European Union, how successful was it at creating a single market Essay

European Union, how successful was it at creating a single market - Essay Example A free trade area is a form of economic integration wherein all barriers to trade, not only tariffs, are removed among participating nations although each nation maintains its trade barriers with other nations who are not members of the free trade area (Salvatore, 327). This was the situation in 1960 in the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) organised by the United Kingdom, Austria, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, Sweden and Switzerland (Salvatore, 328). A customs union provides no tariffs or other barriers to trade among member nations of the customs union and, in addition, the custom union harmonises trade policies with the rest of the world (Salvatore, 328). According to Salvatore, this was the status in 1957 of West Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg (328). A common market goes further than a customs union by â€Å"also allowing the free movement of labour and capital among member nations† (Salvatore, 328). According to Salvatore, much of Europ e became a common market in 1993 (328). Finally, an economic union is a significant advancement from a common market because in addition to the free flow of labour and capital among the members of the union, the economic union unifies the fiscal and monetary policies of member nations of the economic union (Salvatore, 328). Fiscal integration in the European Union is not immediately apparent. However, one good evidence of monetary integration is the launching of the euro as â€Å"the common currency of more than 300 million Europeans on 1 January 1999† (Europa, â€Å"The history of the European Union†).1 A study of Kocenda and colleagues in 2008 indicated that the monetary union within the European Union did not â€Å"encourage fiscal convergence among its members† (1). Thus, viewed from the perspective of advancement from a preferential trade arrangement and growing into a free trade area, then into a customs union, then into a common market, and finally into a n economic union, the formation of the European Union itself can be credited as a solid achievement in the creation of a single market. However, it is also possible to see the European Union as an act of protectionism of member countries of Europe against the rest of the world. In this sense, one can also view the formation of the European Union as a possible obstacle to the creation of a single market worldwide: a group of nations operating as a bloc or club within the World Trade Organisation (WTO). 2.0. Mission of the European Union The European Union, however, is more than an economic union. It is a political union as well among countries sharing a common vision and objectives. Europa, the official website of the European U

Answer the questions in Bold Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 4

Answer the questions in Bold - Essay Example Some of the major barriers to maintaining quality care and patient safety in hospitals include the difficulty of coordinating multiple services for a single patient, sociocultural challenges related to accessing services, and limited insurance coverage. Any of these factors can reduce the likelihood of providing the right care at the right time for the right person, and therefore damage the quality and safety of patient experiences. A variety of strategies can be developed to address these, and other, barriers (De Vos, 2009). The integration of services must be streamlined, and specialized information technology systems could provide the flexibility that professionals need to remain connected as a clinical team, rather than individual providers. Sociocultural issues need to be addressed at a higher level of consideration, such as during the development of health care policies and public awareness strategies. Economic barriers like insurance availability are highly contingent on influ ences above the health care system, and may require government reform procedures to be eliminated. In the United States, hospital accreditation is conducted by independent associations like The Joint Commission. The process is based largely on patient safety, with significant attention given to quality care delivery. Other factors including financial and insurance considerations should be addressed as well. However, the relationship between accreditation and patient experience has been challenged (Heuer,

Climate Change Impacts On Plankton In Oceans Environmental Sciences Essay

Climate Change Impacts On Plankton In Oceans Environmental Sciences Essay Plankton are pelagic organisms as primary production providing food for marine mammals and commercially important fish. However, nowadays, it is widely accepted that global warming is occurring, and it is inevitable to impact on the marine pelagic realm. Any decline or increase in abundance, growth and trophic efficiency of phytoplankton and zooplankton communities will lead to decline or increase in higher tropic levels, even the entire ecosystems. The only way to reduce these effects is to reduce CO2 emissions to atmosphere. Further, the consideration of research should be including long-term changes in plankton biomass and community structure. Plankton are organisms that have limited locomotive ability relative to the water where they live. These organisms are ranging in size from viruses to large jellyfish. In tropical scale, plankton communities are highly diverse, containing organisms from almost all phyla and families. Furthermore, these organisms use their environment, its resources, and each other, in a wide variety of ways. The way to classify planktonic organisms is based on their size, which affects sinking, light utilization, mobility and tropic status. In addition, they have particular functional roles (grazers and nitrogen-fixers) in the ecosystem as well (McKinnon et al. 2007). However, nowadays, more and more marine scientists have paid attention on climate change which has strong impacts on these organisms in the ocean. For example, increased water temperature and ocean acidification have impacts on those tiny organisms in biological and physical ways (Richardson et al. 2004; Riebesell et al. 2000; Beaugrand et al. 2003; Lynam et al. 2005). The role of plankton in the ocean Phytoplankton account for approximately half the global primary production Richardson et al. 2004), and consequently play an important role in cycling of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). Micro- and Macrozooplankton are the basis of food webs supporting oceanic and many coastal fisheries (Richardson et al. 2004). In addition, they are also playing an important role in linking pelagic and benthic environment (McKinnon et al. 2007). Critical factors regulating plankton communities To date, a number of studies have demonstrated that the abundance and growth of plankton are affected by several climate stressors that will respond to climate change, including water temperature, ocean chemistry, light, ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and nutrient enrichment (McKinnon et al. 2007). Although there are still having a limited understanding of how climate change will affect planktonic organisms, more studies have done that trying to find out profound meaning. Vulnerability Planktonic organisms all have short life cycles: hours to days for phytoplankton, seven to ten days for copepods, and weeks to months for macrozooplankton. This means that plankton respond quickly to changes in their physical environment. Therefore, they respond more rapidly than longer-lived animals such as fish, and mammals (McKinnon et al. 2007). Changes in water temperature All plankton are poikilothermic. A number of studies have shown that plankton growth rate, abundance, distribution, and timing of bloom are all influenced by temperature (Beaugrand et al. 2002; Edwards and Richardson 2004; Kirby et al. 2007; Richardson and Schoeman 2004). Besides, studies have shown that plankton species changes in temperature are more likely to directly affect metabolic processes rather than the whole community biomass, especially if plankton communities are resource limited. Moreover, changes in phytoplankton community composition and productivity will have flow-on effects on the productivity of zooplankton grazers (McKinnon et al. 2007). Ocean acidification and increased dissolved CO2 The direct effect of ocean acidification on zooplankton will be to dissolve their shells, increasing shell maintenance costs and reducing growth (Hallegraeff 1984). Furthermore, the declining pH may also change the growth rates of photosynthetic organisms. This means changes in pH will affect nutrient taking and thus alter rates of growth and photosynthesis (McKinnon et al. 2007). Changes may also occur in phytoplankton cell composition, which could affect their nutritional value for higher trophic levels (Richardson et al. 2004). Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) Studies have found that UVR impacts growth, mobility, and the relative dominance of many phytoplanktonic organisms (McKinnon et al. 2007). These effects compromise the ability of phytoplankton to adapt to changing environmental conditions (Hader and Hader 1989; Hader and Liu 1990). They also result in changes in cellular elemental stoichometry including increased cellular carbon content and decreased chlorophyll content (Hessen et al 1997). Further, in large-scale, UVR can cause changes in phytoplankton community structure because small cells are more prone to effects of UVR than large cells, and have comparatively high metabolic costs to screen out damaging UVR (Raven and Gilmartin 1982). Consequently, these negative effects of such changing can propagate to zooplankton (Keller et al. 1997). Linkages with other ecosystem components Some studies have shown that any decline or increase in abundance, growth and trophic efficiency of phytoplankton and zooplankton communities that is influenced by climate change is likely to lead to the decline or increase in higher trophic levels (Hunter 1981; Richardson et al. 2004; McKinnon et al. 2007). For example, fish larvae feed on plankton, and variations in the timing and extent of plankton reproduction could influence patterns of recruitment of fishes and invertebrates (Hunter 1981; Lynam et al. 2005). Management strategies The large-scale oceanographic, weather and climate processes are driving climate change impacting on plankton. Furthermore, due to the enhanced levels of CO2 in the atmosphere and rates of fossil burning, the process of ocean acidification is deterioration inevitable over next several centuries. To re-equilibrate the pH is not practical, and this will take a long time for ocean chemistry to return to a condition before industrial times. The only way to reduce these effects is to reduce CO2 emissions to the atmosphere. Conclusion The lack of information on the state of specific regions of plankton communities currently hinders biologists from being able to address the impacts of climate changes on those areas. Therefore, in the future, the consideration should be given to the inclusion of more plankton monitoring sites in that specific region to track long-term changes in plankton biomass and community structure, particularly for those few organisms that are at risk from ocean acidification.

Computer-Based Training: Useful or Useless? Essay -- Technology Techno

Computer-Based Training: Useful or Useless? "The times they are a’changin’" sang Bob Dylan at one of his more profound moments. Oftentimes, it is human nature to resist change no matter what the situation in which the change is taking place. However, change is a fact of life and at a time of boundless innovations in the field of technology, the Information Age, if you will, it is futile to resist it. Unfortunately, that resistance is exactly what is causing many people to see only the disadvantages of computer-based training (CBT), regardless of the enormous amount of benefits the implementation of computer-based training could bring to their companies, their employees, and ultimately, to the bottom line (profit). In an attempt to be objective, a definition and some background on CBT are in order. What is Computer-Based Training? Computer-based training is, in a general sense, a reproducible system of instruction conveyed through the use of a computer for the purpose of training an individual. Pretty vague, isn’t it? To be more specific, CBT can take on different forms. According to Kulik, Kulik & Shwalb (1986), as quoted in an article on CBT by Christopher Janicak (1999), CBT programs can be classified as: computer-assisted instruction (CAI), in which the program provides drill and practice; computer-managed instruction (CMO), in which the program evaluates the student's test performance, guides him/her to appropriate instructional resources and tracks progress; and computer-enriched instruction (CEI) in which the computer serves as a simulator or programming device. Most CBT modules are "†¦developed by teams of five specialists: an expert in the particular subject (a SME), a technical exper... ...iance". Pipeline& Gas Journal, 222, 52-54. Dhanjal, R. & Calis, G. (1999). "Computer-based training in the steel industry". Steel Times, 227, 13-14. Dick, W., & Carey, L. (1996). The Systematic Design of Instruction. New York, NY: HarperCollins. --- (1997)."Interactive media corp. receives awards for multimedia programs". Information Today, 14, 31. Janicak, C. (1999). "Computer-based training: Developing programs with the knowledge-based safety training system". Professional Safety, 44, 34-36. Lawson, S. (1999). "Computer-based training: Is it the next wave?". Professional Safety, 44, 30-33. Prewitt, M. (1998). "Darden execs share ins, outs of computer training". Nation’s Restaurant News, 32, 57-58. Rubenstein, E. (1999). "The learning imperative: Operators tap CBT, the ‘net,’ to train and retain employees". Nation’s Restaurant News, 33, 51-52.

Nature and Function of Literary Criticism Essay

The word criticism is derived from the Greek word meaning † judgment†. Hence, criticism was known to be the exercise of judgment on works of literature, or it can be said that criticism is the play of mind to observe the merits and defects on the work of literature. A critic , therefore, is a person who expresses judgment on works of literature or poetry or the art of an artist or a painter. The critic is also defined as a person who is possessed of the knowledge necessary to enable him to pronounce right judgments upon the merits or worth of such works as come within its province. However, the question that is always asked, does the critic has the right to judge or not ? Indeed, no one has the right to judge the people because of two reasons. Firstly, to judge the people is something subjective ; in other words, when a critic evaluate a literary work he is judge based on or influenced by his personal feelings, tastes, or opinions. Second, when a critic judge and evaluate a literary work , he eliminates the reader’s mind and deactivate his faculty of thinking and analysis. It’s known that the target group of the critics is the public reader, so what do they want from the reader and what is the ultimate objective of criticism?. Actually, the modern understanding of criticism is regarded as having two different functions which helps to achieve the main purposes of criticism. The Modern Understanding of Criticism Criticism is the process of analysis and description and interpretation of literary works for the purpose of increasing understanding and raising appreciation.   This means that the critic should penetrate to the heart of the literary work to analyze and formulate its meaning , to disengage and describe its qualities of power and beauty , and to elucidate by direct examination the artistic and moral principles which, whether the writer himself was conscious of them or not , have actually guided and controlled his labors, and then to pronounce a right evaluation of a literary work. It’s worth to realize that criticism does not depend on a critic’s views or his opinions , but it depends on scientific basis which is † Critical  Theories†. As a result, criticisms are completely different depending on the theory that the critic uses. Thus, the objective of literary criticism is to determine the artistic values, poetic beauty, or the features being regarded as inadequate existing in the works of literature in order to 1-Helping the reader to gain a better understanding of nature and value of literature, and a better appreciation of the pleasure proper to literature, then to form an evaluation of his own. 2- Helping the writer to improve his skills and facilitate to achieve the merits while allowing him to overcome the flaws if any. At this stage, it would be appropriate to say that criticism is not just † fault- finding† , but helping the writer or poets or artists in achieving the excellence in their works and leading the reader to a better understanding and appreciation. At this point , the saying of T.S Eilot is worth mentioning, † The end of criticism is the elucidation of works of art and to correction of taste†.

The Final Gift

The average person knows very little of death; it is a feared topic and not openly discussed. We misunderstand the process, do not know what to expect, and there is great mystery surrounding the end of life. The authors saw a much-needed chance to educate the public, to allow them to learn from death, even to appreciate it as a natural part life. The patient does not know what they are facing, and are burdened with extreme fear. Many have unresolved issues in their lives, and these can be the source of great agitation and even panic as they approach the end.The caregivers, oth family and the medical team, use medication to ease physical pain but this is often not enough to produce peace. The authors know from experience that helping the patient requires more then simple pain management. One must listen and interpret what is happening, to help alleviate any concerns the patient has. Callanan and Kelley share the wisdom and the â€Å"gifts† patients offer in death, by approachin g each situation with â€Å"open hearts†¦ and minds† and celebrating the patient's life. (callanan ; Kelley, 1992) The authors coin the phrase â€Å"Nearing Death Awareness† to summarize the dying process. Callanan ; Kelley, p. 1) The dying have an â€Å"awareness† of what is happening to them, and possibly even a glimpse into an afterlife. With some basic education, families are taught to care for loved ones, making them comfortable, which change to look for. The dying should be given the choice on how and where they will spend their final time. They most often choose the familiar setting of home, surrounded by loved ones. Hospice nurses and other medical professions are available on site, giving care and support not only to the patient, but also to the family. Death is portrayed in our modern society as dramatic and painful.Often family members become simple spectators, playing no role in providing comfort leaving everything to the medical staff. (Callana n ; Kelley, p. 38) Callanan and Kelley seek to make families and friends more involved in the dying process; providing care and comfort. They understand what their loved one is experiencing, learn from it, and help them pass with dignity and peace. The passing will often leave us with clues, some related to their lives, professions, hobbies; and these are ways of them telling loved ones that they are dying, an attempt to make final communications.It is important for the family to listen for such clues and interpret them, to communicate with their loved one and reassure them that they will be fine; the arrangements have been made. Visions of an afterlife and visitations by deceased loved ones are common with many patients before death. This seems to offer comfort to most who experience this, and they are often unable to describe in words they Joy and beauty that they witness. The authors recognize these as supernatural and spiritual events. They serve to ready the patient for the aft erlife, and Join loved ones who have passed n.The scientific community disputes such assertions; viewing such occurrences as simple functions of the brain as it is failing and dying. Such â€Å"visions† would then be common to patients, as a shared physiological process we all experience from dying and near death experiences. The authors do not attempt to explain or dispute the reality ot these supernatural events They snare what a loved one might experience as they near death to educate. The experiences they have witnessed and the Joy and comfort brought about in an extremely difficult time by these spiritual events.The patient and their family will go through five stages in dealing with impending death: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Denial is a result of shock; it keeps those involved from accepting the reality of the situation. (Callanan ; Kelley, p. 44) Denial should never be encouraged, as it can give false hope, and make the diagnosis even more difficult to accept. Anger can be the toughest to deal with, and can be driven by fear and resentment. Empathy and support should be offered as one works through the anger.Understanding and communication are important to try and overcome anger. Bargaining is best understood as an almost child-like behavior, â€Å"one more hug, one more story, one more drink of water (before bedtime)† (Callanan ; Kelley, p. 53) The dying try to postpone what is inevitable; and usually this bargaining is with a higher power, God. They make promises of change or good deeds while trying to â€Å"buy' more time or better health. Those around the patient may not be aware of the bargaining process, as the patient pleads with â€Å"god† in private.Depression stems from grief of losing relationships, health, future opportunities and experiences. (Callanan & Kelley, p. 4) The patient seeks to be understood and empathized with; attempts to dismiss or make light of the depression only worsen the situation. Acceptance finally comes as death approaches. Acceptance of death can be peaceful, yet painful for the family as they realize their loved one is ready to move on. (Callanan & Kelley, p. 55) Acceptance of death can be misinterpreted that one is giving up, does not care, or is detached from loved ones. To some degree, most people die†and react to someone else's death†in ways reflecting their usual style of handling of crisis†. (Callanan ; Kelley, p. 9) Our everyday natural personas and emotions tend to be amplified by death, and can bring out some of our worst and best behavior. â€Å"†¦Like birthing, dying can be an opportunity for the whole family to share positive experiences, rather than only sadness, pain, and loss. That is the challenge of this work, and that's the Joy for me†. (Callanan ; Kelley, p. 30) As a radiation therapist I will be working with many patients that are battling cancer, a life threatening diagnosis. For some, the trea tment is palliative; there may be little hope of a cure. It is important to recognize and understand what the patient s experiencing, their emotions, which stage's of the dying process they are in. Empathy and truly listening to the patient will be vital in building trust and open communication. Stages of death such as anger may be evident, and it is vital to realize the anger is not directed at medical staff, but a reflection of inner struggles the patient is going through.I have very limited experience in discussing and confronting death in my personal life. Final Gifts has given me a better understanding of what dying entails. The experiences Callanan and Kelley share will prove useful in discussing death with future patients. With the goal of providing the best care possible, I will be able to educate the patient better after reading Final Gifts. I will be able to explain what is typical when facing death. Help to alleviate concerns of the unknown, fear of pain and what is happe ning to them.The stories shared by Callanan and Kelley will make me more receptive to what the patient may be communicating to loved ones. I may be able to pass on such intormation to the family who are best suited to interpret such final requests. I now believe that death does offer lessons for us to learn from, to help us celebrate our own lives and those f loved ones. We can prepare to eventually leave this world without regrets. We could avoid hostile or broken relationship now, and have a new found appreciation for the time we have.The authors make many valid and insightful observations on the dying process. Hospice nurses by profession, they were able to observe and document the dying process of their patients, allowing us to learn from experiences of others. The end of life is certainly filled with emotions of all involved, physical changes, spiritual experiences, and highlighted by relationships with friends and family as death draws ear. The patient often knows they are dyi ng; their final mission is to make amends, find closure, and wrap up any â€Å"loose ends† in their life.It is important for the dying to know their family will be taken care of, that they accept their departure. Family should celebrate the life of the dying; their accomplishments, relationships and triumphs. The spiritual experiences, communicating with others in the afterlife and seeing beautiful places to come is a very fascinating topic. I have yet to personally experience any near death experiences, and find myself somewhat skeptical about he role a higher power and afterlife. I do not dismiss or deny any such experiences.I am able to draw personal comfort knowing there appears to be a peace that comes with such events as ones nears death. These near death experiences play an important role in giving Joy and comfort to those passing from this life. I do not need a scientific or religious explanation of the source, and there are infinite theories on the subject. Simply kn owing that such events are a cause of peace for the dying is very comforting. The authors seek to change death from taboo and feared to a part of life more nderstood and accepted.It is portrayed badly in media, as a sad and painful event. They seek to change the stereotypes of death, to educate the reader, help them face their own death or that of a loved one. Hospice care looks to alleviate the physical pain of the terminally ill, however emotional distress should not be overlooked. Unresolved conflicts with loved ones need to be addressed, sometimes with one's faith or â€Å"God† as well. Once healing of relationships is attempted or obtained, the dying rest knowing nothing was left unsettled in their lives.Families witness their oved one able to pass in peace and tranquility, making the loss that much easier to cope with. Callanan summarizes the process as such, â€Å"By listening and understanding these messages, we are given unique opportunities to prepare ourselves for their loss, to deal with our fears of dying, to use well the time that is left, and to participate more significantly in this life event†.