Vioxx and Merck & Co. Essay -- essays research papers

Vioxx/Merck Summary The painkiller Vioxx was introduced in 1999 by Merck & Co. It has been used by over 20 million Americans since it was put on the market. Vioxx remained on the market for approximately five years without adequate warnings about its risks. In September of 2004, Merck took Vioxx off the market after a study revealed that it doubled the risk of heart attack or stroke for patients that used it for more than 18 months. Although Merck claimed that they had no idea of these possibly lethal side effects, some internal documents imply that they had been aware of the problem for years and had not made moves to change it. Over 300 lawsuits have been filed against Merck, and it is expected that thousands more will arise.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Further studies were conducted on the drug, but Merck adamantly fought Vioxx findings. Even thou Merck funded and agreed with the design of the study, it publicly discredited its findings. Other reports showed that in older patients, Vioxx made no provide as much protection as it is expected to. One study links Vioxx to 88,000 to140,000 cases of heart disease. Most of this information had been kept private for quite a long time.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Despite the obvious health risks, in February of 2005, government advisers concluded that the benefits of Vioxx outweighed the dangers and that it was the patients decision whether or not to keep using the drugs. They stated that the prescription products should ... Vioxx and Merck & Co. Essay -- essays research papers Vioxx/Merck Summary The painkiller Vioxx was introduced in 1999 by Merck & Co. It has been used by over 20 million Americans since it was put on the market. Vioxx remained on the market for approximately five years without adequate warnings about its risks. In September of 2004, Merck took Vioxx off the market after a study revealed that it doubled the risk of heart attack or stroke for patients that used it for more than 18 months. Although Merck claimed that they had no idea of these possibly lethal side effects, some internal documents imply that they had been aware of the problem for years and had not made moves to change it. Over 300 lawsuits have been filed against Merck, and it is expected that thousands more will arise.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Further studies were conducted on the drug, but Merck adamantly fought Vioxx findings. Even thou Merck funded and agreed with the design of the study, it publicly discredited its findings. Other reports showed that in older patients, Vioxx made no provide as much protection as it is expected to. One study links Vioxx to 88,000 to140,000 cases of heart disease. Most of this information had been kept private for quite a long time.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Despite the obvious health risks, in February of 2005, government advisers concluded that the benefits of Vioxx outweighed the dangers and that it was the patients decision whether or not to keep using the drugs. They stated that the prescription products should ...

Importance of Teachers Essay

A REFLECTION ON THE IMPORTANCE OF TEACHER’S INVOLVEMENT IN CURRICULUM PLANNING Recent studies in the United States shown that curriculum implementation can only be successful if teachers and communities are involved in the development and implementation of curriculum and structural changes.(Arend Carl, 2005) While addressing the need of the learners which is the primary concern of the curriculum, teachers should be one of the principal role-players in the process of addressing these challenges. The question is: Are they allowed to participate in the process, and if they do participate, what is the nature of their involvement? Within the context of the curriculum changes in education cited in the text, stringent demands are being made on teachers. This process of continuous change has not yet stabilized however and therefore it is imperative that there should be dialogue about what is expected of teachers when it is suggested that they should be â€Å"more involved in curriculum development†. More often, teachers, especially in the public school system in our country indicated that they, for the most part excluded from participation in curriculum development at curriculum levels outside the classroom. Their perception was that, although they were the subject and/or learning area specialists, little attention, if any, was given to their â€Å"voice† — they were only involved in the implementation of the new curriculum. And this is also what is indicated in the context of the situation in the story that was presented the previous meeting. This has created the impression that teachers operate solely within the context of the school and the classroom, making this seem the only place where they can make a contribution to the curriculum. Contributions from the teachers are seldom acknowledged just like in the situation cited, so that, a perception often held by teachers is that the curriculum is developed â€Å"elsewhere† so that they simply need some guidance for the†¦

Radioactive Isotopes

Radioactive Isotopes An isotope is one of two or more atoms with the same number of protons, and position in the periodic table, but different number of neutrons and physical properties. Isotopes have an unstable nucleus that decay suddenly by a release of nuclear electrons and radiation. This essay will be discussing one of the applications and uses of the radioactive isotopes, and it will also state one problem that radioactive isotopes can address. The radiation characteristically meet four kinds: alpha radiation, beta radiation, gamma radiation and x radiation.Alpha radiation is weighty, that includes a very-short variety element and is in fact a homeless helium nucleus. Some examples of alpha radiation are radium, radon, uranium, and thorium. Beta radiation is weightless, has short-range particles and is in fact a cast out electron; some examples of beta radiation are strontium -90, carbon-14, tritium, and sulphur-35. Gamma and x radiation are extremely incisive electromagnetic rays. One of the problems I’ll be discussing and is actually solved by radioactive isotopes is a cancer cell.Radiation therapy draws on high-energy radiation to damage on cancer cells by damaging their DNA, unfortunately it can also damage normal cells, so as a result the treatment must be circumspectly designed to reduce side effects. X rays offers huge advantages, counting the previous discovery of cancer and the opportunity of premature action, their use is linked with minute improves in cancer danger. In attendance the agreement vision is the profit of showing women over 50 years old, ignorantly prevail over the associated risks due to radiation experience.Typical effective doses from diagnostic medical exposures in the 1990s Diagnostic procedure | Typical effective does in millisieverts | Equivalent number of chest x-rays| Approximate equivalent period of natural background radiation (1)| X ray examination: -| Limbs and joints (except hip)|

Health Hazards of Using Excessive Computers

Computers are very important and help us in many ways but they can also cause us problems. Some of the problems are,backache which is caused by improper sitting posture and can be prevented by sitting upright with your back resting on the backrest chair. The other problem is eye strain which can be caused by radiations emitted by the monitor and can be prevented by regulating the amount of light from the monitor and avoid using a flickering monitor. A neck ache is caused by putting the monitor above the eye level and can be avoided by positioning your monitor on the same level with your eyes.The Risks With the increase in computer use, a number of health and safety concerns related to vision and body aches and pains have arisen. Many problems with computer use are temporary and can be resolved by adopting simple corrective action. Most problems related to computer use are completely preventable. However it is important to seek prompt medical attention if you do experience symptoms in cluding: * continual or recurring discomfort * aches and pains * throbbing * tingling numbness * burning sensation * or stiffness Seek help even if symptoms occur when you are not working at your computer. Laptop computers can present particular problems due to small screens, keyboards and inbuilt pointing devices (e. g. a small portable mouse or touchpad). Prolonged use of laptops should be avoided. If using a laptop as a main computer (i. e. use as a normal desktop computer in addition to use as a portable), it is advisable to use the laptop with a docking station.This allows an ordinary mouse, keyboard and monitor to be used with the laptop. The main risks associated with using computers include: * Musculoskeletal problems * Eye strain and a greater awareness of existing eye problems Rashes and other skin complaints have also been reported, although it is thought these are caused by the dry atmosphere and static electricity associated with display units rather then by the display units themselves. There are potential risks from radiation though this is a contentious area. Musculoskeletal problemsThese can range from general aches and pains to more serious problems and include: * Upper limb disorders such as repetitive strain injury (RSI) tenosynovitis and carpal tunnel syndrome – by far the most important as it can quickly lead to permanent incapacity * Back and neck pain and discomfort * Tension stress headaches and related ailments These types of problem can be caused by: * Maintaining an unnatural or unhealthy posture while using the computer * Inadequate lower back support * Sitting in the same position for an extended period of time * An ergonomically poor workstation set upEye strain Computer users can experience a number of symptoms related to vision including: * Visual fatigue * Blurred or double vision * Burning and watering eyes * Headaches and frequent changes in prescription glasses Computer work hasn't been proven to cause permanent eye damage, but the temporary discomfort that may occur can reduce productivity, cause lost work time and reduce job satisfaction. Eye problems are usually the result of visual fatigue or glare from bright windows or strong light sources, light reflecting off the display screen or poor display screen contrast.

Comparing and Contrasting Keynesian & Classical Economics Essay

Economics studies the monetary policy of a government and other information using mathematical or statistical calculations. Fiscal information is analyzed in order to make judgments and inferences from the information provided. There are two economic schools of thought which take different approaches to the economic study of monetary policy, consumer behavior and government spending. Basic Theory (Paragraph 2): This paragraph outlines major some of the differences between Classical and Keynesian economic theories. Classical theorist were rooted in the concept of Laissez faire market which requires little to no government intervention and allows individuals to make decisions, unlike Keynesian economics, where the public and government is heavily involvement in the decision making process in regards to economics. Classical economists also used the value of objects to determine prices in the market unlike Keynesians who believed that the demand was what influenced the market. Keynesians also relies heavily on the theory that the nation’s monetary policy can affect a company’s economy. Government Spending (Paragraph 3): Classical economists do not believe that government spending has a major impact on the nation’s economic growth, yet that consumer spending and business investments had more of an impact. Classical economists believed that government spending would stunt the economy’s growth by increasing the public sector and decreasing the private sector. In contrast, Keynesian economist did in fact believe that consumer spending and business investments helped the economy, but also believed that government spending played an important role in boosting and could possibly even take the place of the former and still continue to result in economic growth. Short vs. Long-term Affects (Paragraph 4): Classical economists focused on creating long term solution for economic problems. They take into account the effects of inflation, government regulation, taxes. They also consider how current policies and new economic theory will distort the free market environment. Keynesian economics focus more on immediate results in economic theories. Keynesians focus on short-term needs as well as policies, and consider how the result can affect the economy immediately.

Discuss the Advantages and Disadvantages for Taiwan of Closer Essay

Discuss the Advantages and Disadvantages for Taiwan of Closer Cross-Strait Economic Relations - Essay Example Even the growth that is boosted by the economic affiliation does not reduce the threats and political confrontation between these two countries. As this relationship between the two politically contravening countries turn to the extent of interdependency upon each other, significant threats are perceived on the part of Taiwan. The country considers the economic interdependency with China as dangerous to its political sovereignty and prosperity because of traditional conflicts. However, it is not easy for the country to revert its trade relations with China due to the support it provides to the economic development of the country. Understandably, this association is not only beneficial for China but also for Taiwan. This paper examines the advantages of this economic relationship in the perspective of both the countries and investigates the threats as perceived by Taiwan concerning the political future of the country. The trade and investment relations between China and Taiwan happen to have been initiated and promoted by a wide variety of economic as well as environmental factors. Roy (2004, p2) suggests that â€Å"the forces propelling cross-Strait economic relations are obvious: close geographic proximity, a common language and culture, and in some cases ancestral ties†. The major factors responsible for rising cross Strait relationship are the strong cultural and social bonds shared by the two countries. People tend to communicate with each other with great ease and geographical location of these countries is also favourable for closer trading activities. These are some environmental factors that could be deemed as the ones driving staunch economic relationship between China and Taiwan. However, this does not tend to be the only reason behind the growing economic relations between the two countries. There happen to be

Ordinary Courage Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Ordinary Courage - Essay Example The army was originally created on June 14, 1775, and most of the Continental Army was disbanded on November 3, 1783 after the treaty of Paris. A small residual force continued at West Point and some other frontier outposts, until Congress created the United States Army by their resolution of June 3, 1784. Joseph Plumb Martin truly and personally understood how difficult the soldier’s life was. After joining the militia himself in 1776 at 16 years old Joseph Plumb Martin served in the Continental Army, and in 1830 wrote a memoir which presented a truthful portrait of war, about the traversing of the mid-Atlantic colonies, from Connecticut over to Pennsylvania and down through Delaware with his compatriots, and describing what the war was like from the point of view of an ordinary person. Joseph Plumb Martin (1760-1850), it should be noted, was a mere Private in the army, and his account does not involve the usual heroes of the Revolution. Joseph Plumb Martin’s opinion of the leadership of the Continental Army is somewhat negative, in that he did not feel the leaders held very idealistic concepts concerning the war. However he tells that he respected them in that he found them to be brave and courageous, as he thought everyone who had participation in (that) war was; that it was their strength and perseverance which held the men strong. So although he did believe they were a quintessential part in the leading, fighting, and success of the war, I believe that he also somewhat felt negatively towards them. Martin felt that they were â€Å"†¦very austere†¦and kept us constantly employed day and night; there was no chance of escaping from†¦their†¦vigilance.† (p.24). Martin describes of the suffering that was experienced by himself and his fellow men, as he names ‘Fatigue, hunger, and cold’ as constant companions to these raggedy soldiers. He also recalls that whenever the leaves and