Life can be a tremendously overwhelming process depending on an individuals direct surroundings. Challenges expert licensed require an inspiration factor particularly when an individual is away from home and relatives for some time.
Keeping contact with friends and kin is valuable in life to keep updated on what is occurring within the social order. There are several things in life we practically cannot live without which have proven to be of considerable help.
The cell phone has always been my most central companion and can be immensely categorized as the most noteworthy object in my existence.
This device has enabled me to keep up with friends and family and meet with new people who have contributed to my development and maturity in the current world characterized by inventions and socialization.
The portability attribute gives this device its splendor. The electronic machine is commonly found in all areas in the world hence easing the process of communication. It has brought a variety of innovative things for the user and to a substantial extent affected the way people relate in the globe.
I have used it for both private and specialized purposes in my occupation as a nurse. The cell phone is a vital way of communicating with superiors and colleagues while on the ground thus forestalling critical situations.
The phone enables the access of technologies like the camera and the related modifications. These have been helpful in several situations in my life. An example is a situation while at work when I had to deal with a tragedy involving a snake bite.
It was a life-threatening situation which involved identifying the snake to take the appropriate first-aid procedures. Through my know-how, I could make out the snake, but it had a particularly different shade of color which I could not relate to.
In nursing, there is room for risk-taking, so I had to be particularly certain on practical action to save the life of the combatant.
Luckily I remembered just in time that my phone had an inbuilt camera. I quickly photographed the snake and uploaded the image to a snake specialist who readily identified the species and advised us on how to deal with the situation.
Apart from the camera, there are several other features which increase the importance of this gadget. The latest phone offers superb quality music which is necessary for leisure purposes.
As a nurse, I was exposed to many situations while assisting navy personnel who are frequently faced with crises. Their controlling character personality constantly made the work look harder than it was; hence once in a while, I would listen to tunes from my phone to relax.
In todays busy society, having a portable device to communicate through is expedient. Whether it is sending messages through the Internet or getting updated on the latest news, my cell phone has ensured that I am aware of the latest happenings.
Having reachable Internet is indispensable especially to a student who is required to do research. A feature like an alarm clock has enabled me to keep time for appointments and lectures.
The need for carrying several electronic devices like cameras, recorders, and melody players has been considerably reduced. An ultra-modern handset is presently equipped with all the features thus reducing the stress associated with carrying several types of equipment.
The technical progress has been of immense use in storing files in the form of text applications on the phone. Most of these features have eliminated carrying of bulky books and laptops in class especially when the cell phone has a memory of 10 GB.
One of the desired applications of the cell phone is the ease of handling transactions. The risk of walking around with money amidst widespread mugging is reduced by the phones ability to administer on-spot transactions.
Electronic transfers involved in paying education fees are easy to perform compared to the long lines experienced in banking. Surveys indicate that students of a different kind use the cell phone frequently compared with other citizens.
As a student, its use is indispensable as evident in scholarly responsibilities. With lighter and more complicated versions being invented, it has continued to gain popularity among students.
My phone has a tracking contrivance through which it can be traced when lost, and can locate exactly where an individual is through GPRS, helping others tell my exact location.
Anything which is dominant transforms the social order; the cell phone has dwarfed the impact of other inventions like the TV. Everybody will find this device to be necessary for routine processes.
My mobile phone is a gadget which has profoundly influenced my daily activities; however, the cell phone has its disadvantages.
Privacy is not guaranteed as anybody can determine my location without my will; furthermore, its injurious health effects may discourage an individual from owning a handset.
In this world of constantly advancing expertise and competition, I foresee more features being added to this object and greater technology to reduce its health effects. Its benefits are more than the disadvantages in several aspects. This object remains vital to my livelihood.
Technology exists to improve the life of people and not to make it even more difficult as Crabtree et al. (1) observe. This is the underlying principle in the design of the ultimate cell phone cover. The ultimate cell phone cover is a transparent form-fitting bag that is sealed around the cell phone. The device is conveniently clear which makes it possible for the user to browse the different features of the device with ease. The product will also help in ensuring that the cell phone is kept dry at all times irrespective of the circumstances. As observed by Koh (61), many cell phones have been damaged due to accidents that exposed them to humidity. This invention will put an end to this as it ensures that the phone will remain completely dry even in the event of complete immersion in water or any other liquid.
One will need to protect his/her mobile device from water when on boat or on jet skis (Ferrero 45). This is also true when in any other environments that poses a risk to expose the device to humidity for instance, when out in the rain. The ultimate cell phone cover will come in handy in such conditions. It can also be used when on vacation especially when camping to protect ones device from general accidents like dropping in the toilet or breakage due to falling on hard surfaces. The Ultimate cell phone cover is designed with a trendy look to remain to ensure the aesthetic appeal of the device is not lost. The mobile phone is not just a device for communication but a source of identity (Fortunati 86).
Features
The invention has a couple of features which present a variety of advantages. The first feature is the electronic Item protector which comes in handy when you are on a boat or near water to keep your electronic device dry and safe. It also cushions your device against damage in the event of drops, falls or related any mishaps. The form fitting design allows for use of contained devices and it can be used with IPods, PDAs and MP3 players etc.
The second feature is the cover design which a clear form is fitting bag designed to be fitted around the device. The clear nature makes it possible for the user to access the user interface of the device with ease while still maintaining the protective cover. This cover has the advantage of ensuring that your device is kept dry at all times even when it comes into accidental contact with water or any other humid substances. The other feature of the invention is that it has a padding which will be handy in providing protection to the device if it falls on hard surfaces.
Competition
The greatest competition will come from the water proof case. The product has the advantage of earlier market penetration and it has already curved a niche out of the market. One of the main advantages that the Ultimate cell phone cover has over the water proof case, which is the main competitor, is the fact that the Ultimate cell phone cover comes with a padding to prevent the device from damage due to falling down on hard surfaces. The competitor merely concentrates on keeping the mobile phone dry but does not consider the other risks that the mobile phone owner is exposed to (Waterproof Cases).
Another factor that will make it easy to overcome the competition is that the company that produces the water proof case also produces a range of other related products. Concentrating fully on the ultimate cell phone cover production will put us on a higher pedestal than our competitors (Hage and Marius 67). In addition, the materials I have suggested to use in the manufacture of the invention are locally available which makes it affordable to produce. This low cost of production will be important as the product will be more affordable to our clientele and will help to keep it ahead competition wise.
Works Cited
Crabtree, Joseph et al. Mobile Phones and everyday life. London: The work foundation, 2002.
Ferrero, Franko. Canoe and Kayak Handbook. London: British Canoe Union, Pesda Press, 2009.
Fortunati, Leopoldina. The Mobile Phone: An Identity on the Move. Personal and Ubiquitous Computing, 5.2 (2001): 85-98.
Hage, Jerald and Marius, Meeus. Innovation, Science and Institutional Change. London: Oxford University press, 2000.
Koh, Aaron. Survival tips for your mobile gadgets and gears. Singapore Hardware Magazine, 115.3 (2002 ): 60-64.
Waterproof Cases. Waterproof Phone Cases for Cell, Mobile and Cordless Phones. 2001. Web.
Cell-phone use has become more and more popular. In fact, the latest survey has revealed that there are more cell phones than adult population in developed nations like the United States and UK (Heath 62). This survey means that it is not only adults who own cell phones, but also kids. It is true that cell phones have made life much easier and better.
With a cell phone, spouses can easily update each other on their whereabouts, managers can run their businesses from wherever they are, and parents can contact teachers on any issues relating to their childrens welfare at school.
However, these devices are receiving more media coverage for the wrong reasons than good. A recent research carried out by Harvard University researchers revealed that one in every 20 accidents is a result of cell-phone use (Richtel). Use of cell phones in moving vehicles has caused many accidents.
It is therefore, not surprising that many states have burned the use of cell phones while driving. In fact, it is high time for the states that have not burned use of cell phones to act. The greatest danger caused by use of cell phones in moving vehicles is distractions (Ross 29).
When on the road, a driver should fully focus and be alert. This is because the road environment is dynamic and uncertainties such as the driver in front suddenly braking, reaching a sudden turn and vehicle system failure can happen abruptly. Many drivers reaction to these changes when on the phone is often slow (Ross 34). This could be a result of a moving conversation, too many animations like waving hands, moving the body vigorously, and chattering incessantly.
Furthermore, use of cell phones on moving vehicles is a compromise of a drivers primary task. Driving should involve the use of both hands and holding a cell phone while driving is a violation of this directive. Since driving involves making critical decisions, any distractions can be fatal.
Cell-phone use on moving vehicles may also cause erratic driving patterns. Drivers on cell phones take little or no attention to other road users, road signs, and streetlights (Richtel). They may move to other lanes abruptly without using signals thereby inconveniencing other drivers. With such serious mistakes, it becomes hard to draw a line between drunk driving and use of cell phone while driving.
Of course, some people will disagree and say. Use of cell phones while driving is the same as talking to a passenger in a car. What they do not realize is that a passenger in a car is aware of the traffic situation and will stop talking when he/she notices danger, something impossible with callers. Still others may say it is fine to use a cell phone while driving to address urgent issues. Matters are simply urgent to us when we live.
No one can solve compelling problems beyond the grave and therefore, first things must come first; guard your life. If there is anything one perceives as urgent and important, then the best thing to do is stop the car and address it first (Richtel). In conclusion, cell phones pose a great risk to driving and all road users must make it their responsibility to control it with, or without any legislation. Every driver must make a decision to either be a safe and responsible road user or count his /her days to prison or death.
Works Cited
Heath, Amie Marie. The impact of cell phone classification and experience on driver distraction. New York: ProQuest, 2007. Print.
Richtel, Matt. The New York Times. 2009. Web.
Ross, Brian H. The Psychology of Learning and Motivation: Advances in Research and Theory. Vol. 54. Califonia, USA: Academic Press, 2011. Print.
Popular culture is the sum of a societys actions, beliefs, traditions, and other such similar engagements that define a given society and its people. Although sometimes is described as an expression of the people occupying the lower classes of a society, as opposed to those occupying the higher classes, popular culture effectively encompasses a societys wholesome activities and expressions.
Since the turn of the 21st century, the use of cell phones has increased tremendously all over the world, and more specifically in the United States. Unfortunately, the use of the cell phone while driving has also increased, posing a danger both for the driver and other road users.
Currently, the use of cell phones for reading or writing text messages while driving causes a significant number of road accidents in the US, leaving victims emotionally traumatised, maimed and even dead. Insurance claims arising, and healthcare needs for these victims puts unnecessary and avoidable strain on the economy. Currently, nearly half of the states in the US have passed laws, or are in the process of passing laws declaring the act of texting while driving illegal, with fines and jail terms of various degrees for the offenders.
The theory of progressive evolution states that popular culture is an expression of inherent and intrinsic activities of a society. Accordingly, the act of cell phone texting while driving however dangerous would be an expression of an aspect of the American lifestyle, a part of its intrinsic identity. Indeed, many of the culprits of this dangerous practice are teens and the youth, ordinarily the most ardent expressers of popular culture in a society. Adults, too, use their cell phones while driving, but to a comparatively lesser degree.
Another theory of popular culture that expresses the act of texting while driving is the theory of the culture industry, where consumer needs for gadgets such as the cell phone is the principal contributing factor of the high presence of cell phone amongst Americans, with its use in texting while driving being a logical consequence. The cell phone, according to this theory, is portrayed as a must have communication tool, leading many Americans to acquire it.
Heroes in American society are highly regarded and respected. In the American society, heroes belong to both the past and present times, and are given near mythical attributes (Browne, 2005, p.35). American heroes include former presidents such as Washington and Lincoln, or adventurists such as Charles Lindbergh. Celebrities are more numerous and easily identifiable in todays celebrity-obsessed American popular culture.
Oprah Winfrey is one such celebrity, and her fame and philanthropic deeds make her a veritable American heroin. Oprah has been the face of the campaign to stop the practice of texting while driving. Because celebrities command a large following, and their followers tend to respect their word, the campaign by American celebrity and heroin, Oprah Winfrey, and other like-minded celebrities has the greatest potential of stopping the practice, especially amongst teens for whom such celebrities are highly adored and respected.
Therefore, by understanding the concept of popular culture, and subsequently applying the two popular culture theories to the topic of texting while driving, the concept of heroes and the cult of celebrities ties into the entire thread when the influence of these celebrities and heroes in curbing the practice of texting while driving is applied.
The insight of applying the influence of heroes and celebrities in positively changing one negative aspect of American popular culture (texting while driving) is attained through the application of the two theories of popular culture.
Reference
Browne, R. B. (Ed.). (2005). Profiles of Popular Culture: A Reader. Madison, Wisconsin: University of Wisconsin Press.
To sell a product most effectively, it is needed to choose the most optimal distribution channels for sales. Fortunately, there are several consumer groups in the considered case. These people differ in gender, age, level of technology proficiency, and other characteristics. All this gives quite ample opportunities for the choice of distribution channels. Each of these people will have their channel, so their combined use will bring the most positive results.
First, it is critical to understand how high the relevance of social networks is in the modern world. The largest part of advertising now functions in social networks. On the one hand, this is useful for the described case, since it provides ample opportunities for creating and distributing advertising. On the other hand, the amount of advertising is so significant now that it is challenging to reach the required customers and get them to buy a product. Therefore, it is necessary to competently approach budgeting, choice of platforms, and advertising content.
It is worth paying great attention to the social network Instagram, which allows not only advertising but also directly distributing of the product. At the same time, maintaining an Instagram account is relatively simple, since this social network is intuitive. Using Instagram is suitable for a young target audience that regularly spends time there and subscribes to tech accounts. These people use this social network to research potential products, so they can be nudged to buy without effort.
Another social network that can be used in the described case is Tik Tok. Now, this platform is one of the most popular in the world, so the importance of using it in any business cannot be denied. Undoubtedly, much of the content is intended for a young audience and is entertaining. However, some Tik Tok users are more mature and ready to shop. Moreover, this platform provides ample opportunities for creativity. In other words, if the product is presented creatively enough, then it will undoubtedly become desirable for the audience. In addition, a large number of views and interesting content can attract a completely unexpected audience, which will also have a positive effect on sales.
Much attention should be paid to the distribution of Go Kase through cell phone retailers. The people who visit the phone stores are undoubtedly the target audience for the case selling companies as well. Moreover, these are usually people who already want to buy something, so it will be much easier to deal with them. Another advantage is that these people are often quite solvent. Therefore, it is not the beautiful picture on the case that is more important to them, but its functionality, which is a distinctive feature of the Go Kase.
In addition, other retail stores can also help distribute cell phone cases. Although they may sell different products (household appliances or even food), they are full of the target audience. In other words, people who come to the store to buy an expensive TV will be willing to spend some more money on a bonus to their purchase: a case. However, it is undoubtedly necessary to choose the most cost-effective stores, which will help the seller avoid spending the budget on an audience that is completely uninterested in the product.
Particular attention should be paid to selective distribution, that is, to place cases only in those stores that are ready for specific conditions. It is vital to establish a good price for the cases and the quantity that the store undertakes to place on its shelves. This is the only way to count on a high level of sales and sufficient profit. By agreeing to unfavorable terms, the seller cannot recoup the costs, so it is essential to take this factor into account.
Data collection forms a fundamental part of the research project. In order to obtain reliable data, basic ethical considerations must be put in place. Cell phone market data collection requires the researcher to reach different people in different places and of varied rank as well as people with diverse backgrounds.
One of the ethical concerns that are involved in this data collection is the legal consideration. Many retailers and the whole seller may legally not allow the person conducting the data collection process to access their data. This is because they have no trust in them. In the constitution, the act of law provides the right of privacy, which may be used to bar data collectors from data access. It is therefore ethical to obtain documentary permission stating and giving details and reasons for data collection.. It is therefore highly recommended that the researcher disclose his purpose of research to the respondents.
Another ethical concern is the privacy of respondents. People involved in business fear revealing information to strangers, due to the risk of business operation secrecy. Each and every business has its own way of maintaining its secrecy for better competition and economic purposes. So, some of the businesses may fear disclosing data that will bring adverse effects to their overall performance. So, the data collector must show secrecy and honesty to the respondents.
Respect is very important in doing research work. The participants may be contacted through their cell phones or in any other way. All in all, they duly need respect from the data seeker. For instance, courtesy and greeting are greatly required in all data collection processes. This indicates the integrity and conduct of the individual. This will consequently have an impact on the behavior of the respondent. Generally, the integrity of the researcher will protect the respondent secrecy and provide firm confidence for data retrieval from the respondent.
Reference
Conway, M.J. (1998): How to collect data: Alexandria.
In the modern world where getting “connected” means more than being a novelty because it’s already a necessity, cellular phones have become a “must-have” gadget to virtually everyone in the world. Whether in Japan, China, or the United States, people from all walks of life deem it necessary to have a cellular phone for business or even for personal use. In 1995, only 90 million people all over the world were using mobile phones. In 2008, however, the number of mobile phone users around the world is projected to reach almost 3 billion users, with China as the most lucrative market that will have 585 million cellphone users (See Figure 1).
Figure 1. A number of cellular phone users in the world from 1995 to 2008 (Source: Euromonitor International, 2008).
In the research for the demographical differences for the substantial usage of technology in China, Japan, and the United States, it will be necessary to ask the question: “what are the driving forces that entice the market for cellular phones in these countries and what is the effect of people in these countries if they own more cell phones than other?” A cellular phone has become widely popular because of its portable capabilities, which enable instant access and communication abilities. For example, Leung and Wei (2000) researched an empirical Hong Kong-based study on the uses and gratifications of cell phone usage.
Their findings indicate that while features available from the regular telephone (such as sociability and instrumentality) are also desirable in mobile phones, the most important motives for owning a cell phone were linked to the device’s unique features of mobility and portability, which alleviate the need for public phones and also allow for immediate access to others. Robbins and Turner (2002) conducted a similar study in the U.S. context, and contend that while segments of the population will likely resist owning a cell phone, there is still a larger group that falls in the category of the people that have the potential to adopt the technology later.
Although manufacturers are wooing consumers with a continuous stream of additional capabilities and content, according to a survey by J.D. Power and Associates, mobile phone style is the leading buying factor, with 40% of respondents making it the single most popular reason for selecting a particular handset. Cheapness was the next most popular criterion with 27% saying they chose their phone because it was free.
Sony Ericsson is regarded as proof that style sells because it ranked highest with 741 points in the survey (J.D. Power Associates, 15 November 2007). Euromonitor International (2008) also reported that the level of mobile telephone ownership in China dwarfed the rest of the world, with some 600 million users in 2008, more than the next four largest users – USA, Japan, Russia, and Germany – combined. Mobile telephone user rankings and penetration are said to be relevant to consumer behavior, mobile entertainment, and the teen segment of the country’s economy. In this research, these factors will be discussed and how the subsequent addition of capabilities and content to mobile phones has created an ongoing consumer behavioral shift as more and more activities encompassing business and pleasure become possible.
The continuing developments in the cellular phone markets mean that communication, business, and entertainment are on the move and in remote locations makes mobile phones the most dynamic consumer indicators of the early 21st century in terms of consumer lifestyle, product sales, and content sales. If we know the demographic trends and the driving factors of owning a cellular phone in China, Japan, and United States, marketing for mobile phones in these countries would be much easier to make and it would determine what business strategies are possible to further increase mobile phone population in the world.
References
Euromonitor International. (2008). Mobile Phone Market in the World. London: Global Marketing Information Database.
J.D. Power Associates. (2007). Feature-Rich Wireless Mobile Phones Increase Average Consumer Service Spending For Both Handset Manufacturers and Service Providers. Web.
Leung, L. and Wei, R. (2000). More than just talk on the move: Uses and gratifications of the cellular phone. Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly, 77, 308- 320.
Robbins, K. and Turner, M.A. (2002). United States: Popular, pragmatic and problematic. In Katz, J.E. and Aakhus, M. (eds). Perpetual Contact: Mobile Communication, Private Talk, Public Performance. (pp.80-93). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Cell phones are important gadgets in today’s communication industry. From business environments to office communication, cell phones have made life easier and more comfortable. With the wide application of cell phones, the world has now become a global village.
Nevertheless, there are disadvantages associated with the use of mobile phones. For example, it is obvious cell phones emit radiofrequency energy- radio waves, dangerous to human bodies. Nonetheless, research carried out by scientists does indicate that, the amount of radiofrequency energy radiated by cell phones is very insignificant to cause tissue heating or augment body temperature.
On the other hand, there has been concern as to whether, radiofrequency energy from cell phones pose a cancer risk to cell phone users. Currently, scientists all over the world are busy carrying out research to identify the effect of cell phones in brain tumors, the central nervous system and other sites of the head and neck. This is because; these areas might be vulnerable to attack from radio waves as cell phone users hold cell phones, just below the head when communicating.
Interestingly a research study carried out by various bodies indicates that; although there are diverse cell phone radio wave effects in human bodies, radiation from cell or mobile phones have no new effects excluding the most common brain, glimoa and meningioma. It therefore poses serious concerns regarding the friendliness of to human bodies. (Cardias, et.al. 2007, pp. 642-656).
Analysis
Mobile phone use started in Europe in 1980s and spread to United States. At present, the number of people in possession of cell phones around the globe is by far very high. Nevertheless, with so many people now owning and using mobile phones, there has been varied concerns on the dangers of cell and mobile phones to human bodies.
It went down into historical books to note that, the number of mobile phone subscribers in United States of America rose tremendously to reach 285 million people, in what the Cellular Telecommunication and Internet Association termed, tremendous growth. However, the high number of mobile subscribers need protection from radiofrequency energy radiated by cell phones although no research indicates whether, it is harmful or not.
There is concern as to whether cell and mobile telephones cause certain types of cancer or other health related problems. Indeed, cell phones emit radio waves (radiofrequency energy), which are dangerous to human bodies. This form of radiation has been under study for years, and some research indicates that, radiofrequency radiation has possible effects to exposed human bodies. (International Agency for Research on Cancer, 2008, pp. 1-4).
Radio waves or radiofrequency energy is a type of electromagnetic emission characterized by substantive amount of penetrative power. Electromagnetic radiations or emissions fall into two groups.
The first category of ionizing radiations comprise of radiofrequency energies that penetrate into bodies with ease because of their high frequency. On the other hand, there are low-frequency radiations where radio waves fall and have low penetration power due to non-ionizing upshot. Owing to low spectrum frequency, radio waves fall under non-ionizing electromagnetic radiations.
Without question, radiations that cause ionization for example, x-rays can sometimes be a source of cancer if there is direct exposure to such sources. However, this can take a different dimension in the case of radiofrequency. It is not yet clear as to whether radiofrequency radiations from mobile or cell cause health problems or cancer simply because, the penetrative power of this radiation is too low to cause such a big health effect.
Unfortunately, research indicates that, radiofrequency radiations from mobile phones do not cause tissue heating nor do they increase body temperature. This is the reason as to why; researchers must carry out thorough research to identify the real effect of cell phone radiofrequency energy to human bodies. (Cardis, et.al., 2007, pp. 658-664).
The antenna of the cell or mobile phone is the one responsible for radiofrequency emissions. What makes mobile or cell phone users more vulnerable to radio wave attack from cell phones is when using it. Normally, a user holds the cell or mobile telephone just against one side of the head just right at the ear. Although with low frequency, if the device is placed very close to the human body, for example the head, there is high probability of the body interacting with emitted radiations.
This means, although radio waves are low-ionizing radiations, they are powerful when the source of interaction is close. Placing a hand-held mobile or cell phone antenna close to the head exposes the head near to radiations hence; interactions leading to health problems or cancer.
On the other hand, if a person places the cell or mobile phone antenna far away from the body or head, the degree of radiofrequency energy absorption decreases. In essence, it is the strength of the signal that determines the concentration of the cell or mobile telephone’s radio frequency energy. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2009, Para. 1-12).
Many people wonder how a cell phone emits radiofrequency, which then make them vulnerable to radio wave attack. What happens is that, when a mobile or cell phone user decides to call another user, the mobile phone sends a signal to the available mobile base station via the antenna. At the transceiver base station, routing takes place. The receiver takes the air signal and converts it into a digital form before sending it the switching center.
At this stage, it is now the role of the switch to connect another subscriber through the available system. It is advantageous to cell phone users who find themselves far away from the transceiver base station because; it is the distance that determines the radiofrequency energy exposure hence, the resultant effect on the user. (Ahlbom A, Green A, Kheifets L, Savitz D, Swerdlow A, 2004, pp.1741-1754 ).
Other factors which determine cell phone user’s level of exposure include, the intervals of picking or making calls, how far or near the user is from the base station, the strength of the signal transmitted, the bulkiness of the mobile handset and in this case its antenna, and the availability of hand-held devices.
Different firms for example, Interphone under the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) consortium, carried out research to identify the extent of damage caused on malignant and benign brain tumors exposed to radiofrequency energy. The results from Interphone did indicate that, there is no increased malignant or benign brain tumor risk apart from the existing glioma and meningiosa brain tumor effects.
Furthermore, the research did not find substantive evidence linking lengthy calling time, very many calls or many years with cell phones as risks to cell phone users. However, cell phone users who had spent a lot of time making phone calls through their cell phones, risked glioma. This led many people to question the whole report. (International Agency for Research on Cancer, 2008, pp. 1-7).
In 2004, there were divergent views from countries that participated in the Interphone case study. For example, the Danish report cited acoustic neuroma as an effect resulting from exposure to radiofrequency energies for a period exceeding ten years as compared to short-term cell phone users.
Additionally, the report indicates that, there is no increased risk on places where users held their cell phones. On the other hand, the Swedish report, which examined short and long-term mobile users, cited that, there was increased risk of acoustic neuroma only to long-term mobile phone users.
On the other hand, a data report complied by Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom Denmark and Finland went contrary to previous reports linking long time exposure to radiofrequency energy with acoustic neuroma. Instead, the report cited that, there is high risk to the tumor exposed to the cell phone for over ten years.
Interestingly, later studies and even the current one, cite similar findings as of these countries. Nevertheless, even with contradicting reports, cell phone users are greatly concerned whether the tumor of their head exposed to mobile phones will eventually have health problems. Some time later, Interphone Danish and Swedish researchers carried further research on the relationship between meningioma or glioma risk and mobile or cell phone use.
However, in research carried on disease-free individuals, these researchers found that, there is no link whatsoever, between cell phone use and meningioma or glioma. United Kingdom and Nordic Countries released the same results that concurred with that of Swedish and Danish researchers although for them, glioma can occur on the side of head exposed to mobile handsets for a period of at least ten years. (Hepworth, et.al. 2001, pp. 837-887).
It is evident that, research carried by different counties gave varied results. In a calculate move aimed at curtailing biases resulting from case-control studies, a consortium of researchers identified 420,095 cell and mobile phone users in Denmark and then made a comparison with Danish Cancer Registry in order to categorize the number of people suffering from brain tumors as a result of using cell phones.
Their research indicated that, radiofrequency energy from cell phones has nothing to do with meningioma, acoustic neuroma or glioma irrespective whether the subscriber had used the cell phone for ten or more years. In other words, exposure to radiofrequency energy whether for long or short time or high frequency, do not necessarily lead to cancer or healthy problems.
With great concern among mobile phone users, more companies and consortium bodies continued to carry out related research. For example, between 1987 and 2002, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) under the umbrella of Epidemiology and End Results Program (SEER) and the Surveillance Consortium, carried out cell phone risk research to identify the effects of radiofrequency energy emitted by cell phones to brain tumors and the nervous system.
The results however indicated that, there had been no damage to these areas notwithstanding, the increase in cell phone use. These two bodies continue to carry out periodic research to identify whether, cell or mobile telephones participate in nervous system or brain tumor damage especially now, when mobile use is on the rise in United States.( Inskip, Tarone, & Hatch, 2001, pp. 79-86).
Solution
Given the above scenario, where different researches have different results, and sometimes contradict each other, it is not apparent whether radiofrequency energy radiated from the antenna of cell phones has risks to human bodies especially the brain and nervous system. Nevertheless, mobile phone users should take necessary steps aimed at minimizing their exposure to radiofrequency energies coming from cell phones.
Perhaps, the first step cell phone subscribers should aim is to cut the lengthy time they engage with their cell phones. The second prevention method is to use a headset, or a cell phone speaker mode aimed at maximizing the distance between the user’s head and the cell phone. The distance ensures minimal exposure area to radiofrequency radiation emanating from cell phones. (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2009, pp. 1-3).
On the other hand, cell phone firms can decide to introduce Bluetooth headsets or audio gadgets, which are free from radio wave emission. Cell phone users can wear some accessories like thick clothes, head scups, holsters aimed at absorbing any radiation emitted from the cell phone’s antenna.
Most importantly, if cell phone users can use headsets as a way of minimizing exposure to radiofrequency energy now that they hold cell phones around the head when communicating. Cell phone manufactures and cell phones sold in United States, should comply with the laid measures of controlling exposure to radio waves. (U.S. Federal Communications Commission, 2010, pp. 1-4).
So far, no research links radiofrequency energy from cell phones with cancer or any other health complication. It is therefore unnecessary to apply hands-free kits in order to reduce chances of radio wave attack.
Nevertheless, cell phone users can wear hands-free kits to induce conformability or expediency but not reduce chances of radiofrequency attack. Different countries have different laws on cell phone use. Nonetheless, these laws do not aim at reducing exposure to radiofrequency emissions to human bodies as there is no evidence that, these radiations cause harms to the exposed body.
Reference List
Ahlbom, A., Green, A., Kheifets, L., Savitz, D., & Swerdlow, A. (2004). Epidemiology of health effects on radiofrequency exposure. Environmental Health Perspectives, 112(17), 1741-1754.
Cardis, E., Richardson, L. & Deltour, I. (2007). Cell Phones and Cancer Risk. European Journal of Epidemiology, 22(9), 647–664.
Hepworth, S., Schoemaker, M.J, Muir K. (2006). Mobile phone use and risk of glioma in adults: Case-control study. British Medical Journal, 332(7546), 883-887.
Inskip, P., Tarone, R. & Hatch, E. (2001). Cellular-telephone use and brain tumors. New England Journal of Medicine, 344(2), 79-86.
The debate on the effects of cell phones use in driving has been one of the most prominent discussions globally. The use of mobile phones while one is driving has been blamed for several road accidents and ultimately loss of lives. All over the world, people are trying to come up with measures and strategies to curb and to reduce road carnages. One of the most successful measures in this endeavor has been banning the use of cell phones among motorists. This paper seeks to prove that cell phone use on the roads can affect the psychology of a motorist and compromise his or her judgment and ability to make decisions while on the road.
Current Research
According to the current research from different areas in the world, it has been estimated that 1-4% of the world’s drivers use their mobile phones while driving at any particular moment (Kao, Higginson, Seymour, Kamerdze, & Higginson, 2015). The use of mobile phones in the car is a major cause of destruction among drivers and it should be stopped. Drivers can be destructed in a number of ways if they used their mobile phones while driving. They can be physically, visually, auditory, or cognitively destructed (Kao et al., 2015).
When the phone rings, the driver has to use one of hinds to receive the call. This makes him or her to lose his focus and to concentrate on the phone other than maintaining high alert while driving. Visually, the driver has to look who is calling, or while dialing he or she has to look for the contact he or she intends to call. This shifts his or her eye contact from the road as he or she looks at the mobile phone (Klauer, Guo, Simons-Morton, Ouimet, Lee, & Dingus, 2014).
This is even worse when the driver is reading or writing a text message while driving. Research has shown that even is the drivers eyes are on the road at such a moment, they only look but they do not see (Klauer et al., 2014). Auditory, when on phone, drivers shift their focus to the sound of the phone instead of listening to the adjoining atmosphere on the road (Klauer et al., 2014). This robs them the ability to notice if there is a car near or around them therefore increasing the chances of crashing.
Lastly, the cognitive effect of mobile usage while driving is seen when drivers are conversing over the phone. Listening to the phone and the conversation makes the brain to lose focus. Drivers will pay more attention to the dialogue on the phone (Lepp, 2014). At this point, brain activity is reduced and the decision making ability compromised. At this state, it becomes very easy to cause an accident. Current research has demonstrated that listening alone reduces activity in the part of the brain responsible for driving by a third (Lepp, 2014).
Policy Recommendations
As a result of the aforementioned implications of driving while on phone, we recommend a complete ban. The use of hand free has been supported by a number of people as a safer mode but research has shown that it interferes with the driver’s attention. Therefore, a complete ban on the use cell phones while driving is the only sure way to reduce destruction on the roads. Drivers must not be allowed to use their phones for any reason while driving along the highways or any other busy roads. Addition, measures to make sure that drivers abide by this rule must also be set. For instance, more police check points can be set up and highway cameras erected in strategic places.
Future Research
Future research should focus on how road safety can be enhanced through reducing the use of cell phones on roads. To be specific, text messaging should be the main focus in future studies. A number of studies have shown that text messages while driving have the greatest impacts on drivers attentiveness (Lepp, Barkley & Karpinski, 2014).some the implications associated with texting while driving include heightened mental workload, physical destructions as well as the visual destructions. While texting, a visual confirmation of the text content needed. In addition, the driver is still thinking on what to say and at the same time he or she must keep his eye on the road.
This multitasking is a maximum utilization of the human brain and the ultimate effect is the increase in the mental workload (Lepp, Barkley & Karpinski, 2014). Text messaging cause’s drivers to spend 400% more time with their eyes away from the road compared to normal driving (Lepp, Barkley & Karpinski, 2014). While the use of hand-free mode has been advocated as a safer way of cell phone use while driving, research proves that this is not the case. According to current research on this subject, there are no notable safety advantages of using the hands free mode (Lepp, Barkley & Karpinski, 2014). The point it that the driver’s attentiveness is impaired compared to the normal driving mode and this is a danger already.
Conclusion
This paper has outlined a number of effects of cell phone use on the roads. It has broken down these effects into four major states which include the physical, cognitive, auditory, and the visual state. According to this paper, the main recommendation to the problem of cell phone use is a complete ban. The paper also gives a recommendation on the future research topics including the effects of texting on drivers’ ability to concentrate. According to this research, there are no safer ways of using cell phones while driving. This is because the effects of cell phone use are the same regardless of the mode. It interferes with the driver’s ability to concentrate and this increases the chances of an accident to occur.
References
Burger, N. E., Kaffine, D. T., & Yu, B. (2014). Did California’s hand-held cell phone ban reduce accidents? Transportation research part A: policy and practice, 66, 162-172.
Kao, P. C., Higginson, C. I., Seymour, K., Kamerdze, M., & Higginson, J. S. (2015). Walking stability during cell phone use in healthy adults. Gait & posture, 41(4), 947-953.
Klauer, S. G., Guo, F., Simons-Morton, B. G., Ouimet, M. C., Lee, S. E., & Dingus, T. A. (2014). Distracted driving and risk of road crashes among novice and experienced drivers. New England journal of medicine, 370(1), 54-59.
Lepp, A. (2014). Exploring the relationship between cell phone use and leisure: an empirical analysis and implications for management. Managing Leisure, 19(6), 381-389.
Lepp, A., Barkley, J. E., & Karpinski, A. C. (2014). The relationship between cell phone use, academic performance, anxiety, and satisfaction with life in college students. Computers in Human Behavior, 31, 343-350.
Technology exists to improve the life of people and not to make it even more difficult as Crabtree et al. (1) observe. This is the underlying principle in the design of the ultimate cell phone cover. The ultimate cell phone cover is a transparent form-fitting bag that is sealed around the cell phone. The device is conveniently clear which makes it possible for the user to browse the different features of the device with ease. The product will also help in ensuring that the cell phone is kept dry at all times irrespective of the circumstances. As observed by Koh (61), many cell phones have been damaged due to accidents that exposed them to humidity. This invention will put an end to this as it ensures that the phone will remain completely dry even in the event of complete immersion in water or any other liquid.
One will need to protect his/her mobile device from water when on boat or on jet skis (Ferrero 45). This is also true when in any other environments that poses a risk to expose the device to humidity for instance, when out in the rain. The ultimate cell phone cover will come in handy in such conditions. It can also be used when on vacation especially when camping to protect ones device from general accidents like dropping in the toilet or breakage due to falling on hard surfaces. The Ultimate cell phone cover is designed with a trendy look to remain to ensure the aesthetic appeal of the device is not lost. The mobile phone is not just a device for communication but a source of identity (Fortunati 86).
Features
The invention has a couple of features which present a variety of advantages. The first feature is the electronic Item protector which comes in handy when you are on a boat or near water to keep your electronic device dry and safe. It also cushions your device against damage in the event of drops, falls or related any mishaps. The form fitting design allows for use of contained devices and it can be used with IPods, PDAs and MP3 players etc.
The second feature is the cover design which a clear form is fitting bag designed to be fitted around the device. The clear nature makes it possible for the user to access the user interface of the device with ease while still maintaining the protective cover. This cover has the advantage of ensuring that your device is kept dry at all times even when it comes into accidental contact with water or any other humid substances. The other feature of the invention is that it has a padding which will be handy in providing protection to the device if it falls on hard surfaces.
Competition
The greatest competition will come from the water proof case. The product has the advantage of earlier market penetration and it has already curved a niche out of the market. One of the main advantages that the Ultimate cell phone cover has over the water proof case, which is the main competitor, is the fact that the Ultimate cell phone cover comes with a padding to prevent the device from damage due to falling down on hard surfaces. The competitor merely concentrates on keeping the mobile phone dry but does not consider the other risks that the mobile phone owner is exposed to (Waterproof Cases).
Another factor that will make it easy to overcome the competition is that the company that produces the water proof case also produces a range of other related products. Concentrating fully on the ultimate cell phone cover production will put us on a higher pedestal than our competitors (Hage and Marius 67). In addition, the materials I have suggested to use in the manufacture of the invention are locally available which makes it affordable to produce. This low cost of production will be important as the product will be more affordable to our clientele and will help to keep it ahead competition wise.
Works Cited
Crabtree, Joseph et al. Mobile Phones and everyday life. London: The work foundation, 2002.
Ferrero, Franko. Canoe and Kayak Handbook. London: British Canoe Union, Pesda Press, 2009.
Fortunati, Leopoldina. The Mobile Phone: An Identity on the Move. Personal and Ubiquitous Computing, 5.2 (2001): 85-98.
Hage, Jerald and Marius, Meeus. Innovation, Science and Institutional Change. London: Oxford University press, 2000.
Koh, Aaron. Survival tips for your mobile gadgets and gears. Singapore Hardware Magazine, 115.3 (2002 ): 60-64.
Waterproof Cases. Waterproof Phone Cases for Cell, Mobile and Cordless Phones. 2001. Web.
