History of Biological Warfare Essay

Biological warfare, also called germ warfare is the use of bacteria, toxins, virus or harmful organism by the military as weapons of war against the enemy. This means that a small quantity of these microorganisms have the capability to kill millions of people if spread evenly and effectively. These biological weapons can also cause sickness to enemy soldiers and disrupt enemy’s logistics and supply lines. Although biological warfare as such has hitherto not taken place on a large scale, yet assuming and apprehending its probable occurrence, many nations have built their individual defensive strategies to be on the safe side. On the basis of this assumption and probability, much research for the purpose of defense against biological weapons has been conducted by the scientists, highly sensitive industries and the governments. But since carrying out germ-warfare against humanity or using harmful bacteria or organism against human beings was considered entirely inhumane, an international treaty banning biological weapons came into force in 1975. By virtue of this treaty, production, possession, and use of such weapons were completely prohibited. More than 150 nations signed this treaty. Deadly Forms of Warfare in History The origin of biological warfare is traced back in ancient times, when the Assyrians, in 6th century B. C poisoned enemy wells with poisonous herbs (eukaryotes or fungi) that cused the enemy lose sanity or consciousness. This was the starting point of biological warfare in human history. Thence onward this typical warfare was used by many in the past e. g. Solon of Athens poisoned the water supply of Phocaea with extremely poisonous herb Veratrum, during his city’s siege; the archers of Scythian, during 4th century B. C. poisoned the tips of arrows to cause infection into the wounds of enemy; the Spartans used sulfur during the Peloponnesian War in 400 B. C. In medieval times, soldiers used to throw dead bodies into the wells. During the Indian-French wars in1689 and 1763, blankets used by smallpox patients were given to Indians for carrying the disease to the latter. It was Germany, which, during World War I, used poisonous gas for the first time against Allied forces at Belgium and Ypres. The use of poisonous gas by Germany caused about 30 percent of casualties suffered by the US army. The use of poisonous gas proved so fatal and devastating in nature that many nations unanimously agreed to ban the use of gas and extremely harmful chemical substances in future wars. But again it was Iraq which breached the agreement and used chemical weapons against Iran in eight years long war (1980-1988). Iraq was also held responsible for using chemical weapons against the independence seeking Kurdish people. Relatively New Forms of Warfare Some of the new forms of warfare that have lately engaged nations in the design, technique and art of modern warfare include: 1. Chemical Warfare 2. Biological Warfare 3. Radiological Warfare 4. Mine Warfare 5. Guerrilla Warfare 6. Amphibious Warfare 7. Psychological warfare 8. Siege Warfare 9. Nuclear Warfare From the above forms of warfare, the chemical, radiological, and biological warfare are singled out as ones in which CBR weapons are used for mass killing; disabling millions of people instantly, transmitting fatal diseases into enemy rank and file; incapacitating the enemy physically, and destroying their food supplies. How do they Work? Chemical Warfare Chemical Warfare involves all those chemical substances which affect the nervous as well as the respiratory systems, besides affecting skin, eyes, and nose. The chemicals, which include gases, liquids, and powders, can be sprayed from airplanes, dropped as bombs, fired in the form of artillery shells, or spread over the area through land mines. But there are some colorless and odorless nerve agents which, if inhaled, can cause immediate death while some chemical agents can cause temporary blindness or confusion. The mustard gas also called ‘Blister Agent’ caused many casualties during World War I. But it is quite relieving to see the chemical agents not widely used in warfare since the end of World War I (1918). Radiological Warfare Radiological Warfare involves those substances that give off radiation, and which may damage the internal organs of a person and even cause death. Radiological warfare is extremely dangerous because the released radioactivity in the process renders the entire area unfit for human life. Mine Warfare Mine Warfare is the use of explosive devices called mines to kill enemy troops and destroy their ships, tanks, and other equipment. Some mines explode when a person steps on them or run over by a tank or jeep, while the naval mines are detonated by the passing of a ship. The two major kinds of mines are: 1. The Land Mines 2. The Naval Mines The main types of land mines are:1) antipersonnel mines, 2) antitank mines, 3) chemical mines, 4) controlled mines, and 5) nuclear mines. There chief four kinds of naval mines include: 1) acoustic mines, 2) contact mines, 3) magnetic mines, and 4) pressure mines Guerrilla warfare Guerrilla warfare is conducted by the fighter bands that employ the tactics of sudden raids, ambushes, and other attacks on small-scale. The term â€Å"Guerrilla† which means â€Å"Little War† in Spanish, was first used by the Portuguese and Spanish armies during the Peninsular War (1808-1814). Amphibious warfare Amphibious warfare is the mode of army operations by land air and sea forces with the objective of capturing a coastal area or a beach. Generally the amphibious operations are considered the most intricate form of modern warfare. During World War II (1939-1945), after Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor and destroyed US naval installations in the Pacific Ocean, a common objective of United States amphibious warfare was to seize islands in order to build their advance on. These air and naval bases were captured for their operations against Japan. Antidotes for Biological Weapons The antidote for biological agents is a complete kit which contains medicines and treatments for nerve gas. It also contains injectors to fight anthrax, and antibiotics and drugs to reduce the effects of radiation exposure. Normally the kits are kept locked in military vans by the army. It is worthwhile noting that according to the briefing documents prepared by the Army Medical Department for the senior medical command in Iraq â€Å"Millions of dollars’ worth of such kits are incinerated in Iraq each year†. Army spokesman, Foster, D. said that the service’s policy is â€Å"to issue the [kits] to each unit prior to deployment, and ensure all unused [kits are] turned in prior to the unit’s redeployment for destruction. † Also the vice president for strategic security programs at the Federation of American Scientists, Ivan Oelrich, said that sending the Antidote-kits is a rational policy just in case â€Å"some terrorist gets hold of 10 gallons of nerve as† (Bob, 2007) Gas Mask Among other protective coverings such as injections of antidotes, gas masks too are used as one of the defensive measures against chemical agents. Gas mask protects a person from breathing poisonous gases and vapors into the lungs. Only air is allowed to enter the mask through the filter pads, which purifies and filters the air. The charcoal which is padded within the cheeks of mask purifies the air by trapping harmful gases and particles. Particulate filters can remove particles of smoke, dust, and even some harmful biological agents. The purifying materials are in the cheeks of present-day masks, which are often part of an entire protective suit. In World War I (1914-1918), masks were used to protect troops against gas attacks. Gas was not used in World War II (1939-1945), but armies had masks in case gas warfare began. During the Persian Gulf War of 1991 and the Iraq War, which began in 2003, gas masks were issued to troops and civilians in areas where it was feared Iraq would attack. (Lussier and Frances M, 2007)

Michael Moore Loves Rhetoric

Jeffrey Lee Professor Lewis English 2 10 February 2010 Michael Moore Loves Rhetoric One of the most effective ways Moore draws our attention is by using real testimonies. By interviewing Americans who have been wronged by the health care system, he cleverly intertwines rhetoric to create a strong argument for universal health care. For example, after he presents the audience with a logos appeal, an ethos and/or pathos appeal will follow, or vice versa. Like a chain reaction, the appeals go hand in hand, making the viewer feel as if what they are seeing is real and not exaggerated. From the beginning, â€Å"Sicko† relies heavily on ethos and pathos to show that the health care industry is not sympathetic to the medical needs of Americans. One example of this is the story of a man named Tracy who had kidney cancer. His hospital refused to perform surgery on him and Tracy died soon after his wife challenged the hospital on the issue. Tracy’s wife, Julie, says that Tracy wanted to know why a good person like him had to be put into such an unfortunate situation. Here, Moore uses different techniques to get the audience to feel sympathy for this family. When the film first introduces us to Tracy and his family, we see segments of home videos depicting a happy family. As Tracy’s wife gives the interview, she tells an unfortunate story of Tracy’s death and how their health insurance failed them which further grabs the audience’s sympathy. She is interviewed in such a way where we feel as if she is in the living room with us; she seems like a friend or neighbor, and we sympathize for her loss. We are made to feel that his death was preventable. Further, we learn that despite Tracy’s wife being employed in the very hospital that provided them with so-called health care, they were denied treatment even though Tracy’s brother was a perfect donor. Essentially, she was working for the very people who were denying her family the care they need. Through the use of ethos and pathos, Moore makes the audience feel mournful for Tracy, while making the American health care system seem out of touch with common ethical values. Tracy’s story is followed by another ethos and pathos appeal told by Dawnelle Keyes, a woman whose daughter, Mychelle, died due to the low value that insurance companies lace on people’s lives. The hospital claimed that certain portions of Mychelle’s treatment could not be paid for by the hospital. In order to cover these expenses, Keyes would have to take Mychelle to a different hospital. Keyes did not want to do this, and she recalls, â€Å"I just continued to ask them to treat her and they refused†. Finally, Keyes took her daughter to an alternate hospital, but because of the delays, Mychelle went into cardiac arrest and died. After Keyes was done talking about her tragedy, she cried for her lost child. Just like the scene with Tracy’s widow, this scene prompted the audience to sympathize with the victims. Again, this is a clever use of ethos and pathos. Moore also chooses his background wisely in order to appeal to the audience’s emotions even more. Notice when Keyes tells her tragic story of Mychelle, the interview takes place around a playground with children playing in the background. This is an effective way of appealing to our pathos because we are reminded of children and their innocence. Keyes’ testimony further persuades the audience that insurance companies are merciless and should therefore be replaced by mandatory universal health care. Not only does â€Å"Sicko† have many scenes of Americans describing the hardships that insurance companies have put them through, the movie also criticized the way health care workers are forced to work. For instance, Becky Malke works for an insurance company and describes the distress she experiences at her job. Becky answers phone calls for the company and tells the story of one phone call that disturbed her. Becky cries through most of her story. As she cries, Moore slowly zooms the camera onto her face, allowing us to see all her emotions, almost making the audience want to cry with her. This is a great technique for the film’s message here – that even those who work for the health care industry are emotionally distraught by how uncharitable and inhumane medical insurance companies can be. We are left to feel that the current system should be overthrown in favor of universal health care. Yet again, Moore strengthens his argument through the use of personal testimonies that evoke our emotions. As the film progresses we see Moore display himself as the â€Å"common man† in an effort to appeal to the audience the genuineness of his own character – his ethos. He is casually dressed wearing only jeans, T-shirt, and a baseball cap. His message is more acceptable to the audience when he is perceived as an everyday type of guy. The audience’s guards are down. Where if he was dressed in a suit, the audience would surely view him differently, possibly feeling more distant and requiring Moore to defend his viewpoints. Instead, Moore’s stories are believable because he makes the audience relate with him and his storytellers. Another form of pathos used in â€Å"Sicko† is the association of happiness with universal health care. For instance, Alexi Cremieux was recovering from chemotherapy that treated his tumor. Because Alexi lived in France, where there is universal health care, Alexi was given three months of paid vacation time to get well. Moore flashes images of Alexi relaxing with friends during his vacation, smiling in all his pictures. Through pathos, we are made to believe that Alexi is happier because he was assisted by universal health care. In turn, we too are left to feel that universal health care can help achieve our happiness, versus the U. S. counterpart that can only put people through hardship. Furthermore, Moore also uses humor as a form of a pathos appeal. For example, Moore visits a British hospital, which is managed under a universal health care system, and tries to find out how the hospital’s patients pay the bills for their stay. Moore asks a pregnant patient at the hospital, â€Å"So what do you pay for a stay here? † She replies, â€Å"No one pays† with a chuckle. Next, Moore asks a couple walking through the hospital with their newborn baby, â€Å"What did they charge for that baby? † The baby’s father answers, â€Å"You know, it’s not America† and the couple laughs. This is a powerful scene because it mocks the U. S. system in an amusing fashion. It makes the viewer think â€Å"hey those people don’t have to pay for health care, why should we? † Their humorous attitude towards the idea of paying for health care makes the viewer believe that the current system is ridiculous and that the U. S. should adopt universal health care. Lastly, the music Moore uses also ties into the humorous appeal. He emphasizes an issue by accompanying it with a soundtrack. If it is a humorous scene, he will use sarcastic, over the top sounds; if he wants to shock the audience, he plays something more melodramatic. For example, while telling the story of a woman who was eligible for health coverage but was later denied because of a mere yeast infection, when the film got to the yeast infection part, it was followed with a â€Å"buh buh bum† and a crow screeching. The use of these sounds dramatizes the ridiculous fact that this woman was (and should not have been) denied over a simple yeast infection. Through the use of each rhetoric appeal, ethos, pathos and logos, Moore effectively convinces the audience that universal health care is more charitable than the current U. S. system and should therefore be replaced. He presents us with real-life people who the audience can easily identify with. The unjust manner in which these people are treated causes us to sympathize for them. And the facts given to us appear to be supported and convincing. All three appeals are blended together in a way that conveys a powerful message to those watching it. After watching â€Å"Sicko†, it is hard not to be convinced that universal health care is essential. With that said, are you convinced?

Nursing theories in clinical practice using theorists models Term Paper

Nursing theories in clinical practice using theorists models - Term Paper Example The Roy Adaption model was first published in 1970. This model presents a human being as a holistic adaptive system in constant interaction with both external and internal environment. The major work of the human system is to maintain integrity in the eye of environmental stimuli and whereas the objective of nursing is to foster successful development. This model focuses on the responses of the human adaptive system; this may be individual or a group to a dynamic environment. Adaptation is the main feature of the model. Here Problems in adaptation come when the adaptive system not capable of coping with or respond to the dynamic stimuli from the external and internal environments in a way that maintains the integrity of the system (Andrews & Roy, 1986). The proponent of the model was largely influenced by Harry Helson adaptation theory. it is this theory that triggered her mind to develop the model. The Roy adaption model is presently one of the major widely used frameworks in nursing practice. It is universally used in nursing. Roy also got influence from Raporpots definition of systems and concepts from Lazarus and Seyle (Roy&Roberts.1981). The proponent has also published books on the model. It fundamental to note that the philosophic beliefs and values that the model is based are that human meaning is rooted in omega point convergence of the globe, people have a mutual relationship with the world and a God figure, thinking and feeling mediate human and actions, awareness of self and environment is rooted in thinking and feeling among others. The Roy adaptation model focuses on six step nursing process. It should be noted that in relation to each of this steps or processes, the person called the nurse depends highly developed technical, interpersonal and institutive skills. This is done while assessing and initiating interventions involving approaches like anticipatory guidance, physical care, counseling and health

Why not to use the INCOTERMS DDP & Exworks to export from usa give 3 Research Paper

Why not to use the INCOTERMS DDP & Exworks to export from usa give 3 example - Research Paper Example For this reason, the USA should refrain from using the terms when exporting from the country. The term Delivered Duty Paid that is commonly abbreviated as DDP has far reaching implications on the seller of the products, whom in this case is represented by the US exporters. To begin with, it places immense costs on the seller that can otherwise be avoided. In this case, it is worth acknowledging that profit making is at the core of any business transaction. To attain this, costs should always be kept minimal. According to recent research, use of DDP implies that all costs pertaining to on carriage, pre-carriage and main carriage would be shouldered by the seller (Editor 59). For example, the US exporters of vehicle parts to Japan would be required to pay for the on carriage, pre carriage as well as main carriage costs. Comparatively, this would be more expensive than if they would not have quoted the term DPP on the freight. Fundamentally, Exworks is employed in notifying the buyer that the respective products which are packed well to meet the export standards are available to the individual buying them, at a specific time and named place. In this respect, it should be appreciated that the buyer is solely responsible the clearance of the exported products (Editors 76). Notably, the buyer may not be in position to carry out and complete all the export formalities either directly or indirectly. This can have direct negative impacts on the exporters who are required to adhere to export compliance regulations at all times. Since the inherent risk is uncertain, the exporters should simply not use the term when exporting from the USA. For example, if the word Exworks is included on the fruits being exported to South Africa, it implies that the exporters would be required to inform the receiver that the goods are packaged well. Supposing the

Employment and Society Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 3

Employment and Society - Essay Example In such a case, an employees’ place of work ceases to exist resulting in a redundancy. There exists a discrepancy between the first cause and the second, as the first case involves an overall shut down of business while the second involves only the place of work for the worker and not both employer and employee. Redundancies also occur when an employer eliminates the work or duties that an employee carries out entirely. In this case, the role an employee plays in a business ceases to exist leading to their dismissal as there is nothing for the said employee to do. In addition, reductions lead to redundancies in an attempt to cut back on the number of employees on any given business. In this regard, the number of people carrying out a given duty gets reduced but not eliminated altogether. However, redundancies in any given business should be avoided as it affects parties involved, employers and employees. This can be attempted by utilizing a wide range of means that do not affect both parties directly but work gradually. One way to cut redundancies is through the process of natural wastage. This is a case where an employee decides to leave their jobs of their own accord and not because the employer would like them to quit. In such cases, the employee may decide to retire or switch jobs to one that they feel better suited. Furthermore, recruitment freezes work well in avoiding such situations. This is by failing to recruit or enrol new workers into a business, thus cutting the risk of redundancies. In addition, an organization may choose to stop or reduce overtime or offer early retirement to volunteers; however, retirement options may be open to age discrimination issues. Retraining, redeployment and provision of sabbaticals and secondments to existing employees also serve to cut redundancies. Sabbaticals in this case refer to employees taking time off and seeking alternative employment while receiving an allowance from the employer. Other

Integrated Marketing communication plan of Honda Civic in the US Assignment

Integrated Marketing communication plan of Honda Civic in the US - Assignment Example Communication plays a pivotal role in determining the success of an organisation in as much as marketing of the product offered is concerned. It can be observed that modern communication technology has made dramatic changes in the contemporary marketing communication landscape given that the consumers are now able to evaluate the choice of the goods they want. On the other hand, the marketers are also aware of these indispensable changes brought about by new information and communication technology and these have compelled them to adopt the use of an integrated marketing communication plan in their operations. An integrated marketing communication (IMC) plan is ideal for Honda Civic in the US. In order to outline the communication plan that can be used by Honda, it is important to begin by explaining the meaning of IMC concept in order to gain a full understanding of it. Basically, an integrated marketing communication can be defined as, â€Å"a concept of marketing communication planning that recognises the added value of a comprehensive plan that evaluates the strategic roles of a variety of communication disciplines such as advertising, personal selling, sales promotion, direct marketing, public relations, sponsorship,† (Cant, 2000 p.285).... ises the added value of a comprehensive plan that evaluates the strategic roles of a variety of communication disciplines such as advertising, personal selling, sales promotion, direct marketing, public relations, sponsorship,† (Cant, 2000 p.285). These communication channels are integrated and coordinated to deliver a clear, consistent and compelling message about the organisation and its products. Kotler & Armstrong, 2004 also posit to the effect that all the corporate messages, positioning and images, and identity are coordinated across all marketing communication venues which reinforce the image and identity of the organisation. The main objectives of marketing communication mainly depend with what the company seeks to achieve through the integration of different communication disciplines. As such, Honda’s IMC plan should include the effective use of advertising, personal selling, public relations, direct marketing as well as sales promotion. In this case, the aim of the IMC will be to create loyal customers through giving them the right information about a particular product or brand offered. Against this background, this report seeks to develop an IMC plan for Honda Civic. According to AutofairHonda (2011), the 2011 Honda Civic GX is powered by natural gas and it does not use fossil fuels like other conventional vehicles. This model of car was developed after the realisation that the environment also needed to be protected given that carbon gas emissions from vehicles significantly contribute to global warming which is seen as an environmental concern across the whole world. Honda Civic 2011 is a luxury vehicle which is environmental friendly. However, of notable concern is the fact that this particular type of vehicle appeals to a unique segment and this is

Reaction paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 15

Reaction paper - Essay Example This movie follows the war in a systematic manner whereby there is periodic music that supplements the letters. The movie starts in a very jovial and interesting manner on the beach and boys singing. There are kids diving into the waves and coming up wet, on the shores of the beach there is a cooler of beer placed under a palm tree .This place is called Vietnam looks to be fun and happy place to be. The soldiers are very excited and carefree you would think they are kids or high school children. There is also a soundtrack behind the scenes of the voices of the soldiers express through the words they wrote in their letters (Edelman 2002). They are speaking of the confidence they had gained in order to fight and the developing friendship as they were each brother’s keeper. They also say that Vietnam is a world very different from the American cities; most of Vietnam is covered with vegetations and thick forests that look scarily. This place cannot be compared to the towns and cities they left back home. It reaches a point when war gets very tough and the voices of the soldiers drastically change and you can sense some pain and sorrow in their tone. There are soldiers being injured very badly, they bleed profusely and eventually die due to the gun shots and boom attacks they get from the enemies. Some of the soldiers don’t get the chance to survive they die while others are left seriously wounded. The words in this movie are of the soldiers themselves, most of the images in this film are taken from TV news footage of the war. There are also soldiers cleaning their weapons to get ready for the war. Most of these soldiers did not survive as they died in the war. The friendly South Vietnamese and the hostile North Vietnamese get into war and in the process they wound and kill many U.S. soldiers. In retaliation U.S. considers a nuclear response. The letters range from poetic ones to bitter and sarcastic ones .This movie offers an emotional scene with a lot