceà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦that indicates a high risk of serious injury or death from the direct effects of CED exposure (DOJ, 2008). Furthermore, their reported link to deaths in subjects suffering from excited delirium, a syndrome characterized by agitation and psychosis, also has no foundation as those individuals are already unstable medically and at a high risk of mortality, even with medical intervention and the absence of CED deployment (DOJ, 2008). Belts Electronic stun belts became popular in 1994 when the Bureau of Prisons decided to use them in their medium and high-security lock-ups (Cusac, 1996). One brand of stun belt is the Remote Electronically Activated Control Technology (R.E.A.C.T.) belt manufactured by Stun-Tech, Inc. in Cleveland, Ohio (Staples, 1997). Electronic stun belts that are strapped around a subjects waist are primarily used for prisoner escorts and transports. The stun belt is a 4-inch wide elastic band with two metal prongs powered by a battery that are positioned over the left kidney and activated by a remote control (Staples, 1997). Once activated, it sends a 50, 000 volt shock in 8-second bursts to the back muscles of the subject wearing the belt. Their use can be advantageous to law enforcement personnel as they can be activated remotely. The officer can be as far 300 feet away from the subject when manning the control (Cusac, 1996). Use of the stun belt in courtrooms settings has been shrouded in controversy. In Hawkins v. Comparet-Cassani, the stun belt was place on defendant Ronnie Hawkins after he was being difficult and acting up in the lock-up area of the courthouse (Hawkins v. Comparet-Cassani, 2001). Once in the courtroom, the defendant continued to act in a disruptive manner and made several statements out of order so the judge ordered the officers to activate the stun belt. The court concluded that mere placement of the belt on a detainee raises serious questions going to the merits of the 4th Amendment and 8th Amendment claims and also addressed that it had the potential to compromise an individuals ability to participate in his or her own defense (Hawkins v. Comparet-Cassini, 2001). In People v. Mar, 28 CAL.4th 1201 (2002) the California Supreme Court ordered a new trial after the defendant, James Allen Mar, was unwillingly required to wear a stun belt during his trial (Ofgang, 2002). The court ruled that because of the nature of the device and its effect once activated, requiring an unwilling defendant to wear a stun belt during trial may have significant psychological consequences that may impair his ability to assist with his counsel and therefore violated his 6th Amendment right to counsel (Ofgang, 2002). Shields An electronic stun shield generates an electric shock that is only delivered when a subject touches the shield after it has been activates. Convex type electronic shields are used for crowd management or riot control and concave type electronic shields are used for capturing a subject (Stanley, 2008). The convex shield is used to push subjects away, while the concave is used for pinning subjects preventing their movement (Staples, 2008). Conclusion In an effort to minimize the risk of death and serious injuries to officers and citizens and limit damage to the adjacent areas, law enforcement agencies have employed the use of less lethal weapons. Less lethal weapons are available in a variety of devices that cause distraction, pain compliance, and temporary immobility. Some are better suited for open areas or outdoor environment, while others work well in smaller, enclosed areas. The use of less lethal weapons can cause physiological and psychological effects of varying severity. These effects lead to their success at being effective. Although the use of less lethal weapons reduces injuries to subjects, it also increases scrutiny of law enforcement use of force and often the liability of court action. Less lethal weapons come in a variety of devices that