Microbial Biofilms Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Microbial Biofilms - Essay Example The continuous culture systems chemostat and turbidostat could also be used to culture the biofilms. The type of environment they are grown in, effects their ultimate morphological, clustering and adhesion character. For Visualization, traditionally electron microscopy was the method of choice to examine microbial biofilms under high resolution. Unfortunately, sample preparation for electron microscopy results in dehydrated samples. Consequently, this approach provided a deceivingly simplistic view of biofilms, since the biofilm collapsed when water was removed. (Davey and Ootle, 2000) Phase microscopy was also an alternative to visualization of living biofilms. Biofilms are removed and either directly visualised or fixed and stained prior to examination. Several techniques for microscopy examination of biofilms in situ on the substrata supporting their growth have been used in this study. These have included transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), episcopic differential interference contrast microscopy (DIC) with and without fluorescence, Hoffman modulation contrast microscopy (HMC), atomic force microscopy ( AFM). ... Light microscopy techniques, although unable to reproduce the high magnification of the methods described above, are still of importance in the examination of intact biofilms. HMC allows the in situ examination of biofilms, a clear image is produced without artefacts. DIC may be used to examine biofilms on opaque surfaces and if used in conjunction with fluorescent vital stains can be used to assess the viability of the microbial population. (Surman et al, 1996) Viability of the microbial biofilm populations can also be determined by LIVE/DEAD BacLight bacterial viability staining kit (Hentzer 2001) The application of confocal scanning laser microscopes (CSLM) to biofilm research radically altered our perception of biofilm structure and function (Laurence 1991). Before the use of CSLM, electron microscopy was the method of choice to examine microbial biofilms under high resolution. Unfortunately, sample preparation for electron microscopy results in dehydrated samples. Consequently, this approach provided a deceivingly simplistic view of biofilms, since the biofilm collapsed when water was removed. On the other hand, CSLM, which allows the visualization of fully hydrated samples, has revealed the elaborate three-dimensional structure of biofilms (Costerton 1995). CSLM is used very effectively to monitor Microbial Biofilms. It is used to investigate not only the presence and the viability of the biofilm consortium but also biofilm/substrata interactions. CSLM has been used very effectively to monitor biofilm development in flow cells. Flow cells are small continuous-flow systems with a viewing port that allows direct observation of the biofilm without disrupting the community. These systems are often once-flow, meaning that fresh medium

UN Convention on the Assignment of Receivables Essay

UN Convention on the Assignment of Receivables - Essay Example It, most likely, is the uniform law convention with the greatest influence on the law of worldwide trans-border commerce, and in some countries lawyers and courts are today as familiar with the Convention as they are with their domestic law - it is the lingua franca of sales. Part of the success is or might be due to the simple requirements of application of the Convention, encoded in articles 1 to 6, which have become a model followed in other international conventions or draft conventions. They are simple in their basic structure, although not without some tricky details which require explanation. These application requirements will be the topic of this short introduction to the Convention.1 Article 1(1) (a) UN law for receivables requires only that the parties have their places of business in different contracting states that is states which have enacted the Convention. With 65 contracting states, now many sales contracts of U.K traders with foreign parties (for example in Australia, Asia, the United States or Europe) are governed by the Convention. Neither the nationality of the parties nor their qualification as merchants influences the application of the Convention, although consumer purchases are almost always excluded from the Convention. The parties' places of business in different states are, in other words, decisive, so that a U.K firm, having its relevant place of business in Australia, when concluding a contract with a firm in Wellington, might find its contract governed by the UN law for receivables. Also, the contract must be a "sale of goods", which normally does not pose problems, but there are borderline cases, with which I shall deal later, and an important extension to mixed contracts under article 3(2) of the UN law for receivables. Parties in Different States The predecessors of the UN law for receivables, the so-called Hague Sales Laws of 1964 - which were ratified by only nine states - used as the main requirement for application only that the parties were residing in different states, thus making it possible that parties from different states, which had not enacted the Uniform Sales Law, might have found their contract governed by this uniform law alien to both of them and to their countries. Therefore, this imperialistic claim of the old uniform sales laws was rejected in the preparation of the UN sales law, but not entirely.2 Article 1(1)(b) states that the UN law for receivables [page 782] is applicable, if the parties are situated in different states - which need not be contracting states, if the conflict of law rules of the forum lead to the application of the law of a contracting state. Thus, if there is a contract between a Japanese and an English trader subject - on account of a clause in the contract - to

Business for Social Responsibility (Environment study) Essay

Business for Social Responsibility (Environment study) - Essay Example This happened prior to the emergence of modern multinational corporations. The most renowned philosophers of that time, Thomas Hobbes, Jean Rousseau and John Locke introduced the concepts of responsibilities and rights of government to its people and citizens to fellow citizens (White 2007 p.13). This line of thinking became the idea behind the modern concept of a democratic state and democracy at large. This was a situation whereby the ultimate power rested on the citizens. However, the citizens are willing to delegate authority to the state. Through this, individuals could participate in social activities that enhance a shared future in a defined territory or community. The basics of social contracts are clear although the emphases and assumptions may vary. The modern day pluralistic society discourages a few people to use power to oppress the majority (Buchholtz & Carroll 2012 p19). These basics have not changed for centuries notwithstanding the huge shift from agrarian societies to complex industrialized societies which are dominated by the global economy (White 2007 p. 8). According to White (2007), this facilitated the shift from a life of endless conflicts over control of assets like water and land. These assets are considered to be common. The rights became defined. Citizens accepted to respect the rights of their fellow citizens with the assurance that their own rights will be protected. Penalties for those who violate the rights of others were introduced (White 2007 p. 8). The foundation of social contracts lies behind the principle of shielding or protecting human rights by means of individuals giving authority or state willingly. The scope of human rights has been rapidly expanding, but the underlying principle remains the same. Social contract is the awareness that the government is supposed to serve the people. With that understanding, the people own all the political power, but in most cases they delegate it to government officials. The people ca n give or opt to withhold power (Buchholtz & Carroll 22). Social contract theory urges that people can exchange power with authorities so that their rights can be protected. In this process, people surrender some of their freedoms and submit to an authority for protection (White 2007 p.16). The relationship between legal and natural rights becomes a vital aspect of the social contract theory. Members of the society decide to cooperate so that the entire society can benefit. A social contract is a general agreement between members of a society of with the government that explains how the rights of the society shall be protected in a sustainable manner. This agreement is not written, but it is known to exist between the state and individuals. In case of mature democracies, the rights are delegated to elected officials and the leaders are held accountable. Impacts of the iron law of responsibility and social contract. Property rights assist people with the atmosphere to nurture wealth which is supposed to enrich and improve their productivity. According to Thomas Paine, a philosopher in the 18th century, natural property comes from God, who is the Creator of the universe. Therefore, it should not be used for just personal and private needs. The impact of social contracts is increasingly being felt. A society which allows incursions into communal resources to benefit a few cannot have true democracy (White 2007). The level to

Internal and External Threats Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Internal and External Threats - Essay Example The health information technology has been implemented in major health organizations in the country. Cedar Sinai which is one of the major health providers in the country did not have a very successful outcome from the implementation of this program. Health information technology has its benefits but it is a subject of concern for the health care executives. The healthcare executive should be concerned with the potential threats that may exist within the health organization. The proper implementation of the health care program is a task that needs to be undertaken with utmost care. It requires proper supervision and implementation of the program in a health organization effectively so that it is brought into use and improves the working of the hospital rather than delaying the normal work of the physicians. This is because it is believed by some physicians that clinical records on the computer can serve to take longer hours than otherwise. Errors in handling the information technolog ical systems can result in blunders with regard to patient health care and hence the health executive needs to be aware of such threats as well. Hence, extensive training and investment is very important with regards to the implementation of such programs. External threats also need to be considered with regard to this implementation. Electronic Health Record is an essential component of the maintenance of the records of the patient electronically. There are differing ways which can be used to keep these records which include buying the software for the organization’s computers or another option is ASP which uses a different server which holds the electronic health record of the patient and the software is present on that server. ASP is a more widely used option and it needs to be understood by the healthcare executive that information via this method is shared on a remote server which may be viewed by

Discussion Board Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 5

Discussion Board - Coursework Example Despite the sinful nature of humanity, god is prepared through the use of His power to save the world from sins or problems and restore their initial nature according to God’s promises (Lee, 2010). In my opinion, I totally agree with Paul’s view of the human nature according to Romans 1:18-32. In the contemporary society human nature has been corrupted to reflect the sinful nature of the world. For instance human nature is filled with sinful desires such as homosexuality. The world has experienced a lot of problems and issues as a result of the sinful nature f human beings. Furthermore, it is evident that humanity as a result of its sinful nature has problems. Human beings have turned away from the worship of the one and true God and instead engaged themselves in the worship of idols. Money is considered as an idol of worship among human beings in the contemporary society. Hence, I totally agree with Paul’s view in relation to the nature of

Customer care trainee report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Customer care trainee report - Essay Example On a simpler note, it is about delighting the customers so that they will continue doing business with the company. Customer service is also defined to be a sequence or even a cycle of activities designed to enhance the level of customer satisfaction which is the feeling that a service or a product has met the customer's expectation. Finally, for a customer, it is "a function of how well an organization is able to constantly and consistently exceed the needs of the customers." ("Making A Point of Good Customer Service") Maximizing profit by providing excellent quality service is necessary and crucial. Companies need to know the way to succeed from the combination of customer loyalty, efficiency, and revenue. For most successful firms, they put customers at the core of organization's business system making it the most important aspect for profit generation. What makes companies be at the top of the game at the market place is the commitment to achieving and exceeding customer satisfaction and their continuous self assessment on how well their products and services fulfill the needs and expectations of the clientele. In order to sustain the competition, these companies have to show vision, diligence, and passion to benefit the customers. As a result of this belief, successful firms continuously deliver superior value to customers, at times, regardless of the products conditions. For instance, one's products may appear to be obsolete compared to others; however, top businesses are still able to sell t hese goods because of their ability to build the products' value to the customers on a consistent and continuous basis. Value is created by explaining the benefits of the products or services, addressing concerns, queries, or problems, and uncovering the needs of customers. A company that can present greater advantages to a customer is the frontrunner at the business world. Companies lose so much when they ignore the customers' needs, do not show any distinctive competence or customer empathy. Many products remain to be unsold and even with excessive marketing efforts; it still cannot influence customers to avail of either the products or services. It further irks the customers when they feel that companies are only after their money through alluring advertisements and publicities, and nothing more. The skill to be able to deliver the value to your clients is through excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills and active listening. There are simple rules on how to maintain exceptional quality customer service starting with learning how to listen. It is said that when customers have complaints, it is usually because of something. Companies need to accept complaints positively; first, as a chance to give more details about a concern, second, as a means to learn something. Through this, companies are given the opportunity to better their goods and services at the proposition of the customers. Interrupting a complaining client is never a good way to resolve issues; on the contrary this is the easiest way to drive them away. Remember that one unsatisfied customer tells about twenty people and a business cannot afford to lose clients simply because they cannot patiently listen to customers concerns or that they take things

Past market failure and present development of Marks and Spencer in Essay

Past market failure and present development of Marks and Spencer in internationalization - Essay Example The promotional strategies in UK were not successful as the company was implementing strategies which were old fashioned and outdated. Instead, the company decided on using celebrity endorsement strategies using big celebrities such as Elizabeth Jagger, Twiggy, Danii Minogue, Laura Bailey etc, to target UK customers (Hackley, 2009). Looking at the present promotional strategies, the company thought that celebrity endorsement will be the best strategy for creating positive brand equity. Since most of the products of the retail chain are perceived to be of high quality and sourced in an ethical manner, the pricing strategy for grocery products has been placed above average (Alon, 2006). The target management strategy which M&S has been following is to be in line with luxury brands such as John Lewis, Bhs, Debenhams and Next. However, apparel pricing is lower than rest of the brands as the retail chain wants its products to be affordable (Kotabe and Helsen, 2001). Distribution strategie s are planned so that products are able to reach target customers through the most efficient channel. Most of the distribution channels are backed by wholesalers, retailers, online sales, forwarding and customs clearing agent, sales executives from the company etc (Zhao, Niu and Castillo, 2010). The objective is to increase the overall customer reach. Therefore location has been the key priority for M&S while establishing its base in any foreign country. In most of the foreign countries, M&S have chosen those geographical locations which are near to the major trading areas as well as attract local customers from the surroundings (Fernie, 1992). Most of the company stores are located... Even though Marks and Spencer has been able to retain its position as a pioneer in retail products, it is no surprise that the company needs new strategies, media channels and distribution plans in order to establish itself as the most preferred one-stop retail store. New formats of the model retail will have to be developed in order to revive its positioning in the international market. Marks and Spencer has always been known for its knowledge of exact customer demands. They have always been a customer friendly organisation. Thus the first step for the retail chain will be to retain this place. In order to do this the company will have to arrange a comprehensive data base of customers in the country where the company has established its base. This can be achieved through a number of sources such as national geo-demographics, panels specialising in industry details such as fashion and national lifestyle lists. The company can also use details from its active accounts which are more t han 4 million in number as of now. Once the company gets sufficient information from the database, the next target will be to attract these customers. In order to do this customer can be divided into specific target segments according to age, demographics, gender and lifestyle etc. For example, to target women the company can hire local product designers who will be responsible for designing popular and largely accepted clothing range. The company can also cross-merchandise various ranges and spread offers across various relevant channels. Point of sale displays and advertisements can also be created in order to attract this specific segment. Customer feedback is another strategy which can be very helpful in making effective marketing and management strategies