Urbanization Of Urban Population Growth Essay - 1508 Words

1. Introduction The century is witnessing a greater migration of the world’s population into urban dwellers. This movement of people into major towns and cities of the world is caused by rapid sprawl and it is observed in developed and developing countries. The increasing population observed is inevitable; therefore the solution to urban problems depends essentially on effective planning, infrastructural management and development. Usually, unplanned population growth is associated with population demands that supersede infrastructure and service capacity, leading to the degradation of the environment. (Asoka et al., 2013). Urbanization is very important, but development is carried out at the expense of deforestation, destruction of biotope, fragmentation of ecosystems, shrinking of the open space among many other things. A city should be a complex system that entails several interactive sub-systems, it should be affected by various factors including governmental land policies, population growth, transportation infrastructure, market behavior to mention just a few. In spite of their regional economic importance, urban population growth has a substantial impact on the neighboring urban ecosystem (Yuan, Sawaya et al. 2005). Land use and transportation systems can be considered as the two most vital subsystems determining the long term urban form and structure. Meanwhile, urban growth is one of the most important topics in urban studies, and its main driving forces areShow MoreRelated Urbanization in Africa Essays1090 Words   |  5 PagesUrbanization is the movement from a rural society to an urban society, and involves a growth in the number of people in urban areas. Urban growth is increasing in both the developed but mostly in the developing countries. Urbanization is associated with the problems of unemployment, poverty, bad health, poor cleanliness, urban slums environmental deprivation. This causes a very big problem for these developing countries and who are some of poorest countries. Africa urbanization is not as big asRead MoreEssay The Implications of Rapid Urbanization1685 Words   |  7 PagesUrbanization is the process of human migration from rural areas to towns and cities, thus rapid u rbanization means that the rate at which the migration from rural to urban takes place is hurried that a country has no time to plan for their existence at the cities. The situation differs from country to country as the number of cities and rural areas in the countries are different. Another possible reason for the difference is the development nature of the countries; some countries are developed, othersRead MoreEffects Of Urbanization On Food Supply And Human Security885 Words   |  4 Pageseffect of urbanization, arguing that major cities homogenize the physical environment in their attempt to meet the narrow needs of human beings without regard for indigenous species.McKinney identifies key challenges such as human disconnection from the natural environment which is a disadvantage of urbanization. The strength of this source lies in its relevance as it will provide sufficient information for the research topic with regard to the effects and disadvantages of urbanization. This bookRead MoreImpact Of Industrialisation On Patterns Of Urban Development1498 Words   |  6 Pagespatterns of urban development in nineteenth century Europe Urbanization is defined as an omnipresent process during which a primary and rural society revolves gradually into a cultivated and industrious one. The linkage between industrialization and urban growth defies an explicit description it is tight and visible, but cannot be simply reduced to direct linearity. It is well known that many small African countries have initiated or accomplished low-level urbanization without economic growth. RoughlyRead MoreUrbanization in India1258 Words   |  5 PagesWhile researching on the topic of urbanization in India, I came across a plethora of scholarly articles that suggested issues with India’s limiting urbanization policies that jeopardize its potential for growth and employment. If India’s physical expansion is left unattended, this will deplete its available resources, and lead to economic, social, and environmental challenges (Hardoy, Diana, Satterthwaite, 2001). Although India’s physical expansion has already led to many such challenges, the optimismRead MoreUrban Population And Urban Development Essay1587 Words   |  7 Pageswitnessed drastic population changes from rural to urban areas (Rui, 2013). This movement of people into major towns and cities of the world has been observed worldwide but at different extent. However, rapid urban growth/sprawl also causes problems. The increasing population observed is inevitable; therefore the solution to urban problems depends essentially on effective planning, infrastructural management and development. According to the 2011 revision of world urbanization prospects (United NationsRead MoreGlobal Population Growth And Its Impact On The Way That Humans Use Land Essay1565 Words   |  7 Pages the world populations is expected to grow from 7.0 billion today to 9.3 billion in 2050, increasing by 2.3 billion (UNESA, 2012). The United Nations also estimate that, global urban populations will grow from 3.6 billion in 2011 to 6.3 billion in 2050, gaining 2 .6 billion (UNESA, 2012). Based on these estimates, it is fair to assume that total global population growth will occur predominantly in urban areas and that global urban population growth will account for the total population increase asRead MoreUrbanization Of Urbanization During The 19th Century1374 Words   |  6 PagesUrbanization is the growth of population in urban areas. The rapid growth of urbanization was due to the fact that people wanted to move to urban settings from rural areas because they wanted to have a more comfortable life, higher salary, and better education. In 1790, ninety-five percent of American’s lived in rural areas and the remaining five percent were urban. Urbanization in the Western world began with the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th century. Since urbanization is importantRead MoreThe Internal Production Spaces Of Large Cities1177 Words   |  5 PagesThis same logic leads not just towards generalized urban agglomeration but to the emergence of multiple dense industrial districts within the metropolis. The internal production spaces of large cities are composed of mosaics of particular kinds of industrial land use focused on localized nodal clusters comprising activities that range from manufacturing to office and service functions. For example, gun and jewellery manufacturing in Birmingham, England; footwear industry of East London; clothingRead MoreAn Article on Rapid Urbanization1745 Words   |  7 Pagesâ€Å"Rapid Urbanization† Comparative Governments Politics This article is on Rapid Urbanization, by Jennifer Weeks, explains how cities around the world are quickly growing especially in the slums. It discusses what brings people to city in the first place and how that goes into the affect of pollution in the cities. The article also asks us questions like, Does urbanization make people better off?, Should governments limit migration to cities?, and Can we make large cities greener?.

My Personal Mission Of Leadership And Ethics Statement Essay

My Personal Mission of Leadership and Ethics Statement Life s a journey of learning experiences. In my journey through life I intend to have thriving carrier serving my country in the Canadian Armed Forces while balancing a healthy life at home. I will make it a life long commitment to grow through active participation in the world around me in order to gain knowledge and skills essential to lead. Therefore empowering me to be the change I wish to see in the world with the aptitude to evaluate, realize and correct my actions and behaviour to improve my proficiency and comprehension, Duty, Honor, Loyalty, Integrity, Patience, Empathy and Compassion are the core roots of my ethics. These essential traits a what shapes the character, behaviour and temperament of a true warrior not only on the battlefield but also in fight we call life. They are the building blocks which loan me the fortitude to serve my country as an honorable, creative, and a predominant leader, family member, friend and partner. whom others can look to as a role model. With integration of my inner values and my outwards actions, I will a subjective austerity and sufficiency to lead the world to change for the better. My life long objective is cultivating these characteristics. This is who I am, my code of conduct, my code of ethics, whom I strive to be every minute of every day. Below are my personal ethics statements and the code by which I will live my life in order to be a leader for those around me.Show MoreRelatedMy Personal Philosophy Of Innovation1290 Words   |  6 PagesNursing Innovation and Leadership: A Personal Philosophy To embrace the person that you are, in a time and place where everyone seems to be telling you that you should be everything but the person that you are, is a daunting but worthwhile challenge. I believe that it is in the acceptance of our true selves, imperfections and all, that we gain the ability to view others through a lens colored with compassion and acceptance. It is then that we can become a leader who is self-aware and emotionallyRead MorePersonal Statement : God s Child1602 Words   |  7 Pageswas a world of devastation to enter. Four of my older siblings lost their lives in a fire when my mother was three months pregnant with me. The oldest sibling was trying to save them and survived when a firefighter stumbled over him going into the building. My parents, in particularly my mother, had to change attitudes over this loss, because another child was on the way. In the midst of all of this tragedy I was born for a purpose. One was to give my parents a new starting ba se and to refill theirRead MoreOrganizational Behavior : An Organization1521 Words   |  7 Pagesrelationships by attaining human objectives, social objectives and ultimately organizational objectives. 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Although my background is in engineering, one of my most compelling passions have been in the area of teachingRead MoreMy Personal Statement : My Goals864 Words   |  4 PagesMy personal mission is to constantly strive to be the best overall person that I can be within my personal and professional life. My goals are to inspire and help others and myself around me to achieve greatness and balance that will to maximize our potential that will transcend the boundaries of our dreams. In addition to my mission statement, my core life values are the foundation of my mission statement, which allows me to uphold my promises and standards. These promises and standards will affordRead MoreMy Personal Statement : My Goals1488 Words   |  6 PagesMy personal mission is to constantly strive to be the best overall person that I can be within my personal and professional life. My goals are to inspire and help others and myself around me to achieve greatness and balance that will to maximize our potential that will transcend the boundaries of our dreams. In addition to my mission statement, my core life values are the foundation of my mission statement, which allows me to uphold my promises and standards. These promises and standards will affordRead MoreMy Journey As An Educator1684 Words   |  7 PagesPersonal Research Project This is a personal research project that takes a look at where I have been and where I would like to go while developing statements regarding my cause, mission, and personal code of ethics. Also, I will indentify my 5 year and 10 year plans and my key values. Reflections of the Past As I reflect on my past decisions personally and professionally, I can connect those to my future ambitions. I graduated from Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) with a bachelor’s degree inRead MoreMy Personal Philosophy Of Innovation1370 Words   |  6 Pageschanges†(Porter_ O’Grady Malloch,2016.p.4). It is important for a leader to understand her own philosophy of innovation and leadership to be effective in the workplace. In this course, I learned how to develop my philosophy of innovation and leadership, and how to create my own personal mission based on my ethics and core values to be effective DNP leader in the future. Personal philosophy of innovation â€Å"Innovation is definitely not self-starting or self-perpetuating. People make it happen throughRead MoreMy Personal Philosophy Of Innovation1384 Words   |  6 Pageschanges†(Porter_ O’Grady Malloch,2016.p.4). It is important for a leader to understand her own philosophy of innovation and leadership to be effective in the workplace. In this course, I learned how to develop my philosophy of innovation and leadership, and how to create my own personal mission based on my ethics and core values to be effective DNP leader in the future. Personal philosophy of innovation â€Å"Innovation is definitely not self-starting or self-perpetuating. People make it happen throughRead MoreMy Ethical Principles Of The Student Affairs Profession Essay1476 Words   |  6 PagesMy Ethical Principles Statement One important aspect of the student affairs profession is the importance and involvement of ethics within your daily life and within the workplace. From personal experience I believe that autonomy, faithfulness, doing no harm, and the ability to be just are extremely important. I also believe that there are many important expectations found in NASPA’s Standards of Professional Practice. These expectations include, equal consideration and treatment of others, assessment

Net Present Value and Correct Answer Free Essays

Question 1 2 out of 2 points | | | Assume that the economy is in a mild recession, and as a result interest rates and money costs generally are relatively low. The WACC for two mutually exclusive projects that are being considered is 8%. Project S has an IRR of 20% while Project L’s IRR is 15%. We will write a custom essay sample on Net Present Value and Correct Answer or any similar topic only for you Order Now The projects have the same NPV at the 8% current WACC. However, you believe that the economy is about to recover, and money costs and thus your WACC will also increase. You also think that the projects will not be funded until the WACC has increased, and their cash flows will not be affected by the change in economic conditions. Under these conditions, which of the following statements is CORRECT? Answer | | | | | Selected Answer:| You should recommend Project S, because at the new WACC it will have the higher NPV. | Correct Answer:| You should recommend Project S, because at the new WACC it will have the higher NPV. | | | | | Question 2 2 out of 2 points | | | Which of the following statements is CORRECT? Answer | | | | | Selected Answer:| Multiple IRRs can occur only if the signs of the cash flows change more than once. | Correct Answer:| Multiple IRRs can occur only if the signs of the cash flows change more than once. | | | | Question 3 2 out of 2 points | | | Which of the following statements is CORRECT? Answer | | | | | Selected Answer:| One advantage of the NPV over the IRR is that NPV assumes that cash flows will be reinvested at the WACC, whereas IRR assumes that cash flows are reinvested at the IRR. The NPV assumption is generally more appropriate. | Correct Answer:| One advantage of the NPV over t he IRR is that NPV assumes that cash flows will be reinvested at the WACC, whereas IRR assumes that cash flows are reinvested at the IRR. The NPV assumption is generally more appropriate. | | | | Question 4 2 out of 2 points | | | Which of the following statements is CORRECT? Answer | | | | | Selected Answer:| One defect of the IRR method is that it assumes that the cash flows to be received from a project can be reinvested at the IRR itself, and that assumption is often not valid. | Correct Answer:| One defect of the IRR method is that it assumes that the cash flows to be received from a project can be reinvested at the IRR itself, and that assumption is often not valid. | | | | | Question 5 2 out of 2 points | | | Which of the following statements is CORRECT? Assume that the project being considered has normal cash flows, with one outflow followed by a series of inflows. Answer | | | | | Selected Answer:| If a project has normal cash flows and its IRR exceeds its WACC, then the project’s NPV must be positive. | Correct Answer:| If a project has normal cash flows and its IRR exceeds its WACC, then the project’s NPV must be positive. | | | | | Question 6 2 out of 2 points | | | Assume that the economy is enjoying a strong boom, and as a result interest rates and money costs generally are relatively high. The WACC for two mutually exclusive projects that are being considered is 12%. Project S has an IRR of 20% while Project L’s IRR is 15%. The projects have the same NPV at the 12% current WACC. However, you believe that the economy will soon fall into a mild recession, and money costs and thus your WACC will soon decline. You also think that the projects will not be funded until the WACC has decreased, and their cash flows will not be affected by the change in economic conditions. Under these conditions, which of the following statements is CORRECT? Answer | | | | | Selected Answer:| You should recommend Project L, because at the new WACC it will have the higher NPV. | Correct Answer:| You should recommend Project L, because at the new WACC it will have the higher NPV. | | | | | Question 7 2 out of 2 points | | | Which of the following statements is CORRECT? Assume that the project being considered has normal cash flows, with one outflow followed by a series of inflows. Answer | | | | | Selected Answer:| The higher the WACC used to calculate the NPV, the lower the calculated NPV will be. Correct Answer:| The higher the WACC used to calculate the NPV, the lower the calculated NPV will be. | | | | | Question 8 2 out of 2 points | | | Which of the following statements is CORRECT? Answer | | | | | Selected Answer:| An NPV profile graph is designed to give decision makers an idea about how a project’s contribution to the firm’s value varies with the cost of capital. | Correct Answer:| An NPV profile graph is designed to give decision makers an idea about how a project’s contribution to the firm’s value varies with the cost of capital. | | | | Question 9 2 out of 2 points | | | Which of the following statements is CORRECT? Answer | | | | | Selected Answer:| If two projects have the same cost, and if their NPV profiles cross in the upper right quadrant, then the project with the lower IRR probably has more of its cash flows coming in the later years. | Correct Answer:| If two projects have the same cost, and if their NPV profiles cross in the upper right quadrant, then the project with the lower IRR probably has more of its cash flows coming in the later years. | | | | Question 10 2 out of 2 points | | | Which of the following statements is CORRECT? Assume that the project being considered has normal cash flows, with one outflow followed by a series of inflows. Answer | | | | | Selected Answer:| If a project’s NPV is less than zero, then its IRR must be less than the WACC. | Cor rect Answer:| If a project’s NPV is less than zero, then its IRR must be less than the WACC. | | | | | Question 11 2 out of 2 points | | | Which of the following statements is CORRECT? Answer | | | | | Selected Answer:| The NPV method assumes that cash flows will be reinvested at the WACC, while the IRR method assumes reinvestment at the IRR. | Correct Answer:| The NPV method assumes that cash flows will be reinvested at the WACC, while the IRR method assumes reinvestment at the IRR. | | | | | Question 12 0 out of 2 points | | | Which of the following statements is CORRECT? Assume that the project being considered has normal cash flows, with one outflow followed by a series of inflows. Answer | | | | | Selected Answer:| If a company uses the same payback requirement to evaluate all projects, say it requires a payback of 4 years or less, then the company will tend to reject projects with relatively short lives and accept long-lived projects, and this will cause its risk to increase over time. | Correct Answer:| One drawback of the regular payback for evaluating projects is that this method does not properly account for the time value of money. | | | | | Question 13 2 out of 2 points | | | Which of the following statements is CORRECT? Assume that the project being considered has normal cash flows, with one outflow followed by a series of inflows. Answer | | | | | Selected Answer:| A project’s IRR is the discount rate that causes the PV of the inflows to equal the project’s cost. | Correct Answer:| A project’s IRR is the discount rate that causes the PV of the inflows to equal the project’s cost. | | | | | Question 14 2 out of 2 points | | | Which of the following statements is CORRECT? Answer | | | | | Selected Answer:| Projects with â€Å"normal† cash flows can have only one real IRR. Correct Answer:| Projects with â€Å"normal† cash flows can have only one real IRR. | | | | | Question 15 0 out of 2 points | | | Which of the following statements is CORRECT? Answer | | | | | Selected Answer:| If a firm uses the discounted payback method with a required payback of 4 years, then it will accept more projects than if it used a regular payback of 4 years. | Correct Answer:| Mul tiple IRRs can exist, but not multiple MIRRs. This is one reason some people favor the MIRR over the regular IRR. | | | | | Question 16 0 out of 2 points | | When evaluating a new project, firms should include in the projected cash flows all of the following EXCEPT:Answer | | | | | Selected Answer:| The salvage value of assets used for the project that will be recovered at the end of the project’s life. | Correct Answer:| Previous expenditures associated with a market test to determine the feasibility of the project, provided those costs have been expensed for tax purposes. | | | | | Question 17 2 out of 2 points | | | A firm is considering a new project whose risk is greater than the risk of the firm’s average project, based on all methods for assessing risk. In evaluating this project, it would be reasonable for management to do which of the following? Answer | | | | | Selected Answer:| Increase the cost of capital used to evaluate the project to reflect its higher-than-average risk. | Correct Answer:| Increase the cost of capital used to evaluate the project to reflect its higher-than-average risk. | | | | | Question 18 2 out of 2 points | | | Which of the following statements is CORRECT? Answer | | | | | Selected Answer:| A sunk cost is a cost that was incurred and expensed in the past and cannot be recovered if the firm decides not to go forward with the project. Correct Answer:| A sunk cost is a cost that was incurred and expensed in the past and cannot be recovered if the firm decides not to go forward with the project. | | | | | Question 19 2 out of 2 points | | | Which of the following statements is CORRECT? Answer | | | | | Selected Answer:| An example of an externality is a situation where a bank opens a new office, and that new office causes deposits in the bank’s other offices to increase. | Correct Answer:| An example of an externality is a situation where a bank opens a new office, and that new office causes deposits in the bank’s other offices to increase. | | | | Question 20 2 out of 2 points | | | Which of the following statements is CORRECT? Answer | | | | | Selected Answer:| Simulation analysis is a computerized version of scenario analysis where input variables are selected randomly on the basis of their probability distributions. | Correct Answer:| Simulation analysis is a computerized version of scenario analysis where input variables are selected randomly on the basis of their probability distributions. | | | | | Question 21 0 out of 2 points | | | Which of the following statements is CORRECT? Answer | | | | | Selected Answer:| The existence of any type of â€Å"externality† will reduce the calculated NPV versus the NPV that would exist without the externality. | Correct Answer:| If one of the assets to be used by a potential project is already owned by the firm, and if that asset could be sold or leased to another firm if the new project were not undertaken, then the net after-tax proceeds that could be obtained should be charged as a cost to the project under consideration. | | | | | Question 22 2 out of 2 points | | | A company is considering a new project. The CFO plans to calculate the project’s NPV by estimating the relevant cash flows for each year of the project’s life (i. e. , the initial investment cost, the annual operating cash flows, and the terminal cash flow), then discounting those cash flows at the company’s overall WACC. Which one of the following factors should the CFO be sure to INCLUDE in the cash flows when estimating the relevant cash flows? Answer | | | | | Selected Answer:| The investment in working capital required to operate the project, even if that investment will be recovered at the end of the project’s life. Correct Answer:| The investment in working capital required to operate the project, even if that investment will be recovered at the end of the project’s life. | | | | | Question 23 0 out of 2 points | | | Which of the following statements is CORRECT? Answer | | | | | Selected Answer:| Using accelerated depreciation rather than straight line normally has no effect on a p roject’s total projected cash flows nor would it affect the timing of those cash flows or the resulting NPV of the project. Correct Answer:| Using accelerated depreciation rather than straight line normally has the effect of speeding up cash flows and thus increasing a project’s forecasted NPV. | | | | | Question 24 0 out of 2 points | | | Which of the following rules is CORRECT for capital budgeting analysis? Answer | | | | | Selected Answer:| If a product is competitive with some of the firm’s other products, this fact should be incorporated into the estimate of the relevant cash flows. However, if the new product is complementary to some of the firm’s other products, this fact need not be reflected in the analysis. Correct Answer:| Only incremental cash flows, which are the cash flows that would result if a project is accepted, are relevant when making accept/reject decisions. | | | | | Question 25 0 out of 2 points | | | Which one of the following wou ld NOT result in incremental cash flows and thus should NOT be included in the capital budgeting analysis for a new product? Answer | | | | | Selected Answer:| Using some of the firm’s high-quality factory floor space that is currently unused to produce the proposed new product. This space could be used for other products if it is not used for the project under consideration. | Correct Answer:| The cost of a study relating to the market for the new product that was completed last year. The results of this research were positive, and they led to the tentative decision to go ahead with the new product. The cost of the research was incurred and expensed for tax purposes last year. | | | | | Question 26 2 out of 2 points | | | The relative risk of a proposed project is best accounted for by which of the following procedures? Answer | | | | | Selected Answer:| Adjusting the discount rate upward if the project is judged to have above-average risk. | Correct Answer:| Adjusting the discount rate upward if the project is judged to have above-average risk. | | | | | Question 27 2 out of 2 points | | | Dalrymple Inc. is considering production of a new product. In evaluating whether to go ahead with the project, which of the following items should NOT be explicitly considered when cash flows are estimated? Answer | | | | | Selected Answer:| The company has spent and expensed for tax purposes $3 million on research related to the new detergent. These funds cannot be recovered, but the research may benefit other projects that might be proposed in the future. | Correct Answer:| The company has spent and expensed for tax purposes $3 million on research related to the new detergent. These funds cannot be recovered, but the research may benefit other projects that might be proposed in the future. | | | | | Question 28 2 out of 2 points | | Which of the following should be considered when a company estimates the cash flows used to analyze a proposed project? Answer | | | | | Selected Answer:| The new project is expected to reduce sales of one of the company’s existing products by 5%. | Correct Answer:| The new project is expected to reduce sales of one of the company’s existing products by 5%. | | | | | Question 29 2 out of 2 points | | | Langston Labs has an overall (composite) WACC of 10%, which reflects the cost of capital for its average asset. Its assets vary widely in risk, and Langston evaluates low-risk projects with a WACC of 8%, average-risk projects at 10%, and high-risk projects at 12%. The company is considering the following projects: Project Risk Expected Return A High 15% B Average 12% C High 11% D Low 9% E Low 6% Which set of projects would maximize shareholder wealth? Answer | | | | | Selected Answer:| A, B, and D. | Correct Answer:| A, B, and D. | | | | | Question 30 2 out of 2 points | | | Which one of the following would NOT result in incremental cash flows and thus should NOT be included in the capital budgeting analysis for a new product? Answer | | | | | Selected Answer:| A firm has spent $2 million on Ramp;D associated with a new product. These costs have been expensed for tax purposes, and they cannot be recovered regardless of whether the new project is accepted or rejected. | Correct Answer:| A firm has spent $2 million on Ramp;D associated with a new product. These costs have been expensed for tax purposes, and they cannot be recovered regardless of whether the new project is accepted or rejected. | | | | | Thursday, November 17, 2011 11:33:19 PM EST OK How to cite Net Present Value and Correct Answer, Papers

Relevance of Chaucers Canterbury Tales for Today free essay sample

This paper is a discussion of three characters from the Canterbury Tales and relates them to a modern audience. This paper discusses The Canterbury Tales and the character of the Parson, who is a perfect example and holds every quality a devout church leader is expected to have. His life is contrasted with that of Monk and Friar who are the exact opposites of the Parson as their lives consist of greed, gluttony and lustfulness. The current church leadership, and Mother Teresa are used as modern day examples of goodness and greed. The First way the Canterbury Tales is relevant to a modern audience is through the powerful characterization of the Parson. He is a perfect example and holds every quality a devout church leader is expected to have. The purpose for his journey to Canterbury is to enhance his own spirituality, the ideal reason for going on this pilgrimage. The Parson is an educated man and, unlike many of the others, he is very honorable. We will write a custom essay sample on Relevance of Chaucers Canterbury Tales for Today or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page He practices what he preaches and knows that he is an example for others to follow.

An Examination of the Poetry of Anne Bradstreet Flashcard

An Examination of the Poetry of Anne Bradstreet

Anti-Terror Laws - What Americ essays

Anti-Terror Laws - What Americ essays Anti-Terror Laws - What Americans Should Know Unaware to most people in the US, recently passed laws allow the government to watch them just about as much as they want. After the tragic terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001 there have been many laws passed to protect our nation from these terrible people. In the process of trying to protect us, the citizens of the United States, they have started to pry into our lives. Making some uncomfortable. Many people believe there are too many flaws and that these new laws can give the government too much access to our lives. The main laws that have passed include the USA Patriot Act, the Homeland Security Act, and a possible Domestic Security Enhancement Act, currently in draft form. I am not saying do away with these laws, but they should be revised, reconsidered, and then put back into place. Initially, the USA Patriot Act was passed by an overwhelming vote by the US Congress on October 26, 2001. This act was passed very quickly after the 9/11 attacks, it is considered a weaker version of the upcoming Homeland Security Act. This law allows the FBI to begin spying on American's that were considered a threat. There was judicial over-sight established in the 70's to stop this. Some of the FBI and CIA monitoring affect a lot of areas of typical American's lives. Internet usage can be spied on if a law enforcement agent believes that surveillance is "relevant" in an ongoing investigation. When a person signs on to the internet they send and receive "packets" of information and that creates what comes up on the screen and this is what a user interacts with. New government software named Carnivore is included in the expanded investigative powers included in this act. This software "sniffs" these packets for key words or e-mail addresses that have become deemed a threat by investigators. FBI now can obtain access to many sensitive documents about a person's life just by sta...

The Interest Rating to Develop a Theory of Liquidity Preference Essay

The Interest Rating to Develop a Theory of Liquidity Preference - Essay Example When the economy is doing well, the corporate cash flows rise above what is required to pay the debt off. This leads to speculative euphoria where this act of borrowing and lending goes on and reaches a point where the borrowers are no longer able to pay off the debt. As borrowers are no longer able to pay back, it leads to financial crises where banks do not have liquidity. As a result of the borrowers’ default, banks further tighten their lending, which means that even deserving borrowers that could pay back do not get access to capital in such circumstances. According to Minsky, these swings are a part of a free market economy and cannot be avoided unless there is the provision of a government enforced the regulation. Mishkin, on the other hand, focused on the role of asymmetric information in the financial system. This essentially means that one party in the transaction has less information than the other party. For example, a lender is not aware of the potential ways in which the borrower is going to use the money, but in case the money is lost, it is always the lender who is at the losing end. This asymmetric information creates two problems, namely the adverse selection and the moral hazard. Adverse selection is a trend in which lenders choose borrowers who can pay a higher interest, knowing that they can pay higher interest because their business is riskier and hence there is a greater chance of losing the money on the part of the lender. The interest rate on such investments is quite exaggerated to reflect the risk premium. Moral hazard occurs when the borrowers may choose to invest the money in activities that are undesirable from the lenders’ point of view or else they simply do not work. As this loss is to be borne by the lenders, they will refrain from lending thus causing a financial crisis. Mishkin concentrates on interest rates to develop a theory of liquidity  preference.  

Pick up a topic from my PDF Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Pick up a topic from my PDF - Essay Example It is believed that the first cellular life forms were anaerobic heterotrophs because they lacked fully functional mitochondria. For example, majority of parabasalids and diplomonads are found in surroundings that lack oxygen. These protists do not contain plastid. In addition, their mitochondria are short of DNA and enzymes required for the tricarboxylic acid cycle. They also lack an electron transport chain. In other species, the mitochondria are extremely tiny. In these species, the cytosol contains cofactors that take part in production of ATP. A common example of a diplomonad is Girdia intestinalis got by taking contaminated water. Girdia thrives in mammals’ intestines where there is inadequate oxygen. Parabasalids include trichomonads such as Trichomonas vaginalis, which live in the vagina of female human beings (an anaerobic environment). Trichomonas vaginalis outgrow other beneficial bacteria and infect the vaginal lining under suitable conditions of acidity. Protists generally carry out three main metabolic activities, which are photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation, and respiration. Metabolic paths in Protists involve many materials and pathways, some of which are unique to this group only. Blue-green algae or the cyanobacteria use chlorophyll a and other pigments known as phycobilins for photosynthesis. Phycobilins have two colors, phycocyanin (blue) and phycoerythrin (red). Thylakoid-like membranes hold chlorophyll a just like in plants. Purple and green bacteria are anaerobes that utilize sulphur compounds, fatty acids, and alcohols as electron donors during the energy generating processes. Photosystem 2 in plants appeared to have evolved from photosynthesis in purple bacteria whereas, in bacteria, this system is a predecessor of photosystem 1. Prokaryotes are the only living things that have the ability to fix free nitrogen from the atmosphere. Endosymbiosis played an extremely large role in the evolution of prokaryotic and eukaryotic protists. Endosymbiosis involved unicellular organisms engulfing other cells. These cells in return evolved into organelles in the hosts’ cells. For example, the original eukaryotes obtained mitochondria as a result of swallowing up alpha proteobacteria. Studies of all protists indicate that they all have mitochondria, or at least previously contained them. Later on, a descendant of heterotrophic eukaryotes obtained a photosynthetic cyanobacterium as an endosymbiont. This photosynthetic cyanobacterium later changed to a plastid. Red and green algae arose from this lineage. Scientific evidence of this phenomenon is the similarity in the DNA sequences of cyanobacteria and plastids in red and green algae. These algae also went through secondary endosymbioisis through the process of evolution on a number of incidences. They were swallowed in a heterotrophic eukaryotes’ food vacuole and became endosymbionts. Chlorarachniophytes is a good example of algae that progressed from such a process. Fossils of protists and other microscopic organisms are contained in microfossils. Microfossil records indicate that prokaryotes were the earliest forms of being in the world for a long time (about 3.5 billion years ago). Protists came after the prokaryotes at some 1.5 billion years ago. Fossil records are able to give distinctions between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells in terms of the internal cell compositions. Zonation on a Local and Global Scale Zones are biological phenomena that

Course Expectations and Goals Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Course Expectations and Goals - Essay Example I have not always been an A student, but this particular topic interests me, and I think that I should be able to shine if I study hard and am open to learning from you, my teacher, and also my peers, who may be more knowledgeable about me in this certain subject. My strengths in technical writing are that I am someone who has a lot of thoughts swirling around in my brain, so it shouldn’t be too hard for me to jot them down on paper. Part of being such a good writer is to always be open to critique, and I am sure that this is one area that I can excel in. On the other hand though, my attention to detail is perhaps not as great as it should be. I think the reason for this is that I think faster than I can write, and thus the words are coming out of my brain much faster than I can write them out. I am aware of this and realize that I need to slow it down and properly construe the thought patterns that may be in my head. In terms of organization, I am a pretty well-organized person because I set deadlines for whenever I have to complete something by. Part of this process is breaking down the task into smaller more manageable â€Å"chunks† so that the task does not seem so daunting at first. My mind is naturally inclined to think critically about whatever I am writing about (Is this the only way? What if my way is wrong? Is there a better option?). I ask myself all these questions because I always want to strive for the very best that I have to offer. If I can refine my work just marginally, it may end up strengthening my argument. My grammar skills are quite acceptable to most people’s standards. I always take great pride in the quality of my work, and this also means the way it is presented too. Once I have completed a work, I go back over it and check for not only any blatant errors, but also for places where the copy can be improved or tweaked to make it more concise. I would

Tissue engineering for skin

Tissue engineering for skin TISSUE ENGINEERING OF THE SKIN (MECH 5510M) LITERATURE REVIEW SID: 200507638 ABSTRACT: This essay is a literature review on the tissue engineering for skin replacement, with regard to the clinical need, approaches various commercially-available products. Skin is undoubtedly crucial in the maintenance of the bodys internal balance also protecting externally. It gets severely compromised in burns, non-healing ulcers, reconstructive surgeries etc. bringing down the patients quality of life drastically. Tissue engineering is a more efficient approach than traditional skin grafting. It is a research area that is forever evolving, where researchers are always working towards one united goal, i.e. to develop in bulk quantities, a skin substitute that can be handled with less care, integrates faster with the bodys natural matrix and costs reasonable. INTRODUCTION: A lot of research has been undertaken in the past to realize that it is possible to generate skin by applying engineering techniques. This is done by growing skin at a faster rate than normal and in an artificial manner4. Skin is the largest most widely spread organ in the human body. Its role is to protect the bodys internal environment from harshness of the external conditions and restrict entry of microbes, by acting as a barrier4. Several situations diseases arise, due to which the skin gets irreparably damaged, thus requiring interventional help in restoring it back to health. Tissue engineering is the application of engineering techniques to develop biological substitutes1. Burns (acute) ulcers (chronic) are the most common conditions which require the replacement of skin. In developing countries (Fig 1)2,3, due to lack of knowledge on safety, a very high number of burns accidents occur every year, and mostly of fatal nature. The fatality is mainly due to pain, infection, loss of body fluids incapability of the body to self-regenerate large amounts of lost skin5. Thus, experimentation in this field was triggered. Many skin diseases, which lead to necrosis, pigmentation problems, also require engineered skin4. CLINICAL NEED FOR SKIN TISSUE ENGINEERING: In most incidents, both the epidermal and dermal layers require replacement. Conventionally, the treatment method involved skin grafting i.e. autologous (self) split-thickness and full-thickness grafting, where healthy skin was taken from other areas of the body and replaced at the injury site. Split-thickness (comprising of the epidermis a part of the dermis) grafting is not a logical method to use, when a large area of the body (>50%) is affected less healthy skin is available. But, it is todays gold standard approach6. Further trauma, due to grafting, can be painful to a patient who is already in a critical state. Also, scar formation post-operatively is another reason for its reduced usage. Full-thickness grafts are suitable to use when the burned area is less than 2% of the total area. These problems could be avoided if skin (of full or partial thickness) were grown artificially and substituted in the place of real skin6. LITERATURE REVIEW: The skin can be broadly divided into two layers i.e. the epidermis dermis. The epidermis is made up of several layers and may/may not consist of extra-cellular matrix (ECM). The layers from surface to deep are: cornified, granular, spinosal and basalar layers. The most commonly found cells here are the keratinocytes melanocytes. The dermis is constituted by GAGs proteins. Within the dermis, fibroblasts are most commonly found8. Several skin substitutes exist for wound coverage in tissue engineering4. It can be broadly divided into temporary and permanent skin substitutes. The table below (Table 1) is a list of all the material options available for skin replacement: Table 1: Temporary and Permanent Skin Substitutes8 Permanent tissue engineering of the skin can be broadly divided into three categories6, 8: Epidermal replacements Generally, using autologous keratinocyte sheets. Replaces only the epidermis, but â€Å"take rates† are very poor, suitable for superficial burn treatment only. Dermal replacements Replaces only the dermal layer. In most cases, it is applied along with an epidermal graft to improve â€Å"take rates†. Dermo-epidermal (bilayer skin) replacements Replaces both the epidermis and dermis. Suitable for full-thickness burns. Skin replacements have two main components i.e. cells and the scaffold. In wound coverage, three types of cells can be used autologous, allogenic or stem cells. Autologous (self) cell usage is the most preferred as it is easily accepted by the patients body does not need incite and anti-immune responses. Allogenic (donor) cells, if used directly can lead to the eventual rejection of the transplant. However, it is used in an acellular fashion, where the donor keratinocytes are removed prior to culturing9. Stem cells have trans-germal pluripotential properties are currently being researched for their poteintial application in skin engineering. Less information is obtained on keratinocyte stem cells. The suggested reason for their longevity is that KSC cycles very slowly and is resistant to mutations8. The type of biodegradable scaffold, either natural or synthetic permits cells to attach onto them and facilitate handling during transplantation6, 9. Rheinwald Green Experiment8: The experiment carried out in 1975 by Rheinwald and Green where human (autologous) keratinocytes were produced in-vitro, proved to be a breakthrough in this field and modified versions of this method are used nowadays. Extracted keratinocytes were allowed to form colonies on a plastic substrate. These colonies expanded to form a sheet. Stratifications arose as the daughter cells, usually at the centre, started multiplying vertically and a 12-cell layer was achieved. To increase the multiplicative capacity of keratinocytes, a feeder layer (comprising murine Swiss 3T3 lethally irradiated fibroblasts) mitogens were introduced to the culture. Epidermal Replacements: A small skin biopsy of the patient is harvested, which is cultured to produce a patch. The full-thickness biopsy of the patients skin is cut finely and enzymes are added to cause disaggregation of the skin into cells. A feeder layer, as mentioned previously, is used to culture these cells in culture flasks. To promote proliferation, epidermal growth factors, enzymes such as insulin, hydrocortisone, cholera-toxin and bovine serum are used. After colonies have been formed, trypsin is added. The KCs are cultured to confluence and later, the sheets are removed from the flasks (using dispase) for use8. The result of this method compared to the split-thickness gold standard is quite poor, as the dermal layer is missing and it depends upon the health of the dermis existing. Also, it is prone to scarring, takes too long, expensive, extremely fragile and has varying â€Å"take† rates6. Dermal Replacements: It was claimed, in 1952, that using only pure epidermal sheets, success would be lesser than compared to those with a dermis10. To accentuate the success of the epidermal transplantation, dermal replacements were constructed. A dermal replacement that covered the affected area with cryoprserved allogenic skin was used minus the epidermal layer was used11, 12. Also, an observation that allogenic keratinocytes elicited more anti-immune response than allogenic fibroblasts, was reported. To reconstruct the dermis, the two-stage Integra application is most widely used now13. This dermis functions as a scaffold for the attachment of keratinocytes and improves vascularization9. Burke et al (1981) developed a dermal replacement, where a collagen sponge was covered with a silastic layer (synthetic). The sponge behaves as a scaffold for the fibroblast cells. This technique was commercialized into a product (Integra Dermal Regeneration Template) 9, 14. A modification to this employed GAGs along with collagen, in the scaffold. Here, a precipitated mixture of bovine collagen fibres and a chondrotin-6-sulfate (GAG from shark cartilage) was freeze dried. This generated a collagen-GAG sponge scaffold, which had a mean pore size. Cross-linkage to strengthen the matrix was done using gluteraldehyde. Finally, the silastic layer was applied. This is available as a product; Integra Artificial Skin (Chamberlain and Yannas, 1999)9, 15. According to Heimbach et al (1988), this is most suitable for burns patients. The concept of using absorbable polymer scaffolds (synthetic) such as polyglactin 910 or polyglycolic acid was the next improvement in dermal replacements. Here, allogenic fibroblasts are enzymatically cultured and this culture is mounted on the polymer scaffold for integration). Due to this, an ECM consisting of collagen, growth factors, GAGs etc. is formed, which stays active even after it is frozen17. This was commercialized as Dermagraft 8, 16. Two-stage dermis application has shown proven results, and now clinical trials are being conducted to examine the applicability of one-stage dermis, such as Matriderm 6. The dermal replacements essentially require an epidermal covering. Dermo-Epidermal Replacements: These are available both as autologous or off-the-shelf products. In autologous DED replacements, both keratinocytes and fibroblasts are harvested from the patient and are added to the collagen-GAG scaffold. Cultivation of this in culture medium is for around four weeks. This is a more permanent solution 6, 18, 19. The first model of todays Apligraf was done by Bell et al (1979)20. DEDs use human keratinocytes fibroblast cells (allogenic) within a scaffold. Morphological studies after using Apligraf reported the presence of a well-defined epidermis, with all four layers, as in the natural skin, and seeded allogenic fibroblasts aligned in a normal manner within the collagen matrix 8, 21. COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE PRODUCTS: CONCLUSION FUTURE AIMS: Tissue engineering of the skin was the first to be approved by the FDA has evolved a great deal, from the first application of only cultured keratinocytes to the use of biological skin substitutes. Research is still in-progress to develop skin in bulk quantities, mainly for burns patients, and to mimic all the mechanical and properties and functions of the natural skin. The state of the art results can be achieved now by using cultured keratinocyte cells with the dermal replacement, Integra, in full-thickness, small and clean wounds. This has shown optimal results in cosmesis and wound closure8. However, this branch of tissue engineering is still very much in a developing level. Studies to analyse how to reduce various risks in patients, who receive donor cells should be done. Also, a main difficulty is in getting the cells to attach to the dermis, post-transplantation. Burns patients are highly susceptible to various problems, thus there is a need for materials that present lower risk than animal/human materials. Mainly, it is ideal if the graft starts to behave like natural skin soon after grafting, which is possible only with rapid vascularization and cell implantation. Also, low expense of these products is extremely desirable. REFERENCES: Nerem R M. 1992. Tissue engineering in the USA. Medical Biological Engineering Computing, Vol 30, pp. CE8-CE 12. Burn Incidence and Treatment in the United States: 1999 Fact Sheet (The Burn Foundation, Philadelphia, 1999). Rose, J. K. Herndon, D. N. Advances in the treatment of burn patients. Burns 23 (suppl. 1), S19-S26 (1997). McNeil S. 2007. Progress and opportunities for tissue-engineered skin. Nature. Vol 445 (22), pp. 874-880. Pomahac B, T. Svensjà ¶, F. Yao, H. Brown and E. Eriksson. 1998. Critical Reviews in Oral Bioogy and Medicine. Vol9; pp. 333-344. Bottcher-Haberzeth S, T Bedermann, E Reichmann. 2009. Tissue engineering of skin. Burns, doi:10.1016/j.burns.2009.08.016 Burn Injury Occurrence is higher in Developing Countries. Available from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burn Price R, E Anthony, S Myers and H Navsaria. Chapter 17: Tissue engineering for Skin Transplantation. In: Clemens van Blitterswijk, Peter Thomsen, Anders Lindahl, Jeffrey Hubbell, David F. Williams, Ranieri Cancedda, Joost D. de Bruijn and Jà ©rà ´me Sohier eds., Tissue Engineering. Elsevier Inc, Pp. 507-532. Morgan J R, R L Sheridian, R G Tompkins, M L Yarmush and J F Burke. 2004. Chapter 7: Applications of Materials in Medicine, Biology and Artificial Organs (7.12). In: B D Ratner, A S Hoffman, F J Schoen and J E Lemons eds., Biomaterials Science. Elsevier Academic Press, pp. 602-614. Billingham, R.E. and Reynolds, J. 1952. Transplantation studies on sheets of pure epidermal epithelium and on epidermal cell suspensions. British Journal of Plastic Surgery, Vol 5, pp. 25 36. Cuono , C.B. , Langdon , R. , e t al. 1987. Composite autologous-allogeneic skin replacement: development and clinical application. Plastic Reconstruction Surgery, Vol 80, pp 626 637. Heck , E.L. , Bergstresser , P.R. , e t al. 1985. Composite skin graft: frozen dermal allografts support the engraftment and expansion of autologous epidermis . Journal of Trauma, Vol 25, pp. 106 112. Heimbach, D .M., W arden, G .D., e t al. ( 2003 ). Multicenter postapproval clinical trial of Integra dermal regeneration template for burn treatment. Journal of Burn Care Rehabilitation, Vol 24, pp. 42 48 . Burke, J.F. , Yannas , I.V. , e t al. ( 1981 b ). Successful use of a physiologically acceptable artificial skin in the treatment of extensive burn injury. Annals of Surgery, Vol 194, pp. 413 428. Chamberlain L J, Yannas I V. 1999. Preparation of collagen-glycosaminoglycan copolymers for tissue regeneration. In Methods in Tissue Engineering, J R Morgan and M L Yarmush eds. Humana Press, pp. 3-17. Hansbrough, J.F. , Cooper , M.L., et al. 1992a. Evaluation of a biodegradable matrix containing cultured human fibroblasts as a dermal replacement beneath meshed skin grafts on athymic mice. Surgery, Vol. 111, pp. 438 446. Cooper , M.L. , Hansbrough , J.F. , e t al. 1991. In vivo optimization of a living dermal substitute employing cultured human fibroblasts on a biodegradable polyglycolic acid or polyglactin mesh. Biomaterials, Vol. 12, pp. 243 248. Pham C, Greenwood J, Cleland H, Woodruff P, Maddern G. 2007. Bioengineered skin substitutes for the management of burns: a systematic review. Burns; Vol. 33, pp. 946-57. Boyce ST. 2001 Design principles for composition and performance of cultured skin substitutes. Burns; Vol. 27, pp. 523-33. Bell , E. , Ivarsson , B. , e t al. 1979. Production of a tissue like structure by contraction of collagen lattices by human fibroblasts of different proliferative potential in vitro. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, Vol. 76, pp. 1274 1278. Parenteau , N.L. , Bilbo , P. , et al. 1992. The organotypic culture of human skin keratinocytes and fibroblasts to achieve form and function. Cytotechnology, Vol. 9, pp. 163 171. Apligraf Structure vs. Skin Structure. Available from: http://www.organogenesis.com/images/apligraf_main3.jpg Fig. 3, Collagen GAG scaffolds for Tissue Engineering. Pek et al, 2004, Biomaterials. Available from: http://web.mit.edu/dmse/csg/Tissue_Regeneration.html Fig. 3, Collagen GAG scaffolds for Tissue Engineering. OBrien et al, 2004, Biomaterials. Available from:http://web.mit.edu/dmse/csg/Tissue_Regeneration.html

A Short History of Reproductive Politics in America Essay -- health, pr

Abortion refers to a medical procedure which at times is surgical, that is used to terminate an ongoing pregnancy by expulsion of the placenta and the fetus before it is mature or viable. There are several reasons why abortion may be procured. Some reasons could be personal in the case of a pregnancy that was not planned for, others could be medical. Medical reasons could be a wide range but focusing on the health of the mother or the baby. If carrying a pregnancy to term would affect the health of the mother either physically or mentally an abortion would be recommended (Solinger 2005).cited with MLA styles When abortion is done in consideration to the health of the unborn child it is when it’s determined that the child could have dire mental or physical disabilities. The mode and means undertaken to perform the process depend on how advanced the pregnancy is, the safety and also in some cases the legality. Abortion has been performed for long periods of time and has been passed over the generations. The methods used have evolved over these generations with some proving fatal and others working like they had been expected to. In recent times, abortion can be performed safely due to numerous advances in technology and in medicine. Before 1973 abortion was not legal in the U.S and various methods were used in procuring abortions. Some of these were crude in every sense and were performed in back-alleys either, by medical professionals or by crooks (Solinger 2005). Many a time, they proved fatal to the young women who sought them and resulted in death. Some died of the abortion procedure itself while many more died of infections after the procedure. As a result, many women struggled to keep abortions a secret due to its i... ...urces. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Oct. 2013. . Blake, J.. "Abortion And Public Opinion: The 1960-1970 Decade." Science 171.3971 (1971): 540-549. Print. Halfmann, Drew. "Historical Priorities And The Responses Of Doctors' Associations To Abortion Reform Proposals In Britain And The United States, 1960-1973." Social Problems 50.4 (2003): 567-591. Print. Hull, N. E. H., and Peter Charles Hoffer.Roe v. Wade: the abortion rights controversy in American history. Lawrence, Kan.: University Press of Kansas, 2001. Print. Williams, Mary E.. Abortion: opposing viewpoints. San Diego, Calif.: Greenhaven Press, 2002. Print. Brown, James. "Study findings from Linkoping University broaden understanding of induced abortion.." New York Times 22 Apr. 2010: 45-47. Print. Alphabetize and indent all 2nd, 3rd of citation Italicize tittle of books

Prejudice and Discrimination Essay

Prejudice as defined by John E Farley is â€Å"that prejudice refers to a positive or a negative attitude or belief directed toward certain people based on their membership in a particular group. The root word of prejudice is pre-judge. It is a set of attitudes which causes, supports, or justifies discrimination†. (Farley, 2000, p18). There are three components of prejudice which describe the different elements associated with it. Affectual one’s inner feeling which can be the result of incitement and are in accordance with people’s likes and dislikes. Behavioural the way people action their belief systems causing them to behave in a certain way. Cognitive the preconceived beliefs or expectations and involves stereotyping which usually are negative. Discrimination can be defined as the making of, a for or against action towards a person based on group, class, or a category to which they belong, rather than judge a person on their merit . This is the external representation of internal prejudice. Baron and Byrne (1997) defined discrimination as â€Å"negative behaviours directed towards people who are the object of prejudice†. Allport (1954) suggests that there are five stages of discrimination. Anti-locution would include incitement by speech for example racially motivated or sectarian jokes. Avoidance where failing to include people without considering their capabilities means people in minority groups are continuously avoided by the individuals of the majority group. Although no harm is meant, harm is still done through isolation. Discrimination comprises of a denying opportunities to a minority group or person with the intent of deliberately preventing them from receiving services or goals such as education and employment. Physical Attack involves the deliberate vandalising of or violent attacks on individuals and their property. Extermination is ethnic cleansing in an attempt to annihilate an entire race of peoples. (Allport, 1954, p71) It is difficult to distinguish the differences in the relationship between prejudice and discrimination. Our emotions and evaluations of others essentially reflects our prejudices, whereas rejection and concerns of acceptance describe our discriminations. Therefore someone who shows discrimination may not be prejudice. (Wagstaff, 2005, p1). Prejudice is a person or group attitude which may or may not develop into discrimination. It is an attitude as opposed to an action. Discrimination is not always the result of prejudice. There are cases where prejudice is not needed for discrimination whilst the law prevents prejudice from becoming discrimination now; this was not always the case. In some cases the law makes people discriminate, whether they feel prejudice or not. (Haralambos & Rice, 2002, p272). An example of this was LaPierre’s study which examined willingness to display prejudice and discrimination to a Chinese couple at a time of anti-oriental sentiment. He travelled across America with the couple, in total they visited over 250 establishments and were refused service only once. After returning home LaPierre sent letters to all the establishments visited asking if they would serve members of the Chinese race 91% replied no they would not. Critics have also stated that the letters may have gone to the managers or owners of the establishments who may have been prejudiced themselves while staff were not. Furthermore they may also have thought they were reflecting the wishes of their guests. Another reason they may have been served is because LaPierre accompanied them. The couple spoke excellent English, they were well presented and courteous this could all help towards being accepted as guests. There are many flaws in this study but it does show there are differences between prejudice and discrimination. (Haralambos & Rice, 2002, p272). A school teacher Elliot (1977) conducted an experiment in order to help understand the effects of prejudice and discrimination. The first day the class of nine year olds were told children with blue eyes were superior to the children with brown eyes. The brown eyed children were to be kept in their place by the blue eyed children and restrictions placed upon them such as standing last in line. The brown eyed children’s behaviour changed they did not do as well in school work and became depressed and angry, the blue eyed students became mean made derogatory statements and oppressed the other children. The following day the teacher told them she had made a mistake it was the brown eyed children who were superior. When reversed there were the same outcomes. Elliot (1977) said â€Å"I watched what had been marvellous, cooperative, wonderful, thoughtful children turn into nasty, vicious, discriminating little third-graders in a space of fifteen minutes. † (Positiveschools,n. d. ) Even though follow up of these children suggested they were more tolerant of differences between groups and actively opposed discrimination. (positiveschools, n. d. ). However critics argue the study lacked validity as it was not scientific and she had not put in place adequate protection for the children. Authoritarian personality, realistic group conflict and social identity are three theories that are considered to be the foundations of prejudice and discrimination. According to Adorno et al. (1950) â€Å"Authoritarian personality theory is based primarily on psychoanalytic principles, and proposes that prejudices most likely to arise in families that try to enforce conventional values through harsh discipline† (Wagstaff, 2005, p3). According to this theory, because of guilt and fear of punishment, children reared in such environments cannot register their frustration and aggression towards the legitimate target their parents. Growing up with no freedom of choice builds up frustration that leads to the authoritarian person looking for someone that is weaker who they can take out their frustrations on them in the form of prejudice or discrimination. This is referred to as ‘displaced aggression’. They are unable to say what they feel to the parents. Adorno created the f-scale as a way of measuring the prejudice of the authoritarian person. Various questionnaires which measured a person’s attitudes of the authoritarian personality. The numbers were high but the questions were written in a manner that would have people answer even if it is not what they think ‘yes-people’ an example question was â€Å"Do you think your employers should hire Negros? † (Allport, 1954, p76). The sample Adorno used was biased as there was not a broad enough range of people in it, it was mainly 2000 middle classes no Jewish white Americans. All ages and classes should be represented and in a larger sample. The right wing authoritarianism scale has now replaced the f scale and asks questions such as â€Å"Is it easy to understand the anger of black people in America? † (McConahay, 1986, p125). One person’s personality cannot explain how whole societies become prejudice. This theory does not explain for example how large groups such as Nazi Germany and other countries where mass genocide has taken place all became prejudice. Billing (1976) states that if prejudice it a personality characteristic then some people would be more prejudice than others. Also Altemeyer (1988) produced evidence that authoritarianism stems from adolescence rather than childhood, adolescents who imitated the parents authoritarian personalities got rewarded for it. He also found that social attitudes more than personality attitudes contributed to authoritarian personality. (Haralambos & Rice, 2002, p274). Pettigrew (1959) believes it is conformity to the group norm that is responsible for mass prejudice rather than a type of personality. Altemeyer (1988) found social changes produced more increases in authoritarian scores. Pettigrew (1958) carried out a comparison of four southern state towns, evidence supported white southerners were more prejudiced against African Americans than white northerners. Was this because there are a larger number of authoritarian personalities or a difference in cultural norms? He argued that prejudice can be depicted through cultural norms than on personality. He found that northern conformists were less prejudiced than southern conformist; his findings were based on the personality questionnaire. (Haralambos & Rice, 2002, p275). Levels of authoritarianism were found to be the same in South Africa as America, yet South Africa had a lot more prejudice because of cultural and political factors. (Gross, 2012, p49). Realistic group conflict theory states conflict arises between groups as a result of struggles that occur when two groups are in competition with one another; for limited resources or want to achieve the same goals. Muzafer Sherif et al (1961) devised an experiment to study the relationships between competition and prejudice. There were twenty two middle class eleven to twelve year old boys based at Robber’s Cave State Park summer camp. They were assigned into two groups. Activities were assigned to each group to develop a sense of belonging. At the end of the first week the two groups were introduced. They immediately showed signs of territoriality and fighting in sued. Tournaments with prizes were then engineered between the groups. At the end of the week the boys rated themselves in their own group as superior and even boys in the group who had been previously rated low were elevated. The other group were considered to be cheats and cowards. Attempts were then made to reduce the conflict in which the groups had to work together. A consequence for pursuing these goals was that the groups became friendlier towards one another. Sherrif et.al’s study showed that the boys acted differently towards one another depending on the situation they were in. When in competition they felt dislike, hatred and when placed in a setting with common goals friendships were forged. It would be interesting to see the results of the study had it been all girls, this was not a fair study as it was not a representative of all groups in society therefore it is a bias sample. The surroundings of the study were not consistent with every day. This experiment shows how competition for different resources can generate prejudice and that competition can degenerate into hostility and conflict. Tyerman & Spencer (1983) contradicted Tajfel’s theory; they observed a group of English boy scouts who knew each other before camp. They were divided into four groups and placed into similar competition as in the robbers cave. The boys reactions to this did not change they remained friendly and in group solidarity did not increase. This suggests competition is not sufficient alone for inter group conflict. (Gross, 2012, p391-392). This theory gives a more practical, offering a more social point of view to prejudice. Where this theory does make more sense there are some issues with it. For example not all groups that compete with each other result in prejudice and discrimination. Tajfel et al. (1971) discovered that in a number of experiments it was not necessary for competition to be present between groups for there to be prejudice. They discovered just being a member of the in group as opposed to what they considered to be the out group was enough to produce prejudice. Locksley et al (1980) went further than Tajfel by informing the participants they were being randomly assigned by a coin toss, meaningless names given and even with these conditions there was a strong in group preference. According to Brown (1988) dozens of studies throughout the world with a range of participants from all ages and both sexes, concluded that merely allotting people into groups leads to judgements and behaviours being biased and discriminative. It was this discovery that led to the basis for social identity theory. Fiske (2004) believes this theory describes prejudice and discrimination more palpably. Realistic group conflict theory does help explain increases in prejudice in war torn countries. Social identity theory states that discrimination and prejudice are only possible if people are categorised into groups so that they identify and develop a sense of belonging. Given that our self-image is important to us, we strive for this to be positive. Social image comes from social identity. Therefore people view the groups to which they belong as positive. They make comparisons between their group and others and believe their group to be superior to the others, leading to discrimination in favour of their own group and have a negative view of other groups. The assumption is therefore that Prejudice and discrimination result from group identification and the need for a positive image. Tajfel believed mankind are motivated to make sense of the world around them, he thought this was done through a process of categorisation, assimilation and coherence but these processes do not explain prejudice, he later rose to more points that much of personal identity comes from social groups and that we strive for self-esteem. In Tajfel’s study a group of strangers who had no contact with each other were randomly split into two groups. In one experiment participants were asked to give out money, they favoured their own group even if it meant losing money; participants identified with ‘their group’ and had a clear bias with the other group. Social identity theory states prejudice is inevitable. (Haralambos & Rice, 2002, p277). Another experiment Tajfel performed was to show boys a painting by Klee and Kandinsky and asked which they preferred. The boys were given money to dispense, the boys gave the money to the fans of the picture that they preferred, this showed immense loyalty to their in group, even though they did not know one another. (Fiske, 2008, p15) Social identity theory explains a person’s need for a positive identity does involve stereotyping, discrimination and prejudice, this leads to an in group situation where the in group are seen as positive and is the reverse for the negative and its out groups. Though on a larger scale this theory does not explain extreme forms of prejudice, relationships between groups are not just about being seen positively but they can be for reasons such as a power, money and scarce resources, these can lead to prejudice and discrimination. In Pakistan we are lead to believe the Taliban are representing its people and they are fighting for their freedom. That westerners are there to help the people. Yet when eleven year old Malala Yousafzai spoke out and wrote a blog for the B. B. C. it resulted in her being shot in the head. â€Å"Malala does not want to play to some western-backed or Taliban-loved stereotype. She shows us all there are voices out there that need to be heard, if only to help the country find democracy that is for and from the people, all the people. †(BBCNews,2012,p1). This cannot be put down to social identity theory. This theory is able to explain stereotypes prejudice and discrimination and all are seen as a need in the individual for a positive identity. Preferences lead to the positive in group stereotype and therefore will lead to prejudice and discrimination which will favour the in group but will be the opposite for the out group there by producing negative discrimination towards the out group. Social identity theory does not explain extreme forms of prejudice Brown and Lunt (2002) state how a theory based on attitudes, such as in-group favouritism can, explain the systematic slaughter of millions in Nazi death camps? This theory concentrates on two groups the in group and the out group with two groups it is easy to create a them and us situation but what happens when a third or fourth group is introduced there will not be the same polarisation and therefore the same bias will not be created. Conclusion Some researchers believe prejudice is caused by a fear of strangers or change, while others see it as a type of chauvinism regarding issues such as nationalism or religion. However there is general agreement that prejudice is learned. It is safe to say that no one theory can explain all areas of prejudice and discrimination. However they all contribute to giving us some understanding as to how prejudice and discrimination become part of our society. Fiske (2008) is working on a theory which suggests we are born prejudiced. She has been observing brain activity using M. R. I scanners, studying the amygdala region which is the fear response of the brain. This is triggered when we judge people or events we deem threatening Fiske’s findings suggest are conscious try getting the sub conscious to stop unwanted prejudices. (Fiske, 2008, p16).

Gatacca essays

Gatacca essays The movie Gattaca is made up of ideas of human spirit and perfection. The society where everyone wants to be perfect. Made men in the world of Gattaca are taught from the beginning of their lives what they have been designed to achieve, they know their expectations and they know their limitations. Jerome is one of the example. Jerome is a perfect baby genetically born. He is a perfect man and couldnt face fall but through the movie, Jerome has proven that he is not a coward and he has redeeming qualities. By meeting Vincent, the invalid or born by love, with clear ambitions and goals, which nobody think he could success. from a young age I came to think of myself as others thought of me, chronically ill, Jerome is given the chance to experience something new and different, the ability to dream about what could be. He shares every part of Vincents transformation into a valid. This includes blood, hair, skin and urine and part where they can take sample from, and helped Vincent to change into a valid, and possible in achieving his dream. Jerome get the chance to learn about the hope of doing something thought impossible, however Jerome got the chance to experience this achievement through Vincents dream. It is the chance to experience something different that makes Jerome think that he got the better end of the deal. After coming second in the swimming race Jerome gave up all he had achieved, feeling his life was useless and not worth living. This lack of motivation was brought up by the society in Gattaca where everyone is going after the perfection they pursue. Everyone wants the best for their babies. Jerome he was told that due to his score of 9.3 he was able to achieve anything, He was genetically born to be champion swimmer. This causes the result that he couldnt take that fact of failure. The burden of perfection and the failing made Eugene attempt to take his own life. I ...

South African Food Security and the lack of Transport Systems essays

South African Food Security and the lack of Transport Systems essays South African Food Security and the lack of Transport Systems Agriculture is often a major part of any countries economy. It not only serves as a means of feeding the nations people, but also may serve as an excellent export to other countries. We are all familiar with Florida Oranges, Idaho Potatoes, and even Wisconsin Cheese. These have become famous for their unique taste or perhaps just marketability, which is an important strategy of foodstuffs next to the transportation systems. For example, because ours in the U.S. are up to date, it allows us to get certain crops, such as rice from Japan in a timely, low cost manner. However, in the SADC (Southern African Development Council) it is not that easy. Throughout this paper we will take a look at why that is from past to present, define agricultural development and offer reasons why an adequate transport system is necessary. African agricultural development history can be broken down into four periods: Pre-colonial, colonial, post-colonial and present day. There is similarities and differences between these periods that may offer some insight to how Africa grew into the situations they now face. Agriculture at this time was classified by subsistence farming and shifting cultivation due to a low land population. All food or most was cultivated for consumption by farmers and others who lived nearby and was directly linked to nutrition. At this time transport systems were virtually unnecessary. Agriculture during the colonial period, 1880 to mid 1960, was drastically altered and turned from being self-sufficient to on the verge of starvation. Colonization imposed the farming of cash crops along with several market and tax policies. This separated agriculture form nutrition, the backbone of African farming. The land needed to be under constant cultivation, rather than seasonal which was another way the Europeans exploit ...

Apple Inc Occupational Emergency Response Plan Research Paper

Apple Inc Occupational Emergency Response Plan - Research Paper Example Just as is the case within all other working environments, the ‘occupational emergency response plan’ is very relevant to the organization especially for such emergencies as injuries that would be sustained in the process of computer assembly as well as in operation of the machines during production. This paper therefore intends to develop an occupational emergency response plan for the Apple Inc organization as a mandatory and necessary tool within any working environment. The Apple Inc has a commitment to providing safe and secure working environment to its employees and as such takes any possible way to eliminate any hazard at work places in order to protect all people and in the process reduce the cases of illnesses or injuries at work place. For instance, within the suppliers ‘code of conduct’ of the organization, the organization’s commitment is to ensure all working conditions within the supply chain are safe and that employees are treated in a dignified manner as well as environmental safety is maintained for the well being of all (‘Apple Inc.’, 2009). The EPA as well as the OSHA has taken an active role in ensuring that organizations adopt an active role towards ensuring the safety of the working conditions within which their employees are. They require that organizations develop such occupational emergency response frameworks through which resources as well as specific responses towards particular situations are outlined and which often are refined regularly. Basic elements that are expected in a good response plan are up to date contacts of persons responsible for various duties within an organization in case of an emergency as well as ensuring that all departments as well as facilities work as stipulated within the plan to avoid confusion . Besides, it is as well necessary to stipulate resources to be used in case of such an emergency at work place (Hamel, 2012). The Apple Inc is obligated to have thoroughly trained response team personnel who would be set to offer immediate response in case of any emergency. The plan should sp ecifically outline the procedures and routes of escape in case of such an emergency as a fire, special assignments obligated on specific persons in response to any hazard and proper system through which employees will be accounted for after such a hazard. Besides, the plan should have a well stipulated mechanism of detection and communication of such a hazard as a fire within the working plant and immediate response procedures such as switching off the power mains. Therefore, the key elements that must be represented in an emergency plan within any organization are management structure, emergency responsibilities and assignments for emergencies as well as general procedures that employees should follow in cases of emergencies. This is because the main aim in developing the plan is to ensure that safety for employees within the organization is guaranteed against any hazard that faces the organization. Apple Inc occupational emergency response plan 1.0 Introduction: The following is a sample model of ‘Apple Inc occupational emergency response plan’ to a fire hazard. The organization’s activities in assembly and packaging of the computer systems occur within housing facilities, which are susceptible to fire outbreaks. Causes of such fires

Fiction Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Fiction Analysis - Essay Example In the very time, she takes the opportunity to go out and to her surprise she meets her husband contrary to the news the sister had delivered to her a short while. The experience led to her collapse and eventual death. This short story begins with who apparently is the main character in the story and the sister to the woman described in the story. She is referred to as sister of Louise; the woman on the other side is referred to as Josephine. Josephine is depicted as a woman with great traits as kindness, nurturing, and strength. The traits attributed to Josephine in a way had been experienced by the author who in the story was raised by the mother and other nuns in Katechopin.org a catholic school (Chopin, 18). It can then be deduced that the traits in this story was part of her life initially. The author’s (Kate Chopin) father died in a railroad accident in the early days and presumably this is why the story in this book has been framed in away that thee sister fictitiously tell the accident story to the woman (Chopin, 27). Because the father died when she was young, it may have appeared to her in a dream that her father was not hurt as it really was and that he one day came home-this may have had some influence in the orientation of the story. The woman described in this story equally was widowed in her prime age and from this, she learnt on how to earn a living from writing without depending on anybody (Chopin, 32). The story did not exempt the engagement of irony and satire in which the sister to the woman, Louise made the all radical decision to be free as a woman who is entitled to herself to exhaust the experiences in life. She decides to triumph in her bid and finally lived see this happen. The hidden lesson of the story is rather hidden in the sense that even no reference is made to the historical event, it tends to communicate a

Is Excessive Food Waste an Environmental Concern Essay

Is Excessive Food Waste an Environmental Concern - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that according to a report by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (APA), remarkably few citizens know that excessive food waste is an environmental hazard. Excessive food refers to wasteful practices by consumers and during production. Most people argue that since food is biodegradable, it does not pose a threat to the environment. However, a report published by EPA revealed that when food rots, it produces a greenhouse gas known as methane. Amazingly, methane is twenty times more damaging to the environment than carbon dioxide. On the other hand, the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) argues that if only five percent of Americans’ food scraps were recovered, it would be enough to feed four million people for a day. USDA reported that close to 26 million tons of wasted food get thrown away in garbage annually. In fact, in 2010, food approximated to 34 million tons went to waste. In addition, food waste formed the single largest component of municipal solid waste reaching incinerators and landfills. EPA notes that the U.S government spends close to one billion dollars just to dispose of all its wasted food. This is exceedingly astonishing. The excess money spent on the management of wasted food can be used to run vital government departments. Experts from the University of Arizona believe that the country’s environmental impact can be reduced by 25 percent if Americans can reduce their food wastage by a half. This appears to be true because the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) indicated on 10th January 2012 that one-third of the food produced for human consumption globally, goes to waste every year. FAO reported that consumers and retailers in the U.S waste close to 40 percent of edible food annually. The data from FAO is also astonishing and calls for immediate actions. From the data reported earlier, it is clear that excessive food waste is becoming a serious environmental hazard. Consider ing the report produced by FAO, the U.S is just a representative of many nations whose citizens waste tons of food annually. The most alarming bit is that methane, the gas produced from food rot, traps heat in the atmosphere 23 times more than the widely known carbon dioxide. Since global warming affects the whole earth, stakeholders should consider passing international regulations that regulate the quantity of wasted food a country produces, in order to curb methane overproduction.

Prometheus Bound Essay Example for Free

Prometheus Bound Essay In the play â€Å"Prometheus Bound† by Aeschylus, it states ideas about the concept of power through force. The play deals with conflict between force and intelligence which realates to the main concept of power and force. At the beginning of the play, Hephaestus is joined by Kratos, who represents power, and Bia, representing force. Heaphaestus chains Prometheus while Kratos abuses him and Bia stays silent throughtout the enchaintment. While Hephaestus has sympathy for Prometheus, Kratos reminds him that this is Zeus’ punishment for stealing fire from the gods and giving it to mankind. When Prometheus tried to use his intelligence to help humanity by giving them the gift of fire, Zeus responds by using his force to punish Prometheus. Throughout the play, Prometheus knowledge makes it clear that without him, Zeus will fall by a power greater than his own. For this reason, Force can be an advantage than knowledge, but it cannot remain indefinitely without it. On pg 1(lines 4-11), it says â€Å"Ordained thee by the Father-to enchain this malefactor on yon mountain crags†¦.. and check his charity for man. This is significant because Prrometheus stole fire from the gods and Zeus, all powerful, punishes Prometheus by sending his assistants, Kratos (power) and Bia (force) with Hephaestus to enchain Prometheus to a mountain. Therefore, Zeus has the power and control over the other gods and immortals. Secondly, on pg. 43 (lines 12-16) continued on pg. 44 (lines 1-3) it says â€Å"No rack nor pillory can cause Zeus devise to move or make manifest these things†¦. not thus will he consrain my tongue to tell By whose hand he from tyranny shall fall. This is significant because Prometheus has the knowledge about the overthrow of power of Zeus. For this reason, knowledge or force beats power. Prometheus is a powerless immortal and victim of an unjust powerful god, Zeus, who rules by demands and laws. In this conflict, the idea that force requires thought and guidance to sustain it. Therefore, Aeschylus is stating that a resolution between knowledge and force can work together to avoid destruction. Prometheus knowledge, signifies that the idea that thought must be sustained. In this case, his judgement will save Zeus but his opposition to Zeus leads on the path to resolution.

Pestel Analysis Of Various Factors Eu Matters Economics Essay

Pestel Analysis Of Various Factors Eu Matters Economics Essay The financial markets are the pivotal function of a modern economy. By aiming towards an increased level of integration, there will be a more efficient allocation of economic resources and long term economic performance (European Commission, 2005). It has therefore been the EUs policy to complete a single market in financial services (being a crucial part of the Lisbon Economic Process  [1]  ) for addressing EUs global competitiveness. Since the economic crash and subsequent global crisis there have been calls for closer monitoring of the financial system and better EU coordination. With the failure of the Lisbon Strategy outlined in 2000 (Wyplosz, 2010), many parties has urged a relook at the model particularly with the global economic crisis afflicting the EU. With the collapse of US investment bank Lehman Brothers in September 2008, there has been no shortage of politicians rushing to describe what is to be done differently in the financial sector in future (Dullien Herr, 2010). The financial crisis has made it clear that the financial markets are in clear need of reforms and a far more effective regulation to govern the future growth of the financial markets in the EU. While the topic has now focused on the Eurozone crisis, the financial market regulation at both national and EU level, has been experiencing a great deal of changes for which some of the important areas of the EU market regulation, ongoing process and most significant plans evaluated. The strength and confidence in financial markets will need to be re-established as pointed out by the Director General (2010). The European Commission has presented several draft directives that is undergoing evaluation by the decision making bodies around Europe. Unlike the US, the EU has had several attempts in harmonising the financial markets (through the Lisbon Process) albeit not entirely successful. While all the financial institutions in Europe are very closely linked to each other, there has been a lack of a uniform basic regulation for financial supervision as national governments tend to pursue those which is in the best interest of their country rather than the region. This therefore allowed institutions from neighbouring countries to enter into risky transactions in those markets with tight supervision but greater access of capital. The European Commissions directives are now letting several of the directives be considered for legislative purposes. Higher capital requirements for banks. Establishment of an European ratings agency that independently evaluate securities of issuers. New rules for Derivatives Trading and Securitisation Creation of a European System for Financial Supervision with a Risk Board being set up alongside those issues mandatory instructions to national supervisory authorities. This however will be a challenge to the EU as such measures would potentially affect the sovereignty of individual national governments to pursue internal policies, something which several European nations are not willing to give in as seen in the Greek crisis. Such directives are not expected to be introduced by end 2010 with expectations gathering that these directives themselves will be watered down from its original form making it toothless for enforcement purposes (Dullien Herr, 2010). Business Cycles Despite coming out of the recession in the 3rd Quarter of 2009 (European Commission, 2010), confidence in the industry is relatively low despite the positive growth generated compared to 2008. Current momentum suggest that recovery of economic activity will continue in coming months although the European Commission has cautioned on the fragility state (European Commission, 2010) [Insert Graph 2] Consumer sector wise, confidence improved from its decline in May 2010 with unemployment fears receding and a generally positive optimism on the general economic situation. This however remains below the long term average which reflect the cautious sentiment adopted by consumers. [Insert Graph 3] Beyond the rebound, recovery is proving to be slower than in past cases. The EU, like other developed economies will struggle with its aftermath for some time in the future (European Commission, 2010) Savings Rate Savings rate are generally higher amongst several EU nations as compared to US household in general (Harvey, 2004). There has been a decline in recent years as per researcher Tina Aridas (2010) from the Global Finance Magazine, the magazine hasd stated that between 2007 and 2008, the European Unions household saving rate was lower than in the euro area, due mainly to the low saving rates in the UK and the Baltic countries. The US saving rate was low compared with both the EU and the euro area. With the passing of the worst effects of the global crisis from 2008, EU households are again faced with the Euro confidence crisis that constraints the regions ability to recover faster than other regions (as it struggles to with unemployment, high deficits and generally bearish economic prospects outlook) (IMF, 2010). The general household will now need to brace themselves for further cuts in income as major EU member nations embarks on tough public spending cuts (Traynor, 2010). Recovery Eur opean economies are expected to be gradual and uneven as most of the savings gain from budgets cuts is utilised for loan repayment for the past debts incurred. SOCIAL Demographics Based on the latest 2008 projections done by the Commission of the European Communities (EUR-LEX), the EU is facing unprecedented changes in the populations. This development would represent a challenge for the governments to review and adapt existing policies as it continues to shape the social structure of the EU population. Demographic ageing, i.e. the increase in the proportion of older people, is above all the result of significant economic, social and medical progress giving EU citizens the opportunity to live a long life in comfort and security which is not without precedent in the regions history (EUR-LEX, 2006). This has become one of the main challenges for the EU as the following demographic trends observed throughout the member countries with various magnitudes. Fertility rate: Fertility rate at the last estimates for 2008 by EUR-LEX stands at just over 1.5 children with a growth forecast 1.57 by 2030 (2009, p.21). In all EU countries, the fertility rate would likely remain below the natural replacement rate of 2.1 births per woman that is needed in order for each generation to replace itself. A period of slow growth and in most cases- actual decline in the population of working age in the region will constraint countries ability to grow from within (due to human capital constraint). Mortality rate: The Life expectancy has been rising steadily since the 20th Century, with an increase of two and a half years per decade in the countries around the world holding the record of highest life expectancy (EUR-LEX, 2008). The EU projects that life expectancy for male would increase by 8.5 years over the projection period, from 76 Years originally in 2008 to 84.5 by 2060 (EUR-LEX, 2009). For the female, life expectancy at birth would increase by 6.9 years, from 82.1 in 2008 to 89 in 2060, marking a narrowing life expectancy gap between both genders. Most of these increases in life expectancy itself (from birth) will come from recent EU member states (Estonia, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia etc). Children in the EU today will face a high chance of living to their 80s or 90s in the long term especially if they are from Western Europe with mid-high socio-economic status. Net Migration: Migration already plays a predominant role in population growth today: in many Member States, the size of net migration determines whether the population still grows or has entered a stage of decline (EUR-LEX, 2009). Annual net inflows to the EU are assumed to total 59 million people, of which the bulk (46.2 million) would be concentrated in the euro area. The trend according to the EUR-LEX study, assumes that this will decelerate over the projection period, falling from about 1,680,000 people in 2008 (equivalent to 0.33% of the EU population) to 980,000 by 2020 and thereafter to some 800,000 people by 2060 (0.16% of the EU population). Interviews conducted with respondent concur with the migration trend noting that the continued need for foreign talent to drive further economic growth in the EU. It is therefore only a matter of time for EU to work towards a harmonised migration policy for its member states to consider for ensuring a sustainable growth between its own EU citizens with those from outside non-EU countries. Net migration flows are assumed to be concentrated in a few destination countries: Italy, Spain, Germany, and the UK. Making full use of the global labour supply through net migration will be increasingly important and requires ensuring that immigrants are effectively integrated into the EUs economy and society for today and the future. Education Education and training have an important place in the Lisbon strategy for jobs and growth (European Commission, 2009). EUR-LEX studies expect that the ratio of children and young people to the working-age population will shrink over the coming decade. Nonetheless, the education and training systems in the EU are generally improving. The EU benchmark  [2]  on mathematics, science and technology graduates was already reached before 2005. New growth has been registered in maths, science and technology graduates which were more than the original target set. Although good, benchmarks on early school leaving, completion of upper secondary education and lifelong learning were the opposite with literacy rate amongst young children on the decline. The respective countries will now need more effective national effective to address this fall. Entrepreneurial Spirit The Commission defines Entrepreneurship as the mind set and process [needed] to create and develop economic activity by blending risk-taking, creativity and/or innovation with sound management, within a new or an existing organisation (EurActiv.Com, 2004). SMEs are considered the backbone of the European economy, providing jobs for millions of European citizens and are the basis for economic innovation. Back in 2004, conditions for SMEs and start-up companies are not as favorable in the EU as they are in the US making entrepreneurial initiative and risk-taking less developed. EU citizens are almost evenly divided in their preference for being self-employed or having employee status with many still preferring the comfort of being a salaried employee (European Commission, 2009). In general results showed that from 2007 to 2009, EU citizens view on entrepreneurs are mixed with almost all countries more likely to agree that entrepreneurs are only concerned with profit or that they exploi ted other peoples work to their own benefit. The population in general prefer to either save the money or use it to buy a house or to repay their mortgage rather embark on risk taking ventures that threaten their way of life. The high level of migrants from countries to particularly wealthy EU Member States will however serve to showcase the entrepreneurial spirit in the economy. As many arrive with the intention of making a better life for themselves and their families, the majority of the SMEs arising comes mainly from this group of people, there will certainly be no lack of such entrepreneurial spirit in the EU in the near future. Lifestyle changes Recent evidence shows that in industrialised countries people do not only enjoy longer life expectancy, but they are also experiencing better health conditions in old age due to both healthier lifestyles and more effective pharmaceuticals allowing people with chronic diseases to control the adverse effects of illness (European Commission, 2009). The continuing improvements of the populations healthy ageing in the EU reflect the desire for a sustainable lifestyles, healthy environment amongst the people moving forward. With the Maastrich Treaty, the explicit mentioning of public health as an area of competence of the EU reinforces the expectation that having a sustainable, healthy lifestyle will be the way forward for the EU. Clearly, pharmaceutical drugs (patent or otherwise) will continue to provide a vital service to the EU population. Changing household and family trends need to be taken into account as the number of low income, single parent families increases. As a result of the higher involvement of woman in the work force (either due to higher education or contribute to existing family income), the economic crisis along with the spending cuts instituted at present is expected to create a more prudent, budget oriented household as the situation forces families to rein in their spending for essentials. Healthy lifestyles will become a more viable daily practice as a preventive measure against sickness as compared to incurring medical bills in the household due to illness. Social Mobility A simple meaning on the term social mobility refers to the degree to which an individual or groups status is able to change in terms of position in the social hierarchy. Population with the greatest access to education and adopting a more tolerant, if not more open attitude towards the society will tend to experience a higher level of social improvement (Blanden et al, 2005). Historically, the EU social mobility are mixed based on Blandens research study (2005) and Breen (2004) as countries like the UK and Ireland seen as generally more rigid with any mobility associated with parental income and educational attainment. Over the years since the formation of the EU, the mass migration of citizens with different social background has presented a difficulty task in further upgrading their mobility within the society. With the economic crisis, the younger generations in EU member states will now struggle to scale upward especially with the loss of family income and limited government supp ort marking a risk that any cycle of poverty that an individual household will face is repeated. This is more so as essential cost such as health care becomes more costly towards a household attempts toward improving living standards while aiming to scale towards a better way of life for themselves. Altitude towards generics vs patented drugs Our interview with Dr. [David Lu] and subsequent research revealed that the acceptance of generic drug by patients throughout EU are different. Since the mid-1990s, dispensing of generic drugs has been largely different amongst member states of the EU with countries like UK, Germany, Sweden and Netherlands having a wide acceptance of generic medicines dispensed in its healthcare system (WHO, 1997) as compare to France, Italy and Belgium. Based on our discussion, these were due to the perception build in patients mind on the generics effectiveness and reimbursement incentives given to doctors and pharmacists for sale of these products. This has remained a barrier by many in the generic business towards successfully penetrating the market. Researchers have pointed out on the need for a harmonised pricing mechanism to help generics manufacturers obtain higher market share (Burgermeister,2006). All interviewees are however, sceptical of such standardisation and are in agreement that such step by the EU will be unlikely owing to the different political, social and cultural environment that EU members are. Generic drug manufacturers will need to continue tailoring different marketing strategies to increase patients trust in their products accordingly and not adopt a standard approach for the member states if it intends to compete effectively for the market share. TECHNOLOGY Recent Technology Developments: In this modern age, the pace of technological changes is accelerating at a rapid pace. The generic drug industry is of no exception with the following technological factors that currently in the limelight. Internet The further rapid expansion of the internet to new retail lines such as online pharmacies or also known as mail-order pharmacy has enabled patients to consider a cheaper alternative to purchase medicines. Such services would tend to promote generic alternatives through offering of price and product range comparativeness when patients access their websites. Whilst the cost and convenience aspects have long been an attractive feature for the online aspect of this business, several worrying factors have emerged as a result. Counterfeit medicine This problem was first addressed in 1985 (Pharmaceutical Technology Europe, 2010) in the World Health Organisation (WHO) meeting with experts. With the explosion of e-commerce from the year 2000, the problem has increased substantially with the magnitude difficult to access due to the variety of the information sources available (WHO, 2010). While the European Commission proposed several features to be present on the medicines (i.e. mass serialisation, seals etc) (British Generics Association, 2010), counterfeit medicine remains a growing threat. Currently, counterfeiters tend to focus on expensive patented drugs rather than generics but as global acceptance on online purchasing increases, counterfeit drugs are increasingly being detected in the supply chain marking a issue of concern for generic manufacturers as any products discovered as counterfeit can easily harm patient confidence in the generic brand besides endangering lifes. As over 50% of the medicines purchased online are f ound to be counterfeit (WHO, 2010), monitoring of counterfeit drugs particularly those purchase from cyberspace has become a necessity for the pharmaceutical industry. Patient Data Protection Usage of online purchasing for medicines by patients on illegitimate sites has resulted in the risk of private and personal health information being disclosed publicly to unscrupulous operators (Berstein, 1999). The issue of spamming has become a major concern for most internet users as likewise for the sick and vulnerable patients that choose to source cheaper medication which in this case, is the generic drugs available. Private health and financial information (i.e. credit card numbers) can be compromised to criminals that puts the pharmaceutical companies with bad publicity should anything occurs. New Products and Research Development (RD) Expenditure Increasingly, the RD spending by the pharmaceutical industry has been on a decline forcing leading drug manufacturers to rely on existing lines of drugs for revenue generation (Kollewe, 2010). Based on a report by CMR International disclosed in The Guardian newspaper, the level of RD spending had slipped by 0.3% in 2009 following a 6.6% drop in 2008, marking an increasingly difficult period as leading pharmaceutical companies shows only 7% of sales originating from new drug launched in the past 5 years. A decline in the success rates for new drugs to be introduced into the market is a major factor as the industry faces a patent cliff  [3]   for which generic manufacturers will increasingly benefit. In recognition of this, pharmaceutical groups have embarked on MA routes with smaller firms, joint development with academic institutions / commercial competitors for new drugs while reducing costs incurring activity. Introduction of blockbuster drugs such as Pfizers Lipitor has been s tagnant with generic drug makers from India and China crowding the pharmaceutical scene making it tougher to incur healthy margins that finances RD expenditures for future drugs. Preventive Healthcare As stated in an interview with Ms Angela Farrell (2010), preventive healthcare would a normal trend as medical cost continues to increase. As with having more elderly people in the population anywhere now in the EU at present, the prevalence of chronic and serious medical conditions remains on the rise. It is therefore no surprise that this becomes an area for further focus by the state government that seeks to control its existing healthcare budget (Hewitt Associates, 2010). Unlike the US healthcare system, EU states adopts a universal provision of heath care with at least, the basic terms of heath care, provided free to its citizens (Przywara, 2010). Therefore the WHO has pointed out that if not successfully prevented and managed, they will become the most expensive problems faced by our health care systems (WHO, 2010). Because several diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases are linked by common preventable risk factors, healthca re authorities around the world (including EU) has found it more cost-effective to put preventive practices into action rather than continue with responsive-oriented healthcare. Other than providing information, education, programmes and support to those in risk-groups and the general population, Ms Angela has provided us several useful insights into the other developments in this segment. Genomics testing Since the discovery of DNA and the associated study of it, this has been marked as one of the major breakthroughs in genetic testing (Amgen Scholars, 2009). Utilising technological advances over the years, genomics testing allows for a more-accurate diagnosis of genetic diseases and therefore facilitates early treatment at an earlier stage. It also provides patients with both an understanding of possible risks for certain diseases and possible preventive measures long before the diseases even forms within a humans body. Genomics testing in Europe however, suffers from a lack of widespread acceptance as compared to the US (Ramanathan, 2008) owing to the protection laws governing the genetic data obtained from such test. The processing of genetic data in Europe has been subjected to stronger protection as provided in the in the Directive 95/46/EC and the national laws of the EU member states implementing it (Ramanathan, 2008). However, as EU residents healthcare cost mounts, the develo pment of an integrated knowledge base combining the insights of sciences, humanities and social sciences will be required to inform policy and to plan for the rational implementation of new healthcare services. EU health communities has recognised the benefits of genomics testing for healthcare prevention with the need for a strong integrated, interdisciplinary European links to manage the sheer volume and complexity of this emerging genomic knowledge, and the speed of technological development (EUPHA, 2010). The EU themselves has viewed genomics in a more positive manner as seen in one of its main theme for the Sixth Framework Programme (that funds research work on genomic studies on diseases) to exploit this knowledge to human health besides economy growth benefit (CORDIS, 2009). Genomics testing will continue to grow as more benefits are uncovered from researchers in the EU with long term plans by the EC being provided towards nurturing such growth. There are multiple benefits for both pharmaceutical and generic makers as pointed out by Philips et al (2004). According to the research carried out, genomics is likely to provide a multitude of new drug targets, enable the development of drugs that avoid problematic genetic variants in drug-metabolizing enzymes, and increase the development of preventive interventions for patients identified as being at higher risk for future disease (Philips et al, 2004, p.428). Interviewee, Ms Angela has pointed out the interest of many in the medical field to create a more targeted form of treatment. Genomics allows this as it allow drug therapies with greater efficiency and safety, which of course leads to higher price due to the added value it brings to patients. Genetic profiling in patients enrolled during the early testing phase for drugs will allow for shorter testing time that can increased approval chances with the health authorities. Drugs that previously were unsuccessful can be re-exam ined by targeting them to patients with specific genetic profiles i.e. niche drugs. Generic drug makers will eventually benefit as such avenues open wider markets for patients upon expiry of patents or if possible, spurn development of niche drugs rather than reliance on original drug makers. Drug delivery system An area that has become increasingly popular within the pharmaceutical industry based on interviews with Ms Angela and Mr. Gregor. It is reported that at present, failure of drugs clinical trial are mainly through the failure to deliver the compounds to the area it is needed most without going through some interaction with the human body along the way (Cientifica,2007). It is therefore considered a very valuable and important development for any technology that enables direct delivery of drug compounds without triggering any or no side-effects on the patients. One of the EU market focus is currently on the nanotechnology-enabled drug delivery system for patients. While there are delivery system using laser, injection, spray being practiced, nano particles are receiving particular attention owing to more development going on in this field. Drug development is a very costly affair for patent holders especially with the decline of new drugs being uncovered each year. Many new scale biot ech companies have become acquisition targets owing to keen interest towards this subject. The future of nanotechnology is in a completely uncharted territory. It is almost impossible to predict everything that nanoscience will bring to the world considering that this is such a young science field today (Nanogloss, 2009). The field however is viewed as a revolutionary advancement but potentially controversial with its ability to bring materials to life. Religious and ethical issues aside, scientist are hoping that the further understanding of this technology would contribute towards improving population heathcare globally in future. If successful, pharmaceutical companies would view it as its next line of income as existing drug making expertise dry up. Biotechnology With 20% of new drugs launched from market each year derive from biotechnology (EFPIA, 2009), the biotechnology field has long been a promising development for the medical and healthcare purpose. Areas such as pharmacogenomics, nanotechnology, stem cells and gene therapy are becoming part a growing emphasis by medical professions. With a vision of improving design and production of drugs within a humans genetic makeup, this has become a new alternative for medicine as previous reliance on convention drugs (through use of chemical reactions) for treating illness have become scarce and increasingly difficult to produce. Using biomedicine, which create drugs based on the living molecules that are associated with specific genes and diseases, EU scientists under the JRC-EU  [4]  in 2007 has pointed out encouraging responds towards treatment of genetically inherited diseases such as hepatitis B, cancer and diabetes. JRC further pointed out the human medicine and heathcare are the most prominent field for modern biotechnology with a high share of publications and patents targeted towards this sector (2007). The direct and indirect elements of RD works for biotechnology would add towards EUs GVA  [5]  and improving state of heath for EU citizens as part of the context of the ECs objective of making the EU the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world, capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion (JRC-EU, 2007, p.5). Numerous researches suggest that biotechnology can offer patients more and better healthcare choices. The biomedical healthcare industry is viewed as the pharmaceutical industrys external RD centre and source of product innovation (EMCC, 2005). However, the strength of the biomedical healthcare industry differs widely between European countries. As of 2003, the UK is considered to have the most mature industry as compared to other EU states (EMCC, 2005) but this has narrowed as other EU states nurtures their own industry. This is due to availability of more resources (both human and capital) increases over the years. At this time, there has been a lack of attempts towards producing generic versions of the biotechnology drugs. Many of these drugs are very expensive because they are so difficult to produce owing to complex molecules involved (Montgomery, 2009). Furthermore, regulatory guidelines are still lacking on existing bio-medicines due to the different arrangement governing both the US and EU member states (Manley, 2006). However as expertise and experience continue to grow (especially with the campaign by EGAs biosimilar drugs), it would be a matter of time before biotechnology because part of the patient healthcare in the EU and the world. Incremental Disruptive technologies To practitioners in the drug industry, incremental (or sustainable) technologies will come in form of mostly new drugs for an existing class with similar action mechanism but differ in features such as, therapeutic profile, metabolism, adverse effects, dosing schedules, delivery systems, for example (GSK, 2008). Incremental technologies are this sense, is seen as innovation capacity, which is according to Wertheimer Santella, the lifeblood of the pharmaceutical industry (2009). The current issue surrounding this subject matter has largely pertained to criticism that the developments of me-too  [6]   drugs were time wasting and a drag of existing resources (RD, money etc) towards fleecing unsuspecting consumers (Wertheimer Santella, 2009) particularly as the patented drugs life is ending. Generic manufacturers in the US and Europe has been particularly vocal towards this practice as it alleges pharmaceutical companies uses this to extend patent lifespan through introduction of small changes that deprives generic manufacturers access to such drugs (and therefore an anti-competitive practice). It is therefore a contentious issue as both individual corporations such as GSK and its trade representative in EU, EFPIA contin ues to debate this publicly and with the European Commission. Other incremental technologies that serve to complement the medical drug industry arises from rapidly improving testing, diagnostic, and other technologies (Brill Robbins, 2005) which allows better and more targeted drugs in the heath care sector thus ensuring the continued relevance of conventional medical drugs in the market. Disruptive Technology here is both a worry for patented and generic manufacturers as witnessed by the continued interest in biotechnology as the new alternative in medical discovery. With the continued dearth in significant creation of blockbuster drugs from conventional pharmaceutical research, EU policy makers has continued to show further interest in biomedicine thru policy development initiatives such as funding (EFB, 2010). Pharmaceutical giants too, has gradually increased RD capacity in this field with many companies embarking on MA activities with existing biomedical companies (i.e. Pfizers acquisition of Wyeth) besides growing internal re