Moons of Our Solar System

â€Å"Genetically modified (GM) foods are food items that have had their DNA changed through genetic engineering. † (Mavis 2008). As the population of the world has continued to grow, the supply pressure of food has become more and more significant. With the development of Genetically Modified biotechnology, GM Foods have been come into our daily lives. Though GM foods can help to improve the quality of life, there are risks to complete trust in GM foods. What’s more important, a part of consumers still have doubts about the understanding towards GM food. The question† What attitudes does consumers have on purchasing genetically modified food? † is meaningful because that the issue about GM foods is becoming increasingly controversial. The controversies towards GM foods generally focus on environmental ethics, food security, poverty alleviation and environmental conservation. As customers are divided on their relative importance, some supporters claim that the GM technology can solve the problem of food crisis and poverty. They also consider that GM foods are beneficial to environment such as they can protect soil and water. However, opponents think that GM foods should have some potential threat to human health and they violate the rules of nature by mixing genes among different species. The purpose of this research is to gain a deep understand about the consumers’ attitudes towards purchasing GM foods and find out if most of consumers can accept GM foods. (Hutchison, 2004) Literature review In the last few years, many articles on the consumers’ attitudes toward GM food have appeared. There is a concise review of existing literature that evaluates consumers’ attitudes as following. Most of the information on European attitudes comes from a journal by Bredahl, Grunert, and Scholderer (2003). The article focuses on posted and answered four questions on European consumers’ attitudes towards the use of GM food. These four questions are: (1) how negative are consumer attitudes to the event â€Å"GM technology applied in food production†? (2) How do these negative attitudes affect the preference of consumer for GM products? (3) How deeply does these attitudes rooted in customers’ opinion? 4) Will the new information and experience change the customers’ attitudes? Bredahl, Grunert, and Scholderer (2003) believe that these four questions are central for understanding the consumers’ attitudes about GM food. The article use some tables to evaluate the consumers’ attitudes about genetic modification in food production in seven European countries which are the UK, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Norway , Italy and Sweden. The data shows that most of the customer have negative attitude towards GM food, the average support for GM foods is quite low. The national differences can also be showed through the table: the attitude is most positive in Italy, and is most negative in Germany and the Scandinavian countries, while Finland and the UK in a middle position. And the article also showed some other surveys to support this result, for example, the Eurobarometer surveys, which is a most well know one, have also shown that most of consumers do not like GM foods (Frewer & Shepherd, 1995 and Durant, Bauer & Gaskell, 1998European Commission, 1997, European Commission, 2000,) For the question how these negative attitudes affect the preference of consumer for GM foods, Bredahl, Grunert, and Scholderer (2003) have design a research about yoghurt. In general, consumers prefer the low-Fat yoghurt, but the yoghurt will become non-attractive consistency if they produced based on skimmed milk. Though using additives can improve this problem, many consumers don’t like additives. However, by using GM technology, the yoghurt can be enough consistency, fat-free and no additives. It provided a good basis for the consumer preferences. In the research, consumers inspected the three products which are normal yoghurt, additives yoghurt and labeled GM yoghurt and rank them according to preference. And they must explain the reason for the ranking. The result showed that most of consumer rank GM yoghurt to last choice. And the common reasons are that the GM technology is not familiar and not trustworthy, they don’t know if the product is healthy, and it harms nature. The conclusion is explicit: the attitude to GM food has a strong influence on the preference of consumers. The third question and the last question were researched in another study. Respondents were asked to take part in a taste test of eight cheeses. Two weeks later, they participated in another taste test which only provides two kinds of cheese. One cheese was the same taste as the one which obtain the highest preference in the first test and it was labeled â€Å"produced with genetically modified technology†; the other one was the some taste as the one which obtain a medium preference in the first test. The results showed that when the most popular cheese labeled genetically modified technology, the preference was reduced. So, the study shows the attitude on GM food is deeply rooted in consumers’ opinion and is not easily to change by experience. There are also some other important researches about consumers’ attitudes towards GM food. Hamstra (1995) evaluate the acceptance of consumers toward GM food through three studies of Dutch consumers. Product characteristics and consumer characteristics are included in these studies. In the first study, consumers participated in a face-to-face interview about their attitudes and willingness to buy nine different GM foods (Hamstra, 1991). Means-end chain theory was used in the second study to further research these aspects in some focus group discussions (Hamstra, 1993). The third study used the sample of consumers to evaluate the model which developed in the second study (Hamstra, 1995). As a result, the studies showed that perceived benefits have a greater impact on consumers’ attitudes than perceived risks and there is no link between attitudes and knowledge of the genetically modified technology. Kutznesof and Ritson (1996) investigated Irish and British consumers’ attitudes through focus group discussions. The results divided the consumers’ attitudes towards genetically modified foods into three types: â€Å"triers†, â€Å"undecided consumers† and â€Å"refusers'†. A large number of consumers were classified into the second group, and the rest of consumers were equally classified as refusing or accepting genetically modified foods. Through the research, Kutznesof and Ritson (1996) found that there are some factors can increase the acceptability of genetically modified foods such as perceived consumer-related benefits, price consciousness, increased product quality (especially the taste), and increased purity of products. They also found that the acceptability of consumers depends on the types of genetically modified foods: the genetically modified technology used on vegetables, fruits and dairy products can be more acceptable than eggs and meat. Some studies have analyzed consumers’ attitudes towards GM foods at a more broadly level. The attitudes of consumers have been proved to be more positive towards applying genetically modified technology to plants than to human genetic material or animals. Frewer, Hedderley, Howard & Shepherd, 1997) The study which completed by Cook and Moore (2002) indentifies the relative importance, nature and strength of influences on New Zealand consumers’ intentions towards purchasing genetically modified foods. The study used four methods to evaluate the consumers’ attitudes which are focus groups, the questionnaire, statistical methods and distribution. Results delivered questionnaires to 289 consumers and received 266. The respondents contain 171 females and 95 males. In the received questionnaires, 159 respondents had an intention or strong intention not to purchase GM foods, 27 respondents had an purchasing or a strong purchasing intention and 80 respondents had no intention to purchase GM foods. Through the analysis with â€Å"Ordered logit analysis† and â€Å"Marginal effects for the extended model† which related to self-identity, attitude, SN and PBC, Cook and Moore (2002) found that self-identity, attitude, SN and PBC can provide a positively influence on consumers’ attitude towards purchasing GM food. Males may more easily to feel in control over purchasing the food than females, on the contrary, females may easily to feel in control over not purchasing the genetically modified food. In addition, other related research shown that the New Zealand public may be slightly less against with purchasing GM food. A national survey about farmers’ attitudes found that 49% farmers not willing to purchase GM food and 12% farmers had positive attitudes to purchase (Cook et al. , 2000). Sallie and Michael, B (2004) choice modeling methods to analyze in what conditions the Australian consumers are willing to purchase GM food, and they also discuss these preferences in the report. The results of the report suggest that if there has a discount on the consumers’ favorite food, they will have an intention to purchase the genetically modified foods. The report also showed that genetically modified technology which used on animals seems to be more unacceptable to respondents than that use on plants, especially among female respondents. In addition, another condition which can influence the consumers’ attitudes for a certain type of food is age of the consumer; the results found that older people generally more accept of genetically modified technology than younger people. In conclusion, the above literature shows that most consumers have the negative attitudes towards purchasing genetically modified foods, and these negative attitudes are not easy to change that can affect the preference of consumers. Furthermore, some conditions such as age and sex of consumers, the species that be applied with GM technology and the discount of genetically modified foods can also effect the consumers’ attitudes. Methodology: The main method of this research is questionnaire which contains online questionnaire and a paper-based survey questionnaire. And the responds assumed to be truthfully. The online questionnaire will be designed on the official websites of large-scale supermarkets. And the links of questionnaire should also be sent to the email of the consumers who are the VIP or the regular consumer of these supermarkets. In addition, the questionnaire will not exceed 8 minutes. The questionnaire should contain open-ended questions and close-ended questions. The sample open-ended questions should be â€Å"Do you have a positive attitude or negative attitude towards purchasing genetically modified foods? Why? † and â€Å"How you access the knowledge about genetically modified technology†. On the other hand, the close-ended question must contain the sex and the age level of the respondents, the questions should be designed like â€Å"I have a intention to purchase foods produced using genetically modified technology (very strongly disagree, disagree, agree or very strongly agree)† â€Å"what do you think your family members’ or friends’ opinion would be when you purchasing genetically modified foods? (Extremely unfavorable, unfavorable, favorable or extremely favorable)† â€Å"Do you think your family members’ or friends’ opinion will change your attitudes towards purchasing genetically modified foods? Very strongly disagree, disagree, agree, or very strongly agree)†. These three questions are very important to understand the consumers’ attitudes towards purchasing genetically modified foods. The advantage of online questionnaire is that it is a less expensive way to investigate more people, and it can also invest igate the people who are at a far distance. Furthermore, the questionnaire can be quickly done and anonymity ensures more valuable responses. But there are also some drawbacks about online questionnaire that must be foreseen. For example, in general, the responds to online questionnaire are from younger people and the response rate should be limited because that not everyone can access to the website. All these conditions should be considered on the result of research. The paper-based survey questionnaire will be sent to the consumers in supermarkets. In order to attract the consumers, the people who accept investigate can get a small gift as an incentive that can increase the participate rate. The age of participate range should between twenties and sixties. And the details of paper questionnaire may be same as the online questionnaire. The drawback of paper-based survey is that poor handwriting may be appeared on the space of open-ended question and some of them cannot be identified accurately. Secondary research is also needed in order to assist the evaluation about results of questionnaire survey. The secondary sources can be found in three areas: sales report of a well-known company which produces genetically modified foods, customer database of this company and primary data. Newspapers, previous research reports, journal content, and government statistics could provide the primary data to secondary. The limitations of secondary research should also be considered during the process of research. For example, some secondary data may not be helpful to the research evaluation because that some data can be vague and general. On the other hand, the source of data must be checked in order to ensure the data is accurate. Moreover, the data maybe out of date. At last, the results of questionnaire and secondary research should be collect together to evaluate the respondents’ attitudes toward purchasing genetically modified foods and calculate if most of consumers can accept GM food. Conclusion: There should be two results of this research; one result is that most of consumers can accept genetically modified foods. It means as genetically modified technology becoming increasingly more oriented lifestyle, the consumers are increasingly familiar with the technology about genetically modified foods, more and more people can trust in GM food. The other result is that most of consumers cannot accept genetically modified foods, and the questionnaire can affect the reasons. It means people still have doubts about the safety and technology of genetically modified food. Genetically modified food is new technology products, though it still exist some problems, but with the development of science and technology, it will be more and more perfect. As long as follow the certain rules, life will be more superior with the healthy and orderly development of GM technology.

Economic And Social Essay

In a century of modernisation, the memorable decades shoot the stars of one decade so bright and called the sixties. It was definitely unlike others. It screamed for its entity of liberty, knowledge, power, wealth, thrill, wanted to see a generation through Purple Haze. Taking communication beyond the realm of any hesitation with television and movies; ‘60s are back’. Civil rights marches, urban riot, soldier fighting at Vietnam and citizen protesting back home, students taking over college campuses, hippies in their unconventional dresses with flowers in their wiery hair, rolling on drug and rock music, rock and rolling on spirit of free love. It was a revolution in the air for the social deconstruction through the social and political activism of ‘the movement’ of the left wing leaving a collective memory of the contrasts that ever any decade has seen, of its Economic and Social changes, like America of 60s and beyond saw (Whitfield 2004). The materials of this web site of Duke University Press are reflecting the issues of the race, labour market and social disorder of the twentieth century America through its journal of Social Science History. It introduces the rise of the African Americans in the central cities from 10% approx. , in contrast to the post 60s reading clocks nearly at 60%, far than that of whites. But the site is also arguing on the discriminations and poverty rising due to various economic factors, kinds of markets, social systems, policies and movements. In the United State’s social history the site contributes the connection of the historic redistribution of the Black population. The site is recommendable for the research as it has the relevant concern for the subject matter and has eventually gone deeper into the subject, projecting the post 60s U. S. economy and society. More over the web site is a typical research oriented one that provides social journals with a vision, ‘Today’s Research. Tomorrow’s Inspiration’ that holds the emblem of the Registration of Project Muse. The whole effort is produced by ‘The Johns Hopkins University Press’ with an extended academic support of ‘The Milton S. Eisenhower Library’. Thus, it goes for the motion that the site can be employed for the research for its viability and genuineness of the academic and literary interpretations (Collins 1971). The site of Lone Star College – Kingwood is describing the American cultural history from 1960 to 69 precisely. Apart from the general review of the decade, it also has the facts and the figures of the same. From art, architecture to books and fashion, from events and technology to music and war, from people and sports to television and politics, the site has cover roughly everything of the decade, in a very briefly manner. But, since it is brief; it does not convey the message that it can not support a research. The said is the only pen picture of the homepage, which again has number of links to get access to great deal of details. The site has extra links of library and research guide, which makes it more suitable for research purpose. It is a college library site with a dot command of education, proving it to be an educational site and can be employed for the research (Lone Star College 2008). Since the topic about post 60s America, here it draws a sharp contrast by sifting the focus to South America. Growth and structural change in Latin America since 1960 analyses the economic and trade effect on the society. It comparing the effect since 1930s and what happened in 70s and 80s. economic slowdown, import substitute, export and reliance on foreign debts have the economy of the region and have not been engaged in creative response anymore. Though it has a slow starting but has argued the growth considering the emerging power later. The site is absolutely perfect for the research. Firstly, the article is developed by Harvard Institute for International Development and Bar Ilan University, Israel and got the patent of the ‘The University of Chicago’. Again it has the patent of the Jestor community, which is served and supported by the community of the scholars and exclusively an academic site. Thus, it is high employable (Syrquin. 1986). This site is about the sustainable development of America through its history of environmental politics, policies and common good. The site has explained the millennium ecosystem assessment from now till post 60s era. But the site can not be used in the research as it is much of a blog than a site. It has the option to post comment. The open domain nature of this site has made it prone to bias feedbacks and confusing conclusion (Environmental Economics & Sustainable Development 2006). The American Scene describes the age of abundance, which includes the American politics, movie, culture, etc. that happened as the baby boomers grew up, and once who saw the war in their childhood. But the site shares the same problem like the previous one. It is kind of blog and has got the place to leave replies there is no academic support and viability to have faith on the articles (The American Scene 2008). Fertility change in Utah: 1960-1975 has discussed the fertility rate of the area and it social and economic contribution that started from 1800 and continued till the post 60s period. But it is futile to discuss on this site as the site is lacking in genuineness. It appears to be a word document with certain links to connect for further information. Even the source cited is also absurd up to a great extent (Fertility change in Utah: 1960-1975 2008). Reference Andrews, Richard N. L. 2006. Learning from History: U. S. Environmental Politics, Policies, and the Common Good. Environmental Economics & Sustainable Development. http://environmental-economics. blogspot. com/2007/08/sustainable- development-21st-century. html (accessed October 30, 2008). Collins, William J. 1971. Race, Labor Markets, and Social Disorder in Twentieth- Century America: An Introduction. Social Science History 29, No. 2: 235-239. http://muse. jhu. edu/login? uri=/journals/social_science_history/v029/29. 2collins. h tml (accessed October 29, 2008). Goodwin, Susan. and Bradley, Becky. 2008. American Cultural History 1960 – 1969. Lone Star College – Kingwood. http://kclibrary. lonestar. edu/decade60. html (accessed October 29, 2008). Syrquin, Moshe. 1986. Growth and Structural Change in Latin America since 1960: A Comparative Analysis. Economic Development and Cultural Change, 34, no. 3: pp. 433-454. http://www. jstor. org/pss/1154048 (accessed October 29, 2008). Spicer, J. L. 2008. Fertility change in Utah: 1960-1975. POPLINE Document Number: 015540. http://www. popline. org/docs/0576/015540. html (accessed October 30, 2008). Tim Lee 2008. The Age of Abundance. The American Scene. http://www. theamericanscene. com/2008/06/27/the-age-of-abundance (accessed October 30, 2008). Whitfield, Stephen J. 2004. A Companion to 20th-century America. Blackwell Publishing.

Adolf Hitler and Japanese Canadians War

Discuss the role that Italy played in World War II. How did the nation become involved in the conflict? How did its participation affect the direction of the war and Germany’s fortunes? 3. Discuss the issues surrounding the United States’ decision to use atomic bombs against Japan. What motives were behind this action, and what arguments have been made against it? 4. Explain how the situation in Europe immediately following the fall of Germany led directly to the Cold War. In your opinion, should the Western Allies have acted to oppose Soviet domination of Eastern Europe? 5. Consider the role of technology during World War II. Did it fundamentally affect the outcome of the war? If so, how? If not, why not? 6. Compare the roles of Germany and Japan during World War II. Generally speaking, were their aggressions fundamentally similar or fundamentally different? . Explain Germany’s mistakes in Russia and the ways in which they affected the outcome of the war. 8. Why did the British government give in to German demands regarding Czechoslovakia in 1938, but took a relatively firmer stand over Poland in 1939? 9. Compare Soviet and British policies toward Poland between 1943 and 1945, focusing on both aims and outcomes. 10. Did the nature of German rearmament b etween 1935 and 1939 support the view that Hitler was planning for a Blitzkrieg war? 11. Asses and explain whether the internment of Japanese Canadians justified during World War Two? 2. Discuss the major differences between how the allies treated Germany after World War Two with World War One and how it may have been better. 13. Compare the strategic significance of the Battle of Stalingrad and the Battle of Britain. 14. Discuss Blittzkrieg and the importance of this tactic during World War Two. 15. Assess and explain the role of women during WWII and compare them to WWI. 16. The Second World War had consequences for European society and the world at large that were every bit as profound as the changes wrought by World War I. Assess these consequences as they became evident in 1945 as the war ended as well as for the years following from the standpoint of physical losses (casualties, refugees, infrastructure, etc. ) as well as the political and territorial settlements in Europe and the world at large. 17. To what extent were the German’s people responsible for Hitler/ Holocaust. 18. Compare WWI to WWII, identifying similarities in the causes, development, and outcomes of the wars. Other topics to consider Appeasement (WLM King) Isolationism The Treaty of Versailles The League of Nations (failure of) Dieppe D-Day (Juno Beach) Liberation of Holland Dunkirk (evacuation of) Battle of Britain Battle of the Atlantic Role of Technology / Canadian war production Anti-Semitism in Canada Internment of Japanese Canadians War on the homefront – War production / Changing role of women TOPIC LIST Blitzkreig The Battle of the Atlantic Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service (Wrens) Lebensraum The Brtsh Commonwealth Air Training Plan Canadian Women’s Auxiliary Airforce Occupation of the Rhineland Camp X The Munich Pact Cdn Women’s Army Corps D-Day The Nazi-Soviet Non Aggression Pact The Battle for Normandy Canadian War Brides Dunkirk Treaty of Versailles The Royal Cdn Air Force Wm. L. Mackenzie King War on the Homefront War Propaganda The Home Front General Guy Simonds Canada and the Italian Campaign Conscription The Scheldt Estuary The Internment of Japanese Canadians Liberation of the Netherlands Canada and Hong Kong Juno Beach The Battle of the Atlantic VE Day Dieppe Verrieres Ridge Adolf Hitler and Japanese Canadians War Discuss the role that Italy played in World War II. How did the nation become involved in the conflict? How did its participation affect the direction of the war and Germany’s fortunes? 3. Discuss the issues surrounding the United States’ decision to use atomic bombs against Japan. What motives were behind this action, and what arguments have been made against it? 4. Explain how the situation in Europe immediately following the fall of Germany led directly to the Cold War. In your opinion, should the Western Allies have acted to oppose Soviet domination of Eastern Europe? 5. Consider the role of technology during World War II. Did it fundamentally affect the outcome of the war? If so, how? If not, why not? 6. Compare the roles of Germany and Japan during World War II. Generally speaking, were their aggressions fundamentally similar or fundamentally different? . Explain Germany’s mistakes in Russia and the ways in which they affected the outcome of the war. 8. Why did the British government give in to German demands regarding Czechoslovakia in 1938, but took a relatively firmer stand over Poland in 1939? 9. Compare Soviet and British policies toward Poland between 1943 and 1945, focusing on both aims and outcomes. 10. Did the nature of German rearmament b etween 1935 and 1939 support the view that Hitler was planning for a Blitzkrieg war? 11. Asses and explain whether the internment of Japanese Canadians justified during World War Two? 2. Discuss the major differences between how the allies treated Germany after World War Two with World War One and how it may have been better. 13. Compare the strategic significance of the Battle of Stalingrad and the Battle of Britain. 14. Discuss Blittzkrieg and the importance of this tactic during World War Two. 15. Assess and explain the role of women during WWII and compare them to WWI. 16. The Second World War had consequences for European society and the world at large that were every bit as profound as the changes wrought by World War I. Assess these consequences as they became evident in 1945 as the war ended as well as for the years following from the standpoint of physical losses (casualties, refugees, infrastructure, etc. ) as well as the political and territorial settlements in Europe and the world at large. 17. To what extent were the German’s people responsible for Hitler/ Holocaust. 18. Compare WWI to WWII, identifying similarities in the causes, development, and outcomes of the wars. Other topics to consider Appeasement (WLM King) Isolationism The Treaty of Versailles The League of Nations (failure of) Dieppe D-Day (Juno Beach) Liberation of Holland Dunkirk (evacuation of) Battle of Britain Battle of the Atlantic Role of Technology / Canadian war production Anti-Semitism in Canada Internment of Japanese Canadians War on the homefront – War production / Changing role of women TOPIC LIST Blitzkreig The Battle of the Atlantic Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service (Wrens) Lebensraum The Brtsh Commonwealth Air Training Plan Canadian Women’s Auxiliary Airforce Occupation of the Rhineland Camp X The Munich Pact Cdn Women’s Army Corps D-Day The Nazi-Soviet Non Aggression Pact The Battle for Normandy Canadian War Brides Dunkirk Treaty of Versailles The Royal Cdn Air Force Wm. L. Mackenzie King War on the Homefront War Propaganda The Home Front General Guy Simonds Canada and the Italian Campaign Conscription The Scheldt Estuary The Internment of Japanese Canadians Liberation of the Netherlands Canada and Hong Kong Juno Beach The Battle of the Atlantic VE Day Dieppe Verrieres Ridge

Liberty and democracy in Marx and Kant. What is the contemporary Essay - 1

Liberty and democracy in Marx and Kant. What is the contemporary relavance of their ideas - Essay Example nduct as purposeful and lasting rather than unintended and short-term, bringing to history, in Hegel’s personal design, â€Å"the belief and conviction that the realm of the will is not at the mercy of contingency† (Michaelis 1999, 537). The grand design of principle of history for Marx and Kant is of more direct importance. It becomes, undeniably, a requirement of action, devoid of which the concern in the future, so significant to their interpretation of modernity, cannot be persistent. Their works on the philosophy of liberty and democracy, occasioned by the disturbance of revolutionary anticipations, stand witness to an open effort either to control the experience of discontentment or to disallow it completely in the purposes of preserving the future configuration of modernity and the militant devotions that go behind (ibid). Writing in the repercussions of the French Revolution, when the processes of philosophy of history were merely starting to overpower political theory, scholars have charted their own distinctive path between the linear certainties of Kant’s insight of development and the dialectical certainties that Marx borrowed from Hegel. Marx and Kant respond to the catastrophic course of revolution through establishing the political as a dimension in which the species in its entirety trundles in the footsteps of the gods even as people endure the destiny of simple mortals (Fine 2001). Indeed, the more powerful the state, and hence the more political a nation is, the less probable it is predisposed to view in the state itself, that is in the contemporary structure of society whose dynamic, self-aware, and official articulation is the state, for the origin of social immoralities, and hence appreciate their common nature. Political intellect is political merely because it deliberates within the restrictions of politics. The sharper and more active it is the less competent it is of understanding social immoralities (Tate 2004). Therefore, it is

Emerging Markets Finance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Emerging Markets Finance - Essay Example It is only recently tht ttempts hve been mde, s in Ghosh nd Ghosh (2002) nd Mulder et l. (2002), to incorporte institutions more systemticlly into erly-wrning systems. But this hs just strted nd systemtic wy in which to model the crisis-relevnt institutionl setting hs not yet been found. Erly-wrning models focussing solely on CEECs hve completely neglected institutionl fctors. Generlly, empiricl studies on CEECs re scrce, despite the specil importnce of detecting vulnerbilities not only in the run-up to the CEECs' membership of the EU, but especilly lter on during ERM II prticiption. This pper discusses the importnce of infltion nd currency stbility s the wy of the economy development of emerging countries. The pper is structured s follows. First, look is tken t the theoreticl pproches dopted to explin currency crises nd the importnce of infltion nd currency stbility on the development of emerging economies. This prt prticulrly seeks to show the chnnels through which institutions cn influence country's vulnerbility to currency crises. In the second section, n econometric logit model is used to exmine the extent to which institutionl fctors cn serve s erly-wrning indictors for currency crises in Estern Europe. Recent yers hve witnessed d... Such low levels of infltion hve not been seen since before World Wr II, when, mostly tinder the discipline of the gold stndrd system of fixed exchnge rtes, prices were roughly stble nd episodes of defltion were not uncommon. The recent decline of infltion in emerging mrkets looks ll the more impressive ginst the bckground of the 11970s nd 1980s. Infltion begn to rise grdully in the 1950s, but it ccelerted drmticlly in the 1970s nd erly 1980s, culminting in severl episodes of triple-digit nnul infltion nd four mjor hyperinfltions in the lte 1980s/erly 1990s. From tht point on, disinfltion ws steep. This rise nd fll of infltion in emerging mrkets ppers to reflect in prt chnges in the interntionl monetry system nd infltion trends in dvnced countries. One notble feture of the post-World Wr II period ws n increse in infltion persistence compred with erlier historicl ers, when infltion ws either generlized nd grdul (e.g., following the gold discoveries of the fifteenth through the nineteenth century), or rpid nd specific, reflecting exceptionl fiscl strins (s during or immeditely fter wrs). This grdul increse in the persistence of infltion, combined with the brekup of the Bretton Woods interntionl system of commodity-bsed money nd the ssocited removl of externl constrints on ccommodtive monetry policies, mde it possible for the supply shocks of the 1970s to push world infltion to unprecedented pecetime levels, producing the "Gret Infltion" of the 1970s nd erly 1980s. To the extent tht emerging mrkets imported this infltion, loosened fiscl policies, nd lso dopted incresingly ccommodt ive monetry policies during the period, these externl trends were

Strategic management on JJB Sports Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Strategic management on JJB Sports - Essay Example Against this background, this paper has been designed to identify the strategic change initiative that can be implemented by JJB Sports in order to revitalise its operations that have dipped as a result of the above mentioned factors. Changes are necessary for businesses so that they can gain competitive advantage over other rival competitors. This will also help the company to grab a large market share which can contribute to its viability in the long run. Why change is necessary for JJB Sports The digital competitive environment of 2013 makes it imperative for all organizations that are concerned about their survival to implement certain changes in their operations. In order to keep pace with the changes obtaining in the environment in which an organization operates, it is important to implement certain changes that can be aligned to the current business strategy. The use of new information and communication technology has significantly improved the operations of any business durin g the contemporary period. Therefore, any company that is concerned about its success should harness this new digital marketing and communication strategy. Change is also necessary given that the company will be able to attract more customers since the bulk of business is conducted through the internet during the contemporary period. Many organizations are shifting from traditional to digital marketing practices since the bulk of business is done online during the current period. In this case, JJB Sports should adopt a brick and click strategy in its operations. According to Bricks & Clicks (2013), this strategy integrates both traditional marketing strategies as well as digital marketing communication strategies and it focuses on different lines of business. The advantage of the traditional marketing strategy is that the organization is in a better position to retain its old customers while the use of digital communication will help to improve the efficiency of the organization in its operations. The company’s effectiveness can also be enhanced through the use of new information and technology since it will be in a position to process information at a faster rate. The advantage of new information and communication technology is that it can process large volumes of information at higher speed than information that is manually processed. The other advantage is that it is cost effective compared to other forms of communication. The company can also be in a position to reach a wide range of people through the use of the internet given that it is accessible to people in different geographical locations. Another important consideration for JJB Sports is that it should use aggressive marketing strategies that are aided by new information and communication technology in order to be in a position to gain competitive advantage. The organization ought to realign itself to the needs of the external environment and evaluate the possible outcome of the strategic cha nge programme implemented. There are different strategic management theories that can be used to shape the strategy for the organization. This section of the paper discusses

The Changing Role of Probation Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Changing Role of Probation - Coursework Example However, in case a juvenile delinquent is confined in a detention center, he or she loses all sorts of teenage formalities. Additionally, teenagers encounter challenges while catching up with their education after they are released from detention centers. They deem it nonessential to go back to school. As such, it is true that GPS trackers play a vital role with regard to allowing teens to participate in normal life activities freely (Hess & Orthmann, 2011). On the contrary, various concerns have been raised about the effects GPS tracking devices on the offender’s privacy rights. Some experts stipulate that the GPS tracking technology creates a situation where the offender’s home serves as his prison. However, others fear that prevalent use of GPS tracking systems could result to a society there government authorities strictly monitor the movement of the citizens. However, these concerns are rarely discussed because GPS tracking is imposed with full consent of the participant. Therefore, it is true that GPS devices to not violate privacy rights of juvenile delinquents (Hess & Orthmann,

Criminal Rehabilitation Risk Assessment Instruments Essay

Criminal Rehabilitation Risk Assessment Instruments - Essay Example The process can be understood as the continuous process to ensure the evaluation of risk in the fast changing environment in different situations like operations, so that appropriate control measures could be implemented in way that it ensures the acceptable level for safety. The following report is based on enhancements that have taken place in such models, how these instruments work, what is required, what is the current level, and the different instruments are discussed. Risk Assessment Tools: The risk is basically calculated and measured before the dynamic situation, and after and during the process of the operations. The critical aspect is measured in order to weigh the benefits that are to be achieved with the risk that are being associated with the different stages of the activity. The entire process is based on the saying â€Å"think before you act rather than act before you think.† There are several factors which distinguish the dynamic risk assessment from other risk assessment processes; such factors are (Tullett, 2010): Unpredictable and unseen risks The risk environment changes on the rapid pace Enables the individual to judge the risk The approach is also varied, it provides with the persistent and personal approach towards the evaluation of risk There are several different tools that are being used in order to assess the risks that are being associated with those who conduct criminal activities called offenders. These tools are basically used in order to measure the probability of persons getting back into the society. By using these tools we can identify which offender is vulnerable to which extent of risk and is in need of intervention. The assessment tools that are used for this purpose also specify the service that is needed in order to organize the evaluation. The different tools that are being used these days are (Landers, 2011): Screening: The tool used for supervising the community screening is normally called the CSST, and it is b eing used many states. The core reason to use this tool is to focus on the low risk offenders, and using this tool helps the agencies to spend lesser amounts of money on the low risk offenders, so that their focus and attention do not get diverted and they can work on major projects. Using this tool, the agencies are able to handle the low risk offenders. This tool works on the four basic principles by providing the agencies better way to handle such situations. These principle categories are the number of criminal acts, current employment, drug access, and relationships with criminal associates. This screening tool is being used for both genders who are involved in low risk offenses (Bateman, 2006). Psychological: There are many institutes who are using this practice in order to conduct the evaluation of the offenders by psychological testing done through interviews. After treatment, the psychologist may recommend the offender continuethe treatment or may also plan a new schedule f or such offenders. In some cases the treatment is started from the very beginning, at the intake of such persons who are involved in crime. Intake is itself a process to make the criminal individual ready for the treatment program after the arrival at the facility. This tool helps the institute to realize the intensity and the magnitude of the offender to be treated and also enables the creation of the appropriate

Was the modernist architect becoming too authoritarian and dogmatic Research Paper

Was the modernist architect becoming too authoritarian and dogmatic - Research Paper Example It is evidently clear from the discussion that architects in the 20th century chose to enhance authoritarian social relations, sought to enhance social control in general and their proportion of social change in specific, and embraced many dogmas to enhance their professional importance. While architecture must use advanced mathematics to construct a building, and certainly architecture is artistic insofar as it is representative of a society's preferences for spaces and is a statement of intent or design on the part of a person, architecture itself must be defined socially in a particular fashion. â€Å"[W]hat characterizes architecture today is its capacity to be studied as a system of significations that establishes different levels and layers of meanings and sense and constitutes one of the symbolic spheres instituted by society†. Hays argues that since 1968, architecture is a â€Å"technical-ideological practice†. As a consequence of this, Hays concludes that it is absurd to call any individual architect or even architecture as a whole â€Å"hermetic† or â€Å"elitist† or authoritarian because it is like calling rain wet: Architecture as an institution is a collective arranging of power as a technical-ideological collective. But architecture, unlike other areas where there is a monopoly of technical power being exerted, must be brought under special criticism because its designs move into the public realm. These are two immensely different concepts. To use a political analogy: Clearly, decisions must be made, but when those decisions are made by one person, it becomes authoritarian. The model of the architect as artist is thus structurally and intrinsically authoritarian, because the idea is that the architect's vision as to how to implement stakeholder needs is implemented and other people in the chain such as customers and workers are irrelevant. Each worker, each customer, each visitor, each policy-maker brings their own touc h to the art that is the final building, sometimes a vital one. The architect tries to form order out of chaos, a chaos that it assumes into existence but has no independent reality, just like all other authoritarians, and does so by trying to make it so that others in the process merely carry out orders and directives or by managing their perturbations and deviations from his ideal vision. Doesn't this mean all art is authoritarian? There is a truth to that, but the authoritarian nature of the self is also called â€Å"autonomy†. When a painter is authoritarian about their process, they are committing no great wrong. They are the only person directly involved, and a customer is free to accept or reject their painting. But architects are far from this. An architect will build public spaces that must be used by people who had no direct veto power or influence into the style being built. This becomes especially true when one considers the idea of artistic spaces being imposed u pon people because they are artistic, to enrich the philistine. This attitude is fundamentally elitist: If most people don't care about artistic spaces, then imposing that onto them is anti-democratic.

Studying Language Variation in Singapore Essay Example for Free

Studying Language Variation in Singapore Essay This paper is a study of code-switching in one Singaporean Chinese household (my own). It will consider the hypothesis that age correlates significantly with proficiency and/or usage of more than one code. To test this hypothesis, three subjects, from the household, reflecting three different generations have had their speech recorded. The subjects S1, S2 and S3 are my grandfather, my uncle and my cousin respectively. General information on the subjects such as their ages, occupations and medium of education can be found in Table 1 (see appendix). Data Collection The data for this study was collected through tape recording of spontaneous conversations during a relaxed and informal family gathering held at an aunts house. Extracts from the recordings were then appropriately selected for analysis such that they will help quantify the nature and number of code-switches. In order to keep as close as possible to actual language usage, all unnatural instances of code alternation, such as deliberate code-switching resulting from an over-consciousness of the tape-recorded or a wish to impress, were excluded. Basic Terminology Code-switching is the case of multilingual speakers making switches between different languages or varieties depending on audience, setting and purpose; or the juxtaposition within the same speech exchange of passages of speech belonging to two different grammatical systems or sub-systems (Gumperz 1982: 59) The verbal repertoire of each subject, including the different languages or varieties they speak, can be found in Table 1 as well (see appendix). Subject 1: Grandfather (Age: 69) My grandfather can speak more than 4 different varieties- Teochew, Mandarin, English, Malay and most of the other Chinese dialects. Teochew is the dominant Chinese dialect which my grandfather speaks. He is very proficient in Teochew and uses it most of the time, with family members of the 1st (grandmother) and 2nd (father, mother, uncles, aunts) generations. He uses the other Chinese dialects only with his friends of a different dialect group or when talking to hawkers or shopkeepers. He communicates with the 3rd generation (myself, cousins) in Mandarin and sometimes in English, which he is not very proficient in. He uses Malay only when speaking to the maid, as she is from Indonesia and can only understand minimal English and no other languages or dialects. In my recordings, I found that he only switched between 4 of the varieties- Teochew, Mandarin, English and Malay. I suppose it was not necessary to speak in any other Chinese dialect because it was a family gathering. Speaking mainly Teochew, he code-switched quite frequently, but not as much as S2. The nature of the switches was mainly, but not solely, due to his interlocutor. I will discuss the various factors further.

Role of Metformin for Treatment of Type Ii Diabetes Mellitus

Role of Metformin for Treatment of Type Ii Diabetes Mellitus The role of metformin in the treatment of type II Diabetes Mellitus Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a sever inherited or acquired disease which occurs when either pancreas does not produce enough insulin, which characterises type I diabetes and it is most commonly diagnosed in children, or the insulin that has been produced does not get used by the body effectively, type II diabetes and therefore patients will have abnormally high level of glucose. Type II diabetes was previously called non-insulin-dependent or adult-onset diabetes (World Health Organisation, WHO website). The latest estimate of the number of diabetics worldwide in 2001 by the World health Organisation (WHO) is 171 million and this figure is likely to be doubled by 2030 (WHO website). A recent study conducted in the UK using the General Practice Research Database (GPRD) illustrate that the mortality rate is twice as high for patients with diabetes type II than those without it (Mulnier et al, 2006). The prevalence of type II diabetes is increasing rapidly both in the UK and worldwide. It has increased by 54% (from 2.8% to 4.3%) and the incidence has increased by 63% over the past decade (Gonzalez, 2009). In most of the cases Type II diabetes is associated with another disorder, obesity, (Krentz et al, 2008). Hence such high increase in the incidence rate for type II diabetes could be due to the increased rate of obesity over past few years as the life style of the population is generally getting poorer and 20% of the population is now obese (UK Obesity Statistics). Understanding and treatment of diabetes has advanced throughout the twentieth century and since insulin has been discovered, many antidiabetic therapies and oral agents such as, Sulphonylureas and Biguanides have been developed to improve glycaemia. Sulphonylurea was the first oral therapy to be discovered for diabetes. It is insulin secretagogues and hence it combats the abnormally high level of blood glucose but it also causes hypoglycaemia and weight gain as it can prolong insulin secretion (Warrell et al, 2006). Biguanides is a class of drugs that are considered antihyperglycemic agents. Metformin is a primary member of this class and it has surpassed sulfonylureas as the most prescribed oral antidiabetic drug in the UK and most parts of the world (Filion, 2009). Metformin is now the most popular treatment for diabetes type II as a study carried out using The Health Improvement database from 1966 to 2005 in the UK shows that only a small number of patients were treated with insul in and its use did not change significantly over the time of study period, in 1966 Sulphonylurea was the most common drug and metformin was relatively less common but by 2005 the use of Sulphonylurea had decreased remarkably and there had been a parallel increase in the use of metformin as a therapy for diabetes (Gonzalez, 2009). In 2006 the American Diabetes Association recommended it as the first drug of choice for patients. In the 15th edition of the Model list of Essential Medicine by WHO, metformin is one of the only two antidebetic oral drug agents (the other is glibenclamide) stated there (WHO, 2007). The other members of biguanides drug class are phenformin and buformin however these two drugs are no longer used in many countries because it carries a very high risk of lactic acidosis. Historical development: In medieval times, French lilac or Goats rue known as Galega officinalis was used as a remedy for intense urination associated with the disease that is now known as diabetes mellitus and the active ingredient in the French lilac that had blood glucose lowering properties was discovered as galegine or isomyleneguanidine, but later on it was discovered that this ingredient was toxic in the plant that caused death of grazing animals (Witters, 2001). In 1918, guanidine was discovered to be blood glucose lowering agent but then it was also found that it is too toxic to be used as a therapy (Foye, 2007). Whilst guanidine itself and some of its other derivatives were considered to be too toxic to be used for diabetes mellitus treatment, the biguanides, two linked guanidine, proved to be safe and effective for the treatment of diabetes (Witters, 2001). In the 1920s, in a search for these guanidine-containing compounds with antidiabetic activities, phenformin, buformin and metformin were discovered. Although they were known to have glucose lowering properties it was not until 1957 when these biguanides were tried on man and introduced clinically in Europe (Gottlieb Auld, 1962, Reitman Schadt, 2007). For the first time in a medical literature by Ungar et al (1957, as cited by Oubre et al 1997) biguanides were described as an efficacious new class of oral drug for the treatment of diabetes. Phenformin which is similar to metformin in structure was very popular in 1960s but in early 1970s it was found to be associated with lactic acidosis and by 1976 clinical studies proved that the hazards of phenformin treatment outweighed its benefits and therefore, phenformin and all the products containing phenformin were withdrawn by the Ministry of Health and buformin was also withdrawn from many countries for the same reason (WHO, 2003). Howe ver, metformin was proved to be safer and did not have same risk of lactic acidosis if appropriately prescribed, and it took another twenty years after a safe and effective use in the Europe until United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it for use in the United States (Reitman Schadt, 2007). Glucophage the trade name of metformin, formulated by a drug company called Bristol-Myers Squibb, was the first brand to be marketed in the United States (U.S. FDA). Metformin used to be only prescribed for diabetes but then studies published in European journal of clinical investigation 1998 proved that metformin can have a significant effect on reducing weight as well (Paolisso et al, 1998). Meformin has now been used for over 50 years and it has established to be first-line drug of choice for the treatment of diabetes type II, but to get its maximum effect in the anticipation to reduce insulin resistance, weight loss and also to contribute in the improvement of cardiovascular diseases,the American Diabetes Association and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes strongly recommend to use metformin along with lifestyle intervention (Papanas Maltezos, 2009). Mode of Action/ Physiological Effects: Metformin is an antidiabetic oral drug that belongs to a class of drugs called biguanides. It acts by lowering the amount of glucose that liver makes on its own in the body hence it has antihyperglycaemic effects. It was licensed as antihyperglycaemic medication in Europe in 1970s, at that time there was only little known about the mode of action and its physiological effects on body. Despite metformin being in use since 1950s, its cellular mechanism of action is not definite. It primarily acts by inhibiting gluconeogenesis in the liver and hence it reduces the hepatic glucose output; it has also been shown to enhance glucose uptake in the muscles and improve peripheral insulin sensitivity (Ronco et al, 2008). Insulin is a very powerful anabolic hormone and it is involved in the synthesis and storage of glucose, lipid, and amino acid/protein. When blood glucose level rises, insulin is produced by the beta cells of the pancreas. As described by Gropper et al (2008) in their book, it stimulates the uptake of glucose by muscle cells and adipocytes, it also inhibits the gluconeogenesis by the liver to bring about an overall decrease in plasma glucose level. Insulin binds to a specific receptor on the plasma membrane of muscle cells and adipocytes which initiates a cascade of second messenger system that stimulates the tubulovesicle-enclosed GLUT4 glucose transporters to be translocated to the plasma membrane. Insulin also activates the enzyme glycogen synthase and inhibits glycogen phosphorylase and together they help store glucose in the form of glycogen. Hence this way glucose is removed from the blood circulation and is brought to normal level (Gropper et al, 2008). The majority of individuals with type II diabetes are insulin resistant. They have plenty of insulin circulating but their body is not able to respond to it either by having defective or insufficient number of insulin receptors therefore, glucose cannot enter the cells resulting in increased level of plasma glucose. Pancreas continues to produce more insulin in an effort to lower the increased level of glucose and eventually when an individual can no longer produce enough insulin to compensate for the rise, type 2 diabetes develops (Kaufman, 2008). Figure 1shows an overview of antihyoerglycaemic effect of metformin in type II diabetes mellitus. Metformin has various metabolic effects on lowering the hyperglycaemia. It partially acts by improving insulin action and partially by non-directly insulin dependent effects (Krentz Bailey, 2005). Metformin suppresses the hepatic glucose output by decreasing gluconeogenesis, glycogenolysis and fatty acid oxidation and this is the most evident principal blood glucose lowering mechanism and it does so by mainly increasing insulin sensitivity (Krentz Bailey, 2005). In the skeletal muscles metformin increases the insulin mediated glucose uptake and glycogen formation (glycogenesis), it also reduces the fatty acid oxidation. These changes in the muscle cells increase glucose transporters to move to the plasma membrane surface so that glucose can enter the cells (Krentz Bailey, 2005). Another way in which metformin lowers hyperglycaemia is via increasing the anaerobic metabolism of glucose which produces lactate as a by-product and this contributes in lowering the amount of glucose available to move to the serosal side from the lumen, lactate is taken to the liver via portal system (Bailey et al, 2008). Another way in which metformin works independent of insulin action to lower glucose is via increasing the splancchic glucose turn over (Krentz Bailey, 2005). The effect of metformin on skeletal muscles and adipose tissues in improving glucose utilisation in them appears to work through improved binding of insulin to its receptors on the plasma membranes of these cells and therefore, metformin seems to be ineffective without some residual functioning islet cells (Porte et al, 2002). Metformin has no direct effect on insulin secretion in contrast to other antidiabetic drugs such as sulfonylureas, therefore it does not cause hypoglycaemia rather in clinical practice it shows anti-hyperglycaemic actions (Porte et al, 2002). The level of glucose throughout the day changes, it is typically higher after eating and lower in the fasting state. The fasting plasma glucose concentration is measured by the HbA1c test, HbA1c is a glycosylates haemologlibin that is glucose attached with hamemoglobin so the higher the concentration of glucose the higher the level of HbA1c ( Medline Encyclopaedia, 2009). A fasting glucose level lower than 6mmol/l or 7% is normal in non-pregnant individuals and an elevated level shows that either the patient is diabetic or the patient has impaired fasting glucose/impaired glucose tolerance (Bupas health information factsheet, 2008; American diabetes association, 2009). It is important for type II diabetes patients to achieve normal or near-normal glycaemic control with their oral anti hyperglycaemic medications. There are numerous studies that show the effect of metformin decreasing the fasting plasma glucose level. Such as a study by Lozzo (2003), done on type II diabetes patients over 26 weeks with metformin increased the whole-body insulin sensitivity and that was likely to be determined by the reduction in HbA1c and body weight. A similar study done on patients with newly diagnosed Type II diabetes mellitus showed that adding metformin to insulin therapy effectively decreased the HbA1c level from 10.8 to 5.9% and 100% patients achieved an HbA1c less than 7% (Lingvay, 2007). Metformin has also been suggested to work by a biochemical pathway through activation of a protein kinase enzyme 5 adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Its activity is regulated by the depletion in ATP (Adenosin tri-phosphate) and raised level of AMP when energy demand increases, such as in a exercising muscle, thus it is a â€Å"metabolic stress-sensing enzyme† that regulates the energy demand and energy production balance by modulating various metabolic pathways that bring about glucose, protein and fatty acid metabolism homeostasis (Hawley Zierath, 2008). In order for metformin to be effective in the inhibition of the production of glucose, activation of AMPK is required (Zhou, 2001). Kim et al (2008) published a study in 2008 that further described the mechanism of metformin through the activation of AMPK. This study was done on hepatocytes and it showed that through AMPK-dependant pathway metformin increased the gene expression of small heterodimer pa rtner, (SHP), SHP protein represses the transcriptional activity of a number of nuclear reptors including hepatocyte nuclear factor, and that in turn inhibits the expression of the hepatic gluconeogenic genes PEPCK and Glc-6-pase, these are the two enzymes that perform a key role in the homeostatic regulation of blood glucose levels and inhibition of these enzyme gene expression lead to the hepatic glucose production in vivo. Metformin has advantageous effects on atherosclerosis by decreasing Low Density Lipoprotein levels by about 0.26 mmol/L (10 mg/dL), whereas other oral agents appear to have no obvious effects on LDL cholesterol levels (Bolen et al, 2007). Recent prospective and retrospective studies confirm this drug not only being safe for its glucose lowering effects but also indicate its potential anti-atherosclerotic and cardioprotective effects (Scarpello Howlett, 2008). In the UKPD (United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study) a randomised trial on obese and overweight patients with initial metformin monotherapy showed a significant reduction in myocardial infarction and diabetes related deaths, it showed 39% decrease in heart attacks and 36% decrease overall mortality rate; metformin was found to be more effective than any other medication with regards to the strokes and overall mortality rate in overweight patients (Krentz Bailey 2005). Kooy et al (2009) investigated whether metformin had sus tained beneficial effects on metabolic control and risk of cardiovascular disease. After a follow-up period of 4.3 years it was found that metformin added to insulin in type II diabetic patients improved body weight, glycaemic control and it reduced the risk of macravascular disease. A 2007 systematic review evaluating antidiabetic agents and outcomes in patients with both diabetes and heart failure showed that metformin is the only antidiabetic agent that is not associated with harm in patients with heart failure and diabetes. In this systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled studies, two of three studies showed association of metformin with reduced all cause mortality and no association with increased hospital admissions. (Eurich et al, 2007) Pharmacokinetics The chemical name of biguanide is  1-(Diaminomethylidene)guanidine (chemical  formula C2H7N5) and it includes compounds that  have biguanide structure. Figure 2 shows the  molecular structure of metformin that has  biguanide structure with two methyl groups  added on the amine group of the first carbon  atom therefore its chemical name being  1,1-dimethylbiguanide and chemical formula  C4H11N5 (Porte et al, 2002). Metformin is taken orally so it has to pass through the digestive system in order to get into the systemic circulation. It is absorbed from the small intestine and does not get metabolised, under fasting conditions the Bioavailability of metformin ranges between 40%-60% (Foye, 2007). From the gastrointestine it gets completely absorbed after 6 hours of oral administration and after absorption it is rapidly distributed and in the plasma it is completely undetectable after 24 hours; the plasma concentration of metformin reaches its peak value within three hours of its oral administration (Papanas maltedoz, 2009). Unlike other biguanides such as phenformin the binding of metformin to plasma protein is negligible and therefore it does not seem to interact with highly plasma protein bound drugs such as sulphonamides and is excreted unchanged (Foye, 2007). Metformin does not get metabolised by the liver and therefore is excreted in the urine from the body as unmetabolised drug through the active tubular excretion and about 30% of an oral dose is excreted through faeces that may be unabsorbed metformin and that retain in the gastrointestinal tract (Porte et al, 2002). It has plasma half life of about 2 to 5 hours in patients with normal renal function but and renal function impairments may lead to retention of metformin in the blood plasma (Foye, 2007). According to Diabetes UK the daily dosage of metformin should be started from 500mg and then gradually increased to a maximum of 2550mg per day but it is entirely individualistic that it depends on the health of individual to consider what dosage is required. Generic metformin is sold in the form of tablets. A slow or extended release preparation of metformin (Glucophage XR ®), introduced in 2004 can act over 24 hours, it has been designed to release metformin slowly over a longer period of time than standard metformin (acts over 8-12 hours) and so its half life is increased to four to eight hours. Timmins et al (2005), in their study on 16 volunteers with 1000mg standard metformin dose twice a day or 2000mg Glucophage XR ® once a day, found out that the pharmacokinetics parameters are similar in Glucophage XR ® to standard metformin, but Glucophage XR ® it is evident to report fewer gastrointestinal side effects than standard metformin so patients who cannot tolerate standard metformin can switch to Glucophage XR ® (Feher et al, 2007). Side effects and contradictions When prescribed appropriately the most common adverse side effects of metformin include a change in taste, nausea or vomiting, abdominal distension or gas, loss of appetite, diarrhea, skin rashes or urticaria, rare – Lactic acidosis (Warrell et al, 2006). These problems are usually mild and occur in the first few weeks for taking the medication but it may discourage the patient from taking the drug, starting the medication in low dosage and increasing it slowly help reduce these side effects (Warrell et al, 2006). In clinical trial done on a total of 286 subjects, 141 were given metformin and the rest were put on placebo. This trial found that 53.2% of subjects who were given Metformin reported diarrhea in comparison with 11.7% for those on placebo, and 25.5% subjects on metformin reported nausea/vomiting compared with 8.3% for those on placebo (Drug Facts and Comparisons, 2005). Compared with any other antidiabetic oral drug metformin is most associated with gastrointestinal distress (Bolen et al, 2007). Phenformin was withdrawn from its theraputical use because of its association with lactic acidosis. Metformin which is similar in structure to phenformin has also been associated with lactic acidosis; however the risk associated with metformin is ten times lower than phenformin (Warrell et al, 2006). A case control analysis on the study population of 50,048 type 2 diabetic subjects using the U.K – based General Practice Research Database found out that the rate of incidence of lactic acidosis per 100,000 person-years is 3.3 cases amongst metformin users (Bodmer et al. 2008). Lactic acid is a by-product of metabolism and it becomes toxic if it is not neutralised fast enough. Lactic acidosis associated with metformin is a very severe and potentially fatal condition that can be avoided easily if the drug is prescribed carefully (Fitzgerald et al, 2009). It arises by the mode of action of metformin, that is the inhibition of hepatic gluconeogensis- a process that consumes lactate, produced by glycolysis, continuously to produce glucose (Warrell et al, 2006). Adopted from Fitzgerald et al. BMJ 2009 In normal conditions during respiration glucose is broken down into two pyruvate molecules in the first step (glycolysis), in the presence of enough oxygen mitochondria oxidises the pyruvate into CO2 and H2O through Kreb cycle by the use of pyruvate dehydrogenase enzyme. But if there is not enough oxygen present, the mitochondria cannot oxidise all of pyruvate so this excess amount of pyruvate is converted into lactate by the lactate dehydrogenase and this lactate is then used in the process of gluconeogenses in the liver. (Fitzgerald et al, 2009; Nicks A, 2009) As shown in figure 3, at site A metformin decreases the activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase and the conversion of pyruvate into CO2 and H2O, therefore at site B it enhancing the anaerobic metabolism even in the presence of enough oxygen and resulting in the increased production of lactate and as metformin inhibits the process of gluconeogenses in the liver, the lactate is not used up and is built up to the toxic extent. Lactic acidosis is the built up of lactate level in the blood (usually >5 mMol/L). (Nicks A, 2009; Fitzgerald et al, 2009) As indicated in figure 3, lactate is excreted 70% by liver, 5% by kidneys therefore liver or renal dysfunctions lead to the retention of lactate and hence to a severe form of lactic acidoses even in the absence of metformin and because metformin is excreted by kidneys if kidneys do not function properly then metformin builds up and hence the severity of lactic acidosis is even greater (Misbin, 2004). The most common contraindications to the use of metformin in people with type II diabetes are renal and liver dysfunctions, congestive heart failure and advanced age, ≠¥ 80 years, and the mortality rate of lactic acidosis is close to 50% (McCormack et al, 2005). But although heart failure has long been known as a contraindication for metformin use a systemic review 2007 showed that metformin is the only anti-diabetic drug that is not associated with any harm in patients withheart failure Eurich et al, 2007). A Medline searched review on the evidence for the use of metformin in the presence of these contradictions concludes that metformin treatment alone does not result in lactic acidosis unless other contributing factors exist as well (Tahrani et al, 2007). However if ingested in toxic doses or in the presence of renal elimination impairment, lactic acidosis does occur (Fitzgerald et al, 2009). The renal function of patients using metfomin should be regularly monitored. It showed be withdrawn if there is any disturbance in the renal function found. Figure 4 shows the current recommendations on contraindications and guidelines for the withdrawal of metformin. Metformin dose should be reviewed if serum creatinine level is greater than 130  µmol/l and a cut-off serum creatinine level above which metformin should be stopped is 150 µmol/l (Fitzgerald et al, 2009). It should be withdrawn during suspected tissue hypoxia that is a condition in which body tissues are deprived of adequate oxygen so cells are forced to respire anaerobically. Patients aged greater than 80 years are at greater risk because they are more likely to have heart problems and kidney or hepatic dysfunctions and patients should be more careful about their alcohol intake while they are on metformin because alcohol can seriously harm liver and that can lead to lactic acidosis (Tahrani et al. BMJ 2007). Metfor min should be withdrawn before any radiographical procedures involving iodinated contrast and should remain discontinued until after three days as this contrast dye may temporarily impair kidney function and cause the retention of metformin indirectly leading to lactic acidosis (Thomsen andMorcos, 2003) â€Å"Review dose of metformin * If serum creatinine is >130  µmol/l or estimated glomerular filtration rate is Stop metformin * If serum creatinine is >150  µmol/l or estimated glomerular filtration rate is Withdraw metformin* * During periods of suspected tissue hypoxia (such as myocardial infarction, sepsis) * For three days after use of contrast medium that contains iodine * Two days before general anaesthesia *Reinstate when renal function stabilises Contraindications * Renal dysfunction * Congestive cardiac failure needing drug treatment * Hypersensitivity to metformin * Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis * Impaired hepatic function Precautions * Age >80 years until renal dysfunction ruled out * Acute myocardial infarction * Radiological studies involving iodinated contrast * Surgical procedures * Alcohol intake † Salpeter et al (2003), in a system review considered 194 studies published between 1, 1959, and March 31, 2002 that evaluated metformin mono therapy or in combination with other treatments for at least one month, in data from these 194 studies there were no fatal or nonfatal lactic acidosis cases found in 36,893 patient-years in the metformin group or in 30,109 patients-years in the nonmetformin or placebo group. It also did not find any difference in lactate levels in metformin therapy and placebo or other non-biguanide therapies. This systemic review concluded that there is no evidence to support association of metformin therapy with increased risk of lactic acidosis or increased lactate level compared with other antihyperglycemic treatments provided that the drugs are prescribed in a suitable dose and all the contraindications are taken into account. Another side effect to the use of metformin is that when it is used in long term it is associated with malabsorption of vitamin B12 (Ting et al, 2006). Combination with other antidiabetic drugs Metformin monotherapy works well with life style interventions in type II diabetic patients but when Type II Diabetes is not controlled with Metformin monotherapy adequately it is often combined with other antidiabetic drugs to maximise its effect. The combination of metformin with rosiglitazone as a single product is known as Avandame, itwas approved by the FDA in October 2002 for the treatment of diabetes and although it has not been appraised by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) yet it is often prescribed to patients with type II diabetes who fail to control their glycaemia despite the maximum dose of metformin (Diabetes UK, 2009). The active constituent of Avandamet, metformin and rosiglitazone,have different mechanism of action complementing the action of each other. The tolerability profile of Avandamet is similar to that of metformin, it is more effective in terms of lowering the HbA1c level than metformin or rosiglitazone (Wellington, 2005). Pooled data from two double-blind studies that involved 550 patients randomised to be given metformin with rosiglitazone or placebo patients were divided into obese, overweight or non-overweight. Patients from all groups improved their level of HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) to a clinically important extent but the greatest improvement was found in the obese group, these patients improved their glycaemic control, beta cell function and insulin sensitivity with the addition of rosiglitazone to metformin than those who received placebo/metformin (Jones et al, 2003). Metformin can be combined with glyburide which is a member of sulphonylureas and it acts by enhancing insulin release from the cell of pancrease. The combination of these two drugs is proves to be successful in improving the glycaemic control in patients with type II diabetes Studies, such as sixteen week multicenter, randomized, double-blind, 4-arm and parallel clinical trial study (Chien et al, 2007) that involved a total of 100 Chinese patients with type II diabetes and out of which 76 were randomly given metformin 500mg, glyburide 5mg, glyburide/metformin 2.5 mg/500 mg or glyburide/metformin 5.0mg/500mg. After 16 weeks, those who received a combination of both drugs had a greater decrease in both fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c compared with those who received either metformin or glyburide. Insulin therapy alone sometimes fails in patients for the treatment of type II diabetes so metformin can be added to improve the sensitivity of insulin and this combination of two drugs results in superior glycaemic control compared with metformin or insulin alone and it also minimizes the weight gain in insulin therapy ( Wulffele et al, 2002). Continued use of metformin after insulin introduction patients with type II diabetes not only reduce weight and improve glycaemic control but have beneficial effect on cardiovascular outcomes (Kooy, 2009). Addition of pioglitazone to metformin is another combination for the treatment of type II diabetes, this is shown in double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial done by Kaku (2009), compared with metformin monotherapy patients who received pioglitazone plus metformin improved their HbA1C by mean 0.67% and they significantly improved their fasting glucose level and other important markers such as free fatty acids, adiponectin and HDL, that are linked with increased insulin resistance and cardiovascular risks. Metformin can also be combined with other antidiabetic oral agents as a triple therapy for diabetes type II. In a study which was supported by Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceutical Research Institute, 365 patients who were given metformin/glyburide treatment prior to a 24-week double-blind treatment were either assigned to rosiglitazone or placebo while carrying on with metformin, 40% of those patients who received rosiglitazone in addition to metformin/glyburide were able to achieve final HbA1c less than 7.0% and this study concluded that combination of rosiglitazone to metformin/glyburide is â€Å"an effective therapeutic strategy† for those who are unable to control their glycaemia and this treatment is beneficial for lowering HbA1C and fasting plasma glucose levels (Dailey et al, 2004). Who should be treated? Metformin is a very effective antihyperglaecamic drug for patients with diabetes type II and the American Diabetes Association (2006) recommended it as the first drug of choice for patients. Metformin is a preferred treatment for obese diabetics. In most of the cases Type II diabetes is associated with another disorder, obesity (Krentz et al, 2008). Obesity increases the risk of developing type II diabetes and many antidiabetic drugs increase body weight whereas, metformin demonstrates a significant weight loss in type II diabetic patients, Golay (2007) in his review on summarising the effect of metformin on body weight confirms that metformin has been shown to induce weight loss in nondiabetic obese patients, although long term studies on these patients are very rare. Therefore patients with obesity and on the risk of developing diabetes type II should start on metformin. Metformin is also effective with regards to strokes in obese/overweight patients i.e. those on the risk of developing diabetes. UKPD showed a significant reduction in myocardial

Diet Pills: The Miraculous Weight Loss Formula? :: Persuasive Research Essays

Below is part of the sample persuasive research essay. Please note: †¢ how the introduction introduces the topic and offers a clear forecast of the essay's thesis (the author's position and stated reasons) †¢ how the conclusion restates the thesis and ends with a call to action †¢ how each character’s speech is fully developed: each speech has the three "E"s of paragraph organization and development: Exposition, Examples, and Explanation. To illustrate these components, in the paragraph below I've placed the exposition (claim and stated reason and background) in blue, the examples in green, the explanation in purple, and the concluding statement in orange. Note: While Jeanne offers one extended example and explanation in this paragraph, I would encourage you to have at least two examples for each stated reason. †¢ how secondary sources are integrated into Jeanne's own prose, how they are "tagged" for the reader and to increase Jeanne's credibility with her audience, and how they are cited. Diet Pills: The Miraculous Weight Loss Formula? If you have ever considered losing weight, you have probably heard of the various kinds of diet pills available. Diet pills claim to "melt away the fat." They sound like the perfect solution to shed a few pounds, but research tells a different story. Diet pills became popular in 1996. The most common ingredients were Redux and fenfluramin/phentermine, which posed as appetite suppressants. The pills seemed to suck up the fat, and people were losing anywhere between 25-50 pounds in months. The FDA no longer approves the use of Redux or fen/phen, but new ingredients have made diet pills just as popular. An herb called ephedra is currently the most common substance in diet pills. Ephedra is still available for over the counter distribution, but the FDA is researching the side effects. Many cases of heart diseases and strokes have been linked to the herb. The use of diet pills is not recommended, but the advice does not stop many Americans. Diet pills are dangerous and should not be taken. The pills should be avoided because they do not provide a safe or effective way to lose weight, cause heart valve disease and other complications, and are used as a replacement for physical activity. [Jeanne next offers a paragraph with evidence and explanation for her first stated reason. Within this paragraph, after providing a topic sentence and further exposition, she introduces and tags her evidence by identifying the profession and source of the quotation, increasing her own credibility as an author on this subject: Diet Pills: The Miraculous Weight Loss Formula? :: Persuasive Research Essays Below is part of the sample persuasive research essay. Please note: †¢ how the introduction introduces the topic and offers a clear forecast of the essay's thesis (the author's position and stated reasons) †¢ how the conclusion restates the thesis and ends with a call to action †¢ how each character’s speech is fully developed: each speech has the three "E"s of paragraph organization and development: Exposition, Examples, and Explanation. To illustrate these components, in the paragraph below I've placed the exposition (claim and stated reason and background) in blue, the examples in green, the explanation in purple, and the concluding statement in orange. Note: While Jeanne offers one extended example and explanation in this paragraph, I would encourage you to have at least two examples for each stated reason. †¢ how secondary sources are integrated into Jeanne's own prose, how they are "tagged" for the reader and to increase Jeanne's credibility with her audience, and how they are cited. Diet Pills: The Miraculous Weight Loss Formula? If you have ever considered losing weight, you have probably heard of the various kinds of diet pills available. Diet pills claim to "melt away the fat." They sound like the perfect solution to shed a few pounds, but research tells a different story. Diet pills became popular in 1996. The most common ingredients were Redux and fenfluramin/phentermine, which posed as appetite suppressants. The pills seemed to suck up the fat, and people were losing anywhere between 25-50 pounds in months. The FDA no longer approves the use of Redux or fen/phen, but new ingredients have made diet pills just as popular. An herb called ephedra is currently the most common substance in diet pills. Ephedra is still available for over the counter distribution, but the FDA is researching the side effects. Many cases of heart diseases and strokes have been linked to the herb. The use of diet pills is not recommended, but the advice does not stop many Americans. Diet pills are dangerous and should not be taken. The pills should be avoided because they do not provide a safe or effective way to lose weight, cause heart valve disease and other complications, and are used as a replacement for physical activity. [Jeanne next offers a paragraph with evidence and explanation for her first stated reason. Within this paragraph, after providing a topic sentence and further exposition, she introduces and tags her evidence by identifying the profession and source of the quotation, increasing her own credibility as an author on this subject:

Essay --

Table of Contents I. Executive Summary †¦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‚¬ ¦ II. Description of Business†¦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‚¬ ¦ III. Management†¦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‚¬ ¦. IV. Market†¦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‚¬ ¦... V. Financials†¦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‚¬ ¦.. Executive Summary: Krystal Melendez The average day care model accepts children from birth to about 12 or 13 years old. Business hours being between 7am to 8 pm, Monday- Friday, maybe Saturday. It is often difficult for parents/guardians to find a child care provider that will allow their child to sleep overnight or after regular business hours on a routine basis. Slumber Care is a 24 hour, year round child care center catering to infant and adolescent age groups. The services offered are ideal for parents/guardians who have rotating shifts, late shifts, are in need of a break, or have an emergency situation. Including those individuals who are facing barriers and obstacles in employment due to the inability of available services offered during their particular job schedule. Slumber Care will generate income by charging tuition f...

The Heidi Chronicles Essay -- essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"The Heidi Chronicles† by Wendy Wasserstein kept my interest so much that I could not put it down until I was to the last page. I liked how the issue of sexuality played a role along with the issue of feminist goals in this play. I believe they complimented one another in that both groups strive for equal right among the majority. For example when Peter starts to march with the other women from the Art Institute. It shows that he is standing for a cause the effects another minority group in our society: women.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   I found Susan very interesting in the play. At the beginning she is always concerned with impressing the guys, rolling her skirt to appear more attractive. Peter makes a correlation in that Susan gave herself Stigmatas, resembling the wounds suffered by Jesus, in the waist with straight pins. I just find that so ironic; she tortured herself in the pursuit of men, being looked upon more as a sexual object than a human being. On the other hand, she tried to be a feminist to the point of moving to a women’s health and legal collective in Montana, where she met and dated Molly. I wonder if she really wants Molly or decided to play the other team because she was so discussed by men? Or a little bit of both.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Heidi knows a variety of men through out this play. There is Peter, I really think she likes Peter, he has a good heart, is caring for her, and believes for equal rights f...

666666666

According to Hector Avalos, religions might preach peace, love, and harmony, but establishing a textual canon or sacred site which only some have privileged access to also establishes an illusory â€Å"scarcity† which causes people to fight. This is the intent of religious leaders, but it's an inevitable outgrowth of their actions — and we can see this occurring in the context of Islam with its holy sites and cities: Mecca, Medina, the Dome of the Rock, Hebron, and so on. Each city is holy to Muslims, but while Muslims focus on what they regard as the positive aspects, they cannot pretend that the negative aspects don't exist.Moreover, even the positive aspects can be criticized as often inaccurate. The holiness of each site is associated with violence against other religions or against other Muslims and their importance has been as dependent on politics as religion, a sign of the degree to which political ideologies and parties make use of the religious concept of â₠¬Å"holiness† to further their own agendas. Mecca Islam's holiest site, Mecca, is where Muhammad was born. During his exile in Medina, Muhammad had his followers pray in the direction of Mecca instead of Jerusalem which was the original orientation site.Going on a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a person's life is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Mecca is closed to non-Muslims because of a revelation Muhammad allegedly received from God, but some outsiders have entered while disguised as Muslims. Even before Muhammad, Mecca was a pilgrimage site for pagan polytheists and some argue that the Muslim practice of pilgrimage was borrowed from those ancient rituals. Some scholars argue that because Jews and Christians rejected Muhammad's message, ancient pagan practices had to be incorporated into Islam in order to more easily capture the allegiance of local polytheists.Christianity did much the same throughout Europe in order to convert pagans there. Located in the courtyard o f the Great Mosque in Mecca is a windowless cube known as the Kaaba, believed by Muslims to have been built by the prophet Abraham In the southeastern corner of the Kaaba is the â€Å"Black Stone,† an object which Muslims believe was given to Abraham by the angel Gabriel. Reports of local pagans worshipping gods in the form of stones go back centuries and Muhammad probably incorporated this practice through the Kabaa itself.Pagan rituals were thus re-told through the lives of biblical characters and so that local practices could continue under the guise of Muslim tradition. Medina Medina is where Muhammad was exiled after he found little support for his ideas in his home city of Mecca, making it the second holiest site in Islam. There was a large Jewish community in Medina which Muhammad had hoped to convert, but his failure eventually led him to banish, enslave, or kill every Jew in the area. The presence of non-believers was at first an affront to Muhammad's claims that his religion superseded theirs; later, it was an affront to the holiness of the place.Medina was also the capital of the Muslim empire until 661 when it was moved to Damascus. Despite its religious status, this loss of political power caused the city to decline precipitously and it had little influence during the Middle Ages. Medina's modern rise to prominence was again due to politics, not religion: after Britain occupied Egypt, the Ottoman occupiers of the region funneled communications through Medina, transforming it into a major transportation and communication center. Thus the importance, decline, and growth of Medina was always dependent upon the political situation, not on religion or religious beliefs.Dome of the Rock The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem is a Muslim shrine which stands where the first Jewish temple is believed to have stood, where Abraham tried to sacrifice his son to God, and where Muhammad ascended into heaven in order to receive God's commandments. For Muslims this is the third holiest site for pilgrimage, after Mecca and Medina. It may be the oldest surviving example of early Islamic architecture and is modeled after the Christian Church of the Holy Sepulchre, located nearby. Control of the site is a hotly contested issue for Muslims and Jews.Many devout Jews would like to see the mosques torn down and the Temple reconstructed in their place, but this would destroy one of the holiest sites of Islam and lead to a religious war of unprecedented proportions. True Believers have gathered together in a variety of Third Temple societies in active preparation, even going so far as to prepare the precise clothing, coinage, and sacrificial implements needed for use in a rebuilt Temple. Stories have spread among Muslims that the creation of Israel was the first step in an apocalyptic process which will culminate in the total triumph of Islam over all the world.The Dome of the Rock is thus one of the best examples of Avalos' argument about how reli gions create false scarcities which encourage violence. There are no natural resources on this site which humans might be expected to fight over — no oil, water, gold, etc. Instead, people are willing to launch an apocalyptic war simply because they all believe that the site is â€Å"holy† to them and, therefore, that only they should be allowed to control and build upon it. Hebron The city of Hebron is holy for both Muslims and Jews because it contains the â€Å"Cave of the Patriarchs,† supposedly a tomb for Abraham and his family.During the Six Day War of June, 1967, Israel seized Hebron along with the rest of the West Bank. After this war, hundreds of Israelis settled in the area, creating conflict with thousands of Palestinian neighbors. Because of this, Hebron has become a symbol of Israeli-Palestinian hostilities — and thus of interreligious strife, suspicion, and violence. It's not possible for both Jews and Muslims to have exclusive control of Heb ron and neither group is willing to share control. It's only because of the insistence of both that the city is â€Å"holy† that they fight over it at all, though.Mashhad Mashhhad, Iran, is the site for the burial places and shrines for all twelve of the imams revered by the Twelver Shia Muslims. These holy men, believed to be a source of sanctity, are all martyrs because they were murdered, poisoned, or otherwise persecuted. It wasn't Christians or Jews who did this, though, but other Muslims. These shrines to the early imams are treated by Shia Muslims today as religious symbols, but if anything they are symbols for the ability of religion, including Islam, to encourage violence, brutality, and division among believers. QomQom, Iran, is an important pilgrimage site for the Shi'a because of the burial sites of numerous shahs. The Borujerdi mosque is opened and closed each day by government guards who praise Iran's Islamic government. It is also the site of Shia theology trai ning — and thus also of Shia political activism. When the Ayatollah Khomeini returned to Iran from exile, his first stop was Qom. The city is thus as much a political shrine as it is a religious one, a monument to authoritarian politics and the authoritarian religion which provides politics with existential justification. –>

A Socio-Economic Model for Sustainable Fashion

Abstract At times when sustainability seems to be the mantra for not only corporations but also the lay man, sustainable fashion is a much less understood term as â€Å"sustainability† alongside â€Å"fashion† are two seemingly contradictory concepts as fashion is all about change and sustainability is all about preservation. Sustainable fashion, in its purest form generates new ideas on how to produce fashion with a sense of ethics, organic or renewable resources, and socially responsible manufacturing techniques. Simply put, the term â€Å"eco-fashion† refers to stylized clothing that uses environmentally sensitive fabrics and responsible production techniques. Our first motive is to spread awareness amongst the mass about sustainable fashion and the affects its absence has on our environment. The fashion industry is based on a model of continual economic growth fuelled by ever-increasing consumption of resources. What needs to be retained is – continual economic growth and what needs to be changed is – ever-increasing resource consumption. So what I propose here is an idea which can possibly be a giant step towards sustainable fashion. The concept central to this idea is – reusability. So what is to be done is that there is a central organization called SFO, Sustainable Fashion Organization. The SFO buys all the to-be-thrown or to-be-wasted clothes on a massive scale. Then the clothes are analysed and classified on the basis of their reusable ratio. The clothes which are good enough have a high reusable ratio. The best breeds are recycled and reused to create new clothes that are eco-friendly, economic and sustainable. While the not so good breeds are used in other areas like manufacturing doormats and bags. In this paper, we try to present a model of business, that will be in optimal interest to industry, consumers, earth and ecosystem. A Socio-Economic Model for Sustainable fashion Sustainable fashion is creating a sustainable product with creativity and great innovation. Fashion is subject to creativity but sustainability is preserving, thus with fast moving competitive world it is hard to find the space for the word sustainable. There is lot of research taking place to find the most sustainable fiber but we all know that times flies and research continues. Many designers have begun experimenting with bamboo fibre, which absorbs greenhouse gases during its life cycle and grows quickly and in plenty without pesticides. Although it also causes environmental harm in production due to the chemicals used to create a soft viscose from hard bamboo. Hemp is one of the best choices for eco fabrics due to its ease of growth, though it is illegal to grow in some countries. Other alternative is synthetic fibers while critics still point to the chemicals used in making synthetic materials, this method significantly reduces water consumption and pollution, while cotton (organic or not) uses a tremendous amount of water during the growth and dyeing phases. Future holds a great deal of importance in our world but the present is equally responsible for it. All research and development is for future something which is uncertain, which is yet to be discovered. My business model is for present and preserving future. Current Scenario Gorman clothing, Stewart +Brown, Avita, Delano Collection, Look Organics etc are some of international brand which are into organic eco fashion but cost of production is still high due to the small market. Fashion industry is doing a lot to preserve the future but return on investment is low, the market share is small as the products are not readily available and they are expensive. People are not aware of fashion sustainability and they do not know which fibers life span is high with less carbon footprint. They are not familiar with the problems associated with fashion products as for most of the people cotton is sustainable and eco friendly; they are not educated on things like which garment is harmful, how to dispose the garment etc. What is the difference between the jute fibers or organic cotton is not known SFO We need to understand how SFO generate value for the consumers and how they generate revenue for their profitable running. Value Generations Maintaining sustainable development – the main reason and production of the sustainable fashion is eco friendly environment. Inculcating new habits – making the consumer understand the essence of sustainability and building loyal brand. Awareness – perception of fast fashion is quite wrong as it is actually not about throw away clothing but a management system that can improve the efficiency. Business Model SFO is an organization which is formed to help the other existing brand and organization working on sustainable fashion by reusing the fashion products and re design them for further usage. SFO is using the zero wastage method of sustainability and helps out other fashion organization in achieving zero waste. The method will be a continuous method of sustainability. The organizations will purchases the used garment or clothes and then check the life span of the garment. After evaluating the durability of the garment it is either reused to form a new garment or send to NGO’s. SFO will be having a tie with NGO’s and will be seeking cooperation from their end as well. Wearable will be given to NGO’s and those garments will be further utilized to the extent that they cannot be termed as wearable and then the NGO’s return the garment to SFO. Then the garment is again evaluated and divided in different slots according to their life span and fabric type. Garment is further cleaned and disinfected and made presentable in a form of raw material and once the procedure is completed it supply’s the garment to different brands. The brand then reuses recycle or redesign the garment and manufacture a new garment. Business functioning Step 1 – Understanding the working of different organization and brand and pursuing them to be a part of sustainable fashion. Taking help from NGO’s and seeking cooperation from their end. Step 2 – Purchasing the used garment from the public after evaluating the depression of the product. Step 3 – The garment is further studied and after understanding the durability it is supplied to NGO’s Step 4 – NGO’s will return the garment after using them. Step 5 – Then the used garment is cleaned and converted into raw material and supplied to different brands. Step 6 – These brands then manufacture a new garment by using the second hand raw material Revenue Generation Sustainable fashion can be profitable because shoppers today are looking for something more meaningful. Consumers are accepting the concept of reuse and recycle in a creative way. SFO will be affiliated with other organization or brand. So that SFO can afford and buy the used products from the public and keeps a certain margin with them. It is basically formed for readily available sustainable fashion therefore the garment wouldn’t be purchased or sold with high margin. The motto of SFO is employment and sustainable fashion with profitability. Risk Hesitancy level might be high as the products are used and then reproduced with new designs – people normally don’t like wearing second hand garment considering the health problem associated with it. Consumer might prefer to buy expensive organic product rather than going for low product sustainable fashion – with high economic growth rate people would like to spend more rather than going for redesigned products. Chaos among the brands associated with SFO – consumer might not have a clear picture of the product quality as every organization has its own quality measures. Opportunity Willingness to buy sustainable fashion – majority of people are fashion oriented and sustainable fashion is in demand. Consciously worried toward the environment – with rapid educations and consumer awareness people understand the importance of eco friendly environment and they are willing to be a part of it. Easy collaboration with other brands practicing sustainable fashion – existing brand association is not difficult with the help of their sustainable new ideas and concept of reuse , recycle and redesign can be inculcated. Low amount of investment – SFO doesn’t need huge investment as it will be associated with brand and organization. The purchase of the second hand garment can be done with the help of these brands. Employment – lot of people are working on sustainable fashion these people can be employed and given a platform to exhibit their ideas and concept. Sustainable institutes – the sustainable fashion academy, Danish fashion institute, refashion designers can be of great help. These institute and designers can work with SFO and help in achieving the goal of eco friendly environment. Recommendation Adequate awareness among the consumer is required regarding the SFO and its redesigned products. Any preconceived notion should be eliminated and customer helpline should be there to help out them with their questions. Not compromising on product quality should be maintained so that the consumer believes in the brand and its products. Hygiene should be given priority keeping in mind that people are hesitant towards the second hand products so one mistake can dilute the brand image. Initially the profit would be low as the market share is small. Therefore to attract huge market share product quality at low price should be done. Pricing strategy should be market penetration and later on price skimming can be adopted with new products. Brand should be responsible for their product quality and design. Each brand should remain a ‘brand’ without merging with SFO. The competition level remains the same within the brands. Each brand will use their own designing team to redesign the garment. SFO can be set as a standard mark for the organization for recognition and brand building. Conclusion Sustainable fashion will be really profitable and there is a huge potential, but first we need to create an ecosystem for that. Sustainable fashion organizations can be a milestone to set standard and accountability among different brands and organization. Every process is a continuous process but I believe time is money so while the research for sustainable fiber is in progress, we should restructure the existing industry to achieve certain sustainable development. Fashion is hard to stop but it can be preserved forever. The redesigning for the same garment gives more scope to innovation and creativity. With the big brand a small plan can be executed to make the consumer equally responsible for the eco friendly environment along with the industry. It is every individuals responsibility to play its duty properly considering the welfare of the society and rather than being completely dependent on government and industries. SFO is an organization which is awaking the public to stand and support the cause of sustainability. Reference Sustainable fashion meets eco-friendly energy, 27 October 2009 -http://www. meridianenergy. co. nz/AboutUs/News/SustainableFfashionMeetsEecofriendlyEnergy. htm Sustainable Fashion – http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Sustainable_fashion Fashion conscious, may 15- July 13, 2008 , University of California Davis design Museum Davis CA – http://sustainablefashion. blogspot. com/ Sustainable fashion forum – http://www. fashionaccess. aplf. com/TheFair/OnsiteEvents/SustainableFashionForum/tabid/1106/language/en-US/Default. aspx