Effect of Temperature on Enzyme Activity

Investigating the Effect of Temperature on Enzyme Activity Almost all chemical reactions that occur in living organisms are catalyzed by enzymes. Many factors in a cell’s environment affect the action of an enzyme. In this investigation, you will design an experiment to determine the effect of temperature on an enzyme-catalyzed reaction. You will complete an entire lab write-up using the CHS LAB REPORT FORMAT. Fundamental Question How does temperature affect the rate of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction?Materials †¢Raw liver†¢Forceps †¢Petri dish†¢Labeling tape and pen †¢Dropper pipette†¢Ice bath †¢0. 1% hydrogen peroxide solution†¢3 thermometers †¢Liver puree†¢Warm-water bath †¢25-mL graduated cylinder†¢Clock or watch with second hand †¢5 50-mL beakers†¢Paper towels †¢Filter-paper disks Part A: Observe the Catalase Reaction 1. Put on apron and safety goggles. Use forceps to place a small piece of raw liver in an open petri dish. Use a dropper pipette to put a drop of hydrogen peroxide solution on the liver.CAUTION: Hydrogen peroxide can be irritating to skin and eyes. If you spill any on yourself or your clothes, wash it off immediately and tell your teacher. Observe what happens. RECORD in notebook. Liver contains the enzyme catalase, which breaks down hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to water (H2O) and oxygen gas (O2). When hydrogen peroxide is broken down by catalase, bubbles of oxygen gas are released. 2. With your teacher’s guidance, select the proper equipment and technology to measure catalase activity—a filter-paper disk. . To measure the activity of catalase, use a graduated cylinder to place 25 mL of hydrogen peroxide solution in a 50-mL beaker. 4. Use forceps to dip a filter-paper disk in liver puree. Place the filter-paper disk on a paper towel for 4 seconds to remove any excess liquid. 5. Use the forceps to place the filter-paper disk at the bottom of the beaker of hydrogen peroxide solution. Observe the filter-paper disk, and record the number of seconds it takes to float to the top of the liquid.RECORD in notebook. Part B: Design an Experiment 1. Use your observation and knowledge to develop a TESTABLE QUESTION and about how temperature will affect the rate at which catalase breaks down hydrogen peroxide. RECORD in notebook : TQ in When†¦Will format; 2. Write a BACKGROUND section of the lab by doing some research about enzymes. Use part A of this lab, and the information in section 2-4 of the textbook to help you write this.Be sure to include the Biological significance (why does it matter how enzymes function; why is it essential to rid the cell of H2O2; why is enzyme specificity important to the speed of the reaction), the Content of the class (what is the enzymatic reaction; what are the products, reactants, and enzymes involved in the chemical reaction; what do you expect to happen to the speed of the reaction when temperature is ma nipulated; what do enzymes do in chemical reactions), and the Link to this lab (how will you test this in lab; what are the mv, rv, and cvs in the lab).RECORD in notebook in paragraph format. 3. Write a HYPOTHESIS to include your prediction of what will happen in the lab. RECORD in notebook: HYP in IF†¦THEN†¦BECAUSE format. 4. Design an experiment to test your hypothesis. Your experimental plan should include PROTOCOL (materials and procedure in pictures) as well as any appropriate controls and replications (repetitions). Be sure to identify all manipulated, responding, and controlled variables in your experimental plan. Include any necessary safety precautions and safety equipment in your plan. . As you plan your investigative procedures, refer to the Lab Tips box on p. 55 of your textbook for information on demonstrating safe practices, making wise choices in the use of materials, and selecting equipment and technology. 6. Construct a DATA table similar to the one below in which to record the results of your experiment. Perform you experiment ONLY after you have obtained your teacher’s approval of your plan. RECORD data in your notebook. Data Table Temperature (oC)Time (seconds)Observations Trial 1Trial2Trial3Control Temperature: 7. Make a graph of the results of your experiment. Plot temperature on the x-axis and the variable by which you measured catalase activity on the y-axis. RECORD the graph in your notebook under the ANALYSIS section. Explain this graph. 8. Make a graph of class results in the ANALYSIS section. Explain this graph. In addition to your graph, write the rest of the ANALYSIS section of the lab, using the CHS LAB REPORT FORMAT. Include the following in your notebook: Explain what should have happened Identify what should have happened including the relationship between the time it takes the disk to float to the top and the amount of catalase activity; the optimal temperature for the enzyme; the shape change of enzymes when not in homeostasis and how that changes the effectiveness of the enzyme. Explain what actually happened †¢Summarize data Explain why these results occurred by incorporating background information †¢Again, use the information from the background section (enzyme structure, enzyme function, homeostasis, temperature, pH, etc) to explain the actual results.Compare actual to expected results (describe and explain similarities and differences—use numbers) Use simple statistics to explain data †¢Be sure to use both extremes represented (coldest, hottest, fastest, slowest) and be sure to use averages (group and class) calculate percent change if appropriate State likely human errors and how these affected the data †¢What did go wrong, what could’ve gone wrong, explain Explain how the experiment could’ve been done differently †¢Did this lab protocol actually test the testable question? Were the controlled variables actually controlled? †¢Wha t could’ve been controlled better? †¢Was the experimental control actually controlled? 9. Write a CONCLUSION for the lab, again referring to the CHS format. RECORD in your notebook and be sure to include the following: †¢Re-state the hypothesis and indicate whether it was supported or rejected †¢Did this protocol answer the fundamental question? †¢What controlled variable(s) could be changed to better answer the fundamental question? (Describe at least two different ones)

The Interesting Narrative of Olaudah Equiano Book Review

Compare the 18th century African slave trade to a game of checkers. Played on a checkered board of 64 opposing colors, the object of checkers is to capture or block all the men of an opponent. Careful planning of attack and defense are key elements to winning. The Interesting Narrative of Olaudah Equiano does more than just detail the experiences of a former African slave, it sets forth the play sequence between the various players engaged in the slave trade, the emotions involved, the effects and consequences on the players, and the future of the game if it were allowed to continue. Equiano experienced life as a slave on several continents. He endured the torment of the Middle Passage and the various physical and emotional insults and tortures, which came as a result of bondage to another individual. These descriptions are important in establishing the primary players in the slave game. The first is the African player and the other is the White player represented by both Europeans and Americans. The beginning descriptions of Equiano’s tribal life are instrumental in understanding the nature of the African player. Equiano perceives the difference in the African way of life versus that of the European as merely one of time. The Africans have not had the time to learn and grow as the Europeans have. Equiano maintains the notion that existing in a different state of being does not give the European the right to take advantage of their situation in order to promote their own welfare. â€Å"Let the polished and haughty European recollect that his ancestors were once, like the African, uncivilized, and even barbarous. Let such reflections as these melt the pride of their superiority into sympathy for the wants and miseries of their sable brethren and compel them to acknowledge that understanding is not confined to feature or color. Equiano uses scripture to support his idea that all men were created the same and merely existed in different states of progression. The majority of Europeans did not share Equiano’s views. As a result the rules of the game changed for the Europeans who viewed themselves as superior to that of the African. These views were responsible for the horrors, which many Africans f aced in slavery. Even those Europeans who tried to treat slaves with respect could not escape the economic benefits slavery provided them. As a result the European was held captive by his own desire to win rather than to play fair. The European plan of attack was ruthless and he felt he had nothing to fear from the African. Equiano writes that these feelings on the part of the European ate away at the salvation of the European soul. Slavery affected not only the body of the African but also their hope. Equiano describes men in his company who would rather jump off a ship and perish in the sea than endure the atrocities of the Middle Passage. Even those Africans who were granted freedom still suffered the abuse of slavery. After a horrifying incident aboard the London slave ship the Zong, Equiano, a free man at the time, wrote of the courts â€Å"he saw no help in them, nor by the law. † Not only was the incident aboard the Zong an example of the horrors that existed when people were treated as property but served as an example of how the ideas of superiority on the part of the English served to strike a blow at the hope of the African. The recurring theme of religion in Equiano’s narrative is important in understanding that one’s actions cannot escape the judgment and eye of God. Equiano felt comfort and solace in the doctrines of Christianity. It was a force that comforted him when his duties of a slave almost destroyed him and his inability to be treated as an equal when free mystified him. In true Christianity Equiano also saw hope for the Europeans who were losing their souls to the slave trade. In an address of thanks to the Quakers in Grace Church Court, Equiano states that by lifting the burdens of the Negroes there might be in â€Å"some measure, be the possible means, under God, of saving the souls of many of the oppressors. In the checker game of the slave trade, the Europeans did not realize that their men were being lost. They felt they were winning the game in regards to economics. Equiano alerted the reader to the cost the European was paying for their grasp on wealth and prosperity. Equiano’s notion that men can only be saved through a combination of faith, works and grace is important in understanding the effects of the trade upon the future of the game. Equiano recognized that there were no lasting winners in the slave trade. The Europeans were losing the game because they failed to see the eternal consequences of their actions. Equiano believed that the European could still prosper economically without the slave trade if the right plan were to be put into effect. This plan would benefit all involved. Equiano fight for the abolishment of slavery was the tip of the iceberg in his quest. He called for a change of attitude in regards to race relations. He believed this would be the ultimate step in restoring the dignity of all involved. Equiano had seen first hand that many Europeans still viewed Africans as property even when they were free and treated them as such. Equiano knew that merely breaking the chains of slavery was not enough to make its effect disappear. Just as men needed all components of the faith – grace equation to be saved, those involved in the slave trade needed a change in attitude to prevail in order to restore hope and eternal relationships. Equiano wrote, â€Å"After all what makes any event important, unless by its observation we become better and wiser, and learn to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly before God? . Equiano’s narrative teaches us that in order for individuals to truly win they must not compete against one another nor capture or enslave based on the notion of race. Instead they should look for ways to work together to find and enjoy the treasures of wisdom and salvation Equiano believed were available to all. I believe in Equiano’s message. It w as one of powerful humility and quite visionary for his time. He was no ordinary man as he claims. His insights into his experiences and encounters with both players of the slave trade reflected a depth of understanding no money could buy. His ability to shed light on the emotions of all players involved opened my eyes to the various sides of the slave trade of the time. His message is applicable not only to these aspects of slave trade of the 18th century but also to other concepts of World History past and present. It is important to recognize and understand the concept that when we fail to recognize the importance of others and try to dominate rather than cooperate the only winner of the game is disaster and heartache.

Financial Markets Efficiency Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Financial Markets Efficiency - Essay Example Therefore, this form suggests that if everyone is aware of the price records, it is of no value. However, many financial analysts acquire profits by evaluating pas prices using technical analysis including pointing price policy or moving average technique, which according to this form has no value (Horne, 1990). Semi-strong form of market efficiency says, â€Å"Current prices have influence of all the information that is publicly available† (Williams, 2005). All the information takes into account the annual reports of the company that is â€Å"balance sheet and income statements showing the status of assets and liabilities of the company and telling about the revenues, expenses, and income of the company† (Fleming, 2004). It also encounters the payment of dividends, announcement of merger plans, upcoming macroeconomics expectations pertinent to inflation and unemployment (Fleming, 2004). It needs not only to be financial but every aspect that is responsible for adding o r subtracting value to the company. It can also be about the behavior of management with employees, the competence of research and development department, quality of the products and perception about the company in public’s mind. ... One needs to make a deep research to gather all the information, which is helpful in determining the current prices and getting profitable returns. The strong form of market efficiency does not only have impacts of public information but it also opts for information inside the company that is private information. Strong form is different from semi-strong form in a way that it does not want anyone to acquire profits even when public is not aware of the trading information at that time (Bollen & Inder, 2002). In simple words, it means that even the management and other important organizers of the company that is insiders should not be able to acquire profits on company’s shares. As insiders have knowledge about profitable shares, so they should not acquire these shares after few minutes later they make the decision. Additionally, the members of R & D department should not get profits on information they discovered half an hour ago. The objective of strong form of market efficien cy is that markets should possess abilities of anticipating in an impartial manner. However, this form of efficiency is very difficult to achieve as greed for money and other monetary rewards can persuade ones inner light and convert it into flesh. The question arises that why is there a need of efficient market. A market has to be efficient otherwise; investor’s money would go nowhere. An efficient market is one where all the information influences the prices of shares. Market has to be â€Å"large and all the information should be available to investors regarding a company’s financial conditions† (Bollen & Inder, 2002). In this kind of market, transaction costs should be less than the opportunity cost of investment. Opportunity cost is the

Classroom Management, Engagement, and Motivation Assignment

Classroom Management, Engagement, and Motivation - Assignment Example The student's behavior is considered disruptive to the classroom environment as such an environment is always expected to maintain a learning-conducive condition. The learning-conducive environment should always be kept orderly, quiet and without any form of disruption. While walking around to cause destruction to other students, it is possible that Sarah may end up involved in a fight, quarrel and even accusations of interference with others properties. Such behaviors always cause scenes in the classroom, thereby turning it into a theater full of drama. She may also become a nuisance to the others while she keeps walking around the classroom. However, the possible antecedent of Sarah’s behavior could be the fact that she does not enjoy class work and cannot contain boredom due to being in one place. It is also possible that Sarah is used to being jumpy as a member of photography and movie-making club where moving around is part of the curriculum. Sarah may, therefore, end up wasting a lot of her time in causing trouble while walking around the classroom instead of concentrating on her studies. Her behaviors may also consume other students time while they try to catch up with her drama. It might, therefore, result in poor performance for Sarah and other students in the classroom. To mitigate this behavior, a lot of assignment should be given to this student with close deadlines to make her sit in her seat for longer times trying to work on them. Sarah can also be allowed to attend to her club duties where she will be able to engage herself in duties that require frequent movement around the stage. If the above instructional intervention is applied, Sarah will be able to change and become get used to sitting down for long hours as she completes her assignment.

Event Sponsorship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Event Sponsorship - Essay Example The sponsorship should take into consideration the continuous funding of the event and the value and goals that should be met. Commercialisations of events have led to the compromise of values in event managements and have led to failure in some events. The project proposal aims at evaluating the challenges faced by event managers in handling sponsorship. It also aims at coming up with better strategies to improve sponsorship. Event management is a task that has a long history. Today, various events are held. The events range from games, festivals, concerts, meetings to political rallies. Up to these days, events remain an important part of people's culture and help social development of people. For their success, these events need to be managed. In managing events, sponsorship is very important. It should be noted that managing events is expensive and needs funds. Sponsorship of an event is not just as way of raising funds for the events, but it also entails marketing. The finding of sponsors, choice of sponsors and managing marketing and commercials should be an integral part of event management. Sponsors are important in event management. Good management of sponsors is lacking in event management. It should be noted that events are very important elements to people's culture. A successful event should send the required message or meet the desired goals (Allen, Bowdin, 2006, pp123). It should be noted that there are different categories of sponsors. Some sponsors are not motivated by business while others are motivated by business and aim at marketing their products. In managing sponsors, some event management conflict over the amount allocated to a certain sponsor and the recognition of the sponsor as a sponsor to an event. Poor management of sponsor could explain the conflict in events and the inability to sustain a sponsor for a long time. Lack of good sponsorship management also leads to failure of some events. Research Question Which and how important is the role of sponsorship in an event management context Aim and objectives Managing a sustainable fund is a principle element of event management. Sponsors are the main sources of funding to an event and they should be well managed. The management of sponsorship should ensure a sustainable fund and at the same time maintain the integrity of the event (Cornwell, Amis, 2005). The research will establish the problem encountered in managing sponsorships and come up with a better way of managing the sponsors. The project will also establish things which people managing events can do to ensure sustainable fund for events. Literature review Events are an integral part of communities. In the early days, every community had its own events and activities. The events were great opportunities for social development and development of cultures. It was also a great opportunity for interaction, communication and development of leaders (Berkowitz, 2008). In the past, the major activity had either cultural or religious base and involved people from a given geographical region. Although cultural and religious events remain important today, events have taken different perspectives including people from various cultures and large geographical regions. Small events are not involving and their management is simple;

Organization of the Olympic Games in London Essay

Organization of the Olympic Games in London - Essay Example Operations are the processes by which an organization puts in effort regarding the inputs i.e. the strategies to generate the required output namely, the services, with increased quality. Management is the process that unites and renovates various resources implemented in the operations to derive value-added services in a controlled manner based on the policies of the organization. Furthermore, the interrelated managerial activities, those are required for service management, is also referred as the operations manager. The Operations Management literature states that the activities related to the organizational operations must focus on the strategies that are consistent with the organizational aims and with other functionalities related to marketing and human resource. Olympics have been one of the largest events in the sports segment that involves almost all the countries of the world. Since its commencement, the event is being organized every 4 years in different countries inviting players from various nationalities and categories. During the Olympics, it has often been observed that citizens from various parts of the world attempt to visit the hosting country for experiencing the greatest sport of events. Furthermore, it has been noticed that there is a wide range of facilities required to be developed before the sporting event is being commenced. Certainly, the development of these facilities requires huge capital funds which eventually will boost up the success of the upcoming event.... Management is the process that unites and renovates various resources implemented in the operations to derive value added services in a controlled manner based on the policies of the organisation. Furthermore, the interrelated managerial activities, those are required for service management, is also referred as the operations management. The Operations Management literature states that the activities related to the organisational operations must focus on the strategies that are consistent with the organisational aims and with other functionalities related to marketing and human resource (Kumar & Suresh, 2009). Olympics have been one of the largest events in the sports segment that involves almost all the countries of the world. Since its commencement, the event is being organised every 4 years in different countries inviting players from various nationalities and categories. For instance, in the current year, i.e. 2012, the Olympics are planned to be held in London. During the Olympi cs, it has often been observed that citizens from various parts of the world attempt to visit the hosting country for experiencing the greatest sport of events. Furthermore, it has been noticed that there are a wide range of facilities required to be developed before the sporting event is being commenced. Certainly, the development of these facilities requires huge capital funds which eventually will boost up the success of the upcoming event. The objective of the paper is to evaluate the strategic processes involved in the execution of operations when conducting Olympics 2012. Furthermore, the problems that could arise in operating the event will also be identified along with the evaluation of reasons

The Movement For The Survival Of The Ogoni People Essay

The Movement For The Survival Of The Ogoni People - Essay Example Weak and isolated, minority communities sought to internationalize their struggles in a political system largely dominated by three larger ethnic groups (Obi, 2000a, p. 67). Out of the cauldrons of minority protests rose The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) mounting sustained mass mobilizations through robust local and international support networks towards a worthy moral course-gaining economic control of resources mined in their ancestral homeland through political inclusion. The Movement organized the Ogoni people to demand â€Å"political autonomy† within their system effectively drawing the world’s attention through conflict with the Nigerian government, Shell Oil Company and a host of multinational corporations, all sourcing to benefit from the regions’ oil wealth. Indeed, since the 1990s, the movement’s dynamism in its tactical approaches drew international support with numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs)such as Human Rights Watch, Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace coming to their aid in one way or another (Human Rights Watch 1993; Friends of the Earth-Netherlands 1993; Greenpeace International 1994). The movement’s activities were so intense pressuring the government to the brink prompting a three-year of harsh repression on the entire Niger Delta with the execution of MOSOP’s leader Ken Saro-Wiwa in 1995 in a bid to smash dissenting voices domestically-an act that branded the system a pariah regime in the eyes of the international community (Obi, 2002, p. 30-41). As a matter of fact, the history of this particular movement has been punctuated with intrigues and turns with the principal aim of getting their government to lend them listening ears so as to deliver their grievances. This paper sets out to analyze the tactical activities of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) with due regard to its relations with multinational oil business companies operating i n the Niger Delta. Summary Background of MOSOP Tactics and Its Evolution to the Present The history of man has been one characterized by occasional resurgence with distinct causal identities comprising of hyper nationalist beliefs, contentious religious principles, ethnical cleavage thinking, secessionist claims, and denial of fundamental inalienable human rights, environmental rights being at the epicenter in the recent times. The era after the Cold War markedly witnessed these identities antagonize each other for control of socio-political as well as economic scenes with events that occasionally tended to mount serious challenges to state authorities. Seemingly, Nigeria went through the test with near statehood collapse. The emergence of armed ethnic militias in Nigeria’s Niger Delta in the early 1990s was largely informed by marginalization of the minority communities, constituting social deprivation of fundamental, basic rights (Harper, 1996, p.42-47). The 21st century ha s seen indiscriminate use of lethal weapons giving way to conflagration of all sorts against the dysfunctional political structure of the state as well as oil multinationals’ policies infringing on the locals rights. Basically, these ethnic militias emerged with the sole purpose of challenging the poor choice of policies over environmental degradation emanating from oil extraction with little or no return at in certain instances (Onishi, 2000, par.2-4). Without

Communication Theory- Article Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Communication Theory- Article Analysis - Essay Example Through a process of self-disclosure, communication gradually moves from shallow to intimate as a function of immediate and forecast outcomes as the interpersonal relationship develops. The movement from superficial to intimate levels follows the stages of; orientation, where superficial disclosure following social norms and appropriateness are made. The next stage- exploratory affective- entails moderate disclosure on general topics, followed by the affective stage where disclosure of private and personal matters takes place. The stable stage is a plateau level in which personal things are shared and emotions predicted, while the last stage- depenetration- entails a breakdown of the relationship following withdrawal of disclosure (Greene and Burleson 693; Gibbs, Ellison and Heino 152-177). This study analyzes Daniel Chornet-Roses’ â€Å"Using Students’ Prior Knowledge to Teach Social Penetration Theory† in terms of the main purpose, hypothesis, methodology and r esults before arriving at an appropriate conclusion on the implications of the Social Penetration Theory. Analysis â€Å"Using Students’ Prior Knowledge to Teach Social Penetration Theory† Chornet-Rose (150) acknowledges that appreciating student’s existing ideas and beliefs about a given subject enhances the experiences of learning. The scholar seeks to hone the student’s skills in analyzing information, inductive reasoning and self-reflection. To do this, the scholar plans to activate the prior knowledge of the students in relationship development through letting them watch the film Before Sunset. This will be followed by introducing the students to the intended new knowledge in Social Penetration Theory. Although not expressly stated, the hypothesis tested by the scholar is that acknowledging and incorporating the student’s prior knowledge into the classroom enhances student’s learning experience and outcomes. The researcher’s sele cted method comprises of four sections. First, the students were assigned to watch the film Before Sunset at home. The second activity is an in-class one, where the students were required to informally formulate a theory of relationship development through analyzing the film. The study provides a guide towards analysis and inductive creation of the relationship development theory through asking the students to pay close attention to; the type of information shared (superficial, important, intimate); the tone of conversation (serious, friendly, cheerful, angry); non-verbal communication (proxemics, eye behavior); and lastly, the accomplishments of their communicative interaction. The third activity entails a 75-minute in-class lesson introducing Social Penetration Theory, discussing the student’s relationship development theories with SPT and how SPT may be used to discuss relationship development in the theory. In the first 15-20 minutes, the instructor presents a lecture on Social Penetration Theory, highlighting its key concepts. In the next 10-15 minutes, the students discuss and contrast their informal theories with SPT while in small groups. The remainder of the lesson involves the instructor leading the class to discuss the students’ theories in relation to SPT and relationship development in the film. The final activity entails the students writing a paragraph on how their knowledge on relationship development has developed since learning SPT. The essay assignment is given as an end-of-class or

Environmental Depletion Essay Example for Free

Environmental Depletion Essay 1. Individuals are affected by the environment in different ways. The environment is an essential element in mans daily sustenance. The environment is the source of fresh air which humans breath in order to live, the source of fruits and vegetables that are necessary for the better functioning of the body, and the care taker of nature which provides man with a serene view of the world. The environment is also the source of trees and other raw materials that are used in the production of the basic needs of the modern world. The environment aids man in so many ways that living without it is totally indispensable for the survival of man. However, the many blessings and benefits which man derives from the environment have caused greed and abuse. The environment, as many theorize is very sick because of mans lack of concern for it. Instead of striving to preserve and/ or cultivate all that the environment has to offer, man continues to abuse and show lack of care for the environment. Thus, the world now is experiencing too many nature related tragedies. The tragedies that are happening and the climate changes as well as global warming are all the result of mans depletion of the earths natural resource. Everything which the environment has to offer has been continually abused by man and utilized commercially to satisfy their greed for profit. What man forgets is that whatever he does with the environment will be done to him two fold. Aside from the physical effects, changes in the environment can also have physiologic and psychological effects to man. If the temperature is hot and dry, man tends to be sweaty and thirsty while if the temperature is cold, the body of man tends to cling on to something that will provide him warmth. Psychologically, a hot temperature will most likely cause man to be easily irritated and annoyed. More often than not, the patience is man is shorter when it is hot as compared when the temperature is cold. In addition, if the environment to which man lives in is rowdy or in chaos or there is too much pollution, the tendency of man is also to feel and act in chaos whereas if the environment is serene, man, most often than not, will feel relaxed and relieved. A busy and crowded environment may lead to stress but a lax setting may temper the mind and feelings of man. Individuals, generally, act in accordance with what they see and feel from the environment. There are only a few people who do not feel affected with what is happening in their environment, these are the people who have high tolerance and have a high sense of discipline to detach themselves from the environment where they are. 2. In the past five years, there has been an increased awareness in the environment because man has been feeling the wrath of nature. The effects of the pollution of the water, the seas and rivers, the air and the noise pollution that are felt world wide are starting to cause serious trouble to mans daily existence. There has been too much pollution around that man can hardly enjoy the benefits which nature used to offer. The climate changes, global warming, extinction of plants, animals and fishes, melting of glaciers and scarcity of natural resources such as water, trees and animals have caused man difficulties. In some parts of the world, such as Africa, water scarcity is very prevalent (Arriens, 2007). The people there hardly have any water to drink, cook and bath. In the years to come, it has been predicted by several scientists and researchers that water scarcity will be felt in a greater degree. If there is water scarcity, almost all resources will be affected. Lack of water will also deprive man to cultivate the soil and plant fruits, vegetables and rich thus there will be food shortage. Cost of products bought in the market will also rise. The lesser products there are available, the higher is the cost. The fear of man to experience all of these adverse effects is the reason why there has been an increased awareness of the environment, which I believe is just right. Man needs to protect and preserve the blessings of nature in order to live longer and enjoy life better.

Health Care Innovation Essay Example for Free

Health Care Innovation Essay I will compare the current health care system with the new Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) that became law on March 23, 2010. The current system, which is being phased out between 2011 and 2018 is increasingly inaccessible to many poor and lower-middle-class people. About 47 million Americans lack health insurance, an increase of more than two million people from 2005 (Rover, 2011) the increasingly complex warfare between insurers and hospitals over who pays the bills is gobbling up a great deal of money and the end result is that the United States pays roughly twice as much per capita for health care as Canada, France, and the United Kingdom yet experiences slightly lower life expectancy than those countries. President Barack Obama campaigned for the need to reform the American health care system, stating that the cost of health care was a â€Å"threat to our economy† and that health care should be a â€Å"right for every American. † (Rover, 2011) Thus began the passage of health care reform. On March 23, 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act became law. Private and Parochial schools have been competing with public schools for as long as I can remember. These schools have to show that they are worth paying for or they do not get customers. The health care industry, on the other hand does not have government competition. The old health care system gave insurance companies all the power. It is more along the lines of, pay us outrageous fees or you die. Even if you have their coverage they still look for ways to drop you from their insurance. I feel that under the new health care reform laws I will not have to worry about getting laid off and losing my health insurance coverage again. There are 92 provisions in the ACA (Affordable Care Act) that are being mplemented between the years 2011-2018. This paper, however, will only cover the provisions I feel are of concern to most lower to middle class Americans, or should I state â€Å"financially struggling like myself†. Furthermore, the ACA has a broad range of provisions that aim to advance a framework and foundation for redesigning the healthcare delivery system to one that is person-centered, offers individual control, improves quality, and integrates care across settings and providers (Shugarman, L. R. , Whitenhill, K. 2011). Key provisions undergird health and long-term care reform by improving the continuum of care within four domains: long-term care insurance, home and community-based services (HCBS) expansion, care coordination, and workforce reinforcement. Since the recession began in December 2007 nearly 7 million Americans have lost their jobs. In addition, there were an estimated 43 million uninsured prior to that; Many of whom lost the only health insurance coverage they had for themselves and their families. Former employees are given the option to buy temporary insurance through companies such as Cobra which contains provisions giving certain former employees, retirees, spouses and dependent children the right to temporary continuation of health coverage at group rates. However, this insurance is costly, well above the financial means of someone without a job. The typical cost for basic family coverage can be around $1,309. 00 per month. A cost that is nearly impossible to cover when you are unemployed or underemployed. Under the ACA, the following provisions would be considered pros for the average American: (a) Coverage will expand to cover nearly 95 percent of legal U. S. residents. Plus, preventative care will be free. (b) Increased regulation will stop insurance companies from rigging prices, for instance there was a recent 40% insurance premium increase in California. (c) Insurance companies will have to accept everyone. No more pre-existing condition exclusions. They can’t place limits on coverage anymore, either. (d) Cheaper prescriptions for seniors. e) Ensuring Free Choice. Workers who cannot afford the coverage provided by their employer may take whatever funds their employer might have contributed to their insurance and use these resources to help purchase a more affordable plan in the new health insurance exchanges. (f) Eliminating Annual Limits on Insurance Coverage. The law prohibits plans from imposing annual dollar limits on the amount of coverage an individual may receive. (g) Insurers must now reveal how much money is spent on overhead. (h) Makes Care More Affordable.  The act includes tax credits to make it easier for the middle class to afford insurance will become available for people with incomes above 100 percent and below 400 percent of poverty (i) Chain restaurants will be required to provide a nutrient content disclosure statement alongside their items. You will see calories listed both on in-store and drive-through menus of fast-food restaurants. (Affordable health care for America, 2010) Under the ACA, the following provisions would be considered cons for the average American: (a) Cuts in Medicare.  The elderly on Medicare will see their benefits changed dramatically. The biggest item being used to pay for the new program is more than $500 billion in cuts to the Medicare program at a time when 72 million baby boomers become eligible for it in the next decade. The second biggest move to pay for this is by raising and expanding the Medicare tax. (b) No new incentives for primary care physicians (c) More taxes, the government has to pay for healthcare reform somehow. Taxing businesses is a big strategy. Families earning more than $250. 00 a year will have to pay higher Medicare taxes, also, this isn’t a tax, but employers will be fined $3,000 per employee if they don’t provide affordable medical coverage. (Drea, 2010). However, the provision that is causing the most concern is the insurance mandate. Within this mandate everyone is required to be insured or else pay a fine. There is an exemption for low-income people. This mandate takes effect in 2014. (Right To Health Care, n. d) I personally feel the ACA will benefit most Americans for several reasons. First, if you do not have health insurance, you will have a choice of high quality, affordable coverage for yourself and family. Second, the reform will finally bring skyrocketing health care costs under control. Third, the reform will provide every American with some basic protections that will finally hold insurance companies accountable since they will not be able to discriminate against persons with pre-existing illnesses or conditions. Lastly, Americans can now purchase their health insurance coverage with the bargaining power that was only reserved for larger companies, instead of individual policies which are extremely expensive. Bear in mind that from 2000 to 2006, health care premiums increased 87% compared to overall inflation (an increase of 3. 5%) and wages (3. 8%). A ‘Public Entity’ would help keep costs from skyrocketing (Right to Health Care, n. d). Working Americans may be experiencing something akin to sticker shock. The average cost of a family policy now exceeds $13,000 a year, having doubled over the last decade, according to a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Similar increases over the next decade would translate to the average policy for a family costing in the neighborhood of $24. 000 a year. (Right to Health Care, n. d). I really had not paid that much attention to the new health reform act, prior to a tragedy that happened to my best friend’s family recently. One of her sisters had been covered by her employer sponsored health care plan for the last 10 years. For 8 of those years she was the picture of health, no major illnesses or accidents requiring the use of her insurance other than the occasional checkup. About 2 years ago she decided to up her yearly deductibles and co-pays from $1,200 to $6,000 in favor of a lower monthly premium to help make other household bills easier. At that time there was no reason for her to feel anything bad would happen; Had she been covered under the new ACA she may not have had to worry about paying high medical bills. Unfortunately last spring my best friend’s sister was diagnosed with bi-polar disease; a few weeks later coincidentally she also discovered she had breast cancer. Late this past summer, my best friend’s sister committed suicide. I am not saying that her health insurance situation was the main reason for her decision to take her own life, but I know her family tried many times to convince her she needed more help for her major depression. Her response was always that she could not afford it. The emotional trauma associated with her two illnesses and the constant worry over the medical bills only added to her anxiety and depression. Fear of hospital bills should not deter anyone from seeking medical care. My best friend is carrying around a lot of guilt that she could have and should have done more for her sister by insisting her sister get the medical care ecessary and not worry about how it would be paid for. Since my best friend’s sister’s death, I have come to realize that not being able to afford health care insurance could be the difference between life and death for many. How appalling to live in a country with such great wealth, yet millions face financial ruin if they are uninsured or insured and their current insurance provider decides to drop them. I am not saying that the new health care reform laws will be fix all our problems, but I feel it’s a good start, and only time will tell.