The Damaging Effect Of Sports On Women - 924 Words

The Damaging Effect of Sports on Women When it comes to the topic of sports, many people would assert that sports are a tool that can be used to bring people together. However, in her essay, â€Å"We Don’t Like Football, Do We?† Mariah Burton Nelson argues that sports have created a platform where men can be brought together to diminish the ideas and worth of women. Nelson argues that with the idea that men are meant to play sports that require more strength and force, women are beginning to increasingly suffer the consequences of this idea. Nelson asserts that if men and women do not work to change the ideas of women that sports are creating, the damage done to women due to these ideas will not stop. Nelson claims that women are taught from a young age that they are not meant to like sports. In order to enforce this claim, Nelson uses the rhetorical strategy of narrative. In this narrative, Nelson tells the story of her young niece asking her mother, who was making din ner in the kitchen, if women are supposed to like football after seeing her father and brother watching the game together (3). Due to this narrative, Nelson is able to demonstrate that even within a family, there is the idea that men are supposed to watch sports while the women perform other tasks. Furthermore, by Nelson saying that her niece’s father did not acknowledge her when she walked past him watching the football game, Nelson demonstrates the people do not think twice about this idea (3). Nelson thenShow MoreRelatedAn Investigation Into the Media Representation of Gender in Sport1303 Words   |  6 PagesAn investigation into the media representation of gender in sport. There have been many studies and investigations into the different types and intensity of the media coverage in sport involving both sexes. 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Fast Food Restaurants For The Obesity Epidemic - 1663 Words

Fast-food restaurants are very cheap and convenient way to get a quick meal and also in quick, convenient areas. Whether someone is in a hurry or just need something to eat, pulling through a drive through is very simple and a way to get food almost instantly. Obesity is a significant issue in the United States and having America plastered in fast-food chain restaurants does not help the fact, but we can not put them to blame. People need education on nutrition to learn what they need to eat and what they can enjoy in moderation. We also need many more healthy options in busy areas that also offer quick and simple meals at a reasonable price that give people the option to get a wholesome, nutritious meal. Many people want to blame fast†¦show more content†¦Another study done showed results that with a fast-food restaurant within a quarter mile of a school, resulted in a 5.2 percent increase in the incidence of obesity at that school and implied an increased caloric intake of around 30 to 100 calories per day. Another study done on pregnant women in close proximity of a fast-food restaurant showed an increase in the likelihood of gaining 20 kilograms (Currie, Dellavigna, Moretti, Pathania 2009). While the effects from these studies done in 2009 are still applicable today, I cannot help but think how the effects would not be amplified in our current society. People have only gotten busier and locations have only increased since then. Consuming the high calorie food served by fast-food restaurants on a regular basis can obviously lead to weight gain and eventually obesity. Some complications are not as obvious and can take people by surprise. 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Identification of Bloodstain Patterns Free Essays

The analysis of bloodstain patterns can be a decisive part of a forensic investigation. The patterns of bloodstains may concur with or challenge the sworn statements of witnesses, victims, and suspects. Such bloodstain patterns simply identify the source of the blood and the direction of the blood’s flight path, but during the process, the events of the crime can be reconstructed with reasonable accuracy. We will write a custom essay sample on Identification of Bloodstain Patterns or any similar topic only for you Order Now Unfortunately, the old method of analyzing bloodstain patterns, which uses strings, requires much time and effort. It is also subject to human error. To reduce human error, mathematical calculations are used instead, along with a computer software program known as Back Track. Yet, a three-dimensional representation of the results of bloodstain analysis will be more convincing in any court representation. Therefore, in an effort to revolutionize this aspect of forensic investigation, a concerted effort by four researchers from three agencies, Ottawa Police Service, Carleton University and Royal Canadian Mounted Police, was conducted using the AutoCAD software. The researchers were Kevin Maloney, A. L. Carter, Scott Jory, and Brian Yamashita. The results of their studies were reported in an article published by the Journal of Forensic Investigation, in 2005, volume 55, issue 6, and pages 711 to 725. The article attempts to demonstrate how the combined use of AutoCAD and Back Track programs can create three-dimensional representations of a bloodstain analysis. Summary and Critique The overall purpose of Maloney, Carter, Jory, and Yamashita is to explore the possibility of creating a three-dimensional representation of an analysis of bloodstain patterns. They utilize a simulated crime scene that is typically used at the Canadian Police College. The choice of this crime scene is to have known bloodstain patterns with which the results of the combination of Back Track and AutoCAD can be compared. Both the impact angles and the glancing angles of the bloodstain trajectories were incorporated into the program. The comparison shows that the computerized calculations of virtual strings created by the Back Track program match the known location of the blood source, with an average error of six centimeters only. These results prove the precision abilities of the said software. However, a major weakness of this study is its unquestionable reliance on the Back Track program. This program has many limitations and it was even pointed out later in 2006 by Andy Maloney (the relationship to one of the researchers is not described). For example, the Back Track is incapable of computing angled surfaces (Maloney, 2006). Yet, despite the limitations, the efficacy of using the program is grounded on established theory and supported by experimental validation (Carter, 2001). There would be expected errors but these are assumed to be insignificant in the overall investigation. At the same time, the software is known to undergo updates and modifications. The greatest strength of this research is the launching of a better interface between the laboratory science of the forensic team and the assessment abilities of the court. The AutoCAD program has a feature that locks the virtual strings and enables any user to view them from different perspectives. The three-dimensional representation of the analysis of bloodstain patterns is, as the researchers concluded, â€Å"extremely useful in court presentation† (Maloney, et. al. , 2005, p. 724). This article, as well as the research study that it describes, can be considered as a milestone towards a revolutionary aspect of bloodstain pattern analysis. Instead of numbers presented in tabular form or in picture graphs, the results of the analysis can be presented in three dimensions. In three dimensions, the court presentation becomes more realistic, more convincing, and more enlightening, such that the jury can make better assessments. But this article, as far as the advances in forensic science in general and in bloodstain pattern analysis in particular go, can be considered somewhat obsolete. There are now new software or computer programs that can be utilized to produce the same three-dimensional results (Kanable, 2006). This means that in conducting an analysis of bloodstain patterns, a forensic investigator has other options, aside from the combined use of the Back Track program and the AutoCAD. But this wider range of technological tools does not detract from the greatest significance of this article. This article, in great detail and with diagrams, shows how the observed and calculated data are translated into three dimensions. Thus, this article is a recommended reading for every forensic science student. Bibliography Carter, A. L. (2001). The directional analysis of bloodstain patterns theory and experimental validation. Canadian Society of Forensic Science, 34 (4), 173-189. Kanable, R. (2006). HemoSpat: New bloodstain pattern analysis software to hit the market. Law Enforcement Technology, August issue. Retrieved September 28, 2007 from the website of Officer. com at http://www. officer. com/publication/article. jsp? pubId=1id=32890 Maloney, K. , Carter, A. L. , Jory, S. , Yamashita, B. (2005). Three-dimensional representation of bloodstain pattern analysis. Journal of Forensic Identification, 55 (6), 711-725. How to cite Identification of Bloodstain Patterns, Papers

Factors That May Affect Vitamin D

Question: Describe about the Factors that may affect vitamin D? Anser: Factors that may affect vitamin D status Geographical Location As the majority of vitamin D is produced in the skin and requires UVB radiation to initiate the process, latitude can have a pronounced effect vitamin D status. In countries with a latitude below 35N the body can produce sufficient vitamin D all year round (Tsiaras Weinstock 2011). At latitudes above 35N, which includes much of Europe including Germany; Italy and Amsterdam, sunlight exposure is limited during the winter months and therefore there is higher risk of vitamin D3 deficiency (Webb et al., 1988). A study conducted in the USA, at high latitude 44N, by Sullivan et al.(2005), found that approximately 28% of younger girls had a serum 25(OH) D level below 75nmol/l in cold places. In contrast, hypovitaminosis D can be infected people who live in sunny countries that can produce a high amount of vitamin D because of their lifestyle (Horani et al. 2011). Season In European countries, seasonal changes has significant impact on vitamin D as compared with countries located near equator, the concentration of 25(OH)D is higher in summer and gets lower in winter season (Levis et al., 2005 ). A cross sectional study was conducted by (Mavroeidi et al., 2010) to assess vitamin D status in 3000 postmenopausal women at different seasons, over a period of one year. Additionally the study assessed the incidence of hypovitaminosis D in participants from different cities in the UK (Aberdeen 57N, Surrey 57N). The data showed that vitamin D deficiency was higher in the north of the UK than in the south. In Surrey, 17.1% of Asian women were found to be deficient in vitamin D (These datas were based on the dietary and predictors. Hypovitaminosis with the highest rates recorded among residents of regions in Aberdeen by 25-26% in postmenopausal women during winter and spring, and decreased to 4.2% in summer. Similarly, in a study carried out by (Hypponen and Po wer, 2007) showed consistent findings, confirming that the incidence of hypovitaminosis D is higher in Scotland compared to the rest of the UK. In contrast, the survey conducted by Levis et al (2005) in Florida, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in 212 participants was 38% and 40% in male and female respectively, in the wintertime with mean serum 25 (OH) D was 24.9 8.7 ng/cc, whereas, the mean serum 25 (OH) D concentrations of sub-optimal group (just 99 people) was (31.0 11.0 ng/ml) in the end of summer. Skin type and Race Skin type and race considered as factors could effect on vitamin D status because the effectiveness of melanin to absorb UVB radiation could increase the effectiveness of cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D3 (Kift et al., 2013). In 2007, a study carried out by Chen et al. (DATE) indicated that the skin pigmentation could have an effect on D3 production in the skin. This study was conducted by measuring serum 25(OH) D concentrations in adults with different types of skin (Universal skin classification, II or White, fair, blue eyes, III or Mediterranean, blue or brown eyes , IV or Asian, brown eyes and V or Light-skinned black, Indian. At the end of study, serum 25(OH)D concentrations were increased dramatically in all types of skin. Actual recorded mean levels for types II, III, IV and V were 210%, 187%, 125%, and 40% respectively. The authors concluded that the production of previtamin D3 in Type II skin is (5-10 fold) more potent than the type V skin (highly pigmented skin). Table 1: Skin type, skin reaction to sun exposure Skin type Skin colour Skin reaction I White, red hair, or fair Always burns, never tans II White, fair, blue eyes Burns easily III Mediterranean, blue or brown eyes Mild burn, tans average IV Asian, brown eyes Rarely burns, tans easily V Light-skinned black, Indian No burn VI Dark-skinned black No burn From Lips et al (2014) Shaw Pal (2002) reported that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is increasing among minority groups living in Great Britain, particularly those are from India and Pakistan and this is due to their lifestyle or habit to stay indoors. Furthermore, studies carried out by de Roos et al, (2012) and Brough et al., (2010) state that skin pigmentation in those groups is not the only reason for reduced vitamin D production but it is s also due to wearing clothes that tend to cover their entire bodies and staying indoors for longer during the day thus limiting UVB exposure. (). Kift et al. (2013) carried out a prospective cohort study in South Asian people aged 20-60 years to assess vitamin D level and lifestyle factors and compare the result with study conducted in Caucasian people with same condition. Demographic factors, vitamin D level, UV exposure and vitamin D intakes were analysed with same methodologies in study conducted on South Asian and Caucasian people. The authors found tha t there was no difference in the percentage of body area exposed to the sun. Also, they reported that white people reach a mean vitamin D level of 65.3nmol/l in summer, whilst south Asians only reach a mean level of 22.4nmol/l. During the wintertime, it was reported that 40% of South Asians were found to be deficient (15nmol/l), due to their low vitamin D intake and increased skin pigmentation. They further stated that it should be noted that skin pigmentation could affect pre vitamin D3 production. The conclusions to this study state that future prospective studies need to find effective ways to address these apparent issues. Clothing and Sunscreen Clothing and sunscreen are known as cutaneous factors, as they are a physical barrier in absorption of solar radiation by the skin and thus effective in less production of vitamin D level (Tsiaras and Weinstock, 2011). Most of sunscreens are having a sun protection factor (SPF) 8 that helps to protect the body against UV B radiation and decreases vit. D synthesis by less than 95 %, whereas (SPF) 15 decreases by less than 99% (Webb and Engelsen, 2006). According to Holick (2004), when the skin is exposed to the sunlight, the amount of UVB photons well absorbed by Blocking out sunlight as a result of dress style is particularly associated with hypovitaminosis D amongst immigrant women in the UK and Europe (Gillie 2010). A previous study by (Glerup et al., 2000) indicated that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is higher in immigrant women (veiled and ethnic Muslims women) than in Danish women due to limited sunlight exposure. Another study conducted in Turkish women examined three groups of women with different dress styles (Alagl et al., 2000). Group I wore a dress, which exposed the arms and lower legs to sunlight, group II covered whole body except hands and face, last group (III) wore a traditional Islamic style that cover whole body. The result reported that the serum 25(OH) D level was significantly high in group I than in groups II and III, where all of the women were under normal levels. Obesity There are several diseases that can affect vitamin D level including kidney disease and obesity (Tsiaras Weinstock 2011). The inverse relationship between obesity and vitamin D deficiency is well-established (Wortsman et al, 2000; Esteghamati et al., 2004; Holick Chen 2008). In fact, those who are obese, living in high-risk regions such as Scotland are considered to be at twice the risk of those living in lower risk regions of Great Britain (Hyppnen Power, 2007). A study was conducted by Wortsman et al (2000) to investigate the relationship between obesity and vitamin D production. It was shown that those who were obese participants (i.e. having a BMIover 30kg/m2) had 57% lower serum vitamin D concentrations than non-obese participants after exposure to ultraviolet D3 or receiving oral D2 supplements.. The authors suggested that this was due to increased vitamin D storage in adipose tissue. They further stated that although their findings are similar to another studies, they tend t o believe that obesity did not affect vitamin D production but rather the release of vitamin D3 from the skin into the circulation . A recent crosssectional study carried out by Turner, et.al. (2013) has confirmed the latter hypothesis suggested by Wortsman et al.(2000), showing that the deposition of vitamin D3 in body fat compartments results in decreased bioavailability of vitamin D3 from cutaneous and dietary sources. Bischof et al (2006) indicated that the serum 25(OH) D concentrations associated negatively with BMI (body mass index) in a study of 483 adults. Results reported that prevalence of hypovitaminosis (25(.OH)D 22.0 nmol/l) in participants with BMI less than 30kg/m2 was increased from 8.8% to 15% in adults with BMI greater than 30kg/m2. Lee et al.(2009) found in their study that the effectiveness of supplementation of vitamin D is dependent on BMI. The obese and vitamin D deficient patients may need a higher dose of supplement than non-obese to increase vitamin D level s. 95 subjects with (25(OH) D 6 ng/mL) were given 10.000 IU (cholecalciferol) for 1 week, the authors reported that 25(OH) D concentrations correlated negatively with BMI. Socio-economic status Several studies have linked low vitamin D intake with low economic status (Dealberto, 2006). In many of these associations, the authors cite issues such as poor nutrition, poor lifestyle and inability to afford supplements to treat the deficiency. For instance, poor dietary intake is prevalent in regions with a high poverty rate, mostly affecting middle-aged women of childbearing age (Brough et al., 2010). According to Brough et al. (2010) a socially deprived population cannot afford some of the basic nutrients such as vitamin D, which are essential for normal metabolic function. Therefore, some resort to what have been described as shortcuts of life (means shortage of essential nutrients); the impact of this is exposing their immune system to chronic diseases. A report released by the Greater Manchester Poverty Commission (GMPC) in 2002, identified Manchester as one of the regions with the highest incidence of extreme poverty with approximately 25% of its population living in abject poverty (GMPC, 2012). It also revealed that those who are socio economically deprived couldnt efficiently protect themselves from low winter temperatures, causing these individuals to stay indoors longer than other UK residents, compared to those with an average annual income. According to Grimes (2011) those who have a low income and are socioeconomically deprived are also burdened with a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency. Several campaigns such as the Glasgow campaign introduced free vitamin D supplements for the ethnic groups to improve their vitamin D status (Shaw and Pal 2002). According to Dunnigan et al (1985), the campaign was started in 1979 and ran for 5 years. The intervention gave Asian schoolchildren, up to 18 years, a low daily dose of vitamin D (100 IU). After supplementation, it showed that the prevalence of rickets decreased. This effort led to significant improvement amongst these communities, particularly those targeted cities in Northern England. However, the identification of a large number of deficient people in study conducted by Roy et al., (2007) suggests that the gains made 40 years ago are no longer visible, and more people have been diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency among the minority population than ever before. Vitamin D intakes from different sources in the UK Tedstone (2014) has published the most recent survey about food consumption, which showed that many of the UKs population are still suffering from vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency with 24% of adults aged 19 years and older and 22% of children not having sufficient vitamin D levels. In wintertime, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was found to increase to 40% in both groups. The reason for the hypovitaminosis D was attributed to the reduction in sunlight exposure (longer nights, less external activity and weather pattern), which gives the body 90% of its vitamin D requirement (OConnor and Benelam 2011). Natural and fortified food A startling statistic is that vitamin D dietary intake is much lower in Great Britain as compared to other western nations including United States and Canada (Calvo et al., 2005). Variance in dietary intake of vitamin D between Britain, the United States and Canada has been attributed to the differing extents to which mandatory fortification food occurs in these countries. In the UK only specific foods are fortified with vitamin D, these include margarine, breakfast cereals and infant milk (OConnor and Benelam 2011). According to Sinha et al (2013) there is still a debate between whether the vitamin D intake from food is adequate and enough to maintain serum 25(OH) D concentrations at an optimal level. Some of the most common food sources, which are rich in vitamin D, are fish, liver, fortified margarine and fortified cereals (see table 2.4). Table 2: Dietary source of vitamin D in the UK Source Contribution to dietary vitamin D intakes in women % Contribution to dietary vitamin D intakes in men % Cereal and cereal products Milk and milk products Egg Fat spreads (including fortified margarine) Meat products Fish and fish products 22 3 9 15 18 30 20 2 10 19 24 21 Adopted from OConnor Benelam (2011) Clinical nutritional assessments of natural food items suggest that with the exception of fish and cod liver oil, most natural food stuffs contain minimal vitamin D, if any (Brough et al., 2010; Sinha et al., 2013). According to Schmid and Walther (2013) although there are several sources of vitamin D, it is still difficult for people to meet their recommended intake of vitamin D through consumption of natural food alone. Conversely, Hill et al. (2004) stated that in countries with low levels of sunlight, vitamin D deficiency could be treated by ensuring individuals have an abundance of food that is rich in vitamin D. Additionally, a recent study carried out by Rizzoli (2014) has shown that an improvement in bone health and a reduction in the risk of fracture in later life could be achieved through dietary intervention. It is proposed that vitamin D deficiency can be addressed by consuming 3 servings of dairy products a day, which include milk and yogurt, both of which are rich sourc es of essential nutrients and include a substantial amount of vitamin D. Significantly, it is important to note that insufficient natural sources for vitamin D is a risk factor in itself, and should be taken into consideration when plans are put into place to tackle the problem. Vitamin D supplements There are a huge number of intervention studies that have considered vitamin D supplementation, taking into account factors such as in the different forms of the vitamin used and in the dosage levels applied (Sinha et al., 2013). The expression of the amount of vitamin D in food or supplements is micrograms (g) or International Units (IU). g is most common used by Europe (1 g is equivalent to 40 IU) (OMahony et al., 2011) A summary of these studies is given in Table 2.3. Reference Study participants Vitamin D Dose Length of intervention Study design Result Close et al. (2012) Athletes male Oral D3 125 g 8 weeks (RCT) Vitamin D3 supplementation improved some measures of musculoskeletal performance including vertical jump height and sprinting performance Vieth et al. (2001) 61 male and female Oral D3 4000IU 3 months (RCT) Vitamin D3 effectively increased 25(OH)D to high-normal concentrations in practically all adult Cipriani et al. (2010) 35 female, 13 male young adults 600.000IU oral D3 Single dose (Prospective study) Single oral high dose of vitamin D rapidly increase 25(OH)D and decrease PTH Armas et al.(2004) 30 healthy men 50.000IU Oral D3, D2 Single dose (RCT) Vitamin D3 raises and maintains 25OHD levels to a substantially greater degree than does vitamin D2 Aloia et al., 2008 262 healthy white and African American male and female (Oral D3) 50 g/d and 100g/d 18 Weeks (Randomized double blind) Determination of the intake required depending on basal vitamin D concentrations Cashman et al (2008) 221 men and women 200IU, 400IU and 600IU of oral D3/d 22 weeks (RCT) Higher doses of vitamin D would be required to maintain serum 25(OH)D concentrations in the normal level Heaney et al Table 2.3: vitamin D intervention trials Calcifediol supplement 25(OH) D3 is a vitamin D metabolite used to treat vitamin D deficiency, it is hydrophilic and has a shorter half-life than vitamin D3 (Jetter et al., 2014). Supplementation of calcifediol is a simple, safe and economic treatment to increase 25(OH) D concentrations more rapidly than vitamin D3 (Bischoff-Ferrari et al., 2012). Jetter et al (2014) evidenced in their study that the (HyD3) single or bolus increases the plasma 25 (OH) D concentrations more rapidly than vitamin D3. Where the plasma 25(OH)D was between 8 to 24ng/ml at baseline, after 15 weeks 70% of those taking vitamin D3 reached a 25(OH)D concentration of 30ng/ml whilst all of the women given HyD3 reached a plasma concentration 30ng/ml. Similar findings were reported by Cashman et al (2012), 58 old age people received vitamin D3 and calcifediol in doses equivalent to 20g or 7g HyD3 for 10 weeks. At the end of the study, only 29% of the vitamin D3 group increased their 25(OH) D3 concentrations after 5 weeks and no further increases by week 10. 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