Google’s Channel Strategy

Google’s corporate strategy can be divided into four segments: Product and Marketing strategy, Competition strategy, Growth strategy, and Financial strategy. Google has a strategic orientation of immediate policy focus, for example, the company’s concern for competition associated matters. In other words, Google is more inclined to find the need to beat rivals rather than being held up with a strategic policy. Therefore, product orientation strategy has an immense predisposition to identify faults and space of rivals and getting in there to diminish the competition.They are also highly focused on which segments of the mass market are neglected and would afford their products. This includes whether to expand in a certain region or pull out of an area due to failure to achieve set goals. The marketing strategy is influenced by the approach of product placement. Google would like to make the glasses accessible to everyone. It is a device that can be used by the mass market and Google has the background and tools to market successfully to those targets. They want to make it usable for all groups and that means making the device simple and easy to use.Google’s growth is immensely mounting and is directly associated with the managing of customer relations. Google’s made a great choice to grow through their customers because their technological capabilities such as detection of bad practices, customer feedback, information management and result analysis have improved greatly through staying connected to a loyal customer base. Through the eyes of the customer, Google has matured through new products and services such as Google Calendar, Groups, Gmail, Docs, Mobile, Maps, Blogger, and more that have all successfully given the customers their satisfaction.Their growth ties in with their devotion to focus on the user and having all else follow. Google knows that they are a Search Company first. This means that Google recognizes what they are be st at, and to do that one thing, which is to solve search problems, to the best of their ability and focus mainly on that. Secondly, they try to improve in the areas that they are somewhat weak in. But this doesn’t mean they lose focus of their strategy of putting their strengths first and improving them to such a degree to create an everlasting competitive advantage. Google’s distribution objective is to increase exposure to the business markets.We will be exclusively dealing because it encourages marketing support. We will be able to work with another company in getting the product out there and making it known while Google doesn’t have to bear the whole burden. It also allows Google to be a step ahead of its competitors in having a big retailer to sell through and having them only committed to Google. This gives Google a great advantage over their competitors and separates Google from their competitors. There are three main goals for distribution. First, Goog le will have functioning marketing channels within 1 year after launch.This will allow them to transport and store goods as well as gather information and market research in order to plan and assist in exchange. Second, Google will gain market share in the consumer cell phone market within 2 years. From this, Google then poses a challenge towards its competitors by offering a better performance through introducing an innovative new product and gaining a competitive edge. The last goal is that Google Glasses becomes the dominant business communication tool within 3 years. It’s a one of a kind product as or right now and getting a head start allows Google to achieve this objective.Their strategy for differentiation is to gain direct access to business clients to support distribution goals. With goals come key issues that affect the attainment thereof. Google has to create relationships with its channel members. They need to have cooperation and collaboration to create synergy. Along with this, proper training and execution of sales force to target business market needs to be implemented. Creating such a motivating channel member force will only bring positive rewards towards making this product a success and accomplishing our goal to get it in the hands of those that Google is pursuing.

Government Intervention in the Workplace and Economic Development Essay

In a free economic system, the decisions made by the buyers and decisions made by the suppliers, determine equilibrium prices and levels of output, in a free market. Scarce resources are thus allocated according to the competing pressures of demand and supply. An increase in demand of a product, signals the producers to increase the supply of the commodity, as potential profit levels increase so as to meet the increased demand. The working of a free market mechanism is a strong tool which has been used in determining allocation of resources among competing ends (Riley, 2006). There exists an increased claim that when issues, and policies are left on their own economic devices rather than instigating a state control on them, it would result to a more harmonious and equal society with increase in economic development. This concept is based on the liberal theory of economics which was first believed to be formulated by Adam Smith. It proposes a society where there is minimal government intervention in the economy. When government intervenes in workplaces, does it result to economic development? This is an issue of contention between various economists, and we shall look at both the advantages and the disadvantages of government intervention in working places and the effect on economic development (Mishra, Navin & Geeta, 2006). The government has various goals and it may intervene in the price mechanism, in order to change resource allocation, with a view to attain a specific social or economic welfare. The government intervenes in the free market system so as to influence allocation of resources in ways that will be favorable in meeting their goals. These goals might include correcting a market failure, achieving a more equitable wealth distribution in the economy, or general improvement in the performance of the economy. These interventions however come with a certain cost on the working of economic systems (Mishra, Navin & Geeta, 2006). Government has continually set rules and regulations that govern conditions and operations in work places. These rules and regulations, may affect supply or output of a certain commodity. We shall examine different areas that the government has intervened in work places and its consequent effect on the economy. It is in order for government to intervene as it has multiple macro-economic goals of achievement of economic development, full employment, and price stability, among others. These goals sometimes are contradictory as the achievement of one goal affects the attainment of the other (Brux, 2008). Price controls In various work places the government can impose price controls. There are two forms of price controls which can be imposed by the government. The government can impose high prices for certain goods which are referred to as floor prices. This is a price that is set in which a commodity cannot be sold below this price. Consumers are thus required to pay high prices for these commodities regardless whether the demand is low or otherwise. It ensures that the income by the producers of these commodities is higher than they could have otherwise obtained in a deregulated market (Petkantchin, 2006). The other type of price control is what is referred as price ceiling. It is a price that is set by the government, whereby suppliers are not allowed to exceed this price. It is an incentive to ensure that needy buyers or consumers can obtain this commodity at a lower price. This control is mostly found in the main utilities such as telecommunications, water, gas and others. Free market economists argue that this control increases the burden of costs to businesses which damage their competitiveness as a result of huge amount of red tape (Riley, 2006). When prices are freely set by the market, they easily regulate the economy. Producers are able to determine which products are highly valued and preferred by the consumers, they help them ascertain the management methods and technologies which will produce the greatest economic well being. Firms therefore attain incentives in order to innovate, integrate desired management skills in order to produce the desired commodities. Prices are also good indicators of the availability of resources. If the price of a commodity increases as a result of shortage, it signals the producer that, the there is a need to cut back on wastage of that resource, and efficient use of it. In general terms, prices enable economic players to enhance the most efficient use of scarce economic resources. When the government controls prices, whether in form of a price floor or a price ceiling, then it becomes a disadvantage to the economy (Petkantchin, 2006). The government requires that in order for a certain business to be conducted, a license is necessary. This is a form of government intervention in work places, since it creates barriers to entry for potential competition. According to Brux (2008), licenses are issued to ensure that customers are protected from inferior quality goods and services. Licenses however, are harmful to these consumers when they are a requirement of the law. This is because they reduce the availability of a certain commodity or service in a particular area, more so when there is a quota on the number of licenses to be issued. It is also detrimental to the well being of the consumers when the license fees are so high that smaller competitors cannot afford. This limits entry to a certain market which can be a way of creating monopoly. Prices charged on the commodity are higher than when there is a more liberal market. This affects the economic well being of a nation. The government also intervenes in work places by the use of fiscal policies. It alters the level and the pattern of demand for a particular commodity in the market which has its consequences in economic development. One such policy is the use of indirect taxes on demerit goods. This includes goods such as alcohol, tobacco consumption among others. Their consumption comes with a certain cost on the health or the general welfare of the consumer. The government induces such taxes, in order to increase the price and thereby increase the opportunity cost of consumption. Consumer demand towards such commodities decreases. This intervention means that these industries would not perform at their optimal point. They reduce their production so as to cater for the reduced demand of their commodities. It is a compromise on full employment that macro economic policies try to achieve, and as a result lower the level of economic development (Brux, 2008). Employment laws that govern businesses have been put in place by the government. They are a form of government interventions that also affect economic development. In the employment law, the government offers some legal protection for workers by setting the maximum working hours or setting the minimum wages to be paid to workers. Organizations are thus controlled in form of wages paid to workers, which should have otherwise been left to be determined by the competitive laws of labor demand and supply. The effect of this intervention is an increase in the amount that an organization spends on wages. There is also a limitation that is placed by the government in form of working hours. This acts to curtail production levels which have a negative effect on the GDP. The profitability of the firm is also affected by increasing its operation costs. This reduces organizational profits that would have been used to increase the level of organizational investments (Riley, 2006). When the government pays subsidies, it intervenes in the work places as it will obtain the money from businesses and public borrowing. This is an increase in public expenditure which means that the government has to increase the interest rates in order to attract funds from investors. Increase in interest rates has negative effect on businesses. This is because the cost of borrowing finances for investments increases which reduces the overall profitable ventures that are available for the business. The overall activity of business is thus curtailed or in more general terms the level of investment in the economy decreases. A decrease in the level of investment reduces the aggregate demand which inhibits economic development (FunQA. com, 2009). Government intervention is sometimes in form of tariffs. The government intervenes in imported products by imposing high taxes on them. They do this in order for the government to earn income and protect the local industries. When a consumer consumes these goods, he/she pays high prices for them which make the consumer worse off. The consumer is thus forced to consume less of other products and services. In the macro economy, the effect is to reduce demand of other goods and services which will make the economy to be worse off. This government intervention has a negative impact on economic development (Pearson Education Inc. , 2010). It is very common for both the small and big businesses to call in the government so as to protect them. Small businesses requests the government to offer them less regulation while increase the same on the big businesses. They also ask for fair pricing laws which act to hurt the consumers. Pricing laws keep prices for commodities high, since they come in form of price floors and hurt efficient competitors. This is because efficient competitors are capable of offering the same commodity in form of quality and quantity at a lower price but the law by the government prohibits such. Competition is thus hindered to a greater extent as prices are maintained at a high level. If the commodity in question is an essential commodity, it would results to inflation which has adverse effects on economic development (Brux, 2008). Market Liberalization The government sometimes uses its power in order to introduce fresh competition into a certain market. This will happen in the case where the government breaks the monopoly power of a certain firm. It ensures that competitors can penetrate the market which enhances the quality of products and services which are offered to the consumers. It introduces a more liberal economy, where the market is not controlled by one player who dictates on the prices and the level of output. These are the laws of competition policy, which act against price fixation by companies and other forms of anti-competitive behavior (Riley, 2006). Other benefits that arise from government intervention include correction of externalities. Externalities can be defined as the spill over costs or in some cases benefits. Externalities make the market to operate in a level that the amount of output and the level of production are not at a socially optimal level. When there is a lot of corn being produced, the law of demand and supply will mean that price has to decrease as supply exceeds demand. When the government allows the price of corn to decrease beyond a certain level, the producers of corn will be at a loss which will de motivate further production of corn. In such circumstances, the government intervenes by the use of price floor where price would not go below that limit. Leaving the market forces to adjust the price and output will socially affect some sectors of the economy and as such lead to the welfare of citizens being worse off (Pearson Education Inc. , 2010). Another reason as to why the government intervenes in the economy is to correct market failures. Consumers sometimes lack adequate information as to the benefits and costs which come from the consumption of a certain product. Government thus imposes laws that will ensure that the consumers have adequate information about the products so as to improve the perceived costs and benefits of a product. Compulsory labeling that is done on cigarette packages is one of those legal concerns that give adequate health warnings to cigarette smokers. It is a way in which the government protects its citizens from exploitation and harmful habits that would affect them in the long run. This might have a short term effect in form of decreased profits on Tobacco manufacturers, but long term effects on improved health of consumers and a saving on future medical expenses (Riley, 2006). According to Riley (2006), it will be known that government intervention does not always result into the plans and strategies set or prediction by economic theory. It is rare for consumers and businesses to behave the way the government exactly wanted them to behave. This in economics has been referred to as law of unintended consequences which can come into play in any government intervention. This would have negative consequences on the economic level since inappropriate policies would mean negative effects and influence. The market is able to maintain itself in equilibrium through price mechanisms and other economic factors. When the government intervenes, it affects this smooth operation of the market and this may lead to either shortages or surpluses. The effect becomes worse when the government relies on poor information in making these interventions in workplaces. The effects might be expensive to the administration of businesses, and the interventions might also be disruptive to the operations of the business if these interventions are major and frequent. It might also remove some liberties (Pearson Education Inc. , 2010). Government interventions in workplaces should not be aimed to create great changes in the market. The conditions prevailing in the economy should be well reviewed and analyzed. This will ensure that threats that can damage the economy have been identified and measures against such taken. It would be of great advantage if government interventions are designed to facilitate the smooth working of the economy rather than implementing a new and a direct control over the market. They should be assessed on whether they lead to a better use of scarce resources, whether fairness is being upheld in the intervention and whether the policy enhances or reduces the capacity of future generations in improving economic activity (Riley, 2006). Conclusion Some economists believe that with perfect competition, there will be no need for any government intervention. Is it therefore wise to leave the economy to the doctrine of laissez-fare where there is no control or intervention by the government? As much as there exists some negative effects on economic development due to government control, the benefits which accrue as a result of controlled government intervention would be under no circumstances be compared with the risks that would accrue when the government adopts the liberal economic structure. References Brux, J. (2008). Economics Issues and Policy. 4th ed. Ohio: Cengage Learning FunQA. com, (2009). Economics: Advantages and Disadvantages of Government Intervention? Retrieved 21 May 2010, from http://www. funqa. com/economics/92-Economics-2. html Mishra, R. Navin, B. & Geeta P. eds. (2006). Economic liberalization and public enterprises. ISBN 8180692574 Pearson Education, Inc. (2010). Reasons for government intervention in the market. Retrieved 21 May 2010, from http://wps. pearsoned. co. uk/ema_uk_he_sloman_econbus_3/18/4748/1215583. cw/index. html Petkantchin, V. (2006). The Pernicious Effects of Price Controls. Retrieved 21 May 2010, from http://docs. google. com/viewer? a=v&q=cache:mYXWxJC6EpMJ:www. iedm. org/uploaded/pdf/avr06_en. pdf+Price+controls+and+their+effects&hl=en&gl=ke&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEEShvcqptHKj3Y_Mrxy5hhG7resIp_Y7FVbxWwhBqmLTBqzdSn3hvuXLutFYW9m1uRWom_D5InOy5G5Jp5AMTuCoFxKA-Rj-1tbrOA0PrnDz5VOBbruMR2HYdYcYm-SLf5Oq_aZBm&sig=AHIEtbTFfKO-NWp1d5bX2HTlouAB_gP1fQ Riley, G. (2006). Government Intervention in the Market. Retrieved 21 May 2010, from http://tutor2u. net/economics/revision-notes/as-marketfailure-government-intervention-2. html

Vinamilk Field Trip

Ho Chi Minh International University School of Business Administration Ho Chi Minh International University School of Business Administration REPORT on FIELDTRIP Group: Name Student’s ID Nguy? n Khanh An Tr? n Quang Ngan BAIU08057 Tr? n Minh Thanh BAIU08069 Hu? nh Ng? c Thanh Truc BAIU08078 Nguy? n Hu? nh Qu? c Nh? t Report on Fieldtrip BAIU08214 BAIU08103 Page 1 Ho Chi Minh International University School of Business Administration QUESTION OF REPORT ON FIELDTRIP 1. Describe the factory of Vinamilk. What is the most impressive that you've seen in the fieldtrip? 2.What are the difficulties that Vinamilk may have while exporting to Iraq? Your suggestions to overcome. Some Brief about Vinamilk Corp. Vinamilk is the biggest dairy company in Vietnam. Based on the UNDP 2007 report, it is also the 15th largest company in Vietnam. Established in 1976, Vietnam Dairy Products Joint Stock Company (VINAMILK) has since grown s trongly and become the leading business of the milk processing industry, now occupying 75% of the milk market share in Vietnam. In addition to strong domestic distribution with a network of 183 agencies throughout all 64 of 64 provinces.Vinamilk products are also exported to Iraq. In most western countries it does not meet the local hygiene standards and is therefore not allowed to be imported. VINAMILK is a state owned enterprise in which the government has 50. 01% of the shares and the rest of the shares are currently active trading at the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange. Vinamilk main competitor is Dutch Lady Vietnam, a division of Friesland Foods. Factories Thong Nhat Dairy Factory Truong Tho Dairy Factory Dielac Dairy Factory Saigon Milk Dairy Factory Hanoi Dairy Factory Can Tho Dairy FactoryNghe An Dairy Factory Binh Dinh Dairy Factory Also several joint ventures, such as the $45 million -dollar venture with SABMiller PLC to build a brewery in the Binh Duong province. Awards and achievements 1985 – Labour Medal of Third Ranking. 1991 à ¢â‚¬â€œ Labour Medal of Second Ranking. 1996 – Labour Medal of First Ranking. 2000 – Hero of Socialist Labor of Vietnam. 2001 – Labour Medal of Third Ranking. 2005 – Independence Medal of Third Ranking. Report on Fieldtrip Page 2 Ho Chi Minh International University School of Business Administration 2005 – Labour Medal of Third Ranking. 006 – â€Å"Supreme Cup† from Intellectual Property Association and Association of Small & Medium Enterprises, Vietnam. 1995-2007 – Saigon Marketing Newspaper Readers' Choice Awards. 1 – Describe the factory of Vinamilk. What is the most impressive that you've seen in the fieldtrip?  » Th? ng Nh? t Milk factory 12 D? ng Van Bi, Tru? ng Th? Ward, Th? D? c District, HOCHIMINH CITY TEL: (84. 8) 8 960 725 – Fax: (84. 8) 38 963 140 Specialzing in condensed milk, aseptic fresh milk, ice cream, yog urt and drinking yogurt. We are on a trip to Th? ng Nh? t factory.Factory is located in T h? D? c. It seems to be very fresh, don’t have many problem about traffic, polluted†¦ Firstly, we are introduced about their factory, their products and some questions are answer clearly. We realize that they produce a lot of product in that factory. When come to see the place they are working, I see a lot of part of the assembly line. Such as: Getting milk liqid, Sterilizing, Distributing, Adding sugar and other spice. et c†¦ Secondly, they took us to come to see their factory, machine, and explain us all the question about their factory, products†¦The important thing I impressed is that they have very few people, about 2- 3 workers in a part. That mean their factory is highl y automatic by machine, worker plays a role as a runner. + There are many pipes which milk flow in and come to many part of the manufacture. The liquid flow in the pipes about 30 minutes. This is some of our pictures that are allowed to take in some areas. A room have Pressure- cooker to have the milk fresh. An assembly line is running by a worker. It makes the milk-can come to the machine that pour the milk into. A machine pastes the label.Some of the workers arrange them into package, cotto n bucket. Report on Fieldtrip Page 3 Ho Chi Minh International University School of Business Administration All the process we can see is the machine working, can not smell any about milk. The machine is running so softly that seem to be very peaceful for other s living outside the factory. In brief, we want to say that they working in a regulation way, automatically, and clean. 2 – What are the difficulties that Vinamilk may have while exporting to Iraq? Your suggestions to overcome. We have some information about the relationship of Vinamilk and Iraq.First is Vinamilk’s top export markets are Iraq and Cambodia Vinamilk has made ambitious plans after it reported its record results in 2006. Stiff competition and high raw-material costs failed to dampen Vinamilkâ⠂¬â„¢s results. It reported profits of $46 million, or a share price of $0. 28 (up 20. 8 percent over the previous year). As a result, the processor powdered and condensed milk, fresh milk and yoghurt drinks has set targets of 15-20 percent growth of products in 2007. Vinamilk says its major export market is still Iraq, where it maintained an avera ge export value of over $80 million.Meanwhile, Cambodia was its fastest -growing market, reaching a business value of $3 million —up 74 percent compared to 2005. This is some of the difficulties that Vinamilk will face with: Vinamilk doesn’t have their ow n means of transport that will carry their product oversea. Reason: Viet Nam does not have shipping service to transport goods oversea Solution: They will have to sign a contract with a company to s hip goods oversea. Secondly is the time 2003 – 2004, Vinamilk won a contractor with Iraq about supporting milk product. So, the problem is that United Nation permiss them to trade with Iraq.However UN have the rule that goods must have an insurance. Reason: Because of the politics in Iraq is complex, required an insurance for goods Solution: They must sign a contract with an insurance company to have their goods be safety first. Then the product will be regularize to come in Iraq without any problem Third is the complex politics of Iraq and those country in M iddle East. Reason: the war of Iraq and US about mineral -oil Solution: They should study about their culture, the changes of politics situations and then making a decision of exporting. Try to realize the specific charactristics of Iraq’s market.This wil l show us how to react at anytime. Report on Fieldtrip Page 4 Ho Chi Minh International University School of Business Administration Fourth is the quality of milk. Reason: Influence of having melanine (a chemical cause cancer) in milk appear in China. Solution: They must have certification about their producr that it will not have melam ine and others extranous matter so that people will find out the best product to use. Last is the chage of price, finiancial situation in the world Reason: There are a price crisis in the world that make some banks go bankrupt. Solution:In some statistics about milk price, We realize that milk price in Viet Nam is highest in the world. Mr. Tr? n Ng? c Dung. E xpert market researcher of FTA said that: The average milk price in many country of East of Europe and South America is 0,4 USD, In China, North America is 0,8 USD. But in Viet Nam is 0,82 USD/kg. So, Vinamilk can decrease the milk price because they buy the milk from farmer in a lower price than any country. Furthermore, they still have profits if they reduce the price and have an advantage in Iraq’s market **** End of the report. Report on Fieldtrip Page 5

Abraham Lincoln and the Telegraph Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Abraham Lincoln and the Telegraph - Essay Example For instance, in 1962, the president of the United States telegraphed a military general in the battlefield of second Manassas (Bull Run). Abraham Lincoln was exhausting the new mode of automated communications in an unparalleled manner to modernize the nature of state leadership. Since information moved at much greater rates than on foot, the military became more convoluted and facilitated the transformation of the medium industry to an entirely new level. Abraham Lincoln was the first President to use this technology in a time of crisis, putting the fate of the nation back in the hands of the nation’s leaders and allowing for instantaneous strategic modifications. This essay seeks to discuss how Abraham Lincoln's use of the telegraph revolutionized warfare by revolutionizing national leadership in the Civil War. The Telegraph and Abraham Lincoln Before telegraphy, the urgency for communication was not so much complex. Telegraphy revolutionized communication in long distances since it beat the physical exchange of letter. With this, Abraham Lincoln made great strides in his national leadership through the use of this technology. Through this, he revolutionalised national leadership and secured his status during the civil war ear in the United States. When Lincoln reached the 1861 inaugural, there were no current telegraph networks to the War Departments and even in the White House (Allen et al. 112). This situation did not prevail for long since rapid changes were implemented. Wires were mounted in the War Department and other related important installations virtually straightaway. During this time, the telegraph room in the war department was considered Abraham Lincoln’s favorite. He spent much of his time in this room strategizing the war and doing his personal time. Interestingly, the white house had no telegraph system and Lincoln made numerous visits to the war department’s cipher room. It is in this quiet seclusion that Lincoln did h is introspection about the war, brewing new ideas and strategies. Here, he would have some quiet, undisturbed and undivided attention while thinking of the way forward for the war. In the telegraph room, he awaited inpor6ant news and messages from the ground. The forecasts and messages gave him the exactness of the activities of this dragging war. Clearly, this was a challenging time for Lincoln, the translation of these cyphers, the development of the new type of communication and the dynamism of the war, the loss of lives in battle and the little victories. All this he had to take in at the same time. This needs a real heart to take in without feeling overwhelmed. With this influx of information, Lincoln pondered on every little communications he received without leaving anything to chance. All these military and political messages needed to be addressed for the good of the public. The telegraph turned out to be a tool to triumph the war and the symbol that will move the country t o the declaration of emancipation. Importance of the Telegraph Communication The setting up and use of telegraph communication was essential, during the American Civil War. Despite the rising interest for the new technology, during that time, the telegraph's potential was acknowledged with uncertainty and was not that much appreciated. The commencement of the work was not easy because personnel had to be assembled to attend to its use and implementation. However, Lincoln used this opportunity to tap and capitalize on electric communications. This is seen as something significant because it is used without preference and was majorly used, during in a time, where war was waged, during the Civil War (Hochfelder 231). Through telegraph communi

Caring for Children and Adolescents Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Caring for Children and Adolescents - Assignment Example The idea that one of the best ways to combat the dangers associated with teen drinking is to step up enforcement is certainly a tempting one. Firstly, it comes from and invokes a great deal of time-honored tradition – the idea of using punishments for prescribed acts has been a fundamental part not just of many of the most important legal traditions in the world, but is also still heavily used in the parenting of children of a wide variety of ages. It simply makes sense that if the consequences for being caught drinking are significant, they will out-weigh Furthermore, there is a legitimate argument for the idea that having no or minimal enforcement for a law or policy, such as forbidding teen drinking, implicitly condones such actions, and that to demonstrate seriousness about fighting teen drinking, we must make the consequences of doing so severe. These arguments are especially valid when discussing one of the root enablers of underage drinking: adults willing to sell or pr ovide alcohol to minors. As drinking under the legal limit is (obviously) illegal, every time a teenager drinks there is always an adult who was willing to sell liquor to them or give it to them despite their young age, or who failed to do due diligence by guaranteeing identification was true and accurate. The adults who do this have been trusted by society because they are considered mature enough to understand the consequences of their actions, so if they are mature enough to by alcohol they should be mature enough to ensure it does not reach the hands of under-age drinkers; if they fail to do so then they should be prepared to face the consequences of their actions, even if they are serious. Finally, putting constraints on associated activities, like establishing a curfew, can give law enforcement justification for interrupting dangerous behavior and getting teenagers home safe. There are many reasons to consider enforcement improvements could reduce the harm from teenage drinkin g.

Healthy People 2010--Obesity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Healthy People 2010--Obesity - Essay Example But it also is the cause of many other diseases like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, and some types of cancer. Because of its growing trend and dangers, it is extremely important to make it one of the most important health issues of the people of North Carolina. Obesity is the result of unhealthy food habits, lack of physical activity and lack of awareness of how it can be dangerous in the future. Out of the 27 nutrition objectives in the program Healthy People 2010, overweight and obesity are the two movements that are observed to be getting away from the targets. In particular, it has been noted that the proportion of adults and children who are obese has increased substantially, and this represents one of the biggest challenges for Healthy People 2010. This worrisome trend has led to set a goal to promote knowledge about healthy habits and reduce chronic disease associated with diet and weight. The study of the obesity issue from the past does not show a positive picture. It was noted that between 1976 and 1994, the number of cases of obesity alone have increased by more than 50 percent—from 14.5 percent of the adult population to 22.5 percent. Approximately 25 percent of U.S. adult females and 20 percent of U.S. adult males are obese ( Healthy People 2010). Overweight and obesity occurs when a person consumes more calories from food (energy) than he or she expends through physical activity. And looking at the fast paced mechanical life, where most of the work is done on computer and machines, there are no chances of people getting involved

Discuss the ethical issues in the Monsanto case Essay - 1

Discuss the ethical issues in the Monsanto case - Essay Example The company in the recent times has been involved in dictating on what the world consumes. The company has continued to generate many biotech crops. The company however has generated controversies in the world due to the issue of production of biotech crops that are produced and increasing the control of food supply by huge corporations. The company before getting involved in seed technology was involved in production of chemicals. Production of crops and new seeds through biotechnology by the company has predicted doubling of food production in the future meeting the food demand of the growing population. Food security will be maintained by the company. The company has also formed coalitions with other public researchers and charitable organization to focus on green revolution to allow conservation of the environment with production of more food and inventions to satisfy food need of the population. The organization has made itself to be in the leading dealing with advancement in global fight against hunger. Working with other organization in poor nations, the company helps to reach needy farmers. Moves that are made by the company is seen to be parallel to the commercial sales that are made by the organization. The organization upholds its principles by encouraging farmers that are in the poor nations and do not concentrate much in improving those in the wealthy nations. In the sales of the organization, sales of seeds and chemicals that are of high prices are done to countries that are wealthy (Forrestal, 2007). These products are sold to farmers in poor countries in low prices. The organization has been encouraged by the department of agriculture in the United States and the government to incorporate public institutions, foundations and academics to determine how the production can be improved to make food abundant globally. The company before getting involved in seed technology was involved in production

Endangered species Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Endangered species - Research Paper Example In United States, the endangered species Act remains domineering in protecting and preventing extinction of endangered animals and plants within the earth and sea. While implementation and realization of recovery plans including endangered species Act polices administered by Fish and wildlife service, as an agency remains extremely expensive and effectual to the economy, it has greater benefits. Recovery and prevention of endangered species have greater significant benefits including maintenance and sustainability of the ecosystem when compared to protection of individual property rights. Ecological balance requires collective involvement of animals and plants, a condition that eliminates individual rights. It is imperious to note that protecting and efficient recovery remains authoritative in preserving societal cultural values besides mutual scientific and economic values. Moreover, recovery policies including endangered species have remained indispensable in preserving the most precious fisheries, plants, and animals that faced extinction threats in America. The most significant animals that faced extinction and have successfully been recovered from the danger includes California tiger salamander, black-footed ferret, delta smelt, salt-marsh harvest mouse, alameda whipsnake, San joaquin kit fox, and many others (EPA, 2014). Preservation and recovery of the animals have remained essential in preserving Californian cultural heritage for instance besides contribution to overall economic growth through tourism, and supplementing educational studies. There exists great interdependence in nature consisting of a mutual benefit link between plants and animals. The interdependence system remains fundamental when there exists variety of plants and animals in ensuring ecological balance and maintenance. For instance, nitrogen cycle remains as the most significant bio-system that links a relationship in nature

The Main Principles Of Learning And The Action Theory Essay

The Main Principles Of Learning And The Action Theory - Essay Example Principles of learning are derived from the following learning theories: action, cognitive-gestalt, experiential, facilitation, holistic, reinforcement, sensory stimulation learning theory. In this respect, we shall analyze them according to the theories they are most tightly interwoven with. The main principles of learning based on the action theory state that no effective learning can be presented without proper action-application experience. In most cases small 'action learning sets'** are created in order to give the learners an opportunity of applying their knowledge on practice, making mistakes and learn from them without having to deal with unwanted consequences of their decisions. Cognitive-gestalt learning is based on insights and problem-solving. However, unlike the first theory, it puts stress on the learner’s individual ways of interpreting problem situations. Experiential theory speaks of a four-stage process of learning material (concrete experience, active experimentation, abstract conceptualization, observation, and reflection). A great benefit of this theory is that despite all of the stages are being necessary, an individual can choose (consciously or subconsciously) the most suitable one to contribute more efforts to it. Besides, stages can be repeated one by one as many times as it takes to exclude all of the mistakes. Principles of learning used in a facilitation theory are based on the acknowledgment of the fact that a human being is naturally eager to learn and perfect oneself. Thus, here learning process includes polemics with a teacher in an attempt to find as many answers as possible and, what is more important, to research a topic instead of simply remembering the facts given. Such an approach is commonly used in humanitarian education.

MPH502-Introduction to Public Health (Module 4 CBT) Essay

MPH502-Introduction to Public Health (Module 4 CBT) - Essay Example ation of chosen parameters from that of the ‘best’ group from all groups under study and is generally calculated in terms of adverse events wherever possible. Thus a higher percentage generally implies a comparatively more adverse situation. Health indicators for American Indian or Alaska Native Population were the best with regard to exposure to ozone, lowest number of deaths due to stroke and occurrence of hepatitis, diabetes, tuberculosis, gonorrhea and syphilis. But in areas as health insurance coverage among persons under age 65, new AIDS cases, infant deaths and deaths of persons aged 15 to 24 years the situation twice as worse as the best group. Data are available for the combined Asian or Pacific Islander population reveal that the group has best rates in death due to cancer, injury and violence prevention and, maternal, infant, and child health. However, this group is twice as worse than the best group in HIV testing among tuberculosis patients aged 25 to 44 years and congenital syphilis. The Hispanic population was the best in nutrition, tobacco use and injuries related to violence. But this group was twice as worst as the best group in health insurance coverage among persons under age 65 years, source of ongoing care, new AIDS cases and HIV infection deaths, new cases of tuberculosis, congenital syphilis and primary and secondary syphilis. (Midcourse Review: Healthy People 2010, 2007) Though biologic and genetic characteristics of American Indian or Alaska Native Population, Asian or Pacific Islander population or Hispanic population do not provide any categorical indication, major health disparities are observed between these groups and the white, non-Hispanic population in the United States leading one to conclude that race and ethnicity do play a significant role in health indicator disparities. Income and education, on the other hand are more ostensibly related to health indicator diversities. Generally, populations that are the poorest and

Moslem Converts and Born Moslems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Moslem Converts and Born Moslems - Essay Example Islam, like the other monotheistic religions, was born in the Arab Middle East but unlike Christianity or Judaism, is regarded as an alien and obscure faith. The reason for the stated difference lies in that while both Christianity and Judaism were Westernized and, in more instances than not, informed and shaped Western culture, Islam, with some exceptions, remained fixed in the Middle East. Added to that, Islam was surprisingly resistant to trans-cultural transferences. For centuries, Islam, largely represented by Egypt's Al Azhar, maintained that the religion was fixed in language, culture and tradition, with the implication being that people came to Islam and Islam did not go to them. Hence, translations of the Quran were deemed misrepresentative of the faith because much was lost n translation and it was, consequently, expected that people learn Arabic as a prerequisite to their learning the faith itself, let alone embracing it. It was only upon the relaxation of the aforemention ed strictures that understanding Islam became somewhat easier, although not easy. The West, however, has only recently met Islam and the circumstance of the meeting were fiery, to say the least. The September 11th terrorist attacks only confirmed the Western perception of Islam as an incontrovertibly alien faith, a "Green Menace" and an "ancient" belief system (Esposito, 1994). Descriptors which inspire fear and suggest a persistent failure to modernize, to become part of the contemporary world (Esposito and Piscatori, 1993; Esposito, 1994). Indeed, the misunderstanding and stereotypes which surround Islam, largely instigated by the 2001, September 11th terrorist attacks on the United States, have enabled the propagation and proliferation of Islamophobia. Paradoxically, however, even as Islamophobia grows, so does the number of converts to Islam, not only in the United States but across Europe. Converts to Islam and the attitudes of these converts to the religion they have embraced, is an interesting topic of exploration, because converts to Islam differ in significant ways from those who were born into this faith. While the belief system, as in the five pillars, rituals and principles have remained the same, Western converts have, largely as an outcome of the manner of induction on the one hand, and the reasons for conversion, on the other, have adopted a paradoxically usouli (traditionalist) and modernizing interpretation and conceptualization of Islam. This argument is supported by both the literature on the topic and the results of a limited survey which I carried out on 5 born Moslems and 5 moslem converts Terrorism Westerners who embrace Islam are largely regarded as having betrayed their cultural heritage, their traditions and their national ethos. Such perceptions are expressive of popular condemnation of converts and the very prominent and real fear that converts have adopted, or have rendered themselves vulnerable to the later adoption of, a militaristic, antagonistic and destructive interpretation of Islam. Objectively speaking, a minority does but the majority does not, with the difference largely determined by the reasons for c

The Role of Superstition Essay Example for Free

The Role of Superstition Essay Superstition is a recurring theme in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Superstition is defined in Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 10th Edition as â€Å"a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, trust in magic or chance. † Mark Twain effectively uses superstition to both foreshadow events and to contrast the personalities of the characters in the book. The â€Å"more sivilized† characters of the book do not believe in superstition, but the less educated characters, such as Huck and Jim, often make decisions based on their belief in superstition. While several of the lesser characters in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn believe in superstitions, it is Huck and Jim, the two main characters of the novel, who reveal that they live according to their superstitions. For example, in Chapter 4, Huck, who is then staying at Widow Douglas’ house, sees a spider crawling up his shoulder. He flicks the spider and it lands in a burning candle, shrivels up and dies. â€Å"I flipped it off and it lit in the candle; and before I could budge, it was all shriveled up. I didn’t need anyone to tell me that was an awful bad sign† (p. 3). According to Huck, killing a spider can bring bad luck. In an effort to reverse the bad omen, Huck turns around three times, each time crossing his breast, and then ties up a little lock of his hair to keep the witches away. Huck isn’t even sure this ritual will work for killing a spider, as it was intended for another bad omen, but he feels compelled to try to do something, so strong are his superstitious beliefs. Huck encounters another superstition Chapter IV of the novel. Huck, who is living with the Widow Douglas, spills the salt and immediately tries to reverse the bad luck by tossing the salt over his left shoulder. Miss Watson, who has recently come to live with her sister, the Widow Douglas, stops him, however, and this causes Huck to worry because he cannot finish his ritual. â€Å"I reached over for some of it as quik as I could to throw over my left shoulder to keep off the bad luck†¦feeling all worried and shaky, and wondering where it was going to fall on me, and what it was going to be† says Huck (p. 13). Miss Watson, along with Widow Douglas, along with many of the more civilized people of the novel do not believe in superstitions the same way as do slaves and less civilized people. Miss Watson will not let Huck toss the salt over his shoulder because she is trying to provide him with a good civilized and educated upbringing. According to Jim, one of the worst things you can do is touch a snakeskin. Huck does just this after faking his death at the cabin and discovering Jim at Jackson Island. The first sign that the snakeskin is actually causing bad luck is when Huck decides to play a trick on Jim. Huck takes the dead rattlesnake that he has killed and put it near where Jim will be sleeping in the cave to scare him. Huck forgets that a snake’s mate curls up beside its dead mate. When Jim got into bed that night the dead snakes mate bites Jim on the heel, causing Jim to be unable to walk for a time. Touching a snakeskin is supposed to be so bad that Jim says that he would rather look at a new moon a thousand times over his left shoulder than touch a snakeskin. â€Å"I awluz ‘spected dat rattlesnake-skin waren’t done wid it’s work† (p.90) says Jim after his and Huck’s raft is torn apart by the steamboat. Jim, who tends to be more superstitious than Huck, introduces Huck to many superstitions he had never heard before. According to Jim, †¦you mustn’t count the things you are going to cook for dinner, because that would bring bad luck. The same if you shook the tablecloth after sundown. And he said if a man owned a beehive and that man died, the bees must be told about it before sunup next morning, or else the bees would all weaken down and quit work and die (p.39). When Huck decides to catch some young birds â€Å"flying a yard or two at a time and lighting†(p. 39), Jim will not let him because he says it will bring death. â€Å"He [Jim] said his father laid mighty sick once, and some of them catched a bird, and his old granny said his father would die, and he did. † (p. 39). It is generally believed that many of the superstitions found in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn originated with the slaves and then spread throughout the South. Through his writing, Mark Twain infers to the reader that mainly the slaves, the uneducated, and the unreligious believed in the superstitions. Huck, being poor and uneducated, believed in them because his Pap, who was found with a cross in his boot to keep the witches away, raised him to believe that way. Likewise, Jim, who was a slave, also believed in superstitions. The theme of superstition in the book by Twain serves two purposes – it makes the reader wonder what will happen next and also accurately portrays the various levels of society of the time.

Permanent Vascular Access For Hemodialysis Health And Social Care Essay

Permanent Vascular Access For Hemodialysis Health And Social Care Essay Introduction: A progressive rise in the number of patients accepted for renal replacement therapy has been reported world wide . Permanent vascular access (VA) is the life-line for the majority of these patients, when hemodialysis is the treatment of choice. Thus, the successful creation of permanent vascular access and the appropriate management to decrease the complications is mandatory. A well functional access is also vital in order to deliver adequate hemodialysis therapy in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Unfortunately, despite the advances in hemodialysis technology, in the field of vascular access in the last years the introduction of the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft and the cuffed double lumen silicone catheter were the only changes. But the cost of vascular access related care was found to be more than fivefold higher for patients with arteriovenous graft (AVG) compared with patients with a functioning arteriovenous fistula (AVF) . It seems that the native arteriovenous fistula that Brescia and Cimino described in 1966 still remains the first choice VA . Thereafter, vascular access still remains the Achilles heel of the procedure and hemodialysis vascular access dysfunction is one of the most important causes of morbidity in this population . It has been estimated that vascular access dysfunction is responsible for 20% of all hospitalizations and the annual cost of placing and looking after dialysis vascular access in the United States exceeds 1 billion dollars per year . Nowadays, three types of permanent vascular access are used: arteriovenous fistula (AVF), arteriovenous grafts (AVG) and cuffed central venous catheters. They all have to be able to provide enough blood flow in order to deliver adequate hemodialysis, have a long use-life and low rate of complications. The native forearm arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) have the longest survival and require the fewest interventions. For this reason the forearm AV, is the first choice, fol lowing by the upper-arm AVF, the arteriovenous graft (AVG) and the cuffed central venous catheter as a final step . History of vascular access Vascular access for hemodialysis is closely associated with the history of dialysis. Glass needles were employed as vascular access when hemodialysis came into view in 1924. The first haemodialysis treatment in humans was carried out by Haas G who used glass cannulae to acquire blood from the radial artery and reverting it to the cubital vein . Venipuncture needles were used as means for blood acquisition from the femoral artery and its reinfusion to patient by vein puncture, in 1943 by Kolff W. . Regular hemodialysis treatments were possible in 1950s through the use of a medical apparatus ( Kolff s twin-coil kidney ), thus projecting the problem of a reliable, capable of repeated use vascular access. Today, the artery-side-to-vein-end-anastomosis has become a standard procedure . In 1952, Aubaniac had described the puncture of the subclavian vein . In the 60s, by using Alwalls experience, Quinton, Dillard and Scribner developed arteriovenous Teflon shunt . This procedure involved two thin-walled Teflon cannulas with tapered ends were inserted near the wrist in the forearm, one into the radial artery and the other into the adjacent cephalic vein. The external ends were connected by a curved Teflon bypass tube. Later, the Teflon tube was replaced by flexible silicon rubber tubing. After the advancement of permanent vascular access, the possibility of maintenance hemodialysis was a fact and therefore a groundbreaking procedure. In the subsequent years many variants of the AV shunt were used, with the majority of them concerning temporary vascular access from the onset of chronic dialysis treatment compensating for the time of AV fistulas absence or maturity. In 1961, Shaldon performed hemodialysis procedures by inserting catheters into femoral artery and vein, using the Seldinger-technique . Over time, vessels in different sites were used, including the subclavian vein jugular and femoral. In 1962 Cimino and Brescia described a simple venipuncture for hemodialysis . In 1963 Thomas J. Fogarty invented an intravascular catheter with an inflatable balloon at its distal tip designed for embolectomy and thrombectomy . The first surgically created fistula was placed in 1965, followed by further 14 operations in 1966. In 1966 Brescia, Cimino, Appel and Hurwich published their paper about arteriovenous fistula. Appell had performed a side-to-side-anastomosis between the radial artery and the cephalic antebrachial vein. One year later, in 1967, M. Sperling reported the successful creation of an end-to-end-anastomosis between the radial artery and the cephalic antebrachial vein in the forearm of 15 patients using a stapler . In the next few years this type of AV anastomosis received popular approval. However this procedure was cast aside as first choice AV, due to the increasing numbers of elderly, hypertensive and diabetic patients with demanding vessels and high risk of a stea l syndrome. End-to-end-anastomoses are still a common place technique in revision procedures. In 1968 Rà ¶hl L. published thirty radial-artery-side-to-vein-end anastomoses . After anastomosis was performed, the radial artery was ligated distal to the anastomosis, thus resulting in a functional end-to end-anastomosis. Today, the artery-side-to-vein-end-anastomosis has become a standard procedure . In 1970, Girardet R. and Brittinger W.D. described their experience with the femoral vein and artery for chronic hemodialysis. Experimental trials have been done by several authors in order to establish a permanent vascular access using subcutaneous tunnel. Brittinger W. was the first to implant a plastic valve as a vascular access in an animal model but unfortunately his efforts did not proceed to a human one . Moreover during the early 70s, Buselmeier T.J. developed a U-shaped silastic prosthetic AV shunt with either one or two Teflon plugged outlets which communicated to the outside of the body. The U-shaped portion could be totally or partially implanted subcutaneously . Subsequ ently pediatric hemodialysis patients were extremely favored by this procedure. New materials for AV grafts were presented in 1972, one biologic and two synthetic.. In 1976, L.D. Baker Jr. presented the first results with expanded PTFE grafts in 72 haemodialysis patients . In the years to come several publications indicated the benefits and the shortcomings of the prosthetic material in question remaining the primary choice of graft for hemodialysis VA to date. The same year two authors, Mindich B. and Dardik H. had worked with a new graft material: the human umbilical cord vein. . Regrettably so, this material did not succeed in becoming a revolutionary graft material due to its inadequate resistance against the trauma of repeated cannulation and their complication (aneurysm and infection). After the subclavian route for haemodialysis access was firstly introduced by Shaldon in 1961, it was further processed in 1969 by Josef Erben, using the intraclavicular route . In the next 20 y ears or so, the subclavian vein was the preferred access for temporary vascular access by central venous catheterization. Today, due to phlebographic studies revealing a 50% stenosis or occlusion rate at the cannulation site, subclavian route has been discarded. The subclavian stenosis and occlusion predispose to oedema of the arm, especially after creation of an AV fistula . The first angioplasty described by Dotter et al who introduced a type of balloon, was immensely conducive to the resolution of one of the most significant predicaments in vascular surgery and vascular access surgery . In 1977 Gracz K.C. et al created the proximal forearm fistula for maintenance hemodialysis, a variant of an AV anastomosis . An adjustment of this AVF became quite significant in the old, hypertensive and diabetic patients on the grounds that it allows s a proximal anastomosis with a low risk of hypercirculation . In 1979 Golding A.L. et al developed a carbon transcutaneous hemodialysis access device (CATD), commonly known as button, as a blood access not requiring needle puncture . As a procedure of third choice, these devices were expensive and never gained widespread acceptance. Shapiro F.L. described another type of A.L. button, a device similar to that developed by Golding . Angioaccess classification Years after the initial efforts to create the appropriate vascular access in order to perform a safe hemodialysis, modern Nephrologists have now the possibility to select the appropriate access for their patients. So the first distinction is made between temporary and permanent VA . Temporary VA with expected half-life less than 90 days, peripheral arteriovenous shunts and non cuffed double lumen catheters are included . Mid-term VA with expected half life in 3 months to 3 years include veno-venous accesses (tunneled cuffed catheters and port catheter devices) and arteriovenous internal shunts, requiring vascular graft synthetic (PTFE) or biologic (saphenous vein, Procol, etc.) material ,or external shunt. Long-term VA with an expected half-life more than 3 years includes virtually the native arteriovenous fistulas and the new generation of PTFE grafts . Acute hemodialysis vascular access They are used for urgent hemodialysis and should be easy to insert and available for immediate use. Currently there are available two types of such accesses: Non-tunneled dialysis catheters and cuffed, tunnelled dialysis catheters. Double-lumen, non-cuffed, non-tunnelled hemodialysis catheters are the preferred method for immediate hemodialysis when a long term access is not available. They are made of polymers which are rigid at room temperature to facilitate insertion but soften at body temperature to minimize vessel injury and blood vessel laceration. The proximal and distal lumens should be separated by at least 2 cm to minimize recirculation . These catheters can be inserted into the central veins: femoral, jugular, or subclavian veins . The femoral artery can be used as an access central vein when all others central veins have been excluded. A modified Seldinger guide wire technique is used for their insertion. Image guided assistance in placing these catheters is recommended to avoid or minimize some of the immediate insertion complications, but non-cuffed catheters are also suitable for use at the bedside of the patient The 2006 National Kidney Foundation Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) guidelines recommend, after internal jugular or subclavian vein insertion, identifying radiographically any potential complications and confirming tip placement prior to either anticoagulation or catheter use . These guidelines also recommend ultrasound vessel identification prior to insertion. In general, now the subclavian catheters should be avoided because of the high incidence of vein stenosis and thrombosis. The maximum blood flow with this class of catheters is usually blood pump speeds of 300 mL/min, with an actual blood flow of 250 mL/min or less . Femoral catheters have to be at least 18 to 25 cm in length in order to have lower recirculation. The routine use-life of these catheters varies by site of insertion. In general, internal jugular catheters are suitable for two to three weeks of use, while femoral catheters are usually used for a single treatment (ambulatory patients) or for three to seven days in bed bound patients . However, the KDOQI guidelines suggest that non-cuffed, non-tunnelled catheters be used for less than one week and that cuffed, tunnelled catheters be placed for those who require dialysis for longer than one week . More recently a non-cuffed, non-tunnelled triple-lumen dialysis catheter has been developed. The purpose for third lumen is for blood drawing and the intravenous administration of drugs and fluid. In a multicenter, prospective study, blood flow rates and infectious complications were similar with double lumen catheter . Infectious complications are the principal reason why the catheter must be removed. Permanent Vascular Access Taking into consideration patient factors such as life expectancy, comorbidities, and status of the venous and arterial vascular system is very important in order to prescribe the appropriate access. Other factors are determined by the type of access itself, as arteriovenous fistula (AVF), arteriovenous graft (AVG), or TC which have a different effect on circulatory system. Also the duration of their functionality and the risk for infection and thrombosis are important factors to consider. Each type of surgical anastomosis has advantages and disadvantages . In 2002 the American Association for Vascular Surgery and the Society for Vascular Surgery published reporting standards according to which three essential components of VA should be mentioned: conduit (autogenous, prosthetic), location and configuration (strait, looped, direct, etc.) . Arteriovenous fistula An AVF is the preferred type of vascular access; it has the lowest complication rates for thrombosis (~ one-sixth of AVGs) and infection (~ one-tenth of AVGs) . There are 3 types of AVF s: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ First type when artery and vein are connected in their natural position, either with a side-to-side or a side-artery-to-vein-end anastomosis. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Second type, where a vein is moved to connect to an artery in end-to-side fashion to either bridge a larger anatomical distance, or to bring the vein to the surface where it is accessible for cannulation and requires a tunnel to position the vein in its new location. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Third type where a vein is removed from its anatomical location and, is connected to an artery and vein in end-to-end fashion. Both second and third type requires the formation of a tunnel . End-to-end anastomoses are now rarely performed, since the complete disruption of the artery imposes a risk for peripheral ischemia and thrombosis. The most common surgical technique today is the side-to-end anastomosis. However technical problems as cutting the end of the vein in an oblique angle may create functional problems due to stenosis. An anastomosis more proximal in the arterial system should be smaller to prevent steal and limit maximal fistula flow, with the inherent complication of ischemic steal or heart failure . Arteriovenous fistula creation is often performed under local anaesthesia, with low morbidity and requires time for maturation. Data from the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS) indicate that AVFs should mature at least 14 days before use . Fistula size and flow increase over time, of 8-12 weeks and the initial blood flow rates has a range of 200-300 mL/min. Placement of AVFs should be initiated when the patient reaches CKD stage 4, or within 1 year of the anticipated start of dialysis. A physical examination should document blood pressure differences between the upper extremities and an Allen test should be performed, the lack of a well-developed palmar arch predicts a higher risk for vascular steal symptoms if the dominant artery is used for forearm fistulas creation due to inadequate collateral circulation . Ultrasound must be done before surgical implantation because it can provide information for maximal surgical success by mapping arteries and veins; eg, a preoperative arterial lumen diameter >2 mm is associated with successful fistula maturation, while a diameter of 600 mL/min, a diameter >0.6 cm with discernible margins, and be at a depth of 0.6 cm (between 0.5 and 1.0 cm) from the surface 6 weeks after creation. In fistulas that are maturing successfully, flow increases rapidly post-surgery, from baseline values of 30-50 mL/min to 200-800 mL/min within 1 week, generally reaching flows >480 mL/min at 8 weeks .The AVFs must be evaluated 4-6 weeks after placement, and experienced examiners (eg, dialysis nurses) can identify non-maturing fistulas with 80% accuracy . Arteriovenous graft AVGs were the most commonly used type of dialysis access in the US however, they do not last as long as AVFs and have higher rates of infection and thrombosis . Grafts present a second choice of VA when AVF are not able to be performed because of vascular problems. They can be placed in the forearm, the upper arm, and the thigh, and can have a straight, curved, or loop configuration. They may offer a large surface area for cannulation. AVGs can be cannulated about 2-3 weeks after placement, although there are studies suggesting that immediate assessment after placement for PTFE AVGs is possible . This interval is needed in order to allow the surrounding tissue to adhere to the PTFE conduit, to reduce the postsurgical oedema and the risk for local complications such as perigraft hematoma and seroma . Tunnelled hemodialysis catheter TCs are used when AVFs or AVGs arent possible to be created for several reasons such as multiple vascular surgeries, that lead to vascular thrombosis or when patients have severe peripheral vascular disease or very low cardiac output. Its more often in paediatric and very old patients. Unfortunately they are associated with the highest infection rate and they are not a very long-term access option. Studies have revealed that central venous catheters are colonized within 10 days of placement; however, colonization of the catheter biofilm does not correspond to positive blood cultures or clinical signs of bacteremia . Recently Power A. et al published their experience with 759 TCs. The survival rate at 1,2 and 5 years was 85%, 72% and 48% respectively. The infection rate was 0.34 per 1000 catheter day showing with careful and appropriate use of TCs, they can provide effective and adequate long term hemodialysis and rates of access related infection almost similar to AVGs . Hemodialysis vascular access in children The choice of replacement therapy in children is variable. The registry of the North American Pediatric Renal Trials and Collaborative Studies (NAPRTCS) reports that of patients initiating renal replacement therapy in paediatric centres : one quarter of children underwent preemptive renal transplantation, one half were started on peritoneal dialysis and one quarter were started on hemodialysis. Kidney transplantation remains the preferred therapy for paediatric patients therefore, many paediatric patients receive maintenance HD through an indwelling catheter in perspective of short HD period . In the United States less than 800 paediatric patients receive maintenance HD therapy, therefore surgical experience and clinical data for fistulae or grafts creation in small patients is limited due to rare need for such procedures. Smaller patients, especially those less than 10kg, are very demanding in surgical and nursing skill, this is significant reason the majority of smaller patients re ceive PD for their maintenance dialysis modality . Peritoneal dialysis is much more common in infants and younger children , significantly due to problems of vascular access. However, hemodialysis can be performed successfully in infants and very young children, as well . Children who will join in hemodialysis will need evaluation of their vasculature for placement of an arteriovenous (AV) fistula, arteriovenous graft, or cuffed double lumen catheter. The use of an AV fistula, the recommended type of vascular access in adults, is limited in children due to the size of their vessels. In the 2008 NAPRTCS annual report, vascular access for hemodialysis included external percutaneous catheter in 77.7 percent of patients, internal AV fistula in 12.3 percent, and internal and external AV shunt in 7.3 and 0.7 percent, respectively . K/DOQI has encouraged greater use of AV fistulas in larger children receiving hemodialysis who are not likely to receive a transplant within 12 months, with a goal of achieving more effective dialysis with fewer complications (eg, infection) than occurs with catheters. The choice of catheter size and configuration depends on the size of the patient. It is suggested by studies that in children as small as 4 to 5 kg a dual-lumen 8 Fr catheter can be well tolerated, and as the child becomes larger in size, a larger volume access can be placed . Vascular access should be able to provide sufficient blood flow and adequate dialysis with a Kt/V greater than 1.2. Kt/V is influenced further by the recirculation rate. Because flow rates in paediatrics vary by the size of catheter, which varies by the size of the patient, a recommended flow rate of 3 to 5 mL/kg/min is acceptable in most patients . Vascular access complications and Survival Studies have shown a mortality risk dependent on access type, with the highest risk associated with central venous dialysis catheters, followed by AVGs and then AVFs . The CHOICE study examined mortality based on access type in 616 hemodialysis patients for up to 3 years of follow-up. Central venous catheters and AVGs were associated with approximately 50% and 26% increased mortality, respectively, compared with AVFs with prevalence in men and elderly patients . Despite these findings and the KDOQI recommendations, dialysis access data from 2002-2003 showed that only 33% of prevalent hemodialysis patients in the US were being dialyzed via AVFs. Contrary in Europe and Canada, the majority of the patients (74% and 53% respectively) were being dialyzed via AVFs . Vascular access admissions continue to fall, with more procedures now performed in an outpatient setting, and are 45.1 percent below levels noted in 1993. By two-year time period, the adjusted relative risks of all- cause and cardiovascular hospitalization among hemodialysis patients vary little when compared to the reference period of 1997-1998; the risk of hospitalization for infection, however, is now 18 percent greater than in the reference period, while that of a vascular access hospitalization is 30 percent less. Among African American patients, the relative risk of an all-cause hospitalization or one related to infection is almost equal to that of white patients; the risk of a vascular access hospitalization, however, is 24 percent higher. In our previous work with 149 hemodialysis patients who had undergone 202 vascular access procedures (177 Cimino-Brescia fistulae and 25 PTFE grafts we found that the Cimino-Brescia fistula was used as the first choice of vascular access in all patients except one in the elderly group. PTFE grafts were the second or third choice in 7 patients younger than 65 and 15 in the elderly group (p: NS). The only reason for technique failure was vascular thrombosis in both groups (p: NS). Other complications were: aneurysms (10/48 and 14/101, p: NS), infections (0/48 and 2/101 p: NS) and oedema (0/48 and 6/101, p: NS). (Table à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.. Five-year technique survival of the first AV fistula in the two groups was 35% and 45% respectively (log-rank test, p: NS). (FIGUREà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦..) Our findings suggested that there was no difference in vascular access complications across age groups and the survival of the first AV fistula is independent of age. Other encouraging results include a 22.9 percent fall in dialysis access admissions since 1999 for peritoneal dialysis patients, among hemodialysis patients, admissions for bacteremia/septicemia continue to rise sharply, reaching 112 per 1,000 patient years similar to the rate of 109 for vascular access infections, and possibly reflecting an increased use of cuffed catheters. In 2010 USRDS Annual Data Report hospitalization in 2008, increased again, to a point 45.8 percent above their 1993 level. In 2007-2008, women treated with hemodialysis were 16 percent more likely to be hospitalized, overall, than male. They also had a greater risk than men of cardiovascular, infectious, and vascular access hospitalizations 11, 14, and 29 percent greater, respectively. Recently unpublished our data are more different than those we published in 1998. We found in 189 patients that female had more possibility to start HD with double lumen catheter than male and also patients with heart failure ind ependent of sex. Female patients had PTEF grafts as first vascular access (p=0,023) and the elderly patients had more complications and more vascular access procedures (p=0.026). Non-tunnelled double lumen catheters complications The non-tunnelled double lumen catheters complications concern the insertion, the infection and thrombosis of the vessel. The severity and likelihood of insertion complications varies with the site of insertion. The complication rate and the severity are lowest in the femoral position. The primary problem is perforation of the femoral artery. Bleeding usually resolves within minutes of direct compression. Large femoral or retroperitoneal hematomas occur occasionally . Subclavian insertion complications are potentially more serious. Over-insertion of guide-wire can occasionally lead to atrial or ventricular arrhythmias. The vast majority of these are transient and hemodynamically insignificant . Penetration or cannulation of the subclavian artery can lead to hemothorax, which in some cases requires a thoracotomy tube. Cases of pericardial rupture and tamponade also have been described . Subclavian insertion from the left has an increased risk of atrial perforation which can present with acute hemopericardium upon initiation of dialysis. The incidence of pneumothorax varies from less than 1 percent to mor e than 10 percent of insertions, depending on the skill and experience of the physician. The risk of pneumothorax is greater from the left than right side, since the pleura and dome of the lung are higher on the left . Due to high rate of catheter-induced subclavian stenosis and subsequent loss of the ipsilateral arm for future hemodialysis access internal jugular vein insertion, particularly the right internal jugular vein is the preferred site of insertion. At internal jugular insertions carry a higher likelihood of carotid artery penetration, but a lower risk of pneumothorax (0.1 percent). Ultrasound guided cannulation of the vessel is recommended to minimize these complications. The location of the catheter tip in subclavian and internal jugular insertion should always be confirmed by fluoroscopy or x-ray prior to the initiation of hemodialysis or the administration of anticoagulants. Ultrasound-guided catheter insertion is lesser likelihood of arterial puncture or pneumothorax . Prevention and treatment of catheter thrombosis are important clinical issues. To prevent formation of thrombus, both lumens of the double lumen catheter are instilled with heparin following hemodialysis. The amount injected should only fill the catheter lumen to minimize systemic heparinization. Anecdotal evidence suggest that chronic anticoagulation with warfarin or low molecular weight heparin may also prevent catheter thrombus, due to either intraluminal clot or fibrin sheath formation . Lytic agents such as urokinase and alteplase are effective in treatment of catheter thrombosis. Alteplase has effectiveness rates in thrombosis treatment comparable to that observed with urokinase . However if non-cuffed catheters cannot have adequate blood flow then they should be exchanged. Ventral vein catheters are associated with the development of central vein stenosis . This complication appear s to occur more often with subclavian (40 to 50 percent of cases in some studies) than with internal jugular insertions (up to 10 percent) . It has been proposed that central venous cannulation creates a nidus of vascular injury and fibrosis. The rapid blood flows associated with the hemodialysis catheter then create turbulence that can accelerate endothelial proliferation, eventually leading to venous stenosis . The K/DOQI guidelines therefore recommend avoiding placement in the subclavian vein, unless no other options are available. If central venous thrombosis is detected early, it responds well to directly applied thrombolytic therapy or to percutaneous transluminal angioplasty when the fibrotic stenosis can be crossed with a guidewire . The infection risks associated with temporary double lumen catheters include local exit site infection and systemic bacteremia, both of which require prompt removal of the catheter and appropriate intravenous antibiotic therapy . Bacteremia gene rally results from either contamination of the catheter lumen or migration of bacteria from the skin through the entry site, down the hemodialysis catheter into the blood stream . Skin flora, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species, are responsible for the majority of infections. There is conflicting evidence concerning the risk of infection based upon the site of insertion. In the largest prospective randomized study, the risk of infection was not reduced with jugular versus femoral venous catheterization . A prospective nonrandomized studies suggest that the infection risk appears to sequentially increase for hemodialysis catheters inserted into the subclavian, internal jugular, and femoral veins, respectively . Overall, compared with the subclavian vein, the internal jugular vein remains the preferred access site in ambulatory patients because of the high rate of central vein stenosis associated with subclavian vein catheterization (see above). In the Intensive Care Unit, either femoral or internal jugular vein placement is satisfactory, with the use of ultrasound making internal jugular vein placement safer. The best solution is to prevent the infection by proper placement technique, optimal exit site care and management of the catheter within the HD facility . Arteriovenous fistulas complications Complications of AVFs can be divided into early and late causes. Early causes include inflow problems such as small or atherosclerotic arteries, or juxta-anastomotic stenosis so a pre-operative evaluations for suitable access sites has to been performed . The aetiology of this acquired lesion is not entirely clear, but may be related to manipulating the free end of the vein, torsion, poor angulation, or loss of the vasa vasorum during anatomic dissection. This lesion often can be adequately treated with angioplasty or by surgical revision . Outflow problems may include accessory veins that divert blood flow from the intended superficial vessel to deeper conduits, or central venous stenosis in patients with prior central venous catheters. Vessels smaller than one-fourth of the fistula diameter are usually not hemodynamically relevant. Juxta-anastomotic stenosis and accessory veins are the most common causes for early failure AVFs when pre-operative evaluations for suitable access sites have been performed . Late causes for failure of AVFs include venous stenosis, thrombosis, and acquired arterial lesions such as aneurysms or stenosis. Venous stenosis may become apparent as flow decreases over time, worsening weekly Kt/V ([dialyzer clearance _ time]/body volume) or increasing recirculation. Native fistulas typically will not thrombose until flow is severely diminished. Static pressure measurements, which are helpful in graft monitoring, do not appear as helpful in AVFs, since collaterals surrounding the stenosis area often develop, effectively masking the rise in fistula outflow resistance. Stenotic lesions can be treated by angioplasty. Thrombectomy of fistulas, although technically more challenging than in AVGs, is often successful and if flow is re-established, primary patency is longer than in grafts . Aneurysms may form over the course of years as the fistula increases with increased flow and, unless associated with stenotic lesions, are more a cosmetic than functional concern. If the skin overlying the aneurysm is blanching or atrophic, or if there are signs of ulceration

A Study of Small Sculpture from the Mesoamerican Societies Essay

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Olmec, Maya, and Aztec were dominating societies of Mesoamerica, rich in culture, community, and art. While life may not be completely interpretable yet, much in known about how these societies were constructed, and how their religion dominated their lives. Much is generally made of their massive stonework, their ceremonial complexes, and ritual sacrifices, but their small jade, ceramic, and stone sculpture deserves as much attention as the works of much larger size have received.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Olmec were thought to have set many of the patterns seen in later cultures throughout Mesoamerica.1 San Lorenzo, the oldest known Olmec building site, as of the time of the Brittanica article, is known for its Colossal Stone Heads, all of which have prominent facial features. Las Bocas was excavated and many small jade figurines of people in the community were found. Some of these appear to have ritualistic purposes, judging by the incising noted on the sculpture.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Olmec culture spread northwest and southeast, and seemingly influenced later cultures in artistic endeavors.2   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The concept of sacrifice in Olmec art had ties to the belief of renewal; a birth-death scenario, where one is returned to the source - the underworld.3 Similar to monumental figures of men presenting children, wearing jaguar-baby masks, for sacrifice, human figures were sculpted in a much smaller scale, many of which are ceramic or polished jade (fig. 1).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Las Bocas site of the Olmec produced many small figurines that are thought to represent the people who lived there. These objects display Olmec symbols on their hairstyles or bodies, and because they were found at or near grave sites, these pieces are believed to have more purpose than simply the depiction of daily life.4 An example of this type of sculpture is of a man and woman embracing (fig. 2).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The â€Å"Wrestler† figure is an example of Olmec sculpture that should be viewed from all angles, not just frontal. â€Å"The long diagonal line of the figure’s back and shoulders is as beautiful and commanding as the frontal view.†5 The pensiveness of the expression on the man’s face suggests individuality and portraiture (fig. 3).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Jade was a really p... ...assic Maya Art and   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Architecture.† In The Ancient Americas: Art from Sacred Landscapes, ed.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Richard F. Townsend, 159-169. Chicago: The Art Institute of Chicago,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1992. Miller, Mary Ellen. The Art of Mesoamerica from Olmec to Aztec, 2nd ed.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  London: Thames and Hudson, 1996. Reilly III, F. Kent. â€Å"Art, Ritual, and Rulership in the Olmec World.† In The   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ancient Civilizations of Mesoamerica, eds. Michael E. Smith and Marilyn   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A. Masson, 369-399. Oxford: Blackwell Publishers, 2000. Valdes, Juan Antonio. â€Å"The Beginnings of Preclassic Maya Art and   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Architecture.† In The Ancient Americas: Art from Sacred Landscapes, ed.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Richard F. Townsend, 147-57. Chicago: The Art Institute of Chicago,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1992.

The Last Of The Mohicans Essay -- essays research papers

In The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper, historical romance is apparent through settings, characters and plots. Cooper is considered by many critics to be the father of the American historical romance. Fred Lewis Patee said, 'Not only was Cooper the pioneer (of the historical romance) in America, and thus worthy of the highest praise, but in many respects his romances have never been surpassed.'; (212) Cooper celebrated the creative spirit of the individual and had a deep appreciation for nature. He was a romantic who enjoyed the mysteriousness and exoticness of the frontier. He favored the use of emotions over reason. Through his romantic writings, Cooper is able to captivate the reader and led them on journey through his imaginary world.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The setting in The Last of the Mohicans exhibits Cooper's historical romantic writing. The novel takes place in the American frontier. It is a place of '…wild and virgin nature.'; (Roundtree 52) The immense beauty and threat of danger from its' terrain creates an exotic impression on the reader. The mystique of the frontier entices the reader and allows their imagination to soar. Fred Lewis Pattee expresses his feelings on the use of the setting in 'The Historical Romance: Cooper's The Last of the Mohicans,'; when he says: At every step throughout the romance the reader finds himself in dim, mysterious forests that stretch on every side into the unknown. All of the nameless thrills of a wild life under the open sky sweeps over him. In some mysterious way Cooper makes us feel his environments, and catch to the full all that they hold of mystery and romance. It is a new world that he takes us into, with a language all its own. We are permitted to learn the alphabet of this language… We are taught to catch the sounds of wild life in the woods; and we tremble to feel that perhaps all about us are malignant beings from whom it is impossible to hide… His descriptions are in reality lyric poems. (213) Cooper's descriptions of the natural scenery is picturesque and striking. (Parkmam 194) Cooper describes the frontier so vividly that the reader feels transported into the novel. Through his descriptive writings of nature, Cooper shows his deepened appreciation of nature. His descriptions create '…an atmosphere that is vast and satisfying.'; (Pattee... ...ories of heroism and fighting. Critic Fred Lewis Pattee calls the novel a 'book of rescues in the nick of time.'; (212) This nick of time rescue can be seen when Hawkeye, Chingachgook, and Uncas save Alice and Cora on the summit of a mountain. (212) As one of the Huron Indians raises his knife to kill Heyward, Hawkeye fires his rifle to save the girls. This last minute rescue is not logical to the reader. However, the reason is not questioned because the reader is engrossed in the emotions from the chase scene. Cooper portrays his characters to do impossible feats. His plots favor emotions over reason. James Fenimore Cooper captivates the reader by his use of a romantic plot. James Fenimore Cooper is considered by many to be the father of the American literary movement. His writings put American literature on the level of the distinguished European literature. His romanticism was seen through plots, settings, and characters. Through these techniques, Cooper was able to express his romanticism in a new American way that still fascinates critics all over the world today. James Fenimore Cooper is one of the greatest American literary figures the world has ever seen. Word Count (1033) The Last Of The Mohicans Essay -- essays research papers In The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper, historical romance is apparent through settings, characters and plots. Cooper is considered by many critics to be the father of the American historical romance. Fred Lewis Patee said, 'Not only was Cooper the pioneer (of the historical romance) in America, and thus worthy of the highest praise, but in many respects his romances have never been surpassed.'; (212) Cooper celebrated the creative spirit of the individual and had a deep appreciation for nature. He was a romantic who enjoyed the mysteriousness and exoticness of the frontier. He favored the use of emotions over reason. Through his romantic writings, Cooper is able to captivate the reader and led them on journey through his imaginary world.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The setting in The Last of the Mohicans exhibits Cooper's historical romantic writing. The novel takes place in the American frontier. It is a place of '…wild and virgin nature.'; (Roundtree 52) The immense beauty and threat of danger from its' terrain creates an exotic impression on the reader. The mystique of the frontier entices the reader and allows their imagination to soar. Fred Lewis Pattee expresses his feelings on the use of the setting in 'The Historical Romance: Cooper's The Last of the Mohicans,'; when he says: At every step throughout the romance the reader finds himself in dim, mysterious forests that stretch on every side into the unknown. All of the nameless thrills of a wild life under the open sky sweeps over him. In some mysterious way Cooper makes us feel his environments, and catch to the full all that they hold of mystery and romance. It is a new world that he takes us into, with a language all its own. We are permitted to learn the alphabet of this language… We are taught to catch the sounds of wild life in the woods; and we tremble to feel that perhaps all about us are malignant beings from whom it is impossible to hide… His descriptions are in reality lyric poems. (213) Cooper's descriptions of the natural scenery is picturesque and striking. (Parkmam 194) Cooper describes the frontier so vividly that the reader feels transported into the novel. Through his descriptive writings of nature, Cooper shows his deepened appreciation of nature. His descriptions create '…an atmosphere that is vast and satisfying.'; (Pattee... ...ories of heroism and fighting. Critic Fred Lewis Pattee calls the novel a 'book of rescues in the nick of time.'; (212) This nick of time rescue can be seen when Hawkeye, Chingachgook, and Uncas save Alice and Cora on the summit of a mountain. (212) As one of the Huron Indians raises his knife to kill Heyward, Hawkeye fires his rifle to save the girls. This last minute rescue is not logical to the reader. However, the reason is not questioned because the reader is engrossed in the emotions from the chase scene. Cooper portrays his characters to do impossible feats. His plots favor emotions over reason. James Fenimore Cooper captivates the reader by his use of a romantic plot. James Fenimore Cooper is considered by many to be the father of the American literary movement. His writings put American literature on the level of the distinguished European literature. His romanticism was seen through plots, settings, and characters. Through these techniques, Cooper was able to express his romanticism in a new American way that still fascinates critics all over the world today. James Fenimore Cooper is one of the greatest American literary figures the world has ever seen. Word Count (1033)

computing through the ages :: essays research papers fc

~Computing Through the Ages~ â€Å"That's what's cool about working with computers. They don't argue, they remember everything and they don't drink all your beer,† (Paul Leary). From the Abacus (16th century counting devise) to the laptop, auto computing has always been a desire for us humans. We are lazy, and we like to take the easy way out of problem solving. This is why we pay so much for someone, or something to do the work for us. Hence the computer. We’re going to start with the use of electricity in computing, before then many non electric devises were used, but none capable of what we started using in the 1940’s. But we must remember that no computer ever is better at problem solving then the human brain. The human brain is up to one million times better than our most capable of computers. Ok, back to when the modern computer was taking shape. It was during the war and we needed a place to store information, and a way to do it. Tests were being made on a way to â€Å"keep data†. In 1945 punched paper rolls took the lead. Take a look at image 1-1 and 1-2. This was the most common type of data storage until magnified drums started becoming popular in the early 1950’s. These were large metal cylinders that were magnified in certain spots; this was the first â€Å"digital data† Devise. If it was magnified it was a â€Å"1† and if not, it was a â€Å"0†. This is the computer code (binary code), and it is still used on today’s computers. A. ` 01000001.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  B. 01000010.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  C. 01000011.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  D. 01000100.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  E. 01000101.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  F. 01000110.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  G. 01000111.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  H. 01001000. But letters were not used in the common computers until the first â€Å"word processor† which came out in the early 1970’s, this was called –WordStar-.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Earlier in the 60’s computers were reduced in size to where only four people were needed to run it, this was a major breakthrough. Sounds impressive? Not really. But keep in mind; now-a-days computers are one million times faster and more versatile than they were in the early 60’s, literally. When the first computer came out that could add, subtract, multiply and divide. People thought that we had reached the end of inventions; there is nothing more that can be invented. But we say â€Å"wow, it’s just a common calculator† but actually it wasn’t, it was much worse than our common calculators that we can buy at the local dollar store.

San Francisco Bay Consulting

San Francisco Bay Consulting (SF Bay Consulting), as described in the Harvard Business School case by Baker and Monsler (1995), is a leading business consultancy and litigation support group following the goal of providing â€Å"practical application of economic theory to business problems† (p. 1). In order to manipulate and analyze data, high-end software and computers are used to serve clients’ needs.The company faces serious internal problems regarding the relationship between their consultants and the computer services (CS) staff because of disagreements concerning the transfer pricing system, which is applied to alleviate the procurement and payment of computer resources. The major challenges for this system are the heavy price drops for computer hardware and the broadness of the researchers demands.The management of SF Bay Consulting forbids their employees to purchase their own computer hardware and software which leads to frustration among the consultants, espec ially in the case when the CS department refuses to buy and supply certain hardware and software requested by the consultants. The worst scenario occurred when transfer prices produced charges to clients’ bills that exceeded the current market price for the computer as it has happened with the SUN workstation.Donald Learner, Chief Financial Officer of SF Bay Consulting, now sees himself in charge to find a solution to the current problems that is able to satisfy both, the consultants as well as the CS employees. For this purpose, he has identified three options: a) Stick to the current system, b) make CS a profit center, or c) run CS as an expense center. Due to the fact that the current situation at SF Bay Consulting is going to escalade if it is further made use of, option a) is not recommendable and a different solution has to be found.Otherwise the working environment will be seriously affected in the long run and thus efficiency of the company might decrease to an undesi rable level. Option b), to make CS a profit center, would lead to the situation that consultants themselves are allowed to purchase any hardware or software they like and thus focus on problems, others as they are supposed to do. However, this option would lead to the freedom for researchers to purchase the equipment they would like to work with and might free them of their frustrations.Since IT specialists are running the CS department their core competency is not to focus on earning a profit within a competitive environment. While focusing on equipment procurement would distract researchers, the argument of distraction also holds true for the computer experts, which have to refocus and be in charge not only for maintenance but also running a business in a competitive manner. On the other hand this could lead to a more competitive price management that could cause lower costs for the two internal groups.Notwithstanding, Learner and Alex Whalen (founder, president, & CEO of SF Bay C onsulting) both agree that computer purchasing decisions should stay within CS to secure a certain level of compatibility among hardware and software and to avoid maintenance problems. Lastly, option three, to run CS as an expense center, would eliminate internal billing and lead to group profit generated from client charges greater than the CS overhead costs.Even though, there is a possibility of researchers ignoring the costs they provoke with a great deal of requests for CS, this problem might be minor due to the fact that they are not as frustrated as before and thereby reaching a higher level of overall satisfaction. In order to make all employees more sensitive for working efficiently an elaborated group-profit-related bonus system could be introduced at SF Bay Consulting.However, the impact of the bonus system for CS employees has to secure a balance between profit orientation and reasonable investments into hardware and software. Moreover, if all employees generate one overa ll profit together, there will not be any internal competition but a jointed overall goal. In conclusion, choosing option c), to run CS as an expense center is the right recommendation for SF Bay Consulting in order to solve its internal problems.