rogbanqa.info

The ebook is a digitally presented format of any printed conventional book which can be read through a personal computer or through a hardware device called a book reader. The inception of such an innovative idea dates back to 1971 when the pioneer Michael Hart, in U.S.A., decided to create through computers storage, retrieval and scanning of texts available in libraries. This resulted in the origin of the first ebook, a copy of the `Declaration of Independence` which later evolved into `Project Gutenberg`. Today it contains over 20,000 free texts and over 100,000 books.

Every month over 3,000,000 books are downloaded. Ultimately this reached mammoth proportions with ebooks flooding the web because of its easy storage on hard drive or disk. Production of ebooks is carried out generally by document scanning or by using robotic book scanners.

Initially the ebooks were confined to specialty topics which were documents, technical manuals or articles on manufacturing techniques with cutting edge hardware. Such ebooks did not create much impact in the market as there was no consensus on packaging, selling or reading. A number of diverse specifications, supported by leading software companies or by independent programmers, proliferated which catered to readers following multiple formats resulted in further fragmentation of the market. At this stage ebook was not a mainstream item.

This, however, did not stop ebook from spreading its domain. It surfaced in the underground markets wherein the ebook publishers distributed those books which were not readily available in the market. Similarly, authors whose books did not find any publishers started offering their books on-line so that viewers were exposed to the literature. Even unauthorized and unofficial catalogues were available in various web sites. And in this manner ebooks began to circulate on-line. Romantic novels were the first successful ebooks as they catered to a large clientele who bought them on-line and enjoyed reading them in privacy.

These incidents caught the attention of major publishers. Around mid June 2001, the acclaimed publishers started delving into this medium and tried to gain from the ebook formats. This led the publishers to establish on-line stores and partnerships with e-reader manufacturers. Today, the electronic hardware manufacturers are also working in tandem with ebook readers to capitalize on the on-line ebook market.

This upsurge of activity by the reputed publishers, electronic companies and independent operators resulted in the development of new selling models. Simultaneously, a more simple and homogeneous format with better reading hardware was created to achieve a global distribution for ebooks. This has unleashed an array of new publishing houses. Today, electronic manufacturers are wooing the ebook readers through new designs while software engineers are developing new reader application for portable electronic gear ranging from hand held computers, smart phones and game consoles.

The twentieth century readers, unaware of the concept of ebook, are now being gradually exposed to this electronic phenomenon. Commuters read ebooks on laptops, hand held computers or on cell phones. Such is the craze of ebooks in Japan that mobile phone novels have evolved where books could be downloaded and read on the cell screen. Sales which were negligible a few years back has crossed 10 billion yens annually (The Economist). At present, consumers can easily access books of their choice ranging from best sellers to new authors or which ever type suiting their reading pattern.

Ebooks reading are advantageous as it is a space saving device of book storage. One CD / DVD can, approximately, store 500 ebooks and are never out of print, which is a common occurrence in conventional books. For researchers such digitized versions are ideal as they display excellent choice of formats enabling speedy cross references. Readers can adjust their reading convenience by adjusting fonts and text sizes and use back lit facility which allows adequate visibility in low light. Unlike traditional books and paperbacks, ebooks need not be hand held, can be reproduced cheaply and are generally inexpensive as it does not consume paper, ink and other resources used in conventional printing.

The basic disadvantage of ebook is that it requires electronic devices for display. The software may not be readily available or free or compatible with the existing computer configuration. Sudden hard disk drive failure or power disruption causes disturbing interruptions. eBook storage mediums are fragile, the devices are costly and replacement charges could be prohibitive. Finally, and particularly for some publishers, hacking is a perennial danger.

Operating room fires, once thought to be rare, isolated incidents, apparently are more prevalent than previously realized. The nonprofit healthcare research organization ECRI Institute published a report suggesting that hundreds of fires occur during the roughly 50 million inpatient and outpatient procedures that take place annually, often resulting in serious injury or death. This is a significant increase from the 50-100 previously estimated by patient safety organizations.

Some medical groups say fires have increased over the past two decades with the increased use of lasers and tools employing electric current. The ECRI estimates that 44 percent of operating room fires occur during head, face, neck or chest surgery in which electrical surgical tools and lasers are too close to the oxygen the patients are breathing.

The current ideology is that the basic elements of fire – heat, fuel, and oxidizer – are always present during surgery, and only through training and instituting stricter guidelines can these horrible accidents be prevented. Unfortunately, few products exist that could lower the risk of operating room fires and explosions. This suggests that the market for such products presents a potentially lucrative opportunity for medical device and pharmaceutical companies to focus their research and development. A patent review similarly shows little activity in this area, again leading to the conclusion that opportunity awards imaginative innovators.

Fuel Is Abundant in the OR

Fuels commonly found in the operating theater include prepping agents like degreasers (ether, and acetone), aerosol adhesives, and tinctures such as hibitane, merthiolate, and duraprep. Other fuels include supplies: drapes, gowns, masks, hoods, caps, shoe covers, instrument and equipment drapes and covers, egg-crate mattresses, mattresses and pillows, blankets, gauze, sponges, dressings, ointments such as petroleum jelly, paraffin and white wax, flexible endoscopes, covering for fiber optic cables, gloves, stethoscope tubing, smoke evacuator hoses and other equipment/supplies used in the OR.

Oxidizers in the OR include oxygen enriched mixtures above 21 percent oxygen used to ensure proper oxygenation of the patient during anesthesia. Whenever the oxygen concentration is above 21 percent, an oxygen enriched atmosphere exists with the potential to feed fires. Oxygen is supplied via anesthesia devices, ventilators, wall outlets, or gas cylinders and all are potentially hazardous. Oxygen can also come from the thermal decomposition of nitrous oxide, which should also be considered an oxygen-enriched atmosphere. Materials such as drapes absorb oxygen and retain it for some time which makes them easier to ignite, causes them to burn faster and hotter, and makes them much harder to extinguish.

The Key Is Controlling Heat Sources

The introduction of lasers, electro-surgical tools and other exothermic surgical instruments has significantly increased the incidence and risk associated with operating theater fires. ECRI notes that the key to preventing fires involving surgical patients is controlling the OR’s various heat sources and preventing them from contacting fuels. Beyond that, however is the potential to reduce the chances materials will combust. Currently, the medical community is completely reliant on alcohol-based antiseptic products and surgical textiles that trap oxygen within their fibers. With the current surgical antiseptic industry alone worth over $500 million dollars, a company that can develop a fire-resistant alternative that offers the same antimicrobial protection found in traditional alcoholic based antiseptics could dominate this market and become an industry leader and innovator.

Just a Few Patents Recently Filed

However, few companies appear to be innovating in this area. Patenting activity, for example, suggests that medical device and pharmaceutical companies have not realized the opportunity that exists in technologies that could launch them as the new industry leaders. In fact, the few recent patents addressing preventative technology innovations are exclusively assigned to individual inventors.

One such patent, for example, describes a fire-resistant phosphate composition with antibacterial, antiviral and fungicidal properties that claims to be ecologically pure, non-toxic, non-carcinogenic and non-allergic. Another patent describes a surgical drape designed to prevent the buildup of trapped oxygen and thereby decrease the risk of fire. Yet another describes an oxygen sensor system that would sound an alarm if oxygen levels are unsafe.

The fact that these fires were significantly under-reported but are now gaining extensive media scrutiny increases the need for innovative companies to address minimizing these risks through their product development strategies. The lack of innovative patents indicates there is a potential to tap into a severely deficient market opportunity. Are you up for the challenge?

Moses, an anointed and dynamic leader, who has much to teach us today, is also a man who is prepared to listen to others and learn from others. Now, there’s a lesson for each of us. These recent articles are based on the Old Testament book of Exodus and we are presently reading and studying in Chapter 18.

Moses’ father-in law spoke to him, and he took the matter to the Lord God Almighty. Moses is open to hear and learn, and the work load is to be shared.

Verse 7. Do check out the actual text. Note the attitude and respect – the warmth and the love – and Jethro is delighted.

On we go to verses 13 and 14. Moses was doing far too much, and it took his father-in-law to see this and advise him. He noticed it immediately.

Verse 17 – what you are doing is not good. If you go on like this you will wear yourself out. Moses was trying to hear all the complaints, grumblings, and whinings of the people!

Moses appoints some 78,000 to assist him in this massive task – 78,600 to be exact and precise, and they are to do the job he was trying to do on his own. This is remarkably similar to Acts Chapter 6 in the New Testament when a problem arose and the spiritual leaders would not be sidetracked. They refused to be diverted from their main task.

They must be men of ability – godly men – integrity is important – and they are to be impartial. If gifts are to be developed in these men they must have the opportunity to develop their gifts.

We so need leaders with integrity in these present days. They appear to be a very scarce commodity.

Every 10 to 12 people should have someone to look after them pastorally and personally. If a man does not have a covering he is in trouble. He can wander off and so easily become a loner. Such a person is in great danger.

There is spending and being spent – II Corinthians Chapter 12 verse 15. Paul was so willing to spend and be spent, but remember that when Paul returned from his journeyings preaching the Gospel and teaching the believers, he always took time in his home church at Antioch to rest and recover and be refreshed, and that is always vital.

In Mark Chapter 6 at verse 31, we have these words of Jesus – come away from the crowds – and from the hustle and bustle – and rest awhile.

It has been said that if we do not come apart we will come apart!

What followed was amazing, and without this advice from Jethro things might have been very very different.

Moses was left to receive and teach the general principles of God’s law.

What a sensible arrangement. God organises our time so much better than we can.

There are things we have to do – things to which we have to say “Yes” – and things to which we have to say “No”.

But can you imagine some people saying – “Well I used to be able to get through to Moses with my problems – and now I have to go to just one of these elders – my problem needs Moses – my problem is special! Well Moses hasn’t been dealing with the things he used to deal with – it has all changed since his father-in-law got him to introduce this new system.”

Moses learned that to delegate is important, or else you will impair your long term usefulness.

There is another side to Jethro which needs to be seen.

Jethro was a man who never got to the Promised Land. He rejoiced in what God was doing for His people. He was glad about what God was doing in the life of his son-in-law – verse 9.

He rejoiced. He was so sensible and practical but he never fully identified himself with what God was doing, and that is always sad. Jethro acknowledges and even sacrifices – but that is not enough – he never went along with them. He didn’t take the vital step of being one of the people of God and following the Lord God Almighty.

He was helpful and positive and practical. He was what the world might call a good man, but the most vital thing in life was missing – commitment to God.

We seek to be fully committed to Jesus Christ – and to what Jesus Christ is doing – and to be overflowing with the Love of the Risen and Living Lord Jesus Christ, even when we wonder what might be around the corner.

We seek to be identified with the purposes of God – and with Christ Jesus – and with the Moving and Leading of the Holy Spirit.

Personal experience, of the Power of God, is a potent means of bringing others to acknowledge the saving Grace of Jesus Christ, and to revealing His Glory.

We seek to have a testimony that is real and living – and to witness and to be a witness in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Sandy Shaw

Sandy Shaw is Pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship, Chaplain at Inverness Prison, and Nairn Academy, and serves on The Children’s Panel in Scotland, and has travelled extensively over these past years teaching, speaking, in America, Canada, South Africa, Australia, making 12 visits to Israel conducting Tours and Pilgrimages, and most recently in Uganda and Kenya, ministering at Pastors and Leaders Seminars, in the poor areas surrounding Kampala, Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.