A Breakthrough in DNA Sequencing Essay Example for Free

A Breakthrough in DNA Sequencing Essay The human genome can give a lot of information about a person. The genes can be used to trace a person’s family tree, clone an entire human being, and, more importantly, give information regarding certain diseases he or she may have. In this connection, according to an article published in the Science Daily, researchers from the Human Genome Sequencing Center at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and NimbleGen Systems, Inc. ave developed a new technique that combines gene chip technology with the latest gene sequencing machines that enables fast and accurate sequencing of selected parts of the genome. The technique uses microarrays to enhance the volume of specific genomic sequences and subsequently, a DNA sequencing machine determines the exact genetic code of the material. Furthermore, based on the article, the breakthrough is faster, more accurate, and more efficient than the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method, which was is the technique usually used in DNA sequencing. In one experiment, the new technique was able to analyze 6,400 exons, which are the parts of the genetic code that contains the instructions in making proteins. In short, researchers or scientists can actually use the new technique to select a portion of the DNA that is suspected to cause a disease, remove the unwanted portions, and increase the selected genome’s volume using microarrays by three hundred times or more, giving results that are more accurate at a faster time. Personally, I think that this is a welcome development especially in hastening and improving the treatment of certain diseases such as cancer. Moreover, being a student taking up microbiology, I believe that the new technique could be highly useful in analyzing the genes of certain bacteria that have antibiotic resistance. This breakthrough could also provide crucial information as to how these genes of certain bacteria could mutate which is essential in finding a treatment for the disease these bacteria could cause.

Inflation and Fiscal Policy in the UAE

Inflation and Fiscal Policy in the UAE Table of Contents (jump to) 1. Inflation in that existing economy then suggested an applicable solutions to cope these statement Political and Social Stability Oil and Mineral Resources Agricultural Resources 2. Evaluate advantage and disadvantages of the current fiscal policy and monetary policy being implemented in the chosen country 3. Find out and explain the effectiveness of various economic growth reforms that were carried out in the past years Dubai to sustain % GDP growth in 2014 DH953.2 Billion GDP estimates at current 2013 Abu dhabi’s GDP up 5.6% in 2012 Contribution of extractive industries to Abu Dhabi’s GDP amounted to 5% in 2011 4. Examine the effect of the balance of payment on the exchange rates in the chosen country explaining. How the chosen country manages its foreign debt 1. Inflation in that existing economy then suggested an applicable solutions to cope these statement Thirty years back the UAE was one of the slightest created nations of the world. Today, it has attained a wage level practically identical to that of the industrialized countries. The UAE did not pass through the speculative advancement organizes that most created nations appear to have encountered. Rather, its extensive oil incomes have permitted her to jump these stages to the phase of high mass utilization. Monstrous oil incomes have empowered the UAE to alternate way the normally troublesome and long procedure of sparing and capital amassing important for financial improvement. Given a wealth of common asset blessings (oil and gas), the UAE has grasped asset based commercial ventures (RBI) as an advancement procedure, a mechanical technique that is focused around use of characteristic assets. There has been a sending of windfall wage, to a great extent coordinated at a for the last time help to the social and investment foundation, which empowered the UAE to attain a critical lev el of investment advancement inside the exact concise time period of 1973 to 1982, a period of moderately high oil costs (Kandil, Morsy, 2011). Prior to the disclosure and fare of oil, the economy of the Trucial States (which today structure the UAE) depended predominantly on subsistence farming, itinerant creature cultivation, the concentrating of pearls and the exchange pearls, angling, and marine. The period before the revelation of oil, hence, reflected the nations restricted regular assets, and brought about a basic subsistence economy (Kandil, Morsy, 2011). Political and Social Stability Since its shaping in 1971 the UAE has appreciated a political steadiness. The current political structures seem to suit the tribal pop culture of the UAE and the dissemination of immense oil incomes as social and financial base, high compensations, an elevated expectation of social administrations, for example, wellbeing and training has raised the expectation for everyday comforts for UAE nationals and impressively decreased the probability of inward political and social turmoil. It is worth saying that the UAE Government has kept up a generally decent record on human rights since the creation of the state. This thus has pushed political and social strength (Alà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ mulali, Sab, Binti, 2011). The UAE is a dynamic part of numerous provincial and universal affiliations, for example, the Middle Easterner League, the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Arab Gulf Cooperation Gathering, and the Organization of the Islamic Conference. Oil and Mineral Resources The UAE is blessed with incomprehensible stores of oil, both seaward and coastal. Co partnered gas from raw petroleum generation and non-partnered gas is likewise created. Since the early 1970s the UAEs incredible development has depended to a great extent on the revelation and abuse of oil. The oil and gas commercial ventures are generally overseen and the most recent innovation is persistently tackled to build beneficial productivity. As indicated by the UAE Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, the UAE most extreme reasonable every day limit of oil generation (greatest creation rate that might be managed day by day for one year in current states of misuse) is 2 million barrels a day (Alà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ mulali, Sab, Binti, 2011). Agricultural Resources The aggregate zone of area under farming and ranger service constitutes short of what 1.5 for every penny of the aggregate area territory of the UAE. Agribusiness has made just a little commitment to GDP (3.8 for every penny in 1999). There has, notwithstanding, been a reliable and significant expand in the measure of area committed to horticulture and ranger service in the course of recent years as the aftereffect of supported exertions by the UAE Government to advertise farming improvement utilizing the accompanying motivations (Osman, Louis, Balli, 2009): Agricultural plots are conceded allowed to any UAE national. Land is leveled and arranged mechanically for nothing. Production inputs, for example, seeds, manures, and insect sprays are given at half cost. Water wells are bored free of charge. There is procurement of free specialized administrations, for example, establishment of water pumps (Osman, Louis, Balli, 2009). 2. Evaluate advantage and disadvantages of the current fiscal policy and monetary policy being implemented in the chosen country Regardless of the UAEs pay rates positioning higher than the worldwide normal, supplementary expenses excessively are shooting up. As indicated by Dubai Statistics Center, on the premise of purchaser value information, expansion in Dubai rose to its most elevated amount in the most recent four years in October. Lodging and utility expenses, which represents just about 44 for every penny of purchaser costs, climbed 3.2 for every penny year-on-year and 0.2 for every penny month-on-month individually in October. Despite the fact that sustenance and drink costs climbed by 1.8 for every penny yearly, October costs fell 0.4 for every penny from the past month (Osman, Louis, Balli, 2009). In a Bayt.com compensation study of UAE experts, discharged not long ago, 28 for every penny of experts said their compensations expanded just hardly while an alternate 28 for every penny reported a moderate build. Around 19 for every penny of respondents said there was no change. The greater part of experts reviewed ascribed their pay climb to swelling and the climbing average cost for basic items while around 80 for every penny said that climbing rents constituted a significant a piece of their living costs. Be that as it may as business certainty gets in front of the Expo 2020 offer, Dubais lopsided climb in compensations in connection with rents could go about as a focused disservice in holding ability at later stages. It is important that as per the Bayt.com MENA Salary Survey (May 2013), 47 for every penny of UAE respondents accept that their steadfastness is 70 to100 for every penny connected to their compensation, consequently showing that pay is a key driver for corporate faithfulness for a lions share, said Suhail Masri, VP of offers, Bayt.com (al-Awad, 2013). This general pattern is seen over the Middle East that organizations must start to address; in doing thus, they will have the capacity to help building worker steadfastness and fulfillment, and will have the chance to decrease the amount of representatives looking to change employments inside the one year from now. Masri said that in spite of the lodging remittance given to UAE workers being the third most astounding in the district, climbing living expenses for occupants are a reason for concern. 3. Find out and explain the effectiveness of various economic growth reforms that were carried out in the past years Dubai to sustain % GDP growth in 2014 Billions of dollars worth of realty ventures to help economy Dubais economy is relied upon to develop around five for every penny not long from now, a comparable pace to 2013, the leader of its detail office said on Monday. Development in the Gulf emirate, the districts exchange and business center, grabbed firmly a year ago, floated by the possibility of government land ventures worth many billions of dollars. It is normal that development will arrive at around five for every penny in 2013,   official chief Arif Obaid Al Muhairi said on the Dubai Statistics the economy developed around 4.5 for every penny in the initial nine months of a year ago, he said. Dubai represents a quarter of yield of the UAE economy, with oil-fueled Abu Dhabi in charge of around 65 for every penny (al-Awad, 2013). The UAE, one of the worlds top oil exporters, has yet to discharge 2013 GDP information. DH953.2 Billion GDP estimates at current 2013 The Statistics Center-Abu Dhabi (SCAD) affirmed yesterday throughout a question and answer session held at the Abu Dhabi Economic Media Club, the last comes about and budgetary studies for 2012, which registered the GDP for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and GDP gauges for 2013 (al-Awad, 2013). The Conference was gone to by Mr. Nasser Dayan, Director of Economic Statistics Department, Dr. Mohammed Al Dhaheri, Director of Field Surveys, Ms. Shamma Al Rumaithi, Director of National Accounts, and Mr. Osama Al Zugbi, Assistant Director of Economic Statistics Department. Mr. Nasser Dayan expressed that the vital comes about and assessments arrived at by SCAD on investment advancements in Abu Dhabi a year ago demonstrated that all financial exercises and divisions, oil and non-oil, accomplished development (Termos, Naufal, Genc, 2013). Abu dhabi’s GDP up 5.6% in 2012 In its yearly report for 2012, the Department ascribed the slower development in 2012 to the slight climb in the oil division in both creation and costs contrasted and 2011. It demonstrated Abu Dhabis true GDP remained at Dh678 billion in 2012 and said that notwithstanding the loosening development in 2012, Abu Dhabis economy kept up its recuperated and came back to its solid pace, exploiting the powerful enhancement methodology received by the emirates legislature as of late. The report demonstrated the oil division accomplished a 3.8 for every penny true development in 2012, which was lower than past rates acknowledged by the action throughout 2010 and 2011 (Termos, Naufal, Genc, 2013). Interestingly, non-oil exercises reinforce the increases accomplished over the recent years, and transformed into a solid mainstay of budgetary execution in the emirate, it said. Non-oil investment exercises recorded true development of 7.7 for every penny in 2012, contrasted with 6.7 for every penny and 6.1 for every penny in 2011 and 2010 separately. This considered absolutely the commitment of non-oil exercises to the true GDP of the Emirate, which rose to 48 for every penny in 2012 contrasted with 44 for every penny in 2007. A breakdown demonstrated the land division developed by 16.7 for every penny in 2012, as an immediate consequence of the noteworthy recuperation of offers exercises in the land part in the Emirate (Basher, Elsamadisy, 2012). The assembling division stretched by 9.7 for every penny to a record Dh41.5 billion, the report indicated Contribution of extractive industries to Abu Dhabi’s GDP amounted to 5% in 2011 The extractive business is the spine of the economy of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and a standout amongst the most vital parts of the national pay of the emirate, where oil incomes are utilized within development of base tasks, and in addition other monster national commercial enterprises. The commitment of extractive industry to the GDP of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi arrived at 58.5% in 2011, as an aftereffect of high oil costs in world markets, and the expand in creation of oil in Abu Dhabi. OPEC normal oil value rose from Us$77.45 for every barrel in 2010 to Us$107.46 for every barrel in 2011 (Basher, Elsamadisy, 2012). Aggregate Fixed Capital Formation: The aggregate altered capital framing in the extractive business movement rose from Dh 7.8 billion in 2006 to Dh 48.8 billion in 2011 at a yearly development rate of 44% on normal throughout the period, while settled capital shaping in the action developed by 11.6% in 2011 (Hamaideh, 2010). 4. Examine the effect of the balance of payment on the exchange rates in the chosen country explaining. How the chosen country manages its foreign debt Conversion scale administrations can harshly be characterized into three classifications: settled (pegged), adaptable (gliding) and moderate administrations. Before 1970s, most economies worked under settled conversion standard administration known as the Bretton-Woods framework. Under this framework, nations altered their trade rates against US dollar and the dollar was worth a settled measure of gold. All taking part coinage were certainly pegged to the gold. The framework was broken down following 25 years (1946-1971) yet the arrangement of altered conversion scale remained the favored administration in numerous nations. The fundamental inspiration for keeping trade rates settled is the conviction that a stable swapping scale can encourage exchange and speculation streams between nations by diminishing variances in relative costs and by lessening vulnerability (Hamaideh, 2010). Since 1971, economies have been moving towards adaptable conversion standard administrations, where the estimation of the cash is controlled by the business. In this setting, the residential coin, all else equivalent, devalues when interest for the remote money expands or supply of the outside cash diminishes and acknowledges when interest for the outside coin abatements or supply of the remote coin builds (Hamaideh, 2010). References Kandil, M., Morsy, H. (2011). Determinants of Inflation in GCC.Middle East Development Journal,3(02), 141-158. http://www.worldscientific.com/doi/abs/10.1142/S1793812011000351 Alà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ mulali, U., Sab, C., Binti, C. N. (2011). The impact of oil prices on the real exchange rate of the dirham: a case study of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).OPEC Energy Review,35(4), 384-399. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.17530237.2011.00198.x/abstract?deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=userIsAuthenticated=false Osman, M. A., Louis, R. J., Balli, F. (2009). Output gap and inflation nexus: the case of United Arab Emirates.International Journal of Economics and Business Research,1(1), 118-135. http://inderscience.metapress.com/content/h815u130l51p1493/ al-Awad, M. M. (2013). Ex Ante Inflation Rates in the UAE. http://repository.yu.edu.jo/handle/123456789/535773 Termos, A., Naufal, G., Genc, I. (2013). Remittance outflows and inflation: The case of the GCC countries.Economics Letters,120(1), 45-47. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165176513001468 Basher, S. A., Elsamadisy, E. M. (2012). Country heterogeneity and longà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ run determinants of inflation in the Gulf Arab states† .OPEC Energy Review,36(2), 170-203. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1753-0237.2011.00208.x/abstract?deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=userIsAuthenticated=false Hamaideh, M. E. (2010).A Risk Management Strategy To Hedge Projects Against Cost Escalation Caused By Price Inflation(Doctoral dissertation, British University in Dubai). http://bspace.buid.ac.ae/handle/1234/328

Accommodations for Intellectually Disabled Students

Accommodations for Intellectually Disabled Students Abstract: This following research paper describes about Intellectual Disability and its limitations. And some of the common characteristics of ID. It also provides the comprehensive view of modifications, accommodations and assistive technology and transition planning to assist disabilities. Some agencies and inclusion tips are also mentioned. Lastly, concluding the article formally by giving final suggestions. Definition: Intellectual disability (ID), also known as mental retardation, is categorized by below-average intelligence or mental ability and a deficiency of skills required for continuous living. People having intellectual disabilities can and be able to learn new skills, but they are able to learn them more slowly. There are different degrees of intellectual disability; from lenient to intense. This disability originates before the age of 18. (Definition of Intellectual Disability, n.d.) Common characteristics of Intellectual disability: There are many signs of intellectual disability. For example, individuals with intellectual disability may: Have trouble speaking, Find it hard to remember things, Not understand how things work, Have difficulty understanding social rules, Have difficulty seeing the result of their actions, Have trouble solving problems, and/or Have trouble thinking with logic and more Limitations of Intellectual Disability: Someone with Intellectual disability has limitations in two areas. These areas are: Intellectual Functioning: Also known as IQ, this is known as a person’s ability to learn reason, make decisions, and solve problems. Adaptive Behavior: is the collection of conceptual, social, and applied skills which are learned and completed by people in their daily lives like being able to communicate efficiently, cooperate with others, and take care of one. And these are defined as: Conceptual skills: Literacy and language; time, money, number concepts; and self-direction. Social skills: Social responsibility, interpersonal skills, self-esteem, acceptance, caution, social problem solving, and the ability to follow rules/obey laws and to avoid being victimized. Practical skills: actions of daily living (personal care), work-related skills, healthcare, travel/transportation, schedules/routines, safety, use of money, use of the telephone. (Tracy) Analysis of ways for addressing the needs of students within this disability category: There are many ways that disabilities can affect the ability to perform effectively on the job. Levels of disability and ability are unique to an individual. Most accommodations are simple, creative alternatives for traditional ways of doing things. Following are some of the strategies, accommodations, modifications and assistive technology analysis that will help people having intellectual disabilities to participate at their full in work-based learning experiences. (Dwyer) Strategies to address the needs of individual with intellectual disability: It is important to implement strategies that address the needs of the individual. Following are few strategies that can help in addressing the need of an individual with Intellectual disability: Understanding the Needs of Individuals with Disabilities Managing Time and Classroom Activities Teaching Techniques Assessment Practices (Doka) Accommodations for students with disabilities: It is very important to accommodate those individuals who have intellectual disabilities. So that they can be provided with normal environment where they can act like normal beings. Following are some of the modifications and accommodations for such individuals: Assistive Technology: Implementing accommodations involves anticipating problems students with disabilities may have with instruction or assessment activities. Students may need to use some type of assistive technology to overcome or mitigate the effects of their disability. Assistive technology encompasses a wide range of tools and techniques. Some low-tech tools include pencil and tool grips, color-coding, and picture diagrams. High-tech tools include electronic equipment, such as a talking calculator, computer with word prediction software, and variable speech control audio recorder for playback. (Assistive Technology, Accommodations, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, 2001) Instruction and Assessment: Suggestions for accommodations in specific areas of instruction and assessment are as following: Reading Listening Writing Mathematics Completing assignments Test preparation Taking tests Learning and Work Environment: Accommodations may be needed that involve: Changes to the physical features or organization of the school or classroom, Changes to the learning environment may include alterations to grouping arrangements, behavioral expectations, Classroom management procedures, And the physical setting. Job Requirements: Job accommodations are defined on an individual basis. Some accommodations involve simple adaptations, while others require more sophisticated equipment or adjustments to physical facilities. The instructor and employer will need to analyze job tasks, basic qualifications and skills needed to perform the tasks, and the kinds of adjustments that can be made to ensure that performance standards will be met. Modifications for students with disabilities: Modifications to the expectations or outcomes of the curriculum may be necessary for a student with a disability. Modifications may include modified program or course requirements, concepts or skills significantly below the targeted grade level, or alternate curriculum goals. Impact of Modifications: When considering modifications, it is important to evaluate the long-range impact of changing expectations. Students with disabilities who are not challenged to reach the same level of achievement as their nondisabled peers may not be able to earn a standard diploma in high school or a career certificate or degree from a postsecondary institution. Modifications may also limit the types of careers and occupations in which students can find work. (HOW TO SELECT, ADMINISTER, AND EVALUATE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR INSTRUCTION OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES, 2011) Modified Occupational Completion Points: Career education programs are different at the high school level. The student performance standards may be modified as long as they are aimed at fulfilling the requirements of the specific job selected by the individual student. Teams may modify the curriculum and identify a completion point that falls between established completion points, known as modified occupational points. Transition planning for students with Intellectual disabilities: Transition is usually described as a coordinated set of activities for a student, designed to promote successful progress to and from school. Transition relates to entry into and exit from each educational level, such as pre-school to elementary school, elementary school to secondary school, and secondary school to post-school activities, including postsecondary education (both university and college), vocational training, apprenticeships, employment, adult education, independent living and community participation. Successful transition for all students including those who have learning disabilities is based on: the student’s identified needs the student’s recognized strengths, skills and competencies the student’s interests the student’s preferences the student’s short and long term goals the student’s past experiences, including academic achievements, co-curricular and Volunteer involvements at school and in the community. (Tracy) Agencies available for intellectually disabled: There are many agencies all around the world that are catering the needs of individuals with intellectual disability that includes: National Intellectual Disability Care Agency (NIDCA) U.S. Organizations for People with Intellectual Disabilities: The ArcLink Find my roommate MOSAIC Think College and many more. Intellectual Disabilities’ agency of the New River Valley (IDA) Inclusion Tips: The tips below are general guidelines to help make simple accommodations: Academic Accommodations: Teachers may need to make adaptations to the curriculum and learning activities in order to fully include these students. Physical and Sensory Accommodations: This includes hearing impairments, visual impairments and physical disabilities. Behavioral Accommodations: It is important to have well managed and consistent behavioral plan in order to help students learn more appropriate behaviors. Conclusion: Intellectual disability is a very common disability. It should be eliminated by using different techniques that come in handy and that are mentioned in this particular research paper. Children with such disability should be accommodated accordingly. And there are a lot of ways through which a child can get accommodations. These pupils need special care and attention. People with such disabilities are often not seen as full citizens of society. There should be movement for self-advocacy, self determination and self direction by the people with intellectual disabilities. And there is a need to eliminate it either with the help of technology or either with providing comprehensive treatment. Works Cited (2001). Assistive Technology, Accommodations, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation and Rehabilitation Research. Cornell University. Retrieved February 16, 2014, from http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/extension/files/download/Assistive_Tech.pdf Definition of Intellectual Disability. (n.d.). Retrieved February 16, 2014, from Aaidd.org: http://aaidd.org/intellectual-disability/definition#.UwCy9vmSxvA Doka, K. J. (n.d.). Individuals with intellectual disabilities: Struggling with loss and grief. Retrieved February 16, 2014, from http://www.rescarenz.org.nz/Publications Papers/ciwid.pdf Dwyer, K. P. (n.d.). Disciplining Students With Disabilities. National Association of School Psychologists (. Retrieved February 16, 2014, from http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/discipline.stud.dis.dwyer.pdf (2011). HOW TO SELECT, ADMINISTER, AND EVALUATE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR INSTRUCTION OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES. Department of Education. Nebraska: NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION . Retrieved February 16, 2014, from http://www.education.ne.gov/assessment/pdfs/Accommodations_Guidelines_Students_Disabilities_Nov_2011.pdf Tracy, J. (n.d.). Intellectual disability. Centre for Developmental Health Victoria. Centre for Developmental Health Victoria. Retrieved February 16, 2014, from Nichcy.org: http://www.cddh.monash.org/assets/documents/intellectual-disability.pdf

Internet2 Essay example -- Internet Computers Technology Essays

Internet2 Internet2 was formed in 1006 with an original 34 institutions participating. With Internet2, the Clinton Administration was trying to advance technologies for many people. Their first step was to connect 100 institutions at 100 times the speed of the current internet. The applications generated by this research have already had a positive affect on fields such as health care, national security, distance learning, energy research, environmental monitoring, and manufacturing. Internet2 is an extremely interesting subject. One very important fact to keep in mind throughout learning about Internet2 and its different goals and purposes is that Internet2 is not meant to replace the present day form of the Internet, but rather to improve tomarrow's form of the Internet. Internet2, today, has grown into a consortium, or agreement that is being carried out by a group of 206 universities all across the United States. These various universities are working as partners along with industry as well as the government in hopes to develop and eventually deploy more advanced network applications and technology. This newly created network applications, along with the technology, will help to better the forms of Internet that will be available in the future. What Internet2 is really doing is completely recreating the partnership between education, industry and the government, which is what brought the Internet to its current state. There are three primary goals that Internet2 is aiming to accomplish. The first goal is to create a leading edge network capability for the national research community. The second goal is to enable revolutionary Internet applications. The thrid goal of Internet2 is to ensure the ... ...ng that he or she has absolutely no past knowledge of. I not only learned what Internet2 is, but I learned a lot about the current Internet and how it actually functions. To me, the Internet has always just been out there. I log on, and then I have immediate access to pretty much anything I desire. Now that I know and understand what gives me that access and how I get it, I will never look at the Internet or World Wide Web the same way. Just as e-mail and the World Wide Web are legacies of earlier investments in academic, industry and federal research networks, the legacy of Internet2 will be to expand the possibilities of the broader Internet. I believe that within the next four to five years, the world will see and have access to the use of an entirely different and advanced Internet due to the developments made by Internet2 and its actively working members.

Dickens Social Commentary in Great Expectations Essay -- GCSE English

Dickens' Social Commentary in Great Expectations  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚        Ã‚   Charles Dickens' Great Expectations stands as one of the most highly revered works in all of English literature. The novel's perennial appeal lies in its penetrating depictions of character, rich panoramas of social milieu, and implicit crusades against social evils.1 Dickens used the growth of his characters in Great Expectations, particularly Pip, in relation to others to write about social reform, and most effectively illustrated this by using the first-person narrative style. In Great Expectations, Charles Dickens has written a social commentary using the development of his characters to illustrate his message. In my paper, I will concentrate on three of the main characters, Magwitch, Miss Havisham, Estella, and Joe Gargery. During the time when he lived, Dickens recognized many evils in society. In Great Expectations he focused on the problem of the whole idea of a class in society. It was a social commentary on society. His way to illustrate the solution to the problem of class in society was "to create characters who can get beyond the limitations and divisions of class identifications and see themselves as responsible humans."2 The people who read Dickens' works were often the kinds of people he was attacking. Dickens lived during the Victorian age which was known as the age of social criticism. Great Expectations was Dickens first attack on class in society.3 Dickens did not come right out and preach about social reform in his novels. He uses his rich characters to illustrate the values and morals he is trying to get across. Great Expectations is a novel of social criticism. In Dickens' opinion the two main social evils were selfishness an... ...ornback, 22. 3. Hornback, 4-5. 4. Hornback, 27-28. 5. Charles Dickens, Great Expectations (New York: Dodd, Mead and Company, 1942), 3. 6. Dickens, 395. 7. Dickens, 68. 8. Dickens, 71 . 9. Dickens, 72. 10. Dickens, 72. 11. Dickens, 598. 12. Dickens, 57. 13. Hornback, 25-26. 14. Hornback, 60.          Works Cited Chesterton, G.K. Charles Dickens: A Critical Study. New York: Dodd, Mead and Company, 1906. Dickens, Charles. Great Expectations. New York: Dodd, Mead and Company, 1942. Hornback, Bert G. Great Expectations: A Novel of Friendship. Boston: Twayne Publishers, 1987. Pearson, Hesketh. Dickens, His Character, Comedy, and Career. New York: Harper and Brothers Publishers, 1949. Priestley, J.B. Charles Dickens and His World. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1961.   

Employee Engagement in the Oil & Gas Sector Essay

1. Introduction According to Aon Hewitt (2012), employee engagement refers to the â€Å"state of emotional and intellectual involvement that motivates employees to do their best work through examination of employees’ level of engagement relative to the organisation’s antecedents† (p.5). Scarlett (2010) defines employee engagement as â€Å"the measurable degree of an employee’s positive or negative emotional attachment to their job, colleagues and organisation that profoundly influences their willingness to learn and perform at the workplace†. White (2011) however states that â€Å"employee engagement represents an alignment of maximum job satisfaction with maximum job contribution† (p.5). Varied statistics show that employee engagement is a pertinent aspect in enhancing an organisation’s productivity. Beddoes (2011) states that engagement levels are stabilising globally with a 58% increase in 2011 as compared to 56% in 2010, with the greatest levels experienced in Asia Pacific and Europe. After the economic crisis, engagement levels lagged but economic indicators show increasing improvement between 2009 and 2010 around the globe (Aon Hewitt, 2012). Minton (n.d.) states that four out of ten employees are not engaged translating into 58% engaged and 42% partially or totally disengaged, with motivational factors, career development opportunities, employee recognition and the organisation’s reputation playing a major contributory factor to the results. This study has developed the following objectives (1) identification of employee engagement levels/models, (2) identification of employee engagement drivers. (3) Identification of effective ways to engage employees, (4) advantages realised by having an engaged work force. 2. Engagement Model/ Levels Aon Hewitt (2012) define engagement model as â€Å"a model that determines employee engagement levels in the organisation through examining employees’ level of engagement towards the organisation in the relation to the set organisational antecedents† (p.5). This model states that engagement in one’s work or organisation is an individual choice but regularly influenced by group affiliations, developed by the employees, psychological and behavioural capacity regarding the organisation. The management particularly human resource managers should incorporate, encourage and develop the model’s components while relating with the employees. The model incorporates three main components (1) ‘Say component’ that encourages the management and employees to think and speak highly of the organisation and its activities to colleagues, potential employees and clients. (2) ‘Stay component’ that encourages the employees to continually desire to be part of the company through encouraging recognition, appraisal, teamwork and team building activities thus reducing employee turnover and encouraging potential employees and clients (Schneider, White & Paul 1998). (3) ‘Strive component’ that encourages growth of an organisational culture that encourages hard work and achievement of success, thus enhancing input of extra effort from employees which in turn enhances commitment and increased productivity. Incorporation of the above model leads to more engaged employees, which lead to increased quality delivery, client satisfaction and sales, which eventually leads to increased efficiency (Organ, Posdak off & Mackenzie 2006). 3. Engagement Drivers Sijts and Crim (2006) define engagement drivers as factors that increase employee engagement in organisation through effective management of engagement levels. These drivers identify potential improvement areas in the organisation pertaining to employee engagement. These drivers are interrelated thus work in unison. Engagement drivers therefore help management identify lacking areas that prohibit employee potential, thus enhancing focus on improvement efforts that enhance productivity through increased employee commitment (Organ, Posdakoff & MacKenzie 2006). 3.1 Quality of Work Life Quality of work life refers to creation of a work environment whereby employees’ activities are prioritised through execution of work structure activities that deem the activities less routine thus more rewarding to the employees (Sigy, Efraty, Siegel & Lee 2001). It therefore involves creation of a conducive physical environment through availing the required resources necessary for work execution such as proper safety clothing and equipment thus enhancing productivity and engagement. It also involves enhancement of a work-life balance policy, which enables employees to clearly define and separate their work and social lives thus enhancing growth of an all-rounded employee, which enhances engagement leading to increased productivity (Richard & Deci 2000). 3.2 Company Practices The organisation’s practices greatly contribute to employee engagement levels. Integration of interactive human resource policies enhances employee involvement in decision making, which in turns motivates them thus enhancing employee engagement (Aon Hewitt 2012). Introduction of effective management performance policies will enhance creation of efficient performance management and appraisal systems, which will recognise employees’ work input thus increasing their engagement leading to increased productivity (Cook, 2008). Extensive brand alignment through increased marketing and advertising will enhance engagement, as employees will view the organisation as a long-term venture as it has demonstrated continuity of operations (Payne 2012). Increasing and developed organisational reputation will enhance engagement, as employees will be more at ease to work in a reputable organisation thus demonstrating its continuity and job security. Development of a diversity culture relating to the organisation’s activities and employment of diverse individuals concerning race or gender, will enhance engagement, as it will eradicate any occurrences or fears of discrimination. According to Hynes (2012), creation of an effective communication system and structure will ensure that any important information pertaining to employees work activities or welfare are timely relayed thus enhancing growth and development of work interrelationships which enhance efficiency and effectiveness of operations. 3.3 Total Rewards Organisations should clearly outline its reward structure, as this will contribute to the engagement or disengagement of employees. Clear definition of employees’ expected pay and benefits package will enhance clear understanding about the pay package thus enhancing engagement (Harter, Schmidt & Theodore 2012). The oil and gas sector should also clearly stipulate systems used to determine recognition payments regarding bonus allocation. 3.4 Opportunities To effectively enhance employee engagement, organisations in the oil and gas sector should clearly outline career opportunities available to employees who want to further advance their careers within the organisation regarding promotions and transfers that contribute to career development. Organisations should also outline the available learning and development opportunities within the organisation (Richard & Deci 2000). Such opportunities could include sponsorships, study leave and provision of work-study allowances. 3.5 People People involved in the management, operational and end-user aspects of the organisation have a great impact on employees’ engagement. Organisations should therefore enhance creation of a proper work structure and culture that will enhance effective cooperation and communication among management, employees and customers (Aon Hewitt, 2012).This will in turn enhance development of interrelationships, leading to increased efficiency and effectiveness through increased employee engagement. 3.6 Work Activities An organisation’s work structure can contribute to either engagement or disengagement of employees within the organisation. Development of an elaborate and conclusive work structure will enhance clear development of work tasks, work processes, provision of necessary resources, hence providing the employees with a sense of accomplishment through effective and efficient execution of allocated work (Sahoo & Mishra 2012). This will therefore lead to increased employee engagement. 4. Ways to Engage Employees Employee engagement is essential to organisations in the oil and gas sector as it enhances efficiency and effectiveness through increased production. Incorporation of various aspects has been identified as potential ways to increase employee engagement. These aspects include (1) Enhancement of employee career opportunities by creating career path for employees through training them in preparation for their next career role by creation of lateral growth opportunities (Aon Hewitt, 2012). (2) Increasing employee recognition through providing them with feedback regarding their work activities and how to improve on them by providing the necessary reinforcements and also rewarding them for work well done (Cook, 2008). (3) Management should strive to engage the employees more with the organisation through its vision, mission and objectives by explaining to them why the employer is the most desirable by offering a compelling proposition, reward and work experience structure thus enhancing the organisation’s reputation as the most preferred employer (Payne, 2012). (4) Creation of an engaging communication structure through enhancement of corporate communication which will appeal to employees emotional, behavioural, psychological and social aspects thus enhancing commitment to the organisation (Hynes, 2012). (5) Increased management of employee performance as employees will be effectively rewarded for their efforts thus enhancing employee engagement. (6) Provision of favourable pay as it will enhance employee engagement through provision of a pay and benefits package that is relative to their work performance (Zablah et al. 2012). 5. Advantages of having Engaged Employees Employee engagement directly relates and affects employee efficiency and effectiveness in relation to performance. Several advantages are extended to organisations in the oil and gas sector, which have employees who are actively engaged in the organisation and its production activities: * Employees exhibit high levels of performance as they are highly motivated leading to increased production that enhances efficiency and effectiveness. * Development of an interrelating link between employee engagement and profits realised thus leading to increased revenues that enhance organisational growth. * Leads to increased employee retention and loyalty, which enhances business success through efficient and effective production. * Enhances creation of a competitive environment which increases production thus enhancing effectiveness and increased profits. * Enhances team-work that provides new ideas that enhance innovation and creativity thus enhancing creation of new and effective products. * Development of brand ambassadors through employees for the organisations products thus enhancing marketing and advertising activities which enhance profit realisation. 6. Recommendations i. Oil and gas companies should encourage employee engagement through creation of an organisational culture that develops engagement, through increased employers, leaders and stakeholders involvement in the process by enhancing team work and being a part of the process. ii. Increasing focus on drivers that provide the greatest impact in organisational improvement such as increasing opportunities for improvement which leads to increased rate of return due to increased profits. iii. Increased recognition of employee efforts through provision of feedback which in turn motivates them thus increasing productivity. iv. Organisations should continually connect with employees through regular communication of organisation’s strategy, which keeps them focussed on achievement of set organisational objectives. v. Creative creation of employee career growth opportunities by re-navigating employees’ expectations towards growth in areas that will satisfy growing business needs such as lateral movements. vi. Selecting employees during recruitment who show aspects that encourage engagement such as loyalty, diversity and work aggressiveness. 7. Conclusion Employee engagement is a pertinent aspect in management of employees in the oil and gas industry. Clear understanding of the aspect regarding its impact on the organisation and application of the findings can lead to increased employee engagement through increased productivity, which increases the overall profits realised thus enhancing the sector’s growth. This has led to the identification and incorporation of various engagement models/ levels by organisations and they include stay and strive components. It has led to the identification of engagement drivers which enhance understanding of the drivers that contribute to increased employee engagement and how they can be incorporated. Engagement drivers include (1) Quality of work life which incorporates physical work environment and work-life balance. (2) Company practices which incorporate human resource policies, performance management, brand alignment, organisational representatives, diversity and communication. (3) Total rewards which incorporate pay, benefits and recognition. (4) Opportunities drive, which incorporates career opportunities, learning and development. (5) People drive, which incorporates management, employees, colleagues, people-focus and clients. (6) Work activities, which incorporate work tasks, work processes, resources and a sense of accomplishment. The study has also identified ways of enhancing employee engagement which include increasing career opportunities, increased recognition, enhancing organisational reputation, enhancing communication, enhancing performance management, and provision of fair remuneration in relation to one’s contribution. Employee engagement extends various advantages to the organisations, which include increased revenues, increased productivity, quality delivery, decreased turnover, increased employee loyalty and enhanced organisational reputation. Employee engagement is therefore a pertinent aspect in the oil and gas industry and should be considered to ensure that the organisations have increased quality delivery, productivity and revenue generation.

Nursing Research Problem Essay

Infections are a common cause of both morbidity and mortality in premature infants; examples of infections include necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and sepsis (infection of the bloodstream). Infections in premature infants result in prolonged ventilation, prolonged hospitalization, and higher medical costs, and can cause neurodevelopment impairment (Manzoni et al., 2009). The use of high-potency antibiotics can lead to resistant strains of bacteria and potentially damage the infant’s liver and/or kidney function. Within the past decade, research has turned from finding treatments to finding methods to reduce infections. Breastfeeding and human milk has been well supported through research to provide immunity and positive outcomes for preterm and full-term infants. Breastfeeding and human milk provides nutritional, gastrointestinal, immunological, developmental, and psychological benefits to preterm infants and plays an important role on their long-term health and development (Callen & Pinelli, 2005). The components of breastmilk that support immunity include lactoferrin, lysozymes, interferon, and sIgA antibody (Callen & Pinelli, 2005). Specifically, lactoferrin (LF) is an iron-binding glycoprotein found not only in breastmilk, but also in saliva, tears, and other bodily secretions; LF has biological functions which include immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects, and inhibits growth of pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and viruses (Yen et al., 2009). The described functions of LF support the protective role in immunity. The purpose of this investigation is to determine the effects of oral lactoferrin supplementation on reducing infections in preterm infants. Nature of Problem and Importance to Nursing Practice A nosocomial infection is described as an infection that is acquired after 48 hours of hospital admission (Rodriguez et al., 2010). In neonates,  a late-onset infection is defined as an infection obtained after the perinatal period (Manzoni et al., 2009). Nosocomial infections include infections of the gastrointestinal tract (necrotizing enterocolitis, NEC), blood stream (sepsis), and lung (pneumonia). The effects of an infection in a preterm infant can lead to â€Å"poor growth, adverse long-term neurological sequelae, increased length of hospital stay, and a substantial cost to families, hospitals, and society† (Rodriguez et al., 2010, p. 207). The risk of nosocomial infections increases with the decreasing birth weight and gestational age, and roughly 21% of very low birth-weight (VLBW) infants will encounter a late-onset infection (Stoll et al., 2002). The most common gastrointestinal infection in premature infants is NEC, affecting 2.6% to 28% of VLBW infants (Lin et al., 2005). NEC is widely considered as a multifactorial disease, with no specific pathogenesis; three major factors have been proposed: the presence of a pathogenic organism, the challenge of enteral feeding, and altered enteric mucosa integrity (Lin et al., 2005). NEC is â€Å"characterized by necrotizing injury to the intestine that requires antibiotic treatment and, in severe cases, surgical intervention† (Brooks et al., 2006, p. 347). Reduction of infections in preterm infants is of high priority and active research is being performed to find safe preventative measures, improve patient outcomes, and decrease hospital length of stay. Lactoferrin is an iron-binding protein found in mammalian milk and is important in innate immune host defenses (Manzoni et al., 2009). Partial digestion of LF in the stomach produces peptides called â€Å"lactoferricin† that contain more potent antimicrobial activity (Yen et al., 2009). Human colostrum contains more LF than breastmilk, saliva, tears, or other mucosa linings in the body. Studies have been performed to determine bovine or porcine LF effect on prevention of infection in mice and rat pups; conclusions showed a reduction in â€Å"the frequency of bacterial infections in the GI tract while promoting the growth of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria species, which are generally believed to be beneficial to the host† (Yen et al., 2009, p. 591). Bovine, porcine, and human LF molecules are similar, and bovine and porcine LF has been reported to show higher antimicrobial activity compared to human LF (King et al., 2007). In 2001, the US Food and Drug Administration declared bovine lactoferrin generally recognized as safe  (CFSAN, 2001). Bovine or human LF can be given as a formula additive, breastmilk additive, or given to patients by swabbing of the mouth, either actively feeding or with nil per os (NPO) statuses. Research studies have now been performed on the effects of bovine or porcine LF on prevention of infections in VLBW and preterm infants, and LF shows to be a promising agent of prevention. Evidence-based Practice Question Evidence-based practice (EBP) is defined as â€Å"a practice that involves clinical decision-making based on the best available evidence, with an emphasis on evidence from disciplined research† (Polit & Beck, 2008, p. 753). Nursing practices are changing in the NICU to include swabbing of the infants mouth with colostrum every six hours to assist in prevention of infection and improve feeding tolerance. The following question is developed to determine the outcomes of infection prevention by LF in preterm infants: Does the supplementation of LF decrease the occurrence of nosocomial infections in preterm infants? Conceptual/Theoretical Framework The studies reviewed did not mention a conceptual or theoretical framework pertaining to the relationship of the subjects investigated. A conceptual model of nursing, Levine’s Conservation Model, can be utilized in applying the methods investigated to provide care and prevention of infection in preterm infants. Levine’s Conservation Model is focused in promoting adaptation and maintaining wholeness using the principles of conservation (â€Å"Current Nursing,† 2010). The model guides the nurse to focus on the influences and responses at the organismic level and accomplish the goals of the model through the conservation of energy, structure, and personal, and social integrity (â€Å"Current Nursing,† 2010). Conservation of energy in preterm infants is necessary for appropriate growth, and is achieved by adequate rest and nutrition; fighting an infection in preterm infants results in NPO status and irritability, thus expending energy. The conservation of structural integrity means to prevent physical breakdown and  promote healing, and is the consequence of an effective immune system (â€Å"Current Nursing,† 2010). The technique of LF supplementation and its potential preventative outcome on infection helps the patient conserve energy and structural integrity. Variables and Findings Manzoni et al. (2009) performed a prospective, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial examining whether oral supplementation with bovine LF alone or in combination with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) reduces late-onset sepsis in 472 VLBW infants. The independent variable of this study is the supplementation of bovine LF or LGG and the dependent variable is the occurrence of infections in VLBW infants. The study randomly allocated infants into three groups; groups consisted of a control group (n = 168, infants supplemented with a placebo) and an experimental group (n = 153, infants given bovine LF alone and n = 151, infants given bovine LF with LGG). The main outcome measured the first episode of late-onset sepsis (sepsis occurring after 72 hours of birth); all tests were two-tailed, and P < .05 was considered statistically significant (Manzoni et al., 2009). When stratifying for birth weight, Manzoni et al. (2009) noted a significant decrease in late-onset sepsis in extremely low birth-weight (ELBW, birth-weight < 1000g) infants (P = .002 for bovine LF v. control and P = .002 for bovine LF plus LGG v. control) whereas it was not significant in infants weighing 1001 to 1500 g (P = .34 for bovine LF v. control and P = .07 in bovine LF plus LGG v. control). Overall, the results showed a significant decrease in the occurrence of infection in VLBW infants in the experimental groups versus the control group (P = .002 for bovine LF v. control and P < .001for bovine LF plus LGG v. control) (Manzoni et al., 2010). A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study examined the impact of bovine LF supplementation to bottle-fed infants (King et al., 2006). The participants included 52 infants between the age of 0-4 weeks of age, ≠¥34 weeks of gestational age, and ≠¥2000 g, and who were strictly bottle-fed. The infants were randomized in a double-blind fashion; the control group  received a small dose of bovine LF and the experimental group received a higher dose of bovine LF (King et al., 2006). The independent variable is the supplementation of the higher dose of bovine LF and the dependent variable is the impacts observed in the first year of life. The outcomes measured included diarrhea, upper respiratory infection (URI), acute otitis media (AOM), and lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). The infants were examined six times throughout the year on the measured outcomes. The results showed a significant decrease in the occurrence of LRTIs in the experimental group than in the control group (P < 0.05) (King et al., 2006). Even though this study did not include preterm infants < 34 weeks, the effects of bovine LF are still apparent in the protection against infection. Yen et al. (2009) performed a study to examine the effects of porcine LF as a selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) regimen in neonatal mice. Transgenic mice were generated to express porcine LF; the neonatal mice fed from the transgenic mice and were then challenged with pathogens to evaluate in vivo antimicrobial activity of porcine LF (Yen et al., 2009). The control group contained mice that were fed normal milk and the experimental group contained mice that were fed the porcine LF (Yen et al., 2009). The independent variable is the transgenic mice with porcine LF supplementation and the dependent variable is the antimicrobial activity observed. The outcome measures included the growth rate of the mice pups, the state of the intestinal tract mucosa, and the circulating cytokines (Yen et al., 2009). Yen et al. (2009) concluded that the experimental group of neonatal mice showed a significant reduction of severity of illness (P < .01), a significant inhibition of microbial survival in the intestinal tract (P < .01), and a significant decrease in the number of bacteria cultured (P < .05) than in the control group. The authors proposed that porcine LF is an ideal natural SDD regimen for the prevention of nosocomial infections in critically ill patients (Yen et al., 2009). Conclusion Research has proven the high incidence of a nosocomial infection and its adverse outcomes in a preterm infant. The efforts of research have changed  to finding a method to reduce or prevent nosocomial infections in preterm infants. Human colostrum is best in supplying the infant with LF to fight infection, but other methods of supplying LF are being studied. Research has recently proven that the supplementation of bovine LF has decreased the occurrence of infections in VLBW and preterm infants. Future research should include a larger, neonatal population specifically targeting VLBW and/or ELBW infants and the effect of LF supplementation on prevention of NEC. Further studies are needed to determine the dosing, duration, and type of LF (bovine, porcine, or human) that will be most effective in the prevention of infection in preterm infants without causing adverse effects or intolerance (Venkatesh & Abrams, 2010). References Brooks, H. J. L., McConnell, M. A., Corbett, J., Buchan, G. S., Fitzpatrick, C. E., & Broadbent, R. S. (2006). Potential prophylactic value of bovine colostrum in necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates: an in vitro study on bacterial attachment, antibody levels, and cytokine production. FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology, 48, 347-354. doi:10.1111/j.1574-695X.2006.00151.x Callen, J. & Pinelli, J. (2005). A review of the literature examining the benefits and challenges, incidence and duration, and barriers to breastfeeding in preterm infants. Advances in Neonatal Care, 5(2), 72-88. doi:10.1016/j.adnc.2004.12.003 Current Nursing. (2010). Levine’s four conservation principles. Retrieved on September 23, 2010 from http://currentnursing.com/nursing_theory/Levine_four_conservation_princples.html King, J. C., Cummings, G. E., Guo, N., Trivedi, L, Readmond, B. X., Keane, V., †¦ de Waard, R. (2007). A double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot study of bovine lactoferrin supplementation in bottle-fed infants. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 44(2), 245-251. Lin, H., Su, B., Chen, A., Lin, T., Tsai, C., Yeh, T., & Oh, W. (2005). Oral probiotics reduce the incidence and severity of necrotizing enterocolitis in very low birth weight infants. Pediatrics, 115 (1), 1-4. doi:10.1542/peds.2004-1463 Manzoni, P., Rinaldi, M., Cattani, S., Pugni, L., Romeo, M. G., Messner, H., †¦ Farina, D. (2009). Bovine lactoferrin supplementation for prevention of late-onset sepsis in very low birth-weight neonates. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 302(13), 1421-1428. Retrieved on September 4, 2010 from http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/302/13/1421 Polit, D. E., & Beck, C. T. (2008). Nursing research generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice (8th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Rodriguez, N. A., Meier, P. P., Groer, M. W., Zeller, J. M., Engstrom, J. L., & Fogg, L. (2010). A pilot study to determine the safety and feasibility of oropharyngeal administration of own mother’s colostrum to extremely low-birth-weight infants. Advances in Neonatal Care, 10(4), 206-212. Stoll, B. J., Hansen, N., Fanaroff, A. A., Wright, L. L., Carlo, W. A., Ehrenkranz, R. A., †¦ Poole, W. K. (2002). Late-onset sepsis in very low birth weight neonates: the experience of the NICHD neonatal research network. Pediatrics, 110(2), 285-291. Retrieved September 9, 2010 from http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/110/2/285 US Food and Drug Administration, CFSAN/Office of Food Additive Safety. (2001). Agency response letter: GRAS notice (No. GRN 000077). Retrieved on September 23, 2010 from http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodIngredientsPackaging/GenerallyRecognizedAsSafeGRAs/GRASListings/ucm154188.htm Venkatesh, M. P., & Abrams, S. A. (2010). Oral lactoferrin for the prevention of sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Art. No.: CD007137 (5). doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007137.pub2 Yen, C., Lin, C., Chong, K., Tsai, T., Shen, C., Lin, M., †¦ Chen, C. (2009). Lactoferrin as a natural regimen for selective decontamination of the digestive tract: recombinant porcine lactoferrin expressed in the milk of transgenic mice protects neonates from pathogenic challenge in the gastrointestinal tract. The Journal of Infectious Diseases, 199, 590-598. doi:10.1086/596212