Thursday, March 12, 2020

The Dangers and Risks of Flammable and Combustible Liquids and Gases

The Dangers and Risks of Flammable and Combustible Liquids and Gases Introduction The dangers and risks involved in handling flammable and combustible liquids and gases call for extra vigilance in the processes of packaging and transporting. Since harmful effects associated with careless handling are irreversible and longs of Storage Tanks Fixed roof tanks Fixed roof tanks are categorized as cone roof columns and dome roof tanks. These tanks are used for the storage of flammable liquids, and are designed with internal pressures of up to 1 bar. However, they can be used for storage of non-volatile or inflammable substances including water, pulp, and acids among others. Internal and Open-top Floating Tanks These tanks are provided with protection seals and emission control devices, which improve safety while handling flammable storage substances. Internal floating tanks are manufactured using steel, aluminum, or synthetic materials, and are easy to manufacture, erect, as well as maintain. On the other hand, external tanks are made of welded steel in ord er to sustain the high pressures from storage liquids. Other vessels Other than storage tanks, there exist other storage facilities such as container and portable storage facilities (National Fire Protection Association 11). However, only approved containers are used so as to maintain high levels of safety. Types of hazards and security measures An excellent plan for safety when using flammable liquids must feature some components, which include control of ignition sources, proper storage, fire control, as well as safe handling. Fire While proposing for security measures, one should first understand the causes of fires, and establish the best safety measures to follow. Ignition Sources Static electricity Formation of static electricity is dangerous since the tank can explode or a fire can start as a result of the electrostatic energy (â€Å"UNL: Environmental Health and Safety† 20). As such, it is important to prevent static energy from producing sparks: This requires that st orage containers are grounded or bonded to prevent sparking. Open flames As a regulation, storage areas are strictly nonsmoking zones because cigarette smoking is a source of open flame. Welding, lighting, and hot surfaces are also other sources of open flames (â€Å"UNL: Environmental Health and Safety† 32). Such activities must be a safe distance away from the operating environment of flammable liquids.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Electrical Spark On several occasions, sparks occur as a result of minor electrical faults such as short circuits, and may ignite other sources of energy. There are several sources of electrical spark generation such as in welding facilities, faulty electrical gadgets, and battery cells. As such, fire regulations stipulate that flammable liquids must be stored in airtight vessels that will protect flammable liquids from ignition. Suppression Systems Fire suppression systems are designed to control the spread of broken out fires. This minimizes on the destructive effects of fire since such fires are controlled and extinguished before they are fully grown. The following shows an example of fire suppression system for floating roof tanks. Figure 3: Fire Suppression systems Common Tank-type Hazards The following table shows the incidences of fire hazard with the use of various types of storage tanks. Figure 4: Common tank-Type Fire Hazards Overfill fires – Occur due to spillag es resulting from tank overfill. Vent Fires – Occur as a result of vent failure or blockages. Rim Seal Fires – Occur as a result of broken tank seals. Full Surface Fire – Occur due to surface ignition of storage liquids. Case Study Place: Delaware, USA. Date: July 17, 2001. Cause: Spark from maintenance work. Type: fixed roof. Losses: 8 injuries and 1 death. Outcome: Significant offsite environmental impact. Lesson Learned Intense procedures must be followed before conducting periodic maintenance works. Risk assessment should be conducted. Training and competence of personnel should be done. Elimination of flammable atmosphere should be done including isolation, purging, gas testing, as well as control of ignition sources. Adherence to minimum separation distances given in codes and standards. Adequate separation from tanks to site boundary, process equipment, loading areas, and buildings should be provided. Health hazards Many of these liquids are corrosiv e and undergo multiple reactions if exposed to other chemical components like oxidizing agents or when stored improperly. Therefore, people handling these liquids must be physically present and wear protective clothing (â€Å"Environmental Health and Safety Executive† 3). Eye contact with such liquids may result in a burning sensation, irritation and possibly eye damage (â€Å"UNL: Environmental Health and Safety† 10). Similarly, repeated exposures may result in target organ toxicity, which may result in the failure of such organs or death. Environmental hazards Spillages are a key pollution that threatens the ecosystem where the quantities are high enough. The liquids may result in chronic toxicity whereby they cause adverse effects on aquatic life when exposed in an aquatic ecosystem (â€Å"Environmental Protection Agency† 7). Improper disposal or accidental spillages are causes of soil and air pollution. General Use and Storage Considerations It is of paramou nt importance to understand that the handling of these liquids is not restricted to specialized firms or individuals. The substances are produce for use by the public, as well as other unspecialized individuals; therefore, safety regulations need to consider this factor (â€Å"UNL: Environmental Health and Safety† 22). In connection, protection from ignition sources is crucial during important processes like extraction, centrifuging, and grinding (â€Å"UNL: Environmental Health and Safety† 16). Conclusion As established, liquids are essential in the daily lives, but also pose a significant level of risk in people’s lives, as well as the environment. Therefore, it is important that all such risks are controlled so as to have a safe environment that is free from hazards associated with storage of liquids. In conclusion, liquids can be hazardous to both individuals and the environment; hence, it is necessary to take appropriate measures for preventing the creation of hazards. â€Å"Environmental protection Agency (EPA).† Release: 40 CFR 302. 116.4 (2010): n.pag. California Fire Code: Chapter 27. Web. Health and Safety Executive: Storage of Flammable Liquids 2002. Web. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): Code 30 2006. Web. â€Å"UNL: Environmental Health and Safety.† Environmental Health and Safety 402. 472  (2000): n.pag. UNL. Web.

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Analyse critically the claim that there is no caste in Sikhism. Draw Essay

Analyse critically the claim that there is no caste in Sikhism. Draw particular reference to the Valmiki and Ravidasi Communi - Essay Example On the other hand, although Guru Nanak emphasized Bhakti or devotion, it was not that of popular Hinduism to a tangible manifestation of the divine, but it was towards a formless God. Similarly, Guru Nanak rejected Hindu beliefs and practices such as the superiority of Brahmins or the Hindu priestly community, and their performance of rituals. Thus, the Sikhs began identifying themselves as a separate and distinctive religious group. Further, the early Sikhs’ requirement for an identity increased with offspring born into the Sikh faith. The Sikh Gurus denounced the practice of Hindu rituals and the prejudice of the Hindu caste system. They readily accepted into their community, the Hindus of lower caste and the â€Å"untouchables†. Thesis Statement: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the claim that there is no caste system in Sikhism. The Valmiki, Ravidasi and other communities will be examined to determine the truth of the claim. Evolution of the Sikh Religion During the first two hundred years of the evolution of the Sikh religion beginning from the mid-fifteenth century, a line of Gurus or preceptors guided the community. The Mughal empire ruling India at the turn of the seventeenth century perceived the expanding base of the Sikh community as a threat. The consequent tensions between the local administration at Lahore and the Sikhs led to the execution of Guru Arjan (1563-1606), the fifth Sikh Guru. As a result, the Sikh center was moved to the Shivalik hills in the 1630s. The tenth in line, Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708), dissolved the position of the personal Guru, and vested the Gurus’ authority both in the Adi Granth or original book of Sikh scripture, as well as in the Panth or community (Mann 2001). An overall, uniform Sikh identity cannot be defined since the Panth has several types of Sikhs including: Punjabi Sikhs, Gora Sikhs, vegetarian/ non-vegetarian Sikhs, Mazhabi Sikhs, Khalsa Sikhs, Non-Khalsa Sikhs, Khalsa Sikhs living with Gurus, and Khalsa Sikhs with particular Sants. According to Takhar (2005: 188), â€Å"the essential core of Sikh identity must be Gurmukh oriented, the characteristics of which would be nam simran or continuously repeating the divine name, and truthful living. These would form the heart of the federal identity of the Panth as a whole, and would not emphasize the Khalsa representation. Thus, Valmikis and Ravidasis â€Å"would not fit into the federation due to their assertion of a non-Sikh identity† (Takhar 2005: 188). The Sikhs meditated on the Name (Nam) or the Truth (Sat) which denoted God’s total being. Through meditation, â€Å"the believer attained unity with God and all notions of duality disappeared as illusory† (Cole & Sambhi 1995: 7). As a result, all differentiation and distinctions based on caste or other concepts were condemned, and idol worship was opposed. Men and women of all social status were taught by Sants who wrote their devotion al poems in the vernacular. Human Gurus were not acknowledged, since God as self-communicating was their Guru. Sikhs express concern at any attempts to associate Guru Nanak with the Sants, because they fear that it would threaten the claim that the message given by God to Guru Nanak was unique. The divine revelation to Guru Nanak was that there is no Hindu and no Muslim; and only the brotherhood of man and the fatherhood of God was of significance. This reinforced Guru

Saturday, February 8, 2020

Technical writing proposal on Senior Healthcare Facility Research Paper

Technical writing proposal on Senior Healthcare Facility - Research Paper Example l is to find ways on how to protect faces of the health workers and the effectiveness of the facial protective equipment and procedures for control that can be used. This will include reviewing of the literature of environmental, organizational, and individual factors that improves on the effectiveness of health workers. It will also include identification of the framework that will carry on the final research. The major goal of this proposal is to identify Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and nosocomial; infections of the respiratory tract in relation to the safety of workers and specific areas where further research should focus on. The target audience of this research proposal is the healthcare workers. The significance of this study is to make workers more effective at their workplaces if they are provided with facial preventive measures. The current events in relation to SARS in healthcare workers of Canada have attracted much attention on how to prevent this epidemic. Facial protection involved the use of a mask and protective eyewear. Following the outbreaks, there is need to ensure that the healthcare workers are protected to prevent future outbreaks and not only in severe acute respiratory syndrome but also other respiratory infections. Following these observations there is needed to carry out a review on facial protection that would deal with healthcare workers concerns. This influenced me to write a proposal on SARS. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome is a disease that is spread through respiratory droplets. According to research carried out, SARS is less contagious compared to other respiratory infections. It is important to note that persistent use of infection control measures reduces occurrence of such outbreaks in China, Vietnam, and Singapore. Much attention focused on why the implementation of appropriate precautions failed and the need to promote these precautions in future. It is also evident that sneezing and coughing do not generate highly

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Compare the theme of outsiders in Frankenstein Essay Example for Free

Compare the theme of outsiders in Frankenstein Essay D, so he wanted to join the terrorist group to seek revenge. In this respect Daz is similar to the monster, they are both willing to commit heinous crimes for vengeance. Del thats my brovver thay catch im raiding wiv Dred. Top him dont thay. This quote shows how Dazs brother was killing in a raid with Dred. After the night in the Blue Moon where he saved Zoe and her friends, Daz finds himself an outcast from two societies. He was still physically a chippy, which means he is not allowed in Silverdale; however, he helped out the enemy subbies which make him not an accepted chippy. After Daz and Zoe they contact each other through letters and finally when they meet, the reader recognise that Daz does not want to be a chippy. Throughout this novel we are constantly reminded of this forbidden love. I seen this Subby girl, our mam. Forget her, Daz. Not easy, our mam. Not easy. Daz is given a negative response from his mum, when he explains that he has met Zoe. However, once Daz meets Zoe he realises he does not want to be an outsider any longer, Dazs priorities and views of subbies change. Like Victor, Daz is very determined; he takes a lot of risks for Zoe and to make his life better. It appears to the reader that Zoe has the perfect life, money, nice houses, cars and good facilities. However it becomes evermore clear that Zoe feels trapped and unhappy. Zoe is an outsider because after she meets Daz, Silverdale citizens see her as a chippy lover. Thats why we have fences and lights and guards some kids get fed up being cooped up a suburbs a pretty nice place but any place with a fence aroundll get to you, eventually. This quote shows the reader how a Subby teenager can become fed up with the enclosed lifestyle. Zoe feels this because she is brainwashed into believing her existence is happy and enjoyable. Similar to Daz, when the two forbidden lovers meet her priorities changes. Zoe the loyal and hard working daughter rebels against her parents old fashioned and single minded views. Unlike Daz, Zoe is an outsider by choice. Her easiest option could have been to lead a normal life as a young, well-educated Silverdale resident. Nevertheless, Zoe decides to leave the suburb and live in the city, choosing to become an outsider from two societies. Zoe chooses to be an outsider and is similar to Victor; she sees that defending things that are important to her holds great risks. For the first time I contemplated the enormity of the step I had just taken This quote shows how Zoe realises that she has left her Subby life to live in the city; this is the first physical sign of her becoming an outsider. In Daz 4 Zoe Zoes Grandmother is not an obvious outsider. To begin with Grandma is not a visible outsider, although later we go on to find she is the founder of the illegitimate organisation. She is very similar to Robert Walton as they are both outsiders in their thoughts and views, however they are not outcasts. Grandma was part of an underground outfit called F. A. I. R, which stands for Fraternal Alliance for Integration through Reunification. Resembling Victor, Robert Walton and Zoe, she is an outsider through choice and these views influence Zoe. Daz 4 Zoe and Frankenstein both discuss outsiders in society, and how people can be born outcasts and how others chose to be secluded from society because of their ambitions, beliefs or interests. We read how Daz and the Monster we forced into seclusion, isolated from society. Also how Zoe, Victor, Grandma and Robert Walton choose to live their lives dangerously and even unhappily because of their thoughts. The nineteenth century literature and the contemporary novel are relevant to todays society. In the present culture we have different castes, religions, races even different accents, Daz 4 Zoe shows an extreme version of abused power and prejudice. Due to advances in medical science in the present day limbs can be sewn on, body parts reshaped new skin tissue be formed. Frankenstein again shows excessive power, since the novel was written we have had cloning and artificial body parts The two novels both are severe results of social issues we have today. I feel the moral of the two novels combined is that with no action, modern society could find themselves in these difficult situations. 1 Show preview only The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Mary Shelley section. Download this essay Print Save Not the one? Search for

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Holbein vs Il Guercino :: Essays Papers

Holbein vs Il Guercino Most museum-goers would say that the artwork they are looking at is "impressive" or "interesting", but they would not usually be able to tell you why they think so. This is because, even though they hold that different pieces of work are equally beautiful, it is not often that the inexperienced eye would truly realize exactly what makes each work unique. Some of these factors include the period in which the work was done, the techniques used, and the overall emotion that the work displays. Even though these are not usually the first things that the average museum-goer thinks of, they are surely some of the most significant reasons for why art attracts so many different people with a variety of tastes and interests. Two excellent examples of how these aspects add to the magnificence of a painting while still retaining each work's uniqueness can be seen in comparing Sir Thomas More, by Hans Holbein the Younger, and Sampson Captured by the Philistines, by Guercino. These two paintings are both masterpieces in their own respects, displaying the exceptional talents of the artists and encompassing the nature of paintings during their time. Sir Thomas More, painted in 1527, is a portrait done by Hans Holbein the Younger. The portrait shows Sir More posing still, from the waist up, seated in front of green drapery, with one arm lightly resting on a type of wooden panel. This painting accurately encompasses the civil situation and spirit of the Renaissance in the North. Since religious art was traveling in a downward spiral due to the Protestant Reformation, artists were forced to look for other types of commissions. Because of the improving economy, middle-class citizens started making more money and began to commission portraits of themselves. Holbein was forced to leave his home to find work in England, where he first met Sir Thomas More and portrayed several other great humanists of the time. Holbein's painting of Sir More displays the intricate details, definite lines, rich colors, and illusionism that are associated with the Northern Renaissance. The details in this painting are countless. The individual strands of hair at Sir More's hairline, the wrinkles on his knuckles, the easily observable difference between the color of his irises and his pupils, and the "SS" chain around his neck are all details that may be easily overlooked if one was not thinking about it.

Monday, January 13, 2020

Addressing International Legal and Ethical Issues Simulation Summary Essay

Conducting international business can be a profitable endeavor but requires a lot of tact and strategy. In international business legal issues may arise but must be resolved in order to retain the relationship. This problem includes but is not limited to changes in legislation, clashes of interest, ethical dilemmas, cultural and ethical differences. When entering into an agreement with another country legal agreements must be drafted to protect the company interest. Consideration must be made of the countries culture and ethical differences. The process of sublicensing can be positive for CadMex. However, the process consumes an incredible amount of time and money. Sublicensing could also violate the non-disclosure agreement. Local customs in laws can conflict with in organizations customs in laws when operating abroad. When this occurs the laws that were specified in the contract should prevail unless there is a CIGS (contracts for the international sale of goods) which is been used by default. See more: Experiment on polytropic process Essay When issues arise alternative dispute resolution (ADR) can be used it is a means for resolving disputes between parties outside of the judicial process using one of four techniques mediation, arbitration, negotiation, or collaborative law. Mediation is the use of a neutral party to resolve the dispute between two or more parties. Arbitration is the resolving of a dispute between parties through the use of an agreed upon party. Negotiation is when the parties have a mutual discussion and arrangement of terms of an agreement. Domestic issues are usually easier to resolve then international issues. Domestic issues do not require the same strategy or consideration does international issues. Domestically the laws are the same but international laws vary from country to country. Contract terms must be defined very explicitly. Sensitivity must be developed and exercised to accommodate local cultures and customs. Laws must also be clearly defined as you leaving as they are part of what can lead your business to success or failure. Addressing International Legal and Ethical Issues Simulation Summary Essay * What are the issues involved in resolving legal disputes in international transactions? All contracts that deal with outside countries must be able to have some type of legal implementation (Melvin, 2011). There has to be some type of enforcement on the contract or it may never be resolved. * What are some practical considerations of taking legal action against a foreign business partner based in another country? According to (Melvin 2011); a country can stop all transactions from that business if they file lawsuit on that country. The law of other countries must be taken into consideration when dealing in foreign business. The United States laws are only upheld within the United States borders and may not be respected in a foreign country. Contracts are only binding if they have the backing of the law in whatever county or countries they are made in. See more: Strategic Management Process Essay * What factors could work against CadMex’s decision to grant sublicensing agreements? Sublicensing agreements comes into play when the organization has too many of them and does not fully incorporate sub-paragraphs. This leaves the organization up for lawsuits if any of the contracted workers do something wrong and also makes the main organization fully liable for any damages. Even workers within the sublicensing can sue a business formed within the sublicensing agreement (Melvin, 2011). * When the local customs and laws conflict with the customs and laws of an organization operating abroad, which should prevail? Explain why. Situations should be handles on a one on one basis. Sometimes special considerations need to be taken to accommodate certain employees due to religious beliefs. In such cases the local laws should prevail in order to prevent a costly and drawn out lawsuit with employee unions. Negotiating and coming to an accord amongst the two would be the best option as well as revising company policy to cater to local customs and laws without losing essentials to company policy. * How would you compare the issues in this simulation to the domestic legal issues discussed in your Week One readings? How should companies resolve domestic and international issues differently? The issues in the simulation are faced in the United Stated everyday by many corporations. The Human resource department of each company is designed to handle such problems when and should they arise. Domestic issues are resolved easier than international issues because they are resolved according to the law of the United States. However when in international waters a corporation (even if it is American) must adhere to the laws of the country it is conducting business in. Litigation and alternative dispute resolution options will apply.

Sunday, January 5, 2020

Classical Conditioning And Operant Conditioning - 1146 Words

In order to comprehend B.F Skinner and Ivan Pavlov theories, it necessary to first describe the matter in which they are derived from, that is learning. â€Å"Learning is any relatively permanent change in behavior produced by an experience.† There are different kinds of ways that people and animals learn. People can adjust the way they learn to the different situations in which they are learning and what they have to learn. One form of learning is known as conditioning. Conditioning stresses the relationship between stimuli and responses. The two types of conditioning found are Classical conditioning and Operant conditioning. As stated before, learning may occur in different ways but Classical and Operant conditioning are two of several theories on learning which take the behaviorist approach. â€Å"Classical conditioning is an association of one event with another that results in a pattern of behavior.† Operant conditioning however, is â€Å"learning that takes place as a consequence of behavior.† Classical Conditioning is a type of learning in which an organism learns to transfer a natural response from one stimulus to another, previously a neutral stimulus (Psychology Today). However, reflexes must be manipulated. The term unconditioned simply means that the stimulus and the response are naturally connected and produces an emotional response already present before changes have been made (Psychology Today). Classical conditioning is most commonly associated with Russian psychologistShow MoreRelatedClassical Conditioning And Operant Conditioning1204 Words   |  5 Pagesknown as classical conditioning and operant conditioning. These forms of learning are very practical and can be seen and used in everyday life. Classical and operant conditioning are different forms of learning which have importance in everyday life and can be found in advertising, PTSD, and even lifestyle changes. To fully understand the importance of classical and operant conditioning, it is important to first understand what they are and how they are different. Classical conditioningRead MoreClassical Conditioning And Operant Conditioning1492 Words   |  6 Pages To expand upon the concepts of the two forms of conditioning listed above, three additional principals not previously listed for the sake of convenience are present in both forms of conditioning; these three principals-extinction, spontaneous recovery, and stimulus discrimination-are among the number of basic principals of conditioning that are found in most forms of conditioning. To explain, Extinction refers to the process by which the steady weakening or diminishment of a conditioned responseRead MoreClassical Conditioning And Operant Conditioning1249 Words   |  5 Pagestwo stimuli or a behavior and a learned stimulus. Associative learning is divided in to two central techniques, classical conditioning and operant condition. Classical and operant conditioning are basic methods of learning and conditioning is used to adapt a behavior or association through a stimuli or consequence (Ciccarelli, 2012). While classical conditioning and operant conditioning are key elements in associative learning, they have significant differences. A clear contrast between the two theoriesRead MoreClassical Conditioning And Operant Conditioning1693 Words   |  7 Pagesexamples of their work, as well as an exploration into the advantages and disadvantages that some of these approaches possess. Behaviourism is a theory of learning based upon the idea that all behaviours are attained through conditioning. Behaviourists believe conditioning occurs when we interact with the environment and that the environment we are in determines the way we respond to a stimulus. The behaviourist approach believes we learn behaviours through association between response and consequenceRead MoreClassical Conditioning And Operant Conditioning913 Words   |  4 PagesClassical Conditioning and Operant Conditioning There are two learning processes that are used, classical condition and operant conditioning. One learning process used is classical conditioning. Classical conditioning is a learning process in which a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus and acquires the capacity to elicit a similar response. I found two TV commercials that are excellent examples for classical conditioning. The first commercial I found is an Old Spice commercialRead MoreClassical Conditioning And Operant Conditioning883 Words   |  4 Pagesexperiments conducted by Ivan Pavlov, B.F Skinner, and various others, our learning process can be--and normally is--significantly influenced by the social and physical world around us. Two particular examples of this are classical conditioning and operant conditioning. â€Å"Classical conditioning occurs when a natural stimulus produces a response after being paired with a stimulus that naturally produces a response† (Schacter). For example, in horror movies suspenseful music tends to precede dramatic eventsRead MoreClassical Conditioning And Operant Conditioning959 Words   |  4 Pagesthrough the experience of something. Two important associative learning styles that I learned that grasped my attention are classical conditioning and operant conditioning. These forms of learning are used everyday, and with that, people can categorize their certain behavior into places in which they fall in. The first type of associative learning is classical conditioning, which was discovered by Ivan Pavlov during an experiment. It is a learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes associatedRead MoreClassical Conditioning and Operant Conditioning1189 Words   |  5 Pagessimilarities between Classical conditioning and Operant conditioning? Many people believe that Classical and Operant are similar. Several people don’t know what the similarities and differences of Classical and Operant are, several people think it is the same learning method, which in this case I’m going to compare and contrast each behavior and give you information about each one, so you could have a better understanding of each method and what they do. Classical and Operant are very similar to eachRead MoreBehaviorism And Classical Conditioning And Operant Conditioning Essay1504 Words   |  7 Pagesfounders of the theory who are John B. Watson and B. F. Skinner. However, the information will foc us more on their early education and known achievements. Furthermore, you will find different theories regarding behaviorism such as classical conditioning and operant conditioning. In order to understand the difference and similarities between the two of them examples have been provided. To fully comprehend in what Behaviorism consists of, modern applications examples of the theory have been also includedRead MoreClassical Conditioning Vs. Operant Conditioning Essay1088 Words   |  5 Pages 1. a) Define Classical Conditioning and Behaviorism. b) Identify the two major characteristics that distinguish classical conditioning from operant conditioning. Classical Conditioning is a type of learning process of an individual when they come in contact with certain stimuli. According to Pavlov, a Russian psychologist, he developed several experiments on learning and he discovered that classical condition is the basic form of learning for an individual. However, according to Pavlov, behaviorism