APPLIED E BUSINESS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

APPLIED E BUSINESS - Essay Example ing and Mortgage disclosure Act), according to this new law, it became obligatory for the lenders to disclose their lending procedure to the common public (Squires 7). The year after the passage of HMDA experienced the acceptance of CRA (Community reinvestment Act) because analysis showed that the amount being invested in meager areas was quite low (Ross 44). The Act made it obligatory for the banking institution to provide loans to all the people available in the market; provide the facility of depositing money to limited areas and develop reports regarding the habit of lending and submit the report to the federal body. These reports aided in evaluation of the applicants when these applicants made request for conducting takeovers and amalgamations. The practices made by the Act were not implied on the credit unions as these unions were not as large as the banks of that era. According to the definition of credit unions, these unions are allowed to restrict the amount of money they le nd to people sharing similar characteristics such as work and educational institute. The outcome of the CRA act was that there was a sudden increase in the amount borrowed by people living in areas that consist of low to middle income earners. The research conducted by San Francisco Fed showed that the amount of money borrowed by low income earners for the purpose of purchasing homes elevated by 37% during the period of 1993 to 1997 and during the same period, the amount borrowed by middle income earners elevated by 32% (Laderman 2). During the same era, the number of buying and selling offers of home made by lower middle income earners increased by 43% and for low income earners it increased by 43% (Laderman 2). This era even witnessed an increase in the borrowing conducted by high income earners by 17% and middle income earners by 23% (Laderman 2). Those in the favor of the act believed that these achievements were caused due to the act, while during the same period increase in

Describe in detail how you would go about isolating and studying the Essay

Describe in detail how you would go about isolating and studying the expression of the gene which appears to render the Southern Region population subgroup in saudi Arabia resistant to Type 2 diabetes - Essay Example Among these are the genes encoding leptin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and adiptonectin. These genes may be involved in the development of insulin resistance. Therefore, to address the potential genetic association between resistance to type 2 diabetes, it is important to assess whether individuals whose phenotype shows resistance to the disorder are genetically screened to see if differences exist between the structure and/or activity of adipocytokine genes in groups women with similar risk factors (viz. obesity) and markedly different incidence rates for diabetes. A subpopulation of Saudi Arabian women has been identified that is resistant to the development of type 2 diabetes, despite incidence rates of obesity at the same level as the entire population of women in Saudi Arabia. The purpose of this research was to identify whether or not there was a genetic basis to this phenotypic observation. The present study involves a genetic assessment of the gene called resistin, previously identified in mice on chromosome 8 (Steppan et al, 2001). To study this gene in humans it was necessary to clone the gene. This process is initiated by a technique called fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). The mouse gene is used as a probe to identify the chromosomal location of its human gene counterpart. Since gene sequences are frequently homologous among different species, the related genes or orthologues can be used to identify similar genes in different species (Gregory & Hebert, 1999). The mouse gene is attached to a fluorescent probe and mixed with human chromosomal DNA that has been denatured (connverted to single stranded form). The fluorescent band identifies the chromosomal location of the gene in humans. The chromosome segment can then be cut with restriction enzymes and linked to an expression vector to generate a recombinant

Developing An Evidence Based Study Into Postoperative Pain

Developing An Evidence Based Study Into Postoperative Pain In spite of recent advances in pain management, postoperative pain still remains a major clinical problem (Gilmartin and Wright, 2007; Manias et al., 2005; Singer et al., 2010) with about 69% of patients experiencing moderate to severe pain after surgery (Apfelbaum et al., 2003). Postoperative pain, although expected is an undesirable experience after surgery (Good, 1995; Rosenquist and Rosenberg, 2003). When left untreated or inadequately managed, it can negatively affect an individuals physical, psychological and social well being (Vaughn, Wichowski and Bosworth, 2007). Thus, it generates additional responsibilities for the healthcare provider (Wilmore and Kehlet, 2001) as well as creating economic difficulties for ones family, society and the nation at large (Vaughn et al., 2007). Pharmacological interventions have been used as the mainstay in the management of postoperative pain (Dolin, 2002). However, these interventions are not without undesirable effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness and allergic reactions (Koch et al., 1998). Analgesic techniques for perioperative pain relief are therefore, being challenged by an ever-increasing demand for complementary and holistic therapies (McCaffrey and Locsin, 2002). Thus, several non-drug techniques can be used as adjuncts in managing postoperative pain (Good et al., 2005). The use of music as a nonpharmacological technique has prompted various research studies in the area of postoperative pain management (Ikonomidou et al., 2004). Resultantly, several studies have been published on this issue; hitherto, these have produced contradictory findings (Anderson et al., 2005; Good et al., 2001, 2002, 2005; Heiser et al., 1997; Heitz et al., 1992; Ikonomidou et al., 2004; Nilsson et al., 2001, 2003; Taylor et al., 1998). In an attempt to find solutions to the efficiency of music as a pain management intervention, an increasing number of systematic reviews (Cepeda et al., 2006; Dunn, 2004; Engwall and Duppils, 2009; Evans, 2002; Nilsson, 2008) have been published during the past years. Nonetheless, the conclusions from these studies may be questionable for various reasons such as poor methodological quality of included studies, limited search strategies, inclusion of studies from only developed countries and being outdated. With the evolvement of recent studies (Allred, Boyers and Sole, 2009; Cooke et al., 2010; Ebneshahidi and Mohseni, 2008; Good and Ahn, 2008; Hook, Sonwathana and Petpichetchian, 2008; Sen et al., 2009) which continuously report conflicting findings and the flaws identified in previous reviews, this issue needs to be addressed in a more rigorous manner. The aim of this dissertation is to ascertain the efficacy of music as a postoperative pain management intervention by systematically reviewing the available literature. With the aid of the evidence from already existing literature, this dissertation will commence with the rationale for the proposed systematic review and justification of the review question. In the subsequent chapter, the systematic review methodology will be explored together with the justification for the main decisions of the review. Following this, the results of the proposed review will be presented in the next section. This will be followed by discussions and conclusions on the review. Finally, I will reflect on the learning achieved through the systematic review process and the implications of the study findings for clinical practice, research and education. Literature Review A review of the literature identifies the trends, strengths and limitations of the methodological approaches of a study (Dunn, 2004). Thus, it provides an orientation to the known and unknown aspects of a subject area (Blaxter et al., 1996; Parahoo, 1997; Polit et al., 2001) and directs future studies (Stevens, 1993). In this section, the rationale and justification of the review question will be provided following the background information and literature on the use of music in managing postoperative pain. Epidemiology of Postoperative Pain It has been estimated that more than 73 million surgeries are per ­formed every year in the United States (Apfelbaum et al., 2003). Apparently, the tissue damage and trauma caused during surgery results in acute postoperative pain which may vary in intensity from mild to excruciating pain (Hutchison, 2007). Recent studies indicate that effective pain management remains elusive for a significant proportion of surgical patients (Dolin, Cashman and Bland, 2002; Svensson, Sjostrom and Haljamae, 2000; Werner et al., 2002). Many of them continue to experience unrelieved postoperative pain (Backstrom and Rawal, 2008) despite years of research into pain and its management (Botti, Bucknall and Manias, 2004; Hutchison, 2007). This may be partly due to the insufficient training received by healthcare professionals on pain management (American Medical Association, 2010). In addition, many patients have accepted the notion that acute postoperative pain is to be expected during hospitalisation. Thus, the resultant effect is the widespread poor management of postoperative pain (Warfield and Kahn, 1995). The ineffective management of postoperative pain has been highlighted in the literature (Abbott et al., 1992; Bostrom et al 1997; Donovan et al. 1987). A survey conducted by Oates et al. (1994) revealed that 34% of the 206 patients experienced moderate to severe pain postoperatively. Conclusions from the National Health and Medical Research Councils (1999) report also depicted that about 75% of patients experienced moderate to severe postoperative pain. An inquiry made by Watt-Watson and colleagues also showed that 51% of 225 postoperative patients following cardiac surgery reported of severe pain (Watt-Watson et al., 2000). Moreover, a random national study conducted by Apfelbaum and co-workers illustrated that out of the 80% of patients who reported of postoperative pain, 86% of them were experiencing moderate to severe pain (Apfelbaum et al., 2003). All these continuous reports of moderate to severe postoperative pain draw attention to the inadequacies in pain management (McCaffer y Ferrell, 1997). This is because patients often underestimate their pain due to their high expectations regarding postoperative pain experience (Hutchison, 2007). Some clinicians and patients also have misconceptions about the use of opioid analgesics which contribute to the inadequate postoperative pain management (McCaffery and Ferrell, 1991). Other factors also include the type of surgery (Rai, 1993), patients gender, age, preoperative pain and psychological factors (Bisgaard et al., 2001; Edwards et al., 2004; Granot and Ferber, 2005). Potentially, technical difficulties with intravenous (I.V.) access lines and patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) devices also serve as contributory factors (Wickstrom, Nordberg and Johansson, 2005). Pharmacokinetic and pharmaco ­dynamic factors may also affect postoperative analgesia (). *A meta-analysis comparing the incidence of pain following three analgesic techniques: I.M. analgesia, PCA, and epidural anal ­gesia after surgery was conducted by Dolin et al. (2002). Data stratification based on the drug administration route revealed that the pro ­portion of patients with moderate-to-severe postoperative pain was highest in I.M. opioid administration group while this was lowest in the epidural opioid group. In recent times, pain management is gaining increasing attention among healthcare providers and professional bodies (Hutchison, 2007). Thus, January 1, 2001 was declared during a United States congress as the commencement of a decade of pain control and research (American Academy of Pain Medicine, 2010). Furthermore, the Ameri ­can Pain Society (APS) presently urges clinicians to consider pain as the fifth vital sign (Loeser, 2003). This initiative has stimulated more interest and attention to the management of pain. As a consequence of that, several professional and regulatory bodies have recently produced guidelines for managing postoperative pain (American Society of Anaesthesiologists, 2004; American Pain Society, 2003; European As ­sociation of Urology, 2003; Veterans Health Administration and Department of Defense, 2002; Joint Commis ­sion on Accreditation of Healthcare Organisations, 2001). Definition of Postoperative Pain The concept of pain has been a subject for discussion since antiquity. A universally accepted definition of pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage described in terms of such damage (IASP, 1979: 250). This definition emphasises on the subjective nature of the pain experience which can be influenced by multiple factors (IASP, 2003). As a result of this, McCaffery (1983: 14) defines pain as whatever the experiencing person says it is, existing whenever she says it does. Postoperative pain is thus, defined as an acute form of pain which is experienced after surgery (Fine and Portenoy, 2007). Impact of Inadequate Postoperative Pain Relief Unrelieved postoperative pain can be detrimental to the physiological, psychological and sociological health of patients (Reyes-Gibby, 2002; Strassels, 2000; Vaughn et al., 2007). These negative consequences are derived from various body systems such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal, neuroendocrine and the autonomic nervous systems (Duggleby and Lander, 2004; Tulay, 2010). Physically, longer periods of unrelieved postoperative pain can result in physiologic alterations which include the stimulation of the pituitary-adrenal system (Yeager et al., 1987), sympathetic nervous system (Pasero, Paice and McCaffery, 1999) and restricted mobility (Yeager et al., 1987; Murray, 1990) which may result in cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and renal changes (Puntillo and Weiss, 1994; McCaffery and Pasero, 1999). All these changes in a postoperative may serve as a risk factor for the development of adverse effects such as deep vein thrombosis, pul ­monary embolism, pneu ­monia (APMGP, 1992), coronary ischaemia, myocardial infarction (APMGP, 1992; Jacox et al., 1994; Puntillo and Weiss, 1994; Staats, 1998; McCaffery and Pasero, 1999), reduced immunity (Ikonomidou et al., 2004), poor wound healing (Shang and Gan, 2003) and chronic pain. Psychologically, unrelieved postoperative pain may result in stress, anxiety, depression and demoralisa ­tion (Murray, 1990). In addition, the undertreatment of postoperative pain has potential negative consequences for health systems (Hutchison, 2007). This includes extended periods of hospitalisation (Heiser et al, 1997; Miaskowski, 1993), readmissions (Ikonomidou et al., 2004) and patient dissatisfaction (Shang, 2003). As a result of this, additional responsibilities are placed on the healthcare provider which may lead to staff exhaustion and its resultant sick leaves (Wilmore and Kehlet, 2001). Subsequently, these may increase the overall costs of hospitalisation and place health systems at a disadvantaged position, especially in todays competi ­tive healthcare environment (Henry, 1995). Ultimately, these negative consequences have a enormous impact on the patients family, society and the nation at large (Vaughn et al., 2007). Pain Management The importance of addressing the complex issues of pain management cannot be overemphasized (Botti, Bucknall and Manias, 2004). Apart from reducing unnecessary suffering, effective pain control improves patient outcomes (Wasylak et al., 1990; Watwill, 1989; Sydow, 1989) and enhances their quality of life (Goudas, 2001; Reyes-Gibby, Aday and Cleeland, 2002; Rogers et al., 2000a; Rogers et al., 2000b; Strassels, Cynn and Carr, 2000). It is generally accepted that needless suffering from pain in any patient is unethical (Sà ¶derhamn and Idwall, 2003) and illustrates a betrayal of the healthcare professionals commitment to serve humanity (Ikonomidou et al., 2004). This is because patients are entitled to good quality care (Rawal, 1999; Idwall, 2004). Important goals for postoperative pain management are therefore to promote comfort, quicken recovery and avoid complications (Ready and Edwards, 1992). Pharmacological interventions have been used as the mainstay in managing postoperative pain (Dolin, 2002). Nevertheless, these interventions are not without unwanted adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, and allergic reactions (Koch et al., 1998). Thus, nonpharmacological methods have been used as adjuncts in the treatment of postoperative pain (Ready and Edwards, 1992). *Combining pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic methods of pain provides effective pain relief for the patient (McCaffery, 1990). Thus, the nurse may make a significant contribution to postoperative pain management by offering the patient various non-drug techniques that can be used concurrently with analgesics (McCaffery, 1990; McCaffery and Beebe, 1989). Nonpharmacologic interventions have been known to be valuable, simple and inexpensive adjuvants to analgesic techniques (Hyman et al., 1989). As a result, several non-drug techniques can also be used as adjuncts in managing postoperative pain (Good et al., 2005). Specifically, the use of music as a nonpharmacological technique has prompted various research studies in this area (Ikonomidou et al., 2004), leading to the publication of numerous studies (Anderson et al., 2005; Good et al., 2001, 2002, 2005; Heiser et al., 1997; Heitz et al., 1992; Nilsson et al., 2001, 2003; Taylor et al., 1998) and reviews (Cepeda et al., 2006; Dunn, 2004; Engwall and Duppils, 2009; Evans, 2002; Nilsson, 2008). History of Music Therapy Music, as a remedy for sickness is a prehistoric concept (Todres, 2006) that has been used to influence human health (Bunt, 1994; Nilsson, 2003; White 2000). It is the art of listening to sounds that usually have rhythm, pitch (Funk and Wagnall, 1998), melody and harmony (Steckler, 1998). Throughout history, music has been used as an alternative therapy to promote the wellbeing of patients (Guzzetta 1988). Thus, music therapy can be defined as the act of using musical sounds to support the physical, psychological and social needs of an individual during illness or disability (Aluede, 2006; Munro and Mount, 1978). Its main goal is to promote comfort by serving as a diversionary measure from an unpleasant occurrence (Nwokenna, 2006). Archaelogical findings reveal that the sick primitive man used music as a way of pacifying the gods (Henry 1995). Also, the Egyptians of 1500 BC used music to enhance their fruitfulness while the Greeks and Romans strove for human body and soul integration using music (Buckwalter, Hartsock and Gaffney, 1985). Thus, Apollo, the Greek god of mythology, was considered as the giver of medicine and music (Todres, 2006). There is anecdotal evidence from contemporary writings that music was used by Hippocrates to promote wellbeing (Storr, 1994). The sixth century Greek philosopher, Pythagoras, who is considered as the founder of music therapy and geometry, believed that music greatly influenced human health (Olson 1998). As a result, he often prescribed music and diet to reinstate and sustain the integration human body and soul (Bunt, 2001; White 2001). Also, it was demonstrated by the Renaissance movement group that different types of music affected digestion, blood pressure, respiratory and heart rates (Cook, 1986). In a nameless article that appeared in the Columbian Magazine in 1789, a case was made for the use of musical experiences to influence and regulate emotional conditions (White 2000). Subsequently, a book entitled the influence of music on health and life, which describes the use of music in healing, was written by Chomat in 1846 (Biley, 2000). From a nursing perspective, music has been used to promote patients health and well-being (Chlan, 2002). In the early 1800s, Florence Nightingale noticed the power of music as a vital part of the healing process for injured Crimean soldiers (Nightingale, 1992). After observing different types of music, she remarked that wind instruments with continuous sound or air created a positive effect on patients while those that lacked continuous harmony produced negative effects (Nightingale 1992, McCaffrey and Locsin 2002). Nightingale believed that, it was the nurses responsibility to control the environment for healing to take place (Nilsson, 2003; White, 2001; McCaffrey and Locsin, 2002; Nightingale, 1992). After the invention of the phonograph in the late 1800s, recorded music was used in hospitals to promote sleep and relieve perioperative anxiety (Taylor, 1981). An extensive account of this occurred when healthcare professionals concurrently used music with analgesia and anaesthesia (ibid). In 1914, music was used for the first time in the intraoperative environment to distract patients from the horror of surgery (Kane, 1914: p.1829). Afterwards, the National Association for Music in Hospitals was established in 1926 by a nurse named, Isa Maud Ilsen (Ilsen, 1926). After identifying rhythm as the basic therapeutic element, she advocated for the implementation of specific musical prescriptions (Ilsen 1926). An extensive study on music was made by Hunter, in 1892, after playing a piano in the Helensburg Hospital, Scotland. He noticed that there was a reduction in the patients report of pain and temperature following musical exposure (Hunter, 1892). An observation made by Coring (1899) and Tarchanoff (1903) also revealed that different types of music had an effect on the patients heart rate, respiration and bodily secretions (Light et al 1949). Also, a group of surgeons in 1949 studied the use of music together with psychosomatic factors. They discovered that music had a calming effect on those patients who were anxious and unresponsive to routine medication (ibid). With the advent of the technological advancements of the twentieth century, the link between health and music declined (Heitz, Symreng and Scamman, 1992). However, there has been an upsurge interest in music therapy due to its prominence in pain management (McCaffery, 1979) Thus, it is considered as a vital aspect of the nursing discipline (Paterson and Zderad, 1988). The Analgesic Properties of Music The mechanism by which music affects pain responses appears to be as varied as the research paradigms (Pricket and Standley, 1994). Music has been shown to affect the physical, emotional, cognitive and social aspects of the pain experience (Todres, 2006). *Thus, the question is: how does music exert its analgesic properties? In the search for answers to this query, various theories and hypotheses have been proposed (Gagner-Tjellesen et al., 2001). The auditory stimulation of music produces a biological effect on human behaviour by engaging specific brain functions (Thaut 1990). The effect of music is perceived in the right hemisphere of the brain (Thaut 1990, Lià ©geois-Chauvel et al., 1998, Myskaja and Lindbaeck, 2000), whereas a greater portion of interpretation occurs in the left hemisphere (Thaut 1990, Myskaja and Lindbaeck, 2000). Music stimuli serve as a distraction (Good et al., 2000; McCaffery and Good, 2000) and cause the prefrontal cortex to be conditioned to the music, which is more pleasant, (Nilsson, 2008), familiar, relaxing (Mok and Wong, 2003) and preferred (Siegele, 1974; McCaffery, 1992; Mok and Wong, 2003). Patients can thus, focus their awareness from the noxious input unto the music (Fernandes and Turk, 1989; Good et al., 1999; Willis, 1985) to aid relaxation (Beck, 1991; White, 2000; White, 2001; Thorgaard, 2005). Although patients are often in a transitional zone between consciousness and sleep during the perioperative period, the sense of hearing still persists amidst the impairment of other senses (Nilsson, 2003). As a result, music may be of immense benefit to this population. The inhibition of the afferent noxious impulses causes the activation of *endogenous opiates, descending nerve impulses, and neuropeptides in the in the central nervous system (Andy, 1983; Yezierski et al., 1983). Subsequently, excitatory neurotransmitters such as substance P, prostaglandins, bradykinins are inhibited leading to reduced muscle and mental tension (Good, 1995; OCallaghan, 1996; Taylor et al., 1998). On the contrary, it has also been demonstrated that music, which is inappropriately used, can aggravate pain sensation and thus can increasing pain perception and experience (OCallaghan, 1996). The Ghanaian Context Despite the fact that 3.5% of the worlds surgical operations are performed in developing countries (Weiser, Regenbogen, Thompson et al., 2008), the management of postoperative pain is poor in Ghana (Clegg-Lamptey and Hodasi, 2005; Murthy, Antwi-Kusi, Jabir et al., 2010). This may be due to factors such as inadequate knowledge, negative attitudes (Hall-Lord and Larsson, 2006), discrepancies between healthcare professionals and patients assessment of postoperative pain and the lack of relatively efficient analgesic techniques such as PCAs and epidural analgesia (Murthy et al., 2010). Moreover, the use of non-invasive, safe and cheap nonpharmacological interventions such as music is also underutilised. Music plays a vital role in the life of an African; however, the origin of music therapy in African societies remains a puzzle due to the lack of indigenous written records (Aluede, 2006). Although, many Ghanaians love music (FGMSA, 2010), music therapy in Ghana is currently at its embryonic stage (Kofie, 2004). Music, as the *stock-in-trade of traditional healers is used in the Ghanaian society. It accompanies their set of dances until they reach the semi-conscious state whereby they begin their communication with ancestral spirits. During this enterprise, music stimulates their ecstasy and they are being offered concoctions that may be used in healing the sick (Kofie, 2004). Music is also an effective form of therapy for patients who believe their ailments is a form of misdemeanour towards others and for that manner receiving punishment from the ancestral spirits (ibid). Rationale for the Proposed Review The use of music as a postoperative pain intervention has prompted various research studies (Ikonomidou et al., 2004), leading to the publication of numerous articles (Anderson et al., 2005; Good et al., 2001, 2002, 2005; Heiser et al., 1997; Heitz et al., 1992; Ikonomidou et al., 2004; Nilsson et al., 2001, 2003; Taylor et al., 1998). Nevertheless, these studies have reported mixed/ contradictory/ conflicting findings. While some show improved pain relief (Anderson et al., 2005; Good, 1999; Good et al., 2001; Good et al., 2002; Good et al., 2005; Heitz et al., 1992; Laurion and Fetzer, 2003; Masuda, Miyamoto, and Shimizu, 2005; McCraty et al., 1998; Mullooly et al., 1988; Nilsson et al., 2001; Nilsson et al., 2003), others showed no difference in pain management among study participants (Blankfield et al., 1995; Good, 1995; Heiser et al., 1997; Ikonomidou et al., 2004; Taylor et al., 1998). The approaches used in these studies have mainly been experimental, however, most of them lac k strict control with various outcome measures ranging from psychological (pain, anxiety), physical (sleep) to physiological parameters (heart rate, respiratiory rate, blood pressure). In an attempt to find solutions to the efficiency of music as a pain management intervention, an increasing number of systematic reviews (Cepeda et al., 2006; Dunn, 2004; Engwall and Duppils, 2009; Evans, 2002; Nilsson, 2008) have been published during the past years. Nonetheless, the conclusions from these studies may not be fully supported for various reasons such as poor methodological quality of included studies, limited search strategies, inclusion of studies from only developed countries and being outdated. Evans (2002) conducted a systematic review on the efficacy of music as an intervention for hospitalised patients. This review included postoperative pain as well as pain occurring after certain procedures. Of the four eligible studies, three of them found no difference in pain scores and analgesic consumption (Blankfield et al., 1995; Good, 1995; Taylor et al., 1998) while the remaining study (Koch et al., 1998) reported a reduction in analgesic consumption among the music intervention group. On this basis, he concluded that music may be an effective diversion in treating pain. This assumption may be obstructive due to limited evidence as at that time and its resultant myopic inference. A systematic review conducted on the efficiency of music in reducing postoperative pain (Dunn, 2004) was also inconclusive due to the poor methodological quality of the included studies. Moreover, it was also restricted to developed countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States of America. For this reason, such findings may not be applicable to other developing countries such as Ghana, where the clinical settings and management may be different. Cepeda et al. (2006) systematically reviewed the literature on the use of music for relieving pain. This review included all types of pain ranging from acute, procedural, cancer and chronic pain. It was concluded that music listening reduces pain and analgesic consumption, but the magnitude of these effects is small and thus, had vague clinical significance. Based on this premise, it was recommended that music should not be used as a first line management option for pain. Although the conclusions are quiet reasonable, this review is outdated (Kaveh et al., 2007) due to the publication of new studies that specifically report on the use of music in patients experiencing postoperative pain. Another systematic review (Nilsson, 2008) was also conducted on the efficacy of music in relieving postoperative pain and other parameters such as anxiety and stress. This review limited the inclusion criteria to studies conducted between 1995 and 2007. The review concluded that: approximately half of the reviewed randomised controlled trials favoured the pain reducing effects of music while the rest were not in support of this. In the light of this, the author recommended some additional studies to be conducted in this area [ibid]. A recently published article in 2009 concluded that music can be used as an adjuvant for pain relief (Engwall and Duppils, 2009). This conclusion may not be fully supported considering the fact that the review included other non-randomised controlled trials (which are subject to biases). Moreover, the review included the combined use of music with other nonpharmacological interventions (such as jaw relaxation, therapeutic suggestion, guided imagery and so on) which creates difficulties in determining whether the outcomes is solely due to music or the other interventions. The review also used few databases (Blackwell Synergy, CINAHL, PubMed and Elsevier/ Science Direct) and restricted the review to studies conducted between 1998 and 2007. Considering the publication of new randomised controlled trials that have reported conflicting findings (Allred, Boyers and Sole, 2009; Cooke et al., 2010; Ebneshahidi and Mohseni, 2008; Good and Ahn, 2008; Hook, Sonwathana and Petpichetchian, 2008; Sen et al., 2009) and the limitations identified in previous reviews, an updated version of a systematic review conducted on this topic will be of immense benefit. My review, therefore intends to include randomised controlled trials irrespective of the location, and will include only music as the nonpharmacological pain intervention. I will also expand my search strategy to include other databases and will not limit it to any year range since music is not an intervention that becomes outmoded with time and largely depends on an individuals preferences. Summary In this section the background information and literature on the use of music in relieving postoperative pain has been provided. Moreover, the rationale for the systematic has been thoroughly explained as well as the justification for the review question. Chapter Two Methodology Once a research question has been shaped, it is useful to think about its type, as this will have an effect on what kind of research would provide us with the greatest quality evidence. The review question concentrates on music as a postoperative epain management intervention for patients after all kinds of surgery. In providing the best evidence of effectiveness of an intervention, a systematic review is considered the most suitable way. This is because it summarises or draw conclusions from primary research on a specific subject, therefore increasing the number of subjects and enhancing the power to detect an intervention effect (Dickson, 2003). This chapter will discuss the systematic review approach and evaluate its role in evidence-based practice. It then outlines the strengths and limitations of systematic reviews. Following this, a description of the procedural steps is given. Finally, the method used to conduct this review is discussed. l Definition of Systematic Reviews Types of Systematic Reviews Systematic Reviews Process The Role of Systematic Reviews in Evidence-based Practice In an era of evidence-based nursing, care providers need to base their clinical decisions on the preferences of patients, their clinical expertise, as well as the current best available research evidence relevant for practice (Beaven and McHugh, 2003; Mulhall, 1998; Sackett and Rosenberg, 1995). Implications from the ever expanding volumes of healthcare literature (Beaven and McHugh, 2003) means that, it is impossible for a clinician to access, let alone understand, the primary evidence that informs practice (Glasziou, Irwig and Colditz, 2001; Handoll et al., 2008). As a result of this, useful research studies and valuable findings are concealed and abandoned as a whole (Beaven and McHugh, 2003). Systematic reviews of primary studies are therefore an essential aspect of evidence-based healthcare for practitioners who want to keep up to date with evidence in making informed clinical decisions (Lipp, 2005; Glasziou et al., 2001; Handoll et al., 2008; Schlosser/ FOCUS, 2010). Commencing with a well-defined research question, such reviews utilise explicit methods to systematically identify, select, critically appraise, extract, analyse and synthesise data from relevant studies on a particular topic (Handoll et al., 2008; Petticrew and Roberts, 2006; Wright et al., 2007; Sackett et al., 2000). This process helps to minimise bias (Cook, Mulrow and Haynes, 1997), eliminate poorly conducted studies, confers power to the results that may not be given to individual studies (Lipp, 2005) and thus provide practitioners with reliable, valid and condensed evidence (Glasziou et al., 2001) in a considerably shorter period of time (Mulrow, Langhorne, and Grimshaw, 1997). Systematic reviews may involve the use of statistical methods (meta-analysis) (Handoll et al., 2008) in estimating the precision of treatment effects (Egger, Smith and ORourke, 2001). Unlike traditional narrative reviews, systematic reviews allow for a more objective appraisal of the evidence and may thus contribute to resolving uncertainty when original research, and reviews disagree (Egger et al., 2001). By using an efficient scientific technique, systematic reviews also can counteract the need for further research studies and stimulate the timelier implementation of findings into practice (Lipp, 2005). They can also inform the research agenda by identifying gaps in the evidence and generating research questions that will shape future research (Eagly and Wood, 1994; Handoll et al., 2008; Lipp, 2005).

Legislative Influence on the Economy :: essays research papers

Legislative Influence on the Economy Throughout history, there have been instances of the government affecting the economy, be it with the B.U.S. or with the Fair Labor Standards Act, the government has played an important role in our economy. The government rescued the United States from the Great Depression by increasing demand and lowering taxes. During the 80’s, the United States was forced into a recession that threatened to destroy the economy. Both instances were due to intervention of the government to the economy. Most of the government intervention is done by subsidy, which is a form of economic aid to assist a private enterprise, but a good deal is also done by legislation. There are many areas in which the government influences the economy through legislation. One area influenced by legislation is business. Calvin Coolidge said, â€Å"The business of America is business.† The government has seen to it that it is fair with this. During the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, several bills focusing on breaking up the trusts were passed with unanimity. It began with the Sherman Anti-Trust Act. This Act outlawed and restraint on trade or competition, and caused the breakup of the Standard Oil trust into twenty different companies. Another area where legislation has been used to help control the economy was in trade. With the breaking up of large trusts and monopolies with the Sherman Anti-Trust Act, A group had to be able to enforce the new laws, and so in 1914, the Federal Trade Commission Act was passed, months before the Clayton Anti-Trust Act was passed to fill in the gaps left by the Sherman Anti-Trust Act. With all of these new companies sprouting up, an increase in the number of jobs occurred, but it is no surprise that workers were not being paid fair wages, and so in the area of labor, the government passed the Fair Labor Standards Act. This act created the way by which everybody works today. A minimum wage, 40- hour work week, and control of child labor. This legislation itself was invoked by large labor unions such as the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO), both of which sought to improve working conditions and wages through negotiations with employers. One overdue act was the Meat Inspection Act, largely influenced by Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle. The act was passed in 1960, long overdue considering the circumstances.

“Animal Farm”: Compare and Contrast Essay

Napoleon and Snowball, from the book Animal Farm by George Orwell, share many similar and different character traits when compared together. While Napoleon maybe cheating at cards, Snowball is hard at work developing a plan for a windmill to minimize animal work. Snowball could be talking away with his many speeches while Napoleon is trying his very best at training the puppy dogs to the rank of guard dog. Snowball and Napoleon, having their own similarities and differences, both seem to fight an endless war of being the best. Napoleon and Snowball share their characteristics in many ways including intelligence, how convincing both pigs are, and leadership traits. First, Napoleon and Snowball both have similar intelligence traits. For example, both Napoleon and Snowball could read and write perfectly. Snowball had written all the windmill plans with careful thinking and use of time. Napoleon, however, had used his knowledge to write a fake letter said to be written by Snowball to have agreed to be a secret agent to the Foxwood Farm. Napoleon knew that the other animals could not read very well and so by making his letter, no one could prove the letter was false except for the pigs that knew very well what Napoleon did. In addition, both Napoleon and Snowball were the most active in the speeches and the planning. Both pigs wanted to establish a social and economic system and be the leader of the farm. Furthermore, both pigs were smart to confuse the animals the animals in order to get their way. They used the same excuse of † Do you want Jones and his men to come back?!?† The animals, however, were too stupid to think for themselves, thus letting the two pigs get what they wanted. Second, the two animals were very convincing to the other animals. To illustrate, Snowball said that if a windmill was built, electricity could be used. There would be heat and hot and cold water. Work would also be cut down to three days per week. This, obviously a great deal, convinced the animals very easily that they wanted a windmill. Also, Napoleon convinced the animals very easily when he blamed all the farms troubles on Snowball. Napoleon said Snowball was a traitor and was working for Foxwood farms.  Napoleon said he even had â€Å"proof† of secret documentations that Snowball was working for Foxwood. Moreover, both animals knew that convincing the animals would easy. The animals usually found themselves agreeing with the animal currently talking. Third, both Napoleon and Snowball had matching leadership traits. For instance, Snowball was in charge of educating the animals. All the animals got some kind of a degree although the hens and sheep only got to the letter A. † The reading and writing classes, however, were a great success. By autumn almost every animal on the farm was literate in some degree† pg. 49. Additionally, the two pigs fought for the leadership place. Snowball believed in animalism and tried to make all animals equal. Napoleon, however, didn’t want animalism. He wanted a dictatorship. Finally, both of the pigs were greedy in a way. It was Snowball who declared that all apples and milk was to be in with the mash of the pigs. Napoleon also ordered that the barley field for beer be reserved to the pigs only. On the other hand, Napoleon and Snowball both had differences too. The two characters from Animal Farm had differences in the way both characters wanted to rule, how Napoleon and Snowball worked, and how both characters enforced the â€Å"law†. First, the way Napoleon and Snowball wanted to rule was very different. For example, Napoleon wanted a dictatorship government where he could rule the entire farm for his own greedy self. Napoleon wanted to control the farm so that his needs were met but as for the other animals, Napoleon didn’t care for them. Napoleon had also abolished the song Beasts of England because it symbolized freedom and democracy (in this case animalism) and was the exact opposite of what Napoleon wanted. The song that replaced it, however, was a new song called Comrade Napoleon. In addition, Snowball was for Animalism, which was freedom and equally treated animals. Snowball was more into Old Major’s dream. Old Major was an old boar who had dreamed of a time where all animals would be free and treated equally. Snowball wished to achieve Old Major’s dream. Furthermore, Snowball ruled the farm by inspiring the other animals to do work. He made speeches convincing animals to do the work on the farm. Napoleon, however, did not make speeches or try to convince the animals a lot. Napoleon had a secret  Ã¢â‚¬Å"police† force consisting of seven fierce dogs. Napoleon had used these dogs to chase away Snowball from the farm and kill any animal that opposed his rule. Second, Napoleon and Snowball worked differently too. To illustrate, Napoleon was a rather lazy person. Napoleon had Squealer, another pig, to do all his speeches for him. Squealer worked to spread propaganda around the farm (pigeons were used to spread propaganda and news outside of farm territory) about deaths and how Snowball terrorized the farm. â€Å"Bravery is not enough'† said Squealer. â€Å"loyalty and obedience are more important. And as to the Battle of the Cowshed, I believe the time will come when we shall find that Snowball’s part in it was much exaggerated†¦Ã¢â‚¬  pg. 70. Napoleon took credit for every good idea and claims he thought of it first. Whenever something unfortunate happens, Napoleon always blamed Snowball. Also, Snowball planned much more than Napoleon. Snowball originally designed the windmill plans and made convincing speeches. Snowball never did blame anything that went wrong on some other animal unlike Napoleon. Moreover, both Napoleon and Snowball tried to disagree on each other’s ideas. Both of them wanted to be the top but only in a different way. Third, Both Napoleon and Snowball have differences on how they enforced the â€Å"law†. For instance, Snowball convinced animals to do work while Napoleon stopped all rations to any of the animals that opposed any order. Additionally, Napoleon had a secret â€Å"police† or dog force. All traitors got their necks ripped off by the dogs. Finally, Napoleon wanted to rule all but with Snowball, Napoleon could not achieve full power. So Napoleon chased Snowball away used the seven dogs and then went on to become leader. In conclusion, whether Snowball is working away on the windmill or Napoleon is killing animals that opposed him, the two characters compare and contrast very well. Both characters work very hard†¦ in different ways that is. And finally soon and late the day is coming, tyrant man shall be o’erthrown, and the fruitful fields of England shall be trod by beasts alone†¦

King Lear Essay

Shakespeare’s â€Å"King Lear† in a play filled with betrayal and various acts of deception. This becomes evident in the first few lines. The superficiality of Goneril and Regan empty words combined with their lack of love for their father foreshadows the events to come. We first see dishonesty in Act1 Scene1 with Lears â€Å"love test†. Goneril and Regans elegant yet false speeches oppose what they really feel. Goneril speaks first and says â€Å"I love you more than words can wield the matter†, the reason why there are no words to express this love, is because she feels none for him, it does not exist. Regan emphasizes the value of her love; she should be priced at Gonerils â€Å"Worth†, however we can see that her love is even less than her sisters when she professes Gonerils affection â€Å"Comes to short†. Her greed is adamant. Both daughter’s deception and hunger only for themselves, already in the first act establishes an emotional uncertainly and introduces ideas of what’s ahead. Cordelia speaks last, and although stands up for genuine feeling â€Å"according to my bond, no more no less†, does not flatter Lear in the way he wished. He asks her to â€Å"ment your speech a little†, as feels she should do the same as her sisters. In the speech Cordealisa honesty is seen by Lear as a rebelling and humiliation of him. He feels his heart has been lied to by her refuses in the love test to say â€Å"nothing†, assuming therefore that she does not love him. Yet could we question Lears betrayal? His actions and intentions for breaking up the state were not that of a responsible ruler, renaissance society was patriarchal and genrotocraic; they did not consider retirement, nor did they pass on their power and wealth when they reached old age. They retained their power until they died. Also opposed, was the divine right not kings. As appointed to by god this was a very important period. The fact the King defied the natural order itself has to be questioned. As we can see, Lears misuse of power proceeds from here to his tragic downfall. Not only does he deceive society with his position, but also his daughters. He is used to wielding his power with absolute authority and expects complete obedience, â€Å"though better know’st the offices of nature, bond of childhood, effects of courtesy, dues of gratitude, thou half o’th kingdom hast†. After giving away his kingdom he should have no rights or power yet is constantly expressing to his daughters â€Å"I gave you all† telling them they owe him. Lears attempt to divide power from responsibly from the beginning of the first act expresses the point he needs to learn to distinguish between appearances and reality. The next deceitful character is Edmund who is the bastard son of Gloucester and a victim of the law primogeniture. As an illegitimate son he is entitled to nothing, but this doesn’t stop his political ambition. This is expressed in Act 1, â€Å"Why bastard? Wherefore base? When my dimensions are as well compact†. Edmund argues he possesses all the person qualities of his brother and is determined to â€Å"prosper† no matter what. He lies to his farther in devious and cunning ways. By producing fake documents and fooling him into believing that Edgar seeks his life. By acting as if he does not want his farther to see the letter â€Å"Nothing my lord†, reverse psychology is used, showing Edmunds true colours. He then pushes the story further â€Å"if you violently proceed against him, mistaking his purpose, at would make a great gap in your honour†. This false act concerning honour makes Edmund out to appear good and true. Yet again just like Lear, Gloucester has fallen for false appearances and words. The subplots both now mirror as the evil children gain ground from lies, betrayal and deception. As well as emotional aspersion, physical deception is also apparent. It’s used in A1S4, when Kent disguises himself. He disguises himself as Caius, a serving man who seeks employment. Edgar then in Act2S3 disguises himself as â€Å"mad beggar tom†. By doing this I feel Shakespeare is expressing how the character deserve freedom to justice. They both have been reduced in status. In Edgars situation the contrast between life as an absolute monarch and the powerless existence described here â€Å"poor tyrlygod! Poor tom† that’s something yet: Edgar I am nothing†, could not seem starker. Both Kent and Edgar do feel free now, and there is emphasis in how they speak to show they do not care for royalty and positions. The point being how deceptive outward appearances are in King Lear. Virtuous characters assume disguises in order to survive, continuing to do well in their new lowly roles. In contrast outward appearances do appear to represent the loss of power â€Å"Off off! You lendings†. To Lear his clothing represents his folly. Lastly, there’s the fool, who is ironically different from his title. He plays a number of roles; voice of conscience, social commentator, truth teller and even a representative for Cordealia. While the fool is commonly an idiot, Lears fool seems to understand the political situation better than the king himself. â€Å"She will taste like this as a crab does to a crab (A1S5), the fool tries to warn Lear about both goneril and Regan being as sour as each other. Therefore one is no better than the other. His songs and jokes seem to be aimed at teaching Lear about the errors he has made rather than making him laugh; therefore his humour acts as a disguise. In many eyes the fool is like a commentary on significant events outlining or foreshadowing things whenever he appears. In conclusion Shakespeare’s interest in deception in King Lear is shown throughout. If the characters are not emotionally deceptive like Goneril and Regans empty words in A1S1: â€Å"I love you more than space and liberty†, in the love test. Then physically they are, such as Kent and Edgar, Which was one: to help the king and the other to escape punishment that they did not deserve. Most characters deliberately misrepresent themselves but others are naturally difficult to understand. Some try to gain power, others are only protecting themselves. There is an extreme contract between reality and truths about the appearances that make people out to be something out they are not. This quality about the characters fuels the plot and intrigues the audience, develops the play and brings it to an ultimate end.