Recent orders
Smart drugs
Smart drugs
Author
Institution
Date
Introduction
Drugs, whether prescribed or illegal have been a vital part in the lives of many people. As many people would acknowledge, stimulants have been the most widely used and abused in the history of medicine. One type of drugs that has generated a lot of controversy in the recent times is the so-called smart drugs. These drugs are said to increase the concentration and alertness in an individual and lowers fatigue.
An article appearing in The Economist on smart drugs seems to insinuate that it is high time that the free use of these drugs is encouraged. The writer takes issue with the fact that many individuals opine that unapproved use of drugs is immoral and dangerous. In essence, the writer states that such thoughts lead to prohibition of the drugs, which is wrong and futile. The futility of the action lies in the fact that smart drugs are easily accessible more so through the internet, he states. While this may be true, it is necessary to acknowledge that one of the reasons behind the high rates of drug abuse is the ease of availability (Simon 2005). In fact, many people get addicted to prescription drugs thanks to their availability. Many are times when people just pop drugs into their mouths when suffering from a headache, insomnia and other minor ailments only for them to end up hooked in the drugs (Ward et al 1993).
The writer also argues that the prohibition in the use of these drugs is wrong since the drugs are immensely useful. Falling under the category of nootropics (a Greek word that means “act upon the mind”) smart drugs are said to improve memory consolidation, learning as well as memory retrieval devoid of other effects on central nervous system, not to mention the low toxicity even when high doses are taken. While these effects are evidently desirable, it is crucial that the writer examines the flip side of the so-called smart drugs. Being stimulants, their effects are the same as those of methamphetamine and cocaine (Ward et al 1993). Continued consumption of the smart drugs would allow for the development of physical as well as chemical tolerance in an individual (Simon 2005). In essence, this would mean that the initial doses would be insufficient in bringing about the stimulating effects, in which case an individual would have to take more either by increasing the frequency or the dose in order to have the desired effects (Simon 2005). This would mark the beginning of addiction. Addiction involves loss of one’s capability to control their consumption of drugs. Irrespective of the presumed benefits of the drugs, the possibility of addiction outweighs the advantages (Simon 2005).
The writer also opines that punishing off-label use of the smart drugs would be unfair especially to individuals to whom these drugs are medically useful in ways that are unexpected. The writer draws from the studies which have shown variations in working memory levels in people result from their genetic variations. In essence, people who use smart drugs are likely to have had a genuine but unknown need for these drugs. While this may be the case, it is vital to acknowledge that the side effects of these drugs have not been accurately studied and therefore, they may be harmful to the general health of the individual (Simon 2005). In essence, it has always been acknowledged that any drug that adheres to the functioning of an individual’s brain would be likely to have adverse effects on their mental capacity, which may actually be the case with the smart drugs (Simon 2005). Other drugs like methamphetamine (meth) and cocaine are also known to increase the mental acuity of an individual, but when taken for prolonged periods of time, they would impair the reasoning capacity of an individual (Simon 2005). Since conclusive studies have not been done on the effects of these drugs, it would be foolhardy to allow their uncontrolled use as the writer suggests.
Conclusion
While there are obvious benefits derived from the smart drugs, their side effects have not been conclusively studied. Given the fact that they have a high addictive potential to be addictive and even to impair the reasoning capacity of an individual, it is vital that their use be prohibited till found safe for use (Simon 2005).
References
Ward Dean, John Morgenthaler, Steven Wm Fowkes, 1993. “Smart drugs II: the next generation: new drugs and nutrients to improve your memory and increase your intelligence” New York: Health Freedom Publications
Simon Wills, 2005. “Drugs of abuse” New York: pharmaceutical press
(Simon 2005)
(Ward et al 1993)
Slips, Trips, Falls and Other Hazards In Restaurants
Slips, Trips, Falls and Other Hazards In Restaurants
Name
Institutional Affiliation
Introduction
Problem under Investigation
Restaurant employees are usually exposed to wet floors or spills and clutter that may cause slips, trips, falls, and many other possible injuries. The dangers however do not only apply to the restaurant employees alone because in most cases, the visitors or clients also fall victims. In most cases, slips, trips, and falls may occur in the serving areas while workers work around ice bins, where ice may easily fall on the floor and cause puddles or when the employees work in a busy congested area. Moreover, walking or running on slippery or uneven floor surfaces, carrying dishes around blind corners or stairs and using single door entry from the kitchen area may further encourage potential hazard in restaurants. The research will focus on the issues of slips, trips, falls, and other occupational hazards in Moxies Restaurant.
Several injuries in the Moxies Restaurant are caused by slips, trips, and falls thus resulting into head injuries, back injuries, broken bones, cuts and lacerations. The effects of slips, trips, and falls have forced the restaurant to incur higher costs in terms of workforce compensation, a cost that is far above other forms of injuries.
Deleterious effects of exposure to slips, trips, falls, and other occupational hazards in Moxies Restaurant
Slips, trips and falls may be caused by several circumstances including wet spots, food debris, oil, polished floors, loose flooring, uneven walking surfaces and in the serving areas while workers work around ice bins, where ice may easily fall on the floor and cause puddles or when the employees work in a busy congested areas. Some of the major factors contributing to slips, trips and falls are wet or slippery services that normally increases the potential for a slip. Polished floors including marble and ceramic tile may be very slippery even when dry thus enhancing the probability of slipping. When the floor is moisturized using liquid such as water, food spills, rain, snow, and mud the chances of falling or slipping is normally high. Wet or slippery surfaces are common around coolers, freezers, dishwashing areas, cooking areas and at the kitchen entrance or exit thus making them high risk regions within the restaurant.
In addition, slips, trips and falls may be caused by changes in elevation or surface texture that are regarded as the major source of trip in Moxie restaurant. It has been deduced that even a little alteration on the walking surfaces may lead to a trip. Surface texture may include moving from a carpet to tile or even from a dry tile to a wet tile or failure to put caution signs that warn employees and other people of uneven floor surfaces, elevation changes or any potential trip risk.
Lastly, slips, trips and falls may be triggered with inadequate lighting such as moving from light to dark or vice versa that may temporarily cause vision problem thus causing slips and falls. An individual may, because of temporal vision challenge, slip on spilled food or even trip over some misplaced objects in the restaurant.
Risk Control Measures
There are safe work practices that ought to be followed to avoid slip, trip and falls hazards such as avoid running or walking too fast in higher risk areas and using extra caution when walking within the restaurant premises. Additionally, spills should be cleaned up immediately using appropriate cleaning agent to a completely dry finish if possible. Cleaning method should not spread the spill and cardboard should not be used in soaking up spills.
To avoid risks imposed by wet or slippery surfaces, the restaurant may install slip-resistant floor surface or apply anti-skid adhesive tape in the highly congested areas as well as using absorbent matting in entrance ways during inclement weather. Maintaining a high quality housekeeping in every area of work by employees such as using trash receptacles may also help in reducing slips. The restaurant may further put the caution signs to warn employees and develop a clear written procedures to handle spills. There may be frequent inspection aimed at identifying danger areas and imposing appropriate action as fast as possible. For better traction, proper footwear need to be won for better traction while handrails or stable objects may be used to hold on to in paths of travel.
Moreover, trip accidents caused by changes in elevation or surface texture may be reduced by limiting the difference in heights between flooring surfaces and marts to no more than quarter or half inch and further ensuring that mats do not either buckle or curl. Moreover, passageways and walkways ought to be put free of clutter and crowding and mirrors ought to be provided for blind corners. There also need to provide two-way doors for both entries, exit, and adhere to a set traffic pattern to avoid collisions.
Challenges preventing use of best practices
Management of Moxies restaurant does not take its employee training critical in preventing slips, trip, and falls. Training and installation of safety measures are very expensive for the restaurant.
Gaps in the Literature
Leemann, J. E., PhD. (2012). Home is where the hazards are: So why aren’t employers more concerned? ISHN, 46(5), 20-20,22. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1015208219?accountid=45049
Leemann explains on some of the causes of home hazards and points out at some specific areas where risks are rampant and gives suggestions on how to avoid them.
Chang, W., Courtney, T. K., Huang, Y., Li, K. W., Filiaggi, A. J., & Verma, S. K. (2011). Safety in fast-food restaurants. Professional Safety, 56(5), 62-69,2. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/865907052?accountid=45049
Chang et al describe how slips, trips and falls cause major injuries in the fast-food restaurants and explain that such kind of injuries in restaurant setting account for one of every three disabling injuries in US. They give in depth explanation on some of the causes of slip, trip and falls.
Grainger offers tips for preventing slips, trips & falls. (2012). Professional Safety, 57(10), 24. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1243068677?accountid=45049
This article provides a rough overview of injury facts 2012 in U.S and gives an account of the portion of injuries that were caused by slip, trip, and falls. It further describes many causes of slip, trip and fall injuries and provides ways of avoiding such kind of injuries.
Purpose statement: The purpose statement should say something in the lines of “I believe that there are many hazards associated with a busy environment in restaurants like slips, trips, and falls among others.Hypotheses: I believe the work culture and environment is geared more towards fast service and it is money oriented. More awareness regarding health and safety is needed in the service sector.
Methods
Methods will include conducting interviews and surveys with Moxies employees.
Participants: 10 full time employees of Moxies, both male and female, aged 19-35, who work as servers.Procedure: The principle investigator observed how employees conducted themselves on the floor and in the kitchen. The investigator will also note signs of stress and physiological issues these employees might be facing along with physical issues.Materials: noneAnalysis: Incident rates of employees not loading the dishwasher correctly. The frequency rate of slips, trips, falls or any other “near misses” like cuts, bruises
Slides For Incorporating Specialist Nursing Into University
Slides For Incorporating Specialist Nursing Into University
The Purpose of The Study
Authors Bruce & KlopperIntegrating Specialist Education in University
Amendment of Higher education legislation
Describes a methodology for model development
This paper is written by Judith C. Bruce and Hester C. Klopper. The purpose of writing this paper was to evaluate how to develop a model for incorporating specialist education in nursing, offered in colleges, in the university courses. This was informed by recent amendments in Higher Education Act of 1997 to the 2008 Higher Education Amendment Act. The latter recognizes universities as the only level; for offering higher education. The authors describe in this paper their methodology for developing a model for incorporating specialist nursing education into the university.
Methodology
Phase 1 Objective
Phase 2 Objective
Qualitative research Design
An Exploratory study
The objectives for the paper are organized into phase 1 and, where phase 1deals with opinions of various participants in the study like practitioner nurses and nurse educators. Phase 2 deals with model development issues like concept relationship. The study employs a qualitative research design. As such it is exploratory in nature meaning the researchers seeks to understand a new phenomenon by finding out the opinions of the participants.
Methodology Continue
Data collection
Sampling
Context
Data analysis
Data for the study was mainly collected through focus group and individual interviews. Researchers used a purposeful sampling technique to recruit participants composed of practitioner nurses and nurse educators. The study was conducted in Gauteng province and only focused on the specialist education and not the entire education system for nurses. Data acquired from the study was analyzed by being organized into three sub categories namely concept development, statement development and theory development. The first category involved data categorization as per the participants identified concepts. The second category involved establishment of links between concept by the researcher and the last is the actual model that incorporates the relation statement from the second step.
Key findings
Phase 2 objectives
Concepts
Relational statements
Proposed model
The key findings of this study are mainly factors that can lead towards attainment of the second objective, which is development of the model. This as previously mentioned involves identification of concepts to describe a new phenomenon where in this cases was attained through concept synthesis strategy that uses data obtained from interviews to describe new concepts. Researcher then employed statement synthesis to describe relationship between these concepts. This resulted in what is known as relational statements. Lastly, the model was developed by use of theory synthesis that combines the different relational statement.
Key findings Continue
Credibility of Qualitative research
Peer Review
Transferability
Member Checks
Dependability
Neutrality
The author notes that trustworthiness is the major challenge in using a qualitative research design. In order to address this challenge they discuss various strategies that were used to enhance trustworthiness of their findings including peer review. They author also argue that the data from this research can be generalized or transferred to other area sharing governance and where specialist nursing education is provided. In terms of credibility of information given by participant they used member checking by having 7 to 4 members check data to ensure accurate translation. Use of independent coder enhanced dependability of the study. Lastly, they ensured data neutrality by having an expert in qualitative research check the raw data.
Study Implication
Relevant in South African Context
Development of a model for incorporating specialist nursing education
Methodology development
Transferability
This is a relevant paper in South Africa because it was published shortly after amendment of Higher Education Act giving Universities the precedence of offering higher education. This transition means there is need to consider the place of specialist education offered by the nursing college in the future. It is an important paper that culminates in development of a new model that describes how specialist nursing education will be incorporated into the new structure. It also highlights how students can develop an appropriate methodology to undertake any research. Another issue that emerges due to use of this methodology is transferability or generalizability of the study considering biases due to researcher and the participants.
Evaluation
Adequate Information
Properly Justified
Proper Language Use
Flaw in Paper Organization
The paper was well written with adequate information. The author has properly justified the need for the study citing relevant articles in his work. The language used is also universal and not technical. However, the paper organization is not appropriate because the actual model is separated from the methodology description.
Conclusion
Breakthrough in nursing education
Appropriate for students
Future research need to explore topic
Researcher Triangulation
This paper is a major breakthrough in the nursing profession. First is by demonstrating that qualitative research design is an appropriate technique for studying new phenomenon in the field. Secondly it is the first time specialists nursing education incorporation in university education has been studied. There is need for future research on the same to ascertain how well to integrate specialist nursing education in higher education. Through researcher triangulation or having many researchers undertake similar research the problem of credibility or trustworthiness can be eradicated.