Recent Articles
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What the new legalization of marijuana in California means
Sheila Pakdaman Mental HealthcareOn Nov. 8, Californians voted for our next president, and we also voted on a series of propositions. One of the most watched of these propositions was Proposition 64, the legalization of the use of marijuana. About 13 million Californians voted on Proposition 64, and 56 percent were in favor, thus passing the law. In 1996, Proposition 215 had legalized medical marijuana, so how is Proposition 64 any different? It legalizes recreational use — with restrictions.
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Industrial robotics in the food and beverage market
Bambi Majumdar Food & BeverageA recent report by Zion Research shows that global demand for industrial robotics is growing at 6 percent per year. By 2020, the market is estimated to reach $42 billion — up from $30 billion in 2014. These "industrial robotics" are essentially dynamic and intuitive machines that can perform a multitude of complex industrial tasks like drilling, welding, soldering, material handling and molding, among many others. Time-consuming and difficult tasks can now be easily performed via these robots, reducing production time and increasing efficiency in business.
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Lawmakers press for clarification on organ transplant for disabled recipients
Chelsea Adams Medical & Allied HealthcareA bipartisan group of Congressional leaders is asking the Department of Health and Human Services to clarify guidelines regarding organ transplants to people with disabilities. Thirty members of the House of Representatives signed the letter, which was dated Oct. 12. The letter expressly states that people with developmental or intellectual disabilities should not be denied organ transplants solely based on their disabilities.
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Just how busy is the driver at a fire scene?
Frank R. Myers Law Enforcement, Defense & SecurityThe driver of a fire suppression emergency apparatus can become quite the busy little bee when arriving with a crew at a fire scene. Besides initially pulling the hose or getting the fans and generators in place — whether driving a pumper or an aerial — the subsequent tasks remain constant. Drivers may not be inside the structure fighting the fire, but they have their hands full, and many people do not realize what is taking place around the truck.
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Report: Physicians give EHRs a poor prognosis
Scott E. Rupp Healthcare AdministrationJust a couple years ago, electronic health record business was booming, so much so that the federal incentive-based reimbursement plan became what might now be considered the second wave of the cash-for-clunkers program. But today is a tough time to be in the EHR business.
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Road to recovery: Miles to go
Amanda Fry Law Enforcement, Defense & SecurityMy attitude toward the shooting world has definitely changed since my first article. Instead of dreading the matches when my husband invites me, I am now filled with gusto and enthusiasm. So many people have been encouraging and praising my efforts that my goal to focus on my shooting skills has become concrete, and I have fallen in love with the shooting community.
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Perfecting your nursing elevator pitch
Keith Carlson Healthcare AdministrationIf you've never heard of an elevator pitch, it's prudent to understand what they are and how to use them in the interest of your nursing career. Every nurse should be able to distill his or her career and professional mission down to a 30-second blurb that gets the point across concisely and effectively.
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Use landscaping to cut down commercial energy consumption
Doug Haymore Facilities & GroundsYou've done all the right things — you turn down the thermostat after hours, you've replaced your light bulbs with LEDs, and you even ensure your computers hibernate quickly when not in use — but you're running out of ways to cut down on your energy usage. While all of those internal ideas are a step in the right direction, it can be helpful to look outside for even more ideas.
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Researchers smell hope in diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease
Dr. Denise A. Valenti Medical & Allied HealthcareA research group in Boston recently used an olfactometer to determine the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, and they published the results of this study in the recent issue of Annals of Neurology. Those in the Alzheimer's disease community have been aware for many years of the deficits in olfactory function early in the disease process. The olfactory system is also impacted in Parkinson's disease.
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Police beef up security during the holidays
Bambi Majumdar Law Enforcement, Defense & Security'Tis the season to be merry — except maybe for the men in blue. While we all rejoice and relax, the holiday season is a time for extra caution and additional responsibility for police departments around the country. There are more DUI cases at this time of the year than any other, more cases of robbery and theft, and unfortunately even terror threats —like the ISIS threat to the Macy's Thanksgiving parade this year. Jammed-up traffic among the shopping and festivities, visiting families and travel itineraries all contribute to a law enforcement headache.