Course Project – Walt Disney

Walt Disney Company Adriana Arroyo Course Project ACCT 307 August 19, 2012 Professor Stuart Thomas TABLE OF CONTENTS Fiscal Year 2011 Annual Financial Report consolidated statements of income4 consolidated balance sheets5 consolidated statements of cash flows6 consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity7 Required Questions [1] What is the amount of property and equipment on the balance sheet for the two most recent years? What is the amount of depreciation expense?What amounts are on the cash flow statement for the most recent year that relate to depreciation, gains and sales of property and equipment, and purchases and sale of property of equipment? What amounts are permitted  for inclusion in the capitalized cost of property and equipment? 8 [2] Looking at the footnote disclosures of the company, what are the individual components of property and equipment? For example, what are the amounts for land, building, equipment, accumulated depreciation, and so forth? How do c ompanies account for nonmonetary exchange and dispositions of property and equipment? [3] Does the company have intangible assets? If so what are the types of intangible assets (patent, copyrights, etc. ) and their amounts? What is the amount of amortization expense? What amounts on the most recent cash flow statement relate to the purchase and sale of intangible assets? How do intangible assets differ from property and equipment? What costs do we include in intangible assets? 9 [4] Goes the company have goodwill? What are the footnote disclosures relating to goodwill and the related acquisition?Please also describe the calculation of goodwill and how we account for differences between fair value and book value of assets acquired. 10 [5] What are the company's depreciation methods? What is the range of estimated useful lives used for depreciating their assets? Does the company use the same depreciation methods for financial statements and tax returns? If not, please describe the met hods used for tax purposes. 11 [6] What are the company's footnote disclosures relating to impairment? Please also describe how to determine if an impairment exists and how to calculate the impairment loss. 1 [7] What are the amounts and descriptions for the company's current liabilities for the most recent year? Does the company have any contingent liabilities? If yes, please describe. What are the three categories of contingent liabilities and the treatment for each type? Does the company have any subsequent events disclosed in their footnotes? If so, please describe them. 12 [8] What are the amounts and descriptions for all of the company's long-term liabilities on their balance sheet for the most recent two years? What is the interest expense for the two most recent years?What amounts are included in the cash flow statements for proceeds from issuance of debt and repayment of debt for the most recent year? For each note payable discussed in the footnotes disclosures, what is the interest rate, total amount borrowed, and maturity date? 12 [9] Does the company have bonds payable? If so, what are the amounts? Please also describe how bonds payable differ from notes payable and how to account for the issuance of bonds at par, at a discount, and at a premium. How is the discount and premium amortized? What is the effective interest method? 14 [10] Does the company have capital leases?If so, what are the amounts and terms of the leases? What are the four criteria for a lease to be considered a capital lease? What are the additional criteria for the lessor? What is the difference between a sales-type lease and a direct financing lease? 15 Bibliography 18 The Walt Disney Company financial analysis details the finances of the company. The analysis includes a brief summary of the company’s history and important financial information to determine the value of the company. Walt Disney Company was founded on October 16, 1923 by Walt and Roy Disney as Disney Bros . Studios which was then incorporated.Their headquarters are located in Burbank, California. Walt Disney Company has five business segments which are Media Networks, Parks and Resorts, Studio Entertainment, Consumer Products, and Interactive Media. These segments were created to support and enhance the original business model as a studio producing animated shorts and full length films. Each segment adds new and additional paths to market that together ensure the company fulfills its mission. What is the amount of property and equipment on the balance sheet for the two most recent years? What is the amount of depreciation expense?What amounts are on the cash flow statement for the most recent year that relate to depreciation, gains and sales of property and equipment, and purchases and sale of property of equipment? Parks, resorts, and other property are tangible assets that are held by an entity for the use in production or supply of goods and services, for rental to others, or for administrative purposes which are expected to provide economic benefit for more than a year. Walt Disney Company’s parks, resorts, and other property amount for the fiscal year of 2011 was $35,515,000 with an accumulated depreciation of $19,572,000.This is an increase from 2010 where parks, resorts, and other property was $32,875,000 and the accumulated depreciation was $18,373,000. The Statement of Cash Flows provides information about a company’s cash receipts and cash payments during an accounting period which shows how these cash flaws link the ending cash balance to the beginning balance shown on the company’s statement of financial position. The depreciation and amortization for the fiscal year of 2011 was $1,841,000. The gains on dispositions are $75,000 for 2011. Looking at the footnote disclosures of the company, what are the individual components of property and equipment?For example, what are the amounts for land, building, equipment, accumulated depr eciation, and so forth? How do companies account for nonmonetary exchange and dispositions of property and equipment? According to the footnotes, the individual components of property are attractions, which are located in the Parks, Resorts, and Other Property, buildings and improvements, leasehold improvements, land improvements, and furniture, fixtures, and equipment. The cost for each of them for the past two years are as followed: Name| 2011| 2010| Attractions, buildings, and improvements| $17,662,000| $15,998,000| Leasehold improvements| 650,000| 644,000|Furniture, fixtures, and equipment| 13,746,000| 12,575,000| Land improvements| 3,727,000| 3,658,000| Total| $35,515,000| $32,875,000| The accumulated depreciation for 2011 was $19,572,000 where in 2010 it was $18,373,000. Does the company have intangible assets? If so what are the types of intangible assets (patent, copyrights, etc. ) and their amounts? What is the amount of amortization expense? What amounts on the most recent cash flow statement relate to the purchase and sale of intangible assets? How do intangible assets differ from property and equipment?What costs do we include in intangible assets? Walt Disney Company is required to test goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets for damage on an annual basis. The Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Number 142 requires that goodwill is allocated to various reporting units. At the end of each fiscal year, the company performs an annual damage test for goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets which include FCC license and trademarks. Amortizable intangible assets are usually amortized using the straight line method and the useful life is up to forty years.The costs to periodically renew Walt Disney’s intangible assets are expensed as incurred. The company also determined that there are currently no legal, competitive or economic factors that will materially limit the useful life of FCC licenses and trademark. Th e total amount of goodwill is $29,266,000. The goodwill and intangible assets by segment are as followed: Name| 2011| 2010| Media Networks| $17,421,000| $17,442,000| Parks and Resorts| 172,000| 171,000| Studio Entertainment| 6,498,000| 6,416,000| Consumer Products| 3,715,000| 3,699,000| Interactive Media| 1,330,000| 1,323,000|Corporate| 130,000| 130,000| Total| $29,266,000| $29,181,000| The net amortizable intangible assets total is $3,161,000. Intangible assets are assets that are not physical but intellectual property. For example, patents, trademarks, and copyrights are examples of intangible assets. It can be classified as either indefinite or definite depending on the specifics of the asset. However, property and equipment is a physical asset that is important to business operations but cannot easily be liquidated. The value of this asset is depreciated over an estimated life.What are the footnote disclosures relating to goodwill and the related acquisition? Please also describ e the calculation of goodwill and how we account for differences between fair value and book value of assets acquired. The footnote disclosures relating to goodwill are under Acquisitions. Marvel Entertainment, Inc. , a character-based entertainment company, is required to allocate the purchase price to tangible and identifiable intangible assets obtained and liabilities assumed based on their fair values. The excess of the purchase price over those fair values is recorded as goodwill.This reflects the value to Disney from leveraging Marvel intangible asset. The goodwill recorded as part of this acquisition is not amortizable for tax purposes. Goodwill can be calculated by using one of the three methods which are average profit method, super profits method, and capitalization method. By using the average profit method, goodwill is calculated on the basis of the average profit of previous years. The formula is Goodwill = Average Profit x Number of Years Purchase. The next method, sup er profits method, is a method which tries to measure the capital needed for earning a super profit.There are three steps to this method which are as followed: [1] Normal Profits = Capital Invested x Normal Rate of Return / 100 [2] Super Profits = Actual Profits – Normal Profits [3] Goodwill = Super Profit x Number of Years Purchased The final method to calculate goodwill is capitalization method which is the whole value of the company is calculated by capitalization of the average or actual profits. The formula is Goodwill = [Actual Profits / Normal Rate of Return] x 100 (Study Test Time). What are the company's depreciation methods?What is the range of estimated useful lives used for depreciating their assets? Walt Disney Company uses the straight line method for depreciation. According to Stock Analysis on Net, the estimated useful lives for attractions: 25-40 years, buildings and improvements: 20-40 years, leasehold improvements: life of lease or asset life if less, land improvements: 20-40 years, and furniture, fixtures, and equipment: 3-25 years. What are the company's footnote disclosures relating to impairment? Please also describe how to determine if impairment exists and how to calculate the impairment loss.Walt Disney Company recorded $33 million for Studio Entertainment and $22 million for Interactive Media creating a total of $55 million in restricting and impairment charges during 2011 for compensation and amenities costs. While in 2010, they recorded $151 million for Studio Entertainment, $95 million for Media Networks, and impairment charges of $132 million generating a total of $270 million in restricting and impairment charges. What are the amounts and descriptions for the company's current liabilities for the most recent year?Does the company have any contingent liabilities? If yes, please describe. What are the three categories of contingent liabilities and the treatment for each type? Does the company have any subsequent events disc losed in their footnotes? If so, please describe them. Walt Disney’s current liabilities are the total obligations incurred as part of normal operations that are expected to be paid during the financial period. The current liabilities are accounts payable and other accrued liabilities, current portion of borrowings, unearned royalties and other advances.The company is involved with legal proceedings and has accrued estimates of the probable and estimable losses for the resolution of these claims. They are also certain contractual arrangements that would require the company to make payments or provide funding if specific situations occur. On May 19, 2004, Celador International Ltd. , an associate of the television program â€Å"Who Wants to be a Millionaire,† filed a lawsuit against Walt Disney Company and some of its branches, which included the American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. nd Buena Vista Television, LLC, stated that Walt Disney Company did not pay the their s hare of the profits. On July 7, 2010, the jury announced their verdict for breaching the contract against certain branches of the Walt Disney Company and awarding $269. 4 for the plaintiff in damages. Walt Disney Company believed the jury’s verdict is wrong and is trying to pursue an appeal. What are the amounts and descriptions for all of the company's long-term liabilities on their balance sheet for the most recent two years? What is the interest expense for the two most recent years?What amounts are included in the cash flow statements for proceeds from issuance of debt and repayment of debt for the most recent year? For each note payable discussed in the footnotes disclosures, what is the interest rate, total amount borrowed, and maturity date? In the section of Liabilities in the Balance Sheet provides creditors, investors, and analysts with information on company’s resources and its sources of capital. It also provides information about the future earnings amount of a company’s assets along with cash flows that may come from receivables and inventories.The long term liabilities are the total obligations incurred as part of normal operations that is expected to be repaid beyond one year or business cycle. Walt Disney Company’s long term liabilities increased from 2010 to 2011. The total long term debt for 2011 was $12,454,000 and deferred income taxes were $3,150,000. For 2010, the total long term debt was $12,582,000 and deferred income taxes were $3,206,000. The income statement provides information on the financial results of the company’s business activities over a period of time.It also communicates how much revenue the company generates during a period and what cost it has incurred that connects with generating that revenue. The interest expense for the fiscal year of 2011 was $343 million and for 2010 was $409 million. The amounts that are included in the cash flow statements for proceeds from issuance of debt and repayment of debt for the fiscal year of 2011 are commercial paper borrowings was $393 million, borrowings was $2,350 million, and reduction of borrowings was $1,096 million. Under Note 9: Borrowings, there is an outline for each of the notes ayables. Commercial paper debt outstanding, which is a short term unsecured promissory notes issued by companies, was at $1. 6 billion by October 1, 2011. In February 2011, the company agreed to another four-year $2. 25 billion bank facility with a group of leaders which will mature by 2013. At the end of the fiscal year, the company has a shelf registration statement which allows the Walt Disney Company to issue various types of debt, for example fixed or floating rate notes, US dollar or foreign currency, redeemable notes, global notes, and dual currency.Another note payable is U. S. Medium Term Note Program where the total debt outstanding was $8. 4 billion. The maturities of current outstanding borrowings rang between one to eight two year s and the interest rate ranges from 0% to 7. 55%. European Medium Term Note Program is another note for the issuance of various types of debt that include fixed or floating rate notes, U. S. dollar or foreign currency denominated notes, redeemable notes, or dual currency notes. It matures in 2013 and has an interest rate of 1. 65%.Next, is Other Foreign Currency Denominated Debt where the company has a credit agreement in Canadian dollars which matures in 2013 and has an interest rate of 1. 42%. Lastly, Capital Cities/ABC Debt has an outstanding balance of $114 million, matures in 2021, and has an interest rate of 8. 75%. Does the company have bonds payable? If so, what are the amounts? Please also describe how bonds payable differ from notes payable and how to account for the issuance of bonds at par, at a discount, and at a premium. How is the discount and premium amortized?What is the effective interest method? Walt Disney Company issued corporate 30 year bonds in this fiscal yea r. These bonds are high quality long term and are worth $600 million. A note payable is a written agreement between a lender and a borrower to pay stated sums of money at future dates, classified a current or non-current of the balance sheet date. Bonds payable are a long term liability account containing the face amount, par amount, or maturity amount of the bonds issued by a company that are outstanding as of the balance sheet date.If the coupon rate of a bond matches with the market rate of interest when the bonds are actually sold to investors, then the bonds will sell at par value. Bonds are issued at a discount when the coupon interest rate is below the market interest rate which leads to the company receiving less cash than the face value of the bonds. A bond will trade at a premium when it offers a coupon rate that is higher than current interest rates. When bonds are sold at a discount or premium, the interest rate is adjusted from the face rate to an effective that is clos e to the market rate when the bonds were issued.It is important to amortize the discount or premium bonds over the life of the bonds by using the straight line method which allocated a fixed portion of the bond discount or premium each interest period to adjust the interest payment to interest expense. When a bond is sold at a discount, the amount of the bond discount is amortized to interest expense over the life of the bond. According to Investopedia, the effective interest method is the practice of accounting for the discount at which a bond is sold as an interest expense to be amortized over the life of bond (Investopedia, 2012).In other words, the effective interest method is a technique for calculating the actual interest rate in a period based on the book value at the beginning of the accounting period. Does the company have capital leases? If so, what are the amounts and terms of the leases? What are the four criteria for a lease to be considered a capital lease? What are th e additional criteria for the lessor? What is the difference between a sales-type lease and a direct financing lease? Walt Disney Company carries a capital lease obligations of $288 million in the fiscal year of 2011 and $224 million in the fiscal year of 2010.They have non-cancelable capital lease which is mainly for land and broadcast equipment. The future payments for the leases are as followed: 2012 $70 2013 $59 2014 $51 2015 $60 2016 $27 Thereafter $519 Total minimum obligations $786Less amount representing interest ($480) Present value of net minimum obligations $306 Less current portion ($18) Long-term portion $288 (The Walt Disney Company, 2012)In order for a lease to be considered a capital lease the four criteria are [1] title of the asset passes automatically from the lessor to the lessee at the end of the lease term, [2] lease contains a bargain purchase option under which the lessee may acquire the leased-asset at less than its fair market value of the end of the lease terms, [3] lease term is for a period longer than 75% of the estimated economic life of the asset, or [4] the present value of the lease payments is greater than 90% of the fair market value of the asset at the beginning of the lease term.The additional conditions for the lessor are [1] the collectability of minimum lease payments is assured and (2) no important uncertainties surround the amount of un-reimbursable costs yet to be incurred. Sales-type lease is a lease where a company rents its own assets that it needs to run its business. This lease is used when a manufacturer is leasing a property or the usage of property.Because the lessee receives the use of property in exchange for payments and assumes the liability for the asset, the lease looks like the purchase of an item. However, the lessor expects the lessee to return the equipment or provide payment for its purchase when the expiration of the lease is up. On the other hand, direct financing lease is a lease agreement where the lessor obtains equipment for the purpose of leasing it and generating revenue through interest payments.The lessor is not a manufacturer or dealer and the lessor purchases the property only for the purpose of leasing it. The main difference between sales-type leases and direct financing lease is the value of the lease in relation to the property. In a sales-type lease, the lessor records a profit or loss on a property based on the amount of payments received. On the contrary in the direct financing lease, the lessor only earns profit on the interest from sending out payment amounts.Today, Walt Disney Company operates under a new and reengineered model that has worked to increase revenues by creating and exploring original across their five business segments. The company is developed on tradition with a well-defined vision for the future and continues to distinguish itself among other companies. As the company moves forward, they have a solid financial profile which will provide the company constant financial flexibility. Bibliography Investopedia. (2012).Retrieved August 2012, from Effective Interest Method: http://www. investopedia. com/terms/e/effective-interest-method. asp#axzz23eVWKTSl The Walt Disney Company. (2012, January). Retrieved August 2012, from Fiscal Year 2011 Annual Financial Report and Shareholder Letter: http://cdn. media. ir. thewaltdisneycompany. com/2011/annual/WDC-10kwrap-2011. pdf Study Test Time. (n. d. ). Retrieved August 2012, from Methods of Valuation of Goodwill: http://www. studytesttime. com/about-goodwill/10-methods-of-valuation-of-goodwill

Epidemiology: Global and Public Health Essay

The purpose of this paper is to describe the history of public health, including pertinent dates and significant events and the different aspects of public and community-based health. Public health is the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private, communities and individuals (Winslow, 1920). It is concerned with threats to health based on population health analysis. The population in question can be as small as a handful of people or as large as all the inhabitants of several continents (for instance, in the case of a pandemic). The dimensions of health can encompass â€Å"a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity†, as defined by the United Nations World Health Organization. Public health incorporates the interdisciplinary approaches of epidemiology, biostatistics and health servic e. Environmental health, community health, behavioral health and occupational health are other important subfields. The focus of public health intervention is to improve health and quality of life through the prevention and treatment of disease and other physical and mental health conditions, through surveillance of cases and the promotion of healthy behaviors. Promotion of hand washing and breastfeeding, delivery of vaccinations, and the distribution of condoms to control the spread of sexually transmitted diseases are examples of common public health measures. The origins of the Public Health Service can be traced to the passage of an act in 1798 that provided for the care and relief of sick and injured merchant seamen. Reorganization in 1870 converted the loose network of locally controlled hospitals into a centrally controlled Marine Hospital Service, with its headquarters in Washington, D.C. The position of Supervising Surgeon (later Surgeon General) was created to administer the Service, and John Maynard Woodworth was appointed as the first incumbent in  1871. The commissioned officer corps (now known as the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service or the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps) was established by legislation in 1889. At first open only to physicians, over the course of the twentieth century, the Corps expanded to include veterinarians, dentists, Physician Assistants, sanitary engineers, pharmacists, nurses, sanitarians, scientists, and other health professionals. Quarantine was originally a state function rather than federal, but the National Quarantine Act of 1878 vested quarantine authority to the Marine Hospital Service and the National Board of Health. The National Board was not reauthorized by Congress in 1883 and its powers reverted to the Marine Hospital Service. Over the next half a century, the Marine Hospital Service increasingly took over quarantine functions from state authorities. As immigration increased dramatically in the late nineteenth century, the Federal Government also took over the proce ssing of immigrants from the states, beginning in 1891. Because of the broadening responsibilities of the Service, its name was changed in 1902 to the Public Health and Marine Hospital Service, and again in 1912 to just the Public Health Service. As the century progressed, PHS commissioned officers served their country by controlling the spread of contagious diseases such as smallpox and yellow fever, conducting important biomedical research, regulating the food and drug supply, providing health care to underserved groups, supplying medical assistance in the aftermath of disasters, and in numerous other ways. Today the mission of the Commissioned Corps of the PHS is â€Å"Protecting, promoting, and advancing the health and safety of the Nation.† The Public Health Service Act of 1944 structured the United States Public Health Service (PHS) as the primary division of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare (HEW), which later became the United States Department of Health and Human Services. As one of the United States seven uniformed services, the PHS Commissioned Corps fills public health leadership and service roles within federal government agencies and programs. The PHS Commissioned Corps includes officers drawn from many professions, including environmental and occupational health, medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, psychology, social work, hospital administration, health record administration, nutrition, engineering, science, veterinary, health information technology, and other health-related  occupations. Agencies within the Public Health Service are: * Administration for Children and Families (ACF) * Administration on Aging (AoA) * Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) * Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) * Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) * Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) * Federal Occupational Health (FOH) * Food and Drug Administration (FDA) * Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) * Indian Health Service (IHS) * National Institutes of Health (NIH) * Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) According to â€Å"CHHS† (2007), â€Å"The California Health and Human Services Agency (CHHS) oversees twelve departments and one board that provide a range of health care services, social services, mental health services, alcohol and drug treatment services, income assistance and public health services to Californians from all walks of life. Major programs include no-cost and low-cost health care coverage for low-income Californians (Medi-Cal); income support for the aged, blind or disabled (SSI/SSP); income support for CalWORKs recipients, low-cost public health insurance (Healthy Families) for children from working families. Other large programs administered by CHHS departments include food stamps, child welfare services, in-home supportive services, support for the developmentally disabled, foster care, mental health services, drug and alcohol treatment, and vocational rehabilitation. CHHS directly serves millions of Californians in health and human service programs, while touching the lives of all Californians through statewide efforts such as public health protection and emergency preparedness and response.† Public Health Nursing Practice is the synthesis of nursing theory and public health theory applied to promoting and preserving the health of populations. The focus of practice is the community as a whole and the effect of the community’s health status (resources) on the health of individuals, families, and groups. Care is provided within the context of preventing disease and disability, and promoting and protecting the health of the community as a whole (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2008). It is mainly composed of the following areas: Behavioral Science/Health Education, Biostatistics, Emergency Medical Services, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Health Services Administration/Management, International/Global Health, Maternal and Child Health, Nutrition, Public Health Laboratory Practice, Public Health Policy, Public Health Practice (â€Å"What Is Public Health?†, n.d.). Community Health Nursing Practice is the synthesis of nursing theory and public health theory applied to promoting, preserving, and maintaining the health of populations through the delivery of personal health care services to individuals, families, and groups. The focus of practice is to preserve the health of individuals, families, and groups and the effect of their health status on the health status of the community as a whole (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2008). Community nursing works with the individual in hospitals, nursing homes, home healthcare, and hospice. Nurses in this field work in government and private agencies, clinics, and other private settings. They focus on populations, working with individuals, groups, and families to improve the overall health of communities. They educate about health care issues, disease prevention, nutrition, and childcare, and also work with community leaders, teachers, parents, and physicians in community health education. In conclusion, public health is concerned with protecting the health of entire populations. Its’ vision is Healthy People in Healthy Communities. Its’ mission is to Promote Physical and Mental Health and Prevent Disease, Injury, and Disability. This is accomplished by preventing epidemics and the spread of disease; protecting against environmental hazards; preventing injuries; promoting and encouraging healthy behaviors; responding to disasters and assists communities in recovery; and, assures the quality and accessibility of health services. Through public education, health promotion and disease prevention, the public will have the opportunity to take control of their own personal health. Research and analysis help to guide recommendations and teaching. As new information is discovered, the teaching for health promotion changes. Public health is put into action by  legislation and political acts. Community healthcare may be for profit, nonprofit or government run healthcare delivery systems for individuals. Policy and recommendations are done through public health and delivered through community health. Public health nursing is vital to the health and well-being of the nation as a whole. References CHHS. (2007). Retrieved from http://www.chhs.ca.gov/Pages/default.aspx Stanhope, M., & Lancaster, J. (2008). Population-centered health care in the community (7th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier. U.S. Department of Health &Human Services. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.hhs.gov/about/ What is Public Health?. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.whatispublichealth.org/what/index.html Winslow, Charles-Edward Amory (1920 Jan 9). â€Å"The Untilled Fields of Public Health†. Science 51 (1306): 23–33).

Methods on muslim arrange marriages Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Methods on muslim arrange marriages - Essay Example This essay discusses that a majority of the persons questioned disagreed with the institution of arranged marriages. Arranged marriages could possibly be a better institution of marriage because it creates stability of families and therefore better protection of children. The main problem with arranged marriages is that it devalues the equality and the role of women. In the Western world where women’s equality is paramount then this makes it a negative institution in the eyes of the West. Yet is it possible that their views are distorted by Westernized beliefs that arranged marriages are in the interests of connections and affluence, i.e. selling their daughter on the basis of gaining a better status or money? The main positive that arranged marriages do have is that they last longer, therefore promoting more stability within the family home. This is the main positive that the questionnaire and the literature bore out, whilst the main negatives are the fact that the women†™s status is devalued. This is not agreed to by the older Western and Muslim generations because up until just the last 50 years arranged marriages were still present in the UK. Therefore not a wholly Muslim practice, which illustrates the current ignorance of youths today in the history and benefits of the practice. Rather, this paper would argue that the benefits and negatives have to be properly balanced and possibly and compromise be met where there a practice of bringing suitable suitors for sons and daughters together and allowing a free choice to be made.

What is the relationship between transcendentalism and individualism Coursework

What is the relationship between transcendentalism and individualism Between transcendentalism and social reform Between transcendentalism and the middle class - Coursework Example People do not need organized society and its various institutions because the self-sufficient person is better off being alone and from this select group of individuals who believe in self-reliance can a true community of men be formed. It is an ideal achievable only if all people try to be self-reliant and form their own minds about matters that affect them the most. This philosophical and cultural movement of transcendentalism has its drawbacks, however. An individualistic attitude can harm society because if all people will become self-reliant, there is no need for a democratic government (Newfield 17). Organized society will cease to exist, including all forms of governance which any civilized society needs for a group of people to survive and live peacefully. Transcendetalism can have an adverse effect as people will strive for personal independence regardless of the needs of a society, to include compliance with social rules and governmental regulations. Rampant and rabid individualism can harm society in the long term (Hankins 38) to the detriment of an organized central authority and the solidarity and spirit of communalism will disappear. But individualism can inspire people to do good too by not waiting for government to do something but just do

Cultural Revolution in China Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Cultural Revolution in China - Essay Example This paper represents a study with old findings confirmed and new findings explored. Mao Tse Tung was born into a peasant family in the Shaoshan Valley in Hunan province in China to a Buddhist mother and a hard working, well educated father. His name was more of a formality than a name to identify a person. Mao was his surname and Tse was given to all the boys of his generation. Tung was his personal name. Altogether his name means: "to shine on the east". Moa's formal name is impressive and was meant to represent the great aspirations of the parents for their son. But, it was his pet name, Shisan Yazi, which he preferred to be called thru adulthood1. It is important to note that Mao had a name. Many peasant children did not receive a name per say but rather a description. At this point it's not so much that his name was important but rather the fact that he was given a name at all. This will be important to keep in mind when we explore his actions during the Cultural Revolution. Mao's mother was simply known as Seventh Sister Wen because she was the seventh girl born in the Wen clan2. Mao lived with his mother's clan until he was eight. He moved back to Shaoshan to begin his schooling. He was a good student and had a good memory. Mao was an avid reader and whilst he was in power it was not unusual for him to share his bed with many books. He often had meetings in his room with him lying down while his politburo members sat in chairs around the bed3. Moa was not a good student in the sense that he argued with his tutors and was asked on numerous occasions to leave and not return. Mao's father did not like Mao's laziness and often would strike (hit) him. Mao's father stopped paying for Mao's education and Mao had to work as a peasant. It was during this time that Mao married (an arranged marriage). She, like many other peasant children was not given a name but was called Woman Luo after her clan. She died after a year of marriage. Why is this background information so important We often hear that children are products of their environments and as adults their behaviour is thus based upon how they were treated as children. Mao is no exception. Much of his adult actions are as a result of his beliefs developed in childhood. Because he was a peasant does not mean that he grew to feel for the plights of the peasants. It is quite possible he took his observations of the treatments of peasants to a greater level and treated the Chinese people as if all were peasants to be treated badly and without an identity. According to Jung Chang, in his book The Unknown Story of Mao, "Mao's peasant background did not imbue him with idealism about improving the lot of Chinese peasants" Becoming a Communist. Mao attended school in Changsa at 17. He never returned to his peasant past and had no sympathy for the plight of the peasants. During his days in Changsa he read the papers religiously and read about overthrowing the Emperor (Manchu). It was during this time that he became a communist. To please his father (so he would continue to send tuition money) Mao entered a teacher's college that was modelled after European schools. It was here that Mao learned about Marxism. It was during his time there that Mao developed the "I" attitude where he shunned any responsibility for

The Internet Speed and Wi-Fi Coverage at Camps and Dormitory Research Proposal

The Internet Speed and Wi-Fi Coverage at Camps and Dormitory - Research Proposal Example For instance, when some users are browsing the internet while others are downloading files such as music, movie or game, the internet connection becomes slow. Time of day also contributes to slowing down the overall speed of the internet. It is notable that when many users are online, internet connections as well as access points could become overloaded leading to delays in the response (Underdahl, 2009). Generally, when everyone is using the internet simultaneously, there would be a decrease in internet speed. The internet could also be slow because of malware/spyware infection in the machines which might be secretly utilizing the internet bandwidth. Spyware could slow the system by way of interfering with the browser and monopolizing the internet connection. Spyware essentially monitors the users’ internet usage and keystrokes, and this adds delays. This problem could be amplified whenever there are several programs of spyware which run simultaneously. The internet connectiv ity could be lost completely if the spyware/malware problem turns out to be severe enough (Purdy, 2010). Computer viruses could also result in poor internet connectivity. ... Other than slow speed of internet, weak Wi-Fi coverage is also an issue. Wi-Fi is simply a technology which enables an electronic gadget to connect to the internet or to exchange data wirelessly with the use of radio waves. Wi-Fi essentially offers wireless high-speed internet as well as network connections. Wi-Fi uses radio frequency (RF) technology, that is, a frequency that is in the electromagnetic spectrum related to radio wave propagation (Kazmeyer, 2011). It is notable that the foundation of any wireless network is an access point (AP); a device that broadcasts a wireless signal which computers could detect and then tune into. It is necessary for devices and computers to be equipped with wireless network adapters so as to connect to an AP and join a wireless network. In our dormitory and camps, there are various devices and applications which are supported by Wi-Fi including mobile phones, video game consoles, personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptops and operating systems s uch as Android, Windows 7 and Vista. Although there are Wi-Fi enabled devices at our dormitory and camps, there is weak Wi-Fi coverage. The devices can only connect to the internet when within a limited and short range of a wireless network. The coverage of interconnected APs, or hotspots, extends on an area of just 10 square miles – this is a very small area to meet the wireless needs of everyone residing in the camps and dormitories. Routers which integrate a cable modem or a digital subscriber line (DSL) and a Wi-Fi access point was set up at our dormitory and camps in order to provide internet access as well as internet working to every device that is connected to them, either through cable or

Handling Conflict Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Handling Conflict - Essay Example It has been noted that the more optimism on the top management team leads to cooperation among workmate. Working together leads to better company results. Good leaders never lose sight of the ultimate goal, and focus all their energy on short-term objectives. When a leader fails to focus his/her attention on the short-term goals, the organization fails because of the imminent lack of momentum to reach the long-term goals that would ensure its survival. Leading with passion helps maintain the vision because when a person does something because he likes doing it. It becomes so easy to accomplish tasks (Perkins, Holtman, Kessler, & McCarthy, 2000). When a leader proves to be too nice to his subjects, the result is a lack of unity and respect. Therefore, the team he is working with performs poorly (Perkins, Holtman, Kessler, & McCarthy, 2000). The leader focuses the setting of the goals on the strength of his team. Focusing goals on strengths ensures that the goals are achieved. Lack of mentors and coaches makes the team inexperienced. A good relationship acts as the foundation of the company. Perkins, D. N., Holtman, M. P., Kessler, P. R., & McCarthy, C. (2000). Leading at the Edge: Leadership Lessons from the Extraordinary Saga of Shackletons Antarctic Expedition. New York: AMACOM Div American Mgmt

Genetically Modified Crop Plants Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Genetically Modified Crop Plants - Assignment Example In crop production, there are mainly two processes known as organic and inorganic food production. Organic methods of food production often involve the use of natural products such as manure or composts. On the other hand, inorganic products are often produced through the use of artificial chemicals such as fertilisers and pesticides. These additional additives modify the final output and this may have negative impacts on the health of people and animals as well as the environment. In most cases, genetic technology on crop production is meant to increase the yield. Inorganic food production is likely to double what is produced through organic means even if the quantity may be the same. In recent years, it can be seen that the concept of ‘ethics’ has played an increasing role in food production and marketing. Basically, business ethics refer to the values, principles and standards that operate within business and these attempt to make a distinction between something that is morally good from bad (Rossouw, 2004). Ethics in business shape the values of the people involved and these should never â€Å"be compromised for financial gain or short term expediency,† (DesJardins, 2006, p.5). However, it can be seen that ethics are often compromised in as far as crop production is concerned in some instances. In terms of crop production and marketing, ethics often relate to issues such as the healthiness of food, its impact on the environment as well as social impacts of the outputs on the targeted people.

A View on Middle Eastern Exceptionalism Research Paper

A View on Middle Eastern Exceptionalism - Research Paper Example The Middle East is only as unique as outside elements may see it be. Now, in discovering if the Middle East would be the exception amidst developing countries would take the close examination. There are many methods of determination in this aspect of the question. First, we must examine from the viewpoint of agreement in the fact that Egypt is an exception amongst its peers and once that is done, we must examine the viewpoint of its equally powerful neighbors in Turkey and other countries in the Middle East, including Egypt. In providing reasoning behind this consideration, it is best to have several resources to allow the capacity of comparativeness in pros and cons for the viewpoint of Exceptionalism in the Middle Eastern culture. Amidst due consideration of the points delivered in the viewpoints of the various authors of the resources consulted, it has become apparent that Egypt would hardly consist of an exception amidst the rest of the Middle Eastern countries. Despite Mr. Bromley's best efforts, he fails to prove that the Middle East is an exception and that Egypt would be any different than any other part of the Middle East. In his own words, Mr. ... First, we must examine from the viewpoint of agreement in the fact that Egypt is an exception amongst its peers and once that is done, we must examine the viewpoint of its equally powerful neighbors in Turkey and other countries in the Middle East, including Egypt. In providing reasoning behind this consideration, it is best to have several resources to allow the capacity of comparativeness in pros and cons for the viewpoint of Exceptionalism in the Middle Eastern culture. Amidst due consideration of the points delivered in the viewpoints of the various authors of the resources consulted, it has become apparent that Egypt would hardly consist of an exception amidst the rest of the Middle Eastern countries. Despite Mr. Bromley's best efforts, he fails to prove that the Middle East is an exception and that Egypt would be any different than any other part of the Middle East. In his own words, Mr. Bromley says in his treatise titled Middle Eastern Exceptionalism, "Despite these differences, there is a general consensus that the Middle East has witnessed limited democratization and contains few, if any, liberal democracies and that this differentiates it from much of the rest of the developing world."1 Mr. Bromley's view of exceptionalism and its manifestation as a result of democratization continues to expound through this chapter, but again, he hides the truth in his own words. "Other observers, noting the continued restrictions placed on party formation, the role of the military in national politics (including the emergency rule in the Kurdish south-east of the country), the outstanding issue of the place of Islam in the state and long-standing economic problems, are less confident."Â   Â  

Using Jomini and Clausewitz, where do these two philosophers draw the Essay

Using Jomini and Clausewitz, where do these two philosophers draw the line in war between art and science - Essay Example The division of Gaul into east and west gave rise to Germany as West Francia - Charles the Fat’s (son of Charlemagne) share. The Germans under Otto I, would later take the crown away from the Franks in 962 AD and held on to it for the most part of the empire’s existence. In 1330 when the state separated from the church as a result of the anti-pope, Wittelsbach Louis IV’s victory over the popish Habsburg Frederick the Fair ( two contenders to the crown of the Holy Roman empire), the broken empire underwent periodic upheavals as each royal family consolidated its territory. The results have for almost a millennium now since the Declaration of Rense in 1338, became the pattern for conflict in Europe. The exodus out of the Roman Catholic church’ grip on the peoples of Europe that was the Protestant Reformation (1517–1648) that began on October 31, 1517 with Martin Luther – spurred hundreds of years of religious civil wars which spread in Europe w ith France at its center. It began with the French Huguenots revolt, after the Cathars, e.g. the Albighenses, in 1209 became the object of the Crusade led by Arnold of Amalric after a papal legate was killed. The massacre of Huguenots at Vassaly in 1562 began the so- called Wars of Religion.1 Napoleon Bonaparte in the Battle of Austerlitz in 1806 in the ensuing French Revoluion, put an end to the empire and Holy Roman Emperor Francis II of Austria abdicated. The lines which would in the future make up the boundaries of the nations were not defined then as they are now, until the wars that soon followed. Thus, the Battle of Austerlitz in 1806, is a mere consequence of these earlier events, which had taken 476 years since 1330 AD from the time the state separated from the church. Carl von Clausewitz (1780-1831) was a Prussian soldier from a middle class family of noble origins and had

France and the United States Essay Example for Free

France and the United States Essay This paper seeks to provide comparative analysis of early childhood education policy between France and the United States. The discussion will focus on the programs origin and what the programs were intended to achieve. The study will look at the focus, of the programs, the beneficiaries and the cost. In analyzing the early childhood policy outcome in the two countries, the paper assesses the successes as well as the shortcomings of the policy programs. The federal government has not developed a policy on early childhood education that is applicable in the nation. As opposed to the comprehensive early child education policy in France. The U. S. government has only been supporting specific preschool programs for those children from poor neighborhoods and low income families. This trend is also evident in the various states which have not been able to come up with early childhood policy that can be used uniformly by education stakeholders throughout the state. Earl childhood education program is largely left in the hands of private education providers through kindergartens. (Mitchell, A. , Ripple, C. , Chanana, N. , 1998, p. 24). The Early childhood education policy by the government is defined in its actions which in regulating the demand and supply of early childhood education services. In implementing early childhood policy, the government provides direct and indirect financial subsidies to private providers of these services in the form of grants, contracts and tax incentives. Provision of direct and indirect financial support to parents of children in early childhood program. This support may be in the form of cash benefits, tax benefits to offset the cost of this service and vouchers to pay for the service. The government also participates by regulating players in the field of early childhood education through legislation. Early childhood education program in the U. S are run on a full day of part time basis and they include pre-kindergartens, kindergartens, compensatory education programs and nursery schools. The other programs that support early childhood education include childcare centres, family support programs, before and after school programs, family type day care homes. Because there is no clear line between the government and private support in this sector. (OECD Country report, 2000, p. 5) There is no clear data concerning the cost of early childhood education in United States. However, the federal spending on the program has been very minimal compared to grade k-12. Studies in the year 2002 reveals that the states spent 2. 5 billion dollars on early childhood education while the federal government spent 6. 5billion on early childhood program. This is in exclusion of funds spent on pre-primary education for special students. This is the contrary of the case in France where the government full funds its early childhood education program. Then enrolment in early childhood program for the year 2002 was estimated at 750,000 with 85% enrolled in private institutions. In the United States, the government has a policy that ensures quality, affordability, and availability of child care for all families. The Child Care Bureau administers federal funds to states, territories, and tribes to assist eligible families including low-income families. The childcare bureaus provide childcare for children when the parents work or participate in allowable education or training activities. Through the Child Care Bureau funds various Technical Assistance projects that promote quality, strengthen program administration are supported. The funds are also used to finance Good Start which is the president’s initiative towards early childhood education as well as carry out research to help policy makers. The child care programs in the United States involved the administrators, parents and other stakeholders than in the case of France that is more regulated from above. According to OECD report (2000, p. 21). Most children are enrolled in private institutions compared to those in public institutions with most parents taking their children for part time programs. This is illustrated in the table below showing enrolment in early childhood education programs in thousands. The only early childhood policy that received direct support by the federal government is the introduction of Head start program to take care of those children from low income families. This program is funded by the federal government of the U. S since it caters for the children of the financially deprived parents from poor neighbourhood. According to OECD report (2000, p. 18) The cost of funding this program has increased steadily, reaching almost $4. 7 billion in fiscal year 1999 and $5. 27 billion in fiscal year 2000. This program was started as a strategy to deal with problems associated with children from poor neighbourhood. Dealing with their emotional, cognitive, social and cognitive deficits ensured a well rounded individual who was prepared to adopt a life style that made them productive individuals from poor homes. The major aim is however to academically prepare students for their primary school studies. According to Mitchell, A. , Ripple, C. , Chanana, N. (1998, p. 34-50). Research shows that those students who had undergone early childhood programs like Head Start had fewer referrals for remedial classes or special education. These students were also more likely to remain in regular classes throughout their public school years. Fewer retentions rate as preschool graduates were less likely to repeat grades. The students maintained excellent scores very few of them had failing grades in their school years. The students were acknowledged by their teachers as having greater social and emotional maturity and had a high probability of completing their high school studies without dropping out. Due development of positive attitude about school at an early age, these students had greater academic motivation, on-task behavior, capacity for independent work, and time spent on homework. Lower incidence of absenteeism/detentions. Graduates had lower incidences of absenteeism and detentions. Preschool graduates had much higher scores on measures of attitude toward school and toward particular subject areas those who attended early childhood education are found to have better self-esteem, greater internal locus of control compared to those who never attend the program. Preschool education is believed to help in preventing unwanted pregnancies among young school girls. The program is also believed to reduce incidences of indiscipline like drug abuse and delinquent acts among students, this some researchers believe is due to the introduction of rules and regulations to students at an early age hence contributing to positive upbringing. Due to improved self esteem developed from an early age, preschool graduates are more likely to participate in social activities like sports and community work. As opposed to those who did not attend early education, the beneficiaries have a better meaning for education and develop high future aspirations. This also contributes to the likelihood of them enrolling and completing their secondary education. These benefits of early childhood education are extending to the society as beneficiaries have a higher possibility of securing better paying jobs hence reducing dependency in the society. There is high unlikelihood that these people will engage in antisocial behavior in the society. (Morgan, G. , Azer, S. , Costley, J. , Genser, A. , Goodman, I. , Lombardi, J. , and McGimsey, B. , 1993, p. 45, 78). The Head Start program is however accused of contributing to inequality in the education arena as those who are considered financially stable have been ignored. This is no longer a shortfall in France as their early childhood policy caters for all children despite their family backgrounds. The increasing number of mothers securing jobs is however increasing government participation in provision of early childhood programs especially in those kindergartens which are integrated in public primary schools. For instance, District of Columbia is made kindergarten attendance a legal requirement for children. (OECD Country report, 2000, p. 14) The diagram below illustrate the increasing number of working mothers with children under age six due U. S policy on Early childhood education and care between 1960 and 1999. Despite lack of comprehensive policy regarding early childhood education, a lot of expenditure has been incurred in supporting efforts towards achieving the same. The figures reported by OECD report( 2000, p. 23) is an illustration of cost of efforts employed by U. S to achieve ECEC as compared between 1992 and 1999 constant dollar reported in millions of dollars. As opposed to the United States, France has a clear government policy regarding earl childhood education. The program is publicly funded and caters for those children between the ages of 2-6 year olds known as Ecole Maternelle. The system has specific programs for those children under age three and it is administered under the Ministry of Education delivered under education auspices of the ministere de la Jeunesse, de l’Education nationale et de la Recherche. (Oberhuemer, P. , Ulich, M. , 1997, p. 27). These programs are freely provided by the government for eight hours during the day including breaks like lunchtime. Extension beyond these hours is optional and those parents who work for longer hours can pay for additional hours that their children are taken care of at early childhood education centres. Since these programs are meant to benefit children and their parents who earn poorly, the additional charges levied on parents take into consideration the parent’s income. Any child starting school has to go through ecole maternelle which is the preparatory level in the education system. (OECD Country report, 2004, p. 4-7). Early preschool education is divided into three sections namely: the little section, middle section and large section. The little section is meant for three year olds, the middle section is for four-year-olds and large section is for five-year-olds. Two year olds belong to very little section. France is also committed to empowering the low income parents just like Head Start in the United States hence the government organizes bridging activities for those who are about to start schooling in poor neighborhoods. Such a program is supposed to familiarize the learners with the academic in readiness for school system. The table below shows the trends in the percentage of children in the ecole maternelle by age as from the year 1960-2002 according to French background report in 2003.

Age of Revolutions Essay Example for Free

Age of Revolutions Essay The age of revoltion was a historical time frame that took place between 1775 to 1848 which encompassed numerous social, cultural and political shifts that harboured significant implications on the growth of the development of the novel as a genre. Through the social mechanics of increased living standards, the creation of the middle class, elevated literacy levels and wider book distribution and publication, the novel genre saw indespensible changes which have persisted throughout time. Prior to the age of revolution, novels were written and centered upon themes pertaining to, imagination, philosophy, realism which coincided with what peoples interest were. Throughout the 18th century with the works of Rousseau’s, Laclos, Goethe and Shelley, novels began to adopt a epistolary structure, which garnered wide spread popularity. Previously, chapters of stories were written in newspapers and letters and produced daily. With the emergence of the epistolary form, a greater realism and depth was added towards stories through the differing points of view that would be explored through first person character perspective. Thus, chapters that used to be produced daily were then transformed into books. Moreover the novels pertained interest in middle class values, shared a distinct correlation with the growth of the middle class during the 18th century. Within the industrial revolution of the eighteenth century, the invention of the printing press further diminished the status quo of the medieval age. With the ascension of the enlightment ideals, the greater public were exposed to a greater range of accessible information, relative to the medieval period where, people were required to contact copyist, so the individual could have access to the book. This era hindered the promulgation of enlightenment ideals, such that the hoi polloi (masses) were denied proper access to sources of knowledge and wisdom. This can be seen through the burgeoning of printed items produced from, 1740 to 1800 with 2000 increasing to 6500 printed items. Additonally from the 1700 to 1750, there was a 60% literacy increase for men, and a corresponding 40% for women. The French revolution, which involved social and political revolutionary characteristics, influenced the development of the novel as a genre by providing a means from which the status quo could be replaced and new ideals, cultural values, habits and customs could be permeated throughout the masses. French authors were subtle and played no part in the French public domain prior to the revolution. However authors such as, Stà ©phanie-Fà ©licità © Ducrest de Genlis used the novel genre to dispel ideas for the public benefit and to create the foundation from which the people would re shape the institutional and societal barriers of France. Through the novel genre, the discontent that authors and literalists had with politics and engrained traditions and their opposition to social rules and conventions was expressed. The writers of the revolution predicated their compositions on the necessity of liberation. This was propagated throughout the third estate, consisting of peasants and low wage workers, with most of their money being paid to the king and the first estate and the control of the church, engendering the rejection of the monarch and the prohibition of the church. By the end of the decade, approximately thirty thousand priests had been forced to leave France, and others who did not leave were executed. The formation of the middle class was precipitated by individuals, understanding and valueing the men and women that worked for them, as well as the importance of raising living standards, so that employees could generate consumption towards household items as well as books. Such visionaries as, Rockefeller, Carnegie and Ford laid the foundation upon which the middle class was expanded. Providing, heightened wages and employment benefits, the middle class were able to experience a newly found leisure time from which they could participate in recreational activities. In conjunction with the social change that was triggered, the middle class argued for better treatment, and the economy prices fell, inducing more household income. The dissemination of a new mantra and class, augmented the social importance of having an education, which involved reading and understanding books. Taking into account these various factors, the novel as a genre, simultaneously grew and developed in what has become the primary genre of contemporary books. These social, economic and political changes, treated separately were not enough to induce, the development of the novel. Rather it was the presence of circumstances and factors together that inundated the transition of the novel, illuminating its purpose as a social tool as well as a recreational utility.

Chlorhexidine-Alcohol versus Povidone-Iodine

Chlorhexidine-Alcohol versus Povidone-Iodine Although it is intentioned that surgical procedures remain sterile around 5% result in infection; infected surgical sites are the leading cause of iatrogenic infection among surgical patients (Kalb, Lefevre, Dididze, Levi, 2013). Current practice aiming to reduce infection is comprised of cleansing the skin with a prepping agent and covering the patient with sterilized drapes and towels. Surgical site infection results in harm to the patient, delay in patients returning to previous function, strain on staff, and negatively affects a hospitals ability to be financially compensated. As infections can be caused by microbiota on the skin, cleansing the site prior to incision is an imperative step in infection prevention. There are various cleansing agents used in existing practice; however, many hospitals, including the authors, do not have a standard practice in choosing a prepping agent. The myriad of sterile preparation solutions at this institution are betadine (10% povidone iodine) , hibiclens (chlorhexidine gluconate), and chlorhexidine alcohol. Current pre-operative skin preparation with one of these solutions is largely dictated by what is available, in close proximity, or surgeon preference. The 1999 Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations for surgical site infection prevention contains the use of antiseptic solution (Jarral, McCormack, Ibrahim, Shipolini, 2011); moreover, no solution has been identified as preferred. Despite the hospitals compliance with the CDC, standardizing practice may result in better patient outcomes and reduced cost. Review of literature suggests some solutions may have benefits over others regarding infection prevention. Bazzi et al. (2016) found patients that receive alcohol based chlorhexidine solution were 30% less likely to suffer from a surgical site infection (SSI) when compared to povidone iodine. Post application chlorhexidine has also been shown to have a sustained release action in its antiseptic properties, and, in 2002, the CDC urged hospitals to consider it first line. It is worth noting that solutions should not be used in conjunction as chlorhexidine can be inactivated by iodine and that iodine does not have the sustained antiseptic properties and is harmful to open wounds. Solutions may be contraindicated in the event of an allergy or high risk of harm such as burning, neuro-, or ototoxicity; neonates are at high risk of adverse event when using chlorhexidine. The AORN (2016) suggests all female surgical candidates provide a urine hgc pregnancy test to mitigate possibilities of h arm to a fetus. Hospitals that utilize solutions that come in a multiple use option are often at higher risk for error; this risk for error can be attributed to the human component as there may be a lack of training and differences in technique. This risk is further complicated by solutions often needing to be mixed, mixing a solution under poor or varied technique can lead to improper concentration and, thus, more infection. This risk associated with human error can be mitigated by implementing the use of one time use measured applicators. The single use system has an additional benefit of delivering solution deeper in the epidermis with application and removes direct patient touch reducing possible cross contamination. The multi-use option does provide an economic incentive on the front end; however, a possible increase in preventable SSIs would end up costing more money. As such, transitioning to a single-use applicator system both decreases risk of infection by removing potential human error and is a financially savvy option. STAKEHOLDER When undergoing a potential practice change involving both policy and product change a team of stakeholders need be gathered to address effectiveness, patient outcomes, and financial burden. Stakeholders will work as a team to acquire necessary information, pilot, and implement change. The stakeholder task force for the proposed change will include representation from the surgery teams, hospital board, and infection control. Infection control and surgery teams will work together to pilot a practice change regarding single use chlorhexidine; infection control is necessary because they are responsible for helping reduce risk of infection including SSIs, the surgery team (nurses, surgeons, techs, etc.) are needed as they implement and practice change. This pilot phase will aim to reduce SSIs and homogenize application technique. After the pilot phase is completed, and if it has shown to decrease SSI in piloted areas findings will be presented to hospital administration to analyze and ma ke a final decision on practice and product change and possibly implementing system wide. EVIDENCE BASED SUMMARY This topic was chosen as standardized practice often leads to better patient outcomes. The author works on an inpatient transplant surgical unit. Transplant recipients are pharmacologically immunosuppressed placing them at higher risk for infection. Having a great practice model and ideal equipment is paramount in reduction of this risk. Title #1: Chlorhexidine-Alcohol versus Povidone-Iodine for Surgical Site Antisepsis. This article provided by the New England Journal of Medicine gave a study of surgeries and related surgical site complications with Chlorhexidine-Alcohol versus Povidone-Iodine. The article provided both pros and cons to each used and the findings consistent with using the chlorhexidine-alcohol prep for surgical cases. Title #2: Comments on review of preoperative skin prep study. This article is from the AORN and is information from surgeons and surgical nurses opinions and finding or results on preferred surgical site prep solutions. Title #3: Pre-Application Evaporation of Surgical Preparation Solutions: Does It Matter?This study was to confirm that surgical prep solutions that contain alcohol were better at eliminating microorganisms. The CDC does not have any antisepsis guidelines regarding how long surgical prep solutions can be left out in open air prior to surgery. Samples in the study were ta ken at an initial set up time, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, and 120 minutes of the time the solution was set out in open air. The Alcohol Iodine solution showed a large decrease in the amount of alcohol content of the solution in only 30 minutes. The Alcohol Chlorhexidine solution had only a marginal drop over the 120 minute interval. The end conclusion of this study was that it had a recommendation for surgical prep solution to be used immediately after pouring and that alcohol chlorhexidine did not have a significant loss of alcohol concentration if it was set out prior to the surgical case. Title #4 Should Surgeons Scrub with Chlorhexidine or Iodine Prior to Surgery?This study is a meta-analysis study that questioned whether chlorhexidine was equal to or a better surgical hand scrub than povidone iodine. The study researched 593 papers. The study was found to reveal that even though both solutions reduce that bacterial count post scrubbing, the chlorhexidine was in fact better to use and longer lasting. In order to determine this, the studies determined how many colonies of bacteria were reduced after the use of each different hand scrub. The studies also measured bacterial colony counts for a number of days post-surgery. The clinical bottom line was that chlorhexidine and povidone iodine both had a reduction in bacterial counts immediately after scrubbing but the chlorhexidine had a greater reduction. Povidone iodine showed a lack of residual activity when compared to the chlorhexidine. Title #5: The use of Anti-Septic Solutions in the Prevention of Neurosurgical Site Infections. This is a cohort study that sampled recent meta-analysis to evaluate the different methods of surgical pre solutions used at different institutions across the US. The solutions being evaluated were betadine, Dura prep, chloraprep, and the possible combination of the three. The study used 128 surgical departments and the departments were to provide surgical site infection percentages. I t was the conclusion of this study that even though research literature supported the use of chloraprep over betadine and Dura prep, the majority of the surgical institutions continued to use the betadine solution. RECOMMENDATION The goal for any type of surgical cleanse solution will be to reduce any instance of surgical infections in a safe, cost effective, and complete manner. The hospital will choose the right product that is cutting costs, being most effective, saving surgical time, and has the safest results for the patient. The cost by the initial purchase of the prefilled solution applicators might be slightly more than multi use bottles, but the money will be saved by providing a prep that is less messy, applied quicker, more efficient, and improves drape adhesion. These are all benefits that will prevent the sterility of the patients surface from being compromised (Parson, 2003). As the hospital develops a standardized protocol for a surgical cleanse solution, the cost saving measures can be visualized through buying the one cleanse in bulk and the patient safety numbers for a reduction in infection rate. Based on the reviewed literature, it is recommended that the hospital change to a standardized chlorhexidine solution and use a povidone iodine solution in those cases where a patient could be allergic to chlorhexidine or if chlorhexidine is contraindicated in a particular surgery. The surgery department will also set new standards on preparation of the chlorhexidine and iodine solutions based on the research completed. Both of the prep solutions will not be prepared by the OR tech until the patient is on the operating table. The solution used will be used from unopened containers and any excess in the bottles will be discarded as waste to ensure adequate alcohol concentrations of the solution. PRACTICE CHANGE MODEL The facility with use the Eight Step change model proposed by Kotter; the desired outcome is successful implementation of the practice change with few delays. The initial step creates urgency and necessity for change; infection control and surgical departments will collect data on current infection rates. Subsequently, stakeholders will find staff that agrees with the change and has a desire to carry the change forward. Unit councils and word of mouth from employees to their peers will show change is need and there is general support for the practice change. During the third step a formalized vision and strategy for change will begin to circulate. The strategy will involve emails, flyers in staff viewing areas, and discussion at every staff meeting. The vision will circulate on all surgical units simultaneously to encourage organic support. After the vision is clearly established then communication from management, administration, and perceived staff leaders will relay the importance of the practice change. Kotters fifth step will include destruction of potential kickback and barriers to change. Kickback can include resistance to change, old materials still available, and old policies still accessible. These barriers can be undermined by updating policy and removing any supply that is out of compliance with the practice change. Conversely, the next step includes positive reinforcement and reward for short term achievable goals. This includes a stepped approach at compliance and acknowledging staff for their work and desire to do what is best for the patient. Step seven builds on step six, but cautions too much reward to early; rewards should not be used as motivation or signal completeness. Rewards a necessary; however, they are to be used as progress markers. Anchoring the practice change as the stauts quo is the final step in implementation. The change must have support of staff and administration and become the only standard of care. (Schmidt Brown, 2012).F 1 and F2All operating rooms must be meticulously sterile and safely maintained; this attention to detail is essential for hospitals wishing to provide quality care and prevent possible infection. Infections at the surgical sire are dangerous for patients and damaging to hospitals. The dangers to patients include delayed healing and readmission; hospitals suffer a financial loss. In addition to financial loss, the institutions reputation cn be affected potentially leading to fewer people seeking out care at the facility resulting in increased strain on other hospitals and delay of patient care. Education leaders at the facility till set up in-service opportunities to provide staff with appropriate knowledge and procedures for implementing change. The hospital will set new SSI goal rate, information about the new solution, and stressing the importance of wasting opened unused solution and materials. Elsewaisy, Ameen, Sydenham, (2012) suggests using professional resources from the man ufacture to provide proper education. During the first week of the implementation of the new solution, there will be extra staff in the operating rooms in assisting with proper application for prepping the surgical patients. Data will be collected at intervals of change week, at two weeks post change, one month post change, three months post changes, and six months post change. This data will be measured to determine if the goal of decreasing surgical site infection rate was achieved. BARRIERS Research, evidence-based practice, and practice change invariably meet resistance when challenging the status quo. As the proposed project change will rely heavily on staff nurses, it is necessary to both involve staff in the development stage and provide succinct easily digested rationale to encourage ownership of the practice change. Various reasons can prevent bedside nurses from becoming vested in a practice change from lack of knowledge or training in interpreting and applying research to being focused on their respective daily tasks and care of the patient. The administration and stakeholders must make the practice changes goals attainable and show the end-user (nurses) the benefits both to their workflow and the safety of the patient. To combat potential resistance administration should support and encourage the nursing staff to ask questions and provide insight into how practice change will flow smoothly; presenting the practice change as an opportunity to grow and provide be tter care with encourage many staff nurses to get on board with the change. The hospital discussed provides several resources for nurses and other staff to perform their own research. As the change is relatively simple and straightforward after initial resistance is discussed many barriers dissipate; making the practice change the new normal makes training easier as new staff will only be trained in one method contributing to a paradigm shift in groupthink. Remaining barriers include cost and vendor problems. As previously discussed the upfront cost is greater than current practice; however, successful implementation will decrease SSIs, thus decreasing costs and justifying upfront expenses. Vendor problems and supply chain interruption could hinder implementation in the future; moreover, these are problems outside of the organizations control. Before change a starting point to be used as a frame of reference is imperative to determine the gap from current to desired practice. This reference point can be used to identify any other barriers that could arise, and will signal stakeholders the appropriate amount of education and time to prepare for full practice change. This can be done with focus groups, online questionnaires, and staff observation. Assessing and listening to the concerns and needs of the staff will mitigate any barriers the organization will face in its practice change. ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS The range of possible ethical implications in this proposed practice change is veritably limited. One could stretch a line of thinking proposing that key drivers in the practice change also have financial ties to companies that could possibly receive contracts due to these practice changes; however, such speculation is fanciful and out of line. Utilizing a cost benefit analysis, one could argue that it might be unethical to not move forward with a practice change, as the practice change suggests lower rates of SSI and therefore potentially decreases overall cost. As the practice change involves a trial period, all patients will be informed and asked to give consent before partaking in the trial phase. Because the proposed change does not single-out any specific group of patients complies with HIPAA regulations minimally ethical considerations will surround patient privacy. It appears the only concern for unethical outcomes related to this practice change would be gross negligence or intentional violation of the law. References Bazzi, A., Harris, J., Morgan, D., Pearlman, M., Reynolds, R., Campbell, D., Uppal, S. (2016). 15: Chlorhexidine-alcohol compared with povidone-iodine for surgical-site antisepsis after abdominal hysterectomy. American Journal Of Obstetrics Gynecology, 214S463. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2016.01.024 Elsewaisy, O., Ameen, Y., Sydenham, D. (2012, March 2, 2012). Pre-Application Evaporation of Surgical Preparation Solutions: Does It Matter? Surgical Science. http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/ss.2012.34035 Jarral, O. A., McCormack, D. J., Ibrahim, S., Shipolini, A. R. (2011, February 14, 2011). Should Surgeons Scrub with Chlorhexidine or Iodine Prior to Surgery. Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, 12, 1017-1021. http://dx.doi.org/10.1510/icvts.2010.259796 Kalb, S., Lefevre, R. D., Dididze, M., Levi, A. D. (2013, August 4, 2013). The Use of Anti-Septic Solutions in the Prevention of Neurosurgical Site Infections. Clinical Microbiology. http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2327-5073.1000124Schmidt, N. A., Brown, J. M. (2012). Evidence-based practice for nurses: Appraisal and application of research. Sudbury, MN: Jones and Bartlett Learning. The Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses. (2016). Recommended practices for skin preparation of patients. AORN Journal.

A milimeter too far Essay -- Medical Research

A millimetre too far: Discuss metastatic melanoma (skin cancer) with particular reference to the genes involve. Introduction In 2008 11,767 new cases of malignant melanoma was reported in the UK (UK, 2011) . Melanoma involves melanocytes of the skin which have a role in protecting the deeper layers of the skin from UV light emitted from the sun. Metastatic melanoma occurs when a primary tumour travels into the bloodstream and spreads to other body parts i.e. liver or lymph nodes. The survival rate for people with metastatic melanoma decreases the later the diagnosis and the bigger the spread (metastasis) of the cancer. Scientists have therefore investigated ways in which treatment for melanoma can be improved by diagnostic markers and by targeting the genes involved in the development of melanocytes; also the genes involved in uncontrolled proliferation as seen in metastatic melanoma. BRAFV600E Mutation of BRAF gene (a member of the RAF family of serine-theronine kinase (Gorden et al., 2003) has led to countless research on therapeutic treatments that target BRAF gene and inhibit its expression. Before melanoma gets to the metastatic stages there are a series of somatic mutations in melanocyte genes that leads to the transition from radial growth phase to vertical growth phase (Tan, 2012). Over activation of BRAF gene (somatic mutation) in melanoma leads to the uncontrolled proliferation and survival of melanoma cells via activation of the RAS/RAF/MAPK pathway (Gorden et al., 2003); the attachment of BRAF to RAS proteins activates the MAPK pathway involved in melanoma proliferation and the regulation of genes involved in the metastatic cascade. Recent studies showed that 92% of melanoma samples had a substitution (l... ...M., Elder, D. E., Hsu, M. Y., & Herlyn, M. (1994). Regulation of Mel-CAM/MUC18 expression on melanocytes of different stages of tumor progression by normal keratinocytes. [Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.]. Am J Pathol, 145(4), 837-845. Tan, W. W. H., J.E.;Schulman, P. (2012, 29 Feb 2012). Malignant Melanoma Retrieved 15 March, 2012, from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/280245-overview Toh, B., Wang, X. J., Keeble, J., Sim, W. J., Khoo, K., Wong, W. C., . . . Abastado, J. P. (2011). Mesenchymal Transition and Dissemination of Cancer Cells Is Driven by Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Infiltrating the Primary Tumor. Plos Biology, 9(9). doi: ARTN e1001162 DOI 10.1371/journal.pbio.1001162 UK, C. r. (Producer). (2011, April 5). Skin cancer - UK incidence statistics. Retrieved from http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/cancerstats/types/skin/incidence/#Trends

Essay --

With reference to no more than four art works, discuss the state of public art in Singapore or any one in SE Asian country. Does it integrate into its physical environment or otherwise? What function does it perform? Introduction on Public Art According to Wikipedia, public art refers to works of art in any media with the specific intention of being situated or staged in the physical public domain. In other words, they are known as artworks that are displayed anywhere in public; in an indoor or outdoor setting. These artworks are carefully planned and executed so that they compliment and integrate with its physical environment. According to Henry Moore (XXXX), displaying sculptures outdoors is best because the artwork is able to relate to the sky, rather than trees, buildings, and people because these elements may cause conflict in the artwork’s interest which will definitely lose its true meaning. In relation to the sky, only then will the public be able to contrast infinity with reality so that they are able to discover the artist’s true intention behind the artwork without making a comparison. Public art may come across to the general public as a form of physical engagement. The notion of â€Å"can see, can touch† of accessible artworks as compared to the artworks displayed in museums which is usually, in a rather controlled setting. Public art breaks that rigidity and restricted boundaries. These artworks are usually aesthetically pleasing as they humanize and provide a touch of decor to the physical environment, thereby invigorating public spaces. It provides an engaging intersection between the past, present and future across various ideas and disciplines. Public art also reflects the country’s public history and evolving cult... ...t. It activates the public’s imagination and it encourages them to pay close attention to the artwork in the physical environment. It transforms a city or country through public spaces, into something more vibrant and interesting with the expression of the artists’ imagination. Carefully conceived public art installations are able to capture the eye and mind of public walking through the public spaces. It allows the public to experience and celebrate the essence of rich connections to the history yet at the same time, it helps to define & reach out to the community within the community itself through the conceptual idea behind the artwork. Such example will be, Goh Yixiu’s site-specific installation with raffia string entitled â€Å"Paranoia†. Vito Acconci quoted, â€Å"If you want change, you must be prepared to think differently. The function of public art is to de-design†.

The Nature of Death in Emily Dickinsons Poems Essay -- Poetry Analysi

Emily Dickinson once said, â€Å"Dying is a wild night and a new road.† Some people welcome death with open arms while others cower in fear when confronted in the arms of death. Through the use of ambiguity, metaphors, personification and paradoxes Emily Dickinson still gives readers a sense of vagueness on how she feels about dying. Emily Dickinson inventively expresses the nature of death in the poems, â€Å"I felt a Funeral, in my Brain (280)†, â€Å"I Heard a fly Buzz—When I Died—(465)â€Å" and â€Å"Because I could not stop for Death—(712)†. Emily Dickinson, who achieved more fame after her death, is said to be one of the greatest American poets of all time. Dickinson communicated through letters and notes and according to Amy Paulson Herstek, author of â€Å"Emily Dickinson: Solitary and Celebrated Poet,† â€Å"Writing was the way she kept in touch with the world† (15). Dickinson’s style is unique and although unconventional, it led to extraordinary works of literature. Dickinson lived her life in solitude, but in her solitude she was free to read, write and think which led to her nonconformity and strong sense of individualism. Suzanne Juhasz, a biographer of Dickinson, sums up most critics’ idea of Dickinson ideally: â€Å"Emily Dickinson is at once the most intimate of poets, and the most guarded. The most self-sufficient, and the neediest. The proudest, and the most vulnerable. These contradictions, which we as her readers encounter repeatedly in her poems, are understandable, not parado xical, for they result from the tension between the life to which she was born and the one to which she aspired† (1). Dickinson poured her heart and soul into over 1,700 poems, 600 of which relate to death. Paul J. Ferlazzo, a contributing author of â€Å"Emily Dickinson† write... ...d A. Walton Litz. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1991. Literature Resources from Gale. Web. 10 Apr. 2011. Hochman, Jhan. â€Å"Critical Essay on ‘I Heard a Fly Buzz—When I Died—‘.† Poetry for Students. Mary K. Ruby. Vol. 5. Detroit: Gale Group, 1999. Literature Resources from Gale. Web. 10 Apr. 2011. Morningstar, Carolyn. â€Å"’Uncertain stumbling buzz’: Carolyn Morningstar explores creative uncertainty in Emily Dickinson’s poetry.† The English Review Feb. 2007: 21+. Literature Resources from Gale. Web. 16 Apr. 2011. Semansky, Chris. â€Å"An overview of Because I Could Not Stop for Death†.† Poetry for Students. Detroit: Gale. Literature Resources from Gale. Web. 9 Apr. 2011. Zarlengo, Kristina. â€Å"Critical Essay on ‘I Heard a Fly Buzz—When I Died—‘.† Poetry for Students. Mary K. Ruby. Vol. 5. Detroit: Gale Group, 1999. Literature Resources from Gale. Web. 10 Apr. 2011.

Media Violence Essay

With each final draft submitted, a Student/Teacher Memo must be included. This memo will take the place of a cover page. This memo asks you to answer the following questions: 1. What was your purpose? What effect were you trying to achieve? There are a total of three minor purposes in this paper: first, to define media violence; second, to write why media violence should be extinguished from the society; third and final, to write how media violence could be extinguished from the society. The overall purpose, on the other hand, is to encourage the extinguishing of media violence by laying out its negative effects, particularly to the youth society. 2. What was interesting about the process you went through in writing this paper, and what did you learn from it? The interesting thing about the process when I wrote the paper was the portion when I was asking myself why, indeed, has youth violence continued to prevail, even if there had been laws and regulations in relation to controlling this event. I realized that the law had not really sunk into the lives of the citizens. 3. What was the most difficult about this paper, and what did you learn from the attempt? The most difficult portion was trying to explain, in detail, how media violence affects the behavior of a child or a youth. From that attempt, I learned that, in an argumentative paper, there is nothing better than having many references around. 4. What do you see as the strengths of the paper, and what would you try to do if you were to revise it some more? I think that the strengths of the paper have something to do with the exhaustive description of each stage†¦ each picture that can be brought to light. If I would revise it some more, though, I would add extra pages on more exact proposals, and more on the negative consequences of the proposals. 5. What’s not a part of your paper that you think might help a reader understand or appreciate it more? What didn’t you put in? Are there certain events or feelings or memories that led you to write on this topic or to take this approach? I think it would be better if there are portions on the laws and regulations that were approved or amended by the constitution in connection to media violence. It would also be good to insert a true-to-life case where media violence appeared to be the major cause of crime in a youth’s life episode. 6. What feedback or reactions did you get at various times in this paper, and how much did you make use of them, if at all? Any other kinds of help-from classmates? teachers? others? My recent feedbacks or reactions were fine. I used them to increase information that is more detailed and descriptive. Yes, there is always help from teachers and friends. 7. What kind of feedback or response would you like from your reader? I would definitely want a feedback that is positive and inspiring. Name Professor Course 6 June 2008 Proposal Argument: Media Violence Should Be Extinguished from the Youth Society David Buckingham wrote that â€Å"[R]epresentation begins at a very young age† (16). The television, for example, displays an array of shapes, colors, and sounds. For those who are below the age of two, the television may appear to be a ‘magic window’ where tiny creatures live and exist. By the time they reach two years old, they seem to understand that the television is a medium that displays things and events. Then by the time they reach kinder, they get to have the ability of perceiving the relationship between pictures in the media and those that are in real life. As they enter elementary, they get to see that there are different types of shows, such as cartoons or entertainment shows; they start to explore the relationship between reality and fiction. By middle childhood, they get to have the ability to get motivated or inspired by pictures represented in the media. By early adolescence, they begin to develop social understanding on what they perceive, relating it to real-life incidents, and creating a tendency to relate things in life with what they see or hear in the media. This paper talks of the negative effects of media violence to the youth society. In the end, it will be evident what media violence is, and how and why media violence should be extinguished from the youth society. In connection to media, intense guidance is greatly needed when and before a child reaches the adolescence period. Media has its greatest power over the youth during this vulnerable state of early adolescence, for it is the time when they perceive images according to their belief and understanding, labeling them as positive or negative, based on their perception of what it is†¦ then they act out what they see in it.

Creatinine Lab

Title Creatinine Assay experience To determine the creatinine clearance of a selected neat urine samples by graphical extrapolation from a creatinine curve. Materials and Apparatus University of the West Indies Department of quite a littleonical Medical Sciences Laboratory Manual BC35A, Creatinine Assay, pages 6-8, 2012 Changes to the order The experiment utilized one neat urine samples for concentration determination rather of five aliquots of twenty four instant urine samples.The urine sample and pattern creatinine solutions were analyzed spectrophotometrically approximately five proceedings after they were make up preferably of using the allotted time detachment (minutes) as suggested by the laboratory manual. Results enjoy see attachments. Discussion Creatinine is a chemical substance turn back molecule that is gene sum upd from pass metabolism. It is an anhydride of creatin, the prohibit product of phospho creatin metabolism measurements of its array of urinary excretion be use as diagnostic indicators of kidney function and ponderousness rush. The experiment utilized lineage serum creatinine.Creatinine is filtered prohibited of the short letter by the kidneys (glomerular filtration). There is brusk tubular reabsorption of creatinine. If the filtering of the kidney is deficient, creatinine inventory levels rise. Therefore, creatinine levels in blood and urine whitethorn be used to calculate the creatinine clearance which reflects the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The GFR is clinically important be example it is a measurement of nephritic function . A more(prenominal) complete estimation of renal function can be made when interpreting the blood (plasma) concentration of creatinine on with that of carbamide.BUN-to-creatinine ratio (the ratio of blood carbamide north to creatinine) can prove separate tasks besides those intrinsic to the kidney for example, a urea level raised out of harmonize to the creatinine may forecast a pre-renal problem such(prenominal) as meretriciousness depletion. The representative human reference ranges for serum creatinine ar 0. 5 to 1. 0 mg/dl (about 45-90 ? mol/l) for women and 0. 7 to 1. 2 mg/dl (60-110 ? mol/L) for men. While a baseline serum creatinine of 2. 0 mg/dl (150 ? mol/l) may intimate normal kidney function in a male body builder.The experimental creatinine levels obtained for the straight sample of creatinine is ____________, the determine obtained are sanctifyificantly amplyer than the normal creatinine values for a healthy male or female. Factors that may contribute to the elevated levels of serum creatinine may al get-go a disorder of the kidneys and stricken renal function. These disorders include glomerulonephritis characterized by light of the blood vessels in the kidneys, bacterial infection of the kidneys or pyelonephritis and acute tubular necrosis, or cell death in the kidneys minute tubes stupefyd by toxic substances.Obstruc tion of the urinary tract, such as with prostate disease or kidney stones, can also set about afflicted kidney function and lead to elevated creatinine levels. join on tendon mint candy indicates increase creatine phosphate, which translates to increased creatinine levels in the blood. Acromegaly and overgrowth are disorders caused by abnormality of the hypophysis gland and can be associated with increased muscle mass also the phthisis of steroidal substances that stimulates an increase in muscle mass.When medical conditions affect normal blood flow to the kidneys, renal function becomes impaired thus increasing creatinine levels in the blood. Shock, or a sudden critical ignore in blood flow to the body, compromises renal status because the kidneys are not cosmos nourished. Dehydration causes reduced renal blood flow, as well. In people with congestive heart failure, the heart is not adequately pumping blood towards the kidneys and new(prenominal) organs. Atherosclerosis, or dwindling of the arteries, and diabetic nephropathy are other conditions that reduce blood flow to the kidneys.Precautions/Sources of computer error 1. The experiment utilize spectrophotometric machines that are fictile to light interfence from the external environment and snag from glasswork that is not properly cleaned, this may cause inexact readings. 2. Contamination of serum standard solutions of creatinine may give inaccurate readings when using the spectrophotometric machines, hence contamination should be prevented by using clean glassware and wearing all the protected enclothe that is applicable. Questions a) Factors that may contribute to varying creatinine levels include (1)The most common abnormality in a creatinine blood level is a change in kidney function. The kidneys are sedate of around a million filters for severally kidney, called nephrons. Each of these nephrons contains tubular structures that accomplish the filtering of drive out materials and the re-absorption of necessary materials in the blood that passed done the nephrons. Most creatinine is normally filtered out along two structures called the glomerulus and proximal convoluted tubule, maintaining the low levels of creatinine in the blood.A rise in creatinine blood levels indicates that this filtration is not taking place, suggesting there is a problem with kidney function. (2) Creatinine levels can be bear upon by transient or non-disease factors that are not kidney malfunction. Bodybuilders, because of the excess of muscular create from raw material that creates creatinine, willing typically have high levels of creatinine. Severe dehydration will cause high than normal creatinine. Eating a great deal of meat full hours before blood is drawn can elevate creatinine levels.Some drugs will cause higher than normal creatinine blood levels. These causes are govern out before a find out up test to determine the cause of elevated creatinine. Low creatinine levels may in dicate muscular dystrophy or myasthenia gravis. (3) Preeclampsia is a condition during pregnancy, the cause of which is poorly understood. Elevated creatinine may indicate preeclampsia in pregnant women, in particular women on their first pregnancy. Untreated preeclampsia can lead to eclampsia, a good seizure disorder.Elevated creatinine in conjunction with lump of the hands and face is an early sign of preeclampsia. Later signs may include decided headache, pain in the upper-right quadrant of the abdomen, short urination, agitation and nausea. 2b) The join of creatinine the body produces individually day depends on the persons muscle mass a young, muscular man produces more creatinine than a average non athletic male. Because muscle mass normally changes very little, creatinine is ordinarily produced at about the same rate every day in individually person.However, if continuous exercise is performed as in the case of an athlete the muscle employs the creatine phosphate me tabolism more a great deal and hence more creatine and creatinine is metabolized which will eventually increase the muscle mass of the individual. Athletes may also ingest creatine which will stimulate the production of creatinine in the body and will contribute to an increase in muscle mass. 2c) The blood urea test is a measure of the amount of nitrogen in the blood in the form of urea, and a measurement of renal function.Urea is a by-product from metabolism of proteins by the liver and is removed from the blood by the kidneys. The liver produces urea in the urea cycle as a waste product of the digestion of protein. commonplace human great(p) blood should contain between 7 to 21 mg of urea nitrogen per 100 ml (721 mg/dL) of blood. BUN is an indication of renal health. Normal ranges 2. 5-6. 5mmol/L. If Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) and blood volume then BUN will increase. refinement The experimental results indicate that there was a elevated serum creatinine level that was t o a higher place the normal levels.Elevated serum concentration may indicate impaired liver function. The serum creatinine level was found to be ______________. References 1. Delanghe J De Slypere JP, De Buyzere M, Robbrecht J, Wieme R, Vermeulen A (Aug 1989). Normal reference values for creatine, creatinine, and carnitine are lower in vegetarians. Retreived October 3, 2012. 2. The creatine-creatinine equilibrium. The unornamented dissociation constants of creatine and creatinine. Retrieved October 3, 2012. 3. International indian lodge of Sports Nutrition position stand creatine supplementation and exercise. October 3, 2012.