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A review of “Dietary trehalose enhances virulence of epidemic Clostridium difficile.”

The article is a report on an experiment that describes how Dietary trehalose enhances the virulence of epidemic Clostridium difficile. To illustrate this, scientists analyze the whole-genome sequence of Clostridium difficile ribotype 027 (RT0270) strains show binary independent lineages arose in North America from the year 2000 to the year 2003. They also compared the historical, RT027 strains that revealed that both the epidemic lineages obtained a mutation in the gyrA gene, and this led to intensified resistance to antibiotics of fluoroquinolone. Conversely, the increased resistance to these antibiotics played a significant role in spreading of the stains of the RT027 and this resistance was observed in the nonepidemic Clostridium C ribotypes, and were able to identify the strains back in the mid-1980s. Therefore, other factors were responsible for the outbreak of the RT027 epidemic strains.

From the article, it is quite clear that dietary trehalose has played a role in spreading epidemic Clostridium difficile ribotypes. This is because both the strains; RT078 and RT027 were present before the outbreak of the epidemics. The strains were present even during the 1980s, but the outbreak was reported in the year 2003. From the experiments, the severity of disease by the RT027 strain metabolized the trehalose in the mouse model of the Clostridium difficile infection is entirely consistent with the intensified virulence in both the RT028 and the RT027 ribotypes as observed in various patients.

In conclusion, this study is essential since it details how dietary trehalose enhances virulence of epidemic Clostridium difficile. The ability to metabolize trehalose at relatively lower concentrations only shows the competitive advantage of growth in the existence of the intestinal community that is quite complex. The trehalose levels in the ileostomy fluid from patients that eat normal diets is quite high and is highly detected by the strains.

Lucky’s, a chain of gas stations

As far as B2b e-business, Lucky’s may have the capacity to secure products over the Internet, utilize a private mechanical system to arrange their store network with suppliers and oversee stock. Contingent upon the structure of the gas retail business, industry net commercial centers and trades may be useful. As far as B2c e-business, there are very few open doors, as it is wasteful to offer gas over the Internet. Lucky’s could verify that its stations are recorded in prevalent area based portable administrations that help drivers discover close-by corner stores.

Business – to – Business (B2b)

Site emulating B2b plan of action offers its item to a moderate purchaser who then offers the item to the last client. As a sample, a wholesaler submits a request from an organization’s site and in the wake of accepting the relegation, offers the deciding item to last client who comes to purchase the item at wholesaler’s retail outlet.

INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.tutorialspoint.com/e_commerce/images/b2b.jpg” * MERGEFORMATINET

Business – to – Consumer(B2C)

Website emulating B2c plan of action offers its item straightforwardly to a client. A client can see items indicated on the site of business association. The client can pick an item and request the same. Site will send a notice to the business association by means of email and association will dispatch the item/merchandise to the client.

INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.tutorialspoint.com/e_commerce/images/b2c.jpg” * MERGEFORMATINET

Consumer – to – Consumer (C2C)

Site emulating C2c plan of action helps shopper to offer their benefits like private property, autos, cruisers and so forth or rent a room by distributed their data on the site. Site could possibly charge the purchaser for its administrations. An alternate purchaser may select to purchase the result of the first client by review the post/commercial on the site.

INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.tutorialspoint.com/e_commerce/images/c2c.jpg” * MERGEFORMATINET

Consumer – to – Business (C2B)

In this model, a purchaser approaches site demonstrating various business associations for a specific administration. Buyer puts an appraisal of sum he/she needs to use for a specific administration. For instance, correlation of premium rates of individual advance/ auto credit gave by different banks by means of site. Business association who satisfies the purchaser’s prerequisite inside tagged plan approaches the client and gives its administrations (Laudon & Traver, 2007). INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.tutorialspoint.com/e_commerce/images/c2b.jpg” * MERGEFORMATINET

Advantages to Organizations

Utilizing E-Commerce, association can extend their business sector to national and global markets with least capital speculation. An association can undoubtedly place more clients, best suppliers and suitable business accomplices over the globe.

E-Commerce helps association to diminish the expense to make procedure, disseminate, recover and deal with the paper based data by digitizing the data.

E-business enhances the brand picture of the organization.

E-business helps association to give better client administrations.

E-Commerce serves to improve the business methodologies and make them speedier and productive.

E-Commerce lessens paper work a ton.

E-Commerce expanded the gainfulness of the association. It backings “draw” sort supply administration. In “draw” sort supply administration, a business procedure begins when a solicitation originates from a client and it utilizes without a moment to spare assembling way.

Advantages to Customers

24×7 backing. Client can do exchanges for the item or enquiry about any item/administrations gave by an organization whenever, anyplace from any area. Here 24×7 alludes to 24 hours of every seven days of a week.

E-Commerce application gives client more alternatives and speedier conveyance of items.

E-Commerce application gives client more alternatives to analyze and select the less expensive and better choice.

A client can put survey remarks around an item and can see what others are purchasing or see the audit remarks of different clients before making a last purchase.

E-Commerce gives alternative of virtual barters.

Quickly available information. A client can see the significant detailed data inside seconds instead of sitting tight for quite a long time or weeks.

E-Commerce expands rivalry among the associations and as result associations gives significant rebates to clients.

Advantages to Society

Clients require not to venture out to shop an item accordingly less activity on street and low air contamination.

E-Commerce helps lessening expense of items so less prosperous individuals can likewise bear the cost of the items.

E-Commerce has empowered access to administrations and items to provincial territories too which are overall not accessible to them.

References

Laudon, K. C., & Traver, C. G. (2007). E-commerce. Pearson/Addison Wesley.

Case Study Proposal: Maricopa Medical Center Case Management

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Table of Contents

TOC o “1-3” h z u Introduction PAGEREF _Toc316575640 h 2Background Information PAGEREF _Toc316575641 h 3Electronic Medical Record (EMR) PAGEREF _Toc316575642 h 4Benefits of EMR PAGEREF _Toc316575643 h 5Improved Quality of Health Care PAGEREF _Toc316575644 h 6Security Breaches PAGEREF _Toc316575645 h 6Privacy Concerns PAGEREF _Toc316575646 h 6Staff and Storage Expenses PAGEREF _Toc316575647 h 7Connectivity/Communication PAGEREF _Toc316575648 h 7Standardizing Workflow PAGEREF _Toc316575649 h 7Standardizing Data Representation PAGEREF _Toc316575650 h 8Health Care Setting Variations PAGEREF _Toc316575651 h 8Funding PAGEREF _Toc316575652 h 9Recommendations PAGEREF _Toc316575653 h 9References PAGEREF _Toc316575654 h 11

Case Study Proposal: Maricopa Medical Center Case Management

IntroductionThe healthcare system in the U.S. is in difficulty. In spite of investing approximately $1.7 trillion per annum in healthcare, the health care industry is plagued with poor quality and inefficiency. Superior information systems ought to provide the much needed help. Most health care providers lack the requisite information systems in order to coordinate the patient’s care with the pertinent providers. The essential information systems are require in order to ensure that the health care providers share required information, monitor conformity with guidelines for prevention and disease-management, as well as evaluate and improve on performance (Corrigan, 2011).

This paper posits to provide a case study proposal for the Maricopa medical center case management. The rationale for choosing Maricopa Medical Center (MMC) in this proposal was because they are at present in their third year of a five year plan in implementing an electronic medical record (EMR). The MMC presents a perfect example in investigating how organizations are dealing with the changes in the current ear of change. Besides, the case management department is an excellent example to monitor these changes since they are working in numerous areas of the hospital. This includes clinical, financial, social services, as well as customer service. MMC, is able to present a good case in point of multiple spotlights of the business. The focus of the proposal will entail applications, leadership, system integration, regulations, technology, and overcoming barriers. Hospitals employ information systems with the anticipation that the systems would reduce costs, boost the quality of care, and improve the competence of operations and personnel productivity. They also expect that information systems would enlarge service capacity, and enhance the accuracy and timeliness of management information (Kotter, 2006).

Background InformationMaricopa Medical Center is presently converting to some different information systems. MMC uses the Midas program, which is not an EMR. The MMC has been implementing EPIC and Cerner information systems into the hospital in phases. Cerner and Epic offer technology solutions in healthcare systems with the intention to create accountable health care organizations.However, the use of the two systems jointly has been difficult, since it seems that the builders for financial and clinical have not been working together. Consequently, it has been difficult to have the two systems work in collaboration. In order to provide a solution to this predicament, this proposal suggests an immediate shit to EMR.

The case management department at MMC is aware of the role played by the changes to funding in healthcare and reimbursement. The department is mandated to focus on issues that relate to balancing government mandates, managing the insured patients, and managing the self pay/no pay patient. This proposal will look into the various areas of interest, and subsequently provide the necessary recommendations.

Electronic Medical Record (EMR)In the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act signed by President Obama in 2009, approximately $1.2 billion included an electronic medical documentation stimulus that grants benefits for electronic medical documentation implementation. The government is working to ensure the shift to EMR integration, since it believes that this would restructure patient care and present the health sector with long-term savings. The electronic medical records stimulus provides incentives to facilitate physicians in converting to paperless medical documentation. However, several studies have proved that even in the absence of the incentives, the integration of EMR has tangible benefits (Dave & Mike, 2010).

The Electronic Medical Record (EMR) is an application setting that entails clinical data repository, controlled medical terminology, clinical assessment support, order entry, computerized provider order entry (CPOE), clinical and pharmacy documentation applications. This environment sustains the patient s electronic medical documentation across outpatient and inpatient environments. It is employed by healthcare practitioners to record, monitor, as well as manage the delivery of health care in a care delivery organization (CDO). The information in the EMR is a legal account of what transpired in regard to the patient in their visit at the CDO (Janz, 2010).

The EMR milieu is a sophisticated and complex environment. The foundation of the EMR is the clinical data repository (CDR). This is a synchronized transaction processing catalog of patient clinical data for practitioners. Controlled medical vocabulary (CMV) is vital since it guarantees that practitioners who utilize the EMR access precise and analogous information. The CMV standardizes information from a definitional and relational hierarchy that facilitates related EMR components to operate optimally. Devoid of a functional CMV, clinical decision support system (CDSS) as well as workflow components in the EMR would not perform as projected by the clinicians in the milieu. Applications of EMR setting are clinical documentation for every practitioner/clinician, computerized provider order entry (CPOE) for every clinician/practitioner, as well as pharmacy management (Janz, 2010).

There are several EMR applications foundation, necessary to develop patient safety and eliminate or reduce medical errors. These include, the CPOE, CDR, electronic medication administration record (eMAR), and pharmacy management system functionality. These applications are built and designed on similar architecture as EMR components. However, the EMR system has been implemented slowly due to lack of homogeny. Security concerns have also been a hindrance in several healthcare facilities (Dave & Mike, 2010).

Benefits of EMREMR systems are meant to monitor the patient’s entire health and medical account in an electronic and computerized format. This enormous quantity of data in this format enables healthcare professionals in retrieving and navigating crucial data. This makes the whole healthcare system increasingly efficient and secure for the patients. The principal advantages of EMR, according to several professionals in the medical field, are that the data cannot be damaged by natural disasters or fire. This has occurred on numerous occasions in the past (Corrigan, 2011).

Improved Quality of Health CareElectronic health documentation helps a doctor in instantly accessing the patients’ full medical history. This lessens diagnostic duration and reduces the probability of misdiagnosis as well as medical errors. The CPOE feature assists in increasing the safety of the patient. The system registers specific information for doctors, in prescribing medication. This greatly minimizes errors associated with medication. The CPOE approximates that there are 200,000 medication errors annually. This costs health care facilities approximately $1billion as a result of adverse affects as well as serious reactions (Janz, 2010).

Security BreachesElectronic medical documentation may be susceptible to security breaches, but in general the data is quite secure. Medical records transferred online are exchanged in the safest possible manner. When considering the enormous benefits of electronic medical records, it becomes apparent that the benefits far overshadow the security risks.

Privacy ConcernsAlthough many people are skeptical about having their private medical records over the internet, very few people have access to these records. With the expansion of the international medical environment, more persons travel to other nations for specialized surgeries or treatments. Surgeons and doctors from across the globe can instantly access a patient’s entire medical history. This radically reduces errors and saves time.

Staff and Storage ExpensesAnother benefit of EMR integration is that reduces costs for the physicians.  Avoidable staff expenses as well as, storage costs are eradicated by the EMR. This is because it consumes less space and is easily accessible than the paper versions. Furthermore, the costs of medical documentation chart materials are substituted by reasonably priced maintenance expenses, which assist in paying for investment in the long-run. Successful users of EMR decreased medical records, transcriptionist, billing, data entry, as well as receptionist costs (Dave & Mike, 2010).

Connectivity/CommunicationThree foremost areas of the implementation ought to be entirely understood so as to maximize the likelihood of its success. These three areas include variations in health care settings, standardization, and strategies for training. The implementation process of a health care automation and information system starts with modeling the health care facility in software. The level to of adaptation of the information and automation system to the health care facility if successful would designate an upper limit on the level to which the adoption would be successful. A well-designed and mature system would allow MMC to control how the software works instead of the software dictating its functions to MMC. The system would permit for a large variation in how diverse components of MMC operate. There are two types of standardization that merit consideration. These include data representation and workflow.

Standardizing WorkflowStandardization of workflow basically means, considering two or more comparable components of MMC and having them execute some work function correspondingly. Consequently, people in comparable roles in the dissimilar components parts of MMC execute similar tasks in identical sequence by means of identical tools as well as interact with the users in other comparable roles in a similar manner. Epic’s experience proposes that standardization of workflow ought to play a small role for the duration of the initial implementation. As a general rule, however, standardization, particularly in the perspective of best-practice, is best tackled in subsequent optimization initiatives rather than for the duration of the initial rollout (Janz, 2010).

Standardizing Data RepresentationEven though workflow standardization provides a small purpose for the duration of the initial implementation of successful automation system in health care, the standardization of data representation ought to occupy a great segment of the system modeling period. Data representation establishes how data that is compiled throughout patient care, registration, or related utilization of the system is accumulated and retrievable later. It also determines how it may be evaluated with related data, and the simplicity with which this can be done.

Standardized vocabulary is a prerequisite for complicated clinical studies, billing, population management and several other transformational actions that may be practiced after the initial implementation and launch (Gorman, 2009).

Health Care Setting VariationsDifferent health care settings apparently have dissimilar data collection and workflow requirements. A properly integrated system at MMC would account for the variation by employing similar pieces joined together in dissimilar manner rather than as dissimilar pieces altogether, as would be the case in an interfaced, non-integrated system solution.

Linearity of the workflows should also be considered. A properly integrated enterprise information and automation system would minimize training time. This would be through utilizing similar navigation as well as data compilation tools across the multiplicity of health care settings. It would also facilitate viewing as well as interaction with data, in spite of its source, in an analogous fashion, therefore, enhancing patient care as well as the user experience (Janz, 2010).

FundingThe present approach towards provider reimbursement is founded on a fee-for-service system. This system encourages patient over-treatment and has no incentive for health care providers in efficiently harmonizing a patient’s health care. Besides, it offers little to encourage quality care improvement. Devoid of reform, this structure would persist to perpetuate the increase of healthcare expenditure without essentially improving the health of the population. However, establishment of a system that would reward health care providers for delivering quality health care in an efficient way has the prospective to restrict the healthcare costs, at the same time as also generating improved health results (Fisher, 2009).

Numerous factors such as the expense of care, divergence in patient populations as well as,the seriousness of illness ought to be taken into consideration when developing a payment system. It is essential to consider the risk assumed by health care providers and patients dependent on system of reimbursement. The degree of risk that may be assumed by the health care provider may serve as the foundation for promoting more resourceful provision of health care (Wilensky, 2010).

RecommendationsThere are numerous functions related with patient health documentation. Not only is the documentation utilized to record patient care, but the documentation is also utilized for legal and financial information, research as well as quality improvement functions. Since all this information should be shared between numerous professionals who comprise the healthcare team, and there continues to be difficulties with the paper health documentation, it has become more obvious that developing automated health documentation is imperative.

At the MMC, connectivity and communication issues are evident. The case managers, have an obligation to pull every department involved in patient care together. They should also assist each person make the most appropriate decision on behalf of the patient. This means that, all departments ought to be connected and in constant communication. In order to provide a solution to this predicament, this proposal suggests a full and immediate implementation of EPIC in order to facilitate the technology front in regard to connectivity.

It is fundamental to consider that, the initial execution of health care automation and information systems creates part of the basis for the health care transformation. It should not be seen as transformation in itself. The appropriate emphasis of the initial implementation ought to be on the things that would facilitate the maximum benefits in the long-term. These should include realizing widespread utilization of the system in as many care environments, specialties, as well as departments as practicable. This should be done to standardize data representations and long-range interaction as well as communication plans with the pertinent user community. In the event that,a these three objectives are achieved, MMC would be well positioned to exploit the sophisticated techniques and tools that would change the manner in which health care is generally delivered.

Bearing the factors mentioned in this proposal, Medicopa Medical Center should consider developing a system that would:

Reward health care practitioners for health results and improvements in quality of health care.

Adequately compensate practitioners for care management and coordination services.

Is transparent to the facility as well as to the payers.

Is sustainable.

Regulate for risk on the basis of incidence of ill health in a specified population.

Builds on experiences of comparable restructuring at the local, state, as well as national level.

ReferencesCorrigan, J. (2011). Building a Safer Health System. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.

Dave, G. & Mike D. (2010). Electronic Patient Records: Healthcare Informatics. Chicago: McGraw-Hill.

Fisher, E. (2009). Paying for Performance: Risks & Recommendations. New England Journal of Medicine. 29 (1), 25-32.

Gorman, K. (2009). Information Needs of Physicians. Journal of the American Society for Information Science, 43(3), 729-736.

Janz, N. (2010). Health Belief Model: Health Education & Health Behavior. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Kotter, H. (2006). Performance & Corporate Culture. N.Y: Free Press.

Wilensky, M. (2010). Comprehensive Payment for Comprehensive Care. Journal of General Internal Medicine. 21 (3), 10 – 15.

Meditation and Its Benefits

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Introduction

Meditation has its roots in various religious practices; however, since its spread and popularity to different cultures worldwide, it is equally used in other aspects of life such as health and business. In recent years, the practice of meditation has become more popular due to its ability to promote mental clarity and promote overall calmness. Moreover, through its techniques, individuals learn to their awareness and attention, thus promoting a more positive and stable state of wellbeing. Though meditation has its roots in religion, its spread and popularity across different cultures worldwide has made this practice applicable to different non-religious practices. Overall, it is apparent that the techniques used in this practice are beneficial to one’s mental health, and they help promote physical health and emotional wellbeing. Meditation helps promote general wellness; hence, frequent practice promotes health and overall stability.

Mental Health

Meditation promotes mental health as it helps in relieving stress and anxiety. One of the techniques of meditation is mindful meditation. This form of meditation has been proven to reduce stress levels by lowering cortisol released in the body (Moral, 2017). By reducing stress levels in the body, one can feel more relaxed and thus improve the mental state of an individual. Moreover, mindful meditation involves repeating mantras and phrases, which has proven to calm the mind and reduce feelings and thoughts of distraction. Other than mindful meditation, transcendental meditation has also proven to have similar results; hence this form of meditation also increases a sense of stability in an individual. Other than reducing stress levels, individuals that frequently practice meditation experience reduced levels of burnout and depression, factors that further enhance the mental health of individuals.

In instances in which individuals already suffer from anxiety and depression, mindful meditation has helped manage the symptoms of these diseases. As meditation involves training minds to focus on the present, individuals who suffer from anxiety and depression can use this technique to ground themselves and avoid thinking about stressors that trigger anxiety and fuel depression (Payne, 2013). In addition to calming minds, this technique can also help people suffering from depression and anxiety improve their mood and sleep, further enhancing mental wellbeing and health. Therefore, the practice of meditation is not only useful to healthy individuals, but it can also complement existing mental health treatments to treat and alleviate the suffering of individuals battling various forms of mental health diseases.

Physical Health

Other than mental health, meditation is also helpful in promoting physical health. Meditation incorporates physical activity by promoting meditative exercises such as Yoga, Tai Chi, and Qigong (Strowger, 2018). These exercises involve the body’s movement, focusing on body positioning, breathing, and a clear state of mind. Therefore, unlike other exercises, meditative exercises promote mental clarity and encourage people to move their bodies, enhancing physical fitness. Moreover, these exercises promote a deep sense of relaxation, encouraging harmony between the body and mind.

Meditation also improves physical health by helping people fight addictions. Meditation has proven to alter brain receptors associated with addiction; hence frequent practice can help alcoholics and drug addicts fight off their addiction urges (Varma, 2018). Through techniques such as mindful meditation, individuals struggling with addiction also become more aware of their cravings hence are better able to control themselves and ride out their cravings. Besides controlling urges, studies have also shown that mindful meditation is a useful tool in preventing relapses. In addition, the calming effect meditation provides people can further help recovering addicts avoid substance use as their brain receptors are altered with time. This practice produces a healing effect that helps regulate how the body and brain experience pain and pleasure.

Emotional Wellbeing

Lastly, meditation also has a positive effect on the emotional wellbeing of an individual. Part of an individual’s emotional wellbeing is tied to their ability to associate with other people lovingly and harmoniously. Meditation helps people become more compassionate and understanding by reinforcing the brain circuits that focus on other people’s emotions. Therefore, an individual who practices meditation can achieve a state of calmness and become more aware of other people’s emotions, hence avoid causing harm to other individuals.

Another way that meditation improves emotional wellbeing is by promoting self-awareness and self-esteem. As meditation encourages people to reflect on themselves, individuals increase their self-awareness and can therefore focus on their positive attributes, a factor that helps boost self-esteem (Totzeck, 2020). Moreover, the mantras used in mediation are positive and encouraging; hence, one focuses more on becoming better, further boosting self-awareness.

Conclusion

As highlighted above, meditation helps promote general wellness positively affects one’s mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. The frequent practice of meditation should be encouraged to promote a state of calmness and overall stability and wellness.

References

Moral, A. (2017). Guided meditation: A regimen for mental health. Indian Journal of Health and Wellbeing, 8(2), 180.

Payne, P., & Crane-Godreau, M. A. (2013). Meditative movement for depression and anxiety. Frontiers in psychiatry, 4, 71.

Strowger, M., Kiken, L. G., & Ramcharran, K. (2018). Mindfulness meditation and physical activity: Evidence from 2012 National Health Interview Survey. Health Psychology, 37(10), 924.

Totzeck, C., Teismann, T., Hofmann, S. G., von Brachel, R., Pflug, V., Wannemüller, A., & Margraf, J. (2020). Loving-kindness meditation promotes mental health in university students. Mindfulness, 11(7), 1623-1631.

Varma, P. (2018). Mindful meditation for addiction disorders. Indian Journal of Positive Psychology, 9(1), 202-204.

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Lucy Grealy: Mirrors

Grealy’s essay is an actual account of a persons experience in this world. It explores the struggle as well as survival of the individual that was faced by disease and subsequent social alienation. She presents to the reader a detailed story of her painful life that was characterized by constant ridicule from the public. Notably, this is a reflection of the historical suffering of the Vietnam people during the time of the holocaust and the alienation of characters presented in Kafka’s literary works.

Grealy spent a considerable period of time worrying about her image and what the entire word thought about it. She defined her image in terms of the flaws that she thought characterized the same. These were often perpetuated by her frequent use of the mirror and creation of faulty images regarding her physical appearance. Generally, she was obsessed with her looks and considered herself disfigured and therefore unworthy of pubic admiration. As a result, she always hid behind a scarf or/and a mask in a bit to hole up from the entire public. It is indicated that being away from the mirror greatly relieved her and practically gave her a “moment of …freedom” (Nancy, David, Carl, Robert & Somers 7). In particular, this enabled her to face the world with an actual rather than perceived self image.

Generally, Grealy was not happy because of the inability to get normal reactions from the public. This according to her was contributed to by her disfigured face that could only be rectified through an operation. She contended that fixing her face through this procedure could give her a chance to attain a condition of normalcy and be like other people in the society. She refers to the normal people as being “whole, loved and contend” (Nancy et al 12).

In other words, she considers normal people to be those who are loved and appreciated by the society. This basically makes them experience an acceptable level of satisfaction in the society. In addition normal women according to her had a true identity of joy that was apparent in intimate relationships. Thus her non involvement in normal love affairs alienated her from the rest of the society. It is indicated that being able to fix her face would give her a feeling of fulfillment as a result of societal approval. She posits that her “life and soul” would also be fixed and ultimately, her entire life would greatly improve.

It is indicated that she derived a significant degree of comfort fro her imagination that once anything whatsoever was acquired, fixed or learnt, she would be in position to remember the relative lesson forever. Nevertheless, she discovers that fundamental and vital realities regarding the self are often leant through the hardest way. Specificity, she realizes that critical attributes such as struggle and courage greatly influence such lessons.

Nonetheless, Grealy appreciates the fact that suffering that people experience tends to stem from the perception of their images. This is further compounded by the images that the rest of the society accords them. Seemingly, the negative implications associated with this tend to affect their self worth and esteem. In some instances, some of them struggle to counter these challenges and face the same with great courage. However, this is often a lifetime struggle that deprives the affected individual of societal approval and subsequent personal satisfaction.

Platos “The Cave”

In most instances, humans have often failed dismally to understand and appreciate the basic factual components that characterize their wellbeing. In most cases, they are always deceived by their myopic perception of various experiences that they go through. In addition, they tend to distort the wellbeing of their senses that is charged with the responsibility of enabling them to capture the ideal and real forms of their experiences. Notably, this can only be effectively captured by the mind. However, the process is often clouded by human distortion regarding perception of experiences, events and their inherent reality.

Plato contends that this state of affairs is contributed to by the dazzling nature of visual perception. It is often so overwhelming that it makes an individual to overlook and ignore the hidden facets of reality that are presented by the experience or event. In particular, it makes the individual to lay undue emphasis on the aspects that are not real and therefore untrue to the event. The visual aspects hence tend to distort the reality of an event, experience or tool. A classic example in this regard would be the images seen on computers and televisions. According to Plato, the prisoners and other spectators only have a chance to see the reflections and shadows of things. In particular, they only tend to experience a “mediated vision of the events and personalities presented therein” (Nancy et al 29). In most cases, they are often unaware of the elaborate process that is employed in the creation and transmission of the visual images. This is only known to the technical personnel, who seemingly employ a great deal of human, technical and financial resources in creating the same.

Comparatively, the segment of the population that understands this process is smaller than the one that is unaware of it. Also, the percentage of the population that expresses concern with regard to understanding of the functioning of the technology is also very low. This is an indication that humans tend to be more interested in the face value of various objects than in the intrinsic value of the same. Of great concern is the fact that they transform this to their day to day lives and end up suffering from interpersonal disorders that compromise their physical as well as mental wellbeing. Indeed, Plato indicates that the experience in the cave can be misleading. This is due to the fact that the individuals in the same tend to have a superficial view of the environment outside it (Selby & Pamela 78). In particular, they rely on the sounds and other partial visuals for decision making.

From another perspective, it can be argued that the conditions in the caves are also deluding as they do not portray an actual picture of reality. Plato indicates that they are literary blinding and undermine the ability of humans to experience actual conditions that characterize the real environment. Although an extended stay in the same enables humans to live in a world of illusion, it can be posited that the harsh reality often awaits the same. In most cases, humans usually avoid real situations because of thee characteristic harsh realities. They consider illusions to be their temporary source of solace. However, in the long run, the usually face the realities of life that in such instances have more adverse implications on their holistic wellbeing

Fundamental Connections between the Two Essays

Both essays analyze the human nature and seek to underscore their disturbing characteristics that greatly undermine their psychological wellbeing and contribute to their suffering. In particular, the authors evaluate the images that humans accord themselves and contend that these impact negatively on their self esteem and worth. In the first essay, Grealy places great emphasis on her facial outlook and contends that it does not meet societal approval.

Lack of societal approval to her is like a death sentence because of the fact that it denies her the relative contentment and happiness. Seemingly, Grealy fails to acknowledge that her ‘real’ self is more important and should be accorded greater value than her facial looks. Likewise, Plato indicates that humans have increasingly relied on the external features of objects to judge their value. Sadly, these are often deceiving and deluding. In particular, they prevent them from understanding and appreciating the actual values of the objects.

In both essays, the society plays a critical role in shaping the perceptions that the objects are accorded. In other words, the values of the objects are entirely determined by the society rather than individuals. This is regardless of the fact that the individuals tend to understand the worth of the objects better than the society. In this respect, it can be posited that humans overly rely on the society for guidance. This has had negative impacts on their welfare as it had failed to acknowledge and appreciate their intrinsic value. Grealy in this regard lacks personal satisfaction that is important for self actualization. Plato on the other hand illustrates that humans prefer being associated with the external appearance of objects to their actual worth.

Works Cited

Nancy, Comley R., David Hamilton, Carl Klaus, Robert Scholes & Nancy Sommers. Fields of Reading: Motives for Writing. USA: Bedford, 2007.

Norwood, Selby & Pamela Bledsoe. Essential College English. USA: Longman, 2008.

Black Lives Matter and Institution of Body Cameras

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BIBLIOGRAPHY l 1033 Alese Wooditch, C. D. (2020). Perceptions of Body-Worn Cameras: Findings from a Panel Survey of Two LAPD Divisions. American Journal of Criminal Justice, 426-453.

Anthony Braga, P. J. (2017). The Benefits of Body-Worn Cameras: . National Criminal Justice journal, 45-50.

Carney, N. (2016). All lives Matter, but so does Race: Black Lives Matter and the Evolving Role Of Social Medis. Sage Journal, 44-49.

Dorothy Charlse, Kathryn Himmelstern, Walker Keenan Nicholas Baried. (2015). White Coats For Black Lives: Responding to Racism and Police Brutality. Journal of Urban Health, 88-102.

Jelani Ince, F. R. (2017). The Social Media Response to Black Lives Matter: How twitter Users Interact with Black Lives Matter through Hashtag Use. Ethnic and Racial Studies , 14-30.

Monica Anderson, S. T. (2018). An Analysis of Black Lives Matter and other Twitter Hashtags related to political or social issues. Pew Research Center, 50-62.

Nicole Pagowsky, N. W. (2015). Black Lives Matter: Race, Policing and Protest. Wellesley College, 34-40.

Pellow, D. N. (2016). Towards a Critial Environmental Justice studies: Black Lives Matter as An Eventful Justice Challenge. Corigendum. Du Bois Review, 1-16.

Vanessa Williamson, Kristella Trump and Katherine Levine Einsten. (2018). Black lives Matter: Evidence that Police caused Deaths Predict Protest Activity. Cambridge University Press, 400-415.

Zuckerman Ethan, Matias J, Bhargara R, Bermejo F, & KO , A. (2019). Whose Death Matters? A Quantitative Analysis of Media Attention to Deaths of Black Americans in Police Confrontations 2013-2016. international Journal of Communiation, 13-27.

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Date:A Review of “Lack of antibody affinity maturation due to poor Toll-like receptor stimulation leads to enhanced respiratory syncytial virus disease”

The article is a report on an experiment that describes the nonreplicating vaccines against the RSV, ERD prime. To clearly illustrate how the nonreplicating viruses, the scientists’ experiment on laboratory mice. They infect the mice with RSV infection. The scientists then use the uninfected mice as a control experiment. RSV benefits of lipocalin 2 in the body’s immunity and its response to pathogens. All the mice seemed challenged after the vaccination. However, those mice that had been immunized with PFP, UVRSV and FIRSV had increased levels of AHR while compared to the mice that were previously immunized with placebo and the ones that were had been protected by a previous WT RSV infection.

An understanding on how the nonreplicating vaccines against the RSV, ERD prime. The acetylcholine challenge to AHR can be defined by the rise caused by the pressure caused in the peak airway. The experiment also showed that peribronchiolar pneumonia, Congo Red and hematoxylin stains demonstrates pulmonary eosinophilia. Conversely, periodic acid- Schiff shows the enhanced production of bronchiolar mucus in PFP, FIRSV, UVRSV recipients. Lack of protection by the antibody stimulated by FIRSV against the RSV infection is caused by a mechanism that has remained unclear for many years and has hampered the development of other vaccines against infection causing the virus. The research shows that the response from the antibodies is greatly stimulated by the RSV immunogens that are inactivated and is associated with the ERD4 development, and this results from the absence of affinity due to TLR deficiency activation in B cells.

This study is essential since it details the significance of the activation of TLR in B cells for ERD prevention and protection against the RSV infection. It also details how membrane fusion is initiated, MyD88-independent and MyD88-dependent pathways lead to the activation of various transcription factors. Once the RSV starts replicating and transcribing its genome, the detection of TLR-mediated seems to rely on the associated mechanisms of autophagy that engage in both the TLR3 and TLR7 in endosomal sections. The findings of the study can greatly help in clarifying why none of kids who are seropositive for RSV infection before they are immunized with FIRSV develop ERD4 without the WT RSV infection and this confers only partial protection against exposures. The study also explains how no child can ever develop the ERD twice since the B cells stimulated by the infection during ERD outcompetes pathogenic B cells set by the FIRSV. In addition, the study also shows the importance of antibody avidity in responses that are protective against the RSV infection and the ERD pathogenesis. Poor stimulation of TLR by the RSV vaccines that are inactivated was linked to lack of maturation and lead to production of antibodies that are nonprotective.

The next experiment that the scientists could undertake should involve the effectiveness of RSV vaccines for children in neutralizing antibodies that have similar avidity for antigens that are protective so as to stimulate live virus inoculation. This is due to the fact that the RSV infection can continue to spread for a long period in individuals who are aged under six months and individuals who have immune systems that are weak.

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Black Lives Matter and Use of Body Camera

Introduction

Black Lives Matter Movement was founded in 2013 after the death of Trayvon Martin.

Talk of the killings and maiming of minority groups including statistical representation.

Police brutality is the use of excessive force by police officers on its citizens

With the recants movements on black lives matter there is need to look on the matter.

There are debates on all lives matter issue as well as black lives matter with all lives matter wanting to diminish all lives matter movement.

Thesis statement: This paper will generally examine Black B Lives, Movement and the use of body camera to help reduce police brutality

Body: Extent of police brutality.

Why are African Americans mostly targets of police brutality?

Police seem to target African Americans and most attacks seem to be racially motivated

There are laws in place that seem to contribute of police brutality such as Stop and Search laws

Recants protests on black lives matter

George Floyd’s murder led to a lot of protests all over United States most people stating the protests are no longer peaceful.

Colin Kaeprick did a protest where he knelt and got a lot of back lash including the fact that it was disrespectful but now people believe he was right

Incorporate ideas of Malcolm X and Martin Luther on peaceful protest when it comes to matters of racism.

Implementation of body cameras to help reduce police brutality

Most police brutality cases are usually the words of the officer against the police use of cameras would help

Use of body cameras will help show the side of the story if excessive force will be used.

Blue Code of silence is the leading reason as to why most police officers get away with brutality.

Conclusion

Although racism has greatly reduced the issue of systemic racism is now visible when it comes to police brutality

Achievements that have been achieved by the BLM including firing of police officers implicated in George Floyd murder.

There needs to eliminate laws that are targeting the minorities

Although all lives matter there is evidence that black lives do not matter is reason enough to protest.

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A Review of “Lipocalin 2 mediates an innate immune response to bacterial infection by sequestrating iron.”

The article is a report on an experiment that describes the benefits of lipocalin 2 in the body’s immunity and its response to pathogens. To illustrate how lipocalin 2 works in vivo in the mammalian immune system, the scientists experiment on laboratory mice. They infect mice that can auto-generate lipocalin 2 with a sub-lethal experimental species of Escherichia coli bacteria, H9049. The scientists then generate mice that are deficient in lipocalin and infect these mice with a similar dose of E. coli. The scientists use uninfected mice as the control group of the experiment. Ultimately, the lipocalin-2-deficient mice exhibit higher levels of bacterial levels in their livers and spleens than in those with lipocalin 2. However, the numbers of leukocytes, the iron distribution, and the infiltration levels in both sets of mice (infected mice) are similar. This study reveals another constituent of the mammalian immune system.

An understanding of the mechanism of action of lipocalin 2 is significant in the fight against disease-causing-pathogens since lipocalin 2 is seen to bind many siderophores. Siderophores are synthesized by bacteria in an iron-deficient environment to look for iron from iron-binding proteins and transport it back to the bacteria. Despite lipocalin 2 binding many catecholate-type siderophores, such as enterocheline, it does not bind poly-carboxylate-type siderophores or hydroxamate-type siderophores.

This study is essential since it details the benefits of lipocalin 2 in the inhibition of bacterial growth. Lipocalin 2 works by sequestering iron that is much needed for the growth of bacteremia in the first stages of infection. From the study, the mice that could not secrete lipocalin 2 died within the first forty-two hours of administering the E. coli. Before dying, the mice displayed physical signs of sepsis such as ruffled fur, hunched posture, and lethargy. This finding has a considerable impact on the clinical treatment of bacterial sepsis. The role of lipocalin 2 in the fight against pathogens by limiting their growth is crucial since bacteria such as E. coli can cause intestinal infection which is accompanied by symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Moreover, dangerous bacteria like salmonella that depend on catecholate siderophores can be eliminated using lipocalin 2.

The next experiment that the scientists could undertake should involve the role of lipocalin 2 in the apoptosis of cells. Just like the positive role of lipocalin 2 in fighting pathogens has been studied, so should its adverse effects. This experiment would be significant since many scientists debate the role of lipocalin 2, with some refuting the claim that lipocalin 2 induces apoptosis.



Lunch Discussions with the Experts on Urban Sustainability

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Institution

Lunch Discussions with the Experts on Urban Sustainability

Urbanization has been a primary concern of the social scientists and environmental researchers for years. Urban developments started with the early civilization, and social scientists found out that it was a major issue in our ecological interactions. Man’s activities affect the environment in varied ways, both positively and negatively. One of the major undertakings of man is the development of urban centers for human settlement and business operations. As humans settle in their modern cities, they engage in activities that involve land use, extraction of resources and production of wastes that affect the ecosystem in one way or another. There are numerous choices on what to manufacture and on what to use for human consumption. All these bring about ecological changes that are so evident in today’s modern world (Alberti, 2008). The planners of our modern cities take into consideration various issues. Major scholars have also aided in this work through their persistent research. This discussion will point out the various factors that these social scientists have studied. It will also highlight how our architects have responded to these or where they have failed entirely.As for the purpose of this paper, I chose LA’s grand Park as the location for the discussion. I have engaged Marina Alberti _author of ‘Ecological Resilience in Urban Ecosystem‘(Linking urban centers to human and ecological functions). The other author is Herbert Girardet_ the author of ‘The Metabolism of Cities for Creating Sustainable Cities’.Student: Thank you all for having agreed to respond positively to my invitation. I commend you for your scholarly contributions in ecological issues that affect our world today. Your work has been of great help me. I am looking forward to a very fruitful interactive session with you. To start us off, what is the magnitude of this topic ‘Urban Sustainability?’Alberti: This is a crucial topic of discussion since it raises a serious debate across the world. In fact, it encompasses life. Various world agencies that advocate a peaceful co-existence between man and its environment are numerous. The fact that these bodies are international shows the magnitude of this matter. So many scholars have also contributed to this by carrying out researches and designing models for studying urban sustainability.Herbert: It is arguable that this is a serious matter. It entails human lives as well as that of the animals in the ecosystem. Treating our urban centers as ecosystems helps us understand the whole issue, and this is what most scholars have done in their various studies to show the Importance of creating sustainable or ecological friendly cities.Student: Thank you; you have put forward a wonderful introduction to this discussion. What do you scholars mean when you talk about a self-sufficient city?Alberti: When we speak about a ‘self-sufficient city’, we are simply referring to a sustainable city. The design of such a city is in a way that meets all the environmental factors. Here, we look at factors that might have negative repercussions on the environment. As such, we have waste disposal, water pollution, air pollution and land use. When designers make decisions on urban planning, they must consider the well-being of every group, well-designed systems of energy flow, resource management, and economic advancement and support for each. These factors work towards achieving resilience that modern cities require (Alberti, 2008).Herbert: In addition, most of our urban cities need to undergo some changes to meet these standards. Therefore, a self-sufficient city is that in which designers have quantified the energy flow and other valuable resources within it (Girardet, 2014).Student: That is very interesting. So what are the distinctive characteristics of a sustainable city?Herbert: A self-sufficient or a sustainable city is one that can supply its energy needs from sources that are renewable for instance wind power and solar power. These sources of energy do not cause serious pollution to the environment as compared to other sources. Secondly, a sustainable city is one that has a well-defined system of waste disposal. Wastes can be recycled so to minimize land pollution. This is one area where city managers have failed miserably. Major cities in the world face this challenge, and it is a grave concern although some still lack solution to it. Another key trait is the use of environmental friendly fuels that are free from carbon. This has been and will be a major challenge for our cities. Public transport system should have these types of fuels, or if this can be unachievable, citizens can minimize the count of cars on roads by turning to cycling. Cities like Copenhagen have significantly embraced this move (Girardet, 2014).Student: Just from your comment Mr. Herbert, what are some of the most evident challenges that bar the progress of urban sustainability in most of our cities or the in the world at large?Herbert: Many cities face various challenges as far as city planning and architecture are concerned. These challenges include constant changing political regimes, economic constraint and lack of enough land for a strategic location of new cities.Student: This takes us to the conclusion that most of our major cities have not met all the requirements of urban sustainability. In fact, our cities face various challenges but most of them have the potential. As scholars who have deeply studied ‘Urban Sustainability’, what are some of the indicators of a possible sustainable city? Is our city, Los Angeles, showing any signs of a possible Self-sufficient city?Alberti: First, let me agree with you that most of our towns have potential, and many of them are considering a move to creating self-sufficiency. There are key indicators that researchers have studied based on their scientific models for the city metabolism. Cities should embrace modern agriculture. City agriculture is a critical aspect of self-sufficiency. Some countries in the world reclaim unused land surrounding cities into farms. In some cities in Freiburg, Germany, there is introduction of solar panels on roofs or purely solar roofs for harvesting solar energy (Girardet, 1999). Most of these factors are evident in Los Angeles. For example, the city has embraced improved waste disposal mechanism, there is urban gardening and markets for farmers and new energy consumption measures like tree planting and use of 78F thermostat in work areas.Herbert: Yes, it may be evident that most cities show potential but as I have indicated before, there are still challenges to these. One of the problems that our city developers face is coming from the political governments. If the government does not complete its new projects, these may stall in case a new government fails to approve of them. A new government may not see the need for a certain project or may just fail to support it based on their manifesto. Economic constraints may also arise with time since different countries face various challenges in their economies. Therefore, this can lead to diversion of funds for a project in city development to other more important uses, leading to postponement or cancelation of the latter.Student: I see you have contrasting opinions hereHerbert: It may not be purely contrasting. I call upon and urge you to consider the situation from both sides because you are a student. In as much as we would say that the city has potential for developing into a ‘sustainable city’, we should also look at some challenges it might face. To be specific, these developments are gradual in Los Angeles. Seventeen percent of its inhabitants live below the poverty line. The city lacks enough funds to run its projects, tax and fees increase is probable, and there is also a growing divide. These challenges may make it a probable sustainable town in the long term (Association of American Geographers, AAG).Student: You have elaborated to me so much about urban sustainability. As a conclusion remark from the knowledge you have shared, every government must ensure that it works towards designing or improving urban ecosystems that meet resilience required for their future well-being. Since if our ecosystems would lack this, then it means that they would be more susceptible to any future stochastic occurrence that may cause changes in their stability.

References

Alberti, M. (2008). Advances in urban ecology : integrating humans and ecological processes in urban ecosystems. New York: New York, Springer.

Girardet, H. (2014). Creating Regenerative Cities. Routledge.

Herbert, G. (1999). Creating sustainable cities. Totnes Green Books for the Schumacher Society.

Association of American Geographers (AAG) website