European EN and International ISO standards Essay

The abbreviations â€Å"EN† refers to European Norm while â€Å"ISO† refer to International Standards Organization. Endoscopy literally means â€Å"looking inside† and it is usually refers to look inside the body usually in relation to medical reasons using an instrument called an endoscope. It is used to examine the interior parts of a hollow organ or cavity of the body, and they are inserted directly into the organ. The endoscopes, especially flexible endoscopes are usually complex but can be reused but require very unique conditions for reuse in respect to their decontamination. It is not only their outer surfaces that are exposed, but also their air channels, water channels and even their accessories that enable them to function in the right manner. Their exposure to body fluids and other contaminants means that their reuse has to be very carefully looked into so as to avoid spread of diseases. It is also important to realize that most endoscopes are heat labile and cannot be autoclaved meaning they change under different heat conditions. European (EN) and International (ISO) standards that would be applicable to an endoscope decontamination unit (EDU) in the UK As abstracted from EN ISO 15883, information from the manufacturers should be given prior to purchasing the endoscope. This implies that the manufacturer provides information such the best disinfectants to use with that particular endoscope and what is expected when cleaning, for example the bacteria expected to be found there and also if the disinfectant in question is compatible with the automatic reprocessor in which it is being used. (Gurusamy Manivannan, 2008) As per BS EN ISO 15883-1, a temperature recorder having no fewer than ten sensors should be used, and the specifications are well indicated in the ISO standard. This is because the endoscopes are heat labile, and temperature may affect the chemical compositions of the accessories or other chemicals involved. The manufacturer should also establish the worst conditions under of the devices configuration. Such conditions encompass temperature, detergent concentration and surrogate device configuration. This also includes water flow pressure for use during testing. This may also be categorized in a similar manner as biocompatibility testing where limits such as residual limits are stipulated as per ISO 10993. (Denise Sheard, 20120 The calibrations should be checked in accordance with ISO 10012-1 for uniformity purposes. These are usually dictated by manufacturers using a validated method of applying a sensible reference. Each instrument should also be labeled with a unique reference number. This is important when measuring passage of fluids or drugs so as to get accurate and true results. The standard prEN ISO 15883-1-2004 has a clause that indicates that the manufacture shall all addition information associated with the use and decontamination of the particular endoscope. Information such as maximum flow and pressure of fluids within each channel in the device and the maximum possible permissible restriction of flow within each channel is deemed important and must be provided. (James Walker, 2014) There is also a standard similar to both that the manufacturers may be requested to give information concerning the device at any stage, and act as consultants. This is stipulated in prEN ISO 15883-1-2004. This is important when complications arise that personnel involved were not expecting References Gurusamy Manivannan, Disinfection and decontamination: principles, applications and related issues. Boca Raton : CRC Press/Taylor & Francis Group, 2008 Denise Sheard , A practical guide to decontamination in healthcare . Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, 2012. James Walker, Decontamination in hospitals and healthcare. Oxford: Woodhead Publishing, 2014 Source document

Mexico Current Issues: Drug War

?Stefan Tian Period 2 War in the Cities Recently, Mexico has been facing a horrendous civil war. This internal conflict is coming from the country’s powerful drug leaders. This epic drug war was been taking place ever since these â€Å"cartels† relocated from the South American nation of Columbia to Mexico in the mid 1980s. since then , this bloody conflict has arose several issues in Mexico. Mexico’s new president, Felipe Calderon, just recently launched an all out military campaign against these drug lords in 2007. This campaign included increased military personnel stationed in locations of intense combat. These increased troops eventually ammounted to more than 25,000 troops stationed throughout Mexico(1). But still, this drug war rages on and has dramatically affected Mexico in negative ways. If not stopped, this drug war will continually drag down the Mexican economy as well as the continued corruption of the Mexican infrastructure. One of the more shocking results of this ongoing drug war is its diminishing effect on the Mexican economy. This horrendous civil war, unfortunately takes place on Mexican soil. Specifically, it takes place in the bustling urban cities that make up Mexico’s tourism and industrial trade. For example, one of the most heated spots of this drug war is at Tijuana. This is obviousley due to its close proximity to the United States. Tijuana faces constant suburban warfare between the cartels and the mexican military. This conflict in Tijuana climaxed on April 26, 2008 when a major battle took place and ended up in the deaths of 17 people(2). Because of this extreme violence , the citizens, as well as factories of Tijuana are scared to go out of their homes or begin to operate. They have reached a mere standstill. This is a huge problem because Tijuana is Mexico’s sixth largest city and its annual GDP is higher than the nation’s average by 35,000. Its GDP is the 3rd highest in the country, closely trailing Cancun and Mexico City(3). These conflicts have been immobilizing whole cities, such as Tijuana, the whole state of Michoacan, Morelia, and Tijuana. These battles have not only been a direct detriment to the economy, but they have also provided many indirect factors. Because of all the crime and violence occuring in Mexico, foreign investors are beginning to worry about their investments. They are starting withdraw some of the money that they had put into Mexico in fear of governmental collapse. According to Mexican Finance Minister, Agustin Carstens,†the deterioriating security level is reducing gross domsetic product annually by 1 percent in Latin America’s second-largest economy. †(4) This one percent decrease is from the withdrawal of investors alone, not including the immobilization of cities and slowing of production. Now, some may argue that the drug industry has been beneficial to the Mexican economy. They claim that the illegal drug trade has been a vital part of Mexico’s international trade. According to the United Nations, the annual revenue generated by the illegal drug industry is at 400 billion dollars. (6) This money is in turn introduced to the Mexican economy, giving it substantial stipulus. While, this may be true, we have to look at the fact that in the process of acquiring this money, people’s lives were held in danger. In the process of this war, over 7768 people’s lives have been lost. (5) Also, the money that the Mexican federal government put in to counteract these illegal practices is also substantial. The 400 billion dollars gained from this trade is not worth the thousands of lives sacrificed for it. The economy has been lowering in a drastically sharp manor due to this drug war. Another major consequence of this raging drug war is that it’s corrupting affect on the Mexican infrastructure. The drug cartels have infiltrated the core of the Mexican government. They have been able to corrupt the very federal police that is supposed to combat them. Their vast influence has been able to penetrate the supposed upholders of the law. The Attorney Geenral of Mexico did a scan of his federal police force and found that 1/5 of all federal officers are now put under investigation for criminal activity. Also, 1500 AFI’s are also put under criminal activity. (7) This creates a severe unresting feeling in the mexican population as to whether who they can trust. If the drug cartels had already infiltrated the system to the point that they had influences in the very law enforcement department, that is an extensive amount of corruption. The reasons for this corruption is that these cops and federal agents see the kind of money that these cartels generate in the course of a year and they flock to them. They have a considerable amount of revenue, and these cartels know that bribing these officers would help in their peration by ten-fold. The mexican government needs to be careful of their law enforcement department and purge their systems regularly in order to get rid of the corrupted officers. This Mexican drug war has become more than just a nation wide epidemic. Its influences have begun to spread farther, into the United States as well as other South American nations. Once we do settle this conflict with the cartels, a system wide purging is needed too of the government infrastructure. What would probably work better is a whole reorganization of the sytem in order to make sure that no corrupt officers hold any power. Mexico needs to keep this situation under control in order to become one of the top world powers that it currently has the potential to be. 1. http://www. iht. com/articles/ap/2006/12/11/america/LA_GEN_Mexico_Drug_Violence. php 2. http://www. reuters. com/article/newsOne/idUSN2639514820080427 3. http://www. inegi. gob. mx/lib/buscador/busqueda. aspx? s=est&textoBus=tijuana&e=&seccionBus=bieb 4. http://www. bloomberg. com/apps/news? pid=20601087&sid=akDCw. fUKYOc&refer=home 5. http://www. eluniversal. com. mx/notas/560074. html 6. http://www. dpft. org/hernandez/ 7. ttp://ftp. fas. org/sgp/crs/row/RL34215. pdf Annotated Bibliography Cook,Colleen â€Å"Mexico’s Drug Cartels† CRS Report for Congress 2007, Oct 17. http://ftp. fas. org/sgp/crs/row/RL34215. pdf Epstein, Jerry â€Å"Esquiel Hernandez Killing† Drug Policy Forum 1998, March 15 http://www. dpft. org/hernandez/ Unknown â€Å"Ejecuciones rompen record: van cinco mil† El Universal 2008, December. http: //www. eluniversal. com. mx/notas/560074. html Gould, Jens â€Å"Mexico’s Drug War turns into Terrorism† Bloomberg 2008, Oct 20 http://www. bloomberg. com/apps/news? pid=20601087&sid=akDCw. UKYOc&refe r=home Unknown â€Å"Banco de Informacion Economica† Instituto Nacional de Estadisticas y Geografia 2005, Jun 4 http://www. inegi. gob. mx/lib/buscador/busqueda. aspx? s=est&textoBus=tijuana&e=&seccionBus=bieb Diaz Lizbeth â€Å"Seventeen Killed in Mexico’s Drug War† Reuters 2008, Apr 26 http://www. reuters. com/article/newsOne/idUSN2639514820080427 Unknown â€Å"Mexican Government sends 6500 troops to state scarred by violence,drugs, and beheadings. † Herald Tribune 2006, Dec 11 http://www. iht. com/articles/ap/2006/12/11/america/LA_GEN_Mexico_Drug_Violence. php

All Wrapped Up

Life can be compared to one big Christmas present. Wrapped all neatly under the tree, the lights dancing off the paper, the possibilities of what’s inside are endless. It could be that new baseball bat you wanted or the Barbie Dream House you’ve been staring at in the Toys R Us magazine for months. You go over and examine the shape more closely and realize it’s too big to be a bat. You shake it and it’s heavy, really heavy, but you don’t hear the rattle of little pieces bouncing around so that makes you doubt it’s the Dream House. Your curiosity is killing you and you beg and beg your parents for just one little hint of what it is. You just want to know the first letter of it, or the store it was bought from, something, anything to aid you in discovering what it is. They won’t budge one bit, so one day when they’re upstairs you slide your finger under the tape at the seam hoping to get a glimpse. Your mom has double wrapped it knowing you’d try and peak. In a moment of desperation you decide to rip the smallest corner of the paper instead. It’s a manila cardboard box. You rip just the slightest bit more and see the letter â€Å"M†. You quickly place the present back under the tree and make sure the rip is hidden from view. What on earth did you ask for that began with an â€Å"M†? Your mind goes blank and you have no idea. This question haunts you for the next few days until finally its Christmas morning. You were so excited that you didn’t sleep at all and you force your family out of bed at 4 A.M. You pound down the stairs and run straight for the gift thatâ⠂¬â„¢s been taunting you. Finally when your dad groggily emerges from the stairs, you begin opening the gift by yanking the bow off and ripping the wrapping paper off in a rage of anticipation. With every tear in the paper you become closer and closer to finally finding out what it is. With the paper lying in a heap on the floor you look down and see it’s a box for a mirror. This can’t be right you didn’t ask for a mirror. You look up and see the excitement on your mom’s face and pretend to love it. After opening all your other gifts your dad helps you assemble the mirror in your room. You may not have asked for it but it is actually pretty nice, it’s white and sort of reminds you of a mirror a princess would have. You say thanks and head back downstairs to play with your more exciting gifts. Ten years later and you realize how much you underappreciated the gift. Since you received the mirror there weren’t too many days that went by that yo u didn’t look at yourself in it. You grew up in front of that mirror. You remember the time you spent an hour in front of it trying to hide that giant zit and looking at yourself in it last year before prom and not even recognizing yourself. When we’re born the possibilities of who we are going to be are endless. I used to dream of being a princess and an astronaut. As I grew older and experiences gave me â€Å"sneak peaks† into my soul I realized neither one of these paths were for me. With each passing year there began to be less and less possibilities as I learned more and more about myself. I realized I loved to laugh, I enjoyed math, and I hated scary movies. I’m still in the process of â€Å"unwrapping† my identity, but I know whether or not it’s what I want to be, I’m going to appreciate it nonetheless and make the best of it.

Marketing And Social Network Thesis Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Marketing And Social Network - Thesis Example Appendix†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..18 11. References.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦21 Abstract: The aim of this study is to determine the relationship of marketing, or in specific, viral marketing and social networks with each other with the help of a sound theoretical framework. The framework thus developed managed to form a study that points out dimensions that ensure a testable hypothesis. The study finds the relationship and interdependency of marketing and social networks on each other and questions whether the data collected by the social marketing intelligence is an ethical dilemma or not. The study is conducted with t he help of a small scale survey and formal interviews that have been conducted over a college premises. The data thus collected is effectively analyzed to find answers to the research questions developed. It has been concluded that the variables under discussion, the viral marketing and social networks, are directly linked to each other and both have aided the advancement of each other over the growth cycle. 1. Introduction: Marketing is a business technique in which a marketing message is spread to the people by several means, with the aim of creating value for customers. This phenomenon encourages and facilitates marketers to increase brand awareness, aids product/brand/service outreach to its targeted customer segment, and achieve aims related to product/service promotion and/or selling. Out of the many types, viral marketing, according to Allen (2008, p 15), is a technique that uses social networks of other people so that they can propagate... This report approves that the social network, thus use the viral marketing to point out that important common factor between individuals that would bring them together. This move will thus allow these social networks to gather more and more individuals with various common interests and thus increasing the usage of the sites so that the survival graph stays high. This paper makes a conclusion that viral marketing and social networking are two terms which go side by side these days as the existence of one without each other is very difficult. Their collaboration in a smooth and steady ways is very beneficial and it is a great source of earning revenue as the economic conditions of the business world is collapsing all over. The two entities evolved with each other and they have created a revolution in the technological and economic world and cannot survive without each other. The field of viral marketing and social networking is a very dynamic field. It has many more novelties and better ways of achieving success to see in the coming years.If they remain on the same track then, further horizons will be opened for them in future years but the privacy of users and their trust should be valued more than anything. If people had not been so socially close to each other by social networking sites etc they would not have any means to enjoy and experie nce new launches in a comfortable way and to be able to share them quickly with other people of the same interests. Viral marketing has acted out as a tool that has provided a platform where entertainment interaction and marketing are collaborated in a fascinating manner.

Module 2 SLP PLANNING FOR EMERGENCIES Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Module 2 SLP PLANNING FOR EMERGENCIES - Essay Example It could also be a result of increase in flow of water from rivers, streams, and other inlets. Hurricanes also have a big role to play in the motion of coastal waters in the Riverside County. Riverine flooding is the major cause of flooding in Riverside County. This comes as result of rivers and streams breaking their banks due to an increase in rainfall caused by changing weather patterns. Flash flooding usually last a short time and are a product of irregular high rainfall in the inland regions with compromised drainage facilities. A good example is regios with high population especially major towns. Modern day construction of subways, highways, and rail lines are partly to blame because these structures interfere with drainage systems thus causing floods. As reported by NBC Southern California, eight people had to be rescued from floodwaters in Riverside after a thunderstorm pummelled the region (Avila & Schwartz, 2014) Depending on severity, floods can be classified as major, moderate, and minor. Major floods causes the greatest property damage. For instance, flooding caused the closure of Highway 74 in Riverside County on both ends from Willowbrook to Highway 243 (McAllister, 2013). In addiiton, the floods could result in loss of life in serious incidences. It may involve the evacuation of people and closure of major transport networks. In moderate floods, the risk is at medium level but not as pronounced as in major floods. In the case of minor floods, there is no property damage. Earthquakes are most frightening and devastating occurrences in nature, they can happen in any time of the year, it’s important for people and governments to prepare in advance for earthquakes to avoid mass destruction of property and loss of lives, various methods can be used to reduce impact of earthquakes, for instance, use of earthquake surveillance systems, planning of construction places. Earthquake risk maps have been used in land management

Why should we stop worrying and learn to love WK3 assignment Essay - 1

Why should we stop worrying and learn to love WK3 assignment - Essay Example How could our police force be so lax as to not have been able to identify such problem people in the crowd of faces in the mall or in schools? The answer is simple. Nobody was watching. Our perimeters were not secure because constant monitoring and surveillance of people still cannot be accomplished without a court order. Although surveillance cameras are already planted in strategic areas of cities, its scope and use is still limited by law and therefore, hinders its ability to protect the population the way that it potentially could. Keeping these events of innocent bloodshed in mind, I cannot help but agree with James Stacey Taylor and his explanation of the need to embrace Big Brother in our daily lives as he describes it in his essay â€Å"In Praise of Big Brother: Why We Should Learn to Stop Worrying and Love (Some) Government Surveillance†. With the proper safeguards in place, the Orwellian nightmare that most people predict shall not happen because just like everything else pertaining to a persons right to privacy, the government may have access to certain information about you, but they do not have the legal grounds to blackmail or use the information they gathered against a person if it does not relate to a judicial proceeding. Our Fourth Amendment Rights and Wrongful Seizure Rights as protected by the Supreme Court rulings have made sure of that. As our population continues to become more and more comfortable with the way social media such as Twitter and Facebook has made our every move available to people in a wide-scale basis. I believe that the fear pertaining to the misuse of surveillance information will also fade into the background over time. That is because the events that happen in our daily lives, that show the efficiency and need for the constant surveillance is of the utmost importance in protecting the population will eventually push the people to clamor for more government

Patient Safety Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Patient Safety - Research Paper Example The Incident Bishop (Baltimore Sun, 2011) reports that a Maryland woman suffered serious health difficulties as navy doctors left surgical instruments inside her abdomen. The portion of a Gyrus Forceps, a disposable surgical instrument, broke off in the belly of the victim while doctors at the Portsmouth Naval Medical Center in Virginia removing her uterus in February 2008. The woman, Mrs. Williams faced severe health difficulties following the surgery. Mrs. Williams said that she had frequently consulted doctors at the general surgery clinic in Portsmouth and complained of pain and pressure. However, surgeons could not find the actual cause of her abdominal issues. As per the reports at last, she went to National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda in July 2008 and described of â€Å"unbelievable abdominal pain, nausea, and near-fainting† (Baltimore Sun). From a CT scan, it was discovered that there had been a foreign object in Mrs. Williams’ pelvis. The detected foreign object in her pelvis measured 3.5 ?0.4?03 cm and it was later removed by another surgery (Baltimore Sun). The woman filed a $2 million negligence lawsuit against the United States and another negligence suit against the makers of the disposable Gyrus Forceps. In her suit, she said that she had been hospitalized several times and â€Å"had undergone painful procedures to investigate and treat her symptoms† (Baltimore Sun). Analysis of the Incident Evidently this dangerous incident is the result of the careless act of some navy doctors. Although US government argued that the quality of the forceps was poor, the surgeons cannot dispose their responsibilities easily. Doctors have undeniable responsibility on their patients’ health until the patients recover perfectly. According to Rogers (2002), the quality of doctor-patient interaction becomes the foundation for medical relationships which also greatly contributes to patient’s autonomy and interests. Although Mrs. Williams had repeatedly visited general surgery clinic in Portsmouth in order to get rid of her health issues, the doctors did not try to examine her problems in detail. The US medical sector could detect the broken part of forceps in her abdomen only seventeen months after it had been left inside her body. This incident obviously raises some ethical questions. The Modeling and Role Modeling nursing concept, which is one of the major grand theories, states that nursing is a â€Å"self-care model based on the client’s perception of the world and adaptations to stressors† (Nursing theories). Although it is a nursing concept, it broadly addresses the whole health care practitioners’ responsibility of giving great emphasis on clients’ perceptions. As stated, ‘facilitation, nurturance, and unconditional acceptance’ are the major elements that determine the quality of the care giving (Frisch, 2006, p.117). However, in this case, the medical practit ioners did nothing either to reduce the patient’s stress or to nurture her. The seriousness of this incident increases as it comes to a group of navy doctors who are appointed only after a series of recruitment procedures that verify all qualitative as well as professional potentials of the candidates. This poor performance of the navy doctors raises some further questions regarding the quality of the public health care sector. Here, the Gyrus Forceps Company has also not taken a favorable stance towards the woman. It is obvious

Individual Differences (psychology) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Individual Differences (psychology) - Essay Example It is fair to say that the Renaissance was a crucial period in the advancement of robust theories pertaining to individual differences among humans. At the outset, it is important to note that human behaviour and personality is much more difficult to understand than that of animals. And more than any other species, human behaviour is subject to interpretation and conjecture, not always leading to easy inferences. Studying individual differences is further thwarted by the fact that human behaviour is an emergent reality and not a fixed one. As our species is provided with an ever increasing repository of knowledge, its behaviour too simultaneously evolves to fit the new reality. Hence, Wilsons following observation is pivotal to understanding differences among humans: â€Å"Today, the greatest divide within humanity is not between races, or religions, or even, as widely believed between literate and illiterate. It is the chasm that separates scientific from pre-scientific cultures....Without the instruments and accumulated knowledge of the natural sciences--physics, chemistry, and biology--humans are trapped in a cognitive prison. They invent ingenious speculations and myths about the origin of the confining waters, of the sun and the sky and the stars above, and the meaning of their own existence. But they are wrong, always wrong, because the world is too remote from ordinary experience to be merely imagined." (Lubinski, 2000) A proven theoretical framework of analysing individual differences is the one based on evolutionary biology. Within this broad framework is the specialized study of human infant intelligence. Since the nature of early intelligence is nonverbal, it is closely linked to primate evolution, and hence helps us gain insights into the origins of individual differences in human intelligence. Within the ontogeny of infant intelligence, variation between individuals is restricted by

The Tell Tale Heart Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Tell Tale Heart - Essay Example The writer of irony here is Poe, of course, and not the narrator since the narrator appears to be entirely oblivious to the ironic component of his monologue. Or is he While convention critical analysis of "The Tell-Tale Heart" engages the story from the point of view that the narrator's attempt to prove his sanity is an exercise in irony, his clearly deluded state of mind can just as easily be interpreted as a brilliantly conceived plot to escape extreme punishment for his crime by convincing the people that he is insane when he is not. In a sense, "The Tell-Tale Heart" contains the nugget of an idea that would be fleshed out to novel-length status in Joseph Heller's Catch-22. The catch-22 in the narrator's case is that he would clearly be sane if he attempted to prove his innocence, but if he doesn't try to prove his innocence he will most likely receive capital punishment. One of the fascinating aspects of this story is that it remains unclear to whom the narrator is addressing his appeal to be found sane. It might be the police; it is more likely a judge; the most likely consideration of all is that is the warden of the prison or even a group of people gathered to watch him hang. The question of the direction of the narration is left open to interpretation, but one thing is clear. Instead of attempting to prove his innocence, the narrator's long monologue becomes a case of trying to prove his sanity. The lack of a concrete explanation of the person or office to which the narration is addressed leaves much room for interpretation. The only aspect with even a close approximation of certainty is that the story is not being addressed to the police officers since he mentions that they were satisfied. The climax of the story is the revelation of the dead body and the story is told as a remembrance, so the most likely estimation is that the narrator is addressing some kind of court official or personage who may influence over the judgment of the narrator. The story that the narrator is telling, therefore, is most accurately realized as an appeal for mercy rather than merely an appeal to be thought sane. After all, if the exhortations to be found sane are accepted, then the judgment cannot help but be merciless. It is only if this obsessive quest to be considered sane results in the ironic reversal of being declared insane that the narration makes any sense whatever. "The Tell-Tale Heart" can thus be said to work on two levels of dramatic irony at once. The most obvious level of irony, the one that most readers recognize and that forms the crux of so much literary analysis, is that the narrator's obsessive devotion to proving his sanity undermines that devotion to the point that it is impossible to designate him as anything other than psychotic and at least semi-delusion. The irony in this reading of "The Tell-Tale Heart" is based upon the traditional reading that irony is produced by the contradiction of what is actually being said and what is actually meant. When a reader peers closer and brings into context the potential for whom the narrator is addressing and why he would choose to prove his sanit

Bacterial Morphology Essay Example for Free

Bacterial Morphology Essay Question A and C answers. A wet mount stain is when a drop of water is placed onto the microscope slide. The water on the slide helps to support the organism and sample. The water fills the space between the cover slip and the slide. This action allows the light from the microscope to pass through the slide and the sample for better visualization of the organisms. A direct stain occurs when a charged color portion of a basic dye like methylene blue combines with the negatively charged portion of and organism allowing the bacterium to become directly stained. In direct staining, the organisms must be fixed by a process such as heat. Fixing the slide prevents the organism form washing off the slide before visualization. This is accomplished by passing a smear of the bacteria through flame. The heat sets the proteins of the organism thus causing the bacteria to attach to the slide. The organism can become damaged from the setting process and the use of heat prior to staining. In indirect staining, the negatively charged colored portion of an acidic dye is repelled by the negatively charged bacterial cell wall. This causes the background to be stained while leaving the organism’s cell wall to remain colorless and unstained. Question B answers Specific bacterial morphologies noted in exercise one come from the spiral bacteria sample. The shape appears to be corkscrew in nature and vary in length throughout the sample slide. The length varies but the width seems to be uniform. The color most likely arises from the stain used to allow for better visualization of the organism. The Bacillus sample has no discernable morphology and appears as round ended, and cylindrical shaped in nature. The organisms have a black tint which is probably related to the type of statin used for visualization of the organism. Question C Bullet 1 The direct smear sample and the indirect smears shown were different in appearance based on the staining method. The Direct Smear stained slides showed that the cells picked up the dye and were stained for better visualization as well as for differentiation of organisms viewed. The Indirect smears showed visualization of organisms and cells unstained and were visually different from the direct smear. Question D The plaque smears are somewhat circular in areas and irregular in other areas. The appearance is unlike the yeast slide. The plaque smear cells appear to contain a discernable nucleus which is absent in the yeast slide. The yeast smear shows uniformity in the shapes and sizes of the sample provided. The plaque smear shows irregularity in shape but a significant difference in the size of the sample cells provided. Question E I was unable to obtain an oral swab from my cheek but was able to visualize the slide provided and base my response on it. The cheek smear sample shows cells that are irregular in shape and in size. The cells appear to have a darker center which is located in differing regions from cell to cell. The samples appear to be clustered in together and tightly packed. The plaque smears are circular in areas and are in differing patterns and shape compared to the cheek cells. The plaque smears are round and differ in size. The cheek cells are differing in shapes and packed close together. Reference Hands-on-Labs. (2012). A Laboratory Manual of Small-Scale Experiments for the Independent Study of Microbiology. Englewood, CO. Available from www.labpaq.com

Channels Target Markets Research Marketing Essay

Channels Target Markets Research Marketing Essay In the past few years, European and American luxury markets have been weak because of economy risk. But Chinese luxury market has a steady growth and there are some new emerging markets like Brail, Russia, India and so on. As a whole, the luxury market has a good perspective. This report will discuss CHANEL as a well known luxury brands with long history. Firstly the report could simply describe the CHANEL background. Secondly there is a marketing analysis on CHANEL products. The 4P marketing mixes and STP market strategy are used to evaluate CHANEL products. And then the report could give some introductions on China and Brazil markets which are considered as the target markets of CHANEL. Meanwhile the two target markets will be carefully analyzed to identify whether they are appropriate for CHANEL or not. Finally, the report provides some suggestions which can help CHANEL take more shares of China market. Luxury brand CHANEL CHANEL was found in Paris, France in 1913. And Gabrielle Chanel (Coco Chanel) was the founder who also played the role of designer from 1910 to 1971. In 1983, Karl Lagerfeld called genius designer became the successor. CHANEL has managed a lot of products such as clothing, hats, perfume, jewelry, cosmetic, glasses and so on. The design philosophy of CHANEL Brand is elegance, conciseness and beautiful. In addition, double C and stereoscopic rhombus space line are the major signs. As known to all, double C has become the pride of fashion. And women around the world want to have the brand. In 1920s, womens trappings perfume and image has changed from classical to modern. All this cannot achieve without Chanel contribution. Then after Karl Largerfeld became the chief designer, he was very successful to push Chanel fashion to another peak. Marketing analysis of CHANEL products 3.1 4P marketing analysis product CHANEL products are mainly female products. There are some kinds of series. Fashion boutique: fashion, bag, shoes, accessory Glasses series: sunglasses, optical glasses Wristwatch series: camellia, Premiere, J12, Top jewelry series: camellia, comet, 1932, baroque CHANEL perfume series: NO.5, NO.19 Most of CHANEL products are highly luxury. Because of the comfortable design, unique style and elegant lingering charm, CHANEL can bring a kind of fashion and vanity for users. price As the international well-known brand, CHANEL adopts the high price strategy based on its high quality image (OGuinn, 2011). The price strategies are as follows: Clothing: high price strategy Fashion boutique: high-middle price strategy Watch and top jewelry: high price strategy Glasses: high-middle price strategy Perfume and makeup: mid-price strategy place The CHANEL clothing has spread in 37 countries worldwide and there are 29 countries which hold the points of sale about glasses series. To accord with the position, CHANEL focuses on the senior department stores and prosperous business district. In Taipei, there are four points of sale. Furthermore, in Japan, CHANEL Ginza building has gone into operation. The whole building has ten stories high. The CHANEL boutiques are set up from first floor to third floor. Meanwhile the VIP rooms are also in the third floor. And the fourth floor is the salon show; all CHANEL offices can be found from fifth floor to ninth floor; the tenth floor has a French restaurant. The whole building shows the luxurious grade (Kotler, 2011). Around here, there are some other famous international brands buildings such as Dior, Burberry and Hermes. promotion Fashion show: CHANEL holds some kinds of fashion shows for the seasonal clothing in many countries. To show the perfect product and quality, CHANEL chooses the elegant scene and well-known models. Magazine: what CHANEL chooses is the brand-led magazine such as ELLE and VOGUE. Except the presentation of product in season, these magazines also introduce the product features and the way to distinguish the genuine CHANEL product (Clow, 2011). Celebrity advertising: there are many celebrities such as Diana Spencer, Jacqueline Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, and Ingrid Bergman who always dress CHANEL clothing in public. So the classical and graceful image has greatly enhanced. Hollywood Star Nicole Kidman became the spokesperson because of her unique temperament which can tally with CHANEL image. Website: there are 12 languages to choose in CHANEL website. Customers can know the product information and watch the recent fashion show. 3.2 STP marketing analysis CHANEL products have spread all over the world and this brand has been the top brand in womans heart. This report will take CHANEL NO.5 as an example to analyze the STP marketing strategy. Market segmentation The market segmentation of CHANEL NO.5 is based on the individual performance and consumers pay more attention to the spiritual value. There are some segmentation factors such as mentality, age, geography and behavior (Aaker, 2011). Expect the celebrities, the intellectual women with high income have been main customers and they are about 35 years old. Modern women focus on the life quality and grade. And meanwhile they pursue the social honor and position. So CHANEL NO.5 becomes the first choice. Target market CHANEL NO.5 adopts the differentiated targeting strategy on target markets. CHANEL divides the high consumption group into many market segments and works out a range of marketing mixes to satisfy the different consumers (Temporal, 2010). Market position CHANEL NO.5 uses a series of market position strategies such as product quality differentiation, product packaging differentiation, brand image differentiation, point-of-sale terminal differentiation and media communication differentiation (Baaghil, 2011). Two target markets This report will take two BRIC countries Brazil and China as the targets. China market China has become the second largest luxury goods market, although Chinese economy has a slowing growth now. From the graph 1, it can be found that in China luxury market, both consumers and total spending have a steady growth. Graph 1: Source: 2011 China luxury market study by BAINCOMPANY The report will have an analysis on Chinese luxury market from supply and demand. According to the analysis of supply structure, Chinese luxury goods mainly depend on import. And the China local luxury brands are very limited. Along with the recession of European luxury markets, more and more international luxury brands have crowed into Chinese market. Almost all the luxury brands have own stores. In addition, from the perspective of demand, Chinese consumers are different from other European and American consumers. Chinese consumers pay more attention to the social status and vanity especially some young white collars. And Chinese consumers with high income and advanced degree tend to be younger about 30 to 45 years old. The following graph 2 shows the product category in China luxury market. It is very obvious that watch, cosmetic and perfume account for larger proportion than other products. Graph 2: Source: 2011 China Luxury Market Study by BAINCOMPANY Brazil market Because of the appearance of European sovereign debt crisis, European luxury market has been impacted. But luxury goods in Brazil market have a good rise. According to the analysis from Bain Company, Brazil is a fast growing luxury market and the target consumers has been over 100 million (Redazione, 2011). The female consumptions account for about 75 in the luxury market. Luxury cosmetics and perfumes are the most popular and jewel is the third largest category. In addition, there may be about dozens of international luxury brands to foray into the Brazilian market in 2012 such as Fendi, Bottega, Veneta, Yves Saint Laurent ¼Ã…’Prada and so on. Louis Vuitton brand will open three new shops in the next year. TiffanyCo entered into St.Paul in 2001 and demand has been constantly increased. In the coming year, there will be a few new TiffanyCo shops. Evaluation of the two target markets 5.1 analyses on Brazilian marketing environment political environment In recent years, Brazilian governments are always struggling to improve social fundamentals and narrow the wealth gap. It led to the expansion of domestic demand. And Brazilian government has also pushed forward some tax preference policies to encourage import. So it is very beneficial for CHANEL to enter Brazil market. Economic environment Brazilian economic strength is the strongest in Latin America. In recent years, the Brazilian domestic demand has been very powerful. And 2014 FIFA world cup and 2016 Olympic Games will be hold in Brazil. So the prospect of luxury market will be very well. Brazil is the 11th country in the rankings of HNWIS (Redazione, 2011). Brazil has more high net worth individuals than India and Russia. Therefore, Brazil will become a new emerging market of CHANEL. Cultural environment Along with the improvement of education culture level, the residents values have changed. They pursue the life quality and want to get respect from others. So it will be a trend to purchase the luxury goods. These changes will be conducive to the sales of CHANEL products. In short, as a new emerging market Brazilian luxury market will bring great profits for CHANEL. 5.2 analyses on Chinese market Consumers purchase motivation: Chinese consumers purchase motivation can be simply summed up two types. The first is social consumer motivation which includes flaunt, social intercourse, conformity and status symbol. At present, some Chinese consumers purchase luxury goods to satisfy the vanity. And some consumers want to keep good social relations. So they always use the luxury good as a gift to other friend. In addition, other consumers think the luxury goods are one of status symbols which can show own social status. The second is individual consumption motivation. Some Chinese consumers purchase luxury goods to pursue life quality and enjoy the happiness what luxury goods can bring. Market Characteristics: the consumption of luxury good is based on economy and culture. Comparing with European and American markets, Chinese market has own characteristics (BAINCOMPANY, 2011). Firstly, the consumption concept has been changed from waste to life attitude. Now many Chinese consumers use the luxury goods to flaunt their social status. Secondly, the demand growth of luxury goods is very amazing. Now Chinese high income groups are great and their purchase desire will be stronger with the rising incomes. So it leads to the rise in luxury goods demand. Thirdly, the main consumers are young people including some successful young merchants and high income white collars. Of course, there is another kind of people: the children of privileged government officials and the super-rich. Through the above analysis on Chinese market, it means that the market is very appropriate for CHANEL. And CHANEL should put more energy into Chinese market to take more market shares, because there are many powerful competitors. Recommendation Aiming at China luxury market, the report provides some recommendation for CHANEL. Accelerating expansion of 2/3 cities. Now the tier 2/3 cities have been the important markets for luxury brands. Because luxury goods accessed into the first tier cites early, the attraction of luxury goods has gradually declined and the sales has been weak. The high marketing costs can also lesson the profits of luxury brands. By contrast, the marketing costs are lower. in tier 2/3 cites, some invisible rich who just begin to pursue the luxury brands are the most important consumers. Graph 3: Source: 2011 China Luxury Market Study by BAINCOMPANY According to the graph 3, it is very clear that CHANEL has no new shops in the tier 2/3 cities. But its competitors such as GUCCI, LV, and Dior have developed the tier 2/3 cities. So CHANEL should rapidly take actions to occupy the tier 2/3 cities. Using some social medium to increase mindshare. Graph 4: Source: 2011 China Luxury Market Study by BAINCOMPANY Social media has been the main way for luxury consumers to get information. Comparing with Facebook and twitter, microblog is the most important social media. If some luxury brands have new information, generally speaking, microblog is the fastest channel to release. There is an interesting phenomenon that many luxury consumers like to flaunt own luxury goods to friends and strangers by own microblog. CHANEL can use the magnifying effects of microblog to release own brand resource. It is a trend for some social medium like mciroblog, brands website and video to play together (OGuinn, 2011). So CHANEL can use the social medium to hold a fashion show live. Of course, microblog will also bring some risks, so CHANEL must carefully analyze the potential risks and work out a coping strategy. Experience marketing In China luxury market, many consumers cannot insight into the culture of luxury brands and do not know their brands idea and history. Knowing the brand is the precondition of brand loyalist. And experience marketing is the bridges for communications between consumers and luxury brands (Ferrell, 2010). CHANEL can build a new unique store or upgrade the existing store to give consumers bran-new shopping experience. In addition, some art activities may be held to help luxury consumers better know CHANEL brands history, value and culture especially the consumers from tier 2/3 cities. Customized service Along with the deep understanding for luxury brands, Chinese luxury consumers cannot satisfy the current design of luxury brands. Consumers customize requirements can reflect their fanaticism of brands. The core value of customized products is the uniqueness and exclusivity (Keller, 2007). There will be a customized agitation in China luxury market. So CHANEL should provide the customized service of some products such as dress, jewel, and bags and so on. And the consumers can choose own design, material and accessories. Furthermore, CHANEL can take into about the Chinese elements. The perfect combination between Chinese elements and European fashion maybe become a trend. Conclusion As a famous luxury brand, CHANEL has been always insisting the unique brands idea. CHANEL represents a kind of style and double C sign has become the eternal classic. Brands design is the most important factor for CHANEL success. Meanwhile a successful brand cannot do without the optimal marketing strategies. In order to satisfy the existing markets and potential markets, CHANEL constantly adjusts the marketing strategies according to the market demand. Moreover, Along with the recession of European and American economy, luxury brands have taken some developing countries as the target market. China luxury market with a steady growth has become the most attractive luxury market. Most well-known luxury brands have set up own stores in first tier cities and tier 2/3 cities. Chinese luxury market is different from European and American luxury markets. So CHANEL should carefully research the development trend of Chinese luxury market and build some new plans to take more market shares. It can be sure that the competition between CHANEL and other international luxury brands is very fierce. But meanwhile CHANEL should pay attention to Brazil luxury market which is a emerging luxury market.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas: Book and Film :: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, John Boyne

The book The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, by John Boyne is about a young boy, Bruno, whose father is a soldier in the German army during WWII. Bruno lives with his parents and his older sister, Gretel. They live in a five story house in Berlin. He goes to school and has three best friends that he goes on adventures with. One day he comes home to find their maid packing his things. They move to a three story house in Germany because his dad was promoted and needs to be closer to his work. Bruno is getting really upset that he can no longer see his friends or his grandparents. He is stuck in his house and can’t explore as much as he would like because there is no one to explore with. He notices something out his window one day, a large fenced in area with little tiny dots moving. He asks his sister and maid Maria what they are but they don’t know. He decides one day that he is going to explore the fenced in area, so he leaves when no one is looking and explores it for about two hours walking up and down the fence looking for something. Finally he comes across I boy about the same size of him so he goes up and talks to him. The boy’s name is Shmuel and they are the same age. Bruno learns that he is stuck behind the fence and has nothing to wear but the striped pajamas. Bruno doesn’t understand why he is there but is told how awful it is behind the fence. One day when Shmuel gets sent to shine glasses at his house him and Bruno start talking. A soldier see them and Bruno told him he didn’t know who he was, and the soldier beats the boy, Bruno feels terrible and want to make it up to Shmuel. Bruno wants to understand why the life behind the fence is so awful and why Shmuel isn’t happy. Bruno thinks it’s not better, but interesting because there are other kids to play with. They form a strong bond that can't be broken by anything and it makes him realize that his friends in Berlin weren't as special as Shmuel is and their friendship. The two boys have been talking and have been friends for about a year and decide that Bruno wants to go on the other side of the fence to see what its like and help him find his papa.

Horny Goat Weed Essay -- Sexuality Disorders Treatments Essays

Horny Goat Weed One major issue in the world today is sexuality. Do I look good enough? I wonder if he or she likes me? While most of the world today is becoming increasingly sexually active, there are others are out there who are lacking in this field. Their bodies are no longer inclined to have or sex, or their sexual drive loses the battle between time and fatigue. Horny Goat Weed is said to be the cure of this "problem." Horny Goat Weed, also known as Epimedium, Yin Yang Huo, Inyokaku, and Herba Epimedii, was discovered around 200 B.C. Legend has it that an ancient Chinese goat herder noticed that his flock suddenly became sexually active after eating in a certain patch of weeds. Further investigation of this weed patch and a little leaf chewing resulted in the discovery of Horny Goat Weed (http://www.sobebev.com/healthyrefreshment/ productline/drive.htm). Purpose of Treatment There are many different claims as to what Horny Goat Weed actually does. Online stores and distributors, which are more focused on marketing the herb for increased sexual behavior, main claims are stimulating sex activity in both men and women, increase in sperm production, stimulation of the sensory nerves, and increasing sexual desire(http://nutrition-center.net/store/Pinnacle_Horny_Goat_Weed.html). Online sites, which appear to be more focused on health, make claims that Horny Goat Weed invigorates the kidneys and strengthens yang(for deficiency of kidney-yang manifested as impotence, emission, enuresis, frequent micturition, soreness of the waist and the knees, and sterility), strengthen tendons and bones, expel wind-dampness(which is otherwise known as flatulence, caused by the improper indigestion of food), and eliminate coughing and ... ...t/store/Pinnace_Horny_Goat_Weed.html http://homepages.infoseek.com/~huxuezhi/5-17.htm http://herbwalk.com/remedy/Epimedium_132.html http://advancedherbals.co.uk/herbs/div/epimedium_grandiflorum.html http://user.aol.com/greenmagik/stamina.htm WS, Lin, & XZ, Song. (1989). Clinical and Experimental research on a kidney-tonifying prescription in preventing and treating children's hearing lossinduced by aminoglycoside antibiotic ototoxicity. Chung His I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih, 9, 402-404. SY, Li, G, Ping, L, Geng, WK, Seow, and YH, Thong. (1994). Immunopharmocol-Ogy and toxicology of the plant flavanoid B-1. International Journal of Immunopharmacology, 16, 227-231. S, Yu, K, Chen, S, Li, & K, Zhang. (1999). In vitro and in vivo studies of the effect of a Chinese herb medicine on osteoclastic bone resorption. Chinese Journal of Dental Restoration, 2, 7-11.

How to Write an Essay :: essays research papers

How to Write an Essay What is the point of the paper?To see if you can write at length about some topic, in a focused and sustained way. Focused -- not rambling disconnectedly on "everything I know about X", but discussing a specific topic or cluster of interrelated topics in an integrated way. Sustained -- following through some clear line(s) of argument in some depth (e.g. discussing not just objections but objections to the objections). That still leaves options. You may go 'vertically' and dig more deeply into one particular issue; or you may go 'horizontally' and be concerned to make connections, and show how different parts of the philosophical landscape fit together -- or a bit of both. But whichever way you go, you should aim for a clearly structured story and some meaty arguments. 'But typical one-word questions like "Necessity" or "Scepticism" or "Justice" are not very focused!' True. But they are intended as invitations to write on some specific topic that falls under the one-word heading. What the the Faculty Handbook says about Extended Essays and Dissertations applies here too. "The candidate in effect sets their own question [in the given area], and is expected to define this question and then write about it, not about its general philosophical environs." To emphasize again, you cannot construct a good extended essay merely by collecting a lot of points about a topic and setting them out one after the other. They need to be organized into an argument in favour of some particular conclusion, which you have specified as your target. 'How much should I aim to write?' Quite a bit! If your essay is hardly longer than a typical answer to a single question on one of the other papers, then it is almost certainly too short. (Of course, you might be a Gettier, about to make a Major New Point in a couple of pages -- but then again, probably not ...!) On the other hand, you might well write rather less overall than in other three hour papers, because you need to spend somewhat more time in thinking out and planning your work. Don't just dive in -- plan your answer very carefully. And certainly, you should avoid padding your answer out with material irrelevant to your main theme (that way, you can well end up with lower marks than if you had stopped sooner). 'It's a lottery. How can I be expected to predict questions?

Case Study Pandora Essay

2. How do horizontal and vertical conflict impact Pandora? 2. Horizontal conflict impacts Pandora by the number of alternative radio streaming companies and â€Å"players† available to the market. Because the radio market is no longer a closed loop network that is dictated by area codes or other geographic locations, Pandora risks losing its listeners among the competitors like Spotify, the radio, online streaming, iTunes, or even YouTube. The Vertical conflicts impacting Pandora are the licensing to songs, the audio quality available to the company, the effectiveness of channels to stream their music, their intermodal transportation networks, Pandora’s add-free listening with contracts could bolster their listening audience, but also impact their profits due to the loss in advertising sales. However, these two conflicts impact Pandora’s profits, quality, and exposer to the consumers 3.How does Pandora add value for customers through its distribution functions? 3. Pandora adds value for customers through its distribution functions by implementing the vertical marketing system. Ultimately, the producers of the music have the most hold over Pandora, for if they do not give Pandora the rights to play the songs, then Pandora would be at a loss without those tracks. However, the producers benefit from being on Pandora because people get to listen to the music and may ultimately buy the song because it is made easy through the app. This benefits customers because it gives them what they want. The greater the selection of music, the more likely customers are to stay.

“Ah, Are You Digging My Grave” by Thomas Hardy Essay

â€Å"Ah, Are You Digging On My Grave?† by Thomas Hardy has six regular stanzas of six lines, which are written sequentially. The lines generally have eight syllables. In all but the second and last stanzas, the second and last lines of each stanza have six syllables. The rhyme scheme is regular, with the second and last lines rhyming and the three lines in between rhyming with each other. The meter is very irregular, with accents falling on different syllables. This quality was possibly inspired by the folk music of Hardy’s time. Another musical quality of this poem is that there is a refrain: â€Å"Ah, Are You Digging On My Grave?† In the second line, when the woman asks if the one digging is her â€Å"loved one? – planting rue?† the word ‘rue’ is a double entendre. Rue is a shrub that symbolizes sorrow, so the corpse is really asking her loved one both if he is planting flowers on her grave and if he is feeling sorrow about her death. When the woman’s kin say â€Å"No tendance of her mound can loose/ Her spirit from Death’s gin† they are referring to a gin as in a type of snare or trap used to catch animals. There is synecdoche in the phrases â€Å"the brightest wealth has bred† in the first stanza and â€Å"one true heart was left behind† in the fifth stanza. This poem also uses a lot of irony. The woman-corpse wants to believe that her former acquaintances remember her and are affected by her death, but she continually finds out that the opposite is true: they have little concern for her now that she is dead. Hardy uses personification with the corpse and the dog. He gives them human traits like the ability to speak and feel emotions. When the dog is burying a bone on his dead mistress’s grave, it symbolizes how the people she knew while she was alive now view her. To them, she is just a bunch of bones buried in the ground, and no longer of any importance. The central theme of this poem is that no love or hate outlasts death. There is a lot of disappointment in the poem, depicting death and the afterlife as tragic things. The black humor and irony reveals a sad message: the dead woman is forgotten and eternally lonely. The poem is also satiric, mocking the sentimentalism of continual devotion to the dead. Hardy takes a similar stance as the Feste in Twelfth Night.

Biofuel Versus Global Food Security Environmental Sciences Essay

With the planetary menace of wash uping our dodo fuel energy resources, a major focal point on biofuel as a renewable energy option has slightly shifted into the spotlight together with the desire to cut down dependence on oil and besides the emanation of nursery gases from transit. However, the development of biofuels from harvests has raised many concerns to the environment particularly refering to ‘sustainable development ‘ . A major issue is the struggle between biofuel development and planetary nutrient security as both peruse environmental resources for its production such as land, H2O and energy visual perception as both are dependant on similar resources. Switching to the usage of biofuels as an option to fossil fuels is a good attempt towards sustainable development but nutrient security is besides an component which is critical in the same topic as good. Hence, the inquiry: harvests for nutrient or harvests for fuel? This paper will analyze how the issue of biofuel versus planetary nutrient security is evaluated from the position of both strong and weak terminals of the sustainable development spectrum. This is followed by a reappraisal of the current scenario between the struggle of biofuel development and nutrient security together with the trade-offs that are built-in in the declaration and stakeholders involved. The potencies of which this issue can be resolved in a affair that can be considered truly sustainable, both short term and long term, will be discussed. Finally, the concluding subdivision would be a reappraisal of the attacks that are indispensable to accomplish advancement in both the development of biofuel and planetary nutrient security. This paper concludes that biofuel as a ‘weak ‘ signifier of sustainability can be developed in analogue with stableness in planetary nutrient security. Ethical reading of sustainable development has resulted in constructs of sustainability that give precedence to either economic or environmental aims, for illustration, there are the opposing paradigms of â€Å" weak † and â€Å" strong † sustainability ( Hediger, 2006 ) . Weak sustainable development, adopts an anthropocentric or a more human-centered focal point and discourse on the relationship between people and nature whereby the thought chiefly comprises of three positions that are the perceptual experience that people are separate from nature, the thought that nature is a ‘resource ‘ to be used for the benefit of society or persons and the position that we have the right to rule nature ( Williams and Millington, 2004 ) . On the other side of the philosophical spectrum of sustainable development, the stronger sustainability views the Earth as finite and that no habitable hereafter is possible unless the demand-side of the equation radically alters by r ethinking our attitude towards nature ( Williams and Millington, 2004 ) . It is normally viewed that the stronger sustainability stance is less outstanding now than it was in the earlier yearss of the environmental motion. Most likely because in the universe that we live in today, the use of natural resources for the benefits of homo is something that is a given as it would besides be an unconceivable impression to non encompass development at all. From a point of position, biofuel development can be seen slightly at a first glimpse as a ‘weak ‘ type of sustainable development. The development of biofuel as an alternate beginning of energy in the transit industry still uses natural resources such as land and H2O and does non represent the change of the flush life style that comes with it the use of private vehicles that is one of the perpetrators for nursery gas emanations into the ambiance. This is in line with the sentiment that â€Å" weak sustainability † requires that the public assistance potency of the overall capital base remains integral and is non restricted to prolonging a material criterion of life or ingestion, but besides includes values that are related to non-consumptive utilizations and the public good character ( agreeableness and recreational values ) of the environment ( Williams and Millington, 2004 ) . The current demand for biofuel is derived from several developed state ‘s displacement to replacing fossil fuels and lessens the dependance on imported oil. Linearly, this demand offers an chance for the developing states to run into the demands while at the same time bridging the spreads between hapless and rich states. However, biofuel harvests are traditionally used as nutrient beginning which besides competes with the use of land and H2O ( Bodigger, 2007 ) . This competition is said to upset the equilibrium between the supply and demand of nutrient harvests. A displacement from excess to shortage is due to the fact of lifting gasoline monetary values and a monolithic roar of biofuel produced from major harvests such as corn, maize and sugar harvests. Because of this, husbandmans from states of the universe ‘s manufacturers of the bulk of biofuel harvest production will bask the promise of higher incomes. However, the chance of prosperity through the demand of biofuel is said to merely be enjoyed by a minority few. Biofuel development is alleged as the major perpetrator to the drastic addition in the monetary value of nutrient stock. A World Bank policy research working paper ( Mitchell, 2008 ) concluded that biofuels have raised nutrient monetary values between 70 to 75 per centum. The study debates that the EU and US chase for biofuels has had the biggest impact on nutrient supply and monetary value displacements due to the increased production of biofuels in the US and EU that were supported by subsidies and duties on imports. While higher nutrient monetary values will be profitable for nutrient exporting states and big husbandmans, they will endanger the economic systems of nutrient importation states, the supports of their husbandmans every bit good as the nutrient available to the urban hapless in these states ( Sahai, 2010 ) . The chart below shows the addition in monetary valu es of major nutrient harvests in the universe from 1990 to 2006. selected nutrient monetary value increase.jpg Chart 1 Food Price Indices, Beginning: ( International Monetary Fund, 2007b ) Because if this, the hapless in food-importing states will hold to confront the chance of holding to pay much higher monetary values for basic basic nutrient and this besides means less grain to be provided for by planetary human-centered AIDSs. The chart below from International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) shows how hapless people who tend to pass comparatively more of their income for nutrient will hold to pay more if the monetary value of nutrient rises. hapless disbursement more on food.gif Chart 2- Paying More, Beginning: ( International Monetary Fund, 2007a ) Another position is that the addition in use of biofuels does farther damage the planetary environment that is to the universe nutrient system and besides through the emanation of nursery gases during the existent procedure of bring forthing biofuels particularly from nutrient harvests such as maize. The nutritionary value of major universe nutrient harvests are altered and reduced with the release of big measures of C dioxide from the processing of works stuffs for biofuels ( Pimentel et al. , 2009 ) . Meanwhile, corn-based ethyl alcohol as a type of biofuel outputs 1.5 times more energy than the fossil energy required to bring forth it ( Da Silva, 2008 ) . This shows that there non much significance of a difference in the lessening of fossil fuels to follow corn-based ethyl alcohol as a outstanding beginning of biofuel. Biofuel growing and its compatibility with sustainable development still remain questionable without a significant addition in research that specifically targets on the best environmental patterns for bring forthing crop-based feedstock. There are besides other inquiries that add to the uncertainness of the planetary economic system kineticss as the biofuel market blooms such as will hapless, little husbandman benefit from the addition of higher monetary values. ( Naylor et al. , 2007 ) . Bing on the ‘weak ‘ terminal of the spectrum in the sustainability construct, the biofuel versus the nutrient security issue can be resolved through the agencies of better adjustment of environmental concerns. The ‘weak ‘ sustainability attack advocate developments such as the proviso of environmental direction bureaus, more efficient usage of resources, better undertaking assessment techniques to measure the environmental impacts of proposals, and economic accommodations to take into history environmental costs ( Williams and Millington, 2004 ) . An of import attack as to which shows the potency of deciding this struggle between biofuel and planetary nutrient security would be the creative activity and design of policies that ensures that the development of biofuel industries â€Å" run into the aims on security of supply and clime alteration while guaranting sustainable development and non merely by merely switching environmental jobs from one sector to another or from one continent to another † ( Bodigger, 2007 ) . Free trade in the biofuel market should be allowed due to the current subsidies and duties which make it hard for low-priced biofuel such as sugar cane ethyl alcohol to vie with maize ethyl alcohol. If these barriers were eliminated, biofuel can profit the environment and be more economically feasible to be produced by developing states. This attack involves the caput of authoritiess who are the determination and policy shapers as the stakeholders involved. Since biofuel is derived from agricultural green goods, it is critical in order to decrease the struggle between biofuel and nutrient security to increase the output and multiply agribusiness productiveness growing. Researches for biofuel feedstock potency is presently done by the International Institute for Applied Systems Analyst ( IIASA ) and the Food and Agriculture Organization ( FAO ) in measuring biofuel production capacity and constellation of the potency of different parts to spread out agricultural harvest production through two chief agencies: extensification through conveying extra land into cultivation or intensification through irrigation, multiple cropping and other output heightening techniques ( Pingali et al. , 2008 ) . Agricultural end product can be increased via multiple cropping, irrigation and the acceptance of other methods of agricultural intensification which besides includes the acceptance of modern cultivars, plague and alimentary direction and other impro ved engineerings. The development of 2nd and 3rd coevals biofuel that uses not nutrient based beginnings such as Jatropha, algae, residuary wastes from harvests and besides industrial wastes should be encouraged to spread out therefore cut downing the demand for the use of harvest and cultivable land that is better off used for nutrient production in the long tally. Here in lies the function of research workers and scientists to escalate research as a â€Å" push for farther and faster all-out development of 2nd coevals biofuel that do non straight endanger nutrient harvests production and requires less H2O † ( Bodigger, 2007 ) . Another stakeholder involved would be the husbandmans and their pick between cultivating harvests for nutrient or harvests for fuel. The jurisprudence of â€Å" supply and demand † can foretell that the pick would be for the 1 that brings in higher income at lesser inputs and costs. Therefore, it is besides imperative that there is an internationally determined monetary value cap for biofuel and besides nutrient harvests to assist control and prevent higher monetary value rush. Another indispensable attack would be to set up a planetary monitoring model than can be a standard theoretical account in the rating and appraisal of biofuel development and its impacts from changing angles. The design and execution of sustainability audits is critical as the biofuel industry develops, with a clear prosodies for measuring the environment and societal effects of biofuels and feedstock production and for guaranting that direction and authorities patterns are compatible with pre-determined sustainability ends ( Naylor et al. , 2007 ) . Global major agribusiness pudding stones can besides play their portion by guaranting that investings in biofuels do back up agricultural betterments across the board as this benefits nutrient production, speed up rural economic development and alleviate poorness and migration to metropoliss ( Bodigger, 2007 ) . More investing needs to be pumped into the research and development of 2nd and 3rd coevals biofuel from non-food beginnings every bit good as alternate harvests for basic nutrient ingestion. The struggle between biofuel development and planetary nutrient security has escalated these yearss due to a generation of demand for the former. The development of biofuel is seen as a signifier of ‘weak ‘ sustainability in the philosophical spectrum of sustainable development. This is due to the fact that natural resources such as land, H2O and energy are used in the production of biofuels for the benefit of the developed and rich states in their quest to decrease nursery gas emanations and dependence on fossil fuels. However, struggle arises when hapless states that depend on importing of nutrient supply have to confront higher monetary values due to the recreation of traditional nutrient harvest such as maize and manioc for the transition into biofuel. As such, the state of affairs is worsen with the competition of resources by biofuel and nutrient harvest agribusiness as both vie for the same resources and based on the tendency of the addition of nutrient monetary va lues, it can be seen that harvests for nutrient is on the losing terminal as compared to harvests for fuel. However, there are a few attacks that can be seen as a method of paving the manner for the parallel development of both biofuels and stableness in planetary nutrient security, provided that there is concrete support from all stakeholders involved every bit discussed as above. If decently implemented and monitored, biofuels can be the solution towards the battle against planetary heating while at the same clip play a major subscriber towards the economic and societal development of hapless states.

Importance of Water Essay

In order to fulfill his desires, man exploits the environmental factors to a greater extent, by which the environment loses its natural capacity for self-stabilization. The impact of man’s various activities that are detrimental to the environment are: * Increase in population density. * Rapid urbanization * Massive industrial growth * Inadequate food and * Depletion of resources. To meet the increasing demands of time, human beings deliberately exploit the natural environment to improve their quality of life. Unknowingly, different environmental activities such as construction of roads dams, airports, buildings, irrigation projects, power plants and industries have some negative repercussions on the environment in which man lives. Thus, the developmental activities are unsustainable for global ecosystem. But we cannot stop these activities. For the development of the nation, these activities are essential. Industrial growth is directly related to nation’s economy. Construction of major and minor irrigation projects and development of new power plants must not be frozen. Hence at the present context, when man has reached at twenty first century, no body would want for technological stagnation. On the other hand, excessive exploitation of the environment through these technological implications leads to disaster. Hence, there is the problem of one word â€Å"pollution. † So what is needed is the environmental management and sustainable development. â€Å"Sustainable development is implied to regulate the demands of man in such a manner that the ability of the same environment to sustain his development will remain un-repaired,. — is the version of Bindu N. Lohani. Hence much emphasis is given on environmental management and sustainable development. â€Å"It is as a discipline by itself is growing rapidly and no way it proposes to halt economic growth and to stop technical development; rather it aims at achieving that sustainable rate of economic growth which is necessary to meet man’s material needs whilst conserving scarce natural resources and protecting both the external and the internal environments,† says Dr.  Uma Shankar, senior faculty member of Management Development Institute, New Delhi. Hence, sustainable development and environmental management are essential for improvement both the quality of the environment and the quality of human life. For that source areas are identified to give utmost priorities.

Support a side on health care Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Support a side on health care - Essay Example The law seems to be more of a starting point than a destination for health care reform. Essentially, the liberal minded Democrats want a single payer, universal healthcare system instituted which covers all Americans. A similar all inclusive and much more streamlined system than is still the case in the U.S. system is utilized by Canada, Britain, Japan, Brazil, Russia all western European countries and several other nations. Essentially every civilized, industrialized nation but the U.S. employs some type of universal health delivery. The conservative Republican solution is essentially to do nothing much as was done during the Bush Presidency. Giving tax cuts to the wealthy and tax incentives to businesses and individuals in addition to allowing the free market to operate unabated and unregulated is the repeated rhetoric Republicans offer as a solution to the very complex issue of health care. The Republican answers do not address the problem however which is reducing overall costs w hile covering all persons, a very complex issue requiring more then simple slogan-worthy answers. This paper will examine the Democrat position regarding health care reform while offering the Republican viewpoint as rebuttal. The PPACA is expected to reduce the deficit $143 billion during the first decade and $1.5 Trillion the second decade, 2020-2030. (Holohan, 2010) Included in the new law is a Patient’s Bill of Rights which effectively ends some of the most egregious health insurance company practices. People cannot be denied insurance for pre-existing conditions and cannot have their insurance expire due to lifetime limits of the policy. Children of policy holders can stay on it until the age 26, patients are given an appeals process for coverage decisions by the insurer and other benefits to be phased in over the next few years. The PPACA will also

U07d1 Three Reform Models Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

U07d1 Three Reform Models - Essay Example RG or Diagnostic Relate Group was implemented in 1983 and was basically a system where the groups were formed based on diagnoses, age, sex, discharge status, medical complications and also procedures. This is the basis by which Medicare pays the hospitals and has been quite successful. This system makes it simpler for Medicare to correctly identify each group and base the possible demand for each group (The New England Journal of Medicine, 2010). This is an accurate mode of medical care and is helpful in ensuring clearer working processes. State Childrens Health Insurance Program: This program was developed with an intension to provide health care for children and families that were uninsured and with incomes that was low but enough to gain a Medicaid. This program had a number of arguments and there was a complete slow down in the program as President George Bush felt that the program was losing focus and was covering more of middle class children rather than the poor children. The program has however again been put back into track by President Obama and over four million children and pregnant women have been treated under the Childrens Health Insurance Reauthorization Act of 2009 (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2010). Mental Health Parity Act: This act was introduced on January 2010 and aims at providing alignment for health and substance abuse benefits and also providing medical health benefits for companies with 50 or more employees. This however is not a group health plan of any sort (U.S. Department of Labor, 2008). As seen all these reforms have been developed with an intension to improve and address all the healthcare system issues. They are all very beneficial in terms of providing the assistance to the patients, however there is a clear issue where all the systems lack the availability of funds (Valueoptions, 2010). Also with the newer reforms coming up each day there is clearly a lack of enough money available to invest into the

Cardiovascular Disease Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Cardiovascular Disease - Essay Example According to Kantrowitz and Wingert (2006), a few years back, heart diseases were considered to be the concern of men alone, and women, especially those below 50years did not have to worry about cardiovascular diseases. However, recent studies have demonstrated that both men and women, especially women after menopause and men after 55years of age are a greater risk of cardiovascular accidents (Kantrowitz and Wingert, 2006). It is estimated that 50-70 million Americans have cardiovascular problems and according to Noonan (2005), cardiovascular events was responsible for the deaths of 260,000 American men in year 2000 alone. It is therefore regarded as the nation's no 1 killer (Underwood, 2005). Many risk factors are associated with cardiovascular disease; most can be managed, but some cannot. The aging process and hereditary predisposition are risk factors that cannot be altered. Until age 50 men are at greater risk than women of developing heart disease, though once a woman enters menopause, her risk triples (Kannel, 1997). According to the American Heart Association (AHA), increasing age is a major risk of cardiovascular diseases; they report that over 83% of people who die of heart problems are 65 or older. Mae gender and genetic predisposition are two other risk factors that cannot be altered. ... disease includes specific therapy for any underlying causes and may include Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (e.g., captopril, enalapril, lisinopril), beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol), blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin), the combination of hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate, digitalis, nitroglycerin, and diuretics. Also, surgical procedures such as angioplasty, bypass surgery, valve replacement, pacemaker installation, and heart transplantation, are common treatment options (Gluckman et al, 2004). According to Underwood (2005), Mounting evidences point to the fact that chronic emotional states such as stress, anxiety, hostility, depression or childhood trauma and loneliness play very important roles in the cause of cardiovascular diseases. These factors are appearing to be as potent or even stronger than the conventionally established cardiovascular risks, such as smoking, diabetes etc. It is believed that emotional states affect behavior. For instance, depressed, angry people are less likely to stick with diet and exercise regimens and are more likely to smoke. In one study, the most hostile subjects consumed 600 more daily calories than the least hostile. Also, such negative emotions can have direct effects, too, by provoking the stress response of the classic fight-or-flight mechanism. The body releases stress hormones, such as cortisol and epinephrine (adrenaline). In response, blood pressure and blood-glucose levels increase, while chemical changes in the blood enhance th e clotting reaction to help heal wounds. In the short term, these are survival mechanisms. But over the long haul, chronic high blood pressure and elevated glucose damage blood vessels (Underwood, 2005). High blood cholesterol is also one of the major predisposing factors

What's your point of view Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

What's your point of view - Essay Example Video games function in a manner that an actual game in a real world is computer programmed and hardware is made, which aid in controlling the application. The world has witnessed an exponential growth of video and computer games all over the world. Almost all children in developed countries have witnessed or experienced how video games function. Instead of buying regular toys for children, parents nowadays buy their children video games since they are extremely popular (Schlimme 1). Video and computer games have many advantages. These include; improving cognitive skills in children who play these video games. Video and computer games have proved to be kits that instill motivation in children, as it is required that they play and advance to the next phase or level, which is more thrilling and interesting. Video and computer games are beneficial in the field of medicine because they are applied as part of therapy for patients with physical injuries (Medoff & Kaye 72). In physiotherapy, the games aid patients in developing motor skills and coordination. The extent to which a child or an individual concentrates when playing a game is known to relieve the child or individual’s mind from any psychological suffering or pain. Video and computer games are also educational materials as they can help in learning some math problems and language skills. Ultimately, video and computer games are main sources of psychological motivation since they put the players throug h feats, which they have to survive with the objective of moving to the next phase or level (Godara 102). As much as video and computer games are beneficial to the children and adults who play them, they have some elements, which display their detrimental nature. The great numbers of video and computer games that have themes of violence create a great havoc on the individuals who experience these games. These individuals are likely to behave in an

Interdependence and Independence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Interdependence and Independence - Essay Example 201). In support of the observations, people are, in the modern times, learning about becoming independent. People no longer wish to share their concerns with others. This is because they tend to create social security for their private matters. Culture is fading away slowly and gradually, it does not significantly affect the decisions made by the people. For instance, if someone has issues with their spouse, culture would dictate that they continue living together. This should not be the case as people have the right to make their own independent decisions. An individual’s needs are more important than the community’s needs. People are more important than their communities are. The community regulates the rules and regulations that involve assisting one another. The rules advocate for community coexistence, getting it wrong. People in the community should push for what is beneficial to their lives. A person cannot seek for the rights of the community at the expense of their own benefit. I will raise my children differently from the way I was raised. It is important to appreciate and respect their efforts and decisions. There is need to encourage them to become independent thinkers. This is because they must be accountable for their own decisions and actions. Parents should only provide their children with guidance, in order to have them make the right choices in life. Through independence, individuals are able to understand themselves. They realize their uniqueness and acquire the ability for self-development. Independence affects the personality of an individual positively because they act without other people’s influence. People are able to keep their thoughts and feelings as secrets, increasing their internal activity. Independence gives an individual a sense of control over their lives. It is important to listen to parents whenever they give

Human Resource Info Systems Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Human Resource Info Systems - Assignment Example the concerned scenario, it has been determined that Castle’s Family Restaurant can be termed as a chain of restaurants comprising eight restaurants spread all over north California. Presently, this restaurant chain is facing an issue regarding effective human resource (HR) management. The prime focus of this discussion will be towards effective evaluation of the current management issue within this restaurant chain. Special emphasis will be provided regarding the implication of Human Resources Information System (HRIS) within the functionality of this restaurant chain to increase the efficiency of the work process and simultaneously save significant amount of time as well as money. Based on the case scenario, it can be ascertained that the name of the business which is being assisted is Castle’s Family Restaurant, a restaurant chain business which is established in north California. It has got multiple branches spread all over the area. The restaurant chain can be considered as a large service sector operating within that area and by taking into consideration its current level growth within United States (US) market, it can be stated that the restaurant business has been attaining gradual success and profit. These restaurant business processes have also been significantly contributing in terms of the nation’s quarterly and annual gross domestic product (GDP) figures (National Restaurant Association, 2014). Taking about the business environment, it can be said that this restaurant chain employs a substantial workforce of around 300-340 employees who are placed in eight restaurants of the business. It serves multiple customers and thus requires effective management (Agarwal & Garg, 2012). Correspondingly, by taking into consideration the present management issue within this restaurant chain, it can be stated that the need of a centralized monitoring and control system is of paramount importance. Currently, the staff and the daily process management within

Using an essay style format, discuss why might banks be considered as

Using an style format, discuss why might banks be considered as the 'key' players in the financial system - Essay Example All of these parts are closes dependent on each other. A good financial system makes sure that all these parts function together to make sure that the money is optimally channeled in an economy. If one part of the financial system is in conflict with the other, or if there is a distortion between the motives of the two parts of a financial system, then there are chances that the financial system will collapse. This is very dangerous for the entire economy, because when one part of financial system collapses, other parts also face the domino effect causing the economy to face serious recession and plummeting demand. Hence, it is imperative for an economy to have a stable financial system if it is to work well. (Mishkin) Financial markets make it possible for people to trade securities. It is a good way of raising capital, transferring risk, liquidity maintenance and trading foreign exchange. The financial markets play an important role in instilling level of confidence in the investors. They know that they can invest now and liquidate in future when they need funds and allow them earn interest on their money. Examples of Financial Markets can be Stock Markets, Money Markets, Forex Markets and IPOs (Lipsey and Chrystal). A good financial system usually contains financial markets as a platform that allows the trading of financial securities and instruments. Similarly, Financial Institutions consist of those organizations that allow channeling of funds and create credit in the economy. In case these are missing in a financial system, then the economy is deprived of multiplier effect and can face serious levels of unemployment and lack of investment motives. Examples of Financial Markets include Banks, Building Societies, Leasing Companies etc. Financial Instruments are securities that are traded in the Financial Markets. These include bonds, stock, money market securities and derivatives. These are again very important

Corporate Strategies in Small and Medium Enterprises Essay Example for Free

Corporate Strategies in Small and Medium Enterprises Essay The article picked is â€Å"Information technology and corporate strategies in Small and Medium Enterprises† by Poolad Daneshvar, Research Scholar, Department of Business Administration, University of Mysore, India and Dr.H.N.Ramesh, Director Kuvempu University, PG Center, Kadur, Karnataka, India. It is, to be more precise, a synthesis of different researches about the subject: â€Å"How does Information Systems create competitive advantages for the enterprise?† The article, however, focuses on the competitive advantages for the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The difference between Information Systems (IS) and the Information Technology (IT), from the authors’ point of view is the orientation. If IT is most likely technical and supply oriented, IS is the way business makes use of IT depend on the enterprise’s needs. So IS is more demand oriented and business grounded. In the article, the authors rarely separate these two notions, considering that IS is based on IT and the authors’ point is to present how the application and utilization of information can be used to create competitive advantage. The authors also discussed about why SMEs should seize the opportunities to create competitive advantages brought by the IT/IS development. In fact, the main reason for the creation of many large companies that regroup vertical value chain (from raw material, production to sales and customers services) is the transaction costs between the steps in a value chain, due to information asymmetric and assumption of opportunistic behaviors. When big companies are able to set up a whole value chain, they will gain considerable advantages from cost decrease and from the fact that they avoided, at some stages, the pressure from the suppliers and customers. In order to maximize efficiency, the SMEs can only concentrate in certain activities and thus can only be part of a value chain. These companies were struggling in this competition. However, IT/IS gives SMEs chance to increase their ability to compete by three possible ways (Rockart and Scott Morton): Increase efficiency in operations, creat e links with customers and suppliers to increase their switching cost, create new products or new services. The authors explain how IT/IS has influence on competitive advantages of the SMEs in three categories: Internal Strategy, Competitive Strategy and Creation of the Competitive Advantages. The authors precise two applications possible of IT/IS on internal strategy. Firstly, applications on the existing activities to increase efficiency and customers’ satisfaction reduce cost, but the authors stated this application is just basic and cannot be considered strategic. From the authors’ point of view, IT/IS should be applied in Management processes. Some model has been set up throughout the last three decades: Business Systems Planning (BSP, Hammer, M.M et al, 1980), Office automation methodology (OAM, Sirbu, M et al, 1984) or also Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) †¦ These models can demonstrate to the managers how their business is working and what kind of result can be expected, BPR can even shows the options. The decision making can be much easier and quick with helps from IT/IS. The most two most usual competition strategy are Cost reducing and Differentiation. However, Porter and Al. have concluded others ways to turn the competition around in the IT/IS era: Use the IT/IS to change the rules of the competition in the industry, create competitive advantages by finding the company’s ability to outperform its rivals, create new business. The authors analyze the competition strategy in two aspects, according to Porter’s study: Value Chain Analysis and Competitive Forces. Value chain is a framework for identify all the activities and analyze how they affect the company’s cost and its value delivered to the customers. Value in this notion can be divided into 2 types: Value explicit and direct from Primary activities and Value implicit, indirect from support activities. The authors’ idea is to use IT/IS to move some physical activities in the value chain on line (cu stomers’ orders gathering, information collecting†¦) or make some physical activities less costly (communication†¦). This way, the SMEs can resolve one of their biggest problems is the high transaction costs. They also have the chance to alter the services provided to make their operations more appealing to the customers, compared to part of other large groups’ value chain. According to Porter, there are five competitive forces: Intra-industry rivalry, new entrance, customers’ bargaining power, suppliers’ bargaining power and substitute products/ services. IT/IS can change the relationship between an industry and its suppliers, decrease the suppliers’ bargaining power. Furthermore, by accelerating the innovation, SMEs can create a technology barrier for new entrances while developing new competitive weapon for intra-industry competitors. Concerning the creation of competitive advantages, the authors stated five different strategies for SMEs in the new IT/IS era: Differentiation in price and product innovation: using IT/IS to gather more customers’ preference on ex isting products/ services and change the enterprise’s products/ services accordingly or to have more promotion channels at low cost and establish the brand’s image; Existing cost reduction: like in promotion and distribution cost or Provide new inexpensive services; Innovation: increase the business’s efficiency, reduce product’s cycle life; Growth: extend the enterprise’s scope and its score business based on the reach of the new telecommunication and transportation technology; and finally, Alliance: by using IT/IS in communication and information sharing. In the end of the article, the authors conclude that an alignment between IS strategy and Organizational strategy is necessary for the competitiveness development of SMEs; that include the alignment between four elements: Business Strategy, Organizational Infrastructure processes, IT strategy and IT infrastructure and processes. Basically, the authors insist on the managerial role in this application: the strategies and decision making concerning the enterprise’s IS should be considered as part of the organizational strategies depend on the enterprise’s goal s. II. Why it is important to the management of the IT systems? The article insisted on the important role of the IT systems in the management of SMEs, in order to create competitive advantages in the economy dominated by large groups. IS can now be considered as a weapon, a way that turns the â€Å"powerless† SMEs from before to dangerous competitors. Aside from companies in the Information field that developed strongly just in the last decade like Facebook or Google, a lot of others companies in others industries are making use of IT to find a â€Å"blue ocean† and grow. IS can change a company’s value change by reducing cost and making it different from others companies, creating the competitive advantage. IS also can change the competition rules, limit the domination of large groups, create chances for SMEs to find its own way to develop and stand its ground. However, the development of the Information can also create entrance barriers for these companies. In my opinion, the development of the IT/IS in the past decades has made the global economy much more animated and â€Å"thrilling†. Considering these points, all managers should value the position of IT/IS strategy in their overall strategies, especially managers of SMEs, who will have to think of IT/IS as their surviving paths. The managers should consider the enterprises’ goals and objectives invest in RD to find an IT/IS tools/ facilities that can respond to the enterprises’ demands, build a strategy of IT/IS development in short term and in long term and invest in IT/IS infrastructure and processes. Since the innovation speed of the IT/IS world is very fast, every IT/IS strategy have to consider and leave room for regular update and development. In conclusion, Information systems have an indispensable role in the creation of competitive advantages nowadays. Company that can make good use of IT will be receiving limitless opportunities. III. Personal thoughts and opinions I worked as a sales assistant and later manager’s assistant in an international company, also I studied in the international economy for about five years now. From my experience, the globalization that was only for transnational and multinational companies before is now also opening its doors to SMEs, and that was the result of the Information Technology development. The world is now â€Å"flat† (Thomas Friedman, 2005) and It create opportunities for SMEs in even developing countries to find their ground in the global value chain, just take for example the information, financial services outsourcing in India. My ex-employer worked in the high fashion field so the only application of the IT/IS in its activities is in promotion: Aside from specialized magazines, Facebook, website and newletter emails were all important channels that help the company to establish Its brand worldwide, since It only have one siege in Hanoi. When I worked as Manager’s assistant, I also participated in the establishment of the KPI systems of the company, a systems that allow employees’ performances to be digitized and evaluated by the computer, it was a system applicable in the Human Resources Management. Unfortunately, I did not get to see its result.