Environmentally Sustainable Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Environmentally Sustainable Business - Essay Example Other initiatives include development of aero-engines that are friendlier to the environment and airframes that are efficient. The aviation industry has also developed ways of assisting communities and passengers comprehend the concept of climate change and pollution resulting from use of the airlines. Aviation Industry players are undertaking the initiatives to mitigate the negative environmental effects caused by the activities in the aviation industry. The activist stage explain that societal issues caused by businesses or organizations are new and very few people understand the extent of their good or bad sides to the society. As a result, activists are ignored because they are not supported by facts or evidence. Proponents of the new societal issues are normally ignored or dismissed by the business community and authority. The proponents championing for societal rights are activists (Zadek 2004). According to the SA (2009) report, issues of environmental challenges had already emerged in the UK aviation industry, and the authorities, airlines and the communities have negotiated mitigation measures. This stage had been by-passed because powerful coalition was underway to deal with the environmental challenges of aviation industry. The coalition is comprised of airlines, Airport Operators Association (AOA), the British Air Transport Association (BAT), the Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC) and NATS (AS 2009). The second stage is the emerging stage. This stage recognises that the political and media community know and understand the societal issues. There are research bodies that emerge to study the cropping societal issues in the UK aviation caused by aviation activities and processes. The second stage has also been by-passed because climate change, noise and air pollution have become common knowledge in the United Kingdom especially among air operators. Researches have also been commissioned while monitoring and evaluation frameworks have been

Cookies as Spyware Essay Example for Free

Cookies as Spyware Essay This paper addresses Cookies as Spyware. The option chosen was to analyze the issues associated with cookies being used as spyware. Are cookies pieces of malicious, benign, or innocent software? The next paragraphs of this paper will discuss the various uses of cookies. And, then, the paper will conclude with my opinion about cookies based upon my research findings. Since web browsing uses a stateless connection, cookies are used to maintain the state of a browsing session. Cookies are small data files that are produced by a web server that are stored on your computer. Cookies allow a personalized web browsing experience because of the identifying information that they store within them (such as login information, passwords, web pages visited, and/or items placed in a shopping cart). There are different types of cookies that are created for specific purposes. They include session, persistent, first-party, and third-party cookies. Session cookies are used to store information related to a particular visit during one session. Persistent cookies are used to store information permanently on your hard drive about your interactions and/or preferences with a certain web site. First-party cookies are used by the specific site that created them while their website is being visited, whereas third-party cookies are not created by the website that is being visited. Third-party cookies are created by another website besides the website being visited such as a banner advertisement on the web page that is being visited. (â€Å"Encyclopedia,†) While most cookies appear to be used solely for the purpose of enhancing the user’s web browsing experience, cookies can be used for other purposes including adware or spyware if they contain active code. Adware is used to automatically download or display advertisements on a person’s computer. Spyware is technology used to gather information about a person or organization without their consent or knowledge and relay that information back to advertisers or other interested parties. (â€Å"Information security magazine,† 2008) Technology has evolved to the point where cookies can or have been abused, so they are associated with some security risks. The risks associated with cookies are hijacking (session hijacking), inaccurate identification (due to multiple user accounts or different browsers being used on a single PC), poisoning or stealing (cookie manipulation), and lack of expiration or artificially long expiration periods (allowing cookies to remain when they are no longer needed can allow the cookies to be stolen or attacked). (â€Å"Are all cookies,† 2010) All of these security risks can be used to gain access to or steal personal information from a user or their computer. In conclusion, from the research articles reviewed, it is my opinion that cookies are both beneficial and potentially harmful if used improperly. Cookies can be used safely to enjoy their beneficial purposes for web browsing by following some simple rules. Routinely find and delete unnecessary cookies by navigating to the path on your hard drive where your cookies are stored (C:\Documents and Settings\[username]\Cookies). There really isn’t much danger in deleting these files since new cookies are automatically downloaded the next time you visit the site anyway. Also, check to make sure that your browser settings are only allowing first-party cookies (restrict third-party cookies). Another important thing is to install antivirus software (such as Symantec Endpoint Protection, Sophos, McAfee, or any other reputable vendor) and keep your antivirus software updated properly. Perform regular scans on your hard drive and all attached peripherals to prevent infections. Keep operating system patches updated to prevent anyone from hacking your system because of a known vulnerability. Web browsing would be much less personalized if we completely denied ourselves the privileges associated with cookies.

How does homer use suspense to make the story of the ‘Odyssey’ more :: Classics

How does homer use suspense to make the story of the ‘Odyssey’ more exciting in books 13 to 21? To create suspense and tension in the story, Homer uses the aspect of disguise. When Odysseus lands upon the Ireland of Ithika, Athene gives him a disguise so that he will not be recognise by the suitors and killed. The first person he sees when he is on the island is a ‘herdsman of sheep.’ Who is really Athene she is in disguise, Odysseus, thinking she is a herdsman lies to her about whom he is, ‘I have fled, an exile, because I have killed the son of Idomeneus.’ His lie continued and although he lied about who he was it did have some truth in it, for example he says he went to Troy as a henchman, he did actually go to Troy so he’s not lying but he was a hero rather than just a henchman. ‘the goddess grey-eyed Athene, smiled on him and stroked him with her hand.’Athene is please that he lied she feels he showed metis and that it was the right thing to do. ‘yet you never recognized Pallas Athene, daughter of Zeus, the one who is always standing beside you.’ She reveals herself to him she gives him a disguise and advice, and the next person he meets is Eumaois the swine heard.’ There is a lot written about Odysseus and the swine heard I feel that Homer was digressing and intentionally delays Odysseus going home to create tension. Odysseus tells another lie, again to create the tension ‘ I announce my origin is from Crete, a spacious land.’ He does this using metis and to protect himself as he can’t allow anyone to find out whom he really is. The swineheard knows he is lying ‘nor spell me with your lies.’ This again makes the reader feel anxiety, in case he knows whom Odysseus really is. Homer keeps emphasising in the disguise, ‘beggar is better begging his dinner in the city.’ He is referred to as a beggar to really emphasis to the audience that, that is what he comes across as. Another thing that helps build up the tension is of Penelope weaving, as when she finishes she has to marry one of the suitors.’ Sitting back on a chair and turning yarn on a distaff.’ Things like this will appear in the text to make the reader nervous, about the time Odysseus is taking to kill the suitors; the delaying helps keep the tension. ‘The doe has brought her fawns to the lair of a lion.

Aboriginal Land Rights within Australia Essay -- Rights of Indigenous

Terra Nullius was once apparent in Australian society, but has now been nullified with the turn of the century. With the political changes in our society, and the apology to Indigenous Australians, society is now witnessing an increase in aboriginals gaining a voice in today’s society. Described by Pat Dodson (2006) as a seminal moment in Australia’s history, Rudd’s apology was expressed in the true spirit of reconciliation opening a new chapter in the history of Australia. Considerable debate has arisen within society as to whether aboriginals have a right to land that is of cultural significance and whether current land owners will be able to keep their land. An issue facing society is whether legislation in place is sufficient in balancing the rights of Indigenous Australians and the rights of current land owners who will be affected by the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth). To determine whether legislation is sufficient and fair, an investigation into the current societal view point needed to be considered by legislators. These legislators needed to evaluate the ways in which other societies had catered to the needs of indigenous land owners. Through consideration of these points, recommendations and changes to legislation need to be debated and enacted to ensure more equitable legislation on land rights within Australia Struggles by Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people for recognition of their rights and interests have been long and arduous (Choo & Hollobach 2003:5). The ‘watershed’ decision made by the High Court of Australia in 1992 (Mabo v Queensland) paved the way for Indigenous Australians to obtain what was ‘stolen’ from them in 1788 when the British ‘invaded’ (ATSIC:1988). The focus of legislation in the past w... ...oseville NSW: McGraw Hill. Brennan, F. 1995. One land, One Nation. St Lucia, Queensland: University of Queensland Press. Richard Harding, Roderic Broadhurst, Anne Ferrante, Nini Loh. 1995. Aboriginal Contact with the criminal justice system. Leichardt, NSW: Hawkins Press Keon- Cohen, B. 2001. Native Title in the New Millennium. Sydney: Panther Publishing. Choo, C and Hollbach, S. 2003. History and Native Title. Western Australia: Studies in Western Australian History. Australian Government. 1993. Addressing the key issues for reconciliation. Canberra: Australian Government Publishing Service. Bourke, E and Edwards, B. 1994. Aboriginal Australia. St Lucia, Queensland: University of Queensland Press. Healey, J. 2002. Aboriginal Disadvantage. Rozelle NSW: Spinney Press. Healey, J. 2007. Native Title and Land Rights. Thirroul NSW: Spinney Press

Michelle Morano’s “Grammar Lessons: The Subjunctive Mood” Essay

The essay â€Å"Grammar Lessons: The Subjunctive Mood† by Michele Morano is a work that parallels the Spanish language and life. In the story, Michele reveals a little about herself as a character in the essay. She offers the reader a glimpse into an extravagant daydream into the locales of exotic Spain in which she hopes to one day visit to escape her husband whom had recently tried to kill himself. Throughout her fantastic tale, she encounters many unusual characters and proceeds to compare aspects of the Spanish language such as clauses like, ‘si’ and ‘como si’ (Morano 111), and ‘verbs of doubt and emotion’ (114) to the complexities of life. As I first began reading the essay, I was puzzled that Morano chose to ‘speak’ in the second tense as it is a rare form of writing, especially for a non-persuasive essay. While she was using her own experiences to provide the reader with an imaginary world, she wrote as though she hoped her audience would find themselves in her shoes. I also found it difficult to understand Morano’s style of writing because of her choice to use the future tense. I was able to grasp the concept that this extravagant adventure had not occurred yet, but I found it difficult to insert myself in her whimsical, romantic production. Once I began reading the essay and analyzing it, however, I took a liking to her ‘what-if’ style of writing. It suited the topic matter very well. Morano was able to equate the Spanish language with life beautifully with her writing style and extensive use of imagery. While I enjoyed the style of writing very much, the essay itself left me tentative on weather or not I enjoyed the piece as a whole. I am very familiar with the Spanish language, but I believe Morano could have clarified each educational segment a little further. As amusing as it was to brush up on high school Spanish, I found the presentation of the content in the text itself very confusing. I am uncertain that I would have enjoyed the piece as much had I not taken Spanish in earlier years of schooling. I also found it distracting how Morano would switch from her ‘grammar lessons’ to her fantasy life in Spain so abruptly. Beginning to read the piece, I was unsure of whether or not Morano had actually lived these experiences she was writing about, or if they were a thoughtful delusion of the future. For example, while reading about Morano’s encounter with the swimmer (110), I  found myself being pulled into the reverie of this romance in Spain; and suddenly I would be brought back to this lackluster high school Spanish class. And while Morano did provide the reader with a comparison from the language to the event itself, the change seemed so abrupt that it left me displeased. I also could have gone without the jumping back and forth between Morano’s life with her depressed husband and her musing of a life in Spain. While I do believe that her history with her husband was pivotal to the back story, I found the bouncing between her Spanish daydream and her real life experiences with her husband very distracting. I consider it would have suited the essay better had Morano simply used that as an introduction and left it at that. One feature of the essay that I enjoyed, although, was the fact that Morano took something as lifeless as the Spanish language and seemed to enliven it to the reader. I find it very rare that an author is able to put life into something as cold as grammatical concepts, especially in a different language. Morano, through her experiences in Spain, was able to provide the reader with a looking glass into a world where language isn’t just language and grammar isn’t just grammar but they’re part of being alive. She is able to convey to the reader that while details such as how to express emotion in Spanish would seem tedious any other point, experiences such as sleeping with a stranger in Spain unexpectedly brings out these ‘grammatical elements’ of human nature such as doubt and excitement (115). As a whole, I did enjoy the essay. I found Morano’s use of descriptions and interactions between characters very intriguing. I was able to sympathize with Morano as a character through her internal struggle of leaving the man that she had been with for a long while for a fresh start in Spain. Morano, Michele. â€Å"The Best American Essays.† Grammar Lessons: the Subjunctive Mood. Ed. Lauren Slater. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2006. 107-121. Grammar Lessons: The Subjunctive Mood

Shared Trait Between Humans and Chimpanzees Essay Example

Shared Trait Between Humans and Chimpanzees Essay Example Shared Trait Between Humans and Chimpanzees Essay Shared Trait Between Humans and Chimpanzees Essay Shared Trait between Humans and Chimpanzees Anthropology 101 Section Fall 2010 Professor Diane Sank For many years, numerous individuals including anthropologists have attempted to explain how a single species evolved into another. From the time of Charles Darwin to Creationism, anthropologists have established that chimpanzees are human’s closet relative. Furthermore, with the extensive voluminous amount of information, not only are chimpanzees genetically and evolutionary similar to human but share analogous traits. For instance, chimpanzees like human make and utilized tools in various techniques. Another trait shared is eutheria, where offspring depend on the placenta and grown internally of their paternities. In addition to the highly mobile digits that assist chimpanzees in grasping and climbing. These illustrations are just a few. This paper is twofold; to highlight humans and chimpanzees shared traits that can aid in recreating the past of humans, secondly to heighten my knowledge of the evolution of humankind and chimpanzees. Human are classified in the primate order. The primate order contains countless species of prosimians, monkeys, apes, and us. Moreover even though humans are classified along with other primates the nearest relative is chimpanzees. Similarly, humans and chimpanzees share, â€Å"anatomy, and genetic material† that has been noted for several years now. By sharing similar traits it is noted as a vital part of human evolution. Human evolution is the development of humans also known as Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens are categorized in the Hominidae family, a family that has shown to ensure increased brain size with complexity and bipedalism. Chimpanzees have undergone many different changes during that resulted in binocular vision, mobile digits without claws but nails, decreasing in sense of smell due to a reduced snout, large and complex brains. Specific traits are illustrated distinctively within humans (Kottak, 2009). The first trait chimpanzees share with humans is grooming. Grooming is the action of cleaning oneself or another. The purpose of grooming among primates has many functions. The first is to clean another while the other is is sharing a bonding experience with a partner or friend. Both primates experience, â€Å"friendless, submission, appeasement or closeness†¦ embracing, touching, and jumping up and down. † These behaviors assist in shaping closeness between the two chimpanzees taking part in grooming (Haviland, Prins, Walrath, amp; McBride, 2005). Two chimpanzees sit face to face with each other and perform these procedures. Chimpanzees use their digits to â€Å"remove parasites or detritus from another’s hairy body surface,† resulting in the consumption of parasites There are different grooming habits among chimpanzees. For instance, some chimpanzees groom each other face to face while other chimpanzee let the one being groomed to move about as they feel. Some chimpanzees use sticks, or leaves as tools for grooming. In humans grooming is also used as a bonding experience for example between mother and child (McGrew, 1998). The second trait is the increase in the size of the brain and complexity. Primates have the highest intelligences. The size and complexity of brain enables primates to retain additional information to utilize in tool making or climbing. The advantages of a large brain with complexity assist in â€Å"navigat[ing]†¦find[ing] food in a highly complex environment. † The brain size of chimpanzees is larger than most other mammals (Kottak 2006; Stanford, Allen, Anton, 2006). The third trait is highly mobile digits. In humans mobile digits are hands. Chimpanzee’s highly mobile digit allows them to grasp items and climb trees more efficiently. Chimpanzees like human have five fingers on both digits (hands and toes). Primates also have opposable thumbs and tactile pads. Tactile pads empower chimps to have great sensitivity to what they come into contact with. The tactile pads are located at the end of chimp’s digits. Chimps do not have claws but nails (Kottak, 2009). The fourth trait chimps share with humans is tool making. Chimps are every diversified in utilizing and make tools. Chimpanzees construct their tools from surrounding material within the forest such as twigs, bark, and leaves. Tool constructed have multiple functions. For example leaves can be rolled to create a cup for drink water. Another example is utilized leaves for fishing and grooming varies parts of another chimpanzee. Finally leaves can be used in pre –mating procedure and to make medication. Chimpanzees also utilized tools to gather food such as sticking sticks into the ground to gather ants and termites for food. Chimpanzees are able to use their surrounds to help create everyday task to be performed with ease (McGrew, 1998). The fifth trait chimpanzees share with humans is being eutheria. Eutheria are mammals who reproduce internally via placenta. Similar to human chimpanzees do not have a breeding season. This allows chimpanzees to mate at any time of the year. Since mating seasons do not exist in chimpanzee culture, the majority of female chimpanzees throughout their life becomes pregnant or nurse constantly. Once offspring are born they are: â€Å"Dependent for 4 or 5 years†¦chimpanzee infant cannot survive if its mother dies before it reaches the age of 4 at the very least†¦ During the juvenile period, young primates are still dependent upon the largest social group rather than on their mother alone, using this period for learning and refining a variety of behaviors. If the juvenile primate’s mother dies, he or she will be â€Å"adopted† by an older male or female member of the social group. † Not only does the infant depend on their mother for a period in time, the community takes care of them as they reach a certain age (Stanford, Allen, Anton, 2006). The sixth trait chimpanzee share is bipedalism. Bipedalism is the art of walking on two legs. This trait is a major trait that has evolved. Chimpanzees usually walk on all fours. However at times chimpanzees walk bipedally when they have to hold something in their hand. Furthermore Chimpanzees â€Å"cannot sustain bipedalism locomotion for more than 50 to 100 yards [before retracting to] knuckle-walking† (Haviland, Prins, Walrath, amp; McBride, 2005). Human infants like chimpanzees walk on all fours, at times walking bipeadlly shortly until they retract to walking on all fours. The seventh trait is the act of playing. The process of playing among chimpanzees is learning skills that can be used later in life as adults. The act of playing is shown not only in infants but juveniles as well. Infants and juveniles play to â€Å"learn about their environment†¦social skills†¦ [and] testing a variety of behaviors. The act of playing is a tool for learning how certain things work and what is and not accepted in their community (McGrew 1998; Stanford, Allen, Anton, 2006). The eighth trait chimpanzee share with humans is the art of learning. Since the brain of a chimpanzees has increased in size and complexity this trait has assisted in advan tages. Younger chimpanzees stay close to their mothers in order to learn how to perform certain task. For example, chimpanzees in West Africa use stones to crack open nuts. At first the offspring fail to perform the task until a great deal of practice is chieved. This process is call aping, the act of observing then imitating the adult they learned from (Haviland, Prins, Walrath, amp; McBride, 2005). The ninth trait is sexual behavior among chimpanzees. Chimpanzees and humans alike are promiscuous. The reason being primates do not have a set partner, another primate to mate with and stay with as a neutral family. Within chimpanzees communities both male and female engage in finding partners to mate with. There is no standard for the men to only look, but women take part in finding a mate rather than waiting for one. Female chimpanzees similar to humans go through several periods in time when they are vulnerable to impregnation. This period in time is known as estrus, not only where the female is vulnerable to impregnation but skin surrounding the genitals swell. In a recent study â€Å"twelve to fourteen males have been observed to have as many as fifty copulations in one day with a single female in estrus†(Stanford, Allen, Anton, 2006). Sexual promiscuity is a norm in chimpanzee’s community as well as humans. In our culture sexual promiscuity is portrayed in the form of pornography. Even though it is frowned upon individuals still take part in it. The tenth trait similar to humans is communication. Chimpanzees have diverse calls that can be visualized with face and body expressions. There are various calls such as, â€Å"warning calls, threat calls, defense calls, and gather calls†¦ [that accompany] gestures and postures†¦. [that is at] the level of a 2 to 3 –year-old human child† (Haviland, Prins, Walrath, amp; McBride, 2005). Chimpanzee unlike humans cannot speak but they do display language skills incorporating by call and gestures. I have learned that chimpanzees are extremely intelligent and should be studied more often. In my opinion chimpanzees are becoming more and more intelligent than the average American. For example some American can barely read and write let alone communicate their wants and needs. While chimpanzees communicate their wants and needs by using gestures and postures. It is extremely heartbroken more and more primates are slowly being extinct or becoming research models not to benefit the understanding of their ways but for biomedical research. It truly was remarkable learning about chimpanzees an there shared trait humans’ utilize as of today. I am grateful and wish someday I too like Jane Goodall can do research on primates to learn their ways. We as humans should learn more and take care of our closest relative then would we truly understand their ways and ourselves. Chimpanzees, Pan Troglodytes, have acquired traits that are established already in humans. Chimpanzees are highly intelligent primates who display eutheria, the process of growing their offspring internally. Chimpanzees are extremely social creatures that take part in grooming as a process of bonding with another primate. While infants and juvenile learn through play which creates a learning environment for the children to learn what they will be required to know when they are adults. The increase in brain size and complexity has assisted chimpanzees to make and utilize tools, walk bipedally, and able them to climb and grasp with their high mobile digits. It begs the question: what will the future hold for the evolution of humans as chimpanzees become more and more rick in knowledge? ***This report contains 9,445 characters and 1,788 words**** References 1. Haviland, W, Prins, H, Walrath, D, amp; McBride, B. (2005). Living primates. In N. Root (Ed. ), Anthropology: the Human Challenge (pp. 62-87). Canada: Wadsworth. 2. Stanford, C, Allen, J, amp; Anton, S. (2006). Biological anthropology. New Jersey: Pearson Education. 3. Kottak, C. (2009). Anthropology: The Exploration of Human Diversity. New York: The McGraw Hill Companies. 4. Culture in nonhuman primates. (1998). Annuals Review of Anthropology, 27, 301-328.

Nutrasweet in China-Sb Essays

Nutrasweet in China-Sb Essays Nutrasweet in China-Sb Essay Nutrasweet in China-Sb Essay -Case Study Analysis-| NutraSweet in China| Sandra Burga| MARKETING MANAGEMENT 658. 22 Professor Stephen Rapier Pepperdine University MARKETING MANAGEMENT 658. 22 Professor Stephen Rapier Pepperdine University I. History Back in 1994 NutraSweet’s Consumer Products division (CPD) considered entering the growing China market. Their intent was to take advantage of the growing Chinese market and expand their brand developing a new sector of brand followers. The CPD perceived three main opportunities: leverage the product brand, leverage marketing manufacturing competencies and capitalize on China’s post-Cultural Revolution. One of the enticing driving factor’s for NutraSweet (NS) was the low sugar consumption numbers in China, based on this perceived notion NutraSweet was posed with a couple of questions: Should NutraSweet enter the Chinese Market? If so, what will be the Risk vs. Profit opportunities? In addition, they also needed to consider their timing and strategy to enter the market. In doing so, they will have to carefully consider their Positioning and their Indirect versus Direct Distribution. NutraSweet assigned Eve Stacey a recent Harvard Business School grad, formerly of Ingredients Division, to head the project. According to the information provided for the case, Ms. Stacey was given only 3-months to prepare recommendations. There is no additional information provided on the case that tells us if Ms. Stacey was already familiar with the Chinese culture or if she had a good understanding of the market as it related to NutraSweet. What we know if that she sought the help of a company called SRG to do door-to-door interview of 200 Chinese consumers. Overall, this was a very small sampling of the Chinese market to be able to access the need. Back in the early nineties, NutraSweet’s Consumer Products ivision was responsible for tabletop sweeteners under the brand names of Equal ®, Canderel ®, and NutraSweet ®, brands already known to the US market. NutraSweet came about accidentally in 1965 when a chemist discovered it while working in a lab at Searle. Searle was a small pharmaceutical company later acquired by Monsanto. The Monsanto Company is a Fortune 500 manufacturer of performan ce chemicals, agricultural, food ingredients and pharmaceutical products. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri The laboratory accident that launched NutraSweet grew into a $1 billion dollar business for Monsanto. Because Searle was a pharmaceutical company, NutraSweet was initially marketed as an over-the-counter product, not as a food product. Monsanto consolidated the tabletop sweetener business during a reorganization period in which it faced many positioning challenges. In the United States NutraSweet was marketed as a mainstream product using a similar marketing strategy as Equal ® which had a low calorie sugar-like sweetness. In the European and Latin American countries the marketing was based around the concept of â€Å"lifestyle† consumption. In less developed markets it was marketed as a niche product for consumers with a medical need. NutraSweet consumer products sales by region in 1994 largely came from the large demand in the US with 58%, followed by Europe with 29%. As shown in the pie chart below, based on the small market share (4%) there seemed to be a great opportunity to expand into the Asia to increase the market share. II. Key Points A. Market Drivers and Growth Foreign Investors pumped billions into China’s economy back in 1994, the Chinese economy was booming. Citizens were spending 40% of their disposable income on food. This attractive fact seemed like a great opportunity for NutraSweet back then. Although expected to decrease with increasing cost of living, Monsanto was eager to enter the market. There was an emerging middle class with projected increase in purchasing power. NutraSweet saw an opportunity in the Chinese consumers’ infatuation with Western brands which represented: quality, freedom, excitement luxury. Multinational Corporations (MNCs) view China as: a set of distinct markets, culture, and tastes, regions varied by geography population with 3-key markets to explore: Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Beijing. B. Customer Analysis * Market Demographics China consumed 14 pounds of sugar/person versus 80 pounds of sugar/person in the US. This interesting fact posed the question, â€Å"How can we make this product attractive to a society where consumers for the most part are skinny and do not eat that much sugar? †. This presented a cultural challenge to tackle in the marketing process for Stacey and Monsanto. * Market Behaviors Chinese consumers spent little on housing and none on transportation to/from work, most used 40% of their disposable income on food. 20% of the 60 million (12 million) habitants owned 80% of the country’s wealth. The â€Å"Middle Class† was emerging and estimated to double in 2 years, meaning the target market would be as big as the US target market. In addition, as mentioned before, the Chinese consumers were obsessed with American products, fact that supported NutraSweet’s strategy. * Market Needs Values The primary distribution channels for NutraSweet were drug dispensaries therefore people perceived sugar substitutes as socially unacceptable. In addition, sweetness tolerance across China varied from region to region. Consumers saw no need for a tabletop sweetener since sugar was used mostly for cooking. Market Segmentation One of the strategies NutraSweet considered was to Market it as â€Å"food for a healthy lifestyle†. They saw an opportunity to expand their customer base through education about â€Å"healthy eating† (Yoshino, 1996). Their main target group was 25-40 year old women in the higher household income category. Other perceived users were predomin antly children and health/weight conscious individuals. C. Competitive Analysis Sweet ‘n Low was NS’s U. S. major competitor but â€Å"†¦the tabletop sweetener business was still fairly local with different competitors in different parts of the world. Part of their advantage was that the tabletop sweetener category was new to China. Part of their challenge was that sugar was inexpensive, infrequently purchased, and received little consumer attention. The question now was, if sugar was not consumed as much by the chinese, why would they consume a sugar-like substitute?. In the past â€Å"Healthful† drinks failed to catch on in China i. e. Diet Coke which failed in 1980’s. â€Å"The real competitors were other consumer product markets fighting for a share of mind and a share of discretionary income through an unbelievable media† (Yoshino, 1996). * The China Lure In 1994, foreign investors poured $81. 4 billion into China† (Yoshino, 1996). The GDP grew from $298 billion in 1980 to $508 billion in 1994, the 10% annual growth over next 25 years forecasted China’s economy to be worth $6 trillion dollars. The 60 Million consumer base was forecasted to double over the next decade. A more aggressive study predicted 150 million Chinese with purchasing power parity annual incomes of $18,000 by year 2000. D. Financial Analysis The average household income was $685/yr, the breakdown includes a $581 for a businessman, $420 for a factory worker and $213for an agricultural laborer. Hong Kong Was considered potentially more profitable than any other market in Asia, their business was less than $1 million due to social stigma. The average household income of 6 million inhabitants was $18,000 with an expected economy growing at 5% annually. * Taiwan A was a more developed market that could have served as a testing ground before entering China. However, Equal was rejected by major distributors and partially delisted. The average income was of $12,500 with a population of 21 million and a economy growing at 7% annually. E. Marketing Objective and Strategy Target Market The Main target group was 25 to 40 year old women in higher household income category. The perceived users were predominantly ch ildren and health/weight conscious individuals. Mothers in Guangzhou preferred it more than childless women * Positioning (Messaging) Getting goods to the market/consumer was a central challenge for MNC. NutraSweet leaned towards using a foreign agent to enter the market such as Inchcape, East Asiatic Co. and Simm’s. * Marketing Mix a) Product or Service Strategy The 4 F’s† of NutraSweet: FOOD, FUN, FAMILY, FOR YOU!. Tooth decay big problem in China. Sugar quality was poor (didn’t dissolve well) worms in their sugar! ) b) Consumer expectations 25% of Beijing’s consumers thought it would be an expensive item to be given as gift. 12% of Guangzhou consumers consider it as everyday item. 70% of consumers expect to find product in supermarkets c) Pricing Strategy The price decision had to balance low average incomes, the nonessential nature of the product, and white sugar’s low price with the need to position NutraSweet as a premium product that should not be directly compared to sugar. Pricing decision is important because of the multi-tiered distribution structure, NutraSweet needed to get to Chinese customers. d) Promotional Strategy 1/3 preferred sachet and 2/3 preferred table form, ? liked in jar format. Beijing: 1/3 thought packaging was too common or â€Å"clinical†. Shanghai (15%) Beijing(30%) saw product as â€Å"confusing† â€Å"not credible†. Most were skeptical about its use in relationship to gain weight. e) Distribution The primary distribution channels for NutraSweet were drug dispensaries in HK, typically people found sugar substitutes as socially unacceptable  as they relate to sick people. Their options were to explore multi-tiered distribution system OR build their own distribution systems OR use foreign agents subcontracting wholesalers and retailers. An option was to follow Equal’s strategy in the US and Abroad. The options included: marketing it as a mainstream product sold through retail food channels or marketed as a medical aid for diabetics and obese consumers. Consumed as part of everyday life in Europe and Latin America it was marketed as â€Å"healthy food† expanding customer’s base through educating others about healthy eating. F. SWOT Analysis * Strengths NutraSweet is a widely recognized brand name; it had flexibility in positioning their product. The Chinese market favored â€Å"Western† products. NutraSweet was already a familiar taste in already used Chinese products although it was not publicized. NutraSweets EPS has been steadily rising (1995 @ $6. 36) * Weaknesses Research conducted may not depict the Chinese culture accurately. Research conducted may not be a truthful representation of the action Chinese consumers will actually take. Management had a narrow focus view of NutraSweet’s possibility of success in China * Opportunities NutraSweet can be marketed as â€Å"food for a healthy lifestyle†. Chinese market is an untapped, growing market with a growing disposable income. NutraSweet can expand their customer base through education. China is a unique place with distinct markets, culture and tastes * Threats NutraSweet is a substitute to white sugar and is more expensive. Health concerns about the use of Aspartame in NutraSweet. Chinese consumers do not consume the same amount of sugar as the average person in the US. There’s competition against MNC’s wanting to enter a developing market like China G. Challenges * How can NutraSweet be attractive to a society where consumers for the most part are skinny and do not eat that much sugar? * Was choosing SRG to conduct their door-to-door interviews of 200 random costumers a good idea? * How can NutraSweet compete for consumer’s share of mind and share of discretionary income? * Shall NutraSweet be launched in Taiwan or Hong Kong instead of China? * Was NutraSweet priced and positioned appropriately for the Chinese consumers? How well prepared is NutraSweet to integrate themselves into the Chinese market (i. e. staff, management, understanding of Chinese rules)? Recommendation * Extend the test period to beyond 3-months and create a test market * Better cultural understanding: the management team could have continued marketing it as a medical aid for diabetics which was already culturally accepted * Investigate in depth existing com panies that did not succeed and learn from them * Tailor the packaging and messaging toward the Chinese Consumers. Or repackage it and detach it from the stigma * Educate consumers about the uses and benefits of NutraSweet for diabetics * Partner with companies who can use NutraSweet as their main ingredient instead of being a stand-alone name REFERENCES Yoshino, Michael and Knoop, Carin-Isabel (1996). NutraSweet in China (A), Cambridge: Harvard Business Review Koetler Keller. (2012). Marketing Management 14th edition. New Jersey, US

The American Civil War as the Turning Point in American History

The American Civil War as the Turning Point in American History The American civil war has generated intense debates regarding its causes and potential impacts. The war which took place between 1861 and 1865 has been cited as one of the earliest industrial wars in history.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The American Civil War as the Turning Point in American History specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The war was a result of various issues so tracing back to the American colonization. The American civil war was one of the major turning points in American history and is responsible in shaping the modern America. During the period after the American Revolution, slavery was deeply engrained in the American society. In the southern states, slaves were considered an important part of life as they provided valuable labor in the agricultural fields. However, many Americans viewed slavery as the â€Å"greatest evil in the American society† (Foner, 438) and a practice that went again st the Declaration of Independence. Several groups joined together and started the antislavery movement in the 1780s. However, this movement did not have a huge impact mainly due to the need to preserve national unity. During this period, the country was divided into two regions. The Mason Dixon line separated the Northeast, New England and Midwest from the Southern states (Foner, 250). The Northern states were enjoying a fast paced growth in economy from commerce, mining, transportation and industry. Slavery was also outlawed in the areas north of the Border States. The economy of the southern states was however fueled by the plantation system that relied heavily on slave labor. The south had fewer industries and manufacturing plants. The politics and economy of the south was controlled by slave owners. The southern plantation owners viewed slave as properties and as such it was their constitutional rights to own slaves and to deal with them as they saw fit. The constitutional conv ention of 1787 was characterized by intense debates on the three-fifths clauses and the 20 year extension of the African slave trade (Foner, 258). The three-fifths clause granted the southerners more representation in government hence granted them more power in controlling national affairs. This created sectional tension as both the North and the South tried to gain more territories in order to increase their influence in the House of Representatives. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 banned slavery on the Northwest Territory thus dividing the country into two, a southern region where slavery was legal, and a northern area where slavery was abolished.Advertising Looking for essay on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Due to the different position both Northern and Southern states had taken, sectional tension increased with the possibility of violence being heightened. In 1819, Congressman Tallmadge proposed amend ments that would admit Missouri into the Union as a free state (Foner, 363). At the time, the country was equally divided with both the north and the south having 11 states. The Tallmadge amendments failed to pass the senate leading to a crisis on whether Missouri would be admitted as a slave state. The compromise of 1820 was enacted in order to solve this crisis by admitting Maine as a Free State and Missouri as a slave state. Slavery was also banned in the territories acquired from the Louisiana Purchase North and West of the 36-30 Missouri line (Foner, 364). The institution of the gag rule prevented discussion of slavery issues in congress from 1835-1844. The Mexican-American war that began on 1846 however intensified the slavery debate. The acquisition of new territories as a result of the war led to deep divisions within the nation and was largely responsible for pushing the nation towards conflict. After the war, the Wilmot proviso was passed in order to ban slavery from all t erritories acquired from Mexico (Foner, 475). The Proviso failed to pass the senate mainly due to the influence southern states had at the time. During this time, the popular sovereignty act was also proposed in which each state was given the power to decide whether or not slavery should be allowed. These bills led to increased debates and the chances that the nation was headed for a war increased dramatically. In order to relieve this tension, the compromise of 1850 was passed (Foner, 477). The compromise that was composed of 5 bills was credited for postponing the civil war for a decade. The Fugitive States act contained within the compromise however resulted as a point of controversy and ignited further conflicts While slavery remained the main source of arguments between the North and the south, the economy differences between the two also played a major role. The cotton plantations of the south generated over 70% of the world’s cotton supply. The cotton gin invented in 1 793 improved cotton harvesting hence more cotton could be harvested. This resulted in the strengthening of King Cotton as the main source of economic prosperity of the south. This led to the need for more slaves in order to capitalize on the potential profits (Foner, 531). While the south remained mainly agricultural, the northern states were developing industries, transportation systems and mechanized agricultural systems. The industrial North formed a business partnership with the agrarian Midwest at the expense of the south. The economy of the two northern regions prospered while the monoculture agricultural system of the south suffered due to poor agricultural practices and restrictions on slavery.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The American Civil War as the Turning Point in American History specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The Kansas-Nebraska act introduced in 1854 repelled the Missouri compromise and ignited protest in the Northern states. The act was intended to open more territories for agriculture and proposed popular sovereignty as a mean of solving slavery issues. Soon after its implementation, the Dred Scotts decision was passed which stated that slavery was legal in any part of the country even if the majority of the citizens were against slavery. This decision fueled more protests in the North as most people saw this as a means to force slavery in the Northern States (Foner, 488). The Lincoln-Douglas debates held in 1858 led to further stratification of the country. The Southerners were suspicious of Lincoln as he was mainly anti-slavery and his ascension to power would result in the demise of slavery. With the election of Lincoln, several states left the Union to form the confederacy an act that made armed conflict inevitable. The American Civil war took place between 1861 and 1865 resulting in numerous deaths and loss of property worth millions. However, many scholars agree th at the war was responsible in shaping the modern America and many advantages that are being enjoyed currently could not have been achieved had the war not taken place. The war was responsible in increasing the American military strength. During the war, many people joined the army thus increasing the size of the American armed forces. The war also resulted in the formation of the United States of America. The confederacy was disbanded and all states were united under one leadership, one flag and one president. The civil war was also responsible for the end of slavery. Congress approved the 13th Amendment on January 31, 1865 thereby abolishing slavery in America (Foner, 540). Although racialism persisted in America, the civil war created the foundation in which racialism would soon come to an end. The war also led to the strengthening of the American economy. Political and economic power shifted from the South to the North and America became a capitalist country. The economy relied m ore on industrial development and America was on its way to become a military and economic superpower. The American Civil war was caused by deep divisions that existed between the Northern and Southern states. The slavery issue was undeniably the main cause of the tensions that existed between the North and the South. The northerners viewed slavery as a moral sin while the Southerners viewed slavery as an essential part of their lives. In order to suppress tensions between the North and South, various compromises were enacted. However these compromises were ineffective and generated more problems than the solved. In 1861, America was plunged into a war that lasted for four years. The war marked the rise of a new united country in which slavery was abolished. The military and economic strength of the new country was also improved which would make America the greatest superpower in the world.Advertising Looking for essay on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Foner, Eric. Give me Liberty! New York: Norton and Company

Why might employers have an intrest in the work - life balance of Assignment

Why might employers have an intrest in the work - life balance of their staff What is the evidance to suggest that they are tak - Assignment Example 2008). Carmichael et al. (2008) note, however, that WLB continues to be missing or weak for several sectors, such as the informal carer sector. But are employers truly interested in the work-life balance of their employees? This paper aims to answer this question through reviewing literature. It is found out that more employers apply WLB through flexible work, because of political, economic, and social factors, although substantive effects for gender equality are not yet met. More employers are developing work-life initiatives, because of international organisations’ directives. Within the European Union, WLB initiatives centralise in the ‘reconciliation of work and family’ that impact EU and nation-state level, such as the EU directives on parental leave and part-time work and the EU Council of Ministers’ declaration of 29 June 2000, which stresses the growth of paternity leave (Gregory and Milner 2009: 122). Furthermore, the EU has emphasised gender equal ity (particularly through its Framework Strategy for Gender Equality and through the creation of ‘gender mainstreaming’ in policy design and evaluation) has also significantly involved different stakeholders and influenced national legislation and collective agreements that are related to WLB (Gregory and Milner 2009: 122). For instance, because of the EU, trade union involvement in the carrying out of WLB policies has changed from â€Å"hard law to soft law† and to a greater implementation of these policies (Gregory and Milner 2009: 122). Hence, international laws and organisations have a huge impact on compelling employers to advance WLB efforts in the workplace. Flexible work is one of the predominant practices of WLB. In a comparative study, Ollier-Malaterre (2009) states: â€Å"As many as 70% of American and 67% of British employers state that flexible hours are available for employees...† (164). This article shows that depending on the culture, laws, and human resources (HR) frameworks and practices, many employers in the UK improve work-life balance through flexible work time. In the UK, traditional spheres that divide work and personal lives continue to exist, although recently, the Labour government played a larger role in promoting WLB among employers (Ollier-Malaterre 2009: 167). National laws and changing cultural views on WLB contribute to more employers seeing the importance of WLB to their employees and manifesting that through providing the option for flexible work. Maruyama, Hopkinson, and James, (2009) conducted a multivariate analysis of work–life balance effects of a telework programme. Findings showed that time flexibility variables are important and had positive effects to work and family matters. Industrial relations and unions’ viewpoint toward work-life practices can affect the application of WLB among employers. British and American unions have progressively become implicated in work-life (Olli er-Malaterre 2009: 168). Trade unions have become more involved in the introduction and execution of WLB measures, which indicate an evolution of their role from managing wage and wage-related bargaining towards providing information and application of WLB policies (Gregory and Milner 2009: 127). It also shows modernisation efforts through WLB development in the public sector and a supplementary â€Å"modernisation of modes of action, with a shift from distributive to integrative bargaining† (Cressey 2002). Integrative bargain

The Importance of Project Management Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Importance of Project Management - Coursework Example The time spent in socializing too had a use in her project: Rachel must have got to know about some of the mistakes others may have made earlier so that she did not repeat them. She could be herself making some mistakes and realized this after talking to other IS managers. News within the organization about others would give her a break from work so that she does not get bored and allow her to focus better when she sits down at her desk next. A majority portion of Rachel’s work was spent in communication whether that was with the client, her boss or her team. Judging from the breakup, I estimate that this activity took up almost 75% of her day and included a variety of forms of communication including one hot-headed discussion with a senior marketing manager. The time she spent during the day waiting on others exemplifies the true professional environment where one cannot immediately get in touch with another person bringing about natural communication barriers. However, Rache l’s determination and the ability to shuffle tasks around saw her being able to handle all the aspects of communication she intended to do so within her day. I think Rachel made effective use of her day because I saw her communicating all along the day and keeping all parties updated on the latest findings. Her meeting with her team saw her getting the task of speaking to John to clarify some promises. As soon as she spoke to John, she went to see Mary and soon after getting done with her, she updated her team on the findings. This, I believe was a collective act that I would rate as being amongst the ones that raised the utilization of her day. This is because communication in one of the main tenets of project management and Rachel ensured that all teams and people connected to the project or having a stake in it knew about what was going on in it (Lock, 2007). Rachel also made use of the well-known tools and techniques used by project managers. Her what-if analysis on MS Pr oject was an example of applying structure to a thought process to assess the possible implications of possible scenarios. I think that Rachel’s day was spent effectively because she managed to check on all her pending tasks, emails, phone calls and was able to make a to-do list for the next day based on the day’s happenings. This I believe was the icing on the cake in addition to the way she handled her role throughout the day by getting help where needed and promising to help where she could. Question 2 Project management is a mix of technical and managerial expertise which has several aspects of communication, management and technical expertise knitted together. Being a project manager thus requires elements like patience, the ability to listen to people, make decisions with constraints and manage people and their motivation. Rachel’s example in the case study shows one of the many aspects of being a project manager and how it is important to be able to manag e 360 degrees of your work life. The case also tells me that project management is a mix of art and structured tool analysis where the former is applicable to the people aspect of project management and the latter to the task management section. I also get the feeling that communication is by far the most important job of a project manager and to manage a project well a project manager should be able to fight when required, stay patient when required and always keep them informed so that accurate

Read a case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Read a - Case Study Example The objective was to encourage as many people as possible to refer their friends and family such that they could have a significant number of free customers. They were hoping that since on average 20 percent of free customers turn premium, they could increase the potential customer base. The method was immensely successful in and in 2010; there was an increase 2.8 users who were referred by the 4 million paying customers. It is approximated that the Dropbox accounts each yielded a 12% referral rate, which was likely understated given the fact that many people target even non-acquaintances. In 2013, the company’s conversion from free to premise rose from 1.4 to 4%, which boosted the revenue to between $200 and $240 million dollars of annual income. The success rate was so high that other internet firms began to copy the freemium model as a way to get new clients without significant cost in their marketing budget. Another positive impact of the strategy was that it was copied by other firms outside the cloud storage business with the 100 top rating apps in Apple store using it in 2013. While there are no precise figures for how many of the firms using the technology were successful, there is no doubt that many of those that did have substantively grown their cu stomer base. In fact, the model was so successful that some firms like Spotify, an online radio channel had a conversion rate of 20%. There were nevertheless some disadvantage to this strategy; some of the companies that tried to model it ended up going bankrupt since the bulk of their clients did not convert to the premium service. In addition, given that Dropbox’s clients were mostly free, it means that much of their attention had to go to them while they may have been better off servicing the paying ones. Moving forward, it is hard to determine if the company can expect to make any more progress from the method since the firm is already a market giant and

The Morality, Humanity, and Legality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Morality, Humanity, and Legality - Essay Example Pain management is, simply, no longer working and, as hard as it is to admit, she is clearly slowly dying. You stop and ask yourself, â€Å" Would she want her suffering to end? You ask yourself, â€Å"Would it be wrong to want her suffering to end?† The answer to these questions are comntroversial ones. If Susie were a pet then we would not question the honorable decision of ending her pain and suffering. We would consider it a humane thing to do. Yet, if Susie is a person then, for many people, the logic is the exact opposite. Even, if Susie, herself, desires that option, it may be considered in-humane to support such an option. To be humane is a part of being human, yet the same â€Å"humane† compassion that we would show our beloved pets, we do not feel compelled to show the same to our fellow human beings. Euthanasia, in its different forms, is not immoral, if it suits the morality of the person whose life, and death, is in question. In order to truly understand t he contraversial issue that breeds so much ethical and moral debte it is impotant to review the full scope of the topic, from both sides, eliminate misconceptions, and, ideally, represent the morality of allowing individuals to choose not why they die, but the quality of that death, when death is inevitable. Firstly, euthanasia is not simply another word for suicide; it is, also, not another word for murder. The word means the intentional ending of a life, not out of malice or ciriminal intent, but to end suffering when death is imminent and saving of that life is no longer an option. For those who are in excruciating pain, suffering unbearable illness, and will inevitably die as a result, euthanasia is an opportunity to have an option, when all other options have, essentially,been taken away. There are different forms of euthanasia that are relevant in understanding the practice. Passive Euthanasia involves the allowing of a person by not providing medical procedures and removing o f life support; this considered to be allowing nature to take its course. Involuntary Euthanasia is used to refer to the ending of the life of someone who is in a persistent vegetative state; in those cases where there is no realistic medical hope of any form of recovery. Active Euthanasia is, accordingly, when someone ends the life of another through a direct act at the request of the person that whose life is to be ended. This is, most commonly seen, when a spouse or relative of a loved one assists in the request to end their life. The last, and most focused upon, is Physician Assisted Suicide, or PAS, which refers to lives that are ended under the supervision and administration of a physician.(Goel 225) However, this extreme and final measure is intended to end the pain and suffering of those with no other options and have requested and chosen this end. The opportunity to die with dignity is a valid consideration. It is PAS that does get the greatest attention, because legislatio n is, always, being presented to, legalize the practice, but it is the ethical and moral elements that keep the issue, in many instances, at a stale mate. So what is the morality of euthanasia? As stated before, the morality is unique to the individual considering the option. If someone clear of mind makes the decision to end their life themselves then morally they have made peace with it. It is, of course, logical to question the morality when the potential actions of a person will directly, unfairly, or negatively impact another’s life, rights, or personal being. However, by ignoring these requests for right to die by the competent, but tragically ill, is, in fact, are directly and wrongly interfering in their rights and personal being. Supporters of PAS, and the implementation of legislation to legalize the act, explain that there

Money and Payments Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Money and Payments - Coursework Example However, with electronic payment systems, commercial law uses solutions designed to transfer funds or assets electronically over long distances. For instance, hotels and banks simply swipe credit cards over ATMs or counter machines to transfer funds and verify information regarding the linked account and its holder. Technological advancements will certainly continue to lower transaction costs by reducing the steps involved with each transaction verification and user authentication protocol (Mastrianna, 2012). In addition, commercial law will grow to integrate more technological innovations in its regulations and allow for smoother transactions among financial institutions, and ultimately lower transaction expenses. The United States government can improve the accuracy of its measurements by encouraging open trade with overseas economies and a new economic incentive platform (Forrest, 2014). This incentive platform offers free cash to the public so that they can buy goods and services rather than pay for bills or invest. The government can make this cash available by lowering taxes, creating more employment opportunities, subcontracting fewer employment opportunities, stabilizing the national budget, enhancing infrastructure, and providing small commercial platforms (Forrest,

The Morality, Humanity, and Legality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Morality, Humanity, and Legality - Essay Example Pain management is, simply, no longer working and, as hard as it is to admit, she is clearly slowly dying. You stop and ask yourself, â€Å" Would she want her suffering to end? You ask yourself, â€Å"Would it be wrong to want her suffering to end?† The answer to these questions are comntroversial ones. If Susie were a pet then we would not question the honorable decision of ending her pain and suffering. We would consider it a humane thing to do. Yet, if Susie is a person then, for many people, the logic is the exact opposite. Even, if Susie, herself, desires that option, it may be considered in-humane to support such an option. To be humane is a part of being human, yet the same â€Å"humane† compassion that we would show our beloved pets, we do not feel compelled to show the same to our fellow human beings. Euthanasia, in its different forms, is not immoral, if it suits the morality of the person whose life, and death, is in question. In order to truly understand t he contraversial issue that breeds so much ethical and moral debte it is impotant to review the full scope of the topic, from both sides, eliminate misconceptions, and, ideally, represent the morality of allowing individuals to choose not why they die, but the quality of that death, when death is inevitable. Firstly, euthanasia is not simply another word for suicide; it is, also, not another word for murder. The word means the intentional ending of a life, not out of malice or ciriminal intent, but to end suffering when death is imminent and saving of that life is no longer an option. For those who are in excruciating pain, suffering unbearable illness, and will inevitably die as a result, euthanasia is an opportunity to have an option, when all other options have, essentially,been taken away. There are different forms of euthanasia that are relevant in understanding the practice. Passive Euthanasia involves the allowing of a person by not providing medical procedures and removing o f life support; this considered to be allowing nature to take its course. Involuntary Euthanasia is used to refer to the ending of the life of someone who is in a persistent vegetative state; in those cases where there is no realistic medical hope of any form of recovery. Active Euthanasia is, accordingly, when someone ends the life of another through a direct act at the request of the person that whose life is to be ended. This is, most commonly seen, when a spouse or relative of a loved one assists in the request to end their life. The last, and most focused upon, is Physician Assisted Suicide, or PAS, which refers to lives that are ended under the supervision and administration of a physician.(Goel 225) However, this extreme and final measure is intended to end the pain and suffering of those with no other options and have requested and chosen this end. The opportunity to die with dignity is a valid consideration. It is PAS that does get the greatest attention, because legislatio n is, always, being presented to, legalize the practice, but it is the ethical and moral elements that keep the issue, in many instances, at a stale mate. So what is the morality of euthanasia? As stated before, the morality is unique to the individual considering the option. If someone clear of mind makes the decision to end their life themselves then morally they have made peace with it. It is, of course, logical to question the morality when the potential actions of a person will directly, unfairly, or negatively impact another’s life, rights, or personal being. However, by ignoring these requests for right to die by the competent, but tragically ill, is, in fact, are directly and wrongly interfering in their rights and personal being. Supporters of PAS, and the implementation of legislation to legalize the act, explain that there

Case Study attached Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Attached - Case Study Example This is because the sharing process of the information resulted in identification of individual concerns. However, I would have acted as a mediator and invite both Maggie and William in the mediation table. The mediation process would then result in solving of the pertinent issues between Maggie and William. The pertinent leadership issues pertinent in this case are problem solving and team leading and management. This is because Tim, who was managing the diabetes clinic, was faced with a challenge of resolving the relationship conflict between Maggie and William. In addition, Tim was not in a position to create and manage an effective team for the diabetes clinic staff members. In order to manage this situation, I would ensure that I develop the team effectively. This would include identification of weaknesses, strengths, and talents of the staff members (Pingree, 2011). Further, I would embrace the element of communication, which would facilitate in decision-making, and sharing of information. This would create an ethical culture where employees respect each other. The significant issue in the case was team building and management. This is because the staff members in this clinic could not work in unison. In additional, ethical culture was a significant issue in the case. This was evidenced by the conflict in the relationship between Maggie and

Organisational structures Essay Example for Free

Organisational structures Essay An organisation can be defined as a group of people who work over a period of time together to achieve a common goal or objective. An organisational structure can be classified into a number of different types, examples are listed below: * Tall, flat, hierarchal * Line structures * Line and staff structures * Centralised and decentralised structures * Matrix structures Mars Confectionery in Slough comprises two factories and an office, all of which are situated in Slough Trading Estate. Their factories operate around the clock, 24 hours a day. The two main types of chart are a flat organisational chart and a tall organisational chart. A flat organisational chart is used when a company have very little hierarchy; there are few levels of authority and more departments. A tall organisational chart shows the hierarchical structure of the organisation, the different levels of authority. 2.4a Flat Organisational Charts- A flat organisational chart is when an organisation has very little hierarchy, there are few levels of authority. Mars have a tall organisational structure and also a tall hierarchal structure. The managing Director is at the top and below are seven departments. Each department is made up of a team. Flat Tall The advantages of an organisational chart is that is shows the position of your company at a particular time- needs reviewing. It can show anomalies and efficiency- shows faults in fundamental structure. It also shows new employees and shows a broad outline of the company and where they fit in. It is also essential for the day to day planning. The disadvantages are that it shows formal organisation- not personalities (people mould job). And it may lead to disputes if not applied rigidly. It also shows that companies status at only one point in time (when the chart is being drawn). After it has been drawn a new employee may start up at the organisation and then the old chart would need to be upgraded. This type of structure provides possibilities for promotion for any staff. Mars use critical thinking this is where managers are looking to promote someone with initiative, who can handle difficult situations and make the right decisions quickly. An organisational chart is a diagrammatic presentation of the structure of an organisation, showing the department within that organisation e.g. Finance, RD, Administration, Personnel, Marketing, Sales Logistics and Production. An organisational chart also shows the level of responsibility and authority for individuals or departments, it also shows the span of control, so the number of people a person in supervising. At Mars they operate a line structure is the relationship between a senior and a subordinate at any level within the organisation. This is simple to understand so staff know exactly where they are in the structure. Managers will also have a clear understanding of the roles of people when allocating work. A centralised organisation is when decisions are made at the top of the organisation and the activities are shared out centrally. The advantage of centralisation are that the senior management is aware of how both internal external factors are likely to affect individual departments and the organisation in general. Decentralised structures are used when managers or supervisors take the authority in decisions The Mars decentralised because the head of each department has the authority to make decisions; therefore this saves time allow managers to take control of the work undertaken by their department and motivates staff because they have more responsibility. A matrix structure can be used by Mars when they are going to develop or launch a new product as it enable people from each functional area in order to complete the task. There are six types of organisational structures, which are line structures, staff structures, Functional structures, matrix structures, Centralised and De-Centralisation. 2.4b Line Structures Each unit is a microcosm of the whole. Each unit will have its own specialised staff carrying out the specialist management function. In a line structure, a company is usually organised into functional department, each headed by a senior manager, below whom is a chain of command. This shows there is a line of authority and responsibility as you go down the structure. For example, in Mars in the production department the line may pass down from production director to production manager, quality control, plant manager, process control, production supervisors and finally operatives. Each person in the line has authority of the one below. The advantages of a line structure is that it is simple to understand because staff know exactly where they are in the structure. Managers in Mars have a clear understanding of the roles of people when allocating work and spend less time monitoring work because subordinates are not distracted or confused by instructions from other sources. A well establishes line authority makes it possible for work to be delegated further down the line. Mars would use the line structure as it is simple to understand because staff know exactly where they are in the structure. The disadvantages are that it can involve a very long chain of command. Instructions may take a considerable amount of time to filter from the top and impact on the functional department, which would be a major drawback on a company in a rapidly changing market. Individuals may only respond to commands from their direct superior. The flow of information up the chain of command may take a long time, causing delays. 2.4c Staff Structures The senior management In Mars have a team of advisors to help them co-ordinate the activities of the whole organisation. A Mars member with the staff authority can provide services and advice to those in the line of authority in other departments. The training and recruitment of Human Resources management department are bound to involve other departments. Senior staff of Mars in the production department may have staff authority in the purchasing department. Mars staff in the finance department may have staff authority across all departments. Managers within Mars do not have the power or authority to control or give instructions, but rather the authority to deal with other departments and offer advice and services in relation to their problems. The advantages of staff structures are that it enables expertise and experience of specialists to be used to a greater extent across the Mars organisation. By having access to all areas of the business managers with staff authority can coordinate the organisations objectives and ensure a more immediate response to changes in technology or market conditions. Staff authority prevents individual departments from being too inward looking. In Mars it makes communication more efficient, without staff authority, communications between departments are a director level, and so any inter departmental communication ahs to pass up the chain of command in one department to director level and then down the other before it reaches the appropriate level. The disadvantages of a line and staff structure are that there is a risk that staff authority may diminish the authority of individuals in line management, particularly is those with staff functions acquire informal power and authority. In Mars this can lead to some subordinates becoming confused about whether they should take instructions from and be responsible to their line managers with staff authority. It can lead to clashes of personality and options. This may strain relations between staff, affecting productivity and morale. 2.4d Matrix Structures A matrix structure is an organisational structure set out as a grid, which shows the different ways an individual can be affected by authority. Here the projects need a variety of people from each functional area and there will be two managers that individual employees will have to report to. The advantages of the matrix structure are; making sure there is co-ordination between departments this is because it moves into the boundaries of each department boundary. This encourages greater flexibility and creativity, which is produced by the cross-fertilisation of knowledge and skills. It also enables lower staff to gain experience in management of a project team, which could be preparing them for promotion to become a higher manager. A disadvantage, however is that it can lead to confusion between project teams as individuals are involved in a large number of different relationships which create a complex pattern of authority and responsibility. In Mars they use a matrix structure which consists of specialist expertise who concentrate in specialist departments. Specialist staff are allocated to work on specialist projects. Project managers in Mars are responsible for completing the project calling on departmental specialise as they are needed. Promotion to higher levels of management is primarily based on technical expertise- merit or seniority. Communication chains are primarily downloaded and take the from of instructions and commands. This is an example of a Matrix structure used in Mars: Chief Executive The Mars Organisation structure is a grid showing the different ways an individual can be affected by authority. Here the projects need authority of people from each functional area and individuals will have to report to two managers. Organisational structures are divided by 1 product, 2 process, 3 customer, 4 geographical area. Division by product is when the organisation is separated by product lines. The advantages of a Mars matrix organisational structure is that it promotes an increased coordination between departments because it cuts across departmental boundaries-it encourages greater flexibility and creativity produced by cross fertilisation of knowledge and skills. It also allows for the involvement of relatively junior staff in Mars, giving them valuable experience in a wider field for the expression and application of their popular skills. The staff lower down the line structure can also gain valuable management development in a project team, preparing them for promotion. The involvement from specialists in other areas reduces the risks of resources being wasted on projects with no future. Matrix structures do have their disadvantages, the existence of a matrix structure in Mars and project teams can lead to confusion as individuals are involved in a large number of different relationships creating a complex pattern of authority and responsibility. A line manager may resent a subordinate receiving orders from anyone other than him or herself. 2.4e Centralised Organisations A centralised organisation is when decisions are made at the top of the organisation and the activities are carried out centrally. E.g. if a item needs to be purchased then all the purchases must go through the purchasing team. NO BODY has the authority to purchase separate items. Mars is not an example of a centralised organisation. Centralisation is where an organisation carries out its activities centrally in the business, so for example if an organisation wished to purchase equipment the purchasing department would carry it out, because no one else has the authority to do that. Most of the decisions are taken by employees at the top of the organisation and further down, they dont need to make decisions. An advantage of centralisation is the fact that the management team is aware of how much internal and external factors effect each individual department and the organisations general, meaning decisions can be made, based on what Mars needs as a whole. 2.4f De-Centralisation Is when each department manager has the ability to organise his own services making the decision on a day to day bases for his functional area. Mars is an example of a decentralised organisation; because the authority to make decisions on many activities is put to managers and sometimes maybe even supervisors, which is what takes place in Mars. This means that each department manager has the ability to organise there own services, making the decision on a day to day basis for their functional area. 2.4g The relationship between Culture and structure and management: There is a clear relationship between the structure and the culture of the Mars organisation. Tall organisations tend to have a culture based on a them and us attitude, which depends on where individuals stand in the hierarchy. There is likely to be a authoritarian culture. Mars have a tall organisational structure and also a tall hierarchal structure. The managing Director is at the top and below are seven departments. Each department is made up of a team. This means that an organisational chart shows the position of your company at a particular time- needs reviewing. It can show anomalies and efficiency- shows faults in fundamental structure. It also shows new employees and shows a broad outline of the company and where they fit in. It is also essential for the day to day planning Flat organisations tend to be more democratic, with multi directional flows of communication between organisational members, there is more likely to be a team approach. Matrix structures are more democratic than tall organisations. In the matrix people will mix with people from more than one functional area, so there is less likely to be a situation where departments become defensive of their territories. The matrix involves process teams this creates bonds between its team members and development of ideas. Hierarchical organisations are based on a top down approach which a main emphasis on communication. Centralised organisations are likely to lead a power based authoritarian structure. The centre of the organisation or team leaders will make or major dictions of the company. Distrust may be a major aspect from the centre of the organisation, people not involved or surrounded by the decision makers ill feel pushed out and unwelcome. An advantage of centralisation is the fact that the management team is aware of how much internal and external factors effect each individual department and the organisations general, meaning decisions can be made, based on what Mars needs as a whole. Decentralised organisations are most likely to be based on democratic structures teamwork and empowerment. Mars are not Delayering they are not laying people off when they want a flat organisational structure. This has not happened in Mars but this has happened in Nestle in 2002 who closed plants and made redundancies.

What Limits Vo2 Max?

What Limits Vo2 Max? Vo2 max is the maximum capacity of an individuals body to use and transport oxygen during exercise. Vo2 stands for the maximum volume consumption of oxygen. To measure an individuals vo2 max accurately the subject will undertake an athletic test usually on a treadmill or cycle ergometer, as the intensity of the workout increases the intake of oxygen and the concentration of carbon dioxide exhaled is monitored. The workload it gradually increased until there is a steady reading of both of these factors. This then shows the participants vo2 max level. However, an individuals Vo2 max can be limited due to a mixture of different restrictions and developments within the individual. These limitations can also have independent and dependant variables, such as, age, race or fitness. When researching into the limiting factors of the vo2 results two theories have been presented as the main limitations, the utilization theory and the presentation theory. The utilisation theory states that a lack of sufficient oxidative enzymes within the cell structure will limit how much oxygen is diffused and in turn affect the vo2 max scores. Oxidative enzymes are the enzymes which are the catalyst for the oxidisation reaction. Regular training can improve oxidative of the enzymes, which means an improved oxygen utilisation. This would create a better vo2 score as there is more oxygen being created. The presentation theory does not support the idea of the utilisation theory limiting the vo2 max results but suggests that it is more to do with how effectively the oxygen is delivered around the body. As the persons heart rate rises and the volume of blood being circulated increases the demand for oxygenised blood also increases. These two theories can be seen as supply and demand. A review of these two theories by Saltin and Rowell (1980) states that the utilisation (supply) theory is the more significant limiting factor. Studies show a relationship between an increase in oxidative enzymes and an increase in vo2 max results. One study by Costill DL, Thomas R, Robergs RA, Pascoe D, Lambert C, Barr S, Fink WJ (1991) measured the effects of a swim program on aerobic function. While oxidative enzymes were increased throughout the program, vo2 max increased until the last six weeks of the program The state of health of cardiovascular, pulmonary and respiratory systems would be a major if not one of the main limitations of a vo2 max. The cardiovascular is compiled of the heart, blood and blood vessels it also includes the pulmonary circulation which is the movement of blood from the heart, to the lungs, and back to the heart again. The respiratory system includes the airways and lungs where a gas exchange happens due to the diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide. The health of all of these systems will influence the results of a vo2 max test. A typically bad cardiovascular system will worsen the scores of a vo2 max test, during exercise the heart rate responds by increasing, as does the demand in delivery of oxygen around the body, therefore, an unhealthy heart would be less able to transport as much oxygen into the body in comparison to a less healthy one. In addition to this if the connection between the lungs and heart is weak, the pulmonary circuit, it is likely to have th e same response and trend in terms of the results of the vo2 max (Miller, Levine 2004). However it may not be the cardiovascular system with the problem, it could all come down to ones respiratory system, for example if an athlete has a small lung capacity they will not have the advantages of an athlete with a bigger lung capacity. Although it is all dependant on the lungs ability to diffuse the oxygen into the blood stream, as even though someone can have a smaller lung capacity if they diffuse ninety six per cent of the oxygen and the athlete with the greater lung capacity only diffuses fourth five per cent, the smaller lung capacity has actually overall got a higher vo2 max. This means it all comes down to the bodys ability to diffuse and transport oxygen around the body, the more it can transport the higher an athletes vo2 max is. Another limitation could be the gender of the athlete. It is speculated that males will typically have higher maximum oxygen consumption in comparison to females. Research by Heywood, V (1998) shows that the average vo2 max for a typical untrained healthy male is approximately 35-40 ml/kg/min which mean millilitres of oxygen per kilogram of bodyweight per minute. However, a typical healthy female will only reach an approximate score of 27-31 ml/kg/min. these scores are of course only averages and the outcomes can differ due to variables in the group of participants. This could be something such as the age of the males or females used, as the scores will generally deteriorate at a certain age. Also, the general fitness of the group could also be a variable as a more athletic person would average better than a non-athlete. Therefore an elite performer would have excessively higher oxygen consumption then an untrained participant, Tim Noakes (2001) studied sports where endurance is an i mportant component in an athletes performance, such as rowing, swimming and running. Noakes found that elite male runners can generate up to 85 ml/kg/min, and female elite runners can generate about 77ml/kg/min. A persons age would also play a part in influencing a vo2 test result. It can be said that the vo2 max decreases with age after a certain point of maturity. A large cross section study by Jackson , Beard , Wier, Ross , Stuteville and Blair (1995,1996) shows that the average decline of vo2 max is accepted as around one per cent each year or is better said as ten per cent each decade after the age of twenty five, this is when it said that most bodies start to deteriorate. The study shows that mens vo2 max generally decreases at a slower rate than womens with a 0.46 ml/kg/min (1.2%) for males and a decrease of 0.54 ml/kg/min (1.7%) for females. This would happen due to the aging process which causes many health problems. In accordance to vo2 max scores this would more likely respiratory and heart conditions which affect the vo2 max results. The decrease in vo2 max levels, however, does not always come directly from the aging process but more the increases in body weight which in some cases happens as people get older. The vo2 max is also a reflection on the body mass of a person, so in effect as the body weight of a person increases the vo2 max generally worsens and deteriorates. Training is an important part of an athletes life, Pollock (1973) found that aerobic training can on average increase vo2 max by fifteen to twenty per cent; this is if the athlete does a thirty minute aerobic training session at seventy five per cent of their aerobic ability three times a week for six months. However the result he got is only an average meaning that some people will respond better or worse it is all on the athletes ability on how high their vo2 max can go. Resistance training and intense anaerobic training have little or no effect on vo2 max readings, however improvements that did occur were only in participants that already had a low level of fitness (Kraemer, Deschenes , Fleck 1988). Resistance training alone does not improve vo2 max (Dudley, Fleck 1987). A considerable amount of training needs to be performed before an athlete can reach their maximum potential vo2 max, however when it is reached they do not have to train at the same intensity to maintain their opt imum level (Hickson, Foster, Pollock, Galassi, Rich 1985). Wilmore JH and Costill DL. (2005) states that altitude can also be a factor which can affect a persons vo2 max scores. Test performed by this source shows that a persons vo2 max results decreases as altitude increases above one thousand six hundred meters. For every one thousand meters that the person climbs above that, the athletes maximum oxygen intake decreases by a further approximate 8 to 11 per cent. The decrease is due to a reduction in the volume of blood plasma, which in turn decreases the heart rate and stroke volume. This is due to a decrease in the maximum cardiac output and therefore lowering the vo2 scores. As proven vo2 max has a lot of limitations, firstly the utilisation and presentation theories are the two which are considered to be main limitations. It has been shown that there are many other factors that can influence the results of a vo2 max test such as age, gender, health and training. However, the research used in this paper is outdated and therefore cannot be considered to be one hundred per cent reliable to date.

Hamlet Spying And Deception :: essays research papers

Who’s there?'; (1,I,1), is the opening line of William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, a question asked by a soldier on guard duty. A sentinel starting his midnight shift normally expects to relieve his fellow sentry as usual; yet he still wonders and challenges the identity of his fellow sentry, because he wonders if it may be someone spying. The question displays that there is a need to assure that one is not being deceived. Spying and deception introduce the play and continue to dominate the play, contributing to a major theme of Hamlet. The theme of ‘appearance versus reality'; is developed through the deception and spying in the play.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The tone of deception is initiated by Hamlet’s uncle, Claudius, now, the bestial King of Denmark. Claudius’ murderous actions are revealed by Old Hamlet’s ghost. The visitations explain the background to Denmark’s deception. “The serpent that did sting thy father’s life/Now wears his crown'; (1,V,39-40). The first speech by Claudius is well organized and is clever enough to conceal his deadly sin which was committed through ambition and possibly lust:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ay, that incestuous, that adulterate beast.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  With witchcraft of his wit, with traitorous gifts-   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A witched wit, and gifts that have the power   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  So to seduce! - won to his shameful lust   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The will of my most seeming-virtuous queen. (1,V,42-46) On more than one occasion Claudius sends Rosencrants and Guildenstern to spy on Hamlet. Although they are supposed to be Hamlet’s schoolmates, Claudius uses them as pawns in his attempt to reveal what Hamlet is doing. Claudius gets Rosencrants and Guildenstern to accompany Hamlet on his way to be killed. Although Claudius states that he loves Hamlet, he arranges for Hamlet to be killed in England. When his original plan is unsuccessful, he schemes a trap for Hamlet to fall into. The guilt from Claudius’ deception and spying eventually builds up on him:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  O ‘tis too true.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  How smart a lash that speech doth give my conscience   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The harlot’s cheek, beautied with plast’ring art,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Is not more ugly to the thing that helps it   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Than is my deed to my most painted word.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  O heavy burden!  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  (3,I,49-53) Claudius obtains the crown by corruption and in doing so he is the beginning of the eventual tragedy.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Polonius has many deceptive roles in the play, as well as some warnings concerning this deceit. At first he warns Laertes, who is on his way to school, to trust no one. “Neither a borrower nor a lender be,/ For loan oft loses both itself and friend,/And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.'; (1,III,75-77). He then warns Ophelia, his daughter, of the trickery Hamlet plays

Inhibitory Potential Changes of Fluoxetine (Prozac) :: Biology Medicine Research Papers

Inhibitory Potential Changes of Fluoxetine (Prozac) Over the past several decades many scientists have explored the various possible links between the function of neurotransmitters in the brain and mood disorders. The neurotransmitter serotonin, found widely in plants, animals and humans has been a particular focus. Scientists who specialize in examining the function and effect of serotonin on the mind and body argue that imbalances in the levels and function of serotonin can be linked to disturbances in mood, anxiety, satiety, cognition, aggression and sexual drives (Tollefson and Rosenbalum, 2001). More specifically, these scientists suggest that this "decreased serotonergic neurotransmission plays an important role in the etiology of depression" (Xia, Gopal, and Gross, p. 157, 2002). Indeed studies that have examined serotonin via its major metabolite, 5-hydroxyndoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) consistently indicate that 5-HIAA levels are low in the cerebrospinal fluid of depressed patients (Davison, Neale and Kring, 2004). Because serotonin does not cross the blood-brain barrier, it must be synthesized locally. That is, it must be synthesized from within neurons in the brain. Once it is synthesized is then "released into the synapse from the cytoplasmic and vesicular reservoirs. Following release, serotonin is principally inactivated by reuptake into nerve terminals through a sodium/potassium (Na+/K+) adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) dependent carrier." (Tollefson and Rosenbalum, p. 27, 2001). Problems arise when too much serotonin is recaptured in the reuptake process during synapse or when to little serotonin is being locally manufactured in the central nervous system. As a result, too few serotonin neurotransmitters are able to make it across the synaptic cleft to stimulate postsynaptic receptors. Moreover, "in the absence of pharmacological manipulation, the reuptake of serotonin into the presynaptic nerve terminal typically leads to its inactivation" (Tollefson and Rosenbalum, p. 32, 2001). Low levels of serotonin have been most commonly linked to depression. For this reason, there have been many attempts by neuroscientists to develop antidepressant drugs that can interfere with the enzymes that eliminate serotonin neurotransmitters from the synapse. Indeed, though reuptake inhibition scientists hoped to be able to increase levels of serotonin in the CNS and thus ameliorate the negative affects of depression. One of the most recent breakthroughs in this pursuit was the development of the antagonist drug, fluoxetine. Fluoxetine (or Prozac) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, and functions by acting as a barrier in the serotonin synaptic

ICRC and onternational law Essay

The ICRC started when Swiss businessman Henri Dunant traveled to Italy to meet with Emperor Napoleon III of France . Before he reached Napoleon he first passed through the town of Solferino where a battle was fought. On that day over 40,000 soliders on both sides fell; many were left to die on the battlefield without adequate care. Henry Dunant was shocked by the terrible aftermath of the battle. Instead of proceeding with his planned trip he spent the next few days tending to the wounded. Through his example, the local population began to administer aid without discrimination. When he returned home, he wrote a book called A Memory of Solferino. He sent copies of the book to political and military leaders throughout Europe . He advocated the formation of a national voluntary relief organization to help nurse the wounded and for the development of international treaties to safeguard the neutrality and protect those wounded on the battlefield. By February 9, 1863, Henry Dunant founded the Committee of the Five as an investigatory commission of the Geneva Society for Public Welfare. Their aim was to examine the feasibility of Dunant’s ideas and to organize an international conference about their possible implementation. In October 26, 1863, the international conference organized by the Committee was held in Geneva to develop possible measures to improve medical services on the battlefield. A conference attended by many European states resolved the following: The foundation of national relief societies for wounded soldiers. Neutrality and protection for those wounded. Utilizing volunteer forces for relief assistance on the battlefield. The organization of additional conferences to enact these concepts in legally binding international treaties. The introduction of a common distinctive protective symbol for medical personnel in the field, specifically a white armlet bearing the red cross. Within a year, specific grounds were developed for the recognition of a national relief society by the International Committee; namely: The national society must be recognized by its own national government as a relief society according to the convention, and the national government of the respective country must be a state party to the Geneva Convention. The Commission’s first great achievement occurred on 22 August 1864 when the conference adopted the first Geneva Convention â€Å"for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded in the Armies in the field. † A total of four Geneva Conventions have been passed since then. With successive conventions aimed an improving or updating previous conventions to ensure that they are up to date with current technology and norms. Today there are 185 national Red Cross societies and over 1,330 employees directly under the ICRC assigned to field operations. All thanks to the initiative of one man. III. ICRC as a Driving Force in IHL The ICRC draws its authority to act principally from the Geneva Conventions and their additional protocols. The Geneva Conventions from the First to the Fourth are the primary international treaties that limit the cruelty of war. They are meant to protect people who do not take part in the fighting, such as civilians, medics and aid workers. They also protect hors de combat or those who no longer have the means to continue fighting such as the wounded, sick, shipwrecked or those who have surrendered. The Geneva Conventions have been acceded to by 194 States and enjoy universal acceptance as a form of custom. The Geneva Conventions then are the primary documents governing International Humanitarian Law and the main overseer of International Humanitarian Law is the ICRC. However, the provisions of the present Convention constitute no obstacle to the humanitarian activities which the International Committee of the Red Cross or any other impartial humanitarian organization may, subject to the consent of the Parties to the conflict concerned, undertake for the protection of civilian persons and for their relief[2]. Article 10 is of considerable value in the field of international law because faced with the barbaric reality of war, the law continues to be realistic and humane. It keeps in mind the object of the Convention, namely the protection of human life and peace between man and man, conscious that it is only a means. (a ridiculously weak means compared to the forces of war) of attaining this goal. When everything has been settled by legal means –ordinary and extraordinary—by assigning rights and duties, by obligations laid upon the belligerents and by the mission of the protecting powers, a corner was still found for something which no legal text can prescribe. However this niche was the most effective means of combating war. That niche is charity or the spirit of peace. This is where Article 10’s symbolic value can be seen. Through it, Henry Dunant’s action on the field of battle in Solferino. Article 10 is more than a tribute to Henry Dunant. It is an invitation to all men of good will to continue his work[3]. In order for the ICRC and subordinate National Commissions to effectively perform their role, members are granted considerable rights and privileges. For example, all Red Cross members have the right to wear the Red Cross, (or crescent in Muslim States). Wearing this mark affords immunity, for all practical purposes from violence by the combatants because, as outlined in Additional Protocol No. 1 of the Geneva Conventions[4] the Red Cross is the mark associating a vehicle, person or building with the ICRC and is sacrosanct and protected[5]. However, any use not expressly authorized by International Humanitarian Law constitutes misuse of the emblem and releases combatants from the obligation to respect the symbol. The types of misuse are Imitation, Usurpation and Perfidy. In fact, Improper use of distinctive emblems in a war crime committed when, in an international armed conflict, an intent to use them for combatant purposes prohibited under international law[6]. Owing to the ICRC’s unique position as the actual commission that proposes and puts forth the Geneva Conventions and other major IHL documents, it can be said that ICRC is the Organization that created IHL. The latter will of course continue to develop as time goes by. Other documents of international law respecting human rights and with respect to international crimes have evolved since then. But International Humanitarian Law began with Henry Dunant and his desire to help the wounded in Solferino.