Culture of the Near East :: Ancient World Culture

From the Near East comes the Old Babylonian account of the life and death of GILGAMESH. There was a real Gilgamesh, a king who ruled some 2700 years before Christ lived and the Romans consolidated their vast empire. The character and the exploits of this king were preserved in the form of stories that circulated for many years after the king's death. Some of these tales -- more than 600 years after Gilgamesh's rule -- were collected by a story teller and were put down in the form of an epic poem. This poem is what we know today as The Epic of Gilgamesh. Who knows how many versions The Epic of Gilgamesh went through before consolidation in its written form? Who knows how many translations the stories underwent before their reworking in the Babylonian language? Who knows how many parts of the story might have offended or misrepresented the eponymous king? Who knows how many story-tellers made more (or less) of Mashu, the mountainous gateway to the other world, as they kept their audiences spellbound with fantastical details of this greatest of human adventures -- the struggle to find (and retain) eternal life? What is known is no less intriguing. How curious is the parallel between the story of Utnapishtim and the Hebrew account of Noah. How symbolic is the description of Enkidu, the prototypical natural man, as he sheds his animalistic behaviors in preference for the pleasures of human society. How extraordinary is the description of the snake, whose stealing of the essence of immortality from Gilgamesh results in the snake's rebirth each time it sheds its skin. Of course the Hebrew iteration of the Flood story is not coincidence. For a time, the HEBREWS lived in SUMER, home to Abraham's people. Nomadic people, they left the fertile river valleys and headed for CANAAN and later EGYPT, taking with them ancient accounts of floods and righteous people whose obedience and wisdom helped them to survive the consuming waters.

Purpose of Oral Hygiene in Conjunction with Chlorhexidine :: Nursing

Purpose of Oral Hygiene in Conjunction with Chlorhexidine Evidence- Based Practice Proposal The basis for the proposal is ventilator-associated pneumonia’s (VAP) occurrence can potentially be controlled by cautious consideration to the process of oral hygiene, where routine oral hygiene versus oral hygiene in conjunction with chlorhexidine (CHX) are examined to make sure the ideal outcomes for these patients occur. Background A ventilator- associated pneumonia (VAP) is a critical contamination preventable by a multitude of prevention strategies aimed at the care process. Pneumonia is an infectious disease of the organs of the lungs, with the ventilator as a device that facilitates patient respirations by providing oxygen through a tube. The tube can be located in a patient’s mouth, nose, or through a hole in the front of the neck, with the tube attached to the ventilator. Therefore, a VAP is pulmonary pathogenic infectivity that cultivates in a ventilator patient (CDC, 2010). Problem Statement A multitude of risk factors for VAP have been recognized with one of the risk factors as the colonization of the oral cavity by probable pathogens. After 2 days of entering the intensive care unit (ICU), seriously ill patient’s oral flora changes to mainly gram-negative inhabitants including more powerful organisms. Dental plaque offers an environment for microbes at fault for VAP, and probable pulmonary pathogens can colonize this plaque specifically of patients in the ICU (Munro et al., 2009). For the most part, there exist 2 approaches of intervention to eradicate the microbes on the dental plaque in critically ill patients: mechanical intervention and direct pharmacological. Even though mechanical elimination may be a successful approach for removal of oral pathogens, oral hygiene is deemed standard nursing care, often uncared for in critically ill patients or is performed by rapidly swabbing the patient’s oral cavity (Pedreira et al., 2009). Significance of Problem VAP is preventable with oral hygiene as one of the multitude of vital prevention strategies for VAP. VAP is significant because 15 % of all infectivity borne at the hospital and nearly 1/3 of all infectivity obtained in the ICU is VAP. Institutional fatality of VAP in ventilated patients is 46% measured up to 32% for ventilated patients who do not contract VAP. VAP extends ICU and hospital stay, totaling an extra $40,000 to the admission. VAP is the principal source of mortality of hospital associated infections (Pyrek, 2010). Target Population, Target Setting, Clinical Question, Objective The target population is the dependent adult oral care ventilator population susceptible to VAP.

Front Sheet Assignment Two Challenging Behaviour

It is a serious disciplinary offence Candidate l confirm that this assignment, which I have submitted, is all my own work and I have recorded all literature and resources that have been used, including the internet'. Teacher ‘l declare that the candidate's activities have been regularly monitored and all feedback is recorded on this front sheet. Also declare that to the best of my knowledge this is the candidate's own work'. Student Signature: Date: Internal Verifier Signature: Scenario: You have been hired as part of Lancashire County Council's (LLC) challenging behavior Crisis team.You have been sent to two separate care settings to gather information on two different individuals and create a Behavior Management Plan (BUMP) on suggested ways of how to minimize their more severe challenging behavior. Once you have completed the (BUMP) you are to create a report for LLC management and the care settings management. This is to focus on the benefits of using each strategy you have suggested and possible problems and weaknesses of that strategy. Task Sheet: Grading Criteria: Task 1 – Behavior Management PlanIdentify 2 individuals from 2 different Health and Social Care settings who each show a different type of challenging behavior. You will need to give an introduction to the individuals, outline their care setting and their challenging behavior which you are going to be addressing. You will need to give some detail as these individuals are very complex and can come from different care settings. The behavior management plan will look at one of the individuals more difficult types of challenging behavior which you wish to see changed.Within the behavior management plan you will have to suggest a range of different coping strategies (xx), approaches (xx) and methods of intervention (xx) for the individuals (2 of each for each individual), and discuss how these will help to minimize the type of challenging behavior, in their particular setting. Task 2 â €“ Report As a Crisis team member you must also reflect on the strategies you have suggested for each individual. In a separate repertory need to show that you have thought each coping strategy, approach and method of intervention through.This is to focus on the benefits of using each strategy you have suggested and possible problems and weaknesses of that strategy. For each individual you need to explain each of the specific strategies' benefits and strengths, and the strategies possible problems and weaknesses. You will need to find evidence to back up your report, to prove what you are saying is correct and is well practiced throughout the sector. By doing this you will be Evaluating your chosen strategies. You must use the Harvard referencing system to present your references, support material and bibliography.

De Havilland Essay

Executive Summary De Havilland is a major player the Canadian aircraft manufacturing industry. Founded in 1928 by a British company, De Havilland has had multiple acquisitions by various organizations including the government. As of 1992, the organization was co-owned by the government of Ontario with 49% shares and Bombardier Inc. with 51%. The company’s strategic goal is to keep their competitive advantage by focusing on cost reduction through negotiating long-term contracts with various vendors to capture economies of scale as well as set a fixed cost to secure price stability. Although de Havilland’s existing flap shroud supplier was unwilling to accept the renegotiated 25% discount to the current price, the company had more than a year’s inventory left with the contract expiring in 1993. De Havilland decided that it would be appropriate to solicit suppliers. Nine submissions were received, with the cost difference between the lowest and highest bid at $2,061,180. Based on the information provided it was evident that Marton Enterprise had the most attractive proposal. Issue Identification Long Term – Strategic * Contract between de Havilland and Dollard Plastics of Montreal, Quebec for flap shrouds for Series 300A airplane will be expiring at the end of 1993. * Dash 8 airplane represented 60-65 per cent of de Havilland’s total manufacturing costs * De Havilland buyer tried to negotiate 25% discount from Dollard, but was rejected * De Havilland’s BSB is trying to implement cost reduction strategy by: * Partnering with smaller base of vendors to capture economies of scale * Commit to long-term contracts for a span of five years with firm, fixed prices Environmental and Root Cause Analysis Founded in 1928 by a British company, De Havilland has become a significant part of the Canadian aircraft manufacturing industry. As of 1992, the organization was co-owned by the government of Ontario that held 49% of the shares and Bombardier Inc. owning the remaining 51%. With multiple acquisitions by various companies and the government over the past half-century, the organization has implemented several activities into their operations. These activities implemented in different stages of the supply chain have successfully provided versatility in satisfying customers’ needs, from procurement to production. During Boeing’s ownership, de Havilland experienced tremendous evolution in their corporate processes. In particular the purchasing cycle is a noteworthy system developed during this time. In Exhibit 1 of the case study the diagram demonstrates the step-by-step procurement process the company goes through when it encounters a design change/new design, requiring sou rcing of a new part that has not been previously purchased before. Parties that are involved are mainly composed of representatives from Finance and Material departments. The level of management involvement depended on the size of the contract. De Havilland’s current issue was selecting a new vendor to source flap shrouds from. Dollard Plastics, a company based in Montreal, Quebec has been supplying flap shrouds for their Series 300A airplane, but their contract was about to expire at the end of 1993. With parts costs of the De Havilland’s Dash 8 accounting for 60-65% of the organization’s total manufacturing costs, the purchasing department attempted to request a 25% discount from Dollard as a strategy for cost reduction. However, their request for a lower price was rejected. With the failed renegotiation, the procurement process had to move back to bidder selection board stage. In addition to the cost reduction strategy mentioned earlier, de Havilland’s objective was to partner with a smaller base of vendors to take advantage of economies of scale. They would like to establish long-term cooperative contracts (i.e. five years) with fixed pricing so frequent negotiations won’t be necessary . Based on the nine RFQ submissions from various vendors, Marton Enterprise Inc. offered the lowest prices. With the comprehensive data and additional information that Kim Tomar obtained, it was evident there was great potential in a long-term business partnership with Marton. The difference between Dollard and Marton’s normalized bids total for the program was a whopping $2,061,180 ($2,810,174- $748,994), which could be a substantial saving amount de Havilland would be making. Marton has stated in their pricing proposal that their bid is a stand-alone pricing. This could mean it would be difficult for de Havilland to discuss a lower price than the proposed. The vendor has also stated from past history material costs typically increased 4% to 6% per year, and with that assumption which they have accounted they are willing to enter into a firm fixed price proposal with de Havilland from August 1992 to July 1997. Although Marton’s initial bid amount is quite attractive, de Havilland will have to take into account the possibility of Marton overstating their position in order to acquire the bid. This may become a strategic barrier that could become costly down the road. Another reason for such a significantly lower price offered by Marton could be the fact they may be compromising the quality of the materials or services. Lastly, it could just plainly be that Marton operates more efficiently than other vendors, thus able to incur higher savings. Whatever the case may be, de Havilland should conduct a thorough quality analysis of vendor production to determine whether Marton’s quality and cost levels are aligned with de Havilland’s expectations. Based on the reviews of past purchasing trends, forecasts conducted by representatives from the Finance and Material department, the Bidder Selection Board should have an idea of how much the parts should cost and if the prices submitted are realistic. De Havilland should also keep the other vendors who offered close bids in consideration (i.e. DAS Composites and Lakesides Industries). These bids would help in the negotiation process in strategically obtaining a potential value. With Kim Tomar’s recommendation to the Source Selection Board, SSB should establish low, target and authority price levels for one or more of the vendors and see which group provides the best offer. In terms of power relationships, it seems like it is a fairly level playing ground for both de Havilland and Marton. Based on the comprehensive data provided by Marton and the side documents obtained by Tomar it seems like Marton’s well-prepared proposal has gained them a high amount of seller power in the negotiation. At the same time, with the favorable bids de Havilland received from other vendors, they would be able to use those bids to help negotiate a good deal. At the bottom line though, it depends on how much power each company has to make decisions or if both would require approval from the parent companies. Alternatives Alternative 1 – Select Marton Enterprise as vendor based on analysis conducted for negotiation Advantages: Â  1. Lowest bid out of all nine bid submissions, providing substantial savings in manufacturing costs, more than the original targeted 25% discount 2. Establish a long-term contract with fixed pricing reducing the need for renegotiations 3. Potential for long-term relationship that would greatly improve operational efficiencies Disadvantages: 1. Quality and service might be compromised to reap savings 2. Puts de Havilland at risk if partnership with Marton is a poor decision (poor quality, service), may cause ripple effect 3. No BATNA in case negotiation does not succeed with Marton Enterprise Alternative 2 – Select Marton Enterprise, DAS Composites, and/or Lakeside Industries as vendors for negotiation . Advantages: 1. Provides a BATNA in case negotiation with Marton Enterprise fails 2. May open up other opportunities with sourcing of other parts 3. Can be used as a good negotiation tool Disadvantages: 1. Time consuming, may require more management involvement in the beginning to make decision Recommendation Based on the comprehensive data provided by Marton and the additional information that supports the credibility of the company, it would be best for De Havilland to select Marton Enterprise as vendor based on analysis conducted for negotiation. Implementation 1. After all the analysis and normalization has been conducted, de Havilland should inform Marton that they have been selected as the potential flap shrouds vendor. 2. As a team from the source selection board that is made up of Finance, Materials, Engineering and higher management personnel, they should meet with representatives from the other party to discuss the finer details of the agreement 3. They should review the proposal once again as a group and make modification of estimates 4. With a lawyer present, write out the outline of the contract 5. Once a draft has been made, each party should review it and schedule a time to meet again to sign the contract 6. Supply of flap shrouds will commence Monitor and Control De Havilland should assign staff from the source selection board that is already familiar with the vendor’s representatives to meet with the other party for periodic meetings. These meetings will allow both groups to review the progress, discuss issues that may have arise, and perform periodic quality assurance checkups/inspections. These periodic performance reviews and audits would confirm vendor compliance based on the agreement. References * Module 2 Procurement_Candidate Manual 2013 1.0.pdf * Module 2 Readings Manual 2013 1.0.pdf

Cool Runnings Essay

In the film ‘Cool Runnings’ directed by Job Turteltaub had taught me many valuable lessons for future life. Also a character had stood out for me whom is known as Derice, which had taught me even more. He has taught me about commitment, determination and also leadership and this is how it has compacted for myself. To begin with, Derice showed me that commitment could take me to the ultimate limit. Turteltaub used techniques such as close-ups on Derice’s running shoes and his face. Meanwhile, as Derice is getting ready and focussing on his position, the setting is a beautiful tropical island and an amazing ocean view, which tells me that he must be a local that lives in the beautiful island. Turteltaub also showed when Derice’s passion and commitment had impacted on his image it had stood out quite clearly, even though his gears were tiny rocks and a toilet paper roll in the beginning. Doesn’t mean it could be consistent throughout his life. One day he could become an Olympic Champion which supports the Olympic Value – pursuit of excellence and fair play. It’s important for teens like myself to learn these valuable lessons because starting a career, dream or passion now could have a huge impact on what it’s going to be like in the future. Lots of us teens are going through rejections and low self-esteem so by following my dreams is what I’m going to be heading for. Secondly, Turteltaub had showed me about determination. He also used techniques such as close-up of Derice’s face and Irving Blitzer (legendary Bobsled double gold medallist) as Derice was trying to pursue Irv to be the first time Jamaican Bobsled coach. But Irv has been consistently rejecting his offer. Turteltaub has shown how Derice had felt afterwards, after facing his loss in the qualifying round for track racing. He was determined to find a way to get back into the Olympics. This emphasises that giving up your dream is an easy thing to do, because that is like a short cut for being negative, but by committing and being determined harder, at least you’re going somewhere, which follows the Olympic value – pursuit of excellence. It’s important to learn these valuable lessons because as a teen myself, I’ve been doubted in many different ways throughout my life, but because I’ve been determined to make a change and prove them wrong, that was exactly what I’ve done because I have been true to myself and standing against negativity. Thirdly, Turteltaub taught me about leadership. He showed this when Derice (close-up shot) had to lead by example when his whole boblsled team crashed.

Earths Magnetosphere Essay

The Earth is an enormous magnet, and its magnetic power extends distant into space. It has south and north magnetic poles that reverses at uneven periods of hundreds of thousands of years. The magnetic field of the Earth reaches 36,000 miles into space, and it is surrounded in an area described as the magnetosphere (The Earth’s Magnetic Field p. 1). Magnetosphere is the region contiguous to the Earth where the latter’s magnetic field dominates. The other planets in the universe including the sun have magnetospheres; however, of all the rocky planets, the Earth has the strongest magnetospheres (The Earth’s Magnetic Field p. 1). The magnetosphere averts the sun’s particles that are carried in solar wind from hitting the Earth. However, a number of particles from the solar wind can still penetrate the magnetosphere. The aforesaid particles that penetrate from the magnetotail pass through the Earth and generate the Aurora Borealis light exhibitions, and possibly more spectacular, magnetic storms, which can blow out communication and power systems on the planet. Further, the said particles are accountable for various wonderful natural occurrences such as the natural radio emissions that produce the whistler waves and lion roars (Magnetosphere p. 1). The Earth’s magnetosphere is composed of magnetic flux and charged particles. It is extremely active, and has a number of key components, such as the radiation belts, plasmasphere, lobes, plasmasheet, magnetotail, magnetosheath, bow shock, and numerous electric currents (Magnetosphere p. 1). The magnetosphere changes regularly, even spinning its course every few thousand years. Regardless of its low density, the solar wind is strong enough to cooperate with the Earth’s magnetic field to form magnetospheres. As the ions in the solar plasma are charged, they act together with these magnetic fields, and the particles of the solar wind are brushed away around planetary magnetospheres. The particles circulate and move around the magnetosphere and even produce storms. The contour of the Earth’s magnetosphere is the direct consequence of being blasted by solar wind. Solar wind reduces its sunward side distance of merely 6 to 10 times of the Earth’s radius or some 67,000 kilometres (The Earth’s Magnetosphere p. 1). On the borders, or 90 degrees from there, the distance is approximately 15 Earth radii, and about 25 Earth radii in radius as the borders continue to move towards the cylinder (Stern p. 1). A supersonic shock wave is produced sunward of Earth to some extent like a sonic boom. On the other hand the precise length of the night-side of the Solar wind is unknown; however, it is estimated that the nigh-side magnetosphere extends to 1,000 times the radius of the Earth (Magnetosphere p. 1). The Earth’s magnetosphere has no clear borders during midnight. In fact, what occurs is that exceeding 50 to 80 Earth radii the solar wind breaks into the magnetotail, so the substance is predominantly solar wind, although the magnetic field is still that of Earth. It persists like this for no less than 220 Earth radii (Stern p. 1). Nevertheless, when the force of the solar wind increases, the perimeter shifts inwards, which erodes the magnetic field by process of reconnection. Therefore, a few occasions every year the perimeter overtakes satellites in synchronous orbit, at 6. 6 Earth radii (Stern p. 1). In contrast, resembling in 1999 when the solar wind was exceptionally profound, the noon-side perimeter went out exceeding 20 Earth radii (Stern p. 1). Our planet is bordered by an intense battle zone that commences only a few hundred kilometres above us and until now most of us are completely unaware to the fact. Our innate protection from this assault is the Earth’s magnetosphere; an imperceptible bubble that is surrounding our whole planet. Performing like a cosmic punch-bag the magnetosphere is subjected to groups of solar wind charging away from the sun at supersonic paces and continuously bombarding this protective bubble. For that reason, life on Earth has developed underneath the shelter of this magnetosphere. Works Cited â€Å"Magnetosphere. † 18 November 1996. University Corporation for Atmospheric Research. 25 September 2008 . Stern, David. â€Å"Get a Straight Answer. † 28 September 2004. NASA. 25 September 2008 . â€Å"The Earth’s Magnetic Field. † 3 June 2003. University Corporation for Atmospheric Research. 25 September . â€Å"The Earth’s Magnetosphere. † 28 August 2008. Cosmicopia. 25 September 2008 .

Queer critiques of gay marriage Annotated Bibliography

Queer critiques of gay marriage - Annotated Bibliography Example In the article, the community notes that the number of homosexuals has grown despite the widespread negativity the members face. The second article adopts an equally critical stand as it investigates the cost of achieving equality for the LGBT community. The author of the article understands the society’s skewed and skeptic approach to homosexuality despite the growing number of gays and lesbians in the society. In constructing their articles, the respective authors uphold some of the basic guidelines of writing. The make essential citations thereby enhancing the authority of the claims they make. In retrospect, the two articles are valid reports that make good arguments. Furthermore, they are good sources owing to the authors’ ability to present their facts systematically and attempt to provide evidence by citing the works appropriately. The LGBT community in the country sought to develop a new strategic vision to help redirect their future endeavors. The new vision seeks to safeguard immense economic benefits for gays, lesbians, transgender and bisexuals in the country. The article seeks to safeguard the acceptance, respect and recognition for members of the community in every feature of the society and numerous states within the country. In justifying their new vision, the community explains a number of intricate features of the society including the diversity in families and households as the number of homosexuals grow throughout the country. The community argues that the increase in its size implies that a greater number of people continue to face economic stress. The community uses its experience and experience on the issue by analyzing official reports in coming up with the blueprint. Despite such attempts, the article lacks statistical proof of the issues it raises a feature that make it inflammatory. The article vouches for equality for the LGBT community. The