The Role of Alfred von Tirpitz in the Anglo- German Naval Race Essay Example for Free

The Role of Alfred von Tirpitz in the Anglo- German Naval Race Essay What role did Alfred von Tirpitz play in the Anglo-German naval race of World War I, 1890-1914? For almost a century historians have been arguing over the causes of the First World War. One of the factors regularly discussed is the Anglo-German naval race, which involved the competing construction of the British and German navies between 1897 and 1914. Much of the blame for the consequential building of navies has fallen on the shoulders of the German state secretary of the navy office, Alfred von Tirpitz. The purpose of this internal assessment is to find out what roll Tirpitz played in the Anglo-German naval race. I will research my investigation with some of the many books published about the origins of World War I, including some of Tirpitzs speeches, letters, and propaganda as well as other key figures of the naval race. The investigation will cover how Tirpitz financed the naval construction, his building strategy, and finally Tirpitzs naval laws. B Summary of evidence How Tirpitz financed the naval construction Tirpitzs entire building strategy relied heavily on his belief that he could build his great fleet without raising taxes or putting any burden on the budget.2 He planned to achieve this with an intensive propaganda campaign, supported by industry and many middle class people. Tirpitz, being an adroit politician and manipulator of men, successfully promoted the navy and created effective pressure groups, like the Flottenverein, whose views had to be taken seriously by the government.3 After a lengthy depression, German industry was looking for large investments that were continuous and predictable. To accomplish this, Tirpitz tried to establish constant yearly shipbuilding rates in order to keep factories operating at capacity. He could then argue in the Reichstag that German industry would suffer a crisis unless it got new ship orders.4 However, it was the Kaisers support that gave Tirpitz the freedom to spend a large portion of the budget on the navy.5 Tirpitzs naval building strategy Tirpitz insisted that he be able to implement a plan of steady expansion, where ships were to be built and maintained regardless of cost.6 His plan had three major components: risk theory, alliance value, and danger zone. Risk theory was the idea that the German navy would be strong enough that if Britain risked battle, Tirpitz believed, the defeat of a strong German fleet would so substantially weaken the enemy that, in spite of a victory he might have obtained, his own position in the world would no longer be secured by an adequate fleet.7 Thus, Britain would be willing to make diplomatic concessions rather than take the risk of a naval conflict. Therefore, Germany only had to build a navy in proportion to England, of about 2:3, or 5:8.8 Danger zone was the period of time when the German fleet was not yet strong enough to deter the British fleet, and might be destroyed in a preventative blow. This led Tirpitz to advise cautious diplomacy towards Britain until the fleet was ready.9 Finally, Alliance value was the notion that a strong fleet would make Germany an attractive ally for other rivals of Britain, and maybe even for the British themselves.10 Therefore, Tirpitz believed that the constant building of the navy was an important asset if Germany wanted to become a threat to Britain, and consequentially gain allies. Tirpitzs naval laws Tirpitz believed that only by building the navy by law would ensure continuous and consistent fleet building.11 In 1898 the first naval law was created, calling for the construction of nineteen battleships, eight armored cruisers, and twelve large and 30 small cruisers, all to be built within six years. Tirpitz took advantage of international situations, such as the impact of the Spanish-American War, sentiment against Britain for an incident during the Boer War, and the Boxer Rebellion in China, and introduced the second naval law in 1900. The law doubled the size of the projected navy to a total of, 38 battleships, 20 armored cruisers, and 38 light cruisers, all to be built within 20 years. This was a direct challenge to the British home fleet that had approximately 32 battleships.12 It also threatened Britain because since 1889 the British navy had been governed by a two-power standard, by which their navy had to be stronger than the combined fleets of the next two naval powers.13 The second naval law also threatened Britain because it did not set a cost limit, therefore Germany needed no new legislation to build dreadnoughts.14 Tirpitz again used international crises, like the Moroccan crisis and Britains stern response to Germany at Agadir, to pass supplementary German naval laws in 1906, 1908, and 1912.15 C Evaluation of sources Two of the sources used were: Ferguson, Niall. The Pity of War. New York: Basic Books, 1999. The English historian, Niall Ferguson, wrote this book in 1999, acquiring most of his knowledge from primary sources and other historians books. The purpose of the book is to inform readers of Fergusons argument, that the Great War was solely Englands fault, but at the same time, the book is meant to be controversial, and to sell copies. This is one of the main limitations of the book, that the author may have misconstrued some of the details in order to make England look guiltier, and thus sell more copies. In general the book is valuable because it is a secondary source written long after the actual events, so he was able to form an opinion after looking at all different types of information and viewpoints. On the other hand, it is limiting because it is not a primary source; he did not write the book during the event, therefore some of the information could be misconstrued. Terraine, John, ed. The Great War, 1914-1918. New York: The Macmillan Company, 1965. This book, written by John Terraine in 1965, gives an overview of the events leading up to and during World War One. The author argues, in the introduction, that it was the German militarism that made the war inevitable. The book is very valuable because instead of the author writing his opinion on the events, he informs readers using primary sources throughout the entire book to tell the story. This is valuable because it displays the events when they happened. On the other hand it is limited because it does not have the benefit of using historiography, and the documents could be misrepresentative. There are many photographs used that are also valuable because they capture moments in history in vivid detail, simulating a first-hand experience. However, they could be limiting because certain details could be excluded, which would affect the view of the event. D Analysis Importance of investigation in its historical context The Anglo-German naval race was a significant event that ruined any possible relationship between the two nations before the start of World War I. Although many historians, for instance Ferguson or Fay, do not attribute the naval race to causing the Great War, it is a consensus among historians that by Germany building up their navy and destroying any relationship with Britain, they were simply pushing England into an alliance with France.16 The Entente Cordial simply meant that if Germany was trying to start a war in order to gain more colonies, they had dragged another enemy into the war to fight with. The naval race also caused extreme financial difficulties for both nations, but more specifically, if Germany had given most of its naval funds to its army, it would have had a much greater chance of achieving a land victory in France.17 Analysis of the Evidence Tirpitzs acquired his fleet by using intense propaganda, and played off of international crises to acquire more money in order to implement naval laws. He had soon built a fleet that was in direct competition with Britain; however it was never clear what his objectives with the fleet were. Different historians have interpreted the intention of this fleet differently. Ferguson and Fay both argue that the fleet was intended to compete with the British navy in order to have the power over Britain to demand colonies.18 However, Scheck more so argues that the fleet was being built in order to attract any of Britains enemies as allies or even Britain as an ally. 19 It is obvious that with both opinions the navy was directed at Britain. This proves that Tirpitz was the aggressor in the Anglo-German naval race, and that he was building the navy to discourage Britain from any direct conflict, and thus would have a stronger voice that could make demands. In addition, the naval construction would attract allies, and be able to support Germany in the coming war. However, Tirpitzs plan may have contributed to various British proposals for limiting the navy, it did not intimidate them or cause them no make concessions. On the contrary, it created the atmosphere of suspicion and antagonism that would lead to a naval race.20 It is obvious that Germany was the aggressor in the naval race; however, many historians have debated over what event it was that triggered the Anglo-German naval race. Herrmann argues that it was Germanys persistent defiance of Britain over a period of time that set-off the naval race, but it was not one particular event.21 However Tucker argues that it was specifically Tirpitzs second naval law that initiated the naval race.22 The latter is a very valid point, since it was this law that put Tirpitzs fleet in direct competition with Britain. Beforehand, the British new that the Germans were beginning to put a navy together, but it did not concern them. Immediately after the passage of the law, the British began to feel pressure from Tirpitz, and responded by building their navy as well. Without Tirpitzs second naval bill, Britain would not have felt threatened, and therefore would have had no reason to enter a naval race. Tirpitz undeniably was a key player in the naval race. He pushed the propaganda, founded the Navy League, designed the naval construction strategy, drafted the naval laws, and most important, would not slow down the building process. However, historians have disputed how large a role Tirpitz played. Scheck and Tucker have put complete blame on Tirpitz, saying that he was the man manipulating the Kaiser, Reichstag and the German people, in order to support and fund his naval plan. 23 Contrary to this, Kennedy and Fay believe that Tirpitz and the Kaiser are equally to blame for the naval race.24 They argue that Tirpitz and the Kaiser were the two men who most supported the navy, and that it was the Kaisers support of Tirpitz that allowed him to get the funding and support necessary to construct his fleet. The former is a more accurate opinion since it was Tirpitz, and Tirpitz alone who designed the building strategy, and manipulated the government in order to raise funds. It was his aggressive policy that built up the German navy to the point where it posed a threat to Britain, giving them no choice but to retaliate through their own naval construction. E Conclusion Tirpitz is solely to blame for the Anglo-German naval race. As Scheck and Tucker have agreed, he was the man manipulating the Kaiser, Reichstag and the German people by using international crises to push propaganda, and implement naval bills. Tirpitzs naval strategy was directed at defeating Britain with his risk navy, in order to make available the necessary colonial property for the central European states which needed to expand.25 It was precisely Tirpitzs Second Naval Bill that competed directly with Britain, thus threatening her imperial position, forcing Britain to increase the rate of her own naval construction. If it were not for Tirpitzs aggressive naval policy, Germany and Britain would not have been thrown into a costly and dangerous naval race. It was made obvious that Tirpitz was solely to blame, when British War Minister Haldene attempted to negotiate a naval agreement, but Tirpitz made it clear he was opposed to any reductions, and negotiations failed.26 1 Peter Quennell, History Today, November 1968, 53. 2 James Joll, The Origins of the First World War (New York: Longman Group, 1984), 62. 3 Joll, 112. 4 Rafael Scheck, Alfred von Tirpitz and German Right-Wing Politics, 1914-1918 (Boston: Humanities Press, 1998), 3. 5 David Herrmann, The Arming of Europe and the Making of The First World War (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1996), 162. 6 The European Powers in the First World War: An Encyclopedia, 1996 ed., s.v. Alfred von Tirpitz, by Spencer Tucker. 7 John Terraine, ed., The Great War, 1914-1918 (New York: The Macmillan Company, 1965), 226. 8 Sidney Fay, The Origins of the World War (New York: The Macmillan Company, 1930), 235. 9 Scheck, 6. 10 Scheck, 5. 11 Jonathan Steinberg, Yesterdays Deterrent (London: Macdonald and Co., 1965), 126. 12 Tucker, 688. 13 Joll, 63. 14 Scheck, 5. 15 Tucker, 688. 16 Niall Ferguson, The Pity of War (New York: Basic Books, 1999), 70; Fay, 39. 17 Tucker, 688. 18 Ferguson, 84; Fay, 235. 19 Scheck, 5. 20 Fay, 235. 21 Herrmann, 226. 22 Tucker, 688. 23 Scheck, 8; Tucker, 688. 24 Paul Kennedy, The Rise of the Anglo-German Antagonism: 1860-1914 (New Jersey: Unwin Ltd., 1980), 224; Fay, 243. 25 Fay, 235. 26 Joll, 65

Isolation And Identification Of Enterococcus Faecium Biology Essay

Isolation And Identification Of Enterococcus Faecium Biology Essay Enterococci are widely distributed in the environment; within the human body, they are normal commensals of the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract and vagina. Enterococcus faecium is a gram-positive bacterium group D, alpha hemolitic or nonhemolitic in the genus Enterococcus (Chingwaru W., 2003). It can be a commensal (non-harmful coexisting organism), in the human intestine, but it may also be a pathogen causing diseases like neonatal meningitis. Ordinary lactobacillus medium including: MRS medium, Luria-Bertani (LB) medium, high-sterilized stored at 4 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™ refrigerator spare. In the sterile console, the yogurt containing lactic acid bacteria was diluted with sterile saline to a serial dilution (10-3,10-4,10-5) of 50ÃŽÂ ¼l suspension and coated them on the plate containing MRS choice medium and marked. The plate was placed at 37à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™ warm box without oxygen for 36 ~ 48 hours. Single colony was picked and repeatedly crossed to obtain the pure strains. Bacterial identification methods include the common (tradition) classified identification, numerical value identification and automation identificationà £Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å¡The common (tradition) classified identification needed to detect many items. It is so tedious. But numerical value identification is according to the identification target. It uses the test card. The result is expressed by the way of figure and compared with the data of database to get an identification result. Automation identification can reach whole procedure automation in the step of inoculation, cultivation, reading and report. It can supply a powerful instrument in rapid clinical microorganism diagnosis. No matter what kind of identification methods, it all needs to identify bacteria according to the morphology, physiological characteristics and biochemical characteristics. Enterococcus faecium is a kind of oval cell. Its diameter is 0.5 ~ 1.0 ÃŽÂ ¼m. It can show a short-chain arrangement frequently in pairs or in liquid medium. It has slight movement. In the blood plate it can form a milky white plate or white, marginal integrity, central protuberance, large and smooth colony. Its diameter is 1-2mm, and has rare colors, mostly around the colonies without hemolysis. After the Gram stain, bacteria shows purple. It is Gram-positive coccobacteria. The chemistry character of Enterococcus faecium is contact-negative, and it can grow in 6.5% broth, bile Esculin agar plate and 0.1 ¼Ã¢â‚¬ ¦methylene bue. It also can grow in 10à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™ or 45à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™, pH 9.6 broth medium, and can tolerate 65à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™ 30min condition. It can ferment lactose, sorbitol and mannitol and can use arginine, but cant use ferment arabinose. 2.3.2 Biochemical identification Identification by lactic acid bacteria and biochemical identification tests, respectively taking the exercise-induced, contiguity enzyme, anaerobic growth, l0à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™ and 45à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™, 60à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™ 30 min, 6.5 ¼Ã¢â‚¬ ¦NaCl salt-tolerant growth, pH 9.6 alkaline environment growth, methyl red, benzopyrrole, sugar alcohol acid fermentation (glucose, galactose, maltose, lactose, raffinose, manicol and so on). Comparing the experiment result with Bergers Manual of Determinative Bacteriology (the ninth edition) to determine comprehensively. 2.3.3 The growth curve of Enterococcus faecium The growth of bacteria includes increasing volume, quantity and the improvement of metabolic function. Different bacteria have their own different growth pattern. Under the unchanged culture conditions, calculate the number of bacteria oriented to time, time as abscissa, the number of bacteria as vertical axis we can get a curveà £Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å¡The growth curve includes the stagnation period, logarithmic phase, stationary phase and decline phase. The length of each period is different according to the medium composition and culture conditions due to bacterias own characteristics. In a comparative study of different bacteria, growth curve can help to choose bacterium with the same growth stat and this can make a reliable experiment result. Detect the bacteria-growth curve mainly use two methods, such as turbidity method and viable organism dilution count. Turbidity method is to place the different stage and different concentration bacterial culture to the spectrophotometer, and count the bacteria by turbidity method. We can use the turbidity to represent the yield of bacterium and measure total dacterial count (including the dead bacterium). It is simple, facility comparing with the turbidity method. But it only can indicate the bacterial relative growth information. Viable organism dilution method of counting is to dilute the bacterial liquid to different dilution of 10-1à £Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ 10-2 and so on. Every dilution can be cultured in the plate and colony is counted with colony events-per-unit-time meter. The total quantity of viable organism by using this method can represent the true growth information of bacterium. 3 Application of Enterococcus faecium 3.1 Supplementation of dood with enterococcus faecium (SF68) stimulates immune functions The intestinal microflora play a crucial role in host defense as demonstrated by their ability to modulate both innate and acquired immunity at the local as well as systemic levels. Due to these immunological properties, specific strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB),3 defined as probiotics, have raised considerable interest in recent years. When ingested as a feed supplement in sufficient numbers, probiotics are live microorganisms that beneficially affect the gastrointestinal balance, going far beyond the conventional nutritional effect. The mechanisms underlying the immune modulating properties of probiotics are not fully understood. However, they may be due indirectly to the ability of probiotics to balance the intestinal microflora and/or be a consequence of a direct adjuvant effect on the production of immune factors, such as cytokines. In fact, several strains of LAB were shown to enhance nonspecific immunity in vitro as well as in vivo, including the release of tumor necrosis factor-ÃŽÂ ± and interleukin 6 (4), increased phagocytosis in mice and humans (Perdigon, G. et al, 1988) (Schiffrin, E. J. et al, 1995) and stimulated natural killer cell activity (Matsuzaki, T., 1998, aller, D. et al, 2000). Their ability to specifically modulate the hosts immune responses to pathogens was also demonstrated (Meydani, S. N. Ha, W. K. , 2000). An increase in rotavirus-specific antibodies was detected in children with acute rotavirus diarrhea who received Lactobacillus rhamnosus (Kaila, M. et al, 1992). Moreover, it was shown that administration of L. johnsonii to human volunteers boosted the specific immunoglobulin IgA response to the Salmonella typhi vaccine Ty21a (Link-Amster, H. et al, 1994). 3.2 Application in treatment Enterococcus fececium can ferment a variety of sugar, and product acid. It has high chemical patience, and is widely distributed in nature, but also human and animal gut microbial. It has highly detected in animal feces (Archimbaud, C. et al., 2003). Ultilizing non-toxic, facultative anaerobic Enterococcus, in conjunction with other animal probiotics (Animal Microecologicai Agent, AMEA) can prevent and treat many digestive tract diseases of animals by replaceing antibiotics. Intestinal flora can be regarded as a normal human body organs, these normal floras directly involved in the activities of the host metabolism is normal physiological activities of the host indispensable component (Baldassarri, L. et al., 2001). Endogenous Enterococcus as one of the normal floras of the human body, mainly the Ministry of colonization in the ileum and colon, and some strains may be directly involved in the metabolism of the host material. Enterococcus lactic acid feces as intestinal flora, with a bio-barrier function, from healthy people or animals that have separate physiological functions of bacteria to re-giving taking it right people are harmless and safe, but such micro-organisms in the body and settled and reproduction Ecology is a very complex issue. Made viable by the agent is likely to play a biological activity within a certain range, or part of participation in host metabolic activity, resulting in a certain physiological role and therefore have the disease , adjusting the significance of the ecological balance (Chow, J. W. et al., 1993). Intestinal flora can be regarded as normal human body organs. These normal floras directly involved in the activities of the host metabolism, and are normal physiological activities of the host indispensable component. Endogenous Enterococcus as one of the normal floras in human body, mainly permanent plant in the ileum and colon, and some strains may be directly involved in the metabolism of the host material. Enterococcus faecium as intestinal flora, has a bio-barrier function. Enterococcus faecium separated from healthy people or animals also have physiological functions Re-giving to people is harmless and safe, but plant and reproduction in the body is a very complex ecology issue. Viable organism praeparatum is likely to play a biological activity within a certain range, or part of participation in host metabolic activity. It products a certain physiological role and therefore can be used in the disease provention, treatment and the ecological balance adjustment. Currently, the application of enterococci is mainly in Enterococcus faecium. The earliest example of the use of Enterococcus faecium is out of Japan. It was first developed for the treatment of various intestinal diseases. Yogurt products on the market are containing Enterococcus faecium in Japan or pharmaceutical drugs, such as Lascpan, Lacton, Ruosu, Lebenin, Biosmin. Mummy Love that product in South Korea contains 108 / g feces enterococci and it can treat gastro-intestinal diseases in infants probiotic preparations (Coque, T. M. et al., 1995). 3.3 Safety of Enterococcus faecium Endogenous intestinal bacteria, especially the colonization of lactic acid bacteria in the gut healthy people, the people are safe, because a large number of endogenous enterococci colonization in the human intestinal tract under the bit, which may affect the host intestinal digestion and absorption, and other function. It has been reported (Dicuonzo, G. et al., 2001) that yogurt containing Enterococcus faecium can prevent diarrhea. By double-blind test, the incidence of antibiotic group was 27.2%, while taking the probiotic group was only 3.7%. So it is not only proved to be effective, but did not find any side effects. In 1989 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Association of Feed Public (AAFCO) has also introduced the safety 42 probiotic bacteria, including Enterococcus faecium. 3.4 Oral application of Enterococcus faecium strain EE3 Probiotic administration is being used increasingly in human and veterinary medicine. A variety of microorganisms, especially lactic acid bacteria (LAB), such as lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, and enterococci nonpathogenic LAB are associated with a wide variety of sources, such as plant material and various foods. Based on the definition of probiotics, adequate numbers of viable organisms must reach the intestinal tract to have a beneficial effect. For this to happen, probiotic organisms must be able to survive transit through the acidic environment of the stomach and persist in the presence of bile. They have to multiply at the site of destination in the intestine. In addition, they must be able to produce the antagonistic metabolites against dominating saprophytic microflora resulting in competitive growth. Antimicrobial activity of LAB is due to the production of organic acids (lactic and acetic acids in particular), carbon dioxide, ethanol, hydrogen peroxide, biacetyl and bacterio cins. These abilities are ofen found among lactobacilli and enterococci, which are most frequently used as animal feed supplements or directly as probiotic preparations. Among enterococci, only the species of Enterococcus faecium of hunman origin was used as a commercial probiotic. E.faecium used as probiotics efficiently protect animals from diseases caused by E.coli, salmonellae or clostridia; it is also reported (Eaton, T. J. Gasson, M. J., 2001) that the best preventive effectivity of E.faecim from commercial probiotic preparation Vitacanis against Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium in the gastrointestinal tract of gnotobiotic mice. E.faecium EE3 train was able to survive transit through the canine intestinal tract, leading to enrichment of the colonic microflora and local and systematic effects. This strain also persisted in the digestive tract for almost 3 months after cessation of its administration. The new canine probiotic strain of Lactobacillus fermentum AD1 persisted in the feces of dogs even for 5 months after cessation, however, it reached a lower final concentration (103~105 CFU/g) than the EE3 strain (105~108 CFU/g). On the other hand, the well-known probiotic strain Lactobacillus fermentum GG survived in the healthy dogs only 8d after cessation of its administration. From the clinical point of view, persistence during administration should be less important than colonization. However, the potential probiotic microorganism should be able to colonize the digestive tract at least temporarily. Decrease of total enterococci can be explained probably by competitive interactions of the EE3 strain with othe r enterococci. Although enterococci normally producted lactic acid, its higher amounts (as the other enterococci) could be achieved by the concentration of inoculated EE3 strain; in addition, differences in lactic acid production were found among enterococci isolated from different sources. Local effects of the EE3 strain application included an increase of LAB and a significant decrease of Pseudominas-like bacteria and staphylococci with prolonged effect up to the end of the experiment It is reported that a significant increase in fecal LAB during administration of food supplemented with probiotic strain L.acidophilus DSM 13241. However, the action of the probiotic, in terms of its effect towards the number of lactobacilli, was lost after cessation of food supplemented with the same probiotic strain (L.acidophilus DSM 13241.). E.faecium EE3 strain survived the transit through the digestive tract of dogs. Our results suggested that bacteria and staphylococci. Moreover, the levels of total lipids, proteins and cholesterol in blood of healthy dogs were also influenced to reach physiological limits. 3.5 Application of Enterococcus faecium strain M-74 The value of managing atherosclerosis risk factors has been confirmed in the past few decades. Hypercholesterolemia, hypertension and smoking are still considered to be the classical risk factors. Intervention trials have generally shown that lowering risk factors reduces the subsequent rate of cornonary heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. The Framingham Study was the major study, which verified that cholesterol increases the risk of developing heart disease. Data output was clear: the risk of clinically apparent coronary heart disease is a continuous nonlinear function of blood cholesterol levels. Each increase in the serum cholesterol concentration by 1% results in 2~3% increase in the risk of CHD. The discovery that hypercholesterolemia plays a major role in the formation and development of atherosclerosis has led to a number of pharmacological and non-pharmacological (including dietary) approaches resulted in its elimination. Fact that the serum cholesterol concentration is influenced by food has been known for a long time ago. Later, the first evidence of affecting cholesterol level by influencing intestinal microflora was found. One way to do this is by using probiotics. Up to now, the question of supposed hypocholesterolemic effect of probiotics has not been definitely established. While some studies documented it well, others bring contradictary findings or even doubt it. Another unresolved issue is an existing previously mentioned effect from the long term point of view. In available sources, we have not found any report where probiotics were administrated for one year. Some experimental and clinical studies have documented the hypocholesterolemic effect of rpobiotic cultures. Not all of the probiotics seem to have the same properties and same effect on serum cholesterol levels. The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of long-term orally administered probiotic strain Enterococcus faecium M-74 enriched with selenium on l ipid profile (total cholesterol, LDH, HDL and triglycerides) in humans. Originally, the term probiotics was used for a phenomenon, when each of both together cultivated organisms had produced substances stimulating the growth of the another one. The meaning of the term probiotic has been evolving since. Many definitions have been suggested. The most commonly used, scientifically valid and therefore acceptable one is that postulated by Fuller. According to him, probiotics are living microorganisms that favourably influence the heath of the host by improving composition of its intestinal microflora. The FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation for the United Nations) and WHO (World Health Organisation) refer to probiotics as living microorganisms which when ingested in sufficient amount, beneficially influence the health of the host. Before a certain bacterial strain can be classified probioticm it must meet some criteria. The most important one is its beneficial health effect. The knowledge of probiotic intervention in lipid metabolism is not new. In the 19 70s, researchers observed hypocholesterolemic effect of yoghurt eaten daily in large amount in humans. Similar observations have been seen in animal studies. Many trials aimed to proving the hypocholesterolemic effect of milk and fermented milk products come from early observation. It is found that a low incidence of clinical coronary heart disease in some African tribes with low cholesterol levels in spite of their diet rich in saturated fats, meat and cholesterol but abundant in milk and fermented milk products along. In some studies it is observed that a gradual decrease of serum cholesterol concentration in subjects receiving capsules with Enterococcus faecium M-74 from baseline up to week 23 when the decrease exceeded significant level (P

The Use Of Merit Pay And Incentives Essay -- essays research papers

The Use of Merit Pay and Incentives The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of Merit Pay and Incentives as motivators for increased productivity. The key focus is the system at Richmond Memorial Hospital. To do so, one must begin at the beginning†¦.. The use of financial incentives (financial rewards) paid to workers whose production exceeds some predetermined standard was popularized by Frederick Taylor in the late 1800s. As a supervisory employee of the Midvale Steel Company, he had become concerned with what he called "systematic soldiering". This was the tendency of employees to work at the slowest pace possible and the fact that some of these same workers still had the energy to run home and work on their cabins, even after a hard 12-hour day. Taylor knew that if he could find some way to harness this energy during the workday, huge productivity gains would be achieved (REFERENCE?). Thus was born the concept of motivational and incentive systems. What is "motivation?" The root word is "move" which would mean that anyone who is moved to do something is motivated. Therefore, sitting on a tack, or at least the pain associated with it is a motivator. For those of us in Graduate School, we are aware that without a "B" average we will be eliminated from the program. Maintaining that average is our motivator. Attaining the certificate of graduation is our incentive. In psychology, at its most basic, a motivator is that which impels or compels an individual to act toward meeting a need. On a physiological level, thirst, hunger and sex are motivators or drives. They are basic needs which must be met. Relating this to a hospital environment, it is not base compensation which drives the employee, but what the base compensation can satisfy in a higher level of needs. Money can't buy love, but it can buy some security such as insurance benefits. After basic and security needs are met, compensation is not the motivator, but what compensation represents is (REFERENCE?). One statement that must be made before continuing is that needs are varied and can occur concurrently or over a period of hours or days, etc. And, needs are mixed. Hunger is a drive: The satisfaction of hunger can take several forms and, usually, when one is hungry one also is a little thirsty. Then, if the book, Tom Jones (AUTHOR, YEAR), was any indica... ...endations based on sustained performance (REFERENCE?). Another type of pay system is Pro-Pay where employees can receive lump sum merit bonuses once they reach the top of their pay range and is only paid for above average performance (REFERENCE?). Star/Superstar programs are where employees who represent the top ten percent of performers receive lump sum bonuses. Along with a Pay for Performance system, there must also be in place a incentive system. (Grossman, YEAR?). Pay perform & prod (next lines) (INCOMPLETE SENTENCE) "Many US business owners are finding that turning to incentive programs is a good way to boost productivity and improve morale† (REFERENCE- NEED PAGE NUMBER FOR DIRECT QUOTE).. A properly structured incentive-driven system (IDS) provides several methods and levels of compensation. All IDS systems must be tailored to each organization. What works in a hospital may not work in academia (Dressler, YEAR?). It is usually a mistake to implement an incentive plan without input from employees. Management should use a program design team composed of employees and supervisors. They could work with Human Resources in the development of The Use Of Merit Pay And Incentives Essay -- essays research papers The Use of Merit Pay and Incentives The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of Merit Pay and Incentives as motivators for increased productivity. The key focus is the system at Richmond Memorial Hospital. To do so, one must begin at the beginning†¦.. The use of financial incentives (financial rewards) paid to workers whose production exceeds some predetermined standard was popularized by Frederick Taylor in the late 1800s. As a supervisory employee of the Midvale Steel Company, he had become concerned with what he called "systematic soldiering". This was the tendency of employees to work at the slowest pace possible and the fact that some of these same workers still had the energy to run home and work on their cabins, even after a hard 12-hour day. Taylor knew that if he could find some way to harness this energy during the workday, huge productivity gains would be achieved (REFERENCE?). Thus was born the concept of motivational and incentive systems. What is "motivation?" The root word is "move" which would mean that anyone who is moved to do something is motivated. Therefore, sitting on a tack, or at least the pain associated with it is a motivator. For those of us in Graduate School, we are aware that without a "B" average we will be eliminated from the program. Maintaining that average is our motivator. Attaining the certificate of graduation is our incentive. In psychology, at its most basic, a motivator is that which impels or compels an individual to act toward meeting a need. On a physiological level, thirst, hunger and sex are motivators or drives. They are basic needs which must be met. Relating this to a hospital environment, it is not base compensation which drives the employee, but what the base compensation can satisfy in a higher level of needs. Money can't buy love, but it can buy some security such as insurance benefits. After basic and security needs are met, compensation is not the motivator, but what compensation represents is (REFERENCE?). One statement that must be made before continuing is that needs are varied and can occur concurrently or over a period of hours or days, etc. And, needs are mixed. Hunger is a drive: The satisfaction of hunger can take several forms and, usually, when one is hungry one also is a little thirsty. Then, if the book, Tom Jones (AUTHOR, YEAR), was any indica... ...endations based on sustained performance (REFERENCE?). Another type of pay system is Pro-Pay where employees can receive lump sum merit bonuses once they reach the top of their pay range and is only paid for above average performance (REFERENCE?). Star/Superstar programs are where employees who represent the top ten percent of performers receive lump sum bonuses. Along with a Pay for Performance system, there must also be in place a incentive system. (Grossman, YEAR?). Pay perform & prod (next lines) (INCOMPLETE SENTENCE) "Many US business owners are finding that turning to incentive programs is a good way to boost productivity and improve morale† (REFERENCE- NEED PAGE NUMBER FOR DIRECT QUOTE).. A properly structured incentive-driven system (IDS) provides several methods and levels of compensation. All IDS systems must be tailored to each organization. What works in a hospital may not work in academia (Dressler, YEAR?). It is usually a mistake to implement an incentive plan without input from employees. Management should use a program design team composed of employees and supervisors. They could work with Human Resources in the development of

Essay --

In the late 1980s, the United States faced the first ever possible threat of creating invincible guns; an Austrian was intercepted in the airport carrying a fabricated Glock (type of handgun). The fabricated Glock is composed of strengthen plastic that was meant to defy airport metal detector. In result congress passed the undetectable gun ban. Although, the federal aviation administration concluded that the Glock wasn’t deemed such a threat at moment it was inevitable that we may face it again in the future. Today, on the twentieth century on May 10 2013 a student Cody Wilson was able to create an undetectable gun through the use of 3D printers, the Gun composed of variety of devices out of thousands of compressed plastics. It was reviewed and concluded operational; the firearm enthusiast student at age 25 was able to create a handgun model known as the Liberator that fires eight rounds. In a couple of months Cody Wilson was able to build not only handguns but as well as high powered rifles such as the semi-automatic AR-15 from a 3D printer as well and possessed the same qualities as the liberator. Ironically, the AR-15 was the same weapon used in the Sandy hook shooting in Connecticut. Although no source can be found in the internet that the weapon had a connection with the enthusiasts creation, it is inevitable that 3D printing was expected to come about. It was first introduce for entertainment purpose with the use of the television but it was not expected to be used to create weapons. Like any other innovation there will always be pros and cons, the positive and negative in Cody Wilsons case, he has brought in our nation an opportunity for evolution towards the way weapons are created. A technology that may strengthen our ar... ...eate an interruption to this policies, as of now a current bill is in process of banning magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds, a New York times journalist suggest with the progression of technology, in the next ten years the average household will no longer be for anything that can be manufactured through their 3D printer, which makes the possibilities limitless. In conclusion, the 3D printing can be compared to a double edge sword, depending on to whom the technology falls on, will determine the future. Though, it is convincing that such technology in the market will only take time before it falls to the wrong hands. Nonetheless, appropriate laws and guidelines are must in order to prevent such catastrophic event. As much as this technology may possess a threat to everyone, I am convinced that the 3D printing technology will lead humanity in a bright future.

Employee Organisations & Unions Essay -- Business and Management Studi

Employee Organisations & Unions If employers and employees have a history of good working relationship and mutual trust, reaching decisions, which are fair under the circumstances, would be achievable. For example, if the business is poor and redundancies are possible, it would be impossible to find a solution to suit everyone so the employer would have to make a difficult decision. Good relations between employers and employees are only possible if both feel that they can discuss major problems and anticipated changes, if there can be discussion and consultation about key issues and if they genuinely want to work together to find a solution. After employees have been involved in a consultative process they are usually more likely to accept a negotiated outcome. A trade union is a voluntary organisation which employees are free to join if they wish. There may be a subscription charge depending on size; it varies from a very large association to a small association. Trade unions offer a range benefits and advisory services to members, represent their members during disciplinary or grievance procedures and aim to protect and improve pay and conditions of employment. They approach the government about introducing laws, which will benefit employees. Staff associations do not automatically have the same legal rights as independent trade unions, although many do. They may just provide an informal meeting ground for employers and employees and often have ...

Women in Psychology Paper

Women have made many contributions to the advancement of psychology, many of which have gone without notice until recent times, and some of which still goes unidentified in the field of psychology. The mention of women in the early development of psychology usually refers to them as minor contributors to a field that at one time was predominantly dominated by men. â€Å"Women of the time were subject to gender and martial prejudice† (Stipkovich, 2011). One such women who thrived in the field of psychology despite of and greatly due to the discrimination women experienced in the 1900’s is Leta Hollingworth.According to â€Å"Stipkovich (2011)†, â€Å"The remarkable path Leta Hollingworth’s life took her was instrumental in becoming a significant figure in the history of psychology of woman† (Contributions to the field of Psychology). Background Born Leta Anna Stetter, in May of 1886 in Nebraska, she was the oldest of three children. Raised on her gra ndparent’s farm after her mother’s death and fathers abandonment following the birth of her youngest sibling. â€Å"Leta Stetter received her early formal education in a one-room log schoolhouse, an education she later described as â€Å"excellent in every respect† (Miller, R.1990, para. 4). Leta graduated high school in 1902, at the age of 15 she was one of eight students in the class. In high school Leta showed a talent for creative writing which she was encouraged to develop in college. Leta enrolled and attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, â€Å"where she quickly achieved a campus reputation in literature and creative writing and was designated Class Poet of the Class of 1906† (Miller, R. 1990, p. 145). While attending the university Leta met and became engaged to classmate Harry Levi Hollingworth.Harry graduated from the university before Leta and decided to do his graduate studies in New York at Columbia University, Leta stayed in Nebraska to finish her undergraduate work and graduated in 1906. Unable to start a career in writing as she originally intended due to financial problems, Leta took a teaching position in Nebraska and later joined Harry in New York the two were married on December 31, 1908. Leta attempted to get a job as a teacher in New York but was denied based solely on her marital status. â€Å"This was a very frustrating circumstance for the talented and educated graduate and led to the questioning of the role women play in  society† (Stipkovich, 2011).Over time Leta went on to complete her graduate studies at Columbia receiving an M. A. in 1913, Ph. D. 1916. While completing her studies in educational psychology at Columbia Leta had an opportunity to work directly with Edward Lee Thorndike. According to Stipkovich (2011), â€Å"With the environment finally allowing her to explore her academic interests, and questions about her own existence as a married woman, she pursued the study of womenâ €™s psychology and new interests in giftedness and intelligence† (A little Background). Theoretical perspectiveLeta became interested in psychology after questioning women’s inferiority to men. After researching the works of other psychologist she found only one assertion that could be tested scientifically. This assertion was commonly known as the â€Å"variability hypothesis,† (Benjamin, L. , 1990 p. 147). Held, L. (2010), states â€Å"The variability hypothesis posited that men exhibit greater variation than women on both physical and psychological traits, in essence suggesting that men occupied both the highest and lowest ends of the spectrum on any trait and women were doomed to mediocrity† (para.4).In order to disprove this hypothesis Leta did some research at the Clearinghouse for Mental Defectives â€Å"Hollingworth believed societal roles accounted for the differences, not innate differences† (Held, L. 2010 p. 3). She conducted an exper iment over a three month time period on both men and women from a behaviorist perspective which essential proved there was no decrease in women’s performance during the course of their cycle. While teaching at Columbia Leta started to express an interest in the study of exceptional children.While working with these children she discovered most of them were averagely intelligent but suffered from adjustment problems due to adolescents. In 1928 Leta published â€Å"The Psychology of the Adolescent† once again done from a behaviorist perspective further research should children with high intellect could be problem children, causing her to ask what special programs have been developed for them in public schools? (Benjamin, L. , 1990). â€Å"She worked on assessment tools for early identification of the intellectually gifted, and inevitably her work led her to the development of educational methods for these children† Benjamin, L., 1990).Contributions to the field of psychology Leta Hollingworth is a contributor to three specific fields of psychology. Leta’s recognition of the challenges faced by women set precedent to a new field of psychology: the psychology of women. Barbaro (2002), â€Å"Because of her work, future women would not have to deal with unchecked acquisitions of innate mediocrity or menstrual disability in their pursuit of scientific eminence† (Contributions to Psychology).In 1921 Leta Hollingworth was cited in â€Å"American Men of Science† for her research on the psychology of women (Held, L. 2010 p. 15). The other field of psychology Leta Hollingworth was a great contributor to the psychology of the exceptional child which led to her much known involvement and influence in school psychology. Due to her studies on the gifted children she was able to develop methods to recognize gifted children and aide in the development of a school curriculum better meeting their needs.Hollingworth’s writings on gi fted children, special education, adolescence, and mental retardation were inspirational for over twenty years (Miller, R. , 1990). In clinical psychology she disproved the â€Å"variability hypothesis† her examination on both male and female infant craniums proved that while the males were slightly larger if a difference in variability existed it favored females (Held, L. 2010 p. 4). After the disproving of the â€Å"variability hypothesis† Leta Hollingworth worked in the field of clinical psychology part-time for twenty years.Other contribution to psychology are noted publishing’s such as â€Å"Gifted Children: Their Nature and Nurture† (1926) this book was based on the results of her study on gifted children and â€Å"Children Above 180 IQ† (1942) this was Leta Hollingworth’s last publication and was completed after her death by her husband, Harry L. Hollingworth (Held, L. 2010 p. 7). Conclusion Leta Hollingworth was a women extraordinary for her time. She not let her troublesome childhood prevent her from gaining an education instead she used her less than perfect up bring to develop a talent in creative writing.When she found herself unable to work doing what at the time seemed like her natural calling she went on to teach, only to find her marital status would prevent her from doing so. This turning point in her life was discouraging but, with the support of her husband went on to gain an education, and dismantle one of the theories that prevent her and other women of her time from equal treatment. Leta went on from their developing not only one but three types of psychology that had not yet been explored in-depth, the psychology of women, educational psychology, and the psychology of the gifted child.Her work in the field of psychology not only furthered the field it changed the way women were looked upon, and the education of children both gifted and non-gifted. Instead of becoming a victim of her era she went on to become a pioneering female psychologist of her time â€Å"were she to observe contemporary society, she would be gravely disappointed that in the past 50 years there has been so little progress in changing societal attitudes toward the gifted, and that women, particularly gifted women, still face so many impediments to achievement and recognition† (Silverman, L. K. 1992 p. 11).

Dangers of Bottled Water Informative Speech

Dangers of Bottled Water General Purpose: To Inform Specific Purpose: At the end of my speech my audience will able to describe the dangers of Bottled water. Central idea: Bottled water is not as safe as people believe it to be. Organization Style: Cause and Effect I. Introduction Attention getter: â€Å"Every five minutes in the U. S over 2 million plastic bottles are used (Arrey). † Americans drink about 7 billion gallons of bottled water a year that’s about $8 billion dollars in sales per year (Arrey). We all drink bottled mineral water these days.We all like to think it's a far healthier option than tap water. It's extremely handy to be able to carry around your own water supply in in this hectic and fast paced world we live in. As you all know in am a chemistry major so I spend a lot of time in a lab. I have noticed that the that the purified water we use isn’t as pure as we would like it to be. This water is purified the same way that most bottled water is. So this made me wonder what is in the water causing it to react with thing that is shouldn’t be reacting with.So I stared doing research and found report after report that are reveal the facts that the industry dosen’t want you to know the true face of the bottled mineral water industry. Preview points: As I progressed through research and found that the easiest way to divide the startling facts into to three categories the first the ture Sources of the water, then move on to Quality and the nasty hidden secrets, and finally Bottled Water vs. tap. II Body. A. The Source 1.We are all too easily fooled by fancy pictures a fancy language we really need to stop and read more carefully the labels of the food products we are consuming because often first appearances are misleading. a. Example Alaska Premium Glacier Drinking water claims to be the pure glacier water from the last unpolluted frontier, the actual source comes from a municipal water supply in Greenville, Tennes see (Layton). 2. One brand that claims to come from a mountain range actual comes out of the back of a car park. 3. The truth is that 40 per cent of mineral water you buy ctual come from the tap and they label it as â€Å"pure Spring Water† of â€Å"Natures water†. 4. As a matter of fact, you and I could start our own bottled water company tomorrow and the FDA would have very little authority over us and the brand. 5. Even if a manufacture is caught selling unsafe water the most they can be fined for is that they are false adverting there are no fines for any of the health hazards that it may have presented to the local population. Now that I have discuss the hidden secrets of the sources lets move on to the quality of the water.II. Quality 1. When we all think mineral water these days we think of it as far safer option. Research has proven otherwise. a. The Environmental Working Group conducted a comprehensive test on 10 of the top U. S. brands of bottled water and fo und an alarming amount of containments. Out of these brands tested and contaminated a total of 38 chemical pollutants there was an average of 8 contaminants in each brand. b. The list of the 10 brands tested is anonymous as part of market based research, except for 2 brands: Wal-Mart and Giant bottled water brands.These 2 were actually named in this study because the first tests and numerous follow-up tests confirmed that these 2 brands contained contaminants at levels that exceeded state standards or voluntary industry guidelines. 1. The most alarming contaminants were cancer causing byproducts of population, fertilizer residue, industrial solvents, caffeine, pharmaceutical and heavy metal mineral including arsenic and radioactive isotopes(Evolving). B. 1. Another study showed that nearly one third of the brands on the market have an illegal level of bacterial growth.This study also found high levels as high as 13 parts per billion of arsenic tap water is only allowed to have 5 par ts per billion. 2. They also found Phthalates which is a chemical compound that mimic estrogen. 3. This test went on to test this impurities on lab rates and found that the damaged the genitals, kidneys, liver and lungs, and know they are starting to find these same symptoms in humans. 3 Bottled water vs. Tap A. FDA regulations for bottled water are more lax than the that of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency which regulations for municipal drinking water. 1.FDA regulations start with the most basic must have a sanitary container and sanitary environment. 2. According to â€Å"HowStuffWorks† The FDA states that it must come from approved sources. But the FDA but does not come out and make sure it is safe it just means it comes from either a protected natural source, such as a spring or artesian well in which measures have been taken to assure against contamination by surface water; or a municipal source of drinking water. 3. There are rules on what the bottle can say t hey do have to put if the water originally came from an untreated sources (Layton).B. In some areas FDA regulation on bottled whatever are stricter than the EPA rules C. Example- Tap water, which travels through lead pipes to get to your faucet, is allowed to have up to 15 parts per billion of lead by necessity, whereas bottled water can't have more than 5 parts per billion. D. This rules all sounds great in theory, but the harsh reality is that, about 70 percent of bottled water never crosses state lines for sale, making it exempt from FDA oversight(Baskin). E. However in most cases EPA rules are much stricter. 1.Tap water is not allowed to contain any Coli or fecal coliform bacteria at all (Coli can cause illness, and fecal coliform can indicate the presence of disease-causing agents), bottled water is allowed to have trace amounts of these contaminants. 2. Bottled water sources are typically tested for harmful contaminants once a week at most. They results are not disclosed to th e public or community whereas municipal water supplies are tested hundreds of times every month. As I conutiued to read on this subject I kept seing that bottled water had a 4,000 percent markup up value.Since I work at walmart that gives me the ability to scan the item and look up the mark up value so I did and I found this to be ture. III. Conclusion So to recap: – Bottled water has the main dangers 1-Source of the water in the bottle; with little regulation we could be drinking anything and we are not provided results or data for what the water contains 2- Quality. Even the bottled water from reliable sources is still not as purified sometimes as would a home water treatment do for probably at the same price, if not less. 3- Just because it is bottled ater dose not meant that it is any better than regular tap water. `Works Cited Arrey, Eliel. â€Å"3 Dangers YOU Ought To Know About Bottled Water. † EzineArticles. com. SparkNET, 5 Oct. 2010. Web. 6 Mar. 2013. Baskind , Chris. â€Å"MNN – Mother Nature Network. † MNN – Mother Nature Network. Http://www. glickinteractive. com/, 15 Mar. 2010. Web. 06 Mar. 2013. â€Å"Evolving Wellness. † Evolving Wellness RSS. Http://www. evitaochel. com, 18 Oct. 2008. Web. 06 Mar. 2013. Layton, Julia. â€Å"How Bottled Water Works† 29 August 2006. HowStuffWorks. com. 06 March 2013.