Neural Tube Defects

Human birth defects, today, continues to be a highly investigated research. There remain many convoluted combination of genetic and environmental factors that can cause birth defects. While some conditions are easily repaired through surgery, neural tube defects (NTDs) present problems even after surgery. Many steps can be taken for the pregnant mother to prevent any chances of birth defects. There are two major ways of preventing NTD. First, a daily dose of folic acid is known to prevent NTD and other birth defects during pregnancy. Second, surgical in utero, or â€Å"in the uterus†, repair of NTD improves the chances of patient mortality (Finnel et. al, 2013). Despite of medical and technological advances, we know very little about how folic acid acts on NTDs. And as previously mentioned, even after surgical repair, the chances of a successful or normal birth are unknown. This research paper investigates the role of folic acid and its role in neural tube defects. We discuss recent research to find our answers. Overview of embryology and NTDs. Neural tube defects are often developed during early embryonic development. During embryogenesis, the defects arise when the flat sheet of cells that rolls up but does not close shut to form a hollow central nervous system. There are two common conditions: NTDs that are restricted to the cranial region are referred to as anencephaly. It is characterized by failure of the rostral (head) portion of the neural tube to close. This result in an absence of thee brain, skull, and scalp. Defects that occur along the audal, or tail end, of the neural tube are called spinal bifida. More commonly occurring than anencephaly, spinal bifida affects structures through which the minenges and the spinal cord protrude. When both the cranial and the caudal portions fail to close, this extremely rare and lethal NTD is called craniorachischisis (Aldoori et. al, 2008; Finnel et. al, 2013). Epidemiology Annually in the United States, there are approximately 3000 pregnancies affected by spinal bifida or anencephaly. This number can easily be reduced by half by a folic acid supplement. The highest rate occurs in Hispanic populations because they have low folic acid levels in their diet. The current prevalence of NTDs as a collective is approximately 1 in every 2000 births. Although the prevalence rates vary from country to country, it is clear that there are three aspects that control the development of such conditions: genetic, environmental, and nutrition. The most common and difficult to account for are the affects of environment and nutrition on the growing embryo, specifically diabetes, obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption (CDC, 2011). The biology of NTDs The complex nature and the process of neural tube closure have temporarily halted our understanding of folic acid and its interactions during NTDs. As a collection of many autonomous and region-specific cells, many researchers suggest that along with the lengthening of the neural tissues, the epidermis also provides a guiding force to help fold and close the neural tube. This fusion links two neural folds into a sheet covering the outer portion hollow neural tube. Furthermore, the closing process of the neural tube occurs at multiple sites along the rostrocaudal axis, or head to tail axis, instead of progressing from one end to the other in a continuous motion (Finnel et. al, 2013). Another complication occurs when the cells that help close the neural tube differ regionally along the neural tube. This causes irreversible and incurable conditions like spinal bifida and anencephaly. What we know now is collectively from amphibians and chick embryos. These studies provide a deeper understanding of how an embryo morphs, the cells involved, and the mechanism through which the regional cells cause NTDs and other conditions (Finnel et. al, 2013). Folic acid and NTDs According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, it is recommended that a daily dose of 400 microgram of folic acid be prescribed to females at least one month planning for pregnancy. The question of how folic acid acts on the NTDs is still very unclear. However, the research conducted helps to clarify that some cellular activity may be involved. Research studies using mice suggest that this may start from the biosynthesis of DNA, RNA, and other structural proteins and lipids. â€Å"Therefore, deficits in folic acid metabolism could affect cell proliferation, cell survival, transcriptional regulation, or a host of other cellular reactions; defects in any of these processes could disrupt neural tube closure† (Finnel et. al, 2013). Mutations in mice were studied using genetics and environment. In these experiments, several mutations of mice were compared using various biomarkers. The genetic approach sought for alterations in the pathway of mutations when there was a deficiency of folic acid. The environmental study researched the responsiveness, of genes and its environment and the external environment (predominantly nutrition), to folic acid in hopes of surfacing mechanisms through which folic acid promotes neural tube closure (Finnel et. al, 2013). To summarize, there is a very poor understanding of how folic acid promotes neural tube closure and very little insight into distinctly clarifying the specific pathways that folic acid prevents the aforementioned NTDs, regardless of the three factors. The continuation of research using mice (because they have a very similar neural development as humans) provides hope to find the various â€Å"developmental processes and molecular pathways can be related in terms of folic acid responsiveness and to gain molecular insights into optimal interventions to prevent NTDs† (Finnel et. al, 2013). Nutrition and supplements As mention before, the recommended daily dose of folic acid is 400 micrograms (or 0. 4 milligrams). This can be easily achieved by eating breakfast cereals (serving sizes may vary), flour (breads and pastas), white rice, and cornmeal. It is also strongly recommended that women who are breastfeeding or are on birth control continue to take their daily dose of folic acid unless directed by their physician (Women’s Health, 2010). Many supplements today contain a blend of vitamins and minerals to help sustain the body and many have a 100 percent of the recommended daily dose, including folic acid. As one passes the child-bearing age, the dosage is maintained along with sufficient amount of vitamin B12 for overall good health (Women’s Health, 2010). NTDs are most common in women who don’t have adequate amounts of folic acid, including the Hispanic population and those without adequate medical aid. The mechanism through which folic acid reacts with the embryo is unclear. A deficit of folic acid, initially, results in spinal bifida and anencephaly and could cause other defects, including stillbirths. An excess of folic acid causes nerve damage to the parent, which could potentially translate to the embryo. Although much research has already been done, the animal studies provide a bright outlook to solving this dilemma.

The Sow

In Sylvia Plath’s poem the Sow, the fascinated narrator describes his encounter with his neighbors pig for the first time. Sylvia Plath uses diction and allusions to describe the sow from the narrator’s perspective. The poem also features an attitude shift towards the pig from this mysterious prize to this disappointing pig. The poem starts off with an aura of mystery. She describes the neighbor’s behavior using words and phrases like â€Å"shrewd secret† and â€Å"impounded from public stare. You can tell that the neighbor is trying to hide his ribbon winning pig from the public and that he is very proud of his pig. The narrator is very curious as to what this ribbon winning pig looks like. He is so curious to the point that he is commended to find his way through the â€Å"lantern-lit maze of barns† to see this pig. When he sees the pig for the first time the mood of the poem shifts. When he sees the pig for the first time he, it’s not wha t he had expected.He says â€Å"this was no rose-and-larkspurred china† which implies the imperfections he finds with the pig. As he begins to describe the pig, his tone changes from wonder to pity for the pig. He describes the pig as a â€Å"Brobdingnag bulk† to describe how big this pig is by comparing it to the giants that live in Jonathan Swifts book Gulliver’s Travels. He sees this pig as this fat pig that can barely move, and is slowly rotting away, â€Å"on that black compost, fat-rutted eyes dream filled†.He also compares the pig to an â€Å"our marvel blazoned a knight, helmed, in cuirass, unhorsed and shredded in the grove of combat by a grisly-bristled boar†. He sees the fat of the pig as armor and its scars as to those of battle wounds. Sylvia Plath was able to show the different thoughts the narrator has of his neighbors pig. She is able to show us how the narrator thinks that this pig is this magnificent creature even though itâ€℠¢s not. Through diction, comparisons, and allusions Sylvia Plath is able to show us what the narrator is seeing and feeling though out the poem.

Tinnitus Management Therapy

Goebel, Gerhard; Rief, Winfried; Wise, Karen. 1998. Meeting the expectations of chronic tinnitus patients: Comparison of a structured group therapy program for tinnitus management with a problem solving group. Journal of Psychosomatic Research. 44 (6). 681-685 A therapy called tinnitus management therapy or TMT was developed using ideas of cognitive-behavioral therapy for two different groups. One-hundred fourty-four patients suffering form tinnitus aged 19-74 years were treated with this TMT compared with a normal kind of problem solving group therapy. The patients self-rated themselves on how helpful each treatment was in dealing with life problems as well as how seriously they thought that were being treated and taken seriously. These self-ratings helped professionals find that the TMT therapy worked better for these patients in coping with all the aspects of tinnitus. Anderson, Gerhard. 1997. Prior treatments in a group of tinnitus sufferers seeking treatment. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics. 66 (2). 107-110. Four groups were obtained from sixty-nine tinnitus sufferers aged 22-76 years to try and describe the distress they go through based on if they have had treatment or not. The four groups were: not treatment (24 people), acupuncture (19 people), relaxation (13 people), other treatments. (13 people). These people were asked to rate helplessness, capacity for rest, acceptability of change, emotional effects, hearing and ability to ignore using the Tinnitus Effect Questionaire. The only major difference that was found was that the untreated group had more acceptability for change. Hegel, Mark T; Martin, John B. 1998. Behavioral treatment of pulsative tinnitus and headache following traumatic head injuries: Objective polygraphic assessment of change. Behavior Modification. 22 (4). Pg. 563-573 This study was done on a 37 year old male that had a traumatic head injury. He was evaluated and put through behavioral treatment that included a polygraphic assessment of vasomotor function among other things. Lifestyle modifications and behavioral modifications helped in both functioning and figuring out the underlying physiology that relates to tinnitus. Anderson, Gerhard; Larsen, Hans-Christian. 1997. Cognitive-behavioral treatment of tinnitus in otosclerosis : A case report. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy. 25. 79-82 A male patient aged 52 years with an ear disease (otosclerosis) had symptoms that included tinnitus which caused him obvious physiological distress. The doctors found that the tinnitus that he had was stress-induced and had experienced attacks which seemed horribly unbearable. He was given ten sessions of a cognitive-behavioral therapy program and was tested before and after to find results. These results showed that the attacks became less frequent, easier to handle, and decreased annoyance, which in turn helped him cope better. Erlandsson, Soly I. 1998. Psychological counseling in a medical setting-some clinical examples given by patients with tinnitus and Meneire's disease. International Journal for the Advancement of Counseling. 20 (4). 265-276. Counseling patients with Meniere's disease showed that a defensive response to tinnitus or Meniere's disease caused a state of dysfunction and that their psychological adaption was hindered. Some of the patients found it difficult to even talk about the first attack that they experienced of the tinnitus and Meniere's disease. The counselors concluded that the reason these people are trying to find help is because they are afraid of suffering a mental breakdown. They don't think it has much to do with the physical disease, so specialists need to come at it from a psychological perspective.

TQM IMPELEMENTION Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

TQM IMPELEMENTION - Research Paper Example TQM works on the assumption that the superiority of goods and processes is normally the conscientiousness of all who are involved in the manufacture or using up of the products and/or services presented by an institute, requiring commitment and the participation of administration, personnel, suppliers, and clientele, to convene or surpass client expectations. ADNOC deals in oil as well as incorporating the petroleum firms in UAE. It produces an average of 21 million barrels daily. ADNOC has diversified its products as well as used benchmarking as a strategy to provide better quality services. ADNOC strives in the provision of quality products by installing such necessary TQM standards in all its operations for example gaming policy allocation in the supply chain, in inventory, it is constructing a stack approach together with adequate support technologically and crucially the human resource (Ross, 1999) Having fourteen subsidiaries, ADNOC has tried in all its bid to ensure that it ha s the requisite resources available just like any other Organization with the most important being the human resource that proves to be the most vital in every Organization. ADNOC treats the planning of the human resource component with some specialty being one of its goals. The company takes notice of the fact that an employee that is not satisfied means hindrance in the Company’s productivity (Rawlins, 2008). There is much diversification of the products offered by the firm. The core objective being to locate, produce and ultimately market the various resources that is natural gas. Vision To develop into a value added dealer of environmentally welcoming, included and highly quality goods and plus the services in the whole gulf Mission: Quality-focused relationship managing a well thought-out logistics support stand providing comprehensive goods and services to the trade of oil & gas, while outstanding in commitment to its clientele, owners, staff and society Marketing Strat egies: ADNOC marketing The firm involves itself in deep analysis of the continuing products in the market. ADNOC has a very well defined market catering for the various clienteles with a sole focus of seeing a rise in demand of the oil in the future and the petrol stations helped through promotion by famous joints that have opened doors around them. This way, the customers converge and are therefore likely to consume fuel in the stations. ADNOC has a very steady brand positioning. Even though the differentiation in price is set by OPEC, the variance there from is managed by them (ADNOC). The firm has many oil reserves managed by the capital ( Rawlins, 2008). As concerns product differentiation, the firm employs such strategies that do achieve some uniqueness. ADNOC takes caution, though on the possibility of the oil exhausting in some time in the future. ADNOC has a very large network to be able to sustain its customers and give an ample time and resources to explore other viable po ints. Being the promoters of the firm, the customers are an integral part in promotion with the channel available both in and outside the boundaries of the country through the maintenance of the customer (Hults, et, al 2012). Products and/or the services provided the brand name of the company as they have over the time marshaled such reputation and therefore very difficult to lose on the grounds of quality. The firm also ensures that there are no flaws in the products or services. The OPEC determines

Eminent Domain Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Eminent Domain - Case Study Example As a result, cities now have wide power to demolish residences for projects such as malls, arenas, hotels and other massive structures in order to generate tax revenue. Justice John Paul Stevens said local officials rather than federal judges, know best in deciding whether a development project will benefit the community. Try explaining that to the poor man who sits on the wrong side of the local official. Stevens further ruled that "states are within their rights to pass additional laws restricting condemnations if residents are overly burdened." Sounds generous, but whom is to decide what constitutes overly burdened How does a single citizen stop the arbitrary and capricious act of the local government Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, the only rational justice stated in her dissent that this ruling was nothing more than well heeled people enjoying "disproportionate influence and power". Applying this decision to the activist justice, means that the justices have no power to make a fair and impartial decision - the very thing that they are elected to do! Anyone can bring a temporary restraining order against the local city or town, but their burden is tremendous, and all that the city need do is demonstrate that the person seeking to keep their home is not overly burdened. What is the judicial threshold What consti

Love the music, what about the musician Research Paper

Love the music, what about the musician - Research Paper Example In addition to this innovation, Liszt brought to his performances a touch of showmanship, at times motioning to the crowd. It’s perhaps these elements that created this popular attention for his music. In addition to making these revolutionary contributions to music during his lifetime, Liszt had a number of tumultuous life events that made him interesting to the general public. In terms of birth, Liszt was from Eastern Europe and later moved to Paris, France, giving him an aura of mystery. Liszt was also indicated to have partaken in a number of amorous affairs that slightly scandalized him among the general public. His relationship with one such woman Marie d'Agoult gained considerable tabloid attention. In addition to being five years his senior, the couple had out-of-wedlock children. D’Agoult would go on to write a gossip novel about her relationship with Liszt. Despite these elements, Liszt was recognized as being an incredibly generous individual. During Lisztâ⠂¬â„¢s lifetime he popularity gained him a sort of mystique that drew individuals to him in strange ways. One such example is a peculiar fascination with his ‘magical’ hands; in these regards, plaster casts were taken of his hands that have survived until the present day. With Liszt’s intriguing and tumultuous existence it should be no surprise that elements of it are reflected in his work. This essay considers Liszt’s work on the symphonic poem ‘Tasso’ in relation to his biographical information. One of the first things one notices about the piece is that it is a symphonic poem, the structure that Liszt is renowned for revolutionizing, a feature that is perhaps reflective of his unique and forward thinking status.

Financial Ratios Analysis and Comparison Paper Essay

Financial Ratios Analysis and Comparison Paper - Essay Example The financial ratios for Universal Health Services have been calculated for the last three years which helps to understand the performance trend of the health care organization. The current ratio and the quick ratio that has been calculated determine the liquidity of Universal Health Services. The return on assets and the return on equity determine the profitability of the organization. The debt equity ratio determines the level of debt incurred by the healthcare group as compared to the equity of the organization. The fixed asset turnover ratio determines the operating performance of the company. The level of liquidity of the group has decreased in a compounded fashion in the last three years and the level of inventory has also increased. The profitability of the healthcare group has increased in a compounded fashion in the last three years. Universal Health Services have been able to reduce the level of debt as compared to the level of equity (Yahoo finance, 2013). The operating performance of UHS has improved as the fixed assets of the organization have been able to generate more revenues. The financial ratios for Universal Health Services (UHS) have been compared with that of another health care organization namely Health Management Associates (HMA). The comparative ratio analysis for the two organizations has been provided for the last three years in order to compare the performance of the organization as compared to the national norms. UHS has maintained a steady level of liquidity over the last three years as compared to MHA. This is evident from the comparative figures of the current ratio. The quick ratio of the two organizations could be compared over the last three years to understand that UHS has been able to manage its inventory better than MHA. The quick ratio for MHA has declined over the years which mean that the inventory level has risen in the last three years. The

Inclusion Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Inclusion Plan - Essay Example Many view this as a step towards the right direction as this has influenced the physically challenged to compete with those that are fit for opportunities in society, which is a move from the conventional discrimination. With this, the establishment of an inclusive plan that helps in the successive integration of persons with disabilities into an ordinary class has become the focus of many institutions, making them to be reputable organizations. In this regard, this essay will design an inclusion plan for a child with autism, in which its development will be in line with the suggestions made by those with autism, their families, caregivers, the public and the various interested partners in the community. Autism is a brain development disorder that develops in children before they attain the age of three characterized by challenges in social interaction, repetitive behavior and non-verbal communication. Autism is one of the disorders under the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis as in the past experts treated them as distinct subtypes. The other disorders that form the ASD umbrella are Asperger’s Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Syndrome, not otherwise specified. Asperger syndrome abbreviated as AS is a condition under the Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) umbrella that influences immense social interaction difficulties and non-verbal communication with those affected by the condition exhibiting repetitive behavioral patterns. AS is a contrary condition as compared to the other Pervasive developmental disorders as because of there is the retention of cognitive development and those with this condition also maintain their linguistic. In terms of costs, a household that has an autistic child spends at least sixty thousand dollars on a yearly basis in relation to the management and education of this childhood disorder in special

Science fiction and films Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Science fiction and films - Essay Example The cyber punk nature of the film ‘Blade Runner’ is explicable as it involves the speculation of role of computerised human clones of the future, which is stimulating. As the film is associated with rave/techno subculture and substitutes enthusiastic blathering about technology, the cyber punk nature of the film was expressed in the way of narration and visuals. As the film involves the exciting about right things and a proper and respectful way of hacking the talent, the film excels in being a science fiction genre that explicitly talks about computerised clones of humans. As the computerised clones in the film are expressed in a highly criminalised manner, the necessity of expression of the criminal nature needs some symbolic lighting and expression that involves the value of life and humanity. As the lead character in the film Deckard prowls in the steel and micro chip jungle of 21st Century, the cyber punk nature of the film is explicitly seen in every inch of the na rration and story. However, the expression of humanity, detachment and precious nature of life involved inherently in the film give it a combined colour of film noir sub genre in addition to cyber punk sub genre for a science fiction genre film.... In addition to that the theme of the film concentrates on the replicant nature of Deckard and the reaction of Gaff about Deckard's dreams. As Gaff will be in control of a replicant the plot is to field an android to destroy unwanted androids. From here, the film introduces film noir sub genre in addition to the cyber punk sub genre in a science fiction genre film. The film noir genre and content of the film lies in the criminal background of replicants and a state killer tracking down them. As the plot is to murder the artificial people for their illegal acts (wanting to live more than the stipulated time against the wishes of the administration), the film noir nature of the film is expressed well by frequent voice over in the film. 2 In addition to that the general brutality (the brutality of four replicants, whom Deckard has to execute) violence and harsh dialogue are present in the characters. The harsh dialogue can be seen in the expression of the leader of the replicants who confront with their creator. As the inherent activities of replicants are related to crime and horror, the lead character also express some attributes of film noir with a trench coat and a gun. In addition to that there are anti hero characters in Deckard as he drinks too much, loner and does not trusts authorities. Though Deckard is a detective, the harsh dialogues like "They do not advertise for killers. I am not in the business. I am the business. If You are not a cop, you are little people", makes the narration of the film to have a noir type of content. One more aspect that establishes the noir nature in the film is that the violence is brutal and graphic. As the duty of Deckard is fatal (he is to kill the

Literature Adaptations Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Literature Adaptations - Movie Review Example Since then, this story is continually being told to children and society has seen many adaptations including Jordan and Carter's controversial "The Company f Wolves." Be it presented as literature, oral storytelling, or cinematography these sources have one theme in common: they tell a cautionary tale f the warnings f entering adolescence. In comparing the historical, sexual, and moral aspects f Perrault's "Little Red Riding Hood," France's "The False Grandmother," and Jordan's "The Company f Wolves, readers are left appreciating the different means used in communicating the warnings f entering adolescence. (Bordwell 1-4) Oral stories are quite different from those f common literature. In France's oral version there is little time spent on focusing on detail in terms f an introduction to the story and setting. Instead, this oral version quickly jumps to the girl's encounter with the wolf. This happens all within the first sentence: "Once upon a time a girl was walking through the woods with a basket f goodies for her grandmother, when she met a wolf." Since these stories were told orally, there is most likely no need for a significant amount f detail simply because this was not the focus f the performance. As well, these types f stories are not read but seen and heard by the audience. What is significantly different about an oral story is that there is a heavy reliance on the storyteller to deliver a captivating performance, meaning that the action f the story is heightened by compressing the sequence f events in a set amount f time. Thus, little time is spent focusing on elements such as a historica l setting. Readers are made aware f the setting in Perrault's literary version f Little Red Riding Hood when he writes: "Once upon a time there lived in a certain village a little country girl, the prettiest creature who was ever seen." He further reveals information about the surroundings f the story as the girl is sent out to give her grandmother food: "Little Red Riding Hood set out immediately to go to her grandmother, who lived in another village... As she was going through the wood, she met a wolf..." There is little to be questioned because f the amount f detail used by Perrault. In stories that are written or published, there is a need to have a certain amount f detail so readers are not left questioning the story. Written stories require more detail than oral stories. Perrault has added enough information about the location f the story so that readers would not be left confused about certain parts f the plot. (Naremore 5-6) Film is also another means by which folktales can be presented. The manner in which this is presented is far different than reading folktale literature or watching the story be performed with sounds and movements by a storyteller. In "The Company f Wolves" Jordan and Carter incorporate a significant amount f detail in a short amount f time: "close shot f the window looking out onto the dream nightscape; camera tracks in past the window frame EXT. FOREST -- DAY dissolve from nightscape to daylight forest scene, autumnal colours. Camera tracks in and pans right to disclose a distant church spire." Viewers f this film are better able to grasp the setting because they are visually transported to a setting where they are able to make obvious assumptions about the surroundings. There is a significant amo

Dealing with Evil Essay Example for Free

Dealing with Evil Essay After the World War II the planet has been divided by the Iron Curtain into two antagonistic camps: the communist countries, headed by the USSR and the capitalistic countries, headed by the USA. The struggle between two systems took forms of economic competition, ideological dispute, armament race and even local armed conflicts. Both leaders aimed to spread their influence at every possible region and attract carry over every possible country. At that they often paid little attention to home policy of a particular state concentrating exclusively on their ability to control it. Declaring their desire for democracy both the USA and the USSR often supported authoritarian and totalitarian regimes. This paper shall review some examples when the US cooperated with undemocratic rulers and demonstrate the necessity of such cooperation in order to stop the communist expansion. In one of the global key-points – the Middle East the USA did a lot to support an unpopular regime of the Shah of Iran. Between 1945 and 1979 Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Shah of Iran, conducted a policy of westernization and close ties with the United States. His rule has been marked by growing poorness of the population and total corruption of the state officials. Failure of economic reforms has only compounded the crisis. Under such conditions the communist party gained increasing popularity among the people of Iran. However, despite of Shah’s authoritarism, the USA instructed him when he removed a democratically elected government in 1953, as well as later in his actions. Only in 1977 the President has sent â€Å"a polite reminder† to the Shah about the necessity to take care of human rights . In response the Shah has freed some political prisoners and allowed the Red Cross to operate in Iran. Those measures appeared to be late and the Shah has been overthrown in 1979. Between 1940 and 1959 the USA favored a regime of l Ruben Fulgencio Batista at Cuba, preferring to have a dictator rather than a communist country just a few miles away. Batista has been provided with funds for electoral campaign. The CIA assisted Batista in detecting and destroying his opponents. However, Batista’s regime appeared to be so unpopular among the people of Cuba, that it has been destroyed by a small group of guerillas lead by Fidel Castro in 1959 . Another example of support rendered by the USA to totalitarian leader is cooperation with the regime of Mobutu Sese Seko in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo ). Mobutu’s attitude to Soviet Union was rather frosty because of the Soviet support of local rebels. So he has chosen to strengthen the relationships with America and Belgium – a former mother-country of Zaire. The US was third largest donor to Zaire economy. Even despite of Mobutu’s warlike rhetoric and poor human rights record, Zaire received almost 50% of US assistance to sub-Sahara countries in the times of President Carter. America also directly cooperated with Mobutu during inner conflicts by providing supplies and transporting Belgian paratroopers . Nevertheless after collapse of the USSR the USA has found it unnecessary to further work with Mobutu and he was even refused of American visa. In contrast he was now suppressed to democratize his regime. And without outside assistance he has been overthrown in 1994. In total, the attitude of the USA to friendly dictators can be characterized by a rude but frank phrase of Franklin D. Roosevelt: â€Å"He may be a son of a bitch, but he’s our son of a bitch†. In the titanic struggle with communism political loyalty was a priority in comparison to observation of human rights. REFERNCES 1. Gellman, Irwin F.(1973) Roosevelt and Batista: Good neighbor diplomacy in Cuba, 1933-1945. University of New Mexico Press, Albuquerque, NM 2. Ayittey, George B. N. (1999) Africa in Chaos: A Comparative History. Palgrave Macmillan 3. Afoaku, Osita. U. S. foreign policy and authoritarian regimes: Change and continuity in international clientelism, Journal of Third World Studies, Fall 2000, pp. -345-241

Promote communication in health, social care or children s and young peoples settings Essay Example for Free

Promote communication in health, social care or children s and young peoples settings Essay 051.1.1 Communication is an essenial part of our lifes which we start from birth, this is why i believe it is important that there is effective communication in a work setting with children and young people. We communicate to exchange thoughts, express feelings and to learn new things. How we transfer this information can be by speech, crying, using our body language or/and expressions, our main goal is to be understood. We communicate to a variety of people in our work setting, not only the children we care for but we speak with their parents and family members on a regular basis to disguss their childs individual needs as well as update them on their childs progress. This is where we can share ideas and gather information on a child such as their mannerisum and types of reasurrance techniques they use to help them feel comfortable in our setting. Most importantly we communicate to others to build relationships and at our setting we aim to maintain them. 051.1.2 Read more:Â  Essay About Promote Communication Communication and relationships go hand in hand. To create a relationship we must communicate and with communication we are creating relationships. We all need reasurrance and support, children and adults, we do this by listening about others concerns or worrys they may have and acting on them, by acting on them we are gaining trust. Having a good relationship with a childs parents and other family members makes the transition from them to us easier. It is vital that we build relationships with the children and young people that we work with to ensure comfort and to feel secure enough to be without their parents. We aim to work in partnership with adults that are involved in the childrens lives. Communication is highly important between colleagues for us to work well together and to ensure that we have a childs best intrest at heart we exchange information on a their routines, feelings and their interests.To be an efficitive team we must support each other and remain professional. A strong relationship with work colleagues rubs off on the children creating a happy enviroment.

PESTEL five forces and SWOT analysis of Apple

PESTEL five forces and SWOT analysis of Apple Introduction This study is an analysis of the business environment of Apple, Inc., which is typically undertaken as part of the strategic analysis of Apple’s operations for the medium and long term. The aim of this analysis is to assess the prospects of Apple, Inc. as a potential investment for consideration. There are three aspects of environmental assessment that are undertaken: the macro-environmental analysis makes use of the PESTEL model, industry analysis employs Porter’s Five Forces model, and the organisational analysis is performed using the SWOT model. PESTEL Analysis The business of Apple shall be evaluated within the context of its operations in the UK. Investor sentiment attached to the country plays a major role in determining the level of confidence reposed by investors in the country itself. Negative sentiment in the country overall may cause an investor shift that would affect stock prices even for companies in industries normally unaffected by the particular events or developments, thus consideration should be extended to indirect repercussions or contagion effects due to perceived weaknesses in the country environment (Chittedi, 2014; Haß, et al., 2014; Ioan, et al., 2013; Liu et al., 2014, Syriopoulos, 2014; Trenca Dezsi, 2013; Yaqing Hongbing, 2013). 2.1 Political The United Kingdom is a democratic country with a stable governance system, and maintains strong influence over the laws and customs of those countries that were formerly part of the British Empire, and now comprise the Commonwealth of Nations. The UK thus holds a strong and enviable position in global politics. However, there are risks posed by terrorist elements such as members of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) recruited from among the British nationals. Current political challenges include the increasing tensions in the ruling coalition and the sagging government popularity (UK Country Profile, 2013; USCIA, 2014). 2.2 Economic The UK is a world economic power, with a highly developed economy that gained its footing after the Second World War. According to the World Bank’s assessment, as of 2003 the UK is the seventh best country to invest in or do business with. It is however burdened by a growing government debt problem (currently at  £1.38 trillion) and a huge budget deficit. In order to strengthen the financial system, the Bank of England (BoE) was given the authority to oversee the macro-prudential health and stability of the financial system. The BoE coordinates interest rate movements with the European Central Bank during times of crisis, however Britain still remains outside the European Economic and Monetary Union (CEEDR, 2012; UK Country Profile, 2013; USCIA, 2014). 2.3 Social The standard of living of UK citizens is comparable with other First World countries. The education and health care systems are among the world’s best, and the social goals of the government include the alleviation of income inequality and eradication of child poverty. As a member of the European market, the UK benefits from the free flow of young people into the country to offset the problems posed by an aging population. Demographically, the population is aging (i.e., 35% of the population are 55 years and older, only 30% are below 25 years), with average life expectancy reaching 82 years for women and 78 year for men (CEEDR, 2012; UK Country Profile, 2013; USCIA, 2014). 2.4 Technology The United Kingdom is renowned worldwide for its scientific expertise and cutting-edge research and development (RD). Intellectual property rights are stringently protected by legislation. Among the challenges to the UK with respect to technology is the increasing shortage of RD workforce, a trend that has persisted since 2008. The number of engineers and technicians in the physical and life sciences, as well as IT and telecom specialists, continue to decline. The lack of technical personnel and RD specialists is a serious threat to the continued competitiveness of UK industry. Patent applications have also been on the decline, meaning that innovations may slow down, further compromising competitiveness (UK Country Profile, 2013; USCIA, 2014). 2.5 Environmental The UK is a strong participant in the formulation of global policies, particularly with respect to agreements dealing with the environment, emission reduction, and sustainable energy source. However, the UK is also known to have a high level of air pollution. The European Commission issued a final warning to UK for the poor quality of its air, prompting the country to expedite a solution to the problem (BBC, 2014; Mathiesen, 2014). High air pollution, due to exhaust fumes and emissions from power stations and factories, prevails in London, while dangerous levels of NO2 have been recorded in Birmingham, Glasgow and Manchester (BBC, 2014; Dugan, 2013; Mathiesen, 2014; UK Country Profile, 2013). Government policies, however, will continue to tread the middle ground between environmental protection and economic development (UK Country Profile, 2013; USCIA, 2014). 2.6 Legal The UK has a legal system that is organised, transparent and efficient, and efforts are being exerted to make the processes in the courts simpler and more efficient and transparent (Great Britain Ministry of Justice, 2011). The legislative system favours a high level of freedom in business, primarily to enable investor trust and confidence. There is effective enforcement of the law; in the World Bank’s Doing Business indicators 2013, UK ranks at the 21st position among 185 countries with regard to enforcement of contracts. Challenges remain, however, in terms of tax evasion, and balancing personal liberties against the threat of terrorism. These challenges are being addressed by current proposals to amend legislation (UK Country Profile, 2013; USCIA, 2014). Porter’s Five Forces Porter’s Five Forces analysis is a model used for industry analysis. Apple plays a significant role in four businesses, namely the communication equipment industry, the music and video industry, the mobile phones industry, and the personal computer (PC) industry. Because its participation in the overall PC industry is comparatively small compared to its other products, only the first three industries shall be analysed here. Apple’s overall business includes eight product lines: iPhone, its related products and services; iPad and related products and services, Mac portables and other music related products and services, Mac desktops, iPod, software, services and other hardware (Apple, Inc., 2014; GCEIP, 2014). 3.1 Bargaining Power of Buyers Communication Equipment Industry Buyer power is moderate. Apple communications equipment caters to individual buyers, but each buyer has little bargaining power as he/she bargains for him/herself alone. If the company loses just one consumer, the effect on the company will be insignificant. Collectively, however, buyer power may be more significant, as switching costs are low. Fixed line telecommunication devices have a low degree of differentiation and there is little innovation taking place in this area, for which reason buyers are sensitive to price levels and could easily transfer from one supplier to another. Apple’s major competitors in this market include Lenovo, Nokia, and Samsung (GCEIP, 2014; CEIPUK, 2014). Music and Video Industry The bargaining power of buyers is moderate. As with the communications equipment industry, there are many buyers in this market, thus reducing their bargaining power. Offsetting this, however, is the low switching costs that enables customers to transfer brands quite easily. Also, there is a trend towards greater preference for online retail channels and digital download sales due to their greater convenience. Buyers are therefore sensitive to price, recommendations, availability, loyalty schemes, and brand image. In the global music and video industry, Apple’s key competitors are Amazon, Tesco, and Wal-Mart Stores (GMVIP, 2014; MVIPUK, 2014). Mobile Phones Industry The bargaining power of buyers is moderate. There are two types of buyers in this market, the retail outlets (e.g. Europe’s Carphone Warehouse, Walmart) which purchase handsets for sale to consumers, and the mobile network operators that now make their own retail sales bundled with the service they offer. The large retailers are at a disadvantage because they need to stock up on the latest innovations to meet end-user demand. When new innovations or models appear, unsold inventory of earlier models become obsolete. Apple is at an advantage because the firm is capable of forward integration – i.e., they conduct their own retail operations. As a result, buyer power is diluted. Apple’s closest competitors in this industry are LG Electronics, Nokia, and Samsung (GMPIP, 2014; MPIPUK, 2014). 3.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers Communication Equipment Industry Mobile Phones Industry Supplier power is moderate. There are only a relatively small number of large multinationals who supply parts and components to this market, reducing market players’ options when sourcing for products. While backward integration is difficult due to high costs of telecommunication manufacturing, it is however not impossible; for instance, British supermarket brand Tesco will launch its own smart phone device, which if successful and followed by other retailers will reduce supplier power. Aside from their scarcity, suppliers are also benefitted by the level of customer loyalty that firms develop for their manufacturers. Apple, however, is one of those few companies which sell their products online and which operate their own retail shops (GCEIP, 2014; CEIPUK, 2014). Music and Video Industry Supplier power is relatively high in the music and video industry. The suppliers in this industry pertain to the purveyors of content, such as the record companies, TV studios and film studios. End-user tastes drive demand, and when the particular content is specifically in demand then market players are compelled to stock on popular products so as not to miss out on revenues for songs, movies, or shows that have high appeal. Also, suppliers such as large film and TV studios tend to integrate forward, that is, they sell directly to the retail market through their own websites. In these situations, there is strong supplier bargaining power (GMVIP, 2014; MVIPUK, 2014). Mobile Phone Industry Supplier power is moderate in the mobile phone industry. Mobile phone manufacturers are much larger than their suppliers, and are therefore in a position to better influence supply contracts. Operating systems are vital components to smartphone manufacturers, but in the case of Apple and Blackberry the operating systems are developed by the manufacturers themselves, and therefore one element of supplier power is diminished (GMPIP, 2014; MPIPUK, 2014). 3.3 Threat of Substitutes Communication Equipment Industry The threat of substitutes is moderate to strong, as product substitution may potential exist within the market. Landline phones and mobile devices are substitutes for each other, although mobile devices have the advantage of flexibility, portability and mobility. In developing countries, counterfeits may proliferate, drawing demand away from legitimate retailers, but such risk is gradually being eroded by regulation, law enforcement, and security measures. Cheaper second-hand products are also substitutes for new models, which may challenge the higher-priced Apple products in certain market segments (GCEIP, 2014; CEIPUK, 2014). Music and Video Industry The threat of substitutes, particularly from counterfeit media, is very strong; this becomes apparent when one considers that digital video and audio content are easily duplicated. Pirated titles appear online, on CDs, and more recently through streaming and file sharing websites. While lawsuits have been filed and litigation pursued in some cases, the lawsuits are so slow that by the time they take effect, damage has already been done that cannot be undone for the titles thus distributed. The same contents made legally accessible online also act as substitutes for the same content formatted on CDs and DVDs. Although demand for the latter may decline, there will still remain buyers who prefer their music or shows on a physical device (GMVIP, 2014; MVIPUK, 2014) Mobile Phones Industry The threat of substitutes is low. The threat posed by landline telephones as substitute for cellular phones is weak, due to the greater flexibility, portability and wide area coverage offered by mobile phone usage. Neither are laptops a strong substitute due to disadvantages in size, weight, and the capacity for outward calls (GMPIP, 2014; MPIPUK, 2014). 3.4 Threat of New Entrants Communication Equipment Industry The threat of new entrants is moderate. There is a low degree of differentiation among the products and services that players in this industry can offer; this signifies that customer loyalty is low, and customers tend more to follow the brand of the manufacturer rather than the retailer. Since buyers can easily switch retailers, low cost entry into the market is possible. Entry barriers are thus low, and threats of new entrants is strong, despite the fact that more established and larger-sale retailers would have developed better relationships with their suppliers as well as enjoy economies of scale (GCEIP, 2014; CEIPUK, 2014). Music and Video Industry The threat of new entrants is strong, and entry barriers to this market are low. If the prospective player already runs a retail business, then entry into the market becomes easy. Switching costs among vendors is low, and enables customers to transfer among players depending on the price, stock or brand image. Larger players carry strong brand images; however, this alone will not be sufficient basis to draw market share away from new entrants (GMVIP, 2014; MVIPUK, 2014). Mobile Phones Industry The threat of new entrants is moderate. The popularity of smartphones continue to attract new players which offer the same features as the established brands, such as Apple and HTC. A good number of the more mature mobile phone manufacturers offer their own smartphones. A market for cheap feature phones thrives in developing economies. New entrants are nevertheless faced with challenges, such as the huge amount and the specialist skills and experience required for capital outlay for RD in which Apple is well entrenched (GMPIP, 2014; MPIPUK, 2014). 3.5 Internal rivalry Communication Equipment Industry Internal rivalry in this market is low to moderate. The market for global communications equipment is highly fragmented; market participants are numerous and diverse, including large foreign companies as well as local independent shops. Competition is slightly more intense among specialty shops than it is for the larger firms that have a presence in several markets. Even so, competition tends to ease because the demand for digital communications products is still expanding, enabling all firms to acquire a reasonable share of the market (GCEIP, 2014; CEIPUK, 2014). Music and Video Industry Internal rivalry is strong, mainly due to the similar choice of products offered by competing players and the low switching costs among market players. Unless the content is originally produced or published by the player, it would not be able to sustain any long-term competitive advantage over its rivals as content and processes are common and indistinguishable (GMVIP, 2014; MVIPUK, 2014). Mobile Phones Industry Internal rivalry among mobile phone manufacturers is moderate, with the lion’s share of the market being shared among a few large and well-known firms (i.e. Apple, Nokia, LG, Samsung). A second tier of smaller manufacturers are directed towards specific niches and do not really pose strong competition to the larger firms (GMPIP, 2014; MPIPUK, 2014). SWOT Analysis (Datamonitor, 2011; MarketLine, 2014) 4.1 Strengths Apple’s several businesses are the result of a combined horizontal and vertical integration. Horizontal integration is comprised of its wide range of products, while the interconnectivity among such products is the result of the vertical integration. This has enabled the firm to create strong competitive advantages that competitors find difficult to challenge. Apple continues to enjoy strong growth rates and cash flows, as sales remain brisk particularly on its online stores. Apple commands high Application Service Providers (ASPs) which continue to perform well in the market while demand for ASPs of other company providers has declined. 4.2 Weaknesses Apple failed to anticipate certain product categories such as phablets, and therefore was a later entrant into them. Until recently, Apple had not launched a larger screen phone, despite having invented the tablet. Samsung outperformed Apple in this respect, having pioneered in the phablet with Galaxy Note in 2011, and now has a commanding presence in the phablet market. Apple positions itself in the premium category and prices itself at a single price point. Consumers who could not afford the premium price therefore turn to Samsung and other brands that have a range of differentially priced products for different markets. Apple has an overdependence on the iPad and iPhone for its revenues and growth rates; the revenues from these two products comprise 72.1% of its total revenues for 2013. Eventual decline in the sales of these products will threaten the company’s sustainability and viability. 4.3 Opportunities The iPhone and iPad remain popular in the personal gadgets market, and further growth in their sales could still be explored in the corporate arena. A trend known as bring-your-own-device has become popular in the workplace, as people have appropriated these personal devices for their business purposes. Companies have only begun to exploit mobility strategies to offer better choices to the customers, and iPads may be tapped for this. Apple has yet to fully tap the growth prospects in the emerging markets. There is a rising middle class in India in which Apple may carve out a greater market share. It should be recalled that India is a member of the Commonwealth with which the UK is developing increasingly closer ties. The vast market in emerging countries is far from saturation, and Apple in UK is in a position of take advantage of it. 4.4 Threats One of the weaknesses of Apple cited is its premium pricing policy. This policy shall prove detrimental to any efforts to penetrate an emerging market, because few if any will be able to afford it. Therefore, in the event of any economic downturns that tend to erode the buying power of consumers, demand may shift from Apple’s more expensive products to lower-priced competitors like Samsung. The complex environment of electronic communication devices is constantly innovating and poses a serious challenge to Apple’s position in the market. Players are aggressively competitive, principally because of the fluidity of this disruptive innovation that allows for constant redesigning and modification. Conclusion The business of Apple, Inc. is a viable investment in the UK, although recommendation of entry stock price will have to await a valuation analysis of the stock based on financial and economic models. Being an investment that relies in technological innovation, Apple will have to be a growth buy, that is, it may not have long-term prospects but it will continue to have a strong market presence in the medium term. The principal concern of investors will be the sustainability of Apple’s cutting-edge innovations in the post-Steve Jobs era. Apple should continue to maintain its core competence in technological innovation and its competitive advantage in its horizontal and vertical integration to remain a viable investment. References Apple Inc.: The Steve Jobs Effect (2012) Apple Case Study: The Steve Jobs Effect, pp. 1-16 Apple, Inc. (2014) ‘Apple Info.’ Retrieved 25 October 2014 from https://www.apple.com/about/ BBC News (2014) ‘Air pollution needs more monitoring, says GMB union.’ BBC News UK. 8 June. Retrieved 25 October 2014 from http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-27753072 Centre for Enterprise and Economic Development Research (CEEDR) (2012, May) Early Assessment of the UK Innovation Investment Fund. Department for Business Innovation Skills. Retrieved 25 October 2014 from https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/32236/12-815-early-assessment-uk-innovation-investment-fund.pdf Chittedi, KR (2014) Global Financial Crisis And Contagion: Evidence For The Bric Economies, Journal of Developing Areas, 48, 4, pp. 243-264 Communications Equipment Industry Profile: United Kingdom (CEIPUK) (2014) Communications Equipment Industry Profile: United Kingdom, pp. 1-37 Datamonitor: Apple Inc (2011) Apple, Inc. SWOT Analysis, pp. 1-10 Department for International Development (2013) Multilateral Aid Review: Assessment of Climate Investment Funds (CIFs). Retrieved 25 October 2014 from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/multilateral-aid-review-assessment-of-climate-investment-funds-cifs Dugan, E (2013) ‘Government fights Europe over air pollution reduction.’ The Independent, 2 March. Retrieved 25 October 2014 from http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/government-fights-europe-over-air-pollution-reduction-8517922.html Global Communications Equipment Industry Profile (GCEIP) (2014) Communications Equipment Industry Profile: Global, pp. 1-35 Global Mobile Phones Industry Profile (GMPIP) (2014) Mobile Phones Industry Profile: Global, pp. 1-34 Global Music Video Industry Profile (GMVIP) (2014) Music Video Industry Profile: Global, pp. 1-34 Great Britain Ministry of Justice (2011) Legal Aid Reform in England and Wales: The Government Response. London: Ministry of Justice Haß, L, Koziol, C, Schweizer, D (2014) What Drives Contagion in Financial Markets? Liquidity Effects versus Information Spill- Over, European Financial Management, 20, 3, pp. 548-573 Ioan, T, Nicolae, P, Eva, D (2013) An Inquiry Into Contagion Transmission And Spillover Effects In Stock Markets, Annals Of The University Of Oradea, Economic Science Series, 22, 2, pp. 472-482 Liu, Y, Ouyang, H (2014) Spillover and Comovement: The Contagion Mechanism of Systemic Risks Between the U.S. and Chinese Stock Markets, Emerging Markets Finance Trade, 50, pp. 109-121 Mallin, M, Finkle, T (2011) Apple Inc.: product portfolio analysis, Journal of The International Academy For Case Studies, 7, p. 63 MarketLine (2014) Apple Inc. SWOT Analysis, MarketLine, pp. 1-10 Mathiesen, K (2014) ‘Does London have the worst NO2 pollution on Earth?’ The Guardian: The Eco Audit. 10 July. Retrieved 25 October 2014 from http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/jul/10/london-worst-no2-pollution-earth Mobile Phones Industry Profile: United Kingdom (MPIPUK) (2014) Mobile Phones Industry Profile: United Kingdom, pp. 1-37 Music Video Industry Profiles: the United Kingdom (MVIPUK) (2014) Music Video Industry Profile: United Kingdom, pp. 1-32 Syriopoulos, T (2014) Stock Market Volatility and Contagion Effects in the Financial Crisis: The Case Of South-Eastern Europe, n.p. EBSCO Trenca, I, Dezsi, E (2013) Connections Between the European Stock Markets, Review of Economic Studies Research Virgil Madgearu, 6, 2, pp. 151-171 United Kingdom Country Profile (2013) UK Country Profile, pp. 1-67 US Central Intelligence Agency (USCIA) (2014) ‘United Kingdom’ The World Factbook. Retrieved 25 October 2014 from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/print/country/countrypdf_uk.pdf Yaqing, L, Hongbing, O (2013) Identification and Measurement of Contagion Effects Among Main Markets in Financial Crisis, Pakistan Journal of Statistics, 29, 6, pp. 1105-1116

MORPHINE Essay -- essays research papers fc

MORPHINE Morphine is a narcotic analgesic drug, which means that it is a downer painkiller. It is most commonly given intravenously (by injection) for more rapid results, but it can also effectively be given orally. It has a remarkable ability to reduce physical distress, and its calming effect protects against exhaustion in traumatic shock, internal hemorrhage, and several other conditions. This drug is truly a miracle worker. Morphine is an opiate, coming from the poppy seed. It was first isolated from opium in 1803 (some sources say 1806) by the German pharmacist F. W. A. Serturner, who named it after Morpheus, the god of dreams. Morphine was first used as a painkiller, and mistakenly, as a cure for opium addiction. Morphine quickly replaced opium as a cure-all recommended by doctors, not to mention its popularity as a recreational drug. The exchange of morphine addiction for that of alcohol was considered positive for the reason that alcohol was harder on the body, and more likely to trigger antisocial behavior. By the time heroin was discovered in 1874, morphine had already addicted hundreds of thousands of people. Soon heroin found its way to the level of morphine and codeine. Since the practice of selling patent medicines had no regulation until 1906, with the Pure Food and Drug Act, it was common to simply mail order any of these drugs. Morphine played a part in the American Civil War as well. Not only was it commonly the companion of a soldier injured on the fiel...

marketing test :: essays research papers

Ch 5 Consumer behavior- Processes a consumer uses to make purchase decisions, as well as to use and dispose of purchased goods or services. 5 Steps to decision process- need recognition, information search, evaluation of alternative, purchase, post purchase behavior. Need recog- result of an imbalance between actual and desired states. External stimuli is a pic, internal stimuli is a past experience, good or bad. Recognition of unfulfilled wants- when a product isn’t performing properly, when consumer is running out of product, when another product is better than one being used. Info search- internal (memory) and external (tv). EVOKED SET (consideration set)- group of brands, resulting from an information search from which a buyer can choose. Evaluation of alternatives- rank attributes by importance, analyze product attributes, use cut off criteria. Post purchase behavior- Cognitive dissonance inner tension that a consumer experiences after recognizing an inconsistence between behavior and values or opinions. Consumers try to reduce dissonance by justifying their decision. Factors determining the level of consumer involvement- previous experience, interest, perceived risk of negative consequence, situation, social visibility. Underlying cultural, social, individual, and psychological factors strongly influence the decision process. Culture play deepest part of a persons consumer behavior, culture is pervasive, functional, learned, and dynamic, and the most defining element of a culture is values. Marketers are interested in social class for 2 reasons, Social class often indicates which medium to use for advertising, and knowing what products appeal to which social classes. Reference groups- a group in society that influences an individual purchasing behavior. Primary membership group- a reference group with which people interact regularly in an informal, face to face manner. Secondary membership group- A reference group with people associate less consistently and more formally that a primary such as a club, pro group or religious group. Aspirational reference group- A group that someone would like to join. Norm- A value or attitude deemed acceptable by a group. Reference groups have 3 implicatons- serve as info sources and influence perception, affect individual aspiration levels, their norms either constrain or stimulate consumer behavior. Ch 6 Business products- used to manufacture other products, become part of another product, aid the normal operations of an organization, are aquired for resale without change in form. Internet Marketing opportunities- increase efficiency, reduce cost, improve customer service, create 1to1 relationships, introduce new products, expand markets. Benefits of marketing on the net- lower prices, greater selection of products and vendors, access to customer and product sales data, around the clock ordering and customer service, lower cost, customized products.

Defining Writing Style :: Writing Style Styles Essays

Defining Writing "Style" Many accomplished authors have tried distinguishing what "good writing style" is. Some believe it is writing simply, others believe it is writing precisely. Numerous books have been published in order to help define this murky area called "style." Matthew Arnold, poet and critic, once said "Have something to say, and say it as clearly as you can. That is the only secret of style." So why then is this topic so unclearly defined? Perhaps it is because each person has had different writing influences and needs improvement in different areas. To address this problem, many famous authors and professors have contributed to the writing style literature. William J. Strunk, and E.B. White wrote The Elements of Style which was followed by another book, Style: Toward Clarity and Grace, by Joseph Williams. Strunk, a former college professor at Cornell University, came up with the idea to publish a book on fundamental usage of the English language or "the rules of usage and principles of composit ion most commonly violated" after teaching them to college students (Introduction, xiv). E.B. White, who is known mostly for his book, Charlotte’s Web, and also for his creative non-fiction, was a student of Strunk’s who was so inspired by his former teacher’s work that he added to the book and had it published after Strunk’s death. Some time later, professor Joseph M. Williams of the University of Chicago, elaborated on the principles discussed in The Elements of Style and published his own book, Style: Toward Clarity and Grace. Williams is a contemporary writer and the difference between when the books were published is apparent in each text. Although all three writers agree that good writing style consists of clear and concise prose which contains the right amount of emphasis and proper grammar, the level of detail, structure, and content of each book reflects the authors’ intent to target different reader audiences. To begin with, the authors indicate their definitions of good writing style through the organization of each book; the format and structure of each indicates that the authors were targeting different reader audiences. The Elements of Style is a reference book, set up with a detailed index describing the usage of different words and concepts. Its format is almost like an MLA handbook, with numbered, bold rules followed by simple examples. Williams’ book is set up in paragraph form and can only be understood when read in its entirety.

Action Research Proposal

In 1980, a new curriculum KBSR (or integrated curriculum for primary school) was introduced in order to develop individuals who are more rounded and versatile. Later on, the KBSM (the integrated curriculum for secondary school) was implemented as the students progressed to secondary school. As a continuation of the strategy, the secondary school program was developed, whereby it is emphasizing on the teaching of four language skills (reading, listening, writing, and speaking). Besides that, sound system, grammar and vocabulary are also included as the content of the syllabus. Here, the purpose of the strategy is to upgrade general proficiency of English Language among Malaysian students. Most of the tasks listed in our syllabus are focusing on the communicative purpose. But, in fact, classroom approaches are usually depends on the teacher to decide the best methods for his or her own class. For the primary level pupil, they learn English eight periods a week from Standard One to Standard Three and seven periods a week from Standard Four to Standard Six. At the secondary level, students learn English five periods a week. Myriad of background, ranging from diverse ethnicity closely consisting of Malay, Chinese and Indian students to differences in personality traits and motivational levels and types are the unique features of our Malaysian school classrooms. There is a growing trend in language education today to shift the focus from the teacher to learner. This view sees the learner as the active participant in the learning process and the teacher’s role not only to teach the learner â€Å"what to learn† but to teach the learner â€Å"how to learn†. In other words the teacher’s prime role is to help learners become independent or autonomous learners I have been in SJK (T) Pengkalan Hulu for about three months. I have been given responsibility to teach English Language for Year 4 pupils. The pupils in my class are with different learning ability and different competence level. There are good, moderate and weak pupils in my class. Therefore, I need to manage myself to be familiar with the pupils’ attitude and behavior. In addition, I need to know their needs in learning process whereby they have different level of English Language competency. The English language competency level among the Year 4 pupils of SJK (T) Pengkalan Hulu is mix between low and moderate level. They are very weak in vocabulary and pronunciation. Failure to master both aspects need to be tackled to meet the challenge to produce students who are able to communicate and versatile.

Cultural Influences on Love

But when Is love ever true and committing? That Is why American tradition values marriage; the supposed full-term commitment of love and care. B) Sexual intercourse between partners is usually considered as love. Sex is valued as a freedom, and anyone could participate in sexual relationships. Even when someone isn't married or together, our American tradition views it as a natural incident. I believe love could just be caring deeply for someone and supporting them. Though someone once told me that love doesn't exist; it's just a made-up hooch!C) Transition: Consequently, people can catch sexually transmitted diseases and the false assumption that sex is love, and can destroy a persons life. That assumption is usually obtained from the mass media. II. American culture also influences love by mass media. America is known for its mind-shaping media which includes television, newspapers, music/radio stations, and especially the internet. A) It is a fact that the American society has alw ays been influenced by the mainstream media. We see or hear opinions and facts on TV or radio that others eave broadcasted.Most people give information that is most likely based on unfounded assumptions or unreasonable views. Love Is a topic that Is controversial In terms of how we should go about It. B) The media has portrayed love In many different aspects. In movies and TV shows love might be shown as a sacred and personal relationship between a husband and wife, or that special night for a teen couple on the mountain peak. Sex Is often mistaken as true love In the media. For example, I never had sex with my ex- relined and I truly loved her.Today, our views on love can be Influenced by networking such as Namespace, Twitter, or Faceable. C) Transition: However, all of these Influences and Ideas are biased, and can prove to be misleading. Society shouldn't believe everything In the media (or others). That is why American culture is based on individual freedom. America. We have the right to decide and think for ourselves on any topic or any action we choose. A) Today, American citizens have the right to choose who they can love or have sexual intercourse with.Whether it be a husband/wife or boyfriend/girlfriend, we can decide. B) Individual freedom also gives us the right to decide if a loving relationship isn't so loving. For example, a chaotic marriage. Couples can file for a divorce if agreed upon. Transition: Definitely, No matter how you view it, love should be honest and true. It should be pure, whether in a sexual relationship, marriage, or friendship. Love is a valued term and emotion that American culture has influenced by tradition, freedom, and the mass media.

The Nike shoe company

AS known to all, international relations between commercial organizations is one of today’s strongest trends in business industries. The truth is that every single organization, whether small or large scale, is considerably involved in reaching the goal of being globally known through international trade. Just what is meant by the terms international trade, international relations, and international strategy; and how are they particularly related to each other?   These questions shall be given answer through the discussion that follows through. Business entrepreneurs around the world all have a common goal, to influence a larger scale of market who would appreciate their products and services thus giving them the opportunity of increasing their revenues and strengthening their chances of increasing their profitable gains as well. This is the primary reason why it is an essential for entrepreneurs of the present-day business organizations to discuss to their employees the different aspects of international relations that particularly affects the major operations of the business that equips it with the necessary strength that it needs for further organizational growth in the future. The possibilities of both increasing the competence of the business in the field and making the aims of progress more efficient in becoming factual and practical for the organization to take. This is perfectly the same with the situational goals of Nike with regards their global relations. THE Company: A Brief Description Nike Shoe Company, Nike inclusive is a company that basically indulges in the designing, developing and international marketing of quality apparel, equipment, footwear, and accessory products. The company started trading actively in sportswear back in the year 1999. The footwear is precisely designed and manufactured for athletic use. A large portion of Nike's products is however used for leisure and casual purposes. Nike inclusive operates it own subsidiaries for manufacturing and the distribution of sports apparel. The main competitors of this company are Adidas, Reebok among others. Describe the market structure within which the company operates and the pricing strategies adopted by the company Nike operate in a very competitive field of business. For some reasons, the said industry of sport shoe production and distribution has already weakened through the years of operation. For this reason, companies hosting the said situation actually tried to access different procedures of marketing their products and their services to the society. The seasoned process of the appreciation that consumers have towards the said products actually makes it possible for the production activities of the said materials to fluctuate. (Porter 1985) The selling price adopted by a company for its products directly affects the profitability and eventually the viability of the company. This area usually receives a lot of attention from Nike's management. To ensure the viability of the company products in the market and rise above its competitors, Nike uses the following pricing strategies, (Thompson, and Strickland, 2001). Setting rather than managing prices; The brand manager adopts a reactive approach in making pricing decisions rather than a proactive approach. This means that the setting of prices at Nike inclusive depends on the prices adopted by competitors and the sales figures that Nike has. Avoidance of customer value when pricing; It is not always accurate to predict the value that a customer has towards a given product. It is also not possible to quantify the value that the products give to customers. For this reason, Nike avoids the use of customer value when making pricing decisions. Although consumers may not buy a product whose price is higher than the satisfaction derived from the product , they will at all times purchase a product that has a price lower than its perceived satisfaction. By avoiding this approach, Nike keeps off under pricing its products in order to maintain the brand equity and customer loyalty, (Porter, 1985). Establishing customer value for products; the brand managers at Nike inclusive rigorously engage in attempts to know the value that customers have for their brands. This is undertaken by carrying out detailed interviews with the customers on Nike's brands. Through this process, the organization is able to comprehend better with the needs and the demands of the people, their clients, who are the primary target of the changes that the organization particularly want to work on. The precise information obtained is used by brand managers to establish a basis for the pricing decisions in the company. Such information is reliable in developing an effective pricing strategy that is proactive. (McGahan, 2004). The changing Global Economy Nike is keen on the changing global economy and has been seeking competitive advantage over its rivals. Several changes have taken place in the shoe industry and this has been greatly beneficial to the industry. These changes are; (Hunger, and Wheelen, 2003). Rapid growth in footwear production Manufacturers today must have flexible designs and high output. There is a massive increase in shoe designs increasing competition and volatility in the market. High innovation and quality designs are a must for success. . Producers have to be protective of their information and manufacturing technology. One of the main reasons for the success in seeking competitive advantage in the changing global economy is flexibility. Nike has at all times remained flexible in the changing market by subcontracting to international countries that have low cost of labor. Secondly, Nike highly focuses on differentiating of its products. Rather than dealing in one line of a product, the company has diversified and differentiated the products it offers to the market. For instance, Nike began as small company that distributes sport shoes, however, as time passed, the developments began to grow thus giving the company a better reputation in the industry. Today, Nike is known in the industry as it produces and sells a variety of products ranging from equipment, clothing all the way to even offering accessories. This differentiation has enabled Nike to successfully obtain and gain loyalty from buyers on its brand. Certainly, register an increase in sales command a fine price for all the company products. Conclusion From the SWOT analysis featured within this paper, the different elements needed to be considered by Nike to face the global business competition has been carefully presented (Bakan, 2004, 66). From the said assessments, it could be observed that there is huge attention needed to be placed on the situation of the organization when it comes to cost alignment of both expenses as a balancing matter with that of the revenues gained by the company in an annual procedure. (Egan, 1998, 11) Aside from financing, the process of marketing and product shifting should also be given clear attention as it also gives a fine description and certainty with regards the situation that the organization would likely face within the global picture of the international trade. The issue of globalization offers both threats and the opportunities to the current human generation. Undeniably, the said progression of industrialization that affects the entire global operations of the trading industries bring an impact on how local business organizations work towards the dreams and goals that they have particularly set for themselves to reach (Goldman, 1999, 10). The consequences through in being involved in the said revolution of business systems in the society today involves the adjustments that organizations must take risk of to be able to jump into the bandwagon of international progress. True, international business industries offer a larger market. The involvement of Internet and modern communication applications today within the systems of business connections worldwide has even made the said international commercial invasion a faster process of progress for entrepreneurial beginners in the said field. Understandably, to be able to gain progress, the risks and the opportunities should be grabbed by each individual business organization for the sake of part taking in the process of globalization of industries today. References Joel Bakan (2004). The Corporation: The Pathological Pursuit of Profit and Power. London: Constable. Egan, Timothy.(1998). â€Å"The swoon of the swoosh†. New York Times Magazine. J. B. Strasser. (2003). Swoosh: Unauthorized Story of Nike and the Men Who Played There, The (Paperback). Collins Publishers. Robert Goldman. (1999). Nike Culture: The Sign of the Swoosh (Cultural Icons series). Sage Publications. Grant, R.M. (2005) Contemporary Strategy Analysis. Blackwell Publishing Ltd., Oxford (U.K.) Hunger, J. and Wheelen, T (2003) Essentials of Strategic Management. New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc. McGahan, A. (2004) How Industries Evolve – Principles for Achieving and Sustaining Superior Performance. Harvard Business School Press, Boston. Porter, M.E. (1985) Competitive Advantage. The Free Press: New York. Thompson, A. and Strickland, J (2001) Crafting and Implementing Strategy. Irwin McGraw-Hill.

Government control Essay

There are many challenges that have to be faced by humanity in the twenty first century. Some of these challenges are major that have to be addressed immediately while there are some challenges that do not require immediate action. The stronger nations are somehow able to tackle some issues but still there are some issues that are difficult to handle. However, the smaller and the weaker countries that lack finances find it difficult to come up with solutions to these 21st century problems. Diversity and unity Diversity is one of the major issues that need attention as people are moving from their native countries to other countries where they find better opportunities. Diversity means differences in cultures, beliefs and habits that create a mixture of cultures. Here, the issue is to maintain harmony amongst the people belonging to different cultures and so it is essential to ensure that harmony does not collapse. Besides diversity, unity is also one major challenges that have to be worked upon and since one country has many different cultures residing in it, maintaining unity is indeed something difficult to achieve. Today, there is an influx of people who have become selfish and they have opted for individualistic approach that has further spoilt the society. Other problems that can be seen are communalism, regionalism and the increase in the rate of violence that is directly and indirectly affecting the value system of the world. Technological advancements Technological advancements have greatly affected the world and are serving as a major challenge. Since these advancements are taking place at a very fast pace, all the nations are trying hard to keep pace with this and for the weaker nations, this serves as a Herculean task to achieve the goals. The first and the foremost thing that has to be done to cure this is to spread literacy and to make everyone educated. It should not be the aim to get degrees and diplomas but the real essence of education should be understood as this will further lead the people to expand their knowledge, wisdom and to develop positive attitudes. However, it is not just important to educate the people but it is also essential to provide with opportunities to the people so that they can use their talents but this is also serving as a major challenge as many people remain unemployed despite of being educated. Industrialization As progress is taking place, industrialization is increasing rapidly and the natural resources are being consumed at a very high rate. Moreover, increase in pollution is also evident and this can bring adverse affects on the people and the environment especially if no action is taken to cure this problem. There are many other strategic challenges that will be faced in the 21st century and most them are caused due to the changes in styles of businesses that have now introduced. Previously, the marketers used to sell one product to the entire market but today, the customers have become more intelligent and savvy and they seek for customer value and since all the companies are battling against each other to grab the share of their piece of cake, it is hard to achieve targets easily as it was done previously. Market volatility has increased and rate at which organizational change is taking place is high and all these changes have a dramatic affect on the business strategies that are made and implemented. When the business needs are changing, it is also a must that there are changes occurring in the requirement of human input too. Employing the right workforce One of the strategic challenges being faced by the companies is the employment of the human resources. The management has to ensure that it employs the workforce that is not only efficient but effective too. However, there are some factors that affect the global instability and there is a huge global impact and people are entering in high numbers in the market that makes it hard for the social arrangement to sustain. Other than this, there is a very vast pool of human resources that are being wasted and this means that the human beings who are being employed are not able to work at their full potential as they not employed in a productive manner. Moreover, more and more people are added to the entire human workforce each year because of which there is a high pressure on the institutions and on the resources. Wastage of resources The non-human resources that are available to the human beings are being wasted at a very high rate. Both the renewable and non-renewable resources are not being fully utilized and are exploited and if this continues, the people will not be left with anything in the future. The environment is having a very negative impact on it because of the human activities that are taking place. The technological explosions are one of the most dangerous as well as costly damage to the society. Other disruptions that are serving as 21st century challenges are air pollution, soil pollution as well as depletion and desertification. Besides this, deforestation and misuse of water are two other factors that are serving as great challenges and if they will not be controlled, this can lead to major problems in the future. Biospheric disruption is another major challenge that needs attention. Despite of the fact that these are unavoidable, we can at least lessen the destruction that can be caused by the natural disasters that includes the climatic, geological, meteorological and space-oriented disasters. Global warming and ozone loss are climatic, earthquakes and eruptions are geological, floods, storms and droughts are meteorological while asteroids are space-oriented. Human insecurity Human insecurity is also a major challenge and this also leading to global unrest due to the violence that is persisting in the world and inter-human combat is occurring due to the ethnic and religious differences. Moreover, hazardous frustration has to be reduced and since the weapons are being created, they are being used as well and since there is an increase in unemployment, terrorism is increasing in the society. People have to fulfill their basic needs without which survival is more than impossible because of which they are doing crime. Due to this, the crime rate is increasing and is leading to unrest in the society and also affecting world peace. The numbers of extremists are increasing day by day and drug dealers have also outnumbered because of which the youngsters are getting immune to drug usage and are doing crime. Medical challenges Countering the medical challenges also needs immediate action and there are two main trends that are causing increase in health concerns. Firstly, both the people and the things are moving and this has caused transfer of various kinds of diseases that the other people are getting from the humans and from the animals. Even the animals that have some kind of disease are a major threat of spreading diseases. Moreover, the animals that are consumed by the human beings are getting diseases such as bird fly and mad cow disease and if any animal suffering from any such disease is consumed by the human being, it will create serious problems for that individual. Secondly, people are using antibiotics at a very high rate and this has produced more resistant mutations. For this, tighter preventives and control measures are required to ensure human security. Rules and laws A global rule is lacking in the world and so it is serving as a challenge to the society as the world is lacking universal rules and these should be created so that global standards are formed. Today, the world has become a global village and for this it is essential for it to have some universal laws and regulations that must be followed by all the countries. However, the international law must keep pace with interdependence as well. Therefore, global rights must be developed and should also be accepted and implemented by the society. It is argued by some governments that human rights are based on the cultures but universally there should be one common ground or code on the basis of which a norm should be developed. Migration Compared to the previous years, the rate of migration has greatly increased and people are looking for more opportunities outside their home country. It has indeed become difficult to handle all these immigrations and to provide jobs to the people who are moving to the other countries such as United States, UK, Canada and Australia. There are refugees too, who are forced to move out of their own countries and these people have to be settled in other countries where they move. These people create problems when they move to other countries and this is resulting in increase in the global issues that have to be dealt on a global level only. Financial money transfers and trade It has also become difficult to maintain global financial checks and since the number of financial transfers is increasing day by day, the role the government plays and the government control is reduced. Moreover, it also threatens the stability of the currencies and so it is suggested to apply certain percentage of taxes on such transfers. International trade is also growing but it is creating new problems for which negotiation has to be done between the trading countries. Moreover, regulation and adjustment is also needed to keep things smooth. The World Trade Organization ensures that it deals with the rapidly growing trade in a proper manner; however there are still some challenges that have to be met. Trade of services is also growing and the world has to face chronic problems with agricultures and other issues such as problems related to international investment. Corruption has also increased at a major rate and this has also become a major challenge to the world trade. There are many economic agreements that are treated globally and they are becoming more and more complex with the increase in trade. Taxing of international trade has become an issue as well and negotiations have to be made to come up to a common stand. Conclusion Due to all the problems that are being faced by the human beings, the rate of global distress is accelerating day by day and this is leading to serious problems. People become frustrated and hopeless due to the current situation. Income divergence is also increasing between nations and this challenge must be addressed immediately. All the 21st century problems that have been talked about above are sociological, philosophical, economic, historical, and geological and they relate to the human activities in some or the other way. The goal of the human beings should always be to minimize the threat that they get from these challenges if they cannot fully be removed. Moreover, the people should be educated about these disasters and challenges and they should be told about the ways they can adopt to reduce any negative impact created by the human activities. Besides this, backup plans should be made to ensure that the destruction is dealt properly and results in least problems. Work Cited Ciulla, Joanne. B. The Working Life: The Promise and Betrayal of Modern Work. 1st Edn. Crown Business / Times Books, 2000. Colwin, Laurie. Goodbye Without Leaving. Harper Perennial, 2000. Hochschild, Arlie. R. The Commercialization of Intimate Life: Notes from Home and Work. University of California Press, 2003. IMF. (2006). Meeting the Challenges of 21st Century Globalization: The Medium-Term Strategy of the IMF. June 4th, 2010. Retrieved from:

Assessing Strategic Analysis About Ryanair Airways

Assessing Strategic Analysis About Ryanair Airways The Ryanair is started by the Ryan family in 1985, with share capital of one pound and only with 25 colleagues , they started daily basis flights from Waterford in the Ireland to London Gatwick, with 5000 passengers on the route . The company grow further with high competitors British Airways and air Lingus . It is operating in a highly competitive sectors . but after 3 years of fast industrial growth , company increasingly got the numbers of passengers. with the price and routes competition they face  £20mn losses and it leads thinking about restructuring , Ryanair was take models from southwest airlines low cost leadership model .Under the new management team with new CEO Michael O’Leary rethink and Launch a New LOW COST , NO FRILLS Strategy . In 1997 the EU Air transport authority allows the Ryanair to first time to operate 18 new routes in European Continental area. They took many corrective action against cost reduction Eg no free drinks ,foods, and other facilities. R yanair got good response from all European passengers who likes frequent , quick and Low cost Travel . Ryanair overtakes BA and Air Lingus in the Dublin – London routes . Ryanair achieves their objective in a short period , they won many awards and positions in airlines industry, Ryanair got good name for punctuality. consistently the organisation expands operations , therefore in become very famous airline in the world ., and currently Ryanair operating 24 countries 436 low fare routs carried nearby 60mn people . Ryanair’s Strategy : â€Å"Ryanair’s objective is to firmly establish itself as Europe’s leading low-fares scheduled passenger airline through continued improvements and expanded offerings of its low-fares service†(Ryanair.com)The Ryanair key strategies. Industry Leading passenger service High frequency on short- haul routes. Significantly providing a service with very Low fares . – low operating costs, addressing aircraft and equi pment, personnel productivity, customer service costs and airport access fees Use the internet effectively Commitment to the safety and quality maintenance . Expand the operation results via Ancillary services. Ryanair offering a highly differentiated product with very lower fare, which increasing their competitive advantage to maintain competitive position on over its competitor. The firm makes to claim to their market area by marking Europe’s first no frills airline service.(Ryanair.com). Sustainable competitive advantage : Cost reduction Strategy: The Ryanair has following cost reduction strategy for achieving its goal for retaining their competitive position in airlines industries . there is five main functional factors like Airport charges , contracting out services , fleet commonality , managed staff costs and marketing cost .these are the areas they are giving great focus to improve low cost operation . According to fleet commonality the airways using particular type o f aircraft which controls the cost and limits the cost for employee training and development , maintenance cost and managing spares , giving more flexibility to scheduling the duty crew and aircraft. The Ryanair using Boeing 737 series to operate more numbers of passengers, and it allows 25% of increased their passengers with guaranteed 15 years of operating life .the old fleet took more maintenance coat and less fuel efficient , according to EU noise reduction requirements, the Ryanair fleets are required to install hushkits to avoid noises , it take more cost for installation almost $20mn , the increased weight might leads by negative figure of fuel efficiency .

Relations between Knowledge and Reality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Relations between Knowledge and Reality - Essay Example Ideas about relationships are certainly developed and predicted on the basis of the conditions they fulfill. Thus, the relationships and their concepts are dependent of the performances they make. The author also alludes to various forms of concepts described by Locke, which include action-concepts, physical concepts and moral concepts (106-107). Locke has also established the patterns of relations, where he declares cause and effect as the most important one in this regards. He has also shown the relationship between various ideas on the basis of the concepts established. He called relation between idea and thing as the real existence. (110) Locke has presented different sorts of agreements on perception about ideas, where he aims to view knowledge as unlimited in nature and scope, though knowledge of coexistence is narrow and limited one. Hence, Locke asserts the existence of knowledge on the basis of perception of agreement or disagreement between ideas, without taking into consid eration the very difference in perceiving the same. (117) Locke, Law & Law of Nature Rogers (1999) has identified the moral and natural law described and discussed by John Locke in his philosophy. Moral law, according to Rogers, enjoys the central place in Locke’s political writings (Atherton, 1999:47), which can also be viewed in association with his opinion about scientific inventions and advancements. It is partly due to the very reality that scientific discoveries are also the outcome of the scientists’ curiosity for exploring the countless phenomena of nature with the help of observation and empirical estimation. Hence, God and the universe on the one hand, and natural law and scientific discoveries are interrelated according to Locke (48-49). The individuals’ activities also reflect natural laws, and parents’ affection for children is natural, while their hatred for children looks unnatural and astonishing act. Consequently, natural law lays stress upon morality for the individuals (51), and reiterates upon applying best of faculties and skills while performing an act or obligation. Locke has also sought inspiration from the Newton’s law of gravity that every object of nature acts according to the commands of natural law, and deviation from the same could invite disorder and chaos in its wake. It is therefore Locke, in his Essay, looks for seeking knowledge about the laws of universe in order to explore the realities existing all around humans. (53-54) Rogers also cites Locke’s examples regarding the affects of various objects on others, where the reaction of different objects is almost same, as hemlock takes the life of the person consuming the same. Locke has also explored relation between the law of nature and the laws of nature, where law of nature identifies the existence of God, His laws and the entities to obey the same, and laws of nature repeat their course in order to implement the law of nature. Moral Weakness by Spinoza Harris (1973) has elucidated Spinoza’s doctrine of moral weakness by making its comparison with the goodness theory articulated by renowned Greek philosopher Plato.