In recent years, scientists have come to understand that the effective life span of antimicrobial agents is limited, due to the current crisis pertaining to the rapid emergence of resistant bacteria that is occurring worldwide. As a result, numerous studies have been, and continue to be, conducted in order to find natural alternative sources of antimicrobial agents, with particular interest in sourcing them from plants. The aim of this study is to explore the inhibitory effects of limonene and holy basil tea on Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms, as well as to observe any synergistic interactions between these agents and the broad-spectrum antibiotic tetracycline that may amplify the inhibition of these biofilms. Limonene and holy basil tea are both plant-based treatments, sourced from the oil of citrus fruits, and from holy basil, respectively. A traditional crystal violet (CV) biofilm assay was used to test the effectiveness of these agents in inhibiting the growth of S. epidermidis biofilms. Trends thus far indicate that these test agents possess antibacterial activity with which to inhibit the formation of S. epidermidis biofilms.
The following thesis emphasizes the importance of both trust and transparency in the American marketplace with respect to minimizing fraudulent activities through a thorough analysis of the Enron scandal, the FTX scandal, and other instances of accounting fraud. Moreover, this thesis ultimately serves as a means to educate others in such matters through an even more critical description of how such cases impact Americans from an economic regard. The thesis begins by describing the origins of Enron Corporation, in addition to Kenneth Lay and Jeffrey Skilling’s promotion of a belligerent work environment. This description further recounts how the many malpractices of Enron – such as its misuse of mark-to-market accounting techniques and special purpose entities – ultimately caused its own collapse. Continuing, the thesis relates this pattern of misconduct to FTX Trading Ltd, a cryptocurrency exchange that filed for bankruptcy after a series of reports concerning the company’s embezzlement of customer funds. This particular part of the thesis demonstrates the notably apparent role of fraud in contemporary society, as many other companies continue to exploit investors through a lack of transparency. The thesis then elaborates on the nature of fraud through an analysis of other cases like those of WorldCom, Waste Management, and Sunbeam Corporation. In reiterating the economic effects of these cases, the thesis also describes the overarching consequences of fraud with respect to investors, employees, creditors, and, most of all, the American public. Finally, the thesis elaborates on the contemporary importance of both trust and transparency by considering the implications of new industries, particularly those related to cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens. This includes an analysis of how companies may efficiently mitigate fraud by following regulatory standards and recognizing the socioeconomic responsibilities they have as institutions with vast influence.
Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians series focuses on the adventures of its titular character, Percy Jackson, as he tries to navigate the world of ancient Greek gods he has been thrust into and the impending war that looms over the horizon for the entire series. It has become a best-selling series that has launched multiple spin-off series, movies, and a TV show. While this series is aimed at children and young adults, it still tackles serious issues that existed
within the ancient Greek world as well as the modern-day America it takes place in, making it relatable to all ages. Although this series follows some of the traditional tropes and conventions of literature, Riordan manages to subvert these traditional conventions. This thesis will begin with a look into the origins of the Percy Jackson series, developing the background for those unfamiliar with both the series and the author. The next chapter will focus on how Rick Riordan
subverts the tropes and conventions surrounding the role of women within both Greek mythology and classical literature, making his audience rethink the merit behind them. Following this, the thesis will look at how Riordan alters the image of Greek mythological gods, subverting the traditional views surrounding them. Finally, the last chapter will focus on how Riordan uses the character of Luke Castellan to serve as a foil for Percy Jackson, subverting the usual protagonist/hero and antagonist/villain archetypes.
Forensic science is an essential part of solving crimes in the United States, and it is one part that wasn’t heavily looked at until 2009 when the NAS (National Academy of Forensic Science) conducted a study that held that among existing forensic methods, only nuclear DNA analysis had been rigorously shown to have the capacity to consistently demonstrate a connection between an evidentiary sample and a specific individual or source. In addition, the report found that most forensic crime labs were understaffed, underfunded, and undereducated in the actual field. This report fueled many changes throughout the forensic crime laboratories in the United States and ultimately led to an improvement. However, are there still improvements that need to be made to deem these crime laboratories sufficient, and if so, what can be improved? This will be a literary analysis of how much the 2009 NAS study and findings made an impact on the field of forensic science in the Criminal Justice System and will explore different improvements which can be made to processes and methods in forensic science, which could ultimately lead towards a better state of Forensic Science in the United States as a whole.
This integrative review demonstrates the impact of nightshift work on registered nurse (RN) health and quality of life (QOL) and patient care and outcomes. Bedside nursing entails twenty-four hour patient care and to meet this responsibility, night-shift nurses counter their bodies’ natural circadian rhythm and work overnight until the following morning. Physical impacts from working the night shift include an altered sleep schedule, higher risk for chronic illness and fatigue, poor nutrition and hydration. From a mental standpoint, nurses are more vulnerable to social isolation from the adaptation of a flipped sleep schedule. Other components include decreased job satisfaction and performance. Alongside sleep deprivation, a decrease in job satisfaction and job performance ultimately impact the nurse’s ability to care for patients. A decrease in mental function will impact nurses’ assessments, decisions, etc. Making decisions becomes difficult when you cannot process thoughts and assess situations clearly. It can be argued that while it is important to provide overnight care, the nurses need to look after
themselves more than if they worked a day shift schedule, and doing so will benefit their own health. Understanding the relationship between these variables and RN health and QOL as well as patient care and outcomes can stimulate future interventions to lessen the intensity and strain that comes with working the night shift.