Air pollution Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Air pollution - Research Paper Example Currently, automobiles are the largest contributor to the formation of ground ­ level ozone therefore there is a need to increase usage of alternative sources of transportation in order to reduce levels of O3 air pollution. Air pollution has become a major environmental health problem affecting both developed and developing countries throughout the world (Nadakavukaren, 2006). The consequence has been that air pollution is causing human health problems as well as damage to vegetation, crops, wildlife, materials, buildings and even the climate. In the U.S., the largest sources of air pollution, in order of importance, are: 1) transportation, mainly automobiles and trucks; 2) electric power plants that bum coal or oil; and 3) industry, for which the major sources include steel mills, metal smelters, oil refineries, and paper mills (Nadakavukaren, 2006). The most common air pollution problem resulting from these emission sources is ground-level ozone (O3), According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), non-attainment of EPA requirements for O3 is the most common air pollution problem facing large cities in the U.S (Crpc-La.org, 2011). It is estimated that, 160 million people in the U.S. lived in areas that are in non-attainment of healthful O3 levels (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development [OECD], 2005). In the past, efforts to reduce air pollution have consisted primarily of "command and control" programs that involve enforcement of government regulations designed to reduce toxic emissions. Such programs have proven highly effective in reducing industrial, point source pollution and causing auto manufacturers to produce cleaner burning automobiles (Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], 2011a). While these government controls continue to effectively lower industrial emissions and reduce pollutants emitted from vehicles, O3 precursor, NOx, continues to be emitted into the air at increasing levels. Problems

Nursing Evidence Based Practice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Nursing Evidence Based Practice - Essay Example Without resolution, rancor between opponents and supporters to the practice would continue to divide the profession. The selected literature would give valuable insights on the current situation of evidence based nursing practice. Moreover, both sides of the opposing groups would be given due consideration to give the reader a balanced view on the issues. Simpson (2004) traced the origins of evidence based nursing practice (EBN). It began in the 1970's when the clamor for better health care delivery required research to be part of professional development (p.10). The University of Minnesota defined evidence based nursing as "the process by which nurses make clinical decisions using the best available research evidence, their clinical expertise, and patient preferences." (p.10) The University also proposed three areas of research competence that should be developed. They include: "interpreting and using research, evaluating practice, and conducting research." (p.10) Simpson (2004) also included the steps required to gain competence. First, issue identification is an important aspect of problem definition. Second, nurses must be able to conduct research on related literature to support or augment their current knowledge. Third, nurses should be able to formulate criteria used to evaluate evidence. Finally, actions and decision should b e validated against existing evidence to ensure that the delivery of service is optimum (p.10). Rycroft-Malone et al (2003) identified what constituted as evidence in the EBN. Knowledge from "research, clinical experience, patients, clients and carers, and local context and environment" all comprised the knowledge base (p.83). In the order of priority, research came first. Evidences coming from research were fully supported and could validate information gathered (p.83). Next came clinical experience where accumulated knowledge through practice could be drawn when necessary. In this aspect, health care professionals were valued and they do derive their care delivery options through previous experiences (p.84). Third, the personal knowledge, experiences and preferences of the patients, their kin or caregiver should be considered (p.85). Finally, evidences from local context could be drawn from "audit and performance data; patient stories and narratives; knowledge about the culture of the organization and individuals within it; social and professional networks; information from 360 degree feedback; and local and national policy." (p.86) As an emerging practice paradigm, Wallace, Shorten and Russell (1997) cautioned that adopting evidence based nursing should be a contemplated decision because aside from professional responsibilities, evidence based nursing has economic, ethical and moral implications that could be drivers of future developments in nursing practice (p.149). French (1999) enumerated the critical features of evidence based practice. Essentially, it is problem based that could consolidate pertinent research information to implement a better delivery of health care services. The incorporation of first and second hand information to strengthen decision-making is also a feature of evidence based practice. Finally, like any professional development agenda, it aims to improve the quality of service (p.76). Issues and Challenges Closs and Cheater (1999) cited the presence of touchy issues that fueled the debate between