Integrated Information Systems

Abstract This paper presents an analysis of the theoretical application of integrated information systems in various organizations around the world. As businesses expand from small and medium sized firm to large cross-border enterprises, the operations become more complex.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Integrated Information Systems specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Large organizations often encounter tough challenges, especially when it comes to managing the complexity of operations involving many stakeholders and diverse units. The effective management and coordination of the operations of the mega enterprises requires a smooth flow of reliable information. Traditionally, firms utilize orthodox systems that do not provide timely and inclusive information. This paper seeks to investigate and reinforce the significance of employing Integrated Information Systems (IIS) to help managers run the large ente rprises better from a central point. The essay reveals that the integrated information systems include the automation software platforms that have been developed to help managers control organizational data with a view of establishing a perfect position to supervise each unit. Introduction Information is one of the most valuable resources of a firm around which business processes unfold. The overall performance of a firm is contingent on its ability to manage the flow of information between its constituent elements. Managerial decisions largely depend on the carefully analyzed information including on-going projects, distribution, demand forecasting, customer communication, production, stock levels, and supplier information among many other constituents of a business firm. In the advent of rapid globalization, technological dynamics, and inter-organizational dependency that shape the modern-day business, the need for appropriate information management systems is inevitable to handle the plethora of complex operations. The term ‘digital firm’ has gained popularity to define this emerging trend in contemporary business. In the last one decade, a new class of integrated software applications has emerged with a view of enabling the digital firm to manage the complexity of the information involved effectively. This paper critically analyzes the integrated information systems that can help the digital firm manage flow of information efficiently to promote the smooth flow of the organizational processes and profitability.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Review Over the past decade, rapid changes in technology that have greatly affected the way modern business is conducted have been witnessed. There has been notable advancement in technology, especially in the facilitation of information flow and sharing between the different stakeholders of the modern business firms (Laudon Laudon, 2013). The impact of digitization on business can be exemplified by looking at the current functionality of the stakeholders. The utilization of integrated information systems that have been catapulted through digitization, the modern firm now has an unlimited power of information sharing and dissemination across its stakeholders regardless of the complexity and distance involved. For instance, the digitization technology has reshaped various business models by lowering the barriers to the entry and expansion of markets by enterprises across the globe. For instance, it is possible for an organization to engage over 500 million Skype users using the Voice-Over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology today (Alaa Fitzgerald, 2013). This business communication model has fundamentally disrupted the traditional business strategies. As a result, many companies have opted to follow suit in the fear of missing the competitive advantage brought abou t the technology. Currently, firms rely heavily on the social media for the creation of brands, launching of products, and communication with customers among many other service provisions surrounding the marketing activities. Consumers also use the internet to search information regarding products that they can even be bought offline. They compare products and prices besides involving other online groups in discussions and views on particular brands (Laudon Laudon, 2013). It is the role of the digital firm to act in response to this emerging consumer behavior by adopting the appropriate integrated information systems to capture the changing customer needs. The strategy can help the firms gain a competitive edge over their rivals. Today, the web plays a key role in the retail channel that has ultimately disrupted traditional business practice. Digitization has led to the emergence of new winners and losers.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Integrated I nformation Systems specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Firms such as the Amazon Inc., whose annual sales totaled US$3.2 Billion in 2001, skyrocketed to approximately US$49 billion in 2011. The firm emerged as a winner in its industry while the losers including the brick-and-mortar retailers and Borders lost their market shares. This situation led to the dissolution of such firms. The primary role of information is to merge all business operations and functions for proving the base for managerial decisions. The goal of managing information is to achieve the intended enterprise objectives including improving the firm’s performance and sustaining growth. Some of the benefits of the effective information systems include better understanding of the business functions, appropriate problem analysis, and value-added communication among the different constituents of an enterprise. Other advantages include the formulation of prompt and info rmed decisions for better firm control. The performance of businesses is largely based on the implemented information systems. Efficient information systems are compared to a library system that provides useful data to all the management levels in the firm. The library plays a critical role in the collection, classification, and archiving of data that the whole community relies on to retrieve the information required guiding various decisions. The decisions on different tasks bring about an improved overall performance of the firm when they are implemented appropriately (Laudon Laudon, 2013). Enterprises need efficient and properly integrated information systems to evade losing the ground in the rapidly changing business environment. The information provides enterprises with numerous competencies including the realization of low-cost production and excellent customer services. The Disconnect of the Traditional Information Systems The traditional business models face the problem of non-conformity to the changing business environment. Traditional firms utilize the orthodox information management systems and tools that do not match the contemporary business demands. A substantial amount of literature puts forward numerous problems associated with the traditional information systems.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Firstly, they adopt a top-down decision-making process where senior managers formulate orders for the less informed subordinates to implement (Laudon Laudon, 2013). The lack of proper coordination of information due to the burdening hierarchical management system, the firms fail to notice the changes in the organization. Secondly, they lack information systems to link the departments. This disconnection leads to failed functions, duplication of reports, and delayed communication, a situation that affects the overall performance of the enterprise. In most organizations, the separate departments including the accounting, human resources (HR), marketing, sales, and production had independent information systems (Laudon Laudon, 2013). In the orthodox management plan, strategic decision-making was challenging since the acquisition of information for analysis involved long processes. Data regarding the various departments was availed in the form of separate files with different versions that the general manager had to spend several days to analyze before making decisions. With each department having separate computer programs to operate, it implied that there were multiple files created. In a five or ten-year span, the size of files created can be enormous, giving the management the burden of handling and loss of time. These problems can be a source of demotivation, fatigue, and increased turnover rates. Firms that utilize the traditional information handling methods are prone to failure owing to the lack of coordination and duplication of roles that result in resource wastage and untapped opportunities (Mabry, Chengho, Bigler, 2014). The planning process conducted without up-to-date information results in recurring failure in the enterprise. Some researchers argue that planning cycles in the traditional firms can be too long, and do not match the pace of the changing business environment. Such problems make the management of firms hard because they rely on the t raditional methods concentrating on past scenarios. The traditional data handling systems are also faced with the problem of data redundancy and inconsistency (Laudon Laudon, 2013). Such instances and adverse trends can be resolved using the modern integrated information systems that communicate between the internal and external environments of the enterprise. The modern management practice also boosts the coordination of the operations with a view of establishing a central information system to oversee each unit. Organizing the Information Systems in a Digital Firm Many modern firms have acknowledged the role of information as an ingredient of the organizational communication function. The IT department in most companies manages the organization of information (Mabry et al., 2014). Its governance entails the policies and strategies that govern the utilization of technology to handle the company information. It guides the decision-making processes (Laudon Laudon, 2013). Furthermor e, it draws the accountability framework to ensure that the appropriate technology is executed to facilitate the smooth flow of information in the organization. The systems form a part of a series of value-adding activities for acquisition, transformation, and distribution of information that can be utilized by the managers to improve decision-making. Organizations face challenges that stem from both the internal and external environments. Information systems are designed to offer reliable solutions to such organizational challenges (Mabry et al., 2014). The information systems transform data into meaningful knowledge to guide decision-making with an aim of improving the performance of the enterprise. According to Mabry et al. (2014), the realization of the organization’s strategic goals is derailed in situations where they fail to adopt management information systems. The systems help the organization improve the customer relations, functional superiority, value-added decisi ons, and market effectiveness among others. Technically, the systems help in the collection of data, storage, and timely dissemination of information from the external and internal environments of the firm with a goal of supporting the organizational functions (Balfe, Sharples, Wilson, 2015). These operations can be classified as input, processing, and output. They play a central role in the provision of solutions to problems facing the business initiatives of the enterprises. Organizing the information systems involves the adoption of viable business models, shaping a culture that supports it, and generating the political will through the appropriate leadership models to convert the efforts into a prosperous organization. To obtain a meaningful value of the information systems, organizations ought to show the support for the technology investment, suitable complementary investments, and proactive management styles. The complementary investments include the relevant corporate cultu re, employee behavior, new business models and processes, high technology standards, favorable regulation and legislation, and the will to maintain an up-to-date information system. Some scenarios involve the fortification of the managerial and organizational structure, especially during the introduction of new technology (Bafe et al., 2015). Theoretical Application of the Integrated Information Systems The digital firm embraces integrated information systems that promote an accurate handling of information to ensure that the different departments in an enterprise receive and share timely information from a central point (Durugbo Riedel, 2013). To achieve this transformation, numerous technological developments have been tested and proven efficient in the management of information. They mostly revolve around the utilization of computer software as discussed extensively in this section. Enterprise Resource Planning One of the most proactive and proven IIS software is the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. This software helps business firms integrate a range of business functions and processes with a view of establishing a central system for managing the overall business errands (Durugbo Riedel, 2013). This software has been adopted mainly by not only the multinationals but also small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This move has enabled them cut the unnecessary operational costs. The ERP concept can be discussed from different viewpoints. At the outset, it is a marketed product sold as computer application software. Secondly, the ERP can be seen as a development goal mapping all enterprise data and processes into a comprehensive and integral structure. Thirdly, it can be viewed as a key component of an infrastructure that provides apt business solutions (Uà §aktà ¼rk Villard, 2013). The ERP system is designed to promote an aggressive and efficient business strategy with a view of enabling firms to manage their resources including the materials , workforce, suppliers, customers, and finance. It provides a wholesome and integrated solution for the enterprise’s information processing needs. The ERP also provides the standardization of the business processes across the firm. It is known for its business revolutionizing capabilities including the automation and integration of the firm’s processes, sharing of common data and practices across the entire business, and providing access to information in a real-time environment. The ERP can improve the business processes while cutting the perceived operational costs. The two significant frontiers for the software include the supply chain management and e-commerce (Drnevich Croson, 2013). The capabilities and effectiveness of the ERP have been tested through its widespread application in the supply chain management whereby it is linked with other business functions. Firms can slash the cycle times and reduce the inventory with the help of the ERP. Despite its widely c ited implementation costs, the ERP has evaded expensive errors that enterprises make with the traditional handling processes. A substantial amount literature also provides the evidence-based success factors for the ERP in spite of its expensive installation costs. The ERP concept is represented in figure 1.0 showing how the information from the different constituents of an enterprise can be controlled from a central point. Figure 1.0 The ERP systems concept The successful implementation and functionality of the ERP system is contingent on its alignment with the organizational processes and correspondence to the enterprise culture, strategy, and organizational structure (Uà §aktà ¼rk Villard, 2013). The system seeks to improve both the fundamental and front-end functions of the enterprise simultaneously. Various reports indicate that the ERP has gained substantial market popularity due to its capability to include additional business functions such as the Internet-based transacti ons and communications. The users are reaping the benefits of managing the information from a system that permits more processes to be included in addition to the ones configured initially. Evidence-Based Application of the ERP System as an Integrated Information Tool Numerous companies that are among the leading firms worldwide have applied the ERP system. The main enterprise software vendors include the Oracle, SAP, and SSA Global. Currently, there are versions of the ERP software packages designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) obtainable via the webs offered by various service providers (Durugbo Riedel, 2013). These systems can communicate with the external business elements including the customers, suppliers, and other organizations alongside the initial design for the internal operations of the firm. The ERP framework provides value to the firms by increasing the operational efficiency. It also integrates firm’s information into the system thereby underp inning the formulation of decisions that are more informed. Large companies whose operations are highly complex involving long supply chain, distant units, and numerous management departments have attested the effectiveness of the ERP (Laudon Laudon, 2013). The system helps the companies by providing them with standardized data that is used by all the stakeholders regardless of their different locations. For instance, the implementation of the SAP enterprise software enabled the Coca-Cola Company to standardize and coordinate its business processes in over 200 countries around the globe. Before the adoption of the SAP enterprise software, the company was having trouble leveraging its global business processes. The implementation of the ERP system led to an increased worldwide buying power of the company’s products and response to the rapid market changes (Durugbo Riedel, 2013). The ERP systems help firms respond timely to requests and orders from the customers since the sof tware facilitates the integration of information on the incoming orders, manufacturing processes, and delivery of data. In this way, the firm manufactures in response to the orders made by the customers (Drnevich Croson, 2013). In addition, this integration enables the procurement process to determine the amount of the raw materials to be acquired in response to the manufacturing needs of refilling the actual orders (Drnevich Croson, 2013). Similarly, the Alcoa Company made a groundbreaking reduction of the transaction costs after implementing the Oracle enterprise software. The software also resulted in the decrease of the redundant processes and systems. Prior to the implementation of the ERP, the company took exceedingly long before receiving the payments for delivered products due to the absence of a system to process the receipts (Balfe et al., 2015). Following the successful acquisition and implementation of the Oracle ERP system, the Alcoa Company accounts payable transacti on processing saw an 89% sharp drop. The Impact of Integrated Information System on Supply Chain Management The effectiveness of the ERP system has been proved to have significant effects on the supply chain management, especially in the mega companies where the operations can get more complex (Uà §aktà ¼rk Villard, 2013). The supply chain of any business is made up of various components that include the business processes, resource goods, production means, and distribution networks. It involves many players such as the firm, suppliers, distribution channels, and customers (Blessing Mavengere, 2014). These constituents are involved in the core functions of the business that are associated with the financial transactions. Managing the functions in a multinational organization can be tricky (Balfe et al., 2015). At this stage, the integrated information systems such as the ERP come into play. A system is needed to control the procurement of raw materials, transform them into interm ediate and finished commodities, and coordinate the distribution of the finished products to the customers. The management needs to have access to the information about each unit in the complex supply chain to support the formulation of better decisions for the firm. This acquaintance will also help in the evaluation of the economic position of the activities at any point in time. Inefficiencies in the supply chain management can occur due to the absence of an appropriately integrated system that can avail the information on each of the complex units involved. Major inefficiencies observed in the supply chain include component shortages, underutilized plant capacity, deficient or surplus finished products inventory, exorbitant transport costs, delayed deliveries, and little customer information coordination among other crucial errors. Instances such as the manufacturers keeping excessive inventory due to the lacking information about shipping are common. As a result, the stock level increases. This situation escalates the stocking costs. The enterprise system software helps evade a scenario that can waste up to 25% of the operational costs of the firm. The system enables the manufacturer gain access to information on the exact number of units of a particular product that the customers require and exact time of production and delivery. The ERP has been proven to promote the just-in-time strategy for manufacturers whereby the production perfectly corresponds to the customer needs and delivery time (Blessing Mavengere, 2014). Information systems facilitate the supply chain management in many ways. At the outset, it helps firms decide when and what to produce, store, and distribute (Blessing Mavengere, 2014). In addition, it promoted rapid communication and tracking of order requests from the clients and checking inventory levels and availability. The ERP systems have contributed to reducing costs of inventory, transportation, and warehousing. It facilitates the t racking of shipment for raw materials from the suppliers. Besides, it monitors the distribution of finished products to the retail outlets and customers in different regions and countries around the globe, particularly for the global business firms. The integrated information systems help manufacturers plan production activities by scheduling the production activities in line with the customer demands (Drnevich Croson, 2013). Moreover, the systems provide a rapid communication framework for product design changes in response to the customer tastes and shifting market forces. The supply chain system is designed to help firms plan and execute manufacturing procedures successfully. Furthermore, they underpin the modeling of the supply chain, creation of demand projections, and coordination of supplies and manufacturing decisions. On the other hand, the supply execution systems help firms manage the flow of products from the manufacturing and distribution channels to the right destinat ions. The information systems also assist in the tracking of the physical conditions of products, management of materials, warehousing, and transportation operations. Besides, they confirm the financial information associated with the above operations. The major software vendors for supply chain management include the Manugistics and i2 Technologies. In addition, the enterprise software vendors including the SAP and Oracle-PeopleSoft provide various supply chain management modules. A perfect example of the utilization of the supply chain systems is demonstrated by the Dubai Ports (DP) World, a leading terminal operator in the world. It adopts a customer-centric approach that supports its supply chains in more than 50 terminals located in over 40 countries globally. The system helps the DP World provide excellent innovative services in the handling of bulk, container, and terminal cargos. The firm gives customers priority by heavily investing in tech-savvy resources to provide qualit y services. The DP World helps shippers around the globe handle the complex supply chains involving container handling. Through the adoption of the ERP systems, the DP World has managed to ease congestion challenges rampant in the container terminals (Drnevich Croson, 2013). It utilizes numerous information technology-based solutions that have improved the terminal capacity use significantly. The automated system conducts functions such as the recording, analysis, authentication, reporting, and clearance of the shipment using the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) interface. The information system also offers an opportunity for both traders and consumers to manage orders and deliveries online. The introduction of the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology has led to various advantages. At the outset, the management of the distribution logistics has been improved owing to the faster clearance of the shipment. This situation has significantly increased the flow of traffic th ereby reducing congestion at the facility. The DP World customers can boast of the easier cargo clearance and transportation to the offshore destinations. This strategy was achieved through the upgraded truck management that saw the prevention of queues in the terminals thereby reducing the number of trucks on the public roads. Application of Integrated Information Systems in Customer Relationship Management Marketing researchers have more often contended that establishing a knowledge base about a firm’s customers is the most competitive phenomenon in the modern-day business environment. The traditional assumption of gaining a competitive edge by moving the highest quantity of products or demonstrating the best innovation has been recently challenged by the notion of understanding customer analysis. A sustainable firm’s growth and profitability do not only depend on constant innovation but also the proper understanding of the consumer dynamics. This situation can be ac hieved by the utilization of the best information systems in the customer relationship management (CRM) strategy (Laudon Laudon, 2013). Developing a system that enables the realization of the consumer needs and their consumption behaviors among others is the focus of the CRM. For large companies with diverse market niches, it is not an easy task to know the consumers closely. This situation creates a need to come up with the best strategic information systems to facilitate an accurate synthesis of all the information incoming from different channels including telephone, websites, social media, and face-to-face communication. The CRM seeks to gather and integrate, consolidate, analyze, and redistribute consumer data to various contact points that include communication through e-mails, telephone, websites, wireless devices, and/or retail sites. Advanced CRM packages have modules for partner relationship management (PRM) and employee relationship management (ERM). The PRM software hel ps promote the association between the firm and its partners including suppliers, shareholders, and sponsors. On the other hand, the ERM software deals with the workforce issues such as employee performance, formulation of goals, compensation, appraisals, recruitment, and training among others. Software such as the Sales Force Automation (SFA) utilized in the CRM systems help the sales workforce to speed up the production processes by directing more efforts towards the most valuable and profitable customers. The SFA generates information on the sales prospects, contact, and configuration of the best candidates for substantial prospective purchases. It communicates this information to the sales personnel to underpin the formulation of better decisions. The CRM systems generate useful information including the amount of revenue made against the costs incurred in servicing the customer (Laudon Laudon, 2013). This analytical CRM function is geared towards establishing the customer life time value (CLTV) that portrays the long-term firm-consumer relationship. Conclusion This paper stresses the role of integrating information into a firm. It is evident that poor handling of information can result in a massive company failure due to the lack of appropriate coordination of the different operational units. The paper has presented how the integrated information systems can be utilized to manage the digital firm to eradicate a plethora of problems that accrue due to the continued use of the orthodox systems. The size of information involved escalates as businesses become more complex, especially with the effect of globalization where firms engage in cross-border transactions. As a result, the firms face a tough challenge of ensuring that the crucial information is disseminated timely to the complex units. In response to this complexity, various innovative software-based technologies have been developed to ease the challenge. Reference List Alaa, G., Fitzgerald, G. (2013 ). Re-conceptualizing Agile Information Systems Development using Complex Adaptive Systems Theory. Emergence: Complexity Organization, 15(3), 1-23. Balfe, N., Sharples, S., Wilson, J. (2015). Impact of automation: Measurement of performance, workload, and behavior in a complex control environment. Applied Ergonomics, 47(1), 52-64. Blessing Mavengere, Nicholas. (2014). Role of Information Systems for Strategic Agility in Supply Chain Setting: Telecommunication Industry Study. Electronic Journal of Information Systems Evaluation, 17(1), 100-112. Drnevich, P., Croson, D. (2013). Information technology and business-level strategy: toward an integrated theoretical perspective. MIS Quarterly, 37(2), 483-509. Durugbo, C., Riedel, J. (2013). Readiness assessment of collaborative networked organizations for integrated product and service delivery. International Journal of Production Research, 51(2), 598-613. Laudon, K., Laudon, J. (2013). Management of Integrated Information Systems: Ma naging the digital firm. New Jersey, NJ: Prentice Hall. Mabry, S., Chengho, H., Bigler, W. (2014). Quantifying the value of the service-oriented approach to business information systems. Business Studies Journal, 6(1), 1-22. Uà §aktà ¼rk, A., Villard, M. (2013). The Effects of Management Information and ERP Systems on Strategic Knowledge Management and Decision-making. Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences, 99(1), 1035-1043. This research paper on Integrated Information Systems was written and submitted by user Amber K. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Eva Peron essays

Eva Peron essays What is happening to our people is a drama, an authentic and extraordinary drama for the ownership of life... of happiness... of the pure and simple well-being that my people have been dreaming about since the beginning of history. The Evita that people worldwide cherish as the Argentinian sweetheart is a stronger woman than I had ever envisioned. From reading her personal message to the people, I saw a woman who knew so much and had the will of an army to achieve her virtuous goal. She was a leader of the people, the people who lacked the power and authority to speak out for their cause. And she had a love for her nations people, like a mothers undying love for her children. But more than all else, she had a devotion to her beliefs, exemplified through her husband, the man she loved. Her message serves so many purposes, but ultimately it was a goodbye to all her loved ones. She wanted to leave them in body only after her death, and never desert them in spirit. And she never shall. Her ideals, and the spark she invoked in her people will always exist. She tells of truths about the people against her. She talks of politicians and people who claim they work for the good of Argentine. She tells her people not to believe their lies, because they only think of themselves, and they do not care about the impoverished. Only Pern has the understanding that they need. Even though he has come from military backgrounds, he has broken free of the selfish upper class ways, and has seen what is going on in Argentine. What most people of power try not to see is what is the most important and prevalent problem. Eva also points out that this devotion to the descamisados means much more and suggests greater character coming from Peron. For Eva, it is easy to rally her beliefs behind the impoverished, because she is one of them, and understands them. So, she def ...

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His ST segment was elevated approximately 8mm and continued to increase until 70 minutes post thrombolytic when he had 50% resolution of the ST elevation. When he presented to the ED he was given oxygen, morphine, anginine, aspirin, clopidigrel and enoxaparin as first line pharmaceutical treatments. He was transferred that afternoon to Townsville. Mr Smith was not managed in Atherton due to the lack of cardiac catheter services and was transferred for a Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) the next day where he had a stent placed in his proximal area of his Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery (LAD). Anterior MIs affect a large surface of the heart, thrombolytic therapy and PCI are the most effective way to treat them (Evans-Murray, 2008 ). His medical history includes a previous STEMI and PCI in 1997, hypercholesterolemia, depression, a ruptured bowel and neck injury from a Motor Vehicle Accident in 1977. Upon further questioning Mr Smith admitted to recently becoming very short of breath whilst mowing the lawn. His risk factors include ex-smoker ceasing in 1993, hypercholesteremia, and stress of brother dying 3 weeks previous. His current medications were aspirin 100mg daily, atorvastatin 20 mg daily and zoloft 200mg daily. Upon arrival to a Townsville Coronary Care Unit (CCU), Mr Smith was pain free. He was connected to continuous cardiac monitoring and admission workup was attended, this includes admission paperwork, ECG, vital signs, mobile Chest x-ray and pathology tests. He was ordered and given stat doses of aspirin, clopidigrel and IV lasix. Mr Smith had an IVT running in his Left hand and an IVC in his Right hand. During the next few days Mr Smith remained febrile 37.6 ° with only a small elevation in white cell count (Huszar, 2007). Four days post infarction, Mr Smith became short of breath (SOB) in the shower and felt light headed; he was monitored in Sinus Rhythm with SaO2 of 95% on 3lpm via nasal cannula. On auscultation, crackles were heard in his lower bases. He was commenced on lasix 20mg daily. This was an indication that his Left Ventricle may not have been functioning adequately. An Echocardiogram was performed to see if the heart wall motion and valves were performing to their best ability (Kern, 2003). The report showed extensive akinesis of the septal, anterior and apex left ventricle wall. His Left Ventricle Ejection Fraction (LEVF) was 35%. Normal values for (LVEF) are 60-65% (Moser Riegel, 2008). He was commenced on a Beta Blocker Cavedilol 6.25mg and Ramipril, which was commenced post PCI and decreased from 2.5mg to 1.25 mg. Use of these medications follow the criteria of the Reducing Risk in Heart Disease (Heart Foundation, 2007). He was sent to the cardiothoracic unit on day 5 with telemetry, to monitor for any changes in his cardiac condition (Jayasekara, 2009) and discharged two days later. A systematic approach should be taken when attending to health history and physical assessment. Throughout the assessment, skin temperature, body odour, mood and appearance are observed. Patients need to feel comfortable with nurses so Mr Smith had the physical assessment explained to him and the reasons for performing it. (Brown, 2007) Mr Smiths physical assessment was completed in the morning prior to his PCI. He seemed relaxed with a jovial manner but at times did appear nervous. He was of a clean well kept appearance and looked younger than his 58 years. Neuro intact. Orientated to time, person and place, GCS 15 and PEARLA. He had a good memory of the event. Cardiovascular monitored in sinus rhythm with frequent PVCs and runs of bigeminy. ECG attached. Febrile- low grade 37.4  °, Pulse 70 bpm, blood pressure 102/69, no peripheral oedema. Jugular venous pressure was approximately 4 cms. Initially I could not palpate the apical pulse but when patient positioned onto his left side it was felt 5th ICS MCL. The reason it is felt is due to the apex of the heart comes into contact with the chest wall (Marieb Hoehn, 2010) No thrills or heaves heard. Mr Smith was warm to touch but not diaphoretic. Upon auscultation of the carotid arteries no bruits were heard. Normal S1 and S2 heart sounds were heard upon auscultation. Good radial, carotid and femoral pulses, Normal 2+ according to pulse volume scale (Lewis, 2007). Mr Smith did look pale and his haemoglobin was 121g/L. Respiratory rate of 18 per minute. Sao2 94% on 2lpm via Nasal cannula. Inspection of the thorax area revealed equal shape, size and symmetry of chest with nil use of accessory muscles. Trachea was midline. Lips and nail beds showed no signs of cyanosis. Diaphragmatic excursion was equal at 4 cms. Anterior, lateral and posterior areas revealed equal air entry, bilaterally in high and mid thoracic zones. Basal zones of thorax areas were bilaterally dull. No adventious sounds heard. Chest X-ray noted that some consolidation in bilateral bases which corresponds to the decreased air entry heard in the bases (Wang, Baumann, Slutsky, Gruber, Jean, 2010). Gastrointestinal revealed an old scar midline under the umbilicus from previous MVA. Bowel sounds heard in all 4 quadrants. Abdomen was soft with no distension. Mr Smiths upper and lower limbs and nail beds showed no signs of cyanosis or clubbing, ulceration or varicose veins. Capillary refill was normal less than 3 seconds in all limbs. Range of motions and strength were bilaterally equal and normal in all 4 limbs. Dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial veins were felt on palpation and scored 2+ bilaterally (Lewis, 2007). Acute coronary syndrome is a common cause of death. Myocardial infarction can have a good mortality rate if treated early. Treatment can be as basic as oxygen, ECG, observations, nitroglycerine through to thrombolytic therapy or a rescue angiogram/angioplasty (Overbaugh, 2009). One is not more important than the other and the patients prognosis is the main concern. Patients complain of chest pain due to myocardial oxygen demand and supply mismatching. The coronary arteries supply the myocardium with blood supply, if the supply is interrupted by a clot, spasm or atherosclerotic plaque the myocardial oxygen requirement (demand) is not met which causes myocardial cells to starve for oxygen supply. This causes the depolarization of the cells to be interrupted and changes will occur on the ECG. (Woods, 1995) Ischemia is shown on the ECG by ST segment elevation. This is primarily an emergency situation as the first 6 hours post infarction is when myocardial damage becomes irreversible (Thelan, 1994). In this time many interventions can be attended to resupply the myocardium with oxygen enriched blood supply. Oxygen is administered for at least the first 48 hours post MI so that tissue hypoxia does not become evident. At times chest pain can be relieved by applying oxygen.(Swearingen Keen, 2001) Vital signs are attended to frequently in CCU, usually hourly, which enables nurses to see any changes in hemodynamic monitoring. Complications of infarctions are heart failure and arrhythmias, due to the large area of heart wall damaged. When Mr Smith suddenly became SOB and adventious breath sounds were heard on auscultation, it alerted medical staff that his left side of the heart was congested and not efficiently pumping. Early indications of Left ventricular failure are shortness of breath (SOB) and intolerance of beta blockers, nitrates, or ACE inhibitors. Mr Smith showed signs of SOB and lightheadedness, which may be due to Ramipril ( ACE inhibitor) that was then decreased in dose (Schell Puntillo, 2006). Continuous cardiac monitoring enables nurses to keep constant checks on heart rates and rhythms, it gives nurses the ability to act on any life threatening rhythms immediately or enables them with the knowledge of impending problems that could arise (Drew, 2004). Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVC), Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) or Ventricular Fibrillation(VF) are the most likely rythyms to be noted due to the scarring or necrotic myocardial tissue (Aehlert eInstruction Corp., 2011). Mr Smith was noted to have occasional PVCs that became more frequent until he was monitored in bigeminy, which can lead to runs of VT (Huszar, 2007). Monitored patients can be observed in pulseless VT/ VF via the central monitor at the nurses station and can be immediately defibrillated, whereas if a ward patient collapses a monitor needs to be attached before the heart rhythm can be established and treatment given (McDonough, 2009). ST Segment monitoring shows significant changes in monitoring that can indicate ischemia or infarction. Central monitors should have regular nurse surveillance, will alarm if there is a significant change to the ST segment. Changes occur with or without complaints of chest pain or shortness of breath, indicating myocardial oxygen mismatch (Smith, 2008). Patients need to advised to tell staff of chest pain whilst being monitored. Some patients assume nursing staff know from the monitor when they are experiencing chest pain. (Swearingen Keen, 2001) An ECG can be performed to show any significant changes of the heart. Mr Smith showed ST segment changes in his anterior /septal (V3 V4 position) aspect of his left ventricle. This area is supplied by the Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery. Treatment does not differ depending on which area of the heart is affected. All areas require oxygen supply. While in hospital Mr Smith was ordered serial ECGs, these are taken daily to show any changes. Expected changes expected post MI are the development of a pathological Q wave. Q waves indicate the necrosis of myocardial tissue and specifically in V1 to V4 indicates anteroseptal infarction (Dubin, 2000) Mr Smith was initially given morphine, an opioid that relieves pain by decreasing myocardial oxygen demand by decreasing the Autonomic Nervous System and decreasing anxiety (Lewis, 2007). Nitro-glycerine, was ordered as a smooth muscle relaxant that vasodilates the vessels to restore blood supply if the mismatch is due to a coronary spasm(Yassin, 2007). Aspirin is given daily indefinitely as it is a antiplatelet aggregation inhibitor that Hung, 2008 states is proven for secondary prevention of myocardial infarction, stroke and cardiovascular death in both men and women. He also discusses the combined use of clopidigrel and aspirin to reduce subacute stent thrombosis after PCIs (Hung, 2008). Thrombolytic therapy is given within the first 6 hours of chest pain.(Levin, 2008) Tenecteplase 90mg was given. Thrombolytic Therapy is given to dispel the clot and allow blood flow to the affected area. It can take up to 90 minutes for full resolution to occur (Goldberger,2010). There are certain considerations that medical staff must ensure prior to administration of this therapy, these include an absence of CVA/TIAs or surgery in the last 12 weeks (Gibson, 2009). Once administered ECGs are taken in 15-30 min intervals to see changes of ST segment, showing that myocardial blood supply and depolarization being restored. Cardiac markers are Pathology tests that also give evidence of myocardial damage. When cardiac cells are damaged the membrane walls leak these substances into the blood stream (Aehlert eInstruction Corp., 2011). Myoglobin, Creatine kinase (CK), Troponin T and Troponin I are myocardial specific and along with ST elevation can be evident of a STEMI. Ëarly in ischaemia the ST segment may lose the ST-T wave slope and appear straight. Then as the T wave broadens and the ST segment rises, the segment loses its concave form and becomes upwardly convex with elevations (Moser Riegel, 2008). Non STEMI do not have a significant change on the ECG only cardiac markers alter. These markers usually peak between 15-24 hours post infarction and remain elevated for 2-3days (Huszar, 2007) Creatine Kinase has normal value of 45-250 U/L and Mr Smiths on admission was 4290 U/L decreasing to 800 U/L, 2 days post. Troponin T normal values are à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¤0.03ug/L but Mr Smiths ranged from 14.20ug/L at 2200hours on the day of MI, to 4.39ug/L 2 days later. Serial pathology tests are taken usually every 6 hours for the first 24 hours. Mr Smith was taken for a PCI the day after his MI. He had a stent put in his proximal area of his Left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) in the Cardiac Catheter Lab. Mr Smiths had a PCI even though his blood supply looked like it had been reinstated, the stent will prevent clot formation again and reocclussion (Cannon, 2010). He was then transferred back to CCU and remained RIB overnight. He had a femoseal deployed into his groin to occlude the opening of the femoral vessel used for this procedure. Nurses need to do regular neurovascular and pedal pulse observations to check for bleeding or vessel occlusion (Shoulders-Odom, 2008). Mr Smith needed to be educated on his procedure pre and post operative. He has previously been for this procedure but needed re-education. It must be a daunting experience to be given twilight sedation whist having the PCI. Mr Smiths last procedure was 13 years ago which would see many new techniques being practiced that he was not familiar with. His post op education included the importance of keeping his affected leg still and care of his affected groin.(Moser Riegel, 2008) Myocardial Infarction education can be given to him at the same time but this is information that needs to be reiterated continually during his hospitalization(Lewis, 2007). He and his family need to be aware of the risk of reinfarction especially in the next 2 weeks post MI as the heart muscle is still weak and irritable and increase in activity can cause another MI. This is the time that patients start to resume their normal daily activities after hospitalization and are at the most risk. (Douglas, 2010) Documentation is very important and needs to be filled out correctly as it is a legal document (Lewis, 2007). The CCUs clinical pathway for infarction indicated strict rest in bed with commode privileges for the first 48 hours, this decreases the need for myocardial oxygen. This is difficult for active patients but it needs to be strictly followed. Due to immobility other medical complications can arise, pneumonia and decreased gas exchange, deep vein thrombosis or emboli are common. To prevent these patients are encouraged to attend to hourly Deep Breathing Exercises (DBE), leg exercises and triflow. Patients can also be sat in an upright position which increases venous return (Thelan, 1994). Anticoagulants prevent clot formation therefore Mr Smith was administered daily Clexane 90mg post PCI until discharge and administered Abciximab (Reopro) for 12 hours post PCI. To test the adequacy of anticoagulants, INR and APPT are taken to check patients dose is therapeutic. Problems with ad ministering the anticoagulant after thrombolytic therapy is bleeding (Yassin, 2007). Mr Smith was noted to have large traces of blood in his urinalysis and was sent for a Pelvic Ultrasound to be sure there was no other complications, the ultrasound was NAD. Prior to discharge Mr Smith was educated on his new regime of medications and the importance of medication compliance to decrease his risks of further cardiac complications (Albert, 2008). Nurses if experienced and up to date with current research and practices can work alongside medical staff and initiate nursing cares that are in the best interest of patients. Coronary Care Units must have confident and competent nurses to run the ward as most times they make significant decisions on implementation of nursing care. When Doctors have confidence in the nurse looking after their patients they will respect and listen to nurses opinions because they know they are educated and empowered with knowledge.

European Economic and Monetary Union Essay -- essays papers

European Economic and Monetary Union The Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) is a single currency area within the European Union in which people, goods, services and capital move without restriction (Europa Quest (1), 2001). Imperative to the success of the EMU is the implementation of a single European currency, the Euro, and the application of specific macro-economic policies by the EMU member states (Harris, 1999: 78). Moreover, it is the foreseeable intent of European governments to create a framework for stability, peace and prosperity through the promotion of structural change and regional development (JP Morgan, 2001). This essay will endeavor to highlight the fundamental gains likely to be accrued by the European business community as a result of EMU policy provisions. The developments and circumstances preceding the EMU formation will be examined to give insight into the functioning of a monetary union. Furthermore, it is essential to analyze the implications the EMU has for firms within both ‘Euroland†™ and other European nations. To establish a strong understanding of the intricacies of the EMU, it is essential to discuss both the antecedents and major developments in this monetary union. The origins of the EMU can be traced to the formation of the European Coal and Steel community (ECSC) in the early 1950s, which was the first attempt to harness European economic unity to achieve greater international competitiveness (Per Jacobson, 1999) (Duisenberg, 1998). The success of this venture prompted the foreign ministers of six ECSC nations to examine the possibility of further economic integration (Chulalongkorn University, 1999). Hence, in 1957 one the most significant agreements in European economics history, The Treaty of Rome, was signed. The Treaty of Rome’s fundamental goal was to provide for the creation of a common market (Kenwood & Lougheed, 1999:280). The most significant aspect of this treaty was the commitment made by such countries as Belgium, France, West Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and Luxembourg to facilitate the free movement of goods, services and factors of production. Essentially, these European governments sought to eliminate internal trade barriers, create common external tariffs and harmonies member states laws and regulations (Hill, 2001: 233). This movement towards a common European market continued with relative success ... ...gheed, 1999. The Growth of the International Economy: 1820-2000. Routledge Press: London. ï‚ · Martin, Peter, 1997. EMU’s New Horizon. www.stern.nyu.edu/nroubini/EMU/. Visited Mach 2001. ï‚ · Preston Robert, 1997. Note of Confusion on Single Currency. www.princetoneconomics.com. Visited April 2001. ï‚ · Princeton Economics, 1998. Country Analysis: United Kingdom. www.princetoneconomics.com . Visted April 2001. ï‚ · Roubini, Nouriel, 1997. Notes on Europe, the Euro and EMU. www.stern.nyu.edu/nroubini/EMU . Visited April 2001. ï‚ · Salmon, Pierre, 2000. Decentralisation and Supernationality: The Case of the EU. www.imf.org. Visited April 2001. ï‚ · Salvatore, Dominick, 1998. International Economics (Sixth Edition). Prentice Hall: New Jersey. ï‚ · Solomon, Robert, 1999. International Effects of the Euro. www.brook.edu/comm/policybriefs/ . Visited March 2001. ï‚ · Soltwedel, Rudiger, Dohse Dirk & Krieger-Boden, Christianne. 2000. European Labour Markets and the EMU Challenges Ahead. www.imf.org . Visited April 2001. ï‚ · Tett, Gillian, 1996. The Single Currency: Everything you wanted to know? . www.stern.nyu.edu/nroubini/EMU . Visited April 2001.

Is India Safe for Its Residents? Essay

In fact I think INDIA is the safest place to live in on earth for Indians.Yes I do agree that there is terror of terrorism; but then u need to firmly fight againstit. U can run off ur responsibilities by saying that India is not a safe place. Toh†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. do u think that settling down in foreign can make u feel secure If u think so ur definitely wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Are Indians safe in a country like AUSTRALIA,infact Indians are insultedthere and where ever we go and what ever we do†¦..there is nothing that equals our mother and mother land. violence and problems maybe a trouble for us ..but i think there will be no placewith out problems †¦. what we need to do is justto manage ourselves†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ any ways to sum it up..INDIA IS THE SUPERIOR,THE SUPREME AND THE HEAVEN FOR INDIANS. right ______________________________________†¦ In India there has been lack of political will and assertive decision making to bring such fugitives to justice. Barely a month later, with the Delhi blasts this weekend, the NSA might have to revise his earlier estimate; his claimssound meaningless. Jammu and Kashmir is facing unrest. The Northeast is unsettled.West Bengal andTelangana are simmering, over 160 districts in 13 states are in the grip of left wing extremism. While the crime rate is growing, abductions and extortions have almost become an industry. The rangdari and supari culture is now a new brandof threat to the Indian citizen.Money laundering, hawala, small arms proliferation and human trafficking are on the rise. The debate on countering these internal threats, however,has been overwhelmed by politics, rather than deterrent action.While India seems tobe safe are Indians secure? Or are we on course to a functional anarchy? India’s current crisis of internal security has been a concern particularly since Decembe r 2001. When terrorists assaulted Parliament, they struck at India’s nerve centre; a qualitatively different target; and at variance with India’s previous experience with multiple threats of insurgencies, terrorism, left wing extremism, narcotic trafficking, religious fundamentalism and subnationalism. The Indian security apparatus and elite are largely indifferent, or have shied away from formulating an internal security doctrine. There has been no serious attempt to institutionalise a mechanism, direction or assertive policy to deal with â€Å"internal threats†; interim, ad hoc and incremental means have been the favoured methods adopted by successive governments. There is virtually no means to define coherentlythe enemy within. The continuous assault on Indian citizens and their psyche has shown clearly that the security apparatus has failed to plug the reocurrence of terrorist attacks. The intelligence fraternity gropes in the dark about the actual strength, source, capacity and logistics of the enemy’s next attack.With our domestic security apparatus going so horribly awry we can take it for granted that we will almost never apprehend the killers. Worse, these terror attacks and militancy are seen as merely a â€Å"law andorder† concern and treated as subject of state, whenever, political violence on a massive scale breaks out in a state, the police become the first responders. The police in India are trained, equipped and mentally conditioned to deal only with civil disorders.When confronted with serious threats to internal securitylike terrorism, insurgency and other proxy war situations, they find it difficult to respond effectively. In such a situation, the state seeks the expertise of paramilitary forces. Creation of fast track courts to avoid judicial delay and enactment of a deterrent anti-terror law would constitute an essential step forward. The need of the hour is toinstitutionalise, develop procedures and processesthat would boost inter institutional co-ordination, facilitate professional conduct of operations on athorough, professional policy analysis. Lack of professional mindset for informed debate, fierce expression of spite, bitterness and mutual political acrimony take place instead of constructive policy discussions

USS Antietam (CV-36) in the Korean War

USS Antietam (CV-36) in the Korean War Entering service in 1945, USS Antietam (CV-36) was one of over twenty Essex-class aircraft carriers built for the US Navy during World War II (1939-1945). Though arriving in the Pacific too late to see combat, the carrier would see extensive action during the Korean War (1950-1953). In the years after the conflict, Antietam became the first American carrier to receive an angled flight deck and later spent five years training pilots in the waters off Pensacola, FL.   Ã‚   A New Design Conceived in the 1920s and early 1930s, the US Navys  Lexington- and  Yorktown-class aircraft carriers were intended to meet the limitations laid out by the  Washington Naval Treaty. This placed restrictions on the tonnage of various types of vessels as well as installed a ceiling on each signatory’s overall tonnage. This system was further extended by the 1930 London Naval Treaty. As the global situation began to deteriorate, Japan and Italy departed the treaty structure in 1936. With the collapse of this system, the US Navy commenced efforts to design a new, larger class of aircraft carrier and one which utilized the lessons learned from the  Yorktown-class. The resulting product was longer and wider as well as utilized a deck-edge elevator system. This had been employed earlier on  USS  Wasp  (CV-7). In addition to embarking a larger air group, the new class carried a greatly enhanced anti-aircraft armament. Construction began on the lead ship,  USS  Essex  (CV-9), on April 28, 1941. Becoming the Standard With the US entry into  World War II after the  attack on Pearl Harbor, the  Essex-class soon became the US Navys standard design for fleet carriers. The initial four ships after  Essex  followed the types original design. In early 1943, the US Navy ordered multiple alterations to improve future vessels. The most visible of these changes was the lengthening the bow to a clipper design which permitted the addition of two quadruple 40 mm mounts. Other alterations included moving the combat information center below the armored deck, enhanced ventilation and aviation fuel systems, a second catapult on the flight deck, and an additional fire control director. Colloquially known as the long-hull  Essex-class or  Ticonderoga-class by some, the US Navy made no distinction between these and the earlier  Essex-class ships. Construction The first ship to move forward with the revised  Essex-class design was USS  Hancock  (CV-14) which was later re-named Ticonderoga. It was followed by additional carriers including USS Antietam (CV-36).   Laid down on March 15, 1943, construction on Antietam commenced at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. Named for the Civil War Battle of Antietam, the new carrier entered the water on August 20, 1944 with Eleanor Tydings, wife of Maryland Senator Millard Tydings, serving as sponsor. Construction rapidly advanced and Antietam entered commission on January 28, 1945, with Captain  James R. Tague in command.   USS Antietam (CV-36) - Overview Nation:  United StatesType:  Aircraft CarrierShipyard:  Philadelphia Naval ShipyardLaid Down:  March 15, 1943Launched:  August 20, 1944Commissioned:  January 28, 1945Fate:  Sold for scrap, 1974 Specifications: Displacement:  27,100 tonsLength:  888 ft.Beam:  93 ft. (waterline)Draft:  28 ft., 7 in.Propulsion:  8 Ãâ€" boilers, 4 Ãâ€" Westinghouse geared steam turbines, 4 Ãâ€" shaftsSpeed:  33 knotsComplement:  3,448 men Armament: 4 Ãâ€" twin 5 inch 38 caliber guns4 Ãâ€" single 5 inch 38 caliber guns8 Ãâ€" quadruple 40 mm 56 caliber guns46 Ãâ€" single 20 mm 78 caliber guns Aircraft: 90-100 aircraft World War II Departing Philadelphia in early March, Antietam shifted south to Hampton Roads and commenced shakedown operations. Steaming along the East Coast and in the Caribbean until April, the carrier then returned to Philadelphia for an overhaul. Leaving on May 19, Antietam began its voyage to the Pacific to join in the campaign against Japan. Stopping briefly in San Diego, it then turned west for Pearl Harbor.   Reaching Hawaiian waters, Antietam spent the better part of the next two months conducting training in the area. On August 12, the carrier left port bound for Eniwetok Atoll which had been captured the previous year.   Three days later, word arrived of the cessation of hostilities and Japans impending surrender.    Occupation Arriving at Eniwetok on August 19, Antietam sailed with USS Cabot (CVL-28) three days later to support the occupation of Japan. Following a brief stop at Guam for repairs, the carrier received new orders directing it to patrol along the Chinese coast in the vicinity of Shanghai. Largely operating in the Yellow Sea, Antietam remained in the Far East for most the next three years. During this time, its aircraft patrolled over Korea, Manchuria, and northern China as well as conducted reconnaissance of operations during the Chinese Civil War. In early 1949, Antietam completed its deployment and steamed for the United States.   Arriving at Alameda, CA, it was decommissioned on June 21, 1949 and placed in reserve. Korean War Antietams inactivity proved short as the carrier was re-commissioned on January 17, 1951 due to the outbreak of the Korean War. Conducting shakedown and training along the California coast, the carrier made a voyage to and from Pearl Harbor before departing for the Far East on September 8. Joining Task Force 77 later that fall, Antietams aircraft began mounting attacks in support of United Nations forces.   Typical operations included interdiction of railroad and highway targets, providing combat air patrols, reconnaissance, and anti-submarine patrols. Making four cruises during its deployment, the carrier generally would resupply at Yokosuka. Completing its final cruise on March 21, 1952, Antietams air group flew nearly 6,000 sorties during its time off the Korean Coast. Earning two battle stars for its efforts, the carrier returned to the United States where it was briefly placed in reserve.   Ã‚   A Groundbreaking Change Ordered to the New York Naval Shipyard that summer, Antietam entered dry dock that September for a major alteration. This saw the addition of a sponson on the port side which permitted the installation of an angled flight deck. The first carrier to possess a true angled flight deck, this new feature permitted aircraft that missed landings to take off again without hitting aircraft further forward on the flight deck. It also greatly increased the efficiency of the launch and recovery cycle.   Re-designated an attack carrier (CVA-36) in October, Antietam rejoined the fleet in December. Operating from Quonset Point, RI, the carrier was a platform for numerous tests involving the angled flight deck.   These included operations and testing with pilots from the Royal Navy. The result from the testing on Antietam confirmed thoughts on the superiority of the angled flight deck and it would become a standard feature of carriers moving forward. The addition of an angled flight deck became a key element of the SCB-125 upgrade given to many Essex-class carriers during the mid/late-1950s.   Later Service Re-designated an anti-submarine carrier in August 1953, Antietam continued to serve in the Atlantic. Ordered to join the US Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean in January 1955, it cruised in those waters until early that spring. Returning to the Atlantic, Antietam made a goodwill voyage to Europe in October 1956 and took part in NATO exercises.   During this time the carrier ran aground off Brest, France but was refloated without damage. While abroad, it was ordered to the Mediterranean during the Suez Crisis and aided in the evacuation of Americans from Alexandria, Egypt. Moving west, Antietam then conducted anti-submarine training exercises with the Italian Navy. Returning to Rhode Island,  the carrier resumed peacetime training operations. On April 21, 1957, Antietam received an assignment to serve as a training carrier for new naval aviators at Naval Air Station Pensacola.    Training Carrier Home ported at Mayport, FL as its draft was too deep to enter Pensacola harbor, Antietam spent the next five years educating young pilots. In addition, the carrier served as a test platform for a variety of new equipment, such as the Bell automatic landing system, as well as embarked US Naval Academy midshipmen each summer for training cruises. In 1959, following dredging at Pensacola, the carrier shifted its home port.   In 1961, Antietam twice provided humanitarian relief in the wakes of Hurricanes Carla and Hattie.   For the latter, the carrier transported medical supplies and personnel to the British Honduras (Belize) to provide aid after the hurricane devastated the region. On October 23, 1962, Antietam was relieved as Pensacolas training ship by USS Lexington (CV-16). Steaming to Philadelphia, the carrier was placed in reserve and decommissioned on May 8, 1963. In reserve for eleven years, Antietam was sold for scrap on February 28, 1974.

California Sea Otters essays

California Sea Otters essays The California, or southern, sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) is the only sea otter subspecies currently listed as an endangered species under the federal Endangered Species Act. The California sea otter is also a fully protected mammal by California state law and by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. In the 1700s, the sea otters were hunted to near extinction for their fur. In the late 1930s, a small population of otters (estimated at approximately 300) was discovered along Californias Big Sur coast. The California population is estimated at a mere 2,000 as of Fall 2001. Historically, there were between 16,000 to 20,000 sea otters along the coast of California Sea otters are classified as both an umbrella species, and a keystone species. As an umbrella species, the protections made for the sea otter will essentially affect a large number of other species in their ecosystem. A keystone species is a term used to refer to the sea otters functional role within their ecosystem. The feeding habits of the sea otters have a crucial effect on their ecological system, and their actions affect many of the organisms within their food chain. The sea otters can be referred to as indicators of the health of their ecosystem. Many causes have been recognized as contributing to the population decline: shark attacks, gunshot wounds, mating activities, fishing/net line injuries, habitat degradation, lack of an adequate food supply, land and water pollution, and disease. In a 1996 report, nearly 1700 sea otter deaths had been documented. The report stated that 18.9% of the deaths were from some sort of trauma, 12% from shark attacks, 4.6% from gunshot wounds, 2.3% from mating activities, 4.6% from fishing/net line injuries, 16.5% due to dependent animals, 4% from natural causes, and 56% of the deaths were undetermined. From 1992 to 1995 the National Wildlife Heath Center had examined approximately 5 ...

Treasury Yield Curve Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Treasury Yield Curve - Coursework Example Inflation affects purchasing power of money and therefore has a major effect on interest rates. Therefore if inflation rate is expected to be 1% during the next year this is added to the risk free interest rate (say 3.5%) and so the Treasury bill rate will be: rT-bill = rRF = r* + IP = 3.5% + 1% = 4.5% The inflation rate is the main factor which determines the shape of the treasury yield curve. If the inflation rate is expected to increase, then the treasury yield curve will slope upwards; which is normal. On the other hand, if the inflation rate is expected to decrease, then this will cause the treasury yield curve to slope downwards. Another factor affecting the Treasury bill rate is interest rate risk. When interest rates rises the prices of treasury bonds decline sharply and since this is a regular occurrence all long term bonds including treasury bonds have an element of interest rate risk. A maturity risk premium (say 2.5%) is therefore added to the risk free rate resulting in the following formula for calculating the Treasury bill rate. rT-bill = rRF = r* + IP + MRP. = 3.5% + 1% + 2.5 = 7% This premium increases with the time to maturity. Therefore, the longer the period the higher maturity risk premium. ... This information tells me that interest rates are subject to various economic conditions that will cause it to rise or fall and that the trend does not have to be continuous as it would appear from the examples seen. This yield curve has a dip and a hump indicating that the interest rates on one year maturities are higher than interest rates on 5 year maturities. The interest rates on medium term maturities rises constantly between year 6 and year 20 and then falls resulting in interest rates on some long term maturities being much lower than the interest rates on some in the medium term. Part 2 Yield to Maturity The yield to maturity is the annualized discount rate that equates the future coupon and payments to the future coupon and principal payments to the initial proceeds received from the bond offering (Madura 2006, p157). Consider Wal-Mart bond which matures on July 2015 with coupon rate of 2.25% which is paid semi-annually. The value of a bond (Vb) is found using the following formula. Vb = 1000 = [$11.25/(1 + rd/2)1] + [$11.25/(1 + rd/2)2] + [$11.25/(1 + rd/2)3] + [$11.25/(1 + rd/2)4] + [$11.25/(1 + rd/2)5] + [$11.25/(1 + rd/2)6] + [$11.25/(1 + rd/2)7] + [$11.25/(1 + rd/2)8] + [$11.25/(1 + rd/2)9] + [$11.25/(1 + rd/2)10] + [$1,0001/(1 + rd/2)10] The PV table can be used to find the figures for each of the ten six-monthly period: where $11.25 is the half yearly coupon rate. The time to maturity is five years and so Wal-Mart 2.25% Corporate Bond Time Periods Interest Payment Maturity Payment Total cash Flow PV Factor (1.125%) PV of Cash Flow    $ $ $    $'000 0       1000 1 1000 Par Value of Bond 1 11.25    11.25 0.9889 11.1251 2 11.25    11.25 0.9779 11.0014 3 11.25    11.25 0.967 10.8788 4 11.25    11.25

Food science Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Food science - Essay Example Bacteria require their own chow to produce and increase. There are different kinds of bacteria, which contaminate the food. Each type of bacteria causing food poisoning would be studied along with the symptoms and treatment separately. There are approximately 74 million cases of food poisoning out of which 323,000 hospitalized and nearly 4000 die yearly in the U. S. alone. According to CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) food poisoning is common in all groups of ages but particularly the children and aged people are most vulnerable to face serious penalties from food poisoning. During 1990 to 1994 numbers of children suffering from food poisoning were approximately 73 million but during the period from1985 to 1989 number of suffering children were 81 million. According to an estimate 400 to 500 children in the U.S die annually from food poisoning. The probability of having food poisoning is in fact very small when the number of food poisoning cases in the population of 21.4 million in Australia. Exact statistics of food poisoning cases are really very difficult to gather because a lot of cases are easygoing and not reported. In the year 2003, the FSIC (Food Safety Information Council) anticipated about more than 4 million Australians experience food poisoning each year. This is obviously a very huge number and this issue needs our deep focus, it also specifies that about 0.03% of meals are infected forms of food poisoning. The most worrying thing about food poisoning is that it can be deadly. Two aged people died by eating infected beef in Victoria in Feb. 2007; another died from food poisoning in hospital this year. These kinds of incidents speed up the need to develop food safety standards. A report published in 2005 reveals that nearly 130 people die from food poisoning every year in Australia. Mostly food poisoning