Identifying Methods of Assessing Organizational Culture Assignment

Identifying Methods of Assessing Organizational Culture - Assignment Example However, caution should be taken to ask only questions which are relevant to the topic of organization’s culture. If done as outlined, answers can be got from the interviewees and generalized for understanding the entire organization’s culture. On the other hand, while assessing organization’s culture qualitatively, I would suggest the use of survey. Here, a more scientific approach is applied in the examination of different aspects and elements of an organization’s culture (Lazidou, 2008). The records gotten from the studies are then analyzed and generalized as the findings for the whole organization. While doing it, measures should be taken to ensure that only closed ended questions are used. Valid results can be gotten from surveys conducted through the use of questionnaires, telephone conversations and face-to-face communications between the person conducting the assessment and the target respondents (Moody, Horton-Deutsch & Pesut, 2007). All the questions should be asked about different issues revolving around the organization’s culture. So, just like the qualitative interview, quantitative survey can be a very resourceful tool in evaluating the culture of an organization, but only if properly, ke enly, professionally and cautiously

knockout mouse

knockout mouse Knockout Mouse 1. Introduction Generally, DNA was first transferred by design into an organism and expressed as protein, therefore the potential of the tool that was being discovered must be found quickly by the scientist. Early experiments were limited to bacteria and viruses, but soon after the field of experiments were enlarged to those on animals and plants. (E.Hill, 2002). This topic, â€Å"knockout mouse† relates to the field of genetic engineering which further delves into a more specific technique called transgenic technology. â€Å"Knockoutscience.com†(2009) analyses that transgenic technology refers to the alteration of a certain genomic DNA of an organism in genetic engineering. As the result, both offspring of a transgenic organism and the parents (homozygous) will share the same genotype. The most common type of transgenic organism used in research is the knockout mouse, thoughknockout rats andknockout rabbits have also been developed. A knockout mouse defines a mouse which is being genetically engineered by turning off one or more genes through a process called gene knockout. â€Å"Genome.gov â€Å"also explains that a knockout mouse is a laboratory mouse in which researchers have inactivated, an existing gene by replacing it or disrupting it with an simulated piece of DNA. The loss of gene activity often causes changes in a mouses phenotype, which includes appearance, activities and other observable physical and biochemical characters. â€Å"Knockoutscience.com† (2009) also elucidates that it has become routine to develop knockout mice with disruptions in specific genes. By observing the resulting phenotype, scientists are able to view the effects of this gene disruption from these knockout mice. It is true to say that the phenotype is a direct result of the gene knockout and can offer evidences as to the biological role of the gene, but rarely the phenotype can also be the result of compensatory or indirect effects of the gene knockout. Sometimes the result obtained in a phenotype can be completely unrelated to the disrupted gene. Additionally, some gene knockouts create alethal phenotypewhere the organism fails to develop in utero, making in vivo studies exceedingly difficult. It was claimed that this technique may help to solve dopamine-related neurological illnesses.(Carol A.T, 1996) The technique allows transgenic animals that lack of a certain gene or its associated protein product to grow. In experiments with mice, researchers were able to knockout the animals dopamine transporters, causing the mice to behave as if they had been given huge doses of cocaine or amphetamine. Walinski.H(2009) states that knockout mice have different way of uses. First, the specific functions of particular genes can be tested and the regulation of these particular genes can be observed. The effects of a particular gene can be determined by examining what is happening in anin vivo model, we are able to determine the effects a particular gene may have. These effects would be impossible to observe in a culture dish. Another useful application of knockout technology is in biomedical research and drug development. Knockout mouse can be used to study the evolution of thousands of genetically based diseases at the molecular level in order to seek for the best medications that act on that gene. For Example, Lili.X and Asok.C (2005 ) both agree that Duffy positive and Duffy knockout mice have revealed both human malaria parasite Plasmodium vivax and mouse malaria parasite Plasmodium yoelii by using parasite invasion. Furthermore, the knockout technology may lead to the discovery of the next generation of blockbuster therapies for curing numerous diseases based on novel targets from the human genome. 2. Background Genetics Timeline for the key events in the history of knockout mouse 1900 Japanese fancy mice became mutant resources for mouse genetics. 1915- The first verterbrate linkage (mapping) was discovered between albino (c) and pink-eyed dilution (p) loci in the mouse. 1923- Discovery of X-ray induced mutations in mouse before the phenomenon was confirmed in fruit-flies. 1980- Specific-locus tests were conducted extensively in the mouse with various chemical mutagens, including N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU). 1981-1991- knockout mice are established. 1981- The first embryo stem (ES) cell was identified in the mouse. Martin Evans and Matt Kaufman in Cambridge, U.K., isolate mouse embryonic stem cells, which can develop into the full range of tissues. 1982-Transgenic mouse technology was established through the generation of the â€Å"giant mouse† mutant. 1985- Introduction of the Cre-loxP system by Brian Sauer act as temporal control of transgenic gene expression. 1987- Mario Capecchis team at the University of Utah describes a method for making knockout mice, as does Oliver Smithiess group at the University of Wisconsin. 1989- First knockout mouse was made by combining ES cell and gene-targeting technologies. 2007- International Knockout Mouse Consortium was organized and the Banbury II meeting was held in Brussels, Belgium. Nobel Prize for Physiology and Medicine was awarded for the development of mouse knockout techonologies. 3. Genetic Technique There are several method to produce knockout mouse, such as gene deletion, homologous recombination method, pronuclear microinjection and gene targeting. However, only gene targeting will be mentioned herein. Gene Targeting is the elimination or alteration of a genes function. One of the advantages of gene targeting is a mutant allele can be mended by substituting a wild-type allele over the mutant one in its normal chromosomal location, and such technique known as gene replacement. In this way, both position effect and the DNA rearrangements associated with ectopic insertion can be prevented, as a single replication of the gene is inserted in its normal chromosomal environmental. (Griffiths.A and Susan R.Wessler,etc, 2008). 4. Social Issues Recently, the evaluation of animal and human welfare as it may be affected by biotechnology is becoming a hot issue. The lack of an conscience and the information of the processes involved is one of the most important fact. ( Marie.B, 1997) Marie.B (1997) also states that the moral evaluation process is complicated by the fact that many techniques and developments in biotechnology are appropriate for patent. Some of the biotechnologists are reluctant to reveal appropriate information is understandable. Therefore, education concerning transgenic animal care and utilize is indeed very importance, involving the careful consideration of the reasons for manipulating the genome of any organism as genetic engineering is a dangerous and sensitive social issue. ( Marie.B, 1997) Pros and Cons of Knockout Mouse Advantages Disadvantages Provides important clues about what that gene normally does because human share many genes with mice. (Genome.gov, 2009) Limitation of the utility of knockout mice as models of human disease. (Walinski.H, 2004) Gives better understanding and observation of the characteristics of knockout mice. ( Genome.gov, 2009) The lack of adult mice limits studies to embryonic development and makes it more difficult to determine a genes function in relation to human health. ( Genome.gov, 2009) Gives information that can be used to better understand how a similar gene may cause or contribute disease in human. ( Genome, 2009) The gene that being examined might serve a different function in adults than in developing embryos, giving a false information. (Genome, 2009) Useful in studying and modeling different kinds of cancer, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, substance abuse, anxiety, aging and Parkinson disease. Fails to produce an observable change in a mouse or may even produce a different characteristics from those observed in humans in which the same gene is inactivated. ( Genome.gov, 2009) Offers a biological context in which drugs and other therapies can be developed and tested. Producing custom knockout mice is very expensive. It can be from 3000 to as much as 30,000 (Walinski.H, 2004) Useful in drug development and helps to discover the next generation of blockbuster therapies for curing numerous diseases based on novel targets from the humane genome. (Walinski.H, 2004) The cost of equipping and maintaining such a facility is usually very high. ( Walinski.H, 2009) 5.0: Conclusion In conclusion, it is clear that knockout mouse offer a lot of benefits for us. Therefore, a thorough discussion of biotechnology issues is needed, as concurrence must be practiced as to protect transgenic animals. The field of transgenic animal biotechnology is likely to rise as the techniques develop further and will link to more applications by using many more animal species. Thus, it is important that the welfare and ethical concerns must continue to evolve. (Marie.B, 1997) In short, technology essentials together with thoughtful ethical decision-making are equally important to maintain the balance of living creatures. 6.0: Bibliography * Connor A.B, 2007, Schematic and Time Line for the Generation of Knockout Mice, Viewed 25 January 2010, http://web.mit.edu/ki/facilities/transgenic/services/timeline-complete.pdf * Davidson, NC 28036, Homologous Recombination Knockout Mouse, Department of Biology, Davidson College, viewed 15 January 2010, http://www.bio.davidson.edu/Courses/genomics/method/homolrecomb.html. * Eisen, Eugene J, 2005, Mouse in Animal Genetics and Breeding Research, viewed 25 January 2010, http://site.ebrary.com/lib/sunway/docDetail.action?docID=10173945p00=knockout+mouse * Garagna, S, 2004, Mouse Genetics after the Mouse Genome, Viewed 25 January 2010, http://site.ebrary.com/lib/sunway/docDetail.action?docID=10070304p00=knockout+mouse * Genome.gov, 2009, Knockout Mice, Viewed 25 January 2010, http://www.genome.gov/12514551 * Genoway ( 2006), Gene deletion, conditional knockout mouse, viewed 11 february 2010, http://www.genoway.com/conditional_knock_out_mouse.htm * Griffiths.A.J, Wessler.S.R, Lewontin.R.C and Carroll.S.B (2008), Introduction to genetic analysis, W.H,Freeman and Company, England. * â€Å"Google docs†, 2010, Gene targeting construct, Viewed 25 January 2010, http://74.125.153.132/search?q=cache:j6mj7wNqd7gJ:tmc.ctrl.ucla.edu/targeting.pdf+history+knockout+mousehl=engl=my * Hudson, 2010, Taconic enters marketing pact with Transposagen Bio for knockout rat models, viewed 25 January 2010, http://www.pharmabiz.com/article/detnews.asp?articleid=53683sectionid= * Marie.B (1997) Transgenic animlas, viewed 11 february 2010,http://www.ccac.ca/en/Current/Current_Transgenic.htm * National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2007, What is transgenic technology? Viewed 15 January 2010, http://www.knockoutscience.com/ * Research Resources, n.d., Transgenic Knockout Mouse, viewed 25 January 2010, http://www.cellmigration.org/resource/komouse/protocols/mouse_timeline.pdf * â€Å"University of California†, n.d., Transgenic and Gene Targeting Core, viewed 25 January 2010, http://cancer.ucsd.edu/tgm/genetargeting.asp#timeline * Table, http://www.knockoutmouse.org/ * Tamminga, Carol A. Molecular biology, I: a mouse knockout. (molecular technique called gene knockout which allows the development of animals that lack a certain gene and its associated protein product).American Journal of Psychiatry153.11 (1996): 1387.Academic OneFile. Web. 6 Feb. 2010. . * Twyman. R, 2003, Knockout Mice: The inactivation of a specific gene in a mouse, viewed on 15 January 2010, http://genome,wellcome.ac.uk/doc_WTD021038.html * Walinski.H, 2004, Studying Gene Function: Creating Knockout Mice, viewed on 25 January 2010, http://www.scq.ubc.ca/studying-gene-function-creating-knockout-mice/ * Walter E.Hill. , 2002, Genetic Engineering, Taylor Francis, Biddles LTd, Guildford and Kings Lynn, Great Britain. * â€Å"Wikipedia†, 2009, Knockout Mouse, viewed on 15 January 2010, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knockout_mouse * Xu, Lili, and Asok Chaudhuri. Plasmodium yoelii: A differential fluorescent technique using Acridine Orange to identify infected erythrocytes and reticulocytes in Duffy knockout mouse.Experimental Parasitology110.1 (2005): 80+.Academic OneFile. Web. 6 Feb. 2010. . * Y. Gondo (2008), Trends in large-scale mouse mutagenesis: from genetics to functional genomics. Nat. Rev. Genet. 9(10):803-810., http://www.nature.com/scitable/content/Knockout-mice-timeline-6638351, Viewed On 11 February 2010.

Is Gambling Good? Essay -- essays research papers fc

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  After many years of being confined to Nevada, the gambling industry has started appearing in new locations. Of course, this is expansion is not supported by everyone. In some locations, the government allows casinos on Indian reservations and â€Å"river boat casinos.† Certain governments, such as the state of Nevada, allow gambling in all parts of the state. Originally, gambling was only legal in Nevada. The other locations are fairly recent and many other local governments are considering legalizing gambling in their cities or states. Gambling is like any other business: there are sellers and there are buyers. No one is forced to participate in the transaction, but many people still oppose gambling in their communities. In this paper, I will discuss why, according to economics, gambling should be legalized and some reasons why gambling has not been legalized everywhere. Many people believe that gambling should be legalized everywhere. It is simply a business. There are people that would like to sell gambling services and there are people that would like to buy gambling services. Neither party is losing from the transaction. The casino operators are gaining from the transaction because they would like to make profits, just like any other business. Realistically, the gamblers are most likely losing money, but they are choosing to risk their money at the casinos. The gamblers are gaining because they would like to gamble and be a part of the casino environment. The gambling market follows the laws of supply and demand, just like every other business market. If the casino owners ask too high of a price for their services, people will not buy them. There are always other casinos that people can go to if one casino were to charge higher rates. Casinos must compete with each other just like any other business. Casinos can also be a large source of tax reve nue for local governments and it can provide jobs for members of the local communities. According to the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Rob Pitts, the Fulton County Commissioner, believes that â€Å"†¦gambling could generate more than $200 million a year in tax revenue and add 4,000 jobs in Georgia.† There is one type of gambling that is already available in most states - the lottery. This type of gambling is regulated by the government and is accepted by the general public. The state usually pu... ...lth. It's not the panacea that it is presented as.† In conclusion, gambling is just like any other business: there are buyers and there are sellers. There are potential good points to legalizing gambling, but there are also some drawbacks. The gambling industry can create tax revenue and jobs for local communities, make money for the casino owners, and allow people to gamble safely. However, some people that gamble should probably not be gambling. Casinos outside of Nevada are often found in poorer cities. Personally, if I had the choice, I would vote against gambling in my community. Bibliography Arvidson, Erik. State lawmakers remain wary of casinos. 2 Nov. 2003. Berkshire Eagle Online. 2 Nov. 2003 . Riverboat Gambling. JobMonkey.com. 07 Dec. 2003 . Hoeschen, Brad. Potawatomi courting businesses for casino expansion plan. 1 Aug. 1997. The Business Journal. 7 Dec. 2003 . Schenke, Jarred. Pitts will ask state to OK gambling. 27 Oct. 2003. Atlanta Business Chronicle. 2 Nov. 2003 . Study: Poor players spend most on Md. lottery. 20 Oct. 2003. The News Journal. 2 Nov. 2003 . MacQuarrie, Brian. $650m resort, casino plan divides Maine. 12 Oct. 2003. The Boston Globe. 2 Nov. 2003 .

Thinking Like a Nurse

As in every profession, in nursing too, there are a number of details that every each of nurses should have and be aware of, because of the high expectancy by patients and colleagues in both within and outside of professional domains. Professionalism refers to the key points that everyone should follow and behaves the best in order to protect its dignity and respective in a competent manner. Then it becomes even more important when it comes to public health care matter. There are many reasons for that; first of all, Nursing. In this profession, it is expected from nurses to maintain the public trust and confidence. Nurses have the full trust from patient and their family. Every patient should be treated the same way as if they are in the need of best care and it is expected from nurses to maintain the practise area in a safe and in an environment that a nurse can practise safely at all times. Secondly, a nurse should create and protect a relationship between themselves and the patient. Nurses should give extra attention to protect them from any kind of harm if they are more vulnerable than the others or if they are with handicaps. Another point to be aware of is â€Å"Nurses recognise their professional position and do not accept gifts or benefits that could be viewed as a means of securing the nurses’ influence or favour. † (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council: 2008) Nurses should keep the relationship professional and should not keep it if it gets out of ethics and standards. Furthermore, if there is an unethical or unlawful conduct noticed within the clinic or outside of the clinic, a nurse should not overlook it or should not leave it unnoticed. The action should be reported to an authorized person or corporation to put the behaviour in a fair process. Also, nurses are responsible of treatment for people in need and to motivate the patients processing in recovery. Nurses help to prevent the illness or injuries by educating patients and help to raise the quality of health in the country. They treat the patient, help them to benefit in the best way from service provided and approach them and their families with a good sense. To sum up, the best way for any public health service to work constantly, sufficient, reachable and at the best quality is, doctors, nurses, and the other health workers should work together as a team. Nurses are indispensable and the most important ring of the chain.

Effects of Christianity on Behaviour, Attitude and Lifestyle Essay

â€Å"There could be no such things as prison in a truly Christian society.† I think a truly Christian society is based on the life and teaching of Jesus, this means we must follow the 10 commandments and the gospel values. At the heart of Christian society there should be existence of love, forgiveness, mercy, justice to criminals. Jesus’ command was to â€Å"Love your God, Love your neighbour and Love yourself.† By obeying these commandments we are being Christ-like which is what the Christian society is all about. Forgiveness does not mean letting people walk all over you! But it is important. Christianity follows Jesus’ teaching in stressing that forgiveness is vital. It may be very hard, particularly for the victim of a crime. The Prodigal Son was a parable that showed forgiveness. The prison is the means to deliver the punishment, the denial of freedom. The convicted are imprisoned as a punishment, not for punishment. â€Å"Her Majesty’s Prison Service serves the public by keeping in custody those committed by the courts. Our duty is to look after them with humanity and help them lead law abiding and useful lives in custody and after release.† HM Prisons Service’s Mission Statement 1988. Three principles in prison craft: Security- to hold securely those sent to prison. Humanity- to treat prisoners with humanity, prisoners lose their liberty they should not lose their humanity. They are still human beings with the rights that their nature awards them. Assistance- to help make prisoners law abiding and give them useful lives. Prison can exist in a truly Christian society but not always, poor prison conditions do not lead to reform, they only serve to make prisoners worse. To become better people they need first and foremost their dignity, remember Jesus’ command to love self, this means having a good self-esteem. Prisoners have a right to feel safe, the opposite happened in Fletham Young Offenders Institution. March 2000, 19 year old Zahid Mubarek was beaten to death by his cellmate, Robert Stewart had a history of racist and violent behaviour. This evidence does not allow for fostering self-esteem or provide opportunities to rehabilitate. For prison to uphold Christian principles the reform of the offender is of paramount importance. Practical measures such as education, drink and drug therapy and counseling are required. There is evidence that education effects personal change in prisoners, not only through the acquisition of practical skills and knowledge, but also through fostering self-esteem and skills in communication. Mike Hart, Category A prisoner, killed a 20 year olds woman in an armed robbery. Whole in prison he become a born again Christian, and has worked on projects while inside to help young people be aware of what prison is really like in an attempt to turn young people away from the life of crime or potential crime. One such project, â€Å"Better Out than In† was a drama presentation re. The image of prisoners and prisons, depicting the harsh reality. How effective his work been, very difficult to assess but anecdotal evidence suggests that it is. There could and couldn’t be such things as prison in a truly Christian society, it depends on the type of prison and what happens in the prison as to whether prison has a place in a truly Christian society. For prisons to co-exist in a truly Christian society they need to have therapeutic regime employed to rehabilitate the offender rather than punitive one. Not many people can uphold the mission statement, so it needs to be looked at and improved in order to fit into a Christian society. If we look ahead Christians today can also help reform prisoners like the Howard Penal League, where prisoners where able to reform by their help. During the 19th Century Elizabeth Fry Quaker who was a Christian went to prison to help rehabilitate criminals.