The Great Gatsby By F. Fitzgerald - 906 Words

In this day and age, money is such an important asset to have. One needs money to take care of them self and live on this earth. In the Great Gatsby, by Thomas F. Fitzgerald, having a large sum of money just isn’t enough. In this novel, money symbolizes a social evil and it corrupts people with wealth and ultimately destroys their life. Desire is an unavoidable instinct of human nature. This instinctive behavior will continue whether or not the person fulfills their initial desire. Our desires are proportionate to the possessions we own and accumulate over time. In the Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby follows his dreams of becoming wealthy and succeeds. He is able to buy anything money can buy. His desire of Daisy causes him to spend tremendous†¦show more content†¦Tom is a prime example of an East Egger who has inherited quite a lot of â€Å"old† money. Gatsby is a West Egger who by bootlegging and doing favors for others acquired â€Å"new† money. During the 1 920s, the conservative â€Å"old rich† despised the â€Å"new rich†. The â€Å"new rich† enjoys displaying their wealth in grand ways that the conservative didn’t approve of. Gatsby always wanted to be wealthy and achieves this and hopes to win Daisy over with this â€Å"new money†. Gatsby has an obsession with the past and believes he can achieve what he had with Daisy five years with his wealth. Obviously this isn’t possible to do and Nick tries to tell him this plenty of times but Gatsby chooses not to listen. He owns a huge mansion but is the only person living in it with a few servants as well. Gatsby uses the house attempting to win happiness and respect from others. He tries to buy his happiness with over the top parties he throws at his home every weekend. The expensive items he buys aren’t just for his happiness but something to lure Daisy to him. His house happens to be across from Daisy’s. Her house is only visible a t night by a green light at the end of her dock. The green light symbolizes Jay’s attempt to recreate the past love for Daisy. After Gatsby and Daisy reunite it is extremely awkward but they hit it off and he invites her to his place so he can impress her with his wealth and expenses. Daisy is very fascinated by his wealth and possessions and they have an

In The Year 2000, Only 32 Percent Of Fourth-Graders Could

In the year 2000, only 32 percent of fourth-graders could read skillfully at grade level (â€Å"ed.gov/importance†, 2002). This is a staggering number, but all we see is that 62 percent have are able to read at grade level and that’s still a decent percentage considering it’s the entire US population. These statistics are all taken using adults ages 25 and up. To reach over the age of 25 without having attained at least your HS degree in today’s society is astounding. In 2008, when Barack Obama was still a US Senator, he campaigned to get the No Child Left Behind act fixed. During this campaign, he gave a speech at Mapleton Expeditionary School of the Arts located in Thornton Colorado. The speech was entitled â€Å"What’s Possible for our†¦show more content†¦He stated that the No Child Left Behind’s program, which was introduced in 2001 wasn’t working as well as it promised it would when it was introduced by former Preside nt Bush. By speaking the truth about the act, and its failures he now had the educators on his side. Obama takes a quote directly from Thomas Jefferson: â€Å"Talent and virtue, needed in a free society, should be educated regardless of wealth or birth† (The Denver Post, 2008). What better way to sway people’s opinions in your favor than by quoting not just a past president, but president who has his likeness carved into the side of a mountain, that mountain being Mt. Rushmore. He was attempting to show that his methods were in line with Thomas Jefferson’s. At this point we can further see that he used logic to expose the flawed education system. To show the deteriorating effects the poor education system has had on the US economy, He dropped a quite staggering metaphor in his speech by stating that â€Å"If the more than 16,000 Colorado students who dropped out of high school last year had only finished, the economy in the state would have seen an additional $4.1 billion in wages over these students’ lifetime† The Denver Post, 2008). This is an extreme example of cause and effect but it definitely drives his point across. The link between education and profits is quite obviously seen here, if you want to make moneyShow MoreRelatedThe Extent at Which Peer Group Affect Students Academic Performance5181 Words   |  21 Pagesactually help improve the overall academic performance of the peer group. †¢ In a comparison of students surveyed, 34% of African American students said that their friends make fun of people who are smart or do well in school. 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In 2013, only 39% and 38% of students tested in mathematics and reading, respectively, demonstrated that they were academically prepared for college coursework. ACT (2014) reports that 57% of that year’s graduating class took the ACT college readiness assessmentRead MoreFruit Tree Diversity And Fruit Consumption9387 Words   |  38 Pagesand food security of smallholder land users are often at risk from unpredictable harvests, land degradation and climate change (Paumgarten and Shackleton, 2011; Mertens et al., 2000; Ndoye and Kaimowitz, 2000; Sunderlin et al., 2000). Of about one billion hungry people globally, 98% live in developing countries. Seventy percent of chronically hungry people are smallholder farmers, 43% of total farmers worldwide are women and 38% of youths in Africa are working in agriculture (Conway and Wilson, 2012;

English Research Paper Free Essays

string(145) " see this is quite a process and most people do not take the time to care for it, which is why faux fur is a much better option in the long run\." Victoria Kolytiris December 8, 2010 Final Researched Argument Draft The Fears of Fur Each year the fur industry kills over 50 million animals for fashion. This astounding statement does not even include rabbits, which are among the highest to be killed each year. This is killing more than the population of South Africa alone. We will write a custom essay sample on English Research Paper or any similar topic only for you Order Now To many citizens of the world, fur is a winter staple fashion item, but for others it is a cruel way of torturing an animal for their selfish wants. Fur is a fantastic way to keep warm in the winter, especially if one lives in a cold area. There are many different selections to choose from such as; beaver, chinchilla, fox, mink, seal etc. However, there are many activist groups such as PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, which feel the complete opposite. Many of these people think that it is a form of murder and a completely disgusting way to wear fashion. There are many advertising campaigns that display the hatred towards this trend. It is crucial both to the environment and society to use faux fur in both fashion and within lifestyles. The education of fur can be done by learning about endangered species, the fur industry and animal cruelty. Before the reasons behind why we should switch to faux fur and boycott real fur is revealed there is a brief background that needs to be stated. Fur was one of the earliest materials that were used to make clothes. By wearing fur it showed that one was wealthy and had a high stature in society. During the 1800’s France became friendly with Russia. The Tsar of Russia came to Paris to visit his friends and while he was there the people of France took great interest in his stylish furs. Soon after, all of Europe became obsessed with fur and many of these coats were made out of Russian sable. The seal coat was the first coat to ever display its fur on the outside of the jacket. This trend started spreading to the Western countries and becoming more popular. Many animals could be sewn together in order to make a wrap or shawl for a woman. In the late 1800s Madame Isidore Paquin started designing lines of fur that were even more comfortable than before. This statement is how fur became to be what it is today. However, many would never guess what it would do to our animals. There are over 5,000 different animals that are endangered on our planet. One of the most deadly reasons we hunt for animals is for their fur. More than one in three species assessed by the World Conservation Union is threatening extinction to many different animals. Overhunting and fishing since the early days of Europeans and Americans have threatened animal species. In the United States the grizzly bear, timber wolf and bald eagle have been continuously overhunted and have gone into extinction. Supporters of the fur trade and industry much often claim that killing animals is a way to conserve and manage the wildlife. â€Å"This is untrue. Many species of wild cats such as ocelots, margays, lynx and Geoffrey’s cat are being driven to the verge of extinction by hunting and trapping. There are only 4,000-7000 snow leopards left in the world. Sea otters were driven to the very edge of extinction and, despite protection their numbers remain very low† (animalaid. org). The fur trade has gone on for years now and there is no chance in this trade stopping or animals being saved. An example of this is the Northern Fur Seal. Northern fur seals have had a dramatic population decline in recent years. â€Å"70% of the world’s 1. million northern fur seals breed and pup only on the Pribilof Islands. Due to dramatic declines in recent decades, northern fur seals are listed as depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act† (Schafer). Due to this astounding fact and many other cases similar to this one the fashion industry has continued to change its ways from real fur to faux fur. The fashion industry has started to become more pro faux fur and less about the usage of real animal fur. Creative director for Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld, has even changed his mind about the usage of faux fur. In an interview once before Lagerfeld made a remark many found ignorant and controversial. â€Å" Beasts would kill us if we didn’t kill them. † (Adams) Since then he has changed his whole outlook on fur and become such an avid user that he designed his new collection with only faux fur. During his winter 2010 fashion show Lagerfeld was describing how we as people need to worry more about global warming than the usage of real fur. â€Å" It’s the triumph of fake fur†¦because fur changed so much and become so great now that you can hardly see a difference. And in reality there actually is no difference at all. It has become common today to dismiss that real fur is warmer and better than faux fur. Many people assume that and they are wrong. The personnel that work in the Arctic do not wear real fur they were synthetics. Animals have fur because they are born with it on their backs and because they are alive and their blood provides the warmth that the jacket entails. Good quality fake fur is almost impossible to even tell apart from real fur. A real fur coat would probably last around 20 years or longer but it would have to be properly cared for. Being â€Å"properly cared for† means that when one puts their coat into storage it should be refrigerated for all of spring and summer and stay until fall. When it is taken out of refrigeration it needs to be cleaned and put into a washing machine full of oils and sawdust so it can have it softness back. As you can see this is quite a process and most people do not take the time to care for it, which is why faux fur is a much better option in the long run. You read "English Research Paper" in category "Free Research Paper Samples" Faux fur is an easy alternative because it is less expensive and looks and feels just the same without the maintenance, which is why activists’ continuously protest for the use of it. PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, is an activist group against anything to do with torturing animals; which includes meat eating and wearing fur. This activist group is about keeping animal rights all over the world. They focus on factory farms, clothing trade, laboratories and numerous celebrities. PETA tries to educate the public about the acts of violence towards animals and the meat industry. They throw special events, fundraising, advertising campaigns; countless protests and even celebrity appearances, which make it, seem to the average person more alluring to become a member of this organization. PETA has been a part of almost every controversial ad campaign in the world. They have celebrities pose naked in order to portray their point across so people will not wear fur, eat meat or even buy a pet. Among their famous campaigns is the â€Å"I’d rather go naked than wear fur campaign. † Some of the celebrities that have been featured in these ads include Pamela Anderson, Jenna Dewan Tatum, Chad Ochocinco, Bethenny Frankel, Brody Jenner and many others. PETA has been at countless fashion shows and designer appearances protesting the usage of animal furs. However, even though PETA wants to show their caring attitude towards animals and the right of their fur they have proven to sometimes take it too far on some occasions. Some of the most controversial and memorable protests were the â€Å"We’d rather go naked than wear fur† campaign. This is when PETA volunteers stood outside a Burberry store in Washington where they were naked covered in a banner that said, â€Å"We’d rather go naked than wear fur. † As this may sound like a good use of dedication it caused much chaos and uproar in the community. Another instance was the famous Protest against Canada’s annual seal hunt. There were PETA volunteers that were dressed up as bloody seals in the middle of a road blocking traffic in front of the Canadian embassy on Pennsylvania Avenue in order to stop the hunting of seals for their fur. Another famous instance of PETA protests was during the 2004 fashion week in New York. PETA members were outside of the fashion tents in Bryant Park scaring many of the onlookers and fashionista’s by carrying bloody skinned animals with their bodies drenched with blood and fur. These protests were just a few of the instances where PETA takes their campaigns and messages a bit too far by disturbing people instead of educating them. Celebrities, PETA activists and others have seemed to jump on the bandwagon of the no fur campaigns all around the world. However, many of these people do not even stick to their morals. Being faux fur seems to be the trend for the time until celebrities magically start to rethink their decisions. â€Å"Fur is just so passe. And, in any case, Campbell (Naomi Campbell model) proved just how fickle the modern celebrity can be by soon deciding that actually, come to think of it, she would much rather wear fur than go nude, and did so on catwalk in Milan. Jay Rayner from â€Å"The Observer† describes of PETA’s â€Å"Id rather go naked than wear fur campaign and Naomi Campbell’s hypocrisy. It is just a matter of time until celebrities and activists become obsessed and â€Å"concerned† with another issue that fur will be forever forgotten (Vilensky). Many PETA activists however think differently about fur wearers. An example of many of their hate campaigns aim ed at specific people and designers is an advertisement about designer, Donna Karen, that has a bunny in the center with â€Å" bunny butcher† written under her name (PETA). They are trying to prove a point by saying she says she is against using fur in her collections but yet she still uses it. They have also been known to make unreasonable and hasty statements in the past about meat and fur lovers. â€Å" If ten people in America died of mad cow disease, in the long run it would save probably millions of lives. Because people would stop eating meat. That’s not a catty thing to say, to say- in the long run this is what I hope. † This was a quote by Bill Maher, an endorser of PETA, upon accepting his award at the Animal Rights convention in 2003. Even though some designers do not choose to follow the new â€Å"faux fur† trend there are still dozens of others that do. Some of which include Stella McCartney and Betsey Johnson. Betsey Johnson has recently come out with numerous pieces in her new line with faux fur trims, hoodies, coats and gloves. She will not allow anyone to have touched or even be seen wear a piece of article of clothing that is real. (Adams) World-renowned stylist, Rachel Zoe, has also found the beauty of wearing faux fur instead of the real thing. She is so passionate about it that she decided to design a special line for QVC. Many stores like Target, Forever 21, Walmart, HM and so have also increased the need to replace real fur with faux fur as well as faux leather. This trend has been continuously showcased in many of their lines and promoted in their advertisements because of the reality check that many of the designers have seen. One of the main reasons that this issue of faux fur versus real fur is presented is because of the underlying issue of animal cruelty. One may not realize how serious these cases really are. Animal cruelty can vary from state to state or country to country but overall it is a horrible sin that consumers have committed. Some of the unnoticed cases are within factory farming, fur farming and animal testing. These corporations neglect animals and leave them to die by starving them and putting these animals in cruel conditions. Animals on these fur farms spend most of their entire lives enduring the pain that they are put through for our own selfish wants and needs. Every fur jacket or lining of your boots come from fur farms. These animals live in tremendous conditions where they are confined to a cage full of wire and no space to spread out (Martin). Most of the fur farmers use cheap mechanisms to destroy the animals and make them into fur. A few of their tactics include suffocation, where they hang the animals from their neck until they are dead and unable to breathe, electrocution, where they stick metal rods up the animals anuses and shock them into death, and gas or poison, this is when they put them in a chamber and basically gas their life away. The animals are fed meat products that are not even good enough for humans to eat because they are full of pesticides, mold and other diseases. Moreover there is even more shocking news about the fur industry. Most of the fur that we import comes from China and half of the time even though we think we are getting some exotic furs they really turn out to be dogs and cats. There are millions of dogs and cats that are killed each year that replace the fur we wear because it is a cheaper and less expensive way to go. These precious pets are hanged, skinned alive, sometimes bled to death so they can use their fur and keep it in perfect tactful condition. The Chinese tend to mislabel their fur so there is absolutely no way to find out what kind of animal we have on our back. Among the few ways named to kill the animals there is also another mechanism, fur traps. This is when animal like coyotes, bobcats, raccoons and beavers are caught in their natural habitat and used for fur. There are a few different kinds of traps that these trappers use including Conibear traps, underwater traps, snares, but among all of these the steel-jaw is the most commonly used. This trap is so destructible it is banished in numerous amounts of states and the European Union (Martin). The process of killing these animals with the trap is vigorous and dehumanizing. When the animal is in its environment they walk into a trap and it slams down on their limb and most of the time the animal is in horrible pain that they even try to chew or gnaw their legs out of the pain. â€Å"About 1 out of 4 trapped animals escapes by chewing off his or her own leg or paw†(PETA). Often times their legs are mutilated and they bleed to death. This process of escaping the trap may last for hours and eventually they lose so much blood they go into shock, get frostbite or die. If these animals do not die from the trap than often times the hunters will kill them by strangling, stomping or beating them to death in order to not cause any harm to their fur. However, some of the time these animals do have damage to their fur so the hunters call them â€Å" trash kills† or â€Å"garbage† because they have no value anymore to them. â€Å"Up to 50% of trapped animals are discarded as â€Å"trash animals† and are not even used. † (PETA) These animals are left weeks upon weeks left alone in these traps even though state regulations require the hunters to check every 24 hours if there is an animal trapped. For all these reasons this is why people need to switch to faux fur instead of wearing the real thing. Consequently it is one of the most unnecessary acts that human beings can commit. When one wears real fur it endangers the eco system and animals as whole. Many animals become more endangered every year because of the hunting and killing of animals for fur. Before we know it we will not have any animals left to show our children, it will be a once told tale of a lion or a tiger. Fashion has even decided to work against this even though it is a huge trend to wear fur. They have come up with alternative ways to wear fur and leather that look and feel exactly the same. And finally the most crucial and important reason why we should stop wearing fur is the slaughtering and cruelty to animals. These animals are innocent creatures of our world that cause no harm to us but yet we take their lives away because we want a certain jacket or hat. How can we call ourselves citizens of the world when we commit acts of crimes towards these animals that people of society would never think about using on each other. To many fur is an amazing jacket, a part of their heritage, a way to act on issues in the world but overall it is murder and form of inhumane cruelty. None of this will ever get solved without someone taking a stance on their position so it is your turn to decide if you would â€Å" go naked than wear fur. † Works Cited Adams, Stephen. â€Å"Karl Lagerfeld Defends Fur Industry Saying ‘beasts’ Would Kill Us If We Didn’t Kill Them – Telegraph. † Latest Fashion News, Style Advice, Fashion Pictures, Fashion Shows – Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group Limited, Jan. 2009. Web. 26 Oct. 2010. http://fashion. telegraph. co. k/news-features/TMG4075783/Karl-Lagerfeld-defends-fur-industry-saying-beasts-would-kill-us-if-we-didnt-kill-them. html. Delfin, Rafael R. â€Å"Critical Beauty – Pageants and Fur Coats. † Critical Beauty – Beauty With Attitude. Jan. 2005. Web. 26 Oct. 2010. http://www. criticalbeauty. com/Pageants_Fur_Coats_ 1. html. â€Å"Donna Karen Bunny Butcher. † People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): The Animal Rights Organization | PETA. org. PETA, 23 Oct. 2010. Web. 26 Oct. 2010. http://www. peta. org/. Liptak, Adam. â€Å"Justices Reject Ban on Videos of Animal Cruelty. † New York Times 20 Apr. 2010:A1. Print. Martin, John. Journal of Medical Ethics. † The Rights of Man and Animal Experimentation16. 3 (1990): 160-161. Web. 8 Nov. 2010. Silberman, Morton S. â€Å"Animal Welfare, Animal Rights: The Past, the Present, and the 21st Century. The Journal of Zoo Animal Medicine 19. 4 (1988) : 161-167. Web. 8 Nov. 2010. Vilensky, Mike Mike. â€Å"Anna Wintour Addresses Rumors About Leaving Vogue, Michelle Obama, the Recession, and More — The Cut. † New York Magazine — NYC Guide to Restaurants, Fashion, Nightlife, Shopping, Politics, Movies. New York Media LLC, May 2009. Web. 26 Oct. 2010. http://nymag. com/daily/fashion/2009/05/anna_wintour_speaks_ on_rumors. html. How to cite English Research Paper, Essays English Research Paper Free Essays Title: WhatsApp is the best messaging tool. Thesis statement: WhatsApp is the most popular messaging tool because there are three advantages. Introduction: Have you ever used WhatsApp to chat with your friend? WhatsApp Messenger (WhatsApp) is opened up and developed by WhatsApp Inc. We will write a custom essay sample on English Research Paper or any similar topic only for you Order Now which is a science and technology company located in Silicon Valley. WhatsApp is a smartphone apps which using the network to send out message and it is available on different smartphone platform. In addition to text messaging, users can also send out images, video and audio media messages etc. The feature of WhatsApp is that it can reveal the user’s ‘last seen time’ and it can let the sender know whether the receiver has been seen the message or not. Competing with others Asia-based messaging services such as LINE, WhatsApp handles ten billion messages per day as of August 2012, growing from two billion in April 2012. The establishment of WhatsApp has replaced traditional SMS and MSN, it is because WhatsApp has bring about three positive effect to the users in daily life. That’s why WhatsApp is the best messaging tool. (1) Favorable cost of Whatsapp: Whatsapp is the cheapest messages tool in Hong Kong. According to the Whatsapp company, the Android, Nokia and BlackBerry users usually free trial for one year and pay an annual fee HKD$8 a year; Apple users pay HKD$8 to use Whatsapp permanently. Only need to connect with WIFI or Network, Whatsapp users can send to all Whatsapp users all around the world with the same fee. Compared to the fee of SMS, which has same function to send message to others by phone, SMS is more expensive than Whatsapp. The SMS fee charges based on the amount of messages sending out, while Whatsapp fee is a one time payment. Thus, if there are more messages sending out, more advantage the Whatsapp users can get. (2) Convenience of using Whatsapp: It is convenient to chat with friends at anytime, anywhere. The innovative introduction of Whatsapp application program has become very famous nowadays. The SMS installed in the mobile phone no longer restricted by message-sending service. Whatsapp allow us to send the messages photos, videos, location at the same time while you are texting a message. This is totally different from the traditional SMS only allow users to text a message. In the Whatsapp program, users can find many emotional symbols to be used. It becomes more efficient in helping the users to express their emotion as they now can choose different kinds of emotional symbols. It is also user-friendly because Whatsapp enable us to establish a group for chatting each other. This is really a surprising function that enables people to talk at the same time, this also really special for the users when they are holding for a discussion. Whatsapp become the well-known application program, one of the reason is that it has a time seen function. The time seen function can show the message sender to see whether the receiver had read the message or not by looking at the last seen time. Whatsapp can show what the status of the user is. It can also show that what is the time of the users of their last offline time is and to see whether the users is typing or not. Users no need to add their friends into the list one by one since the Whatsapp program are combined with the users’ mobile. Whatsapp is automatically connected to users’ mobile contact list. Those users’ friends who had already downloaded the Whatsapp program would be shown on the users’ Whatsapp contact list directly. It is really convenience to use. (3) Privacy: Whatsapp protect our personal privacy. WhatsApp’s privacy is better than other message tools such as Line and Wechat. First of all, there is no advertisement in WhatsApp. Users will not be disturbed when they are chatting, WhatsApp will not check users’ dialogue for collecting data and sell it to advertisers to insert advertisement, so it can protect the privacy of the users. WhatsApp do not insert advertisement because they spend time in building a service people wanted to use and maintain the stability. Second, compare with WhatsApp, the ID of Line and Wechat can be searched by strangers, by using ‘shake it’ function. When other users shake their mobile phone at the same time, they will find together. Strangers can obtain personnel information of users to commit a crime like fraud. Moreover, the most serious thing is, Wechat will monitor the dialogue of the users, all the sensitive words relate to Communist party will be filtered; users may be arrested at China. For example, Ministry of State Security of the People’s Republic of Chinacan repeat the dialogue of dissident Hu Jia, it shows China government may monitors the users. It intervene the freedom of speech among the people. Conclusion: In conclusion, WhatsApp has three main advantages to the users, which are (1) favorable cost, it is charges only HKD$8 on IPhone and Android; (2) convenience, the users can send message at anytime, anywhere; and (3) privacy, the message is not bound by any supervision. That’s why WhatsApp can be the most popular mobile messaging app rapidly in recent years. It also evidence that the information technology has a great progress in recent years. It is beneficial to human. How to cite English Research Paper, Essays

Innovation and Sustainable Business Development for Supply Chain

Question: Discuss about theInnovation and Sustainable Business Development for Supply Chain. Answer: With the rapid global changes in recent decades, it has become increasingly crucial for business corporations to ensure value generations and profit-making activities simultaneously. The colossal growth of information technology has unleashed the power of public media, which, in turn, has raised questions over the value chain of business corporations, small and large alike. As a result, a wide range of organisations are revamping their value-chain mechanism, apparel industry being one of them. Growing concern over sourcing of raw material and supply chain relations have compelled major players of this industry to reconsider their existing business models and adapt to new ones that can successfully exhibit both the elements of innovation and sustainable business practice. Levi Strauss Co. is one such company that has adapted to a new type of business model for enhancing their value chain management and also to implement sustainability in their business. The thesis statement of this paper is adopting an e-business archetype can help a business to successfully incorporate sustainability and innovative elements into business. The validity of this statement will be ascertained after a critical analysis on business model and its associated niches. Now, in order to delve into the debate over appropriate business model that should be practiced by Levi Strauss Co. it is imperative to define the term business model. In the opinion of DaSilva Trkman (2014), business model can be referred to as a conceptual tool containing a set of elements required for successfully operating a business, recognising the revenue sources and forecast the finance details accordingly. In other words, business model is the way through which an organisation generates revenue and earns profit from organisational operations. Naturally, a typical business model consists of several sub-sections, such as, ecosystem, offer, customer and finance (Zott Amit, 2013). Figure 1: Basic elements of Business Model and their inter-relationships (Source: Bocken et al. 2013, p.12) Now, in case of Levi Strauss, incorporating a sustainable business model would offer several benefits such as providing value to stakeholders, the society and the environment. In this way, selecting a sustainable business model can help the organisation to earn profit with added value (Bocken et al. 2013). Levis Strauss Co. operates through a franchise model in Australia (Levis.com.au, 2016). They manufacture and distribute their products both through online and brick-and-mortar stores. In order to address the concerns over supply chain and value generation processes, the company need to incorporate sustainability into their business model. Following this lead, the business archetypes can be discussed here. As stated by Bocken et al. (2014), the concept of archetype is borrowed from Carl Jungs concept of personality archetypes, which described the core personalities derived from the society to build a unique personality. Similarly, business archetype also refers to the fundamental ideas that are embodied in a business. Euchner Ganguly (2014) has identified three primary types of business archetypes, namely product, service and trade. In addition, there are also four other secondary archetypes that accounts for the success for a business, such as, brokerage, marketplace, subscription and ecosystem. From this point of view, an e-business archetype entails both the elements of primary as well as secondary archetypes. In this case, all three primary archetypes are included, while the secondary archetype used in e-business is marketplace. Through an effective combination of these archetypes Levi Strauss Co. operates their business in Australia. Similarly, Zott Amit (2013) has mentioned that activity system can be defined as a series of activities performed by an organization as well its stakeholders (vendors, partners and customers). Therefore, interdependency is a crucial element in activity system that helps to gain a deeper understanding on the organisational activities. Such interdependencies are created and managed by business managers, who mould the organisational activities for linking different types of transactions into a close-knit system. However, as Zott Amit (2017) has pointed out, activity system can also lead to increased competition as the type of business model is directly related with the extent of competition. In other words, the stronger the competition, the tougher value generation process will be. In the opinion of Zott Amit (2015), three primary design elements of an activity system include content, structure and governance. While content here implies the selection of suitable activities such as procurement of raw materials, structure denotes how relationship between different activities. In addition, it also incorporates the significance of different activities in a business model. The third element that is governance is involved with administration of respective activities. In this case of Levi Strauss Co. content would incorporate acquisition of raw materials, production, marketing and delivery. Similarly, governance in case of Australia can be cited as Franchising, the approach through which this company operates their business in Australia. In case of activity system structure, it is imperative to focus on the value chain process of this organisation. As stated by Porter Heppelmann (2015), value chain is a series of activities performed by an organisation for delivering valuable products or services to the customers. Therefore, in case of Levi Strauss Co., value chain entails the decision making process, sourcing raw materials, manufacturing products and finally delivering them to market. Levi Strauss being a major player in Australian clothing industry, their value chain is essentially aimed at maximising margin while optimising the primary activities so that maximum output can be derived from the support activities. Figure 2: Cost-Revenue Architecture Continuum (Source: Nas, 2016, p.277) On the other hand, cost-revenue architecture depicts how a business can reshape their business model for pursuing a greater sales margin (Iacob et al. 2014). Figure 2 illustrates the different elements of this architecture. While on one end there is commodity product (for example Levis Jeans) signifying high scale and low margin, luminary constant resided on the other end - exhibiting high margin and low scale. Spieth, Schneckenberg Ricart (2014) has suggested that in order to align this revenue architecture into existing business model of Levi Strauss Co., three major factors should be taken into account, namely business strategy, systems and programs. Here, strategy will help to align the marketing strategy with existing business model and the system will augment sales by integrating business channels, brand, people and business processes into one unit. Similarly, programs such as buyer engagement campaign will, help to make the marketing and sales more intensive and effective as well. Now that these three types of business models have been critically evaluated, their role in addressing the static and dynamic problems faced by Levi Strauss in Australia can be explained. As for this company, static problems would be underdeveloped infrastructure (roads, resources, electricity and so on). On the other hand, dynamic problems can be denoted as consumer preferences, inflation, waste generation, ecological degradation and so on (Asl Wong, 2017). Based on the discussion made above, it can be postulated that adopting a calculated business archetype, with suitable proportion of activity system, cost-revenue architecture and e-business model, could help Levi Strauss Co. to address these problems effectively. For example, the clothing manufacturer earlier used a Take-Make-Waste model in their business. Under this model, the company procured raw materials from different vendors, manufactured clothing materials and delivered the produced goods to the market, generating a large amount of waste meanwhile. Naturally, it was an unsustainable business model. In order to address the dynamic problems such as waste management, ensuring ecological balance, the company needs to adopt Borrow-Use-Return model. This model not only helps an organisation to contribute their business optimally but also take-care of the well-being of the environment. Thus, it is a sustainable business model and can benefit Levi Strauss Co. Furthermore, understanding the business context of Levi Strauss Co. is also equally significant as without this knowledge the gravity and implications of managers decision making process could not be ascertained. Based on the actors such as people, nature of organisation and organisational system, it can be stated that Levi Strauss Co. operates in a highly competitive Australian clothing market. As Bostrm Micheletti (2016) have stated, taste for clothing changes over time and this is reflected in customers preferences. Naturally, change is inevitable in this industry and this organisation is also subject to this change. Now, after all the discussion made about business models, their implications and issues, it can be stated that all three business models have their own advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, the rising concern over sustainability is also a major issue when selecting appropriate business model. Therefore choosing a sustainable business model such as Borrow-Use-Return model would be most suitable for Levi Strauss Co. in their Australian market. Figure 3: Sustainable Borrow-Use-Return Model (Source: Bostrm Micheletti, 2016, p.12) Reference List Asl, A. D., Wong, K. Y. (2017). Solving unequal-area static and dynamic facility layout problems using modified particle swarm optimization.Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing,28(6), 1317-1336. Bocken, N. M. P., Short, S. W., Rana, P., Evans, S. (2014). A literature and practice review to develop sustainable business model archetypes.Journal of cleaner production,65(12), 42-56. Bocken, N., Short, S., Rana, P., Evans, S. (2013). A value mapping tool for sustainable business modelling.Corporate Governance,13(5), 482-497. Bostrm, M., Micheletti, M. (2016). Introducing the sustainability challenge of textiles and clothing.Journal of Consumer Policy,39(4), 367-375. DaSilva, C. M., Trkman, P. (2014). Business model: what it is and what it is not.Long range planning,47(6), 379-389. De Giovanni, P., Zaccour, G. (2013). CostRevenue Sharing in a Closed-Loop Supply Chain. InAdvances in Dynamic Games, 85(6), 395-421. Euchner, J., Ganguly, A. (2014). Business model innovation in practice.Research-Technology Management,57(6), 33-39. Iacob, M. E., Meertens, L. O., Jonkers, H., Quartel, D. A., Nieuwenhuis, L. J., van Sinderen, M. J. (2014). From enterprise architecture to business models and back.Software Systems Modeling,13(3), 1059-1083. Levis.com.au, (2016), About Us, Retrieved 22 Aug 2017 from https://www.levis.com.au/about-us. Nas, T. F. (2016).Cost-benefit analysis: Theory and application. Lanham: Lexington Books. Porter, M. E., Heppelmann, J. E. (2015). How smart, connected products are transforming companies.Harvard Business Review,93(10), 96-114. Spieth, P., Schneckenberg, D., Ricart, J. E. (2014). Business model innovationstate of the art and future challenges for the field.RD Management,44(3), 237-247. Zott, C., Amit, R. (2013). The business model: A theoretically anchored robust construct for strategic analysis.Strategic Organization,11(4), 403-411. Zott, C., Amit, R. (2013). The business model: A theoretically anchored robust construct for strategic analysis.Strategic Organization,11(4), 403-411. Zott, C., Amit, R. (2015). Business model innovation: toward a process perspective.Oxford Handbook of Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship: Multilevel Linkages. Oxford University Press, New York: NY, 12(5), 395-406. Zott, C., Amit, R. (2017). Business Model Innovation: How to Create Value in a Digital World.GfK Marketing Intelligence Review,9(1), 18-22.

The Theoretical Framework of Distribution System and Distribution Channel Management free essay sample

It’s a movement of goods and services from source through a distribution channel, right up to the final customer, consumer, or user, and the movement of payment in the opposite direction, right up to the orginial producer or supplier. (Business dictionary) Source: * William D. Perreault, Jr, PhD, University of North Caroline. Essentials of Marketing – A marketing Strategy Planning Approad, 12 edition, pp 248. * http://www. businessdictionary. com/definition/distribution. html 1. 2. 2. Roles’s distribution Globalization of markets is a phenomenon that has received much attention and been extensively debated both at the general societal/ institutional / cultural levels and at market and business levels. In any globalization process, distribution of goods and services between and within local industrial and consumer markets is of great importance. Globalization of markets and reoganiztion of distribution are mutually dependent processes that involve changes in marke t strutures. As national market expand and as new opportunities arise for satisfying consumer demand, greater specialisation in distribution is evident both in level of distribution and in goods and service handled (Mallen, 1996). We will write a custom essay sample on The Theoretical Framework of Distribution System and Distribution Channel Management or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Distribution excellence has become a powerful source of competitive differentiation. In the 1980’s and 1990’s at USA, companies began to view distribution channles as more than simply a source of cost savings and recognize it as a source of enhancing product or serve offerings as part of he broader supply chain process to create competitie advantage. Distribution builds stable competitive advantages. (Mentzer et al, 2004). Source: * Mallen, B. ,(1996). Selecting channels of distribution: a multistage process. International Journal of Physical Distribution amp; Logistics Management, Vol. 26, pp. 5-21. * Mentzer, J. T. , Min, S. , and Bobbitt, M. L. ,(2004). Toward a unified theory of logistics. International Journal of Physical Distribution amp; Logistics Management, Vol. 34, pp 606-627. 1. 2. 2. 3 Purpose of distribution All marketing managers want to be sure that their goods and sevices are available in the right quantities, to the right locations and at the right time, as well as to minimize systemwide cost while satisfying the service levels their customers require. But customers may have a different needs in these areas as they make different purchases. 1. 2. 2 The distribution channel 1. 2. 3. 4 The distribution channel concept A distribution channel is the path through which goods and services travel from the vendor to ther consumer or payments for those products travel from the consumer to the vendor. With this kind of channel, it ensures close interaction of producers, strengthening accountability in the market, ensuring the leading manufacturers of distribution. The information obtained will manufacturers make more and more useful, manufacturers are in direct contact with customers, capture their needs easily than through the intermediary distribution. Besides the above advantages, the direct distribution channel is limited low level of expertise, organization and management of more complex channels, the companys capital flows slow, dispersed workforce. In general, in the present conditions, when economy development Quick, scale expand then structure this channel very rare, it accounting for proportion small in entire system distribution channels by it only match the background production export have scale small, market relations narrow. * Channel shortened: Manufacturer Retailer Consumer Use as a large-scale retail, bulk purchases from manufacturers Cosume storage costs are too expensive if you use a wholesaler. The advantage of the shortened channel is free for manufacturers to functional specialization circulation and develop the productive resources. The downside of the channel is shortened manufacturers or retailers to function doubles the wholesale trade, difficulty balancing and ensuring continuous along the entire distribution. Shortened channel should be applied with some type of certain retail establishments, some items simply to serve some sort of stable demand regular consumer. * Full Channel: Manufacturer Wholesaler Retailer – Consumer This type of channel 2. In the channel, in addition to the distribution of an additional wholesaler, this structure is often used for the common goods of low value, frequently purchased. The advantage of this channel is to promote the advantages of focused specialization in each field, increasing labor productivity and working capital round. The downside is that there are too many channels full and intermediate management clue as to control the whole system becomes more complex channels, large cost and long working time, prone to the volatility and risk risk. Full channel normally used for goods of low value, low cost frequently purchased by consumers. Mixed Channel: Manufacturer Agent Wholesaler Retailer Consumer The advantage of the mixed channel is required to best meet social division of labor between the production, circulation and internal circulation and shape allows to maximize commercial activity in all market position selling retail and residential location distribution. The downside is the increased number of channels will be difficulties in the acquisition of customer information, the control and supervision of intermediaries also impeded    It is u sed when there are many small manufacturers and retailers. An agent is used to help coordinate supply bulk products to the target market. Type of channel 3 level and channel 4 level is long and most complete. This is a common channel for distribution of goods. It solves conflicts: production focus, extensive consumer. However, with the use of long channels, the cost for the channel is set large, the administration and management of distribution channels difficult. So managers need to invest and manage an appropriate way to avoid duplication and reduce costs down. Source: Jobber, D. , (2001). Principles and Practice of Marketing. (3rd ed. ). London: McGraw-Hill. Organization of distribution channels There are many forms of organization of distribution channels, some of distribution channels systems just only have an unofficial impacrs relationships, loosely connected between the department business, and some of channels systems have an official contacts between organization is highly specialized. For example: * Traditional Marketing Channels: As a random subset of manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers. In each separate business entity seeks the way that maximum their profit despite decreased profit of whole system. No member of channel can entirely control or substantially to other members.

Free Essays on A Comparison Of Wells’ And Marx’s Ideas On Class Struggles And The Future

A Comparison of Wells’ and Marx’s Ideas on Class Struggles and the Future We grow up envisioning the future through television programming such as the Jetsons and Star Trek. Through optimistic eyes, we see the future as merely a further advancement of our technology, society, and comforts of living. Inversely, because of natural fear, we never portray the future as a continuation or development of the problems we face today: Diseases will always have cures, wars will always end, and social struggles will always be resolved. H. G. Wells and Karl Marx challenged these sanguinely views of the advancement of human society and identify the faults that would lead to our destruction. Wells, through the Time Machine, illustrates how the increasing wealth gap and the industrial revolution diminish our capabilities as humans. Though Marx is confident about the future, through The Communist Manifesto and dialectical materialism, he describes how the introduction of unskilled labor and capitalism is a step backwards in our development. Their ideas share the common the me of identifying and facing our problem; however, they disagree of whether the downfall is as a class oriented problem. Karl Marx defined history as acting in a dialectical manner. He thought that there was always a thesis (advancement), antithesis (setback), and synthesis (further advancement). He thought that in 1848 we were in the antithesis that is capitalism. Factories, industry, and large businesses impeded the advancement process. Before those, people were creative, manufacturing people who made products from start to finish and enjoyed all the profits that their efforts allowed them to. Now, people worked numerously more hours and inputted much more strength and effort into their work. They only produced part of a product and were paid a wage. Their salary was a small fraction of the profits made by the finished product. Someone who inputted no effort into the produ... Free Essays on A Comparison Of Wells’ And Marx’s Ideas On Class Struggles And The Future Free Essays on A Comparison Of Wells’ And Marx’s Ideas On Class Struggles And The Future A Comparison of Wells’ and Marx’s Ideas on Class Struggles and the Future We grow up envisioning the future through television programming such as the Jetsons and Star Trek. Through optimistic eyes, we see the future as merely a further advancement of our technology, society, and comforts of living. Inversely, because of natural fear, we never portray the future as a continuation or development of the problems we face today: Diseases will always have cures, wars will always end, and social struggles will always be resolved. H. G. Wells and Karl Marx challenged these sanguinely views of the advancement of human society and identify the faults that would lead to our destruction. Wells, through the Time Machine, illustrates how the increasing wealth gap and the industrial revolution diminish our capabilities as humans. Though Marx is confident about the future, through The Communist Manifesto and dialectical materialism, he describes how the introduction of unskilled labor and capitalism is a step backwards in our development. Their ideas share the common th eme of identifying and facing our problem; however, they disagree of whether the downfall is as a class oriented problem. Karl Marx defined history as acting in a dialectical manner. He thought that there was always a thesis (advancement), antithesis (setback), and synthesis (further advancement). He thought that in 1848 we were in the antithesis that is capitalism. Factories, industry, and large businesses impeded the advancement process. Before those, people were creative, manufacturing people who made products from start to finish and enjoyed all the profits that their efforts allowed them to. Now, people worked numerously more hours and inputted much more strength and effort into their work. They only produced part of a product and were paid a wage. Their salary was a small fraction of the profits made by the finished product. Someone who inputted no effort into the produ...

Nurse Manager Skills Inventory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Nurse Manager Skills Inventory - Essay Example Bernice Skytt (2008) has found this tool to be is satisfactory for use after doing extensive research. This tool is widely used in clinical settings and was basically developed by three biggest and national level nursing organizations. As part of my current topic, I would be personally be analyzing some parts of this skill inventory and would discuss its implications on my work. Personal and professional accountability My personal growth and development been my strength and I would rate it as expert practices since I have strong annual plans that I implement and I am still carrying on with future education and I intend to carry on with it. For me ethical considerations have always been a top priority and I believe in establishing highest possible ethical and moral standards for my nursing practice. I would rate myself as skillful and competent in the field of professional association involvement. Professional associations for networking and development have been under my consideratio n for a long time and I intend to improve more on them. During my stay at various hospitals, I have earned several certifications in my specialty so I would rate myself as an expert in this. ... Personal journey disciplines Development of individual leadership qualities and strengthening them has always been a top priority for me in the field of nursing. I consider myself as an expert in council management and this is something that promotes my leadership abilities. For me action learning and reflective practice would be placed as competitive skill. I completely understand this and always try to improve more on these standards as to develop better leadership qualities. Reflective practice reference behaviors/tenets To be a successful professional I need to act upon certain guidelines which can put my leadership reflections in my profession and I am an expert in most of these guidelines. I always value integrity and truth in my profession and take it to highest possible levels. Diversity is a tool I am skillful at but I would regard myself a complete expert when it comes to holding multiple perspectives without biased opinion, in discovering potentials of life and keeping my commitments to myself. I would however admit for having novice experience in emotional self. Current Leadership Skills as Method of Improvement I intend to use my leadership to improve workplace on individual and professional grounds for the whole team. Since I have a deep understanding on my field and I am still in process of acquiring knowledge I can use every new aspect I learn on practical grounds and work for welfare of my patients. My understanding on my future helps me in making better and more productive decisions. Moreover, I can use my council management skill in improving the workplace in general but using my leadership qualities and ensuring that all the concerns in a team are

Individual Case Study Assignment (4,000 words) Business Synoptic ( Essay - 1

Individual Case Study Assignment (4,000 words) Business Synoptic ( adjustments) 3 - Essay Example The firm has therefore established its core growth strategic management, a continuous expansion, domestically and globally (Furman, 2005). Thus, an effective marketing management stratagem has been formulated. There are four major elements involved in Wal-Mart’s competitive strategic management and market approach. These include situation analysis, strategy formulation, implementation and evaluation (Bivens, 2006). Wal-Mart has therefore aggressively expanded globally especially in the emerging markets of China and India by applying these concepts through strategic management inherently encompassing marketing management. The company’s main strategic management approach is thus underpinned when the firm devises methods that can bring about a competitive advantage to its market segment (Johnson et al, 2006, Pg.242). In the control of the retail markets, Wal-Mart has devised a marketing strategy based on discounting its products while retaining high standards as envisioned by founder Sam Walton (Wal-Mart.com). The firm has efficient supply chain management systems including its overseas networks particularly China thus gaining a competitive edge (Vance and Scott, 1994, Pg.119). In its domestic strategy, the firm originally expanded into small towns, but has since captured other rivals territories in the major city centres and globally by applying high quality service and discounting policies (Vance and Scott, 1994, Pg.69). Wal-Mart other competitive strategy correlated to its market strategies is encouraging branches or own stores to compete against each subsequently locking out other competing firms as the firm’s diverse stores fiercely vie for the local market segment (Quinn, 2000, Pg.115). Through some intensive advertising campaigns, Wal-Mart strategic management approach concurrent to its marketing tactics has been positively promotion of its brand name as

Karachaganak Petroleum Operating Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Karachaganak Petroleum Operating - Case Study Example The agreement was signed for a period of 40 years. The key business area with respect to KPO B.V., Kazakhstan is it Information Technology equipment. The company is strong in its IT equipment which it uses to run its daily operations. The unit holds around 1.2 billion tones of oil and condensate and also 1.35 trillion cubic meters of gas. The major advantage with the plant is that there is a good amount of income being generated to both the national and local economies. Additionally, the plant is also providing long-term employment to almost 80% people of Kazakhstan. The field covers an area of almost 280 square kilometers. The Mission Statement of the Procurement Department at KPO B.V. is - to provide cost effective and efficient service to all Company User groups for the procurement of goods and services. In providing this service the Department maximizes the practical use of commercial competitions to achieve the best overall economic solution consistent with the User Departments requirements. The structure of the Procurement Department at KPO B.V. is as follows: -Vendor Development and Qualification (VNDQ) - The main objective for the existence of this department is to handle all sorts of issues related to the qualification of vendors and contractors whom it feels are potential for the Approved Vendors List and at the same time contribute in developing the local supply sources. -Procurement - The major responsibility of the Procurement department is to manage the activities of procurement that are associated with the field operations. The department is also needed to supervise the wide range of procurement right from goods to the corporate services. -Contracts - Contracts planning, audit, supervision and all sorts of coordination and administration activities of the major contracts are taken care by this department. -Planning & Reports - This department takes care of all the planning activities like the budget planning, cost control, the formulation of the Standard Term & Conditions of Contract, business methods and systems and the formulation of Departmental procedures. The main focus of the Vendor Development with respect to the operations of KPO B.V. is to make the local companies involve in the provision of the required goods and services of the company. The requirement may be related to all the departments like Production and Maintenance, Engineering and Projects, Infrastructure and Services, Well Operations in which the company wishes to develop local supplier capability for a long-term relationship. Supply Chain Management - An Overview The supply chain can be described as the network, covering the various stages in the provision of products or services to customers. It includes not only manufacturers and suppliers, but also transporters, warehouses, distributors, retailers, etc.

Physiology and Pharmacology of Hypertension

Physiology and Pharmacology of Hypertension Introduction High blood pressure, or most usually termed as hypertension is one of the most common diseases that  affects the human population and approximately 1 billion individuals are afflicted by it and around 7.1 million deaths per year can be affiliated with it. (Chobanian, et al., 2003). However all these deaths are caused mostly by cardiovascular disease and another disease, death does not occur b hypertension on its own but by many of the acute linked diseases like Myocardia Infraction, strokes and renal failures. (Rodriguez-Cruz, 2009). As it is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity, it possesses important health challenge as the cost associated with treating it and reducing other risk factors associated with it a lot of active research is being done to understand the causes and the pathophysiology. Classification Normal blood pressure is considered to be 115/75 mmHg, whereas the 115 is the systolic pressure (occurs during contraction of the ventricles) and 75 is the diastolic pressure (occurs during the relaxation of ventricles). (Oparil Weber, Hypertension: A Companion to Brenner and Rectors The Kidney, 2005). An individual is treated with hypertension when their blood pressure is consistently over 140/90 mmHg, however doctors these days are becoming more cautious and start treatment when the pressure touches 130/80 mmHg . It is known that cardiovascular risk increases for every 20/11 mmHg increment. (Chobanian, et al., 2003) Hypertension can be broadly classified into two groups; primary/essential and secondary hypertension. About 90 to 95% population diagnosed with hypertension has primary type, for which the cause is not full known and seems to be more prevalent as people age; it may increase up to 75% in people aged over 75. (Rodriguez-Cruz, 2009) (Carretero Opari, 2000). Secondary hypertension is caused by an underlying medical condition which has altered the homeostatic pathway of regulating blood pressure. Secondary hypertension is more easily treatable as the underlying cause can be identified. Some commonly recognised diseases that may cause hypertension include Cushings disorder, kidney diseases and tumours. Another important cause is the genetic abnormality of the aorta. (Williams, 2010). Signs and Symptoms Moderate hypertension which starts from 140/90 is asymptomatic. Prolonged and sudden enhanced blood pressure is linked to headaches, sleepiness and visual disturbances; which in turn can cause nausea. (McPhee, Papadakis, Tierney, 2008)While it is known hypertension is more prevalent in elderly, children can be affected as well in the children the symptoms may be as more acute like epistaxis, and bell palsy. (Rodriguez-Cruz, 2009). Children usually exhibit hypertension due to some other underlying cause, and thus most cases are of secondary nature. (Rodriguez-Cruz, 2009).The signs and symptoms of secondary hypertension are dependent upon the ailment that is causing it and thus the indicators for Cushings syndrome would be different from the genetic one or drug induced one. (Williams, 2010) Pathophysiology The exact cause of the primary hypertension is not known. There are many risk factors including age, genetics, metabolic, race and â€Å"sedentary lifestyle which can cause obesity† and it has been estimated that 85%of the cases of hypertension have a higher BMI than 25. (Haslam James, 2005) Figure 1: This figure shows the key elements of the pathophysiology of hypertension and all the risk factors which increase the likelihood of contracting the ailment. Abbreviations used here: AME- apparent mineralocorticoid excess; CNS central nervous system; GRA glucocorticoid-remediable aldosteronism. (Oparil, Zaman, Calhoun, Pathogenesis of Hypertension, 2003) The pathophysiologic mechanism and the vascular irregularities are speculative and it is actively being researched upon. Blood pressure is the combined consequence of cardiac output and vascular resistance thus either one can independently or in combination cause hypertension. (Dreisbach Sharma, 2010). Different studies show that several factors may work independently or together to turn the neurohumoral systems on or off. In patients with a hyper-responsive system due to â€Å"changed vascular properties† an aggravated pressure flow is observed. (Randal, 1991). It has also been studied that there is a natural evolution of the disease thus man researchers suggest the one of the reason of the early elevations of the blood volume or the cardiac output may be the inadequate elimination of sodium by kidneys. Increased sodium levels can increase the osmotic pressure hence the blood volume. It chronic hypertension subjects the cardiac output and the blood volume is usually close to the normal. So it can be inferred that hypertension is maintained by the increase in vascular resistance by a decrease of elasticity of the walls as in aging or â€Å"by a reduction in lumen Diameter† (Khabunde, 2007) when the individual has been following a medically unhealthy lifestyle. These â€Å"changes in arterioles, which increase total peripheral resistance, result in an increase in diastolic and a secondary increase in systolic blood pressures† (Randal, 1991) Another factor that different studies have showed relate the decrease in sensitivity of receptors of the receptors in the vessels The decrease in receptors sensitivity modifies central nervous system (CNS) manipulation of sympathetic nervous system (SNS) distribution, resulting in two expressions. First, having an insensitive receptor requires a larger change in blood pressure to produce the same response as the receptor doesnt get activated. Secondly decreased receptors â€Å"sensitivity results in enhanced SNS activity for a given level of arterial blood pressure.† (Supiano, 2001) In hypertension there is has been shown evidence that changes in vascular endothelial function (VEF) can hamper normal vascular tone of hypertensive patients. Vascular tone can be changed by increase circulation of angiotensin II, or by the increased sympathetic activity (as discussed above). The altered sympathetic activity can lead to a decrease in production of nitric oxide which is a vasodilator or endothelin production could increase, which is a vasoconstrictor. (Khabunde, 2007). Type 2 diabetes can causes endothelial dysfunction â€Å"by enhanced oxygen free radical-mediated damage and decreased nitric oxide bioavailability.† (Khabunde, 2007). Other factors that maintain hypertension are caused by dysfunction in electrolyte homoeostasis especially deviations in sodium, calcium, and potassium concentrations. Sodium example has been already discussed above. In addition, calcium increases vascular contractility. It can also stimulate renin release; the same mechanism is thought to operate in obesity-mediated hypertension. Renin synthesis epinephrine, and activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which can be linked back to abnormalities seen in vascular tone. Potassium, however, helps decrease the blood pressure as it suppresses the release of renin. (Rodriguez-Cruz, 2009). This figure explains the different factors that directly affect the blood pressure, which is later affected by other different factors. In hypertension cardiac output is usually normal and therefore peripheral resistance sustains hypertension by the dysfunction in vascular function or decreases in lumen by a sedentary lifestyle. The figure is taken from Wikipedia. (Wikipedia, 2009) It can be seen the complexity of the system, as many mechanism works to sustain hypertension. In different individuals, it can be difficult to understand which systems are operational thus designing treatments can be difficult, and treatments are then usually more often designed to affect the regulatory factors rather than cause. (Randal, 1991) Treatment Treatment usually works to regulate the factors which maintain hypertension. Non-pharmacological treatments include lifestyle changes like decrease/halt in alcohol and cigarette consumption and if needed weight reduction with a more active lifestyle. Caffeine intake is also minimized as it increases the pulse rate. It is assessed that lifestyle interventions can reduce blood pressure by at least 10 mmHg in about 1 in 4 people with high blood pressure. (Association, 2009).Yet most of the times pharmacological interventions are used as they more affectively regulate blood pressure, there around 6 classes of pharmacological medications available which all perform at different levels to bring the blood pressure to normal. (Oparil Weber, Hypertension: A Companion to Brenner and Rectors The Kidney, 2005). ACE inhibitors: inhibits the assembly of angiotensin II, as a result, the vessels expand improving the blood flow. The tension in the circulation is regulated to normalcy by increase filtration by the kidneys. The decrease in levels of fluids also helps reduce blood pressure. This medication is used only when other medications are not working. Angiotensin-II receptor antagonists: they work in an analogous manner to ACE inhibitors. However, instead of stopping the production of angiotensin II, they prevent its action on the receptors. Again vessels are able to expand, improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure. Beta-blockers block the effects of sympathetic nervous system and the hormone epinephrine. This decreases the cardiac output as it relaxes the heart so the pulse rate is slowed down, lowering the blood pressure. Alpha-blockers: triggers the vessels to ease and expand. Giving them in combination with beta-blockers has a greater effect. Calcium-channel blockers: expand the arteries to reduce the muscle tension and also decrease the cardiac output by relaxing the heart muscles so it pumps more slowly, reducing blood pressure. Diuretics: help clear the unnecessary sodium and water thru kidneys, which decrease the osmotic pressure. They also relax the blood vessels reducing the strain on them. (Uren Rutherford, 2004) Treatment for hypertension is throughout ones life as hypertension is not curable; however, all the drug classes above help maintain the blood pressure quite well within the normal range. Summary The complexity of pathophysiologic mechanisms that lead to high blood pressure is such that selective antihypertensive treatment is rarely possible and a number of drugs and lifestyle changes are required to bring any change. Hypertension is widespread among middle-aged and elderly and controlling their blood pressure is a challenge we face as we still have not properly understood the underlying causes of primary/essential hypertension. (Oparil, Zaman, Calhoun, Pathogenesis of Hypertension, 2003). Bibliography Association, B. P. (2009, March 4). High Blood Pressure. Retrieved March 8, 2010, from Patients UK: http://www.patient.co.uk/health/High-Blood-Pressure-(Hypertension).htm Carretero, O. A., Opari, l. S. (2000, Jan 25). Essential hypertension. Part I: definition and aetiology. Circulation, 3(101), 329-335. Chobanian, A. V., Bakris, G. L., Black, H. R., Cushman, W. C., Green, L. A., Izzo, J. L., et al. (2003, December 1). Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure. Hypertension, 42, 1206-1252. Dreisbach, A. W., Sharma, S. (2010, Feb 19). Hypertension and Kidney. Retrieved March 8, 2010, from Emedicine: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/241381-overview Haslam, D., James, W. (2005). Obesity. The Lancet, 366, 1197-1209. Khabunde, R. E. (2007, January 04). Primary (essential) hypertension. Retrieved March 8, 2010, from Cardiovascular Physiology Concepts: http://www.cvphysiology.com/Blood%20Pressure/BP024.htm McPhee, S. J., Papadakis, M. A., Tierney, L. M. (2008). Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2008. United States: McGraw-Hill. Oparil, S., Weber, M. A. (2005). Hypertension: A Companion to Brenner and Rectors The Kidney (2nd ed.). United States: Elsevier. Oparil, S., Zaman, M. A., Calhoun, a. D. (2003). Pathogenesis of Hypertension. PHYSIOLOGY IN MEDICINE: A SERIES OF ARTICLES LINKING MEDICINE WITH SCIENCE, 761-776. Randal, l. O. (1991). Physiology and pathophysiology of hypertension. Journal of the Association for Academic Minority Physicians, 151-155. Rodriguez-Cruz, E. (2009, Nov 16). Hypertension. Retrieved March 8, 2010, from eMedicine: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/889877-overview Supiano, M. A. (2001, Dec 2). Hypertension: Classification, Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Evaluation and Treatment. Retrieved March 8, 2010, from Armenian Health Network: http://www.health.am/hypertension/hypertension/#Pathophysiology Uren, N., Rutherford, D. (2004, Sept 24). High blood pressure (hypertension). Retrieved March 8, 2010, from Net Doctor: http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/hypertension.htm Wikipedia. (2009, June 8). Arterial Pressure. Retrieved March 8, 2010, from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Arterial_pressure_diagram.png Williams, B. (2010, Feb 10). Secondary Hypertension. Retrieved March 8, 2010, from Hypertension: Overview, Causes, Symptoms, Risk factors, Treatment: http://www.health.am/hypertension/secondary-hypertension/

Drinking Reality Essay -- essays papers

Drinking Reality There is nothing in the world I love more than coffee, I thought. The aroma that calls you from a million miles away. The bitterness it sends through your soul, filling you up; giving you the warmth that you so desperately crave. And the darkness†¦ the blackness that reminds me all too much of my life. I didn’t know what I was doing there, but somehow it made sense. I skipped my first class that day. My first class ever. I didn’t know why†¦. If I had to think about it, I never knew why I did anything. All my life, I was guided and told what to do by others. I never realized where I was going; I walked a tight rope of others expectations thinking that if I ever took my eyes off what was ahead, I would fall. I never even looked out to see if there was another rope†¦. Maybe one who did not have such high expectations. I just hoped that my parents and friends knew best, and that I was heading in the right direction. I sat at one of those coffee shops, w here they pretend that the black stuff that they sell you for three dollars a cup is really gourmet. I was sittin...

In the Time of the Butterflies By Julia Alvaraz Essay

Organizational Patterns: In the Time of the Butterflies is organized into three parts—Part I, Part II, and Part III. These parts are followed by an Epilogue critical to the story. Each part of the book consists of four chapters, each chapter is told by a different narrator. The narrators are the four Mirabal sisters (aka the butterflies), Dede, Minerva, Maria Teresa, and Patria. As each chapter changes narrators, bits and pieces of the story are revealed as each different personality finds different facts important. Dede, Minerva, and Patria all use a standard narration, but Maria’s narration is related through her journal: she includes drawings, dates, pictures, and more trivial and personal experiences of her days. Maria’s chapters add something a little unique and therefore contribute to the creativity and interest of the story. Narrator: Dede is the leading character as she is the only sister who is not claimed by the martyrdom. The narration begins in second person with Dede in her current time (1994), relating the story of the butterflies by going back in time. Each sister then begins taking her turn, rotating chapters, narrating in first person. With Dede, Minerva, Patria, and Maria all taking a turn by chapter, each girl’s distinct personality and voice adds variety and excitement to the book. The story then does well to validate a large audience who will most likely find some of themselves in a particular sister, or in the sisters combined. Themes: Sacrifice – The central theme of this book is sacrifice; sacrificing oneself for the greater good, for others, and for one’s country. Throughout the entire novel the Mirabal sisters are exemplars of this as they sacrifice of their time, energy, and hearts to help not only the ones they love, but the many strangers about them who are suffering political injustice and violence. Minerva, who becomes a political icon and some sort of a hero because of her fighting spirit and call to action, consistently sacrifices herself in her combat of injustice, and expects the same of those around her. Her sisters follow her lead in sacrificing themselves through her persuasion and passion for what is right. Political Control – The book resonates with political chains and injustice. All people in the Dominican Republic in this time period, the early and middle 1900’s, lived in constant fear of the way they spoke and the way they lived. The dictator of the time—Trujillo—had planted spies and technology within hearing range of most public homes. If for any reason Trujillo was to suspect a person or family of political disloyalty the suspects would disappear, being sent to either prison or their death. Throughout the book superficiality and fear are continually exhibited through the public who are forced to worship and praise a bloodthirsty dictator or fear for their lives. Loyalty – Many different forms of loyalty are addressed in the book through those fighting for freedom and those fighting for power. The Mirabal family displays strong loyalty and love as they do not allow a political system to tear them apart. At all costs they fight for one another and prove the importance of family, devotion, and forgiveness. The opposing side also displays a different kind of loyalty as loyalty is forced through fear. The superficial loyalty of the government stands in stark contrast to the chosen loyalty of friends and family members. Identity – There is a strong sense of identity throughout the book as each Mirabal sisters’ personality and value system is related in the different chapters. There is an obvious struggle in each sister as she must determine who she is, which side she is on, and what she will stand for. Detailed and intimate conflicts are related as each girl interacts with the people around her, and decides the kind of life she will lead. Choosing the course that is best for all and contributes to the greater good, rather than focusing on just the individual, is stressed. Each sister succeeds in finding a strong and accomplishing individuality through the help and encouragement of each other. Regret and inner battles are something each girl deals with immensely as she struggles to choose the right course for herself, and her conscience. High contribution and expectation are placed upon each sister as they succeed in living up to a strong sense of purpose and identity. Setting: The setting of the book takes place in the Dominican Republic. Because the book relates two different time periods as Dede gives the present view and the relation of the story by going back in time, the time periods and situations do change. When Dede goes back in time the years are 1938-1960 where dictator Trujillo has control of the country. In this setting the political unrest and fear of the people are very high. The Mirabals begin as a regular family who then gradually become famous in this time period through their noncompliance with the government and â€Å"radical† political views. Dede also relates her present circumstances in the year 1994 throughout the book. In this this time period the effect and fame of the Mirabals are related as current political icons and martyrs in a now free Dominican Republic. The two different settings accomplish cause and effect. The cause of the Mirabals is related in the first setting and time period of the book, and the effect of their action is displayed in the second and current time period for Dede. Tone: The tone of the book is one of action and enjoyment. As the Mirabal sisters choose a dangerous and outspoken course the book becomes very high spirited. Through many adventures, love stories, relationships, and sorrows, reader is called to a more active lifestyle with high expectation. While the book deals with very dangerous situations ultimately resulting in death, somehow it is also able to keep a tone of love, loyalty, and pleasure through the optimism and energy of the sisters. A tone of willpower definitely comes forth, most highly exemplified through the character of Minerva. Foreshadowing: As the main narrator Dede relates the story of the butterflies through a second person narration as a moment in history, and because she is relating history she knows where the story will go and how it ends. This being the case, there are many moments of foreshadowing through flashbacks as Dede remembers certain parts of the story. Following are a few examples of Dede’s foreshadowing: Chapter 1 -Dede’s garden (year 1994) foreshadows the ending of her sisters, or â€Å"the butterflies†, when she realizes she has accidentally, â€Å"snipped her prize butterfly orchid† (5). -A foreshadowing of the history Dede experienced when she hears a car door slam and jumps, â€Å"Any Dominican of a certain generation would have jumped at that gunshot sound† (5). -Foreshadowed is the inability to freely express oneself in the historical time period to be told, â€Å"Words repeated, distorted, words recreated by those who might bear them a grudge, words stitched to words until they are the winding sheet the family will be buried in when their bodies are found dumped in a ditch, their tongues cut off for speaking too much† (10). The sisters all take part in foreshadowing their future martyrdom as political unrest and their involvement proceed: -Maria comments in her journal early on of her most radical sister Minerva, â€Å"I swear my older sister will be the death of me!† (39) Minerva does end up swaying Maria into the underground fight that ultimately does result in her death. -After the first couple encounters with the dangerous Trujillo, Minerva writes of her family, â€Å"We sit silently, listening to the rain on the thatched roof, a numb, damp, fatalistic feeling among us. Something has started none of us can stop† (116). -As Dede scolds her niece (Minerva’s daughter) at the present time about being on the road at night, she thinks, â€Å"If their mothers had only waited until the next morning to drive back over that deserted mountain road, they might still be alive to scold their own daughters about the dangers of driving at night† (173). -And Minerva as she is feeling the end near, â€Å"Certainly there was something suspicious in his granting us these privileges. But all I felt was numb, resigned, sitting in that stuffy office. Not only was there nothing in the world we could do to save the men, there was nothing in the world we could do to save ourselves either† (283). The sisters are murdered the next month. Affective Issues Related to the Work: Peer Pressure – There are ample amounts of peer pressure as these sisters face a highly energized time where every person must choose a side. Minerva is the sister that gives the most pressure to her other sisters as she works at persuading them to be strong and join her cause. The most inner conflict is seen in the character of Dede as she is torn by what her husband believes and what Minerva believes. Both are fighting for her loyalty. Dede wants to please everyone but finds that it is an impossible task. She is continually swayed back and forth as she battles her conscience about what side she should join. She feels she must be loyal to her husband and his opinion to stay out of the political issues, but then she feels a call morally to join her sister Minerva who is fighting against evil. She never quite finds the solution or a single path to follow, but ends up finding a good in between for herself. This is the more realistic case in most people’s world, and theref ore brings a strong sense of humanness as Dede experiences the power of influence, and the power of inner conscience. Most secondary students are dealing with the same issues and can relate to the pressures of pleasing both ourselves and others. Right and Wrong – There are many examples of people having to choose in quick moments between what is right and wrong. Minerva has an extremely strong sense of what is right and wrong and is continually fighting for fairness and truth. Patria is extremely religious and is guided always by her inner devotion to God. Maria is timid but consistently chooses a good path, and notices in others when they make bad or wrong choices. Dede also fights the same battle within to make choices that are right. All four girls are extremely guided by religion and doing what is right. Their complications and inner struggles are very real and relatable as each person ultimately chooses at some point the path they will choose. There are many good examples in the book of when one needs to stand up for what is right. All secondary students are battling with this same thing in their lives as they make decisions that will affect their character for the rest of their lives, and as they decide whether they will stand for what is right, or for what is wrong. Self Discovery – Because each sister is able to have her turn at narrating, there is a strong sense of self discovery as very personal details of their lives are included. Each girl explains her childhood and the many paths that were before them, and the reasons why they chose the paths they did. The strongest example of self discovery would lie in the character of Patria as she feels an extreme devotion to God as a young child. Because of her extremely large heart and faith she is sent to a religious school where she can be guided in becoming a nun if that is the path she would choose. She is extremely devoted to God and continues to be devoted as she experiences puberty and all things that come with it. Very personally, but not graphically, she relates her desire to be touched as stronger than her desire to become a nun. She chooses to love a man instead of becoming a nun, gets married to her love, and begins having children. She remains extremely faithful religiously and never regrets the path she chooses as she discovers the things she really wants from life. Vocabulary Issues: The book is fairly easy to read on terms of vocabulary; however Spanish is consistently mixed in throughout the book. The story does take place in the Dominican Republic, where the standard language is Spanish, so often Spanish expressions and words are used by the characters. Reader does not need to understand these words to understand the novel by any means, however understanding the few Spanish words would be helpful. It might be nice as a class to either go over the Spanish words together after each reading, or simply have a list typed of all the Spanish used in the book, with English translations for students to refer to as they read. There are a few words that are used repetitively and so should be addressed in the beginning. Males are often referred to as macho—the Spanish word for male. Also the butterflies are referred to as las mariposas—the Spanish word for butterflies. Background Knowledge: Author Julia Alvarez does a fantastic job at explaining the state of political unrest and depicting the power of a government run by a dictator in this historical novel. While background knowledge is not necessary because the book contains good recounting of the history in question with much explanation, background information could still be helpful. One’s interest may be peaked upon learning of the butterflies, the underground political system, Trujillo and his government etc†¦ and their actual role in history. Because the historical facts are so interesting it could be very fun to give a build up lesson or two teaching about dictators and government in general and the power they have successfully gained in the past. Followed by this general outline of government, the specific time period of the book could then be searched and taught about. The characters themselves would be very interesting to study and to learn of in a more historical and brief way before the book is read. This book offers many outside lessons as it deals with actual history, social problems, and real people. Many doors are opened for outside lessons to understand the novel more clearly. Implications for Students of Diversity: This is a great book for students of diversity as it takes place in a different country, with darker colored people, who speak a different language. The book is an experience that the majority of students in the class will be unfamiliar with. Because the majority of minorities in the United States right now are Spanish speakers, this book will be of more interest to them as the characters use Spanish throughout the book and are living in a Spanish culture. It is fun to read this book as a minority because these girls are heroines of a different ethnicity. It would also be helpful to have some of the Spanish speaking students in the class contribute in translating some of the words or explaining the culture for the class if they are acquainted with some of the traditions. This will be a good opportunity for these students of diversity to better acquaint themselves and their background with their classmates. It will also be a good opportunity for the majority of the class to experience and learn about a history and lifestyle other than their own. Gender Issues: Gender issues are addressed strongly throughout the book mainly because the main characters in the story are women. Not only are they women, they are women experiencing the mid 1900’s, they are outspoken, and they are extremely active in areas that women were not usually active in. Minerva time and time again undermines the authority of Trujillo, not just a male but also the leading dictator. The father of the Mirabal girls passionately loves his daughters, but often references to wishing he had sons as they are the preferred gender. Men are shown at their worst often in the story sometimes exuding a feministic tone. Maria continually includes in her journal how she hates men, as she has reason, having seen adultery committed by the men closest to her. Each sister is extremely independent often undermining any kind of authority their husbands â€Å"should† have. The sisters are extremely ahead of their time when it comes to the woman question, and it is referenced again and again throughout the novel. While there are hints of feminism throughout the novel, there is also an extreme devotion of the Mirabal sisters to their father and husbands. Forgiveness plays a key role in the relationships as it should in most relationships, and therefore does not truly exhibit negativity towards men or these relationships. The girls are strong, but still extremely loyal and loving of their male counterparts. The Central Question or Enduring Issue: The central question or enduring issue of this novel would have to do with choice. Each person chooses his or her path. Each person decides their own fate according to what is inside of them, and what the outside circumstances would require. In more of a question form perhaps, when does one act? When does one stand up and manifest who they are? Every person has agency and practices it each day. The Mirabal sisters chose a higher route. They used their agency to battle the fight against evil. They chose to make something of themselves bit by bit in every little decision they made that led to the big decisions in the end. Humans everywhere settle for mediocrity, but a better question might be, when is mediocrity not enough? When does one use his or her agency to accomplish something greater? The battle of right and wrong is everywhere, and the Mirabal sisters chose the path for right. Research Issues/Project Ideas: Because of the historical richness of the novel there are many opportunities for research papers. Students could research the dictator Trujillo, the history of government in the Dominican Republic, the time period, specific characters, the accuracy of the novel in comparison to the facts, the effect of the Mirabal sisters, whether the legend lives on etc†¦ Projects might include expressions of art using the theme of butterflies, or using the different personalities of each sister, characterization in the form of art or a paper on a favorite sister. Other options for papers are available in the form of a compare and contrast essay between the student and a chosen character, or two characters form the novel, a creative writing paper including a new character or an expansion of the chapters on one of the sisters, a paper on a chosen theme or issue, social problems could be studied, feminism could be written about, the relationships between the men and women could be written about etc†¦ The topics go on and on in this novel. Because of its perfect blend of characterization, plot, history, and social issues the opportunities seem endless! Informational/Functional Texts: Wikipedia gives a good intro and brief historical explanation of the book that might be a nice intro: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_the_Time_of_the_Butterflies This site gives a brief introduction to the government, history, and culture of the Dominican Republic to familiarize with the students: http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107475.html This is a good picture of a map to help students see where the Dominican Republic is located and how close it is to the United States: http://www.islandbrides.com/maps/loc_dominican_republic.gif This site gives a wonderful introduction to In the Time of the Butterflies historically, followed by facts about Trujillo’s bloody reign. The facts are both graphic and eye opening as the destruction one man caused is related. This makes the Mirabal sisters even more admirable as the ruthlessness of Trujillo is accessed here: http://gbs.glenbrook.k12.il.us/Academics/gbseng2/ButterfliesAlvarez/trujillobutterflies.htm This is a wonderful site that con tains pictures of the Mirabal sisters, explains their lives, and their martyrdoms. There is also a picture of their murderer available—Trujillo. There is an English and Spanish option to read and learn more about the lives of the heroines: http://www.learntoquestion.com/seevak/groups/2000/sites/mirabal/mainpage.html