Innovation in Food Technology

Innovation in Food Technology Nowadays the there various kind of issues that arroused in our country, Malaysia and most probably the issues strongly related to the food industry. For my essay, i will focus on the issue of innovation in food technology by the used of biotechnology. In order to produce healthy food formulation at the same time nutritious food, various  traditional food technologies have been advanced and new technologies developed efficeintly. Recently, there is an important aspect of innovation in food technology in order to translate nutrition information into a product. (Deliza, Rosenthal Silva, 2003). The issue of innovation in food technology very aspire me to develop more on it because I have found one article from the The Star online newspaper which regarding the improving on food quality. Accoding to that article the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus is developing new technologies aimed at ensuring the food that we grow is nutritious and safe for consumption. In fact, the Centre of Excellent for Post-Harvest Biotechnology (CEPB) led by Dr Asgar Ali who is expert in post-harvest biology and technology said that. the purpose of the centre is creating new technologies that could decreasing food looses, increasing overall quality and safety of the food. The major reason is to increase the profit to marketers and growers and the make availability of the quality and nutritious food to consumers. Biotechnology uses biological systems, living organisms, or components of organisms to make or modify products or processes for specific uses. For centuries farmers have improved crop plants by traditional breeding techniques, but since thousands of genes are mixed every time two plants are crossed, the outcome of the cross-breeding is random and difficult to control because unwanted characteristics are passed on to the new crop along with the desired ones. Therefore, this traditional cross-breeding can take place only between closely-related species. Modern crop breeders, however, can select a specific genetic trait from any plant, or even from an animal source, and transfer it into the genetic code of another plant through modern biotechnology. In addition, Some people feel that the effects of Genetically Modified (GM) crops on human health are not yet adequately understood. There are concerns about the use of viral DNA during the modification process, and some question whether there would be new health risks if genes introduced in a GM crop were to be taken up by the human body. The safety of GM crops is often assessed by comparison with the closest conventional counterpart. All in all, the main issue regarding biotechnology in food production is whether genetically modified technologies is safe to consume and it is still to be resolved even after the enactment of the Biosafety Act 2007 (Phuoc, 2012) This issue give the big impact on the social, economic and political factors. In a modern society, people desire both good health and endurance and hence demand nutritious and functional food that promotes their wellbeing, enjoyment, and active lifestyle. Today, there are widely used of biotechnology in food production and we as a consumer does not know whether the food that we consume is safe to consume or not. Basically, biotechnology can contribute to future food security if it benefits sustainable small-farm agriculture in developing countries. Significant deviation exists in everyones opinions about biotechnology. Although there is wide support in health benefits for plant biotechnology, but still have differ views on the issue of animal genetics for economic gains. While some are conflicting to it, many are unsolve about genetically modified foods. There are concerns that the application of GM crops might direct to a reduction in biodiversity (the variety of plants and animals in the wild), Mainly in areas where the crop is originated and a broad range of natural genetic diversification is found. There might also be unexpected consequences of gene transfer (or gene flow) between plants, for example an irretrievable or uncontrollable escape of genes into neighbouring wild plants by pollen. The concern arise regarding that pests or weeds could acquire resistance to crops (Anonymous 2, 2003). The other effect to the social is regarding the human health towards this issue. Allergenicity, many children in the United State and Europe have suffurred from life-threatening allergies to peanuts and other foods. There is a high possibility that introducing a gene into a plant may create a new  allergen  or cause an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals. Therefore, a proposal to integrate a gene from Brazil nuts into soybeans was deserted in order to avoid unexpected allergic reactions. There is a growing concern that introducing foreign genes into food plants may have an unexpected and negative impact on human health. A recent article published in Lancet examined the effects of GM potatoes on the digestive tract in rats.. There were significant differences in the intestines of rats fed GM potatoes and rats fed normal potatoes Yet critics say that this paper, like the monarch butterfly data, is flawed and does not hold up to scientific analysis. Moreover, the gene inserted into the potatoes known as snowdrop flower lectin and this substances can cause toxic to mammals. Biotechnology may offer a way out of this dependence on unsustainable agriculture by eventually producing crop plants that enable agriculture to sustain yields but minimize environmental impacts. But the perception in Europe is that some of the present generation of genetically modified (GM) crops, especially those developed for the US agricultural situation, which are herbicide- tolerant and insect-resistant, may present yet further risks to biodiversity in our present intensive agricultural system. Instead of influencing social, the biotechnology in food also will affect the economic as well by bringing a GM food to market is a lengthy and costly process, and of course agri-biotech companies wish to ensure a profitable return on their investment. Many new plant genetic engineering technologies and GM plants have been patented, and patent infringement is a big concern of agribusiness (Whitman, 2000) . Yet consumer advocates are worried that patenting these new plant varieties will raise the price of seeds so high that small farmers and third world countries will not be able to afford seeds for GM crops, thus widening the gap between the wealthy and the poor. It is hoped that in a humanitarian gesture, more companies and non-profits will follow the lead of the Rockefeller Foundation and offer their products at reduced cost to impoverished nations. Patent enforcement may also be difficult, as the contention of the farmers that they involuntarily grew Monsanto-engineered strains when their crops were cross-pollinated shows. One way to combat possible patent infringement is to introduce a suicide gene into GM plants. These plants would be viable for only one growing season and would produce sterile seeds that do not germinate. Farmers would need to buy a fresh supply of seeds each year. However, this would be financially disastrous for farmers in third world countries who cannot afford to buy seed each year and traditionally set aside a portion of their harvest to plant in the next growing season. In an open letter to the public, Monsanto has pledged to abandon all research using this suicide gene technology (Whitman, 2000). The last implication regarding political factors. To date, there is no evidence that any harm has come to anyone of the millions of people around the world in the last decade who have eaten foods derived from biotechnology. Regulatory authorities in the region closely monitor the safety of all foods including foods produced through biotechnology. The Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization have established procedures to determine the safety of biotechnology products and these procedures are met or exceeded by regulatory systems around the world. Countries such as the United States, Japan, Canada, Australia, Argentina, Korea, Russia, Poland, Hungary, Romania and the European. Union have all used their regulatory process to determine the food safety of at least one product of biotechnology. Developments in food biotechnology have had numerous impacts on how food is produced, packaged, tested and preserved as whole it give big impact to the food industry. Many of the changes have meant undisputable improvements to our safety and health, while others are more controversial. For example, by using the biotechnology in food processing in where plastic wraps that  prevent food from spoiling  inhibit the growth of bacteria, and some are even edible. Natural antibiotic substances derived from sources such as cloves, oregano, thyme and paprika have been combined with controlled-release biodegradable polymers (smart polymers) to create plastics that can prevent biofilm formation resulting high quality of food products in the market. In the area of food manufacturing, the use of biotechnology falls into four main categories, namely: 1) foods consisting of or containing viable organisms; 2) foods obtained from or containing ingredients obtained from GMOs; 3) foods containing single ingredients or additives produced by genetically modified microorganisms (GMMs); and 4) foods containing ingredients processed by enzymes produced by GMMs (Hsieh and Ofori, 2007). The food industry plays a vital role in shaping consumers attitudes and appetite for new food items. This is particularly true for the products developed with biotechnology. Opponents have waged an aggressive campaign to pressure the industry into publicly rejecting biotechnology. In such cases, companies have been forced to take steps against their own beliefs and long- term interests (Thomas, 2000). Their main concerns involve lack of consumer acceptance not the safety of the foods. They express high levels of confidence in the science and the regulatory process. In fact, almost none feel that biotechnology should not be used because of uncertain, potential risks. Most food industry leaders do not feel it is necessary to have special labels on foods developed through biotechnology. They express concerns that such labels would be perceived as a warning by consumers. They also worried that the need to segregate commodities would pose financial and logistical burdens on everyone in the system including consumers. Food industry leaders recognize a major need to educate the public about biotechnology. They look to third parties, such as university and government scientists to provide such leadership. Many solutions that could be done to make sure that the isssue regarding biotechnology in food can be overcome. From my point of view, one of the best way is extensive testing of GM foods may be required to avoid the possibility of harm to consumers with food allergies. Plus, labeling of GM foods and food products will acquire new importance. According to Whitman (2000) , Labeling of GM foods and food products is also a contentious issue. On the whole, agribusiness industries believe that labeling should be voluntary and influenced by the demands of the free market. If consumers show preference for labeled foods over nonlabeled foods, then industry will have the incentive to regulate itself or risk alienating the customer. Consumer interest groups, on the other hand, are demanding mandatory labeling. People have the right to know what they are eating, argue the interest groups, and historically industry has proven itself to be unreliable at self-compliance with existing safety regula tions. preventing outcrossing by engineering pollen incompatibility and other mechanisms into crops. This could significantly reduce the risk of spread of GM traits into native species. On the other hand, achieving insect resistance by altering physical characteristics of plants, perhaps by increasing hairiness or thickening the plant cuticle. This could reduce insecticide use, without using in-plant toxins. Securing fungal resistance in adult plants by switching on resistance genes that are active in the seed, but not currently in adult plants.This seems to be an elegant and safe use of biotechnology which could lead to significant reductions in fungicide use. Research shows that consumers will accept biotech foods if they see a benefit to themselves or society and if the price is right. Their responses to foods developed through biotechnology are basically the same as for any other food: taste, nutrition, price, safety and convenience are the major factors that influence our decisions about which foods to eat. How seeds and food ingredients are developed will only be relevant for a relatively small group of concerned, consumers. The food industry needs to focus on what it does best: namely producing and distributing value added foods that consumers want. Given that we have only one planet, more people to feed and fewer resources available what shall we do? A smart way would be to use the tools we have at our disposal to better adapt to future changes and invest in those innovative solutions. We have the technology. We have the infrastructure. The rules and regulations are already in place. Must we have a crisis before we act in Europe?

Exploring Identity and Time in Here, An Arundel Tomb and The Whitsun Weddings :: An Arundel Tomb

Exploring Identity and Time in Here, An Arundel Tomb and The Whitsun Weddings  Ã‚  Ã‚   Larkin has been criticized over the years for the moroseness of his poems, the blackened description of everyday life that some people say lacks depth, however, unlike many other poets, Larkin does not always write the truth or the depth of his feelings. In many there is a voice, trying to convince its author of something that is usually quite evident or exploring itself but revealing only the surface. Why he is trying to convince himself and what are is true feelings present the real challenge and profundity of Larkin poems. The search for one's identity, combined for everybody in one's unique fantasies and realities is a recurrent theme in his poems. As is time, the passing of it, the transformation it engenders and the damage it inflicts. In "Here", identity or the search for one's identity is the main theme. The search is symbolized by the journey taken by Larkin, which takes him through the countryside before Hull, through Hull and finally into the countryside and the beach outside Hull. He finds his identity in the countryside outside Hull, however, he knows that although it is here that he yearns for, it is not his true self, it is his fantasy, the "Here" he would like to live in but that is nevertheless "out of reach". His real identity can be found in Hull with the people and city he so despises. His journey starts in the farm lands before Hull, he does not stop his car, he swerves passed everything as he knows it is not what he is searching for and the slowness of the life he describes here is used in contrast to the imagined speed of the author's swerving vehicle on the motorway. His next stop, his arrival in Hull marks an abrupt change in scenery ("the surprise of a large town") and the driver stops his car, Larkin uses the word "Here" here for the first time so that we assume he has at last found something, a part of his identity. What he sees, described in the next two paragraphs is a city he despises, a city of people whom he feels are below him, yet he knows it and them extremely. He knows about the contrast between its "domes and statues" and "grain scattered streets", as he knows the people there, he describes their movements as "stealing" suggesting stealth and sleaze as they move towards the supermarkets, swinging doors to their "desires", emphasizing that the desires are theirs.

Organizational Structures and Air Force Recruiting Service Essay

The rimary advantage of this type of organization is the ability to focus on customer needs and provide faster, better service (Bateman & Snell, 2009). If there was not a divisional separation, the flatness of the hierarchy of management would lead to an overwhelming number of subordinates supervised by each level of management. Under its current organization Headquarters Recruiting Service is responsible for the direct management of three mid-level organizations known as recruiting groups. Each of these groups has the responsibility of managing eight front-line recruiting squadrons. Headquarters Recruiting Service has complete responsibility for the establishment of strategic goals for the recruiting service. It establishes the annual requirements that each group must meet in to satisfy the minimum need the Air Force has for new recruits. Headquarters Recruiting Service will also determine the operating budget for each group based upon its assigned objectives. Development of all marketing strategies is also the responsibility of Headquarters Recruiting Service. Once the strategic plans are approved and passed down tactical planning will take place at the group level. Based upon the propensity for success each squadron is given the number of new recruits they need to assess to be successful. The group will also allocate budgets to each of the recruiting squadrons and pass down the allotted marketing plans as determined by HRS. Squadron commanders will follow a similar to it. A recruiting flight is the lowest level of management in Recruiting Service and typically consists of between four and twelve recruiters who will operate semi- autonomously in the field. Each flight will determine the individual recruiter’s goals nd provide continuing training, mentoring, and management of the recruiters. Managers at the flight level are known as Flight Chiefs. Each flight chief will also be responsible for establishing control procedures to insure the recruiters achieve their established goals. Whereas many people view the armed forces as organizations that pass orders from on high down to the lowest ranking individuals who will follow them blindly tha t is anything but the case. The Air Force places incredible value upon the men and women who complete the many missions ecessary to maintain this nation’s freedoms. To ensure airmen are properly equipped to deal with their day-to-day responsibilities there are many organizational resources put into place for support. Recruiting Service implements a form of human resources that provides for all the necessary elements of any corporate human resources program. The primary mission of Recruiting Service notwithstanding, there are training programs, regular evaluations, mentoring programs and a plethora of other resources put in place to give recruiters the support they need to be successful. Air Force recruiters will not only complete an initial training program that lasts more than seven weeks but also attend annual and quarterly training sessions as well. Each of these training sessions are three to five days long and cover a variety of training topics from marketing and sales skills to counselling and leadership techniques. This training provides recruiters the capability to handle all manner of situations that may arise. Every level of Recruiting Service conducts evaluations on a regular bases. Flight chiefs conduct telephonic debriefings with ndividual recruiters on a weekly basis. They also conduct a monthly office visit and perform a standards inspection to verify the recruiter is following established procedures. Monthly flight meetings are held to allow recruiters to come together and discuss issues and challenges as well as successes

The Scientific Arguments Which Contain Freedom And Soft...

It seems to us that we are in control of our mind and body as a unified self. It means that we have free will to act. We can imagine it is like a homunculus in the Cartesian Theater which is responsible for making every decision in our brain. However, unless we can prove there is a homunculus in our brain, there is no consciousness. Libet and Wegner challenge the view that we do not have free will. â€Å"We can’t possibly know the tremendous number of mechanical influences on our behavior because we inhabit an extraordinarily complicated machine.† (Wegner, 2002) To answer the question, it requires we define free will and determinism. This question can be approached from numerous directions: From Libet and Wegner’s scientific data as well as†¦show more content†¦Under this assumption, it follows that our actions are determined by previous events over which they are not able to control. In other way to say, humans have no free will. Therefore, Free will and determinism seems incompatible to each other. Somebody who rejects free will is a determinist. There is a distinction between hard and soft determinists among determinists. Hard determinists are those who claim that people genuinely lack freedom in any form and are completely unaccountable for their actions; and soft determinists are those who claim that there are a certain kinds of freedom or accountability that are compatible with determinism. Neurophysiologist Benjamin Libet conducted experiments on human subjects to test when we become consciously alert of willing to carry out an action. Libet found that the cerebral processes preceded the awareness of the intention. It suggests that the volitional process is initiated mechanically and that unaware initiation of the voluntary procedure seems to mean that conscious will could not actually tell the brain to begin its preparation to carry out a voluntary act. Therefore, our conscious will did not make decision; the brain activity associated with the action was indeed under its way. Then, what is the role for conscious will in the performance of the action? Libet claims we