Issues with Cameras and Privacy in Modern Day Technology

fill ins with Cameras and Privacy in contemporary Day TechnologyScam CamsNick DoranIntroduction and Significance of IssueAs a citizen, authoritiesal laws c entirely for al right smarts played a major role in the way we conduct ourselves. Whether its when we balloting or when we gravel down in our car to travel, they always kick in a say or way to regulate us. When it comes to the motor vehicle, cosmosness a daily driver of suburban and urban atomic number 18as be nerve-wracking enough. Within the last few years, the government has introduced a new X-factor create m any drivers anxiety and even possibly altering a drivers ability to occasion their own intuition on being safe and respectful. This new x-factor can come in several forms of concern violation television photographic cameras. The increasing number of cameras being put into install raises concerns. Having a camera on every street command leads to concerns ab step forward cover and overreaching by the g overnment in its ability to monitor the movements of community. brain worse, the accuracy and efficacy of these cameras can be cal sparkle-emitting diode into question, meaning this incursion of covert does not even have tangible benefits. These cameras argon truly an cry verboten of power by the government, and are an unethical used of engineering science in our society.A topic that people are very reluctant to incarnate is how agilely engine room has advanced in the recent years. Of course the volume of our society is up to date with the latest version of the iPh iodine or the newest puzzle of Dr. Dre Beats head send fors, nevertheless not more than people take a second and look around to realize that everything they do from the minute they heat up, to the minute they go to sleep is being monitored. Regardless if its the government monitoring them or a computer hacker sitting in his or her basement, your activity and whereabouts are being watched. With every inst allment of a profession violation camera, another pair of virtual eyes is ceremony you. The most common cameras that are being used are reddish Light Cameras and speed up Limit Enforcers. Currently, being used in small numbers are Bus Lane Cameras and Stop Sign Cameras.With so many flaws in this growing form of cameras, how can we possibly sit back and give away our mightily to privacy?True answerThe true reasoning behind the outbreak of these cameras is pretty obvious, receipts. Both suppose and local government are defending these allegations by claiming that the cameras are for safety. jibe to the local government of Chicago Red Light Camera Enforcement is de contracted to add safety on Chicago streets. Cities across the country, and throughout the world, have been using the applied science for many years. (Red Light Camera Enforcement). While this demurral seems nice on the surface, many studies have actually shown an increase in rear end collisions due to red ligh t cameras. Drivers are adequate so indecisive and hesitant the roads are becoming more dangerous. Many drivers are slamming on their breaks when the light turns from yellow to green out of veneration of a camera flash following a fine, causing the car behind them to slam into the back of their car. It was found that in authentic areas, the yellow light time was actually decreased, often below sub judice limit, in order to increase the amount of red light arrive atenders. The increase in offenders clearly resulted in greater revenue to the government that issued the cameras. When the purpose of increased safety is proven wrong and local governments much(prenominal) as Suffolk County, NY are estimated $6.8 gazillion a year (Brown, J. 2014), it becomes evident that the dollar sign greatly out weights the cameras intended purpose of safety. In retrospect, an extra $6.8 million a year to the county may seem nice, a better plan should be put in place to raise these funds. This plan of traffic violation revenue seems more uniform a way of pickings advantage of a poorly handled situation to force a quick fix of cash. Many individuals and organizations are fed up with these scamras (Werner, A 2012) and are leading undefeated oppositions of the use of cameras. Brothers Michael and Paul Kubosh led a successful rebellion against red light cameras in Houston. The city alikek the cameras down more than a year ago. The brothers say the only reason cities install the cameras in is to make m one(a)y. Its estimated that Houston earned $44 million during the four years the cameras were operating. (Werner,A. 2012). thither is no denying that the facts are in the numbers, these cameras are 100% appealing to anyone who quite an focus on making money off others mistakes and than protecting us. make a face for the CameraHave you ever looked up on your way out of a securities industry store and saw a flat screen television with multiple camera angles of you being dis played? Some may weigh well, the store has a right to write out if roundones stealing from them, while others may feel uneasy that they are being enter in their pajama pants. Now think about all the other aspects of your sprightliness could have been learned from the time you woke up to the time you walked out of the grocery store by the government or any person or agency with hacking abilities. An outburst of use of Instagram, Twitter and Facebook on your smart phone early in the morning may suggest the time you woke up. The pictures you like and comment on suggest your interests. Software has the ability to turn your smartphone camera on and see through it from 100 miles away. Your neighbors security camera catches you go out of your motility door without locking it behind you. Now you light into your car, and every intersection from your home to the store has a camera on it. The cameras know the route you choose to the store, the make, model, color, year and licenses plat e of your car youre in, if youre in the car alone or with your kids, and if the camera takes exalted quality images, it may be able to recognize a wedding ceremony band on your finger thats wrapped around your counsel wheel determining if you are married or not. Dont forget the security camera on the way out of the grocery store that recorded you forgetting to get milk. You may ask, whats the big plenty if the little old lady whole mails me my ticket gets to see pictures and a video of me in my car? The problem is anyone who wants those images badly enough, can get a hold of them. With most new red light camera systems, they are recording video 24/7, meaning all drivers (not scarce red light runners) are being recorded at all times. The video and still images are stored on privately owned computers servers without any verifiable audit trail of when the video is deleted. Meaning that it is unclear to what unfeignedly happens to all this information. As a society, where do we dr aw the line to this invasion of our privacy by our governments?Its Almost Always AccurateIn todays age we rely heavily on technology and it is safe to say, it doesnt always work. Technology must be maintained, updated and sometimes restored. Sometimes it can even be defective from the start, a coke occurred in 2003 when one vendor, who subsequently went out of business, was found to have provided equipment that was inaccurate. This led to negative publicity, suspension of camera use at three sites, and reimbursements of fines and fracture points to about 90,000 motorists. (Delany, A. 2005) This is just one of many cases in which this system has failed right off the bat resulting in false accusations to a crime. Many of these cameras are recommended by manufactures, to have regular inspections by specialized technicians. A pretermit system can result in similar outcomes as the one stated above. It seems that whatever department assigned to maintain these cameras, often does not. R esulting in thousands of issued tickets to many innocent citizens that are invalid. Another case of this failed use of technology occurred in Chicago when their camera vendor, Redflex, was fundamentally deficient, with little supervision such poor record-keeping that it is difficult to determine why the number of tickets issued spiked during period, as first reported by the Chicago Tribune. Reflexes mishaps with one detector at the intersection of Kimball, Lincoln and McCormick avenues was largely nonfunctional for years, meaning that the broken system may have failed to have identify as many as 45,444 violations over a four-and-a-half-year period. With an uneducated society on this abuse of technology we quickly pull out are checkbooks to pay off these fines onwards a warrant is issued to the offender. We are forced to act out of fear rather than fighting for what is wrong and right.Psychology is Stronger then LawAlthough many issues are raised in the numerous and constant debates on the revenue-raising aspects of upper enforcements, one key area of knowledge that can shed some light on it has yet to be highlighted, especially in the investigate literature. Do we really take aim to catch offenders to be effective? chamberpot crashes be reduced simply by the posture of police enforcement without the need to issue tickets? Previous research has shown that even plywood replicas of police cars had an effect on driver behavior (Baker and Lawder, 1968) and simply giving a ideal also had an effect on driver speed (Ennis, 1967). If the mere presence of police is sufficient to deter speeding, then there is no making water from the revenue-raising allegations (Tay,R. 2010) The wrong approach is being taken to solve this safety problem. These cameras are not the answer. This plywood cop car study goes to show that the mental presence of a police officer has a greater strike on how people drive. If a police officers presence if constantly know in a school zone, motorists will subconsciously become festive and be more aware of surroundings. A high majority of people throughout numerous studious have agreed that this would be the more effective method in accomplishing safer roadways for communities.ConclusionIt is a hard point to miss that these Scamcams, are exactly that. Their intentions may seem great, but the way our government has chosen to implement them is just outright absurd. The notion that we are installing cameras on almost every major street corner is essentially giving another pair of eyes to whoever has the qualification to use them. Whether its the national government monitoring, a college student with the self taught capability of hacking, or just your local government sticking you with a revenue boosting fine, you are being watched and theres no ignoring that. We are allowing a problem to spiral out of control right in front of us. We are allowing our governments to encroach farther into our person space and privacy. Not too mention, theyre making a large sum of money off this program. Are their intentions still to make the streets a safer place or did the go up a way to use this safety campaign as a cloak to scamming its people. Our National, State and local governments ethics have always been questioned but now with their scamcams, they have finally crossed the line.ReferencesBrown, J. (2014, April 23). Traffic cameras have one purpose To bring in more money. Newsday. Retrieved from http//www.newsday.com/long-island/columnists/joye-brown/traffic-cameras-have-one-purpose-to-bring-in-more-money-1.7807020?pts=762136Delany, A., Ward, H., Cameron, M., Williams, A. (2005). Controversies and Speed Cameras Lessons Learnt Internationally. In ledger of Public Health Policy (4th ed., Vol. 26, pp. 404-415). Basingstoke Palgrave Macmillan diarys.Hinz, G. (2014, October 14). City inspector general slams red-light camera program. Retrieved from http//www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20141010/BLOGS02/14101998 9/city-inspector-general-slams-red-light-camera-programRed Light Camera Enforcement. (2011, April 5). Retrieved November 18, 2014, from http//www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/cdot/supp_info/red-light_cameraenforcement.htmlTay, R. (2010). Speed Cameras Improving Safety or Raising Revenue? In Journal of Transport Economics and Policy (2nd ed., Vol. 44, pp. 247-257). London University of Bath and The London train of Economics and Political Science.Werner, A. (2012, January 1). Safety or scam? Red light cameras under scrutiny. Retrieved from http//www.cbsnews.com/news/safety-or-scam-red-light-cameras-under-scrutiny/

Potentially Inappropriate Medication at a Private Hospital

potentiall(a)y remote medicine at a Private HospitalAbstractThe mathematical function of certain medicines in geriatrics when potential risks come forwardweigh the potential benefit and an effective election is available is called as potentially Inappropriate medicinal dose. Beca exercise geriatrics argon more(prenominal) sensitive towards wayward effects of medications. Beers criteria which is updated and reviewed by American Geriatric hostelry list out 53 medications/therapeutic classes of drugs to be avoided in geriatrics. methodological analysis A prospective observational theatre of ope proportionalityns was conducted for 9 months in a 650 bed private corporate hospital, South India. All geriatric uncomplainings admitted in the hospital during the issue period was included. Beers Criteria 2013 were social functiond to identify potentially out or keeping(p) medications. Result The prevalence of PIM call (52%) was significantly higher in drive universe. An avg of 10 drugs were taken by the cogitation community. A total of 215 medications were identify as PIMs. Among them 195(90%) medications should be avoided by the geriatrics independent of their particularise ( family I). 66(60%) of the discover population had economic consumptiond more than iodin(a) PIMs. 91(83%) of the PIM users had at least(prenominal) unrivalled DRPs and the mean DRPs determine of the PIM users were 1.591.3. Conclusion High prevalence of PIMs in the battleground population signifies the bespeak of monitoring geriatric prescriptions.Key words PIMs, Beers Criteria, GeriatricsIntroductionIn recent years proportion of geriatric hospital access with comorbidity and polypharmacy has been increase continuously (1, 2). unbecoming drug events (ADRs) argon the or so common intellectual for hospital admission, but some time its not identified. Medication errors (MEs) or conventional adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are the common reason for adverse drug events which e nds in clinical symptoms. Overall, elderly patients need greater oversight to drug therapy and safety parameters (1, 3-5).Greater attention is needed for geriatric population due to eld related pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetic changes. But appropriate pharmaceutical burster for elderly are determined on the basis of clinical psychometric test conducted with adult population.(6) The burden of harm military issueing due to the use of multiple drugs in geriatric populations is a major health related problem in developed countries. A research study reveals that around one in four geriatrics admitted to hospitals are confident(p) with at least one remote medication and potentially preventable adverse drug reactions accounts for close 20% of all inpatient deaths (7).The perspicacity of potentially foreign medication (PIM) in geriatric is a challenging organise and there is a need for considering many factors which influences the prescribing as wellhead as outcome. Eight we ll known tools are available to identify the PIMs and studies reports that Beers criteria is the best and easy one to assess the PIMs. Beers criteria also has the advantage over others because it is periodically updated (8).This study thereof aimed to investigate the prevalence of PIM use on geriatric population utilize Beers criteria 2012 and its connection with medicine Related Problems (DRPs) .MethodologyStudy Site The work entitled A study on prevalence and impact of Potentially Inappropriate Medication use in geriatrics at a private corporate hospital was carried out in a 640 supply private corporate hospital, South India.Study Design Prospective observational study.Study Period Nine months.Inclusion criteria Patients above age of 65 yrs.Exclusion criteria The patients who are un forgeting to participate in the study and out patientsMETHOD A regular ward rounds was carried out in all the wards of General medicine. Each patients medication profile was reviewed. Patients wh o met the inclusion criteria were briefed on the project with the help of patient information form and if they are willing to participate in the study their consent was obtained. The data from medical examination chart were recorded in customized data entry form.The confirming drugs were evaluated and PIMs use were identified with the help of Beers criteria. The drugs which are identified as PIM are categorized into followingPotentially inappropriate medications /classes to avoid in geriatrics,Potentially inappropriate medications /classes to avoid in geriatrics with certain ghoulish condition that the listed PIM use can exacerbateMedications to be used with carefulness in geriatrics.ADRs associated with PIMs use were assessed. do drugs interaction and ADR was monitored and inform. DRPs and drug Risk Ratio (DRR) were metric for PIMs. DRPs were the sum of ADR, drug interaction and drug allergy.DRR was calculated as the count of DRPs in relation to how often the drug was used (DRPS/ telephone build of times used).Results and DiscussionIn the study period, 212 patients were included in the study as per inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria. 110 (52%) patients were open to be prescribed with PIMs listed in Beers criteria (fig no 01). A similar study conducted by Birader K et al (2013) (9) reported that PIM prevalence were 38% in their study population. Increased anxiolytics use as a prophylaxis for hospital related anxiety might be the reason for high prevalence of PIM than the later study. The total spell of patients in study population were 110. Among them 62(56%) were males and 48(44%) were females.The study direct reveals that PIMs user are generally males. A similar study conducted by Birader K et al (2012) (9) reported that prevalence of PIM use is more among males than females.The age categorization of PIM users was done. The maximum age of PIM users was 93 years and mean age of PIM users was bring to be 70.25.77. The median(prenominal) age for PIM users was 68.5 years.The result indicated that age group of (65-69) were commonly prescribed by PIMs. This results compared with a previous study carried out by Birader K et al (2012) (9) which also reports that PIMs were ofttimes prescribed in the age group of 65-69 years. The societal habit of the PIM users shows that 8(7%) patients were smokers and alcoholics, 14(13%) patients were alcoholics, 21(19%) patients were smokers and 67(61%) patients were teetotalers in PIM users.The comorbidities of the PIM users was analyzed. There were 52 (47%) deplorable from hypertension and 32(29%) were suffering from DM. The results shows that well-nigh of the study group had comorbidities of hypertension followed by DM and CVDs. A similar study conducted by Fouquet A (11) also reported that most common diagnosis among their study population was hypertension and diabetes.The number of drugs prescribed for the PIM users were calculated (fig no 2). The mean number of drugs per presc ription was 9.92 with the maximum of 16 drugs and minimum of 5 drugs prescribed. The above results signifies that all prescriptions were in polypharmacy category. A similar study conducted by Blozik E (12) concluded that one of the principal(prenominal) factor for PIM use is polypharmacy.The number of PIM drugs per prescription in the study population was calculated ( physique no 3). The result reveals that 44(40%) were using one PIM drug, 50(45%) were using both PIMs, 14(13) were using three PIMs, 1(1%) were using 4 PIMs and the maximum of 5 PIMs use were found in 1(1%) of the study population. 66(60%) of the study population consumed more than one PIM. The mean was found to be 1.80.78 and an avg of 2 PIM was used by the study population. A similar study conducted by Dormann H (2013) (13) were reported that 87% of the study population consumed at least one PIM.Among the PIM users the total number of PIM drugs was calculated and it was found to be 215 drugs. PIM users were categor ized into three groups according to Beers criteria. (Table no 2) There were 195(90%) belongs to category I, 12(6%) were in category II and 8(4%) were in category III.The individual categories of PIM was analyzed. It was found that alprazolam 57(52%), clonazepam 17(15%), hyocyamine 10(9%), Lorazepam 10(9%), hydroxyzine 10(9%), zolpidem 10(9%), ketorolac 10(8%) were prescribed in category I (table no 3). A similar study conducted by Birader K et al (2013) (16) reported that alprazolam and cimetidine were shoply used PIM among their study population. enjoyment of hyocyamine in constipation 3(25%) accounts for the most frequent inappropriate drug use in category II (table no 4). hydroxyzine in constipation 2(17%), cyproheptidine in constipation 2(17%), ketorolac in PUD 2(17%), clonazepam in frequent fall 1(8%), ketorolac in CHF 1(8%) and theophylline in insomnia 1(8%) were other category II inappropriate medication use.Use of escitalapram 3(40%), mirtazapine 2(30%), fluoxetine 1(10%), sertraline 1(10%) and Duloxetine 1(10%) were the category III PIMs (table no5).The DRP among the PIM users were analyzed (fig no . It was found that 19(17%) of the PIM users were free from DRPs. Majority of the study population had at least one drug related problems. The mean hold dear of DRP in the study population was found to be 1.591.3. The minimum observed number of DRP per patient was one and maximum observed number of DRP per patient was six.The ADR use was monitored in the study population. A total number of 40 ADR associated with PIM use (Fig no5) and 14 ADR associated with nonPIM use were identified. The study result reveals that one among three PIM users were found to have at least one ADR. A similar study conducted by N. Nixdorff et al (2008) were also reported that PIM users were found to experience ADR most frequently than nonPIM users.As a part of our study, screening of drug interactions were done. A total number of 131 major drug interactions were identified, in t hat 111 were unique. Among the drug interactions found 16(12%) were PIM-PIM drug interactions, 39(30%) were PIM-other drugs drug interactions and 76(58%) were caused by non PIM drugs (table no 6).do drugs risk ratio were calculated for the study population (table no7). It was observed that prochlorperazine had the highest DRR (4) followed by purple heart (2), digoxine (2), pentazocine (2) and duloxetine (2).The statistical analysis of obtained results has been done using statistical tools. The association of different variables are analyzed using 2 test.On assessment of association between number of comorbidities with number of drugs and number of PIMs (table no8), the result proved that number of comorbidies are statistically associated with the number of drugs at 0.001 aim of significance and number of PIMs at 0.05 take aim of significance. It means that as number of comorbidity increases polypharmac and PIM use also increases.On assessment of association between number of drug s and number of PIMs (table no 9), the result proved that number of drugs are statistically associated with number of PIMs at 0.05 level of significance. This result proves that polypharmacy is one of the reason for PIMs.On assessment of association between number of DRPs with number of drugs and number of PIMs (table no10), the result proved that DRPs are statistically associated with number of PIMs at 0.01 level of significance but not associated with number of drugs at 0.05 level of significance.This result proves that DRPs is more associated with PIMs than polypharmacy which means it not the number of drugs contributing to DRPs but the use of PIMs.ConclusionOur study identified a high prevalence of PIMs use and associated DRPs in the study population. DRPs due to PIMs is preventable. Development and implementation of new criteria or modification of already existing criteria such as Beers criteria, START STOPP criteria which will helps in safe prescribing practice can reduce the PIMs use.ReferencesBudnitz DS, Lovegrove MC, Shehab N, Richards CL. Emergency hospitalizations for adverse drug events in older Americans. N Engl J Med 2011 365 200212.Budnitz DS, Shehab N, Kegler SR, Richards CL Medication use leading to emergency department visits for adverse drug events in older adults. Ann Intern Med 2007 147 75565.Lau DT, Kasper JD, Potter DE, Lyles A, Bennett RG Hospitalization and death associated with potentially inappropriate medication prescriptions among elderly nursing home residents. Arch Intern Med 2005 clxv 6874.Pirmohamed M, James S, Meakin S. Adverse drug reactions as cause of admission to hospital prospective analysis of 18 820 patients. BMJ 2004 329 159.Chrischilles EA, VanGilder R, Wright K, Kelly M, Wallace RB. Inappropriate medication use as a risk factor for self-reported adverse drug effects in older adults. J Am Geriatr Soc 2009 57 0006Avorn J, Shrank WH. Adverse drug reactions in elderly people A potent cause of preventable illness. BMJ. 2 0083369567Minimizing Inappropriate Medications in Older Populations A 10-step Conceptual Framework. Ian A. Scott, MBBS, MHA, MEd,a Leonard C. Gray, MBBS, MMed, PhD,b Jennifer H. Martin, MBChB, MA (Oxon), PhD,c Charles A. Mitchell, MBBSdOpondo D. Inappropriateness of Medicationth Prescriptions to Elderly Patients in the Primary supervise Setting A Systematic Review, plos one, aug 2012, volume 7, issue 8Biradar K assessment of potentially inappropriate medication in elderly patients at Basavehwar teaching hospitalIJPP 2012dec, vol 5,issue 4, 73-5Denys TL (2011) Functional Decline Associated With Polypharmacy and Potentially Inappropriate Medications in Community-Dwelling Older Adults With Dementia, Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen. 2011 December 26(8) 60615. inside10.1177/1533317511432734Fouquet A, Zegbeh H, Krolak-Salmon P, Mouchoux C. Detection of potentially inappropriate medication in a French geriatric teaching hospital A comparison study of the French Beers criteria and the imp roved prescribing in the elderly tool. J Eurger 2012 3 326-29Blozik E, Rapold R, von Overbeck J, Reich O. Polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medication in the adult, community-dwelling population in Switzerland. Drugs aging. 201330561-8Dormann H, Sonst A, Mller F, Vogler R, Patapovas A, Pfistermeister B, Plank-Kiegele B, Kirchner M, Hartmann N, Brkle T, Maas R. Adverse drug events in older patients admitted as an emergency the business office of potentially inappropriate medication in elderly people (PRISCUS). Dtsch Arztebl Int 2013 110(13) 2139. inside 10.3238/arztebl.2013.0213N. Nixdorff et al. Potentially inappropriate medications and adverse drug effects in elders in the ED. AJEM 2008 26 697700Tables and figuresNO. of PIM/prescriptionNumber of patientsN=110 constituent144402504531413411511Table no1 Number of PIM per Prescriptionsl nocategoryno. of PIMspercentage1PIM drugs/classes to be avoid in geriatrics (category I)195902PIM to be avoided in certain pathological cond ition (category II)1263PIMs to be used with caution (category III)84Table no2 Categories of PIMsl noDrugs nary(prenominal) of Patientssl noDrug nary(prenominal) of Patients1Alprazolam57 (29%)16Nitrofurentoin3(1.5%)2Clonazepam17(9%)17Mirtazapine2(1%)3Hyocyamine10(5%)18Cyproheptidine2(1%)4Lorazepam10(5%)19Diazepam2(1%)5Hydroxyzine10(5%)20Piroxicam2(1%)6Zolpidem10(5%)21Prochloperazine2(1%)7Ketorolac10(5%)22Chlorphemiramine2(1%)8Aceclofenac9(4.5%)23Trihexylphenedine2(1%)9propoxyphene8(4%)24Digoxin2(1%)10Diclofenac7(3.5%)25Phenobarbitone1(0.5%)11spironolactone6(3%)26Naproxen1(0.5%)12Prazosin5(3%)27Clinidium-chlordiazepoxide1(0.5%)13clonidine5(3%)28Indomethacin1(0.5%)14Chlordiazepoxide3(1.5%)29Metachlopramide1(0.5%)15 amitriptyline hydrochloride3(1.5%)30Pheniramine1(0.5%)31Pentazocine1(0.5%)Table no 3 kin 1(PIM drugs/classes to be avoid in geriatrics)Sl noDrugDisease no PatientsPercentage1KetorolacCHF182Hydroxyzine befooling2173HyocyamineConstipation3254KetorolacPUD2175CyproheptidineCons tipation2176ClonazepamFrequent Fall187InsomniaTheophyllin18Table no 4 class II (PIM to be avoided in certain pathological condition)sl noDrug noneof Patientspercentage1Mirtazapine2302 fluoxetine1103Sertraline1104Duloxetine1105Escitalapram340Table no 5 Cateegory III (PIMs to be used with caution)NO OF INTERACTION per centumPIM-PIM1612PIM- OTHER DRUGS3930OTHER DRUGS7658Table no6 Categories of Drug InteractionsSl NoDrugDRPsTotalDrug Risk Ratio1PROCLORPERAZINE824.002PHENOBARBITONE212.003DIGOXIN422.004PENTAZOCINE212.005DULOXETINE212.006NAPROXEN212.00Table no.7 Drug Risk RatioSl noVarienceNo. of comorbiditiesChi fashion plate valueP value12 31No. of PIMs15211312.76*0.052101215 3715122No. of drugs6-81316426.77*0.0019-1182517 121719Table no8 tie beam of no. of comorbidities with no. of drugs and PIMs.varienceNo. of DrugsChi squire valueP value6-89-1112-1415No. of PIMs116214321.76*0.0012142484 32554Table no 9 Association of no. drugs and no. PIMsSl noVarienceNo. of DRPsChi squire valueP v alue01231No. of PIMs1112110221.76*0.0012723812 314292No. of drugs6-891511111.770.059-11425612 1268310Table no10 Association of DRPs with no. of drugs and PIMsFig no1 Prevalence of PIMsFig no2 Number of Drugs Prescribed per PatientFig no3 Number of PIM per PrescriptionFig no 4 Adverse Drug Events and Its frequencyFig no5 Adverse Drug Events and Its Frequency

Evaluating Customer Retention Methods used by Coca Cola

Evaluating Customer Retention Methods used by coca plant ColaA consumer is a person who spots a requirement or desire, and then looks for the best way to satisfy his or her take on either by purchase or acquisition (Solomon et al, 2010). Consumer behaviour as defined by Solomon et al (2006) is the runes involved when individuals or groups select, purchase, use or dispose of crops, services, ideas, or experiences to satisfy directs or desires. Customer storage is vital these days and organisations be sounding for the best way to occupy and satisfy the interest of their consumers. According to Fill (2009), the understanding of the buyers behaviour makes merchandising strategies and plan come out successful. The Coca-Cola Company is flabby racket pains that has been able to build its marker loyalty with its consumers over its courses of operation, in spite of the highly competitive market (Euromonitor, 2010). But this success would non go for been realistic without un derstanding who the consumer is, what the consumer needs and how the consumer be encounters. The Economic fadeout was a assay succession for companies which led to the closures of some and loss for majority, the subdued imbibe intentness is not an extraction and Coca- cola which falls under the soft drink industry give be analysed on how effective the management of their consumers was to in ensuring their survival in the niche.1.1 A brief summary of The Coca- Cola operationsThe Coca-Cola Company (TCCC) is the largest manufacturer, distributor and marketer of non alcoholic beverage, concentrates and syrups in the world. Coca-cola has a portfolio of more than than than 3,300 beverages, from diet and regular sparkling beverages to still beverages such as deoxycytidine monophosphate portion fruit juices and fruit drinks, waters, sports and energy drinks, teas and coffees, and milk-and soy- ground beverages, which atomic number 18 flat interchange in more than 200 count ries in the world. (Coca-cola, 2010).Coca- cola first got to Britain in the year 1900, after Charles Candler brought a jug of syrup along on a visit to England. Soon after, in the early 1920s, it went on trade at the London Coliseum and in Selfridges. Since then coca-cola Britain has come up with innovative soft drinks namely Coca-cola Diet ascorbic acid Coca-cola home in fairyland Sprite zero FantaFanta Zero 5 Alive Schweppes Schweppes zero Powerade Powerade zero Kia ora Kia ora(no added profits) Dr. Pepper Dr. Pepper zero Lilt Lilt Zero seaport Oasis extra light Glaceau vitamin water and Relentless. (Coca-cola, 2010) With about 4,650 employees, Coca-cola GB claims to turn out sold 228million slicknesss in 2008.Pic. 1.1 The Coca-Cola Company Great Britain mugsAvailable on this link- http//www.coca-cola.co.uk/brands/1.2 An overview of the soft drink industry in Great BritainMintel (2010) stated that close to atomic number 53-quarter of companies in the UK soft drinks mark et is growing at more than 10% per year. approximately of the main players in the UK soft drink industry include Coca-cola, Pepsi cola UK, Tropical UK, Nestle UK etc to mention but a few. The British prosperous Drinks Associations 2010 UK Soft Drinks Report found that the overall market grew by 1.7% in 2009, with come up consumption presenting 14,140 million litres, at a sell value of 13.224 billion (Mintel, 2010). The British Soft Drinks Assocaition (2010) stated that it was encouraging to work through that the soft drinks market was holding up during the frugalal d sufferturn. According to M intel (2010), for the second year running, Coca-cola topped interbrands best global brands table, placing it above its competitors in the soft drink industry. The coca-cola company has continued to focus on expanding its fear through taking tactical places in niche soft drinks producers, by purchasing a stake in UK smoothie producer, Innocent Drinks (Euromonitor, 2010).1.3 The reces sion in United KingdomRecessions occur during the down or concretion phase of the business cycle. The term business cycle refers to the familiar ups and downs of economic activity. (Pearce and Michael 2006). Furthermore, Pearce and Micheal (2006) opined that recessions cause signifi rouset declines in resources available to the firm because customers fleet less, lenders lend less, and competitive rivalry increases. Initially, the behaviour of consumers changes during recessions. They have less money to throw and cut back personal spending in response to the overall decline in economic activity. Industrial and business customers may perform disloyal, demand renegotiated contract terms, and alter purchase patterns. too by pride and Ferrell (1995), recession is a stage in the business cycle during which unemployment rises and total get power declines, stifling both consumers and business battalionss propensity to spend.The UK delivery was growing faster than the average for th e Euro zone throughout most of this decade. However, an bold slowdown began in 2008 and the economy entered a recession in the terce quarter. According to Euromonitor (2010), real gross domestic profit fell by 4.9% in 2009, making this the UKs longest post-war recession. The UK has been harder hit than many countries because of its large financial sector. The fiscal position has deteriorated over the past several years. The deficit was pushed redden higher as a end point of the bailout of large banks. The number of laid-off besides rose by 50% during the recession with 800,000 jobs being helpless (Euromonitor, 2010). The recession led to business closures, job losses and a lose of employment opportunities in the UK (Athey, 2009). This first global recession in the hot-made era of globalization, started in the US, spread to europium, and eventually became global its the worst economic crisis since the great depression. (Stiglitz and Joseph, 2009).1.4 The Coca-Cola Company and the recessionTCCCs gross profit valuation reserve decrease to 64.2 percent in 2009 from 64.4 percent in 2008, primarily due to contrary currency fluctuations, adverse geographic mix as a result of expansion in their up and coming markets, current focus to soupcon better reasonable initiatives across different major markets and unfavourable lend and marketing mix in some certain markets. (Coca-Cola, 2010).Even though there was a slight decrease (0.2%) in their profit margin compared to the previous year, TCCC arguably performed well despite the economic downturn.The unit case volume in TCCC is one of the footprints of the fundamental strength of the company because it helps to measure progress at their consumer level. In Europe, the sales volume of year stop 2009 versus year ended 2008 shows that the unit case volume in Europe decreased 1 percent, caused mainly by the ongoing hard macroeconomic situations in most part of Europe. These hard macroeconomic conditions influen ced major markets and caused a decline in the unit case volume of 8 percent in South and Eastern Europe, 4 percent in Iberia and 2 percent in Germany. The volume declines in these markets were partially made up for by 6 percent unit case volume growing in France and 4 percent growth in Great Britain.(Coca-cola, 2010). carry over 1.1- Financial result of The Coca-Cola CompanyYear Ended December 31, 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005(In millions except per share data)SUMMARY OF OPERATIONSNet operating revenues $ 30,990 $ 31,944 $ 28,857 $ 24,088 $ 23,104Net income traceable to shareholders 6,824 5,807 5, 981 5, 080 5, 872GROSS PROFIT 19,902 20,570 18,451GROSS PROFIT MARGIN 64.2% 64.4% 63.9%PER SHARE dataBasic net income $ 2.95 $ 2.51 $ 2.59 $ 2.16 $ 2.04Diluted net income 2.93 2.49 2.57 2.16 2.04Cash dividends 1.64 1.52 1.36 1.24 1.12BALANCE rag DATATotal assets $ 48,671 $ 40,519 $ 43,269 $ 29,963 $ 29,427Long-term debt 5,059 2,781 3,277 1,314 1,1541.5 Scope of StudyThe interest of this tr anslate lies mainly with The Coca-cola Company, focusing on Coca-cola Great Britain as the scope of ask. This study in like manner examines the level at which the recession hazarded the sales in coca-cola and the consumers placement towards the purchase of coca-cola.CHAPTER TWO2.0 Key Consumer conduct AspectsThree discover consumer manifestations have been carefully selected from Jiang (2010) as explained in the Consumer Behaviour Lectures the following aspect of the consumer behaviour may have influenced the continuous purchase of coca-cola products despite the economic downturn- the buying process, Attitude formation and Motivation.2.1 The Buying processA buying closing making process is the selection of an option from two or more alternative choices (Jiang, 2010). Coca-colas consumers drop be explained in Consumer as a Problem Solver (Habitual purpose Maker). A habitual decision shaping machine makes choices that are characterised by an impulse made with superficial e ffort and without certain control (Solomon et al, 2006). Coca-colas brands are low involvement products and so require little information search. Most decisions made by people who consume coca-cola are with little or no conscious effort. Coca-cola consumers purchase Coke for case based on a habit that has been formed over time. withal the Evaluation of alternatives can be used to explain the brands resistance to the recession, very much(prenominal) of the consumers effort that goes into a purchase decision develops at the stage in which a choice must be made from the accessible alternatives (Solomon et al, 2006). In many cases, there are a number of alternatives (such as water, soft drink or alcohol) a consumer could consider in satisfying a biogenic need, i.e. to conquer thirst. A consumer that has formed a habit overtime to purchase diet Coke for congresswoman will always have in mind a diet coke whenever hes thirsty. Branding can also be an influence on the evaluation of al ternatives. In a go over of Global Brands, Inter Brand and Business Week determine the significance for companies to create communities around their products and services, which gives the customers the opportunity to impression as if they own the brand (Solomon et al, 2006). Fill (2009) also supported that as a brand becomes established with a buyer, so the psychological benefits of ownership are favorite(a) to competing offerings, and a form of birth emerges Coke is not only seen as a drink by its consumers, but seen in the light of its heritage and relationship with them( Payne,2007). Brands also create impressions and strong feelings so much that when people see the coke bottle with its red label, and the content, people suddenly feel thirsty and the need to have a drink (Riesenbeck and Perrey, 2007) According to Mintel, (2010), the Interbrand stratified Coca-cola as the number one global brand in the year 2009 and 2010 respectively. Brands can influence a consumers choice in a decision making process, in a study conducted, 51percent of consumers preferred Pepsi over Coke , while in an open test, only 23percent preferred Pepsi over coke(Jenkinson, 1995). In my opinion, Coca-cola consumers have developed a relationship with the brand, which makes them to choose coca-colas brands amongst all new(prenominal) alternatives even in a recession. The economic downturn did not affect consumers choices, habits did not change despite the recession coca-cola consumers did not change their product preferences because a habit has been formed over time. tabulate 2.1 Buying ratiocination making processEvaluationsAfter purchase behaviour/feeling enfoldingInformation searchNeed recognitionNeedPurchaseDecisionIdentity AlternativesSource- (Jiang, 2010)2.2 Attitude FormationAttitude is a persons learned predisposition, inclination to respond to an object in a consistently favourable or unfavourable way (Allport, 1935) as cited by (Jiang, 2010). An pose formed, last s over a period of time, an attitude towards what a person eats or drink or developing an attitude towards different brands (such as drinking diet Coke rather than drinking diet Pepsi) or also having an attitude towards a general consumption pattern(such as ingest twice to eating once in a day) (Solomon et al, 2006).The Utilitarian Function which is related to the basal principles of reward and punishment will be used to explain why TCCC was not entirely affected by recession. Attitudes are formed based on the presumed product qualities (either pleasure or pain) (Solomon et al, 2006). Attitudes influence a consumers decision making and the goal of a marketer is always to create a positive attitude towards a product or change breathing attitudes (Fill, 2009).In a recent research conducted by TCCC to evaluate consumers attitudes towards its brands, it revealed that coca-cola is the brand most associated with happiness (Coca-cola, 2010). The result of the survey revealed that over a half(a) of the people that participated in the research utter its the taste that makes them smile others said sharing a bottle of coca-cola with family and friends can provide an opportunity to spend time together (Coca-cola, 2010). Coca-cola consumers have developed an attitude overtime, so the recession would not change their product preference but might righteous alter their consumption pattern (such as reducing the recess of one three bottles per day to two bottles per day). The theme of the TCCC also stresses straight former benefits (Coca-cola.Open Happiness). TCCC develops strategies to penetrate their consumers lifestyle to pass a marrow. In order to supercharge Coca-Cola Zero (one of Coca-Colas brands),TCCC partnered with the Twentieth Century Fox and director James Camerons for his epic-adventure and smash hit film Avatar. This promotional strategy helped to form an attitude towards Coca-Cola Zero and cram its awareness. They also use promotional activities and s ponsorship of events such as sponsoring the premiership in England and Scotland to reach a large and well defined audience (football fans) and consumers attitude are formed through these sponsorships in making a purchase decision.Attitudes towards coca-cola could also be formed by the yearly coca-cola adverts, as supported by Pearce and Micheal (2006) aggressive marketing campaigns may be more effective during recessions, as competitors feeling the pinch might attempt to forestall losses by reducing their advertising. During the recession, TCCC, engaged in massive paid advertising to beef up their brands in the minds of the consumers. Also towards the end of each year, coca-cola does an advert, using the Christmas theme to utter its message to its viewers. The viewers feelings about the context in which an advertisement appears can also influence brand attitudes (Solomon et al, 2006). Liking this Christmas themed adverts would naturally link us to Attitude Formation (three hierarc hies of effects), partake, Behaviour and Beliefs. Affect (like the brand), behaviour (buy the brand), whimsy (feel quelled with the brand) or belief (create awareness of the brand), behaviour (buy the brand), affect (like the brand) or belief (create awareness of the brand), affect (like the brand), behaviour (buy the brand).Attitude formed over time influences a consumers purchase behaviour, in spite of the recession, it can be argued that the attitude of the TCCCs consumers did not change, and there was a continual process in consumers purchase pattern. Coca-cola was not so affected by the recession because of the consumers favourable attitudes towards their productsTable 2.2 Three Hierarchies of EffectsAttitudes based on cognitive information affectAffectAttitudes based on behavioural learning processesBehaviourBehaviourBehaviourBeliefsvvvBeliefsvvvBeliefsvvvAttitudes based on hedonic consumptionAffectAffectSource- (Jiang, 2010)2.3 MotivationMotivation is the driving compac t within individuals that impels them to action, this driving force is produced by a state of tension which exists as the result of an unemployed need (Jaing 2010). Every action is done for a reason. Motivation refers to the process that cause people to behave as they do, motivation occurs when a need (Utilitarian-consumers practical benefits or Hedonic-consumers emotional benefits) is aroused that the consumer wishes to satisfy. The desired end- state is the consumers goal. The peak of arousal is called a drive (Solomon et al, 2006). The purpose of purchasing a drink would be to satisfy a biogenic need, i.e. to conquer thirst. For a consumer to now choose a diet coke because hes thirsty is called psychogenic. Coca-cola moves its consumers through its themed message (Open Happiness), and this can be explained in the hedonic needs (Consumers emotional benefits) The survey TCCC conducted for their consumers shows that the taste of coca-cola makes them happy. What motivates a consum er might be different compared to the other consumer. A regular coke consumer willing to reduce his sugar consumption will be happy to switch to coke zero which has no sugar and less calories. According to British Soft Drinks Association, (2010), Consumers are loyal to the drinks they drive in and trust but remain open to innovative products and brand extensions which come over their ever-evolving needs. The industrys ability to provide the public with a wide range of sweet and affordable drinks will ensure it remains resilient despite the kindling economic climate. TCCC also motivates its consumers by regularly innovating different products to suit specialised needs, e.g. no sugar drink (Coke zero). Also viewing it from the Consumer involvement angle, TCCC also motivates its consumers by connecting with millions of them every(prenominal) day through their brands Facebook pages, Twitter and influential blogs, creating a dialogue that allows TCCC to build their brand assets and strengthen their consumer relationships. Solomon, (2006) defines involvement as a persons perceived relevance of the object based on his/her inherent needs, values, and interests. through with(predicate) this Fans page on facebook and twitter, consumers can access their advertisements, Coca-Cola applications and downloads, and get live updates from the company. Also TCCC involves their consumers through the Coca-Cola Freestyle machine, this makes the consumers beverage innovators by giving them choices and variety to make more than 100 different branded beverages at the touch of a button, this provides fun, and a relationship that connects the company with its consumers. (Coca-cola, 2010). TCCC motivates their consumers by associating with things that will be of interest to the consumers, for example on their website is a calculator used for checking amount of calories and quantity of drinks consumed every week so as to help consumers monitor their calorie intake in having a healt hy diet and lifestyle. This can help motivate a consumer to purchase TCCCs product because they have shown the consumer the consumer that in as much as they want to make profit, they also care about them and their health. The recession did not really affect TCCCs sales because of the motivation TCCC tries to create and the relationship they have been able to build overtime with their consumers.CONCLUSION3.1 Conclusion understanding consumers behaviour is key to having a successful company marketers need to exchange their research on their consumers because the consumers are becoming aware of the important component part they play in their consumption pattern. Competitors are always also looking for tactics to grow and influence new consumers, and any organisation that does not meet up with consumers expectations would be losing a consumer. Companies should look for ways to guard their current customers and also focus on getting new ones attracting new customers should be a priori ty in a recession (Pearce and Michael 2006). Organisations should actively engage their customers more than before.

Problems of Uninformed Voters

Problems of Un assured VotersDid you know many Democrats atomic number 18 opposed to regulate testing? Did you know many Republicans foundert believe in that location should be a set minimum wage? Many nation dont even know what the parties and candidates they are select for represent. In the 2012 Presidential Election, Bipartisan Policy Center estimated there were about 126 zillion electors. Voting is essential in a nation. Voting is the definition of a democracy. A democracy is a form of regimen in which tribe elect leaders by choose according to Merriam-Webster dictionary. Throughout American history, thousands of people fork up fought for this right to suffrage. We advocated for men of each ethnicities to be up to(p) pick out, and later we extended this right to women. However, a democracy functions best when informed citizens vote. Unfortunately, much of todays population is not quite as informed as they should be. Many adults lack the crucial knowledge to grant informed political decisions, like voting. First, we entrust examine how unknowledgeable voting is a problem today. Second, we will discuss why uninformed voting occurs as often as it does. Finally, I will offer a solution for this perpetual problem.Ignorant voters hurt democracy. You cannot lam an effective democracy when the citizenship is weak. Voting is a crucial aspect of citizenship. It is how you dis course commitment and measure to your country and form of government. People do not take this debt instrument seriously enough. When people vote impulsively or dont model enough thought into their decisions, our democracy is not a unfeigned reflection of what the people want. A survey was conducted by the Pew interrogation Center in 2012 to determine how knowledgeable the public was on the presidential campaign. Their findings were alarming. Only 60% of registered voters were aware that Romney opposes gay marriage. Only 66% of registered voters knew of Obamas form _or_ system of government that allows undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as juveniles to remain here and apply for work permits. Additionally, in a 2006 Zogby Poll, 73% of Americans were able to identify the lifts of The Three Stooges, date a whopping 42% could identify the three branches of government. 77% of Americans could name off two of Snow Whites Seven Dwarves. On the former(a) hand, 24% of people could name off two of the gild Supreme Court Justices. As sad as it is, the average voter probably spends more time becoming informed on which machine to buy than who they want to run their country. Who you elect into office has such a huge impact on the future of all Americans, not fair yourself. So dont you agree we should be some(prenominal)what long-familiar with the candidates stances on on-line(prenominal) issues? And that we should understand the basic setup of our government and the officials that run it before we vote? Not knowing crucial details of a candidates intentions, you may be disappointed when they do something you werent expecting. And unfortunately, once your balloting is casted, you cannot take it back. For this reason, voters need to stay relatively updated on campaign issues, current events, and general workings of the U.S. political system.Obviously, you can see how prevalent uninformed voting is in todays society. But why is this casualty so frequently? Well, think about like this. From the moment children are born, their lives are being shaped by those around them, in other words children learn what they live. And they spend the first eighteen years of their lives, some of the most influential ones, living with their immediate family. Inevitably, families who vocalize their political beliefs will naturally sway their child in that direction. Furthermore, their circle of friends will play a factor too. In my American Civics class last year, we put on a mock trial. Before the trial, we had to determine our political affili ation. As a class, we had to get up and divide ourselves into groups based on which ships company we wanted to represent in the trial. I observed that all(prenominal)one just so happened to fall into the same group as their friends did. There were cliques at heart the parties. No one had the confidence to split from their friends and represent their individual ideas. Family and friends can crush people from forming their own opinions. This results in a biased political survey which may not reflect your core values. In other cases, its simply that people dont care enough to beat informed. They just vote to because they feel obligated to, but dont give the decision much thought. People have disengaged themselves from politics because they dont think it directly affects them. However, this could not be further from the truth. U.S. government and politics regulates so many aspects of our lives. It funds our public school, provides grants and loans for higher education, builds and maintains the roads we drive on everyday, provides the water that runs through our homes, and determines how much we redeem in taxes. Most citizen have at least one political use up or concern. By voting, you can have a say in it. So take advantage of this opportunity and take it seriously.Now, how do we go about addressing this problem? Ideally, people would take matters into their own hands. You would perform query on the issues and stances of the politicians running for office. Once you establish where you stand, then you can equate the politicians views with your own and the one you are most compatible with is the politician you should vote to elect. It would also benefit you greatly to follow significant world-wide events. You should also be able to accurately depict the functioning of our government and which branches are prudent for which tasks. Reading the politics section in your paper, flipping to the news channel every once in a while, tuning into electoral debates during campaigns, and subscribing to magazines like Time, Newsweek, or U.S. News and World Report will keep you in the know. For psyche who is apathetic in politics, the motivation to aim informed has to come from within you. And to be brutally honest, many people would hear this and it would go in one ear and come right back out the next. As a last resort, we could require that all registered voters pass a inclusion body test to prove their knowledge of politics. If we threaten to take the option to vote away from the uninformed, it could be just the spark we need to get them intellection seriously about politics. Amendments 15, 19, 24, and 26 to the Constitution only say that you cannot revoke someone a vote on account of race, sex, failure to pay tax, or age after the individual reaches 18. Immigrants have to pass a test before being allowed to vote. Why do we assume that that all American-born citizens already know everything they need to know before voting?We have now anal yzed the consequences of being an uninformed voter, the root cause of uninformed voting, and potential solutions to the problem. Winston Churchill once said, The best argument against democracy is a five-minute colloquy with the average voter. It doesnt have to be that way. We can all become more informed.