Delta Plastics, Inc. (B) Essay Example

Delta Plastics, Inc. (B) Paper Running header: Delta Plastic, Inc. (B) Delta Plastics, Inc. (B) Delta Plastics, Inc. (B) Introduction Have you taken the time to look at your plastic containers? Well, if you do there is a chance that your containers have flaws and defects that are noticeable to the human eye. There are defects that do not get in the way of using the containers but for quality purposes, it still is a defect. This paper will show a 3-sigma control chart for the production process for using the new and standard material. The control chart will show if the processes are in control and if the materials are equally subject to defects. Based on the finding, Jose will be advised on the action to take. 3-Sigma control chart Prepare a 3-sigma control chart for both production processes, using the new and standard material (use of quality report in â€Å"Delta Plastics, Inc. Case A,† Chapter 5). The control prepare is showing the type and number of defect using a sampling of 20. The average number of defects for the new material is 2. 44 and the range is 4. 55. The control limit L) is 2. 41, upper control limit (UCL) is 4. 14 and the lower control limit (LCL) is -1. 73. The average number of defects for the standard material is 1. 93 and the range is 2. 6. The control limit (CL) is 2. 41, upper control limit (UCL) is 3. 28 and the lower control limit (LCL) is . 571. Control Discuss whether or not both materials are in control and what conclusion may be drawn. To determine whether both material are in control it will be based on the number of defects and the quality tool used to determine if the product will perform as intended. It was previously determined that the Pareto analysis determined the reliability (Reid Sanders, 2010). We will write a custom essay sample on Delta Plastics, Inc. (B) specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Delta Plastics, Inc. (B) specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Delta Plastics, Inc. (B) specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer According to Reid Sanders (2010), the Pareto analysis is a technique that identifies quality problems based on the degree of importance. The defects that will decrease the reliability would be uneven edges and cracks. Scratches, air bubbles and the thick variation will affect the appearance of the product but will not limit the use. Based on the number of defects that the new material has and it reliability it has been determined that the new material is out of control. Over 53% of the containers made fall over the either the control limit or upper control limit. This is not good for production so the product needs to go back through the design process. The stand material has about 40% of its containers that have defects that could be considered not reliable but the containers do not fall over the upper control limit. The standard material is in control but barely. Subject to defects Discuss whether or not both materials are equally subject to defects. Both materials are equally subject to defects. The company cannot choose the samples that for quality control. That would defeat the purpose for improving the product. The new material should have a better quality because of the new super plastic being used to make the containers. If new super plastic is being used then much time and effort should be given when make the containers. The new material should be more reliable but it is not compare to the standard material. The standard material has 13% less defects than the new material on containers that are not reliable. | | | | | Action to take Given your findings, advise Jose on the action he should take. Based on the finding, Jose should look into using Kaizen’s total quality management approach. According to Wienclaw (2008), this approach calls for a continuously search for improvement. Wienclaw also stated, â€Å"The key to doing this is through the application of statistical processes and tools in a search for better processes and improved quality. † References Reid, R. D, Sanders, N. R. (2010). Operations management: An integrated approach (4th ed. ). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley Sons. pp. 165. Wienclaw, R. (2008). Statistical Quality Control. (p. 1). Great Neck Publishing. Retrieved from Research Starters Business database.

The Market Research Analysts Approach to the Decision Making Process †Business Research Paper

The Market Research Analysts Approach to the Decision Making Process – Business Research Paper Free Online Research Papers The Market Research Analysts Approach to the Decision Making Process Business Research Paper As a market research analyst, the first step in my decision making process would be to analyze the situation. The problem is that my company has just created a new type of packaging product that improves the shelf life of food products, but the product development department does not know what to do with this novel product. The product could potentially be marketed to consumers and businesses, in which case it would be a convenience product (consumer) or a packaging/supply product (business). The problem is not only what to do with this new product, but who to market to and how to market it. Before performing any research on the potential market, I would test the product as extensively as possible to make sure that it is a quality product. The most important thing when selling a product is quality, and if they product is not up to company standards, I would throw the idea out, or perform research to make the product the best it could be. If the product was up to the company’s standards of quality, I would then move on to researching the market. After testing the product’s quality, I would also identify what the potential uses for the product are. Once I have identified my problem and thoroughly tested my product, I would perform as much research as possible. First, I would research my competition’s product development to determine if anyone else in the industry has created this new form of packaging as well. If they had created the product, I would research their product development and marketing strategies. If they had not created the product, I would research for other new and innovative technologies that could be potential competitors with my new product. After performing research on my competition, I would focus on the potential consumers for this product. For this particular type of product, I would use focus group research as my primary research tool for usage of this product. I would use the product in several different ways and test the reactions of the consumers to determine which would be best to market. In order to select people to participate in the focus group, I would choose people from many diverse demographic groups to determine whether the responses to the product would be similar in people from different age groups, education levels or ethnicities. After the focus groups are completed, I would follow up with a consumer survey to get the participants reactions to the product. Using this information gained from performing the focus groups and consumer surveys, I would be able to determine the potential consumer markets for this product. I would also have to take into consideration my potential customers, including existin g customers and unrealized customers. Once the consumer research has been completed, I would focus on the business market. Is there a need/desire for a product like this to be sold to other companies? Since the demand for industrial products is derived from the demand for consumer products, I would assume that there is a desire for business to use this product as well (given that based on consumer research, this product is something that consumers would be interested in using in their homes). When all the testing and researching is completed, it still must be decided what to do with this product, and in order to do so, the options must be considered. First, using my research on consumer and business responses to this new product, I could sell the product. If I am a producer of food products, it would make sense to market the new packaging product as well as sell more of my own food products. For example, if I sell dairy products, I would market my food products as usual, but I would emphasize the fact that my company is using new and advanced packaging technology that will keep the consumer’s food fresher for longer. If I do not sell food products, one of my options is to license my new product to permit another company to use the new technology. If I choose to license the packaging technology, it would limit my involvement greatly. Of course, I would determine the advantages and disadvantages of this form of business and weigh them against my other options. Another option for my new product is to form a joint venture with another company (regardless of whether I sell food products). In this case, I have a very useful product that my company would be contributing to the venture, so I would have to choose carefully before determining that this is where I want my new product to go. There are so many potential uses for packaging technology, and surely there would be great potential from food producers to get their hands on this product. I think this would be my last choice in deciding what to do with this product, but I need to weigh my advantages and disadvantages and determine what the risks are in going into this form of business. Once I have determined what my options are, the risks and advantages of each must be compared. Using this information, in addition to my research gathered, it will be easier to decide what to do with this product. In order to develop successful new products, there are three activities that must be completed: first, to uncover unmet needs and problems, second, to develop a competitively advantaged product, and third, to shepherd products through the firm. The first step in this process has already been identified: the new packaging technology increases the shelf life of food products, and that is the â€Å"unmet need or problem.† Developing a competitively advantaged product is much more complex. This step of the process involves: (1) input from customers, (2) input from marketing about what competition is doing about the need, (3) manufacturing input about what is being done to satisfy the need, (4) engineering input about additional technology that is available, (5) R and D input about new ways of addressing the need, and (6) financial input regarding costs. I have already received customer input by performing the focus groups and consumer surveys, but I do need to complete every ot her step before I can move forward in deciding what to do with this technology. It is important to consult with every department so that I can once again identify my risks and my advantages in each step of this process, before I can decide what to do with my product. Once i have consulted with each department and decided how to market this product, the objectives for selling the product must be established. Research Papers on The Market Research Analyst's Approach to the Decision Making Process - Business Research PaperMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever ProductRiordan Manufacturing Production PlanBionic Assembly System: A New Concept of SelfAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaResearch Process Part OneOpen Architechture a white paperThe Project Managment Office SystemMoral and Ethical Issues in Hiring New EmployeesGenetic EngineeringDefinition of Export Quotas

Why the father and son relationship in the plays Hamlet Oedipus and Essay

Why the father and son relationship in the plays Hamlet Oedipus and the King and Death of a Salesman were important to the tragedy of each play - Essay Example The most important scene in the play is the supernatural confrontation of Hamlet with the ghost of his dead father. It is this scene that erupts a volcano of tragic and deepest feelings and emotions in Hamlet. We are enlightened on the character Hamlet and the relationship he shared with his beloved father. In the conversation that takes place between the father and son, the deep and intense admiration that Hamlet has for his father is clearly exposed, in addition to the differences they encountered between them. These experiences accounted for Hamlets inability to neither act in a decisive manner nor find real or concrete moral truths in his world. In ‘Oedipus and the King’ Oedipus was cursed due to the sin of his father and from birth it was prophesized that he would kill his father and would marry his mother. The Oracle had said – Lord of Thebes, do not sow a furrow of children against the will of the gods; for if you beget a son, that child will kill you, and all your house shall wade through blood." (The Oracle of Delphi to Laius  1. Euripides, Phoenician Women 20).To avoid such a catastrophe Oedipus leaves Corinth never to return again. But unfortunately, Oedipus had accidently killed his father after he confronted him on a narrow road and refused to let him pass, and following the solving of the riddle of the Sphinx was crowned the king of Thebes and unwittingly got married to his mother. In ‘Death of a Salesman’ by Arthur Miller, the author brings out the agony and angst of the middle-class in America who were trapped in a world of illusion. Everyone dreamed of the American Dream and wished to achieve it at any cost. The protagonist of Miller’s story is Willy Loman, a man in his sixties who seemed to be chasing the American Dream. Though he worked hard, he gradually understood that the dream was nothing but an illusion which he had been breathlessly pursuing all along. The

Medicaid Health Care Finance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Medicaid Health Care Finance - Essay Example Medical Science is still in its development stages as cures for diseases that were incurable are being developed. Such an example is of cancer, Hepatitis B and etc. These diseases were incurable some time ago but the advancement in medical sciences has enabled doctors to cure such diseases. Treatment for these diseases is not only available but is also done at cheap rates that are affordable, but still affordability has been a problem. Medical Science has experienced two major problems in the last decade. Number one is the affordability of treatment and medicines for people and secondly the fraud and abuse of medicines which has become very common around the world (Kelman & Straker, 1999). In this paper we will discuss how the federal government of US has controlled the cost associated with the Medicaid program and how it has helped reduce the Medicaid fraud and abuse. Good health is significant to everyone. If a person can't pay for medical care right now, Medicaid can make it probable for him or her to get the care that is needed so that the person can get healthy and stay fit. Medicaid is obtainable only to certain low-income individuals and families who fit into an eligibility cluster that is recognized by federal and state law. Medicaid does not disburse money to a person instead, it sends payments straight to the person's health care provider (Heiser, 2008). Depending on the state's rules, a person may also be asked to compensate a small division of the charge for a few medical services. Medicaid is a state administered plan and each state sets its individual guidelines regarding eligibility and services. Many groups of people are roofed by Medicaid, even within these groups, though, definite requirements must be met. These may comprise of age, pregnancy, disability, blindness, or old age, income and resources and if a person is a U.S. citiz en or a lawfully admitted immigrant. The regulations for counting the income and resources differ from state to state and from group to group. There are particular rules for those who reside in nursing homes and for disabled children living at home (Commerce Clearing House, 2007). A child may be entitled for coverage if he or she is a U.S. citizen or a lawfully admitted immigrant, even if his or her parents are not. Eligibility for children is based on the child's status, not the parent's. Also, if someone else's child lives with a person, the child may be qualified even if that person is not because the earnings and resources will not add up for the child. Fraud and Abuse The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services CMS is dedicated to fighting fraud and abuse, which redirect dollars that could or else be spent to preserve the health and welfare of Medicaid customers. To fortify its obligation, CMS has implemented a Medicaid veracity module. This is in reply to the requirements of the Deficit Reduction Act DRA of 2005, finalized on February 8, 2006 by the President, in which Congress proposed CMS to establish the Medicaid Integrity Program MIP. In doing so, it spectacularly augmented the resources accessible to CMS to fight fraud, misuse and exploitation in the Medicaid program. The DRA says that a five-year Comprehensive Medicaid Integrity Plan CMIP be printed to guide MIP growth and functions. This CMIP specially discusses statutory necessities, program

Biocompatibility Study of Lactobacillus Casei

Biocompatibility Study of Lactobacillus Casei BIOCOMPATIBILITY STUDY OF LACTOBACILLUS CASEI ISOLATED FROM CUCUMBER AND EVALUATION OF PROBIOTIC EFFECTS IN THE HUMAN GUT NANNU SHAFAKATULLAH* and M. CHANDRA Abstract: Probiotics are live microorganisms introduced orally in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) that are able to contribute positively to the activity of intestinal microflora and therefore, to the health of its host. A variety of probiotic supplements are currently available in the market which target towards improving the balance and activity of the intestinal microflora. Probiotics must have robust survival properties in the gut in order to exert any beneficial health promoting properties. Many in vitro properties, such as adhesion, co-aggregation, aggregation, hydrophobicity, resistance to pH, bile, etc., are usually investigated to determine if a specific selected strain would be suitable as a probiotic. Lactobacillus casei has been isolated from raw cucumber and identified based on phenotypic and biochemical characteristics. The isolate was studied for its survival at acidic pH, bile salt, intestinal juice, gastric juice, co-aggregation, aggregation, different NaCl concentrations, the ir action against pathogens, and resistance to antibiotics. The organism has shown well resistance to antibiotics, gastric acids and bile digestion and also exhibited good adhesion to intestinal mucosa and aggregation properties. Key words: Biocompatibility, cucumber, gastrointestinal tract, Lactobacillus casei, probiotics Introduction: Probiotics are defined as â€Å"live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host†1. The use of probiotic bacteria for the health of human has been increased from the last decade due to the increased research on benefits of the probiotics for human. Knowledge of gut health and awareness of general health consciousness in human leads to the search of new probiotic bacteria2-7. It has been proved that irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and antibiotic-induced diarrhea that occur due to the imbalance in the intestinal microflora can be reversed by the intake of probiotics.Lactobacillus species are â€Å"Generally Recognized as Safe† (GRAS) microorganisms and they are the most commonly used microorganisms as probiotics and are the most desired intestinal microflora. It is important to study the biocompatibility of the lactobacillus species before using them as probiotics. Acidic pH, bile salts, and gastric and intestinal juice in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) are the major stress factors that the probiotics should overcome in order to survive in GIT. Other than their survival capabilities, the probiotic microbes consumed should possess the capacity to adhere and colonize in the gastro intestinal tract. More the adherence capacity of the probiotics more is their chance to retain themselves in the GIT and provide positive effect to the consumer. In accordance with the FAO/WHO8 guidelines in order to prevent the transmission of antibiotic resistance genes from the probiotics to the intestinal pathogens it is recommended that the antibiotic resistance/susceptibility pattern of every probiotic strain (including bacteria with GRAS status) is to be determined. Due to the development of antibiotic resistant pathogens there is increased interest in the alternative antimicrobial strategies for treatment and prevention of infections by using probiotics and their antimicrobial metabolites. Hence, antimicrobial activity against pathogens is a desirable property of a potential probiotic strain. The present study was aimed at isolation, identification, characterization and biocompatibility study of the Lactobacillus strain isolated from cucumber. The biocompatibility properties were investigated throughin vitro assays. Material and Methods Isolation and Identification of Bacteria Fresh cucumber juice was prepared and 1ml of this was serially diluted to 10-5 to 10-6 and inoculated 0.1 ml on to lactobacillus MRS agar plates and incubated at 37 °C for 24-48 hours anaerobically. Gram’s staining, catalase activity, gas production from glucose, acid fast test, MRVP test, gelatine hydrolysis, oxidase test, growth in different NaCl was determined according to methods for lactic acid bacteria9-10. The identification work was done according to the methods described in Bergey’s Manual11 and the Prokaryotes. All the strains were maintained by weekly sub culturing from 48hrs MRS agar cultures. Growth characteristics at different temperature were monitored for 7 days period. Production of ammonia from arginine was done according to the method described by Abdel-Malek and Gibson12, Nitrate reduction was done as described by Gerhardt et al., 13. The isolates were maintained in MRS broth, stock cultures were stored on agar slants in refrigerator and also freez e dried and stored for longer period. Growth at acidic pH The growth behavior of culture isolate was observed at acidic pH to find the acid tolerance capacity of organisms. The Isolate was inoculated in MRS broth with pH 2 and 3 and incubation was done at 37 °C for 48-72 hrs. During these incubation time cells growth was observed and results were recorded. Transit Tolerance: 1. Simulated Gastric Juice The simulated gastric juice was prepared freshly by suspending pepsin 1:10000 (3g/L) (SRL) in sterile NaCl (0.5%) and the pH was adjusted to 2.0 and 3.0 respectively. This was filter sterilized using 0.45 µm filter. The L. casei was grown in de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) broth at 37 °C for 24 h and centrifuged at 2,500 Ãâ€" g at 4 °C for 10 min. The collected cells were resuspended in sterile saline (0.5% NaCl) and inoculated into the simulated gastric juice (pH 2.0 and 3.0) at 108 cfu/ ml. The test was done in triplicates. Because the pH in the human stomach ranges from 1 (during fasting) to 4.5 (after a meal) and food ingestion can take up to 3 h, tolerance was assayed by determining the total viable count at 0, 1.5 and 3-h incubation in simulated gastric juice (pH 2.0 and 3.0). 2. Simulated Intestinal Juice The simulated intestinal juice was prepared freshly by suspending pancreatin (1g/L) in sterile NaCl (0.5%) and adjusted the pH to 8.0. This was again filter sterilized by using 0.45 µm filter. 1ml of the suspension of the L. casei was inoculated into 9ml of simulated intestinal juice (pH 8.0) and incubated at 37 °C. The test was done in triplicates. The survival rate was assessed by determining the total viable count at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8hrs of incubation. 3. Bile Tolerance Bile plays an important role in the survival of bacteria in the small intestine. Food remains in the small intestine for around 4-6 hours14 till it gets absorbed. The L. casei was screened for its survival at different bile concentrations. The organism was inoculated into 10 ml MRS broth in test tubes and incubated at 37 ºC overnight in anaerobic condition. 100ÃŽ ¼l of active culture was inoculated into fresh MRS broth tubes with pH 6.5 containing 0.3%, 0.5% and 1.0% bile (CDH India). The bacterial survival was measured by MRS agar colony count by taking 100ÃŽ ¼l culture for 0, 30, 60, 90 and 180 min and aliquots spread onto MRS agar plates to calculate the CFU/ml. The experiment was determined in triplicate to calculate intra-assay variation. CFU/ml was recorded. Aggregation (Del Re et al., 2000) Aggregation assay was performed by growing the isolates in MRS broth for 24 hours anaerobically at 37oC. The cells were harvested by centrifugation at 5000 rpm for 15 min, at 4oC. The cells were washed twice and re-suspended in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) to give viable counts of approximately 108 CFU/ ml. Four ml of the cell suspension was mixed for 10 seconds in a sterile tube to determine auto aggregation during 5h of incubation, at room temperature. The upper suspension was used in each hour by transferring 0.1ml to another 3.9ml of phosphate buffer solution, and the optical density at 660nm was measured. Tests were carried out in triplicate and the results were averaged. The auto aggregation percentage was calculated by the formula: 1- (At/A0) X 100, where, At represents the absorbance at time t = 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, and A0 the absorbance at t = 0. Aggregation abilities of microorganisms were screened by visual observation. Co-aggregation The bacterial cells were harvested by centrifugation at 5000 rpm for 15 min after incubation at 37 °C for 18h, washed twice and resuspended in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) to give viable counts of approximately 108 CFU /ml. Equal volumes (2 ml) of each cell suspension were mixed together in pairs by vortexing. Control tubes were set up at the same time, containing 4 ml of each bacterial suspension on its own. The absorbances at 660 nm of the suspensions were measured after mixing and after 5 h of incubation (6-9). The percentage of co-aggregation was calculated using the equation Handley et al. (1987) as, Co-aggregation (%) = [(Ax + Ay) /2) A (x+ y)] / [(Ax + Ay)/ 2] Ãâ€" 100 Where x and y represent each of the two strains in the control tubes, and (x + y) the mixture of isolate tested for co-aggregation. Antibiotic Sensitivity test Antibiotic sensitivity test of the isolate was performed by standard disc diffusion method (NCCLS 1999) towards thirteen antibiotics. The pure culture of L. casei suspension was spread on the MRS agar plates to form a uniform smear. Selected antibiotic discs were aseptically transferred on to the seeded plates. The diameters of the zone of inhibition were measured using antibiotic zone scale (Himedia India) after 24 h of incubation. The experiment was repeated thrice and the average inhibitory zone diameters were compared with the standards provided by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards. Diameters of inhibition zones were measured and results were expressed as sensitive, S (≠¥ 21 mm); intermediate, I (16-20 mm) and resistant, R (≠¤ 15 mm), respectively according to that described by Vlkovà ¡ et al., 15. Antimicrobial Activity Test Agar well diffusion method16 was used to determine the inhibitory capacity of the L. casei against pathogenic strains such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. The isolate and pathogenic strains were incubated in MRS agar medium at 37 °C for 24 to 48 h. Result and Discussion Physiological and Biochemical Characterization The isolate was subjected to Gram’s staining and it was examined under light microscope. The strain gave blue- purple color with staining; hence it was Gram positive bacteria. Isolate was tested for catalase activity. It was catalase negative (do not show catalase activity). To test the gas production from glucose test tubes were observed for 5 days. The Isolate shown no gas production this indicates its homofermentative nature (Table 1). Another criterion for the identification the isolate was the ability of growth at different temperatures (Table 2). From the results of 5 days observation the isolate showed growth at 15-50  °C. Growth at different NaCl concentrations was observed. The isolate has the ability to grow at 2-6% NaCl concentration. Arginine hydrolysis test was another step to follow the identification procedure. The isolate which gave the bright orange were accepted that they can produce ammonia from arginine. The yellow colour indicated negative arginine hydro lysis. The isolate has shown -ve for arginine hydrolysis. Hydrolysis of starch was negative by isolate. The isolate was non motile, non spore forming. The most useful test for the determination of strain differences is carbohydrate fermentation. Twenty one (other than glucose) different carbohydrates were used for identification. They gave different fermentation patterns when they were compared. The patterns are showed in Table 3. Resistance to acidic pH Being resistant to low pH is one of the major selection criteria for probiotic strains17-18. Since, to reach the small intestine they have to pass through from the stressful conditions of stomach19. Although in the stomach, pH can be as low as 1.0, in most in vitro assays pH 3.0 has been preferred. Due to the fact that a significant decrease in the viability of strains is often observed at pH 2.0 and below20. Sudden decrease in the survival rate of the isolate has been observed at pH 2. At the third hour the survival rate reduced below 5%. At pH3 more than 10% survival has been observed after 3 hours of incubation. Tolerance against Bile The isolate was screened for its ability to tolerate the bile salt. Although the bile concentration of the human gastrointestinal tract varies, the mean intestinal bile concentration is believed to be 0.3% w/v and the staying time is suggested to be 4 h. Strain was screened for 3 hours in 0.3%, 0.5% and 1.0% of bile salt for its survival. The cfu values were observed. According to the results the isolate was resistant to 0.3% and 0.5% bile salt. Whereas sudden fall in the number of survival organisms has been observed at 1.00% bile. The survival rate reached to 5% at the end of 3 hours of incubation at 1.00% of bile. Tolerance to Gastric Juice The degree of gastric juice resistance exhibited by isolate was determined and results (Figure 4) showed that >75% of survival has been observed in gastric juice at pH 3 for 1.5 hours of incubation, whereas at pH2 the survival rate was >30% for 1.5 hours of incubation. But at 3 hours of incubation the survival rate at pH 3 reached to Tolerance to Intestinal Juice The isolate was tested for its ability to grow in intestinal juice. It appears that the strain exhibited good resistance to intestinal juice at pH 8 for four hours of growth (Figure 5). Good multiplication of all the isolates has been found at 6th hour of incubation. Aggregation On the basis of sedimentation characteristics aggregation capability of the isolate was tested. L. casei has exhibited good amount of aggregation during the test time of 5 hours (Figure 5). Co-aggregation The co-aggregations of L. casei with five pathogenic bacteria were examined. Results were expressed as the percentage reduction after 5 h in the absorbance of a mixed suspension compared with the individual suspension. Good co-aggregation of L. casei with S. aureus has been seen. There was no co-aggregation between L. casei and B. subtilis. 2-6% of co-aggregation has been seen with E. coli, K. pneumonia and P. aeruginosa (Figure 6). Antibiotic Sensitivity test The determination of antibiotic sensitivity of the isolate is an important prerequisite prior to considering it safe for human and animal consumption. The isolate was subjected to antibiotic susceptibility test. The results are given in Table 4. The isolate was resistant to most of the antibiotics used. According to earlier reports, specific antibiotic resistance traits among probiotic strains may be desirable21. It has been said by many authors that probiotics should be resistant to certain antibiotics when used along with antibiotics to prevent gastrointestinal disorders. Whereas others claim that antibiotics resistant probiotics used may serve as host of antibiotic resistance genes, which can be transferred to pathogenic bacteria. Antimicrobial Activity Test Antimicrobial activity helps to select the potential probiotics strains. Antimicrobial activity usually targets the intestinal pathogens. The isolate was examined for antibacterial activity. L. casei was grown with indicator microorganisms, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. The antibacterial effect on the indicator microorganisms was determined by diameter of inhibition zones. Lactobacilli casei has a high ability to inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. The degree of inhibition was highest in S. aureus, whereas the inhibition was moderate in E. coli, K. pneumonia and P. aeruginosa. The isolate could not inhibit the growth of spore forming B. subtilis. Conclusion: Lactobacillus casei has shown good survival in acidic pH, different bile concentrations, gastric juice and intestinal juice. The organism exhibited good survival in the presence of different antibiotics. The isolate is also able to inhibit the growth of different pathogenic microorganisms examined. All these characteristics of the organism will help it to survive in the stomach and proliferate in the intestine. This will help strains to reach the small intestine and colon and contributing to the balance of intestinal microflora.

War on Poverty: Role of the Privileged People †S.C. Aggarwal

War on Poverty: Role of the Privileged People S C Aggarwal Delhi: Shipra Publications, 2007, pp. 135, Rs. 350. 00, ISBN 978-81-7541-378-8 S. C. Aggarwal’s book – War on Poverty: Role of the Privileged People, takes a very informal and straightforward approach in explaining the prevalence and significance of poverty in India. Even though the issue is widely discussed amongst leaders and the normal public alike, there is little change in the conditions of the poor over the past few decades.The author takes a very structured approach in explaining the situation of poverty in India, starting from the very basics, by providing important facts and some frank admissions by well-known government authorities, economists and personalities. Being an IRS officer himself, he goes on to admit that there have been flaws in Government policies in the past and suggests that the misguidance can be corrected if help is received in the future.He presents the reasons for the prevalence of p overty in India and highlights the negligence of ancestral villages by people and the lack of new programmes by economists as the main contributing factors for the same. The author has done a great job in giving various methods to remove poverty in a very simplistic manner, enabling its understanding even by the layman. Pointers to multiple approaches to people from varied professions, asking for their support in the rise of the poor and the eventual growth of the economy are some of the prime take-aways from this book.Appeals to people from all strata in the society have been made, personally requesting each of them for help in improving the conditions of one or two villages, especially their ancestral village. Prominent film makers, editors, interviewers, television programmers, TV channel owners, accountants, teachers, etc. are some of the people that the author has reached out to, suggesting ways in which each of them can contribute towards the removal of poverty. S. C.Aggarwalà ¢â‚¬â„¢s central idea is based on the effort that these intellectuals must strive to deliver in order to remove poverty from their respective native villages. He suggests that only a truly determined effort from their side, irrespective of their occupations, will be sufficient to remove poverty and improve the conditions of more than one third of the impoverished segment of our population. Various schemes and plans have been extensively discussed for each of them, enlightening them on how they may contribute towards this cause.Several queries have been raised to economists and intellectuals, making them realize their responsibilities towards the poor, through a series of questions which are directly related to their line of work. These questions force them to think, and hence take action towards poverty removal. Improving the condition of the schools which made them what they are, providing basic low cost health facilities in order to provide the spread of diseases, educating the pu blic about healthy living are some of the issues addressed to all individuals.For a start, each individual may solve one or two problems of his village, or help improve the conditions of buildings and roads in the village. The discussion on how we may make our village problem-free, with a focus to starting personalised schemes for the welfare of the people, and the resulting benefits of the same provokes a thought in the minds of the reader. In addition to the overly simplistic methods suggested which will help achieve a GDP greater than 7%, the author has also kept in mind the situation encountered in taxing unaccounted income in the book.This issue of black money, which is one of the key reasons for increase in poverty, has been intelligently dealt with, by providing practical solutions that will instigate people to declare the same during taxation. This will not only allow for increased taxes leading to increased income to be directly used in poverty eradication, but will also le ad to lower number of loans and reduction of dishonesty by people when declaring taxes.Also, providing benefits to tax payers or those with no interest payable, to those using their own funds to buy cars/property, alongside introducing added taxes for poverty removal on each individual’s income or purchase/sale of shares, are some of the measures suggested that may help better manage the problem of poverty. These methods will lead to a positive outlook in the minds of the people, encouraging them to contribute more than what they are already contributing towards poverty removal. Another useful tip is the setting up of Poverty eradication banks and poverty eradication funds by the Government and prominent editors respectively.In short, equal participation of people from all walks of life in the fight against poverty is the only way our country will be able to establish itself a global leader. S. C. Aggarwal concludes the book with a humble prayer to all, comparing poverty to v arious metaphors, in order to realize the various ways in which each one of us interprets poverty. People are requested to give a helping hand to their fellow country-men, and to lift them from their dire states in society, to that that will help them procure the basic amenities of life for themselves and their families.One must take up the responsibility of their own villages, by trying to connect to the emotions that each individual has towards the place of his birth, where he/she grew up or where his/her parents resided/ are still residing. The author suggests that their responsibility does not end at removing poverty only from their respective villages. Rather, one must spread this idea to other people, at least three more, so that they may eradicate poverty from their own villages, along with spreading this idea as well.However, the basic problem that may be encountered in order to administer these ideas is that it is dependent of too many people, and hence it may be difficult to track the progress of every individual towards his village. Also, the methods suggested in the book seem a little farfetched, and hence will require patience for their achievement. All in all, the book is a good read for people wanting to do something for their societies by enriching us with the basics that each of us must contribute for its development.

American education Essay

I grew up in America and received an American education. I have an American wife and children and I love the life I have built for myself in America. My dilemma is that I am, by birth, beholden to become the chief of an African tribe upon the death of my father who was chief of the tribe. My loyalties are torn between my life in America and my responsibility to a tribe I have never known in a land I don’t understand, and in a role of leadership which I have never experienced. I must also consider my wife and children; I must make a decision either to shirk my responsibility to the tribe or to take my family to a very strange, possibly dangerous land and upset our lives completely. Because it seems to me that the cultural and technological changes that are impacting Africa in the twenty-first century are complicated and profound, I feel a strong sense that I should serve the tribe. It would be very difficult to give up my life in America because the life described n Africa in the film sounds demanding and very alien to the social customs of America. However, it seems that refusing to provide wisdom and knowledge and leadership to the tribe due to fear of change or personal selfishness would be morally wrong. Because I have had a good education in America, I will be able to help the African tribe in many ways. There’s no reason why I shouldn’t be able to conduct travels to America and do business on behalf of the tribe in America or work to provide opportunities for those in the African tribe who seek it to become educated in America. In some ways, the responsibility to the tribe is not only to facilitate a transition into the twenty-first century but to uphold the promise of my father who, as chief, promised the tribe that I would serve upon his death. Taking my family to Ghana will be a very difficult and very troublesome action which is a sort of sacrifice that will be necessary in order for me to do what is morally and practically the right thing to do. It would be wrong to turn my back on the tribe, but it is potentially dangerous and destructive to uproot my family and take them to a foreign land. On the other hand, the opportunity may well prove to be a good one for both myself nad my family. The land may show us mysteries and cultural differences which will make us better people, and maybe even happier people. There may be issues other than those of service to the tribe. After-all, I will be chief and me and my family will be held in high esteem by the tribe; we will be important and influential and we may find that our new roles are right for us after-all. Going to Africa will also allow me and my family a chance to find out about my ancestry and the history of the tribe. It could be that certain tribal traditions and tribal wisdoms will prove important for Westerners to understand and that my role as a â€Å"bridge† will work both ways: I may impart wisdom about modern ideas and technologies to the tribe but I may be able to use traditional tribal ideas and cultural wisdoms to elucidate problems which face the â€Å"modern† world. The final factor which weighs in my decision is the fact that the tribe has already pronounced me chief and accepted me as chief. In this sense, the tribe is also my â€Å"family’ they are simply family members which I have not yet become attached to and involved with, but it is important for me to make a self-sacrifice on behalf of the tribe. I would choose to become Chief of the tribe in order to provide a cultural ‘bridge† from the African traditions to the modern changes which are going to impact the tribe, whether they want them or not and whether or not they are prepared. I feel a sense of responsibility to my father’s reputation and to the tribe, as well as to myself and my family.