A review of the current state of 3D & 4D ultrasound Essay

A review of the current state of 3D & 4D ultrasound - Essay Example In general, ultrasound is defined as an acoustic vibration with frequencies greater than 20,000 Hz – in short, beyond our ability to hear, and is usually created by ultrasound machines utilizing ferromagnetic lead-zirconate-fitanate (PZT) ceramics that convert electricity into sound (DeLisa, 2005). Its uses are either diagnostic (under which the well-known fetal ultrasound falls under) or therapeutic, which uses such acoustic energy to produce various thermal and non-thermal effects in tissue. Ultrasonic signals are usually generated by the reverse piezoelectric effect, and lose some energy as they travel through tissue – attenuation. This comes as the result of 3 mechanisms: absorption, in which the ultrasonic energy is absorbed by tissue and then converted into heat; beam divergence, the amount by which a beam spreads out from the transducer; and deflection, which in turn is broken down into reflection, refraction and scattering (Braddom, 2007). Despite the successive technological breakthroughs where ultrasound is concerned, 2D ultrasound is still the most common variant seen in most clinics and hospitals (GPSMedical, 2007), and, by necessity, is still conducted before 3D or 4D ultrasound (Benaceraff et al, 2005). Since the 3D and 4D variants are still relatively new, 2D will still be the default for a while longer. In fact, because of this, even newer ultrasound machines have a 2D setting. What differs it from its more advanced cousins is that 2D ultrasound allows one to visualize something in planes or layers, as opposed to 3D or 4D which only shows the exterior (Expectant Mother’s Guide Online Edition, accessed 10/30/09). For pregnant women, it is usually best to have this kind of ultrasound after at least 18-20 weeks of pregnancy, and with a full bladder (Stork Vision, 2009) – this is also the period when doctors check

SWOT Analysis of Lionel Smith Ltd Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

SWOT Analysis of Lionel Smith Ltd - Case Study Example Mr. Smith had worked for sixteen years in the retail clothing business. He gained this experience by working in stores such as Belk's Department Store, Manning Owens Incorporated, and LeGrande's of Aiken, South Carolina. After two years, the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Smith became the sole owner, and LSL was established as a sub-chapter S corporation. This began a period of growth for the company. Between the years of 1979 and 1983, four additional locations were opened. They were located in Aiken and Edgefield, South Carolina, and Augusta, and Savannah, Georgia. By the end of 1983, all four of those locations were closed. Mr. Lionel Smith stated the closings were due to several major factors. They include his inability to hire and retain professionally qualified supervisors and employees, the desire to focus his efforts on establishing an outside sales force, and high interest rates and an unstable economy. In 1982, the main location moved to the other side of Laurens Street in Aiken. The move to the new location was made possible because Lionel Smith was able to purchase the building. This has been the company's only location since 1983. With only one location, its staff and inventory are not divided between two or more venues, and rent, utilities, and other operating costs are lower. The company underwent another major change when it was purchased by Mr. Smith's son, Van, in 1992. Introduction According to the marketing area experts SWOT analysis review for Lionel Smith Ltd. (LSL) the key issues from an analysis of the trade environment and the strategic ability of an organization. The chief objectives of conducting SWOT analysis for Lionel Smith Ltd. (LSL) is to recognize the coverage to which the existing strategy of an association and its more exact strength and weaknesses are pertinent to, and capable of, dealing by means of the changes taking place in the trade environment. It also uses to assess whether there are opportunities to develop further the exclusive resources or core capability of this clothing organization. Moreover, SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. It's a four-part come within reach of to analyzing a company's generally strategy or the strategy of its trade units. All four aspects have to be considered to execute a long-range plan of action. In order to whack the rivalry you require comprehending SWOT. No doubt, It's a way to examine a company's or a department's place in the market in relation to its contestant. The goal is to recognize all the major factors affecting competitiveness before crafting a trade policy. SWOT Breakdown SWOT recognize the internal and external issue that have an effect on an organization. Here's the breakdown of SWOT by interior and outside variables: Internal factors (Strengths and weaknesses) A corporate structure, culture and resources Shareholders Customers Competitors External factors (Opportunities threats) Politics Technology Society Economics SWOT ANALYSIS Strategy Strengths The first strength of Lionel Smith Ltd.