THE EVOLUTION OF DRUG RESISTANCE IN VIRUSES AND BACTERIA Essay

THE EVOLUTION OF DRUG RESISTANCE IN VIRUSES AND BACTERIA - Essay Example The resultant nature of upcoming bacteria and viruses leads to drug tolerance. In most cases, pathogens acquire newer forms and abilities of resistance through evolution. In a broad sense, the pathogens acquire a stronger resistance against drugs and thus, repel any upcoming drugs, making them ineffective. The development of drug resistance specifically stems from drugs that aim at eradicating specific viral and bacterial proteins. Since such drugs are mainly specific to given viruses and bacteria, any mutation in such pathogens interferes with its destructive nature, which results in drug resistance. As the drugs become more developed, the viruses and bacteria mutate to acquire protective qualities that are commensurate to the strength of the developed drugs. With this in mind, the innate capacity of bacteria and viruses to evolve to such an extent of outpacing upcoming drugs suggests that stakeholders in the medical field should work towards achieving long-term and viable anti-microbial therapies that will evolve with the pathogens’ ability to adapt t o the situation. A succinct analysis of Bryskier (2005), reveals that antibiotics are composed of natural secretions by fungi and bacteria that aim at engulfing and killing other bacteria that are pose competition over limited nutrients. The drugs used in treating diseases in the contemporary originate from such secretions. Professionals in the medical field remain alarmed by the discovery that some viruses and bacteria have developed resistance to drugs, and further evolved through mutations or DNA alterations. Based on information outlined by Fisher and Mobashery (2010), rresidential areas and health facilities act as proper breeding grounds for drug resistant qualities of bacteria and viruses. Such bacteria flourish in an environment dominated by people with ailments and whose immune systems are

Movenments Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Movenments - Essay Example Advocacy groups need the much needed support from international organizations, the media and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). They also require sentimental support from the broader global community (Gunter, p.125). The problems faced by Kurds are in the global domain though more can still be done to increase international pressure for their recognition by the host countries. Turkey, as a country with a sizeable number of the Kurdish community has made policies restricting Kurds’ cultural and political identity (Gunter, p.91). A number of advocacy groups are championing the reintegration of Kurds into the average Middle East life; enjoying the right to use their language for education and expressive purposes. In a nutshell, they are fighting for a level playing field. This article examines the broader aspect of support for advocacy groups taking Kurds as a case. It recommends ways in which these people can increase international awareness through various channels thus gain ing support for their clamor for political and civil rights. In order to create dialogue among policy makers, this article proposes ways in which these advocacy groups can be more effective by use of new media and other consultative approaches. Background Demand for autonomy is based on the fact that Kurds have different cultural and spiritual inclinations from Turks, Iraqis and Iranians. Since politics in the Middle East is a game of ethnic numbers, they have been used as political pawns to add numbers for others’ interests... Kurds are more inclined towards an open society devoid of strict control over freedom of expression. The democratic space and freedom of the press is expanding in Turkey however, broadcast content in languages other than Turkish is restricted. Hope lies in the social media which has gained popularity in the Middle East as a community mobilization instrument and has been found to play a big role in places with tight media control like Turkey. This is because the authorities have little capacity to control content and influence public opinion. The Algerian and Egyptian revolutions were christened Facebook and Twitter revolutions because of the part played by these sites to mobilize the community towards a common cause. It does this because of the networking it provides linking websites to conventional media like televisions and newspapers; it also gives real-time news through mobile devices hence a wide reach. These Kurdish protestors need to custom their appeals to match the interests of the international audiences so they justify their cause (Reynolds, p.71). Their message should be consistent and speak in one voice; their demands must be found consistent with global morality. The three main issues that the Kurdish protestors are advocating for are: Religious freedom: This means having the legal capability to make specific legislations that are in consonance with their cultural and spiritual identity. Use of the Kurdish lingua in daily interactions; this is because the government restricts its use in public domain. Those elected to state offices are supposed to grasp of the Turkish language. Elected mayor for Diyarbakir, Abdullah Demirbas was relieved off his duties in 2008 as

College Debate Essay Example for Free

College Debate Essay In Katherine Porter’s essay, â€Å"The Value Of a College Degree†, Katherine answers the question to whether continuing education beyond high school is worth it or not. Since college costs are increasing radically every year, many students and parents aren’t considering a two- or four-year college education a necessity. Her essay is reaches out to those parents and students who are in doubt, with the use of cited evidence and her many research studies, she is determined into convincing those who question attending college to pursue further education. Although the question of whether continuing education beyond high school is worth it or not remains unsettled by many, it should definitely be considered. First off, a valuable college education brings out the best in a person; it makes them stronger and builds an immense amount of confidence. Some may consider pursuing a college education as something that’s completely out of reach, but I might just have to say that you’re wrong. A college education not only builds strength and confidence, it also helps you grow. College students are situated in different types of situations, environments and or settings in which they encounter all kinds of people. To explain much further, as said in a source found in Google: â€Å"College education has a profound effect on a person and his or her life. It helps people choose their careers more wisely and the college experience makes people become more confident and can make better and well judged decisions. † (Google. com, Value of College Education) A College education develops growth in terms of adulthood and maturity, built from experience. Many high school students believe that doing well academically would be enough. That is only somewhat true; most colleges consider well-rounded students, like those who participate in extra curricular actives, activities such as being involved in sports, volunteering, and community work. Keeping an open mind when considering college selections is a very important factor when it comes to decision making. Parents and students should not allow money or locations limit their thinking when researching schools. By attending college fairs, and purchasing college guide books they’ll learn about colleges that ‘fit’, in an overall aspect. Scheduling interviews, preferably on-campus interviews, will allow students to demonstrate genuine interest and allows him or her the opportunity to make a valuable link. All in all, the key factor isn’t getting a college degree itself but the degree owner. A college education is now a necessity, and the average American couldn’t possibly make it through these times and those that are to come without one. â€Å"Get in(worry about the money later. †

Food Security Under Threat From Climate Change Environmental Sciences Essay

Food Security Under Threat From Climate Change Environmental Sciences Essay The changing of the worlds climate is real. Already, 2 billion people face the daily struggle to survive malnutrition. The causes are complex but there is no doubt that climate change has played a part and is likely to exacerbate the situation into the future. Climate change affects food security in multiple ways: a negative impact on crop yields, stability of food supplies, and the ability of people to access and utilize food in many parts of the developing world. (FAO) Although developed countries are responsible for most greenhouse gas emission (GHSs), the impact of climate change is expected to be disproportionate in its severity on developing countries and on the poor.. (Braun) The higher vulnerability of the poor is not only due to geography but also to limited adaptive capacities. Low-income communities depend directly on agriculture, forestry, fisheries, aquaculture, and climate-sensitive resources. (Braun). In addition the Swaminathans publication in 1988 argues that food su pplies in smaller nations will be affected to a greater extent by climate change than those of larger nations. It is recognised that the positive effects of climate change such as CO2 fertilization of plants could contribute to increasing food production and security (). However, rising temperatures and the increased frequency of extreme weather events act to offset greater productivity and will exacerbate food insecurity. The negative effects of climate change may lead to increased water stress, decreased biodiversity, damaged ecosystems, rising sea levels, and potentially to social conflict due to increased competition over limited natural resources. Small-holder agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture are among the systems most at risk (FAO 2008). This essay will provide background information on the impacts of the interrelationship between climate change and global food security, and ways to deal with this novel threat. It will also outline the opportunities that exist for the agriculture sector to adapt, and how the industry can contribute to mitigating the climate challenge. Impacts of Global warming on climate system and food system Global warming is the immediate consequence of increased greenhouse gas emissions with no offsetting increases in carbon storage on earth. These gases absorb energy radiated from the Earth to space and warm the atmosphere. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), increases in greenhouse gas emissions have been associated with an increase in the mean global temperature of 0.3Â °C-0.6Â °C since the late 19th century. By the end of the 21st century, greenhouse gas emissions could cause the mean global temperature to rise by another 1.4Â °C-5.8Â °C (IPCC, Darwin). The Parry et al.experimental findings on wheat and rice, indicate decreased crop duration of wheat as a consequence of warming, resulted in rice yield reductions. It has also shown links between human-induced global warming and changes in weather patterns that will cause additional stress for food systems, with consequent implications for food security. Impacts of climate change on Food Production and Supply Climate change, including global warming and other climate variables have a potentially huge impact on agricultural production. Some of these effects are biological,, some are ecological, and some are economic. Recent studies show that in tropical and sub-tropical regions, especially in seasonally dry areas, crop and animal productivity may decrease significantly due to temperature increases of 2 to 3Â °C ( ). In its Fourth assessment Report (AR4) of 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) state that,, focusing on Africa, by 2020, in some countries, yields from rain-fed agriculture could be reduced by up to 50%. Agricultural production, including access to food, in many African countries are projected to be severely compromised (Muller 2011). The study by Lobell et al. used crop models to calculate changes in agricultural production until 2030. (Lobell, Brown). They show that increasing temperature and both declining precipitation and grassland productivity over semiarid regions are likely to reduce yields of corn, wheat, rice, and other primary crops in the next two decades. Furthermore, cllimate change could cause high levels of desertification and soil salinization in some areas in Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America( ); increasing water stress, particularly in irrigated production systems ( ); increased salinity from seal-level rise, leading to some areas in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, such as coastal plains, becoming flooded or unsuitable for agriculture ( ). All of these changes could have a substantial impact on global food security. In addition, food supply may be affected by an increase in frequnecy of extreme weather events, such as storms, floods, droughts as well as sea level rise, air pollution and climate variability associated with global warming (Easterling DR). The increase in intensity and frequency in extreme weather conditions will affect both developed and developing countries.However, developed countries are in a better position to cope with these adverse conditions, due to their greater resources. Many studies on crop production suggest that agriculture is the most vulnerable part of the climate change ( ). Changed weather patterns increase crop vulnerabilities to infection, pest infestations, and weeds(). These will not only decrease yields of crops, but also force farmers to apply harmful and expensive pesticides and herbicides, which will eventually increase the market price and mean an overall increase in the food price for the consumers. High prices may make certain foods unaffordable and can have an impact on individuals nutrition and health. Impacts of climate change on Global Food Security According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), food security is defined as a situation that exists when all people, at all times, have physical social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life (FAO 19960). It is the overall outcome of food system processes throughout the food chain. Climate change will affect food security through its impacts on multiple components of global, national, and local food systems. Ensuring food security is a critical aim for the agriculture sector in two ways. First,, it produces the food that people eat and supplies nutrition. Secondly, it provides the primary source of livelihood for 36% of the worlds total workforce (). In the countries of Asia and the Pacific, this share ranges from 40% to 50%, and in sub-Saharan Africa, two-thirds of the working population still make their living from agriculture (ILO,2007). If climate change negative impacts upon the agricultural production in low-income developing countries, eg. Asia and Africa, the livelihoods of large numbers of the rural poor will be put at risk and their vulnerability to food insecurity increased. The World Food Trade Model, designated as the Basic Linked system (BLS), links countries through trade, world market prices, and financial power. The BLS estimates that in 1980, there were about 500 million people at risk of hunger in the developing world. Without climate change, the number of people expected to be at risk of hunger in 2060 has been estimated approximately 640 million. However, with unmitigated climate change, declines in yields in low-latitude regions are projected to require that net imports of cereals increase. Higher grain prices will affect the number of people at risk of hunger. The number of hungry people in developing countries will increase by ~1% for every 2-2.5% increase in prices. This means that the number of people at risk of hunger grows by 10-60% in the scenarios tested, resulting an estimated increase of between 60-350 million people who will suffer from hunger (Parry). Mitigation and Adaptation One of the ways to prevent the effects of global warming is to decrease the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. In 1997, most industrialized countries ratified an international agreement to reduce the amount of human-induced greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, called Kyoto Protocol. FAO defines Mitigating climate change means reducing greenhouse gas emission and sequestering or storing carbon in the short term and making development choices that will reduce risk by curbing emissions over the long term. Although the entire food system is a source of greenhouse gas emissions, primary production is by far the most important component (Lobell). Incentives are needed to persuade crop and livestock producers, agro-industries and ecosystem managers to adopt good practices for mitigating climate change. Lobell et al. defines adaptation as a key factor that will shape the future severity of climate change impacts on food production. He also suggests that communities can cope with climate change, for example, by switching from producing corn to producing sorghum, whose lower water requirements and higher temperature tolerances are better suited to a warmer and drier climate (Lobell, Darwin). Ensuring food security for all in the face of climate reductions will require adequate food production through improved seed and fertilizer, better land use policies and shifting planting date. These will prove costly but the biggest benefits will likely result from the development of new crop varieties and expansion of irrigation (Brown). These adaptations require substantial investments by farmers, governments, scientists, and development organizations, all of who faces many other demands on their resources. Successful climate change adaptation are likely to diminish the food insecurity that we are facing now. CONCLUSION Climate change poses an unprecedented challenge to the aim of eradicating hunger and poverty. In order to meet the growing demand for food security under increasingly difficult climatic conditions and in a situation of diminishing natural resources, the world must move towards embracing a two-fold approach: First, we must invest in and support the development of more efficient, sustainable and resilient food production systems. Second, we must improve access to adequate food for the most vulnerable and at-risk populations and communities as well as improve social protection systems and safety nets as part of the adaptation agenda. Protecting the most vulnerable also requires improving our ability to manage weather-related disaster risks and accelerate community development. Only if we succeed in making significant advances on all fronts -increasing food availability, enhancing access to food, and strengthening resilience and development will we reduce the risk of dramatic increases in the number of the malnourished and hungry in the poorest regions of the world.

Scottsboro Trials Essays -- American History, Segregation

In the 1930’s segregation was strongly enforced and whites were superior to blacks. It didn’t matter whether you were poor or rich, if you were white you had more respect and trust than any black person did. So when white girls accuse blacks of raping them, something big is about to happen. Trials that were meant to only take a few days, turned into months, and soon it became years. Before people knew it, something as simple as rape trials was altering the countries future. The Scottsboro Trials were conducted in a way that gave us long-lasting effects. Hoboes hitched rides on freight trains and did as they pleased during the 1930’s (Carter 3). When the train pulled away from the station at Stevenson the station master was approached by a group of pale hoboes. The only white guy in the group was grasping the back of his head which appeared to be oozing with blood. The group claimed there had been a fight and the group of Negros had thrown them out of the train (Carter 4). When the station master got word out to Jackson County the sheriff gave the county deputy authority to deputize any man he could find. When the freight train came to a halt at the Jackson county station it took all but ten minutes to search it. When the investigation was complete their findings consisted of nine colored Negro boys and two white women who were disguised as boys (Carter 5). When questioned, the boys claimed to have never seen each other before. After the deputy was done with the interrogation they were tied together in a line with a plo w line. The nine boys were telling each other the outcome of this would be good. Ruby Bates told the deputy that the nine Negro boys raped her and her girlfriend Victoria Price (Carter 6). When the nine Negro... ...erybody’s right. When it comes to our criminal justice system, we are more knowledgeable about our rights and how they should be conducted (â€Å"Right Due To Process† 112). These trials took place almost 81 years ago. At the time of this event the world was different. Racism was a big part of how our country worked, and blacks really had no rights. It took seven years for the Scottsboro trials to begin and find an end. Little did the community know that during the trials (1930-1937) they were changing the way we see things today. People still recall the events of the trials and even though we don’t realize it, we live with the effects of the trials everyday. Blacks are now considered apart of our community and they all have the same rights as we do. If the Scottsboro Trials had been conducted any differently, blacks might not have all the same privileges as whites.

A Time Of Change:The 1880’s and 1890’s Kansas Essay -- American Histor

A Time Of Change:The 1880’s and 1890’s Kansas As history cascades through an hourglass, the changing, developmental hands of time are shrouded throughout American history. This ever-changing hourglass of time is reflected in the process of maturation undertaken by western America in the late nineteenth century. Change, as defined by Oxford’s Dictionary, is â€Å"To make or become different through alteration or modification.† The notion of change is essential when attempting to unwind the economic make-up of Kansas in the 1880’s and 1890’s. Popular culture often reveres the American cowboy, which has led him to become the predominate figure in America’s â€Å"westering† experience (Savage, p3). However, by 1880 the cowboy had become a mythical figure rather than a presence in western life. The era of the cowboy roaming the Great Plains had past and farmers now sought to become the culturally dominant figure and force in the American West. Unlike the cowboys, farmers were able to evo lved, organizing and establishing the Populist Party. The farmers’ newly formed political organization provided them with a voice, which mandated western reform. Furthermore, the populist ideas spread quickly and dominated western thought in the 1880’s and 1890’s. The period of the 1880’s and 1890’s marked the end of the American cowboy and gave farmers a political stronghold that would forever impact the modernization of the West. Although early nineteenth century Kansas was vast in territory, the land was mostly unpopulated. This cheap abundant land along with the dream of a better life lured farmers from the east to start their lives in Kansas. Many people were driven to pack their belongings and start their westward bound journey. Floyd Benjamin St... ...ture and the development of small towns led to the inevitable transformation of cattle-towns into large well-populated cities. In June of 1887, a survey conducted by Bradstreet ranking real-estate transactions listed Wichita third with a population increase of 500% (Miner, 174). As the cowboys lost national prominence, farmers became organized groups and gained access to government offices. The Populist Movement brought national attention to the struggling farmer, and secured them an unprecedented quality of life. No longer a diminutive group that the government could ignore, many populist leaders had now attained prominent spots in the House and Senate. The western voice was now abundant, an unyielding force that not only legitimatised farmers, but also helped facilitate the development and modernization of Kansas and other territories throughout the American West.

History of Western Society Ch 13 Outline

History of Western Society Sixth Edition Chapter 13 Outline I. The Evolution of the Italian Renaissance A. Economic growth laid the material basis 1. Cultural achievements of the 14th to 16th centuries 2. Northern Italian cities led the way 3. Advances in ship construction greatly increased the volume of goods that could be transported; improvements in the mechanics of sailing accelerated speed 4. Italian renaissance appeared in Florence 5. The economic foundations of Florence was so strong that even severe crisis could not destroy the city 6.Driving enterprise, technical know-how, and competitive spirit saw Florence through the difficult economic period of the late 14th century B. Communes and Republics 1. The Northern Italian cities were communes, sworn associations 2. Groups tied by blood, economic interests, and social connections 3. A properly qualification, years of residence within the city, and social connections 4. In the 15th century, political power and elite culture enter ed on the princely courts of despots and oligarchs C. The Balance of Power Among the Italian City States 1. Passionate attachment to their individual city states . The kingdom of Naples had long been disputed by the Aragonese and by the French. 3. In the peace treaty signed at Lodi in 1454, Venice received territories in return for recognizing Sforza’s right to the duchy 4. Renaissance Italians invented the machinery of modern diplomacy 5. In a number of fiery sermons between 1491 and 1494, Savonarola attacked what he considered the paganism and moral vice of the city 6. The invasion of Italy in 1494 by the French king Charles VIII 7. In 1508 his cousin and heir, Louis XII, formed the league of Cambrai II. Intellectual Hallmarks of the RenaissanceA. The Renaissance was characterized by self-conscious awareness among the 14th and 15th century Italians 1. Francesco Petrarch (1304-1374) considered the first two centuries of the Roman Empire to represent the peak in the developme nts of human civilization 2. The Renaissance manifested itself in a new attitude toward men, women, and the world B. Individualism 1. Middle Ages had seen the appearance of remarkable individuals 2. Large literature with the nature of individuality emerged, represented the flowering of distinctly Renaissance individualism C. Humanism 1.Humanism emphasized human beings, their achievements, interests, and capabilities 2. Renaissance humanists approached the classics differently D. Secular Spirit 1. Secularism involves a basic concern with the material world instead of with the eternal world of spirit 2. Humanist Lorenzo Valla (1406-1457) defends the pleasures of the senses as the highest good 3. Papal interests, which were far removed from spiritual concerns, fostered, rather than discouraged, the new worldly attitude III. Art and the Artist A. The subject matter of art through the early 15th century as in the Middle Agrs, remained overwhelmingly religious 1.In the 14th and 15th centu ries, a large, intricately carved wooden bed, a chest, and perhaps a bench served as its sole decorations 2. Florentine Masaccio (1401-1428) inspired a new style, realism, the new international style B. The Status of the Artist 1. The Renaissance artist was considered a free intellectual worker 2. The social status of the artist of genius was immortally secured IV. Social Change A. The Renaissance changed many aspects of Italian, and subsequently European, society 1. Renaissance culture witnessed a shift in the status and experience of women B. Education and Political Thought . One of the central preoccupations of the humanists was education and moral behavior 2. In the 16th and 17th centuries, The Courtier was widely read 3. No Renaissance book on any topic, however, has been more widely read and studied in all centuries since its publication (1513) C. The Printed Word 1. By the middle of the 15th century, paper was no problem 2. Gutenberg’s Bible of 1456, movable type had b rought about radical changes 3. Since books and other printed materials were read aloud to illiterate listeners, print bridged the gap between written and oral cultures D. Clocks . The English word quantification was first used in 1840 2. Mechanical clocks, usually installed on the cathedial or town church, were in general use in Germany by the 1330’s, in England by the 1370’s, and in France by the 1380’s 3. The status of upper-class women declined, in terms of the kind of work they performed 4. Laura Cereta (1469-1499) illustrates the successes and failures od educated Renaissance women 5. Women, of course, continued to perform economic functions 6. In the years 1338- 1358, rape was not considered a serious crime against either the victim or society 7.In the 11th century, William the Conqueror had decreed that rapists be castrated E. Gender and Culture 1. The term homosexuality was coined only in 1892 2. On April 17th, 1432, the Florentine government set up a s pecial magistracy, the Office of the Night F. Blacks 1. The beginning in the 15th century, sizable numbers of black slaves entered Europe 2. In 1491 Isabella of Este, duchess of Mantua, instructed her agent to secure a black girl between four and eight years old V. The Renaissance in the North A. Last quarter of the 15th century, Italian Renaissance thoughts inspired northern Europe 1.There More found the time to write Utopia (1516), which presents a revolutionary view of society. 2. Francois Rabelais (1490? -1553) possess a distinctly secular flavor and have attracted broad readership among the literate public 3. Many of Bosch’s paintings reflect the confusion, and anguish often associated with the end of the Middle Ages VI. Politics and the State in the Renaissance (CA 1450-1521) A. Louis XI, Henry VII, and Ferdinand and Isabella in Spain had been labeled as â€Å"new monarchs† B. France 1. In 1438 Charles published the Pragmatic Sanction of Bourges 2.In 1516 the new treaty, the Concordat of Bologna, approved the pope’s right to receive the first year’s income of new bishops and abbots C. England 1. Between 1455 and 1471, adherents of the ducal houses of York and Lancaster waged civil war, the Wars of Roses 2. The council dealt with real or potential aristocratic threats through a judicial offshoot, the court of Star Chamber D. Spain 1. The centuries-long Reconquista- the wars of the northern Christian kingdoms to control the entire peninsula 2. In the administration of Castile, â€Å"New Christians† held the royal secretary ship