Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Example of a Reaction Paper

Example of a Reaction Paper Example of a Reaction Paper Example of a Reaction Paper: Lets Use the Internet If you have got a task to write a reaction paper but do not know how to do it, you should not be upset. This article will help you solve your problem. An example of a reaction paper is the solution! If you do not know how to write your reaction paper, you may use an example of a reaction paper. Where can you find it? You should search in the Internet. You may find a variety of free academic papers there, in particular different reaction papers. You may ask How may an example of a reaction paper from the Internet be useful for me if I am not going to plagiarize? It will help you very much, indeed, if you do not know what to begin your paper with or, for instance, how to organize your thoughts. Moreover, one should stress that you may make your profit without plagiarizing. Example of a reaction paper: useful help So, in what way may an example of a reaction paper be helpful for you? You may get a lot of useful information when reading online reaction papers in the Internet. For instance, you may:study the main peculiarities of the structure of reaction papers (what parts a reaction paper should consist of, what kind of information each part should contain, in what way a paper paragraphs should be organized); find some interesting ideas about the subject of your discussion (for example, if you do not know what book or movie you should write your reaction paper about); find out in what way a thesis statement is formulated and how it is mentioned in a reaction paper; study the vocabulary of reaction papers: what words and word-combinations are usually used in such papers, what personal forms of verbs are used. Well, as you see the Internet example of reaction papers (that is online reaction papers that you may use as an example in your writing) may be of great use for you. You may use these papers without plagiarizing. Professional help Anyway, if you cannot cope with your reaction paper for some reasons, you are welcome to contact us! Our professional writers whom we cooperate with will be able to provide you with help in writing of any of your assignment papers as soon as possible. The only thing you should do is to place your order on our web-site!

Friday, November 22, 2019

The Ancient Spartans Had a Murderous Secret Police

The Ancient Spartans Had a Murderous Secret Police If 300 taught us anything, its that the Spartans were a hardy and courageous group. But they werent the nicest to their own people, punishing young people brutally for infractions, and even utilizing the youth as a secret service! Meet the krypteia, a sort of Hitler Youth of Sparta. When a Training Procedure Goes Really,  Really Wrong According to ancient sources, the krypteia were as vicious as they came. Its members were chosen for their discretion and probably their hardiness, intelligence, and resourcefulness. As Plato has Megillus recount in his  Laws,  Spartan youths underwent training, widely prevalent amongst us, in hardy endurance of pain in the form of beatings, but it was the krypteia that was the most brutal of all. That kind of work was a wonderfully severe training. So what was their deal? Apparently, the idea for the krypteia mightve come from the  laws of Lycurgus,  the king of Spartan legalese; his reforms were, according to  Plutarch,  efficacious in producing valour, but defective in producing righteousness.   Writes Plutarch: I certainly cannot ascribe to Lycurgus so abominable a measure as the ‘krypteia,’ judging of his character from his mildness and justice in all other instances. Over time, the krypteia  evolved  from a form of uber-advanced fitness training to a sort-of-secret  guerrilla  force. The group appears to have had some representation in the mainstream Spartan army, as well; in Plutarchs  Cleomenes, a fellow named Damocles is given the title of commander of the secret service contingent. But  Damoteles doesnt get  the greatest rep - he was bribed to betray his own people to  the enemy - and the people he represented seem to have been even worse. The organization of the krypteia seems to have been in direct opposition to the regular hoplites in  the Spartan army, as if the very way it was set up made it different of special. The hoplites were organized, fought in a phalanx, and worked as a team; in contrast, the krypteia fought in secret, went out in  irregular groups and missions, and stayed away from Sparta proper, working and living on  the frontier. The Bad,  the Worst, and the  Really Ugly As Plutarch tells it, the Spartan leaders would periodically send the young men of the krypteia out into the country at large. What for, you might ask? The young soldiers would hide themselves until they came across groups of people called helots.  At night, they came down into the highways and killed every Helot whom they caught. Even during the day, the krypteia massacred  the helots working in the fields. The  Ephors, the leaders of Sparta, made formal declaration of war upon the helots, in order that there might be no impiety in slaying them. Perhaps, as some scholars have theorized, serving in the krypteia allows soldiers to practice stealth and cunning .But what the krypteia did was basically state-sanctioned massacre! Who were the helots? Why did the Spartan magistrates commission their young warriors to kill them? The helots were serfs owned by the Spartan state, basically slaves; the Roman historian Livy claims that they were a race of rustics, who have been feudal vassals even from the earliest times.  The krypteia was a force the government utilized to keep the helots in their place,  according  to Brandon D. Ross.  Aristotle discusses the helots in his  Politics, saying that the mere necessity of policing a serf class is an irksome burden. What freedoms do you give them? How much leeway  should  they get? he asks. The relationship between the Spartans and the helots was fractious at best. Once upon a time, the people of Spartan-ruled Messenia and the helots revolted against the Lacedaemonian lords. They took  advantage of the chaos that ensued after the earthquakes of 464 B.C., but that didnt work, and the Spartans kept up their cruel treatment.   How else did the Spartans torture the helots? Heres our pal Plutarch: For instance, they would force them to drink too much strong wine, and then introduce them into their public messes, to show the young men what a thing drunkenness was. They also ordered them to sing songs and dance dances that were low and ridiculous, but to let the nobler kind alone. The Spartan torture of the Helots wasnt a one-time thing. On one occasion, Livy recounts how, being charged with an intention to desert, they were driven with stripes through all the streets, and put to death. Another time, two thousand helots mysteriously disappeared in a possible act of genocide; then, on a different occasion, a bunch of helots were suppliants at the minor Temple of Poseidon Taenarius, but were seized from that sacred spot. That kind of sacrilege - violating the sanctuary of a temple - was as awful as it got; the right of asylum was a truly valued one. Shame on Sparta!

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Warrant less wire tapping violation of rights Research Proposal

Warrant less wire tapping violation of rights - Research Proposal Example the United States, 389 U.S. 347 (1967) in which wire-tapping was identified as unreasonable search that should only be conducted with a warrant (Duke University 1). There are, however other legal provisions that warrant wire-tapping violation of rights that the fourth amendment provides for, based on the 1967 judicial interpretation. â€Å"Inevitable-discovery doctrine and the good-faith doctrine† are examples that compromise the fourth and fifth amendments’ protection of privacy and application of associated information as evidence against a subject (Hess & Orthmann 95). It is therefore necessary to investigate validity of such exceptions and the proposed study will investigate the following research question. The study will use survey design and collect data through focus group. The group will consist of two sets of people: defense layers with a minimum of ten years experience and experience in a wire tapping case, and professors in human rights law. Discussion will focus on the participants’ knowledge on wire-tapping violation of rights and their opinion on validity of existing and possible laws that allows for wire-tapping violation of rights. Data will be analyzed

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Recearch paper 2 Statistics Project Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Recearch paper 2 - Statistics Project Example According to the results and analysis of obtained data presented â€Å"in the July 2001 SUR11 for study 091and the Clinical Study Report (CSR) filed with the FDA in July 200316 for study 078.17 This analysis provided evidence of the excess risk associated with rofecoxib for noncancer deaths (HR, 2.71; 95%CI, 1.57-4.68; P_.001). Most of this excess was due to heart disease deaths (HR, 3.84; 95% CI, 1.54-9.51). The independent analysis also confirmed the increased risk of total mortality (HR, 2.13; 95%CI, 1.36-3.33; P_.001) first identified by the sponsor’s statistician in April 2001.14†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Psaty & Kronmal, 2008). In any case, the analysis was on the intention-to-treat principle that encompassed different events occurring within a span of 1 year of protocol 091 including additional 14 days employed in following up of the patients in order to ascertain the condition. Median is the statistical measure vividly described in the article. In the article, confirm that after the medication period of following up was the median of up to 1.7 years. In order to attain this median value as one of the measures of central tendency, the researchers used Cox Model, which was later on adjusted for purposes of accumulating ate and sex (Psaty & Kronmal, 2008). In statistics, median is the middle value or number in a given set of data. In order to find the median or middle value, the given set of data is arranged in value order from the highest to the lowest of from the lowest to the highest (Psaty & Kronmal, 2008). After arranging the data in ascending or descending order, the middle value becomes median, a measure of central tendency. 2. Interpret Inferences. Do one of the following, in everyday language without any special mathematical symbols; and make sure to have the correct measures and units. (a) Pick 3 confidence intervals (CI) from the article and give a formal interpretation for each. Answer the question: Which one is the most

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Traditional Banking Essay Example for Free

Traditional Banking Essay The article â€Å"The decline of traditional banking: implications for financial stability and regulatory policy† by Franklin R. Edwards and Frederic S. Mishkin presents a very detailed and well researched exploration of the current movement of banks away from traditional banking. The authors describe their objectives as including an examination of the reasons behind the decline of traditional banking, and an identification of the effects that these would have on the stability and regulation of banks. The article meets these goals well, as it begins by demonstrating the complexity of the current banking situation and how/why balance sheets reflect information that go far beyond mere lending. The non-traditional methods of banking as well as the financial institutions that have evolved and crowded the banking market are also explored in detail. Finally, the authors expound on the ways that banks might improve their status in the financial market and maintain stable regulatory policies within such a highly competitive and unstable environment. Therefore, while in some areas the explanations were a bit awkward, overall the authors manage to unite the causes, effects, and possible remedies of the current problems being faced by banks, and this is done in a manner that demonstrates a deep understanding of the situation. The introductory pages of the article do give a very detailed picture of why the authors found it necessary to explore the decline of traditional banking. Traditional banking, they explain, dealt mainly with the issuing of long term loans financed by short-term deposits (Edwards Miskhin, 27). They provide evidence in the form of graphs and statistics, showing both the size of the decline in earnings from such traditional (financial) borrowing, as well as the share of non-financial borrowing granted banks and their competitors. The fact that both commercial and thrift banks’ non-financial borrowing declined by an average of 7% over a thirty-five year period demonstrates that significant decline has indeed taken place in their share of that market. The authors also give concrete evidence concerning the decline in these institutions’ returns on such holdings as assets and equity. Finally the authors demonstrate the trend in banks’ share in the market concerned with non-interest income. This increasing trend represents precisely the move away from tradition they have identified. The placement of these facts and charts was effective as a method of vindicating the authors’ decision to explore reasons for the decline in traditional banking. Edwards and Mishkin   go on to explore such areas as the decline in banks’ advantage as far as liabilities are concerned. This is demonstrated in terms of declining cost advantages, which as shown to have become a reality when other institutions found a way to capitalize on the banks’ financial privileges. They explained the fact that ceilings and other restrictions (at one time favorable to the banks) had been placed upon their ability to offer interest on certain types of deposits (such as checkable deposits). These regulations restricted their ability to be competitive at a crucial time in the market and therefore opened the doors for other lending institutions (exempt from such restrictions) to attract customers by offering higher interest. This serves as a cogent explanation of why banks have declined in this traditional area. Yet, the authors represent the complexity of the market by exploring a few other reasons why such decline has taken place. The existence of the new paper market (securities) has also been cited as a reason that adds to the complexity of the problem that banks now face (Edwards Miskhin, 31). The previously mentioned decline in banks’ lending to commercial entities is now explained by the fact that these businesses have been given the option of borrowing directly from the public through the issuance of securities. The authors also cite the rise of mutual funds and junk bonds on the money market as having an indirect effect on the market position of banks. They write, â€Å"The growth of assets in money market mutual funds to more than $500 billion created a ready market for commercial paper because money market mutual funds must hold liquid, high-quality, short-term assets† (31). This serves the explanatory purposes of the authors by demonstrating the sheer size and number of the alternatives to banks that exist on the financial market. The authors, Edwards and Mishkin, also explore some of the reasons why such alternative institutions have become such a threat to banks. Besides their ability to offer attractive alternatives to customers, these financial institutions have also demonstrated an ability to secure their assets. They explain these institutions’ methods of originating loans and then creating more loans from these. They write: â€Å"Advances in information and data processing technology have enabled non-bank competitors to originate loans, transform these into marketable securities, and sell them to obtain more funding with which to make more loans† (Edwards Miskhin, 32). The rise of financially capable technology has made easy these maneuvers by such non-bank facilities, and this has led to the current position of decline in banks’ traditional activities. The authors of the article also demonstrate the route that banks have had to take in order to combat the effects of being forced to share their market. They use graphs and data effectively to demonstrate the sharp climb in what had traditionally been considered risky types of loans. These graphs depict a rise in bank issuance of real estate loans, and further details the authors provide demonstrate that banks have had to stoop to lending to â€Å"less credit-worthy borrowers† in order to increase their financial viability in these tough times (Edwards Mishkin, 27 33). They also depict the methods chosen by banks to increase their activities that take place off the balance sheet. Banks have expanded into the market for financial derivatives, in which they serve as â€Å"off-exchange or over the counter (OTC) derivatives dealers† (34). In order to increase the authority of the article, the writers then provide in several charts concrete evidence of the different kinds of derivative deals in which actual banks have recently participated or mediated. Further evidence concerning the proportion of income banks have derived from these off-balance transactions serve to depict the extent to which they have effaced or replaced traditional banking. Edwards and Mishkin’s exploration of the nature of the risk faced by these banks in involving themselves in OTC activities demonstrates the extent to which these institutions have been forced by a declining traditional market to engage in alternate financial activities. Since their derivative activities have mainly been in the area of swapping interest rates, the risk involved in this can be seen to be high—though tempered by the fact that they â€Å"do not involve payment of principal amounts† (Edwards Miskhin, 38). Furthermore, the authors’ detailed explanation of swaps and the risks they carry aid the overall understanding of the type of risks banks have been forced to take in order to retain their profits. This leads to a better understanding of the extent to which traditional banking has been transformed. Finally, the authors Edwards and Mishkin go on to outline the regulations that have been put in place and the implications that they are likely to have for bank policies. The need for regulation is expressed in the evidence they produce from the GAO (U.S. Government Accounting Office). It explains that the discounts and insurance provided by Federal Reserve Bank accords to banks a level of security that might induce them to take higher risks that they would (or should) otherwise have taken. Regulations have therefore been made that allow only banks with good management and high capital to engage in some of the riskier types of non-traditional banking activities. Such activities include securities underwriting and trading, and dealing in the derivatives market. The inclusion of these explanations in the article demonstrates the thoroughness of the authors in identifying other reasons (beyond mere competition) why some banks have been or may be forced out of the financial business. The details of policy implications for banks given by the authors are shown to include regulations that strengthen banks’ ability to compete. These measures have also been shown to include the seeking of methods that prevent the fall of capital below certain levels (Edwards Mishkin, 40). In presenting the pros and cons of these ideas, the authors demonstrate and impart a thorough understanding of the intricacies of banking and further communicate the complexities of the business. The writers, through their efforts, also demonstrate the gravity of the situation that banks now face in their need to write policy giving them the ability to expand beyond their traditional financial market. Despite the overall clarity and detail of the ideas presented in support of the authors’ claims, a level of awkwardness does enter into a few paragraphs of this article. The awkwardness within this article mainly exists in the introductory pages, where Edwards and Mishkin enumerate (rather than explore) the reasons for and the extent of the decline in traditional banking. The confusing nature of the financial situation being faced by banks is translated to the work, as the writers continually meet their given reasons with qualifications to the effect that demonstrate the inadequacy of each explanation. They, for example, identify their measure of banks’ profitability over a period of time as â€Å"crude† and explain that other measures do not â€Å"adjust for the expenses associated with generating noninterest income† (Edwards Miskhin, 29-30). One gets the feeling that the writers might have taken the trouble to do the extra calculations in order to provide a more comprehensive view of the situation. However, they do provide much more detailed explorations in the ensuing paragraphs. This article by Edwards and Mushkin presents a very interesting and informative view of the current situation facing banks in today’s financial market. The traditional role usually occupied by banks as lenders has been undermined by the influx of non-traditional lending institutions. These institutions have taken the opportunity to provide lower-interest loans and higher-interest deposits to customers, thereby forcing banks to flee to riskier methods of gaining revenue. Policies that regulate banks’ behavior have become necessary as a result of this trend toward riskier business, and this has sparked ideas concerning policy making and the risks and benefits they would impart to all stakeholders. Work Cited Edwards, Franklin R and Frederic S. Mishkin. â€Å"The decline of traditional banking: implications   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   for financial stability and regulatory policy.† FRBNY Economic Policy Review. July (1995): 27-45.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Amy Tan’s A Mother’s Tongue Essay -- Amy Tan A Mother’s Tongue

Amy Tan’s A Mother’s Tongue The purpose of Amy Tan’s essay, â€Å"Mother Tongue,† is to show how challenging it can be if an individual is raised by a parent who speaks â€Å"limited English† (36) as Tan’s mother does, partially because it can result in people being judged poorly by others. As Tan’s primary care giver, her mother was a significant part of her childhood, and she has a strong influence over Tan’s writing style. Being raised by her mother taught her that one’s perception of the world is heavily based upon the language spoken at home. Alternately, people’s perceptions of one another are based largely on the language used. Tan was born to a pair of Chinese immigrants. Her mother understood English extremely well, but the English she spoke was â€Å"broken.†(36) Many people not familiar with her way of speaking found it very difficult to understand her. As a result of this, Tan would have to pretend to be her mother, and she called people up to yell at them while her mother stood behind her and prompted her. This caused Tan to be ashamed of her mother throughout her youth, but as she grew, she realized that the language she shares with her mother is a â€Å"language of intimacy† (36) that she even uses when speaking with her husband. Just as with her books, Tan’s focus in this essay is her mother. Tan considered her book, The Joy Luck Club, a success after her mother read it and exclaimed over how easy it was to read. However, the audience of this essay is not Tan’s mother, but rather it is anyone who can relate to this situation. Tan’s purpose was to bring to attention the fact that when the language spoken at home is different from that spoken by the general public, problems will arise for those caught in... ...ensitive to the situation. The doctors would have a totally different story. Tan succeeds in her use of pathos as she manages to make her mother seem helpless. This is quite a feat, as her obvious strengths have already been displayed in situations such as when yelling at the stockbroker. Tan supports her depiction of her mother as a victim by bringing up how people â€Å"did not take her seriously, did not give her good service, pretended not to understand her, or even acted as if they did not hear her.† (37) Tan has proven herself a master of rhetorical appeals as well as proving her point, that language can have drastic affects on the users. She has judged and been judged by her language, and has seen her mother disrespected because of how she speaks. Speech is important, as it is used as a tool to determine the limitations of your thoughts.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Planning Function of Management Essay

Planning is a crucial function of management that enables an organization to achieve its maximum potential. Halliburton is one of the largest corporations in the United States, with a workforce of over 100,000 people in over 120 countries. Their home office is located in Houston, Texas and they are one of the world’s largest providers of products and services to the oil and gas industry. This paper will discuss the issues impacting and influencing management planning within Halliburton. â€Å"Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.†Peter DruckerIt takes successful management at all levels and quality leadership to lead a business down the proverbial golden path. Planning is the primary management function, which formalizes an organization’s goals and objectives and establishes a base for the other functions of management. Halliburton Company is an oilfield services company and a provider of engineering and construction services that was founded in 1919. The company has expanded through tremendous internal growth and several acquisitions and in March, 2002, Halliburton split into two main divisions: the Energy Services Group (ESG) and Kellog Brown and Root (KBR). â€Å"ESG offers a wide range of products and services to â€Å"upstream oil and gas customers worldwide, ranging from the manufacturing of drill bits and other downhole and completion tools and pressure pumping services† (www.halliburton.com) [APA citation error (incorrect-do not use Web addresses or URL’s in citations). If the author is cited in text = Author’s name (year) â€Å"direct quote† (p. #). If the author is not cited in text = â€Å"direct quote† (author, year, p. #).] . KBR is the engineering subsidiary for Halliburton and is a global leader in construction and project management. Additionally, KBR is a leading government services contractor, which has been the focal point of many legal and ethical issues. Halliburton has received a great deal of negative publicity over the past year or so regarding it Iraq and Kuwait operations. The Pentagon and Justice Department have both launched criminal investigations due to erroneous contract cost estimates totaling $2.7 billion to serve American troops in  the middle east. Accusations have been made of overcharging for meals supplied to troops in Iraq, as well as employees accepting kickbacks from a Kuwaiti subcontractor. Pentagon auditors found that KBR overcharged the U.S. government by $27.4 million during a period of nine months in 2003. Additionally, Halliburton’s internal audit revealed employees accepted these kickbacks in exchange for providing Army supply contracts to the subcontractor (Associated Press). Limited military spending has created lucrative opportunities for privately held companies such as Halliburton to win these contracts and will continue to be at the forefront of media campaigns as long as the United States re mains in Iraq, especially when it comes to Dick Cheney. [You have addressed the issue thoroughly and supported your assertions.] Much speculation has been generated in regard to current Vice President of the United States and former Halliburton CEO Dick Cheney’s financial ties to his former company. On the September 14, 2003 edition of NBC’s Meet the Press, Vice President Cheney said, â€Å"And since I left Halliburton to become George Bush’s vice president, I’ve several all my ties with the company, gotten rid of all my financial interest. I have no financial interest in Halliburton of any kind and haven’t had, now, for over three years† (St. Louis Journalism Review). However, it came to light that Cheney received a salary of over $150,000 and maintained over 400,000 shares of unexercised stock options at the time. Cheney stated that he deferred his salary and stock options; therefore it did not constitute a violation of ethics. The Congressional Research Service found that these financial interests in Halliburton demonstrated a financial interest with his former empl oyer creating a conflict of interest. Despite the fact that Cheney broke the law of ethics, he is exempt from the enforcement of such laws and cannot be prosecuted for it (Halliburton Watch). KBR is the largest military contractor in Iraq, with more than 50,000 employees and subcontractor working there and in Kuwait and Afghanistan. These employees drive trucks, wash clothes, deliver mail, and provide additional support services for the U.S. troops. These workers are part of the Pentagon’s privatization strategy that enables the military to reduce the number of troops needed in a given location by assigning noncombat functions to civilians. Halliburton’s social responsibility is to keep these  workers safe and away from fighting, but it has proved a difficult task. Numerous complaint and lawsuits have surfaced because of Halliburton’s failure to provide safe working conditions and in the case of one man who was killed, the suit states he was â€Å"intentionally sent the convoy as an enemy ‘decoy’ in the U.S. military camouflage vehicles, to ensure the safe arrival and delivery of a second H-KBR fuel convoy† (CNNMoney.com). Hallib urton’s social responsibility remains in question with workers being placed in harms way on a regular basis. Factors influencing Halliburton’s strategic, tactical, operational, and contingency planning include political instability, rising steel prices, and environmental regulations. Halliburton operated in countries such as Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Indonesia, and Russia, which are currently experiencing unstable political and social climates. Continued conflict in these areas could have an impact on the company’s bottom line and their ability to generate substantial revenue. Steel is a major commodity that is used in the setting up of plant and processing facilities for natural gas and petroleum refining. Record breaking high prices were reached in early 2005, but have since stabilized. However, the ongoing consolidation in the steel industry could lead to higher prices causing the profit margins to suffer. Lastly, Halliburton is subject to environment and legal requirement in its worldwide operations, such as the Clean Air Act and Clean Air Interstate Rule, causing the states to reduce the allowable sulfur dioxide SO2 emissions by 70% and nitrogen oxides emissions by 60%. Environmental issues such as these could place a burden on is cash flow. [Insightful analysis]Halliburton has an exceptional global presence and they are currently playing a prominent role in rebuilding Iraq and by providing our troops with shelter, meals, and delivery of materials. Although Halliburton has come under intense scrutiny over the past several years due to its involvement with Vice-President Chaney and its legal and ethical issues, it has still managed to win military contracts due to its expertise in the oil service industry. This shows tremendous resiliency and reassures its customers and stockholders that it will continue to be a strong force in the oilfield services industry. [Your paper is well written. It is clear and concise.]References-references must match citations by author/owner. References begin with author/owner name e.g. CNN.money and Halburton are the owners of the websites. See examples in APA manual. MarketLine Business Information Center. Retrieved January 27, 2007 fromhttp://dbic.datamonitor.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/companies/company/?pid=B07921BD-F512-44F2-AE84-4DA7D8630C9D#CompanyOverviewTop 25 Censored Stories. St. Louis Journalism Review; Dec 2006/Jan 2007, Vol. 36Issue 292, P23-27, 5p. Retrieved January 26, 2007 fromhttp://web.ebscohost.com. Decision Management System. Retrieved January 28, 2007 from www.halliburton.comHalliburton Announces Full Year and Fourth Quarter Results. Retrieved January 28,2007 from http://CNNMoney.comKelly, Matt. (2003, March). Halliburton Fires Workers for Allegedly Taking Kickbacksfor Iraq Contract. Retrieved Janury 27, 2007 from www.commondreams.orgTotal points available=14Your score=13.75Areas for improvement=teal belowContent and Development = 40%_____ Key elements covered, content comprehensive/accurate, clear points supported with detail, appropriate use of vocabulary, integration of theory and practice, research adequate/timely, content and purpose clear. Very good work on this section. Organization = 30%_____ Lead is interesting and relevant, thesis is well-developed, directional statement previews major points, paragraph transitions maintain flow, body paragraphs support a specific major point, conclusion is logical/flows evenly, conclusion reviews major points. Good work-very well organized. Easy to read. Format = 10%_____ APA format, â€Å"reader friendly,† utilizes references appropriately, headings aid adaptability/not overdone, neatly presented, format requirements followed. Some small errors in APA formatting of reference page and citations. (-.25)Mechanics = 10%_____ Punctuation rules followed, contractions avoided, spelling correct, vernacular is avoided, written in same person throughout, tense remains consistent. Readability and Style-10%_____ Complete, clear, concise statements, well constructed sentences, sentence transitions present, words/concepts precise,

Saturday, November 9, 2019

NUMMI Analysis Essay

The goal of this executive summary is to identify the problems, the major causes, solutions and methods of implementation for the New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. better known as NUMMI. NUMMI though specializes in vehicle manufacturing, was having trouble producing small vehicles. NUMMI workforce also had a horrible reputation. NUMMI would like to successfully reinvent its organization culture and produce high quality vehicles. NUMMI solution is to adopt a new production and management systems. To conclude this report, we will justify why adopting new production and management system will benefit NUMMI and help change its organizational culture. Problem Identification In1983 the New United Motor Manufacturing Inc., Toyota and GM joint venture experiment in a unlikely collaboration to bring a new fleet of profitable small cars to the United States. This partnership took place in Fremont, California in a factory plant called NUMMI. GM objective was to learn how to make small profitable vehicles and learn Toyota production and Management System. Toyota objective on the other hand wanted to simply begin producing vehicles in the United States. GM already had the infrastructure in place that Toyota needed; this lead to their partnership. The workforce at the original GM Fremont factory was well-known to be the worst in producing low quality vehicles in the GM ecosystem. â€Å"The work force in those days had a horrible reputation, frequently going out on strike (sometimes wildcat strikes), filing grievance after grievance and even sabotaging quality.†(Shook 2010) The objective of NUMMI was to devise a plan to help change the culture of the organization. NUMMI would measure there outcomes by successfully reinventing there organization culture and producing high quality vehicles. This level of achievement allowed NUMMI to go from being GM’s worst factory to later becoming one of its best. NUMMI employees where empowered to be accountable for their selves and build quality vehicles. â€Å"What changed the culture was giving employees the means by which they could successfully do their jobs. It was communicating clearly to employees what their jobs were and providing the training and tools to  enable the m to perform those jobs successfully.† (Shook 2010) GM Fremont plant workforce was once considered one of the company’s worst production facilities. At the time, the plant workforce was producing some of the worst quality vehicles for GM; there level of absenteeism regularly ran over 20%, employees would habitually go on strike and sometime known to sabotaging quality. Without changing employees the once dysfunctional manufacturing plant was transformed into a model facility with a new company culture. By adopting Toyota’s production and management system, NUMMI overcame the many obstacles that once prevented its ability to achieve the objectives above. Causes of the Problem As stated before, GM Fremont factory in 1983 was producing extremely low quality vehicles. To try and correct this problem, GM entered a joint venture with Toyota. Toyota faced many challenges partnering with GM. To begin GM didn’t know how to make small profitable vehicles. GM attempts to create small size vehicles ultimately failed thus why reaching out to Toyota. GM also wanted to reinvent its work force production and management systems. This joint venture would allow GM to learn how to make quality small profitable vehicles and more importantly learn Toyotas production and Management System. GM Fremont was well known for having an unsatisfactory workforce. The employees had a terrible company-employee relationship culture and reputation. Employees were known to habitually go on strike, filing grievances were common, and there were employees to go as far as sabotaging quality. â€Å"Toyota had many concerns about transplanting perhaps the most important aspect of its production system — its way of cultivating employee involvement — into a workplace as poor as Fremont. Toyota wondered how workers with such a bad reputation could support it in building in quality. How would they support the concept and practice of teamwork?† (Shook 2010) The work force culture obviously was not a positive one. Employees had an unfavorable outlook of the employers. Company -employee relationship morale  was low thus affecting the company’s culture. GM Fremont facility was failing, due to the plant lack of company-employee relationship culture, production ineffic iency and management systems. Possible Solutions Changing NUMMI company-employee culture was no easy task. Shook stated it best, â€Å"the way to change culture is not to first change how people think, but instead to start by changing how people behave — what they do. Those of us trying to change our organizations’ culture need to define the things we want to do, the ways we want to behave and want each other to behave, to provide training and then to do what is necessary to reinforce those behaviors. The culture will change as a result.† NUMMI empowered its employees to find and solve daily problems and make justified improvements as they see fit. By doing so NUMMI provided its workforce the necessary means to successfully do their jobs. In the article â€Å"The Stop the Line System† was the primary example of this. Stop the line enabled employees with the obligation to stop the assembly line if and when there was a problem. This in turn reassured employees that the company value their opinions and trust them enough to make pertinent decisions. â€Å"Managers have the responsibility to create a proper climate in which employees can develop to their fullest potential. Failure to provide such a climate would theatrically increase employee frustration and could result in poorer performance, lower job satisfaction, and increased withdrawal from the organization.† (Steers and Porter 1983) â€Å"What changed the culture at NUMMI wasn’t an abstract notion of â€Å"employee involvement† or â€Å"a learning organization† or even â€Å"culture† at all. What changed the culture was giving employees the means by which they could successfully do their jobs. It was communicating clearly to employees what their jobs were and providing the training and tools to enable them to perform those jobs successfully.† (Shook 2010) Secondly, NUMMI provided its work force with a since of membership. Employees desired commitment from their employers. NUMMI did not guarantee life time employment, no employer can guarantee that. Instead NUMMI devised a mutual  trust agreement stating that the last thing it wanted to do was lay of its employees. To reassure employees, â€Å"NUMMI wrote into the contract the commitment that before anyone was laid off certain steps would have been taken, including reducing plant operating hours and cutting management bonuses. Employee motivation comes from assuring membership in the organization, rather than from buying and selling time, whatever the price tag. â€Å"(Shook 2010) To further advance and change the culture of the organization; In the hiring process NUMMI allowed certain floor leaders take part in the hiring of their own team members. This in turn gives employees since of responsibility and authority, thus positively changing the culture dynamics of NUMMI company-employee relationship. These are only some of the reason why Shook suggests how NUMMI culture was changed. Additionally, there are many other possible solutions that can be implemented in order to continue to motivate and change an organization culture. For instance, NUMMI can introduce an employee reward/recognition system. The drive to be rewarded or recognized by ones employer should be ample motivation to keep employees satisfied. The reward system could be broken down between the all-around best and worst performers, reward can be tied to individual performance and provide the lead performing employees with an opportunity for advancement. A disadvantage to the reward system would be convincing the entire workforce to continuously give 100% even though there may be a gap in skills amongst fellow workers. â€Å"The challenge therefore for organization is to develop reward system that are perceived to be fair and equitable and distributing the reward in accordance with employees beliefs about their own value to the organization.† (Ramlall 2004) Another method to having an amazing company-employee culture is by having a good work environment. Employees want to go to work to in an environment with a friendly setting, productivity, promote teamwork, collaboration, are respectful, and encourages an since of inclusiveness. A organization never wants to be in a situation where an employee feels as if there working in a hostile environment. â€Å"The consequences of employees perceiving they are not treated fairly can create a variety of options for employees. These options include the employee reducing their input through directly restricting their work output, attempting to increase their output be seeking salaryincreases, seeking more enjoyable assignments or simply withdrawal from the situation entirely, that is, quit the job and seek employment elsewhere.† (Champagne 1989) Lastly, developing jobs positions that are meaningful and challenging where employee roles and duties are clearly defined will help foster a positive organizational culture. For instance, â€Å"Cirque du Soleil, too, is committed to making jobs challenging and fulfilling. Despite grueling rehearsal and performance schedules, it attracts and retains performers by accommodating their creativity and pushing them to perfect their craft. Its employees also get to say a lot about how performances are staged, and they are allowed to move from show to show to learn new skills.† (Nohria, Groysberg, Lee2008) Solutions and Implementation Due to Toyota production and management systems, NUMMI went from being GM’s worst plant to GM’s best plant in just one year. â€Å"All with the exact same workers, including the old troublemakers. The only thing that changed was the production and management system — and, somehow, the culture.† (Shook 2010) There is no one specific solution for changing an organizations culture. The closet explanation explaining why NUMMI’s culture changed was the adoption of Toyota’s production and management system. Toyota’s system was more robust and organized compared to GM’s system. The workforce embraced Toyota’s system because it yielded them more favorable results and allowed employees to finally feel part of the organization. Toyota’s system offered NUMMI employees the opportunity to find and solve daily problems and make justified improvements as they see fit. By doing so NUMMI provided its workforce the necessary means to successfully do their jobs. Toyota’s system also provided its work force with a since of membership. Employees wanted to be reassured that NUMMI was just as committed to the organization as they were. Other solutions that would keep the work force motivated and change origination culture is an employee reward/ recognition system, a good work environment/culture and developing job positions that are challenging and fulfilling. All of these solutions work hand in hand in order to create a well-balanced origination culture. Furthermore, of the five solutions; I believe the opportunity for NUMMI employees to find and solve daily problems and make justified improvements would be the most important. By doing so NUMMI provided its workforce the necessary means to successfully do their jobs. The case states â€Å"Every person in a supervisory capacity, including hourly team leaders, visited Toyota City for two or more weeks of training at the Takaoka plant. The training included long hours of lectures but, most importantly, practical on-the-job training in which they worked alongside their counterparts to learn what was to be their job back in California. At the end of each training tour, we asked the trainees what they would most want to take back with them to Fremont of all they had seen at Toyota. Their answer was invariably the same: â€Å"The ability to focus on solving problems without pointing fingers and looking to place the blame on someone.† (Shook 2010) This in turn reassured employees that the company value their opinions and trust them enough to make important decisions. The organization allowing employees to solve problems will benefit the company long term in that it will boost workforce morale, employees don’t have to be afraid to solve problems without ramifications and there will be a better form constant communication between employees and managers. Disadvantages for an organization allowing employees to solve problems without managerial supervision can result in damage product, slowdown or stop of assembly line thus resulting in loss of money. Once implemented, the organization needs to ensure that the workforce (including managers) is on board with the changes in order to move forward. To do this, NUMMI must provide new training through workshops and seminars to all employees. After participating in either the workshop or seminars, Humane Resources should devise a form; having all employees sign that form in order to not have any miscommunication down the line. To sustain success, NUMMI should create team building events/demonstration for all employees to constantly remain on the same page. Currently, NUMMI provides its employees with the opportunity to find and solve daily problems and make improvements without fear of anyone pointing fingers. The workforce embraced the system so well that in one years’ time; NUMMI went from being GM’s worst plant to GM’s best. Justification Changing an organization culture is no easy task. When GM and Toyota decided to form there joint venture, no one could have predicted that they would become a success in a year’s time. There was no one specific solution for changing NUMMI organizations culture. The closet explanation explaining why NUMMI’s culture changed was the adoption of Toyota’s production and management system. Toyota management system benefited the organizational cultural in that it allowed NUMMI employees the opportunity to find and solve daily problems and make justified improvements. By doing so NUMMI provided its workforce the necessary means to successfully do their jobs. Toyota’s system also provided its work force with a since of membership. Employees wanted to be reassured that NUMMI was just as committed to the organization as they were. Other solutions that would keep the work force motivated and change origination culture is an employee reward/ recognition system, a good work environment/culture and developing job positions that are challenging and fulfilling. All of these solutions work hand in hand in order to create a well-balanced origination culture. I believe the opportunity for NUMMI employees to find and solve daily problems and make justified improvements is the most important solution. The article stated that of all the solutions; being able to solve problems without anyone looking to place blame on someone† was the most important organizational culture change. Adopting this organizational cultural change benefitted NUMMI in that the company now is GM best vehicle manufacturing plant. References 1. Champagne, P., & McAfee, B. (1989). Motivating strategies for performance and productivity. In A guide to humane resource development. New York: Quorum Books. 2. Ramlall, S. (2004). Motivation Theories and their Implications for Employee Retention within Organizations. Journal of the American Academy of Business, (5), 52-64. 3. Shook, J. (2010). How to Change a Culture: Lessons From NUMMI. MIT Sloan Management Review, 51(2). 4. Steers, R., & Porter, L. (1983). Motivation & Work Behavior. New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company. 5. Nohria, N., Groysberg, B., & Lee, L. (2008). Employee Motivation: A Powerful New Model.Harvard Business Review.

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Development of Inâ€Vitro Fertilization technology Essays

Development of In–Vitro Fertilization technology Essays Development of In–Vitro Fertilization technology Essay Development of In–Vitro Fertilization technology Essay 1. Introduction The pioneering work of Bob Edwards and Patrick Steptoe in the development of In Vitro Fertilization ( IVF ) engineering led to the first IVF birth of Louise Brown in 1978 [ I ] ( Johnson 2007 ) . It is considered one of the landmark parts to human medical specialty and wellness in the 20th century. In the last 20 old ages, there has been important advancement and scientific developments in the field of aided reproduction. The success rate of assisted generative engineering ( ART ) is continually increasing due to the debut of fresh engineerings, enhanced IVF techniques and improved embryo civilization systems [ two. The rapid gait of development in ART is besides straight linked to progresss in the clinical field of human reproduction and improved diagnosing of the causes of sterility. The field of ART will doubtless go on to turn in the following 20 old ages as there is a immense planetary demand for its medical and scientific advancement. More clinicians and scientists choose to come in this field every twelvemonth which is a testament to the success and turning importance of ART in medical specialty. 2. Sterility Infertility is defined as the lessened capacity to gestate or bear a kid ( Johnson 2007 ) . A twosome is considered sterile if they are unable to gestate after 2 old ages of unprotected and frequent sexual intercourse. The prevalence of sterility in the developed universe is estimated to be in the scope of 10s of female diseases and upsets doing sterility include: Tubal obstruction Endometriosis Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Male factor sterility histories for approximately 30 % of the incidence of sterility. Examples of male diseases and upsets doing sterility include: Varicoceles Retrograde interjection Obstruction of vessel deferens or epididymis 30 % of incidence of sterility is due both male and female spouse have abnormalcies doing their sterility. The staying 20 % of infertile twosomes have no clinically identifiable cause for sterility and this group is termed unexplained sterility . The clinical work-up for sterility probe for any twosome includes documenting their medical history and a standard set of diagnostic trials to be performed on the male and female spouse ( Serhal A ; Overton 2004 ) for illustration: hormonal checks, hysterosalpingography, semen analysis. Establishing the cause of sterility allows clinicians to find which type of IVF intervention is the best to assist the twosome with gestating a kid. 3. Progresss in Infertility Treatment in the past 20 old ages The progresss in sterility intervention in the last 20 old ages are legion but I am merely discoursing the 1s which were of the most significance in my sentiment as follows. a. In- Vitro Fertilisation ( IVF ) The rule of the IVF technique is both simple and standard and can be summarised as follows [ four ] ( Strauss A ; Barbieri 2009 ) : Collection of mature oocytes from the ovaries Processing of seeds sample to better sperm count and motility Fertilization of sperm and oocyte in cell civilization dish in the research lab Transportation of embryo with best morphology into the uterine pit B. Controlled Ovarian Stimulation The female spouse undergoes a protocol of controlled ovarian stimulation. The pick of protocol is dependent on the age of the female spouse and the clinical diagnosing of sterility [ V ] ( Fauser et al 1999 ) . One of Steptoe and Edwards major job in their 1976 IVF process was the deficit of oocytes [ six ] ( Coughlan A ; Ledger 2008 ) . Surveies have shown that usage of ovarian stimulation protocols maximizes the figure and quality of mature follicles that can be retrieved [ seven ] ( Sluijmer 1994 ) [ viii ] ( Macklon et al 2008 ) which will necessarily better opportunities of IVF intervention success. In 1986, the add-on of Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone ( GnRH ) agonist intervention to ovarian stimulation protocols became widespread [ nine ] ( Hedon et al 1990 ) . In the early 1990 s, ovarian stimulation protocols were refined with some fluctuations introduced in order to maximise the figure of eggs to be retrieved. The protocols used can be either: V Long OR Desensitization protocol: Starts with Pituitary receptor downregulation utilizing GnRH agonists e.g Lupron, Triptorelin, Burserelin Ovarian stimulation with GnRH injections of recombinant Follicle Stimulating Hormone ( FSH ) e.g Puregon Or Gonal F Injection of Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin ( HCG ) to command and clip oocyte ripening V Short OR Micro-Flare Protocol: GnRH antagonists e.g Cetrorelix Or Ganirelix are used to straight barricade the GnRH receptor. The undermentioned stairss are similar to Steps 2 A ; 3 of Long Protocol. Ovarian follicular growing is monitored by ultrasound imagination and measuring of blood degrees of oestradiol [ xi ] . The usage of GnRH adversaries has revolutionized ovarian stimulation for ART [ xii ] ( Ludwig et al 2001 ) . The Short Protocol was introduced in 1990 by [ xiii ] ( Bouchard et al. ) The advantages of the usage of GnRH adversaries in ART include: A more rapid IVF intervention rhythm Reduce the hazard of Ovarian Hyper-Stimulation Syndrome ( OHSS ) More effectual protocol for usage with older adult females and hapless respondents Avoids formation of ovarian cysts Cost effectual and more convenient for clinics and patients The usage of controlled ovarian stimulation is a major progress in IVF intervention and has contributed towards maximising success rates of clinical gestations and unrecorded births. There is no uncertainty that in the hereafter such protocols will be optimized and refined further for better clinical results. c. Oocyte retrieval In the 1st clinically successful IVF intervention, Bob Edwards and Patrick Steptoe retrieved the oocytes by laparoscopic surgery from the unstimulated ovaries of Louise s female parent during the natural catamenial rhythm [ xiv ] . The early 1980 s saw the development of high frequence vaginal investigation ultrasound transducers for usage in obstetric echography [ xv ] ( Lenz et al 1981 ) . In 1990, [ xvi ] ( Tan et al ) a survey outlined the advantages of utilizing vaginal ultrasounds for the process of oocyte retrieval. The process was termed Transvaginal Ultrasound Directed Oocyte Retrieval ( TUDOR ) and rapidly became the method of pick for usage in IVF clinics. The advantages of usage of TUDOR to laproscopic oocyte retrieval is that the latter is dearly-won and clip consuming. TUDOR can be done with local anesthesia and sedation which made it safer for patients and more convenient for IVF clinics ( Serhal A ; Overton 2004 ) . Laproscopic oocyte retrieval is performed presents merely in instances where female diseases such as adenomyosis or infective adhesions make the ovaries inaccessible through the transvaginal path. d. Testicular Sperm Extraction Male spouses with a clinical diagnosing of primary testicular failure will hold seeds analysis consequences bespeaking Low or No sperm count A ; motility. The development of testicular sperm extraction processs has provided such male patients with the possibility of recovering sperm for usage in IVF. The purpose of these processs is to assist the male patient to beget his ain familial kid. In 1995, Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration ( PESA ) was a new process developed [ xvii ] ( Craft et al 1995 ) . It is a simpler and a more efficient process when compared to its predecessor Microscopic Epididymal Sperm Aspiration ( MESA ) which was developed in 1985 [ xviii ] . PESA is performed by infixing a suction needle into the caput of the epididymis and analyzing the aspirate for the presence of sperm [ xix ] In 1995, Testicular Sperm Extraction ( TESE ) was besides performed successfully in combination with IVF [ xx ] ( Devroey et al 1995 ) . The process involves taking a big fragment of testicular tissue through a cross scratch of the adventitia albuginea in the testicle [ xxi ] . Micro surgical TESE ( Micro-TESE ) is a polish to the TESE process. Numerous micro-retrievals of testicular tissue are performed across the testicle [ xxii ] ( Colpi et al 2009 ) . Micro-TESE has been associated with higher rates of sperm retrieval when compared to TESE ( Colpi et al 2009 ) . Aspirates incorporating sperm that are retrieved from the above stated processs can all be cryopreserved for subsequently usage in IVF. e. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection ( ICSI ) The micro-injection of a individual sperm into the cytol of the egg has revolutionized IVF intervention for twosomes with terrible male factor sterility [ xxiii ] ( Palermo et al 1992 ) . The technique is known as Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection ( ICSI ) . Palermo et al reported the first successful ICSI gestation in 1992. Merely a little figure of sperms are equal for fertilisation utilizing ICSI which makes it an ideal process for male spouses with terrible male factor sterility following testicular sperm extraction processs. ICSI has enabled azoospermic male patients to beget their ain biological kids which was impossible in the past [ twenty-four ] ( Nijs A ; Elst 2000 ) . ICSI has become a mainstream process in ART. The chief stairss in ICSI technique can be summarised as follows: The oocyte is prepared by steadfastly attaching it to by suction to a keeping pipette with the polar organic structure at 6 oclock. A individual morphologically normal motile sperm is selected and immobilised. The injection acerate leaf is inserted into the oocyte at 3 oclock with careful deposition of the sperm into the cytol [ xxv ] ( Bromage et al 2007 ) . After 16 18 hours, fertilisation is confirmed by the presence of two pro-nuclei. ICSI is a technique that bypasses sperm oocyte adhering measure in the fertilization procedure and can therefore utilize sperm with lacking kinetic belongingss or anomalousnesss of the acrosome ( Palermo et al 1992 ) . Pregnancies and births have been reported after ICSI utilizing nonmotile sperm from ejaculate [ xxvi ] . ICSI still remains a controversial technique despite its world-wide clinical success in ART. The major concerns remain in the possible inauspicious results in kids born from this technique due to its invasive nature [ xxvii ] . The possible hazards of ICSI can attest in 3 general countries: Obstetric results: Low birth weight appears to be the most consistent hazard for ICSI kids [ twenty-eight ] ( Shieve et al 2002 ) Chromosomal Abnormalities: ICSI kids do transport an increased hazard of familial chromosomal aberrances. These are largely due to paternal Y chromosome microdeletions but can be due to maternal familial factors every bit good [ xxix ] ( Rubio et al 2001 ) . There is an increased hazard of forming upsets [ thirty ] ( Cox et al 2002 ) e.g Angelman Syndrome. These surveies emphasize the importance of familial guidance to IVF twosomes prior to ICSI. Developmental Abnormalities: No major developmental abnormalcies are observed nevertheless some surveies have reported lower mental development rate in ICSI kids when compared to IVF and natural construct rhythms [ thirty-one ] ( Bowen et al 1998 ) The mechanical harm done to the oocyte and its meiotic spindle during ICSI technique and the possible transportation of sperm mitochondrial Deoxyribonucleic acid into the oocyte are besides major countries of concern with ICSI. Sperm choice during ICSI is non natural and relies on opinion of the clinical embryologist. The PICSI sperm choice device was developed in 2006 to better the effectivity and cut down hazards of unreal sperm choice during ICSI. Sperm are placed in PICSI dish which contains samples of hyaluronan hydrogel which mimics the natural hyaluronan bed environing the oocyte [ xxxii ] ( ESHRE 2006 ) . Merely those that bind to the hyaluronan microdots mimic natural sperm choice procedure and are selected for ICSI. A survey completed in 2009 to measure the efficaciousness of PICSI + ICSI versus ICSI entirely, found that the clinical gestation rate in the PICSI group was greater by 6 % when compared to the ICSI entirely group [ xxxiii ] ( Worrilow et al 2009 ) f. Assisted Embryo Hatching Hatch of the human embryo from its environing Zona Pellucida is a cardinal demand for its successful nidation in the receptive endometrium ( Johnson 2007 ) . Failure of embryo hatching can restrict the nidation rate which will impact IVF intervention success. Zona Pellucida hardening can be induced by the in vitro civilization conditions and increased maternal age [ xxxiv ] ( Cohen et al 1990 ) . Assisted Hatching ( AH ) of embryos was started in the early 90 s when surveies showed betterment in nidation rates ( Cohen et al 1990 ) . AH is by and large performed on twenty-four hours 3 post-fertilization. It is a micromanipulation technique performed automatically by boring an gap in the Zona or by chemically thinning it by utilizing an acidified solution [ xxxv ] ( Chao et al 1997 ) . From the twelvemonth 2000 onwards, surveies have reported on the efficaciousness of Laser assisted hatching ( LAH ) [ thirty-six ] ( Hseih et al 2002 ) . The impact of LAH remains controversial due to fear of its mutagenic consequence on the embryo, but several surveies conclude that better clinical results are achieved with LAH when compared to the mechanical techniques, in adult females of advanced age ( gt ; 37 old ages ) and with insistent IVF failure [ xxxvii ] ( Makrakis et al 2006 ) [ xxxviii ] ( Ali et al 2002 ) . However, there is still non adequate grounds to reason which AH method is superior to the others. The major hazards associated with AH technique include: Increased hazard of monozygotic twins Damage to the embryo and its single blastomeres Introduction of micro-organisms into the embryo through the zone hole. g. Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis ( PGD ) is a specialised process that was developed for twosomes who are at hazard of conveying a known familial disease to their kids. The alternate intervention options available for these twosomes include: expiration of gestation if antenatal diagnosing confirms an affected foetus, gamete contribution through IVF or acceptance [ xli ] . In 1990, [ xlii ] Handyside et Al reported the first human gestation following usage of PGD in two twosomes at hazard of conveying adrenoleukodystrophy and X-linked mental deceleration. PGD involves three phases: Use of IVF: to make embryos Embryo biopsy: There are 3 methods presently being used: Polar Body Biopsy: remotion of 1st and 2nd polar organic structure Blastocyst Biopsy: remotion of some trophectoderm cells Cleavage Phase Biopsy: Is the most common method used and involves remotion of 1 2 blastomeres from 6 8 cell embryo [ xliii ] ( Harper 2009 ) . Single Cell Diagnosis: Cells extracted after biopsy are tested by: Polymerase Chain Reaction ( PCR ) : for diagnosing of individual cistron defects ( e.g Cystic Fibrosis ) , X Linked Diseases ( e.g Haemophilia ) and Triplet Repeat Disorders ( e.g Myotonic Dystrophy ) Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization ( FISH ) : for analysis of chromosomal abnormalcies [ xliv ] Even though PGD is an invasive and expensive process it offers twosomes a curative birthrate intervention that prevents the transmittal of their familial disease. Recently the applications of PGD have been extended to name for familial malignant neoplastic disease sensitivities [ forty-five ] ( Spits et al 2007 ) and for human leucocyte antigen ( HLA ) matched offspring to bring forth a healthy kid that is indistinguishable to his / her affected sibling [ xlvi ] ( Verlinsky et al 2001 ) besides known as saviour sibling . Sexual activity choice for societal grounds can besides be performed by PGD nevertheless this remains a extremely controversial application [ xlvii ] ( Shenfield et al 2003 ) . The field of PGD is quickly germinating and this has led to moral A ; ethical concerns over its practical application for non-medical grounds. h. Cryopreservation of Embryos Embryo cryopreservation is an of import concluding measure in IVF intervention. Cryopreservation of trim embryos involves puting them in cryoprotectant solution and hive awaying them in liquid N. Embryo cryopreservation reduces the demand for multiple embryo transportations during an IVF rhythm as trim healthy embryos can be stored successfully ( Serhal A ; Overton 2004 ) . This finally helps cut down the multiple gestation hazard associated with IVF intervention. Slow freeze has been the primary method for cryopreservation in the 80 s and the first human gestation from frozen embryo was in 1983 [ xlviii ] ( Trounson A ; Mohr 1983 ) . However, slow freeze is associated with ice crystal formation, cell lysis and blastomere flight peculiarly in PGD biopsied embryos [ xlix ] ( Magli et al 1999 ) . In 2000, a new alternate method termed for cryopreservation of human embryos was introduced with a rapid freeze protocol [ cubic decimeter ] ( Saito et al 2000 ) . Vitrfication is a procedure by which liquid turns into solid without the formation of ice crystals [ fifty-one ] ( Luyet A ; Hodapp 1938 ) . The vitrification protocol quickly revolutionized both embryo and gamete ( peculiarly oocyte ) cryopreservation. It is a low-priced and efficient method that can be performed at cleavage, morula A ; blastocyst phase [ lii ] ( Kuwayama et al 2005 ) . It consequences in decreased ice crystal formation and lower DNA harm to blastomeres following zonary h atching [ liii ] ( Kader et al 2007 ) . Vitrification significantly improved station melt endurance rates, embryo development and gestation rates [ fifty-four ] ( Kolibianakis et al 2009 ) . One issue of concern raised with vitrification protocol is the direct contact between embryos and liquid N [ lv ] ( Huang et al 2007 ) . This raises concern of possible bacterial A ; viral cross-contamination peculiarly in biopsied embryos [ lvi ] ( Bielanski et al 2000 ) nevertheless a possible solution would be to hive away the embryos in vapour stage of liquid N [ lvii ] ( Cobo et al 2007 ) . There is no uncertainty that farther alterations and betterments to current vitrification protocol will be introduced in the hereafter to farther optimise embryo cryopreservation processs. 3. What will the following 20 old ages bring for sterility intervention? The legion developments and success rates of IVF intervention has so far likely exceeded the outlooks of Edward and Steptoe themselves. The hereafter will convey betterments to the current techniques mentioned in old subdivision as optimisation of protocols is linked to progresss in engineering and scientific research. The following 20 old ages will perchance keep another exciting chapter in ART. a. Artificial Gametes Patients who wish to undergo IVF intervention but have absent or non feasible gametes are presently non being offered ART with the chance of bring forthing their biological progeny. The alternate intervention to such twosomes would be gamete contribution coupled with conventional IVF. The figure of twosomes seeking gamete contribution is increasing and this is partially due to detain kid bearing age in modern society. This presents a challenge to the hereafter of sterility intervention. Recent surveies have shown that mouse embryologic root cells ( ESC ) can distinguish into sperm [ lviii ] ( Geijsen et al. 2004 ) and oocytes [ lix ] ( Hubner et al.2003 ) . Another survey concluded that human ESCs can besides distinguish into germ cells in civilization [ sixty ] ( Clark et al. 2004 ) . The creative activity of unreal gametes involves bodily cell atomic transportation ( SCNT ) of a diploid karyon into the cytol of an enucleated oocyte with the purpose of bring forthing a cloned embryo [ lxi ] ( Nagy A ; Chang 2008 ) . ESCs derived from the cloned embryo can be differentiated in vitro into monoploid sperm and oocytes [ lxii ] ( Zubin 2006 ) . Customized gametes of the opposite sex can besides be created utilizing SCNT from a male karyon as it possesses both X and Y chromosomes nevertheless this is more hard for a female karyon as it can non distinguish into sperm as it does nt possess Y-chromosome cistrons. Further research is required to measure the possible hazards of ESC gamete creative activity in ART and its medical A ; ethical deductions. Surveies have shown that micromanipulation of cells during SCNT can bring on forming and epigenetic mutants [ sixty-three ] ( Humphreys et al 2002 ) every bit good as neglecting to trip cardinal embryologic cistrons [ sixty-four ] ( Bortvin et al 2003 ) . This is both an expensive and labour intensive procedure and farther research is required to do it an efficient A ; safe procedure for its hereafter usage in sterility intervention. Scientific research in this field is assuring A ; will doubtless come on further in the following 20 old ages. Artificial gametes can be used by twosomes who have spiritual expostulations to utilizing donor gametes or who wish to hold genetically indistinguishable kids. Customized gametes can besides be used by same sex twosomes and this offers them picks in ART. B. Designer Babies The rapid progresss in the field human genetic sciences and completion of the human genome undertaking has improved familial alteration engineering and its application in medical specialty. Scientific research is continuously set uping familial links with common diseases. Future progresss in IVF intervention can increase the easiness and efficiency of the PGD procedure. This will take to farther mainstream usage of ART for non medical grounds. PGD offers the engineering for increased familial generative pick to parents. In the following 20 old ages IVF coupled with PGD can be used to: transportation gender selected embryos transportation embryos absent of cistrons for less life threatening diseases e.g diabetes, high blood pressure, adenomyosis transportation embryos with selected non medical traits e.g height, hair A ; oculus coloring material and intelligence. The term Designer Babies is tricky but is deceptive because multi-factorial familial traits are influenced by environmental factors and besides PGD choice is limited to the cistron pool of the parents [ sixty-five ] ( Toukhy A ; Braude 2008 ) . The hereafter of PGD remains controversial and applications of the technique will be capable to more legal and ethical argument. The following 20 old ages may besides present familial sweetening of embryos by changing their familial makeup as chosen by parents. This is non executable with current engineering but future scientific developments may do it possible for usage in ART. c. Embryo Screening The progresss in IVF intervention have still non been able to extinguish its major hazard. Almost a 3rd of IVF gestations involve multiple gestations ( Coughlan A ; Ledger 2008 ) . Multiple births are associated with increased morbidity A ; mortality [ lxvi ] ( Hardy et al 2002 ) . Twin A ; three gestations are common in IVF and are a consequence of the transportation of more than one embryo in the receptive endometrium. This is done peculiarly for female patients with advanced maternal age ( gt ; 35 old ages ) and hapless forecast and this represents a big cohort of IVF patients. The following 20 old ages may convey developments to the undermentioned methods: Optimize the civilization media for human embryos: The challenge will be to alter the alimentary concentration of the civilization media to seek and mime every bit much as possible the in vivo environment of the fallopian tubing. This will better embryo development prior to reassign. Improve embryo scaling and choice: Embryo are selected harmonizing to their morphology and developmental rate. This is non the best method for choosing feasible embryos. Hopes for drawn-out embryo culturing in the hereafter may let further development of embryos, after the blastodermic vessicle phase, to better choice of healthy embryos. Aneuploidy Screening: Designation of chromosomal abnormalcies in embryos of older IVF patients is an of import showing tool to avoid nidation failure [ lxvii ] ( Fragouli et al 2006 ) . Comparative genomic Hybridisation ( CGH ) is a promising technique that allows efficient sensing of chromosomal aneuploidies in one experiment utilizing individual blastomeres or polar organic structures [ sixty-eight ] ( Wells et al 2002 ) . The following 20 old ages will convey optimisation of a rapid A ; cheap CGH protocol which will greatly progress whole genome embryo testing techniques in antenatal nosologies. Mentions: Johnson M. H. ( 2007 ) . Essential Reproduction, 6th erectile dysfunction: Wiley-Blackwell.Pg 299 Serhal P. A ; Overton C. 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H, Hamilton A, Fauser B, Giudice L, The Impact of Ovarian Stimulation With Recombinant FSH in Combination With GnRH Antagonist on the Endometrial Transcriptome in the Window of Implantation, ( 2008 ) Reproductive Sciences, Vol15: Issue 4, pp 357-365 Hedon B, Bringer J, Arnal F, Humeau C, Boulot P, Audibert F, Benos P, Neveu S, Mares P, Laffargue F, Viala J. L, The usage of GnRH agonists with hMG for initiation or stimulation of ovulation ( 1990 ) Bailli A ; egrave ; rhenium s Clinical Obstetricss and Gynaecology, Vol 4: Issue 3, pp 575-587 Tarlatzis B.C. A ; Kolibianakis E.M, GnRH Agonists VS Antagonists ( 2007 ) Best Practice A ; Research Clinical Obstetrics A ; Gynaecology, Vol 21: Issue 1, pp 57-65 Felberbaum R.E, Ludwig M, Diedrich K, Clinical application of GnRH Antagonists ( 2000 ) , Molecular Cellular Endocrinology Vol 166 pp. 9-14 Ludwig M, Katalinic A, Diedrich K, Use of GnRH adversaries in ovarian stimulation for aided generative engineerings compared to the long protocol ( 2001 ) Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics Vol 265 pp 175-182 Bouchard, P. , Caraty, A. and Medalie, D. Mechanism of action and clinical utilizations of GnRH adversaries in adult females. ( 1990 ) Recent Progress on GnRH and Gonadal Peptide ; Elsevier Edwards R.G. , The bumpy route to human in vitro fertilization, ( 2001 ) , Nature Medicine Vol 7 pp. 1091-1094 Lenz. S. , Lauritsen J.G. , Kjellow, M. Collection of human oocytes for in vitro fertilisation by ultrasonically guided follicular pucture. ( 1981 ) Lancet, Vol I, pp 1163-4 Tan S.L. , Bennett S. , Parsons J. Surgical techniques of oocyte aggregation and embryo transportation ( 1990 ) British Medical Bulletin, Vol 46 pp 628 42 Trade I, Tsirigotis M, Bennett V, Taranissi M, Khalifa Y, Hogewind G, et Al. : Transdermal epididymal sperm aspiration and intracytoplasmic sperm injection in the direction of sterility due to clogging azoospermia. ( 1995 ) Fertility A ; Sterility, Vol 63, pp 1038-42. Temple-Smith PD, Southwick GJ, Yates CA, Trounson AO, de Kretser DM: Human gestation by in vitro fertilisation ( IVF ) utilizing sperm aspirated from the epididymis. ( 1985 ) Journal of In Vitro Fertilization A ; Embryo Transfer, Vol 2 pp 119-22. Glina S. , Fragoso J. B, Martins F.G, Soares J.B, Galuppo A.G. PERCUTANEOUS EPIDIDYMAL SPERM ASPIRATION ( PESA ) IN MEN WITH OBSTRUCTIVE AZOOSPERMIA ( 2003 ) International Brazilian Journal of Urology, Vol 29 pp 141-146. 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( 2000 ) , European Journal of Obstetrics A ; Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Vol 92, pp 1 6 Bromage S.J. , Falconer D.A. , Lieberman B. , Sanger V. , Payne S. , Sperm Retrieval Rates in Subgroups of Primary Azoospermic Males. ( 2007 ) , European Urology, Vol 51, pp 534-540 Barros A, Sousa M, Oliveira C, Silva J, Almeida V, Beires J. Pregnancy and birth after intracytoplasmic sperm injection with wholly nonmotile sperm recovered from the semen. ( 1997 ) Birthrate and Sterility, Vol 67: Issue 6, pp 1091-1094 Matthew G. Retzloff M.D. , Hornstein D. , Is intracytoplasmic sperm injection safe? ( 2003 ) , Fertility and Sterility, Vol 80: Issue 4, pp 851-859 Schieve L. , Meikle S. , Ferre C. , Petersen H. , Jeng G. , Wilcox L. , Low and really low birth weight in babies conceived with usage of aided generative engineering. ( 2002 ) , New England Journal of Medine Vol 346, pp. 731-737. 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Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Definition and Examples of Ethnic Dialects

Definition and Examples of Ethnic Dialects An ethnic dialect is the distinct form of a language spoken by members of a particular ethnic group. Also called socioethnic dialect. Ronald Wardhaugh and Janet Fuller point out that ethnic dialects are not simply foreign accents of the majority language, as many of their speakers may well be monolingual speakers of the majority language. . . . Ethnic dialects are ingroup ways of speaking the majority language (An Introduction to Sociolinguistics, 2015). In the United States, the two most widely studied ethnic dialects are  African-American Vernacular English (AAVE)  and Chicano English  (also known as Hispanic Vernacular English).   Commentary People who live in one place talk differently from people in another place due largely to the settlement patterns of that areathe linguistic characteristics of the people who settled there are the primary influence on that dialect, and the speech of most people in that area shares similar dialect features. However, . . . African American English is spoken primarily by Americans of African descent; its unique characteristics were due initially to settlement patterns as well but now persist due to the social isolation of African Americans and the historical discrimination against them. African American English is therefore more accurately defined as an ethnic dialect than as a regional one. (Kristin Denham and Anne Lobeck, Linguistics for Everyone: An Introduction. Wadsworth, 2010) Ethnic Dialects in the U.S. The desegregation of ethnic communities is an ongoing process in American society that continually brings speakers of different groups into closer contact. However, the result of contact is not always the erosion of ethnic dialect boundaries. Ethnolinguistic distinctiveness can be remarkably persistent, even in face of sustained, daily inter-ethnic contact. Ethnic dialect varieties are a product of cultural and individual identity as well as a matter of simple contact. One of the dialect lessons of the twentieth century is that speakers of ethnic varieties like Ebonics not only have maintained but have even enhanced their linguistic distinctiveness over the past half century. (Walt Wolfram, American Voices: How Dialects Differ From Coast to Coast. Blackwell, 2006) Although no other ethnic dialect has been studied to the extent that AAVE has, we know that there are other ethnic groups in the United States with distinctive linguistic characteristics: Jews, Italians, Germans, Latinos, Vietnamese, Native Americans, and Arabs are some examples. In these cases the distinctive characteristics of English are traceable to another language, such as Jewish English oy vay from Yiddish or the southeastern Pennsylvania Dutch (actually German) Make the window shut. In some cases, the immigrant populations are too new to determine what lasting effects the first language will have on English. And, of course, we must always keep in mind that language differences never fall into discrete compartments even though it may seem that way when we try to describe them. Rather, such factors as region, social class, and ethnic identity will interact in complicated ways. (Anita K. Berry, Linguistic Perspectives on Language and Education. Greenwood, 2002)

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Using examples taken from at least two emerging markets critically Essay

Using examples taken from at least two emerging markets critically analyse the view that the only successful entry strategy into emerging markets for European a - Essay Example local collaborators, the company can create good relationships with different organisations which are located in other parts of the world or even within the same geographic region. In the age of globalisation, a Company can have a head office in London while the production work is carried out in a factory near Beijing and the research and development of the product itself is conducted in Oslo. Companies have moved out of the nationalist image which was the mainstay of their identity of the past (Martin, 1999). Of course, it is still possible to say that BMW is a German company and Toyota is a Japanese company or GE is an American firm, but the nature of the multinational enterprise means that companies may be based in one country while the problems and issues they face could be of a global nature. To counter these problems, companies simply need to have relationships with local collaborators if they wish to enter emerging markets. These relationships will bring an easy understanding and efficient information transfer as well as create an open exchange for ideas between various cultures followed in other countries (Levy and Powell, 1998). Expansion itself is a useful pursuit for a company and there are several reasons why a company may wish to expand its business to global levels. However, the evidence provided in research materials as well as the practical examples of expanding companies show us that expansion without local collaboration might be a futile effort. To fully understand and critically appraise the question we must first understand why a policy of expansion is necessary and why collaborators are important for an expanding company. The first part of the question is rather easy to answer but the second part comes with two primary markets that are analysed for entry. The two markets selected for this are Hungary and China. These were selected because they both represent very different cases for analysis and are quite representative of the surrounding