What Is Caffeine and How Does It Work

Caffeine (C8H10N4O2) is the common name for trimethylxanthine (systematic name is 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine or 3,7-dihydro-1,3,7-trimethyl-1H-purine-2,6-dione). The chemical is also known as coffeine, theine, mateine, guaranine, or methyltheobromine. Caffeine is naturally produced by several plants, including coffee beans, guarana, yerba matà ©, cacao beans, and tea. Key Takeaways: Caffeine Caffeine is methylxanthine that naturally occurs in several plants. It is related to theobromine in chocolate and the purine guanine.Caffeine is a stimulant. It acts by reversibly blocking adenosine from binding a receptor that causes drowsiness.In pure form, caffeine is a bitter, white, crystalline powder.Plants produce caffeine to deter pests and to prevent nearby seeds from germinating.Caffeine is the most widely used drug in the world. Here is a collection of interesting facts about caffeine: The molecule was first isolated by the German chemist Friedrich Ferdinand Runge in 1819.  In plants, caffeine acts as a natural pesticide. It paralyzes and kills insects that attempt to feed on the plants. Caffeine also limits germination of seeds near the plant that could grow to compete for resources.When purified, caffeine is an intensely bitter white crystalline powder. It is added to colas and other soft drinks to impart a pleasing bitter note.Caffeine is also an addictive stimulant. In humans, it stimulates the central nervous system, heart rate, and respiration, has psychotropic (mood altering) properties, and acts as a mild diuretic.A normal dose of caffeine is generally considered to be 100 mg, which is roughly the amount found in a cup of coffee or tea. However, more than half of all American adults consume more than 300 mg of caffeine every day, which makes it Americas most popular drug. Caffeine is generally consumed in coffee, cola, chocolate, and tea, although it is a lso available over-the-counter as a stimulant.Tea leaves actually contain more caffeine per weight than coffee beans. However, brewed coffee and steeped tea have approximately the same amount of caffeine. Black tea typically has more caffeine than oolong, green, or white tea.Caffeine is believed to aid wakefulness  by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain and other organs. This reduces the ability of adenosine to bind to the receptors, which would slow down cellular activity. The stimulated nerve cells release the hormone epinephrine (adrenaline), which increases heart rate, blood pressure, and blood flow to muscles, decreases blood flow to the skin and organs, and causes the liver to release glucose. Caffeine also increases levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine.Caffeine is quickly and completely removed from the brain. Its effects are short-lived and it tends not to negatively affect concentration or higher brain functions. However, continued exposure to caffeine leads to d eveloping a tolerance to it. Tolerance causes the body to become sensitized to to adenosine, so withdrawal causes blood pressure to drop, which can result in a headache and other symptoms. Too much caffeine can result in caffeine intoxication, which is characterized by nervousness, excitement, increased urination, insomnia, flushed face, cold hands/feet, intestinal complaints, and sometimes hallucinations. Some people experience the symptoms of caffeine intoxication after ingesting as little as 250 mg per day.The lethal ingested dose for an adult person is estimated to be 13-19 grams.  In other words, a person would need to drink between 50 and 100 cups of coffee to reach the lethal dose. However, a tablespoon-sized amount of pure caffeine would be deadly. While generally considered safe for people, caffeine can be very toxic to household pets, such as dogs, horses, or parrots.Caffeine intake has been demonstrated to reduce the risk of type II diabetes mellitus.In addition to use as a stimulant and flavoring agent, caffeine is included in many over-the-counter headache remedies. Selected References Carpenter M (2015). Caffeinated: How Our Daily Habit Helps, Hurts, and Hooks Us. Plume. ISBN 978-0142181805Introduction to Pharmacology (3rd ed.). Abingdon: CRC Press. 2007. pp. 222–223.Juliano LM, Griffiths RR (October 2004). A critical review of caffeine withdrawal: empirical validation of symptoms and signs, incidence, severity, and associated features (PDF). Psychopharmacology. 176 (1): 1–29.Nehlig A, Daval JL, Debry G (1992). Caffeine and the central nervous system: mechanisms of action, biochemical, metabolic and psychostimulant effects. Brain Research Reviews. 17 (2): 139–70.

Chemical Structures Starting with the Letter E

Discrimination Policies in Health Care Free Essays

America is one of the most diverse countries in the world with people of many cultures, ethnicity, genders, and religion. However, it has not always been as tolerant of its diversity as evident of America’s history on race, religion, and gender relations. As a result of this history, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was enacted and prohibited employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. We will write a custom essay sample on Discrimination Policies in Health Care or any similar topic only for you Order Now The U. S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces all of these laws (FMWM, 2008). Even with laws society still faces many different forms of discriminations including rate of pay, obesity and because of the time we live in religion. Our laws and society are not perfect but they strive to create a better work place for all American citizens. Organizations today protect themselves from liability and their employees from discrimination by developing policies and implementing training programs to educate and define acceptable ways to treat one another in the workplace. A nondiscrimination policy in an employee handbook is very important, and could help prevent issues in the future of any organization. Every person should have the right to work in a nondiscrimination organization and not be threatened because of his or her personal beliefs. This policy should help ensure that all employees are aware of the organizations policies and give no room for questions on how an employee should expect to treat or be treated during employment in that organization. The policy needs to be presented to employees at the time of hire and enforced throughout their entire employment. In the policy should be nondiscrimination laws, regulations, policies, and organization executive orders. Read also Analyze the Ways in Which British Imperial Policies Discrimination against anyone on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, gender identity and expression, familial or parental status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected classification will not be tolerated (JHH, 2009). The organization should take proper steps when hiring new employees by carefully screening all prospective candidates. The interviewing manager needs to ask important questions to see if that new mployee will fit into the culture of the organization. Background checks, drug test need to be done before hiring. In order for the nondiscrimination policy to be effective every protected violation must be addressed and responses to every issue need to be handled as soon as possible. This will leave no question in an employee’s mind that everyone is treated according to the policies set forth by the organization and the law. No employee can be the e xception to the rule or this policy will leave room for error and eventually fail. Regardless of what personal views management has, the organization’s policies are executed. Nondiscrimination policies in an organization limit liability by promoting equality in the workplace and a unified workforce. An effective anti-discrimination policy helps an organization anticipate issues, manage them, and then continue with business (Duncan, 2004). Organizations must ensure their anti-discrimination policies fully deal with all potential issues but not be so detailed and sophisticated that no one understands it. Ultimately, employers are responsible for ensuring a healthy work environment by providing policies and educating employees on discriminatory practices and harassment, as well as preventing liability for the organization (Fremgen B. F. , 2009). Discriminatory practices can be direct or indirect and both can have a negative impact on the work environment and the organization. Direct discrimination occurs when a direct distinction, preference, or exclusion is made, for example, a job description or advertisement that specifies applicants of a certain age, race, creed, or color (ILO, 1996-2010). Many of these types of discriminatory actions are addressed in federal and state laws, and can lead to litigation for the organization. Indirect discrimination is less obvious and occurs when neutral practices result in unequal treatment; for example, scheduling job assignments or training sessions that interfere with an employee’s family obligations. These types of issues do not usually result in litigation, but they do cause unrest and dissatisfaction in the workplace if not resolved (ILO, 1996-2010). In today’s competitive environment organizations need to find new methods to reate a culture of equality and opportunity in the workplace. Many organizations conduct mandatory training for all managers on non-discriminatory practices in an effort to increase efficiency and productivity (Duncan, 2004). Equal opportunity and treatment allows an individual to develop their own unique set of talent and skills, as well as recognize their own value. Equal opportunity practices improve productivity, increase a sense of fairness, lower staff turnover, increase motivation, and provide a less stressful work environment. The Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972 is the act that gives the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) authority to sue in federal courts when it finds reasonable cause to believe that there has been employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin (EEOC, 2009). The EEOC is responsible for coordinating the Federal government’s employment non-discrimination effort. In the case of public employment, the EEOC refers the matter to the United States attorney general to bring the lawsuit. The U. S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces all of these laws and provides oversight and coordination of all federal equal employment opportunity regulations, practices, and policies (EEO). Different federal agencies enforce federal laws concerning workplace discrimination issues. Unless the government speaks together upon non-discriminating matters within employment, workers remain confused about what rights they have and how to protect them. Employers may be uncertain of their obligations and how to comply voluntarily with their legal duties. Other federal laws not enforced by EEOC also prohibit discrimination and reprisal against federal employees and applicants. The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA) contains a number of prohibitions, known as prohibited personnel practices, which are designed to promote fairness in federal personnel actions (U. S. Department of Health Human Services). The president appoints five commissioners and a General Counsel whom oversees the affairs of the EEOC. According to the Chair, the chief executive officer of the commission is responsible, along with the General Counsel, for conducting EEOC enforcement litigation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), the Equal Pay (EPA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The laws enforced by the EEOC are * Title VII of the civil Rights Act * Equal Pay Act of 1963 * Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) * Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Sections 501 and 505 Titles I and V of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) * Civil Rights Act of 1991 (EEO) Many states have equal employment opportunity commission equivalents that enforce state employment discrimination laws and related regulations. State equivalents also investigate and resolve employment discrimination charges filed under state laws and under certain Federal laws. The company judges individuals by their abilities, not their disabilities, and seeks to give full and equal employment opportunities to all persons capable of performing successfully in the company’s positions. The company complies with all anti-discrimination laws, regulations, and executive orders. The company emphasizes that the law does not promise a job or a promotion but meant to level the playing field and make the rules the same for all applicants and employees. Equal employment opportunity programs include affirmative action for employment, as well as for handling discrimination complaints. Ethics in the medical industry is important because â€Å"ethics demands that the healthcare professional make sure that the patient understands the consequences in terms of the issues that are important to the patient. If there is no understanding, there is no agreement and therefore no authorization to proceed† (Garett, 2010). Ethical principles in healthcare refer to decisions or actions consistent with widely excepted ethics standards, norms, or expectations for a healthcare organization and its staff. One ethical consideration is strong leadership with a high regard of ethical values, which foster an environment and culture that support ethical practices throughout a hospital’s organizational structure. Fair hiring practices that bring in employees based on their knowledge, strength, abilities and competency for doing the job right. Also to enforce any codes, laws, or standards in the healthcare industry it is important to have a performance management system that is structured to your organizational needs. This is based on the ethical evaluation of patient care that â€Å"allows for the examination of organizational performance to ascertain how well the rganization is performing relative to what is expected, ethical improvement in organizational performance and by implementing corrective action that measures levels of expectations† (McConnell, 2003). The Ethics process plays an important part in keeping viable communication between health organizations and the patients, because ultimately it is the goal and mission of the organization to provide its consumers with a good or desirable experience. It is a sound principal to have clear goals and a complete understanding of ethi cs. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the U. S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) governs and enforces the laws pertaining to discrimination. The healthcare industry should have a system in place to ensure that the highest ethical standards are maintained so that patients, family members, surrogates, employees and volunteers can work or be treated in a culture of professionalism. Good organizations know where ethical problems might occur and have solutions on how to resolve them. They must be committed to high ethical standards and morals consistent with an industry dedicated to the well-being of its customers. How to cite Discrimination Policies in Health Care, Papers

Invertebrate Response to External Stimuli Case Study

Question: Discuss about the Invertebrate Responses to External Stimuli. Answer: Placing ten invertebrates on a petri dish of choice determines their movement rate. Earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) were chosen for this experimental study. For this, the earthworms were dipped in cold water kept on a petri dish. The experimental results were derived by measuring the organism response by the utilization of the qualitative data and the quantitative data. Qualitative data was determined by counting the number of living worms at the end of the study and quantitative data was determined by description of the conditions for the reaction of the worms towards the applied stimuli. The study was further repeated by the application of various conditions as for the measurement of the response to the stimuli and the applied conditions for stimuli were room temperature, hot water, a combination of light and room temperature and yeast suspension. The primary purpose of the experimental study was the observation of the invertebrates stimuli in the various environments. It is a natural phenomenon that animals keep on adjusting their environment with the required changes according to the environmental changes that occur around them. This is because of the fact that they possess special sense organs that help them to response according to the stimuli of the changing environment. These changes are often regarded as mutuality relationships that exist between the animal and its surrounding atmosphere. These stimulus based adaptive responses are essential for the survival of the animal species. Introduction and Purpose The purpose of this experimental study was the investigation of the invertebrate responses towards external stimuli that consist of hot water, light, water at room temperature, yeast suspension and cold water. The responses of the worms in different atmospheres or external stimuli were different. Like, when dipped in cold water, their rate of movement increases with few ending up in curling and when dipped in hot water, the movement rate was extreme and resulted in death. Apart from these, the other applied external stimuli were water at room temperature and under light in the room temperature water. In both the cases, the movement rate was fast with no death. In the yeast suspension, the rate of movement was quite fast with death resulting in few of them. The result of the present experimental study is expressed in terms of both qualitative and quantitative data. Qualitative data for determining the number of living worms and quantitative data for describing the reactions of the earthworms towards the applied external stimuli. Definition of external stimulus is an essential aspect for understanding this experiment. Stimulus is a phenomenon that incites exertion or action and quickens the rate of action. Invertebrates are defined as the animals that lack internal skeleton and do not possess backbone. Earthworms are the best example for this class of animals. While performing the experiment, gloves should be worn while handling the animals for protection against contamination. The hands should be thoroughly washed with soap before and after handling the invertebrates. The worms should be handled with care and they should be treated gently and with proper respect. After completion of the experiment, the worms should be placed back in the beaker kept on the table for the teacher. Apparatus for the experiment Lamp with reflector Beaker 200 mL Thermometer Timer Petri Dish Ruler Lamp Pipettes Materials for the experiment Earthworms Yeast Hot water Ice cubes and Water Tap water Procedure For the study, an invertebrate animal was chosen, like, an earthworm. The experimental design was based on the background and necessary information about the invertebrate species. A relevant stimulus was selected for producing the consistent invertebrate response like hot water, cold water, yeast suspension, light and water at room temperature. A hypothesis was formulated for recording the response of the invertebrate to the external stimuli. The design of the experiment was based on the negative or positive response of the organism to the selected stimulus. The experimental design had one variable independent with the other variables kept constant. The necessary controls were exerted with the experimental apparatus. The choice chamber was designed to keep one of its sides cold with ice cubes and the other side at room temperature. The experiment was so designed that it can be differentiated between the side of attraction and repulsion of the organism. The organism response was the dependent variable was measured in the study by the qualitative (descriptive) data and quantitative (numerical) data. For achieving reproducible and reliable results, the experiment was repeated twice. Data table was created for recording the observations. The teacher approved the plan after reviewing it. The experimental study was performed. Petri Plate External Stimuli Response to Stimuli 1. Cold water Rapid rate of movement, curling and death 2. Hot water Extremely rapid rate of movement and death 3. Room temperature Moving and alive 4. Yeast suspension Quite rapid rate of movement and alive 5. Light and water at room temperature Rapid rate of movement and alive Discussion The results collected from the experimental study were presented in a tabulated format. Based on the results, it can be said that the worms placed on the various petri dishes under different external conditions of stimuli exhibited different responses. In the first petri dish, cold water was present in which 10 worms were placed. The reaction to this action was that the worms started to move fast, curled up and eventually died. In the second petri dish, warm water was placed and when the worms were placed in it, they started to move very fast and instantly died. In the third petri dish, water at room temperature was kept and the worms moved fast in it and all were alive. In the fourth and fifth petri dish, there was yeast suspension and water at room temperature under light where all the worms were alive and they moved quite rapidly for both the cases. The results of the study demonstrated that there was significant response from the animal to the change in external stimuli and their behavior is overt. In case of invertebrates, they respond to the applied external stimuli and the corresponding activities that are correlated with the internal needs of the organism (John R Meyer, 2006). Different external environments in the petri plates demonstrated different movement types which are called as orientation behaviors. Coordinated movements constitute the orientation behaviors that includes swimming, flying, walking along with many activities that happen as an external stimuli response (John R Meyer, 2006). These are the adaptive survival values that help the invertebrate for locating the stimulus source. Few ambiguities were noticed in the laboratory during the experiment. Worms were used as the primary assumption source for studying the invertebrates movements in response to a stimulus. Not every invertebrate exhibits similar response like a worm and therefore the validity of the study is under question. The living worms indicated a negative or positive response to the external stimuli. The assumption that all the worms were alive when they were introduced to the petriplates is quite doubtful as they were in clumps inside the storage bottle. Therefore, calculating the number of alive or dead worms after the experiment is not an accurate procedure for the study. The desired response can only be achieved if the surrounding temperature is neither too hot nor too cold during the experiment. Surrounding environment plays a crucial role regarding the invertebrates movements, especially for a worm. Before the commencement of the experiment, if the worms are placed in extreme conditions of temperature, their movement might change. Their movements on the petriplates may or may not be exclusively due to the applied stimuli and it has the impact of the external environment as well. Prior to the experiment, the worms are soaked in various types of solutions. This is not a very accurate practice as it has not been pre-determined the attraction or repulsion of the worm for the different solutions as external stimuli factors. Different types of worms must be used for the study, as this will justify the response of different invertebrates to similar or different external stimuli. Safety precautions must be observed during the experiment like wearing glasses and safety goggles, gloves and aprons as the study involve working in proximity to the lights bulbs that are exposed and have chances of shattering. Since the worms are collected from soil, they have stains on them and therefore apron and gloves can prevent shirts and hands from getting dirty. Hot water should be handled carefully as this may cause burns and boils while pouring it on the petri dish. Conclusion The response of the invertebrates to the applied external stimuli is determined by the number of worms that were dead or alive and from the rate of movement of the earthworms on exposing them to the different solutions contained in the petri dish, each representing different external stimuli. The number of worms that remained alive, after the experimental study, indicated the adaptation of the worm to particular external stimuli. References Lener Walter, ( 2009). Responses to Stimuli: The Basis of Behavior. Retrieved from https://www.ableweb.org/volumes/vol-5/3-podwall.pdf Nuffield Foundation, Org. ( 2012). Chamber to Investigate Animal Responses to Stimuli. Retrieved from https://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/practical-biology/using-choice-chamber-investigate-animal-responses-stimuli Wilson W. Jeffrey, (2012). Escape and avoidance learning in the earthworm. Retrieved from https://peerj.com/articles/250.pdf