Friday, January 24, 2020

Influenza in New York :: Journalism Health Medical Spanish Flu Essays

Influenza in New York NEW YORK: October 5.--The influenza virus is a common disease, which has been prevalent in society for many years. This year however we are seeing an influenza epidemic hitting not only the United States but also the entire world. This strain of influenza has been named "Spanish Influenza" and is much more volatile and deadly than the usual strain of influenza. The common influenza strain usually surfaces in the cold months of winter and this strain is no different, however it is unusually deadly. The fatality rate is much higher for people ages 15-45 compared to the common influenza, which is usually fatal for the young and old. This makes this particular strain of influenza much different and therefore is causing an epidemic and a certain state of panic across the globe. Here in New York it seems that the Spanish influenza was brought to the city by merchant mariners who were shipping in from the war front in Europe. It seems that Spanish influenza is spreading so quickly because of the war. With so many soldiers in tight quarters and in the trenches the disease is able to spread much quicker than before. These soldiers are coming home from the war to cities such as ours and unfortunately are bringing the virus with them. This is causing the spread of Spanish influenza not only through the military but also into the civilian population. Due to the rapid spread of the disease, many steps are being taken by the Public Health Department to try to curb the rapid spread into the civilian population. These actions may seem severe but they are necessary in order to make sure New York has as few fatalities from this epidemic as possible. The first step being taken is quarantining those coming in from Europe who are showing symptoms of the virus or have been in close contact with anyone else showing the symptoms. This is to ensure that these people do not ride in public transportation and transfer the virus to unsuspecting civilians. People are also being inspected for the influenza virus at railroad stations across the city. This is to ensure that the infected do not ride the train and pass the virus on to not only the people on board but also to the population of their destination city.

Thursday, January 16, 2020

What’s the Buzz on Smart Grids

Case Study: What’s the buzz on Smart Grids 1) How do smart grids differ from the current electricity infrastructure in the United States? The main difference where the smart grids differ from the current electricity infrastructure in the United Sates is that there is no information currently available as to how much energy/electricity is being used and where it is being used. In simple words it can be said that currently there is no exchange of information between the provider and the consumer.The smart grids will be able to provide all information regarding the usage pattern of electricity consumption by the customer which would help in the effective usage of electricity. The grids will then be able to know as to when the consumption is at peak and when it is not being used much. Also with this technology the consumer will be able to monitor their energy consumption which would encourage them to save. 2) What Management, Organization and Technology issues should be considered when developing a smart grid?There may be a lot of issues the smart grid might have to face: a) Management Issues: It is very important that proper planning must be done before the implementation of smart grids. All aspects should be planed and discussed over and over again with the managers at each level. It is a huge project which involves a lot of investment and a failure at the planning stage which is the beginning would be a disaster. It is also very important to make correct decisions at the right time. If correct decision are not made it could mess up the project. ) Organization Issues: Before the implementation of the project it must be made sure that everything is being done legally and taking into consideration all government policies. People within the organisation play an important role. The roles of each individual should be defined and proper flow of information is required in all levels. c) Technology Issues: According to me this is the most issues that the project r elies on. On the whole it is a technology project and the investment cost is immense. It is very important that all Hardware, Software, Network and communication requirements are in place. ) What challenge to development of smart grids do you think is most likely to hamper their development? According to me the challenge the smart grids will face is the acceptance by the customers. Not all customers will want to accept this change. It is usually the case that people are reluctant towards change. Also, if the customers find out that they are going to pay for this change and technology most of them would say no.It is very important to decide how the project is going to cover such a huge cost. It should be stress that the project has a long term potential and would help the customers in the long run. ) What other areas of our infrastructure could benefit from the smart technologies? Describe one example not listed in the case. The areas of infrastructure that could benefit from this sm art technology are not one. But, an example could be construction and mining industries. Efficient way of using electricity should be used in these industries which would greatly reduce their cost on a project. 5) Would you like your home and community to be part of a smart grid? Why or Why not? Explain. I would certainly want my home to be a part of the smart grid because it will help save energy and cost over the long run.If I was able to monitor the usage of electricity and know how much each electrical item at my home consumes electricity I would use it more efficiently and safe a lot of cost. I would be more motivated to use energy efficient items. Also the case talks about the electrical items can be turned on/off from anywhere. Let me discuss this example to demonstrate the efficiency. I go to work in the morning at 9 AM which is when I turn of the air conditioner at my place, I would be working at my office till 5 PM before leaving my office I would turn on the air condition er at home so that by the time I reach home my home is nice and cool.This is a simple example how we could save on the electricity cost. Also with these grids the providers would know how the usage patterns are and decide on what rate should be charged from each customer. The only concern that I would have is that the cost of the actual setup of the grid. If that price is not immediately transferred to me I would be happy to accept this change. It should be well distributed and nominal so that the consumers do not feel the pinch.

Wednesday, January 8, 2020

My Sisters Keeper Book Club Discussion Questions

My Sisters Keeper by Jodi Picoult presents a lot of questions for book clubs to discuss. These book club discussion questions on My Sisters Keeper will allow your book club to delve into the issues Picoult raises about family, science and doing the right thing in a hard situation. Book Club Discussion Questions  for My Sisters Keeper Spoiler warning: These book club discussion questions reveal important details about My Sisters Keeper by Jodi Picoult. (Finish the book before reading on!) Reread the prologue to My Sisters Keeper. Who is speaking? Is that who you thought was speaking the first time you read it?My Sisters Keeper is told from many different viewpoints. Why do you think Jodi Picoult wrote it this way? How did hearing from each character change your opinions of them and of the situation?Do you think Sara is a good mother? Do you sympathize with her? How does her martyrdom affect the rest of the family?Discuss the consequences of the trial other than the ruling. In what ways does it force people to deal with issues in their relationships? Sara and Brian? Anna and her parents? Julia and Campbell?Why does Jesse burn things? Is Jesse the opposite of his firefighter father or are they similar? In what ways?Discuss the ways each family member copes with their situation. How are each of their identities affected by Kate? How does this affect Kate?Why did Kate ask Anna to sue for medical emancipation? Was Anna right to listen to her wishes?Do you think it is ethic al to have a designer baby like Anna was?The epilogue talks about how the family moved on. How did they grieve? How did they survive? In what ways did Anna give life back to all of them, not just Kate?Rate My Sisters Keeper on a scale of 1 to 5.