Listeria Monocytogenes free essay sample

The bacterium was named monocytogenes because one distinguish characteristic of infection in rabbits, which was the production of monocytosis in blood (Shuin et al. , 1982). L. monocytogenes is phychrophilic, has a temperature for growth of 0Â °C to 45Â °C (Barbosa et al. 1994), and enjoys a competitive advantage against other gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms in cold environments, such as refrigerators. Recent investigations indicate that the organism can initiate growth at pH values as low as 4. 4. Also, it grows optimally at water activity of 0. 97. For the majority of strains, the minimum water activity needed for growth is 0. 93 (Lou et al. , 1999); however, some strains may be able to grow at water activity values as low as 0. 90 and survive for long periods of time at 0. 83 (Shahamat et al. , 1980). L. onocytogenes is able to grow in the presence of 10 to 12% sodium chloride; it grows to high populations in moderate salt concentrations (6. 5%). The bacterium survival in high-salt environments is significantly increased by lowering the temperature. We will write a custom essay sample on Listeria Monocytogenes or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Route of Exposure L. monocytogenes is particularly interesting as a foodborne pathogen in that it is ubiquitous in nature. The current understanding of human listeriosis epidemiology suggests that the organism is a common contaminant of food products. This contamination usually takes place on the surface of the products, with up to 15% harboring the organism. The presence of L. monocytogenes in the food processing chain is evidence by the widespread distribution of the listeriae in processed products. Occurrence of sporadic listeriosis appears to be more common in the spring and summer months. This could be explained by seasonal variations in the type of food products eaten by human populations, with higher-risk products eaten in the warmer months. Some outbreaks investigations suggest that certain ready-to-eat processed foods pose a high risk of contracting listeriosis for susceptible populations. These foods are usually preserved by refrigeration and offer an ppropriate environment for the multiplication of L. monocytogenes during manufacture, aging, transportation and storage. The entry of L. monocytogenes into food processing plants occurs through soil on clothing or equipments, contaminated hides or surfaces, and possibly healthy human carriers. The humidity and presence of nutrients support the growth of Listeria, which is commonly found in moist areas such as processing equipment, drains, etc (Cox et al. , 1989). In addition, Listeria can attach to different types of surfaces and biofilm formation has been observed in meat and dairy processing environment (Jeong et al. 1994). Post-processing contamination is the most likely route of contamination of processed foods. Currently, there is no evidence to indicate that L. monocytogenes can survive heat processing protocols. However, because it is a frequent contaminant of raw material used in food processing plants, there are plenty opportunities for reintroduction of listeriae into food processing facilities by cross contamination (Doyle, 1988). If the product is contaminated during its elaboration, the bacteria can survive and multiply throughout storage causing disease when it is consumed. In conclusion, epidemiologic investigations have repeatedly revealed that the consumption of contaminated food is the primary mode of transmission of listeriosis. Food has been identified as the vehicle of several major outbreaks of listeriosis investigated since 1981. Food Associated Some of the food products associated with L. monocytogenes include unpasteurized milk and products prepared from unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses, frankfurters, delicatessen meats and poultry products, and some seafood. Raw milk is a well-known source of L. monocytogenes. Pasteurization effectively inactivates this organism. However, fluid milk that is contaminated after pasteurization and stored under refrigeration may achieve very high populations of L. monocytogenes after one week; Furthermore, temperature abuse may enhance the multiplication of bacterial cells. L. monocytogenes can also be found in cheese because of its relative hardiness to temperature fluctuations, ability to multiply at refrigeration temperature and salt tolerance. During manufacturing process, L. monocytogenes is primarily concentrate in the cheese curd, with only a very small portion of cells appearing in the whey. Then, during ripening of the cheese, the numbers of cells may increase (Camembert), decrease gradually (Colby or cheddar), or decrease rapidly (blue cheese) and then stabilize. In addition, cooked and ready-to-eat meat and poultry products have been implicated as the source of sporadic and epidemic listeriosis on several occasions in North America and Europe (Schwartz et al. , 1989). L. monocytogenes attaches strongly to the surface of raw meats and is difficult to remove or inactivate. The multiplication in meat and poultry depends on the type of meat, pH, and the type of cell populations of competitive flora (Farber et al. 1999). However, it has been shown that poultry supports the growth of L. monocytogenes better than other meats. Furthermore, the incidence of L. monocytogenes in ready-to-eat products has become a major concern for the meat processing industry. Ready-to-eat meat products that have been received a heat treatment followed by cooling in brine before packaging may provide a particularly conducive environment for multiplication of L. monocytogenes because of the reduction in competitive flora and the high salt tolerance of the organism. L. onocytogenes has also been isolated from domestic and imported, fresh, frozen, and processed seafood products, including crustaceans, molluscan shellfish and finfish (Jinneman et al. , 1999). However, seafood consumption is still much less when with consumption of meats and cheeses. Also, the production of seafood products is done on a much smaller scale than meat and cheese manufacture. This may be the reason that large outbreaks have not been reported and that case-control studies have not identified this group as a major risk of listeriosis (Rocourt et al. 2000) Characteristics of the disease Human disease usually occurs in high risk groups, who have a predisposing disease that leads to impairment of their T-cell mediated immunity. However, may occasionally occur in individuals with no predisposing conditions. Some of the high risk groups may include pregnant woman, neonates, and immunocompromised adults (Goulet et al. , 1996). On average, there are 0. 7 cases of listeriosis per 100,000 people, but the disease is seen three times higher in the elderly (gt;70) and 17 times higher in pregnant women. A wide variety of clinical syndromes have been associated with L. monocytogenes in both humans and animals. In healthy individuals, the disease can take the form of mild to substantial flu-like symptoms, including: fever, fatigue, nausea, cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. More severe complications can include: encephalitis, septicemia, mononucleosis-like syndrome, pneumonia, endocarditis, aortic aneurysm, hepatitis, urethritis, rhombencephalitis, peritonitis, liver abscess, febrile gastroenteritis, CAPD peritonitis, septic arthritis, etc. (Dalton et al. , 1997). Lonocytogenes in pregnant women can lead to an intrauterine infection, resulting in stillbirths and miscarriages. Newborns can develop meningitis after birth via transplacental transmission. The onset time for serious complications of listeriosis can be anywhere from a couple of days to three weeks. Mortality of untreated infections is among the highest of all foodborne illnesses, 70 percent. The infective dose of L. monocytogenes is not yet known, it is related to variables, including: strain, susceptibility of the victim, type food from which is was consumed, etc. Mode of Action Listeria monocytogenes is the most invasive bacteria known. The principal site of infection is the liver, but it can invade many cell lines of different types (microphages, fibroblast, hepatocytes and epithelial cells). Listeria monocytogenes infects the host via oral route. Once the bacteria are ingested, they reach the intestine and are translocated between enterocytes and M cells (Pron et al. , 1998); however, the intestinal dendritic cells in the Peyer’s patches appear to be the preferred site for invasion and multiplication (Kolb-Maurer et al. 2000). Bacteria are then internalized by resident macrophages, in which they can survive and replicate. They are subsequently transported via the blood to regional lymph nodes. When they reach the liver and the spleen, most listeriae are rapidly killed. Depending on the level of T-cell response induced in the first days following initial infection, further dissemination via the blood to the brain or, in the pregnant individuals, the placenta may subsequently occur. In addition, bacteria are internalized in membrane-bound vacuoles, which are lysed within 30 minutes. Intracellular bacteria are released to the cytosol and begin to multiply with doubling time of about one hour. These intracytoplasmic bacteria become progressively covered by a cloud of cell actin filaments that later rearrange into a polarized comet tail up to 40 ? m in length (Crossart, 1995). The actin comet tail is made of actin microfilaments that are continuously assembled in the vicinity of the bacterium, then realeased and cross-linked. The entire bacteria cycle is completed in about 5 hours. If cytochalasin D is added after entry, bacteria do not spread within the cytosol. They replicate and form microcolonies in the vicinity of the nucleus. Hence, actin polymerization is essential to intracellular movement and cell-to-cell spreading. In summary, the pathogenic mechanism of L. monocytogenes involves the following steps: adhesion to the host cells, lysis of the phagosome, replication in the host cytoplasm, actin-based intracellular movement and propulsion, and the intercellular spread. Biotransformation Listeria monocytogenes is of interest to a board range of investigators, including food microbiologist, clinicians, immunologist, medical microbiologist, and even cell biologist because it is developing resistance to most currently used antibiotics. In the past, individuals who develop listeriosis have usually been treated with penicillin or ampicillin in conjunction with an aminoglycoside (Charpentier et al. , 1999), although tetracycline, erythromycin or chloramphenicol, alone or in combination, has also been used (Hof et al. , 1991). More recently, reports of resistance in Listeria spp. have been published. Such increases in antibiotic resistance have been linked to over-use of antibiotics in animals and humans (Rao, 1998) since these therapeutic compounds were identified nearly 60 years ago. This resistance may arise from a mutation in an intrinsic chromosomal gene, or by acquisition of exogenous genetic material carrying single or multiple resistance determinants (Levy, 1994). It is now clear that such transfer is possible between unrelated bacterial species (Kruse et al. 1994), and that these interactions are a frequent and important means of genetic exchanges among microorganisms. In conclusion, it is evident that antibiotic resistance is becoming more and more widely reported in all bacteria. Control and Prevention Because L. monocytogenes can grow at refrigerator temperatures, the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise all consumers to reduce the risk of illness by using a refrigerator thermometer to make sure that the refrigerator always stays at 40 Â °F or below and using perishable items that are precooked or ready-to-eat as soon as possible (CDC, 2005). For high risk groups it is recommended to not consume hot dogs and luncheon meats, unless they are reheated until steaming hot; not eat soft cheese such as Feta, Brie, and Camembert cheeses, unless it is labeled as made with pasteurized milk; not eat refrigerated smoked seafood, unless it is contained in a cooked dish; and not drink raw (unpasteurized) milk or eat foods that contain unpasteurized milk. Therapy When listeriosis is a likely diagnosis, the use of ampicillin or, in penicillin-allergic patients, vancomycin will provide empiric coverage for L. onocytogenes until the diagnosis is made by culture. Once listeriosis is confirmed, a combination of ampicillin and gentamicin is the current therapy of choice for all forms of listeriosis. The duration of the treatment for invasive listeriosis has not been studied. Relapses appear to be uncommon, and two to three weeks of therapy with ampicillin and gentamicin is sufficient for most forms of listeriosis. Rhombencephalitis with abscess formation in the central nervous system may require more prolonged therapy, but data are not available that support treatment beyond four weeks (Lorber, 1997).

Definition of Philosophy

Definition of Philosophy Free Online Research Papers Philosophy is a subject or idea that I constantly think about, but in my head I always thought it was because I had an overactive imagination. One may even say, maybe I looked to in depth at certain topics and ideas. After approaching the topic, I can say that maybe I have a philosophical mind. One would think the basis of philosophy is to ask the questions that can not be answered or hope would be answered. However, philosophy is so much more and contains many parts and schools of thoughts that one realizes the basis of knowledge begins with a question; begins with philosophy. The American Heritage Dictionary defined philosophy in eight different ways; which includes: â€Å"the love and pursuit of wisdom by intellectual means and moral discipline; investigation of nature, causes, principles of reality, knowledge, values that are based on logical reasoning rather than empirical methods; a system of thought based on or involving inquiries; the critical analysis of fundamental assumptions or beliefs, etc† (2005). In other words, philosophy is the study of the fundamentals and background of any subject of idea. In philosophy, one may question one’s existence, of even the foundation of one’s beliefs. â€Å"If one strives for a higher autonomous worldview, cultivating a thinking free of religious and other dogmas, then one is doing philosophy† (Heidegger Saddler, 2000, p. 6). Philosophy can then mean to think freely without personal opinions and beliefs enforcing or coercing ideas – to think freely without any inhibitors. The foundation of philosophy is based on the questions that begin the thinking. With philosophical questions, one is trying to find the meaning behind an idea or existence. Some questions can be answered with logical and sound reasoning, while others become rhetorical questions that stimulate the brain for discussion. This is the opposite of scientific and factual questions. These type of questions – scientific and factual – require answers with some type of facts behind them; an answer that is tangible or can be proven. When a person thinks of mathematics for instance, when those theories presented themselves, the answers were tangible and can be proven with a particular equation. Philosophy does not in most cases. One can say that most philosophers are creating questions that deal with subjects that might not have a direct, tangible response. â€Å"†¦man acquires the explanations and interpretations of his individual and social life. The meaning and purpose of human existence and of human creation as a culture, are discovered† (Heidegger Saddler, 2000, p. 9). With this statement, one can see how the questions would not have an answer like those of scientific and factual questions. Yes, with these philosophical questions, one can obtain an answer, but the answer might not be based on facts. One would raise a theory or even argument, and then support that argument with logical reasoning and support. The website which featured a document from the book titled, The Nature of Philosophy stated mainly, philosophy is based off of questions that can only be answered with sound reasoning. In scientific or factual questions, one can study particular information, conduct experiments or surve ys, or even produce a simulation. Philosophy is quite the opposite, empirical investigations can be used to support philosophy but cannot be done to answer the philosophical question. Listed below are examples of philosophical questions to further show the difference between scientific/factual questions and philosophical questions: Does every event have a cause? When we judge something as good and bad, are we using our own personal views? Does morality truly exist? Does all our five senses truly represent the world around us? To begin to even answer these questions, one must know what the questions mean; which is the start of thinking philosophically. If we were to test if every event had a cause, we would have to check every event in the world and even then that would be questioned. Looking at the last question, one could think it is easily answered because of all the tools we have to test scientifically, but the dispute is that we use our sense for those tools. A true philosopher would begin to deconstruct your theory as soon as you started to answer factually or scientifically. This brings to the next difference that philosophical questions can generate more questions because there is no foundation to begin to build your answers. Philosophy is a subject that can have no true right or wrong answer, because all philosophers are looking for wisdom and increased knowledge. The subjects can range from anything and everything. The history of philosophy starts with the examination of what is life and its beings. Even looking back on past writing by the greatest philosophers, everything was thought supported with sound reasoning to base an answer on. Even now to this day, those answers are being manipulated and changing with the times. Philosophy cannot be answered simply and supported with just one factual answer because not everything in this subject can be answered. Philosophy is meant to stimulate the mind and for people to begin to think out of the box. References Heidegger, M., Sadler, T. (2000). Towards the definition of philosophy. : The Athlone Press. Houghton Mifflin Company. (2005). American heritage dictionary. Retrieved from ask.com/web?q=dictionary%3A+philosophycontent=ahdict%7C52396o=0l=dir (). The nature of philosphy. Retrieved from http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=vq=cache:qVueDHQIUu0J:www.polity.co.uk/nuttall/pdf/001.pdf+nature+of+philosophical+questionshl=engl=ussig=AHIEtbR5akmmoTEvghzdQtUV_w-f0XL7Hw Research Papers on Definition of PhilosophyStandardized TestingBook Review on The Autobiography of Malcolm XThree Concepts of PsychodynamicComparison: Letter from Birmingham and CritoMind TravelResearch Process Part OneEffects of Television Violence on ChildrenThe Relationship Between Delinquency and Drug UseIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalAnalysis Of A Cosmetics Advertisement

Examine the links between poverty and literacy in the developing world Essay

Examine the links between poverty and literacy in the developing world - Essay Example From here, we can now try to discuss the link between the two in a deeper fashion. This paper will revolve around the relationship between poverty and literacy. It will discuss on how literacy can be used to reduce the poverty level in the developing world. On the other hand, it will deal with how lack of literacy can lead rise in poverty level in developing world. Abdi and Cleghorn (2005), state that developing countries are known to be the poorest countries in the world. These countries are going through many economic issues. The countries have poor infrastructure, lack of clean water, high mortality rates, poor governance etc. They are known to have the largest number of the illiterate people. Majority of the illiterate people are women. The question is, why do these countries have the largest number of illiterate people? One of the possible answers is that they lack good education sectors that can provide the relevant education systems. Lack of funds is the main reason for the poor education systems. This increases the level of illiteracy. Literacy is one of the tools that can be used for economic, political, cultural and social drives. This means that if this tool is not incorporated well, then the poverty level will rise. It is, therefore, true that literacy can be used to eliminate poverty levels in the developing world. This can only t ake place if people are educated well. Children should be given freedom to learn in order to reduce the illiteracy level in the near future thus, reduced poverty (Abdi &Cleghorn, 2005, p.45). Developing country like India is known to be poor not because of lack of resources but it is due the corruption that takes place in the government. When the government allocates resources for the education sector, these resources are stolen by most of the government officials. These officials are supposed to ensure that the resources reached education sectors but they are lost on the way. The education system becomes

Critical evaluation of the mechanisms by which the line-manager Essay

Critical evaluation of the mechanisms by which the line-manager encourages employee buy-in ( case study) - Essay Example h, a primary recommendation that could be given to Great Pharmaceuticals is that it seek to actively involve the employees in whatever changes it seeks to make. The underlying rational behind this is that those employees that are involved in creating a change will likely work more effectively to see such a change effectively engaged; as compared to those employees that are merely told to enact a given change (Paco & Nave, 2013). As has been noted throughout the course lectures, the degree of involvement that is exhibited by a firm has a direct correlation to the degree of loyalty that the stakeholders will likely exhibit in the future (De Oliveira et al., 2013). With loyalty maximized, it stands to reason that whatever change is prescribed will likely experience a much stronger chance of overall success as compared to an alternative strategy being utilized (Christ et al., 2012). Many firms contract other firms to provide high priced assessments of potential means by which efficiency could be maximized; however, the fact of the matter is that many of these prescriptions for change are oftentimes available free of charge at the base organizational level. As such, Great Pharmaceuticals should be aware of the fact that they have an invaluable resource of subject matter expertise at their disposal in the rank and file of their own employees. By engaging these assets and encouraging them to relate their own ideas, the firm could easily come up with new and insightful means by which leadership could craft a path ahead (Kupka et al., 2009). Once again, this works hand in glove with the recommendation for involvement. By leveraging these resources and encouraging the stakeholders to provide a level of intellectual engagement, the degree and extent to which these employees will be likely to support the future direction of the firm will be increased. Moreover, even if the course of action is not agreed upon by all, these stakeholders will come to appreciate the fact

The Concept of Modern State Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Concept of Modern State - Essay Example Although the majority of modern states fit Weber’s definition there are also some states with characteristics that do not fit Weber’s description. For example, failure of the state to have a total monopoly over ‘the means of legitimate physical violence over a definite territory’ or absence of any reasons for addressing the legitimacy of such monopoly as rational-legal does not necessarily mean that the state represents another form of political organization. This state will still noticeably differ from its predecessors (feudal and absolutist states) particularly such aspects as the degree of bureaucratization and the reliance on nationalism as a principle of legitimation (Jackson & Rosberg 1982).Formation and Attributes of the Modern StateThe basic attributes of the modern state developed over centuries. Emergence of the modern state in its current form was preceded by a series of gradual political, economic, cultural and social developments which began in Europe around the 15th century. At that time the largest European states such as England, France and Spain ruled by powerful dynasties underwent the process of centralisation of political and economic levers of control. The centralization involved the delineation of political boundaries when the increasingly powerful dynasties gradually eliminated other sources of power that might threaten their controls. Eventually once-almighty Catholic Church as well as the lesser nobility lost much of their power.... or addressing the legitimacy of such monopoly as rational-legal does not necessarily mean that the state represents another form of political organization. This state will still noticeably differ from its predecessors (feudal and absolutist states) particularly such aspects as the degree of bureaucratization and the reliance on nationalism as a principle of legitimation (Jackson & Rosberg 1982). Formation and Attributes of the Modern State The basic attributes of the modern state developed over centuries. Emergence of the modern state in its current form was preceded by a series of gradual political, economic, cultural and social developments which began in Europe around the 15th century. At that time the largest European states such as England, France and Spain ruled by powerful dynasties underwent the process of centralisation of political and economic levers of control. The centralization involved the delineation of political boundaries when the increasingly powerful dynasties gradually eliminated other sources of power that might threaten their controls. Eventually once-almighty Catholic Church as well as the lesser nobility lost much of their power, and the fragmented system of feudal states was replaced by another system characterised by full control over a definite geographical region and unitarism (Llewellen 1983). The political and religious conflicts that occurred within the course of the centralisation process culminated in the Peace of Westphalia (1648). This treaty is considered one of the important milestones in history of the contemporary system of nation-states: the Peace recognised fixed national boundaries and the sovereignty of states within their territories. Eventually, the system of centralized and increasingly bureaucratic rule known as

European Union Regional Policy

European Union Regional Policy After the Second World War, there had been attempts to re-unify the war-torn countries in Europe. However, there were many obstacles along the processes made. Problems still existed between rival countries such as between France and Germany, and economic situations in the European countries after the war was in a need of development. In order to cope with such problems of economy and relation between these countries, a community was created in 1951 by having first coal and steel as their central shared interests. This European Coal and Steel Community later developed in to the European Economic Community and finally in to the well-known European Union. This kind of community allows its member to improve their economic conditions through custom union and free trade, while advances their diplomatic relationship through their interactions. Efforts to integrate Europe can also be seen in 6 enlargements of the Union; allowing other states of Europe to join after they have accepted the co mmunity law. However, allowing other states to be members of the Union means there will be differences between the new and the old members of the union especially in economic terms. The most significant enlargement was the 5th enlargement in 2004 which was when the ten poor states in Europe decided to join the Union. In order to lessen the financial gaps between the members, the Regional Policy came in and played a major role in improving the economic disparities between states to allow their economy to grow. This paper will be focusing on the background of the regional policy, reasons why it is needed, main objectives, geographical eligibility, and who decides the funding. Background The idea of balancing the economic status of member states in the community has been there since the very early years of the European integration, or around 1950s. There were three sectors of financial support which were created during 1957- 1988; the beginning of the integration, to help funding the development missions of the European Community; the European Social Fund (ESF), the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF), and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). In 1986, the cohesion policy was introduced after the agreement on the Single European Act with the objectives of re-uniting and developing the economy of member states all together. However, in order to achieve the goal of market development through support and competition between states, the members of the Union have to be equally strong or at least, the differences between countries shall not be very high in economic sense, or the poorer ones will not be able to survive within the Union. Reasons for having the European Regional Policy The European Union expansion has been achieved, but only in the number of members, not in economic and social development terms. Different countries have different financial and social status, but to unite them together and to improve their economic growth, these differences have to be reduced to the extent that they will not affect the countries with economic and social disadvantages in a negative way, but allow them to grow stronger together and compatible with the more-developed nations in the community. The enlargement in 2004 has included 10 poorer countries in Europe in to the Union; Poland, Cyprus, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Hungary, Malta, Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania and other 2 later on in 2007; Romania and Bulgaria, in to the European Union; making its numbers increased to 27 members (the EUs 5th Enlargement, 2004). The population of the union has increased significantly by 20%, but there was only 5% increase in the GDP or the Gross Domestic Product of the Union. The problem here is that now the GDP per person is lower than the average level of the European Union-27 in the percentage of 25% (one in four regions); making it a need to diminish their differences (Regional Policy, 2009). It is an idea agreed by all of the Unions members that in order to improve the economy of each state and of the union as a whole, competition within the market is required. To survive in the competitive market and to improve its economy, a state needs to make itself capable of competing. The regional policy is there for financing the in-needed regions projects and helping the countries within the union to reach their goal of economic expansion, competitiveness, and solidarity. Ideas and technology can also be shared between states as in the process of development. Main objectives There are three main objectives divided by the Union; Convergence, Regional Competitiveness and Employment, and European Territorial Cooperation, and three structural funds and instruments; the European Fund for Regional Development, the European Social Fund, and the Cohesion Fund. The policy for integrating and balancing the economic and social conditions in Europe is also known as the Cohesion Policy; whose current budget of 2007-2013 is 347.41 billion euro or around 35.7% of the overall budget of the European Union (Regional Policy, 2009). The Convergence Objective aims to promote economic growth and social development for the least-developed members of the Union in order to gain their ideal convergence. The areas of concern are environment, tourism, culture, transportation, energy, education, health, risk prevention, etc. The funding for this objective is consisted of around 282.8 billion euro (81.54% of the total Cohesion Policy funding) provided by the EFRD, ESF, and the Cohesion Fund [ibid]. The Regional Competitiveness and Employment objective helps supporting regions to toughen their economy by investing on the public and private sectors of the regional economy to emphasize on competition, attractiveness and employment. By doing so, they believe that it will provide more works with better standard for the people of each region which will also improve the regions economic and social conditions. This objective also has its aim on preserving the environment, improving transportation and communication system. The amount of funding for this objective is 55 billion euro (15.95% of the total Cohesion Policy funding) provided by EFRD and ESF [ibid]. The European Territorial and Co-operation objective is funded by the European Fund for Regional Development with the amount of 8.7 billion euro (2.52% of the total Cohesion Policy funding) [ibid]. This objective aims at improving the integrated regions social and economic conditions, transnational cooperation, and underlining the effectiveness of the Regional Policy. Geographical Eligibility The state members who are eligible for receiving the Cohesion Policy Fund are mostly countries from the 5th and 6th enlargements in 2004 and 2007, whose Gross National Income (GNI) are less than 90% of the average of the European Union. Regions which get this kind of funding are; Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, and Slovakia (Regional Policy, 2009). Spain is another country that fits in this category, however, for Spain it is a special case since its GNI was low enough for this category when EU had 15 members. In order to deal with this matter, Spain was put under the â€Å"phasing-out system,† so the country will not be much affected after the ten poorer states join the Union in 2004. The Convergence objectives funding is available for countries whose Gross Domestic Product per person is lower than 75% of the European Union average (Regional Policy, 2009). Examples of regions in this category (EU-25) are; the whole Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Slovenia, parts of Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Spain, Hungary, Italy, France, United Kingdom, and Portugal. For the phasing-out system; which was introduced to help reduce the effect it might have on the poor countries receiving this funding before the poorer 10 countries join the EU, which concerns countries who were eligible at the time when EU had 15 members are some regions in Belgium, Germany, Greece, Spain, Austria, Portugal, Italy, and the United Kingdom. The Regional Competitiveness and Employment Objectives funding is available to regions who are not supported by the convergence objective, and until 2013- whose GDP is higher than 75% of the EU-15 average. Examples of these regions are those in Eire-Ireland, Greece, Spain, Italy, Hungary, Portugal, etc. The geographical eligibility for the European Territorial Cooperation Objective consists of cross-border cooperation; transnational and interregional cooperation- including regions within a distance of 150km. alongside of inner, outer land borders, and maritimes. Who decides funds? The European commission will discuss with its member states about the cohesion policy and the strategy for dealing with each states conditions in order to reduce the existing disparities between the more developed and the less developed regions within the Union. After come to an agreement, the Commission will draw out a proposal and hand it over to the European Parliament and the European Council who will take it into consideration and decide on the structural funds and their regulations. Conclusion The expansion of the European Union is going well throughout the decades; however, after accepting new members from the poorer regions, especially in the enlargement of 2004, the European Union has faced with a bigger problem of social and economic differences between member states. In order to cope with this matter, the Regional Policy has been emphasized on more than in the past to improve the newly-joined-less-developed regions and the old-less-developed regions economic and social status, so that they are compatible with the more developed countries. In order to improve the European Unions economic and social status, the market has to remain its competitiveness and solidarity, meaning that if the poorer countries are less capable, they may not be able to survive or improve their economy, but financially and socially fail. The Regional Policy helps improve the smaller bits of the member states in regional scale to make better environment for the future stronger economy of the cou ntries and strengthen their conditions, so that they will be able to compete in the domestic and international market, improve their social and economic situations and also those of the Union as a whole. References Regional Policy, 2009. Regional Policy. European Commission. [online] Available at: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/policy/history/index_en.htm [Accessed 20 March 2010]. The EU`s 5th Enlargement, 2004. The European Union in the World. Enlargement. [online] Available at: http://www.dellbn.ec.europa.eu/en/enlargement/index.htm [Accessed 20 March 2010]. Malais J. Haegeman, H., 2009. Analysis on the European Union Regional Policy. European Union Regional Policy. [online] Available at: http://www.iiuedu.eu/press/journals/sds/sds1_july_2008/07_SECC_03.pdf [Accessed 20 March 2010].

Learning From Grandfather (Grandpa) Essays -- Personal Narrative Profi

Learning From Grandfather My brother and I are playing on the porch steps, and are being watched intently by my grandmother. She gently rocks on the old cream colored swing, which proclaims of its lack of oil with every movement of its chains. The green indoor-outdoor carpeting that covers the steps too shows its age, with concrete poking through the edges. It scratches my legs as I sit and build things with my legos, but I have gotten used to the feeling. Today isn’t too hot, but the cool breeze that blows through is a welcome change. That breeze rustles through the lone apple tree that stands in the center of the yard. To my young eyes the tree seems ancient, worth nothing more than the robins nest in its twisted old branches, the apples it manages to produce worm ridden and sour. But while the quality was low, the quantity was large enough that apples littered the ground. This was quite evident as my Dad moved the grass. The drone of the engine and blade would stop every few seconds as applesauce was made. The mower was an older model and hadn't a bag, so pieces of the apples could be fired a distance. To prevent this, my grandpap and Dad would rake up most of them, but a few were always missed. As Dad cut the grass, my Grandpap, dressed in his white tee shirt and blue pants as always, raked the grass into several neat piles. The scent of freshly mown grass and tart apple mingled with the ozone smell of the air. A wonderful scent, if only it were not interrupted with a bout of headache inducing exhaust from the mower. I, as the eldest child, had the honor of helping rake up the grass. Later in the day, when Dad had finished, the mounds would be transferred to a metal garbage can, and then taken down the all... ...I think my Dad agreed, but neither of us would tell Grandpap that. Although I was unafraid to leave the porch, my brother preferred to stay on the swing with grandma. My bravery didn’t last long, as Dad took the grass to the pile without my customary wheel barrow ride. As I hugged Grandpap and Grandma goodbye I asked him, â€Å"Why didn’t you just kill the snake?† He replied,† It has just as much right to live as the robins in the tree, Edward. The snake was just lost. It probably wouldn’t have hurt any of us. Once you kill something, you can’t change it. You’ve ended that thing forever.† Of the many things I learned from my Grandfather, none have stayed so clear in my mind as that one, the value of life. It was a great pity that I didn’t have long to learn from him, as he died a scant three years later, but the lessons that I did will stay with me forever.