Rectifying Issues in Corrections Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Rectifying Issues in Corrections - Essay Example Among the most influential methods of reducing prison overcrowding, include developing community-based alternatives to incarceration as means of reducing the prison population and reviewing the prison designs (Salins & Simpson, 2013). John Howard, 200 years ago while writing about prison reforms at that time-expressed concern for the destructive effects of such poor conditions on inmates. While in many ways prison conditions have considerably improved, some of the problems that were faced in the past are still present in the current correctional systems. Overcrowding has continued to haunt United States jail and prison as the pressures of an increasing inmate population affected the correctional facilities, coupled with the corrections cost for lower demands, have resulted in living space for inmates growing shortage. Not only do institutions exceed capacity but they also operate at maximum. Inmates are increasingly forced into living in open dormitories and single cells double-bunki ng (James, 2013). Effects of overcrowding studies on inmates have meant describing and defining what crowding basic effects can have on humans, with most of the done research concentrating mostly on social density and spatial density of crowding. The definition of spatial density is viewed as the amount of space in a particular housing unit available per person. On the other hand, the definition of social density is described as the factor, which contributes most to the adverse effects of crowding and number of individuals sharing a housing unit. Total effects of crowding, however cannot be explained by just density alone, researchers like physical environment and personal control have found other factors that heighten or lessen the density impact (James, 2013). Addressing Overcrowding Many corrections researchers and officials agree it is not realistic to solve and expect the overcrowding problem solely through constructing newer and more facilities. In the United States, an increa sed focuses on the reduction of the correctional facilities population, whether in the future or currently with alternatives to incarceration, such as intermediate sanctions and community supervision that range from fines to parole release has been noted. However, this has proved to be a challenging and more complex route than that of corrections facilities redesigning the physical environments. An example of this implementation in the Canadian correctional services shows that to correct the overcrowding, they have established five strategic corporate objectives to implement a strategy for community supervision, to develop differential standards that will enable community case workers to focus greater attention on high-risk offenders. Other objectives include continuing effective population management, developing policies that will allow more low-risk offenders to be released at their earliest parole eligibility date and develop better policies with regard to those individuals ident ified as good parole risks (Johnson & Johnson, 2012). To the overcrowding issue, researchers in the United States have explored alternative responses and called into question some of the assumptions about the reasons for correctional overcrowding and the effectiveness of community-based alternatives to i

Cirque du soleil Essay Example for Free

Cirque du soleil Essay A: Strengths: Every show in 20 years has produced a profit, encourages creativity, niche, financially strong, well known, great marketing, technology, database of 20,000 potential employees, shows have a long run (10 to 12 years), talent scouts recruit from all over the world, creative, leadership. Creative production staff. Great locations. Excellent leadership. B: Weaknesses: High turnover (people get older, can no longer perform), High production costs equals high ticket prices C: Opportunities: New World tours and new permanent facilities in prime locations, D: Threats: Competition, someone could create a show very similar. Partners may want to buy out. 2. Explain how Cirque du Soleil implements, evaluates, and controls the elements of its marketing plan. Implements: Cirque du Soleil builds the market share and the profits follow. Cirque du Soleil has a great deal invested in training, talent, staff etc. Targets adults, lets creative people run it, Lamarre states he guides the company with an invisible hand making sure business policies do not interfere with the creative process. It is Dragone and his team of creative and production personnel not a predetermined budget that defines the content, style and material requirement for each project. Evaluates and controls: Every show makes a profit 3. List and describe at least three keys to Cirque Du Soleil’s competitive advantage. 1. It provides a product/service differentiation competitive advantage. Through production innovations, shows evoke awe, wonder, inspiration and reflection. 2. A niche competitive advantage. It’s unique, productions have distinct personalities, and shows have a language, a conversation with the audience. 3. Built a sustainable competitive advantage, example Mystere costs $45 million to produce and returned over $430 million

The Impact of Prejudice in Harper Lees Novel, To Kill a Mockingbird Es

The Impact of Prejudice in Harper Lee's Novel, To Kill a Mockingbird The prejudice seen in the fictional novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee corresponds with the real narrow-mindedness during this time period. A fair trial would be unlikely during this time period between a white and a black man. Tom Robinson was presumed guilty because of his race. Prejudice is â€Å"an adverse opinion or leaning formed without just grounds or before sufficient knowledge† (Merriam); according to Lystra Moore Richardson of Yale University: â€Å"prejudice†¦ was part of the very fiber of Southern life [during the Great Depression].† With these two pieces of information, it is derived that people formed judgments and opinions of a person without just grounds; most commonly, they based them on race. It is because of prejudice that a black man could not receive a fair trial in the South during the Great Depression. Many judges and most juries exhibited prejudice in the courtroom. The Scottsboro Trials held in Jackson County, Alabama were an excellent example of prejudice. During the Scottsboro trials, the prejudice of a judge is shown when Judge Hawkins â€Å"pronounce[d] the death sentence on [all] eight who had been tried† (First). He continued to show prejudice by setting the execution date for â€Å"the earliest date he was permitted to name under the law† (First). Because this was a display of prejudice, it can be assumed that in the event that the convicts were white, the penalty may have been lessened and possibly delayed longer than the minimum time allowed. The jury also showed signs of prejudice in the Scottsboro case. All twelve of the jurymen concluded a guilty verdict for the first trial – despite even medical evidence: â€Å"it was [J... ...at winning this trial due to the prejudice of the jury. The jury was all white and in a southern location during the Great Depression. Prejudice was part of their way of life. He was found guilty as charged based on circumstantial evidence. Works Cited First Scottsboro Trials, The. Hollace Ransdell. 1931. University of Missouri-Kansas City. 10 March 2002. Merriam-Webster OnLine. 10 March 2002. South in Literature, the. Lystra Moore Richardson. 2001. Yale Law School. 10 March 2002. Trials of â€Å"The Scottsboro Boys†, The. Douglas O. Linder. 1999. University of Missouri- Kansas City. 10 March 2002.

Lost City of Z

Non-Fiction Literature Circle by Aidan Morrow Author: explained in presentation Audience: This book was written for an older audience of anyone who would love a good tale of adventure. This is because of the novel’s length and due to the fact of the death and sadness that finds its self in this book. Argument: A cautionary tale about over reaching ones personal limits, very much like the story of Icarus. Evidence: The evidence of the books truths are strewn upon the last 80 pages of the book.This novel has an extensive bibliography on many important facts in this novel. What’s left out: The rubber boom should have been explained more. It was the reason for most of the Indians death and would have played a part of the background story of the Indians. Most compelling quote: â€Å"Starvation sounds almost unbelievable in forest country, and yet it is only too likely to happen. – Percy Harrison Fawcett† Implications of your learning: Now after hearing this sto ry of Percy I care about finding him and the lost city of El Dorado (lost city of Z).With modern medicine and modern technology there must be a way to solve all the unanswered questions left by this book. Connections to other readings: One of the main connections to other readings I found was the story of Icarus. Icarus's father Daedalus, a talented and remarkable Athenian craftsman. Daedalus fashioned two pairs of wings out of wax and feathers for himself and his son. Daedalus tried his wings first, but before taking off from the island, warned his son not to fly too close to the sun, nor too close to the sea, but to follow his path of flight.Overcome by the giddiness that flying lent him, Icarus soared through the sky curiously, but in the process he came too close to the sun, which melted the wax. Icarus kept flapping his wings but soon realized that he had no feathers left and that he was only flapping his bare arms, and so Icarus fell into the sea in the area which today bears his name, the Icarian Sea near Icaria, an island southwest of Samos. A question for discussion: Do you believe that Percy could have found the lost city if he had Alexander Rice Jr. ’s funds for his exhibition?

Volunteering at East Lansing Health Care for elder people

Reflection Paper Volunteering at East Lansing Health Care for elder people Trough class I learned about the opportunity to volunteer at East Lansing Health Care for elder people. So far, I and have spent 15 hours helping the elderly at the institution. Every day senior people face obstacles that they need help with. First, it is hard for many of them to move and they need help with doing regular things. Second, senior people have much to say and they require moral support. By socializing with the elderly, I help them express their thoughts and ideas. They know that I truly care about them, and they feel safe and open with me.I begin my usual volunteer day by talking with the elderly and keeping the conversation going until they have expressed themselves fully. These people need to be heard and understood – this is what mostly help them with. I provide moral support for the once who need It. Some seniors like to talk about their family and relatives. When I first started workin g at East Lansing Health Care for elder people, I met a resident named He was very friendly and keen to socialize with me. He told me that for him, family means everything and that he always keeps pictures of his family n his drawer. Lulled out his photo album and started introducing me to his family and telling me stories about them. It was very fascinating and interesting. I also showed him my family on the phone, after which started asking me about my family and what they do. It was a very friendly and relaxed conversation that I really enjoyed. A few days ago, I had a quite scientific conversation with one of the residents about the possible consequences of global warming. Was very knowledgeable of the issue and told me many interesting facts that he read in the news.He told me that If our planet warms up by Just four degrees, no permanent Ice will remain on the planet. Also said that should this happen, rising sea levels will threat the humanity. I was amazed at how much passio n this resident had trying to explain me what Is happening to our planet. At the end, asked about my plans for the Thanksgiving. He advised that I go vaults the Great Lakes and enjoy the wonderful nature in that area. Conversations like this really make me feel involved and I get personal satisfaction from the time I am devoting to volunteering.Yesterday, I helped organize a Halloween party for the elders at the facility dining room. We served them food and a cake and made sure they were engaged in the party. I think events like this help the elders come together and remember their youth. I could see Joy in their eyes as they sang a country song together. Overall, I believe that my service benefits the community. Moreover, I am certain that volunteering experience also benefits me. First, it broadens my horizons by connecting me with the segment of the population I would not normally encounter In my day-to-day life on campus.Through volunteering, I am able to see a clearer picture o f the American society, which Is making me more aware. Moreover, by leaving my comfort zone. I am able to develop. Second, through volunteering I am people. In the future, I am also planning to volunteer at East Lansing Refugee Development Center and help refugees from all over the world. I am sure I will be able to help refugees with adapting to the American culture and getting over with the past. Many friends ask me, why do you volunteer? I usually respond that I feel like it is my moral obligation to help people.In this particular case, helping the elderly reminds me helping my grandparents and I feel rewarded when they simply say â€Å"Thank you! † or ask â€Å"When will you come again? † I establish personal connections with the elders I help and instill trust in our relationships. We are friends, friends that can help each other for no profit. Thus, my experience volunteering at East Lansing Health Care for elder people has been very positive and rewarding. I pla n to continue volunteering at the organization until the end of semester, and hopefully will be able to benefit many seniors, who need my help and attention.

Welfare and Individual Responsibility

Welfare and Individual Responsibility Introduction The U.S. welfare system has grown overtime from a government run system to a state run system. The rationale behind this shift is that a state run function provides a better welfare system that sufficiently addresses the needs of those involved.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Welfare and Individual Responsibility specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This includes the taxpayers who ultimately raise funds for the welfare programs. States have the discretion to prescribe the eligibility criteria and determine the length of time a family may benefit from welfare. Nevertheless, the fundamental ethical issues behind welfare still prevail. The greatest ethical issue that raises a heated debate is the extent to which individuals should be held responsible for their own well-being. According to Federal Safety Net (2013), the U.S. welfare system places the middle class ahead of individuals in severe poverty. Other pe ople argue that the welfare system tends to take away pride from the able poor and fails to assist them escape poverty. Accordingly, the compassion given to the â€Å"poor† may send some signal that the so called poor are not capable of moving beyond their plight (Federal Safety Net, 2013). Application of Virtue Ethics Virtue ethics is very essential in the welfare system. According to Aristotle, a person’s quality of life is dependent on his or her ability to accomplish minimum human goals (Sumner, 1996, p.110). The ultimate goal of all human beings is to have a good, independent life. Many states have programs that focus on promoting employment for individuals so that they may stop relying on welfare. Virtue ethics concentrates on the significance of beating bad character traits such as selfishness and laziness. Rather than focusing on prescribed rules and ways of solving problems, virtue ethics concentrates on assisting people to acquire good habits such as compassi on. Aristotle further suggests that good habits enable people to control their feelings and reason. As a result, a person arrives at morally right decisions when confronted with hard choices. The parties involved in the welfare process should embrace virtue ethics so that they invoke morality in decision-making processes. The government should also use ethical principles in making choices regarding the eligibility and length of time an individual is to benefit from the welfare program. The problem with virtue ethics is that it is very difficult to determine good character traits. This is because people view things differently. Application of Care Ethics Care ethics puts emphasis on the interdependence of individuals (Jawad, 2012, p. 24). In addition, the theory promotes the significance of relationships within families and communities. Care ethics proposes that some individuals are more vulnerable than others.Advertising Looking for essay on ethics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Proponents of this theory argue on the basis of Carol Gilligan’s assertion that girls and women view morality from an empathic and caring perspective in interpersonal relationships. This theory encourages altruism, which involves caring for others’ needs and feelings. Unlike the Kantian and Platonic theories, care ethics does not separate moral thoughts from feelings (Jawad, 2012, p. 33). Care ethics is also different from the libertarian theory which encourages individual independence. Those who argue in support of welfare claim that self-interest is not the only thing that motivates people’s actions (Westfall, 1997). Human beings have an inherent duty of promoting the welfare of the society and its members. Accordingly, stable members naturally have an indomitable willingness to work and support the poor to pick up themselves and act in the same respect toward other members. Critics of care ethi cs contend that the theory focuses on care without putting much inquiry into individuals giving or receiving the same. This theory does not settle claims that the welfare program puts the middle class ahead of the extremely poor people. Furthermore, care ethics fails to determine whether the relationships among care-givers and care-receivers are just (Jawad, 2012, p. 56). Conclusion There is no universally accepted way of evaluating ethical issues. Different theories attempt to solve different ethical problems. The utilitarian theory, which proposes the greatest happiness for the greatest number (Waller, 2011, p. 44, 87), can be applied in solving the welfare problem. The main purpose of utilitarianism is to maximize happiness and minimize suffering. Essentially, individuals make decisions in line with what causes them greatest pleasure. They only engage in what pleases them when given an opportunity. Some people can take advantage of the welfare system so that they receive maintena nce without working. Both â€Å"act utilitarianism† and â€Å"rule utilitarianism† place a great emphasis on the probable consequence of one’s actions (Waller, 2011, p.88). To some scholars, care ethics may pose a great temptation to individuals with self-interest motivation so that they choose not to work. The care ethic cannot exist on its own since it increases the chances of oppression or exploitation of care-givers. Individuals in a society expect from others, and themselves, behavior that promotes the well-being of all members. Utilitarianism advocates for individualism. This implies that the only morally relevant measure is individual welfare (Sumner, 1996, p. 67). Basing on the critical assumption that human utility is commensurable in some way and that it can be divided among individuals, welfare should be distributed in a manner that maximizes happiness and minimizes suffering.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Welfare and Indiv idual Responsibility specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More References Federal Safety Net. (2013, June). Welfare Ethics. Retrieved from http://federalsafetynet.com/welfare-ethics.html Jawad, R. (2012). Religion and Faith-Based Welfare: From Wellbeing to Ways of Being. Bristol: The Policy Press. Sumner, L. W. (1996). Welfare, Happiness and Ethics. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Waller, B.N. (2011). Consider Ethics: Theory, Readings, and Contemporary Issues, 3rd ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. Westfall, J. (1997). The Welfare of the Community. Issues in Ethics, 8(3). Retrieved from https://legacy.scu.edu/ethics/publications/iie/v8n3/welfare.html

Medical Gas Safety Essays

Medical Gas Safety Essays Medical Gas Safety Paper Medical Gas Safety Paper The growing need for medical gas delivery systems is inevitable but the welfare of the patients and the medical personnel is important thus the need for strict compliance with safety standards, codes, and procedures is a must. Medical gas systems of the present time are sophisticated that the plumbing systems directly runs towards the area where the gas is administered to the patient or used in the procedure for the care of the patient(Lyczko). Anesthesia gas supplies are either delivered through these pipelines or gas cylinders. Oxygen, air, nitrogen, and nitrous oxide are the common gases utilized in hospitals especially in medical operating rooms. The medical gas systems have the aforementioned gases as vital components of the exhaust vacuum for the scavenging or waste anesthesia gas disposal (WAGD). These gases needs to be properly monitored by the anesthesiologist as well as the gas machines to ensure that the patients are safe and free of dangers due to these gases(Morgan). The most needed medical gas especially in surgical area is oxygen which is 99% or 99. 5% pure. Manufacture of oxygen is through fractional distillation of liquefied air. It is either refrigerated as a liquid or compressed and stored in room temperature. Usually in small hospitals this gas is stored in two split banks of H-cylinders or high-pressure cylinders(Morgan). The most commonly used gas for anesthetic purposes is nitrous oxide which is manufactured through thermal decomposition or heating of the ammonium nitrate. Large H-cylinders that is connected to an automatic crossover feature thru a manifold is the customary storage place for nitrous oxide. No elaborate system of refrigeration is feasible in keeping this gas liquefied because its critical temperature is 36. 5Â °C that is above room temperature(Morgan). Patients are not administered with nitrogen but this gas is a need in hospitals because it is utilized as power source of operating room equipments like drills and saws. H-cylinders with manifold serve as usual storage receptacle for this gas(Morgan). Air is widely used in anesthesiology procedures to prevent the occurrence of hazards due to nitrous oxide and high oxygen concentrations. Oxygen is mixed with nitrogen to produce a medical grade cylinder air. The color codes used in USA for medical gas cylinders are as follows: green for oxygen; yellow for air; black for nitrogen; and blue for nitrous oxide(Morgan). The basic form of an anesthesia machine receives medical gases from the gas supply, reduce the pressure to control the flow of the needed gases, for safety it is able to vaporize into the final gas combination the volatile anesthetics, and thru breathing circuits that is attached to the patients airway gases are delivered(Morgan). Pressure gauges regulate the constant flow of alternating supply pressure. The anesthesia machine is equipped with this regulators in cylinder and pipeline supplies to reduce the cylinder pressure to 45 per square inch gauge (psig) constant and when the pipeline supply of gas surpasses 45 psig it closes off the supply in the cylinder. The newest type of plumbing system is a centralized piped medical gas system that directly introduces the gases to the patients that needs the gases. This kind of system supplies the patients with the needed gases in a more safe way than those pressurized cylinders that are bulky and dangerous. Regulation of the gases is easier due to centralized pumps, cylinder manifold systems or compressors. The National Fire Protection Association strictly implements that they will be the one to design and install this system(Lyczko ). Gas cylinders have standards that are formulated, created, and implemented by government agencies like Compressed Gas Association, Department of Transportation, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and the National Fire Protection Association. The cylinder has the following parts: cylinder valve, safety relief device, hanger yoke, and check valve(Dosch ). The use of gas cylinders is usually safe though it has the possibility of being a cause of a serious accident if not handled and used properly(Bojanowski ). Computing the gas contents of a cylinder is of significance in determining the duration of the supply of the gas to the patient specifically during transportation of patients. The most common H cylinder for oxygen contains 244 cubic feet while the E cylinder mostly contains 22 cubic feet. A tank factor is a unique constant factor used in the computation of gas content in the cylinders. The tank factor for E cylinder is 0. 28 liters per psi and for H cylinder 3. 14 liters per psi. The gas content is computed by multiplying the constant tank factor to the pressure which is indicated in the gauge. Given the rate of the flow of the gas, calculation for the duration in which the gas in the cylinder will last can be computed. One must keep in mind though that after the computed time has elapsed the cylinder will be totally empty thus an extra ga cylinder with contents should be prepared(White ). There is a prospective to create hazardous working environment due to compressed and liquefied gases thus guidelines on safe handling of cylinders must be followed. Proper gas cylinder storage is required to prevent on toward accidents. Gas cylinders should be: stored in areas with adequate ventilation; avoid storage in entrance and exit routes, damp areas, near corrosive chemicals or salts or fumes, areas exposed to weathers, and heat; stored in upright position; secured with cap when not used; belted appropriately above the midpoint or secured with wall brackets and stands; at least 20 feet from flammable areas or things; stored according to type of hazard class; cylinders without contents should be separated from empty ones; and stored not more than one year without using. Only persons with proper training shall handle compressed and liquefied gases(Safety). Safety devices are available for further prevention of any leakage or accidents to happen. Among these devices are the sealing-type washers and the crush-type gaskets. But these devices have types that are not reusable that usually is the cause of cylinder explosions. It is thus advisable to use only sealing washers that are metal-bound elastomeric and avoid recycling the use of crush-type gaskets to prevent accidents(FDA ). Other safety devices are the DISS and the PIS. DISS or diameter-indexed safety system or quick connect fittings are intended for pressures equal to or lower than 200 psi. This system avoids the switching of equipment that is intended for different gases or mixture of gases(White ). The Pin Indexed Safety System or PISS is connections intended for supplies of gas that has a gas inlet equipped with a male PISS complement. This safety device is created to avoid leakage through gas inlets that will change the blend of gas delivered to the patient that causes hypoxia. Bodok seals or a metal with rubber ring seals in the cylinder block ensures that the attachment to PIS is tight enough(Pinnock). The cylinders should be handled with caution and care to avoid accidents that are potentially very serious. The transportation of these cylinders requires three wheeled trolleys that can support the different sizes of cylinders being transported. Suspected cylinders with leaks should be prevented from being transported with the use of a car. Leaking tanks or cylinders with oxygen should be kept from being lifted. To check for any leaks brush the area with1% TeepolHB7 or other appropriate solutions for detecting leaks and the presence of bubbles will indicated the existence of leaks. Persons that transport cylinders should wear appropriate dress code and have protective clothing to prevent damage to self during accidents. Medical gases are substances that have a great risk for any accidents involve thus persons responsible for manufacturing, transport, sale, handle, and use this must follow rules and regulations. Life and properties are at stake in accidents that happen due to negligence in doing tasks related to medical gases therefore it is practical to follow regulations strictly. Bojanowski , Leszek. Gas Cylinder Safety. 2001. Dosch , Michael P. . The Anesthesia Gas Machine. November 11 2007. udmercy. edu/crna/agm/03. htm. FDA , U. S. Food and Drug Administration. Fda and Niosh Public Health Notification: Oxygen Regulator Fires Resulting from Incorrect Use of Cga 870 Seals. 2006. November 11 2007. fda. gov/cdrh/safety/042406-o2fires. html. Lyczko , Edward J. The Human Factors of Medical Gas Systems. PM Engineer 6. 9 (2000): 34-44. Morgan, G. Edward ; Mikhail, Maged S. ; Murray, Michael J. Clinical Anesthesiology. Pinnock, Colin A. ; Lin, Ted ; Smith, Tim, ed. Fundamentals of Anaesthesia. Safety, Iowa State University Environmental Health . Gas Cylinder Safety Guidelines. 1997. ehs. iastate. edu/publications/manuals/gascylinder. pdf. White , Gary C. Basic Clinical Lab Competencies for Respiratory Care: An Integrated Approach.