Preventing Ventilator Associated Pneumonia in the Intensive Care Unit Research Paper

Preventing Ventilator Associated Pneumonia in the Intensive Care Unit - Research Paper Example From this perspective, I want to find various methods of preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia in the ICU patients. Huang, S. J., Huang, H. J., Yu, S. F., Chen, J. H., Huang, H. Y., Cheng, P. C., ... & Lu, M. C. (2015). The implement of bundle care improves the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia in ICU. Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection, 48(2), S153. The above journal discusses a research carried out in a medical center in central Taiwan. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia after implementation of VAP bundles. Before the introduction of VAP bundles the prevalence rate was 2.5% in 2013 where a respirator was utilized in 49.9% of the patients hospitalized in the 20-bed Medical Centre. The incidence rate reduced from 2.5% in 2013 to 1.0% in Q3 of 2014, after the application of VAP bundle care. Laird, P. (2015). Preventing ventilator-related injury in the ICU. Retrieved May 22, 2015, from http://ovidsp.tx.ovid.com.southuniversity.libproxy.edmc.edu/sp-3.15.1b/ovidweb.cgi?QS2=434f4e1a73d37e8ca9c2ed569e2a6bcb0f412b007c9b7e54280dcd11f81c8b88c241ed21141302487cfd3d58d1402427e90395d588a7c5c119687037986016f981c651e712f27d984010f4812b662d4aee3eb831 This resource talks about a mechanical ventilation technique that is utilized in the ICU. It is a treatment for patients suffering from respiratory failure. Nevertheless, the method has various complications and risks related to its use. It is, therefore, recommended that patients using this type of therapy should be monitored daily. Monitoring daily is paramount to establish preparedness to perform early extubation and safeguard against possible fatal ventilator-associated problems. The document suggests that using ‘VAP-bundle’ may minimize the infection rate. It talks about a 5-element Institute

Effects of Standardized Testing on Teaching and Learning Research Paper

Effects of Standardized Testing on Teaching and Learning - Research Paper Example Phelps (2005) continues to argue that through standardized testing, school administrations are better placed to evaluate if what they assess is in line with the provisions of the policy makers of education. In this case, standardized tests can be described to be of benefit to schools in terms of setting what needs to be assessed and how the tests can be manipulated to improve education. Standardized tests have also been credited for their ability to set aside measures for assessing the standards of education being offered in the schools. According to Plank (2009) standardized tests are an interpretation of the standards in which schools operate within, with the results of these tests giving a clear indication of the concepts being taught in that particular educational setting. In essence standardized tests set the standards that educators should aspire to achieve in the quest to deliver effective teaching and learning among the learners. On another point of view, standardized tests a ssess the accountability of the entire school programs in terms of learning and teaching (Bussert-Webb, 2000).Through standardized tests, educators are very keen in terms of the kind of programs they offer, and if it adds a positive to learning in the classroom setting. The results of these tests have over the years been reshaped to instill change in the educational system. However, this aspect requires a lot of monitoring and inclusion of incentives, for instance rewards on teachers, to see to it that reforms are put in place in the educational system. On another point of view, other studies indicate that testing has very minimal effects on the teaching and learning. This, according to Plank... This research will begin with the statement that the educational system requires the incorporation of tests so as to visualize if the contents of the educational system are well understood by the beneficiaries of teaching and learning. It is evident that the educational system has been facing a myriad of changes that led to the demand for putting in place measures that would cater for all the demands of the educational system. One of the themes that have been faced with a lot of debates in the educational sector relates to testing and measurement of learners’ ability in the educational setting. As a result of this theme, the need to come up with methodologies that would allow for understanding and awareness regarding what aspects need to be evaluated and how the evaluation process should take place has been on the policy makers of the educational system. Indeed, various analysts and researchers of concern with the educational sector have shown a lot of interests on the efficie ncy of the strategies used to train students and assess their mastery of concepts taught in the classroom setting. In light to this argument, it is of great importance that educators deal with the challenge facing them regarding formulating a standardized approach of assessing learner ability and how they can get involved in dealing with the challenges that come along with the tests subjected to the learners. Conclusively, tests and assessment play a vital role in the teaching and learning process.

Ethics †Current Events Essay Example for Free

Ethics – Current Events Essay The issue between the United States accusing China of hacking the Pentagon’s computer network is in a way a violation of the Data Protection Law and international law. For many years the Pentagon has been the subject of cyber intrusion and attempts to penetrate its most kept defense data which if this system will be intruded there would be a possible attempt for an international terrorism. Although the intrusion was only discovered recently according to the US Defense Department it was possible that China has been trying many ways and means to penetrate Pentagon’s database system. The problem here lies not only to the People’s Liberation Army which Pentagon was pointing but China’s Foreign Minister, Jiang Yu is denying the accusations saying his country has no part in the intrusion attempt to the Defense Department’s systems. Fortunately, the US defense system is equipped with the most advance military technology that could detect and tract such intrusion. The Pentagon greatly considers the Chinese People’s Liberation Army in staging such hacking although it did not disclose that Beijing which is China’s seat of Socialism is involved here. Although the US Department of Defense confirmed that the existence of such group could be a small group formed out of the PLA, its intention is anticipated in trying to get information using technological advances (Starr, Todd and Payne). But it is just obvious that even the most highly advanced technology could not stop an ever changing development of computer viruses, spywares and worms to mutate into a more advance and destructive programs. All of these are man-made and unfortunately those people on the other parts of the world are trying to take advantage and could developed these into more powerful and persistent programs so they can merge themselves to the existing programs for destructive purposes. Not only the US is grieving about such violation of international law but even London as well who holds the same position as a powerful country is confirming such an intrusion. Although at this time China is showing its meekness with the present issues, no one can really tell if this is the result of a shadowing another Cold War between the two large countries. The US cannot totally eliminate espionage on its defense system and has a rich history in violation of its secret information. But what causes other personalities or even countries to have an interest to gather information from the US is still unfathomable to the ordinary people. China with its olden years of co-habiting principles with the old Russia has not totally erased its personality as a communist country. Indeed it has grown in terms of its economy because of the free trade but many believe that this was just superficial because China was trying secretly to be another growing superpower in the making. In terms of manpower and number of armies indeed China has not lost its capability to be an independent country. President Bush still wanted to play it safe and could not directly convict China of such intrusion. After all he is trying to build rapport to avoid another international issue that could destroy relationships between nations. On the contrary, the people in the White House are all aware of this issue and are not sleeping with two eyes closed. Fortunately, the incident only happened on the surface attacking the unclassified e-mail in the Defense department before it can penetrate the military’s database. The Pentagon had to shut down its unclassified e-mail for a few weeks although it is not networked to military network that contain confidentialities. No harm done so far and Pentagon officials said none of their operations were disrupted. Not only has Washington is confirming such an assault from the group but even the Britain’s Parliament and the Foreign Office has been hacked according to the Associated Press and Guardian newspaper of London. AP who is keen on making research involving China and international espionage has made a report that the day before the German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s visit to Beijing, the local newspaper Der Spiegel said they found Trojans (spy programs) at the Chancellery computer system. Everybody is not safe even to the extent of breaking laws and bypassing international boundaries. There are only countries that are only moving for their advantage notwithstanding privacy and securities. Indeed, the technology has made a great advancement with great leaps and development. It is only unfortunate that sometimes leaps and bounds are crossing the borders and surmounting other people’s space of confidentiality.

Nestle: Quality Control Management

Nestle: Quality Control Management Since it began over 130 years ago, Nestlà ©s success with product innovations and business acquisitions has turned it into the largest Food Company in the world. As the years have passed, the Nestlà © family has successfully grown to include soups, coffee, cereals, frozen products, chocolates, yoghurts, mineral water and other food products. In the beginning in the 70s, Nestlà © has continued to expand its product portfolio to include pet foods, pharmaceutical products and cosmetics as well. Nestlà © wants to be known as a Respected, Trustworthy, Food, Nutrition, Health and Wellness Company. All the actions are guided by a series of business principles. Market research showed that customers of Nestlà © have a genuine and growing interest in information about its brands. In particular, consumers want more information about what they eat and drink. They felt this information should be supplied as part of the product and they have the right to know it. So, in this assignment, we will discuss about the quality management of nestle. Quality management can be divided into three components: quality control, quality assurance and quality improvement. In nestle, quality is the number one priority. Other than that, they also continuously improving their product, known as kaizen. The important of quality management to Nestle is to win customer trust and preferences, it everybodys commitment, strive for zero defects and no waste, guarantee food safety and full compliance. Thinking globally acting local What is Quality Management? Quality management consists of three main components. There are quality control, quality assurance and quality improvement. Quality management is the organization activities to ensure the product is achieving the quality requirement. Therefore, in order to achieve the quality requirement, the component in quality management is used to achieve it. Quality Control Quality control is a process of review the product or service to ensure that they reach a certain standard or requirement. From the above definition, we can say that the requirements will achieve by the done the organization activities in the process of products manufacture or services provided. To uncover defect, the organization need to monitor the standard, make measurement and take corrective action. Quality control (QC) is a procedure to ensure that a manufactured product or performed service meets the requirements of the client or customer. Quality Assurance Quality assurance defined as a tool in quality system to fulfilled quality requirements of product and service by planning and systematic activities. From the above definition of quality control, we can say that to make sure a qood quality of product and service, a set of procedures is used in the process. Besides that, this quality assurance tries to avoid and minimize the defect in process by improving and stabilizing production. QA is refers to a set of procedures intended to ensure that product or service under development before work is done to achieves specified requirements. Steps of Quality Assurance ØPlan: Establish objectives and processes required to deliver the desired results. ØDo: Implement the process developed. ØCheck: Monitor and evaluate the implemented process by testing the results against the predetermined objectives ØAct: Apply actions necessary for improvement if the results require changes. Quality Improvement Quality improvement is a continuous improving of quality in manufacturing goods or services. There are various models used and there is some quite often discussed which is: FADE PDSA Six Sigma (DMAIC) CQI: Continuous Quality Improvement TQM: Total Quality Management FADE There are 4 broad steps to the FADE QI model: FOCUS: Define and verify the process to be improved ANALYZE: Collect and analyze data to establish baselines, identify root causes and point toward possible solutions DEVELOP: Based on the data, develop action plans for improvement, including implementation, communication, and measuring/monitoring EXECUTE: Implement the action plans, on a pilot basis as indicated, and EVALUATE: Install an ongoing measuring/monitoring (process control) system to ensure success. PDSA Another commonly used QI model is the PDSA cycle: PLAN: Plan a change or test of how something works. DO: Carry out the plan. STUDY: Look at the results. What did you find out? ACT: Decide what actions should be taken to improve. Repeat as needed until the desired goal is achieved Six Sigma Another model for improvement is Six Sigma. Six sigma is a statistical method based on the quality control process to improve the product process and service. Six sigma refers to the statistical evaluation showed that the rate of 3.4 errors per million products. To complete the process of improvement, there are two model used in Six Sigma: DMAIC and DMADV. DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve, control) also pronounced, as duh-may-ick is an improvement system by minimize the defect in quality of product process and service and looking for incremental improvement. DMADV (define, measure, analyze, design, verify) also pronounced, as duh-mad-vee is an improvement system used to develop new processor products at Six Sigma quality levels. Total Quality Management (TQM) TQM is a quality management process that change the whole organization based on customer oriented quality, continuous improvement, organizational involvement in processes and solving a problem in a team. This will fulfilled the customer requirement by producing the product and service, which exceeds the customer needs. In total quality management, the customer determines the quality of output. The output with the high quality will meet the requirement and expectation of customer. From managing outcomes to managing and improving processes there are shifting in focus: from what to do to how to do the processes better. Quality performance expands to include how well the relationship of each part to the process and each part of the process works. Also, process improvement focuses on continuously achieving the greatest potential benefit for our customers. Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) In improving the quality management, total quality management stress on a process of continuous improvement. Principles in the quality management, there are some of management principle that can be used as a guideline for upper management in improving organization performance. The are eight principles cover customer focus, leadership, involvement of people, process approach, system approach to management, continual improvement, factual approach to decision-making and mutually beneficial supplier relationships. Among from the 8 principles, we have chosen Leadership to describe in Nestlà © group. Principle : Leadership Leadership refers to the ability to influence people to achieve the organization goals and ability to create a climate of innovation and to think outside the box. Leadership also must have willingness to accept change and the ability to manage it. At all levels, members of the Nestlà © Management are more concerned with continuously adding value to the Company compared to exercising formal authority. A high involvement of each employee and a common mindset geared to results is materializing. Contributing to results through project work and special assignments becomes more frequent, reaching beyond conventional boundaries in order to contribute to wider group performance. All those issue that allows others to progress in their work and to develop their capabilities by their ability to motivate and to develop people. As well as a high level of interest in other cultures and life-styles there also curiosity and open mindedness. As well as to sharing knowledge and ideas freely with othe rs, this also includes a commitment to continuous learning and improving. Inspection Under traditional quality control, inspection of products and services, which is checking on the process to make sure that whats being produced is meeting the required standard and takes place during and at the end of the operations process. Nestlà © Quality Management of Nestlà © In Nestlà © group, they prioritized quality. There are over ten million people through out the world enjoying Nestlà ©s products each and everyday. Nestlà © conducts business on a global scale; everyone pays careful attention to the cultural bias and personal tastes of each country, because each food culture is based on the distinct characteristics of that particular region. However, it will not going to be too far in the pursuit of food safety and quality management. Nestlà © has attained a world-class level by applying Nestlà © Quality Management System to all their products. Nestlà © respects to all relevant laws and regulations of each country, but also implements their own independent high standards of total quality management throughout every aspect of the manufacturing process, from raw materials to end products, in order to consistently bring safe and quality products to consumers around the globe. Furthermore, they are continuously improving their products (KAIZEN) in the global network, which the headquarters of the quality management department in Switzerland, and through the performance of regular inspections that ensure their quality management system is functioning at the highest level. What is Kaizen? Kaizen (Japanese for improvement or change for the better) refers to practices on continuous improvement of processes in manufacturing, engineering, supporting business processes, and management. It also applies to processes, such as purchasing and logistics that crosses organizational boundaries into the supply chain. By improving standardized activities and processes, kaizen aims to get rid of waste. After the Second World War, Kaizen was first implemented in several Japanese businesses influenced in part by American business and quality management teachers who visited the country. And now, it has spread throughout the around world. The importance of quality in Nestle Quality is the foundation of Nestlà © food, nutrition, health and Wellness Company Nestlà © strives to create value that can be sustained over the long term by meeting consumer needs for nutrition, enjoyment and Quality they can trust. Everyday, millions of people all over the world show their confidence in us by choosing Nestlà © products and brands. This confidence is based on our Quality image and a reputation for high standards that has been built up over many years. Every product on the shelf, every service and every customer helps to shape this image. A Nestlà © brand name on a product is a promise to the customer that it is safe to consume, that it complies with all relevant laws and regulations and that it constantly meets high standards of Quality. Each and every Nestlà © employee is involved in and dedicated to achieving high Quality standards for our customers and consumers. Quality is to win consumer trust and preference They are committed to offering products and services to their customers and consumers that meet their needs have their preference and provide sound nutrition. Nestlà © wants to win the trust of their customers and consumers by continuously listening to them by understanding their expectations and consistently satisfying their needs and preferences. Their customers and consumers are at the center of their attention and they recognize their legitimate interest in the behavior, beliefs and actions of Nestlà © behind brands in which they place their trust. Quality is everybodys commitment Demonstrates its commitment towards quality by practicing and living what they reach. All Nestlà © functions across their Value Chain are fully responsible for observing mandatory principles, norms and instructions for maintaining agreed Quality standards and for constantly improving them. Their quality personnel at all levels are the guardians of Quality Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance. They promote quality awareness, assess, performance, and challenge the organization to sustain and improve quality standards. They communicate their quality standards to their Business Partners who are expected to share the same commitment to quality and to meet their requirements consistently. Quality is to strive for zero defects and no waste They focus on facts and results and they strive for zero defect and excellence in everything they do. They adopt a no waste attitude and they constantly look for competitiveness and opportunities for continuous improvement of the Quality Standards delivered to their customers and consumers. They provide adequate resources equipment procedures and systems to ensure high quality standards. They build the necessary competence and technical skills. They develop training and teamwork that are crucial to the successful implementation of these standards and to the achievement of excellence and competitiveness. Quality is to guarantee food safety and full compliance They enforce full compliance with the mandatory standards and principals of their quality management system, which include Food Safety Regulatory and quality requirements in every step of their Value Chain. They measure their quality performance as well as the satisfaction of their customers and consumers by listening to them. Shortcomings and mistakes are analyzed and trigger an immediate action plan for correction and improvement. Their quality management system is aligned with international standards and full transparency is ensured through verification by independent external bodies. They strive for the flawless execution of their quality activities throughout their organization based on rigorous discipline on pro-activeness and on factual and open communications Quality Policy Intentions, direction and aims regarding quality of its products and processes in top management expression. Success is built by quality Quality is very important for their success. Nestlà © product has been chosen by millions of people in this world because they trust Nestle brand. This confidence comes from the quality image and a good reputation for high standards of quality that has been built up over many years by Nestlà ©. Every product, service and customer contact helps to build up this image in Nestle. Customer confidence that the product are safe to consume is based on the look of Nestle brand name on a product, that it complies with all regulations and that it meets high standards of quality. People, equipment and instruments are made available to ensure safety and conformity of Nestlà © products at all times. Companies with high quality standards are able to minimize the possibility of making mistakes, waste less time and money and are more productive. Therefore, quality is the most vital criteria and it is the key for Nestlà © to achieve success for today and future. Quality is a competitive advantage Nestlà © is a world brand and live in a competitive world and must never forget that customers have the right to make their choice. If the customers are not satisfied with a Nestlà © product, they are free to switch to another brand. For Nestlà ©s company goal, they want to provide superior value in every product category and market sectoring which they include in market to complete and promote they brand. The pursuit of highest quality of product at any price is no guarantee for success, nor is a single-minded cost-cutting approach. Lasting competitive benefit is gained from a balanced search for optimal value to customers, by simultaneous improvement of quality and reduction of cost. Quality is made by people Building quality needs adequate equipment, procedures and systems, including dedicated people. Each and every Nestlà © employees must be confident in doing his best to produce higher quality products and services. Therefore, training and teamwork are important to the successful implementation of high quality standards. Teamwork allows us to achieve results that are better than the sum of individual job or efforts. They motivate employees by demonstrating management commitment to quality, by setting effective goals and giving them responsibility and recognition. It is through employee involvement that mission of goal can be achieved in the shortest time. Quality is action Quality is the result of deliberate action. The senior manager is responsible to present the quality objectives and to provide the necessary resources for the implementation. It is then up to all employees to make provide quality throughout the company. Progress is followed by listening to our customers comment and by measuring nestle product performance. Shortcomings problem and mistakes must be analyzed and corrected. Problems must be expected and prevented before they occur. We also must identify and take advantage of opportunities to make sure stand still and will not fall behind or left out. Contend for continuous improvement for every Nestle product sell area. It is through every little improvements as well as through major breakthroughs that nestle will perform excellence. General Principle Of Nestlà © Nestlà © is more people, product and brand adapt than systems oriented. Nestlà © helps in building long-term successful business development and works hard to be a preferred company for long-term lead shareholders. However, Nestlà © does not lose sight of the necessity to improve short-term results and remains conscious of the need to generate profit annually. Nestlà © seeks to gain consumers confidence and preference and to follow consumer trends, creating and responding to customer demand for its products. Therefore Nestlà © is followed by an acute sense of performance, support and favoring the rules of free competition within a clear legal framework. Nestle is conscious for social responsibility, which is natural in its long-term orientation. Nestlà © is as decentralized as likely, within the framework imposed by fundamental policy and strategy decisions requiring to increasing flexibility. Operational efficiencies, as well as the group-wide need for combination and people d evelopment, may also set limits to decentralization. Nestlà © is committed to the concept of continuous improvement of its activities, thus they try avoiding more operatic one-time changes as much as possible. What is Standard? A document that established by agreement and approved by a recognized body that provides for public use and repeated use, rules, guidelines or characteristics for activities or their results, aimed at the achievement of the maximum degree of order in a given meaning. Standardization It refers to setting of fixed size, type and measurement in addition to quality of different products manufactured by different organizations in the industry. It is an agreement whereby each manufacturer undertakes to follow the set standards. Standardization is a proses of develop and agreement upon technical standard Level of standardization Industrial standards-which relate to the engineering requirements Commercial standards- which are of primary concerns for users who will use and bought the product. Industrial Standards An engineering or industrial standard is a desired description or definition of a product, a raw material and a manufacturing process, which has been established by one company or by a group of companies in an industry. Standards are undertaken by statutory bodies and authorities established by the government e.g.: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Director general of supplies and disposals. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Research design and standards organization of railways. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Directorate for standardization for defense production à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Directorate of marketing and inspection Commercial standards A standard of commerce, also call consumer standard is designed to protect the purchaser or ultimate consumer or manufacturer. It is the measure of quality performance, dimensional characteristics It covers terminology, grades, sizes, and use characteristics of manufactured products. Agreement for establishing a standard may include method of listing, rating and labeling order that a product made in submission with the standard may be readily recognized by distributors and consumers. For example: NESTLÉ Pure Life materials are tested to relevant ANSI, ASTM , ISO 14001, 22000, and OSHAS certification and ISO standards to ensure durability. American National Standards Institute (ANSI) empowers its members to strengthen the marketplace in the economy while helping to assure the safety and health of consumers and the protection of the environment. American Society for Testing and Materialsis (ASTM) is an international standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and service International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an international-standard-setting body composed of representatives from various national standards organizations Standard and certification Food Drug Administration (FDA) is the regulating body in the field. With the Safe Drinking Water Act, which applies to all types of drinking water in the market, the FDA has sets specific standards for different types of bottled. So on the international level it will meets the standards set by FDA Certified measurement methodology- Global Environmental Footprint (GEF) To calculate Greenhouse gas emissions as well as water and energy consumption using methods that meets the recommendations of ISO quality standards. Environmental Standards-Environmental Act (1997) Try to ensure that at every stage of its operations, the environmental impact is minimal. Environmental Performances ISO 14001 ISO 14001, the internationally recognized environmental management system standard. Production Standards- LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design NESTLÉ Waters manufacturing facilities includes in measures to reduce energy use and gas emissions throughout the LEED Certification program. Note: Sources from http://www.slideshare.net Nestle Scheduling System NESTLÉ Scheduling System is used to prioritize and schedule production across manufacturing processes, machine capacity and labors resources. NESTLÉ Scheduling System automates clerical tasks and enables timely and consistent production scheduling. NESTLÉ Scheduling System enables forecasting and planning of manufacturing resource requirements and capacity utilization. This is to conserve resources, boost productivity and minimize production costs. ØNESTLÉ Scheduling System enables planning and tracking of manufacturing orders across multiple areas of processing. Ø Priorities for production scheduling are assigned for each processing area on each shift. This is to boost customer service. ØNESTLÉ Scheduling System enables different areas of the enterprise to centralize production scheduling information. Note: Sources from http://www.slideshare.net Superior Quality Water Superior Quality Water means implementing high standards to guarantee 100% safety and consistent taste to the consumer. Delivering Consistency production chain Since bottled water has a direct impact on human health because public will consume the bottled water, so it must meet the strictest health standards. The Food Drug Administration (FDA) is the main leader in this field in the United States. Together with the Safe Drinking Water Act, they sets specific standards for different types of bottled water which applies to all types of drinking water. This is to determine the maximum mineral and microbiological levels that the product must meet the quality tests that must be used. à ©par quality control As a world leader in the sector, FDA has their own quality criteria that apply to local regulations that are lacking especially in developing countries. In addition, FDA also fulfills consumers demand, whose demanded water with unique properties, which is achieved through a careful selection of underground sources so consumers may enjoy their natural mineral composition and unique taste characteristics. They also guarantee it is used in a sustainable way which undergoes no chemical treatments, with no disinfectants or preservatives added to it. Selective Origin When you choose water from Nestlà © Company, you know where the water youre drinking comes from. The majority of Nestlà © Waters comes from underground sources. Unlike surface water (lakes, rivers and streams), water from underground sources undergoes natural geological filtration that removes chemical pollutants and microbiological and viral contaminants. How effective this filtration is does depend on the aquifer, its geological characteristics, the depth of the water table and even the amount of time that it takes a drop of rain to reach it. In the case of the English mineral water Buxton, the journey through the underground stone takes nearly 20 million years. The original quality of the water and its ability to be preserved over time are very carefully monitored in their Water Resource department and carefully assessed whenever they consider using any new sources. But the absence of all pollution is only one of the aspects that Nestlà © Waters looks at when selecting water sources. Because every spring is unique from a geological standpoint, each one of their brands with its own origin has its own mineral alchemy, which naturally gives it its own taste. This distinctive characteristic constitutes one of the major criteria according to which consumers everywhere choose their water. Some prefer the light, fresh taste of a still water with a low mineral content; others prefer the mouth feel of water that is rich in minerals. Nestlà © mission is to provide a variety of waters with taste characteristics that best suit the taste of the local consumers. And, from one side of the earth to the other, just as from one individual to another, there are all different tastes! The sustainability of the water resources that they use is also a determining factor. Every source has its own flow rate, defined by the natural rate at which it fills up. Respecting the natural water cycle is a fundamental part of their business: the sustainability of their own activity depends on it. In order to remain a viable source, a spring must have a sustainable flow thats high enough to meet our needs over the long term, while also taking into account the needs of other possible users (agriculture, industry, local governments). For decades, they have managed the water resources that they control responsibly in order to preserve the natural balance, as can FVGCVFF be seen with Poland Spring, bottled since 1845, Vittel, since 1854 and Sao Lourenà §o since 1899. Purified water In some regions of the world, there may be a lack of natural underground water or simply a lack of good quality water in sufficient quantities, and there are therefore no sources that meet Nestlà © strict specifications. Thats the case in the Middle East and some regions in Asia and in America. In those cases and in order to provide superior quality drinking water to local consumers, Nestlà © Waters sometimes uses municipal water as its primary source. This water is processed through a series of filtration (reverse osmosis and carbon filtration in order to remove any chemicals that may be present, like chlorine,) and physical purification treatments (microfiltration, ultraviolet light, ozonation). Once it has been purified to meet their standards, they may add minerals back into the water to meet the local populations taste expectations and, where necessary, to provide essential nutrients (calcium, magnesium, fluoride, etc.). At Nestlà © Waters, water processed in this way is sold almost exclusively under the brand Nestle Pure Life. Depending on the local regulation and demand, the name distilled water, purified water or drinking water is clearly mentioned on the label of this type of products. In an effort to avoid any confusion for consumers, the communication for this type of water never includes any visual elements that could lead consumers to think it comes from a natural underground source, when it is not the case. High Performing Manufacturing Nestle does not carry out any heavy operations because their plants is different from other industries. Thus, their role is to bottle water exactly as its comees out of the ground in most cases. This operation is requiring the monitoring and quality control procedures to preserve the original quality and purify of the water to be implemented at every step of production. In order to avoid any pollution coming from inside their production sites, they kept the natural spring water that they used in a closed circuit and flows through stainless steel pipes and equipments. As the result, the automatic cleaning procedures of the water circuits meet the highest hygiene requirements. Certified by external Third Party Certification Bodies covering 80% of their plants, plus, ISO 14001, 22000, and OSHAS certification will be fully implemented in 100% of their plants by the end of 2010 through the strict application of the highest standards for quality, safety and environment. plastic bottles Nestle apply much stricter criteria to the composition of their water than the regulation required. Therefore, the quality of the water is controlled at every step of production through out sensory, chemical and microbiological analyses. For example, waters performs a quality test for about every 150,000 liters (40,000 gallons) produced, which is several hundred times more frequent than the major, national, public water suppliers do in the United States. For Nestlà © Waters, quality cant not only rely on the original quality of the water. Throughout the entire production chain, from packaging to the finished product, a battery of tests to guarantee that it conforms to the highest standards before it is sent off to consumers checks every step. All their production plants have their own laboratory, which allows them to carry out rigorous tests regularly. Some more elaborate tests, including a yearly verification of all quality parameters are carried out at their Nestle Waters Quality Assurance Centre in Vital in order to profit from the latest, most high-tech equipment there. Value chain Each step in this value chain could have harmful consequences if not managed properly. For example, without sustainable agricultural practices the natural resources of farms worldwide might be damaged. By embedding corporate responsibility in its business practices in this way, Nestlà © is

Star Trek :: essays research papers

"Star Trek": A Chronicle Space... the final frontier. These are the voyages of the Starship "Enterprise." Its continuing mission: to explore strange new worlds... to seek out new life and new civilizations... to boldly go where no one has gone before... The above blurb has been used to introduce the television show Star Trek: The Next Generation. The show's run has elapsed that of it's predecessor, the original Star Trek. The original spawned six movies and endless conventions, and both have given way to action figures for children, national clubs, and other various paraphernalia. This is the chronicle to end all chronicles: the full analysis and timeline of one of the most popular television programs in contemporary American history. Americans are fascinated with the possibility of intelligent life somewhere else in the universe; this has been displayed in books and plays and movies too numerous to mention, not to mention the accounts of "everyday people" who say that they have encountered aliens and unidentified flying objects (UFOs). This fascination became so great that in the late 1970s, President Carter decided to launch an investigation within NASA (the National Aeronautics and Space Administration) to uncover the mystery of UFOs and intelligent life in the universe. Science fiction plays upon this obsession. The great science fiction writers have sent our imaginations into overload with scores of stories to tell. The two most popular futuristic science fiction stories, Star Trek and Star Wars, both have similar characteristics. Both involve many different species of life (our nearest equivalent would be "races"). The Ferengi, Vulcans, humans, Betazoids, Klingons, Romulans, Cardassians, androids, and Bjorans are in the Star Trek series (which includes the original television series, the six movies, the NextGeneration television series, and the television series Deep Space Nine), while the Star Wars movie trilogy includes humans, Wookies, Jawas, Ewoks, droids, Tusken Raiders, and a host of various other strange and exotic looking lifeforms. Each species has its own heritage, customs, beliefs, and socioeconomic status. I am sure that each science fiction storyline has it's own unusual breed of lifeform, but this paper will examine only a particular science fiction storyline which has mushroomed into a cultural obsession. I choose not to focus on the works of Ray Bradbury and the like; I'm sure that they are superb writers. (A fantastic example is Bradbury's "A Sound of Thunder," which is the probable predecessor to all of today's hype surrounding the film Jurassic Park and the children's character Barney the dinosaur.) However, I've never heard of a Ray Bradbury convention, or action figures based on characters he's created. Star Trek appeared in the right place at the right time.

A Plan to Invest in Real Estate Despite the Recession Essay -- Real Es

The Great Recession has shuffled the deck of playing cards. Seasoned investors and first-time home buyers alike have been hit – and hit hard. The challenging and volatile real estate market has created a flood of distressed asset sales all across the nation. However, the flipside to the coin of disaster and distress is almost always opportunity. Now that I have acquired $150,000 in cash to purchase distressed real estate, my detailed strategy below outlines exactly how I will personally benefit, and perhaps more importantly, how the community I invest in will benefit. First I will outline the basics: what I would buy with the cash (distressed apartments), where I would buy (San Jose, CA), how I would buy (my investment strategy) and why I would buy (a personal profit analysis). Then, I will outline my plan to pay it forward – to translate my newfound experience to help other first-time investors safely and knowledgably purchase their own distressed assets. I will add value to the community through a three-pronged approach of live seminars, online outreach, and a mentorship program. PERSONAL BENEFIT What to Buy: Distressed Apartments To properly understand how I would invest the $150,000 for personal profit and community benefit, we must first understand what I would buy. While there are a plethora of distressed real estate assets on the market, from single family homes to multi-tenant retail centers, I believe the most feasible and simplest starting place for a first-time investor is residential apartments, one to four units. For most people, buying a home and renting it out, or buying a fourplex and renting it out is not as farfetched as buying the local distressed strip mall. One to four unit rentals are not only easy... ... of 20.34%. However, the community will be the real winner as I implement my three-pronged community contribution campaign of Live Seminars, Online Outreach, and a Mentorship Program. My plan will create a strong momentum of first time investors purchasing distressed assets and repairing the deferred maintenance. This grassroots movement will focus on repairing distressed assets and safe investment practices. It will create new demand for distressed assets, reversing the downward spiral of prices for such assets. It will also prevent future distressed asset meltdowns by teaching safe investing practices. Works Cited Nadji, Hessam. "2011 Apartment Research Market Report for San Jose Metro Area." Diss. Marcus and Millichap, 2011. Print. Nadji, Hessam. "2011 Real Estate Investment Research National Apartment Report." Diss. Marcus and Millichap, 2011. Print.

Why I Want to be an Army Officer

Every child has a dream, and I was no exception to this rule. Ever since I was a kid, I used to dream of joining the Army, to be in combats and fatigues. To me , at that time ,joining in the army meant a great deal and in retrospect, I realize I was never free of this desire. My parents and my immediate family did not bother to rid me of this ambition as they felt that with passage of time, I would come around! But that was not to be. As I grew up, through my teenage years, the urge to join was retained intact. Although I must admit that there were times in life when this aspect went to the backburner. In particular, I was impressed with the personality and the sense of aura that I felt in the presence of GIs/Officers who while on leave, regaled neighborhood kids like me with stories of their travels, exploits and experiences. While in college, the exposure to different types of people from diverse cultures and my experiences in life only served to impress upon me that I had the requisite qualities like aptitude, leadership, team spirit and such like.In the course of this Essay I will be listing out the principle reasons for wanting to become an Army Officer. Why I Want to be an Army Officer Transition of Childhood Dream to Passion As I have already stated, I had this dream of joining the Army ever since my childhood. At that time, the aspects that drew me to this profession were the uniform, glamour and the aura, as perceived by a child. As I grew up, and went to school, I got to know of the various opportunities available to me from an employment point of view. I was extremely good at academics and at sport i.e. an ideal combination of brain and brawn. However, I realized that the desire to join the Army never diminished. If at all there was any change, is in the fact, that I was now more specific with regard to joining Army: as an Officer. With experience and with passage of time I did not realize that the childhood dream had now metamorphosised in to a passion: the single objective in my life. I do not remember when I made this resolve, but somewhere along the line, I had subconsciously chosen this career and I set about the task of turning this passion into reality. What could have attracted me so much to join as an Army Officer? It definitely was not the pay package alone, as I have qualifications that can fetch me larger pay packages in other professions. I know it was the aspects like aptitude, leadership qualities, patriotism, glamour, esperit-de-corps, physical fitness, chance to travel and man management skills that convinced me that I was ideally suitable for this career. Leadership I had extensively read the military Campaigns of all the important conflicts and wars that have taken place in history. I assessed that the outcome of all these wars crucially depended upon the quality of leadership available to the winning sides. Examples of sides with much lesser resources in terms of man-power, weapons and logistics defeating much bigger forces are in abundance in history; the common denominator to all these victories being the astute and capable leadership they were fortunate to have. I felt that I possess most of the qualities that these leaders possessed, qualities like quick decision making, factual analysis, good management of scarce resources and a sharp mind; in combat situations. I feel strongly that I have all the leadership qualities required to be a good officer and this is one of the principle reasons that I want to become an Army Officer. Besides, the other motivating factor related to leadership is the loyalty, trust and confidence that one enjoys from the subordinates and colleagues. This is the measure of a person’s leadership and personally I value this form of recognition as it is very satisfying and exhilarating feeling. Aptitude While examining the recruitment related brochures, I realized that I had the requisite attribute in ample measure for becoming an Army Officer. I had both; the academic qualifications and the physical excellence required for this demanding profession. This implied that I had the mental robustness and physical sturdiness required to be a good officer after I completed my training and joined the assigned unit. Besides, I have extensive capabilities of self introspection, assessment, analysis and a very good capability of discriminating between right and wrong. I am also aware that I have always been ‘an out of the box thinker’ and in life I have the distinction of consistently coming up with simple solutions to complex problems. Since, I already posses most of the officer like qualities and the few that I do not posses (social skill) will form part of acquired character traits after I complete my training. Patriotism The 9/11 attack and the consequent loss of innocent lives filled me with a deep sense of outrage, anguish, and impotent fury. I realized that we had taken our freedom and democracy for granted all this while, and were never really concerned with matters of national security or protecting our freedom. I wanted to contribute in the retribution, in the nation’s resolve to set matters right. How could a band of terrorists ever dream to do this to us? Are we perceived as a nation of easy going people, whom any one can attack and get away with it? I am not a proponent of vigilantism, but I definitely would like to contribute to the national effort. This would give me a deep sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that I have paid back to the nation for all it has bestowed me with as an unconditional right. Pay Package and Glamour The pay package is not very high but I guess it more or less evens out in the long run. I have gone through the various literatures and realize that there are quite a few perks and privileges that if quantified, can make the pay and remuneration look even bigger. In any case, this is not a major consideration factor as from my view point, the pay is reasonably decent. Besides, it is the glamour factor that I consider equally important. The chances to travel to distant places, (which I have only heard of or studied in school) interact with different cultures and people are yet another motivating factor. Job Satisfaction I strongly believe that to have sustained peace of mind and inner happiness, it is essential to be doing a job which one likes and from which one derives satisfaction. I do not see any sense in pursuing any other career wherein the pay package may be higher, but the job satisfaction is far from achieved. At the end of the day, it is not worth it if one is not satisfied with the work one has have been doing. If I join as an Army Officer, I do know, that the parameters are strictly laid down and that they have to be strictly adhered to. But since these are uniformly applicable without bias and discrimination, I feel convinced, that I will derive immense job satisfaction References http://www.army.com/enlist/officer-candidate-school.html extracted on 15 May 07 for the official website