AOI health care Essays

AOI health care Essays AOI health care Paper AOI health care Paper Aiming to lead Oregon to prosperity, this non-profit association is the biggest and most prominent in the state. It helps its members by offering money-saving benefits and discounts in their businesses. By doing so, their quality of life may be uplifted with the help of the association’s five trained professional lobbyists (Associated Oregon Industries, 2009). As such, the Associated Oregon Industries puts its members at the top of the priorities list. It intends to address significant business concerns such as fiscal policies by promoting a sustainable economy, expanding the private sector and creating jobs. Since its employees have an essential part in the association, AOI wants health care services to be easily accessible to them by assisting them in obtaining and paying for such. So far, AOI sounds like your typical company. But upon learning about a strict program it enforces, I realized that it is anything but. Formerly known as the Workdrugfree Oregon Program of Oregon Nurses Foundation, the Oregon Employer Drug Free Initiative is a program of the AOI aspiring to create a drug free workplace for its employees at a statewide extent. It was adopted in July 2008 (the change in name to OEDI was in January 2009) and remains the only initiative of its kind in the state. AOI has identified the many benefits of creating a drug-free workplace. Thus, the association wants its employees to be aware of these benefits as well by promoting these, creating and implementing policies that work towards such an environment and assisting the employees in following them (â€Å"What is OEDI? † 2009). The OEDI first came to the attention of many during a Leadership Summit in January 2006, where it was integrated into the Oregon Business Plan. It was established in response to a survey showing that 7% of Oregon employers were concerned about substance abuse. However, only 12% had policies against this in place. Though it is true that to employ a drug-free policy may be costly, to be without one proves to be costlier and not to mention more time-consuming. There is an increased likelihood of having on-the-job injuries and more absenteeism. There may be a lower sense of confidence for employees leading to a likewise lowering of productivity. Since applicants will know that the company does not have a drug-free policy for employees, more drug users will apply for the company, rather than in others with such policies that will not accept them. From the same survey used awhile ago, it was found that 77 percent of illegal drug users and 80 percent of heavy alcohol users are employed. More importantly, 20 percent of applicants fail pre-employment drug tests, reaching even 60 to 80 percent for smaller employers. These statistics undoubtedly present large costs for companies with anti-drug abuse policies in terms of the decreased scope of people they can employ (Wheeler, 2007). However, quoting from what Sid Smith, President of Forest Grove Lumber Co. , McMinnville, said â€Å"If you dont have a sufficient deterrent, drug users will own your company. Our drug-free policy enhanced our workplace productivity, which made a positive impact on our year-end profitability. † (â€Å"Success Stories,† 2007) The said costs seem worth it as AOI was able to create a safer environment for its workers, helping them have a better working experience. The association was able to earn the high regard of the community, and this positive reputation in turn allows the association to get a hold of higher quality applicants. Employees are more confident, increasing productivity and customer satisfaction as well. Finally, economically speaking, costs for health care are lowered together with rates of turnover and absenteeism. OEDI will take on certain procedures to ensure the aforementioned benefits. Educational campaigns to fight against substance abuse will be done in order to mobilize participating identities. Oregon’s workforce will be made free from drug abuse. The program also aims to tap legislators’ awareness about the effects of substance abuse on the safety and efficiency of a working environment, and to promote and prepare students about these. Moreover, these educational campaigns will train supervisors to detect and manage substance abuse in the workplace. Gjesvold (2007) recognizes the pressure on managers and supervisor’s shoulders when it comes to managing their employees who have been found out to be abusers, and as in OEDI, he suggests four steps to be taken in doing so. The first step is observation. According to Phoenix House (2008), these signs include prolonged or unexplained absences, increased accidents on and off the job. Abusers also seem to have a disregard for personal hygiene and an overreaction to criticism, even if the criticism is only imagined. Work patterns are inconsistent leading to lower productivity and efficiency. Physical signs such as bloodshot eyes, persistent cough, dilated pupils, slurred speech or unsteady walk may also be observed. Cocaine abusers can be hyperactive, paranoid, delusional and extremely moody. Next is preparation, which includes anticipating possible reactions of the employee, preparing for resistance or maybe even discussing the issue with a fellow supervisor. Third is perhaps the most crucial part, action, which involves the consultation of the employee and expressing of concerns from both sides and the possible consequences if nothing is done. Finally comes follow-through, where improvements are taken note of or consequences are given when there are no improvements. I personally believe that these policies being implemented by AOI are ones that should be emulated by other companies that seek to give their workers better working experience and that aim for better productivity. As said in an article by Wheeler (2007), We need to keep in mind that this is not just a business issue; it is a community issue. Drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace impacts our local economy, the ability of our businesses to get and keep good employees, the quality of service we receive and the cost of services we purchase. If we all support the concept of a drug-free workplace and support the businesses who implement drug-free workplace policies, we will all benefit from the outcome. BIBLIOGRAPHY Associated Oregon Industries. 2009. About us. Retrieved May 30, 2009 from aoi. org/organization/index. cfm. Gjesvold, J. 2007. Disruptive Behavior: Tough Challenge for Employers. Albany Area Chamber Network, 39 (2). 4. Phoenix House. 2008. Basic facts: Drugs, alcohol the workplace. Retrieved May 30, 2009 from phoenixhouse. org/National/DrugFacts/drugfacts_workplace. html. Success Stories. 2007. Retrieved May 30, 2009 from oregonemployerdrugfree. org/success. html. What is OEDI. 2009. Oregon Employer Drug-free Initiative eNewsletter. Retrieved May 30, 2009 from visitbaker. com/OEDI. pdf. Wheeler, C. 2007. Working Drug-free. Yamhill Valley Viewpoints in News Register . Retrieved May 30, 2009 from oregonemployerdrugfree. org/pdfs/opEdCeliaWheeler31007. pdf.

Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions

Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions These resolutions were written by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison in response to the Alien and Sedition Acts. These resolutions were the first attempts by states rights advocates to impose the rule of nullification. In their version, they argued that since the government was created as a compact of the states, they had the right to ‘nullify’ laws that they felt exceeded the granted power of the Federal government. Four Measures of the Alien and Sedition Acts The Alien and Sedition acts were passed while  John Adams  was serving as Americas second president. Their purpose was to fight against criticisms people were making against the government and more specifically the Federalists.  The Acts consist of four measures designed to limit immigration and free speech. They include: The Naturalization Act  - This act increased the residency time for individuals applying for U.S. citizenship. Immigrants would have to live in the US for 14 years in order to be eligible for citizenship. Previous to this, the requirement was 5 years. The reason for this act was that America was in danger of going to war with France. This would give the president the ability to better deal with suspicious foreign nationals.  The Alien Act  - Following the passage of the Naturalization Act, the Alien Act continued to give more power to the presidency over foreign nationals living in the U.S. The president was given the ability to deport aliens during peacetime.The Alien Enemy Act  - A little less than a month later, President Adams signed this Act into law. The purpose of the Alien Enemy Act was to give the president the ability to expel or imprison aliens during times of declared war if those aliens had ties to Americas enemies.  The  Sedition Act  - The final act, pass ed on July 14, 1798, was the most controversial. Any conspiracy against the government including riots and interference with officers would result in a high misdemeanor. This went so far as to stop people from speaking in a false, scandalous and malicious manner against the government.  Newspaper, pamphlet and broadside publishers who printed articles aimed primarily at his administration were the intended targets. The backlash to these acts was probably the main reason why  John Adams  was not elected to a second term as president. The Virginia Resolutions, authored by James Madison, argued that Congress was overstepping their bounds and using a power not delegated to them by the Constitution. The Kentucky Resolutions, authored by Thomas Jefferson, argued that states had the power of nullification, the ability to nullify federal laws. This would later be argued by John C. Calhoun and the southern states as the Civil War neared. However, when the topic came up again in 1830, Madison argued against this idea of nullification.   In the end, Jefferson was able to use the reaction to these acts to ride to the presidency, defeating John Adams in the process.

Prosecutorial Misconduct Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Prosecutorial Misconduct - Research Paper Example In this respect, this becomes unacceptable by the law. Therefore, in order for the criminal justice system to be in a position to provide the mandate for which it is created, there is a need for the reformation of this problem. This will provide a solution to the issue as the prosecutors among other law enforcers will be in a position to act within their specified duties. In this sense, both the criminals and other citizens of the countries will be given the opportunity to enjoy their individual rights of justice. Within the legal profession, there are those convictions that have been made in a wrongful manner. Although most of the time these have been contributed by honest mistakes that could not have been prevented or avoided, there are those that have taken place as a result of ignorance and the lack of responsibilities by the members of the legal profession. This is a sign that in far too many cases, the same people who are entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring truth and justice since they are the law enforcement officers and mainly the prosecutors lose focus of this obligation and instead of working towards the maintenance of justice they mainly focus on securing convictions for themselves regardless of the consequences placed on the defendant. It mostly applies to the prosecutors who aim at providing evidence against the defendant despite the fact that they also possess alternative evidence to prevent the incrimination of the said defendant. This means that they may have evidenc e to incriminate a different individual hence leading to the wrongful conviction of the first defendant (Davis, 2007). It refers to the illegal action or the lack of action by the prosecutor especially in the attempt to influence the jury to convict a defendant inappropriately or to give a punishment that is harsher than it is necessary. At times, it is also known as selective prosecution. This is a problem that has currently been

Black Park in the UK and its macrofossils Essay

Black Park in the UK and its macrofossils - Essay Example The diversity index was used to assess invertebrate community according (Magurran (1991). Classification of functional feeding groups was done (Merritt and Cummins, 1996).   The chemical composition of the soil, the leaf detritus, and the functional feeding groups to test microorganisms, was done with covariance analysis (ANCOVA) and multi dependent analysis of variance (MANOVA) (yeast, bacteria and fungi) and invertebrate (density-dependent variable).  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Samples were taken from dry soil areas, the floodplains and the lake area. The results in the soil samples and pollens collected along with leaf detritus were sieved and compared in terms of density, spread and age.  SamplesFrom dry soil areas, the floodplains and the lake area, the results are seen in the soil samples and pollens collected along with leaf detritus and sieved and sampled and compared to each other in terms of density and spread and the age.ResultsThe dry Soil Area displayed H olocene vegetation change as seen from the plant macrofossils and pollen from packrat middens ranging from 0 to 50,000 years.   (http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/eng-ee-beds-wet-woodlands.pdf/$FILE/eng-ee-beds-wet-woodlands.pdf). Semi-arid landscapes appeared covered with sage, chaparral, and grassland. . Ttreeless tundra was replaced by birch pine and beech.  Ã‚   Beech sprouts on limestone areas at the head of the Thames estuary can be seen and signs of Alder can also be seen.   Herbivores that are now extinct or reduced in numbers can also be spotted.

The Lesson by Toni Cade Bambara Essay Example for Free

The Lesson by Toni Cade Bambara Essay Toni Cade Bambara’s The Lesson revolves around a young black girl’s struggle to come to terms with the role that economic injustice, and the larger social injustice that it constitutes, plays in her life. Sylvia, the story’s protagonist, initially is reluctant to acknowledge that she is a victim of poverty. Far from being oblivious of the disparity between the rich and the poor, however, one might say that on some subconscious level, she is in fact aware of the inequity that permeates society and which contributes to her inexorably disadvantaged economic situation. That she relates poverty to shame—But I feel funny, shame. But what I got to be shamed about? Got as much right to go in as anybody (Bambara 604)—offers an indication as to why she is so hard-pressed to concede her substandard socioeconomic standing in the larger scheme of things. Sylvia is forced to finally address the true state of her place in society, however, when she observes firsthand the stark contrast between the rich and the poor at a fancy toy store in Manhattan. Initially furious about the blinding disparity, her emotionally charged reaction ultimately culminates in her acceptance of the real state of things, and this acceptance in turn cultivates her resolve to take action against the socioeconomic inequality that verily afflicts her, ensuring that ain’t nobody gonna beat me at nuthin (606). The Lesson posits that far from being insurmountable, economic and social injustice can be risen above, but it is necessary that we first acknowledge the role that it plays in our lives, and then determine to take action against it; indifference, and the inaction that it breeds, can only serve to perpetuate such injustices. Sylvia’s languid regard for Miss Moore, whom she refers to as this nappy-head bitch and her goddamn college degree (601), is a reflection of her initial disregard for the role that social injustice plays in her life. Miss Moore, with her proper speech (601) and desire to take responsibility for the young ones’ education (601), is a foil to Sylvia: educated, discerning, analytical. Her informed and realistic perception of the society in which they live qualifies her as an embodiment of truth within the story, and Sylvia’s rejection of her is thus symbolic of her overarching rejection of the truth. More than just refusing to acknowledge the verity of her poverty—And then she gets to the part about we all poor and live in the slums, which I don’t feature (601)—Syvlia even subconsciously runs away from it. Don’t nobody want to go for my plan, Sylvia says, which is to jump out at the next light and run off to the first bar-b-que we can find (601). Her compulsion to stray from Miss Moore suggests that on some subliminal level, she seeks to avoid confronting the truth that the lesson conveys about her indigent state. Upon arriving at the toy store, Sylvia notes: ‘This is the place,’ Miss Moore say, presenting it to us in the voice she uses at the museum. ‘Let’s look in the windows before we go in’ (602). That Miss Moore introduces the children to the store in her museum voice is indicative of her desire for the children to thoroughly analyze their new environment and synthesize what it might suggest about social stratification; Miss Moore means to show them that, like a historically significant painting in a museum, the society in which they live is worth studying intently. Although the explicit differences between the ghetto and Manhattan are immediately apparent, Sylvia initially fails to make the implicit connections between these external differences and larger social inequity. She boggles at the concept of a woman in a fur coat—Then we check out that we on Fifth Avenue and everybody dressed up in stockings. One lady in a fur coat, hot as it is. White folks crazy (602)—but fails to interpret what she sees in relation to the disparity between the rich and the poor. Instead, all she can do is point fingers and criticize. The children’s discovery of the fiberglass sailboat marks the story’s climax and signals the transition from rising to falling action. The cost of the sailboat provokes an as yet unseen emotionally charged, one might say true reaction from Sylvia: ‘Unbelievable,’ I hear myself say and am really stunned (603). More than just being stunned at the price of the sailboat, however, Sylvia is perhaps on some deeper level stunned at the emotions that have been roused within her. It is at this point in the story that her overriding indifference towards the roles that economic and social injustice play in her life begins to yield to a real emotional response to them. Although Sylvia has begun to respond to the disparity between the rich and the poor, she is still eluctant to fully accept it: So me and Sugar turn the corner to where the entrance [to the toy store] is, but when we get there I kinda hang back. Not that I’m scared, what’s there to be afraid of, just a toy store (604). The hesitation Sylvia encounters upon entering the store is a reflection of her desire to insulate herself from the feel ings of inadequacy she is beginning to experience: she understands that if she enters the store, she will be forced to finally confront the actuality of the socioeconomic gap that separates her from the people that the store caters to. The door to the toy store symbolically manifests this divide, as the toy store itself, with is exorbitantly priced items, is symbolic of the world of the wealthy. Sylvia’s struggle to get a hold of the door is indicative of her continuing struggle to accept absolutely her disadvantaged economic situation. Once inside the store, Sylvia can no longer ignore the blinding imparity between the rich and the poor. Her discovery of an overly priced toy clown prompts her to consider what could be bought for its price: Thirty-five dollars could buy new bunk beds for Junior and Gretchen’s boy. Thirty-five dollars and the whole household could go visit Granddaddy Nelson in the country. Thirty-five dollars would pay for the rent and the piano bill too (605). Sylvia is forced to finally address the socioeconomic inequality that works against her while simultaneously conferring certain luxuries on the rich: Who are these people that spend that much for performing clowns and $1000 for toy sailboats? What kinda work they do and how they live and how come we ain’t in on it? (605). In stark contrast with her earlier disregard for economic and social injustice, Sylvia is now incensed by it. Her anger is further incited when Sugar speaks on the implications of these newly perceived inequalities: ‘I think,’ say Sugar pushing me off her feet like she never done before, cause I whip her ass in a minute, ‘that this is not much of a democracy if you ask me. Equal chance to pursue happiness means an equal crack at the dough, don’t it? [†¦] I am disgusted with Sugar’s treachery (605). In concretely addressing the existence of socioeconomic inequality and its effects on their own lives, Sugar cements its realness in Sylvia’s mind—she can no longer run from it. It is thus the truth in Sugar’s words that she is disgusted with, not Sugar herself. Sylvia’s powerful emotions ultimately culminate in her resolve to not just acknowledge the roles that economic and social injustice play in her life, but to understand these njustices and eventually rise above them: We start down the block and she gets ahead with is O. K. by me cause I’m going to the West End and then over to the Drive to think this day through. She can run if she want to and even run faster. But ain’t nobody gonna beat me at nuthin (606). That Sylvia does not run with Sugar is symbolic of her refusal to run from the truth any longer; she now understands that it is her responsibility to face her situation head-on so that she might one day overcome it. Ironically enough, in the end it is the most cynical of the pack—the one whose idea it was to ditch Miss Moore—who extracts the most meaning from the day’s activities. In his analysis of The Lesson, Jerome Cartwright addresses the significance of Sylvia’s realization in relation to how it moves her to take action: [Sylvia] is changed in a way that promises hope for her ability to respond effectively to the newly discovered reality she faces (Cartwright 61). However, he suggests that although Sylvia’s realization regarding the unfairness of life and, as a black girl, her often low position in the scheme of things (61) is central to the story, the conflict between rich and poor and the economic injustice it reveals (61) is not what drives it forward. For Cartwright, the story is essentially about the value of lessons themselves, the value of learning and thinking. [†¦] The children do not simply need to learn one lesson: they need an education (61). While the importance of the children’s education should not be underestimated, Cartwright compromises the story’s primary importance by generalizing each of Miss Moore’s lessons into a collective importance. To conflate the importance of Sylvia’s realization about her socioeconomic status with the importance of the less critical lessons Miss Moore offers throughout the day—from the uses of the microscope to the components of the paperweight—is to downplay the story’s value as a commentary on economic and social injustice. Cartwright’s generalization in this way belies the story’s true meaning. Although historical surveys of the collective economic status of African Americans point to a long-standing relegation of blacks to lower income levels, current information points to a continuation of a long-term trend toward parity with national levels and absolutely higher levels of affluence than those experienced by most populations outside the United States (Wikipedia 10). Moreover, since the mid to late 1990s, [†¦] over 1. 7 million African Americans have gone off the poverty rolls, earnings by African American women have moved to within a few percentage points of white women’s, and unemployment among blacks in recent years has dropped below the 10 percent mark (10). While these numbers are not enough to invalidate the existence of socioeconomic inequality, they affirm that in this country, social and economic injustice can be mitigated. The unprecedented access to higher education and employment (11) that African Americans have been party to since the Civil Rights Movement speaks strongly to the opportunities for change that this country affords its citizens. However, the value of the struggle cannot be lost on us. We must recognize that such fundamental change does not manifest itself overnight: it is achievable only where a lasting commitment to it is available. Change is not beyond us. Action, however, is its necessary predecessor.

Hypochondria and Prozac Essay -- Biology Essays Research Papers

Hypochondria and Prozac: A Pill For All Ills? Right now, my shoulder really, really aches. It's a dull, uncentralized sort of pain, and over the past few days, it has spread to my neck and upper arms. My wrists hurt too, especially when I twist them a certain way. I'm tired all of the time, and thirsty. I'm not worried about these symptoms. Their cause is obvious. I've spent the last four days hunched over my computer until early morning, furiously typing reports for finals week (this one included). I get an average of four to five hours of sleep a night, and the rest of the time, only a constant stream of caffeinated beverages can keep me awake. My back/shoulder/neck pain is caused by my stance at the computer; my tiredness is a result of---what else?---lack of sleep; I'm thirsty because all I'm drinking is soda. If I were a hypochondriac, though, I'd probably think I had cancer. Don't laugh. Hypochondria, or the attributing of benign symptoms such as backache and fatigue to serious illnesses, occurs in 1% of the population and 5% of America's medical outpatients ((7)). These people, while usually genuinely healthy, interpret every minor pain as indicative of something serious. They travel from doctor to doctor seeking treatment; if one doctor refuses to acknowledge their illness, or gives them a clean bill of health, they simply move on ((7)). This process can go on for anywhere from six months to years ((6)). The symptoms they feel are not delusions, nor are they purposefully-created fakes. Pretending to experience nonexistant symptoms is a behavior associated with a different disorder, Muchausen syndrome. Hypochondriacs' pain is very real. It's just not, as its sufferers assume, a sign of some fatal illness ((7... ...iety for what it was, and know that it was a mental rather than a physical problem, and therefore fixable. Most importantly, I would know that I wouldn't have to rely on pills for my recovery. That being said, I'm going to go pop a few aspirins. Internet Sources: 1)http://www.newscientist.com/channel/opinion/ 2)http://www.uib.no/med/avd/med_a/gastro/wilhelms/hypochon.html 3)http://www.columbia.edu/cu/record/archives/vol21/vol21_iss24/record2124.24.html 4)http://www.columbia.edu/cu/record/archives/vol21/vol21_iss24/record2124.24.html 5)http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/healthcare/2002-03-19-hypochondriacs.htm 6)http://healthsciences.columbia.edu/news/journal/journal-o/archives/jour_v15n2_0002.html 7)http://www.helenair.com/articles/2003/09/13/health/c01090903_04.txt 8)http://www.uib.no/med/avd/med_a/gastro/wilhelms/wallstr.html

Accounting as a Language Essay

Accounting is often referred to as the language of business. It is a special-purpose tool for communication about the financial statements and the performance of a company. This can happen through written, natural language by selecting words from a standard vocabulary combining them in meaningful ways. These words are then organised into financial reports according to relatively flexible rules of presentation. Accounting dates back to 1494 when Luca Pacioli published a book called Summa de Arithmetic. It Around the 15th century, accounting records were found amongst ruins of ancient Babylon, Assyria and Sumeria. It is suggested that people relied on accounting methods to record the growth of crops and herds. During the Roman Empire, accounting was quantified and listed as a public expenditure which included grants of land and religious offerings. Money to army veterans was also given. Current Issues affecting Accounting as a language The decline of the U. S dollar is a perfect example of an issue that affects accounting as a language. The objective of accounting theory is to provide a basis for the prediction and to explain accounting behaviour and its events. This theory assumes that a stable monetary unit is present. See more: Social process essay Further decline in the purchasing power of the dollar has affected all realities and its associated languages. Events like this play a vital role as to whether a new language of bookkeeping needs to be implemented. Accounting language must develop theories which are rational. There may be instances where a procedure does not appear to be reasonable. An example of this can be seen with the determination of joint product and by-product costs. The reason why this raises doubts is because it is difficult to allocate costs in a way that accurate costs can be obtained. In addition to accounting language theories being rational is its usefulness. Theories and conclusions are constantly being tested to measure the usefulness of the research provided. According to Harold G Avery, many systems have been neglected as it was not useful in expressing the relevant information to management. It is safe to say that no language will receive acceptance if it cannot be used to an advantage, as this information is relied upon to make sound business judgements and needs to be readily available. So how is this information translated to the users? Ac as a language- Financial data is used to communicate the financial positions of a entity and then translates this to its various users. It is pertinent that in order to evaluate the financial results of the entity, it is necessary that the financial statements of that particular company with either its financial results of the industry or the past results. Ratio analysis is used to determine the status of the company’s ability to pay its short and long term debts. It can also analyze to determine the company liquidity and debts levels, these indicators are critical in determining the business ability to continue operations into the future. IAS 1 prescribes the basis for presentation of general purpose financial statements intended to meet the needs of users who are not in a position to require an entity to prepare reports tailored to their particular information needs. IAS 1 does not specifically apply to the form, structure, and content of an interim financial report but many of the overall considerations as the need for fair presentation and consistency. Globally accounting is recognized as the tool for communicating the financial statements and performance. Without a clear structure for accounting language, businesses and users alike would suffer economically as the financial statements would not be fair and true, which would be costly to us all. Accounting data is used to produce financial statements which depict a picture of entities profitability. This information enables accounting to translate this ‘foreign language’ into one that is understood by its users. This purpose of this translation is to aide sound business decisions. Users who benefit from this can be shareholders, management, government, financial institutions and prospective investors.