Telecommunications and Networking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 1

Telecommunications and Networking - Essay Example The imaginary Internet cloud of a corporate network environment is trustworthy for data transportation. Moreover, it is incorporated with advanced cloud generalization. In order to extend the cloud-computing concept, there are services along with network components consisting of routers, switches, application servers, and data servers. The components of the network are installed to operate at the back-end for providing advanced services that are proficient to develop web application (What is cloud computing?). Moreover, cloud computing consists of applications that are represented as a service on the web and the provision of hardware / software services provided by companies operating data centers. Likewise, the services provided over the Internet are referred as (Software as a Service) ‘SaaS’. Few sellers use the term (Infrastructure as a service) IaaS and (Platform as a service) PaaS ’in order to demonstrate their products and services. However, these terms are avoided and not accepted globally, due to variation (ARMBRUST, FOX et al. 2010). The Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have illustrated some helpful definitions that focus on three concepts (Ryan, Loeffler 2010): Cloud infrastructure as a service ‘IaaS’ consists of provisioning elementary computing resources. Cloud software as a service ‘SaaS’ access software application that operates on a cloud infrastructure. Cloud platform as a service (PaaS) provides the accessibility to users for implementing and developing applications with programming language and tools supported by the providers. The core components of a cloud are consists of the data center hardware and software. When these resources are made available to the public, they are referred as public clouds and the service provided by the cloud is called as utility computing. Moreover, private clouds are only available to private organizations and are not accessible by public. Accordingly, cloud computing is the combination of ‘SaaS’ and utility computing (ARMBRUST, FOX et al. 2010). Furthermore, cloud computing is a successful contributor economically for cyber infrastructure as it â€Å"makes applications dramatically easier to develop and deploy, thus expanding the feasible scope of applications possible within budget and organizational constraints, and shifting the scientist’s and engineer’s effort away from information technology development and concentrating it on scientific and engineering research. Cyber infrastructure also increases efficiency, quality, and reliability by capturing commonalities among application needs, and facilitates the efficient sharing of equipment and services† (Vouk 2008)(Vouk 2008). Business Trends Information Technology organization has already invested millions since the 1990’s, to contribute in reshaping cloud computing. For instance, a popular slogan from Sun that was â€Å"Network is a computer† was recognized in 1980’s. Furthermore, salesforce.com, a ‘SaaS’ enabled website is providing services since 1999. Today, cloud computing represents a more innovative and productive approach, in order to provide online services along with online operating systems. Microsoft Azure provides an online operating

Level of Stress Among Call Centre Employees Essay Example for Free

Level of Stress Among Call Centre Employees Essay Level of Stress among Call Centre Employees Submission date: 8th January, 2008 Submitted By: Ayesha Khalid Ayesha Sarfaraz Nazool-e-Tabassum Saira Khan Mussaffa Butt Submitted to Dr. Farah Malik Associate Professor Department of Psychology Government College University Lahore Introduction Stress is used as a general label for a vast complex, interdisciplinary area of interest and study, much of which is health related. Most often stress is related to personal discomfort associated with an over demanding or distressing lifestyle situation (Adams Bromley, 1998) stress is a part of everyday life, we experience stress each day, although it is acknowledged that the degree of stress varies considerably depending on the complexity of the situation and availability of support. For some, the stress is manageable and work or home life is not affected. For others, however, the stress reaches a critical point where there may be a need for medical or psychiatric assistance (Weiten, 2001). The causes of stress can include any event or occurrence that a person considers a threat to his or her coping strategies or resources. Researchers generally agree that a certain degree of stress is a normal part of a living organisms response to the inevitable changes in its physical or social environment, and that positive, as well as negative, events can generate stress as well as negative occurrences (Frey, 2002). There can be innumerable stress factors since different individuals react differently to the same stress conditions. Extreme stress situations for an individual may prove to be mild for another, for yet another person the situations might not qualify as stressing at all. (http://www. lifepositive. com/stress. html). The fact that women report and exhibit higher level of psychological distress than men has been explained in three major ways. The methodological artifact explanation suggests that women are socialized to be more expressive and therefore will admit more emotional symptoms than men in response to the standard psychological stress (Frey, 2002). The stress exposure argument suggests that women face more stressor in general or more severe, persistent stressors than men. Whereas the vulnerability argument suggest that women lack coping resources such as high self esteem, a sense of mastery or appropriate coping strategies for handling the stressors to which they are exposed. Newman (1984 c. f. Eckenrode, 1991) suggested that women over report minor symptoms that inflate over all distress scores (Eller, 2000). Stress in humans in general results from interactions between persons and their environment that are perceived as straining or exceeding their adaptive capacities and threatening their well-being. The element of perception indicates that human stress responses reflect differences in personality, as well as differences in physical strength or general health (Frey, 2002). Stress is often termed as a twentieth century syndrome, born out of mans race towards modern progress and its ensuing complexities. For that matter, causes such as a simple flight delay to managing a teenage child at home can put you under stress. Listing the causes of stress is tricky yet replete with practical diversity (http://www. lifepositive. com/stress. html). General cause of stress include primarily, Threat; a perceived threat will lead a person to feel stressed. This can include physical threats, social threats, financial threat, and so on. Fear; Fear leads to imagined outcomes, which are the real source of stress. Uncertainty; When people are not certain, they are unable to predict, and hence feel they are not in control, and hence may feel fear or feel threatened by that which is causing the uncertainty (http://www. workstress. net/causes. htm). Apart from certain general causes another reason is cognitive dissonance; it is when there is a gap between what people do and what they think, then the outcome experience is cognitive dissonance, which is felt as stress.

Caring for Pressure Sores in Elderly People

Caring for Pressure Sores in Elderly People 107582 Caring for Pressure Sores in Elderly People with Circulatory  Problems from Long-Term Diabetes, in Nursing Homes Pressure sores are tears or ulcerations in the skin, that occur typically in the lower half of the body over ‘bony prominences’ that support the weight of the body during lying, standing, and sitting. The most typical areas that the elderly are prone to developing pressure sores include the heel, lower legs and feet, and lower back. The majority of pressure sores occur in people aged 70 or over through age-related health and lifestyle factors associated with the elderly. a) What physical care needs do such elderly people tend to have? Damage to the skin leading to pressure sores can cause wounds of varying degrees of severity, which have the potential to become infected. Physical care through wound treatment is thus essential and so effective co-working with medical staff colleagues like the community nurses will be very important for nursing home to manage. Prescribed medications to counteract infections and topical locations in order to aid healing are all part of the care routine for those with existing pressure sores. Also within wound treatment, dressings and bandages will need to be changed according to the patients care plan in order to minimize potential for infection. Physical care routines for elderly patients in nursing homes residential care can also involve taking actions in order to minimize the risk from pressures, as well as helping residents in wound treatment as outlined above. As diabetes will often incur the symptom of more frequent need for urination, incontinence may be particularly problematic as dampness in clothing, or in bed sheets etc, is likely to cause skin irritation and thus increases the risk from pressure sore. Physical care thus needs to involve frequent toilet visits, changes to sanitary hygiene products like pads, and changing bed clothes when necessary. Avoiding plastic bed padding is also preferable as plastic will trap dampness between the skin and the plastic and so could increase irritation. Foot care is a very important physical need that elderly diabetic patients will often require help with. Due to changes to the body’s circulatory system and reducing ability of the skin to heal and renew itself (turnover of epidermis can reduce by 50% in older age), once minor foot problems like in-grown toe-nails or blisters can lead to infections and potentially gangrene (in some instances requiring amputation). Ensuring patients / residents are wearing well fitting footwear and that toe-nails are kept short should be completed by staff. This risk from pressure sores is also increased by the reduction in sensitivity that aged-skin possesses – elderly patients simply may not be able to feel that skin ulcers or pressure sores are developing until they are well advanced, and so more difficult to treat, and for the body to heal. Therefore regular checks and skin assessment in risk areas on the body such as the feet should make up an important part of the care routine for elderly patients, who may not be able to do these checks themselves, or who may not have enough skin sensitivity to be aware of these problems as they occur. b) Why do such elderly people develop bed sores? Pressure sores (also known as bed sores) will come about through changes in the skin associated with ageing, severely restricted movement, and when there the body has circulatory problems and the health outcomes associated with poor circulation. Those older patients with diabetes particularly, will often experience circulatory problems, which are then compounded by the restricted movement and general reduction in mobility involved within the aging process, which puts repeated or prolonged pressure on certain points of the skin causing wear and tear that the body is unable to cope with. Elderly patients in general are susceptible to skin damage and pressure sores through the changes to their skin that make it thinner (dermal thickness can decrease by 20%) and weaker as they get older. These processes include the ‘loss of subcutaneous tissue, diminished pain perception, decreased cell mediated immunity, slowed wound healing, and the altered barrier properties of aged skin. These biological changes to the skin have the medical implications that the body’s local inflammatory responses will diminish which slows the healing process, and sensory loss in the skin may follow. These are particular factors that expose the elderly to pressure sores. In conjunction to the risk from age-related skin changes, the high number of elderly patients who have diabetes means that compromised circulatory systems can put people at even higher risk. This happens because diabetes affects the body’s ability to effectively regulate blood as the high levels of glucose that remain in the blood begin to damage the blood vessels, and it is this process that begins to inhibit circulation of blood around the body. Over time, poor circulation can have the effect where limb extremities begin to suffer and will start to change in the sensation they arouse – a feeling that is particularly common is tingling in the lower legs and feet. A change in sensation especially within the legs can be indicative of worsening circulation which can have serious implications if a pressure sore occurs. Poor circulation compromises the healing process meaning it takes longer for wounds to heal, and leave people more susceptible to developing infections and potentially gangrene. Change in sensation is also often coupled with sensory loss, where by people may be unable to feel when they have a pressure sore, and so wounds may be left untreated for some time if not regularly checked by self or others. The restricted movement which many elderly people in care homes experience also puts them at risk. Prolonged sitting or lying for people who have difficulty walking or who are bed-bound are those that are in the highest risk group. Hip-fractures, neurological disease paralysis from conditions such as stroke are common within elderly populations and so should be monitored accordingly. Strokes are often a problem for those with diabetes due to the damage that high levels of glucose causes to blood vessels, which can eventually begin to exert on the arteries, so elderly diabetic patients may suffer immobilization and sensation loss resulting from both strokes and poorer general circulation from the diabetes. c) Describe one Clinical Skill necessary to meet the relevant physical care need(s) of the patients. Describe how this skill would be applied. Devising a repositioning (regular turning) schedule may help to alleviate the stress on certain areas of the skin for those with restricted mobility or with general immobilization. As mentioned previously, elderly diabetic patients are likely to suffer poor circulation which can lead to change in skin sensation and eventually sensory loss over some areas of skin. Through this process people may sit or lie for much longer periods of time, or be unable to move at all; so increasing the stress placed on set areas of skin – younger adults for instance typically shift their body weight every 15 minutes, even whilst asleep. Physical care should thus include assessing the repositioning needs of individual patients or residents – some documents discuss a 2-hour turning schedule as a bench mark. The time needed between movements and turning of the body may however be greater for those at higher risk of pressure sores, such as though who have severe mobility restriction or immobilization; those who have existing wounds, those on sedating medications (and therefore may reduce their movements according to when on medication and when not. Also factors like whether special mattresses or support surfaces are being used will affect the rate at which people will need to be repositioned. Skin inspection should also determine the repositioning needs of individual patient needs. Physical care routines should therefore apply repositioning by alternating residents / patients between sitting, standing, lying; particularly whether people can engage in physical activities during the day. Short walks, encouraging movement or moving residents between different rooms within residential care (such as between communal lounges, gardens conservatories etc) where possible will provide health benefits as well as reducing relief from pressure sores by shifting body weight through movement and activity. For those with severe immobilisation or those who are bed bound, rotating body weight for lying on back to sitting in bed etc should be maintained along with regular small shifts in body movement (adjusting pillow position, angle at which sitting). Written repositioning schedules are also good practice in places of residence (such as nursing homes) where multiple caring staff will be applying the turning and repositioning of the patient – this will help to ensure that the devised schedule of movements is followed. d) Supporting literature Journal Articles Pandya, N. (2003) ‘Diabetes management in long-term-care’ Caring for the Ages Vol. 4 No. 2 p21-24 Richens, Y. Stephens F. Bick, D. Morrell, C. Loftus-Hills, A. Duff, L. (2003) ‘Pressure ulcer risk assessment and prevention: Improving practice, improving care’ Clinical practice Guidelines, Royal College of Nursing. Vohra, R. McCollum, C (1994) ‘Fortnightly Review: Pressure Sores’ British Medical Journal Vol. 309 p853 857 Zulkowski, K (2003) ‘Protecting your patient’s aging skin’ Nursing Reports Nuffield Institute for Health NHS Centre for reviews and dissemination (1995) ‘The prevention and treatment of pressure sores: How useful are the measures for scoring peoples risk of developing a pressure sore?’ Effective Healthcare Bulletin Internet resources www.helptheaged.org.uk www.nelh.nhs.uk

Group Proposal :: essays research papers

Dear Sir or Madam: Thank you for your most recent request for information about our company and it's products. Our company was founded by Chris Griffith in 1974. Primarily for the U.S. military, doing top secret research and development. Our first consumer product is the Easy Finder Remote Control. I am very excited about our new product. We are targeting a nation wide release date of June 1st, 1999. Our new remote will have many user friendly features such as: code learn, sound activated locator, and an illuminated keypad. With code learn, you point your current remote at the base of the easy finder and it learns the code for your TV, VCR or cable box. The sound activated locator, responds to a snap of the fingers. Upon activation a loud 80 decibel piezo horn "BEEPS", and a super bright LED flashes for visual confirmation in locating the remote. An illuminated keypad keeps you from fumbling with buttons in the dark by lighting up the keys with color coded lights. Please look over enclosed material. We will start taking orders on May 1st 1999. Release date is set for June 1st 1999. I'm looking forward to doing business with you in the near future. Sincerely, Chris Griffith President, Hawk Electronics Table of Contents I. Cover Letter . . . . . . . . iv II. Introduction . . . . . . . . 1 A. Purpose . . . . . . . . 1 B. Problem . . . . . . . . 1 III. Proposal. . . . . . . . . . 2 A. Solution. . . . . . . . . . 2 B. Technical Description . . . . . . . 3 IV. Illustrations . . . . . . . . . 4 A. Remote Technical Description . . . . . 4 B. Operating Instructions . . . . . . . 5 V. Executive Summary . . . . . . . 6 VI. Conclusion . . . . . . . . . 6 II. INTRODUCTION A. PURPOSE This is a proposal to sell the new Easy Finder Remote Control to Circuit City, Seattle, Washington. The purpose of our product is to save the public from hours of wasted time searching for the remote control. B. PROBLEM Since Television, VCR, and other entertainment devices started offering the luxury of remote control, people have been losing them. Since then we've all been stuck with the task of trying to find them. Also many people have found it difficult to use a remote in the dark or low lit areas, such as bedrooms or bars. V. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY People often misplace things like T.V. and VCR remote controls, and often spend valuable time looking for them. Here at Hawks Incorporated, we feel there is something we can do about it. By installing a sound activated locator, and a lighted display panel, we've found the answer to locating your remote. In doing this we feel you'll save time, money, relieve at least a little of that every day stress. III. PROPOSAL A. SOLUTION The people at Hawks Electronics have found a solution for lost remote.

Religion’s Effect on American Policies

America is a country that is characterized as being a nation with multiple cultures, multiple ethnicities, and multiple religions. Plurality in all aspects of American society’s classifications is something that is espoused by most Americans. Numerous individuals with different backgrounds come together on American soil to form and make up the nation that is established on equality and democracy. Inclusion of all the diverse backgrounds present within this democratic society is the main goal of most American social institutions. Religion is one of the main aspects of an individual’s background that influences his or her behavior and analysis about life. Religion in America goes beyond an individual’s everyday life. (Minkenberg, 2) In fact, religion even affects the numerous American policies conceptualized by the government. Religion is such a potent force that its effect on American policies is not even dependent on the rate of citizens that attend churches for the different religions present in the United States. Minkenberg, 2) This means that religion is able to affect change in US government policies despite possible increases or decreases in religious Americans over given periods of time. The effects on American policies are not a result of the country becoming more religious as a whole but rather on the strength of religion itself as an entity enforcing change in political systems. (Minkenber, 5) There are many who emphasize their disagreement with religion’s effect on American pol icy. These individuals believe that religion should not be allowed to affect government policies so strongly or at all. However, it is this paper’s argument that religion should is not a necessary aspect of policy-making and that religion affecting American foreign policy should not be acceptable or encouraged. A presentation of the valid arguments with regard to this thesis will be made. Counter arguments will also be presented and refuted in order to provide a clear view into the fact that religion is indeed one of the crucial factors to be considered by America’s policy-making bodies. Before establishing why religion is not an important aspect of American policies, it should first be established that religion is in fact affecting the said policies.A Study on Religion and the Role of It on People and Media†¦. One clear example is given by the policies made during the administration of President George W. Bush. Despite the fact that America is experiencing a decrease in church-goers, it is measured to be more religious than equivalent Western countries in Europe. This is evidenced by its housing of more than 200 television channels for evangelism. (God and American diplomacy, 33) Religion is seen to take a role in the government’s policy-making decisions through the highly religious character of the President, himself. The United States’ stand on Israel is a clear case of Christianity becoming the driving force behind foreign policies. Instead of considering the interests of America, as a whole, the drive is largely to expand Christianity and to establish its hold on a nation like Israel. (God and American diplomacy, 33) Sam Harris in his book The End of Faith stresses that religion, specifically Christianity, has affected America in terms of sex and drug policies. Policies such as those against abortion are clear examples of the effects of religion on American policies. Harris goes on to critique such policies as being the main factors behind America’s moving towards a formation of a theocratic society, a society believing that its course is determined by a divine being. Religions role in America must not be equated to its role in a theocratic society. (God and American diplomacy, 33) This is a clear inability to separate church from state, one of the most essential aspects of American society. This is also a clear argument against religion’s evident role in American policy-making. Another clear argument against religion affecting American policies is based on the fact that America is a multi-cultural nation. It houses numerous different religions. Not all religions have the same positions and beliefs regarding policies. (God and American diplomacy, 33) As a result, when religion is allowed to affect US national and international policies, only a few of the total number of religions in the country are represented. It is only those religions with the loudest voices in America or those with members in the upper echelons of power that are able to affect changes in policies. This is no longer democracy or equality at work. However, there are those who posit that religion is in fact necessary in the development and implementation of American policies. One of the arguments for religion to be considered in policy-making lies on the fact that America’s relationship with other nations may be based on such religious foundations. A number of the international conflicts occurring today are largely religious in nature or are motivated by religious traditions. (Minkenberg, 4) One clear example is the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11. Miles, 23) Although there are many reasons behind the said attack, there is no doubt that religion played a role. Miles (35-37), indicates that a strengthening of American foreign policy towards a confirmation of US religious freedom would show countries, such as those the September 11 terrorists were associated to, that America does not pose a religious threat on anyone. Protection of the country through a portr ayal of its acceptance of all religions with equal regard via the mechanisms of American policies is said to be very much a necessity in a world that is largely classified by religious traditions and belief system. However, espousal of religious freedom does not equate to allowing religion to dominate American policies. Also, this logic assumes that if other nations are shown that religion is widely accepted in America, other points of conflict will be foregone. Religion may be one of the motivations behind international conflicts but it is not a primary factor behind the said conflicts. Addressing economic and political factors would be more prudent as opposed to simply allowing religion to take free reign. Also, religion is shown to only be useful to policies when taken at this angle: America has numerous religions. We accept them all. This is not the true form of religion’s effects on American policy and does not even begin to address the numerous global implications of the weightier religion-based policies of America such as those made regarding Israel. Another argument states that religion is actually a very potent source of adaptive social change. Patrick Fagan states some of the social benefits that are derived from religion in his article Why religion matters even more: the impact of religious practice on social stability. He indicates that through religion, marital happiness and stability are increased, parent-child relationships are strengthened, educational aspirations and achievement are increased, physical health is improved, well-being and happiness are increased, crime rates are lowered, and community-cohesion is strengthened. In Why religion matters even more: the impact of religious practice on social stability, Fagan indicates that the separation of church and state simply meant that a single state-approved church could not be allowed to exist. He imposes his ideas that the government, especially Congress, should educate themselves with regards to the benefits to be derived from religion and its practice. He also stresses that policies should be made with religion in mind and that data on religion’s potency should be included and considered in debates and discussions regarding American policy. Because religion is effective in creating social change in empirical studies conducted in the community-level, it should thus be considered for policies whose implementation will involve an entire nation’s population. The main problem with Fagan’s account of religion and then his recommendations for its use in policy-making is that the success of religion’s success on marginal issues will not equate to its success in essential issues. (God and American diplomacy, 33) Just because religion was shown to have a high value in practices and regulations set for smaller populations doesn’t mean that it will be able to give an equal value for policies and rules set for the entire nation of America. Read also Analyze the Ways in Which British Imperial Policies Also, because it was able to generate positive feedback for areas such as marriage, crime, and community cohesion, it does not mean that religion will be able to generate adaptive ideas for the more complex issues of the same area. These issues may include homosexual marriages, death penalty imposition, and community governance. For more complex matters as the latter, religion is no longer relevant and allowing it to become a factor in such policies would not only be foolhardy but would even be dangerous in the long run. Also, religion’s application on a small scale with individuals practicing only one type of religion does not indicate that it will have equal applicability in a nation that has numerous different religions. The separation of church and state does include that no specific state-ordained church must exist. However, the reasons and thinking behind such a separation are deeper than simply allowing for religious freedom. Considerations such as oppression of the minority and inability to account for all the beliefs and principles of the collection of religions in America were also made. It is clear that religion is indeed affecting American policies. This change is not warranted and should not be condoned. Policy-makers should take an active stand for the separation of church and state. Policies with religion as one of its factors will, in the end, prove to be biased and geared towards the betterment of only one part of American society. Government decisions should be based on more economic, political, and democratic norms. America is a country that is characterized as being a nation with multiple cultures, multiple ethnicities, and multiple religions. Plurality in all aspects of American society’s classifications is something that is espoused by most Americans. Numerous individuals with different backgrounds come together on American soil to form and make up the nation that is established on equality and democracy. Inclusion of all the diverse backgrounds present within this democratic society is the main goal of most American social institutions. Religion is one of the main aspects of an individual’s background that influences his or her behavior and analysis about life. Religion in America goes beyond an individual’s everyday life. (Minkenberg, 2) In fact, religion even affects the numerous American policies conceptualized by the government. Religion is such a potent force that its effect on American policies is not even dependent on the rate of citizens that attend churches for the different religions present in the United States. (Minkenberg, 2) This means that religion is able to affect change in US government policies despite possible increases or decreases in religious Americans over given periods of time. The effects on American policies are not a result of the country becoming more religious as a whole but rather on the strength of religion itself as an entity enforcing change in political systems. (Minkenber, 5) There are many who emphasize their disagreement with religion’s effect on American policy. These individuals believe that religion should not be allowed to affect government policies so strongly or at all. However, it is this paper’s argument that religion should is not a necessary aspect of policy-making and that religion affecting American foreign policy should not be acceptable or encouraged. A presentation of the valid arguments with regard to this thesis will be made. Counter arguments will also be presented and refuted in order to provide a clear view into the fact that religion is indeed one of the crucial factors to be considered by America’s policy-making bodies. Before establishing why religion is not an important aspect of American policies, it should first be established that religion is in fact affecting the said policies. One clear example is given by the policies made during the administration of President George W. Bush. Despite the fact that America is experiencing a decrease in church-goers, it is measured to be more religious than equivalent Western countries in Europe. This is evidenced by its housing of more than 200 television channels for evangelism. (God and American diplomacy, 33) Religion is seen to take a role in the government’s policy-making decisions through the highly religious character of the President, himself. The United States’ stand on Israel is a clear case of Christianity becoming the driving force behind foreign policies. Instead of considering the interests of America, as a whole, the drive is largely to expand Christianity and to establish its hold on a nation like Israel. (God and American diplo macy, 33) Sam Harris in his book The End of Faith stresses that religion, specifically Christianity, has affected America in terms of sex and drug policies. Policies such as those against abortion are clear examples of the effects of religion on American policies. Harris goes on to critique such policies as being the main factors behind America’s moving towards a formation of a theocratic society, a society believing that its course is determined by a divine being. Religions role in America must not be equated to its role in a theocratic society. (God and American diplomacy, 33) This is a clear inability to separate church from state, one of the most essential aspects of American society. This is also a clear argument against religion’s evident role in American policy-making. Another clear argument against religion affecting American policies is based on the fact that America is a multi-cultural nation. It houses numerous different religions. Not all religions have the same positions and beliefs regarding policies. (God and American diplomacy, 33) As a result, when religion is allowed to affect US national and international policies, only a few of the total number of religions in the country are represented. It is only those religions with the loudest voices in America or those with members in the upper echelons of power that are able to affect changes in policies. This is no longer democracy or equality at work. However, there are those who posit that religion is in fact necessary in the development and implementation of American policies. One of the arguments for religion to be considered in policy-making lies on the fact that America’s relationship with other nations may be based on such religious foundations. A number of the international conflicts occurring today are largely religious in nature or are motivated by religious traditions. (Minkenberg, 4) One clear example is the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11. (Miles, 23) Although there are many reasons behind the said attack, there is no doubt that religion played a role. Miles (35-37), indicates that a strengthening of American foreign policy towards a confirmation of US religious freedom would show countries, such as those the September 11 terrorists were associated to, that America does not pose a religious threat on anyone. Protection of the country through a portrayal of its acceptance of all religions with equ al regard via the mechanisms of American policies is said to be very much a necessity in a world that is largely classified by religious traditions and belief system. However, espousal of religious freedom does not equate to allowing religion to dominate American policies. Also, this logic assumes that if other nations are shown that religion is widely accepted in America, other points of conflict will be foregone. Religion may be one of the motivations behind international conflicts but it is not a primary factor behind the said conflicts. Addressing economic and political factors would be more prudent as opposed to simply allowing religion to take free reign. Also, religion is shown to only be useful to policies when taken at this angle: America has numerous religions. We accept them all. This is not the true form of religion’s effects on American policy and does not even begin to address the numerous global implications of the weightier religion-based policies of America such as those made regarding Israel. Another argument states that religion is actually a very potent source of adaptive social change. Patrick Fagan states some of the social benefits that are derived from religion in his article Why religion matters even more: the impact of religious practice on social stability. He indicates that through religion, marital happiness and stability are increased, parent-child relationships are strengthened, educational aspirations and achievement are increased, physical health is improved, well-being and happiness are increased, crime rates are lowered, and community-cohesion is strengthened. In Why religion matters even more: the impact of religious practice on social stability, Fagan indicates that the separation of church and state simply meant that a single state-approved church could not be allowed to exist. He imposes his ideas that the government, especially Congress, should educate themselves with regards to the benefits to be derived from religion and its practice. He also stresses that policies should be made with religion in mind and that data on religion’s potency should be included and considered in debates and discussions regarding American policy. Because religion is effective in creating social change in empirical studies conducted in the community-level, it should thus be considered for policies whose implementation will involve an entire nation’s population. The main problem with Fagan’s account of religion and then his recommendations for its use in policy-making is that the success of religion’s success on marginal issues will not equate to its success in essential issues. (God and American diplomacy, 33) Just because religion was shown to have a high value in practices and regulations set for smaller populations doesn’t mean that it will be able to give an equal value for policies and rules set for the entire nation of America. Also, because it was able to generate positive feedback for areas such as marriage, crime, and community cohesion, it does not mean that religion will be able to generate adaptive ideas for the more complex issues of the same area. These issues may include homosexual marriages, death penalty imposition, and community governance. For more complex matters as the latter, religion is no longer relevant and allowing it to become a factor in such policies would not only be foolhardy but would eve n be dangerous in the long run. Also, religion’s application on a small scale with individuals practicing only one type of religion does not indicate that it will have equal applicability in a nation that has numerous different religions. The separation of church and state does include that no specific state-ordained church must exist. However, the reasons and thinking behind such a separation are deeper than simply allowing for religious freedom. Considerations such as oppression of the minority and inability to account for all the beliefs and principles of the collection of religions in America were also made. It is clear that religion is indeed affecting American policies. This change is not warranted and should not be condoned. Policy-makers should take an active stand for the separation of church and state. Policies with religion as one of its factors will, in the end, prove to be biased and geared towards the betterment of only one part of American society. Government decisions should be based on more economic, political, and democratic norms. References Anonymous. â€Å"God and American diplomacy.† Economist, 366(2003): 33 Business Source Premier. EBSCO. 18 April 2008 Fagan, Patrick F. â€Å"Why religion matters even more: the impact of religious practice on social stability.† 18 December 2006 Heritage Foundation. 18 April 2008 Harris, Sam. The End of Faith. New York: W. W. Norton, 2005. Miles, Jack. â€Å"Religion and American foreign policy.† Survival, 46(2004): 23-37 Minkenberg, Michael. â€Å"Religious effects on immigration policies.† Paper presented at the ECPR 32nd Joint Session of Workshops, Uppsala, March 2004.

Internal combustion engine Essay

Electric cars should be used instead of cars that run with gasoline because electric cars do not harm the environment, are quieter, quicker, does not require gasoline and include a significant reduction to air pollution. Firstly, electric cars have a lot of benefits. One of them is that they are quiet, quick and smooth, making most regular cars look clunky and outdated. What surprises people the most is the torque (axle-twisting power) offered by the electric cars. Step on the accelerator and power is delivered immediately to the wheels, providing a thrilling driving experience. Secondly, after a while with an electric car you will forget that gas stations existed. Imagine never going to a gas station and spending all that money for fuel. All you have to do is pull your vehicle in your drive way or garage and plug it in to the charging inlet. It is very convenient to just wake up the next morning and have a fully charged vehicle that can go up to 100 miles. In addition they are cheaper to operate. Almost everywhere in the world, electricity is very cheap. So when you compare an electric vehicle to a regular car, the cost per mile to fuel an electric vehicle is approximately one-third to one-quarter the cost of gasoline (on a cost per mile basis). Nevertheless, owning a car is associated with the responsibility of maintaining it. Regular cars require frequent maintenance but this is not the case in electric cars. These cars do not suffer same level of stress as traditional engines acquire and do not require frequent oil changes and other regular maintenance. On the other hand, electric cars have a lot of disadvantages too. First of all the limited range of the electric cars is probably the biggest disadvantage. Most affordable electric cars only have about 80 to 100 miles of range. Which is not enough if you are for instance going on a long road trip. People who have electric cars need to properly plan, assuring that they will not go over the limited range. Not to mention, they also have a long refueling time. It is not like going to a gas station and adding a couple of hundred miles of range in five or ten minutes. To recharge a completely empty electric car would take about 10 hours depending on the voltage. With 120 volts (which is the current voltage in every house) it will take ten hours. With 240 volts it takes about four to five hours to fully charge the electric vehicle. Also, you would have to have the right place to charge your electric vehicle. You cannot go more than the car’s limit but you the right place to charge it. For instance people who are living in apartments cannot own electric cars because they do not have a garage to charge their vehicle. Big electric car companies have charging stations where you can get your vehicle fully charged in 1-2 hours but there are not a lot like gas stations. Furthermore the higher cost is probably what keeps people away from electric vehicles. The current electric cars are priced between 30. 000 and 40. 000 dollars. While you can buy, for instance the Honda Fit, Ford Focus etc. for less than 20,000 dollars. Last but not least, electric cars are costly to maintain and repair if there is a big problem with the car. Since electric cars are in a class of their own, owners may wind up paying more on repairs and maintenance because not every mechanic is trained to repair and maintain electric cars. In conclusion, when considering the pros and cons of electric cars, it is clear that there are some major advantages and disadvantages of owning an electric car. At the end, if these cars help people save a tremendous amount of money and help the environment, the pros of owning an electric car will outweigh all of the cons.