Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Lighting in the Office Enviroment

In the developed countries the number of people who do the office work is great nowadays and it’s rapidly increasing. The U.S is not an exception, thus millions of Americans spent one third of their lifetime in the office environment. They are usually the most active consumers of painkillers, and the favorite clients of the companies producing glasses and contact lenses. Numerous researches proved that office work is one of the most harmful for the workers health, as it doesn’t provide the needed amount of physical activity, in the same time making the employee spend great amounts of time in a place where some vital for health conditions, like airing, the level of noise or level of lighting are not appropriate. The doctors consider poor lighting one of the main reasons that leads to the excessive eyestrain, muscle fatigue, headaches and poor posture, the article about the lighting in the office from the Officinado Website says. Except for this it lowers the effectiveness of the employees’ labor due to the visual and muscle stain the office workers experience when the lighting conditions are poor. The researches found the roots of this problem. The thing is that the level of lighting is excessive in most of the offices due to the fact that the appropriate level was calculated proceeding from the assumption that paperwork would be the main activity of the workers. But time passed, and more and more offices began to refuse from the pen and paper methods. Instead the computers appeared which completed the needed tasks more quickly and effectively, and without the piles of paper lying everywhere. But the thing is that the level of lighting intended for paperwork is excessive for the PC users. Thus the employees have to work in the accommodations with the inappropriate lighting conditions, which causes discomfort to them, and, of course, makes their labor less effective than it could’ve been if the lighting was proper. To make their work more comfortable and effective the intensity of general lighting should be reduced, and the desk lights should be put for the pan and paper tasks. One of the visual effects that appear because of the excessive lighting and improper disposal of the lighting sources is glare. The article Ergonomics in the Office by Bryan Galloy defines glare as the â€Å"visual effect caused by large differences in brightness between an object and its surroundings†. He advises several methods for reducing it, which are: Positioning light sources outside the employee's visual working field; Covering light sources with glare shields; Using matte finishes to reduce the reflectance of surfaces; Installing glare screens on the VDT; Covering windows or skylights with blinds or films. The doctors say that in some extreme cases the glare can even impair vision temporarily, but in the office environment it’s usually not that intensive. Nevertheless, it can cause visual fatigue and eyestrain. One more factor that causes visual discomfort for the office workers is the light reflected from the shiny polished objects. The PC users suffer from it much more than other workers, as the monitors reflect the light from the sources that are located behind the user or above him. To reduce this effect the specialists advise to put the computer workstations between the rows of overhead lights instead of stationing them directly below them in order to reduce the intensity of light. The specialists also advise to put the computers in such a way for the person who operates the computer would not face the window or sit back to it, to make the light   fall at the right angle and to move the source of light from the line of sight of the person who operates the PC. Two primary types of lighting exist in the office, which are task lighting and ambient lighting. Ambient lighting is for satisfying the needs for general lighting and for low visual-demand tasks, while the task lighting is used for completing the tasks that demand certain preciseness. The specialists advise that the task lighting should be three times the intensity of ambient lighting. The authors of the Office Ergonomics say that the lighting for the offices that use the PC together with completing the paperwork should be about 300-400 lux (30-40 footcandles). For the offices where the paper documents are not used it shouldn’t be more than 200 lux (20 footcandles). It is also useful to minimize the outside lighting with the help of drapes, dark film, blinds or louvers, as it reduces the strain on the workers’ eyes. One more way to reduce the light reflections on the monitor screen exists which is the monitor filter. It is a good idea to replace the light office desktops with the reflective finishes with the darker ones whose finishes are matte. The specialists also advise the computer users to adjust the screen's brightness and contrast controls to reduce the strain on the eyes. As we see, proper lighting is very important for creating a comfortable and stimulating working environment for the employees. This goal can be reached by regulating the level of artificial lighting in the accommodation, reducing the outer light with the help of the drapes, dark film and blinds and proper disposition of the computer workstations. Works Cited n.d. Lighting Your Office. Officinado Website, 2004. < http://www.officinado.com/user-articles/Lighting-Your-Office.html > Galloy, B. Ergonomics in the Office.   Rice University Website. < http://www.rice.edu/projects/depts/ehs/ergo.htm > Kroemer, K. H. E. Kroemer,A.D. Kroemer Karl H. E. Office Ergonomics. CRC Press, 2001

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

BDNS utility Essay

Till now, to run BUSY Client-Server model on Internet, you need to obtain a static IP on the Server. But with the coming of the BDNS utility, there is no need to obtain a static IP. By running BDNS utility on both Server and Client machines, you can easily connect both the machines and can work as you work in Client Server model of BUSY on Internet. BDNS utility works as a mediator to connect the Server and Client machines. On the Server machine, you need to specify a name for your Server and name of Client machines that can connect to the Server with a password with each Client to validate the Client machines. Similarly on the Client machine, you need to specify name of the Client and name of Servers to which you want to connect and the password to connect to the Server. This password will be the same as specified with the Client name on Server machine. For example, on the Server machine, you have specified Server name as GRTraders@mail.com@bdns, Client name as GRTClient1 and password as abcd. In this case the Client machine can connect to the Server by specifying the Server name as GRTraders@mail.com@bdns, Client name as GRTClient1 and password as abcd. Working of BDNS Utility BDNS utility works in a peer to peer model. In this model, both the Server and Client machines are connected through a public Server which acts as a mediator. Both the Server and the Client machines send their request to the mediator by giving their own name and the Server and Clients they are searching for along with a valid password. When the mediator finds a similar combination of Server and Client machines along with password which are searching for each other, it then does handshake of both the machines. Handshake here specifies that both the machines are now connected with each other. Given here is a pictorial representation of working of BUSY DDNS utility. BDNS utility connects Server and Client machine through a public Server or Mediator hence there are simultaneously many Servers and Clients that want to connect to each other. This increases the possibility that there are more than one Server and Client machines with similar names that want to get connected. For this purpose, we recommend that you give a unique name to your Server machine. Selecting Server and Client Names Although there is no validation for Server and Client names and you can give any name of your choice but it is strongly recommended that you give unique name to them. This should be done to avoid cross connection with other people Server. Do not give generic name such as Server or Server1 to your Server machine as it is possible that other people using the same utility can give this name to their Server machine also. It will only lead to cross connection between the Servers. For example, one of your Client machine is trying to connect to the Server machine and your Server machine is switched off at that time. A computer with similar Server name is connected at that time. In this case the Client machine will try to connect to that Server but as the password will not match it will give an error message that password is incorrect. In this case, the Client can get confused as it has given the right password and is still not able to connect to the Server. This is because it is trying to connect to a different Server which is having the same name. Hence to avoid such type of confusions, you must give unique name to your Server. To make your Server name unique, you can give your Email ID as your Server name as Email ID is always unique or you can give your firm’s or company’s name to the Server. For example, your Email ID is GRTraders@mail.com then you can give Server name as GRTraders@mail.com@bdns. The Server name must always end with ‘@bdns’.

Pregnancy: the Effects of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Essay

Abstract This paper examined the effects of alcohol and substance abuse on fetal development in expecting mothers. The critical periods of fetal development during pregnancy are reviewed and discussed in order to determine the effects alcohol and substance can cause during certain stages. In order to gain a more efficient understanding of the effects different substances can have on fetal development the following substances were studied: (1) alcohol, (2) cocaine, (3) opioids, (4) nicotine (smoking), and (5) cannabis sativa (marijuana). Each substance (previously listed) examined was provided with supporting evidenced of past research. Developmental (i.e. physical and mental) impairments were found to be common amongst the general population of newborn infants and children exposed to alcohol and drug substances in utero. Use of alcohol and drug substances during pregnancy not only put expecting mothers own health at risk, but their fetuses as well. Providing expecting mothers with proper treatment for alcohol and substance use has proven to be an effective method in reducing the risk of impairing their fetus’s development (i.e. physical, and mental) during pregnancy and later into childhood. It is essential to provide general awareness to the public about the affects that alcohol and substance abuse can have on fetal development and help pregnant women seek proper care. Pregnancy: The Effects of Alcohol and Substance Abuse on Fetal Development Today alcohol and substance abuse is continuing to increase across the general population, particularly among expecting mothers (Cohen &Inaba, 2007). Many infants being born today suffer from severe physical, mental, and behavioral deformities and impairments due to alcohol and substance exposure in utero (Cohen & Inaba, 2007). Research has been continuously conducted in order to examine the effects different substances can have on a developing fetuses growth (i.e. physical, mental, and behavioral) in utero and after birth. The majority of their findings indicate a strong correlation between the time, type and amount of substances mothers use during their pregnancy and the effects it has on their fetuses (Cohen & Inaba, 2007). The purpose of this paper is to address these issues through several different concepts: (a) first, what are the critical levels of development in utero?, (b) an in depth review on substances associated with fetal impairments (i.e. alcohol, cocaine, opioids, nicotine, and cannabis sativa (marijuana)), supported by scientific evidence and possible treatment, and (d) identifying substance abuse in expecting mothers and reducing harm to the fetus. Critical Periods of Fetal Development The first critical period of fetal development is known as the germ cell period. This begins when a sperm and egg unite and their genetic information is fused together (Office of Children’s Health Protection, 2003). During this period exposure to any form of toxicant substances (i.e. alcohol and drug substances) can potentially harm the germ cells development. This can have a direct impact on not only the mother’s fertility, but also her future child’s health (Office of Children’s Health Protection, 2003). After the germ cells have developed past what is known as a single-cell zygote, they are now identified as a fetus (meaning they are capable of living outside of the mothers womb) and have reached the embryonic and fetal period of development (Office of Children’s Health Protection, 2003). The fetus grows increasingly fast during this period, because it is consider more vulnerable to environmental and substance exposures than during other stages o f development (Office of Children’s Health Protection, 2003). This is due to the fact that major organs are beginning to form, grow and develop, which will continue throughout the remainder of the pregnancy and infancy (Office of Children’s Health Protection, 2003). Disruption of development (i.e. environmental toxins and substances) during this period can cause major defects in the structure of developing organs (i.e. brain cellular structure, lungs, heart, kidney, and etc.), and other important structures (i.e. bones and muscles). This may result in the death of the fetus or cause severe physical malformations (i.e. congenital abnormalities) or mental impairments (i.e. disorders) (Office of Children’s Health Protection, 2003). As the stages of prenatal development progress, exposure to environmental toxins and substances can result in the fetus developing an array of defects and deficiencies that can continue after birth and up through adulthood (i.e. physical, mental, and behavioral) (Office of Children’s Health Protection, 2003). It is clear that expecting mothers need to be conscious of what they expose their fetuses to in utero so they develop properly. It is imperative that expecting mothers avoid the use of any alcohol or other drug substances during their pregnancy. Each period of development for a fetus is critical and exposure to alcohol and substances can significantly reduce their chance of being born and living a healthy life (Office of Children’s Health Protection, 2003). The Effects of Different Substances on Fetal Development Expecting mothers need to be cautious of what they expose their growing fetus to throughout the entire pregnancy. Disruption of proper fetal development can cause severe deformities in the fetus physically, mentally, and behaviorally (Cohen & Inaba, 2007). Expecting mothers ingest alcohol and drug substances leave their fetus susceptible to severe developmental impairments (Cohen & Inaba, 2007). The following areas will be covered in this section: (1) fetal exposure to alcohol, (2) fetal exposure to cocaine, (3) fetal exposure to opioids, (4) fetal exposure to nicotine, and (5) fetal exposure to cannabis sativa (marijuana). Fetal Exposure to Alcohol When expecting mothers consume alcohol they are immediately putting their fetus’s health at risk. Essentially they are leaving their fetus susceptible to not only structural deformities, but also a variety of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) (Feldman, pg.76, 2011). Out of all of the FASDs, fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is the most common. Statistics indicate that over â€Å"0.33-2.9 cases per 1,000 births have FAS† (Cohen & Inaba, 2007). FAS typically results in the fetus developing the following problems: (1) severe abnormalities in physical, neurological and behavioral functioning and development, (2) severely reduced weight and cranium size, (3) deformities of the face and other body parts (otherwise known as dysmorphia), and (4) are at higher risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) (Feldman, pg.76, 2011). In essence exposure to alcohol can significantly affect a fetus internal and external body structure, can cause neurological and behavioral abnormalitie s, and even physical deformities. Research Kenneth Jones (1986) supports this assumption through his studies on FAS. Jones (1986) findings suggest that FAS effects the development of the fetus’s brain and facial/bodily structures during utero and after birth. Typically children will be diagnosed with moderate to severe mental retardation due to structural deformities in their the brain (i.e. microcephaly, short palpebral fissures, and etc.) or they will be identified as having severe facial dysmorphia (i.e. long smooth philtrum, thin vermilion of the upper lip, joint anomalies, altered palmar crease pattern, and etc.) (Jones, 1986). Jones (1986) concluded that over 40% of infants who are born are born to alcoholic mothers, whom are then diagnosed with FAS. However, it is possible for doctors to reduce the chances of children developing FAS and other FASDs through preventive forms of treatment. The majority of times children are more susceptible to developing FASD due to the doctors inability to clearly identify the expecting mothers level of drinking (Bakhireva & Savage, 2011). If physicians are given the capability to identify expecting mothers regular drinking patterns they can provide her with alternative methods to drinking and reduce the risk of her child develop an FASD (Bakhireva & Savage, 2011). Bakhireva & Savage (2011) found that in identifying expecting mothers drinking levels, physicians would be able to detect the fetus’s risk for developing FASD and other neurobehavioral disorders later in life and prevent it. Bakhireva & Savage (2011) findings suggest that there are biomarkers that are more sensitive to alcohol metabolism, which are capable of detecting the alcohol in tissue types for longer periods of time since the mother last drank. This will then assist physicians in diagnosing fetal alcohol exposure and possible damage to the fetus, which will then help them discern what preventive measures need to be taken. Developing new methods of detection and prevention of FASD is one of the most effective ways to help children avoid severe d evelopmental impairments. Expecting mothers also need to be informed of the damages that alcohol exposure can cause and seek the necessary care. Fetal Exposure to Cocaine Today over 558,000 expecting mothers abuse cocaine (Cohen & Inaba, 2007). The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)(2005) cited by Cohen & Inaba (2007) determined that there was a â€Å"4% rate of cocaine use among women in their first trimester, 3% among those in their second trimester, and 2% among those in their third trimester†. Because of this expecting mothers need to become aware of how cocaine can affect their developing fetus. Typically the stimulants in cocaine affect the fetus’s heart, which leads to blood vessel to constriction. This causes unhealthy elevations of blood pressure in both the mother and fetus (Cohen & Inaba, 2011). For the fetus there life is put at great risk. This is because the mother’s body will stop the flow of any blood, nutrients, or oxygen from reaching the fetus and can cause retarted fetal development or even a stroke within the fetus’s brain (Cohen & Inaba, 2007). This type of constriction can also increase th e chances of the mother having a spontaneous abortion (due to the separation of the placenta from the uterine wall) or a premature delivery (in some cases (typically the third trimester) cocaine can induce labor) (Cohen & Inaba, 2007). Even when an infant makes it through delivery the majority of them suffer from severe withdrawal symptoms. Signs of withdrawal typically consist of: (1) extreme agitation and irritability, (2) hyperactive movement and high respiratory rates, (3) seizures and tremors, and (4) uncontrollable sweating and crying (Cohen & Inaba, 2007). Although physical deformities are common amongst the majority of substances infants are exposed do during utero, cocaine has been found to cause the most damage neurologically. Typically children exposed to cocaine show an increase in â€Å"neurobehavioral disorganization, irritability, and poor language development† (Cohen & Inaba, 2007). In fact researchers Brown, Bakeman, Coles, Sexson, & Demi (1998) studied the effects of cocaine and alcohol exposure during utero on mother’s newborn infant’s and how it affected their birth weight, length, ponderal index, and irritability levels. Researchers found that exposed infants showed an increase in fetal growth deficits, infant orientation, and irritability and a decrease in respiratory rate and proper motor development (only affected by cocaine exposure) (Brown, Bakeman, Coles, Sexson, & Demi, 1998). Cocaine exposure clearly has a severe effect on fetal development. Therefore it is essential that preventive techniques be discussed and reviewed for expecting mothers who are using. Just like alcohol use, there are methods to testing expecting mothers for cocaine use. The most commonly used methods are urine toxicology and serum toxicology, which helps detect â€Å"metabolite benzoylecgonine† (substance found in cocaine) from 72 hours to two weeks after the mother has used (Bhuvaneswar, 2008). In the majority of states today it is mandatory for expecting mothers to be routinely screened for drug use during prenatal doctor visits. In some states a positive test before delivery results in the arrest and incarceration of the expecting mother (Bhuvaneswar, 2008). Most health care providers, however, have argued that women should be given proper drug counseling, confidential screening, and referral for treatment and case management rather than criminal penalties (Bhuvaneswar, 2008). That way expecting mothers can receive the necessary treatment to help make sure the fetus is not harmed anymore than it already has. Essentially when it comes to cocaine use, expecting mothers, and what preventive measures to take, proper screening and treatment are most effective in making sure a fetus develops properly and is born healthy. Fetal Exposure to Opioids Opioids are the most common substance used by expecting mothers. Heroin and methadone are the two most abused. It is assumed that each year there are over 7000 opiate-exposed babies being born (Bhuvaneswar, 2008). Typically expecting mothers will continue to use opioids throughout their pregnancy. When expecting mothers use opioids it usually takes less than one hour for the substance to reach the placental barrier. After only 6 hours it is common for not only the mother to experience withdrawal symptoms, but her fetus as well (Bhuvaneswar, 2008). As the mother goes through withdrawal the substance epinephrine may increase in the amniotic sacks fluid, which could cause severe damage to the growing fetus (Bhuvaneswar, 2008). Continued use of opioids throughout a pregnancy usually results in the following: (1) fetal growth retardation, (2) premature abruption of the placenta (which leads to premature delivery, spontaneous abortion, miscarriage, or stillbirth), (3) neurobehavioral abnor malities (i.e. abnormal sleep patterns, behavioral problems, poor motor skills, learning disorders, mental retardation, and others), and (4) greater risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) (Cohen & Inaba, 2007). In some cases opioid use can cause the infant to experience Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) (severe withdrawal after delivery). It can last from 48-72 hours to days, weeks, or even months. It all depends on how much the mother exposed her infant to during utero (Cohen & Inaba, 2007). Symptoms of NAS are much more intense than an infant who may be withdrawing from nicotine or marijuana. When an infant is experiencing NAS they will exhibit the following characterisitcs: (1) extreme hyperactivity, agitation and irritability, (2) high-pitched crying, sweating and tremors, (3) intense muscle spasms, (4) restlessness, (5) increased respiration, (6) vomiting, and diarrhea, and (7) severe seizures, which may lead to death (Cohen & Inaba, 2007). If an infant successfully makes is through withdrawal they are capable of being cleaned of any opioid substance that they were exposed to during utero. Just as there are preventive measures for expecting mothers using alcohol or cocaine, there are preventive measures for mothers who use opiates. Today there are several clinical options for management of opiate use during pregnancy: (1) methadone maintenance, (2) the use of buprenorphine and naltrexone, and (3) opioid detoxification (usually done during the mothers second trimester) (Bhuvaneswar, 2008). Although not all risks to the fetus are eliminated with these types of treatment, the use of methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone does help reduce the amount of spontaneous abortions and transmission of infections that opiate use usually causes (Bhuvaneswar, 2008). The main purpose of these methods is to essentially stop the mother from using altogether and reduce the chances of NAS when the child is born. If the expecting mother is able to detox and stop opiate use the chances of her child being born healthy is greater. Fetal Exposure to Nicotine There are over 2,000 different compounds that can be identified in one cigarette. Regardless of the many unhealthy substances contained in one cigarette, more than 17% of expecting mothers still smoke throughout their pregnancy (Cohen & Inaba, 2007). Cigarettes contain both nicotine and carbon dioxide. Which are two known compounds capable of crossing over the placental barrier during pregnancy and reducing the fetuses supply of oxygen (Cohen & Inaba, 2007). However, restriction of oxygen to the fetus is only one concern. The expecting mother is also increasing her chances of having a premature delivery, miscarriage, or even a stillbirth. Nevertheless, premature births are the most common occurrences among expecting mothers who smoke (Cohen & Inaba, 2007). Infants who are born prematurely are abnormally small â€Å"on average they weigh, 7 ounces less, are 1.4 centimeters shorter, and have a smaller head circumference compared with babies of nonsmoking and non-drug-abusing mothersâ €  (Cohen & Inaba, 2007). Although less common than exposure to other drug substances, smoking can cause a variety of defects. The most typical are as follows: (1) congenital abnormalities (heart malformation, cleft lip/palate), (2) brain damage and nerve damage, (3) depressed immune system, (4) poor cognitive abilities (i.e. learning disabilities), and (5) increase chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) (Cohen & Inaba, 2007). Typically though cognitive abilities are most likely to be impaired. In fact researcher Karen Law (2003) studied the effects nicotine exposure can have on a fetuses neurobehavioral development after birth. Law (2003) found that the infants who were exposed to nicotine during utero were more excitable and hypertonic and showed higher stress levels and abstinence signs when born. Shea & Steiners (2008) research on the effects of prenatal exposure to nicotine found the same results as Law (2003). Shea and Steiners (2008) findings indicated that the nicotine from cigarettes directly affects the fetus’s placental vasculature. This can lead to cognitive and learning deficits in childhood and adolescents, increased risk of hypoxia induced brain damage, and an increased chance of perinatal mortality or even sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) (Shea & Steiner, 2008). Law (2003) and Shea and Steiner (2008) suggest that pregnant women need to avoid smoking during pregnancy in order to prevent serious impairments in neurodevelopment of their fetus. To the majority of expecting mothers exposing their fetuses to nicotine seems much less irresponsible than if they were to expose them to a substance like cocaine or heroine. However, research shows that smoking can and will affect expecting mothers children. May be not to the same extent as cocaine or heroine, but to a point where your child will still be incapable of proper development. Fetal Exposure to Cannabis Sativa (marijuana) It is said that over 17% of expecting mothers smoke marijuana (Cohen & Inaba, 2007). Some mothers condone their use of marijuana throughout their pregnancy, because it is said to help reduce pain when labor occurs. Many people would suggest that the majority of studies today imply that the use of marijuana during pregnancy causes only minimal side effects to the overall health of a fetus. Therefore, it is acceptable for mothers to use when pregnant. This is not true. Jutras-Aswad, DiNieri, Harkany, & Hurd, (2009) studied the use of marijuana during pregnancy and the affects it can have on the fetus during utero and after birth. Researchers did this by examining the endocannabinoid (eCB) system and the effects it has on children’s behavior and mental health. Research indicated that eCB has a direct effect on the fetuses’ central nervous systems (CNS) patterning by influencing migration, survival, and differentiation of committed neurons. Researchers discovered that eCB affects the neuronal systems that control mood, cognition, reward, and goal directed behavior. This then effects the fetus’s brain development, which leaves them vulnerable to severe behavioral problems and neuropsychiatric disorders more so than others after birth. After reviewing this research it obvious that marijuana can have a direct impact on the fetuses brain development (Jutras-Aswad, DiNieri, Harkany, & Hurd, 2009). Although the affects may not be apparent during a mother’s pregnancy, they are clearly identified later in infancy and childhood. In fact previous research conducted by Richardson, Day, and Goldschmidt (1995) studied the effects of marijuana use during pregnancy. Children who had been exposed to marijuana during utero were assessed repeatedly during the neonatal period until the age of six. Results indicated that prenatal marijuana exposure became apparent around ages four through six. There was an increase in childre n’s behavioral problems (i.e. affected their goal directed behavior, planning, organized search, and impulse control) and a decrease in their performance on visual perceptual tasks, language comprehension, sustained attention, and memory (Cohen & Inaba, 2007). These findings support the theory that marijuana use during pregnancy can have an effect on children’s neurological development (Cohen & Inaba, 2007). So like many other drugs, it is strongly recommended that expecting mothers avoid the use of marijuana. Identifying & Providing Treatment for Substance Abuse in Expecting Mothers After reviewing the effects of alcohol and other drug substances on fetal development it is evident that expecting mothers need to abstain from substance use throughout their pregnancies. Rassool & Villar-Luis (2006) further support this assumption through their review on the effects that substance abuse can have on fetal development. Researchers identified several drug substances (i.e. alcohol, cocaine, opioids, nicotine, and cannabis) and found direct causes each substance has on expecting mother’s fetuses after birth. Researchers discovered the following primary concerns for each substance: (1) alcohol use can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome an d possible miscarriage of the fetus, (2) cocaine, opioids, and nicotine can cause perinatal complications and unwanted abortions, and (3) cannabis sativa (marijuana) can cause perinatal complications (miscarriage), intrauterine growth restrictions, abruption placentae, pre-term deliveries, and neurobehavioral abnormalities. After reviewing each substance and potential damage it can cause the Rassool & Villar-Luis (2006) suggest that different measures of prevention should be taken by expecting mothers to reduce the risk of harming their fetus. There are forms of prevention and treatment to help expecting mothers reduce the risk of harming their fetus’s development. The most efficient way to help expecting mothers find treatment is through using the necessary screening techniques in which physicians can identify alcohol or substance abuse (Cohen & Inaba, 2007). By doing so physicians can provide proper intervention, treatment, and preventive services to substance abusing mothers (Cohen & Inaba, 2007). Typically expecting mothers who use drugs during pregnancy are classified as â€Å"AODs† (i.e. â€Å"pregnant women who use alcohol and other drugs†). The most commonly used instrument to identify AODs was developed by Dr. Ira Chasnoff (Cohen & Inaba, 2007). It is known as the 4Ps Plus Instrument, which consists of four basic questions that essentially help identify AODs (Cohen & Inaba,2007). The questions are listed below: 1.) Did either of your parents ever have a problem with alcohol or drugs? 2.) Does your partner have problem with alcohol or drugs? 3.) Have you ever drunk beer, wine, or liquor? 4.) In the month before you knew you were pregnant, how many cigarettes did you smoke? In the month before you knew you were pregnant, how much beer, wine, or liquor did you drink? Once women with AOD are identified they can properly be treated in order to protect the mother and the growing fetus. Treatment may not seem effective once the expecting mother has already exposed her fetus to alcohol or other substances, but that is not true. Although the fetus is still at risk for some developmental damage it is still possible to stop any more from occurring if the mother stops using. Researchers Mayet, Morgan, MaCormack, & Strang (2008) have support for this assumption through their assessment of mothers who exposed their children to substances during utero and then proceeded to attended perinatal addiction treatment throughout the remainder of their pregnancy. Researchers administered a cross-sectional audit of health-care records in order to compare the outcomes of women in 2002â€⠀œ2005 with data from 1989–1991 and the local (i.e. non-substance abusing women) maternity population in 2004–2005. Research found that less newborns required treatment for neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in 2002–2005 compared to 1989–1991. However, there were higher rates of miscarriages, low birth weights, and premature infants, compared to the local maternity population between 2004–2004. Findings suggest that perinatal addictions treatment can be extremely beneficial to mothers abusing substances. It lowers the risk of the mother harming her fetus by reducing the amount of drug substances she exposes her fetus to. It also suggests that addiction treatments are becoming more evolved and are better servicing people compared to 1989-1991. In helping women become abstinent from substance use during their pregnancy it will help both them and their child live a healthier life during and after birth. Conclusion In conclusion, it is clear that alcohol and substance use is an increasing problem for the population of expecting mothers. As discussed in the paper the majority of expecting mothers are exposing their fetuses to the followings substances: (1) alcohol, (2) cocaine, (3) opioids, (4) cigarettes (nicotine), and (5) cannabis sativa (marijuana). Expecting mothers are unaware that they are putting their growing fetus at risk for severe developmental deformities and impairments (i.e. physical, mental, and behavioral) due to such exposure in utero and after birth. Not only that, but mothers are increasing their chances of premature deliveries, miscarriages, spontaneous abortions, and stillbirths. Even if their child makes it through delivery the majority of them experience severe Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), or are born with disorders like fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) (Cohen & Inaba, 2007). However, there are preventive measures that can be taken to avoid substance-abusing mothers risking their fetus’s developmental health. If physicians are able to identify expecting mothers substance use they will be able to give them proper a treatment and care. This will help reduce the chances of the mother impairing her fetus’s development any further (Cohen & Inaba, 2007). Mothers will also be able to get â€Å"clean† and raise their child in a healthy environment. Although it may seem impossible, there are ways to help expecting mothers properly nourish their child back to health even when it comes to substance abuse. References Bakhireva, L. N., & Savage, D. D. (2011). Focus on: Biomarkers of fetal alcohol exposure and fetal alcohol effects. Alcohol Research & Health, 34(1), 56-63. Bhuvaneswar, Chaya (2008). Cocaine & opioid use during pregnancy: Prevalence & Management. Prime Care Companion J. Clinical Psychiatry. 10(1): 59–65. Brown, J. V., Bakeman, R., Coles, C. D., Sexson, W. R., & Demi, A. S. (1998). Maternal drug use during pregnancy: Are preterm and full-term infants affected differently?. Developmental Psychology, 34(3), 540-554. doi:10.1037/0012-1649.34.3.540 Cohen, W.E., & Inaba, D.S. (2007). Uppers, downers, all arounders (6th ed.). Medford, OR: CNS publications, Inc. Feldman, R. S. (2011). Development across the life span (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall. ISBN:0558937071. Jones, K.L. (1986). Fetal alcohol syndrome. Department of Pediatrics; 8:122-126. Jutras-Aswad, D., DiNieri, J. A., Harkany, T., & Hurd, Y. L. (2009). Neurobiological consequences of maternal canna bis on human fetal development and its neuropsychiatric outcome. European Archives Of Psychiatry And Clinical Neuroscience, 259(7), 395-412. doi:10.1007/s00406-009-0027-z Law, K.L. (2003). Smoking during pregnancy and newborn neurobehavior. Pediatrics Vol. 111: 1318-1323. Mayet, S., Groshkova, T., Morgan, L., MacCormack, T., & Strang, J. (2008). Drugs and pregnancy—Outcomes of women engaged with a specialist perinatal outreach addictions service. Drug And Alcohol Review, 27(5), 497-503. doi:10.1080/09595230802245261 Rassool, G., & Villar-Luà ­s, M. M. (2006). Reproductive risks of alcohol and illicit drugs: An overview. Journal Of Addictions Nursing, 17(4), 211-213. doi:10.1080/10884600600995242 Shea, A. K., & Steiner, M. (2008). Cigarette smoking during pregnancy. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 10(2), 267-278. doi:10.1080/14622200701825908 The Office of Children’s Health Protection (2003).Critical periods in development. ICF Consulting, Inc.

Monday, July 29, 2019

Stories of Chanhe Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Stories of Chanhe - Essay Example Furthermore, with the help of Kotter’s model, the paper will highlight the main errors that were by these companies during the change along with some recommendations. Hewlett Packard (HP) is one of the leading IT corporations in the world. In 1999 when Carly Fiorina was recently appointed as the CEO of HP, the company was facing serious competition in the computer industry and therefore needed guidance. The market share of the company was at stake because of its rivals such as Dell, etc. Fiorina wanted to change the functions and operations of the company. She believed that it could be changed by ‘going back to the roots of the place’. She restructured the company into front end and back end departments. Many opposed the merger that took place between HP and Compaq in 2002 however Fiorina did not lose hope and stayed focused. The merger made HP the biggest personal computer manufacturer in the world. However, the sales did not grow, and the company lost half of its share. The CEO was fired and was replaced by Mark Hurd. Mark incorporated some new strategies and in 2007 HP claimed its highest sales for seven years (Gruver, Young, & Fu lghum, 2012; Palmer, 2005). Although Fiorina restructured the company and divided it into quadrants the major reasons behind its failure were quite prominent. As according to Dr. John Kotter, 70% of major change efforts fail in organizations. According to Kotter’s model, Fiorini was unable to develop a sense of urgency within the workforce therefore majority of the workforce was not in agreement with Fiorina’s decision. Secondly she was unable to create a guiding coalition. For this reason, she was failed to develop a change vision effectively (Palmer, 2005). If the CEO of the company would have engaged the entire top management of HP and have attained their concerned the change  policy would have worked in an effective manner. It is recommended that in order to effectively implement

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Bi-species Culturalisation Experiments Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Bi-species Culturalisation Experiments - Essay Example It not only helped the Bonobos to construct sentences but also helped them to develop a skill in grammar. Verbs Adverbs and Adjectives helped the Bonobos to use the forms of grammars just like the human beings can. As in the video, Pambanisha declared the caretakers as "bad", for playing a trick with Liz. It clearly illustrated that even chimpanzees can use grammar like the human beings. If given proper guidance the chimpanzees can work as they are asked to and can understand the language of the human beings. This experiment was a remarkable effort by Dr Sue Savage Rumbaugh in finding the effect of lexigram boards on the chimpanzees and clearly illustrated the intellectual power of the monkeys. The English grammar used by the monkeys showed that they can understand what they were being taught. At times the monkeys even reacted to whatever they were asked to do. This was an example of the intellect in the monkeys. The experiment clearly showed that Bonobos not only comprehend the huma n language but also act according to the instructions given. Pambenisha didn't go out for several days and thus was exhausted and sick of the environment. This forced her to do things which were quite unusual and unexpected but were of a great importance. To express her feelings, Pambenisha took a piece of chalk and started writing with the chalk on the floor. Firstly in the video it is shown that Pambenisha is writing quite far from Dr Sue but after a while when she realizes that Dr Sue is not paying attention to her writing she moves a bit closer to Dr Sue. And Pambenisha starts writing again near Dr Sue. This shows that Pambenisha is trying to express her feelings and inner emotions to Dr Sue. And when Dr Sue realized that Pambenisha was writing something on the floor she took a great notice. Upon findings it is known that Pambenisha drew an A-frame. This A-frame is meaningless if the lexigram board is not reviewed. The lexigram describes the A-frame drawing as 'a hut in the woods'. This shows that Pambenisha was interested in going out so mewhere to another place. Pambenisha does not stop writing over here and she again draws 'a flat rock' which according to the lexigram board is a place in the woods. And she writes further on the floor to express her feelings. This time she draws a 'collar' which she usually wears when she goes out. This clearly illustrated that Pambenisha was interested in going out to the hut in the woods. The drawings were not drawn as perfectly as in the lexigram board. But it can be clearly understood what Pambenisha means if the drawing is analyzed carefully and compared to the lexigram board. This writing of Pambenisha taught her a new way through which she could express her inner feelings and communicate with others. According to Dr. Sew the best possible way to make someone learn is not to teach them, instead of using the language around them. The curiosity to do the same what your beloved is doing, leads to the learning of new things. 3. What is the significance of the Bonobo's use of tools to our investigation of language origins Dr Sue's analysis has been of great significance and has brought revolution in the communication between a man and a chimpanzee. It has given a new birth to the language origins. It has derived many

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Airline Business Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Airline Business - Case Study Example The major drivers which facilitated this trend are: the deregulation of the European air travel sector; the establishment of the European Union; the 9/11 tragedy; the rapid technological advancement; and change in customers' lifestyle and preferences. It is irrefutable that the deregulation of the European airline industry primarily contributed to the rise of low cost carriers. It can be recalled that deregulation has lowered the barrier to entry in the industry as well as enhanced the competitiveness of the players which are previously receiving subsidy from the government. This, in turn, largely contributes to the cost efficiency of airline operators allowing them to charge lower prices to passengers. While this is true for budget airline like EasyJet large carriers have suffered significantly from the deregulation as this opens the door for the entry of smaller firms and heightening the competition among industry players. The establishment of the European Union affects the airline industry has the same effect like the deregulation of the sector. This has opened up markets and lowered operating costs, encouraging the proliferation of low cost carriers (Sorensen 2006). The 9/11 tragedy which left terror worldwide has also helped in lowering the cost of air tra

Friday, July 26, 2019

Review of Hunters Point of Impact Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Review of Hunters Point of Impact - Essay Example Hunter does not focus on Bob’s loss, but rather he sees him as a hero. According to Hunter, â€Å"Bob was not an influential leader, did not save lives, did not rise in the chain of command, but he was an extraordinary killer.† (Hunter 12). In the description above Hunter acknowledge Bobs expertise, we also know he was among the best snipers of his time. According to Polk county Sheriff, Bob was a legend during his service time in the Vietnam War he was as one of the bravest heroes the United States ever produced. Although Bob may appear a broken man from the Vietnam War, it is evident that his expertise is of importance even to an agency like Ram Dyne. Hunters’ narration brings together intriguing characters, which adds to the suspense in the book. Hunter gives us a sniper, the FBI, the CIA and a secret organisation Ram Dyne. Ram Dyne is a secret organisation that identifies Bob as the best man for their assassination plot. The CIA and FBI are responsible for in vestigating the assassination case, but it is also evident that some of their officials have links with Ramdyne. Good versus evil is a theme well covered in the book it is clear this exist in government bodies where we have good agents and evil agents. For instance, Nick Memphis is a good FBI agent who tries to correct every foul deed such as when he accidentally shoots a hostage, Myra, in an operation he tries to make amends by marrying the hostage. We have Howard Utey, special assistant to the FBI director, who is not afraid of getting his hands dirty in the process of achieving his goals. For instance, Nick Memphis establishes makes an inquiry on the dealings of Ramdyne, but in the process of Utey suspends him from his duty claiming that Nick is violating the rules in the... Review of Hunter’s "Point of Impact" he story is of a Vietnam veteran sniper, Bob Lee Swagger. After the war Bob isolates himself from the society and lives a silent life in the mountains of Arkansas. The Ramdyne Company are aware of Bob’s expertise and plan to use this for their benefit. The Ram dyne company who claim to be seeking support in finding a potential assassin approaches Bob. The company convinces Bob to carry out one last mission for his country. Bob is unaware Ram Dyne sets him up for an assassination attempt on the president. Yet the real target in the assassination was the archbishop. Bob survives shots he gets during the operation, but he becomes a target of every law enforcement agency and Ramdyne’s own killers. Bob runs to save his life in order to prove his innocence. In the story Bob has allies Nick an FBI agent and a nurse, Susan Fenn, his old partners widow. Bob is out to revenge the betrayal and prove his innocence by unmasking the evil dealings of Ramdyne. Hunter’s protagoni st in the book is Bob Lee Swagger who we encounter in the mountain of Arkansas where he has adopted a solitary life. Hunter’s aim of making Bob a hero is successful. We have Bob as a character who isolates himself from society. However, Hunter’s creation of this character’s passion for guns is not in an effort to demonize the character, but to emphasise the character’s expertise. To Bob, guns are not just a tool to supplement his task, but he has a distinct connection with his guns and his sniper skills.

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Class student dicussions answers Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Class student dicussions answers - Assignment Example You also provided a simple ‘what to do’ measures in order to eliminate the risk of viruses affecting the computer. It is a good insight that you gave about training the new users on how to detect scam emails and not click on the provided unknown links, and also executing an anti-malware or anti-virus scan whenever accessing an external memory drive. You could have also added not auto-executing flash drive programs or executables. Another thing that I feel should be a part of training for novices should be proper usage of trusted sites for downloads security features available in the browsers. Brain, you defined what Kevin said. You explained how a honeypot is implemented outside the main network and it sacrifices itself for the protection of the main, critical network. The best things that you told about the honeypot networks in general, are the disadvantages of implementing them. Cost was always a default factor but yes it would take more toil on the system administrator to monitor and look after this network’s resources. I would partially agree with the last comment you made on comparing advantages and disadvantages. For critical data organizations, we do need these honeypots but for smaller organizations, we cannot afford to have such a high cost. You also specifically mentioned what intrusion detection systems and firewalls we can use for information security. As opposed to Kevin, you have provided specific details on three main techniques of ensuring information security within the organization. You also made good points on differentiating how software and hardware security systems work in unison to provide maximum security to the organizational data. I completely agree that software based security is either algorithmic or rule based but hardware based security is almost rule based. The explanation of how routers work

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

How healthful is fish, really Can we balance mercury and omega 3 fats Essay

How healthful is fish, really Can we balance mercury and omega 3 fats - Essay Example In this respect, the level of pollution and its harmful effects on human beings as a function of the fish and seafood that we eat has perhaps been understood for a longer period of time than has the plethora of positive health effects that omega 3 can portend. Therefore, this brief analysis will consider the pros and cons of eating fish as a determinant of maintaining one’s overall health. However, rather than being a paper that is concentric on a deep and complex understanding of medical statistics and figures, the essay will seek to lay out a logical rubric, supported by medical evidence, for the reasons why the health benefits of eating omega 3 fatty acids far outweighs the overall risks of poisonous/cancerous substances that may or may not be found to a lesser or greater degree within the body of the fish or shellfish itself. In this way, it has long been understood that many types of fish and seafood act as a type of biological filtration system for the natural environmen t (Oken 1718). In this way, some (but notably not all) types of fish and/or seafood have what can only be described as unnaturally high levels of heavy metals and other types of potentially poisonous materials that have been collected in their bodies due to the types of food that is ingested as well as certain key environmental determinants. As such, as researchers have begun to understand the manner in which these creatures collect high concentrations of heavy metals and other types of potentially damaging poisons within their bodies (Rosenberg 8). Accordingly, in order to understand the ways that this effect the human being, a high number of studies have been conducted that have sought to measure and quantify and project the level to which these toxins have exhibited or will possibly exhibit in the future a negative health impact on those who regularly incorporate fish or shellfish into their diet (Marona 55). The end result of the majority of these studies have indicated that alt hough the heavy metals, to include mercury, PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and others, can have the effect of increasing one’s overall risk of developing a type of cancer, the overall statistical incidence of the increase in cancer rate is so miniscule as to not warrant a cessation of eating fish/shellfish so as to avoid the negative health consequences that are exhibited by the existence of mercury/PCBs etc (Foran 15). Such an understanding is of course at odds with some members of the medical science community that continue to put forward the idea that the existence of key poisons and heavy metals within these fish/shellfish as a function of health risk are not always exhibited within the short time span that some of these studies have taken into account (Olson 133). Naturally, when comparing the net positive of eating fish/shellfish as compared to the net health risks associated with the potential ingestion of various concentrated heavy metals and poisons, one must consi der the fact that reduction of risk with regards to the what omega 3 fatty acids provide with respect to heart health is greatly more statistically significant than the increased of risk of certain types of cancer associated with the ingestion of certain impurities. Such an important distinction is useful to note due to

Coronary Artery Disease Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Coronary Artery Disease - Research Paper Example Finally, it concludes with the summary of what has been provided in the paper. Identification of the Concept: Coronary Art Disease Coronary art disease (abbreviated as CAD) may be defined as the end result of the specific process which sees accumulation, within the walls of those arteries that supply the myocardium, of atheromatous plaques (Kasliwal, 2009). The chronic systemic process of this disease is atherosclerosis. Normally, arteries’ inside walls are rather smooth and flexible, which allows easy blood flow. Plaques, which are fatty deposits, can build up in the wall of artery. This plaque will then narrow the artery and consequently stop or just reduce the blood flow. Atherosclerosis affects all body vascular beds and evolves due to a range of factors (Kasliwal, 2009). Manifested in various representations and involving numerous blood vessels in a body, when atherosclerosis reaches coronary arteries, it leads to coronary art disease; it also causes cerebrovascular disea se (this is linked to the transient ischemic attack and stroke); aortic aneurysms; intestinal ischemia; and peripheral vascular disease (Homoud, 2008). Simply put, coronary art disease (CAD) results from the hardening of coronary arteries that are found on the heart surface. Atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular disease accounts for a half of all deaths in the developed countries and one-fourth of deaths in the countries of the developing world (Homoud, 2008). In the USA, it is the leading cause of women and men mortality: in case of women it accounts for over 250, 000 deaths each year. The number is even greater in men. Charney (1999, p.3) provides data that by the age of 60 one in five U.S. males have had a coronary event whereas this has been experienced by just one in seventeen females. In the age group 29-44, the number of heart attacks due to coronary art disease is 32, 000 in men and 9, 000 in women; in the age group 45-64, the number of affected males is 218, 000 and female s 74, 000; in the group aged older than 65, the occurrences are 418, 000 for men, and 356, 000 for women (Charney, 1999, p.4). Treatment of coronary artery disease depends on the case severity. The options include medical therapy, stenting and angioplasty, and coronary artery bypass surgery (Michaels & Chatterjee, 2002). If patients’ coronary narrowings do not hinder the flow of blood, they are prescribed medications and modification of lifestyle. This is done to prevent the disease progression. In case the patient is diagnosed with atherosclerosis which clearly limits the flow blood to the arteries, he or she undergoes balloon angioplasty; also, stenting is sometimes offered. In the most severe cases, when the patient has numerous narrowings of the coronary arteries or their blockages, the surgery (coronary artery bypass graft surgery) is typically advised (Michaels & Chatterjee, 2002). Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery and the Helen Fuld School of Nursing Conceptual Framework Coronary artery bypass surgery nurses who are skilled, compassionate, and knowledgeable are essential for achieving the positive outcome in patients in the post-operative phase. This is explained by the fact that care for these patients is rather complex and intense, yet rewarding. Coronary artery bypass surgery nurses are an important part of the surgery team that enable, through their efforts, the patient to restore health and go on living. The foregoing

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Viruses & Cells Comparison Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Viruses & Cells Comparison - Essay Example They are classified differently because of the inherent structural and functional differences. Unlike living cells which can reproduce on their own, viruses have to rely on other cells for them to reproduce. Viruses lack other cells parts like the plasma membrane, ribosomes, and the cytoplasm. They, therefore, infest a living host and use its cells to reproduce. Secondly, living cells are self-sustaining while the viruses are not. Living cells are able to survive on their own because they have all the required structures and proteins which allow them to carry out life-sustaining processes and functions. Viruses, on the other hand, have to rely on a host cell or organism. The third difference is that living cells can synthesize proteins while viruses cannot. Cells have ribosomes and can easily synthesize proteins on their own. Viruses lack these ribosomes and have to rely on the host cells to be able to translate its messenger RNA into the viral proteins. According to Grifo and Tahara , viruses do not have the ability to generate and store energy in form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as in the case with living cells. They derive their energy and all other metabolic functions from the host living cells. They do this by using basic building materials like Amino acids, lipids, and nucleotides from the host organism. Finally, viruses cannot respond to stimuli as it is the case of the living cells. Viruses are inert chemicals which cannot perform critical life functions or even responding to stimuli.

Monday, July 22, 2019

Scientific Management Essay Example for Free

Scientific Management Essay Scientific Management was a new form of management that evolved in the late 1800’s that was based on a number of principles that analyzed the activities of individuals, which in turn, optimized efficiency and productivity. In this essay I will discuss the major advances that were pioneered by Frederick Winslow Taylor, Henry Gantt and Frank and Lillian Gilbreth. Frederick Winslow Taylor was thought of as the most influential business guru of the twentieth century. 154) Taylor was a well -educated man that started his work as a laborer and quickly moved up to a chief engineer at Midvale Steel Company. Through his various positions and experience within this company he discovered many problems that were apparent between management and laborer. His first attempt in his creation of Scientific Management was to combat a process called â€Å"soldiering†. Taylor observed how the process of soldering led to low production because workers had intentionally worked slow, while making management believe they were working faster. Taylor identified two types of soldiering that workers practiced: natural and systematic. Natural soldiering was referred to as the â€Å"the natural instinct and tendency of men to take it easy. † Managers tried to overcome natural soldiering by forcing workers to be more productive. (123) Systematic soldiering was when workers all together would reason with one another to work slower. Taylor believed that workers systematically soldiered because of three main reasons. First, if workers completed their jobs faster, they believed they would be laid off. Secondly, when workers were paid by piece rate, if their production increased, they believed management would cut the piece rate requiring them to do more work for the same amount of pay they were receiving at the time. Finally, workers were accustomed to old work habits that were handed down from generation to generation. (124) Taylor believed that systematic soldiering posed more concerns than natural soldering. He thought that the problems arose because of management’s lack of responsibility to create proper jobs that offered good incentives. Taylor knew that a new industrial system would need to be created to correct the problems that were evident with management and laborer. Time Studies Taylor set out to develop a new system in an attempt to overcome the process of soldiering. Taylor believed he could determine how each job could be accomplished most efficiently and then establish performance standards based on his findings. (125) The first step in his system was defined as time studies, which was the beginning of Scientific Management. Taylor believed that he could overcome soldiering by determining what workers ought to be able to achieve with equipment and materials by scientifically setting performance standards. According to the authors of The Evolution of Management Thought â€Å"Taylor used a stop watch, weight scale and tape to literally measure the distances that workers and materials traveled. † (125) From his findings, Taylor discovered that workers used too much effort and materials to accomplish their tasks and believed this was mainly due to improper management. Taylor classified his time studies into two phases: analysis and synthesis. Analysis meant that each job was broken down into movements then the movement was described and recorded along with enough time allowed for unavoidable delays. Synthesis was all the movements in the correct sequence to determine the time and exact method for performing a job. (126)Taylor’s time studies created improvements in all elements that surround a job, careful examination of individuals at work led to a more efficient approach to perform tasks which ultimately reduced effort and increased production. Improved Incentives Taylor noticed that the traditional incentives for workers were discouraged in more ways than one. Taylor believed that management needed to create new incentive rates. Profit sharing and the old ways of paying positions instead of men, seemed to be inefficient methods. Taylor devised a three part plan that improved incentives which consisted of using time studies to set standards and pay rates, a differential piecework system that paid employees a higher rate per piece if they finished their work faster than specified, and lastly, paying the men instead of paying the positions. He believed that performance standards should be set before piece rates and rest period should be given more often to decrease fatique. Additionally, Taylor saw a need for a mutuality of interests between manager and worker and devised a system that would benefit both sides. The belief held by people was that higher wages led to higher costs. In turn, Taylor proved that higher wages would lead to lower costs and increased production with less effort. Employers didn’t have to pay low wages in order to gain momentum in the industry. Taylor also believed that some people are better suited for a position based on their will and ambition; he referred to these people as â€Å"first class workers. † Taylor urged that performance standards should be based on a first class workers pace and believed that management was responsible for identifying these types of workers. Throughout the years people assumed that production was increased by people working longer and harder, but the truth was, production increased if people worked smarter not harder. People used their resources more wisely and learned the most efficient way to complete a job. Task Management System Taylor’s task management system utilized the time studies to dictate how long a task should take to be completed and used careful planning with detailed written instructions to assign tasks to workers. Taylor thought to motivate workers based on how long it took them to complete their job. The workers that finished their job in the allotted time received higher wages compared to those who did not. Management was aided in their tasks by a new term Taylor referred to as â€Å"functional foremanship†. Taylor felt that managers should have certain qualities in order for them to be efficient supervisors which include special and technical knowledge, tact, brains, energy, common sense and good health. Taylor used this selection process to determine what tasks managers should perform. This new system of planned performance allowed each person to be in charge of a different responsibility. Managers skills were specialized which resulted in a decrease in time it took to recruit and hire people who may not be a good fit. This system dramatically changed the way tasks were planned, before this time workplace layout determined how tasks were performed. Taylor went on to put his ideas into writing with a book called The Principles of Scientific Management. This book was a significant advance of the times and made Taylor a national hero in just twenty four hours. His findings that were released in this book, sparked much controversy, but ultimately gained popularity. His book was translated into many different languages just two years after the publication. (141) Taylor was credited for leading the world towards efficiency in more ways than one. Henry Gantt There were many people who followed Taylor’s scientific approach to management thought. One of these followers that had contributed greatly to management thought was Henry Gantt. Gantt was a man that recognized the demands of the world and knew he could have a better chance at making it in life by becoming educated. He obtained a mechanical engineer degree and began his work at the Midvale Steel Company alongside of Frederick Taylor. After working with Taylor, Gantt turned out to be strongly influenced by his ideas about how to manage industry. Gantt became one of Taylor’s leading disciples and moved on to create his own ways to improve management methods and make an industry more efficient. Like Taylor, Gantt knew that there was a need for a mutuality of interest between management and worker. Gantt believed that this theory started with the worker, he argued that the workingman was the most important element in management. (159) He urged that a successful atmosphere in industry was eminent when the employer has the best worker for the position and the worker believes his work is sold at the highest price. Task and Bonus System As Gantt began to examine the managers and workers more closely, he devised a task and bonus system, which was similar to Taylor’s differential piece rate system. Gantt experimented with his ideas before he found the system that was the best solution. He would offer bonuses to workers that completed a task in less than standard time, he offered bonuses to first line supervisors based on each workers performance to complete their task in the allotted time and offered an additional bonus to supervisors if all the workers completed their task in the time limit. He found that this system encouraged supervisors to become better leaders by teaching and helping workers to achieve maximum performance. This was an important concept that shifted management from forcing workers to meet standards to leading them in a cooperative manner. After a while, workers and management started to resist the work methods Gantt created. The workers went on strike and Gantt eventually had to find and train replacements. This occurrence led Gantt to believe that management owned the role of training workers more thoroughly. In addition, Gantt added more training that used industriousness and cooperation, which he referred to as the â€Å"habits of industry†. According to the authors of The Evolution of Management Thought, â€Å"Gantt felt that as a result of doing their work promptly and to the best of their ability, workers would experience pride that comes from quality as well as quantity to work. † (161) Gantt believed that the management and laborer would be benefitted equally; employee would be paid higher wages leading to lower costs and the employer would have a greater output of production. Gantt Progress Chart As Gantt attempted to conquer the problems associated with management and laborer with the task and bonus system, he set out to devise a system to aid management in planning and coordinating workloads. After several attempts, Gantt pioneered a bar chart which was known to be the most valuable contribution to management of the generation. (163) The Gantt Progress Chart showed how work should be scheduled or directed through numerous operations, to completion. This chart allowed managers to distinguish whether a job was ahead or behind schedule, then management could take whatever means were necessary to correct the issue. The Gantt chart became a widely used efficient tool to support management in decision making and helped ensure that resources were being used proficiently. The Gilbreth’s Frank and Lillian Gilbreth were also followers of Frederick Taylor’s Scientific Management principles. Frank had greatly contributed to management thought with his invention of the motion studies. Frank began his studies while working as a bricklayer. He started examining the bricklaying process and began to eliminate the steps or motions from 18 to 6. He saw that people could do twice as much work with less effort if the job was done the right way. Frank looked to remove the motions that were unnecessary in jobs, in order to reduce fatigue and increase productivity. After his invention of the motion studies, he moved to focus his work on the construction business. He used the same methods to build homes, dams, factories, skyscrapers and even whole towns. (168) As Frank gained increasing popularity, his wife persuaded him to put his work into writing. His work consisted of three systems: the field, concrete and bricklaying system. The field system was mainly used in construction as an accounting system. This system showed costs, costs in relation to estimates and the total costs of each specific job. In addition, Frank used a suggestion program that enabled workers to obtain extra money for their suggestions on how to improve a job. This would ultimately lead to better service for the customers and additional jobs in the future. (169) Under the concrete system, Frank used competition to motivate the workers. He held contests to see how fast workers could complete a job. Lastly, was the bricklaying system, he used this system to effectively train the workers. He believed apprentices should learn the best way to do a job before standards are set. He believed the earlier methods of instruction from the experienced workers were inefficient and created too much waste. These systems showed how Frank rationalized work methods, improved productivity and ensured efficiency by motivating and correctly training workers by transferring their skills. As Frank started to expand his interests, he looked for better ways to identify inefficient motions. Frank came up with the brilliant idea to use a camera to examine the motions of workers. He then would eliminate the waste based on the analysis. Frank and Lillian also filmed workers attached with small electrical lights; when their movement was slowest they would see a bunch of dots, while they would see sporadic dots when their movement was at a faster pace. The use of camera to observe the movements of workers seemed to be more useful and accurate than Taylor’s use of the stopwatch. As time went by, Frank and Lillian started to detach from Taylor’s methods. Lillian went on to focus her thoughts on â€Å"The Psychology of Management. She studied the effects that work has on humans and held that successful management was determined by the man, not the work. While Lillian tried to determine the most effective and efficient approach to management, she had to compare the three styles that were created: traditional, transitory and scientific. Traditional management created anxiety by relying on rewards and punishment to motivate workers and essentially there was no mutuality of interest between management and worker. Transitory management was the short term style that was incomplete and ill directed before scientific management emerged. Essentially, According to the authors of The Evolution of Management Thought, Lillian believed that scientific management was the best style because it â€Å"promoted regular work, encouraged good personal habits, and fostered the physical, mental, moral, and financial development of workers. (174) Lillian recognized the human factor in work which led her to pioneer human resource management. This creation of human resource management was a significant advance of the times that led industries to obtain the best workers for the positions at hand by the scientific selection, training and placement of the workers. Frederick Taylor, Henry Gantt and Frank and Lillian Gilbreth contributed greatly to the scientific management movement. Close examination of management and workers led to new concepts that improved work methods and incentives, motivated workers, eliminated motions, reduced fatigue and increased production. All of these factors allowed for industries to become more efficient than ever before. Managers gained the proper tools and knowledge that enabled them to train, select and place workers where they were best suited. These concepts that were put into practice in the late 1800’s are still widely used today in the workplace.

Sunday, July 21, 2019

Balance Of Payments And Trade In Uae Economics Essay

Balance Of Payments And Trade In Uae Economics Essay The UAE is one of the strongest and prosperous economies of the world. It has been growing continuously over the past few years. The country has been growing at the average rate of 6% per year in the past decade. In the previous years the countrys economy was majorly dependant on the revenue generated by export of oil and petroleum products. But from the last decade the economy of the UAE has been diversified and is now contributed by other industries like, tourism, real estate and construction. Currently the oil and petroleum sector accounts only for one third of the total GDP of the country which used to be three fourth parts till 1980. The current per capita GDP of the UAE is one of the highest in the world, 24,000 USD. The export and import policies and strategies of goods and services in UAE mainly depends upon the free trade zones in the country because in these free trading zones mostly non oil products are being traded. The main benefit of these trading zones is that they are exempted from the time consuming and irritating obligations of licensing and all. The foreign and international trade and business relationships of the UAE with other countries like India, China, Japan and European Union has been improved in the past years and the balance of payments and trade has also been increased in these years. Previously the country was in deficit of balance but now the balance has risen to surplus amount. (Balance Of Payments BOP) (Balance Of Trade: Definition) Balance of Payment The balance of payments (BOP) is a record of all transactions between one particular country and the rest of the countries. It compares the difference of value of imports and exports of products, services and fiscal transactions in terms of dollars. The  BOP includes the  trade balance,  foreign investments and investments by foreigners. The BOP calculates international transactions for a specific time period, normally one year. For nation sources of funds like exports and investments are surplus items and use of funds like imports and invest in foreign countries are deficit items. BOP indicates the economic and political stability of the country. You can analyze it, i.e., if a country has a positive BOP, it means that there is substantial foreign investment within that country. The value of national currency of a country gets appreciation if the BOP is positive. If the value of a countrys import is higher than the value of its exports then the balance will be in deficit. A def icit in the balance shows a dependency on foreign investors or an overvalued currency. After including all components in BOP sheet, it must balance. The overall surplus or deficit must be zero. If a deficit in the balance then the country pays off the difference of value by exporting gold or consented hard currency. When a country is not able to pay for its debt repayments then it is called as currency crisis or BOP crisis. It came with rapid decline in nations currency value. It occurs because of large capital flow which is related to economic growth. However at a point foreign investors become concerned about their inbound capital and pull out funds. The rapid drop in the value of currency occurs because of the capital outbound flows. This causes an issue for business firm of affected country who has received loans. Foreign reserves try to support the domestic currency with very limited options after government fatigued. It increases the interest rates in order to prevent declines in value of currency. There are three methods to correct balance of payment imbalance. Adjustment of nations internal prices and adjustments of exchange rates are important methods. (Balance Of Payments BOP) Rebalancing by adjustments of exchange rate An increase in the value of currency of nation make imports cheaper and exports less matched. So it tends to correct current account surplus and make flow of investment less attractive towards capital account in order to help with a surplus. Conversely a decrease in the value of currency of nation makes things expensive for people to buy and increase the competition in exports with the others. Thus helps to correct the deficit. If nation is selling more and imports less, than the demand of currency increases because selling nations currency will be the need of other countries to make payment for the exports. If nation is exporting goods of less value and importing value is more than to pay for the excess import value it replace it with foreign currency so the currency will increase in international market thus value of currency tends to fall. BOP effects are also influenced by the difference in interest rates of nations. (Balance Of Payments BOP) Rebalancing by adjusting internal prices and demand Making changes in the domestic economy is a standard approach to correct imbalance, when exchange rates are fixed by gold standard or when imbalance is among members of currency union. Change is optional for the country which is in surplus but it is must for the deficit country. Mechanism is automatic in case of gold standard. If a nation has favorable trade balance then there will be an inflow of gold. It will increase the money supply because of this prices increase and inflation occurs thus decreases surplus. If a nation has deficit BOP then there will be an outflow of gold and occurs a deflationary effect so that prices reduced and makes export more competitive, thus do the re-balance. (Balance Of Payments BOP) Balance of Trade The balance of trade being a larger part of the economic unit, BOP, which includes all economic transaction between one country and the rest world. If a nation exports more than it imports then it has trade surplus or favorable balance of trade. If imports are more than exports then it has trade deficit or unfavorable balance of trade. There must be a favorable balance of trade but classical economics says it to be more important as for a nation so as to fully utilize its available economic resources rather than to build a trade surplus. The balance of trade indicates the nations international economic position. Factors affecting the balance of trade is inclusive of: The cost of manufacturing of product and services in the exporting country is different than that in the importing country. The price and availability of other subsidiary products, raw material and other required inputs. Fluctuation in exchange rates. Various restrictions on different type of trading medium Non economic hurdles like, environmental, health and social. Trade deficit is bad or not, it depends on business cycle and economy. If a country is in recession then it would like to exports more in order to create demand and jobs. But in strong expansion, nation would like to imports more which raise price competition and limits the inflation. So a trade deficit may help during an expansion but not good in recession. (Balance Of Trade: Definition) The UAE Balance of Payment The UAE is a member of the GCC trade group and also a member of World Trade Organization, World Bank and International Monetary Fund for the past ten years. The country has never required financial help from the World Bank or the International Monetary fund because of its strong financial position and huge treasures of wealth. Balance of Payments which is an important economic indicator to determine the countrys financial condition in the global market, in the previous year was more than 100 billion AED because of the real estate and construction business in the country. In the previous year the official reserve account of the UAE has been increased by 50 billion AED. The economy of the country is majorly driven by tourism, construction, real estate, and oil industry. So the balance of payments has to be done from various perspectives in the UAE. According to the IMF three major accounts need to be taken care of for the balance of payments in such a diverse economy, these accounts ar e: (McRae.) Current Account This account keeps track of the countrys assets from trades of goods and services and one sided transactions from foreign countries. In the year 2004 the UAE Central Bank recorded the total balance of -9 billion AED. Capital Account This account is for the flow of payments of capital items. In 2004 IMF reported 78,062 million UAE capitals of machinery, medical and electricity. The export value of the above capital was 610 million AED. The trade surplus reported by CIA in 2004 was $19 billion. Financial Account This account handles the trade of stocks and bonds, currency transaction. The net investment projected by the International Monetary Fund in 2005 was 26.3 billion AED. The 392 commercial banks of the country have the total deposit of 491,523 million AED. Business Monitor International is a leading publisher of highly specific business information about the global markets of the world. In a report of BMI it is mentioned that the international trade of UAE will increase because of the improved two ways trading with US, Iran and SA. The boost in tourism and expansion in hotel and airport projects will also strengthen the position of UAE in balance of payments, the measure of payment flow between a country and the rest of the world. According to the report the import of the UAE is increasing by 8% per year whereas the export is declining by 6% in 2009 but is forecasted to grow again by 11% in 2011. The report also said that the current account balance of the UAE is more than 20% of the GDP for the forecast period which will definitely rise as the result of improved trading relations and flourishing tourism of the country. The Balance of Payment of the UAE in 2007 was 22.2% of the GDP which decreased till 2009 and is expected to increase up to 25.2% in 2011. According to the National US-Arab Chamber of Commerce the export of US to the UAE was increased by 40% between 2005 ad 2006. The re-exporting capability of the UAE is certainly good news for the balance of payments of the country. (FRANCO, 2007) Balance of Payment is the sum of exports products and services and net income like interests and foreign aids. Current account balance is a major indicator of any countrys financial condition. The current account balance or the balance of payments for UAE in the year 2005 brought the country at 13th rank in the world. It is 136.32 percent more than in the previous year. In 2006 UAE was on ranked as 10th country for the current account balance of 36.158 billion US$ which is around 60 percent more than in 2005. In 2007 UAE recorded a decline of 46 percent in the current account balance and rolled down to 20th ranking. In 2008 the current account balance for UAE increased by 13 percent and came at 19th position. In 2009 UAE recorded a drastic dip of 130 percent in the current account balance and came at 163rd ranking in the world. (FRANCO, 2007) The UAE Balance of Trade The balance of trade of the United Arab Emirate in the December of year 2008 was recorded to 231.1 billion AED. The economy of the country is no more dependent on the oil and petroleum products but still they are an important part for the revenue of the country. The major ingredients of the countrys imports are machinery, chemicals, transport equipments, and food and the major trading countries with UAE are India, China, Japan and European Union. The following figure shows the trade balance chart of the UAE. (United Arab Emirates Balance of Trade) The trade balance of the UAE has been very much dependant on the oil and petroleum revenue. The trade balance of UAE including the oil products has always been surplus in the past years whereas excluding oil and petroleum the trade balance was in deficit throughout the last decade. The country recorded a surplus in trade balance (including oil) of 19% of the total GDP in the year 2004, the value of which was 63 billion AED. The deficit in trade balance (excluding oil) in 2000 was maximum i.e. 26% of the GDP which has been decreasing gradually in the past years and as recorded only 8% of the total GDP in year 2004 with the value of 27 billion AED. (U.A.E. Trade Policy) The trade balance of UAE from the past years has been noticed to be shifting from deficit to surplus. A recent report from the Ministry of Foreign Trades of the UAE said about the commercial and business relations between UAE and India that the trade balance of UAE with India which was in deficit of worth 7.3 billion AED in the Q1 of 2009 has now been moving to positive side and in the Q1 of 2010 the trade balance was in surplus with the amount of 2.2 billion AED. The comparison of these two quarters shows that the value of non oil international trade between the two countries has been increased up to 83%. The value of the international trade in the Q1 of 2009 was equal to 20.5 billion AED and the value of trade in the Q1 of 2010 was 37.5 billion AED. These economic indicators are the proof of strong bilateral business and commercial relationships between the UAE and India. The development and the strength of the UAEs economy can also be seen from the results of the fiscal policies a nd strategies of the countries and their execution. The country has now developed a diversified economy and exports of non oil products. (UAE achieves a surplus of Dh2.2billion in its trade balance with India, 2010) Conclusion The above discussion of the balance of payments and balance of trades of the UAE depicts that the foreign trade and international fiscal and business relationships of the country has been improved in the past years. The balance of payments which used to be on the negative side and the country under the debts of other foreign countries has now shifted to the brighter side and increase to the surplus amount. The balance of trade of the UAE was majorly dependant on the export of oil products in the previous decade. But now the trade balance of the country majorly consists of export of non oil products. The trade balance of the country with other countries was in deficit in the previous year but now it has been increased to the positive side and stood up with surplus value.

Obesity In The United Arab Emirates

Obesity In The United Arab Emirates A health problem in the UAE and the world today, is obesity. We find it in large proportions. The UK and other countries also suffer from this disease. There are many causes of obesity and it affects people locally in the UAE , the UK and the rest of the world. The incidence of obesity is a major problem with many serious effects for the individual and the countries of the UAE , the UK and the world. This study will highlight the problem in the UAE and the UK just to show that the UAE is not the only one afflicted by obesity. Obesity -what is it? The problem of obesity is a major one in todays society, and it is estimated that more than 1 billion people are being classified as obese worldwide .Obesity is an increase in fatty tissue of the body and around organs, and it can cause a variety of bad health problems. Health problems include emotional as well as physical problems, for example, feelings of inferiority, and low self esteem due to an obese look. For children, name-calling, such as tubby, fatty, elephant, or others, as well as bullying from friends can occur. Physical problems are many, and include ones such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and some cancers. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), where the body can no longer respond to insulin, also happens. This influences the control of blood sugar levels which can rise and fall. In the UAE we have high numbers of diabetes sufferers (Global Arab Network 2010).Estimates show that by 2025, about 300 million people are expected to suffer from diabetes related to obesity . This number is to be double that of 1998 (University Edinburgh). Obesity is more than just having more weight or being overweight. It is an accumulation of extra body fat which puts the obese (overweight) persons health at risk, in the form of heart disease and diabetes (Sofsian). Body mass index (BMI) is used by doctors to find out if a person is obese. BMI correlates with height: A normal range is said to be 18.5-25; overweight is 25-30 and a BMI over 30 is considered to be obese (Henderson; Patient UK). Obesity in the UAE: There are three main causes of obesity in the UAE , namely diet, lifestyle and education. Firstly, diet is seen as one of the most important causes. The dietary (food) intake of most young Emiratis revolve around foods of a high carbohydrate and high fat content such as deep-fried chicken, French fries, burgers and pizzas. Many stores such as KFC, McDonalds, Pizza Hut and Burger King are well-known and visited on a daily basis. This type of food is eaten more now than in the past due to the UAE having become wealthy after the discovery of oil (ADMC). Stevens (2006), reports that à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦a boom in economic development and financial growth for all families in a region did not always come with improved health for the people who lived there. Sometimes that opposite could occur with the new found wealth going into junk food and too much of it. Next, the lifestyle of the Emiratis is another reason for obesity. Emiratis of today are less active and doing easier jobs such as desk-work, than in the past when they had to perform physical tasks. Today there is a big number of expatriate workers who do most jobs. Also, there is a general lack of exercise among young and old, male and female . This is mostly due to the weather and a lack of interest in sport or exercise. The healthy few, are mostly those who play football or other sports. Children are mostly found playing computer games in the home and eating too much. More money also means more to spend on food, relaxation and eating out. In some cases, married life also cuts back on exercise and contributes to weight-gain (ADMC). Thirdly, a lack of knowledge about healthy eating is another cause. There is an idea that the more money a country has, the more food they consume irrespective of the consequences of wrong-eating. Another factor is that there is a general lack of intervention from parents in terms of childrens eating habits and nutritional values. Parents do not stop children from eating wrongly and sometimes give children too many snacks and sweets. An awareness of healthy dietary requirements is also absent (ADMC; Sify 2010; Stevens 2006;Yaqoob 2009 ). Statistics UAE: These show that more than 60% of Emirati nationals are overweight and this figure is growing. The World Health Organization (WHO) released the following statistics for 2009:39.9% women are obese, 7th highest in the world and the men 25.6% at the 9th highest. Children in the UAE are also obese and this figure is growing (AMEinfo; Sify 2010; Yaqoob, 2009). UK Obesity in the UK is mainly caused by more or less the same factors as in the UAE- overeating; eating the wrong foods; little or no physical exercise/ activity and inheritance. It is shown that about 2 in 5 adults are overweight and a further 1 in 5 are obese (NeLM;Patient UK). According to government statistics 1 in 4 men and 1in 3 women are overweight- 24% for women and 23% for men; however, the rate of men being obese is increasing and at this rate it is estimated that by 2010 about 6.6 million men and about 6 million women will be obese. About 1 in 3 children between the ages of 2 and 15 are overweight (Henderson; IOTF; Lean; Sofsian).The UK is an old developed country and it is long since people moved away from hard physical work. The average UK life is a sedentary one with easier jobs and lots of TV viewing and little exercise. Also, children are less active and stay indoors mostly to play computer games. Effects Individuals and the country are affected in many different ways. The biggest effect of obesity on the individual is that of health risks. Heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and osteoarthritis, to name a few, are prevalent among overweight people. Other problems due to obesity are breathing problems, bad knee joints and difficulty walking (Henderson; Sofsian, 2007). Due to these health concerns the individuals quality of life drops to a low. Obese people can lose confidence and suffer psychologically- this goes for grown-ups and children (Henderson). A result of this could be depression, mood swings, yo-yo dieting, eating disorders like bingeing and withdrawal symptoms (Patient UK;Yaqoob, 2009). The country as a whole can suffer in the form of big numbers of unhealthy citizens in need of medical care. This could put strain on the government health budget in the form of medical-care, heart- transplants and medication. Sick and unhealthy workers are less productive and this leads to a loss of income for companies and job losses for these workers(Henderson). These workers might influence their children badly with eating habits and lifestyle because they are bad role-models (Ameinfo,2009). TREATMENT: Gastric-banding in the UAE to counter Obesity: What is Gastric-banding, gastric bypass and gastric sleeve? Gastric banding is an operation performed under general anesthesia. In this procedure, the surgeon places an adjustable band around the top part of the stomach. It creates a small pouch to hold food. The procedure is done by means of key-hole surgery (laparoscope). Food coming into the pouch is held and let through slowly into the stomach, so the person feels fuller sooner and for a longer time and so does not overeat. This is a safe procedure for those who are drastically overweight and cannot seem to eat less (virtualmedicalcentre 2010). In gastric bypass a step is taken to make the stomach smaller. The surgeon will use staples to divide the stomach into a small upper section and a larger bottom section. The top part of the stomach (called the pouch) is where the food consumed, will go. It holds only a small amount of food. The second step is the bypass. The surgeon will connect a part of the small intestine, called the jejunum, to a small hole in the pouch. The jejunum is farther down from where the stomach normally attaches to the small intestine. Food eaten will now move from the pouch into this new opening into the small intestine. Food now bypasses the lower part of the stomach and the first part of the small intestine, and so the body will absorb less calories (Lee 2009). In a gastric sleeve operation, up to 80 % of the stomach is removed. The remaining portion of the stomach is pinned together, creating a substantially smaller digestive tract (Shaheen 2009). Shaheen (2009) reports that doctors are citing increases of up to 500 % in the number of people turning making use of gastric surgery in trying to lose weight and are even operating on patients as young as 12.This operation is not normally performed on younger than 16 years old, but in this case there was no alternative to curb the obesity. Other Programmes to counter Obesity In the UAE and the UK the governments have started with programmes to lessen obesity and cut back on the numbers of people suffering from it and dying from the results of obesity (Lean, 2006; Yaqoob,2009). Doctors and health practitioners are trying and investigating numerous ways in which to combat obesity (Pittler Ernst 2005). According to Arnold (2009), there are ways and means to overcome the problems of obesity- permanent lifestyle changes in terms of what is eaten, how much is eaten, eating manners and exercise levels. The British Medical Association agrees with the International Obesity Taskforce (IOTF) that, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦interventions at the family and school level need to be matched by changes in the social and cultural context so that the benefits can be sustained and enhanced (BMA, 2005). This means that there should be good efforts and progress made by the medical workers, teachers, doctors, parents, food manufacturers, and media to help with this effort (Yaqoob,2009). An idea even arose to levy a tax on sweet drinks to discourage consumption (New Scientist, 2009). Also, governmental town planners, architects, politicians and legislators should all play a role to build a better and a healthier society (BMA 2005; Yaqoob, 2009). Change 4 Life was started in the UK to highlight child obesity. Their slogan is: Eat well, Move More, Live Longer. It focuses on reducing TV, video games and indoor play and encourages more outdoor play, movement and sports activities (Callaghan, 2009). In the UAE the focus is also on exercise and diet ( McMeans 2008 ; Zawya,2009).At a seminar in Dubai, titled Fat Truth organized by the Ministry of Health and UNICEF, Dr Mariam Mattar, general manager of Community Development Authority, said that In our society, there is an exaggerated focus on feeding children, regardless of their nutritional requirements. In order to control and change the growing number of obese children in the UAE, social attitudes had to change first, according to a senior community doctor and others (Ameinfo,2009; Sify 2010).Schools and families should be encouraged to get children to exercise more and eat better (Baxter 2009). Conclusion: Obesity is not confined to the UAE and the UK alone -it is a world-wide problem. Many of the causes and effects for the UAE and the UK , as well as other countries are mostly similar. People are suffering from obesity in both countries and this is causing extreme health problems, and this puts strain on governmental health services. The problem of obesity has been identified and both countries are addressing these in the form of health education, lifestyle changes and exercise initiatives.