When you are in a hospital, the thought of batteries is probably the last thing on your mind, yet without them, many of us would face a variety of barriers. Give a thought to all the equipment that runs off batteries, which are required for facilitating urgent care. These include heart monitors, blood analysers, defibrillators, thermometer infusion pumps, and so many more.

Hospitals need a power source that is uninterrupted. In the case of the power outage, these facilities come equipped with backup power that is vital to carry on operating essential equipment which is found in intensive-care systems and operating theatres.

The US markets in association with medical devices are currently generating $180 billion in revenue. This figure is the biggest across the globe according to a 2017 Global Market for Medical Devices report. The equipment manufacturers are continuously encountering problems for battery-powered and portable devices. Discharge profiles, battery chemistry, and the effects caused by ageing batteries is an issue that requires upkeep.

Battery Chemistry

The devices that include dialysis systems, anaesthesia machines, and ventilators, are all powered from a main AC supply. This means that the batteries receive a discharge that is shallow before they are charged again. Valve-regulated lead-acid and sealed-lead acid maintain a single basic flaw, which includes an increase in their resistance internally.

What this translates into is that when the internal resistance starts to increase, a sudden requirement for power usually draws a significant amount of power, which causes the voltage to drop. This is not good and can become a problem. The more common mistake that many manufacturers make when they match a battery to a device is that they are not choosing the batteries which have internal resistances that matches up to that load.

Fast Charging

The peak-charging rate inside lithium-ion battery cells starts to decline after a certain number of high-rate charges. This has to do with the chemical and physical changes that occur inside the cells of the batteries. It is always better to charge batteries at a current that is lowest that the user is able to tolerate. Then recharge only when the capacity that remains has decreased to the level that it is no longer able to offer useful power.

When it comes to the portable dialysis machines that travel with a user in a hospital setting, this unit needs to recharge quickly rather than lowering the care quality for that patient.

One big hospital purchases on average 97,000 batteries, usually in bulk from places like the UPS Battery Shop . These batteries are also disposed of which leads to concerns associated with recycling programs. Many of these hospitals dispose of these batteries in the standard trash, which is a risk to both environmental and human health due to these heavy metals. The metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and nickel are released into the surrounding environment.

How Hospitals Should be Dealing with Batteries

Hospitals should be developing efficient battery-recycling programs. It is true that their main priority has to do with saving lives. Yet they are not doing anyone any favours by releasing patients back into toxic environments. This is basically swapping one issue for another.

Environmental targets and goals need to be mandated and should appear in hospital policies. The strategies that minimise costs educate their staff and methods to comply with the set regulatory compliance should be included. One of the essential steps for developing a battery recycling program that is effective is to start with assessing the battery numbers each hospital uses.

The AAMI Association states that battery maintenance is a major problem that biomedical-engineer technicians face. The batteries in the medical equipment that is portable are vital in the development of patient care.

Making Recycling Batteries a Priority

To determine the success of a program, hospitals first need to establish the number of batteries that need to be recycled, the patterns associated with battery purchasing, along with locations for waste-recycling facilities. In most cases, the vendors of hazardous waste facilities are open to arranging for removal of batteries from hospitals. In addition, there are already many hospitals that have teamed up with a vendor that recycle these batteries free of charge like Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation.

The European Parliament was involved in the most contentious and biggest overhaul of copyright legislation in over 20 years. When these changes go into effect it will be by far the largest change in internet regulations since GDPR.

Sweeping Changes in Copyright Law was Approved By MEPs

Articles 11 and 13 are among the most controversial clauses of the copyright changes and they have been the root cause of vigorous battles between online activists, corporate lobbyists, and groups that are concerned with freedom of expression. Some are asking if they will still be able to upload content online.

What Will These Changes Mean for the Internet?

Those involved with the legislation say that people will still be able to upload content but firms like Google will automatically remove much more of that content than they currently do. Facebook and YouTube already remove videos and music that are believed to be copyrighted. YouTube routinely scans uploads and compares them with a database of files they have gathered from content owners and creators to help block the monetisation of that material. Once the new legislation goes into effect those type of companies can be held more liable if copyrighted content is found on those platforms.

The Big Tech Firms are, of Course, Against this Move

Many of the big companies that will be impacted by this legislation say that it is unrealistic and that the systems that already exist pay artists fairly. YouTube has said that EU based users might be totally cut off from the videos. That might be the only solution the big tech companies have.

Who Else is Against the Changes?

Lots of others are campaigning on the argument that the directive will be harmful and suppress free expression on the internet. This is because they feel the only way it will be possible to guarantee compliance is by blocking user-generated content anytime it references copyrighted material in any way. This includes remixes, simple quotes, and criticism.

Some feel that this law might actually help big tech companies and hurt smaller ones. This is because they may be the only ones with enough resources to fully comply with regulations. The others wouldn’t want to risk being liable. Trident Assurance Services and similar groups can help smaller companies with data protection, however, so there may be possible solutions.

Does it Affect Online News?

Article 13 has legislation that impacts tech companies with regard to user-generated content. Article 11 delves into sharing news articles. There are publishers that are saying this legislation is making it more difficult for legitimate news organisations to fund quality journalism. They feel that technology firms that monetise the shared news should have to pay their share.

A new requirement would mean that someone would need to secure the right to share a news article before doing so. Facebook and Google News could still show snippets and some sites online like Wikipedia are given an exemption. Everyone else will have to have arranged a right to share before doing so.

Are Memes Affected?

Some are saying that memes could be banned under this legislation. This is because of the strong wording against uploading copyrighted material without appropriate permission. A great deal of the shareable content depends on scenes from movies and TV.

There were some tweaks made to protect content for criticism, quotation, caricature, review, and parody. Some say the protection, however, is nearly impossible to uphold because there is no filter that can determine if a particular upload was a parody or an infringement.

When Will this New Legislation Go into Effect?

States within the EU will need to implement the new rules within 2 years from the date it passes in the European Council. This will likely be May or June of this year. The UK will be able to decide if it wants to participate in the new rules since it has left the EU. It is still likely that they will follow Europe’s lead on the matter.

Special education is a line of work that requires a lot of training, patience and skill, but can offer a great deal of satisfaction and fulfilment for the right individual. By definition, special education covers both adults and children who have various learning disabilities and need special attention by teachers and instructors. There are quite a number of benefits of being in this line of work.

Listed below are 5 key benefits of getting a job in special education. These benefits are meant to motivate potential teachers to join the profession, but it’s crucial to note that true passion for the job should be their main consideration before signing up. In general, special education is considered a challenging line of work that should only be undertaken by people who are fully prepared and willing to assist those are abled differently in society.

1. The Students

Adults and children with learning disabilities need good teachers even more than those without learning disabilities. The performance of such students is greatly dependent on how well they are taught and the environment they are taught in. Special education students often experience difficulties during learning. Teachers are required to make each lesson as easy and simple as possible. Many students who have learning disabilities have previously been neglected or not properly integrated into the education system. Because of this, they need a good teacher to guide them through the journey of learning. Most of these students are usually extremely grateful and happy when they succeed.

2. More Certifications, More Job Opportunities

Special education teachers need to be duly licensed and certified in order to be allowed to teach. Although this may require some form of investment in terms of time and money for a person who is already a teacher, the extra qualifications can translate into increased job opportunities. Special education teachers are required to have the basic course or subject certifications. The teachers that have special education certifications on top of their basic course or subject certifications have an added advantage professionally. They benefit from better employment opportunities throughout the duration of their careers.

3. Job Availability

Apart from being able to teach in ordinary or standard classrooms, teachers with special education training can also teach in classrooms that have students with learning disabilities. This fact alone means that there is never a shortage of job opening for teachers with special education certifications. Job availability for special education teachers is not an issue, as there is always demand for highly trained and skilled teachers who can work with students with learning disabilities. A dedicated and self-driven special education teacher can expect plenty of job opportunities in the marketplace.

4. The Joy

Teaching is a very fulfilling job. Although special education teachers may have a more difficult job than ordinary teachers because of having to deal with numerous emotional and behavioural problems among students, they do still enjoy a high level of joy and satisfaction from their jobs. Managing a classroom full of students with different learning disabilities is by no means an easy task. The teacher has to be keen and patient with all students in order to help them learn in the best way possible. Being successful in this endeavour and also getting paid well for it brings a lot of joy and satisfaction.

5. Shorter Work Days

Special education schools have slightly different timetables that provide for shorter learning days when compared to average schools. Shorter learning days, like those at Treloar, are possible due to fewer class requirements and flexible curriculums. Teachers in this line of work get additional free time from their busy schedules which they can use to advance their personal lives. Working with students who have learning disabilities is therefore not such a bad idea especially if you have a lenient schedule that allows you to even have a part-time job after you are done teaching.

Malaga is a good place for culture travellers to add to their bucket list. After the Benidorm booze cruise and other attractions, it’s nice to experience a more cultured city. The centre of the city boasts many vestiges of Phoenician and Roman civilisations, the Moorish heritage is still obvious in many architecture details, and Baroque churches are nothing short of amazing. Furthermore, the numerous museums and art galleries are as many reasons to put Malaga on the world’s list of cultural hubs.

The Picasso Museum and Memorial House

Museo Picasso Malaga is the place to go if you want to see the artist’s earliest work. The museum is in Palacio de Buenavista, in the close neighbourhood of Plaza de Merced and of the house where Picasso was born. There are at least three temporary exhibitions running at any time, as well as a cafe and a shop.

Tip from a local: Buy your ticket online to avoid the queue and to enjoy your visit to the full.

The Cathedral’s Domed Rooftops

The construction of this cathedral started in the 16th century, on a site where Malaga’s main mosque once was. Unfortunately, one of the cathedral’s towers has never been completed, making the building look a bit odd. Due to the very long period of construction, the building is a mix of elements belonging to different architectural styles such as Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance. This doesn’t make it less charming, though. The interior is also fascinating, with its carved choir stalls and art works of famous local artists.

Tip from a local: Take a guided tour of the domed rooftops, as the city-centre views are truly stunning. You’ll need to buy your tickets for the guided tour from the Palacio Episcopal. Check out the opening hours, as they may vary throughout the year.

Visit Andalucia’s Largest Archeology and Art Museum

Malaga has an impressive archeology and fine arts museum, which is located in a refurbished 18th-century customs building. There are about 2,000 archeological pieces here, so you’ll have the chance to see Roman marble figures, Moorish ceramics, and even a sixth-century mask. The art collection boasts an impressive array of fine art works created by various local artists.

Tip from a local: Steer your eyes away from the exhibitions for a while to look at the magnificent ceiling of this building. There are about 6,000 tiles decorated with engravings of Malaga waiting for you to notice them. The courtyard is also a must-see, with its very tall palm trees.

Take a Glimpse into the Moorish History

Alcazaba de Malaga is an extremely well-reserved fortress, which is also a museum. It is one of the hallmarks of this region’s Moorish heritage. In spite of its Roman origins, the Alcazaba was erected in the 11th century by Moorish rulers who needed both a fortress and a palace to live in. The archeological museum inside the Alcazaba is also worth a visit.

Tip from a local: If you don’t want to climb the hill up to the top, you can take the lift up from Calle Guillen Sotelo. The lift entrance is nearby the Ayuntamiento.

Enjoy Some of Malaga’s Tastiest Foods

The Mercado Central (main market) is the place to visit if you want to see how fresh food looks like. Here you’ll find piles of fresh vegetables, fruit, plump fish, and delicious ham. Take your time, sit at a table and have some tapas or some grilled fish, just like locals do.

Tip from a local: Most people overlook a very important architectural detail – the southern facade, with its Moorish arch dating from the 14th century. Built by Yusuf I of Granada, this arch was once the gateway between the port and the city

Due to significant research, it was found that approximately 500,000 HGV drivers have been known to be suffering from chronic work-related anxiety, depression and stress as of 2015-2016. Times have changed and the previously stated numbers are increasing drastically. And there’s currently 30% of the industry suffering from illnesses related to their jobs in the logistics and transport industry. All of which are reported on the count of severe anxiety, stress and depression.

However, the mental health stigma kicks in easily and workers feel as though they are forced to come up with various other excuses for stress related day offs and statistics show that a whopping 95% feel this way. Additionally, roughly 22% of all workers have already found out that they do indeed suffer from mental health issues. However, most of them have decided to keep this strictly confidential and not disclose it to their employer.

Why is Mental Health Important?

For many years, discussing mental health has always been considered taboo. And most if not all those suffering felt and still feel that they can’t exactly talk about it even though they are struggling on a daily basis. However, this has changed a great deal and now persons can safely have discussions on their mental health with a positive effect. It should of course be noted that without the proper care and even conversation, HGV can very well lose a huge number of its highly trained drivers.

And since all has been brought to light, the logistics industry within the UK now spends £100 billion when it comes to combating mental health issues among its employees. All of this still doesn’t change the fact that HGV drivers are still faced with many daily challenges because of their job. These being tight deadlines, night shifts, endless traffic, somewhat difficult working hours, and of course physical and mental fatigue which come as a result of the job and they go on to play a number of serious roles within the home and work environment. Due to the constraints attached to this job, most of its employees aren’t exactly able to exercise on a regular and even destress.

Additionally, due to the division created as a result of gender, most men aren’t typically going to say a word about their mental health. However, most women have been known to suffer themselves and stay silent. And while every industry is faced with the issue of mental health, those within the transport sector feel it more since they are typically always faced with isolation. Studies have shown that isolation only does worse in comparison than good and it significantly increases all the symptoms associated.

Loneliness

Over the years, there have been an increase in the number of cases that revolve around loneliness being the biggest mental health issue faced by drivers. This only makes it harder on them since they are away from their family and loved ones for a significant period of time. Whether its days at a time or much more, and for most of them, it is taking quite a great deal from their social lives; and many have reported feeling as though they don’t even have a life to begin with. This is the kind of thing they don’t teach you during your Surrey and Hampshire HGV Training.

How Can You Help?

If you’re interested in ensuring that your own mental health and those around you increase and be prioritised in some way, we have some very insightful tips for you.

Firstly, you need to just start talking about it! And this is one of the most useful pieces of advice that anyone can receive because this is what makes the difference. When you have open discussions about it, you and others involved can take the right steps to resolve the issue. And this goes no matter your gender, because in the end only you can truly take the best care of yourself.

However, you shouldn’t try to face mental health on your own because this is a known indication of unnecessary suffering. So, be sure to inform your higher-ups or even trusted co-workers and be sure to indicate what you think you personally need to attain better mental health. And with all of that said, be sure to treasure and make the most of your family time.

Even though you may not get the desired family time, simply make the most of what you do get. And not only you but your entire family will also benefit. Remember, when it comes to children, they remember the quality time spent!

The figure has increased by 8 per cent since last year and it is likely that the number of marketers that regularly work from home will keep rising over the coming years.

The question is, why has the number of marketing professionals working remotely kept rising? As part of the 2019 Marketing Salary Survey, 1/3 of the people with digital marketing jobs that are currently working from home were asked what their main justifications for this were. Below you will find a detailed discussion of each of the reasons.

1. To Avoid Commuting/Travel Time

Avoiding commuting or travel time was one of the main reasons that marketers gave for working from home (WFH). The majority of study participants were living in areas such as Essex, London, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire, and Cambridgeshire. For the people living in these locations and commuting to work, working from home allows them to dodge traffic and avoid train/tube delays.

City-based employers that offer flexible working options such as WFH can increase their chances of staff retention by improving the work/life balance for employees that don’t have to be physically present in the office on a daily basis. It is something that’s evidently important with the results of the survey showing that a poor work/life balance was the 3rd main reason for marketers looking to leave their current positions.

2. Higher Productivity

In second place, study respondents said that they WFH at least once weekly since they feel more productive at home. Considering the creative nature of most marketing positions as well as the strong argument that creativity benefits from a flexible working culture; the option to work from home with fewer distractions is something preferred by many creative and marketing professionals.

Distractions in an open-plan environment are plenty such as spontaneous meetings, loud co-workers, and office gossip, which can all contribute to lower productivity.

3. Childcare/Other Caring Responsibility

The third main reason why marketers are increasingly preferring to work from home is working around childcare as well as other caring responsibilities. Remote working allows parents to be more available when it comes to looking after sick children, school pick-ups/drop-offs, as well as other childcare obligations, while still being able to work full-time.

Care responsibilities for the disabled, elderly, or ill relatives/partners/friends is yet another reason why marketing professionals claim to need flexible work arrangements such as WFH. Statistics from Carers Trust show that about 1 in 8 workers are actually carers too and that the number of people that act as carers in the United Kingdom keeps rising from year to year.

4. Mental Wellbeing/Health

Focus on mental wellbeing/health is another common reason provided by study participants for working from home. According to research by OnePoll.com, 54 per cent of respondents stated that they feel happier working from home than they do working in a traditional workplace such as an office with about 2 thirds actually finding it less stressful.

Study findings by Personnel Today show that many workers describe WFH using words such as “calm”, “in control”, and “free”. However, for other people, working from home can have an opposite effect on their mental health causing feelings of loneliness and isolation. It is probably why striking the right balance between managing stress and looking after wellbeing by working from home 1 or 2 days a week is incredibly effective.

5. Personal Commitments (Deliveries, Courses, etc.)

Personal commitments such as fitting around further education courses, attending appointments, and health/fitness commitments as well as being around for deliveries were other justifications given for working from home.

From the findings provided here, it is evident that working from home, even if it is for just 1 or 2 days of the week, has numerous benefits with employers growing increasingly aware of the importance of attracting and retaining top talent with attractive benefits. It is quite apparent that the working from home trend in the marketing industry will keep growing in terms of popularity.