Congestive Heart Failure In Pediatrics Essay

Congestive Heart Failure is not a disease, but a condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood needed to meet the cardiac demands of the body and facilitate systemic circulation. Congestive Heart Failure can be right or left-sided, and is mainly a fluid issue, in which there is a decreased amount of blood to the kidneys. In children, CHF can be long term and is most common in infants; it can also result from heart failure where ventricle contractility is impaired after an increased workload on the heart. â€Å"For most infants diagnosed with CHF, the cause is Congenital Heart Disease†(Perry, Hockenberry, Lowdermilk, & Wilson, 2010, p. 1454). There are many signs and symptoms of CHF, and if untreated damage to the heart occurs. Labs and diagnostic tests can include: a metabolic panel, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), CBC’s, x-ray imaging, and a fetal echocardiography for fetuses suspected of CHF. Medical treatment can be extensive, but easily implemented wi th preparation, attention, and care. Congestive Heart Failure can be divided into right sided heart failure (HF) and left sided heart failure (HF). Right sided HF is also known as Cor pulmonale, and is â€Å"failure of the right side of the heart that occurs after chronic hypertension in the pulmonary arteries and right ventricles of the heart. Right sided HF occurs with left sided HF and often results in fluid backup in the abdomen, legs and feet causing swelling† (â€Å"Cor pulmonale,† 2012, p. 1). Venous high blood pressure throughout the body causes an enlarged liver and spleen, and occasionally edema. â€Å"Left sided HF is the most common form of HF and may result in fluid backup in the lungs† and â€Å"increased pressure in the left atrium and pulmonary veins† (â€Å"Heart Failure,† 2011, p. 1). The lungs become congested with blood, causing elevated pulmonary pressures and pulmonary edema†(Perry et al., 2010, p. 1453). It is not usual to see only right sided or only left sided HF in children. Signs and symptoms of CHF include: anxiety and restlessness, clubbed fingertips, confusion, cool moist skin, cyanosis, dilated pupils, edema, fatigue, fright, pallor, petechia, and weakness; decreased BP, weak pulses, jugular vein distension, tachycardia(irregularly fast heart beats  including an S3 gallop), and decreased cardiac input within the cardiovascular system; dyspnea, shortness of breath on exertion, adventitious breath sounds such as crackles and wheezing or grunting, decreased oxygen saturation, tachypnea, orthopnea, and pulmonary congestion within the respiratory system; decreased urinary output as kidneys compensate for an increase in carbon dioxide by retaining sodium and water, renal overload and potential renal failure within the genitourinary system; and decreased motility, decreased bowel sounds, lack of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and ascites within the genitointestinal system. â€Å"If the abnormalities precipitating CHF are not corrected, the heart muscle becomes damaged†(Perry et al., 2010, p. 1454). Diagnosing CHF thru testing is performed in various ways. Blood tests for congestive heart failure checks for levels of a hormone called B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). Large amounts of BNP could indicate CHF. Coronary catheterization, or angiogram, is used to identify the strength of ones left ventricle and the health of the heart valves using a dye that is visible under x-ray. An echocardiogram can be used to produce a video image of your heart’s size, structure and function. It can help doctors determine the percentage of blood being pumped out of the left ventricle. â€Å"Right heart catheterization is a test in which a catheter is inserted through the neck or groin and is guided into the heart to measure pressures within the chambers† (â€Å"CHF Testing,† 2011, p. 2). These various tests, or combinations of tests, helps guide health care teams in the proper treatment of CHF. Medical treatment of Congestive Heart Failure includes but is not limited to: improving the heart’s function; removal of fluid in the peritoneal and thoracic cavities; decreasing cardiac demands; increasing tissue perfusion; and treating anaphylaxis. The primary focus is treating any underlying causes of signs and symptoms associated with CHF. Improving cardiac function may be done with oxygen administration, repositioning patients for comfort and increased vascular circulation, and medication administration including: Digoxin (Lanoxin) which increases cardiac output by increasing the strength and contractility of the heart; and ACE inhibitors, such as Captopril (Capoten) and Enalapril (Vasotec), which inhibit vasoconstriction, thus vasodilating blood vessels. Removal of fluid in the peritoneal thoracic cavities may include fluid restriction, and be completed via paracentesis or thoracentesis, or by administering  diuretics such as Furosemide (Lasix) and Spironolactone (Adalactone), which decrease water concentration in the blood and in turn lower arterial blood pressure. â€Å"Diuretics are the mainstay of therapy to eliminate excess water and salt to prevent re-accumulation†(Perry et al., 2010, p. 1459). Children are not more likely to have sodium-restricted diets because they need a higher caloric intake than adults and they may not eat as much as adults with CHF. Decreasing cardiac demands includes keeping metabolic needs low and may be done by maintaining body temperature, limiting activity, reducing the work of breathing, and treating any infections so the body can reach homeostasis. Cool cloths, clustered care, oxygen administration, sedative medications to promote relaxation, and prophylactic antibiotics may all be effective treatment methods for decreasing cardiac demands. Increasing tissue perfusion can be done with oxygen administered via nasal cannula, face mask, face tent or oxygen hood and will increase oxygenation to the heart and blood vessels and â€Å"improve myocardial function or lessen tissue oxygen demands† (Perry et al., 2010, p. 1459-60). Oxygen dilates blood vessels and increases pulmonary blood flow. Treating anaphylaxis includes: identification of alle rgens, detection of early and late signs of anaphylaxis, and management of anaphylaxis. Identification of allergens is recognizing what people may be allergic to or what may trigger anaphylactic reactions. Early signs of anaphylaxis are irritability, headache, dizziness, itching, sneezing, watery eyes, and rash. Late signs of anaphylaxis are shortness of breath and wheezing, pulmonary edema, decreased cardiac output, and if untreated, death. Management of anaphylaxis includes establishing airways for patients that may need intubation; oxygen administration; antihistamine and vasopressor administration; and education of how to prevent future anaphylactic events. As a nurse caring for a patient with Congestive Heart Failure, one needs to complete thorough assessments to identify signs and symptoms of CHF, report any abnormal lab values or findings to physicians immediately, and be prepared to assist with any interventions needed to manage the condition and provide comfort and support to patients and their families. Nurses responsibilities include but are not limited to assessing patients and the severity of their condition, forming nursing diagnoses for potential risks to patients and staff caring for patients with CHF, observing for worsening conditions, planning and  implementing adequate and professional care for CHF patients and their families, correct medication calculation and administration, and evaluating the effectiveness of care for patients to ensure that conditions will improve. CHF is a condition that has affected the lives of many people. Some well-known persons include: Bill Clinton, David Letterman, Larry King, Mike Ditka, Tommy Lasorta, Dick Cheney, Phyllis Diller, Elizabeth Taylor and Victoria Gotti. Famous people such as these often have access to better health care because of financial stability. This often times proves beneficial when treating congestive heart failure in earlier stages, and helps them extend their lifespan with less signs and symptoms. Unfortunately they also live a life that is altered by their disease and ultimately no form of financial stability will cure the condition. Congestive Heart Failure is not a disease, but a condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood needed to meet the cardiac demands of the body and facilitate systemic circulation. There are many signs and symptoms of CHF, and if untreated damage to the heart occurs. Medical treatment can be extensive, but easily implemented with preparation, attention and care. References Cor pulmonale. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/ PMH0001186/ Congestive Heart Failure Testing. (2011). Retrieved from http://labtestsonline.org /understanding/conditions/chf/start/1 Heart Failure. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heart-failure/ds00061/dsection=causes Perry, S. E., Hockenberry, M. J., Lowdermilk, D. L., & Wilson, D. (2010). Maternal Child Nursing Care (4th ed.). Missouri: Mosby Elsevier.

Oman Crude Oil Futures Contract Essay

1. Exchange: Dubai Mercantile Exchange 2. Trading Unit: 1,000 U.S. barrels (42,000 gallons) 3. Contract Value: The contract value shall be the Final Settlement Price multiplied by one thousand (1,000) multiplied by the number of Contracts to be delivered 4. Price Quotation: U.S. dollars and cents per barrel 5. Trading Symbol: OQD 6. Trading Hours : Electronic trading is open from 16:00 CST/CDT Sundays and from 17:00 CST/CDT Monday to Thursday and closes at 16:15 CST/CDT the next day, Monday to Friday. 7. Trading Months: The current year and the next five years will be listed. 8. Minimum Price Fluctuation: $0.01 (1) per barrel ($10.00 per contract) 9. Daily Settlement: A daily OSP settlement price will be published as at 16:30 Singapore time. This price represents the weighted average price of trades in the nearby Contract Month between 1625 and 1630 (Singapore). The DME will also publish an end of trading day settlement price for all listed Contract Months, determined as at 13:30 CST/CDT, which coincides with the end of the trading day for NYMEX Light Sweet Crude Oil. This latter settlement price is used by the Clearing House to calculate daily variation margin on all open DME Contracts. 10. Final Settlement Price: The Final Settlement Price for a Contract Month shall be the OSP settlement price on the last Trading Day of the Contract Month. This price represents the weighted average price of trades in the nearby Contract Month between 1615 and 1630 Singapore Time. The Final Settlement Price will be used for purposes of margins for delivery of the Oil. 11. Last Trading Day Trading in the nearby Contract Month shall cease on the last Trading Day of the second month preceding the Delivery Month. 12. Settlement Type :Physical 13. Delivery: F.O.B at the Loading Port, consistent with current terminal operations. Complete delivery rules and provisions are detailed in Chapter 10 of the rulebook. 14. Governing Law: English Law The future price always converges towards the spot price. From the formula side, future quote F=S0 (1+(r+a)T), S0 is the spot quote, r is the interest rate for the future months, a is the cost of carrying. As it comes closer to the delivery day, T becomes smaller. On the other hand, the cost of storage and the interests of loans reduce as time goes by. Therefore, S0(r+a)T decreases. When it is the delivery day, which means that T equals to 0, S0(r+a)T =0, and the future quote F=S0. On the other side, there are always different opinions for investors. For the crude oil futures contract, if an airline company wants to buy a large amount of crude oil at a fixed price in the future, it will currently buy crude oil futures to hedge the risk of fluctuation of oil price. Meanwhile, there may be many speculators who expect that the oil price in the future will go down, thus they will currently sell crude oil futures. Due to massive speculations in the futures market, the futures price and spot price become similar as time goes by. For example, on 11/13/2012, I sell 10 contracts of 6-month crude oil futures, which will be delivered on 5/13/2013, and the spot price is 103.14 $/ barrel. Suppose the interest rate for 6 months is 2%, and cost of carrying is 1% of spot price, The nominal amount of 10 contracts is 10000 $. The price of the futures should be F=103.14(1+(1%+2%)*0.5)=104.69$. If the futures settlement price traded on the market today is 115$, the quantity that should be delivered is Q=10000/115=86.96 barrels. 1. I need to borrow 103.14* 86.96=8968.70$ for 6 months. 2. Buy 86.96 barrels crude oil. 3. Store the oil for 6 months, cost of storage is 8968.70*1%*0.5= 44.84$ 4. After 6 months, I deliver the oil at 115$/ barrel and receive 10000$. And I pay loan interest, which is 8968.70 (1+2%*0.5)=9058.38$ 5. The arbitrage is 10000-44.84-9058.38=896.77$, which is a gain. In this case, I suppose that the futures price is higher than spot price, and speculators are willing to buy underlying asset, and sell futures contract in order to make profits. As a result, the spot price will go up while the futures price will go down. Finally, the futures price will converge to the spot price of underlying asset. When the futures price is lower than spot price, and speculators will buy futures contract, and sell underlying asset in order to make profits. In this way, As a result, the spot price will go down while the futures price will go up, and finally the futures price will converge to the spot price of underlying asset.

The Case of the Rewired Supply Chain Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Case of the Rewired Supply Chain - Coursework Example Organization lacks a linkage between their various arms. These problems are discussed below with appropriate solutions. Problems The problems in the company can be classified in two categories i.e. strategic and operational. Both of them are discussed below: Strategic ORUN have become very independent in its local procedures. Communication is present in the plant but not in local headquarters. Due to this problem of communication, results of various transactions are not reaching to the headquarters on time. All plants are so independent that they have their own metrics and measurement systems. This is resulting in confused staffing reports. There is no agreement in the companies that which products are profitable and which are not. Company is not working on the value contribution in its products. Supply chain procedure of the company is quite traditional and long. It should revise its supply chain management system. The overall cost of the company in conducting business is high. Ther e is a lack of proper planning, organizing and forecasting. Operational Inventory management in the company from production to final delivery has become quite costly, because all operations are performed by its own departments. This involves more workers, raw material management, pay scales etc. Due to lack of proper management systems there is excess in raw materials and finished goods inventories. There is not a balance between supply and demand of products. There is a problem in its manufacturing operation systems. Contribution of suppliers is unknown by the company. There is an absence of supplier management program. This analysis shows that company is facing many issues on both strategic and operational level. It is imperative to control the present condition of the entity in order to be competitive in future. 1.2 Using the facts of the case, as well as theories and best practices that you have learned in the PROC 5820, Operations Management course, prepare a short description as to what you intend to do to address each of the 5 goals above Many methodologies can be used for operations management such as SCOR, it is a supply chain management model proposed by Supply Chain Council. Another model which is frequently used for management of operations is SCM which is proposed by global supply chain forum. These five goals of the company can be achieved by using SCM model. Supply chain management system SCM will help the company to change management functions of individuals and will help to integrate all the activities in the supply chain process. It will result in efficient communication among all departments and will reduce the excess inventory. For instance, the purchasing department places an order with all known information. Marketing department will be able to respond to the customer demand. It will enable to communicate with suppliers in order to fulfill customers demand. This kind of information shared among various supply partners will promote integra tion in the whole system. This will promote standardization among suppliers and will lead to improvement in the overall supply chain management system. Procurement Company should consider bulk shipments, through this supplier will reduce the transportation cost on imported raw materials and one will be able to receive more credit by suppliers. This can be done only through implementing effective information technology systems, so that the communication gap between different plants can be reduced. This should not

CJ350 International Terrorism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

CJ350 International Terrorism - Essay Example He is generally regarded as the founder of the modern Irish state, but the Fine Gael (political party) people look upon him as the father of their movement. Neil Jordans movie on Michael Collins (1996) depicts the controversy of life and death of the political activists and places itself at the core of Irish political independence. The movie begins with the Easter Uprising (number of Irish men against British troops) at Dublin in 1916. The rebellion is halted by shooting down the Irish leaders and some taken to jail (Michael Collins was one of them). After release, he promises himself to avenge this event by using guerilla techniques instead of availing traditional warfare. Collins set out by starting to kill the British informants and thus destroying the Intelligence network. After the murder of a group of elite British Intelligence people on a Sunday, the Britishers set out for vengeance as well. Eamon de Valera, the Irish President was against this and ordered a traditional war against British. This resulted in a massacre of Irish troops. Michael Collins was sent to England to create a free Irish state and a loyal British colony in I reland. This being unaccepted by the president resulted in a civil war and consequent death of Collins. Michael Collins has been known as the father of modern terrorism and invented some techniques, which are alike to urban guerilla tactics of today. During world war I Ireland was under the British rule and the rebellion was essentially to free Ireland from British control. The idea of guerilla tactics was due to the fact that the big super powers (Britain and America) with large troops and greater availability of war resources believed in conventional war and to face them terrorists’ methods would be more appropriate in order to cover up the lack in numbers. Besides setting up the intelligence agency,

Teenage Smoking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Teenage Smoking - Essay Example As per the findings of Holm et al, 80% of all smokers in the United States begin smoking even before the age of 18 (27). Because of the increased threat it raises to health and personal integrity, the prohibition of teenage smoking has become the most essential legal concern. In the United States, the issue has been a topic for debate for several decades between tobacco selling tycoons and social activists. Evidently, as an amicable solution to the controversial issue, the legal age of smoking should be raised, when at the same time, teenage smokers are perceived as vulnerable group that requires comprehensive care. The minimum legal age either for using or purchasing/selling tobacco products varies from country to country with an average range of 18-24. In most of the European countries including Poland, Serbia, Portugal, France, and UK the minimum legal age for smoking cigarettes is now 18. In contrast in the United States, there is no unified regulation on this issue and the minim um age restriction varies from state to state. Although 18 has been generally accepted as the minimum age, the decision is left to the discretion of states. For instance, many states including Alabama, Alaska, New Jersey, and some other counties of New York have recently reset the minimum age for smoking from 18 to 19. As per the Revised Washington Code, a person under the age of 18 who purchases or attempts to purchase, possesses, or attempts to possesses, obtain, or attempts to obtain cigarettes or tobacco products commits a class 3 civil infraction under chapter 7.8. (RCW 2002). Obviously, teenage smoking has to be approached with a socio-psychological perspective other than merely considering it as a health issue. Arguments favoring the rise of legal age to 19 or 21 strongly opine that teenage smoking indicates the behavioral inconsistency among adolescents which can be resolved only through comprehensive programs with the collective involvement of various governmental and non-g overnmental organizations. In order to define the behavioral changes of teenagers with regard to smoking as a symptom, we need to analyze some other aspects of this controversy. Researchers are deeply at odds regarding the factors that determine one’s behavior. Despite the actual trait, behavior of an individual is primarily determined by situational variables and environment. Hence, a person’s behavior is ever changing depending on the situation, place, and the surroundings. If an individual demonstrates exceeding emotional attachment or detachment to anything that comes within his personal environment it presumably point to a behavioral problem. This can be true with the adolescent smokers no matter how they got into this risk group. Several attempts have been made to reduce the use of tobacco products among the youth in the United States notably since 1996 as Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revised its previous policy. As Jacobson notes, the initial step the Stat es took was to introduce provisions ‘to suit tobacco industry to recover healthcare costs associated with smoking among medical recipients’ (1). One of the notable actions implemented with intent to reduce teenage smoking is the hike in cigarette price which according to some researchers has brought about significant decline in smoking habits. As Jacobson states, â€Å"the cost of cigarettes faced by teenagers can be raised through both price and non-price measures. Policy makers at the federal, state, and local levels can increase the price of cigarettes by raising cigarettes excise taxes-perhaps the most direct route of action† (Jacobson, 178). Admittedly, till date, the smoking

Intervention Research and System Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Intervention and System - Research Paper Example On the other hand, system research considers connections among components and plans for the implications of their interactions to communities and environments. It calls for active involvement of those who have taken part in order to govern the course of change. A good example In this case is when the networks of organizations and scientists from around the world pull together and try to reason the complexity of weather patterns and come up with more accurate and timely weather forecasts. However, the integration of systems theory for public health programs has played some major roles. It brings about critical considerations to historical processes, practical challenges as well as ethical considerations that may arise. It also reflects critically the evidence and evidence based policies and practice (Melnyk & Morrison-Beedy, 2012).   It uses methods that lead to a more constructive examination of complex adaptive systems and this helps to solve problems that are complex and dynamic. Because of its effectiveness, it has been applied in various research disciplines where many research methods had failed, particularly in the approach that was used to control tobacco and also in weather forecasting by the forecasting model group which has so far proven

Interest Levels of Boys Reading at Primary School Essay

Interest Levels of Boys Reading at Primary School - Essay Example Most children entering Key Stage 2 are not certain about their reading processes. Some of these children require specialist assistance and they still require all the experiences offered to the Key Stage 1 children. Other children make a considerable beginning with reading but in the process, they are not able to comprehend majority of the words they are reading in the books with any fluency or speed. They frequently regard themselves as poor readers and they get little pleasure from what they read. These types of children require texts they can manage accurately and those that offer them maximum satisfying experience (Bentley 1999, p93). Data from Lancashire County Council indicates that pupils underperform in reading by; (a) the failure to evaluate the author’s methods in offering an impact on the audience, (b) being not capable of citing evidence for their own opinion from the text and, (c) being not able to draw basic conclusions concerning a character or a situation. Boys fail to perform in reading because they find it difficult to engage with un-macho texts, for instance, they dismiss all female characters as ridiculous (Martin and Waters 1999, p159). It is suggested that in the western societies, the media particularly the television is replacing reading as the main interest of young people. The loss of interest in reading is very worse especially among the boys. The situation has been worsened by the arrival of the Internet and computer games (Goodwyn 2002, p48). It has been argued that â€Å"sex is the major factor in studies of children as readers, being more strongly linked than either social class or ability and attainment with how much children read† (Lockwood and Lockwood 2008, p101). There are many differences on what boys read, how well they read, the much they read, what they discuss in their reading and their performance in certain reading assessments. Researchers have also identified certain elements of English as a subject that tend to alienate boys. The boys are at a disadvantage when emphasis is put on reading narrative fiction specifically realist fiction that deal with daily interpersonal relationships. Outside school, the boys reading interests tend to change when they get older; their interest is more on fantasy than realism and they are engaged more in non-fiction genres than girls. Research shows that boys enjoy non-fiction materials than girls (72 percent of boys as opposed to 57 percent of girls) (Lockwood and Loc kwood 2008, p101). According to the research, the preference for individual responses by the English subject teachers to fiction reading severely disadvantages the boys. This is because the boys are very reluctant to express their emotional engagement with

Australian Government Innovative Climate Change Policy Essay

Australian Government Innovative Climate Change Policy - Essay Example It will mean that the equivalent of 20 per cent of Australia’s electricity will come from renewable sources by 2020 is transformed. The world is moving forward and economies which do not start cleaning up now will fall behind. Australia has spent the last decade working out on how to put a price on carbon pollution is the cheapest way to tackle climate change. The Government’s plan for a clean energy future has been negotiated by the Multi-Party Climate Change Committee. The Committee has agreed to a comprehensive set of measures to help fight climate change. The Government is separately investing in further measures to ease the economic transition to a carbon price, as well as taking additional steps to reduce carbon pollution. BACKGROUND AND ESSENTIAL IDEAS The Government has developed a comprehensive plan for a clean energy future. The need for this plan is clear, from both an environmental and an economic perspective. This plan has been devised in response to clear scientific advice that the world is warming, that carbon pollution from human activity creates. Significant risks and those we can avoid the worst potential impacts by reducing carbon pollution. Taking action on climate change is in our national interest. Australia faces acute risks from climate change. Faced with the serious negative consequences for our natural systems (including national icons like the Great Barrier Reef and Kakadu), our economy and our way of life, it would be irresponsible not to play our part in international action on climate change. Taking action sooner means that the transition to a clean energy future can be more gradual, manageable and...This paper outlines the positive effects of the comprehensive climate change policy, maintained by Australian government. More specifically, the paper describes the impact of Federal Government’s Clean Energy Bill, which was enacted in 2011. The Bill introduced carbon pricing mechanism designed to improve environmental and economic efficiency. In addition the energy bill contained innovative mechanisms to shield it from political and administrative cycles. Climate change will not just damage the natural environment. Left unchecked, it also poses risks to Australia’s economic prosperity. Within the purview of the Bill, all businesses will be required to pay for their pollution under this price mechanism. The carbon price will be beneficial to the economy since it will create a financial incentive that will flow throughout the economy. Households will benefit from tax cuts, higher family payments and increases in pensions. The carbon price will also change Australia’s electricity generation by encouraging investment in renewable energy like wind and solar power and the use of cleaner fuels like natural gas. The government will be committed supporting jobs throughout manufacturing, food processing industries and coal mining since The Government’s Renewable Energy Target, combined with the carbon price, will deliver around $20 billion of investment in renewable energy by 2020 in today’s dollars. It will mean that the equivalent of 20 per cent of Australia’s electricity will come from renewable sources by 2020 is transformed. Under the Government’s clean energy plan, the carbon pricing mechanism will establish a clear price path into the future for reduced carbon pollution.

Written Assignment Essay Example for Free

Written Assignment Essay Answer all of the following questions. Title your assignment Written Assignment 4, unless your mentor directs otherwise. This assignment covers text chapters 18 through 23. 1. Explain the relationship among savings, investment, and net capital outflow. Savings are equal to domestic investment + net capital outflow. In an open economy, both net capital outflow ( which is the purchase of foreign assets by domestic investors minus the purchase of domestic investments by foreigners) and savings and domestic investments are both ways of saving, and are both used to get the full picture of total saving. 2. Describe the economic logic behind the theory of purchasing-power parity (PPP). What factors might prevent PPP from holding true? The purchasing power parity tells us the a unit of any given currency should be able to buy the same quantity of goods in all countries. This principle is based on the fact that prices should remain constant for goods no matter where the goods are purchased, otherwise there is an opportunity for profit that was left un-exploited. The theory has 2 holes in it. Firstly, some goods are not easily traded, and secondly, some goods cannot easily be substituted for another. 3. Describe supply and demand in the market for loanable funds and the market for foreign currency exchange. How are these markets linked? Supply and demand of loanable funds is determined by the real interest rate. A higher interest rate causes people to save and raises supply where a lower real interest rate does the opposite. In the market for foreign currency exchange, the real exchange rate balances out supply and demand. A higher U.S. real exchange rate increases U.S. goods compared to foreign goods, and exports fall. These 2 markets are linked because between the 2 of them, they determine national saving, domestic investment, net capital exports and net exports. 4. What is capital flight? When a country experiences capital flight, what is the effect on the countrys interest rate and exchange rate? Capital flight is a large and sudden reduction in the demand for assets located in a country. The currency of the country depreciates in value and the interest rate rises. 5. List and explain the three theories for why the short-run aggregate-supply curve is upward sloping. Sticky wages. Wages are slow to adjust and may not be able to be changed. Steady wages can be harmful to a company and cause them to have lower production levels. Nominal wages are based on expected prices and are slow to respond when the actual prices ends up being different. Sticky price. Prices for some goods and services also are â€Å"sticky† and take time to adjust. This is due in part to â€Å"menu costs†, or the administrative costs incurred by changing the prices of a product in a firm. Misperceptions. Different businesses read the market different ways. A misperception in the trend of the market can cause suppliers to supply more product, even when the demand is not truly there. 6. What might shift the aggregate-demand curve to the left? Use the model of aggregate demand and aggregate supply to trace through the short-run and long-run effects of such a shift on output and the price level. Use the following diagram to help explain your answer. Point A is the short-run equilibrium point whereas Point C is the long run equilibrium point. Higher prices lower costs and shift demand to the left (lower). If for say, the current market price of this item is at Point C, and the market price drops, the demand for the item will rise, shifting the curve to the left. 7. Suppose the Fed expands the money supply, but because the public expects this Fed action, it simultaneously raises its expectation of the price level. What will happen to output and the price level in the short run? Compare this result to the outcome if the Fed expanded the money supply but the public didn’t change its expectation of the price level? Use the diagram below to explain your answer. The output should remain constant if the FED had raised its expectation of the price level over time, but immediately, the raise is price would cause in increase in production. The equilibrium point should shift from point a, to point c temporarily, then up to point out as it balances out. If the FED did not change it’s expectations in the price levels, than the equilibrium should move to pint c from pint a, and stay there. 8. What is the theory of liquidity preference? How does it help explain the downward slope of the aggregate-demand curve? This is the theory that the interest rate adjust to bring the money supply and demand into equilibrium. A higher price level increases the demand for money, as people will carry more to pay the higher prices. Higher prices in turn causes a higher interest rate. The higher interest rate reduces goods demanded, and supply will also shift downward. 9. Suppose that survey measures of consumer confidence indicate a wave of pessimism is sweeping the country. If policymakers do nothing, what will happen to aggregate demand? Explain what the Fed should do if it wants to stabilize aggregate demand. If the Fed does nothing, explain what Congress might do to stabilize aggregate demand. If policy makers do nothing, demand will fall, so will production and employment. Eventually, recession and possible depression afterwards. The Fed can do things such as lowering the interest rate to help stimulate the economy. Congress may decide to cut taxes in an attempt to simulate the economy, but they can also increase government spending to stabilize the economy. 10. What is natural about the natural rate of unemployment? Explain why the natural rate of unemployment might differ across countries. The natural means that it is beyond the influence of monetary policy. Different countries have different abilities, laws and demand for employment. For instance, the country may not be able to organize in the same fashion as a union shop here is the US. might. 11. What causes the lags in the effect of monetary and fiscal policy on aggregate demand? What are the implications of these lags for the debate over active versus passive policy? Aggregate demand has lags in policy due to the time it takes for the policy to take affect. Additionally, the spending plans are set in advance so it also takes time for changes to affect spending. The biggest issue is the ability to time the policy correctly, since it takes time for everything to adjust. 12. Some economists say that the government can continue running a budget deficit forever. How is that possible? Since population and technological progress grow over time, so do a nation’s ability to repay the interest on it’s debt. As long as the debt grows slower than the nation’s income, this is possible. Reference: Mankiw, N. G. (2008). Principles of Macroeconomics. Fifth Edition. Ohio: South-Western Cengage Learning.

Identity concepts Essay Example for Free

Identity concepts Essay Identity is the conceptual understanding that human beings hold for their existence. It is the totality of knowledge and understanding of an individual for his self. Identity is composed by physical, social and psychological attributes which differ from one individual to another. The tenet for the development of one’s identity is attributable to the development of the roles that an individual plays within a group. It follows that the roles that they play in a group contributes to the self-categorization of an individual that helps in the formation of someone’s identity. For the purpose of this paper, Abraham Maslow and Carl Roger’s theories regarding personality and identity development will be tackled to assess their contribution in the understanding of identity concept. First, Abraham Maslow’s Theory of Human Motivation is one of the most influential theories in this field. His proposed theories were more simple and more appealing which acted against reductionism and his personality research theory is more holistic than others works. Theory of Motivation is characterized by the hierarchy of needs. This theory presupposes that the needs of an individual rest on the basis of satisfaction of other needs. Meaning, as one satisfies the most basic of his needs, there arises another set of needs, higher than the previous ones and entail another set of challenges that the individual must go through. This process, as it progresses addresses higher needs, until the individual reaches satisfaction for his highest needs and fulfills self-actualization, which in Maslow’s theory serves as the highest form of identity and personality development for an individual. Self-actualization entails the fulfillment of a person’s highest desires and attainment of his full potentials. Hence, the importance of Maslow’s theory is that it established human being’s five basic needs: physiological, safety, love, esteem and self-actualization. This theory has set a goal for individuals to pursue first the most pre-potent of his needs in order to progress into the achievement of other higher needs. This theory therefore guides an individual that the achievement of one basic needs progresses to a higher need, thus increasing his consciousness and allowing himself to attain higher needs that shall be translated to the individual’s pursuit for higher competency and identity enhancement. On the other hand, Carl Roger’s theory is set on a clinical one, basing his assumptions on his experiences in dealing with his clients. Like Maslow’s, his theory his set on what he calls â€Å"the actualizing tendency†. According to Roger, this is a â€Å"force of life† that is built within an individual to create a motivating force that shall push individuals to extensively seek ways to develop his full potentials. Furthermore, he states the assumptions that since humans are social creatures, it is innate for human to create a society and build a culture in the process of actualizing their potentials. His theory also gives value to positive self-regard – which he defined as humans craving for love, affection and nurturance. This positive self-regard plays an integral part of an individual’s growth in such a way that, as an individual grows up and in the process wherein he seeks for actualization of his potentials, receiving positive self-regard from the society around him gives him self-esteem and a positive self-image that renders him the inspiration to perform better and strive harder to succeed. In accordance, without this positive self-regard, individuals would tend to feel helpless and would make them less enthusiastic into achieving his goals. Roger’s theories on personality development have contributed a lot in the concept of identity. Like Maslow’s theory, he constituted steps for the development of a healthy person, which he termed as a â€Å"fully functioning† person. These steps which included openness to experience, existential living, organismic trusting, experiential freedom and creativity served as guidelines for a well-rounded and healthy development of identity for an individual. These steps, like Maslow’s theory shall constitute for the pursuits of an individual towards self-actualization. For the comparison between the two theorists and their contribution to the development of the concept of identity, the two theories speak of the utter importance for an individual to fulfill his basic needs first before attempting to levitate higher. Both of their theories were geared towards the achievement for self-actualization. They both define self-actualization as the desire to fulfill life’s greatest aspirations and discover the fullest potentials of a person. As such, Maslow and Roger can be considered as two of the most influential theorists in this field. Both of them has succeeded in imparting their thoughts and their ideas have until now are still encompassing and widely used by contemporary theorists and psychologists. Their theories have served as starting points for further developments and have served critical to the growth of new theories regarding identity concepts. Bibliography Boeree, George, Personality Theories: Carl Rogers, Retrieved 7 November 2007 http://webspace. ship. edu/cgboer/rogers. html Burke, Peter and Stets, Jan, Identity Theory and Social Identity Theory, Washington State University, Retrieved 7 November 2007 http://wat2146. ucr. edu/Papers/00a. pdf Green, Christopher, A Theory of Human Motivation by Abraham Maslow, Retrieved 7 November 2007 http://psychclassics. yorku. ca/Maslow/motivation. htm.

Global Burden of E-Waste: Health and Environmental Impacts

Global Burden of E-Waste: Health and Environmental Impacts Introduction E-waste or Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is the term used to describe old, end-of-life or discarded appliances using electricity which includes computers, consumer electronics, fridges etc. that have been disposed of by their original users (Lundgren 2012). unfortunately, this definition is one of many because there is no standard definition of e-waste. Electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) is currently the largest growing waste stream in the glob due to rapid technology innovation, ever-shortening product lifespans and increase of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) consumption (Lundgren 2012). This growing has major health, environmental and economic impacts especially in developing countries. According to the United Nation Environment (UN environment), computers lifespan has decreased from six years in 1997 to two years in 2005 in developed countries (un environment 2017). Widmer et al., 2005 estimated that e-waste constitutes 8% of the total municipal solid waste. In 2014, the total e-waste generated worldwide was estimated to be about 41.8 million tons (t) with about 3-5% annual growth rate (Baldà © et al. 2014). Out of this, only (15%) 6.5 million tons has been reported to be formally treated (Baldà © et al. 2014; Heacock et al. 2016). Up to 80% of the e-waste that sent for recycling in developed countries are illegally transported to developing countries mainly in Africa, and Asia (Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) 2009). Countries such as US, Japan, China, India, and countries from the European Union are the main sources of e-waste (Baldà © et al. 2014). Unfortunately, most of developing countries receiving e-waste are not technologically equipped and usually use simple hazardous methods for recycling (Lundgren 2012). Accordingly, peoples health and environment in these developing countries are jeopardized (Smith et al. 2006; SAICM 2009). Recycling E-waste contains up to 60 different valuable metals that have been estimated to be equal to à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬48 billion (Baldà © et al. 2014; Namias 2013). BullionStreet (2012) stated that electronic industry consumes about 320 t of gold and 7500 t of silver every year and mining of e-waste could generate $21 billion each year. About 40% of this profits comes from in the printed circuit board that have a potential revenue of 21,200/t, while it is only form 3-6% of the total e-waste generated worldwide every year (Golev et al. 2016). At the same time, e-waste can generate more amount of metals comparing to the conventional mining operations using the same amount of power in both ways (Namias 2013). Also, Studies have revealed that the global ore grade are decreasing and mines are forced to excavate more complex and fine-grained ore deposits to meet the global metal need (Là ¨bre and Corder 2015). According to the electronics takeback coalition (2014), recycling 1 million cell phones can recover about 24 kg (50 lb) of gold, 250 kg (550 lb) of silver, 9 kg (20 lb) of palladium, and more than 9,000 kg (20,000 lb) of copper. Nonetheless, the run of mine ore needed to produce the same amount of metal is 10-160 times more than that of the waste mobile phones. Beside saving money, recycling can provide the same amount of metal with substantial less power intake compared to mine ore (Cui and Forssberg 2003). Consequently, it will lead significant reduction in the volume of gas emission due to new metal production. Economic Outcome Form economic standpoint, plays an important employment role in the recycling sectors of some low and middle-income countries such as China, India, Pakistan, Thailand, Ghana, and Nigeria (Lundgren 2012; Programme des Nations Unies pour lenvironnement 2011). For example, In Guiyu, China, the largest informal e-waste recycling location in the world, e-waste recycling provides jobs to almost 100,000 people as e-waste recyclers (Heacock et al. 2016; Lundgren 2012). With the similar throughput, 300-600 new treatment facilities will have to be developed in China to deal with the total generated e-waste from 2020 to 2030 that can potentially provide jobs to 30,000 people (Zeng et al. 2016). Health and Environmental Impacts Despite the economic benefits from recycling, e-waste processing has raised alarming environmental and health issues specially in developing countries. Where e-waste recycling sector is unregulated and unaccountable collecting, processing, and redistributing tends to be performed by workers at temporary sites, residences, crude workshops, and open public spaces. Informal recycling areas usually inhabited by poor people with scarce job possibilities and their main concern is feed themselves and their families; this primary concern predominates that for personal health and safety (The Lancet 2013). Recycling without protection exposes workers to many hazardous chemicals such as arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, nickel, and lead (Lundgren 2012). The incineration of these chemicals release compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), poly-brominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/ Fs) gases that effect soil, atmosphere, and water (Hossain et al. 2015).The hazard from e-waste processing not only threatens operator health, but also, puts the health of people living nearby and next generations living in the surrounding areas in jeopardy (Liu et al. 2009). Toxins absorption and effects vary based on type and quantity of e-waste, length of exposure, methods processing, and physiological vulnerability, especially in pregnant women and children (Grant et al. 2013). People exposed to hazardous substances in e-waste through multiple routes, including food, water, air, and soil (Norman et al. 2013). There is high accumulative in the area where informal recycling locations have functioned for more than a decade (Chen et al. 2011). The impact of the hazardous substances from e-waste can spread beyond processing sites and into ecosystems (Sepà ºlveda et al. 2010; Zhang et al. 2010). For example, rice and dust samples collected from homes close to e-waste settings had almost double the maximum permissible concentrations of lead, cadmium, and copper (Zheng et al. 2013). An exposure of contaminated food such as rice plus inhaling lead through house dust situates children to high risk of neurotoxicity and adverse developmental effects (Zheng et al. 2013). Studies have linked exposure to such toxins with increases in spontaneous abortions, stillbirths, premature births, reduced birthweights, and birth lengths events (Liu et al. 2009; Wu et al. 2011; Wu et al. 2012). Also, physical growth indicators, such as weight, height, and body-mass index, were significantly lower in children living in the e-waste recycling town of Guiyu than in those living in the control area Liangying (Zheng et al. 2013). Environmentally, as mentioned earler, disposal of these chemicals/metals in landfills or by incinerating them can produce harmful effects to the environment (Heacock et al. 2016). The amount of cadmium exists in a cell phone battery have a potential to pollute 600m3 of water (Garlapati 2016). For example, the concentration of metals such as lead, copper and nickel that found in the discharge channel near Guiyu to Nanyang road and Chendiandian to Guiyu road in China were 400-600 times higher than that is expected from uncontaminated river sediments (Brigden et al. 2005). Similar results were obtained from formal recycling sites with elevated content of nickel, copper, lead, zinc and cadmium in Philippines (Yoshida et al. 2016). To conclude, the elevated level of hazard of e-waste show the importance of proper recycling techniques and safer recycling facilities that can reduce the risks related to the environmental and public health and safety issues. Also, future studies needed to assess the direct and indirect health cost of informal e-waste recycling, health and environmental impacts of the formal e-waste treatment. References Baldà © C, Wang F, Kuehr R, Huisman J. 2014. The global e-waste monitor. UNU-IAS: Bonn, Germany. Brigden K, Labunska I, Santillo D, Allsopp M. 2005. Recycling of electronic wastes in china and india: Workplace and environmental contamination. Greenpeace International, Amsterdam. Chen A, Dietrich KN, Huo X, Ho S. 2011. Developmental neurotoxicants in e-waste: An emerging health concern. Environ Health Perspect 119(4):431. Cui J, Forssberg E. 2003. Mechanical recycling of waste electric and electronic equipment: A review. J Hazard Mater 99(3):243-263. Garlapati VK. 2016. E-waste in india and developed countries: Management, recycling, business and biotechnological initiatives. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 54:874-881. Golev A, Schmeda-Lopez DR, Smart SK, Corder GD, McFarland EW. 2016. Where next on e-waste in australia? Waste Manage 58:348-358. Grant K, Goldizen FC, Sly PD, Brune M, Neira M, van den Berg M et al. 2013. Health consequences of exposure to e-waste: A systematic review. The Lancet Global Health 1(6):e350-e361. Heacock M, Kelly CB, Asante KA, Birnbaum LS, Bergman AL, Brune MN et al. 2016. E-waste and harm to vulnerable populations: A growing global problem. Environ Health Perspect 124(5):550-555; doi: 10.1289/ehp.1509699 [doi]. Hossain MS, Al-Hamadani SM, Rahman MT. 2015. E-waste: A challenge for sustainable development. Journal of Health and Pollution 5(9):3-11. Là ¨bre É, Corder G. 2015. Integrating industrial ecology thinking into the management of mining waste. Resources 4(4):765-786. Liu Q, Cao J, Li KQ, Miao XH, Li G, Fan FY et al. 2009. Chromosomal aberrations and DNA damage in human populations exposed to the processing of electronics waste. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 16(3):329-338. Lundgren K. 2012. The global impact of e-waste: Addressing the challenge. . Namias J. 2013. The future of electronic waste recycling in the United States: obstacles and domestic solutions. Norman RE, Carpenter DO, Scott J, Brune MN, Sly PD. 2013. Environmental exposures: An underrecognized contribution to noncommunicable diseases. Rev Environ Health 28(1):59-65. Programme des Nations Unies pour lenvironnement. 2011. Towards a Green Economy: Pathways to Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication. :United Nations Environment Programme. Sepà ºlveda A, Schluep M, Renaud FG, Streicher M, Kuehr R, Hagelà ¼ken C et al. 2010. A review of the environmental fate and effects of hazardous substances released from electrical and electronic equipments during recycling: Examples from china and india. Environ Impact Assess Rev 30(1):28-41. Smith T, Sonnenfeld DA, Pellow DN. 2006. Challenging the Chip: Labor Rights and Environmental Justice in the Global Electronics Industry. :Temple University Press. Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM). 2009. Background information in relation to the emerging policy issue of electronic waste. , Geneva. The Lancet. 2013. Electronic waste-time to take stock. The Lancet 381(9885):2223; doi: http://dx.doi.org.library1.unmc.edu:2048/10.1016/S0140-6736(13)61465-8. Web.unep.org. March, 2017. E-Waste Management | Global Partnership on Waste Management. http://web.unep.org/gpwm/what-we-do/e-waste-management ed. . Wu K, Xu X, Liu J, Guo Y, Huo X. 2011. In utero exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls and reduced neonatal physiological development from guiyu, china. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 74(8):2141-2147. Wu K, Xu X, Peng L, Liu J, Guo Y, Huo X. 2012. Association between maternal exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) from electronic waste recycling and neonatal health outcomes. Environ Int 48:1-8. Yoshida A, Terazono A, Ballesteros FC, Nguyen D, Sukandar S, Kojima M et al. 2016. E-waste recycling processes in indonesia, the philippines, and vietnam: A case study of cathode ray tube TVs and monitors. Resour Conserv Recycling 106:48-58. Zeng X, Gong R, Chen W, Li J. 2016. Uncovering the recycling potential of New WEEE in china. Environ Sci Technol 50(3):1347-1358. Zhang X, Luo X, Liu H, Yu L, Chen S, Mai B. 2010. Bioaccumulation of several brominated flame retardants and dechlorane plus in waterbirds from an e-waste recycling region in south china: Associated with trophic level and diet sources. Environ Sci Technol 45(2):400-405. Zheng J, Chen K, Yan X, Chen S, Hu G, Peng X et al. 2013. Heavy metals in food, house dust, and water from an e-waste recycling area in south china and the potential risk to human health. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 96:205-212.

Death and the African American Literature Essay -- Racial Relations, R

Racism in the United States is without a doubt one of the most gruesome forms of inhumanity. This disease generated the dehumanization of slavery which has taken the lives of innumerable innocent African Americans. It has also robbed a whole race of their identities, heritages and cultures. Throughout the myriad of novels, excerpts, poems, videos and other forms of literature that we encountered in this course, it is unmistakable that the African American literary tradition demonstrates that the past (the unbelievable sufferings of African Americans) can never be arrested and forgotten. The many that have perished at the feet of racism are the history of African Americans themselves, and the African American literary tradition makes it a priority to be true to that history. So why is death a theme in the African American literary tradition? Death, in itself, is a universal phenomenon, with no exception; it touches the lives of all persons regardless of their social status or ethnic heritage. Likewise, death is a universal theme in literature, but its relevance in the African American literature is particularly poignant because of the loyalty that African American writers have to their history. With the help of works of Frederick Douglass’ Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass an American Slave , Negro spirituals (â€Å"I feel like my time ain’t long† and â€Å"Many Thousands Gone†) and Abel Meeropol’s â€Å"Strange Fruits,† modern African American literature like late sermons from Martine Luther King Jr. and Elizabeth Alexander’s â€Å" Praise Song for the Day† has utilize the universal theme of death to symbolize the racial injustice that African Americans experience in the own country and they also utilize such a strong theme to declare ... ...rt-breaking result of racism in the United States and the subject has made its way into the African American literary tradition. Slave narratives such as Douglass’ Narratives and Negro spirituals such as â€Å"I feel like my time ain’t long† and â€Å"Many Thousands Gone† have made African American literature true to the history that has been recorded. A present day controversial subject in our society is why can’t people, especially African Americans, forget about slavery and the adversity against African Americans? It is believed that African Americans have progressed and made advancement since that time; however, with writers like Elizabeth Alexander, the past just can’t go away forgotten; especially a past that was as gruesome as that of African Americans. Every single bloody lash, death and groaning happened and as she said we have to â€Å"say it plain† that it happened.

Foreshadowing in William Faulkners A Rose For Emily Essay -- A Rose Fo

In the story, A Rose for Emily by William Faulkner the chronology of the story is chopped into pieces and moved around for the reader’s viewing pleasure. William Faulkner demonstrates how giving away part of the ending before the story has begun obligates the reader to investigate the story in order to get the rest of the ending, all the while building suspense for the reader, and building the storyline. The story starts off with part of the ending, which pulls the reader into the rest of the story. Right from the start, the story pulls the reader into what’s going on by giving them the line, â€Å"When Miss Emily Grierson died, our whole town went to her funeral†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (pg.130) That line makes the reader think to themselves â€Å"Why would an entire town go to a funeral?† And it’s true, what makes Emily Grierson so important that the entire town would go to her funeral? Maybe she was a magic healer or something, the reader just doesn’t know. And because the reader doesn’t know, human nature comes into play and curiosity takes its toll on the reader pushing them to read more. Then, further down ...

Of Mice and Men †Critique Essay

Of Mice and Men, directed by Gary Sinise, is a four star movie compared to the book, written by John Steinbeck in 1937. The movie was produced 55 years later in 1992, yet still captures the faithful companionship between George and Lennie. Sinise also manages to depict Steinbeck’s main themes and develops the characters almost up to the same level. The first difference I would like to explain to prospective audiences is how director Gary Sinise adapts the movie Of Mice and Men to viewers’ preferences and excludes John Steinbeck’s literary sense and purpose. For example, Steinbeck starts the novel with a scene after they have run away from a ranch because of a mishap with Lennie accidentally harassing a woman. Sinise begins with the scene just before- when Lennie and George are actually running away from the ranch owners, equipped with horses and dogs, to save their lives. The working scenes have been lengthened to show the audience the exhausting labor of the ranch hands. It is â€Å"dumb-proofed† for the viewers in order to keep them interested and attached to the film. The aspects of filming, of course, differ from the aspects of the imagination. Gary Sinise must use his own imagination and construct those images into reality on film. He has to cast the actors according to skill and appearance, develop scenes to suit the common people’s taste, he must worry about costumes, makeup, shooting, sets, set changes, time spans†¦ and the most stressful of them all, working with other people to illustrate his view of Of Mice and Men. One can’t be too harsh in critiquing a movie when its predecessor is a novel by John Steinbeck. There can be, naturally, absolutely no comparison to the human imagination, but Sinise does it with only a few imperfections and adjustments to the plot. Let me commence with Sinise’s choice of casting. Lennie, played by John Malkovich, maintains the childlike, simple character Steinbeck creates in his novel. Other film critics might disagree with me, but I believe that Malkovich was entirely convincing thro ughout his performance. George, played by Gary Sinise himself (and I must say that he must be partially â€Å"self-satisfied† to cast himself) was a confusing actor at times, changing his relationship to Lennie on several different occasions. He is, on one hand, very harsh towards Lennie and tells him what to do and what not to do, basically being domineering. On the other hand, however, George seems to be very compassionate and caring in his relationship with Lennie. Honestly, I was confused. Does George really want Lennie around, or is he just loyal to his promise to Lennie’s aunt, Clara? Who is George? Hopefully you can comprehend this sporadic behavior, because I certainly have not. An example of this is when George cleans the blood off of Lennie’s face after a fight- his movements are gentle and kind, whereas when George forces Lennie to stay at the ranch while ‘the guys’ go out for a drink. His attitudes in these two incidents are totally opposing each other. At least in Steinbeck’s book it was clear that although George was officious, he loved him. George’s annoyance is weaker than his profound unity and one-ness with him. Curley’s wife is described as a very racist, harmful, flirtatious person, who is all too aware of her power and consequently abuses it. For example, she threatens an innocent Crooks, â€Å"‘Listen, Nigger,’ she said, ‘You know what I can do to you if you open your trap?'†1 Sinise’s depiction of her in the movie, however, is not as despicable. She holds a pitiable role and always is portrayed as the victim. The audience begins to sympathize with her, although, in the book, she was the one to initiate all the trouble. Curley’s wife, in the novel, abused Lennie’s stupidity and the fact that he was fascinated by her- Sinise shows the opposite in the movie, because he represents her attraction to Lennie as one of friendship. Sinise also had to think about the skill of his actors. It seemed as though Sinise chose the actors well, because they fundamentally illustrated the feelings of the director and how he wanted to have the characters form relationships and emotions. Although the casting and level of skill was satisfactory, Sinise sometimes made scenes too extensive and irrelevant to the topic of the book. For example, when Lennie kills the puppy in the barn, he does not throw it away as he does in the book. Another similar difference is when Lennie accidentally kills Curley’s wife by breaking her neck and he does not cover her in the hay, also left out from the novel. This is a mistake, because concealing the puppy and Curley’s wife shows that Lennie is remorseful of the acts he has committed, and in the movie it is not shown like that. Sinise must also consider camera shooting. Obviously camera shots are not as effective as the descriptions in the book, because you can picture what you want, and not only what the director guesses you will want to see. Sinise, as all directors, tells the audience what to imagine. Therefore it is not as interesting as reading the book yourself and letting your imagination grow. So, if I were to recommend this movie to you, I would recommend reading the novel first. Reading Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck will show you what I am talking about in the movie. Because Steinbeck’s intentions are slightly altered in the film, you can fully appreciate this piece of theater whilst valuing the literature it sprung from. Sinise changes feelings, maybe not intentionally, but however hard he tried, he didn’t succeed perfectly. I won’t be too critical- perhaps he had to make cuts which thus excluding important relationship formations or conclusions. Overall the movie was good, but the book is of no comparison. Read Steinbeck’s version first, then decide for yourself. Me? I’m only one opinion. 1 John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, Penguin Books, (c)1937, London, England. Page 80.

Natural law approach Essay

â€Å"Natural law is the most reliable approach when making judgements about sex and relationships.† Discuss. (35 marks) When either evaluating or disusing this statement we must first consider the main teachings of natural law. For instance; natural law focuses very much on the purpose the potential and the actuality of things and events. It also talks of and attributes these three things to human beings in particular natural looks at the purpose of human beings. Natural contains two types of precepts, one being primary precepts, these are in natural law precepts in which are always true and they are the fundamental principles of natural law and there are five primary precepts including; the preservation of life, reproduction, education of the young, living peacefully in society and worship god. The second type of precepts are the secondary precepts these are worked out from the primary precepts and are hence dependent of our own judgements and therefore clearly differ from the primary precepts. Natural law is an absolute law, in which is true on all situations and times. Natural law is a deontological, in other words a ethical system in which considers that the moral act itself has moral value, for instance telling the truth is always right even when it might cause pain or harm. Although Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) is given the name as the founder of natural law, natural law owes lots of its existence to Aristotle (384-BCE). As for it was Aristotle who originally had the idea that people like every other natural objects have specific nature purpose and function and then later Aquinas linked these ideas with that of the teachings of the Catholic church. Even still to this day natural law is a basic for Roman Catholic teachings and beliefs. When dealing with the idea of judgements relating to sex and relationships there is many points which need to be given consideration. For instance sexual morality, so here we shall consider how we should all show concern to good and bad in relation to sexual relations. For instance we must consider the following; sex as procreative, sex within marriage and premarital sex, homosexuality and contraception. All of which are ideas and elements in which have to be taken account for, especially when making judgements about sex and relationships. Sex as procreation, is something in which is a very historical view of sex. Sex as procreation is the exact feeling in which natural law has towards sex and relationships as; the purpose of sex according to natural law is to procreate. Natural law believes very strongly also in the idea of sex before marriage, as natural law states that in order for a couple to have sex with one another they must first be married this is also what is believed in the terms of the catholic church. As we can see here again how natural law is in fact the bases for so many of the catholic churches ideas beliefs and teachings. As natural agrees and states that people should be in a marriage before having sex, this forms the idea that natural law does not agree with the suggestion or the act of premarital sex. Homosexuality is another issue in which is nearly always raised within the topic of sex and relationships. As natural law’s perspectives are very similar to that of the Roman Catholic churches, we can state that the view in which these both hold is that one in which states that to have sexual inclinations towards someone of your sex is not a sin but to act on these inclinations would be wrong. Within natural there is also the main statement in which says that sex has to be done in order to create a child. So although sex is said to be allowed to be for pleasurable, the main purpose always has to be an intention to have a baby from it. Hence homosexual couples will not follow this rule when having sex with one another as for this impossible for them and hence natural law is against same couple sex as this can never result in the birth of a baby. Contraception is a very controversial topic. Natural law is against the fundamental principle of contraception (stopping a child being conceived). Contraception quite simply goes against one of natural law’s five principles; reproduction, therefore natural law is against any form of contraception, so too is the Catholic Church. Natural law believes that we should not have the power as humans to interfere with Gods work and as child and babies are his work for us to use contraception we would be interfering with his work, hence why contraception is not something in which natural law agrees with. There are many reasons and examples as to why some may see natural law as the most reliable approach when making judgements about sex and relationships. For instance it is universal, so applies in all situations and there can be no misunderstandings or wrong interpretations along the way as this is a universal clear cut approach. Some will also argue that this is a god given approach as the statements in which have become the rule and teachings/beliefs of natural law often come from the bible also not forgetting that natural law has very strong religious ties with the catholic church and hence many will argue that the fact that natural law is a god given approach, in many people’s eyes, will mean that for many this makes it the best approach. Another reason as to why natural law is the best approach is because it does have very strong beliefs as to when it comes to relationships and these strong views in some people’s minds mean that it is a reliable and good approach to use when in the dilemma of relationship questions. However this may not be the case for everyone, as some will see natural law as out of date in general and this aspect of being out of date shines through for lots of people in the views in which natural law shows towards sex and relationships. For example; of sex before marriage being one of these views. For some this idea in which natural law is out of date will mean that for them natural law really isn’t the best approach especially when making judgements about sex and relationships. Also, we must consider here that natural may also for many seem inflexible. Back to the point made earlier which is that natural law is absolute law, in which is true on all situations and times. Although for many this is the exact reason or one of them for why the like natural law this is also for many a negative point of natural law. As it means that natural law is inflexible, and hence some might argue that natural law being inflexible means that it is not the best approach to use, especially in this situation when we are dealing with a the sensitive topic of sex and relationships. In a question like this one we must make sure that we have a clear cut idea of what all the words mean to make sure that everyone is really making the best judgements about whether or not natural law is the most reliable approach when making judgements about sex and relationships. In this question the word in which we need to make sure we have to know what we mean by it is, reliable. To me reliable means that we can trust it, for an approach to be seemed as reliable, to me that means that we can trust all of what the approach has to say on the topic in which it has been said to have been reliable when making judgements on. Reliable in this context I think can also be associated with being fair and a view in which we can all take and all be happy taking. This theory may seem reliable I believe from the perspective of someone who is religious and especially catholic and the views are very similar. This approach may also seem reliable to a person with the perspective that there should be set rules in life and that life is very clean cut and black and white. Someone with the perspective that life needs set rules and regulations and that these rules and regulations should be fixed and set and little of any flexibility. However, this theory may seem not reliable to those who believe that there can’t be absolutes in terms of personal relationships. For instance these people who think like this may argue, are there really absolutes when it comes to personal relationships? As we all know that no relationship is ever the same as no person is ever the same and hence these people may well argue that for such reasons like these that there just can’t be absolutes in situations really involving people and emotions, in which are both a big part of the topic situation e.g. relationships. However, some who believe strongly in natural law will disagree, no doubt and will argue that there can be absolutes in terms of personal relationships and they may argue that everything in life can have and should have absolutes. And one rule in which applies in one aspect of life and surely then be applied to all aspects of life. Those who argue that there can’t really be absolutes in terms of personal relationships might say that other theories due to this are more reliable. For instance, they might put forward Kant or utilitarianism as being more reliable. This could be because they are seen as being more flexible theories. Especially utilitarianism, as utilitarianism is a teleological theory, one in which argues that moral actions are right or wrong depending on their out as opposed to natural law which is not a teleological theory and is a deontological theory instead therefore is a theory in which is not very flexible and is a theory which is based on moral rules and whether action itself is right or wrong. To conclude, â€Å"Natural law is the most reliable approach when making judgements about sex and relationships†, is a statement in which really depends on your personal views.

Blood Diamond Essay

In history, it was on 1866 that the first diamond was officially discovered and in the South Africa. Hope Town, South Africa claimed that the first dazzling gems were found in their place. At the early times, South African people’s way of existence was through agriculture. The whole evolution and the development of the contemporary Industrial South Africa have begun with the discovery of this diamonds in the Kimberley area. The discovery of the diamonds was said to be the most intense, vivid and the brightest spot in the South Africa’s economic history in the mid-to-late 1800s. The actual stones are millions of years old and were brought to the earth’s surface through volcanic eruptions of molten rock. The diamond makes up kimberlite or the primary deposit along with alluvial deposits, also known as secondary deposits. The results of erosion from the primary deposit are those that are commonly found in rivers or any watercourse that are along the shoreline. Diamond mining has become an advantage to South Africa and elsewhere in the African continent. On the other hand, this valuable gem had become a source of horror and becomes a dreadful alarm, terrorizing the nations such as Sierra Leone, Angola, as well in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Blood diamond also known as the conflict diamond, the dirty diamond and the war diamond is the diamond which can be mined and excavated in a war zone and be sold. The control over the diamond mines has become linked to the bloody civil wars filled with abuses, hostility, resentment and violence. Blood diamond also known as the conflict diamonds are from areas wherein the recognized government is being opposed. This diamonds are all used to support and finance all kinds of the military actions in opposition to those governments. In a universal point of view, diamonds are valued and are symbols of love as well as elegance and wealth of the beholder. But blood diamonds are actually be implicated with hate, violence and destructions. In several African nations diamond has become the means to power. Because diamonds are transferable, undetectable, easily obscured it lends themselves to smuggling, corruption, a reason to terrorized millions of innocent civilians and financing some of the world’s brutal terrorist. It is said that most of the African warlords uses blood diamonds in order to finance wars. It had been recorded that thousands of people had been forced by the armies to search or mine diamonds. Another sad fact is that the reward of theses people of the hard work of mining diamonds was more or less a mere cup of rice per day. During the civil war, part of the trade of the blood diamonds, people of Sierra Leone were maltreated by rebels, some had also lost there hands, arms and other body parts in the hands of the rebels. In 1998, the United Nations forbid countries to diamonds from Angola. It can be said that it was the first resolution made by the United Nations regarding the support received by rebels through the blood diamonds. In 1990, it was reported that the percentage of the illicit diamond trade had fallen to around 1%. The very first blood diamond that had been found can be tracked down to the year 1866 near Kimberley in Africa. Today, millions of people are employed in mining diamonds across the Sub Saharan Africa because of the gems value and quality. Diamonds travels pick up today-from the mine up to the market place and finally to the hand of the people and nation who are enthusiast and extreme to pay big amount of money and riches just to have such gem. Diamonds are representation of different kinds of images from love and passion to disaster, catastrophe, rivalry, battle and war. The most interesting about diamonds that is also common to all is that all diamonds had travelled a course that is rough-shorn and also, every piece has its own fascinating and interesting story. References Bakhtiar, R. (2001). Diamonds lure wealth, conflict to african nations. Retrieved January 19, 2008 from http://cnnstudentnews. cnn. com/2001/fyi/news/11/22/diamond. history/index. htm Cahill, P. (no date). A diamond’s journey begins. Retrieved January 19, 2008 from http://www. msnbc. msn. com/id/15842523/

Daewoo

1. Introduction The aim of this report is to critically evaluate the Daewoo’s 1995 UK automotive market entrance. After entering the highly competitive British car industry, Daewoo managed to achieve a competitive advantage by focusing on delivering effective customer service. We seek to understand why established car firms did not respond to customer needs prior Daewoo’s entrance and what strategies they could possibly adopt to outperform Daewoo presently. The report also takes a look at the innovations associated with the UK entry of the Korean car manufacturer and how they could sustain these innovations to retain and build on their existing market share. Possible brand extension strategies will be suggested for Daewoo to follow subsequent to the successful launch of the car. We finally assess other sectors where firms could achieve a competitive advantage by applying a customer-centred strategy. 2. Analysis of the Case 2.1 Dilemma facing the car industry The industry is faced with two main choices when responding to Daewoo’s challenge. The first of which is to save resources and not respond based on the belief that Daewoo’s competitive advantage is not sustainable. Daewoo’s direct distribution strategy will incur increased customer service and logistics costs (Doyle and Stern, 2007) and the firm’s current aggressive promotional strategy will also affect their bottom line. Furthermore, the ‘post modern’ criticism of delivering such high service levels is that it is unsustainable due to the fact that the customer will simply increase their expectations in line with improved offerings (Kotler et al, 2007). However, such a strategy would involve a high level of risk. The second option for responding to Daewoo’s challenge is to adopt defence strategies (Lambin, 2007). We feel that it is important to establish that there is no universal strategy and individual players would be advised to review whether the threat of Daewoo is relevant to their target market. For example, high end car manufacturers such as Audi and Mercedes are highly unlikely to suffer any repercussions as they do not target the same price sensitive market. Companies that do target price sensitive customers (such as Ford, Fiat and Renault) would be advised to take a much more direct approach however. The most appropriate mode of doing this would be through a combination of ‘position’, ‘flank’ and ‘pre-emptive’ defences (Lambin, 2007). Firstly, through a ‘position defence’, it would be recommended that manufacturers utilize their existing brand equities and customer base. Daewoo do not benefit from a long standing presence in the UK market and, as a result, protecting existing customer databases is a crucial element in defending market share. A combination of ‘Flank’ and ‘Pre-emptive’ defences would be recommended to address the threat brought about by Daewoo’s distribution strategy. An obvious way of doing this would be to imitate the strategy and meet or even exceed the standards set by Daewoo. However, this would be a costly and difficult process to implement due to the high exit barriers caused by existing distribution agreements. Therefore, to pre-empt the next move in Daewoo’s strategy would be a more viable solution and could give the competition a first mover advantage. The growth of e-commerce and internet usage in 1998-2000 was unprecedented (BBC, 2010) and developing an online platform represents an opportunity to create an interactive and cost effective distribution strategy. Adoption of such a solution would allow manufacturers to lead digital convergence and offer further decreases in stress and intrusion into the customer’s decision making process. 2.3 Customer-focused approach According to the pre-launch research conducted by Daewoo, the overall standard of customer service in the UK car market was low. The majority of consumers suffered from unpleasant buying experiences due to apathy from dealers, inconsistent pricing and poor after-sales service. This provided Daewoo a competitive advantage by operating as a customer-focused brand. The Korean conglomerate focused on optimizing their customer services, including an exceptional showroom atmosphere (Rodgers, 1995). Despite of this example, the industry had failed to innovate in a customer-focused manner. The fundamental reason is that as the UK car industry structure had remained unchanged for one hundred years. Conventional innovation approaches include building high quality cars (Volkswagen and Toyota) or offering low prices as (Lada). However, they did not break the tradition by investing in an innovative, customer-focused strategy. An additional cause could be that UK automobile manufacturers were highly conservative. According to Whittington (2010) customer centric strategies are so complex that requires the company not only analyse the problem from the market researches, but also develop an objective view to consider financial and operational issues. We feel that, that on consideration of the financial and operational investment required, manufacturers denoted the risk of following such a strategy was too high risk. The last possibility is that the market did not believe this kind of customer-focused innovation was feasible and underestimated the importance of after-sales services and the ever-changing customer trends. The opportunity was clearly shown through market research data, however we feel it was ignored and the market change adverse. Ironically, they failed to anticipate a market entrant could identify and achieve a competitive advantage through customer-focused innovation. Daewoo’s successful launch strategy taught the market a bitter lesson. 2.4 Sustainable competitive advantage Daewoo has achieved its aim of gaining circa 1% share of the UK new car market. A challenge the company now faces is to sustain this position and improve it further in the future. As highlighted in 2.1, it can be argued that Daewoo’s competitive advantage is not sustainable. It could, therefore, be easily imitated by competitors, substituted by rivals’ offerings and as a result lose their rarity and be less valued by customers in the longer-term (Barney, 1991; Srivastava et al, 2001; Kotler et al, 2009). In order to avoid such a fate, the company should undertake a number of steps. Firstly, it should improve the quality of cars to be able to compete more effectively with competitors when they inevitably counter act Daewoo’s strategy. High quality cars combined with the brand’s positive image and reputation gained during the launch stage will help to retain customers. Secondly, it should conduct market research regularly to collect information about customers’ needs. This will ensure the company will continue tailoring its products and services to meet these needs better than competitors. Moreover, the company should continue innovating customer services to endure a competitive advantage. It should constantly seek new ways for the whole experience of buying a car, so that it can offer something else when competitors copy its current innovations. For example, Daewoo might launch a website where customers are given an option to co-create a car by adding features or add/exclude services. Finally, the company has been emphasising weaknesses of other car makers in its advertising efforts so far. It should start to focus more on its own strengths communicate them in an effective manner. It will be problematic and expensive to attract customers and raise awareness with the current advertising when competitors improve their services. It is important to bear in mind that it will take some time for competitors to match Daewoo’s critical success factors as they might need to go through cultural, structural and operational changes (Woodruff, 1997). Daewoo has an invaluable opportunity now to build further on its existing capabilities to sustain its market position and become a stronger competitor in the future. 2.5 Other sector options  Customers today are strongly value oriented. Knowing where value resides from the standpoint of the customer has become extremely critical for managers, because greater levels of customer satisfaction lead to greater levels of customer loyalty and retention, positive word-of-mouth, a stronger competitive position and ultimately, higher market share (Kotler et al, 2009). Daewoo attacked an industry as competitive as the car sector through a value and customer service strategy. Successful companies manage to invert the traditional organisation chart by placing customers at the top of the pyramid as opposed to managers who believe that the customer is the company’s only true profit centre (Kotler et al, 2009). Customer-centred companies such as Amazon.com are in a strong position to identify new opportunities and set a course that promises to deliver long term profits due to its customer orientation (Kotler et al, 2009). A firm can achieve competitive advantage in other industries such as travel, banking, insurance, airlines, retail and fast moving consumer goods by employing a customer-focused strategy. The illustration of how Southwest Airlines achieved a distinct advantage in an extremely competitive industry such as the airline industry by focusing on delivering higher customer value bears testimony to this. Customers place high value on Southwest’s frequent departures, on-time service, friendly employees and very low fares (Heskett et al, 1994). However, it is imperative to understand the fact that not all firms are able to achieve a competitive advantage through superior customer service (Lambin, 2007). A company should have the internal capabilities and resources to adapt to ever changing customer needs. The service level provided must also be appropriate to the target market in order to exceed customer expectations. 2.6 Brand extension Marketers must judge each potential brand extension by how effectively it leverages and contributes to brand equity. With the right product ‘fit’, the customer’s perception of the parent brand can reduce perceived risk within numerous consumer or B2B decision making processes (Kotler, 2009, Webster, 1991). The Daewoo brand has become synonymous with exceeding customer expectations. This creates numerous brand extension opportunities. As in 2.5, Daewoo should however ensure that this is related to their core competencies to maximize the likelihood of success. We feel that an ideal opportunity comes in the form of extending the Daewoo brand to the commercial vehicle segment. This would not require the company to re-plan their entire marketing strategy as this would hold true for targeting small to medium business (SMB’s) markets as well as consumer. Furthermore, Daewoo would be able to leverage their partnership with GM to reduce research and development costs by re-branding other Vauxhall/Opel models such as the ‘Corsa’ van. An increasingly diversified, yet viable option would be to extend the Daewoo brand to motorcycles. This would again enable the company to leverage its brand equity and distribution networks; however the product and market is outside their existing knowledge base. In order to overcome this lack of knowledge and competence, we would recommend that Daewoo follow a similar alliance strategy that they previously adopted with GM with a leading motorcycle manufacturer. Although this is likely to ensure that the core product will be of a high quality, Daewoo must be mindful of the fact that their existing staff will require extensive product training maintain service levels. The final and most diversified brand extension would to utilize Daewoo’s brand equity within the Financial Services sector (motor insurance). As with the motorcycle market however, Daewoo do not currently have the knowledge or resources to compete in the market. In this instance, we would recommend Daewoo to operate a franchise partnership with a suitable insurance provider. As stated above, it is however imperative that Daewoo ensure that both the core and augmented product fit with their brand. 3. Conclusions  Concluding on our evaluation of the 1995 launch of the Daewoo automotive brand into the UK market, it is clear that it was a success. The company capitalized on a weakness in the market by leveraging their knowledge base and extensive resources to provide exceptional customer service. Sceptical views of the strategies longevity are however justified. The innovative distribution strategy adopted requires additional expenditure and the company’s aggressive marketing activity will again affect the bottom line. It is clear that in order to remain stable in the market and maintain a sustainable competitive advantage, the company must continue to understand and satisfy the needs and wants of the customer. Although brand extensions offer a lucrative growth opportunity, the company must not allow this to detract from their main competency- customer satisfaction. With regards to the market environment, Daewoo’s competitors have no one to blame but themselves. Regardless of this, they must adopt effective defence strategies to match and exceed Daewoo’s market offering in order to protect their market share from further depletion. Furthermore, to pre-empt and lead the next major development in customer satisfaction will be imperative to long term success.

Anticancer Efficacy of Curcumin Analysis

Anticancer Efficacy of Curcumin Analysis Nuclear factor-ÃŽ ºB (NF-ÃŽ ºB) is a transcription factor that is essential in the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses. 1 It influences a diverse target of gene expressions that regulate apoptosis, facilitate cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation. 1,2 Before cell stimulation, NF-ÃŽ ºB dimers that are located in the cytoplasm are inactive. 3 Prior to activation, NF-ÃŽ ºB dimers consisting of RelA, c-REL, and p50 are held in the cytoplasm by inhibitory ÃŽ ºB (IÃŽ ºB) proteins. 3,8 The IÃŽ ºB kinase (IKK) complex is activated by various extracellular signals such as proinflammatory cytokines and viral infections. 3,4 This IKK complex phosphorylates two conserved serine residues and targets NF-ÃŽ ºB-bound IÃŽ ºBs, which results in ubiquitin-mediated dissociation of IÃŽ ºB from NF-ÃŽ ºB, thus leading to translocation of activated NF-ÃŽ ºB into the nucleus. 2,7 The activation of NF-ÃŽ ºB promotes tumor invasion, metastasis, and allows malignant cells to escap e apoptosis. Consequently, many chemotherapeutic drugs have been found to activate NF-ÃŽ ºB, thus contributing to chemoresistance and chemotherapy failure. 3 Increasing evidence suggests that, the inhibition of NF-ÃŽ ºB activation can reduce chemoresistance and improve the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents. 3 Among the compounds that have been reported, curcumin was found to inhibit the activation of NF-ÃŽ ºB and thus, induce apoptosis in tumor cells. 6 Unfortunately, its clinical applications remains limited due to its poor bioavailability and low potency 6 , these prompted researchers to chemically modify curcumin in order to increase its potency against NF-ÃŽ ºB and cancerous cells. 8 In this issue, Qui et al . 8 reports progress in the synthesis and identification of new 4-arylidene curcumin analogues as a potential chemotherapeutic agent. Different kinds of 4-arylidene curcumin analogues were synthesized by coupling 1, 3-diketones curcumin analogues with various aro matic aldehydes in toluene with acetic acid, using piperidine as a catalyst (figure 1). The chemotherapeutic activities of the synthesized compounds were tested on the growth of A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells with curcumin used as control. The authors reported that majority of the 4-arylidene curcumin analogues exhibited potent anticancer activities against A549 growth with GI 50 in the range of 0.23 – 0.93 ÃŽ ¼M, while very poor antiproliferation activities of curcumin was observed at 15.23 ÃŽ ¼M. This shows a 10- to 60-fold increase in the potency of 4-arylidene curcumin analogues over the parent compound, curcumin. Remarkably, the cytotoxic activities of these newly designed curcumin analogues were not limited to A549 cells. The growth of other carcinoma cells H1944, squamous cells H157, and large carcinoma cells H460, were effectively inhibited by selected 4-acrylidene curcumin analogues, with GI 50 values at micromolar concentrations low to 0.07 ÃŽ ¼M. Likewise, in a r elated study, Zambre et al. 9 reported that copper(II) conjugates of Knoevenagel condensates of curcumin analogue showed inhibitory activities against human leukemic KBM-5 cells. Taken together, these two forms of curcumin analogues offer new possibilities at both ends as potential anticancer agents. One of the key curcumin targets that is important for the survival of cancer is IÃŽ ºB kinase (IKK), which regulates NF-ÃŽ ºB activation. 6 Activated NF-ÃŽ ºB is situated in the nucleus to promote transcription that is triggered by tumor-necrosis factor (TNFÃŽ ±). 1,5 Thus, Qiu et al. 8 used nuclear translocation of NF-ÃŽ ºB in response to TNFÃŽ ± as the main indicator to examine the mode of action of curcumin in comparison to 4-arylidene curcumin analogue. A549 cells were treated in a 384-well plate format with curcumin and its new analogue respectively, before the addition of TNFÃŽ ± to trigger nuclear translocation of NF-ÃŽ ºB p65 subunit. As a result, curcumin inhibited TNFÃŽ ± -induced nuclear translocation of NF-ÃŽ ºB with a mean IC 50 of 9.5 ÃŽ ¼M, which is consistent with the work of Kasinski et al . 4 Interestingly, most of the synthesized 4-arylidene curcumin analogue showed improved inhibitory activities against NF-ÃŽ ºB translocation with mean IC 50 values in the range of 1.0 – 4.9 ÃŽ ¼ÃŽÅ". This finding proved the superiority of the newly designed curcumin analogue over curcumin in blocking nuclear translocation of NF-ÃŽ ºB. Consequently, in a related paper, Zambre et al. 9 developed novel curcumin analogues that were synthesized using Knoevenagel condensation to convert enolic diketones of curcumin into non-enolizable ones. The synthesized compounds were examined for their potential in blocking TNFÃŽ ±-induced NF-ÃŽ ºB activation. It was reported that copper(II) conjugates of Knoevenagel condensates of curcumin showed greater potentials in blocking TNFÃŽ ±-induced NF-ÃŽ ºB activation than curcumin, confirming the potency superiority of curcumin analogues over the parental curcumin.

Rural Poverty and Microcredit in Third World Economies Essay

Rural Poverty and Microcredit in Third World Economies - Essay Example The traditional obsession with macro policies implemented at the state level has at most been disastrous. This, coupled with the inefficient delivery of aid to the poor nations, has only increased corruption, high and persistent inflation and unemployment, political repression and burdensome external and public sector debts (Woller and Wordworth 269) . This paper is divided into two parts. Part one looks at the latest strategy, microcredit, floated as a possible solution to ending rural poverty in Third World countries. Microcredit embodies the specific recognition that the lack of access to credit can be a limiting factor for significant numbers of the economically active poor. The second part seeks out a way through which the West can deliver aid effectively, efficiently and accountable to help combat rural poverty. The origins of microcredit Since the end of World War II few countries have moved from underdeveloped to developed status with the exception of the Asian tiger economi es. Though the reasons for this remain numerous and complex, Woller and Wordworth (268) attribute a large portion of the blame to widespread macro development policy failure. In the past it was believed that the best way to tackle poverty is through top-down, state-led development policies modeled on the experience of the Western industrial nations. These policies favored large-scale industrialization and concentration of economic power on elite groups. To make matters worse the international aid community reinforced the ills of these policies by pouring billions of dollars into numerous, and often dubious, large-scale state development projects (Woller and Wordsworth 268). Worse still, from the late 1960s, a rural alternative to the state-led modernization drive called the Green Revolution was initiated. The Green Revolution essentially forced Western agricultural practices on indigenous Third World peasant farmers, with many small family plots being expropriated by central gover nments and leased out to huge multinationals in the Europe and America. The end result of all these policies was uneven industrialization, high and persistent inflation and unemployment, endemic corruption, political repression and burdensome external and public sector debts (Woller and Wordsworth 269). In recent years economic growth has picked up creating a new sense of optimism for the Third World. However, even in a best-case scenario, it would be foolish to expect poverty eradication in these countries in the next few years. Woller and Wordsworth (270) are convinced that in the absence of policies that provide economic opportunities for the poor, macro development policies will continue to bypass the poor. What the Less Developed Countries (LDCs) need are small, concrete efforts that emanate from the grass-roots. The microcredit movement is part of this new paradigm that has emerged from the underground economy of the poor. The microcredit rationale Microcredit is defined as programs that extend small loans to poor people for self-employment projects that generate income (Woller and Wordsworth 267). With limited employment opportunities, in both rural and urban areas, millions of poor people in LDCs must earn their living through self-employment in the informal economy. This involves engaging in activities such as hawking, bicycle and/or rickshaw transportation, collecting scrap and running small shops. However, even these self-employment opportunities require capital for starting up, running or expansion.