Theories and Implications on the Aging Process

1. Introduction to Aging
The paragraph above is a summary of the entire book, which explains what this book is about. As for the first section, the book starts with an introduction to aging. This provides a basic understanding of aging and also helps the readers to have a general idea of what ‘aging’ is. Next, the book shifts to different biological theories, and authors provide more specific explanations for each theory. Then the essay gets sociological and psychological, focusing on the social life of the elderly and their mental health. Current social conditions and psychological research suggest that more attention should be paid to improving the living standards of the elderly and also developing potential mental health services. This book aims to introduce the specialized knowledge area of gerontology, the multidisciplinary study of old age and aging. Gerontology is an important research field because the world is experiencing a significant proliferation of the elderly. As a young and upcoming discipline, it is a field in which research and potential future careers are expanding at a rapid pace. According to the number of older people, including the ‘oldest old’ such as those over 85, in the world is growing as well. On one hand, the world stands to learn much from the elderly, their life experiences, and their knowledge. On the other hand, as a global community, both political and civic organizations will have to respond to this ‘demographic revolution’. Therefore, a better understanding of the theories of aging is the key to providing a high standard of care to the elderly.
“Theories and implications on aging” explores one of the most interesting and complex processes in the human life course. From biological and ecological studies at the molecular level, aging reflects a systemic failure of the organism to maintain homeostasis over time. In a socio-economic perspective, aging is a life course transition that demands a change in lifestyle, social participation, and the meaning of life itself. The aging of an individual is affected by many things, including the genes we inherit as well as environmental influences, such as social habits and diet. This essay discusses some of the most relevant theories that provide an explanation for the process of aging. The physical lived experiences of those who age are often shaped by local and national policies of health and social care.
1.1. Definition of Aging
Introduction, etc. None is universally accepted; these vary from one discipline to another, in both the natural and the social sciences. In the natural sciences, biological theories have established certain processes, such as DNA damage. On the other hand, in the social sciences, various definitions have been provided by different theories; most of them tend to reflect the importance of social relationships in the aging process. Theories which underscore biological processes emphasize the importance of studying aging at the cellular level because that is where the mechanisms, causes, and characteristics of the aging progress can be found. In contrast, those theories that highlight the social aspects of aging argue that the rise of industrial societies has displaced the elderly from integral positions in society and, accordingly, has diminished their powers and the ability to influence social progression. Such disputes and discrepancies among theories in different disciplines again prove the fluidity and complexity of the concept of aging. Nowadays, interdisciplinary work is more encouraged, as many scholars and researchers have realized that single and one-sidedness will not provide a thorough insight into aging. As a matter of fact, only by integrating different theories can we progress work on aging in a more comprehensive and effective way. Also, the development of many new theories that focus on different aspects of aging has offered a wide platform to explore this field. It is hoped that researchers could make a better understanding of aging in the future.
1.2. Biological Theories of Aging
The organization of the output is relatively well and easy to follow. However, the essay may be improved by presenting supporting examples of each kind of biological theory in order to enable a better understanding of the potential diverging assumptions. Also, it is advisable to insert more recent studies about gene theories in order to ensure the prospects of knowledge development. Lastly, the possible implications of these biological theories of aging should be included in the output so as to provide a critical analysis on the relevance between these theories and the practical issue of managing and understanding the process of aging.
The output of the essay is adapted from an original article that was published in the ‘International Journal of Aging and Society’ in 2010, Volume 1. This journal has been indexed by the Ageing Research and Development Society of Singapore.
On the other hand, using model systems from genetics, biologists have found a number of genes that, when altered, change the process of aging. This has led to a great deal of input from regulating genes and gene repair and maintenance theories of aging. These ‘altered theories’ use evidence of the kinds of genetic variations found in nature and inherent levels of DNA repair process to establish whether the particular genetic alteration has an effect on aging in a certain species of animal or plant and also on the reproductive lifespan of that species. Such kinds of ‘altered theories’ are known as gene theories.
In addition, a completely different kind of biological theory is based upon research in ‘free radical’ chemistry. Free radicals are chemical substances that contain an unpaired electron and therefore possess a high degree of reactivity with other cellular substances. Over time, it is suspected that these free radicals cause potential damage to cell components such as the cell membrane and mitochondria (the organelle responsible for the production of chemical energy in the cell). However, it is still unclear whether the effects of free radicals are a cause of aging or a result of aging.
For years, researchers have been developing a number of biological theories in order to explain the process of aging. As discussed earlier, aging is a process of life that may be understood from many perspectives. From a biological viewpoint, the human body has various cell systems and organ systems. These modern biologists, in contrast to the accepted wisdom that things just ‘wear out’ with time, have been arguing that deterioration in the process of aging is due to the deregulation of the genes that impact on the repair and maintenance of the body over time. It is also suspected that these gene deregulations are under the influence of another compound or molecular structure within the organism. Such types of theories are known as gene theories.
1.3. Sociological Theories of Aging
Theories in the sociological aspect of aging relate the individual aging process to larger societal processes. The three major sociological theories are the disengagement theory, the activity theory, and the conflict theory. The disengagement theory of aging claims that it is ‘natural, acceptable, and even inevitable for older adults to withdraw from society’. In other words, as an individual gets older, the tradition requires him or her to withdraw from societal rules and requirements. The theory overlooks the fact that society may withdraw from the elderly as much as the elderly withdraw from society. Moreover, the theory does not recognize the social differences among different groups of older individuals. The activity theory attempts to refute the withdrawal from society are normal and desirable. In other words, it claims that taking people out of society in any large number is going to be harmful to society. The conflict theory in aging suggests that the subordination of the elderly takes place because of societal disorganization that leads to a lack of productive roles for the elderly. This is the only theory that marries the interests of the older people with society as a whole. And the conflict theory is the latest theory developed and it criticized sharply disengagement and activity theories. As a matter of fact, none of these theories seems to be absolutely successful in explaining the complexity of social behavior and individual attitude in the process of aging. There is still no clear conclusion about what criticism the sociological theories bring about for the modern society and what significance these theories can provide to the exploration of the aging process. But it is certain that more and more social scientists who are in the field of aging tend to adopt the viewpoint of the conflict theory which offers a more comprehensive and profound interpretation of the aging process.
1.4. Psychological Theories of Aging
The psychodynamic theory compares the human mind to a series of different stages in life. It has been suggested that people reach each stage in a number of different phases. This theory suggests that the way in which an individual deals with a crisis varies and this can impact upon their mental health. For example, the first stage of psychosexual development is the oral stage. If a child has their milk removed from their mouth too early in life, Freud argues this could lead to traits which are developed of dependence. Whereas if the milk is removed too late, a child could develop a sense of optimism. The second stage of psychosexual development is the anal stage. The significant time in this stage is toilet training; Freud suggests that if this process does not go to plan, it could lead to the development of either an anal retentive character – stubborn and obsessive – or an anal expulsive character – who has a lack of self-control and independence. Although this theory is helpful in focusing upon one’s personality in adulthood, there is no evidence to suggest that an individual’s personality becomes developed during the early years of life, as Freud suggests. There are also other theories of growing old such as the disengagement theory which suggests that it is okay to withdraw from others as you get older. Being old is seen as a ‘role’ to be learned and it is also suggested that older people are less well equipped to deal with the stresses, strains, and loss that happen to people when they get old. However, the disengagement theory assumes that older people will be affected by ‘time to yourself’ and ‘letting others go’ easily; in reality, this idea is too ‘far-fetched’ and it is not possible to say this in general as everyone’s circumstances are different. The activities theory is the last of the three main psychological theories of aging. This theory suggests that people who are newly retired have to find new roles. Juergen and Anderson place a key emphasis on the need for society to offer a helping hand to the individual when the activities theory suggests that for people who are healthier, it is the best option for them to stay as active as possible. Activities theory is, in my view, the most self-fulfilling and accurate theory out of the three. Unlike the other two, it places the power in the individual’s hands, suggesting that we know what is best for older people as we cope with the aging process. The theory also places a huge emphasis on the right for independence, choice, and dignity. Unlike the disengagement theory, it does not assume that older people are automatically detached from society and gives a completely new viewpoint from earlier themes of allowing ‘old people’ time to themselves. This theory is also person-centered which means that all aspects of the environment, activity, and care are designed to improve their quality of life.
2. Nursing Interventions for Older Adults
2.1. Psychosocial Issues in Older Adulthood
2.2. Biological Changes in Older Adulthood
2.3. Nursing Interventions for Psychosocial Issues
2.4. Nursing Interventions for Biological Changes
3. Nursing Implications of Biological Theories
3.1. Theory 1: Cellular Senescence
3.2. Theory 2: Free Radical Theory
3.3. Theory 3: Telomere Shortening Theory
3.4. Nursing Implications for Theory 1
3.5. Nursing Implications for Theory 2
3.6. Nursing Implications for Theory 3
4. Nursing Implications of Sociological Theories
4.1. Theory 1: Disengagement Theory
4.2. Theory 2: Activity Theory
4.3. Theory 3: Continuity Theory
4.4. Nursing Implications for Theory 1
4.5. Nursing Implications for Theory 2
4.6. Nursing Implications for Theory 3
5. Nursing Implications of Psychological Theories
5.1. Theory 1: Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory
5.2. Theory 2: Socioemotional Selectivity Theory
5.3. Theory 3: Cognitive Aging Theories
5.4. Nursing Implications for Theory 1
5.5. Nursing Implications for Theory 2
5.6. Nursing Implications for Theory 3
6. Health Promotion Strategies for Successful Aging
6.1. Physical Activity and Exercise
6.2. Healthy Diet and Nutrition
6.3. Mental and Cognitive Stimulation
6.4. Social Engagement and Support
6.5. Regular Health Check-ups and Preventive Care

Purchase Decision-Making Process

QUESTION
Briefly discuss a purchase you made within the last two months and explain whether you applied the limited problem-solving approach or extended problem solving approach in the process of making the decision to purchase and consume the product.
ANSWER
1. Introduction
This section presents a discussion of the purchase made. The aim of this section is to be aware of the persuasive tactics used by marketers on the purchase of a product. An intentionally made purchase was selected that showed high levels of the pre-purchase and purchase stages of the decision-making process. The purchase selected was a Canon EOS 400D digital SLR camera. The respondent (Appendix 1) was in need of a camera, however, was unsure of what type or kind of camera to purchase. This was the beginning of the Information Search stage of the purchase decision process for a camera. He found most of his information from catalogs and magazines showing the Print Mode of information sources nowadays. These enabled him to visit a few different retail outlets to check the different cameras that were being considered. He would have preferred to try the cameras in-store; however, this was limited because he did not come prepared in retail outlets and did not want to waste the time of the salesmen. The next day he went to access an internet connection where he proceeded to research online and evaluate the different types of cameras and computer-related devices. The respondent claimed that the internet was the best source of information for a relative in-depth evaluation of products without being too confusing. This is a great benefit of the internet as there is a high density of information for comparative analysis of brands and products. This is an improvement of Information Processing of information sources and has led to the relative effectiveness in quality of decisions for purchases of high involvement products. The respondent’s relative process was a very concise and somewhat effective method of deciding what to purchase. This shows high involvement with an emphasis on the EOS 400D being a relatively expensive product for a student. At the end of developing in the respondent’s mind, he located a notice in a paper to purchase the Canon EOS 400D for a significantly low price compared to retail stores. The purchase was then made. In this modern age of advertising and sales, consumer purchase is usually interrupted with a decision to purchase a product that is, in fact, different from what was decided in the earlier stages of the process. This is called the Discrepancy Purchase. Usually, this is due to a marketer’s success in positioning a product as a suitable brand for the customer’s needs. This could explain the respondent’s purchase, buying a different model Canon Camera than what was decided earlier after a day of examining a friend’s EOS 350D.
1.1. Briefly discuss the purchase made
I bought a Kawai MP5 keyboard from a local music store. This is a major purchase for me. I was considering the Kawai MP9000, which is the stage piano version of the same thing. The only difference between these two instruments is that the MP9000 is a piano, and the MP5 is a keyboard. The reason I considered the piano over the keyboard is that it’s better for taking to gigs since it’s more durable. I really wanted the piano, but had to change my mind when I thought about taking it to gigs and around the University over the next four years. I need a keyboard for the numerous jazz bands I’ll be playing in, and also for the workload I have as a music major. I know I made a good decision to purchase the MP5, but now I’d rather have the MP9000 for home use, and the only way to get one is to make a cumbersome trade since they’re discontinued. I’m hoping that after exploring the rest of the information, it will be possible for me to get an MP9000 given my $1500 budget for this purchase.
2. Problem-Solving Approaches
2.1. Limited problem-solving approach
2.1.1. Definition and characteristics
2.1.2. Factors influencing limited problem-solving approach
2.1.3. Application of limited problem-solving approach in the purchase
2.2. Extended problem-solving approach
2.2.1. Definition and characteristics
2.2.2. Factors influencing extended problem-solving approach
2.2.3. Application of extended problem-solving approach in the purchase
3. Comparison of Approaches
3.1. Similarities between limited and extended problem-solving approaches
3.2. Differences between limited and extended problem-solving approaches
4. Conclusion
4.1. Summary of the purchase decision-making process
4.2. Evaluation of the chosen problem-solving approach

Purchasing Decisions: Limited vs Extended Problem-Solving Approach

question
Briefly discuss a purchase you made within the last two months and explain whether you applied the limited problem-solving approach or extended problem solving approach in the process of making the decision to purchase and consume the product. 
Answer
Purchasing Decisions: Limited vs Extended Problem-Solving Approach
1. Introduction
The article you are about to read is an explorative essay which presents the understanding and the usage of the two sorts of purchasing approaches. Studies and researches have indicated that these two approaches differ from each other mainly in the factors that determine when each approach is utilized. The aim of this article is to develop a vivid understanding on how consumer behavior is influenced in the two different situations. When consumers’ choice of buying behavior is affected by differences in the level of involvement, it results into two sorts of problem-solving strategies: limited problem-solving and extended problem-solving. The study in this article has the main focus on these two strategies and their application in modern life. Different elements and factors of two problem-solving approaches have been discussed here. This essay also sheds light on psychological aspects of consumer decision-making and market behavior in the main focus of selecting these approaches. This report is meant to offer an explanation for those who really want to know about their role in the decision making in the respective markets. The paper argues that the consumer may differ in the selection, use of the information, and the judgmental processes they do depending on the sort of problem-solving activity they are engaged in and that market researches may need to make sure that they are robust in terms of providing results from different sorts of problem-solving and not overfocus on just one of them.
1.1. Definition of Limited Problem-Solving Approach
Recent studies of purchasing behavior have revealed that the consumer’s approach to choosing a product can depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of product to be selected and the importance of that product. One of the approaches that an individual utilizes when making a purchasing decision is the limited problem-solving approach. Limited problem-solving approach involves an internal or non-extensive search for information, for example, settling for the first or the easy option that comes to an individual’s mind. It is an approach that is often used by consumers when they face a recurring problem or when they are looking for a familiar product. In this kind of approach, the individual could simply identify the need for a product and immediately an alternative would spring into his mind, and then the purchasing would happen instantaneously. However, since making a purchasing decision involves conscious mental processes, at least in the case of limited problem-solving, in the event that some information search did take place, the following must apply: the individual must know what to be searched, the search should be based on the current knowledge, and the search for information should serve as guidance for the decision that needs to be made. For example, each time the consumers go to the supermarket to purchase a bottle of water, chances are the consumer will know what to buy and thus there is no need for information search, and hence limited problem-solving takes place. At the point of recognizing the need, the consumer goes ahead with searching the product, and then evaluation of alternatives is done afterwards. There are two phases in which the limited problem-solving takes place; i.e. a problem recognition phase and an evaluation of the chosen product after the purchase has been made. In reality, it is often the case that information search does not take place literally before a product is purchased. When an information search does occur, the particular type of approach being used can be identified.
1.2. Definition of Extended Problem-Solving Approach
An extended problem-solving approach has several important characteristics. First, it involves extensive information search – the consumer searches for information about different products from many sources. Such sources include the consumer’s own memory, personal knowledge, the knowledge of friends and family, advertising, in-store information, and the internet. Secondly, the consumer employing extended problem-solving is more likely to use a comparison of multiple options. Such a comparison of options may be largely in terms of brand comparison such as Mercedes vs Audi or attributes comparison such as those which are known to satisfy the need and those which are just close to satisfaction. For the limited problem-solving approach, consumers rely on shortcuts rather than on significant effort. Third, consumers using an extended problem-solving approach are more likely to engage in a comparison of multiple options, while those using the limited problem-solving approach are more likely to satisfy their need by simply selecting the first product that meets the minimum acceptable requirement, but not necessarily the best that could be obtained. Fourth, consumers using an extended problem-solving approach are more likely to engage in a consideration of external factors. Such external factors might include advice from friends, adverts, the internet, and environmental factors. Finally, the consumer employing the extended problem-solving resources and cognitive efforts more so than from the habitual and variety-seeking resources, but consumers use all three to some degree. It is important to notice that there is no absolute way to determine which method to use (Kardes, Cronley, and Cline, n.d.). Culture, traditions, trends, and as well as the level of involvement which varies are among the factors that influence the decision of which method used with different people and at different occasions.
2. The Purchase Experience
2.1. Description of the Product
2.2. Motivation for the Purchase
3. Limited Problem-Solving Approach
3.1. Minimal Information Search
3.2. Reliance on Prior Knowledge
3.3. Evaluation of Alternatives
4. Extended Problem-Solving Approach
4.1. Extensive Information Search
4.2. Comparison of Multiple Options
4.3. Consideration of External Factors
5. Application of Problem-Solving Approaches
5.1. Determining the Approach Used
5.2. Factors Influencing the Decision-Making Process
6. Conclusion

Ethical Implications of Sexual Harassment and Gender Discrimination

question
A) What are the ethical implications to sexual harassment or gender discrimination?
B)Discuss the policies from your work regarding harassment or discrimination – are they in compliance? Why or why not. If you are not currently working and cannot access the firm’s policies, you can find one online and evaluate. 
answer
1. Introduction
The same is true for gender discrimination. It is not about dominating another sex; it is the unfair treatment of individuals because of their sex. Gender discrimination involves a broad range of issues, including but not limited to equal pay, sexual harassment, and employment opportunities. High-profile cases such as the Australian Rugby League’s refusal to allow a woman to referee its game, the constant during and after pregnancy within the workforce, the fewer opportunities for career advancements, and also that an employer is responsible for acts of sexual harassment perpetrated by its employees, a common example is found in the military.
Sexual harassment is any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature. It can be humiliating and may create an intimidating, hostile, and offensive environment. It is a form of sex discrimination. Sexual harassment is more often about exercising power than about sexual attraction. It is not limited to women, and men do suffer from wrongfully named “reverse sexism”. Although most reported incidents are from women and most respondents are male, it is not just men harassing women. Whether women or men are targeted, sexual harassment has a detrimental effect on a person’s work or study, both physically and psychologically.
2. Definition of Sexual Harassment
3. Definition of Gender Discrimination
4. Importance of Addressing Sexual Harassment and Gender Discrimination
5. Legal Framework and Regulations
6. Impact on Individuals
7. Impact on Organizations
8. Psychological and Emotional Consequences
9. Societal Implications
10. Prevention and Awareness Programs
11. Reporting Mechanisms
12. Support Systems for Victims
13. Role of Managers and Supervisors
14. Training and Education
15. Role of Human Resources
16. Organizational Policies and Procedures
17. Compliance with Anti-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination Policies
18. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Policies
19. Case Studies and Examples
20. International Perspectives on Sexual Harassment and Gender Discrimination
21. Intersectionality and Multiple Forms of Discrimination
22. Ethical Leadership in Addressing Harassment and Discrimination
23. Corporate Social Responsibility
24. Media and Public Perception
25. Ethical Dilemmas and Decision-Making
26. Role of Government and Legislation
27. Cultural and Historical Context
28. Future Trends and Challenges
29. Conclusion

Ethical Issues in Telehealth-Delivered Care for Nurses

 Question
identify and discuss at least two potential ethical issues that could be of concern for nurses with telehealth-delivered care?
Answer
1. Introduction
It means that telehealth is a platform of services rather than a particular method, but the purpose is to deliver health-related services to patients who are living far from the healthcare services they need, or to give access to more advanced information and services. It can be in any form, from a simple telephone conversation to a surgery done in an operating theatre guided by robotic technology. From this definition alone, we may already know that there will be ethical issues concerning the safety of patients and dilemmas that the nurses would face. On the matter of safety, sending a patient with a severe condition to another hospital without expert guidance, or doing a surgery with remote instruction and assistance, would it be safe for the patient? But it is not the main focus of this essay, so let’s move on to the nurses and the dilemmas they will face.
This is an essay concerning the ethical issues in telehealth-delivered care for nurses. The essay shall define a few key terms including “telehealth” and “ethics”, discuss the matter, and state where the issues lead to. Next, the essay will identify and clarify the role of the nursing profession, so the readers may have a fixed idea of what the discussion is all about. Then, the essay shall identify where the current trend in healthcare is taking us. Finally, the essay shall establish the issues faced by the nurses and the patients when they are practicing telehealth, and conclude the matter with a comparison to the current practice on general healthcare where there are already so many ethical issues disputing. Telehealth is a combination of telecommunication and information technology in order to provide access to long-distance healthcare and clinical services.
1.1. Background
The problem with any of the above practices is that the chiropractor is not actually making the imaging request. There is also a chance that the patient hires the chiropractor to perform their service knowing that they will undertake one of the above-mentioned methods to get a medical opinion regarding the patient’s condition. Any of these scenarios contravene Medicare rules concerning the making of a valid referral and diagnostic imaging services. Failure to comply with Medicare law can have serious consequences for both the patient and the chiropractor. In recent times, it is no longer a question of if Medicare will audit a certain sector of the health industry, but simply when and how often.
This is centered on the fact that making requests for the patient imaging is a regular occurrence. Over the last five years, however, there have been significant advancements in the equipment used by chiropractors, particularly in the plain film x-ray and higher-end imaging such as CT and MRI. More and more chiropractors are now operating their own technology, which has the capabilities to produce and store higher-end images. Despite this, the vast majority of chiropractors still do not possess the modalities required to perform these types of imaging. As a result, it is not uncommon for chiropractors to either take their patients’ old or recent medical request to view pathology via higher-end images, write a new request instead of the patient’s, and view the pathology themselves or simply hire the services of another medical professional to perform the examination and then later view the images at the patient’s request.
1.2. Purpose of the Study
The investigator is a psychiatric mental health nurse who has been using telehealth for many years. The investigator has an interest in how technology is influencing the delivery of nursing care, as well as a personal interest in the ever-changing legal aspects of telehealth. The investigator wishes to use the knowledge gained from this study to create a continuing education course for psychiatric mental health nurses who are using telehealth. By having a deeper understanding of the specific legal and ethical issues encountered by telehealth nurses, it is the investigator’s belief that this knowledge can improve the knowledge of other telehealth nurses, as well as improve the quality of patient care.
This study set out to investigate the ethical issues that nurses face when caring for patients via telehealth. The COVID-19 pandemic forced many patients to receive medical care in their homes, either through phone, computer, or videoconference. Telehealth is defined as providing care over a distance, through the use of information and communication technology, and has become an essential part of nursing practice. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing says that telehealth is a mode of delivering nursing care, which focuses on the use of the nursing process in making nursing diagnoses and in intervening in preventing or treating patient responses to actual or potential health problems. With such a broad definition, nurses must be aware of the specific legal and ethical issues within their own state. They must also be aware of the differences in state regulations when caring for patients located in other states.
2. Ethical Issues in Telehealth-Delivered Care
2.1. Privacy and Confidentiality Concerns
2.1.1. Unauthorized Access to Patient Information
2.1.2. Data Breaches and Security Risks
2.1.3. Inadequate Protection of Patient Privacy
2.2. Lack of Physical Assessment
2.2.1. Difficulty in Accurate Diagnosis
2.2.2. Limited Ability to Detect Non-Verbal Cues
2.2.3. Potential for Misdiagnosis
2.3. Ethical Dilemmas in Decision-Making
2.3.1. Balancing Autonomy and Paternalism
2.3.2. Ensuring Informed Consent in Remote Settings
2.3.3. Managing Conflicts of Interest
3. Legal and Professional Responsibilities
3.1. Compliance with Telehealth Regulations
3.1.1. Licensing and Jurisdiction Issues
3.1.2. Adhering to Telehealth Standards and Guidelines
3.1.3. Maintaining Proper Documentation and Recordkeeping
3.2. Professional Boundaries and Dual Relationships
3.2.1. Maintaining Objectivity and Avoiding Conflicts of Interest
3.2.2. Establishing Boundaries with Patients in Virtual Settings
3.2.3. Ethical Use of Technology in Nurse-Patient Interactions
4. Ethical Decision-Making Frameworks
4.1. Utilitarianism and Telehealth
4.1.1. Weighing Benefits and Harms for the Patient and Society
4.1.2. Balancing Resource Allocation and Patient Needs
4.1.3. Considering Telehealth’s Impact on Health Equity
4.2. Deontology and Telehealth
4.2.1. Upholding Moral Duties and Principles in Remote Care
4.2.2. Respecting Patient Autonomy and Informed Consent
4.2.3. Addressing Telehealth’s Challenges with Confidentiality
5. Conclusion
5.1. Summary of Ethical Issues in Telehealth-Delivered Care
5.2. Implications for Nursing Practice and Education
5.3. Recommendations for Ethical Telehealth Implementation

Ethics in Business: A Case Study of Olympic Sponsors

1. Introduction
The Olympic Games are one of the most watched events in the world. With the development of the Games, the commercialization of the Games also embraces a new era. Corporate giants, such as McDonald’s, Visa, Coca-Cola, and so on, all became Olympic sponsors. This is not a surprise at all, because Olympic Games mean a great deal of business opportunities. According to a report from Statista, International Olympic Committee gained 40% of its total revenue, which is more than US $5.7 billion, from the broadcasting rights of Rio 2016 itself. Moreover, a sponsorship of McDonald’s in London 2012 costed it about 76 million euros, while it has 10% increase in its sales during that period. Although it is legal and reasonable that corporations are seeking for economic benefits through the worldwide exposure and media coverage brought by the Olympic Games, are there any ethical consideration in these whole business deals? Well, the truth is, to some extent, controversies do exist. For example, when McDonald’s was an Olympic sponsorship, it was questioned about the nutritional quality of its food, the impact of its marketing and advertising policies on the public’s health consciousness. Besides, the ties between McDonald’s and certain International Federations gave rise to the doubts on the fairness of the sponsorship selection. Day by day, business ethics is becoming a critical topic in the both academic society and business world. The importance of practicing business ethically is increasing, especially after some big cases of financial fraud and corruption in the last two decades. Nowadays, customers are not only concerned about the price or the quality of the products and services; they also care about how the companies are doing and whether they are being ethical or not. Therefore, the main purpose of this case study is to increase understanding the nature of Olympic sponsorship deals, the ethical concerns surrounding these deals in business and the practices of businesses in this field. Also, another purpose is to develop students’ awareness and critical thinking on the significance of adequate ethical consideration in business. By testing the code of ethics in Olympic sponsorship today, businesses will also have a better practice in their own field.
1.1 Background of Olympic Sponsorship
The Olympics, as an international multi-sport event, tends to get large attention and a global public viewership. In the current Olympics, the IOC or International Olympic Committee is more liable to cut sponsorship deal with global and transnational partners. A top IOC main regarded marketing program is known as the worldwide partnership program. IOC will only choose a limited number of worldwide partners to participate in the said program. Such program also categorizes into different levels and one of these is known as the TOP (The Olympic Partnership) program. From the annual report named “Olympic Marketing Fact File-Edition January 2018” released by the IOC, the “Marketing program” part demonstrates that the global partners of IOC are predicted to make an investment of more than 100 million US dollars for a four-year term. Admission to this TOP program will give sponsors different rights and interests. For example, the sponsors can use official Olympic design and emblems, receive the excellent priority of reserving the relevant advertising slot, and they even have a chance to be the sole sponsors of a number of broadcasts. However, the opponents need to be restricted from using Olympic design and other intellectual property, which are protected by law. After the deal has been signed, one might spot that the sponsors’ logo appeared frequently and the advertising commercials always show the spirit and spot of the Olympic Games. This shows that the sponsorship and the benefits applied under the agreements are working. As a matter of fact, and ever since the first Olympic in modern day, sponsorships and the importance of the revenue from it are incredibly high as well. The significantly increasing revenue by getting more profit from the TV broadcast, ticket revenue, sponsorships, as well as intellectual property is one of the most chief targets of the IOC. Hence, the economic aspect of the Olympic Games is getting more important so as to make sure the games are being delivered successfully. By and large, it is believed that without the sufficient financial and other supports, an Olympic Games is unlikely to be delivered and organized as planned. Also, it fortifies the point that the role and the influence of the sponsors are crucial for the success of the modern Olympic Games. On the other hand, the sponsors are being offered with a great amount of business opportunities while there is an Olympic Games. Of course, the customers’ awareness will be enhanced towards their products and that brings along with a better client base. Eventually, the positive impacts such as a boost in the sale profits and the profit earning per share will likely be achieved. In the current rapidly growing markets, companies never stop expanding their businesses through different channels. While the traditional and non-traditional marketing budgets are increasing the number of sponsors in the market industry, the game plans usually have been jumbled up and misled by the overwhelming pressure from the stakeholders on the performance and business marking sides. The pressure for good return from the sponsorships and the revenue earned throughout the running period of events may affect the decisions and the behaviors in completing the agreements and the obligations work under it. Moreover, this set of pressure has caused concern about unethical behaviors by sponsors in the field of Olympic sponsorships and research has focused on this area nowadays.
1.2 Significance of Ethics in Business
The last two decades have witnessed an increasing importance of ethics in business, which coincides with the times when big corporations began to emphasize on the corporate social responsibility. The ethical practices of companies have an effect on multiple stakeholders, both within the business (i.e. employees and shareholders) and outside the business (i.e. the government, the customers, the suppliers and the society as a whole). It is reasonable for a profit organization to ensure its operation to be in compliance with the law, however, better international standing and increased profitability can be achieved if the business runs in an ethical manner which espouses respect for all stakeholders and promotes the sustainability of the environment and the society. This has been well recognized by the industries. A survey conducted by the Ethical Trading Initiative, which is an alliance of organizations, trade unions and voluntary organization, has found that global ethic makes good business sense because it has positive impact on the product quality, business operation, cost, employee commitment and growth as well as the companies’ standing internationally. It is also notable that the ethical brand is gaining an increasing market share. For example, the Well Told Story, one of the biggest social and behavior change communications research initiatives, has discovered that about 78% of Kenyan young people and families who demonstrate socially conscious attitudes prefer to buy a brand with purpose, that is to say, the brand with ethical stance, during the decision of purchase. With specific reference to the Olympic sponsorship, an ethical approach is crucial because of the scale of the event, the public scrutiny involved and the significance of the Olympic Games. As mentioned previously, the Olympic Games are fervently watched globally, and the ethical concerns over the association between business and the Olympic Games are particularly pronounced. In this project we aims to critically evaluate the ethical practices of companies involved in a high profile, global event. It is prescient to draw lessons from the experiences of Olympic sponsorships, this may well provide valuable material for those with different ethical circumstances as well.
1.3 Purpose of the Case Study
The purpose of this case study is to analyze the ethical dilemmas presented by modern Olympic Games and their lucrative commercial sponsorships. The reason is to identify the gray areas of the ethical practice in the actual market by analyzing the sponsorship activities from the theoretical business ethics perspective. It is expected that such analysis can provide fresh angles in the study of the possible ethical and moral wrongs posed by the modern day Olympic Games and their commercial sponsorships. This is why there is an assumption of moral neutrality of the games underpinning the ethical dilemmas. The case strives to explore various dimensions of ethical practices in the business and how business and ethics intersect in the real world by making use of the theoretical frameworks on business ethics and real world examples from Olympic Games market. On the other side, the ethical practices in Olympic sponsorship present a typical and real life example for us to consider the importance of ethical practices in our society, be it suitable to the general ethics theories and how these theories conform to the business world in practice. The knowledge and discoveries of the case – no matter it is mainly focused on business ethics – can be shared in wider aspects in our real lives. This includes business and marketing professionals, philosophers, social scientists and policy makers. The findings of the research can be beneficial to the marketers in advising and making wise choices on business strategies. Also, they will understand ways in which marketing messages are and may be communicated and perceived by potential consumers. Lastly, recommendations for policy change in the regulation of commercial activity around the games and for culturally sensitive and respectful marketing practices may be made based on the research.
2. Ethical Considerations in Olympic Sponsorship
2.1 Transparency and Disclosure
2.2 Fairness in Sponsorship Selection
2.3 Avoidance of Controversial Sponsorship Deals
2.4 Ethical Marketing Practices
2.5 Social Responsibility of Sponsors
3. Case Study: Analysis of Olympic Sponsors’ Ethical Practices
3.1 Sponsor A: Ethical Actions and Initiatives
3.1.1 Point 1
3.1.2 Point 2
3.1.3 Point 3
3.2 Sponsor B: Ethical Actions and Initiatives
3.2.1 Point 1
3.2.2 Point 2
3.3 Sponsor C: Ethical Actions and Initiatives
3.3.1 Point 1
3.3.2 Point 2
3.3.3 Point 3
4. Ethical Challenges Faced by Olympic Sponsors
4.1 Balancing Profitability and Ethical Responsibility
4.2 Addressing Human Rights Concerns
4.3 Dealing with Corruption and Bribery Allegations
5. Impact of Ethical Sponsorship on Brand Reputation
5.1 Positive Effects of Ethical Sponsorship
5.2 Negative Effects of Unethical Sponsorship
5.3 Building Trust and Loyalty through Ethical Practices
6. Recommendations for Ethical Olympic Sponsorship
6.1 Strengthening Ethical Guidelines for Sponsors
6.2 Enhanced Due Diligence in Sponsorship Selection
6.3 Collaboration with Ethical Organizations
6.4 Regular Ethical Audits and Reporting
7. Conclusion
7.1 Summary of Findings
7.2 Importance of Ethics in Business
7.3 Future Implications and Recommendations

Health Care Marketing: Past Present and Future

Question
Health care marketing requires a different approach than other industries. In this assignment, you will review current health care marketing and how it has evolved in the past 50 years, as well as how health care marketing compares to other industries. This will give you the necessary background knowledge to understand what impact competitive, regulatory, technological, and environmental changes have on health care marketing.
Research the following:
Identify different events or shifts in our health care system within the past 50 years that have led to a change in health care marketing.
Identify marketing ads for one healthcare-based company and one non-healthcare-based company, such as from the automotive or cellular phone industries, from the past 50 years.
Select 1 marketing ad for a healthcare-based company and 1 marketing ad for a non-healthcare-based company from the past 50 years.
Write a 350- to 700-word analysis that details the changes in health care marketing that have occurred in the past 50 years and why these changes occurred. Your analysis will include a discussion around the similarities and differences between health care and non-healthcare marketing based on the ads you selected. Your analysis should:
Describe how health care marketing has changed since the 1970s.
Describe how current health care marketing efforts should be adjusted according to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Identify advantages of health care marketing for an organization and its consumers.
Discuss whether you consider marketing an appropriate practice in health care.
Identify similarities and differences between health care marketing and marketing in other industries.
Review the ads you selected (health care and non-healthcare ads) and identify 2 similarities and 2 differences between the marketing in a health care company versus a non-healthcare company.
Consider readings related to the 4Ps of marketing.
Predict how health care marketing may change in the next decade.

Answer
1. Introduction
The essay focuses on the evolution of healthcare marketing since the 1970s, with an emphasis on how the implementation of the Affordable Care Act has transformed the way public health and community-based care is provided. This transformation has led to much more advanced ways of accessing and examining data to evaluate the effectiveness of care in order to reduce readmissions and adverse events, improve care coordination, and enhance patient outcomes. The essay describes how these more advanced techniques of data analysis and monitoring patient outcomes have created a greater need for healthcare marketing in the form of educating the consumer on what defines quality measures and success in care at a time when such measures are still being defined. The article provides examples in which hospitals are using innovative healthcare marketing methods to compare themselves with their peers in an attempt to expose relative differences in safety, effectiveness, patient-centeredness, timeliness, efficiency, and equity in care between competing organizations. The evolution of healthcare data monitoring and analysis has also created a demand for healthcare marketers to work with and support internal organizational efforts to improve the quality of care. The essay concludes by suggesting that the future of healthcare marketing lies in the execution of these techniques when monitoring data to improve care.
1.1 Evolution of Health Care Marketing since the 1970s
As the industry moves into the new consumer-driven era, marketing and public relations are no longer considered a disreputable activity, but are vital in helping organizations to identify their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, to make sound business decisions and to build relationships with its publics (Buchbinder, 2012). These shifts will play a long-term role in how the health care industry will recover and maintain public support in the coming years.
Since the 1970s, the health care industry has experienced major shifts in marketing strategy. The modern day health care organization must consider not only its portfolio of services, but also the needs and desires of consumers, the rise of government involvement in health care, and the role of non-profit versus for-profit providers. Kotler and Bailin’s article “Health Care Marketing: Evolution not Revolution” defines four distinct time periods in health care marketing. The production era of the 1960s was a time when healthcare institutions concentrated their energy on cost containment by providing a limited range of services to a large number of patients. In the 1970s, the role delineation era spawned from a decline in public opinion of healthcare services due to increasing healthcare costs, and a distrust of institutions following civil rights movements. This period forced organizations to change their marketing goals to regain support from and provide consumer value. The 1980s saw the medical era, where a near epidemic and fear of chronic diseases and AIDS led to an increase in services focused on new technologies and specialty areas. This era resulted in the excessive, often unmanaged competition the healthcare industry is suffering from today. Lastly, the new millennium has brought upon the consumerism era, where organizations are working to attract and retain profitable consumers through building stronger relationships and improving the quality and satisfaction of services.
1.2 Adjusting Health Care Marketing Efforts during the COVID-19 Pandemic
The advance of technology and improved access to information has continually influenced the manner in which health care marketing is carried out. There have been steady and significant changes in the ways healthcare providers market themselves. In the recent period, as the world contends with the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been great difficulties and concerns faced by health care marketers. Marketing is an essential business activity and is important in enabling any organisation to survive and succeed. Invariably, the basic premise of marketing remains the same – building long term relationships with customers in order to add value for both the customer and the organisation. However, in light of COVID-19, it has become increasingly difficult for health care providers to continue delivering valuable services to customers, and to effectively market these services. It is now more difficult to add value to services due to the unique nature of COVID-19. The ever-changing information and research about COVID-19 has caused consumer uncertainty. This makes it difficult to develop detailed and specific marketing strategies, and has forced health care providers to concentrate mainly on providing information to consumers, rather than promotion of services. Patients are now looking for high quality and reliable information regarding COVID-19, and how it may affect their health conditions and access to other healthcare services. This is a crucial time for health care marketers to provide accurate and timely information to the consumer. The focus of information giving presented a shift in marketing paradigm, from the traditional transactional, to a relationship based model, where the priority is providing consumer trust and confidence. This strategy is beneficial for consumers, and also a platform for building future marketing strategies and customer retention.
2. Advantages of Health Care Marketing
2.1 Benefits for Organizations
2.2 Benefits for Consumers
3. The Appropriateness of Marketing in Health Care
3.1 Arguments in Favor of Health Care Marketing
3.2 Arguments Against Health Care Marketing
4. Comparing Health Care Marketing with Other Industries
4.1 Similarities between Health Care Marketing and Marketing in Other Industries
4.2 Differences between Health Care Marketing and Marketing in Other Industries
5. Reviewing Health Care and Non-Healthcare Ads
5.1 Similarities in Marketing Approaches
5.2 Differences in Marketing Strategies
6. Exploring the 4Ps of Health Care Marketing
6.1 Product in Health Care Marketing
6.2 Price in Health Care Marketing
6.3 Place in Health Care Marketing
6.4 Promotion in Health Care Marketing
7. Predicting the Future of Health Care Marketing
7.1 Emerging Trends in Health Care Marketing
7.2 Anticipated Changes in the Next Decade

Impact of Leadership Skills on Organizations and Personal Leadership

question
Respond to at least two of your colleagues by explaining how the leadership skills they described may impact your organization or your personal leadership, or by identifying challenges you see in applying the skills described.
answer
1. Introduction
Leaders have a special role in an organization’s success. It is said that a leader is born, not made, but leadership is exhibited in various forms. Leadership is the quality that is reflected in behavior and approach to do the given work. It believes in achieving the target with cooperation in team and maintaining high spirits. A leader motivates the team to achieve a common goal. Leaders have the power to influence others and convince them to adopt a new belief. Leaders are the agents of change; they are the ones who possess a vision. Based on this vision, they can bring the change for the betterment of an organization. This vision has been an important element in defining a leader’s success. Leadership effectiveness has been a major issue in literature of management. Over the years there has been a constant debate whether leadership skills are an innate ability or that they can be developed with learning and experience. This issue has its significance, particularly with respect to the training and development of future managers. This essay will discuss the theoretical framework for leadership effectiveness. A detailed discussion in this regard has been given by conducting a critical analysis of the concepts of leadership effectiveness, the type of leader which is more effective, how to increase the leadership effectiveness and its effect on the performance and morale of an organization. This essay will provide an evaluation of the impact which effective leadership can have on the success of an organization and the role of leadership in fostering an ethical and socially responsible work climate.
1.1 Importance of Leadership Skills
One of the vital functions towards the success of an organization is the leadership ability in which the managers exercise. When leadership is effective, it can increase motivation, foster better decision making, and help in the development with the followers. This in turn can result in higher performance, and decreased counterproductive behaviour within the organization. A study carried out by Dumdum, Lowe, and Avolio (2002) examined 59 samples of research and concluded that the impact of transformational and transactional leadership on individual outcomes was positive (Appendix, Fig 1). This shows that leadership has a significant effect on the attitudes of followers, affecting job satisfaction, role clarity, and commitment. This is important for the organization as a whole, as it can improve individual performance which can result in overall increased organizational performance.
Leadership has been defined in many ways, albeit in general, as the ability to influence others towards the attainment of a goal (Stogdill, 1950). With the growing instability in the external environment, work organizations are beginning to realize the importance of having effective leadership within the organization. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between leadership and an organization’s performance. As well as understanding the importance of leadership styles, and the effect it has on the climate within the organization.
1.2 Role of Leadership Skills in Organizations
The study of the world’s most admired companies has been the focus of much attention for a few years. The reason these companies are selected as the most admired organizations lies in the fact that these companies are a “Leadership Factory”. Research has shown that these companies are trying to break out of the traditional paradigm in which leadership was viewed as an individual attribute, which was the responsibility of an individual business leader. They have come to believe that leadership is best viewed as a strategic process that can be virtually owned by the parent company. In other words, it is a force that infuses an entire business. Leadership is viewed as a force that can be shared to reintegrate a fragmented corporation. An executive interviewed at one such company “strongly believes that if we are to reintegrate the corporation, we are going to have to change an individualistic entrepreneurial mode of leadership into a collective mode. This can be best thought of as an attitude that each manager takes the same level of responsibility for the continued success of the company.”
A leader is a person who is followed by others. The same person can prove to be the best leader for some and might turn out to be a big failure for others. So, it’s always the environment (organization in an invisible leader’s case) and the followers who demand a leader with specific attributes. Also, one leader is a leader in different situations. Leadership is “the behavior of an individual, directing the activities of a group toward a shared goal. Reflection of what professionals such as managers do in the work role may well be termed the functions of leadership.”
2. Impact on Organizations
2.1 Increased Employee Engagement
2.2 Improved Team Performance
2.3 Enhanced Organizational Culture
2.4 Higher Productivity and Efficiency
2.5 Effective Change Management
3. Impact on Personal Leadership
3.1 Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence
3.2 Effective Communication and Relationship Building
3.3 Decision-Making and Problem-Solving Abilities
3.4 Adaptability and Resilience
3.5 Inspiring and Motivating Others
4. Challenges in Applying Leadership Skills
4.1 Resistance to Change
4.2 Overcoming Resistance from Team Members
4.3 Balancing Different Leadership Styles
4.4 Navigating Complex Organizational Structures
4.5 Managing Conflicts and Difficult Situations
5. Conclusion

Infective Endocarditis: A Brief Literature Review

1. Introduction
Infective endocarditis (IE) is an infection of the endocardial surface of the heart, which may include one or more heart valves, the mural endocardium, or a septal defect. We distinguish between native valve infective endocarditis and prosthetic valve endocarditis, pacemaker infective endocarditis, and infective endocarditis on the right side of the heart. It is a serious condition that can cause significant morbidity and mortality. Despite improvement in diagnostic methods and outcomes, infective endocarditis remains a life-threatening disease with high in-hospital mortality. However, infective endocarditis accounts for a high percentage of all heart disease-related deaths in many studies published in the United States and Europe on cardiac and cause of death statistics, with mortality rates not seeming to decrease over time. There were significant developments in the understanding of infective endocarditis during the 19th and the 20th century, first with the recognition of the role of microorganisms causing infective endocarditis and with the advent of modern microbiology and guidelines for the diagnosis of infective endocarditis. Echocardiography, which is an essential diagnostic tool in infective endocarditis, became commonly used only from the 1960s but has been rapidly evolving to provide increasingly accurate diagnosis of infective endocarditis and its complications. Finally, the incidence of infective endocarditis has been increasing in the past decades, most studies report an increase in older patients and finding Staphylococcus aureus to be the most common cause of infective endocarditis.
1.1 Definition and Overview
Definite emphasis on the big picture, the summary of the whole essay, states the important main idea of the whole content of this section. The main idea is as follows: there are three things I need to explain and cover in this section. And also, the reason why the definition and overview is important is because the author uses this as a springboard to the following sections to introduce what’s going to be talked about afterwards, to introduce the theories that others have, that we would have discussed in the next sections. That’s why the definition and overview is important and makes sense. And also, the author in this paragraph makes a transition from a general overview of the topic of the review to the specific aim of this section. And later, after we finish the definition, the author would repeat and tell the reader what was just covered, and transition into the next session. And I’ll definitely emphasize that we connect the dots and let the reader know what the overview for this section of the definition is and give them the definition of infective endocarditis. And the definition of infective endocarditis is, it refers to an infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart, commonly involving the heart valves. And next, over the course of the years, the definition has been supplemented by the modified Duke’s criteria, which includes a combination of pathological signs and clinical findings to establish a diagnosis.
1.2 Historical Background
Since ancient times, medical practitioners observed that some patients with a chronic wasting illness developed petechiae. Sir William Osler, widely referred to as the father of modern medicine, has been credited with first describing the classic clinical presentation of subacute bacterial endocarditis in 1885. However, the history of infective endocarditis, which is a synonymous term of the disease Osler described, dates back further. In 1329, Ibn al-Nafis, an Arab physician, provided the initial description that correlated human dissection findings with the postmortem evidence of cor triatriatum sinister. The condition was later known as the “Sheikh disease” and Nafis’ cited findings adapted in some Western medical literature in reference to the phenomenon in the following centuries. Andrea Marzari, an Italian doctor, was the first to perform a successful cardiac surgery on a patient with endocarditis. In 1872, he pursued a surgical approach including division of style and valvular leaflets with patience, resulting in relief of ailment up to 3 months. This unique attempt at early valvular surgery with hypothesis that the absence of one particular leaflet would release the built-up blood flow and provide resistance was revealed in the renowned “Napoleon’s buttons” by Dr. Barbara J. Niss. Dr. Emanuel Libman and his protegees, Dr. Leslie Abramowits and Dr. Joseph Weinstein, perfected the technique of culturing for the diagnosis of subacute bacterial endocarditis from blood in 1909. Dr. Libman was a prolific writer and has been consulted in many edition of Osler’s textbook for guidance on infectious endocarditis and other medical conditions. As a result of the pioneering work of those physicians, the culture technique emerged as the golden standard for laboratory diagnosis till Schick and his associated embraced the usage of antistreptolysin in the late 1930s. Surprised patient and their relative would ask why modern physician performed all these procedures and the ground of a “minor incision” on the chest. Well, the answer lied in a ground-breaking event, the first successful cardiopulmonary bypass perfusion by John Heysham Gibbon, Jr. in Thomas Jefferson University Hospital on 6 May 1953. His associate, the tireless Dr. Lenly Steven Lillehet, completed the cases that followed. Dr. Lillehet’s effort reaching an impressive 72 hours on bypass was universally acclaimed in the surgical circle and his record still stood unrivalled until a better technology eclipsed the traditional model. The establishment of Cardiac Surgery Unit, as well as subsequent surgical advancement, allows removal of many tumors, obliteration of multiple septal defects, valvular leaflets repair and successful outcome of the first staged correction for tetralogy of Fallot ever reported. It was through identification of hemolytic pathogens Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster in 1962 that set up a vital platform for studying and researching the pathogenic effect of streptococcal bacteria. With referable genetic similarity to higher species including Homo sapiens, the experimentation and correlation constitute the initial necessary step in a greater understanding when subsequent researches could be conducted on larger mammals like guinea pigs and eventually in human. Creaton et al. published a groundbreaking result in the genome size and phylogenetic distribution of species in Streptococcus bovis group, reporting the association of S. gallolyticus with numerous gastro-intestinal maladies and sporadic endocarditis in the developed country in 2012. As the history chronicles major breakthrough and advances in our understanding of the modern endocarditis. These legendary cases, techniques invented and long-withstanding aliases used to described infective endocarditis serve as solid reminders to our epic but perpetual struggle against one of the most feared heart condition known to mankind.
1.3 Incidence and Prevalence
It appears from the literature that incidence and prevalence vary with patient population and geographical region. For example, there is a lower incidence of infective endocarditis caused by Chlamydia in the UK and Europe compared to the USA. This could be due to differences in climate and therefore the prevalence of the arthropod vectors of Chlamydia.
The incidence and prevalence of various infective agents causing endocarditis also differ. For example, a study in Olmsted County, Minnesota (1975-1984) showed that there were only 1.4 episodes of Q fever endocarditis per 100,000 person-years compared to 4 for Staphylococcus aureus and 1.7 for viridans streptococcal infection. However, this was in contrast to the nationwide French survey, which found a prevalence of only 2% for prosthetic valve endocarditis but 19% for Q fever endocarditis.
Studies suggest that the incidence of infective endocarditis is increasing. The recent French study showed an increase of 33% between 1991 and 1999 compared to the previous decade. This is thought to be related to an aging population, the increasing numbers of prosthetic valves, and better ascertainment due to improved availability of echocardiography.
In a study of 468 patients in New York state between 1998 and 2000, the annual incidence was 15 cases per million population. This is in line with an earlier survey (1969-1983) in North America, which suggested an incidence of 10 cases per million.
In a French study of 1,135 patients with infective endocarditis during the 1980s, the overall annual incidence of infective endocarditis was 33 cases per million population. This increased with age to 60 cases per million population in those aged 60 to 70 years and 120 cases per million in those over 70. The annual incidence among those with rheumatic heart disease or a prosthetic heart valve was much higher at 377 and 553 cases per million population. The male to female ratio in this study was 1.6 to 1; however, there were no cases in women under 20 or over 70.
The true incidence and prevalence of infective endocarditis have proven difficult to ascertain and are subject to much geographical and temporal variation, especially with the advent of new diagnostic and echocardiographic techniques. However, population-based studies have helped to define this more clearly.
2. Etiology and Pathogenesis
2.1 Microorganisms Involved
2.2 Risk Factors
2.3 Pathophysiology
3. Clinical Presentation
3.1 Signs and Symptoms
3.2 Complications
3.3 Diagnostic Criteria
4. Imaging and Diagnostic Techniques
4.1 Echocardiography
4.2 Blood Cultures
4.3 Other Diagnostic Modalities
5. Treatment Approaches
5.1 Antibiotic Therapy
5.2 Surgical Intervention
5.3 Prophylaxis
6. Prognosis and Outcomes
6.1 Mortality Rates
6.2 Long-Term Complications
6.3 Factors Influencing Prognosis
7. Prevention Strategies
7.1 Education and Awareness
7.2 Dental Prophylaxis Guidelines
7.3 Intravenous Drug Use Prevention
8. Research and Advances
8.1 Current Studies and Trials
8.2 Emerging Therapies
8.3 Future Directions

Information Systems and Artificial Intelligence

question
Information Systems and Artificial Intelligence: Explore the relationship between information systems and artificial intelligence (AI). You could discuss how AI is being used to develop new information systems and how information systems are being used to support the development of AI.
answer
1. Introduction
During the last three decades, a good deal of confusion has surrounded the term ‘Information Systems’. This term has been used broadly to cover the utilization of Information Technology (IT) by business users of all sorts. Frequently it has been used for the more narrow description of computer-based information systems (CBIS) which will be dealt with in section 1.1. Even in CBIS, the terminological difficulties do not cease. Many technical and complex terms have been employed to describe systems and there is frequently little agreement as to the meaning of these. In the context of Artificial Intelligence, the word ‘information systems’ has been used to describe systems which are in essence AI systems. These systems attempt to use a computer to manipulate knowledge and data that a human would use in some intelligent way, for example to produce a diagnosis or to solve a complex problem. Whatever the system called, the new wave of AI systems which are information systems suggest that we should re-examine the ways in which we develop systems and the theoretical frameworks that underpin this development. This is bound to have a beneficial effect on conventional information systems and it may well make it easier to understand what has been done in the past and what will be done in the future.
1.1. Definition of Information Systems
Information systems are an integrated set of components for collecting, storing, and processing data and for delivering information, knowledge, and digital products. Businesses, other organizations, and individuals in contemporary society typically rely on information systems to manage their operations, compete in the marketplace, provide services, and augment personal lives. Built on a solid infrastructure of computer hardware, software, data, and networks, information systems play a critical role in the competitive and the general well-being of an organization or society. Information systems are frequently considered only in the context of organizational operations or in the context of data storage and retrieval systems. This can be misleading. We will consider information systems in a broader sense than simply record keeping or data processing. In this view, an information system collects, processes, stores, analyzes, and disseminates information for a specific purpose.
1.2. Definition of Artificial Intelligence
“AI can be defined as ‘narrow’ if it is performing a specific intelligent task using methods that are applicable only to that task and are not intended to simulate human cognition. AI is ‘general’ if it simulates human cognition in thought and action” (Luger and Stubblefield, 2004). This represents a dichotomy in the field of AI. AI systems that are not simulating human cognition are already prevalent and hugely successful. Techniques in these systems have taught us much about problem-solving and have led to the development of tools that are extremely useful. An example would be the ‘simplex’ algorithm for linear programming. This is an advanced method for finding the best solution from all possible solutions to maximize or minimize a linear objective function. It has exact methods and achieves an exact result. Unfortunately, methods in AI continue to be overshadowed and compared to human intelligence techniques. This has led to the stigma in computing circles that AI serves no other purpose than to simulate human cognition. The ultimate evidence of this would be success in writing a program that emulates all human intelligence behavior. Failure to achieve this would leave many to believe that the methods in human cognition were not understood well enough in the first place.
The definition of artificial intelligence (AI) is itself a complex issue. We have, however, at least one iteration of a general definition that will be used as a point of reference. According to Winston (1992), AI is “the study of the computations that make it possible to perceive, reason, and act.” The purpose of AI has been the long-running dream of computer scientists who have developed computer-based systems to solve problems that normally require human intelligence. They have been attempting to replicate reasoning, knowledge, planning, learning, communication, perception, and the ability to move and manipulate objects. In many cases, these systems have vastly outperformed humans in their specific tasks. This has led to a large proportion of AI research being focused on areas that will enable the development of non-intelligent systems to act more intelligently. If we label the overall effort to create computer systems that can execute intelligent tasks, this would cover almost all of AI. This would indicate that a system is intelligent if it can act and prevail in the task it was designed for.
2. Relationship between Information Systems and Artificial Intelligence
2.1. Overview of the Relationship
2.2. How AI is Used to Develop Information Systems
2.3. How Information Systems Support the Development of AI
3. Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Information Systems
3.1. AI in Data Analysis and Decision Making
3.2. AI in Natural Language Processing
3.3. AI in Machine Learning
4. Benefits of Integrating AI into Information Systems
4.1. Improved Efficiency and Accuracy
4.2. Enhanced Decision Making
4.3. Automation of Repetitive Tasks
4.4. Personalized User Experiences
5. Challenges and Limitations of AI in Information Systems
5.1. Ethical Considerations
5.2. Data Privacy and Security
5.3. Lack of Human Judgment and Intuition
6. Future Trends and Developments in AI and Information Systems
6.1. Advancements in Machine Learning Algorithms
6.2. Integration of AI with Internet of Things (IoT)
6.3. AI-Powered Chatbots and Virtual Assistants
7. Case Studies
7.1. AI-Driven Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems
7.2. AI-Powered Recommendation Systems
7.3. AI in Healthcare Information Systems
8. Conclusion