American Diet

America today is in the middle of a nutritional crisis. Throughout the country, the obesity epidemic has struck every population demographic. According to recent projections made by the United States Government, 63. 9 percent of Americans are either overweight or obese. That is over half of the population! What exactly is the culprit behind this crisis? How can someone fix this issue? The answers lie in the average American Diet. The diet consumed by Americans is one of, if not the worst diet in terms of saturated fat, trans fats, lack of carbohydrates, over consumption of protein, and overall malnutrition. Recommended Dietary Allowances adopted by nutritionists around the globe and countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia tell us that the American diet fails to come even close to proper nutritional consumption. However, the problem with the American diet is actually easily fixable if people start making smart, informed choices about their food. By properly educating the general public about nutrition and health, the obesity epidemic can be controlled and cured, leaving America with happier, healthier citizens. In order to understand why obesity is so prevalent in America today, the average diet of American citizens must be taken into account. According to data provided by The United States Department of Agriculture, Americans today consume too much red meat and sugar and too little vegetables and carbohydrates (grains). Because we consume so much red meat, which is high in saturated fat, calories and cholesterol, our diets are inherently riddled with fat and calories. Our sugar consumption also is a glaring issue. By consuming far more simple carbohydrates than we need from sugar, Americans are providing themselves with empty calories that spike blood glucose. This is compounded with the fact that the average American diet lacks proper consumption of complex carbohydrates, which come from whole grains and wheat products. That is a lot of information to digest (no pun intended), but what does it all mean. Well, according to the panel of nutrition specialists who set the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for the U. S. nd Canada, the over consumption of red meat and sweets along with the under consumption of complex carbohydrates and fruits and vegetables has cause an increase in numerous diseases for the average American. These diseases include: Coronary Heat Disease, Diabetes, Obesity, Heart Attack, Stroke, and numerous forms of cancer, among other things. The most obvious of these in the American public is obesity and diabetes. However, increases in the previously mentioned diseases have been connected with American’s poor dietary habits as well. So how does one correct their eating habits? Instead of consuming red meats and foods rich in sugar and simple carbohydrates, Americans should make alternative choices that will provide them with adequate nutrition and energy. For example, instead of having a burger for dinner, which judging by the average American diet is probably loaded with red meat, cheese, and other products high in saturated fat and cholesterol, a person should go instead with chicken breast or fish as their meat source for dinner. Chicken breast provides just as much protein, if not more than red meat, contains little to no saturated fat, and is a good source of other essential vitamins and minerals. Fish shares all the good qualities of chicken breast and contains many essential oils such as Omega-3 and Omega-6, which have been shown to reduce cholesterol and lower body fat content. Instead of choosing soda to go along with a meal, people should choose water or non-fat milk instead. And for goodness sake, people need to put their sandwiches on wheat bread. White bread has lower levels of protein, iron, fiber, and complex carbohydrates and has higher levels of sugar and simple carbohydrates than wheat bread. Another issue is our consumption of vegetables and fruits. The average American should obtain around 3 cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruits every day. Most Americans don’t bother to take in half of this recommended amount, which is clearly an issue. Again, the solution to this is fairly simple and easily obtainable. Instead of having fries with a meal, a salad or a side of broccoli and carrots is a simple alternative. For dessert, cake can be replaced with a banana or an apple. These small differences in the diet really do make a large difference in the long run. Vegetables provide us vitamins, antioxidants, enzymes, minerals, and fiber. While fruits also provide the body with minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, they also provide the body fructose, which is later converted to glucose for energy. Changing the average American diet is not as difficult as it sounds. Providing the public with proper information about food and what is actually in it, along with making healthy food choices readily available to the average citizen will go a long way to curbing and preventing the obesity epidemic. The benefits of eating healthy are monumental. A longer, more active, healthier future is in store for those who change their eating habits.

Assess Functionalists Explanations for Patterns of Crime and Deviance

â€Å"Assess functionalists explanations for patterns of crime and deviance. † The patterns of crime and deviance have proven to be a popular topic amongst sociological groups, arguably because it crosses over with many key ideas and debates discussed within sociology. Functionalists are just one of numerous groups who have thrown there hat in the ring by attempting to provide a definitive answer behind the patterns of crime and deviance. However, like all explanations in one way or another, functionalists have been subject to criticism.One of the most prominent functionalists to have lived, Durkheim, explained crime as a problem of modernity associated with the decline of mechanic solidarity, a society that is homogenous and in cohesion. In times of social change people may lose sight of the shared norms and values they’ve become accustomed too, creating a weaker collective conscience. Durkheim describes this state of ‘normlessness’ as anomie which is expr essed not just through crime but, also by suicide, marital breakdown and industrial disputes.Anomie is used to describe why some people become dysfunctional in society and turn to crime. According to Durkheim, society becomes more individualistic because of anomie as people resort to what they do know, themselves, therefore not looking out for their community which would have once been the norm. However, Durkheim doesn’t acknowledge that anomie may not always result in individualism and can lead to the exact opposite.For instance, some people have formed stronger ties to their religious group in reaction to the emergence of the new media, which has caused wide scale social change. Unlike most sociological theories of crime, Durkheim recognised that crime could be a force for good rather than always having negative repercussions. Too much crime and deviance can lead to uncertainty and disruption in society. However, a certain amount of crime can be viewed positively, helping t o promote change and reinforce values. Durkheim categorised crime using three groups: normal, universal and functional.Examples of crime that were beneficial to society are the Suffragette movement, Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat on the bus to a white man and Nelson Mandela forming the first black government in South Africa. Following on from the work of Durkheim, Merton developed ‘strain theory’ to reflect the strain between goals and means of achieving those goals. He listed five different forms of behaviour that could be understood as a strain between goals and means: Conformity (the individual continues to adhere to both goals and means, despite limited likelihood of success e. . the American Dream), Innovation (the individual accepts the goals of society but uses different means of achieving this e. g. criminal behaviour), Ritualism (individual adheres to societies means but loses sight of societies goals e. g. police officer enforcing the law, ignoring wh ether it’s just or not), Reteatism (individual rejects both means and goals of society e. g. depends upon drugs or alcohol) and Rebellion (individual substitutes societies goals and means with different ones e. g. religious fundamentalism).

Product Life Cycle Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Product Life Cycle - Assignment Example 1. Assumptions of the analysis were not all correct as at the time the research was carried out. Foremost is the fact that very few disposable diapers are utilized every week, on a standard basis, then reusable diapers their impact to the environment may be overstated. Secondly, even though the concerned researchers made an assumption that incineration is the most preferred alternative of waste management, this concept is not globally accepted. This, therefore, means that not everybody is in agreement with this kind of waste disposal.There is a considerable opposition that exists to the utilization of incineration which at times could prelude this option of waste management from taking over as the basic method of waste disposal. Presently, several disposable diapers are usually landfilled. This, therefore, means that the impact to the environment of disposable diapers that can be attributed to waste disposal could greatly differ from the estimates provided by the researchers. Being the leader of Arthur D.Little project team, I would not necessarily recommend any particular diaper. This is because, from the data provided, disposables use more raw materials than reusables. On the other hand, reusables consume more water and energy resources that are non-renewable. Globally it is hard to choose one diaper instead of the other. In regions where solid waste is the most burning environmental problem such as New York reusables could definitely be given a nod. Consequently, regions with water scarcity such as California, disposables, in this case, are deemed the best choice for the environment. 2. To be able to give a correct estimate of the reusable diapers’ cost to consumers, valuation of the home labor required to clean reusables should at least be at the minimum wage; since this wage rate is a representation of the lowest estimate of the incurred opportunity cost.

Biosimilar Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Biosimilar - Research Paper Example Although it is the hope that their introduction may lower the cost of such expensive medicinal products, there have been concerns over the introduction and manufacturing considerations, immunogenicity, degree of similarity of these complex drugs, and regulatory approaches to biosimilars around the world. In addition, of concern are arguments and techniques employed by pharmaceutical companies to advance or discredit biosimilars, as well as issues with post-marketing surveillance programs and their limitations. The issues associated with introduction of biosimilar medicines across a range of pharmacological indications are controversial, as well as differences between biopharmaceutical products not subjected to regulatory approval and regulatory approved medicines. There are rapid changes in licensing of biosimilars and regulatory approval. Non-transparent promotion of biosimilar products gives clinicians a need to be wary. Hopefully, widespread availability of biopharmaceutical produ cts will be provided by biosimilar medicines (Roger, 2010). ... The manufacture of a biopharmaceutical involves several isolation and purification steps, and the product is complex. In terms of safety and efficacy of the product, even minor changes in production can have serious implications, and these procedures are proprietary to the manufacturer of the originator product. Existing and future regulation should prevent inappropriate and automatic substitution of a biosimilar for a reference biopharmaceutical product, and biosimilars should not be brought to market using the same procedure applied to generics (Misra A, 2010). Living systems or organisms are used to produce biological products, medicines, and therapeutic agents. Because of their expensive cost, access to these life-saving biological products is limited. In the next few years, patents on the early biological products will soon expire. This will allow other biotech/biopharmaceutical companies to manufacture the generic versions of the biological products, which are referred to as bi osimilar medicinal products by the European Medicine Agency of the European Union, or as follow-on biological products by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Increase in patients' access to the much-needed biological pharmaceuticals by competition of cost-effective follow-on biological products with equivalent efficacy and safety can cut down the costs. Evaluation of equivalence (similarity) between the biosimilar products and their corresponding innovator product is a great challenge for both the scientific community and regulatory agencies due to the complexity and heterogeneity of the molecular structure, complicated manufacturing process, different analytical methods, and possibility of severe

International Relations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 11

International Relations - Essay Example ing â€Å"The Evolution of International Society† by David Armstrong, thereby accounting for existence of historical alteration and comparative weights between pluralist forms of international society and solidarism forms of international society. Historically, international society is perceived through the narratives regarding the emergence of European state systems, which were attributed to principles of sovereignty and non-intervention. This period is marked by the formation of an association referred to family of nations or the international society, which was founded on conservation the sovereignty based on the set of values of civilization. In fact, this signified the members of the international society since they were under the jurisdiction of the principles of sovereign equality. Furthermore, these members were free from any forms of interventions and rules of international law. Pluralistic form of international society entailed a narrow degree of shared norms while the Solidarist form of international society had a high wide of shared norms, and it focused on the substantial element regarding the elements emphasizing on rights entitled to an individual. For example, Greek international society was a form of Solidarist form, which emphasized on shared moral understanding concerning the rightful international conduct based on the religious norms. In fact, this related to areas such as the sanctity of treaties, diplomacy, war and declaration of an enemy’s death. An example of pluralistic form of international society is ancient India, which has numerous religious norms through they were not always in practice; in fact they were only applied to only to international relations, such as in a situation of war. There is a mutual exclusion of both pluralism and solidarism in the criterion of sovereignty, which is perceived to be synonymous to property. Therefore, pluralism and solidarism were also considered distinctive attributes of international society,

The relationship between atherosclerosis and stress Essay

The relationship between atherosclerosis and stress - Essay Example This fatty build-up would later thicken and then harden or form calcium deposits in the arteries, consequently blocking the arteries. Because of the build-up, the hardened deposits may block the flow of blood along the arteries (Dugdale, 2009). In instances when the coronary artery becomes narrowed by plaque deposits, then blood flow to the heart itself can either slow down or be stopped. The patient can experience chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms when this happens (Dugdale, 2009). These fatty deposits may also break off (as embolus) and flow with the blood in the arteries and veins; they may eventually get lodged in the smaller blood vessels causing heart attacks or strokes (Dugdale, 2009). The causes for atherosclerosis have not been fully determined; however there are traits and conditions which have been considered as risk factors for this disease. It is a condition which slowly and gradually develops over time and may be worsened by factors which induce plaque formation or blood coagulation. These factors may include the following factors or causes: inflammation or infection, hypertension, smoking, and elevated LDL and VLDL (DeBruyne, 2003, p. 603). Other factors like high-fat diet, obesity, high-sodium diet, cigarette smoking, family history, and lack of exercise may also cause atherosclerosis (McConnell, 2007, p. 278). Stress is also being considered as a possible cause of atherosclerosis; however, no firm support has been set forth for this theory as yet. Nevertheless, Circulation, the journal of the American Heart Association cites a study which correlates the â€Å"degree of carotid arterial atherosclerosis with exaggerated response to mental stress in men under the age of 55† (as cited by Diagnose Me, 2009). Their study further established that strong blood pressure responses to stressful situations were seen in those with more advanced atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries as compared to

Marketing Research assignment 5 Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Marketing Research 5 - Assignment Example se logarithms to envision ROI (return on investment .Mathematical difference refers to the percentage acquired after computing the difference between your merchandise cost and the selling price. The larger the difference for instance 70%, the less profit gained because of competition from other companies. Basically, managerially important difference refers to variation in preferences used by company management concerning price and output decisions, choice and techniques of production, demand estimation, investment decision, and long run production decision (Vikram 8). These differences in management may or may not lead to adjustment in changes and invention of new ideas. Organizations that recruit managers with different qualities and capabilities based on different approache to situational factors are at high chances of profiting because of the divergent ideas. On the other hand, statistical significance is a test that determines if marketing research reports are significant or incidental. They include chi-square tests, t-tests, and z-tests which studies relationship between two categorical variables. The level of significance used is 0.10 or 0.05. A result with level of significance of 0.1(90%) indicates statistical significance. To determine if its incidental you check the sample size and determine the margin of error; P (Z=

Applied Case Study report for Transnational Geographies Essay

Applied Case Study report for Transnational Geographies - Essay Example According to recent estimates 77.9 million Asians reside in different parts of the world and 215,764,000 people migrated to different parts of the globe in the year 2010 (MPI data, 2012). The figures illustrate the significance of transnational migration and provide the base for numerous research studies. Migration Information Source (MIS) is an integral part of the Migration Policy Institute (MPI) that caters to the compilation and assimilation of data collected from different global organizations, government bodies and agencies on migratory trends and statistics. The data collected by the MIS is structured and collated to provide analytical evidence of transnational migration trends. The online information resource forms a vital source for information and data on migration movements enabling analysts to provide different perspectives on people movement for improved understanding of migration. The reports, data and statistics are accessible to journalists, policymakers, researchers and academicians online (MIS website, 2012). Research context – background and overview Global migration has been one of the important aspects driving the economic growth and development of any region. While migration in the ancient times was limited to trade and settlement purposes, the modern era defined new grounds for migration and the number of people migrating from one country to another continues to increase (Hamilton and Grieco, 2002). Migration of people from one region to another had immense social, cultural and economic implications. Researchers, academicians and policy makers realized the need to have instant access to migration data for analyzing social development, cultural impacts, and economic growth factors. However, there were very few reliable sources of information available on people migration from one country to another earlier. The need for an easily accessible and reliable source of data in this context was realized. The MIS was conceived as a part of the MPI, that forms a non-profit organization based in Washington. The goal of the MPI was to â€Å"deliver sound and accurate data and analysis on migration trends and refugees† (Hamilton and Grieco, 2002, p3). The online information service was thus conceptualized in the early 2000s to facilitate data collection and analysis of international migration. Numerous research studies on transnational geographies have focused on analyzing migration trends and its influence on social, cultural and economic development of any region. A research article by Radcliffe, Silvey, and Olson (2006) explored the political dimensions of transnational migration and its linkages to religious beliefs, cultural practices and economic development within a region. The paper explores the different perspectives and conclusive evidences offered by numerous research studies in this context. Another research study by Silvey (2004) seeks to explain the role of States of Indonesia and Saudi Arabia in shap ing migratory trends of women between the two countries. A more recent study by Blunt (2007) focused on the inter-linkages existing between the cultural environment of a region and transnational mobility. Faist (2008) in his works on migration and transnational development reflects on â€Å"how national states structure the transnational spaces in which non-state actors are engaged in cross-border

The Dammed Human Race Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Dammed Human Race - Essay Example Hence, I disagree with Twain’s view because I believe that humans are superior to all animals because only men save money and food to prepare for the emergencies and only they have moral sense to use it for good and prevent wrong actions. Since, brutality and combativeness that form the basis of the criticism are seen in a few human beings’ behavior, humans cannot be graded as the lowest level animals. I believe that humans are the most superior animals firstly because the most distinguishing feature of humans is their prudence and their ability to preplan by accumulating money and food to prepare for the future use. Mark Twain argues that men save more money and food even if they have enough provisions because they are avaricious and greedy, while others are satisfied as long as their daily requirements are fulfilled. In one of his experiments, Twain gave wild and tame animals an opportunity to store vast amount of food but none of the animals stored food. He states th at these animals do not store food because they are not avaricious and miserly. However, animals do not store food like men because wild animals obtain food from the nature and tame animals are fed by humans. They do not need to store food. If animals cultivated their own food, they would have responded differently.

Organic vs. Industrial Food Essay Example for Free

Organic vs. Industrial Food Essay Have you ever been standing in the grocery store, undecided on whether there really is a difference between the standard store brand ribeye steak and the organic, grain fed, free range ribeye that costs twice as much? Ever had little devil on one shoulder telling you one thing, and the angel on the other convincing you the devil is wrong? Is cost the only thing holding you back from shelling out a few extra sheckles for the more expensive steak? Have you heard about the health benefits of eating organic? Then maybe it is time you learned about the true benefits of organic food. In doing so, it may just change your life and blow your mind. Eating industrial foods can cause a bevy of health issues today, such as exposure to toxins, as well as leading to diabetes and heart disease, and choosing to eat organic foods instead will help to resolve those issues. While organic foods are thought to be quite a bit more expensive than the standard, this is not always the case. One article quotes â€Å"Your local food markets will often have lower prices on organic food items than traditional grocery stores. (Lotich, 2010, para 1). You have to take into consideration that in this day and age, almost any meal that you eat has an organic alternative, or can be prepared by using all organic ingredients. In knowing this, you may actually find that there are a number of other ways that you may go about saving some money, while incorporating organic foods into your daily diet. One of those things you can do is make yourself aware of the various farms that are putting out organic foods. Most folks think that organic foods are all produced by small, family owned farms. As I very recently found out, some of the most successful organic farms are very large and on a global scale. Take Earthbound Farms for example. They are a very successful and very large farm, consisting of over 30,000 acres. Their website states â€Å"We’ve been farming for more than 25 years now, and we’ve become the country’s largest grower of organic produce, committed to being a catalyst for positive change in our kitchens and our environment (Earthbound Farm, 2012, para 4). Buying from this company not only promotes eating healthier, but also supports a company that is looking out for the environment as well. Not only are some of the most successful organic farms gigantic and global, but so are some of the enormous corporations that buy organic food (Whole Foods, Wal-Mart, Safeway and Kroger’s). That being said, if you can research and recognize some of these brands, what at first glance may seem like big-box packaging may indeed turn out to be a cost efficient and healthy organic alternative to what one may typically buy in stores today. Thus it turns out, eating organic may not be as expensive as we first thought. In conjunction with steps such as planning your meals ahead of time, organic food just may actually be cheaper overall than industrial foods in many instances. Planning meals ahead of time is a smart move. I recently read that â€Å"When you have a detailed shopping list and go to the store with a plan, youre much less likely to splurge on extras or expensive instant meals. And when you have a firm plan in place, and the food has already been purchased, you wont end up wasting money in the drive thru spending your money on overpriced fast food (James, 2008, para 2). This is an issue that I think most of us face from time to time. Being smart can help reduce these unnecessary costs. It is important for consumers to really research organic foods and the cost benefits of choosing to go that route. You can end up eating better, as well as saving money. The healthy benefits of eating organic are yet another good reason to choose an organic diet. Recent studies have shown that â€Å"The published literature lacks strong evidence that organic foods are significantly more nutritious than conventional foods. Consumption of organic foods may reduce exposure to pesticide residues and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. † (Novella, 2012) That being said, the same studies do show that eating organic foods does reduce the reduce exposure to pesticide residues and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The EPA states that â€Å"consumers are looking to organically grown and produced foods as a way to reduce exposure to synthetic pesticides (U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2012). That certainly is a reason to make the switch. Also, if you are planning meals as aforementioned, and buying ingredients for those meals fresh, as opposed to meal mixes and processed industrial foods, then you are also in control of the amounts of fats, sugars, and such that are in your meals. This is also a healthier option. Taking control of what you eat is important. I imagine most people want to control what they put in their bodies, and eating organic foods can help you do just that. Without eating organic foods, you can run the risk of leaving yourself open to all kinds of diseases and other health issues. All in all, the evidence seems mounting in favor of converting to a healthier lifestyle. Eating organic food seems like both a smart, and strong way to making the transition. It is easier than exercising, and in most cases, would probably provide a better feeling in the long run. â€Å"The American College of Sports Medicine advises adults to do moderately intense cardio exercise for 30 minutes a day, five days a week or do vigorously intense cardio for 20 minutes a day, three days a week to stay healthy (Kunz, 2011, para 2). Exercising is important as well, but if you are eating the wrong foods, all of your hard work may be for not. So think about making the switch to organic foods. Starting off small can lead to big changes for you and your loved ones. Bibliography Earthbound Farm. (2012, December 6). The Earthbound Story. p. 2012. James, B. (2008, November 20). Five Benefits of Planning Meal Menus for Your Household. Yahoo! Voices, p. 1. Kunz, M. (2011, October 19). Does Exercise Offset Unhealthy Eating? Exercise Eating Healthy, p. 1. Lotich, B. (2010, December 28). 10 Easy Ways To Save Money On Organic Food. US News, p. 1. Novella, S. (2012, Sept. 05). No Health Benefits from Organic Food. Science-Based Medicine, p. 1. U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2012, December 6). Pesticides and Food. Pesticides: Health and Safety , p. 1.

Modification of the 4-Quinolone Scaffold

Modification of the 4-Quinolone Scaffold Discovery: Quinolones are antibacterial agents that are of major importance in the antibacterial field as the can act as the model antibiotic. This is due to their broad range of activity, the high potency and good bioavailability with both intravenous and oral administration possible. This is coupled with high serum levels and a distribution within tissues that specifies concentration levels and results in, theoretically, few occurrences of unwanted side effects.1 The timeline for the development of this class of antibacterial agents begins with the isolation of the bactericidal naphthyridine, nalidixic acid, in the 1960s by George Lesher as the first synthetic quinolone antibiotic. Nalidixic acid is illustrated in Figure 1 below and is a by-product that was isolated from a chloroquine synthesis.2 Figure 1: Nalidixic Acid The clinical use for naldixic acid was to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by gram negative organisms. The successive generations of quinolones had activity against both gram negative and gram positive bacteria as well as anaerobic bacteria. This development lead to fluoroquinolones which are latest in quinolone antimicrobials. The clinical uses for the quinolones today include respiratory tract infections, bacterial meningitis and gastrointestinal infections as well as the historical use of treating UTIs. The development of fluoroquinolones resulted in a more extended spectrum of activity and improved pharmacokinetics then the first generation of quinolones.3,4 Structure: The general quinolone class of molecules is comprised of 4-quinolone and 1,8-napthyridine ring structures. The naphthyridine ring structures differ slightly from the 4-quinolone core due to the presence of two nitrogen atoms in the rings of the molecule (Figure 2). The substituents R5, R6, R7 and R1 were added to improve the activity of the quinolone core before the development of highly potent fluoroquinolones.1 Figure 2: General Structure of 4-Quinolones The first fluoroquinolone to be developed was Flumequine; illustrated in Figure 3. It had a fluoro-group at the 6 position and was the first compound to show that modifications of the quinolone core could results in improved activity against the gram-positive bacteria that nalidixic acid had no effect on.1 Figure 3: The first fluoroquinolone- Flumequine Mechanism of Action: Inhibition of bacterial DNA gyrase (topoisomerase II) and topoisomerase IV is achieved by quinolones. These enzymes play a vital role in the uncoiling of DNA. DNA gyrase acts as the target in gram negative microbes and topoisomerase IV as the target in gram positive microbes for quinolone activity. The widely-accepted mechanism of action is that quinolones bind to complexes, formed between DNA and one of the enzymes, to generate a Quinolone-DNA-Enzyme complex that inhibits DNA replication. The binding of quinolones and topoisomerase is enabled by a water-metal ion bridge. The inhibition is bacteriostatic as replication is reversible.   Eventually apoptosis occurs due to the fragmentation of the DNA ends of the complex. This results in bactericidal inhibition. The most common form of resistance to the quinolones is due to specific mutations in the topoisomerase II and IV that interfere with the water-metal ion bridge interaction.2,3 Development: Quinolones are grouped into generations depending the activity of the molecules. The first generation showed activity against gram negative bacteria that caused UTIs. The second generation showed enhanced activity against gram negative bacteria and improved activity against gram positive. This enabled the list of conditions that quinolones could treat to expand. This generation displayed improved pharmacokinetics; due to the use of a C7-piperdinyl substituent. The third generation provided improvement in efficacy in inhibiting gram positive and anaerobic pathogens. 3,5 The fourth generation of drugs observed dramatically increased activity against DNA gyrase and gram positive microbes, improved pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. The major changes were the addition the fluoro-group at the C-6 position and a ring substituent at C-7. Norfloxacin (1), second generation, was the first broad spectrum quinolone with ciprofloxacin (2) the first quinolone to have activity observed beyond the treatment of UTIs.2 Currently, Garenoxacin (3), fourth generation, is of interest due to its distinct carbon-carbon bond at position C7 and its broad spectrum of activity.3 Figure 4:Generations of quinolone drugs. Three modified quinolone cores have acted as templates for drugs that are on the commercial market. The cores were 4-oxo-1,4-dihydroquinolone (4), 7-oxo-2,3-dihydro-7H-pyrido-[1,2,3-d,e]-1,4-benzoxazine (5) and 4-oxo-1,4-dihydro-[1,8]-naphthyridine (6). These selected cores are illustrated in Figure 5.3 Figure 5: Cores used as templates for commercial drugs Retrosynthesis: Scheme 1: Retrosynthesis of 4-Quinolone core6 A carbon-carbon disconnection between the ketone and the aromatic ring, the reverse would be a Friedel-Crafts reaction.   The double bond is opened and the hydroxyl group that is added is converted to a carbonyl group. The final disconnection, N-C, results in the starting materials; a keto ester and the substituted aniline. Synthesis: Several synthetic approaches have been taken to generate the 4-quinolone core. The Gerster-Hayakwa and Chu-Mitscher reactions are used specifically for the synthesis of the drug Levofloxacin. The Chu-Li route was established primarily for 9-cyclopropylpyrimidinones. The Gould-Jacobs reaction, Grohe-Heitzer cycloacylation and Conrad-Limpach-Knorr are appropriate methods of synthesising the generic 4-quinolone core.3 The Conrad-Limpach-Knorr synthesis will generate quinolones but this reaction will give different products depending of the whether it is kinetically or thermodynamically controlled. Aniline and 3-keto ester are mixed and at room temp the keto group joins the nitrogen of the aniline giving an enamino ester (kinetic product) and cyclisation at 250 °C results in a 4-quinolone. Thermodynamically controlling this reaction, by carrying it out at 140 °C, results in an amido-ketone dominating regardless of the less reactive ester on the keto ester being the centre of the first nucleophile attack. Ring closure results in a 2-quinolone.7 Scheme 2: Conrad-Limpach-Knorr Synthesis (kinetically controlled) As the substrate for the cyclisation needs to be the high-energy tautomer and cyclisation causes loss of aromaticity in the ring, solvents with high boiling points are generally used in this synthesis.8 The reactions are encouraged by electron-donating substituents in the aromatic ring including methoxy or amino groups. These give increased yields in the condensation and ring closure steps. A CF3 group can act as an acceptor at C-4.9 The short reaction sequence limits possibility of loss of yield. Rational Drug Design: Illustrated in Scheme 3 is the process of rational drug design. Computational screening is used to identify the target and generate the lead compound. This is modified considering the biological aspects, the 3D structure, the QSAR and reactivity of the compound. This generates a new lead which is optimised and put forward for preclinical trial. Scheme 3: Rational Drug Design Process10 Nilsen et al. used endochin as a lead for optimisation in a rational drug design study. The target selected was the multiple stages of the life cycle of malaria. Endochin is potent against malaria but is not active in vivo due to rapid and extensive metabolisation. Optimisation was required to form endochin-like quinolones (ELQ) that retained the activity of endochin but were biologically active. The aims for optimisation was to improve metabolic stability and aqueous solubility as well as eradicate cross-resistance.11 Figure 6: Structural Representation of Endochin The EQLs were synthesised by converting the quinolones to quinolines, followed by nucleophilic displacement. The quinoline undergoes Suzuki-Miyaura coupling with a boronic ester and finally the protecting group is removed (Scheme 4 A). An OCF3 group was also added to the side chain for further optimisation (Scheme 4 B). Scheme 4: Synthesis of ELQ An orally active class of quinolones were synthesised; 4(1H)-quinolone-3-diarylethers. The initial lead, ELQ-233 (Figure 7: ELQ-233Figure 7), displayed low nano-molar IC50 values. The optimisation step was to introduce an aryl group at C-3. A lipophilic diphenylether side chain was used as it had been previously reported as integral in other antimalarial drugs. This was to work with the methyl group at C-2 to cause out of plane movement of the sterically large aromatic ring, altering the à Ã¢â€š ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬â„¢Ãƒ Ã¢â€š ¬ stacking from the numerous H-bonds. This variation would not be perused as ELQ-233 was equipotent to endochin. Figure 7: ELQ-233 Due to the success of adding a fluoro group to the quinolone, to further build on the optimisation of endochin, a fluorine was added at C-6 on a second optimised molecule (7) along with a methoxy group at C-7 (as is in the endochin structure); illustrated in Figure 8.11 The methoxy group is a useful substituent due to its lipophilic and hydrophilic components in close proximity. Figure 8: Illustration of Compound 7 However, both ELQ-233 and 7 were metabolically unstable and therefore did not fulfil the optimisation requirements. Table 1: Values obtained for the optimised molecules Compound cLogP EC50 (nm) Endochin 3.35 3.8 ELQ-233 3.70 8.4 7 3.73 40 8 5.66 2.2 Further derivatives were generated and the pattern that emerged indicated that the substitution pattern on the aromatic ring influenced the reactivity with malaria. This result led to the rational design of further ELQ derivatives. Straight-forward reactions were continued to be used. The boronic ester with a varying diarylether side chain undergoes palladium mediated coupling with the quinolone then a demethylation occurs using hydrobromic acid to give the desired product. Repositioning the OCF3 group to the side chain increased the efficacy and the metabolic stability. The compounds that was found to be metabolically stable and potent had a chloro-group at C-6 and OCH3 ­at C-7. Figure 9: Structural representation of compound 8 Although compound 8 was the most potent compound, the high logP value is a disadvantage as it does not follow Lipinskis Rule of Five which is the basis for most developed drugs. To improve solubility and allow for lower dosages of 8, bioisoteres of the side chain were employed. The OCF3 was replaced by CF, Cl and F by Nielson et al. and displayed subnanomolar activity. Other options would be to double the terminal OCF3 group, double the substituents on the diaryl side chain, convert the diphenyl ether side chain to a dipyridine ether side chain or replace a phenyl ring in the side chain with a cyclopropane group. Phenyl rings can be replaced by a heteroaromatic ring or a saturated ring to improve efficacy, lipophilicity and specificity of binding. The introduction of a pyridine ring should reduce the metabolism of the phenyl ring and toxicity of metabolites.12 In heterocycles, metabolism can be more complicated with hetero-atoms being oxidized and/or ring opening reactions possible- slowing metabolism. Cyclopropane was explored as derivative of the phenyl ring resulting in compounds with reduced molecular weights and lower lipophilicities. It also limits the conformations available and increase yields of ELQs.11 Scheme 5 below are the same coupling reactions that are stated by Nielson et al. but with the suggested changes to further improve the lea d. Caution must be taken when adding substituents to the side chain so that Lipinskis rule of five is obeyed; there must be no more than 5 hydrogen bond donors or 10 hydrogen bond acceptors and the molecule should be below 500 Da. Scheme 5: Suggested further optimised lead molecules Rational drug design is an advantageous modification method as it is a streamline process when compared with SAR or QSAR as there is no trial and error, all leads and derivatives are prepared having been predicted by computational means previously. The computational aspect allows for all compounds and potential targets to be envisaged in 3D before they are synthesized. This computed information is then stored on large databases which can assist future drug development work. Rational drug design can be an expensive technique as a specialized team is required with knowledge in biology, chemistry and computer science. Costs rise due to payment of wages for the team and the specialized equipment and computer software that is vital. Although the computational aspect of this method is beneficial it can also be a disadvantage as not all predicted compounds can be synthesized and if the compounds are synthesized they may not act as predicted when in vivo.   Specifically, in this ratio nal drug design study, the reactions utilised readily available reagents that were also inexpensive. They were straight-forward reactions that gave high yields and could be scaled up. These are vital as the cost of antimalarial drugs must be kept down so that all people can afford to access it.11 Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR): SAR studies examine how the structure of the molecule effects the activity. SAR considers structural characteristics and relates them the activity therefore it is necessary to have a well characterized database to compared the results against. The basic principle of SAR, that structure determines properties and reactivities in a biological system, is of importance when determining toxicological properties. This is of huge significance for quinolone development as they must be nontoxic in vivo while remaining bacteriosidal.13 Figure 10: Areas SAR Studies consider13 These studies examine which modifications are possible to the core ( Figure 11) and which substituents cannot be modified without negatively interfering with the activity and potency of the drug.   There can be qualitative and quantitative aspects to these studies. The quantitative considerations are part of a quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) which will be discussed later. Figure 11: Quinolone core positions for the SAR study Table 2: Important Positons on the Quinolone core-SAR Study results14 Position Influence On: Preferred substituent: Effect of substituent: 1 The pharmacokinetics and has control on overall potency. Cyclopropyl increase activity against gram negative microbes 5 Activity against gram-positive bacteria. NH2 and CH3 moiety improve activity against gram-positive bacteria 7 Spectrum of activity and pharmacokinetics. 5/6 membered N heterocycle (aminopyrrolidines and piperazines) Alkyl group Aminopyrrolidines: increase activity against gram-positive bacteria Piperazines: increase activity against gram-negative bacteria. Alkyl: enhance gram- positive potency and lengthen the serum half-life 8 Pharmacokinetics and specific activity on anaerobes. CF, CCl and COMe improve activity against anaerobic bacteria. alter specific interaction of the agent in vivo. SAR studies reveal that a hydrogen at R2 is preferred. Any larger moiety would likely cause steric hindrance with the adjacent carboxyl group at C-3 and the oxygen at C-4. These substituents are vital for activity as these positions are where binding to DNA bases occur before the sites are made available for other hydrogen bonding to proceed by DNA gyrase. A small molecule is best for potency at R6. This is usually a fluorine group in later generations of quinolones as it produces molecules of between 5 to 100 times greater potency that when a hydrogen is positioned at R6.14 Ciprofloxacin (Figure 12) is one of the original patented quinolone anti-bacterial agents. It is first generation as it has moderate activity towards gram negative bacteria, poor pharmacokinetics and poor bioavailability. Figure 12: Structural representation of Ciprofloxacin However, using the results of the SAR, Ciprofloxacin can be further optimized. Scheme 6 utilizes straight-forward reactions to attach an -NH2 moiety to the core at positon 5 where the SAR study indicates it has the greatest influence. Firstly, nitration of the aromatic ring occurs, followed by a reduction of the nitro group to an aniline with palladium on carbon. Scheme 6: Further optimisation based on SAR Study Results The new lead is still in agreement with the SAR results as the carboxyl and oxygen are present at C-3 and C-4 respectively. The preferred substituent as stated in Table 2 are also used throughout the reaction scheme; the piperazine is at position 7, the fluoro group at positon 6 and the cyclopropyl group at positon 1. These substituents can positively influence the spectrum of activity the potency and the overall pharmacokinetics of the molecule. The addition of extra hydrogen bond acceptors/donors must be limited so as not to disobey Lipinskis rule of five by having more than 5 hydrogen bond donors or 10 hydrogen bond acceptors. These reactions, like the rational drug design reactions, utilize readily available, generally inexpensive reagents which is important to keep the cost of the anti-malarial drug down. Palladium is an exception as it is a rare metal but cheaper alternatives could be used for this step such as Raney Nickel although this generates intermediates before the aniline is formed unlike the direct formation when the palladium catalyst is used.15 SAR studies can represent molecules as 2D, atoms and bonds, or 3D, steric effects and electrostatics. 3D is best for when the receipt-mediated mechanism is known. Successful SAR studies also need appropriate methods of analysis which depend on whether quantitative or qualitative analysis is being perused and if the mechanism is known. The ideal SAR model should have adequate molecules for fair statistical analysis, a wide range of activities and an even distribution of molecules in each compound class. This model is rarely found when toxicology is considered.13 Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships (QSAR): The basic principle of QSAR is that similar molecules have adequate similar mechanistic elements so that a common rate-determining step is shared among them and that they have comparable energy requirements for activity. This principle is taken further and the assumption is that differences in reaction rates results in differences in activity or potency.13 Lipophilic, electronic and steric effects are considered in QSAR studies. QSAR provides an equation that quantifies the SAR and allows for predictions about which property has an important role in the distribution/ mechanism of the drug. Predictions cut down on the volume of analogues to be synthesised. Equations are only applicable to compounds of the same structural class. Outliers indicate when a feature is important and can produce new leads. The QSAR may not give accurate predictions as the parameters have covariance on each other; the predicted model may vary in vivo.6 Lipophilicity/Hydrophobicity: This can be considered as the lipophilicity of the molecule or the lipophilicity of the substituents attached. Partition Coefficient, P, is the parameter associated with the lipophilicity of the molecule and is measured by Equation 1. Equation 1: Representation of the lipophilicity parameter. Solvents chosen to represent the Central nervous system The activity of a molecule can be related to the P value as a molecule must be able to cross membranes and be transported through the body to its target site which is dependent on its lipophilicity. Varying substituents on the core can alter the P value in whichever direction is more beneficial for the activity of the molecule. From SAR studies increased quinolone activity occurs when a lipophilic substituent, such as a halogen, is attached at C-6. Simple reactions, including nitration and chlorination (Scheme 7), will add these substituents to the core, again using cheap and readily available reagents. In general, increasing lead hydrophobicity increases activity (Figure 13). This does not go to infinity as there is a point at which the lead is to hydrophobic to be transported in vivo.6 LogP should not be more than 5 per Lipinskis rule of 5; high enough to bind, low enough to be released. Scheme 7: Addition of lipophilic substituents to the quinolone core to alter the P value Figure 13: Linear relationship between biological activity 1/C and lipophilicity6 Electronics: This parameter can influence ionisation and polarity which alters how a drug passes through a membrane or how strongly it binds to a receptor. Hammett substitution constant (à Ã†â€™) is the measure of the electron withdrawing or donating ability for substituents on an aromatic ring. à Ã†â€™ affects the equilibrium and the value is dependent on induction/resonance effects and whether the substituent is para or meta directing. Ortho is not considered due to sterics.6 Table 3:Substituents that can alter the à Ã†â€™ parameter Electron Donating Group (para): Electron Withdrawing Group (meta): -NH2 -NO2 -OH -CONH2 Halogen -CN Generally, electron-withdrawing substituent, positive à Ã†â€™ values, increase activity (Table 3). Simple reactions like those illustrated in Scheme 7 are used to attach the à Ã†â€™-influencing substituents to the quinolone. Sterics: Drug molecules must approach and successfully bind to a receptor and the sterics of the molecule can alter this approach. Bulk can result in nonbinding as the drug is sterically hindered from approaching the target site. It can also limit the available conformations so that only the most efficient arrangement binds to the receptor. Table 4: Parameters for measurements of steric effects6 Measure of Steric Effect: Key Feature: Other Factors: Tafts Steric Factor (Es) Quantifies steric feature of substituents Limited to use on certain substituents Molar Refractivity (MR) Measures volume occupied by atom(s) Corrects for ease of polarisation. Verloop Steric Parameter Computer programme calculates steric values For use with any substituent Using the quinolone core, modifications can be made so that the sterics prevent rapid metabolisation of a drug molecule in vivo which will extend its half-life and lead to better activity. Binding the quinolone to a large side chain restricts it from binding to smaller sites which Nilsen et al. conclude lead to better selectivity.11 Scheme 8 illustrates the addition of bulky side chains that can give better selectivity as they will only approach the sites they fit into. Furthermore, the double bond linkage and aromatic rings restrict the conformation that the molecule can adopt, increasing selectivity. Bulky side chains can prevent rapid metabolism occurring. When adding bulk, caution must be taken to ensure the molecule stays below the recommended 500 Da. Scheme 8: Reactions to alter the sterics of a quinolone core16 3D-QSAR: 3D-QSAR considers the relative spatial arrangement of model compounds and aims to correlate the features across molecules that affect activity and are required for ligand binding. 3D-QSAR studies the geometry, pharmacophore and molecular field. Key assumptions of 3D-QSAR13: The model compound and not its metabolite cause the biological response. The studied conformation is bioactive. Solvent effects are not considered The system is in equilibrium All compounds bind in the same manner to the one target. 3D-QSAR puts compounds with common configurations in a 3D grid, calculates the interaction and tabulates the results. An equation is then created based on the relationship between the calculations and the reported values. This verifies QSAR results. Conformers are superimposed to display the common ligand-binding orientation to the receptor. Probe atoms calculate steric and electrostatic fields.13 3D-QSAR studies on 1,3,5-triazine, quinolone derivatives, determined less bulky groups on the heteroatom ring, more bulk on the aro

Joan of Arc :: biographies bio biography

Jeanne d'Arc, commonly known as Joan of Arc , is the national heroine of France. Born in 1412 she was raised as a religious French peasant in Domrà ©my, in eastern France. Joan of Arc is famed for her input in several victories during the Hundred Years War, which actually lasted 116 years, and the coronation of King Charles VII. At the young age of twelve years old Joan first encountered the heavenly "voices" sent by Saint Michael, Saint Catherine, and Saint Margaret. The "voices" told her to drive out the English and help the Dauphin, soon to be Charles VII of France, to Reims to his coronation. Joan convinced Robert de Baudricourt that she was sent by god to save France. Baudricourt was skeptical, but her persistence gradually made an impression on him. On 17 February she announced a great defeat which had befallen the French arms outside Orlà ©ans (the Battle of the Herrings). As this statement was officially confirmed a few days later, her cause gained ground. At the battle of Orleans in May 1429, Joan led the troops to a miraculous victory over the English. She continued fighting the enemy in other locations along the Loire. Fear of troops under her leadership was so formidable that when she approached Lord Talbot's army at Patay, most of the English troops and Commander Sir John Fastolfe fled the battlefield. Fastolfe was later stripped of his Order of the Garter for this act of cowardice. Although Lord Talbot stood his ground, he lost the battle and was captured along with a hundred English noblemen and lost 1800 of his soldiers. Charles VII was crowned king of France on July 17, 1429 in Reims Cathedral. At the coronation, Joan was given a place of honor next to the king. One year later she was captured by the Burgundians while defending Compiegne near Paris and was sold to the English. The English handed her over to the ecclesiastical court at Rouen led by Pierre Cauchon to be tried for witchcraft and heresy. Much was made of her wearing male clothing. She was told that for a woman to wear men's clothing was a crime against God. Her determination to continue wearing it (because her voices hadn't yet told

We Must Never Surrender the Right of Open Discussion :: September 11 Terrorism Essays

We Must Never Surrender the Right of Open Discussion    As a nation, we need thoughtful discussion concerning the September 11 attacks.   In a time when open discussion is more necessary than ever, it is discouraging to see simple questions about our nations interests, posed in these forums, branded as anti-American, inappropriate, or as enemies within. Now more than ever, careful and respectful debate can grant us the informational dexterity needed to maintain an open and neutral perspective as events unfold. I am an American. This country's social infrastructure, built with tremendous difficulty on the backs of many who sacrificed their lives for their country as well as those who sometimes unwittingly found themselves in the path of the nation's maturation, is unique and valuable. It grants its citizens the opportunity for growth, unparalleled freedoms, and the means to remedy injustice. We are truly a great nation. Times of duress call to our minds the patriotic respect and admiration we have for our country, and bring us to realize just how fortunate we are to live in such a nation.    As an American, I refuse to surrender the ability and willingness to think openly, critically, and analytically about issues in our society and in our world. I will not allow the privileges of freedom and opportunity crafted so carefully in the course of the last two hundred-plus years to blind me to mistakes we've made and mistakes we continue to make. I will not surrender to the demands for unity and compliance in the pursuit of vengeance. We owe it both to ourselves and to those who have come before us to maintain a reasoned, simple honesty in assessing the state of the world. Those who bring nothing more to the public forum than reactionary and manipulative accusations of anti-Americanism do disservice to themselves, their country, and to reasonable thought.    It is hard, though, to keep thoughts clear-headed and words well-conceived during a storm as confusing as we face now. A sharp exchange of writings between Noam Chomsky and Christopher Hitchens, a columnist for The Nation, was a visible sign of the heightened tensions that try tempers and better judgment. David Talbot and Andrew Sullivan, both respected political writers, engaged in a similar exchange. There is reason for anxiety. The initial highly-visible strikes against our country have yielded to an anonymous, growing swarm of threats and attacks, currently in the form of anthrax-laced mailings, that lack the visibility and impact of traditional acts of war but nonetheless foster a sense of fear and vulnerability.

Muhammad Ali - The Greatest :: Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr

In the summer of 1960, a young man stood on a podium wearing a gold medal around his neck, while the â€Å"Star Spangled Banner† played. A champion stood, not knowing the nation’s view on athletes forever. It was the first glimpse for the man who would come to be known as the greatest.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. was born in Louisville, Kentucky on January 17, 1942. Young Clay found boxing in 1954 after his bike was stolen at the Louisville Home Show. He reported the theft to local police officer, Joe Martin, and told him he would beat up whoever stole the bike. Martin laughed at the idea of such a small boy beating someone up, so he decided to train Clay. Martin, who also taught boxing to local youth at the Columbia Gym, taught the 89-pound Clay how to box during his teenage years. From that day on, Clay would show up every day at the gym like clockwork working on his skills.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  By 1958, Clay had dropped out of high school with several amateur boxing titles, and by 1960, he was preparing to compete in the Olympics. In the gold-medal match for the light-heavyweight division, Clay faced Polish southpaw Zbigniew Pietrzykowski, and won the gold in three rounds. After the Olympics, Clay received a contract from the Louisville Sponsoring Group for $333 a month, plus a $10,000 signing bonus.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  With no more money problems to worry about, Clay had more time to consider what was going on in the world around him. He paid heavy attention to the Civil Rights Movement and he wanted to be part of it. But it was very difficult for a young black man to be heard in the early 1960’s. The only group giving a voice to the â€Å"common man† was the Nation of Islam. In 1962, Clay drove to Detroit to hear the Nation of Islam’s leader, the honorable Elijah Muhammad, speak. He also met someone who would greatly influence his life, a man named Malcolm X.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Clay studied X’s teachings of Islam, but more so, Clay agreed with X’s view on how blacks were treated in the United States. Both Clay and X believed in complete in total segregation between blacks and whites living in America. â€Å"I’m no troublemaker. I don’t believe in forced integration. I know where I belong. I’m not going to force myself into anybody’s house.† Clay also advocated X’s criticism on the non-violent movement in the southern states.

What Are the Problems Faced by Indian Educational System

What Is The Biggest Problem Facing Our Educational System Today? Education is a vast and broad subject, and has been a topic open to discussion for many centuries. In the broadest sense of the term, education is any experience or exposure to an act that will have a formative and learned effect on a person's character and mind. Modern education tends to mean the process by which a society will teach and pass on its broad knowledge, skill and values, from one generation to another.Education itself can fall into many categories, ranging from those that many will be aware of such as schools, colleges and universities, through to adult education and indigenous education. Educational systems are always likely to be affected by a number of economic factors. Monetary wise, funding and budgeting for education has always been a factor that faces governments worldwide.Education is essential for economic growth, theorist have found that a higher rate of teaching and education in society has a po sitive affect on the growth of a nation. Other problems that may face an educational system include the differentiation between students who attend public and private schools. Those who can afford private school are often seen to be given the best education possible, while children from a less privileged background are forced to attend public schools, which by default may not have as good a quality of teaching.Though in many examples this is not the case, the long standing stereotype still rings true in modern society, as those from a wealthier family often seem to progress further and quicker up the job ladder. Alternatively, other factors facing educational systems include a decrease in funding, larger class sizes, reduction in teaching staff and safety in schools

Kafka on the Shore Analysis Essay

How does Murakami explores the concept of identity in the novel â€Å"Kafka on the shore†? It is challenging to convey what defines someone’s identity, who we are, what we do, but most importantly what we think. It’s inside our heads, in our unconsciousness when we actually allow ourselves to ponder on our true identity. When it comes to literature, authors explore their characters ´ true selves differently depending on the intention they have. In the novel â€Å"Kafka on the shore† Murakami uses several unusual resources in his novel such as themes and intertextuality in order to explore the concept of identity within his writing. The author through the presentation of the relationship between dreams and reality and the concept of destiny linked to the notion of lack of control reveals the true self by inquiring into the inner darkness of the nature of his characters. He explores the unconscious side of an individual, which in his writing has a signific ant impact on the building of their fate implicitly blurring the boundary of importance between thought and action. Also acknowledging dreams as the only moment when our human condition allows people to be completely honest with ourselves. The following commentary in order to explore the concept of identity in Murakami’s work will focus on the passage of Miss Saeki’s and Kafka’s intercourse, chapter 29. The conception of dreams vs. reality in the novel plays a major role due to the fact that what the author wants is to make dreams as important as reality or even more so, given that it is when his characters are their true selves. Therefore this relationship is experienced by his audience very deeply, at first introducing the subject in a way anyone could relate to it but as the novel advances, the theme is developed to a level far beyond everyday life, nevertheless it is possible to get to an understanding of it. The geographical context of Japan in the novel aids this insertion of magical realism to the writing of Murakami. Concerning the cultural and religious aspects, Japanese society has a big flexibility on them, they have a blending of several religions such as Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, boundaries are broken and people are free to live their own interpretation of their spirituality. Moreover, religion defines Japanese identity more than spirituality; it’s a way of living and thinking. Such freedom and individuality of thought is what enables the events in the novel to be conceivable, what allows the author to distort dreams and reality, and what’s real against what’s possible. Furthermore the inception of that liberal Japanese way of thinking empowers the reader to make a free interpretation of what’s going on in the novel, acknowledging that being involved in the postmodernist movement there is never an absolute truth to it. Murakami plays with the readers’ mind as they are certainly expecting to find absolute answers and end up being more confused trying to seek for them. In the specific extract of Miss Saeki’s and Kafka’s intercourse she is fulfilling her unconscious desire of sleeping with him. In fact the scene itself is presented in a way in which as readers we are not sure whether it is actually happening o r not. The author uses a mesmeric tone and changes the narrative voice to third person to create a dream like atmosphere â€Å"Before you know it, her dream has wrapped itself around your mind. Gently, warmly, like amniotic fluid.† In this quote the use of the third person is evidenced and the expression â€Å"wrapped around your mind† is what produces the mesmerizing tone as Kafka is clearly absorbed by this dream that has become a part of reality. It’s a very graphic scene in which the main character experiences the blurring of genuineness against his dreams â€Å"But you can’t locate the borderline separating dream and reality. Or even the boundary between what’s real and what’s possible. All you’re sure of is that you’re in a delicate position†. In this scene Kafka is unable to control himself even when he knows that what he is doing is not right. Moreover, the fact that Miss Saeki accomplished her subconscious wish during h er sleep is reassured when she decides to embrace her desire and repeat the intercourse with Kafka in one of the following chapters. Another significant way, in which this theme is related to the character of Miss Saeki and her identity revealing through her unconsciousness, is the spiritual projection of her fifteen year old self that Kafka sees at night. It is possible to interpret that she projects herself this way during her sleep due to the fact that she is stuck in her distant, happier past. Revealing that what she truly wishes is to be back when she was 15 and reunite with her lover, which could be why she presents herself to Kafka, given that the resemblance between both could be interpreted as if he weren’t only her son, but the reincarnation of her lover. Then again what allows the reader to make these assumptions is the religious context of japan given that reincarnation is a part of some peoples ´ believes. For this particular element of the spiritual projection Murakami uses intertextuality to relate the events in the novel and clarify his perception on the subject. He deliberately makes a re ference to the tale of Genjy. In this tale Lady Rojuko fulfils her dark unconscious desires through her dreams by â€Å"becoming a spirit† without taking notice of it, just like Miss Saeki does. The important link between both events is that both characters could only carry out their desires during their sleep while they are their true selves. Miss Saeki is only able to seek the intercourse with Kafka while she is theoretically sleeping. Another parallel with the tale is when Nakata takes the place of Kafka and stabs his own father, eventually carrying unconsciously the course he was meant to. Perhaps this suggests that there is inner darkness in everyone and that dreams are the perfect moment to explore the darkness within our true selves â€Å"the world of grotesque is the darkness within us† Regarding the conception of destiny and the theme of lack of control in the novel, these are factors that as well enable the exploration of identity in Murakami’s characters. Fate is perhaps one of the most significant elements of the novel developing throughout all of it. It is essentially presented as inevitable, the author foreshadows from the beginning what’s going to happen with his main character. The reason why destiny is a factor beyond the individual’s ´ control is because the author wants to state it isn’t only an uncontrollable force driving them. It’s an actual part of who they are, an inner force, part of their human condition â€Å"Sometimes fate is like a small sandstorm†¦this storm is you. Something inside of you. So all you can do is give into it†. Therefore indeed destiny is identity, Kafka is omened that he will eventually kill his father and sleep with his mother, but this doesn’t happen due to fatality or chance, it happens because it is unconsciously what he wants and therefore what he is. This is proven when further on in the novel he accepts his curse; he embraces it, his love for his own mother and the death of his father. Nevertheless he doesn’t carry out his curse completely aware that he is doing it, but in thought he actually wishes to do so, which is why it happens. This suggests that thought is indeed as important as actions, or even more so, as they are our pure intentions. Therefore this could be interpreted as a factor affecting the characters’ karma as Shinto religion suggests and thus having an impact on their destiny. On the other hand, control is presented as something the characters lack, and when it’s linked to destiny therefore to identity what Murakami expresses is that they are not able to control who they are, what they want. This is shown in several ways for example something as simple as sex, Kafka finds himself unable to control his desire of sleeping with unconscious Miss Saeki although he is well aware that he is acting wrong. â€Å"I figure I’d better wake her up. She’s making a big mistake, and I have to let her know. This isn’t a dream–it’s real life. But everything’s happening so fast, and I don’t have the strength to resist† In this way the reader can relate to the experience of the main character of not being able to resist what he deeply wants. To sum up, Kafka on the shore is a novel that is indeed charged with deep and complicated themes, metaphorically exploring several elements about human life and identity. Nevertheless Murakami manages to introduce such complexity in a way that the reader is able to understand and interpret his writing using resources such as intertextuality to clarify his take on the subject, or at least the reader is able to suggest he does. With the use of destiny, control and dreams vs. reality the author makes an interesting approach towards the exploration of identity stating that our thoughts are as much part of who we are as our actions, and even a more important part of our selves. Additionally he gives a vast importance to dreams, as they are the reflection of our minds, our true fears and desires. Perhaps he is stating that life should be much more like a dream, and in a way criticizing the conception of reality.

Cost-Salvage Value/Total units of production Essay

Salta Company installs a manufacturing machine in its factory at the beginning of the year at a cost of $87,000. The machine’s useful life is estimated to be 5 years, or 400,000 units of product, with a $7,000 salvage value. During its second year, the machine produces 84,500 units of product. Determine the machines’ second year depreciation under the units of production method: Answer: $16,900 Cost-Salvage Value/Total units of production (87,000 – 7,000)/400,000 = .2 .2 * 84,500 = 16,900 Amortization: Answer: Is the systematic allocation of the cost of an intangible asset to expense over its estimated useful life. Big River Rafting pays $310,000 plus $15,000 in closing costs to buy out a competitor. The real estate consists of land appraised at $105,000, a building appraised at $210,000 and equipment appraised at $35,000. Compute the cost that should be allocated to the land. Answer: $97,500 105,000 + 210,000 + 35,000 = 350,000 105,000/350,000 = .3 .3 * 325,000 = 97,500 Leasehold: Answer: are the rights granted to the lessee by the lessor of a lease. Copyright: Answer: Gives its owner the exclusive right to publish and sell a musical or literary work during the life of the creator plus 70 years. A patent: Answer: Gives its owner exclusive right to manufacture and sell a patented item or to use a process for 20 years. Carmel Company acquires a mineral deposit at a cost of $5,900,000. It incurs additional costs of $600,000 to access the deposit, which is estimated to contain 2,000,000 tons and is expected to take 5 years to extract. Compute the depletion expense for the first year assuming 418,000 tons were mined. Answer: $1,358,500 5,900,000 + 600,000 = 6, 500,000 Cost – Salvage Value/ Total Units of Capacity 6,500,000-0/2000000 = 3.25 3.25 * 418,000 = 1,358,500 Cambria Company reports net sales of $4,315 million; cost of goods sold of $2,808 million; net income of 283 million; and average total assets of $2,136. Compute its total asset turnover. Answer: 2.02 Net Sales/Average Total Asset 4,315/2,136 = 2.02 Salta Company installs a manufacturing machine in its factory at the beginning of the year at a cost of $87,000. The machine’s useful life is estimated to be 5 years, or 400,000 units of product, with $7,000 salvage value. During its second year, the machine produces 84,500 units of product. Determine the machine’s second year depreciation under the straight-line method. Answer: $16,000 Cost – salvage value/useful life in periods 87,000 – 7,000/5 =16,000 A depreciation asset costing $75,000 is purchased on September 1, year 1. The asset is estimated to have a salvage value of $10,000 and an estimated useful life of 4 years. Double-declining-balance depreciation is used. If the asset is sold on December 31, Year 3 for $13,000, the journal entry to record the sale will include: Answer: A debit to loss on sale for $2,625. Chapter 11 Quizzes The current FUTA tax rate is 0.8% and SUTA tax rate is 5.4%. Both taxes are applied to the first $7,000 of an employee’s pay. Assume that an employee earned $8,900. What is the amount of total unemployment taxes the employer must pay on the employee’s wages? Answer: 434.00 7,000*5.4% = 378 7000*0.8% = 56 378 + 56 = 434 FICA taxes include: Answer: Social Security taxes Liability: Answer: Must sometimes be estimated If the times interest ratio: Answer: Increase then the risk decreases. Gross pay is? Answer: Total compensation earned by an employee before any deductions. A company’s income before interest expense and taxes is $250,000 and its interest expense is $100,000. It’s times interest earned ratio is: Answer: 2.50 Income before Interest expense and income taxes/Interest Expense 250,000/100,000 = 2.50 Employee vacation benefits: Answer: are estimated liabilities The amount of federal income taxes withheld from an employee’s paycheck is determined by: Answer: the amount of the employee’s current earnings for the pay period and number of withholding allowances the employee claims. Amount received in advanced from customers for future products or services: Answer: are liabilities A company estimates that a warranty expense will be 4% of sales. The company’s sales for the current period are $185,000. The current period’s entry to record warranty expense is: Answer: Debit warranty expense $7,400; credit estimated warranty liability $7,400 185,000*4% = 7,400 An employee earned 62,500 during the year working for an employer. The FICA tax rate for social security is 6.2% and FICA tax rate for Medicare is 1.45%. The current FUTA tax rate is 0.8% and SUTA is 5.4%. Both unemployment taxes are applied to the first $7,000 of an employee’s pay. What is the total unemployment taxes does the employee have to pay? Answer: $0.00 Employees do not pay unemployment taxes. FUTA taxes are: Answer: unemployment taxes Arena Company’s salaried employee’s earned two weeks’ vacation per year. It pays $858,000 in total employee salaries for 52 weeks but its employees work only 50. Record Arena Company’s weekly journal entry to record the vacation expense; Answer: Debit vacation benefits expense $17,160; Credit vacation benefits payable $17,160 858,000/50 = 17,160 A company sells computers at a selling price of $1,800 each. Each computer has a 2 year warranty that covers replacement of defective parts. It is estimated that 2% of all computers sold will be under the warranty at an average cost of $150 each. During November the company sold 30,000 computers and 400 computers were serviced under the warranty at total cost of 55,000. The balance is the estimated warranty liability account at November 1 was $29,000. What is the company’s warranty expense for the month of November? Answer: 90,000 (30,000*2%*150) = 90,000 A company had fixed interest expense of $6,000, its income before interest expense and any income taxes is $18,000, and its net income is $8,400. The company’s Times interest earned ratio equals: Answer: 3.0 Advanced ticket sales totaling $6,000,000 cash would be recognized as follows: Answer: Debit Cash; Credit Unearned Revenue During August, Arena Company sells $356,000 in product that has a one year warranty. Experience shows that warranty expenses average about 5% of the selling price. The warranty liability account has a balance of $12,800 before adjustment. Customers returned product for warranty repairs during the month that used $9,400 in parts and repairs. The entry to record customer warranty repairs is: Answer: Debit Estimated Warranty Liability $9,400; credit Parts Inventory $9,400 Obligations not expected to be paid within the longer of one year or the company’s operating cycle is reported as: Answer: Long-term liability Times Interest earned computation is: Answer: (Net Income + Interest expense + Income taxes)/Interest expense The difference between the amount received from issuing a note payable and the amount repaid is referred to as: Answer: Interest A contingent Liability: Answer: is a potential obligation that depends on a future event arising from a past transaction or event. In the accounting records of a defendant, lawsuits: Answer: should be recorded if payment for damages is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. A company’s fixed interest expense is $8,000 its income before interest expense and income taxes is $32,000. Its net income is $9,600. The company’s time’s interest earned ratio equals: Answer: 4.0 An Estimated Liability: Answer: Is a known obligation of an uncertain amount that can be reasonably estimated. Recording employee payroll deduction may involve: Answer: Liabilities to individual employees, Liabilities to federal and state governments, Liabilities to insurance companies, and Liabilities to labor unions. Chapter 12 Quizzes Kevin and Jeannie formed This & That as a limited liability company. Unless the member owners elect to be treated otherwise, the IRS will tax the LLC as: Answer: a partnership A partnership that has two classes of partners, general and limited, where the limited partners have no personal liability beyond the amounts they invest in that partnership, and no active role in the partnership, except as specified in the partnership agreement is a: Answer: Limited Partnership Groh and Jackson are partners. Groh’s capital balance in the partnership is $64,000, and Jackson’s capital balance is $61,000. Groh and Jackson have agreed to share equally in income and loss. Groh and Jackson agree to accept Block with a 20%interest. Block will invest $35,000 in the partnership. The bonus that is granted to Groh and Jackson equals: Answer: $1,500 1.64,000 + 61,000=125,000 2. 125,000 + 35,000=160,000 3. 160,000*20%= 32,000 4.35,000 – 32,000 = 3,000 5. 3,000*1/2= 1,500 Badger and Fox are forming a partnership. Badger invests a building that has a market value of $350,000; the partnership assumes responsibility for a $125,000 note secured by a mortgage on the property. Fox invest $100,000 in cash and equipment that has a market value of $75,000. For the partnership the amount recorded for Badgers capital and Fox’s capital are: Answer: Badger $225,000 and Fox $175,000 Badger 35,000-125,000 = 225,000; Fox 100,000 + 75,000 = 175,000 Regina Harrison is a partner in Pressed for Time. An analysis of Regina’s capital account indicates that during the most recent year, she withdrew $20,000 from the partnership. Her share of the partnership’s net loss was $16,000 and she made an additional equity contribution for $10,000. Her capital account ended the year at $150,000, what was her capital balance at the beginning of the year? Answer: $176,000 10,000 – 16,000 – 20,000 = -26,000 150,000 – (-26,000) = 176,000 Collins and Farina are forming a partnership Collins is investing in a building that as market value of $80,000. However the building carries a $56,000 mortgage that will be assumed by the partnership. Farina is investing $20,000 cash. The balance of Collins capital Account will be: Answer: $24,000 80,000 – 56,000 = 24,000 A partnership in which all partners have mutual agency and unlimited liability is called: Answer: General Partnership In the absence of a partnership agreement, the law says that income (and loss) should be allocated based on: Answer: Equal shares Groh and Jackson are partners. Groh’s capital balance is $64,000 and Jackson’s capital balance is $61,000. They have agreed to share equally in income or loss. Groh and Jackson agree to accept Block with a 25% interest. Block will invest $35,000 in the partnership. The bonus that is granted to Block equals: Answer: 5,000 64,000 + 61,000 = 125,000; 125,000 +35,000 = 160,000; 160,000*25% = 40,000; 40,000 – 35,000= 5,000 Nee High and Low Jack are partners. They share income and loss equally. Highs beginning partnership capital balance for the current year is $285,000 and Jack’s is $370,000. The partnership had net income of $250,000 for the year. High withdrew $90,000 and Jack withdrew $100,000. What is Jack’s return on equity? Answer: 41.3% A partnership agreement: Answer: is binding even if it is not in writing. A partnership designed to protect innocent partners from malpractice or negligence claims resulting from acts of another partner is: Answer: Limited Liability Partnership Partner’s withdrawals of assets are: Answer: Debited to their withdrawals account Sam, Bart, and Alex are dissolving their partnership. Their partnership agreement allocates each partner 1/3 of all income and losses. The current period’s capital account balances are Sam, $45,000; Bart, $37,000; and Alex, $(5,000). After all assets are sold and liabilities are paid, there is $77,000 in cash to be distributed. Alex is unable to pay the deficiency. The journal entry to record the distribution should be: Answer: Debit Sam, Capital $42,500; Debit Bart, Capital $37,000; Credit Cash $77,000 Smith, West, and Krug form a partnership. Smith contributes $180,000, West contributes $150,000 and Krug contributes $270,000. Their partnership agreement calls for the income or loss division to be based on the ratio of capital invested. If the partnership reports income of $175,000 for its first year, what amount of income is credited to Smith’s capital account? Answer: $52,500 Smith 180,000/600,000 = .3 .3 * 175,500 = 52,500 Smith, West and Krug form a partnership. Smith contributes $180,000, West contributes $150,000, and Krug contributes $270,000. Their partnership agreement calls for the income and loss division to be based on the ratio of capital invested. If the partnership reports income of $175,000 for its first year, what amount of income is credited to Krug’s capital account? Answer: $78,750 Krug 270,000/600,000 = .45 .45 * 175,000 = 78,750 Smith, West, and Krug form a partnership. Smith contributes $180,000, West contributes $150,000, and Krug contributes $270,000. Their partnership agreement calls for a 5% invest allowance on the partner’s capital balances with the remaining income or loss to be allocated equally. If the partnership reports income of $174,000 for its first year, what amount of income is credited to West’s capital account? Answer: $55,500 Smith, West, and Krug form a partnership. Smith contributes $180,000, West contributes $150,000and Krug contributes $270,000. Their partnership agreement calls for a 5% interest allowances on the partner’s capital balances with the remaining income or loss to be allocated equally. If the partnership reports income of $174,000 for its first year, what amount of income credited to Krug’s capital account? Answer: Badger and Fox are forming a partnership. Badger invests a building that has a market value of $350,000; the partnership assumes responsibility for a $125,000 note secured by a mortgage on the property. Fox invests $100,000 in cash and equipment that has a market value of $75,000. For the partnership, the amounts recorded for total assets and for total capital account are: Answer: In a partnership agreement, if partners agreed to an interest allowance of 10% annually on each partner’s investment, the interests allowance: Answer: Can make up for unequal capital contributions When a partner is unable to pay a capital deficiency: Answer: The deficiency is absorbed by the remaining partners before distribution of cash. Chase and Hatch are partners and share equally in income or loss. Chase’s current capital balance is $135,000 and Hatch’s is $120,000. Chase and Hatch agree to accept Flax with a 30% interest in the partnership. Flax invests $115,000 in the partnership. The amount credited to Flax’s capital account is: Answer: $111,000 135,000 +120,000 = 255,000 255,000 + 115,000 = 370,000 370,000*30% = 111,000 Chase and Hatch are partners and share equally in income or loss. Chase’s current capital balance is $135,000 and Hatch’s is $120,000. Chase and Hatch agree to accept Fax with a 30% interest in the partnership. Flax invests $115,000 in the partnership. The balances in Chase’s and Hatch’s capital accounts after admission of the new partner equal: Answer: The following information is available regarding John Smith’s capital account in Technology Consulting Group, a general partnership, for a recent year: Beginning of the year balance $22,000 His share of partnership income $8,500 Withdrawals made during the year $6,000 What is smith’s partner return on equity during the year in question? Answer: 36.6% 22,000+8,500-6,000=24,500 8,500/(22,000+24,500)/2=.3655=36.6%

Analsysis of John Green;s The Fault in Our stars Essay

In 2013 it is predicted that 580,350 people will die from cancer (Howlader). Chances are any given person knows at least one person, who has suffered from cancer. Talking about cancer is not something that people willingly do. If you are unlucky enough to not know someone who has had cancer, reading The Fault in Our Stars by John Green will give you the emotions of losing someone dear to you to cancer. What makes this book worth reading because of it’s plot, the characters are relatable and give the reader meaning, and the book sticks in the readers mind even after finishing the book. The plot of The Fault of Our Stars tells the story of Hazel Grace who experiences a miracle that shrinks her ever growing tumors and buys her more years that she expected. The novel is based on the twist in Hazel’s life when she meets Augustus Waters, a cancer survivor, at a Cancer Kid Support group. The story follows the friendship and romance of Hazel and Augustus. The two grow together and share experiences and love for reading making their friendship and relationship become more solidified. The romance flourishes after Hazel has a medical issue due to the tumors in her lungs and explains to Augustus that she wants to meet her, and now his, favorite author in Amsterdam. Augustus uses his wish, presumably from the â€Å"Make a Wish Foundation,† to get himself, Hazel, and Hazel’s mother to Amsterdam. This trip is the climax in the relationship of Hazel and Augustus. They share their first kiss, and lose their virginities to each other. This is also the tipping point where we realize that Augustus is dying, Brodie 2 his cancer has reoccured and it appears to be incurable. After their trip we quickly see Augustus’ health go down a downward spiral, his caner getting worse and spreading throughout his body. The author then does the unexpected and ends the romance of Hazel and Augustus by having Augustus cancer overwhelm him and eventually take his life. Green follows Hazels life after his death showing her grief and her will to live. Augustus death gave her a new perspective on life. Wanting to fight her cancer more. The plot is overall strong and well thought out. The story is possible, while unlikely that two teenagers with terminal caner would travel to Amsterdam together, but still has the realistic nature that gives most people something to relate to. Having two teenagers with cancer fall in love gives the plot not only a twist at the end, but also something that everyone in their lives look for. It has hope for the people needing hope, love for the hopeless romantics, adventure for the adventure seekers, something for everyone can be found in this book. The characters Hazel Grace, and Augustus Waters, have aspects of their personalities that everyone can relate to. The author John Green specifically designed the characters to be relatable for all ages. Green gave Hazel a strong independent personality who doesn’t like seeing herself as being weak. Green wants to make Hazel a teenager, despite her terminal cancer. Green comments, â€Å"I wanted to establish that just because Hazel is sick and dying or whatever, she is still a teenager, and more generally she is still human and developing emotionally at the standard human rate, and not at some wildly increased rate of development that’s only available to you if you have incurable cancer. † (Questions). Green creates a character that has had things in her life happen that many teenagers will never experience. However he gives her â€Å"normal teenager† aspects where she does not enjoy physical contact with her mother. Giving her a real teenage Brodie 3 attitude makes her more relatable than a mature teenager who loves her parents and has terminal cancer. While Augustus seems to be the mature teenager who beat cancer, he still has his teen angst common in adolescence. He travels with Hazel against his parents wishes, he lies to Hazel about coming out of remission, and has attitude with a flight attendant when she asks him to remove an unlit cigarette from his mouth. While many teenagers wouldn’t go against their parents wishes especially when it comes to their wellbeing, lie to the woman they love about their cancer, and smoke unlit cigarettes to get across a metaphor, Green makes it clear that Augustus was a real person. He had pain and suffering that he didn’t lead on. Green says when asked why Augustus stops hiding his pain towards the end of his life, â€Å"I am really bothered by the idea that people in pain who are being wrenched from existence should be perpetually cheerful and compassionate about it. † (Questions). His point is that some people can only bottle up their pain for so long. This is something many teenagers with depression, and even adults can relate to. Memorability of a book or any form of media is important. Having quotes that can be used in everyday life, and some that are so deep that they make you think about yourself and the marks you leave on the world. Having strong quotes such as, â€Å"I’m in love with you, and I know that love is just a shout into the void, and that oblivion is inevitable, and that we’re all doomed and that there will come a day when all our labor has been returned to dust, and I know the sun will swallow the only earth we’ll ever have, and I am in love with you. † (Green, 128). The certain quotes that stick with someone, that initiate emotions, are important in any books. The emotions that can be drawn out of the reader, mainly bringing sadness towards the end when Brodie 4 Green does the worst possible thing to his characters by ending the life of Augustus, for some people this can spark intense emotions. Many people say to â€Å"not read this book in public† (Keane) due to the fact that many people have cried. Not expecting the twist ending, finding yourself shocked at the pain the other characters are feeling create an almost physical response from some readers. The effectiveness of a good book are based on the plot, characters, and memorability. While some of these are all based on personal preference it can be agreed that The Fault in Our Stars is, according to Time, an â€Å"instant classic. † Time magazine wrote, â€Å"(I can see) The Fault in Our Stars taking its place alongside Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret in the young-adult canon. † Writing about such an emotional topic of cancer and on top of that writing about the love and the loss of two teenagers is a strong concept to tackle and release into the public. The words on the pages jump off and overall the book is worth reading due to the intense plot line, relatable characters, and the quotable passages. Brodie 5 Works Cited Bruni, Frank. â€Å"Kids, Books and a Five-Hankie Gem. † The New York Times 22 Feb. 2012, sec. Opinion Paged: n. pag. New York Times. Web. 2 Oct. 2013. Green, John. The Fault in Our Stars. New York: Dutton Books, 2012. Print. Green, John. â€Å"Questions about The Fault in Our Stars. † John Green. N. p. , n. d. Web. 7 Oct. 2013. . Howlader N, Noone AM, Krapcho M, Garshell J, Neyman N, Altekruse SF, Kosary CL, Yu M, Ruhl J, Tatalovich Z, Cho H, Mariotto A, Lewis DR, Chen HS, Feuer EJ, Cronin KA (eds). SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2010, National Cancer Institute. Bethesda, MD, http://seer. cancer. gov/csr/1975_2010/, based on November 2012 SEER data submission, posted to the SEER web site, 2013. Keane, Shannon Rigney. â€Å"Book Notes: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. † Girls Leadership Institute. N. p. , 7 Aug. 2012. Web. 11 Oct. 2013. . Lockhart, E. â€Å"The Fault in Our Stars: John Green, Kate Rudd: 9781455869893: Amazon. com: Books. † Amazon. N. p. , n. d. Web. 7 Oct. 2013. . Time Magazine. â€Å"Reviews for The Fault in Out Stars. † John Green. N. p. , n. d. Web. 7 Oct. 2013. .

Why the sale of human organs should be legalized Research Paper

Why the sale of human organs should be legalized - Research Paper Example While societal morals may not allow sales of the organs, the contemporary market promises a price for the organs just like any other commodity in the market. In the US, just like in many parts of the world, sale of organs is permitted. However, this can only be done when one passes away, but not the other way round. Studies show that the number of people on the queue to get life-saving organs (often the kidneys, eyes parts) have been growing steadily over the last two decades, whereas the number of potential organ donors has stayed constant (Woodcock 1-3). While in the US the black-market is experiencing an increase in the sales of body organs; blood donation, which is legal, is also on the increase (Kennedy 34). In fact, donation of blood attracts rewards such as free tickets to an event and free clothes, among other gifts. Opponents of selling organs also underscore the fact that if the free market is allowed, there would be a proliferation of vulnerable groups (such poor people) d ue to market imperfection. This paper supports the argument that the sale of human organs should be legalized. Although many people are waiting for organ transplantation in the US, the supply of organs is limited or even unavailable; hence legalization of selling organs would be importance as it would lead to saving of many lives. For instance, the number of patients in the US, who are waiting for an organ transplant, is bigger than the number of donors by almost four folds (The Voice of Russia 1). As a result, on a daily basis, nearly 18 people pass away as they wait for someone to donate them an organ (The Voice of Russia 1). Therefore, permitting the sale of organs will stimulate supply to meet the ever increasing demand. In the US, those who decide to become organ donors are supposed to have the word ‘organ donor’ marked on their licenses, but the donation is only possible after the eligible donor passes

ECOM AUTO BUSINESS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

ECOM AUTO BUSINESS - Essay Example Analyzing import Federal policy from the view point of agency’s interest and government’s interest will be important part of the study. The report will try to analyze ethical dilemma in terms of transparency, common interest and fairness to create sound argument to support Sara’s (V.P. of Sales for ECOM Auto) ethical dilemma. Finally the study will try to establish a valid recommendation by taking help of Nash equilibrium. Table of Contents Table of Contents 3 1.0 Lobbying 5 2.0 Responsible Lobbying 6 3.0 U.S.A Trade Laws- Trader’s View 7 3.1 Import Quota 7 3.2 Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) 8 3.3 Voluntary Export Restraint (VER) 8 4.0 U.S.A Trade Laws- Government’s View 9 5.1 Ethical Dilemma 10 5.1.1 Fairness 10 5.1.2 Transparency 11 5.1.3 Common Good 11 6.0 Answer 2 12 6.1 Recommendation 12 6.1.1 Nash Equilibrium 12 1.0 Lobbying The exercise of lobbying comes in many forms in terms purpose and functionality. Although establishing theoretical definition o f the subject is a complex work but research scholars have tried to underline a theoretical concept of lobbying. They defined lobbying as an act to influence decision of government authority or legislators or public officials for or alongside a particular cause. The process comes in various formats. Various formats can be described in the following manner. 1- Submission of official responses to legislator or government over anticipated legislation. 2- Appointment of professional lobbyists to help the company to move forward in the lobbying process. 3- Participation of associations in membership process with other association in order to lobby for combined interests. 4- The association gets engaged in multi segment partnerships with other partners to promote higher values in lobbying condition. 5- The association creates campaigns in order to elect representative in the lobbying process. Common people or governments perceive lobbying as unethical strategic initiative while lobbying i n the field of business is common legitimate activity. Many of the business lobbying can be classified as against the common interest of people and often create hindrance in the way of sustainable development of society. Negative image about lobbying process is garnished by the absence of transparency in the process. Many companies use critical business legal jargons to define lobbying which ultimately creates barrier in understanding for common people. Stake holders and other interest groups do not equivalent influence over objectivity of lobbying process. Business communities are largely dependent on professional lobbyists in order to understand complex procedures of lobbying process. Complex lobbying process demands huge investment of capital and time in the process. 2.0 Responsible Lobbying Government or legislator acts as primary addressees for lobbying and must align the process with unbiased legal procedure in order to achieve sustainable development of the society. Governmen t can accomplish this by implementing rigorous gearstick against ‘improper and unethical influence’ to ensure that the discussion between business agency and them is aimed to achieve sustainable development of the society. Responsible lobbying is emerged as latest trend in the field of lobbying process. Companies use responsible lobbying process to construct successful long-standing relationships with public sector and civil society. Corporate and business agencies are trying to establish more visible and ethical lobbying process from the view point of public interest in order to gain trust from the majority of the society. Business agencies focus on various issues like creating sustainable social development for poor, managing environmental opportunities