Assignment 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Assignment 1 - Essay Example Experts predict that technology in the next 25 years will revolutionize the world to something never seen before. They predict that quantum technology will be possible such that the computers will be able to harness the power of the atom to help in performing computational tasks. The current computers are electronic and therefore they only store information in 1’s or 0’s but with this technology it will be possible to store both and this will increase processing capability (The Observer). Another prediction that is made is that our smart phones that we use today will have the power of a super computer at that time surpassing the capabilities of the servers that we have today. The phones will also have increased memory and the capability to connect to a high powered network that it will be easy for anyone to access massive kinds of information. It will also be possible to store all your information in a back-up cloud so that in case it is lost you only need to identify yourself and you have all your information (Gates). Another prediction is that I will be possible to speak to your computer such that there will be no need for a key board or a mouse, you will talk to the computer and tell it to perform a given operation with ease. It will be possible to use natural language on computers as they will be able to learn and recognize their errors and mistakes. For example the Watson system developed by IBM that interacts with humans is one such example of what to expect in the future (Marsan). It is also predicted that everything will be digitized and accessible over the internet from personal information to corporate information, to history and education. All these will be scanned and stored on the internet and they will be searchable. The content will also be personalized so that an individual will receive the article, books, music or even movies that march their interest. This storage on the internet will mark the death of certain kinds

Performance Review Meeting Essay Example for Free

Performance Review Meeting Essay What you have learnt from preparing for and carrying out the review I learnt how to set the meeting out, use the correct body language and how you should handle sensitive issues. It also helped me to understand motivation and focusing on strengths and weaknesses of employees and how to communicate effectively and stay in control of a situation. Overall I felt that the preparation leading up to the meeting helped in all of these areas. Studying the theories of Herzberg and Maslow helped me to understand that key areas of motivation and how to incorporate key management skills in order to get the best performance from an employee. Through watching performance management films also during the preparation process, this helped me to focus on my body language throughout the meeting and ensure that I am being perceived in a positive manner and agreeing targets on equal ground not by being too controlling of the situation and forcing decisions upon the individual. What you have learnt from the feedback you have received from your tutor and the individual whom you reviewed I have learnt that I need to ensure to take notes during the meeting. This is especially important when discussing performance plans and setting agreements. This would help me to remember after the meeting what was said so that I could write up a formal development plan for the employee but ensure that all information taken is accurate and that no details are missed. I need to also ensure that I talk slowly and clearly. It was fed back that I talked fairly quickly throughout the meeting, this may have been down to nerves because of the situation, however I need to ensure I remain focused on the task in hand and not what is going on around me to calm my nerves and ensure the employee understands fully the feedback that I am given. Overall I felt the meeting went well. I had good feedback and my body language was portrayed well. I felt I had prepared well and knew what to ask and how to approach the subject of the individual underperforming. I managed to negotiate clear targets for the individual of which we agreed by both parties and motivate the employee by also focusing on past high points as opposed to just focusing on the fact they have not met their targets. How this activity can help you at work I will take the knowledge which I have gained through completing this section into my workplace. I will be able to influence my capabilities through conducting meetings and speaking with employees on a daily basis.

Superoxide Anion Radical Scavenging Activity Biology Essay

Superoxide Anion Radical Scavenging Activity Biology Essay Where A518 control is the absorbance of DPPH radical+ methanol; A518 sample is the absorbance of DPPH radical + extract or compound / standard. Superoxide anion radical scavenging activity Superoxide radical (O2-) was generated from the photoreduction of riboflavin and was deducted by nitro blue tetrazolium dye (NBT) reduction method. Measurement of superoxide anion scavenging activity was performed based on the method described by Winterbourne et al 186. The assay mixture contained sample with 0.1ml of Nitro blue tetrazolium (1.5 mM NBT) solution, 0.2 ml of EDTA (0.1M EDTA), 0.05 ml riboflavin (0.12 mM) and 2.55 ml of phosphate buffer (0.067 M phosphate buffer). The control tubes were also set up where in DMSO was added instead of sample. The reaction mixture was illuminated for 30 min and the absorbance at 560 nm was measured against the control samples. Quercetin was used as the reference compound. All the tests were performed in triplicate and the results averaged. The percentage inhibition was calculated by comparing the results of control and test samples. Total antioxidant activity (Phosphomolybdic acid method)187 The antioxidant activity of the sample was evaluated by the transformation of Mo (VI) to Mo (V) to form phosphomolybdenum complex. An aliquot of 0.4 ml of sample solution was combined in a vial with 4 ml of reagent solution (0.6 M sulfuric acid, 28 mM sodium phosphate and 4 mM ammonium molybdate). The vials were capped and incubated in a water bath at 950C for 90 min. After the samples had cooled to room temperature, the absorbance of the mixture was measured at 695 nm against a blank. The antioxidant activity was expresses relative to that of ascorbic acid. Determination of Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity This was assayed as described by Elizabeth and Rao.188 The assay is based on quantification of degradation product of 2-deoxy ribose by condensation with TBA. Hydroxyl radical was generated by the Fe3+ -Ascorbate -EDTA -H2O2 system (Fenton reaction). The reaction mixture contained 0.1 ml deoxyribose (2.8mM),0.1 ml EDTA (0.1 mM), 0.1 ml H2O2 (1mM), 0.1 ml Ascorbate (0.1mM), 0.1 ml KH2PO4-KOH buffer, pH 7.4 (20mM) and various concentrations of plant extract in a final volume of 1 ml. The reaction mixture was incubated for 1 hour at 370 C. Deoxyribose degradation was measured as TBARS and the percentage inhibition was calculated. Determination of Nitric oxide radical scavenging activity Nitric oxide generated from sodium nitroprusside in aqueous solution at physiological pH interacts with oxygen to produce nitrite ions, which were measured by the method of Garrat.189 The reaction mixture (3ml) containing 2 ml of sodium nitroprusside (10mM), 0.5 ml of phosphate buffer saline (1M) were incubated at 250C for 150 mins. After incubation, 0.5 ml of the reaction mixture containing nitrite was pipetted and mixed with 1 ml of sulphanilic acid reagent (0.33%) and allowed to stand for 5 min for completing diazotization. Then 1 ml of naphthylethylene diamine dihydrochloride (1% NEDA) was added, mixed and allowed to stand for 30 mins. Sodium nitroprusside in aqueous solution at physiological pH spontaneously generates nitric oxide, which interacts with oxygen to produce nitrite ions which can be estimated by the use of Griess Illosvery reaction at 540 nm. FRAP assay A modified method of Benzie and Strain 190 was adopted for the FRAP assay. The stock solutions included 300 mM acetate buffer, pH 3.6, 10 mM TPTZ (2, 4, 6-tripyridyl-S-triazine) solution in 40 mMHCl and 20 mMFecl3. 6H2O. The fresh working solution was prepared by mixing 25 ml acetate buffer, 2.5 ml TPTZ and 2.5 ml Fecl3 .6H2O. The temperature of the solution was raised to 370 C before using. Plant extracts (0.15 ml) were allowed to react with 2.85 ml of FRAP solution for 30 min in the dark condition. Readings of the colored product (Ferrous tripyridyltriazine complex) were taken at 593 nm. The standard curve was linear between 200 and 1000  µM Feso4. Results are expressed in  µM (Fe (II) /g dry mass and compared with that of ascorbic acid. Iron chelating activity The method of Benzie and strain190 was adopted for the assay. The principle is based on the formation of O-Phenanthroline-Fe2+ complex and its disruption in the presence of chelating agents. The reaction mixture containing 1 ml of 0.05% O-Phenanthroline in methanol, 2 ml ferric chloride (200 µM) and 2 ml of various concentrations ranging from 10 to 1000 µg was incubated at room temperature for 10 min and the absorbance of the same was measured at 510 nm. EDTA was used as a classical metal chelator. The experiment was performed in triplicates. Estimation of total phenol The measurement of total phenol is based on Mallick and Singh.191 To 0.25g of sample, added 2.5 ml of ethanol and centrifuged at 2oC for 10 mins. The supernatant was preserved. Then, the sample was re-extracted with 2.5 ml of 80% ethanol and centrifuged. The pooled supernatant was evaporated to dryness. Then, added 3 ml of water to the dried supernatant. To which added 0.5 ml of Folins phenol reagent and 2 ml of sodium carbonate (20%). The reaction mixture was kept in boiling water bath for 1 min. the absorbance was measured at 650 nm in a spectrophotometer. Estimation of total flavonoids 192 0.2g of the plant material was ground with ethanol-water in 2 different ratios namely 9:1 and 1:1 respectively. The homogenate was filtered and these 2 ratios were combined. This was evaporated to dryness until most of the ethanol has removed. The resultant aqueous extract was extracted in a separating funnel with hexane or chloroform. The solvent extracted aqueous layer was concentrated 0.5 ml of aliquot of extract was pipette-out in a test tube. 4 ml of the vanillin reagent (1% vanillin in 70% conc. H2SO4) was added and kept in a boiling water bath for 15 mins. The absorbance was read at 360 nm. A standard was run by using catechol (110  µg/ml).

Science and Relgion Essay example -- Essays Papers

Science and Relgion Science and religion have not always peacefully coexisted. There have been many issues where scientific discovery and religious belief have clashed. Religion is based on ancient belief passed down through generations. As humans discovered more and more about themselves, they found that many of the things that religion told could not true. This caused an incredible crisis between the pious religious and the scientific world, especially in the Western world where Christianity dominated society, and where these scientific discoveries were being made. It was difficult for people at first to believe in God and at the same time except these new scientific findings that negated many things that religion had told them. Astonomer Kepler During the scientific revolution many religious issues were taken up. One was the issue of the earth being the center of the Universe, which the Christian doctrine held up as the truth. Through the work of astronomers like Copernicus, Kepler and Galileo, much was learned about our universe. One thing that was learned was that the earth revolved around the Sun, along with all the other planets of our solar system. Also it was learned that the sun is only one star among hundreds of billions of other stars of different shapes and sizes. This discovery baffled the church. How could we be only a tiny part of something greater? It was believed that God created the Universe to accommodate humankind and that everything in that Universe revolved around this. It now became apparent that this is not true. During the seventeenth century the Catholic Church was quick to reject these findings. Galileo didn’t understand the conflict, and pointed out that scripture is very old and is meant to ... ... science, and who feel that the bible should be taken literally. On the same hand there are many people in the science community who read the bible literally and announce there could be no God since the facts of the bible are so far removed from what scientific discovery has told us. There will probably never be day when science and religion completely agree, and there are no conflicts between the two sides. It is natural for men to question discovery, and when something tells you that thing you have believed in are wrong, it is natural to reject these things. Still, there have been considerable advancements in the understanding between religion and science. Links to web pages concerning science and religion: Http://salon.cma.univie.ac.at/~neum/sciandr.html http://homepages.tcp.co.uk/~carling/main_sci.html http://www.cco.caltech.edu/~newman/sci-faith.html Science and Relgion Essay example -- Essays Papers Science and Relgion Science and religion have not always peacefully coexisted. There have been many issues where scientific discovery and religious belief have clashed. Religion is based on ancient belief passed down through generations. As humans discovered more and more about themselves, they found that many of the things that religion told could not true. This caused an incredible crisis between the pious religious and the scientific world, especially in the Western world where Christianity dominated society, and where these scientific discoveries were being made. It was difficult for people at first to believe in God and at the same time except these new scientific findings that negated many things that religion had told them. Astonomer Kepler During the scientific revolution many religious issues were taken up. One was the issue of the earth being the center of the Universe, which the Christian doctrine held up as the truth. Through the work of astronomers like Copernicus, Kepler and Galileo, much was learned about our universe. One thing that was learned was that the earth revolved around the Sun, along with all the other planets of our solar system. Also it was learned that the sun is only one star among hundreds of billions of other stars of different shapes and sizes. This discovery baffled the church. How could we be only a tiny part of something greater? It was believed that God created the Universe to accommodate humankind and that everything in that Universe revolved around this. It now became apparent that this is not true. During the seventeenth century the Catholic Church was quick to reject these findings. Galileo didn’t understand the conflict, and pointed out that scripture is very old and is meant to ... ... science, and who feel that the bible should be taken literally. On the same hand there are many people in the science community who read the bible literally and announce there could be no God since the facts of the bible are so far removed from what scientific discovery has told us. There will probably never be day when science and religion completely agree, and there are no conflicts between the two sides. It is natural for men to question discovery, and when something tells you that thing you have believed in are wrong, it is natural to reject these things. Still, there have been considerable advancements in the understanding between religion and science. Links to web pages concerning science and religion: Http://salon.cma.univie.ac.at/~neum/sciandr.html http://homepages.tcp.co.uk/~carling/main_sci.html http://www.cco.caltech.edu/~newman/sci-faith.html

Simulation Review Paper on Elijah Heart Center

Elijah Heart Center (EHC), is a healthcare organization focused on cardiac health. The facility is equipped to handle the full spectrum of cardiovascular services for physicians and patients. The hospital also provides outpatient services for less invasive procedures and clinical care. Although the organization’s patient volume is stable and increasing in volume rapidly, there is a deficit in regards to profitability. As the senior financial consultant, I will present plans for short term and long term goals if needed. I will also recommend specific measures to modernize the hospital and provide specific plans for hospital expansion. Financial Portfolio Elijah Heart Center has managed to stay in operation due to excellent patient services. In the process of great patient care, poor financial decisions have been made in the past that now hinder the profitable spectrum of the organization. Research data revealed that issues that have affected this organization’s financial budget. The data revealed that (EHC) gave large discounts to manage care companies. The nursing staff was affected because higher wages were paid to outside agencies who supplied contract nurses. Of course when dealing with government health funded insurance carriers such as Medicare, the reimbursement levels are well below budget standards. Insurance rates are not current and based on past medical costs which stunts the financial growth of the hospital. Liabilities have increased and ? of the liabilities are related to accounts payable. The hospital equipment will need replacement soon due to extensive usage. Another issue is the constant placement of unused equipment in patient’s rooms. This causes conflict because if the equipment is placed in the patient’s room, it is considered is supposed to be charged to the patient. Phase 1 Capital Shortage Bridging a working capital shortage is one of the strategies that can help increase the hospital’s revenue if a true concrete plan can be formulated. Once all data was received, suggestion from the Executive Board was taken into consideration before any final decision was to be made. The main focus to be considered while bringing forth a strategic plan, is to understand the healthcare business as a whole. According to Baker and Baker (2009), The health care industry is a service industry. It may have inventories of medical supplies and drugs, but those inventories are necessary to service delivery, not manufacturing functions. With this information in mind, two specific cost cutting options were chosen geared toward staffing and patient care. The first option addressed was to decrease the staff hired from outside sources. Nursing and other employees who were hired via contracts worked for higher rates of pay. This rate is normally double the amount of the staff employee. Depending on the specific position and pay grade, large quantities of contract workers drains the current financial budget and reserves. The goal being strived for is the ability to take money being paid out to contract workers, and use it to hire staff at a reasonable rage of hire. This leads into the second option that was chosen. Changing the skill mix is a great strategy to help retain employees, add to their skills to make them more of an asset, and increase the employee morale. It is known that without contract staff to supplement nursing the strain of patient care would increase. That is why it is necessary to utilize the staff already in house that known the routine to be open to learning more skills. The asset to this strategy is that the nurses who are hired for full time status will enter an organization that promotes advanced clinical learning. The projected outcome of this plan is a net savings of at least 90% the first year, and an increase of financial savings by the second net year. Loan Options A decision in regards to loan options is a strategic method that can be harmful to the company deficit if not chosen correctly. After consulting with the executive team, the decision to select a refurbished loan with a lower interest rate of 9% was better than selecting a new loan with an interest rate of 9. 5%. Having the option to refinance a new loan would not be as lucrative or flexible in the first years of loan repayment. Outcome of Decision The outcome of these two decisions showed major improvements among the internal/external working environment as well as decreased overloaded expenses. The loan (option 2), was the best choice @ $1,500. 000, with a low interest rate of 9. 00%. The interest rate is lower than loan (option 1), at 9. 45% interest. The Monthly payments of $131. 177 versus $131. 490 was also appealing. The cost cutting strategies worked for (EHC) and improvement was immediately seen. Phase 2 Funding Options for Equipment Acquisitions The working capital shortfall is now under control at (EHC). With the increased patient flow, the technological aspects of the hospital must now be addressed. After meeting with the Board of Directors, Gilbert Sanchez stated the desire to purchase medical equipment to continue to provide excellent care to clients. The option was given after consultation to either buy new or refurbished medical equipment by acquiring a loan, or acquiring the equipment on lease (capital or operating). In large healthcare organizations, there is constant competition between departments for funding request for new equipment and supplies. According to Baker and Baker (2009), the reason for new equipment is needed must be clearly stated. The acquisition cost must be a reasonable figure that contains all appropriate specifications. The number of years useful life that can be reasonably extended from the equipment is also an important assumption. Mr. Sanchez provided all the necessary information needed. A different and daring approach was used to purchase the equipment needed for the hospital. The High Speed CT Scanner, X-Ray Machine and Ultrasound were all purchased on a Refurbished Equipment Loan. The optimal choice was to purchase the High Speed CT Scanner on a Refurbished Equipment Loan, the X-Ray Machine on a Capital Lease. The choice made for this issue was concrete. The most cost efficient method was used to revamp the equipment in use at the present time. The refurbished loan amount was purchased at a 9 % interest rate. When checking the balance sheet, the total assets and total liabilities were the same at $230. 621. Phase 3 Options for Capital Expansion Now that the capital shortage and equipment acquisition were addressed and the financial improvement of the hospital is rising, there is now a need for added space. The executive committee have plans to add 100 new private rooms as well as consider the expansion other departments such as surgical suites, endoscopy, surgical suites, and women’s service. Other expansions include 5 operating suites along with seven Cardiac Catheterization Labs. Also, twenty critical care patient rooms were also on the list to be added. The options available for selection included, Tax-Exempt Revenue Bonds, HUD 343 Loan Insurance Program and Private Bank Funding. I chose Private Bank Funding. The interest rate is slightly higher than the other options but the Net Present Value (NPV) was better than the total cost of the project. The total cost was $75,000 and the (NPV) came to $180. 250. According to Baker and Baker (2009), the Net Present Value, is a discounted cash flow method. It is based on cash flows in that it takes all the cash (incoming and outgoing) into account over the life of the equipment over this life of the equipment ( or if applicable, over the life of the relevant project). The strategic collaboration between the Board Executives and myself resulted in a great outcome, bringing overall improvement to the organization. I learned the importance of financial budgeting and streamlining with the focus on staff and patient satisfaction. I honestly would not change my decision on this simulation. I feel confident in my decisions as the consultant. I will take what I have learned from this assignment and apply the methods used to maintain a competent financial budget as well as monitor and maintain adequate employee staffing ratios.

Find a New Career as a Health Care Professional

Find a New Career as a Health Care Professional Sometimes, the desire to be involved in medicine might not strike when you’re young. But then, inspiration hits. Maybe a life-changing event calls you to help others; maybe you realize that after pursuing another career, you have a skill set that lends itself perfectly to the rapidly evolving healthcare field. Even if you amassed a course load (and a degree) that has nothing to do with health care, never fear–it’s never too late for a career change into the growing and thriving medical profession.Your first step? Look for a  postbaccalaureate  program specifically designed to give you the core science classes you missed the first time around that you’ll need for your desired role. (Nurse? Doctor? Veterinarian? Dentist? They’re all up for grabs!)Next, find a mentor. Most programs are designed with career changers in mind and offer a wealth of opportunities to strike out on a path tailor-made for your life. Find a professional you hope to emulate and pick his or her brain. And don’t forget to contact other recent career changers who have been there and can give you advice from the trenches.Finally, pursue this major undertaking with confidence! Whether you’re fresh out of college and want a redo or are decades into your career, many resources are available for you enter the medical field and leave your mark.So you’re thinking of a new career in medicineRead More at USC News