Oxidative Stress Cardiovascular Risk Factors Health And Social Care Essay

Background: High blood pressure, one of the modifiable hazard factor for cardiovascular disease ( CVD ) and shot is known to be associated with oxidative emphasis and decreased cardiovagal transition. Similar to high blood pressure, prehypertension besides has greater hazard of inauspicious cardiovascular events. But there is a dearth of literature in our population in happening the relation of cardiovagal transition and oxidative emphasis with prehypertension and associated cardiovascular ( CV ) hazard factors. Methods: Subjects ( n=178 ) recruited through high blood pressure showing cantonment conducted in our population Puducherry, India were grouped into prehypertensives ( n=97 ) and normotensives ( n=81 ) . They were farther divided based on the age as immature grownups ( 20-39 old ages ) and middle aged grownups ( 40-60 old ages ) . Basal physiological parametric quantities, cardiovagal transition, oxidative emphasis parametric quantities ( thiobarbituric acid reactive substance and entire antioxidant capacity ) and CV hazard factors/parameters were measured. Consequences: We found important difference between prehypertensive and normotensive topics of both the age groups in cardiovagal transition and oxidative emphasis parametric quantities, important correlativity of oxidative emphasis with cardiovagal transition and average arterial force per unit area even after seting for other hazard factors, but a weak negative correlativity between average arterial force per unit area and cardiovagal transition. Derangements in oxidative emphasis and cardiovagal transition parametric quantities observed in prehypertensive immature grownups are similar to that of normotensive middle-aged grownups. Decisions: Increased oxidative emphasis and reduced cardiovagal transition in prehypertensive immature grownups with the presence of CV hazard factors increases their hazard for CVDs as that of center aged grownups, early and appropriate intercession could turn to this job.IntroductionThe 7th study of Joint National Committee for bar, sensing, rating and intervention of high blood force per unit area ( JNC 7 ) in 2003, emphasized the term â€Å" prehypertension † 1. The persons with prehypertension have higher hazard for developing high blood pressure and morbidity due to their sensitivity to cardiovascular diseases ( CVDs ) in future when compared to normotensive persons 2. In developing states the prevalence of prehypertension, high blood pressure and CVDs are increasing 3 and in south India prevalence of prehypertension is found to be 47 % 3. The blood force per unit area ( BP ) is regulated neurally by cardiovascular autonomic nervous system. Imbalance in autonomic nervous map, either by heightened sympathetic or declined parasympathetic activity is associated with premature aging 4, prehypertension 5, 6, high blood pressure 7, 8, CVDs and mortality 4, 9-11 and another subscriber for this addition in prevalence is the presence of oxidative emphasis 12, 13 may take to the patterned advance of prehypertension to high blood pressure 14, but it is still ill-defined whether oxidative emphasis or altered cardiovascular autonomic map is the cause or effect of high BP. Another of import factor which is known to impact cardiovascular autonomic map 15, oxidative emphasis 16 and lend to the load of CVD 17 is age. Framingham bosom survey provinces that the presence of any two major hazard factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, increased cholesterin or smoke in middle-age addition the life-time hazard for CVDs 18. The presence of prehypertension in immature grownups, whether associated with reduced cardiovagal transition or increased oxidative emphasis, is frequently ignored. Several surveies have demonstrated bunch of hazard factors in immature grownups 19, 20 which can take to CVDs in ulterior life 21. Previous surveies have demonstrated the association between bosom rate variableness ( HRV ) and oxidative emphasis in indispensable high blood pressure 22. There is dearth of surveies showing the association between cardiovagal transition, oxidative emphasis and prehypertension in immature and middle-aged grownups.SUBJECTS AND METHODSCapable enlistingAfter the blessing from the Institute Human Ethics Committee, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India. We conducted ‘Hypertension testing cantonments ‘ in our population Puducherry, India during the period of Mar 2011 to Dec 2012. A sum of 524 voluntaries consented for the showing plan. During the cantonment, BP was recorded 3 times with 5 minute intervals utilizing automatic BP proctor ( Citizen CH432B, Japan ) . Participants were considered ( n=294 ) for the survey after taking into history the inclusion ( systolic BP of & lt ; 140 millimeter Hg and diastolic BP of & lt ; 90 mi llimeter Hg and 20-60 old ages of age ) and exclusion standards ( history of chronic unwellness, CVDs, diabetes, primary autonomic inadequacy, kidney diseases, athleticss individual, under medicine for prehypertension and chronic unwellness ) . Finally 178 participants gave their written informed consent to take part in the survey.Lab measuringsParticipants were requested to describe to lab between 07.00 ante meridiem to 09.00 a.m. , and instructed to avoid any drugs that influence bosom rate variableness ( HRV ) and alcohol a twenty-four hours before and coffin nail smoke for at least 30 proceedingss. . Subject ‘s occupational position and medical history were besides reviewed. Based on the BP class as normotensive ( & lt ; 120 millimeter Hg and & lt ; 80 millimeter Hg ) and prehypertensive ( 120-139 millimeter Hg or 80-89 millimeters Hg ) and ages as immature grownups ( 20-39 old ages ) and middle-aged grownups ( 40-60 old ages ) , the topics were grouped as depicted in Figu re 1: Cardiovascular hazard factors Waist perimeter measured halfway between top of the iliac crest and the lower costal boundary line. Global Physical Activity Questionnaire ( GPAQ ) was used to measure the physical activity of the topics, and represented as metabolic equivalent ( MET ) . A lower limit of one coffin nail per twenty-four hours and consumption of at least 1 alcoholic drink ( 90-100 milliliter ) per twenty-four hours was considered as history of smoke and alcohol addiction severally and the familial history of high blood pressure and diabetes were besides recorded, Table 1. Fasting plasma glucose and lipid profile parametric quantities ( entire cholesterin, triglycerides, high, low and really low denseness lipoprotein cholesterin ) were assessed utilizing to the full automated clinical chemical science analyser ( AU400, Olympus, USA ) . Short-run bosom rate variableness The lead II ECG and respiration recorded in dim lighted room with the room temperature of 24-26A °C. Analogue signals were digitized, utilizing a 16-bit information acquisition system ( LabChart, AD instruments, Australia ) . Sampling rate was kept at 500 Hz. The tendency in fluctuation in bosom rate around radical bosom rate due to the interaction between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity were analyzed utilizing HRV package ( version 1.1. , Biomedical signal analysis group, University of Kuopio ) . Frequency spectral constituents classified based on the scope of country under the power spectrum as low frequence power ( LF ) between 0.04 to 0.15 Hz represents the part from parasympathetic and sympathetic systems ; high frequence power ( HF ) between 0.16 to 0.4 Hz represents the part from parasympathetic system to cardiovascular system and the ratio of LF/HF represents the balance between parasympathetic and sympathetic system influenced chi efly by parasympathetic nervous system 23, 24. Time sphere constituents viz. standard divergence of RR intervals ( SDNN ) , standard divergence of HR ( SDHR ) , square root of the mean of the amount of the squares of consecutive RR interval differences ( RMSSD ) , next RR intervals differing more than 50ms ( NN50 ) and NN50 divided by entire figure of RR intervals in per centum ( pNN50 ) besides represents the parasympathetic activity on CV system. Oxidative emphasiss parametric quantities thiobarbituric acid reactive substance ( TBARS ) and entire antioxidant capacity ( TAC ) were measured utilizing ELISA kit harmonizing to maker instructions ( Cayman chemical company, USA ) .Datas analysis:Continuous informations were expressed as average A ± SD and categorical informations as frequences. Frequency distributions between the groups were compared utilizing Chi Square trial. The comparing of parametric quantities between the groups was carried out utilizing one manner ANOVA for parametric informations and Wilcoxon Sign Rank trial for non-parametric informations. The association between the parametric quantities was analyzed utilizing Spearman ‘s rank correlativity. HRV constituents like LF and HF power were natural log transformed and denoted as ln ( LF ) and ln ( HF ) severally, before ANOVA and additive arrested development analysis. The part independent variable on the discrepancy of dependent variable was assessed ut ilizing additive arrested development. RMSSD was considered as stand foring cardiovagal transition parametric quantity for correlativity and arrested development analysis. All the analyses were performed with statistical bundle for societal scientific disciplines ( SPSS ) 13.0 for Windows ( SPSS, USA ) . A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically important.ConsequenceDistribution of demographic profile:Number of topics and gender distribution in each group differed based on age. The figure of prehypertensive topics was more in middle-aged grownups ( n=62 ) as compared to immature grownups ( n=35 ) . The male to female ratio declined from 2.18 ( immature grownups ) to 1.21 ( middle-aged grownups ) with age 25, represented in Table 1.Comparison between normotensives and prehypertensives of both age groupsBasal physiological and bosom rate variableness parametric quantitiesSubjects with prehypertension were compared to those with normotension of same age group. The basal HR did non differ significantly between normotensive and prehypertensive topics in both age groups. Waist perimeter was significantly higher in immature grownups with prehypertension than in normotensive immature grownups but such a difference was non observed in middle-aged grownups. The resting cardiovagal transition parametric quantities obtained as frequence sphere indices ; ln ( HF ) , HFnu, and clip sphere indices ; RMSSD, NN50 and pNN50 were decreased significantly in prehypertensive immature grownups when compared to normotensive immature grownups but in the prehypertensive middle-aged grownups HFnu entirely did non differ significantly from normotensive middle-aged grownups. Same sort of consequences was observed in the index of sympathovagal balance ( LF/HF ratio ) , worsened significantly in immature grownups with prehypertension when compared to immature grownups with normotension but non in the middle-aged grownups with the presence of prehypertension.Cardiovascular hazard factors and oxidative emphasis parametric quantitiesFamily history of high blood pressure and diabetes, figure of tobacco users and alkies and physical activity were non differed significantly between normotensive and prehypertensive of both age groups. TC, HDL-c and LDL-c were besi des non significantly altered between normotensives and prehypertensives in both age groups. The waist perimeter, fasting plasma glucose and TG were merely increased significantly in prehypertensive immature grownups and non in between middle-aged grownups with normotension and prehypertension ( Table 1 ) . No female tobacco user or alky was present in our survey. The oxidative emphasis parametric quantities, TBARS and TAC were significantly deranged in prehypertensive topics in both immature and in-between age ( Table 2 ) .Prehypertension in immature grownupsYoung grownups with prehypertension were compared with middle-aged normotensive topics. Resting radical physiological parametric quantities, cardiovagal transition, lipid profile, oxidative emphasis parametric quantities and waist perimeter did non differ significantly between normotensive middle-aged grownups and prehypertensive immature grownups.Association between cardiovagal transition, oxidative emphasis parametric quantit ies, age and blood force per unit areaThe MAP correlated indirectly with cardiovagal transition ( RMSSD ) , TAC and straight with TBARS, Figure-2 and Figure-3. But the correlativity of MAP with RMSSD, TBARS and TAC were reduced to ( r= -0.199, p=0.009 ; r=0.335, p= & lt ; 0.001 and r= -0.318, p= & lt ; 0.001, severally ) after repairing the CV hazard factors like age, waist perimeter, physical activity, FPG, TC and TG. The oxidative emphasis parametric quantities, TBARS correlated reciprocally and TAC correlated positively with RMSSD, Figure 4. The correlativity of TBARS and TAC with RMSSD were strong plenty ( r= -0.311, p= & lt ; 0.001 and r=0.437, p= & lt ; 0.001, severally ) even after adjusting/fixing the CV hazard factors. The MAP contributes to 16.4 % and 15.8 % discrepancy in TBARS and TAC severally. The TBARS and TAC explained the discrepancy in MAP by 23.2 % . Age, TBARS and TAC together explained 42.3 % of discrepancy in RMSSD, out of which 36.8 % is by TBARS and TAC, Table-3.DiscussionThe most of import determination of the present survey is that prehypertension in immature grownups with the presence of altered cardiovagal transition, elevated oxidative emphasis and other CV hazard factors is an alarming phase as the parametric quantities are comparable to those observed in middle-aged grownups. Surveies have reported that either altered cardiovagal transition or oxidative emphasis may take to the development of high blood pressure 7, 26. Change in cardiovagal transition is an of import marker for foretelling future CV morbidity 27, was decreased in prehypertensive immature and middle-aged grownups when compared to normotensives of matching age group. The cardiovagal transition can be influenced partially by each hazard factor like waist perimeter, physical activity, FPG, TC, TG and age 15, 28-31. Therefore, all of these confounders were fixed to quantify the association between MAP and cardiovagal transition. But we could happen lone hebdomad relation between these two variables, bespeaking that the presence of high BP entirely does non bring forth much influence on cardiovagal transition. This contradicts the consequences demonstrated in the survey by Pletcher et al. , in which prehypertension by itself was concluded as an independent hazard factor for the development of C VD 21. At the same clip, oxidative emphasis is one of the of import parametric quantities responsible for the development and care of CVD including high blood pressure, was significantly increased in prehypertensive topics of both age groups. The relation between MAP and oxidative emphasis ( TBARS and TAC ) was strong plenty even after seting for confusing CV hazard factors. This goes manus in manus with old survey 32. Our survey reveals the association between oxidative emphasis and prehypertension, but it is non plenty to convey about a causal relationship as surveies have shown high blood pressure per Se can increase oxidative emphasis or frailty versa. Further the association between oxidative emphasis and cardiovagal transition parametric quantity ( RMSSD ) were besides strong even after seting for all the confusing parametric quantities. These observations lead us to speculate that oxidative emphasis may be the precursor for both prehypertension and altered cardiovagal transition, the later are manifestations of the underlying oxidative emphasis. This may necessitates the demand for longitudinal research to happen the causal relationship between oxidative emphasis, cardiovascular autonomic map and pre-hypertension. Increased oxidative emphasis and reduced cardiovagal transition observed merely in immature grownup with prehypertension as compared to normotension, but non in between middle-aged normotension and prehypertension can be explained by the presence of CV hazard factors. In our survey, we observed that the CV hazard factors like waist perimeter FPG and TG were significantly different between immature normotensive and prehypertensive grownups, but the increase in CV hazard parametric quantities were observed in middle-aged prehypertensives as compared to normotensives, but non significantly. This farther emphasizes that the presence of CV hazard factors contributes to CVD hazard more than the presence of prehypertension entirely. Framingham bosom survey stated that the presence of multiple hazard factors in in-between age increases the life-time hazard for CVD for the staying old ages and reduces their length of service by 10 old ages 18. Surveies besides demonstrated that the presence of prehypertension and associated CV hazard factors increase the opportunity for acquiring CV events when compared to normotensive topics 2. In our survey, prehypertensive immature grownups tend to portion similar CV hazard factors as in middle-age adults.. Hence the CV hazard factors associated with prehypertension in immature grownups has to be viewed with cautiousness. Altered cardiovagal transition and oxidative emphasis parametric quantities were besides non differed significantly between prehypertensive immature grownups and middle-aged grownups, bespeaking that the damage has occurred earlier in the class of life with the presence of prehypertension and associated hazard factors 25, 33. The consequences of our survey demonstrate that the immature grownups with prehypertension have high hazard for developing CV events as comparable to that of middle-aged grownups. But prehypertension and CV hazard factor appraisal in immature grownups is frequently neglected 34. The complications start roll uping with come oning age when left untreated, ensuing in development of other co-morbid conditions 35.RestrictionsWe did non mensurate LDL-c atom size. More figure of male prehypertensives in immature grownup age group would hold besides reduced the difference between immature grownup with prehypertension and middle-aged normotensive grownups but the old sur veies have demonstrated that immature work forces are more prone to developing prehypertension when compared to immature adult females of peer age group 25. The prevalence of prehypertension and high blood pressure in adult females additions with progressing age 25, 36. This may explicate the gender difference in immature prehypertensive grownups.DecisionPrehypertension in immature and middle-aged topics is associated with increased oxidative emphasis and altered cardiovagal transition. In our survey, the hazard factors for CVDs in prehypertensive immature grownups were found to be tantamount to that of middle-aged grownups who are in dusky zone for its development. Particular wellness programmes need to be undertaken in the signifier of antioxidant and yoga therapy to turn to the cardiovascular hazard among the immature and middle-aged prehypertensives.RecognitionWe like to unfeignedly thank Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research for funding the underta king and Department of Science & A ; Technology, Government of India for back uping the first writer through INSPIRE family. We besides thank Dr. Madanmohan Trakroo, Professor and Head of Physiology Department, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & A ; Research Institute, Puducherry, Dr. Abdoul Hamide, Professor of Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry and Dr. T N Sathyaprabha, Additional Professor of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore, India for their part in planing the survey

Animal Experiments

Some people think animal experimentation should be stopped because it is cruel. Others think it is necessary for the development of science. Discuss both view and give your own opinion. Animals were friend of humanity at different times of the human history. In modern times, experiments upon animals have long been a breeding ground for spirited debate. Some animal right activists argue that we should ban animal experiments altogether because putting animals through experimentation is unjustifiable on moral grounds. Yet some other people contend that the advancement of science necessitates animal testing. Personally, I believe both their views have merit and demerit. Granted, empirical evidence suggests that many animal experiments are performed callously without any attention to the discomfort or pain that laboratory mammals endure. First and foremost, improper confinement of test animals such as locking them up in cramped cages is inhumane. It can gravely disrupt natural biological functions of the test animal. Further, the effects of vaccination and vivisection conducted on live mammals can be chilling. They may, in some case, even constitute sheer torture of live animals. However, from a more pragmatic perspective, evidence bounds that animal subjects are still an indispensable part at this point. In the first place, it is manifest that drug experimentation on live mammals is far more effective than experimentation on bacteria or on other lower species in testing drug safety. In the second place, in space research, live animals are still the only practical alternative to humans in testing living creature reaction to outer-space experience on a flight not considered to be sufficiently safe for human astronauts. Lastly, lab research about the behavioral tendencies of chimpanzees, gorillas and other members of the primate group is also necessary. It produces outcomes which consistently advance anthropological and genetic studies. To conclude, I concede that experiments upon animals may induce suffering to the test animals. However, I am convinced that there are no feasible alternatives to this methodology at the current stage of scientific development. On balance, I think that we should allow animals testing to be continued but at the same time we use techniques such as anesthetic to minimize the pain of the test animal.

American Government Agencies Post 9/11

According to Timothy Manning, Deputy Administrator for Protection and National Preparedness at the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Since the September 2001 terrorist attacks, significant and measurable strides have taken place to improve preparedness for the hazards faced by all levels of government and all segments of society (DHS, 2012). FEMA is now part of the DHS's Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate. FEMA is tasked with advising on building codes and flood plain management; teaching people how to get through a disaster; helping equip local and state emergency preparedness teams; coordinating the federal response to a disaster; making disaster assistance available to states, communities, businesses, and individuals; training emergency managers; supporting the nation's fire service; and administering the national flood and crime insurance programs.Listed below are some of the improvements that have taken place post 9/11 (DHS, 2012). In the four years between 2006 and 2010, the proportion of states and urban areas that were confident in the effectiveness of their emergency operations plans increased from 40 percent to more than 75 percent; commercial radio broadcasters, in partnership with FEMA, today can deliver public warning messages to more than 84 percent of the U.S. population, up from 67 percent in 2009. By the end of 2013, coverage is expected to expand to more than 90 percent of the population; Since 2001, federal, state and local governments have built a network of specialized teams capable of interdicting and disrupting a variety of imminent threats. That network includes 1,100 Hazardous Materials Response Teams, 5,400 SWAT teams, and 469 FBI-trained and accredited bomb squads; Prior to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, major population centers in many parts of the country lacked structural collapse and urban search and rescue capabilities. Today, 97 percent of the nation is within a 4-hour drive of an urban search and rescue team; and Government agencies at all levels have improved their strategic and tactical communications planning and coordination. In 2006, only 42 percent of the nation's urban areas had a strategic plan in place to guide interoperable communications. Today, 100 percent of the nation's highest-risk urban areas are capable of establishing response-level interoperable communications within one hour of an event involving multiple jurisdictions and agencies. According to Factsheet: U.S. Customs and Border Protection Actions Taken Since 9/11,U.S. Customs and Border Protection are addressing the terrorist threat 24-hours a day. There is a multi-layered approach that encompasses working with our foreign counterparts, employing intelligence, technology, advanced information in the field and the most professional workforce worldwide. CBP uses various strategies and employs the latest in technology to accomplish its goals. We have extended our zone of security beyond our physical borders through the use of bilateral and private-sector partnerships, targeting and scrutinizing advance information on people and products coming into this country. CBP has achieved much since its creation in March 2003. Some of the most significant accomplishments are as follows: Improved anti-terrorism training for all CBP personnel. CBP has implemented anti-terrorism training for all personnel with a special focus on training related to weapons of mass effect. This includes identifying and intercepting potential instruments of terrorism using non-intrusive inspection technology and radiation detection equipment. The Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS) were implemented in August 2003. It is an Internet/Intranet based system operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that electronically captures, maintains, and monitors information relevant to each foreign student, exchange visitor, and their dependents. SEVIS provides CBP with a mechanism to facilitate the entry of bonafide students and exchange visitors and quickly identify possible status violators. Augmented Integrated Surveillance Intelligence System (ISIS), that uses remotely monitored night-day camera and sensing systems to better detect, monitor, and respond to illegal crossings, on both the Northern and Southern borders. Deployed radiation detection technology including Personal Radiation Detectors (PRDs) to more than 10,400 CBP officers and agents, and Radiation Isotope Identification Detection System (RIIDS) to over 60 Border Patrol field locations. Increased the amount of Remote Video Surveillance Systems (RVSS) which are pole mounted cameras that provide coverage 24 hours a day/7 days a week to detect illegal crossings, on both our Northern and Southern borders. Implemented a Geographic Information System (GIS), a Southwest border initiative, which tracks illegal migration patterns to better deploy personnel and resources to establish control of our border. Overall these agencies have impressed me the most. In recent light of the Boston Marathon Bombing, the emergency response was remarkable which shows that there has been much training and procedures put into place since 9/11 and that we as a nation are prepared and capable of handling any situation that might come our way.

Bar Location Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Bar Location - Essay Example Therefore, there is a need for extra creativity because one can save more funds. When picking a site for opening up a bar, location is everything. But the factors that constitute a prime location are varying to different individuals (Blog.foodservicewarehouse.com). Most people will take a look at the current real estate market and find potential areas in one of the following ways. Speculation of a turnaround; some people choose to be prospectors and start their bars in areas that are yet to become popular. Prospectors pay less rent, but they will not have a built in customer base. They will, therefore, spend more on advertising and marketing to bring in the clients. People who start a bar in an area that is not trendy will have to wait longer to realize the bar’s potential. Sure thing; this is the route taken by the majority of bar owners. They open the bars in trendy places with the aim of making quick returns. Trendy places contain many people who are always mingling on regular intervals. Opening up a bar at such a location will attract such people and create a perfect customer base. These places are expensive in terms of rent (Mealey). The general ideas of finding the best location to open up a bar are; finding a spot that is close to offices, strip malls, residential neighborhoods or near sports venues. These areas form the most favored locations since people have already settled in these areas to take advantage of the offered services. Prospective patrons will quickly step by from their usual routines to and from these places. Corners are the most desirable places since people have the ability to view two streets instead of one. A bar situated at the edge gets more exposure than the one in the middle of the block. Corner locations are more expensive so it is important to calculate whether the added exposure will provide the best answers for your business. Situating the bar closer to freeway exits or highway exits makes it more accessible to

Motivating Employees Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Motivating Employees - Essay Example Managers must be honest with them so that they will feel motivated (p. 18). There are different ways to motivate employees. According to drive-reduction theory of motivation, humans have bodily needs like need for food and water that create a state of tension which is called a drive. Employers can motivate their employees by reducing their unpleasant feelings (Morris and Maisto, 2005, p. 331). Managers mostly find it effective to succeed in their managing functions by providing basic needs of employees. From various theories of motivations, it can be understood that motivation is like a force that activates behavior towards the goal to be achieved or provides stimuli to perform an action. When employees are motivated, it will create healthy relation between managers and employees that help them make fuller use of resources available in the business activities. Psychologists identified two basic principles of motivations, namely intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. When employees are motivated by an activity it self, it can be said to be intrinsic motivation. Extrinsic motivation derives from the consequences of an action (Morris and Maisto, 2005, p. 332). An employer has many options to motivate his workers like praising them, co-operating with them, asking for their opinions and feedback, providing better facilities, rewarding and promoting them with newer tasks within their workplace. Managers need to be aware that intrinsic motivation helps employees satisfy with workplace environments and same time extrinsic motivation helps employees to find greater values in their actions. The Need Hierarchy theory of Abraham Maslow (1954) is perhaps one of the most well known motivation theories. His theory describes that the effective tool for motivating others is to know what factors motivate them. Abraham Maslow arranged human needs in a hierarchy in which human motives are

The Scottish Parliament Building Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Scottish Parliament Building - Essay Example One of the major reasons of undertaking the project management activities is to add value to a project as well as to meet the set objectives in order to generate sustainable benefits from the project. According to Lewis (2006) the temporary nature of projects stands in contrast with  operations which are rhythmic, semi-permanent as well as permanent functional activities with the aim of producing products or services. In practice, the management of these two systems is often quite different, and as such requires the development of distinct technical skills and management strategies. Project management has been practiced since early civilization. Joseph (2003) stipulates that creating an appropriate project plan is the first thing a firm should adopt when undertaking any kind of project. However, many project managers fail to realise the value of a project plan in saving time, money and other related problems. There are a number of approaches emulated by project managers during init iating a project. Lewis (2006) stipulates that the major approaches include agile, interactive, incremental, and phased approaches. Regardless of the methodology employed, project managers must adopt careful consideration in order to achieve the overall project objectives. In order to achieve the goals of a project, it is paramount for project managers to be articulate in way they manage their teams. It is important to note that even though adequate financial resources are needed for a project to be successful, motivation of team members is an important aspect that project managers should not overlook. Effective motivation of human labour force, for instance through training and salary increment greatly contributes to completion of a project within the preset duration. The section below candidly discusses various aspects that led to the success of Scottish Parliament. Particularly, the section will cover optimal allocation of financial resources, proper planning of time and recruitm ent of skilled and experienced labour force as the main factors that ensured the success of Scottish Parliament. Factors that contributed to success in the construction of Scottish Parliament There are various factors that contribute to a success or failure of any project in progress. One of the major aspects that led to the success in the construction of Scottish Parliament was effective allocation of financial resources by the external donors. As stipulated by Dennis (2007) it is paramount for project managers to emulate proper use of financial resources so as to avoid vices such as corruption and frauds which are major hindrance of timely completion of a project. Based on the regular financial audit that was carried on during the construction of the Scottish Parliament, the possibilities of occurrence of misuse of funds were minimal. Effective time planning by the project managers is another vital aspect that contributed to the success of Scottish Parliament. Taylor (1999) depict s that failure by some project managers to properly manage their time, is a major factor that causes delay in the completion of the project. In this regard, managers who were responsible for the construction of the Scottish Parliament ensured proper scheduling of activities that were involved in the completion of the entire project. According to Taylor (1999) despite the criticisms and a mixed public reaction, the building was welcomed by architecture professionals and critics.

Health Effect of Antibacterial Products Coursework

Health Effect of Antibacterial Products - Coursework Example From this discussion it is clear that the utilization of antibacterial and antibiotic products has its advantages. For instance, a prolonged use of antibacterial products can lead to a number of issues. As implied earlier, prolonged use of such products may interfere with the natural body flora. There exist some microorganisms that naturally inhabit our bodies in large numbers. However, prolonged use of antibacterial and antibiotic products tempers with their optimal levels and at times wipe them out. Such a situation leaves the host (human) susceptible to infections due to suppressed immunity system. Worse still, diminished microbiome levels cause the immunity to attack harmless substances. As a result, allergies and autoimmune disorders such as arthritis and asthma set in.This paper discusses that gut flora impacts health in many ways. Studies have shown a correlation between the gut flora and weight. Obese people have relatively less gut flora. Also, when â€Å"good† bacter ia feed on some foods such as beef and eggs, they produce a compound that boosts the risk of heart diseases. Such knowledge forms the basis of advising people to reduce high cholesterol food intakes. Furthermore, the interaction between body cells and gut bacteria plays a significant role in the development of a fully functional immune system.  Surely, the utilization of antibacterial products serves the purpose in the short-run.  

Critical appraisal of a Harrogate Stakeholder framework Essay

Critical appraisal of a Harrogate Stakeholder framework - Essay Example The skills required for organizations of such events include a competitive bidding process, incentives and reward schemes and exposure to risks. Knowledge of appropriate marketing tools such as virtual events that allows people to participate in destination events by obtaining materials from the web is vital. As a leading British conference and exhibition town, Harrogate’s poor infrastructure is detrimental to its status as an International event destination. Poor transport links and lack of hotel rooms caused one of the major visitor organizations to change its destination to Manchester. In working with other stakeholders groups, the destination will benefit a lot. This is so because, the government will act as a catalyst in speeding up the destinations promotion, through policy and legislative formulations as well as funding. Since there lacks good service link of the town with other major towns such as London, while traffic congestion is huge during major events, the collaboration of the destination with the government and other relevant authorities will see it benefit in terms of improved transport facilities. Other organizations such as the Puma hotel will enable t provide ample facilities to satisfy its clientele and build a good reputation for more visits from other differen t groups. There are two major aspects that can be applied to ensure that this Event Destination is no longer in a losing end. The application of the Inter-organizational Relationship and Organization theory, coupled with the Gartrell’s destination team model. Harrogate is a popular destination due to its exhibition halls, integrated and sophisticated conference, excellent accommodation, spacious parklands and gardens, hotels, bars and restaurants located in close proximity, its competitiveness is deterred by the transport infrastructure. Compared to the city of Manchester which has convention facilities, range of accommodation and convenient transport infrastructure, the town of Harrogate is not as competitive. The city of Manchester has been ranked one of the world's most successful conference destinations (Danny, 1977 p181). According to the Inter-organizational Relationship and Organization theory, the role of stakeholders in an organization ranges from that of cooperating with the organization to that of threatening the organization. An organization cannot be self sufficient, and as such has to depend on its interaction with other organizations and the stakeholders in order to have its activities as a success. The dependence of the organization on the said organizations or stakeholders is determined by the control that the stakeholder has over the resources, which are vital for the existence and running of the organization in question (Sheehan and Ritchie, 2004 p4). Since stakeholders are referred to as those entities that affect or are affected by the operations and the outcomes of an organization, then there is a need to analyze how the different stakeholders are party to the operations and outcomes of thee organizational and rank them accordingly. The entities with a great effect or who are primarily affected by the organizations activities then becomes the forefront concern. While the primary stakeholders are directly involved and

Why does knowledge of different generic approaches to strategy matter Essay - 1

Why does knowledge of different generic approaches to strategy matter What implications does this have for our understanding of the shrm field - Essay Example e understood the strategic role that the human resources can undertake in equipping firms with competitive advantage and therefore contributing to the improvements in performance. As Lengnick – Hall et al. (2009) indicate, SHRM has been highly emphasized within the context of integrating strategic initiatives on the Human Resources with the strategic posture of firms. This paper focuses on two fundamental constructs; the first one is the establishment of the positive relationship between knowledge of generic strategies and understanding the strategic initiatives and the second one is the link between generic approaches to strategies and SHRM. Conceptualizing and evaluating business and organizational strategies is a common perspective that scholars and practitioners undertake in their attempt to understand the competitive position of the firms as well as the forces that interact in the strategy decision making and formulation (†¦..). Whittington (2001) argues that it is imperative to have certain knowledge on strategies as it enables the better understanding of the strategic choices that organizations often make. O’ Farrell et al. (2006) further claim that knowledge on strategies actually influences organizational performance for three reasons; first, understanding strategies implies understanding of the context in which strategizing can take place, second, understanding strategies suggests that management has a clear view of the different forces that can have an impact on the strategic level of firms and third, understanding strategies increases the capabilities and skills of management towards strategic dec ision making. The Generic approaches to strategy are viewed by Whittington (2001) as four fundamental ‘movements’ which reflect different schools of thought regarding the strategic design, implementation and execution on the part of firms. The author distinguishes the generic approaches to the following perspectives: the classical, the evolutionary,

The in efficiency of monopoly Essay Example for Free

The in efficiency of monopoly Essay The monopolist produces a lower output and sells it at a higher price than would a compe ve industry† a) Brie? y explain the equilibrium posi? on of the monopolist. Use your analysis to show what is meant by this statement Monopolies are described as Price Makers, and are therefore the theore? cal extreme opposite of a perfectly compe ve %rm. Like perfectly compe ve %rms the Monopolist will seek to maximize pro%t and produce where MC=MR. The monopolist however faces much less compe on if any and therefore can a+ord to restrict output and charge a higher price. In this way The monopolist can earn abnormal pro%t in both the short and long run. In the long run perfectly compe ve %rms are both alloca? vely and produc? vely e-cient. The monopolist is Alloca? vely ine-cient since they do not produce all units up to the point where the social bene%t gained from the unit is equal to its social cost. They restrict their output in order to keep prices high. They produce where MC=MR regardless of the cost to society in terms of dead weight loss or community surplus. They are also produc? vely ine-cient since they Do not operate on the lowest point of the average cost curve. They operate at the pro%t maximizing output of MC=MR. Unlike a perfectly compe ve %rm the Monopolist faces a downward sloping demand or AR curve and a MR curve that is twice as steep. Regardless of monopoly power they must lower their prices to sell more. If they operate at the minimum point on the AC curve pro%ts may fall as prices will have to be reduced to sell this extra output.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Communication and IT

Advantages and Disadvantages of Communication and IT Introduction This assignment is about the advantages and disadvantages of communication and information technology. it will be outlined that there are as many advantages as disadvantages but in this day of computer technology communication through computer is a necessity.   Anyone that does not move with the times will be left behind. Advantages Globalisation means getting in contact with someone across the world.   If someone went to Canada working and their families were in a different country, they could contact each other in a matter of seconds. It is also being able to shop online.   You can buy stuff from websites from a different country so transferring money into accounts across the world. Research using search engines or information super highway to get information fast. People are more up to date with information such as symptoms of illnesses. Theyre going to doctors with more information to tell the doctors what they think the problem is; as they know what their symptoms are because they have researched them. Online banking is great because it takes a matter seconds to check what is going in and out of a bank account. You can transfer money to any account in the world as long as you have the other persons bank details. Security is a big advantage to a person who is vulnerable such as the elderly. They can set up CCTV in their homes and their family can watch them through the cameras from their own homes, work, holiday etc. to ensure theyre safe. Smart houses have come about in recent times. Its possible to be at a   work out for example and lights, televisions, cookers, washing machines,   dryers can be controlled in homes all with the click of a button. Its now possible to get a degree online from Colleges where the student needs to be in the home to look after family or cannot travel to college. These On line Websites are all recognised and are acceptable in the education system. An example of this is the Hibernia website whereby a teacher can get a recognised qualification and become a Primary Teacher. Disadvantages Bullying is a major disadvantage there are so many teens committing suicide because of being bullied. Identity theft is becoming more and more common each year. There are People hacking other peoples emails, Facebook pages and bank accounts. With online shopping, some web sites arent legitimate and can hack your bank account with the information provided. Someone could get on your Facebook page and read your personal information. If a PPS number is used online, it runs the risk of identity theft so caution needs to be exercised. There is a Social impact on adults and teens. Theyre too busy with social media to take their heads out of their computers, laptops, tablets or phones to engage in an actual conversation.   Social media is taking over their lives.   This can cause serious depression because these people arent bothered to go out and socialise with other individuals. If not leaving the house to go for fresh air and exercise, people can eventually start gaining weight which can be extremely depressing.   Being stuck in a house is terrible for your mental and physical health. Confidence is being lowered, girls competing with each other to be more attractive and to look like theses super models they see on line. Girls these days feel the need to be a size six and if theyre not, they are categorised as fat which leads to low confidence and depression. Sometimes, young girls can go as far as sticking their fingers back their throat and becoming bulimic or anorexic just to become as skinny as the other girls. So many people are losing their jobs because everything is being computerised and there is no need for companies to be paying individuals to do something a computer can do.   In banks nowadays, it is noticeable that there are less people behind counters because everything can be done online. Conclusion The above assignment outlines the advantages and disadvantages of Information Technology in communications. It is evident that there are as many advantages as disadvantages but Information Technology is here to stay and parents have to be responsible to look after children and their use of the internet.   People have to embrace the Internet because they will be left behind if they do not get educated in the correct use of this amazing technology. Bibliography www.enkivillage.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-internet.html www.webroot.com/ie/en/home/resources/articles Tutor notes www.eszter.com/edu/sides.html www.bookboon.com

The Nestle Policy On The Environment Environmental Sciences Essay

The Nestle Policy On The Environment Environmental Sciences Essay Over the past several decades, significant progress has been achieved towards protecting the worlds environment. This objective remains a fundamental duty and a collective responsibility that must be shared between the public, governments and the private sector. As the World Food Company, Nestlà © is dedicated to providing consumers with the best food throughout life. Our Companys primary function is the transformation of perishable raw materials into finished products that meet consumers expectations for safety, quality, convenience, and value. From our earliest days, we have recognized the need to protect the environment in our business activities. Exercising this commitment, which is part of our broader commitment towards the good of the community, remains central to our business today and tomorrow. The Nestlà © Policy on the Environment was published in 1991 to define our world-wide strategy on environmental issues and to state our long-standing commitment to environmentally sound business practices. It is communicated internally within the Nestlà © Group and externally to all interested parties and institutions. Following its publication, the Nestlà © Environmental Management System (NEMS) was established to consolidate all environmental measures taken by the Nestlà © Group. The NEMS is being implemented across our entire business. Today, preserving natural resources and minimizing waste has become a part of day-to-day business for our employees and is an integral part of our strategy to achieve global competitiveness. The 1999 update of the Nestlà © Policy on the Environment reiterates our strong environmental commitment and reflects our priorities as we move into the new millennium. It also recognises developments in the international environmental arena. The application of the Nestlà © Policy on the Environment at every level of our operation forms an essential part of the Nestlà © Corporate Business Principles and enables us to contribute to sustainable development meeting the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Research Development Nestlà ©s research and development centers have two primary objectives: to create new products and manufacturing processes and to improve those that already exist. Along with product quality and safety, the conservation of resources and the preservation of the environment form an integral part of the development criteria for new projects. Research and development encompasses a wide range of environmentally-related activities with emphasis on: environmentally sound production techniques and sourcing criteria for agricultural raw materials; processing methods that minimize water and energy consumption, as well as waste g eneration; packaging designs that reduce total waste and enable environmentally sound disposal options while safeguarding product safety and quality; and innovative ways to recover by-products and thus generate secondary raw materials and energy. For important product or process innovation and renovation, Nestlà ©s research and development centers prepare an environmental impact study. This covers significant aspects in the product life cycle, from the sourcing of raw materials, through processing, to the packaged consumer product and the end-life of the packaging material. This study is carefully evaluated, in conjunction with detailed information on the potential manufacturing site, to ensure that new projects meet Nestlà ©s environmental standards. Of the 807 million Swiss francs spent in 1998 on Nestlà © RD throughout the Group, a good part went towards enhancing the wholesomeness of our products. Additionally, these expenditures improved our production process, created better packaging, and avoided waste and unwanted residues. RD Is Making a Difference As an example, significant progress has been made in recent years in energy and water intensive blanching and cooking operations. At the end of these processes water must be removed which resulted in wasted energy and raw materials vegetables or pasta for example. Now water is replaced by steam at low pressure. As a result, water consumption was reduced by 80% and product losses during cooking were more than halved. This means lower costs for energy and for wastewater treatment, while at the same time increasing the product yield by 6%. In another example, extraction residues from the production of chicory-based instant drinks, which were expensive to dispose of, have been turned into a valuable animal feed ingredient. A recent processing improvement for french fries showed product quality can be significantly improved while also saving energy. One conclusion of RD is that what is good for the environment is often synonymous with good industrial practice. Preserving Species The disappearance of many species and varieties of animals and plants is a reality. Over the past few years, this issue has attracted increasing recognition and much is being done today to preserve the earths biological diversity. Industry plays an important role in these efforts since many business sectors depend on natures diversity for their sustainable success. Nestlà ©, as the worlds largest single buyer of coffee and cocoa, lives up to its responsibility by developing the most advanced preservation techniques for many different coffee and cocoa varieties threatened by extinction. In addition, Nestlà © collaborates with public research institutes to share its experience and makes its results freely available. In the future, Nestlà © RD units are determined to build environmental protection into products and processes right from the start. High on the agenda are integrated farming techniques involving minimal use of fertilizers and chemicals, and recourse to biological pest control methods whenever possible. SUPPLY CHAIN Agricultural Raw Materials In general, Nestlà © is not directly involved in the production of raw materials. Wherever possible, locally available raw materials are used. They are either obtained directly from producers or purchased through trade channels. Nestlà © applies the following principles when sourcing raw materials: all raw materials must meet both legal and internal quality criteria, including limits on possible environmental contaminants; whenever possible, preference is given to raw materials that are produced by environmentally sound farming methods (e.g. integrated crop management); and; farmers are encouraged to apply sustainable farming methods and, where appropriate, are provided with assistance in crop production and dairy farming. Such assistance includes the provision of recommendations for the conservation of natural resources (soil, water, air, energy, bio-diversity) and techniques for reducing environmental impact. Manufacturing Manufacturing comprises all processes that are necessary to transform perishable raw materials into safe and convenient food products for consumers. Nestlà © strives to achieve optimal performance in its manufacturing activities, including the environmental aspects. As such, the manufacturing practices of the Group: respect natural resources by emphasizing the efficient use of raw materials, water and energy; minimize the use of environmentally-hazardous substances; continuously seek improvement in the efficiency of production facilities; and reduce waste generation and emissions as much as possible, consider recycling of waste a priority and dispose of non-recyclable waste in an environmentally sound manner. Regular environmental assessments of Nestlà ©s manufacturing practices are conducted to: evaluate factory performance; review factory compliance with applicable legislation and Nestlà ©s own standards; fully investigate incidents that could affect the environment and take relevant measures; and compare results with previous targets and set new improvement objectives. In addition, Nestlà © exchanges information on environmental protection technology and practices in order to ensure a wide use of best practices. Nestlà © encourages its contract manufacturers to use environmentally sound manufacturing practices. Environmental Performance of Our Factories Minimizing the environmental impact of our factories has always been a prime consideration. Therefore, we periodically review environmental performance of the entire Nestlà © Group. The results are very encouraging: Nestlà © has no major environmental problems. Nestlà © complies with relevant regulations or, in a few exceptional cases, has initiated action to do so. Measures taken are proactive and often anticipate future regulations. Many times, measures taken to improve the environment also reduce costs. These surveys also allow us to put concrete figures to our efforts: Over the past years, Nestlà © has invested an average of some 100 million Swiss francs per year in specific measures to protect the environment. This amounts to approximately 3% of total capital expenditure and includes only readily identifiable environmental investments. In addition, substantial amounts were expended as part of regular capital investment projects and factory environmental operating costs. Examples of these additional expenditures include environmental aspects related to factory construction and renovation, environmental training of personnel, and maintenance costs for wastewater treatment facilities. Recent Environmental Investment The factory environmental surveys are a valuable management tool which are periodically repeated as part of the Nestlà © Environmental Management System (NEMS). Water, Our Top Priority Nestlà © engineers and factory planners have pioneered wastewater treatment the world over. Whenever factories went up, often in remote locations of developing countries, where neither local expectations nor legislation required environmental safeguards of any kind, appropriate wastewater treatment was provided. Nearly 30 million Swiss francs have been invested annually over the past few years in wastewater treatment facilities. While we can be genuinely proud of these achievements around the world, we continue to upgrade existing plants and build new ones where necessary. Examples of Nestlà ©s substantial investments in this area are: As early as 1920 Nestlà © had constructed and started the operation of a wastewater treatment plant in Kempttal near Zurich. At that time it included a settling basin and trickling filter. 1932 saw the addition of a biological component which constituted Switzerlands first wastewater treatment plant operating with activated sludge, a principle still used today. An 80% reduction in water consumption of some cooking processes through an extensive RD project. A facility in Himeji, Japan, serving one of the largest instant coffee factories in the world, was rightly considered a model installation when it was built almost 30 years ago, and thousands of Japanese water treatment specialists have visited it over the years. A facility in Dongguan, China has established itself as a model for wastewater treatment. It too is visited regularly by Chinese wastewater specialists. Reducing Air Emissions Another important investment area is for air protection. The biggest environmental investments over the past few years went into the conversion of heating units from heavy fuel to natural gas. When these conversions can be used to install combined steam and power generation systems; impressive energy savings are achieved in addition to environmental benefits. Therefore, we favor these co-generation plants wherever feasible. Co-generation processes are much more efficient than conventional power plants and therefore usually lead to a significant, global reduction in both energy consumption and release of greenhouse gases. Nestlà © currently operates over 10 co-generation facilities throughout the world. Co-generation examples are: At the Nestlà © Gerona plant in Spain, the co-generation system, commissioned in 1991, reduced gas consumption by 3600 tons of oil, equivalent per year, and decreased overall carbon dioxide emissions by 8000 tons annually. The savings at the York factory in Britain, where a coal-fired boiler house has been replaced by a gas turbine co-generation plant, are very impressive. Carbon dioxide output was reduced from 131,000 tons per year to 59,000 tons per year. Additionally, sulfur dioxide emissions are completely avoided at the factory level (650 tons per year) and cut by more than half, from 1059 to 436 tons, at the level of the supplying national power station. Phasing Out Ozone-Damaging CFCs The characteristics of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) make them suitable for a wide range of refrigeration and air conditioning applications necessary for many of Nestlà ©s manufacturing processes. However, there is evidence that they contribute to the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer. This has led to several inter-governmental agreements to phase out the use of CFCs. Nestlà © anticipated this phase out early and has established a detailed CFC phase-out program to replace CFCs used in industrial refrigeration systems with non-CFC alternatives. To date, Nestlà © has reduced its CFC emissions by more than 80% of 1986 levels. We are committed to continuing to address the issue of ozone-depleting substances and further improve these dramatic results. Recovering Solid Waste Landfills in many countries are rapidly approaching their limits, thus becoming a costly and cumbersome problem. However, Nestlà © has stopped looking at solid waste as part of the problem, but as part of the solution. Solid waste has become a valuable raw material when recycled, composted or used for fuel in energy recovery processes. Coffee grounds, which are a by-product of instant coffee manufacturing, is a case in point: Much of the investment related to solid waste is earmarked to build coffee ground energy-recovery systems that use the coffee grounds energy value to produce steam for our factories. In Raja Muda, Malaysia we installed this state-of-the-art machinery, the first of its kind in Asia, outside Japan. Now coffee grounds are used as fuel. Thus, for every 100 tons of coffee grounds we save the equivalent of about 40 tons of fossil fuel. The decision to develop and install this energy-recovery system is typical for how Nestlà © anticipates problems and pioneers solutions. Additionally, in some markets factory solid wastes are composted to produce a high quality soil amendment product. In some cases this product is packaged and sold for use as a 1natural fertilizer. In New Milford Connecticut, USA Nestlà © built a state of the art composting facility that processes both solid and liquid wastes, sludges, and by-products from its local factories, co-packers, and distribution centers. Additionally, the composting facility provides a solution to the local community for disposal of landscaping and gardening wastes, which are banned from landfills in that area. This facility recycles more than 50,000 tons of waste materials annually, preventing them from going to landfills. Packaging Packaging serves a major role in our daily lives. It protects food products from spoilage and ensures safety from manufacture through storage, distribution and consumption. Packaging may also provide tamper-evidence features. It communicates information, including nutritional information and serving instructions, and provides the convenience demanded by todays consumers. Nestlà © is committed to reducing the environmental impact of packaging, without jeopardizing the safety, quality or consumer acceptance of its products. It is Nestlà ©s objective to develop safe and wholesome packaged foods using the most efficient and appropriate packaging materials available, while, at the same time, satisfying consumer requirements and expectations. Nestlà © seeks packaging solutions that: result in the lowest possible weight and volume of packages; take into account new packaging materials and processes that reduce the impact on the environment; avoid the use of substances that can adversely impact the environment during packaging production and disposal; decrease packaging waste at all stages, including package manufacturing, use and disposal; increase the use of recycled materials wherever possible; and increase the recyclability and compatibility of its packages with existing packaging waste management schemes. Regular assessments of Nestlà ©s packaging are carried out and action plans are implemented. Nestlà © supports industrial and governmental efforts to promote integrated waste management that takes into consideration matters such as source reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, energy recovery, and landfill. Nestlà © encourages suppliers of its packaging materials to adopt sound environmental practices. Packaging Source Reduction Packaging waste is one environmental issue that affects the entire consumer goods industry. However, the gap is wide between reality and perception: While food packaging accounts for less than 1% of total solid waste in most countries, it is highly visible to consumers. Even if the problem of food packaging is small in relation to overall environmental problems, it is nevertheless an important issue for Nestlà ©. The most direct opportunity to reduce the scale of the problem is to use as little material as possible. This is not a recent effort by the food industry. Over the last four decades, between the 1950s and 1990s, the weight of a glass milk bottle has been reduced by 36%, a steel food can by 66%, and an aluminium beer can by 81%. Even though packaging source reduction has always been a consideration, we decided to reinforce these efforts in a more systematic way. The first world-wide environmental packaging survey was completed in 1991 for the Nestlà © Group and has been repeated annually ever since. The last survey revealed that by the end of 1998, Nestlà ©, without compromising product quality, reduced our use of packaging materials by nearly 150,000 tons compared to 1990. These reductions resulted in savings of approximately 250 million Swiss francs. Cumulative Reductions in Packaging Materials Examples of Packaging Source Reduction A few recent examples that underline Nestlà ©s efforts: In Australia the Easter Egg Novelty cartons were reduced in size by altering the design to provide support for the egg. The new design resulted in a 31% reduction in use of paper board. In Pakistan the Nestlà © NIDO package, which consisted of 4 bags in a display box, was replaced by an aluminium stand-up pouch. This resulted in a 39% reduction, or 47 tons, and saves 290,000 Swiss francs per year. In Indonesia the Nestlà © Dancow 200 and 400g display boxes were reduced in size by 18 and 25%, respectively. This resulted in a waste reduction of 38 tons and saved nearly 100,000 Swiss francs per year. In Columbia the display box for Maggi bouillon tablets was eliminated. This resulted in a reduction of 303 tons of packaging material and represented a savings of over one million Swiss francs per year. While important progress has already been achieved, we strive to continuously identify opportunities for further reduction. Distribution Distribution of products from the factory to the customer involves transport and storage. Efficient management of the distribution system is essential to preserve the safety and quality of Nestlà ©s products, to ensure a high level of customer service, and to meet its commitment to environmentally sound business practices. To this end, Nestlà ©: selects appropriate transportation modes, with particular attention given to optimum unit loads (pallets), vehicle-capacity utilization, route planning, and consolidation with outside partners, scheduling, and fuel conservation; optimises warehouse and distribution center locations and environmentally efficient operational systems; and identifies and implements measures to reduce energy consumption and waste. Nestlà © encourages its distribution service providers to use environmentally sound practices. Distributing our goods from factory to retail centers consumes some 400 million liters of fuel each year. While we undertake every effort to reduce this, it is useful to put this figure into perspective: the distribution of 10 kg of our products from factories to retail outlets in Europe requires an average of 0.25 liters of fuel. To transport the same amount from the supermarket to home, consumers burn, on average, one to two liters of fuel. Efficient Container Loading Improving transport efficiency benefits the environment, but it also makes economic sense. Seemingly simple measures, such as replacing bulky wooden pallets by thin, carton-type slip-sheets, have the potential to save more than 600 international truck journeys a year in our European operations alone. Optimizing shipping cases to fill transport vehicles without leaving gaps between differently shaped containers, together with optimal route planning, Nestlà © has already achieved substantial savings. Pioneering Rail Transport In countries with competitive railways, moving goods from road to rail is an effective option to reduce road congestion. For example: Vittel has developed a specially adapted block train concept to supply its regional terminals in France. Vittel transports nearly half of its production, or over 930 million bottles per year, by rail. Our Swiss, and later the Austrian subsidiary, convinced the railways to offer overnight trains to bring goods from the national distribution centers to terminal stations for local deliveries by road. Marketing Marketing is based on the principle of satisfying consumers needs. The overall trust of consumers in Nestlà ©s brands and products comes from a quality image that has been continuously strengthened for over 130 years. Nestlà © strives to increase this trust through its commitment to environmentally sound business practices. For this reason, Nestlà ©: opposes short-term, opportunistic green marketing that can mislead the consumer; bases environmental claims in advertising, promotional material, labelling, and corporate communications on solid scientific evidence; and selects materials and printing methods for merchandising materials such as consumer offers, in-store promotions, display materials, leaflet, and printed materials in light of environmental considerations. No Green Marketing Nestlà © adheres to the Code on Environmental Advertising established by the International Chamber of Commerce. This Code is based on the principle of self-regulation and self-discipline and is intended to assist companies in making responsible use of environmental claims in advertising. Sustainable Development For Nestlà ©, respect for the environment is part of a broader perspective on sustainable development. Nestlà © has adhered to The Business Charter for Sustainable Development of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) since its publication in 1991. Measures for environmental protection often trigger beneficial economic and social effects, and vice-versa. Since the Rio Summit in 1992, all of society, be it governments, industry, NGOs or others, have tried to translate the sustainable development concept into reality. As part of this effort, we participate in the work of several organizations dealing with this subject: For example, we are a founding member of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) in Geneva, and we contribute actively in the Working Group Sustainable Development in the City of Vevey. Nestlà © Working with Communities South Africa Nestlà © is supporting several community-based organizations in putting sustainable development into practice. Recently, in South Africa, we have given support to Eco Link and LEAP to finance and help manage programs which clean up the environment and improve hygiene in rural areas. The Eco Link project is aimed at providing assistance through education. People are taught to collect litter such as paper, cardboard and cans, which when put in a trench and covered with a compost can then be used to plant vegetables. The litter provides the necessary drainage and moisture retention. The project has dual advantages: it cleans up the environment and provides fresh vegetables for the family, as well as providing an income when surplus food is grown. This program is now being presented to school children who are encouraged to grow small gardens at school. In rural areas water supply is a major problem. Women can spend almost 5 hours a day collecting water for the home. In addition, the springs from which they take the water are often used by animals and can be polluted. Nestlà © is taking part in a project to help villagers establish a supply of clean water near to home. People were taught how to identify sources of underground springs and to channel rain water and store it in reasonably hygienic conditions. The team taught villagers how to construct a tank to catch the rain water using corrugated iron and wire mesh as a mould which is then plastered with a cement, stone and sand mixture. With a wooden cover on top and a tap at the base the villagers have the means to store clean, drinkable water. Information, Communication Training Nestlà © provides information on its activities, including those related to the protection of the environment. Within this context, Nestlà ©: communicates its environmental efforts, both inside and outside the Company, to build understanding concerning its environmental commitment; fosters strong environmental awareness and responsibility among its employees through training programs; and shares environmental information with governments, local communities, industry, consumers and other interested stakeholders. We do this through a wide variety of means. For example, our factory environmental surveys involve thousands of people at all levels, from top management to the factory floor. These practical exercises are reinforced by in-house magazines, specialized newsletters, and videos. To help educate the public, Nestlà © works with organizations that produce films on environmental issues, sponsor re-forestation programs, or create educational materials for the public. These activities are also important to our role in sustainable development. At our international training center in Switzerland, environmental issues are now a regular part of courses attended by Nestlà ©s international executives. These efforts are multiplied by countless training sessions organized by our Group companies. Internal communication and training are a priority for Nestlà ©. As a people-driven company, employees are our most important asset. Thus, we emphasize all measures that help them act in an environmentally responsible manner.

Thomas King :: Biography, Author

THOMAS KING - WRITER Thomas King is a multi-talented and accomplished writer who expresses concerns of Aboriginal people through literature. He was born in 1943 in Sacramento California to a Cherokee father and a German and Greek mother and grew up in Sacramento. In 1980, King moved to Canada with his nine-year old son and lived in Alberta for about ten years. He returned briefly to the United States in 1986 to receive his PhD in English Literature at the University of Utah, but is now a Canadian citizen and resides in Guelph, Ontario. King is a writer by trade, but has also had an extensive teaching career. He worked as a Professor of Native Studies at the University of Lethbridge, in Alberta, and was also the Chair of American Indian Studies at the University of Minnesota. He currently teaches Native literature and creative writing at the University of Guelph in southern Ontario. King has written three novels; Medicine River (1990), which was made into a CBC-TV movie, Green Grass, Running Water (1992), and Truth and Bright Water (1997). Green Grass, Running Water was nominated for the Governor General's award for literature in 1992. He received a second nomination for the same award the following year for his children's book A Coyote Columbus Story. King published a collection of his short stories called, One Good Story, That One, in 1993. His essays, poems and other writings have appeared in many magazines, including the "The Hungry Mind Review", and "World Literature in English". King has also edited collections of Native short stories for various publications across the country and created a book of photographs of Aboriginal artists.

The Manifestation Of Sin :: essays research papers

The Scarlet Letter is a book of much symbolism. One of the most complex and misunderstood symbols in the book is Pearl, the daughter of Hester Prynne. Throughout the story Pearl develops into a prominent symbol of the "A". In this essay the example of symbolism Pearl comes to represent will be explained.In the Scarlet Letter, Hester, for her sins, received a scarlet letter, "A" which she had to wear upon her chest for the rest of her life in Boston. This was the Puritan way of punishing her for her then criminal action of adultery. She wondered the streets to be given sour looks from all. This eventually caused so much mental and physical anguish that she eventually questioned why she should live if it weren't for her Pearl. Pearl was a bundle of life sent from god to remind her of her wrong doing each and every moment and as a walking sermon to preach against sin for others.Hester's wasted life the ultimate price that Hester paid for Pearl. With Pearl, Hester's life was almost never filled with joy, but instead a constant reminder of the harsh word adultery. Pearl would also make her own "A" to wear, and sometimes she played games wither her mother's trying to hit it with rocks. When Hester would go into the town with Pearl, the other children would make fun of her and Pearl and would yell and throw dirt at them. So in this case, Pearl symbolized the decimation of Hester's life and mental state. Although Hester had so much trouble with Pearl, she still felt that Pearl was her ultimate treasure. Pearl was really the only thing that Hester had in life. Surely if Pearl wasn't in Hester's life, Hester would have taken her own life. Once and a while, Pearl would bring joy to Hester's life, and that helped her to bare the guilt, lonesomeness, and isolation that became the main theme of her life. Pearl could be compared to weather, sometimes good, sometimes bad, but always changing. It was Pearl's pounding storms that gave Hester so much grief. Pearl's exuberant personality caused Puritans to believe she was a child of witchcraft and a mischievous little elf. But basically she represented everything that was the exact opposite of Puritan belief. Pearl's taunting and malice disposition sometimes even caused Hester to make outbursts like "Thou art not my child! Thou art no Pearl of mine!" Some would believe the "A" stood for anti-puritan for her wild soul could never be confined by the rules of the conservative Puritan Society.