UN High Commissioner Navi Pillay - On 2011 International Human Rights Day free essay sample

Understand Chemistry Unit Conversions

Understand Chemistry Unit Conversions Unit conversions are important in all sciences, although they may seem more critical in chemistry because many calculations use different units. Every measurement you take should reporting with the proper units. While it may take practice to master unit conversions, you only need to know how to multiply, divide, add, and subtract to do them. The math is easy as long as you know which units can be converted from one to another and how to set up conversion factors in an equation. Know the Base Units There are several common base quantities, such as mass, temperature, and volume. You can convert between different units of a base quantity, but may not be able to convert from one type of quantity to another. For example, you can convert grams to moles or kilograms, but you cant convert grams to Kelvin. Grams, moles, and kilograms are all units that describe the amount of matter, while Kelvin describes temperature. There are seven fundamental base units in the SI or metric system, plus there are other units that are considered base units in other systems. A base unit is a single unit. Here are some common ones: Mass kilogram (kg), gram (g), pound (lb) Distance or Length meter (m), centimeter (cm), inch (in), kilometer (km), mile (mi) Time second (s), minute (min), hour (hr), day, year Temperature Kelvin (K), Celsius (C), Fahrenheit (F) Quantity mole (mol) Electric Current ampere (amp) Luminous Intensity candela Understand Derived Units Derived units (sometimes called special units) combine the base units. An example of a derived unit is a unit for area, square meters (m2) or the unit of force, the newton (kg ·m/s2). Also included are volume units. For example, there are liters (l), milliliters (ml), cubic centimeter (cm3). Unit Prefixes In order to convert between units, youll want to know common unit prefixes. These are used primarily in the metric system as a sort of shorthand notation to make numbers easier to express. Here are some useful prefixes to know: Name Symbol Factor giga- G 109 mega- M 106 kilo- k 103 hecto- h 102 deca- da 101 base unit 100 deci- d 10-1 centi- c 10-2 milli- m 10-3 micro- 10-6 nano- n 10-9 pico- p 10-12 femto- f 10-15 As example of how to use the prefixes: 1000 meters 1 kilometer 1 km For very large or very small numbers, its easier to use scientific notation: 1000 103 0.00005 5 x 10-4 Performing Unit Conversions With all of this in mind, youre ready to perform unit conversions. A unit conversion can be thought of as a sort of equation. In math, you may recall if you multiply any number times 1, it is unchanged. Unit conversions work the same way, except 1 is expressed in the form of a conversion factor or ratio. Consider the unit conversion: 1 g 1000 mg This could be written as: 1g / 1000 mg 1 or 1000 mg / 1 g 1 If you multiply a value times either of these fractions, its value will be unchanged. Youll use this to cancel out units to convert them. Heres an example (notice how the grams cancel out in the numerator and denominator): 4.2x10-31g x 1000mg/1g 4.2x10-31 x 1000 mg 4.2x10-28 mg Using Your Calculator You can enter in these values in scientific notation on your calculator using the EE button: 4.2 EE -31 x 1 EE3 which will give you: 4.2 E -18 Heres another example. Convert 48.3 inches into feet. Either you know the conversion factor between inches and feet or you can look it up: 12 inches 1 foot or 12 in 1 ft Now, you set up the conversion so that the inches will cancel out, leaving you with feet in your final answer: 48.3 inches x 1 foot/12 inches 4.03 ft There is inches in both the top (numerator) and bottom (denominator) of the expression, so it cancels out. If you had tried to write: 48.3 inches x 12 inches/1 foot you would have had square inches / foot, which wouldnt have given you the desired units. Always check your conversion factor to make sure the correct term cancels out! You may need to switch the fraction around. Key Points Unit conversions only work if the units are the same type. For example, you cant convert mass into temperature or volume into energy.In chemistry, it would be nice if you only had to convert between metric units, but there are many common units in other systems. For example, you may need to convert a Fahrenheit temperature into Celsius or a pound mass into kilograms.The only math skills you need to do unit conversions are addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Recent changes made to the National Breakfast and Lunch Program Research Paper

Recent changes made to the National Breakfast and Lunch Program - Research Paper Example It is in the process of seeking to ensure that the meals received by children at schools meet the required health standards that the USDA has issued new dietary guidelines, which the school meals should meet. While the new requirements might seem to be too demanding or disruptive of the current school breakfast and lunch program, it is conclusive to say that the new requirements are highly beneficial not only to the school children, but also to the society at large. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) new requirement standards for the school breakfast and lunch programs provides that children should be served with more fruits, vegetables and whole-grain containing foods, while at the same time being offered low-fat or fat-free dairy products (USDA, 2012). Secondly the new requirements provide that processed meat and processed dairy products should wholesomely be eliminated from the school breakfast and lunch programs, to avoid the adverse health effects that are associated with these type of foods on children’s health (FRAC, 2014). Offering daily plant-based snacks/salads as an option for all children eligible for the NSLP, which constitute of fresh garden salad-bars, as way of ensuring the provision of fiber-based whole meal diet for children (FRAC, 2014). The other recommendation of the new NSLP requirements is that the schools should ensure to offer low-fat, fat-free or nondairy milk on a daily basis as an option for all children eligible for the NSLP, where soy milk; a plant-based nondairy milk, has been recommended as the new milk beverage that schools should offer to the children, owing to the potential health benefits that are associated with this nondairy milk (FRAC, 2014). The other requirement by the USDA revised school food programs provide that the schools should increase their annual food and nutrition classes to a minimum of 50 hours per academic year (USDA, 2012). This recommendation has been established on

MPH502 - Introduction to Public Health Module 3 - Case Essay

MPH502 - Introduction to Public Health Module 3 - Case - Essay Example The constitutional design reveals a plain objective in government to protect community health and safety. Government has great responsibilities towards public health sector; health is not only indispensible to finance but also to individuals. Public health is a collective action not only government can save the community’s health. On this point, I completely agree with the author, as if individuals work alone, they cannot save the minimum level of health. Government support is always needed for this great cause. According to the author, it is quiet difficult to separate government responsibility and individual’s effort. Public health also takes in account the individuals that stake a claim to health protection. A strong relationship exists between individual’s health and the health of community at large. I completely agree with author that public health efforts need collective actions for better results because it’s nearly impossible to improve health sector without governments help. Public health law states the advantages and burdens by government on individuals and private health sectors on legally protected interest. Government acts for health sector, it may de-motivate individuals to invest in health sector. The law address that how government act on the growth of health sector both individuals and a large population. Author point is valid up to some extent as both public and private sector has own responsibilities. Government has primary responsibility to promote both mental and physical health and prevent injury and disability. Government responsibility is to inform, educate individuals and invest heavy amount on health. Public health law focuses on governmental responsibilities to the community and individuals health. Government can do much for public health as it owns thousands of resources and power. Government is authorized

Project Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Project Management - Essay Example All these factors are not driven on product and service quality but, also on how to achieve them, so it does not entails the latter two but also quality assurance and control of the process in addition to the end product for an overall even and good quality. Contrary to the other software development, which can be termed in many different ways good examples, are software application development, software design, platform development, and many others. However, all said it is the development of a software product, they may include research in development of new designs, photo typing, reuse modification, maintenance, and re-engineering of result oriented software products. By trying to define it, we can say it is a structure driven on development of a software product. Then in trying to understand the two first, let us look at the former software development projects. There are different approaches of software development. Nevertheless, all this approaches share a common understanding a nd towards the following laid down processes: analysis of the problem, a market research on the problem, coming up with requirements for the proposed business solution. There is also generating a planned design for the solution based on the software, implementation of the software, a test drive for the software, use of the software in the market and lastly maintenance and fixing of any abnormalities in its use (Brooks 2005). Software development project are projects just like any other and to relate them to quality management one has to simplify the and try to understand them that way as to have a clear understanding of the two of them .quality management can be a big element too a smooth running of a software development project. Through quality management, a software development project is derived. for one to come up with a workable and profitable project one has to use and implement the workability’s and elements of quality management for this reasons we have to look at th e ways and elements of quality management to understand the similarities, success and failures of software development projects as it is as any other project in quality management. There are certain elements that are adhered to in quality management that are essential and vital to project control these are; organization structure, responsibilities, data management, processes including purchasing’ resources natural and human resources, customer satisfaction, continuous improvement, product quality, maintenances, sustainability and transparency. All this factor has to be incorporated in system development project for it is to be viable (Brooks 2005). For a viable system, quality system adhere to certain elements that are co related and brings out a good relationship between the two that is quality management and system development success these are personnel training and qualification; control of product design, documentation, product design and its purchasing power, product id entification, traceability at all stages of production. Process of controlling and defining the production both the systems and the product at the same time in this scenario. The production software, inspection should be defined and controlled and ensuring the test equipments is measured to standard. There is need for process validation, acceptance of products, reduction, and control of

Food Safety Modernization Act and Puerto Rico

Food Safety Modernization Act and Puerto Rico Research Paper Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA): An Assessment of Puerto Ricos Food Industry Readiness and Preparedness Abstract Preliminary Idea The successful development and implementation of compliance policies and activities in the food industry could be directly associated with the access to information and understanding of the law. Discussions and information found in the literature about the impact of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) implementation has been mainly conducted within the United States. However, limited information is available about the impact of this new law in one of the U.S. territories, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. On this research study FDA Official Inspected Establishments in Puerto Rico were questioned about their readiness and preparedness for FSMA using an on-line survey tool. The purpose of this research is to obtain information that can allow to evaluated if the lack of access to FSMA information and language barriers have a direct effect that limits the readiness and preparedness of the FSMA implementation in Puerto Rico. In progress: include results and conclusion headings/sections Chapter I: Introduction Introduction FSMA implementation represents a big challenge that urges food manufacturers to revise their food safety systems and make decisions about resource allocation to reduce food safety risks in their operations. This new law had been building with several years of high-profile food recalls, foodborne illness outbreak, and consumers advisories (3). Discussions and information found in the literature about the impact of the implementation of FSMA has been mainly conducted within the United States. However, limited information is available about the impact of this new law on the food industry in other U.S. territories. On this research study the information collected allow to examine the readiness and preparedness on FSMA in one of the U.S. territories, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The island of Puerto Rico is part of the Greater Antilles and since 1898 has been part of the United States (1). This unique status requires that food manufacturers in Puerto Rico comply with all federal regulations that cover the food industry (2). It is important to understand that the challenges faced by food manufacturers in Puerto Rico are not different from their counterparts in the United States. FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg stated that FSMA calls for the strengthening of existing collaboration among all food safety agencies whether they are Federal, state, local, territorial, tribal, or foreign. Building and leveraging the capacity of these food safety partners is how we can have a well-integrated, national food safety system that is as effective and efficient as it can be (12) (13). In order to achieve these statements it is imperative to collect information, actually not available, about food manufactures readiness and preparedness in Puerto Rico for the implementation of the different requirements established on FSMA. This task represents a big challenge; specific topics about the requirements of the FSMA law are outside the scope of this research study. Taking this limitation in consideration, two research questions are intended to be covered by this study. Is the lack of access to FSMA information limiting readiness of food manufacturers in Puerto Rico? Is the lack of understanding due to language barriers among food manufacturers limiting FSMA preparedness? The participants were defined using the FDA Official Inventory Establishment (OIE) list of food manufacturers in Puerto Rico (Appendix 1). An online survey was used as the instrument to obtain information. The survey questionnaire was distributed among the participants by e-mail and descriptive statistics was used to summarize and analyze the data obtained from the survey. Findings, recommendations and future directions will be discussed to learn more about the food manufacturing industry in Puerto Rico. FSMA Rule Requirements The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is the most significant amendment of United States food law since passage of the 1938 Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (3). It will impact all domestic and imported food products that are not under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS). FSMA was signed into law on January 4, 2011 and since then food manufacturers have been called upon to start preparing their companies to be in compliance with the new law requirements. FDA identified five key elements where its authority was enhanced. The first element is focusing on preventing food borne illness by requiring mandatory preventive controls, Hazard Analysis Risk Preventive Controls (HARPC), for food facilities and mandatory produce safety standards, and also giving the authority to prevent intentional adulteration. The difference from the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) approach is that HARPC is slightly broader requiring identification and controls of hazards generally, not just critical control points (3). The second is by providing the ability to increase FDA inspection frequency based on risk; high-risk facilities will be identified. Third, ability to respond to problems when emerge including authority to conduct mandatory recall for all products, authority to detain products that are in violation, and by suspending facilitys registration. Before, FDA was required to have credible evidence or information than an article of foo d presents a threat of serious adverse health consequences or death to humans or animals with FSMA FDA have the authority to detain an article if the agency has reason to believe that the article of food is adulterated or misbranded (3). The fourth element identified is new requirements for imported products by requiring importers to verify their foreign suppliers have adequate preventive controls. The last element considered is the enhanced of partnerships between FDA by improving training of state, local, and tribal food safety officials (25). In addition, FDA will enhance the partnerships with other food agencies and private entities (24). The FDA is responsible for more than 50 regulations, guidelines, and studies under FSMA, this included seven foundational rules required to fully implement it (See table 1) (25). Among the 7 different rules included in FSMA the well-known part 110 that covers Current Good Manufacturing Practices was removed and replaced it. Now part 117 will covers Good Manufacturing Practice and Hazard Analysis and Risk Controls for Human food and for Growing, Harvesting, Packing and Holdings of Produce for Human Consumption. In addition, it is expected by law that all high-risk domestic firms after the law enactment be inspected in a period of five years and no less than every three years thereafter (3). The FSMA legislations purpose is to renovate the existing approach to food safety by enabling stakeholders to concentrate on preventive controls rather than simply reacting to food safety events (4). Legislative requirements of FSMA can be challenging, especially for small food facilities affected by the regulations immediately or in the near future (4). The new recordkeeping requirements will be science-based and based on the know safety risk of a particular food, including the history and severity of outbreak, and factors related with the likelihood on foodborne illnesses (3). Small and very small plants do not have robust programs in place when compared with larger plants. Historically, small businesses have not had extensive experience with prevalent food safety management systems and standards such as ISO 22000: 2005, SQF code (Safe Quality Food Institute), GFSI guidelines (Global Food Safety Initiative) or HACCP (4). Programs that in most cases larger plants are more familiariz ed (4). In addition, FDA has recognized that small food facilities will likely face financial concerns in the implementation of the preventive control requirements of FSMA because they lack experience with HACCP-based models (4). Nevertheless, the new food safety requirements are the same regardless of size, unless they are partially or fully exempted based on the operations conducted in the facility (5). Small plants and very small plants need to comply within a period of two to three years, respectively, after the publication of the final rule (see table 2) (5). Historical Background and Food Regulatory Structure in Puerto Rico The island of Puerto Rico is similar in size to Connecticut, encompassing 3,492 square miles. The population is about 3.4 million and the main language is Spanish. The island has 6 urban centers designated as Standard Metropolitan areas (SMAs) by the U.S. Census Bureau (6) (7). Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands are under the jurisdiction of the FDA San Juan District office located in the capital area of Puerto Rico. This office is the smallest of the FDAs 20 districts, was established back in 1911 and was officially named in 1971. This office reports to the Regional Field Office, Southeast Region in Atlanta, GA (19). In 2013, FDA reported that they regulated 1,500 facilities, approximately half of them from the food industry (8). FDA in San Juan works closely with the local Health Department Environmental Health Food Division, which is in charge of the inspection of food manufacturing facilities. As other states in the U.S. (20), this agency establishes specific regulatory requirements and issues the mandatory sanitary license that covers food operations in the island. In 2016, the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO), under contract to the FDA, shared data on the progress of FDA Food Code adoptions by States, Territories, and Indian Health Se rvice. They reported that Puerto Rico adopted the Food Code version 2009 based in their population (21). Food Regulatory requirements in Puerto Rico are also promulgated by the Puerto Rico Health Department in Departamento de Salud de Puerto Rico Reglamento General de Salud Ambiental No. 6090 4 de febrero de 2000 (18). On this regulations, the CFR tittle 21 is mentioned as the primary reference for compliance. However, in addition of the regulation established in the CFR title 21 there is specific requirements established in Puerto Rico for food products label language, annual license certificationXXXXâ‚ ¬Ã‚ ¦ In addition, there are other agencies in the island that are or may be involve on food safety oversight. The State Department of Agriculture has regulations thru the program of Inspeccion de Mercado that covers produce, coffee and eggs (22). Also, the Departamento de Asuntos al Consumidor (DACO) protect consumers from being deceiving (23). They are involve on informing recalls of imported products marketed in the Island, inspect and removed expired products from shelves and have the authority to enforce civil penalties. Also, they are involving on the inspection of packaging of meat, fruits, vegetable and others food products by enforcing the Reglamento de Empaque (23). It is important to mention that the USDA-FSIS is responsible for ensuring that meat, poultry, and processed egg products produced in Puerto Rico are safe, wholesome, and accurately labeled. Puerto Rico establishments are under the jurisdiction of the FSISs Atlanta, Georgia District (14). Data obtained from the USDA-FSIS in Puerto Rico showed that eighty seven establishments are inspected by FSIS; thirty four of them under dual jurisdiction with FDA. This means that thirty nine percent of these establishments have to comply at some point based on their size with FSMA requirements (15) (appendix 2). Puerto Rico is highly dependent on importations ninety three percent of the food consumed in the island is imported. This is also extremely important to take in consideration since one of the part of FSMA cover importations and foreign supplier verification. Importers will need to institute risk-based foreign supplier verification programs to assure that imported foods are compliance with the new requirements of the law (3). Although much information can be found related to FSMA, information about the impact of this new law in Puerto Rico is limited. An in-depth literature review showed nothing specifically related to Puerto Rico. Recent U.S. Surveys Outcomes Several surveys in the U.S. have already been conducted, covering specific topics on FSMA readiness and preparedness. One of the recent surveys in 2016 was conducted by Sparta Systems Inc. They conduct an online survey about FSMA readiness and compliance strategy. About 153 food and beverage professionals in the U.S. participated in this survey. The results showed that 61% of the participants felt confident that their organizations are prepared for FSMA. Approximately 20% of the respondents from medium-sized companies disagreed that their organizations were ready for FSMA according to additional finding from the survey (9a) (9b). Safety Chain Software and The Acheson Group (TAG) also conducted a survey in 2016. They used an online survey that received more than 400 respondents, including food processors and manufacturers, produce growers/packagers/shippers, warehouse and distribution companies, animal food manufacturers, domestic suppliers, foodservice companies, retailers, import manufacturers, and import and domestic brokers (10b). More than two-thirds of respondents (68 percent) said they were somewhat ready for FSMA. Only 25 percent of respondents indicated they were ready for FSMA, while 6 percent said they werent ready at all. (10a)(10b). These findings indicate that education and preparation for FSMA remain a challenge for some food manufacturers in the U.S. particularly for medium, small and very small processors. Why its important There are many reasons of the importance of complying with the implementation of this new law. But for to make this task achievable it is important to make sure that the information is accessible and understandable by the regulated firms that fall under the law. The ultimately responsible following the different steps that compose this chain is the food manufacturer. The decisions made by them in order to be in compliance will be critical more than ever. Traditional inspecting styles will change becoming more inspection -oriented and enforcement-minded (). Practices that were usually acceptable it maybe not enough to comply with these new inspections styles (). Firms that receive a Warning Letter following an FDA inspections, will be charged for the follow-up inspection (). In addition, if the firm is enforced by an injunction it will be required to close until corrective actions are completed and re-inspected by FDA, at the firm expense. It is important to note that even after being permitted to reopen, the firm remains under court supervision for the foreseeable future (). Moreover, FDA are resurrecting enforcement actions like criminal liability under the Park doctrine. The application of the doctrine establishes that corporate officials can be held criminally liable for violations of the FDC Act in areas of the company under the officials control, even if the official did not intend for the violations to occur (). If information on FSMA is not readily accessible it can limiting readiness of food manufacturers in Puerto Rico that can severely delay their compliance. Also, language may be a barrier on food manufacturers that can limiting FSMA preparedness. Considering that English is part of the educational curriculum of schools in Puerto Rico, contradictorily in 2000 the US Census showed that 45.1 percent of the total of the population of 481,410 people do not speak English (26). This number could have been changed thru the years but Spanish stills is the main language used by the governmental offices in Puerto Rico and the population. Survey Instrument Description The survey instrument used was similar to the ones already used to obtain information from food manufacturers in the U.S. Taking into consideration that the main spoken language is Spanish, questions were provided in both, Spanish and English. The survey begins with a 5-minutes educational video from FDA about FSMA implementation to help participants be introduced into the topic. After completing the video, the participants will complete 16 questions in Likert and multiple selection formats. The questionnaire is divided into the following three parts: Company and Respondent Profile, FSMA and Resources Preferences. (Appendix 3) Sample Selection The initial target population based on the OEI list submitted by FDA includes 786 firms (Appendix 2). Nevertheless, this number drastically changes because data include establishments reporting a last inspection dated in 1970. Furthermore, several firms appear duplicated on the list with exactly the same address information. Water and Ice Plants were also excluded for the purpose of the study. A further research, conducted me to a list NAME in the FDA webpage that seems to be more updated. This list included firms that were inspected for the period of 2008 2016. At the end, the sample used were considering firms that have their last inspection date from 2008. The only contact information of the firm provided in the list was the address and phone number. Industry groups in Puerto Rico, MIDA and PRIDCO, and the Food Industry Forum (FIF) were contacted and provide me with additional information by sharing their members list that include the e-mails information. Also, information found on the webpages PR Supply Chain On-Line and Hecho en Puerto Rico where extremely helpful to retrieve and validate food manufacturers contact information (16)(17). However some firms have been found that closed business at some point during 2008 2016; which was the period selected. At the end, the final revised number that their contact information can be validated roughly finished in 179 inspected firms. Data Collection The survey was classified as exempt by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) (appendix 2). It was open from February 14 to March 20, 2017 (proposed closing date). A total of 179 FDA food inspected firms were invited via e-mail to participate in the survey. From the 179 firms invited 23 e-mails bounced out and 1 opted out. Only 3 firms responded during the period of February 14 to February 27. A second invitation was sent on March 3, something that may affect the participation on the first invitation is that subject line and message were sent in English taking this premise in consideration second invitation subject line and message were sent in Spanish (on progress). In addition, some firms were contacted by phone to encourage them to participate in the survey. Data Analysis The analytical procedure used to evaluate the data collected was descriptive statistical methods. (Waiting for data) By been FSMA compliant food firms should be able to be better prepared to respond to situations that emerge in the day to day. They should switch from reactive and corrective minded to preventive minded by creating strong food safety plans and HARCP programs. Future directions may include a second project that can be used as a follow-up in conjunction with regulatory agencies in Puerto Rico to evaluate and compare the progress of the FSMA implementation among Food Manufacturers. Classification of the industry will be important to organize strategies by focusing on high-risk operations and offer a better guidance to food manufactures. Development of educational strategies such as guidelines, videos, workshops, and educational campaigns may be developed. Better allocating local and federal economical resources food manufacturers with limited resources can be better assisted. Regulatory agencies in Puerto Rico can unify efforts toward food safety compliance to create a strategy. Puerto Rico can used models from other states in U.S. that compiled information of food agencies in their area in a webpage creating a roadmap for food firms making the information easily accessible to food firms. Food regulatory agencies must enforce their partnership between agencies, identify and share available resources between the agencies. Also, it is needed the establishment of periodic revisions and analysis of recorded data to evaluate the progress of the firms. The use of new media tools such webpages and phone apps can expedite the delivering or retrieving of information from food manufacturers in the island. This will help to maintain open communication and keep information updated ensuring the availability of accurate data when it is needed. References (1) Ayala, C. J., Bernabe, R. (2007). Puerto Rico in the American century: A history since 1898. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press. (2) Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Food and Drug: Pt 1403, App. A, page 282 Revised as of April 1, 2011 (3) Fortin, N. D. (2011). The United States FDA food safety modernization act: The key new requirements. European Food and Feed Law Review: EFFL, 6(5), 260-268. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.msu.edu.proxy1.cl.msu.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com.proxy1.cl.msu.edu/docview/903529133?accountid=12598 (4) Grover, A. K., Chopra, S., Mosher, G. A. (2016). Food safety modernization act: A quality management approach to identify and prioritize factors affecting adoption of preventive controls among small food facilities. Food Control, 66, 241-249. doi:10.1016/j.foodcont.2016.02.001 (5) Food and Drug Administration, 2015 Food and Drug Administration FSMA proposed rule for preventive controls for human food(2015, February 21) Retrieved from http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/FSMA/ucm334115.htm (6) United States Council for Puerto Rico Statehood http://www.prstatehood.com/about-pr/index.asp (7) United States Census Bureau 2015 Puerto Rico Population Estimates http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?src=bkmk (8) FDA-Island Office Protects Consumers Near and Far http://www.fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm370079.htm (9a) Sparta Systems Survey Finds Food Beverage Companies Confident in FDA Regulation Preparedness-May 5, 2016 http://www.spartasystems.com/about-us/press-releases/press-archive/press-releases-2016/sparta-systems%E2%80%99-survey-finds-food-beverage-compa (9b) Sparta Systems Food Quality and Safety Survey 2016 http://marketo.spartasystems.com/rs/084-QBA-512/images/Food_Survey_Results_Report_2016.pdf (10a) Food Engineering Are you ready for the FSMA final rules? April 25, 2016 http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/95479-are-you-ready-for-the-fsma-final-rules (10b) 2016 FSMA Readiness Compliance Strategy http://marketing.safetychain.com/acton/attachment/2194/f-01d9/1/-/-/-/-/2016%20FSMA%20Readiness%20%26%20Compliance%20Strategy%20Survey%20Report%20Sponsored%20by%20SafetyChain%20and%20TAG.pdf?sid=TV2:K3Vrv8uFV (11) Kumar, R. (2014). Research methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners (4th ed.). London: SAGE. Chapter 12 (12) Strauss, D. M. (2011). An analysis of the FDA food safety modernization act: Protection for consumers and boon for business. Food and Drug Law Journal, 66(3), 353 (13) Margaret A. Hamburg. Food Safety Modernization Act: Putting the Focus on Prevention, Jan. 3. 2011, https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2011/01/03/food-safety-modernization-act-putting-focus-prevention (14) The Food Safety and Inspection Service in Puerto Rico https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/8d8574dc-4d0a-4b36-8667-039d8f5f6aac/PR.pdf?MOD=AJPERES (15) Data enviada por OEIO Sepulveda -Evans, J.R. and Lindsay, W.M. (2011),Managing for Quality and Performance Excellence, 8th ed., South-Western Cengage Learning, Mason, OH, pp. 554-555. -Cobb, C. (2000), Knowledge management and quality systems,The 54th Annual Quality Congress Proceedings, 2000, American Society for Quality, pp. 276-287. -Teskey, S., Nassar, M. and Buciarelli, R. (2010),Food Safety: Beyond the Standards How to Build a Culture of Food Safety to Protect Your Customers and Your Brand , Delloite and Touche LLP, available at: www.deloitte.com/assets/DcomCanada/Local%20Assets/Documents/Consulting/call%20for%20papers/ca_en_ers_FoodSafety_230910.pdf (accessed March 5,2012). (16) http://hechoenpr.com/directorio-de-servicios-y-productos/ (17) https://www.prsupplychainonline.com/PRSCO/search.jsf (18) http://cayey.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2016/07/REGLAMENTO-GENERAL-SALUD-AMBIENTAL.pdf (19) ORA Regional Field Office, Southeast Region, Atlanta, GA Organizational Chart https://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/OrganizationCharts/ucm351289.htm (20) State Retail and Food Service Codes and Regulations by State https://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/RetailFoodProtection/FoodCode/ucm122814.htm (21) FDA- Real Progress in Food Code Adoption 02/22/2016 (last visited 02/26/2017) https://www.fda.gov/downloads/Food/GuidanceRegulation/RetailFoodProtection/FoodCode/UCM476819.pdf (22) Departamento de Agricultura de Puerto Rico Inspeccià ³n de Mercados http://www2.pr.gov/agencias/Agricultura/SAIA/InspeccionMercados/Pages/Leyes-y-Reglamentos.aspx (23) Departamento de Asuntos del Consumidor DACO http://daco.pr.gov/sobre-nosotros (24) Susan A. Schneider, Notes on Food Law: An Overview of the Food Safety Modernization Act, October 10, 2011  · 2011 Ark. L. Notes 650 (25) Renà ©e Johnson, Congressional Research Service, Implementation of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA, P.L. 111-353) December 2016 (26) Fishman, J. A., Garcia, O. (2011). Handbook of language ethnic identity. 2 : The success-failure continuum in language and ethnic identity efforts. Chapter 9 Learning English in Puerto Rico: An Approach-Avoidance Conflict? Oxford: Oxford University Press. Table 1 Seven Foundational Rules Required to Fully Implement FSMA Congressional Research Service Implementation, December 16, 2016 (1) Preventive Controls for Human Food: Requires that food facilities have safety plans that set forth how they will identify and minimize hazards (FSMA  §103). (2) Preventive Controls for Animal Food: Establishes Current Good Manufacturing Practices and preventive controls for food for animals (FSMA  §103). (3) Produce Safety: Establishes science-based standards for growing, harvesting, packing, and holding produce on domestic and foreign farms (FSMA  §105(a)). (4) Foreign Supplier Verification Program: Importers will be required to verify that food imported into the United States has been produced in a manner that provides the same level of public health protection as that required of U.S. food producers (FSMA  §301(a)). (5) Third Party Certification: Establishes a program for the accreditation of third-party auditors to conduct food safety audits and issue certifications of foreign facilities producing food for humans or animals (FSMA  §307). (6) Sanitary Transportation: Requires those who transport food to use sanitary practices to ensure the safety of food (FSMA  §111). (7) Intentional Adulteration: Requires domestic and foreign facilities to address vulnerable processes in their operations to prevent acts intended to cause large-scale public harm (FSMA  §106(b)) Table 2 Classification of food facilities as per the

Theme of Isolation in Gilman’s The Yellow Wallpaper, Steinbeck’s The Ch

Despite differing story lines, Charlotte Gilman’s The Yellow Wallpaper, John Steinbeck’s The Chrysanthemums and Kate Chopin’s The Awakening, depict the same suffering; the isolation that women have been forced to endure throughout history. In the time period that all three characters were placed, it was culturally acceptable for wives to be dominated by their husbands; their responsibility revolving around the needs of their children and those of their spouse. Most women simply did not have a means or an idea of how to rebel against their husbands. The women in all three stories are protagonists who have poor relationships of emotional attachment with their spouses. While the main character of Gilman’s story endures multiple psychotic breaks, Elisa Allen of Steinbeck’s piece is quite the opposite: a very strong and powerful woman. Gilman’s character finally resolves her problems by breaking free, where Elisa remains frustrated with her ignora nt husband and Edna of ultimately escapes through death. This dominance, this isolation, is a cycle maintained by society and the men within it. A cycle that these three short stories prove to be nothing more than destructive and harmful for families as a whole. Following these storylines, there are three key points to address: the relationship between husband and wife, women’s standings within society and finally, the end that it drives these originally normal women to. At first Gilman’s character tries to rebel against her husband through writing, (something she has been forbidden from doing while on her hiatus). In â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper,† Gilman implies that although her husband is â€Å"very careful and loving† (Gilman 449) she is also her condemner. Gilman addresses the fact that John prev... ...tanding of equality; but in these novella’s the reader can only see the loneliness, inner-turmoil, and feelings of inadequacy that plagued every one. The reader learns that forcing a person, particularly a woman, into such a place of exaggerated separation can have grave consequences. Works Cited Chopin, Kate. "The Awakening." The Norton Anthology of Literature by Women: The Traditions in English. 2nd ed. Comp. Sandra M. Gilbert and Susan Gubar. New York: Norton, 1996. 1011-101. Print. Gilman, Charlotte Perkins. â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper.† Literature for Composition: Reading and Writing Arguments about Essays, Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. Ed. Sylvan Barnet, William Burto, and William E. Cain. 8th ed. New York: Pearson Longman, 2007. 765-75. Print. Steinbeck, John. "The Chrysanthemums." The Seagull Reader Stories. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, Inc., 2008.

Marco Polo

Marco Polo was no doubt one of the most influential explorers in the world. His tales of the East opened the minds of the Europeans, and his tales were a catalyst for the Age of Exploration in Europe. His influence on geographical exploration was so pivotal that many years later Christopher Columbus used Marco Polo’s book on his voyage to the New World. Marco Polo’s book, The Travels of Marco Polo, was widely published and thousands of copies were printed in different languages. However, many skeptics believe that Marco Polo never actually set foot in China, but used other traveler’s accounts of China as his own.Despite Marco Polo’s huge influence on Europe, the false and wildly exaggerated claims and the amount of Chinese Culture he failed to mention in his book made it evident that Marco Polo was really a fraud and never really made it to China. Historians have questioned Marco Polo’s credibility with his many dubious claims in his book, suggestin g that he also fabricated his story about setting foot in China. One false claim Marco Polo made was that he assisted Kublai Khan as a military advisor during the siege of Hsyiang-Yang.According to records, the Chinese siege ended on January 1273, which was two years before Marco Polo actually got to northern China. Another doubtful claim Marco Polo made was that he was the governor of Yangzhou, and served as an ambassador under Kublai Khan. Yet despite his high-ranking positions, his name does not appear in any of the Chinese records. Historians have argued that Marco Polo’s publisher, Rusticello, might have exaggerated his stories to make it more interesting, but that just furthermore questions the credibility of Marco Polo’s book.If Marco Polo and Rusticello exaggerated and lied about so many things, they might have lied or exaggerated about Marco Polo even setting foot in China. In addition to his questionable claims, Marco Polo also fails to mention important aspe cts of 13th century Chinese life and culture. Marco Polo also omits many important aspects of Chinese life and culture from his book, The Travels of Marco Polo , which would have been hard to leave out as an European if he really set foot in China. Marco Polo claimed that he spent many years traveling around China, serving as â€Å"The Eyes† of Kublai Khan.Yet during the time he spent traveling South China, he fails to mention anything at all about tea drinking, which was popular in southern China during Polo’s time. He also fails to mention the binding of a woman’s feet, which would have fascinated the Europeans due to how strange and different it was. This raises suspicion, since Marco Polo vividly describes other aspects of Chinese culture and life with so much detail; yet he fails to mention the slightest bit about tea drinking and feet binding, strongly proving that he only borrowed descriptions from other travelers.Other aspects of Chinese Culture and life he omitted from his book were the use of chopsticks, Chinese writing, Chinese books and printing, and porcelain; all important aspects of Chinese life and culture. However, the most alarming thing Marco Polo failed to mention was the Great Wall of China. Though some historians might argue it was in tatters during this period of time, it still remained China’s greatest architectural achievement, and shouldn’t have been missed out from Marco Polo’s book if Marco Polo actually went to China.Marco Polo may have missed out on many aspects of Chinese culture and life, but his book never ceased to amaze the Europeans from the moment it was published. Marco Polo’s book told of a land to the east never known to the Europeans before, and opened up the Europeans’ medieval minds whether or not those accounts of China actually belonged to him. At first, Europeans found his tales hard to believe, but instead of rejecting Marco Polo’s stories, they embrac ed it as a romantic fantasy.Nonetheless, The Travels of Marco Polo became Europe’s most widely read book, due to the fascinating and detailed descriptions of Kublai Khan’s wealth and his magnificent empire. His descriptions of China was that of a country with thriving towns, and with cities far richer than any place in Europe in terms of goods, services and technology. Marco Polo may not have included everything about Chinese culture, but he still managed to amaze the Europeans with descriptions of paper money, at the same time introducing Europe to coal, a substance they had never heard of before.Marco Polo may have opened up the minds of European and his stories may have been a major cause of the Age of Exploration, but in the end evidence proves that he was merely a useful â€Å"recorder of Information†, as deemed by Frances Wood, Marco Polo’s No. 1 critic. Despite Marco Polo’s book about China, which fascinated readers all around Europe, the am ount of false and dubious claims in Marco Polo’s book combined with the amount of important aspects of Chinese life and culture omitted from the book strongly proves that Marco Polo was not a credible source and never really set foot in China.His false statements and wild exaggerations in his book have caused historians to question his credibility, and the amount of omissions in Marco Polo’s book are simply too great to confirm that he really set foot in China. Nonetheless, Marco Polo was a huge influence to Europe, whether or not his tales were fabricated from other travelers, and remains one of the most famous explorers to this day. Marco Polo Marco Polo was no doubt one of the most influential explorers in the world. His tales of the East opened the minds of the Europeans, and his tales were a catalyst for the Age of Exploration in Europe. His influence on geographical exploration was so pivotal that many years later Christopher Columbus used Marco Polo’s book on his voyage to the New World. Marco Polo’s book, The Travels of Marco Polo, was widely published and thousands of copies were printed in different languages. However, many skeptics believe that Marco Polo never actually set foot in China, but used other traveler’s accounts of China as his own.Despite Marco Polo’s huge influence on Europe, the false and wildly exaggerated claims and the amount of Chinese Culture he failed to mention in his book made it evident that Marco Polo was really a fraud and never really made it to China. Historians have questioned Marco Polo’s credibility with his many dubious claims in his book, suggestin g that he also fabricated his story about setting foot in China. One false claim Marco Polo made was that he assisted Kublai Khan as a military advisor during the siege of Hsyiang-Yang.According to records, the Chinese siege ended on January 1273, which was two years before Marco Polo actually got to northern China. Another doubtful claim Marco Polo made was that he was the governor of Yangzhou, and served as an ambassador under Kublai Khan. Yet despite his high-ranking positions, his name does not appear in any of the Chinese records. Historians have argued that Marco Polo’s publisher, Rusticello, might have exaggerated his stories to make it more interesting, but that just furthermore questions the credibility of Marco Polo’s book.If Marco Polo and Rusticello exaggerated and lied about so many things, they might have lied or exaggerated about Marco Polo even setting foot in China. In addition to his questionable claims, Marco Polo also fails to mention important aspe cts of 13th century Chinese life and culture. Marco Polo also omits many important aspects of Chinese life and culture from his book, The Travels of Marco Polo , which would have been hard to leave out as an European if he really set foot in China. Marco Polo claimed that he spent many years traveling around China, serving as â€Å"The Eyes† of Kublai Khan.Yet during the time he spent traveling South China, he fails to mention anything at all about tea drinking, which was popular in southern China during Polo’s time. He also fails to mention the binding of a woman’s feet, which would have fascinated the Europeans due to how strange and different it was. This raises suspicion, since Marco Polo vividly describes other aspects of Chinese culture and life with so much detail; yet he fails to mention the slightest bit about tea drinking and feet binding, strongly proving that he only borrowed descriptions from other travelers.Other aspects of Chinese Culture and life he omitted from his book were the use of chopsticks, Chinese writing, Chinese books and printing, and porcelain; all important aspects of Chinese life and culture. However, the most alarming thing Marco Polo failed to mention was the Great Wall of China. Though some historians might argue it was in tatters during this period of time, it still remained China’s greatest architectural achievement, and shouldn’t have been missed out from Marco Polo’s book if Marco Polo actually went to China.Marco Polo may have missed out on many aspects of Chinese culture and life, but his book never ceased to amaze the Europeans from the moment it was published. Marco Polo’s book told of a land to the east never known to the Europeans before, and opened up the Europeans’ medieval minds whether or not those accounts of China actually belonged to him. At first, Europeans found his tales hard to believe, but instead of rejecting Marco Polo’s stories, they embrac ed it as a romantic fantasy.Nonetheless, The Travels of Marco Polo became Europe’s most widely read book, due to the fascinating and detailed descriptions of Kublai Khan’s wealth and his magnificent empire. His descriptions of China was that of a country with thriving towns, and with cities far richer than any place in Europe in terms of goods, services and technology. Marco Polo may not have included everything about Chinese culture, but he still managed to amaze the Europeans with descriptions of paper money, at the same time introducing Europe to coal, a substance they had never heard of before.Marco Polo may have opened up the minds of European and his stories may have been a major cause of the Age of Exploration, but in the end evidence proves that he was merely a useful â€Å"recorder of Information†, as deemed by Frances Wood, Marco Polo’s No. 1 critic. Despite Marco Polo’s book about China, which fascinated readers all around Europe, the am ount of false and dubious claims in Marco Polo’s book combined with the amount of important aspects of Chinese life and culture omitted from the book strongly proves that Marco Polo was not a credible source and never really set foot in China.His false statements and wild exaggerations in his book have caused historians to question his credibility, and the amount of omissions in Marco Polo’s book are simply too great to confirm that he really set foot in China. Nonetheless, Marco Polo was a huge influence to Europe, whether or not his tales were fabricated from other travelers, and remains one of the most famous explorers to this day.

How to Make a Storm Glass to Predict the Weather

How to Make a Storm Glass to Predict the Weather You may not feel the approach of impending storms, but the weather causes changes in the atmosphere that affect chemical reactions. You can use your command of chemistry to make a storm glass to help predict the weather. Storm Glass Materials 2.5 g potassium nitrate2.5 g ammonium chloride33 mL distilled water40 mL ethanol10 g natural camphor How to Make the Storm Glass Dissolve the potassium nitrate and ammonium chloride in the water.Dissolve the camphor in the ethanol.Add the potassium nitrate and ammonium chloride solution to the camphor solution. You may need to warm the solutions to get them to mix.Either place the mixture in a corked test tube or seal it within glass. To seal glass, apply heat to the top of the tube until it softens, and tilt the tube so the glass edges melt together. If you use a cork, wrap it with parafilm or coat it with wax to ensure a good seal. A properly prepared storm glass should contain colorless, transparent liquid that will cloud or form crystals or other structures in response to the external environment. However, impurities in the ingredients may result in a colored liquid. Its impossible to predict whether or not these impurities will prevent the storm glass from working. A slight tint (amber, for example) may not be cause for concern. If the solution is always cloudy, its likely the glass wont function as intended. How to Interpret the Storm Glass A storm glass may present the following appearance: Clear liquid: bright and clear weatherCloudy liquid: cloudy weather, perhaps with precipitationSmall dots in the liquid: potentially humid or foggy weatherCloudy liquid with small stars: thunderstorms or snow, depending on the temperatureLarge flakes scattered throughout the liquid: overcast skies, possibly with rain or snowCrystals at the bottom: frostThreads near the top: wind The best way to associate the appearance of the storm glass with the weather is to keep a log. Record your observations about the glass and the weather. In addition to the characteristics of the liquid (clear, cloudy, stars, threads, flakes, crystals, and the location of crystals), record as much data as possible about the weather. If possible, include temperature, barometer readings (pressure), and relative humidity. Over time, youll be able to predict the weather based on how your glass behaves. Keep in mind, a storm glass is more of a curiosity than a scientific instrument. Its better to allow the weather service to make predictions. How the Storm Glass Works The premise of the functioning of the storm glass is that temperature and pressure affect solubility, sometimes resulting in a clear liquid and other times causing precipitants to form. In similar barometers, the liquid level moves up or down a tube in response to atmospheric pressure. Sealed glasses are not exposed to the pressure changes that would account for much of the observed behavior. Some people have proposed that surface interactions between the glass wall of the barometer and the liquid contents account for the crystals. Explanations sometimes include effects of electricity or quantum tunneling across the glass. History of the Storm Glass This type of storm glass was used by Robert FitzRoy, the captain of the HMS Beagle during Charles Darwins voyage. FitzRoy acted as meteorologist and hydrologist for the journey. FitzRoy stated storm glasses had been made in England for at least a century before his 1863 publication of The Weather Book. He had started to study the glasses in 1825. FitzRoy described their properties and noted there was a wide variation in the functioning of the glasses, depending on the formula and method used to create them. The basic formula of the liquid of a good storm glass consisted of camphor, partially dissolved in alcohol; along with water; ethanol; and a bit of air space. FitzRoy emphasized the glass needed to be hermetically sealed, not open to the outside environment. Modern storm glasses are widely available as curiosities. The reader may expect variation in their appearance and function, as the formula for making the glass is as much an art as a science.

buy custom The Employee Handbook essay

buy custom The Employee Handbook essay It is becoming increasingly important for organizations to have an employee handbook. Not only it addresses the general rules and guidelines which are applicable to all the employees present in the organization, it is actually helps the employees against law suits and gives them legal protection. The presence of a handbook is a benefit for the employer as well as the employee (HRSentry, 2010) An employee handbook outlines the policies, procedures and general guidelines of an organization. For any relationship, effective communication plays an important role. In case of the employee and employer relationship, this handbook acts as a mode of communication outlining the expectations of the employer and his guidelines which he wants to be followed. In order to make this relationship work, the employee has to follow these guidelines and rules and act according to the policies mentioned in this handbook. It gives an opportunity to both the employer and employee. The employee has an opportunity to know his organization and employer in a better way and the employer are able to develop a connection between himself and his employee. An employee handbook however, does not lay down the policies and standard operating procedures, rather gives a general outline or a general philosophy behind the current policies and standards. It also answers several questions which en employee might h ave for example: To whom should I report a problem? What if I have a conflict with someone? Whom should I report to? What is the attendance policy? What is a work week? These are general questions which employees might have but would not know whom to go to. Therefore, a handbook solves this problem by giving the employees a way of communicating with their employers (Morrissey, 2010). The detail present in an employee handbook is dependent on the complexity of the organization and what it wants to include in its handbook. The mission, size and location of the organization might also affect the contents of the handbook. However, as mentioned above that the employer should consider it as an opportunity to present his organization in a positive light and communicate with the employees, the employers tend to present many things which might be beneficial for the employees in the future. Organizations include statements for anti discrimination policies, equal employment policies and harassment policies. The explanations of these policies and whom to report to in such an instant are given. More complex organizations might also include family and medical leave acts or statutes concerning health insurance. Below are a few important things which an employee handbook might cover: Absences Military Service Attendance Payroll Attire Requirements Performance Review Breaks Personal Time Off Communication Policy Probationary Period Confidentiality Resignation Continuation Of MedicalBenefits Retirement Plans Dismissal Safety And Accident Rules Dress Code Salary Paid Employees Drugs And Alcohol Separation From Employment Employment Classification Sexual Harassment Equal Opportunity Sick Leave Exit Interview Smoking Family Medical Leave Act Substance Abuse Health And Life Insurance Termination Holidays Time Off Hourly Paid Employees/Overtime Use Of Company Computers Immigration Law Compliance Use Of Company Property Jury Duty Workman's Compensation Layoff And Recall Vacations Lunch Periods Maternity Leave and more. An employee handbook is actually aimed to protect the employees from any kind of pitfall of mishap. Any promises made in the employee handbook re to be followed by the employer. If the employer is unable to provide a handbook, the employees might not know the general guidelines or behavior he should exhibit in the workplace. For example; In Arizona an employee had a law suit against the employer. This law suit was placed due to severance by the employer. However, the employee did not read the handbook and therefore was unaware of many general guidelines which the employer wanted all the employees to follow. One of such rule was the prohibition of using companys computers for personal mails. Moreover the handbook also stated that the employer at any time might access the computer and has the complete right to see any information present on the computer as this computer is for business use and not for personal use. The employee was constantly communicating with his lawyer about the law suit via the computer present in his office without any knowledge about this prohibition against persona use of computers. The employer who accessed the computer found out what the employee was up to and therefore the employee then had to drop his lawsuit, as he was himself doing something wrong. Had the employee read the employee handbook and had known that it was unlawful to use companys computers for personal use; he could have mailed his lawyer form elsewhere and therefore would have been able to get justice. However as he was doing something wrong himself, he was not able to do anything about the employer (DiLorenzo, 2010) The above example reflects the importance of the presence of an employee handbook but most importantly the importance of reading and understanding this handbook. Many employees think that the handbook is actually made to help the organization avoid lawsuits if it does anything wrong. The employer can merely fir anyone without any reason and would not be sued as it was in his policy. However this is not so, the employee handbook is actuallyy for the benefit of the employee more than the benefit of the employer. A employer has to follow various state and government rules and regulations before printing any rules of his own. The employer cannot say that he does not hire black people because that would be discriminatory and hence against eh anti-discrimination laws of the government. Therefore, the employer actually ahs to follow many guidelines of the government before putting any policies and making any generalized rules for his employees. The employee on the other hand has full benefi t of this handbook. For example; if an employer does not give a paid funeral leave, however it has been mentioned in his handbook that a funeral is something which is difficult for an employee to miss therefore the organization will give full paid funeral leave, this employee can then sue the company. However, this is only possible if the employee has read the employee handbook clearly because there are certain things which might affect this rule. For example; a funeral leave is only available if the relative is a close one, for a very distant relatives funeral the employee might get a leave however might not get full pay. SO there are various complications too and it is only after reading an employee handbook that employee will be able to understand the general rules, guidelines presented by the organization. The employee can also place a lawsuit if the employer is unable to follow his own policies presented in the employee handbook. In one case according to Farell (2008), an employer had a very descriptive and effective handbook; however when an employee filed a sexual harassment complaint against another employee, the manager was not able to conduct a proper investigation. The employer did not know about this as he himself did not investigate whether proper steps had been taken to ensure that the employee was satisfied and correct action has been taken. The employee then took the employer to court, where the judge considered it as an indifferent attitude and ordered employer to pay a hefty amount to the employee as a compensation for what he went through in his organization. Hence it can be seen that when if the handbook is present, it is essential for both the parties to read and make sure that they understand every aspect of the policies and guidelines presented in the handbook. As per the United States equal employment opportunity commission in 2005 various companies had to pay a sum of almost $378 million in order to compensate for various lawsuits which the employees placed against their employers. According to EEOC in 2007 it had received a total of 87,792 complaints from employees against their employers (David, 2008) On the other hand, an employee handbook also saves an employee from lawsuits which he might be subjected to. If an employee has read the employee handbook properly, he will know his rights and will know whatever he is doing in the organization is right. He will act as per the guidelines and neither the employer nor any customer can sue him for doing anything wrong. There has been much increase in the number of lawsuits filed against employers and employees both, due to this miscommunication between both parties. Moreover, negligence, indifference and merely skimming through the report affect the understanding of organizational policies. Buy custom The Employee Handbook essay

Reflection paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 10

Reflection paper - Essay Example Each one of us is familiar with the experience of having to drive several times around city blocks looking for parking space. In this article, Donald Shoup says that various studies have shown that on average 36% of cars in congested downtown traffic were cruising, looking for curb parking. The article cites a 2008 study for a 15-block area of Upper West side of Manhattan where the average cruising time was only 3.1 minutes and the average cruising distance only 0.37 miles. Even for such small time and distance, the high traffic density causes 366,000 miles of excess travel that puts out 325 tons of carbon dioxide every year into the atmosphere in the area. As we know from our own experience, cruising times and distances in most large cities is several times larger than the Manhattan area numbers cited above. Urban planners have sought to remedy urban parking problems by legislation requiring any new redevelopment plans in downtown areas to provide space for off-street parking. The high prices for land in such areas or the simple fact of non-availability of sufficient land have prevented much needed redevelopment in crowded downtown areas. The second solution attempted has been to install parking meters and charge high prices for parking and time limits such as 30 minutes or one hour for parking. These time limits are often impractical. For example someone going for a meal in a restaurant or for a show in a theater would need much longer parking time. High parking rates are also opposed by retailers and businesses in the area that fear that these rates would drive their customers away to other streets where parking may be easier. Donald Shoup advocates a deceptively simple solution for the urban parking problem. He recommends that parking prices be set to achieve an optimum 85% occupancy rate which translates to 1 or 2 open slots in a city

Change in milk bacterias and the effect on teenage girls Research Paper

Change in milk bacterias and the effect on teenage girls - Research Paper Example To counter this, pasteurization of milk was discovered to kill a huge number of diseases causing bacterium. However, pasteurization does not kill every bacterium (Gupta 52). Milk products such as cheese, yoghurt and butter carry the potential of having some bacteria in them. Their consumption in large numbers is relative to an increasing risk of affection. For instance, increased intake milk products correlate with but do not necessarily cause adolescent acne. At this point, it is good to note that milk has two layers one that contains fat and one that does not. The fatty layer has hormones such as progesterone and androgens that stimulate acne. Acne leads to hormonal imbalances and thus abnormal experiences in regard to menstruation (Fox 45). The number of diseases caused by bacteria is large but this paper intends to focus on female genital tuberculosis as one of them. Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium causes this disease. A person suffering from this disease, experiences the fo llowing symptoms; abdominal pain from the lower side, oligomenorrhoea, menstrual disorders, infertility, dyspareunia, vaginal discharges, fatigue, pelvic mass, weight loss among many others. The major treatments include surgery and chemotherapy and use of antituberculosis drugs (Zourob et al 22). The false believe that close contact can lead to transmission of the disease has resulted to the victims being stigmatized. The treatment taking sixth months and above is expensive both to the self and to the government. Studies have shown that most people who suffer from this disease are young, the working bracket, a reduction in the labor force occurs, and a fall in gross domestic product is seen if the number of victims is high like in India. This disease runs over every sphere of the world although the percentages vary. Geographical distribution shows that India has been in the lead followed by Scotland and Saudi Arabia respectively while Australia, USA and Finland have managed less tha n one percent. The historical perspective has reflected that Africa has been leading in mortality rates resulting from this calamity (Gupta 53). Nations have taken measures on prevention of disease to their nationals. Developing nations have embarked on poverty alleviation methodologies. Poverty dictates poor nutrition, inaccessibility to information, poor housing and welfare and is thus expedient to have measures to reduce and control it. Amongst the strategies is equal distribution of funds, enhancement of the rule of law, providence of social amenities ranging from health centers, schools to administration offices and equity in education. These countries have also embarked in building research centers and funding universities and colleges involved in medical research (Zourob et al 23). These nations through the ministries of health have integrated programs to engage the WHO programs that include vaccinations and immunizations. Developed countries have directed their efforts in th e formulation and implementation of laws and policies against industrial environmental pollution, production and marketing of genetically modified foods and global warming activities. Both developed and developing countries have formed joint unions to strategize on how to promote the health welfare of their nationals. The World Health Organization (WHO) has held a different position altogether. It advocates for enactment of emergency intervention