Biography Of Benvenuto Cellini ( 1500 ) - 996 Words

Benvenuto Cellini (1500 – 1571) was an autobiographer, goldsmith, musician, sculptor, and soldier. Cellini was born in Florence, Italy. Born of Giovanni Cellini and Maria Granacci, he was their second child. His name came from Old Italian welcome (bene well + venuto arrived ). It was commonly a name given to a much-desired and long-awaited child. His father Giovanni was a musician and maker of musical instruments, and in turn pressured Cellini into music from an early age. Cellini was not as passionate about playing the flute as his father wanted him to be, which often caused strife between the two. At the age of fifteen Cellini grew interested in goldsmithing, which his father objected to. Cellini ultimately convinced his†¦show more content†¦It was stressed to have abilities in multiple disciplines, physical, mental and intellectual, artistic and even social areas. Cellini was certainly known for being a goldsmith, and he was adept enough at drawing and sculp ting to allow for this profession, but what about the other areas of life? As we will examine, Cellini was talented in a number of areas, but he never really reached the level of mastery that was seen by many other renaissance men. He can still be considered a renaissance man because of the notable achievements he made in smithing, art, and music. At the age of fifty-eight Cellini started writing his autobiography. He began writing it himself but soon chose to dictate to a young of boy fourteen named Michele Goro. He began with stating he had a humble birth and intended to bring honor to his already prestigious lineage, saying: â€Å"I intend to write the story of my life with a certain amount of pride,† and that he does. Growing up the flute was his primary focus, as decided by his musician father, Giovanni. It is implied that his father was gifted in a number of telents as well, when a friend said to him â€Å"Giovanni, besides music teach him some of the other splendid arts you’re so good at.† Though his father did not seem interested in this idea and replied: â€Å"I don’t want him to learn anything except playing and composing.† Young Cellini did not approach the instrument with

Comparing Male And Female Juvenile Delinquency - 874 Words

Comparing and Contrasting Male and Female Juvenile Delinquents The article titled Profile of Incarcerated Juveniles: Comparison of Male and Female Offenders (Martin et al., 2008), effective methods of identifying potential juvenile offenders are discovered and reviewed. The discoveries made will help develop prevention programs at the state and national levels. The juveniles examined are offenders in a large juvenile justice system. The participants are of multiple races and live in a Midwestern city with a high rate of crime as indicated by federal standards. They each served different length sentences in a detention center between 2004 and 2007 (Martin et al., 2008). The difference and similarities between male and female delinquents can be analyzed. By determining the basic psychological and behavioral profile of these juveniles, one can hope to gain a better insight on the characteristics and to identify future offenders. It can inferred that if these characteristics can be recognized, then it will be possible to intervene in the cycle of juvenile crime and violence. Juvenile Males The incarcerated juvenile offenders in this study have a connection with a traumatic past that includes physical, mental and sexual abuse, along with the witnessing of violent acts and neglect. Trauma, to this degree, has a negative effect on juveniles, and pushes them to display behaviors such as, running away from home, selling drugs, and stealing (Martin etShow MoreRelatedThe Relationship Between Social Class and Delinquency Essays1498 Words   |  6 Pagespreconceived notions regarding the relationship between social class and delinquency. A common assumption is that lower-class juveniles are more likely to engage in delinquent behavior than their higher-class counterparts. Criminologists have performed a large number of studies examining the socio-demographic characteristics of delinquents, which often yielded contradictory results. When analyzing the extent and trend of juvenile delinquency in the United States conclusions can be drawn from estimates derivedRead MoreThe High Incarceration Rate Of Juveniles1748 Words   |  7 PagesThe high incarceration rate of juveniles is a significant social problem that affects society as a whole as well as the youth’s individual welfare and developmental trajectory. Adolescents who are incarcerated in the juvenile justice system face a multitude of negative lifelong implications. The history of incarcerating youth in residential facilities such as juvenile halls, camps, ranches or group homes as a consequence for committing crimes has a deep-rooted history in the United States. â€Å"For moreRead MoreJuvenile Delinquency And Its Impact On Society1894 Words   |  8 PagesJuvenile Delinquency has been a major issue challenging various law enforcement professionals and sociology researchers around the world. Acts of delinquency committed by the juvenile sector particularly disrupts the social order of an egalitarian society where individual freedom is a primary societal goal. The bringing up of juveniles on the right social path requires the effort of the overall society, local community, and the family. There have been many efforts made in the U.S. to control juvenileRead MoreHigh Risk Youth : A Public Health Approach By Doctor Dawn Delfin Mcdaniels1368 Words   |  6 Pagesfelony theft, and breaking and entering, than their non-gang peers (Hill, et al., 2001). The lack of proper parental supervision in communities with high risk factors such as high poverty rates, is closely associated with delinquent behaviors in juveniles. It is therefore worthwhile to study the impact of socioeconomic factors in a child’s upbringing, and how such factors influence a child’s tendency to engage in deviant behavior. Consequently, it is also equally as important to study the protectiveRead MoreThe Juvenile Justice System1313 Words   |  6 Pages Today s concept of the juvenile justice system is relatively new due to significant modifications in policy overtime. The justice system has been trying to figure out effective ways to treat juvenile criminal offenders successfully for years. The justice system did not always have a special category for juveniles and their crime. Juveniles was once treated as adults when they committed crimes and were subjected to harsh punishments. The juvenile court was the culmination of efforts of the positivistRead MoreIt can be nearly impossible to narrow down the causes of delinquency in youth as the factors do2000 Words   |  8 PagesIt can be nearly impossible to narrow down the causes of delinquency in youth as the factors do vary from adolescent to adolescent. There has been extensive research into family factors and how they relate to delinquency. Researchers have looked in several theories and models to specific attributes of gender, socioeconomic status, race, and the family structure itself. Definitions †¢ Juvenile delinquency: conduct by a juvenile characterized by antisocial behavior that is beyond parental control andRead MoreA Research Study Into Juvenile Delinquency Essay2330 Words   |  10 Pagesarrests†¦ in England and Wales, of which 94,960 were of people aged 10-17 years† (MoJ, 2016) Youth offending is a broad term used to describe those showing signs of antisocial behaviour from as young as 10 in England and Wales. The study into juvenile delinquency came to the forefront of criminology when statistics highlighted that prevalence and incidence rates of offending are highest during adolescence. Crime rates in young people were shown to peak at age 17 and slowly begin to decrease after this;Read MoreThe Effects Of Family Conflict On Boys2803 Words   |  12 Pagesas delinquency. The term has also been used to label those who are engaging in criminal behavior prior to adulthood: juvenile delinquency. Researchers have made numerous attempts to understand why juveniles become delinquent in the first place. Literature Review Ever since the mid-20th century, an ever growing number of divorces and strained family relationships has increased the pressures felt by the children affected by this dilemma, thus increasing the chances of juvenile delinquency. DueRead MoreCjus 230 Final Paper4022 Words   |  17 PagesThe Effects of Family Structure and Values on Juvenile Delinquency Christina M. Bracey 201240 Fall 2012 CJUS 230-B02 LUO Professor DeBoer Liberty University Online October 12, 2012 Abstract The changes in family values and structure in the United States has helped contribute to juvenile delinquency today. Society needs to recognize problems within the home before trying to find solutions to problems for todays at risk youth in America. Major structural changes inside of the home couldRead MoreClass, Race, Gender And Crime3006 Words   |  13 Pagesgender and crime. Secondly, it will discuss why intersectionality is important to understand crime and justice. In order to understand the relationship between intersectionality and crime, a particular issue will be reviewed from the crime and delinquency issues of 2014. Out of the 52 articles, this paper will first look at the number of titles and abstracts that discuses race, class, gender or other social inequalities. Lastly, out of the 52 articles reviewed, five will be thoroughly examined

A Lifecycle Assessment and Economic Valuation of Recycling

Question: What are the non-market issues facing the plastic container industry today? Conduct a non-market analysis by choosing one issue? Answer: Introduction Plastics are in various applications for over a century, and currently theyre everyplace, for both profit and loss. Plastic containers and outside layer facilitate keep food contemporary; however they will conjointly put down neurotoxins like BPA within the soma. PVC is employed for all from pipes and flooring to furnishings and garments, however it encloses compounds referred to as phthalates that are involved in male procreative disarray Studies have conjointly revealed that childhood contact to ecological pollutants will have vital negative property later in life, together with condensed labor participation and still income. To diminish plastic waste and negative possessions recycling programs are enforced in several elements. however stay underutilized. A lot of is as a result of the character of plastic itself, which regularly will solely be down cycled instead of recycled a torn bag may eventually be remodeled into a lunch receptacle. However it'll ne'er be a bag once more. Several cities and states have starts a lot of serious efforts to limit their use, however the topic remains a matter of appreciable dialogue. Whereas plastics conjointly hold considerable energy, the overwhelming majority finally ends up in landfills. Vast quantities of plastic also are sent to the developing world beside e-waste, wherever recycling oft involves outside burning. Evaluation From computers, cell phones, bicycle helmets and hospital baggage, plastic has shaped society in some ways that build life each easier and safer. However the artificial material conjointly has left harmful imprints on the atmosphere and maybe human health, in keeping with a replacement compilation of articles authored by scientists from round the world. Confirmation is mounting that the chemical structure blocks that build plastics therefore versatile area unitan equivalent elements which may hurt folks and also the atmosphere. And its production Associate in disposal contributes to an array of ecological issues, too. For example: Chemicals else to plastics area unit absorbed by human bodies. A number of these compounds are found to change hormones or produce other potential human health effects. Plastic dust, laced chemically and infrequently eaten by marine animals, will injure or poison life. Floating plastic waste, which may survive for thousands of years in water, is mini transport diplomacy for invasive species, disrupting habitats. Plastic buried deep in landfills will leach destructive chemicals that unfold into groundwater. Around four p.c of world production is employed as a feedstock to form plastics, and the same quantity is consumed as energy within the method. People area unit bare to chemicals from plastic multiple times per day through the air, dust, water, food and use of shopper merchandise. Environmental impacts of this wasting includes: Energy consumption adore thirty six million barrels of rock oil annually Annual generation of four.5 million a lot of greenhouse gases Emission of a number of toxics to the air and water Damage to life surroundings as a result of mining, drilling, and building electricity dams Land filling and littering of over one hundred thirty five food cans and bottles annually. Problems (issues) : Energy Consumption When food containers area unit wasted, they need to get replaced with new bottles and cans made of virgin materials. Production exploitation virgin (primary) materials is a lot of energy-intensive than production exploitation recycled (secondary) feedstock, and it generates a lot of pollutants of all kinds: mobile emissions, toxicant liquid effluents, and solid wastes from mining and industrial process, for instance. The environmental effects of this replacement production area unit notably pronounced for metallic element cans. Primary metallic element production entails excavation mineral ore, processing it into aluminum oxide exploitation oil and different chemical inputs, transporting it distances, and smelting it into metallic element metal bar exploitation giant quantities of electricity. New electricity dams area unit typically engineered to supply electricity for metallic element smelters, harmful to watercourse ecosystems and displacing native peoples in several regions of the planet. Conclusion: Changing this case doesnt need any major efforts, costs, or maybe fashion changes. If everybody within the world merely created a couple of changes within the means they consume plastic things, the matter would a minimum of be restricted and, with modified attitudes, those in power may slowly mend the harm thats been done. References: Jenkins, Robin R., et al. "The determinants of household recycling: a material-specific analysis of recycling program features and unit pricing."Journal of environmental economics and management2 (2003): 294-318. Powell, Jane C. "A lifecycle assessment and economic valuation of recycling."Journal of Environmental Planning and Management1 (1996): 97-112. Van den Bergh, Jeroen CJM. "Environmental regulation of households: An empirical review of economic and psychological factors."Ecological Economics4 (2008): 559-574. Ayalon, Ofira, Yoram Avnimelech, and Mordechai Shechter. "Application of a comparative multidimensional life cycle analysis in solid waste management policy: the case of soft drink containers."Environmental Science Policy2 (2000): 135-144.Post, James E., and Barbara W. Altma. "Managing the environmental change process: barriers and opportunities."Journal of Organizational Change Management4 (1994): 64-81. Hunt, Robert G., Jere D. Sellers, and William E. Franklin. "Resource and environmental profile analysis: a life cycle environmental assessment for products and procedures."Environmental Impact Assessment Review3 (1992): 245-269.

Napster Essays (795 words) - Metallica, Napster, Online Music Stores

Napster In order to find out why problem arouse in music industry around the Napster, we need to find out what is Napster? Napster is a database program that located on a computer server in San Mateo, CA. Napster community have more than 38 million users. Each of these 38 million users include in their computers variety of songs in MP3 format. The songs range from every musical type from classical to rap. Consumers use compact discs to make their own MP3 files, and then add them to their shared music profile in their Napster software. Again, Napster does not hold the copyrighted material on their servers; it is stored on the computer of users. The people are controlling what music they share among each other. Napster has a disclaimer on its transfer page warning people not to break copyright laws. Napster also has the right to prevent anyone from using their database service if they are found to have broken the copyright laws. I believe that people should be able to download music off Napster because it's just like the VCR, radio, and tape, it is a good way to promote music and a way for new artists to be heard. According to David Grohl (napster.com) it's the same as turning on the radio. You listen to different songs, except you choose which ones you want to listen to. If they shut down Napster, will they shut down the radio? You're doing the same thing on Napster that you would do at the concert. It's just more suitable to do it in your own home. Why would artists want to ban Napster when it promotes their music? Napster could help people hear your new songs and if they like them you'll make money and become famous. In addition, according to Madonna Napster could be a great way for people to hear your music who wouldn't have the chance to hear it on the radio. Chuck D, (napster.com) says, We should think of Napster as a kind of radio?a promotional tool that can help artists who don't have their music pla yed on mainstream radio or on MTV. A bigger problem is that the people misuse Napster by putting music onto cd's. This problem is not a new one. People have been copying music on audio as well as videotapes for a long time. Napster is just another source to obtain music. In this case we must abandon firms who produces violent games and songs, knives, etc? in order to eliminate crime rate. Of course our society can't handle that because these things appear in everyday of our lives. According to Courtney Love stealing our copyright provisions in the dead of night when no-one is looking is piracy. It's not piracy when kids swap music over the Internet using Napster. There were more than one billion downloads last year but music sales have been up, so how is Napster hurting the music industry? Also Napster is a revolutionary way of getting music. This revolution sooner or later will result in a new way of purchasing music. Would it not be easier to download the music directly from the music company? It would be much easier and convenient going to a favorite bands website and downloading sample MP3 files from every song on the CD. Then the buyer could make an intelligent buying decision. If the CD was impressive enough throughout, a person could then be directed to a download website and purchase the entire collection. The price should be much lower. Reasons for this price reduction are no reproduction mark up and no shipping cost to the stores. The buyer would then download the music, make the CD and print artwork. No more will the public be deceived into buying a CD to find out there is only one good track on it. Another bonus to this way of buying music is making a greatest hit CD. For those artists that may only have one or two good songs on their CD, this would be anot her way to get sales. A person could download anything he wants and put those songs onto a CD. Music consumers do not want to see the artists hurt,

Feminist Movement Essays - First-wave Feminism, Womens Rights

Feminist Movement It was in the mid-1800s when the first signs of the feminist movement came about. In 1861, a man named John Stuart Mill wrote The Subjection of Women, which was said to have spawned the ideology of the Women's Rights Movement (Ryan 11). He discussed the role of women is society during that time, pointing out how the patriarchy placed such an intense limit on what women could do. Patriarchy is the system in which the male race governs societal views, and this practice has been in existence since the dawn of time. This work raised the consciousness of many women, but the first hints of an organized movement did not come about until the approach of the twentieth century. It has been said the Black Abolition Movement was the encouragement that women needed to go after what they believed in (Ryan 10). In 1898 came the beginnings of Women's Suffrage, which was the movement intended to allow women the right to vote. During this time, over 500 separate campaigns were launched with the goal of attaining this right. Females such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony spoke all over the country on women's rights and suffrage, gaining many supporters along the way (Ryan 9). The National American Women's Suffrage Association (NAWSA) was soon formed, and Stanton was its first president. She helped to begin extensive mobilizing efforts and put a strong foot forward in the suffrage movement (Ryan 22). When the Nineteenth Amendment was passed, women nationwide rejoiced at their accomplishment with the feeling that they had made a difference, and their feeling of inferiority had subsided. Works Cited Bardon, Edward J. The Sexual Arena and Women's Liberation. Chicago: Nelson Hall, 1978. Evans, Sara. Personal Politics. New York: Vintage Press, 1979. Friedan, Betty. It Changed My Life. New York: Random House, 1976. Ryan, Barbara. Feminism and the Women's Movement. New York: Rutledge, 1992. Salper, Roberta. Female Liberation: History and Current Politics. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1972. Sinclair, Barbara. The Women's Movement: Political, Socioeconomic, and Psychological Issues. New York: Harper and Row,1975. Stambler, Sookie. Women's Liberation: Blueprint for the Future. New York: Ace Books, 1970.

Characterization of Flat Characters essays

Characterization of Flat Characters essays Characterization of Octavia In Ernest J. Gaines, The Sky is Gray, is a story of a woman during World War II, who is faced with the challenges of raising and providing for her family financially in the absent of her husband because of the war. Her realistic attitude about her role as head of the family in the absent of her husband has changed her dramatically. The happy and cheerful social person Octavia once was is transformed into an abusive, demanding, but compassionate woman. Octavia, the mother who assumes the role as head of the family abusive behavior is describe by James, her son, in which his description fosters that of a tuff, no nonsense kind of woman. Her abusiveness can be seen in many instances, for example, the constant whipping of Ty, another one of her sons, because of his fear of ghosts (4). Another prime example and show of Octavias abusive trait as depicted by James, She slapped me again (67), and She started hitting me cross the back. I went down on the ground, crying (76). Not only is Octavia abusive, but also sadistic, as thought she enjoys inflicting pain, her pain, in which she suffers internally, but is blinded by her idealism of turning her boys into men. Assuming the role as head of house is stressful for any mother who is use to a man in the house. Octavia becomes quite demanding in this new role of hers. Get him out of there, she repeated over and over again, Get him, Octavia demand James, in the fetching and the killing of redbirds for the evening meal (paragraph 54-80). I side with Octavia in some respect, however, her demand for James to kill could have a ripple effect much later in life if not now, and damage the boys, Ty and James for life. Like most mothers, Octavia is compassionate in many respects. The moment she learns of Jamess situa ...

Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Ethics - Essay Example Obligations as a Nurse Obligations to my profession and work as a nurse pertaining to this case include doing what is required to follow the government’s decision. As a nurse, it is no less than an ethical dilemma for me, where if I don’t follow the government’s decision, my status as a nurse is challenged and my job is at risk. On the other hand, if I follow the government’s decision and starve Terri to death, I have to fight against my own conscience as a human being, and I know this is a fight I am going to lose, and this may jeopardize my peace of life forever. Laws regarding Euthanasia Laws related to euthanasia vary from one country to another. Some countries consider euthanasia an illegitimate practice which is thus condemned, whereas other countries are more flexible and have specified certain conditions in which euthanasia can be given to a patient. There are also certain countries like Australia that had legalized euthanasia once but later change d the rule. â€Å"On 25 May 1995, the Northern Territory of Australia became the first place in the world to pass right to die legislation.  The Rights of the Terminally Ill Act  lasted 9 months before being overturned by the Australian Federal Parliament† (Exit International, 2012). Today, all territories and states of Australia deem euthanasia illegal. In the USA, there is a particular federal law related to assisted suicide or euthanasia. It is prohibited under general homicide laws in all the 50 states of the USA including the District of Columbia. Laws related to euthanasia are dealt with at the state level instead of the federal level in the USA. 36 states in the USA prohibit all kinds of assisted suicides, seven states in the USA prohibit them under common law, four states in the USA do not have specific laws related to euthanasia, whereas three states including Montana, Washington, and Oregon have rendered euthanasia legal (ProCon.org, n.d.). Stakeholders in the C ase The stakeholders in this scenario include the government, the people of America in general, Terri’s family in particular, and most importantly, Terri herself. Terri was starved to death upon the government’s decision without her or her family’s consent being involved in it. This did not only take Terri’s life, but also had traumatic effect on her family as well as all citizens of America who felt concerned for Terri and were disappointed by this decision of the government. The government is surely one of the stakeholders in this case since the decision making power is fundamentally assumed by the government and the decisions made by the government affect the lives of common people like Terri and her family. Summary of the Impacts Being a nurse is a big responsibility by all means. A nurse is essentially someone who assists people with activities meant to improve their health. The conventional image of a nurse is of a helping, caring, and loving indivi dual. Giving someone euthanasia is one of the extremely challenging tasks for a nurse since it fundamentally challenges the status of nurse as a caring individual and is also emotionally demanding. Our social and religious values guide us to take care of the well-being of all human beings, not some human beings. Euthanasia is against these social and religious values. How long a person lives is to be decided by God Almighty, not human beings. When humans take this decision in their own

Environmental Scan Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 2

Environmental Scan Paper - Essay Example This research centres on the environmental scan of the internal and external environments of two real-world organizations, their competitive edges and firm strategies for developing value and sustaining competitiveness. Scanning of the environment particularly the internal organizational environment mainly looks at culture of the firm, the relations between employees, management and the shareholders. Moreover, it will also focus on the organizational structure, access to natural resources and product awareness. On the other hand, scanning of the external organizational environment dwells on the industry analysis, national and macro-environment. Industry environmental analysis evaluates the level of competition of the company and that of its rivals. The national environment examines the effect of the national framework for enabling an organization accomplishes competitive edge on the international scale. The macro-environment reveals the social, legal, political, economic and political effects on the functioning of an organization. Apple Inc. is a global organization with deals with computer software, consumer electronics and communication servers (Kang, 2013). The primary apple products include iPad, iPod, iPhone, and Macintosh computer. The company was officially registered by its original founders in 1977 in California and has been operating since its incorporation. Apple employs environmental scan to evaluate its business. The firm has been effective in the technology industry in which it operates. The success of this company is mainly attributed to its revolutionary ideas and capability to bring ideas to reality, revealing a sound business strategy. Internal environment The internal environment of Apple is characterized by dynamism, creativity, and flexibility. The organization internal environment has been built such that it promotes its workforce to participate in branding of the company image (Kang, 2013). Apple appreciates its employees for

Disease Causation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Disease Causation - Essay Example The causes of the condition involves persons who smoke, people with high blood pressure, high cholesterol body levels and those suffering from diabetes. Risk factors for developing the condition depend on the individual’s age, medical condition, gender and their lifestyle choices. Most individuals especially men just like Steve are prone to acquiring the condition past the age of 50 years (Lockhart et al., 2012). Other risk factors for acquiring the condition includes diabetes, cigarette smoking, overweight and obese individuals, hypertension, high blood cholesterol levels and persons who have a history of a heart disease in the family. In regards to the information, Steve is at a great risk of acquiring the condition. Since he is overweight and lives a sedimentary life lacking any physical exercise. He is a smoker, he is also at a risk of acquiring diabetes, hypertension or a heart disease since there is a history of these chronic illnesses that are genetic (Fowkes et al., 20 13). Moreover, his blood pressure is high as it is above the normal range. Fowkes, F. G. R., Rudan, D., Rudan, I., Aboyans, V., Denenberg, J. O., McDermott, M. M., ... & Criqui, M. H. (2013). Comparison of global estimates of prevalence and risk factors for peripheral artery disease in 2000 and 2010: a systematic review and analysis.  The Lancet,  382(9901), 1329-1340. Jauch, E. C., Saver, J. L., Adams Jr, H. P., Bruno, A., Connors, J. J., Demaerschalk, B. M., ... & Yonas, H. (2013). on behalf of the American Heart Association Stroke Council, Council on Cardiovascular Nursing, Council on Peripheral Vascular Disease, and Council on Clinical Cardiology. Guidelines for the early management of patients with acute ischemic stroke: a guideline for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.  Stroke,  44(3), 870-947. Lockhart, P. B., Bolger, A. F., Papapanou, P. N., Osinbowale, O., Trevisan, M., Levison, M. E., ... & Baddour, L. M.

Occupational Therapy In Brazil Health And Social Care Essay

Occupational Therapy In Brazil Health And Social Care Essay Brazil is located in Latin America. It is the fifth most populated country according to the US Department of State (US Department of State, 2010). Brazil is home to an estimated 196 million people (US Department of State, 2010). As indicated by the Brazilian government, Brazil is a presidential democracy. The country is often referred to as The Federative Republic of Brazil (Brazilian Government, 2005). The Brazilian government developed a policy named Zero Hunger. The Zero Hunger policy is described in this view: Zero Hunger is a public policy that aims at eradicating hunger and social exclusion. It is a policy because it expresses the Federal Governments decision to consider hunger a central national issue, rather than an individual fatality. It is public because apart from the State it involves society as a whole (Brazilian Government, 2005). Brazil has public and private options for healthcare. In reference to the Brazilian government the public healthcare is established for public treatment. An example of this development is preventative and outpatient care with programs being carried out in rural areas: sanitation, food safety and care for the elderly, women and children (Brazilian Government, 2005). Improvements for public and private healthcare are still growing (Brazilian Government, 2005). The country of Brazil has been influenced by Indian, European, and African cultures. The influences of these nations have created norms for the Brazilian people. For example, music is a widespread custom in Brazil that dates back to the 17th century (Brazilian Government, 2005). Brazil has six occupational therapy schools. To become an occupational therapist in Brazil, a student must complete four to five years of occupational therapy curriculum at the offering university. Depending on what university the student attends that wil l determine the duration of their schooling (World Federation of Occupational Therapists, 2004). Based on the research found for occupational therapy, Brazil appears to have a driving focus toward people with physical disabilities. Most of the research found pertained to physically disabled adults. However, there were few studies concerning pediatrics as well. For the most part, the focused research highlighted physical disabilities in the upper extremity. In addition, research was found that supported rehabilitation services, incorporates models for disabled adults returning to work, supports theories based on review, and functional advancements for persons who are disabled. In occupational therapy, we assist a population whose daily routine reveals disorganized doing and that faces difficulties in participating in the social and cultural world (Takatori Bemtempo, 2007, p. 48). This was quoted from a Brazilian study for children, but it could be taken into consideration for all levels of occupational therapy. The following paragraphs include research from Brazil used to educat e the world of occupational therapy. Work-related hand injures: Case analyses in a Brazilian rehabilitation service is the study conducted by Sampaio, Mancini, Sliva, Figueiredo, Vaz, and Alves, 2006, p. 803. This study promotes the idea that the results of this study provide evidence for functional gains in clients treated in a rehabilitation service and supply information about the relation between specific components and functional performance (Sampaio et.al, 2006, p. 803). This study by Sampaio et al., 2006, was designed to depict the changes in patients who underwent therapy at hospitals in Brazil. The treatment began after the patient had a work related accident. The accident resulted in the patient having an upper extremity disability. The patient was observed by an occupational therapist at two different times. The first time was at the entrance of treatment, and the other was at the release of their treatment. The authors included outside measurements in their study. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measur e (COPM) was used to assess participants self-perception of their occupational performance and satisfaction. COPM is a standardized functional assessment instrument in the format of a semi structured interview based on proposed for client-centered practice (Sampaio et al., 2006, p. 805). After rehabilitation was completed the grip strength of the patients had improved. Also there was an increase of the COPM at the time of discharge (Sampaio et al., 2006, p.806). In addition, more research by Figueiredo, Sampaio, Mancini Nascimento et al. (2006) also agrees that receiving intervention especially occupational therapy will increase the COPM and the grip strength. After the study was completed the research shows that people who have rehabilitation therapy will see significant increase in grip strength values, with mean value at discharge showing to be twice the magnitude observed at admission (Sampaio et al., 2006, p. 807). in Brazil, few rehabilitation services currently use client-ce ntered functional evaluation tools in clinical practice, and most are not familiar with such instruments. However, client-centered approaches are becoming popular within rehabilitation facilities, especially in North America (Sampaio et al., 2006). This study in Brazil is good for moving rehabilitation research forward because it demonstrates how research from other countries can be implemented. This shows that having countries create research together can enhance a common goal. Also, the research illustrates how there are positive outcomes for this topic. Occupational therapists questioning the idea of rehabilitation services for hand therapy can read this study, and then formulate their own opinions based on the findings of Sampaio and other researchers. Another research titled named Disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH): Factor analysis of the version adapted to Portuguese/Brazil by Cheng, Sampaio, Mancini, Fonseca, and Cotta (2008) also has a focus on upper extremity disabilities. DASH has been used in a practical setting, and has been converted into other languages for the enrichment of shared research (Cheng et al., 2008). The purpose of this study was To investigate the psychometric properties (construct and discriminate validities) of the translated and validated version of DASH in the Portuguese language (Cheng et al., 2008, p. 1901). Since this is the first performance of the Brazilian DASH: Another aspect to be considered is that this is the first study to analyze the performance of the items in the Brazilian version of the instrument, which along with the scarcity of the studies that investigate performance of the instrument items, hinders comparisons (Cheng et al., 2008, p. 1908). Seeing how Brazil is now implementing the method of DASH shows that they are trying to expand their knowledge. Brazil is teaming up with other countries to utilize research. Since occupational therapists might be facilitating treatment to persons with upper extremity disabilities, constructing research for this problem in this country is important. Due to the fact that Brazil has strong manufacturing, agriculture, mining, and service sector (Frumkin Ca^mara, 1991, p. 1619), the need for DASH and occupational therapy could effectively help the disabled workers. One article describes the application of a model for analyzing industrial tasks that was developed to identify jobs that could potentially be filled by people with disabilities (DP) and to serve as a guideline for a company hiring policy (Simonelli Camarotto (2008), p. 150). Analysis of industrial tasks as a tool for the inclusion of people with disabilities in the work market is the name of the article (Simonelli Camarotto, 2008, p. 150). This model could be used in other countries where seen fit. In the countries where disabled people want to work, a model would be a good foundation to restart employment. A survey conducted in 1997 by the United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organization found that 10% of the worlds population has some form of disability (Simonelli Camarotto, 2008, p. 151). Brazil has approximately 20 million people who are disabled according to the World Health Organization (WHO, 1996). However, only 2% of the DP have a routine job. Brazil contributed this r esearch on the basis that in Brazil, Law No 8213/91 makes it obligatory to hire DP based on the quotas that are established according to the number of employees in a public and private company (Simonelli Camarotto, 2008, p. 150). The model consists of three stages: analysis of the task, study of the activity and description of the jobs indicated for DP. Each job involves a set of tasks that can be subdivided into stages or subtasks (Simonelli Camarotto, 2008, p. 153). In the realm of occupational therapy this research will use a set of methods and techniques based on the ergonomic work analysis and on occupational therapy, we sought to build a model to indicate the skills required to perform industrial tasks (Simonelli Camarotto, 2008, p. 150). The model was applied at 19 workstations at a Brazilian aircraft manufacture in 2002 (Simonelli Camarotto, 2008, p. 150). Occupational therapy patients wanting to get back in the workforce could possibly perform this model (Simonelli Camarotto, 2008). The model would then serve as a guide in the companys policy for hiring DP (Simonelli Camarotto, 2008, p. 153). By Brazil conducting this research and developing this model, occupational therapists can try to get the ir patients back to work across the world. In addition, if the model shows independence for their particular patient they can show their evidence to the employer. Based on additional research found children are another focus of Brazilian exploration. For example, the article The implications of Winnicotts theory of play for the work of occupational therapys observation with children with physical disabilities demonstrates that play is an activity that reveals personal aspects of the person engaging in it; and play experiences embody aspects of the subjects internal reality, according to D. W. Winnicotts theory (Takatori Bemtempo, 2007, p. 47). This study brings the idea of evaluating the disabled child in their home. There were three children that participated in the study. All three of the children had a physical disability. The goal of this study was to show how important it is to observe a child. This study demonstrates that if an occupational therapist can observe and see how a child plays, they can in turn make progress with the disabled child. One article conveyed that it is the concept of play that we use to understand the person with disabilities, his/her activities and his/her social participation (Takatori Bemtempo, 2007, p.50). With this being said play observation can be put into practice in unique therapy sessions. The focus of occupational therapy in Brazil appears to be on disabilities based on the research found. However, this does not mean it is the most popular, most important, or most well-known. Brazil is in the process of making their research more assessable to people of other countries (Barreto Barata, 2008). In addition: Brazil is the only Portuguese-speaking country that has a network of scientific journals in public health/epidemiology. As to the languages papers published, these journals usually publish in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, although most of the papers are published in Portuguese (Barreto Barata, 2008). This is a mature step in the right direction for Brazil. Putting their research out there for other countries to use is not only good for occupational therapy, but for all other health care fields. Moving the body of research forward in Brazil will only enhance knowledge of their country and other countries.

Current and Future Market Trends Essay

When thinking of wireless phone or internet service, the first company that probably comes to mind is Verizon Wireless. Verizon officially became a force to be reckoned with in the wireless market in 2000 when Verizon communications and Vodafone merged. Verizon states, â€Å"Verizon Communications Inc., headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wire line communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.† Since entering the market in 2000, Verizon has made itself popular by offering service in more areas than any other wireless network. Market Structure Within economics, four types of market structures exist. The four types are: monopoly, monopolistic competition, perfect competition, and oligopoly. Colander (2008) describes market structure as, â€Å"the physical characteristics of the market within which firms interact.† Verizon Wireless’ market structure can be defined by a combination of monopolistic competition and oligopoly. Colander (2008) defines monopolistic competition and oligopoly as, â€Å"a market structure in which there are many firms selling differentiated products and few barriers to entry—and oligopoly — a market structure in which there are only a few firms and firms explicitly take other firms’ likely response into account. The wireless industry is smaller that people think and not much competiton exists. For example: Cingular and AT&T are both wireless carriers, but Cingular is a part of AT&T. Essentially, when a consumer spends money with Cingular, it still goes to AT&T. Using an oligopoly structure has worked well for Verizon in the past and currently. Current and future market trends should not have any affect on the market structure of Verizon. New Companies Competition in the wireless industry has always been tough. It seems as though every month or few weeks, a new phone or new service is being unveiled by a well-know company or a company trying to get started. Besides  Alltell, Verizon is usually the company the competition seeks to compete with. To compete with Verizon most companies offer a service similar to Verizon for a cheaper price, or they offer a similar phone for a cheaper price. Verizon would not be affected heavily by any new companies entering the market, because Verizon is already established and consumers are already familiar with the brand. Aside from that, Verizon offers a number of services and slogans to keep their consumers interested. Some of the slogans used are: America’s largest and most reliable network, #1 in customer loyalty, and the worry free guarantee. Verizon does not have to worry about the competition, the competition should worry about Verizon. Prices One of the downsides to having wireless services and phones is the price. Since the introduction of cell phones, the price of phones and the price of service have risen significantly. On average, a contract for cell phone service with two lines would cost anywhere from $160 – $250, depending on the services the customer chooses. That price does not include the price of the phone which could be anywhere from $50 – $900. The prices to maintain the convenience of a cell phone are ridiculous, but it is a necessity that most individuals find it hard to live without. The current and future trend of the wireless industry shows the price of services and phones increasing. With that being said, despite the prices of phones and service, consumers will continue to pay the prices set by Verizon and other wireless companies. Technology Cell phones and services have definitely evolved over the years. Technology is one of the leading factors when consumers consider purchasing a phone or selecting a company as their wireless provider. Most cell phone users use text messaging, check email, and log onto social networking sites like facebook and myspace from their mobile phones. Like any other invention cell phones have evolved and become an important part of our lives. Televisions went from just being in homes to our cars. Computers were usually found in places such as: homes, offices, and libraries. Now cell phones are the more modern version of computers. Verizon has always made note of the changing trends when it comes to technology and the company has always delivered excellent products the consumer wants or needs. Productivity To maintain the position as the largest and most reliable wireless carrier, Verizon Wireless must spend money. The costs range from building the network, to maintaining the network. Costs include employees, equipment and technology needed to keep the company on top. The company makes decisions based on what the benefit will be in the long run. These decisions are made by researching trends and technology in the wireless market and changing tastes of the consumer. The company knows the catalyst of success is a strong network. The law of diminishing marginal productivity states as more of a variable input is added to an existing fixed input, eventually the additional output one gets from that additional input is going to fall (Colander 2008). I was not able to get information specific from Verizon Wireless that would help me graph out this law. The company has over 86,000 employees and made 56.8 billion dollars in profit for 2008 (about us 2009). Each year bonuses are given to employees based on individual performance and company performance. Last year the bonuses were based on the fact that the company made 12% in profits. In today’s economic times, the e profit achieved was outstanding and was above any other profits made in the wireless industry for 2008. Cost Structure Wages and Benefits Employees of Verizon Wireless are compensated well. The employees salary along with the benefits provided are above others employed in the wireless industry, according to David Brown an analyst at Verizon Wireless human resources. At Verizon Wireless a broad-banded structure is used to organize jobs and manage pay. There are six bands that range from A to F. Depending on the skills of the individual, he or she is usually hired in on the F band, which is a customer service representative, or assistant. The duties are usually task oriented. The next band is E, which is a coordinator or analyst, who are proven to work independently, usually on projects and technical functions. D band consists of level one managers, supervisors etcetera. C through A bands are the higher levels of management and CEO. Jobs are assigned to bands based on similar roles and levels of responsibility. The jobs themselves can be quite different in terms of what people do. Jobs in the same band are similar in terms of their impact on our business results, the decision-making authority of the employees who hold them, and the knowledge and skills required. VZW classifies a job as either salaried exempt or salaried non-exempt. Verizon Wireless provides medical, dental and vision benefits to employees at a reduced cost, but also provides at no cost an education benefit up to 8,000 per year, 401k contribution matching up to 6% and yearly performance bonuses as well as profit sharing if enrolled in 401k and a long term incentive program that is also based on company performance. Employees are a vital asset to Verizon Wireless and the salaries along with the benefits are designed to maximize performance. Cost Structure Fixed and Variable Costs Fixed costs are defined as costs that are spent and cannot be changed in the period under consideration (2008). Fixed costs for Verizon Wireless include buildings, warehouses used, and upkeep of cellular sites. Variable costs, or costs that change, include workers employed, contracts for equipment production, new technology etcetera. Verizon Wireless is a firm that sells produced goods to individuals, businesses and government (2008). The company’s main output is technology. The fixed costs dived by the variable costs equal the average costs of the company. As was stated earlier, last year Verizon Wireless made a 12% increase in profits from the year before. Most of the revenue occurred in the 4th quarter of the year with the release of the BlackBerry Storm touch screen device. The device was the answer to the I phone distributed by AT&T. Over 100,000 devices were sold on the first day of release alone. The cost of the device was 199.99, which is around 2 million dollars made in one day. The demand for the devices increased, and the company met the demand with more phones. According to the March 2009 newsletter given to the company for 4th quarter earnings, the CEO Lowell McAdam advised that Storm sales were the factor that  significantly raised the company’s profits and set the bar for future ventures. Price Elasticity of Demand The relation between the shift in quantity and shift in price of a product is known as price elasticity. â€Å"Price elasticity of demand is the calculation of the percentage change in quantity demanded divided by the percentage change in price† (Colander, 2008). Verizon Wireless has to make an effort to stay in synch with the pricing and offerings by their competition. Verizon Wireless must implement services and products that incorporate modern technology and are ground-breaking to compete in the wireless market and affordable in today’s economy. Impact of Government Regulations Verizon Wireless realizes the importance in ensuring that all regulations that are established by the Federal Communications Commission. Abiding by these regulations will guarantee that Verizon Wireless will keep providing long-standing benefits for the taxpayer and customers. Verizon Wireless trusts that the present structure â€Å"of auctioning spectrum licenses, with clearly defined, exclusive-use and flexible rights, is the right approach to spectrum policy† (Verizon Wireless, 2009). Although clear benefits towards allowing unlicensed use of spectrum is visible, that advance will not create the revenue for the United States Treasury or the best value for American economy. Broadband is one of the services provided by Verizon Wireless. Over the past ten years Broadband services have been used commercially. During that time the government has acknowledged the significance of implementing market-based motivations to persuade broadband usage and investment. â€Å"Rather than applying more-stringent regulations to telecommunications services and infrastructure, the FCC generally has applied an old wires, old rules; new wires, new rules philosophy towards broadband services and networks† (Verizon Wireless, 2009) By doing this, customers will reap in the benefits form the government’s decision to enhance incentives for broadband service providers to invest in better and superior broadband networks and services. â€Å"Investment and deployment in next-generation broadband networks – such as Verizon’s FiOS network – is happening at a remarkable pace, and consumers  now have more choices than ever before† (Verizon Wireless, 2009). Competitors Verizon Wireless has a substantial amount of competition in the wireless industry. Verizon competes with wireless companies such as T-Mobile, Sprint and AT&T. Verizon Wireless became the largest wireless service provider by beating out AT&T. Nonetheless, Verizon’s landline industry is affected by the large opposition of modern technology and tends to confront challenges from various other competitors with high speed internet and cable companies such as Time Warner Cable. Verizon Wireless has to make an effort to stay in synch with the pricing and offerings of its competitors. The Wireless industry is so competitive, equipment can outdate within a few months. Companies must develop wireless devices that are affordable as well as reliable. Supply and Demand Analysis Even with today’s economic challenges, many opportunities to create innovative new products to meet customer demand still abound. In a bold new step the company introduced its line of netbooks, mini lightweight laptop computers that consumers can take with them anywhere. The netbooks have all the functionality of a laptop, with the convenience of a smaller wireless device. The smaller size and the low price the netbooks are offered, is what today’s consumers are demanding. Tapping into this market gives Verizon Wireless a piece of the notebook and laptop market that was only accessible in the past by offering mobile broadband cards. The added revenue from this market keeps Verizon Wireless ahead of the competition. Verizon Wireless also has the opportunity to expand its coverage globally with the 3G UMTS, Quad Band GSM networks. This means that business travelers as well as consumers will now have access to roam on more networks in over 250 countries across the globe. Verizon Wireless strives to produce the best most reliable wireless voice and data coverage in the industry. In order to obtain that goal the company will have to gain customers faster than the competition, widen the revenue lead and lead in profitability. As long as Verizon stays on the right track, the company should not have any issues presently and in the future. Reference Page Colander, D (2008).Economics, Fifth Edition. McGraw-Hill/Irwin, New York, New York, 10020 Verizon Wireless. (2009). Corporate History/investor relations. Retrieved June 26th, 2009 from www.verizon.com.

Gobi Fund Essay

Why is it difficult to establish a new fund? Why is track record so important in fund raising? The main concern is to convince the investors to invest their money in Gobi. Therefore, it is necessary to raise a rational-sized fund. To raise a new fund is not an easy thing to do as everything including the fund structure, team, approach, LP base, and amount of capital have to be defined appropriately. The general partners also need to contribute their own money in order to convince the investors to invest together with them. The track record is very important in fund raising because if Gobi has a good track record, more investors will be interested to invest in it. Q2. Prepare a SWOT analysis for Gobi Fund II proposal in the context of venture capital fundraising. Gobi operates in an area where there is a lot of pent up demand (IT and digital media). * Gobi can acts like a bridge for western LPs to invest in Chinese companies. It is difficult to raise a new fund and if Gobi do not really have a good track record, it will become harder to gain the investors trust in order to raise the new funds. May have the advantage in acquiring a higher return from investment in the IT and media market since they already invest in that industry during the early stage. Meaning that they already have the experiences in investing in IT industry, therefore, may not become a problem to earn a high return. What are the keys to raising the second fund and how large should it be? There is no definite answer in this question as they could be changing depends on the situations. The planning horizons may take between 7 to 10 years or maybe longer than that because of a lack of infrastructure and development in the industry. The fund size may be between $100 million to $200 million allowing around $2 million to $5 million for each company. The subsequent funds should be of similar size or larger as the industry grows. Gobi wants the first close at $75 million. The key is whether to include more financial LPs or not. Q4. From the perspective of a potential LP, what are your choices when funding international focused VC funds? Would you fund Gobi? Gobi has never exited from an investment before, and there is high level of risks involved in the development of early stage IT companies as well as huge risks that may impede company development and growth. However, Gobi operates in an area where there is a lot of pent up demand (IT and digital media) and Gobi can acts like a bridge for western LPs to invest in Chinese companies. It may be a good choice to invest in it if it offers a rational return considerate with the level of high risks involved.

Epic Of Gilgamesh Essays - Gilgamesh, Group TAC, Shotaro Ishinomori

Epic Of Gilgamesh Essays - Gilgamesh, Group TAC, Shotaro Ishinomori Epic Of Gilgamesh But then I ask the question: How many men must die before we can really have a free and true and peaceful society?How long will it take?If we can catch the spirit, and the true meaning of this experience, I believe that this nation can be transformed into a society of love, of justice, peace, and brotherhood where all men can really be brothers. -Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Since the beginning of early civilization, differences in races and cultures have been a part of society. Along with these differences, there evolved a hatred against what was not considered the norm . For many years, prejudice, especially in the form of racism, has sparked many hate crimes and wars. Over generations, people have devised strategies to combat these injustices in the most effective way possible, whether it be civil or violent ways of protest. August Wilsons Pulitzer Prize winning play, The Piano, is set in the early 1930s at a time when racism was spreading like wild fire. The play takes a close look into two dynamically different approaches to overcoming prejudice in America. Although their strategies differ greatly, both Berniece and Boy Willie both find ways to combat the problems associated with living in a racist culture. Slavery is still fresh in the minds of many blacks and whites during the 30s and so are many harsh feelings. Berniece and Boy Willie tackle the racism of their time in the same way their parents did. Bernices personality is very similar to her mothers, Mama Ola. She chooses to avoid conflicts over racism whenever possible, even if it means keeping quiet about subjects that should be addressed. She finds it easier to lay low than to create a situation. Berniece views the history of the piano with the same disdain and sorrow that her mother held for so many years. In one of many heated arguments with Boy Willie, Berniece says, Mama Ola polished over this piano with her tears for seventeen years...seventeen years worth of cold nights and an emp ty bed. For what a piano?...To get even with somebody....and what did it ever lead to? more killing and more thieving. When Boy Willie speaks, one can almost hear the vigor and determination of his father, Papa Boy Charles voice. He, much like his father, believes in the theory: by whatever means necessary. Boy Willie is willing to do whatever it takes and remove whoever stands in his way; and that includes getting rid of any white man that poses a threat against his dreams. Boy Willie is very proud that his father gave his life to steal the piano, with the carvings of his familys history, from Sutter, the man who enslaved his great grandmother and his grandfather. Papa Boy Charles believed that his family would always be slaves as long as Sutter still had ownership of the piano. Boy Willie tells Berniece that she should tell her daughter, Maretha, about the story behind the piano so that she can be proud of her grandfather. You ought to mark down on the calendar the day that Papa B oy Charles brought that piano into the house...throw a party...have a celebration. Although their points of view are similar to their parents, they are very opposed in their strategies for dealing with racism. At a time when racism is at its peak due to unresolved issues on both sides, the future for blacks in America seems bleak. Although slavery has ended, brutal attacks against blacks still exist and many are worse off financially than they were as slaves. Berniece looks at her lifestyle from a realists point of view with little optimism. She sees no chance of growth for blacks and expresses this when she says, Im going to tell her [Maretha] the truth...you at the bottom with the rest of us...thats just where she living. Berneice believes that blacks are at the bottom of life and they may never overcome their situation. Although she believes that blacks can find success; she feels that successs is limited to the boundaries in which blacks are born. She follows the idea that some blacks refer to as

Causes and Stages of Cancer The WritePass Journal

Causes and Stages of Cancer Introduction Causes and Stages of Cancer IntroductionLiterature ReviewReferenceRelated Introduction The World Heath Organisation (2011) estimates that without intervention 84 million people will die from cancer between 2005 and 2015. In 2008 156,723 people died in the UK alone of malignant neoplasm and 1 in 3 people will be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime. There were 12.7 million new cases diagnosed worldwide in the same year which led to 7.6 million deaths.   (Cancer Research UK, 2011). There are over 200 different types of cancer but lung, breast, prostate and colorectal account for over 50% of cancer cases. The percentage of deaths caused by cancer varies by region with 4% in Africa, 12% in Asia, 19% in Europe, 21% in Oceania and 23% in North America (National Cancer Institute, 2010). Cancer is used to define the group of diseases in which extensive cellular proliferation occurs alongside the invasion of surrounding tissues. Cancer cells can spread through the body via the blood and lymph systems and ultimately cause death of multi-cellular organisms (National Cancer Institute, 2010). Cancer is caused by the accumulation of genetic mutations which leads to instability of genetic regulators and alters gene expression. Cancer represents not a single disease but a group of heterogeneous diseases that share the fundamental biological characteristics of immortalisation, invasion, genetic instability, erratic differentiation and uncontrolled proliferation (Vogelstein and Kinzler, 2008). Despite advances in detection and treatment of metastatic cancer, specifically breast, mortality rates still remain high because current therapies are limited by the emergence of therapy resistant cancer cells (Al-Hajj, et al, 2003). It has been documented that tumorous cells possess key stem cell characteristics such as high migration, self-renewal, drug resistance and extensive differentiation which leads to the production of a heterogeneous population. Tissue specific cells are able to self-renew and produce differentiated and functional cells within an organ. These differentiated cells are short lived and are produced from a small pool of long lived stem cells which lasts throughout the organism’s lifetime (Seo, 2007). Stem cells are essential for tissue development, replacement and repair however their longevity means they are susceptible to the accumulation of genetic damage and thereby providing a growth route for cancer recurrence following treatment (Clarke, 2005). Dean, Fojo and Bates (2005) suggest that cancer stem cells can survive chemotherapy and sustain the re-growth of a malignant tumour. Therefore if cancer stem cells are present in a tumour then they must be targeted in order to achieve a cure. Prospectively identifying cancer stem cells will allow investigation of the pathways and key molecules that can be targeted to eliminate these malignant cells (Clarke Fuller, 2006). There have been many studies which imply the existence of a sub-population of cells within tumours termed cancer stem cells which drive tumourgenesis. This paper therefore aims to isolate and characterise different sub-populations of cancer stem cells through physiological stress in human and murine models (DLD-1 and CT-26 respectively). There has been extensive evidence that CD133 and CD44 are reliable cancer stem cell markers therefore it can be hypothesised that CD133 and CD44 positive cells would demonstrate resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. This statement formed the basis of the protocol developed by Sharma (2010) where the novel technique of exposing parental cancer cells to the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin in-vitro to isolate cells resistant to drug exposure.   The resulting cells will them be characterised by their ability to form spheroids and the performance of Q-PCR, immunofluorescence and western blotting to identify the presence of the CD133, CD44 and CD26 specif ic cancer stem cell markers. The ultimate aim is then perform microarray on parental and cancer stem cell populations to compare the difference in gene expression of the two populations. Literature Review On a cellular level cancer is caused by uncontrolled cell proliferation which enables abnormal growth leading to cancerous tumours. Just 5-10% of cancer cases can be attributed to genetic defects whereas the remaining cases (in order of influence) are a result of environmental factors such as diet, tobacco, infections, obesity, alcohol, radiation, stress and physical activity (Anand, et al, 2008). These factors lead to tumour growth as they induce DNA alterations or loss of the ability to repair DNA damage which deregulates standard gene expression (Vogelstein and Kinzler, 1998). Carcinogenesis is the term used to define the creation of cancer by which normal cells are transformed into cancer cells. This is due to the accumulation of genetic mutations and the resultant misbalance in cell death and proliferation (King Robins, 2006). Cell production is a complicated process which is kept in apoptosis via cell regulation by numerous classes of genes including oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes (Vogelstein and Kinzler, 1998). Carcinogenesis occurs when there is a genetic mutation which upsets the normal balance between cell death and proliferation. The multi-step process is driven by the accumulation of genetic alterations which gives rise to highly malignant derivatives which have the ability to elude apoptosis, invade tissues and possess unlimited potential for replication (Hanahan and Weinberg, 2000). The inheritance of a defective gene itself is not sufficient for development of cancer. Cancer manifests from the accumulation of additional somatic mutation s which occur as a result of imperfect DNA replication or DNA damage caused by environmental mutagens. Genes that, when mutated, lead to cancer predisposition normally have the function of suppressing tumourgeneis. If one allele of such gene mutates in the germ line then the cell still has the product of the wild type as a back up. If a mutation occurs in the wild type then the cell has no functional suppressor gene product remaining. The cell therefore proliferates abnormally leading to clonal expansion. Cells of proliferating clones are likely to accumulate another mutation resulting in further loss of growth control. As gradual clonal expansion takes place a tumour evolves. Oncogenes and cell suppressor cells control cell proliferation, a mutation here leads to the cells to become continually active. Caretaker genes control rates of mutation, defective caretakers therefore acquire mutations (Vogelstein and Kinzler, 1998). The three stages of carcinogenesis are promotion, proliferation and progression. Changes in the genomes structure occur across all three of the stages of neoplasm development. Additionally changes in gene expression take place at cell promotion with selective proliferation of mutation cells. Apoptosis and cell proliferation occur at different rates but still maintain a balance during initiation and promotion but during progression the balance alters and a malignancy arises as seen in figure 1 (Oliveira, 2007). The fundamental progression features of malignancies are invasion and metastasis and it is these traits which distinguish between normal and cancerous cells. Metastasis is characterised as the migration of cancer cells from the site of origin to a secondary point through the lymphatic system, connective tissues and blood supply. At this secondary point the cells then continue to invade and form new tumours (Hanahan, 2000). Cancer immunoediting has been described as the conflicting action of the immune system to protect the host from cancer development through immunosurveillance and promote tumour growth by the promoting action of immunity (Smyth, Gunn and Schreiber, 2006). The interaction of the innate and adaptive anti-cancer immunity dictates the intensity of the outcome of the endogenous anti-cancer response. Stress induced molecules on tumour cells initiates the innate response and presentation and processing of tumour associates antigens leads to an adaptive response. Both of these responses can affect the tumour in different ways. The endogenous reaction could suppress tumour formation whilst at the same time exerting a selection pressure leading to the emergence of escape variants. Additionally the host’s immune response could directly promote tumour growth, invasion and metastasis via elaboration of inflammatory mediators and cytokines. There is a complex network of interactions between tumour cells, immune elements and stromal components in the microenvironment (Jinushi and Dranoff, 2007). However currently only the capability of the immune system to identify and kill cancer cells forms the basis of therapeutic strategies and immunotherapy (Schulz, 2005). Modifications in immunotherapy protocols have been proposed to lessen the effect cancer and improve the therapeutic value of immunological approaches by targeting the elimination of cancer stem cells (Lepisto, McKolanis Finn, 2007). Stem cells originate from the haematopoietic tissue and can be characterised by the unlimited capacity to self renew, which is the result of increases telomere activity (Huntly Gilliand, 2005) and the ability to terminally differentiate into one or more cell types, which is regulated by a niche signalling pathway system (Spradling, Drummond-Barbosa Kai, 2001). The capacity of stem cells to form differentiated offspring is described in terms of their differentiation potential (Friel, Van der Sar Mee, 2005). Totipotent cells have the ability to construct a complete organism, pluripotent cells are descendants of totipotent cells and can differentiate into almost all cells, multipotent cells differentiate into a specific family of cells, oligopotent cells differentiate into lymphoid and myeloid cells and omnipotent cells are only able to produce their own cell type but have the ability of self renewal which distinguishes them from other non-stem cells (Knoepffler, Schipanski Sorgner, 2007). The differentiation of stem cells is regulated by a niche signalling pathway system (Spradling et al, 2001). It has been suggested that cancer stem cells are displaced due to lack of heritable changes in phenotype and genetic alteration leading to an absence in cancer however when stem cells were placed in defective tissue they induced tumour growth (Clarke Fuller, 2006). Charafe-Jauffret, Monville and Ginester (2008) clarify the existence of cancer stem cells which possess tumorgenic, self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation abilities. Cancer stem cells are defined as a sub-population of cells in a tumour capable of generating phenotypically assorted cells (Gao, 2007). This petite population is accountable for the relapse of tumour growth, progress and invasion after treatment (Clarke Fuller, 2008). Although the concept that germ cells are responsible for oncogenesis has existed since 1855 the first conclusive evidence of cancer stem cell existence was that by Bonnet and Dick (1997) who isolated a CD34+/CD38 sub-population of leukemic cells which were capable of initiating tumours in NOD/SCID mice histologically similar to the donor. The cancer stem cell hypothesis states that the cancer initiating cell is a transformed tissue stem cell which retains the property of self protection through the activity of multiple drug resistant transporters. This drug resistant cell then remains at a low frequency amongst a tumour mass (Donndenberg Donndenberg, 2005). The cancer stem cell theory points to a new era of cancer res earch and is expected to yield alternative cancer treatments. It is now evident that tumours include cancer stem cells which can be isolated by antigenic markers and have the potential to develop into non-adherent spheroids (Wright et al, 2008).   This concept has challenged the previous hypothesis that carcinogenesis is a result of ‘clonal evolution’ where every cell present in a tumour is capable of proliferating and forming new tumours (Max et al, 2006). Cancer stem cells have similar properties to stem cells such as similar molecular mechanisms and physiological trafficking which implies that cancer stem cells are a result of consecutive accumulated mutations in embryonic stem cells (Kucia Ratajckzak, 2006). This is supported by the correlation seen in the signalling pathways associated with maintenance of ‘stemness’ in embryonic cells and cancer pathways. These pathways such as JAK/STAT, Notch, MAPK/ERK, P13k/AKT, NF-GB and Wnt are not only involved in stem cell renewal governing proliferation but also express key molecules associated with malignant phenotypes which leads to tumour growth (Dreesen Brivanlou, 2007). It has therefore been deduced that normal stem cells are transformed into cancer stem cells via mutations in suppressor genes and oncogenses and mutations in repair genes and histone modifications (Costa, et al, 2006). Embryonic stem cells are dependent on the specialised microenvironment in which they reside. This niche prevents tumorgenesis by supplying signals to inhibit differentiation and proliferation. Additional signals are also provided to allow stem cell promotion, self-renewal or differentiation when necessary (Scadden, 2006). Stem cells are dependent on this niche for survival alternatively cancer stem cells do not appear to be dependant on this niche in the same way. Some believe that cancer stem cells have evolved to escape the control of a local environment whereas an additional theory suggests the cells do reside in a niche which has undergone changes itself which encourages cell growth (Burness Sipkins, 2010). Cancer stem cells are thought to evolve from an intrinsic mutation leading to self-sufficient proliferation and deregulation as the cancer cell overtakes the molecular machinery used by normal stem cells (Li Neaves, 2006). These tumour initiating cells are the source of recu rring tumours in many types of cancer (Foltz et al, 2009). Cancer stem cells make up less than 5% of a tumour and have been found in blood-borne, brain, breast, ovarian and colon cancers (National Cancer Institute, 2010). These cells are highly resistant to both chemotherapy and radiotherapy and in order to develop successful therapy it is essential to identify the cell surface markers unique to cancer stem cells and interpret their signalling pathways, figure 2 (Foltz et al, 2009). Figure 2: The impact of cancer stem cells on tumour growth and response therapy. A: Subset of cells within the tumour has the ability to replicate and sustain tumour growth. TA cell is suspected to be responsible for a majority of tumour growth and is susceptible to cancer therapy. Cancer stem cells give rise to identical immortal daughter cells. B: Possible outcome of targeting tumour cancer stem cells verses present cancer therapy techniques which do not affect cancer stem cells (Houghton et al, 2007). The developmental concept of cancer denotes the presence of a hierarchy of cells within a tumour which refers to the differences of cancer cells within a tumour where all cells do not express the same antigens. Additionally functional assays show that only a specific sub-population of cells within a tumour can propagate tumour growth. It appears that cancer cells capable of tumour growth are able to self-renew as well as generate cells which cannot propagate tumour growth (Cho Clarke, 2008). Cancer stem cells have therefore developed the ability for self-renewal and differentiation into a heterongenous population as well as the tumour related properties of uncontrolled growth and ability to form metastasis (Dalerba, et al, 2007). The ability that cancer stem cells share with stem cells to renew has changed perspectives leading to new approaches to treating the disease (Li and Neaves, 2006). Cancer stem cells show resistance to both chemotherapy and radiotherapy making them a crucial target for treatment, it is therefore essential to identify the markers present on these cells in order to therapeutically target them (Foltz, et al, 2009). Current therapeutic strategies attempt to target cancer stem cells and its microenvironment whereas Tang, Ang Pervaiz (2007) identified a novel approach of targeting the reactive oxygen species in a cancer stem cell which would facilitate apoptotic death over proliferation. Additionally the development of monoclonal antibodies to recognise cancer stem cell markers would allow for more efficient destruction of these tumour forming cells (Okamoto Perez, 2008). The use of immunocompromised mouse model have shown to reliably capulate the molecular, biological and clinical features of the human disease. With such models defining the stages of tumour development, homogenised breeding and environmental conditions. This has therefore led to the development of the concept that plasma from genetically modified cancer models contains tumour derived proteins that may be relevant in the development of markers for human cancer (Kuick, et al, 2007). There are numerous studies which cites the use of immuno-comprised mice as vehicles for cancer stem cell isolation. Mouse models have been established as highly trusted in the development of human cancer treatment through verify the cancer stem cell extent of a tumour. This has been achieved by the opening and repetitive tumour progression in immuno-compromised SCID mice (Laurie, et al, 2007). http://tpx.sagepub.com/content/38/1/62.full.pdf+html Current developed methods to isolate ‘adult’ stem cell populations includes collection of different hematopoietic cells populations staining with the antibodies of interest and sorting by magnetic bead and/or fluorescence activated cell sorters (FACS) followed by in vivo transplant experiments. This allows for the development of understanding of fundamental hematopoietic stem cell characteristics of differentiation and the ability of the cells to give rise to others cells with the same potential for proliferation whilst still maintaining the stem cell pool Cho Clarke, 2008). Additional characterisation of cancer stem cells can be carried out by identifying gene expression and cell markers via immunofluorescence, western blotting and Q-PCR. It has been stated that an immature cell population can be characterised by surface markers CD34+ and CD38+ in AML and that these markers suggest the ability of initiating tumour development (Bonnet Dick 1997). Furthermore the use of a low-adherent growth environment can be used to produce spheroids from tumorgenic cells as a basis of isolation of cancer stem cells (Grange, et al, 2008) As it has been identified that a small minority of cells present in a tumour has the ability to form new tumours. It is therefore possible to distinguish between tumorgenic and non-tumorgenic cells based on the cell surface marker expression. Al-Hajj, et al (2003) were able to isolate breast cancer cells expressing CD44+ and CD24 lineage in as few as 100 cells with tumorgenic capabilities and identified hundreds of thousands of cells with a different phenotype which failed to form new tumours. Furthermore passaging the CD44+ and CD24 lineage led to the creation of phenotypically diverse populations. Sherman, et al (2011) also identified CD133 expression correlated with prognosis of oligodendroglial and astrocytic tumors and here immunofluorescence provided an effective and reproducible assay for identifying markers present in ca ncer stem cells. Fundamentally cancer is resistant to treatment because malignant cells survive chemotherapy, CD133 positive cancer stem cells display strong compatibility with tumours resistant to chemotherapy (Liu, et al, 2006). The use of immunofluorescence to characterise cancer stem cells has been used in a great deal of cases especially where total cell count is reduced CD44+ and CD24+ can be used for markers of colorectal cancer stem cells. CD44/CD24 cells are enriched for spheroid colonies and can reform all four CD44/CD24 subpopulations (Yeung, Wilding Bodmer, 2009). Additionally a population of CD26+ cells present in a sub-population of colorectal cancer stem cells led to the development of distant metastasis when injected into a mouse cecal wall. These CD26+ cells were also associated with enhanced invasiveness and chemoresistance (Pang, et al, 2010). Lgr-5 has also been identified as a key marker expressed in cancer stem cells of colorectal cancer associated with the activation of the Wnt signalling pathway which plays a key role in cancer development (Takahashi, et al, 2010). The first report indicating the difference in gene expression of cancer cells exhibiting cancer stem cell properties and those which did not was published in 2007 by Seo, et al. Amongst the 61 differently expressed genes 12 genes were considered up-regulated in the sub-population whereas 49 were downgraded validation of these gene expressions was validated using quantitative real time reverse transcriptase PCR. It was found that genes related to drug resistance such as AKR1C1/C2 and NR0B1, or cancer metastasis (TM4SF1) were up-regulated. Further more the up-regulated gene ABCG2 could be of use as an indicator for sorting. AKR1C has been identified as a catalyst of metabolic reduction and either activates or inactivates several xenobiotics. The public database (Gene expression Omnibus) has shown significant up-regulation in expression of AKR1C1 in smokers. Reference AL-HAJJ, M., et al. 2003. Prospective identification of tumorgenic breast cancer cells. 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Discovery of cancer biomarkers through the use of mouse models. Cancer Letters, 249(1), pp. 40-48.

Risk But, Wasnt That a Disaster Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Risk But, Wasnt That a Disaster - Essay Example Turner, from his research work and a later published book â€Å"Man Made Disasters†, establishes that clear patterns can be drawn out of every disaster that takes place due to human negligence (Turner, 1978). These patterns according to him are clearly divisible in six steps. He also argues that humans can do much more than just witness a catastrophe. Similarly, Perrow in his published book â€Å"Normal Accidents† mentions that due to the fact that people are incompetent when it comes to ‘handling complexity’ (Perrow, 1984) therefore accidents at composite facilities come by easily. Both, Turner and Perrow’s work is highly regarded, which were only possible due to society’s resolve to find a way to avoid accidents. Turner also points out in his above-referred works that usually it is the un-tested innovation that causes the disaster. He refers to accidents at Hixon in 1968 and Summerland in 1973. Moving from physical disasters to corporate ones, the writer talks about the opportunity for isomorphic learning wherein firms specialize in a special segment and engineer the best possible way of doing that job. This way significant time is saved as organizations can outsource a particular activity and don’t have to spend the time to learn it to do the right way. Not only this complex processes can be better performed by the taskmasters. Errors in these processes are usually human, and therefore learning to deal with infrequent events is what isomorphic learning is all about. Analyzing these disasters one realizes how similar they are at the time of happening. Human errors are seen to be a major player as far as financial disasters are concerned. Therefore, according to the writer, there is a severe need to learn from these mistakes so that such incidents can be avoided. Although the work that the writer of the article has cited from the authors is pretty much credible, however, more supportive work would make the argument stronger. Incorporating research and studies gives a lot of weight to the examination.  

Recruitment and Hiring Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Recruitment and Hiring - Term Paper Example This is a positive development, for otherwise, important private information will be subject to misuse and exploitation. The rest of this essay will outline key laws, regulations and principles for recruiters to mull over as they discharge their duties in the HRM department. It is common practice for employers to scrutinize past behavior of a potential employee and make sure that the latter is not prone to criminal or other disruptive behavior. (Connerley, et. al., 2001, p.73) But conducting background checks on prospective employees is wrought with risk. Previous employers are also caught in a quagmire for the risk of eliciting a defamation suit from disgruntled former employees. Hence, employers should make sure that they abstain from giving false or defamatory statement regarding their former employees. Other criteria that could lead to a defamation claim are: â€Å"an unprivileged publication to a third party; fault amounting at least to negligence on the part of the publisher; and either action-ability of the statement irrespective of special harm or the existence of special harm caused by the publication.† (Long, 1997, p.190) Hence, in order to comply with state and federal laws, careful avoidance of defamation of former employees is crucial. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the foundation for modern corporate defamation laws. It lays out the limits and expectations of the legal relationship between workers and their managers, especially Title VII of the Act. The courts and state legislatures, having identified that the employees are the ones holding upper hand in defamation suits have promulgated statutory reforms in recent years. It is perhaps a measure of these reforms that â€Å"in an effort to increase the free exchange of references, at least twenty-six states now provide some type of statutory immunity for employers when they provide a reference. Prior to 1995, only five states had such laws.† (Long, 1997, p.190) Hence it is important for employers to ensure no discrimination exists, either in the form of racism, sexism or ageism in the hiring process. It is also important that the tests for selection and appraisal are standardized in order to prevent claims of arbitrary and / or discriminatory hiring practices. (Fuss & Snowden, 2004, p.54) Disparate Treatment and Disparate Impact are two theories under Title VII of the United States Civil Rights Act. Together, they were intended to prohibit discriminatory actions on part of employers toward racial, sexual or class minorities. The theory of Disparate Treatment first came into judicial discourse in the Griggs v. Duke Power Co. During and after this case, the term â€Å"business necessity† became central to deciding such cases. If business managers treat minorities in a disparate manner in the absence of compelling business needs, then their action can be construed as discriminatory and in violation of provisions under Title VII. In all disparate treatment c ases, â€Å"whether the issue is the truth or falsity of the employer's reason for its action, or the co-existence of legitimate and illegitimate motives, whether the plaintiff puts on direct or circumstantial evidence, or both, the issue at the liability stage is simply whether the plaintiff has shown, by a preponderance of the evidence, that discrimination was a motivating factor in the employment decision.† (Drachsler, 2005, p.230) The Civil Rights Act of 1991,

Ethics and Performance Measures Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Ethics and Performance Measures - Research Paper Example It is imperative to measure the extent to which ethics are applied, so that the company becomes resourceful to employees and the community at large. By doing so, it win the trust of consumers, as well as gaining more profits for the organization. When a company manages to have a greater profit margin, it has a better opportunity to expand and offer more opportunities for employees. The vices that are taken for granted in the company are the ones that draw back the efforts in the organization (Shell, 2009). Unethical Behavior As A Result of Wrong Performance Measures There are many things which lead to the unethical behaviors in an organization. There is a need for constant checking of the manner in which employees conduct themselves because, if they are left on their own, they end up making mistakes due to peer influence or greed. In Sparkling Automotive Company, the presidents need to ensure that there is the measurement of ethics and behaviors of the employees because failure to ch eck on the behaviors can ruin a business that has been operational since 1930. The fact that there are no unethical behaviors exhibited by the employees does not mean that the employees are trustworthy (Arveson, 2002). Most of the employees harbor bad intentions or they get influenced by corrupt distributors or suppliers who access commodity from the company in wholesale. They may offers bribes to the respective employees for some under movements which will cause the company a lot of money. This ends up making the company undergo loss because the workers will out any money to be paid. Competitors use the gullible employees to carry out destructive missions, such as pirating the procedures used in manufacturing of the plugs; they result in production of counterfeit products which affect the results in the markets. Many workers who do not keep the secrets of the company line of production cause a dent to the company because they create unnecessary fracture to the production niche. Whe n counterfeit products are in surplus in the market, it takes the market a hard time to realize, hence, it affects the turnover of the company (Arveson, 2002). Corrupt means of cost cutting in the company where the heads of the organization acquire bribe to give tenders affect the image of the company. All this needs to be checked because neglecting such issues only worsens the situation in the organization of Sparkling Automotive Company (SAC) (Shell, 2009). When performance measures are tied to compensations, it creates a workforce that is driven by the need to create more resources for the company. This propagates the encouragement of unethical behaviors due to compromised honesty. In Sparkling Automotive Company, performance measures fall into four categories, which are customer perspective, financial perspective, internal process perspective, and learning and growth perspective. All these categories need to be acted upon for the company to flourish in its manufacturing and sale s of plugs in Sparkling Automotive Company. When all levels of employees in the company are not involved in the company activities pertaining production and selling of the plugs, there would be a lot of frauds that can choke the running of the organization. Delivering the plugs can counter a lot of hiccups which slow the