Obesity Alters Gut Microbial Ecology Essay -- Biology

A common theme among the concerns of today’s American citizens is that of obesity. Obesity, identifiable by abnormal fat accumulation, can be defined in absolute terms by one who has a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30. It is estimated that over 30 percent of American adults are clinically obese. This number has shown a dramatic increase from the 15 percent of American adults suffering from obesity in 1980. Globally, 400 million adults are obese, while predictions place this number at 700 million by 2015. The major issue confronting this adiposity is the health conditions that accompany states of extreme obesity. These include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, sleep apnea, and osteoarthritis among others. The escalating number of obese and the health effects connected to this condition have resulted in increased research and attention to the study of obesity. It is the common belief that the cause of obesity is solely due to an excessive consumption of food. However, recent studies have made a correlation between obesity and the diversity of microbiota in the gut. One project of focus (â€Å"Obesity alters gut microbial ecology†) measured the proportions of gut microbes in mice populations and hypothesized a relationship between this bacterial number and body mass. The significance of this field of study is vital to the issue of obesity. First, such a discovery would falsify the stereotype that obesity is exclusively a result of a disproportionate intake of calories. Instead, it would show that this condition is a genetic trait which maintains an acute relationship with the composition of microbes in the gut. More importantly, if the exact association between obesity and gut microbes can be discovered, it may be possible to alter or... ...05. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 21 Oct 2007. . * "Obesity." Wikipedia. 14 Nov 2007. . * "Obesity and Overweight." Media Centre. Sept 2006. World Health Organization. 1 Nov 2007. . * "Overweight and Obesity." Diseases and Conditions Index. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. 1 Nov 2007. . * Smith, Christopher M. "DNA Sequence and Structural Analysis." 17 Feb 2004. The Regents of the University of California. 21 Oct 2007. >. * University of Maryland. "Phylogenetic Analysis I." 2006. 21 Oct. 2007. .

Savings Account

HSBC is one of the biggest financial institutions in the world. It provides banking and other financial services to its clients across the globe. Because of this, HSBC have come up with a suitable slogan stating, â€Å"We are the world's local bank. † Furthermore, its headquarters is located in London but its group of global networks expands to more than 9,500 in 86 countries in North and South America, Africa, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. One of HSBC’s advantages over the others is that it has able to utilize technology and e-commerce to be able to meet the comprehensive needs and wants of its diverse clients (HSBC, 2009). Moreover, owning a house is the ultimate dream for some people. For many individuals with meager to average income, buying a house is a long and costly process. But due to the existence of banks, the dream of owning a house can become a reality. With HSBC, there are numerous ways on how people can save money to buy a house. In line with this, HSBC offers the Regular Saver account wherein customers can avail of a fixed rate ranging from 1 to10% monthly which is calculated based on the â€Å"daily cleared balance and paid on first anniversary of account opening. † More so, this type of account prevents any partial withdrawal which can help clients to save more money. Also, individuals can conveniently apply for this product through phone or to the nearest HSBC branch. For as low as ?250 a month, customers can open their savings account at HSBC and in the succeeding months they can increase their deposit to gain more profit. For example, â€Å"a total of ?3,000 will be paid into your account during the 12 month term. At 10% interest, you will earn approximately ?163 interest. † The features of the account aid in facilitating a better method of increasing the money saved by the clients Through HSBC’s Regular Saver account, average income earning individuals can save enough money for at least a year in order to pay for the deposit when buying for a house (HSBC, 2009). References HSBC. (2009). About HSBC. Retrieved March 30, 2009, from http://www.hsbc.com/1/2/about-hsbc HSBC. (2009). Regular Saver. Retrieved March 30, 2009, from http://www.hsbc.co.uk/1/2/personal/savings/regular-saver;jsessionid=0000xLn6IU4OahZ1KqVs5ZY47h5:12c58n73a

Scarce Source

The nursing shortage is an issue that has an increase concern in the health care system today and that has been a threat to the quality of care and safety of the patients. â€Å"The shortage of nurses is not necessarily a shortage of individuals with nursing qualifications; it is a shortage of nurses willing to work in the present condition† (Buchan & Aiken, 2008, p. 3262). The changes in the government policies in the creation of the new measurements and compensation methods for better quality of care has increased a more critical working condition for the nursing profession. The United States will have a decline in the quality of health care and be jeopardizing the safety of the patients instead of having some positive outcomes. Nursing Shortage Influencing Factors There are five influencing factors that many of the researches have concluded: increase in the number of retiring nurses, noncompetitive salaries, nurse’s workload and role expectations, and increase opportunities outside the profession or going into administrative positions or other faculty positions. The decrease in the young people entering the nursing profession has increased the nursing shortage because is leaving the older nurses to come to their retiring year. The younger populations is also looking for a more stable profession and are going to other professions as a security blanket for their economic stability. Nurses are also faced with the dissatisfaction of having noncompetitive salaries in their nursing profession and are forced to look for a more stable opportunity outside the profession to meet their needs. Challenges and Consequences of not addressing the issue The nursing shortage must be addressed to find ways of overcoming the challenges and consequences of the issue to decrease the effects of having a negative impact on the health care system. To overcome the challenges and consequences one must look at the demand factors and supply factor in the specific countries or regions to deal with the nursing shortage. Some of the demand factors may be: â€Å"demographic and epidemiological trends, service use patterns and macroeconomic condition† (Buchan & Aiken, 2008, p. 264). Some of the supply factors might be: â€Å"improving recruitment, retention and return-getting, keeping and keeping in touch with these relatively scarce nurses† (Buchan & Aiken, 2008, p. 3266). The consequences of not addressing the issue of the nursing shortage will lead to an increase in the shortage, and poor health care outcomes, including a decrease in the quality of care, medical errors, patient injury, and increase in the infection and wound rates. Solution or Innovation The policy makers need to come up with a motive or a solution that will bring the younger population to enter the nursing profession and be able to retain that population in the profession for a long time. The solution of the issue for the nursing shortage is not easy, but by increasing different types of motives and recruiting methods definitely will decrease some of the nursing shortage. Policy makers should look at â€Å"intervening with educational vouchers and incentive for nurses† (Abrahamson, PhD, RN & Fox, PhD, 2009, p. 241). The method for increasing grants or educational loan forgiveness program will increase the incentive for the younger population to feel some kind of security in the nursing profession. Incentives for some of the younger nurses will include bonuses when hired, or an increase in the salary in competitive salaries, and a decrease in the workload in the profession. The government already has some of these solutions in progress, but a package of the incentives is a good idea to encourage the younger population to enter the nursing profession. Economic Investment The government is already investing in the nursing profession by the different programs starting to take place for the nursing profession, and increase the entry of the younger population into the nursing profession. By increasing the positive outcomes in the health care system the quality of care and safety of the patient will increase, and decreasing the possibility of mortality rates, infection or wound rates, medication errors or even patient injuries. For example one program is the Nursing Loan Repayment Program, which includes repaying the students loans if in agreement to practice at least two years in a health care organization. Public Efforts The older population should join in an effort to decrease in the nursing shortage by educating the young population, reinforcing the need for a better quality of care and the safety of the patient and also the importance of decreasing the nursing shortage in the health care system. The leaders of the health care system need to join and be able to develop some form of communication to promote the nursing profession, and in exchange be able to have a better health care system. Conclusion The shortage will continue to get worse if the working conditions do not improve, and the measurements for compensation do not improve in the health care system. The nursing shortage will have a positive outcome once there a good amount of adequate staffing to decrease the number of influencing factors that increase the nursing shortage. â€Å"Nurses are the main professional component of the front line staff in most health systems, and their contribution is recognized as essential to meeting developmental goals and delivering safe and effective care† (Buchan & Aiken, 2008, p. 3263).

Illegal Imigrants Should Be Allowed Essay

This spring, approximately 2. 8 million high school seniors will graduate from various schools around the country. Many will continue their education at college; others will join the armed forces or take another path in life. However, a group of about 65,000 students will be unable to continue on their paths due to their status as illegal immigrants (Dream). Because of their status of illegal immigrants, it is extremely difficult for them to better their way of life. Therefore, illegal immigrants should be allowed to attend public universities. Illegal immigrants are already allowed to attend our public schools from the lementary level all the way through high school. The 1982 Supreme Court decision in Plyler v. Doe ruled that public schools are prohibited from denying immigrant students access to public schools (Plyler). The court found that undocumented children have the same right to a free public education and are obligated to attend school until they reach the age mandated by state law. Since then, many undocumented immigrants have passed through the public education system. Currently, it is believed that as many as 4. 9 million undocumented students are attending public schools (Immigration). However, it is difficult to know the exact umber because of their status as undocumented immigrants. One thing that is known for sure is the number will continue to rise, leaving more and more students with undecided futures after graduation. However, the ability for illegal immigrants to attend public universities has largely been left up to the states. Currently, South Carolina is the only state that prohibits illegal immigrants from attending public universities and colleges that receive state funding; although North Carolina and Alabama both prohibit undocumented people from attending community colleges (Coley). On the other end of the spectrum, nine tates including California, Nebraska, and Texas all offer in-state tuition to illegal immigrants (College). New Jersey is also in the process of deciding whether or not to offer in-state tuition to illegal immigrants. Although the states are the only ones to have passed legislation regarding undocumented immigrants attending public universities, there is legislation currently making its way through Congress. The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act, also known as the DREAM Act, could bring about major changes. It was first introduced in 2007, but failed to make it past the Senate floor. Then this past spring, Senator Durbin from Illinois reintroduced the piece of legislation. Under the currently proposed DREAM Act, undocumented immigrant students would be given the opportunity to attend institutions of higher education and be able to obtain legal, permanent residency. According to the 2009 version of the Senate bill, DREAM Act beneficiaries must have proof of arriving in the United States before age 16 and live in the United States for five consecutive years since their date of arrival. They would also have to be between the ages of 12 and 35 at the time of bill enactment, btain a high school diploma, and have good moral character (Dream). Any opportunity to attend public universities and possibly achieve legal residency. This piece of legislation is expected to bring some heavy debate in the spring and could bring on some important changes if passed. One very important supporter for illegal immigrants attending institutions of higher education is the College Board. The College Board is made up of 5,000 schools and is best known for its SAT college admissions test. This past July, the board released a report citing a need for federal legislation that would provide in-state ollege tuition, financial aid, and legal status to many illegal immigrants in the United States (College). The report is the first time the College Board has spoken publicly about the issue. Undocumented immigrants should be given the right to attend public universities and colleges because we have a moral obligation to give them an equal opportunity to better their situation. Many of the undocumented immigrants that currently live in the United States were brought here by their parents. The children did not make the decision to enter the country illegally, their parents did. By not allowing illegal mmigrants to attend public universities, we are essentially punishing them for decisions they did not make. Also, undocumented immigrants are going to remain and live in the United States regardless of their ability to attend public universities. So if these undocumented immigrants are going to stay here, it makes sense economically to have them be productive as possible. The College Board report shows that with the ability for illegal immigrants to obtain a higher education and move into better paying Jobs, the economy would increase from increased tax revenue and consumer spending College). Additionally, if these undocumented immigrant students are paying for their college education, why not allow them the opportunity to further their knowledge. Under our current system, illegal immigrants are allowed to attend our public schools at no cost. But when these same illegal immigrants want to pay for a higher education, many of them are turned away because of their legal status. Plus, universities and colleges from all over the country already allow foreign exchange students to attend their universities. Here at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, pproximately 6 percent of the student body is from a foreign country (International). There is no controversy on whether or not to allow these students, who are not United States citizens, to attend our public universities. So if someone is willing to pay their way through college, they should be allowed to attend regardless of residency status. All of these reasons support the passage of the DREAM Act. As of today, it remains one of the last hopes for undocumented immigrants to obtain the right to attend public universities indefinitely. Although nine states have passed legislation allowing or in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants, states are increasingly moving towards not allowing them to attend public universities. Missouri and Virginia are currently considering a ban similar to South Carolina’s that would bar all illegal immigrants from attending public universities and colleges (College). So it is time now more than ever to stand up for undocumented immigrants’ rights. We have a public universities. One rebuttal often brought up in the discussion why illegal immigrants should not be allowed to attend public universities is they are breaking the law by being here in the United States. Although undocumented immigrants are breaking the law, it should not hold them back from furthering their education. Many illegal immigrants were brought here by their parents and did not make the decision to come here illegally. Illegal immigrants often spend close to their whole lives in the United States. Although they are still considered illegal in the eyes of the law, many are basically Americans because they have lived here for as long as they can remember. It is Just unfair to continue to punish someone for a decision they did not make. Another rebuttal often made against undocumented immigrants is the overnment is subsidizing an education for non-citizens because they do not pay taxes. The government already subsidizes an education from the high school level on down for everybody regardless of residency status. Also, many undocumented immigrants are unable to obtain residency status in the United States. The long, difficult process of obtaining American citizenship keeps many of these illegal immigrants from paying taxes. The current system we use for obtaining citizenship creates a continual cycle that does not allow for illegal immigrants to pay taxes. If it as easier for undocumented immigrants to obtain citizenship, more tax revenue would be brought in to subsidize their education. In conclusion, there are many factors to consider why illegal immigrants should be allowed to attend public universities. If they are paying their way through college like every other student, then they should be allowed to attend public universities. Plus, many of these undocumented immigrants are going to remain in the United States regardless of their ability to attend universities, so it makes sense to have them be productive as possible. It also does not make sense to punish someone because heir parents came into the United States illegally.

Technology and crimes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Technology and crimes - Essay Example This leads to more effective credit card and identity theft scams (Criminal Intelligence Service Canada [CISC], 2010). - Credit card skimmer devices can be placed within a point-of-sale credit card machine, and collect names and credit card numbers. These devices operate on battery power and do not require the criminal to be nearby for them to do their work; they can be picked up surreptitiously later (CISC, 2010). - GPS tracking on cell phones and other web-enabled devices, as well as cell phone call tracking, means that the police can find out where criminals are making calls from and where they are traveling (Howell, 2010). - Database analysis turns information into a map that tells cops where a specific criminal is likely to live and where they are likely to strike next; this map also shows where crime hotspots are (Logan, 2004). - Wireless networking of different departments helps with arson tracking (Logan, 2004). Arson is often not well-reported, since it is the domain of the fire department and not the police department. Networking their databases together means that if the fire department suggests a fire is suspicious, the police immediately know about it. - Dashboard cameras on police cars record how a police officer behaves during a criminal arrest or investigation of a crime scene. This way, the actions of the police officer are no longer hearsay, but instead are a matter of record. (Howell, 2010) - The installation of the Automated Fingerprint Identification System has meant that criminals picked up for minor crimes dont get away with bigger ones. It is a national database of wanted criminals that tells officers almost immediately if the person they picked up for one crime is wanted for something more serious in another jurisdiction (Howell, 2010). Criminal Intelligence Service Canada [CISC]. (2010, May 13). Technology and Crime. Criminal Intelligence Service

Business Failure Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Business Failure - Essay Example Moreover, the individuals within both the corporations also projected the fact that this amalgamation would facilitate their individual pathways to success. The observable fact is that the stockholders of both the corporations had given their management a green signal in regards to this amalgamation. Furthermore they had also highly recommended and supported the act. Nobody could even remotely predict what was to follow the amalgamation. Soon after the amalgamation was signed, it seemed that both the corporations individually were not even treading close to their routine work path; instead somehow, they were treading way from their usual successful modes of operations. Routine after the amalgamation, though, was totally diverse, mainly at the Chrysler division. And in the following months, their stock prices plunged down by an approximate one half. The Chrysler division, which had seemed to be lucrative earlier to the amalgamation, began trailing upon their wealth shortly afterwards. The management then presumed at that point in time that they would somehow carry this on. In accumulation to this, there had been noteworthy number of layo ffs at Chrysler following the amalgamation. This had not been projected prior to the act of the amalgamation (CNNMoney,2001). The reason of failure: The dissimilarities within the culture linking the two associations were mainly accountable for this collapse. The processes along with the administration were not effectively incorporated as contemporaries as of the completely diverse ways within which the Germans also Americans functions: whilst Chrysler and Daimlers customs strained upon a more official and controlled administration style, Chrysler privileged a more comfortable, non-interventionist style, to which it billed a big part of its pre amalgamation economic triumph. Additionaly, the two divisions conventionally held utterly diverse outlooks on vital effects like salaries also travel expenditures (Vlasic and Stertz, 2000). As a consequence of these disparities along with the German unit's mounting supremacy, routine and worker happiness at Chrysler gave way to a sharp recession. There had been big numbers of variations amongst the key Chrysler executives also engineers, even as the German unit became ever more discontente d with the routine of the Chrysler division. Chrysler workers, in the meantime, became enormously displeased with what they professed as the foundation of their division's tribulations. The idea that Daimler wanted to execute included taking over the entire corporation and enforcing their culture in it. The Cultural standards materialize to make individual corporations more competent by producing a communal perceptive that supports statement also action. Nevertheless, when two united corporations vary in their principles; this can generate a basis of divergence and misinterpretation that precludes the merged corporation from comprehending the economic competence. The corporations conjecture that the degree of these differences are unforeseen as spectators spotlight on concrete aspects of the company's exercises like that of expertise, resources, as well as

Discussion12 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Discussion12 - Assignment Example embassies as well as the 9/11 attacks in the U.S. soil. U.S. counterterrorism efforts have led to $1 trillion being spent in unending wars. Also, overreliance on oil has led to global warming as a result of emission of green house gases from the burning of gasoline. 2. The idea of America keeping up with the war against communism cannot be ruled out in totality. Instead, I hold the opinion that America should oppose communist’s regimes that deny citizens their basic rights. It is evident that Democracy stands out as the best system of governance as it takes a way power from few individuals and gives it to the people. It is very dangerous to entrust power to just few persons as their selfish interests can drive them into risking the lives of an entire nation. For example, North Korea is a communist state whose leader, Kim Jong-un, is putting the lives of the nation at risk by manufacturing nuclear weapons. Similarly, Hong Kong has recently been protesting against poor leadership in Beijing. Unfortunately, the citizens are denied the power to choose their preferred leader as communist regimes do not provide for that. Therefore, I think United States should continue promoting democracy across the world by setting a good example of how democ racy gives the citizens power. In situations where there is extreme violations of human rights in communist state, America as the leader of the world should intervene by setting up with the right systems of government that can protect the citizens. 3. The idea of immigration into the U.S. is common because of the many opportunities that the country offers. In fact, before I came to America I always had that it is a country of great opportunities. I have come to realize that many people migrate into the U.S. year in search of better jobs, better education, and better life. However, life as an illegal immigrant is not easy as every day you are under constant watch of security officers.