10 tools for visual content that remains in the memory

10 tools for visual content that remains in the memory With a good combination of text and visual content, your content marketing will be even more successful. Therefore, we will now highlight a couple of tools which can help you create suitable visual material for your content marketing. Lets start with a few statistics: 90 percent of the information our brain processes is visual. People retain only 20 percent of what they have previously read, but 80 percent of what they see.Content with matching images gains up to 94 percent more views than content without images. Colored pictures will increase the chances that people will read the accompanying content by as much as 80 percent. And provided the images are relevant, users will spend more time looking at them than reading the text on each page.Images also play an important role in social media success so Facebook Posts with images secure 2.3 times more user engagement than those without. Its no wonder that 71 percent of online marketers include visual elements in their social media mar keting.After blogging, visual content is the second most important content format for marketers. According to a survey by the Content Marketing Institute, 55 percent of marketers reported that they want to produce more visual content this year.One thing is certain: With a good combination of text and visual content, your content marketing will be even more successful. Therefore, we will now highlight a couple of tools which can help you create suitable visual material for your content marketing.Compelling images for blogs and social mediaImage databases such as Fotolia are very practical resources and offer numerous images on almost any topic. However, those using just common image databases run the real risk that their content will differ little from content available elsewhere on the Internet and there are other cost-effective alternatives. To give blog articles a truly unique feel, it can even make sense to shoot your own pictures with a camera or smartphone. In addition, there are a number of useful tools which can help in the search for that perfectly matched image.1. Canva Whether you need illustrations for your blog or a social media image, Canva is a real treasure house for visual content. Once you become familiar with this tool, its really easy to use and provides countless opportunities for creative graphics.If you select a social media post design, Canva can produce appropriately sized layouts for Facebook, Twitter and Google+. Text and backgrounds can be customized, and your created images can be downloaded in JPG, PNG, or PDF formats.In addition, Canva offers a variety of free images and photos, as well as photo-filters.Screen Canva2. Unsplash Unsplash provides high quality photographs which are grouped together under different themes (Collections). All images on the site can be downloaded for free, and you can also receive 10 new images every 10 days. All images can be used without restriction for any purpose and can be freely edited as required .3. PixelioIf you register for free at Pixelio, you can download as many photos as you wish covering various topics. Whenever an image is used, the image source must always be specified. Note: Be sure to pay attention to the user license conditions, especially as regards editorial and commercial use.4. PicMonkey With PicMonkey you can not only edit photos, but also create beautiful collages which could, for example, be used as graphics for social media. There is a free 30-day trial (which ends automatically) and after that your use of PicMonkey will cost at least $2.75 a month.5. Datawrapper Do you need a diagram? Datawrapper is a fast online tool which can display your information in visual form. Just upload your data in Excel or CSV format, select an appropriate chart type, enter a title and create your chart. In its free basic version, Datawrapper displays all created charts as downloadable PNG files.Create impressive infographicsStudies have shown that infographics are the form in which content is most often shared. In addition, as Asokan Nirmalarajah points out: Above all others, this content format helps with the targeted building of relevant links from topic-related online publications and third party websites. Thats hardly surprising, because well-crafted infographics are very easy to understand and remember.However, not everyone has the budget resources to employ a web designer. Fortunately, there are a few tools available to create simple infographics.6. Piktochart Piktochart offers a range of different formats for infographics, plus many free templates. These can be freely edited via Piktocharts simple editor which, for example, offers unlimited use of text and icons, and Excel data can also be uploaded and visualized. This video shows you how to create simple infographics with Piktochart in just a few minutes.7. infogram This tool can be used to create diagrams and infographics. Simply select an appropriate template, and then drag and drop to add i mages, icons and text.There are different pricing models, and a free basic version will create 10 infographics.Sample infographic from InfogramCaptivating memes and quote boxesMemes are cards with highlighted quotes, or pictures with text, which highlight particularly humorous or sarcastic statements. These are very popular on social media channels like Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, and if done well have the potential to spread virally.8. Memegenerator.netThis tool has meme templates with fully editable text showing a preset list of characters and figures. Users also have the option to create memes from their own uploaded pictures.Meme from Textbroker 9. Memegen Memegen also offers a selection of original images plus the ability to search via keywords. Once again, your own pictures can be uploaded to create memes. This tool also displays a leader board of memes, and you can select both local and globally popular examples.10. QuotesCover Simply select a popular quote and edit you r choice for use on Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook or Google+. In addition to the selection of famous quotes, its also possible to enter your own quote and edit both the font and background.Source: www.quotescover.comUsing the power of picturesMany studies have demonstrated the power of visual content, and companies using visual content properly will gain more traffic and increase their user involvement on social media.However, whether its a photo, infographic or meme, the graphical presentation must always fit the target group and publication context if it is to achieve the desired effect.And even though visual content is always impressive, its often the case that such content only works via the interplay of the right words in the right context.With a dash of creativity, and the help of some of these tools, you will soon manage to create eye-catching content with your own personal touch.

Transactional and Transformational Leadership

Transactional and Transformational Leadership Free Online Research Papers What are the Principal distinctions between transactional and transformational leadership? Transactional Leaders 1. Transactional leaders motivate their followers in the direction of established goals by also clarifying role and task requirement (OB: Robbins Judge pg437) 2.Transactional leadership is based on a transaction or exchange of something of value the leader possesses or controls that the follower wants in return for his/her services.e.g job for votes or subsidies for campaign contributions 3. Transactional style is precisely what happens in contracting scenario. The contractor provides the specified service purchased. 4Transactional leadership style only works well when both leader and led understand and are in agreement about which tasks are important 5. From R.Kegan’s six stage development theory –Transactional leaders for example are stage 2 leader what they do for the organization is done for whatever the organization has promised in return for the persons output. 6. Transactional leader used higher order level to persuade their follower although their beliefs and goals typically have not change (Bass, 1985) 7. They are active in management style to make sure the led does not deviate from rules and standards, if otherwise they take action (OB: Robbins Judge Pg 437) 8. Management by exception they look unconcern until when standards are not met-passive (OB: Robbins Judge Pg 437) 9. They avoid taking responsibilities in order not to make any decisions-Laissez-faire. Transformational leadership 1. From R.Kegans six stage developmental theory –Transformational leaders are stage 4 leaders who have internalized a sense of commitment to their goals and articulate this in such a way to their followers so as to convert them to a high level of commitment as well 2. They influence their followers by providing vision and sense of mission instills pride and eventually gains respect and trust from them (OB: Robbins Judge Pg 347) 3. They create inspirational motivation by communicating high expectations through the use of symbols to focus their effort. (OB: Robbins Judge Pg 347) 4. They promote intellectual capability and solving initiative among their subordinate. 5. They give personal attention to their employee and treat them of such (OB: Robbins Judge Pg 347) 6. They do more than simply lead; stimulate others to transcend their own needs and interests for a common goal. Examples of transformational leadership are Dr Martin Luther King Jr and Nelson Mandela, Andrea Jung at Avon, Richard Branson of Virgin Group to mention a view. How Transformational leadership create a higher level of moral aspiration for followers and leaders alike? This can best be explained by what Bass and Steidlmeier gave a warning â€Å"Transformational leadership is seen as immoral in the manner that it moves members to sacrifice their own life plans for the sake of organizational needs and there is no moral justification for the vision of the CEO becoming the future sought by the employee† But in order to overcome such situation the leaders agenda must be uplifting and as Burns said â€Å"Transforming leadership ultimately becomes moral in that it raises the level of human conduct and ethical aspiration of both leader and the led, and thus it has transforming effect on both†. Although Transformational leadership may be double – edged, however, with high moral values as ethics supported by both leader and led, the dark side is mitigated and forces for good are championed. Is there a Link between transformational leadership and Emotional intelligence? Transformational leadership has high emotional intelligence (EQ) and they often rely on it to motivate and transform their followers more than transactional and laissez-faire leaders Dr. Martin Luther king Jr. and Nelson Mandela are unique men who have had a similar, transformational effect upon their followers .They are able to turn their vision into reality .This is a power of emotional intelligence in leadership What Makes a teams so Successful The followings can be attributed to what makes teams to be successful or effective (Fast Company, 2000 Carl Moore) Moore groups them into Purpose, Context, Size, Membership, Leadership and Process, although from OB-Robbins Judge, Pg 344 it was brought into more focus model namely: Context, Composition, Work design and Process, Both idea are similar. Purpose The most essential ingredient of a successful team is a cause that everyone agrees on. That’s what spurs people on and drives them to excel. It is likely to be expressed as a â€Å"shared vision† or a â€Å"common goal.† The team members need to be driven by the team’s results, not by individual results. 2. Context One quality that most good teams share is the culture in which the team exists. Is the culture one that rewards groups? Is it one that rewards individuals? Or is it a culture where no one gets rewards? 3. Size Think small. Ideally, your team should have 7 to 9 people. If you have more than 15 or 20, you’re dead: the connections between team members are too hard to make. The team has to be as small as possible. 4. Membership No delegates. You don’t want people who have to take the team’s ideas back to someone else to get authorization. You want the decision-makers. The team has to be diverse. The team should be made up of people who think differently too. Current team members can’t be afraid of new talent or new ideas. New talent can force everyone to a higher level. A successful team has mutual respect among team members. If everyone on the team is able to say, â€Å"I can work with this person† about everyone else on the team, then you’ve got a good thing going. Selfish people doom a team effort. At the end of the day, team members have to like one another and they have to like what they’re doing. 5. Leadership A team works better when people are at ease with the leader. Members are more likely to say what’s on their minds. The team leader must always be on the lookout for distractions, tangents, and unproductive or ancillary issues. A good team leader will create an environment in which people can practice and make mistakes before they’re pressured to produce. A skilled leader will focus on managing the interactions between people, as opposed to managing individual behavior. That allows individuals to manage their own behavior. A good leader recognizes that everyone is competitive to some degree. There’s no need to stop people from competing, but that rivalry has to be channeled into cooperative competitiveness. The team leader is at the service of the group. It should be clear that the team members own the outcome. 6. Process Bring in a facilitator. Someone from the outside. A facilitator may be just what team members need to make the most of their diversity, and to help them overcome any personal agendas or conflicts. It takes shared space to create shared understandings. People will stick out an unpleasant assignment, but they won’t do it again. Don’t shortchange your startup. Take the time to understand what you’re going to do and how you’re going to deal with the possible bumps along the way. Are teams always the correct answer to organizational effectiveness? Teamwork are not always the best option for Organization to be effective, Some situations actually demand for the job to be done individually, therefore, before we conclude to implement teamwork in any given task we should carefully assess whether the work actually requires or will benefit from collective effoct.Robbins Judge in OB suggest that 3 test should be carryout to see if a team fits the situation namely: (1) Can the work be done better by more than one person? (2) Does the work create common purpose or goals and lastly are the members of the group interdependence, because team will only be more effective where there is interdependence between tasks to be carryout. Therefore, the benefit of using teams have to exceed the cost like time, resources, and conflict management that goes with it before it can be justifiable. How do you motivate a diverse team to achieve results? A team in a multicultural or diverse environment can be motivated through the following: 1. Recognize individual differences- for instance employee individual needs are different so is their culture, so we don’t have to treat them the same 2. Use goals and feedback- the set goals should be well known by the employee as well as feedback on attaining the goals 3. Allow Employee to participate in the Decisions That Affect them- such as work goal, benefit/rewards, etc that could motivate them and make them more commitment to work 4. Link Rewards to Performance-Approach to Rewards should be open and proportional to performance. 5.Check System for Equity- It should be seen has been justified with different in peoples performance as relate to experience,skill,abilities etc.(OB:Robbins Judge Pg 247) Bibliography organizational behavior. Organizational Behavior and Human Performance, 7: 467-505. NY: Xicom. Tosi, H.L., Rizzo, J.R., Carroll, S.J. 1986. Organizational Behavior. New York, OB Textbook by Stephen P.Robbins Timothy A. Judge 12 Edition Carl Moore, Fast Company, November 2000, What Makes Teams Successful thecommunitystore.com/pdf/resWHAT_MAKES_TEAMS_SUCCESSFUL.PDF TalentSmart, 2007. Whitepaper: Emotional Intelligence and Transformational Leadership by Dr.Travis Bradberry, Lac D.Su, and Saakshi Arora. Colonel Mark A.Homrig, 21 Dec, 2001: Transformational Leadership, Bass, Bernard M. and Paul Steidlmeier, â€Å"Ethics, Character, and Authentic Transformational Leadership,† Center for Leadership Studies, School of Management, Binghamton University, and Binghamton, NY. On-line. Internet, revised 24 September 1998. Available from http://cls.binghamton.edu/BassSteid.html. Research Papers on Transactional and Transformational LeadershipBringing Democracy to AfricaUnreasonable Searches and SeizuresMoral and Ethical Issues in Hiring New EmployeesOpen Architechture a white paperPETSTEL analysis of IndiaThe Project Managment Office SystemThree Concepts of PsychodynamicDefinition of Export QuotasBook Review on The Autobiography of Malcolm XEffects of Television Violence on Children

The Detrimental Effects of Illegal File Sharing Essay

The Detrimental Effects of Illegal File Sharing - Essay Example The thesis is not that clear, because it does not name all affected stakeholders. Original artists are not the only stakeholders affected. The essay mentioned other people who are also affected by piracy at the body, such as those involved in producing and distributing original music, but this is not part of the thesis. The thesis is arguable, because it can be contested. For instance, opponents of intellectual property rights can argue that file sharing can actually increase sales by expanding the distribution of music and enticing people to buy original copies. Each paragraph does not cover one idea, because it lacks topic sentences. The thesis has several points that would have been the topic sentences that could have guided the content or ideas of each paragraph. The paragraph on the motive of illegal file sharing should be removed, because it is not a detrimental impact of illegal file sharing. Each paragraph does not have a topic sentence and so its ideas are scattered, but they can still be connected to the thesis. For instance, one of the paragraphs started with: â€Å"Richard Waterman...logged the number of times Limewire users sought to download each of the files in a sample of one thousand eight hundred.†

Global Supply Chain Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Global Supply Chain Management - Essay Example This increased tendency of supermarkets selling fresh produce has been driven by consumer demand changes, particularly as the standard of living improves and consumer awareness regarding healthy living grows (Batt & Noonan, 2009: p95). Food has become one of the key measures of life quality, including how the consumers buy the food. Markets that sell produce with no quality guarantee and a poor environment cannot satisfy consumer demand, especially for those consumers pursuing a life of high quality. This type of consumer wants to purchase desirable food within an environment that they feel is comfortable. In the UK, produce markets have gradually given way to supermarkets, which is a reflection of consumer demand changes. Today, at least 80-95% of fresh produce is sold in groceries and supermarkets, which are also the biggest buyers of DGI’s produce, while the commercialization of fruit in the UK today stands at 90%, that of meat products at 50%, and vegetables and grain at o ver 30% (Batt & Noonan, 2009: p95). In such an environment, the traditional transactions involved in selling produce cannot satisfy production and selling of mass produce.   Supply chain management involves a chained process via which services, materials, organizations, and plans flow to the consumer/terminal user from the supplier. Xiao and Chen (2012: p792) contends that the strength and efficiency of the supply chain is always determined by the weakest link within the chain. Unlike traditional management of logistics.

The Future of Nursing in an Evolving Health Care System Essay

The Future of Nursing in an Evolving Health Care System - Essay Example Furthermore, it will make the population lose their trust on the healthcare system. The maturing nursing workforce, low unemployment, and the worldwide nature of this deficiency intensify the ordinary elements that help nursing deficiencies. In order to sustain change and a sufficient supply of nurses, arrangements must be made in few areas, i.e. training, health care frameworks, approaches, and regulations. There are two primary strategies that have been utilized to address the inconsistency between the supply and demand in nursing. These are expanded nursing system enlistment, and the importation of nurses from different countries. Apparently, these interventions have not been able to make any changes; given the desperate circumstances other countries nursing pools likewise impart (Janiszewski, 2003). As scientists analyze what inspires nurses to stay in their current workplaces, they have come up with the following: saw self-rule, workload, distinguishing, planning, administrations authority abilities, home obligations, and peer connections in the work environment affect a medical attendants choice to remain in duty (Kimball & ONeal, 2002). However, this shortage is not exclusively a nursings issue and obliges a community oriented exertion among nursing pioneers and health care administrators, government, and the

Water fluoridation

Water fluoridation ABSTRACT The safety and efficacy of water fluoridation has been a topic of great controversy throughout Americas communities. Scientific evidence has shown that ingesting low to moderate levels of fluoride can benefit the dental health of a community, especially those populations in a community that may be classified as having low socioeconomic status. Children in all areas, but especially those with low SES, are at greatest risk for developing dental caries and having a community water fluoridation program (CWFP) will help them reduce their dental caries. Moderation of fluoride ingestion for individuals is the key. Low to moderate daily ingestion of fluoride, averaging 1.0 mg/liter per day is optimum. Dental and skeletal fluorosis can occur if ingestion levels are greater than 3.0 mg/liter per day for long periods of time. This is a discussion on the safety and efficacy of water fluoridation. INTRODUCTION This commentary presents the on-going controversy on community water fluoridation in the United States, and I will attempt to analyze science-based evidence in support of water fluoridation. There have always been questions on the safety and efficacy of fluoride in drinking water, some school of thought believes that fluoridation has some adverse effects to exposed human populations, especially in infants and children. Another school of thought believes that water fluoridation is essential in preventing tooth decay, and therefore the practice should be sustained. According to the Center for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) water fluoridation is one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century in the United States (CDC, 1999), which is attributable for increased lifespan of Americans by 25 years ( Bunker et al., 1994). This paper will discuss science-based evidence that proves the efficacy and safety of water fluoridation among children as well as offer some reco mmendations to the various stakeholders. POSITION STATEMENT Water fluoridation is the adjustment of the concentration level to the optimally regulated level of which the naturally occurring fluoride presents in public or community drinking water supplies. In most cases, deflouridation is needed when the naturally occurring fluoride level exceeds recommended limits. The recommended fluoride concentration in drinking water by the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) is 0.7-1.2mg/L, to effectively prevent dental caries and minimize the occurrence of dental fluorosis (NRC, 2006). Low decay rates were found to be associated with continuous use of water with fluoride content of 1ppm (Meskin, 1995). There has been serious questions as to the efficacy of fluoride intervention in preventing both tooth decay, as it benefit is said to be merely cosmetic or topical (CDC, 1999). Such topical effect of fluoride can be achieved by the use tooth without the risking the overexposure from ingested fluoride (NRC, 2006). However, it has also been reported that fluor ide exposure provides both systemic and topical protection. Ingested fluoride deposited on tooth surface during tooth formation, and fluoride contained in saliva provides long-lasting systemic protection against booth tooth decay than topical application using tooth paste or fluoride foams (CDC, 2001). WHAT IS FLUORIDE Fluoride is a naturally occurring element. It is found in rocks and soil everywhere. Fluoride can be found in fresh water and ocean water. Naturally occurring fluoride levels ranges from 0.1ppm to over 12ppm (NRC, 2006).Fluoride is present in the customary diets of people and in most portable water sources. The average dietary intake of fluoride is approximately 0.5mg daily from either naturally occurring fluoride in the water or the fluoride found in produce. It is also a normal component of tooth enamel and bone studies have shown that the calcified tissues of both enamel and bone are made up of a combination of hydroxyl- and fluor-apatites of varying composition depending on the abundance of fluoride at the site of formation. These tissues are the principal sites of deposition of fluoride (NRC, 2006). HOW FLUORIDE PREVENTS AND CONTROLS DENTAL CARIES Dental caries is an infectious, transmissible disease in which bacterial by-products (i.e., acids) dissolve the hard surfaces of teeth. Unchecked, the bacteria can penetrate the dissolved surface, attack the underlying dentin, and reach the soft pulp tissue. Dental caries can result in loss of tooth structure, pain, and tooth loss and can progress to acute systemic infection. Cryogenic bacteria (i.e., bacteria that cause dental caries) reside in dental plaque, a sticky organic matrix of bacteria, food debris, dead mucosal cells, and salivary components that adheres to tooth enamel. Plaque also contains minerals, primarily calcium and phosphorus, as well as proteins, polysaccharides, carbohydrates, and lipids. Cryogenic bacteria colonize on tooth surfaces and produce polysaccharides that enhance adherence of the plaque to enamel. Left undisturbed, plaque will grow and harbor increasing numbers of cryogenic bacteria. An initial step in the formation of a carious lesion takes place when cryogenic bacteria in dental plaque metabolize a substrate from the diet (e.g., sugars and other fermentable carbohydrates) and the acid produced as a metabolic by-product demineralizes (i.e., begins to dissolve) the adjacent enamel crystal surface (CDC,2009). Demineralization involves the loss of calcium, phosphate, and carbonate. These minerals can be captured by surrounding plaque and be available for reuptake by the enamel surface. Fluoride, when present in the mouth, is also retained and concentrated in plaque. Fluoride works to control early dental caries in several ways. Fluoride concentrated in plaque and saliva inhibits the demineralization of sound enamel and enhances the remineralization (i.e., recovery) of demineralized enamel (Featherstone, 1999 Koulourides, 1990). As cryogenic bacteria metabolize carbohydrates and produce acid, fluoride is released from dental plaque in response to lowered pH at the tooth-plaque interface. The released fluoride and the fluoride present in saliva are then taken up, along with calcium and phosphate, by de-mineralized enamel to establish an improved enamel crystal structure. This improved structure is more acid resistant and contains more fluoride and less carbonate (Featherstone, 1999). Fluoride is more readily taken up by demineralized enamel than by sound enamel. Cycles of demineralization and remineralization continue throughout the lifetime of the tooth. Fluoride also inhibits dental caries by affecting the activity of cryogenic bacteria. As fluoride concentrates in dental plaque, it inhibits the process by which cryogenic bacteria metabolize carbohydrates to produce acid and affects bacterial production of adhesive polysaccharides. In laboratory studies, when a low concentration of fluoride is constantly present, one type of cryogenic bacteria, Streptococcus mutans, produces less acid. Whether this reduced acid production reduces the carcinogenicity of these bacteria in humans is unclear (Van Loveren, 1990). Saliva is a major carrier of topical fluoride. The concentration of fluoride in ductal saliva, as it is secreted from salivary glands, is low approximately 0.016 parts per million (ppm) in areas where drinking water is fluoridated and 0.006ppm in non fluoridated areas. This concentration of fluoride is not likely to affect cryogenic activity. However, drinking fluoridated water, brushing with fluoride toothpaste, or using other fluoride dental products can raise the concentration of fluoride in saliva present in the mouth 100- to 1,000-fold. The concentration returns to previous levels within 12 hours but, during this time, saliva serves as an important source of fluoride for concentration in plaque and for tooth remineralization (Murray,1993). Applying fluoride gel or other products containing a high concentration of fluoride to the teeth leaves a temporary layer of calcium fluoride-like material on the enamel surface. The fluoride in this material is released when the pH drops in the mouth in response to acid production and is available to remineralize enamel. In the earliest days of fluoride research, investigators hypothesized that fluoride affects enamel and inhibits dental caries only when incorporated into developing dental enamel (i.e., preeruptively, before the tooth erupts into the mouth) (Murray,1993). Evidence supports this hypothesis, but distinguishing a true preeruptive effect after teeth erupt into a mouth where topical fluoride exposure occurs regularly is difficult. However, a high fluoride concentration in sound enamel cannot alone explain the marked reduction in dental caries that fluoride produces . The prevalence of dental caries in a population is not inversely related to the concentration of fluoride in enamel, and a higher concentration of enamel fluoride is not necessarily more efficacious in preventing dental caries (Mcdonagh etal.,2000). The laboratory and epidemiologic research that has led to the better understanding of how fluoride prevents dental caries indicates that fluorides predominant effect is post eruptive and topical and that the effect depends on fluoride being in the right amount in the right place at the right time. Fluoride works primarily after teeth have erupted, especially when small amounts are maintained constantly in the mouth, specifically in dental plaque and saliva (Mcdonagh etal., 2000). Thus, adults also benefit from fluoride, rather than only children, as was previously assumed. RISK FOR DENTAL CARIES The prevalence and severity of dental caries in the United States have decreased substantially during the preceding 3 decades. National surveys have reported that the prevalence of any dental caries among children aged 1217 years declined from 90.4% in 19711974 to 67% in 19881991; severity (measured as the mean number of decayed, missing, or filled teeth) declined from 6.2 to 2.8 during this period (Burt, 1989). These decreases in caries prevalence and severity have been uneven across the general population; the burden of disease now is concentrated among certain groups and persons. For example, 80% of the dental caries in permanent teeth of U.S. children aged 517 years occurs among 25% of those children. Populations believed to be at increased risk for dental caries are those with low socioeconomic status (SES) or low levels of parental education, those who do not seek regular dental care, and those without dental insurance or access to dental services (Meskin,1995). Persons can be at high risk for dental caries even if they do not have these recognized factors. Children and adults who are at low risk for dental caries can maintain that status through frequent exposure to small amounts of fluoride (e.g., drinking fluoridated water and using fluoride toothpaste). Children and adults at high risk for dental caries might benefit from additional exposure to fluoride (e.g., mouth rinse, dietary supplements, and professionally applied products). All available information on risk factors should be considered before a group or person is identified as being at low or high risk for dental caries. However, when classification is uncertain, treating a person as high risk is prudent until further information or experience allows a more accurate assessment. This assumption increases the immediate cost of caries prevention or treatment and might increase the risk for enamel fluorosis for children aged NATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR FLUORIDE USE PHS recommendations for fluoride use include an optimally adjusted concentration of fluoride in community drinking water to maximize caries prevention and limit enamel fluorosis. This concentration ranges from 0.7ppm to 1.2ppm depending on the average maximum daily air temperature of the area (PHS, 1991). In 1991, PHS also issued policy and research recommendations for fluoride use. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which is responsible for the safety and quality of drinking water in the United States, sets a maximum allowable limit for fluoride in community drinking water at 4ppm and a secondary limit (i.e., non-enforceable guideline) at 2ppm (EPA,1998). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for approving prescription and over-the-counter fluoride products marketed in the United States and for setting standards for labeling bottled water and over-the-counter fluoride products (e.g., toothpaste and mouth rinse) (ADA,2007). Nonfederal agencies also have published guidelines on fluoride use. The American Dental Association (ADA) reviews fluoride products for caries prevention through its voluntary Seal of Acceptance program; accepted products are listed in the ADA Guide to Dental Therapeutics (ADA, 2007). A dosage schedule for fluoride supplements for infants and children aged 16 years, which is scaled to the fluoride concentration in the community drinking water, has been jointly recommended by ADA, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) (Meskin,1995). In 1997, the Institute of Medicine published age-specific recommendations for total dietary intake of fluoride. These recommendations list adequate intake to prevent dental caries and tolerable upper intake, defined as a level unlikely to pose risk for adverse effects in almost all persons. COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF FLUORIDE MODALITIES Documented effectiveness is the most basic requirement for providing a health-care service and an important prerequisite for preventive services (e.g., caries-preventive modalities). However, effectiveness alone is not a sufficient reason to initiate a service. Other factors, including cost, must be considered. A modality is more cost-effective when deemed a less expensive way, from among competing alternatives, of meeting a stated objective (Garcia,1989). In public health planning, determination of the most cost-effective alternative for prevention is essential to using scarce resources efficiently. Dental-insurance carriers are also interested in cost-effectiveness so they can help purchasers use funds efficiently. Because half of dental expenditures are out of pocket (Garcia, 1989), this topic interests patients and their dentists as well. Potential improvement to quality of life is also a consideration. The contribution of a healthy dentition to quality of life at any age has not been quantified, but is probably valued by most persons. Although solid data on the cost-effectiveness of fluoride modalities alone and in combination are needed, this information is scarce. In 1989, the Cost Effectiveness of Caries Prevention in Dental Public Health workshop, which was attended by health economists, epidemiologists, and dental public health professionals, attempted to assess the cost-effectiveness of caries-preventive approaches available in the United States (Downer et al., 1981). Community Water Fluoridation Health economists at the 1989 workshop on cost-effectiveness of caries prevention calculated that the average annual cost of water fluoridation in the United States was $0.51 per person (range: $0.12$5.41) (Burt, 1989). In 1999 dollars, this cost would be $0.72 per person (range: $0.17$7.62). Factors reported to influence the per capita cost included: size of the community (the larger the population reached, the lower the per capita cost); number of fluoride injection points in the water supply system; amount and type of system feeder and monitoring equipment used; amount and type of fluoride chemical used, its price, and its costs of transportation and storage; and expertise of personnel at the water plant. When the effects of caries are repaired, the price of the restoration is based on the number of tooth surfaces affected. A tooth can have caries at >1 location (i.e., surface), so the number of surfaces saved is a more appropriate measure in calculating cost-effectiveness than the number of teeth with caries. The 1989 workshop participants concluded that water fluoridation is one of the few public health measures that results in true cost savings (i.e., the measure saves more money than it costs to operate); in the United States, water fluoridation cost an estimated average of $3.35 per carious surface saved ($4.71 in 1999 dollars). Even under the least favorable assumptions in 1989 (i.e., cities with populations A Scottish study conducted in 1980 reported that community water fluoridation resulted in a 49% saving in dental treatment costs for children aged 45 years and a 54% saving for children aged 1112 years (Downer et al., 1981). These savings were maintained even after the secular decline in the prevalence of dental caries was recognized. The effect of community water fluoridation on the costs of dental care for adults is less clear. This topic cannot be fully explored until the generations who grew up drinking optimally fluoridated water are older. School Water Fluoridation Costs for school water fluoridation are similar to those of any public water supply system serving a small population (i.e., Assessment of the Adverse Health Effects of fluoride Evidence of the adverse health effects of prolonged exposure to high concentrations of fluoride are well documented by several peer reviewed studies, which are examined in this paper. Higher concentrations of total ingested fluoride from potential sources like drinking water, food and beverages, dental-hygiene products such as toothpaste, and pesticide residues can have adverse health effects on humans (NRC, 2006). Some of the adverse health effects of fluoride in drinking water are enamel fluorosis, skeletal fluorosis, bone cancer and bone fracture. (NRC, 2006, PHS, 1991). Fluorosis is caused mainly by the ingestion of fluoride in drinking water (Viswanathan et al., 2009). Fluoride has high binding affinity for developing enamel and as such high concentration of cumulative fluoride during tooth formation can lead to enamel fluorosis, a dental condition from mild to severe form characterized by brown stains, enamel loss and surface pitting (DenBesten Thariani, 1992). These dental ef fects are believed to be caused by the effects of fluoride on the breakdown rates of early-secreted matrix proteins, and on the rates at which the degraded by-products are withdrawn from the maturing enamel (Aoba Fejerskov, 2002). Children are much more at risk of enamel fluorosis, especially in their critical period from 6 to 8 years of age, than adults. Fluoride uptake into enamel is possible only as a result of concomitant enamel dissolution, such as caries development (Fejerskov, Larsen, Richards, Baelum, 1994). There is a 10% prevalence of enamel fluorosis among U.S. children in communities with water fluoride concentrations at or near the EPAs MCLG of 4 mg/L (NRC, 2006). The CDC estimates that 32% of U.S. children are diagnosed with dental fluorosis (CDC, 2005). Today, there are convincing evidence that enamel fluorosis is a toxic effect of fluoride intake, and that its severe forms can produce adverse dental effects, and not just adverse cosmetic effects in humans (NRC, 200 6). Burt and Eklund (1999) states: â€Å"The most severe forms of fluorosis manifest as heavily stained, pitted, and friable enamel that can result in loss of dental function†. Epidemiological data from both observational and clinical studies have been examined. Sowers, Whitford, Clark Jannausch (2005) investigated prospectively for four years bone fracture in relation to fluoride concentrations in drinking water in a cohort study, by measuring serum fluoride concentrations and bone density of the hip, radius, and spine. The authors reported higher serum fluoride concentrations in the communities with fluoride concentrations at 4 mg/L in drinking water; and higher osteoporotic fracture rates in the high fluoride areas that were similar to those in their previous studies in 1986 and 1991. It is unclear in their recent study whether existing factors in the population like smoking rates, hormone replacement and physical activity were examined as potential cofounders for fractures. Fasting serum fluoride concentrations are considered a good measure of long-term exposure and of bone fluoride concentrations (Whitford, 1994; Clarkson et al., 2000). Findings by t he Sowers studies were complemented in several ways by Li et al. (2001) in a retrospective cohort ecologic study. The combined findings of Sowers et al. (2005) and Li et al., (2001) lend support to the biological gradients of exposures and fracture risk between 1 and 4 mg/L of fluoride concentration. Evidently, the physiological effect of fluoride on â€Å"bone quality† and the fractures observed in the referenced animal studies are consistent with the effects found in the observational studies. RECOMMENDATIONS Before promoting a fluoride modality or combination of modalities, the dental-care or other health-care provider must consider a persons or groups risk for dental caries, current use of other fluoride sources, and potential for enamel fluorosis. Although these recommendations are based on assessments of caries risk as low or high, the health-care provider might also differentiate among patients at high risk and provide more intensive interventions as needed. Also, a risk category can change over time; the type and frequency of preventive interventions should be adjusted accordingly. Continue and Extend Fluoridation of Community Drinking Water Community water fluoridation is a safe, effective, and inexpensive way to prevent dental caries. This modality benefits persons in all age groups and of all SES, including those difficult to reach through other public health programs and private dental care (CDC, 2001a). Community water fluoridation also is the most cost-effective way to prevent tooth decay among populations living in areas with adequate community water supply systems. Continuation of community water fluoridation for these populations and its adoption in additional U.S. communities are the foundation for sound caries-prevention programs. In contrast, the appropriateness of fluoridating stand-alone water systems that supply individual schools is limited. Widespread use of fluoride toothpaste, availability of other fluoride modalities that can be delivered in the school setting, and the current environment of low caries prevalence limit the appropriateness of fluoridating school drinking water at 4.5 times the optimal concentration for community drinking water. Decisions to initiate or continue school fluoridation programs should be based on an assessment of present caries risk in the target school(s), alternative preventive modalities that might be available, and periodic evaluation of program effectiveness (CDC, 2001a). Frequently Use Small Amounts of Fluoride All persons should receive frequent exposure to small amounts of fluoride, which minimizes dental caries by inhibiting demineralization of tooth enamel and facilitating tooth remineralization. This exposure can be readily accomplished by drinking water with an optimal fluoride concentration and brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice daily(CDC, 2001a). Supervise Use of Fluoride Toothpaste among Children Aged Childrens teeth should be cleaned daily from the time the teeth erupt in the mouth. Parents and caregivers should consult a dentist or other health-care provider before introducing a child aged Use an Alternative Source of Water for Children Aged 8 Years Whose Primary Drinking Water Contains >2 ppm Fluoride In some regions in the United States, community water supply systems and home wells contain a natural concentration of fluoride >2ppm. At this concentration, children aged 8 years are at increased risk for developing enamel fluorosis, including the moderate and severe forms, and should have an alternative source of drinking water, preferably one containing fluoride at an optimal concentration. In areas where community water supply systems contain >2ppm but 8 years. For families receiving water from home wells, testing is necessary to determine the natural fluoride concentration (CDC, 2001a). Label the Fluoride Concentration of Bottled Water Producers of bottled water should label the fluoride concentration of their products. Such labeling will allow consumers to make informed decisions and dentists, dental hygienists, and other health-care professionals to appropriately advise patients regarding fluoride intake and use of fluoride products (CDC, 2001). CONCLUDING POSITION STATEMENT When used appropriately, fluoride is a safe and effective agent that can be used to prevent and control dental caries. Fluoride has contributed profoundly to the improved dental health of persons in the United States and other countries. Fluoride is needed regularly throughout life to protect teeth against tooth decay. To ensure additional gains in oral health, water fluoridation should be extended to additional communities, and fluoride toothpaste should be used widely. Adoption of these and other recommendations in this paper could lead to considerable savings in public and private resources without compromising fluorides substantial benefit of improved dental health. What is consistent from the literature review is the fact that infants and children are much more at risk of overexposure and the development of adverse health effects. A community water fluoridation program (CWFP) is very safe and efficient, not only in terms of reducing dental caries, but also on the communitys budg et (CDC, 2001a). A CWFP can especially help those communities who have populations in the low SES category. These populations have children whose parents or guardians dont always have access to dental insurance and so regular dental checkups to curb the dental caries is not always an option. Reducing dental caries before they lead into more extreme oral morbidity can be very beneficial to these children. Implementing a fluoridated water program can also be beneficial to a whole community in terms of saving communities thousands and millions of dollars. Implementing a water program would follow strict guidelines set by the EPA, so the optimum level of fluoride would be followed, staying in the range of 0.7 to 1.2, where people would ingest no more than an average of 1 mg/liter of fluoride per day. Moderation is the key. There are studies confirming that ingestion of fluoride greater than the optimum level could produce dental fluorosis. Though unconfirmed by studies, individual reports have even suggested that ingestion of fluoride >8 mg/liter per day over a long period of time could produce skeletal fluorosis. However, with proper surveillance and reporting of fluoride in water systems, the greater population could be served, increasing the dental health of all individuals, especially the youth and saving dollars from excessive health care costs (ADA, 2009). Remember, a little prevention now can go a long way later. REFERENCES ADA (2005).Fluoridation Facts: ADA statement commemorating the 60th anniversary of community water fluoridation. Retrieved October 19, 2009 from www.ada.org/public/topics/fluoride/facts/fluoridation_facts.pdf ADA.(2007). ADA Guidelines to Dental Therapeutics. Retrieved October 23, 2009 from http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/pubs/advocacy.asp ADA (2009). Fluoride: Natures tooth decay fighter. J of the Am. Dental Ass., 140(1), 126-126. Alphajoh, C.(2009). (PhD Student). Service Learning Activity: Environmental Health. Walden University. Assessed November 13, 2009 from http://environmentalhealthtoday.wordpress.com/2009/05/13/commentary-and-position-statement-on-the-safety-and-efficacy-of-water-fluoridation/ Aoba, T., Fejerskov, O. (2002). Dental fluorosis: Chemistry and biology. Crit. Rev. Oral. Biol. Med., 13(2), 155-170. Bowden, G.(1990). Effects of fluoride on the microbial ecology of dental plaque. J Dent Res 1990; 69(special issue):653—9 Brunelle, J.(1987. The prevalence of dental fluorosis in U.S. children. J Dent Res.(Special issue) 68:995. Bunker, J.P., Frazier, H.S., Mosteller, F. (1994). Improving health: measuring effects of medical care. Milbank Quarterly,72, 225-58. Burt, B. (1989).(Ed.). Proceedings for the workshop: Cost-effectiveness of caries prevention in dental public health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, May 1719, 1989. J Public Health Dent 1989; 49(special issue):3317. Burt, B.A., Eklund, S.A. (1999). Dentistry, dental practice, and the community. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: WB Saunders Company, 204-20. CDC (1999). Ten great public health achievements United States, 1900 1999. MMWR,48(12), 214-243. CDC (2001a). Promoting oral health: intervention for preventing dental caries, oral and pharyngeal cancers and sport-related craniofacial injuries a report on recommendations of the Task Force on Community Preventive Services. MMWR 2001, 50(21), 1-12. CDC. (2001). Recommendations for using fluorideto prevent and control dental

Deception Essay -- essays research papers

Deception   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Whether conducted by the patrol officer, the victim’s advocate, the prosecutor or the investigator assigned to a special unit in the criminal investigation division, the interview of a victim, witness, suspect or informant is a critical element of any investigation. Precious resources in the form of man power, money, time and equipment can be wasted because of the failure of the interviewer to conduct a complete interview and accurately evaluate the credibility of the information gained from the subject interviewed.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As a part of the three pillars of the criminal investigative process, a thorough and complete interview provides greater insight into the psychological elements of the suspect or even victim’s behaviors during the commission of the crime. The interview can also provide understanding of and give a clear definition to the evidence isolated by the forensic investigation of the case. In spite of its importance however, the value of the interview alone can be nil without the psychological and forensic pillars. By the same token a poorly executed interview along with a flawed effort to assess credibility can degrade if not destroy the efforts in the forensic and psychological portions of the investigation and any subsequent prosecution.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A complete and successful interview will almost always be characterized by four basic elements: orientation, narration, cross-examination and resolution. In its own way, each of these four elements is unique and accomplishes specific goals. Without all four elements no interview will be complete. Orientation is accomplished on both an overt and covert level. Overtly the function of the orientation period is to establish some form of dialogue with the subject being interviewed. This can be achieved through personal introductions and possibly some form of brief light conversation if conditions and time permit. It is also the period during which the interviewer advises the subject as to the purpose of the interview, its importance, and the necessity to be totally forthcoming, honest and cooperative. Granted in many cases this is not going to be a socially comfortable situation nor will it always intended to be so. Covertly the objective of the investigative interviewer to establish some form of understanding of the person b... ...alysis of the subject’s narrative nor will they be effective at unlocking the truth during the cross-examination phase.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The final element of a successful interview will be the â€Å"resolution† phase. It is during this portion of the interview that the subject after effective cross-examination acknowledges their responsibility in the commission of the act or in the least that they had a motive to at least deliberately lead or outright lie to the interviewer. For these acts they must accept the consequences and provide truthful information to the interviewer.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It is through a â€Å"narrative based† interview that the investigative interviewer will be able to obtain the largest quantity of information as well as the highest quality. Without dedication by the investigator to attain these goals their efforts in the psychological assessment and the forensic identification, collection, preservation and analysis may suffer severely and ultimately the satisfactory conclusion of their case. Invariably there will also be only one real good opportunity to achieve these goals. It is imperative that the interviewer gets it right the first time.